October 5, 2007 by Catholic San Francisco

Catholic san Francisco

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Ana Lirio Malfabon, a member of the dance ministry troupe based at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Redwood City, praises with raised arms during the Sept. 28-30 Holy Spirit Conference held at the James Lindland Theater at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco. The multi-lingual charismatic gathering drew more than 500 participants from throughout the Archdiocese. Read full coverage in next week’s Catholic San Francisco and see additional material on the newspaper Web site: www.catholic-sf.org.

Pope Benedict: overhaul social structures to tackle poverty By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Handouts to the poor are not enough; poverty must be tackled by overhauling social structures that deny people basic human rights, Pope Benedict XVI said at his weekly general audience. “It is not enough to give alms and help the poor on a case-by-case basis,” he said, citing the teachings of St. John Chrysostom. The saint saw that a new structure, based on the Christian vision of the human family, is needed, the pope said. Pope Benedict returned briefly to the Vatican from his papal summer villa south of Rome for his Sept. 26 audience in St. Peter’s Square. The pope continued a catechesis he began Sept. 19 that focused on the life and writings of St. John Chrysostom, the fourth-century doctor of the Church and archbishop of Constantinople, now Istanbul, Turkey. Pope Benedict said St. John Chrysostom was one of the great forefathers of the Church’s social doctrine, and with St. Paul the Apostle he fostered the idea of a city built upon the primacy of the person.

St. John Chrysostom “corrected the traditional Greek vision of the polis, the city, in which large segments of the population were excluded from the rights of citizenship” and were trapped in poverty and slavery, the pope said. “In Pope Benedict XVI’s homily on the work of St. John Chrysostom he rightly emphasizes that we, as Catholic

said, adding, “We want to do more than to just give the poor food for a day, a week or even a year, as important as that is. We want to get at helping the poor of the world to help themselves, to be able to grow their own food, be educated with their own leaders and health care workers, so that they can have the dignity that the pope is talking about.”

‘It is not enough to give alms and help the poor on a case-by-case basis’ – Pope Benedict XVI Christians, must go beyond charity in the way we meet the poor of the world. We must do justice and change structures of society that deny people basic human rights and keep them in poverty,” said George Wesolek, director of the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns. That message will be at the core of the Oct. 27 Pont7Now! conference at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco, he

According to Pope Benedict, St. John Chrysostom proposed a new kind of city inspired by Christian values, a city that had “a Christian soul and face” and in which “all people are brothers and sisters with equal rights.” An expert on globalization, Father Ken Weare agrees. “During his 25-year papacy, Pope John Paul II, on numerous occasions, aggressively criticized the negative effects of globalization and the neo-lib-

eral economic system. And, a few times he even questioned capitalism itself. In the short time Benedict VI has been pope, he too has on occasion criticized the negative impact of neo-liberal globalization. But now for the very first time, he has dared to question the economic infrastructure itself.” The pastor of Fairfax’s St. Rita Parish, Father Weare called the papal exhortation “perhaps the most far-reaching and dramatic challenge so for in his papacy.” “While it inevitably will be dismissed from Wall Street to Main Street, it is a new seed planted in the hearts and minds of good people everywhere, eagerly struggling to take root in a world of rocks and weeds,” he said. Pope Benedict told some 20,000 pilgrims gathered in the square how St. John Chrysostom showed that God gave people four steps to get to know God, whom the saint called “a tender father, doctor of souls, mother and affectionate friend.” People can first find God in his creation of nature, he said. In contemplating the beauty of creation, “creation almost becomes like a ladder for climbing up toward God, for getting to know God,” the pope said. The pope said that, according to St. TACKLE POVERTY, page 22

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EDITION Father James Atkins, 88, taken by death Sept. 25 Cautious good news for St. Vincent’s Home

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Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

On The Where You Live by Tom Burke Curtain up, light the lights for Liz McAninch, member of the faculty and resident stage director at Mercy High School in San Francisco and winner of the 2007 Herbst Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. “Liz is a conscientious, innovative teacher who readily engages and inspires students to question, to discover and to think for themselves,” said Liz Ambrosini, assistant principal at the school. The English teacher and her husband, Will Huddleston, himself a director and actor, have been married 27 years and are parishioners of Mission Dolores. They are the proud parents of James, a graduate of St. Ignatius College Preparatory and the University of Southern California, and Rosalind, also an SI grad and now a senior at St. Lawrence Liz McAninch University in New York. Some of Liz’s favorite shows to direct – she’s done 55 at Mercy alone - have been “Gypsy,” “Les Miz,” “Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Mercy’s 25th anniversary show, “If the Fog Hadn’t Risen.” In addition to her 30 years at Mercy, Liz also worked with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and toured with the San Francisco Shakespeare Company. Beyond the prestige, Liz’s recognition brings a $2,000 grant to Mercy for use in teacher training and continuing education. Before we leave 19th Avenue, “Welcome Aboard” to Teresa Lucchese, new community relations director at Mercy. Teresa is an alum of St. Robert’s in San Bruno and a member of the class of 2000 from Mercy High School, Burlingame. She holds a degree in public relations from San Jose State University. Teresa has previously served with NASA Ames as an event coordinator…. Seniors Victoria Valencia, Madeline Arnold, Enissa Rios and Juvi Anne Bartolome are this year’s Associated Student Body Executives at Immaculate Conception Academy.

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Immaculate Conception Academy’s Victoria Valencia, left, Madeline Arnold, Enissa Rios, and Juvi Anne Bartolome.

The four Spartans, quarterly, rotate the responsibilities of the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. This not only teaches the officers the operation of each position, it encourages them to work together and be accountable for the success of the school year as a team. “I love the fact all four students are held accountable for the leadership of the school,” said Letty Cottrell, director of student activities. “I always know that any task given will be completed efficiently.” … Among the country’s newest doctors is Sarah Harmon, Ph.D., who earned the title and all its privileges in romance linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin. Sarah completed undergraduate and graduate work at UC Davis. A native of San Mateo, Sarah grew up in St. Bartholomew Parish attending Borel Elementary and Aragon High School. She is now teaching at Canada College in Redwood City Dr. Sarah Harmon and the Christian Brothers famed St. Mary’s College in Moraga. Sarah’s proud family includes her folks, Michelle and Wil Harmon, now of Manteca, and sibs, Matthew, also a

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Davis grad, and Mark, a 2003 alum of UC Santa Barbara…. All hats off for the late Sister Elizabeth Cronin, a Daughter of Mary and Joseph, who died in Long Beach in July. Sister Elizabeth served in the Archdiocese of San Francisco at the muchmissed St. Michael Elementary School and Morning Star School in Pacific Heights, also now closed. She would have been 75 years old Oct. 23. Thank you to Margaret McAuliffe for letting us know …. Salesian Father Sister Elizabeth Cronin, DM Larry Lorenzoni leads an all hats off for Stephen Sebastian Lombardi, proprietor of Lombardi Sports, who died Sept. 18 at age 103. He was a lifetime member of the Young Men’s Institute and active into his 90s, Father Larry said. “Steve lived a balanced life,” the priest said. “He put family and friends first.”… This is an empty space without ya’!! The e-mail address for Street is burket@sfarchdiocese.org. Mailed items should be sent to “Street,” One Peter Yorke Way, SF 94109. Pix should be hard copy or electronic jpeg at 300 dpi. Don’t forget to include a follow-up phone number. Call me at (415) 614-5634 and I’ll walk you through it.

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October 5, 2007

Seniors wear “I support the St. Vincent’s Community of Care” badges at public hearing regarding land use at St. Vincent School for Boys.

Affordable housing advocates hold signs showing impact of driving to work in Marin from outside the county at Oct. 25 meeting in San Rafael.

Father Bill Knapp (foreground) and Father Mark Mazza of St. Isabella Parish join others in support for St. Vincent at Marin Civic Center.

Majority of Supervisors open to St. Vincent proposal dren. The school, which serves about 60 boys at a time, operates under the auspices of San Francisco Catholic Charities CYO. At the Marin Supervisors’ public hearing Oct. 25, three of the five elected Marin Supervisors voiced their tentative support for a St. Vincent plan to provide senior and caregiver housing on a small portion of the school’s land. Supervisors Judy Arnold, Harold Brown, Jr., and Steven Kinsey supported the senior village concept proposed by St. Vincent officials. Supervisors Susan Adams and Charles McGlashen sided with an earlier recommendation by the county’s planning commission, which the Marin League of Women Voters described as “an attempt to constrict development to the point where it is financially not feasible.” In voicing support for the senior village at St. Vincent, Supervisor Arnold said she was concerned about restoring a balance of environment, equity and economic interests. Supervisor Kinsey stated that his primary concern was fairness and equity. Financially feasible development is the key to St. Vincent’s goals of replacing aging group homes and other facili-

By Maurice Healy SAN RAFAEL — Something akin to a modern morality play is taking place in Marin County with the Board of Supervisors holding public meetings that will culminate next month in the finalization and approval of a countywide planning update – the county’s longrange guide for use of land and future growth.

Analysis Marin County’s stated goal is to balance current and future needs for urban, rural and natural uses of Marin’s 520 square miles of land through the beginning of the 21st century. Aimed at sustainability, the authors of the draft countywide plan point to a balance of environment, equity and economics. However, many observers worry that the plan falls far short of attaining a fair and equitable balance. The countywide plan under review includes creation of a proposed Baylands Corridor, which would impose restrictive land-use policies affecting development on land that now is home to St. Vincent School for Boys – a residential care facility for vulnerable and at-risk chil-

ties, saving the historic chapel and adjacent buildings, and restoring and maintaining natural habitat. St. Vincent School does not receive financial support from the Archdiocese of San Francisco. While the ability of St. Vincent School to continue its mission of serving children in the future depends upon the decisions of Marin’s officials and citizens, there are broader moral issues involved as well. Marin County itself has documented the need to address the expected tremendous increase in the county’s senior population and the attendant need for increases in senior housing. By 2030, nearly one-third of the county’s population will be elderly. But even today, the county does not have enough senior housing to meet the current demand. In what has been called a “win-winwin” solution, St. Vincent has proposed building 360 continuing care retirement apartments, 132 senior cottages, 40 assisted-living rooms, 30 skilled nursing beds and 110 moderate and low-income apartments. Under the school’s plan, 85 percent of the property would be dedicated to open space and habitat preservation. The St. Vincent proposal has drawn strong support from organizations serv-

ing seniors, affordable-housing advocates, and interfaith leaders. Of the more than 500 people who attended the Sept. 25 meeting at Marin Civic Center in San Rafael, a majority indicated their support for the school’s plan by wearing green badges with the message, “I support St. Vincent’s Community of Care.” Brian Cahill, executive director of San Francisco Catholic Charities CYO, said, “We have been at this a long time and we will never quit. This is about serving vulnerable children for the next 100 years. This also is about Marin County’s obligation to provide sufficient housing for its residents. We greatly appreciate that the Board of Supervisors understands this and has the courage to act accordingly.” Marin Supervisors will again take up issues related to the countywide plan at their Oct. 16 meeting at Marin Civic Center. San Francisco Archbishop George H. Niederauer reiterated his position, noting, “Those of us who are committed to St. Vincent’s and the welfare of the boys ask nothing more from elected officials in Marin than for fairness and social justice as they consider land-use polices that will guide the future of the school’s lands.”

Catholic Charities CYO

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Catholic San Francisco

NEWS

October 5, 2007

in brief

violence committed in the name of religion. The message also took aim at religious discrimination, saying the rights of all believers must be protected during the “troubled times we are passing through.” The text, released by the Vatican Sept. 28, marked the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of prayer and fasting that concludes in mid-October. It was written by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, who took over as head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue earlier this year. Christians and Muslims, the cardinal said, need to intensify their dialogue so that younger generations “do not become cultural or religious blocs opposed to each other.”

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Catholic Charities of Albany, N.Y., Oct. 1, letting stand a state court ruling that Church agencies cannot be exempt from a law requiring coverage for contraceptives in drug benefits for employees. The New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the state’s Catholic bishops in public policy matters, said the bishops will now consider what alternatives remain, “including the painful possibility of a loss of prescription drug benefits in employee health plans.” In the meantime, it said in a statement, “Catholic institutions will continue for the immediate future providing the contraception coverage under formal protest.”

Vatican: technology can hurt ROME (CNS) — While progress in medicine and technology holds great promise, relying too heavily on biomedical technology runs the risk of hurting the very people meant to be helped, said a Vatican official. Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, head of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, said state-of-the-art equipment, medical procedures and medicines “are only part of the health care system, and undue insistence on their capabilities” may place more emphasis on meeting the demands of health care providers than on the needs of the patients. The cardinal made his comments during a Sept. 28 conference on “Health, Technology and the Common Good.”

Immigration debate ‘inflammatory’ WASHINGTON (CNS) — The current tone in the immigration reform debate has “inflamed fears and misunderstanding among some portions of the American public, leading to a polarized and vitriolic atmosphere,” said Bishop Gerald R. Barnes of San Bernardino, Calif., chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration. Noting that while “voices of division and fear are loud” the “truth about immigration and migrants in this country ultimately will prevail,” the bishop, in a Sept. 27 statement issued in Washington, said migrant workers, including the undocumented, make important contributions to the nation’s economy through their work in agriculture, construction and service industries.

Terrorism denounced VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a message to the Muslim world, a leading Vatican official denounced terrorism and all

in Russia said the Italian missionary named archbishop of Moscow will “be well able to lead the local Church and find ways through difficult situations.” Archbishop-designate Paolo Pezzi, 47, “is highly educated, with great pastoral experience,” said Father Igor Kovalevsky, secretary-general of the Russian bishops’ conference. “He speaks Russian well and has a deep interest in Russian culture, as well as a strong and visible record of achievement as seminary rector in St. Petersburg.” However, Olga Karpova, editor of the Church’s Sviet Yevangelia Catholic weekly, said many Catholics had written the newspaper questioning Pope Benedict XVI’s appointment of the Italian to replace Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, a Russian citizen who will return to his native Belarus as archbishop of Minsk-Mohilev.

Late Zambia cardinal praised VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI sent condolences on the death of Cardinal Adam Kozlowiecki, a Jesuit who worked more than 50 years as a missionary in Zambia. The pope praised Cardinal Kozlowiecki in a telegram to Church officials in Lusaka, the Zambian capital where the cardinal died Sept. 28 at the age of 96. Cardinal Kozlowiecki was the first archbishop of Cardinal Adam Kozlowiecki Lusaka but gave up his post in 1969 because he thought an African should take his place.

Put same-sex unions on hold WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a decision with implications for Catholic-Anglican relations, the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church vowed not to authorize any public blessings of same-sex unions or to elect another openly gay bishop while consultations continue throughout the Anglican Communion on “the pastoral needs of gay and lesbian persons” and other matters. The pledge came in a document called “response to questions and concerns

Friendship, Family & Faith

(CNS PHOTO/OCTAVIO DURAN)

archbishop evaluated Contraception coverage required Moscow OXFORD, England (CNS) — A Catholic leader

Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk of Seoul, South Korea, blesses a memorial to Maryknoll’s Korean mission work at the Maryknoll Society Center in Maryknoll, N.Y., Sept. 30. The granite replica of the gate to the city of Pyongyang was a gift from the Korean Catholic Church. It contains the names of the many Maryknollers who have served there during the past 80 years.

raised by our Anglican Communion partners,” approved Sept. 25 at the close of the six-day House of Bishops’ meeting in New Orleans.

Myanmar bishops call for prayer BANGKOK, Thailand (CNS) — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar called on Catholics to pray for their country as street demonstrations by Buddhist monks against the military government escalated. In a statement issued Sept. 26, the bishops said the Church had been praying for the country, and, though it is not involved in party politics or the current protests, Catholics “are free to act as they deem fit.” Journalists reported that security forces in Yangon were breaking up the demonstrations, beating and arresting protesters. The reports said several thousand Buddhist monks and students rallied Sept. 26 at the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city and former capital, despite a ban on public gatherings.

Priest helps inspire film WASHINGTON (CNS) — Filmmaker Bill Haney, who made the new documentary titled “The Price of NEWS IN BRIEF, page 5

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Catholic San Francisco

Funeral Mass Sept. 29 Father James Atkins, 88, remembered for humor, ministry For 21 years as a layman Father Atkins taught handicapped boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 21 at the Louise M. Lombard School in the San Francisco Unified School District. He also taught for several years before that in Oakland schools and San Francisco’s Lowell High School. While his career might indicate that Father Atkins entered the seminary late in life, the opposite is true. Before enrolling in the University of San Francisco, Father Atkins had spent several years at the nowclosed St. Joseph Seminary in Mountain View and St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park. He re-entered the seminary when he was 58 years of age. He was ordained on May 2, 1981, and served almost 12 years as a parochial vicar at St. Raymond PParish in Menlo Park, Our Lady of Loretto Parish in Novato, and the now-closed, St. Brigid Parish in San Francisco. “We were buds,” said Father John

By Tom Burke Archbishop George H. Niederauer was principal celebrant at a funeral Mass Sept. 29 for Father James Atkins who died Sept. 25 at California Pacific Medical Center. San Francisco Archbishop Emeritus John R. Quinn and approximately 40 priests concelebrated at St. Thomas More Church, San Francisco. Father Atkins was 88 and celebrated his 25th year as a priest in 2006. “Father Atkins was a true San Franciscan, and was known for his perpetually good-natured disposition and outgoing character,” said Father William Justice, vicar for clergy, in announcing the priest’s death. Father Atkins attended City public schools later earning a General Secondary Education Credential from the University of Francisco, and General Elementary and Special Education Credentials to Teach the Handicapped from San Francisco State.

the Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande asked his fellow bishops to accept his resignation Sept. 25. The request, required by church law, came from Bishop Jeffrey Steenson during an executive session on the closing day of the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops meeting in New Orleans. He also said he intended to seek release from his Episcopal ordination vows by the end of the year. The consent of a majority of the House of Bishops is required for a bishop to resign before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 72 or being declared incapacitated. The bishops did not act on the request, however, because Episcopal Church law also requires prior notification of all diocesan standing committees. “It is indeed painful to lay down this ministry, but I realize that an effective leader cannot be so conflicted about the guiding principles of the church one serves,” Bishop Steenson said in a statement to the House of Bishops.

