The Catholic Spirit - January 2, 2014

Immigration Sunday 6 • Syrian war 9 • Gospel Trail 17 January 2, 2014 Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

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What does Pope Francis have planned for 2014?

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

After a year that included the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and a series of celebrated innovations by Pope Francis, it is hard to imagine 2014 at the Vatican could be nearly as eventful. Of course, the biggest stories are likely to be those that come by surprise. But in the meantime, here are developments bound to loom large in Vatican news over the coming year: Please turn to TRIP on page 10

Pope Francis smiles during an audience to exchange Christmas greetings with members of the Roman Curia in Clementine Hall at the Vatican Dec. 21.

CNS photo/Claudio Peri, pool via Reuters)

Taking a closer look at the pope’s apostolic exhortation ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ Year to remember: Looking back at the best pope quotes and photos of 2013

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ALSO inside

‘A new day for Dorothy Day’

Acoustic Café

Seeking God in silence

The Catholic Charities center in St. Paul works to expand shelter, housing and services for homeless.

Quarterly event at St. Mark parish showcases local, Catholic-inspired musicians.

Teen says regular, daily prayer has helped her draw closer to God.

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— Rediscover section

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“Let us allow our hearts to be touched, let us allow ourselves to be warmed by the tenderness of God; we need his caress.”

Pope Francis, speaking Dec. 25 from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and addressing an estimated 70,000 people in the square below

NEWS notes • The Catholic Spirit

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan embraces an inmate as he celebrates Christmas Eve Mass at Rikers Island correctional facility in New York Dec. 24. CNS photo/Lucas Jackson, Reuters

Annual Prayer Service for Life set for Jan. 22 The annual Prayer Service for Life will take place at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 22 at the Cathedral of St. Paul. The event is sponsored by the archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Life.

As in past years, the prayer service will be followed by a rally at the State Capitol. The rally, sponsored by Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life features speakers and an introduction of state pro-life legislators.

For more information, visit www.archspm.org.

Those hurt by abortion invited to prayer vigil The St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul will host an All Night Prayer Vigil for Hope, Healing and Mercy beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at the seminary’s St. Mary’s Chapel. The vigil is open to all, with a special invitation to those who have been hurt by abortion.

The event begins with Mass at 7 p.m., followed by eucharistic adoration from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. the following day. Confession will be available from 8 to 10 p.m. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed at 3 a.m., and the event will close with Benediction and repose of the Blessed Sacrament at 7 a.m.

For more information, visit www.archspm.org or call Sharon Wilson, archdiocesan respect life coordinator, at (651) 291-4506.

SAFE HAVEN A woman displaced as a result of religious violence holds a child as she rests in a Catholic church in Bossangao, Central African Republic. Dec. 29.

French President Francois Hollande has asked the United Nations to play a bigger role in the Central African Republic, its former colony where it has deployed a 1,600-troop peacekeeping mission. CNS photo/Andreea Campeanu, Reuters

WHAT’S NEW on social media A Catholic Spirit Facebook question this week asks: What do you think God is calling you to do in 2014?

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

The Catholic Spirit’s most popular video of 2013 featured Father Nels Gjengdahl skating last year’s Red Bull Crashed Ice course. See it at http://tinyurl.com/Gjengdahl.

If you think you know Christmas carols by heart, read blogger Susan Klemond’s post about forgotten Christmas carol verses. Visit CatholicHotdish.com.

The Catholic Spirit is published bi-weekly for The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Vol. 19 — No. 1 MOST REVEREND JOHN C. NIENSTEDT, Publisher SARAH MEALEY, Associate publisher JOE TOWALSKI, Editor

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Typhoon victims get help from local collections Members of parishes throughout the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis have donated more than $125,000 to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Phillippines and Vietnam in November.

The money, received from second collections at Masses the weekend after Thanksgiving, is on its way to the region via Catholic Relief Services, which continues to collect donations for typhoon victims. The money will help those still without shelter and needing food, water and medical care.

Throughout 2013, second collections raised $1.8 million to help those in need locally and throughout the world, in addition to supporting retired religious and helping to restore the Cathedral of St. Paul.

Those wanting to donate to the relief effort can visit crs.org or call 877-435-7277.

CORRECTION The Official printed in the Dec. 19 issue contained an error regarding the assignment of Father Michael Sullivan. The correct appointment is as follows: • The Reverend Michael Sullivan, Dean of Deanery 15, was appointed December 9, 2013 to serve “ad nutum episcopi” as parochial administrator of the Church of Saint Margaret Mary in Golden Valley. This is a temporary assignment while the pastor (Reverend Paul Moudry) is on a leave of absence, in addition to Reverend Sullivan’s current assignment as pastor of the Church of Saint Joseph the Worker in Maple Grove.

Materials credited to CNS copyrighted by Catholic News Service.

All other materials copyrighted by The Catholic Spirit Newspaper.

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Archbishop John Nienstedt announced Dec. 17 that he would not write his column for The Catholic Spirit while St. Paul Police investigate an allegation that he inappropriately touched a male minor — an allegation the archbishop emphatically denies. Bishop Lee Piché, auxiliary bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, offers the following guest column for this issue.

We have all had the experience of starting over. Sometimes that is a good thing, and sometimes not.

When we have put in long hours on a project or chore and the results are not turning out as we would like, we sometimes have to “start all over again,” which is frustrating. This is the kind of starting over that we would consider not good, because it feels like a waste of time.

But there is another kind of starting over when we have failed in our efforts and someone gives us a second chance.

That is the kind of new beginning that we regard as a blessing — sometimes undeserved, but always welcome.

At the beginning of a new calendar year, many people make resolutions.

Perhaps you are one of those persons. I am making a number of resolutions myself, GUEST COLUMN because I live every day in hope that, Bishop Lee Piché with God’s grace, I can change for the better. The start of a new year seems like a natural time to get serious about a new beginning, a fresh start.

In his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium,” Pope Francis writes about the “eternal newness” of the Gospel. He says: “Every form of authentic evangelization is always ‘new.’” The newness comes not from new methods or strategies for evangelization, but from Christ himself, who is “forever young and a constant source of newness.”

The pope writes: “The real newness is the newness which God himself mysteriously brings about and inspires, provokes, guides and accompanies in a thousand ways. The life of the Church should always reveal clearly that God takes the initiative, that ‘he has loved us

first’ (1 John 4:19) and that he alone gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:7).”

Such a perspective is particularly important during times of trial. Pope Francis acknowledges that there have been times when “the Christian message has known periods of darkness and ecclesial weakness.” We are going through such a period in our local Church, with the resurfacing of allegations of clergy misconduct and the loss of trust in leadership. The weakness of some is a scandal for many.

In spite of these things, our Holy Father reminds us that the Gospel message itself “will never grow old.” It contains within itself the source of all renewal: Christ, who is “the beginning and the end” (Revelation 21:6). For this reason, even when the task of proclaiming Christ becomes more difficult owing to the weaknesses of the human witnesses, the conviction that God loved us first and that God gives the growth “enables us to maintain a spirit of joy in the midst of a task so demanding and challenging that it engages our entire life” (EG, n. 11).

One reaction to the current scandal, or more specifically to the efforts that we are now making toward greater transparency and accountability, is a clearly negative evaluation. Some have remarked that we have obviously made no progress whatsoever in these matters. It’s as though we have had to start all over again.

But there is another way to view the current crisis. The shock and the dismay that comes from each newly disclosed chapter of failure has brought on a feeling of weariness in many. But it also has made it clear that we must make new efforts to right the wrongs of the past and to advance the cause of safety for the future. The inspiration for our efforts must not come from a fear of failure or from the dread of further disclosure, but from our confidence in Christ, who is the ever-faithful shepherd of his Church.

Making all things new For more than 2,000 years, God has made use of weak and inept instruments to spread the Good News of salvation and to build his kingdom. It is precisely when humans are at their worst that the glory of God begins to shine more brightly, for at such times any success in our labors must be credited to the working of the Holy Spirit.

There is a poignant scene in the film “The Passion of the Christ” when Jesus meets his mother Mary while he is carrying his cross. Jesus has just fallen. He is barely recognizable because of his bruised and bloodied face. His mother kneels beside him. She is stricken with horror at his appearance, her heart pierced by

the sword of sorrow. Yet in that moment he says quietly to her: “See, mother, I make all things new.”

Those words of Christ are taken from Sacred Scripture, but from a very different scene. They are spoken by the victorious Christ, who is the center of the book of Revelation, at the moment of the summation of all things and the final judgment of the world. “The one who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new. . . . I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end’” (Revelation 21:5,6).

In the film, whoever decided to place those same words on the lips of Christ in his passion, just moments before his crucifixion — the epitome of human failure — should be credited with a stroke of genius. For it was precisely in the humiliation of his rejection, condemnation, suffering and death that Christ renewed the face of the earth. He took to himself the ugliness of human sin, the burden of guilt, the anger, the shame, the pain and immense sadness, the despair. He carried it to Calvary and defeated it by his love.

This truth assures us that there is no human iniquity that is beyond the reach of God’s redemptive love. We may not be able to fix our huge problem as quickly and efficiently as we wish we could, but in time God’s merciful love can bring healing and life from the brokenness of sin, if we make room in our minds and hearts for the Lord to act.

From the Bishop

Christ’s new year resolution: ‘I make all things new’

“It is the personal, intense, and infinite love of the crucified and risen Christ that makes a new beginning possible.”

It is the personal, intense, and infinite love of the crucified and risen Christ that makes a new beginning Bishop Lee Piché possible. In this new year, Christ’s own resolution is the same as it has been from the days of his sojourn among sinners: “Behold, I make all things new.” We do not do this; Christ does it.

He does it in and through us if we will allow him, or in spite of us if we do not.

My first new year’s resolution this year is to place all my trust in the Lord, and to keep doing so when I am tempted to become discouraged.

My second resolution is to make room for his mercy by offering him a contrite heart, and by expressing again and again both to God and to my brothers and sisters my sorrow for my own failures, and my hope for a new beginning.

Blueprint for evangelization: Pope Francis’ ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ In the weeks since Pope Francis released his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), Catholic commentators have been anaANALYSIS lyzing the document’s themes and messages. The following first appeared in the National Catholic Register (ncregister. com). It was written by the newspaper’s senior editor, Joan Frawley Desmond, and is reprinted with permission.

Pope Francis is moving fast to advance his “dream of . . . a missionary impulse, capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, lan-

guage and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world.”

That “dream,” expressed in passionate and sometimes admonitory terms, framed his 84-page apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), released Nov. 26 and welcomed by Catholic leaders and thinkers as a blueprint for evangelization in the 21st century.

“The title — ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ — says it all: We need to speak boldly about Christ and the Gospel and do it with joyful lives, engaging the world,” said Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., the newly elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

George Weigel, the author of “Evangelical Catholicism: Deep Reform in the 21st-Century Church,” said Pope Francis was building on the foundations of his predecessors. But Weigel also identified something “new” from the Church’s first Latin-American pope.

“He puts the New Evangelization at the very center of the Church and orients everything else around it,” said Weigel. “This exhortation demonstrates the seamless continuity between John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis and the continuity between the John PaulBenedict interpretation of Vatican II and Francis: It’s all about recovering the missionary vocation of everyone.”

In “Evangelii Gaudium,” Pope Francis

writes that an orientation toward missionary outreach must be “paradigmatic for all the Church’s activity,” rather than reserved for chancery offices and fulltime catechists.

“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty, because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security,” said Francis.

The apostolic exhortation highlights the importance of evangelization, the challenges that impede its progress, the early Church’s tradition of hands-on Please turn to WE on page 13

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

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‘A new day for Dorothy Day’ Center plans to expand shelter, housing, services

By Jessica Trygstad The Catholic Spirit In an effort to decrease and prevent homelessness in St. Paul, Catholic Charities’ Dorothy Day Center recently announced plans for a new shelter-and-housing facility, connection center and permanent housing.

The two-phase, $64 million ReVision project is the result of recommendations from a task force that St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman formed last May. At a press conference Dec. 20, Coleman said people in need currently don’t have a sufficient pathway to move up and off the street.

