The

Mirr

rVo

l. LV

, No.

26

DIO

CE

SE

OF

SP

RIN

GF

IEL

D—

CA

PE

GIR

AR

DE

AU

, MIS

SO

UR

I Ap

ril 17

, 202

0O

ne C

hurc

h, E

ast t

o W

est:

Lovi

ng J

esus

, Ser

ving

Jes

us, S

harin

g Je

sus

The next issue of The Mirror will be May 1, 2020.Experiencing delayed USPS delivery? Sign up to receive the diocesan newspaper via Email in digital format: Contact Debbie Thompson at (417) 866-0841, or Email: dthompson@dioscg.org.

‘ZOOM’ CALL WITH SECOND GRADERS—Despite school closings and social distancing due to the outbreak of the COV-ID-19 virus, Bishop Edward M. Rice made a “Zoom” call from his office at The Catholic Center on April 2 to the second grade class of St. Agnes Cathedral School where he discussed the various parts of the Mass and first Holy Communion. Technology has played a large role with regard to our teachers and students staying engaged in learning while being in their respective homes. (The Mirror)

TEACHINGS ON THE HOLY MASS—Second grade students in St. Agnes Cathe-dral School, Springfield, are shown in a grid pattern as they participated from their homes in a recent “Zoom” call with Bishop Rice concerning the Holy Mass. Despite school closings and social distancing, students in Catholic schools and Parish Schools of Religion are able to gather “virtually” to continue learning and sharing the faith. (The Mirror)

Bishop Rice records two-part video series on First Communion

By Leslie A. Eidson Springfield

In a letter issued April 17, 2020, Bp. Edward Rice suspended Catholic school and local Parish Schools of Religion through the current

academic session.

“After consultation with health care providers, state and local officials, and my advisors, I have decided to sus-pend in-person classes at grades Pre-K through 12, including Parish School of Religion (PSR), through the end of the school year,” Bp. Edward M. Rice wrote in a letter to diocesan priests, princi-pals, and catechetical directors. “Each of our Catholic schools and PSR pro-grams will continue to provide lessons, through remote strategies, until the remainder of their academic session. All extracurricular activities and school events are also suspended.”

Bishop Rice offered his profound gratitude to principals for their leader-ship in ensuring that distance-learning has been provided for the continuous educational opportunities for our stu-dents; teachers, who continue to be in constant contact with school families, and to the school families themselves, “which have been conscientiously working with our various school staffs during these most difficult times.

“Additionally, I offer a note of gratitude to PSR directors and

catechists who have creatively con-tinued to assist families with at-home faith formation,” Bp. Rice said.

With the extension of “stay at home” directives in communities through May 6, a variety of sacramen-tal events and preparation remain in flux, including First Communion.

“I leave it up to each parish as to when would be the best time for the celebration of First Holy Communion, but I recommend the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 14,” Bp. Rice said. “The First Communion class could then participate in a procession in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. Of course, this is dependent upon the state and local officials lifting the present ‘shelter in place’ order.”

“We are truly answering Pope Francis’ challenge to us to seek new ways to reach our youth!” said Lynn Melendez, diocesan Director of Evan-gelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation. “I enjoy hearing about the creative ways that people are meeting virtually, sharing resources, and pray-ing together during this time, keeping faith alive while at home.”

Summer programmingFor now, diocesan Camp Re-

NEW-All and Totus Tuus summer programs are still moving forward as

Schools, PSR classes suspended through end of academic session

See Suspended / 4

2 The Mirror April 17, 2020COLUMNS

Happy Easter for He is Risen: Alleluia!COME, AND YOU WILL SEEBp. Edward M. Rice

From ashes to Alleluia! These are the opening words of a reflection I found in a Legion of Mary publication that came

recently in the mail. It made me ponder this past Lent, a Lent like no other, a Lent for which none of us could have prepared. The same is true of this Easter Season. Easter is supposed to be 50 days of joyful alleluia, but the reality is, as Pope Francis stated recently in his March 27th prayer service, “A thick, dark-ness has gathered over our cities. We find ourselves afraid and lost.” But it is precisely in this thick darkness that we proclaim, “Alleluia.” That is the meaning of faith.

There was a thick darkness hanging over the disciples in the Upper Room as they were huddled in fear. And into that darkness and fear Our Lord entered, bringing incredible joy as He announced, “Peace be with you.” That is the essence of Easter, and that message is as relevant today as it was for the first believers some 2,000 years ago.

Road to EmmausThere was darkness and fear in

the hearts of the disciples on the road to Emmaus as well. And in their fear they responded by running away, trying to get out of Jerusalem. And what happened? Our Lord, “Himself

drew near and walked with them,” explaining the Scriptures to them. And at the end of the day, in the “breaking of bread” they realized that their hearts were no longer shrouded in darkness or fear, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

You see, faith is easy when every-thing is going well. But faith is exercised and put into action when times are difficult: when the cross is heavy to bear and darkness seems to wrap itself around us and not want to let go. The per-son of faith in-vites Jesus into that darkness so that Jesus can

bring his light. Some people think it should be just the opposite—that if I believe, then nothing bad should ever happen to me. But that is not what Our Lord promised. He prom-ised His followers a share in the cross, a cross perfectly measured to not be

too heavy or burdensome.

