March 10, 2006

Catholic san Francisco

Catholics seek humane reform of immigration

Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

( C N S P H O T O / PAT R I C I A Z A P O R )

By Jack Smith

Joanne Welter, director of Catholic Social Mission for the Diocese of Tucson, Ariz., and Father Prisciliano Peraza, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Altar, Mexico, participate in a prayer service Feb. 22 at a shrine alongside a 60-mile dirt road leading to the U.S. border. Thousands of people try to cross into the United States illegally every year near the northern end of that road.

As competing immigration reform bills are debated in the U.S. Senate this month, Catholic leaders and service organizations are seeking the active support of laity for a just and lasting overhaul of the immigration system.

The persistent national debate on immigration has intensified since the passage in the House of Representatives of a strong immigration enforcement bill in December. That proposal, H.R. 4437, and several alternative measures are now being debated in the U.S. Senate.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops strongly opposed H.R. 4437 as a punitive “anti-immigrant” measure which focuses only on enforcement. They are seeking passage of a more comprehensive alternative sponsored by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA).

In addition to what they view as the narrow focus of H.R. 4437, Catholic bishops and Catholic Charities USA worry that specific provisions in the bill may even criminalize the activities of Catholic social service agencies providing support to immigrant communities.

The bill allows for the construction of a 15-foot high fence with reinforcements along the entire U.S./Mexico border and makes unlawful presence in the U.S. a felony for the first time. Currently, illegal IMMIGRATION, page 3

ASH WEDNESDAY HOMILY A time for conversion and growth in the life of Christ

By Archbishop George H. Niederauer “What do you mean?” That’s a common question in conversation. It usually calls for a clarification or expresses a challenge. But for this once let’s ask the question existentially: Not “What do you mean?” but “What do you mean?”

As a season in our life as Catholics, Lent faces us with that question. Our spiritual mother the Church reminds us of the limitations of our lives, especially the severest ones, like the span from birth to death. Diamonds may be forever, but you and I definitely are not. On Ash Wednesday, the Church signs our foreheads with the cross, in ashes, and says, “Remember, you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”

The things we have, the goals we accomplish, our personal relationships, even pain and pleasure, had a beginning not that long ago, and they will end.

But are they all that we mean? In the words of the song, “Is That All There Is?” For us believers the good news of Jesus Christ is that our living and dying are not all there is. There is a new meaning for us in Jesus, in our life in him.

It is a new meaning for the catechumens who will be baptized at Easter, and a renewed meaning for us who have already been baptized.

The danger is that we can act as if the surface details are all there is. We can behave as if they make up the whole meaning of our lives. In other words, we can sin. We sin when we behave in a way that denies the meaning of God in our lives and the meaning of our relationship to him in Jesus the Lord.

That’s why St. Paul, on Ash Wednesday, urges us to be reconciled. He challenges us to look at the Cross of Jesus and see what sin can do. But then Paul urges us to take heart in the cross and resur-

rection of Christ, to see what salvation can do. The saving action of Jesus helps us to die to sin and rise to new life with Jesus. This saving action begins to work in our lives at Baptism, and then it is the work of our lives to continue to grow in this life of Christ.

The season of Lent is for this work of the mystery of Baptism in our lives as Catholics. We are called to conversion, to a turning away from our own special idolatries and a turning toward the true God in Jesus Christ. That’s the meaning and purpose of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three traditional Lenten practices of Catholics. These three ways of keeping Lent will take different forms in each of our lives, but they are never for their own sake, as Jesus points out when he warns us not to “show off” spiritually. We have ashes on our faces on Ash Wednesday to proclaim what we need (humility, truth, hope), and how good HOMILY, page 8

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EDITION Same-sex adoptions . . . . . . 3 News-in-brief . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Musical pilgrimage. . . . . . . 9 Scripture and reflection . . 12 Editorial and letters . . . . . . 14 Datebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Second Sunday of Lent ~ March 12 ~ March 10, 2006

Academic Decathlon winners

St. Raymond’s priest artist

‘Sophie Scholl’ review . . . . 18

~ Page 5 ~

~ Page 10 ~

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SIXTY CENTS

VOLUME 8

•

No. 9

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Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

On The Where You Live

by Tom Burke Thank you and many more years to Jesuit Father Gregory Aherne, a graduate of St. John’s Elementary School and St. Ignatius College Preparatory. Father Aherne, a priest for 45 years, is moving to his order’s retirement facility in Los Gatos. “I will be with 80 of my old friends and enjoy living out my life with so many great priests and brothers,” he told me from Star of the Sea Parish where he has served for the last 10 years. Father Aherne and his family – parents Emma and George and brother, George, all now deceased – grew up as residents of St. Mary’s Park. “We still have the receipt from the house my parents bought,” he said. “It cost $7,800 in 1928.” Father Aherne was ordained March 18, 1960 in Taiwan with his family all in attendance. Later assignments took him to the Philippines and other lands for 30 years. In addition, he is a former Superior of the Jesuit retirement house where he soon will make his home. “I’m glad to be going back as one of the common people,” Father Aherne said. His new address is P.O. Box 128, Los Gatos 95031 – 0128….

Dribbling their way to top spots in their respective CYO Divisions were the 4th grade basketball teams of St. Stephen Elementary School. Leading them on the victory journey were coaches, Conor Murphy, Tony Maffei and Sean Desmond. A hoopster’s hats off to Patrick Newland, back left, Keaton McCoy, Michael Desmond, Leo McCaffrey, Billy O’Driscoll, Marc Cunningham, Christiaan Parnell, Matthew Birsinger and Mario Cekovic, front left, Isaac Marcic, Stefano Maffei, Andrew Jison.

Not available for the photo were Kevin Abuyaghi, Vincent Ortiz, Jake Gerhard.

During Catholic Schools Week, Holy Angels School was recognized by the Town of Colma for its longevity – 54 years – and its good work. Dominican Sister Leonarda Montealto, principal, and school secretary, Barbara Reich, pose with the prize. Pastor is Father Manuel Curso.

More congrats but this time for verse to Marianne Vivien, Jessica Wong and Samantha Prasad for their couplets and such that ranked them among the top in recent Translating the Tides poetry competitions. The three young women are students at Notre Dame High School in Belmont….Liked this from the bulletin at St. Benedict Parish for the Deaf, “Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.”…St. Peter Parish in Pacifica says “Thanks” to Mary Bardsley and Barbara Gilbride for their help with recent outings of the 55+ Group. I’ve got just a few months left before I crash the mid-50s. Should I be strengthening my slot machine arm???…Remember this is an empty space without ya’!!

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Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

3

Massachusetts bishops raise concerns about same-sex couple adoption Catholic News Service

Immigration . . .

■ Continued from cover immigration is a civil violation. According to Catholic Charities USA, the law also denies due process rights to immigrants and permanent residents and expands the definition of “smuggling” to include anyone who assists non-citizens to reside or remain in the U.S. Christopher Martinez, Senior Program Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services for Catholic Charities CYO of San Francisco, said the “smuggling” provision in H.R. 4437 is so broad “that much of our ordinary, day to day contact with undocumented immigrants would become a crime punishable up to five years in prison for the first offense.”

Catholic Charities’ Immigration and Refugee Services is one of the most important agencies providing services to immigrants from around the world and the largest provider of legal immigration services to the Spanish-speaking in San Francisco. The agency provides naturalization and legal help at about ten percent the cost of private attorneys. In addition, they provide employment search assistance and have recently begun services to victims of human trafficking and the illegal sex slave trade.

Martinez told Catholic San Francisco that H.R. 4437 could convert many of the ordinary and humanitarian services provided by faith-based organizations into a crime. The bill could also put at risk employers, family, and persons living with illegal immigrants at risk of prosecution if they are deemed to be facilitating the immigrant’s continued presence in the U.S., he said.

While Martinez opposes H.R. 4437, he

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Pope Benedict XVI with Cardinal-designate Sean P. O'Malley of Boston during a private audience at the Vatican in 2005. O'Malley joined other bishops in Massachusetts in raising concerns about adoptions to same-sex couples.

and other Catholic leaders recognize the need to address the “immigration crisis” and are urging support for “comprehensive reform.”

At a press conference March 1, Washington, D.C. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick joined leaders of other faiths in calling for the passage of Senate Bill 1033

by Senators McCain and Kennedy.

Cardinal McCarrick said that any genuine reform proposal must include three principles. It should “address the root causes of migration, such as economic development, so that migrants can remain in their home countries,” he said, “reform our legal immigration system,” and restore “due process rights” to immigrants. A reformed immigration system would include “adoption of an earned legalization program for undocumented workers . . . a temporary worker program with appropriate protections for both U.S. and foreign workers; and reform of the family preference system, so families can be reunited in a timely fashion,” Cardinal McCarrick said.

The “Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act (S 1033)” is “most closely aligned with the vision of immigration reform put forth by the Catholic Church,” Martinez said. Locally, Catholic Charities CYO and the Irish Immigration Pastoral Center are leading a grass roots effort to support the bill.

In addition to the provisions called for by Cardinal McCarrick, Martinez said S 1033 offers stricter immigration enforcement, including tighter border security and a new electronic employment verification system.

“A nation has every right to protect its borders,” Martinez said, “In fact, one of the government’s main responsibilities is to protect its citizens.” However, doing so “should not be at the expense of our civil liberties, and at

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the expense of the rights of people whose only desire is to work and feed their families.”

Martinez cited several examples from the experience of his agency of how the current immigration system can be abusive. He said that many legal residents and U.S. citizens wait over 15 years to be re-united with family members from abroad. Migrant workers in many industries essential to the U.S. economy are subjected to unfair labor practices without recourse to legal remedies, he said, and many legitimate political asylum seekers have been locked up with the general prison population pending their applications.

Martinez said without the labor of the immigrant population “our economy and way of life would be jeopardized.” A recent Pew

MISSION NEWS

BOSTON – In a move that has national implications, bishops of the four Catholic dioceses in Massachusetts said that if Catholic agencies were required to help samesex couples adopt children in violation of church teaching prohibiting the practice, it would present “a serious pastoral problem” and threaten religious freedom.

“We are asking the commonwealth to respect the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom and allow the Catholic Church to continue serving children in need of adoption without violating the tenets of our faith,” the bishops said in a Feb. 28 statement.

The statement was issued by Cardinal-designate Sean P. O’Malley of Boston and Bishops George W. Coleman of Fall River, Timothy A. McDonnell of Springfield and Robert J. McManus of Worcester.

The bishops said church opposition to the adoption of children by same-sex couples was laid out in a 2003 statement on same-sex marriage from the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

The bishops noted that Catholic agencies “have provided adoption services in the commonwealth for over 100 years.”

“We do so out of religious and moral conviction that we should act in support of children in need and parents who seek to respond to those needs,” they added.

“Because of the church’s teaching, Catholic agencies may not provide adoptions to same-sex couples,” the bishops said. “Hence we intend to seek relief from the regulatory requirements of the commonwealth on this issue.”

Cardinal-designate O’Malley and Father J. Bryan Hehir, president of archdiocesan Catholic Charities, met with Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney March 1 to explain the church’s request.

After the meeting, the archdiocese released a statement expressing gratitude for “the governor’s willingness to consider measures which could provide an exemption for the agencies of Catholic Charities in Massachusetts, allowing them to continue the work of providing adoptions for children in need without being in conflict with Catholic teaching.”

The day before the meeting, Romney’s spokeswoman Julie Teer said the governor cannot by executive order waive anti-discrimination laws, but Romney “respects and honors the free practice of religion and he looks forward to meeting with representatives of the Catholic Church to discuss this issue.”

In November, after media outlets reported that Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston had arranged for the adoption of 13 children by same-sex couples over the last 20 years, the bishops set up a committee to review whether the adoption practices of Catholic institutions in the commonwealth were in compliance with church teaching.

Ed Saunders, executive director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, said it is the role of the bishops to assure that all Catholic institutions within a diocese follow the principles of social and moral Catholic teaching.

“Even though the board of an agency may make a recommendation, it is the bishops who are responsible for saying how the moral and social teachings are followed,” he said.

Research report found that illegal immigrants account for about one in every twenty workers.

Genuine immigration reform “must provide a mechanism by which law-abiding, hard working immigrants who are contributing members of society can be allowed to legalize their status and remain in the U.S.,” he said.

Visit website www.justiceforimmigrants.org for more information on pending legislation or to get involved in supporting Church supported immigration reform.

Local Catholic organizers are particularly asking citizens to contact Senate Judiciary Committee Member Senator Diane Feinstein (website - Feinstein.senate.gov) and urge her support of S 1003 and opposition to H.R. 4437.

“This Lent, I want to do more.

I want to give them my hands and my heart.”

These are the words of Father Gilbert Sales, a missionary from the Philippines, who holds out to the street children of Mongolia the hope of our Lord’s Resurrection.

Daily, he travels deep underground, to the sewer that many of these little ones call home, bringing food, clothing — and the knowledge that even in their “Good Friday” existence, Jesus has not abandoned them and He loves them. Father Sales also cares for these children above ground at a Church-run center. ✞ This Lent, will you pray for and offer financial help through the Propagation of the Faith to support the priests, Religious and lay catechists in the Missions as they serve among the suffering poor no matter the “Good Friday”

The Society for THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH …A Pontifical Mission Society

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Catholic San Francisco

NEWS

March 10, 2006

in brief

PIERRE, S.D. — Two Catholic bishops hailed South Dakota’s new law banning nearly all abortions, but they also urged efforts to transform people’s hearts and minds to reject abortion and build a culture that respects all life from the moment of conception to natural death. On March 6 in Pierre, the state capital, Gov. Mike Rounds signed into law a bill prohibiting all intentional abortions except those to save a mother’s life. Bishop Blase J. Cupich of Rapid City said South Dakota citizens and their elected officials “can be justifiably proud of their efforts to restore the rights of the unborn child,” but “a change in law and structures,” he said, “is not sufficient.” Society must build a culture of life that “begins with the unborn” and also ensures livable wages, education, adequate health care, help for single mothers and “an end to the death penalty,” he said. Bishop Samuel J. Aquila of Fargo said: “There is no question about the church’s position on abortion — human life is sacred because it involves the creative action of God.” He said the church is “dedicated to promoting a culture that respects human life.”

