April 22, 2011

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Cardinal: Bishops welcome dialogue with theologians but must teach, preserve doctrine

Catholic san Francisco Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

of directors of the Catholic Theological Society of America that raised concerns WASHINGTON (CNS) — Bishops about the doctrinal committee’s critical have a responsibility to teach the Catholic assessment of a 2007 book by Sister faith and preserve it “as it has been Elizabeth Johnson, a Sister of St. Joseph, received and passed on” and thus are who is a professor of theology at Fordham bound to respond to the work of theolo- University. gians if they perceive the “The leaderfaith is being portrayed ship of the Catholic in error, the chairman Theological Society of the U.S. bishops’ of America seems to Committee on Doctrine, misread the legitimate said in a new resource and apostolic role of for prelates. bishops in addressWhile bishops weling the right relationcome dialogue with ship of theologians and any theologian over any bishops,” the document particular work, they said. also must uphold the The doctrinal comteaching magisterium mittee originally said of the church, said March 30 that the book, Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl Cardinal Donald W. “Quest for the Living Wuerl of Washington, the committee God: Mapping Frontiers in the Theology chairman. of God,” contained “misrepresentations, The cardinal offered the explanation ambiguities and errors” related to the of the bishops’ teaching role in a 13-page Catholic faith. document, “Bishops as Teachers,” released The CTSA’s board suggested that April 18. the bishops misread the book’s premise The document challenged the April and expressed concern that the bishops’ 8 assessment by the 10-member board CARDINAL WUERL, page 8

(CNS PHOTO/LIRIO DA FONSECA, REUTERS)

(CNS PHOTO/PIOTR SPALEK)

By Dennis Sadowski

Catholic women carry wooden crosses during a Palm Sunday procession in Dili, East Timor, April 17.

Father Boeddeker’s historic mission to poor expands as Tenderloin corner to house new building By George Raine Since January, there has been a 10 percent spike in the number of people in line for mid-day free meals at St. Anthony Dining Room, casting a light not only on the respect that is shown guests in need but also on the inadequacy of the room that 60 years ago was transformed from an abandoned auto shop and Nash Rambler dealership. Franciscan Father Alfred Boeddeker, then the pastor at St. Boniface Church, opened the dining room – it was not to be called a soup kitchen – on Oct. 4, 1950, the feast FATHER BOEDDEKER, page 10

Catholic seventh graders learn lessons in politeness to last a lifetime By George Raine Many of the seventh graders at St. Peter Elementary School served hors d’oeuvres with a smile – genuine, it seemed. Others correctly served lunch plates from the left. Abraham Alvarez – well, he’s a natural at working the crowd. Abraham moved easily from table to table thanking guests for coming to the annual luncheon at the Mission District school that both honors benefactors and is a kind of exhibition for seventh graders completing their six-week course in etiquette.

Abraham told the guests that if there is anything they needed, please ask him. His posture was perfect. He looked people in the eyes when he conversed. His handshake was firm. “At this school, the number one word is ‘respect,’” said Abraham, asked about the tone that Vicki Butler, the principal, and others set at St. Peter. “We treat people nicely, and treat them like our own family.” It was the right thing to say in the right way, and it fit hand in glove with what Butler and the etiquette instructor, seventh grade teacher Toni Ortenzo (“She is very

refined,” according to Butler) emphasize in the course. “You look people in the eyeballs, you shake hands properly so that your hand does not feel like a dead fish, you speak up and show all around manners and grace,” Butler said of lessons that will – or should – last a lifetime. “I think that the way they present themselves and being able to greet people correctly and have good manners are very important today and for their future – to be polite and behave correctly in public and at home as well,” said Ortenzo, who is in her 39th year on the St. Peter faculty.

“It’s not just essential to teach etiquette and manners at this juncture,” said Mercy Sister Marian Rose Power, who is vice principal at St. Peter and in her 56th year in Catholic education. “It does start at kindergarten,” she said. “They learn to stand up for an adult coming into the room. And, they learn to say thank you.” She added, “They need to know how to be professional, and at the luncheon they get to meet the people who are helping them, and we get to show them how much the children have grown and matured, how ready they are for the next step in their lives.” SEVENTH GRADERS, page 6

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EDITION On the Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 News in brief. . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 School-choice ruling . . . . . . 16 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Father Barron . . . . . . . . . . . 13

School prepares leaders for ‘global community’ ~ Page 3 ~ April 22, 2011

Young Karol Wojtyla ~ Page 4 ~

Scripture reflection . . . . . . . 14

Hispanic Youth Day ~ Page 8 ~

ONE DOLLAR

Service Directory . . . . . . . . 20

www.catholic-sf.org VOLUME 13

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No. 16

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Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

On The Where You Live May it be a very safe and fulfilling trip for All Souls School, eighth grade teacher, Dianne Villanueva, and second grade teacher, Jessica Schaukowitch, who are now on an Easter journey in the Philippines. They anticipate praying at a village Good Friday service and working with young children at a local mission. “Our prayers are with them as they depart on this memorable journey,” the school said. Renee Schaukowitch, school administrative assistant and Jessica’s mom, has promised to send us a picture or two and some perspective from Dianne and Jessica about the trip on their return. Of course, Renee, and Jessica’s dad, Tim, are both very proud.... Thanks, again, to the docents of St. Mary’s Cathedral for the great work they do, a large part of which is showing more than 1,000 students through the great church each school year. This note from St. Pius School fifth grade teacher, Linda Grund, lets us in on the experience. “The cathedral tours are great! Students get a real sense of the history of the church in San Francisco as well as an appreciation for the art found in the cathedral. They love the visit at the end of the tour when the organ master explains how the organ works and demonstrates some of the things it does. The lunch that is served at

Pictured are energized seventh graders at St. Thomas More School where students have donated more than 400 pairs of shoes and raised $300 for the needy. The Lenten work was organized through a group called Soles4Souls. Students have been reaching out to families and friends as they get closer to the goal of 700 pairs of shoes.

PHOTO BY PAUL TOTAH/SI

By Tom Burke

the end sends them away with a real sense of community and being part of the larger church. I hope they are able to continue doing this because I really see a benefit in it for my classes.”.... Dennis McGraw, long of Vallejo, visited St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness Avenue as a boy and said he kept the experience with him as he grew older. In 1972, after he moved to San Francisco, he came to know the cathedral on Geary Boulevard and praying there was a guide on his return to the church in 1976. “It helped get me back on track,” he said….Cashin’ in on his great education at St. Ignatius College Prep is senior, Douglas Safreno, who had a surprise visit at the school from Intel Corporation honoring him for being among 300 semifinalists in the company’s Science Talent Search Contest. Stanford-bound Doug and SI each receive a check for $1,000 as part of the award. Another nice note of the day was Doug’s congratulatory missive from Intel CEO, Paul Otellini, who is a 1968 graduate of SI. Doug’s idea, by the way, is for an automated network-based irrigation system used in the growing of rice….A two-day “Urban Plunge” brought students from Mercy High School, Burlingame face-to-face with homelessness and hunger. The young women worked at a soup kitchen for low income families, had a game night with men and women at a homeless shelter, listened to the stories of courageous women and children at a women’s shelter, played with children at a family shelter, and spoke with people at a homeless encampment. Families are the fastest growing population of homeless people, they learned, and the average age of people who are homeless is 9 years old. “Mercy’s `Urban Plunge’ is designed to plunge students into the life experience of those who are homeless, so as to learn from them and develop hearts that can respond with compassion to their needs,” the school said. San Jose’s Sacred Heart Community Services was among sites visited….Thanks to Capuchin Father Gregory Coiro for fillin’ us in on upcoming spiritual opportunities at the National Shrine of St. Francis of

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Pictured are Intel science search semifinalist, Douglas Safreno, his parents Casey and Lisa Safreno, Intel’s Rita Holiday and SI Principal Patrick Ruff.

Assisi where he is rector. When I asked if any visiting celebrants might be visiting over Easter time he said “No. No one special is coming.” I said, “Well, you’re special.” His reply is one I’ll remember. “I’m as special as ordinary can be.” In any case, see Datebook. There’s much coming up at the Porziuncola, too…. A new spiritual traveling companion for me is this Easter exhortation from Paulist Father Tom Ryan: “It is life not death that has the final word.”… Happy Easter!!! No CSF April 29….This is an empty space without you. E-mail items and electronic pictures – jpegs at no less than 300 dpi – to burket@sfarchdiocese.org or mail them to Street, One Peter Yorke Way, SF 94109. Don’t forget to add a follow-up phone number. Thank you. My phone number is (415) 614-5634.

Pictured, from left, at Mercy High School, Burlingame’s “Urban Plunge” are Avery Ikeda, Sabrina Sohail, helper Mary Kate of Chicago, Claire Unger, Kennedy Connolly, Lydia Ho, Erin Sullivan, Rachael Addy, and Jessica Mueller.

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April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

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(PHOTOS COURTESY JOEY ZARATE)

Corpus Christi School Passion play

About 40 seventh and eighth graders from Corpus Christi School in San Francisco performed the Passion play April 17, Palm Sunday. “It was a difficult task since it had several scenes and some of them were simultaneous with one another,” eighth grade teacher Joey Zarate said. “But sixth grade teacher Ogie Meneses was able to assist me in putting together the second and last Passion play of Corpus Christi School and made it a great success. This year, the students performed at all Sunday Masses. They spent their Sunday at school, giving it up to animate the Masses this way.” The students improved after each performance and were almost masters by the last one, he said. “To prove it, they wrote in their statuses all over Facebook that this was their greatest weekend ever,” Zarate said. Corpus Christi School is closing at the end of the school year because of declining enrollment stemming in part from families’ struggles to pay tuition.

Diversity is way of life at St. Timothy School in San Mateo By Valerie Schmalz The 200-plus children of St. Timothy School represent the four corners of the world, a diversity that is attracting potential new students from continents away, says Principal Monica Miller. “We seek to prepare our students for the global community in an ever-changing church and world,” Miller said. In the next month Miller said she will be meeting with parents who are moving to San Mateo from China, the Philippines and the United Kingdom and found St. Timothy School via its website. The school’s ethnic balance, tied to its academic excellence and small class size, is a key attraction, she said. “No matter how they start with us, our students usually

test one or two grades above grade level,” said Miller who is proud of St. Timothy’s math program and recent purchases of Smart Boards for several classrooms that incorporate Internet and personal computer technology into an electronic chalk board. “I tell the students all the time. You are going to be leaders of the 21st century,” Miller said. The school boasts a K-8 Spanish language program, and morning prayers in the school yard are said in Spanish on Wednesdays and Fridays, Miller said. “Many of our students graduate trilingual,” she added, because they already come to school speaking another language at home. A K-8 music program teaches every child to play an instrument.

“The word Catholic means universal,” says Cynthia Balestin, learning specialist at the school, so St. Timothy works hard to incorporate children with learning differences, something Balestin said has become the norm in most Catholic schools. “The teachers teach to multiple intelligences. They have techniques to teach to different learning styles,” she said. “It’s the best school ever,” says Rola Hanna, parent of a sixth grader and seventh grader, who is one of the parents who helps stretch the school’s tight budget with countless volunteer hours. Hanna cooked for the school lunch program last year, decorates bulletin boards, and is generally available as needed, Miller said. “We have a very slim budget and really strong parent support,” Miller said.

Miller, who was teaching at Francisco Middle School in the San Francisco Unified School District last year, and before that worked as development director at Justin Siena High School in Napa, is focused on getting the word out about St. Timothy School. Because of its location east of El Camino Real Boulevard and off U.S. 101 and state Route 92, the school attracts parents who work in Silicon Valley and residents of nearby Foster City, said Miller. “What I am finding out with our incoming kindergarten class is there is a real desire to embrace diversity,” said Miller. For those parents, St. Timothy’s stands out, she said. The ethnic breakdown is about ST. TIMOTHY, page 9

Catholic San Francisco

NEWS

April 22, 2011

in brief

Vatican’s deep concern over relations with China VATICAN CITY — A Vatican commission on China expressed deep concern over worsening relations with the Chinese government and appealed to authorities there to avoid steps that would aggravate church-state problems. The commission urged Chinese authorities not to persist in imposing new government-backed bishops who do not have the approval of Pope Benedict XVI. The commission’s “Message to Chinese Catholics,” issued April 14, said the ordination of a new bishop of Chengde last November — the first without papal approval in four years — was a “sad episode” that had inflicted a “painful wound” on church unity. Such setbacks in church-state relations have added to a “general climate of disorientation and anxiety about the future.”

Better prenatal care needed to reduce stillbirths NAIROBI, Kenya — The 2.64 million fetuses who die after the 28th week of pregnancy worldwide is twice the number of people who die from diseases associated with HIV, the church missionary news agency Fides said, quoting the weekly science magazine The Lancet. The incidence of stillbirths is concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. The main causes are birth complications, maternal infections during pregnancy, disorders such as hypertension and diabetes, fetal growth restriction and congenital anomalies. Better prenatal care would result in far more healthy births, the magazine said.

Aquino risks church break over family-planning bill MANILA, Philippines — Philippine President Benigno Aquino said he is willing to risk excommunication from the Catholic Church rather than scrap the Responsible Parenthood Bill, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News. “I remain committed to pushing for the introduction of a law for responsible parenthood ... at risk of excommunication, it is my obligation as a leader,” Aquino told graduates from the University of the Philippines. “In the end I must listen to my conscience and do what is right,” the president said. He said he cannot stand by and watch the cycle of poverty continue as unplanned births spiral. The proposed legislation faces strong opposition from the Catholic Church because of provisions that allow the use of contraception. “There is a need to revise, refocus and educate Filipino couples and provide them with all available information regarding natural and artificial methods of family planning, and for them to consult with the individual religious entities they belong to,” Aquino said earlier.

Prelate: Nukes ‘shameful’ GARE LOCH, Scotland — Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien has urged the British government to close down its “shameful” nuclear weapon program. “I’ve been speaking of the teaching of the Catholic Church on nuclear weapons for many years now, telling our message to whoever is willing to listen, and I’m very pleased to repeat that teaching again,” he said, addressing a rally against nuclear weapons outside the Faslane naval base, the Union of Catholic Asian News reported April 18, quoting BBC News. “There is no better place to say that it is not courageous of Britain to have these dreadful weapons of mass destruction,” said the cardinal, who was part of a Scotland-wide ecumenical Easter witness for peace. “As you’ll see, it’s a consistent teaching, a central part of our pro-life stance, that has human dignity at its very core.”

Nun rescues tsunami pets CLARSKBURG, Ohio — Sister Michael Marie of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart has braved evacuated radiation zones in Japan’s tsunami disaster area. Her mission: to find pets that residents had to abandon as they fled towns damaged by the disaster and continually imperiled by the leaking Fukushima Daaichi nuclear power plant. The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch reported April 15 that people left their pets behind with food and water to last a few days but were not allowed to return home because of the health risks. The nun is among volunteers who enter the quarantined areas to replenish pets’ food and water. “When you help the animals, you automatically help the people,” the 36-year-old sister said, according to the newspaper. She said that although the animals are mistrustful one month into the disaster, she has yet to be bitten.

Prelate: Unmarried couples should stop ‘living in sin’ ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Santa Fe Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan admonished unmarried Catholic couples who are living together, those who are not married but are in a civil union and divorced Catholics who remarry without an annulment, warning them not to receive holy Communion. With regard to sexual unions, “there are only two lifestyles acceptable to Jesus Christ for his disciples: a single life of chastity, or the union of man and woman in the sacrament of matrimony. There is no ‘third way’ possible for a Christian,” he said in a pastoral letter. He reminded Catholics that the Bible and the church oppose same-sex unions and teach that marriage is between one man and one woman. The church also teaches that any sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful. Catholics living in one of the three relationships he described “are objectively living in a state of mortal sin,” Archbishop Sheehan said.

Speaker: Marriage’s ebb harms students’ values WASHINGTON — The decline of traditional marriage “has made it difficult for many children and young adults to learn and live intellectual virtues that will allow them to pursue an academic vocation to the fullest,” said W. Bradford Wilcox, associate professor of sociology and director of the National Marriage Project. Speaking April 12 at a Catholic University of America event in honor of President John

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Garvey’s inauguration in January, Wilcox said universities need to do a better job of preparing students for marriage, “a vocation that goes right to the heart of the welfare and future of the Catholic Church.”

Catholic envoy faulted for religious activism resigns WASHINGTON — U.S. ambassador to Malta Douglas Kmiec, who broke his long-time Republican ties to become an important Roman Catholic supporter of President Barack Obama, is resigning in the wake of a State Department report that he spent too much time talking about issues such as abortion and his faith. In letters to Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Kmiec, a well-known conservative law professor before taking the ambassadorship in 2009, said he would step down Aug. 15. Kmiec told Catholic News Service April 12 that an audit by the State Department’s inspector general that chided him for his “unconventional approach to his role” stemmed from the complaints of a handful of people within the agency who “seem to manifest a hostility to expressions of faith and efforts to promote better interfaith understanding.”

Senate defeats measure to defund Planned Parenthood WASHINGTON — A measure approved by the Republican-run House to stop federal funding for Planned Parenthood was voted down 42-58 by the Democratic-run Senate April 14. The measure had been supported by the U.S. bishops. At a time when federal budget decisions “involve hard choices and much shared sacrifice,” a decision on whether to fund the Planned Parenthood Federation of America “is not one of those hard choices,” Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, told Congress. The federation is “by far the largest provider and promoter of abortions nationwide,” he said in an April 13 letter urging support for the House measure. NEWS IN BRIEF, page 5

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After moving to Krakow with his father, a young Karol Wojtyla appears in a poster for the “Studio 39” theater. By 1941, his father had died. During the Nazi occupation of Poland, the future Pope John Paul II studied at Jagellonian University, wrote and acted with the theater, worked at the Solvay chemical factory and joined an underground seminary to study for the priesthood. He will be beatified at the Vatican May 1.

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Colombian bishops stand against adoption by same-sex couples BOGOTA, Colombia — The Colombian bishops’ conference is campaigning against the possibility of legalized adoption by same-sex couples. “We Catholics oppose allowing minors to be given in adoption to couples composed of people of the same sex and reject a possible decision of the Constitutional Court in that sense,� Bogota Archbishop Ruben Salazar Gomez, conference president, said in a statement read at Masses April 17, Palm Sunday. The statement laid out four arguments against samesex adoptions. It argued that Colombia’s Constitution defines a family as a man, woman and children; that most Colombians oppose adoptions by same-sex couples; that scientific studies have questioned how having “parents� of the same sex affects children’s development; and that adoption is not a right for couples, but intended to benefit the child. Gay rights activists dispute those points and attended Palm Sunday Mass wearing shirts with statements such as “I am gay, I’m Catholic and I have children� and “Homophobia is not Christian.� The Catholic Church’s statement also rejected accusations of homophobia and said the church respects the human rights of everybody, independent of sexual orientation and behavior. About five years ago, the Colombian high court recognized civil unions between same-sex couples. Earlier this year, the Constitutional Court gave same-sex couples the right to inherit from each other, giving Colombia one of the more progressive laws in this area in Latin America. Last year, Argentina legalized same-sex marriage. Same-sex civil unions — which do not allow for as many rights as same-sex marriages — have been legalized in Uruguay and some states in Mexico and Brazil.

Diocese closing paper to pay abuse costs WILMINGTON, Del. — The Diocese of Wilmington will eliminate 19 full-time and three part-time positions — including the entire staff of The Dialog newspaper — as it cuts operating costs and prepares to pay more than $77.4 million to clergy abuse survivors. Most of the layoffs will be effective July 1. The Dialog, the diocese’s newspaper since 1965, “will be phased out sometime this fall,� the diocese said. “Alternative modes of communication between the diocese, parishes and the faithful are being studied.�

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WASHINGTON — The federal budget should protect human life and dignity, make the poor a top priority and promote the common good of all during tough economic times, said the U.S. bishops who oversee foreign and domestic policy on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives. “The moral measure of this budget debate is not which party wins or which powerful interests prevail, but rather how those who are jobless, hungry, homeless or poor are treated, Their voices are too often missing in these debates, but they have the most compelling moral claim on our consciences and our common resources,� wrote Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, New York, and Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton in their April 13 letter.

New Detroit auxiliary nation’s youngest bishop WASHINGTON — Pope Benedict XVI has named Father Arturo Cepeda, rector of Assumption Seminary in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Detroit. The appointment was announced in Washington April 18 by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States. After his episcopal ordination, Bishop-designate Cepeda, 41, will become the 26th active Hispanic Catholic bishop in the U.S. as well as the youngest U.S. Catholic bishop. A native of Mexico, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of San Antonio in 1996 and was named rector of Assumption Seminary in 2010. “He is a true son of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I know she will help him to share his gifts with us, so that all of us — from so many diverse cultures — will share our gifts of grace with one another,� Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron said in a statement.

Maryknoll head feels ‘sadness’ over warning to fellow priest MARYKNOLL, N.Y. – Father Edward Dougherty, superior general of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, said it was “with a lot of sadness� he issued a canonical warning to Maryknoll Father Roy Bourgeois that he would be dismissed from the order unless the priest recanted his continued support for the ordination of women as Catholic priests.