A special greeting from St. Teresa of Avila has a powerful reflection on the cross:

The Everlasting God has in His wisdom foreseen from eternity the cross He now presents to you as a gift from His inmost Heart. This cross He now sends you He has considered with His all-knowing eyes, understood with His divine mind, tested with His wise justice, warmed with loving arms, and weighed with His own Hands, to see that it be not one inch too large and not one ounce too heavy for you. He has blessed it with

‘Through the Cross the faithful receive strength from weakness, glory from dishonor, life from death.’

His Holy Name, anointed it with His grace, perfumed it with His consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and then sent it to you from heaven, a special greeting from God to you, an alms of the all-merciful love of God.

So there I was in my kitchen not too long ago, going through the mail, when I received a card with the above little reflection from St. Teresa of Avila about the cross. And as I read it, for whatever reason, I began to cry. Maybe it was the stress of the virus or the heavy weight of closing our schools and parishes, but I began to cry. And it’s not what you think, they were not tears of sadness. No, they were actually tears of joy, knowing that whatever life has to throw at me, be it Attorney General investigations or closed parishes due to a pandemic: whatever form the cross may take for me as the Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Gi-rardeau, that cross has been weighed and measured to fit me perfectly! And if, by faith, I believe that to be true, and I do, then in the words of St. Paul, “All is grace.” St. Leo the Great said it so eloquently, “Through the Cross the faithful receive strength from weakness, glory from dishonor, life from death.”

That is why I have reason to cry out, “Alleluia,” in the midst of everything that is going on. That is why you have reason to cry out, “Alleluia” in the midst of everything that is going on. Proclaim, “Alleluia,” while we maintain our social dis-tance. Proclaim, “Alleluia” through a face mask! The good news is Christ, risen from the dead, who destroys the darkness and brings us hope.

Be assured of my daily prayers during the Easter Season, with a spe-cial remembrance at the Altar! Let’s revive the Eastern tradition: Instead of saying “Happy Easter” they say “Christ is Risen!” And the response is “Truly, He is Risen!” ©TM

RITE OF ELECTION—Father Joseph Kelly looked on as Bp. Edward M. Rice greeted a participant in the March 1 Rite of Election held in St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield. Two Rites of Election were held for sur-rounding parishes on March 1 for 102 Candidates and 52 Catechumens, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Another Rite of Election was held March 8 in St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, for 66 Candidates and 21 Catechumens. (The Mirror)

RITE OF ELECTION—Brother Manolo Benavides, CMF, and the group of candidates and catechumens from Sa-cred Heart Parish, Springfield, posed for a photo March 1 with Bp. Edward M. Rice in St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield, after one of three Rites of Elections held in the diocese. Two hundred and forty-one were seek-ing entrance into the Church of Southern Missouri this Easter. We look forward to welcoming them with Rites of Initiation after the various precautionary directives concerning COVID-19 are lifted and churches reopen. (Photo by Donna Walmsley/The Mirror)

Church to welcome 241 through Rites of Initiation

Spiritual Communion Prayer My Jesus, I believe that You

are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.

Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen

April 17, 2020 The Mirror 3COLUMNA

Felices Pascuas de Resurrección: ¡Aleluya!VEN Y VERÁS

Obispo Edward M. Rice

«A través de la Cruz los fieles reciben la fuerza de la debilidad, la gloria de la deshonra, la vida de la muerte».

¡De las cenizas al Aleluya! Estas son las palabras iniciales de una reflexión que encontré en una publicación de la Legión

de María que llegó recientemente por correo. Me hizo reflexionar sobre esta Cuaresma pasada, una Cuaresma como ninguna otra, una Cuaresma para la que ninguno de nosotros podría haberse preparado. Lo mismo ocurre en este tiempo pascual. Se supone que la Pascua son 50 días de alegre ale-luya, pero la realidad es, como el Papa Francisco declaró recientemente en su servicio de oración del 27 de marzo, «Densas tinieblas han cubierto nuestras plazas, calles y ciudades. Nos encon-tramos asustados y perdidos». Pero es precisamente en esta espesa oscuridad que proclamamos: «Aleluya». Ese es el significado de la fe.

Había una espesa oscuridad que se cernía sobre los discípulos en el Cenáculo mientras estaban acurruca-dos en el miedo. Y en esa oscuridad y temor entró nuestro Señor, trayendo una increíble alegría al anunciar: «La paz esté con ustedes». Esa es la esencia de la Pascua, y ese mensaje es tan rel-evante hoy como lo fue para los prim-eros creyentes hace unos 2.000 años.

Camino a EmaúsHabía oscuridad y miedo en los

corazones de los discípulos en el cami-no a Emaús también. Y en su temor respondieron huyendo, tratando de salir de Jerusalén. ¿Y qué pasó? Nuestro Señor, «se acercó y caminó con ellos», explicándoles las Escrituras. Y al final del día, en la «fracción del pan» se dieron cuenta de que sus corazones ya no estaban envueltos en la oscuridad o el miedo, «¿No ardían nuestros cora-zones dentro de nosotros mientras nos hablaba en el camino y nos abría las Escrituras?».

Verás, la fe es fácil cuando todo va bien. Pero la fe se ejerce y se pone en acción cuando los tiempos son difíciles: cuando la cruz es pesada de llevar y la oscuridad parece envolverse alrededor nuestro y no quiere soltarse. La persona de fe invita a Jesús a esa oscuridad para que Jesús pueda traer su luz. Algunos piensan que debería ser todo lo contrario, que si yo creo, entonces nada malo debería pasarme. Pero eso no es lo que nuestro Señor prometió. Prometió a sus seguidores una participación en la cruz, una cruz perfectamente medida, para no ser demasiado pesada o agobiante.