News in Brief . . . ■ Continued from page 4 Sugar,” said one reason he decided to make a movie on the plight of Haitian sugar-cane cutters in the Dominican Republic was Father Christopher Hartley, the British-born priest who worked for several years with the Haitians and appears throughout the film. “I found Father Christopher an extraordinarily charismatic and principled man,” Haney said. Although “educated in the spirit of reflection and contemplation,” he added, “he was a bold leader taking real-life risks on behalf of the principles that he committed his life to.”

Episcopal bishop to be Catholic WASHINGTON (CNS) — Saying that God is calling him to become a Catholic,

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Father James Atkins

Balleza, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Redwood City in a conversation with Catholic San Francisco the day Father Atkins death was announced. The two met in Rome when Father Balleza ordained in 1985, was studying there as a seminarian and Father Atkins “was a newly ordained priest at age 63.” On Father Balleza’s return he and Father Atkins met again “and have

been friends ever since,” Father Balleza said. “I had several eye surgeries and could not drive, so for a period of time, Jim was my driver,” Father Balleza said with a laugh, recalling how Father Atkins did not have a driver’s license until he reentered the seminary. Father Balleza, who was homilist at Father Atkins’ funeral liturgy, was able to return the favor. “In 1996, Jim had a small stroke and couldn’t drive, so I became his driver.” “I loved his sense of humor and his laugh could penetrate walls,” Father Balleza said. “He always had something to laugh about and was the best storyteller. He spent a lot of years on this earth and remembered them all.” Father Atkins retired on Jan. 1, 1993, and lived until 2002 at Serra Clergy House in San Mateo. He lived at St. Mary’s Cathedral for almost three years before he made Alma Via his home in 2004. Survivors include a niece, Cathy Kittle, and her husband, Don. Remembrances may be sent to the Kittle family at 1455 Georgia Court, Rohnert Park, 94928. Father John Talesfore, pastor, St. Mary’s Cathedral, was master of ceremonies. Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma.

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October 5, 2007 PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Amazing Stories of Selflessness Demonstrate Nuns’ Devotion to Serving the World’s Poor Although most Catholics are familiar with the fact that women in religious orders are devoted to service on behalf of Christ, few realize how profoundly they embrace that vow, particularly in impoverished countries where life is both extremely dangerous and desperately hard. Stories of their daily lives and devoted service to the needs of others are often amazing — and always inspiring. As they work “in the trenches,” where poverty’s deadly pall is ever present, they deserve our attention, our prayers and our support. At age 16, Estella left her childhood home on the tiny Philippine island of Catanduanes to join the Missionaries of the Poor Sisters in nearby Naga City. Soon after, she was sent to serve at the Queen of Peace Orphanage, the order’s home for severely handicapped children. Now, she is diligently training to become a nurse. Asked why she has chose this difficult path, she does not hesitate at all. “Justin,” she explains. “I want to be a nurse, so I can care for Justin for as long as he lives.” Poverty is severe in the Philippines, and its most vulnerable victims are infants and children with disabilities. They could never survive the hardships of the slums. Their only hope of survival is acceptance into an orphanage like Queen of Peace. At the time Sr. Estella was joining the orphanage staff, a new baby was admitted for care. Justin’s cerebral palsy was severe, but he was blessed by God to come under Sr. Estella’s loving care. Now four years old, he remains completely dependant upon the Missionaries of the Poor Sisters — he is unable to eat or bathe or dress without them. But Sr. Estella’s eyes light up when she talks about Justin or the other children under her care. To her, they are not burdens. They are blessings. “It’s always a humbling experience to visit Queen of Peace. You’re awestruck by the spirit of love the women have. These nuns live in very austere conditions — they put all of their time, energy and resources into the care of the children. They work long, unbelievably hard days with an amazing level of patience, compassion and joy. Many of the children

have severe disabilities — they may require 24-hour care for the rest of their lives. In spite of that, the nuns give everything they have, undaunted by it all,” explained Jim Cavnar, president of Cross International Catholic Outreach, a U.S.-based Catholic ministry that assists the Missionaries of the Poor Sisters and other service orders around the world. With the help of American Catholics who contribute to its organization, Cross International Catholic Outreach assists Queen of Peace with medicines, food and other resources. According to Cavnar, the benefactors at Cross are eager to support work of this kind because they share the goals of the orphanage — and they value the precious lives it preserves.

Like Sr. Estella, Sr. Myrna has taken a hard path in life. But, unlike Sr. Estella, her service is to those at the end of life — the elderly, terminally ill and dying.

...the nuns give everything they have, undaunted by it all. James Cavnar, President of Cross

“And the sisters are humbled and deeply grateful for the help they receive. It’s an encouragement to them to know that fellow Catholics in America are aware of their efforts and want to help them,” Cavnar explained. “These women have given their whole life over to a ministry of service. Helping them with their few material needs is the least we can do.” Sr. Estella’s work at the Queen of Peace orphanage in the Philippines is mirrored halfway around the world by the service of another member of Missionaries of the Poor Sisters’ order, Sr. Myrna who works in an impoverished area of Jamaica.

Just as handicapped children are typically rejected by the world, the frail and dying are often alone at the most painful and frightening time of their life. They too need an advocate, a caretaker and a friend. Sr. Myrna has devotedly served as all three to the patients at Jamaica’s Hope Hospice for the Dying. “Caring for the dying is challenging. The people I work with are desperately poor and many are completely alone at this point in their lives. Serving them takes compassion — they really need your love and patience,” Sr. Myrna explained. “It is also important to care about the whole person. Most are suffering from extreme physical pain, but they also need emotional and spiritual care. At times, it takes great strength, but God is faithful. We pray and have daily devotions. And I also get strength from the people we serve.” Myrna recalls one particularly touching moment, in which God reconfirmed her decision to become a caregiver under

these difficult circumstances. “One of the men who was very close to death was sitting up in bed, and his whole body was shaking. I prayed to God for guidance. What came to mind was a blanket — the Lord was calling me to wrap the man and embrace him,” she said. “As I wrapped him with the blanket and held him, he shook and swayed. I could also hear him murmuring, but I couldn’t tell what he was saying — perhaps crying that he was cold or afraid or needed something. When I leaned closer I finally realized that he was praying. He said, ‘Lord God, bless this lady. Bless the sister. Bless her, Lord.’ I was so humbled in that moment. The man’s selfless love was amazing — even at the point of death, he was praying for others rather than himself.” Cavnar sees the same selflessness in Sr. Myrna and Sr. Estella, and it motivates him to renew his support of religious orders serving the poor all over the world. “At Cross International Catholic Outreach, we recognize the valuable work priests and nuns do among the poor, and we want to do whatever we can to support them,” he said. “I encourage every Catholic to do the same. Pray for these amazing servants of God, and support them in any way you can.” Readers interested in supporting Cross International Catholic Outreach, can use the brochure inserted in this issue or send tax-deductible gifts to: Cross International Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC00415, PO Box 63, Akron, OH 44309-0063.

Five Prominent Bishops Lead Board of Cross International Catholic Outreach Cross International Catholic Outreach continues to make a significant name for itself among U.S.-based Catholic charities — not only for the scope of its service overseas, but also for its strong core of Catholic leaders. Already there are five key Catholic bishops on the organization’s board, including its Chairman, Most Reverend Sam Jacobs, Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodauex, and directors Most Rev. Michael Cote, Most Rev. Carlos Sevilla, Most Rev. Edward Slattery and Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane. Cross has also gained the support of His Eminence William Cardinal Keeler as the official patron of the ministry. “We have been blessed by both the

success of our ministry, and by the strong group of leaders helping to guide us into the future,” said James Cavnar, the organization’s president. “As an official Catholic organization, we are particularly proud of our association with Cardinal Keeler. He’s a wonderful man with a big heart for the needs of the poor. It’s a real privilege to have him as our patron.” Cross clearly has flourished under this leadership. In 2006, it was able to provide nearly 175 million dollars in aid to the poor worldwide, funding a wide range of activities, including feeding centers, medical projects, home building programs, orphanages, educational outreaches and disaster relief efforts.

His Eminence William Cardinal Keeler at a recent meeting with Pope Benedict XVI. Cardinal Keeler is now the official patron of Cross International Catholic Outreach.

October 5, 2007

Catholic San Francisco

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

American Catholics Have Power to Transform Deadly Water Into “Living Water” For The Poor Overseas Like most girls in her remote rural village, nine-year-old Naomi was a water carrier. When nearby streams flowed freely, she and her friends would walk the few hundred yards to the bank to collect water for their families’ daily needs. There is no plumbing here, and no sophisticated systems for storing, filtering or distributing water, so the water carriers perform an critical role each day. “When I take American guests to visit these African villages, they often comment about this daily ritual of collecting water,” explained James Cavnar, president of Cross International Catholic Outreach, a U.S.-based organization working to eliminate poverty worldwide. “People see the small groups of reed-thin girls coming and going from their homes with plastic buckets balanced precariously on their heads, and they marvel that these frail children can carry the tremendous weight without faltering. The five-gallon buckets most of the girls use weigh nearly 40 pounds when they are full of water.” “The work is extremely hard, but no chore is more essential to the families in the village,” Cavnar added. “Water is life, the villagers often say, and they are right. It’s critical that a village has access to a source of safe water.” Unfortunately, there have been plenty of cases of tragic deaths to prove this point — Naomi’s sad story among them. As often happens in rural, undeveloped parts of the world, water sources come and go. In the village of Mabakalela, where Naomi lived, a particularly extreme drought came, and the streams closest to her home became shallow and muddy, eventually drying up completely. The village girls were forced to travel farther and farther for water, eventually rising at 4 a.m. to set out on the long hike so they could return before the heat of the day made the journey back too arduous. At times like these, when water is scarce, children often become careless. In a moment of desperate thirst, they lose sight of the dangers of drinking from an unsafe source — an abandoned well or a murky stream. Tempted beyond their power to resist, they will do anything to quench their burning throats. It was probably no more than a cup full of tainted water that killed young Naomi. Perhaps less — just a sip. Once parasites or other contaminants are inside, even the smallest drink will set a painful death in motion. “Like it does in most cases, it started with cramps. Naomi’s family treated her with whatever they had at hand, but it wasn’t enough. The same poverty that limits their food and water supplies also limits their access to medicines and medical care,” explained Cavnar. “The illness followed its usual course, moving from cramps into severe diarrhea and nausea, and she was quickly dehydrated.” As her condition worsened, the villagers tried to get Naomi to the closest clinic, but the center was more than twelve hours away by bicycle — their fastest available mode of transportation. “By the time we got her to the clinic,” a villager explained. “Her blood vessels had begun collapsing. Nothing could be done at that point. She only lasted a few

contribute, often in a very sacrificial way. While working in Haiti and Africa, I experience the other side of the mission — I meet the dedicated priests, nuns and lay leaders who work in these remote areas to help the poor. By working together, American donors and the African parishes are doing more than any celebrity or government ever has. They are going directly to the source of need and offering a tangible, meaningful solution,” Cavnar said. “Working through Cross gives them that opportunity.” In one case, Cross donors funded the digging of wells and the instillation of pumps because that method represented the best way to meet the need for safe water. In another area, local Catholic leaders needed to use a different approach — a nearby spring was capped and its water transported by a network of pipes to distribution points in several villages. In every case, the problem was solved successfully. Safe water was delivered and lives were saved.

more minutes... then slipped away.” Stories like Naomi’s put a stark face of human tragedy on the otherwise cold statistics detailing water-related fatalities in Zambia, Haiti and the other developing nations of the world. The fact that nearly 4 billion cases of water-related illness eventually kill 1.8 billion people each year is profoundly troubling, but the deep personal pain of knowing a child who was lost is even more painful — even more of a motivation to those working to stop these senseless deaths. “As a Catholic, I recognize all life as a gift from God and I appreciate its value,” Cavnar said. “And I’m sure every other American Catholic feels the same way. In fact, God help us if we don’t feel a deep sense of loss over the senseless death of a child. God help us if we can hear about what happened to Naomi and believe it is irrelevant to us. At that point, we will have lost the compassion that Christ considered so critical to our faith. As the apostle John explained it, ‘anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.’” Fortunately, thousands of American Catholics do share Cavnar’s beliefs and have become part of Cross International Catholic Outreach’s ambitious programs to provide safe water in Haiti and Africa. Cross has already begun working on a plan to drill wells and provide a chemical treatment system for Naomi’s village and for similar locations in the area, including another village where 12 adults recently died from cholera linked to

contaminated water supplies. “As we travel through these areas, we identify new villages at risk and formulate plans to help,” Cavnar explained. “We typically do this in partnership with the local parish because we insist on accountability from the village. Working through the parish provides us with that trusted partner, and it helps us accomplish two other important goals — we can get the job done cost effectively and we can better empower the Church’s spiritual mission. Our goal is to serve the poor in a way that glorifies God and demonstrates Christ’s love to the people.” Cavnar again insisted that none of this would be possible without the help of the American Catholics who support Cross International Catholic Outreach. “It makes me proud to be a Catholic when I see how effective the Church is in producing positive change in the world today. Here in America, I see the amazing generosity of the men, women and children who step forward to

“We had a lot of successes, but we still feel a deep sense of urgency to do more. There are projects on the waiting list right now that we still need funding, and every day that passes is another day a child is at risk,” Cavnar said. “At this very moment, somewhere in Haiti or Africa, there is another Naomi standing on the threshold of disaster. That girl or boy has the same need for fresh water, food, medicines and the like. That’s why we’re begging — it’s on their behalf. We know that without help from American Catholics, they may be the next to fall.”

How to Help: Your help is needed for Cross International Catholic Outreach to bring Christ’s mercy to the poorest of the poor. Use the enclosed postage-paid brochure to mail your gift or send it to Cross International Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC00415, 490 White Pond Drive, PO Box 63, Akron, OH 44309-0063.

Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

Local contingent attends NCCW; Parish-Reese elected to national post By Tom Burke The Archdiocese of San Francisco was well represented at recent meetings of the National Council of Catholic Women held in Columbus, Ohio Sept. 20 – 23. New national officers include Church of the Epiphany parishioner Kathryn Parish-Reese, former president of the San Francisco Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women who was elected to the NCCW’s Nominating Committee. The nominating committee screens candidates for all offices. Criteria include years of service and offices held. Women running for national office are required to obtain a letter of recommendation from their ordinary and a letter from the president of their diocesan council. “I’m very excited and energized,” Parish-Reese said. “We have worked diligently to take advantage of leadership talent in all our age groups and ethnic communities. I promise to continue in that vein.” Parish-Reese has served as a member and secretary of the board of directors of Catholic Charities CYO since 1998. She was recognized in 2004 for 30 years as a teacher of religious education, a ministry she continues today. The councils of Catholic women are umbrella organizations whose membership include women from all Catholic women’s groups including Young Women’s Institute, Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters and others. Bobbie Hunt of the Diocese of Salt Lake City was elected NCCW president. Parish-Reese said a sisterhood has developed between the Catholic women of the Salt Lake Diocese and the Catholic women of the San Francisco Archdiocese. “We were glad to welcome Archbishop (George) Niederauer from Salt Lake City and proud to send Bishop John Wester to such a loving and faith-filled community in Salt Lake City,” Parish-Reese said. In Hunt’s election materials, Archbishop Niederauer noted that Hunt is “very generous in sharing her time and experience with the Catholic women in the Diocese of Salt Lake City” and described her commitment to the Church as “exemplary.” The 2008 NCCW general assembly is scheduled for Salt Lake City. About 1,000 women attended the NCCW convention. The theme was “Bringing Light to Our Global Society.” NCCW programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the world. One way is by partnering with Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ overseas

Representing the San Francisco Archdiocese at the recent meeting of the National Council of Catholic Women were, from left: Kathryn Parish-Reese, Church of the Epiphany; Msgr. Floro Arcamo, pastor, Star of the Sea Parish, San Francisco and moderator of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women; Msgr. Edward McTaggart, ACCW moderator; Mary Ann Schwab, St. Brendan Parish; Margaret McAuliffe St. Philip Parish; Lois Agresti (foreground), St. Dunstan Parish; Cathy Mibach, Holy Name of Jesus Parish, and Joan Higgins, St. John the Evangelist Parish.

relief and development agency, something it has done for years. CRS was one of the many highlighted organizations presenting workshops at this year’s convention. Kim Mazyck, a representative from CRS, delivered a talk on “Global Poverty: A View from the Field.” Other workshop presenters focused on Catholic action for social change and spirituality; the work for justice; the health impacts of climate change; domestic violence; and Marian spirituality. Other topics included Catholic teaching and the death penalty, and how a sexualized culture harms marriages, families and young people.

