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Come, Lord Jesus!

Vol. 27 No. 12December 2012

Diocese of Great Falls-Billings in Montana — Your Family’s Catholic Newspaper — www.dioceseofgfb.org

T h e h a r v e s T

Always to Walk in Christ

Catholic Charities USAResponds to Hurrican Sandy

To find out how you can help please visit

www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

continued on page 5

Christmas – A Call to Renewed

Holiness

Expecting our Newborn KingBy Kristen West McGuire

Great Falls

continued on page 12

By Bishop Michael Warfel

Diocesan Pastoral Offices

Closed

December 24through

January 1

Over two thousand years ago, a drama unfolded that the world did not expect. After a visit from an angel, a devout young girl from a good family became pregnant, which shocked her fiancé, Joseph. Mary then visits her cousin, also blessed with a pregnancy at a much advanced age. They share their joy…and the work involved in preparing for the birth. Another angel convinces Joseph to trust Mary, and remain her protector. He is chosen too. As the birth draws closer, they are forced by the government to travel to their hometown. Shunned, the couple finds shelter among the animals in an innkeeper’s barn, where the child was born, and placed in a manger. Christmas was not what Joseph and Mary expected, not one bit. So, in our culture, we must be careful amid the traditional falalala, not to forget the real Christ Child. Poor. Homeless.

And unexpected. What are we expecting for Christmas? Whether this is your tenth Christmas or your hundredth, you cannot know what it will be like. Even Joseph and Mary did not know what it would be like to bring a newborn Messiah into the world. Both of them did the surprising and different work that God asked. Perhaps this year brought challenges your way, with sorrows and crises and tears. Yes, this is not heaven. It is part of the season of Advent to mourn for what we lost, and even to yearn for the day when tears are behind us. Jesus knows your suffering, and yearns with you for peace, for harmony, for love. Maybe 2012 didn’t have personal heartbreak for you. No matter – there is plenty to go around. The abused child who was taken to the emergency room, the neighbor whose son fell prey to drug abuse, the relative who suffered a catastrophic car accident…there is always someone in need of our prayers. And

our help. What can we do to prepare for the infant Jesus to come? This Advent, step out of your usual routine. If you regularly volunteer for one organization, try a new one. Open your heart to pray for someone who you are not drawn to, someone who needs salvation as much as we all do. If you usually donate money, donate time this year. Better yet, bring a friend and make that an annual gift to one another - a day of giving…preparing for the infant Jesus to surprise us. Let the Christ Child grow within you this Advent season, and find in His presence a new life ahead of you, one full of surprises and unexpected relationships. Open your heart to the way that the little child leads us…home.

The music of Christmas is usually omnipresent during the month of December. While there seems to be a greater focus in recent years on December as being more of generic holiday season, songs that speak to the birth of a Christ child still resonate in our culture. These songs truly have a way of warming the heart: O Come, O Come Emmanuel; Silent Night; Joy to the World; O Come, All Ye Faithful; The First Noel. They all express in some way the joy of the birth of Jesus whom we know as Savior. Through him sin and death are overcome. The eternal God, taking on bodily form and nature, is born in time. The Word of God became human, like us in all things except sin.As we take time to ponder what took place in that small village called Bethlehem, we appreciate the desire of God to save us from our alienation from both God and other people. Our God comes to us in this child born in quite meager conditions: in humility, in poverty, in simplicity. His birth demonstrates God’s concern for his creation. Ultimately, he will pour out himself totally for us all. This child grew to be a man with a mission from his heavenly Father. His mission led to his death on a cross. On that cross he carried the burden of our sin. He then rose

from the dead to give those of us who entrust ourselves to him the possibility of eternal life.The reason God sent his only begotten Son to be born in time was for our benefit. God did not need to send his Son to be born in Bethlehem nor, eventually, be crucified on a cross in Jerusalem. We needed God to send us the Son and to die on the cross, to overcome the burden of our sin. What it calls forth from us is a response to the life of grace that comes through this historical saving event.The Church for a couple of millennia has celebrated the birth of Christ, but Christ’s birth does not profit any one of us unless he is born anew in us. While we celebrate the birth of Christ into our lives in baptism, we also must open our hearts and minds to his presence in our day-to-day living. In this sense, Christmas is a call to renewed holiness.We are all just passers-by in this earthly life. While experiences in life are not unimportant – it is here in this life, after all, that we have the opportunity to respond to the invitation to grace – this world is not our final destination. Our vision must be the one that God has for us: eternal life within a communion of saints. As St. Paul writes, “Our [true] citizenship is in heaven.” An utterly important choice we must make in life is to respond to the call of God, to turn from away sin and embrace Christ and his way of life as fully as we can. The reason why we

• The Harvest • December 2012 • Diocese of Great falls-BillinGs • estaBlisheD in 1904

Suits Filed Against HHS MandateATLANTA -- The Archdiocese of Atlanta, the Diocese of Savannah, and other Catholic entities in Georgia, including Catholic Charities and Christ the King School in Atlanta, filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Health and Human Services’ contraceptive mandate.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Atlanta. Defendants are the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius; the U.S. Department of Labor and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis; and the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

With this action, the Catholic Church in Georgia joins more than 50 other dioceses, schools, hospitals, social service agencies and other institutions that have filed suit in federal court to stop the three government agencies from implementing a mandate that would require most religious employers to provide for free contra-ceptives and sterilization in their health plans despite their moral objections to doing so.

The lawsuit states that the U.S. government “is attempting to force plaintiffs -- all Catholic entities -- to provide, pay for, and/or facilitate access to abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization, and contraception in violation of their sincerely held religious beliefs.”

Spokane Diocese Sues Law FirmSPOKANE, Wash. -- The Spokane Diocese filed a lawsuit accus-

ing a law firm of malpractice in handling its bankruptcy to address civil lawsuits claiming clergy sex abuse and settle financial claims of victims.

Filed in Spokane County Superior Court, the suit seeks more than $12 million in repayment of legal fees.

The suit charges that attorneys Shaun Cross and Greg Arpin of the law firm of Paine Hamblen LLP did not pursue other means of resolving abuse claims.

The bankruptcy plan drafted by the attorneys, the suit says, failed to assess and adequately fund the risk of new claims, which nearly forced the foreclosure of churches and schools.

The suit accuses the attorneys of a conflict of interest because they also represented Spokane Bishop William S. Skylstad, now retired, and shielded him, it says, from having to testify at the first civil trial in 2004 alleging abuse by a Spokane priest by filing for bankruptcy as the trial was about to begin.

‘Pray the Rosary, Give That Faith Away’SAN FRANCISCO -- The lilting sounds of “Ave Maria” com-

peted against the sounds of traffic as hundreds of Catholics singing and praying the rosary in Spanish walked from St. Mary’s Cathedral, past San Francisco’s City Hall to the 2012 Rosary Rally.

“Pray the rosary. Not just for yourself. We need to give that faith away,” said Father Mark Mary, a Franciscan Missionary of the Eternal Word and host of “Life on the Rock” on the Eternal Word Television Network.

“We don’t live alone; we don’t believe alone,” Mark Mary said. “We need the faith of others.”

The rosary rally at United Nations Plaza, in sight of City Hall, drew about 1,700 people, many coming from a special 9:30 a.m. Spanish Mass at the cathedral.

Last year’s rally drew a similar number, and commemorated the 50th anniversary of Holy Cross Father Patrick Peyton’s famous 1961 rosary rally in Golden Gate Park. Peyton, who coined the phrase “A family that prays together stays together,” promoted the daily recita-tion of the rosary as a way to build family unity.

This year’s rally was timed to coincide with the beginning of the Year of Faith.

People Lost Stuff, But Still Have Each Other ISLAND PARK, N.Y. -- Sacred Heart Church in Island Park is

in an area of the Diocese of Rockville Centre among the most dev-astated by Hurricane Sandy, but the pastor urged parishioners not to fret about the material goods they have lost.

“Don’t be angry. We lost stuff. We will get other stuff,” Msgr. John Tutone told the congregation during his homily at Sunday Mass. “We still have each other and the people we love. That’s the most important thing.”

“There are people on your block that need you. Knock on their doors and offer your help. We have to maintain our souls,” he said. “We have to maintain ourselves by helping others.”

In the community of 10,000 people in the southwest corner of Nassau County, Long Island, 80 percent of the homes were flooded. The church, too, was flooded with about a foot of water, damaging the floor. Three feet of water was pumped out of the parish center, which is now being used for Masses.

Tutone shared a story about a stranger’s generosity. After the hurricane, a man in his 70s whom the priest did not know, drove up to the church and saw Tutone outside. He was not wearing his cleri-cal garb. The man asked him if he was the parish priest. After Tutone said he was, the unidentified man handed him a bank envelope and told him to “rebuild your church” before driving off.

National BriefsBy Catholic News Service

‘Food for the Soul’Vatican Council’s Hope For Bible Being Realized

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Catholics Urge More Focus on Social Justice

Omaha, Neb. -- Sam Cooper, an eight-year veteran of Bible study at his Midwestern parish says he has found "a new depth to my faith as we incorporate Scripture into our lives." Cooper and his wife, Paula, have taken part in Bible study in their parish and have found that "sacred Scripture tends to find us where we are on our faith journey and speaks to our current needs or situations." Like so many others, Sam Cooper's faith has deepened and grown through his participation in these groups. Fifty years after the Second Vatican Council, the hopes the council fathers expressed in "Dei Verbum," that the Bible become "food for the soul" is being realized. Today thousands of Catholics like the Coopers meet regularly for prayer and instruction on the Bible in parishes and diocesan centers all over the country. The groups range in size

from five gathered in a living room to 200 in a school gym. Most groups meet for weeks to discuss a particular book or author of the Bible. Homework, discussions, and sharing of materials are part of what goes on during these meetings. In Bible study classes at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Omaha, Neb., the church is doing what was set forth in "Dei Verbum" by "providing the nourishment of the Scriptures for the people of God, to enlighten their minds, strengthen their wills, and set men's hearts on fire with the love of God." "I have what I call 'aha' moments during my weekly preparation for our meetings," said one participant. "Bible study provides a structure for me and a sense of commitment to reading and praying the Scriptures."

Many participants in Bible groups say their study of Scripture has brought them closer to Jesus and helped them to have greater awareness of God's presence in history and in daily life. "I find myself listening more closely to the readings at Mass and better understanding the meaning of the readings," one participant said. In most parishes, leaders who facilitate Bible study courses are trained by a diocesan office or through media presentations provided by publishers of Bible study materials. One facilitator said that the work of the Holy Spirit in her parish group is evident and seen in greater participation in Mass, in returning to the sacrament of reconciliation, in faith-sharing at meetings and in a deeper sense of community.

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A large national study on faith and political views highlights Catholics' interest in having social justice take a bigger role in the church's policy priorities. The American Values Survey by Public Religion Research Institute queried a cross section of all Americans but zeroed in on the opinions of Catholics, in particular, on topics including contraceptive coverage in insurance and the death penalty as well as on the 2012 presidential election. In interviews during September, a majority of Catholics told pollsters that they would prefer it if the church would focus its public policy statements "more on social justice and the obligation to help the poor, even if it means focusing less on issues like abortion and the right to life." Sixty percent of Catholics concurred with

that statement or with another version in which the phrasing was reversed. Among those Catholics who attend church at least weekly, 51 percent chose the social justice emphasis, while 65 percent of those who attend monthly or less often made that choice. Among the various demographic breakouts provided by the study, just two segments -- self-identified conservatives and Republicans -- agreed with the statement by less than 50 percent, 46 percent and 47 percent, respectively, though that was still the plurality response.

Social justice was chosen by slightly more poll participants who self-identified as conservative and Republican than selected the opposite. For instance, 44 percent of self-identified conservatives chose: "should focus more on issues like abortion and the right to life, even if it means focusing less on social justice and the obligation to help the poor," or its parallel wording. Ten percent of conservatives answered "neither" or said they "didn't know."

The Harvest • December 2012 • Diocese of Great falls-BillinGs • estaBlisheD in 1904 • PaGe 3

Secular Media Spreads Lies About Church VATICAN CITY -- The Catholic Church needs to use its media

and social networks to spread the faith because much of the news media cover the church in a way that “is full of lies,” Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo of Esztergom-Budapest told the Synod of Bishops.

Across Europe, there is “a spreading ignorance about the Christian faith,” which is exacerbated by the media “misinforming the public as to the content of our faith,” Erdo said.

Erdo, president of the Council of European Bishops’ Confer-ences, was one of five speakers summarizing the state of evangelization in different regions of the world. Each of the five mentioned the role of the media, and several insisted on the church’s obligation to use social networks to reach new generations of Catholics.

Erdo told the synod that Europeans are losing an awareness of just how essential Christianity has been to the development of their cultures, democracy, and the human rights they hold so dear. The loss, he said, is a “consequence of an audiovisual culture” in which clear concepts and logical reasoning are ignored.

Haiti, Cuba Clean Up After Sandy SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- As Hurricane

Sandy bore down on the U.S., church workers in Haiti and Cuba began cleaning up after one of the worst storms to hit the Caribbean in years.

Government officials raised the death toll across the islands to 65, the vast majority in Haiti, where widespread flooding devastated parts of the already impoverished country.

“The whole south is under water,” Haiti Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe said. In addition to 51 dead, 12 people were still reported missing in the country.