Un pensamiento especial de Santa Teresa de Ávila tiene una reflexión poderosa sobre la cruz:

El Dios eterno tiene en su sabiduría prevista desde la eternidad la cruz que ahora te presenta como un regalo de su corazón. Ahora él te envía esta cruz. La ha considerado con sus ojos que saben todo;

comprendido con su mente divina; probado con su justicia sabia; abrigado con sus bra-zos amorosos; y valorado con sus propios manos para asegurar que no sea demasia-do grande para ti, ni si quiera una pulgada, ni demasiado pesada por una onza. La ha bendecido con su santo nombre, ungido con su gracia, perfumado con su conso-

lación, echado una mirada más hacia ti y tu ánimo, y entonces te la ha enviado desde el cielo, un regalo especial de Dios para ti, una limosna del amor misericordioso de Dios.

Yo estaba en mi cocina no hace mucho, revisando el correo, cu-ando recibí una tarjeta con la pequeña re-

flexión de arriba de Santa Teresa de Ávila sobre la cruz. Y mientras la leía, por no sé qué razón, comencé a llorar. Tal vez fue el estrés del virus o el gran peso de cerrar nuestras escuelas y par-roquias, pero empecé a llorar. Y no es lo que piensas, no eran lágrimas de tristeza. No, en realidad eran lágrimas

de alegría, sabiendo que cualquier cosa que la vida tenga que arrojarme, ya sea investigaciones del Fiscal General o parroquias cerradas debido a una pandemia; ¡cualquiera que sea la forma que la cruz tome para mí como Obispo de la Diócesis de Springfield-Cape Gi-rardeau, esa cruz ha sido pesada y me-dida perfectamente para mí! Y si, por la fe, creo que eso es verdad, y lo creo de verdad, como dicen las palabras de San Pablo, «Todo es gracia». San León Magno lo dijo tan elocuentemente: «A través de la Cruz los fieles reciben la fuerza de la debilidad, la gloria de la deshonra, la vida de la muerte».

Por eso yo tengo motivos para gritar «Aleluya» en medio de todo lo que está pasando. Por eso tú tienes razones para gritar «Aleluya» en medio de todo lo que está pasando. Proclama «Aleluya», mientras mantenemos nuestra distancia social. ¡Proclama «Aleluya» a través de tu mascarilla de protección! La buena noticia es Cristo, resucitado de entre los muertos, que destruye la oscuridad y nos trae esperanza.

Tengan la seguridad de mis ora-ciones diarias durante la temporada de Pascua, con un recuerdo especial en el Altar. Revivamos la tradición oriental: En lugar de decir «Feliz Pascua», ellos dicen «¡Cristo resucitó!». Y la respuesta es «¡Verdaderamente resucitó». ©TM

Liturgies air on the following radio stationsUpdated April 17, 2020

KWTO** 93.3FM and 560AM Coverage throughout most of the diocese. 12-noon, Celebrant Bishop Edward M. Rice Sun., April 26; Sun., May 3

KZIM 960 AM Coverage from Cape Girardeau and south of Cape along I-55 corridor Celebrant Fr. Allan Saunders, Pastor St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral and Old St. Vincent Chapel of Ease Every Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

KHJM 89.1 FM Covenant Radio Dexter and Bootheel area EWTN Chapel Priest Mass Every Sunday at 7 a.m. Daily Mass at 7 a.m. & 11 a.m.

KQOH 91.9 FM Catholic Radio Network: Coverage from Marshfield/Springfield/ north to Humansville/east to Lebanon/south to Ozark /west to Republic EWTN Global Radio Network

KFSS 94.5 FM Coverage from St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Joplin 11:15 a.m., every Sunday, Fr. J. Friedel, Pastor

K232FF 94.3 FM Covenant Radio: Cape Girardeau EWTN Global Radio Network **The Missouri Knights of Columbus have graciously underwritten the broadcasts of Bishop Rice on KWTO 93.3FM and 560AM

Due to the continuing uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, the diocese will delay kicking off our annual Diocesan Development Fund Campaign until June 6-7, 2020. It is our thought that we will be able to better understand what lies ahead for all of us, at that time.

We will be contacting all of you in May with further information about our specific plans for the DDF effort.

Please continue to pray for the end of the uncertainty and suffering that has been caused by this virus.

DDF Sundaypostponed to June 7

4 The Mirror April 17, 2020DIOCESAN NEWS

The Mirror: Newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau USPS Publication 117-330 Publisher: The Most Rev. Edward Rice Editor: Leslie A. EidsonProduction: Glenn Eckl Circulation/Advertising: Debbie Thompson, dthompson@dioscg.org

Published every other week at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. Address all communications to 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143; Telephone (417) 866-0841; Email atoben@dioscg.org

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. When giving change of address, state both old and new address, also old and new parish.Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, MO, and additional mailing offices. Vol. LV No. 26 April 17, 2020 Single copy price, $0.50 Subscription: $14 per year.

Digital subscriptions available as an option to USPS delivery with paid subscription. For more information, contact atoben@dioscg.org.Copyright © 2020, The Mirror, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: www.dioscg.org

“Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau” @DioSCG

planned.“We will be following direc-

tives and recommendations from the Governor of Missouri and the Department of Health to continue assessing and making decisions for these activities,” Melendez said. “We hope to make any determinations in regard to necessary postponements or cancellations by May 15.”

At this time, the Steubenville Mid-America Youth Conferenc-es, which are facilitated by Francis-can University and the Archdiocese of St. Louis, are also moving forward as planned in July on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield.

