DIO

CE

SE

OF

SA

N A

NG

ELO

PO

BO

X 1

829

SA

N A

NG

ELO

TX

76

90

2-1

82

9

NO

NP

RO

FIT

OR

G.

US

PO

STA

GE

PA

ID

SA

N A

NG

ELO

, TX

PE

RM

IT N

O. 4

4

Serving the Diocese of San Angelo, TexasVolume XXXIII, No. 12 DECEMBER 2013

Advent-Christmas 2013

Page 2 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

FROM THE BISHOP’S DESK

DIOCESAN BRIEFS

Bishop

Pfeifer

How we can make Christmas happen every day

Bread of LifeSAN ANGELO — Holy Angels will again host

the Bread of Life Retreat/Youth 2000 weekend,January 24-26. The Franciscan Friars of theRenewal will lead the retreat.

For those who attended our last Bread of LifeRetreat in 2012 you may remember that wealmost ran out of room in the Parish Hallbecause of the large number of attendees -around 500. Please start planning now so youwill be able to register early in case organizersare faced with having to limit registration. Formore information, email Holy Angels athaedu61@verizon.net

Diocesan Conference Day, Feb. 8McNease Convention Center, San Angelo

February 8, 20149:00am - 4:00pm

Zeal For The MissionThis day will focus on the different paths of

discipleship and zeal in being “Bearers of Good News.”

This Conference is open to everyone especial-ly catechists, catechetical leaders and youth min-istry leaders. Contact the Office of Education andFormation at 325-651-7500 for more information.

Catholic Life Insurance ScholarshipsApplications for the 2014 All American Scholar

Program, sponsored by Catholic Life Insurance,are now available and must be received no laterthan March 1, 2014. Send your completed appli-cation package to: Catholic Life Insurance, Attn:All American Scholar Award, PO Box 659527,San Antonio, TX 78265

The All American Scholar Program awards 35non-renewable college scholarships in the

amount of $1,000 each to graduating high schoolseniors. Applicants must be Catholic LifeInsurance members who will be enrolled in a pri-vate or public college, university or trade schoolfor the upcoming fall semester. Download appli-cations at www.cliu.com. For more information,please contact Briana Frantz in theCommunications Department at (800) 292-2548or (210) 828-9921 ext. 141, or send an email tobranch@cliu.com.

Holy Redeemer Holy Land pilgrimageWhen: April 2-11, 2014, PilgrimageCost: $3,550 (Single) Package price includes the following:

4 Meet at Ben Gurion Airport upon arrivals anddepartures.4 Three nights’ accommodation in Tiberius indouble occupancy with breakfast, lunch and din-ner.4 Two nights’ accommodation in Jericho in dou-ble occupancy with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.4Three night’s accommodation in Bethlehem indouble occupancy with breakfast, lunch, and din-ner.4 Nine days sightseeing in a modern air-condi-tioned private bus.4English-speaking government licensedChristian tour guide for arrival and all touringdays.4Entrance fees to places of interests while ontour in the Holy Land.4 Mass every day at different religious sites. 4 Tips for guide and driver. 4 Round trip flight tickets.

For more information contact Holy Redeemer432-580-4295 Or Goodshepherd Travel 810-397-8669 www.Goodshepherdtravel.com

By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI

In the Gospel for the midnight Christmas Mass,we hear God’s angel announce the wonderfulnews of that long-awaited first Christmas: “Donot be afraid; for behold, I proclaim for you goodnews of great joy that will be for all the people.For today in the city of David a savior has beenborn for you, who is Christ the Lord. And thiswill be a sign for you: you will find an infantwrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in amanger.” The birth of that baby, the Incarnationof Christ, is the greatest event in all of human his-tory—the very Son of God, becoming man, likeus.

My first wish for all of you, your families andfriends, is for a blessed and joyful Christmas as

we remember that unique moment in human his-tory of the birth of the greatest person who everlived, Jesus Christ, true God and true man. I prayin a special way in my Christmas Masses that thepeace of the child Jesus, the one who is still thePrince and way of true peace, will fill all of yourhearts and that we will all come to understand thetrue meaning of Christmas. As we mark thebirthday of the Prince of Peace, we pray for peacein our world, for the millions of poor and home-less, for an end to war and violence, for God’sprotection of our military personnel and for peacein each of our hearts and families.

To understand, to comprehend, at least in someway, in as much as our tiny, human minds can, Iinvite you to come and meditate on the divinemystery of that wonderful child wrapped in swad-dling clothes and lying in a manger. Take time on

Christmas, and throughout the Christmas season,to come especially as a family and spend time inprayer and meditation before this infant in thecrib, and to give him praise and glory as we kneelbefore our little king, begging him to show us theway to peace, reconciliation and how to discoverGod’s mercy and forgiveness, and how to beagents of God’s mercy for others. The infant, theGod-man, in the crib is a sign and source of thereconciliation and healing that we need in ourindividual lives, in our families, in our communi-ties, and throughout the world.

Historically, we assign a day to say when Christwas born. However, because of the wonderfulmystery of the sacred liturgy, through the powerand presence of the Holy Spirit, Christ is born ina new way each day in each and every Mass.

(Please See BISHOP/22)

National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day

Bradley Hale, left; Alex Garcia and Dylan Hale, three Scouts from St.Ann’s and all adopted by Forever Families took part in the 2013 NationalAdoption Day ceremony at the Midland County Courthouse. Seven chil-dren were adopted during the November 22 ceremony. There are over100,000 children in the United States that are waiting for their foreverfamily through adoption services. Statewide the number of those waitingis 6,511, and in the Permian Basin, 130. National Adoption Day is anational effort to raise awareness of the children in foster care waitingfor families. At the heart of National Adoption Day are thousands of chil-dren, parents, judges, adoption professionals, CASA Volunteers, andcommunity members who come together to finalize the adoptions of chil-dren in foster care and to celebrate all families who adopt. (Photo byJimmy Patterson/The Angelus)

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 3

Bishop’s Calendar

DECEMBER14 — WALL, St. Ambrose-

Liturgy Day 15 — SANDERSON, St. James

– Mass at 3:00 P.M.16 — SAN ANGELO, Bishop’s

Residence – Annual ChristmasParty for the Bishop’s Staff andRetreat Center Staff at 6:00 p.m.

17-19 — CHICAGO,Anniversary Celebration forCardinal George

22 — ROWENA, St. Joseph-Mass to rededicate the Church at11:00 a.m.

23 — SAN ANGELO, Christ theKing Retreat Center – Lunch withSeminarians at 11:00 a.m.

24 — SAN ANGELO, TomGreen County Jail – Mass at 9a.m., 10 a.m.

24 — SAN ANGELO, SacredHeart Cathedral- Christmas VigilMass at Midnight

25 — SAN ANGELO,Goodfellow AFB – Christmas DayMass at 9:30 a.m.

26-30 — Rest and Prayer

JANUARY 20141 — SAN ANGELO, Sacred

Heart Cathedral – 10 am Mass forSolemnity of Mary and WorldPeace

5 — CARLSBAD, Mass at St.Therese at 11 am

6-10 — SAN ANTONIO, TexasBishops Retreat, Pat GuidonCenter

12 — OZONA, Our Lady ofPerpetual Help – Mass 11 am

14 — BIG LAKE, Meeting withPastoral and Finance Councils ofSt. Margaret and St. Francis-Iraan– 6:30 pm

15 — SAN ANGELO, NoonMass at Newman Center

16-18 — Rest and prayer19 — WALL, Mass at St.

Ambrose at 9 am21 — SAN ANGELO, Christ the

King Retreat Center, 10 a.m.,Spiritual Day for Priests

21 — SAN ANGELO, 6:30 pmSt. Joseph, San Angelo meetingwith Pastoral and FinanceCouncils

20 — SAN ANGELO,Ecumenical prayer service, 12noon sacred Heart Cathedral tohonor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

22 — SAN ANGELO, SacredHeart Cathedral 12 noon Pro-lifeMass - Day of Supreme Courtdecision on abortion

23 — SAN ANGELO, Meetingwith Pastoral and FinanceCouncils, St. Joseph Church

24-26 — SAN ANGELO, HolyAngels: Bread of Life Retreat

29-30 FORT WORTH,

Ordination of Bishop MichaelOlson

Christ the KingRetreat Center

DECEMBER14 — Deacon Formation16 —Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp17 — Adoration19 — Catholic Daughters

Christmas Party21 — San Angelo Cursillo

School of Leaders22-23 — Seminarian Winter

Gathering23 —Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp24 — Adoration24-25 — Office closed,

Christmas Holiday30 —Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp31-Jan 1 — Office closed in

Observance of New Years

JANUARY 20141 — Office closed in

Observance of New Years Holiday4 — Deacon Formation6 — Heart of Mercy Prayer

Group7 — Adoration of the Blessed

Sacrament10-12 — Engaged Encounter12 — Natural Family Planning13 — Heart of Mercy Prayer

Group14 — Adoration of the Blessed

Sacrament20 — Heart of Mercy Prayer

Group21 — Adoration of the Blessed

Sacrament26 — CKRC Confirmation

Retreat27 — Heart of Mercy Prayer

Group27 — Deacon Quarterly

Meeting28 — Adoration of the Blessed

SacramentDay

NECROLOGYJANUARY

10 — Rev. Francis Beazley,OMI (1992)

13 — Rev. Joseph Walter(1989)

16 — Rev. Cyril Lange (1971)16 — Msgr. Timothy Murphy

(2004)18 — Rev. Patrick Ryan, O.M.I.

(1975)19 — Fr. Robert Kelly (1999)23 — Deacon Jose Esparza

(2011)24 — Bishop Thomas Tschoepe

(2009)26 — Deacon D.J. Goetz (2003)26 — Deacon Jack Peterson

(1987)

DIOCESAN DATES

Del Escritorio del Obispo

Por el Obispo Miguel Pfeifer

Escuchamos en nuestroEvangelio de la Misa Navideña deMedianoche, las buenas nuevasproclamadas porel ángel de Diosde la primeraNavidad tanesperada. Elángel les dijo:“No teman. Lestraigo una buenanoticia, quecausará gran ale-gría a todo elpueblo: Hoy lesha nacido, en laciudad de David, un salvador, quees el Mesías, el Señor. Esto les

servirá de señal: encontrarán alniño envuelto en pañales y recosta-do en un pesebre.” El nacimientode ese bebe, la Encarnación deCristo, es el más grande evento detoda historia humana—el mismoHijo de Dios, haciéndose humano,como nosotros.

Mi primer deseo para todos ust-edes y sus familias y amigos, esque tengan una Navidad bendita yalegre mientras recordemos esemomento único en la historiahumana del cumpleaños de la per-sona más grande que ha vivido,Jesucristo, verdadero Dios y ver-dadero hombre. Rezo en una man-era especial en las misas Navideñasque la paz del niño Jesús, quien esaún el Príncipe y guía a la ver-dadera paz, llene a todos sus cora-

zones y que podamos llegar a unmejor entendimiento del verdaderosignificado de la Navidad.Mientras conmemoremos elcumpleaños del Príncipe de Paz,rezamos por la paz en el mundo,por el fin a la guerra y violencia, ypor la protección de los que sirvenen nuestras fuerzas armadas, y porpaz en cada uno de nuestros cora-zones y de nuestras familias.

Para entender, comprender, enalguna manera, en cuanto nuestrasmentes pequeñas puedan, les invitoa ustedes a buscar y meditar sobreel divino misterio del maravillosoniño envuelto en pañales y acosta-do en el pesebre. Tomen

(Mira OBISPO/21)

Obispo Miguel Pfeifer

OMI

Podemos hacer que la navidad suceda cada dia

AMMAN, Jordan — Tears areprevalent here. They come fromthe eyes of Syrian refugees driven

from their homesby the violence ofthe Assad regimeand the forces thatoppose his rule intheir homeland. Intwo years offighting, thebloodshed quicklyescalated andgrew into the

deadly conflict it is today. The lat-est numbers are startling: Over 2million have fled the country. Ofthe ones who stayed, more than115,000 are now dead. Those whoescaped are left to face a future ofuncertainty. No one knows whenor if they will ever be able toreturn home. Or if they will eversee their family members whostayed behind to fight for Syria.

In America, our greatest uncer-tainties can amount to what time asoccer game begins or when aspouse will get off work so thatdinner can be on the table andwarm for the family. So many of

us have such minor problems incomparison.

The killing in Syria is not unlikethe stories of war and brutalitywe’ve heard for as long as any ofus care to remember. War has beenwith all of us for most of our lives,it doesn’t matter our age. We havenot learned.

Certainly next to those who givetheir lives or suffer injury, and theirfamilies, the people who lose somuch in war are the peacefulamong us; citizens, such as theSyrians in this case, lose so much;they are forced to give up theirhomes, husbands and sons. Forcedto trade lives of security for theunknown. Peace-seeking people areleft out of the political equation ofwar. People like us and Syrianrefugees — who are like us — areall one, perhaps especially so whenpart of the body is hurting.

I learned a lot in the MiddleEast. Most lessons came from peo-ple who say they are hopeless, butwho still hope anyway.

