FORT WAYNE — Common sense is theapproach the diocese is taking toward theNorth American human influenza A (H1N1),and the diocese issued a memorandum lastweek to parishes on how to deal with theinfluenza outbreak.

Indiana state officials reported the firstconfirmed case of often-referred swine fluwas a student, who has now recovered, at theUniversity Notre Dame.

“We have received communication fromthe U.S. Bishops’ Committee on DivineWorship related to participation at Masses atthis time of the swine influenza outbreak,”Father Robert Schulte, vicar general andchancellor wrote in the memorandum. “In thecourse of a conference call with the vicarsforane, officers of the Presbyteral Counciland other diocesan leaders, recommenda-tions were made, and Bishop (John M.)D’Arcy asks that these be implementedimmediately.”

The information was requested to be readat all Masses over the weekend of May 2-3and encouraged the following points:

• Anyone who is seriously ill with a coughand fever should be reminded that they donot have an obligation to attend SundayMass. In fact, it would be better if they didnot attend Sunday Mass and infect others.

• Anyone who feels ill at all should notreceive holy Communion from the cup.

• Extraordinary ministers of holyCommunion are asked to wash their handsbefore Mass begins and use a sanitizing clothbefore communion distribution. They arereminded to wash their hands after Mass also.

• Some people will prefer not to shakehands at the sign of peace, and this should berespected.

• We encourage everyone including ush-ers and greeters to practice good hygiene,especially washing hands on a regular basis.

Father Schulte said, “We are not advocatingany other changes at the present time, but willmonitor the situation and recommend furtherchanges if the situation seems to demand it.”

Diocese offers precautions to the H1N1 influenza

May 10, 2009

Serving the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

TODAY’S CATHOLICTODAY’S CATHOLIC

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Volume 83, No. 19

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Preparing to visit the Holy Land, Pope BenedictXVI asked for prayers for his trip, for peace in

the region and for the suffering Palestinian people.Reciting the “Regina Coeli” prayer May 3 with

thousands of visitors in St. Peter’s Square, the popesaid he would make the May 8-15 trip to Jordan,Israel and the Palestinian territories as a “pilgrim ofpeace, in the name of the one God who is father ofall.”

Pope Benedict said he wanted to show theregion’s people how committed the CatholicChurch is to supporting everyone engaged in dia-logue and reconciliation and working “to reach astable and lasting peace with justice and mutualrespect.”

Addressing English-speaking visitors, the popeasked for prayers for “the afflicted people” of theHoly Land.

“In a special way, I ask that you remember thePalestinian people who have endured great hardshipand suffering,” he said.

Pope Benedict prayed that God would bless thePalestinians and all the region’s people “with thegifts of unity and peace.”

In his main talk, the pope said that in addition to

Pope asks for prayers for Holy Landtrip, peace for region’s people

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HappyMother’s Day

A salute to mothers

Pages 10-13

Diaconate celebrationSeminarian Andrew Budzinski

ordained at Josephinum

Page 3

No Laetare Medal at ND

Judge Noonan to give talk

Page 5

Blessed, dedicatedSt. Jude School adds on

Page 8

Sharing FaithJobless, yet hopeful

Page 18

Book of the MonthOur Lady of Kibeho

Page 20

B Y C I N D Y W O O D E N

B Y T I M J O H N S O N

CNS PHOTO/ALI JAREK JI , REUTERS

A child stands next to a welcome poster for Pope Benedict XVI during a Mass in Amman,Jordan, May 2. The pope is scheduled to visit Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territoriesduring his May 8-15 trip to the Holy Land. T R I P, P A G E 4

T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C2 MAY 10, 2009

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TODAY’S CATHOLIC Bishop further explains possiblemerging of parishes

Plans for parishesLast week, in this newspaper, I laid out

some plans for the possible merging ofparishes. I think you would agree it was aninitiative marked by restraint, and took intoaccount the love and affection that peoplehave for their parishes. It also represents aneffort by the bishop to govern the diocesewell and give the best possible pastoralcare. The media, in its reporting, has indi-cated that these difficult changes are pro-posed, because of the shortage of priests.There is only a partial truth here. In reality,they are proposed, because priests are notas well distributed as they should be. If thenumbers in each parish are accurate as wereceive them (in some cases, this is anuncertain assumption), then the shortage ofpriests is not as serious as it first appeared.If you try to keep a priest in all the parish-es, including those with 100-200 families,then the shortage is made worseby not assigning priests morecreatively and more fully takinginto account the demographics.The plan, which I presented lastweek, is a step towards soundpastoral governance and pastoralcare of our people.

Another realityA further reality is the affec-

tion people have for their parish,and we have tried in most cases to preservethe church, even if there is to be only oneMass there a month. This also presentsfinancial problems since the regular week-to-week income and the generosity of thepeople sustains the parish. So we cannotsay these parishes without regular celebra-tion of a full slate of Masses each weekendwill go on forever.

When this would beginIt is my hope that we can begin at least a

few of these necessary consultations withparishes this summer and with thePresbyteral Council in the near future aswell.

A trip to Indy this past SundayIt was a privilege to drive the three

hours from South Bend to Indianapolis totake part in a magnificent celebration of theholy Eucharist. The occasion was the 175thanniversary of the Archdiocese ofIndianapolis. Originally the Diocese ofVincennes, it was founded in 1844 and cov-ered through the whole state. The event was

held at the new Lucas Oil Stadium. Itseemed to me there were over 25,000 peo-ple present.

Three thousand received the sacramentof confirmation, something we have donein this diocese in the year 2000, and in ouranniversary year of 2007. The renewal ofmarriage vows took place, and priests andreligious renewed their promises. I alongwith the other bishops and many priestsgave the anointing of the sacrament of con-firmation, and the young woman whoaccompanied me to my place told me that Ihad confirmed her at St. Jude, South Bend,some years ago.

This magnificent afternoon of prayer andworship in this beautiful setting with veryprayerful music was splendid in every wayand a special moment. It showed a CatholicChurch in our capital city and beyond filledwith grace and prayer and very much unity,and it was a privilege to be part of it.Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, OSB, ourmetropolitan archbishop, deserves muchcredit for his pastoral leadership.

Bishop, you ought to get a driverHow many times I have heard that over

the years? Yet, my independent streak keptme driving myself. However, this pastweekend represented a turn in the road. OnSaturday morning, I celebrated at the

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conceptionthe baccalaureate Mass for the Universityof Saint Francis, as I have done every Mayfor the past 24 years. Then, off in mid-afternoon to the Basilica of the SacredHeart for 5 p.m. Mass. Among those pres-ent was the Midwest Bioethics Association— a group of doctors, including one frommy hometown. Off the next morning forIndianapolis, for the anniversary celebra-tion; and after a nice dinner with the bish-ops, back in the evening to Fort Wayne.That is a formidable two-day trip, so Ienlisted the very capable Chris Lapp fromSt. Vincent Parish to help me out. Chris, aformer student for the seminary from ourdiocese, is an exemplary young man. OnSaturday night, hoping to watch the BostonCeltics, we slipped into St. MatthewCathedral and saw the Celtics continuetheir storied record by beating the ChicagoBulls. You know who I was rooting for.

The month of MaySuch a beautiful time with flowers

blooming everywhere. I actually had break-fast on the back porch of my small, but

comfortable, house in Fort Wayne a fewmornings. I have completed 19 confirma-tions with about 12 to go. Three young menhave been accepted to the seminary, and Ihave two still to interview. I am grateful formany pastors and parishioners who do notmind putting together confirmations for twoor more parishes. I would prefer to go toevery single parish, but it is just not possi-ble. This week I will have a pastoral visit toGoshen College, which is a Mennoniteinstitution, where there is a strong sense offaith and devotion to the cause of worldpeace.

Mother’s DayWhile the observance is secular, the

focus is profound. I am reminded of PopeJohn Paul II and his words that, “God hasentrusted the future of humanity to thewoman.” In another place he wrote, “Thefuture of humanity passes by way of thefamily.” Unselfishness, joy, interest ineverything from politics to faith — that issome of which I remember most about mydear mother. I also remember how muchthe immigrants from Ireland who camelater trusted her. She helped them allbecome American citizens, taking themthrough the various steps. She would besensitive to the present crisis of immigra-tion, which is among us. “Now you have to

live up to it,” she would sayafter they had become citizens.She went back to Ireland aboutfive or six years after arrivinghere, “to take care of my moth-er.” But she would go only afterbecoming a citizen. She oftensaid about coming into NewYork harbor how thrilled shewas when the captain shoutedout, “American citizens first.”Like my father, she loved poli-tics. It came with them from theold country. In 1940, she went

to Boston Garden, a few days before thepresidential election with Mrs. Maloney,who lived a few houses away, and tookpublic transportation to be present at a greatBoston rally for Franklin Delano Roosevelt.Twenty years later, she went again to seethe young Irish chieftain, John FitzgeraldKennedy, at the same Boston Garden. Shewas 64 years old and loved every minute ofit.

What I will remember of her most of allon Mothers’ Day, is her final years, sayingthe rosary, missing my father, and celebrat-ing Mass with me in her home. Mothers —such a gift.

Finally, I once again ask that everyone inthe South Bend area stay away from theinterlopers who have come here from out-side to draw attention to themselves, whocontribute nothing, except to divide us. Letus hope and pray that Notre Dame willhave a quiet and peaceful graduation thatthe young people will remember positively.

I will see you all next week.

BISHOP JOHN M. D’ARCY

NEWS& NOTES

Such a beautiful time with flowers blooming everywhere.

I actually had breakfast on the back porch of my small,

but comfortable, house in Fort Wayne a few mornings.

T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C 3MAY 10, 2009

Seminarian Andrew Budzinskiordained to the diaconateCOLUMBUS, Ohio — A joyfulMass on the Third Sunday ofEaster celebrated the ordination ofthree seminarians to the diaconate.Andrew Budzinski, from theDiocese of Fort Wayne-SouthBend; John Eckert, from theDiocese of Charlotte; and DavidMiller from the Diocese ofCharlotte, St. Charles BorromeoSeminary, Penn., were ordained inSt. Turibius Chapel by the BishopPeter Jugis of Charlotte on April26.

Bishop Jugis was joined at thealtar by priest-faculty of the semi-nary and by visiting priests fromthe deacon candidates’ respectivedioceses.

The rite of ordination beganwith the calling and presentationof the candidates. Each candidatewas called by name, and answeredby affirming his presence, readi-ness and willingness. At therequest of the bishop, Josephinumrector and president, Msgr. Paul J.Langsfeld, testified to the worthi-ness of the candidates.

In his homily, Bishop Jugisspoke to the deacons’ role in help-ing their respective bishops andpriests in three special ministries:the ministry of the altar, as a “ser-vant of the sacred liturgy”; theministry of the word, “to proclaimand teach with conviction” theteachings of Christ and thechurch; and the ministry of chari-ty, marked with “the indeliblespiritual character, which config-ures him to Christ the servant.”

Bishop Jugis urged the deaconcandidates to “be men of goodreputation, filled with wisdom andthe Holy Spirit, as were thoseonce chosen by the apostles.”

Following the homily, the can-didates made a commitment topermanent celibacy, and each stat-

ed his willingness to perform whatthe church requires of her deacons— valid ordination, humble andloving assistance given to thebishop, proclamation of the mys-teries of the faith as taught byChrist, a deepening commitmentto ecclesial prayer and a continuedrenewal of life in the example ofChrist. The Litany of the Saintsfollowed, during which the candi-dates lay prostrate before the altar.

Bishop Jugis completed the actof ordination in a prayer of conse-cration after the laying on ofhands, a scriptural gesture, whichsignifies a special outpouring ofthe Holy Spirit, by which men areconfigured to Christ in holyorders. They were then presentedwith a Book of the Gospels, andwere charged by the bishop:“Receive the Gospel of Christ,

whose herald you have become.Believe what you read, teach whatyou believe and practice what youteach.”

The ordination to the diaconatetraditionally takes place towardsthe end of the seminarians’ thirdyear of graduate study and marksthe final stages of preparation forthe priesthood. The deacons areauthorized to baptize, proclaim theGospel, preach, officiate at wed-dings and funerals, administersacramentals and care for thedying.

Deacons Budzinski, Eckert andMiller will continue their studiesduring the 2009-10 academic year,after which they will be ordainedto the priesthood upon completionof the master of divinity degreeprogram.

PROVIDED BY PONTIF IC AL COLLEGE JOSEPHINUM

Shown in the back from left are Father Michael Heintz, Deacon JakeRunyon, Matthew Coonan, Deacon Fernando Jimenez, BenjaminMuhlenkamp and Jacob Meyer. Front row left is Sister Mary Vianney andSister Gianna Marie, who are sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adorationin Mishawaka, Bishop Peter Jugis, Deacon Andrew Budzinski andTerrence Coonan.

Diocesan seminariansadmitted to candidacyCOLUMBUS, Ohio — The litur-gy of evening prayer marked adefining moment in the priestlyformation of five seminarians atthe Pontifical CollegeJosephinum on April 25 whenBishop Peter Jugis of Charlotteadmitted them to candidacy forholy orders in the seminary’s St.Turibius Chapel.

The rite of admission to candi-dacy for holy orders is celebratedwhen a seminarian has reached amaturity of purpose in his forma-tion and has demonstrated thenecessary qualifications for ordi-nation. In the presence of thebishop, he publicly expresses hisintention to complete his prepara-tion for holy orders and his

resolve to fully invest himself tothat end, so that he will serveChrist and the church faithfully.

The Josephinum, as an inter-national seminary, serves anaverage of 30 dioceses in theUnited States and abroad. Theseminarians admitted to candida-cy for holy orders this year arefrom four different dioceses:Matthew Coonan and TerrenceCoonan from Fort Wayne-SouthBend; Ryan Schmit fromColumbus; John Wiltse fromAlexandria, La.; and JoaquinZermeno from Brownsville. Thecandidates will continue studiesat the Josephinum for two addi-tional years before beingordained to the priesthood.

PROVIDED BY PONTIF IC AL COLLEGE JOSEPHINUM

Second-year seminarians Matthew Coonan and Terrence Coonan of theDiocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend were admitted to candidacy for holyorders this past weekend. Shown in the photo are from left, Father JohnAllen, dean of men and director of pastoral formation; Msgr. Paul J.Langsfeld, rector and president; Matthew Coonan; Bishop Peter Jugis ofCharlotte; Terrence Coonan; and Msgr. Nevin Klinger, vice rector, schoolof theology.

Pope’s pilgrimage will take message of peace to land of conflict

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — PopeBenedict XVI is set to begin aweeklong visit to the Holy Land, apilgrimage in the footsteps ofChrist and a journey through apolitical and interreligious mine-field.

In many ways, the May 8-15visit to Jordan, Israel and thePalestinian territories is the mostchallenging of the pope’s foreignvisits to date, one that will test hisskills of communication andbridge-building in a region of con-flict and mistrust.

After recent communicationsmissteps at the Vatican, the popecan expect to find his every wordand gesture under scrutiny by theworld’s media — especially whenit comes to relations amongChristians, Muslims and Jews andthe Israeli-Palestinian crisis.

Although the world may meas-ure the success of the visit in terms

of international or interfaith diplo-macy, Pope Benedict is going tothe Holy Land first and foremostas a religious pilgrim.

“The priority is to witness tothe truth of the Incarnation by vis-iting, as head of the church, theplaces where the events of ourredemption took place. That’s thepoint,” Franciscan Father DavidJaeger, an Israeli priest and adviserto the Vatican, told Catholic NewsService.

The pilgrimage has a specialfocus on peace. The pope, inannouncing the visit, said hewould be going to the Holy Landto pray for “the precious gift ofunity and peace for the MiddleEast and all humanity.”

Father Jaeger said that’sextremely important at a timewhen hopes for peace among thepopulation are the lowest in manyyears.

“The worst thing that can hap-pen is the loss of hope for peace.So for him to speak openly of the

possibility and the necessity ofpeace and reconciliation shouldthrust those values into the fore,”Father Jaeger said.

“It’s not a political negotiationof course; he’s not going to pro-duce a peace treaty or try to. Butthe fact that he keeps the value ofpeace in front of the people of theregion, that will be a tremendouscontribution by the church,” hesaid.

The first leg of the pope’s tripwill take him to Jordan for a seriesof carefully chosen liturgies andencounters, including a visit to amosque in Amman. That event,and the fact that Pope Benedict isspending several days in Jordan,reflects his aim to reach a wideMuslim audience.

In 2006, Pope Benedict prayedin a mosque in Turkey, a gesturethat spoke volumes to the Islamicworld. In Amman, the pope will

B Y J O H N T H A V I S

CNS PHOTO/DEBBIE HILL

A camel rests in this view from the Mount of Olives showing the gold-covered Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount complex in the Old Cityof Jerusalem April 6. Pope Benedict XVI will visit the Dome of the Rockduring his May 8-15 visit to the Holy Land. The Islamic shrine holds sig-nificance to Muslims, Jews and Christians.

P O P E , P A G E 5

T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C4 MAY 10, 2009

Obama says FOCA is not his ‘highest legislative priority’

WASHINGTON (CNS) —President Barack Obama in hisApril 29 press conference said theFreedom of Choice Act was nothis “highest legislative priority”and that he is instead focusing onreducing unwanted pregnancies.