First Communion, teachers/catechists, and parents

“Please continue to strategize ways that your staff/team may accompany families in learning, practicing, and living the faith at home: Personal phone calls, Emails, postal mail, and video conferencing all help to keep people connected to the Church during this time,” Me-lendez encouraged parish catechists and teachers. “I also invite you to share resources with teachers, cat-echists, and families in your schools and parishes.”

Bishop Rice has resources he specifically wishes to share with those preparing for First Communion. He is recording two short videos to be uploaded to YouTube for teachers/catechists and parents of children preparing for First Communion.

“The videos will teach the basics of what children and families should understand about the Mass and the Eucharist,” Melendez said. “Part I is available and Part II will be distributed very soon.”

The URL for Part I is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLxjE636Q6I&feature=youtu.be

“Thank you to everyone in your persistence and vigor in shar-ing the faith!” Melendez said.

“Let us pray for an end to all of the stress, suffering, and death result-ing from COVID-19,” Bp. Rice said. “We also pray and trust that we will be back together in August, celebrat-ing the joys of the new 2020-2021

Schools, PSR classes suspended through end of academic sessionFrom Page 1 academic year. May Our Lady, Help

of Christians, intercede for us. May St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, protect us. May St. Michael

the Archangel, defend us!”Updated information and

resources for our diocese may be found on the diocesan Website: www.dioscg.

org or on the diocesan Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DioceseofSpringfieldCapeGirardeau/ ©TM

CATHOLIC ‘AT HOME’ EDUCATIONAL RESOURCEShttp://dioscg.org/catholic-at-home-educational-resources/

April 17, 2020 The Mirror 5

Given the fluidity of the circumstances surround-ing COVID-19 and the cancellation of many public events, we will not publish any Announcements in this edition. Let us continue to hold one another in prayer during this difficult time of unrest and anxiety, partic-ularly those who suffer illness, their care-givers and healthcare providers, and all our various community leadership teams.

AnnouncementsParishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed in the

Announcements. They will be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.

Due to the current health concerns, it has become evident that the live VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children® adult awareness trainings should be suspended for the next few weeks. We have added an Online option for the interim so that training may be done safely in the home. If you have already pre-registered for a live session go to this link to change to an Online training.

http://dioscg.org/wp-content/uploads/ How-to-Change-My-VIRTUS-Registration.2.pdf

If you are a new registrant please go to www.virtus.org and click on “first time registrant” on the left, and follow the prompts to register for an Online training. Instructions for the registration process can also be found on the Child and Youth Protection Page of the diocesan Website.

http://dioscg.org/wp-content/uploads/ How-to-Register-for-a-VIRTUS-AfterOnline-Option-1.pdf

For more information, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection, childandyouthprotection@dioscg.org; or Bill Holtmeyer, billholtmeyer@dioscg.org; or Rosie Francka rfrancka@dioscg.org, (417) 866-0841.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Mark your Calendars for 2020 Camp DatesOnline registration open

Fredericktown:Session 1F June 8-12Session 2F June 22-26Session 3F July 6-10

Cassville:Session 1C June 29-July 3Session 2C July 6-10Session 3C July 13-17Session 4C July 20-24Session 5C July 27-31

For more information log on to

www.dioscg.org

Monett, MO

To help test a greater number of individuals for COVID-19, Mercy Aurora/Cassville and CoxHealth are collaborating on a mobile testing unit in Monett. The unit is slated

to open on Fri., April 17.Please note that the site, which will be

housed at the First United Methodist Church in Monett, will only conduct tests with a referral from a health care provider.

Individuals who are experiencing symp-toms of COVID-19—including dry cough, short-ness of breath, or a fever of 100.4 or greater—or those who have been exposed to COVID-19 can have a free evaluation for a referral from Cox-Health’s Virtual Visits with code COVID.

Mercy patients can call their providers or contact them through MyMercy. Those who aren’t currently signed up for the free MyMercy app can download it to their phones or register at www.mymercy.net

The new unit is being opened as a convenience to local patients, as most local testing so far has been con-ducted in Springfield. ©TM

Mercy, CoxHealth launch mobile testing unit in Monett

6 The Mirror April 17, 2020

Branson, MO

The Jordan and Taffnee Faimon-Seevers family of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Branson, share photos in which their family participated in Holy Thursday! “The parish has been blessed to have been able to live-

stream every Mass, Stations of the Cross, Holy Hour of adora-tion (English and Spanish) since the beginning of the stay at home directive,” said Fr. David Hulshof, pastor, who encour-aged parishioners to participate fully in the rich traditions of Holy Week. “On Good Friday, while celebrating the service, I invited our families to use a crucifix at their home for the veneration of the cross. I also invited families to light a candle in their home in the celebration of the Easter Vigil.” ©TM

Family celebrates the washing of feet

“‘It is finished’; and he bowed his head and handed over his spirit.”

On Good Friday, the entire Church fixes her gaze on the Cross at Calva-ry. Each member of the Church tries to understand at what cost Christ

has won our redemption. In the solemn cer-emonies of Good Friday, in the Adoration of the Cross, in the chanting of the ‘Reproaches’, in the reading of the Passion, and in receiving the pre-consecrated Host, we unite ourselves to our Savior, and we contemplate our own death to sin in the Death of our Lord.

The Church - stripped of its ornaments, the altar bare, and with the door of the empty tabernacle standing open - is as if in mourn-ing. In the fourth century the Apostolic Constitutions described this day as a ‘day of mourning, not a day of festive joy,’ and this day was called the ‘Pasch (passage) of the Crucifixion.’