When I left America on October4, we were embroiled in much bit-terness. Disgust flowed from our

lips and anger through ourFacebook status — our modern daystage and soapbox. We were facedwith the bleak reality of having agovernment in tatters, unable topay its bills and its people but con-tinuing to spend. When I returnedhome, we had traded a governmentshutdown for a healthcare lock-down. The rage remained, only theobject of the rancor had changed.

I learned a lot from the people Iwas fortunate to meet from Syriaand Jordan. Like many people inAmerica, nothing is more impor-tant than love of family and coun-try. Many Syrians step out incourage instead of understandablysuffering through pain and depres-sion. Just that one attitude canteach us a valuable lesson.

But there’s also this:4 Love your family. Anyone whohas survived a fire or a natural dis-aster knows what it feels like tolose everything, When familyemerges from the rubble, theyknow what it feels like to haveeverything. People driven fromtheir homeland know both those

(Please See PATTERSON/23)

Love of family, self: Learning from others

Patterson

From the Editor

Page 4 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

Reginald Odima

Full Name: Reginald Anthony OdimaBirthdate: Sept 6, 1989 (23 yrs. old)Birthplace: Nairobi, Kenya

How many siblingsdo you have? 4.

What Seminary doyou attend? AssumptionSeminary, San Antonio

What level are you?1st year Theology

Home Parish: St.Mary’s, San Angelo

Favorite Saint: St.Anthony

Favorite Color: BlueFavorite sport: BasketballFavorite Team: MavericksFavorite Food/Restaurant: ALL !!!Favorite Desert: Tres LechesAny Hobbies: I am very active and

enjoy all sportsObjectives: To one day be called

FATHER!

BIOGRAPHYI was born in Nairobi, Kenya and lived

there until I was 11. In December 2000,my family and I migrated to the UnitedStates, Dallas, where we have lived eversince. I attended middle school and highschool in Irving, which is a suburb ofDallas County; I then decided to go to col-lege at Angelo State University in SanAngelo. After a year of my studies at ASUI decided to deeply discern my vocationand begin my formation as a seminarian. Idid not come to this conclusion alone, Idid it with my family’s prayer and support,great friends with whom I grew closer toour Lord, and the wonderful support andwords of wisdom given me by the peopleof our diocese (especially my St. Maryfamily which has carried me greatly). AfterI decided to enter formation I had a majordecision to make, which diocese should Istudy for (Dallas or San Angelo)? I amobviously studying for this wonderfulDiocese of San Angelo and this is sobecause I am in love with the people, theland, and knowing that if it was not for youI probably would not be discerning myvocation right now. During my years of for-mation I have had the wonderful opportu-nity to study Spanish, por eso puedohablar con la gente en Español si menecesitan. I enjoy playing sports and vari-ous outdoor activities; I also enjoy eatingall kinds of food (one reason Thanksgivingand Christmas are my favorite holidays). Ithank you all for your continued supportand prayers. Please continue to pray andto challenge me that I may become agood holy priest.

SEMINARIAN OF THE MONTH

Odima

Advent: Preparing for history’s greatest eventBy Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI

The season of Advent, the four weekswe spend in preparation for the birthdayof Christ on Christmas, is a time to pre-pare for the greatest event of all of humanhistory, our God becoming one of us inJesus Christ. The true reason for the sea-son is to remember that our God loves usto the point of asking His own Son tobecome one of us, to bring us God’s for-giveness and love and to show us how tolive as children of our Heavenly Father.Hence, Advent is a call for a new begin-ning, for a new hope, a hope that goes outto people whose darkness is profound, ahope for people who feel abandoned, ahope for people who feel they need to besaved and rescued.

The Scriptural Readings for our dailyMasses for the beautiful season of Adventremind us that we have a God who helpsthose who cannot help themselves. Theyneed and want to be saved and rescued, andGod has sent one who can fulfill all of ourhopes and our desires in the person of JesusChrist. As we prepare during Advent to cel-ebrate Christ’s coming among us, we espe-cially need to remember the principal rea-son why He came—to save us, to bring usGod’s mercy and forgiveness, and to leadus to eternal peace with God, our Father.

As we go through the days of the

Advent season, we need to cry out toChrist, who is our hope and our salvation,like the two blind men of the gospel—“Jesus, have pity on us!” We all needGod’s pity and mercy, and during Adventwe especially need to be God’s agents ofmercy and compassion for others. Noteverybody can take care of themselves,and whether they are materially poor ortrapped in poverty or depression, compul-sion, fears or addiction, their voices ofneed continue to beg us to be their advo-cates, to lend a hand to help them. Adventis about receiving new hope for life andsharing this hope with other people whoare helpless and hopeless.

Advent is a time of preparation for thebeautiful and joyful celebration of thebirthday of Christ on Christmas.Christmas truly needs to be celebratedduring the Christmas season given to usby the Church, but we also need toremember that preparation for this joyfulday is 90% of its celebration. OurChristmas does not end with the mealsand festivities on Christmas day and theunwrapping of gifts, but rather we shouldstrive to take part in new joy, hope andhappiness that are being offered to us byour God as we prepare for His birthdayand then live His birthday during theentire Christmas season. We need to takeadvantage of this time with colored lights

and the music of Advent and Christmas totruly celebrate God’s gracious gift to us.Advent prepares us to capture the spirit ofChristmas which is all about God’s lovingcare and compassion for all of us. OurGod chose to come among us in the lowli-est of places and to reach out to those whofeel they are helpless and hopeless.

Advent is a time for us to focus on thenew hope and life that God will offer us inthe Christ child on Christmas, and to cap-ture the spirit of giving and sharing thatare shown to us by our God. There is areason for the season, and it is found inthe process of giving, especially of ourperson, of our time, and our gifts to helpothers, and to help each other prepare wellfor the birthday of the greatest person whoever lived. During these days of Adventwe need to spend time reflecting on theWord of God as given to us in the liturgyof each day, especially God’s hope that isoffered us through the many readings ofthe prophet Isaiah. To truly capture thehope and joy of the season we need tospend more time and prayer with family,go to church together, celebrate theSacraments of Reconciliation, and toreach out to others by sharing our giftsand our goods with those who have lessthan we do. Then Christmas will take on anew joyful meaning.

Adviento es un tiempo de preparacion parael evento mas grande de toda historia humanaPor el Obispo Miguel D. Pfeifer, OMI

La temporada de Adviento, las cuatrosemanas en preparación para elcumpleaños de Cristo en la Navidad, es untiempo para prepararnos para el evento másgrande de toda la historia humana, cuandonuestro Dios llegó a ser como nosotros conel nacimiento de Cristo Jesús. La verdaderarazón de la temporada es para recordar quenuestro Dios nos ama hasta el punto depedirle a su propio hijo que llegara sercomo uno de nosotros para traernos el amory perdón de Dios y enseñarnos como vivircomo hijos de nuestro Padre Celestial. Estoinspira en nosotros una gran esperanza yconfianza. Por lo tanto, Adviento es unallamada para un nuevo comienzo, para unanueva esperanza, una esperanza que inspiraa los que están en una oscuridad profunda,una esperanza para la gente que se sienteabandonada y sin dirección, una esperanzapara la gente que siente la necesidad de sersalvada y rescatada.

Las lecturas de las Escrituras para nues-

tras Misas diarias durante la temporada deAdviento nos recuerdan que tenemos unDios quien ayuda a los que no se puedanayudar a ellos mismos. Todos nosotrosnecesitamos y queremos ser salvados yrescatados, y Dios ha mandado el quepuede llenar todas nuestras esperanzas ynuestros deseos en la persona de CristoJesús. Al prepararnos para celebrar la veni-da de Cristo entre nosotros durante la tem-porada del Adviento, necesitamos especial-mente recordar la razón principal por lacual Él vino—para salvarnos, y para traer-nos la misericordia de Dios y el perdón, ypara guiarnos a una paz eterna con Dios,nuestro Padre.

Durante los días de la temporada deAdviento, necesitamos clamar a Cristoquien es nuestra esperanza y nuestra sal-vación como los dos hombres ciegos delevangelio—“Jesús, ten piedad denosotros!” Todos nosotros necesitamos lapiedad y misericordia de Dios, y durante elAdviento, a la vez, somos llamados a seragentes de Dios de misericordia y com-

pasión para otros mientras nos esforzamosa ver nuestra realidad por los ojos de Dios.No todos pueden cuidarse de si mismos, ysi sean pobres materialmente o atrapadosen la pobreza o depresión, compulsión,temor o adicción, su voces de necesidadnos continúan rogando que seamos su inter-cesores, de darles una mano para ayudarlos.Adviento se trata de que recibamos el donde Dios de nueva esperanza para nuestrasvidas y compartir esta esperanza con otraspersonas que se encuentran sin ayuda y sinesperanza.

Adviento es el tiempo de preparaciónpara la celebración esperanzada y gozosadel cumpleaños de Cristo en la Navidad. Latemporada de la Navidad ciertamente debeser celebrada durante el tiempo de laNavidad dado a nosotros por la Iglesia,pero debemos recordar que la preparaciónpara este día gozoso es 90% de su cele-bración. Sin embargo, nuestra Navidad no

(Please See ADVIENTO/21)

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 5

New Church Rises in Iraan

The Angelus

IRAAN — The town of Iraan came into existencein the late 1920s when oil was discovered west of thePecos. As towns develop and grow, one of the firstthings built are schools and churches. But forCatholics in Iraan such was not the case. The earlyCatholics of Iraan had to travel to nearby towns toattend Mass. Some people went to Sheffield orRankin while others went to McCamey.

In the 1960s, for a short while, Father Alvin Wildewould travel from McCamey to Iraan and say Mass atthe community center. Finally, after decades of beingwithout a place of worship, the people of Iraan found

a place to establish a church. The location had at onetime been a medical clinic that belonged to Dr.Vincent Sharrod, who had moved his practice fromIraan to Odessa and, after his Iraan office had setvacant for many years, donated the building and prop-erty to the Catholic Diocese. Local residents helped totransform the former medical office and remodel itinto a church.

When the church was nearly completed, a fire brokeout. As a result, support beams had to be placed intothe building to support the sagging ceiling as a resultof the fire. While the beams kept the roof from col-lapsing, they also reduced the seating capacity of thechurch to about 50 and blocked the view of wor-

shipers. On October 16, 1983, the newly convertedchurch was dedicated and named after St. Francis ofAssisi. The old church building, though small, hasserved as CCD classrooms.

About four years ago, parishioners started talkingabout the need for a new church. Some residents ofIraan preferred to travel to Ozona, Sheffield, orMcCamey for Mass, while others simply stayed athome due to the inadequacy and poor condition of theold church. After much discussion, the parish wasgiven permission by Bishop Michael Pfeifer to beginraising funds to construct a new church. The idea was

(Please See IRAAN/19)

A new beginningfor Iraan’s St.

Francis of Assisi

Top, Bishop Michael D.

Pfeifer, speaking at the

opening of the new St.

Francis of Assisi Church,

in Iraan, on Tuesday,

November 19; at left,

Bishop Pfeifer conse-

crates the church’s new

altar, and at right the

choir at St. Francis.

(Photos by Jimmy

Patterson/The Angelus.)

Page 6 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

By Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI

If we carefully review the ministries in our churches,it is evident that Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) is one ofthe least developed. Every other ministry that we canpoint to in the Church has much more development thanthe ministry geared to serve adults. Some casually brushaside the need for this ministry by saying: “Oh, they cantake care of themselves. You know they go to be a cer-tain age, what can we offer these old folks anyway?”

Senior Adult Ministry means many different things tomany different people. To some it might mean Biblestudy, to others perhaps it means fellowship and trans-portation. Some have even referred to this ministry asbingo, brownies, and bus trips. Certainly there is a fel-lowship and socialization factor in Senior AdultMinistry, but we must give attention to what the mainpurpose for this ministry for adults is all about.

A good definition for Senior Adult Ministry is that it isthe creation and the execution of spiritual developmentactivities, opportunities and services, all designed toenrich the connection of the senior adult with God. Thecore of this ministry is relationship with God. We arenever too young, nor too old, for this relationship, as thisis what the Christian life is all about.

The ministry for senior adults must be personal, practi-cal and relevant. In other words, we are talking aboutthose issues and things that are important in the lives ofsenior adults. We can’t be talking about spiritual devel-opment as something that is divorced from and void ofthe real richness of what life is all about. Senior AdultMinistry, first and foremost, needs to be directed to theperson of the senior. We are talking about individualpeople who are on an individual spiritual developmentpath with Jesus Christ.

The vision for SAM encompasses the comprehensive

needs of senior adults today. When we neglect the seniormembers in our Church, we are neglecting an essentialpower element of the Church. Senior adults are the peo-ple that laid the cornerstone in our churches. These arethe people that gave the money to build the pews andput on the roofs. These are the people that brought theirchildren to be baptized and to share in the otherSacraments and services of the Church. Senior Adultsare truly the backbone of the Church. We can’t turn ourbacks on them after all that they have given to ourChurch.

In so many ways, the future belongs to senior adults.Perhaps our culture will never again have the numbersand proportion of adults to youth as we do right now.Life extension efforts are succeeding and humanlongevity continues to march on and on.

In the communities of our diocese, we need a newagenda for senior life folks. This agenda must genuinelyand sincerely include senior adults in the total life of theChurch, inviting them to become creative and set newcourses for holistic human productivity. We need toinvolve the senior adults themselves in this ministry,developing with them goals and objectives and direc-tions that can help to enrich their total lives.