R ETREATS San Damiano Retreat 2007 THEME:

Embracing Hope PERSONAL GROWTH DAY

NOV. 16-18 MEN’S RETREAT Men’s Passages Fr. Rusty Shaughnessy, OFM

NOV. 23-25 RECOVERY RETREAT Life Is In Session...Go For It! The Gifts of Sr. Briegeen Moore, OSC

300 Manresa Way, Los Altos, CA 94022-4659 www.jrclosaltos.org Oct. 12-14 Do Right, Love Goodness, Walk Humbly with God A Non-Silent Retreat for Men & Women, welcoming the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Fr. Gerald F. Hudson, S.J., & Mary da Silva Abinante Our lives, by and large, are quite ordinary. So, what does God expect of us-something special, something extraordinary? On the contrary, the passage from the prophet Micah (the title of this retreat) tells us that even our ordinary lives are extraordinary in God's eyes.

Oct. 20*

The Rise and Fall of the Kingdom of Israel A Bible Prayer Day for Men & Women Fr. Joseph J. Fice, S.J.

Israel's tribal settlement in the land of Canaan developed into the establishment of a kingdom. It thrived under David and Solomon, but then it divided and was destroyed by the great middle eastern empires of the time. Be sure to bring your Bible! *The day starts with a continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m., the first conference at 10:00 a.m., includes lunch and Liturgy of the Eucharist and ends at 4:00 p.m. The fee is $50 per person.

Oct. 26-28 The Gift of Marriage A Retreat for Married Couples Fr. Bob J. Fabing, S.J., & Mrs. Joan Landguth, L.C.S.W. This retreat for married couples will center its presentations, prayer, discussions, and sacramental experiences on the giftedness of marriage. Do you have a grateful marriage? Is there a "taking for granted" for each other and for what you have? Or simply "not noticing?" Am I living "in reality?" The reality of having been gifted by God? This retreat will direct itself to these questions and their resolutions.

Nov. 9-11

Where Are the Other Nine? A Gratitude Retreat for Men and Women Fr. Gerald F. Hudson, S.J., & Mary da Silva Abinante

This retreat focuses on gratitude for God’s gifts, even those which challenge us. As we see in the passage from the gospel of Luke quoted above, Jesus reminds us that thanksgiving is a foundation of our Christian lives.

For more information or to make reservations, kindly call 650-948-4491 Email: retreat@jrclosaltos.org Web: www.jrclosaltos.org

Grief

November 2 Nancee Sobonya Bonnie Maeda 6 CE credits available

San Damiano retreat DANVILLE,

CALIFORNIA

NOV. 16 PERSONAL GROWTH DAY Compassion, Hope & Healing Lori Hope 6 CE credits available PO Box 767 • Danville, CA 94526 925-837-9141 • www.sandamiano.org

ST. CLARE’S RETREAT Santa Cruz

2381 LAUREL GLEN ROAD SOQUEL CA 95073 E-mail stclares@sbcglobal.net Web site: www.nonprofitpages/stclaresretreat/index.html

Reservations for weekends must be made by mail and accompanied by a $10 non-refundable deposit per person.

October 12-14

Married Couples Retreat “Reconciliation and Affirmation of God’s Love” Fr. Serge Propst. O.P.

October 19-21 & 26-28

Special Retreats A.A. & AL-ANON Women Fr. Pat Mullin

November 2-4

A Retreat for Spanish Women Fr. Eugenio Aramburo

November 9-11 A Retreat for Spanish Men & Women Fr. Alberto Cabrera Nov. 16-18

Chinese Retreat

(831) 423-8093 • Fax: (831) 423-1541

On Sept. 20 NCCW outgoing president Ellen Bachman addressed the convention.

VALLOMBROSA CENTER Retreats and Spirituality Programs Conferences and Meetings OCTOBER 20, 2007 “Entering the Cave of the Heart” Led by Cathy Collins. MA 9:30 am – 3:30 pm; $40 The prophet, hiding in the cave, listened for God. There was a howling wind but God was not in the wind. Then there was an earthquake but God was not in the earthquake. Next came a fire but God was not in the fire. Then a tiny whispering breeze, and in the silence he heard God’s voice. Come and explore how to enter the cave of our hearts through various forms of silent prayer and listen for the voice of God. Presenter Cathy Collins a MA from the Franciscan School of Theology. She has worked in parishes in faith formation, retreats and spiritual direction. NOVEMBER 1, 2007 “Holiness Abounds Led by Sister Toni Longo, ASC – Can you see it” 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; $40 On this day when the Church invites us to consider the saints in heaven, it is well to ponder the holiness within and around us here on earth. For where else will we “practive” how to be holy in heaven? Join with other “saints-in-the-making” for this day of prayer, reflection, sharing and time with God. Bring a journal, a bible, an open heart, and a willingness to let God stretch you into more than you ever thought possible! Sister Toni Longo, ASC, associate pastor at St. Joseph Basilica in Alameda, will lead this day. The celebration of Mass will be included in this one day retreat. NOVEMBER 2-4, 2007 “The amazing gift – The power we have to Create Beginnings” Led by Ursula Caspary-Frankel, MFCC & her husband, Jack Frankel $190 Single room; $170/person Shared room Life is never withour beginning and in this weekend retreat we will examine our capacity to begin, especially when one door is closing and another is opening. During this time together we will recognize again the strengths we forgot we had, giving thanks for our gifts and talents, continuing to be surprised by the changes we have made and the plans we are making for new beginnings. We will seek light as we view fresh beginnings in relationships, in work, in any aspect of our lives. Ursula Caspary-Frankel, MFCC joins us again this year for a weekend of prayer, friendship and laughter. She will be joined by her playwright husband, Jack Frankel. NOVEMBER 3, 2007 Led by Susan Cabrera “Balancing Body, Mind and Spirit 9:30 am – 3:30 pm; $40 In our fast-paced lives, it is so easy to become off balance in our physical, mental and/or spiritual lives. This retreat will focus on how imbalances get started and continue; types and levels of imbalances; how the body, mind and spirit are interconnected; how to assess, promote and maintain balance; and how closeness to God automatically leads to a balanced life. This retreat will include tips on how to stay balanced during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. NOVEMBER 5 – 7, 2007 “Memoir Writing” Led by Ursula Caspary-Frankel, MFCC $190 Single room; $170/person Shared room Why write your memoir, you ask? For many reasons: Memoir writing will help you remember times of special grace in your life, times when you were called to make change. Memoir writing can assist you to heal wounds of the past, expressing your experience and understanding them differently. Memoir writing can help you make peace with yourself and with your life choices. Memoir writing is a means of renewed self-knowledge, self forgiveness and forgiveness of others. Ursula Caspary-Frankel, MFCC has been teaching memoir writing in New York City for the past five years. She is a popular and well loved retreat director at Vallombrosa Center.

VALLOMBROSA CENTER 250 Oak Grove Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025 E-mail: host@vallombrosa.org

•

(650) 325-5614 Fax: (650) 325-0908

•

Web: www.vallombrosa.org

October 5, 2007

Catholic San Francisco

Bishop Wang expresses concern about Beijing ordination HONG KONG (CNS) — The Chineseborn auxiliary bishop of San Francisco said it was “not good” that Beijing Bishop Joseph Li Shan did not have his papal mandate made public at his recent episcopal ordination. “The Vatican was a little bit weak this time,” Auxiliary Bishop Ignatius C. Wang told Catholic News Service Oct. 2 in Hong Kong, without elaborating. Bishop Wang was en route to the United States after visiting his sister in mainland China. Bishop Wang said he was on a brief visit to Mongolia when the ordination in Beijing

Bishop Ignatius Wang

occurred Sept. 21, but he knew that the papal mandate had not been made public. “His priests did not read it,” said Bishop Wang. Father Sun Shang’en of Beijing, diocesan spokesman, told the press after the ordination ceremony, “If the Vatican approves Bishop Li, we are happy and welcome it, but we have not yet seen the apostolic bull from the Vatican.” The same day in Rome the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, reported Bishop Li’s ordination had the approval of Pope Benedict XVI. However, most mainland Chinese Catholics were not aware of the fact.

Rosary rallies planned to mark Miracle of the Sun By Michael Vick To mark the 90th anniversary of the revelations of Fatima, Portugal, the lay group America Needs Fatima will stage rosary rallies at Civic Center Plaza and Mission Dolores Park in San Francisco. The rallies, the first in English and the second in Spanish, are among a thousand such rallies to be held on Oct. 13 in cities across the nation, say planners. Similar rallies will also be held around the Archdiocese in Daly City, Menlo Park, Mill Valley, Novato, San Mateo and South San Francisco. In 1917, three shepherd children witnessed an apparition of Mary, who gave the children three revelations. The first was a vision of hell. The second was a prophecy regarding the beginning of World War II. The third vision is said to have foreshadowed the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. On Oct. 13, 1917, in the area in and around Fatima, as many as 100,000 witnesses saw the sun appear to dim, and cast multicolored lights on the earth. The sun then appeared to move closer to the earth in a zigzag manner. Witnesses said the ground and their clothes, wet from rain, dried. It is this specific event, called the Miracle of the Sun, that the rallies will commemorate. The San Mateo rally will take place at noon outside St. Timothy Church at 1515 Dolan Ave. Rally captain Marina Angeles said she expects up to 400 people to attend. The group will focus their prayers on, among other things, stopping abortion and ending the war in Iraq, she said. “Our Lady of Fatima has the power to help us,” Angeles said. “A miracle like that can still happen today, if we pray.” The America Needs Fatima Web site is www.tfp.org.

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Asian church news agency UCA News has reported that the lack of the announcement at Bishop Li’s ordination has confused some Chinese Catholics, including bishops. One Catholic who attended Bishop Li’s first Mass Sept. 23 told UCA News that Bishop Li briefly mentioned Pope Benedict but did not say the pope approved his ordination. The Catholic, who asked not to be named, said: “I think that already means the Vatican has approved him. I’m sure all the faithful would understand.” One Chinese bishop registered with the government who did not attend the ordination told UCA News Sept. 24 he believed China and the Vatican reached a consensus before the ordination occurred.

Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

Teen brain development said critical education tool The latest scientific insights into the teenage brain show that anger, passion and lack of discipline are normal behaviors during the high-school years and reflect the throes of child development rather than faulty intelligence or a questionable moral sense, author David Walsh, Ph.D., told Catholic K-12 educators last week. Educators who can design lessons, shape their feedback and filter negative media messages based on knowledge of their students’ brain development can play a powerful role in determining students’ success in adulthood, Walsh said in his keynote address to the annual Archdiocesan Educators’ Conference, held at Junipero Serra High School Sept. 28. “The behaviors we’re talking about aren’t new,” Walsh said. “They’ve been going on for thousands of years. What is new is the explanation. We thought because the teenage brain is the same size as the adult brain all physical development is done when they enter adolescence. A great deal of construction is going on.” Some 1,000 teachers and principals attended the conference, which also featured workshops on educating students with special needs and a second keynote by author and former high school teacher Hal Urban, Ph.D., on the power of positive words in the classroom. The annual conference is the only occasion Catholic educators from San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties officially gather, according to archdiocesan school officials. “It’s to provide some kind of staff development for them and hear speakers who can make them stretch even further,” said Holy Names Sister Marianne Viani, associate superintendent for curriculum and school improvement. Walsh, a University of Minnesota faculty member and a licensed psychologist, headlined his talk “Why Do They Act That Way? Brain Development in the Media Age.” Self-discipline has always been a goal of Catholic education, but the latest brain research shows just how critical it is to students’ moral and economic success, said Walsh, who is president of the Minneapolis-based National Institute on Media and the Family. Unless individuals experience discipline during their youthful growth spurts, they risk failing to fully develop the brain structures that govern self-restraint and that predict success and happiness, Walsh said. In the brain’s prefrontal cortex, circuits blossom as long branches of nerve cells during growth spurts and then are pruned back by experience. “The branches that fire grow into networks,” Walsh said. “Those that don’t wither and die. That withering back is called pruning. What’s doing the pruning? Experience – because experience determines which fire and which don’t. Experiences we have during the growth spurt of the brain have a greater impact than any we have at any other time of life. “Development of a moral sense and spirituality are particularly influencable during these growth spurts.”

(PHOTO BY RICK DELVECCHIO/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

By Rick DelVecchio

“We’re sitting at dinner one night and he says, ‘I no longer need a curfew. Don’t you think it’s about time you and mom stopped treating me as a kid?’ “The best I could come up,” Walsh said, “was, ‘Because I said so.’ Now my answer would be, ‘You may think you’re fully mature but based on the latest brain research there are circuits that need to be wired. And till then, you need a curfew.”’ Walsh also pinpointed the neurochemical foundations for teenage boys’ emotional and sexual character. For boys, he said, testosterone increases 1,000 percent during puberty and surges seven times daily. The hormone “lights up” a brain structure called the amygTEEN BRAIN, page 11

Educators’ conference keynote speaker David Walsh, Ph.D. (left) and St. Dunstan Elementary Principal Bruce Colville, Ph.D., visit during the Sept. 28 conference.

Parents and educators who know the teen-age brain is a work in progress will avoid power struggles and create an atmosphere of compassionate but consistent discipline, said Walsh, who drew a laugh when he recounted an exchange he had with his son when the boy was 15.

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OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 21

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Performances and Information Gathering 12 noon - 1:00 p.m.

Information Night: Tuesday, November 13 • 6-8 p.m. 1540 Ralston Ave., Belmont • ndhsb.org

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Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

Poster for street fair draws criticism from Christian groups The center position of the Folsom Street Fair poster shows a muscled shirtless man. More shirtless and leather-clad men flank the central figure, and men and An apologetic Miller Brewing Co. is reviewing its women in fetishistic leather garb stand behind him. A local promotions policy in response to outrage by man in drag wearing jewelry and a flowing wig sits on Christian groups over the Folsom Street Fair’s advertising the right of the central figure. The table is arrayed with poster mimicking Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” sex toys and draped with the Leather Pride flag. with what critics say is a sadomasochistic theme. In a departure from da Vinci’s work, which has a “We are conducting an immediate audit of our pro15th century Venetian background, the creators of the cedures for approving local marketing and sales sponFolsom Street Fair poster chose a background that replisorships to insure that this does not happen again,” the cates the Upper Room in Jerusalem, traditionally company said in a statement posted on its Web site viewed as the site of the Last Supper. Monday. Commenting on the controversial The company repeated an earlier Folsom Street Fair poster, San Francisco statement saying that although it has sup- ‘Discrimination and prejudice have varied targets: Archbishop George H. Niederauer said, ported the fair for several years it objects to this year’s poster and admits some race, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc. Hence we believe “Discrimination and prejudice have varied targets: race, ethnicity, gender, relipeople may find the image offensive. gion, etc. Hence we believe that people “We regret that our failure to adhere that people who ridicule the religious symbols and who ridicule the religious symbols and to our own policy led to an inappropriate expressions of others have much in comuse of our trademark and apologize to mon with those who trade in social or anyone who was offended as a result, expressions of others have much in common with ethnic slurs.” particularly members of the Christian Concerned Women for America, a community who have contacted us to those who trade in social or ethnic slurs’ conservative Christian political action express their concern,” the Milwaukee– Archbishop George Niederauer group based in Washington, D.C., broke based brewing giant said. the story Sept. 25. Matt Barber, the orgaThe Folsom Street Fair is one of four nization’s policy director for cultural annual “fetish events” in San Francisco “Accordingly, while we are not calling off the boy- issues, said he called on California’s elected officials to produced by Folsom Street Events to support local charities serving the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender cott, we are tabling a serious course of action that we publicly condemn the poster and the event. In an interview with Cybercast News Service, House communities. A local columnist billed it as “the world’s were going to announce today,” the League said Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in whose district the fair was largest daytime celebration of kinkiness” and Monday. Calls to Miller and Folsom Street Events were not held, said she supported the First Amendment rights of “Disneyland for kinksters.” the fair organizers. Miller noted that the fair’s marketing does not target immediately returned Monday. “I do not believe that Christianity has been harmed The institution of the Eucharist by Jesus at the Last the general public and is aimed at the “adult alternative Supper is a central doctrine of Catholicism. In da by the Folsom Street Fair advertising,” Pelosi said. lifestyle community.” Barber called Pelosi’s response “a condescending But that distinction did little to mollify the New Vinci’s 15th century mural, the artist painted Jesus at York-based Catholic League for Civil and Religious the center of the supper table on the eve of his and dismissive quip.” After CWA attacked the poster and the fair, the Rights, which Monday repeated news accounts of erot- Crucifixion, with the apostles gathered at either side Catholic League attacked Miller Brewing Co. with a and behind him. ic antics and Church mockery at the Sept. 30 fair. statement headlined, “It Really Is ‘Miller Time’: Collision Course Between Miller and Christians.” Kiera McCaffrey, the league’s director of communibruises is connections with caring adults,” he said. “We cations, said the league called for the boycott after don’t want anything to unravel that connection.” Miller initially refused to pull its sponsorship of the In an interview after Walsh’s speach, Bruce Colville, fair. She said the league, whose website is www.catholi■ Continued from page 10 the principal at St. Dunstan Elementary School in cleague.org was calling upon more than 200 religious dala and is the chemical cause of teen boys’ suscepti- Millbrae, commented: “We have to slow the kids down organizations to join in the boycott. and slow the parents down and pause and think about bility to anger. After the controversy reached the national media, what we’re saying and doing. Folsom Street Events put a press release on its website, A portion of a structure called Just sit down and think before www.folsomstreetfair.com stating that the poster was the hypothalamus grows during we act.” puberty and is the source of the first in a series that would use paintings, album covHe said educators must work ers and movie posters. boys’ obsession with physical ‘The most important thing with the whole child: “Not just sex. “It’s not weird, it’s not The fair’s sponsors did not respond to an e-mail the brain-testing intelligent kid – request for an interview. A representative who answered abnormal, it’s not a sin,” Walsh for teenagers to get the emotional kid, the social kid, the phone at Folsom Street Events said the organizers said. “It’s just what’s going on in through these years with the spiritual kid, the physical kid would have no comment beyond the statement. the brain.” and the intellectual, and design Girls’ sexual development We’ve published a press release on our website,” said our teaching and assessment the the representative, who refused to be identified. “That is follows a gentler path, governed a minimum of bumps and best we can.” by a combination of the horour formal response.” Students and teachers need to mones testosterone and oxy- bruises is connections work together, said Andrew tocin. Contreras, a language arts and “Let’s say a girl is attracted to with caring adults’ religion teacher at St. Philip a boy,” Walsh said. “Oxytocin School in San will prompt her to get physically By Patricia Kasten – David Walsh, author Elementary Francisco. close, to hold hands, to cuddle. Gospel for October 7, 2007 “If we’re coming from two That may not be what’s going on Luke 17:5-10 different places we can’t really in his brain. He may respond with a sexual advance. She may think, ‘Oh, he really get to the same place if we don’t understand each other,” Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading he said. “It’s not just a bad attitude.” likes me.”’ for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C: a lesson about faith and obedience. The words can be found in Walsh argued that sexually charged media pose a risk all directions in the puzzle. to teens who are in the midst of making the neuronal Bilingual Staff connections that will shape them as moral beings. APOSTLES INCREASE OUR FAITH Information and Referrals ● Care Coordination THE LORD SIZE MUSTARD SEED Parents and educators, he said, must provide the experiMULBERRY TREE UPROOTED PLANTED ences in which the connections are completed and not Italian-American Community Services Agency THE SEA AMONG YOU TENDING Providing Services to the Italian Community since 1916 delegate the task to the media, he said. SHEEP FIELD TABLE ● 678 Green Street ● San Francisco 94133 Casa Fugazi PREPARE APRON EAT “The most important thing for teen-agers to get DRINK COMMANDED DONE ALL through these years with a minimum of bumps and Tel: 415-362-6423 www.italiancommunityservices.org