“I believe that women shouldhave the right to choose,” he said,“but I think that the most impor-tant thing we can do to tamp downsome of the anger surrounding thisissue is to focus on those areasthat we can agree on.”

Some organizations that sup-port legal abortion as well as somepro-life groups, including theCatholic Health Association andDemocrats for Life, have said theFreedom of Choice Act, known byits initials as FOCA, was unlikelyto move in Congress.

FOCA has not been introducedin the current Congress. Versionsof it had been introduced in nearlyevery session of Congress for thelast 20 years. Only once, in 1993,did the bill make it as far as beingconsidered by committees. It hasnever reached the floor of eitherthe House or Senate.

Obama said at the press confer-ence that he wants “to reduce thenumber of unwanted pregnanciesthat result in women feeling com-pelled to get an abortion or at least(are) considering getting an abor-tion, particularly if we can reducethe number of teen pregnancies,which has started to spike upagain.”

Chicago Cardinal Francis E.George, president of the U.S.Conference of Catholic Bishops,said in a May 1 statement that hewelcomed the president’s wordsthat “the Freedom of Choice Act isnot his highest legislative priority.”

The cardinal stressed that manypeople have been “working tire-lessly to express their concernsabout FOCA and FOCA-relatedlegislation” and that “many peopleof different religious faiths or nonewill continue to work respectfullyand insistently not only to reduceabortions, but to eliminate them.”

During the press conference,Obama said a task force operating

under the Domestic PolicyCouncil “is working with groupsboth in the pro-choice camp and inthe pro-life camp to see if we canarrive at some consensus on that.”

According to White Housespokesman Shin Inouye, variousWhite House offices — theDomestic Policy Council, thePresident’s Advisory Council onFaith-Based and NeighborhoodPartnerships and the White HouseCouncil on Women and Girls —have been “working together ondeveloping strategies to reduceunintended and teenage pregnan-cies, support maternal and childhealth and reduce the need forabortion.”

“As part of their work,” he saidin an April 30 e-mail to CatholicNews Service, “they are conduct-ing outreach to stakeholders on allsides of these issues.”

An analysis of the most recentversion of FOCA by the USCCBlegal counsel warned that it wouldwipe out existing state restrictionson abortion and impede states’ability to regulate abortion.

According to a fact sheet dis-tributed by the National

Committee for a Human LifeAmendment, which has ties to theUSCCB, the legislation as intro-duced in the 110th Congress“declares that it is the policy of theUnited States that every womanhas the ‘fundamental right’ to ter-minate a pregnancy.”

“The act prohibits governmentat every level (federal, state andlocal) from ‘interfering’ with awoman’s right to choose, and from‘discriminating’ against the exer-cise of this right,” it adds.

A nationwide postcard cam-paign against FOCA and otherabortion-related issues was spon-sored earlier this year by theUSCCB. It asked members ofCongress to “oppose FOCA or anysimilar measure, and retain lawsagainst federal funding and pro-motion of abortion.”

Many pro-life organizationshave focused their concerns aboutFOCA on a reply Obama gave to aquestion during a July 2007 cam-paign appearance before a PlannedParenthood group, when he saidsigning the bill would be “the firstthing I’d do as president.”

In response to the question atthe April 29 press conferenceabout that comment, Obama alsoelaborated on his views on abor-tion.

“I think abortion is a moralissue and an ethical issue,” hesaid. “I think that those who arepro-choice make a mistake whenthey — if they suggest — and Idon’t want to create straw menhere, but I think there are somewho suggest that this is simply anissue about women’s freedom andthat there’s no other considera-tions. I think, look, this is an issuethat people have to wrestle with,and families and individualwomen have to wrestle with.

“The reason I’m pro-choice isbecause I don’t think women takethat position casually,” Obamasaid. “I think that they strugglewith these decisions each andevery day, and I think they are in abetter position to make these deci-sions ultimately than members ofCongress or a president of theUnited States — in consultationwith their families, with their doc-tors, with their clergy.”

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U.S. President Barack Obamaspeaks during his 100-dayanniversary news conference inthe East Room of the White Housein Washington April 29. PresidentObama said the Freedom ofChoice Act is not an importantlegislative priority and that hewants to focus on reducing thenumber of “unwanted pregnan-cies” that lead to abortion.

going to encourage peacemakinghe wanted to follow in the foot-steps of Pope Paul VI, who visit-ed the region in 1964, and PopeJohn Paul II, who made his pil-grimage in 2000.

Pope Benedict said he wouldvisit the “principal holy sites ofour faith” and, as the successorof the apostle Peter, he would“confirm and encourage the HolyLand’s Christians, who face diffi-culties every day.”

The pope also spoke about histrip May 2 when he met donorsfrom the U.S.-based PapalFoundation.

Today’s world, he told founda-tion members, is in need ofGod’s peace, “especially as itfaces the tragedies of war, divi-sion, poverty and despair.”

Telling foundation membersthat he wanted to be “a pilgrim ofpeace” in the Holy Land, thepope explained that “for morethan 60 years this region — theland of Our Lord’s birth, death

and resurrection; a sacred placefor the world’s three greatmonotheistic religions — hasbeen plagued by violence andinjustice.”

“This has led to a generalatmosphere of mistrust, uncer-tainty and fear — often pittingneighbor against neighbor, broth-er against brother,” he said.

Jesuit Father FedericoLombardi, Vatican spokesman,told reporters May 4 that for sev-eral reasons the trip is takingplace in “a context not easy interms of peace and serenity.”

The Israeli-Palestinian conflictin the Gaza Strip occurred justfive months ago, Israel has a newgovernment, members of thePalestinians’ Fatah and Hamasfactions have been negotiatingfor months without success toform a new unity government,and the new U.S. foreign policyof Barack Obama has just begunto take shape, Father Lombardisaid.

It is such a complex situation,he said, “the pope’s trip presentsitself as an act of hope and oftrust that he can make a contribu-tion to peace and reconciliation.It seems to me to be a decidedlycourageous act.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

TRIP

Catholic churches takepreventive measuresagainst spread of flu

MEXICO CITY (CNS) —Catholic officials in severalcountries have issued guidelinesfor celebrating Mass during theoutbreak of the swine flu, whichis spread by human contact.

In Mexico City, the epicenterof the outbreak, preventivemeasures outlined by the churchhave included instructions toboth priests and parishioners onchurch behavior during a publichealth outbreak. The recommen-dations urged priests to limithomilies to five minutes andwear masks while hearing con-fession. Parishioners wereadvised to not bring young chil-dren and the elderly to Mass, towear face masks and to wait toput money in the collection plateuntil after they receiveCommunion.

The Archdiocese of MexicoCity also announced that wed-dings, “quinceaneras” and bap-tisms would be postponed, butcould be conducted in private ifa priest deemed that adequatehealth safeguards were beingtaken.

Some Catholic churchesacross Mexico City reopened forMass, despite admonishmentsfrom the local government forresidents to avoid large gather-ings to prevent the spread ofswine flu. In other parts of thecountry, however, churchesremained closed and pilgrimages

were canceled.As cases of swine flu were

confirmed in various countries,Catholic officials issued cau-tions.

In New Zealand, the bishopstemporarily suspended the recep-tion of Communion on thetongue and from the chalice andshaking hands at the sign ofpeace. In an April 30 statement,the bishops called these restric-tions precautionary and said theywould issue an update if strongeraction was needed.

Various bishops in the UnitedStates issued similar guidelines.

In England, the Diocese ofLancaster published an onlinebooklet called “SustainingPastoral Presence: InfluenzaOutbreaks,” with informationabout the swine flu and preven-tive measures. The diocese saidthe booklet was designed to“ensure that Catholic parishesand chaplaincy teams maintaintheir presence as agents of pas-toral care during a flu epidemicor pandemic in a way that bothprotects those engaged in pas-toral ministry and protects thosewho need their help.”

B Y D A V I D A G R E N

Contributing to this story was GavinAbraham in New Zealand.

5T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I CMAY 10, 2009

Notre Dame won’t give Laetare Medal, after Glendon rejects honor

WASHINGTON (CNS) — TheUniversity of Notre Dameannounced April 30 it will notaward its prestigious LaetareMedal during the May 17 com-mencement ceremony after MaryAnn Glendon, former U.S.ambassador to the Vatican, turneddown the honor.

Glendon cited growing contro-versy over President BarackObama’s presence at this year’sevent as the reason for her rejec-tion of the award.

Instead, the Catholic universi-ty announced that its 1984 recipi-ent of the medal — Judge John T.Noonan Jr. — will deliver anaddress during the school’s 164thcommencement ceremony.

This year will mark the firsttime the Indiana university hasfailed to bestow the LaetareMedal — presented to anAmerican Catholic for outstand-ing service to the CatholicChurch and society — since itwas established in 1883, saidDennis Brown, a spokesman forNotre Dame.

Glendon told Holy CrossFather John I. Jenkins, NotreDame’s president, in an April 27letter that she had changed hermind and decided not to partici-pate in this year’s graduation cer-emony because of the university’sdecision to give Obama, thescheduled commencement speak-er, an honorary degree.

She described Obama — whowas a student at Harvard LawSchool in Cambridge, Mass.,while she was a professor at theschool — as “a prominent anduncompromising opponent of thechurch’s position on issuesinvolving fundamental principlesof justice” and said the decisionto present him with an honorarydegree violated the U.S. bishops’2004 request that Catholic institu-tions not honor “those who act indefiance of our fundamentalmoral principles.”

Obama supports legal abortionand his administration recentlyproposed new regulations thatwould expand the use of federalfunds for embryonic stem-cellresearch. Both are in direct con-flict with church teaching.

“In thinking about who could

bring a compelling voice, a pas-sion for dialogue, great intellectu-al stature and a deep commitmentto Catholic values to the speakingrole of the Laetare medalist —especially in these unusual cir-cumstances — it quickly becameclear that an ideal choice is JudgeNoonan,” Father Jenkins said in astatement posted on the universi-ty’s Web site April 30.

“Since Judge Noonan is a pre-vious winner of the LaetareMedal, we have decided, uponreflection, to not award the medalthis year,” he added.

A former professor at NotreDame, Noonan was appointed tothe U.S. Court of Appeals for the9th Circuit in 1985 by PresidentRonald Reagan and has been aconsultant for the PresidentialCommission on Population, theNational Institutes of Health, theNational Endowment for theHumanities, the Ford Foundation,the Rockefeller Foundation andthe American Law Institute, andserved on the Eisenhower admin-istration’s National SecurityCouncil.

He is the author of numerousbooks, including “A Church That

Can and Cannot Change: TheDevelopment of Catholic MoralTeaching,” “Contraception: AHistory of Its Treatment byCatholic Theologians andCanonists” and “Power toDissolve: Lawyers and Marriagesin the Courts of the RomanCuria.”

Born in Boston, Noonan, 82,received a law degree fromHarvard Law School and a doc-torate from The CatholicUniversity of America inWashington. He has also servedas a law professor at theUniversity of California LawSchool at Berkeley, BostonCollege, Harvard Law School,the University of California atLos Angeles and SouthernMethodist University in Dallas.

Since Noonan has served as aconsultant for several agencies inthe Catholic Church, includingPope Paul VI’s Commission onProblems of the Family and sev-

eral U.S. bishops’ committees,Father Jenkins said he wouldsend Notre Dame graduates “intothe world with sound advice andaffirmation.”

Since announcing March 20that Obama would speak at thecommencement, the universityhas been criticized by some U.S.bishops, including Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop John M.D’Arcy, leader of the diocesewhere Notre Dame is located,who announced plans to boycottthe event.

Other clergy, alumni and con-servative Catholic organizationshave mounted a campaign seek-ing to have the university revokethe president’s invitation.

Anti-abortion activist RandallTerry has vowed to protestObama’s scheduled address everyday leading up to the May 17 cer-emony and has suggested thatprotesters may disrupt the com-mencement.

Following published reportsthat Bishop D’Arcy had refusedto meet with Terry April 29 todiscuss the upcoming event, aspokesman for the bishop saidlate April 30 that “his schedulewould not allow” such a meeting.Asked for a response to Terry’sdemands, Bishop D’Arcy said,“As you know, we have distancedourselves from him.”

The bishop reiterated that hehad asked “Catholics and othersof good will not to join inunseemly protests, which attackthe president of the United Statesor Father Jenkins or theUniversity of Notre Dame.”

The spokesman said BishopD’Arcy “has urged everyone tocooperate, so Notre Dame willhave a peaceful graduation.”

Though some Notre Dame stu-dents have participated in campusprotests about Obama’s scheduledappearance, others have voicedtheir enthusiasm and support ofthe president’s upcoming com-mencement address.

B Y C H A Z M U T H

CNS PHOTO/LARRY BURGESS , UNIVERSIT Y OF

DAY TON

Judge John T. Noonan Jr. is pic-tured in an undated photo.Noonan, the University of NotreDame’s 1984 recipient of theLaetare Medal, will deliver anaddress May 17 during theschool’s 164th commencementceremony.

Pastoral AssociateSt. Christopher Parish, Speedway, Indiana

seeks a full-time Pastoral Associate. The successful candidate will beprimarily responsible for Women’s Spirituality programs and ParishOutreach ministries, and Pastoral care.

A Master’s degree in Catholic theology, sacramental theology, andPastoral Care, or another related discipline is also required. The suc-cessful candidate must have a minimum of five to seven years of min-isterial experience and demonstrate the ability to participate with thePastoral staff to provide a comprehensive spiritual mission for theparish.

Saint Christopher is an established parish with approximately 2,000families located in the Speedway community on the westside ofIndianapolis.

Interested candidates should submit their resumes and letters of reference to:

Search Committee • St. Christopher Parish5301 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224

or via email toinfo@saintchristopherparish.org

deliver a speech outside themosque to Muslim leaders, diplo-mats and rectors of the Universityof Jordan. The audience and thesetting make it likely that the popewill revisit the themes of hisspeech in 2006 in Regensburg,Germany, but this time makingsure his remarks on reason andfaith do not unintentionally offendhis listeners.

For Jordan’s Catholic faithful,who number about 75,000 in apopulation of 6.2 million, the bigevent will be the papal Mass in anAmman soccer stadium May 10.

Two smaller papal events inJordan should not go unnoticed.His first appointment in Amman isat the Regina Pacis center, a spe-cial needs facility that has inspiredChristian-Muslim dialogue andcollaboration. Here the pope islikely to emphasize the importanceof the “dialogue of life” and socialcooperation among followers ofthe Abrahamic faiths.

The pope also will lay the cor-nerstone of the University ofMadaba, which is being built bythe Latin patriarchate; blessingcornerstones is a common activityin papal visits, but establishing aCatholic-run university in a pre-dominantly Muslim country makesthis one special.

Much of the pope’s itineraryfollows in the footsteps of PopeJohn Paul II’s Holy Land pilgrim-age in 2000. Pope Benedict, forexample, will pray at Mount Neboin western Jordan, where Mosesglimpsed the Promised Landbefore dying. And, like his prede-

cessor, he will visit the JordanRiver where Jesus was baptized —the setting of the opening chapterof Pope Benedict’s book, “Jesus ofNazareth.”

The pope travels to JerusalemMay 11 and later that day visits theYad Vashem Holocaust memorial,in what Vatican aides view as acentral event of the trip. WhenPope John Paul spoke at thememorial in 2000, Israelis reactedwith warm appreciation; manyconsidered it a turning point in hispilgrimage.

Pope Benedict has spoken elo-quently about the Holocaust, andas a German has recalled growingup as a witness to the brutality ofthe regime that targeted Jews forextermination. Vatican sourcessaid, however, that the pope willnot be going to Yad Vashem toapologize as a German, but toinvoke a wider lesson on the dan-gers of racism and anti-Semitism.

On May 12, his first full day inJerusalem, the pope visits sitessacred to Islam, Judaism andChristianity. He begins at theDome of the Rock, one of Islam’sholiest shrines, and proceeds to theWestern Wall, sacred to Jews. Thetwo sites lie adjacent to each otherand in the past have been the sceneof bitter skirmishes betweenPalestinians and Israelis. The sameday the pope will meet separatelywith the city’s two chief rabbis andthe grand mufti.

The pope will make a daylongvisit May 13 to the West Bank cityof Bethlehem, the birthplace ofJesus and today a key administra-tive city of the PalestinianAuthority, whose officials willwelcome the pontiff at the presi-dential palace. The main religiousevent of the day is a Mass inManger Square.

That afternoon, the pope will

visit the Aida Refugee Camp,where some 5,000 Palestinianslive. The visit is already politicallycharged. Latin Patriarch FouadTwal of Jerusalem said recentlythat the camp, which has a giantkey installed atop one of thecamp’s gates, symbolizes the“right to return,” the principle thatPalestinian refugees have a right toreturn to the homes in Israel thatthey have been forced to leave atvarious times since 1946, when thewar for Israeli statehood began.

In addition, Israel has objectedthat the platform being built tohost the Aida event is too close tothe Israeli separation wall, whichIsrael has designed as a 400-mile-long security barrier through theWest Bank and which Palestinianssee as an instrument of repression.