I strongly encourage all the priests, pastoral coordina-tors and pastoral leaders of our diocese to reflect seri-ously on developing ministries with and for our senioradults. I express my deepest gratitude to all the seniormembers of our diocese for the many contributions—both spiritual and material—that they have given to theChurch of the Diocese of San Angelo.

Senior adult ministry must be given more attention in diocese

Statue of St. Michael, defender of God’s people, consecrated in RomeBy Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI

A few months ago, when Pope Francis,accompanied by Pope Emeritus BenedictXVI, blessed a statue of St. Michael theArchangel in the Vatican Gardens andconsecrated the Vatican City to St.Michael, asking the saint’s protectionfrom evil, Pope Francis spoke these wordsabout this great Archangel of God:

We have gathered here in the VaticanGardens to inaugurate a monument toSaint Michael the Archangel, patron of theVatican City State. It is an initiativeplanned some time ago, with the approvalof Pope Benedict XVI, to whom alwaysgo our affection and gratitude and towhom we wish to express our great joy tohave him present here in our midst today.My heartfelt thank you!

MICHAEL: THE CHAMPION OFGOD’S PRIMACY

There are several artistic works in theVatican Gardens; however, this one, whichis added today, assumes a place of particu-lar importance, be it for its location, be itfor the meaning it expresses. In fact, it’snot only a celebratory work, but an invita-tion to reflection and prayer, which is wellinserted in the Year of Faith. Michael —which means: “Who is like unto God?” —is the champion of God’s primacy, of Histranscendence and power. Michael fightsto re-establish divine justice; he defendsthe People of God from its enemies andabove all of the enemy par excellence, thedevil. And Saint Michael triumphs becauseit is God who acts in him. This sculpture,then, reminds us that evil has been van-quished, the accuser is unmasked, his headis crushed, because salvation was accom-plished once and for all in the Blood ofChrist.

TO CAST THE EVIL ONE OUTSIDEVATICAN CITY STATE

Even if the devil always tries to scratchthe Archangel's face and man's face, Godis stronger; the victory is His and His sal-vation is offered to every man. We are notalone in life's journey and trials; we areaccompanied and sustained by the Angelsof God who offer, so to speak, their wingsto help us surmount so many dangers, tobe able to fly high in regard to those reali-ties that can weigh down our life or dragus down. On consecrating Vatican CityState to Saint Michael the Archangel, weask him to defend us from the Evil Oneand to cast him outside.

As bishop of the Diocese of SanAngelo, I pray that St. Michael theArchangel, my patron saint, watch overand protect all the people of our diocese,and especially defend all of us from thedevil and his fallen angels.Artwork of St. Michael the

Arcangel, at left.

Vincentian Father Jose-

Maria Lusarreta delivers

rolls to women at the

daily luncheon for the

elderly at "Casa de

Abuelos" ("Grandparents

House") in Havana Feb. 9.

(CNS Photo)

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 7

The Joy of the Gospel

Pope Francis confronts internal concernsBy Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — When the Synod of Bishops onthe new evangelization met at the Vatican in October2012, among the top items on the agenda was the threatof militant secularism in a post-Christian West.

"It is as if a tsunami of secular influence has sweptacross the cultural landscape, taking with it such socie-tal markers as marriage, family, the concept of the com-mon good and objective right and wrong," and posingnew impediments to spreading the Gospel, CardinalDonald W. Wuerl of Washington, the synod's relator,told the gathering at its first working session.

The same topic arose repeatedly in addresses bysynod fathers, especially those from Europe and NorthAmerica, and in the final propositions they gave thepope as the basis for his post-synodal apostolic exhorta-tion. But Pope Benedict XVI resigned before he couldwrite such a document, leaving the task to his successor,who finally responded with "Evangelii Gaudium" ("TheJoy of the Gospel"), published Nov. 26.

In writing the apostolic exhortation, Pope Francisdeparted from usual practice and declined to use thedraft provided by synod officials. The result is a text inthe pope's distinctive voice and focused on his particu-lar concerns. Among the features that distinguish"Evangelii Gaudium" from the synod that gave rise toit, none is more striking than how little attention it paysto the problem of secularism.

The pope criticizes contemporary society and culture,especially in the world's richer nations, for their "idola-

try of money" and an "economy of exclusion andinequality." But he makes only a few broad referencesto the "crude and superficial" intolerance of unbelieversand the danger a distorted pluralism poses to religiousfreedom.

By contrast, Pope Francis devotes much of his exhor-tation to the shortcomings of the church itself. Helaments its "excessive centralization" in the Vatican,which he finds a hindrance to the church's "missionaryoutreach." He complains about members of religiousorders who show an "inordinate concern for their per-sonal freedom and relaxation," and about priests"obsessed with protecting their free time."

The pope criticizes those who show an "ostentatiouspreoccupation with the liturgy, doctrine and the church'sprestige, but without any concern that the Gospel have areal impact on God's faithful people and the concreteneeds of the present time." He upbraids Catholics with a"business mentality, caught up with management, statis-tics, plans and evaluations, whose principal beneficiaryis not God's people but the church as an institution."And he regrets that women do not yet have a sufficientrole in decision-making within the church.

Pope Francis also deplores divisiveness within theranks, writing: "It always pains me greatly to discoverhow some Christian communities, and even consecratedpersons, can tolerate different forms of enmity, division,calumny, defamation, vendetta, jealousy and the desireto impose certain ideas at all costs, and even persecu-tions which appear as veritable witch hunts. Whom arewe going to evangelize if this is the way we act?"

Most remarkably, the pope devotes nearly a tenth ofthe entire document to suggestions for improving

priests' homilies, which in his telling are all too oftenmoralistic, unlearned, disorganized and verbose.

These problems matter, the pope makes clear, insofaras they impede efforts to make the church's structures"more mission-oriented, to make ordinary pastoralactivity on every level more inclusive and open, and toinspire in pastoral workers a constant desire to go forthand in this way to elicit a positive response from allthose whom Jesus summons to friendship with him."

It is thus surprising that, with the possible exceptionof a reference to the "pain and the shame we feel at thesins of some members of our church," Pope Francisdoes not even allude to what most people inside andoutside the church would regard as its greatest scandalof recent years: the sexual abuse of minors by priests.This scandal is not, strictly speaking, a question ofevangelization. But as Pope Benedict wrote to theCatholics of Ireland in March 2010, church leaders' fail-ures to prevent and punish clerical sex abuse "haveobscured the light of the Gospel to a degree that noteven centuries of persecution succeeded in doing."

Over the last decade, bishops' conferences in a num-ber of countries, including the United States andCanada, have taken systematic action to protect childrenfrom this threat, and the Vatican has instructed the restof the world's bishops to do likewise. Yet by allaccounts the process is still far from complete. Carryingit out will presumably be a priority for Pope Francis, aspart of his campaign to reform and purify the church atevery level for the sake of its essential evangelical mis-sion.

Pope Francis, left, and, a copy of EvangeliiGaudium, “The Joy of the Gospel,” above.

By Fr. Ron Rolheiser

"Be careful not to seek yourself in love,you can end up with a broken heart thatway."

Therese of Lisieuxwrote that. But whatexactly does she mean,given that most of thetime love will break ourhearts anyway even ifwe're not seeking our-selves?

The heart breaks indifferent ways. It canbreak in a way that soft-ens, purifies, and stretches it in love andselflessness, or it can break in way thatmakes it bitter, jealous, and cold.Heartbreaks can be warm or cold and,either way, the pain will bring us to ourknees and that moment will define us, oneway or the other. Let's look at an exam-ple:

At the end of the Victor Hugo's, LesMiserables, there's a particularly poignantscene where Jean Val Jean, now an oldman, is praying in an inordinately lonelymoment. It's the evening of his adopteddaughter's wedding, a celebration he isunable to attend. He is on his knees,painfully alone, physically ill, emotionallydrained, and acutely aware that the young

woman who has brought so much joy andmeaning to his life will now be drawingher life from someone else. Indeed she isdancing and celebrating at this verymoment when his grief in losing her is sogreat.

But, despite the pain, his heart is atpeace, joyful even, at the knowledge thatthe young man she has fallen in love withand is marrying will provide her with thevery joy that he, as her father, could notgive her. In the moment of his deepestloss, he is able to be happy for her and towithdraw quietly without bitterness intothat self- effacement and solitude that lossand aging eventually ask of us all. As hisheart is breaking, he blesses and lets go,knowing that what is most important, hisdaughter's happiness, is assured and that,given the mystery of love, his own rela-tionship to his daughter is ensured by hisgracefully letting go.

That's one example of a heart breaking,in a good way. The opposite is the heart-break we experience when we lose some-body and our hearts freeze over in jeal-ousy and bitterness. What that bitternessand coldness reveal in fact is that, allalong, it was not the other's well-being wehad been seeking, but our own. The proofis that now, when we can no longer be theprimary relationship in that other person'slife, we no longer really wish him or her

well. Indeed, not so subtle is the wish thata certain unhappiness will befall thatother, so that he or she will know that itwas a mistake to no longer remain prima-rily invested in us.

That's the antithesis of the blessing wesee at the end of Les Miserables whereJean Val Jean, despite the pain of his ownloss, can rejoice that someone else can bea more powerful instrument of happinessthan he in his daughter's life. He can behappy because his love is for his daughter,not for himself.

Notice what underlies a murder-suicide.There is a broken heart, but when itbreaks a rage spews forth that revealsthat, all along, the love has not been forthe other but for oneself. The cold truthbecomes clear: If I can't be the main per-son in her life, nobody will be! Better herdead, than without me! What kind of lovehas this been along the way?

We replicate this in subtle ways: Indeedmany of the tears we shed are cried notfor others but for ourselves. We may thinkwe're crying about someone else's pain,but, more often than not, what is revealedin our tears is more our own possessive-ness than our compassion, more our ownbrokenness than the wounds over whichwe think we are weeping. In our tears,just as in love, we are often unconsciouslyseeking ourselves.

We replicate this too, more than wethink, in our good deeds and generositytowards others. We can be generous, big-hearted, self- sacrificing, and helpful, aslong as we are assured that we are need-ed, that we are important, that nobodyelse can quite provide what we are giving.But, should we one day find out thatsomeone else has arrived who is wantedmore than we are, we can very quicklybecome cool and distant, resentful even,because someone else is providing a helpand a happiness instead of us, perhapshealthier and deeper than ours. Theresentment we feel betrays that, to a largemeasure, what we were seeking in ourgenerosity was ourselves, not someoneelse's happiness.

All of this, of course, can be even morepainfully true when we fall in love andexperience the heartaches and heartbreaksthat go with that.

And so is a doctor's warning, a healthwarning, a fair warning: "Be careful notto seek yourself in love, you can end upwith a broken heart that way."

———

Ronald Rolheiser, a Roman Catholicpriest and member of the MissionaryOblates of Mary Immaculate, is presidentof the Oblate School of Theology in SanAntonio.

Page 8 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

Catholic Voices

When in love, be prepared for the coming heartbreaks

By Fr. Robert Barron

Two famous men died on November 22, 1963. Thefirst did so in the most dramatic way possible, assassi-nated in the full glare of publicity on the streets ofDallas; the second in relative obscurity,in the upstairs bedroom of his simplehome on the outskirts of Oxford,England. John F. Kennedy’s legacy has,of course, been enormous, but I wonderwhether C.S. Lewis has actually, in thecourse of these past 50 years, had agreater impact on the culture than hiscounterpart. When he died at the age of65, Lewis’s reputation was on the wane,but he has enjoyed an extraordinaryposthumous vogue, as two successive generations havedelighted in his literary criticism, his novels, and aboveall, his clever and incisive Christian apologetics.

One reason why Lewis has proven so persuasive toso many is that he was compelled to undergo a transi-tion—halting, painful, anguished—from non-belief tobelief. Though he had been brought up in a Christianenvironment, he had lost his faith by the time he entered

university. He was not someone to whom religious con-viction came naturally or effortlessly; he had to work hisway to it, in the face of often harsh opposition, bothinterior and exterior. This very personal struggle giveshim credibility with the millions today who want tobelieve but who find ideological secularism and militantatheism enormously challenging.

A second reason why Lewis was successful was thathe came at Christian apologetics primarily from a liter-ary rather than a philosophical point of view. I want tobe careful not to overstate the case here: Lewis certain-ly understood philosophy and used it at times in hisapologetics both effectively and creatively. Think, forinstance, of the subtle analysis offered in his bookMiracles. But Lewis was, first and foremost, a man ofletters—a poet and storyteller. His area of academicspecialization was the literature of the 16th century—hewrote with tremendous insight on Milton—and his firstpublished writings were poems.

This background allowed him to see something whichis often overlooked in more academic and analyticalpresentations of the Christian faith, namely, thatChristianity is, at bottom, a narrative, a story, an accountof the dramatic things that God has done. Certainly

doctrinal statements can be distilled from the Biblicalrevelation (in fact, that’s what most of formal theologydoes), but revelation is contained primarily in narrativeform—and this matters profoundly. The Bible tells thestory of how God’s good creation, sullied by sin, isrestored through the return of God himself as king. Thisaccount contains many subplots and it is surrounded bya plethora of poetry, psalms, wisdom sayings, and othermaterial that support it—but finally, the Bible is a rol-licking adventure story, full of drama, reversals, adven-ture, and marked by a happy and triumphant ending.