By Rick DelVecchio and Michael Vick

“In addition to the fair participants who dressed as nuns – ridiculing the women who have given selflessly of their lives in service to the dispossessed – there was a female stripper who was hoisted in a cage over a Roman Catholic church…,” a press release from the Catholic League stated. The League said Miller’s response has been “encouraging but incomplete.” It said it is continuing the boycott it announced against Miller last week but forgoing further steps pending a clarification from Miller on the company’s role in such sponsorships in the future.

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Masses: M-F: 8:00 am & 5:30 pm Sat: 8:00 am Sun: 9:30 & 11:30 am Preacher of the Novena will be Fr. Carl Schlichte, O.P. Pilgrimage Processional: Sat. Oct. 27th from St. Ignatius Church, (Parker & Fulton Sts.) to St. Dominic’s, 10:15 am—11:20 am.

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Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

RESPECT LIFE

(PHOTOS BY MARYJO SCHYMEINSKY)

SUNDAY OCTOBER 7, 2007

The annual Memorial Mass and Healing Liturgy for persons and families who have lost children before, at or after birth was held Sept. 15 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma. Nine priests concelebrated including from left above, Msgr. Floro Arcamo, pastor, Star of the Sea Parish, San Francisco; Father Moises Agudo, pastor, St. Charles of Borromeo Parish, San Francisco; and Msgr. Edward McTaggart, retired pastor, St. Brendan Parish, San Francisco. Main celebrant Msgr. Arcamo is pictured at right with Mary Ann Schwab (left), director of the Project Rachel post-abortion healing ministry of the Archdiocese, a sponsor of the Mass with Holy Cross, and Vicki Evans, Respect Life coordinator in the Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns. Seen in the background above and at right is the Rachel Mourning Shrine at the cemetery.

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is profoundly antiAits bortion women. Three quarters of victims are women: Half the babies and all the mothers. – Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Project Rachel A compassionate program of the Archdiocese offering hope, healing and forgiveness from the pain of a past abortion. Services include: telephone support, one-toone healing, referrals to understanding priests, counselors, group support and retreats.

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Catholic San Francisco

WAL K forLIFE

4th Annual

WEST COAST

October 5, 2007

Saturday, January 19, 2008 • San Francisco A NEW TRADITION. A NEW VOICE.

Join thousands of pro-life women, men, friends and families as we take our message to the streets proclaiming “women deserve better than abortion. ” Walk with us Saturday, January 19th 2008, as we continue to peacefully proclaim our message in ever-greater numbers. Walk with us to challenge the belief that abortion is a good choice for women. Walk to proclaim that Life is the best choice for women! ®

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Alveda King Starts 11:00 am Justin Herman Plaza at the Embarcadero, ends at the Marina Green. San Francisco

www.WalkforLifeWC.com To organize groups or for further info:

contact: (415)586-1576

info@WalkforLifeWC.com

of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Gianna Jessen Abortion Survivor Pastor Clenard Childress Black Genocide Jesse Romero Radio Host Father Frank Pavone National Dir. Priests for Life Special invited speaker:

October 5, 2007

(CNS PHOTO/MARK INDREIKA, CATHOLIC EXPLORER)

MAYWOOD, Ill. (CNS) — About 10 years ago, Holly Becker’s future appeared bright. At 24, she had just graduated from college, moved out of her parents’ home and taken a job in sales and marketing. But then something went terribly wrong. She started running temperatures of 105.4 degrees and she couldn’t eat. At first her doctors thought she had the flu, then mononucleosis. Soon she couldn’t get out of bed; she couldn’t work and had to move back home. Doctors diagnosed Becker with stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cancer had already spread to her spleen, liver and bone marrow. She spent six months undergoing chemotherapy without success. She was in desperate need of a bone-marrow transplant, but no donor was available. “I was really as bad as somebody could get,” she told the Catholic Explorer, Joliet diocesan newspaper, in a telephone interview. Running out of options, she went to the Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood for an umbilicalcord-blood stem-cell transplant. “Cord blood has opened the door to curing patients who otherwise would die,” said Dr. Patrick Stiff, director of Loyola’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center. “We actually have transplanted patients in whom the only other option was a hospice program.” The use of cord-blood stem cells does not involve the destruction of embryos, and the Catholic Church supports their use. They are taken from an umbilical cord after birth and used to treat cancers originating in bone marrow or in the lymphatic system when a traditional bone-marrow transplant is not an option. According to a statement released by Loyola, “umbilical-cord-blood transplants at Loyola are curing or slowing the progression of many cancers.” Stiff, also a professor of medicine and pathology at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, said cord-blood stem cells “are more immature and have a better growth potential” than other adult stem cells. Doctors still consider living-donor, bone-marrow stem cells to be the best treatment option, but cord-blood cells are getting close, he added. Ten years ago, Stiff and his team of researchers devel-

oped a new technology to grow cord-blood stem cells outside the body. In the past doctors could only get enough stem cells to treat a child. Now they can grow enough for an adult. “So now a patient who comes to Loyola, who 10 years ago had as little as a 30 percent chance of finding a donor, now has approximately a 90 percent (chance) of finding a donor,” said Stiff, a parishioner at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Naperville. In 1998 Becker was one of the first patients to be treated in the Chicago area. Although at the time she didn’t fully understand how bad it was, “pretty much my only chance for survival would have been to have a cord-blood transplant,” she said. She spent five very difficult weeks at Loyola, trapped in isolation where she felt “completely horrible.” People around her had to wear masks, and she couldn’t “do anything.” Before receiving the cord blood, she received full-body radiation treatments twice daily and high-dose chemotherapy to wipe out her immune system. “It was obviously the worst thing I’ve ever been through in my entire life,” Becker said, crediting her family and friends for helping her through the ordeal. She said getting the cord blood was easy. “It’s just like a blood transfusion,” she said. Two years ago, President George W. Bush signed the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, creating a national network matching cord blood with patients. Stephen Sprague, a New York man who has been free of leukemia for 10 years after a cord-blood transplant as part of Stiff’s study, now advocates for cord-blood usage. He said that in spite of the law signed by Bush an infrastructure is still lacking to help women donate their umbilical-cord blood. Most hospitals treat cord blood as medical waste, he said. Stiff agrees. “There is cost associated with getting cordblood units into the cord-blood bank at the hospital level, and right now there’s no mechanism to recoup those costs.” Stiff said cord-blood stem cells have tremendous potential beyond cancer treatments. “They do have the capacity to produce pretty much anything, and I guess that’s part of the work that we’re interested in pursuing,” he said. “We don’t need to go to embryonic stem cells. There are obvious differences, but we think that the differences are so minor as to never warrant the use of embryonic stem cells for any research or clinical use.”

esuit Father Kevin FitzGerald, PhD., holds the Lauler Chair in Catholic Health Care Ethics at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. With doctorates in molecular genetics and bioethics, Father FitzGerald is a leading expert on life-issue ethics. Following is an interview with Father FitzGerald by William Blazek, SJ, M.D., adjunct assistant professor of medicine in regency at Georgetown School of Medicine, carried in the June 2007 issue of The National Jesuit News(NJN). It is reprinted with permission. In April, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would loosen limits set by President Bush on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. In 2004 California voters passed Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, which authorizes spending up to $3 billion over 10 years on stem cell research in the state.

cells that we may be able to marshal and manipulate in such a way as to address the loss of tissues and organs. Since there are many alternatives to the use of embryonic stem cells for therapies, that leaves us with only one substantive scientific reason to pursue human embryonic stem cell research. That is to investigate early human development. If one can find or create embryos that have specific genetic mutations linked to a certain diseases, there is still hope that embryonic stem cell research may yield insights which could help in the development of therapies. But with that, we are back into doing research on human beings. We could do very exciting research on human beings at all stages of development and life, but our society has chosen to place important restrictions on such research in order to prevent harm to and the exploitation of human beings. So the question once again [is] whether or not we will destroy human lives to do research.

NJN: What, from your perspective, is the core issue in the debate over embryonic stem cell research? KF: The central question is [determining] the ethical parameters we should have for research, especially research done on human beings. There are some who argue that embryos are not human beings; but from a scientific perspective, we have always considered embryos as the early stage in human development. [Thus an embryo] is an early developing human organism. Now we can debate whether that early developing organism deserves certain protections and the respect of the human community, but to say that [a human embryo] is not a human being is scientifically incorrect.

NJN: What would you most hope for as the debate proceeds? KF: .I hope people see this debate as something that is not limited to the stem cell issue. The stem cell and cloning issues are just the tip of the iceberg. Science will move on, and technology will move on. We will move into things that are even more amazing regarding what we will be able to do, and those things will raise even more difficult and profound ethical questions. Therefore, the real need here is to address this issue well, in a constructive way that does not ignore or denigrate a large segment of the population’s sensibilities when it comes to human research. We want to set a good precedent for how we might move into the future, where we will wrestle with even more complex issues.

NJN: Before we go too far, some readers might like to know what stem cells are and how they differ from other kinds of cells. KF: Stem cells are the source of all other cells in the body. Their job is to replace other cells damaged through wear, tear, injury or disease. [Stem cells] also make more stem cells because the body can’t afford to use up all the ones you have; [any individual] needs to have a source of stem cells for the future. That is why stem cells both make other cells and “self- renew.” But we have to be careful. The concept of stem cells is a developing concept. We are now looking at cells in tumors that we are calling cancer stem cells. These are tumor cells that may be left behind [in a patient] after most of the tumor has been destroyed by whatever therapy we are using. Even though it may look like [the danger] is over, these very resilient cells remain and can reconstitute a tumor. That is why we are calling them cancer stem cells. There are so many kinds of stem cells that we always need to be careful [with our terminology]. In general, a stem cell…makes other cells and makes more of itself. NJN: You often start your discussion of stem cell research by pointing out the difference between embryonic, adult and what you just called cancer stem cells. Why are these distinctions so important? KF: Currently, the distinction most often cited is between embryonic and adult stem cells. The term adult is actually a bit misleading. It refers to several other kinds of stem cells such as fetal, infant, adolescent and elderly. All these other stem cells come from sources other than embryos. The embryonic stem cells are obtained early on in human development, during a stage when the developing human being is small. They are usually taken from a developing embryo when it is in what we call the blastocyst stage. In that stage, the embryo is made up of around 200 cells. The ethical problem here is that to get these [embryonic stem] cells, at least currently, the embryo must be destroyed. NJN: Are there strong reasons for proceeding with embryonic stem cell research? Many reports and advocacy groups point out opportunities to treat serious diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and

DETROIT (CNS) — To clear up confusion about stem-cell research, the Michigan Catholic Conference has launched a statewide educational program to explain the Catholic Church’s teaching on human life, Church support for adult stem-cell research and Church opposition to embryonic stem-cell research. As part of the program every registered Catholic home in Michigan will soon be receiving a DVD and other information in the mail. On Oct. 1, the conference began mailing digital video discs, a letter signed by Michigan’s bishops and a brochure to 504,000 Catholic homes in the state. “Stem-cell research has moved to the forefront of human

Jesuit Father Kevin FitzGerald, Ph.D. diabetes. How does the ethical debate play out on this point? KF: If there were no potential benefits, we would not be having a political debate. But we have to recognize that the reasons for pursuing embryonic stem cell research have shifted over the years. Initially there was great interest and great excitement about the creation of tissues and organs directly from these embryonic stem cells that

CREATING STEM-CELL LINES

By Robert Delaney

▼

DVD explains stem-cell research and Church stance

Embryos, ethics and research on human subjects

Dr. Patrick Stiff, director of Loyola’s Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, uses protective gloves to hold a frozen unit of umbilical-cord blood at the center in Maywood, Ill. The blood is stored in liquid nitrogen at minus-100 degrees Celsius. By Mark Indreika

Catholic San Francisco

Q and A with a stem cell expert

Catholic doctor fights cancer with umbilical cordstem cells

(PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY)

Catholic San Francisco

(CNS GRAPHIC BY ANTHONY DEFEO)

Scientists have created stem-cell lines from human embryos and adult tissue samples. life issues,” said Dave Maluchnik, public policy associate at the Lansing-based conference, the public policy voice of Michigan’s seven dioceses. “Michigan diocesan bishops, as teachers of the faith, have launched an unprecedented education program to teach the Catholic faithful about the relationship between stem-cell research and the Catholic teaching on human life,” he added. The 12-minute video and accompanying brochure both are titled

would then be available for transplantation. Well, the research that has been done in the past several years indicates that this is unlikely for a couple of reasons. One is the way the embryonic stem cells can form tumors, and the other is that we have found many other alternatives such as adult, placental, umbilical cord blood and other stem cells that may be more amenable to becoming therapies. In addition, there is the idea that all of us have our own stem

“The Science of Stem Cells: Finding Cures and Protecting Life.” The bishops’ letter addresses the difference between adult and embryonic stem-cell research, and makes clear the Church supports finding cures while protecting human life through advancements made with adult stem-cell research. Maluchnik said the DVD and the written materials concentrate on three central messages: — There are two different types of stem-cell research — adult and embryonic. — Adult stem-cell research is ethical. It does not harm a human embryo, and treatment using adult stem cells has been successful, whereas embryonic stem-cell research has not led to cures or treatments. Also, embryonic stem-cell research is immoral as it leads to human cloning and necessitates the

NJN: In a related vein, what can readers do to get involved in the debate? KF: We can do several things. First, have a better understanding of the issue and the Catholic perspective on it. One easy way to do this is to visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Web site (www.usccb.org). It is very helpful. The other is to recognize that we need an empowered public in order to use our rapidly developing biotechnologies well. We live in a pluralistic society, so we need to engage in discussions of where we want to go with technologies, what we want to do with them, and whom we want them to help. We are going to continue to struggle with these very large and difficult issues on all the technologies that come along, not just stem cells and cloning. What we should say is, “Here are some fundamental values that we hold dear, but not just because they are important for Catholics. We think they are important for everyone. Human lives are to be valued whether they are at the beginning at the end, all the way through.” Whatever breakthroughs may come, they should come not at the expense of some human beings. They should come for all. According to the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its Fiscal Year 2008 Labor/Health and Human Services/Education Appropriations Bill (S. 1710) on June 21. In Sec. 520 the bill overturns former federal embryonic stem cell research funding policy. Federal funding can be used for research on embryonic stem cells derived prior to June 15, 2007 (not Aug. 9, 2001 as previously set). Thus, guidelines implementing the President’s Aug. 9, 2001 announcement are superceded by the provisions of Sec. 520, which include three “ethical requirements.” The embryonic stem cells must be derived from excess in vitro fertilization embryos; the embryos would never be implanted and otherwise would be discarded; those donating the embryos provide written, informed consent. Richard Doerflinger, deputy director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, has stated such legislation would force millions of taxpayers “to promote attacks on innocent human life in the name of scientific progress.”