The pope will celebrate MassMay 14 in Nazareth, the citywhere Jesus grew up, and latervisit the Grotto of theAnnunciation and hold a prayerservice with Catholic leaders ofGalilee. Like his Mass earlier inthe week in the Josafat Valley nearthe Garden of Gethsemane, theseliturgies are central to the pope’spilgrimage, offering moral supportto the dwindling Christian popula-tion in the land where the churchwas born.

U.S. Cardinal John P. Foley,grand master of the EquestrianOrder of the Holy Sepulcher ofJerusalem, said the pope’s visitwould underline the importance ofmaintaining the Christian presencein the Holy Land.

“He will do what Peter alwaysdoes: encourage the faithful, rec-ognize them, give them a renewedsense of worth and let them knowhow much the universal churchappreciates them and the impor-tance of their faith,” the cardinalsaid.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

POPE

Poll shows Catholics havemixed reaction toObama’s ND invitationWASHINGTON (CNS) — In anationwide poll, half of U.S.Catholics overall supported theUniversity of Notre Dame’s deci-sion to invite President BarackObama to address college graduateswhile 28 percent opposed it. Butwhen the Catholics polled weredivided into categories of thosewho attended weekly Mass andthose who did not, the numbersshifted. Thirty-seven percent ofthose attending weekly Mass sup-ported the Indiana university’s deci-sion while 45 percent opposed it.The poll, conducted by the PewResearch Center’s Forum onReligion & Public Life, wasreleased April 30. It was based ontelephone interviews April 23-27with 2,003 adults and has a marginof error of plus or minus 2.5 per-centage points. The overallCatholic response to the survey wassimilar to the nationwide views onthe issue: 48 percent approved, 25percent disapproved and 27 percentsaid they didn’t know. Of Catholicswho attended Mass less than once aweek 23 percent found fault withthe university’s decision and 56percent favored it.

Financial crisis cannotlead to neglect of thepoor, pope tells donorsVATICAN CITY (CNS) — Withfinances tight everywhere and aglobal financial crisis making lifedifficult even for those with money,people can be tempted to worryonly about their own situation andthat of their family, Pope BenedictXVI said. “At moments such asthese it is tempting to overlookthose without a voice and thinkonly of our own difficulties,” thepope told members of the U.S.-based Papal Foundation. “AsChristians we are aware, however,that especially when times are diffi-cult we must work even harder toensure that the consoling messageof Our Lord is heard,” the pope saidduring the meeting May 2 at theVatican. The Papal Foundation wasestablished in 1990 and, in thename of the pope, has given morethan $54 million in grants for thebuilding of churches, seminaries,schools, hospitals and other proj-ects for the care of the poor aroundthe world. In the midst of the finan-cial crisis, the pope told the bene-factors, “rather than turning in onourselves, we must continue to bebeacons of hope, strength and sup-port for others, most especiallythose who have no one to watchover or assist them.”

Freedom commission recommends U.S. monitor Venezuela, CubaWASHINGTON (CNS) — A U.S.government commission has rec-ommended that President BarackObama’s administration placeVenezuela and Cuba among the

countries that should be monitoredclosely for their violations of reli-gious freedom. In its annualreport, released May 1 inWashington, the U.S. Commissionon International ReligiousFreedom also recommended that13 countries — including Iraq,Iran, Saudi Arabia, China andPakistan — be designated as“countries of particular concern.”This designation is reserved forcountries with the most egregiousviolations of religious freedomand for governments that toleratesuch abuses. The commission, anindependent body, makes its rec-ommendations to the president,secretary of state and Congress.During the press conference torelease the report, Talal Eid, animam from Boston and a memberof the commission, said Venezuelahas steadily increased its toleranceof abuses against Catholics, Jewsand U.S.-based Protestant groupsin the country. Although there areno official restrictions against reli-gious freedom, he said, theVenezuelan government’s “strongrhetoric” and impunity have creat-ed a “hostile environment” forCatholic and Jewish citizens.

Souter’s court legacymixed on abortion, FirstAmendment casesWASHINGTON (CNS) — AsJustice David Souter prepares toretire this summer after 19 years onthe Supreme Court, he leaves amixed legacy of jurisprudence: notso friendly to pro-life perspectiveson cases involving abortion, but

sometimes strong for religiousinterests in First Amendment areas.Souter, 69, plans to retire in lateJune, various news organizationsreported April 30. His departurewould create the first vacancy onthe court since 2005, when ChiefJustice William Rehnquist diedshortly after Justice Sandra DayO’Connor announced her retire-ment. Chief Justice John Robertsand Justice Samuel Alito replacedthem. When Souter was nominatedto the court by President GeorgeH.W. Bush in 1990, manyobservers predicted he would be aconservative vote on issues such asabortion restrictions, governmentaid to public schools and religiousexpression in schools and publicplaces. His actual record turned outto be different from those predic-tions.

Bishop Morin installed as third bishop of BiloxiBILOXI, Miss. (CNS) — Pledgingto follow his episcopal motto to“walk humbly and act justly,”Bishop Roger P. Morin wasinstalled as Biloxi’s third bishopApril 27 at Nativity of the BlessedVirgin Mary Cathedral. “My prayeris always to build a foundation inliving according to the Gospel byhearkening back to the words of theprophet Micah,” he said in his hom-ily. “Walk tenderly after acting just-ly and ever walking humbly withconsciousness of the wonder andmarvel of the unique God-givengifts possessed by each person.”Seven archbishops — includingArchbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic

nuncio to the United States;Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi ofMobile, Ala., Bishop Morin’s pred-ecessor in Biloxi; and ArchbishopPhilip M. Hannan, the retired arch-bishop of New Orleans whoordained Bishop Morin to thepriesthood in 1961 — were amongthose concelebrating the liturgy.Bishop Morin, a 68-year-oldMassachusetts native, went to NewOrleans in 1967 as a young semi-narian to engage in social ministryand was eventually ordained apriest for the archdiocese. He hadbeen auxiliary bishop of NewOrleans since 2003.

Sebelius confirmed,sworn in as Health andHuman Services secretaryWASHINGTON (CNS) — TheSenate confirmed Gov. KathleenSebelius of Kansas as secretary ofthe Department of Health andHuman Services by a 61-35 voteApril 28, and she was sworn in tothe post hours later. During theSenate debate, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., who is Catholic, attributedthe delay in confirming Sebelius to“petty politics” and praised theObama administration for its com-mitment to base department deci-sions “on the best available science,not the political ideology of themoment.” But Sen. John McCain,R-Ariz., expressed fear that thehealth care reform plan promotedby President Barack Obama andSebelius would lead to a govern-ment-run health system and reduceconsumer choice. “Americans needto be assured that they will not lose

the private health coverage thatthey want to keep or that their treat-ment options will have to beapproved by a government bureau-crat,” McCain said. “While Irespect the right of PresidentObama to nominate Gov. Sebeliusto be the next secretary of HHS, shehas failed to provide us with thoseassurances, and I regret that I can-not support her confirmation.”

U.S. cardinals, otherchurch leaders gather for annual dinner, MassHOUSTON (CNS) — A standing-room-only crowd greeted eightU.S. cardinals for the Mass April 24at Houston’s Co-Cathedral of theSacred Heart prior to the annualdinner benefiting The CatholicUniversity of America. Proceedsfrom the dinner fund scholarshipsfor students attending the school inWashington. In addition to CardinalDaniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, the Mass and dinner wereattended by Cardinals Francis E.George of Chicago; Roger M.Mahony of Los Angeles; Sean P.O’Malley of Boston; Justin Rigaliof Philadelphia; William H. Keeler,retired archbishop of Baltimore;Adam J. Maida, retired archbishopof Detroit; and Edward M. Egan,retired archbishop of New York. Inhis homily at the Mass, VincentianFather David M. O’Connell, presi-dent of Catholic University, saidCatholic higher education shouldwork a miracle in its students simi-lar to Jesus’ miracle of the loavesand the fishes.

Clergy, religious offerperspectives on Postvilleraid aftermathPOSTVILLE, Iowa (CNS) —Reverberations from the immigra-tion raid in Postville last May arestill being felt in the town andthroughout the Archdiocese ofDubuque, of which Postville is apart. Archbishop Jerome G. Hanusof Dubuque said he takes comfortin “the recognition of Christ in thevisitor” when thinking about thechurch’s response to the raid, whichled to 389 arrests, immigration andidentity-theft charges against morethan 300 of those arrested, and thedeportations of scores of immi-grants, most from Guatemala andMexico. The archbishop said healso finds hope in Chapter 25 ofMatthew’s Gospel: “I was astranger, and you welcomed me.”Since the raid, “I preach on this(theme) every other homily. I’mcatechizing,” he said in an April 20interview in Dubuque with CatholicNews Service. Sister MaryMcCauley, a Sister of Charity of theBlessed Virgin Mary who had beendoing pastoral ministry at St.Bridget Parish in Postville, wasscheduled to retire from active min-istry last July. But because of theraid and the continuing needs ashundreds of lives were disrupted inits aftermath, she stayed on untillast October. “I’m going every-where I can to talk about theanniversary,” she said in the sameApril 20 interview.

T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C6 MAY 10, 2009

NEWS BRIEFS

CNS PHOTO/MAX ROSSI , REUTERS

Pope Benedict XVI places his hands on one of 19 new priests he ordained in St. Peter’s

Basilica at the Vatican May 3. The Mass marked the annual celebration of the World Day

of Prayer for Vocations. The new priests, who will serve in the Diocese of Rome, included

13 from Italy and six from other countries on four continents.

POPE ORDAINS 19 NEW PRIESTS AT MASS AT THE VATICAN

Holy Cross College takesflu precautionsNOTRE DAME — Following theApril 29 anouncement that aUniversity of Notre Dame studenthas tested positive for swine flu,Holy Cross College has made fur-ther efforts to remind students ofthe importance of taking commonsense precautions to avoid conta-gion.

“The student bodies of theUniversity of Notre Dame, SaintMary’s College, and Holy CrossCollege mix freely on a daily basis,therefore, we understand that flu onone campus could quickly affect usall. As of last Monday, we begannotifying students by e-mail, and byword of mouth through dorm super-visors of the potential for infection,how to prevent it, and what to do ifan individual begins to feel flu-likesymptoms,” said Dan Cochran,dean of students. “We have alsoposted around campus CDC infor-mation on flu prevention tech-niques. These are clearly visible inopen areas where students congre-gate, near sinks and on restroomdoors. In addition, our housekeep-ing service has been notified to takeextra precautions in cleaning anddisinfecting door handles, desks,exercise equipment, and commonareas,” he continued.

Study abroad studentsin Mexico to return earlyNOTRE DAME — EightUniversity of Notre Dame studentsstudying in Mexico at Universidadde las Américas in Puebla and theInstituto Tecnológico y de EstudiosSuperiores de Monterrey (the Tec)in Monterrey, returned to the U.S. atthe end of last week.

Due to the swine flu epidemic,the Mexican government cancelledclasses in all schools and universi-ties until May 6, which was to bethe last day of classes, so the can-cellation effectively ended thesemester.

Notre Dame’s Office ofInternational Studies worked withAnthony Travel to arrange for thestudents to return by the end of lastweek. Final papers and exams willbe completed on campus.

World’s oldestBenedictine monk diesat Saint MeinradArchabbeySAINT MEINRAD — FatherTheodore Heck, OSB, the world’soldest Benedictine monk, died onWednesday, April 29, at the age of108.

A monk and priest of St.Meinrad Archabbey, St. Meinrad,Father Theodore was a jubilarian inprofession and priesthood, the sen-ior member of the Swiss-AmericanCongregation in profession, priest-hood and age, and the senior in ageof the entire confederation ofBenedictine monks throughout theworld. He was also a participant inthe Rush Religious Study on Agingand Alzheimer’s.

Legacy of Faith fundsdisbursed for parish catechesis and youthministryFORT WAYNE — Bishop John M.D’Arcy has approved recommen-dations for disbursement of Legacyof Faith funds to be used for parishcatechesis and Youth Ministry pro-grams and resources.

A total of $48,881 in grants weredisbursed to the following: St.Adalbert, South Bend, $3,000, St.Augustine, South Bend, $5,000; St.Joseph, Garrett, $2,886; Antioch,Mishawaka, $6,045; St. Jude, FortWayne, $6,950; St. Joseph,Bluffton, $12,500; St. ElizabethAnn Seton, Fort Wayne, $12,500.

The goal of Legacy of Faith is to“strengthen the life of faith amongus and strengthen the church for thefuture.” In keeping with this spirit,the Legacy Catechesis/YouthMinistry Endowment Committeeevaluates all funding requests basedon need and fulfillment of one ormore of the following criteria:

• Programs or activities thatfocus on youth, child or family cat-echesis and respond to the ongoingneed to learn about our Catholicfaith;

• Programs or activities that edu-cate young Catholics about theimportance of personal vocations asmarried or single persons, priests

and religious;• Programs or activities that con-

tribute in concrete ways to theevangelization and the teaching ofthe Catholic faith;

• Programs or activities thatteach, model and integrate the prin-ciples of stewardship into the dailylives of all Catholics;

• Programs or activities that pro-mote the understanding of sacredScripture, the Catholic creed, thesacramental life, morality andprayer.

St. Jude coordinatesHabitat building projectFORT WAYNE — St. Jude Parishin conjunction with Our Lady ofGood Hope, St. John the Baptist, St.Charles, St. Vincent de Paul and theCathedral of the ImmaculateConception are participating in theApostle Build Project, a Habitat forHumanity housing project for arefugee family of a single fatherwith four young daughters from theCongo. The father is required tocomplete 400 hours of volunteerwork with Habitat to be eligible forthe home.

Volunteers for the project havebeen organized with a project startdate of May 12. The program hasreceived $32,000 of the $50,000necessary for project completionand is seeking donations for thisworthy cause.

To donate, make checks payableto “Apostle Build Habitat ForHumanity” and send to St. JudeCatholic Church, 2130 PembertonDr., Fort Wayne, IN 46805 or anyof the participating parishes.

Devin Tracy places inessay contestWABASH — Devin Tracy, a sixthgrader at St. Bernard School,recently won second prize in thefifth and sixth grade category ofthe 14th Annual “ATTITUDE”Essay Contest sponsored by theUnited Cerebral Palsy Associationof Greater Indiana, Inc. Devin wasone of nearly 500 participants thisyear. He was awarded a check for$75, a certificate and a small tokento remind him of his accomplish-ment.

Forever LearningInstitute holds springfestivalSOUTH BEND — The ForeverLearning Institute, located at 54191Ironwood Rd., will hold its springfestival on May 12 from 11:30 a.m.to 1:30 p.m., to celebrate the closeof the spring semester. The festivalwill include demonstrations of lineand Hawaiian dancing, a violin per-formance by class members andclass project displays with informa-

tion about the program.Refreshments will be served.Students, teachers and the publicare invited to this free festival.

Katie Hackman namedCarson Scholar DECATUR — St.Joseph School,Decatur, eighth-grade student,Katie Hackman,was recentlynamed a CarsonScholar throughthe IndianapolisC a r s o nFoundation. She is one of 531scholarship recipients this yearfrom across the country, a repeathonor roll student and is the secondSt. Joseph School student to win aBen Carson scholarship in the pastthree years.

The Carson Scholars Fund is anonprofit organization founded in1994, by Dr. and Mrs. BenjaminCarson. The $1,000 college schol-arship is awarded to students whoexcel academically and are activewithin their communities. Thescholarship is open to fourththrough 11th graders and is renew-able for each of the students’ subse-quent school years as long as theycontinue to excel.

Winners of the annualHannah’s House quiltraffle announcedSOUTH BEND — Hannah’sHouse has announced the winnersof the 2009 Quilt Raffle Drawing.This year’s queen-sized quilt wascreated by the Riverbend QuiltersGuild.

The first prize winner of thebeautiful quilt is Kristi Wozniak.The second prize winner of a salonmakeover for two complements ofSalon Fusion is Rachel Potts. KentBeehler won the third prize of a $50Macy’s gift card.

Proceeds will benefit Hannah’sHouse, a maternity home that pro-vides shelter, programming andsupport for the physical, emotionaland spiritual well-being of pregnantwomen. To donate to Hannah’sHouse or to volunteer please call(574) 254-5309.

Eric Genuis to perform at ArcolaARCOLA — Eric Genuis will be inconcert on Sunday, May 17, at 6:30p.m. at St. Patrick Church located at12305 Arcola Rd. Doors open at 6p.m. with open seating.

A free will donation will beaccepted at the door and cannedfood items will be collected forlocal families

Genuis will be accompaniedwith guest performers. WilliamPfund is president of theInternational Trumpet Guild hasplayed for Brass Quintets, theUnited States Army Band,Philharmonic Orchestras.Contemporary vocalist LindaEaster and violinist AlexandraEarly will also appear.

For more information, contactthe parish at (260) 625-4151.

MAY 10, 2009 T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C 7

AROUND THE DIOCESE

KATIE HACKMAN

PROVIDED BY TOM PITZEN

The 20th annual Blessing of the Bikes was held on April 18 at St. Patrick’s Parish of

Arcola. A beautiful, sunny day led to its largest turnout ever. Thousands of motorcycles

from across the area descended on this small rural church in northwest Allen County.