Throughout his career, and in a variety of works,Lewis exulted in telling and re-telling this story. Thus,in his most famous work of apologetics, MereChristianity, he explained that the one God had to dobattle with the dark spiritual power that had unjustlytaken possession of his world—which is why the Christchild was obliged to arrive so surreptitiously, so clan-destinely, sneaking, as it were, behind enemy lines. Thevery same tale is told in the Chronicles of Narnia. Butin that imaginative setting, the devil becomes the WhiteWitch, who has plunged Narnia into a 100 years of

(Please See BARRON/23)

C.S. Lewis: Evangelizing with the great teller of the Christian tale

Rolheiser

Barron

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 9

By Stephen KentCatholic News Service

There is an ongoing war on the poorbeing waged in this nation, says NobelPrize-winning economist Paul Krugman.

"There is indeed awar on the poor,coinciding with anddeepening the painfrom a troubledeconomy. And thatwar is now the cen-tral, defining issueof American poli-tics," he recentlywrote in The New YorkTimes.

"There's not much about fiscal respon-sibility, but there's a lot about how thegovernment is rewarding the lazy and

undeserving," he wrote.On the front lines of this war, defend-

ing the poor, is the Catholic Campaignfor Human Development. As regular asturkey and football on Thanksgiving, thistime of year brings criticism of thatagency for doing what the church shouldbe about.

Some comes from a simple misunder-standing. It is a not the Catholic cam-paign for handouts, but for development:to develop is to empower.

The agency's mission is "to address theroot causes of poverty in Americathrough promotion and support of com-munity-controlled, self-help organizationsand through transformative education."

It is not similar to giving assistance tovictims after a massive natural disaster. Itis meant to change the system and thatleads to a certain amount of discomfort.

Community organizing is about powerand power engenders fear. Some feel thepoor should accept their place and gladlyaccept assistance to cope with their mis-erable lot in life rather than to changewhat brings about poverty.

So many, myself included, are satisfiedto use agents to carry out our responsibil-ity rather than to directly encounter thepoor. It is efficient and avoids encounter.Programs such as CCHD now have astrong advocate in high places. There's anew sheriff in town. Get used to the newreality.

Pope Francis is saying writing checksisn't enough. It is necessary to be closerto the disenfranchised and the poor. Eventhough Pope Francis is very close to hisfamily, as archbishop of Buenos Aires hewould often skip their barbecues to spendSundays or holidays with the poor, the

pope's sister said in an interview. His pri-ority was the neediest in his archdiocese,which meant he often spent Sundays orholidays in the city's shantytowns insteadof attending the family "asado" or barbe-cue, she said.

We look to some agents to implementour charity and so it should be. We allcan't go to the storm-ravaged Philippinesand offer direct assistance. But we can goto a soup kitchen and look the poor in theface (in addition to making financial con-tributions).

If the central defining issue ofAmerican politics is the attitude towardthe poor, as Krugman says, that is wherethe church in the United States belongs.Right now.---

Kent is the retired editor of archdioce-san newspapers in Omaha and Seattle.

Catholic Voices II

War on poor now the central defining issue in American politics

By Maureen Pratt Catholic News Service

Peace on earth. Good willtoward all. Comfort and joy. Lightand love. Prosperity. Purpose.

Did last year'swishes asexpressed insongs and greet-ings come topass in 2013?

Or, as weapproach anoth-er holiday sea-son, with anoth-er round of carolsand cards, are you feeling tired?Hollow? Discouraged?Unfulfilled?

Are you wondering, "What's thepoint to these weeks of celebra-tion, gift-giving, sleep-depriva-tion-causing holiday responsibili-ties and reunions with people Idon't have much contact with theother 10 or 11 months of the year,let alone really like?"

Are you already looking pastDecember and into a new yearwhen it might seem that troubleswill only continue?

It is difficult to take off stressand put on cheer at any time ofyear, let alone during the jam-

packed holiday season. Many peo-ple I have spoken with, myselfincluded, have had extremely dif-ficult lives this year, pepperedwith loss, financial worry andhealth concerns.

It might even seem appealing tohibernate through the next six oreight weeks, only emerging whenthe new year is underway. But ifwe step back a bit from the adult-ness of how we feel, the bone-weary, emotionally drained indi-vidual buffeted by external pres-sures and internal angst, we mightbegin to feel differently.

This time of year, unlike otherweeks and months, is not for theworld-worn cynic, but for thechild.

We can choose to focus on thechild born in Bethlehem. Thisperiod is about the birth of JesusChrist, in a manger, far from glitzand glamour. He is the point ofthis season, and no special interestgroup or hectic schedule can tearus from this wondrous, peace-giv-ing gift from God, his only son,come down to earth. This seasonis for renewal of appreciation ofour faith.

This season is for the childrenamong us who have no inhibitionsabout expressing delight in laugh-

ter, unconditional love and eventoo-cute insistence in "how manymore days until ..."

It is to these children that histo-ry, traditions and -- most important-- faith practices are passed. Thereis no time like the holidays to rein-force the values and faith thatform the backbone for the oft-sung"people of good will."

The next few weeks is for thechild in all of us. Medical studiesshow the importance of laughterand play, the human need to taketime for rest and relaxation.

The days of Thanksgiving andChristmas are crucial for we whodesire to be better, do better andreflect all the good that God hasgiven us. We are celebrating amarvelous gift, one given freely,with complete love. Simply put, ifwe take the holidays too seriously,we will seriously miss the point.

Even if this year has been upand down, or more down than up,the point of the holiday season isnot to erode well-being and heapstress upon stress. Let's take theopportunity to breathe deeply,enjoy the world with childlikeeyes and renew our faith, energyand focus so that no matter whatthe next year brings we will meetit with courage and strength.

'Tis the season ... to calm down

Kent

Pratt

We may have a problem

Page 10 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

By Fr Tad Pacholczyk

Guilt has gotten a lot of bad pressrecently. We live in an age where guiltis practically always something bad,something to get past with the help ofa shrink. Particularly when discussingsex, people will declare that religionand morality do nothing more thanmake people feel guilty. AndrewAaron, a sex and marriage therapist inNew Bedford, Massachusetts seems tosubscribe to this view: “Through centuries,” hewrites, “religious education has associated sexwith what is wrong and sinful rather than what issacred. Instead of an expression of the divine, sexis suspiciously regarded as weakness of the flesh.The result of this influence is that sexuality, anatural part of being human, is tainted withshame, guilt, and ambivalence.”

Every instance of erotic satisfaction, sexualactivity or orgasm, however, cannot be automati-cally branded as sacred or as a divine manifesta-tion. We all recognize how easily the unbridledpursuit of sexual gratification can become anexploitative, self-centered and demeaning enter-prise. “Context” matters critically when it comesto getting sex right, and it is too easy in the sexu-ally permissive environment of today's society tomiss the core truth that the unique context forhuman sexual activity is a very specific one,namely, the beautiful setting of marriage, with itsmutual commitment and openness to children.

Father Thomas O'Donnell, S.J. in his"Medicine and Christian Morality" distills thematter to its essence in this way: "In the moralorder, all deliberately induced venereal pleasureis restricted to marriage and related in some way,either immediately or remotely, to a proper mari-tal act." From this perspective, the real harms webring upon ourselves and others when seeking tosatisfy the sexual impulse outside of its specificcontext should, in fact, elicit feelings of guilt onour part.

To put it simply, there is such a thing as “goodguilt,” which manifests our own inner awarenessof how we have acted against what is good forus, and violated the objective moral order.

I recall a story of a woman who committedadultery, and over time she struggled with feel-ings of guilt. What she ended up doing, in thissituation, was to rationalize her guilt away withthe help of her therapist. He managed to convinceher that she was a "genius of friendship." Thewoman became "spiritually thinner" in her rela-tionships with men, and ceased to grow humanly

and personally. Simply put, she entered into theworst possible state of spiritual affairs.

The potential that she had for any deeprelationships with members of the oppositesex was dashed by the way she resolved herguilt: men became objects for her craftygenius, and her relationships were reduced topower plays and manipulation. She graduallybecame an empty shell of a woman, with lit-tle left that was genuine inside of her. Shehad encountered real guilt in her life, but had

failed to engage it in a way that could lead togrowth, conversion and fulfillment, and her ther-apist likewise failed her, because he was not sen-sitive to the value of true guilt and the deepesthuman needs reflected in that guilt — the need toforgive and to be forgiven.

A few years back, Naomi Wolf wrote about afriend of hers who was a "Cornell-educated,urban, Democratic-voting 40-year-old cardiolo-gist." This friend had once had an abortion, andafterwards she said something Wolf found veryinteresting: "You know how in the Greek mythswhen you kill a relative you are pursued byFuries? For months it was as if baby Furies werepursuing me."

No matter what our education or background,no matter what our level of sophistication maybe, we have all received the gift of conscience,and the gift of “good guilt” that is ordered tohelping us confront ourselves and turn away fromwrongdoing. Pushing away our good guilt or hid-ing it under the rug only makes our situationworse. We are the only creatures in the animalkingdom capable of illuminating our guilt, ofasking why we feel guilty.

Guilt is like a pain of the soul, and pain oftenindicates that something is wrong and we shouldsee a doctor. Our guilty feelings about wrongs orevils we have committed should lead us to seekthe Divine Physician, in the Sacrament ofReconciliation, where God's healing touch is per-sonally experienced. Forgiveness from God andneighbor leads us to healing and wholeness. Inthis sense, "good guilt" points to possibilities ofinner renewal and freedom. By becoming attunedto our guilt, and addressing it honestly, we dis-cover a real cause for hope.

Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doc-torate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of thediocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as theDirector of Education at The National CatholicBioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncb-center.org

Sex, truth and the illumination of our guilt

Making Sense of Bioethics

Pacholczyk

Bishops plan to address

pornography issue in

statement set for 2015By Dennis SadowskiCatholic News Service

BALTIMORE — The U.S. bishops Nov. 12 approved the devel-opment of a pastoral statement on the dangers pornography poses tofamily life that would serve as a teaching tool for church leaders.

On Day Two of their annual fall general assembly in Baltimore,the bishops voted 226 to 5 to allow the Committee on Laity,Marriage, Family Life and Youth to develop the statement.

Developing such a statement falls in line with an objective of theU.S. Conference of catholic Bishops' 2013-16 strategic plan toaddress pornography and its dangerous effects on family life.

The committee planned to bring a draft to the bishops in 2015. Itwould be the first formal statement on pornography issued by thebishops as a body.

In presenting the case for such a statement, Bishop Richard J.Malone of Buffalo, N.Y. (and current administrator of the Dioceseof Portland, Maine), the incoming chair of the committee, said thatpornography poses continuing pastoral challenges for the clergyand the faithful.

"The more pornography spreads, the more violent and debased itbecomes and the more it exploits the men and women who are partof the industry," he explained.

Citing the explosion of pornography on the Internet and itsexploitation of women, men and children, Bishop Kevin C.Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind., outgoing chairman of thebishops' Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, toldCatholic News Service prior to the meeting that committee mem-bers felt it was time for the USCCB to bring its moral voice to theworldwide debate.

"There's a lot of concern about the increasing availability andconsumption of pornography and its effect on marriages and fami-lies and on youth," Bishop Rhoades explained. "Pornography hasbecome more pervasive than it's ever been in history.

"Pornography is having such a detrimental effect that we thoughtit would be good to have the bishops as a whole body address thisissue. It's not been before that whole body. It's risen to that level ofconcern, I think," he said.

Family Safe Media, an online service offering families tips fordealing with profanity, promiscuity and violence in the media, esti-mates that 4.2 million websites -- 12 percent of the all websitesworldwide -- feature pornography. It projects that the industry gen-erates $57 billion annually through a variety of media.

Bishop Rhoades cited several concerns arising from pornogra-phy's pervasiveness, including children facing increasing exposureto it, addiction, and marital infidelity and divorce.

"Another factor is priests reporting as confessor the growingnumber of those confessing pornography use," the bishop added."Priests are seeking assistance on how to council people. There's agrowing number of women viewing it, but the vast majority is stillmen," Bishop Rhoades said.

"It has destroyed that trust and the intimacy between a husbandand wife. That can be very tragic," he added.

Bishop Rhoades was ending his three-year term as committeechairman at the end of the bishops' meeting. His successor, BishopRichard J. Malone of Buffalo, N.Y. and apostolic administrator ofthe Diocese of Portland, Maine, will oversee the drafting of thestatement.

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 11

By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI

In the forty years following the infa-mous Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Boltondecisions legalizing abortion on demandin our nation, the Catholic Bishops haveresponded with significant efforts of edu-cation, public policy, prayer, and pastoralcare. Over these years, the Church hasreached out with particular pastoral careto those who have been involved in thetragedy of abortion.

Recently, because of our many, manyprayers and rulings by the TexasLegislature resulted in the closing of allthree Planned Parenthood facilities in ourdiocese. As a result, there has been a sig-nificant increase in women seeking serv-ices. In seeking to rise up and meet someof the needs of these women, I am imple-

menting Project Rachel, a post-abortionprogram approved by the USCCB.Project Rachel will begin by being imple-mented as a collaborative ministrybetween the parishes of the San AngeloDeanery and the Pregnancy Help Centerin San Angelo. The Pregnancy HelpCenter already provides counseling serv-ices to post-abortive victims.