The Dorothy Day Center started as a drop-in facility in 1981 but turned into a temporary overnight shelter when homelessness increased.

According to the ReVision report, because the center wasn’t designed to house people, conditions are overcrowded, unsanitary and undignified.

Each night at the center, which operates 24/7 for the entire year, more than 200 mats line the floor inches apart. Not only do people sleep on the mats, but they also eat and try to keep their belongings safe on them.

“We cannot, will not, allow individuals to be treated with anything less than the dignity they deserve,” said Matt Kramer, president of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of the task force, which consists of other leaders from the city and Ramsey County. “Sleeping on this floor that we’re standing on right now is not dignity,” Kramer said.

Eric Clardy, right, an advocate with Catholic Charities’ Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, talks with Sheila Jones at the center Dec. 23.

Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit A map of St. Paul shows the location of the existing Dorothy Day Center and the potential site of permanent housing next to it, along with the proposed “Higher Ground” center in the city’s northeast quadrant.

Higher Ground model The location of the new shelter and connection center is planned for the northeast quadrant of downtown St. Paul, an area organizers say is safer and would provide clients better access to transportation options and other community services. The permanent housing is planned for downtown, either at the existing Dorothy Day Center or a location to be determined.

The shelter and connection center would be modeled after Catholic Charities’ Higher Ground facility in Minneapolis, which provides emergency shelter, “pay-for-stay” beds and private, permanent apartments all in one building.

From left, Verdarrell Duncan, Semaje Davis and Pinkey Johnson work in the kitchen preparing food at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul.

Duncan is a volunteer who also receives services at the center, Johnson is the head chef and Davis is her grandson. Dave Hrbacek / The Catholic Spirit

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

According to Catholic Charities, since Higher Ground opened in 2012, there has been a 38 percent decrease in overnight shelter stays among people who use it most (single adults and veterans), and more than 95 men have moved from the temporary shelter into stable or permanent housing.

St. Paul’s version of the facility would shelter and house 470 people and provide the “pay-forstay” option for 75 people. The money clients pay for enhanced shelter would be saved for them to use toward the first month’s rent or a security deposit when more permanent housing becomes available.

The first-phase of the project also includes plans for a connection center within the building, which would provide mental health services, job training, access to veterans’ benefits and meals. Building permanent, affordable housing units in downtown St. Paul would complete the project.

“This is not only the right thing to do, but is also the smart thing to do,” said Tim Marx, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, which owns and operates the Dorothy Day Center in downtown St. Paul. “Because one thing that we all know is that if we solve homelessness, we avoid so many public costs. . . . As we go about this work, we can do it both with heart and head, and spirit, and [we] will accomplish this task.” Marx called the project a “new day for Dorothy Day.” Depending on the outcome of the upcoming

state legislative session, which will determine funding sources, the first phase of the project could be completed by 2016.

According to the ReVision report, Catholic Charities, the City of St. Paul, Ramsey County and the broader business and philanthropic community will work to secure $22 million in state bonding for the first phase of the project.

They also plan to use private funding.

Marx urged people to contact legislators to get the project moving forward when the session starts in February.

“What is really important is that everyone understands the urgency of the situation,” Marx said. “We have a crisis here at the Dorothy Day Center.”

“This [project] is an absolute godsend for the people we’re serving,” said Tina Palmer, senior director of development for Catholic Charities.

“This is an opportunity to transform homelessness in St. Paul.”

Meetings with Gov. Mark Dayton, legislators and leaders in the philanthropic community have helped propel the task force’s efforts, which are ongoing. The project coincides with the state’s plan to address homelessness, which was released last month.

“Now the work really begins,” Coleman said.

“This is an action plan. This is not a think-tank.

This is not something to sit on a shelf. This is something to roll up our sleeves and get to work on right away.”

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By Jessica Trygstad The Catholic Spirit Year two of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ Rediscover: initiative kicks off next month with a new speakers series focused on its 2014 theme of prayer. A prayer experience, “Cor Jesu” (Latin for “Heart of Jesus”) follows in the spring.

Father Bill Baer of Transfiguration in Oakdale, and Pat Millea and his wife, Kenna Millea, of St. Michael parish in Prior Lake will lead sessions exploring why and how Catholics should pray.

Pat Millea, St. Michael’s director of high school youth ministry and confirmation, speaks to youth and young adults around the country and the archdiocese. Kenna Millea coordinates religious education at Our Lady of Peace in Minneapolis, the family’s home parish. She will begin a master’s program in marriage and family therapy this spring.

“We are a couple who is comfortable with sharing the realities of our relationship with God, both as a couple and as individuals,” Pat said.

“There have been countless humbling experiences that highlight our humanity, but we have had many encouraging moments that illustrate God’s generosity and grace. Our prayer with and to God is central to our marriage, family, work and friendships. The Rediscover: presentation will be a more clear opportunity to encourage our brothers and sisters in faith.”

While the couple says they are “far from being experts” in prayer and spirituality, they are keenly aware of the ways people are constantly being challenged to better trust in God. “More than anything, we will offer our experience as a Catholic family who is trying to offer every part of our life — family, work and play — as a prayer to our Father,” Pat said.

All Rediscover: faith 2014 Speakers Series talks begin at 7 p.m. and

run 90 minutes, including hospitality time. (See sidebar for dates and locations.)

Rediscover: launched in 2013 as a way for Catholics in the archdiocese to strengthen their faith lives and invite others to know and love Jesus and his Church more deeply.

The launch coincided with Pope Benedict XVI’s Year of Faith proclamation and the call for a “new evangelization.” In a Dec. 6, 2012, Catholic Spirit column introducing the initiative, Archbishop John Nienstedt wrote that it’s everyone’s responsibility to spread the Gospel, and that’s accomplished through knowing Jesus.

“Ultimately, we must rediscover Jesus, so that we may rediscover, or perhaps discover for the first time, the joy and peace we are called to share with the world,” he wrote.

Prayer experience

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Rediscover: Second year will focus on prayer Connect with Rediscover: • Website: Rediscover-faith.org • Facebook: Rediscover Faith • Twitter: @RediscoverFaith • YouTube: YouTube.com/rediscoverfaith • app for Android, iPhone and iPad • Special section in each edition of The Catholic Spirit • Relevant Radio 1330 AM Rediscover: Hour — 9 a.m. Fridays

Speakers Series Free talks begin at 7 p.m.

• Feb. 3 – “Why Pray,” Holy Name of Jesus, Wayzata • Feb. 4 – “Why Pray,” St. John Neumann, Eagan • Feb. 10 – “How to Pray,” Holy Name of Jesus, Wayzata • Feb. 11 – “How to Pray,” St. John Neumann, Eagan • Feb. 24 – “Why Pray,” Our Lady of Grace, Edina • Feb. 25 – “Why Pray,” St. John the Baptist, New Brighton • March 3 – “How to Pray,” Our Lady of Grace, Edina • March 4 – “How to Pray,” St. John the Baptist, New Brighton

‘Cor Jesu’ prayer experience

“Cor Jesu” involves worship through eucharistic adoration, confession, praise, benediction and fellowship.

“All are welcome to participate how they wish,” said Sheryl Moran, a community volunteer from Our Lady of Grace in Edina and co-chair of Rediscover:’s Faith Formation Committee. “Whereas previous Rediscover: events have been an experience of the mind, ‘Cor Jesu’ is an experience of the heart to encounter Jesus.”

All “Cor Jesu” prayer evenings are from 7 to 9 p.m. (See sidebar for dates and locations during Lent.)

The speakers series and prayer events are free of charge; no registration is required. The Rediscover: initiative also includes book clubs and an archdiocesan-wide celebration.

fostered community.

After members of Our Lady of Grace in Edina read Matthew Kelly’s “Rediscover Catholicism,” they went together to receive the sacrament of reconcilation and then celebrated afterward.

This year’s recommended readings are Peter Kreeft’s “Prayer for Beginners” and Edward Sri’s “A Biblical Walk through The Mass.”

Those interested in starting a book club at their parish are encouraged to contact their priest.

Book clubs

Celebration

Last year, more than 500 book clubs formed in parishes throughout the archdiocese. Not only have they helped Catholics learn more about their faith, but they also have

The 2014 Rediscover: Catholic Celebration slated for Oct. 3-4 at the Minneapolis Convention Center will bring together Catholics in the archdiocese to celebrate Mass,

Prayer events begin at 7 p.m.

• March 11 – Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Paul • March 25 – St. Hubert, Chanhassen • April 8 – All Saints, Lakeville

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.

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hear internationally-known speakers and learn about worship and service opportunities.

New to the celebration, which was held on a single day last October, is a Friday evening session that will be geared toward adults in their 20s and 30s. It will feature speakers, live music and social time.

More than 5,000 people attended last year’s celebration at the St. Paul RiverCentre, and others listened to a live national broadcast of the event on Relevant Radio 1330 AM. Organizers expect more than twice as many people this year.

“When registration opens this spring, register early,” said Eileen Bock, project manager for the Office of Communications. “It’s a bigger space, but it may still sell out.”

Theology Day. Find out.

Is There a Heaven? Is There a Hell?

Thursday, January 23, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Maple Grove 6 p.m.: check-in, 6:30-9 p.m.: presentation Will we ever again see our loved ones who have passed away? Is there a place after death where we as individuals will survive and connect once again with the people and relationships that shaped our lives in the here-and-now? Stories of those with near-death experiences have captured the attention of many in our time. How do these experiences align with accounts in the Bible on life-after-death? How does belief in the afterlife influence the way we live in the here-and-now?

Fr. Dale Launderville, OSB, is professor of theology at Saint John’s School of Theology·Seminary and the undergraduate Department of Theology of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. He received a Master of Divinity from Saint John’s in 1979 and a doctorate from The Catholic University of America in 1987. His latest book, published by Liturgical Press in 2010, is Celibacy in the Ancient World.

FREE but registration is required: www.csbsju.edu/sot or 320-363-3570

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

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Couple’s plight spotlights need for immigration reform

By Dianne Towalski The Catholic Spirit Susan and her 8-year-old daughter drove from Minnesota to Laredo, Mexico, for a Christmastime family reunion.

But, it was a bittersweet occasion.

Susan’s husband, Carlos, a Mexican native who was working for a Minnesota landscaping company, had been deported there just before Thanksgiving. He traveled all night by bus from Mexico City to be reunited with his family near the border.

“Our daughter was reunited with her father on a random street corner in Laredo,” Susan said. “She ran to hug him and laid her head on his chest and cried and cried. I could feel the pent up sadness, fear and relief coming out in her sobs.”

Carlos, an undocumented immigrant who came to the U.S. to find work, and Susan, a native Minnesotan, have been married for 10 years and are members of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in St. Paul.

The two asked The See related Catholic Spirit not to use their real names editorial on while they work to page 13 address Carlos’ status.

As Minnesotans prepare to mark Immigration Sunday on Jan. 5 — an observance designated by the state’s bishops to learn more about the Church’s teachings on immigration and raise

“It’s important to remember the reasons that people come here. Their first choice is not to break the law. It bothers them that they are doing that, but they don’t feel that they have other options when they live in a place where they can’t feed their families and they can’t send their children to school.”

Lisa Kremer awareness about immigration issues — the story of Carlos and Susan illustrates the challenges that many immigrant families face in trying to build better lives in the U.S.

Detention visits Carlos was one of at least 34,000 undocumented immigrants held at any given time in prisons throughout the country. That number has been mandated since 2009, when some members of

Congress thought that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement wasn’t doing enough to deport unlawful immigrants.

Because Susan and her daughter are American citizens with passports, they were able to travel to Mexico to be with Carlos for Christmas. Other families are not so lucky.

The problems for Susan and Carlos started last May when he was pulled over for a routine traffic

stop and arrested for driving without a license. Several states allow undocumented immigrants to apply for a driver’s license, but Minnesota does not.

“He knew he shouldn’t drive, but he needed to go to work,” Susan said.

After his arrest, he was detained at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center in St. Paul for six months before being sent back to Mexico.

Susan took their daughter to visit Carlos in jail three times a week, the maximum allowed, she said.

“We would go in and get 20 minutes on a phone with a little monitor where you couldn’t really see him,” she said. “When your time is up, it just shuts off — it goes black.”