After a few readings, Father Cyril Fernandes sprinkled each bike with holy water.

BLESSING OF THE BIKES DRAWS THOUSANDS TO ARCOLA

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ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL, MONROEVILLE,STUDENTS HOP FOR DONATIONS

PROVIDED BY ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL , MONROEVILLE

St. Joseph School, Monroeville, students participated in

the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Hop-athon

by hopping for two minutes. They received pledges for

each hop or a flat donation and raised a total of $823. The

students worked as a pair, as one student hopped, the

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Dedicated to young, faith and learning,St. Jude School blessed with addition

FORT WAYNE — The economymay be waning, but the spirit ofgenerosity at St. Jude School hasnot tapered off.

Last month, the school com-pleted a project, which includes anew main entrance and largeroffice space for the administra-tive staff. The addition is bothaesthetically pleasing and func-tional.

“The architectural beautycompliments and enhances therest of the Spanish architecture ofour school,” said St. JudePrincipal Sister Kathleen MarieKnueven, a Sister of Notre Dame.“The landscaping with flowers,shrubs and trees adds a specialbeauty to our school andgrounds.”

Sister Kathleen noted the proj-ect was much needed, as the sec-retaries had been working incramped quarters and neededmore space. The addition trans-lates to a higher sense of security

for the students, as the secretariesare located by the main office tobetter monitor visitors.

Indeed this addition is proofthat St. Jude Parish is alive andwell. “St. Jude Catholic Schooland Parish is a strong communityof faith,” Sister Kathleen said.“Through the generosity of ourpeople this building addition wasmade possible. We plan to contin-ue educating and sharing God’sgood news with the children formany years to come.”

The project started Sept. 30and was completed April 24. OnApril 25, Bishop John M. D’Arcyconcelebrated a dedication Masswith Father Tom Shoemaker, St.Jude pastor.

Referring to St. Jude Parish asa “family of families,” BishopD’Arcy offered words of grati-tude at the Mass.

“I want to commend and thankyou for your generosity to make(this addition) possible, despitehard economic times,” he said.“So we should have great thanks-giving for this new addition.”

Following the Mass, BishopD’Arcy invited the faithful to adedication ceremony at the site.St. Jude students led the proces-sion in song.

Once all gathered, the bishopblessing the facility, referenced aNew Testament metaphor: “Youare the light of the world,” hetold the children present. He thencalled on the Holy Spirit to blessand enlighten their minds.

“Today we ask the blessing onthis new addition ... this blessingshows that the Catholic Church isdedicated to young people, faithand learning,” he said. “Faith andlearning, ... there’s never onewithout the other.”

Following the blessing, parish-ioners were welcomed inside toexplore the addition. The schoolalso celebrated April 27 with aribbon cutting ceremony.

HEATHER CISZ

Bishop John M. D’Arcy celebrated Mass and blessed an addition to St. Jude School, Fort Wayne, which hasincluded office space.

B Y L A U R E N C A G G I A N O

To view photos of the building’sprogress, see www.stjudefw.org/school/building_project.htm.

T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C 9MAY 10, 2009

Feticide, childhood poverty commission, charity gaming adjustmentamong ICC legislative successesINDIANAPOLIS — April 29marked the close of the regularsession of the Indiana GeneralAssembly. Upon adjournmenteach year, lawmakers’ action andinaction brings success and disap-pointment for many of theIndiana Catholic Conference’slegislative priorities. This year isno different.

Bills to enhance penalties forfeticide, create a child povertycommission, and adjust charitygaming rules will become lawthis year and were legislative suc-cesses of the Indiana CatholicConference.

Senate Bill 236 authored bySen. James Merritt (R-Indianapolis), a father of twins,said this proposal would enhancethe penalty for a person whocommits murder or attemptedmurder where the unborn is con-cerned. In the case of the bankteller tragedy, it would have sub-jected the offender to an addition-al term of imprisonment of six to20 years because two unborntwins were lost. SB 236 alsoincreases the penalty for feticidefrom a Class C felony to a ClassB felony, Merritt said.

“Many of my constituents arecustomers of the HuntingtonBank and frequent the neighbor-hood where the holdup andshooting occurred,” Merritt said.“Plus, as the father of twins, thisstory really hit home with me.”

Current law allows murdercharges to be filed only if thefetus has reached seven monthsgestation. The twins carried bybank teller Katherin Shuffield ofIndianapolis were only fivemonths gestation when they werekilled.

Nationwide, 37 states havefeticide laws, and 18 of thoseconsider the killing of a fetus atany age to be murder, Merrittsaid.

“It’s time Indiana catches upwith the rest of the country onthis important issue,” Merrittsaid.

Senate Bill 236 defines feti-cide as the termination of ahuman pregnancy. The bill passedthe Senate 40-9. The House

passed the bill 96-0. Since the billwas amended by the House, theSenate had to vote on or concurwith the House amendments. TheSenate concurred by a 44-2 vote.Gov. Mitch Daniels is expected tosign the bill into law.

Lawmakers passed a measureto create a childhood povertycommission to conduct an in-depth study of childhood povertyin Indiana. The 23-member panelwill be composed of child pover-ty experts from governmentalagencies, nonprofit advocacygroups, faith-based communitygroups, and area academia fromIndiana University; theUniversity of Notre Dame; andPurdue University.

Sen. Dennis Kruse, (R-Auburn), author of the proposal,which passed the Senate, 41-7,said that the purpose of the bill isto keep the issue of children inpoverty before the IndianaGeneral Assembly.

“Poverty has been with ussince the beginning of man andwill probably always be with us,but that doesn’t mean we ignoreit or accept it. I think we have anobligation for our generation todo what we can do to reducechildhood poverty,” said Kruse.

“The commission will be aneffort in Indiana to reduce child-hood poverty by 50 percent bythe year 2020. There are roughly20 other states that have similarcommissions in place to addressthe problem,” he said.

Kruse said that Indiana ranks30 out of the 50 states in child-hood poverty. “Indiana has morethan the national average of chil-dren in poverty,” said Kruse. Thisis something Sen. Kruse hopes to

change through the commission.The original bill to create the

commission died, but the contentsof the bill were added to SB 365,which passed.

A bill to adjust a charity gam-ing regulation also passed thisyear thanks to the efforts of threeCatholic lawmakers Reps. MarkMessmer (R-Jasper), Matt Bell(R-Avilla) and Sen. Jean Leising(R-Oldenburg) who authored aproposal to allow festival workersto participate in activities otherthan the game they are working.

Senate Bill 414 passed theHouse unanimously on April 15.The bill allows charity gamingworkers at festivals to participatein gaming activities. The currentcharitable gaming law does notallow workers who work for onlypart of an event to partake inactivities at multi-day or multi-game events, such as church fes-tivals.

“I think the unanimous supportfor this bill proves that the rea-soning behind the legislation issound and uncontroversial,” saidMessmer. “The bill does nothingto expand gambling in our state,it merely clears up an oversightin existing code that didn’t allowthese volunteer workers to takepart in gaming activities.”

Rep. Messmer co-chaired theHoly Family Catholic Church’sParish Picnic for the past twoyears. Having worked on thisevent, Messmer said. “I haveseen the way that this oversightin our law is a financial drain onthese organizations. Even more, ittook some of the fun out of thesefestivals for the folks who volun-teered their time to work.”

The Senate concurred on theHouse amendments by a 39-7vote, and the governor is expect-ed to sign the bill.

Because the Indiana GeneralAssembly did not agree on a budg-et by the April 29 adjournmentdeadline, lawmakers will recon-vene when called. Gov. MitchDaniels is expected to call law-makers back in June. Lawmakersmust agree on a budget, which willgo into effect July 1, or the statewill not have an operating budget.

Bill requiring abortiondoctors to obtain admitting privileges fails

A proposal requiring abortiondoctors to obtain hospital privi-leges for better follow up care forpost abortive women failed in con-ference committee when lawmak-ers were unable to reconcile differ-ences between the House andSenate version of the bill.

Sen. Patricia Miller (R-Indianapolis), author of the pro-posal SB 89, was “very encour-aged that the House passed thebill,” but knew there would bechallenges if the bill went to con-ference committee. One of thechallenges was an irreconcilabledifference on a breast and cervicalcancer screening amendmentoffered by Rep. Craig Fry (D-Elkhart), which passed over-whelmingly in the House.

“The sticking point of the billwas the provision which providedbreast and cervical cancer screen-ing for uninsured women,” saidGlenn Tebbe, Indiana CatholicConference executive director.“Senate conferees would not agreeto this provision because of theestimated $23 million price tagand the issue was ruled as not ger-mane to the original bill.”

Lawmakers to reconvenein June to pass biennialbudget, scholarship taxcredit may be included

The Indiana General Assemblyis expected to reconvene in June,when called to do so by Gov.Mitch Daniels, to complete budgetnegotiations and pass a biennialbudget, which goes into effect July1 this year.

“The Indiana CatholicConference (ICC) will be activelylobbying for the scholarship taxcredit, which was amended intothe budget bill, and we hope willbe part of the final budget plan,”said Glenn Tebbe, Indiana CatholicConference executive director.

“We have had an overwhelming

response from our IndianaCatholic Action Networkers (I-CAN) this year on the scholarshiptax credit, and I encourage every-one to continue contacting law-makers on this issue. While theregular session has adjourned, westill have a chance for the scholar-ship tax credit proposal to beadded into the budget,” said Tebbe.

The proposal, SB 528, thescholarship tax credit bill, authoredSen. Carlin Yoder (R-Middlebury)would offer a 50 percent tax creditincentive to corporations or indi-viduals for donations made toqualified Scholarship GrantingOrganizations (SGO’s). TheseSGO’s would then provide grantsto lower income families forschool tuition or other school relat-ed costs, at the public or privateschool of the parents’ choice.

The tax credit would allowindividuals and corporations whocontribute to a qualified scholar-ship program to deduct 50 percentof the amount of that donationfrom their state tax liability. Forexample, a donor who gave $5,000to a participating scholarship pro-gram would be able to claim a$2,500 credit against what theyowed in state income tax liability.The SGO program received $5,000in the private donation, whichwould then be used to fund schol-arships for lower-income students.A $2,500 state tax credit helpedleverage $5,000 in private scholar-ship donations.

Tebbe said that another issuethat went unresolved this yearbecause the budget failed is thesales tax exemption for energyassistance. The effort to extend thisprogram was cut short when HB1081 did not get a hearing in theSenate. The program, which pro-vides a sales tax exemption forheating assistance for low incomehouseholds will expire July 1,unless it is added to the new budg-et bill. “I am hopeful that this toocan be included in the final budgetplan,” said Tebbe.

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M O T H E R ’ S D A Y10 MAY 10, 2009

MOTHERHOOD 101: LESSONS FROM OUR LADY

While Mary’s moth-erhood was, ofcourse, unique in

history, those of us who aremothers can learn from her

life of faith and find inspira-tion for our own vocation. After

all, her Son assured us that whoev-er welcomes a child for his sake,welcomes him. Let’s ponder the

motherhood of Our Lady and seewhat she has to teach us.

Lesson No. 1: Trust God totallywith our motherhood. At the

moment of the Annunciation, it wasrevealed to Mary that she was meant to

be the mother of the Son of God, butit was not revealed to her what that

motherhood would mean. Allshe knew — all she needed toknow — was that the Lord was

with her, and that he wouldprovide whatever she neededto fulfill the vocation he hadasked her to assume.

So it is with us. WhenGod asks us to accept the gift

of a child, we might think thatour circumstances are not ideal,

and we certainly do not know allthat lies ahead. Like Mary, we may

even need clarification to understandbetter what God is asking of us in ourmotherhood.

Faith seeks understanding, andMary’s question to the angel arosefrom the depth of her desire to pleaseGod in all things. She sincerelywondered how what God was ask-

ing of her was compatible withthe commitment she had already

made to him to remain a vir-gin. Like Mary, once weunderstand what God wants of

us, with unwavering trust in his good-ness, we must entrust ourselves and ourmotherhood completely to him: “Fiat.Amen. Let it be. Yes.”

Lesson No. 2: Support each other asmothers. After receiving the astonishingnews of the aged Elizabeth’s pregnancy,Mary set out in haste to help her. Godused this gesture of generosity on Mary’spart to confirm her own vocation. In thedays before pregnancy tests and doctors’visits, Elizabeth’s inspired greetingassured Mary of the presence of thechild growing within her — the childwho was not only her own flesh andblood, but the Word become flesh for us.

Most of us know from our own expe-rience how fulfilling it can be to spendtime in the company of other mothers,especially those who are trying to raisetheir children in the same faith. Whethersharing the ups and downs of mother-hood with those in the same stage weare, arranging play dates or prayer timetogether, asking advice from moms whoare more “seasoned,” or helping eachother out in various concrete ways, wecrave the companionship and support ofother women who share the same voca-tion and the same faith. And both we andour children benefit from this fellowship.

It was almost certainly a group ofmothers who brought their children to

Jesus to be blessed by him, a gesture thatearned a stern rebuke from his disciples,but high praise from the Master himself:“Let the children come to me, and do nothinder them. The kingdom of heavenbelongs to such as these.”

Lesson No. 3: The most important thingwe can do for our children is to leadthem to God. We mothers are entrustedwith our children in a special way, andare called to give of ourselves for theirgood — physically, emotionally andspiritually.

The highest good, and therefore ourmost important goal as mothers, is tohelp our children form a personal rela-tionship with their heavenly Father, outof which flows the desire to do his willalways and everywhere. Think of OurLady presenting her newborn in theTemple, showing her small Son how topray, teaching him the Torah, taking himto the synagogue in Nazareth, planningthe yearly pilgrimage to Jerusalem forthe feast of Passover. And then at age 12,when a young Jewish man was consid-ered bar mitzvah, a “son of the com-mandments,” Jesus remained behind inhis Father’s house, the Temple ofJerusalem. Surely Mary experienced areverse “separation anxiety” during thosefew days of searching, only to hear herSon remind her, gently but firmly, thathe was no ordinary young man whowould spend his life in Joseph’s work-shop, but had to begin to be about thebusiness of his heavenly Father.

So do we mothers present our chil-dren for baptism, show them how topray, take them to Mass every Sunday,prepare them for the sacraments, teachthem the faith and model for them amoral life. Like Mary, we should do allwe can as mothers to lead our children tothe Father’s house — and not be sur-prised when they decide to stay.

Lesson No. 4: Motherhood means lettinggo. Our bond with our children is sodeep that it can be tempting to cling tothem, to keep them for ourselves. ButOur Lady teaches us that our childrenare gifts, not only for ourselves, but forothers. Childbirth is simply the first stepin the painful process of letting our chil-dren go. As soon as Jesus was born,Mary had to share him with others, andthe intimacy of the Holy Family wasinterrupted by the arrival of the shep-herds and later the Magi. Then, at theTemple in Jerusalem, Simeon took thetiny child from Mary’s arms and told herthat he would be a sign that is contra-dicted. This Son of hers will suffer forthe sake of others, that they might oneday dwell, with him, in his Father’shouse.

Lesson No. 5: The sacrifices we make asmothers can help others on the way tosalvation. Simeon not only told Marythat her Son would suffer, but that asword would pierce her own soul.

As mothers, we suffer and makes sac-rifices for our children, which whenoffered prayerfully in union with Christ,continue his work of salvation, both inthe lives of our own children, and in thesouls of others. Like the widow’s mite,the small daily sacrifices of motherhood

may seem insignificant to the ordinaryonlooker, but in the eyes of the Lord,who looks at the heart, they acquireenormous value: “She out of her povertyput in everything she had.”

Like Our Lady, we must strive toponder prayerfully in our hearts all thathappens to us, and put everything weexperience as mothers in the hands ofGod, who dwells within us more inti-mately than a child developing in ourwomb, and who multiplies our meagerefforts and makes them bear abundantfruit for the salvation of souls.

Lesson No. 6: Motherhood never ends.Mother Teresa once said that prayerenlarges the heart until it is capable ofcontaining God’s gift of himself. Prayerenlarged Mary’s heart until it could con-tain, not only Christ, but the entirehuman race, which her Son entrusted toher from the cross.

Just as her motherhood in the order ofnature was ending,Mary’s motherhood inthe order of grace —her mother-hood ofthechurch,of allof us—wasjustbeginning.During thismonth of Maydevoted to her,let us askOur Lady toenlarge ourhearts thatwe mightbecome mothersafter her own.

B Y L I S A E V E R E T T

Lisa Everett is the co-director of theOffice of Family Life, Diocese ofFort Wayne-South Bend.

M O T H E R ’ S D A Y 11MAY 10, 2009

Traveling Madonna brings families together

WABASH — Upon entering St.Bernard Church you may not seethe brightly colored statue of OurLady of Grace that sometimesadorns the side altar of the SacredHeart of Jesus. She may be trav-eling — traveling home. The stat-ue has become a symbol ofprayer and hope for the familiesof this humble parish.