destruction of the human embryo to extract its stem cells — a violation of Church teaching that all human life is sacred. — The Catholic Church supports adult stem-cell research and encourages the faithful to do likewise. In addition to the DVD, Michigan parishes received a questionand-answer document to brief staff on the issue; suggested bulletin announcements; a letter from Mercy Sister Monica Kostielney, president and CEO of the Michigan Catholic Conference. “It is the belief of the state’s bishops that the secular news media has greatly distorted the issue of stem-cell research and, in doing so, improperly conveyed the Church’s position. Therefore, the bishops decided it was imperative to bring the truth of the Church’s teaching on human life as it relates to stem-cell research STEM-CELL, page 22

Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

RESPECT LIFE

SUNDAY OCTOBER 7, 2007

‘Reclaiming Fatherhood’ hopes to help men touched by abortion Nor did he have any qualms about her decision to have an abortion. “She got the abortion. I did not go. It was a WASHINGTON (CNS) — It took a long time for attorcomplete and total nonevent for me,” he said. “My thinking ney Chris Aubert to miss his children — the ones he lost to was at the time this was just a collection of nonviable tisabortion. But once he did — and it took a decade — he was sue cells, it’s perfectly legal, it’s her body — all the things ready to make a choice for life. today I find as laughably silly. I bought into it.” He never Aubert is among scheduled speakers at a “Reclaiming saw the woman again. Fatherhood” conference Nov. 28-29 in San Francisco, Much the same was true in 1991, six years later, funded and sponsored largely by the Knights of Columbus. when he got his girlfriend pregnant. “I had just been It is being organized by the civilly divorced outside the church and I Milwaukee-based Office of Postwas not ready to get married again. She Abortion Reconciliation and Healing, was a Methodist, I was a ‘nothing.’” ‘This is a very important ministry today as men headed by Vicki Thorn. According to the Nominally Jewish, Aubert said his bar office, the event is the first to focus on the in 1970 was the last time he had are coming more and more to grips with their role mitzvah effects of abortion on men. stepped into a synagogue. “She had no The conference, according to Thorn, with the abortion. I said, ‘Fine with in abortion’ – Mary Ann Schwab quarrel could help men dealing with the psychome,’” he recalled. logical trauma of post-abortion reality the There was a difference, though, between way Project Rachel — the post-abortion the two abortions. healing ministry of the Catholic Church Thorn founded — Schwab affirmed the importance of the event citing “the “This time, however, I did go into the clinic with her. I has helped women who have undergone abortions deal with growing identification of men suffering guilt and anger as went into the waiting room with her,” Aubert said. psychological scars. a result of abortion because they have no legal voice in the “Looking back, it was probably something very, very “This is a very important ministry today as men are decision to terminate the pregnancy and/or because of the deep within me that said, ‘Something about this isn’t coming more and more to grips with their role in abortion,” pressure they might have put on a woman to abort.” right.’ I wouldn’t have been able to articulate it if you said Mary Ann Schwab, director of the Project Rachel minAubert, in a telephone interview with Catholic News asked me. ... Something about the second one seems difistry for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Schwab said the Service from The Woodlands, Texas, a Houston suburb, ferent.” conference is the first of its kind for men and its audience said that in 1985, when he first impregnated a woman who Aubert and his girlfriend drifted apart, which he is expected to include people from across the country. was “ a friend, but not really a girlfriend, I was not a one- attributes to the abortion. Then he met his current wife, “We expect those attending will be men who have been woman man, let’s say, at the time, and I had no qualms whom he described as “a cradle Catholic,” and got marpart of abortion but also counselors, therapists, priests and about premarital sex or anything like that.” RECLAIMING FATHERHOOD, page 26

By Mark Pattison and Tom Burke

others who work with men in healing situations to help them understand the pain of post-abortion aftermath for men,” Schwab said. While the Archdiocese of San Francisco is not sponsoring the event, the local Office of Respect Life with Project Rachel has assisted in its coordination. Among the speakers at the two-day conference is Vincent Rue, Ph.D. “Dr. Rue is a pioneer in treatment of post-abortion aftermath,” Schwab said.

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Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

RESPECT LIFE

SUNDAY OCTOBER 7, 2007

Catholic wrongly convicted devotes life to ending death penalty CAMBRIDGE, Md. (CNS) — If anyone has experienced sheer terror, it’s Kirk Bloodsworth. Tried and found guilty of the brutal 1984 rape and murder of 9-year-old Dawn Hamilton near Baltimore, the barrel-chested crabber from the Eastern Shore was sentenced to die in the gas chamber. Bloodsworth, a former Marine with no criminal record, had nothing to do with the crimes. He was wrongly convicted and later would become the first American on death row to be exonerated by DNA testing. But as he was led into the Maryland State Penitentiary in Baltimore in 1985 no one believed his story — least of all the other prisoners. “We’re going to do to you what you did to that little girl,” they screamed. “We’re going to get you, Kirk!” Seated on the couch in the living room of his small home in Cambridge more than 20 years later, Bloodsworth said, “I remember that first night in my cell and the smell coming from this place. ... Not only did it stink of every kind of excrement you could think of, but you also could smell hatred — and it was all pointing at me.” Despite the strong temptation to despair, Bloodsworth said he decided he would fight to prove his innocence. He told The Catholic Review, Baltimore archdiocesan newspaper, that he believes God sustained him through nearly nine years of taxing prison life, sending him otherworldly consolations and leading him into the Catholic Church. With the same steely determination that saw him through his prison ordeal, Bloodsworth is now devoting his life to abolishing the death penalty and seeking reforms of what he calls a “broken” criminal justice system. He could get his wish in Maryland, where legislation has been introduced to substitute life in prison without parole as the maximum penalty for crimes currently punishable by death. Gov. Martin O’Malley has said he will sign such a law if it comes to his desk. On the day he was found guilty, Bloodsworth said he remembers being housed in a Baltimore County holding cell with another man who sat in the shadows. For two hours, the stranger didn’t say a word as he ate a sandwich and sipped an orange drink. Then he turned to his fellow prisoner and told Bloodsworth not to worry. “Everything

(CNS PHOTO/OWEN SWEENEY III, CATHOLIC REVIEW)

By George P. Matysek Jr.

Kirk Bloodsworth was wrongly convicted of the rape and murder in 1985. Bloodsworth, who became a Catholic while on death row in Maryland, was exonerated by DNA evidence in 1993. He has devoted his life to ending the death penalty.

is going to be all right,” Bloodsworth recalled the man saying. “You’ll be OK.” Summoned back to the courtroom, Bloodsworth heard the guilty verdict and was taken back to the holding cell. He said the man was gone and only half the sandwich remained. When he asked the sheriff’s deputy where the “other guy” was, the deputy responded that Bloodsworth had been the only person in the cell. Looking back, Bloodsworth thinks he was visited by an angel. “Maybe I wanted to see something — I don’t know. But I tell you what, he was as real as you are,” he said.

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Bloodsworth was raised in the Baptist and Methodist traditions. In prison he began deep theological discussions with Deacon Al Rose, the Catholic prison chaplain. The more he learned, the more he wanted to become a Catholic. At Easter time in 1989, then-Auxiliary Bishop John H. Ricard of Baltimore visited Bloodsworth at Deacon Rose’s invitation. The guard would not let Bishop Ricard enter the cell, so he had to administer the sacraments of confirmation and the Eucharist through the bars of the cell door. Asked what it was like to receive Communion for the first time, Bloodsworth smiled. “Oh, it was an honor,” he said. “I felt clean. I felt accepted.” When DNA testing proved Bloodsworth’s innocence in 1993, he was released, pardoned and paid $300,000 for wrongful imprisonment — the accumulated salary the state said he would have earned as a waterman. Bloodsworth said he still had to endure the suspicions of many who believed he had gotten off on a technicality — until 2003 when the DNA from the crime scene was identified as that of Kimberly Shay Ruffner, a man who had been previously charged with sexually assaulting children. Ruffner subsequently pleaded guilty to the Dawn Hamilton murder and is serving a life sentence. “I tell you the difference between the day before they DEATH PENALTY, page 23

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Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

Catholic san Francisco Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

Our faith and the common good By Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap. The mentality of suspicion toward religion is becoming its own form of intolerance. A kind of secular intolerance has developed in our own country over the past two decades. The modern secular view of the world assumes that religion is superstitious and false; that it creates division and conflict; and that real freedom can only be ensured by keeping God out of the public square. But if we remove God from public discourse, we also remove the only authority higher than political authority, and the only authority that guarantees the sanctity of the individual. If the 20th century taught us anything, it’s that modern states tend to eat their own people, and the only thing stopping this is a resistance based in the human spirit but anchored in a higher authority—which almost always means religious witness. There’s a reason why “spirituality” is so popular in the United States today and religion is so criticized. Private spirituality can be quite satisfying. But it can also become a designer experience. In fact, the word spirituality can mean just about anything a person wants it to mean. It’s private, it’s personal, and, ultimately, it doesn’t place any more demands on the individual than what he or she wants. Religion is a very different creature. The word religion comes from the Latin word religare—to bind. Religious believers bind themselves to a set of beliefs. They submit themselves to a community of faith with shared convictions and hopes. A community of believers has a common history. It also has a shared purpose and future that are much bigger than any political authority. And that has implications. Individuals pose no threat to any state. They can be lied to, bullied, arrested, or killed. But communities of faith do pose a threat. Religious witness does have power, and communities of faith are much harder to silence or kill. This is why active religious faith has always been so distrusted and feared by every one of the big modern ideologies—whether it’s Marxism, or fascism, or the cult of selfishness and comfortable atheism that we see in Europe and the United States today. What we believe about God shapes what we believe about the human person. And what we believe about the human person has consequences—social, economic and political consequences. Certainly, human history has a great many examples of religious violence and prejudice. The record includes the Christian persecution of the Jews, the Muslim conquest of Christians, wars between Protestants and Catholics, and violence between Hindus and Muslims. History has plenty of sin and guilt to go around. A lot of very different people from very different religions have used God as an alibi for doing evil things. That kind of wickedness in a pious disguise rightly drives people away from religion—but it doesn’t debunk God. And it doesn’t disprove religion. It reveals the hatred and weakness in each of us, and it reveals our unwillingness to love. But understanding our human sinfulness should drive us to live our faith more deeply and truly—not to abandon our faith. As Catholics we have a duty to treat all people, regardless of their beliefs, with justice, charity, mercy, prudence, patience and understanding. We’re not asked to “tolerate” them but to love them, which is a much more demanding task. Obviously, tolerance is an important democratic working principle. Most of the time, it’s a good and vital thing. But tolerating lies about the nature of the human person is a sin. Tolerating grave evil in a society is an equally grave evil. And using “tolerance” as an excuse for not living and witnessing Jesus Christ in our private lives and in our public actions is not an act of civility. It’s a form of cowardice. Religious intolerance is a kind of blasphemy because it shows contempt for a person’s deepest search for meaning. And sooner or later, for most people, that search leads to God. The right to worship God, and the right to practice, preach and teach what we believe without harassment. These rights are fundamental to the human person. They’re part of the foundation of human dignity. We can never protect those rights by kicking God out of our public institutions, or banning him from our civic vocabulary. Democracy depends on the free, respectful and nonviolent competition of ideas, and even God has a right—in fact he has the primary right—to be heard in that discussion. If you want to serve the common good and build a better future, you’ll never do it by hiding your faith in the closet. You’ll never do it by being Catholic in private and something else in public. History is made by people with convictions, and the courage and passion to live those convictions. The path to interfaith peace and religious understanding demands that we live our faith more deeply and authentically, not less. Most Rev. Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., is Archbishop of Denver. Remarks above are excerpted from his address at the May 2007 Path to Peace Foundation seminar in New York City.

Morals as ‘hate speech’? Friday morning Sept. 28 the Archdiocese’s Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns, at the behest of the California Catholic Conference of Bishops, sent e-mail notifications to its mailing list denouncing the passage of SB 777 and asking that the Governor be called upon to veto the bill. Friday afternoon Catholic San Francisco’s cover story on SB 777 appeared, which balanced the pros and cons of the bill without adequately explaining why the bishops oppose it or what we, as Catholics and as parents, are called to do about it. Proponents of SB 777 would have us believe the bill is simply intended to consolidate various anti-discrimination provisions “scattered throughout the Education Code.” If that were true, Sheila Kuehl wouldn’t have wasted her time sponsoring the bill. Here is the more disturbing reality of what the bill does: SB 777 expands the list of prohibited bases of discrimination. The expanded list is imported from the Penal Code regulating “hate crimes.” It does include discrimination against those previously listed. But it also adds a new category to the list: “those who advocate for the characteristics” of the protected individuals. Laws that protect individuals are valid. Laws that protect actions, like the promotion of a particular behavior or activity, introduce confusion and chaos into law. Can’t a student be protected from discrimination on the basis of his sexual orientation, without protecting advocacy for his particular sexual orientation? SB 777 has the potential to make it illegal to uphold certain Catholic teachings, such as traditional marriage, as a benefit for children and society. It has the effect of enshrining “viewpoint discrimination” into law and into practice in schools. What parents deem “morally objectionable” is fast becoming synonymous with “hate speech” in our society. SB 777 leads California further down this path. Please call Governor Schwarzenegger at (916) 445-2841 to register your opposition to SB 777. Vicki Evans Respect Life Coordinator Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns

and 9/11. Next, we can’t not know that although we were assured that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, none were found. Finally, we can’t not know the human cost of this war. We can’t not know how many innocent Iraqi men, women and children have been killed or maimed during this war, and we can’t not know the cost of this war in American lives, human potential and resources. Now that we know all this, what are we going to do about it? Dolores Brady San Francisco

Correction, please Our community for 130 years has been successfully dedicated to providing quality Catholic education for the inner city population of the Mission District of San Francisco. This has been possible because of the support of the teachers, families, alumni and many benefactors. The mercies of God are wonderful! Communication is always important. There seems to have been a communication gap in the current issue of Catholic San Francisco. St Peter’s was listed as part of the Alliance of Mission District Catholic Schools. We are not a member of the Alliance. We have received calls from our teachers, parents, alumni and benefactors about the article. It is important that a correction is placed in the Catholic San Francisco. Victoria A. Butler, Principal Sister Marian Rose Power, RSM Vice Principal St. Peter’s School San Francisco (Ed. note: We regret the error. Further, St. Philip Elementary is a member of the Alliance and was not listed.)

L E T T E R S

We can’t not know . . . I didn’t know that the “name of the enemy” is jihadism (George Weigel, Sept. 28). In fact, I thought that for many devout Muslims, jihad refers to striving or struggling in the way of God or to struggle to improve oneself and or society. A few other things we can’t not know: George Bush is responsible for taking us to war in Iraq, and contrary to what George Bush continues to say, there is no connection between Iraqi

Letters welcome Catholic San Francisco welcomes letters from its readers. Please:

➣ Include your name, address and daytime phone number. ➣ Sign your letter. ➣ Limit submissions to 250 words. ➣ Note that the newspaper reserves the right to edit for clarity and length. Send your letters to: Catholic San Francisco One Peter Yorke Way San Francisco, CA 94109 Fax: (415) 614-5641 E-mail: morrisyoungd@sfarchdiocese.org

Collaborative spirit

On behalf of the Alliance of Mission District Catholic Schools, I want to thank Catholic San Francisco for telling our story in its Sept. 28 issue. Because of your coverage you will be among those whose hands we will hold with ours — the inner city Catholic schools — as we “cross the finish line together.” This following story, heard and re-told to the AMDCS members as we began our journey, and re-told over and over as we continue, will explain what I mean. On the day of the Special Olympics, the children participating in the 50-yard dash got ready to compete - all lining up on the starting line. The whistle blew and off they dashed- one young girl dashing right out ahead of the others. When the apparent champion was a few yards from the finish line, she slowed down and looked back to see where her competitors were. When she saw them some distance away, she just stopped and waited. When the next competitor approached, she reached out and held hands with him, and then over and over again the gesture was repeated until all the children in the race were holding hands. Then, all together, they started to run again and crossed the finish line holding hands. After the race an adult walked up to the would-be champion and said, ‘You should have kept going! You would have won.” The little girl looked up in surprise. “Oh, no,” she replied, “it was only when we all held hands and crossed the finish line together that we all won!” Unraveling the competitive spirit and replacing it with a collaborative spirit will be the “make or break” momentum of the AMDCS success. Your collaboration with us in covering our story for those “Who might join this critical endeavor” — as Archbishop Niederauer pointed out in his message— will be a significant partnership in our success. Thank you for wanting to run the race LETTERS, page 22

October 5, 2007

Catholic San Francisco

The Catholic Difference

The Holy See’s role at the United Nations Several years ago, Catholics for a Free Choice, a Potemkin village of an “organization” created by pro-abortion American foundations to muddy the waters of American politics and to harass the Church internationally, ginned up a campaign to eject the Holy See from the United Nations. It was a born loser from the start,. However goofy the U.N. is – and its goofiness is often titanic – it wasn’t about to throw the Holy See over the side. In addition, no one really takes Catholics for a Free Choice seriously, and it made an unlikely broker for a non-starter of an idea. Now, however, comes the London-based The Economist, one of the world’s most respected news magazines. In its July 21 issue, it suggested that “instead of claiming to practice a form of inter-governmental diplomacy,” the Holy See ought to “renounce its special diplomatic status and call itself what it is – the biggest non-governmental organization in the world.” Not surprisingly, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Holy See’s “foreign minister,” declined the invitation, citing the long history of Vatican diplomacy and the importance of a voice in international institutions that can speak “in defense of the dignity of each person and of the sacredness of all human life,” a voice that “does not cease to promote the fundamental right to religious freedom, and to promote relations among individuals and peoples founded upon justice and solidarity.”