U.S. bishop says Middle East needs strong U.S. leadership for peace WASHINGTON — The United States must show strong leadership in the Middle East amid the current atmosphere of challenges to peace and stability, said the head of the U.S. bishops’ international policy committee. “The recent victory of Hamas, the illness and incapacitation of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the upcoming Israeli elections present new and formidable challenges for peace in the region,” said Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., in a March 1 letter to Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., chairman of the House Committee on International Relations. “Achieving a just and lasting peace in this region should be among the highest priorities of our nation,” the bishop said. “Strong, active and persistent U.S. leadership is essential to restraining and assisting both parties to the conflict to bring about the goals of ... two states living in peace and security.”

(CNS PHOTO/DAVID GUTTENFELDER, POOL VIA REUTERS)

Bishops hail abortion ban, urge efforts to build culture of life

U.S. first lady Laura Bush thanks a young disabled Indian girl at the Jeevan Jyoti (Flame of Life) Home for Disabled Children in New Delhi March 2.

The home is run by the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and cares for children with physical and mental disabilities.

help finding a plumber, electrician or carpenter to help them rebuild. Just finding someone affordable to do repair work is no easy task. Most residents also need financial help to afford the repairs. Right now, housing needs are a top priority, said Sister Vera, a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is almost constantly on her cell phone getting calls for help and finding help. Her role these days of connecting people is different from what she initially began doing eight years ago — serving lunch to about 200 homeless people each day in the basement of St. Joseph. The church basement was flooded after the levee breach and the homeless she once fed are now scattered. But her postKatrina workload has increased tenfold as she tries to help low-income homeowners and renters with housing needs.

Presentation Sister in New Orleans Cardinal speaks out against works to get city’s residents home hostility toward immigrants NEW ORLEANS — The people who once lived in the flood-damaged neighborhood around St. Joseph Church in New Orleans know to call Sister Vera Butler if they need

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, in a Lenten message and in pre-Lenten newspa-

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per interviews, has lashed out at anti-immigrant feelings in the United States and asked Catholics to dedicate their Lenten prayers and practices to helping immigrants. He also said that archdiocesan priests and pastoral workers are going to continue offering services to people in the country illegally even if such efforts are outlawed. In interviews with the Los Angeles Times and The Tidings, the archdiocesan newspaper, the cardinal harshly criticized a recent bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that emphasizes enforcement measures against people who are in the country illegally. Cardinal Mahony called the House legislation, which would penalize people who aid illegal immigrants, a “blameful, vicious” bill. “Anyone who does anything for someone here who doesn’t have documents would be a felon under this bill,” the cardinal said.

Vatican official expresses concern about Guantanamo VATICAN CITY — After visiting Cuba, a top Vatican official said he is concerned with the lack of human rights protections for prisoners in the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Cardinal Renato Martino, head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said that “at Guantanamo human dignity is not all that respected.” Though the cardinal was in Cuba Feb. 15-18, he did not visit the detention center located on a U.S. naval base at the southeastern end of the Caribbean island. However, he told the Italian news agency ANSA March 6 that his council is concerned with the plight and conditions of all the world’s prisoners. “Even those who have committed crimes are still human persons” whose dignity must be respected, he said. Concerning the situation at Guantanamo Bay, the cardinal said, “It seems clear that in that prison human dignity is not all that respected. ... Is not the lack of rights perhaps trampling on the dignity of man?”

Pope: It’s right to discuss women’s role in church decision-making VATICAN CITY — While insisting women cannot be ordained priests, Pope Benedict XVI said it is right to discuss how women can be more involved in church decisionmaking. Meeting March 2 with the priests of the Diocese of Rome, Pope Benedict spent two hours listening to their concerns and responding to the questions posed by 15 of them. The following day, the Vatican released a summary of the priests’ questions and a transcript of the pope’s remarks covering women in the church, youth, family life and a variety of other topics. Father Marco Valentini asked the pope why the church does not recognize that women’s experience, wisdom and points of view would complement those of the men in decision-making positions. Pope Benedict said, “Everyone certainly has had this experience” that Father Valentini described of being assisted by women in growing in the faith. “The church owes a great debt of thanks to women,” the pope said.

– Catholic News Service and Catholic San Francisco

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Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

5

St. Gabriel wins Academic Decathlon Students from fifteen diocesan elementary schools participated in the Tenth Annual Junior High Academic Decathlon, March 4, at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo. The sixth, seventh and eighth graders competed individually on tests in eight academic subjects and as a team for a logic competition and Super Quiz.

St. Gabriel School in San Francisco took home first place overall this year and will represent the Archdiocese of San Francisco in a statewide competition to be held May 6. It is the seventh time St. Gabriel has posted first in the competition. St. Pius School, Redwood City, placed second overall and Nativity School, Menlo Park, placed third.

Other participating schools were: De Marillac Middle School, Good Shepherd School, Ecole Notre Dame des Victoires, School of the Epiphany, Our Lady of Mercy School, Mission Dolores School, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, St. AnthonyImmaculate Conception, St. Charles School, San Carlos, St. Hilary School, Sts. Peter and Paul School, and St. Matthew School.

Holy Names Sister Marianne Vianni, associate superintendent of Catholic Schools, offered her congratulations to all the students who participated and her “very special thanks” to St. Pius School Principal Rita Carroll for chairing the event.

TEAM COMPETITION WINNERS LOGIC First Place: Saint Charles, San Carlos Second Place: Good Shepherd School Third Place: Nativity

ENGLISH First Place:

Nativity, Chantal Guegler Second Place: St. Gabriel, Tina Kwan Third Place: Epiphany, Julia Angeles MATHEMATICS First Place: St. Gabriel, Stephanie Canlas Second Place: St. Pius, Charlie Bradford Third Place: St. Matthew, Alexandra Santiago RELIGION First Place:

St. Gabriel, Daniela Yuschenkoff Second Place: Good Shepherd, Aleyda Borja Third Place: St. Matthew, Alexandra Gaspanni

St. Gabriel School‘s Academic Decathlon Team members, from left: Delaney Woo, Michael Remedios, Stephanie Canlas, Emma Coghlan, Will Ryan, Daniela Yuschenkoff, Tina Kwan, Ellie Quinlan, Jacqueline Loo, Jessica Moy.

LITERATURE First Place: St. Hilary, Richard Ash Second Place: Our Lady of Mercy, Scott Boudewyn Third Place: St. Matthew, Rachel Cunningham FINE ARTS First Place: St. Gabriel School, Delaney Woo Second Place: Sts. Peter and Paul, Katie Lau Third Place: Nativity, Veronique Filloux SCIENCE First Place:

SUPER QUIZ First Place: St. Gabriel Second Place: Nativity Third Place: St. Pius

Our Lady of Mercy, Jessica Yap Second Place: Ecole Notre Dame des Victoires, Bruno Metto Third Place: St. Pius, Will Roller

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION WINNERS CURRENT EVENTS First Place: Our Lady of Mercy, Christian Reyes Second Place: St. Gabriel, Will Ryan Third Place: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Danny Lewin

St. Pius School’s Academic Decathlon Team members, back row from left: Tracey Lockie - 8th Grade Teacher, Casey Sheehan, Ryan Leadbeater, Kevin Wilkins, Alexandra Freschet, WIll Roller, Charlie Bradford, Christine Renschler, DeAnna Kneis, Alyssa Oslan, Megan Armando - 6th Grade Teacher, Alicia Cabe-Reyes - 7th Grade Teacher. Front row Jacob Mix, Kalie Krauss, Francesca Surraco.

Nativity School’s Academic Decathlon Team members, back row: Chantal Guegler, Paul Kerr, Griselda Maciel, Joel Baile, Matthew Ferranti.

Front Row: William Morgan, Bhaven Patel, Veronique Filloux, Lauren Ferrando, Adrianna Zuno, Tyler Arnold.

SOCIAL STUDIES First Place: Nativity, Matthew Ferranti Second Place: St. Pius, Ryan Leadbeater Third Place: Sts. Peter and Paul, John Ochoa

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Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Nun Laments Booming Business In Coffins for Babies Sister Mary Ann has lived and worked in Jeremie on the remote southwest coast of Haiti for many years. She knows the poverty of her area well, but she still feels the pain of its terrible impact on the local people.

“When a baby dies, and they build the rough wood coffin, I feel the pain of the mother — of the whole community,” she said. “Life is too precious — too valuable.”

And still, the local carpenter has another coffin in his shop and one on his workbench ready for his saw and hammer. As long as the children die, the coffins must be made.

“Fortunately, we do have reason for hope. We have developed a medical outreach to this community and it’s

be treated for typhoid in time. We drove him home today. There won’t be a coffin built for Makendy Louis.

He will be back in school soon with a future ahead of him.”

“The question is...will the next child receive the same life-saving help?” he added. “Will that next child live or die? Our actions now will answer that question.”

“Will that child live or die? Our actions now will answer that question...”

James Cavnar, Cross International Catholic Outreach

As long as children die, the coffins must be made. These small wooden boxes are a terrible symbol of how Haiti’s crushing poverty is impacting the most vulnerable in the society.

beginning to work — we are able to save the lives of these little ones,” she added. “Sometimes we laugh, ‘we will put these carpenters out of business. No more coffins for our babies.”

The president of Cross

International Catholic Outreach, Jim Cavnar, shares Sr. Mary Ann’s sense of hope. While meeting with key staff from the Haitian Health Foundation, he was impressed by the determination and success of the outreach. With the help of contributions from American Catholics, Cross International will be

able to supply Sr. Mary Ann’s program with urgently needed medical supplies.

The help, Cavnar knows, will be meaningful — not just a token gift.

“I met a boy just today who illustrates the impact of Sr. Mary Ann’s work,” he said. “Because of the Haitian Health Foundation, he could

To provide Sister Mary Ann and the Haitian Health Foundation with as many medicines as possible, Cross International is now seeking financial contributions from American Catholics.

“Our goal is to help fulfill Sister Mary Ann’s dream — by ending Haiti’s booming business in coffins for babies,” Cavnar said. “If American Catholics will join with us in this effort, I know it can be done.”

“And don’t underestimate the impact your individual gift can have,” he added. “In countries like Haiti, a $10 donation can literally save a life.

There are scores of children that die because their mother or father couldn’t obtain a simple anti-diarrhea medication — something we could supply with a donation of a few dollars. Imagine, saving a life. You can have that kind of impact with even a modest contribution to this outreach.”

To contribute to the ministry’s efforts in Haiti, either use the tear-off envelope in the brochure found this issue of the newspaper or mail your gift to: Cross International Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC00338, 490 White Pond Drive, PO Box 63, Akron, OH 44309-0063.

Cardinal Keeler Becomes New Patron for Cross International Catholic Outreach Cross International Catholic Outreach is proud to announce that His Eminence William Cardinal Keeler has become the ministry’s Patron.

His Eminence William Cardinal Keeler is currently the 14th Archbishop of Baltimore. He was appointed Archbishop of Baltimore by Pope John Paul II on April 11, 1989, and was formally installed as 14th Ordinary of the nation’s oldest See on May 23.

Long respected as a champion of the poor worldwide, Cardinal Keeler said that he enthusiastically supports the goals of Cross International Catholic Outreach and commended the ministry’s effective collaborations with the Pontifical Council Cor Unum.

“Obviously, we are thrilled about Cardinal Keeler’s new role with Cross, and we believe it will continue

to strengthen our relationship with U.S. parishes and Catholic ministries worldwide,” CICO president James Cavnar said. “I’ve always admired Cardinal Keeler’s commitment to helping the poor, both here in America and overseas. He is a man who fully understands our ministry’s mission because he shares our spiritual vision. Working together, I believe we can involve more U.S parishes and extend our mercy ministries abroad.”

In becoming the Patron for Cross International Catholic Outreach, Cardinal Keeler will become the spiritual leader of an impressive ministry board which includes Bishop Sam Jacobs (Chairman) and three other prominent U.S. bishops — Most Reverend Michael Cote of the Norwich Diocese, Most Reverend

Carlos Sevilla of Yakima and Most Reverend Edward Slattery from the Diocese of Tulsa. Sister Linda Koontz, who has been involved in ministries to the poor for many years, is also a board member for Cross.

“Many Catholics want to learn more about the leadership of the charities they support with their contributions — and rightly so. They should know who serves on the charity’s board and they should insist on the highest ethical standards,” Cavnar said. “A charity’s leaders chart the course of the ministry and control its funds and resources. Good leadership is essential.”

For additional information about Cross International Catholic Outreach, contact the ministry using the following email address: info@crosscatholic.org.

William Cardinal Keeler, the Archbishop of Baltimore, has become the Patron of Cross International Catholic Outreach.

March 10, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

“What is a child’s life worth – certainly a few dollars...”

“Cross” Program Can Turn $50 Donation Into $4,250 Worth Of Aid For The Poor James Cavnar, the president of Cross International Catholic Outreach, looks at a $50 gift differently than most charity leaders.