Crews from church agencies were working to assist some of the 17,800 people who were forced to flee to temporary shelters due to the storm.

In Cuba, Caritas officials estimated some 100,000 homes were affected, including roughly 20,000 that were destroyed. Eastern Cuba was hit hardest, officials said.

In Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second-largest city, “there was not a block that did not suffer significant damage,” Maritza San-chez Abillud, director of Caritas Cuba, said in a written report.

The storm damaged schools, health clinics, government build-ings, and some “90 percent of the churches and chapels, including the National Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in the village of El Cobre,” which Pope Benedict XVI visited in March, Sanchez said.

Cuban government officials said it was the worst storm to hit the island since 2005 when Hurricane Dennis caused more than $2 billion in damage.

In Holguin, a province of slightly more than 1 million people in northeast Cuba, church workers said the damage was widespread.

“It ripped off roofs of houses. There’s a lot of material dam-age, much more in the countryside than in the city” of Holguin, the provincial capital, said a church worker in the Holguin Diocese.

Peruvian Diocese Celebrates 475 Years CUSCO, Peru -- When Jose Venero Villafuerte was 5 years old,

his mother took him to see the statue of Our Lord of the Earthquakes for the first time.

“In this moment my path to God was opened,” said Venero, now president of the Fraternity of the Our Lord of the Earthquakes. “I realized God existed.”

For the Mass celebrating the 475th anniversary of the Diocese of Cusco, Venero was in charge of the statue: dressing it, transporting it from the cathedral to the local coliseum, and decorating the truck.

About 8,000 people attended the Mass, and even more watched as the statue was transported through the town afterward.

Songs in Quechua and Spanish filled the massive coliseum as people celebrated the church in Cusco, the first Catholic diocese in South America. About a dozen men dressed in colorful ponchos and hats blew into conch shells, and church bells rang. And local men called Pablitos, known for being disciplinarians, were invited to the

Mass to keep order in the large crowd.

Many came to the Mass to see Our Lord of the Earthquakes, the patron saint of Cusco. During an earth-quake in 1650, the image was taken from the Cathedral of Santo Domingo into the streets, abruptly stopping the earthquake. Usually the image is only removed from the cathedral on Monday of Holy Week, but the anniver-sary celebrations merited its inclusion in the procession.

World BriefsBy Catholic News Service

Vatican II’s CrowningGlory: ‘Gaudium et Spes’

Science, Faith Can WorkTogether To Help World

Lord of the Earthquakes

continued on page

The Second Vatican Council was intended to be a "pastoral" council. It did not set out to define new dogmas. Its goal was to equip the church to restate the Gospel in such a way that the secular world could recognize it as relevant to its deepest needs. This is why many council fathers believed that the longest document of the council, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World ("Gaudium et Spes"), was Vatican II's crowning achievement. It was addressed not only to Catholics or even Christians, but, for the first time in conciliar history, to all men and women of good will. An important theme of the document comes from Matthew

16:3 by way of Pope John XXIII -- the church must interpret "the signs of the times." The council viewed these signs as a mixed bag of modern life ripe with challenges and opportunities. It therefore modeled for Catholics the proper sort of conversation we are to have with contemporary society in which a critical dialogue begins with sincere listening. We don't listen, however, with an eye to changing the Gospel to suit modern tastes, but to take from society new questions that we can bring to the sources of our faith. This way we will rediscover neglected dimensions of our own tradition, which we can in turn offer to a world in urgent need of solutions. This dialogue involves authentic

respect and concern for those outside the visible boundaries of the church. The first two Latin words are traditionally the unofficial name of a council document and are carefully chosen. The document's first words, "Gaudium et Spes," mean "joy and hope." They signal the church's solidarity with all humanity since it identifies its own hopes and joys with those of all people. The key theme uniting all the parts of this extensive document is respect for human dignity as the foundation of all politics, economics, and culture. After all, what is the ground of human dignity? It is the biblical truth that human beings are made in the image and likeness of God and that God actually became man, further ennobling human nature.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Science and faith need each other for the benefit of all of creation, a Nobel-prize winning geneticist told Pope Benedict XVI and the world's bishops. Werner Arber, a Swiss microbiologist who serves as the president of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, also said that, while there is still no proof, he is one of a number of scientists who believe there may be life on some planets outside of Earth's solar system. He made the comments during the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization. Arber, the first Protestant to lead the Vatican's sciences academy, was invited as a special guest to speak on the relationship between science and faith. "If Jesus Christ would live among us today, he would be in favor of the application of solid scientific knowledge for the long-term benefit of humans and their natural environment, as long as

such applications" fully respected the laws of nature, said Arber, one of three winners of the 1978 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. Scientific discoveries not only enrich humanity's world views; many innovations can benefit human lives and the environment, he said in the presence of Benedict and hundreds of synod participants. Just as laws, cultural mores, ethics, and religion help guide how people see the world and behave, science, too, can make a contribution, he said. "It is an important task of today's societies to update the established set of rules (by) paying particular attention to our acquired scientific knowledge," he said. However, the decision over whether a particular discovery should be used must depend upon careful scientific assessment coupled with the voices of the church and civil society, who "are ready to take co-

responsibility together with the scientists" in "carrying out a novel shaping of the future" with potentially beneficial technologies, he said. Having all sides working together can help ensure that scientific knowledge can be applied "for the benefit of human well-being" and the safe, sustainable, and responsible development of the planet Earth, he said. While science can reveal important laws of nature, it cannot fully explain the origins of life or of the universe, said Arber. The evolution of life and the universe "are now solidly established scientific facts that serve as essential elements of permanent creation." "Our planet Earth is just a minute component" of the larger universe, which contains "a very large number of solar systems."


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Ministry Formation..............4Pope Speaks..................4Medical Ethics. . . . . . . . . . . . .5Question Corner....................6Priests for Life..............7Poor Clares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Cathechesis & Youth...........8Catholic Social Services......9Care & Share..............10,11Around the Diocese....14,15S t eward sh ip. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Vocations.....................20Ca l enda r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Subscription Address Changes..24

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MinistryFormation

By Deacon Mark Zenner

Called to be Light

In early October, the diocesan staff was invited to participate in a day-long “retreat” facilitated by Br. Loughlan Sofield, S.T., and a vowed religious educator of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. Br. Lock, as he prefers, is internationally known as an author and lecturer in the art and practice of collaborative ministry and leadership. His time with the chancery staff was greatly valued and he was also able to share his gifts with the council and commission leadership at the newly formed Mary, Queen of Peace parish in Billings. All of us who were fortunate to spend time in his presence came away from that experience with a clearer understanding of those obstacles we place in the way of our maturing in Christian leadership and cooperation. We gained a genuine appreciation for the gifts of others, who journey with us, gifts that we often overlook but gifts that are crucial to promoting the mission of Christ. Being blessed with the opportunity to spend several hours of “windshield time” with Br. Lock, as we journeyed across the Easter Diocese, I became keenly refocused on the fact that my ministry is a simple one, a ministry that we all are called to … to introduce and re-acquaint God’s People to God and to engage and fashion our lives in Christ. To live our lives as Christ in everything we do, everything we say, every hour of every day. In other words, we are called

to build a world of peace, cooperation, concern and compassion with and for one another. I write this on the day following elections in our country. There is at one and the same time, a sense of disappointment and hope, resignation and enthusiasm expressed by those I meet today. This can be for us a time of apprehension or a time of healing and hopeful anticipation. Those are genuine feelings and most appropriate to the Season of Advent. Joseph and his wife, Mary surely experienced similar fears and anxieties as they awaited the birth of the Son of God in a cultural and religious setting that was judgmental and intolerant of their personal family situation. Yet, they turned to God, turned their lives over to God’s will, set their personal agenda aside and cooperated with God’s plan. They got out of the way and let God be God. Perhaps this is a moment in time for us to value the gifts and the person of those we are inclined to disagree with or find fault. Perhaps we are given this time in our lives to heal, to make whole, to evangelize, to invite, to embrace, to forgive, to beg forgiveness, to reconcile, to grieve loss and to celebrate new life in our families, in the Church and in our world. As Christians we are called to be people of light and life, people who are life-giving and filled with life. That was Christ’s mission. That is our mission. In this wonderful season of life, may Christ illumine your life so that you may shine for others.

On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, published a short reminiscence of the council by Pope Benedict XVI. Benedict recalls his presence at the opening of Vatican II, which he attended as a theological adviser. He both praises and criticizes some of the council's most consequential documents, regarding religious liberty and the church's relationship with non-Christian religions and the modern world. The essay is the introduction to a forthcoming collection of previously unpublished council-era writings by then-Father Joseph Ratzinger. The collection will be published in German this November. "It was a moment of extraordinary expectation," the pope writes of the procession of more than 2,000 bishops into St. Peter's Basilica Oct. 11, 1962. "Great things were about to happen." "Christianity, which had built and formed the Western world, seemed more and more to be losing its power to shape society. So that it might once again be a force to shape the future, (Blessed) John XXIII had convoked the council without indicating to it any specific problems or programs. This was the greatness and at the same time the difficulty of that task that was set before the ecclesial assembly." A crucial question for the council fathers, was

Praise and Criticism for

Vatican Council II

the "relationship between the church and the modern world." "From the 19th century onward," the church had "visibly entered into a negative relationship with the modern era. Did it have to remain so?" Benedict concludes that one of the council's best-known documents, "Gaudium et Spes," the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, failed to offer an adequate definition of the "essential features that constitute the modern era." Instead, the "encounter with the great themes of the modern epoch" happened in "two minor documents, whose importance has only gradually come to light." The Declaration on Religious Liberty, "urgently requested, and also drafted, by the American bishops in particular," clarified the church's affirmation of the "freedom to choose and practice religion and the freedom to change it, as fundamental human rights and freedoms." That declaration lent itself to troubling interpretations since it might seem to imply the "inaccessibility of the truth to man," which would make religion a merely subjective matter. But the 1978 election of Blessed John Paul II, from a country where the state denied religious freedom, revealed the "inner orientation of the faith toward the theme of freedom, and especially freedom of religion and worship." "Nostra Aetate," the council's declaration that the "spiritual, moral, and socio-cultural values (of non-Christian religions) were to be respected, protected, and encouraged." But a "weakness

continued on page 5

The Pope Speaks

By Catholic News Service


Christmas – A Call to Renewed Holinesscontinued from Front Page

Thinking Clearly About

Consciousness and Abortion

continued on page 22

MedicalEthics

By Father Tad Pacholczyk

Imagine a deadly scenario like this: a successful businessman is rendered unconscious by medical professionals to help him heal after a serious car accident, using powerful pharmaceutical agents to cause a medically-induced coma. A few days later, a business competitor, wanting him dead, enters the hospital and kills the comatose patient. During his trial, when questioned about the murder, the competitor tries to argue, with an unnecessarily detailed explanation, that, “the medically-induced coma rendered him quite incapable of feeling any pain, because those parts of his brain involved in sensory processing and pain perception were clearly decoupled from consciousness. So killing those who are unconscious, at least on the grounds that they might feel pain, should not be seen as problematic nor should it be restricted as a personal choice.” Anyone would appreciate the absurdity of such an argument, much as they ought to recognize the unreasonableness of a similar conclusion reached by neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Bor in a recent piece in The Dallas Morning News: “The evidence is clear that a fetus can respond to sights, sounds and smells, and it can even react to these by producing facial expressions. The evidence is equally clear, however, that these responses are generated

by the most primitive parts of the brain, which are unconnected to consciousness, and therefore these actions don’t in any way imply that the fetus is aware. Furthermore, the fetus is deliberately sedated by a series of chemicals produced by the placenta, so even if it had the capacity for consciousness, there is almost no chance it could ever be conscious in the womb. Consequently, it can’t consciously feel pain. ... There are therefore no scientific reasons for restricting abortion on the grounds that the fetus will experience pain, at least until very late in pregnancy. This evidence has heavily influenced my views here, and consequently I am very much pro-choice.” As a neuroscientist and an ethicist myself, it’s clear how Dr. Bor’s conclusion does not follow from his premises. He seeks forcibly to crown consciousness as king, turning it into the highest good, elevating it above life itself. Consequently, he misses the deeper truth that human consciousness (and particularly self-consciousness) is a feature of certain kinds of beings, namely human beings, who are valuable in and of themselves. Our humanity precedes our consciousness, and affords the necessary basis for it, with our value and inviolability flowing not from what we might be capable of doing (manifesting consciousness or awareness) but from who we intrinsically are (human beings and members of the human family). Regardless of whether we might or might not be able to manifest consciousness at a particular moment (as when we are asleep,

of this otherwise extraordinary text has gradually emerged: It speaks of religion solely in a positive way, and it disregards the sick and distorted forms of religion." Benedict reiterates

one of his most prominent teachings about Vatican II: that it must be interpreted in continuity with the church's millennial traditions, not as a radical break with the past. "The council fathers neither could nor

wished to create a new or different church. They had neither the authority nor the mandate to do so. That is why a hermeneutic of rupture is so absurd and is contrary to the spirit and the will of the council fathers."