Frank Lavin ChFC, CFPÂŽ, Investment Adviser Representative, Recently affiliated with National Planning Corporation, a broker dealer for independent advisers. He has been helping clients with Retirement Planning and Estate Planning since 1987. Parishioner of St. Isabella and Marin Cursillista. Securities and advisory services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

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Dominican University Winifred Baker Chorale and The Orchestra of St. Catherine Craig Singleton, Conductor Spring Concert FaurĂŠ, Schubert, Mozart Friday, April 29, 2011 8:00 p.m. The Church of Saint Raphael 1104 Fifth Avenue (at ‘A’ Street) San Rafael, California

Admission: $15 ($10 for seniors and students with ID, free for children under 18)

Monday, May 2, 2011 8:00 p.m. Saint Vincent de Paul Church 35 Liberty Street Petaluma, California

For more information: call 415-482-3579 or visit www.duwbc.com

50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, California 94901

www.duwbc.com www.dominican.edu

May 27 (evening), 28 and 29, 2011 Speakers will include Santa Clara Convention Center (Next to Great America) 5001 Great America Parkway • Santa Clara, CA 95054

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For details & itinerary call 7 days a week:

“It is with a lot of sadness that I have to move ahead with this action,� Father Dougherty told Catholic News Service April 12. “He has a strength of his convictions. He’s on his own path, one that the society, in terms of its response to the universal church, is not able to support.� If Father Bourgeois failed to comply with the order, Father Dougherty told the priest he would “proceed with dismissal� from the Maryknoll congregation and include a request for laicization for the 72-year-old priest. “Roy has been a Maryknoll priest for close to 40 years,� Father Dougherty told CNS. “We’re not going to throw him to the dogs, so to speak. We’ll try to continue to support him as best we can.�

Celebrating 44 years of Amazing Grace. This will be a time of Praise, Worship, & Reconciliation with Teaching, Miracles & Healing. Come expecting the fullness of God’s POWER.

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*Prices per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare is extra.

An Israeli border policeman watches Catholic George Said weave palm branches in the Christian quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem April 15.

Come and join us 24th Annual Nor-Cal Catholic Charismatic Convention

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Bishops: Make protecting poor top budget priority

News in brief . . .

Catholic San Francisco

“Hearts On Fire for Jesus�

Hilton Santa Clara Hotel 4949 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, 95054 (across the street from the Convention Center) Special rate for convention registrants: $99 plus tax per night per room for 1 to 4 persons Reservations: 1-408-330-0001 (Deadline for discount is May 13; tell them you are registering for the NOR-CAL Catholic Charismatic Convention

Fr. Chris Crotty, C.P.M., Mr. Richard Lane, Ms. Martha Fernandez-Sardina, Fr. Raymund Reyes, Deacon Bill Brennan, and Msgr. James Tarantino Ministry programs for children K-5, youth 6 -12, and young adults 19-35. Programs also include English, (925) 828-0944; Hispanic, (650) 834-0108; and Vietnamese, (408) 661-6751

Friday Eve: Veneration & procession of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 6:00 P.M. Evening events & P.M. Praise & Worship time led by Brother Steve Kuban at 7:00 closing Mass open Luke 24:32; Opening Charismatic Mass 8:00 P.M. to friends and rela2 Tim 1:6 Celebrant: Bishop William Justice from the Archdiocese of San Francisco tives of registered Saturday: Registration opens 8:00 A.M. • Conference Events 8:30 A.M. – 7:30 P.M. participants, and Charismatic Healing Service 7:30 – 10:30 P.M. free registration for priests. Sunday: Registration opens 8:00 A.M. • Conference Events 8:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. Closing Charismatic Mass 2:30 – 5:30 P.M. Online pre-registration fees, through May 20 (per person): Adult $45, or $35 for one day Young Adults (19-35) $30, or $20 for one day On-site registration Fees: Adult $50, or $40 for one day • Young Adults (19-35) $35, or $25 for one day Child (4-18) $10.00 (maximum $20.00 per family with paying adults)

Register at the door or go to our website www.ncrcspirit.org (Deadline for early registration: May 20) Serving the Dioceses of Monterey, Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa & Stockton.

Catholic San Francisco

Seventh graders . . . ■Continued from cover The etiquette class was introduced eight years ago, and causes some resentment from students in other grades who ask (Butler quotes them in a woe-is-me bemoaning voice), “Why can’t we have an etiquette class?� Butler tells them it’s a seventh grade privilege. For the past eight years, the students have selected a theme for the end-of-etiquette-class luncheon. This year it was “Pacific Island Adventure,� with Pacific Island fare and entertainment – notably dancing. The principal honoree at the April 7 luncheon was James McCarthy, the chairman and founder of the BASIC (Bay Area Scholarships for Inner-City Children) Fund, a privately funded, nonsectarian program that provides tuition assistance for low-income families so they may enroll their children in private elementary schools in the nine-county Bay Area. McCarthy, a retired Merrill Lynch executive, launched the BASIC Fund in 1998. This school year, it is supporting 5,000 students in some 300 Bay Area schools, and over the years has provided more than $50 million in partial scholarships to more than 16,000 children. St. Peter has special meaning to McCarthy, he said. It has the most BASIC Fund-supported students of all participating private schools in

April 22, 2011 the Bay Area: 198 of the 370 students at St. Peter are receiving BASIC Fund assistance. The scholarships do not cover the full cost of tuition – it’s a partnership with parents – but cover a quarter to half the cost, up to $1,600 annually. Donations to the fund are matched by grants from venture capitalist Arthur Rock and the Children’s Scholarship Fund in New York. Here’s the payoff, said McCarthy: More than 95 percent of BASIC Fund students are graduated from high school, while graduation rates of disadvantaged youths from public schools in the Bay Area can be as low as 47 percent. Looking over the auditorium full of St. Peter students, McCarthy said, “They are well trained and they are well disciplined. They learn values. They are very kind to each other. They love being here at this school.� BASIC Fund, he said, is as or is more rewarding than any other of his career highlights. “I love every moment of it,� he said. Kids like Abraham Alvarez and Carlos Jimenez make McCarthy’s day, he said. Jimenez explained what he got out of Ortenzo’s course: “She teaches us what to do when we eat, how to greet people. It is important so that when we grow up we know what to do. And then we look educated and we look like we know what we are doing.�

(PHOTO BY GEORGE RAINE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

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Kristen Chavarria, Tiffany Velasquez and, at right, Yaliman Rodriguez, like all seventh graders at St. Peter School, learn etiquette from Toni Ortenzo, veteran teacher at the school.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep announces new principal Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory’s new principal is Gary Cannon, assistant principal for student life and a teacher in the archdiocesan high school’s religious studies department. Cannon began working at SHCP in 1997 as a teacher and became assistant principal in 2001. His contributions include working with the faculty and staff to develop a new academic block schedule that increased overall instruction time and leading development of the school’s technology strategy, the school said in an announcement. Cannon, who has an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, received a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology and is a doctoral candidate in the University of San Francisco’s Catholic Educational Leadership program. Cannon, who lives in San Francisco with his wife Betsy and their two-year-old twins, Molly and Liam, will assume the post July 1, when current principal Ken Hogarty steps aside to return to the classroom in the fall. “Mr. Cannon has prepared himself well for this opportunity, and he has the necessary credentials to lead,� SHCP President John Scudder Jr. said. PAID ADVERTISMENT

How Green Living Promotes Healthier Funerals By Paul Larson MILLBRAE – Did you know that “green� is the color of the decade? Have you ever heard the phrase “There are many different shades of green�? This term refers to the many different levels that we can be sensitive to our ecosystem as we go about our daily lives. In the big scheme of things we each are only single individuals, but strength exists in numbers. We can contribute in an ecologically sensitive manner with minor adjustments to our habits such as driving our cars a little less aggressively, or in larger ways such as purchasing one of the newly available plug-in electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt. Even those of us who currently drive a large SUV can be more efficient by using it to carry a full load of passengers thereby removing extra vehicles off the road. We can contribute in small ways by recycling our garbage or in big ways by purchasing an electric solar system for our home. In the long run these “green� alternatives promote a healthier way of living. It is also apparent that “green� has become the new “luxury�. “Green� items are now status symbols being sought after by those seeking the newest in high-quality and high-tech.

Our country is leading the world in a cleaner way of thinking, and this includes the ways we are now thinking about our funerals, burials & cremations. It’s not surprising that lately I’ve been coming across “green� terminology in the various funeral options that have become available or are arriving in the near future. There are now cleaner forms of final disposition coming such as the new alternative to cremation called “Aquamation� that doesn’t release toxic residues into our atmosphere. There are embalming procedures we now use at the CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS that are more environmentally friendly such as fluids which are free of formaldehyde. Traditional funerals too can be designed to be more “green�. We have caskets available to us which can be used for “green� burials or are designed with environmentally friendly qualities. Some families opt for a “hybrid� funeral combining aspects of traditional funerals followed by cremation with a final burial of the cremains. Numerous “green� alternatives can be tailored to a family’s needs and preferences. With the various “shades� of being more “green� we now have a number of choices in promoting a healthier future. If you ever wish to discuss cremation, funeral matters or want to make preplanning arrangements please feel free to call me and my staff at the CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS in Millbrae at (650) 588-5116 and we will be happy to guide you in a fair and helpful manner. You may also visit us on the internet at

www.chapelofthehighlands.com.

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April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

7

Archdiocese names new director for communications, outreach

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Archbishop George Niederauer has “A Journey of Hope Toward the Third named George Wesolek Director of the Millennium.� Wesolek also lobbies Congress, and Department of Communications and Outreach for the Archdiocese of San state and local legislative bodies and Francisco. Wesolek has headed the Office leadership on critical issues ranging from of Public Policy and Social Concerns for the affordable housing, health care access, archdiocese since 1985 and will continue in neighborhood improvement, human rights that role in addition to his new appointment. and alleviation of poverty on a global scale. Maurice Healy, who recently announced his In this work he has developed programs to retirement, preceded Wesolek in the job. educate lay leaders through leadership forWesolek has been in the post since April 1. mation programs and conferences on social justice, life, human rights Wesolek said that and peace. Wesolek also he was honored by the serves the archdiocese as appointment. “Under director of the U.S. bishthe direction of Maury ops’ domestic poverty arm: Healy the Department of the Catholic Campaign for Communications has a Human Development and good and solid track record as the archdiocesan direcof spreading the good tor of the national church’s news through the Catholic international relief arm: San Francisco, radio and Catholic Relief Services. television. I look forward Wesolek was eduto working with the procated in Michigan and fessional and competent Rome, receiving advanced people on its staff.� George Wesolek degrees in theology. He Wesolek’s public policy efforts have included issues covering the also holds a graduate degree in clinical spectrum of Catholic social teaching. He psychology. He has written numerous articles for has instituted and managed formal communications between the local church with newspapers and magazines and is a regular city, state and national governmental repre- contributor to the San Francisco archdiocsentatives, community organizations, busi- esan newspaper Catholic San Francisco. ness and labor. In addition, he represents the He gives workshops on Catholic social archdiocese and the archbishop in various teaching nationally and internationally. Wesolek is married and has four ecclesial, civic and community endeavors. In the early ‘90s Wesolek served as daughters and one new granddaughter. overall planner and coordinator of a four- His youngest daughter, Leah, is a junior year pastoral planning process, culminat- at St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San ing in the promulgation of the plan titled Francisco.

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Catholic San Francisco

Cardinal Wuerl . . . ■ Continued from cover criticism “seems to reflect a very narrow understanding of the theological task.” Cardinal Wuerl wrote that the new resource was being provided to bishops “should any questions arise concerning the ancient and long-recognized episcopal “munus docendi,” or power of authoritative teaching. The duty of bishops is to “see that the noble enterprise of theology is integrated into the overall mission of the church to transmit the good news,” the document said. “Both bishop and theologian serve the word of God and cooperate in building up the community of faith.” Cardinal Wuerl said the teaching authority of bishops is measured against the background of “the generally recognized catechetical deficiencies of past decades beginning with the 1970s. The result is a generation or more of Catholics, including young adults today, who have little solid intellectual formation in their faith.” As a result, he wrote, “the bishops are rightly concerned about the spiritual welfare of those students using this book who may be led to assume that it’s content is authentic Catholic teaching.” He also said that the Committee on Doctrine has special responsibilities to address theological errors that might arise in the work of a theologian. The CTSA said the bishops failed to follow procedures for addressing issues of concern with the work of theologians as outlined in the document “Doctrinal Responsibilities: Approaches to Promoting Cooperation and Resolving Misunderstandings Between Bishops and Theologians” approved by the bishops in 1989. But Cardinal Wuerl said that document offers only “one way of proceeding but not as obligatory.”

April 22, 2011 Cardinal Wuerl said it is only the “uninterrupted tradition, stretching back to the time of the apostles and continued by their successors, the bishops, that we can be sure of the integrity and validity of the Christian faith.” “In continuing the mission of Christ the teacher, the bishops in union with the pope are therefore ministers of a free and wonderful gift of God, the assurance that we adhere to the true faith,” it added. The relationship between theologians and bishops can be reciprocally enriching, Cardinal Wuerl wrote. “Bishops and theologians are in a collaborative relationship. Bishops benefit from the work of theologians, while theologians gain a deeper understanding of revelation under the guidance of the magisterium. The ministry of bishops and the service rendered by theologians entail a mutual respect and support,” he said. Cardinal Wuerl acknowledged that theologians “enjoy a legitimate autonomy” that is defined by the standards of the theological field as well as the boundaries of “spurious or fruitless investigation.” At the same time, he said, the truth of revelation must be the starting point for all theological inquiry because it builds on what is already confidently known. “In a tennis match, it is not the player who called the balls ‘out of bounds’ but the referee. The player may object that it was not his or her intention to hit the ball out of bounds. He or she may even question whether the ball is out of bounds. But it is the referee who must make the call. Otherwise, there can be no coherent game, no enjoyment of the match, no sense of progress in learning the sport: In short the ‘tennis game’ would devolve into a fruitless exchange of individuals hitting the ball at will,” the cardinal said. Cardinal Wuerl also wrote that the church encourages respectful dialogue among theologians and bishops.

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Hispanic Youth Day (PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

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About 100 youth from eight to 10 Archdiocese of San Francisco parishes attended Hispanic Youth Day April 2 at St. Elizabeth Church in San Francisco. Father Moises Agudo, vicar for Spanish-speaking for the archdiocese, said in his homily for the day’s Mass that it is a mistake to say that youth are the future of the church, for the future does not exist: Youth are vital to the church in the present. The church must be aware of this but youth must respond, he said.

Shrine and Porziuncola concert April 30 The beatification of Pope John Paul II will be commemorated in song at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi April 30 at 4 p.m. The Chorus of Sufism Reoriented and the Meher Schools Children’s Chorus perform the free concert. Additionally, the children’s chorus will perform at the Porziuncola Nuova before and after the main concert. The Porziuncola Nuova, the little chapel adjacent to the shrine is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The concert will feature music “celebrating

themes central to the message of St. Francis lived and taught and especially to honor Pope John Paul II, a man deeply devoted to serving all humanity,” said the Knights of St. Francis, the volunteer corps that maintains and offers tours of the Porziuncola. Pope John Paul II will be beatified in Vatican ceremonies May 1. The shrine is located at Vallejo Street and Columbus Avenue in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. Visit www.knightsofsaintfrancis.com.

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Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

9

St. Timothy. . . a third Caucasian, nearly half combined Asian including Filipino students, 22 percent Hispanic, 9 percent Pacific Islander, 9 percent multi-racial, and 3 percent African American students, she said. The school includes an active Palestinian and Jordanian community as well as parents from Kuwait. “We have people from different cultures in leadership positions,” Miller said. The school’s Catholicity includes Stations of the Cross during Lent with each class from 4 to 8 taking a turn presenting the stations. In sixth grade, the computer class produces a saints book, with each child incorporating research, writing, and layout design skills to produce a page about a saint. Computer teacher Marleen Murphy said each grade’s work is coordinated with the overall curriculum. Murphy has a granddaughter in second grade and another who graduated and now attends St. Francis High School. “They were here because I believe

(PHOTOS BY VALERIE SCHMALZ/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

■ Continued from page 3

Kindergarten teacher Caitlyn Connolly teaches her students about gardening.

in the philosophy of the school,” she said, noting that at Mass and during sacramental preparation, children who are not Catholic are included. For the sacrament of reconciliation, the child goes up for a blessing, Murphy said. “That’s one more way we’re saying everyone is accepted.”

St. Timothy kindergarteners learning to plant.

‘Nothing beats Scripture’ for keeping life in perspective, Obama says By Patricia Zapor WASHINGTON (CNS) — At busy times and amid critical national debates, “nothing beats Scripture and the reminder of the eternal” for keeping things in perspective, President Barack Obama said April 19 at his second Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House. In brief remarks to a crowd of about 130 guests from various Christian churches in the East Room, Obama said he wanted to have such an event “because as busy as we are, as many tasks as pile up, during this season we are reminded that there’s something about the Resurrection — something about the resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ, that puts everything else in perspective.” “Everybody in this room has weighty responsibilities, from leading churches and

denominations, to helping to administer important government programs, to shaping our culture in various ways,” he said, adding, with a touch of irony to his voice, “my plate has been full as well. The inbox keeps on accumulating.” “But then comes Holy Week,” he continued. “The triumph of Palm Sunday. The humility of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. His slow march up that hill, and the pain and the scorn and the shame of the cross. And we’re reminded that in that moment, he took on the sins of the world — past, present and future — and he extended to us that unfathomable gift of grace and salvation through his death and resurrection.” The guests were bishops, priests, ministers, women religious and other denominational leaders. Among the Catholics were Cardinal

Summer Time is approaching Studies show students forget 40% of what they learned in a school year, in just TWO months ACT NOW ! 9 9 999 Don’t let your student fall behind 9 999 Keep the mind active 9 9 9 Get ahead of the class Tutor Doctor Call Sophie: 415 364-8595 www.tutordoctorsanfrancisco.com

Donald W. Wuerl of Washington and Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, Washington’s retired archbishop, and Bishops John C. Wester of Salt Lake City and Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton. Women religious who participated included Sister Kateri Mitchell, a Sister of St. Anne who heads the Tekakwitha Conference; Sister Carol Keehan, a Daughter of Charity, who is president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association; and Sister Roberta Fulton, a Sister of St. Mary of Namur and president of the National Black Sisters Conference. Sister Kateri read a passage from the Book Isaiah — Chapter 25, Verses 6-8 — which talks about God preparing a lavish banquet

for all, wiping tears from all faces, removing reproach from all the earth and swallowing up death for all time. Concluding his remarks, Obama quoted another passage from Isaiah, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” “This magnificent grace, this expansive grace, this ‘Amazing Grace’ calls me to reflect,” he said. “And it calls me to pray. It calls me to ask God for forgiveness for the times that I’ve not shown grace to others, those times that I’ve fallen short. It calls me to praise God for the gift of ... his son and our savior.”

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Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

Father Boeddeker . . . ■ Continued from cover of St. Francis, launching an iconic nonprofit safety net that is housed in a space that is outgrown and more than shows its age. The St. Anthony Foundation this month announced it is launching an effort to raise $21 million to construct a 10-story building at the corner of Golden Gate Avenue and Jones Street, including a new dining room on the first floor and consolidated services – social services and the free clothing program – on the second floor, with 90 housing units for low-income seniors on eight floors above. The need for a new dining room upgrade is acute, with now 3,000 meals served daily, up 300 from one year ago, in no-room-to-spare space. It is a joint project with Mercy Housing, with construction planned to begin in July 2012, completed two years later. “We need to make our dining room more efficient and able to accommodate our guests in a way that continues Father Alfred’s vision – a dining room in which guests feel community, feel welcoming – and we don’t want to continue to pack people in and lose that,” said Shari Roeseler, executive director of the St. Anthony Foundation. She added, “The new building will enhance our commitment to Catholic values and Catholic social teaching. Our values at St. Anthony’s of personalism and community echo Catholic social teaching for the option for the poor.”

In post-World War II San Francisco, a considerable number of people did not participate in an otherwise rising prosperity, and Father Boeddeker believed they needed not only food but to be shown respect and treated with dignity. At a devotion to St. Anthony at St. Boniface, he was inspired by a statue of Anthony giving a loaf of bread to a poor man, long on a side altar. According to a history by Jeffrey Burns, the archivist of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Father Boeddeker said later, “Something hit me: ‘Why don’t you do that?’ I told myself it was just a passing thought, and then it hit me again strong: ‘Why don’t you do that?’ In my heart, I said to St. Anthony, ‘You do it, and I’ll help.’” Shortly after that, he acquired the auto shop and the legacy of what is now called “The Miracle of Jones Street” began – even while the space was never ideal, was never intended as a dining room, but was simply what was available in 1950. The other day, St. Anthony served its 37 millionth meal, in its 60th year, in a space that, said Barry Stenger, the St. Anthony development and outreach director, has been reduced to bearing walls that can’t be moved. The guests deserve, he said, more accommodating space, to continue Father Boeddeker’s vision. “It is to be that sense of community, a place where no one is excluded, where there is no means testing for anybody coming here. We are able to serve whoever comes to our door,” he said. That mission will continue, added Roeseler, even during

(PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. BONIFACE CHURCH)

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This statue of St. Anthony at St. Boniface Church inspired the founder of St. Anthony Dining Room.

construction of the new building at 121 Jones St. “There will be a temporary dining room during construction,” she said, across the street, at 150 Golden Gate Ave. “We have always been open seven days a week and that will continue.”

