The Catholic Spirit - December 19, 2013

Ending hunger 7A • Bible on film 18A • The Last Word 24A December 19, 2013 Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

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Archbishop Nienstedt steps aside from public ministry while allegation investigated

Letter to the faithful from Archbishop Nienstedt December 17, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This is a difficult letter for me to write to you. This past weekend I learned of an allegation from a young man whom I anointed in the Sacrament of Confirmation who alleged that he believes I inappropriately touched his buttocks during a public photo session following the ceremony. Please allow me to say that I normally stand for those photos with one hand on my crozier (staff) and the other either on the right shoulder of the newly confirmed or on my pallium (the short stole), which hangs from my chest. I do that deliberately Read the The Catholic Spirit and there are hundreds of photographs to verify that fact. archbishop’s I do not know the individual involved; he has not been column Archbishop John Nienstedt is voluntarily stepping aside from all public minmade known to me. I presume he is sincere in believing — page 3A istry, effective immediately, while St. Paul Police investigate an allegation that what he claims, but I must say that this allegation is he inappropriately touched a male minor on the buttocks in 2009 during a absolutely and entirely false. I have never once engaged in group photography session following a confirmation ceremony. any inappropriate contact with a minor In a Dec. 17 letter to the faithful (at right), Archbishop and I have tried to the very best of my ability to serve this Nienstedt called the allegation “absolutely and entirely Archdiocese and the church faithfully, with honor and due false.” regard for the rights of all, even those with whom I disagree.

“True, I am a sinner, but “I have never once engaged in any inappropriate contact I have taken strong stands on the moral teachings of the with a minor and I have tried to the very best of my ability my sins do not include Church and been criticized for it. I would not have done so to serve this Archdiocese and the church faithfully, with if I did not believe those teachings and was personally honor and due regard for the rights of all, even those with any kind of abuse of bound to living up to them in practice. whom I disagree,” he said.

True, I am a sinner, but my sins do not include any kind of minors. I have met “True, I am a sinner, but my sins do not include any kind abuse of minors. I have met victims and I know the lasting of abuse of minors,” he said. “I have met victims and I know victims and I know the damage that such abuse causes. the lasting damage that such abuse causes.”

The psalms from the Liturgy of the Hours have had a Auxiliary Bishop Lee Piché, in his role as a vicar general, lasting damage that such special echo in my heart these past weeks as I pray for those will cover all of the archbishop’s public duties while the matter is being investigated, according to a statement from in distress. “But God does hear the cries of the poor. Blessed abuse causes.” the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Father Charles be the Lord.”

Lachowitzer continues in his position as a vicar general and Archbishop John Nienstedt I hope that the investigations can be thorough but quick. I moderator of the curia. already long to be back in public ministry — to be able to serve as the Lord has called me to serve.

Following policy I regret this will be my last column until the present The allegation of the single incident was brought to the police by a mandated investigations are complete. These days will give me the time to pray for you and reporter within the Church. Upon learning of the allegation last week, the archthe individual involved. I ask that you pray for me too.

He calls the allegation of inappropriately touching a male minor ‘absolutely and entirely false’

diocese instructed the mandated reporter to make the matter known to the police.

“The archdiocese is mindful of the due process concerns of those involved,” the statement said. “There must be justice and due consideration of the rights and dignity of every human person, both the individual involved and the archPlease turn to ARCHBISHOP on page 23A

With every good wish, I remain Cordially Yours in Christ, The Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

ALSO inside

A new bishop

Helping those in need

Read the 16-page special section about Bishop Andrew Cozzens’ ordination — B section

Thrift store planned in St. Paul

Christmas Angel — page 5A

Project Angel Tree volunteer goes extra mile for disadvantaged kids — Rediscover section

Page Two

2A OVERHEARD

in PICTURES

FEAST DAY PREFORMANCE Lucy Fobbe, a second-grader at St. Peter School in Delano, portrayed Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12 in a re-enactment of the story of Mary’s appearance to Juan Diego. The second-grade class memorized lines and learned how to use microphones to project their voices to prepare for their performance for the rest of the school and parents. Photo courtesy of Sheila Barth

“Being humble, in fact, doesn’t mean being unhappy with oneself or recognizing one’s wretchedness, or, to some extent, one’s own smallness. It’s looking at God first before oneself and measuring the abyss that separates the finite from the infinite. The more people see this, the more they become humble.”

— Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher of the papal household, giving the second of his 2013 Advent reflections to the pope and his closest aides Dec. 13

“Let real guarantees of religious liberty be given to all, together with the rights of Christians to live peacefully in the places where they were born, in the native country they love as citizens of more than 2,000 years, in order that they might contribute as always to the good of all.”

— Pope Francis, praying for the safety and religious liberty of Christians in the Middle East Dec. 9 while concelebrating Mass with the leader of Egypt’s Coptic Catholics, Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac Sedrak

NEWS notes • The Catholic Spirit Cretin-Derham Hall president to retire

JOY AMID THE RUBBLE A typhoon survivor decorates a Christmas tree amid the rubble of destroyed houses in Tacloban, Philippines, Dec. 17. Typhoon Haiyan reduced almost everything in its path to rubble when it swept ashore in the central Philippines Nov. 8, killing more than 6,000 people, and displacing more than 4 million. CNS photo/Erik De Castro, Reuters

WHAT’S NEW on social media

Holy Spirit principal to receive award

A Catholic Spirit Facebook post this week asks, “What Christmas carol reminds you most of the true meaning of Christmas?”

Follow the latest news about the local and universal Church by following The Catholic Spirit on Twitter @CatholicSpirit.

To watch a video of highlights from the Dec. 9 ordination of Bishop Andrew Cozzens, go to www.YouTube.com/TheCatholicSpirit.

In “The Poor (and the Cold) Will Always Be With Us,” Sharon O’ConnellWilson talks about how her attitude about people that ask for money on street corners has changed. Visit www.catholichotdish.com to read her post.

The Catholic Spirit is published bi-weekly for The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Vol. 18 — No. 27 MOST REVEREND JOHN C. NIENSTEDT, Publisher SARAH MEALEY, Associate publisher JOE TOWALSKI, Editor

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Cretin Derham-Hall president Dick Engler announced Dec. 11 that he will retire in June 2015. In his 24 years at the school, enrollment has increased from 990 students to 1,315, with average class sizes staying the same and the percentage of students going to college after graduation increaseing during his tenure from 82 percent to 97 percent.

“I am confident that I will be leaving CDH in the hands of talented and dedicated faculty and staff members who are truly committed to the success of every student,” Engler said in a letter to faculty staff and students.

Mary Adrian, principal of Holy Spirit School in St. Paul, has been awarded the Dr. Robert J. Kealey Distinguished Principal Award. The award annually honors 12 Catholic elementary school principals who exhibit strong Catholic identity and implement exemplary and innovative programs to improve teaching and learning of their students, faculty, and staff. The award will be presented at a special celebration banquet as part of the NCEA Convention on April 22, 2014, in Pittsburgh, Pa.

CORRECTIONS On page 13 of the Dec. 5 issue of The Catholic Spirit, Janette Howe was left out of the caption under the picture. She is pictured fifth from left in the photo that accompanied the story, “Seven Sisters apostolate offers prayers for priests.”

In a Dec. 5 story about the Retirement Fund for Religious collection, the location of Assumption parish was listed incorrectly. It is in St. Paul.

Materials credited to CNS copyrighted by Catholic News Service.

All other materials copyrighted by The Catholic Spirit Newspaper.

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Editor’s note: Archbishop Nienstedt’s column was written and submitted prior to the allegation announced Dec. 17.

On Oct. 1, our archdiocese received a great gift from Pope Francis, Time Magazine’s Man of the Year, when he nominated Father Andrew Cozzens as an auxiliary bishop to assist me in my ministry.

I had the great joy of ordaining him in our glorious Cathedral on Dec. 9, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a title under which our country is dedicated to the Mother of God. Being that Bishop Cozzens is the second youngest bishop in the country (just one year older than Bishop Cepeda of Detroit), he is also a great sign of hope for the future of our Church.

Those two themes, joy and hope, came together again last Sunday, the third of Advent, commonly known as “Gaudete Sunday” from the first word of the Latin entrance antiphon, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!”

The cause of our joy is, of course, the three comings of our Lord in time, namely, his birth at Bethlehem, his triumphant return at the end of the world, THAT THEY and finally, his MAY ALL BE ONE presence in the Blessed Sacrament. In Archbishop many ways, our joy is John C. Nienstedt a direct result of our hopes and expectations to meet the Lord whenever he comes.

The second reading last Sunday reflected the early Christians’ desire for the Lord’s second coming. They really couldn’t wait to see it happen. But St. James counsels them to be like farmers awaiting a harvest. They must be patient to see the plant mature, always hopeful that it will indeed bear fruit.

The first reading finds the Jewish nation exiled in Babylon under the oppressive regime of King Hezekiah. But Isaiah’s disappointment with the present situation does not lead him to despair. Rather, it sparks in him the hope that God himself will come to his people’s rescue.

In the Gospel of St. Matthew, John the Baptist has been placed in prison by Herod. As he sits in confinement, he begins to doubt if his cousin, Jesus, really is the Messiah he had come to expect. Jesus refers John’s disciples to the above passage from Isaiah telling them, “Look,

the blind see, the deaf hear and the dead are raised to new life.” In other words, the prophets’ words are being fulfilled. What a hopeful message that must have been for St. John the Baptist sitting alone in his prison cell.

In his second encyclical, entitled “Saved by Hope,” or “Spe Salvi” in Latin, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reflects on the importance of the virtue of hope. At one point, he writes that hope is not only informative, which is to say, it communicates truths that can be known, but it is also performative, making things happen that can change people’s lives. He says, “The one who hopes lives differently; the one who hopes has been granted the gift of a new life.”

Then, the pope makes reference to St. Josephine Bakhita, who was canonized by his predecessor, Blessed John Paul II, on Oct. 1, 2000. (Her feast day is celebrated on Feb. 8).

Born in the Sudan, she was kidnapped at the age of 9 and sold five times in the Sudanese slave market. She was emotionally and psychologically abused, flogged every day until she bled. As a result, she carried 144 scars on her body throughout her life.

Eventually, she was bought by an Italian merchant who brought her to Venice, Italy.

Through this Italian owner, she came to know a totally different kind of master, the one she called “paron,” the living God of Jesus Christ.

This new master was good and kind and loving. Through an encounter with him, she learned that she was loved and that she was a free child of God. For the first time in her life, she became a woman of hope. Eventually, she joined the Congregation of the Canossian Sisters and spent the rest of her life handing on to others the hope that was born by her conversion, a hope she felt compelled to extend to others.

I suggest to the faithful of the archdiocese that St. Josephine can be for us a patroness and an intercessor in light of the trials that we have been going through these past 10 weeks here in the Twin Cities.

On Gaudete Sunday, I shared these reflections with about 2,000 parishioners during my homily at two Masses at Our Lady of Grace in Edina. Many people probably do not know that I spend most every weekend presiding at two or more Masses at parishes around the archdiocese.

In fact, since my own installation seven years ago, I have had over 180 such parish visits with weekend Masses.

So, during my visit to Our Lady of Grace, as I did during the Masses I participated in over the weekends through November and the first part of December, I shared with parishioners how sorry I was that our Catholic people have had to endure so much these past months.

I said that the news reports about past incidents of clerical sexual abuse in this local Church have rightly been met with shame, embarrassment and outrage because such heinous acts were perpetrated by men who had

taken priestly vows and because some of these men had not been removed from ministry.

I apologized to them — and I apologize again here to the nearly 100,000 readers of The Catholic Spirit — for the indignation that you justifiably feel. Catholics in this archdiocese deserve better, and I am committed as archbishop to keep my promises through the many actions my leadership team and I have been taking these past few months to fix this problem with honesty and transparency.

Those actions include the disclosure we made in the last edition of The Catholic Spirit, something I committed to do well before meeting with the court in early December.

Those actions also include the work of an independent task force, whose efforts continue without my interference, and a thorough review of our clergy files by an outside firm.

These are concrete and unprecedented actions, and they fulfill the promise of my words. If one reviews carefully the list of 34 priests that I disclosed a week ago in The Catholic Spirit, the majority of those allegations go back to the 1970s and the 1980s. Again, that is not to excuse those actions or diminish the serious harm done to their victims. But it does indicate that progress is being made in reducing the incidence of such terrible misconduct. There is reason, even now, to be hopeful.

Four goals As you know, because I have articulated this on several occasions since October, throughout the past three months, my staff and I have committed to four critical goals: 1) To ensure safe environments for everyone in our churches, Catholic schools or religious programs, especially minors and vulnerable adults; 2) To reach out to victims so as to promote their process of healing; 3) To regain the trust of our Catholic faithful; 4) To reassure our clergy of our deep and abiding gratitude for their tireless and selfgiving service, and to assure them of our commitment to them and to their legal and canonical rights.

Strengthened by the prayer of the faithful of this local Church and with God’s grace, I believe that we will emerge from this difficult period to become a stronger, more focused, more prayerful and more purified local Church. But the key to that process lies in our ability to remain a people of hope — hope not in our own resources, but rather hope in the person of Jesus Christ, who can make all things new.

The holy Eucharist that we receive at Mass is not just informative, assuring us that we are loved by the Lord in a personal and intimate way. This Holy Eucharist is also performative, meaning that it can make us a people of action who can address past wrongs and find ways to

OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, has announced the following appointments in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

From the Archbishop

Even in difficult times, we are a people of hope

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Please turn to WE on page 23A

To our readers

Effective November 25, 2013

Effective December 2, 2013 • Accepted the resignation of the Reverend Mark Huberty as pastor of the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Maplewood. The Reverend Michael Sullivan, Dean of Deanery 15, was appointed December 9, 2013 to serve “ad nutum episcopi” as parochial administrator.

• The Reverend Lawrence Blake appointed “ad nutum episcopi” as Coordinator of Hospital Chaplaincy. This is in addition to his current assignment as chaplain at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Effective December 9, 2013 • The Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens appointed “ad nutum episcopi” as vicar general.

This is in addition to his current assignment to the faculty of the Saint Paul Seminary School of

Divinity, which he will exercise through the end of the year. Bishop Cozzens serves the Archbishop as vicar general along with Father Charles Lachowitzer (Moderator of the Curia) and Bishop Lee Piché.

Effective January 1, 2014 • Deacon Sherman Otto appointed “ad nutum episcopi” to exercise the ministry of a permanent deacon at the Church of Saint Albert in Albertville and the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Dayton. This is a transfer from his current assignment at the Church of Saint Francis Xavier in Buffalo.

Father Patrick James Ryan, an archdiocesan priest who retired in 2008, was wrongly pictured on the photo board Attorney Jeff Anderson, of Jeff Anderson & Associates PA, displayed during a Dec. 5 press conference in St. Paul.

Anderson’s press conference addressed a list of 33 priests with credible claims of sexual abuse of a minor against them.

A different Father Patrick Ryan was among those listed with an unsubstantiated claim against them. He was born in 1892, ordained in 1919 and died in 1965.

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Local

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Sobriety finds a second home in St. Paul Demand is high

By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit Tim Murray manages his recovery from the disease of alcoholism one day at a time.

He takes a similar approach in creating sober homes for older men in the Twin Cities. He opened the first one in January of this year, and now has a second one open for men 40 and older who struggle with alcoholism.

It’s called St. Gabriel House and is located on Carroll Avenue in St. Paul, just blocks from St. Michael House. Both are part of what Murray calls Trinity Sober Homes.

His mentor and consultant in founding the homes is Father Martin Fleming, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis who has done something similar with his Bethany Village housing units, which is where Murray spent a year right after he became sober in 2009.

“My guess is that we’ll probably do roughly one [sober home] every 18 months,” said Murray, who attends the Cathedral of St. Paul. “So that means sometime in maybe late 2014 we’ll look at doing another one.

“But, I’ve learned to slow down and do it on God’s time. . . . So, we’re going to be patient. Father’s

Tim Murray stands in front of St. Gabriel House in St. Paul, the second sober home he has opened in St. Paul. The two homes – the other is called St. Michael House – together are called Trinity Sober Homes. St. Gabriel House opened last month. Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit been doing this for almost 40 years, and he’s encouraging us to take the long view. So, if we take the 40-year

perspective, then I think we can wait to determine whether or not this is successful.”

So far, things are going well at both homes. Within a matter of weeks, St. Michael reached its maximum capacity of 12 men age 40 and older, and continues to remain full. Nearly 30 men have called St. Michael home over the last year, and nearby St. Gabriel, which opened last month, now houses six men in its 6,150 square feet of living space, with room for more.

“We expect to be full by Christmas,” said Murray, noting that St. Gabriel House can hold up to 11 men. “The demand is certainly high. There are 80-plus treatment centers in the Twin Cities that release roughly 1,000 people a month.

Half of those people go home, half of those have no place to go. And, 30 to 40 percent of those people are Catholic. So, that leaves, if you do the math, 100 to 150 men a month that are looking for some place [to live].

“So, if you want to know where Ground Zero for homelessness is, for a man that’s 45 to 50 years old and a chronic alcoholic, it’s the day he steps out of treatment sober. He’s immediately homeless. And, there are very few options at that point.

So, we want to be one of those Please turn to FAITH on page 23A

Church / Ministry Jobs Finance Manager, Location: St. Michael Catholic Church: Stillwater, MN Catholic bi-parish community seeks a full-time Finance Manager. Responsibilities include general accounting, fund accounting, internal auditing, budgetary development and control, financial analysis and forecasting, cash flow monitoring, and development of monthly status reports for four organizations (the churches of St. Mary’s and St. Michael’s, St. Croix Catholic School, and St. Croix Catholic Faith Formation). Must have the ability to step-in and cover responsibilities when accounting staff are absent. Requires exceptional interpersonal skills, collaborative style, and ability to communicate effectively at all levels. Qualifications: BA in Accounting with a background in Finance, minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in the accounting field, with a minimum of 1-3 years supervisory experience. Non-profit experience preferred. Ability to work autonomously as well as motivate and supervise staff in a team oriented environment. The ideal candidate has experience with final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either division or significant program area.

Toddler/Preschool Child Care Teacher-FT, Location: Sandcastle Child Care Center and Preschool; St. Paul, MN Responsible for supervision, management and planning for the classroom; provide a warm and nurturing environment in which the child can grow physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually and spiritually. Provide a curriculum and maintain an environment that helps each child have a positive experience throughout the day, treating all children with dignity and respect, allowing for individual differences. This position is working with toddler and/or preschool aged children.

Qualifications: Must meet Rule 3 Department of Human Services requirements, documented experience working in a childcare setting to include demonstrated skill and interest in this type of work. Ability to communicate and work well with others, exhibiting skills of honesty and integrity. Ability to work under pressure with many interruptions, ability to maintain a calm and kind demeanor to children at all times and a pleasant and service-oriented manner toward families.

Math Teacher – Middle School-FT, Location: St. Michael Catholic School; St. Michael, MN St. Michael Catholic School is seeking a dynamic Catholic middle school math teacher ready to embrace our mission of “Living for Christ and Learning for Life”. The teaching assignment is for math students in grades 6-8 (2 sections of grade 6 and 1 section each of grade 7 and 8) as well as one class of middle level religion. Instruction must be planned and aligned with MN Academic Standards for math and Archdiocesan Standards for religion. Qualifications: MN teaching license required, middle level math certification or math endorsement preferred or demonstrated commitment to acquiring it. Practicing Roman Catholic with experience teaching middle school math is preferred. The ideal candidate will have: dedication to the mission of Catholic Education, understanding of best practices in middle level instruction, a keen ability to relate with young adolescents, experience designing instruction and assessment aligned with MN Math Standards, experience integrating technology into both instruction and learning (SMART Boards, MacBooks, iPads, etc.), training in Responsive Classroom philosophy and strong classroom management skills.

For more information on these and other job openings, or to apply online, please visit www.archspm.org/careers.

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

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By Kristi Anderson For The Catholic Spirit Shawreh Htayliphu, a native of Myanmar — formerly known as Burma — was forced out of his wartorn home in 1995 because government troops had burned down the village where he lived.

He fled to Thailand and lived in a refugee camp until 2009, when he was able to resettle in the United States.

“I left Thailand with about 10 families and a couple of single people,” said Htayliphu, a member of the Karenni ethnic group. “But along the way, different families were sent to different locations. I came to this country alone. . . . I had no friends and no family members at that time.”