Meanwhile, the lawyer fees and the loss of Carlos’ income have caused serious financial problems for the family.

In the midst of a situation like this, it’s easy to feel alone and that nobody cares, Susan said.

But after one particular visit to the detention center, she noticed members of the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration — an ecumenical group that sponsors prayer vigils at the detention center each month — and approached them.

“Finding these people that supported me that didn’t even Please turn to BISHOPS on page 7

TheCatholicSpirit.com January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

7 The Catholic Spirit Two priests of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis have agreed to take leaves of absence from active ministry pending the conclusion of a review regarding incidents involving inappropriate conduct with minors.

Both of the men’s files were reviewed as part of a comprehensive examination being conducted by an outside professional firm of the files of all clergy in active ministry.

The review of Father Mark Wehmann’s file has identified several incidents of “boundary violations,” according to a Dec. 29 statement from the archdiocese.

“Law enforcement has been informed about most of these in the past and has determined that no criminal charges were appropriate,” the statement said.

“The archdiocese recently has informed law enforcement about the remaining incidents.”

A review of Father Joseph Gallatin’s file has identified a single incident “many years ago involving a boundary violation,” according to a separate statement.

“The outside professional review team has concluded that the incident did not involve a crime,” it said. “However, to ensure all appropriate steps have been taken, the archdiocese also recently informed law enforcement about the incident.”

Both priests announced their leaves of absence at

weekend Masses. The two situations are not related; both actions resulted from the file review.

Father Wehmann has been serving as pastor at St. Boniface in Minneapolis since July 2013 and until recently as a part-time chaplain at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis. While on his leave of absence, he will remain pastor but will not perform any public ministry until a final review is complete.

Father Gallatin has been serving as pastor at St. Peter in Mendota since July 2008. While on his leave of absence, he also will remain pastor but will not perform any public ministry until a final review is complete.

The archdiocese announced in November that it was hiring Kinsale Management Consulting to review clergy files to help ensure a comprehensive approach to address clergy sexual misconduct and contribute to the archdiocese’s goal of prudent and ongoing disclosure.

The firm was founded by Kathleen McChesney, a former high-level official at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and former head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office of Child and Youth Protection.

The file review process began with clergy in active ministry. It will be followed by a review of files of clergy who are no longer in ministry. The archdiocese has said that disclosures will be made on an ongoing basis as the review of files continues and as further claims are made known.

Local

Two priests take leaves of absence while incidents reviewed

Bishops call for just, compassionate reform Continued from page 6 have any family members that were immigrants, other than generations past . . . it was literally an oasis of support,” Susan said. “It was just amazing.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe parish is offering emotional support as well, said the pastor, Father Kevin Kenney, who visited Carlos while he was at the detention center.

While in detention in late October, Carlos found out on a Friday night that he would be deported as soon as the following Monday. “That’s how it happens,” Susan said. “They show up at jail, they take you and they don’t give you any warning.”

He was deported the following Tuesday. Susan, a teacher, found someone to cover her classes.

“I picked up my daughter and we went out to immigration,” she said. They wanted to see if they could visit him briefly before the bus left.

But they arrived to see the bus driver clicking his seatbelt, ready to drive away. Then, her daughter said, “Let’s just wave at the bus, maybe he’ll see.”

After their farewell gesture, they went home and waited to hear from him. “He called me and said he was on the other side of the border,” Susan said. “The minute I heard his voice I could tell he was so much better.”

And, he did see them waving, he said, according to Susan. “This is how it was: We were on the bus. It was moving and somebody in the bus said, ‘Someone is waving. Someone is waving,’ and everyone looked out to see who it

was. I just got tears in my eyes because you guys waited.”

Keeping families together To try to alleviate these kinds of agonizing scenarios for immigrant families, President Obama in August issued a directive urging authorities to take into consideration the family situation of detained undocumented immigrants and use discretion when detainees are parents of minor children.

But, more needs to be done to help people like Susan and Carlos, say advocates like Lisa Kremer, project coordinator for Abuelos y Nietos Juntos, a Minnesota organization dedicated to reunifying families separated by the immigration system. She believes grassroots efforts by citizens and faith communities could be a key part of the solution.

“What we need most is for people of faith and justice to really stand in defense of immigrants being treated badly, not to mention those who die making the dangerous trek across the desert,” Kremer said.

“It’s important to remember the reasons that people come here,” she said. “Their first choice is not to break the law. It bothers them that they are doing that, but they don’t feel that they have other options when they live in a place where they can’t feed their families and they can’t send their children to school.

“We need to recognize the contributions our immigrants make to our society and our economy. We need to understand the dire circumstances in their

home countries, the reasons they leave their families and their countries and make the perilous journey here.”

In their 2012 statement, “Unlocking the Gate in our Hearts,” on the need for federal immigration reform, the bishops of Minnesota outlined what is needed for compassionate and just reform.

They said such reform should include: • An earned legalization program for foreign nationals of good moral character.

• Policies designed to keep families together.

• A revamped temporary worker program that protects both the workers who come to the United States and U.S.-citizen workers.

• The restoration of immigrants’ due process rights.

• An effort to meaningfully address the root cause of migration, such as underdevelopment and poverty in countries of immigrant origin.

According to Kremer, a good first step for those wishing to get involved is simply to meet someone from across the border.

“I wish that every American citizen could come to personally know one of our immigrants and hear their story,” she said, “because in personal relationships compassion is born.”

For more information about Immigration Sunday, visit the Minnesota Catholic Conference website at mncc.org.

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

U.S. & World

8

Rulings in HHS lawsuits deliver mixed results for Catholic employers

By Catholic News Service A U.S. District Court judge Dec. 20 changed a preliminary injunction into a permanent one barring enforcement of the federal health care law’s contraceptive mandate against the Pittsburgh and Erie dioceses.

Judge Arthur Schwab of the U.S. District Court for Western Pennsylvania issued the ruling after attorneys representing the federal government said they had no new evidence to offer in support of the mandate. The government was expected to appeal his decision to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Two months earlier, in granting the preliminary injunction, Schwab said a religious employer’s right to adhere to moral objections to the contraceptive mandate outweighs a government decision to widen access to contraceptives.

But the same day Schwab issued his permanent injunction, rulings handed down in lawsuits filed by other Catholic entities brought mixed results for the plaintiffs.

Suits brought by the Washington Archdiocese, Priests for Life and the University of Notre Dame were dismissed in their respective jurisdictions; both the Catholic organization Legatus and a group of ministries associated with the

Southern Baptists were granted preliminary injunctions in their respective courts.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed the lawsuit filed by the Archdiocese of Washington and its related affiliates, saying they have “no right to challenge” the federal contraceptive mandate and arguing that the Catholic entities are not being forced to act contrary to their religious beliefs. The archdiocese in a Dec. 21 statement called the decision “astonishing” and “perplexing.”

Within an hour of the judge’s decision in its case, the Washington Archdiocese filed an emergency request with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit for an “injunction to maintain the status quo” while its appeal to the same court can be heard and decided.

The same district court dismissed the lawsuit filed by Priests for Life, headed by Father Frank Pavone.

The organization also planned to file an appeal.

Employers had to comply with the mandate starting Jan. 1 or face thousands of dollars of daily fines.

The University of Notre Dame refiled its HHS lawsuit Dec. 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, arguing the mandate’s purpose “is to discrimi-

nate against religious institutions and organizations that oppose abortion and contraception.”

On Dec. 20 that court denied Notre Dame a preliminary injunction and criticized the university for waiting too long to refile.

Notre Dame had originally filed suit last year, but the district court ruled it premature because the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had not yet finalized the rules for implementing the contraceptive mandate, which is part of the Affordable Care Act. The university engaged in talks with the Obama administration over the past year to find an acceptable resolution, but the effort failed.

When the final rules were issued in June, many Catholic employers, like Notre Dame, said they still did not address their moral objections to the mandated coverage.

Elsewhere Dec. 20, Judge Robert Cleland of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan/Southern Division granted a preliminary injunction to Legatus, an organization for Catholic business leaders.

“The harm in delaying the implementation of a regulation that may later be deemed constitutional must yield to the risk presented here of substantially infringing the sincere exercise of religious beliefs,”

THE CHALLENGE:

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To achieve this ambitious goal, we are expanding the number of NET teams from 11 to 16 and establishing regional NET offices in the East and West.

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January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

he said.

Currently, there are more than 70 lawsuits against the mandate filed

by Catholic and other religious entities and some for-profit companies working their way through the courts.

The HHS mandate requires nearly all religious and other employers to provide free preventative health care coverage specifically for women.

That coverage includes services such as mammograms, prenatal care and cervical cancer screenings, but it also mandates free contraceptives, sterilizations and abortioninducing drugs -- which are contrary to Catholic teaching. It includes a narrow exemption for some religious employers that fit certain criteria.

For religious employers who are not exempt, there is an accommodation for them to use a third party to pay for coverage they find objectionable, but Catholic entities that have brought the lawsuits say the accommodation still does not solve their problem over being involved in providing coverage they reject for moral reasons.

The mandate does not include a conscience clause for employers who object to such coverage on moral grounds.

NET’S ANNUAL IMPACT IN THIS ARCHDIOCESE:

· Over18,000 Catholic youth

attend a NET retreat or event each year

· 1,000-1,500 attend our Lifeline youth Mass and event each month

· Over100 youth ministers receive training at NET monthly

· Continual fostering of vocations,

with 6 alumni priests serving in and 9 alumni seminarians studying for this Archdiocese

WAYS TO DONATE:

· Call 651.450.6833 · Online at www.netusa.org/donate · Send in a check with the envelope that is inserted in this newspaper

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON IGNITING FAITH:

· Visit www.netusa.org/IgnitingFaith

9

Catholic News Service

A child holds a flag with an image of Pope Francis as he leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Dec. 29, the feast of the Holy Family. CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters

Pope: Don’t forget plight of exiles and the elderly

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Just as people must never ignore the plight of today’s immigrants and refugees, they must also remember today’s “hidden exiles” — the elderly and other relatives who are abandoned or forgotten by their own families, Pope Francis said.

“One sign for knowing how a family is doing is to see how they treat children and their elderly” relatives, the pope said at his noon blessing at the Vatican Dec. 29, the feast of the Holy Family.

Remembering how Jesus, Mary and Joseph had to live in exile, seeking escape in Egypt, Christians must also think about the tragedy of “migrants and refugees who are victims of rejection and exploitation, who are victims of human trafficking and slave labor,” he said before praying the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

“But let us also think about the other ‘exiled,’ I would call them the ‘hidden exiles,’ those exiled by their own family: the elderly, for example, who sometimes are treated as a burden,” he said.

God is with us The pope said today’s families should be inspired by the Holy Family’s simplicity and way of life, so they, too, can become “communities of love and reconciliation where one experiences tenderness, helping one another and mutual forgiveness.”

God wanted to be born in a human family and “wanted to have a mother and father, like we” have, the pope said.

Jesus also wanted to belong to a family that had to go through many hardships “so that no one would feel excluded from God’s loving closeness.”

The Holy Family’s forced exile shows that “God is where people are in danger, where they suffer, where they flee, where they experience rejection and abandonment,” he said.

Prayer to the Holy Family Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendor of true love, to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God’s plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer.

But God is also where there is hope — hope in returning to one’s homeland, in being free and being able to build a life of dignity for oneself and one’s family, he said.

The pope reminded people that the key phrases for cultivating peace and joy in one’s family are “May I; thank you; and I’m sorry,” so that everyone treats each other with respect and generosity.

Families must also recognize how important they are for the Church and society, he said.

“The proclamation of the Gospel, in fact, is promoted above all by families so that it then reaches the different areas of daily life.”

After the Angelus, the pope underlined how the family will take center stage during the next consistory or consultation with the College of Cardinals in February and at an October Synod of Bishops, whose work, he said, he was entrusting to Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

The pope created a special prayer (above) for the world’s families, which he recited to the crowd gathered in the square.

A federal judge Dec. 20 struck down Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage, arguing it violated the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process.

A day earlier the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that barring same-sex couples from marrying violates the equal protection clause of that state’s constitution.