“When I’m handed a $50 donation, I see a $4,250 shipment of material aid on its way to the poor. That’s the end result of the gift when I use it to deliver donated goods overseas,” Cavnar explained. “For example, we may convince a medical organization to donate life-saving medicines or nutritional supplements, but we can only deliver those items overseas if we have cash donations to pay for the shipping costs. For every $1 donated to our shipping program last year, we were able to send more than $85 worth of goods to the needy in Haiti and other third-world countries.”

Of course, the same formulas apply to other gifts. A donation of $25

allows Cross to supply the poor with more than $2,000 worth of aid and a $100 gift can yield nearly $10,000 in food, medical supplies and other life-saving materials — an amazing multiplication of the donor’s contribution.

“This program is popular because it produces more bang for the buck, as the saying goes. It also rescues goods that might have been wasted and puts them to good use – helping the poor,” Cavnar said. “That’s a win, win situation.”

To contribute to the ministry’s efforts in Haiti, either use the tear-off envelope portion of the brochure in this issue or mail your tax-deductible gift to: Cross International Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC00338, 490 White Pond Drive, PO Box 63, Akron, OH 44309-0063.

Delva Jean Souverne and Father Elephete Bien-Aime are frustrated men. In Thomonde, the small Haitian town they call home, children are dying and families are suffering for reasons they do not understand — reasons that test their spirit and their faith.

Delva recalled one recent and painful experience.

“I will never forget it. I was called to the home of Madame Wilner, a woman who lived in a rural area outside of Thomonde. She was poor — very poor. Living in a shack with very little food and almost nothing for her children.

“When I arrived, she came out to meet me, frantic about her baby, Gason.

‘I have tried to help him... made a cure... he is dying... help me,’ she cried. I knew the cure she had made for the baby was some ineffective concoction of herbs that rural people often try in their desperation. Such things never work, but they are tried because there is no other choice.

“I gasped when I stepped inside the dreary shack and saw the baby. His body was covered with some kind of terrible skin infection. He was obviously suffering, and his tiny body also showed the disturbing signs of other trauma. I could clearly see his rib bones heaving with labored breaths, and his hair was orange from malnutrition. Sobbing, his mother begged for my help. ‘Anything... please... do anything,’ she cried. ‘I have nothing... no way to save him.’

“Because the clinic in Thomonde had been closed for lack of supplies, I knew that the baby’s only hope was a mission hospital nearly 3 hours away by car. I carefully lifted the baby up, placed him into my automobile, and set out for help.

“I drove as quickly as I could over the rough dirt roads, but two hours into the trip, my spirit dropped.

Something was wrong. I could see that Gason Wilner was slipping away.

Suddenly, his body began to convulse — first slowly, then more violently.

My eyes welled up with tears, and I began to pray. As if in merciful response, the baby’s tormenting convulsions stopped. I drove on, tears running down my cheeks, as God gently took tiny Gason away.

“I will never forget it. It is yet another reason I beg on behalf of the poor of Thomonde. For Gason Wilner, and for the other children here who die needlessly. Something must be done.”

James Cavnar agrees, and his

meetings with Delva and Father Elephete Bien-Aime have already produced progress. Through Cavnar’s organization, Cross International Catholic Outreach, medical supplies will be obtained for shipment to Thomonde. Cavnar is asking other American Catholics to join him in this endeavor.

“Frankly, we need your help. We need the help of American Catholics who want to assist priests like Father Elephete. The medicines that could have saved Gason Wilner would have cost a few dollars. What is a child’s life worth — certainly a few dollars!?

We need to see that these people are helped,” Cavnar said. “The more people who contribute, the more we can do.”

And, Cavnar pointed out, every donation contributed is important because it only takes a few dollars

Another child victim of Third World poverty.

This young girl survived. Others are less fortunate. Even when children are given an initial treatment, they rarely receive follow-up care.

Many are forever marked with terrible scars.

Cross International Catholic Outreach makes the needs of children its highest priority, and it has launched special programs to supply aid.

Read about it on the ministry’s web site: www.crosscatholic.org.

worth of medicines to save a life in many cases.

“On behalf of the priests, nuns and laypeople who are trying to help the poor of Haiti, I ask you to prayerfully consider making a sacrificial contribution to this cause,” Cavnar said. “Your actions may save the life of a child. Your gift may be the gift of life for a little one like Gason.”

Please, Help Now Your help is needed for Cross International to bring Christ’s mercy to the poor of Haiti.

Use the enclosed postage-paid brochure to mail your gift or send it to Cross International Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC00338, 490 White Pond Drive, PO Box 63, Akron, OH 44309-0063. God bless you.

Cross International’s president, James Cavnar, with a shipment of food destined for Haiti.

7

8

Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

Homily . . .

obituaries

Father Harry V. Carlin, SJ James P. Miscoll, 71 Jesuit Father Harry V. Carlin, died March 1. The late priest was 89 years old and a Jesuit for 70 years. He was ordained a priest in 1948.

As president of the school, Father Carlin oversaw the move of his order’s St. Ignatius College Preparatory School to its sixth and present site in San Francisco’s Sunset District in 1969, a charge that won him the title of “founder of the modern SI.” In 1965, he coordinated the purchase of the new campus and headed fundraising that paid it off in 1981. His service continued at the school through 2005 in the role of executive vicepresident increasing his years there as teacher, coach and administrator to 46. Father Carlin himself was a 1935 graduate of St. Ignatius when the school was located on Stanyan Street. He entered the Society of Jesus shortly thereafter.

“From early morning to late afternoon, with only a break for lunch, we picked grapes,” Father Carlin is remembered as saying about his seminary days in Los Gatos. “After two weeks, our Levis could stand by themselves from all the dried grape juice on them.”

“I’ve known Father Carlin since I was a junior in high school,” said Father Anthony P. Sauer, president at St. Ignatius since 1979. “I admired him then and have respected him greatly through the years; indeed, through the years, I have come to love him as a most pastoral priest who has always been there to serve. He has the image of the fund-raiser, but he’s much more than that: He was the spirit of SI in his loving care for others.”

“Father Harry Carlin was a major and pivotal person in the history of St. Ignatius College Preparatory,” said Jesuit Father Mario Prietto, principal from 1981 – 94 and currently rector of the Jesuit Community at the University of San Francisco. “He touched generations of people there. His death is a great loss for SI, the Society of Jesus and the Church.”

“Father Carlin was known as ‘the good thief’ at St. Ignatius,” said Jesuit Brother Douglas Draper, Dean of Students at the school since 1969. “It was the nickels and dimes he raised that built this school. We will miss his presence.”

Father Carlin is survived by a nephew Arthur C. Latno, Jr. and his wife, Joan, their children: Jeannine, Michele, Arthur III, Mary Suzanne, and Patrice, and 12 grandchildren.

A funeral Mass was celebrated March 8 at St. Ignatius Church. Father Sauer was homilist and Father Prietto was among the concelebrants.

A memorial Mass was celebrated March 4 at St. Anselm Church in Ross for James P. Miscoll, an active and dedicated Catholic layman who died at the age of 71 on Ash Wednesday, March 1.

A member of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem for 20 years, Mr. Miscoll was vice governor general of the Order at his death. He also was a Knight of the Order of Malta.

He served for many years as a director of the Gregorian University Foundation in Rome, Italy. In recognition of his service and generosity, two priests from the Foundation attended the funeral.

He also served the Archdiocese of San Francisco as a member of the Archdiocesan Finance Council for the past six years. A decade ago he contributed his time and counsel to the Archdiocesan Planning Commission, which was active between 1993-1995.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ingeburg, three grown children, Douglas, Eric, and Kathleen, and eight grandchildren.

A native of Wisconsin and graduate of Marquette University, Mr. Miscoll served five years in the Navy before joining Bank of America in 1962. He held senior management positions in North America, Europe and Asia, retiring as vice chairman. He is fondly remembered as a generous mentor of younger associates.

St. Anselm Pastor Father Neil Healy said, “In the last two months of his illness, we had several long talks. He was very spiritual, prepared for death and not afraid. By all accounts, he was a remarkable man.”

John H. McGuckin, Jr., head of the Northwestern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, said, “Jim was a mentor as well as a friend; we’re going to miss him.” McGuckin added, “He was a great diplomat and provided valuable help to the governor general.”

Msgr. Harry Schlitt, Vicar for Administration for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, recalled fondly a comment by Mr. Miscoll when the Archbishop thanked the Finance Council members for their service. “’What can we do to help?,’ Mr. Miscoll would say, ‘We’re always available.’”

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God is to give them to us. The ashes are not meant to proclaim how spiritually superior we are to those other mere mortals around us who have no ashes.

Prayer draws us to listen to God and respond. We reach out to God not as a heavenly mail-order house and complaint department, but in order to tune into a voice more loving and more truthful that our own. We want to ask, “What is your word of truth to me, Lord? What would you have me do?”

Fasting focuses us. Maybe we should compare the way we live our daily lives to the way we drive our cars. Clutter and distraction build up and eventually make our driving dangerous to ourselves and others. The distractions are many: 1) daydreaming; 2) arguing; 3) eating and drinking; 4) arranging and rearranging items in the front seat (and even, God help us, on the back seat); 5) giving far too much attention to the entertainment center; 6) talking on the phone. Physical clutter and distractions can make us bad drivers, and clutter and distraction of the spirit can gradually lead us to live the Christian life poorly.

We need to simplify. We need to get the focus back on the main point of life’s journey: life in the kingdom of God, now and forever. We need to say “no” to some of our distractions and indulgences, so that we are freer and more attentive to say “yes” to God as he meets us in our lives, especially through others.

Almsgiving is the practice of giving to others needier than ourselves, especially at the cost of some sacrifice on our part. Such generosity gets the focus away from ourselves and back on Jesus, especially Jesus in our brothers and sisters. For example, we could go through our closets and give to Catholic Charities or St. Vincent de Paul clothes we don’t wear any more. (Of course that little voice inside you says, “But I might wear it someday.” No, you won’t!)

We could also save up our change during Lent and give it to Operation Rice Bowl to feed the hungriest people around the world.

In all these ways we can use the season of Lent to answer that question, “What do you mean?” We ask and answer the question as believers. So we ask Jesus, “What do you want me to mean, to be, and to do for you?” And we also ask, “Jesus, what do you want to mean to me?” When we arrive at the end of Lent and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus for love of us, we will be able to embrace his answer, even as his answer embraces us in love.

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Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

9

St. Dominic’s Choir plans a musical pilgrimage The Solemn Mass Choir of St. Dominic Church in San Francisco is planning a concert tour of France and Spain this fall. Titled, “A Musical Pilgrimage, Following the Steps of St. Dominic,” the tour will visit sites of special interest to the saint.

“The tour is a way of ministering to both the people we visit and to the pilgrims we take,” said Simon Berry, director and music and liturgy. “It also helps build spiritual depths for our choir members and provides for them some kind of reward for their yearlong hard work.”

The tour begins Sept. 26 in Madrid, Spain and travels to nearby Caleruega, the saint’s birthplace. The journey ends Oct. 8 in Toulouse, France – where the majority of St. Dominic’s ministry took place.

Pilgrims will travel to Spain’s Segovia to visit the Santa Cruz Convent founded as a Friary by St. Dominic, and visit the Santo Domingo cave, where the saint often performed his penance.

The pilgrims will stop at Burgos, and visit the magnificent Burgos Cathedral where St. Dominic was a Canon of the Cathedral under Bishop Diego.

Another highlight will be the choir’s performance at a Mass at l’Eglise des Jacobins, the first church of the Order of Preachers, founded in 1215 at Fanjeaux, France by St. Dominic.

Of special interest is a planned two-day visit to Lourdes, accompanied by St. Dominic’s pastor, Dominican Father Xavier Lavagetto.

(PHOTO BY LORELEI LOW)

By Evelyn Zappia

While visiting famous basilicas, cathedrals, and various Dominican sites, the choir will be singing Masses and concerts along the journey.

Of general interest, visits are scheduled to the Guggenheim Museum, the Alcazar Palace, former home of Queen Isabella, and The Prado, one of the world’s greatest museums with impressive collections of paintings by Goya, Velasquez, El Greco, and Rubens.

Of the 33 choir members, 25 are expected to join the pilgrimage.

Recently, fundraising began to assist clergy and choir members with limited funds. To date, the choir has raised nearly $13,000 of the $48,000 needed to secure space for everyone.

The tour is open to all interested at a cost of $3,500.00.

Included is roundtrip flights, ground transportation, quality hotels, breakfasts, some lunches and dinners, the use of a tour guide and full tour company support.

If interested in joining the pilgrimage, contact Simon Berry at (415) 674-0430.

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Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

Father Patrick Michaels: ‘a remarkable package of creative gifts’

The Image of the Risen Christ.

A design for a Paschal Candle.

“Christ our Light.”

Father Pat Michaels with his fifth graders. First row (left): Paul Gilles, Allic Levison, Conor McGannon, Jack Boyle, Kailin Petrick. Second row (left): Nicholas Naclerio, Michael Brett, Koelen Dunn and Mele Moinoi.

“La Iglesia” was a gift for Bishop Carlos Sevilla for his appointment as Bishop of Yakima.

Third of a series based on the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner poem.

Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner.

By Evelyn Zappia ather Patrick Michaels lives his vocation as a priest the same way he creates a painting, cooks a gourmet meal, tosses pottery clay, and translates Italian operas – with great passion, commitment and strong enthusiasm.

“I am insatiable,” said the pastor of St. Raymond Parish. “The more I see, the more I want to see. The more I learn, the more I want to learn.”

Evidence of his unyielding need to learn and communicate is strewn throughout his Menlo Park rectory, where every nook and cranny is filled with his pottery, woodworking, weaving, cookbooks, photography, and even puppets.