The liturgical observance of this day of Christ’s suffering, crucifixion and death evidently has been in existence from the earli-est days of the Church. No Mass is celebrated on this day, but the service of Good Friday is called the Mass of the Presanctified because Communion (in the species of bread), which had already been consecrated on Holy Thurs-day, is given to the people.

The omission of the prayer of consecra-tion deepens our sense of loss because Mass throughout the year reminds us of the Lord’s triumph over death, the source of our joy and blessing. The desolate quality of the rites of this day reminds us of Christ’s humiliation and suffering during his Passion. We can see that the parts of the Good Friday service cor-respond to the divisions of Mass:

• Liturgy of the Word - reading of the Passion.

• Intercessory prayers for the Church and the entire world, Christian and non-Christian.

• Veneration of the Cross• Communion, or the ‘Mass of the

Pre-Sanctified.’

Veneration of the CrossIn the seventh century, the Church in

Rome adopted the practice of Adoration of the Cross from the Church in Jerusalem, where a fragment of wood believed to be the Lord’s cross had been venerated every year on Good Friday since the fourth century. According to tradition, a part of the Holy Cross was discov-ered by the mother of the emperor Constan-tine, St. Helen, on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 326. A fifth century account describes this service in Jerusalem. A coffer of gold-plated silver containing the wood of the cross was brought forward. The bishop placed the relic on a table in the chapel of the Crucifixion and the faithful approached it, touching brow and eyes and lips to the wood as the priest said (as every priest has done ever since): ‘Behold, the Wood of the Cross.’

Adoration or veneration of an image or representation of Christ’s cross does not mean that we actually adore the material image, of course, but rather what it represents. In kneel-ing before the crucifix and kissing it we are paying the highest honor to our Lord’s cross as the instrument of our salvation. Because the Cross is inseparable from His sacrifice, in reverencing His Cross we, in effect, adore Christ. Thus we affirm: ‘We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has Redeemed the World. ©CNA

The significance of Good FridayHOLY WEEK 2020

April 17, 2020 The Mirror 7

Homily of Bishop Edward M. RiceApril 10, 2020—Friday the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday)

Typically in my homily preparations, I pray with the Scriptures of the Mass and then delve into the work

of crafting a homily: there is also a profound reliance upon the working of the Holy Spirit. That same Holy Spirit that has a hand in crafting the homily must also be at work in the heart of each person who hears the homily. The heart of the person hearing the homily must be open to what the preacher has to say, and that of course is also the work of the Holy Spirit. For myself, I strive to find a hook, a little story or example to help get my point across.

On Good Friday, there is no need for a hook. Today, we are faced with the stark, beautiful reality of the Cross. The significance stands on its own merit.

As a reflection on Good Friday, I paraphrase the prayer of blessing for a crucifix:

The tree, once the source of shame and death for humankind, has become the cross of our redemp-tion and life. The Lord Jesus, our King, our priest, and our teacher, freely mounted the scaffold of the cross and made it His royal throne, His altar of sacrifice, His pulpit of truth.

On the cross, lifted above the earth, He triumphed over our age-old enemy. Cloaked in His own blood, He drew all things to Himself.

On the cross, He opened out His arms and offered us His life: the sacrifice of the new law that gives to the sacraments their saving power. On the cross, He proved what He had prophesied: The grain of wheat must die to bring forth an abundant harvest.

And so on this day, we honor

this cross as the sign of our redemp-tion. May we reap the harvest of salvation planted in pain by Christ Jesus. May our sins be nailed to His cross, the power of life released, pride conquered, and weakness turned to strength.

May the cross be our comfort in trouble, our refuge in the face of danger, our safeguard on life’s journey, until You welcome us to our heavenly home.

Father all-holy, the cross of your Son is the fountain of all blessings, the source of all grace. In your good-ness being near us who will reverence this cross as the sign of our faith.

May we always hold fast to the mystery of Christ suffering and enter the joy of His risen life, for He is Lord for ever and ever.

We adore you O Christ, we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world. ©TM

VACANT CHURCH—Photographs of parishioners were taped to the pews as a group of seminarians aided Bp. Edward M. Rice in the celebration of the Good Friday service Fri., April 10, in Immaculate Conception Church, Springfield. The service was Livestreamed but there were no congregants because of precautions being taken to stop the spread of COVID-19. (Photo by Andrew Jansen/News-Leader)

PROSTRATE—Bishop Edward Rice prostrated himself before the altar and tabernacle in Immaculate Conception Par-ish, Springfield, on Good Fri-day, April 10. The service was Livestreamed over the Internet, but there were no congregants be-cause of precautions being taken to stop the spread of COVID-19. (Photo by Andrew Jansen/News-Leader)

RESERVED SACRAMENT—Bishop Edward Rice elevated the Eucharist which was previously consecrated. On Good Friday, the Church celebrates the Lord’s Pas-sion, which includes a special reading of the Gospel, veneration of the cross, and the distribution of reserved Communion. The ab-sence of the consecration of the bread and wine highlight the sor-row of Good Friday, reminding the faithful of Christ’s humilia-tion and suffering during his Pas-sion. (Photo by Andrew Jansen/News-Leader)

LECTORS—Seminarians Ethan Os-born (left, back) and Charles Pei-rano, right, read the Scriptures dur-ing the Good Friday service held April 10 in Immaculate Conception Church, Springfield. The service was Livestreamed but there were no con-gregants because of precautions be-ing taken to stop the spread of COV-ID-19. (Photo by Andrew Jansen/News-Leader)