Htayliphu first lived in Columbia, Mo., for about eight months before moving to St. Paul, where other Karenni refugees had begun to settle, many becoming parishioners of St. Bernard parish in St. Paul.

After meeting Father Mike Anderson, the church’s pastor, and establishing a relationship with the parish community, Htayliphu, 27, became the refugee liaison and president of the Karenni Youth Conference, comprised of 23 people between the ages of 14 and 23.

The group has a two-fold mission: to welcome and help settle new refugee arrivals, and to help establish an identity as people who contribute to the good of the parish.

Local

Thrift store planned in St. Paul to benefit those in need

Mee Meh, a member of the Karenni Youth Conference at St. Bernard parish in St. Paul, sorts winter boots in the Free Store currently located in a garage at the parish. The conference is working with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to open a new thrift store in the area. Dianne Towalski / The Catholic Spirit The archdiocesan council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a charitable organization that operates thrift stores and food pantries as well as conducts visits to the homes of the poor, announced that it will partner with St. Bernard’s Karenni Youth Conference to open a thrift store and neighborhood ser-

vice center as early as May 2014 to help new arrivals and others in need.

Discerning needs St. Bernard parishioners started a group in late 2005 in order to pray together and study Scripture.

“They then moved forward living out their faith by addressing the needs of their immediate community,” said Ed Koerner, executive director of the local St. Vincent de Paul council.

In 2007, members of the group, Please turn to NEW on page 5A

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What should parents say to kids about clergy sexual abuse?

By Jessica Trygstad The Catholic Spirit Anyone responsible for children knows the delicate balance of nurturer, protector and teacher. But when it comes to what children might hear in the news — recently, the topic of clergy sexual abuse of minors — some parents wonder how to keep them informed while protecting their innocence and not frightening them unnecessarily.

Kathleen McChesney is the former No. 3 official at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as former head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office of Child and Youth Protection. She said parents should know what children are capable of understanding when talking about sensitive topics. Even with young children, it’s important not to dismiss questions, but to give age-appropriate answers.

“Be more positive in nature so as not to scare them; we want to empower them,” said McChesney, who now heads Kinsale Management Consulting, the outside firm the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis hired to review its clergy files.

“The approach depends on the maturity level [of the children].”

Libby Bergman, co-founder of the Family Enhancement Center in Minneapolis, said any approach needs to be done calmly.

“Take some deep breaths, so kids know they can talk about it,” said Bergman, whose agency aims to prevent child abuse, help victims, and build strong, healthy children.

According to Bergman, honesty is the best policy when talking to kids about clergy sexual misconduct. She said informing children that it happens, but that it’s rare, can help them feel secure around people they should be able to trust.

“You want to give them age-appropriate information until they’re satisfied,” Bergman said. “Let kids know that you, as their parent, are making sure they’re in situations where they’re safe.”

Gretchen Thibault, a parishioner at St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony, has children who range in

David Walsh is the founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family, and Mind Positive Parenting. He has written nine books about adolescents, parenting and family life, and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs. He says that in conversations with children of any age, adults should be calm, straightforward and reassuring.

How to talk to children of different ages Young children (3- to 7-year-olds) “Most adults you can trust, but there are some people who have not touched children in a good way. If there is anyone who has done that to you, tell me right away.”

• Make them aware while simultaneously assuring them.

• Make the distinction between a surprise and a secret.

• Make sure they know the difference between good touch and bad touch.

• Use correct terminology when naming body parts, so if anything ever happens, children can explain exactly what’s going on.

• Teach them about private body parts, that they’re special, and no one should ever touch them, except a doctor or parent.

• Don’t exaggerate the horror of sexual abuse, or kids won’t feel comfortable talking about it.

• Affirm them for asking questions.

Middle school-aged • Reiterate good touch, bad touch, appropriate relationships, and to tell an adult if they have ever had an uncomfortable or harmful experience.

• Keep lines of communication open by having frequent, ongoing conversations, not just “a talk.”

• If they have any questions, always feel free to ask.

High school-aged Children this age are likely to ask: “Why didn’t someone do something about this?”

• Explain that even good people make mistakes.

• Talk about the importance of acknowledging those mistakes, taking responsibility and promising to make changes.

• Reiterate the importance of telling you if they’ve been harmed. age from 5 to 19. With her sister, Thibault developed a program to help children understand human sexuality and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

She has addressed the clergy misconduct issue carefully with her 11-year-old. Once they get talking about it, more questions often arise, such as “What do you mean by abuse?”

“I’ve answered in bits and pieces when it has been appropriate,” Thibault said.

Bergman said the younger the

child, the more aware parents need to be. For children age 3 to 10, it doesn’t make sense to bring up the issue specifically.

“Younger children are going to be concrete thinkers,” she said. “At age 5, if you say, ‘A priest did this,’ they might think all priests do this, and would be scared. Younger kids need the reassurance that this isn’t the case. Be clear that you’re looking out for their well-being.”

On the other hand, Bergman said, older kids — who are more likely to hear what’s in the news —

can think more abstractly, so it’s better for parents to have the information ahead of time and correct any misinformation.

“Kids 11 and up, in general, are going to be able to understand it, and it probably won’t be scary to them.”

But regardless of the child’s age, each conversation needs to reiterate that if the child has ever had an uncomfortable experience with someone, even if it happened a long time ago, he or she should tell the parent.

Thibault has told her children there are people who hurt people, and some adults who hurt children in more private ways.

“The ‘why’ is hard to answer,” Thibault said. “I don’t think going into great detail is helpful to them.

And I don’t think it’s helpful to bring it up. There’s an image that doesn’t need to be there for them.”

She tells her children that people who hurt others have an illness, which brings up trusting others.

“I think it’s important for everyone to recognize that there are people in the world who have serious problems and don’t have boundaries,” she said. “We tell our children there’s never anything they can’t talk to mom and dad about — that they won’t get in trouble.”

McChesney said the parent isn’t the only person providing information regarding personal safety.

“These are moments when parents and caregivers [including teachers] can open dialogue,” she said. “Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility.”

The archdiocese has practices and programs that teach children and adults about protection and safety, as well as assistance for advocates and victims.

Bergman hopes the issue of clergy sexual misconduct will spur people to bring up the topic in general.

“It’s not a priest problem,” she said. “[They] are like everyone else in that they can make mistakes, they can make poor choices. It’s important that kids feel safe and are able to tell someone if they’ve been harmed.”

New immigrants among those who will benefit from thrift store Continued from page 5A with programming help from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, began organizing “free stores” in the parish gymnasium on the second Sunday of every month.

“We began giving away food, personal care items, clothing, toys and whatever else we could round up,” said Koerner. “Every month, 150 to 225 families from the parish and the neighborhood began to show up and partake of the ‘free stores.’ ” “With the arrival of a new immigrant population, there are many challenges for people who are beginning to find their way in a new country,” Koerner said. “With this new group being Catholic, they

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

found us.”

St. Bernard’s now has over 450 Karenni families registered as parishioners.

“This has been a welcome moment for our parish,” said Father Anderson, “but a challenging one, too. There are differences in culture, language and expectations.

Trying to bridge the cultures has proved to be a struggle on the part of both the existing parishioners and the new addition of the refugees. But it continues to grow each week.”

“The greatest reward is in knowing that we are doing the work of the Church by welcoming the refugees and making a home for them,” he said.

More than shopping The partnership plans to open a thrift store that will benefit the North End community in St. Paul.

Organizers began searching for properties last summer and are still looking for options. They hope to raise $100,000 through a capital campaign that will kick off in February.

“I hate to use the term ‘thrift store’ because it is so much more than that,” Koerner said. “By putting the shops in poor neighborhoods, working people have easy access to basic items.”

“We also use a voucher system, partnering with over 50 different agencies that send clients to our

stores for household items and to get essential needs,” he said.

“Eventually, the stores become self-sufficient and begin to provide jobs to folks right in the neighborhoods.”

Koerner said the Karenni people are not coming for a handout, but for a better life.

“Not everyone walks around with their hand out,” he said. “This shows us that humanity is still good and that people want to maintain their dignity. They want to give back to the community that has helped them, and they want to be involved and make the neighborhood their home.”

7A

U.S. & World

A girl in Mexico eats a meal provided by the Helping Hands Association and Caritas, the Catholic relief and development organization. Caritas Internationalis launched its campaign against hunger Dec. 10 with a day of worldwide prayer. Nearly 1 billion people — about one in every eight — experienced chronic hunger or undernourishment during 2010-2012, according to Caritas. CNS photo/courtesy of Caritas Internationalis

Pope calls for action against scandal of hunger

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service People must stand united against the scandal of hunger while avoiding food waste and irresponsible use of the world’s resources, Pope Francis said.

People should “stop thinking that our daily actions do not have an impact on the lives of those who suffer from hunger firsthand,” he said in a video message Dec. 9, launching a global campaign of prayer and action against hunger.

Organized by Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based federation of Catholic charities, a global “wave of prayer” against hunger began Dec. 10.

Pope Francis offered his blessing and support for the “One Human Family, Food For All” campaign in a video message released on the eve of the global launch.

With about 1 billion people still suffering from hunger today, “we cannot look the other way and pretend this does not exist,” he said in the message.

There is enough food in the world to feed everyone, he said, but only “if there is the will” to respect the “God-given rights of everyone to have access to adequate food.”

By sharing in Christian charity with those “who face numerous obstacles,” the pope said, “we promote an authentic cooperation with the poor so that, through the fruits of their and our work, they can live a dignified life.”

More resources online More resources for the “One Human Family, Food for All” campaign can be found at crs.org — the website of Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ international relief and development agency.

The site includes Pope Francis’ video message, quotes from Catholic social teaching on hunger and poverty, and ideas to help schools and faith communities to participate in the campaign.

The following is the campaign’s official prayer.

“O God, you entrusted to us the fruits of all creation so that we might care for the earth and be nourished with its bounty.

“You sent us your Son to share our very flesh and blood and to teach us your Law of Love. Through His death and resurrection, we have been formed into one human family.

“Jesus showed great concern for those who had no food – even transforming five loaves and two fish into a banquet that served five thousand and many more.

“We come before you, O God, conscious of our faults and failures, but full of hope, to share food with all members in this global family.

“Through your wisdom, inspire leaders of government and of business, as well as all the world’s citizens, to find just, and charitable solutions to end hunger by assuring that all people enjoy the right to food.

“Thus we pray, O God, that when we present ourselves for Divine Judgment, we can proclaim ourselves as “One Human Family” with “Food for All.” Amen.”

Source: www.caritas.org

Long-term action needed Pope Francis invited all people to act “as one single human family, to give a voice to all of those who suffer silently from hunger, so that this voice becomes a roar which can shake the world.”

The Caritas campaign is also a way to invite people to pay attention to their own food choices, “which often lead to waste and a poor use of the resources available to us,” the pope said.

Caritas Internationalis invited its

164 member organizations and local churches to pray for an end to hunger and malnutrition by acting on a local, national or global level against food waste and in favor of food access and security worldwide.

Caritas is urging Catholics to join the world in praying against hunger, and to engage in long-term action through raising awareness, advocacy, charitable work or other efforts supporting food security.

The right to food is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the “Food For All” launch-date of Dec. 10 marked the U.N.’s Human Rights Day. The Caritas campaign is calling on the United Nations to hold a session on the right to food at its 2015 General Assembly and is asking governments to guarantee the right to food in national legislation.

“We cannot look the other way and pretend this does not exist.”

Pope Francis

People can contact their local Caritas organization for more information or the campaign’s main site at food.caritas.org.

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

U.S. & World

8A in the SPOTLIGHT

Honoring the patroness of the Americas

Pope talks about Marxism, women cardinals, Christmas

Jesus Arias carries a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, as members of Club Los Vaqueros Unidos (United Cowboy Club) of Wadsworth, Ill., make their way past the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Ill., Dec. 8 as part of a pre-celebration for the Dec. 12 feast day. The feast celebrates the appearance of Mary to indigenous peasant St. Juan Diego in 1531 near present-day Mexico City. At his general audience Dec. 11, Pope Francis prayed that Catholics throughout the Americas would open their arms to the poor, to immigrants, to the unborn and to the aged just as Mary opens her arms to all. CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World

WASHINGTON

Senators introduce Marriage and Religious Freedom Act U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), and 11 co-sponsors introduced a measure in the U.S. Senate Dec. 12 that would protect religious organizations from discrimination by the federal government for supporting traditional marriage.

The Marriage and Religious Freedom Act “protects the rights of individuals and organizations from religious discrimination by the federal government,” Lee said in a statement. “Those who believe in the traditional definition of marriage deserve respect and tolerance.

It is critical that we clarify the law to ensure that their fundamental civil liberties are not at risk.”

The measure would bar the government from denying any person or group tax-exempt status for opposing same-sex marriage for religious reasons.

The chairman of two U.S. bishops’ committees — San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, who heads the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, and Baltimore Archbishop William Lori, chairman

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

of the bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, said in a Dec. 12 statement they support the nondiscrimination bill, saying it is necessary because of intolerance of those who believe marriage is between one man and one woman.

VATICAN CITY

Pope: Peace impossible without fraternity based on Christ In his first annual message for the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis writes that peace and social justice are impossible without a spirit of fraternity based on recognition that all men and women are children of God — a relationship fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The nearly 5,000-word message, entitled “Fraternity, the Foundation and Pathway to Peace,” was released by the Vatican Dec. 12 in preparation for the World Day of Peace Jan. 1.

In the message, Pope Francis surveys contemporary attacks on human dignity — including war, economic exploitation, crime, environmental pollution and violations of religious freedom — that

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

Whoever thinks of women as cardinals suffers a bit from clericalism.”

In another wide-ranging interview with an Italian journalist, Pope Francis denied he was a Marxist but said he took no offense at the label; dismissed the notion of women cardinals; and reflected on Christmas as an occasion of joy, tenderness and hope.

The pope made his remarks in an interview with Andrea Tornielli of the Italian daily La Stampa and the website Vatican Insider. The interview was conducted Dec. 10 and published Dec. 14.

“Marxist ideology is wrong, but I have met many Marxists in my life who are good people, so I don’t feel offended” at being branded one, Pope Francis said.

Following the publication of the pope’s apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium,” (“The Joy of the Gospel”) Nov. 26, U.S. radio show host Rush Limbaugh denounced what he called “pure Marxism coming out of the mouth of the pope.”

“There is nothing in the exhortation that cannot be found in the social doctrine of the Church,” the pope said. He acknowledged rejecting what he termed “trickle-down theories” of economic growth, but said such a position “does not mean being a Marxist.”

Asked about the possibility of creating women cardinals, Pope Francis said: “I don’t know where this idea sprang from. Women in the church must be valued, not clericalized.

Committed to ecumenism

he says require awareness and practice of humanity’s brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ.

VATICAN CITY

Pope to set up advisory commission on sexual abuse Pope Francis accepted a proposal to set up a special commission on the sexual abuse of children, which will advise him on ways to prevent abuse and provide pastoral care for victims and their families.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, a member of the pope’s advisory Council of Cardinals, announced the decision at a Vatican briefing for reporters Dec. 5.

The cardinal said the new commission would continue the work of Pope Benedict XVI against clerical sex abuse, and that among its tasks would be to “study the present programs in place for the protection of children, and to come up with suggestions for new initiatives” by the Vatican, in collaboration with national bishops’ conferences and religious orders around the world.

Asked whether the new commission was intended to fill a particu-

The pope reaffirmed his commitment to ecumenism, noting that Christians around the world are already bound together by their common experience of martyrdom.

“Those who kill Christians don’t ask for your identity card to see which church you were baptized in,” he said. “We are united in blood, even though we have not yet managed to take necessary steps toward unity between us, and perhaps the time has not yet come.”

Recalling Pope Paul VI’s historic visit to Jerusalem in 1964, when he met Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople, Pope Francis said the Vatican was preparing for him to mark that event’s 50th anniversary in 2014 with a papal visit to the Holy Land, including a meeting with the current Patriarch Bartholomew.

The pope noted the sufferings of Christians in the Holy Land: “On Christmas night, I think above all of the Christians who live there, of those who are in difficulty, of the many people who have had to leave that land because of various problems.”

Yet he emphasized that, despite the world’s misery, “Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace” and “speaks of tenderness and hope.” lar gap in the church’s response to the problem, the cardinal said the Vatican’s focus so far had been on legal procedures, and that the new body would represent a more pastoral approach.

VATICAN CITY

Mandela recalled as a man who inspired others to uphold dignity Pope Francis joined Church and government leaders from around the world in crediting Nelson Mandela for a steadfast commitment to promoting human rights and upholding the dignity of all people in response to the death Dec. 5 of the former president of South Africa.

In a message to South Africa President Jacob Zuma, Pope Francis said he offered a prayer to assure that Mandela’s efforts to forge a new nation based on nonviolence, reconciliation and truth after the apartheid era “will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations.”

The pontiff also asked God to “console and strengthen all who mourn (Mandela’s) loss.”

9A

Nothing is impossible with God To help readers deepen their experience of the Advent season, The Catholic Spirit is reprinting a series of reflections from Matthew Kelly’s book “Rediscover Advent,” published by Franciscan Media, www. franciscanmedia.org. The following reflection is for the fourth Sunday of Advent.

Meditation

Scripture

The prayer for this week is based on Luke 1:34–35, 37–38: “The angel said to Mary, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’

Then the angel departed from her.”

The birth of Jesus is near, and as we enter this final week of Advent, we reflect on the love of Christ through the experience of Mary, his mother.

Pray: “God of love, as I come to the end of this Advent season, my heart is ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I join with Mary in saying, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Nothing is impossible with you, O God.”

What is God’s will for me? What implications does this have for my life right now, and on my efforts to live an authentic life?

Prayer

• Isaiah 7:10–14 • Romans 1:1–7 • Matthew 1:18–24 “Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith — to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.”

Romans 16:25–27

Reflection The authentic life begins with the simple desire to be who God created us to be and cooperate with God by playing the part he has designed for us in human history.

The adventure of salvation begins when we stop asking, “What’s in it for me?” and turn humbly to God in our hearts and ask, “How may I serve? What work

do you wish for me to do with my life? What is your will for my life?”

Every generation turns its back on God in its own way. Our modern era has revolted violently against the idea of “God’s will.”

Desperate to maintain the illusion of being in control of their lives, many modern Christians have either turned their backs on God or created a new spiritual rhetoric that allows them to determine selectively God’s will for their lives.

And, yet, it is the very surrendering of our own will to God’s designs that characterizes

the whole Christian struggle. The spiritual life is primarily concerned with this single dynamic of turning our individual will over to God. God doesn’t call you to live an authentic life in order to stifle or control you. He invites you to live an authentic life so that, from an infinite number of possibilities, you can become the best version of yourself. By calling you to live an authentic life, God is saying, “Be all I create you to be.”

Hearing Tests Set for Senior Citizens Announcement — Free electronic hearing tests will be given all next week Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.

The tests have been arranged for anyone who suspects they are not hearing clearly.

People who generally feel they can hear, but cannot understand words clearly are encouraged to come in for the test, which uses the latest electronic equipment.

Everyone, especially those over age 55 should have an electronic hearing test once

a year. Demonstrations of the latest devices to improve clarity of speech will be programmed using a computer to your particular needs — on the spot — after the tests.

See (and HEAR) for yourself if newlydeveloped methods of correction will help you understand words better.

Tests will be performed at one of 20 convenient Greater Twin Cities Avada Hearing Care locations.

Call 1-877-328-9161

www.avada.com ©2013 HHM, Inc. 304

— Matthew Kelly

Focus on Faith • Advent

Fourth Sunday of Advent — Dec. 22

“Rediscover Advent” features reflections and meditations for every day of the Advent season and can be used by individuals as well as groups.

To order the book, visit www. franciscanmedia.org, click on “online catalog” and type “Rediscover Advent” in the search box.

If you have been abused or victimized by someone representing the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, we want to hear from you.

We are here to offer you help and healing. We will also help you make a formal complaint of abuse to this Archdiocese or assist you in contacting another archdiocese/diocese/eparchy.

Please call me, Greta Sawyer, on my confidential phone line, 651.291.4497, or email me at sawyerg@archspm.org.

TheCatholicSpirit.com

Remember that story you read in The Catholic Spirit last month? Last year?