In a Dec. 23 statement issued in Washington, the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on the Promotion and Defense of Marriage said both the court and judge “imposed a wrong decision about the meaning of marriage onto the people of their respective states.”

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone quoted Blessed John Paul II, who said: “Vast sectors of society are confused about what is right and what is wrong, and are at the mercy of those with the power to ‘create’ opinion and impose it on others.’”

Archbishop Cordileone said the “right question” to be asked in the marriage debate “is not, ‘Is there a

government interest in not recognizing alternative types of relationships as marriage?’, but rather, ‘Is there a public interest in societal recognition and regulation of the only kind of relationship that brings children into the world?’”

“Every human society in history has recognized that there is,” he said. “By losing sight of this fundamental reality, confusion and error triumph.

In Utah, Bishop John Wester of the statewide Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City said that “as Catholics, we seek to defend the traditional, well-established and divinely revealed reality of the marriage covenant between one man and one woman, a permanent and exclusive bond meant to provide a nurturing environment for children and the fundamental building block to a just society.”

The Catholic Church respects “the dignity of all persons, not wishing to undermine their pursuit of happiness but only to preserve and defend the gift of marriage as divinely revealed in Scripture and in natural law,” Bishop Wester said.

U.S. & World

New Mexico court, federal judge in Utah recognize same-sex marriage

Vatican will host meeting to push for end to Syrian war

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Egyptian Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei are among the key political experts invited by the Vatican for a one-day meeting aimed at promoting a cease-fire in Syria, the protection of Christians there and a transitional and unified government.

The Vatican meeting Jan. 13 will come ahead of major peace talks Jan. 22 in Geneva between the Syrian government and opposition forces.

Sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the daylong Vatican “workshop” will seek to propose “a cease-fire to make humanitarian aid possible” in Syria; an end to “persecutions against Christians to encourage interreligious dialogue; a transitional authority to organize elections [and] a unified national government also responsible for the military sector and security;” as well as an end to human trafficking and prostitution in the war-torn nation.

The meeting’s title is “Syria: With a death toll of 126,000 and 300,000 orphans in 36 months of war, can we remain indifferent?”

The Vatican invited eight international experts and leaders to discuss the tragedy unfolding in Syria, the political stances of the major international players in-

volved and possible solutions.

Meanwhile, a two-person delegation representing the Syrian government delivered a letter for Pope Francis from Syrian President Bashar Assad. The letter was delivered Dec. 28 when the Syrians met at the Vatican with Archbishop Pi-

A child reacts as he is carried on a stretcher at a damaged site after what activists said was heavy shelling by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus Dec. 26.

CNS photo/Bassam Khabieh, Reuters etro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican foreign minister.

The Vatican confirmed the delegates gave the pope “a message” that illustrated the position of the Syrian government. The Vatican gave no details about the letter’s contents.

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

U.S. & World

10

Trip to Holy Land is on Pope Francis’ itinerary for 2014 Continued from page 1 • New cardinals Pope Francis is scheduled to create new cardinals Feb. 22. By that time, no more than 106 members of the College of Cardinals will be under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope.

Under rules established by Pope Paul VI, the college should not have more than 120 such members, though subsequent popes have occasionally exceeded that number. So Pope Francis can be expected to name at least 14 new cardinal electors.

The election of the first Latin American pope has raised expectations of greater geographical diversity among cardinal electors, so the new slate might prove relatively heavy on names from statistically underrepresented regions, especially Latin America and Africa.

• Vatican reform The eight-member Council of Cardinals that Pope Francis formed to advise him on governance of the universal Church and reform of the Vatican bureaucracy has already joined him for two rounds of meetings at the Vatican and will do so again in February. The body is working on the first major

overhaul of the Roman Curia, the Church’s central administration at the Vatican, since 1988.

Although the council has not announced a timeline for its work, Pope Francis has established a record of acting fast; in December, he approved an idea for an international commission on the sexual abuse of children just one day after the council proposed it.

So, few will be surprised if the council gives him a draft of an apostolic constitution reorganizing the curia before the end of 2014.

• Canonization of two popes The double canonization ceremony of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II, scheduled for April 27, is almost certain to draw crowds larger than the more than 1 million who attended the latter’s beatification in May 2011.

By choosing to declare the sanctity of both men on the same day, Pope Francis may be trying to emphasize fundamental continuities between two popes widely seen as respectively liberal and conservative, especially with regard to reforms ushered in by the Second Vatican Council. Blessed John opened the council in 1962, and Blessed John Paul attended all four sessions as a bishop.

The ceremony could thus serve as an occasion for Pope Francis to

The trip would be the pope’s second outside of Italy, following his visit to Brazil last July for World Youth Day. expound on his own understanding of Vatican II and its legacy for the Church.

• Papal trip to the Holy Land The Vatican has yet to announce dates or an itinerary for an expected papal visit to the Holy Land, but has not denied recent reports that it will take place in late May and last three days, with stops in Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories. Pope Francis has said a Holy Land visit would include a meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, considered first among equals by Orthodox bishops.

The trip would be Pope Francis’ second outside of Italy, following his visit to Brazil in July 2013 for World Youth Day, and the first planned during his pontificate. The destination would be fitting for a pope whose relations with Jews have been exceptionally warm and who has made peace in the Middle East a

priority of his geopolitical agenda.

While a three-day papal visit would be unusually brief for such a prominent destination, it would be appropriate for Pope Francis, who has a heavy agenda of reform at home and the media flair to reach the world without leaving the Vatican.

• Divorced and remarried Catholics An extraordinary session of the Synod of Bishops will meet at the Vatican for two weeks in October to discuss the “pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization.”

Pope Francis has indicated topics of discussion at the synod will include Church law governing marriage annulments and the eligibility of divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion — issues that he has said exemplify a general need for mercy in the Church today.

In addition to speculation about possible changes in Church practice in those areas, the synod has drawn attention with a preparatory questionnaire sent to the world’s bishops, which asks about the promotion and acceptance of Catholic teachings on such topics as premarital cohabitation, same-sex unions and contraception.

Pope’s morning Masses to include parishioners from Rome

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

ing in the Vatican guesthouse where he lives.

Ordinary members of parishes in Rome will be able to attend Pope Francis’ private morning Masses in 2014.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said the cardinal vicar of Rome would tell local pastors how to apply on behalf of their parishioners beginning in January, according to a Dec. 27 report by Vatican Radio.

The pope celebrates Mass every morn-

Excerpts from his short, off-the-cuff homilies there have attracted worldwide attention for their frank, spontaneous style and occasionally have made news with remarks on such controversial topics as the salvation of atheists and the credibility of purported Marian apparitions.

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Most of Pope Francis’ morning congregations so far have consisted of Vatican

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January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

employees.

The guesthouse chapel was constructed to accommodate 120 cardinal electors and a few attendants during a papal conclave. Father Lombardi said Rome parishioners probably would be admitted in groups of 25 at a time.

Blessed John Paul II and retired Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass every morning in a private chapel in the Apostolic Palace; Blessed John Paul’s congregation frequently included invited guests.

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11 Readings Sunday, Jan. 5

Sharon Perkins

This Christmas was an exciting one for our extended family. We welcomed a newcomer to the clan.

He was 3 months old when we finally got to meet him because his family lives in China.

Although we’ve seen baby Mateo in photos and on Skype, we were all anxious to meet him face to face, kiss his chubby little cheeks and shower him with presents selected carefully to fit in a suitcase for the return trip overseas.

The Magi of the Epiphany are mentioned only in Matthew’s Gospel. They are popularly described as “kings” or “Wise Men” and assumed to be three (there could have been more). Most likely, they were Persian priests who studied the stars and planets as a religious practice.

By the time they arrived, they

found the child and Mary in a house, albeit a very modest one — meaning that Jesus was probably several months old and certainly not residing in a palace befitting a king.

In studying the text, I think the Magi are noteworthy for several reasons: They were seeking the “newborn king of the Jews,” they came from afar to give him homage, and they brought with them a few carefully selected gifts.

Although the gifts’ symbolic meaning has been debated, the general consensus is that gold, a rare precious metal, signifies Jesus’ kingship. Frankincense, long used in ritual worship, visually reminds adorers of their prayers and sacrifices rising up to God. Myrrh, derived from tree resin for making medicine and embalming Tuesday, Jan. 7 St. Raymond of Penyafort, priest 1 John 4:7-10 Mark 6:34-44

DAILY Scriptures Sunday, Jan. 5 The Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

Wednesday, Jan. 8 1 John 4:11-18 Mark 6:45-52

Monday, Jan. 6 St. Andre Bessette, religious 1 John 3:22 – 4:6 Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Thursday, Jan. 9 1 John 4:19 – 5:4 Luke 4:14-22a Friday, Jan. 10 St. John, apostle, evangelist

Reflection How earnestly do I seek the Lord?

What is one gift, carefully selected, that I can offer him in adoration and love?

The Epiphany of the Lord

Like us, Magi are co-heirs of promise of Christmas

• Isaiah 60:1-6 • Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 • Matthew 2:1-12

ointment, was also referenced at Jesus’ burial, reminding us that, though divine, he took on human flesh, suffered and died, all for love of us.

The solemnity of the Epiphany (the word means “revealing”) certainly gives me pause.

How far away have I wandered from the Lord? Do I desire to encounter the king of kings as keenly as our family looked forward to seeing baby Mateo? Do I adore and worship the Lord faithfully? Am I willing to give him

1 John 5:5-13 Luke 5:12-16

my life in return for his gift of suffering and dying for my sake?

The Magi didn’t travel hundreds of miles simply to visit a baby.

They, like us, are now co-heirs and co-partners in the great promise of Christ Jesus.

Let the Christmas celebration continue.

This Catholic News Service column is offered in cooperation with the North Texas Catholic of Fort Worth, Texas.

1 Samuel 1:1-8 Mark 1:14-20

Saturday, Jan. 11 1 John 5:14-21 John 3:22-30

Tuesday, Jan. 14 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Mark 1:21-28

Sunday, Jan. 12 The Baptism of the Lord Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Acts 10:34-38 Matthew 3:13-17

Wednesday, Jan. 15 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 Mark 1:29-39

Monday, Jan. 13 St. Hilary, bishop, doctor of the Church

Focus on Faith • Scripture Readings

SUNDAY SCRIPTURES

Thursday, Jan. 16 1 Samuel 4:1-11 Mark 1:40-45

Friday, Jan. 17 St. Anthony, abbot 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a Mark 2:1-12 Saturday, Jan. 18 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a Mark 2:13-17 Sunday, Jan. 19 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 John 1:29-34

Note: The Sunday Scripture reflections written by seminarians of St. Paul Seminary will return in the Jan. 16 issue.

Extended through Feb 22!

. . . Forming Disciples of Jesus Christ

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For more information: Call (651) 633-1522 or visit www.stjohnnyb.org

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C H A N H A S S E N D T. C O M January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Focus on Faith • Seeking Answers

12 SEEKING ANSWERS Father Michael Schmitz

Must I ‘fess up’ to a person I’ve wronged?

Q. Do I have to tell someone

that I’ve sinned against them if they don’t already know?

A. This is a very good question.

People can often be plagued by guilt over an action that remains undiscovered. It is perfectly normal to want to “come clean” and ask for forgiveness.

Think of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” or Dostoyevsky’s “Crime and Punishment.” Both stories describe an incredible and hidden guilt that ultimately ends up driving the protagonist to a breakdown.

Carrying our sins alone can often be a great burden. Even when we are not in any danger of being “found out,” at times the sheer weight of remorse can be enough to send us seeking relief by any means we can imagine.

And sometimes, we imagine that admitting our guilt to the injured person is the thing that will bring us relief.

Even more, there are times when we wonder if we are obligated to tell the one we have offended of our offense. A person might not feel overwhelmingly guilty, but is concerned about whether or not

they are supposed to admit their sin to the other.

No obligation The short answer is: No, you do not have any obligation to tell someone that you have done something against them.

Simply put, when it comes to veracity, there is a difference between “lying” and “concealing the truth.”

A person may be under no obligation to reveal the truth to another. Furthermore, it is not a violation of either goods of truth or friendship to refuse to indict oneself, even in response to a direct question. And, yes, this principle is even true in cases of infidelity between spouses.