The Pope Speakscontinued from page 5

have life in the first place, after all, is to become holy.There is no one, nor has there ever been anyone, nor will there ever be anyone in the future, to whom God does not desire and destine for the communion of saints. Of the 67 billion people who have inhabited this earth, God created us all for heaven. The Christ who was born in Bethlehem is offered to us as a free and unmerited gift, but this precious gift does not come without a need for us to respond.First, salvation in Christ is a gift offered freely by God. As a gift, Christ must be received and embraced freely by us. He never forces himself on us. Like a wonderfully wrapped Christmas gift that must be accepted, opened and then used for its intended purpose, we must receive him into our lives and live as he would have us live. It means we strive to live blamelessly and with an attitude of gratitude for all we have in life; that we

strive always to choose the good and the true over the bad and the false.Second, because the gift of salvation from God is offered to all without exception, our own vision toward others must be that of God’s. If God is concerned not only for our individual salvation but also for all people, then this must be a concern for each of us. The image of receiving grace is, not that of a bucket being filled with water in order to save the water, but that of a copper wire that conducts electrical current. An electrical wire cannot store electricity. It can only pass it on. In a similar way, the grace of God can not be stored in us as if grace were like water being stored in a bucket. It must be passed on to others. This is what God has done for us in Christ, and is what we are called to for one another.When we understand this, we understand what occurred in Bethlehem. As Christ was a conduit

of grace, we are to see ourselves in the same way. We become concerned for the wellbeing not only for family and friends, but for strangers and foreigners. We become concerned not solely for our own economic wellbeing, but also for the unemployed and underemployed. We become concerned not only for our fellow citizens, but also for immigrants and refugees. We become concerned not only for stable members of the community, but also for the marginalized. We become concerned not only for those people who seem healthy and whole, but also for those people who seem broken and wounded.The celebration of Christmas affords us once again an opportunity to perceive its message. It is not really just for any of us as individuals, but for all of us as a People of God. Those of us who adore the Word of God made flesh must now share the Good News of our discovery.

Matthew Low will be installed as Parish Life Coordinator of Mary Queen of Peace by Bishop Michael W. Warfel on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12 at the 7:00 PM mass. Matthew recently completed his PhD Degree in Theology at the Pontifical University Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland. His doctoral dissertation is titled The Holy Trinity Dwells within You (An Exploration of George A. Maloney’s Life and Theological Work). Matthew brings a diverse set of experiences. He has taught students in private secondary school. He is known for administrative and teaching effectiveness, and great interpersonal skills. He also has experience in government and politics as a Legislative Liaison, Chief of Staff, Deputy Minority Staff Director and Fundraising Project Director. We welcome him to the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings and to Mary Queen of Peace parish.

Welcome Matthew Low


Should Money Appeal Replace a Homily? Q. I feel very disappointed and perplexed at the

decision of our diocese to omit the homily, without any reference to the Sunday readings for the day, in order to use the time instead to campaign for our annual diocesan appeal. It happened last year and again this year. Shouldn’t better judgment be used? What, after all, are our priorities? (Richmond, Va.)

A. Had it happened just as you say, I think I would agree with you. The homily is an integral part of the liturgy. It is, in the words of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, “necessary for the nurturing of the Christian life.” The general instruction goes on to say in No. 66 that “on Sundays and holy days of obligation there is to be a homily at every Mass that is celebrated with the people attending and it may not be omitted without a grave reason.”

I suspected, though, that there was more to the story and so I took the liberty of checking with the Richmond Diocese. In fact, there was never any diocesan directive that the homily be eliminated on the appeal Sunday; on the con-trary, parishes were sent a short video describing how the appeal proceeds are put to use and were encouraged to play that video following a homily based on the day’s Scriptural readings.

Other suggested options included showing the video in church before Mass began or having the video run in the gathering area as people were arriving at Mass. Typically, such appeal videos illustrate a few of the diocesan programs sup-ported by the collection: food pantries and soup kitchens, training of catechists, pre-Cana presentations, etc.

Since such ministries flow out of the Gospel imperative, it is usually not difficult to relate the appeal to the scriptural passages for the day.

How Do I Respond When I Receive Mass Cards? Q. I am not a Catholic, but my husband, who passed

away recently, was a devout Catholic. Since his death, I have received a number of Mass cards from friends and relatives. Some of them are specific about when the Mass will be offered and where, and I need some guidance about the “etiquette” of Mass cards. Am I expected to be present at those Masses (I am homebound) or to participate in the Mass itself in some manner? (Stratford, N.J.)

A. The practice of praying for the deceased has a long history. It predates the coming of Christ, as is evident in the Old Testament in the Book of Maccabees. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we learn in No. 1032 that “from the beginning the church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.”

Mass intentions and schedules are commonly listed in parish bulletins, not only so that those who wish can attend, but so that all parishioners can remember in their prayers those who have died.

On the day of the Mass itself, the priest-celebrant often announces the names of those for whom the Mass had been requested -- either at the beginning of Mass or in the com-memoration in the eucharistic prayer -- so that the congrega-tion may be mindful of those persons as they pray.

Sometimes, when a person has been well-known in a parish or community, there might be dozens of Masses re-quested for his or her intention. There is no expectation that the bereaved family attend each of these Masses.

A person sending a Mass card knows that might be virtually impossible (as it is in your own case). So there is no obligation for you to do anything more, once you have thanked the donors for their sympathy.

If you would like to, and if it would not be burdensome, you might line up the requested Masses in chronological order and remember to pray particularly for your husband on the days of those Masses.

By Father Kenneth DoyleCatholic News Service

QuestionCorner

BISHOPS TO VOTE ON CANONICAL STEP FOR DOROTHY DAY CANONIZATION

WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops will engage in a canonical consultation regarding the cause for canonization of Dorothy Day, a pacifist and convert to Catholicism from New York City. This consultation will take place during the bishops’ General Assembly November 12-15 in Baltimore. Dorothy Day dedicated her life fighting for justice for the homeless in New York City and was co-founder the Catholic Worker Movement. Biographical materials provided by the New York Archdiocese note she was born in Brooklyn, New York, on Nov. 8, 1897. Her parents moved to San Francisco and she was later baptized in the Episcopal Church. Her family later moved to Chicago, and she attended the University of Illinois at Urbana. In 1916 left college to go to New York City to work as a journalist on social newspapers. Her biographies describe a political activist who participated in protest marches and developed

friendships with famous artists and writers. At the same time she experienced failed love affairs, a marriage, a suicide attempt and an abortion. A key moment in her life occurred in 1926 with the birth of her daughter Tamar. She embraced Catholicism and had Tamar baptized to the dismay of her associates and ending her common-law marriage. She reported for several Catholic magazines, including America and Commonweal, as she struggled to find her role as a Catholic. In 1932, she met Peter Maurin, a French immigrant and former Christian Brother, with whom she co-founded The Catholic Worker newspaper. Work at The Catholic Worker led to the founding of several Houses of Hospitality and farm communes in the United States and other nations.Day’s life was marked by fidelity to the Scriptures, voluntary poverty, the works of mercy and work for peace and justice. She was shot at while working

for integration and prayed and fasted for peace at the Second Vatican Council. She died November 29, 1980, at Maryhouse in New York City, where she died among the poor. The canonical consultation is a procedural step in the process toward canonization. Church law governing canonizations as found in the Vatican document Sanctorum Mater requires that the diocesan bishop promoting a canonization cause to consult at least with the regional bishops conference on the advisability of pursuing the cause. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and head of the Archdiocese of New York, is seeking the consultation of the full body of bishops. Day already carries the title “Servant of God,” a designation awarded by the Vatican when it gave her cause a Nihil Obstat, that is, a formal declaration that the Vatican has no objection to the cause moving forward.

Billings and Eastern MontanaDaphne Sutton teaches the Creighton method of Fertility Awareness and is available for indi-

vidualized instruction if these classes do not fit into your schedule. This intro class is free. All other sessions are individualized. Please call to register for classes and to confirm location and time.

Phone: 406-794-1582 E-mail: [email protected] to Fertility Care at St. Vincent (2012): • 7:00 p.m. January 7, 2013• 7:00 p.m. April 8, 2013 • 7:00 p.m. July 8, 2013• 7:00 p.m. October 7, 2013• And always, by appointment.Good News classes in Billings will be: • As needed (contact information below)• Location: TBA

• Natural Family Planning classes are available in the Great Falls area as needed by calling Karen Miller at 406-453-5622 e-mail: [email protected] Karen teaches the sympto-thermal method.

• Katie and Joel LaLiberty teach the Couple-to-Couple League sympto-thermal method of natural family planning in and around the Three Forks area. Online resources are available with this method. Contact Joel at 719-244-7576 or Katie at 970-231-5660 e-mail: [email protected] for information.

• For more information about Natural Family Planning or to request a speaker for your group, please call Daphne Sutton, FCP, NFP Coordinator, Diocese of Great Falls-Billings.

Phone: 406-794-1582 E-mail: [email protected]

Natural Family Planning Classes Diocese of Great Falls-Billings


By Mandy Bell, Diocesan Stewardship and Development Council

Priests forLife

By Father Frank Pavone

Pulpit Freedom Sunday

Pulpit Freedom Sunday was based on a simple question: May the government filter, edit, or veto the contents of a sermon? No court has ever heard a case regarding whether the Internal Revenue Service can do so. Yet every day -- and especially in those weeks prior to an election -- preachers acted as if their sermons have to be vetted and approved by the IRS. Indeed, the IRS issues guidelines saying that in order to retain its tax exemption, churches and other organizations set up as “501 (c)(3)” entities must avoid any intervention in a political campaign, that is, by either directly or indirectly advocating for or against the election or defeat of a specifically identified candidate in a specific race. But this restriction is not in the Constitution. In fact, it only goes back to 1954, to a provision that has no legislative history and has never been challenged in court. Moreover, the restriction contains inherent ambiguity, because the IRS says that all the “facts and circumstances” have to be taken into account to determine exactly when a preacher has “crossed the line.” In practice, this means that you may not know that you’ve crossed the line until after the fact. The result is a chilling effect on speech. Pastors who don't want the headache of having to defend themselves against complaints, or who are fearful of crossing the line and finding out later, take refuge so far away from the line that they never talk about the elections

or political responsibility at all. And when I say "pastors," I'm not just talking about the decision of an individual priest. This chilling effect has become institutionalized in the policies and guidelines of many dioceses and other church institutions, who draw the line so far from what it actually is that legal experts laugh out loud and the church gets a reputation among the legal community as a great big coward. Since 2008, therefore, pastors across the nation have begun to rise up with a simple message: No government interference in the pulpit! They decided, on a designated weekend, to preach sermons outside the usual restrictions of the IRS, and have sent those sermons to the IRS. The hope is that this will lead to a court case that can clarify whether the restrictions are in fact even constitutional. In 2008, some 33 pastors did this. The IRS did not respond. In 2009, some 84 pastors did this. Again, only silence from the IRS. In 2010, 100 pastors engaged in this project. The IRS raised no complaint. Last year, 539 pastors sent in their sermons challenging the IRS restrictions. And nothing but silence came from the IRS. This year’s numbers have surpassed 1,000. It seems clear that the IRS does not want the 1954 restrictions subjected to court scrutiny.

The Diocesan Stewardship and Development Council recently developed an idea to reach out to people across Eastern Montana (and beyond) to share the wealth of knowledge available in our own Diocese during this Year of Faith. A new monthly Webinar Series will provide easy access to either live or recorded short seminars that can be viewed from any computer connected to the internet – at no charge! The Council sees this as a way for us to help each other grow deeper in our faith, and lead to a better understanding of stewardship as a way of life for Christians.

The free Webinar Series will kick off with Bishop Warfel giving a one-hour presentation on “Intentional Discipleship” on Thursday, January 17th from Noon to 1:00 pm. While recordings will be available for later viewing, those who join in will be able to ask Bishop Warfel questions during the actual presentation.

All are invited! You may register for this and future webinars by calling 800-332-9998 (ask for Judy Held, Director of Stewardship and Development) or by sending an email to [email protected]. She will ensure you receive updates and reminders about future webinars, as well.

Upcoming Webinars (all from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 p.m.):

January 17: “Intentional Discipleship” with Bishop Michael W. WarfelFebruary 27: “The Stewardship Lay Witness: Sharing Your Mary, Martha, and Lazarus Story” with Zane Fulbright, St. Leo Parish - LewistownMarch 14: “Welcome Home--Hospitality and Evangelization” with Mandy Bell, St. Raphael Parish – GlasgowApril 8: “Eucharistic Miracles” with Deacon Charles McCarthy, Chief Financial Officer, Diocese of Great Falls-Billings

We have a wide variety of topics and speakers for the remainder of the year, so stay tuned for dates and times in upcoming issues of the Harvest and by listening to your local Catholic Radio Station (KSMR 97.1 FM in Great Falls and KJCR 1240 AM and 97.5 FM in Billings). If you have suggestions for webinar topics you would enjoy, contact Mandy Bell at 406-228-9800 or [email protected]. And feel free to pass on webinar information to your friends and family to share during this Year of Faith.

NEW! Free Webinars to Help Us Learn Our Faith in 2013


Bullet-proof Your Marriage

Care and Share 2012 Please Visit the diocesan

Web sitefor monthly Care and Share

totals for all parishes

Catechesis & Youth Ministry

By Anthony Allen

Poor Clares

By Sister Jane Sorenson, OSC

We Pray for YOU!