Have total recall. Search “ARCHIVES”at TheCatholicSpirit.com

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Focus on Faith • Scriptures

10A SUNDAY SCRIPTURES

For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her” (Matthew 1:20).

Deacon Sam Wagner

Don’t be afraid to take Mary into your home We are Christians because we have encountered Jesus Christ and said yes to his will.

But who was the first Christian?

Was it St. Peter, our first pope?

Maybe it was St. John the Baptist who leaped in his mother’s womb at the presence of Jesus at the Visitation?

The answer lies in the first Joyful Mystery of the rosary, the Annunciation.

The Blessed Virgin Mary was the first Christian because she was the first human being to encounter Jesus Christ and accept him as her Lord and Savior.

So total was this encounter that Jesus made himself present physically in her womb. Mary gave her “fiat,” her yes, to be totally receptive to God’s plan for her. His

will was her will. This is why she responded: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

This “yes” is the answer to the question all God’s children are asked when we encounter Jesus Christ. “Will you accept this gift of myself?” “Will you accept my will for you?” “Will you accept this gift of salvation, of life eternal?”

And the Christian emphatically responds: Yes!

Joseph, being a faithful and righteous man, immediately obeyed God’s will for him and took Mary into his home.

Joseph then, is the first recipient of Mary’s intercession, for it is through Mary that he received the Messiah into his home.

Sometimes people like to lightheartedly say that they feel sorry for Joseph since he was the only person in the Holy Family not to be immaculately conceived. But in truth, Joseph could not have had it any better! What better place could someone be than to live so close to the Savior himself and his own mother?

By inviting Mary into our daily lives, we, too, can experience the joy of St. Joseph when he realized that Mary brings with her the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Let us then imitate St. Joseph who was so greatly blessed by living in the presence of Mary and Jesus. Let us, like St. Joseph, not be afraid to take Mary into our home.

Deacon Wagner is in formation for the priesthood at St. Paul Seminary for the Diocese of New Ulm. His home parish is St. Mary in Sleepy Eye, and his teaching parish is St. Bernard in St. Paul.

If the goal is holiness, then this is where we want to be, right next to Jesus and Mary.

Doing God’s will

So how can we live like St. Joseph in the presence of Jesus and Mary? Simple: by prayer.

In our Gospel this weekend, we hear the story of St. Joseph and his encounter with the angel of the Lord in a dream: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.

We can simply call on the names of Jesus and Mary and know they are with us. We can be “in their presence” just by remembering their love for us and by sharing the desires of our hearts with them.

Readings Sunday, Dec. 22 Fourth Sunday of Advent • Isaiah 7:10-14 • Romans 1:1-7 • Matthew 1:18-24

Reflection What can I do today to make Mary a bigger part of my spiritual life? My daily life?

A stained-glass window shows Jesus, Mary and Joseph on their flight into Egypt.

CNS/Crosiers

DAILY Scriptures Sunday, Dec. 22 Fourth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 7:10-14 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24

Matthew 1:1-25 Wednesday, Dec. 25 The Nativity of the Lord Isaiah 52:7-10 Hebrews 1:1-6 John 1:1-18

Monday, Dec. 23 St. John of Kanty, priest Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Luke 1:57-66

Thursday, Dec. 26 St. Stephen, the first martyr Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 Matthew 10:17-22

Tuesday, Dec. 24 Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord Isaiah 62:1-5 Acts 13:16-17, 22-25

Friday, Dec. 27 St. John, apostle, evangelist 1 John 1:1-4 John 20:1a, 2-8

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Saturday, Dec. 28 The Holy Innocents, martyrs 1 John 1:5-2:2 Matthew 2:13-18 Sunday, Dec. 29 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Colossians 3:12-21 Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Monday, Dec. 30 Sixth day within the octave of the Nativity of the Lord 1 John 2:12-17 Luke 2:36-40

Tuesday, Dec. 31 Seventh day within the octave of the Nativity of the Lord 1 John 2:18-21 John 1:1-18 Wednesday, Jan. 1 The octave day of the Nativity of the Lord: Mary, the holy mother of God Numbers 6:22-27 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21 Thursday, Jan. 2 Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops, doctors of the Church

John 2:22-28 John 1:19-28 Friday, Jan. 3 The most holy name of Jesus John 2:29–3:6 John 1:29-34 Saturday, Jan. 4 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious John 3:7-10 John 1:35-42 Sunday, Jan. 5 The Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

Cathedral of Saint Paul

St. Albert the Great Church

All Saints Catholic Church

239 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul www.cathedralsaintpaul.org Christmas Eve: 5 p.m. Christmas Vigil Mass with Choristers of the Cathedral Choir School 10:45 p.m. Office of Readings in Solemn Vigil (precedes Midnight Mass) Christmas Day: 12:00 Midnight Mass with Cathedral Choir 8 a.m. Mass with Cantor 9:00 a.m. Mass at the Saint Vincent de Paul Campus, 651 Virginia St. 10 a.m. Mass with Cathedral Choir 12:00 Noon Mass with Cantor

E. 29th St. and 32nd Ave. S., Minneapolis (612) 724-3643 www.saintalbertthegreat.org Christmas Eve: 5 p.m. (children’s Mass), 10 p.m. (candlelight Mass) Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

New Years Day: 10 a.m.

19795 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville Keeping Christ in Christmas Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Holy Day of Obligation) Christmas Eve: 4, 4:15 p.m. (Murphy Hall); 6 p.m., 12 a.m. (midnight) Christmas Day: 9, 11 a.m.

Solemnity of Mary: (Holy Day of Obligation) New Year’s Eve: 5:30 p.m.

New Year’s Day: 9, 11 a.m.

Church of St. Jerome 380 E. Roselawn Ave., Maplewood www.stjerome-church.org Christmas Eve Masses: 4, 10 p.m.

Christmas Day Masses: 8:30, 10:30 a.m.

New Year’s Day: 9 a.m.

The Community of The Church of the Holy Cross

in N.E. Minneapolis invites you to celebrate Christmas with us

The Church of the Holy Cross

Christmas Eve: 4:00 p.m., midnight, (Music begins at 11:30) Christmas Day: 8, 10 a.m. (English), 11:30 a.m. (Polish)

St. Clement

Christmas Eve: 8 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9, 10:30 a.m.

St. Hedwig Christmas Eve: 5 p.m.

Christmas Day: 8:30, 10 a.m.

Church of St. Therese of Deephaven 18323 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven Christmas Eve: 4, 6, 10 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

New Years Day: 9 a.m.

Blessings to you this Christmas Season and throughout the New Year!

Church of the Holy Spirit 515 S. Albert Street, St. Paul Tuesday, December 24 Nativity of the Lord Vigil 4 p.m. Prelude featuring Children’s Choir 4:30 p.m. Anticipatory Mass 9:30 p.m. Prelude Featuring Traditional Choir 10 p.m. Anticipatory Mass Wednesday, December 25 Nativity of the Lord 8:30, 10:30 a.m. Mass Tuesday, December 31 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Vigil: 5:30 p.m. Anticipatory Mass Wednesday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: 9:00 a.m. Mass Saturday, Jan. 4 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Vigil: 4:30 p.m. Anticipatory Mass Sunday, Jan. 5 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: 8:30, 10:30 a.m. Mass For unto us a child is born, a son is given

O Come Let Us Adore Him

St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church 602 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Office: 612-379-2758 www.stmaron.com Christmas Eve/Children’s Christmas Liturgy: 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Christmas Liturgy: 10:15 a.m.

All are welcome

Our Lady of Peace 54th St. and 12th Ave. in South Minneapolis Christmas Eve: 5, 9:30 p.m.; Carols start 9 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God: Tuesday, January 1 Mass: 10 a.m. followed by brunch

Church of Saint Paul 1740 Bunker Lake Blvd. NE, Ham Lake Christmas Eve: 4:30, 11 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9:30 a.m.

May Jesus be born in your heart this Christmas filling the New Year with Peace

St. Casimir Church St. Patrick Church The cluster parishes on the eastside of St. Paul invite you to join us for the Christmas celebration.

Christmas Eve: 4, 11 p.m. at St. Casimir 4:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Christmas Day: 10 a.m. at St. Casimir 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick

The Basilica of Saint Mary

525 Jackson St., Anoka (763) 421-2471 www.ststephenchurch.org Christmas Eve: 4, 5:30 p.m., (7:30 p.m. Spanish), Midnight Christmas Day: 8, 9:30, 11 a.m., (12:30 p.m. Spanish) Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: December 31 at 5 p.m. (7:30 p.m. Spanish) January 1 at 9:30, 11 a.m. (12:30 p.m. Spanish) May this Christmas season be a special time of grace and blessing!

Hennepin Ave. at North Sixteenth St. Minneapolis www.mary.org 612-333-1381 Christmas Eve: Vigil Eucharist 4, 6:30, 8:30 p.m.

Choral Music for Christmas at 11 p.m.

Vigil of Lights at 11:30 p.m.

Midnight Solemn Eucharist Christmas Day: Eucharist at dawn 7:30 a.m.

Solemn Eucharist 9:30 a.m., Noon Eucharist 4:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Pax Christi Catholic Community

St. Stephen’s Catholic Church

One Lourdes Place, Minneapolis Christmas Eve: 4, 10 p.m.

Carols begin at 3:30, 9:30 p.m.

Christmas Day: 8:30, 11 a.m.

Carols begin at 10:30 a.m.

Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!

Nativity of Our Lord 324 S. Prior Ave., St. Paul Christmas Eve Masses: 4 p.m. main church and school auditorium, 6 p.m., midnight Christmas Day Masses: 7, 8:15, 11 a.m.

God’s Blessing on you this Christmas!

12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie Christmas Eve: 4, 6, 8, 10 p.m.

Lessons and Carols: 9:30 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9, 11 a.m. www.paxchristi.com

St. Vincent de Paul 9100 93rd Ave. N., Brooklyn Park Christmas Eve: 4, 6, 10 p.m.

Christmas Day: 7:30, 9, 11 a.m.

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Wednesday, Jan. 1: 9 a.m.

Father Treacy, Father Magner and the staff wish you a Holy and Blessed Christmas

Focus on Faith • Christmas

12A

Christmas

poster contest winners

Clayton Rung Grade: 3 Age: 9 School: Epiphany School, Coon Rapids Parish: Epiphany, Coon Rapids

The Catholic Spirit asked youths in grades kindergarten to 12 to create Christmas posters by completing the phrase, “I unwrap the real gift of Christmas when . . .” and then drawing a picture. The 405 entries came from across the archdiocese and were judged by a panel of Catholic Spirit staff members, who chose winners in four categories: grades 3 and under, grades 4-6, grades 7-9 and grades 10-12.

Entries were judged for artistic skill, creativity and reproducibility.

Each winner receives a $50 Target gift card.

Geraldine Lagunas Grade: 5 School: St. Bernard School, Cologne Parish: St. Bernard, Cologne

Austin Feenstra Grade: 11 Age: 16 School: Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, Plymouth Parish: St. Raphael, Crystal

Catherine Link Grade: 9 Age: 14 School: Convent of the Visitation School, Mendota Heights Parish: St. Joseph, West St. Paul December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

13A

Parishioners and members of several surrounding communities braved temperatures around zero degrees to see a live Nativity performance at St. Joseph in Miesville Dec. 15. The every-other-year event featured three performances with different casts and was followed by a sloppy joe dinner.

Photos by Dianne Towalski • The Catholic Spirit Above, Ben and Amber Flueger portray Mary and Joseph in the first of the three performances.

Father Fernando Ortega, pastor of St. Joseph parish, leads the procession of the three kings.

Seminarian Grant Lacey and parishioner Tom Howell followed.

Focus on Faith • Christmas

Bringing the Christmas spirit to life

Left, Six-year-old Julian Rezac from Hastings took an interest in the live animals assembled for the performance.

Celebrate Christmas Liturgy at

St. Catherine University Our Lady of Victory Chapel

December 22

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Mass at 10:30 a.m.

December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE

Lessons and Carols at 4:30 p.m.

Mass at 5 p.m.

December 29

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY Mass at 10:30 a.m.

January 5

FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY Mass at 10:30 a.m.

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December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Focus on Faith • Seeking Answers

14A SEEKING ANSWERS Father Kenneth Doyle

What is the Divine Office?

Fulton Sheen a saint?

Q. I am an 82-year-old

woman who lives alone. I would like very much to have a deeper relationship with God. I pray and meditate on the rosary and, although I have several booklets with devotional prayers in them, those prayers seem to be very short and not enough to satisfy me. I have heard of the Liturgy of the Hours and the Divine Office, but I am not familiar with them. Do they require that certain prayers be recited at particular hours in the day? (I still have to run errands, go grocery shopping, etc., and wonder whether I could keep to a specific regulated schedule.)

A. The Liturgy of the Hours,

the Divine Office and the breviary all refer to the same thing: namely, an official set of prayers that is required to be recited by members of the Catholic clergy and monastic communities.

Consisting of psalms, hymns and readings, they are part of the public prayer life of the Church and are offered at various times to sanctify the day. The Divine Office has a long history in the Church.

The earliest Christians tended to continue the Jewish practice of reciting prayers at certain hours of the day and night.

With the reform of Pope Paul VI following the Second Vatican

Council, the Liturgy of the Hours consists of morning prayer, daytime prayer (divided into midmorning, midday or mid-afternoon), evening prayer and night prayer.

Monastic communities gather in their chapel at certain times throughout the day, while secular clergy tend to pray the office individually, fitting it at their own convenience into their other pastoral responsibilities.

I admire your desire for a deeper prayer life and encourage your efforts. I believe, though, that to take on the entire Divine Office might become too burdensome for you. What many of the laity have found helpful instead, and what I would recommend, is a publication called Magnificat (you can request it via this toll-free telephone number: 1-866-273-5215).

You are mailed a monthly booklet, which, for each day, includes morning prayer, evening prayer and the Mass texts for that day, together with some brief additional devotional readings.

The entire text can be read and prayed in about 20 minutes, and it can be done at any point in the

day, depending on your schedule.

Q. About 10 years ago, I read an article in our Catholic newspaper about the possibility of Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s becoming a saint. Since then, though, I have heard nothing further. Could you tell me where that process stands now?

A. In June 2012, Archbishop Fulton Sheen was declared “venerable” by the Vatican. This means that he is considered to have been of “heroic virtue” and is worthy of imitation. The next step on the road to sainthood is beatification, which requires one miracle through that person’s intercession.

The media-savvy Sheen won the hearts of many Americans with his television show, “Life Is Worth Living.” It ran from 1952 to 1957 and, at its peak, had 10 million weekly viewers.

Father Doyle writes for Catholic News Service. A priest of the Diocese of Albany, N.Y., he previously served as director of media relations for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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15A

This Catholic Life

Pope Francis greets the crowd last month as he arrives to lead a general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. CNS photo/Paul Haring

Three lessons from ‘The Gospel of Joy’

By Jennifer Manning Catholic News Agency Pope Francis is a master teacher for today’s world. He has a knack for summing up sagacious teachings in 140 characters or less, he organizes the main ideas of his homilies and teachings in groups of three to make them easy to follow and remember, and he gets the attention of his “students” by living Christ’s message in an exceedingly radical way.

Who better to look to, then, as a model for effectively teaching the Catholic faith?

I’ve spent the last few days poring over “Evangelii Gaudium” and frankly, I have been overwhelmed by the magnitude of this apostolic exhortation.

As someone who teaches about the Church and the Gospels and morality for a living, I felt incredibly humbled and challenged by “The Joy of the Gospel.” I decided to take a page out of the pope’s playbook and to try to summarize three key lessons about teaching that I gleaned from “The Joy of the Gospel.”

Lesson No. 1: Be a joyful messenger “As for the moral component of catechesis, which promotes growth in fidelity to the Gospel way of life, it is helpful to stress again and again the attractiveness and the ideal of a life of wisdom, self-fulfillment and enrichment. In the light of that positive message, our rejection of the evils which endanger that life can be better understood.

Rather than experts in dire predictions, dour judges bent on rooting out every threat and deviation, we should appear as joyful messengers of challenging proposals, guardians of the goodness and beauty which shine forth in a life of fidelity to the Gospel.” (168, emphasis added) As I read this paragraph, the phrase “joyful messenger” played repeatedly in my mind. A messenger I am, on a good day, but a joyful one?

Am I a joyful messenger?

Admittedly, mainstream culture makes it difficult to pitch the Catholic lifestyle as an “attractive” one. Don’t get me wrong, I love being Catholic, but the Catholic faith is so radically counter-cultural that at times even my own family members look at me like I’m crazy.

There are many days when I feel discouraged and run-down by the struggle for religious liber-

ty, the seeming complacency with regard to respect for human life and human dignity, and stories of horrific poverty and war. Some days I find myself explaining a particular teaching or doctrine almost reluctantly, apologetically.

In spite of it all, how am I called to be a joyful messenger of the Gospel?

I can be a joyful messenger by acknowledging that the Gospel is challenging. Christ’s teachings call me beyond myself, beyond my own notions of good and evil, of right and wrong. I can acknowledge, with my students, that the Gospel is challenging and that we are all on a path to understanding. I can remind them of Tom Hanks’ character in “A League of their Own,”— “It’s supposed to be hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it.”

I don’t know that Catholic moral teaching is supposed to be hard. I’m sure it wasn’t intended to be. But the reality is, living the Gospel can be an incredible challenge. So often I wish that I could sugar coat the message, explain that there are exceptions to every rule. But most days I like that as a teacher of Catholic morality, I’m not in control of the message — I am responsible for the delivery. Which brings me to Lesson No. 2: Lesson No. 2: The No. 1 lesson is that Jesus Christ loves you Lest I ever lose sight of what my job as a catechist is truly, Pope Francis is clear: “On the lips of the catechist the first proclamation must ring out over and over: ‘Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.’ . . . It is the principal proclamation, the one which we must hear again and again in different ways, the one which we must announce one way or another throughout the process of catechesis, at every level and moment.” (164, emphasis added) That, right there, is the lesson above all other lessons. Cardinal Timothy Dolan remarked recently, “If they fall in love with Jesus and the Church, then we can begin to do a lot of the conversion and the tough moral teaching.”

The point is not that the moral teachings are not important — they are — it’s just that the primary message is necessarily Christ’s love for us.

Is that not the beauty of Catholicism? That “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)? If we

know and are assured of the fact that Christ loves us even in our sinfulness, we can begin to trust in his commandments, in his teachings, in his will for us.

If my students leave my classroom and cannot quote the catechism, but they are assured that Jesus loves them and is with them in every moment and in every struggle, then I have done my job. The Holy Spirit will take it from there.

Lesson No. 3: Live the joy of the Gospel 167: “Proclaiming Christ means showing that to believe in and to follow him is not only something right and true, but also something beautiful, capable of filling life with new splendor and profound joy, “If we know and are even in the midst of difficulties.” (emphasis added) assured of the fact that This reminds me of the Christ loves us even in adage, “You can preach a better sermon with your our sinfulness, we can life than with your lips.”

Somehow, the job of a begin to trust in his catechist is to convey that to follow Christ, to obey commandments, in his Christ’s teachings, will lead one to a profound teachings, in his will for joy, even in the midst of great difficulties. The only us.” means to effectively do this is to live one’s own Jennifer Manning life in the joy of Christ.

Pope Francis himself is a paragon of the joy that can come only from a radical love for Christ.

Many are captivated by his antics — taking the very first papal “selfie” with a group of teens, posing with a newlywed couple wearing a clown nose to raise awareness for a charity, and casually continuing with his address while a young boy clung to his leg in St. Peter’s Square.

The pope has caught the world off guard with his joy and his authenticity. He guides the faithful to the truth that Christ is the true master teacher. It is imperative that we remember that living the Gospel with joy is more important than teaching the Gospel.

Manning is a Catholic schoolteacher in Massachusetts and volunteer with Catholic Voices USA.

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

This Catholic Life • Commentary

16A EDITORIAL Joe Towalski

At Christmas Mass, give the gift of hospitality You can count on two things when you arrive at church for Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day: The pews will be more crowded than usual, and there will be a lot of new faces sitting among the regulars you see there every week.

Christmas, like Easter, is a time when churches host an array of visitors, including out-of-town guests as well as those who may only come to Mass a few times each year. There may even be a first-timer or two among the worshipers.

How you interact with these folks stands to make a lasting impression on at least what some of them think about the parish and, more broadly, the Church itself.