Now, keep in mind that we certainly do have to bring our sin before the Lord through the sacrament of confession. And, while in the sacrament of confession, we must be as forthright and candid as possible.

In the context of confession, any relevant details must be included.

None of this is to encourage deceit or to praise some sort of “loophole” when striving for honesty in relationships. I

personally prefer the idea of fully disclosing the unvarnished truth.

It is easier and simpler. It even seems to be the most noble.

But, in some ways it is like the soldier who, out of shame or disgrace, chooses to do the “honorable thing” and fall on his sword.

In the soldier’s mind, he may be doing something very difficult and very noble. But, in reality, it would serve the people around him better if he picked up his sword and continued to fight.

bring relief to me?

In many cases, one’s desire to “confess” is to avoid the pain of dealing with one’s own guilt, not because admission of guilt would restore wholeness to the relationship.

Simply put, would I be confessing for their sake or simply to make myself feel better? If it is merely to make oneself feel better, then it is most likely not an act of love to reveal the offense.

If a person still remains unsettled with carrying their guilt, it could

“One question to ask could be: Would my confession to this person bring healing to our friendship, or would it merely bring relief to me? In many cases, one’s desire to ‘confess’ is to avoid the pain of dealing with one’s own guilt, not because admission of guilt would restore wholeness to the relationship.”

Father Michael Schmitz

Similarly, those who run the likelihood of destroying relationships or ruining lives through their desire to admit their fault to someone against whom they had sinned would be more honorable if they chose to love that person well.

bless them greatly if they sought out counsel from a wise spiritual director or confessor. In those cases, a person would be able to get help with the burden of guilt without needlessly burdening the offended party.

Whom will benefit?

Father Schmitz is director of youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Duluth and chaplain of the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Reach him at fathermikeschmitz@gmail.com.

One question to ask could be: Would my confession to this person bring healing to our friendship, or would it merely

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.

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January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

13

Joe Towalski

Immigration reform through a Gospel lens Each year, Minnesota’s bishops designate a Sunday in January, typically the feast of the Epiphany, as Immigration Sunday. This year’s observance on Jan. 5 affords an opportunity to learn more about what the Church teaches on immigration and the challenges that today’s newcomers face as they seek to start a new life for themselves and their families.

It’s also a chance to learn more about how we Catholics can help to fix a federal immigration system that people on both sides of the political spectrum agree is broken and in need of reform. While Congress has been

debating the issue for several years, it has failed so far to pass a comprehensive proposal that promotes the common good and is fair to all.

What principles should guide such reform?

That’s where the Epiphany story comes in: The arrival in Bethlehem of the gift-bearing Magi from the East is an acknowledgment that Jesus was born to bring salvation not just to certain people, but all people. As the Minnesota Catholic Conference notes on its website: “On this day we are reminded that all human beings — regardless of ethnicity, nationality, race, creed or

status — are ‘coheirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus’ (Ephesians 3:6). This includes newcomers to our country and state.”

Epiphany comes just one week after the feast of the Holy Family with its Gospel reading of how Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt with their newborn son to escape the threat posed by King Herod, making the Holy Family refugees in a foreign land.

Much like Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus, many of today’s immigrants — including the approximately 12 million who are undocumented — are likewise seeking to escape persecution and oppression.

Or they are leaving behind situations of extreme poverty. They want to keep their families together and contribute positively to their new communities.

But, too often, today’s immigration system doesn’t allow them to do that. It doesn’t always respect their human rights or their dignity.

Too often, current laws and policies break apart families. And, too often, unethical employers take advan-

tage of the system to exploit immigrant workers.

Epiphany encourages us to recognize that everyone is part of the family of God, including strangers in need — much as the young Jesus and his family once were in need.

And, as Americans, we also must remember our nation’s proud history of welcoming immigrants, many of whom form the roots of our own family trees.

Comprehensive immigration reform should include an orderly process for keeping our borders safe and secure. At the same time, it should create a path to citizenship for undocumented workers of good moral character, prioritize family unification and respect basic human rights.

Immigration Sunday offers the chance to learn more about the plight of immigrants and how we, as Catholics, can work to be part of the solution, which has been too long in coming. You can find many helpful resources on the Minnesota Catholic Conference’s website at mncc.org.

This Catholic Life • Commentary

EDITORIAL

We need to speak boldly and joyfully about Christ, document says Continued from page 3 service to the poor, the hunger for good homilies and the need for courageous believers prepared to share the Word in slum neighborhoods and corporate boardrooms.

“Pope Francis invites all Christians everywhere to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ and identifies evangelization as the center of the Church’s concern,” said Father Robert Barron, rector of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Ill., and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.

“The central task of the Church is this invitation to know Jesus Christ, not as an idea or as a concept, but as a living, divine person, who, out of love for us, offers himself to us as a gift. In order to fulfill our mission to introduce the world to Christ, we must first know him ourselves, and one of the foremost characteristics of someone who knows Christ is joy,” Father Barron said.

“This joy is not superficial optimism, but manifests itself in a willingness and preparedness for mission,” said Father Barron. “Pope Francis is clear: The one thing that positions everything that the Church seeks to accomplish, from worship to catechesis to efforts to serve the needs of the poor, is the central and urgent task of evangelization.”

The call to evangelize is accompanied by an unapologetic critique of U.S.-style free-market economies, which, according to the pope, engender broad indifference to the plight of the poor.

“How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points?” Pope Francis asks (53).

The Holy Father acknowledges that his strong words might bruise the feelings of some Catholics, but he said that was not his intention.

“My words are not those of a foe or an

opponent,” Pope Francis states. “I am interested only in helping those who are in thrall to an individualistic, indifferent and self-centered mentality to be freed from those unworthy chains” (208).

Weigel suggested that the pope’s critique of the economy reflected the guiding principles of Catholic social teaching developed over the past two centuries.

Economic markets, said Weigel, “should serve the common good, which is the constant teaching of the socialdoctrine tradition since Leo XIII. I think the pope also realizes that the materialism of the West is a real impediment to the New Evangelization because it often results in a practical atheism.”

Judging market economies Pope Francis’ harsh judgment of market economies is accompanied by a critique of a “welfare mentality,” and he calls on the faithful to pursue hands-on service and spiritual support for the needy.

“Pope Francis, in this apostolic exhortation, invites, indeed intentionally provokes, us to consider the misery that real people in real circumstances must cope with,” said Father Robert Sirico, president of the Acton Institute, who has also issued a video response to the papal document.

However, Father Sirico suggested that the pope’s strong words on this subject raise questions that should provoke further discussion among Catholics and other people of goodwill.

“How do we reconcile his affirmation of business as ‘a noble vocation’ that serves ‘the common good by striving to increase the goods of this world and to make them more accessible to all’ (203) with his clear warnings about ‘absolute autonomy of markets’ (202)?” asked Father Sirico.

Archbishop Kurtz emphasized that the Holy Father is addressing both material and spiritual poverty and that Francis offers prayer as the wellspring foundation

for evangelization and service.

“He asks us to be mindful also of a poverty that is spiritual: those who may be rich in money but are addicted to consumerism. They ignore God in their lives, and they fail to serve their brothers and sisters,” said Archbishop Kurtz. “The work of evangelization ought not to be hectic, with people running in all directions at once. Rather, he calls us to begin any work with prayer and to be grounded in prayer.”

“He is giving us the true blend of contemplation and action. Prayer and contemplation take us away from selfishness, not from people,” he said.

The lengthy apostolic exhortation has stirred intense debate regarding the direction of this pontificate on non-economic issues, like curial reform and the role of women.

And the document also features passages that directly or indirectly affirm Church teaching on abortion, homosexuality and religious freedom, tamping down speculation that Francis will set aside unpopular moral teachings to attract alienated Catholics.

Addressing the subject of abortion, Francis states: “Precisely because this involves the internal consistency of our message about the value of the human person, the Church cannot be expected to change her position on this question.

“I want to be completely honest in this regard. This is not something subject to alleged reforms or ‘modernizations.’ It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life” (214).

The pope clearly signals his desire to decentralize the Church, reducing the size of the Vatican curia while fostering consultation and action by national bishops’ conferences, dioceses and parishes.

“I do not want a Church concerned with being at the center and then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures,” he writes (49).

Archbishop Kurtz said the pope seeks

to foster “true collegiality,” and he said that the challenges posed by the New Evangelization have already inspired collaboration between the U.S. and Mexican bishops’ conferences.

The archbishop anticipated further engagement with the Latin-American bishops’ conference, CELAM, in the months ahead, as Church leaders prepare for the Synod of Bishops in October.

Role of women The work of evangelization also provides further context for the pope’s call for greater participation by women in the Church at all levels of “decisionmaking.”

Though he repeats his predecessors’ firmly stated position that the ordination of women is a closed subject, he acknowledges that the growing role of women in society has raised “profound and challenging questions which cannot be lightly evaded” (104).

Pia de Solenni, a moral theologian based in Seattle, said the pope has signaled that the Church needs to “play catch-up pastorally.”

“Women have had leadership positions at different times in Church history, and, today, there are chancellors who are women,” de Solenni said. She added that more changes are still needed, including how we view motherhood.

However, she also suggested that many Catholics, who have been formed by a culture that dismisses the complementary value of gender differences, do not understand the nature and origins of the all-male Catholic priesthood.

“When you see the priesthood as a position of power, it makes no sense that women can’t be priests,” she said. “We need to see it as a way of being: The priest is Christ, who is the bridegroom for the Church, his bride. The relationship is one of love, not power.”

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Vocations

14

Parish provides good ground for priest vocation Four seminarians hail from St. Michael

By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit As a high school freshman, Andrew Zipp first heard a call to priesthood while praying in his parish youth group. Zipp, who grew up attending St. Michael parish in St. Michael, is now a junior at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul and is seriously considering priesthood.

He’s not the only one from his parish and youth group at the seminary.

Two other men from St. Michael — Tyler Ferry and Josh Solonek — along with Nick Welter from neighboring St. Albert in Albertville, attend SJV. And another St. Michael native, Deacon Paul Shovelain, is at St. Paul Seminary preparing to be ordained a priest in May. All participated in the combined youth group at St. Michael and St. Albert.

Since the St. Michael parish’s inception in 1856, 30 priests and 100 nuns have come from it, and more young men and women are currently discerning priesthood or consecrated life, according to the pastor, Father Peter Richards.

Strong Catholic families, priests who give a positive image of the priesthood, and an active faithcentered youth group are reasons cited for why these young men are at the seminary.

The seminarians also say they’ve been encouraged by friendships

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

“. . . having these guys from St. Michael — having all of them there this whole time — has been a real grace for me just because I’ve known them for so long and they’re someone I can still turn to.”

— Andrew Zipp, SJV seminarian and St. Michael parishioner

“Being able to see their example of just giving their entire lives to be priests of Jesus Christ, it’s really been a big influence on me in my time discerning priesthood.”

— Tyler Ferry, SJV seminarian, speaking about parish priests

“Seminary is difficult, and so I try to give them encouragement and help when I can,” — Paul Shovelain, St. Paul Seminary deacon and St. Michael parishioner

with each other and Deacon Shovelain’s leadership.

“The confluence of elements of Catholic culture . . . all together inspiring love for Jesus, love for Mary and the saints, and then in that, God has given grace to young people to answer the vocation,”

said SJV rector and previous St. Michael pastor Father Michael Becker.

Father Richards emphasized the role of families. “All of those guys come from very strong families Please turn to YOUTH on page 19

Enrollment continues to be at capacity

By Susan Klemond For The Catholic Spirit During the last few years, Father Michael Becker, rector at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, hasn’t had to turn away individual applicants, but it’s been close.

The number of college seminarians around the country increased 5 percent in 2012, according to a study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. At the same time, Father Becker said SJV has been at or near capacity — the building holds 119 men. Currently, 132 men from 20 dioceses attend the seminary and live in its facility on the University of St. Thomas campus. Some study in Rome, and the seminary’s guest rooms accommodate the others.

As a college seminary, SJV offers a four-year program of academics and spiritual direction to help young men grow in their Catholic faith and vocational discernment.