As we implement Project Rachel, ourgoal is to create joint awareness and out-reach between the parishes in the SanAngelo Deanery and the Pregnancy HelpCenter. Local priests, along with qualifiedparishioners, will be asked to providepastoral counseling, spiritual guidance,prayer support, Sacrament ofReconciliation, support groups, and otherliturgical opportunities. Be looking inyour parish bulletins for dates and loca-

tions. For example, there is a pro-lifeMass in the deanery each month andthere will be an Evening of Prayer andSharing for the unborn and victims ofabortion at Christ the King Retreat Center(CKRC) on Wednesday, December 11, at6:30 pm. CKRC will also host a city-wide Mass for the unborn and victims ofabortion on Friday, December 20, at 6:00pm. and will offer two Rachel’s Vineyardweekends on January 17-19 and May 16-18, 2014. Later on, other dates will beshared as regards bringing people togeth-er for prayer and sharing.

Project Rachel is being established firstas a pilot program in the San AngeloDeanery and already I and the DiocesanPro-Life Director are asking the otherdeaneries, working with the deanery Pro-Life Director, to begin establishing simi-

lar programs to support the efforts of theLife Centers in Midland, Odessa, andAndrews, and the Pregnancy ResourceCenter in Abilene. These centers alreadyhave some post-abortion programs, help-ing women who have had abortions. Inthe months ahead we will report theprogress and successes in the West TexasAngelus.

It is our hope that Project Rachel willhelp provide the assurance to thoseinvolved in abortion that will enable themto forgive themselves and others, whichare essential steps to healing. We need toremember, that we Catholics have thewonderful Sacrament of Reconciliation,God’s merciful healing and forgivenessthat can bring God’s mercy, pardon, andhealing love to women who have hadabortions.

Diocese of San Angelo to begin Project Rachel Ministry

Mertzon young people join 23,000 at National Catholic Youth ConferenceBy Sister Adelina GarciaOffice of Education and FormationDiocese of San Angelo

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — On November 21, a group of youngpeople and their chaperones from St. Peter Mission in Mertzonbegan their journey via shuttle and jet plane to Indianapolis, Ind.,for the National Catholic Youth Conference held November 21-23. This conference, held biennially, counted 23,000 participantsthis year at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indianapolis ConferenceCenter downtown.

The theme of the conference was “Signed, Sealed andDelivered.” Emcee Jesse Manibusan stressed how the youngpeople are the church right here, right now. They are called towelcome everyone. They are signed by their baptism, sealed bytheir confirmation, and delivered from sin by Jesus Christ’s deathand resurrection.

Keynote speakers included Bob Perron, Jackie Francois, andAnsel Augustine. They shared their thoughts of being adoptedchildren of God who are part of a forever family, being a personof faith and discipleship, and how we bear crosses and how theseexperiences can bring us closer to God.

The theme park, Inspiration Junction, an exhibit hall set up toreflect the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and offered the partici-pants opportunities to taken advantage of resources, visit voca-tion and college exhibits, and take part in service opportunities.Some made baby blankets, scarves, and packed food for the poorand hungry locally and in other parts of the world.Everyone had a wonderful time attending workshops, experienc-ing various forms of prayer, hearing great music, listening tochallenging keynote speakers, meeting new people from all overcountry and celebrating their faith. In addition to other bishopspresent, our own Bishop Michael Pfeifer was in attendance asalways. He truly affirms and supports the Young Church. Many thanks to the community of St. Peter for their support inhelping to make this trip possible. The conference certainly hada wonderful impact on the participants. The conference conclud-ed with the celebration of Eucharist.

Scenes from a Youth ConferenceYoung people and chaperones from Mertzon’s St. Peter

Mission, top and above, and at left, Bishop Pfeifer with one of

the Mertzon attendees. (Courtesy photos)

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 13Page 12 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

Help for the Philippines Help for the Philippines

West Texas raises $1.5million for typhoon

victims in Philippines

Filipino-American Assoc. raises $25k at SEAS eventThe Angelus

The Filipino-American Association ofthe Permian Basin sponsored the “Platefor a Cause” fund-raiser, raising $25,365for Filipino victims of the November 8Typhoon Haiyan.

Preparations for the fund-raiser, heldNovember 24, started weeks earlier withthe selling of tickets, requests for dona-tion from organizations in the area andfellow Permian Basin Filipino andfriends, a media campaign using

Facebook, securing the St. Elizabeth AnnSeton Church Parlor as well as the late-night, early-morning cooking and platingof the food. The FAA pre-sold 510 ticketsand were ready to sell as many as 600plates.

The fund-raiser day started in 28-degree temperatures but that did not deterthe fire burning within all of the associa-tion officers and volunteers who droveicy roads to get to the venue and helpwith the food preparation and plating.

“We were afraid nobody would comebecause of the weather and said that if

we didn’t have anybody coming, the foodwill be donated to Jesus House,” saidAllan Espina, president of the FAA.“People started trickling in after the 10am mass. We even delivered some platesto hospitals in Odessa as there were nurs-es and hospital employees who purchasedtickets in advance. The turnout was verygood and we prepared just enough foodto feed all those who wanted to supportthe cause.

“As president of the association, I amvery thankful to the dedication of theofficers, the support and selflessness of

the volunteers, the charity of those whodonated the desserts and the overwhelm-ing response and assistance that the peo-ple of West Texas conveyed. We wereable to raise $25,365 that day and more iscoming in. The money will go a longway in the support of those stricken bythe typhoon. We have sent the fundsraised to assist organizations in almosteight of the provinces affected by thecalamity. Again, I would like to conveyour gratitude to those who have heard ourcause. We are very thankful for beingheard and assisted.”

By Jimmy Patterson

Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI, of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo,announced November 27 that $500,000 was raised in just one week and willbe combined with a $1 million gift pledged by an anonymous donor in thePermian Basin for a total gift of $1.5 million for the victims of the cata-strophic typhoon that struck the Philippines, November 8. More than 160individuals, groups, churches and foundations played important roles in help-ing raise $500,000 in donations, and the donor has indicated that the releaseof the $1 million will be sent to Catholic Relief Services to fulfill the com-mitment of the match. CRS is providing emergency support and relief to thevictims and all funds collected will be directed to the people of thePhilippines through CRS.

In November, an anonymous donor pledged to match 2-to-1 all donationsraised up to $500,000 for the purpose of assisting the most severely affectedvictims of the typhoon.

“I am ecstatic and filled with joy to know that through the generosity ofmany, many people, including the Diocese of San Angelo, with the encour-agement and active assistance of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), that the$1M match has been met,” said Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, of the Diocese ofSan Angelo.

Bishop Pfeifer noted that he received the joyful news around noon,Wednesday, November 27, 2013 from CRS, that the match had officiallybeen met and the donor would soon be meeting the match. Bishop Pfeifersaid last week he was confident the $500,000 required by the anonymousdonor could be raised within a week’s time; the donor had allowed for thematch to be raised by the end of December.

Bishop Pfeifer points out that this generous donation comes in a wonderfultime of the year as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, a time to thank God forthe many blessings we have, and a special way of thanking God for ourblessings and gifts is to share our gifts with others who have much less thanwe do.

“We are helping to make Thanksgiving happen for the hundreds of thou-sands of victims affected by the catastrophic typhoon in the PhilippineIslands,” Pfeifer said. “I am sure those affected by this terrible disaster arevery grateful for this generous, as well as other generous donations.”

To help meet the match of $1 million, the Diocese of San Angelo alonehad given $96,820.57 as of November 27, 2013. Bishop Pfeifer points outthat he is deeply grateful to the many generous donors who stepped forwardto make this match happen and for the many other generous donations thatare being sent to thousands and thousands who are struggling just to stayalive in the Philippines.

Bishop Pfeifer pointed out that he hopes that many more major donors willcome forward individually, or as a corporation or commercial group, to pro-pose similar fundraising matches. This is a splendid way of encouraging peo-ple to give generously when they know there is a particular goal in mind.

Bishop Pfeifer and CRS are deeply grateful to all those who have madethis generous match possible, and an enormous gratitude is owed to themajor donor who will release the $1M to be sent to the Philippine Islandsthrough CRS.

Scenes from the devastation in the Philippines following a November 8 typhoon, which some experts

have deemed to be the strongest storm to have ever hit Earth. (CNS Photos).

Page 14 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

Sister Pauline Block, Olfen nativeDADE CITY, Fla. — Sister Pauline Block

(Laura Elizabeth) of St. Leo, Fla., took herpeaceful final journey to her heavenly home onNovember 14, 2013. She was born on theBernard Matthiesen home place in RunnelsCounty, Olfen, Texas, on January 28, 1915.Laura, the oldest of six, was often given thejob of watching her younger brothers and sis-ters. Stories about riding a donkey, care-takingher little brothers, feeding cows, and the newModel T Ford car are all part of her history.Attending Olfen Catholic School until the ageof 15, she traveled to St. Leo, Fla., to join theBenedictine Sisters. Laura's life was greatlyinfluenced by the Benedictine Sisters of OlfenSchool. She liked the way their life was devot-ed to community, family, and unity. Because ofthis influence, she was one of five girls of theOlfen community that decided to join theOrder of Benedictine Sisters of Florida. OnJuly 30, 1930, age 15, Laura boarded a train

called "the peanut pusher" at the station inRowena, to begin her life as a FloridaBenedictine Sister. At the convent, Laura con-tinued her education. During her novitiate,Laura changed her name to Sister PaulineBlock. She made her Final Vows on June 13,1936. She said “It was a beautiful ceremonywith a real commitment to Christ for life." Shecontinued her education at Sacred HeartCollege in Cullman, Ala., and Saint LeoUniversity. Gifted with the ability to reachsmall children, her focus during her 58 yearteaching career (1934-1992) was in elementaryeducation, specializing in reading at the pri-mary level. Sister was committed to ensuringthat every child she taught could read. Sisterprovided little ones with a firm grounding in

the basics at parochial schools in New Orleansand Slidell, La., Ocala; San Antonio; Sarasotaand Miami, Fla.

She also served as Assistant Director of St.Benedict Prep School for boys. Former stu-dents who have become successful lawyers,doctors and school principals say they neverforgot their grade school teacher …“She wastough!” Sister also prepared children for theirFirst Communion and taught catechism at theDiocesan Summer Camp Good Council. SisterPauline graciously undertook any task that shewas assigned. For years she was the sisters’champion coif-maker (the sisters’ head-dress)and was also assigned to helped cook in thekitchen at the priory. The clothing worn bySister Pauline changed with the times. Shestarted by wearing the black veil and habit. Inthe early 60s the habits changed to a black uni-

(Please See SISTER BLOCK/19)

Sister

Pauline

Block

Obituary

MOTC makes retreat with female residents of Ron Jackson TJJD facilityBy Fr. Tom Barley

BROWNWOOD — The Women’s MOTC Team hadits fourth annual retreat with the girls at the RonJackson TJJD Facility in Brownwood. Many newmembers joined us and experienced the Holy Spirit inour ministering. Each year the retreat seems to have astronger effect on the girls. It also has a tremendousspiritual effect on the team members. The result of theretreat on the girls is more of the girls are coming for-ward and asking to be baptized or received into theChurch or to receive Confirmation. The regular visitsfrom the team bring a witnessing of the love of Christto them in a way that draws them into the beginnings oftheir relationship with Our Lord, Jesus the Christ.Having said this, we also realize how these girls havetouched our hearts, lives, and souls through theirresponse to God’s healing love. This is witnessed inthe following write-up by Lauren Moeller, a team mem-ber and a graduate student at Angelo State University.

Because of You My Life Has ChangedBy Lauren Moeller

“Because of you… my life has changed.”I fold shut the letter and my eyes fill with tears. For the past several years I have been a member of

the Ministry of the Third Cross, which has traveled toBrownwood annually to put on a women’s ACTSretreat for juvenile inmates in the Ron JacksonCorrectional Complex. When I first began this ministry,I had a conviction to reach out to the young womenimprisoned in Texas, to share God’s love and my time.Today, three years after I first began, I realize that Goddidn’t lead me to this ministry to help others but ratherhe lead me to this ministry for healing and hope.

We all have our own plans for our how our livesshould go and we all have our own philosophies abouthow God should use us to minister. However, God tellsus in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have foryou,’ declares the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you and notharm you; plans for hope and a future.” Even in ourhardest times, He knows what is best. And for me, Heknew that the Ministry of the Third Cross would be a

blessing. From the surface, this ministry has allowed itsmembers to spread God’s love through song, prayer,scripture, smile, word, and hope. However, as anymember of the Ministry of the Third Cross will tell you,prison ministry is a two-way relationship in which theinmates minister to the MOTC members as much as we

Please See MOTC/19

Teams members with the Ministry of the Third Cross, which takes the ACTS retreat into correctional facilities (Courtesy

photo).

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 15

Cardinal DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, chosen vice president of USCCBBALTIMORE (CNS) -- Archbishop

Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., waselected president of the U.S. Conferenceof Catholic Bishops by a wide marginNov. 12.

The archbishop, the current USCCBvice president, received 125 votes duringthe first round of balloting during thefall general assembly of the U.S. bishopsin Baltimore.

