Newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Men urged to be ‘game-changers’
2-3 April 12, 2012
The Catholic Spirit
State’s bishops call for immigration reform that protects rights and families By Joe Towalski The Catholic Spirit
Concerned about an “inconsistent, ineffective” U.S. immigration system and inadequate state-level attempts at reform, Minnesota’s Catholic bishops are calling for comprehensive immigration reform on the federal level that protects basic human rights and keeps families together. Read the Such reform, they noted, will require statement changing hearts as well — Page 5 as laws. “We recognize that finding solutions to the plight of immigrants today will sometimes necessitate the overcoming of boundaries in the heart, not just on the land,” according to the approximately 1,300-word statement, “Unlocking the Gate in Our Hearts.” “At some point, however, we must reach out to human persons in need, and the demands of our common human nature compel us to open a gate in the wall, so that what human dignity demands is not denied to a sister or brother,” it says. “But before a gate finds its way into the walls outside, there must be a gate that opens in the heart.” The statement is posted on the website of the Minnesota Catholic Conference — HTTP://MNCC.ORG — and will be available soon in printed form in both English and Spanish.
State reforms inadequate Minnesota’s bishops last released a statement on immigration in 2010. Jason Adkins, MCC executive director, said the new statement is particularly important at a time when federal reform efforts continue to be lacking and several states — most PLEASE TURN TO STATEMENT ON PAGE 5
News with a Catholic heart
Catholic Youth Camp turns 65
18 TheCatholicSpirit.com
Finding God in the darkness Nine siblings join church after losing their parents By Julie Carroll The Catholic Spirit
Every time the Vang children used to visit their uncle in St. Paul, they would keep their eyes to the sky for Saint Agnes’ green, onion-shaped dome. The gold cross atop it shone like a beacon, signaling that they were almost there. Now the St. Paul church is providing them direction through a spiritual storm following the loss of both of their parents. At Saint Agnes’ Easter Vigil April 7, all nine children were baptized and received into the Catholic Church. They were among the approximately 745 people from 90 parishes in the archdiocese who were fully initiated into the church that evening. It was a bittersweet moment for the children, who, before the vigil, said they believed their mother would be with them in spirit. Ranging in age from 21 months to 19, the Vang children tearfully recalled the day their mom died. One foggy morning last February, Vanessa Vaj was driving home after working the night shift when her Toyota Corolla veered into oncoming traffic before colliding with a semitruck. “She called early that morning, telling us to take care of the kids,” said Vancelee, 15. “Later, when we got to school, they said she was in a car accident, and everything was . . .” His voice trailed off. “. . . really just changed from there on,” 16-year-old Cesea finished his thought. Not long after the funeral, the children’s father turned physically abusive, they said. That’s when their uncle, Pao Lee PLEASE TURN TO FAMILY ON PAGE 14
Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit
Father John Ubel, pastor of Saint Agnes in St. Paul, baptizes Suelon Vang during the Easter Vigil April 7 at Saint Agnes. At right is Suelon’s brother, Vancelee. The two brothers and their seven siblings all were baptized and received into the Catholic Church that night.
What the church teaches about adoption
— page 10
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APRIL 12, 2012 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Making a difference in life of church, society
That They May All Be One Archbishop John C. Nienstedt
Men’s conference keynote speaker proposes three ‘gamechangers’
On Saturday, March 31, over 2,000 men came to the Cathedral of St. Paul to celebrate their Catholic faith through their participation in the Holy Eucharist and to listen to a short roster of speakers address them on the importance of witnessing their faith in their marriages, at home, in their work, in their parishes and where they recreate. The sacrament of penance/reconciliation was available throughout the morning and some 30 priests were kept busy hearing confessions. It was a powerful event, coming as it did on the doorstep of Holy Week and Easter.
Building a better world The keynote speaker was the Australian-born Catholic evangelist Matthew Kelly, known for his popular book, “Rediscovering Catholicism.� He provided a message that was both compelling and challenging. He began with the story of a man who had an important speech to write on the morning of the very day that the speech would be delivered. As he sat down to compose the talk, his 7-year-old son came and knocked on his study door. The boy wanted Dad to play. The father took an hour or so for a game of catch, but then realized that he needed to get back to his speech. Needing a way to keep his rambunctious boy occupied so that he could complete his own important project, the father came up with what he thought was an ingenious idea. Finding a map of the world he had seen in a magazine, he vigorously tore the image into tiny pieces. He tossed them on the living room floor and told the boy to put the world back together again. Thinking this would take him several hours, the father went back to work. About 20 minutes later, the son knocked again on the study door. The father was amazed that the boy had already finished. When asked how he did it, the boy said he had discovered a large
The Catholic Spirit The Catholic Spirit’s mission is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. It seeks to inform, educate, evangelize and foster a spirit of community within the Catholic Church by disseminating news in a professional manner and serving as a forum for discussion of contemporary issues.
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“[Matthew] Kelly suggests
each Catholic buy a Mass journal and write on the first page, ‘What’s the one thing I need to do today to make me a better person?’ Then take that journal with you to church and write down the one thing you hear from the Scriptures or the homily or the eucharistic prayers that answers your question.
�
ARCHBISHOP JOHN NIENSTEDT
Appointments Northeast parishes get new priest; KC’s keep chaplain Father Peter Laird, archdiocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, was named parochial administrator of St. Boniface and All Saints, both in Minneapolis, effective March 12. Father Laird replaces Father Eugene Tiffany, who is on a three month leave of absence. Father Kenneth O’Hotto, pastor of St. Mary in Waverly, was appointed March 28 to serve a second year as associate state chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, followed by a two year appointment as state chaplain. OFFICIAL His excellency, the Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt, has announced the following appointments in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Effective March 12, 2012
picture of a man on the underside of the image of the world. Once he put the man on pages 3 and 4 together, the world on pages 1 and 2 fell into place. Kelly asked the assembly if they thought the world was going downhill today and then answered in the affirmative. But, he said, the only way to build a better world is by addressing the question of the individual person, beginning with myself. And Catholics, he said, are in the best position to do that, that is, to change the world by changing themselves. There are 77 million Catholics in the United States, 26 million more than needed to PLEASE TURN TO EASTERTIME ON PAGE 11
Very Rev. Peter A. Laird, assigned ad nutum episcopi as the parochial administrator of the Church of Saint Boniface (Minneapolis) and the Church of All Saints of Minneapolis. Accepted the resignation of Rev. Eugene Tiffany as Pastor of the Church of All Saints of Minneapolis, and as Parochial Administrator of the Church of Saint Boniface (Minneapolis), and granted a three month leave of absence. Effective March 28, 2012 Rev. Kenneth O’Hotto, appointed to serve a second year as Associate State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, followed by a two year appointment as State Chaplain.
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Local APRIL 12, 2012
News from around the archdiocese
The Catholic Spirit
3
Conference keynoter challenges men to be ‘game-changers’ By Dave Hrbacek
by Kelly, who was born in Australia and began speaking and writing in his teens before moving to the United States. He has written 12 books and, according to his website, founded the Dynamic Catholic Institute “to research why Catholics engage or disengage and explore what it will take to establish vibrant Catholic communities in the 21st century.”
The Catholic Spirit
As Archbishop John Nienstedt celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul March 31, a handful of stragglers came in and looked around for a seat. They walked from back to front without finding an open spot, much less an open pew. It’s rare that the cathedral is this packed, but more than 2,000 men filled the building for the annual archdiocesan men’s conference, sponsored by the Office of Marriage, Family and Life. “I think it’s amazing,” said Eric Larson of St. Stephen in Anoka, of the large crowd. “I think it’s so wonderful that so many men would come and join in fellowship. I think it’s a wonderful sign of our faith.” There were so many men, in fact, that 200 of them did not get breakfast after Mass. But Father Bill Baer, chaplain of the men’s apostolate who helped organize the event, made a welcome announcement later in the morning that 200 additional bagels had been brought in for those who didn’t make it through the breakfast line. By then, however, all of the men had been fed — spiritually. The four-hour conference featured Mass with Archbishop Nienstedt and both a talk and blessing by him along the way, the sacrament of reconciliation throughout the morning with several priests on hand, energizing talks by speaker and author Matthew Kelly as well as WCCO radio personality Dave Lee, and fellowship with one another during the breaks. There were a number of men who came with their sons. One of them, Kurt Fasen of St. Henry in Monticello, was there with several dads in his parish who brought their boys. Kurt, who has four boys and
Kelly shared a few of those ideas in his talk, while also adKELLY dressing his core message of helping people to be the best versions of themselves. His major theme at the conference was to help men become “game-changers.”
Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit
Archbishop John Nienstedt greets Eric Larson, left, of St. Stephen in Anoka and Kurt Fasen of St. Henry in Monticello during the archdiocesan Men’s Conference March 31 at the Cathedral of St. Paul.
two girls, came with his 17-year-old son, Joe. “Joe and I both have read [one of Matthew Kelly’s books] and we’d like to hear him,” said Kurt, shortly before Kelly’s talk. “I’m very pleased that they’re doing this. It’s good to have these types of things.” First-timer Jacob Simones of St. Nicholas in New Market was particularly interested in hearing both the archbishop and Kelly. He heard about the event from the pastor
of his parish, Father James Adams, during a recent homily. He also heard about it at the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute, where he is taking classes. “Because the archbishop is calling all men, that made me want to come,” Simones said. “That really got me. I love the archbishop. He’s a good man.”
Becoming ‘game-changers’ One of the highlights of the conference for many men was the keynote address
“Our mission is to change the world. . . . We have to get serious about that,” he said. “If we want to change the world, it starts with us.” He added, “There’s no better group of people to change the world than Catholics. So, we need to get our act together.” He noted there are 77 million Catholics in the United States, and only 50 million votes are needed to elect a president. If Catholics were to unite and take action, they alone could determine the outcome of the next presidential election. But therein lies the problem, he said. Not only are Catholics divided, but they PLEASE TURN TO ARCHBISHOP ON PAGE 23
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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • APRIL 12, 2012
Night turns to day in Basilica narthex By Pat Norby The Catholic Spirit
The newly restored narthex at the Basilica of St. Mary “amazed” worshippers and visitors on their way in to the worship space of the historic church in downtown Minneapolis at the beginning of Holy Week, said Johan van Parys, Basilica liturgy and sacred arts director. “People were pausing and looking and oohing and aahing. It was really quite delightful,” he said. On March 29, two days before the $45,000 cleaning and painting restoration project was completed, the walls and ceiling of the gathering space were nearly blinding in comparison to the still dustcovered worship space beyond. Ed Magee, who managed the Basilica project for Evergreen Architectural Arts, said the work has been eye opening. “You never realize what it’s going to be. It takes on a whole new space,” he said. “Your eye just pulls you straight up.” Magee, who helped to recreate the original colors in the Basilica and has worked on various restoration projects across the country for Evergreen since 1991, said he was impressed by the difference from when the project began about six weeks ago. He said the narthex “looked like an alleyway” that made him want to run through it so he wouldn’t get mugged. “Now it’s like you want to stop,” he said.
Night and day difference Before Palm Sunday, van Parys beamed almost as brightly as the areas of newly
Before
Dianne Towalski / The Catholic Spirit
Af ter
John Allen Kedhe vacuums dust off a section of the ceiling in the narthex March 29 to prepare the surface for painting.
The above photos show before and after details of the stenciling on the ceiling.
cleaned Mankato stone, as he pointed out the difference between the stenciling in the ceiling of the narthex and the stenciling in one of the alcoves. The gold-colored stenciling is actually aluminum leaf and Dutch metal, which is outlined by deep blue painted dashes, van Parys said. The same stenciling in the worship space appears to be as dark brown as dirty bronze. “It’s like a little bit of heaven in our narthex,” said Angie Lien, Basilica marketing and communications director. The work in the narthex was completed
narthex, “this is our preview” of what the rest of the church could look like if enough money could be raised for a complete cleaning and restoration. The online contest was a different way to get the whole community excited about the restoration, Carlson Hjelm said. “The participation was so different,” she said. “Sometimes it’s more difficult than giving money, to say, ‘I’m going to take time to do this [vote] every day.’” Lien said work on the sacristy, part of the grant proposal, is set to begin soon.
thanks to the many people who voted, last autumn, on Facebook for the Basilica to receive a $125,000 Partners in Preservation grant. The church was among 25 historic places competing for full funding of their projects through the communitybased program, which provided $1 million in preservation grants to historic places in the Twin Cities. The contest was sponsored by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Emily Carlson Hjelm, Basilica Landmark Foundation executive director, said of the
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APRIL 12, 2012 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
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‘Unlocking the Gate in Our Hearts’
A statement of the Catholic bishops of Minnesota on the need for federal immigration reform The following statement runs this week in lieu of the Minnesota Catholic Conference’s regular “Faith in the Public Arena” column. March 2012 We, the Roman Catholic Bishops of Minnesota, are deeply concerned about the nation’s immigration policy. It is inconsistent, ineffective, and does not promote the common good. The lack of an effective, coherent national policy has led to the introduction of many bills in state legislatures around the country, including in Minnesota, that seek to address the complex issue of immigration. Such bills are a response to the failure of the current federal immigration laws and regulations to halt illegal immigration and the resulting economic, social and fiscal impact this has had on many state and local governments. Enforcement-focused state legislation, however, often divides immigrant families and criminalizes the efforts of those who work with immigrants. State legislation cannot repair a failed national policy. Thus, we seek to reiterate our support for comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level, as well as propose the relevant principles that should guide those reforms. We recognize that finding solutions to the plight of immigrants today will sometimes necessitate the overcoming of boundaries in the heart, not just on the land. People erect walls for protection when they feel threatened. At some point, however, we must reach out to human persons in need, and the demands of our common human nature compel us to open a gate in the wall, so that what human dignity demands is not denied to a sister or brother. But before a gate finds its way into the walls outside, there must be a gate that opens in the heart. This is what the Good Samaritan did: without denying the differences that kept Jews and Samaritans apart, he gave the assistance that was demanded of him by the universal law of love — the law of our common humanity — by supplying the basic human needs of a poor stranger. Like the Samaritan, we must see all people, including immigrants and undocumented workers who may be different from us, as children made in the image and likeness of God, and fashion our response to their needs accordingly. Pursuing life, liberty and happiness while recognizing obligations The Church’s perspective on immigration is rooted in her teaching that every human person is created in God’s image and has God-given dignity, rights and duties. America’s founders properly understood that human rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are universal and inalienable. Governments merely recognize and respect these rights; they do not create them. The human right to life — the foundation of every other right — implies the right to emigrate. A dignified existence that preserves life requires food, shelter, clothing and economic opportunity. Political instability, economic distress, religious persecution or other conditions that offend basic human dignity may require one to seek these basic necessities in another country. The right to emigrate, however, is not absolute. Immigrants are obliged to respect and abide by the laws and traditions of the countries in which they come to reside,
CNS photo / Jim West
A man participates in a rally calling for reform of U.S. immigration policy in Washington in this CNS file photo.