Those who continue to discern a call to the priesthood continue their formation at a major seminary, such as St. Paul Seminary.

Please turn to SJV on page 15

Always Christ, always faithful Benedictine Priests and Brothers of Assumption Abbey

15 Continued from page 14 As to whether SJV will stay at capacity, Father Becker said young people’s interest in seminary is slightly on the rise.

“The numbers across the nation are up a little bit,” he said. “It depends on the Catholic culture everywhere.”

For For more more information, information, contact: contact: Br. Br. Michael Michael Taffe, Taffe, OSB OSB Vocation Vocation Director Director vocations@assumptionabbey.com vocations@assumptionabbey.com www.assumptionabbey.com www.assumptionabbey.com 701-974-3315 701-974-3315

Six years ago, SJV enrollment was at 154 men, giving it the largest college seminary enrollment in the United States.

According to Father Becker, about 35 percent of college seminarians go on to the major seminary; about 80 percent of those will become ordained priests.

Vocations

SJV sees more interest from youths

Dominican Friars, Central Province “But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?”

Romans10:14

Will you respond to the call?

Come and See Feb 14-16 St. Louis www.OPCentral.org Vocations@OPCentral.org

PURPLE, GOLD, AND YOU! Join Us for Our Open House Open House – January 9, 2014 6:30 p.m.

Placement Test January 18, 2014 8:30 a.m.

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

A Joyful Life

A Jesuit Vocation Life as a Jesuit is joyful. And it is one certain way to make a difference in the world.

Have you ever thought about becoming a Jesuit?

Or, do you know someone – a friend, a sibling, a relative, a son – who you think could be a Jesuit?

Encourage them and find out more at:

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

Faith & Culture

16

St. Mark’s Acoustic Café: spotlight for local Catholic musicians

By Jennifer Janikula For The Catholic Spirit The outcome of several 2 a.m. shifts at St. Mark’s adoration chapel surprised Benjamin Brekke.

Like many people, Brekke found comfort and peace during his weekly hour with Jesus, but he also found a challenge. God questioned Brekke, “What are you going to do with the talents I have given you?”

Brekke knew that music was the talent God was calling him to use. Music had been a hobby for Brekke since he began playing guitar and writing songs in high school. He was shy about performing in front of others, but did a few small gigs in college.

After college, Brekke experienced writer’s block. For two years, the music left him. The song ideas were gone and his creativity was fading, but adoration provided a spark. It began to reboot Brekke’s faith life, and the music began to flow again. He wanted a forum to share his new music and to inspire other Catholic musicians.

After several months of personal discernment and with encouragement from family and friends, Brekke found his answer: St. Mark’s Acoustic Café, a quarterly showcase of local, Catholic-inspired musicians in a casual coffeehouse setting.

Attend the Acoustic Café The next St. Mark’s Acoustic Café is Saturday, Jan. 11, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Carolyn Hall, Church of St. Mark, St. Paul.

The eclectic lineup for the sixth installment of the café includes a jazz trio, banjolele, tuba, trumpet, guitar, piano and ukulele. All are welcome. The $5 admission fee includes music, refreshments and board games.

Featured artists include: • Rachel Crooks • Luke Spehar • David Kolar • Benjamin Brekke • Mitch Mueller • Oliver Blackstone Interested in performing? The Acoustic Café welcomes all Catholic-inspired musicians or spoken-word artists whose performances would complement the coffeehouse setting. The stage can accommodate solo artists or small ensembles. Musicians should have enough material for a 30-miniute set.

For more information, email benjaminlee brekke@gmail. com.

Benjamin Brekke performs his original Catholic-inspired music during a St. Mark’s Acoustic Café event in October.

Brekke started the quarterly event, which showcases five performances by Catholic musicians in a coffeehouse setting.

Submitted photo/Joy Brekke

Giving glory to God Brekke, father of two young girls, described the Acoustic Café as a way for Catholic musicians to express and inspire creativity.

Since its first event in October 2012, 14 musicians have performed an eclectic mix of music in St. Mark’s Carolyn Hall. An average of 100 people attend each session for music, refreshments, board games and fellowship.

Brian Kusek, a frequent Acoustic Café performer and full-time musician, described his music as a story of his faith and who he is as a Christian. “I aspire to write songs that reflect where I’ve come from and where I’m going,” Kusek said. “I hope my music inspires a genuine dialogue about truth.”

Kusek appreciates the help and inspiration from fellow performers like Luke Spehar, who sings at local churches and universities.

Spehar was featured in a 2011 Catholic Spirit article about his brother, Navy Seal Nicholas Spehar, who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Spehar will perform at the next Acoustic Café Jan. 11. (See sidebar for more details.)

“I try to write songs that give glory to God,” Kusek said. “The Acoustic Café allows me to spend time with others who are trying to do the same thing.”

The sense of community at the Acoustic Café extends beyond the musicians to the members of the parish and the entire archdiocese.

Pianist David Kolar, the Acoustic Café’s sound man, said “the events offer solid, faith-centered music and provide a way for people to connect outside of church in a way that is casual and social.”

St. Mark’s pastor, Father Humberto Palomino, said he also appreciates the way the Acoustic Café creates community: “The Lord is helping bring the community at large together to celebrate our Catholic faith through music. I truly believe that apostolates like this help us to focus in Christ, especially in the Eucharist.”

St. Mark’s Acoustic Cafe sponsors quarterly performances featuring five 30-minute sets with local, Catholic-inspired musicians. For more information about St. Mark’s Acoustic Café, email benjaminleebrekke@gmail.com or visit SaintMarksAcousticCafe on Facebook.

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January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

17

By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service Pilgrims wishing to follow Christ’s footsteps from his childhood home in Nazareth through Galilee have a visually stimulating and inspiring path to follow.

With vistas spanning from horizon to horizon and the chance to meet the varied people who call Israel home, the Gospel Trail takes pilgrims and recreational hikers on a 37-mile journey from the Mount of Precipice on the southern outskirts of Nazareth to the ancient town of Capernaum.

The easily accessible and wellmarked trail offers the chance to explore the journey that Jesus followed as he started his threeyear public ministry. It traverses ancient communities, ruins, natural areas, springs, farms and olive groves, offering views not unlike what Jesus might have seen 2,000 years ago.

“We believe this heritage way can give a good answer to many tourists . . . looking for a meaningful visit here, not only in churches and archaeology sites, but also the landscape,” said Amir Moran, Gospel Trail project director for the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

A man looks out over the Jazreel Valley from Mount Precipice in Nazareth, Israel. The hill, believed to be where Jesus was led to after being rejected in Nazareth (Luke 4: 29-30), is the start of the new Gospel Trail. CNS photo/Debbie Hill

Following ancient paths Moran said no one is 100 percent sure of the route Jesus took through Galilee, but that topographical and biblical research point to the trail as a likely choice.

Large trail markers made of stacked stones emblazoned with the mosaic-like Gospel Trail logo guide hikers along the wide, manicured path. The trail begins atop the Mount of Precipice, where, in a Gospel account, an angry mob tried to throw Christ from a cliff after people became upset with his sermon at the synagogue.

Several years in development, the trail follows ancient paths used by farmers, shepherds, villagers, merchants and armies for centuries. The trail also is known for its natural beauty, taking visitors past lush natural areas where flora and fauna abound.

Moran said the trail was laid out so that visitors could be introduced to the varied cultures that make up Israel.

Travel

Gospel Trail puts visitors on Christ’s path through Galilee

Stacked stones mark the start of the Gospel Trail on the Mount of Precipice near Nazareth. CNS photo/Bob Mullen “If this is Arab villages or Jewish villages, whatever along the way, it gives the tourist a unique experience for contact with them, which is not done when they come with a bus and visit a church, only

a church or an archaeological site,” he said.

A suggested itinerary breaks the trail into four stages, but hikers can trek as far as they want on any given day.

Overnight accommodations ranging from first-class hotels to quaint bed-and-breakfast inns are reached easily from the trail, assuring hikers of comfortable places to rest along their journey.

Nearby restaurants offer a variety of cuisines ranging from contemporary to traditional Middle Eastern fare.

Secondary trails give pilgrims the chance to visit Mount Tabor, believed to be the site of the Transfiguration; Cana, site of Jesus’ first miracle; the Mount of Beatitudes; and several other historic and important sites.

Those venturing up Mount Tabor will be greeted by the Church of the Transfiguration, built by the Franciscans between 1919 and 1924.

The church can be seen for miles from the fertile biblical Valley of Jezreel to the southwest as well as

from the hills that gradually unfold toward the southern end of the Sea of Galilee.

In Cana, the Franciscan Wedding Church can be reached after a short walk through a residential neighborhood just off the town’s main street. The church was consecrated in 1883 to commemorate the wedding feast where Jesus turned water into wine. A massive painting of Christ instructing the servants at the wedding to fill six cisterns with water graces the wall above the main altar.

The Gospel Trail also is open to bikers along most of its route.

Moran said the trail always was envisioned as being available to as many people as possible, no matter how they make their way along it.

Several sections of the Gospel Trail are accessible to people in wheelchairs or who have limited mobility to allow them to experience the same vistas that Christ might have enjoyed.

Details about the Gospel Trail can be found online at www.goisrael.com.

NEXT YEAR, IT COULD BE YOU! 2014 Leading With Faith Award nominations open now!

Visit thecatholicspirit.com/leadingwithfaith to nominate someone today or call 651-251-7709

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

18

Calendar

Parish events 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. NE. Features all-you-can-eat with roast turkey for non-game eaters. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 4 to 12.

Private showing of ‘Mary of Nazareth’ at Rosemount Theatre, Rosemount — January 13: 6:30 p.m. at 15280 Carousel

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.

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

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.

Way. $5 suggested donation. Call (651) 423-4402 for tickets.

Annual Parish Pro-Life Presentation and Italian Dinner at Maternity of Mary, St. Paul — January 18: 5:30 p.m. (Mass at 4:30 p.m.) at 1414 N. Dale St. Speaker is Bishop Lee Piché. Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 13-18 and $2 for 12 and under. Childcare will be available. For more information, call (651) 489-0211.

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.

Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage one-day seminar at St. Joseph, Rosemount — January 25: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 13900 Biscayne Ave. W. For information and to register, call (612) 5019065 or visit www.lywrosemount.evenbrite. com.

Prayer/ liturgy 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.

Healing Mass at St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Joseph campus, Hopkins

— January 21: Rosary is at 7 p.m. followed by Mass at 1310 Mainstreet.

Father Jim Livingston will be the celebrant.

Prayer service for life at Lumen Christi, St. Paul — January 22: 7 p.m. at 2055 Bohland Ave. Fellowship and refreshments will follow.

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.

issues that directly affect the lives of young adults ages 18-39. Dr. Robert Kennedy will present “Pope Francis on Economics, is he right?”

For information, email cya@cathedralsaintpaul. org.

School events

Retreats 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.

Open house at St. Jude of the Lake School, Mahtomedi — January 9: 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 600 Mahtomedi Ave. St. Jude of the Lake is a Catholic International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme school. For information, visit www. stjudeofthelakeschool.org.

Kindergarten information night at St. Croix Catholic School, Stillwater — January 13: 6:30 p.m. at 621 S. Third St. For information, call (651) 439-5581 or visit www. stcroixcatholic.org.

Young adults

Kindergarten information night at Holy Trinity School, South St. Paul — January 14: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 745 Sixth Ave. S. For information, call (651) 455-8557.

Theology on Tap speaker series at the Glockenspiel Restaurant, St. Paul — January 22: Social hour from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a 60 minute speaker presentation at 605 Seventh St. W. Program focuses on topics of faith and contemporary

Open house for preschool through third grade at Blessed Trinity School, Richfield — January 16: 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 7540 Penn Ave. S. For information, visit www.btcsmn.org.

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! www.aimhigher.org January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

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 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

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

19

Youth group plays a role in vocational discernment Continued from page 14 that are open to God’s call for them,” he said. “I think that’s where it all starts first. The families there are all along.”

“Our goal is to help these teens seek Christ with all their hearts, minds and souls. We definitely don’t push vocations, but rather [encourage them] to get closer to Christ, to seek his face, and [we] come alongside them to help them on their journey.”