Father Pat also has a music collection which runs from ancient pre-Christian, Hebrew music into the twentieth century, including 300 operas and music sung in 26 languages.

“We ordained Leonardo Da Vinci,” said St. Raymond’s parochial vicar, Father Jim Morris. “He has a remarkable package of creative gifts for the service of the Church. He’s also a lot of fun.”

Born in San Bernardino in 1955 to Bernard Michaels and Mary Angela Giglio, Father Pat describes his family as “creative,” especially his siblings: older brothers Dave and Bob, and younger sister Cathy.

He inherited his parents’ faith, he says — “a faith without questions or answers, a duty to be fulfilled.” Although it “sustained” his parents “in its fashion,” eventually he needed more.

As a child, he was happy learning his prayers, but he was happiest when he knew the meaning of them. “I needed to understand why and how,” he said.

His strong belief in God and the Church kept his hopes of fulfilling his great desire to express his faith. Art became his language, when young Patrick began drawing religious scenes by copying his many holy cards.

The teenager became fascinated with Italian Renaissance paintings, especially Boticelli, whose work he studied and emulated. He also attended art classes.

It was not until his senior year that he received “real training.” Ruth Lubin, an art teacher, liked his work, and invited him to take independent study.

He continued studying art while attending St. Patrick College, Los Altos Hills, and later, St. Patrick’s Seminary.

Since his ordination at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Archbishop John R. Quinn, Dec. 4, 1982, the priest has shared his exploration of faith with thousands through his many God-given talents.

Father Pat said, “As I see it, my job is to make people aware – draw their attention to the things they don’t see. God is so well woven into our lives that we can go day-after-day without ever noticing that God is there. It is living with the awareness that his love infuses everything.”

St. Raymond is the fifth parish where Father Pat has served in the Archdiocese. It is also his first appointment as pastor. Previously, he served at St. Kevin and St. Elizabeth in San Francisco, and St. Timothy and St. Gregory in San Mateo.

“In terms of being a Pastor, you need to love the people you serve. You need to spend time listening to them and doing what you can to find your place in their lives,” he said.

This year the pastor found his place in the lives of fifth graders. When he dis-

F

covered that the parish could not find a volunteer to teach the students afterschool religious education classes, he took on the responsibility as their teacher.

After teaching a few classes Father Pat learned that the students were not too familiar with the basic prayers and tenets of the faith. So he created unique learning tools for them – prayer bookmarks with illustrations, and detailed dialogue explaining the meaning of their prayers.

“Father Pat is open to new ideas and supports our efforts to become a community,” said Michelle Otte, eight-year parishioner and parish catechetical leader. “He encourages us to deepen our understanding of our faith through challenging homilies and seasonal lectures and discussions.”

“Last year he directed the seventh graders in their annual miming of the Stations of the Cross and he and they provided a prayerful experience for all,” said St. Joseph Sister Ann Bernard, Principal of St. Raymond School.

Sister added that “Father Pat is a superb cook and each year at the annual auction he donates a special dinner which he prepares and serves. This demonstrates strong support to the Mothers’ Club and to the school’s budget.”

The pastor also introduced a new ceremony for the baptism of children which often follows the regular Sunday Mass. Accompanied by piano music, he holds the recently baptized baby in his arms and passes slowly through the congregation so the people can meet the newest member of their parish.

He also created and led a parish communal reconciliation that Ms. Otte said helped her to embrace the sacrament that she struggled with for years.

The priest has made church banners for most of the parishes he served, including St. Raymond. He explains, “The banners attempt to combine symbolism, narrative, and emotion all at once.”

Last Christmas, the great image-maker set up 13 manger scenes on the first floor of the rectory and invited his fifth graders to see them. “We discussed the difference between ‘custom’ (what we are used to) and ‘tradition’ (something that passes on meaning,),” he said.

“Christmas has always been one of the visual feasts for me,” he explained.

“The Incarnation is an ongoing reality. He never stops being born in us.”

Father is a strong supporter of empowering teens when it comes to their participation in Youth Ministry and Confirmation, according to Jan Whitlinger, director of youth programs. She said the teens brainstormed his qualities: “great with names, interesting conversationalist, intellectual, open-minded, participates in youth ministry events and artistic.”

He’s also held in high esteem with the teens for his history making “hole-inone.” Father Pat made his famous shot with one swing of a croquet mallet on a small pumpkin at last Fall’s youth ministry event titled “Smashing Pumpkins.”

Father’s also remembered for picking up the pieces of the pumpkins so he could cook some homemade pumpkin soup afterward.

He often stops in at the Youth Center to spend time with the teens. “He has wonderful, intellectual conversations with them that challenge their thoughts and beliefs,” said Ms. Whitlinger.

“Father Pat’s greatest contribution to the success of St. Raymond’s is his willingness to show his humanness. While he must be the pastoral leader to our community, he shares in our everyday experiences of life – the best and the worst of it,” said Ms. Whitlinger.

March 10, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

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Deus Caritas Est ~ God is Love “Deus Caritas Est” (God is Love) is the first encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI. Catholic San Francisco is publishing the full text over several weeks. This is the sixth of seven segments.

Churches the programme set forth in the Acts of the Apostles (cf. 2:42-44): today as in the past, the Church as God’s family must be a place where help is given and received, and at the same time, a place where people are also prepared to serve those outside her confines who are in need of help. In the rite of episcopal ordination, prior to the act of consecration itself, the candidate must respond to several questions which express the essential elements of his office and recall the duties of his future ministry. He promises expressly to be, in the Lord’s name, welcoming and merciful to the poor and to all those in need of consolation and assistance.[31] The Code of Canon Law, in the canons on the ministry of the Bishop, does not expressly mention charity as a specific sector of episcopal activity, but speaks in general terms of the Bishop’s responsibility for coordinating the different works of the apostolate with due regard for their proper character.[32] Recently, however, the Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops explored more specifically the duty of charity as a responsibility incumbent upon the whole Church and upon each Bishop in his Diocese,[33] and it emphasized that the exercise of charity is an action of the Church as such, and that, like the ministry of Word and Sacrament, it too has been an essential part of her mission from the very beginning.[34]

The distinctiveness of the Church’s charitable activity 31. The increase in diversified organizations engaged in meeting various human needs is ultimately due to the fact that the command of love of neighbour is inscribed by the Creator in man’s very nature. It is also a result of the presence of Christianity in the world, since Christianity constantly revives and acts out this imperative, so often profoundly obscured in the course of time. The reform of paganism attempted by the emperor Julian the Apostate is only an initial example of this effect; here we see how the power of Christianity spread well beyond the frontiers of the Christian faith. For this reason, it is very important that the Church’s charitable activity maintains all of its splendour and does not become just another form of social assistance. So what are the essential elements of Christian and ecclesial charity? a) Following the example given in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Christian charity is first of all the simple response to immediate needs and specific situations: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for and healing the sick, visiting those in prison, etc. The Church’s charitable organizations, beginning with those of Caritas (at diocesan, national and internation33. With regard to the personnel who carry out the Church’s charitable activity on the practical al levels), ought to do everything in their power to provide the resources and above all the per- level, the essential has already been said: they must not be inspired by ideologies aimed at improvsonnel needed for this work. Individuals who care for those in need must first be professionally ing the world, but should rather be guided by the faith which works through love (cf. Gal 5:6). competent: they should be properly trained in what to do and how to do it, and committed to Consequently, more than anything, they must be persons moved by Christ’s love, persons whose continuing care. Yet, while professional competence is a primary, fundamental requirement, it is hearts Christ has conquered with his love, awakening within them a love of neighbour. The criterinot of itself sufficient. We are dealing with human beings, and human beings always need some- on inspiring their activity should be Saint Paul’s statement in the Second Letter to the Corinthians: thing more than technically proper care. They need humanity. They need heartfelt concern. “the love of Christ urges us on” (5:14). The consciousness that, in Christ, God has given himself Those who work for the Church’s charitable organizations must be distinguished by the fact that for us, even unto death, must inspire us to live no longer for ourselves but for him, and, with him, they do not merely meet the needs of the moment, for others. Whoever loves Christ loves the Church, but they dedicate themselves to others with heartand desires the Church to be increasingly the image felt concern, enabling them to experience the richand instrument of the love which flows from Christ. ness of their humanity. Consequently, in addition The personnel of every Catholic charitable organito their necessary professional training, these charzation want to work with the Church and therefore ity workers need a “formation of the heart”: they with the Bishop, so that the love of God can spread need to be led to that encounter with God in Christ throughout the world. By their sharing in the which awakens their love and opens their spirits to Church’s practice of love, they wish to be witnesses others. As a result, love of neighbour will no of God and of Christ, and they wish for this very longer be for them a commandment imposed, so to reason freely to do good to all. speak, from without, but a consequence deriving from their faith, a faith which becomes active 34. Interior openness to the Catholic dimenthrough love (cf. Gal 5:6). sion of the Church cannot fail to dispose charity workers to work in harmony with other b) Christian charitable activity must be indeorganizations in serving various forms of need, pendent of parties and ideologies. It is not a but in a way that respects what is distinctive means of changing the world ideologically, and it about the service which Christ requested of his is not at the service of worldly stratagems, but it disciples. Saint Paul, in his hymn to charity (cf. is a way of making present here and now the love 1 Cor 13), teaches us that it is always more than which man always needs. The modern age, paractivity alone: “If I give away all I have, and if ticularly from the nineteenth century on, has been I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have dominated by various versions of a philosophy of love, I gain nothing” (v. 3). This hymn must be progress whose most radical form is Marxism. the Magna Carta of all ecclesial service; it Part of Marxist strategy is the theory of impoversums up all the reflections on love which I have ishment: in a situation of unjust power, it is offered throughout this Encyclical Letter. claimed, anyone who engages in charitable iniPractical activity will always be insufficient, tiatives is actually serving that unjust system, unless it visibly expresses a love for man, a love making it appear at least to some extent tolerable. nourished by an encounter with Christ. My This in turn slows down a potential revolution deep personal sharing in the needs and sufferand thus blocks the struggle for a better world. ings of others becomes a sharing of my very Seen in this way, charity is rejected and attacked self with them: if my gift is not to prove a as a means of preserving the status quo. What we source of humiliation, I must give to others not have here, though, is really an inhuman philosoonly something that is my own, but my very phy. People of the present are sacrificed to the self; I must be personally present in my gift. moloch of the future—a future whose effective realization is at best doubtful. One does not make 35. This proper way of serving others also the world more human by refusing to act leads to humility. The one who serves does not humanely here and now. We contribute to a betconsider himself superior to the one served, howter world only by personally doing good now, ever miserable his situation at the moment may with full commitment and wherever we have the The Good Samaritan – Vincent Van Gogh, 1890. be. Christ took the lowest place in the world—the opportunity, independently of partisan strategies Cross—and by this radical humility he redeemed and programmes. The Christian’s programme — us and constantly comes to our aid. Those who the programme of the Good Samaritan, the proare in a position to help others will realize that in gramme of Jesus—is “a heart which sees”. This heart sees where love is needed and acts accordingly. Obviously when charitable activity is doing so they themselves receive help; being able to help others is no merit or achievement of carried out by the Church as a communitarian initiative, the spontaneity of individuals must their own. This duty is a grace. The more we do for others, the more we understand and can appropriate the words of Christ: “We are useless servants” (Lk 17:10). We recognize that we be combined with planning, foresight and cooperation with other similar institutions. c) Charity, furthermore, cannot be used as a means of engaging in what is nowadays are not acting on the basis of any superiority or greater personal efficiency, but because the considered proselytism. Love is free; it is not practised as a way of achieving other Lord has graciously enabled us to do so. There are times when the burden of need and our own ends.[30] But this does not mean that charitable activity must somehow leave God and limitations might tempt us to become discouraged. But precisely then we are helped by the Christ aside. For it is always concerned with the whole man. Often the deepest cause of knowledge that, in the end, we are only instruments in the Lord’s hands; and this knowledge suffering is the very absence of God. Those who practise charity in the Church’s name will frees us from the presumption of thinking that we alone are personally responsible for buildnever seek to impose the Church’s faith upon others. They realize that a pure and gener- ing a better world. In all humility we will do what we can, and in all humility we will entrust ous love is the best witness to the God in whom we believe and by whom we are driven to the rest to the Lord. It is God who governs the world, not we. We offer him our service only love. A Christian knows when it is time to speak of God and when it is better to say noth- to the extent that we can, and for as long as he grants us the strength. To do all we can with ing and to let love alone speak. He knows that God is love (cf. 1 Jn 4:8) and that God’s what strength we have, however, is the task which keeps the good servant of Jesus Christ presence is felt at the very time when the only thing we do is to love. He knows—to return always at work: “The love of Christ urges us on” (2 Cor 5:14). to the questions raised earlier—that disdain for love is disdain for God and man alike; it is 36. When we consider the immensity of others’ needs, we can, on the one hand, be driven an attempt to do without God. Consequently, the best defence of God and man consists precisely in love. It is the responsibility of the Church’s charitable organizations to rein- towards an ideology that would aim at doing what God’s governance of the world apparently force this awareness in their members, so that by their activity—as well as their words, cannot: fully resolving every problem. Or we can be tempted to give in to inertia, since it would seem that in any event nothing can be accomplished. At such times, a living relationtheir silence, their example—they may be credible witnesses to Christ. ship with Christ is decisive if we are to keep on the right path, without falling into an arrogant contempt for man, something not only unconstructive but actually destructive, or surrendering Those responsible for the Church’s charitable activity 32. Finally, we must turn our attention once again to those who are responsible for carry- to a resignation which would prevent us from being guided by love in the service of others. ing out the Church’s charitable activity. As our preceding reflections have made clear, the true Prayer, as a means of drawing ever new strength from Christ, is concretely and urgently needsubject of the various Catholic organizations that carry out a ministry of charity is the Church ed. People who pray are not wasting their time, even though the situation appears desperate herself—at all levels, from the parishes, through the particular Churches, to the universal and seems to call for action alone. Piety does not undermine the struggle against the poverty Church. For this reason it was most opportune that my venerable predecessor Paul VI estab- of our neighbours, however extreme. In the example of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta we have a lished the Pontifical Council Cor Unum as the agency of the Holy See responsible for orient- clear illustration of the fact that time devoted to God in prayer not only does not detract from ing and coordinating the organizations and charitable activities promoted by the Catholic effective and loving service to our neighbour but is in fact the inexhaustible source of that servChurch. In conformity with the episcopal structure of the Church, the Bishops, as successors ice. In her letter for Lent 1996, Blessed Teresa wrote to her lay co-workers: “We need this deep of the Apostles, are charged with primary responsibility for carrying out in the particular connection with God in our daily life. How can we obtain it? By prayer”.