and must work toward building solidarity with citizens of their new country of residence. Catholic teaching also recognizes the sovereignty of nations to secure their borders and make decisions about the identity and number of immigrants they allow into their countries. Our government has the duty to consider immigration’s impact on the domestic economy and our national security. Yet, we must always make sure that we are not exaggerating these concerns in ways that deny the basic humanitarian needs of good people seeking refuge in our country. It is often true that undocumented workers may break immigration laws to come to the United States. We wish to emphasize that a concern for upholding the law supports the common good. But it is also true that laws that undermine human dignity, separate families and which prevent the exercise of basic human rights are unjust laws in need of reform. Good laws should not and need not exclude the possibility of mercy. The United States is a nation of immigrants and our unique historical experience shows the important contributions — social, cultural and economic — that immigrants have made and continue to make to American society. Although immigrants have not always been received with hospitality, Minnesotans, like all Americans, have a responsibility to comfort and welcome the stranger in their midst. Principled immigration policy We believe, with our brother bishops around the country, that policy proposals in this complex area should be assessed by five key principles: ■ Persons have the right to seek economic opportunities in their homeland; conditions ought to be such that persons can work and support their families in dignity and safety; ■ Persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families when they are unable to find work and therefore are unable to support their families at home; ■ Sovereign nations have a right to protect and control their borders for the common good; ■ Refugees and asylum seekers should be afforded protection; and ■ The human rights and human dignity of all persons, including undocumented immigrants, should be respected.
In addition, any just immigration policy should also: ■ Uphold the human dignity of all persons and work against any injustice that compromises the dignity of immigrants; ■ Promote and give priority to the reunification of families; and ■ Recognize the rich contribution to the community by those immigrants and migrants who work and live here. These Catholic moral principles are consistent with America’s founding ideals and aspirations to be one nation under God, a people made up of many races and creeds. Based on these principles the American bishops support comprehensive immigration policy reform that secures our national borders and provides undocumented immigrants the opportunity to earn permanent residency and eventual citizenship. Such reform should include: ■ an earned legalization program for foreign nationals of good moral character; ■ policies designed to keep families together; ■ a revamped temporary worker program that protects both the workers who come to the United States and U.S.-citizen workers; ■ the restoration of immigrants’ due process rights; and ■ an effort to meaningfully address the root cause of migration, such as underdevelopment and poverty in countries of immigrant origin. Moreover, such reform would include the targeted, proportionate, and humane enforcement of immigration laws. Taking action Legislation at the state level cannot achieve necessary reform of national policy. Such legislation also could result in conflicting laws among the states that could lead to the abuse of human rights, disruptions of families in ways that adversely affect children, and send a message of hostility when Jesus calls us to welcome the stranger and to love others as he has loved us. The more fruitful approach would be for public officials in our state, and all of us as citizens, to petition Congress and the president to courageously enact comprehensive immigration reform. We encourage members of the Minnesota Legislature to reject any measures that are in opposition to the fundamental human dignity of immigrants — especially the undocumented; and we encourage the Minnesota congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., to work for just and compassionate reform of the nation’s immigration system. Finally, we ask that people join us in prayer to God for a just, yet merciful solution to the plight of immigrants in our country. The statement was signed by Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul and Minneapolis; Bishop John F. Kinney, of St. Cloud; Bishop John M. LeVoir of New Ulm; Bishop John M. Quinn of Winona; Bishop Paul D. Sirba of Duluth; Bishop Michael J. Hoeppner of Crookston; Bishop Lee A. Piché of St. Paul and Minneapolis; Archbishop Emeritus Harry J. Flynn of St. Paul and Minneapolis; Bishop Emeritus Victor H. Balke of Crookston; and Bishop Emeritus Bernard J. Harrington of Winona.
Statement says state-based immigration solutions fall short CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 prominently Arizona and Alabama — have tried to address the problem by enacting their own policies. Minnesota has been considering similar enforcement measures. “We wanted to point out again that these state-based solutions, which focus on enforcement and divide families are not prudent policies,” Adkins said. “We need to be resisting those policies because they impede actual solutions at the federal level. And, the federal level is the proper level to address these problems.
“Furthermore, as we’ve seen in both Alabama and Arizona, these [state bills] greatly threaten religious freedom,” he added. “Those bills make it a crime to harbor illegal immigrants. This directly challenges the church’s mission to serve all those in need, and the church has always been at the forefront of serving the needs of undocumented workers. So this is a threat not only to the human dignity of undocumented workers and those coming into our country, it’s also a threat to our religious mission as well.”While recogniz-
ing a nation’s right to secure its borders, regulate immigrant numbers and consider immigration’s impact on both the economy and national security, the bishops’ statement also says that economic hardship or persecution often compels people to seek basic necessities and a “dignified existence” in another country. “The human right to life — the foundation of every other right — implies the right to emigrate,” they write. Federal reform, the statement says, should include an earned legalization pro-
gram for foreign nationals of good moral character, policies that keep families together, a revamped temporary worker program, restoration of immigrants’ due process rights, and an effort to address the root causes of migration in the countries from which migrants come. For more on Catholic teaching regarding immigration, visit the MCC’s web page at HTTP://MNCC.ORG and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Justice for Immigrants website at HTTP://WWW.JUSTICEFORIMMIGRANTS. ORG.
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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • APRIL 12, 2012
Divine Mercy icon, organ dedications on tap in Faribault The Catholic Spirit Divine Mercy parish in Faribault will celebrate its namesake with the dedication of a new organ and icon on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 15. Bishop Lee Piché will lead the dedication service, which begins at noon with a walk through the nature center to the church. Beginning at 1 p.m., Divine Mercy Sunday devotions will begin with adoration, confessions, rosary and veneration of the relic of St. Faustina. At 3 p.m., Divine Mercy Chaplet will be sung and prayers said for the plenary indulgence. Mass will be concelebrated in English and Spanish by Father Kevin Finnegan, pastor; Father Erik Lundgren, assistant priest; and guest priests. In 1931, Maria Faustina Kowalska, known as St. Faustina, was a nun, mystic and visionary in Poland, who reported seeing a vision of Jesus, who called her to have a painting made of his image. She wrote in her diary: “I saw the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand raised in the gesture of blessing, the other was touching the garment at the breast. From beneath the garment, slightly drawn aside at the breast, there were emanating two large rays, one red, the other pale.” Jesus promised that the soul that venerates this image in the chapel and throughout the world will not perish. Sharon Wilson, a member of Divine Mercy and the archdiocesan Respect Life
This newly-created icon of Divine Mercy will be dedicated at Divine Mercy parish in Faribault, April 15.
coordinator, said that the devotion to Divine Mercy is growing and, like all devotions, is meant to bring people closer to God. “In recent years we have seen people ‘pilgrimage’ to our parish as part of their Divine Mercy devotion,” she said. “Since we are one of the few parishes to be named for this feast, I think it sort of puts our community ‘on the map.’”
The Divine Mercy message also has special meaning to post-abortive women, Wilson said. “Not only did St. Faustina directly mention in her diary this special reconciliation with God for those who have suffered from an abortion, but the founder of Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats, Theresa Bonopartis, speaks about how this message helped to bring her to a place of healing,” Wilson said. More on that is online at HTTP://AFTERABORTION. ORG /2000/ DIVINE - MERCY- IN - MY- SOUL - BYTHERESA-BONOPARTIS. Information about the archdiocesan post-abortion program, Project Rachel, is available at (651) 291-4515 or e-mail RESPECTLIFE@ARCHSPM.ORG. Thanks to the generous support of a number of parishioners, the Divine Mercy icon was commissioned to be written by Fabio Nones, professor of theology and director of the Laboratorio Santi Martiri, an internationally known iconographic center in Trent, Italy. In addition, a new organ was created from the components of the organs previously used in St. Lawrence, Immaculate Conception and Sacred Heart churches, which make up Divine Mercy parish. The pews from St. Lawrence were used to construct the console and casement around the organ pipes. The “green” organ was created by Roland Rutz of Rutz Organ Co. at a cost of $260,000 — much less than an estimated $1 million for a new organ.
Divine Mercy Sunday services Albertville — St. Albert: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Confession available. Bayport — St. Charles: 9:30 a.m. Mass, 10:30 to noon potluck, 12:30 to 1 p.m. children's adoration, 1 to 2 p.m. holy hour, meditations, chaplet, 1:15 to1:45 p.m. confessions, 2 p.m. Benediction. Belle Plaine — Our Lady of the Prairie: Noon to 3:30 p.m. with exposition, adoration, confession and Divine Mercy chaplet in song. Bloomington — St. Bonaventure: 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. exposition and refreshments. Buffalo — St. Francis Xavier: 1:30-2:30 p.m. confession, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. chaplet. Burnsville — Mary Mother of the Church: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Cannon Falls — St. Pius V: 1 to 4 p.m. Confession. Carver — St. Nicholas: 6 to 8 p.m. exposition, confession available. Chanhassen — St. Hubert: 2 to 2:50 p.m. confession, 3 p.m. Divine Mercy service. Clearwater — St. Luke: 3 p.m. Confession at 2:30 p.m. Columbia Hghts — Immaculate Conception: 3 to 4 p.m. (3 p.m. confession), refreshments. Coon Rapids — Epiphany: 3 p.m. Crystal —St. Raphael — 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Confession available. Delano — St. Joseph: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 1:30 to 3 p.m. confession, 3:30 p.m. dessert. PLEASE TURN TO CALENDAR ON PAGE 21
JeriCo Christian Journeys HOLY LAND - WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS CHRIST Fr. Jose, Spiritual Director (formerly of Church of Epiphany-Coon Rapids) August 21-31, 2012 IRELAND, SAINTS, SPRITES & SUDS Fr. Robert Fitzpatrick, Spiritual Director, Oct. 7-17, 2012
Fr. Fitz www. jericochristian journeys.com
SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF GOOD HELP, CHAMPION, WI. SEVERAL TWIN CITY DEPARTURES — CALL FOR DATES For further information/brochures, call: Toll-free 1-877-453-7426 19091 Island View Drive, Mora, MN 55051-7304
Fr. Jose colleen@ jericochristian journeys.com
Hebrews 6:19
A world-wide community serving on four continents; born 221 years ago in France amidst chaos, transition and revolution. That same spirit of hope which stirred our our hearts today amidst chaos, transition and revolution in the 21st century. This is our story. We are Marian women for Christ - courageous in faith and daring in hope. We are ONE with the world.
Everything Catholic in Minnesota in print & on-line with
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APRIL 12, 2012 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Foundation awards nearly $500,000 to Catholic schools for tuition assistance By Joe Towalski The Catholic Spirit
Nearly $500,000 in tuition assistance grants are being awarded to 73 Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis as part of a transitional grant process put in place by the Aim Higher Foundation. The aid — up to $15,000 per school and $1,000 per student — will be directed toward new students or retaining students from families in financial need. The schools were to be notified of their grant amounts April 12. Every school that applied received grant money, said Karen Rauenhorst, chair of the foundation and member of Holy Name of Jesus in Medina. The schools include urban, suburban and rural schools throughout the 12county archdiocese. “Hopefully, for every family, these grants will have a significant impact on their decision about whether to send their child to a Catholic school,” she said. Some schools may combine the grants with other financial assistance available to them. “Our goal is to really help to support our Catholic schools, to help increase the enrollment and to continue the tradition of highquality Catholic schools,” Rauenhorst said. Current and future grants will help children from low-income families, including those who have been struggling to make ends meet in a tough economy, said Father Michael O’Connell, a member of the Aim Higher Foundation board and pastor of Ascension parish in Minneapolis. “This grant system could make a big difference [to a family] in terms of keeping a child or two children in Catholic schools,” he said. In future years, families will apply directly to the foundation for tuition-assistance grants.
The hope is that the amount available for scholarships might at some point range from $3 million to $5 million annually, Rauenhorst said.
Working with the community The independent Aim Higher Foundation is reaching out for support to individuals, corporations and foundations that value Catholic education for what it gives students and how it benefits the broader community. Some Aim Higher Foundation funds in the future may be directed toward other initiatives, such as school leadership development and innovative school programming. In carrying out its work, the foundation will communicate with the Catholic Community Foundation and other funds, such as the 2009 Pohlad Family Foundation grant and 2008 Legacy Grant that aid urban Catholic schools. It will also work closely with the Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Advisory Council. To this point, the foundation has focused on elementary schools, Rauenhorst said. “We have been meeting with the high schools,” she added. “They understand that hopefully someday they will be a part of this, too. They have their own funding sources . . . and their own programs set up and we don’t want to disturb that. But we would like to eventually be part of that.” The Aim Higher Foundation is in the process of finalizing its board membership, which will include educators, pastors and other community leaders, Rauenhorst said. A “significant fundraiser” will likely be held early next year, she added. For more information, visit the Aim Higher Foundation website at WWW.AIMHIGHERFOUNDA TION.ORG.