In the voting for vice president,Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo ofGalveston-Houston was elected to thepost during the third round of voting.

He defeated Archbishop Charles J.Chaput of Philadelphia, 147 to 87.

Archbishop Kurtz easily outdistancedthe nine other candidates for president,who received a total of 111 votes.Cardinal DiNardo tallied the secondhighest vote total with 25.

Cardinal DiNardo has headed theArchdiocese of Galveston-Houston since2006, when as coadjutor archbishop, heimmediately succeeded ArchbishopJoseph A. Fiorenza when he retired.Then-Archbishop DiNardo was named acardinal in 2007, making him the firstcardinal from Texas.

The cardinal was set to begin a three-year term as chairman of the Committeeon Divine Worship at the conclusion ofthe assembly, but he had to vacate thatseat when he was elected vice president.The bishops voted to elect BishopArthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, N.J., tothe position over Archbishop Allen H.Vigneron of Detroit, 114-112.

With the election of Archbishop Kurtzto head the USCCB for the next threeyears, the bishops returned to the prac-tice of electing a sitting vice president to

the conference presidency.The archbishop, who has headed the

Louisville Archdiocese since 2007, hadno immediate comment after his electionand acknowledged the vote with a sim-ple wave to his fellow bishops on thefloor of the assembly.

In 2010, the bishops elected then-Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of NewYork as president. His term was to endNov. 14 as the fall general assemblyconcluded.

The election of the New York prelate,named a cardinal in February 2012,marked the first time since the bishops'conference was reorganized in 1966 fol-lowing the Second Vatican Council thata sitting vice president who sought thepresidency did not win the election. Hedefeated then-vice president BishopGerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., onthe third ballot.

In two previous elections, circum-stances dictated that the vice president

did not rise to lead the conference.In 1974, Coadjutor Archbishop Leo C.

Byrne of St. Paul and Minneapolis, vicepresident since 1971, died less than amonth before his term ended. Threeyears later, Cardinal John J. Carberry ofSt. Louis as vice president declined torun for the top spot because he was 73and due to retire before he could com-plete a three-year term as president.

The president and vice president areelected by a simple majority from a slateof 10 nominees. If no president or vicepresident is chosen after the secondround of voting, a third ballot is takenbetween only the top two vote-getters onthe second ballot.

In this year's USCCB election, thevote for vice president took three ballotsto conclude. In each round, CardinalDiNardo was the leading vote-getter. Hereceived 51 votes during the first roundand 78 votes during the second round.

Highlights of USCCB

Annual Meeting

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- During the Nov. 11-12 public sessions of the annual fall gener-al assembly of the U.S. Conference ofCatholic Bishops in Baltimore, the bishops:

4Approved the development of a pastoralstatement on the dangers pornographyposes to family life that would serve as ateaching tool for church leaders. TheCommittee on Laity, Marriage, Family Lifeand Youth will develop the statement, pro-viding a draft to the bishops in 2015.

4Nearly unanimously approved severalsteps toward adapting the Mexican MisalRomano for use in the U.S. The Mexicantranslation of the missal will have Masspropers for the U.S. calendar included,with publication possible as soon as fall of2015.

4 Approved adaptations for the Order ofCelebrating Marriage and OK'd a newtranslation of the Order of Confirmation foruse in U.S. dioceses.

4 Heard a report on the USCCB's effortsto promote and defend traditional mar-riage, which stressed that recent lawshave placed the legal defense of marriage"at a critical point in this country."

4 Heard a report on the work of CatholicRelief Services, which highlighted what theagency is doing for survivors of SuperTyphoon Haiyan. The agency has alreadycommitted $20 million in emergency aid,with the funds expected to come from a sec-ond collection CRS asked U.S. bishops totake in their dioceses before the end of theyear.

4Approved a budget for 2014 andapproved a 3 percent increase in diocesanassessments starting in 2015.

4 Heard a report on "important progress"being made in bishops' priorities for 2013-16 in their efforts to protect the life anddignity of the human person, to strengthenmarriage and family life, to promote reli-gious liberty, and to improve faith formationand sacramental practice.

4 Approved adding a new staff person tothe Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities towork on a national level with the post-abor-tion ministry Project Rachel funded by aKnights of Columbus grant.

4 Approved the advancement of the saint-hood cause of Mother Mary Teresa Tallon,who founded the Parish Visitors of MaryImmaculate, an order focused on contem-plation and door-to-door, personal ministry.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo,

Archbishop of Houston-

Galveston, right, at the

recent USCCB Annual

Meeting, during which he

was named the group’s

vice president.

Pope names Dallas seminary rector Fort Worth bishopWASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Francis has

appointed Msgr. Michael F. Olson, who iscurrently rector of Holy Trinity Seminary atthe University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, tohead the Diocese of Fort Worth.

Bishop-designate Olson, is a Fort Worthdiocesan priest. He succeeds Bishop Kevin W.Vann, who was named bishop of the Dioceseof Orange, Calif., in September 2012.

The appointment was announced Nov. 19in Washington by Archbishop Carlo MariaVigano, apostolic nuncio to the U.S..

Bishop-designate Olson, who has been Holy Trinity's rectorsince 2008, will be ordained and installed Jan. 29 at a Mass tobe celebrated in the Fort Worth Convention Center. He willbecome the second youngest bishop in the United States to leada diocese. The youngest bishop is fellow seminary classmateBishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M. Both are graduates of

the St. Mary's Seminary in Houston."I am very humbled and deeply moved by Pope Francis'

appointment of me to serve as the bishop of Fort Worth," thenewly named bishop said at a news conference at the Fort Worthdiocesan Catholic Center. "In a very special way, I am delightedto return home to the Diocese of Fort Worth to serve the priests,deacons, religious, and all of the faithful as their bishop."

He is the first priest of the Fort Worth diocese to be named abishop and will lead an estimated 710,000 Catholics in 90parishes in the 28-county north Texas region.

"I know over the last 14 months we've all been praying for anew bishop and last Tuesday morning I received a phone callfrom the apostolic nuncio, who very graciously informed methat our Holy Father Pope Francis had asked me to be the nextbishop of Fort Worth," Bishop-designate Olson said. "Iresponded to him at the time, as I respond today, that relying onthe help of Almighty God and with the help of the BlessedMother, 'I accept.'"

Bishop-designate

Michael Olson

Page 16 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

Study QuestionsWhat the world is in particular

need of today is the credible wit-ness of people enlightened in mindand heart by the word of the Lord.(Porta Fidei No. 15) How is yourparish community a witness to themind and heart of Christ?

A culture of witness is sustained within the Church through marriageand the family. The communal rela-tionship that exists between andamong the three Persons of the Trinity is the model for Christian mar-riage, and through the Sacrament ofMatrimony, married love actually par-ticipates in Trinitarian love. (DisciplesCalled to Witness p.13)

The family, called the domesticChurch, is often the first placewhere one experience and isformed in the faith. In fact, “thenew evangelization depends largelyon the domestic Church.” It isthrough the example of the mothersand fathers, grandparents, siblings,and extended family members thatone most concretely witnesses howto live a Christian life. (DisciplesCalled to Witness p.13)

December: The Fourth Period (1965), part 1By Fr. Joe Uecker

December 2 found Pope Paul VI at the airport in Bombay,India. Today it is called Mumbai. This was another sensationalmedia event; it was Paul at his best: compassionate, spiritually

sensitive, as concerned about the plight of the world as much asthe plight of the Church. He had told the Cardinal Archbishop ofMumbai that he wanted to visit with the poor rather than therich. He came as a missionary with a new style, respectful of theindigenous religious traditions. This was an action to try to con-vince powerful nations to stop pouring so much money intoarms and more into clothing, shelter and medical care. Fromevery perspective the trip was a resounding success.

During the early days of December, this visit to India distract-ed the press from the black week. After returning, Paul tried toget some magazines to publish some articles to make known thepositive results of the third period. While many bishops also rev-eled in the pope’s visit to India, they still had many disturbingquestions arising from what had happened in St. Peter’s. In earlyJanuary Pope Paul set the date for the opening of the fourth –and last – period for September 14.

During the inter-session, there was much work to be done.Beginning in March, Paul began to celebrate Mass at manyparishes in Rome according to the new rite, thus showing hissupport for the Constitution on the Liturgy. Eleven documentsstill needed to be worked on. It was obvious to the commissionsthat the pope was going to take a more active role in supervisingthe procedures. He became much more of a micro manager. This

(Please See VATICAN/23)

Diciembre: El Cuarto Período (1965), primera partePor Padre Joe Uecker

El 2 de diciembre el Papa Pablo VI se encontró en elaeropuerto en Bombay. Hoy se llama Mumbai. Esto fueotro acontecimiento sensacional en la media. Fue Pablo alo mejor: compasivo, espiritualmente sensitivo, tan pre-ocupado por el destino del mundo como por el de laIglesia. Había dicho al Cardenal Arzobispo de Mumbaique quería visitar con los pobres en vez de los ricos.Llegó como misionero con nuevo estilo, respetando lastradiciones religiosas indígenas. Esto fue una acción enque trató de convencer a las naciones poderosas quedejen de gastar tanto dinero en armas y más en ropa,casas, y cuidado médico. De cualquier perspectivo, elviaje fue un éxito espectacular.

Durante los primeros días de diciembre, esta visita a laIndia distrajo a la prensa de la semana negra. Después devolver, Pablo trató de convencer a unos periódicos quepublicaran unos artículos para que la gente supiera losresultados positivos del tercer período. Es verdad quemuchos obispos estaban muy alegres por la visita delPapa a la India, pero todavía tenían muchas preguntasdifíciles, a causa de lo que había ocurrido en San Pedro.En los primeros días de enero, el Papa Pablo fijó la fechapara comenzar el cuarto – y último – período: el 14 de

septiembre. Durante el tiempo entre los períodos, había mucho tra-

bajo que hacer. Comenzando en marzo, Pablo comenzó acelebrar la Misa en muchas parroquias en Roma según elnuevo rito, así mostrando su apoyo por la ConstituciónSobre la Liturgia. Once documentos todavía necesitabantrabajo. Era evidente a las comisiones que el papa iba atomar un papel más activo supervisando los procedimien-tos. Llegó a ser más un micro-gerente. Esto tenía tresconsecuencias: 1) Las comisiones eran más conscientesen su trabajo de lo que el papa quería o lo que elloscreían que quería 2) La Comisión Coordinadora llegó aser menos y menos y más y más de la gerencia delConcilio se dio al Cardenal Felici. 3) En estas circunstan-cias, había muchas apelaciones más al papa.

Ningún esquema estaba sin problemas, pero había cua-tro con problemas graves: 1) El esquema sobre la rev-elación 2) El Decreto sobre la Libertad Religiosa 3) LaIglesia en el Mundo Moderno 4) Sobre los Judíos yReligiones no-Cristianas.

Durante el mes de agosto, los obispos alemanes semostraron más abiertos al documento sobre La Iglesia enel Mundo Moderno cuando se hicieron unos cambios. LaDeclaración sobre los Judios y Religiones no-Cristianasdespertó gran ansiedad entre todos los afectados. Había

una parte chiquita tratando a los Hindus y Buddhistas ymás sobre los Musulmanes. Los obispos y patriarcas delos ritos orientales estaban muy preocupados por la partesobre los Judíos por su locación geográfica y la cuestiónde “deicidio.” Al fin, no se hizo ninguna declaración, niacusando a los judíos de “deicidio”, no absolviéndolos deello. Una balanza delicada en verdad.

En junio, el “Grupo” envió una carta al Papa Pablopidiendo un cambio en los procedimientos. En agosto, elCardenal Cicognani replicó a la carta con un regaño hiri-ente. Le dijo al Grupo que su mera existencia era unaamenaza al éxito del Concilio y podría conducir a uncisma en la Iglesia.

El 14 de septiembre, el día en que el Concilio comenzóde nuevo, el Papa Pablo publicó una carta (motu proprio– su propia obra) Apostolica Sollicitudo, en que anuncióel comienzo del Sínodo de Obispos. Esto parecía unarespuesta a la cuestión de gobierno colegial, pero cuandouno lo examinó más detalladamente, fue evidente quenada se había cambiado porque el sínodo sería solamenteconsultivo y que el papa iba a controlar la agenda. Enrealidad era más una expresión de primacía papal quecolegialidad episcopal. El texto quitó la colegialidad dela realidad institucional de la Iglesia.

4 Vatican II: The Fourth Period (1965), Pt. 1

Pope Paul VI greets the faithful during the closure of the Second Vatican

Council in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 8, 1965. (CNS

photo/Catholic Press Photo)

By Father Kenneth Doyle Catholic News Service

Q. I notice that the Catholic bishops ofthe United States are holding their annualmeeting at the Marriott Hotel atBaltimore's InnerHarbor. This strikes meas an expensive site forthose who are constant-ly asking Catholics forcontributions to thepoor. (Don't they knowthat most of the faithfulcould not afford to stayat such a place for sev-eral days?)

It strikes me that there are many Catholicproperties around the country -- seminar-ies, abbeys or convents -- which couldaccommodate them for much less moneyand would serve as a better example.

Why don't the bishops take a page fromPope Francis and start acting like theoriginal apostles whom they claim to rep-resent? (Jamestown, Ky.)