Evangelizing opportunity Hospitality is an important part of our Catholic tradition and it’s been a key theme of Pope Francis’ pontificate. Most recently, in his

apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel,” he wrote that the Church must be a place where “everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.”

We should be creating a hospitable atmosphere every Sunday for each person who walks through the church’s doors. But Christmastime affords a special opportunity to make people feel welcome and wanted.

During a recent interview on “The Rediscover: Hour” on Relevant Radio, Conventual Franciscan Father Richard Kaley, pastor of St. Bonaventure in Bloomington, highlighted a few, small things Catholics can do at Mass in that regard: • When you take your seat in church, move to the center of the pew to make room for others so they don’t have to climb over you.

FAITH IN THE PUBLIC ARENA Jason Adkins

Finishing prison sentence should bring back voting rights The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church states that “participation in community life is not only one of the greatest aspirations of the citizen, called to exercise freely and responsibly his civic role with and for others, but is also one of the pillars of all democratic orders and one of the major guarantees of the permanence of democratic life.” (CSDC 190.)

Many would say that voting is one of the most important ways individuals participate in the civic life of society.

Yet in Minnesota, there are tens of thousands of people living in the community, working to earn a wage to support their families, and paying taxes, who are unable to vote.

These are Minnesotans who have been convicted of felonies and thereby lost the right to vote until they have completed their entire sentence; or even those who only underwent any term of community supervision without spending any time in prison or served only a short jail sentence.

For three main reasons, the Min-

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

nesota Catholic Conference supports legislation introduced this session (HF 491/SF 107) that restores voting rights to disenfranchised Minnesotans who are no longer incarcerated. This reform: 1) gives Minnesotans with criminal convictions a stake in the community and in decisions that affect their lives; 2) helps foster political participation of minority communities disproportionately affected by the current system; and 3) decreases the likelihood that offenders will be arrested again.

Beyond punishment Catholics often hear the word “solidarity.” Solidarity is defined as “social friendship.” (CSDC 103.) In their document, “Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Responsibility” (2000), the U.S. Catholic bishops declared that in matters of criminal justice, “[s]olidarity calls us to insist on responsibility and seek alternatives that do not simply punish, but rehabilitate, heal, and restore.”

The bishops encouraged lawmak-

CNS photo/Daniel Sone • Greet them with a smile, and wish them a “Merry Christmas.”

• Introduce yourself. You may see them again sometime, and it’s nice to be able to put a name with a face.

A personal greeting makes people feel welcome.

And, if you’re a pastor, consider taking a few extra moments before and after Mass to wish people a blessed Christmas and invite them to come back the next week. At one parish in the archdiocese, the pastor ends every Mass by telling the people they are always welcome there. At another, the pastor stands outside after Mass, greeting people, thanking them for coming and telling them he will

see them next week.

ers to redirect the vast amount of public resources away from building more prisons and toward better and more effective programs aimed at crime prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Though Minnesota has been a leader in developing alternatives to incarceration, such as the use of parole and probation programs, nevertheless, many barriers still exist that prevent Minnesotans with a felony conviction from fully participating in the life of the community.

One such barrier is in the area of voting. In 2011, of the 63,000 Minnesotans who were unable to vote due to a past criminal conviction, only about 16,000 were still serving prison or jail time.

feelings of empowerment that will help to lessen feelings of disconnection and frustration that can contribute to future crime.

Research has shown that persons with criminal convictions in their past are less likely to be arrested again in states that restore voting rights after release from incarceration than in states where they face permanent disenfranchisement.

Additionally, restoring voting rights not only empowers those currently working to re-join society, but it also has the potential to empower future generations. Research indicates that children are more likely to vote as adults if they are raised by parents who engage in the voting process.

Finally, many law enforcement and corrections professionals agree that restoring voting rights after incarceration makes sense. A policy that permits voting for all individuals who have served their time in jail or prison reduces confusion among voters and election officials about who can vote, thereby easing election administration and reducing government costs.

Restoring the right to vote for those living in the community will positively engage more people in the democratic process, make the law clear and save resources, and ultimately make our communities safer and more just.

Restoring stakeholders Minnesota should pass legislation to allow people who have served their time and are living in their community to vote. By moving to this model, Minnesota will join 13 states that disenfranchise only those persons who are incarcerated for a felony conviction.

This reform will promote successful reintegration into the community, as voting can be a powerful, concrete, and symbolic way to contribute to one’s community and to feel invested and empowered to play a positive role. Fuller integration of people into their community and involvement in civic life logically results in stronger ties and

Most pastors know that a little hospitality can go a long way — especially at Christmas and especially for someone who may be considering a return to the Church after being away for a while.

Be friendly, be welcoming.

They’re small gestures, but they contribute to a good experience of liturgy and parish community.

And, the gestures also may plant a seed among some to take the next step in their faith life and make an intentional effort to grow closer to Christ and his Church — not just one or two days a year, but every day of the year.

Adkins is executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference.

17A

Sharon Wilson

‘Just one life’ can make an incredible impact Sometimes I can remember it like it just happened yesterday.

I put my daughter down to sleep after feeding her and went to warm a bottle for my son. When I left, he was sleeping peacefully. When I returned, he was dead.

Ninety seconds was all the time that I was gone. Ninety seconds and he was gone.

Courtney and Jordan were our long-awaited twins. Courtney is now 20 years old, but her twin brother left this world on April 5, 1993. At only three weeks old, he was just an infant, and one may wonder what impact an infant can make in our lives. Or, what difference can any one life make — whether before or after birth?

After all, it’s just one life.

Comforting those in need Pope Francis said recently: “I see clearly that the thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity.”

As Catholics and people of life,

we are called to draw close to parents who have lost a child and provide care and comfort to their aching hearts.

In recent years, the Church has made great strides in helping these families. Recognition of the life of the child in the womb and honoring that child with memorial services such as the archdiocesan “Mass for God’s Children” not only help families with the grieving process, they also help to solidify the worth of every human being.

Recently, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops developed a special rite for the “Blessing of the Child in the Womb.” This special blessing for the child is a source of comfort for mothers and families, especially if they are in a high-risk pregnancy. Many parishes are starting to include this blessing into their liturgical life.

Other parish efforts like Divine Mercy church’s Garden of Mercy project in Faribault feature a special naming memorial where parents can honor the life of their child no matter how short.

This future garden, adjacent to

SOCIAL CONCERNS Kathy Tomlin

The joy of the Gospel The joy of the Gospel is revealed in all kinds of big and small ways during this time of the year. Many of us frequently experience the joy of giving, the joy of receiving and the holiday joy of being surrounded by friends and family.

Pope Francis in his apostolic letter “The Joy of the Gospel” calls us to experience this joy by engaging in two issues that he labels “fundamental at this time in history” because they will “shape the future of humanity.” These issues are the inclusion of the poor in society and peace and social dialogue.

Leaving no one out Catholic Charities believes that ending poverty and creating opportunity should be our vision for the community in which we work and live. Think of the overwhelming joy that we would experience as a people if we could actually create a

world of promise and opportunity where no one is left out.

The season of Christmas would probably look much different if we took ourselves to this task. Right now, the holidays can be hard on people who live in poverty and struggle to make ends meet. But the holidays are only a bit more difficult than the rest of the year. Living in poverty just doesn’t make for a whole lot of joy year round.

Depending on the charity of others — even when joyfully given and received — isn’t the same as really being included in society. Real inclusion would mean that everyone had the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families.

As Pope Francis has written: “We are not simply talking about ensuring nourishment or a ‘dignified sustenance’ for all people but also their ‘general temporal welfare and prosperity.’ This means education, ac-

the church, will offer a place of healing for the family that grieves the loss of a child, whether through miscarriage or abortion or after birth. Parents will be able to place the name of their child on a small stone thereby honoring that child and elevating the significance of each life. (If you are interested in contributing to the Garden of Mercy Project, contact Marcia at 507334-2266.)

Learning how to love Blessing a child in the womb, grieving the loss of a miscarriage, honoring a child through a naming memorial — all of these efforts help to combat society’s insistence on evaluating the worth of a persons’ life based on what they can do.

My son Jordan couldn’t do much of anything; he ate, slept and soiled his diapers. He did nothing of significance, but he taught me how to love. His one life taught me the cess to health care and, above all, employment, for it is through free, creative, participatory and mutually supportive labor that human beings express and enhance the dignity of their lives.”

‘Artisans of their destiny’ Vanessa found herself living at Catholic Charities’ Dorothy Day Women’s Shelter after four members of her family passed away.

These losses, along with health issues left her reeling and without a place to call home.

She is working to move past her losses and focus on gains. She attends physical therapy and hopes to soon be strong enough to return to work as a personal care attendant. She said she wants to get back to helping others, but she’s not sure if that will happen.

“I can accept whatever God has planned for me. Maybe I can still volunteer,” she said. “I want to encourage and help others as they struggle and strive. My dad always said if there is something you don’t like, then change it. I’m working on changing it,” Vanessa said.

When men and women who work full time are sleeping at the Dorothy Day Center because there is insufficient affordable housing, the poor are not truly being includ-

pain of loss and, in some way, he taught me about the love of Christ and his suffering on the cross.

How can someone as insignificant as a baby change my life? How can someone as insignificant as a baby change the world?

There is no better time to reflect on the gift of a child than Advent, as we are longing and looking for that One Life entering into the world for our salvation. It is significant that Christ came as a baby who couldn’t do much of anything: he ate, slept and soiled his diapers.

This Catholic Life • Commentary

GUEST COLUMN

As you prepare for the coming of Christ, reach out to those who may have lost a child, help someone realize the significance of their own life, and reflect on the gift that just one life is in this world.

Wilson is respect life coordinator for the archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Life. ed. When families struggle to put food on the table and to provide a home, they often must sacrifice a workforce-level education for their teenagers, knowing their sons and daughters stand to be excluded from a living-wage job.

When those with mental health issues are unable to access community mental health services because they are unavailable or transportation is an obstacle, they can become a danger to themselves and to others. The whole community is poorer when people are denied their basic needs.

We can change this. Reminding us of Pope Paul VI, Pope Francis suggests that we meditate on the joy we would experience if all people were to become artisans of their destiny.

To be an artisan one needs encouragement, tools and opportunity.

Perhaps these are the best gifts that could be given this holiday season. Knowing those who are struggling is an important first step in encouraging dreams, recognizing the need for tools and the responsibility of the community to offer opportunity.

Tomlin is vice president for social justice advocacy for Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Visit the agency’s website at www. cctwincities.org.

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Faith & Culture

18A

Hollywood bringing Bible-themed films to the big screen

By Kurt Jensen Catholic News Service The long-standing charge against Hollywood by people of faith is that Tinseltown doesn’t take believers seriously when it comes to film fare.

But with a fistful of biblical epics ready to roll out nationwide in 2014 and even beyond, there will be plenty of evidence to test that assumption.

First up on the big screen next year is “Son of God” (Fox, Feb. 28) based on “The Bible,” last year’s TV ratings hit for the History cable channel. Directed by Christopher Spencer and using additional footage from the 10-part miniseries, it’s a life of Christ with Diogo Morgado as Jesus and Roma Downey as his mother, Mary.

Moses will certainly get his due in 2014. Just one such treatment is “Exodus” (Fox), already with a Dec. 12, 2014 premiere date penciled in.

It’s director Ridley Scott’s big-budget retelling of the saga of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt and Moses’ role in leading them to the Promised Land.

The movie stars Christian Bale as Moses, Aaron Paul as Joshua, Joel Edgerton as Ramses, Sigourney Weaver as Tuya (Ramses’ mother) and Indira Varma as Miriam. Scott is using locations in Spain to fill in for ancient Egypt.

In the development pipeline at Warner Bros. is “Gods and Kings,” a still-vague project that has only received recent attention because Steven Spielberg dropped out as director, and was replaced by Ang Lee. In this one, Moses may or may not be portrayed as some sort of action hero, depending on which unreliable website one chooses to visit. Wouldn’t delivering the Ten Commandments and parting the Red Sea more or less qualify him for

Diogo Morgado stars in a scene from the movie “Son of God.” The film is one of several biblical epics Hollywood is expected to release in coming weeks. CNS photo/Fox that title, anyway?

The stone tablets are coming to TV as well. Producer Harvey Weinstein, a co-founder of Miramax Films, just announced plans for a 10-part “Ten Commandments” — one episode per commandment — using big-name directors such as Wes Craven and Lee Daniels.

Other films, with their announced release dates: • “Noah” (Paramount, March 28). Russell Crowe as the builder of the ark, Anthony Hopkins as Methuselah, and a big floating zoo of computer-generated animals, presumably boarding two by two. Directed by Darren Aronofsky with Emma Watson as Ila, Noah’s adopted daughter, and Jennifer Connelly as Naameh, Noah’s wife.

• “Heaven Is for Real” (TriStar, April 16). Greg Kinnear and Kelly Reilly, directed by Randall Wallace,

star as Todd and Sonja Burpo, based on Todd’s best-selling book about his son Colton’s glimpse of heaven as the result of a near-death experience during surgery. Connor Corum plays the revivified lad.

• “Mary” (Lionsgate, next December). Odeya Rush takes on the role of Mary escaping from King Herod along with husband Joseph.

Ben Kingsley plays Herod. It’s directed by Alister Grierson.

• “Pontius Pilate” (Warner Bros., 2015). Brad Pitt as Christ’s Roman judge. Pilate has received his own story a few times, but typically, as in the Gospels, he’s a supporting character.

He’s previously been portrayed

by Telly Savalas, Richard Boone, David Bowie and — memorably —

by Australian actor Frank Thring in 1959’s “Ben-Hur.” Thring played the governor of Judea as a snivel-

ing, world-weary oaf. Pitt’s last costume epic was “Troy” in 2004.

• “The Redemption of Cain” (Sony, 2015). Listed here because the film, directed by Will Smith, is supposed to be loosely based on the story of Cain and Abel. It also involves vampires, but that, of course, you won’t find in the Book of Genesis. Hence, “loosely.”

• “Resurrection” (LD Entertainment, 2015 or later). Kevin Reynolds (“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”) is currently “attached,” the trade papers report, to direct the story of the first 40 days following the resurrection of Jesus.

• “Ben-Hur” (MGM, 2015 or later). The third big-screen version, following the 1925 and 1959 films.

Because, after all, who doesn’t like a good chariot race?

Jensen is a guest reviewer for Catholic News Service.

EWTN to broadcast Masses on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Catholic News Service • Tuesday, Dec. 24, 3:30-5:30 p.m. CST (check local listing to confirm time) (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve in Rome.” Live broadcast of the eucharistic liturgy for Christmas Eve with Pope Francis from Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be rerun Wednesday, Dec. 25, 7-9 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. CST. • Tuesday, Dec. 24, 9:30 p.m.-11 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve.” Live broadcast of Christmas Eve Mass from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

• Wednesday, Dec. 25, 5-6 a.m. CST (EWTN) “Urbi et Orbi: Message and Blessing.” Pope Francis gives his Christmas blessing “urbi et orbi” — to the city of Rome and the world. The live broadcast will be rerun 9-10 p.m. CST. • Wednesday, Dec. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. CST (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Christmas Day.” Live broadcast as Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington celebrates Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

The Vatican Christmas tree glows after a lighting ceremony in St. Peter’s Square Dec. 13.

CNS photo/Paul Haring

19A Breakfast with Santa at St. Mary, St.Paul — December 22: 11 a.m. at 261 Eighth St. E. Cost is $4 for adults and $3 for children.

Father - Son Prayer Breakfast at St. Victoria, Victoria — January 4: 8 a.m. at 8228 Victoria Drive.

Speaker is Pat Eilers, managing director at Madison Dearborn Partners and former Vikings/NFL player. Tickets are $10. For information, call (952) 443-2661.

Don’t miss: More events online Additional parish and school events in the archdiocese can be found in the Calendar section of TheCatholicSpirit.com/ calendar.

Bible study featuring Rabbi Norman Cohen at Mary, Mother of the Church, Burnsville — January 10: 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. at 3333 Cliff Road. The founding rabbi of Bet Shalom in Minnetonka will present “Beyond the Torah: What Happens After Moses?” For information, email jtaube@ mmotc.org or call (952) 890-0045, ext. 236.

Wild game feed at St. Timothy, Blaine — January 11: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 707 89th Ave. N.E. Features all-you-can-eat with roast turkey for non-game eaters. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 4 to 12.

150th anniversary kick-off Mass at Holy Name of Jesus, Wayzata — January 19: 10:30 a.m. at 155 County Road

24. The Mass is the first event in a year-long celebration of the parish anniversary.

Prayer/ liturgy Advent Vespers at St. Clement, Minneapolis — December 22: 3 p.m. at 901 24th Ave. N.E.

Christmastide Taizé Prayer at St. Richard, Richfield — January 3: 7:30 p.m. at 7540 Penn Ave S. All are welcome to monthly First Friday Taizé Prayer during the Octave of Christmas. For information visit www.strichards.com or call (612) 869-2426.

The World Apostolate of Fatima Vigil of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Paul — January 3: Vigil begins at 7 p.m. and includes Mass of the Sacred Heart, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, silent and public prayers ending at 10 p.m. Located at 330 Exchange Street S. Call (651) 426-9401 for more information, or visit www. fatimaonline.org.

Retreats ‘On the Crest of a New Year’ retreat at Benedictine Center, Maplewood — December 31: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 2675

Benet Road. Retreat will be led by Carol Rennie and Pat Kilbane, who will guide participants in a day of reflection, prayer, conversation and silence and help them consider where they have been in 2013 and what might await them in the new year ahead. To register online, go to www. stpaulsmonastery.org and follow the link to the Benedictine Center. For information, call (651) 777-7251 or email: benedictinecenter@ stpaulsmonastery.org.

Men’s silent weekend retreat at Christ the King Retreat Center, Buffalo — January 10 to 12: Theme is Blessed are the Peacemakers, presented by King’s House preaching team. Suggested offering is $150/ person. Visit www.kingshouse.com to register.

Men’s silent weekend retreat at Christ the King Retreat Center, Buffalo — January 17 to 19: Theme is Blessed are the Peacemakers, presented by King’s House preaching team. Suggested offering is $150/person. Visit www.kingshouse.com to register.

Brooklyn Park — ongoing second Saturday each month: 6:15 p.m. at 9100 93rd Ave. N. Gather for a potluck supper, conversation and games. For information, call (763) 425-0412.

Catholic Singles Adults Club of the Twin Cities annual Christmas Holiday Dinner/Dance for Catholic Singles at David Fong’s Restaurant, Bloomington — January 4: Cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and dancing from 8 p.m. to midnight at 9329 Lyndale Ave S. Cost for dinner and dance is $20, dance only is $10.

Reservations for dinner must be received by Monday, Dec. 23. Mail your check (made out to: CSAC) to Carl Bergstrom, 382 N. Pierce St., Apt. 7, St. Paul, MN 55104. If you have questions call at (651) 603-1412.

Calendar

Parish events

CALENDAR submissions DEADLINE: Noon Thursday, seven days before the anticipated Thursday date of publication. Recurring or ongoing events must be submitted each time they occur.

Singles

LISTINGS: Accepted are brief notices of upcoming events of interest to a wide audience and hosted by Catholic institutions.

Sunday Spirits walking group for 50plus Catholic singles — ongoing Sundays: For Catholic singles to meet and make friends. The group usually meets in St. Paul on Sunday afternoons. For information, call Judy at (763) 221-3040 or Al at (651) 482-0406.

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, and contact information in case of questions.

E-MAIL: spiritcalendar@archspm.org. (No attachments, please.)

OR MAIL: “Calendar,” The Catholic Spirit, 244 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102.

Singles group at St. Vincent de Paul,

The entrance/placement testing is January 18, 2014 from 8:15 - 11:45 a.m. at your first choice school.

Attend an open house at a Catholic high school . . . and find out how you can AIM HIGHER in your education and in life!

Faribault

Minneapolis

St. Paul

BETHLEHEM ACADEMY (507) 334-3948 www.bacards.org Please call to schedule a visit.

Fridley

CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL (612) 545-9700 www.cristoreytc.org Every first and third Tuesday, September through April at 7 p.m.

CRETIN-DERHAM HALL HIGH SCHOOL (651) 690-2443 www.c-dh.org January 9 at 6:30 p.m.

TOTINO-GRACE HIGH SCHOOL (763) 571-9116 www.totinograce.org January 8 at 6:30 p.m.