The traveling Madonna, as thestatue has become known, cameto St. Bernard Church fromRome, Italy, according to parishsecretary Ann Unger. SisterDominique, sister to FatherPolycarp Fernando, gifted theparish with this exquisite statue in2003. Father Fernando is a friendof Father Sextus Don, pastor ofSt. Bernard’s.

The statue, which stands amere 18 inches tall, began itstravels in May, the month ofMary, in 2003, in an effort toencourage parishioners to praytogether as families. Father Donsays, “When I was growing up,we said the rosary as a family.That is what’s lacking here.”

By November, the Madonnahad visited so many homes thatthe statue was showing somewear, with several fingers thathad broken off. So St. Bernardparishioner of 66 years, WalterRose Sr., was asked to craft awooden travel box, lined in redfabric, that would keep theMadonna safe as it traveled. Ittook Rose, who has worked withhis hands his entire life, over twoweeks to finish the special box.The box holds printed instruc-tions on how to remove andreplace the statue to minimizewear.

A sign-up sheet is available foranyone who wishes to keep thestatue for a week and is offered toany parishioner, but especially tofamilies who are facing difficulttimes. “It is another opportunityto pray,” reflects the pastor,adding, “I tell them to pray the

rosary together at least oncewhile the statue is in their home.”

The designated family picksthe traveling Madonna up onSunday and takes it to display ina prominent area of the home.During the week, it is hoped thatthe family will gather around thestatue as much as possible to praytogether. Father Don trusts eachfamily who takes the Madonnawill “get in the habit” of prayingthrough this practice in faith.

There are many benefits, spiri-tual and otherwise, to prayingbefore the Madonna, says FatherDon. Children begin to ask ques-tions about prayer and faith, asthe ritual of the family rosarytakes place. The pastor has seenspecial efforts made by spouseswho have welcomed the statue intheir home as well.

“Sometimes there is tension inthe families, especially betweenthe spouses. After they praytogether, I’ve seen them make aneffort to come together to achurch service,” he reports. Hebelieves that some need a symbolor image to help them cometogether. And the travelingMadonna is the perfect fit.

“I’m encouraging more prayerto Mary,” says Father Don,adding, “When you pray therosary, you are reflecting onJesus, too.”

Pat and Monica Klein andtheir six children have hosted thetraveling Madonna several timessince they came to be members ofSt. Bernard Parish in 2002. “Wesign up if we have trouble in thefamily or if there is a specialrequest or need,” says Monica.

The family gathers by the fire-place mantel area where the stat-ue is displayed each day to praythe rosary together. “We areblessed in ways we may neverknow,” says Monica of prayingthe rosary consistently.

The youngest children userosary picture books to keep theirattention during family prayertime, that sometimes includes aBible reading or devotion.

Monica reports, “We’re encour-aged to pray to Our Lady. Shetakes our efforts and sacrifices toJesus. So we should have her inour home as well.” She adds,“We’ve been blessed by her pres-ence in our home.”

Kay Trautvetter, with husbandRon, who hosted the travelingMadonna recently during this pastLenten season, says, “She hasalways been a source of strengthand comfort in our devotions anddaily Scripture readings together.... Mary, Our Lady of Grace, isthe one who truly brings us to herSon when we pray to her inearnestness and desire.”

St. Bernard’s bulletinannouncement for the travelingMadonna states that “the BlessedVirgin Mary is the perfect com-panion during the holy season ofLent and Easter.” The parish-ioners of the church are addingmany miles to the travels of theirbeloved traveling Madonna andthey are being blessed. As FatherDon says, “I truly believe that afamily that prays together, staystogether.”

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M O T H E R ’ S D A Y12 MAY 10, 2009

A ‘meant to be’ family: Moms of adopted children thankful to birth mothers

SOUTH BEND — This Mother’sDay, moms Teresa Oross andElizabeth Kirk will be especiallythankful to God, not only for thegift of their children and for theirhusbands, but for the specialmoms that gave birth to theirchildren.

“We see our children as suchgifts,” said Teresa of her daugh-ters Hannah, 9, and Catie, 6, littlegirls who God brought into theOross family through adoption.“(The birth mothers) put theirchildren first, thinking of thechildren’s best interest over theirown pain and dreams. Theyshould be truly honored onMother’s Day.”

“You are my heroes,” saidElizabeth Kirk sharing words shewould speak to the mothers ofher two sons, Will, who justturned one and Benedict, who isthree months old.

While both are adoptive moth-ers, each family has a differentstory to tell. The way they wereunited with their children was“meant to be,” said Teresa of thecommon belief that God wasthere with them throughout theadoption process that sometimestakes time, effort and, of course,plenty of prayer.

Oross familyTeresa explained that she and

her husband, Andy, parishionersof Christ the King Parish, SouthBend, both wanted children rightafter they married but “it just did-n’t happen. We wanted childrenvery badly, so we looked intoCatholic Charities.”

There, they decided to gothrough the process of a homestudy in order to get into theadoption book, which gives birthmothers information concerningparents who would like to adopt.

“They give you step-by-stepinstructions what you have to do.It really depends on how fast youwant to go through with it. If youget on the ball, you can get in thebook within six months. Theyonly choose a few parents theywould like to meet,” said Teresa.The couple was in the book for18 months, which, she noted,“wasn’t a long time, but we werechomping at the bit, having thosedoubts about whether or not itwere ever to happen.”

During the time just beforetheir lives would change, Teresa,who was teaching at BishopDwenger High School, was invit-ed to go to Israel. “I didn’t wantto go without Andy, but he said Ishould go.”

The day after she left, thephone rang saying that they hadbeen chosen.

Andy didn’t call her with the

news as he knew she would leaveright away for home. So he wait-ed until their anniversary, whichwas eight days into the trip.

“I had been praying all alongto Mary, please let it happen, letme be the best wife, best teacher.Little did I know that it happenedwhen I was there. I am sure (theBlessed Mother) would be chuck-ling,” said Teresa, who thinks it isa wonderful coincidence that herfinal adoption took place on thefeast of the ImmaculateConception.

“Catie is a entirely differentstory. We never gave up and putour names in the book right awayand then had a couple of falsealarms and disappointments,”said Teresa. The couple had beenvery close to adopting a baby,meeting the mother but then hav-ing her change her mind.

“It was a very devastatingexperience to build up yourhopes. I wanted something morepredictable,” said Teresa going onto explain that the couple decidedto talk to Catholic Charities aboutadopting a child from thePhilippines through a programthat brings children to the U.S.who cannot receive the medicaltreatment they need in thePhilippines.

“It was an entirely differentprocess than Hannah because ofinternational process,” explainedTeresa who added that the advan-tage is that the child is homerather than waiting.

Catie had club feet, a dislocat-ed knee and hips.

“To be honest, I don’t thinkwe knew what we were in for,which was a blessing,” said themother, who remembers havingwhat she believes is a sign fromGod that they were doing the

right thing when they were goingto pick up their daughter.

“We saw Bishop (John M.)D’Arcy at the airport, who wasgoing to a priest’s funeral inBoston,” said Teresa. CatholicCharities, local, and CatholicCharities in Baltimore facilitatedthe adoption of Catie.

Catie was two and Hannahfive. “They took to each otherpretty quickly,” she said addingthat “other than orthopedicissues, her health was good.”

After surgeries to correct hermedical issues, she is now inkindergarten and goes only oncea month for consultation therapy.

“The biggest thing with Catieis that we have been made tolearn to trust God. We both teachtheology and teach faith, but we

really had to put it in action withthe big picture that God had cho-sen us to be a family with thesetwo girls,” she said.

The Kirk familyElizabeth and her husband,

Bill, parishioners of St. MatthewCathedral Parish in South Bend,chose to adopt through a lawagency in Indianapolis.

Elizabeth explained that aftertwo years of treatment at thePope Paul VI Institute they begandiscerning adoption and prepar-ing their home study. They inter-viewed a few different agenciesdeciding to choose the Indianalaw firm of Kirsh & Kirschadding that they facilitate around90 adoptions a year.

After being placed in thebook, they were told that theirletter was chosen after beingactive only three weeks. Will was

born only four months later.Just before Will turned one

year old, the Kirks decided toagain look into adopting anotherchild. Benedict is only 16 monthsyounger than his brother Will. Hewas born seven weeks early, buttoday is a healthy child.

Elizabeth recalls how God wasthere during the process recallingher special request for a sign thatthe couple was doing the rightthing.

“I don’t test God or look forsigns. But in this case, I asked fora clear answer, and I gave God adeadline of the end of the workday on Monday,” she said recall-ing how the day came and shewondered if the answer was no.

“Monday came and at 4:53p.m. I got a call that we had achild.”

For the birth mothers whodecide adoption is the bestchoice, Elizabeth has thesewords: “We are so grateful to ourtwo birth mothers.”

For those considering whatthey should do, she also hassomething to say.

“I would say to the youngwoman that she should prayabout what is best for her and herchild. And if she concludes thatshe is not ready to be a parent, toknow that there is another option.To encourage that kind of self-awareness and humility does agreat service to her and her child— and it means that unlike thedecision to choose abortion, it isa decision the young woman ismore likely to be proud of downthe road.”

B Y M I C H E L L E D O N A G H E Y

PROVIDED BY THE OROSS FAMILY

Hannah Oross lovingly puts her arm around her sister, Catie.

PROVIDED BY THE KIRK FAMILY

The Kirk family is shown in this photo.

Misconception

Elizabeth Kirk thinks there is a misperception that a

woman “gives up” her baby for adoption to a couple

she knows nothing about, only to never see her baby

again.

“This feeds the mentality that it is easier to have an

abortion than to choose adoption. Modern adoption

practices are much different than this common mis-

perception. Adoption is a positive choice in which

the young woman has a great deal of power and con-

trol. She can pick the adoptive family, and if she so

desires, can receive updates about her child or even

have contact with her child,” says Elizabeth.

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Mother of nine offers fourth book on nutrition and fertility

FORT WAYNE — MarilynShannon, author of “Fertility,Cycles and Nutrition,” holds amaster’s degree in human physiol-ogy with a minor in biochemistryfrom Indiana University’s MedicalSciences Program. She is a part-time tenured instructor of biologyat Indiana University-PurdueUniversity at Fort Wayne, butholds her full-time mother statusas her most important role in life.

Happily married to her graduateschool sweetheart for 32 years,Shannon and her husband Ron areraising nine children, ranging inage from three to 30. Of the ninechildren, seven are biological andtwo are adopted, Shannon’s lastpregnancy at age 47 produced theireighth child, who falls between thetwo adopted children. An advocatefor choice in child birth, she deliv-ered four of her chil-dren at home.

This homeschoolmom proudlyreports on the giftsof her children,including oldestson John, whowill be ordainedinto the holypriesthood thisyear in theFraternal Orderof St. Peter,and secondchildRosemaryassisting withresearch forthe mostrecent edi-tion of her fertility book.The first five of the Shannon chil-dren have graduated from highschool and been admitted withhonors to universities. “They arean important part of who I am,”says their mom.

Fort Wayne residents for thepast 27 years, Shannon says thefamily moved to the Summit City

to experience a small town atmos-phere. They live on a farm with alarge garden and a lively menagerieof animals, including dairy goats,chickens, bees and more. The fami-ly members are active parishionersat Sacred Heart Parish where theyenjoy the Latin Mass.

Shannon’s interest in fertilityand nutritional health stems fromher background in biology andexperience as an Natural FamilyPlanning (NFP) instructor, but shealso has a personal stake in theever-changing research literature.

“We are self taught on naturalplanning. I made my own plan touse with Ron,” says Shannon. TheShannons became involved as ateaching couple with Couple toCouple League following theirmove to Fort Wayne and haveinstructed over 400 couple on NFPsince 1982.

The first edition of her informa-tive fertility book was published in1990 by the Couple to Couple

League after she wasasked todevelop apamphlet con-taining infor-mation she hadpresented at anutritional meet-ing for theleague in 1986.After muchresearch, sheoffered a 200-pagetome to the leaguefor publication.

“The researchwas so vast,” saysthe author.

Shannon has alsoauthored several arti-cles on nutrition andfertility for the Couple

to Couple League’s FamilyFoundations, and speaks widely onthe topic.

“Fertility, Cycles andNutrition,” the fourth edition, pub-lished by the Couple to CoupleLeague and coming out soon onAmazon.com, offers cutting edge

scientifically researched and refer-enced information on importantwomen’s health issues in 16 chap-ters, including PMS, irregularcycles, pregnancy and nutrition,thyroid problems, male and femaleinfertility, menopause, generalnutrition information — with 10rules for better nutrition — andmore. The 335-page book, includesnot only a question-answer chapterbut an extensive list of resourcesand an index. An appendix listsrecommended supplements andtheir contents for ease of use.

Personal experience such ashaving a stillborn at age 40 makesShannon a perfect candidate forauthoring this book. Writing fromher heart and faith, she adds per-sonal anecdotes that breathe lifeinto the science of nutrition.

As a mother of nine and teacherof many, Shannon has a easy styleand presents the nutritional and fer-tility information she is so passion-ate about in an easy-to-read format.“I have a heart for infertility issues,”she says, adding that the book clos-es the “information gap” betweennatural family planning and nutri-tion for reproductive health.

As a Catholic, Shannon extendsa quiet confidence in the naturalscience of God’s creation andoffers the information “in kind-ness.” Each chapter begins with atouching, personally chosenScripture that lends itself to thetopic to be explored.

Though Shannon say she utilizesCatholic teachings in her text sheoffers the information to all denom-inations. The introduction of the

book states clearly, “The new‘Fertility, Cycles and Nutrition,’ likethe old one, has an inherentlyCatholic outlook. ... But whether ornot you are Catholic or Christian,you will still find it a gentle,encouraging and practical book. ...”

“Fertility, Cycles andNutrition,” is a remarkable hand-book of information and resourcesfor those interested in naturalnutritional health and fertility.Shannon says, “I’m not an expert.I just evaluate others’ books.”

But this humble author’s text isa welcome addition to the availableliterature and the only resourcelinking nutrition with natural fami-ly planning. Shannon’s hope for thereaders — “I hope to encouragethem to have all the children Godhas in store for them.”

B Y K A Y C O Z A D

The Shannon family includes the following: front, left to right, Thomas (grandson), 2, Lucia, 3; middle,Vahn, 11, Monica, 8, Ron and Marilyn, Ellen, 15; back, Michael Imrick (son-in-law), Rosemary Shannon Imrickwith daughter Felicity, 9 months (granddaughter), Stephen, Greg, Regina and John.

T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C MAY 10, 200914

EDITORIAL

COMMENTARYTODAY’S CATHOLIC welcomes letters from readers. All letters must be signed and include a phone number and address for verification.

Today’s Catholic reserves the right to edit for clarity and length. Address letters to: Today’s Catholic • P.O. Box 11169 • Fort Wayne,

IN • 46856-1169 or e-mail to: editor@fw.diocesefwsb.org

She was never anything but ‘Yes’Pope John Paul II once described the Christian life as a great pil-

grimage to the house of the Father, and we make that pilgrim-age by faith. Following the will of God has been compared to driv-ing at night with the headlights on — only a little patch of the roadis illuminated at a time. Faith is our willingness to be led, little bylittle, confident that Christ knows where he is going, that he is tak-ing us to his Father’s house, where he has prepared a place for us.Faith is our willingness to follow, even when we cannot see wherewe are going, even when the going gets tough, even when our pil-grimage passes by way of the cross.

French priest and spiritual writer Michel Quoist summed up thefear many of us have of this kind of faith in a poignant prayerwhich admits: “I am afraid of the ‘Yes’ that entails other ‘yeses.’”

Perhaps, then, it should have come as no surprise that the firstwords of Karol Wojtyla when he greeted the world for the firsttime as Pope John Paul II were “be not afraid!” Four years lateron the feast of the Annunciation, he reflected on the meaning ofthis first joyful mystery in the chapel of the Roman seminary:

“One must accept the call, one must listen, one must receive,one must measure one’s strength and answer “Yes, yes.” Fear not,fear not because you have found grace. Do not fear life, do notfear your maternity, do not fear your marriage, do not fear yourpriesthood, for you have found grace. This certainty, this con-sciousness, helps us as it helped Mary.”