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April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

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Bishop: Charter review will look at Philadelphia abuse situation By Nancy Frazier O’Brien WASHINGTON (CNS) – When the U.S. bishops meet in Seattle in June, they will review implementation of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” nearly 10 years after its 2002 passage. They also will look at “whether there was some sort of the breakdown of the system” that prompted the abuserelated investigation of more than two dozen priests in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said Bishop Blase J. Cupich of Spokane, Wash. “I’m confident that the dioceses are doing their work and that the situation Philadelphia is facing – removing such a large number of priests, the circumstances under which that occurred,” is an aberration, the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People said in an April 15 telephone interview with Catholic News Service. “We have to wait to see exactly what happened in Philadelphia,” he said. Two priests, a former priest and a former Catholic schoolteacher entered pleas of not guilty in Philadelphia April 15 to charges that included child rape. Another priest who had been in charge of assigning those and other priests pleaded not guilty to child endangerment. In

all, 26 priests have been placed on administrative leave pending an independent investigation of child sex abuse allegations against them following the Feb. 10 release of a Philadelphia grand jury report. Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia and other archdiocesan officials have stressed that placing them on leave is an interim measure and not a final determination or judgment. Bishop Cupich has been involved in the U.S. bishops’ efforts against child sex abuse from the beginning, as a member since 2002 of what was first called the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse and its chairman since 2008. He said the bishops’ actions in Seattle will be “not so much doing a review as going back to our principal motivations in crafting the charter.” “Well over 100 bishops have been ordained (in the United States) since 2002, so we want to make sure they are prepared and understand what the motivations were that we had,” Bishop Cupich added. Chief among those motivations is the need to cultivate “close visceral connections with the victims” and to “never lose touch of the ongoing need for healing,” he said. Bishop Cupich spoke during National Child Abuse Prevention Month and a few days after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released the results of audits detailing

diocesan compliance with the charter. Released with it was a statistical survey by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University showing the number of credible allegations of child abuse against U.S. clergy and the costs associated with that abuse. The CARA survey found that there were seven new credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests during 2010. Another 498 new allegations were made during the year, but the vast majority of those were alleged to have occurred between 1960 and 1984. “Any organization that deals with the number of youths that we do is always going to be vulnerable in some way to a violation of its code of conduct,” Bishop Cupich said. “But when you think about how many kids we come across on a daily basis,” the number of abuse allegations made “is relatively very miniscule,” he added. It’s also worth noting, the bishop said, that the Catholic Church is “the only organization that provides such a CHARTER REVIEW, page 16

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Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

Archbishop’s Journal

Pope’s Palm Sunday message: ‘High road’ impossible without God

Carry Christ’s peace Again this Easter the Gospel of life proclaims to the disciples of Jesus, “The Lord’s tomb is empty! He is risen!” Grace and life in Christ have defeated sin and death. But the good news calls out to each believer even more intimately, “Your tomb is empty! You can rise!” Jesus has lived and died and been raised that we might live, die and rise to eternal life with him. But our faith in our resurrection is not confined to a post-mortem moment. One spiritual writer has remarked that when a Christian comes to the end of life, he or she will have left behind a trail of empty tombs, only the very last of which will be the grave. Children grow into young adults, and when they leave home and strike out on their own, there is a dying to one way of living and a rising to another. At times we need to die to old ways of thinking, of judging and relating to others, of handling challenges and difficulties. When the spirit of Jesus delivers us from doubt or confusion or fear or grief, we leave an empty tomb behind. Whenever we choose with grace to let go of envy or anger

or greed, we are raised from “a little death.” Whenever prayer and the help and example of others strengthens us to overcome an addiction or an obsession or a sinful behavior, we step out Archbishop from a darkened grave George into the light of God’s loving regard. Niederauer On the first Easter Sunday evening, the risen Jesus spoke to his first disciples the same words he speaks to us together this Easter Sunday, 2011: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Let us resolve to think and talk and act as Easter people, bringing Christ’s peace to our families, our communities and our world

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The Palm Sunday procession must be understood as more than a “quaint custom,” Pope Benedict XVI said in celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Vatican April 17 as about 50,000 faithful waved olive branches and palm fronds in St. Peter’s Square. “It represents the spiritual ascent that all Christians are called to make, a journey “along the high road that leads to the living God,” he said. Such an ascent is impossible without God’s help, he said, although men and women have long attempted to “attain the heights of God by their own powers.” The pope said that despite progress, human limitations have been evident in recent disasters that “have caused so much suffering for humanity.” He described people as caught between two “gravitational fields”: the force of gravity that pulls people down toward selfishness, falsehood and evil, and the force of God’s love that pulls people up.

backward to raise taxes on hard-working Californians, those most affected by more taxes would be less likely to donate to charities and thus those more likely to lose out would be the poor. Bernard Ames San Carlos

Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

Inspired by Marin parish’s hospitality It was heartening to read George Raine’s article, “St. Rita Church extends hospitality to Marin County’s homeless” (Apr. 8). Hopefully, it will bring to light the plight of the homeless and will encourage other Catholic churches to offer similar assistance in their own communities. Having been a part of the volunteer program for St. Rita’s shelter, I personally observed how easy it was to provide food and a place to sleep for these very vulnerable women. They were most appreciative and gracious. The rotating shelter program concluded at our church on March 31; it was a warm and lovely evening here in Marin. However, two days later the temperature dropped considerably and has remained that way since then. Each night when I go to bed, I think of these women (who became dear to us) back out on the street, doorway or hill and wonder how they can possibly be warm. Of course the true answer to this is that permanent shelters should be in place. Thankfully, St. Rita’s and other local churches stepped up and offered at least a four-month respite for those women and men who are homeless. I congratulate all of St.Rita’s membership for their willingness to participate in the program — 97 volunteers plus anonymous financial donations. Patsy Pearson Fairfax Thank you for writing the article about St. Rita Church sheltering the homeless. It warms my heart that people at St. Rita are taking the time to help those in need, and with Father Ken Weare shepherding the homeless it is an awesome and inspiring example to the rest of us in the Catholic

Letters welcome Catholic San Francisco welcomes letters from its readers. Please send your letters to: Catholic San Francisco One Peter Yorke Way San Francisco, CA 94109 Fax: (415) 614-5641 E-mail: delvecchior@sfarchdiocese.org, include “Letters” in the subject line.

Church. There are other churches that offer this type of accommodation, but there are also many that seem to neglect the critical needs of many. This is social justice in action. My heartfelt appreciation to St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin and the REST program and to parishioners of St. Rita that serve, especially in Marin County, which is supposedly an affluent community. Ofie Albrecht South San Francisco The article brought joy to my heart. It is so heartwarming to see the Catholic San Francisco celebrate our young people. There is so much “wrong” about our youth published in the mainstream media that your article talking about the students of St. Rita School and Marin Catholic and Drake high schools spending their Thursday nights with our homeless guests was very refreshing. The students come each week to help serve meals and dine with our guests. The students learn so much about service during these meals when they have the opportunity to talk to these women. Thank you for showing the wonderful side of our youth. We are very proud of each of them. Carol Arritola Novato I just wanted to express my enjoyment and appreciation for the article on the St. Rita Church homeless program. Thank you to George Raine for writing the article and to the editor for publishing it. Very inspirational. Jim Owen Ross

‘Common good?’ Balance the budget How easy it is for California’s bishops to decry a breakdown on a budget deal as devastating for the poor when there are more people in the state to take into consideration than just the poor. If in fact the bishops are so committed to the “common good” then they should be admonishing the Legislature and governor for their foolhardy mismanagement of the budget annually where the state is approaching bankruptcy. A balanced budget would be a real “common good.” The poor ought not to be the focal point of the state’s budget as there are many agencies and charities to handle the poor. Of course when the government bends over

Reaction to censure of sister’s theology text (U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Doctrine executive director) Father Thomas G. Weinandy (“Bishops’ committee says professor’s book misrepresents faith,” Apr. 8) criticizes Fordham professor Sister Elizabeth Johnson’s theology book, “Quest for the Living God,” for containing “misrepresentations” and “errors” on the Catholic faith. However, he and the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine never even notified Sister Elizabeth that her book was under scrutiny nor invited her to talk to the committee about her book. In fact, the book was assessed by the committee before Sister Elizabeth had any idea such discussions had even taken place. Father Weinandy’s explanation of the bishops’ curious exclusion of Sister Elizabeth was to say that meeting with her “would just prolong a process that they really didn’t want to prolong.” Careful review of the facts should not be viewed as an annoyance with which to be dispensed. However, this is just how the bishops seem to want to treat this former president of the Catholic Theological Society of America whose Fordham faculty page notes her main area of research as “justice for women.” Laurie Joyce San Anselmo

a consideration of diverse areas: culture and race, historical, political and economic events, feminist and liberation theologies and interreligious thought. To quote Dr. Johnson, “The phrase the Living God elicits a sense of ineffable divine mystery, on the move in history, calling forth our own partnership while nourishing a loving relationship at the center of our being: ‘My soul and my flesh sing for joy to the living God’” (Psalm 84:2). Is this not an admirable quest for Catholics, for all seekers of God? God, save us from shades of the Inquisition! Jean A. Ramirez San Francisco I read that the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine feels that Sister Elizabeth Johnson’s book does not represent Catholic teaching. I have yet to read that book, but I have read Sister Elizabeth’s books, “Consider Jesus: Waves of Renewal In Christology,” and “She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse.” I thought both were excellent. I have a master’s in theology from the Franciscan School of Theology in the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. While attending FST/GTU I took a class in feminist ecclesiology. I’m familiar with a number of feminist theologians, both Catholic and Protestant. Some feminist theologians are very radical and I question certain things they say. In fact, I sometimes question whether certain so-called feminist theologians really are Catholic or Christian with some of their views. Not so with Sister Elizabeth. After reading “She Who Is” I believe Sister Elizabeth is one of the most balanced and important contemporary Catholic feminist theologians. I encourage people to read “She Who Is.” I also think that “Consider Jesus” is one of the best books on Christology that I have read and I recommend it as well. I hope and pray that the issues between her and the Committee on Doctrine can be resolved. How can anyone be less than incredulous at the unilateral actions taken against Sister Elizabeth Johnson and her book? These actions were taken by the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine without any consultation with Sister Elizabeth. I am a wife, parent, grandparent, retired parochial high school teacher and former small-business owner with 50 employees. Settling issues at home, school or office by the common sense practice, not to mention by law, always begins with individual discussion and consultation: a dialogue. Why would the committee not reach out to Sister Elizabeth with its concerns? She is one of our best and brightest church LETTERS, page 13

L E T T E R S

Why specifically has the Committee on Doctrine censured Elizabeth Johnson’s “Quest for the Living God?” Why was the committee’s statement finalized and promulgated without providing Sister Elizabeth an opportunity to respond to its questions and concerns? Is the primary issue that, as the committee states, “the book is written not for specialists in theology but for a broad audience,” including people like me? If so, I am offended! Or, are her feminist views, though only one of many areas considered in “Quest,” of main concern? Nietzsche wrote, “God is Dead.” Today, some are God-less, having made other things their “god.” And yet others, seeking to find God, or to vitalize their belief in God, in contemporary society are struggling to find the loving mystery that is God. Today’s world is far different from the world when the Eurocentric understanding of God was put forth. Sister Elizabeth in “Quest” endeavors to enlighten God-seekers by providing insights through

April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

13

Guest Commentary

The view from Rome I write these words in a wonderful guest room on the top floor of the North American College on the Gianiculum Hill, just beside the Vatican. As I turn my head, I can see the dome of St. Peter’s glowing against the night sky. Rome never fails to delight me and to fire my Christian imagination. One of the things I remember most vividly when I’m here is that St. Peter’s Basilica is essentially the most beautiful and exquisitely decorated cemetery marker in the world. It is meant to draw attention to the grave of a first-century fisherman from the shores of the Sea of Galilee, who against all his expectations, found himself, in the last years of his life, in the capital of the Roman Empire. Peter of Capernaum had come to Rome because he wanted to preach the liberating and unnerving truth about his master at the very heart of the ancient culture. Of course, it got him in trouble. Mark, the author of the first Gospel, was, according to tradition, Peter’s companion and translator, and hence his writing reflects, scholars speculate, the content and even the rhythms of Peter’s preaching. The opening line of Mark shows how subversive Peter’s message was: “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” It seems harmless enough to us, but those were, in that time and place, fighting words. The Greek term behind “good news” is euangelion and this word was used to communicate an imperial victory. When Caesar won a great battle, he would send “evangelists” ahead with the glad tidings that he had conquered his enemies. Mark (and Peter) were saying that the real euangelion doesn’t have a thing to do with Caesar and his puny military conquests. It has to do with someone whom Caesar

put to death and whom God raised from the dead. And just to rub it in, Mark referred to Jesus as the “Son of God” (“huios tou Theou” in his Greek). That sounds perhaps blandly “spiritual” to us, but it too was a provocation, for one of the Roman emperor’s titles was “Son of God.” None too subtly, Mark and Peter were saying that the true Son of God is not Caesar but rather this Jesus whom Rome had crucified. Tradition holds that Peter was rounded up after the burning of Rome in the year 64, as the emperor Nero (one of the wickedest and strangest political figures in history) was casting about for scapegoats. Chances are that Peter lived and operated in what is now the Trastevere neighborhood, just south of the Gianiculum, for that was the Jewish quarter in the first century. He was taken on foot, or perhaps by cart, from there to Nero’s circus, a racetrack situated outside of the city proper, in between the Gianiculum and Vatican Hills. On the site today, roughly speaking, is the Paul VI audience hall, the roof of which I can see as I gaze out my window. Along with other Christians, Peter was crucified (tradition says upside down) for the amusement of spectators. Standing in the middle of the circus, along what the Romans called the spina or spine of the racetrack, was an Egyptian obelisk that the emperor Augustus had brought back after his battles with Antony and Cleopatra some hundred years before. It was undoubtedly one of the last things that Peter saw on earth. After he died, Peter’s body was taken down from the cross and buried in a small cemetery on the nearby Vatican Hill. That obelisk which the dying fisherman saw stands today

in the center of St. Peter’s square, one of the great crossroads of the world, and that simple grave is now marked by the largest church in the world. And the 264th successor of Peter as bishop of Rome is residFather ing in his apostolic palace just beside the fisherman’s Robert Barron grave. I know that it’s a bit of a cliche and even smacks of Christian triumphalism, but I’m going to say it anyway. Nero died and no one cared where they buried him. His palace is a pile of ruins, and his empire long ago disappeared. It remains one of the oddest and most moving facts of human history that the avatar of a crucified Messiah established an empire far more powerful and enduring than that of the Caesars. I’m sure they laughed when people like Peter and Paul, Mark and Timothy referred to Jesus as “the Lord.” But every time I look out my window here at the dome marking the grave of Peter, I realize that we Christians had the last laugh. Father Robert Barron is the founder of the global ministry Word on Fire and the Francis Cardinal George Professor of Faith and Culture at University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Ill.

The Catholic Difference

Christians in the Middle East Habib Malik of the Lebanese American University has been a friend for many years. Few men have such an informed and humane view of the sad, even desperate, position of Christians in the Middle East. As a Lebanese Maronite with a Harvard doctorate in intellectual history, what Malik knows comes from experience as well as impeccable scholarship. The Hoover Institution Press at Stanford University recently published a short booklet by Malik that should be required reading for anyone concerned with the fate of ancient Christian communities throughout the Levant, including the Holy Land. “Islamism and the Future of the Christians of the Middle East” can be read in one sitting. Its brevity is an advantage: a concise mind and an accomplished pen distilling a vast amount of knowledge and experience into 68 pages. Let me try, with far greater brevity, to highlight several of the book’s key points. 1) Middle East Christians today have had two distinct historical experiences. One is an experience of freedom. The other is an experience of being a dhimmi, a second-class citizen existing on the sufferance of the Muslim majority in an Islamic state. 2) 90 percent of Christian Arabs live in conditions of dhimmitude today, including the Copts in Egypt, the Chaldeans and Assyrians in Iraq, and the Greek Orthodox and Melkites in Syria, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority. These are the Christians at greatest risk from Islamism and jihadism. 3) Christians who have been subjugated for generations have, over time, “lost all sense of what it meant to experience a life

Letters . . . ■ Continued from page 12 women, no less than a former president of the Catholic Theological Society of America. Actions that smack of the tactics used against Galileo in a bygone era, clearly are bad policy today. These actions discourage and deter faith-filled Catholics. The appearance is that the church committee on doctrine believes theology only revolves around their committee. If one goes to the Committee on Doctrine website — http://usccb.org/doctrine — the entire committee (chair, members and consultants) includes 15 men and one woman. It does not list how many on the committee are Ph.D. theologians as Sister Elizabeth Johnson is. On the same Web page, the “Goals and Objectives” statement indicates the members “seek the active collaboration of theologians.” What are the church faithful to conclude about the incongruency between the bishops’ public policy statement and their total lack of

of true liberty.” Thus they have developed a variety of survival strategies which, having been thoroughly internalized, now seem natural: kowtowing to authority; accepting benefactions from dictators like Saddam Hussein in Iraq or the Assad dynasty in Syria; remaining silent in the face of atrocities committed against Christians by Islamists and other Muslims; blaming the current problems of Christians in the Middle East on that great bugbear, the state of Israel. 4) Christian communities in the Middle East are also under tremendous pressure because their numbers are shrinking while Muslim populations are growing. Emigration (to escape persecution or to seek prosperity) has played a considerable role here; so has contraception. 5) Both free Christian communities and dhimmi Christian communities suffer from a paucity of indigenous leadership. (Malik doesn’t say it, but I expect he means both political leadership and religious leadership.) This has created another comparative disadvantage for Christian communities in the Middle East. For their Muslim neighbors, having rejected various secular ideologies, have increasingly turned to more stringent (and thus more intolerant) forms of Islam in recent decades—and have done so at a time when few Christian leaders, clerical or lay, have been defending Christians’ rights, much less proposing Christianity as an attractive alternative to secular ideologies. 6) Western indifference to the fate of Arab and other Middle Eastern Christians has also contributed to their decline and their present peril. This blindness has also imperiled the West.

collaboration with theologian Sister Elizabeth Johnson? Geraldine Walsh Marin County

Further comment on ‘War without end’ Thanks to Bishop McElroy for his splendid critique of current U.S. war policy! (“War without end,” Guest Commentary, April 1). When I first read this article in the Jesuit publication America. I sent copies to U.S. Senators Lugar, Kerry, Feinstein and Boxer, to justice organizations in Washington, D.C., to numerous friends and to USF’s Lane Center. The article raised many questions for me: Where is the anti-war movement, Catholic or otherwise? Are the U.S bishops taking action to influence the president and Congress on the immorality of these wars? Why is this issue never articulated from the pulpits of our parishes? And, in all this uproar about reducing the deficit (which we need to do), are we considering how much could be saved if we weren’t involved in (now) three wars? Are we asleep?

In Malik’s own words: “Such moderation is sure to be strengthened when Muslims interact daily with confident fellow-native adherents to a creed that does not condone suicide bombers, respects women, is George Weigel not out for religious domination, upholds the principle of religious pluralism, is compatible with liberal democracy, defends personal and group rights, emphasizes the centrality of education, and is not uncomfortable with many features of modern secular living. Whenever local Christians have felt relatively unmolested, they have acted as catalysts for positive change and as conduits for some of the West’s finest and most enduring universal values, and this in turn has advanced Islamic tolerance and moderation.” The defense of religious freedom for persecuted Christians in the Middle East is a moral obligation. It is also a strategic imperative. Middle East Christians who share a historical experience of freedom, or who can shake off the psychological shackles of dhimmitude, are a strategic asset, not the headache the State Department usually imagines them to be. George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

I feel like the voice of one crying in the desert, unheard and powerless. Would you join your voice to mine by contacting decisionmakers and friends, doing whatever you can to end war? Sister Dolores Barling, SNJM Daly City

affirmative, what action can we take to bring about peace? Virginia Stella San Anselmo James J. Watrous San Francisco

In addition to reading the article, I heard Bishop McElroy give a talk on the same subject at St. Rita’s Church as part of its Lenten series. I believe he merits a standing ovation. The front page of Catholic San Francisco heralded Child Abuse Prevention Month. People with placards convene outside Planned Parenthood facilities to protest abortion. School children save and donate their allowances for Japanese tsunami victims. These troubling issues can leave us drained from anger, grief, sadness and a loss of hope. Perhaps Bishop McElroy’s erudition and pleasant demeanor can capture the conscience of Catholics and all Americans as he poses a devastating question, “Have we become a nation of perpetual war?” Since the facts point to an answer in the

Never has the irrelevance of war been so clearly crafted as in Bishop McElroy’s brilliant treatise. Indeed, Iraqi leadership is already asking the U.S. to maintain troops in their country (his prediction). Indeed, as an American, I feel no pain related to our nation at war. The only dismay I feel is related to the monies we are spending to sustain combat in countries which have made it clear they do not want us! “Why was this money not given to the poor ... the uneducated ... the homeless?” God will one day ask, as we cut billions of dollars from them in our recent budget debacle. I am left with one question: If most Americans no longer feel the pain of war, how on earth can we expect them to rise up and say “no” to a government which goes on unchecked in its mad military pursuit? Sister Mary Ann Foy, RSCJ Redwood City

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Catholic San Francisco

A READING FROM THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES Peter proceeded to speak and said: “You know what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

April 22, 2011 is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

Easter Sunday Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Colossians 3:1-4; John 18:20: 1-9 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, His mercy endures forever.” R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. “The right hand of the Lord has struck with power; the right hand of the Lord is exalted. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. The stone which the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. A READING FROM THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS COL 3:1-4 Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life

“S

mart Cremation” just sent me another ad. Who culled my name for the mailing list of this organization? How intrusive! I am getting an “offer” about every four or five months. At least they are not knocking on my door. The letter to “Dear Eloise,” quotes an elderly woman (like me?) who is asked whether she wants to plan her own funeral. She answers, “Absolutely … I want to be in charge.” So how should I be thinking about death? Being in charge? In terms of “the many environmentally sound advantages of cremation?” Should I take seriously the sales pitch that other consumers are “smart enough to know value when they see it?” Easter is a way for Christians to think about death as more than their funeral or disposition of their remains. The resurrection of Jesus in the Gospel describes both an event and a new consciousness among the disciples. It’s not just their memory or idea that Jesus is alive, but their experience of an unexpected surge of aliveness in themselves. This is to say that Easter breaks into our life before our physical death. My neighbor just had a pacemaker put in. The doctor told her that the boost to her heart would increase her energy. She called me three days after her surgery, and humorously complained that she was still waiting for the doctor’s promise of that new energy to prove itself real. She did feel herself on the mend but just didn’t know how long it would be. Easter is feeling new energy within our hearts, while we are this side of death. The Scripture hints at this sense of newfound aliveness in various ways. “Let our celebration raise us up and renew our lives,” in the opening prayer suggests that we can get up and start over. An alternate prayer referring to Easter as the “morning on which the Lord appeared to those who had begun to lose hope …” implies that the aliveness we feel changes our deepest despondency to optimism. In Acts, Peter says that God raised Jesus and “granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after