At all times, there are hundreds of people in our chapel - people who seek our help in prayer. There is the woman who called from out of state asking for prayer because she has been abandoned by her unfaithful husband and left alone to pay her medical bills. Another is a person who is having chemo and radiation treatment and is worried about difficult side effects. Many grandmothers are present, holding vigil for their children and grandchildren. Husbands and wives, friends and neighbors of recently deceased loved ones are here grieving their loss and praying for them and to them. This is only the beginning! There are the peace pray-ers, people in the armed forces, the sick, the dying, and all those concerned about the welfare of their loved ones. Do we have room in our chapel for all of these people? By all means! We have room for these and for many more. Where do we put all of these people? All of them fit very nicely in a big blue urn located in front of our prayer space. During our morning prayer and evening prayer, we pray aloud for those intentions that people have entrusted to us, through phone calls, emails and written notes. We then place the messages into that urn as a reminder to us of all whom we are praying for. And there is more! Some peoples’ names have

not made it into the urn. Where are their names? What are their needs? In many cases we have anticipated this by praying for individ-uals we have heard about or read about, of groups of people, who by their occupations need prayers of support. We often mention Bishop Warfel and Bishop Thomas, our priests, firemen and policemen, people who serve, people who put their lives on the line for all of us. Are there people whom you know whose names are not in our urn? Do you have a need to be remembered in prayer? Thirteen years ago, the four of us responded to a call to come to Montana to support the church (all of you) by our prayer. We do not want to leave anyone out. Send in your prayer requests, call or email us. Help us do what we are commissioned to do for you. Fill up the urn, our chapel has room for everyone! We also ask for your prayers and support. When we built the monastery, we chose to design it large enough so that we could share the chapel and building with people who are seeking a place of prayer and quiet. Many have already taken advantage of this beautiful opportunity. However, in providing this space, there is a debt to be paid for building costs. We are seeking your help. We trust completely in the providence of God, but God uses the goodness of people such as you as instruments in working out His designs. May God bless you abundantly for your goodness.

The Ministry Of Presence

I remember standing there, too stunned and saddened to say anything, Sitting in front of me was J.T., quietly sobbing and shivering from distress, unable to do much else but sit there, slowly rocking and clutching her arms, hoping that the burden her heart held was nothing but a bad dream, a piece of news that couldn’t possibly be true. Pausing to take a deep breath J.T. tried to tell me what had happened, how her father had called just last night, how he

seemed upbeat and happy to be talking to her, how later the next morning the cops had shown up at the house, telling her mother that her dad had been found dead. Unable to continue through the tears, J.T. looked up at me as if there was something that I could say, something I could do that would possibly take the pain in her heart away. What do you say to a 14 year old girl that just found out that the father she loved had just taken his own life? J.T.’ s dad had his share of problems, not the least of which was alcoholism. He was constantly drinking, even showing up at church drunk. Not able to hold a job, not able to provide for

his family, too many fights and arguments between him and his wife had led to an acrimonious divorce. Right now, none of that mattered to J.T., all she wanted was to have her father back. What can you say that doesn’t sound trite? How do you explain something to a distraught 14 year old when you don’t even understand how something as bad as this could happen? In the moment there is nothing to say, only something to do. I sat down next to J.T., I took her hands and held them and we cried. You see, explanations would not bring her father back. Words of comfort would be spoken later. Trying to understand God’s presence in this moment would be for another day. All I knew, all I could do was sit there with J.T., silently praying that God would blanket her in His love and mercy. Sometimes, all you can do is be present.

By Daphne Sutton, Diocesan NFP Director

Studies show that if you want a marriage that is basically less than 2% susceptible to divorce, than you should attend church together every week and use a method of natural family planning (Family of the Americas NFP/Divorce Study, 2000). While I whole-heartedly agree with this, I believe there is a little more to it. My philosophy is that you should never stop learning about the world around you, but most especially your spouse, or spouse to be, and the family you create. When you decide on a career, you will most likely go to college or a trade school for two years or more. When you graduate, you may never go into that field of study or you may change several times over your lifetime. Why not take that same approach to getting and staying married? Marriage is for life! Start with an Engaged Encounter, but do more for you and the

love of your life. Work with a mentor-couple or choose one yourself, like a spiritual director. Attend the “Good News about Sex and Marriage” seminar or a Theology of the Body program. At least three months before the wedding, check into some sort of introduction to natural family planning. It is best to learn before you need it. Once you are married, keep learning about your spouse. Marriage is a living, breathing relationship that changes with every new life event. You and your spouse change and become different people with each major change and event. Make a Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Become a mentor-couple for young couples. If your marriage

needs major help and you are devoted to saving it, make a Retrouvaille weekend. Go to Mass every weekend as a family. No matter what other events seem to come up, they will never be as important as sharing one hour a week with your family and Christ in the Eucharist. Volunteer to do something as a couple in your parish or for a charity you both share and interest in. Lastly, know that it is never too late to learn a natural method of family planning unless you have reached menopause. All of these resources are listed on the Web site for the diocese and most are listed nationally with Web sites, e-mails and phone numbers to help you wherever you are or plan to go!


Tom Lynaughof Billings

Tom Furlong, volunteer extraordinaire

St. Dismas CelebratesCatholic

SocialServices

of MTBy Rosemary Miller

Catholic Social Services of Montana announces the retirement of their attorney in Billings, Tom Lynaugh. For the last 24 years Mr. Lynaugh has advised Catholic Social Services in the Billings area and Eastern Montana and has acted as the agency attorney in hundreds of adoption cases. Mr. Lynaugh first accepted the position of attorney in the Billings office because of his interest in adoption. He and his wife adopted 3 children and he has a real heart for adoption. He knew through the years that the work he did legally helped to provide a loving home for children.Through Mr. Lynaugh’s work with the termination of parental rights of birth parents, he became aware of the situations of various birth families. He developed a greater compassionate understanding for them, knowing they were sacrificing to provide for what was best for their baby. He found it sad that some young mothers wanted to make an adoption plan for their baby but, because the father of the baby would

CSSM Grateful to Billings Attorney

not agree to an adoption plan, the mother was forced into becoming a parent when she was not ready. During the years Tom Lynaugh worked to protect the rights of birthfathers and was involved in the introduction of legislation to create the Putative Father Registry. This registry is available for any man in Montana who believes he could be the father to a baby and helps to protect the termination of a father’s rights without his knowledge. Everyone at Catholic Social Services appreciated Mr. Lynaugh’s detailed review and expert advice. Mr. Lynaugh has enjoyed his job as the attorney for Catholic Social Services, and has seen adoption change in Montana, so that open adoption has become commonplace. He believes that openness for the children of adoption is a very good thing for them. It has provided children with information that they need about their birth family, and in many situations has provided a child with a very loving relationship with birth families. Although Mr. Lynaugh is retiring from being an attorney for Catholic Social Services of Montana, his heart is still

invested in children. He now works on behalf of children advocating on their behalf through Parents Let’s Unite for Kids (PLUK). He will always be a strong advocate for children because of he truly values children.

On SundayNovember5, 2012, St. Dismas’ oldest volunteer celebrated his 95th birthday with friends and relatives. Tom Furlong has been volunteering in the prison ministry since 1970. He was among the group of men that took the first Cursillo into Montana State Prison in 1970. This was the first Cursillo ever conducted in a prison system. In appreciation for his many years of volunteering, he was given a key to the prison. The St. Dismas Conference proson ministry has been busy providing Word and Communion to the men in the Regional Prison in Great Falls. The attendance might be small, but as Jesus said, “where two or more are gathered in my name there I am with them.” In the past four months bus transportation for ten men was provided as they were released from the Regional Prison. Most of the bus rides were for

those men going to another city in Montana, but one man was on the bus to St. Cloud, MN. These men also received clothing, food and hygiene products to help them re-enter the outside world. A place to stay was also provided for men for one night, and for a week for another while he found work in Great Falls. Not all the work to help these men was of material nature; rides to and from Church and Cum Christo Ultreyas were means to help these men stay in consent contact with

their God. With the Christmas season fast approaching, the men and women of St. Dismas are already working diligently in packing Christmas cards into packs of five so each person at the Cascade County Detention Center can havw the opportunity to send cards to their loved ones. Christmas time in prison is hard on all the men and women, mostly being away from their children, so please remember these less fortunate people in your prayers.


The 2012 Care & Share appeal for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings has already generated $1,014,935—over a million dollars from the generous Catholics of our diocese! The campaign time period is from March 1, 2012 to October 31, 2012, and gifts from parishioners continue to arrive

daily toward their individual parish goals. Thank you!

It is with great gratitude that we share with you the following stories of ministries and pastoral services, which represent just a few of the life-changing projects and services that your Care & Share donations have made possible. Thank you for helping our diocese to accomplish our diocesan vision:

Live the Gospel. Bring light to the world.

Catholic Formation, including:• CampusMinistryinBillings• St.ThomasCamp• ReligiousEducation• CatholicSchools

“Billings Catholic Campus Ministry sponsors retreats, spring break immersion trips, and group activities throughout the school year. Our college students need to know that they are crucial to the identity of the Catholic Church. We value and respect their questions and struggles as much as we do their successes and joys. We are proud to be representing our Catholic diocese on our campuses, and we are so deeply grateful for your continued support! Your generosity is most certainly building up our Church!“ Mary Ronan Williams, campus minister, Billings Catholic Campus Ministry

New friends Megan Grosso and Anika Chandler enjoying 1st day at St. Thomas Summer Camp

“My children have been attending St. Thomas camp for eight or nine years now. They love it so much! I think the reason is that at school, there are so many walls and pretenses and you have to keep up a façade. But at camp, they can just let all that go and just be themselves and have fun for who they are. My eldest son is graduating from high school this year, and he can’t wait to apply to be a camp counselor.“ –Lorinda Grosso, St. Pius X Church, Billings

Social Outreach, such as• MontanaCatholicConference• CatholicSocialServicesofMontana• RuralLifeConference• DeafMinistry• RuralNativeAmericanMinistry

“The ‘Affirming the Culture of Life’ conference was so wonderful last year that I made it a priority to participate again. It was just phenomenal! All of the speakers had the same common denominator, how we love Jesus Christ and how we can serve the Catholic Christian community together. I would highly recommend this conference to everybody. Not only does it affirm what we believe as Catholics, but it affirms us personally. I was able to connect with my larger Catholic family and I just wish more people could have that experience.” – Joannie Lee, Pastoral Minister, St. Mary Catholic Church, Livingston Montana Catholic of Father Leo Patalinghug, speaking to the

crowd about building Catholic culture at the dinner table(Photo courtesy of The Montana Catholic, Helena)

Deacon candidate Rick Miske and his wife, Kim, at the Benedictine Monastery in Subiaco, Italy

Vocations and Priest Assistance, including• PermanentDiaconateFormation• Formation&Priests’Assistance(clergyrelief)• Priests’RetirementFund• VocationAwarenessProgram

“When my neighbor Rick Miske told me that he was a candidate to be a deacon, I said, ‘Oh, how wonderful!’ I know that it is very time consuming, and he has a lot of books he has to read and classes he has to attend in Great Falls. But Rick will make a very fine deacon. God must have really inspired him, because our parish is very small. There are quite a few deacons from the diocese of Bismarck near us here, and so we have seen what a blessing it is to have a deacon in the parish. Every morning, when I say my prayers, I include vocations in there.” –Mary Rose Peplinski, St. Philip Church, Wibaux

Celebrating the Goodness of Care and Share 2012


Communication within our diocese, including• DiocesanNewspaper(TheHarvest)• DiocesanWebsite:dioceseofgfb.org• Telecommunications(stewardshipwebinars)

“I go on the diocesan website all the time – I see what church times are at different churches when I travel, and I find out who is working at the different offices in the diocese. And I check to see what the bishop’s message is at any given time.”--Taffy Cochran, director of development, Our Lady of Lourdes School, Great Falls

“I have often heard my parishioners discussing The Harvest. I know they are grateful to receive it every month.”--Rev. Bart Stephens, pastoral administrator, Mary Queen of Peace Parish, Billings

Consultative Councils to Bishop Warfel, such as• DiocesanPastoralCouncilandFinanceCouncil• Archives(officialrecordsofallsacramentswithinthediocese)• PastoralPlanning• DiocesanStewardshipandDevelopmentCouncil

“Serving on the Diocesan Finance Council has been a very satisfying experience. The interactions with all the people in the room from all around the state are so valuable. There’s the religion side of it to consider as well. It’s always interesting when the priest brings his understanding and expertise to the table…we learn how it is bringing the Word to towns all across Montana…it opens our eyes.” --Marilyn Rose, member, Diocesan Finance Council

Pastoral Outreach, such as• LayMinistryRetreatsandTraining• LiturgyandRCIA• MarriageTribunal• EngagedEncounterandMarriageRetreats• StewardshipTrainingandDevelopment

“From this retreat, I found great value in taking time away to spend with the Lord. Now I have a greater appreciation of Lectio Divina and understanding of this form of prayer. I enjoyed the sense of community and appreciated the opportunity to meet the people from around the Diocese.” –anonymous participant, Summer Lay Ministry Retreat, Red Lodge, MT

Patricia Mooney with her sister, Sr. Mary Margret Mooney, PSBV

“I really believe in marriage, and it was really hard to divorce. When I did it, I almost wished I had not because it was so painful. It took me awhile to recover. I finally said to myself, ‘You’re not divorcing God!’ My priest showed me that I could get an annulment. He helped me get my case ready, and I took it to Terri Reavley at the diocese. She was just wonderful, helping me through the process at every turn. It was so much faster than I expected it to be, and they only required a $25 filing fee. You can donate money to help others get an annulment at the end, and I was happy to do that. I feel so free today.” – Patricia Mooney, Sacred Heart Church, Cascade

“For three years before our cluster became one parish, Sr. Lynn [Casey] came to visit us monthly. Sr. Lynn showed us how to go beyond just planning for the year in front of us, but to ask, ‘What are the dreams that our combined parishes might become?’ Having someone like Sr. Lynn help us transition all those moving parts into a kaleidoscope, and come out with a new vision of how the parts fit together. It was amazing to see the hand of God in that!”—Mike Mayott, pastoral life coordinator, Mary Queen of Peace Church, Billings

DonationstoCare&SharecanstillbesentinthroughyourparishordirectlytotheDiocese.Besuretoput“Care&Share,ParishName,2012”onthecheck’s

memo line, or on an envelope if donating cash. If you wish to donate online using your credit card, visit the diocesan website at www.dioceseofgfb.org and

clickonthePayPallink.YouwillbeabletoindicatethenameofyourparishandtheCare&Shareyearintheonlineform.