A. Since his election in March of 2013,Pope Francis has continually calledChristians to examine themselves againstChrist's own witness to poverty. On the feastof St. Francis, the pope hosted a lunch for

the poor in Assisi; that same day headdressed townspeople in strong words, say-ing that "the church, all of us should divestourselves of worldliness. Worldliness is amurderer because it kills souls, kills people,kills the church."

Such a message rings especially true froma man who has chosen to live in a two-roommodest apartment in a Vatican hostel for vis-itors and to eat his meals at a common table.

Prompted by your question, I looked intothe U.S. bishops' choice of the BaltimoreMarriott for their annual meeting. What Ifound is that they are indeed sensitive to theGospel's call for simplicity.

In fact, some years ago their annual meet-ing was moved from Washington, D.C.,(where the U.S. Conference of CatholicBishops is headquartered) to Baltimore pre-cisely because hotel rooms in Baltimorerented for about two-thirds of what they hadbeen paying in D.C.

Another reason for the change was thatflights were generally cheaper intoBaltimore-Washington International Airportthan into Ronald Reagan WashingtonNational Airport.

Realistically, the options for such a largemeeting are limited. It requires a facility thatcan host 600 attendees, be easily accessiblefrom all parts of the nation and provide

60,000 square feet of space for meetings,religious services, news conferences, etc.

Sometimes what is ideal needs to be siftedthrough what is practical and possible. Yourquestion, though, serves as a valuablereminder: Optics are important, andChristians need habitually to view thingsthrough the lens of the poor.

Q. How should I respond to a youngcouple (raised Catholic) who do not planto baptize their infant children? (Theyintend to wait until the children are oldenough to decide on a religion for them-selves.) (Baltimore, Md.)

A. I would ask the couple whether they fol-low the same standard in other areas of childrearing. Since they're not sure whether theirson will grow up to like math, do they declineto teach him arithmetic when he is little?

The role of parents is to determine whatopportunities they have benefited from,what virtues and values have helped them,what moral framework can offer guidancethrough life -- and then to pass on the bestof what they have learned to their children.

What Catholic parents say by having theirinfants baptized is this: We believe (bothfrom our faith and from our experience) thatthe sacraments and Catholic teaching offer aclear channel to God, and we want our kidsto have that blessing.

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 17

By Father John Catoir Catholic News Service

The silence of God when you need himmost is one of the most difficult mysteries aperson of faith will ever have to face. Yes,prayer works, and weabsolutely need to rely onthe Lord's strength whentroubles come, but manyof us lose confidence inGod's love when he does-n't do exactly what wewant.

Jesus felt this emotionon the cross, when hecried out, "My God, myGod, why have you forsaken me?" inMatthew 27:46. Divine wisdom is beyondour comprehension. For instance, God takesloved ones home to heaven at the time that isbest for them, but not necessarily at the timethat is best for us.

If you ever feel let down by God, remem-ber that like Jesus on the cross, we too mustendure painful times.

One of the great mystics of the church,Meister Eckhart told us there would be timeswhen we must suffer God, meaning that wemust endure patiently what God imposes.

The single action of trusting God's love indifficult circumstances is an act of faith farmore meritorious than any of the long, verbalprofessions of faith recited in church.Cardinal John Henry Newman wrote that onedeed, done for God against our natural incli-nation, will win us great merit. That is anoth-er way of saying that our patience with God'ssilence will be generously rewarded. Remaintrusting when you are not getting your way.

It reminds me of the joke about the guy whowent into a diner. He said to the waitress, "Justgive me a kind word and a bowl of chickensoup!" She went right into the kitchen andsoon came out with his order. He smirked,"What about the kind word?" She leaned overand whispered, "Don't eat the soup!"

There are some messages and words wedon't like to hear. Some of them are "surren-der" and "accept."

Surrender because you are not in charge.The Lord is aware that life with its many sor-

rows is difficult. We all pine for paradise andyearn for God. He will always be with us.But when a loved one is taken from us, weshould at least have the grace to acknowledgethat the deceased person may be much happi-er. Let them be. God will supply all the sup-port and solace you need.

Accept that you cannot control life. Life isconsequential and time runs out for all of us.As you move into the future, choose yourthoughts wisely. If you allow yourself tobrood, your emotions will drown you in mis-ery. Keep the faith. Believe in God's love, nomatter what.

Despite God's silence, have the courage tosurrender to life as it presents itself. Acceptthe sadness but reject thoughts of anger anddesolation; they are merely toxic thoughtsthat will sabotage your happiness.

Your supreme purpose in life is to honorGod, love your neighbor and save yourimmortal soul. Abandon all doubt and skepti-cism. The act of trusting the Lord, despite hissilence, will give you the power to rejoicemore in his glorious creation.

Our Holy Father’s 2013 Monthly Intentions

DECEMBERVictimized Children. That

children who are victims ofabandonment or violence mayfind the love and protectionthey need.

Prepare the Savior'sComing. That Christians,enlightened by the Word incar-nate, may prepare humanityfor the Savior's coming.

JANUARY 2014Universal: That all may pro-

mote authentic economicdevelopment that respects thedignity of all peoples.

For Evangelization: ThatChristians of diverse denomi-nations may walk toward theunity desired by Christ.

Daily Offering PrayerJesus, through the

Immaculate Heart of Mary Ioffer you my prayers, works,joys and sufferings of this dayin union with the Holy Sacrificeof the Mass throughout theworld. I offer them for all theintentions of Your SacredHeart: the salvation of souls,reparation for sin and thereunion of all Christians. I offerthem for the intentions of ourbishops and of all Apostles ofPrayer, and in particular forthose recommended by ourHoly Father this month.

Bishops’ meeting and poverty; baptism

Be courageous: Learn to accept and surrender

Our Faith

Doyle

Catoir

Page 18 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

Your Family

Today’s tastemakerwas yesterday’sunpopular geek

By Karen Osborne / Catholic News Service

Have you ever heard of Felicia Day? She's aHollywood actress and producer, and she's super cool,whether you're a geek or gamer. A few years ago, sheshot the record-breaking web series"The Guild" on a shoestring budget inher house. These days, she runs one ofthe biggest channels on YouTube.

I've never met Day, but I imaginewe'd have a lot to talk about. We bothenjoy the same kinds of things. That'swhy I wonder if she went throughwhat I did in high school, mainly get-ting teased and bullied because I liked "Star Wars,"video games and other things that made me "nerdy."More than once, I thought of dropping those interestsfor something deemed more "popular."

I'm glad I stuck to my guns. I bet Day is, too.These days, she is seen as a cultural tastemaker when

it comes to all things geeky because, unlike when Iwas growing up, all of those geeky things are "in."They're super popular: Batman, Captain America, "TheBig Bang Theory" and "Game of Thrones." Geekystuff is important, big business these days.

In magazine interviews, Day talks about gettingpigeonholed into certain kinds of roles when shemoved to Hollywood, roles that weren't getting her towhere she wanted to be. Instead of waiting for othersto change their minds about her, she went out and cre-ated the roles she wanted for herself. Because she did-n't give up on what she loved, she's now a powerfulproducer and a cultural tour de force.

Culture changes. Public opinion is fickle. In 1995, ifI'd gone to a superhero movie, most people would havepointed and laughed.

Cultural values often seem set in stone: cool oruncool, in or out. But just look at fashion to see thatwhat's cool and what's not is as fluid as a river. Bellbottoms were popular in 1974. They were "out" andskinny jeans were "in" in 1982, but bell bottoms latermade a comeback, skinny jeans were "out" and havecome "in" once again.

Being cool is not about wearing the "right" clothes.The coolest thing is being who you are, and there's nobetter time than high school to find that out. Try every-thing. Play sports, join the robotics team, try out for aband or a play, and volunteer at a youth group. Younever know what you're going to discover.

Every tastemaker in the world today -- black orwhite, woman or man -- shares one specific habit:They didn't let others dictate what they thought wascool. They discovered it for themselves.

Every field needs people who love their work andare authentic about who they are and what they love.They need that to succeed and push society forward.

That person could be you.

By Bill DoddsCatholic News Service

Yes, the stores started displayingThanksgiving and Christmas itemsweeks ago, butthere's still plentyof time to get readyto ruin the holidaysfor you and yourfamily. It's easy!Just follow theseeasy instructions.

Say "yes" toevery invitation andrequest. Sure, that may mean draggingthe family to Thanksgiving dinner atone household at 1 p.m. and to anotherat 6 p.m., where you've been asked atthe first place you visit to bring yourfamous pumpkin pies and those won-derful homemade rolls you make atthe second dinner.

Never end a holiday tradition. Ever.Not even as your family continues toadd more of them year after year. Thisincludes decorating the outside of thehouse. Less isn't more. Only more ismore. Show those neighbors how it's

done.During Thanksgiving, Christmas and

New Year's, drink a lot, drink too much.Expect and demand that the day be

perfect. Perfect meal served on a per-fectly set table, with perfectly chosenand wrapped gifts under a perfectlydecorated Christmas tree with a per-fect spouse and children at all holidaygatherings -- especially at the in-laws.

When it comes to shopping for gifts,charge everything. Even if your budgetis tight or loved ones don't really needthose expensive items, remember thatcredit card bills don't show up until wayinto next year. At least a couple ofweeks into the new year right? There'sno better way to show love than to over-spend. True affections don't come fromthe heart; they come from the wallet.

Whenever the extended family gath-ers, prepare to do battle. This isn't thetime to let bygones be bygones. Be onhigh alert for any look, word or ges-ture that might be, just might be, somekind of shot at you.

And speaking of gatherings, no mat-ter the occasion, never hesitate tobring up politics or religion. Everyone

enjoys a lively and spirited conversa-tion. And what better time to educateothers who are (let's be honest here)remarkably wrong?

"Guilt" your nonpracticing-Catholicadult children into attending Masswith you. Mention that this might bethe last Christmas all of you aretogether. And that, for all they know,next year you could be dead.

Holiday? What's a "holiday"? Keepup a steady barrage of work-relatedphone calls, emails and texts. ConfineChrist to the 60 minutes of Mass onThanksgiving, Christmas and NewYear's -- 90 minutes if you attend theChristmas Eve Mass. And whileyou're at it, shoot a few pointedglances at all those twice-a-year-in-church Catholics who are packed ineverywhere and have even comman-deered your pew. Your pew!

Or, this year you could practice a littlemore kindness and patience, especiallywith yourself. This year, you could justenjoy times and celebrations with yourunique family and friends, thankingGod for them, and asking him to richlybless each and every one of them.

A few easy ways to ruin the holidays

Dodds

Osborne

Children's books: History, Pope Francis, moreReviewed by Regina LordanCatholic News Service

The following books are suitable forChristmas giving:4 "Friends of Liberty" by BeatriceGormley. Eerdmans Books forYoung Readers (Grand Rapids,Mich., 2013). 184 pp., $8.

A forbidden friendship, a stubbornbut likable protagonist and politicalturmoil make this novel a gem foryoung readers. Set during the monthsleading up to the Boston Tea Partymidnight raid on three tea ships,"Friends of Liberty" is about twoyoung girls who form a friendshipdespite their families' different eco-

nomic and political status during atime when being a Whig or a Torymeant everything. Young readers willlearn about taxation without represen-tation and America's journey to inde-pendence while enjoying a great storywith several twists and turns. Ages10-16.4"Speed" by Nathan Clement.Boyds Mills Press (Honesdale, Pa.,2013). 30 pp., $16.95.

Young NASCAR racing andMatchbox car enthusiasts will delightin the vivid illustrations and simple,but exciting, words in this book.Toddlers and early readers will learnabout car racing and colors while ono-matopoeias give a soundtrack to the

bright images of cars racing around atrack. A nice little twist at the end willmake adults smile as they read thebook aloud to youngsters. Ages 2-5.4 "Bambinelli Sunday: AChristmas Blessing" by AmyWelborn, illustrated by Ann KissaneEngelhart. Franciscan Media(Cincinnati, 2013). 33 pp., $15.99.

"Bambinelli Sunday" tells aChristmas tale of a lonely little boywho finds joy in his family and insharing the baby Jesus with others.Beautifully illustrated scenes ofwater-colored Italian streets will keepthe attention of little readers, and the

(Please See BOOKS/22)

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 19

EDICTAL SUMMONSNovember 14, 2013

CASE: McQUEEN -- LOWNO.: SO 13/53

The Tribunal Office of the Catholic Diocese ofSan Angelo is seeking Marilyn Gay Low.

You are hereby summoned to appear before theTribunal of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, at804 Ford Street, San Angelo, Texas 76905, on orbefore the 31st day of December 2013, to answerto the Petition of Phillip Gene McQueen, now intro-duced before the Diocesan Tribunal in an actionstyled, “Phillip McQueen and Marilyn McQueen,Petition for Declaration of Invalidity of Marriage.”Said Petition is identified as Case: McQUEEN --LOW; Protocol No.: SO 13/53 on the TribunalDocket of the Diocese of San Angelo.

You may communicate with the Tribunal in per-son or in writing. Failure to communicate withinthe prescribed period of time will be consideredyour consent for the Tribunal to continue its pro-ceedings in the above-named case.

Given at the Tribunal of the Diocese of SanAngelo on the 14th day of December 2013..