Scripture reflection SISTER ELOISE ROSENBLATT

Easter’s newfound aliveness he rose from the dead.” For the disciples closest to Jesus before his death, his resurrection was a surprise. After his appearance, they recognized a profound change in themselves. They were no longer just the loyal followers of a rabbi who “went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil.” They now understood themselves as empowered messengers — as witnesses, preachers, successors to the prophets and assurers to new believers that God was a forgiving God. The aliveness of Jesus in themselves got translated into self-respect, a sense of purpose and courageous agency as representatives of a benevolent God. I hadn’t taken a cart when I went into the store. But I picked up a few things I didn’t intend — you generally do at Trader Joe’s. A woman stepped aside from her cart and helped me unload the sourdough French bread, soybean chips, jumbo eggs, milk and slightly green bananas from my arms onto the sales counter. I remarked to her, “You seem so cheery and you look like you are in good health.” “Yes,” she said, her cheek lines crinkling and blue eyes sparkling, “I feel wonderful, and it’s because I love Jesus.” I don’t know what I said in reply. I must have thanked her. I didn’t have time for a revival

meeting. But I certainly felt a boost of resurrection energy in her. The reading from Colossians says, “Seek what is above … think of what is above ….” These phrases imply that some source of aliveness comes from breaking out of our usual consciousness. It takes mindfulness and effort to “seek what is above.” We have to crane our necks, hear the crick or crack of the vertebrae, and break away from our horizontal plane of awareness. There is aliveness in the present for us, “hidden with Christ in God.” We can discover it by searching it out right now. Then there is the promise of aliveness in the future for us, too, “when Christ your life appears ….” In the Gospel, Mary Magdalen arrives at the tomb when it’s still dark. She sees something she didn’t expect — the stone removed and Jesus not there. She assumes someone has taken the body away. In the spirit of a leader who feels entitled to know and to be reported to, she goes to Peter and speaks on behalf of the women, “We don’t know where they put him.” Peter and the other disciple respond to the women’s concern and the women’s report that something is awry. Thus, we get a hint that one effect of the resurrection is a flexibility in ecclesial roles. Instead of Peter in the commander role, send-

A READING FROM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN JN 20:1-9 On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead. ing Mary Magdalen to go investigate on his behalf, he goes to investigate at her initiative, in response to her concern. There is another modification of roles occasioned by the resurrection. One would expect Peter to be the one who arrives first at the tomb. But no, it is the “other disciple.” This is the one who bends down, sees the burial cloths, sees the same evidence as Peter — the cloth that covered Jesus’ head is rolled up in a separate place. The other disciple is the one who sees and believes. He realizes that the body was not stolen by thieves breaking in from the outside and hastening away. Jesus recovered his aliveness internally, intentionally, purposefully and peacefully. Jesus left things in order, and left death behind as a stage of his existence that was over, like a cloth rolled up. His face never needed to be covered again. It is the other disciple who is the first to both see the evidence and believe. His faith is the template for Peter’s faith. Peter, the leader, is not the triumphal hierarch in command and control. Rather, he is presented as a responder to women, and as one who runs alongside the other disciple. Peter is the one less swift, who doesn’t run as fast as his companion. He is still the one who receives the deference belonging to a leader, but his own faith is drawn from the belief of the disciple who defers to him. In John’s Gospel, the resurrection of Jesus seems to affect a softening and reshaping of the authority of Peter. Peter’s aliveness as leader finds a different expression than the classic image of the bronze statue of Caesar astride his horse, arm extended, commanding his troops forward. The second strophe of the closing blessing is especially comforting: “Through the resurrection of his Son, God has granted us healing. May he fulfill his promises, and bless you with eternal life.” Mercy Sister Eloise Rosenblatt, Ph.D., is a theologian and an attorney in private practice in San Jose. Her e-mail is eloros@sbcglobal.net.

The long loneliness By Father John Catoir Dorothy Day wrote an autobiography called “The Long Loneliness.” Even the saintly suffer from loneliness. Billions of people down through the ages have tried to solve the problem of loneliness, each in his, or her, own way. Unfortunately, the results are often disappointing. St. Augustine described this human condition in simple terms: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord.” To deal with the ache of loneliness, we have to begin by accepting the truth that loneliness is both a spiritual problem and a universal fact of life. Metaphysical loneliness is the price we pay for being unique, essentially separate from every other being and totally different. The natural feeling of isolation is part of every life; once we accept this, the easier it becomes to deal with. Even those who are gifted with close relatives and friends suffer in

one way or another from this form of emotional pain. This is why human beings crave some kind of interaction with other human beings. This is why charitable giving and volunteering can ease the burden of isolation. Loving others is indeed the best way to calm your restless spirit. This nagging discomfort that we call loneliness, however, is God’s way of drawing us into his love, and once we are calmer and tuned into God’s love, the opportunity for joy becomes real. Rejoicing in God’s will goes hand in hand with enjoying his company. The go-go world does not see this as a viable solution. Those who misdiagnose the problem begin looking for love in all the wrong places. Searching for sexual intimacy in order to overcome the feeling of loneliness is certainly understandable, but it doesn’t really work in the long run. It is common knowledge for everyone engaged in a 12-step program that appetites satisfied over and over again can take

over a person’s life. But pleasure can never appease the deeper hunger within, and a merely physical solution to loneliness can easily turn into sexual addiction, which itself is a misdiagnosis. Unless we deal with loneliness as a spiritual problem, we won’t be able to quiet the yearning of the soul. Prayer, then, is a real remedy for the problem of loneliness. (Trust me even if you don’t understand it.) Thankfully, we are not left alone to our own devices; we are not poor, helpless creatures. Even though we remain restless in our isolation, we know that the Lord abides in us! For some people, loneliness can be tormenting. For most, it is merely an annoyance, a passing thing. But for those who love God, it is the springboard of prayer. Peace and joy come from the knowledge of God’s love. Father John Catoir writes a column for Catholic News Service.

April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

15

Spirituality for Life

The unquiet frontiers of our lives Few books have garnered as much respect during the past five years as has Charles Taylor’s “A Secular Age.” That respect is well deserved. Given secularity’s convoluted history, there isn’t any one, normative study that traces out its evolution; but, if there was, Taylor’s analysis might apply for the distinction. Deeply versed in history, philosophy, literature, theology, and spirituality, Taylor has a deep well within which to dip to make his analysis. Few scholars, to my mind, bring so wide and deep a scholarship to the area of history and faith. Taylor confesses that he is, personally, a man of faith, but strives insofar as this is possible for anyone, believer or agnostic, to not let his own beliefs color his research. Few commentators, even those critical of the book, accuse him of that. He is generally as objective as the evening news, reporting what happened without either trumpeting or bemoaning it. And what he traces out is the big story of how we moved historically from a culture and a consciousness within which it was virtually impossible not to be believe in God to the situation within which we find ourselves today, namely, where belief in God is merely one option among others and indeed often not the dominant one. Until the full flowering of modernity (and, for many of us personally that has really just happened in the past two generations) we lived with what Taylor calls a “porous” rather than a “buffered” consciousness. A porous consciousness is more naturally mystical. A buffered consciousness is what Karl Rahner had in mind when he said we would soon reach a time when someone would either be a mystic or a nonbeliever. A porous consciousness is porous precisely in its incapacity

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to protect itself against spirits and angels, demons and superstition, against good religion and bad religion. We don’t have to go far back to remember when we used to sign ourselves with the cross and holy water during a lightning storm. The other world, however it was understood, could bring us to our knees. We didn’t always like how the supernatural could leak through our defenses but we were pretty helpless in preventing it. A buffered consciousness is precisely one that is buffered against angels and demons, against good religion and bad religion, leaking through. Today rather than being frightened by a lightning storm, we enjoy the free fireworks, feeling quite safe and secure behind our modern glass windows. We are much more buffered against the other world and how it can break through in our consciousness. This makes secular consciousness (an awareness that, for the most part, doesn’t feel any conscious need to connect its existence, sustenance, meaning, and striving for happiness to anything beyond itself and the world) a genuine option for us and makes faith more a choice than a given. But, as Leonard Cohen famously writes: There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. There is, too, a crack in our buffered, secular consciousness. Taylor calls this “the unquiet frontiers of modernity.” There are certain things against which we cannot buffer ourselves, and not just loss, depression, and fear of death. These can, and do, sometimes shake the secure foundations of our lives and drive us to our knees in helplessness. But we can be driven to our knees, too, for the opposite reasons: Love, beauty, hope and joy can also break through our buffered shell and break us open to a meaning beyond what this world

has to offer. There is disquiet and fragility on both frontiers, on those which threaten and frighten us and on those which beckon us toward deeper hopes. Here’s how Taylor puts it: The sense that there is Father Ronald something more presses in. Great numbers of people Rolheiser feel it: in moments of reflection about their life; in moments of relaxation in nature; in moments of bereavement and loss; and quite wildly and unpredictably. Our age is very far from settling in to a comfortable unbelief. The secular age is schizophrenic, or better, deeply crosspressed. People seem at a safe distance from religion; and yet they are very moved to know that there are dedicated believers, like Mother Teresa. The unbelieving world, well used to disliking Pius XII, was bowled over by John XXIII. A pope just had to sound like a Christian, and many immemorial resistances melted. It’s as though many people who don’t want to follow want nevertheless to hear the message of Christ, want it to be proclaimed out there. God may not always seem evident in our world, but in our deepest fears and hopes we still have his calling card. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

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April 22, 2011

California bishops pleased with ruling on school tax credits By Valerie Schmalz A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in an Arizona case could clear the way for legislation in California that would widen poor families’ school options by upholding the use of tax credits to support scholarships to faith-based and independent private K-12 schools. The California Catholic Conference praised the 5-4 ruling, handed down April 4, tossing out a challenge to Arizona’s tuition tax credit program. “We are extremely pleased with the court’s ruling,” said Ned Dolejsi, the conference’s executive director. “Parents have the right to direct their children’s education – meaning that they ought to be able to choose a school that supports their values, meets their child’s academic challenges and needs, and cultivates their child’s natural talents and interests,” Dolejsi said in a written statement. “With this decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a vital parental right.” The ruling, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, held that because the arrangement is for taxpayers to receive tax credits for their donations to tuition scholarship organizations, no actual state spending is involved and that therefore taxpayers in general lack jurisdiction for challenging the program. The Arizona program grants one-for-one tax credits to school tuition organizations that provide tuition support to students attending K-12 faith-based and independent private schools. Individual taxpayers can send up to $500 a year and couples may send up to $1,000 to a scholarship fund for independent and faith-based schools and receive tax credit that reduces their state tax obligation by the same amount. Arizona law also provides tax credits to support public schools. In 2009, $52.1 million was paid by Arizona scholarship organizations that offered 27,582 scholarships that averaged nearly $1,900 each, said Raymond Burnell, educational policy specialist for the California Catholic Conference. Arizona individuals may claim up to $200 in tax credits and married couples may claim $400 in tax credits that help public schools. In 2009, that component raised $42.6 million for co-curricular activities in public schools, Burnell said. Similar programs that allow tax credits for scholarship funds that can be directed to tuition for students in faith-based and independent private schools are in place in a number of states. Pennsylvania also has a tax credit program that helps support children in public schools, Burnell said. “For our own state, any similar educational tax relief program should be designed to benefit all school children,” Burnell said. Between 85 percent and 90 percent of all Catholic children attend a public school in California, Burnell said. The California bishops are concerned for the welfare of all children attending public, independent and faith-based schools, he said. The Arizona program was challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of the taxpayers of Arizona. The Supreme Court ruled that taxpayers did not have standing. The case was Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization v. Winn et al.

SCRIPTURE SEARCH Gospel for April 24, 2011 Matthew 28:1-10 Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for Easter Sunday, at dawn: the resurrection. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle. FIRST DAY EARLY SO SHE RAN JESUS LOVED ROLLED UP HE SAW RISE

THE WEEK STILL DARK SIMON CLOTHS PLACE BELIEVED FROM THE DEAD

Writing the majority opinion, Kennedy said that the contributions were not a direct state appropriation but “resulted from the decisions of private taxpayers regarding their own funds.” The ACLU held that the program was a violation of the First Amendment establishment clause separating church and state. “Today’s decision ignores precedent, defies logic and undermines the role of the courts in preserving the core constitutional principle that government may not subsidize religion,” said Steven R. Shapiro, the ACLU’s legal director, in a press release. A New York Times editorial April 9 blasted the ruling as “another cynical sleight of hand, which will reduce access to federal courts while advancing endorsement of religion.” No tuition tax credit legislation has been enacted in California, partly because of strong opposition by teachers’ unions, said Peter Hanley, executive director of The American Center for School Choice and a member of the San Mateo Union High School District Board of Education. “The Legislature in California has not historically

Palm Sunday at St. Veronica Parish Parishioners at the South San Francisco parish process outside their church April 17 as part of the Palm Sunday procession that begins the Holy Week Sunday liturgy.

Charter review . . . ■ Continued from page 11 report.” Other organizations that serve large numbers of children and young people might not have “ways that such information is accumulated, much less reported,” he said, adding that the bishops hope their actions will challenge others to publicize the steps they are taking to protect children. He said full participation in the survey and audits was expected of all bishops. The dioceses of Lincoln, Neb., and Baker, Ore., and five Eastern Catholic eparchies declined to participate in the audits for 2010; only the Lincoln diocese refused to participate in the CARA survey. Efforts have been made to help the eparchies, which are generally “spread all over the place and very tiny,” with the data collection needed for the audits, Bishop Cupich said.

MARY STONE PETER HIS HEAD WENT IN SCRIPTURE DISCIPLES

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been friendly toward school choice and in fact remains unfriendly to school choice,” he said. “There’s a bill now making its way through the Legislature that would put a cap on charter schools that makes no sense. So if we are still fighting over how many charter schools to have in the state right now, that doesn’t bode well.” California and the nation need more good schools of all types, Hanley said. “It should be the public policy of California that families have the primary responsibility for choosing the education for their children,” he said. “We should have the widest possible choices available to families, particularly families in low-income areas that have historically had virtually no choice.” The state’s fiscal situation puts every issue on the back burner now, Burnell said. But he noted that the Supreme Court decision accepted the argument that an education scholarship program could provide “immediate and permanent cost savings” for overburdened state budgets and that by providing scholarships for students to attend independent and faith-based schools, a scholarship fund program could relieve burdens placed upon public schools.

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“We are going to be judged by the worst handling, not the best,” he said. “We have a responsibility to one another. The audits are part of what we are doing and everyone should be involved.” Asked how his work with the bishops’ committee has changed over the past decade, Bishop Cupich said the biggest change has been the expansion of “the circle of people involved in this effort” – from the bishops to lay advisers on the National Review Board and researchers at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York to diocesan personnel and parish and school staff members who have participated in safe environment training. “I’ve seen a great amount of growth in people taking care of victims,” he said. “On any given day, there are at least 1,000 people in the church doing something.” One thing the bishops have learned is “we can’t do this alone,” Bishop Cupich said. “We need to come together and cooperate and unify our efforts as adults. Our kids deserve nothing less than that.”

Mother’s Day Boutique at Serra High School

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Don’t miss the Serra Mother’s day Boutique from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on May 1 in the Serra cafeteria. There will be a vendors selling jewelry, purses, topiaries, crosses, collectibles and much more. Come and shop for your Mother’s Day gifts and treat yourself to something special. We encourage you to support these local vendors and shop ‘til you drop.

April 22, 2011

St. Mary’s Cathedral – Celebrating 40 years Gough and Geary Blvd. in San Francisco (415) 567-2020. Visit www.stmarycathedralsf.org A Mass commemorating the anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption will be celebrated May 5, 2011 at noon at the cathedral. Archbishop George Niederauer will preside. All members of the archdiocesan family are invited. Bishop-elect Thomas Daly, director of vocations for the archdiocese and president of Marin Catholic High School, is homilist. “That will truly add to the day,” said Msgr. John Talesfore, cathedral pastor and rector. “Bishop-elect Daly’s legacy here in leadership and in Catholic education makes him a very special choice to be homilist.” The anniversary of the dedication of a diocesan cathedral is by church law a solemnity in the cathedral and an obligatory feast in parishes. A novena prayer for the faithful to pray for the nine days leading up to the anniversary has been sent to parishes for printing in the parish bulletin. Prayers of the faithful mindful of the anniversary have also been sent for use on May 5 and at Masses the previous Sunday. That evening the annual Assumpta Award will be presented posthumously to Archbishop Joseph McGucken, under whose leadership the cathedral was built. The Assumpta Award ceremony is a ticketed event. Information about tickets is available at www.stmarycathedralsf.org.

Special Liturgies May 7, 8:20 a.m.: First Saturday devotion at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 39th Avenue at Lawton in San Francisco. Begins with rosary and May crowning of Mary with Mass at 9 a.m. followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Consecration prayers to the Immaculate Heart of Mary will also be said. May 29, 12:15 p.m.: St. Paul Church celebrates the 100th anniversary of its beautiful church building with a Mass of Thanksgiving on May 29 at 12:15 p.m. Archbishop George Niederauer will be principal celebrant. Father Mario Farana, pastor, will be among the concelebrants. A reception and memorabilia display will be held immediately following in the Parish Center, located at Church and Valley Streets, San Francisco.

National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi LA PORZIUNCOLA NUOVA Columbus at Vallejo in San Francisco’s North Beach The Porziuncola and “Francesco Rocks” Gift Shop are open every day but Monday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Visit www.knightsofsaintfrancis.com. Good Friday, noon: Capuchin Father Gregory May 27 – 29: “24th Northern California Catholic Charismatic Convention” at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway in Santa Clara. “Come expecting the power of a faithful God!” organizers said. Event theme is “Hearts on Fire for Jesus.” Opening Mass May 27 at 8 p.m. San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop William Justice will preside. Praise begins at 7 p.m. Convention speakers include Father Chris Crotty, Richard Lane, Martha Fernandez-Sardina, Msgr. James Tarantino. Registration information is at ncrcspirit.org or call (925) 828-0944. Weekend is sponsored by Northern California Renewal Coalition serving the dioceses of Monterey, Oakland, Sacramento, San Jose, Santa Rosa and Stockton and the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

P UT YOUR

Datebook

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Members of the USF Class of ‘61 reunion committee met to plan for their 50th class reunion to take place Oct. 1 as part of the Golden Alumni reunion on the USF campus. The committee is planning additional events for the class, including a lunch with ROTC cadets and staff and a class dinner. Contact the USF Alumni Office at (415) 422-6431. Committee members pictured are, front from left, Patricia Massey Lord, Jo Ann McCabe, and, back from left, Gene Gallagher, John Strain, Hank Sandbach, John O’Neil, George Mills, Mike Demeter, Mike McCabe, Collin Quock. Not available for the photo was Terry Callan. Coiro, shrine rector, presides at Good Friday services including Stations of the Cross, Liturgy of the Word, veneration of the cross and Communion. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. Easter: Mass at 10 a.m. Shrine closes at noon. April 30: Eve of beatification of Pope John Paul II includes concert at 4 p.m. by “Sufism Reoriented” choirs and reflection on the late pope’s contributions in the interfaith area. Mass at 5:30 p.m. remembers Pope John Paul II.

Food and Fun April 29 - May 1: Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Redwood City Annual Spring Festival. Three days of safe family fun including carnival rides, games, great food and live local entertainment. Buy carnival ride tickets in advance and save big by contacting the school at (650) 366-8817 or visiting www.mountcarmel.org. April 29: “Queen of Hearts Bridge Party and Luncheon” at St. Charles Parish Hall, 880 Tamarack Ave. in San Carlos. Check in at 9:30 a.m. Games begin at 10 a.m. Tickets at $50 per person include lunch. Al proceeds benefit St. Francis Center in Redwood City. Four rotating rounds will be played before lunch and four rounds after lunch with prizes for top three highest scoring pairs. Contact Lynda Connolly at (650) 592-7714 or lyndaconnolly@c2usa. net. Leave your name and partner’s name with telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. May 2: 52nd Annual Catholic Charities CYO Golf Day at Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club. As the longest-running charitable golf tournament in the Bay Area, CCCYO Golf Day provides scholarship opportunities for summer programming at CYO Camp and CYO Athletics Summer Camps.

Presented by honorary chair – former 49ers head coach – George Seifert, tournament chair Jim McCabe and CCCYO Golf Day committee, the day includes lunch, an afternoon of golf followed by dinner, a live auction and raffle. For tickets and information about sponsorships, contact Ana Ayala at (415) 972-1213 or e-mail aayala@cccyo.org or visit www.cyogolfday.org. May 14, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: “Whale of a Sale” at St. Sebastian Church, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard at Bon Air Road in Greenbrae. Spaces are available for vendors at $35 before May 6 and for $50 after that date. Vendors supply their own tables and chairs. Call (415) 461-0704 or visit www.sebastian94904. com. June 3, 4, 5: “St. Pius Parish Festival” on campus at 1100 Woodside Road in Redwood City. Friday, 6–10 p.m.; Saturday, 1–10 p.m.; Sunday, 1-8 p.m. Event marks St. Pius 60th anniversary with a peace and love theme and something “groovy” for everyone. Visit http://stpiusfestival.blogspot.com.

Reunion April 29: Sacred Heart High School class of ’52 at Caesar’s Restaurant. Call Frank Noonan at (415) 454-0243. April 30: Notre Dame de Namur Alumnae of San Francisco reunion beginning with Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Mission Dolores followed by lunch at the Spanish Cultural Center, 2850 Alemany Boulevard in San Francisco. Contact Katie O’Leary at nuttydames@ aol.com or call (415) 282-6588. May 1, 9 a.m.: The Catholic Alumni Club of the San Francisco Bay Area invites current and former members, married and single, guests and friends for a reunion at Mass and buffet breakfast at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 150 Anza Blvd., Burlingame

May 14, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: “Adventure with Jesus: Meditations on Human Nature,” a young adult spring retreat for women and men 21-40 at the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose motherhouse, 43326 Mission Boulevard with entrance on Mission Tierra Place in Fremont. Presenter is Dominican Sister Donna Marie Moses. “Join us for guided meditations on scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary with shared reflection on some of the more challenging moods and emotions that are part of human nature,” Sister Donna said. Day includes refreshments at 9:30 a.m. as well as lunch and supper at 6 p.m. Freewill offerings accepted. Please inquire by May 9. E-mail blessings@msjdominicans.org or call (510) 933-6335.