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ACCW 80th biennial conference set for May 3 in Minneapolis Hear more about the “Campaign for Human Dignity: Love in Action” during the 80th annual ACCW Conference. The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women will convene on Thursday, May 3 at the Hilton Hotel, 1001 Marquette Ave., Minneapolis. Registration begins and exhibits are open beginning at 8 a.m. at the hotel. Confession is available from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. at St. Olaf, 215 S. Eighth St., prior to the 9 a.m. Mass with Archbishop John Nienstedt. A rosary procession will follow the Mass through the skyway back to the hotel. Brunch, the business meeting and election and installation of officers will take place beginning at 11 a.m., with two workshop sessions offered at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Workshop topics and speakers include: Family — “It Really is a Wonderful Life: Choosing Love” by Linda Corrigan. Community — “The Grace of a Happy Death: A Story about Our Lady of Peace Home” by Father Paul Treacy. Church — “Maronite Eastern Rite Catholic Churches” by Father Rodrigue Constantin. Legislation — “Marriage Amendment” by Jason Adkins, the Minnesota Catholic Conference executive director. International — “Justice for Immigrants” by John Keller. Organization — “Breathing New Life into Groups” by Ted Bowman. Cost is $35 if registration is postmarked by April 16, $45 after or at the door. For more information or to register, visit WWW.ACCWARCHSPM.ORG or call the office at (651) 291-4545.
Help your college-bound student connect with faith College Connection for Catholics, sponsored by Serra International and Serra clubs in the archdiocese, is again seeking the names of Catholic high school seniors and the colleges they will be attending. College Connection for Catholics will then send the information to Catholic organizations, such as Newman Club, FOCUS and St. Paul’s Outreach, that will let students know about times and locations of liturgies on or near the campuses they will be attending. A packet of information about the campus ministry program is given to each graduate, and campus ministers can then send an invitation to the college freshmen before they leave home. A study by CARA for the U.S. bishops found that “young Catholics who practice their faith while in college and attend Mass more often become leaders in their parishes and are more likely to consider a religious vocation.” Pastors, youth ministers and Catholic high schools are asked to help CCC to connect with students by calling Michelle Pothen at (651) 4506833, ext. 14; or Judy Cozzens at (952) 681-2080.
Divine Mercy Sunday April 15, 2012
Taste of Lebanon Dinner ST. MARON CHURCH 602 University Ave, NE
Sunday, April 22, 2012 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Authentic Lebanese Food Adults: $17.00 – Child (3-12) $11.00 Paypal @ www.stmaron.com
Dedication of the NEW ORGAN & DIVINE MERCY ICON With Bishop Lee Piché 12:00 p.m. Parish Mercy Walk: Gather at Tee-Pee Tonka Park. Eat before you come, bring water and a rosary. Walk will be through Nature Center to Divine Mercy Catholic Church 1:00 p.m. Exposi!on of the Blessed Sacrament, Adora!on, Confessions, Rosary, Venera!on of the Relic of St. Faus!na 3:00 p.m. Sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy and prayers for the plenary indulgence, Holy Mass in English and Spanish, Venera!on of the Divine Mercy Image
Divine Mercy Catholic Church
139 Mercy Drive, Faribault, MN 55021 • h"p://divinemercy.cc
THECATHOLICSPIRIT.COM
“If Jesus is risen, then — and only then — has something truly new happened, something that changes the state of humanity and the world.” Pope Benedict XVI, speaking on Easter in St. Peter’s Square
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Nation/World The Catholic Spirit
News from around the U.S. and the globe
MN professors behind new book on ethical business practices
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
Light and darkness, truth and lies, hope and despair are in a constant battle in the world, but with his death and resurrection Jesus conquered sin and death for all time, Pope Benedict XVI said on Easter. “If Jesus is risen, then — and only then — has something truly new happened, something that changes the state of humanity and the world,” the pope told tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square before giving his Easter blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world). With the sun shining on the square — transformed into a garden with 42,000 flowers, flowering plants, shrubs and trees — Pope Benedict began the celebration of the morning Mass April 8 just 10 hours after having finished celebrating the threehour long Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica. In his Easter message at the end of the morning Mass, the pope said every Christian can share the experience of Mary Magdalene, who was the first to encounter the risen Jesus on Easter morning. The encounter “lets us experience all God’s goodness and truth,” he said. The risen Lord “frees us from evil not in a superficial and fleeting way, but sets us free radically, heals us completely and restores our dignity.” The resurrection means that Jesus belongs not just to the past, but is present today, giving hope and comfort to all those who suffer, the pope said.
Praying for peace Pope Benedict offered special prayers and encouragement to Christians perse-
Christ’s resurrection changed the world, pope says at Easter More online Read more stories about Pope Benedict XVI’s Easter Triduum liturgies on THECATHOLICSPIRIT.COM.
cuted for their faith and to the people of the Middle East, asking members of all religious and ethnic groups to work together for the common good and respect for human rights. “Particularly in Syria, may there be an end to bloodshed and an immediate commitment to the path of respect, dialogue and reconciliation” after months of vio-
CNS photo / Paul Haring
Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd after delivering his Easter blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city of Rome and to the world) from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 8.
lent battles between Syria’s government and opposition forces, the pope said. The pope also prayed for the people of Iraq, for Israelis and Palestinians, for those suffering famine and violence in the Horn of Africa, and for those suffering from conflict in Mali and in Sudan and South Sudan. At the Easter Vigil the night before, the pope welcomed eight adults into the Catholic Church. Among those he baptized and confirmed was Jason Emerick, a 36-year-old man from the Archdiocese of Boston. Two of the catechumens were from Germany and the others were from Turkmenistan, Italy, Albania, Slovakia and Cameroon.
Contraceptives proposal called ‘radically flawed’ Catholic News Service Even with a new federal proposal that third-party administrators pay the costs of contraceptives for religious employers who object to the coverage, the health reform law’s contraceptive mandate “remains radically flawed,” according to the U.S. bishops. The bishops made the comments in an internal memo March 29. A copy of it was released to Catholic News Service April 2. The memo came in response to a rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in a 32-page document that was published March 21 in the Federal Register. HHS has proposed new ways for religious organizations that have moral objections to providing free contraceptives to their employees to comply with the requirement. Among the suggestions are having the costs covered by a “third-party administrator” of a health plan or “independent agency” that receive funds from other sources, such as rebates from drug makers. Before it makes a final decision on the proposed ruling, the Obama administra-
tion is seeking public comment until June 19.
Still problematic In their memo, the bishops said the details of the proposal are “both tentative and complex and demand further study.” But based on an initial analysis, they said, the proposal had “the same fundamental issues” they had addressed in a March 14 statement titled “United for Religious Freedom.” The bishops said they would be commenting on the HHS proposal in more detail and inviting others to add their comments as well. The memo also said representatives from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will continue to meet with administration officials to discuss the new proposal. They said under the new proposal the government’s four-part test to determine which religious organizations fit the mandate’s religious exemption remained unchanged. To be exempt from the requirement, a religious organization “has the inculcation of religious values as its purpose; primarily employs persons who share its religious
APRIL 12, 2012
tenets; primarily serves persons who share its religious tenets; and is a nonprofit organization” under specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code. “The government has no place defining religion and religious ministry,” they said, adding that “government’s attempt to do so here is unconstitutional.” Fundamentally, they noted, the HHS contraceptive mandate “still forces us to act against our conscience and teaching,” particularly because the new proposal does not modify the inclusion of sterilization and contraceptives, including some abortifacients, in the “preventive services” mandate. “Those falling outside the government definition of ‘religious employer’ will be forced by the government to violate their own teachings within their very own institutions,” the bishops said. “Whatever funding and administrative mechanisms are ultimately chosen, it remains that many deeply religious institutions and individuals will be forbidden to provide even their own employees — or, in the case of educational institutions, their own students — with health coverage consistent with their values.”
In an effort to help businesses stay strong and healthy, and avoid the occupational hazards of greed, overwork and exploitation, the Vatican’s justice and peace council has released a handbook for business educators and entrepreneurs. “Vocation of the Business Leader: A Reflection” is a 30-page primer from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace that spells out the risks of unethical economic strategies and the principles needed for running a sound, moral business. It seeks to heal the so-called “divided life” of Catholic employers, who may practice their Christian values at home and church, but not in the company they manage or run. “Dividing the demands of one’s faith from one’s work in business is a fundamental error which contributes to much of the damage done by businesses in our world today, including overwork to the detriment of family or spiritual life, an unhealthy attachment to power to the detriment of one’s own good, and the abuse of economic power in order to make even greater economic gains,” the booklet says. The council’s president, Cardinal Peter Turkson, said the church wanted to help business people excel in their field and their faith. The handbook offers a renewed vision of what successful businesses are meant to be and do. The primer was the brainchild of three business educators: Robert Kennedy and Michael Naughton of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and Andre Habisch of the Catholic University of Eichstatt-Ingolstadt, Germany. The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace booklet can be found in English at: HTTP://TINYURL.COM/BOJVMFW.
Blessing rite for unborn children approved Just in time for Mother’s Day, U.S. Catholics parishes will be able to celebrate the new Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb. The Vatican has given its approval to publication in English and Spanish of the new rite, which was approved by the U.S. bishops in November 2008, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced March 26. The blessing will be printed in both languages in a combined booklet. It was prepared to support parents awaiting the birth of their child, to encourage parish prayers for and recognition of the gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society. It can be offered within the context of Mass as well as outside of Mass, and for an individual mother, a couple or a group of expectant parents. — Catholic News Service
“When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place — What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:4-5
This Catholic Life APRIL 12, 2012
Opinion, feedback and points to ponder
The Catholic Spirit
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Jesuit astronomer: Science helps us know God better By Joe Towalski The Catholic Spirit
and a partner research facility in Arizona. And their ability to pursue scientific investigations of their own choosing gives them a certain freedom many of their secular colleagues don’t have. Brother Guy said: “The idea that at the Vatican we have the resources to do science and that we are given utter, complete freedom to do the science we think is interesting — not, for example, what somebody at NASA headquarters thinks is interesting — means that we can explore new areas in astronomy that may take 10 or 20
Growing up in Detroit in the late 1950s when the space race was heating up between the United States and Soviet Union, Guy Consolmagno dreamed about someday becoming a scientist. It was the Catholic school nuns who fed the imagination of young Guy, who would sometimes explore the scrap heaps behind the new housing developments being built in his neighborhood to see what he could discover. In school, in between reading and math lessons, the teachers nurtured his curiosity about science and space. “The nuns taught me that there existed a Vatican Observatory,” he said. “I remember hearing about that as a kid and getting a little thrill about how cool that was, never dreaming that someday I would be a part of it.” Today, he is known as Brother Guy, a Jesuit astronomer at the Vatican Observatory with an interest in a scrap heap of a different sort — the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter that is the source of many of the meteorites he studies. He is curator of the Vatican’s meteorite collection, one of the largest in the world. I interviewed Brother Guy last month in Rome, where I was covering our regional bishops’ “ad limina” visit. He just finished getting extra pages inserted into his muchtraveled passport and was about to lead a tour of the Vatican’s Tower of the Winds, an early observatory site. I questioned him about the church’s views on science because some people still point to the church’s treatment of Galileo some 400 years ago as “proof” that faith and science are incompatible. Pass on the wonder I also was curious about Brother Guy’s personal journey that led him first to Have you or has your parish helped astronomy and then later to religious youth get closer to God through science? life. Share your story or idea at by commenting on this story on THECATHOLICSPIRIT.COM. Getting to know God Brother Guy bristles at perceptions that the church is “anti-science,” and he points to the Vatican Observatory, with its roots dating back to the 16th century, as proof to the contrary. “The reason the observatory exists is to show the world the church supports science — not just that it isn’t antiscience, but it actively supports it, gives money to it, gives space to it.” Despite the hostility to religion displayed by some outspoken members of the scientific community, Brother Guy said the church’s support for ethical science is “something that we should not let the atheists steal from us.” But, in many cases, it’s not his scientific peers in the secular world who worry him the most. It’s people in the pews — some of whom have fallen into the fundamentalist trap that pits science against faith. “When I became a Jesuit, I discovered that so many of my fellow astronomers were church-goers,” he said. “We never talked about it until I put the collar on and they felt they had permission to talk about it. “The people I think it’s really important to reach are our fellow Catholics and other Christians to remind them that good science is a way of getting to know God,” he added. “God created the universe. God said the universe is good. God is expressing who he is to us [in part] through the physical universe. So knowing how the universe works gives us a sense of God’s personality, and it’s a way of getting to know God better.” The Vatican astronomers’ work touches on a variety of fields — ranging from Brother Guy’s studies of the physical properties of meteorites to research involving string theory, quantum gravity, the Big Bang and the evolution of galaxies. Research is conducted in two locations: the Vatican Observatory at Castel Gandolfo outside Rome
years to come to fruition and demonstrate to our colleagues what ideas are worth following and what ideas aren’t.”
From Detroit to Rome The journey that led Brother Guy to the Vatican Observatory was a roundabout one. He grew up in Detroit, where he attended University of Detroit Jesuit High School. Raised in a strong Catholic household, he entertained the idea of joining the Jesuits as he prepared for university studies. But the time wasn’t right. “I realized after prayer . . . that I did not have the calling to be a priest. I didn’t have the temperament for it. What I had the temperament for was to be a nerd,” said Brother Guy, who takes obvious pride in the moniker. He ended up going to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he said he had “a wonderful time thinking about planets, reading science fiction . . . and falling in love with the science.” He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in planetary science and then a doctorate from the University of Arizona. Brother Guy then taught for a while at the university level, until he heard the call to do something else — not a call to religious life (not yet, anyway), but a call at age 30 to join the Peace Corps and serve in Kenya. “I loved being in Africa,” he said. “And I loved teaching the science I loved — the physics and the astronomy — but doing it while I was standing for something bigger than just myself and my own career, as someone representing America.” When he returned to the United States, he took a teaching job at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa.