To Archbishop Mamberti’s well-taken points, I would add the following: 1) It was a tad insouciant for The Economist to write that the Holy See is in an “ambiguous situation” because it “enjoys many of the privileges of a state while also speaking for a faith.” The historical fact is that the Holy See — which is not identical with the Vatican City State, or indeed with any territory, but is the juridical embodiment of the universal ministry of the Bishop of Rome as chief pastor of the Catholic Church – exercised a form of sovereignty recognized in international law and diplomatic practice centuries before there was such a thing as “the United Kingdom of Great Britain and North Ireland” (home to The Economist). And the Holy See continued to do so between the demise of the Papal Sates in 1870 and the creation of Vatican City State in 1929. Moreover, in its work at the U.N., the Holy See does not “speak for a faith” so much as it speaks from, and speaks for, universal moral truths that can be known by reason – that is, by everyone. The Holy See does not come to the U.N. to promote the ideas that there are seven sacraments, or that there are two natures in the one divine person of Christ, or that God is a Trinity of Persons in a unity of Godhead. The Holy See comes to the U.N. – as the Catholic Church addresses local and national politics – to remind governments of the first principles of justice, like the inviolability of the right to life of the innocent and the fundamental right of religious freedom.

2) Further, for the Holy See to withdraw from the U.N. would be to concede, at least tacitly, that politics is exclusively about power (as exercised in and by states). That would be a sad diminishGeorge Weigel ment of the idea of politics. Since the days of Aristotle, “politics” has been understood in the West to mean our common deliberation about public goods, about how we ought to live together. Those are, fundamentally, moral questions, not questions of power. Politics engage questions of public goods and how we can know them, not just questions about how X imposes his will on Y. Indeed, the answers to those questions of the common good are crucial in tempering power and bringing it under rational and moral scrutiny – and control. If the 20th century taught the world anything, it ought to have taught us that. I expect I’ll continue to disagree, from time to time, with positions the Holy See takes at the U.N. But that the Holy See plays an important role in international public life is undeniable. The U.N. would be the loser if it failed to recognize that. George Weigel is a senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

Guest Commentary

Do Internet ‘support groups’ really work? “The online world is just a virtual extension of the concept of communities,” a reader identified as “Chinamom” wrote on one of the message boards of my depression blog, “Beyond Blue.” “They are communities of interest, rather than geographical communities.” She’s absolutely right. While young adults used to meet at church, PTA meetings, the local bar, the community pool, they are now engaging with each other in cyberspace. And, as Chinamom wrote, “Regardless of the beginning, the friendships are no less real and we are all richer for it.” “Could you help me clarify something?” I asked my therapist two days ago. “Is my obsession with my cyber community yet another addiction (requiring another therapy)?” “Not if it’s your support group,” she responded. “Some people are lucky to have their family and friends in close proximity also be their support network. But if that’s not the case, if most of the people you see on a daily basis don’t understand what it’s like battling depression, then you are smart to get your support elsewhere, even if that’s online.” In fact, according to a study done by the American Journal of Psychiatry, Internet support groups have been shown to help those suffering from depression. The study followed a group of more than 100 individuals with high,

severe depression who joined online support groups. Though many had received other forms of treatment, such as face-to-face therapy (86 percent) or antidepressants (96 percent), more than 95 percent of users agreed participation in the depression Internet support groups helped. And if you think most of the online crowd is college students, think again. Less than half of the 35 million users of Facebook, an Internet social-networking site, are college students, and by the end of this year its executives predict less than 30 percent of Facebook users will be sleeping in dorms and eating dining hall food. I’m proof. Yesterday I spent more than two hours on a site called Experience Project that connects anonymous users by common interests and experiences. I defined myself with five statements that linked me to groups within the site: “I am a mom,” “I write,” “I am a Catholic,” I battle depression” and “I run.” Within two minutes I received a message from “IsolatedLady” who also suffered from depression and had similar interests. An hour later, another user became my “fan,” so I added both to my circle of friends. Poof! Instant support group. Mark Zukerberg, founder of Facebook, prefers to not

describe it as a socialnetworking site but as a mathematical construct that maps connections between people. “We don’t own the social graph,” he says. “What (Facebook) needed to do was construct as Therese J. accurate of a model as Borchard possible of the way the social graph looks in the world. So once Facebook knows who you care about, you can upload a photo album and we can send it to all those people automatically.” In other words, Facebook, MySpace and Experience Project are all extensions of the concept of communities. And Chinamom was right. Many of the friendships are just as real as if they’d met at the local park. Therese J. Borchard writes for Catholic News Service from Annapolis, Md.

Spirituality for Life

American culture – ‘a powerful narcotic’ Recently I heard an interview on the radio with an American journalist who had just returned after living for nearly 12 years in Paris. While living there, his son was born. That child, now nearly 10, had been raised outside popular culture. His parents, both literary types, didn’t own a television set, listened to classical rather than popular music, weren’t attuned to the sports scene, and their interests and spirits didn’t rise and fall with the ups and downs of the celebrity of the day. And so when they returned to the U.S.A., their son was very much the outsider to pop culture, unfamiliar with the latest pop stars, game shows, and the like. As his dad was explaining all of this, the interviewer asked him: “Has your son held out against American culture?” The journalist’s answer: “For about two days! Of course, he didn’t hold out, nobody does! Western pop culture, for good and for bad, is the most powerful narcotic that has ever been perpetrated on this planet! Nobody holds out against it.” Our culture is a powerful narcotic, for good and for bad. It is important we first underline that, partly, there’s a good side to this. A narcotic soothes and protects against brute, raw pain. Our culture has within it every kind of thing (from medicine to entertainment) to shield us from pain. That can be good, providing it isn’t a false crutch. But a narcotic can also be bad, especially when it becomes a way of escaping reality. Where our culture is particularly dan-

gerous, I feel, is in the way it can perpetually shield us from having to face the deeper issues of life - faith, forgiveness, morality, and mortality. It can, as Jan Walgrave famously said, constitute a virtual conspiracy against the interior life. How? By keeping us so entertained, so busy, so preoccupied, and so distracted that we lose all focus on deeper things. We live now in a world of instant and constant communication, of mobile phones and e-mail, of ipods that contain whole libraries of music, of television packages that contain hundreds of channels, of malls and stores open 24 hours a day, of restaurants and clubs that stay open all the time, of sounds that never die and lights that never go out. While that has made our lives efficient it has also conspired against depth. The danger is that we are all developing permanent attention deficient disorder. We are attentive to so many things that, ultimately, we aren’t attentive to anything, particularly to what is deepest inside us. This isn’t an abstract thing. Typically our day is so full of things (work, noise, pressure, rush) that when we do finally get home at night and have some time when we could shut down all the stimulation, we are so fatigued that what soothes us is precisely something that functions as a narcotic - a sporting event, a game show on television, a mindless sitcom, or anything that can soothe our tensions and relax us enough to sleep. It’s not bad if we do this on a given night, but it is bad when we do it

every night. What happens is that we never find the space in our lives to touch what’s deepest inside of us and inside of others. Given the power of our culture, we can go along like this for years until Father something cracks — a Ron Rolheiser loved one dies, someone breaks our heart, the doctor tells us we have a terminal disease, or something powerful enough to render all the stimulation and entertainment empty. Then we are forced to look into our own depth and that can be a frightening abyss if we have spent years and years avoiding looking into it. The poet, Rumi, once wrote: “I have lived too long where I can be reached!” That’s true, I suspect, for most of us. And so we end up as good people, but as people who are not very deep - not bad, just busy; not immoral, just distracted; not lacking in soul, just preoccupied. Our culture is a powerful narcotic, for good and for bad. It has the power to shield us from pain, to soothe us in healthy ROLHEISER, page 26

Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

“Thank you so much for reading my book and wanting me to come and share my story,” Immaculee Ilibagiza told her audience at Oakland’s Bishop O’Dowd High School.

Genocide survivor embraces faith, forgiveness, hope By Carrie McClish Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, told Bishop O’Dowd High School students, Sept. 27, how close she came to becoming a statistic. “I was just five inches away from the killers,” she said of the 91 days she and seven other Tutsi women hid in a tiny bathroom to escape from machete-wielding Hutus who were roaming the country. A five-inch wall was all that protected them. The three-month ethnic rampage claimed nearly one million lives including Ilibagiza’s mother, father and two brothers as well as many other family members, neighbors and childhood friends. Among the dead was her eightmonth-old cousin. “I just can’t believe where my life has taken me – from a time like that – when you’re waiting to die,” she told the students gathered in the Oakland school’s gymnasium. Now the 37-year-old woman travels the world with a message of faith, forgiveness and hope. “Anything is possible” with God’s help, she told the students. While in the Bay Area, Ilibagiza attended Mass at the Carmelite Monastery of Cristo Rey in San Francisco on Sept. 28. Her cousin, Jesuit Father Jean-Baptiste Ganza, was celebrant. Father Ganza is studying for his licentiate degree at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley. Among those who attended Ilibagiza’s visit at O’Dowd were a group of eighth grade student leaders from St. Gabriel School in San Francisco. They accompanied Susan Phelps, assistant to St. Gabriel’s principal and wife of Stephen Phelps, O’Dowd’s president. “The presentation was sad and opened my eyes to how lucky we are,” said Carmen Conroy, an eighth grade student at St. Gabriel. “She was so fortunate to get through it and still be alive.” “The talk was very touching and showed me how bad the world can be,” said St. Gabriel’s Jeremy Sami. “I’m glad I went just to listen to her speak,” said Derek Joe of St. Gabriel. “It was very moving and taught me how

Little Sister of the Poor Germaine Regina and Immaculee Ilibagiza share a hug and smiles following a Sept. 28 Mass at the Carmelite Monastery of Cristo Rey in San Francisco. Ilibagiza visited the Little Sisters’ St. Anne’s Home in San Francisco “a couple of months ago” and befriended the staff and residents alike, said Sister Germaine who supervises St. Anne’s Home’s independent living wing.

God is always with us and with God and hope you can accomplish what you have in mind.” “It was a really special event,” said fellow student Kaitlyn Crawley. “Her experience showed us amazing forgiveness. She actually forgave the people who killed her family.” “Her talk was inspiring,” said St. Gabriel’s Caroline Cosgrove. “It showed us what goes on in the world but is unknown. God will help us wherever we are.” “It was wonderful of Sue Phelps to organize this for the students,” said Mercy Sister Pauline Borghello, St. Gabriel principal. “They can bring the story back now to their friends and families and have it filter down through the grades. I’m so glad it was a moving faith experience for them. It puts a person, a face to the story. It’s unforgettable.”

Administrators at Bishop O’Dowd invited Ilibagiza to speak in conjunction with the school’s summer assignment that all students read her book, “Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust.” Initially students had reservations about reading a book about genocide. Freshman Max Oldham, however, was quickly won over. “The more I read the more I thought like, there is no way that could be true without God,” he said. “Honestly, it was the most powerful thing I’ve ever read.” Jonathan Richardson, a senior, his younger brother Andrew, and their cousin, Chris Seelig, all BOD students, weren’t eager to read the book until they met Ilibagiza while on a summer pilgrimage in Medjugorje, Bosnia. Once they recognized the author from the book’s cover photo and realized that she was on the same trip, they GENOCIDE SURVIVOR, page 22

Emeritus Bishop Paride Taban (right) of the Diocese of Torit in South Sudan, Africa, will visit the Archdiocese of San Francisco from Oct. 11-15 as a guest of La Madre de los Pobres. La Madre, a non-profit charity established in 1982 by the late Franciscan Father Alfred Boeddeker, founder of St. Anthony’s Dining Room, will hold a benefit dinner on Oct. 14 for Bishop Taban’s vocational-technical high school at his Holy Trinity Peace Village. The school educates genocide survivors in South Sudan. The dinner, with former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican and Boston mayor Raymond L. Flynn as keynote speaker, will be held at 5 p.m. at the Elks Club, 450 Post St., Kensington Hotel, San Francisco. Tickets are $150. For more information, contact Rich Engelhardt at (415) 518-9636. Bishop Taban is pictured in July with Bishop Macram Max Gassis of the Diocese of El Obeid in Sudan and Angela Testani, a parishioner at Holy Name of Jesus in San Francisco. In 1988 Bishop Gassis testified to the U.S. Congress about atrocities committed by the Sudanese government against its own people. Testani, a registered nurse, spent two weeks in Sudan in July, witnessing the suffering of refugees from the nation’s civil strife. She pressed UN and Sudanese officials to improve public health conditions. She is raising money for African relief and will take part in the Point7Now! Conference on Oct. 27 in San Francisco.

October 5, 2007

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to him. R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us. For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides. R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Oh, that today you would hear his voice: “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert, Where your fathers tempted me; they tested me though they had seen my works.” R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO TIMOTHY 2 TM 1:6-8, 13-14 Beloved: I remind you, to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. A READING FROM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE LK 17:5-10 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

Scripture reflection

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Luke 17:5-10 A READING FROM THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK HAB 1:2-3; 2:2-4 How long, O LORD? I cry for help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord. Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.

Catholic San Francisco

FATHER ANDREW GREELEY

Love is what love is; let’s not try to overcomplicate it Luke combines two parables in today’s Gospel, that of the mustard seed and that of the useless servants. The former is perhaps the better subject for a homily because its meaning is clearer. However, the second is deeper and richer. There is no such thing as a little faith any more than there is a little pregnancy. Faith is an overwhelming power no matter how weak it may seem. Given half a chance it will take over and direct our lives, comforting us when we are discouraged and challenging us when we are complacent. The second parable is at first glance hard to reconcile with Jesus’ claim that his apostles are friends, not servants in St. John’s Gospel. Perhaps he is being ironic here: you can’t earn my love, it’s already given to you. Respond to my love with love of your own, but don’t run around trying to impress me with how diligent you are. Here is a story: Once upon a time it was a mother’s 50th birthday (oh, horror of horrors!). Her children who loved her very much were determined to make the birthday party truly spectacular. They rented a hall, hired an orchestra, invited a huge crowd, and ordered dinner from the best caterer in the neighborhood. Each one of them presented a little speech about how wonderful their mother was. So hard did they work to make the party a complete success that they wore themselves and bickered through the whole evening. Each one tried to outdo the others in

professing love for their wonderful mother. The mother cried through the whole party she was so happy. “Well,” said her husband, after it was all over, “now you know how much your children love you.” “Oh,” she said, with a sigh,” I knew that all along. They didn’t have to prove it to me. I’m very grateful to them. Still, wouldn’t it have been much nicer if it was only you and me and them sitting around a table and enjoying ourselves and the love we all have for one another?” Father Andrew Greeley is a well-known author and sociologist.

Guest Commentary

Assisted suicide making subtle comeback Physician-assisted suicide is making a subtle comeback in California. One case in point is End of Life Consultation Service (ELCS), an organization headed in part by two United Methodist ministers. This service seems to have its origin in the defeat last June of AB 374, the “California Compassionate Choices Act” which would have legalized physicianassisted suicide. ELCS’s Rev. Kristi Denham specifically writes that “legislators played politics with a patient’s right to aid in dying.” An advocate of this service testified at the launching of ELCS in San Francisco and Los Angeles during the week of Sept. 17 that this service is necessary “until our lawmakers can summon their own courage and pass a law providing physician aid in dying.” ELCS is a tactic to assist terminally-ill persons wishing to end their lives. The positive points about ELCS – for example, advocating for hospice and palliative care — must not cloud the fundamental immorality of the consultation itself. At first glance, this end-of-life program seems innocuous. It promises to help terminally-ill patients access hospice, pain treatment and other palliative approaches for end-of-life care. ELCS claims “too many terminal patients” suffer needlessly from unrelenting pain and often turn to guns and other violent methods to end their lives. ELCS promises to prevent this suffering, violence and other harms that may accompany terminal illness. Evidently, ELCS does not consider committing suicide a violent act. Its volunteers meet with patients and their families to provide a confidential assessment of their situation and “together” identify a path to a peaceful dying, including the possible decision to commit suicide. ELCS maintains that it neither provides nor administers the means of

committing suicide, and thus avoids defying the law. There is no mention of defying moral law. ELCS advocates claim to be non-judgmental and support and respect “any choice the patient makes.” They reach this conclusion: “We will not abandon any patient.” This promise amounts to a willingness to be present with a person committing suicide. The volunteer’s role is “only” to comfort the patient. ELCS represents an outrageous and immoral approach to the inherent dignity of all persons. Its approach is: when someone is terminally ill, his or her worth and dignity are lost. Thus, for ELCS, suicide becomes morally acceptable. The service presents “committing suicide” as non-violent. This is misleading advertising. It implies committing suicide is simply a matter of swallowing a “suicide pill.” In reality, a the terminally ill patient would consume 50-100 pills such as vicodin, oxycontin or fentamy. This takes time and is often accompanied by alcohol consumption. At times, patients taking these suicide “medications” vomit the pills, and do not die. What’s non-violent about this? When ELCS volunteers facilitate a terminally-ill person in committing suicide, the volunteer in fact is complicit in this decision since any judgment the ill person makes, according to ELCS’s own testimonies, is right. One would hope none of us would be so gullible as to think that any judgment a person reaches is simply all right. This is moral relativism The volunteer becomes a formal cooperator in the act of suicide and is morally culpable. I would agree with Randy Thomasson, president of the Campaign for Children and Families: ELCS is nothing more than “California Death Squads.” It also denigrates the fact that every person is made in the image and likeness of God.