OF

Information about Bay Area single, divorced and separated programs is available from Jesuit Father Al Grosskopf at grosskopf@usfca.edu (415) 422-6698. May 13 – 15: “Widowed, Separated and Divorced Weekend” at Vallombrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park. For information and a brochure contact Helen (415) 388-9651 or Cathy (408) 263-3718 or e-mail SJBeginExp@aol.com or visit http://www.beginningexperience.org.

Consolation Ministry Grief support groups meet at the following parishes: San Francisco County: St. Gabriel; call Monica Williams at (650) 756-2060. St. Mary’s Cathedral; call Sister Esther McEgan at (415) 567-2020 ext. 218. Alma Via; contact Mercy Feeney at (650) 756-4500. Young Widow/Widower Group: St. Gregory, San Mateo; call Barbara Elordi at (415) 614-5506. Ministry to Grieving Parents: Our Lady of Angels, Burlingame; call Ina Potter at (650) 347-6971 or Barbara Arena at (650) 344-3579.

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, e-mail burket@sfarchdiocese.org, or visit www.catholic-sf.org, Contact Us.

Deadline for June 10th Issue is May 30th Please do not write on your card.

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Fridays at 9 a.m.: The Archbishop’s Hour on Immaculate Heart Radio, KSFB - 1260 AM, San Francisco. Enjoy news, conversation and in-depth look at local and larger Church. Program is rerun Friday at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. E-mail info@ sfarchdiocese.org with comments and questions about faith. Visit www.ihradio.org Easter and all Sundays of the year, 6 a.m., KOFY Channel 20/Cable 13 and KTSF Channel 26/Cable 8: TV Mass with Msgr. Harry Schlitt presiding. Sunday, 7 a.m.: TV Mass on the Filipino Channel (TFC) Channel 241 on Comcast and Channel 2060 on Direct TV. Saturday, 4 p.m.: Religious programming in Cantonese over KVTO 1400 AM, co-sponsored by the Chinese Ministry and Chinese Young Adults of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.. First Sunday, 5 a.m., CBS Channel 5: “Mosaic,” featuring conversations on current Catholic issues. EWTN Catholic Television: Comcast Channel 229, AT&T Channel 562, Astound Channel 80, San Bruno Cable Channel 143, DISH Satellite Channel 261, Direct TV Channel 370. For programming details, visit www.ewtn.com

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at SFO. Reservations are required by April 15 and the breakfast cost is $30. Contact Elinor Tanck at (408) 738-2511 or e-mail tancke@sbcglobal.net. May 15: St. Gabriel School Alumni Association hosts a Golden Diploma Reunion for the Class of 1961 beginning with Mass at 11:30 a.m. followed by a reception for alumni and guests. Contact Sue Phelps at (415) 566-0314 or e-mail sphelps@ stgabrielsf.com. Aug. 13 or Nov.26: All alumni of St. Anne of the Sunset School, class of 1981 are invited to a reunion. Location and date are undecided. E-mail George Rehmet at georgerehmet@yahoo.com or call (650) 438-9589. Oct. 22: Presentation High School, San Francisco class of ’66. Contact Martha Kunz Wills at (650) 763-1202 or e-mail mwwmtw@comcast.net or Marilyn Mathers at (510) 232-4848 or mmathers@ deloitte.com.

Youth April 30, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: “CYO Camp Open House,” an opportunity to “learn more about this aweinspiring Catholic community that enables campers to experience a positive, meaningful and challenging summer adventure,” said information about the event. Open house includes barbecue lunch, tours, swimming, canoeing, archery, hikes and arts and crafts. CYO Camp and Retreat Center is located at 2136 Bohemian Highway in Occidental. CYO Camp welcomes children of any religious background in youthcentered programming with value-based themes of community, stewardship and friendship. Registration is now open for CYO Camp’s Summer 2010 sessions. For dates, rates and information visit www.cyocamp.org.

Catholic San Francisco

DIRECTORY ON OUR WEB SITE *

AD HE ADING NAM E ADDRE SS CITY ZIP

STATE PHONE

MAIL TO: CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO, BUSINE SS CARD ONE PE TE R YORKE WAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109

18

Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

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Clinical Gerontologist Kathy Faenzi, MA, Clinical Gerontologist Office: 650.401.6350 Web: www.faenziassociates.com

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Counseling FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP Marriage, Family, and Individual Counseling David Nellis M.A. M.F.T. (415) 242-3355 www.christiancounseling2.com Do you want to be more fulfilled in love and work – but find things keep getting in the way? 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.

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Visit us at www.catholic-sf.org For your local and international Catholic news, On the Street, Datebook, advertising information, Digital Paper, “Place Classified Ad” Form & more!

Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

PUBLISH A NOVENA

Catholic San Francisco

classifieds FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION visit us at www.catholic-sf.org or

Pre-payment required Mastercard or Visa accepted

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

Boutique Sale Island Home Mother’s Day Boutique at Serra High School

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Don’t miss the Serra Mother’s day Boutique from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on May 1 in the Serra cafeteria. There will be a vendors selling jewelry, purses, topiaries, crosses, collectibles and much more. Come and shop for your Mother’s Day gifts and treat yourself to something special. We encourage you to support these local vendors and shop ‘til you drop.

San Juans Islands Home A master suite with a jetted tub, its own deck, a sitting room and 210-degree view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Cattle Pass are features of this 3-bedroom, 2 bath unique home on 2.1 acres on Lopez Island. Very private, yet close to island airport and golf course. Two-car garage. Stone fireplace. Walk to beach. $399,000 – $115,000 under county assessed value.

Your prayer will be published in our newspaper

Personal companion, medications, grooming, appointments, shopping, driving, & Alzheimer’s care over 20 years experience, honest and reliable, outstanding references, bonded.

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Name Adress Phone MC/VISA # Exp. Select One Prayer: â?‘ St. Jude Novena to SH â?‘ Prayer to St. Jude

Hilltop Buick Pontiac GMC Truck

â?‘ Prayer to the Blessed Virgin â?‘ Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Please return form with check or money order for $26 Payable to: Catholic San Francisco Advertising Dept., Catholic San Francisco 1 Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109

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If you wish to publish a Novena in the Catholic San Francisco You may use the form below or call 415-614-5640

Elderly Care

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER!

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$89

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10:45 am Procession of Nations (Plaza) Members of the Consular Corps, Civic Leaders and Representatives of many of the nations to which the late Pope John Paul II traveled to, carrying their flag or wearing national dress. The largest contingent will be from Poland: local Polonia will be represented by WW2 Veterans, Polish Scouts, John Paul II School of Walnut Creek, Polish School in Union City, Lowiczanie Folk Ensemble, and members of their various organizations, The Knights of St. Francis.

• Easy access off I-80 at Hilltop Richmond

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. .

Real Estate Sue Schultes, Realtor

11:00 am Concelebrated Mass: Principal Celebrant: Archbishop Emeritus John Quinn, Msgr. John Talesfore, Pastor of the Cathedral; Fr. Dominik Ciolek, Pastor of Our Lady of Immigrants Church, Martinez

Director of Luxury Homes Division Seniors Real Estate Specialist

Priests and Deacons from various parishes in the Bay Area Cathedral Choir under the Direction of Christopher Tietze; Soloist: Patrycja Poluchowicz

Whether you’re buying a new home or selling your current one, you have to trust your agent. Sue is committed to culSue Schultes, tivating that trust by serving all of her clients’ real estate needs: personal, professional, and financial. Sue loves what Realtor she does, and part of her passion comes from the belief in working for the greater good. Active in her parish at St. Agnes, on the Board of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly she creates the possibility of a positive future for all of us. Contact her today.

415.307.0153

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12:30 pm Reception in Patrons Hall. Refreshments. Performances by Polish children’s groups; Exhibit of John Paul II memorabilia; sale of souvenirs and gifts; slide show 2:00 pm

Screening of the film NINE DAYS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD in St. Francis Hall

4:30 pm

Gala Dinner at Indigo Restaurant. By reservation and pre-payment only.

CONTACT: Caria Tomczykowska, President, the Polish Arts and Culture Foundation

510-599-2244

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Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery - Colma New Construction

|

New Outdoor Garden Crypts

Please call 650.756.2060 for Special Discounted Construction Prices

Our Lady of the Rosary | Our Lady of Faith | Our Lady of Charity

I

t was staggering! The walls of the shell went up and up and up to bend ultimately into the center of the great hollow and meet in a splendid cross of light above me. I stood transfixed on piles of dust and concrete, unable to turn away from the extraordinary experience of space that already felt sacred.… continued on page 12

Catholic san Francisco

(PHOTOS BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Northern California’s Weekly Catholic Newspaper

St. Mary’s Cathedral special 40th anniversary issue Cardinal Levada . . . . . . . . . . 3 Archbishop Quinn . . . . . . . . 4 Cathedral parish . . . . . . . . . . 6 Meet the docents. . . . . . . . . . 7 Guadalupe veneration . . . . 14

Archbishop: A cathedral signifying Resurrection ~ Page SMC2 ~ April 22, 2011

Artwork’s intimacy completes sacred space ~ Page SMC9 ~

Post-Vatican II cathedral Lenten celebrations . . . 15-16 Cathedral Memories . . . 18-19 reflects spirit of times ~ Page SMC10-11 ~ NEXT ISSUE MAY 6

ONE DOLLAR

VOLUME 13

•

No. 16

SMC2

Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

Archbishop’s Journal

(PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

A building celebrating Easter faith

Archbishop Niederauer pictured during Mass this Lent at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

About the cover The scale of the interior space of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption is shown by the contrast of a woman visitor’s form under the atrium ‘skylight’ cross of faceted glass nearly 200 feet overhead, with arms extending to the four points of the compass and colored to represent the elements of light, water, earth and fire. “It was our desire to make the interior a noble and transcendent experience,” architect Pietro Belluschi said in 1970. At right, the faces of worshipers are pictured during 2011 Lenten and 2010 Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations.

As we celebrate Easter we find images of Christ’s victory all around us. One of the more surprising places to find a reminder of Christ’s resurrection is on the flag of the city and county of San Francisco. The city’s emblem is the Phoenix, a mythical bird that was reborn from its own ashes. Clement of Rome appropriated this creature as a sign of the Resurrection as far back as the end of the first century. Of course this mysterious creature was chosen to represent San Francisco for a different reason: It expresses the resilience and determination of the residents of the city to rebuild from the ashes of the terrible 1906 earthquake. That earthquake happened just three days after Easter, so I like to think that Christians among the population drew inspiration to rebuild their homes and their lives from Christ’s resurrection. In two weeks we celebrate the 40th anniversary of another resurrection: From the ashes of our old cathedral a new and glorious house of worship has arisen. The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption had survived the conflagration of 1906 only to be destroyed by fire on the night of Sept. 7, 1962. Standing in the charred ruins of the church in which he had been installed just a few months before, Archbishop Joseph T. McGucken, with that same resolve that marked the citizens of San Francisco in ‘06, announced that we would build a new cathedral. The news was greeted enthusiastically by San Franciscans, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, and the moment was particularly providential: In just one month the archbishop would go to Rome for the opening of the Second Vatican Council. The first document approved by the council fathers was the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, and the Catholic Church of San Francisco had the opportunity to build the first cathedral in the United States inspired by the liturgical vision of the council. The new cathedral project soon became controversial. The project was announced at what might be considered a highwater mark of Catholic life in America: Seminaries and novitiates were overflowing, a Catholic had been elected president of the United States, the whole world loved “good Pope John.” This tide receded quickly as the tumultuous ‘60s unfolded: Some Catholics criticized the idea of spending money on a church at all, while others were upset that we were not building a Gothic or Spanish colonial edifice. The archbishop and pastor of the cathedral, Msgr. Thomas J. Bowe, stayed the course, endured the criticisms from various quarters, and in October of 1970 the new St. Mary’s opened its doors. Several months

later, on May 5, 1971, the cathedral was formally dedicated. But the work was not over; it would be another 20 years before the cycle of bronze sculptures celebrating the life and example of Mary, the patroness of Archbishop the cathedral, would be George installed. Over the past 40 years Niederauer St. Mary’s has found its place as the heart of Catholic life in the archdiocese, as well as serving as a venue for countless civic and cultural events. Along with building a spacious and inspiring place of worship, Archbishop McGucken bequeathed to us a new high school and a conference center. Our cathedral has welcomed celebrated figures – Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, and Archbishop Fulton Sheen among them – but it also has offered spiritual refreshment and charitable assistance to thousands who have crossed its threshold. St. Mary’s Cathedral has hosted the wider community at the funerals of those struck down in the line of duty, including Mayor George Moscone and many police officers and firefighters; and its priests have comforted a handful of people at the funeral of an elderly widow or a young child. Since the establishment of the San Francisco Interfaith Council after another earthquake (1989) the pastors of St. Mary’s have involved the cathedral in ecumenical and interfaith outreach. Each year hundreds of our school children are shown around the cathedral by our wonderful docents, and thousands of our young people celebrate their graduation from high school and college there. In a world of economic uncertainty, violence and cultural upheaval, we look for signs of hope, signs that God’s love is stronger than death and destruction. On this Easter Sunday we look for signs of the Resurrection. St. Mary’s Cathedral stands as one such sign. When Archbishop McGucken stood in the ruins of his cathedral, even he could not imagine what beauty would arise from those ashes. His vision, and the generosity of thousands of ordinary people, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, have given to us a tangible expression of Easter faith.

April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

SMC3

Guest Commentary

Resplendent with the glory of divine grace Pope Paul VI once said of the cathedral church of a diocese that “in the majesty of its building, it is a symbol of the spiritual temple that is built up in souls and is resplendent with the glory of divine grace … the cathedral, furthermore, should be regarded as the express image of Christ’s visible Church, praying, singing and worshipping on earth” (Apostolic Constitution “Mirificus eventus.”)

the nations that God had definitively “pitched his tent” with his people, traveling with them on their pilgrim journey and sharing with them their joys and hopes,

For 40 years, St. Mary’s Cathedral has been just such an image, a beacon in the skyline of San Francisco bearing witness to the enduring presence of almighty God. Here, the vibrant diversity of our archdiocese and our city by the bay is woven into the fabric of Catholic unity as men and women of nearly every culture and language come together in the worship of God and in the service of their brothers and sisters. As the site of the bishop’s teaching office, the cathedral is also a particular sign of the unity of believers in the apostolic faith which has nourished and sustained the church from its very beginning. The distinctive shape of St. Mary’s Cathedral is meant to evoke the image of the meeting tent which housed the Ark of the Covenant during Israel’s 40-year desert journey from slavery into freedom. That tent was a reminder to the people of Israel as well as a sign to

(PHOTO BY CATHY JOYCE)

‘The distinctive shape of St. Mary’s Cathedral is meant to evoke the image of the meeting tent which housed the Ark of the Covenant during Israel’s 40-year desert journey from slavery into freedom.’

Then-Auxiliary Bishop John C. Wester, Hawaii Bishop Larry Silva, Archbishop William J. Levada, Archbishop Emeritus John Quinn and Auxiliary Bishop Ignatius Wang concelebrate Aug. 7, 2005 Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral.

of God, when Jesus Christ took our flesh from the womb of the Virgin Mary and dwelt among us. In his body, Christ gave himself up to death on the cross, the Innocent One in place of the Cardinal guilty. In his body, William Levada risen from the dead, he has reconciled us to the Father, filled us with the new life of the Holy Spirit, and so overcome the division of sin and the meaningless finality of death. The passion, death and resurrection of Christ is the central mystery of our Christian faith and the central mystery celebrated at the great altar in the center of the cathedral. Through this celebration in the Holy Spirit, simple bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, and even simple people like you and me are fashioned by grace into the body of Christ and made temples of the Holy Spirit. While this same graced event is celebrated in each of our local parishes, the celebration of the church’s sacramental life in St. Mary’s Cathedral is indeed a privileged sign of God’s presence, for it is here at the cathedral that the whole church in the Archdiocese of San Francisco gathers for the most significant moments of its earthly pilgrimage around her bishop, successor of the first apostles of the Lord. May this anniversary celebration of our beloved Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption be a moment to appreciate not only the beauty of the building but, through the intercession of St. Mary of the Assumption, be also an occasion to encounter anew the living presence of God at work in church transfiguring our souls through the sacraments, making them resplendent with the glory of divine grace! Cardinal Levada is archbishop emeritus of San Francisco and Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican.

their sorrows and tribulations. That revelation of God’s presence with his people was but a foreshadowing of the marvelous fulfillment in the Incarnation of the Son

CONGRATULATIONS to the priests and people of St. Mary's Cathedral as we honor their 40th anniversary ◆

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Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

Guest Commentary

The Lord reigns, He is clothed in beauty Not quite six months after his arrival in San Francisco, its fifth Archbishop, Joseph T. McGucken, faced the destruction by fire of St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness Avenue. With courage and vision he stood in the ashes and proclaimed that there would be a new cathedral. The first attempt at a design was timid and stereotyped. The public reaction was mixed but the archbishop listened carefully to criticism from many sources. The new cathedral had to be something great, imaginative, a structure which would capture the beauty and power of San Francisco. Recognizing, as Archbishop Riordan had after the earthquake of 1906, that

1962: Archbishop Joseph McGucken gives an address in the ruins of the old cathedral building at Van Ness Avenue and O’Farrell Street.

“Pentecost” by Enrico Manfrini is among bronze sculptures brought to the cathedral under the leadership and guidance of Archbishop John R. Quinn. All bespeak the holiness Mary brought to Scripture’s high moments.

he was a citizen of no mean city, Archbishop McGucken determined that he had to go back to the drawing board in search of something that would embody vision and hope and greatness. The existing design would not do. He thus invited Pietro Belluschi to join the architectural team to work with the engineering genius, Pier Luigi Nervi. Archbishop McGucken charged them to do three things: design a cathedral that would accommodate large numbers of people; one that would enable even large crowds to surround the altar; and a structure that would be a statement that God is present in beauty in the earthly city. Belluschi himself prized two things in his designs– integrity and simplicity. These qualities eminently reflected what the Second Vatican Council, then in session, sought in the liturgy of the church: a noble simplicity which was to be one of the most striking qualities of St. Mary’s Cathedral. I have often stood at the entrance of the cathedral as people came for evening Mass, heard them talking as they made their way to the door when suddenly, as they stepped inside, the conversation stopped and there was a cry of astonishment at the immense soaring beauty of the place. Such integrity of material and workmanship, such simplicity of line, the colors of the upper windows, such majesty and grace of the pipe organ, the power of the great altar, the embracing lower windows drawing into the sacred place the

Young Ladies’ Institute (YLI) Congratulates the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption On its Fortieth Anniversary We are Catholic Women! We are vibrant! We are charitable!

We are spiritual! We are energetic! We help those in need!

As a Catholic women’s organization, the Young Ladies’ Institute (YLI) has been working with and supporting the Cathedral for many years. Our YLI Office is located on the lower level of the Cathedral. The YLI has members ranging in age from 16 to 100+ years. We were founded in San Francisco in 1887 by Catholic women for Catholic women! For more information about our organization, visit our website at www.ylionline.com

human activity and life of San Francisco. St. Mary’s Cathedral is a window on the infinite, lifting the human spirit to the infinite and eternal beauty which is God. This is precisely what Dorothy Archbishop Day perceived here. At a meeting called by the U.S. John R. Quinn bishops about social issues in our country, Dorothy listened to vigorous criticism of the money spent on building St. Mary’s Cathedral. When she finally spoke, she said, “I hope you bishops will not pay attention to this criticism. The cathedral in San Francisco is one of the few places where the poor can go and sit down and be with God in beauty.” In the depths of tragedy, something stirred in the soul of Archbishop McGucken. A vision gradually took shape in him that something new and great could be done. He grasped the dream. And now a timeless thing of beauty stands in noble simplicity – a “luminous tent” as Gyorgy Kepes, designer of the windows called it. It is a great hymn to God’s transcendent glory. How fitting to describe it all are the words of Eliot’s poem: We thank Thee who has moved us to building, to finding, to forming at the ends of our fingers and beams of our eyes. And when we have built an altar to the Invisible Light, we may set thereon the little lights for which our bodily vision is made. And we thank Thee that darkness reminds us of light. O Light Invisible, we give Thee thanks for Thy great glory. Archbishop John R. Quinn is Emeritus Archbishop of San Francisco. He served from 1977 to 1995 as the sixth archbishop of the archdiocese and as president of the U.S. Catholic Conference and National Conference of Catholic Bishops from 1977 to 1980. Article reprinted from the Sept. 24, 2010, issue of Catholic San Francisco.