“I loved it there, and I loved being a professor,” he said. “But I missed that standing for something bigger.” He had been dating someone, but the relationship fell apart. Almost 40 years old, he questioned what he should be doing with his life, and that’s when he started asking a question he first entertained two decades earlier: Am I being called to a religious vocation? This time the answer was yes, but as a brother and not a priest. “It was the brother part that U.S. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, an astronomer with the Vatican Observatory, is pictured with the observatory’s meteorite collection in this file photo. CNS photo / Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo
made me really believe it came from outside myself because I would never have thought of that on my own,” Brother Guy said. “To this day, I’m not sure I can put my finger on why I have the call to be a brother and not a priest. But I am more certain of that than just about anything — the call is so strong in me and it’s been great. This was where I was meant to be.” Brother Guy began working at the Vatican Observatory in 1993, where he has been doing science while “standing for something bigger” ever since.
Lending a helping hand The observatory and its other Jesuit astronomers also stand for something bigger — something that goes beyond their specific research projects. They are living signs that it is possible to be both a serious scientist and a faithful member of the church. Brother Guy said the church needs more people to step forward and deliver a similar message. “What I would really hope is that anybody who is a scientist, an engineer [or] a techie would talk about their work or interests with their parishioners — maybe start an astronomy club for the youth group, do a project to learn about local trees or do a gardening project.” As our warmer-than-average spring continues, families might also consider learning more about the nighttime sky and taking a stroll to view the stars, constellations and planets overhead. “There’s something wonderful and spiritual about leaving whatever it is you are doing, turning off the TV and going outside to look at the stars for 20 minutes,” Brother Guy said. “Getting to know better the universe God created, it’s an act of prayer.”
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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • APRIL 12, 2012
Commentary
/ This Catholic Life
Setting the record straight on adoption, single-parent children
A
Editorial Joe Towalski
All children are children of God who deserve love and respect
recent column in the StarTribune has raised questions in some quarters about what the Catholic Church teaches regarding adopted children and kids raised in single-parent families. The column, reporting on a recent talk about marriage at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, quoted an audience member saying the presentation characterized children in these families as “less than” children raised at home by their biological moms and dads. Another attendee said adopted children were described as “sociologically unstable.” It’s not clear from the column what points the presenters may have tried to make or what they exactly said. In any case, what needs to be clear is that the Catholic Church does not consider adopted children or children raised by single parents as “lesser” or inferior. All children are children of God who deserve love and respect — no matter their age, their abilities or their family situations.
In words and action Far from decrying adoption, the church supports it as a life-giving alternative to abortion. Adoption is a
gift for everyone involved: the child entering a new family, the new mother and father, and the biological parents who want the best for their child’s future. There is nothing “unstable” about adoptive families. In the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the Catholic Church drives home that message by sponsoring annual events such as “A Day of Recognition and Honoring for Birth Mothers.” And agencies like Catholic Charities back up the support with action — in 2010, for example, Catholic Charities agencies throughout the United States provided adoption services to nearly 39,000 people. The church likewise doesn’t assign second-rate status to children of single parents. Every parishioner and every pastor likely know at least one child in a Catholic school or religious education program who benefits from a dedicated single mother or father working to give his or her child every opportunity to succeed. For decades, the church has supported programs to help single mothers and fathers both before the birth of their children and into early childhood — programs like the LIFE
“All children are
children of God who deserve love and respect — no matter their age, their abilities or their family situations.
”
JOE TOWALSKI
FUND in our archdiocese. And, it continues to advocate for state and federal public policies to help single mothers and fathers to raise their children in healthy environments and make ends meet in light of the added financial strains they often face. Why does the church do this? Because it believes in the worth and dignity of every child and every parent who raises them.
Wanting what’s best None of this, however, changes the
Morality: Black and white, or only gray?
O
Making Sense Out of Bioethics Father Tad Pacholczyk
The romanticized exploits of Robin Hood provide little more than a ‘veil of gray’
ne widely-encountered idea today is that there is no black and white in morality, only a “gray area.” This is often taken to mean that we really can’t know with certainty what is right and wrong, allowing us to “push into the gray” as we make moral decisions that, at first glance, appear to be immoral. Robin Hood is sometimes used as an example of this “gray area,” since he would steal money (morally bad) to help the poor (morally good). By focusing on the good intentions motivating our choices, and by arguing that morality is ambiguous and mostly “gray,” a person may justify and provide cover for morally problematic actions. When we begin to scrutinize the claim that morality is “gray,” however, we encounter significant problems and contradictions. The romanticized exploits of Robin Hood provide little more than a “veil of gray” that quickly dissolves when we place ourselves in the first-person situation of being the victim of his thievery. Those who have been robbed of their possessions will often describe in vivid detail the awful awareness of personal violation and loss of security. In these cases, we see the moral problem with Robin Hood’s depraved actions, and appreciate the black and white character of the universal moral injunction against stealing.
Universal morals at center
Universal moral prohibitions are at the heart of any discussion about the “grayness” of morality. Many human actions, when freely chosen, will always be unacceptable. These actions, referred to as “intrinsic evils,” are immoral regardless of circumstance. Adultery would be an ex-
ample of an intrinsic evil. Regardless of how much a married man may desire to be with a new romantic flame, and regardless of how terrible his current marriage and sex life may appear to be, the decision to have sexual relations with someone who is not his spouse will invariably constitute an act of moral depravity. There is no such thing as a “gray zone” for adultery. Many people who recognize that an action is black may still be tempted to think that because their intentions are white, the “gray” action may be taken. But good intentions can’t bleach the blackness. Acknowledging the existence of intrinsic evils and recognizing the binding character of absolute moral prohibitions is an important part of our own moral growth and awakening. Morality itself, as an inner determinant of man’s character, is not fun-
damentally “gray” at all, but is, by its very nature, a code of black and white. The cult of moral grayness is a revolt against fixed and essential moral values. Although fixed moral values must always guide our decisions, correctly applying a general moral principle to a particular situation will often require specific knowledge of the situation. For example, I might have to grapple with the question of whether I have a moral duty to get out of bed and go to work in the morning. Whenever a particular set of circumstances prevail (I am healthy; today is a workday), then I would reasonably conclude that I have a moral duty to go to work because of the objective moral committments I have as an employee — and the other employees who would “take up the slack” would resent my absence. But if I am sick, I might conclude that I do not have a moral duty to go to work. The question of my moral duty to go to work is not “gray” at all, nor a matter of relative morals, but rather a question of careful discernment. The objective lines of our moral obligation may sometimes be difficult to discern, and may even appear gray at first glance. When we sort out the details, purify our motives and become willing to submit to absolute moral prohibitions, that gray haze can dissipate, enabling us to see the moral lines that were there all along. Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Mass., and serves as the education director at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See WWW.NCBCENTER.ORG.
fact that children generally thrive best when they are raised by a mother and father who make a lifelong commitment to each other within the bond of marriage. That’s why marriage is a cornerstone of our society. It is not a slam on single parents to acknowledge that marriage offers kids certain advantages, such as two parents sharing the responsibility of child rearing, greater financial stability and the day-to-day support of both Mom and Dad as their sons and daughters face the challenges of growing up in a society that too often doesn’t have their best interests in mind. That’s why the church promotes marriage and programs to strengthen the relationship among husbands, wives and their children. But this doesn’t change the way the church thinks about children — no matter what their family situation is. All children are ultimately gifts from God. The church wants what is best for every child, and it works in various ways to support their physical, social and spiritual wellbeing. There should be nothing unclear about that.
‘The Hunger Games’: Has this trilogy come out in time? What’s all the fuss about “The Hunger Games” trilogy? There’s not much not to like about the books: love story, drama, humor, revolution, friendship, family, patriotism, murder, mystery, sci-fi, war, military strategy, mind Bob Zyskowski games. No religion, outwardly at least. But definitely moral choices. The idea of people being willing to sacrifice their lives to save others, that has a familiar ring to it. Thousands of young people reading the Suzanne Collins series have adults following suit, and the movie is a box office blockbuster. Personally I wonder, has this tour de force come out in time? Is this our future? Can a make-believe story that shows dramatically a society in which a very few are extremely welloff and the rest of a nation an underclass wake up its readers to what’s happening in the United States this very day? Can reading this fiction penetrate enough American brains so that we see the reality of our own 2012 culture, one in which one life is more valued than another? One in which the middle-class is not just shrinking but being hammered into submission? Yes, “The Hunger Games” is about the evil of war and the horror of taking the life of another. The very thought of children killing other children is abhorent — as is the killing of any child, any human being at
Opinion
PLEASE TURN TO BOOKS ON PAGE 15
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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • APRIL 12, 2012
Minneapolis students pray for peace, justice
Thirty-one parishes exceed Appeal goal The Catholic Services Appeal has now reached more than $6 million in pledges for the 2012 campaign with 31 parishes exceeding their 2012 goals. The 31 parishes are as follows: Ascension, Norwood Young America St. Anne/St. Joseph Hien, Minneapolis St. Casimir, St. Paul St. Katharine Drexel, Ramsey St. Louis, King of France, St. Paul St. John the Baptist, Hugo St. Boniface, St. Bonifacius St. Odilia, Shoreview St. Anne, Hamel St. Charles, Bayport St. Helena, Minneapolis Our Lady of Victory, Minneapolis Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Minneapolis St. Bridget of Sweden, Lindstrom St. Patrick, Jordan St. Mary of the Lake, White Bear Lake Sacred Heart, St. Paul St. Stephen, Anoka St. Albert, Albertville St. Michael, St. Michael St. Mary, Stillwater St. Agatha, Rosemount St. Joseph, Taylors Falls Holy Trinity, Waterville St. Michael, Kenyon St. John the Baptist, Dayton Lumen Christi, St. Paul St. Agnes, St. Paul St. John the Evangelist, Little Canada Nativity of Mary, Cleveland St. Stephen, Minneapolis
Dianne Towalski / The Catholic Spirit
Students, faculty and staff of Ascension School in Minneapolis gather in the school’s parking lot March 29 to form a prayer circle for peace and justice. The idea for the prayer service came from classroom discussions about gun violence and the case of Trayvon Martin, a teenager who was shot and killed Feb. 26 in Florida by a neighborhood watch captain.
Eastertime is good time to act on speaker’s ideas CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 elect a president. Throughout our nation’s history, Catholics have made a tremendous contribution to the building of a better society through our hospitals, our schools and our charitable organizations. But, Kelly claimed, at the moment, many Catholics have joined the “Q and S” club — they have quit practicing their faith but stayed around anyhow. While 30 percent go to church on Sunday, only 17 percent go to church every Sunday. We have, in Kelly’s mind, become complacent. We need a “game-changer” because “the tide of Catholicism is running out” and “business as usual” won’t meet the challenge. If we continue just doing what we have always done, we will end up like the church in Europe where in Italy the rate of any church attendance by Catholics is 17 percent, whereas in Germany it is 11 percent, in France it is 4 percent and in Ireland, once a bastion of Catholicism, it is even worse.
Making a difference Kelly proposed three “game-changers” which, if each Catholic did just one of them for the next 12 months, would make a huge difference in the life of the church and consequently in the life of society at large. The first game-changer is to read just five pages of a great book on Catholicism each day for the next 12 months. Last year, according to studies, Catholics read
an average of one book about their faith in contrast to evangelicals who read six. Partly to combat this trend, Kelly’s own printing house started sending copies of “Rediscovering Catholicism” to parishes some seven years ago to be given away to parishioners after Mass on Christmas Day. The idea took off, and this past Christmas he shipped 1.6 million copies to parishes all over the U.S. If Catholics read just five pages about their faith each day from this book, then hunger to learn will grow proportionately. We cannot love that which we do not know, and so we must know our faith. The second “game-changer” is going to confession once a month for the next three months. Kelly admitted that he has heard every reason why people will not comply. Yet, he claimed that part of the genius behind the sacrament is a) you go to a priest who knows you so he can help you grow spiritually, not unlike a coach or mentor; and b) it’s far too easy to make God in ourown image and likeness unless we confront ourselves or are confronted with God’s commandments by an outside voice. By regular confession, we are challenged to grow both morally and spiritually at least partly by being confronted by one who is not from within or self-created. The third “game-changer” is the Holy Eucharist. Yet, children and even adults say the Mass is boring. They give a hundred reasons for “what’s wrong with the Mass.” In the end, however, the only thing that
is wrong with the Mass is within each of us. As Kelly says, if you ever find the “perfect” parish, don’t join it because it won’t be perfect any longer. In the Eucharist, we meet the true presence of Jesus Christ. And meeting him, truly meeting him in a personal way, challenges and changes us. Partly to engage actively in the Mass, Kelly suggests each Catholic buy a Mass journal and write on the first page, “What’s the one thing I need to do today to make me a better person?” Then take that journal with you to church and write down the one thing you hear from the Scriptures or the homily or the eucharistic prayers that answers your question. Kelly is bold to guarantee that the Holy Spirit will work in such a way as to open the minds and hearts of those who search for God’s will using this method. Over time, those journals also provide a kind of spiritual autobiography of our growth in Christian virtue.
Make a resolution So those are the three “game-changers” that Matthew Kelly recommends. None of them are difficult, all of them are practical. If we were just beginning the 40 days of Lent, I would recommend to this readership that each choose just one of these resolutions. But since we are beginning 50 days of Eastertime, I also think one of the three is equally appropriate for this holy liturgical season. Try one and see where it takes you! God bless you!