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Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19; Romans 8:31b-34; Mark 9:2-10 A READING FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS (GN 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18) God put Abraham to the test. He called to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am!” he replied. Then God said: “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on a height that I will point out to you.”

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the Lord’s messenger called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!”

“Here I am!” he answered. “Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger.

“Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son.” As Abraham looked about, he spied a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. So he went and took the ram and offered it up as a holocaust in place of his son.

Again the Lord’s messenger called to Abraham from heaven and said: “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you acted as you did in not withholding from me your beloved son, I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; your descendants shall take possession of the gates of their enemies, and in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing— all this because you obeyed my command.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (PS 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19) R. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

I believed, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted.”

Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.

R. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your handmaid; you have loosed my bonds.

To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the Lord.

R. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem.

R. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

A READING FROM THE LETTER OF SAINT PAUL TO THE ROMANS (ROM 8:31B-34) Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?

Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us, who will condemn? Christ Jesus it is who died or, rather, was raised - who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.

A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK (MK 9:2-10) Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here!

Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.

Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

Scripture FATHER GERARD O’ROURKE

Listen to Him During Lent, you and I need to bring well prepared hearts to the readings provided for us at all the Lenten Masses. This is certainly true for us in the readings of the Second Sunday of Lent.

The first reading from the Book of Genesis delivers us some “shock treatment.” There we read about the astounding “test” given to Abraham and his faith in God. “Take your son Isaac, your only one, and offer him up as a holocaust.” There could not have been a greater test given to any human being. Yet here we have it laid out for us in the Book of Genesis. Abraham comes through the test in flying colors. God seemed to have been more than impressed.

As the Book of Genesis tells us, God blessed Abraham “abundantly,” with an abundance that stretches into the ages.

Through this Abrahamic blessing all of his descendants, both physical and spiritual, will be blessed and through them, “All the nations of the earth shall find blessing.” We Christians, by adoption, are among the spiritual children of Abraham. We Christians with the Jewish people and the Muslim people make up more than half of the entire human race. Isn’t it about time we showed up in the 21st century as a blessing for the world? It is the declared intention of God . . . look it up in Genesis chapter 22, verse 18.

The second reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans reminds us of the constant, ongoing support of God in our lives.

“If God is for us who can be against us?” It is vital for us to listen to and let into our lives the assurance of this ongoing, divine support in our lives. We must be especially aware of this great gift as we go through the Lenten Season.

Then we move to the Gospel reading with an event that is recorded for us in all four Gospels. The reading from the Gospel of Mark gives us some idea of the impact that the Transfiguration of Jesus had on the early Church. For the three Apostles, Peter, James and John, who were selected by Jesus to be witnesses and participants in this event, it had an astounding and lasting effect on them, as well it should. Saint Peter referred to the Transfiguration in both of his epistles as being central to his mission and his authenticity as an Apostle.

The Transfiguration of Jesus and his appearance in his transfigured state with two of the greatest heroes of the Jewish Faith, Moses and Elijah, was so startling, so unexpected, and so profound that it stayed with the three Apostles all of their lives.

They wrestled with its meaning and grappled with its message. It was at once inspirational, awesome and terrifying.

It still has that kind of impact even in our own time. We in the secular world of the 21st century resist and try to dismiss incidents like this. How could it really be?

Was it some kind of unreal, psychedelic moment that can’t be taken seriously?

For sure, the four evangelists took it seriously. Each of them recorded the event.

They also freely admit that the three Apostles were shaken by the event into unconsciousness by its impact.

Yet there is no question about the power of the impact that it made on their experience of Jesus as their leader. There were some very powerful lessons to be learned from the event. Those lessons were not grasped or accepted immediately or indeed easily by them.

The first of these lessons comes as a voice from the clouds declaring, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Indeed it was not the first time. This voice also spoke at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.

It was and continues to be a lesson that we need to hear over and over again. The Apostles, the disciples of Jesus and the people resisted this lesson then. We still do in our own time. Maybe we can take it on as a Lenten exercise to listen to the word of God in the readings at our Lenten Masses this year with a new interest and acceptance.

The other great lesson for the Apostles was contained in the admonition of Jesus not to speak of the Transfiguration “except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.”

Over and over again, Jesus spoke about his “rising from the dead” in the Gospel stories. And over and over again they did not accept the reality and the certainty of his death and resurrection. They had no listening for it. None of the friends of Jesus, even the three Apostles of the Transfiguration, received this message.

There is no record of them engaging Jesus in conversation about it. It was as if they did not wish to get it. It seemed to imply his death; his going away from them; his disappearance from their lives. It seemed too painful to grapple with.

It is probably impossible for us to understand the difficulties that the Apostles experienced about the idea of his resurrection before it actually happened. They had no reference for it in their experience. They had no context in which to hold it. And finally when it happened, they initially rejected it. When they accepted it, the resurrection of Jesus became the cornerstone of their faith as it is for us today in the Church.

So as we look into our lives today, what do we not listen to? What are we closed to?

What do we not accept? What are we even oblivious to? In the spirit of humility, may each of us look into our lives and see what we can turn around this Lent. We have the great Patriarch Abraham to inspire us. And for all of us in our Archdiocese of San Francisco we have our principal co-patron, Saint Patrick, to inspire us this week. May both of these great men of faith arouse in us all a renewed spirit of faith and trust in God for the rest of this Lenten Season.

Father Gerard O’Rourke is Director Emeritus of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

Transfiguration – Blessed Fra Angelico, 1440-1441.

This fresco is on the wall of Cell 6 in the Convento di San Marco in Florence.

Giovanni da Fiesole (Blessed Fra Angelico) lived and worked at the monastery where he also painted the corridor, colonnade, church altarpiece, hall and other cells.

March 10, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

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Guest Commentary

Becoming who we are “What are you giving up for Lent?” Perhaps someone has asked you this question recently. Perhaps you have asked yourself this question. If the answer to that question is going to be meaningful, it is more important that we know the answer to another question: “Why am I giving something up for Lent?”

In understanding any aspect of Lent, it is essential to keep in mind that Lent is not an end in itself. Lent is a preparation period, a time in which we are made ready to enter into the mystery of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection during the Holy Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.

Lent prepares us to enter deeply into that mystery of the faith into which we were baptized. St. Paul reminds us, “Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” We see here the deep connection between baptism and the central mystery of the faith, and therefore between baptism and Lent. Lent is, at its core, a time in which we get back in touch with our baptismal identity. The Apostle tells us further that in baptism we have spiritually died and risen again with Christ, and that because of baptism we are “dead to sin and alive for God in Christ Jesus.”

The staggering reality proclaimed to us by St. Paul is that in baptism a profoundly metaphysical transformation has happened to us at the very core of our being. We have been baptized into Christ, and therefore, by grace, we have

become like Christ, dying and rising with Him. Instead of being an event external to ourselves 2,000 years ago, Jesus’ saving mystery is now within us through grace (because we are within Him through baptism) and is present to us here and now. Because of our participation in Christ, we are a new creation, and therefore we have a new way of living.

Indeed, because of baptism, we can say with St. Paul, “It is not I who live, but Christ Who lives in me.”

The particular significance of our acts of self-denial during Lent comes into relief when we call to mind the fact that we are not yet perfectly conformed to Christ in all aspects of our life. While we have died and risen with Him spiritually, it still remains for us, by grace, to die and rise with Him in the ordering of our affections and in our moral decision-making. Our “new self”, formed in the likeness of God, is within us, but our “old self”, formed in the likeness of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, still wants to live on.

The logic of our new self operates according to the truth about ourselves revealed to us in Christ: human flourishing and fulfillment come only when we order our lives so that union with God is always the reason for which we act. This logic, which is nothing other than the logic of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, teaches us that our true happiness as human beings is to find our ultimate end in God. While created goods are indeed good, they are only good by participation in God’s perfect goodness, and therefore cannot make us truly happy. We can live true happiness only if

we enjoy created goods always with reference to the Ultimate Good in which they participate.

But the logic of our old self tries to deceive us, and we tell ourselves that we can find our perfect happiness in creatJoseph Previtali ed goods. This false logic, taking advantage of our deep brokenness and weakness, tries to trick us into giving ourselves completely to a good that cannot satisfy us. Therefore, during Lent, we go into the desert with Jesus and allow ourselves to be purified of the old self. We voluntarily give up certain good things in order to starve the old self, and to allow ourselves to be re-formed according to the logic of the new self: the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.

This inner struggle between our old and new selves is the reason that Pope John Paul II could so often say, “Become who you are.” What the late great Pope meant was: become morally in your affections and actions what you already are spiritually in Christ. It is also what Jesus means when He tells us in Sacred Scripture, “He who loses His life will find it” and “If anyone wants to be my disciPREVITALI, page 15

and find the Book of Job. The first of the “wisdom books,” it’s just before the Book of Psalms.

As the introduction in the New American Bible notes: “The Book of Job, named after its protagonist, is an exquisite dramatic poem” that looks at “the problem of the suffering of the innocent.”

Its opening line lets you know that Job was “a blameless and upright man” who “feared God and avoided evil.” And what happened to him? No fair!

PARENTS AREN’T FAIR In one sense, parenting is never fair because it can’t be.

We moms and dads can love our children equally but that doesn’t mean we spend the same amount of time, energy and money on each of them.

Nor should we.

Some children — those with special needs, for example — typically take more of a parent’s time and attention.

Those with particular conditions - teeth that need braces, for instance - take more money.

One pitfall of parenting is to focus so much on a child who needs those extras that we begin to overlook the others.

They, of course, have needs too. Most of all, they need “us.”

They need that one-on-one time and attention when it’s

“just Mom and me” or “just Dad and me.”

That’s a real treat not just for the child but the parent. And parents should get to have some fun, too. It’s only fair.

COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS Bill and Monica There’s an old song Dodds about counting blessings instead of sheep.

When we really think about it, that’s a long list, isn’t it?

God has given us incredible gifts. He’s sprinkled our lives with incredible people. And, most fundamentally, he’s created us because he loves us with an infinite and unceasing love, and invites us spend eternity with him.

God wasn’t fair when it came to his gift-giving. There’s no way we deserve what he offers us.

Family Life

That’s not fair!

No one sounds more indignant than a child declaring, “That’s not fair!” We all said it when we were little. We all still think it even though we’re big.

How can such an obvious truth be such a hard lesson?

How is it we’re surprised — disappointed and miffed when a small unfairness crops up? How is it we’re shocked - devastated and, at times, seething — when a huge unfairness hits us?

A small one? We’re the one who gets pulled over for speeding when every other car on that stretch of highway was going just as fast. Or faster. A huge one? Still seemingly in the prime of his or her life, someone we dearly love now faces a terminal illness. Or we’re given that diagnosis.

Why me? Why someone close to me? There are no answers that satisfy. Yes, there is the relationship between original sin and the suffering that has followed but, no, unlike the people of biblical times we don’t think every calamity is brought on by our sins or the sins of our parents.

This year Lent started on March 1. If you’re still considering how you might mark this liturgical season, consider cracking open your Bible. Go to the Old Testament

Bill and Monica Dodds are the editors of “My Daily Visitor” magazine.

Spirituality

Sweating blood in the garden “In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly, and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.”

Luke gives us this picture of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. What’s happening inside of Jesus here?

When we look at the accounts of Jesus’ passion and death we see that what the gospel writers highlight is not Jesus’ physical suffering but his emotional anguish. Indeed, in the gospels, his physical sufferings are almost underplayed. In Mark’s account, for instance, the entire aspect of physical suffering is written off in one line: “They led him away and crucified him.” What’s emphasized instead is that Jesus was alone, abandoned, betrayed, morally lonely, hung out to dry, unanimity-minus- one.

Moreover, the fact that Gethsemane is a garden (rather than in a temple, a boat, or a mountain-top) tells us something too. Archetypally, a garden is a place of love, a place of delight, a place to drink wine with friends, a place of intimacy. Conversely, that also makes it the place where love is lost, where one feels the deepest kind of loneliness, and where one suffers emotional crucifixion.

Thus, it’s Jesus, the lover, who sweats blood in the garden. What he suffers there is the emotional agony that sometimes comes on us as the price of love. What Jesus sweats there is a lover’s anguish. What is that?

Several years ago, there was a TV series entitled, Thirty Something. One of the episodes ran this way:

A group of men had gathered for a “men-only” party at a hotel. One of the men at party, a married man, found himself attracted to one of the hotel managers, a young woman who was on duty that night, in charge of the hospitality. He had to deal with her all evening in terms of making arrangements for food, drink, and music. She was attracted to him too and as the evening went on their bond grew and, though nothing but practical conversation was exchanged, the romantic chemistry between them began to intensify. Each sensed it without, of course, revealing it to the other.