April 22, 2011

Ken Ryan

Allison Metz

Rich Hunt

George Bovone

Hugh Tuck and his wife Judy

The St. Mary’s Cathedral Board of Regents was formed in 1989 by Archbishop John R. Quinn to assist the archbishop and cathedral pastor in maintaining and embellishing the cathedral buildings. Serving at the request of the archbishop, the board also helps foster educational, cultural and social programs in keeping with the unique role of the cathedral in the life of the archdiocese. Working largely through its building and maintenance, art and outreach, development and nominations committees, the board sustains the cathedral builders’ vision. The board is made up of 23 members, not including the archbishop and pastor, who serve as permanent members. Representing San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties, regents serve three-year terms. Board members shared these thoughts on the 40th anniversary of the cathedral’s dedication. Ken Ryan, current board chairman, cathedral and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish member: The cathedral is vital to the archdiocese because “it is the church of the archdiocese. The building symbolizes the glory

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St. Mary’s Cathedral staff (PHOTO BY DENNIS CALLAHAN/COURTESY ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL)

Board of Regents sustains church builders’ vision

Catholic San Francisco

Maryanne Murray

Clare Murphy

of God and his church. It reflects the city and surrounding region.” Laura Bertone, regents’ vice chairwoman, cathedral parish member: “Even when I lived outside of the cathedral’s parish boundaries, I always have considered the cathedral to be my home and where I came for Mass and served. The beauty of the liturgy and the amazing architecture make the cathedral a special and unique place to worship.” Richard Hunt, St. Brendan Parish member: “I consider it an honor to serve on the board and to have an opportunity to participate collectively in ongoing issues of preservation and enhancement of the beauty and functionality of such an important centerpiece of the archdiocese.” Rich Puccinelli, member Our Lady of Angels Parish, Burlingame: “The cathedral is the residence of our archbishop upon whom we depend as our leader and guide in all aspects of our faith. It is his pulpit, from the cathedral, that directs the archdiocese.” George Bovone, St. Brendan Parish member: Being on the board “has given me a perfect opportunity to share with St. Mary’s Cathedral

The cathedral staff gathered for a group portrait to commemorate the 40th anniversary. Pictured from left Christoph Tietze, music director; Christoph Sandoval, deacon; Diane Luporini, event center director; Sister Esther McEgan, ministries to the homebound; Doug Benbow, liturgy director. Middle row Chris Weimer, gift shop manager; Mimi Ruiz, wedding coordinator; Francia Estudillo, cathedral hostess; Msgr. John Talesfore, pastor and rector; Alisa Weber, controller; Father Lawrence J. Finegan, parochial vicar. Back row Danny Kambur, assistant sacristan; Michael McKeon, receptionist; Al Bonilla, head sacristan; Kurt Hayward, engineer; Father Francisco Gamez, parochial vicar; Janet Carrillo, secretary to the pastor.

some skills I learned in my career as a general contractor. It has been an honor to share the responsibility and be a part of preserving, maintaining and protecting such a magnificent place of worship. I encourage anyone with experience in engineering, construction or architecture to contact the board for opportunities to assist the board or become a board member to help in this worthwhile and fulfilling work.” Maryanne Murray, Holy Name of Jesus Parish member: “I consider the cathedral to be important to the archdiocese both spiritually and historically – spiritually as it is the center of devotion for the archdiocese and historically as it has been vital to our city since the first cathedral was built in 1850.” Allison Metz, St. Emydius Parish member:

“Most Catholics consider the cathedral, the home of the archbishop, to be the place to go or to look for solace, guidance and leadership outside of their own parishes.” Hugh Tuck, member St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Burlingame; serves on building and maintenance committee: “I like mechanical stuff. We’re trying to get some heat into the cathedral.” Clare Murphy, St. John the Evangelist Parish member: “The cathedral is a symbol of and location for the spiritual life of the archdiocese and the city. The building is magnificent and inspiring. I serve on the board as a way of giving back in small measure for the archdiocese’s provision of elementary and secondary Catholic education and spiritual life for myself and my extended family.”

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Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

More than a building, the cathedral is a parish community, too Inside the huge building that is St. Mary’s Cathedral there is a small but growing parish. There is the English-language parish community that includes people from nearby and who travel from afar to participate in the cathedral’s children’s and adult choirs and music-filled liturgies. There are folks who just love the cathedral itself and have come to know and love the building, the community and the priests. Many cite the cathedral’s liturgies, which include the 9 a.m. Gregorian chant Mass and the 11 a.m. cathedral choir Mass, as well as a 5:30 p.m. Saturday vigil Mass and a 7:30 a.m. Mass with cantor and organ. The 11 a.m. Mass can attract close to 1,000, including tourists and visitors from throughout the archdiocese as well as regular parishioners. “When people come to the cathedral, it is not like they are visiting another parish. They are the faithful of the archdiocese. This is their mother church,” said Msgr. John Talesfore, the cathedral’s rector and pastor. “At any given Mass, the whole world is represented in that building so the universality of the church is always present,” said parishioner Vivian Dudro. “It is kind of a comforting thing that the Catholic Church is so universal.” Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice is in residence at the cathedral and often celebrates daily morning Mass. Archbishop George Niederauer , whose residence is part of the cathedral complex, presides at 11 a.m. Sunday Mass when he can. The cathedral is also home to a Spanishlanguage community that can number as many as 1,000 at the 1 p.m. Spanish Mass. “I love the church. It is my house,” said Amanda Arrospide, who also attends daily noon Mass in English with her husband Federico. The couple lives in Daly City.

(PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

By Valerie Schmalz

Worshipers arriving for last year’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass.

“When I think of the cathedral, beyond the architecture, I think of it as a bunch of really neat people,” said Rita Walljasper, parishioner for 26 years. “I like the building. Some people don’t. Beyond the building, it is that we are building a parish,” Walljasper said, noting that because the cathedral attracts so many tourists, the parishioners need to work extra hard to be both welcoming to visitors and yet build ongoing community. Most Masses tend to include food afterward. That means coffee and donuts for the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. English Masses and an array of Latino foods after the 1 p.m. Spanish Mass, prepared by a parishioner who donates the proceeds to the cathedral’s annual Guadalupe celebration. Parochial Vicar Father Francisco Gamez celebrates the 1 p.m. Mass and said he was surprised to find people were coming

from as far away as Petaluma, Hayward and Livermore. Years ago, the cathedral parish invited parishioners from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, near the Broadway Tunnel in San Francisco, when it closed. Since then, word has spread. “Many people are not from around here,” said Father Gamez, who is known for his “by the book” Masses and short, down-to-earth homilies. “I am blessed to have the opportunity to live by the cathedral,” said Paquita Primicias-Reyes. Educated as a doctor in the Philippines, Reyes served in the U.S. Foreign Service as a medical director in Afghanistan before settling near the cathedral in 1981. She helps as sacristan and initiated the hospitality hour after Englishlanguage Sunday Masses. “I really love the place,” said Reyes. Deacon Peter Boulware moved to San Francisco with the FBI in 1962. He rented

an apartment in a high-rise and watched the cathedral being built from his balcony. He was transferred back to Washington, D.C., after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. But Deacon Boulware knew he wanted to return to the West Coast and moved permanently to San Francisco in 1966, eventually working for the telephone company and retiring in 1992. Even though he bought his home elsewhere in 1969, Deacon Boulware said, “I always continued to worship at the cathedral.” “My dad was an architect in Philadelphia. He just loved the cathedral and couldn’t believe the Catholic Church had stepped out of the box,” said Deacon Boulware who was ordained in 1999. Deacon Boulware said liturgies are part of what makes the cathedral special. “We would like to believe our liturgies are perfect,” he said. Walljasper also loves the liturgies– “the pomp,” as she put it. She also enjoys the community, saying, “I give Msgr. Talesfore a whole lot of credit, for we are building a parish.” “The children’s choir is what attracted us to the parish because it is such an outstanding choir and the kids get a fabulous musical education and it is free because it is a service to the church,” said Dudro, whose four children sang in the choir over the course of the past 15 years. “We found that even though that was what attracted us, we got to know the people and even though it is a cathedral, it is a community.” “It’s a very unique experience to be a small community that is responsible to welcome strangers into their worship in any given Sunday,” Msgr. Talesfore said. “Whether it is tourists or whether it is large groups of the faithful from around the archdiocese who are coming for special celebrations.”

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Bishop Richard J. Garcia and the Diocese of Monterey offer their congratulations to St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco, California on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary! May the good work that you provide to the people of San Francisco continue to flourish abundantly in the Spirit of Christ.

April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

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Stalwart docents guide visitors to cathedral’s history, beauty The hospitable, knowledgeable and gracious docents of St. Mary’s Cathedral have been on the job since February 1987. Mary Hehir was the red-jacketed group’s first director with co-director Norma Kristovich. “It was now-Bishop Patrick J. McGrath’s intent that the cathedral be open to all visitors and especially the children of the archdiocese and to have trained docents share with them the history and beauty of this magnificent spiritual space,” Hehir, now retired in Larkspur, told Catholic San Francisco. Bishop McGrath, now of San Jose, was rector of the cathedral from 1986 -89. He was named an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1988. Hehir recruited 15 people at first. She called them a nucleus that “embraced and was dedicated to the volunteer experience.” The number of docents grew with 31 the next year and a high of 73 during subsequent years. The docents undergo an orientation that continues today. It includes an in-depth history of the cathedral and Catholic Church in San Francisco. Study-guides on the cathedral’s architecture and mission go home with members-in-training. Schools in the archdiocese were invited early-on to bring students to the cathedral on field trips that included a docent guided tour, an organ concert and demonstration and lunch in the cathedral’s lower halls supplied by the docents. The program has “proved to be very strong through all these years,” Hehir said. The students are always appreciative of the effort put into the tours. “Thank-you greetings abound. Notes are effusive. One class sang a serenade after lunch,” Hehir recalled. “I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to develop and be involved with this very special program,” Hehir said.

(PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

By Tom Burke

The red-jacketed docents of St. Mary’s Cathedral gathered for a 2011 Lenten group portrait.

“It has been a wonderful journey with an outstanding group of dedicated volunteers who have given unselfishly to make this program such a success over its 24 years.” Docent June Randolph remembers her favorite thank-you note from a student who had taken the field-trip tour. “He said, ‘thanks for lunch’ and it was the best pizza he ever ate but never mentioned anything about the cathedral,” the Our Lady of Angels parishioner said. “It has been a privilege to be part of this welcoming ministry,” Randolph said, “and

The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi San Francisco’s Proto-Cathedral (1849) Salutes the

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption 1971 ~ Celebrating Forty Years ~ 2011 The Capuchin Franciscan Friars

Fr. Gregory Coiro, O.F.M. Cap., Rector

C ongratulations on the 40 th anniversary of Saint Mary’s Cathedral We arrived in 1850 with our Dominican brother, the first Archbishop of San Francisco, Joseph Sadoc Alemany. We were here in 1854 to celebrate the building of the first cathedral, and in 1891 to celebrate the building of the second cathedral. We were here in 1971 to celebrate the blessing of the new St. Mary’s Cathedral. With the grace of God, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, are here in 2011 to celebrate this anniversary with all the people of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. www.sanrafaelop.org

to share my enthusiasm with visitors of the history and beauty of the cathedral.” Anne Desler of St. Bartholomew Parish has been a cathedral docent for 21 years. “As a docent you learn so many faithstrengthening facts and form some wonderful long-lasting friendships,” Desler said. “In the cathedral you are surrounded by love and sharing a faith that is alive and well in the 21st century.” A sense of humor runs deep among the docents and it showed when Desler was asked

to reveal the age of the oldest docent. “Are you kidding? Would you ask a lady her age!” That notwithstanding, Desler said the hope is that more and younger volunteers will come forward. “Most of us are older and not able to stand for long periods of time,” Desler said, putting out the call to any who might want to serve in the noble post. “The more you hear about the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, the more DOCENTS, page SMC8

Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone and the Diocese of Oakland Send hearty congratulations to the Archdiocese of San Francisco upon the 40th anniversary of the dedication of their Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption

Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

Bishop-elect Daly to be homilist at anniversary Mass A Mass commemorating the anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption will be celebrated May 5 at noon at the cathedral. Archbishop George Niederauer is principal celebrant. Bishops from dioceses around the region are expected to concelebrate. Cardinal Roger Mahony, retired archbishop of Los Angeles, will be present in the sanctuary. The assembly will include students from schools throughout the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Bishop-elect Thomas Daly, director of vocations for the archdiocese and president of Marin Catholic High School, will be homilist. Ordained for the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1987, he was recently named auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of San Bishop-elect Thomas Daly Jose by Pope Benedict XVI. “That will truly add to the day,” said Msgr. John Talesfore, cathedral pastor and rector. “Bishop-elect Daly’s legacy here in leadership and in Catholic education makes him a very special choice to be homilist and his willingness to do it is a gift.” Msgr. Talesfore explained that the anniversary of the dedication of a diocesan cathedral is by church law a solemnity in the cathedral and an obligatory feast in parishes. “I am very excited about the Mass,” Msgr. Talesfore said, noting that all members of the archdiocesan family are invited. “We are expecting a full house. ” A novena prayer for the faithful to pray for the nine days leading up to the anniversary has been sent to parishes for printing in the parish bulletin. Prayers of the faithful mindful of the anniversary have also been sent for use on May 5 and at Masses the previous Sunday. The annual Assumpta Award will be presented posthumously the evening of May 5 to Archbishop Joseph McGucken, under whose leadership the cathedral was built. The Assumpta Award ceremony is a ticketed event. Information about tickets is available at www.stmarycathedralsf.org.

Docents . . .

(PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

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■ Continued from page SMC8 you like it,” Desler said. She said the time continues to be “perfect” for the great church – “the first cathedral in the United States designed for changes in Catholic liturgy set in motion by the Second Vatican Council.” The docents’ “welcoming ministry has many parts,” Desler said. It includes meeting and greeting visitors, giving tours, the school program, facilitating seating for cathedral events, assisting with the annual Festival of Flowers, attending briefings and training new docents, Desler pointed out. Carmel Coghlan of St. Brendan Parish has been a docent since 1988. Her daughter, Mary Coughlan Rudd, and classmates from Mercy High School, San Francisco, were the first school to have graduation ceremonies at the cathedral in 1971. “I would encourage anyone interested to take one of our tours,” Coghlan said. “The best part of being a docent is sharing the history of the cathedral and the city with students and tourists.” Doug Benbow, longtime director of liturgy at the cathedral, is docent director. “It has been a joy to participate in the docent’s ministry of hospitality in the cathedral,” Benbow told Catholic San Francisco. “Docents try to keep as their guiding principle the scripture from the letter to the Hebrews (13:1-2) to ‘love your fellow Christians always. Do not neglect to show

Not unlike staff at the White House and other major sites, docents are briefed before they take the floor at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Here, docent director Doug Benbow takes them through the logistics of a big event.

hospitality, for by that means some have entertained angels without knowing it.’” While Benbow oversees the group, he thinks himself one of them. “Being a docent has made me aware of the fact that reaching out to the stranger can be a rich source of blessings. I’ve experienced this many times over the years and invite others to join this most vital ministry of welcome.”

Docents shepherd 1,000 school kids every year Fifth and sixth grade students from Catholic schools in the archdiocese are invited to tour the cathedral. The entire day is docent-run from arrangements with faculty for the visit to serving lunch – always pizza – to the hungry youngsters. “They are starving when they get to lunch,” said Jean Terheyden, who coordinates the school trips and has been a docent since 1992. Docent Nora Kelly is also on the detail. Terheyden, a St. Vincent de Paul parishioner, said more than 1,000 students take the tour annually. Her two daughters, now adults, benefited from the trip when both were students at Convent of the Sacred Heart School in San Francisco. “It’s wonderful to see the face of our Catholic schools,” Terheyden said. “The students are all wonderful.” The pizzas are prepared by Golden Boy Pizza, Terheyden said. “Our students love the tour,” said Maureen Huntington, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. “The docents are well-trained and able to work with elementary school students. The students and teachers find the tour very informative and enriching. It gives the students a historical perspective of the church and the cathedral. The beautiful bronze sculptures tell stories about the life of Jesus and Mary. It is a very religious experience for the students and adults.”

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April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

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Artwork’s intimacy, building’s majesty, complete sacred space By Rick DelVecchio St. Mary’s Cathedral’s 200-foot-high atrium topped by a “skylight” cross of multicolored glass is so compelling that it is difficult not to look up when inside the church. But eyes fixed skyward will miss a good half of what makes the cathedral a powerful sacred space. The other half is in the artwork, notably the bronzes of Mary-centered Scripture passages and the Assumption by Enrico Manfrini of Milan (1917-2004), good friend of onetime Milan archbishop Pope Paul VI. One could, and many do, make a pilgrimage to St. Mary’s to experience what Manfrini is saying through his tender, detailed, sometimes whimsical settings, which combine their intimacy with the cathedral’s architectural sweep to tell the salvation story in a powerful way. The effect is intentional and the Archdiocese of San Francisco took its time to acquire just the right ingredients to create it. If Archbishop Joseph McGucken and his architects and engineers were the key figures in the building’s creation, Archbishop John R. Quinn and Manfrini were key to the cathedral’s fulfillment as a sacred space. After the building was dedicated in 1971, it took 25 years to complete the project by filling the niches around the interior walls with bronzes by Manfrini and his disciples. The sculptures, all cast in Italy, weigh between 1,700 pounds and two tons and are attached to the back walls of the niches by steel bars to give the impression that they are floating. The result: complementing the space, the unbroken story in art of the Incarnation, the Passion and Resurrection, Pentecost, Mary’s Assumption and the birth of the church. “As I look at the significance of this installation, it was an important decision that was made for the centuries,” Msgr. John Talesfore, cathedral rector and pastor, said. “Archbishop Quinn saw this was necessary.” Here is commentary on the shrines and their bronzes prepared by the cathedral staff: “The Visitation.” After Mary said “yes” to God’s invitation for her to be Mother of Christ, she journeyed to the home of her cousin Elizabeth and stayed with her until the birth of Elizabeth’s child, John the Baptist. Manfrini’s sculpture expresses with moving simplicity the example of Mary the servant. She is carrying the King of Kings in her womb, but Jesus has come not to be served, but to serve. “The Flight Into Egypt.” No sooner is Christ born than the shadow of the cross falls: Herod seeks to kill the child and the

A detail from Enrico Manfrini’s bronze depicting Mary’s Assumption.

Holy Family must flee. This masterpiece captures the anxiety of Joseph and the complete trust of the newborn Christ held by his mother, who pensively contemplates his destiny. “The Wedding Feast at Cana.” In the Gospel of John, Mary appears only twice: at the beginning of Jesus’ public life, and at its end. The sculptures illustrating these events are the work of Mario Rudelli, a disciple of Manfrini. The Wedding at Cana pulsates with vitality as Jesus performs the first of his signs and so reveals his glory. “The Crucifixion.” At the foot of the c.ross stand Mary and the Beloved Disciple. The dying Jesus brings into existence a new family: “Woman, behold your son; son, behold your mother,” and then gives over his spirit.

The Diocese of Stockton celebrates with the Archdiocese of San Francisco the 40th Anniversary of Saint Mary’s Cathedral

“Pentecost.” After Our Lord’s Resurrection and Ascension, the apostles gather in prayer with Mary to await the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, the Spirit descends on them “like tongues of flame.” The message will be carried “to the ends of the earth” by the apostles, who now endure hostility and death to bear witness to the Risen Lord. “The Assumption.” This final Marian sculpture honors Our Lady’s Assumption, the cathedral’s special dedication. Carried bodily into heaven by angels, Mary is the first to experience the fullness of Jesus’ victory over death. While we await our bodily resurrection until Christ returns, Mary’s Assumption offers a sign of hope to the pilgrim church. ARTWORK’S INTIMACY, page SMC15

Xjui!effq!bqqsfdjbujpo!up!uif!gbjui! dpnnvojuz!bu!uif!Dbuifesbm!pg!! Tu/!Nbsz!pg!uif!Bttvnqujpo!gps! 51!zfbst!pg!tfswjdf!boe!! njojtusz!up!uif!Bsdiejpdftf!pg!! Tbo!Gsbodjtdp!boe!ifbsugfmu!! xjtift!gps!b!csjhiu!gvuvsf/ The Board & Staff of Catholic Charities CYO Catholic Charities CYO

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SMC10

Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

SMC11

First post-Vatican II cathedral, new St. Mary’s reflected – and rose above – turmoil of the times By George Raine

O

n the evening of Sept. 7, 1962, someone knocked over a rack of vigil lights at St. Mary’s Cathedral at Van Ness Avenue and O’Farrell Street, where for 75 years San Francisco Catholics worshiped, received the sacraments and marveled at the red brick gothic grandeur of the holy place. Fire gutted the cathedral although all was not lost: The following morning, Archbishop Joseph McGucken, whose tenure had begun in February that year, removed the Eucharist as firemen, who muttered “Thank God,” trained a stream of water on the tabernacle. It would be nine years before a new cathedral would be dedicated, an interim certainly as messy as the smoldering remains on Van Ness, where KRON-TV 4 now stands. Social upheaval that owned the 1960s, stinging indictments that the poor were being neglected in favor of another grand cathedral, the opportunity for San Francisco to make a bold architectural statement and the wholesale changes wrought by the Second Vatican Council – the modernist Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption on Cathedral Hill came about amid and despite of the whiplashlike tumult of the times. “You have this incredible social transformation and ecclesiastical transformation occurring at the same time,” said Jeffrey Burns, an historian and the archivist of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. “That is what the cathedral represents – a symbol of that turmoil that took place.” Archbishop McGucken headed down a conservative path on the way to planning and constructing a new cathedral. He commissioned three well-known local architects for the project – Paul Ryan, John Michael Lee and Angus McSweeney – who gave him traditional Romanesque and California mission-style proposals. Ryan and Lee had designed a great many Catholic structures, including Archbishop Riordan High School and the Carmelite Monastery of Cristo

Rey on Parker Avenue, both in San Francisco. Ryan, in particular, was a classicist, educated at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris, and his work showed it. Their appointment, however, caused a stir. Allan Temko, the architecture critic at the San Francisco Chronicle, fired the first salvo. “Surely a San Francisco cathedral should reflect the most progressive thought in the church today,” Temko wrote in a story published June 15, 1963. “It should be the architectural equivalent of the late Pope John’s (Pope John XXIII) encyclical on world peace,” he wrote, by way of dismissing the local architects as not up to the task. There was considerable piling up. A group called the Catholic Art Forum, progressive Catholic artists who held forth at the Serra Bookshop on Maiden Lane, opined that this was the time to make a statement with a contemporary, very modern design. A prominent theologian and teacher of liturgy, Father Godfrey Diekmann, of the Order of Saint Benedict from St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minn., knew of the design decision that was beginning to weigh on Archbishop McGucken from his time teaching summertime theology at the University of San Francisco. As USF archivist and Jesuit Father Michael Kotlanger put it, Father Diekmann “intervened with (Archbishop McGucken) in the early 1960s to convince him not to build a replica of Notre Dame de Chartres as the replacement for the flambéed St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness Avenue.” Archbishop McGucken, according to accounts by Burns and Msgr. James Gaffey of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, was won over. Prodded by Temko, the art forum, Father Diekmann and others, he shelved the early staid designs plans and retained Pietro Belluschi, a leader of the modern movement who headed the architecture and planning school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (recommended by Father Diekmann), who in turn hired Pier Luigi Nervi, regarded as one of the leading builders of large-scale structures, as his engineer. Archbishop McGucken put his faith in the design consultants who formed a team with the three local architects. The archbishop had other matters on his mind, notably the Second Vatican

Council, and off he went to Rome concerning himself with the restructuring of the Mass and other reforms the council was mulling. He received the first model of the new cathedral when in Rome. He later recalled, according to Burns, “My first thought was, ‘How am I going to talk them out of this?’” He added, “As they developed the picture, I began to see it differently and then get enthusiastic about it.” He agreed – there couldn’t be a traditional cathedral in San Francisco. What rose at Geary Boulevard and Gough Street is based on the geometric principal of the hyperbolic paraboloid, which curves upward from four corners to be united overhead in a cross. It soars up 200 feet outside and 190 feet inside and is crowned with a 55-foot golden cross. San Francisco is seen through vast windows. The influence of the Vatican Council is evident. “The whole thing with liturgical renewal was that you wanted the participation of the faithful, so you wanted to create a church that was conducive to community participation,” said Burns. Accordingly, visitors are relatively close to the altar wherever they may be in the cathedral. If Archbishop McGucken was late to the modernist party, he had big plans to raise a total of $16 million for a replacement cathedral and others projects, including high schools. In the end, the focus was on the cathedral, built for slightly more than $9 million, according to Msgr. Gaffey. Ground was broken in 1965, and in 1967 some critics thought an effort should be made to halt the project, in the name of the poor. There was precedent. In the same year, noted Msgr. Gaffey, the Episcopal bishop of New York, Horace Donegan, halted fundraising to complete the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine on Amsterdam Avenue on the edge of Harlem, saying it would remain unfinished as a witness to the “despair and anguish” of the nearby slums. In November of that year, 27 priests filed a protest with Archbishop McGucken, saying that all forms of human inequity “must take precedence over parish and diocesan building programs, which too often produce bigger and more lavish churches and church buildings.”