Thankyouforyourgenerosity!

Pastoral Council of Mary Queen of Peace

To see updated totals and

results-to-date for Care and

Share 2012, go to www.dioceseofgfb.org and look on the right side of

the homepage.


Need a little joy? Spread a little joy…

Agnes Samples knows the secret of Christmas. As executive director of the St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store in Billings, she has seen hundreds of volunteers bring food, clothing, furniture, comfort and compassion to the poor.

“Look inward,” she advises. “This is not about me, but this is about everybody else on earth – it’s about my friends, family, neighbors. If we let it, Christmas can be 365 days a year.” Last year, Samples says they served 600 families in

need, and this year, they expect to serve more. Her expectations of great needs to be met were echoed by all of the organizations listed here. Please call and help them.

St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store2610 Montana Avenue Billings MT 59101406-252-1855

(Annual Christmas Toy Store is at MRM Bargain Center at 21 South 29th Street. It will be open for distribution December 17-21.)

St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store426 Central Ave WestGreat Falls, MT 59404(406) 761-0870Volunteer contact: Judy 761-0111

Distribution of Christmas baskets will be December 22. Salvation Army

Thrift Store504 East Main Street Sidney, MT 59270(406) 433-6299

St. Vincent DePaul Society – Miles City407 Main StreetMiles City, MT 59301-3017406-234-3011Mike Bissell, executive director

Surpass the expectations of those who are expecting…

In our culture, there are too many people who are quick to complain that children are more of a burden than a blessing. Even if you do not have time or money to donate to the pregnancy support clinics below, you can offer a word of encouragement to a mother of toddlers, or even an afternoon of babysitting to a tired young mother. Kindness and a smile can remind others that being pro-life is a lifelong adventure. Barbara Mitchell, CEO of Echoz Pregnancy Care Center in Great Falls, estimates that 85% of the women who seek support for an unplanned pregnancy are young and single. Each of the centers below provide ultrasounds, advice and support for those facing a crisis pregnancy, and training and support for young mothers. They always need diapers, new car seats, baby gear and maternity clothes, as well as volunteers. The

Catholic Church is opposed to abortion because there are better alternatives for women and their babies. Supportive organizations like these who can help women in

crisis pregnancies expect more than hardship this Christmas.

LaVie: An Early Pregnancy Clinic44 Wicks Ln Billings, Mt 59105406-256-7038 http://carenetofbillings.org/

LaVie: An Early Pregnancy Clinic2321 Broadwater AveBillings, Mt 59102406 -652-4868http://carenetofbillings.org/

Echoz Pregnancy Care Center3226 10th Ave. SouthGreat Falls, MT 59405Phone: 406-727-1850 www.echoz.org

HiLine Pregnancy Resource Center – satellite of Echoz 315 1st StHavre, MT 59501(406)265-3340www.echoz.org

Pregnancy Outreach Clinic of Miles City516 Pleasant StreetPO Box 596Miles City, MT 59301406-233-3098http://www.pregnancyclinicofmc.org/

Sunrise Pregnancy Resource Center116 3rd Ave NWPO Box 1086Sidney, MT 59270www.sunrisepregnancy.org 406.973.7772

Can’t volunteer this winter?If illness or other misfortunes are keeping you at home this season, you can still bring the joy of the season from your heart to others in need:

1. Offer to make phone calls for your local parish, or for a local charity in need of volunteer coordination.

2. Pray a rosary for those who are struggling this holiday season.

3. Send flowers to your parish secretary on a Marian feast day. She works hard, and often for a small salary.

4. Save your brightest smiles for those who need it most. (And savor the response all day.)

5. Make a beautiful craft for one of the charities on these pages. Monica Gallegos-Leupple of Havre, Montana, makes these adorable Scrappy Bears to give to homeless shelters, pregnancy aid centers and children’s charities.

6. Invite a neighbor child to shovel your walk, and pay with $1 Gold coins…order at 800-USA-MINT.

Monica’s Scrappy Bears bring joy.


Not sure what to say to the Christ Child? Ask Him…Eucharistic Adoration is available at the following

places and times:

One Day Advent RetreatsAdvent Brunch – St. Pius X Church, BillingsDecember 8, 2012 10:30 amTickets? Call Kathy Kennedy, 406-652-6122

Give someone the gift of silence. Set up a Silent RetreatPoor Clares Monastery, Great Fallswww.poorclaresmt.org(406) 453-7891 or e-mail at [email protected]

Billings, MT 406-259-3389 St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral215 N 31st StBillings, MT 59101 Daily 5 am – 12 midnight

BlackEagle,MT 406-453-6546Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel/Corpus Christi Church1325 Smelter AveBlack Eagle, MT 59414 Sun 3pm - Mon 7amMon 6pm - Tue 7amTue 6pm - Wed 7amWed 6pm - Sat 8am

Great Falls, MT 406-452-6464Our Lady of Lourdes Church 409 – 13th Street South Great Falls, Montana 59405Sundays 12:30 pm – 6:30 pmLewistown, MT

406-538-9306 St. Leo102 W Broadway StLewistown, MT 59457 1st Thu 8:30am - 5:30pm

Miles City, MT 406-234-1691 Sacred Heart120 N Montana AveMiles City, MT 59301 1st Fri 8:45am - 6:30pm6:45 pm Benediction

Find out more about other children who need your help…

Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Povertyusa.org – Visit this site with your children and grandchildren, and learn about poverty in the United States.

Christian Foundation for Children and Aging is a child sponsorship organization serving more than 300,000 children, youth and the aged in 22 developing countries. CFCA's Hope for a Family Program connects individual sponsors with a child, youth or elderly person in need of encouragement and support. Hope for a Family sponsorship goes beyond the basics of providing food, education, health care and livelihood programs. It gives families hope that they can create a path out of poverty for their children. Please visit www.hopeforafamily.org, or call 800.875.6564 or 913.384.6500 for more information.

Missionary Childhood Association (formerly Holy Childhood Association)The Missionary Childhood Association is a part of the Pontifical Mission Societies, which are unique from other mission organizations. According to the teaching of Vatican Council II, the Pontifical Mission Societies are institutions of the Universal Church and of each local church. Therefore, unlike any other mission organization, the Pontifical Mission Societies are both Pontifical and Episcopal in nature. And, as such, the Pontifical Mission Societies are recognized as the principal instrument for educating the faithful to an awareness of the Church’s universal mission and for encouraging their support, in prayer and sacrifice, for the evangelizing mission of the Church among two-thirds of the human family.

How can I help the Missions of the world through the Pontifical Mission Societies?All baptized Catholics have the opportunity to participate in the worldwide mission of the Church by offering their prayers, personal sacrifices or financial contributions to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Missionary Childhood Association or the Society for St. Peter Apostle. The Missionary Union of Priests and Religious is a spiritual apostolate for Priests, Religious men and women, catechists and lay people. Each year, the celebration of World Mission Sunday provides an opportunity, within the context of the Eucharist, for Catholics to express their prayerful and financial support of the Church’s worldwide missionary work and the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in particular. For more information contact Father Jay Peterson, Diocesan Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, 406-727-6683.


Around the

Diocese

Send in your photos

and stories!When submitting

photos and articles for publication in

“The Harvest:” • If sending the information by

e-mail please save the document as

an RTF file or copy and paste the story/

caption into the body of the e-mail. When

sending photos online, please save

them as TIFFs, JPGs, or PDFs and attach them to the e-mail.

Rev. Jay H. Peterson’s

e-mail address is: [email protected].

• Articles and photos are published in the

order received, upon approval by

Rev. Jay H. Peterson, editor.

What a fantastic night and what a fantastic bunch of creative carvers! The St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Life Commission paired up with those families involved in Religious Education to provide a terrific dinner of subs, salads and desserts on October 24, 2012. Joyce Hollowell, Director of Religious

Education, headed up the organization of a great Pumpkin Carving Contest, replete with prizes for participation as well as grand prizes for those competing in five different

categories.

Life Teen Edge Team

The Life Teen Edge Team organized the youth group at St. Raphael Parish in Glasgow to create huge imprints of the

face of Christ using a steamroller.

PCCW at St. Bernard Parish

BACK ROW: St. Clare of Assisi (Catechist April Seymour); St. George (Townes Catron); St. Luke (Nick Frank); St.

Louis (Grady Ward); St. Martin of Tours (Hayden Ward); St. Longinus (Gunnar Ward); Queen Esther (Justine Johnson); St. Catherine Laboure (Catechist Amy Seymour). MIDDLE

ROW: St. Juan Diego (Keith Frank); St. Dominic Savio (Cory Dworshak); St. Maximillian Kolbe (Carson May); Queen Esther (Harlee Ward); St. George (Cody Dworshak); St. Gabriel the Archangel (Darian Clark); St. Margaret of

Scotland (Alyssa Taborsky). FRONT ROW: St. Rose of Lima (Savana Warburton); St. Raphael the Archangel (Kyliegh Riehl); St. Michael the Archangel (Sylvan Shalosky); St. Elizabeth of Hungary (Megan Riehl). IN FRONT OF ST.

MICHAEL: St. Kateri Tekakwitha (Rae Shalosky)

Lutheran – Catholic Dialogues

Left to right Joe Steinbeisser, Eric Beenken, Bishop Michael Warfel, Bishop Jessica Crist; Pastor Paul Seastrand

All Saints Day Party at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Joliet

St Thomas in Billings

On October 30, 2012, Lutherans and Catholics of eastern Montana gathered in Sidney at Pella Lutheran Church’s new hospitality center for a potluck supper, devotions and a presentation by Pastor Paul Seastrand (St. Paul ELCA) of Lewistown, “What has kept Lutherans and Catholics apart

over the years?” Next Bishop Michael Warfel of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings and Bishop Jessica Crist, ELCA, also of Great Falls, addressed the topic, “What are our hopes for overcoming divisions?” Then lay persons

from Sidney, Eric Beenken, Lutheran, and Joe Steinbeisser, Catholic, spoke on “How do we live our discipleship?” Questions and comments from those gathered reflected the hopes for an on going dialogue and continued efforts toward working together in Christian Unity. Similar

gatherings were held in Lewistown (October 10) and Great Falls (October 30). Submitted by Janet Martineau.

Members of the St. Bernard’s CCW Board of Directors are pictured here: (left to right) Alice Kenat, Treasurer and President of Sisters in Faith Circle; Coreen Glen, Board President; Rita Wichman, Vice-President and President of St. Joan’s Circle; Marion Von Rohr, President of St.

Christopher’s Circle. Not pictured is Dani Emery, Secretary. These are the PCCW officers for 2012-2013. Father Tony

Schuster gave them a special blessing during the 11:00 Mass on Sunday, October 21, 2012.


Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Mother Cabrini #1766 from St. Matthew’s Parish in Sidney shared songs and delicious pies with the residents of Crestwood

Inn. The Juniors, led by Lynette Farr, Leslie Thiessen, and Kathy Bidegaray, came in costumes for a Halloween

celebration. Submitted by Janet Martineau.

Sidney Fall Dinner

Sidney Youth Dance

Pictured left to right are “Witchy” Janet Martineau, “Alien” Julie Brodhead, “Pirate” Leslie Thiessen, and “Sleepy”

Stacie Olson, some of the chaperones for the Halloween youth dance at St. Matthew’s in Sidney. The dances open to

6th –8th Grade Youth are poplar events in the Sidney area and hosted by St. Matthew’s parish. Submitted by Janet

Martineau.

Three members of the St. Labre Indian School Board were present at the canonization ceremony of the seven saints recognized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012. Kateri Tekakwitha, a Native American Indian of the Mohawk tribe was one of those elevated to sainthood. Six people from the diocese accompanied Reverend Michael Schneider and joined Bishop Michael Warfel on the Black and Native American Mission tour group of over 800 pilgrims. Featured in the photo from left to right: Faye Hanson; Rachel Carroll (St. Labre vice-chair); Bishop Michael Warfel; Brady Warren; Susanne Trussler (St. Labre Board member); Rev. Michael Schneider (St. Labre chair); Charlene Nihill; & Dorothy Murnin. In addition to Vatican City, the group also visited sites in Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Padua and Venice.