DELASALLE HIGH SCHOOL (612) 676-7600 www.delasalle.com January 9 at 7 p.m.

SAINT AGNES SCHOOL (651) 925-8700 www.saintagnesschool.org January 15 at 6:30 p.m.

March 2 at 1 p.m.

Plymouth

Victoria

Maplewood HILL-MURRAY SCHOOL (651) 777-1376 www.hill-murray.org January 6 at 6 p.m.

Mendota Heights

SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY (651) 454-4570 www.cadets.com January 12 at 1 p.m.

CONVENT OF THE VISITATION SCHOOL (651) 683-1700 www.vischool.org January 7 at 7 p.m.

PROVIDENCE ACADEMY 763-258-2500 www.providenceacademy.org January 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Richfield

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (952) 443-4659 www.hfchs.org January 23 at 6:30 p.m.

ACADEMY OF HOLY ANGELS (612) 798-2600 www.academyofholyangels.org January 16 at 6 p.m.

April 24 at 6 p.m.

St. Louis Park BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S SCHOOL (952) 915-4345 www.bsmschool.org January 6 at 6 p.m.

Check website for daytime open houses

www.aimhigher.org December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

From Age to Age

20A

A friend to those with special needs

By Dave Hrbacek and Dianne Towalski The Catholic Spirit Donna Heins generally tries to duck the spotlight, preferring instead to stay in the background.

But that all changes when she spots the participants in her faith formation program for adults with special needs at St. Odilia in Shoreview.

On a recent Tuesday evening, she stood in the gym to greet the men and women who came with their parents, guardians and caregivers.

She spotted a young woman named Melissa, pointed to her, then dashed across the gym to say hello. The bubbly girl jumped out of her chair and opened her arms wide for a hug. That was soon followed by a beaming grin and a high five.

Donna wasn’t through. She continued to circulate around the gym, offering smiles and words of welcome to dozens of people there to celebrate Christmas. During the program, two men led the group in Christmas carols, and even a fully-dressed Santa Claus, complete with a real white beard, made an appearance. He handed out gifts to all, and Donna later gave personalized gifts to every participant, with the help of Boy Scout volunteers.

Thanks to her efforts, there was nothing second-rate about this celebration. One of the highlights came when Claudia Munson read the Christmas story. She is another organizer of the program, who had to leave her job as a teacher at St. Odilia School when she suffered a stroke.

She’s just getting back on her feet, and she read

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Donna Heins, right, gives a high five to Melissa, a participant in the faith formation program for adults with special needs at St. Odilia in Shoreview. Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit the story beautifully. She is not about to let go of her involvement in this program.

For Donna, it all started in the 1970s, when she started volunteering with the Sunday school program at St. Odilia. She even wrote the curriculum for the program.

Over the years, she continued to volunteer and work for the parish part-time in various capacities, all while working full-time as a recre-

ational therapist for senior citizens at Lake Ridge Health Care Center in Roseville.

Volunteers from the parish, including Donna, began working with developmentally disabled persons, visiting Ramsey County’s Lake Owasso Residence, a group home in Shoreview.

After a while, a new administration at the Please turn to HEINS on page 21A

21A

Continued from page 20A home asked them not to visit because of concerns about separation of church and state, but parents of some of the residents asked the parish to start the program again because they wanted faith formation for their children, Donna said.

She was able to adapt the curriculum she had written for the Sunday school program to work with adults with special needs. She was eventually hired full-time at the parish cooridinating the program held at the parish, which is now called Sp.R.ED. (Special Religious Education), as well as two other programs — Sunday morning preschool and vacation Bible school.

She was working full time and raising three children, but her husband encouraged her to quit her job at the care center and take the job at the parish. He knew she would enjoy it, Donna said.

The current program is a carefully-balanced experience, with social and community-building aspects, music and religious instruction suitable for the developmental levels of the participants, said Lucy Arimond, director of Faith Formation for the parish.

Though she did not have any pre-

vious experience working with special needs people, the adults who come faithfully each week have won over Donna’s heart.

“Oh my gosh, it’s incredible,” said Donna, who turned 79 not long after this year’s Christmas program Dec. 10. “They’re so pure and simple and holy, and they love each other. They have their behaviors, but they just come in and they’re just full of life.”

John Cundy, 38, a resident at Lake Owasso group home, has been attending Sp.R.ED classes for several years.

“I love going,” he said. “I learn more about God, meet new friends and hang out with old friends.”

During the early years, Donna would have a list of 14 people who were interested in the program, with as few as three or four actually showing up each session. Now, the list has grown to nearly 100 people, with about 60 to 70 coming on a given night. They range in age from 18 to 70-plus.

“They look forward to it,” she said. “I’ll send out the registrations in August, and I’ll get 10, maybe 15 out of 60 or 70 [sign up]. And on the first night of class, 100 people show up.”

Pope celebrates birthday by having breakfast with homeless men

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service As part of a low-key celebration of his 77th birthday, Pope Francis had breakfast with three people who live on the streets near the Vatican. A small dog, belonging to one of the homeless men, was also on the guest list.

The pope started the day with his usual morning Mass held in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae residence where he lives.

However, he requested that the Mass be attended by the residence staff “in order to create a particularly family atmosphere for the celebration,” the Vatican press office said in a written statement Dec. 17. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, represented the world’s cardinals at the Mass, and Archbishop Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, attended.

After the Mass, all those present sang “Happy Birthday” to the pope, the Vatican statement said. The pope then met with everyone, including three homeless men who were brought there

by Archbishop Konrad Krajews-

Saint Therese

Youth Volunteer Scholarship Recognizing Youth Volunteers Serving Older Adults

ki, the papal almoner.

The archbishop invited the first group of men he had found early that morning sleeping under the large portico in front of the Vatican press hall on the main boulevard in front of St. Peter’s Square, according to the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano.

“Would you like to come to Pope Francis’ birthday party,” he asked them, reported the paper.

The men, in their 40s, were from Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic. They loaded all their belongings in the archbishop’s car; the dog rode in the middle.

When they got to the residence, they waited for the Mass to end, then greeted the pope. Together with Archbishop Krajewski, they gave the pope a bouquet of sunflowers because they always turn toward the sun like the church turns toward its sun, Christ, the archbishop explained.

The pope invited the men to have breakfast with him in the residence dining room, where they talked and shared a few laughs.

From Age to Age

Heins says special needs adults are ‘full of life’

l

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t in

c pe

S

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TWO COMMUNITIES, ONE HOME $1,000 educational scholarships will be awarded in two categories: or more hours with older adults

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Commentary/idea/opinion?

Call 651-291-4455 or e-mail: towalskij@archspm.org December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

21A

Continued from page 20A home asked them not to visit because of concerns about separation of church and state, but parents of some of the residents asked the parish to start the program again because they wanted faith formation for their children, Donna said.

She was able to adapt the curriculum she had written for the Sunday school program to work with adults with special needs. She was eventually hired full-time at the parish cooridinating the program held at the parish, which is now called Sp.R.ED. (Special Religious Education), as well as two other programs — Sunday morning preschool and vacation Bible school.

She was working full time and raising three children, but her husband encouraged her to quit her job at the care center and take the job at the parish. He knew she would enjoy it, Donna said.

The current program is a carefully-balanced experience, with social and community-building aspects, music and religious instruction suitable for the developmental levels of the participants, said Lucy Arimond, director of Faith Formation for the parish.

Though she did not have any pre-

vious experience working with special needs people, the adults who come faithfully each week have won over Donna’s heart.

“Oh my gosh, it’s incredible,” said Donna, who turned 79 not long after this year’s Christmas program Dec. 10. “They’re so pure and simple and holy, and they love each other. They have their behaviors, but they just come in and they’re just full of life.”

John Cundy, 38, a resident at Lake Owasso group home, has been attending Sp.R.ED classes for several years.

“I love going,” he said. “I learn more about God, meet new friends and hang out with old friends.”

During the early years, Donna would have a list of 14 people who were interested in the program, with as few as three or four actually showing up each session. Now, the list has grown to nearly 100 people, with about 60 to 70 coming on a given night. They range in age from 18 to 70-plus.

“They look forward to it,” she said. “I’ll send out the registrations in August, and I’ll get 10, maybe 15 out of 60 or 70 [sign up]. And on the first night of class, 100 people show up.”

Pope celebrates birthday by having breakfast with homeless men

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service As part of a low-key celebration of his 77th birthday, Pope Francis had breakfast with three people who live on the streets near the Vatican. A small dog, belonging to one of the homeless men, was also on the guest list.

The pope started the day with his usual morning Mass held in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae residence where he lives.

However, he requested that the Mass be attended by the residence staff “in order to create a particularly family atmosphere for the celebration,” the Vatican press office said in a written statement Dec. 17. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, represented the world’s cardinals at the Mass, and Archbishop Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, attended.

After the Mass, all those present sang “Happy Birthday” to the pope, the Vatican statement said. The pope then met with everyone, including three homeless men who were brought there

by Archbishop Konrad Krajews-

Saint Therese

Youth Volunteer Scholarship Recognizing Youth Volunteers Serving Older Adults

ki, the papal almoner.

The archbishop invited the first group of men he had found early that morning sleeping under the large portico in front of the Vatican press hall on the main boulevard in front of St. Peter’s Square, according to the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano.

“Would you like to come to Pope Francis’ birthday party,” he asked them, reported the paper.

The men, in their 40s, were from Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic. They loaded all their belongings in the archbishop’s car; the dog rode in the middle.

When they got to the residence, they waited for the Mass to end, then greeted the pope. Together with Archbishop Krajewski, they gave the pope a bouquet of sunflowers because they always turn toward the sun like the church turns toward its sun, Christ, the archbishop explained.

The pope invited the men to have breakfast with him in the residence dining room, where they talked and shared a few laughs.

From Age to Age

Heins says special needs adults are ‘full of life’

l

ia

er

t in

c pe

S

W

TWO COMMUNITIES, ONE HOME $1,000 educational scholarships will be awarded in two categories: or more hours with older adults

Choose from two vibrant communities where people of all faiths enjoy the fullness of life in a loving, compassionate and comfortable environment. We offer flexible options to meet your lifestyle needs, resources when you need them and the beauty of nature nearby. Experience gracious retirement living at its best!

Independent Living · Assisted Living · Memory Care Care Suites · Adult Day Program · Respite

To apply visit www. sttheresemn.org/youth-scholarship Deadline is January 14, 2014, 5:00 p.m.

For more information call 763.531.5075.

WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN HELP YOU! Want a back issue or photo reprint?

Call 651-291-4453 or e-mail: towalskid@archspm.org

St. Therese Southwest 901 & 1011 Feltl Court Hopkins, MN 55343

The Glenn by St. Therese Southwest 5300 Woodhill Road Minnetonka, MN 55345

952.933.3333

952.352.1000

www.StThereseSouthwest.com

www.TheGlennSeniorHousing.com

Commentary/idea/opinion?

Call 651-291-4455 or e-mail: towalskij@archspm.org December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

From Age to Age

22A

St. Paul team seeks to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s

By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit As Barbara Redpath was caring for her husband Peter while he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, God, her family and friends were there for her. “I couldn’t have taken the journey with Peter without my faith,� said the Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul parishioner, whose husband passed away 19 months ago. “As a caregiver, it’s very hard to ask for help, but we were blessed that the family and these friends didn’t wait for me to ask,� she added.

Not all sufferers of Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers have loved ones who understand and actively support

them, which is one reason Redpath hopes to use her knowledge and experience to help others at her parish or wherever there is a need.

She is involved in a St. Paul collaboration that earlier this year identified, through a survey, priorities for preparing the community for the budgetary, social and personal impacts of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s is the most common type.

It’s now beginning to address several of those priorities: raising awareness and providing information and education about the disease, which affects one in nine people over age 65.

The St. Paul team — which involves five neighborhoods and representatives of government, health care and community groups — is

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known as Saint Paul Neighborhoods (SPN) and is linked to a statewide program enacted by the Legislature called ACT on Alzheimer’s.

The need for awareness is great, said Georgia Lane, coordinator for SPN ACT on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Pathways program director at Carondelet Village Care Center in St. Paul.

Carondelet Village, which offers a full spectrum of housing options, memory care and community outreach to seniors, convened the SPN involvement in ACT on Alzheimer’s in February, she said. “The general community is not aware that this is one of the leading public health crises that we’re going to be facing,� she said. “People just don’t even know the preva-

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lence and the impact that this is going to have.�

As one of its action items, this month SPN will begin compiling a packet of information and local resources related to dementia for distribution by SPN team members and community organizations, Lane said.

The awareness packet first will say what dementia is, identifying the signs and symptoms, for those with questions or who know someone with dementia.

In the packet, the team also will make available materials that are appropriate for those of different cultures, including different languages.

An initial focus will be on the African-American community, which has twice the rate of dementia as the overall community, Lane said.

SPN’s second goal is to prepare community organizations to train Dementia Friends: individuals who become aware of the disease and are sympathetic to its sufferers. The program will be modeled after one in England in which family, friends and community members attend an hour-long training session to increase their understanding of dementia, she said. “It could be as simple as I see someone in the grocery store who looks confused or lost. I could go up to them and ask them if they need help,� Lane said.

Call us at 651.789.5030

Churches involved

Our Lady of Peace Home Health Care

Delivering coordinated in-home care including

ourladyofpeacemn.org

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Along with developing the materials and training program, SPN is working to identify which organizations should receive and distribute them, including faith communities, cultural communities, different leadership groups, schools, businesses, libraries and city employees.

Faith communities will continue to be an important part of the process, said Lane, citing awareness efforts by the local Jewish community. “Faith communities are where people go,� she said. “They feel safe there, and I think that’s a place where they might go if they have some questions.�

Besides awareness and education, other priority areas identified in SPN’s 127 surveys of community organizations involve long-term support services addressed in future wellness programs, home care and medical management of the disease.

One of nine communities in the state participating in ACT on Alzheimer’s, SPN has applied for a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, she said.

Hopefully, the project will provide information and start a conversation about available resources and what should be done with the information, Lane said. “My hope is that once we start offering information and education and the Dementia Friends training, the word will catch on because I think people are hungry for it,� she said. “People are in need of information and education because so many people are touched by it.�

23A

Archbishop asks for prayers Continued from page 1A bishop. This is not only the bedrock of our beliefs as Catholics, but also of the justice system of our country.

“The steps taken in response to the allegation against the archbishop demonstrate and reaffirm the archdiocese’s commitment to disclosure. These steps further confirm that all within the archdiocese will be subject to the internal policies we have established.

This is the position of the archdiocese and the archbishop himself. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the individual involved and the archbishop as justice is pursued and all may move forward on a path toward healing.”

In his letter, Archbishop Nienstedt said the identity of the person who made the allegation has not been made known to him.

The archbishop pointed out that he normally stands for confirmation photos “with

We are an Advent people filled with hope

one hand on my crozier (staff) and the other either on the right shoulder of the newly confirmed or on my pallium (the short stole), which hangs from my chest. I do that deliberately and there are hundreds of photographs to verify that fact.”

Continued from page 3A do better in the future.

Even in the face of such daunting events, let us never forget that we are an Advent people, a people of hope. Let us pray that the Lord will fill us with an abundance of that great virtue, so that we can, like St. Josephine Bakhita, transform the present situation before us into something salvific, saved by our hope in the Lord Jesus.

In that spirit of joy and hope, then, I extend to the priests, deacons, men and women in consecrated life and the lay faithful of this local Church my deepest thanks for their prayerful support as well as their fidelity in living out their baptismal commitment.

It is your love for the Lord Jesus and his body, the Church, that inspires in me a great sense of joy and hope this Christmas.

And I am truly grateful to you for that.

May that same joy and hope fill your hearts abundantly throughout this Christmas season.

Time to pray Archbishop Nienstedt’s column in this issue (see page 3) will be his last in The Catholic Spirit until the investigation is complete.

“I hope that the investigations can be thorough but quick,” he wrote in his letter. “I already long to be back in public ministry — to be able to serve as the Lord has called me to serve.”

“These days will give me the time to pray for you and the individual involved,” he added. “I ask that you pray for me, too.”

To read the full statement from the archdiocese visit TheCatholicSpirit.com

Faith plays important role at Trinity Sober Homes Continued from page 4A places for men who want to recover.”

Murray opened St. Gabriel House Nov. 1 after doing a massive overhaul on the house. He raised $250,000, then did what he estimated to be $400,000 worth of renovations to the home — all during a time when the housing market continues to struggle from a free fall that happened in 2008.

“In less than 90 to 100 days, we were able to raise $250,000, which is very fast

in this tough market,” Murray said.

“The number of people who have come forward and supported us have literally come out of the woodwork. Normally, when you’re raising money through a private placement [a type of bond], you have to chase people down pretty hard.

Here, all we did was tell the story, and God did the rest.

“So, it’s very affirming, and it’s wonderful to see the faces of the guys when they come in here for a visit. It’s wonderful to see the camaraderie that’s been built at

the St. Michael House. And, we’re continuing Father’s legacy.”

The men who come are offered an affordable rent of $715 a month, and are asked to either work or volunteer their time. They are not required to be Catholic, although there is an unmistakable Catholic flavor at each home. Mass is celebrated once a month, alternating between each home, by Father Robert Hart, pastor of St. Patrick in Inver Grove Heights.

“Our sober house is basically identical

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December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

The Last Word

24A

Time magazine honor for Francis is deserved, but media still distort his views

It is splendid indeed that Time magazine has made Pope Francis its “Person of the Year” for 2013. The pope has captured the imagination of the world and has breathed new life into the Catholic Church.

The authors of the Time piece are right in saying that his choice of name has set the tone for his papacy so far: He has resolved to be, like his namesake of old, a friend of the poor and the forgotten. He has determined to be a person of compassion, leading with the merciful face of Christ.

Details matter in this regard: his choice to live in the Casa Santa Marta rather than in the Apostolic Palace, being driven around in an old clunker rather than a Vatican limousine, paying his own bill COMMENTARY at the clerical residence where he stayed prior to his election, flying coach class, embracing the man with the severely deformed face (like St. Francis who famously embraced a leper).

The controversial interviews that he granted just a few months ago also speak of this change in focus.

The pope does not want priests and other Catholic ministers to lead with the “hot button” issues largely Father Robert centering around sexual morality; BARRON rather, he wants the Church to present itself as a “field hospital” after a battle, a place of comfort and mercy.

As I say, all of this is remarkable and worth celebrating, and I’m glad the popular secular press has caught on.

However, there is something that has been bothering me ever since Francis became pope, and it’s on rather massive display in the Time article — namely, a tendency to distinguish radically between this lovely Franciscan emphasis on mercy and love for the poor and the apparently far-less-than-lovely emphasis on doctrine so characteristic of the papacies of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. There is actually a good deal of dangerous silliness in this way of characterizing things. If I might cite Pope Emeritus Benedict, the Church does essentially three things: It cares for the poor; it worships God; and it evangelizes. Isolate any of the three from the other two, and distortions set in.

Indeed, without deep care for the poor and for social justice, the worship of God can become lifeless (“liturgical fussiness”) and evangelizing can devolve into cultural criticism or mere intellectual debating.

But isolate care for the poor from the other two and equally problematic distortions ensue.

Without the worship of God and evangelization, the Church deteriorates in short order into one more social service institution among many, a mere “NGO” in Francis’ own language.

Now listen to the authors of the Time article: “In a matter of months, Francis has elevated the healing mission of the Church — the Church as servant and comforter of hurting people in an often harsh world — above the doctrinal police work so important to his recent predecessors.”

And, “his vision is of a pastoral — and not doctrinaire — Church.” This is so much nonsense.

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

The cover of Time magazine’s Person of the Year issue, featuring Pope Francis, is pictured in this Dec. 11 handout photo. CNS photo/Time Inc., handout via Reuters The source of a good deal of this mischief is the 18th-century philosopher Immanuel Kant, whose influence on the modern sensibility can scarcely be overstated.

Kant famously held that religion is reducible to ethics. By the Enlightenment period, the doctrinal claims of the great religions had come to seem incredible to many, and worship a pathetic holdover from a more primitive time. For Kant, therefore, enlightened religious people would see that morality is the heart of the matter, both doctrine and worship serving, at best, to bolster ethics.

It is always a source of amazement to me how thoroughly modern people have gone down the Kantian “autobahn” regarding this. How we take the following for granted: It doesn’t really matter what you believe, as long as you are a good person.