If you would like to make a pledge/gift to the Appeal, please visit WWW.ARCHSPM. ORG/APPEAL to donate online; if you have questions, contact the Development and Stewardship Office at (651) 290-1610.
Obituaries Father Kovalik served the sick and homebound Father George Kovalik died April 4. He was born Aug. 31, 1923. After his ordination May 31, 1947, he taught at Nazareth Hall and then served at his home parish, St. Cyril in Minneapolis. He also served at Immaculate Conception in Marysburg, St. Andrew in Elysian, St. Peter in Richfield and Our Lady of Victory and All Saints, both in Minneapolis. He retired from active ministry on Sept. 1, 2009. A funeral Mass was to be celebrated April 11 at All Saints, where he served the sick and homebound. Interment is at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope.
Deacon Murphy served in Hopkins Deacon James Murphy, died March 27. He was born April 5, 1932. He was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1992 and served St. John the Evangelist in Hopkins, where he worshipped with his wife, Charlene, and their children. He retired from active ministry in 2008. A funeral Mass was celebrated April 2 at St. John the Evangelist.
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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Sisters of St. Joseph grow food and community on campu By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit
In the community garden supported by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, gardeners strategically place plants where they grow best and most benefit the garden. The perfect spot for cherry tomatoes is near the sidewalk where passersby sometimes stop to help or to share a story with those tending the 500-square-foot garden on the CSJ community’s St. Paul campus. “When people are leaning over and picking a cherry tomato off, a story comes up . . . and so these beautiful rich stories tend to flow when we’re out gardening together,” said Jennifer Tacheny, coordinator of the garden, part of the CSJ’s young adult ministry called Celeste’s Dream. “The more diversity among the gardeners as far as our experiences and our ages, the more rich those stories tend to be.” Now in its eighth growing season, the garden brings together several generations of gardeners who seek to nurture community with each other and visitors while growing vegetables, herbs and flowers — a good portion
contributing to the the context of com said. “What kind o that experience was, ment of this time? W this time?’” she said. vironment and eco tently rising in the g The garden “really of convergence of CS directive, young adu terests and a place of added. From 15 to 30 gard garden together on during the growin Tacheny, who also c Dream. Although an pate, current garden from 2 to 80-someth St. Catherine Univ young adults, CSJ si ates, neighbors and f Unlike other com that are divided into
of which they donate to a food shelf and other organizations. Along with edible produce, the garden also has yielded spiritual and ethical fruit. Gardeners anticipate that new residents of the partially completed Carondelet Village senior community nearby — including many retired CSJ sisters — will become familiar with the garden this year, said St. Joseph Sister Jill Underdahl, Celeste’s Dream co-director and vocation director for the CSJ’s St. Paul province.
Generational intersection “The garden has just been that place, the point of intersection that’s been very natural for people of different generations to come together,” she said. “There’s a lot of skill and experience that the sisters possess through their many years of gardening and caring for the earth, and the young adults are kind of yearning to learn these practices and skills. It’s just been a real natural place for learning and conversation to rise.” The idea for the garden came from conversations with young adults about
“I think it’s
the time a place tha grow their food orga
Jim Bovin / The Catholic Spirit
Alicia Moder waters the recently planted Lacinato Dinosaur Kale at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet garden in St. Paul.
APRIL 12, 2012
us through common work on common night
common good in mmunity, Sister Jill of emerged out of ‘what’s the moveWhat’s the need of “The needs of enlogy were consisgroup.” y became a point SJ mission, chapter ult needs and inf action,” Sister Jill
deners care for the Tuesday evenings ng season, said co-directs Celeste’s nyone can particiners range in age hing, and include versity students, sters and consocifriends, she added. mmunity gardens o individual plots,
the gardeners communally create and work on a single plan, she said. They also periodically cook, preserve and eat their produce together. The CSJ community provides the land, water, a tool shed and some materials. Gardeners also have donated tools and seeds.
really responding to the needs of as far as healthy food and being a at can teach urban people how to r own food and how to grow healthy anically.
”
JENNIFER TACHENY
Religious leaders urge people to take stewardship to Rio Catholic News Service
Gardening reflects values “The way that we really kind of prioritize building community and learning by gathering on a common night, that is a unique feature,” Tacheny said. The garden reflects a connection to Catholic social teaching and care for creation, she said. “It’s also a symbol of the sisters’ values . . . I think it’s really responding to the needs of the time as far as healthy food and being a place that can teach urban people how to grow their own food and how to grow healthy food organically,” Tacheny said. Gardeners also find opportunities for spiritual reflection, Sister Jill said. “When we were initially talking
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Jim Bovin / The Catholic Spirit
Volunteers plant Lacinato Dinosaur Kale at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet garden.
about the garden, I didn’t foresee so concretely those kind of spiritual reflective conversations emerging and yet they have been very naturally and authentically,” she said. After working in the garden for several years herself, this year, Ann Shields is participating with her daughter, Margaret, also an experienced community gardener. A St. Bonaventure (Bloomington) parishioner, Ann likes the garden’s communal focus. “We get together to plan for beauty and plan to give away the produce,” she said.
“It’s a community effort from start to finish.” The mother and daughter appreciate the chance to garden together. “This was something both of us really liked to do, something that we could do together and we have a connection to St. Kate’s and the Sisters of St. Joseph,” Margaret said. “I also really like the way the garden works . . . the idea that it’s communally run and that there’s a focus on food donation as well as just a really great community of other people to grow with and learn from.”
Religious leaders in Jerusalem urged peoples of all denominations to take their faith-based commitment to the stewardship of God’s creation to the U.N. Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil June 20-22. “We need to bring an invitation for all religious leaders from all faiths” to speak publicly, with determination, “so that we turn religion into a part of the solution rather than . . . risking more and more becoming part of the problem,” Melkite Archbishop Elias Chacour of Haifa told Catholic News Service at last month’s Interfaith Climate and Energy Conference coordinated by the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development. People have an “immense power” to respect the beauty of nature through the expression of their faith, Archbishop Chacour said, and by using this faith they can work toward forming an alliance with others to protect the earth and its natural resources. “I don’t (care) if others believe in what I believe in . . . but I would like them to consider my positive attitude toward creation. When God created not only the planet but the entire cosmos, he said, ‘This is very good.’ He created man and woman both in his likeness, and he commissioned them to go and care for the world as if he is saying to them: ‘You be my place-taker,’” the archbishop said.
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APRIL 12, 2012 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Family turns to newfound faith to stay together CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Her, and his wife, Mai Soua Moua, stepped in, welcoming all nine children into their St. Paul home. Pao now serves as the children’s legal guardian, along with their eldest sibling, Venla, a 19-year-old nursing student at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. A medical interpreter who became Catholic after moving to the U.S. from Laos, Pao started bringing the children with him to Saint Agnes for Mass. The times that his job kept him from attending, the children went on their own. Vancelee remembers his first Mass at Saint Agnes. Although it was in Latin and he didn’t understand what was happening, it left a strong impression. “It was so beautiful. It was amazing,” he said. “Whenever we come to Mass, there’s just a feeling that you belong to the place,” said Livia, 17. “You’re like one big family,” Cesea added.
A mother’s wish Last summer, Pao met with Saint Agnes pastor Father John Ubel to ask if it would be possible to send four of his nieces and nephews to the school. He said it was their mother’s wish that the children be raised with the Christian values that a school like Saint Agnes promoted. Even though most of the available tuition assistance had already been distributed, Father Ubel accepted the children. “We just said, ‘This is who we are,’” he said. “‘We will figure out a way to make it work, not only for one year, but we will figure out a way all the way through.’” “They make our school better,” Father Ubel said. A few months into the school year, 10-year-old Teedo surprised everyone with an announcement: He wanted From left, Venla, Sena, Livia (holding Payasha), Cesea (holding Khang Kue), Vancelee, Suelon and Teedo Vang await baptism during the Easter Vigil at Saint Agnes. to become Catholic, and he wanted his brothers and sisters to join him. After a discussion, they decided to join the Catholic Church as a family. Kathleen O’Hern, a religion and Latin teacher at the school, and St. Paul seminarian Brian Park met with the children twice a week over the winter months to prepare them for the sacraments of initiation they would receive at the Easter Vigil. “The thing that was most evident when I first met with them was their desire for truth, goodness and beauty,” O’Hern said. “They saw the beauty of this church, they saw the goodness of what was happening in the school and the truth that was being proclaimed in the classroom, and they wanted a part of that.” “It’s coming totally from them,” she added. “I’ve never witnessed From left, Livia, Teedo and Cesea Vang enjoy the celebration after the Easter Vigil with Father John Ubel. All three children are students at Saint Agnes School. anything like it.” Father Ubel agreed. “I’ve been ordained 23 years,” he said, “and I’ve never prepared to The Catholic Spirit photos by Dave Hrbacek baptize so many in one family. It’s absolutely unique to me.” Perhaps no one in the family was more excited than though we never went to attend church or anything, Father John Ubel greets Cesea Vang after confirming her she always had a Bible.” during the Easter Vigil. Teedo, who taught his younger siblings how to pray. She would have wanted the family to stay together, Moments after his baptism, Father Ubel and Teedo exchanged huge smiles as the boy blotted his face with a Cesea said. “I personally think that the only thing that response surprised him. She said, “Maybe someday you’ll will keep our brothers and sisters together is Jesus,” she get to adopt my children,” he recalled. white towel. For Teedo, baptism is just the first step. He has decided added. Though no one could have predicted the tragedy to Pao, Venla and Sena, an 18-year-old nursing student follow, Pao believes at that moment his sister gave him he wants to be a priest like his role model, Father Ubel, who has affectionately nicknamed him “Father Teedo.” at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, coordinate their her blessing to care for her children, and that has proTeedo chose “Michael” for his baptismal name in schedules to make sure that someone is always home to vided him some peace. honor of his favorite saint. Ask him why he likes St. care for the younger children. Venla takes night classes He also has felt God’s presence in the midst of his Michael, and he’ll tell you it’s because “he’s cool” — the in addition to working a part-time job, and Sena takes pain. morning classes. fourth-grader’s highest compliment. “When my sister passed away, I just really discovered About six months before his sister passed away, Pao Blessings from heaven faith again,” he said. “I used to believe in God, but now had a dream, he said. In the dream, his sister owned a Although they were raised without religion, the Vangs greenhouse full of plants, but she wasn’t watering them. I’m more convinced. believe that their mother would have been proud of their So Pao asked her if he could take care of the plants. She “We were in such a hard time, and the church was decision to become Catholic. said yes. there for us,” he added. “I don’t know what more to say. The next day, Pao told his sister about the dream. Her It’s a miracle.” “I think my mom would love it,” Venla said. “Even
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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • APRIL 12, 2012
Books and film challenge our complacency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 any stage (even in its mother’s womb). And children killing children as a form of entertainment for a privileged upper class doubly so. But readers (and moviegoers) have to be able to equate the context of this futuristic, post-apocalyptic trilogy to life now, and as it could be in the future. In “The Hunger Games,” the privileged in the Capitol district have science-fiction style health care, while in District 12 where heroine Katniss lives, her mother treats the sick with homemade remedies. Some Christians today want to destroy the small steps the United States has taken to provide health care for those who aren’t fortunate enough to work for companies that offer insurance. As one of the characters applies moss to a wound to slow bleeding, I recalled a retired corporate CEO whose health care paid for the rest of his life. Like with the millions this man was making every year he hadn’t stashed away enough to pay for his own health care! In “The Hunger Games,” fences surround the districts of the fictional country of Panem. Those who dare to illegally cross a border in search of food are punished or killed. It is impossible not to picture Mexican workers willing to risk their lives to sneak across U.S. borders in search of work so they can eat and feed their families. Is it right and good and just for Katniss to cross the border to help her mother and sister survive but not right and good and just for Juan and Juanita?
When some Mexicans enter the United States, they do so illegally. Absolutely. But tell me you can read “The Hunger Games” and not hope that Katniss doesn’t get caught on the wrong side of the fence. You may or may not agree with the Catholic bishops of this country as they protest forcing Catholic institutions to pay for contraceptives and sterilization in their employees’ health insurance policies because it is a violation of the freedom of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment. But you were on the side of Katniss, Peeta and Gale as they struggled to overcome the policies of a powerful fictional government, weren’t you? Here’s a good question to ask after reading or viewing “The Hunger Games”: What’s happening in my world that troubles my conscience? Studies highlight the growing gap between the rich and the poor. When we read “The Hunger Games” or see the film, it isn’t a reach to see how that kind of society of haves and have-nots is happening in our day. What might it take for America’s middle class to dissolve and become like the underclass in this fictional world? We see and hear the stories every day about people who lost their jobs, lost their homes. They used to donate food to the food shelf; now they feed their families thanks to those same food shelves. Talk about hunger games. Bob Zyskowski is The Catholic Spirit’s associate publisher / general manager.
World MissionDinner Wednesday May 2, 2012
The Pierre Hotel New York City
St. John’s University names president Michael Hemesath, professor of economics at Carleton College, has been appointed the 13th president of St. John’s University in Collegeville. A 1981 SJU graduate, Hemesath is the first layperson to be appointed to a full presidential term in the 155-year history of the institution. Hemesath, 53, graduated summa cum laude from SJU with a degree in economics and received his masHEMESATH ter’s and doctorate in economics from Harvard University. He has been on the economics faculty at Carleton since 1989 and has served as faculty president since 2009. Previously, he was on the faculty at Tufts University in Medford, Mass. His wife, Elizabeth, teaches in the religion department at St. Olaf College, and they have a son, Cameron. He will begin his official duties on July 1.