Think for a moment about all the other “yeses” that that first“Yes” of Mary’s entailed:

• “Yes” to the visit in haste to the hill country to help her elder-ly kinswoman, Elizabeth;

• “Yes” to watching Joseph’s anguish when it became apparentthat she was pregnant and to his intention to divorce her awayquietly so as not to expose her to shame;

• “Yes” to waiting until God, in his good time, revealed toJoseph in a dream that he should take Mary into his home becausethe child in her womb had been conceived by the Holy Spirit;

• “Yes” to what the villagers in Nazareth must have thoughtwhen she returned home visibly pregnant from her visit to the hillcountry;

• “Yes” to civil authority in the census commanded by Herod,and to the difficult journey to Bethlehem by donkey when she wasso close to giving birth;

• “Yes” to being away from her own mother and the villagemidwives in Nazareth at such an important time in the life of ayoung woman;

• “Yes” to the lack of decent shelter in which to rest after thedifficult journey to Bethlehem, and in which to deliver her baby;

• “Yes” to the Mosaic law and its command to present theirfirst-born son in the Temple, and to the prophecy that Simeonspoke to her about a sword that would one day pierce her ownsoul;

• “Yes” to her husband, Joseph, when he told her he had adream in which the Lord commanded him to take her and thebaby to Egypt to escape the envy of Herod — how her dreams ofreturning to their own village of Nazareth to settle down with hernew baby must have been dashed;

• “Yes” to the daily duties of a mother in first centuryPalestine, the ordinary, hidden life of taking care of her husbandand son, year after year;

• “Yes” to the yearly pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem forthe feast of Passover, and to the anxious search for her 12-yearold son who stayed behind to be about his Father’s business;

• “Yes” to Jesus leaving home and beginning his public min-istry; “Yes” to the death of her beloved husband, Joseph; “Yes” atthe foot of the cross;

• “Yes” to being entrusted with the whole human race; “Yes” topraying in the midst of the disciples for the coming of the HolySpirit; “Yes” to the moment when Christ called her to join him inhis Father’s house.

Mary’s whole life was a pilgrimage of faith in perfect imitationof her Son, the Son of God, who St. Paul tells us was not alter-nately “yes” and “no”— he was never anything but “Yes.” By thegrace of God, may the same be said of us.

Today’s Catholic editorial board is Kay Cozad, Fred and Lisa Everett, FatherMark Gurtner, Father Michael Heintz, Tim Johnson and Vince LaBarbera.

No need to eat animals

I whole heartily agree with thecatechism about treating animalswith respect. However, I do believestrongly that there is no need to eatthem. Recent studies (Milton Mills,M.D.) suggests that it is healthier

for us and the environment if wedon’t eat them. They compared ouranatomy with other animals, andour anatomy is the same as a simplestomach herbivore.

It may be true that Christ mayhave eaten meat in his time and thatwas their custom, but Christ washumble and told his followers to beperfect like the Father in heaven.

He quoted, “Whoever does the willof my Father in heaven is a brotheror sister to me.” He never declaredhimself to be as perfect as much asthe Father, and I just don’t see anall loving Creator eating his owncreations that feel pain.

Gregory J. KongerFort Wayne

TERRE HAUTE — Members ofthe Indiana Knights of Columbuswill be visible throughout the Stateof Indiana during the month ofMay giving away Tootsie Rolls atmultiple locations. When you seethe familiar yellow cans, rememberKnights are raising funds for peo-ple with intellectual disabilities andthis year an even greater emphasisis being placed with the IndianaSpecial Olympics. Indiana SpecialOlympics offers year-round pro-grams of sports training and com-petition to children and adults.

These champions will gather inTerre Haute on the campus ofIndiana State University June 5-7.All of these gifted athletes willcompete for gold, silver or bronze,fulfilling personal dreams andgoals developed through variousSpecial Olympic programs. Nearly10,000 athletes across the state ofIndiana have participated inSpecial Olympics and some moveon to the World Games. This yearthe World Games were held inBoise, Idaho, Feb. 7-13. Some3,000 athletes attended thesegames from an estimated 100countries.

Forty years ago, the firstIndiana Special Olympics was heldat Bush Stadium in Indianapolis.These Olympics gave a renewedself respect to those individualscourageous enough to step out anddemonstrate their individual talentsand skills for all to appreciate.

Recently at the 108th AnnualMeeting of the Indiana Knights ofColumbus held in Indianapolis,Jessica Crook, Special Olympicsambassador, addressed more than600 Indiana Knights and theirspouses regarding her experiencesas an athlete and representative forher fellow champions. Jessica heldher audience captive with hersmile and courageous approach tolife; lessons all took home. Jessica,in past competitions, excelled inswimming and explained to theKnights how important the eventwas in her life and how swimminggave her self-confidence in meet-ing the challenges of daily living.

Thousands of athletes havecompeted throughout the state in

various venues. These individualswill continue their journey thisJune looking for medals in individ-ual and relay events in aquatics,bocce, bowling, cycling, horse-shoes, track and field, team andindividual volleyball skills.

In 2008, more than $34 millionwas raised internationally forSpecial Olympics and the Olympictorch was carried throughout all 50states and 35 countries. Here inIndiana members of the IndianaKnights continue their efforts toraise money for the intellectuallydisabled with an emphasis onSpecial Olympics programs.

Indiana Knights and their fami-lies have the opportunity to partici-pate in this year’s summer gamesin various capacities as volunteers.To our knowledge, this is the first

time in the 40-year history ofIndiana State Special Olympicsthat the 4th Degree Knights ofColumbus have been a part of theopening ceremonies. This is indeedan honor for us.

This mission of the Knights ofColumbus is charity, unity and fra-ternity with the hope of changingin a positive way the life on anoth-er. The Indiana Special Olympicsis a life-changing program for allof its participants. All children andadults have skills, talents and indi-vidual strengths that can changeour perception of these athletes,these children of God.

Knights participate in Special Olympics

THE INDIANA KNIGHTSBY ROBERT HARTENSTEIN

Robert Hartenstein is the director ofcommunications for the IndianaKnights of Columbus.

C O M M E N T A R YMAY 10, 2009 15

5th Sunday of EasterJn 15:1-8

The Acts of the Apostles againthis Easter season is the source ofthe first reading for Sunday.

This weekend’s reading fromActs highlights Paul. In an earlierpassage, not read in this liturgy,the intensely devoted Jew, Paul,after having persecuted Christians,experiences the presence of Jesusin a stunning way on the way toDamascus.

Paul completely converts toChristianity. Eventually, theChristian community accepts him,although, understandably given hisprevious hostility to Christ, someChristians had been nervous aboutaccepting him into their midst.

As had happened, and as wouldhappen again, Paul’s new Christianintensity made enemies for him.Fellow Christians took him for hisown safety to Caesarea, theRoman capital of Palestine, a placenow in ruins on the outskirts ofmodern Tel Aviv.

From Caesarea, a seaport, theChristians sent him home toTarsus, again to safeguard his per-sonal security. It would eventuallybe the beginning of Paul’s min-istry.

For the second reading thisEaster weekend, the church offersa selection from the First Epistle

of John. The Epistle refers to itsreaders as “little children.”Obviously, adults composed theEpistle’s audience, or most of theaudience. Still, the Epistle employsthis term of endearment.

Those who follow Jesus indeedare God’s “little children.” It ismore than a term of affection,however. Humans, regardless oftheir age, are children of God.Moreover, humans, again regard-less of their ages, are as naïve andinexperienced as children. It is nota foolish comparison. Humanssimply are limited.

St. John’s Gospel supplies thelast reading. It too is a gem.

This reading has a deeplyeucharistic undertone. In thesequence of events, at the supper hegave the Twelve the wine thatmiraculously had become, throughthe Lord’s power, the blood ofChrist.

Wine, of course, then as now, isthe product of grapes. Grapesgrow on vines. In this reading,Jesus says, “I am the true vine.”God placed Jesus in the vineyardthat is humanity.

Jesus warns that no vine canbear fruit if it separates itself fromthe true vine of God. Without God,humans are subject to confusionand finally to death.

Drinking the wine that is nolonger wine, but the blood ofJesus, is the source of true strengthand enduring life.

ReflectionIn Acts, First John, and the

Gospel, the church calls us toabsolute faith in, and deep lovefor, God in Jesus. Easter celebratedthe resurrection of Jesus, the divin-ity of Jesus, and the eternal lifeand power of Jesus.

Jesus is the cornerstone of our

faith and of our lives.Part of the Lord’s legacy is the

church. The church does not, orshould not, mean an earthly, visi-ble entity that we can take orleave. If we are with Christ, if wefollow Christ, then we are part ofthe church.

As the mystical body of Christ,a phrase so rich in its references toPaul’s own thoughts, followers ofJesus are branches of the one,divinely planted vine that is Jesusthe Lord.

This church offers us the fruitof God’s vine, the wine that is theblood of Christ. As Pope John IIrecently said, the Eucharist is theheart and source of true Christianlife, strength and growth.

On this weekend, the churchagain invites us to celebrate thefact that Jesus overcame death. Helives! However, he lives not afarand beyond our reach. If we drinkthe wine that has become in theEucharist the blood of Christ, weare branches, intimately and insep-arable a part of the divine vine thatis Jesus, the Son of God.

Church offers fruit of God’s vine

THE SUNDAYGOSPEL

MSGR. OWEN F. CAMPION

CATEQUIZ’EMBy Dominic Camplisson

In May,the church remembers Sts.Nereus and Achilleus,martyrs. Inhonor of St.Achilleus, this quiz brings questions to heel.

1. In Genesis we learn how Jacob was born grasping this brother’s heel

a.Esau b.Udon c. Isaac

2. In Gen 3, who will strike at humans’ heels?

a.a bee b. the serpent c.a fallen Seraph,Achilles

3. Later in Genesis when discussing Dan, this time the target heel (though they don’t

exactly have heels) belongs to

a.a legless lizard b.Nile alligators c.a horse

4. Leviticus 14 discusses as part of the right of purification after leprosy (skin disease)

sprinkle this on the big toe of the right foot

a.blood from a guilt offering b.balm from Gileadc. fat from the thanksgiving offering

5. But later, in Lev 8, a similar ritual, this time of ordination including sprinkling on the

toe, is performed by Moses for

a.Mechizeldeckb.Aaron and his sonsc.Hannah and her sisters

6. In Rev 1, Jesus appears wearing an ankle length

a.suit of Roman armor b.cloak c. robe

7. According to Jos 3 as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the Ark of

the Covenant touched the Jordan, the waters did this

a.washed them white as a labb.ceased flowing and backed upc.became solid enough to walk on

8. According to Mal 3 who will be trodden like ashes under the soles of your feet

a.the wickedb.pagansc.those who blasphemed the word of God

9. In Job 2, the wretched man is smitten with boils from the soles of his feet to

a.his ears b.his knees c. the crown of his head

10. In Job 18, the splendidly named Bildad the Shuhite describes how someone’s heel is

seized by this as he falls into a pitfall and is snared

a.a rabbit hole b.a trap c.a pillar of salt

11. Judges 1 recounts a very peculiar treatment of a prisoner. Adonibezek has his big

toes

a.cut offb.tattooed with the sign (star) of the Lord so the Canaanites willreject himc.anointed with blood from the lamb so he will convert

12. Adonibezek’s reaction to his treatment by the Israelites is rather unpredictable. He

accepts it because

a.Hammurabi said,“A toe for a toe,a thumb for a thumb.”b.He used to have 70 kings without big toes and thumbs beg athis table so he is repaid in kind.c.He did not care about the lamb; he admitted his marriage toMiss Steak was an error.

13. According to Jn 13, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet but noted not all of them were

clean. He cited Scripture that said,“The one who ate my food has raised his heel

against me.”This can be seen as a reference to

a.Mark,who would deny himb.Judas,who would betray himc.Thomas,who would doubt him

14. 2 Samuel 2 tells how Abner struck Asahel with the heel of this, not usually thought

of as having a heel

a.a wooden foot from the statue of Baalb.a rabbit’s footc.a javelin

ANSWERS:1.a,2.b,3.c,4.a,5.b, 6.c,7.b,8.a,9.c,10.b,11.a,12.b,13.b,14.c

READINGSSunday: Acts 9:26-31 Ps 22:26-27,28,30,31-32 1 Jn 3:18-24 Jn 15:1-8 Monday: Acts 14:5-18 Ps 115:1-5,15-16 Jn 14:21-26Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28 Ps 145:10-13ab,21 Jn 14:27-31aWednesday: Acts 15:1-6 Ps 122:1-5Jn 15:1-8Thursday: Acts 1:15-17,20-26 Ps113:1-8 Jn 15:9-17 Friday: Acts 15:22-31 Ps 57:8-12 Jn15:12-17Saturday: Acts 16:1-10 Ps100:2,3,5 Jn 15:18-21

The freshness of appleorchards delights us at thisseason; the fruit beacons us

to enjoy its crunchy moistness.Each has its own beauty, perfec-tion and uniqueness given it byGod. Aren’t we like this too?Apple trees do tell us about ourown growth and maturing.

“The trees of nature fruitlessbe compared with Christ theapple tree.” (Elizabeth Postern)The Father prepared the orchardof earth for Christ. In his adultlife he could say that he was thevine and we the branches. So, tocompare him and us to an appletree and its fruit isn’t so farfetched.

God loves gardens. He wantedto share his creativity and fruit-fulness with everything intowhich he had breathed life andthus placed seeds in each plant soit could increase and multiply.Apple trees illustrate this truth.Some trees need little care; appletrees lots. In order to be fruitful,they need help: good ground, sea-sons, sunshine, pruning, fertilizer,

adequate water, insects to polli-nate, spraying and mostly anattentive gardener.

Apple trees demand patientwaiting so that abundance canhappen cyclically. A lean yearoften produces a later harvest ofplenty. In the meantime, the treedoesn’t give up. It keeps growingand absorbing the richness fromthe soil in which it’s planted; itreaches for sunlight, nourishingrain, snow, ice and wind. Becauseof these elements it growsstronger each day. Without these,its yield would be wimpy at best.Getting rid of things that couldkill it, and pruning the dead away

so it doesn’t drain off precioussources of life is vital. If the treecould speak, it might say, “Letme alone! Let me bear fruit with-out this pain and trouble. I’ll do itmy way!” Sound familiar?

Christ is our master gardener.He promised us life in abun-dance. — Jn:10:10. He never saidit would be easy, but said he’dalways be with us. His life, light,love and presence flow throughus as does the energizing sap inthe apple tree. He’s our goodground, the sunshine of our love,our living water. He prunes us tobear more fruit, grafts us into acommunity and sends others topollinate us with their gifts. Weweather difficult times; each oneoffers possibility for deeper spiri-tual maturing. Our fruitfulnesswill be abundant or skimpydepending on us. Christ says,“I’m here. Fear not.”

Of all the care an apple treereceives, I’m sure that, if it couldtalk, the smelly fertilizer is the

F E N K E R , P A G E 1 6

SPIRITUALITY OF MATURING ADULTSSISTER ANGELITA FENKER

Symbols of spiritual maturing

C O M M E N T A R Y16 MAY 10, 2009

The imperative of fraternal correction

Every September, theCongregation for Bishops inRome hosts a seminar for

newly-ordained bishops fromaround the world; the seminar iswidely known, at least “sottovoce,” as “Baby Bishops’ School.”I have a modest suggestion for thecurriculum: everyone attending theseminar should be given a copy ofthe classic World War II novel,“Twelve O’Clock High!,” which isfar less a story of B-17s overEurope than a lesson in paternal,masculine leadership.

About halfway through thebook, when General Frank Savagehas dramatically reversed the dis-astrous morale of the 918th HeavyBombardment Group by ignoringan order and hitting a difficult tar-get, a once-skeptical lieutenant(and Medal of Honor winner),Jesse Bishop, admits that he’s mis-read the fiery commander and asksSavage if he’d “mind very muchkicking me in the tail?” Bishopbends over, Savage obliges — andthen asks the youngster to do hima favor: “All right, Jesse ... I wantyou to be the one guy in the groupthat doesn’t believe I’m a general.That door is always open. Anytime you think I’m not doing sohot, come in and tell me. Let meknow what the boys are thinking. Ineed you plenty, and I’ll count onyou to keep me straightened out.”

I hope it’s not considered impi-ous if I suggest that every bishopneeds a Bishop. Or severalBishops.

Catholic bishops don’t havewives. But like every other high-achievement male in the world,Catholic bishops need someone tokeep them “straightened out,” asSavage put it — especially whenthey’re “not doing so hot.” A bish-op with a particularly close andopen relationship with his pres-

byterate might find a Bishop ortwo among his priests, but thedynamics of contemporary clericalculture mitigate against that kindof frankness. No, bishops need tofind Bishops among their brotherbishops.

Father Thomas Reese, SJ,would appear to disagree. Severalweeks ago, Archbishop RaymondBurke of the “ApostolicSignatura” gave an interview inwhich he suggested that somebishops in the United States werenot doing all they might do to pro-tect the integrity of the Eucharist,and the souls of those in their care,by not making it clear to pro-abor-tion Catholic politicians that theyshould refrain from receiving holyCommunion. At a subsequentWashington press conference,Archbishop Burke’s remarks wereunfairly used by a pro-life activistto try and settle some scores withbishops of whom the activist dis-approved. During the ensuingmedia fuss, Father Reese, whowould not object to beingdescribed as on the far side of theCommunion-for-pro-abortion-politicians debate from ArchbishopBurke, saw his chance and took it.According to the Jesuit master ofthe Catholic sound-bite,Archbishop Burke “really violated... episcopal etiquette. You don’tcriticize other bishops in publicand you don’t tell other bishopshow to run their diocese.”

One wonders precisely what“episcopal etiquette” is beingevoked here. The “etiquette” of aCyril of Alexandria, who wrote thePatriarch Nestorius and informedhim that his sermons questioningMary’s title, “Mother of God,”were dubiously orthodox? The“etiquette” of a Cyprian, whoengaged in what the “OxfordDictionary of the Christian

Church” calls a “violent corre-spondence” with Pope Stephen Iover the validity of baptismadministered by heretics and schis-matics? Or the “etiquette” of amen’s club in which it’s consid-ered bad form to confront a fellowmember of the club, even if he’sembarrassing himself and theclub?