ELCS has nothing positive to say about suffering. What a demoralizing stance. One only needs to consider the transforming suffering of Jesus and many of his disciples — Dorothy Day, Cardinal Father Gerald Joseph Bernardin, Coleman, SS Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Clergy persons and other ELCS volunteers represent a fatalistic attitude which reduces human dignity and worth by suggesting that suffering and pain are inherently evil and have absolutely no redemptive or transforming meaning. ELCS would like us to think that its Consultation Service is just like any other palliative care program. They assert that ELCS is a service that embraces a broad range of care. While these elements are present, ELCS places aidin-dying along this continuum of “care,” making it just another option. In New Jersey where ELCS is already in place, advocates claim it is working because the program “is getting people out of the ICU more quickly, is resulting in the use of fewer resources and is decreasing the number of patients in nursing homes in a vegetative state.” Where are all these people going? To their death, I would suppose. Father Gerald Coleman is vice president for ethics for the Daughters of Charity Health System and a lecturer in moral theology at Santa Clara University.

Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

Genocide survivor . . . quickly opened the pages. “Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down,” Jonathan Richardson said. Over several days the young men talked to Ilibagiza and discussed the possibility of her coming to O’Dowd to speak to the entire student body, an arrangement was later facilitated by the woman’s manager and school administrators. Ilibagiza, who immigrated to the U.S. four years after the Rwandan tragedy and now lives in New York with her husband and two children, was deeply touched by the thunderous standing ovation she received when she was introduced to the assembly. “Thank you so much for reading my book and wanting me to come and share my story,” she told the hundreds of faces in the quiet auditorium. “It’s a terrible, sad story that taught me so much.” Ilibagiza, born to devout Catholic parents, leaned heavily on God during the 91 days she spent hiding in the bathroom of the local Protestant pastor, a Hutu. Careful not to give away the presence of the women on his property, he had to sneak the women discarded food he rescued from the trash. Ilibagiza grimaced as she recalled that the food was cold and sometimes covered with insects. She and her companions had to be quiet all of the time, she said. The pastor had warned them not to talk or splash water or even flush the toilet for fear of being discovered. Numerous times groups of killers would search the house, looking for signs of “cockroaches,” their name for members of the Tutsi tribe.

(PHOTO BY TOM BURKE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

■ Continued from page 20

Mercy Sister Pauline Borghello, principal of St. Gabriel School, San Francisco and the eighth grade students who attended talk at Bishop O’Dowd High School by Immaculee Ilibagiza included, front from left: Kyle Huang, Emma Parks, Emily Hance; second row from left: Derek Joe, Athena Nomicos, Caroline Cosgrove; third row from left: Audrey Gomez, Jeremy Sami, Carmen Conroy, Kaitlyn Crawley and Craig Filamor at top.

Ilibagiza recalled that when she heard their voices outside the bathroom her mouth went dry and her body froze in fear. She turned to God and begged him to save her and the other women. The killers ended their search at the bathroom door which was concealed by a large piece of furniture. During those 91 days in hiding Ilibagiza’s relationship with God became stronger. “I learned to trust in God – that is the greatest thing that happened,” she said,

Tackle poverty . . . ■ Continued from cover John Chrysostom, “we are weak for climbing, our eyes our weak” and may not see God, so God then helps people get closer to him by “sending fallen man, the stranger, a letter,” which is his word written in the sacred Scripture.

Stem-cell . . .

noting that she would talk to and plead with God every day. She also found strength in reading verses from a Bible she had requested from the pastor. The readings helped her stay focused during the long days and nights. “Jesus suffered and he was God,” she said. “Who am I to pity myself?” Reading the Scriptures also helped her deal with her anger. “I wanted to shoot them, blow up the whole country, be like

The third step, Pope Benedict said, is God becoming flesh and “really becoming God with us, our brother until his death on the cross.” Finally, God acts through the Holy Spirit and transforms reality and individuals, the pope said. The pope asked young people to look to St. Vincent de Paul, who founded many charitable organizations and whose feast day is celebrated Sept. 27.

Rambo – when you are hating you can be very creative,” she said. Holding on tight to the rosary her father had given her, she prayed it at least seven times a day. “If it wasn’t for the rosary I would have given up,” she told the audience. Despite the losses she endured, Ilibagiza has embraced forgiveness. She prayed for the grace to forgive those who killed her family and others she knew and loved. Now she focuses her energy on helping others who were also hurting. Proceeds from her book support the Left to Tell Charitable Fund she established to help orphaned children in Rwanda as well as other at-risk children in Africa. According to the Left to Tell website (www.lefttotell.com), the fund has relocated more than 60 Rwandan orphans. Shade Ojuola, an 11th grader at O’Dowd, was deeply moved by Ilibagiza’s story. “Seeing the strength that God brought to her inspires me to be closer to God myself,” Ojuola said. Michiko Anthony, also a junior, resonated with Ilibagiza’s message not to give up. “If you have faith then you have something – you just have to keep on going.” Ilibagiza also gave an evening address to parents and community members. Archbishop Francis Hurley, brother of the late Bishop Mark Hurley who was the first principal at O’Dowd, was among those in attendance. Carrie McClish is a staff writer for The Catholic Voice, newspaper of the Oakland Diocese. Report reprinted with permission. Tom Burke of Catholic San Francisco contributed to this story.

The pope asked that St. Vincent’s example of charity encourage all young people to dedicate their future to offering “generous service” to others. He also asked newly married couples to foster “constant attention to the poor” in their new families. Ed. note: The Vatican text of the pope’s remarks in both English and Spanish can be found online at the Vatican Web site: www.vatican.va.

■ Continued from page 15

Presidio chapel to host ‘Gathering of Blessings’

directly to the faithful,” Maluchnik said. While embryonic stem-cell research has received considerable publicity and the endorsement of some high-profile celebrities, it is adult stem-cell research that has so far yielded the best results, Maluchnik pointed out. He said adult stem cells are currently used in the treatment of more than 70 medical conditions in human patients, including several types of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, sickle-cell anemia, diabetes, lymphoma and many others.

The annual interfaith celebration “Gathering of Blessings” will be held at the Main Post Interfaith Chapel in the Presidio in San Francisco this Sunday. The ceremony will include an awards presentation for the San Francisco Foundation’s FAITHS program. FAITHS is a 12-year-old initiative on the part of religious groups in the Bay Area to partner in philanthropic work. More than 6000 congregations are

Letters . . . ■ Continued from page 18 with us, and ultimately, to “cross the finish line” together as one Church. Sister Maureen Hilliard, SNDdeN Executive director, AMDCS

Posted on front door Thank you so much for the Sept. 21 article about St. Isabella School, “Computer classrooms changing the way students learn.” I visited Notre Dame des Victoires recently and everyone was so complimentary about the article. We cut it out and posted it on the front door of the school. It has given all of us a shot in the arm and a great sense of pride. Cynthia Bergez, principal St. Isabella School San Rafael

Good story well told Thank you for highlighting the remodel of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County’s free dining room in your Sept. 21 edition. We especially appreciate

Catholic San Francisco’s accurate reporting; you told the story of Marin’s hungry and homeless neighbors in a truthful and sensitive manner. We’ve received a tremendous response from your readers about the article, and this response is much appreciated by our staff and diners. Christine Paquette Director of Development, SVdP Society of Marin County

On fire with God’s love I want to commend Tom Burke for his excellent article about the beatification of Father Basil Anthony Moreau, the founder of the congregations of Holy Cross. Father Moreau sent his Sisters, priests and Brothers to countries around the world to meet the needs of the Church and to proclaim Jesus Christ. From their first settlement in Indiana, the Sisters of the Holy Cross went to the West and taught in schools throughout California. They also established hospitals and worked in other ministries. Holy Cross priests, Brothers and Sisters still serve in many places in California, including the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

involved in the program. Rev. Paul Chaffee, executive director of the Presidio’s Interfaith Center, said the group originated to help faithbased groups contribute significantly to philanthropic work in the area. Chaffee said the past tendency of secular philanthropic organizations to shun religious groups led to a divide that he believes is unnecessary and unproductive. “The gap between the philanthropic world and the religious world is Thank you for writing about this man who was on fire with the love of God. Sister Margie Lavonis, CSC Congregation Communications Notre Dame, Ind.

Bigotry exposed, too I read your online article about the Street Fair that took place this past weekend with the help of local authorities. It was rumored that The City suspends indecency laws for one day so that men and women can expose themselves in front of minors. Would that Mayor Newsom would suspend bigotry for one day during Christmas so that Christians could display religious symbols from City Hall! Ah, one more thing. Earth to Nancy Pelosi: Christianity has been harmed by the street fair. Remember, “Whatsoever you do unto others you do unto me”? I am appalled by the lack of righteous anger from Church leaders in this Archdiocese. Clemen Cortes Hayward

Pacific-wide,” lamented Chaffee. “We’re not trying to propagate our own versions of faith, but to bridge the gap between philanthropy and faith.” The ceremony will start at 4 p.m. and will feature religious and musical guests. The chapel is located at 130 Fisher Loop, just east of the National Cemetery. For more information, visit www.interfaith-presidio.org or call (415) 775-4635.

Faith (Matt 13:54-58) He had a good thing going. People flocked to him marveling. Was there no end to his wonders? In his home town though he flopped. Not fooled he knew what was wrong. What he needed we kept. He had it all except one thing we withheld. Without it he fizzled. Mary-Alice Eldon Redwood City (Ed note: This poem originally appeared Sept. 7, but contained a typographical error. We regret the error.)

October 5, 2007

Death penalty . . .

Catholic San Francisco

■ Continued from page 17

To consider lethal injection’s constitutionality

found who really did it and day after was like I had just won the World Series for the town of Cambridge,” said Bloodsworth. “Everyone treated me completely different.” Working for the Justice Project, a Washington-based organization that pushes for criminal justice reform, Bloodsworth lobbied for the passage of the federal Innocence Protection Act, which was signed into law in 2004. The act established the Kirk Bloodsworth PostConviction DNA Testing Program, through which the U.S. government helps states defray costs of such DNA testing. “We need to do post-conviction testing to find out if there are other innocent people on death row before we start throwing switches,” said Bloodsworth, pointing out that since 1973 more than 150 people have been wrongfully convicted and later freed from prison based on DNA evidence.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Sept. 25 to hear oral arguments on whether lethal injection violates the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The case before the court directly involves only Kentucky death-row inmates Ralph Baze and Thomas Clyde Bowling Jr., but it could have far-reaching implications throughout the United States. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 928 of the nearly 1,100 U.S. executions since 1976 have been by lethal injection. Father Pat Delahanty, a priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Ky., who chairs the Kentucky Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, applauded the high court’s decision in a statement and said it was ironic the announcement was made on the same day that Baze was to have been executed. The Kentucky Supreme Court had stayed the execution Sept. 12.

“The law certainly, but unfortunately, grants (Kentucky) Gov. (Ernie) Fletcher the power to kill Ralph Baze,” Father Delahanty said in the Sept. 25 statement. “We certainly hope this decision by the court would cause the governor to forgo the use of that power as long as any court proceedings are pending in a capital case.” At issue is whether the three-drug cocktail used for lethal injections in Kentucky and other states violates the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Opponents say the combination of an anesthetic, a muscle paralyzer and a drug to stop the heart can cause unbearable pain that the inmates are not able to signal. Frank McNeirney, national coordinator of the Maryland-based Catholics Against Capital Punishment, said the Supreme Court action was good news since “it may mean a temporary halt in executions nationwide.”

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Catholic San Francisco

St. Mary’s Cathedral The following events are taking place at or are coordinated by the cathedral of the Archdiocese located at Gough and Geary St. in San Francisco. Call (415) 567-2020 for more information about events. Oct. 4 through 7: First Annual Cathedral Festival of Flowers. Oct. 4: Festival opens 9 a.m. with Mass at 12:10 p.m. and viewing until 7 p.m. Oct. 5: Festival available from 9 a.m. with Mass at 12:10 p.m. and touring until 7 p.m. Oct. 6: Festival opens at 9 a.m. with Masses at 12:10 and 5:30 p.m. and viewing until 7 p.m. Oct. 7: Day begins with Mass at 7:30 a.m. and subsequent liturgies at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and a Festival Concert at 3:30 p.m. Touring closes at 5 p.m. Cathedral docents will be available. Oct. 11: A month-of-Mary “Pilgrimage of the Treasured Shrines of St. Mary Cathedral.” Open to all. No charge; begins 7 p.m. No pre-registration necessary. Oct. 14: The choirs of the Cathedral will present a “farewell concert” on at 7 p.m. The Cathedral Choir and the Choir of Boys and Girls have received an invitation to sing a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica as well as a St. Ignatius Church in Rome. Other stops include Milan, Bologna and Assisi. The Oct. 14 program be identical to the one to be presented at St. Ignatius. A free-will offering will be requested.

Serra Club Oct. 10: Sisters and Brothers Appreciation Dinner, 6 p.m., at El Patio Espanol, 2850 Alemany Blvd. in San Francisco. Religious are invited guests; for others: $30 per person. Contributions toward the cost of the evening are also welcome. Contact Vivian Mullaney at (415) 239-8280 or vivianmullaney@yahoo.com.

Food & Fun Oct. 5, 6, 7: St. Francis of Assisi Parish Festival, Friday 6 – 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Enjoy foods of the African American, Hispanic and Pacific Island communities. Music and more are included at 1425 Bay Rd. in East Palo Alto. For prices and more information, call (650) 322-2152. Oct. 5, 6, 7: All Souls Parish Festival, Spruce and Walnut in South San Francisco, Friday 6 – 10 p.m.; Saturday noon – 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Games, rides, prizes, music, food, silent auction and more. Call (650) 871-8944. Oct. 5, 6, 7: The Greatest Place on Earth, annual fiesta benefiting Mission Dolores Elementary School, 16th St. and Church in San Francisco starting Friday at 6 p.m. with pasta dinner and entertainment; tickets at the door. Fun continues Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. with games, foods, raffle. “Dinner and Dancing Under the Big Top” takes place from 7 – 10 p.m. Tickets for this event are $25 /$45 per couple. Youth Group sponsored childcare available. Call (415) 861-7673.

Oct. 6: Pregnancy Resource Center of Marin and St. Anselm’s Reverence for Life Program will host a fundraising dinner for Novato’s Pregnancy

October 5, 2007 Teresa: Come Be My Light.” Father Kevin Kennedy, local priest, hospital chaplain and spiritual director will share insights drawn from Mother Teresa’s life and writings, as well as from the masters of the spiritual life. Book available for purchase at $22.95. Reception follows.

Datebook

Judge Carlos T. Bea

Prayer/Lectures/Trainings

Archbishop Niederauer

Archbishop George H. Niederauer is principal celebrant and homilist of the 70th Annual St. Thomas More Society Red Mass and Award Dinner, Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Church on Washington Square and later at the Italian American Athletic Club, 1630 Stockton St. Tickets are $75/$30 for religious and clergy. Contact Stacy Stecher at (415) 772-9642 or sstecher@tobinlaw.com; or visit www.stthomasmore-sf.org. Judge Carlos T. Bea of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will be honored with the group’s 39th St. Thomas More Award. A 1958 graduate of Stanford Law School, Judge Bea’s service on the bench began in 1990 after a 32-year career in private practice. He was a San Francisco Superior Court judge for13 years joining the Court of Appeals in 2003. “We bestow our annual award and highest honor on Judge Bea for his faith and integrity, as well as his contributions to the legal and Catholic intellectual traditions in San Francisco spanning over several decades,” said the St. Thomas More Society in a statement announcing the event. Judge Bea is a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in San Francisco. Resource Center, 5 - 9:30 p.m. at St. Sebastian Parish Hall in Greenbrae. Robin Strom, executive director of Pregnancy Resource Center, will be the keynote speaker. Proceeds benefit the Center. Event includes dinner, entertainment, nohost bar and a fine-wine raffle. Tickets are $50. Call (415) 892-0558 or robin@prcmarin.org. Oct. 6: Tripleheader benefiting Boy Scouts of Troop 343 at St. Thomas More Parish Carroll Hall, 5 - 9 p.m. Tickets $40 adults includes free raffle ticket. Tickets are $30 for seniors and $20 for children under 12. Enjoy 5-course Hawaiian Luau. Art auction takes place after dinner. Call Bob Archer at (415) 333-9243 or e-mail Love2Luau@sbcglobal.net. Oct. 6, 7, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.: Columbus Day Bazaar benefiting Sts. Peter and Paul Elementary School on Washington Square in San Francisco. Enjoy games, food and entertainment. Call (415) 421-0809 or visit www.stspeterpaul.sanfrancisco.ca.us. Oct. 12: Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Irish Invitational Golf Tournament, Harding Park Golf Course, 9 a.m. shotgun start. Fee of $250 per person includes breakfast, lunch, tee prizes, use of driving range, golf, and post tournament appetizers and awards ceremony. For more information, contact John Brown (’84) at (415) 7756626, ext. 682 or john.brown@shcp.edu. Oct. 12, 13, 14: Gold Rush, annual festival benefiting St. Cecilia Parish, 18th and Vicente Ave. in San Francisco: Friday: 6 – 10 p.m.; Saturday noon – 4 and 6 – 10 p.m.; Sunday noon – 6 p.m. Silent auction, bingo and children’s games, raffle, and “culinary delights hot off the grill.” Call (415) 566-2733.