Civil rights activist Cesar Chavez joined the chorus, saying in a statement, “We don’t ask for more cathedrals, we don’t ask for bigger churches or fine gifts. We ask for the church’s presence among us. We ask for the church to sacrifice with the people for social change, for justice, and for love of brother.” Then, in a scene that would have never occurred in the 1950s or earlier, numerous priests joined the ranks of protesters at the cathedral on May 5, 1971, the day that Archbishop McGucken processed into and dedicated the building. The protesters held posters with a drawing that showed a ragged Christ extending his hand for alms, but being rejected by the archbishop carrying a large church. Indeed, as historian Msgr. Gaffey noted in “The Anatomy of Transition Cathedral-Building and Social Justice in San Francisco, 1962-1971” (The Catholic Historical Review), the pressure of social justice was great. After all, the “Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World” of Vatican II reads in part, “Feed the man dying of hunger because if you have not fed him, you have killed him.” Critics came around, however. Allan Temko, who in 1990 won a Pulitzer Prize for architecture criticism, in 1964 applauded the revised, working design by Belluschi: “The archbishop is now enthusiastic, and rightly so, for his new cathedral should place this archdiocese in the forefront of modern intellectual and liberal Catholicism.” The newspaper’s editorial board, with Vatican II in mind, opined, “It gives San Francisco’s Catholic cathedral the prospect of becoming the first in the world designed in obedience to this profound new trend in the Catholic Church and its liturgy.” Today, said Burns, the cathedral’s lasting contribution is that it is a “striking image of the church’s presence.” He added, “We are not isolated. We are part of the community and we are integrated into the larger community of San Francisco. We are part of the city, part of the struggle. And that really was the heart of the message of the Vatican council.”

May 5, 2011

The cathedral cornerstone was blessed by Apostolic Delegate Luigi Raimondi.

1970

Ground for the new cathedral was broken.

December 13, 1967

Fire consumes St. Mary’s Cathedral at Van Ness Avenue and O’Farrell Street.

August 1965

September 7, 1962

Aspiring to ‘the holy emptiness of a great place of worship’

Cathedral completed.

40th Anniversary Mass celebrating the anniversary of the dedication of the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

Ruins of St. Mary’s Cathedral.

27 archdiocesan priests made a public protest urging that funds for the new cathedral be redirected to the poor.

May 5, 1971

present November 1967

1962

Pietro Belluschi, one of the architects of the new cathedral, explained the project and offered personal thoughts on it in a June 3, 1970, letter to Gerald Adams at the San Francisco Examiner. Here is a transcript of the letter: From the beginning we were aware that this is not an age of cathedral building; our times lack the combination of religious faith, dedication, and communal drive which inspired the Middle Ages. Yet the yearning for spiritual goals is still a powerful force seeking expression. When architects are called on to give form to spiritual concepts, they find the task extremely difficult. They have for too long been engaged in building symbols of commerce. I remember feeling deep sympathy for McSweeney, Ryan and Lee, the architects selected to do the work. Later when I was asked and somewhat reluctantly agreed to join the team, I found out the real dimensions of the challenge. After much thought, we concluded that the most promising result would lay in extracting architectural significance from the most advanced construction techniques of our day. The new cathedral had to be a structure embodying all our recently acquired knowledge in reinforced concrete. I emphasize structure, because that is the basis of all of large scale architecture, as it was in fact the very basis on which the great Gothic cathedrals were built. This was our first decision, and to that end we sought the advice and help of the best engineers and the use of the most advanced testing laboratories in the world. From this point of view, I believe we were very successful. The drama of the great interior space is self-evident and moving. But we still had a whole set of knotty problems in the actual detailing and execution of the concept, so competently carried out by Schuppel and Kelly (altar and baptistry designer and project coordinator). How does one provide seating capacity for 2,500 people without burdening the great San Francisco skyline with an enormous bulk? I remember sighting the various gas tanks scattered throughout the city and measuring their height and diameters to obtain understanding of this real visual problem. Finally, the hyperbolic paraboloid form was born from this consideration. The building covers an acre of land, but it ends in a slim top shaped like a cross. Here then was the visible symbol of a cathedral dedicated to God. Erecting a great dome by piecing together thousands of diamond-shaped pieces of precast concrete was a great achievement of the builders. Firmly related to structural considerations was our concern for function. The concept of the plan came into being shortly after John XXIII’s Vatican Council. It was inspired by the newly proclaimed relationship of altar to people. There were to be no more long naves and chancels to separate them. This was a breakthrough and stimulus to fresh thinking. We started with open space, one which aspires to the holy emptiness of a great place of worship. How much light should we provide to enhance such space and give it meaning – surely not too much of it, but how little? We had to worry about acoustics. The old cathedrals had reverberation periods as long as eight seconds, giving out echoes ASPIRING, page SMC15

Protesters at the dedication of the cathedral.

Archbishop Joseph T. McGucken is pictured with architect Pietro Belluschi at his left. To Belluschi’s left are engineer/architect Pier-Luigi Nervi, who mastered the cathedral’s reinforced concrete structure; Msgr. Thomas Bowe; Antonio Nervi; Bishop Merlin Guilfoyle.

SMC12

Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

‘It was staggering!’ Witnessing the completion of St. Mary’s

These images of the cathedral’s final construction, taken by Sister Michaela O’Connor and now part of the archives of the Sisters of the Holy Family, show the bronze sculpture of the resurrected Christ taking shape and the installation of the altar and baptismal font.

and ordinations. I also had to learn such things as flower weeks the enormous task of lifting and putting together Continued from cover To my left, workmen were just beginning to lay the bricks arrangement. I’d never put so much as a gladiola into a vase the jigsaw puzzle of the front doors and the sculpture of of the flooring along the lines of the southeast window before this and now I found myself not only doing bouquets the risen Christ would occur out on the main plaza and I through which I could see the striking dome of city hall. The for church services but also decorating the rectory’s dining was again astounded that the already weighty marble deck could support the weight of all those tons of bronze as well baldacchino above the space where the altar would one day room, and even helping with the Christmas tree. as the huge trucks and cranes that had to get the stand was, as yet, only a few golden wires and aluart work into position. minum frames. The stained glass of earth, air, fire ‘I learned that the white marble of the Watching the 15-ton altar come in was another and water glowed with color, but the building was high point. The marble collar upon which the altar an outside without an inside. I couldn’t wait to see rests was the first part brought into the space. It the emerging designs put into their proper places. ambo, the font and the altar were taken was surmounted by a steel lazy Susan that would I had come back from Utah to San Francisco to swing the altar around into perfect alignment before work in catechetical ministries at the cathedral and from the same part of the quarry in Italy so it was lowered into place. Then the altar itself was at Holy Angels Parish in Colma. But Sister Marie It was like being in ancient Egypt, watchAnn, the sacristan at the time, was walking on a that their grain, color and attributes would installed. ing the pyramids being built. Heavy wooden beams, painfully sprained ankle and I had volunteered to by countless supports of wood, were laid work with her at the cathedral during my free time be the same, reflecting the unity of baptism, braced as a gradually ascending track over the stairs from to offset some of the walking she needed to do in the truck outside and the sanctuary steps inside. between buildings. “Middle St. Mary’s,” on Van Eucharist and the word of the Lord.’ Between the two sets of stairs the altar slid along Ness Avenue, was long gone in flame and smoke. beams placed the length of the middle aisle. The New St. Mary’s was abuilding. Sacred Heart High School auditorium was the cathedral of the moment – Sister Michaela O’Connor massive marble piece was moved a few inches at a time by a one-man hand-operated winch. It seems until the jewel in which I stood would open its doors to me that it took three days to get that mighty block (still plywood at this point) to its congregation. Watching the arrival of the church furniture was excit- from the plaza to its base in the middle of the sanctuary. Msgr. Thomas Bowe was showing me around, and the scope Placing the baptismal font was another engineering feat. A ing. One day Msgr. Bowe got Father Kirby Hanson, Sister of the view was stunning. I must admit that the first year of learning the sacristan’s Marie Ann and me into his car and off we went to the braced set of tall, thick beams was arranged coming up from job (I took it over completely when Sister Marie Ann went to Oakland docks to see the Manfrini bronze front doors the floor of the baptismal space so that the font could be swung Alaska) was an adventure – not only in learning “the ropes.” that had just arrived from Italy. The writhing serpent door from the edge of the bricks to the place it needed to be without I daily thanked former sacristans for keeping a binder up to handles were on the warehouse floor on two-by-fours breaking the beams, the bricks or the font. I learned at the time date that helped me know what and how to set up for little to keep them off of the damp concrete. The doors were that the white marble of the ambo, the font and the altar were IT WAS STAGGERING!, page SMC13 tasks like Holy Week, the blessing of the holy oils, Christmas an amazing tangle representing the tree of life. In a few

Congratulations to St. Mary’s Cathedral on your 40th anniversary from

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the Knights of St. Francis of Assisi of the Porziuncola Nuova Congratulate the Archdiocese of San Francisco on the 40th Anniversary of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption

April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

SMC13

By George Raine Sales at the St. Mary’s Cathedral gift shop are not often included in a list of leading economic indicators, but consider this: This time last year, the 96-cent laminated “Prayer For Employment” was selling like hotcakes, and, fortunately, says the staff, sales have dropped off this year. Indeed, the prayer was so popular nationwide that the wholesaler was out of stock for six to seven weeks in mid-2010, and the demand was nearly as heavy for the “Jesus – Help Me” prayer, according to the gift shop staff. This year, the gift shop on the lower level of the cathedral at 1111 Gough St. is currently out of stock of the St. Joseph home seller’s kit – which includes a statute of St. Joseph that sellers bury upside down in the front yard, with the feet pointing to heaven. Tradition has

It was staggering! . . . ■ Continued from page SMC12 taken from the same part of the quarry in Italy so that their grain, color and attributes would be the same, reflecting the unity of baptism, Eucharist and the word of the Lord. The tabernacle is constructed of cinder blocks faced with marble and the lovely loaves and fishes motif carved into the wooden doors flanking the receptacle were copied from the ring of a bishop from a very early century. The day that the picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe arrived from Uxmal, Mexico – Monsignor having outbid actress Dolores del Rio for the beautiful mosaic – was another day that Msgr. Bowe called us all to come and watch the uncrating. When he buried her medal on the property he hoped would one day be the site of the cathedral, he had promised Our Lady that if she got the land for him so that he could have the 500 parking

it that St. Joseph has a special power in real estate transactions. Tourists, local Catholics and people in need of religious goods to give as gifts have been attracted to the cathedral gift shop for years, not only because of its offerings but because of free parking, which is difficult to impossible to find in downtown San Francisco. According to the staff, the tourists are largely Asian, including Chinese non-Catholics, while recently fewer European tourists, notably from England, France and Germany, have been coming due to the financial crisis on the continent. The tourists also include architects and architecture students, some of whom have studied directly under the principal designer of the cathedral, Pietro Belluschi, or under his students. They are still marveling at the modernist building that was dedicated 40 years ago. In the gift shop, visitors find Italian crosses and crucifixes, products from Jerusalem and the

(PHOTO BY GEORGE RAINE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Prayer cards, home-seller’s kit, among popular gift shop wares Holy Land, such as rosaries and the Stations of the Cross. There are Greek icons, good-selling Lourdes grotto water direct from the source; statues, Bibles, novena booklets and – very popular right now – first Communion items, including rosaries and missals for boys and girls. Religious fans from Spain sell well in the summer months, and, also popular right now, bracelets – birthstone colored – with the logo of the 40th anniversary of the cathedral. Also in demand – although the supply is limited – is a handmade $79.99 St. Francis birdhouse. Alas, sales of the Pope’s Cologne, cologne marketed by a Marin County physician and said to be the same fragrance used by Pope Pius IX, are modest. Some buy the $28.99 cologne as a gag; a few people have opined they think it’s inappropriate. There are also San Francisco mugs and

magnets and other local goods which, according to the staff, are popular because they’re sold for half of what hotel gift shops charge. And, there’s free parking on Cathedral Hill.

spaces the city demanded around the building dimensions and its uses. My favorite question that she would have the first shrine in it. When was when I was asked if, at Christmas time, her image arrived, the bricks had not yet all we put little lights in all the bolt holes left in the concrete of the pylons for been laid. She was settled texture. I watched the organ serenely on some wooden go in and observed Walter packing material painted Bahn, the organist, demonwhite, and decorated with a strating the overwhelming few ferns, while we waited power of the instrument at for her alcove to be prepared. full throttle without realizing She, indeed, had the first true that a technician was up in the shrine in the cathedral. pipes installing lights. I still Msgr. Bowe constantly remember vividly the first reminded the staff that cathebouquets I made for that masdrals are never finished. Over sive sanctuary, using about several years I watched the 14-dozen gladiolas for each magnificent bronze shrines bouquet. When viewed from depicting the life of Our Lady Msgr. Thomas Bowe, arrive and become part of cathedral pastor 1962-81 the front doors the flowers could hardly be seen. the whole, even while taking What a treat it was to celebrate the great carloads of vestments, sacred vessels and necessary equipment to parishes in every county festivals of the church in that wonderful of the archdiocese for ceremonies that needed enclosure that beckons its city in through the large spaces to contain them. I answered ques- picture windows; to build the first Christmas tions about the materials in the building, its scenes out of paper rock, real trees, straw, oil

drums, coat racks and packing crates – the last three the unseen support for the rest. Over the years I have treasured the celebrations, the challenges and the joys of being sacristan at so marvelous a place. The memories I cherish of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption will last me all my life. This article was written by Sister Michaela O’Connor, archivist, Sisters of the Holy Family. Holy Family Sisters were the cathedral sacristans from 1872 to 1992, serving all three cathedrals, doing the flower arranging, the making and care of altar linens and altar servers’ paraphernalia, preparing all the details for Holy Week, Easter, Christmas and ordinations – “not to mention the day-to-day running of the Masses, funerals, weddings and other civic and religious ceremonies occurring at one cathedral or another,” Sister Michaela said. The sisters’ 120-year ministry came to a close in 1992 when the sister then occupying the position of sacristan, Sister Monica Kennedy, retired from the cathedral.

This handmade St. Francis birdhouse is a popular item at the St. Mary’s Cathedral gift shop.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to St. Mary’s Cathedral on your 40th Anniversary. May God continue to shower you with His grace.

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From Bishops Brown, Luong, Flores and the clergy, religious, and laity of the Diocese of Orange, California.

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SMC14

Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

Venerating Our Lady of Guadalupe

(PHOTOS BY SISTER MICHAELA O’CONNOR/ ARCHIVES OF THE SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY)

(PHOTOS BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Marchers in the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimage arrive at St. Mary’s Cathedral to mark the saint’s feast day in December 2010. The marchers carried a statue of Our Lady and one man portrayed the peasant Juan Diego, to whom the virgin appeared in December 1531 outside Mexico City amid a mystical winter gift of roses. The cathedral’s portrait of the patron saint of Mexico is encircled by roses as worshipers, including Archbishop George Niederauer, gather to venerate her.

These images show the uncrating and installation of the cathedral’s Our Lady of Guadalupe mosaic. Msgr. Thomas Bowe, the new cathedral’s first rector, outbid actress Dolores del Rio for the mosaic from Uzmal, Mexico, said Sister Michaela O’Connor, archivist for the Sisters of the Holy Family.

Best wishes to the Parish Community of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption on the 40th Anniversary. St. Benedict Parish for the Deaf at St. Francis Xavier Church in San Francisco

Congratulations Saint Mary’s on your 40th Anniversary. - Fr. George Matanic, O.P., Director and the Vallombrosa Center Staff

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St. Thomas More Church Priests, Deacons & Community Congratulates St. Mary’s Cathedral & The Archdiocese of San Francisco On the 40th Anniversary of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption

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April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

SMC15

Like Mary’s ‘luminous robe’

Manfrini’s grandchildren Alessia and Nicola were the models for the angels flanking the ambry in the artist’s bronze portraying Pentecost. “They provide a delightful touch and remind us that it is the Holy Spirit who gives joy to our youth,” a cathedral staff member said at the time.

Artwork’s intimacy . . .

(PHOTO BY RICK DELVECCHIO)

this way: “Man pulls at the structure of civilization to set himself free; man helps his brother, transcending racial, religious and color lines.” ■ Continued from page SMC9 Manfrini wanted the sculpture and the No pilgrimage to experience the cathe- colored glass of the overpane to combine in dral’s artwork is complete without a look at such a way that, from both inside and outside, one can see the same Risen Lord Manfrini’s other pieces, includframed by a chalice symbolizing ing the bronze overpane over the the Eucharist. window above the front entrance, The bronze doors also have the bronze doors and perhaps symbolic meaning. The tanglemost of all the bronze holder for wood detailing represents life’s the paschal candle. difficulties, and the serpent door The overpane, which took six handles signify the evil that conyears to complete, shows historifronts us as we pass through life, cal and symbolic figures striving Murray said. toward salvation with Mary’s Eve depicted in “As we pass through the intercession. Note the kneeling Manfrini’s paschal doors, evil changes into the Paul VI – his tiara laid aside in a candle holder water of salvation,” Murray said. spirit of humility – the American representing the “That’s the flow.” Indian with arms upraised, the creation of Adam Arab and the Jew embracing. Immediately inside is the and Eve. The piece has a three-fold baptismal font and the paschal artistic intent, said cathedral candle holder depicting the docent Maryanne Murray. Overall, it is a mon- creation of Adam and a strikingly innocentument to prayer. The center part is a monument looking child Eve. She looks on, positioned to the Catholic faith. And the attention to detail by the artist at a level where a child could is a monument to freedom. meet her gaze, perhaps most tenderly at A description written when Msgr. Thomas Easter when the paschal candle is lit as a Bowe was cathedral pastor described the piece sign of the risen Christ.

Richard Lippold created what may be the cathedral’s most striking single element: the baldacchino sculpture that hovers, 15 stories high and 30 feet across, over the cathedral altar. The artist spent seven months installing it in 1970. “It moves people of all faiths and no faith,” said Msgr. John Talesfore, cathedral pastor and rector, calling the form almost perfect. “If that were not in this building, the building would be screaming for something.” Lippold was inspired by what he called the astonishing technical daring of the new cathedral’s architecture – “like a great tepee of marble, resting on four incredibly delicate points.” He said the shape suggested “a benevolent space enclosing the congregation.” He related his sculpture to this idea, which to him suggested “a luminous robe of the Virgin.”