As the evening drew to a close, both did what comes naturally, they lingered near each other and found every kind of practical excuse to prolong their contact, without really knowing what to say to each other, but sensing that there was a special connection that they were reluctant to break off.

Finally, it was time to part. The man stalled, thanking her one last time for what she’d done for the group. She, not wanting to lose the moment, took the risk and said to him: “I very much enjoyed meeting you. Would you like to get together again sometime?”

He, guilty fingering his wedding ring and apologizing for not being more forthright, did what too few of us would have the honesty and courage to do. He sweated a little blood and then said to her: “I’m sorry, but I’m married. I need to go home to my wife.”

My dad used to say to me: “Unless you can sweat blood

sometimes, you will never keep a commitment, in marriage, in priesthood, or in anything else. That’s what it takes to be faithful!”

In essence, at least in miniature, that was Jesus’ agony in the garden. The Father blood he was sweating Ron Rolheiser was the blood of emotional crucifixion, the prince of being faithful in love.

To be faithful, to love beyond daydreams, requires that sometimes - in hotel rooms, in gardens, at parties, in our workplaces, in places where wine is drunk, and in every place where people gather and intimacies are exchanged we have to enter a great loneliness, the loneliness of moral integrity, the loneliness of fidelity, the loneliness of duty, the loneliness of renouncing an overpowering desire, the loneliness of losing life so that we might find it in a higher way.

And that isn’t easy. Jesus didn’t find it easy and neither do we. What love and fidelity ask will sometimes drive us to our knees in anguish and, like Jesus in Gethsemane, we will find ourselves begging God for a means to still have our own way in this, ROLHEISER, page 15

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Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

Catholic san Francisco Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

Jews, Catholics must continue working together for social change The Jewish community will welcome Archbishop George H. Niederauer at a free event March 12 at Temple Emanu-El on 2 Lake Street in San Francisco.

The event celebrates five decades of cooperation between the San Francisco Catholic and Jewish communities. All are invited.

The following reflection on Jewish and Catholic cooperation appeared in “J.” – the Jewish newsweekly of Northern California.

By Rita Semel Participating in the ceremony welcoming Archbishop George Niederauer to San Francisco Feb. 15 brought back a flood of memories for me. These days it is almost taken for granted that Catholics and Jews have much in common and can work together on all kinds of issues — not only nationally, but certainly in this city.

And that reminded me of how long that cooperation has been going on. The civil rights movement of the ’60s propelled it along, but if it were not for certain key people to nudge, persuade and set an example, this city and many others would be different places today.

I think about Monsignor Eugene Boyle, who in 1963 attended a conference in Chicago — the first ever national meeting that brought together Jews, Protestants and Catholics to talk about the festering sore of segregation.

He came back to San Francisco with a mandate to have a local conference.

One of the first people he called was the late Rabbi Alvin Fine of Congregation Emanu-El, then serving as president of the Board of Rabbis. Fine agreed immediately and called on Earl Raab, Jewish Community Relations Council director, and me to join the committee to plan that conference.

Five hundred people attended the following September. The work begun then continued for 25 years and tackled all kinds of issues which had the potential to create rifts between the two communities, to say nothing of the larger community.

But this didn’t happen, because people got to know each other. As Father Gerry O’Rourke is fond of saying, it’s all about relationships. If there was a problem or a potential problem, we knew who to call.

This long collaboration between the two communities worked on issues of housing, employment and education. I can recall many marches down Market Street calling attention to the de facto segregation of San Francisco schools, the need for change in hiring practices on Auto Row, restrictive housing covenants. All of this ferment resulted in the creation of the city’s Human Rights Commission. Fine, Raab, Howard Nemorovski and Robert Lauter were appointed to that commission when it began, which did so much to call attention to inequalities in so many areas of civic life.

Others joined in. For example, the late Ben Swig was the sponsor of the Swig Judaic Studies Program at the Jesuit University of San Francisco, which continues its groundbreaking educational program to this day.

The tradition that Fine began was carried on when Rabbi Malcolm Sparer served as president of the Board of Rabbis and started, with then-Archbishop John Quinn, a Catholic-Jewish Thanksgiving service and an interfaith Passover seder.

Almost more important than these ceremonial occasions were the friendships that developed, making it possible to work together on issues of common concern. Old stereotypes disappeared as true camaraderie developed. Fine, Bishop Mark Hurley and Dean Julian Bartlett of Grace Cathedral hosted a television program called “Problems Please” which tacked moral issues from three different theological perspectives.

When the Six-Day War began in 1967, immediately faith leaders rallied to show their concern for Israel’s survival. And when the JCRC began its sponsorship of educational trips to Israel in 1988, four Catholic priests were among the delegation.

Catholics, both clergy and lay, have been part of those missions ever since.

Much of this predated Vatican’s Nostra Aetate declaration 40 years ago, which transformed Catholic-Jewish relations nationally and internationally. But we in San Francisco can be proud that our efforts came before, and continue to this day.

When Archbishop William Levada received his appointment to the Vatican last June, he was the guest of honor at a farewell dinner hosted by his colleagues of many different faiths. But before that dinner, he came to Congregation Emanu-El to participate in the Friday Shabbat service.

Now there is a new archbishop and an opportunity for the two communities to continue that long relationship. This beginning will take place 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 12 at Congregation Emanu-El, when those of us who have been involved for so many years will gather. But we want not only to call attention to the past but to look forward to future opportunities to do tikkun olam, to make the world a better place for all.

I urge the whole Jewish community to join the JCRC, the Board of Rabbis, the consul general of Israel and the rest of us that evening to reinforce that friendship for the 21st century.

Rita Semel is currently the executive vice chair of the San Francisco Interfaith Council and executive director emeritus of the Jewish Community Relations Council. She also is a board member of Catholic Charities CYO, an agency of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

That’s journalism I was “born again” at the installation of Father Randolph Calvo as the bishop of the diocese of Reno, but not in the usual religious sense. The event renewed my faith in an institution I fell away from decades ago – American journalism.

A “recovering reporter,” I left the February 17 ceremony with hope for the future of my former profession. I guess you can say I came over from the dark side.

More than 3,000 people – including a contingent of three busloads from Father Calvo’s last assignment at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Redwood City – filled the pavilion at the Reno Hilton. Most were out of luck if they wanted a newspaper, the classic souvenir of any important occasion.

The Reno Gazette-Journal sold out quickly and it’s easy to understand why.

For two days running, the story of the new bishop was front-page copy. And guess what? If the word “gay” was used it meant happy.

The day of the ceremony, the paper carried a front-page picture of a smiling Calvo dressed in the robes of his new office. Next to him were the key statistics for the 70,000 square mile diocese. Inside was a long accompanying piece about the symbolism of the age-old ceremony.

Saturday, the day after the installation, the paper carried a 30-paragraph account that focused on the new bishop’s plans for a diocese with a diversity he called “a mirror of God’s creation.”

The paper nearby Sparks, Nevada, also gave the event thorough coverage.

The Reno ceremony followed by just one day the installation in San Francisco of Archbishop George Niederauer. I couldn’t help but think of the San Francisco Chronicle’s contrasting coverage.

The new archbishop was said to have “been praised as a progressive thinker on some issues.” What those issues are were not listed in a story that reported there were “gay and lesbian Catholics who take issue with many Church teachings.”

An earlier story on the San Francisco paper’s website added the “Church’s stance on the use of contraceptives in light of HIV” to the important issues facing the former Bishop of Salt Lake City. There was an earlier story out of Salt Lake City about how well respected Niederauer was in that city. Strange, I thought, the story never mentioned polygamy.

The San Francisco paper seemed to assume that the new spiritual leader had the ability to change Church teaching which Niederauer stressed regarded sex outside marriage as a “serious offense.” Perhaps that’s what was meant by “progressive.”

Today, I’d say it was downright radical.

Jim Clifford Redwood City

woman religious, I was taken aback by Archbishop Rode’s statement that “some orders have abandoned their traditional fields of apostolate, only to lose themselves in uselessness or unproductive activities.”

How sad to thus dismiss the prayerful response of thousands of women religious to the call for renewal issued at Vatican II. Forty years ago hundreds of U.S. congregations reviewed their founding charisms, and spent much time in reflection and discussion.

As a result we supported the laity in taking leadership roles in the institutions we had founded for education, healthcare and social services. We turned more attention to the margins of society, where the need for corporal and spiritual works of mercy was so great. We reached out to those who suffer from poverty, homelessness, substanceaddiction, incarceration. We have educated ourselves on economic issues so that we can speak out for justice in the marketplace; we have become more visibly involved in social issues, steadfastly insisting on respect for all of life.

To do so has meant that we must engage with an increasingly secular world. That does not mean that our mission is to become secularized. In fact, over the last forty years, we have devoted ourselves unstintingly to issues of justice and peace in the name of the Church.

We welcome a dynamic dialogue with Archbishop Rode so that we can share with him not only the rich history of what women religious have contributed to the Church and society in the U.S., but also the contributions we continue to make today which our faith tells us are neither useless nor unproductive.

Raya Hanlon, OP LCWR Region 14 Chairperson

L E T T E R S

Taken aback by bishop Referring to the Catholic News Service article, reprinted in Catholic San Francisco (Feb. 24), “Vatican official: Spiritual reform must begin with religious orders,” as a

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: healym@sfarchdiocese.org

Inspiring nuns

Evelyn Zappia’s piece on the Carmelites of Cristo Rey Monastery was inspiring to read and the pictures a joy to behold.

While it’s disheartening to see some orders toss aside their habits along with their religious identities to jump on the feminist bandwagon, the Sisters of Cristo Rey shine like candles in the dark — reminding us of the power of private prayer over the pomp of public protest. God bless them!

Jane L. Sears Burlingame

Shameless deceit Fifty- five Catholic Democrats in the House of Representatives have signed what they call, “A Historic Catholic Statement Of Principles.” It says: “We work every day to advance respect for life.”

Thirty-five of these 55 Catholics have voted against banning partial birth abortion.

They include Representative Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco, the leader of the Democratic minority in Congress.

What is “Historic” about this statement is its shameless deceit. Mrs. Pelosi’s “Prochoice” Catholicism is morally and publicly incoherent. Support for partial birth abortion does not “advance respect for life.” The late Catholic Democratic Senator, Daniel Patrick Moynihan said: “Partial birth abortion is as close to infanticide as anything I have come upon in our judiciary.”

Mike DeNunzio Chairman San Francisco Republican Central Committee

Really likes Rolheiser Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing Father Ron Rolheiser’s “Spirituality” essays in your newspaper.

He’s the best I’ve ever seen to explain in “human terms,” the meaning of prayer, etc., in our lives.

When he hadn’t appeared in a couple of your informative weekly issues, I became really concerned.

Bill Shields San Francisco

Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

Previtali . . .

■ Continued from page 13 ple, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” The Lord, in His wisdom, knows that the old self must die if the new self is to live. After all, He wants us to be happy even more than we do.

So, the “why” of our Lenten penitential practice is to become more fully our new selves. During this special time of purification, we intensify what is already the daily

focus of the Christian life: striving to form ourselves in such a way that we acquire the virtues by which we can live every moment completely for God in accordance with our new self, our true self. This is the perfect happiness, fulfillment, peace, and joy to which God calls us and for which He has given Himself for us on the cross.

Joseph Previtali, a seminarian of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, is studying for the priesthood at North American College in Rome.

Rolheiser . . .

■ Continued from page 13 to have our cake and eat it too, to find some way around fidelity, vow, promise, and duty.

This is a lover’s anguish because the part in us that’s agonizing and resisting is that part of the heart that stewards intimacy, romance, and embrace. The lover in us is having to let go of some very precious things; it’s having to die to something for the sake of something else, and that’s emotionally crucifying.

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Catholic San Francisco

Lenten Opportunities Fridays: Star of the Sea Church, 4420 Geary Blvd. & 8th Avenue, announces “Lenten Soup and Scripture Agape” except on Good Friday. A simple meal of meatless soup and bread begins at 6 p.m. in the school auditorium, accompanied by reading of passages from Sacred Scripture. Stations of the Cross follow in the Church concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Parking in the lot is free. Children are welcome. Call (415) 751-0450 for more information.

Wednesdays: Christian Meditation in Siena Room at St. Dominic Church, 2390 Bush St. at Steiner in San Francisco, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. The silent rite is based on the teachings of late Benedictine Father John Main who believed the contemplative experience creates community for ordinary people. More information available at www.christianmeditation.us.

March 10, 2006

Datebook

Young Adults Young Adults gather for Theology on Tap, Tuesday evenings in March at Ireland’s 32 at 3920 Geary Blvd. from 7-9 p.m. “Join fellow young adults in their 20s and 30s for stimulating conversation, faith-sharing and fellowship,” said Mary Jansen, Director of Young Adult and Campus Ministry for the Archdiocese. March 14: “Can Grandma Moses Teach Paris Hilton?”; March 21: “Finding God at San Quentin”.

Contact Mary Jansen, 415-614-5596, jansenm@sfarchdiocese.org, www.sfyam.org.

Taize Prayer Wed. at 6 p.m.: Notre Dame des Victoires Church, 566 Bush St. between Stockton and Grant, San Francisco. Call (415) 397-0113.

3rd Wed. at 7:30 p.m.: Sisters of Notre Dame Province Center, 1520 Ralston Ave, Belmont. Call (650) 593-2045 ext. 277 or visit www.SistersofNotreDameCa.org.