“The selection of a lay president represents a new era in the long history of St. John’s University, yet I want to emphasize the continuity that will be at the heart of this transition,” Hemesath said. “A St. John’s education has been transformative for generations of young men precisely because of the Catholic Benedictine heritage that makes this institution a rare and wonderful gift to higher education. The privilege of serving as St. John’s 13th president is both tremendously exciting and humbling. The St. John’s community both shaped and shapes me, and it is a rare gift to be able to lead my alma mater through this important transition in the relationship between the monastery and the university.” In addition to teaching micro and macroeconomics, Hemesath teaches courses on international economics, Soviet and post-Soviet economics and health economics. He succeeds Benedictine Father Robert Koopmann, who has been serving as the 12th president of the university.
SAVE THE DATE — JUNE 10, 2012
‘SAINTS WITH SPIRIT’ Check out our web site for more information:
TheCatholicSpirit.com
Tell us about a really good Catholic owner, manager, supervisor, boss, and we’ll tell everybody else. Every year for the past 10 years, The Catholic Spirit has honored people in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for bringing their faith to the marketplace. More than 100 people — from bankers to gas station owners to social work supervisors — have received The Catholic Spirit’s Leading With Faith Awards.
Can you help this year?
Honoring as Pontifical Ambassadors for Mission: His Eminence, Theodore Cardinal McCarrick Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, D.C. Mary Higgins Clark best-selling suspense novelist Lawrence "Larry" Kudlow American economist, and host of CNBC's "The Kudlow Report"
The proceeds of the World Mission Dinner will directly benefit the work of priests, religious and lay catechists in 1,150 mission dioceses, as they offer the poorest of the poor an education and health care — and always, the loving heart of the Lord. Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States www.OneFamilyInMission.org
Nominating is easy. Contact Mary Gibbs – 651-251-7709 or gibbsm@archspm.org – and we’ll send you a nomination form. The form is available online, too. Click on the Leading With Faith logo on WWW.THECATHOLICSPIRIT.COM and print one for yourself. Fill out the nomination form as completely as you can, and we’ll take it from there.
DO IT NOW: DEADLINE IS MAY 1.
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"The message of Divine Mercy has always been near and dear to me . . . which I took with me to the See of Peter and which in a sense forms the image of this pontificate." Pope John Paul II
16 The Catholic Spirit
The Lesson Plan Reflections on faith and spirituality
APRIL 12, 2012
Put yourself in Gospel scene to fully hear John’s message of faith
W
hen I was a teenager, I attended a workshop on prayer. This workshop mainly used the Bible for praying. I still remember one of the many steps that I was taught during this workshop; it consisted of imagining myself as a part of the scene of the Scriptures on which we were meditating. The leader invited us to close our eyes and take the role of any of the people present in the scene, or simply be there listening to Jesus, or the prophet, or whoever was involved. Deacon Reading today’s Manuel Gomez Gospel, I imagine myself listening to the words of John. Further, I imagine the author thinking: “What can I write to lead them to know that Jesus is God? How can I tell them that Jesus is our savior? How can I provoke faith in them?” The words that he actually uses manifest his depth of faith and conviction in Jesus,
Sunday Scriptures
the Son of God. At the end of the reading, we find the purpose of John’s Gospel: “These [words] are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” How wonderful and great is the conviction of John. The primitive community of Christians had a deep understanding of those words. They believed in Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. They believed in the one who was crucified, died, buried and now has risen.
Faith must affect actions Through this risen Jesus and the faith in him, they began to have life — a true life manifested in concrete actions within the community. The community of believers was of “one heart and mind,” sharing not only their possessions but their lives. We, as well, have to be heralds of this life received in baptism and nourished in the Eucharist. Our faith in Jesus’ resurrection must affect our actions. In our daily activities, we offer ourselves as a sign of Jesus’ resurrection. We all have
Daily Scriptures Sunday, April 15 Divine Mercy Sunday Acts 4:32-35 1 John 5:1-6 John 20:19-31
Monday, April 23 George, martyr, or Adalbert, bishop and martyr Acts 6:8-15 John 6:22-29
Monday, April 16 Acts 4:23-31 John 3:1-8
Tuesday, April 24 Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr Acts 7:51 — 8:1a John 6:30-35
Tuesday, April 17 Acts 4:32-37 John 3:7b-15 Wednesday, April 18 Acts 5:17-26 John 3:16-21 Thursday, April 19 Acts 5:27-33 John 3:31-36 Friday, April 20 Acts 5:34-42 John 6:1-15
Wednesday, April 25 Mark, evangelist 1 Peter 5:5b-14 Mark 16:15-20 Thursday, April 26 Acts 8:26-40 John 6:44-51 Friday, April 27 Acts 9:1-20 John 6:52-59
Saturday, April 21 Anselm, bishop and doctor of the church Acts 6:1-7 John 6:16-21
Saturday, April 28 Peter Chanel, priest and martyr or Louis Grignion de Montfort, priest Acts 9:31-42 John 6:60-69
Sunday, April 22 Third Sunday of Easter Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 1 John 2:1-5a Luke 24:35-48
Sunday, April 29 Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 4:8-12 1 John 3:1-2 John 10:11-18
Readings
Divine Mercy Sunday April 15 ■ Acts 4:32-35 ■ 1 John 5:1-6 ■ John 20:19-31
For reflection
What actions can you take, during this Easter season, to show others your faith in the risen Lord. different roles in society; there are parents, friends, teachers, health workers, politicians, etc. Whatever our role in society, we should use it to manifest the life we have received from our risen Lord. Pope John Paul II in his apostolic exhortation “Christifideles Laici” offers some recommendations that are applicable to this. I propose two for our meditation and concrete action: ■ “Without hesitating, to courageously identify and denounce evil” (CFL 14). ■ “Personal dignity of every human be-
ing demands the respect, the defense and the proclamation of the rights of the human person” (CFL 37). May this Easter time bring to all of us abundant blessings to manifest with “intelligence and love” (CFL 37) our faith in Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah. Deacon Manuel Gerardo Gomez Reza is in formation for the priesthood at The St. Paul Seminary for the Diocese of Rockford, Ill. His home parish is St. Joseph in Elgin, Ill. He has no teaching parish at this time.
After recent trip to Mexico and Cuba, pope says religious freedom is needed By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
Pope Benedict XVI said that during his recent journey to Mexico and Cuba, he experienced “unforgettable days of joy and hope.” While he went as “a witness of Jesus Christ,” it was also an opportune occasion to call for reform, especially in allowing greater religious freedom, he said. At his weekly general audience April 4 in St. Peter’s Square, the pope told an estimated 11,000 pilgrims and visitors about his March 23-28 visit. “I reminded everyone that Cuba and the world need change,” he said. However, real change will come about “only if everyone opens up to the whole truth about mankind — a binding requirement in order to achieve liberty — and decides to cultivate in their lives reconciliation and brotherhood, building their life on Jesus Christ,” he said. Only Jesus “can dispel the darkness of error, helping us conquer evil and all that oppresses us,” the pope said. The church does not seek to secure any special privileges for itself, he said, just the freedom to be able to preach and celebrate one’s faith even in the public sphere and “bring the Gospel message of hope and peace to every part of society.” He said he appreciated all that has been done up to now by Cuban authorities but that he emphasized it was necessary to continue on this path of allowing “ever fuller religious freedom.”
Such progress, he said, will require “an effort of sincere collaboration and patient dialogue for the good of the country.” His visit to Cuba was also meant as a sign of support for the mission of the church there: “to proclaim the Gospel with joy despite the lack of means and difficulties still left to overcome so that religion may carry out its spiritual and educative service in the public realm,” he said. He said he wanted to assure the people there that “the pope carries in his heart the worries and hopes of all Cubans, especially those who suffer because of restrictions on freedom.” Pope Benedict said his goal of the trip had been to offer courage and hope to the church in all of Latin America. He repeated the importance of religious freedom, he said, because “when God is excluded, the world turns into an inhospitable place for mankind.” He recalled the joy and enthusiasm of the people who welcomed him and the show of faith at many of the liturgical events. In Cuba, he said, “I prayed for a rebirth of faith, openness to God’s love and respect for the truth about our human dignity and freedom revealed in Christ.”
From the Vatican
The Lesson Plan
APRIL 12, 2012 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
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5 reasons we need to celebrate Mass on Sunday — every week By Father Michael Van Sloun For The Catholic Spirit
1
Sunday Mass fulfills God’s law. The Third Commandment is, “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day” (Exodus 20:8; see also Deuteronomy 5:12). The Christian Sabbath is Sunday, and Catholics keep the Sabbath holy by fulfilling the obligation to attend Mass (Canons 1246-1248; Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2174-2178). The commandment is not a suggestion or a request; it is a command or an order. The law makes compulsory what we should want to do on our own.
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Weekly worship follows Jesus’ example. Jesus was in the habit of going to the synagogue on the Sabbath day (Luke 4:16b). His mother Mary was “full of grace” (Luke 1:28) and his stepfather Joseph was “a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19) and they both carefully “fulfilled all of the prescriptions of the law” (Luke 2:39), which means that they went to the synagogue every Sabbath. Not only did they observe this law themselves, they took their son with them, and when Jesus was old enough he went on his own. If Jesus observed the Sabbath at the synagogue every week, we should observe the Sabbath and go to Mass every week.
3
Sunday is a day of thanksgiving. Eucharist means thanks. It is right and just to give thanks to the Lord our God, and the Mass is the best prayer to offer thanks. God graciously blesses us with everything that we have: life and health, food and shelter, family and friends, intellect and talents, opportunity and resources — and faith. These gifts are so awesome that we ought to be overflowing with gratitude and eager to give our thanks and praise. The ideal is to give thanks every
day. Weekly thanksgiving is a bare minimum. If we give thanks only intermittently or rarely, we fail to adequately honor the giver of the gifts.
4
Community prayer is essential. From the beginning of the church, the community “devoted themselves . . . to the breaking of the bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). Christians pray together by nature, and the Mass is the premier form of communal prayer. Some make the unfortunate claim: “I can pray by myself and I do not need to go to church.” Usually the more negligent a person becomes with their Mass attendance, the more negligent the person becomes with their private prayer. There are two pillars to a well-rounded prayer life, communal and private, and to do one or the other exclusively is to be imbalanced. The more a person prays privately, the more the person should want to worship with the community, and the more a person worships with the community, the more a person should want to pray privately.
5
Weekly Eucharist is solid spiritual food. Most people are health-food conscious. It is important to eat properly every day to avoid hunger pangs, weakness, malnutrition and disease. It is the same with our spiritual life. We need to be spiritual-food conscious if we wish to avoid emptiness, spiritual weakness, vulnerability to temptation and sickness due to sin. The Mass begins with the Liturgy of the Word. God told the prophet Ezekiel, “Eat what is before you; eat this scroll” (Ezekiel 3:1). God wanted him to devour his word, and God wants us to do the same. Peter accurately observed, “Master, you have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). The second half of the Mass is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Jesus declared, “My flesh is real food, and my blood true
Mass talking points Sunday Mass is not a show on stage; it is worship, prayer before an altar. Sunday Mass is not what we get out of it, but what we give. The more we put into prayer, the more we get out of it. Sunday Mass takes just one hour out of the 168 hours in a week. Sunday is not the day we should sleep in. We force ourselves to get up on work days and school days. Are money and learning more important than God? Sunday Mass attendance does not depend on the priest, musicians or ushers. We dare not allow any person to stand in the way of our worship of God. Sunday Mass is available on vacation. If we can drive to a vacation spot, we can drive a short distance to go to Mass. Sunday Mass is the focal point of every weekend. Our vacations are possible because God has richly blessed us. Sunday Mass outranks sports tournaments, team travel and athletic practices. There are many Mass times available.
drink” (John 6:55). Spiritual malnutrition begins when we go without Word and Sacrament longer than a week. Father Michael Van Sloun is pastor at St. Stephen in Anoka.
“Nature is but a name for an effect, whose cause is God.” William Cowper, “The Task”
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Catholic Youth Camp A Catholic Spirit special section
The Catholic Spirit
APRIL 12, 2012
Camp inspires relationship with God By Pat Norby The Catholic Spirit
Catholic Youth Camp wants kids to have an experience at camp that will inspire them to seek a lifelong relationship with God, said Natalie King, CYC director for the past four years. As she looks forward to her fifth summer and CYC’s 65th anniversary, King said that the counselors and staff are excited and eager to talk about the importance of their faith and having Jesus in their lives. “The people who are drawn to Catholic Youth Camp — both campers and the staff — are pretty fired up about their faith,” she said. “The group I have this year is very passionate about their faith. I have several who have been on NET traveling around doing missionary work with that. I have several who want to be youth ministers.” King said the main thing she wants in counselors is an excitement about sharing their faith with kids and getting kids excited about their faith. One of the benefits of CYC is that it shows kids a different way to pray and discover God, King said. “We start every day with morning holy ground, which is prayer or reflection and song and a challenge for the day. We end every day with praise and worship. We have presentations, Mass once a week, nightly devotions and ministry activities,” she said. “The bigger thing — and what makes us more powerful — is kids are seeing prayer in a different way. Prayer can
c i l o h t p a m C outh Ca Y
PLEASE TURN TO FORMER ON PAGE 19
Theology Day. Find out. Discipleship? Ministry? What They are and How They are Related Thursday, April 26, Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis 6 p.m. check-in, light meal ,6:30 p.m.-9 presentation Cahalan argues that the call to discipleship is the fundamental vocation of all Christians and that ministry exists in the church to serve the life of discipleship. But some ask, “What is discipleship and what is ministry? How can we understand what our roles are? Why should we concern ourselves with these vocations? This session will examine a theology of vocation as it relates to both discipleship and ministry. Kathleen A. Cahalan is professor of Theology at Saint John’s School of Theology·Seminary. Cahalan is the author of Introducing the Practice of Ministry (Liturgical Press, 2010).