But this Kantian understanding is simply repugnant to classical Christianity. In point of fact, Christians have been, from the beginning, massively interested in both worship and doctrine. How could you read any of the Gospels or any of the letters of Paul and think otherwise?

Moreover, the great figures of the Church — Irenaeus, Jerome, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Newman, etc. — have taken doctrine with utmost seriousness. No one doubts that Francis of Assisi himself loved the poor and marginalized, but how many realize that one of his principal

concerns was for liturgical propriety?

Toward the end of the Time piece, the authors mention two features of Francis’s life which effectively undermine their central argument.

The “Person of the Year” spends huge swaths of his day at prayer. Rising at 5 a.m, he prays until 7 and then celebrates Mass. And, after dinner, he spends several more hours before the Blessed Sacrament. As has been the case with so many of the Church’s saints, his love for the poor flows from an intense worship of God. The article closes with a look at one of the pope’s Wednesday general audiences. The topic of Francis’ remarks that day was the resurrection of Jesus. After declaring the Church’s age-old doctrine, the pope looked up from his text and asked the crowd, “Do you believe it?” When they responded, “Yes!” he asked again, “Do you believe it?” This is not a man who is unconcerned with clarity of dogma.

I’m delighted that Time magazine has made the pope the “Person of the Year.” But I would caution all commentators in the media: Don’t drive a wedge between the three dimensions of Francis’ life and of the Church’s life!

Father Barron is the founder of the global ministry, Word on Fire, and is the rector/president of Mundelein Seminary in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

A bishop after

Mary’s own heart

Bishop Andrew Cozzens

The Catholic Spirit Special Section December 19, 2013

Ordination Mass • page 2B

Remarks at liturgy • page 4B

Coat of arms • page 9B

Bishop Cozzens

2B

‘Thanks be to God’: Bishop Cozzens ordained

By Jessica Trygstad The Catholic Spirit What began in prayerful reflection ended in jubilant celebration as auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens was ordained in a packed Cathedral of St. Paul Dec. 9 on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In his remarks to the assembly of local faithful, clergy members and visiting bishops, Bishop Cozzens continued the Marian theme of the Mass, referencing the feast day and the motto he chose, “Praebe nobis cor tuum” (“Mary, lend us your heart”).

“Let us turn our eyes to Mary because she’s the one who was conceived without sin,” he said.

“Sometimes we might think that makes her far from us or different from us. But we know it’s actually sin that separates us from one another. Because Mary is sinless, she’s even closer to us.

“Let us ask her to lend us her heart, so that we may love Jesus with the same humility and purity that she has, so that we might learn to love the way she loves, which is the way Jesus loves.”

In his Spanish address, Bishop Cozzens told Hispanics that the feast day also was the Feast of St. Juan Diego, whom Our Lady called “the smallest of our sons.”

Bishop Cozzens said that he sometimes felt that way, and they might, too, as a minority group.

But, he said, what’s beautiful about that is he or she is the most loved, and in knowing so, is holy.

Archbishop John Nienstedt, principal consecrator and celebrant, led the congregation in verses from “Ave Maria” at the start of his homily and said that, just as God had a plan for Mary, he has a plan for the rest of the world, including Bishop Cozzens, who now faces “quite a job description.”

“The title of bishop is one of service, not honor,” Archbishop Nienstedt said. “In that context, the bishop is to minister to the Word of God in season and out.”

“The Church reminds every bishop to follow the example of the Good Shepherd, not only for the 99 that remain in the sheep pen, but also for the one or more who have wandered away because they were misinformed or weak, marginalized or a stranger, no longer practicing or alienated for whatever reason,” he said. “The bishop, because he is Catholic, has a universal perspective on his mission of evangelization. He is called to witness the truth of the Catholic faith on behalf of those who are Catholic, non-Catholic and even non-believers. None of these must escape his notice or his pastoral concern.”

Both Archbishop Nienstedt and Bishop Cozzens condemned the clergy sexual misconduct that has come to light recently and called for healing and justice. Bishop Cozzens said the sinful members of the Church do not change the holiness of the Church, which has Christ as its foundation.

Please turn to WASHING on page 3B

On the Cover After receiving his crosier and miter during his ordination Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul Dec. 9, Bishop Andrew Cozzens is applauded by the congregation, including Deacon Joseph Michalak, right. Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Archbishop John Nienstedt lays hands on Bishop Andrew Cozzens during the ordination Mass Dec. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

3B Continued from 3B “You and I must seek to live the fullness of the truth of the Gospel that Jesus Christ reveals,” he said.

“You and I must seek to become like Jesus. . . . When we have the love of Jesus in our hearts, then we can love like Jesus.”

Archbishop Emeritus Harry Flynn of St. Paul and Minneapolis and Bishop Paul Sirba of Duluth served as co-consecrators at the Mass. Father Thomas Margevicius, an instructor at St. Paul Seminary, and Father Jon Vander Ploeg, pastor of St. Lawrence and the Newman Center in Minneapolis, assisted Bishop Cozzens as chaplains.

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Cozzens, 45, as an auxiliary bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis on Oct. 11. He joins Bishop Lee Piché, the archdiocese’s other auxiliary bishop, in assisting Archbishop Nienstedt in the leadership of the archdiocese.

The faithful rejoice Attendees included those from the many groups Bishop Cozzens has been involved with throughout his 16-year tenure as an archdiocesan priest and his seven and a half years at the St. Paul Seminary.

Bishop Cozzens said that as he went around the Cathedral at the

end of the Mass to offer his blessing, he saw many friendly faces from various times in his life.

“I was so touched by the many people that came,” Bishop Cozzens said later. “It was a real gift to experience their support. During the ceremony, I felt as if I was being carried by the prayers of all the people and the saints of the Church. I sensed a lot of peace and the loving presence of Mary and the Blessed Trinity.”

Two bus loads of youth from Divine Mercy parish in Faribault — many of them Bethlehem Academy students attending a bishop’s ordination for the first time — said they were in awe of the pomp and circumstance and were glad Bishop Cozzens had a connection to their parish. He served as parochial vicar from 2000 to 2002 at what was then named the Faribault Catholic Community.

Father Brian Park, parochial vicar at St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony, served alongside Father John Paul Erickson as emcee at the Mass.

Father Park studied under Bishop Cozzens at the St. Paul Seminary and lived with him for two years as a fellow member of the Companions of Christ, a fraternity of diocesan priests (see story, page 8B) Because he has organized large liturgical events, Father Park offered

his assistance for the ordination when Bishop Cozzens’ appointment was announced.

“It was a tremendous honor to be there right with [Bishop Cozzens] and serve at the Mass,” said Father Park, who was ordained in May. “I want to be a priest like Bishop Cozzens. He’s been a great role model and inspiration — for other seminarians, too. He’s a holy, joyful priest. But at the same time, he’s incredibly humble. He wants to help every person he encounters to know and love Jesus even more.”

Tatiana Petefish, a friend of Bishop Cozzens, was disappointed she couldn’t attend the ordination Mass.

But thanks to the new bishop, she was able to watch it live via online streaming at the nursing home where she lives, Cerenity Care Center in St. Paul. He had arranged for someone to bring in a computer and sit with her during the streaming in case any technical glitches prevented her from seeing it.

“I feel very much valued, and kind of shocked that [other priests] called over here to set up the live stream,” Petefish said. “I’m not used to people making that kind of fuss about me. I just couldn’t believe that he persevered to see that it happened no matter what. I absolutely loved seeing him be ordained

and the sheer delight on his face as he sat in the bishop’s chair for the first time.”

Answering his call The reception at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul-Riverfront in St. Paul following the ordination didn’t signal the end of Bishop Cozzens’ busy schedule. The next morning, he celebrated Mass with the Carmelite sisters and brothers. Then, he visited people at Sharing and Caring Hands, where he washed their feet. “[It] was a great joy to do [that] on my first day as a bishop, especially since Pope Francis told me in the mandate to ‘passionately love the poor,’ ” he said. The Papal Mandate is the order given by the pope to consecrate a bishop.

His first week as bishop also included Mass and visiting classrooms at Holy Family Church and Holy Family Academy in St. Louis Park, where his nieces and nephews attend, and at other area parishes. “[I returned] to my old parish in Faribault for a thanksgiving celebration with the whole parish, most especially the Hispanic community, which celebrates 20 years in Faribault this year,” he said.

Bishop Cozzens’ primary duties will entail special care in Spanish ministry.

Bishop Cozzens

Washing people’s feet ‘a great thing to do’ on first day

Blessings on Most Rev. Andrew Cozzens, Bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

www.ssndcentralpacific.org Sculpture of Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, our foundress, by Marie Henderson, RSM.

www.facebook.com/ssnd.centralpacific

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Bishop Cozzens

4B

Bishop Cozzens: ‘Let us ask Mary to give us her heart’ To all the other bishops, thank you for welcoming me into the college of bishops so warmly; it has made this transition much easier.

To all my beloved brother priests, thank you for so many years of support, the friendships I have with many of you are the greatest gifts of my life.

To the deacons and especially the many religious who have allowed me to serve you as a spiritual father, thank you. Your love for Jesus has changed my life.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens delivered the following remarks to the assembly at his episcopal ordination Mass Dec. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

Thank you all for coming to celebrate this beautiful day.

I want first of all to express my gratitude and devotion to Pope Francis, who chose me for this role.

I promise to always seek to be an obedient son and servant of the Holy Catholic Church.

I thank you, Archbishop Nienstedt, for ordaining me and welcoming me so warmly into the leadership of this archdiocese as your auxiliary, and Bishop Piché for beginning to teach me the ropes of being an auxiliary bishop.

I am grateful to be called by God to serve you both in the service of this great archdiocese.

I would also like to thank Archbishop Flynn who ordained me to the priesthood and Bishop Sirba for your friendship and support, both of you are great examples to me.

Sent by the Father

Bishop Andrew Cozzens addresses the congregation at the end of the ordination Mass Dec. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit

I stand before you today my brothers and sisters as a sinner.

I am a sinner who has received the incredible mercy of God our Father, the mercy revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The mercy poured out through the Holy Spirit in the Church.

Now, I also stand before you, in Continued on page 14B

Congratulations BISHOP ANDREW COZZENS SAINT ALPHONSUS PARISH BROOKLYN CENTER THE REDEMPTORISTS

Welcome!

CONGRATULATIONS BISHOP COZZENS!

Our 7th Alumni Bishop since 2000

Auxiliary Bishop

Andrew Cozzens “O Lord, may your ear be attentive to my prayer and that of all your willing servants who revere your name. Grant success to your servant this day, and let him find favor with this man...” Nehemiah 1:11ab

From your Friends at TheCatholicSpirit.com News with a Catholic Heart from the Diocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Benedictine College is pleased to welcome Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, ’91, as the new Bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. He joins a growing list of Benedictine College alumni, now numbering seven in the 21st century, who have been elevated to this position within the Church. We look forward to working with you as the Flagship College of the New Evangelization.

ATCHISON, KANSAS WWW.BENEDICTINE.EDU

5B

Bishop Cozzens

The Lord be with you

Top left, Bishop Andrew Cozzens walks the aisles of the Cathedral of St. Paul near the end of his ordination Mass Dec. 9 and gives his episcopal blessing to the congregation. Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit Top right, Members of the congregation watch the ordination Mass on a video screen. Dianne Towalski / The Catholic Spirit Left, Jack, right, and Judy Cozzens applaud their son during the ordination Mass. Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

Heartfelt Congratulations to Bishop-elect Andrew Cozzens Bishop Andrew Cozzens on his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis

by Pope Francis.

May Bishop Cozzens’ episcopal ministry be abundantly blessed.

Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson and the Archdiocese of St. Louis congratulate

Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens on his episcopal ordination and installation as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Bishop Richard Pates Bishop of Des Moines and Bishop Joseph Charron, C.PP.S. Bishop Emeritus of Des Moines

archstl.org

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Bishop Cozzens

6B

As NET leader, young Cozzens had clear sense of direction

By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit During the long van rides between NET youth retreats in 1991 and 1992, Andrew Cozzens and the team he co-led had time to reflect on faith, evangelization and their vocational calls.

When the challenging year of learning and sharing their faith ended, he and another male teammate discerned a call to the priesthood, while a female teammate became a religious sister.

Besides Bishop Cozzens, nine of the 89 Netters from that year entered priesthood or religious life — six priests and four women religious.

It was an exceptional year, according to Mark Berchem, founder and executive director of National Evangelization Team (NET) Ministries, which trains teams of young adults to lead youth retreats around the country.

“There was some real good camaraderie among the young men, in terms of talking about vocation,” he said.

Clear thinker Father Chris Kuhn wasn’t thinking seriously about priesthood while on NET with Cozzens, but the future bishop was.

rection, Father Kuhn said. He would never get lost.

Along with a good spatial sense of direction, Bishop Cozzens explained Church teaching while traveling to retreats and has offered sound spiritual direction to many, said Weisbruch, who lives in Temple, Texas.

“He’s not only good at directions in the van and taking us places on NET, but even still in my life being that spiritual director and giving those great words of wisdom,” she said. “I leave so changed after talking to him, and better.”

Deep love for Christ Then-Father Andrew Cozzens talks with Nathan Metzinger, who was training to be a NET missionary, in this photo from 1997. Photo courtesy of NET Ministries “We had lots of long discussions,” said Father Kuhn, now pastor of St. Mary in Elgin, Ill. “I’m certain he was important and instrumental in my own vocation to the priesthood because he got me thinking about it more often at a very influential time in my life.”

Bishop Cozzens and co-leader Marcella Weisbruch made retreat and travel decisions for their team of 11.

“He had a real gentle touch with his leadership style,” Father Kuhn said. “He has got a very orderly mind. He thinks very clearly.”

Patient with team members and retreat-attendees, the bishop seemed to understand quickly what his own supervisors expected, said Louis Hall, who co-supervised Bishop Cozzens’ NET team.

Bishop Cozzens also led the men on his team pastorally, Berchem said.

“You could see even in the early years that he really had a pastor’s heart in the way he cared for his guys — he rallied people really well,” he said.

Especially helpful on the team’s travels to about 100 retreats was Bishop Cozzens’ strong sense of di-

The bishop also has been good with young people and presents the Gospel without compromise while making it appealing, Berchem said.

Since his own NET days, Bishop Cozzens has returned to lead talks and help with NET training, as well as preside annually at a Lifeline Mass. He positively influenced NET through his interest in strengthening the role of the sacraments and liturgy during staff training and debriefing, Hall said.

“He has 30 years to serve as a bishop,” Berchem said. “That’s a long time to serve. He’s incredibly gifted. He’s got a deep, deep love for Christ and for the Church. He’s going to be a great shepherd.”

Congratulations Bishop Cozzens!

From the Priests, Seminarians, Graduate Students, Faculty and Staff at The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity

S  D • U  S. T

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

7B

By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit After his sophomore year of college, Andrew Cozzens wasn’t about to take a break. Instead, he moved into a house in St. Paul with about 10 men and spent the summer growing in his Catholic faith as part of a St. Paul’s Outreach summer household.

He and his housemates worked day jobs while sharing in daily life, prayer and apostolic work.

“The seeds of his faith were certainly nurtured and grew there,” said Father Kevin Finnegan, while also acknowledging the role Bishop Cozzens’ family played in his faith formation.

Father Finnegan, now pastor of Divine Mercy in Faribault, lived in the household with Bishop Cozzens, and then later when they were seminarians and priests.

As Bishop Cozzens himself has said, his summer in the household was transformational, said Gordy DeMarais, SPO founder and executive director.

“Most notably he learned the practice and discipline of daily prayer, which allowed him to hear and discern his vocational calling,” DeMarais said. “He also found himself surrounded by other young men who were striving to live fully

Bishop Andrew Cozzens, center, is pictured with Randy Lehnen, left, and Father Jim Perkl at one of St. Paul’s Outreach’s monthly Masses during the 1992-1993 school year.

Photo courtesy of St. Paul’s Outreach their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ and respond to his call to evangelize.”

Zeal for life Founded in 1985, West-St.-Paulbased SPO invites college students to a life of Christian discipleship, challenging them to deepen their relationship with Christ in the fullness of the Catholic Church.

Along with spiritual growth,

there also was time for fun in summer household. “He’s great to live with,” Father Finnegan said. “A lot of laughter.”

Regarding Bishop Cozzens’ nut allergy, Father Finnegan said “we were always trying to make sure there was no peanut butter near him. Of course,” he joked, “if he said something you didn’t like, you’d just throw a jar of peanut butter at him.”

In household, Bishop Cozzens recognized his need for others to help him grow in holiness, Father Finnegan said. His zeal as a Christian and rock climber also was evident. “He may have been ‘small’ physically but his zeal for life, his commitment for life, his enthusiasm for life knew no bounds, including jumping off the sides of mountains.”

Bishop Cozzens also lived in household the following summer.

After graduating from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., he served a year with NET Ministries and returned to work with students for SPO as co-director of campus outreach.

Since becoming a priest, Bishop Cozzens has regularly presided at SPO liturgies, heard confessions and taught in SPO training programs. Serving on the SPO board of directors since 2011, he recently was elected board president.

Now a national Catholic campus movement, SPO has grown fourfold in scope and breadth in the past eight years, DeMarais said. SPO now has mission centers on various campuses in Minnesota, Ohio, New Jersey, Kansas, Texas, Arizona, and Florida. “We anticipate continued blessing and growth under the leadership of Bishop Cozzens,” he said.

Bishop Cozzens

Future bishop’s faith nurtured by St. Paul’s Outreach

In Celebration of the Installation of

Bishop-Elect Andrew Cozzens here in Denver. We know how proud all of his family, friends and brother priests are of his growth under the tutelage of his mentor Msgr. Thomas Barry.

Fr. Cozzens will bring the wisdom of his lessons from Rome, new work in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens.

In friendship, Chuck Goldberg and all of our partners

Legal Counsel to the Archdiocese of Denver, and many Dioceses, Archdioceses, Brothers and Friends of Bishop-Elect Cozzens.

LRRLaw.com

303.623.9000

Albuquerque | Casper | Colorado Springs | Denver | Las Vegas | Phoenix | Reno | Silicon Valley | Tucson

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Bishop Cozzens

8B Congratulations Most Rev. Andrew Cozzens Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Bishop Andrew Cozzens, center, gathers with members of the Companions of Christ after his ordination Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul Dec. 9.

Cozzens is a member of the fraternal organization, which is made up of priests and seminarians in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

Bishop will continue to be a friend of priestly fraternity

By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit As part of a small group of men living single for the Lord together in St. Paul while doing evangelization work more than 20 years ago, Bishop Andrew Cozzens and the other founders of the Companions of Christ sought to continue their fraternal way of life as they prepared to become diocesan priests.

After receiving encouragement from then-auxiliary Bishop Robert Carlson (now archbishop of St. Louis) that they could have prayer, fellowship and formation together as diocesan priests, the Companions sought canonical status within the Church and received it in 1992.

No longer sharing one household because they serve in different capacities around the archdiocese, the Companions continue to share life as they now number 17 priests and five seminarians in Minnesota with another chapter growing in Denver. Bishop Cozzens long was involved in the Companions’ leadership, and for the past several years directed formation of new members.

The priests and seminarians live together when possible depending on their parish assignments, but all participate in fraternal sharing groups, gather regularly for prayer, fellowship and meetings, and attend annual retreats and conferences.

Though not a religious order, the Companions seek holiness through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience, by supporting each other in diocesan priesthood and serving the archdiocese under the authority of Archbishop John Nienstedt, according to Father Jon Vander Ploeg, superior of the Companions of Christ, pastor of St. Lawrence and Newman Center and director of Catholic campus ministry at the University of Minnesota.

Sponsoring Holy RosarySanto Rosario and St. Albert the Great Parish and Priory

Answering the call to holiness Father Vander Ploeg and Father Thomas Margevicius, also one of the Companions of Christ, were chosen by Bishop Cozzens to serve as chaplains at his episcopal ordination. Father Vander Ploeg presented him for episcopal ordination.

Up until his ordination, Bishop Cozzens was involved in many aspects of the Companions’ life, Father Vander Ploeg said.

“I would say he’s very invested in relationships, very invested in living the ideal of life, of really pursuing the Lord so he can respond to the call of holiness,” he said. “But he does it with joy.”

Bishop Cozzens will no longer be under the Companions’ leadership, but he said recently he will continue to be a friend of the Companions now that he is a member of the episcopacy.