Nurturing a call Ferry, who transferred to SJV this fall after two years at Winona State University in Winona, said while he didn’t realize it at the time, the foundation for his discernment was laid at the parish.

“I don’t think I was ever really open to the priesthood in my time at home and part of St. Michael parish. But there were so many things that led up to that, that were built at St. Michael,” he said.

In reflecting on a possible call, Ferry said he thought of the parish priests. “Being able to see their example of just giving their entire lives to be priests of Jesus Christ, it’s really been a big influence on me in my time discerning priesthood,” he said.

One Saturday a month, Father Richards and St. Michael’s assistant priest, Father Nathan LaLiberte, invite the parish’s young men to dinner for prayer, fellowship and to learn about their life. About 10 boys and at least one of their dads often show up at the dinners, which are provided by parish families.

“The main thing is for them to

John O’Sullivan

get a taste for the priesthood,” Father Richards said.

Men 18 and older who want to learn more about the life of a priest can stay in the rectory basement for a summer or school break.

Father Richards said he hopes to do more to encourage young women at St. Michael to consider religious life, including bringing religious sisters to the parish.

Seeking Christ together The seminarians said the St. Michael-St. Albert youth group, which is co-led by John O’Sullivan and Cassandra Olson, has been another part of their vocational discernment.

Composed of about 160 junior and senior high school students from both parishes, the youth

group helps kids be faithful to the Church through prayer, the sacraments, study and service, said O’Sullivan, who has been a youth minister at the parish for eight years.

“Our goal is to help these teens seek Christ with all their hearts, minds and souls,” O’Sullivan said.

“We definitely don’t push vocations, but rather [encourage them] to get closer to Christ, to seek his face, and [we] come alongside them to help them on their journey.”

While at St. Paul Seminary, Deacon Shovelain has often met the men from the youth group studying at SJV for lunch to talk about their experiences.

“Seminary is difficult, and so I try to give them encouragement

and help when I can,” he said.

These meetings help build brotherhood, Zipp said. “It’s been really cool to have that. We’ve grown up together pretty much, so that helps.”

Their friendships have helped the St. Michael men at SJV, although Father Becker said they mix with all the 132 seminarians.

“The fraternity is very strong, the prayer life is very strong,” he said. “The message to invest yourself to grow in virtue is inculcated, and the young men are growing up in an environment where they — if they go on to become a husband and father — they will be a wonderful husband and father. If they go on to be a priest, they will be one who seeks to be a holy priest.”

While not all SJV seminarians ultimately become priests, Zipp said he is “fairly certain” God is calling him to priesthood, and he appreciates the support of all the seminarians, including his friends from the youth group.

“Just having all these men striving for holiness has been such a blessing for me, and having these guys from St. Michael — having all of them there this whole time — has been a real grace for me just because I’ve known them for so long and they’re someone I can still turn to,” he said.

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January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

The Last Word

20

POPE FRANCIS: UNFORGETTABLE IMAGES & INSPIRATION During his nine and a half months leading the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has demonstrated his skill at communicating the Gospel message in simple and direct language.

At times, he also has demonstrated that actions speak louder than words. Below are some memorable papal quotes and photos from 2013.

❖ ❖ ❖ “Remain steadfast in the journey of faith.

Listen carefully, young people, swim against the tide; it’s good for the heart, but it takes courage.”

During his homily at Mass April 28 in St. Peter’s Square, where he administered the sacrament of confirmation to 44 people, including two teenagers from the United States

Above, Pope Francis poses with youth during a meeting with young people from the northern Italian diocese of Piacenza-Bobbio in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Aug. 28.

CNS photo/ L’Osservatore Romano

Right, Pope Francis embraces Vinicio Riva, 53, during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Nov. 6. Riva, who is afflicted with neurofibromatosis, said receiving the pope’s embrace was like being in paradise. CNS photo/Claudio Peri, EPA

❖ ❖ ❖ “Jesus speaks in the silence of the mystery of the Eucharist and reminds us each time that following him means going out of ourselves and making our lives not something we ‘possess,’ but a gift to him and to others.”

In his homily at Mass May 30 celebrating the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ

❖ ❖ ❖ “Francis of Assisi tells us we should work to build peace. But there is no peace without truth! There cannot be true peace if everyone is his own criterion, if everyone can always claim exclusively his own rights, without at the same time caring for the good of others, of everyone, on the basis of the nature that unites every human being on this earth.”

Speaking March 22 to the Vatican diplomatic corps

This March 31 photo of Pope Francis embracing 8-year-old Dominic Gondreau, who has cerebral palsy, captured the attention of people around the world.

Gregorio Borgia/ AP via CNS

Above, Pope Francis chooses into his Ford Focus over a papal limousine as he leaves a meeting in Rome Nov. 14. CNS photo/ Paul Haring Left, Pope Francis touches the head of a child as he addresses pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 26. He addressed an estimated 100,000 people taking part in a Year of Faith celebration of family life. CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters

❖ ❖ ❖ “The church is the great family of children of God. Certainly it has human aspects from the members who comprise it, pastors and faithful. They have defects, imperfections, sins.

Even the pope has them — and he has many — but what is beautiful is that when we become aware that we are sinners, we find the mercy of God. God always forgives. Don’t forget this. God always forgives.”

At his weekly general audience May 29

January 2, 2014 • The Catholic Spirit

❖ ❖ ❖ “Having this familiar relationship with the Lord is like keeping the window of our life open so that he can make his voice heard.”

Speaking about the importance of prayer to youth and young adults in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 4

prayer 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 16: What forms of prayer can lead me closer to God?

Lifting up our hands, minds and heart to God

A

HEART OF THE MATTER Father John Paul ERICKSON

full fourth of the brilliant 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church is dedicated to the topic of prayer. The dedication of such a significant amount of space to a single facet of Christian living indicates just how central prayer is to the Christian way of life and how important the Church considers this fundamental Christian activity for salvation itself. Indeed, to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to be a person of prayer.

In attempting to define prayer, the catechism turns to the wisdom of St. John Damascene, one of the truly great teachers in the Church’s history. St. John defines prayer as “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” Traditionally, this raising of one’s mind and heart to God requesting of him that which we want or need has been broken down into various forms or attitudes of prayer.

There is the prayer of adoration, in which we acknowledge that God is God, and we are not. There is the prayer of supplication, or petition, in which we ask God for specific intentions that are important to us or to those

The Catholic Spirit • January 2, 2014

for whom we have promised to pray.

There is the prayer of contrition, in which we ask God to forgive us and to show mercy to us for our many failures to love as we have been commanded. There is the prayer of thanksgiving, in which we respond in gratitude to favors granted.

And, there is the prayer of praise, in which the many works of God, especially the work of salvation, causes us to cry out and to praise him who is the Lord and savior of all.

But ultimately, all prayer, regardless of the particular need expressed or attitude assumed, is an encounter between the creature and creator, an encounter that is always initiated by the True and Living God. It is a dialogue of love, as laborious as it can be at times.

The battle of prayer And, prayer can be laborious. The catechism wisely speaks of prayer as a kind of battle. It is a battle because the cry of God is not always heard by us clearly.

Please turn to TO BE on back page of section

Rediscover-faith.org

“All prayer . . . is an encounter between the creature and creator, an encounter that is always initiated by the True and Living God. It is a dialogue of love, as laborious as it can be at times.”

Father John Paul Erickson

Going away to a quiet place In 2014, the Rediscover: section’s “Celebrating Catholicism” column will feature a variety of writers. The following is an excerpt from Matthew Kelly’s book “The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic: How Engaging 1% of Catholics Could Change the World.” It is reprinted with permission.

In the Scriptures, we read again and again about Jesus going away to a quiet place.

When I am sitting in Mass on Sunday and I hear one of the readings that talk about Jesus going away to a quiet place, I yearn for that myself. I am reminded of how much I need to step back from the hustle and bustle of life for CELEBRATING a few minutes each day in a quiet place.

At the same time, I know how difficult it is CATHOLICISM to actually do it. For 20 years, I have been encouraging people to carve out 10 minutes a Matthew day to spend in silent prayer and reflection.

KELLY And, yet, still, on most days I have to force myself to do it.

Sure, there are some days when I would rather spend those few minutes in prayer than do anything else in the world. But I must be honest with you, those days are few. Even though I know all the benefits and privileges that come from prayer, even though I know prayer puts me at my best, even though I know these few minutes maintain my spiritual health, I still have to drag myself to prayer on many days.

If it is important to spend time in the quiet, it is also important to have quiet places to go to. In the Scriptures, when we read about Jesus going off to a quiet place, it does not say he went off looking for a quiet place. It says he went off to a quiet place. This presupposes that he knew where “We pray for many he was going.

Perhaps, while he was walking reasons, and one of into the village earlier that day, those reasons is to he noticed a place and thought seek the will of God to himself that it would be a perfect place for some quiet time.

for our lives. Without the silence it becomes Planning ahead the same way, we all need almost impossible to ourInquiet places: places we can go to when we need to step back discern God’s will.”

from the world. We need quiet places set apart from the hustle and bustle of our very noisy and busy modern lives.

Again, this requires some intentionality. The world draws us toward noisy places, so quiet places can be harder and harder to find. They are not going to just mystically appear at that moment in the day when we need them most. We need to plan.

I have everyday quiet places and once-a-year quiet places, and I think we need both. My everyday quiet places include a number of churches and chapels close to my home, the rocking chair on the back porch, the leather chair in my study, and the beach.

Where is your favorite quiet place? When were you last there?

Should you be thinking about going there more often? How would your life be different if you did?

The quiet is critical to our spiritual development because it is in the silence that God speaks to us.

We pray for many reasons, and one of those reasons is to seek the will of God for our lives. Without the silence it becomes almost impossible to discern God’s will.

Matthew Kelly

Kelly is an international best-selling author, speaker and founder of The Dynamic Catholic Institute.

The Catholic Spirit • January 2, 2014

Seeking God in the silence St. Paul teen says regular, daily prayer has helped her draw closer to God

By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit Every morning, Margaret Maruggi’s alarm goes off at 6:20. She leaps from her bed and hurries across the room to shut it off.

That will be the last noise she hears for the next half hour. She throws on a sweatshirt and walks down the hallway to her sister’s room.

For most of the year, that room is empty because Margaret’s sister, Mary, is away at college.

And, back in the fall, Margaret, 15, turned it into a prayer room. She spends 30 minutes a day there, even on weekends.

Almost all of it is spent in silence.

Thanks to a couple of events at NET Ministries that were reinforced by a summer camp and some friends, she has become faithful in her daily devotions. Already, it is making a difference.

There isn’t anything dramatic just yet, but she has found enough value in the routine to go back to it day after day. And, unlike many other teens in the culture, she has established the discipline of tuning out the electronic world for 30 minutes each day.

“I think everyone needs silence in their life,” said Margaret, who attends Lumen Christi in St. Paul with her parents and four siblings, and is a sophomore at Trinity School at River Ridge in Eagan. “So, I think it’s really good to have prayer because you can be silent and no one disturbs you. And in silence, you hear more. Everyone should have a moment of silence in a day.”

Making the commitment For Margaret, prayer became personal after attending a NET event in the fall of 2012 called Women of Worth. Participants were encouraged to start reading Scripture and writing down meaningful verses. She did that sporadically for several months, then attended a NET Discipleship Week in the summer. Again, she was encouraged to have daily prayer.

Not long after that, the topic of prayer came up again at a summer camp she attended called Servant Camp, which is put on by the People of Praise, an ecumenical lay community in the Twin Cities. After camp, she knew it was time to get serious about spending time with God each day.

She enlisted the help of a Trinity classmate, Emma Maslow, to create accountability. The two ask each other in the morning at school if they have prayed yet.

For Margaret, the answer is always yes. She has come to see the ways that it helps her draw closer to God and become a better person.

One manifestation is the way she views — and treats — others. Like everyone, there are certain people who get under her skin. But, prayer has helped her deal with those annoyances in a different and constructive way.

“When people get on your nerves, you say [to God], ‘You made her or him for a reason. Let me see their beauty,’” she said. “So, you have more patience when you see them. If anger comes up whenever you first see them, you just take a breath and [say], ‘God made them. They’re beautiful. So, don’t get mad at them.’ You just have to forgive them.”