Catholic Daughters in Sidney

St. Matthew’s Parish in Sidney held its annual Fall Dinner on Sunday, October 21, 2012. It was enjoyed by many area residents. Members from the parish baked pies, prepared the meal, kept the lines flowing smoothly and helped with clean-up. Catholic Daughters Court Mother Cabrini #1766 served at the entry of the gym, collecting monies and also selling raffle tickets for gift cards from local businesses.

Pictured above are CDA members Carmen Latka and Arlene Riggs.

CDA will use the raffle proceeds for Thanksgiving and Christmas grocery gifts for needy families.

St. Kateri Canonization

PCCW St Bernard, Billings

Lorraine Nielson, Carol Reimann and Carole Holland tend the raffle for the Honor Flight while handing out samples of Mystic Monk coffee at St. Bernard CCW Bazaar.

PCCW St Thomas Billings Thanks to the St. Thomas the Apostle faith community and the extended community of Billings, the St. Thomas PCCW Rummage & Pie Sale, October 6-7, 2012, was a tremendous success this year, bringing in a record amount of funds to replenish the coffers! St. Thomas PCCW stocks many of the kitchen supplies and funds and staffs our monthly First Sunday Donuts. The sale, which takes place the first weekend of October every year, is made possible completely by generous volunteers.


Stories of Stewardship from Around the Dioceseby Judy Held, Director of Stewardship and Development

When I was growing up, there were plants everywhere. Potted plants, fresh-cut flowers, vegetable plants, fruit bushes, apple trees, rose and lilac bushes, garden flowers, and, of course, crops planted in our fields. And, the most important plant of them all was the first crocus of the season – and the race to find it in the pasture and bring it home to Mom! Little did I know when I was young (and not so enamored with weeding) that my parents would later offer their love of gardening as a gift to the Lord…in a big way. It was simply an act of stewardship, although I never heard it referred to in those terms. My parents, Bob (Ernest) and Helen Fouhy, shared their talent and passion for growing flowers and used it for the glory of God and the enjoyment of others for many years. In preparation for weekend Mass at St. Ann’s Parish in Peerless, Montana (closed in 2008), Mom would trek out to their expansive flower (and vegetable) garden on either Friday or Saturday and cut all the flowers needed for Mass that weekend. Dad dutifully cared for all the flowers Mom wanted -- planting, weeding and watering with great precision. Mom would arrange the flowers she cut flowers into cans, load them into the pickup and drive them into town. There she would spend a couple of hours at St. Ann’s, arranging them into massive bouquets to decorate the altar and the statues of Mary and Joseph – and sometimes the vestibule, as well. For a small country church, it was overwhelmingly beautiful in the summer months! After Mass, parishioners would each enjoy their turns at taking the bouquets home. Both the flowers and the fellowship of Christ bloomed throughout the week! The only thing my

parents ever asked was that the vases be returned by the following Friday, so that they could start the process over again. “In all those years, a vase never went missing,” shared Helen. “When I’d get to the church, there they would be, waiting for me to fill them again.” “I loved it,” said Helen. “I felt like God had given me that talent to fix flowers and I felt like I was sharing that talent with Him. Those were some of the happiest days of my life. And Bob really had a green thumb; he had all the talent for growing things and he put everything he had into it.” Bob, my dad, was born into a Northeast Montana farming family and, other than a stint as a pilot and officer for the Army Air Corps during WWII, was a farmer and rancher his entire life. My mother, Helen, was raised in Arkansas where she learned the floral business from her parents, who owned and operated four greenhouses. Mom delivered flowers in their panel truck, something she remembers fondly. As you can see, they were born for this kind of stewardship, and I’m certain God smiled at what they made of the gifts he gave them. Of course, Bob and Helen modeled other forms of stewardship in their parish, such as through their financial support and offering of their time in service. Dad ushered, Mom was a lector and led Eucharistic services, and oh yes, she taught me “CCD.” (One particular memory involves her climbing on top of a table just to get a rowdy class of teenagers focused back on our

Confirmation studies!). Yet it was what they did with the flowers that will be forever etched into my mind as a perfect example of stewardship. It’s a beautiful thing when giving something that brings you great joy multiplies that joy for others. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas, remember that living a life of stewardship is as simple as sharing with others what God first gave us.

Thanks for sharing your gifts, Mom and Dad.

What this act of stewardship meant to fellow parishioners:

Bob and Helen Fouhy enjoying Christmas

And Carol Fouhy, daughter-in-law of Bob and Helen, and former music minister (among other stewardship roles) of St. Ann Parish, shared, “I will always remember the ooh's and aah's when people entered the church (it was almost like it was May Day or there was going to be something special like a wedding going on). If there was a Sunday with no flowers, people would wonder what happened? Bob and Helen were so devoted to the church, I am sure that doing the flowers was one of their ways of "giving back" and also I know they looked forward to the smiles from the parishioners. Things were sure blah when there were no flowers in the church! – Carol Fouhy, former St. Ann parishioner and Music Minister (among many of her stewardship activities!)”

Garnet Jones was raised in Peerless and was an active member of St. Ann’s Parish for many years, living a life of stewardship in her own right through many different avenues. She now resides in Great Falls. When asked for her thoughts about the effect the flowers had on the parish, she shared: “I loved it when we had visitors come to Mass, as they never failed to mention how beautiful the altar was and wondered how in the world (in Peerless) we could have fresh flowers like that every week. I was so proud to have Bob and Helen be part of our parish! The bouquets really were masterpieces and many times Helen would select one she wanted me to take home after church, but short of jumping out of my pew before the final hymn was over or getting physical I didn't always get a bouquet to take home at all much less the one she wanted me to have! I have some very warm memories of getting ready for Mass the evening before while Helen was arranging the flowers. We had some wonderful discussions, usually centered around faith and family. Bob and Helen worked very hard to have our church look absolutely beautiful every week. We were blessed.”


Receive a 40% tax credit for your gift

to the church this year!Montana taxpayers have a unique incentive to make gifts to permanent endowment funds of certain Montana charities. Catholics may donate to the permanent endowment funds of their parishes or to a cause that benefits our entire diocese, such as the Seminarian Education Endowment, the Priest’s Retirement Endowment, or the Endowment for the Greatest Needs of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings.

This special incentive is called the “Montana Endowment Tax Credit.” Simply speaking, it is a credit which lowers your Montana tax bill, much more than a deduction will. And this credit is equal to a whopping 40% of the charitable deduction of a planned gift to a permanent endowment fund. (Businesses receive a 20% credit for outright gifts to permanent endowments.) The credit is limited to $10,000 per taxpayer per year.

Unless the 2013 legislature extends it, this generous tax credit will expire at the end of next year(2013). So, for Catholics who desire to support their parishes and/or our diocese, there is every good reason to make a gift that qualifies for the Montana Endowment Tax Credit before year-end.

The simplest planned gifts that qualify are Charitable Gift Annuities (income can be taken now or deferred to a later date) and giving a gift of a ‘paid-up’ life insurance policy. Planned gifts for the benefit of your parish or the diocese are administered through the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana, a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to promote, expand and stregthen the Roman Catholic Church in Eastern Montana. 100% of every gift given for the benefit of a single parish or ministry benefits that particular parish or ministry. No administrative fees are collected by the Foundation.

Tips for Year-End Charitable Giving to the Church

Allsortsofassetsmakegoodyear-endgifts to benefit the Catholic Church. This includes cash, stocks, mutual funds, paid-up life insurance, mineral interests (oil, gas, coal, ect),crops, livestock and land. These assets can be given outright and most may also be used to fund a planned gift, such as a Charitable Gift Annuity or Deferred Payment Gift Annuity, which can help you receive the generous 40% “Montana Endowment Tax Credit.”

Ifmakingagiftbycashorcheck, either deliver your gift in person or be sure it is postmarked by December 31st. The date you deliver or mail your donation is generally recognized as the gift date for tax purposes. Please note: the date on the actual check is not recognized by the IRS as proof of your intent to give on a particular date.

You may also give online by credit card before or on December 31. While the diocesan online giving page is currently being constructed, we have arranged to accept donations through PayPal (see at the top of the home page at www.dioceseofgfb.org). You may designate your gift for your parish or the diocese, even to particular funds. Just be sure the gift is made prior to midnight, December 31. The gift date is when the donation is charged to your credit card, even if you don’t pay your bill until 2013.

If you want your gift to be structured in the form of a planned gift for increased tax or income benefits,(such as a Gift Annuity),paperwork can be completed after December 31. However, be sure the asset is received by the parish, diocese or Catholic Foundation by December 31. This is vital.

Plan ahead. Gifts of stock, mineral interests, paid-up life insurance, real or personal property all take a certain amount of preparation. Plan ahead accordingly; visit with Judy Held at the Office of Stewardship and Development for instructions on how to make gifts of certain assets. (800 -332-9998, ext. 120). Always consult with your own advisors, prior to making a gift.

Receipt for taxes: You will receive a receipt for your donation that contains all the necessary substantiation required for tax purposes.

Memorials and Gifts in Honor: Any gift you make may be given as a memorial to a loved one or a gift in honor of someone living. If you wish, a card will be sent to the person(s) you specify, acknowledging your gift without mention of amount. Gifts in memory or in honor make very special and meaningful Christmas gifts.

Please use the enclosed envelope for your convenience, or send your gift (with instructions enclosed as to which parish or diocesan fund your gift is designated and any memorial or honor tribute instructions) to:

Catholic Foundation of Eastern MontanaATTN: Judy Held, Stewardship and Development

PO Box 1399Great Falls, MT 59403

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If you own Mineral InterestsMineral Interests (Oil, Gas, Coal, etc.) are an excellent way for you to make a “forever” gift to further God’s kingdom right here in eastern Montana. A gift of mineral interests, whether full or partial (a percentage), will help the Catholic Church carry out its mission for generations of Catholics to come.

Gifts of bonuses or royalties can do the same!

For more information on how to make such a gift to benefit your parish or our diocese, call 800-332-9998, ext. 120 and

speak with Judy Held, Office of Stewardship and Development.

Establish a family legacy. Build your faith. GivebacktotheLord.

Directing your tax dollars to your local parish or the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings by using

the Endowment Tax Credit

Imagine this...

It’s possible to make a $5,000 gift to your parish or the diocese at no greater expense to you than making a $2,000 gift. That’s because you have diverted your tax dollars to the church, and therefore, are rewarded with the generous Montana Endowment Tax Credit. Continuing with this example...

A 70 year old catholic, is in the 28% Federal income tax bracket and 6.9% Montana income tax bracket. She makes a 5,000 gift to a Catholic permanent endowment that will support the mission of the Church forever. For her gift, she will receive a $1,242 Federal tax deduction and a $1,775 Montana tax credit. That brings her out-of-pocket cost of making a $5,000 gift to just $1,983! This can happen for you, as well.

For a personalized example (with no obligation to give), call Judy Held at 800-332-9998, ext. 120 in the Office of Stewardship and Development. She will help you tailor your gift exactly as you wish.

Please Note: The Pastoral Office will be closed December 24 - January 1, But you may call (406) 868-2333 to arrange delivery of your gift.


Holy Spirit Catholic School GALA 2012

Holy Spirit Catholic School hosted our annual GALA earlier this fall. It was a fun event with a good crowd willing to support Catholic education. We would like to thank our event sponsors: Steel Etc., B & B Loan and Rental, and the Falls Jr. Academy. We appreciate your support. We would also like to thank our corporate table sponsors: Advanced Practice Physical Therapy, Allstate Insurance/Qunitrell Agency, Bloomgren and Rivera, Bowman Ranch, Church, Harris, Johnson and Williams, Douglas Wilson and Company, Faure Holden, Glenn and Peggy Tremper, Golden Corral, Holy Spirit Parish, and Medicine River Ranch. Your continued support is very much appreciated.

Thank you to our hard working chairperson, Erica LaTray and her fantastic committee. We are so grateful for the numerous hours spent organizing this

event. You all are fantastic! Finally, thank you to all who attended our event, prayed for our success, and donated monetary gifts or auction items. We are truly blessed.

World Food DayHoly Spirit Catholic School students love to give back. We understand that we are so blessed and that there are many in the world who are hungry. Our students collected food items in their classroom for a couple of weeks. At our Monday assembly a beautiful prayer service depicted how every six seconds, a person dies of starvation somewhere in the world. Each student then brought up their offerings. We collected and donated baskets full of food to St. Martin de Porres for distribution. Thank you Holy Spirit students for your generosity

Sacred Heart School Miles City

Father Samuel Spiering , Parochial Vicar, gets to know some of the school students playing a great old game – Rock, Paper, Scissors. Sacred Heart Parish in Miles City is Father Samuel’s first assignment. He and the kids filled some spare time after lunch.

It may not be a miracle, but that fact that large dogs, cats, and bunny rabbits can be together in one place without trouble is something to see. The Pet Blessing has become a tradition started by Sacred Heart parish pastor Father Rob Oswald. Students’ parents bring the pets to school at the end of the day for the blessing. Father Rob is blessing Heather Baker’s rabbit Goldie.