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Oct. 13: Star of the Sea Festival and Touch-aTruck event, 8th Ave. and Geary Blvd. in San Francisco. Festival hours 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.; Touch-a-Truck event 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Italian dinner 5:30 –7 p.m. Festival will also have games, bingo, a book nook, bounce houses. Children will be allowed to climb on and “drive” a fire truck, backhoe, front loader, Muni bus, police vehicles, excavator, recycling vehicle and more. Admission is free. Touch-a-Truck admission is $5. Carnival game tickets sold separately.

Social Justice/Respect Life Oct. 7: San Francisco Life Chain at Park Presidio between Geary and Clement St. in San Francisco at 2:30 p.m. “Give one hour prayerful witness” to respect of life, organizers ask. For information call (415) 752-4922. Sponsored by United for Life.

Pauline Books and Media Daughters of St. Paul, 2640 Broadway, Redwood City (650) 369-4230 Oct. 18, 7 p.m.: Spend an evening with local author, Notre Dame Sister Roseanne Murphy, and her new book, Martyr of the Amazon, the life of Sister Dorothy Stang. Sister Dorothy was murdered in Brazil where she was a dedicated advocate for the poor. Books available for purchase at $18 per copy. Evening includes DVD presentation, conversation with the author and book signing. Reception follows. Nov. 20, 7 p.m.: An evening of reflection on the recently released “Spiritual Journal of Mother

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Datebook is a free listing for parishes, schools and non-profit groups. Please include event name, time, date, place, address and an information phone number. Listing must reach Catholic San Francisco at least two weeks before the Friday publication date desired. Mail your notice to: Datebook, Catholic San Francisco, One Peter Yorke Way, S.F. 94109, or fax it to (415) 614-5633.

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Oct. 6: First Saturday Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma at 11 a.m. Call (650) 756-2060. Oct. 7: Gospel Mass at St. Paul of the Shipwreck Church, 3rd St. at Jamestown in San Francisco at 10:30 a.m. Father Tony Ricard, a noted preacher from New Orleans will preside. All welcome. A collection will be taken for victims of Hurricane Katrina and rebuilding efforts at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in New Orleans. Reception follows. Call (415) 468-3434. Tuesdays, Oct. 9 to Nov. 12: Old Testament Prophets Amos and Hosea with Father David Pettingill at St. Emydius Church, Ashton and DeMontfort St. in San Francisco, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. No class Oct. 23. The stories of these people can encourage listeners “to see the needs of this world and do something about them,” Father Pettingill said. Fee for the class series is $25. Call Peggy or Joe Koman at (415) 585-8260. Tuesdays, Oct. 9 – Nov. 6: Book Club For Catholic Parents 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. at St. Pius Parish Center, 1100 Woodside Rd., Redwood City. For information, contact Kevin Staszkow at (650) 365-0140 or kevin@pius.org. Oct. 10: “Rediscovering the Lost Village of Oroysom,” a free presentation by Richard E. Thompson in the Old Mission of San Jose, 43300 Mission Blvd. in Fremont. Free admission. The archaeologist will share some of what has been learned about the first peoples of the Mission San Jose area. Sponsored by Committee for Restoration of Mission San Jose. Call (510) 6571797 or e-mail crmsj1797@aol.com. Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m.: Theology By The Glass at the Savvy Cellar, 2048 Broadway in Redwood City. Father David Pettingill speaks on “What Makes Catholicism Different?” Sponsored by St. Pius Parish. For more information, contact Kevin Staszkow at kevin@pius.org or (650) 365-0140. Oct. 19: Mass of Thanksgiving for breast cancer survivors and those lost to the disease at St. Dominic Church, Bush and Steiner St. in San Francisco at 7:30 p.m. Liturgy will also pray for increased breast cancer awareness. Call Marti Dinan at (415) 929-9242. Oct. 20 – 28: Annual St. Jude Novena at St. Dominic Church, Bush at Steiner St. in San Francisco, home of the St. Jude Shrine. Dominican Father Carl Schlichte will preach. weekday novena Masses: 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. and Sunday 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Confessions before each Mass. For more information, contact the Shrine office at (415) 9315919. Oct. 27: A St. Jude Novena procession from St. Ignatius Church, Fulton and Parker St. in San Francisco at 10:15 a.m. arriving at St. Dominic Church, Bush and Steiner St., for the 11:30 a.m. Mass. For more information, call Rosa or Jaime Pinto at (415) 333-8730.

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Books NEW BOOKS ON CUBA Spanish-English Short Story Collections By Bay Area Cuban-American Author Oscar Orbea, Ph.D. Cuba, Between History and Legend / Cuba, entre la historia y la leyenda $17.95 Cuba, I Remember You / Cuba, te recuerdo $19.95 Published by AIRLEAF PUBLISHING www.airleaf.com – 1-800-342-6068

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‘Into the Wild’ delivers an emotional power By Harry Forbes

(CNS PHOTO/PARAMOUNT VANTAGE)

“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture on the lonely shore,” begins the quotation from Lord Byron that opens this remarkable film. “Into the Wild” (Paramount Vantage/River Road) is an episodic but absorbing road movie, based on Jon Krakauer’s 1998 biography of idealistic 22-year-old Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) who, after graduation from Emory University, abandoned his home, his troubled parents, Billie (Marcia Gay Harden) and Walt (William Hurt), and his sister, Carine (Jena Malone), to embark on an epic two-year road trip from Atlanta to Alaska. Changing his name to Alexander Supertramp, he would ultimately reach his destination, but would have myriad adventures on the way, traveling through North Dakota, Arizona and California, including a dangerous trek on the Colorado River, bumming on trains (he endures a severe beating when he’s caught by a rail official), sleeping in homeless shelters, taking short-term jobs and so on. A devotee of Henry David Thoreau and Jack London, he is determined to avoid the “poison” of civilization and get back to nature, and despite warnings from those who befriend him along the way, he’s stubbornly set on getting to Alaska. Along the way, he encounters a number of nonconformists who pass on wisdom while he in turn touches them deeply. Once in the Yukon, he sets himself up in

Kristen Stewart and Emile Hirsch star in a scene from the movie “Into the Wild.”

an abandoned bus. Fans of the book and those who remember the news coverage at the time will know how the story ends. Actor Sean Penn directed, wrote and produced the film with distinction. Though leisurely paced, the narrative builds in emotional power as it progresses, and the ending may leave you in tears. Eric Gautier’s cinematography is often ravishingly beautiful and the performances are very fine. They include those playing the colorful characters Chris encounters on his journey. There’s Catherine Keener as Jan Burres, a woman who has lost touch with

her own son and has a special empathy for Chris; nonactor (one of several in the film) Brian Dierker as her hippie-boyfriend, Rainey; Vince Vaughn as farmer Wayne Westerberg; and especially Hal Holbrook as Ron Franz, an elderly ex-military widower who takes a fatherly shine to Chris. He also meets a lonely 16-year-old, would-be folk singer (Kristen Stewart), and admirably resists her sad invitation for intimacy.

There are elements that might bother some viewers. Along the way Chris encounters several free spirits, including a cheerful Danish couple, the wife nonchalantly topless, but the scene is not at all salacious. Similarly, there’s a quick no-nonsense passing scene of nudists. In a different vein, there’s also the shooting of a moose, whose carcass we see cut up in grisly detail. And at one point, Ron alludes to Chris having had “trouble with the church,” though the remark is not explained, and in any case what follows certainly leads Chris to a deep communion with God. The film’s underlying themes of family connection, individualism versus community, and the primal pull of the wilderness are capped by a moving climax involving forgiveness, redemption and intense spirituality. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Forbes is director of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies.

EWTN schedules two new Children’s programs on Tuesdays Programming on EWTN, the Catholic TV channel, includes two new children’s series. “Hi, Lucy” features Sister Grace as she helps her good friend Lucy learn different things about her relationship with God and her Catholic faith; the 20-minute program airs Tuesdays at 2 p.m. “Big Al Live: Gospel Values for Children” also airs on Tuesdays, immediately after “Hi, Lucy.” The 10-minute segments “can serve as an ideal springboard for faith-based conversations between parents and children,” accord-

ing to a EWTN press release. Upcoming programs also include the story of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, told in her own words and filmed in the French convent where she received the Promises of the Sacred Heart, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. Scheduled Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. is the story of Pope John Paul II and Jurek Kluger, a Jewish friend from boyhood days in Poland. After losing touch with each other, they became reacquainted and fast friends as adults in Rome.

The Catholic Professional and Business Club Breakfast Meeting Notre Dame Sister Roseanne Murphy Notre Dame Sister Roseanne Murphy will sign copies of her new book “Martyr of the Amazon: The Life of Sister Dorothy Stang,” Oct. 18 at Pauline Books and Media, 2640 Broadway in Redwood City at 7 p.m. The evening includes a DVD presentation and conversation with the author. Call (650) 369-4230. Additional signing events include Oct. 24 at Notre Dame de Namur University’s Ralston Hall Mansion, 1540 Ralston Ave. in Belmont, from 7 - 9 p.m. For more information, call (650) 508-3551. Notre Dame Sister Dorothy Stang was murdered Feb. 12, 2005 in Brazil where she worked for nearly 40 years as an advocate for the poor. She was 73. The gunmen were hired killers paid by a now-convicted local rancher and other land-owners. Sister Murphy served as chair of the Psychology/Sociology Department at Notre Dame de Namur University for 37 years.

Stuttering Didn’t Keep Him On the Bench. Chicago Bulls’ legend Bob Love never let his stuttering keep him out of the game. Today fans recognize his voice as an inspirational speaker. Bob Love got in the game, and so can you. For more information about stuttering and what you can do, write, visit our web site, or call: THE

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WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10, 2007 SETON MEDICAL CENTER – DALY CITY 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. 1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City, CA 94015 REVEREND JOHN J. WALL

President, Catholic Church Extension Society

A lifetime Chicagoan, Fr. Jack Wall was ordained at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary on May 2, 1968, after receiving his MA and STL in Theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. He served on the faculty of Niles College, the Seminary of Loyola University, from 1972 to 1979, and was vocation director for the Archdiocese of Chicago from 1979 to 1985. In October 1983, Fr. Wall became pastor of Old St. Patrick’s Church, the second parish founded in the city of Chicago and the city’s oldest public building. Since taking on his role as pastor, Fr. Wall successfully revitalized this urban church. Compared to the 25 people that attended Fr. Wall’s first Mass at Old St. Patrick’s, over 2,000 people weekly attend Sunday Mass at the Church. In his tenure at Old St. Patrick’s Church, Fr. Wall has been instrumental in establishing the Crossroads Center, an urban forum for the discussion of faith and work issues and Frances Xavier Warde School, the first school opened in the Archdiocese of Chicago since 1968. Father Wall took over as president of Catholic Extension March 1. In his new position, he said, he’s getting a new perspective on the “mission-driven” nature of the Church— something he tried to emphasize at Old St. Pat’s as well. Catholic Extension supports the 84 “mission dioceses” of the church in the United States, dioceses where the economic need is so great or the number of Catholics so few that they cannot fully support themselves. Such dioceses are generally concentrated in the southern and western parts of the United States. One of its ongoing challenges is maintaining its response to the needs of parishes and dioceses on the Gulf coast that were ravaged by Hurricane Katrina two years ago and its aftermath. So far, Catholic Extension has helped bring $6.5 million in aid to dioceses affected by the disaster.

Mass at 6:30 am in the Chapel To become a member, or make a reservation for this meeting please call (415) 614-5579 or go to www.cpbc-sf.org

Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007

(PHOTO BY MIKE VICK/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Reclaiming fatherhood . . .

Archbishop George H. Niederauer delivered a lecture Sept. 28 at the University of San Francisco on the life and literary work of Flannery O'Connor. A devout and outspoken Catholic, O'Connor (1925-1964) is best known for her short stories. Archbishop Niederauer discussed her works in light of their theological implications, and drew on his own experiences as a literature teacher. Pictured with USF President Stephen Privett, SJ (left) and Jesuit Father Edward Stackpoole, professor emeritus in English, Archbishop Niederauer holds a doctoral degree in literature from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Rolheiser . . . ■ Continued from page 19 ways. But our culture can also be over-intoxicating, too-absorbing. It can swallow us whole. And so we have to know when it is time to unplug the television, turn off the

phone, shut down the computer, silence the ipod, lay away the sports page, and resist going out for coffee with a friend, so that, for one moment at least, we are not avoiding making friends with that one part of us that will accompany us into the sunset. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser,

ACCOUNTANT

■ Continued from page 16 ried. Within two months she was pregnant. “The abortions started to eat away at me a little bit” by then, Aubert told CNS. At the doctor’s office upon viewing the ultrasound of the child his wife was carrying, Aubert said he blurted out, “I want to meet the person that wants to debate with me whether this is a baby or not.” “This flood of emotion came back. I realized I killed two of my kids,” Aubert said. “I didn’t mention this to my wife, but I was just devastated by it, just devastated. I had killed two of my kids.” Aubert, who became a Catholic in 1997, said it still took him a few years to work up the nerve to talk

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about the abortions at confession. When he did, he added, “I was a weeping mess. It was horrible. I ended up telling my wife. She could not have been any nicer or more understanding.” Ed. note: More information on the “Reclaiming Fatherhood” conference is available at www.menandabortion.info or by calling (414) 483-4141.

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October 5, 2007

PUBLISH A NOVENA Pre-payment required Mastercard or Visa accepted

Classifieds ST. JUDE NEVER FAILS

Your prayer will be published in our newspaper

Name Adress Phone MC/VISA # Exp. ❑ Prayer to the Blessed Virgin ❑ Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Please return form with check or money order for $25 Payable to: Catholic San Francisco Advertising Dept., Catholic San Francisco 1 Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109

(To be said every hour for nine consecutive hours.) Just one day O Jesus Who said: “Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to ye.” Through the intercession of Mary Thy most holy mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayers be answered. (Mention request.) O Jesus Who said: All ye ask of the Father in My name, He will grant ye, through the intercession of Mary, Thy most holy mother, I ask the Father in Your name that my prayers be answered. (Mention request.) Jesus Who said: “Heaven and Earth shall pass but My work shall not pass.” Through the intercession of Mary, Thy most holy mother, I feel confident that my prayers will be answered. MKC

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Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assist me in my need. Help me and show me you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in this need. Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us (3X). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3X). Say prayers 3 days. M.A.B.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit, you who make me see everything and who shows me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine gift of forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen. You may publish this as soon as your favor is granted. M.A.B.

St. Jude Novena

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless pray for us. Say prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. Thank You St. Jude. Never known to fail. You may publish.

M.A.B. Prayer to St. Jude Oh, Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near Kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make you be invoked. Say three our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. St. Jude pray for us all who invoke your aid. Amen. This Novena has never been known to fail. This Novena must be said 9 consecutive days. Thanks. M.A.B.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin never known to fail. Most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assist me in my need. Help me and show me you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in this need. Oh Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us (3X). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3X). Say prayers 3 days. M.K.C.

St. Jude Novena

E.J.M. Prayer to St. Jude Oh, Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near Kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make you be invoked. Say three our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. St. Jude pray for us all who invoke your aid. Amen. This Novena has never been known to fail. This Novena must be said 9 consecutive days. Thanks. C.O.O.

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(415) 339-8335

Please confirm your event before contracting music!

Elderly Care Personal care companion, Help with daily activities; driving, shopping, appointments. 27 years experience, references, bonded. (415) 713-1366

Help Wanted is looking for a part-time Gift Shop Customer Service Clerk, two full days a week (9:30am4:30pm, TBA between Monday and Thursdays). Total hours per week 14.50. Cash register operation, customer service and store inventory organization. Knowledge of Catholicrelated items and previous cash handling experience preferred.

Please contact Eugene at giftshop@stmarycathedralsf.org or call 415-567-4040.

Help Wanted

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES Notre Dame High School, a Catholic independent school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and serving 650 students, is seeking a Director of Finance and Business Services. Reporting to the President, the Director of Finance and Business Services has responsibility for all financial aspects of the school’s operations including budgeting, financial reporting, and physical plant management. The successful candidate must have the ability to provide leadership in financial long-range planning, strategic problem solving, and development of institutional policies and procedures. Additional responsibilities and oversight include human resources, food services, maintenance, security, contract services, project management, and local, state, and federal compliance. The Director of Finance and Business Services also serves as administrative liaison to and support for several Committees of the Board of Directors including the Finance Committee, the Development Committee, the Audit Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, and the Building and Grounds Committee. The ideal candidate will have a CPA or an MBA with demonstrated skills and experience in the management of an organization’s fiscal and operational functions and staff, preparing and managing operating and capital budgets, accounting for not-for-profit organizations, issuing financial statements, managing an investment portfolio, managing computer network systems, identifying and managing risk, and writing financial and personnel policies and procedures. Experience with Blackbaud’s Financial Edge and Raiser’s Edge products is desirable.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SEND A COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO: Ms. Rita Gleason, President / Principal Notre Dame High School, 1540 Ralston Ave., Belmont, CA 94002 Fax: 650-593-9330 Email: rgleason@ndhsb.org

CLASSIFIED AD INFORMATION

Northern California's Weekly Catholic Newspaper

PIANO LESSONS by university professor. (415) 587-8165

THE CATHEDRAL OF S T. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION

N O V E N A S Prayer to the Blessed Virgin never known to fail.

Piano Lessons

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For Information Call: 415-614-5642 Fax: 415-614-5641 Email: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

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Catholic San Francisco

October 5, 2007