With an eye to the FrankSavage Rule of FraternalCorrection, I’ll take the hard-knuckled but canonized Fathers ofthe Church — Cyril, who wasright on the issues, and Cyprian,who in this instance was wrong —over Father Reese’s genteel men’sclub. Catholic bishops need some-one like Savage’s Jesse Bishop totell them when they’re “not doingso hot.” The likeliest candidatesfor administering such fraternalcorrection are a man’s brotherbishops. The privilege of fraternalcorrection, which is really an exer-cise of fraternal charity, should notbe abused, and it’s usually bestdone outside the media circus. Butcan anyone seriously doubt, afterthe debacles revealed in the LongLent of 2002, that it’s absolutelyimperative?

GEORGE WEIGEL

THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE

George Weigel is a senior fellow ofthe Ethics and Public PolicyCenter in Washington, D.C.

least appreciated. Yet, without it,the yield would be inferior.Tribulations can make us bitter orbetter. We can view them with a“poor me” attitude, or can treatthem as “smelly fertilizer,”knowing they enrich our spiritualmaturing toward an improvedharvest later on — if we allow it.

Each variety of apple treedevelops differently and yieldsfruit only when it’s ready. No twoare the same. No variety claimsto be better than another. Each isuniquely beautiful and has specif-ic qualities. Some are best forpies, some for cider, others fortaffy apples and many are bestright off the tree. God must loveapples; he created so many vari-eties.

All eating apples are believedto have come from a simple wildcrab apple. Good trees are stillgrown by grafting a cultivatedspecies onto a strong root-stockof a wild apple. Apple trees alsoneed others near them to aid theirmaturing process. Each season ofgrowth is essential for the appletree; none can be skipped. Eachis critical for a rich harvest.

Our spirituality is enhancedthroughout our seasons too.We’ve been rooted in Christ andgrafted onto him. “If the root isconsecrated, so too are the

branches. ... You do not supportthe root; the root supports you.”— Rom 11:16, 18.

As the energy-source for thetree, water, is not visible, neitheris ours: Christ, our Living Water.Tree branches reach toward heav-en, so does our spirit. As eachapple holds the promise of legacyin its seeds, fruitfulness for thefuture is guaranteed. We alsoleave our legacy in the seeds wehave produced as assurance thatChrist’s love will permeate futuregenerations as he promised.

“Those of us who do good arelike an orchard full of fruit ofgood works.” — Hildegard ofBingen.

Reflect1. How does the apple tree

speak of your maturing?2. How do you see Christ’s

presence permeating you as youbear good fruit?

FENKERCONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Jesus and the southern journeysWhy did Jesus from Galilee in thenorth befriend Martha, Mary andLazarus in Judea in the south?

St. Luke tells us that Jesus wastraveling from Galilee towardJerusalem and entered a villagewhere Martha welcomed him toher home. Martha had a sister,Mary, who listened to the words ofJesus. Martha became upsetbecause Mary was not helping herwith the details of hospitality.Jesus told Martha She should notget so upset for it is important tolisten to his words.

St. John identifies this villageas Bethany and says that Lazarus,the brother of Martha and Mary,also lived there. St. John thenrelates another occasion whenJesus was at Bethany. Marthaserved the banquet and Marybrought a pound of costly perfume,anointed Jesus’ feet and dried thefeet with her hair. St. Mark and St.Luke place the beginning of theprocession of palms at Bethany.

St. Matthew and St. Mark saythat Jesus stayed overnight at

Bethany during his last week inJerusalem. Bethany was Jesus’“home away from home” whenev-er he came up to Jerusalem.

R. Brownrigg says that Jesushad a connection with the peopleof Bethany, because the inhabitantsof Bethany were also mostlyGalileans. Therefore, when Jesusvisited Martha, Mary and Lazarusat Bethany, he was staying with hiscompatriots. This fact may alsoexplain the ease with which thedisciples were able to procure thedonkey for the triumphal entry ofJesus into Jerusalem on PalmSunday.

We must also remember thatthe family and relatives of Jesushad connections with southernIsrael. Jesus’ mother Mary wasraised in Jerusalem by her parents,St. Anne and St. Joachim. Jesus’foster father Joseph was a native ofBethlehem near Jerusalem. Therelatives of Jesus, Zechariah andElizabeth, along with their son, St.John the Baptist, lived at AmKarim, now a suburb of Jerusalem.Jesus himself was born in

Bethlehem and lived there until hisflight into Egypt. Jesus also visitedJerusalem at the young age of 12.

Mary, the sister of Martha, isoften called Mary of Bethany todistinguish her from the otherMarys in the Bible, such as Maryof Magdala (also called MaryMagdalene), Mary, the mother ofJames and Joses, Mary, the wife ofClopas, Mary, the mother of Johnand Mark, and Mary, a member ofthe Christian Church at Rome.

Father Richard Hire is pastor of St.Martin de Porres Parish, Syracuse.

Sister Angelita Fenker has beeninvolved in education for over 60years. Her doctorate is in spiritual-ity with a focus on holistic familyspirituality.

SCRIPTURE SEARCHGospel for May 10, 2009

John 15:1-8

Following is a word search based on the Gospelreading for Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B: Jesus’

teaching about the vine and the branches. The wordscan be found in all directions in the puzzle.

TRUE VINE BRANCH MORE FRUITWORD CANNOT BEAR IT

UNLESS CAN DO NOTHINGTHROWN WITHER GATHER

FIRE BURNED MY WORDSASK FOR WHATEVER IT WILLBE

DONE FOR YOU GLORIFIED DISCIPLES

GOOD FRUIT

D G A T H E R E H T I W

E B L L I W T I J B D H

N A T O N N A C U O C A

O B E A R I T R N N N T

T R U E V I N E A N A E

H N M O R E F R U I T V

I C A N D O B I L W H E

N A N A R P K F E K R R

G H M Y W O R D S D O X

M R O F K S A D R O W D

F U A L L E S S E L N U

D I S C I P L E S B F R

© 2009 Tri-C-A Publications www.tri-c-a-publications.com

FATHER RICHARD HIRE

HIREHISTORY

T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C 17MAY 10, 2009

SportsBISHOP DWENGER SENIOR TO PLAY FOR UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO’S FOOTBALL TEAM Bishop Dwenger High School

senior Gus Springmann will be joining the University of Chicago’s football team for the 2009-10

school year. Gus, an offensive tackle for Bishop Dwenger, was named 1st Team All-SAC, 1st Team All-

Northeast Indiana, Honorable Mention A.P. All-State, and was Bishop Dwenger’s Most Valuable

Offensive Lineman. He will be studying political science.

CYO track and field is off and running

FORT WAYNE — Track andfield competition for the CatholicYouth League (CYO) teamsfinally got off and running onThursday, April 30, for the 2009season. After the first meet wascancelled due to schedulingchanges from all therainy conditions, themeets were run justbefore moreshowers hit theFort Waynearea.

Long-timeCYO power-house and thereigning track andfield champions, St.John-New Haven, havewon five out of the past 10 boys’city meets and the past three forthe girls.

The Raiders are once againcoached by Greg Lawrence thisseason. He and his assistants

Greg Wiehe, Scott Voelker, Wadeand Linda Heddens, StephenWuest and Kayla Zink will havethe teams to beat.

Coach Greg Lawrence haslong been quoted as saying, “Youcan’t coach desire,” and despitegraduating all of his city meetchamps from a year ago andsmaller girls’ numbers this sea-

son, Lawrence is hopeful forpositive results.

In the season openerat Bishop Dwenger,the St. CharlesCardinals did finishon top, however, inboth the girls’ andthe boys’ meets. The

boys’ teams fromboth St. Charles and

St. John-New Haveneach took first-place honors

in four events, but the high jumpevent was not counted due toinclement weather making for aninteresting 2009 city meet towatch this year. The team fromSt. Joseph-St. Elizabeth Ann

Seton scored in third place withfirst-place finishes in the 400-,800- and 1,600-meter runningevents.

On the girls’ side at Dwenger,St. Charles placed first in sixevents. St Joe-St. Elizabethplaced second in the meet takinghome three blue ribbons. At theBishop Luers site, the ladyPanthers from St. Vincent domi-nated winning eight of the 12events. The St. Vincent boys didthe same winning their first meetby placing first in both relayevents, discus, shot put, hurdles,high jump, the 200- and the 400-meter dash.

CorrectionIn the soccer photo posted in

the May 3, 2009 issue of Today’sCatholic, Jake Britton and AdamMcCarthy are from St. John theBaptist in New Haven. The CYOsoccer photo incorrectly listed theplayers from St. John the Baptistin Fort Wayne.

B Y M I C H E L L E C A S T L E M A N

ST. JOSEPH SIXTH GRADE GIRLS TEAMWINS ICCL CHAMPIONSHIP

BRIAN WEAVER

St. Joseph Grade School sixth grade girls’ basketball team

A-1 in South Bend won the Inter-City Catholic League

championship game. The St. Joseph team has had back-

to-back championships in the fifth grade last year and

sixth grade this year. The team has only lost one game in

the last two years.

PROVIDED BY ST. V INCENT SCOUTS

ST. VINCENT GIRL SCOUTS EARN MEDALS

FORT WAYNE — Following aLenten retreat the St. VincentGirl Scouts attended a specialMass where Father JasonFreiburger presented them withtheir earned religious medals.

The 28 second graders thatearned the Family of God Medalare Emily Bietz, Erin Blackburn,Madison Butler, Olivia Byers, AmyConnolly, Elizabeth Davis, KathyrnDavis, Alyssa Dempsey, JillianGregory, Julia Hunnicutt, KayleeJakubowski, Katy Kaiser, MaggieKelly, Maria Klingenberger, JordnLozano, Mariah Maddy, GabrielleMoran, Alexia Mueller, EllenO’Brien, Kaylee Sheehan, MarySimcox, Mikayla Stump, JuliannaStureman, Kaleigh Thompson,Rebecca Weber, Mackenzie

Wilhelm, Kendall Willwerth andGracie Winkeljohn.

I Live My Faith Medal wasearned by 13 fourth graders andone fifth grader and include MeganCampbell, Sam Faulk, ErinFosnaugh, Katie Fredbloom, ErinJackson, Katherine Key, KarsynKitchen, Amber Lancia, AlexaMarasovich, Milena Symthe, EmilyTippman, Jackie Turner, NatalieYehle and Audrey Lukemire.

Fourteen sixth graders earnedthe Marian Medal and includeJessica Beauchot, Sydney Blake,Gabrielle, Olivia Leazier, KendraMartin, Erin McBride, OliviaO’Connor, Blessing Okendu,Tiffany Page, Geneviene Reith,Jessica Schowe, Rachel Swaim,Tracy Turner and Nora Weisz.

Four USF Track and Fieldathletes named All-MCCFORT WAYNE — University ofSaint Francis sophomore JeanMarqueling successfully defend-ing her hammer throw title andled a contingent of four from theuniversity named to the All-Conference team.

Marqueling a graduate ofBishop Dwenger High Schoolwas an automatic selection as anevent champion. Nick Adamsfrom Northrop High School,Matt Truttling from East ChicagoHigh School and freshman FrankWolfe III from Avon HighSchool, were also All-MCC asat-large selections.

Marqueling won with a ham-mer throw of 49.90 meters. Shealso finished second in the discuswith a throw of 38.95 meters.

Wolfe and Ian Brown fromTaylor University finished withthe same time in the 100-meterdash — 10.78. Wolfe finishedfourth in the 200-meter dash at21.88. Truttling finished third inthe hammer at 47.88 meters,fourth in the discus at 41.79meters and fourth in the shot putat 13.64 meters scoring 16points. Adams finished second inthe discus at 45.04 meters andhammer at 49.28 meters for 16points.

STUDENTS COMPETE IN SPEECHCOMPETITION AT BESANCON

PROVIDED BY ELLEN OBERLEY

St. Louis Academy-Besancon held a speech competition

on April 22. Winners, in the front row, from left, included

Ellen Robbins, third place; Jacob Van Horn, second place;

and Sam Stein, first place. Judges includes Chuck Grimm,

principal of St. Aloysius, Yoder, and St. Therese, Fort

Wayne; Mary Keefer, principal of Bishop Luers High

School; Cheryl Layton, principal of St. Louis Academy;

and Dr. Janice Thompson, director of field experience for

Indiana Institute of Technology.

T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C MAY 10, 200918

Jobless, yet hopeful

clean those areas of our housethat have been neglected whenwe didn’t have time. As our daysand futures unfold, we arereminded to be grateful; thank-ing God for all that we are, aswe walk this uncertain path withhim.

Steps 3-4: Get out of the houseand actively nurture your relation-ships

Isolation is not the answer toour situations. We need to getout of the house, be with people,make personal connections andcirculate resumes. Visiting God’shouse more often, talking withfellow parishioners and friends,can lift our spirits and keep usout of the doldrums. God may bedirecting us to that “dream job”by way of a simple conversationwith another after Mass or dur-ing a prayer chain conversation.

Steps 5-6: List your abilities, skillson paper and maintain your self-esteem

We often equate our worthwith our work. Rememberingthat our worth comes from ourCreator, and our likeness to him,helps to dissipate feelings ofstress, humiliation, panic andfear. Spiritual reading, ongoing

Scripture reading: Mt 6: 25-34

At 5:30, last Monday, as myhusband and I sat down for din-ner, the phone rang. My 26-year-old son, with a Purdue Universitydegree in landscaping architec-ture, called and said, “Mom, Ihave some bad news. I wantedyou to be the first to know, that Ijust lost my job. It wasn’t just me,but five others too.” Just a weekbefore, my husband, a manager ofinformation systems for a localcompany for 34 years, was toldthat his firm would close at theend of the year.

The news reports warned ofgrowing local job loses, but I didnot expect it to affect our familyso quickly. My son, worryingmore about me than himself said,“Mom, I don’t want you to bedepressed about this. It will bealright.” Shocked by his unfortu-nate news, I fumbled to replyoptimistically. Fighting the moth-erly heartache I felt for him Isaid, “You know you can comehome anytime, Chris. We’ll all beokay.”

The moment of fear —reality strikes

My son said, “It was hard formy boss to tell me, mom. I couldsee in his eyes that he didn’t wantto have to do it. He said it was

nothing I did or didn’t do; it wasjust a financial thing. It feels likea punch in the gut, mom. I’ll goback tomorrow to get my stuff.”Hidden between the lines of hisshock, I could sense his pain,“What will I do now, here alonein Ohio, without a job?”

For my husband, the reality ofhis termination has been moregradual, and in some ways moredifficult. Waiting for the finalblow, being at the mercy of cor-porate America has dampened thehopes and dreams of those antici-pated less-hectic, financially-easi-er, close-to-retirement years.Somehow, it all seems so unfair.Being loyal, going to college tolearn a degree or trade, workinghard, doing everything right, attimes does not appear to beenough in today’s society. In thequiet prayers of the heart, with asigh of disbelief and disappoint-ment, we ask, “What has hap-pened to our American dream?Why us Lord, your good andfaithful servants?”

Dealing with the painLooking for positive, uplifting

ways to help our family deal withthe realities of unemployment,determined not to let it get usdown, I began to surf the Internet.Virginia Bola, a licensed clinicalpsychologist who operated avocational rehabilitation firm formore than 20 years, suggestsseven supportive strategies for theunemployed from her book “The

Wolf at the Door: AnUnemployment SurvivalManual.” Taking her psychologi-cal tips and adding a spiritual per-spective to them, can give hope-ful hints in these most difficulttimes.

Steps 1-2: Create a schedule for yourweek and act as if you are still working

John Paul II in his encyclicalon “Human Word,” “LaboremExercens” writes, “Created inGod’s image, we were given themandate to transform the earth.By their work people share inGod’s creative activity… aware-ness that our work is a sharing inGod’s work ought to permeateeven the most ordinary dailyactivites.” Using this definition ofwork, unemployment can give usthe opportunity to work in differ-ent ways. We can more faithfullystart each day with prayer andschedule an extra Mass during theweek. Slowing down, withouttitles or salary, we are free torealize more deeply how we sharein God’s creative work throughour interactions with all creation.Showered, dressed and rested, wecan call a neighbor or friend, gofor a walk or invite someone infor coffee. We can even fix or

B Y G I N N Y K O H R M A N

faith formation and the love ofothers in small faith communitiescan nurture our self esteem andthe need for reassurance.Knowing that we are not alone inthis situation should energize usto pray for others who are unem-ployed and perhaps less fortu-nate. Share your hopes anddreams for employment with theLord.

Step 7: Be kind to yourself ... andothers

Dr. Boyle says, “Activelylook at yourself with the eyes ofa concerned friend and giveyourself the support, sympathyand goodwill that you wouldextend to anyone you love whohad suffered the same fate.” Imight suggest that we look atourselves with the heart andmind of Jesus who assures us inMatthew’s Gospel, “do notworry about your life ... seekfirst the kingdom of God and hisrighteousness, and all thesethings will be given youbesides.”