CANTOR—With photos plastered onto chairs representing the absent members of the choir in Immaculate Conception Church, Springfield, cantor Emily Wieberg led the Responsorial Psalm during the Good Friday Service celebrated by Bp. Edward M. Rice in Immaculate Conception Church, Springfield, on Fri., April 10. The service was Livestreamed over the Internet but there were no congregants because of pre-cautions being taken to stop the spread of COVID-19. (Photo by Andrew Jansen/News-Leader)

VENERATION OF THE CROSS—Bishop Edward M. Rice knelt down and kissed the cross during the Good Friday service April 10 in Immaculate Con-ception Church, Springfield. The service was Livestreamed but there were no congregants because of precautions being taken to stop the spread of CO-VID-19. (Photo by Andrew Jansen/News-Leader)

HOLY WEEK 2020

8 The Mirror April 17, 2020DIOCESAN NEWS

More information on the Church’s teaching against the death penalty can be found on the USCCB’s Website. For more information about Missourians

for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, consult madpmo.org/

Walter “Arkie” Barton is scheduled to be executed in Missouri on May 19, 2020, at 6 p.m. Please sign a petition calling for Governor Parson to grant Barton clemency at: http://chng.it/GRnNmXrjM6. By signing this petition, you directly call upon our elected officials to take action and spare life.

The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil. … I renew the appeal I made … for a consensus to end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary. —Pope St. John Paul II, Papal Mass, St. Louis, MO, January 27, 1999

Sign petition for clemency

McAuley Catholic alum returns as teacher & coachJoplin, MO

Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS) welcomes back 2000 grad-uate Tony Witt. Beginning with the 2020-21 academic session,

Witt will serve as the science teacher in St. Peter Middle School and as the head boys basketball coach for McAuley Catholic High School.

“Coach Witt brings the knowl-edge, experience, and leadership that it takes to be successful both in the classroom and on the court,” said Dr. Emily Yoakam, principal at St. Peter Middle School and McAu-ley Catholic High School. “We are thrilled to not only hire someone of his caliber and credentials, but also to welcome this Warrior back home.”

Witt holds a Bachelor of Sci-ence in chemistry and a Master

of Science in education from Missouri State University. He currently serves as the assistant girls’ basketball coach and the high school chemistry and physical science teacher at Joplin High School (JHS). He has held both positions since 2018. Prior to teaching and coach-ing at JHS, Witt held the positions of chemistry teacher, head golf coach, and assistant varsity boys coach for Diamond R-IV.

“Tony brings 13 years of experience as an assistant coach from three different programs,” said McAuley Catholic’s Athletic Director Mike Howard. “I couldn’t think of a

better place to start his head coach-ing journey than right here at his alma mater!”

During his four years at McAu-ley, Witt had a passion for athletics and is part of McAuley Catholic’s 1,000-point club for basketball with 1,046 points. During his junior year of high school, he was named 1st team all-conference, 1st team all-district, and 3rd team all-area. As a senior at McAuley, he was named 1st team all-district, 1st team-all area, conference player of the year, and 2nd team all-state. Witt played one year of collegiate ball before break-ing his foot.

“To get the chance to return to a place that had an incredible impact on my life is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Witt said. “I consider it an honor and a privi-lege to teach and coach in the same

hallways where I was once a student and a player. I want to thank Dr. Yo-akam and Coach Howard for believ-ing in me, and whether they know it or not, they are turning this kid’s dream into reality.”

Joplin Area Catholic SchoolsFounded in 1885 by Sr. (Saint)

Catherine McAuley’s Sisters of Mercy, the Joplin Area Catholic Schools serves the greater Joplin community to educate Catholic and non-Catholic children from Early Learners at age two through grade 12. The system’s goal is to teach young people to integrate Christian values into all aspects of life. JACCS endeavors to graduate young adults who are effective witnesses to the presence of Christ in the world. For more information, visit www.JACSS.org. ©TM

Witt

April 17, 2020 The Mirror 9DIOCESAN NEWS

Chapel in St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield

Our Lady of the Cove, Forsyth

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Springfield

St Peter the ApostleJoplin

Sacred Heart, Monett

Residence Chapel for Bishop Rice, Springfield

St Eustachius, Portageville

Sacred Heart, Springfield

Immaculate Conception, Springfield

D D F D O M I N G O7 D E J U N I O D E ,

2 0 2 0

D D F S U N DAYJ U N E 7 , 2 0 2 0

Easter in diocesan parishesEaster in diocesan parishes

10 The Mirror April 17, 2020INTERNATIONAL NEWS/ADVERTISING

Pope calls for consideration of ‘universal basic wage’ for unprotected workersPope Francis writes a letter to Popular Movements and community organizations on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic response, calling for the consideration of a possible “Universal Basic Wage.”

By Vatican News

In a letter dated Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, amid the Co-vid-19 pandemic, Pope Francis has called for the consideration

of a Universal Basic Wage “that would ensure and concretely achieve the ideal, at once so human and so Christian, of no worker without rights.”

The letter is addressed to World Popular Movements, some of whom he recollects meeting with when in Bolivia during an Apostolic Visit in 2015 and in the Vatican the follow-ing year.

“Now, in the midst of this pandemic, I think of you in a special way and wish to express my close-ness to you,” he writes.