FREE but registration is required. www.csbsju.edu/sot or 320-363-3570
Celebrate 65 years at CYC open house Above, campers attend the weekly Mass at Catholic Youth Camp in McGregor. But, faith is part of the entire camping experience as youth canoe, participate in sporting activities and gather as a community for indoor fun. The black and white photo, above right, shows a view of the camp as it was 65 years ago. Courtesy Catholic Youth Camp
What: A family fun day with alumni, campers and counselors to celebrate 65 years of Catholic Youth Camp. Activities: Canoeing, arts and crafts, singing, games, meal available for purchase, meet the staff and tour the camp. Time: 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. Date: Sunday, May 20. Place: Big Sandy Lake in McGregor. Instructions: Bring sunscreen, shoes that can get wet, whatever you need to be outdoors. Tell your camp story: Visit the website, WWW.CYCAMP.ORG, or friend CYC on Facebook, HTTP://WWW. FACEBOOK.COM/CYCMN.
Catholic Youth Camp
APRIL 12, 2012 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
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Former counselors continue tradition by sending their kids to camp CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 be done in a canoe, prayer can be done in the middle of the woods.”
Former campers sending kids Brenda and Mike Czarnik are among those former campers and camp counselors who began sending their children (Justis, 15; Liberty, 12; Honor, 9; Hero, 9) to Catholic Youth Camp. “We actually met at a camp conference over 20 years ago,” the Czarniks wrote in an email interview. “At camp, you learn that even the small tasks given to you are important to the successful operation of the camp as a whole. . . . Being a camp counselor helped us to realize that by serving others, we are also serving the Lord.” The Czarniks said that they were impressed by Justis’ experience at Catholic Youth Camp. “His counselor from his first summer, Justin, helped bring him out of his shell — to become more confident with his social abilities. Now it is difficult for us as his parents to put him back in his shell and stop talking,” they joked.
“Being a camp counselor
helped us to realize that by serving others, we are also serving the Lord.
”
BRENDA AND MIKE CZARNIK
Justis wrote that, “Being at camp gets you excited about your faith. What I have experienced at camp has made Mass more important and meaningful to me.” The Czarniks, who attend Holy Childhood in St. Paul, said that camp helps children “experience independence in a safe environment.” “We believe that when children are given meaningful opportunities to experience God on their own level, it sticks with them into adulthood,” the Czarniks wrote. “This is exactly the opportunity they receive at CYC.”
Emily and Greg Mailand, members of Assumption in St. Paul, said that their children “can’t wait to go” to camp each year. This year will be the first for John, 7, and follow-ups for Therese, 16; Mary, 14; Anna, 12; and Clare, 9. “One big reason our kids love CYC is the awesome staff people. Our girls have said how inspiring they are,” Emily wrote. “There are lots of camps out there, but Greg and I feel good about sending our kids to a camp that is Catholic in its focus. Our Catholic faith is the center of our family. Attending CYC is one more way to reinforce the faith.” One fond memory the Mailand girls share is the year of the “Mailand sweep.” Each girl won an award for a camp activity: Therese for dance, Mary for drama, Clare for art and Anna for fishing. “I guess what we are saying is ‘CYC is the place to be,’” Emily said. Catholic Youth Camp is available to youth from 7 to 17 years old. Sessions begin Sunday and end Friday for youth in first through sixth grade, fourth through ninth grade and seventh through ninth grade. Information and registration is available online at WWW.CYCAMP.ORG.
Heartfelt congratulations to our tenant, Catholic Youth Camp, on your 65th anniversary. Best wishes for your continued success. Your friends at the Church of Corpus Christi, Roseville
Congratulations CATHOLIC YOUTH CAMP
as you celebrate 65 years of service to youth
The Catholic Spirit
News with a Catholic Heart
THECATHOLICSPIRIT.COM
“I grew up around God but never introduced myself to him. Turns out he already knows my name and he loves me more than I could ever imagine.” Amena Brown, poet
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Arts & Culture Exploring our church and our world
The Catholic Spirit
APRIL 12, 2012
Young Franciscan author says getting to know God is like dating By Beth Griffin
A self-described extrovert, Brother Horan said it is easy to get distracted by noise and technology, rather than acknowledge the merit of quiet and solitude. Many peoGetting to know God is akin to entering a dating relaple are afraid of silence and equate being alone with detionship, said Franciscan Brother Daniel Horan. pression, sadness and boredom. Seeing it as being alone When two people already like one another, they devote with God changes the dynamic, he said. copious amounts of time and energy to learning every“We can learn about who we are and our relationship thing they can about each other, he explained. to God by looking at our relationships with people,” “Dating requires intentionality, planning and effort,” Brother Horan said. “We bring our entire selves to all our said Brother Horan, a member of the Order of Friars Mirelationships,” including fears, joys, nor who is the author of “Dating anxieties and happiness, he said. God: Live and Love in the Way of All relationships require work, St. Francis.” At 28, he is not very far Brother Horan said. Early on, there removed from the more traditional You can’t have a is energy, intensity and effortlessness understanding of dating. “and you might change because of The dating imagery occurred to relationship if you the other person,” he said, but the him during a Franciscan workshop ease does not continue. Friends, couon the writings of Sts. Francis and don’t spend time ples and believers need to devote Clare during his novitiate. “Their extime to reconnect and be alone with pressions of their relationship with alone together. one another in shared experiences. God, while not quite love letters, “We still need to go on dates with evoked images of the tenuousness, God. There has to be an intentionBROTHER DANIEL HORAN ambivalence, excitement, energy ality to our prayer life,” he said. “Goand passion of dating,” he said. ing to church once a week in a “Like other images for the human-divine interrelation- crowd doesn’t cut it. . . . You can’t have a relationship if ship, it won’t be helpful for everybody. Any language to you don’t spend time alone together.” talk about our relationship with God always falls short, but this one is shocking and startling enough to get peo- Friars drew him in The oldest of four boys, Brother Horan attended ple thinking about their relationship with God in a new Catholic schools and was an altar server, lector, eucharisway,” he said. Traditionally, God has been referred to as parent, com- tic minister and sacristan at Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica, panion, friend, even lover, in the Song of Songs, Brother N.Y. He felt drawn to the priesthood in high school and Horan said. Dating has a romantic connotation that works studied theology and journalism at St. Bonaventure Unifor the metaphor, he said, because the beginning of a ro- versity, a Franciscan school in Olean, N.Y. “Over the course of four years, I got to know the friars’ mantic relationship is a more rarified, focused and intense intellectual traditions and spiritual life and develop perversion of the beginning of all healthy relationships. sonal relationships with the friars themselves,” he said Gospels focus on solitude in an interview with Catholic News Service. “Christian tradition has always emphasized making a After graduation in 2005, Brother Horan entered the date with God, but you won’t find it in the Gospels that Franciscans. He earned a master’s degree in systematic way. It’s a focus on solitude and the distinction between theology at Washington Theological Union and will comloneliness and being alone. The idea that we would set plete a master’s in divinity in May. He expects to be oraside time to be alone with someone in order to get to dained May 19 in Silver Spring, Md. know them better and allow ourselves to be known” is Brother Horan said he is eagerly anticipating his ordicommon to both dating and prayer, he said. nation and recommends that other young people conCatholic News Service
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CNS photo / Bob Roller
Franciscan Brother Daniel Horan holds his book, “Dating God: Live and Love in the Way of St. Francis.”
sider whether they have a religious vocation. “I love this way of life and I would encourage others to give it a try,” he told CNS. “There’s so much competition for our attention that religious communities get drowned out by the noise.” “Dating God: Live and Love in the Way of St. Francis” (129 pp., $14.99) was published by St. Anthony Messenger Press, HTTP://CATALOG.FRANCISCANMEDIA.ORG.
by it red pir nso ic S Spo Cathol The
With Father Dennis Dempsey
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September 21 — October 2, 2012
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Martie McMahon The Catholic Spirit Phone: 651-291-4441 mcmahonm@archspm.org also go to: TheCatholicSpirit.com/ExploreIreland
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APRIL 12, 2012 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Dining out
Don’t miss
Fish fry at Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomington — Every Friday: 5 to 9 p.m. at 1114 American Blvd. Cost is $10.95. Call (952) 888-1492 . Chicken and rib dinner at Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomington — Every Wednesday: 5 to 9 p.m. at 1114 American Blvd. Cost is $10.95. Call (952) 888-1492 for reservations. KC shrimp and steak dinner at Knights Events Center, Shakopee — April 13: 5 to 8 p.m. at 1760 Fourth Ave. E. Cost is $12 for shrimp or steak and $15 for both. Children’s meal available for $3. Pancake breakfast at St. Vincent de Paul, Brooklyn Park — April 15: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 9050 93rd Ave. N. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children. Ages 3 and under are free. Pancake breakfast at Mary, Mother of the Church, Burnsville — April 15: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 3333 Cliff Road. Free will offering. KC sausage and pancake breakfast at Knights of Columbus Hall, Bloomington — April 15: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1114 American Blvd. W. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for ages 6 to 12. Pancake breakfast at Sacred Heart, Robbinsdale — April 15: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 4087 W. Broadway. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 10 and under. Pancake breakfast at Immaculate Conception, Columbia Heights — April 15: 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. at 4030 Jackson St. N.E. Free will offering. Pancake breakfast at Blessed Sacrament, St. Paul — April 15: 8 a.m. to noon at 1801 LaCrosse Ave. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12. Steak and shrimp dinner fundraiser at St. Joseph, Rosemount — April 21: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 13900 Biscayne Ave. Free will offering benefits the youth mission team. French toast breakfast at Holy Cross Kolbe Hall, Minneapolis — April 22: 8 a.m. to noon at 1630 Fourth St. N.E. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children 5 to 12. Sponsored by the Holy Name Societies and Men’s Clubs of northeast Minneapolis. KC pancake breakfast at St. Joseph, Hopkins — April 22: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1300 Mainstreet. Cost is $8 for
Singles
Experience authentic Lebanese cuisine Both Maronite parishes in the archdiocese are hosting traditional Lebanese dinners this month. A Taste of Lebanon dinner at St. Maron in Minneapolis will be held April 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults and $11
50-plus Second Sunday Supper event at St. Joan of Arc, Minneapolis — April 15: 5 p.m. social hour, 6 p.m. dinner and 7 p.m. program featuring eastern European folk music by Mila Vocal Ensemble. 4537 Third Ave. S. Cost is $10. Call (952) 884-5165 or visit WWW.SECONDSUNDAY.ORG.
School events
for children 3 to 12. Purchase tickets online at WWW.STMARON.COM by April 15. No tickets will be available at the door.
Holy Family Maronite in Mendota Heights will serve a traditional Lebanese dinner April 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $15
for a whole dinner and $8 for a half dinner and must be purchased by April 22. Call (651) 291-1116 for information.
The events will feature a variety of authentic Lebanese dishes such as felafel, loobya (green beans in tomato sauce with seasonings), Lebanese salad, pastries and desserts. adults and $5 for seniors and teens. Children under 12 are free. Spring booya at St. Raphael, Crystal — April 24: 5 to 7 p.m. at 7301 Bass Lake Road. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.
Parish events ‘The Consequences of Redefining Marriage’ presented at St. Raphael, Crystal — April 17: 7 p.m. at 7301 Bass Lake Road. St. Thomas Law professor Teresa Collett will speak.
Chamber orchestra concert the Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul — April 22: 7 p.m. at 239 Selby Ave. Proceeds benefit the Cathedral Heritage Foundation. A reception will follow. Suggested donation is $15. Spring fling event at St. Rita, Cottage Grove — April 22: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with spaghetti dinner served until 1 p.m. at 8694 80th St. S. Cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children 4 to 11. ‘Introduction to Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Other Memory Loss’ at Mary, Mother of the Church, Burnsville — April 25: Noon to 1 p.m. at 3333 Cliff Road. There is no cost and no registration required.
Spring treasure sale at Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Paul — April 19 to 22: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 401 Concord St. Tacos will also be for sale. Spring salad luncheon at Holy Name, Minneapolis — April 21: 11:30 a.m. at 3637 11th Ave. S. Entertainment is by the Roe Family Singers. Cost is $9 for adults and $3.50 for children. For information, call (612) 724-5465. Presentation on bullying at St. James, St. Paul — April 21: 9 to 11:30 a.m. at 496 View St. Continental breakfast at 9 a.m. followed by two speakers. Childcare provided. There is no cost, but registration is required. Call (651) 228-1167.
Prayer/ liturgies Knights of Columbus traveling rosary at Nativity of Our Lord, St. Paul — April 15: 2 p.m. at Stanford Ave. and Prior Ave. S. Healing Mass at St. Joseph, Hopkins — April 17: Rosary at 7 p.m. followed by Mass at 1310 Mainstreet. Father Jim Livingston will be the celebrant. Knights of Columbus traveling rosary at St. Agnes, St. Paul — April 22: 2 p.m. at 548 Lafond Ave.
Open house at Transfiguration School, Oakdale — April 17: 12:30 to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 6135 15th St. N. For information, visit WWW.TRANSFIGURA TIONMN.ORG/SCHOOL. Open house at St. Agnes School, St. Paul — April 22: 1 to 3 p.m. at 5:30 Lafond Ave. For students entering grades K to 12. For information, visit WWW.SAINTAGNESSCHOOL.ORG. Open house at Academy of Holy Angels, Richfield — April 26: 6 p.m. at 6600 Nicollet Ave. S. For students entering grades 9 to 12. For information, call (612) 798-2621.
Other events Pro-life Across America banquet at St. John the Baptist, New Brighton — April 19: Social at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:45 p.m. at 835 Second Ave. N.W. For information or reservations, call (612) 782-9434. Open house and panel discussion at Cerenity Senior Care-Marian of St. Paul, St. Paul — April 22: 1 to 3 p.m. at 200 Earl St. Discussion topic is, “Before the Unexpected Happens-Planning Ahead for Senior Care.” For information, visit WWW.CERENITYSENIORCARE.ORG or call (651) 793-2102. Reiser Relief annual Haiti fundraiser at Courtyards of Andover, Andover — April 24: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 13545 Martin St. N.W. Features appetizers, raffles, auctions and more. Admission is free. For information, visit WWW. REISERRELIEF.ORG.