Picture of Homecoming Queen Maggie Shane and King Kelby Depner

Central Students participate in Leadership ProgramLeadership High School. This program that exposes young leaders to varying elements that interact to form a strong and dynamic community, sponsored by the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce, is off and running for the 2012-2013 school year. After a comprehensive interview process Karissa Procopio (Holy Spirit grad) and Soren Chargois (Our Lady of Lourdes grad) have been selected to represent Central. Students meet monthly with students from other area high schools to discuss community needs, opportunities, problems and resources while allowing interaction with civic leaders and decision-makers. Central is proud to have Karissa and Soren represent the school.

Homecoming 2012 was a huge success! The Mustang football team defeated Sunburst High School 43-0 and the Volleyball team played well against Geraldine High School. The lunch sponsored by the Stampede Club was well attended, as was all of the athletic activities. Homecoming King Kelby Depner and Queen Maggie Shane were crowned at halftime, as were class Prince and Princesses. Representing the 9th grade were Maxx Sitzmann and Katie Diekhans, 10th grade Nolan Donisthorpe and Lindsey Lincoln, and 11th grade Colton Winters and Maria Bertha. Thank you to everyone who made Homecoming 2012 such a great success.

During Homecoming, Central held a fundraiser sponsored by the Ford Motor Company called Drive 4 Ur School. For each test drive of a Ford product the school received $20.00, and for an additional drive of the Ford Escape, the school received an additional $10.00. Trevor Cavanaugh, Bison Ford representative presented a check for $3750.00 that was matched with $3000.00 from a Central donor, to Principal Vickie Donisthorpe to be used for the needs of the school.

Mark your calendar!! Discovery Days at GFCCHS are scheduled for the 2012-2013 school year on January 8th, March 19th and May 7th. Discovery Days are a great opportunity for current 8th graders from Catholic Schools, Home School and public schools to experience high school at Central for a day. Students will visit 9th grade classes in action, meet current Central students, and participate in an assembly to meet representatives from school clubs, athletic teams, music, and the mission trip team. The day will end with a root beer float social! Call the school Advancement Office at 216-3344 or email to [email protected] to reserve a spot!

Through an audition process, thirteen musicians from Central were selected as members of the North Central Montana Honor Choir and Band. The students participated in two days of training in Choteau, Montana, that culminated with a joint performance. Students selected for choir were Kody Diekhans, Keeley Buhler, Mattea Erickson, Annisa Keith, Rachel Justice, Megan Nickol, Ryan Keith, Abby Vanderkolk and Sam Turville. Selected as band members were Tanner Dodge, Shelby Meyers, Carter Anderson, and Nolan Donisthorpe.

Homecoming 2012 a Great Success

Drive 4 UR School Fundraiser

Picture of Vickie Donisthorpe, Principal and Trevor Cavanaugh, Ford Rep. presentation of check

Discovery Days Scheduled at Central

Central Musicians Selected to North Central Honor Choir and Band

Picture of Carter Anderson, Lindsey Lincoln and Micah Sitzmann Mustang Pep Band

When you see this “Catholic Businesses Supporting Catholic Ministries” logo please take note.

We’re encouraging parishioners who own businesses to support

“The Harvest” through their paid advertising and with their time, talent and treasure within their parish

community.

In turn we’re asking parishioners to support the Catholic businesses thereby strengthening our own communities and parish ministries in the process.

Thank you for supporting our advertisers!


2013 Eucharistic CongressDiocese of

Great Falls-BillingsA “Year of Faith” Evangelization Event

Comejoinusforaholy,spiritfilled,inspiring and challenging day as we graciously welcome

DeaconHaroldBurkeSiverstoCorpus Christi Parish in Great Falls, February 15-16, 2013.

Deacon Harold will inspire and challenge us to live our faith more deeply with his words and deep love of Christ. Start your Lenten journey by engaging your faith in this

“Year of Faith “ signature event.

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers is a powerful and passionate evangelist and preacher whose no-nonsense, hands-on approach to living the Catholic faith will challenge and inspire you! He is the Founder and Director of DynamicDeacon.com, a Christian evangelization and apologetics organization dedicated to the dissemination and promotion of Catholic values, principles, and teaching. The goal of his apostolate is to bring as many people as possible to a deeper love of Christ and the Gospel by sharing the truth of the Catholic faith in love.

Name:________________________________Parish:________________________________Phone:___________E-mail:_______________

Send Completed Form to:Anthony Allen

Diocese of Great Falls-BillingsPO Box 1399

Great Falls, MT 59403

VocationsBy Father Jay PetersonDirector of Seminarian

Formation

Vocation Boom! – What Is It?

“Founded by Jerry Usher, Vocation Boom is a team of passionate advocates dedicated to supporting the priesthood as a life’s vocation and mission. We seek to develop a global support community where youth and young men interested in the priesthood can find comprehensive resources, encouragement, mentors and friends to aid in the discernment process.”

That is how a Web site called “Vocation Boom!” describes itself. Right now the Church is experiencing a “boom” in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. American seminaries are filling up to maximum enrollment numbers. Granted, there

are fewer seminaries open these days compared to forty years ago, but the up-tick is remarkable. The phenomenon we notice is actually world-wide. I call your attention to a Web site, www.vocationboom.com, and would like to encourage all readers of The Harvest to visit it. Jerry Usher has harnessed all kinds of energy to create a go-to information site primarily for young men, but anyone curious about the depth and breadth of what it means to be a priest can visit and find out what is behind the boom. One can learn about the nearly 2000 year history of the priesthood, owing its origins to Christ’s Last Supper which we commemorate on

Holy Thursday with the Chrism Mass and Maundy Thursday Mass. This brief history includes the basic unchanging nature of the sacramental ministry of the Church. In the “New Springtime” of the Church, 400,000 priests now serve the People of God world-wide. There is a tab labeled, “I’ve Been Called – What Is the Next Step?” The potential seminarian is treated to on-line tools to reflect on the meaning of the call. The preparation is described in detail, and suggestions on whether and to whom one should discuss this call from God follow. The role one’s parish priest and spiritual director are addressed, as well as how to connect with the diocesan Vocation Director. The seminary application process is described in general terms, and the typical formation program is described. Video testimonies also are a convincing and clarifying feature of this

Web site. After watching men of various ages and backgrounds speak frankly to potential seminarians, viewers soon conclude that the variety of those who give their “yes” to God is amazingly diverse. Education. Motivation. Inspiration.

Blogspots and an events calendar. Facebook, Twitter, and links. There is even a way to connect through Vocation Boom to our own diocesan Vocation Director, Father Leo McDowell. Everybody ought to check out this Web site, and be sure to spread the word.

Saint Leo’s helps families in need with food drive

Saint Leo's Catholic Church once again held their annual November Sharing Sunday Food Drive to help the Community Cupboard Food Bank. Recent additions to the Food Bank have allowed for more space, and Saint Leo's parishioners did their best to help fill some of the empty shelves. This year's effort netted 2,800 pounds in food, and $1,180 in cash donations to help the local Food Bank provide food to those in need, just in time for Thanksgiving. This is the 19th year for the food drive. Although the first Sunday of each month is traditionally a sharing Sunday, the November event is the biggest push for collecting food, and is one of the largest food drives for the Community Cupboard. “Saint Leo’s food drive is a tremendous help in keeping the cupboards stocked with food,” said Community Cupboard Treasurer Kathy Moser. “More often than not, the cupboard disperses more food than they receive in food donations.” The rest of the food items are supplemented through cash donations and government subsidies. “The Community Cupboard was very appreciative of the help the young people provided unloading food from the pickups and stocking the shelves,” said Saint Leo's Youth Minister, Mari Krumwiede. Members of the Saint Leo’s Youth Program, grades 7-12, spearheaded the drive this year, helping

sort the food at the church with parishioners before delivering it to the Community Cupboard. “It was a great opportunity for the youth and parish to work together as an example of our faith and be able to help others,” said Krumwiede. The food drives are important at this time, as the Community Cupboard has seen an increase those seeking assistance. “It is real important to us, especially with the holidays coming up,” said Moser, “and it always provides us with more variety of food. We’ve always had a terrific partnership with Saint Leo’s. They really do a lot for us, and we appreciate it.” The Saint Leo's Youth Program worked in conjunction with the Social Concerns Commission of Saint Leo’s Parish on this year's food drive. The Social Concerns Commission follows the mandate of Jesus to love one another and reach out to those in needs. Throughout the year, the Social Concerns Commission provides support for individuals and organizations in need that help the less fortunate by providing gifts at Christmastime for needy children and families, as well as a making Turkeys and Hams available at Thanksgiving and Easter. The annual Big Bargain Sale in May also raises money to provide assistance throughout the year.


On October 13, 2012, more than fifty people braved the rain to help clean up Calvary Cemetery the oldest Catholic cemetery in Cascade County. Only a section was

completed due to such overgrowth from years of neglect. The people who came out consisted of youth groups from all the parishes, two Boy Scout Troops and a Cub Scout

Pack, and of course, some of their parents, as well as Knights of Columbus. United Materials donated road material.

Photos by Pam Birkenbuel

Knights of Columbus Council 1493 and Great Falls Youth

Big Sky Cum ChristoBy Bob Meyers

The Big Sky Cum Christo movement in the Eastern Diocese of Montana is closing in on 50 years of ministry. What an incredible legacy of changed lives we have been witness to! Many of us owe the beginning of our spiritual journey to the experience of a Cum Christo/Cursillo weekend. The Cum Christo Ministry (1984-2012) and the Cursillo Ministry (1965-1984) still continue to be special gifts to the many of us who have attended one of the 572 weekends that have been held in Eastern Montana over the past forty-eight and a half years. You could be the next life to be changed. So if you haven’t attended a Cum Christo weekend, you should seriously consider doing so. There are currently five sets of upcoming weekends scheduled throughout our Eastern Diocese. The next upcoming weekend for the Great Falls area is scheduled for the weekend of November 29th to December 2nd. This weekend will feature both

the men's and women's weekend held at the same time but in separate rooms at the beautiful Ursuline Centre in Great Falls. Bill Ferguson (727-6719) and Cindy O'Connell (761-6438) will be the upcoming Rector and Rectora. For further information or applications contact Carmen Thorsen (761-1805). The Lewistown community will host weekends on January 24-27 (Men's) and January 31-February 3 (Women's). This set of weekends will be held at St Leo's Parish Center in Lewistown. Jim Moe and Bev Mayernik are the upcoming Rector and Rectora for Lewistown. The Sidney community will host weekends on February 7-10 (Men's) and February 14-17 (Women's). This weekend will be held at St. Matthews Parish Center in Sidney. Lee Wegmann and Trisha Langwold are the upcoming Rector and Rectora for Sidney. The Billings and Laurel area will host weekends on March 7-10 (Men's) and March 14-17 (Women's) at St. Anthony's Parish Center in Laurel. Doug Seymour and Maureen Culbertson will be

their upcoming Rector and Rectora. We are happy to also announce that the Miles City area will again be hosting upcoming weekends on June 6-9, 2013 (Men's) and June 13-16 (Women's). It has been 27 years since Miles City hosted its last Cum Christo weekends in 1986. These weekends will be held at the Sacred Heart Parish Center in Miles City. George Bryhn and Marion Icopini will be the upcoming Rector and Rectora. Each of the six communities of Great Falls, Lewiston, Sidney, Billings, Laurel and Miles City desires your participation and support of their upcoming Cum Christo weekends. When you get involved with Cum Christo-sponsored events, you share your wonderful gifts that God has given you with others who need a friend and spiritual direction. Big Sky Cum Christo will give you some new tools to help you on our Christian journey of life. May our God richly bless each of you as you explore ways to share your gifts with your family, friends, Church, work environments and your Cum Christo family.

Calvary Cemetery Cleanup

Roundup Knights Earn International Recognition The Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus has determined that Roundup Knights of Columbus Council 2464, has been found worthy to receive a THIRD PLACE SUPREME 2011-2012 International Service Program Award for their involvement in the "The Great 2011 flood of Roundup Montana". This award is in addition to the one that they received from the Montana Knights of Columbus, in April of 2012, for their “Outstanding Community Service.” THE BEGINNING The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic Men’s Fraternal Organization, suggests that each individual Council, Assembly, or Unit, submit activity reports on their council’s activities. These reports are used to help in the compilation of what each Council, Assembly, or Unit does locally, then statewide, and internationally. The activities reports are submitted under one of six categories: Church, Community, Council, Family, Pro-Life, and Youth. The reports are reviewed on a state level, and if there is an “Outstanding” council submission, it is then sent on to the Supreme

Council of the Knights of Columbus for international consideration.THE STATISTICS: The Knights of Columbus has a membership that exceeds over 1,800,000 members of the more than 15,000 total Councils, Assemblies, and Local Units. Their charitable donations total $129 million. When the Supreme Council contribution is added, the amount is $158 million. The organization total contributed service hours are: 70,053,149 hours. The Montana charitable donations were $391 thousand, and were supported by their donated 214,136 service hours. There are over 50 Councils, Assemblies, and Units in Montana with a membership in excess of 5200 members. Roundup’s Council 2464 was there to serve their community in its time of need and has continued to do the same in the Musselshell County wildfires of 2012. In a reply that was received from a Brother Knight, his quotation is most appropriate for the actions of the Brother Knights of Council 2464: “ Well done, good and faithful servants”.