1st Fri. at 8 p.m.: Mercy Center, 2300 Adeline Dr., Burlingame with Mercy Sister Suzanne Toolan. Call (650) 340-7452; Church of the Nativity, 210 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park at 7:30 p.m. Call Deacon Dominic Peloso at (650) 322-3013.

2nd Fri. at 8 p.m.: Our Lady of the Pillar Church, 400 Church St., Half Moon Bay. Contact the church at 726-4674 or Cheryl at 650-726-2249.

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 any event listed here.

Cathedral Autumn Group: All people 55 and over are cordially invited. Call (415) 567-2020, ext.

218. March 16: Filoli Gardens by coach. April 20: International Luncheon in Parish Hall. Reservations Required to (415) 567-2020 ext. 218.

Food & Fun March 18: Cougars Go Celtic, a dinner dance with live and silent auctions sponsored by the St. Stephen Women’s Guild at the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are available by calling Celine O’Driscoll (415) 841-1554) or Margaret O’Driscoll (415) 661-5704 or email mgtodriscoll@comcast.net. Raffle tickets are also available ($10 each/3 for $25) for grand prizes worth up to $1,000. Winners need not be present to win; free drawing ticket available at school office upon request.

Come and join in the fun; need not be Irish to attend!

March 18: New York, New York, Spring Auction and Dinner Dance benefiting St. Isabella Elementary School in San Rafael, 5 p.m. – midnight, at the Marin Civic Center.Tickets are $85 per person. Call (415) 479-3727.

March 19: St. Patrick’s Day Chicken Barbecue and Raffle benefiting Sacred Heart Church in Olema, and St. Mary Magdalene Mission in Bolinas at the Dance Palace Community Center in downtown Point Reyes March 17: 42nd Annual Hibernian Newman Club St. Patrick Day Luncheon at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.Tillie McCullough is honored as Hibernian-of-the-Year and Brian Cahill, Executive Director of Catholic Charities/CYO will be the keynote speaker. Traditional corned beef and cabbage will be served with a special dispensation from Archbishop Niederauer who will say the prayer.

Respond to Jonathan Ferdon, 415-386-3434.

April 8: Day of Recollection, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at St. Cecilia Church, Green Room, 17th Ave. and Vicente in San Francisco. Carol Braga speaks on the last days in the life of Pope John Paul II from records published by the Vatican. Sponsored by SF Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. Donation of $35 per person is appreciated. Call (415) 219-8719.

Station, rain or shine. An almost 50 year tradition, the feast includes barbecued chicken, pasta, salad, rolls, and milk, tea or coffee. Meals are $12 for adults and $7 for children. The famous cake booth will offer desserts for purchase and cash bar will be serving holiday beverages. Music and raffle too! Call (415) 663-1139.

March 25: Under the Tuscan Moon, Annual Auction and Dinner Dance benefiting Mercy High School, Burlingame with special guest mc Samantha Mohr of CBS 5 news.

Tickets are $60 per person. Call (650) 762-1190.

person. Contact Bill Cassidy ’49 at (415) 824-8474 or Betty Cirelli ’50 at (415) 648-0450.

April 29: Immaculate Conception Academy, class of ’66 at El Rancho Inn in Millbrae. Contact Donna Ricci McMorrow at (650) 589-7276 or Mimi Calcagno Shea at (408) 578-1802.

June 10: Presentation High School, class of ’51 at Basque Cultiral Center in South San Francisco at 11:30 a.m. Contact Yvonne Irick at (650) 941-1294 or Audrey Trees at (650) 592-0273.

Shows/Entertainment

Prayer/Lectures/Trainings

March 24, 25 at 7:30 p.m.: “One Instance of Burning”, a play by Chris Rogers, explores Joan of Arc’s story of struggle and faith with the story of a contemporary woman. Come to the St. Agnes Spiritual Life Center, 1611 Oak Street, between Ashbury & Masonic in San Francisco. Parking is available next to the facility.

Call 415-487-8560, x. 238 for more information.

March 30, 31 and April 1, 6, 7, 8: Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory presents West Side Story in DePaul Auditorium, 1100 Ellis St. at Gough in San Francisco. Curtain at 7:30 p.m. all performances. Call Sue Elvander at (415) 775-6626, ext. 715 for tickets.

1st and 3rd Tues.: Noontime Concerts – 12:30 p.m. at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St. at Grant, SF. $5 donation requested. Call (415) 288-3800.

Sundays: Concerts at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough and Geary St., SF at 3:30 p.m. Call (415) 567-2020 ext. 213. Open to the public. Admission free.

Sundays: Concerts at 4 p. m. at National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, Vallejo and Columbus, SF. Call (415) 983-0405 or www.shrinesf.org. Open to the public. Admission free.

March 18: Training for New Lectors. Offered by the Office of Worship. $15.00 fee. 9 a.m - 3:30 p.m. at St. Mark Church, Belmont. Please pre-register at (415) 614-5585 or March 16, 7:00 p.m.: Breaking the Silence: Reminiscences of a Hidden Childhood.Talk and booksigning by author Paul A. Schwarzbart who as a Jewish child was hidden in a Catholic boarding school in Belgium during WWII. Sponsored by Campus Ministry at St. Thomas More Church, 1300 Junipero Serra (at Brotherhood & Thomas More Ways), San Francisco. Admission free. See www.stmchurch.com for map and directions. MUNI 17,18, 28, 88.

March 27: 20th Annual Evening of Recollection sponsored by SF County Council of Catholic Women at Star of the Sea Church Geary Blvd. at 8th Ave. in San Francisco beginning with Mass at 6 p.m. Dinner follows in school hall. Father William Nicholas of St. Cecilia Parish will facilitate. Cost of $15 per person includes dinner. Call Cathy Mibach at (415) 753-0234.

March 29: San Domenico School’s annual Spring Spirituality Evening with Irish poet & author John O’Donohue. Program begins with a dessert reception at 7 p.m. in the Hall of the Arts, 1500 Butterfield Road in San Anselmo. Tickets are $35 in advance.

Please call (415) 258-1931 or visit www.sandomenico.org for more information.

Reunions March 23: St. Peter’s Academy and St. Peter’s Boys School meet at the Irish Cultural Center, 45th Ave. and Sloat Blvd. at noon. Tickets are $25 per

March 25: United for Life’s 34th Annual Celebrate Life Dinner at the Irish Cultural Center, 45th Ave. and Sloat Blvd. in San Francisco. Father Anthony Mastroeni will speak on Restoring the Culture of Life: The Challenge to be Counter-cultural. Sacred Heart Sister Marie Ignatius Clune will be honored with the 2006 Human Life Award. No-host cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person. Call Maureen at (415) 567-2293.

SUNDAY EVENING MASS

Office of Young Adult Ministry and Campus Ministry: Connecting late teens, 20s and 30s, single and married to the Catholic Church. Contact Mary Jansen, 415-614-5596, jansenm@sfarchdiocese.org.

Check out our Web site for a list of events around the Bay Area and download our Newsletter at www.sfyam.org. We publish a quarterly newsletter to connect college students and young adults to the Catholic Church.

March 13; 7:30 p.m.: “Healing & Sexuality” at the St. Vincent de Paul young adult group Monday night meetings. Christine Watkins talks with us about one of the most powerful forces in the world: Sexuality. In can be a source of tremendous healing or lingering hurt.

Mrs. Watkins holds a master’s degree in Theological Studies from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley and a master’s degree in Social Welfare from U.C. Berkeley. She currently works as a spiritual director, bereavement counselor, parish mission preacher, workshop leader and lecturer in topics of Catholic spirituality. She is the author of the book “On the Edge of Grace: Mystical Stories of True Transformation and Jesus”, “I Quit!: Stories of Patsy Soto and His Teachings Ministry”. St. Vincent de Paul is located at Green and Steiner Streets. Contact www.svdpsf.org.

Consolation Ministry Grief Groups meet at the following parishes.

Please call numbers shown for more information.

San Mateo County: St. Catherine of Sienna, Burlingame. Call Debbie Simmons at 650-558-1015; St. Dunstan, Millbrae. Call Barbara Cappel at 650-6927543;. Good Shepherd, Pacifica. Call Sr. Carol Fleitz at 650-355-2593; Our Lady of Mercy, Daly City. Call Barbara Cantwell at 650-755-0478; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Redwood City. Call Parish at 650-366-3802; St. Robert, San Bruno. Call Sr. Patricia at 650-589-2800.

Marin County: St. Anselm, San Anselmo. Call Brenda MacLean at 415-454-7650; St. Isabella, San Rafael. Call Pat Sack at 415-472-5732; Our Lady of Loretto, Novato.

Call Sr. Jeanette at 415-897-2171.

San Francisco: St. Dominic. Call Sr. Anne at 415567-7824; St. Finn Barr(Bilingual). Call Carmen Solis at 415-584-0823; St. Gabriel. Call Elaine Khalaf at 415564-7882.

Young Widow/Widower Group: St. Gregory, San Mateo. Call Barbara Elordi at 415-614-5506.

Ministry to Parents: Our Lady of Angels, Burlingame. Call Ina Potter at (650) 347-6971 or Barbara Arena at (650) 344-3579.

Children’s Grief Group: St. Catherine, Burlingame.

Call Debbie Simmons at 650-558-1015.

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.

Adult Confirmation Class for Special Education Persons

(beginning March 5th)

SAINT PHILIP

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APOSTLE CHURCH

“In the heart of Noe Valley”

725 Diamond Street at 24th Street

Offered through the Archdiocese of San Francisco All are invited to attend

San Francisco

Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:00, 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

(415) 282-0141

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Classes are free thanks to a generous gift from the San Francisco Bay Area Knights of Columbus 25 RUSSIA AVENUE SAN FRANCISCO Since 1937 Lunch & Dinner Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Banquet Facilities Available Danny Marona appearing on New Year’s Eve

Dates: Sundays: Ap. 9, May 21, June 25, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 15 Confirmation will be celebrated in the fall 2006 To Register Call: Sr. Celeste Arbuckle, SSS Office of Religious Education and Youth Ministry 415-614-5652

415-585-8059 Parking lot across from club Manager: Rich Guaraldi, a YMI member

Other Adults interested in Confirmation Classes should contact their home parish for preparation

Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

EWTN in March Special programming in March on EWTN, the 24-hour Catholic TV network, includes Pope Benedict XVI’s celebration of a Mass for Workers, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. from the Vatican. A special series on Natural Law is airing Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. A series about Dominican nuns teaching religion to grades one through five airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

EWTN is carried on Comcast Digital Channel 229; RCN Channel 80; DISH Satellite Channel 261; and Direct TV Channel 422. Comcast Airs EWTN on Channel 70 in Half Moon Bay and on Channel 74 in southern San Mateo County.

Visit website www.ewtn.com for more programming notes.

✈

Many plan to attend Consistory Hundreds of people from the Archdiocese of San Francisco are planning to attend the Consistory of Cardinals in Rome March 24, where former Archbishop William J. Levada will be created a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI. Some individuals and groups are making their own travel arrangements, while others are using a travel company.

Fugazi Travel of San Francisco has prepared both high-end and moderate-price travel packages for the Rome trip. Call (415) 397-7111 for more information.

17

Archbishop grants dispensation for St. Patrick’s Day Archbishop George H. Niederauer has granted a dispensation from the Lenten obligation to abstain from eating meat on Friday, March 17 because the Friday falls on the feast of St. Patrick, co-patron of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Archbishop Niederauer encourages Catholics in the Archdiocese who take advantage of the dispensation to observe abstinence, if possible, on another day during the week.

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¾ Air Transportation from San Francisco. ¾ 7 night accommodations in first class hotels. ¾ Breakfast and dinner daily ¾ In depth sightseeing in Warsaw, Krakow, Zakopane, Wadowice; the Pope’s birthplace, the Divine Mercy Convent, the Holy Cross Church and much more. ¾ Add-on fares from your home town available. ¾ Optional Extension to Rome available.

800-886-5944 PACIFICTRAVEL.COM CST # 1010514

For Advertising Information Please Call 415-614-5642

LAKE TAHOE RENTAL

For reservations and information call

1-800-CATHOLIC Ext 206, 208, 226.

regina@groupist.com www.Regina-Tours.com

Catholic San Francisco

Departs San Francisco 11-Day Pilgrimage

only

(tips and taxes not included)

$

2,299

($2,399 after Jan. 22, 2006)

($2,599 after 1/8/06)

Fr. Robert Hutmacher, OFM

Fr. Tim Mockaitis

Spiritual Director

Spiritual Director

Visit: Paris, Lisieux, Normandy, Versailles, Chartres, Nevers, Paray-Le-Monial, Ars, Lyon, Toulouse and Lourdes.

Eiffel Tower

Visit: Venice, Florence, Assisi, Rome (Papal Audience), Siena St. Peter’s Basilica

THE HOLY LAND

FATIMA, SPAIN AND LOURDES May 15 – 25 , 2006

November 13 – 22, 2006

Departs San Francisco 11-Day Pilgrimage

Departs San Francisco 10-Day Pilgrimage

only

$

2,199

only

$

2,399

($2,299 after Feb. 4, 2006)

($2,499 after Aug. 5, 2006)

Fr. Jack Wintz, OFM

Fr. Glenn Kohrman

Spiritual Director

Spiritual Director

Visit: Paris, Lisbon, Santarem, Fatima, Coimbra, Alba de Torme, Avila, Burgos, Loyola, Pamplona, Javier, Lourdes

See it at RentMyCondo.com#657

May 2 – 12 , 2006

Departs San Francisco 11-Day Pilgrimage

2,499

Call 925-933-1095

ITALY

April 18 – 28, 2006 only

Sleeps 8, near Heavenly Valley and Casinos.

invites you to join in the following pilgrimages

FRANCE

$

Vacation Rental Condo in South Lake Tahoe.