How much more peaceful and bully-free would

schools be if all students took this approach?

On the other hand, Margaret realizes she still has a ways to go in the spiritual life and in virtue.

She admits she needs to make more progress when it comes to her siblings. Plus, she also still struggles with challenges at school and a general lack of confidence.

“I always pray for more confidence in my prayer life because I always [say] ‘I’m not good enough, I’m not good enough,’” she said. “That’s one thing [confidence] that I always pray for.”

Seeing a difference Naturally, her blossoming prayer life is pleasing

Six tips on how to pray 1. Make the time to pray.

Designate a specific time every day to spend with God in prayer. Usually the best time is in the morning before the distractions of the day kick in. Set your alarm 15 minutes early, and give the first part of your day to God. 2. Quiet your heart.

If we want to hear the voice of God we need to quiet our hearts. Find somewhere quiet that is free of distractions to spend time in prayer. Close your eyes and make yourself still and quiet before you begin.

3. Spend time with Scripture.

The Bible is God’s word and one of our most valuable resources in learning to know and love God. Take a specific Bible verse (such as John 3:16) or a story from one of the Gospels. Read through it slowly.

4 Listen.

Spend a portion of your prayer time in silence. Take some time to reflect on what you have read. Listen to what God has to say to you. Don’t worry if nothing comes to mind or you don’t feel like you “hear” anything. Let the truth you have read make an

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Making prayer a priority deepens friendship with God

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her parents, Albert and Liz, but not surprising. e family prays together at mealtimes and also the car on the way to school. Like her siblings, argaret now recites a prayer by memory that Liz roduced to the kids several years ago in the car: “Lord Jesus Christ, we praise you. Bring peace o the world by bringing your peace into the arts of all. Help us to turn away from sin and to low you in love and service. Glory be yours, d honor, for ever and ever.”

As she continues being faithful to her daily ayer, Margaret strives to bring her spiritual life t of the seclusion of her sister’s room and into r everyday affairs. In fact, one of her prayers is

pression on your heart and mind.

Talk to God. God wants to have a real relationship with us. Be l with the Lord. Share with him your fears, hopes, ams, concerns and needs. Pray for those you love. k him for the grace to know him more. Talk with d as you would talk with a friend. He wants us to ow him. Also, use the many beautiful prayers of the urch, such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, Memorare d Glory Be (You can find many prayers at www. iscover-faith.org).

Stay at it. t may take a little bit of time to figure out what rks for you. Some people find it helpful to journal ir thoughts and reflections during prayer. Try erent things and see what works for you. There a lot of resources for prayer — there are even at Catholic apps, such as the Rediscover: app for your smartphone with prayer resources. The portant thing is that you commit yourself to ending time with God in prayer. “Draw near to God d he will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

rce: Catherine Speltz, NET Ministries

The following Rediscover: column, “Prayer Journal” will rotate among several local writers throughout the year.

Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit that others will notice her efforts and “see the Holy Spirit shine.”

One place where her faith has found a home is at church on Sundays. She used to “zone out” during Mass, but not anymore.

“I try to pay attention so hard to the homily and try to understand what [the priest] is trying to say and what I can get out of it,” she said.

“And, I’ve become a eucharistic minister at Lumen Christi now because I’m trying to get more into [the faith].”

Even people who don’t know her are seeing a difference.

At school, she has deliberately tried to move outside her circle of friends and relate with those she doesn’t know very well. And, she began a practice that she never would have considered before prayer became a part of her everyday life.

“I never gave out compliments to people [before deciding to pray daily],” she said. I don’t know why; I just didn’t like giving out compliments. But, I always liked receiving them. . . .

Now, I try to compliment somebody I don’t normally talk to or talk to someone I don’t normally talk to.”

Her reason for doing so is found in one of her favorite Scripture verses, which she has studied and written down in her prayer notebook. This humble-yet-wise teenager is trying to bring to life the words of St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians: “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”

The whole family was gathered around the dining room table determined to have a wonderful pre-Christmas meal while we were all in town. As we sat down, Luke, my 2-year-old nephew sitting at the end of the table, began to flail his arms and scream for something unidentifiable. We knew we had better say grace quickly so we could meet his request.

We put our hands together and tried to speak loudly over the tearful screams. Luke, upon seeing our prayerful posture, paused for a moment, put his hands together as well, and then continued to scream. It PRAYER seemed that Luke had sensed the importance of this JOURNAL brief observance despite his frustrations.

What was so important about this moment of prayer that a 2-year-old could set aside his emotions for a Angela short time and participate?

DEENEY St. Teresa of Avila said, “Prayer is nothing else but being on terms of friendship with God, frequently conversing in secret with him.”

No matter how old we are, we all understand the importance of friendship. True friends love us no matter what we do or how we feel. We go to a friend when we need advice, when we want someone to listen to us, or when we want to say how much we appreciate him or her.

For reflection The same is true with God. He What can you do this year to make wants us to come to him regardless more time for daily prayer in your of our emotions. He wants to establish a relationship with us and help us grow into the person he made us to be.

Just as all relationships require honesty, openness, and time to blossom and grow, so, too, does prayer. Friendship with God calls for willingness and effort to come to him exactly as we are. Whether we feel unsettled, upset, excited or even angry, we need to come to God with our hearts open, ready to be loved by him who already knows our innermost feelings.

‘Pray without ceasing’ It is through prayer that we come to know ourselves and our Lord.

With prayer, God reveals our weaknesses, our fears, our joys and our deepest desires; and he gives us the strength, confidence and wisdom to face all of life’s events.

As long as we are willing to let him reveal to us these things, and we trust that he looks at us not with judgment or disdain, but with love and acceptance, we will be able to approach each day with clarity and conviction.

Furthermore, we must not pray only when it is convenient for us.

When a friend is in need, we set aside our own agenda and are present for him or her. So, too, must we realize that God yearns to speak with us at every hour of every day. He asks that we “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), for he never gets tired of hearing our voice (even if we are screaming, like my nephew Luke).

After my family finished saying grace at the dinner table, Luke forgot what he was upset about, and his scream took on a different tone. He started yelling, “Pray! Pray!” It appears he discovered his real regret was not the small problem he encountered before, but the larger problem of not being able to fully participate in the prayer due to his emotional outburst. So we said grace a second time.

If we make a daily commitment to prayer, to friendship with God, we will discover the importance and impact a relationship with our Lord has on our lives. And soon we will begin to yearn for it, maybe even to the point of screaming when we miss out.

Deeney is a senior at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and an intern for the Office of Communications of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Rediscover-faith.org

Staying awake

By Father Ronald Rolheiser In his autobiography, “Report to Greco,” Nikos Kazantzakis recounts a conversation he once had with an old monk. Kazantzakis, a young man at the time, was visiting a monastery and was very taken by a famed ascetic, Father Makarios, who lived there.

But a series of visits with the old monk left him with some ambivalent feelings as well. The monk’s austere lifestyle stirred a certain religious romanticism in Kazantzakis, but it repelled him too; he wanted the romanticism, but in a more-palatable way. Here’s their conversation as Kazantzakis records it: “Yours is a hard life, Father. I too want to be saved. Is there no other way?”

“More agreeable?” asked the ascetic, smiling compassionately.

“More human, Father.”

“One, only one.”

“What is that?”

“Ascent. To climb a series of steps.

From the full stomach to hunger, from the slaked throat to thirst, from joy to suffering. God sits at the summit of hunger, thirst, and suffering; the devil sits at the summit of the comfortable life. Choose.”

“I am still young. The world is nice. I have time to choose.”

Reaching out, the old monk touched my knee and said: “Wake up, my child. Wake up before death wakes you up.”

I shuttered and said: “I am still young.”

“Death loves the young,” the old man replied. “The inferno loves the young. Life is like a lighted candle, easily extinguished. Take care — wake up!”

Alert to deeper realities “Wake up! Wake up before death wakes you up.” In a less dramatic expression that’s a virtual leitmotif in

the Gospels. Jesus is always telling us to wake up, to stay awake, to be vigilant, to be more alert to a deeper reality.

How are we asleep?

All of us know how difficult it is for us to be inside the present moment, to not be asleep to the real riches inside our own lives. The distractions and worries of daily life tend to so consume us that we habitually take for granted what’s most precious to us: our health, the miracle of our senses, the love and friendships that surround us and the gift of life itself.

We go through our daily lives not only with a lack of reflectiveness and lack of gratitude but with a habitual touch of resentment as well — a chronic, gray depression, Robert Moore calls it. We are very much asleep, both to God and to our own lives.

How do we wake up?

Today, there’s a rich literature that offers us all kinds of advice on how to get into the present moment so as to be awake to the deep riches inside our own lives. While much of this literature is good, little of it is very effective. It invites us to live each day of our lives as if was our last day, but we simply can’t do that. It’s impossible to sustain that kind of intentionality and awareness over a long period of time.

An awareness of our mortality does wake us up, as does a stroke, a heart attack, or cancer; but that heightenedawareness is easier to sustain for a short season of our lives than it is for 20, 30, 40 or 50 years. Nobody can sustain that kind of awareness all the time. None of us can live 70 or 80 years as if each day was his or her last day.

Or can we?

A spiritual alarm clock Spiritual wisdom offers a nuanced answer here: We can and we can’t! On the one hand, the distractions, cares and pressures of everyday life will invariably have their way with us, and we will, in effect, fall asleep to what’s

“What happens if we don’t pray on a given morning is not that we incur God’s wrath, but rather that we tend to miss the morning, spending the hours until noon trapped inside a certain dullness of heart.”

Father Ronald Rolheiser

deeper and more important inside of life.

But it’s for this reason that every major spiritual tradition has daily rituals designed precisely to wake people from spiritual sleep, akin to an alarm clock waking us from physical sleep.

It’s for this reason we need to begin each day with prayer. What happens if we don’t pray on a given morning is not that we incur God’s wrath, but rather that we tend to miss the morning, spending the hours until noon trapped inside a certain dullness of heart.

The same can be said about praying before meals. Maybe we don’t displease God by not first centering ourselves in

gratitude before eating, but we miss out on the richness of what we’re doing.

Liturgical prayer and the Eucharist have the same intent, among their other intentions. They’re meant to, regularly, call us out of a certain sleep.

None of us lives each day of our lives as if it was his or her last day. Our heartaches, headaches, distractions and busyness invariably lull us to sleep.

That’s forgivable; it’s what it means to be human. So we should ensure that we have regular prayer rituals, spiritual alarm clocks, to jolt us back awake.

Father Rolheiser, a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

To be disciples of Jesus, we must be men and women of prayer would be disciples of Jesus, it is absolutely necessary that we be men and women of prayer.

Continued from first page of section Because we are sons and daughters of Adam, we struggle to be quiet and to listen attentively to Him who speaks in the silence of the heart. What is more, we are proud and stubborn and do not like to be reminded of what we ought to do, even by God himself. Even the sacrifice of time, which prayer requires, is often a real difficulty for so many of us.

For these reasons, and dozens of additional ones, so many of us, clergy included, pay lip service to the importance of prayer but do not follow

“When Jesus was asked by his disciples how to pray, the A daily need While public prayer, that is, the Mass Teacher’s response begins with and the sacraments of the Church, a most significant phrase: must be the backbone of any authentic Christian spiritual life, the need for a ‘Our Father. . . ’ ” daily “lifting up” of one’s hands, Father John Paul Erickson through in the engagement of the laborious battle of prayer.

But the fact stubbornly remains: if we

The Catholic Spirit • January 2, 2014

mind and heart to God remains ever present if the Christ-life given in baptism is to be enfleshed within our daily living.

When Jesus was asked by his disciples how to pray, the Teacher’s response

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begins with a most significant phrase: “Our Father. . .” (Luke 11; Matthew 6).

Despite our frailties and weaknesses, despite our willfulness and stubbornness, this expression gives us courage to approach him who has made us for himself.

The one with whom we speak is our father, and he has promised to grant all good things to those who call upon him in the name of his son, Jesus Christ, through whose Spirit we call the Creator of all “Abba” — “Father.”

Father Erickson is the director of the archdiocesan Office of Worship.