This picture was taken, on Monday Oct. 29, 2012, after the council members completed their washing of all floors, setting up the parish hall, the kitchen, and side rooms in preparation for the annual St. Benedict’s Parish Dinner

on Sunday Nov. 4. This was an opportunity to get a group picture of council members along with the new “THIRD PLACE SUPREME INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL SERVICE AWARD” that had recently been awarded to the Council.

Included in the picture are the members of Roundup Council Knights of Columbus Council 2464. (Back row, left to right)

Bill Froman, Bernie Ruhland, John Perrella, Spike Tuss, John Albert, Anthony Perrellla, Jay Cota. (Front row, left to right)

Ron Anderson, Pat Perrella, Fran Rodgers, Jim Webber, Woody Weitzel Photo by: Connor Rodgers


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Medical Ethicscontinued from page 5

under anesthesia, in a coma, or growing at early timepoints in utero), our humanity is still present and deserving of unconditional respect. Those who lack consciousness or awareness are still human, and should be cherished and protected as much as anyone else with limitations or disabilities. Some might reply that a sleeping or comatose person's consciousness is merely dormant. If they wake up, they will have memories, awareness, etc. For a very early human embryo, on the other hand, no consciousness exists yet, since the brain has not developed, or may not have developed sufficiently. Until that development occurs, the argument continues, there is "nobody home," and therefore nothing important can be stripped away by abortion. But it would be false to conclude that

“nobody is home.” As that embryonic human continues to grow up, she will develop a brain, as well as memories, awareness, and consciousness. Such carefully choreographed and remarkable embryonic development will occur precisely in virtue of the kind of being she already is, namely, a very small human being. All of us, in fact, are embryos who have grown up. The human embryo is special because of her humanity, not because of her consciousness, which will invariably arise as long as she is afforded even the smallest chance at life. We actively deny her the right to manifest her future personality, her individuality, her consciousness and her genius by selecting her for termination. Hence, we should appreciate an argument like Dr. Bor’s for what it really is,

namely, an attempt to carve out a subclass of human beings (those deemed weaker than the rest of us due to their diminished personal consciousness) so that they can be singled out for death by abortion. This move constitutes an unjust form of discrimination against a voiceless class of humans, cloaked in a specious intellectual construct that misconstrues both the essential character of being human, and the essential moral obligations we have towards each other. Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org

St. Christopher’s Circle of St. Bernard Parish Council of Catholic Women is sponsoring a raffle for a $600 quilt hand-made for them by Jeannie Downey of Broadview. The quilt measures 74 inches by 90 inches (queen sized) with a horse theme in blue and gray satin. The drawing will be held at St. Bernard’s annual High

Tea on January 26, 2013. Tickets are $5.000 each or 3 for $10.00, and can be purchased by cash or check made out to St. Bernard PCCW. Please mail to Mary Ann Kostkas, 703 Arbor Hills Drive, Billings, MT 59105. Purchases must be made in time for your name to be placed in the raffle bowl!

Billings, MT – St. Vincent de Paul and Family Service, Inc. are accepting applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Boxes and for the Toy Store supported by the Marines’ Toys for Tots program. Applicants should bring a photo identification and proof of residence to SVDP, 2610 Montana Avenue, or FSI, 1824 First Avenue North. Agencies are making a concerted effort to curtail duplication of services; therefore, applicants are encouraged to file their application at the agency of their choice.The Billings Food Bank will assemble and distribute Thanksgiving Food Boxes from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on November 20 and 21. Christmas Food Boxes will be distributed at the Food Bank 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

on December 19-21.The Marines have selected SVDP and FSI as the distribution points for its Toys for Tots program.The Montana Rescue Mission (MRM) is joining hands with SVDP’s Toy Store by providing space in the former MRM Bargain Center at 21 South 29th Street. Agnes Samples, executive director of SVDP, said toys will be distributed at the former MRM Bargain Center from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on December 17-21.Paul Chinberg, executive director of FSI, said his agency will distribute toys at the American Medical Response (AMR) building from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on December 17-21. The FSI distribution site is located at 711 4th Avenue N.“We are pleased to once again have the support

of the Marines’ Toys for Tots program, and SVDP is excited to be able to use the former MRM Bargain Center space,” Samples said.Persons intending to apply for a Thanksgiving Food Box and a Christmas Food Box will be required to fill out one application; parents or guardians seeking toys from the Toy Store will fill out a separate application.If you have questions or wish to make a monetary donation, please contact the agency directly.

For more information contact:Agnes B. Samples, Executive Director, St. Vincent de Paul, 406-252-1855Paul Chinberg, Executive Director, Family Service, Inc., 406-259-2269


Religious Image StampsPart of Holiday

TraditionWASHINGTON (CNS) -- When the U.S. Postal Service unveiled its new Christmas stamp Oct. 10 featuring an image of the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt, there was no uproar about religion in the public square, or in this case, rectangle. "We didn't get a single phone call or email from anyone who took exception to the stamp," Roy Betts, a spokesman for the Postal Service. "And with the speed with which people can respond today, they would have if they wanted to," he added. He said he thought people were more concerned with other things such as the presidential election. He also said the Post Office doesn't "really get comments" about the holiday stamps in general, most likely because of the diversity of stamps -- besides stamps with Christian imagery, there are those that commemorate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Muslim festivals. As an aside, he said one year the Postal Service inadvertently left out the image of its Eid stamp -- commemorating the Muslim festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha -- from a poster about its holiday stamps. The Postal Service heard about it, and then some, and within 24 hours, he said, new posters were displayed that included all the holiday stamps. As he put it: "People are passionate about this (issue)." But right now, he added, "they're not complaining." The diversity in stamps, which may have quelled the naysayers, is fairly new. The first U.S. Christmas stamp debuted in 1962 with a wreath, two candles, and the words "Christmas 1962." Four years later the Postal Service issued what became

more of the traditional Christmas stamp featuring a Renaissance painting of the Madonna and Child. By contrast, the other holiday stamps took longer to get their corner of the market. The Hanukkah stamp marking the eight-day Jewish festival of lights debuted in 1996. The Kwanzaa stamp for the African-American holiday first appeared in 1997 and the Eid stamp was not issued until 2001. Charles Haynes, a senior scholar at the Freedom Forum's First Amendment Center, said that stamps with religious images aren't a problem "as long as the government is acknowledging a variety of religious and nonreligious communities at various times of the year." "The fact that religious -- including explicitly Christian -- symbols are in the mix raises no First Amendment issue -- but simply reflects our diversity," he said. Haynes noted that Christian symbols on stamps should only be allowed if a variety of other faiths are represented. "Government may not privilege one faith over others." When the traditional Christmas stamp stood alone, it faced at least one sticky situation. In 1995, a Postal Service advisory committee voted to replace the traditional Madonna and Child stamp with a Victorian-era angel. This vote stirred such negative reaction that even then-President Bill Clinton got into the fray, prompting an immediate reversal. Marvin

Runyon, postmaster general at the time, said the Madonna and Child stamp would stay, at least while he was in office, because it "occupied an important place" for so many years and was "meaningful to so many Americans." This year's Christmas stamp does not feature the traditional Madonna and Child image but instead a silhouette of the Holy Family on their flight into Egypt. At the stamp's unveiling at Washington National Cathedral, the Rev. Gary Hall, the Episcopal cathedral's dean, said the stamp's image has its own universal message. He said the "story of this new family forced to leave their home" can remind people to care for those who are marginalized: "the poor, the elderly, the immigrant, and the refugee." He also said the image of the Holy Family "embarking for an unknown land" is a reminder that "we are in God's hands and we trust in God to guide our journey." If that isn't to one's liking, the Postal Service has plenty of other options, from its popular angel stamps to those without any religious undertones: the forever evergreens and pine cones.

St. Bernard CCW Holds Giant Bazaar

Novem ber 3, 2012, proved even busier than the last thirty first Saturdays in November for the ladies of St. Bernard PCCW. This was the day they held their 31st Annual Craft Bazaar. It began as a small event in which the women sold their own crafts. But as time went on, and they became busier with their families, they came up with a great idea that was much less work – offering space to other crafters for the opportunity to sell THEIR wares! That freed up our women to host a bake sale and brunch/lunch counter. Later they added a White Elephant Room and a raffle. Initially the show took place in only the lower level of the church, but in later years, booths took over the upstairs Daly Hall also. This year we hosted 74 booths. All the booth sales this year, and for the last ten years, were coordinated by

Ellen Lewis. Each year the raffle proceeds are donated toward some outreach of an issue that affects the Rural Life Coference. This year the raffle proceeds will go to assist the WWII Honor Flight. In the past it has assisted the Huntley Project library after the school burned down, the Ryegate Fire Department after their firehouse exploded with the fire truck inside, the Musselshell flood recovery, and Forever Families summer camp for children in foster care to be able to connect with their siblings. Since we began to hold our sale on the same weekend of November, four other churches on our street, Wicks Lane, have done the same. Consequently, our street has one of the biggest and diverse craft sale days in the Billings area!

Colstrip Parish Life Coordinator

Sheila Murphy will be installed by Bishop Michael Warfel as the Parish Life Coordinator of St. Margaret Mary parish in Colstrip, MT on December 11, 2012, during a celebration of Mass at 7:00 p.m. Sheila comes with experience in the Diocesan Office of Religious Education and Office of Ministry

Formation in Ohio. Most recently she served as Director of Faith Formation in Grand Rapids, MI. Some of her experience includes the formation of catechists, coordinating the catechesis of children, implementing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, reaching out to inactive Catholics and providing a process of reincorporating them

into the faith community as active disciples. Sheila holds a Doctor of Ministry from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. We welcome Sheila to Montana and to St. Margaret Mary parish.


Apostleship Of Prayer Migrants. That migrants throughout the world may

be welcomed with generosity and authentic love, especially by Christian communities.

Christ, light for all humanity. That Christ may reveal himself to all humanity with the light that shines forth

from Bethlehem and is reflected in the face of his Church.

Diocesan PastoralCenter Calendar

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www.dioceseofgfb.org

www.cssmt.orgCatholic Social Services

1048 North 30 St.Billings, (406)252-3399

410 Central Ave. #601Great Falls, (406)771-7805

1301 - 11th Ave.Helena, (406)442-4130

420 W. Pine St.Missoula, (406)728-5429

http://carenetofbillings.orgLaVie:

2321 Broadwater AvenueBillings,(406) 652-4868

Heights: 15 Wicks LaneBillings, (460)256-7038

www.zoecaringcenter.orgZoe Women’s Services:1216 W. Lincoln Unit C

Bozeman, (406) 586-9444

www.stcatherinehealthcare.org St. Catherine Family Health Care Clinic and Pregnancy Resource

Center 203 W. Madison Ave., Suite E-2

Belgrade, (406)388-7035

www.newhopemontana.orgNew Hope Pregnancy Clinic

320 S. IdahoButte, (406)782-2927

New Hope Support Center112 S. Washington St.Dillon, (406)683-5259

www.life-way.orgEchoz Pregnancy Services

3226 10th Ave. SouthGreat Falls, (406)727-1850

www.lssmt.orgLutheran Social Services:

P.O. Box 1345Great Falls, (406)761-4341

172 St. E. Ste. 207Kalispell, (406)752-8847

Birthright of the Bitterroot:259 Van Blaricom

Hamilton, (406)363-6710

Hi-Line Pregnancy Resource Center315 1st Street, Havre

(406) 262-4111 or (406)265-3255

http://helenaprc.comOptions Women’s Clinic

1205 Butte AvenueHelena, (406)422-1011

www.hopepregmin.orgHope Pregnancy Center

940 1st Ave. EastKalispell, (406)257-6006

Pregnancy Help CenterP.O. Box 326

Deer Lodge, (406)559-0131

Birthright Helena38 S. Last Chance Gulch, Ste.4A(406) 443-0662 (800)550-4900

www.clearchoiceclinic.orgClear Choice Clinic

1281 Burns WayKalispell, (406)257-5700

www.sunrisepregnancy.orgSunrise Pregnancy Resource

Center , 116 3rd Ave. N.W.Sidney, (406)433-7772

Care Net 1515 Fairfiew Ave. Ste. 250

Missoula, (406)532-1585

Sparrow’s Vine 190 Redwood Ln.

Seeley Lake, (406)677-1900

Pregnancy Care Center 113 W. 10th St.

Libby, (406)293-9435

pregnancyclinicofmc.orgPregnancy Outreach Clinic 516 Pleasant St, Miles City,

(406)233-3098

Crisis Pregnancy Centers in Montana8

88

88

88

88

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December 2 1st Sunday of Advent

December 6 Harvest Deadline

December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 9 Special Collection-Retirement fund for Religious

December 11 Installation of Shelia Murphy, PLC St Margaret Mary, Colstrip, 7:00 pm

Mass for Vocations – St. Patrick Co- Cathedral, Billings, 6:00 pm

December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Installation of Matthew Low, PLC Mary Queen of Peace, Billings, 7:00 pm

December 14 Priest Personnel Board Conference Call, 10:00 am

Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana Meeting, Great Falls, 1:00 pm

December 19 Mass for Vocations – St. Ann Cathedral, Great Falls, 6:00 pm

December 25 Nativity of Christ

December 24-31 Christmas Holiday – Chancery Closed

December New Year’s Eve

January 1-2 Chancery Closed

December

Care and Share 2012 Please Visit the diocesan

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