Unemployment is unfortunateand challenging, but with a deepfaith in God, we can minimizethe unemployment blues and findhope.

Sharing FaithMore Shared Faith literature

can be found at www.diocesefwsb.org/OSD

McGurn encourages ‘A Notre Dame Witness to Life’

NOTRE DAME — “The discordthat this year’s commencement hasunleashed between Notre Dameand the bishops, between membersof the Notre Dame community,between Notre Dame and thou-sands of discouraged Catholicfaithful ... all this derives from anapproach that for decades hastreated abortion as one issue on apolitical scorecard. This is not theroad to engagement. This is a routeto incoherence.”

William McGurn, a 1980 grad-uate of Notre Dame and writer forthe Wall Street Journal, spoke oncampus last month and called uponhis alma mater to put aside politi-cal differences in the name of sup-porting the sanctity of human life.He referred to the turmoil that hassurfaced since it was announcedthat President Barack Obama,whom many believe to be the mostmilitantly pro-choice president inour nation’s history, would bedelivering the commencementaddress to the 2009 graduates.

McGurn’s talk was sponsoredby the Notre Dame Center forEthics and Culture, directed byAssociate Professor of PhilosophyDavid Solomon. Both McGurn and

University of Notre DamePresident Father John I. Jenkinsare former students of his.

Adding further controversy,Notre Dame also plans to honorObama with a doctorate of lawsdegree. Calling his alma mater totask for not giving a strong enoughwitness to life, McGurn spokeabout the damage caused to pro-life efforts everywhere by this lackof witness.

“In a nation wounded by Roe,”said McGurn, referring to the land-mark judicial case Roe v. Wade,which legalized abortion in thiscountry, “in a country that setsmothers against the children theycarry in their wombs, we comehere tonight ... because howevermuch our hearts ache, they tell usthis: Our church, our country andour culture long for the life witnessof Notre Dame.”

McGurn discussed just what itmeans to be a witness to life.

“For a Catholic university inthe 21st century, this requires thatthose placed in her most criticalleadership positions — on the fac-ulty, in the administration, on theboard of trustees — share thatposition. We must see there is noguarantee that the young men andwomen who come here to learnwill ascend to her witness, but we

must never forget the universitywill have failed them if they leavehere without understanding it.”

McGurn used writings of PopeJohn Paul II to describe abortion as“sinister” when promoted as alegal right.

“He states that all pleas forother important human rights are‘false and illusory’ if we do notdefend with maximum determina-tion the fundamental right to lifeupon which all other rights arefounded,” explained McGurn.“Maximum determination. Ladiesand gentlemen, the unborn child’sright to life represents the definingcivil rights issue of this day, and itought to be a defining civil rightsissue on this campus.”

Yet Notre Dame, which McGurnreferred to as “one of the fewremaining institutions capable ofproviding a witness for life,” stillstruggles to find a unified voice.

“I can tell you that this issue isreally divisive on this campus,”said Eric Jumper, an engineeringprofessor at Notre Dame. “Havingjust a conversation in the studentunion building with a friend aboutabortion, I had people attack meand tell me it’s none of my busi-ness, and I’m not a woman and Ishould stay out of it and keep mymouth shut. This is a Catholic uni-

versity, and that’s the way peoplewith an opinion on life are treated?It’s outrageous.”

McGurn admitted changinghearts and minds takes time, andhe applauded the professor forstanding up for life even when itmeant taking heat from others.

Vince Friewald, a 1963 gradu-ate of Notre Dame is a cardiologistfrom Texas who teaches in the sci-ence department part of the year,has done much research on fetalheart development. The weekFather Jenkins issued his invitationto Obama, Friedwald was testify-ing for a Texas bill that wouldrequire abortion providers to showwomen an ultrasound of theirunborn baby, if they wanted to seeit. Meanwhile, Friedwald’s son, a1998 graduate of Notre Dame, isthe executive director of the TexasPregnancy Network, a statewideagency that helps women whoelect not to have abortions.

“He was staying up all night,every night, trying to fight for theirappropriations ... and they didn’tget them,” explained Friedwald.“And here I am, testifying againstthe Planned Parenthood people. Ifyou’ve never done that, it’s quitean experience. But both of us, asgraduates working outside (theuniversity) like thousands of peo-

ple ... we both felt like we werestabbed in the back. I mean, literal-ly ... by Notre Dame doing this, Ican’t tell you how this made usfeel. It’s made us both questionwhat our future relationship withNotre Dame is going to be.”

McGurn was asked whereNotre Dame goes from here, seem-ingly at a crossroads of being chal-lenged to witness more stronglyfor life. He doesn’t believe revok-ing Obama’s invitation is theanswer, saying he’d still haveproblems with the university’sbasic lack of witness.

“I think there’s a lot of thingsthat they could do,” said McGurnof university leadership. “At onepoint I had suggested, when thebishop makes a statement, whycould not Notre Dame put that onits Web page? If the purpose is tohave dialogue and debate, and theuniversity is comfortable with itsposition, why is it not (posted)?”

As thunderous applause for thatsuggestion died down, McGurncontinued. “Put it out there forpeople to read and make up theirown minds. If we want a debate,bring a debate on. Otherwise, youget into a position where you’rejust against someone coming. AndI think we’re for something larg-er.”

B Y D I A N E F R E E B Y

WHAT’S HAPPENING?WHAT’S HAPPENING carries announcements about upcoming events in the diocese. Send in your

announcement at least two weeks prior to the event. Mail to: Today’s Catholic, P.O. Box 11169,

Fort Wayne 46856; or e-mail: fhogan@fw.diocesefwsb.org. Events that require an admission charge

or payment to participate will receive one free listing. For additional listings of that event, please

call our advertising sales staff at (260) 456-2824 to purchase space.

T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C 19MAY 10, 2009

REST IN PEACEArcolaRachel Marie Ruppert,5,St.Patrick

AuburnJanet M.Gibson,71,ImmaculateConception

DecaturPatricia A.Minnick,68,St.Mary of theAssumption

ElkhartSidney Quirin,89,St.Vincent de Paul

Benedict J.Brewers,75,St.Thomas the Apostle

Fort WayneJohn F.Hamm,Sr.,87,Queen of Angels

Berry E.Shaw,48,St.Henry

Judith A.Hammer,59,St.John the Baptist

Verdayne F.Parnin,92,St.Jude

GrangerThomas RobertO’Reilly,79,St.Pius X

Mariana M.Hussey,86,St.John the Evangelist

MishawakaDavid F.Galloy,60,St.Joseph

Sue L.Metcalfe,62,Queen of Peace

Alice S.DeBel,84,St.Bavo

South BendMary R.Chmielewski,93,St.Adalbert

Henrietta J.Gerbasich,82,St.Casimir

John R.Hahaj,Sr.,88,St.John the Baptist

Otto V.Horvath,83,Our Lady of Hungary

Dorothy Brant,82,Christ the King

Clement A.Cwidak,88,St.Casimir

John E.Dragovich,84,St.Joseph

Bertha Horvath,90,St.Patrick

David L.Klimek,48,Little Flower

Jose I.Mendez,48,St.Adalbert

Muriel J.Lekarczyk,74,St.Adalbert

WarsawViola Sporner,76,Sacred Heart

Marie C.Nyenhuis,83,Sacred Heart

Visit www.diocesefwsb.org for a complete calendar of events in the diocese.

will benefit the Women’s CareCenter.

Family style Polish dinner and danceSouth Bend — St. AdalbertParish will host a Polish dinnerand dance Sunday, May 17, fromnoon to 4:30 p.m. Music by theTim Deka Trio. Tickets are $15and available at the parish office(574) 288-5708. Advance saleonly by May 11.

Rummage sale to benefit south sidecommunity centerFort Wayne — The St. HenryCommunity Center, 3029 E.Paulding Rd., will have a rum-mage sale Friday, May 15, from9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday,May 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.On Saturday, an InternationalFood Festival will be held.Proceeds further the mission ofoutreach to the diverse popula-tion on the southeast side of FortWayne.

MISC. HAPPENINGSMarriage Encounter plans refreshmentSouth Bend — A refreshment

opportunity for all who haveexperienced a MarriageEncounter Weekend will be July10-12 in the Hilton Garden InnConference Center on the edgeof the Saint Mary’s College cam-pus. Join over 400 spouses andpriests for the nine-state 2009Worldwide Marriage EncounterConvention. Register atwww.wwme-ni.org/2009conven-tion or call Ron and Leanne Lee(260) 637-5124.

Harvest House announces OlderAmerican Day celebrationKendallville — The HarvestHouse Council will have anOlder American Day Thursday,May 14, at ImmaculateConception. Doors open at 10:15a.m. with Mass at 11 a.m. Aluncheon will be served andincludes entertainment by afemale barbershop group.Reservations are needed to Ritaat (260) 347-4014 by May 9.

Promotion ends June 1, 2009.

w w w. c a t h o l i c - c e m e t e r y . o r g

Call Larry Fisher at 260.426.2044 for an appointment or visit the Cemetery Office at 3500 Lake Avenue from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

TheCatholic Cemetery is a sacred place, longsince consecrated according to our Catholic tra-dition. The Catholic Cemetery has beautiful,tree-lined areas available for burials. Respondnow if you would like these lovely areas for yourfinal resting place.

In addition to in-ground lots, the Catholic

Cemetery has many other burial options availableincluding garden crypts, cremation niche colum-bariums, and mausoleum entombment spaces.

We invite you to consider your burialneeds thoughtfully and without pressurebefore the need arises, relieving others ofthose difficult decisions.

FUNDRAISERSPolish dinner raises fundsSouth Bend — Our Lady ofHungary will offer an authenticPolish dinner at the Skillet, 2212McKinley Ave., with entertain-ment by alumni, Marge DudeckTuesday, May 5, and Wednesday,May 6. Dinner will be from 3-8p.m. with entertainment from 4-7p.m. Dinners are $9.49 for adults(plus tax) and $4.99 for children10 and under (plus tax). Iced teaand lemonade provided. Carry-out available.

Rummage SaleFort Wayne — St. Joseph-HessenCassel, U.S. Hwy 27 South, willhave a rummage sale in theschool activity center on Friday,May 8, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. andSaturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. tonoon. A $3 sack sale will be heldon Saturday.

St. Jude EaglemaniaFort Wayne — St. Jude Parishwill have Eaglemania Friday,June 5, from 5-11p.m. Children’sgames, food tent, talent showand beer garden.

Knights plan spaghetti dinnerSouth Bend — The Knights ofColumbus Council 5521, 61533S. Ironwood Dr., will have aspaghetti dinner on Friday, May15, from 5-7 p.m. Adults $7,children (5-12) $3. Dinnerincludes spaghetti, salad, garlictoast and coffee. Carry-out avail-able.

Pancake breakfast supports Women’sCare CenterFort Wayne — The Knights willhave a pancake breakfastSunday, May 17, from 8 a.m. tonoon at St. Joseph-Hessen Casselon U.S. Hwy 27 South. Proceeds

T O D A Y ’ S C A T H O L I C MAY 10, 200920

Our Lady of Kibeho is a fairly unknown visitationto earth by the Virgin Mary, mother of God. Thatis until now. The latest book by Immaculée

Ilibagiza, author of “Left To Tell,” the accounting of theRwandan massacre, leaves little doubt that Our Ladycares very deeply for us.

As the only girl in a family of four childrenImmaculée always had a deep devotion to Our Lady andwould pray for long periods of time to her. When shewas 11 years old she began to question her faith anddoubted all the Bible stories she had heard for so long. Afew weeks after this crisis of faith a teacher read to herclass the story about the miracle at Fatima. Immaculéewas overjoyed and wanted Mary to come to her town too— so much so that she and her friend would go to amountain top and pray for Mary to visit their village.

Immaculée and her friend would be on their knees forlong hours praying that Mary would come to visit, but tono avail. Months went by before word came that Maryhad appeared in Africa — just not in Immaculée’s vil-lage. Her pastor announced one day that Mary was visit-ing students at the school in Kibeho. Some peoplerecorded the apparations that left the visionaries spentafter a visit from Our Lady. The visionaries wereridiculed and ostracized until one of the main peopleresponsible for the ridicule became a visionary herself.

Many people began to travel to the school to see forthemselves the miracle of Mary’s visits. Soon a pilgrim-age was made from Immaculée’s own village and herfather was able to go. After his return and detail of thetrip, Immaculée wanted more than ever to see the holywoman.

Many years would go by before Immaculée was ableto visit Kibeho herself. She made the journey when shewas accepted into the national university. A prayer grouporganized a bus trip on which Immaculée and 40 otherstudents took the long ride to Kibeho. Many trips fol-lowed over the years and Mary continued to appear ask-ing for the people to repent, convert, pray and be saved.She warned of a terrible horror that would soon come toRwanda.

As Mary has in so many places before, she came towarn the people she loves and help them prepare for theonslaught of man. It is not a coincidence that the placesMary appears have been areas of war and discontent.

There is an interesting section in the book regardingthe rosary of the seven sorrows. The rosary recalls theseven major sorrows the Virgin Mary suffered during thelife, trials and agonizing death of her son, Jesus Christ.She asks that it be prayed as often as possible.

This book is a gem for anyone who loves our BlessedMother.

Questionsfor discussion

• Does Mary seem to appear in places at random oris it intentional?

• What does her message say to you?• If Mary appeared to you what would you say to

her?• Do you have an image in your mind of what Mary

looks like? Does she look like you?

Today’s Catholic

BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUBThis month’s featured selection:

“Our Lady of Kibeho” by Immaculée Ilibagiza

Reviewed by Francie Hogan

Visit www.diocesefwsb.org/blog for discussion on this book.

20% OFFon BOOK CLUB SELECTIONS!

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Generations of mother love

“May your heart, O ChristianMother, be ever as full of prayerto God as it is at all times full oflove for your children.”

— “Mother Love,” by FatherPius Franciscus, OFM, Cap.

From the very beginning,when you bring your littleinfant home from the hospi-

tal, he or she understands yourlanguage and respond to it eager-ly from its own heart. The gentlenuzzle, the hug, the holding ofyour baby closely to your ownbody assures comfort and pro-tection.

My beloved grandmother“Momo” once told me that shethought it was very hard being ababy. Imagine not being able totell when you are uncomfortable,need to have a scratchy collarturned down, need to say youreally don’t want any more ofyour bottle, need to tell that youare too warm to go to sleep, needto say that you are tired of layingin one position and just want tobe rearranged a bit.

The little things that a mothernotices and responds to withoutany words spoken are signs of

the silent languagebetween the child andmother that never ends.A look across the roomcan relay a message ofhurt or a smile can assurethe mother that things areall right.

Momo was my heroand looking back I realizethat she was the mostquiet, gentle, religiousand loving person that Ihave ever known. Shealways took time to listenand show me how to dothings. Her patience wasendless. The reprimandswere gentle but firm.

Momo and Pawpaw’shouse was small butalways a cozy haven. Shelived across the streetfrom the church andmorning Mass was theway she started her day. Her chil-dren, including a stepchild, allloved her with a special love thatcan never be forgotten.

Her example lives on andoften guides us when the roadgets rough. She used to say,“God is always watching, henever leaves you and he helpsyou do the right thing because heloves you. He isn’t in the sky, he

is right here beside you.”The length of your life can

only define the joy of sharingboth the hurts and the celebra-tions with your child or children.My own mother went to heavenmuch too soon, but she left alegacy that cannot be forgotteneither. She was always therewhen we came home from schooland often she had warm, iced

muffins or a homemadetreat waiting for us. Shemade beautiful clothes forus out of practically noth-ing, even remade things tolook brand new. She wasthe epitome of the philos-ophy that you can “makedo” when you don’t havejust what you think youneed.

There was no compro-mise with her; there wasonly the “right” way. Herfaith carried her throughmany rough waters.Flowers were her passion,and she could coax anystraggly plant to“showoff” as she said.Her love and pride werealways there when herchildren reached a mile-stone. Her own brothersand sisters never forgot

her fun-loving spirit and love forlittle children.

When our first-born daughtercame into our lives, my husbandwas hundreds of miles awayserving his country. I realizedevery day that this huge trust thatyour child has in you is not easi-ly shouldered. They need you,they learn from you and theyknow you will protect them. The

lonely months of separation wereforgotten and were replaced withtears of joy when father met hisdaughter for the first time.

My education was entirelyspent in Catholic schools and thatwas the foundation for preparingme for somehow knowing whatto do when I was faced with animportant decision — which hap-pened often while raising fiveactive children. A nun at St.Joseph’s Academy told me thatshe always remembered the “lit-tle children” in her prayers. Shesaid she imagined that the moth-ers were often too busy to prayfor them and she felt that was aspecial mission that she couldeasily do.

Our five children and theirspouses produced 12 beautiful,talented and thoughtful grand-children. The beat goes on. Fourgreat-grandchildren are now inour lives and I count myself priv-ileged to be able to still take anactive part in helping to care forthem when needed. The pleasureis all mine.

“Then your merit and rewardwill be truly great, if you refer toGod alone all the honor yourchildren bring you.” — from“Mother Love.”

B Y A N N B . T H A L L E M E R

PROVIDED BY ANN THALLEMER