The Pope’s message comes at a time in which the pandemic is devastating the health and lives of so many, and consequently putting millions of jobs on the line and undermining local—and

world—economies. In it, he express-es encouragement and solidarity with those Movements who aim to bring change to global systems and structures that exclude a multitude of workers.

In these days of great anxiety and hardship, the Pope notes, “you are truly an invisible army, fighting in the most dangerous trenches; an army whose only weapons are soli-darity, hope, and community spirit, all revitalizing at a time when no one can save themselves alone.”

He took the opportunity to thank the Popular Movements for the work they pursue. He acknowl-edges that work hardly ever receives the recognition it deserves, Pope Francis notes “You do not resign yourselves to complaining: you roll up your sleeves and keep working for your families, your communities, and the common good. Your resil-ience helps me, challenges me, and teaches me a great deal.”

A multitude of people suffering far from the limelight

He goes on to mention all those people suffering far from the eyes of the world:

The women, “who multiply loaves of bread in soup kitchens: two onions and a package of rice make up a delicious stew for hun-dreds of children.”

The sick and the elderly, “they never appear in the news,” he says, “nor do small farmers and their

families who work hard to produce healthy food without destroying nature, without hoarding, without exploiting people’s needs.”

“I want you to know that our Heavenly Father watches over you, values you, appreciates you, and supports you in your commitment,” the Pope writes.

He highlights how difficult it is for those who live in poverty and for the homeless “to stay at home.” In addition, he mentions the dif-ficulty “for migrants, those who are deprived of freedom, and those in rehabilitation from an addiction.”

People, life and dignity at the centre

Again, thanking the Popular Movements for being there to help them make things less difficult and less painful, the Pope expresses his hope this may prove to be a mo-ment of change.

“My hope is that govern-ments understand that technocratic paradigms (whether state-centred or market-driven) are not enough to address this crisis or the other great problems affecting humankind. Now more than ever, persons, communi-ties, and peoples must be put at the centre, united to heal, to care, and to share,” the Pope writes.

He underscores how such a multitude of persons have been excluded from the benefits of glo-balization. They, he said, have been hit twice as hard from the harms produced by a society marked by the “superficial pleasures that anaesthe-tize so many consciences.”

“Street vendors, recyclers, carnival workers, small farmers, construction workers, seamstresses, the different kinds of caregivers: you

who are informal, working on your own or in the grassroots economy, you have no steady income to get you through this hard time … and the lockdowns are becoming unbear-able. This may be the time to con-sider a universal basic wage which would acknowledge and dignify the noble, essential tasks you carry out. It would ensure and concretely achieve the ideal, at once so human and so Christian, of no worker with-out rights,” says Pope Francis.

The three TsHe goes on to point to the

need to reflect on “life after the pandemic.” Its grave consequences are already being felt. This calls for an integral human development that is based on “the central role and initiative of the people in all their diversity, as well as on uni-versal access to those three Ts that you defend: Trabajo (work), Techo (housing), and Tierra (land and food).

The Pope concludes with the hope that our sleepy consciences will be shaken, giving way to a “hu-manist and ecological conversion that puts an end to the idolatry of money and places human life and dignity at the centre.”

“Our civilization—so com-petitive, so individualistic, with its frenetic rhythms of production and consumption, its extravagant luxu-ries, its disproportionate profits for just a few—needs to downshift, take stock, and renew itself,” he says.

Finally, Pope Francis encourag-es the Popular Movements to stand firm in their struggle, caring for each other as brothers and sisters. He then assures them of his prayers and blessings. ©Vatican News

??—Poor people, including many who have lost their livelihoods due to the Covid-19 pandemmic, queued at a soup kitchen. (ANSA)

Congratulationsto these priests and deacons celebrating anniversaries in April:

From a grateful Church:Thank you from all the people whose lives you have touched!

PriestsRev. Timothy Toohey, April 3, 55 yrs.Rev. Samson Dorival, April 6, 23 yrs.Rev. Gaspar Masilamani, CMF, April 6, 29 yrs.Rev. Thomas Mallavarapu, CMF, April 14, 16 yrs.Rev. David Hulshof, April 18, 38 yrs.Right Rev. Cyprian Harrison, OCSO, April 23, 63 yrs.Rev. Mark Boyer, April 24, 44 yrs.Rev. Rayappa Chinnabathini, April 26, 10 yrs.Rev. Rajarao Gona, April 26, 10 yrs.

DeaconDeacon Gary Steffes, April 20, 7 yrs.Deacon Patrick J Keefe, April 24, 16 yrs.Deacon William J Keller, April 24, 16 yrs.Deacon Mark Wand, April 24, 16 yrs.

April 17, 2020 The Mirror 11DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral HomeLocally-owned & operated u Dedicated u Caring u Professional

Offices of the Catholic CemeteriesPaul & Lynn Wunderlich

Tom Smith • Kent Franklin • Maddy DavisBuddy Pilmore • Charlene Harris-Bengsch

Chuck Wooten • Harold Futrell500 E. Walnut - Springfield, MO (417) 862-4433

www.hhlohmeyer.com

Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. & Wed. 7 p.m.Closed Sunday & Monday

210-J West Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65807 | Phone: (417) 831-4630, (800) 365-5170Email: catholicbookstore@sbcglobal.net | www.desalescatholicbookstore.com

Your LOCAL source for all things Catholic!

Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc.Brentwood Chapel • University Chapel Crematory • Columbarium

Licensed funeral directors of distinction:W. Bruce Howell

1947 E. Seminole, Springfield MO 65804(417) 886-9994 • fax (417) 886-9996, gormanscharpf@att.net

Heather K. Howell Robert J. Lohmeyer Angela N. CollinsHarley R. WilliamsAndy D. VowellBarbara A. Hinds

Clint W. MeaseDon R. LohmeyerNichole E. BauerRussell C. AllenAvery A. WeeksDulci M. Lane

Locally owned and operated for over 50 years

CONTEMPLATIVE

M O N KTrappist Cistercian

A small, self-supporting community in the Ozark

foothills of Missouri. Available for retreats and periods of discernment.

Assumption Abbey RR 5 Box 1056, Ava, MO

65608 (417) 683-5110www.assumptionabbey.org assumptionabbey@gmail.com

K232FF 94.3 94.3 FMFM Cape Girardeau

KHJM 89.1 89.1 FMFM Dexter & the Bootheel

KFSS 94.5 94.5 FMFM Joplin

KQOH 91.9 91.9 FMFM Springfield

Tune in to local Catholic Radio around the Diocese

Tune-in: Learn, Live, Grow, Be Inspired

Saint Francis Foundation accepting 2020 healthcare scholarship applications

Cape Girardeau, MO

Applications for the 2020 Saint Francis Healthcare Scholarship Program funded by Saint Francis Founda-

tion and Auxiliary are now available. The program awards more than 20 scholarships of up to $2,000 annually to students pursuing a healthcare-related career.

The Steven C. Bjelich Executive Scholarship is available for students pursuing a master’s degree in health-care administration, and awards a $5,000 per year scholarship to one recipient every two years.

Applicants must have suc-cessfully completed one year as a student in an accredited healthcare program and be currently enrolled. Students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. They must also reside within Saint Francis Healthcare System’s service area, as defined in the application.

Applicants must submit a fully com-pleted application and all required documentation to the Foundation by 5 p.m., Fri., June 19, 2020. Students may receive one scholarship per year for a maximum of two years.

Since it was created in 1980, the scholarship program has provided $763,400 in education scholarships to college students in an effort to en-courage participation in professional healthcare careers.

All applicants are considered re-gardless of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, handi-cap, or veteran status. Applications are available at foundation.sfmc.net/scholarship. For more information, please contact the Foundation at (573) 331-5133. ©TM

12 The Mirror April 17, 2020DIOCESAN NEWS

SEVENTH GRADE—Joined by their teacher, Cliff Lankheit, were the seventh grade competitors from Immaculate Conception Catholic School in the March 10 Regional Science Fair held at Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau. (The Mirror)

Jackson, MO

Before the days of “shelter in place” orders, the seventh and eighth graders from Immacu-late Conception School in

Jackson, MO, competed March 10 at the Regional Science Fair at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. In total, the youth earned 43 awards, and five students were selected to compete in the future at the state level for Junior Academy of Science.

Below are the rankings and vari-ous distinctions:

Regional Science Fair winnersMarch 10 at the Show-Me CenterFirst Place: Lily Huff, Lillie Jenkins,

Erica DebrockSecond Place: Hailey Henderson,

Abbie Spooler, Audrey Deken, Skylar Craft, Karley McBride, Emmy Vandeven, Sylvia Kester

Third Place: Lily Carr, Adyson Seabaugh, Libby Buchheit, Ben Schnurbusch, Josh Schnur-busch, Lyla Martin

First Overall in Category: Lily Huff, Erica Debrock

Special Award winnersEngineers Award: Libby Buchheit

(received $50 check)US Navy Award: Ben Schnurbusch,

Russell Coy, Lillie Jenkins, Libby Buchheit, Sam Criddle

ASM Materials Education Foun-dation Most Outstanding

Exhibit in Material Sc: Macy Bommarito

US Metric Association Award: Kar-ley McBride

Broadcom Masters Award: Lillie Jenkins, Erica DeBrock

Rotary Club Award: Libby Buchheit (received $100 check)

Junior Academy of Science winners

Tuesday, March 10 at Southeast Missouri State University

First Place: Audrey Deken, Hailey Henderson, Libby Buchheit, Sam Criddle, Josh Schnurbusch will compete at the State Junior

Students rake in 43 awards at Regional Science Fair

FIVE QUALIFIED FOR STATE—Immaculate Conception Catholic School stu-dents in Jackson, MO, advancing to State Junior Academy of Science include Sam Criddle; (Cliff Lankheit, teacher); Hailey Henderson, Libby Buchheit, Audrey Deken, and Josh Schnurbusch. The competition was originally slated for Fri., April 24, at Missouri State University, Joplin. (The Mirror)

Academy of Science at Missouri State University, Joplin, which was originally scheduled for April 24, 2020.

Second Place: Erica DeBrock, Ab-bie Spooler, Macy Bommarito, Sylvia Kester, Lily Huff, Russell Coy, Aubrey Keran, Lyla Martin, Emmy Vandeven

Third Place: Lillie Jenkins, Ben Schnurbusch, Lily Carr, Skylar Craft

Total awards wonRegional Science Fair: 25Junior Academy of Science: 18Total Awards: 43 ©TM

Cape GirardeauSt. Vincent de Paul Catholic School seeks to fill two positions for the 2020-2021 school year: A Technology Director/Technician with part-time teaching. We are also looking for an Elementary Teacher. For an application, please go to dioscg.org or call the school office at (573) 334-9594.

JacksonImmaculate Conception Catholic School seeks a sixth-eighth grade Language Arts Teacher. Candidates may send resumes to Michele Campbell at mcampbell@icsjackson.eduk12.net.

Employment positionsaround the diocese