Aspiring . . . ■ Continued from page SMC11 unacceptable by present standards. … Anyone who has visited the old cathedrals of Europe knows the pervasive smells which are barely covered by the fragrance of incense. The places were also unbearably cold. A modern church must provide comfort, but the means to do so always tend to distort the purity of the space. Finally with great care as to its quality, we had to introduce certain elements which would proclaim our concern for beauty as provides by the arts; it was our desire to make the interior a noble and transcendent experience. … In all these efforts, not free from the agonies of doubt, we were fortunate to have an enlightened client. But since our ideas could not be tested by precedent, both Archbishop (Joseph T.) McGucken and Msgr. (Thomas) Bowe had

Lippold wrote these notes on the work in 1972: “It is made of thousands of triangular polished and anodized aluminum prisms whose surfaces are slightly concave to catch and reflect more light. These prisms are suspended from tubular aluminum bent rectangular forms increasing in size from top to bottom. The prisms are hung by .017-inch stainless steel wires. From the bottom of each row of prisms another long wire is attached, at the end of which is another prism, thereby creating a second, flatter form near the bottom of the work, a sort of umbrella over the altar, which also adds density of form and light at that important point.” Suspending the rectangular forms are gold-filled wire and gold-plated cable. “Near the altar,” the artist said, “the gold wires, like golden angel wings, become visible.” to trust us; they also had to be convinced by the seriousness of our approach of the liturgical correctness of our solutions. Their response was encouraging at all times. We had more difficulty convincing the city to relax certain regulations, which were certainly not designed to serve such a unique purpose as a modern cathedral and, more difficult yet, to be reassured that design would resist earthquakes. … In your letter you ask for critical opinions. I have been too close to give you one. We are at a stage now when we are all elated by seeing our efforts take shape. Perhaps I should not admit this, but I find myself wishing it had been possible to give the exterior the same dramatic sense of unity and purpose possessed by the interior, which is superb; perhaps too many practical reasons were in the way of perfect fulfillment. As the cathedral stands, it will live to be judged more properly by others – perhaps by generations to come.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God for His Presence in cathedrals and churches and chapels and within the heart of each of us.

The Church of St. Vincent de Paul

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Performing Arts Theater Bob Canfield Photography

Congratulations

Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary!

to the Cathedral

A monument to our

Faith

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

SAN FRANCISCO

Working together to overcome poverty, homelessness, addiction and domestic violence. (415) 977-1270 | www.svdp-sf.org | 169 Stillman Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

The Men and Women of San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798

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Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

The cathedral celebrates Lent

(PHOTOS BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

Ash Wednesday

Msgr. James Tarantino, vicar for administration for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and worshipers are pictured at Ash Wednesday Mass, March 9, 2011, at the cathedral.

Chrism Mass (PHOTOS BY FRANCIS DA SILVA/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

The annual Chrism Mass, celebrated in the Archdiocese of San Francisco at St. Mary’s Cathedral on the Tuesday of Holy Week, commemorates the priesthood. The archbishop is principal celebrant, with archdiocesan and religious order priests concelebrating. The archbishop blesses the oils to be used in baptism, confirmation, ordination of priests and anointing of the sick during the coming year. Priests are shown in this photo from the March 30, 2010, Chrism Mass.

OUR CONGRATULATORY WISHES

“We shall go up with joy to the house of our God!�

TO ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL

-Psalm 122

FOR ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH 3700 Callan Blvd. South San Francisco, CA 94080 Rev. Rene Ramoso, Pastor

Visit us at

catholic-sf.org For your Datebook, On the Street, local & international Catholic news, website listings, advertising information and “Place Classified Ad� Form

We rejoice with our local Church at this time. 6W &DWKHULQH RI 6LHQD 3DULVK %XUOLQJDPH

The Church of the Nativity staff and parishioners congratulate the Archdiocese of San Francisco on the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of St. Mary’s Cathedral

Church of the Nativity 210 Oak Grove Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025 www.nativitymenlo.org

Save The Date! ST. PATRICK’S SEMINARY & UNIVERSITY Four Pillars Annual Gala September 17, 2011 For more information visit our website at: www.stpatricksseminary.org Seminarians Today, Priests Tomorrow

Our warmest greetings and congratulations to Most Rev. George Niederauer, Monsignor John Talesfore, and the Cathedral staff on the

40th anniversary of St. Mary’s Cathedral. We give thanks for all the blessings you have received, and we pray that God continues to bless you. We rejoice with you and thank God for the many years of service to the community and the propagation of the faith. We are blessed to have you and this wonderful church. God is our anchor, and we will continually praise Him forever. May He always keep you in His care! The Community of Saint Brigid School

April 22, 2011

Catholic San Francisco

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(PHOTOS BY DENNIS CALLAHAN)

Easter Vigil

On this holy night, the church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory. It is the turning point of the triduum, the Passover of the new covenant, which marks Christ’s passage from death to life. In the first image, from the April 3, 2010, Easter Vigil Mass at the cathedral, the faithful gather around a blazing fire in the Service of Light. In the second, the priest lights the paschal candle from the new fire and says, “May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.� In the third image a young catechumen is baptized.

Rite of Election Mass (PHOTO BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

The signing of the Book of the Elect is a solemn step in the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion for those taking part in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Here, signed books from parishes in the Archdiocese of San Francisco are held by catechists in the March 13, 2011, RCIA liturgy held at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Completing initiation into the faith through baptism, confirmation and Eucharist in the archdiocese are 178 catechumens, 62 candidates for full communion and 155 Catholic candidates.

On our 100th Anniversary

Congratulations and Blessing on the 40th Anniversary of St. Mary’s Cathedral

St. Monica’s Parish wishes a Happy 40th Anniversary to St. Mary’s Cathedral

Sisters of the Good Shepherd & Good Shepherd Gracenter

St. Monica Parish San Francisco

All God’s Blessings from St. Agnes Church

(650) 588-2121

555 W. San Bruno Avenue, San Bruno, CA 94066

Our Congratulatory wishes to St. Mary’s Cathedral for it’s 40th Anniversary

The Parish Community of Saint Raphael Church and Mission San Rafael Archangel San Rafael, California

1025 Masonic Ave. San Francisco, CA 94117

St. Bruno’s Church

Happy Fortieth Anniversary to the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption

Happy 40th to the Cathedral! A building set on a hill, a building that has stood the test of time, spreading its light even to the farthest corners of the Archdiocese, even to East Palo Alto.

Wishing you many more, Parishioners of St. Francis

Congratulations to the Cathedral on your 40th! (we are nearing our 100th!)

St. Emydius Parish San Francisco

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Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

CATHEDRAL MEMORIES Editor’s note: More than a dozen readers responded to Catholic San Francisco’s call for memories of the old St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness Avenue and the new cathedral. The full set of articles submitted appears here, some reprinted from previous editions. Thanks to all for participating in the 40th anniversary celebration of the new cathedral’s dedication.

‘I saw tears streaming down my dad’s face’

1971: First priestly ordinations By Father Joe Gordon St. Mary’s Cathedral was dedicated barely three weeks before my ordination on May 29, 1971 and in addition to the hundreds of bishops and priests, and so many other attendees, I vividly recall the phalanx of demonstrators, protesting not only its cost – estimated to be $8 million – but even the building of it in the first place. My most special memory, however, is that our ordination class was the first to be ordained in the new cathedral – and I was the first one in the class to receive the laying-on of hands, making me the first priest ordained in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.

1978: First episcopal ordinations At left is an interior view of a quiet and untouched St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness Avenue; right, the church is pictured as it burned in 1962.

By Emeritus Sacramento Bishop Francis A. Quinn

By Edward Schoenstein

M

y dad, Louis J. Schoenstein, was a principal partner in a pipe organ business, Felix F. Schoenstein & Sons. The organ at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness Avenue, dedicated in 1891, was one of many church organs he serviced, and as a teenager, I accompanied him on many visits to the site. My first memory of the church is the view from the choir loft which looked onto a warm sunlit, amber-colored interior of highly varnished wood and a horseshoe gallery. At street level below the cathedral’s tall bell tower, my dad would call attention to a patch of concrete different in color from the surrounding cement. He told me how, as the ‘06 earthquake fire raged westward, Van Ness Avenue became the last hope of stopping the fire from spreading and engulfing the remaining western part of the city. Flames spanned the broad boulevard at several locations and the cross on the top of the cathedral bell tower ignited. Two priests, Father Charles A. Raam and Father Phillip O’Ryan, and firemen from Engine Company #34, fought the blaze with buckets of water and wet sacks. They then climbed the tower and cut the base of the cathedral’s burning cross and it crashed to the slab below, hence the patched and differently colored concrete. The day of the cathedral fire, I was at Candlestick Park. An announcement on the public address system said any priest or staff from the cathedral should report there immediately. Everybody quickly connected the summons with the bright orange glow on the city skyline. I rushed out and picked up my dad, who was 78 years old at the time. We drove as close as we could to the cathedral, walking the remaining distance. Apprehension filled our hearts as we saw the huge fire. As we watched the flames lick through the rose window from across the street, I saw tears streaming down my dad’s face. “There goes a fine organ,” he said. My dad had repaired the ‘06 earthquake damage to the cathedral organ and had maintained it during all the intervening years.

I have great memories of St. Mary’s Cathedral – the old cathedral on Van Ness Avenue, which I first visited as a ninth grade seminarian in 1935 and where I was ordained priest with 22 fellow diocesan Emeritus Sacramento seminarians in 1946. In 1978, Bishop Francis A. Quinn Bishop Pierre DuMaine and I had the honor of being the first bishops ordained at the new cathedral. St. Mary’s indeed, has a special place in my heart.

Cathedral High days

Edward Schoenstein and his family are members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Belmont. His father, Louis J. Schoenstein, was born in 1884 and died in 1980. The Schoenstein family was prominent in the pipe organ profession from 1877 to 1969. Louis is the author of “Memoirs of a San Francisco Organ Builder,” Library of Congress #77-99221.

Glow in the sky

Cassocks and surplices

The new St. Mary’s Cathedral looms under construction in this side view of the massive church.

By George Finn

The flames of the burning cathedral lit up the San Francisco sky.

By Jack McCloskey At the time of the cathedral fire in 1962, my wife, Janice, and I were expecting our first child, John III. That evening we went to my mother, Margaret’s, house on 14th Avenue to pick up a bassinet. On our way home to California Street, we saw the glow in the sky and went down to Van Ness to have a look. Needless to say it was spectacular and very sad. My father, John, was a San Francisco firefighter and eventually, so was I.

I remember well St. Mary’s. I was an altar boy starting in 1945 while a student at Sacred Heart on Ellis Street. I used to serve with Msgr. Charles Raam, the pastor at St. Mary’s from 1918-1948. My mother used to drive me to the early Mass and I used to be allowed to go to the priests’ house afterward for breakfast and my mother used to pick me up. We used to help at other parishes for whatever reason and Msgr. Raam used to tell us to be sure we brought back our St. Mary’s Cathedral on cassocks and surplices or we were in trouble. I Van Ness Avenue, remember having to take dedicated Jan. 11, 1891, the old “H” streetcar if my cost $350,000. mother could not take me. I’m 79 this year. I’m now a member of St Anne’s and my son, Franco, is getting married this year at St Ignatius.

By Kathleen Daly van den Akker My memory of the cathedral was watching it being built during my years (1967-1971) at Cathedral High. Our class was the first to go through all four years at the new school and the first class among all San Francisco high schools to graduate in the cathedral with all of its magnificence (especially the chandelier over the organ). The graduation ceremony was memorable because of the spectacular venue (and my newfound freedom!).

‘Wonderful’ woodworking By Francis McGovern I was a carpenter in the construction of St. Mary’s Cathedral. It was an answer to a promise I made to the Lord if he would let me become a carpenter then I would build a fine Catholic church. The inside woodwork was installed by us. The walls were lined with mahogany. The sacristy was finished in beautiful teak with confessionals and altar backdrop of rosewood like none other I have ever seen. It was sliced from logs so that a similar pattern marched across the walls with even the doors matching. “Flitch” match we called it like back bacon sliced by machine in a series. It was a wonderful job.

April 22, 2011

Blessed wedding rings By Marlin Gill My wife Patricia and I have many wonderful memories of events that we have attended at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Our sons, John and Patrick, graduated from Serra High School at ceremonies in the cathedral. We attended the investitures of Cardinal William J. Levada as archbishop of San Francisco and his successor Archbishop George Niederauer. Both ceremonies were very inspirational and elaborated the beauty of the cathedral. We also attended the ordinations of Auxiliary Bishops William J. Justice and Robert W. McElroy. My wife is a Dame of Malta and we have attended several Order of Malta events at the cathedral which were moving and inspirational, again glorifying the beauty of the cathedral. It was at the cathedral that Cardinal Levada blessed our wedding rings on our anniversary, Feb. 22. Critics refer to the cathedral as the “agitator in a washing machine,” but to us it is a marvelous architectural beauty that is enduring and inspirational.

Remembering my father, cathedral architect By Pat Bohm My father was architect Paul A. Ryan, one of the primary architects of St. Mary’s Cathedral, along with Angus McSweeney and John M. Lee. (Design consultants were Pietro Architect Paul A. Ryan Belluschi of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Italian engineer Pier Luigi Nervi.) I was only 12 when the old St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness Avenue burned. We were vacationing in Carmel when it happened. I remember my father saying, “Maybe I will have an opportunity to build a cathedral.” He submitted his portfolio of work to the archdiocese and was chosen as architect. However, since my father had a small firm, with him being the only principal, the archdiocese wanted my father to partner with a couple of well known architects, Angus McSweeney and John M. Lee, known as Jack Lee. The firm McSweeney, Ryan and Lee was formed. My dad and Jack had earlier worked together as the Ryan and Lee Architectural firm. They did a lot of work for the archdiocese, designing churches, schools, including Archbishop Riordan High School, and the Carmelite Sisters’ Monastery of Cristo Rey on Parker Avenue in San Francisco. My father was educated in Paris, and his background was classical. In the early 1960s, however, the Council of Vatican II was occurring in Rome and many changes were taking place. This prompted the archdiocese to build a cathedral with a modern approach. I feel so proud that my father played such an important role in St. Mary’s Cathedral, and his legacy lives on for his grandchildren and others to appreciate. When our children, now adults, were younger, my husband, John Bohm, who died in 2010, played Santa Claus at the cathedral. It is a memory my children and I continue to draw on.

Altar Society service By John Gray I had the privilege of being in the Sacred Heart Altar Society in 1948, 1949 and 1950. I was a train bearer for Archbishop John Mitty at many functions at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness including the installations of Bishops James O’Dowd, Hugh Donohoe and Merlin Guilfoyle. I have many fond memories of the old church on Van Ness Avenue. It was beautiful especially the white marble altars and the woodwork throughout.

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The priest who burned his hands saving the Blessed Sacrament

C

atholic San Francisco interviewed Father John Greene, pastor of St. Monica Parish and chaplain to the San Francisco Fire Department. He was ordained at St. Mary’s Cathedral in 1976 and was among St. Patrick’s Seminary choir members who sang for the cathedral dedication in 1971. “Police officers and firefighters regularly attended the early Sunday Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness because they had to be to work at 8 a.m.,” Father Greene said, happy to share stories of the troops that he’s heard St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness Avenue burned quickand confirmed through the years. “They all sat in the back ly. “Churches can hardly ever be saved,” said Father and if the priest’s homily was too long, they’d all stand up John Greene, San Francisco Fire Department chaplain. and point to their watches so not to be late for roll call.” The cathedral fire in 1962 was a huge blaze that spread quickly, Father Greene said. “Churches can hardly ever be saved because of all the wood and construction that includes ‘voids’ that allow the fire to flash across all of the building.” It was Msgr. John Heaney, then chaplain to the San Francisco Police Department, he said, who put his life at risk to save the Blessed Sacrament from the fire. Msgr. Heaney was ordained in 1953 and had been a priest for fewer than 10 years at the time. He died in 2010. “Msgr. Heaney showed great courage and suffered burns to his hands in rescuing the Blessed Sacrament,” Father Greene said.

One man’s love for God and for the cathedral he helped sustain

The day the sisters stood on the pews

By Paul Lera I could not let this pass without at least noting that I have special memories about St. Mary’s Cathedral. My father, Aldo P. Lera was presented with the “Assumpta Award” in 1998 and he was in love with the cathedral. His devotion to the church was present and demonstrated all through my life and I have An aerial view of gratitude for this today. My the newly completed dad has been gone for 11 years now but my memories of him Cathedral of St. Mary include much of what he did of the Assumption with and around his faith. on Geary Boulevard. Somewhere in my storage is his award that was presented to him during a great night at the cathedral. He worked hard to help rectify the electrical issues in the cathedral and in many buildings in other parishes. He was so much a part of his faith or should I say his faith was so much of who he was. He gave of himself freely without attachment and understood clearly his relationship with God. I envy him and this truly loving relationship he had with the church and God. I struggle today with my own faith, but because of my upbringing and memories of his love of life, his faith and his work, I am still in the game of life today! My son Nick graduated from Junipero Serra High School and the Mass and graduation rites took place at St. Mary’s. This was special to me as well and I knew at that time my father was watching though I wished he could have been there. I felt his presence in the cathedral and all I had to do is visit the plaque on the wall to know that the building holds his spirit in a blessed special way. St. Mary’s will continue to be a very special place for me. I have been fortunate to be touched, blessed and experience God’s will through my father’s work with the church, especially at St. Mary’s.

‘Hughie’s a bishop’ By Peter Breen

I

Catholic San Francisco

was just a little over 10 years old and really had never heard of St. Mary’s Cathedral. I lived in Hollister. That all changed on Aug. 2, 1947. My mother was on the old “crank-style telephone and kept saying, “Hughie’s a bishop.” Flash forward to Oct. 7, 1947. I am sitting in the front room of my grandmother’s house staring out the window. All of a sudden this large black “official” car pulls up in front of the house. A policeman gets out and ushers my grandmother and mother and her sisters in. Off they go. In those days almost anything that was connected to the Catholic Church was also connected to the city, so the city car was normal procedure. We follow them in our old Chevy. Across town, where I find myself sitting in the second row up front in St Mary’s Cathedral, wondering why there was all the music and pomp, with my uncle prone in front of the altar. It was Bishop-elect Hugh Donohoe’s consecration as an auxiliary bishop of Bishop Hugh Donohoe San Francisco. He later became first Bishop of Stockton and then Fresno, where he retired and died. Christmas is the most I recall about St Mary’s. We always came up “from the country” and went to midnight Mass. The choir from St. Patrick’s Seminary always sang. As I recall, there were at least 40 seminarians in the choir, and did they have a way with the carols. I will never forget those Christmases, though they become a bit faint with each passing year. St Mary’s meant a lot to us as a family, most of whom are now deceased, and the Catholic San Francisco series was a welcome trip reminding me of some wonderful days in the life of a child, now growing a bit older.

The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption seats more than 2,000 people around the sanctuary.

By Sister Pat Hunter Following the devastating fire that destroyed St. Mary’s Cathedral on Van Ness Avenue in 1962, Archbishop Joseph McGucken initiated a campaign to rebuild. Funding was sought, often door-to-door, and we heard discussion and dissension over design and cost as well as comments about the rising “Bishop’s Bendix” – a comparison to its looking like the inside of a washing machine. The opening public Mass was a very low-key event so as not to attract adverse publicity on that special day. The 40 years since the re-opening of St. Mary’s Cathedral form a kaleidoscope of events and people that mark pivotal moments in the life of our local church. The following memories are ones that continually call to mind the essence and dynamic life of our archdiocesan church. For me, my 24 years as an RCIA director made for a very special celebration each First Sunday of Lent. We came to join a cathedral full of catechumens and candidates who were presented to the archbishop to become the elect for the Easter sacraments. Truly these people saw an example of the larger church in those gathered from the many parishes. My years of involvement with the field education program at St. Patrick’s Seminary allowed me to witness the ordination of several men who had enriched our parish community with enthusiasm and witness for service. How impressive that silent moment of imposition of hands when one is called to serve others in the manner of Jesus. Parish life also afforded the opportunity to accompany in prayer and ministry those called to study and prepare for the permanent diaconate. Their ordination day was likewise a festive celebration in the company of family, friends and fellow parishioners. There is one unique gathering that evokes special memory. That was the visit of Pope John Paul II and his meeting with women and men religious of the archdiocese in September 1987. I was among the group of religious women who were honored to be ushers for the event. Jesuit Brother Douglas Draper saw that our transportation was provided to the cathedral. There was great excitement in the air. The one scene I will never forget happened when John Paul arrived at the cathedral entrance – the entire church erupted – many sisters standing on the pews waving and screaming words of welcome. Certainly this was a great departure from the usual decorum experienced in the presence of sisters. But then, the visit of a pope is no ordinary event. Of course, the reflections of the speakers, among them, our own now late Presentation Sister Mary Thaddea Kelly and the response and blessing of the Holy Father were at the heart of what that spectacular evening experience offered. Our “new” cathedral of the past 40 years has been a source of blessing and celebration. Unique in design, it has become a cornerstone for our archdiocese and its presence in the San Francisco Bay Area. May many more years of dedicated service and hospitality help build the body of Christ in our midst. Sister Pat Hunter, SNJM, is a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, who have served the Archdiocese of San Francisco since arriving from Canada in 1868.

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Catholic San Francisco

April 22, 2011

Cathedral voices, then and now The Archbishop is now enthusiastic, and rightly so, for his new cathedral should place this archdiocese in the forefront of modern intellectual and liberal Catholicism. – Architecture critic Allan Temko, 1964 We don’t ask for more cathedrals, we don’t ask for bigger churches or fine gifts. We ask for the church’s presence among us. We ask for the church to sacrifice with the people for social change, for justice, and for love of brother. – Civil rights activist Cesar Chavez , 1967 You have this incredible social transformation and ecclesiastical transformation occurring at the same time. That is what the cathedral represents – a symbol of that turmoil that took place. – Jeffrey Burns, an historian and the archivist of the Archdiocese of San Francisco It was like being in ancient Egypt, watching the pyramids being built. – Holy Family Sister Michaela O’Connor, on watching installation of the altar and baptismal font in the final stages of the cathedral’s construction. In the cathedral you are surrounded by love and sharing a faith that is alive and well in the 21st century. – Cathedral docent Anne Desler

(PHOTOS BY JOSE LUIS AGUIRRE/CATHOLIC SAN FRANCISCO)

A reflection of Enrico Manfrini’s bronze sculptural window at the main entry is pictured as worshipers leave a recent event at the cathedral.

A nun dashing across Cathedral Plaza.

Worshipers are pictured during a 2011 Lenten service.

Archbishop Niederauer, far right, celebrates a 2011 Lenten liturgy before a full cathedral.

Congratulations on the 40th Anniversary of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption

Gary Delagnes, President

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