“My personal experience is just a lot of gratitude to the Lord for allowing me to have these deeply committed fraternal relationships that [have] supported me in living the priesthood, which is not always an easy life,” Bishop Cozzens said in an interview this spring.

The bishop’s new role is a gift of the Lord to the Church, as he is a very good man, Father Vander Ploeg said. It will be a big change to not have Bishop Cozzens in Companions leadership positions, but the Lord will bring the priestly fraternity to a new place, he said.

“I think it’s an adjustment for us but one where, when something’s in God’s will, good comes out of it,” Father Vander Ploeg said. “We view it as a great gift for the Church, and the Lord will work on every level including in us for what he desires.”

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Auxiliary Bishop The Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens Congratulations and prayerful best wishes on your ordination and installation.

May the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis grow in faith and love with your spiritual guidance. www.CrossCatholic.org

9B The Catholic Spirit The following explanation of Bishop Andrew Cozzens’ coat of arms is from the worship aid used at his ordination Mass Dec. 9.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens’ coat of arms is divided into four sections by the St. Andrew Cross. Like his patron, St. Andrew, Bishop Cozzens wishes his entire life to be conformed to Christ through laying down his life for Christ’s bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:25-26).

At the center of the cross is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, representing Bishop Cozzens’ desire to make present through his episcopal ministry the love, mercy and healing that flow from the pierced heart of Christ for the salvation of the world.

To the left of the shield is the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to whom Bishop Cozzens entrusts his life and ministry as a bishop. Sharing with her in the sufferings of discipleship (represented by the sword in her heart), he hopes to share in the fruitfulness that flows from this suffering (represented by the roses

around her heart).

To the right of the shield is the heart of St. Joseph, with a staff of lilies representing his purity and his identity as guardian of the Holy Family. Like St. Joseph, Bishop Cozzens takes the Church as his bride in chaste love and seeks to love all her children with a father’s compassionate and steadfast heart. St. Joseph is also known as “protector of virgins,” a title which reflects Bishop Cozzens’ deep love and gratitude for consecrated religious.

The top or “chief” of the shield hails a landscape of mountains representing Bishop Cozzens’ native state of Colorado, where he learned to climb mountains, as well as the call of every Christian to seek evergreater heights in the spiritual life.

At the base is a field of blue and white waves taken from the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, in which he was ordained to the priesthood and will now be serving as auxiliary bishop.

The water reminds us of the new life of baptism, which is the beginning of every Christian’s life in Christ’s love.

Around the border of the shield is

lone man may be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Behind the shield is a gold Celtic cross, symbolizing the Irish ancestry of Bishop Cozzens. The five red stones set within the center of the cross represent the five wounds of Christ. As St. Peter tells us, “By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). Through these wounds, Bishop Cozzens desires to make known Christ’s healing love.

seen a three-ply cord, which represents the importance that Bishop Cozzens attaches to priestly fraternity, as well as the gratitude he has for the fraternal life he has shared in the Companions of Christ, a fraternity of diocesan priests in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Archdiocese of Denver.

The three-ply cord comes from the Book of Ecclesiastes: “Where a

Bishop Cozzens

Coat of arms shows devotion to Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Bishop Cozzens has chosen as his motto, “Praebe nobis cor tuum,” which translates, “Give us your heart.” The motto is taken from the final line of a prayer by St. Louis de Montfort to Our Lady.

This prayer was dear to both Blessed John Paul II (“Totus tuus” — the first line of the prayer) and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta (“Praebe nobis cor tuum” — the last line of the prayer), to whom Bishop Cozzens has a special devotion.

This motto expresses his desire to be united with the heart of Jesus through the heart of Mary and to lead others to this same union.

Respect For The Human Person Sincerest Congratulations Estate Planning From A Catholic Perspectiveto YOU CAN PROTECT child’s inheritance from: Auxiliary Bishop your Andrew Cozzens!

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BISHOP ANDREW COZZENS

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Joseph E. Trojack, Attorney at Law

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CONGRATULATIONS BISHOP COZZENS from

Meier, Kennedy & Quinn Attorneys at Law

Honored to represent The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Parishes and Catholic Schools for over 60 years Thomas B. Wieser • Charles M. Bichler John C. Gunderson • Jennifer R. Larimore MaryCathleen G. Fenske • Leo H. Dehler, Of Counsel

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Bishop Cozzens

10B

Growing up with the bishop Sister leads the way for younger brother

Foster brother finds refuge from abusive past

By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit

By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit

Big sisters often push their younger siblings away, fighting for their independence and fending off attempts by a little brother to “tag along.”

Not so with Helen Healy. She made every effort to include her younger brother, even to the point Bishop Andrew Cozzens, center, gathers with his family for a photo in the of persuading him to make some of Cathedral of St. Paul after his ordination Mass Dec. 9. The others are, from left, the same choices she did.

Sergei Thomas (foster brother), Jack (father), Judy (mother) and Helen Healy This brother is now a bishop — (sister). Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit Bishop Andrew Cozzens, who was ordained Dec. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Helen was there in the front row taking it all in.

Just days later, she reflected on growing up with her brother in Denver. She shared her thoughts in a classroom at Holy Family Academy in St. Louis Park. Fittingly, just down the hallway, her brother was speaking to a kindergarten class that included Helen’s daughter, Shannon. Even now, it’s hard to split up these two siblings, although his role as a bishop eventually could take him to another city or state.

“We fought like brothers and sisters [often do], but we loved each other,” said Helen, 48, of Holy Family parish, who has seven children with her husband, Tim. “We went to the same high school [Green Mountain High School in Colorado] and got involved in singing and doing plays. So, we were involved in musicals, and we both sang in the choir in high school. We had this nice relationship, but I think we really got close when

To say Sergei Thomas had a troubled life as a teenager would be an understatement.

The truth is, his home environment was a train wreck, with Thomas and his brother and sister victimized by a verbally and physically abusive stepfather.

Enter the Cozzens family. Right around the time Thomas became a teenager in Denver, Jack and Judy Cozzens helped start the Fresh Air Program in Denver, which helps connect innercity youth in singleparent households with stable, twoparent families, usually in the suburbs.

Jack and Judy had done something similar when they lived in Philadelphia, and thought it would be good to duplicate in Denver.

What they didn’t know was that

Please turn to BISHOP on page 11B

Please turn to ACCEPTANCE on page 13B

BISHOP ANDREW COZZENS Congratulations on your appointment!

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you.

Bishop Peter F. Christensen Bishop Emeritus Raphael M. Fliss The Faithful of the Diocese of Superior, WI

On behalf of the people of the Diocese of Fargo, I extend heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to

Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens upon your appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis May the Good Shepherd continue to conform your heart to his and provide you with every needed grace in your episcopal ministry.

Most Reverend John T. Folda, Bishop of Fargo

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Extending our heartfelt congratulations and prayers for SPO alumnus (‘89–’91), former staff member, and current SPO Board president Bishop Cozzens!

Drew Cozzens, SPO Staff 1992–1993

What A Difference 20 Years Makes!

www.spoweb.org

11B Continued from 10B we went to college together.”

The two are three years apart, which meant Andrew was a freshman in high school when Helen was a senior. She helped him run for office his freshman year, then lobbied for him to follow in her footsteps and attend Benedictine College in Kansas. She studied education there and later became a teacher.

“I just had wanted to get him to Benedictine College because Benedictine has the atmosphere where you can really grow in your faith,” she said. “I went to daily Mass and learned so much about my faith in the religion and philosophy courses, and I thought that it would be really great for him to come there. Of course, he did not want to follow his big sister, but he came and visited, and he actually liked Benedictine and he ended up coming to Benedictine.”

But, she wasn’t done helping to shape his path.

She went on to serve on NET Ministries after college and persuaded him to do that, too. Along the way, the two also worked together for a couple of summers at the YMCA in Denver. By that time, their foster brother, Sergei, had joined the family, and he, too, worked with them at the Y. It was during that time that one of her more interesting memories of Andrew unfolded.

“One day, we were riding home from camp and we ran out of gas,” she said. “We were in a bad part of town. So, we rolled into a gas station and asked the man if he would loan us gas because we had no money. The man looked at us and he wasn’t going to give us gas. I said, ‘Well, what if I leave my brother here as collateral because you know I’ll come back and get him?’

Bishop Cozzens holds his nephew, Sean Healy, in a photo taken 17 years ago. Photo courtesy of Judy Cozzens And so, the man gave us $5 worth of gas. I drove home, got the money, came back and got Drew.

He was sitting on the curb at the gas station.”

There appear to be no emotional scars from the incident, as Bishop Cozzens continues to spend time with his sister and her family. In fact, it is a regular occurrence.

“He comes over on Sundays to our house [in Edina],” she said. “We have a family dinner together. It’s very important to our family to have a special dinner on Sundays, and my husband cooks most of the time.”

Helen believes her brother’s influence could help facilitate a vocation among her children.

Already, her oldest child, daughter AnnMarie, has formed a connection to a women’s religious order in the Diocese of New Ulm, the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus.

Two years ago, when she was a senior at Providence Academy in Plymouth, she was awarded a $1,000 gift to donate to the charity of her choice after she scored her 1,000th point for the girls basketball team, which that season went on to win the state Class AA championship.

AnnMarie decided to give the money to the Handmaids, an order her uncle helped start. Helen said AnnMarie and her younger sister Megan both have expressed openness to considering a religious vocation. AnnMarie attends Harvard, where she continues to play basketball, while Megan goes to Providence Academy.

While Helen is quick to point out the influence her brother has had on herself and her family, she shies away from any credit for his vocation or success in ministry. Rather, she points to something else as being a key to his pastoral work as a priest, and now, a bishop.

“I saw a change in my brother’s priesthood when he started going to IPF, the Institute of Priestly Formation,” she said. “His relationship with Christ became stronger.”

Not only that, but he also is riding a wave of support that has been cresting ever since he was named to become an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Helen listened to her brother describe what that has meant to him at a dinner the weekend before his ordination.

“My brother said at the dinner that he feels like he’s the most loved man on earth,” she said.

“And, he is, by our family and by his friends and by this diocese. And, I continue to just ask people for their prayers for him to fulfill this vocation.”

Bishop Cozzens

Bishop follows sister to Benedictine, NET Ministries

The Minnesota Conference congratulates The MinnesotaCatholic Catholic Conference congratulates Bishop Andrew Cozzens.

Bishop-elect Andrew Cozzens.

We look forward to assisting you in your ministry! www.mncc.org

Congratulations Bishop Andrew Cozzens The Serra Clubs of the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis look forward to working with you in our continuing efforts to foster, promote and affirm Vocations to the priesthood and consecrated Religious Life.

SERRA

CLUBS of District 7

NOTICE Look for The Catholic Spirit advertising insert from

CATHOLIC CHARITIES in all copies of this issue.

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Bishop Cozzens

12B

The making of a bishop

Far left, seminarians Andrew Cozzens, left, and Michael Becker (now priests) greet Pope John Paul II in Rome in 1996.

Left, Andrew Cozzens at 18 months.

Below, Andrew Cozzens poses for a photo after he is confirmed by auxiliary Bishop George Evans, left, in Denver in 1981. At right is Msgr. Thomas Barry.

Photos courtesy of Judy Cozzens

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

13B Continued from page 10B they were about to rescue a teen who easily could have entered the juvenile system had he carried through with his desire to fight back against the abuse he and his siblings had suffered.

The Cozzens family met Thomas right after he turned 13, and they quickly developed a bond with a boy who didn’t like school, yet managed to get As on tests despite skipping classes.

Member of the family There were several friendly encounters between Thomas and his new suburban friends, but the relationship soon turned urgent when the violence in his own household got worse.

At one point, Thomas fled the house and went to stay with a relative. While there, he contacted Jack and Judy for help. That initiated a chain of events that led to them becoming certified as foster parents and taking Thomas in. Though he was never formally adopted, due to opposition from his stepfather and biological mother, he wound up living with Jack, Judy, their son Andrew (now Bishop Cozzens) and daughter Helen.

Their impact on him was immediate and dramatic. He became an outstanding student at Green Mountain High School in Denver and also was a track star who competed in sprints at the state meet. He placed second at state in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes, and his 4x200 relay team placed first and set a state record in

From left, Sergei Thomas joins Jack and Andrew Cozzens on a climb. Photo courtesy of Judy Cozzens the process. After that, he sorted through college scholarship offers and chose the University of Colorado, where he competed in track up until a career-ending injury.

He went on to study law at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kan., and today is a lawyer in Denver. He spent 16 years working in the district attorney’s office, encountering youth with the same kind of difficult upbringing he had. He now works in a private practice that deals with family law.

Road to healing Thanks to the Cozzens family, he has found healing from his abusive past, and even was able

The Donahue Family expresses its Congratulations to Bishop Andrew Cozzens

to forgive his stepfather in 2008. Just four months later, he sat by the man’s bedside as he lay dying of cancer. Based on the influence of the Cozzens family, Bishop Cozzens in particular, Thomas felt led to pray over his stepfather after he had lost consciousness.

“I think this is partly where the influence of Drew and visiting with the Cozzenses came over me, because I could never see myself doing this otherwise,” said Thomas, 49, a divorced father of two who belongs to an Evangelical Covenant church in Denver. “It’s hard to put into words the impact that their influence has had on my life. But, it appears everywhere — the things you learn, the things that you experience, the things that you share.”

Thomas was able to journey to the Twin Cities for his foster brother’s ordination. He sat in the front row with Jack, Judy, their daughter Helen Healy and her husband, Tim, and seven children.

Like more than 1,000 others in the pews on Dec. 9, he was filled with joy and admiration for the man who has touched him so deeply.

“It’s fantastic,” Thomas said of his opportunity to witness the ordination. “The two things that we all seek in this life are acceptance and affirmation. And, those things were in abundance at that Mass. I told people I didn’t expect that he would be appointed to this position as bishop, but it doesn’t surprise me. That’s who Drew is. So, to be a part of the recognition of his complete devotion to his faith and his role in the Church is great.”

Bishop Cozzens

Acceptance, affirmation in abundance at ordination

Congratulations Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens on your ordination as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis.

420 10th Street SW, Faribault, MN 55021 www.donahuesgreenhouse.com Phone #507-334-7156

Congratulationas Congratulations toto Bishop Bishop-Elect Cozzens!

Andrew Cozzens!

Andrew Fr. Robert Fisher, the staff and parishioners of All Souls Catholic Church in Englewood, Colorado send their warmest greetings, prayers and blessings to

Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens upon his Episcopal ordination and appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Christ’s blessings as you embrace your pastoral ministry!

Cretin-Derham Hall

550 S. Albert St. • Saint Paul, MN 55116 651-690-2443 • www.c-dh.org

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and the Catholic Community of northern Colorado would like to congratulate

Most Rev. Andrew Cozzens on his appointment to auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Thank you for your years of service, dedication to the Church and for spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ!

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

14B

Bishop Cozzens

Continued from page 4B a new way, as a living representative of this same merciful Father and as a member of the apostolic college upon which the Church is founded.

An Apostle is one who is sent.

The Father of the universe, who created everything, who knows you intimately, the Father who loved you so much that he sent his son into the world to die for you and me and so reconcile us to himself — this Father has sent me.

He has sent me to you to proclaim in Jesus’ name, the new life which he offers to the whole world.

My brothers and sisters, you and I know that the Church is full of sinners. We have all read about it in the newspapers.

But how important it is to remember that these sinful members do not define the Church. In fact, the Church herself is indefectibly holy.

Why? Because she is also an inexhaustible font of divine life.

And, although we should never make excuses for the sinfulness of the members of the Church, especially her ministers, and we must always seek justice in the face of wrongdoing, we must also remember that the sinfulness of the members cannot change the holiness of the Church.

Why? Because Jesus Christ lives in his Church. Because the grace of Jesus Christ is continually poured out in his Church through the word and sacraments. Because Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church, which cannot be

CONGRATULATIONS Bishop Andrew Cozzens Be Assured of the Prayers of the Kenrick-Glennon Seminary Community

shaken.

Because of this, no matter how much failure and sin there is in the Church, there is only one appropriate response: You and I must seek to live more and more lives of holiness.

We must seek to live the fullness of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We must seek to become holy as Jesus is holy.

Becoming holy What does it mean to be holy?

It is very simple: It means to let God love you.

It means to let his mercy and healing love flow into the very depths of your being so that it

“Now, I also stand before you, in a new way, as a living representative of this same merciful Father and as a member of the apostolic college upon which the Church is founded.”

Continued on next page

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

Prayerful Best Wishes

Bishop Andrew Cozzens on your new ministry as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis - from your neighbors to the south, Bishop John LeVoir and the faithful of the (Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, New Ulm)

The Diocese of Columbus

Rev. Andrew Cozzens

Auxiliary Bishop

the Cathedral of Saint Paul

Bishop Andrew Cozzens

Have any new story ideas?

Let us know . . .

Call: The Catholic Spirit 651.291.4444

December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

15B Continued from page 14B

Eyes on Mary My brothers and sisters, in closing, let us turn our

“Let us ask Mary to give us her heart — her heart so full of love and humility, her heart so full of reverence for every person, her heart which loves Jesus and wants to see his healing love flow out upon the whole earth.”

Bishop Cozzens

wipes away your sin, heals your deepest wounds, and renews and regenerates you to be like Jesus.

To be holy is to love like Jesus!

In order to love, we must know that we are loved.

We must know what it means to say, like Jesus, I am a beloved son, or I am a beloved daughter of God. Holiness is living in his love.

This is why I put 1 Corinthians 13 on my holy card.

This is a description of how Jesus loves us: Love is patient, love is kind, it rejoices in the truth, it bears all things, believes all things, endures all things.

When we receive this kind of love from Jesus, then we are able to love with his love.

eyes to Mary, conceived without sin.

Sometimes because she is without sin, we think she is far from us. But it is sin which separates us from one another.

In fact, because she is conceived without sin, she is even closer to us than we are to each other.

She desires to share with us her holiness.

As you know, I have chosen as my motto a prayer from St. Louis de Montefort that was important both to Blessed John Paul II and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: “Praebe nobis cor tuum” — “Give us your heart.”

Let us ask Mary to give us her heart — her heart so full of love and humility, her heart so full of reverence for every person, her heart which loves Jesus and wants to see his healing love flow out upon the whole earth.

With Mary’s heart we can love the world with Jesus’ own love.

Bishop Andrew Cozzens We are praying for you!

Sister Lucia Schwickerath, Prioress, and all the Sisters of St. Paul s Monastery Visit us anytime to pray with us, walk our labyrinth, participate in our Benedictine Center programs, experience Taizé prayer, and find peace.

More information: www.stpaulsmonastery.org or 651-777-8181

Congratulations Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens

Bishop David. D. Kagan and the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Bismarck offer sincere congratulations and prayers to

The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women sends Heartfelt Congratulations to Bishop Andrew Cozzens on his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens.

Diocese of Bismarck

The Church and School of Saint Agnes welcome

Bishop Andrew Cozzens Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

CONGRATULATIONS BISHOP ANDREW COZZENS

As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we promise to you our heartfelt prayers and support.

SAINT ALPHONSUS PARISH BROOKLYN CENTER SAINT AGNES SCHOOL Rooted in Faith and Tradition

the redemptorists of the denver province December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

Bishop Cozzens December 19, 2013 • The Catholic Spirit

CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz

christmas Learning more about our faith The Catholic Spirit’s 4-page Rediscover: pullout section in each issue highlights a new Rediscover: theme for you and discuss with others.

Coming up Jan. 2: What is

What child is this? Baby’s identity is at heart of season

T HEART OF THE MATTER Father Michael VAN SLOUN

he birth of Jesus in Bethlehem on a cold, dark night 2,000 years ago was the arrival of a child like none other.

To know the identity of the little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in the manger is to know the spiritual meaning of Christmas.

Jesus: The angel of the Lord told both Joseph and Mary that their child should be given the name Jesus. The name means “God helps” or “God saves” and is a declaration of his purpose and mission.

Messiah: The newborn Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One, the promised one of God, the Messiah. Jesus is the fulfillment to two major messianic prophecies that had filled the people with expectation for centuries.

• God promised Moses, “I will raise up for them a prophet like you . . . and he shall tell them all that I command him” (Deuteronomy 18:18).

• God told King David, “I will raise up your heir . . . and I will make his kingdom firm;” “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to me” (2 Samuel 7:12,14).