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Calendar Submissions DEADLINE: Items should be submitted by Noon Thursday, seven days before the anticipated Thursday date of publication. LISTINGS: Accepted are brief notices of upcoming events hosted by Catholic parishes and institutions. Items are published on a space available basis. ITEMS MUST INCLUDE the following to be considered for publication in the calendar: • Time and date of event. • Full street address of event. • Description of event. • Contact information in case of questions. E-MAIL: SPIRITCALENDAR@ ARCHSPM.ORG. (No attachments, please.)
MAIL: “Calendar,” The Catholic Spirit, 244 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102.
Divine Mercy devotions to be held across archdiocese CONTINUED
FROM PAGE
6
Eagan — St John Neumann: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Edina — Our Lady of Grace: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. adoration, chaplet, talk by Father Allen Eilen. Excelsior — St. John: 3 to 4 p.m. exposition, chaplet, confession, Benediction and refreshments. Faribault Divine Mercy: 1 to 5 p.m. celebration and talk by Bishop Lee Piché. Confession from 1 to 3 p.m. Mass at 3:30 p.m. Forest Lake — St. Peter: 2 to 4 p.m. with confession. Ham Lake — St. Paul: Chaplet at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 14, and 8 a.m. Sunday, April 15. Hastings — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: 2 to 4 p.m. confession and refreshments. Hopkins — St. Joseph: Saturday vigil, April 14, 3 to 6:30 p.m. 3 to 4:20
confession, 4:30 Mass followed by appetizers. Inver Grove Heights — St. Patrick: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jordan — St. John the Baptist: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Long Lake — St. George: 1 to 3:30 p.m. 1 to 2 p.m. confession, Mass at 2 p.m. Maple Lake — St. Timothy: 9 to 10 a.m. Chaplet and confession at 9 a.m. Masses at 8 and 10 a.m. Maplewood — St. Jerome: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mass at 3:30 p.m. Confessions from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Minneapolis — All Saints: 3 p.m. Monticello — St. Henry: 3 to 4 p.m. Includes exposition, readings, Benediction, confession and refreshments. New Market — St. Nicholas: 3 to 4 p.m. Speaker is Father Tom McCabe. Oak Grove — St. Patrick of Cedar Creek: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Pine Island — St. Michael: 2 to 4 p.m. Confession, adoration, rosary. Prior Lake — St. Michael: 2 to 3:15 p.m. Richfield — St. Peter: 2 to 4 p.m. Confession from 2 to 3 p.m. Rogers — Mary, Queen of Peace: 3 to 4 p.m. Includes adoration, confession and Benediction. St. Anthony — St. Charles Borromeo: 2 to 4 p.m. Confession from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Devotions from 3 to 4 p.m. St. Louis Park — Holy Family: 11a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Includes Mass at 11 a.m., brunch, adoration and a 2 p.m. talk by Father Peter Laird. St. Michael — St. Michael: 3 p.m. Adoration, sung chaplet and reception. St. Paul — Cathedral of St. Paul: 1 to 3:30 p.m. after noon Mass. Confession available. St. Paul — Holy Childhood: Following 10 a.m. Mass with confession from 9:30 to 9:55 a.m.
St. Paul — Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 3 to 4 p.m. adoration and 3:10 to 3:50 p.m. confession. St. Paul — Our Lady of Guadalupe: 3 to 4 p.m. Bilingual with prayers. St. Paul — St. Agnes: 1:30 to 4 p.m. Confession available. St. Paul — St. John: 2 to 3:30 p.m. with adoration, confession and refreshments. St. Paul — St. Mary: 11:30 a.m. Mass with confession available from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Savage — St. John the Baptist: 2 to 3:45 p.m. South St. Paul — Holy Trinity: 2 to 3 p.m. Stillwater — St. Michael: 1:30 p.m. Taylors Falls — St. Joseph: 1 to 3:20 p.m. with confession from 1 to 3 p.m. Waverly — St. Mary: 1 to 2 p.m. confession, prayer service at 2 p.m. West St. Paul — St. Joseph: 2 to 3:30 p.m. White Bear Lake — St. Pius X: 2 to 4 p.m. Confession available.
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APRIL 12, 2012 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Seminarian took photos of Titanic voyage
Local principal receives national education award
By Sarah MacDonald Catholic News Service
Commemorations of the sinking of the Titanic 100 years ago will put the spotlight on a young Irish priest whose photographs are some of the only surviving images of life onboard the liner on its first and last voyage. Jesuit Father Frank Browne, 18801960, became a prominent documentary photographer and a much-decorated chaplain in the British army in World War I. A collection of his photographs, “Father Browne’s Titanic Album” has been reprinted to mark the centenary of the demise of the massive liner, which was constructed in Belfast, Ireland, and was believed to be unsinkable. More than 1,500 people died when it FATHER BROWNE sank April 15, 1912. The new edition of the book is edited by Jesuit Father Edward O’Donnell, and the foreword is written by Robert Ballard, who first located the ship’s wreckage in September 1985, the same month as a chance finding of 42,000 of Father Browne’s photographs in the basement of the Jesuits’ headquarters in Dublin. Frank Browne lived an eventful life. As a novice he met Pope Pius X in 1909 when he accompanied his uncle, Bishop Robert Browne of Cloyne, to a private audience at the Vatican. He was also a university classmate of Irish writer James Joyce, who featured the young seminarian as “Mr. Browne the Jesuit” in his masterpiece “Finnegans Wake.” In 1912, the Jesuit novice was still three years from ordination. Because of a gift from his uncle, he was able to experience the Titanic’s luxurious accommodation in the initial stages of its maiden voyage, from Southampton, England,
to Cherbourg, France, and on to Queenstown, Ireland. While onboard, the self-taught photographer managed to obtain pictures of the first-class accommodation and dining rooms. He also captured the gymnasium, the library and passengers enjoying a stroll on the promenade, as well as many passengers in third class, recording some of those who would later perish in the freezing waters of the Atlantic. He took the last image of the Titanic’s captain, Edward Smith.
Photos in demand Father Browne’s images of the ship’s accommodation and passengers have been pored over by maritime historians, engineers and filmmakers seeking answers to a tragedy that still grips the public’s imagination. Hollywood film director James Cameron used his photographs to re-create sets for his blockbuster movie. The Jesuit’s image of 6-year-old Robert Douglas Spedden playing with his spinning top on the promenade, watched by his father Frederic, is one of the most famous of the collection. Cameron re-created the image in the film. The young Jesuit photographed the Titanic leaving port for the last time as it left Queenstown, in County Cork, for New York. He could have been onboard: An American couple he befriended on the ship offered to fund the final leg of the journey to New York. From the Titanic, he sent a telegram to his provincial in Dublin to request permission. However, a frosty telegram awaited him in Queenstown: “Get off that ship.” When news of the Titanic’s disastrous fate reached Father Browne, he folded the telegram and put it into his wallet and kept it there for the rest of his life. He later said it was the only time holy obedience had saved a life. “Father Browne’s Titanic Album,” edited by E.E. O’Donnell (2nd edition 2011), is published by Messenger Publications, WWW.MESSENGER.IE.
Kathleen Wollan, principal of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in St. Paul, was honored with the 2012 Distinguished Principal Award from the National Catholic Educational Association during the annual The convention April 11 to 13 Catholic Spirit in Boston, Mass. During her 19 years as Nativity principal, Wollan coordinated an extensive eight-year renovation and expansion of the school. She also has worked with parish priests, school faculty and parents to strengthen Nativity’s program. “Together we have implemented a Family of Faith home support program for developing a stronger connection with our parents as they WOLLAN maintain their role as the primary educators in the ways of faith,” Wollan said. Under her leadership, the school designed a comprehensive program for students preparing for the sacraments, and enhanced its Catholic identity by installing religious art throughout the facility. Wollan is one of 11 principals nationwide who earned NCEA’s principal award. You can read the profile The Catholic Spirit published about Wollan after being named an award recipient at HTTP://TINYURL.COM/6LTB2PS.
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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • APRIL 12, 2012
Archbishop to men: Live your vocation well CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 have lost their identity and been made vulnerable to attacks on the church by the culture and the media. “We’ve lost our story, we’re failing to take our story into the public square,” he said. “I don’t know a game you can win by playing defense. As a church and as Catholics, we’ve been playing defense for too long. Christianity, by nature, is proactive. We need game-changers.” Kelly offered the men three practical, concrete ways to be game changers: ■ Read great Catholic books, at least five pages a day. ■ Go to confession regularly (once a month). ■ Keep a Mass journal, and ask God every Sunday to show you one thing you can do to be a better version of yourself. Kelly said it all starts with connecting with God and hearing what he has to say
to us. “The problem isn’t that God stopped speaking, it’s that we stopped listening,” he said. “It’s time to start listening to the voice of God in our lives. . . . The world cannot change unless we change on a fundamental level. “The Catholic Church is a sleeping giant. I’d like to wake that giant up. I think it’s time, isn’t it?”
Time to ‘rise up’ The men attending the morning conference were wide awake, especially when the archbishop stepped to the podium to deliver his remarks and received a thunderous, standing ovation. He talked about two things — the inspiring Christian witness of NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and the importance of the proposed marriage amendment, which will be on the ballot this fall. “We need to support the natural insti-
tution of marriage,” the archbishop said. “Children are best raised in a home with a mother and a father in a stable relationship. . . . Our motivation is all about promotion and protection.” He added that this issue is about more than just contacting legislators and signing petitions. “First and foremost, you must be about the task of living your vocation well,” he said, and “promote and defend the great gift of marriage.” Archbishop Nienstedt ended his talk by signing a verse of the hymn, “Rise Up, O Men of God,” right after adding these final words: “Rise up, O men of God, your family needs you. Rise up, O men of God, the world needs you. Rise up, O men of God, the church needs you.” You can find the text of Archbishop Nienstedt’s talk at WWW.ARCHSPM.ORG.
Matthew Kelly retreat to focus on living with passion and purpose Matthew Kelly, with special musical guest Eliot Morris, will present a one-day retreat, “Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose” from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 5, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Brooklyn Park. Registration, which is required prior to attending the event, can be completed online at WWW.DYNAMIC CATHOLIC.COM (follow the link to events). Registration forms and more information are also available by calling the church at (763) 425-2210. The cost is $39. Participants will receive a “Passion and Purpose Workbook,” “Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality” CD and “The Mass Journal” by Kelly, a best-selling Catholic author and speaker. All ages are welcome. An optional Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m.
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What’s on the Archbishop’s mind? Read all about it — in every issue of The Catholic Spirit
WEEKEND DISCERNMENT RETREAT Friday, April 20, 5:00 p.m. to Sunday April 22, 1:00 p.m. St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, MN 55811 Single Catholic women ages 18-45 are invited to an informative weekend retreat that will include sessions on prayer, discernment, the meaning of a religious vocation, opportunities available, a chance to experience life in a Benedictine monastery and to visit with Sisters and women currently in formation.
There is no charge for the weekend but registration by April 18 is required. Contact Sr. Mary Catherine at 218-723-6646 or at mcshambour@duluthosb.org See www.duluthbenedictines.org
Join Your Chaplain s! Fr. Gerre
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“I said, ‘I am not happy to do it and I’m standing by my principles.’” A Catholic nurse in central England who asked not to be named because of fear of reprisal from her hospital employer, after winning a battle over her right to conscientiously object to involvement in abortions
24
Overheard The Catholic Spirit
Quotes from this week’s newsmakers
APRIL 12, 2012 “I have no words to express what it means for me to pray here. More than anything, I feel the one who died here for me. I feel humble to be here.”
Bearing the cross for life
— Teame Tesfamichael, a Catholic refugee from Eritrea, after praying just before Easter at the Stone of Unction in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem
“Every single family has its own Way of the Cross: illnesses, deaths, financial problems, poverty, betrayals, immoral behavior, discord with relatives [and] natural disasters. But every Christian, every family, on this path of pain can turn their gaze toward Jesus, man and God.” — Danilo and Annamaria Zanzucchi, an Italian couple married 59 years, as part of the meditations they wrote for Pope Benedict XVI’s Good Friday service April 6 in Rome
“This is what happens in a good confession: You take off your dirty rags — your sins — receive the bath of mercy and rise 'clothed in the garments of salvation, covered with the robe of righteousness.’”
Above, St. Thomas Academy seniors Philip Evans, right, and Stephen Thie, second from right, carry the cross at the annual Good Friday pro-life prayer service in front of Planned Parenthood, April 6, sponsored by Pro-Life Action Ministries. This year’s service was moved to the new Planned Parenthood facility on Vandalia Street in St. Paul. Also helping is University of St. Thomas student Caitlin Heaney, second from left. Both Archbishop John Nienstedt and Bishop Lee Piché came to the prayer service to deliver meditations and pray with the participants. The prayer service went from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Archbishop Nienstedt delivering the opening prayer. Other priests and Protestant ministers also offered meditations.
— Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the papal household, quoting from the Book of Isaiah during his homily at the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica April 6
“Christ needs you to expand and build his kingdom of charity.”
Right, Kay Grabner of St. Agnes in St. Paul holds an infant doll carrying a pro-life message at the prayer service. “I want to show my support for life and all the good work of the people who come here for sidewalk counseling, and to pray,” she said.
— Pope Benedict XVI, greeting 5,000 cheering young people from Spain who came to the Vatican April 1-2 to thank the pope for visiting Madrid for World Youth Day last August
Photos by Dave Hrbacek
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