Lourdes

Visit: Tel Aviv, Netanya, Caesarea/Mt. Carmel, Upper Galilee, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Cana

Cana

For a FREE brochure on these pilgrimages contact: California Registered Seller of Travel Registration Number CST-2037190-40 Catholic San Francisco (415) 614-5640 (Registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California)

Please leave your name, mailing address and your phone number

18

Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

‘Sophie Scholl: The Final Days’

By David DiCerto NEW YORK (CNS) — Though talk of the best films of 2006 is premature, when the time comes, “Sophie Scholl: The Final Days” (Zeitgeist) will demand consideration.

Based on the true story of Germany’s most famous anti-Nazi heroine, director Marc Rothemund’s gripping drama chronicles, as its title suggests, the last six days in the life of Sophie Scholl (Julia Jentsch), a 21-year-old college student executed by the Nazis for treason in 1943.

Our first impression of Sophie, however, is not that of a political subversive, but rather a callow schoolgirl, singing along to the radio with another bobby-soxer, which makes her later heroism all the more remarkable and inspiring.

Hoping to incite a student uprising, Sophie agrees to help her brother Hans (Fabian Hinrichs) — they are both members of a resistance group known as the “White Rose” — to distribute anti-war leaflets on campus, an act for which they are promptly arrested.

Based on long-hidden official transcripts of the case, the remainder of the film details Sophie’s intense three-day cross examination by Gestapo interrogator Robert Mohr (an understated turn by Alexander Held), the resulting “trial,” and her execution. The

parallel ordeals of Hans and fellow “conspirator” Christoph Probst (Florian Stetter) are given sketchier treatment.

Given the narratives’ heavy reliance on dialogue — most of the drama unfolds over Mohr’s desk or in holding cells — the film is surprisingly riveting, thanks, in no small part, to the superb performances across the board. Jentsch’s composure throughout brilliantly captures Ernest Hemingway’s definition of courage as “grace under fire.”

Sophie’s calm resolve comes into starkest relief against the maniacal rants of judge Roland Freisler (Andre Hennicke), who presides over the jackbooted kangaroo court.

Like the protagonists in last year’s similarly themed “The Ninth Day” (also from Germany), the exchanges between Sophie and Mohr become a battle of wills, as much as ideologies, as Mohr’s atheistic views clash with Sophie’s unruffled appeals to “decency, morals and God” and unwavering conviction that “all life is precious.”

Despite his own personal atheism, the filmmaker has crafted a deeply spiritual movie, throughout which he shows Sophie, a devout Protestant, praying to God for strength. These interludes — among the film’s most moving moments — briefly lift the veil of Sophie’s calm defiance to reveal a humanizing inner anguish. (Not mentioned is Probst’s last-minute Catholic baptism.)

SERVICE DIRECTORY

PLUMBING

For Advertising Information Call 415-614-5642 E-mail: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

➤ Drain-Sewer Cleaning Service ➤ Water Heaters ➤ Gas Pipes ➤ Toilets ➤ Faucets ➤ Garbage Disposals ➤ Copper Repiping ➤ Sewer Replacement ➤ Video Camera & Line locate

Unvarnished by oversentimentality, the film is a quietly powerful testament to bravery in the face of evil that examines themes of freedom of conscience and peaceful resistance to tyranny while imparting a strong anti-war message.

Like that of the Rev. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran theologian also executed by the Nazis, Sophie’s example reminds us of the cost of true discipleship.

And though imprisoned, in the film Sophie

PARTY RENTALS

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Handyman

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HOLLAND Plumbing Works San Francisco

not a licensed contractor

Painting, roof repair, fence (repair/ build) demolition, carpenter, gutter (clean/ repair), skylight repairs, landscaping, gardening, hauling, moving, janitorial. All purpose.

Call (650) 757-1946 Cell (415) 517-5977 NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

NOTICE TO READERS Licensed contractors are required by law to list their license numbers in advertisments.

The law also state that contractors performing work totaling $500 or more must be statelicensed. Advertisments appearing in this newspaper without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed.

For more information, contact:

Contractors State License Board 800-321-2752

415-205-1235

John Holtz Ca. Lic 391053 General Contractor Since 1980

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Painting & Remodeling •Interiors •Exteriors •Kitchens •Baths Contractor inspection reports and pre-purchase consulting

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LIC.

SPECIALIZING IN SAN MATEO COUNTY REAL ESTATE If I can be of service to you, or if you know of anyone who is interested in buying or selling a home, please do not hesitate to call me . . .

GENERAL CONTRACTOR Gydesen Const., Inc. General Contractor

Featuring Pressure Washing ● ● Repairs ● Safety Grab Bars ●

MICHAEL A. GYDESEN Lic. # 778332

Today

Need A Change?

MIKE TEIJEIRO Realtor (650) 523-5815 m.teijeiro@remax.net

Your Message Mailed To 86,000 Households *One year agreement

Call 415-614-5642

GARAGE DOOR REPAIR PHOTO RESTORATION

Discount

Garage Door

Repair

Wally Mooney Auto Broker

Lic #376353

650-244-9255 Spells Wally 650-740-7505 Cell Phone

St. Robert’s Parish San Bruno

San Francisco: 415.337.9474 Belmont: 650.888.2873 Complimentary phone consultation www.InnerChildHealing.com

You Change Your Ad As Often As You Like!

AUTO SALES

P.O. Box 214 San Bruno, CA 94066

Lila Caffery, MA, CCHT

* Parishioner of St. Gregory’s Church, San Mateo

(650) 355-8858

All Mfg. Warranty: Rebates and Special Dealer Finacing goes to Registered Owner/s

❖ 30 years experience with individuals, couples and groups ❖ Directed, effective and results-oriented ❖ Compassionate and Intuitive ❖ Supports 12-step ❖ Enneagram Personality Transformation

REAL ESTATE

# 687359

●

Painting & Remodeling

Dr. Daniel J. Kugler Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Over 25 years experience

Unhealed wounds can hold you back - even if they are not the “logical” cause of your problems today. You can be the person God intended.

Expert Plumbing Repairs ●

• Relationships • Addictions

Do you want to be more fulfilled in love and work – but find things keep getting in the way?

BONDED & INSURED

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ALL PLUMBING WORK PAT HOLLAND

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Handyman

FLOORS

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COUNSELING • Family • Work • Depression • Anxiety

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is much freer than her captors, who are blinded by soul-incarcerating lies and propaganda. Sophie’s choice shows that the truth does indeed set us free.

Subtitles.

The film contains mature thematic elements, including suggested death by guillotine. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Broken Spring/Cable?

Operator Problems?

Lifetime Warranty All New Doors/Motors

One Price 24 /7

415-931-1540 0% Financing Available

March 10, 2006

Catholic San Francisco

19

Catholic San Francisco

Classifieds

Organist

For Information

Piano Lessons

Call: 415-614-5642 Fax: 415-614-5641

ORGANIST WEDDINGS • FUNERALS

Email: penaj@sfarchdiocese.org

Worship Services, Catholic Experience Marie DuMabeiller 415-441-3069, Page: 823-3664 VISA, MASTERCARD Accepted Please confirm your event before contracting music!

PUBLISH A NOVENA Pre-payment required Mastercard or Visa accepted

Cost $25

If you wish to publish a Novena in the Catholic San Francisco You may use the form below or call 415-614-5640 Your prayer will be published in our newspaper

Name Adress Phone MC/VISA # Exp.

PIANO LESSONS BY

CAROL FERRANDO. Conservatory training, masters degree, all levels of students.

CALL (415) 921-8337.

Employment Opportunites EVENT CENTER / CUSTODIAL LABORER

Select One Prayer: ❑ St. Jude Novena to SH ❑ Prayer to St. Jude

❑ 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

Cleaning responsibilities, setup and take down events and respond to clients needs. Comfortable using industrial cleaning machines. Parttime to full-time. $13/hr start pay.

Hours scheduled as needed.

Fax resume to St. Mary’s Cathedral, SF, Attn: Bobby Johnson (415) 567-2040. Bi-lingual a plus.

POSITION: Capital Campaign Director

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL JOB FAIR Teachers, Teacher Aides, Secretaries and Maintenance Personnel SATURDAY MARCH 18, 2006 MERCY HIGH SCHOOL 3250 – 19th Avenue San Francisco, CA 94132

10:00 a.m. to 1: 00 p.m.

(Campus Parking closed.

Please use neighborhood parking) For more information please call (415) 614-5668 www.sfcatholicschools.org

ORGANIZATION: St. Anthony Foundation LOCATION: San Francisco Do you believe that every person is worthy of being treated with dignity and respect? Do you want to work towards a society in which all people have their needs met and are able to flourish?

Do you believe that if we join together as a community, we can make this vision a reality?

So do we.

St. Anthony Foundation is seeking an experienced capital campaign director to join our professional and hard working team. The CCD will work closely with the campaign strategy team to plan, implement, manage and evaluate a comprehensive fundraising effort to build capital campaign support from individuals, foundations, and corporations. The CCD will assist in the development of campaign marketing collaterals and in the implementation of all communications and public relations plans.

Minimum Requirements: ●

5 years progressively responsible management experience in Development, Major Gifts or Capital Campaign programs

●

Understanding of Catholic Social Teachings

●

Understanding of the social and political causes of poverty

●

Commitment to the St. Anthony Foundation Statement of Values and desire to work for social service agency serving the poor.

Salary: DOE

Send a cover letter and resume to Jversteeg@brakeleybriscoe.com ST. ANTHONY FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (M/F/D/V)

Help Wanted heaven can’t wait

ADVERTISING SALES For The Largest Publisher of Catholic Church Bulletins

This is a Career Opportunity!

• Generous Commissions • Minimal Travel • Excellent Benefit Package • Stong Office Support • Work in Your Community. E.O.E.

Call 1-800-675-5051, Fax resume: 707-258-1195

Serra for Priestly Vocations Please call Archdiocese of San Francisco Fr. Tom Daly (415) 614-5683

BECOME A FARMERS INSURANCE & FINANCIAL AGENT

ACCOMPANIST – PART TIME St. Stephen Parish, a thriving community of 1,200 families is looking for an accompanist for two Sunday morning Masses beginning July 1. Requires excellent keyboard skills for pipe organ and piano: accompany the choir, cantor and congregation; availablity for funerals, weddings desirable.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: March 15, 2006. E-mail resume and cover letter to jwalsh451@aol.com

Stuart Hall for Boys,

Free Info Packet: 650-931-8608

an independent K-8 school located in Pacific Heights is looking for the following teachers for the 2006-07 school year: ◆ English, Gr. 6 & 7 ◆ French, Gr. 3 – 8 ◆ History, Gr. 7 & 8 ◆ Music, Gr. K & 1 (25% position)

We will train!

MA/MS pref., BA/BS req’d., 3 yrs min exp. Include current resume, statement of educational philosophy, 3 refs.

Send to: Headmaster’s Office, Stuart Hall for Boys, 2252 Broadway, SF 94115 No phone calls please.

Special Needs Companion Services We are looking for you.

• Honest • Generous • Compassionate • Make a Difference • Respectful

Work Full or Part-time in San Francisco – Marin County • Provide non medical elder care in the home • Generous benefit package Fax your resume to: Jeannie McCullough Stiles, RN 415-435-0421 Send your resume: Jeannie McCullough Stiles, RN Special Needs Nursing, Inc. 98 Main Street, #427 Tiburon, Ca 94920

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Notre Dame High School, a Catholic independent school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and serving 730 young women, is seeking a Director of Development.

The Director of Development will report to the Principal and will provide leadership, direction, oversight, and coordination of annual and capital fund-raising, communications, alumnae affairs, special events, scholarship and endowment, planned giving, and stewardship programs. The Director will manage a staff to accomplish the administrative and financial activities of the Development Office including record keeping, gift tracking, pledge fulfillment, and data analysis.

The successful candidate will have a proven record of accomplishments in development and communications and an appreciation of the mission of Catholic education for young women.

Interested candidates should send a resume and references to: Rita Gleason, Principal Notre Dame High School 1540 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002 Email: rgleason@ndhsb.org Website: www.ndhsb.org

20

Catholic San Francisco

March 10, 2006

Madonna and Child Rosary with Pouch

T

his distinctive rosary gets the inspiration for its name from the beautiful and holy image framed by the classic oval centerpiece.

Boasting deep aqua English-cut beads, the rosary is sure to be a blessing to both you and your prayers.

The lock-link chain, centerpiece, and filigreed crucifix are all plated with 22-Kt. gold. This artistic rosary also comes with a protective velour pouch.

NEW Item!

The Madonna & Child Rosary Set will be sent for an offering of $15 or more in support of the worldwide ministries of the Missionary Oblates.

Call Toll Free 1-888-330-6264 (7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. CST, M-F) www.oblatesusa.org/ads

9480 N. De Mazenod Drive Belleville IL 62223-1160

Oblates serving in Sri Lanka immediately responded to the victims of the devastating tsunami of 2004. A year later, they have built an orphanage for children whose parents were killed by the floods, they offer crisis counseling for survivors, and they provide food and shelter for the homeless.

Your donation makes ministries like this one possible.

Dear Fr. Singer, enclosed is my offering in support of the Oblates’ ministries.

$15 $30 $50 $______ Check/Money Order

Credit Card #

Exp. Date

the last three numbers in the signature box on the back of your card

Please send ___

Madonna & Child Rosary Set(s). #3164

(required)

($15 or more offering each set)

Name Address City #611057-3164

State

Zip

✂

* CID*# Signature