The Catholic Spirit • December 19, 2013

The Christ child is the prophet, the word of God, and the king of kings.

Son of David: It was presumed that the Messiah would be a son of David. Jesus’ status as a son of David is so important that Matthew made it part of his opening statement about Jesus (Matthew 1:1), and allusions to David are repeated throughout the genealogy (Matthew 1:6,17,20). Gabriel declared that “the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father” (Luke 1:32).

Son of God: This title was given by Gabriel (Luke 1:35) and indicates that Jesus has a filial relationship with God who is his father. Jesus shares God’s nature. His conception by the Holy Spirit confirms his divine sonship. At his baptism God said, “This is my beloved son” and at the Transfiguration God said, “This is my chosen son.” He is the “Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32).

Savior: The angel also explained that “he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew1:21). The angel of the Lord Please turn to BABY on back page of section

Rediscover-faith.org

“The angel of the Lord told both Joseph and Mary that their child should be given the name Jesus. The name means ‘God helps’ or ‘God saves’ and is a declaration of his purpose and mission.”

Father Michael Van Sloun

Recognizing Jesus There are a thousand meanings to Christmas. But from that first Christmas night until today, there has been one inescapable reality that surrounds the Incarnation: Some people recognize Jesus, and some people don’t.

On that first Christmas there were very few people who recognized the Christ child for who he really was.

It would be easy for us to say, “I recognize Jesus. I’m on his team. I’m a committed Christian.” This may all be true on a macro level, but it is what happens on the micro level that I want to focus on.

Do we recognize Jesus in the moments of the day? Do we recognize him by our side? Do we recognize his providence in every happening? Do we recognize his desire to us to make good decisions? Do we CELEBRATING counsel recognize him in the poor, the marginalized CATHOLICISM and the disenfranchised?

If you are anything like me, you have to Matthew reply, “No.” Sure, in theory we can assent to all of this, KELLY but Christianity is immensely practical. Jesus doesn’t want intellectual agreement; he wants radical and passionate action that brings the Gospel to life and astounds the world in the process.

If we recognized Jesus in all these situations and in all people, we would live very different lives. And, if we lived very different lives, the world would be very different. Radically different! What am I saying? Simply this: If Christians behaved as Christians, the world would be a very, very different place.

Everyone agrees that, for all its beauty and wonder, the world is a bit of a mess. Nobody says, “The world’s in great shape. Let’s just keep it going in the direction it’s moving and everything will be fine.” No, the world needs changing, and everyone knows it.

So, what are you going to do “If Christians behaved about it? What can you do about as Christians, the it? More than you think.

You don’t need to start an world would be a very, organization or assign yourself to very different place.” some huge social cause. All you need to do is be Christian, Matthew Kelly allowing the life and teachings of Jesus to animate the moments of your every day.

Two thousand years ago, Christianity changed the world, and it still holds the power to change the world. But we need to stop talking about it and start living it.

Are we truly seeking God? In the first chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, there is a beautiful phrase that creeps up on you. Most of that first chapter is the genealogy of Jesus, but then we hear the story of Jesus’ birth, and it says, “’Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means ‘God is with us.’”

God is with us. The question is, are we with him? Do we seek his guidance and counsel in each and every moment of each and every day? Or are we like the child completely oblivious to the danger and turmoil that he causes when he wanders off from his parents?

In Joshua 24:15, there are two great lines. In the first, Joshua says to the people, “If you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve.”

What is he saying? He is saying, don’t be cowards. If you are not going to serve the one true God, at least declare yourself in your wickedness and deceit. Don’t pretend. We all serve something or someone with our lives. Choose.

Joshua then goes on to say, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” That’s the second great line. He is saying to the people: You have to decide for yourself, but my decision is made — my family and I will serve the Lord.

This Christmas is an invitation to renew your commitment to serve the Lord. May the grace of Christmas allow us all to be more Christian next year than we were last year.

Kelly is an international best-selling author, speaker and founder of The Dynamic Catholic Institute.

The Catholic Spirit • December 19, 2013

Touched by an angel Angel Tree volunteer goes extra mile for disadvantaged children

By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit It all started in 1978 when Alabama inmate Mary Kay Beard was released from prison.

Known as the “Bonnie Parker of Alabama,” she had committed a series of crimes, including armed robbery, before being caught and sentenced in 1972 to 21 years.

Spending the next six Christmases behind bars changed her perspective on the holiday, and gave her compassion for her fellow inmates who would have to continue being apart from their families every Dec. 25.

She remembers that caring visitors would stop by in December and give the inmates small gifts of toiletry items like toothpaste and soap. Then, the inmates in turn would wrap these items to give to their children as Christmas presents.

It was all they were able to offer to their offspring.

After Beard left prison, she decided it was time to do something to help inmates give something more to their children at Christmas.

She became area director in Alabama for a nationwide outreach called Prison Fellowship, and one of her first assignments was to initiate a Christmas project.

She came up with the idea to write the name of an inmate’s child on a paper angel along with gift ideas, and place these pieces of paper on a tree at a shopping mall. Shoppers could choose an angel, shop for the gifts and bring them back to the Christmas tree display for later distribution to the kids.

Thus, Project Angel Tree was born. And, it’s going strong today across the country, thanks to volunteers like Bob O’Connell of St. Peter in Mendota, who got involved in 1982, the first official year of the program. He’s been participating ever since.

Dedicated service O’Connell organizes a group of about 120 volunteers every year in the Twin Cities, both Catholics and Protestants, and helps coordinate the buying and delivery of gifts for children of inmates in the Twin Cities and beyond. He does so as a member of People of Praise, an ecumenical lay Christian community with a branch in the Twin Cities. Nearly all of his volunteers belong to POP, and many are Catholic.

For O’Connell, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without Angel Tree. He does a lot of the organizing and coordinating to enable the gifts to reach the children, but his volunteer efforts go way beyond administration.

His hand is in every phase of the program — literally. He is responsible for about 75 kids a year, and he handwrites the angels for each child. Of course, he wants to get the names spelled correctly and the gift ideas accurately recorded and legible on the angel.

But, the most important part of all is the line at the bottom of the angel, which is reserved for a special message from the inmate to the child.

O’Connell takes great care to inscribe the full message on the angel. Then, he instructs the drivers, himself included, to recite the message to the children when the gifts are dropped off, usually on the second Saturday of December.

“This is the thing that I love,” said O’Connell, 69. “When I read some of these, I just start crying.

Think about this – how many words can you get onto that little paper angel? Not very much. In this space, they might be able to get in 20 words, 25 at the most.”

Sometimes, those short sentences or phrases can pack a punch. Like one he saw from a father who wanted to pass along a message to his 12-year-old son.

“He says, ‘You’re the man now while I’m away.

You’ve got to take care of your mom and your sisters until I get out.’” O’Connell said. “I thought to myself, ‘What would I say to my children if I were in prison and I could only say it in 25 words or less?’”

This became an instance where O’Connell went beyond what the Angel Tree program asks — that people buy gifts for children of prisoners that are requested by their other parent or guardians on behalf of the inmate.

He learned of a family that had two bikes that it wanted to get rid of. He got in touch with the parents and asked if they would be willing to donate one of the bikes to the 12-year-old boy.

When they said yes, he arranged to have the bike delivered to the boy’s home, along with the other Angel Tree gifts.

“When we got to the house to deliver, we brought in all of Project the gifts except the bike,” he Angel Tree said. “Then, the last thing out Project Angel Tree i there was the bike. So, when nationwide program th our people doing the delivery recruits and coordinat told him it was for him, he was volunteers to buy and like, ‘What?’ It was just a great Christmas presents to deal. If there was ever a kid — children of prison inma with all this responsibility on is part of a larger orga his shoulders — who could use called Prison Fellowsh a bike, it was him. That was a which was started by real fun thing that was very Colson, who went to p personal.”

1974 for his role in the Watergate scandal an Revealing God’s love the ministry for severa It also is at the heart of what decades before he die Christmas is all about for April 2012.

O’Connell. He thinks about The first year of the the gift God gave all of huprogram, Project Ange manity in sending his Son into served 556 children. La the world, and says that this is it served 397,179. This a way of showing severely disgoal is 475,000. advantaged children that God For more informatio cares about them.

Project Angel Tree or t One of the most powerful donate, visit www. ways of demonstrating that is prisonfellowship.org/ making the effort to track programs/angel-tree. down parents and guardians who can’t be reached. Every year, volunteer drivers go to addresses listed on the angels and find that the children and their family have moved. When Dia they notify O’Connell, he takes on the additional min task of trying to track down the families and de- this T liver the gifts. gift And, this may be where his most tenacious “ work is done. Ask him what his success rate is at tracking down children who have moved, and he the S fires back a quick and simple answer: Chr “I think it’s 100 percent, but sometimes, it takes a while,” he said. “It’s kind of like the [Canadian] ‘OK In Royal Mounted Police — we always get our man.”

Time is no object when it comes to this task. and O’Connell is willing to work well past Christmas his org to make a successful delivery.

“The longest I ever went was Valentine’s Day he g when I finally delivered the Christmas gifts. . . . ern Some woman had moved three times,” he said. “I and T got over there and knocked on the door. She was

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Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit in there with two friends. She was so stunned that somebody would bother to put in that sort of effort to track her down just to give her Christmas presents for her child.

“I said to her, ‘I’m supposed to say Merry Christmas, but hey, Happy Valentine’s Day.’”

Spiritual and material gifts

Although O’Connell is happily back for his 31st year with Angel on about Tree, it easily could have ended to last year. Right during the peak of his preparations, his wife, Diane, laying dying of lung cancer in the bedroom of their rental unit in Eagan.

He thought about putting Angel Tree aside, then talked with ane about it. In her weakened state, she rended him how much it meant for him to do s.

Then, he thought about those who receive the ts he works so hard to deliver.

“As a result, I thought, ‘I’m not going to leave ese kids in the lurch,’” he said.

So, knowing that 75 children might not get ristmas gifts without his help, he simply said, K, let’s get it done, Lord.” n the end, there was just too much history –— d too many faces of kids and parents etched in memory — to quit. That’s why he not only ganized gifts for 75 children again this year, but got into a car with a friend and drove to northn Minnesota and dropped off gifts in Duluth d the Iron Range.

That part was added several years ago, with him

simply saying yes to the trip because there was no alternative for getting gifts to children in these areas.

Nothing deters him. What people might not notice beneath his soft-spoken demeanor is a burning passion fueled by memories of previous visits.

Like the time he went to the home of a woman in north Minneapolis and was first baffled, then stunned, by what he saw.

“When I got there, she was upstairs in a duplex and there were all these candles lit as I came in the stairway,” he said. “I thought, ‘This is kind of different. I wonder if this is something that she’s doing because it’s Christmas.’ I didn’t know.

“So, I got over there and wound up talking to her. And, it was only then that I realized they shut her power off. So, she just had these candles for light, and she went and got these candles and lit them so that we would be able to see each other when I brought over these gifts.”

Memories like these keep him going. He is proud to say that this year, he and his group of 120 volunteers delivered gifts to their 2,000th child. And, they added turkeys to the larger families (three or more children) plus Bibles donated

by International Bible Givers in Anoka.

“The best thing of all was when I got connected with International Bible Givers,” he said. “I was able to get age-specific and language-specific Bibles that were right for the kids. That’s what I like.

That, to me, brings in more the spirit of Christmas. Now, you’re bringing the Word of God, who’s birth we’re celebrating, to the kids along with the material gifts.

“That’s what you always want to keep in mind: It’s his birthday and look what he did for you.

These presents are one minor blessing from him.”

Year-end reviews of social-media activity are trickling in, numbering the topics that got our thumbs tapping the most in 2013.

Among the most popular on every list: His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge, the 8-pound future monarch whose July arrival sent the world atwitter and nearly crashed the social network, generating at the peak more than 25,300 tweets per minute. Americans accounted for 29 percent, and worldwide, women fired off two-thirds.

I was among them, with a message that uncorked a deeply held conviction in the froth of new-mama pride: “Every baby is royal!”

Duchess Kate’s first public remarks on the hospital steps were rich with meaning: “It’s very emotional. It’s such a special time.”

REFERENCE Fifteen weeks earlier, I had inhaled the dew of heaven on my newborn’s peach fuzz. I could sense her POINTS totality, that everything she needed was contained in her little body (and mine). Call me crazy, but was that Christina a flash of wisdom in those dark eyes? What did she CAPECCHI know that the rest of us didn’t?

Just as you spot silver Honda Accords on every highway once you buy one, suddenly I was seeing babies — at grocery stories, at malls, in church pews, on commercials. None were quite as cute as my little girl, I will admit, but every tiny face exuded the same peculiar mix of wholeness and simplicity — the presence of everything essential, the absence of anything else.

So it shouldn’t be a surprise that What will you do this Christmas to my favorite moment in a stirring help someone in need?

Advent service held at St. Catherine University last week was when the young man enacting Joseph lifted a two-month-old boy into the air, Lion-King style, and twirled in delight.

Suddenly the incarnation struck me anew: a Savior, a baby, in the flesh, in our midst. What a radical gift.

One of my all-time favorite Christmas albums, the one that helps me most readily connect tree-trimming festivities with matters of faith, is Point of Grace’s “A Christmas Story.” The second track begins with a soft invitation: “Close your eyes and share the dream, let everyone on earth believe. The child was born, the star shone bright, and love came down on Christmas time.” In the rejoicing, a challenge is issued: “We’re alive, we can breathe, but do we really care for this world in need?”

That, for me, is the heart of the holiday. Finding an answer to that question — however small in scale — always puts me in the spirit. The goal is to get outside ourselves, to get lost in an act of service or surprise, to plot an anonymous gift, to disappear in thought of another. Those are the moments our hearts expand, shaking off the dust of our scorekeeping, record-setting ways. They lead us to the feel-good recognition that we are capable of divine love, of compassion, generosity and gentleness.

This afternoon, my family ate lunch at the local pizza place and then headed across the street to visit Santa in the greenhouse barn. I mentioned his whereabouts to a waitress whose 5-year-old daughter had been helping with napkin distribution and was very interested in the prospect of visiting Mr. Claus. Her dad brought her over, but Mom was stuck on duty till 7 p.m.

I watched the girl climb onto Santa’s lap, with her golden braids and brown eyes. She was tongue tied at first, but the rosy-cheeked old man worked his magic, telling her a “secret” and promptly melting her inhibitions. I photographed the entire exchange, copied the images onto a disc and printed my two favorites, then zipped back to the restaurant.

The waitress wrapped me in a big hug.

She would’ve done the same for me, I bet. We have the same mothershaped hearts, but today, between the two of us, there was only one camera.

Everyone is somebody’s baby, and Christmas is the time to treat others that way.

Capecchi is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights.

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Tips for celebrating Christmas all season long

By Father Michael Van Sloun For The Catholic Spirit

celebrates the revelation of Jesus not only to the Magi, but to all peoples and all nations. Christ is the light of the nations, and his light illumines our minds and guides our steps. Jesus is the universal King who came to serve and save everyone, everywhere.

What to do: The Magi prostrated themselves before Jesus in worship. Go to Mass and praise him. The Magi brought gifts to Jesus. If you missed someone at Christmas, Epiphany is your second chance. The Magi looked up and saw a star. Go star gazing or visit a planetarium. The Magi went on a long trip. This could be your excuse for a winter vacation.

You’ve likely heard of the 12 days of Christmas, but the Christmas season actually lasts longer than that. It starts on Dec. 25 and continues through Jan. 12 — that’s 19 days. The following are some of the season’s major feast days along with suggestions for observing them.

Christmas Christmas is celebrated both on its vigil, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, with a Mass in the late afternoon or evening, and on Dec. 25, Christmas, with Masses either at night, dawn or during the day.

It is the joyful annual commemoration of the most sacred night when Jesus was born, the Nativity of the only begotten Son of God. Christmas celebrates the great mystery of the Incarnation, how Jesus humbled himself to share in our humanity. The infant in the manger is the word made flesh, God made visible, and the Redeemer and Savior of the world.

What to do: Go to Mass. Be cheerful.

Pray at home at mealtime and other times. Call a family member who is away from home. Reread the story of Jesus’ birth (Lk 2:1-20), either alone or out loud to family or friends. Gather around the crib or manger to offer a prayer or retell the Christmas story in your own words. Sing religious Christmas carols. Play spiritual Christmas music. In addition to giving gifts to family, relatives, friends, and business associates, share with those for whom the Christ child has special love, the poor and the needy. And do not forget to give the best Christmas present of all, the gift of your presence — your time, attention, concern, kindness and service.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph This feast is celebrated on the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas, or if

Baptism of the Lord Bigstock photo

there is no Sunday, on Dec. 30. Holy Family features the unity and togetherness shared by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Their common bond was their deep love of God, and they showed their love by their practice of the virtues and the charity that they demonstrated toward each other. Their home was a place of joy, grace, and peace, and they gave a shining example that is worthy of imitation.

What to do: Go to Mass. Share a family meal together. Offer a prayer of blessing over each other. Offer prayers of thanks for each family member.

Witness your faith by giving good example. Speak up. Have something kind to say. Offer compliments. Express gratitude. Affirm positive qualities.

Apologize for past hurts. Do little favors. Perform household tasks together. Play together. Do a family activity together. Take a trip together.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God This feast is celebrated on Jan. 1, the Octave of Christmas. It features the Blessed Virgin Mary, the holy mother

who gave birth to Jesus, the King. She is both the mother of the Son of God and the mother of the Church. She obeyed God’s will completely, served generously, and prayed fervently. She steered clear of all sin and is the picture of purity and holiness. She is our intercessor before God’s throne.

What to do: Go to Mass. Offer a Marian prayer such as the Hail Mary, Mary’s Canticle or the Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55), the Memorare, the Hail Holy Queen, the Salve Regina, the Angelus, or the Litany of Mary. Say a decade of the Rosary, or a complete Rosary.

Practice a Marian devotion such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Sorrows, or Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Meditate on a Gospel passage that involves Mary such as the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Presentation, the Cana wedding feast, or the Crucifixion. Be sure that there is a picture or statue of Mary somewhere in the house. Make a spiritual New Year’s resolution.

Epiphany of the Lord This solemnity is celebrated on the Sunday between Jan. 2 and 8. Epiphany

This feast is celebrated on the Sunday after the Epiphany, and it is the last day of the Christmas season. It commemorates the occasion when John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended upon him, and the Father declared that Jesus was his beloved Son. With this proclamation from heaven and the conferral of the Spirit, Jesus was equipped and ready to embrace his mission, anointed as the Servant of God with the oil of gladness and sent to bring the good news to the poor.

What to do: Take out your old Baptism pictures. See who was there. Be grateful to your parents and godparents who passed on the gift of faith. Reflect upon what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ, the Church. Have holy water in your home. Use it to bless yourself and others. Pray about your vocation in life. If you are still searching, ask God to point you in the right direction. If you have made your vocational commitment, ask God to help you be faithful. If there is someone in your household who is unbaptized, cons beginning the journey toward baptism.

Father Van Sloun is pastor of St. Bartholomew in Wayzata.

Baby born in Bethlehem manger in known by many names announced, “A savior has been born for you” (Luke 2:11). Jesus was born to die. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the Redeemer.

The blood that he would shed on the cross washes away sins and opens the gates of heaven.

Emmanuel: The child is “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is one with the Father in heaven, but he emptied himself, came from his place in heaven, and took on human form. Jesus revealed who God is and what God is like by his presence on earth, and his abiding presence is with all people everywhere, until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Born through the Holy Spirit: The Incarnation is

“Jesus revealed who God is and what God is like by his presence on earth, and his abiding presence is with all people everywhere, until the end of the age.”

Father Michael Van Sloun a mystery. The Holy Spirit represents God’s creative power. Jesus has divine origins. God is the one who initiated the birth of Jesus, and God is the one who brought Jesus into our midst.

The King: The Magi came seeking the newborn

The Catholic Spirit • December 19, 2013

king of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). Gabriel said, “Of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:33). The Christ child deserves homage as well as loyalty and obedience.

The Lord: Not only is Jesus the Messiah, he is also “Lord” (Luke 2:11). This title underscores his divinity, his transcendence and his royal authority over heaven and earth.

Prince of Peace: When Jesus was born, the multitude of the heavenly host sang: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

Father Van Sloun is pastor of St. Bartholomew in Wayzata.

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