Reverend Tom BarleyMSW, MBA, M. Div.,JCL

Judicial Vicar

EDICTAL SUMMONSNovember 14, 2013

CASE: McQUEEN -- RICHMONNO.: SO 13/52

The Tribunal Office of the Catholic Diocese of SanAngelo is seeking Paula Dean Richmon.

You are hereby summoned to appear before theTribunal of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, at 804Ford Street, San Angelo, Texas 76905, on or before the31st day of December 2013, to answer to the Petition ofPhillip Gene McQueen, now introduced before theDiocesan Tribunal in an action styled, “Phillip McQueenand Paula Richmon McQueen, Petition for Declarationof Invalidity of Marriage.” Said Petition is identified asCase: McQUEEN--RICHMON; Protocol No.: SO 13/52,on the Tribunal Docket of the Diocese of San Angelo.

You may communicate with the Tribunal in person orin writing. Failure to communicate within the prescribedperiod of time will be considered your consent for theTribunal to continue its proceedings in the above-named case.

Given at the Tribunal of the Diocese of San Angelo onthe 14th day of December 2013.

Reverend Tom BarleyMSW, MBA, M. Div.,JCL

Judicial Vicar

(From 5)

to match funds and grants that mightbe available from various foundationsand organizations.

Groundbreaking for the new churchtook place on April 16, 2013 and con-struction began. The new church seats110 worshipers and was constructed byN.C. Sturgeon, Inc. of Midland. Thenew church was dedicated on Tuesday,November 19, 2013, at a special Mass.with Bishop Pfeifer presiding, assistedby the pastor, Fr. Isidore Ochiabutoand other priests of the diocese.

The parish is most grateful to BishopMichael Pfeifer for his personal gen-erosity and willingness to approachmany foundations on behalf of theparish. The Catholic Extension Society,The Kenedy Memorial Foundation,The National Christian Foundation,and The Robison ExcelsiorFoundation, have been most generous.A local business, Barrera Contractors,Inc., also made a generous donationtowards the new church. Above all, theparish is most grateful to God for Hismany blessings and this great gift.

(From 14)

form with a partial veil covering theback of the hair. Gradually it went fromthe uniform with veil, to a suit and noveil, to a jumper and finally to regularclothes. Sister Pauline has loved doingmany arts and crafts. She crochetedmany blankets, doilies, dolls, and angeldolls. She quilted all types of fabricsinto quilts and assortments of decoratoritems such as pillows and bedspreads.Sister Pauline’s devotion to childrencontinued right up to a week before herdeath. She enthusiastically embracedthe Girls Around the World project thispast year, making adorable dresses outof pillow cases for Haitian and Africangirls living in orphanages. Sister lovedher sewing machine even though shehad an ongoing trial with the bobbin.Her tiny room was always filled withsewing projects, patterns and needle-work supplies. After her retirement anduntil the last days of her life, she dili-gently made hand-crafted items to sellin the gift shop at the monastery. It washer way to contribute to her religiouscommunity. In the late 1980s and early1990s Sister Pauline helped to earnmoney for the convent by being a care-taker of an elderly lady. She alwayswanted to be productive was excited tocontribute to the building fund for thenew Holy Name Monastery. The yearspassed and soon the “Olfen Sisters”were honored for their 80thAnniversary of monastic life by theDiocese of St. Petersburg. BishopLynch pointed out the fact that theChurch has special names for the cele-

bration years of Jubilarians, but theycould not find a name to designate the80th Anniversary of service by a reli-gious. Of the five, only one cousin andconstant companion, Sister HelenLange, still lives and resides at themonastery. All her nieces and nephewscan possibly say that their first religiousmedals, rosaries and prayer cards camefrom Sister Pauline. She gave what lit-tle she did have with such a generousheart. Sister Pauline was filled with theHoly Spirit, and the twinkle in her eyesonly gave a hint to the spunk and zestshe had for life. Sister Pauline was pre-ceded in death by her parents Paul J.Block and Hattie Matthiesen Block; herbrother Wilbert Block; brothers-in-lawWeldon Kocich and Howard Gray; sis-ters-in-law Carmen Block and SueBlock; nephew Dennis Gray and nieceMelinda Block Naugle. She is survivedby her sisters Gladys Gray of ChulaVista, California, Frances Kocich ofWall, Texas; her brothers AndrewBlock of San Angelo, Texas and JamesBlock and wife Lillian of Olfen, Texas;numerous nieces, nephews and a hostof first cousins of the Bernard andElizabeth Matthiesen Family. HerCelebration of Life was held Sunday,November and Mass of theResurrection on Monday, November 18at in the Holy Name Monastery Chapel.Arrangements were handled by HodgesFamily Funeral Home, Dade City,Florida. Memorials may be made to:Building Fund - Holy Name MonasterySpecial Gifts Campaign P.O. Box 2450St. Leo, Florida 33574-2450

SISTER BLOCK MOTC

IRAAN

(From 16)

do to them. This year’s MOTC retreat

was no exception. There issomething very refreshingabout the sound of off-keyvoices, stumbling throughwords of songs that they do notknow, but coming together topraise God. There is somethinguplifting about seeing the wallof hurt and fear be brokendown in the lives of youngwomen. There is somethingpure about witnessing teenagegirls receive the Body andBlood for the first time in manymonths and even years. There issomething absolutely heart-touching when you see, at theend of the weekend, love andhappiness in eyes that startedout cold and isolated. But thereis also something very healingwhen these young women canrelate to you after a testimony.There is something so peacefulabout the way they smile andcomfort you in your own strug-gles. There is something soencouraging about watchingyour fellow ministers in Christ,fall in love with Him again andagain. There is somethingHeavenly about bringing hopeto a place where there is none.

God works in mysteriousways. He knows what He isdoing and He is gladdenedwhen He sees His name pro-claimed. And so, this ministrybecame a life-changing realityto me when I read the lastverse of a poem that I receivedfrom one of the girls on theinside, “Because of you … mylife has changed.” I can’t helpbut wonder if she realizes howmuch she has changed my life.I can’t help but hope she seesthe beauty in the ministry thatshe does. I can’t help but seeGod’s love in my sister inChrist. And so, I pull out mypen and I began writing, “Mydear sister, because of YOU,my life has changed.”

We ask that you keep all whominister to the incarcerated andthose who are incarcerated inyour prayers.

Page 20 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

MOVIE, VIDEO RATINGSBy Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Here is a

list of recent films that

Catholic News Service has

rated on the basis of moral

suitability..

CNS classifications: A-I -- gen-

eral patronage; A-II -- adults

and adolescents; A-III -- adults;

L -- limited adult audience,

films whose problematic con-

tent many adults would find

troubling; O -- morally offen-

sive. MPAA ratings: G -- gener-

al audiences. All ages admit-

ted; PG -- parental guidance

suggested. Some material may

not be suitable for children;

PG-13 -- parents strongly cau-

tioned. Some material may be

inappropriate for children

under 13; R -- restricted. Under

17 requires accompanying par-

ent or adult guardian; NC-17 --

no one 17 and under admitted.

FILMSA

About Time, L (R)

Across the Divide, A-II (no rating)

The Awakening, A-III (R)

B

Baggage Claim, A-III (PG-13)

Battle of the Year, A-III (PG-13)

The Best Man Holiday, O (R)

Black Nativity, A-II (PG)

Blue Jasmine, L (PG-13)

Bully, A-III (PG-13)

C

Captain Phillips, A-III (PG-13)

Carrie, L (R)

Closed Circuit, A-III (R)

Cloudy With a Chance of

Meatballs 2, A-II (PG)

The Counselor, O (R)

D

Delivery Man, L (PG-13)

Despicable Me 2, A-I (PG)

Dream House, L (PG-13)

Don John, O (R)

E

Elysium, L (R)

Ender's Game, A-II (PG-13)

Escape Plan, L (R)

F

The Family, O (R)

Fast & Furious 6, L (PG-13)

The Fifth Estate, A-III (R)

Frances Ha, L (R)

Free Birds, A-I (PG)

Frozen, A-I (PG)

G

The Grandmaster, A-III (PG-13)

Gravity, A-III (PG-13)

The Great Gatsby, A-III (PG-13)

H

The Hangover Part III, L (R)

Homefront, L (R)

The Hunger Games: Catching

Fire, A-III (PG-13)

I

The Incredible Burt

Wonderstone, L (PG-13)

JJack the Giant Slayer, A-II (PG-13)

Jackass: Bad Grandpa, O (R)

K

Kick-Ass 2, O (R)

Killer Elite, A-III (R)

L

Last Exorcism Part II, L (PG-13)

Last Vegas, A-III (PG-13)

Lee Daniels' The Butler, A-III (PG-13)

The Lone Ranger, L (PG-13)

M

Machete Kills, O (R)

The Mortal Instruments: City of

ones, A-III (PG-13)

Much Ado About Nothing, A-III (PG-13)

O

1 Direction: This Is Us, A-II (PG)

P

Phantom, A-III (R)The Place Beyond the Pines, L (R)

Prisoners, L (R)

Q

Quartet, A-III (PG-13)

R

Restless Heart, A-II (no rating)

Riddick, O (R)

Runner Runner, L (R)

Rush, L (R)

S

The Smurfs 2, A-I (PG)

Something Borrowed, L (PG-13)

The Spectacular Now, L (R)

T

Thor: The Dark World, A-III (PG-13)

12 Years a Slave, L (R)

Tyler Perry's Temptation:

Confessions of a Marriage

Counselor, A-III (PG-13)

W

Warm Bodies, A-III (PG-13)

The Wolverine, A-III (PG-13)

Y

You're Next, O (R)

VIDEOS

A

Admission, L (PG-13)

After Earth, A-III (PG-13)

Amour, L (PG-13)

Anna Karenina, A-III (R)

B

Beautiful Creatures, L (PG-13)

Big Mommas: Like Father, Like

Son, A-III (PG-13)

The Big Wedding, O (R)

The Bling Ring, O (R)

Broken City, L (R)

Bullet to the Head, O (R)

C

The Call, O (R)

Christmas for a Dollar, A-I (PG)

The Collection, O (R)

The Conjuring, A-III (R)

Conviction, L (R)

Creature, O (R)

The Croods, A-I (PG)

Crooked Arrows, A-III (PG-13)

D

Dark Skies, A-III (PG-13)

Dead Man Down, O (R)

The Dictator, O (R)

Django Unchained, L (R)

E

End of Watch, O (R)

Epic, A-I (PG)

Escape From Planet Earth, A-I (PG)

Evil Dead, O (R)

Extremely Loud & Incredibly

Close, A-III (PG-13)

F

The Five-Year Engagement, O

(R)

Flipped, A-III (PG)

42, A-III (PG-13)

G

Gangster Squad, L (R)

Getaway, A-III (PG-13)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation, A-III (PG-13)

A Good Day to Die Hard, L (R)

The Grace Card, A-II (PG-13)

Grown Ups 2, A-III (PG-13)

The Guilt Trip, A-III (PG-13)

H

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, O (R)

A Haunted House, O (R)

Haywire, L (R)

The Heat, O (R)

Hellbound?, A-III (no rating)

Hereafter, A-III (PG-13)

Hitchcock, A-III (PG-13)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected

Journey, A-II (PG-13)

The Host, A-III (PG-13)

Hyde Park on Hudson, O (R)

Identity Thief, L (R)

The Internship, L (PG-13)

Iron Man 3, A-III (PG-13)

J

Jack Reacher, L (PG-13)

Jane Eyre, A-III (PG-13)

Jobs, A-III (PG-13)

Jurassic Park, A-II (PG-13)

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, A-I (G)

L

Last Ounce of Courage, A-II (PG)

The Last Stand, L (R)

Les Miserables, A-III (PG-13)

The Lucky One, A-III (PG-13)

M

Mama, A-III (PG-13)

Man of Steel, A-III (PG-13)

The Master, O (R)

The Mill & the Cross, A-III (no rating)

Monsters University, A-I (G)

Moonrise Kingdom, A-III (PG-13)

Movie 43, O (R)

Mud, A-III (PG-13)

N

Now You See Me, A-III (PG-13)

O

Oblivion, A-III (PG-13)

Of Gods and Men, A-III (PG-13)

Olympus Has Fallen, L (R)

The Oogieloves in the Big

Balloon Adventure, A-I (G)

Oz the Great and Powerful, A-II (PG)

P

Pacific Rim, A-III (PG-13)

Pain and Gain, O (R)

Paranoia, A-III (PG-13)

Parental Guidance, A-I (PG)

Parker, O (R)

Peeples, O (PG-13)

People Like Us, A-III (PG-13)

The Perfect Family, O (PG-13)

Pitch Perfect, A-III (PG-13)

Planes, A-I (G)

Playing for Keeps, A-III (PG-13)

Promised Land, A-III (R)

The Purge, O (R)

R

RED 2, A-III (PG-13)

R.I.P.D., A-III (PG-13)

S

Safe Haven, L (PG-13)

Scary Movie 5, O (PG-13)

The Sessions, O (R)

Seven Psychopaths, O (R)

Side Effects, L (R)

Sinister, L (R)

Snitch, A-III (PG-13)

Somewhere Between, A-II (no

rating)

Star Trek Into Darkness, A-III

(PG-13)

Stella Days, L (no rating)

T

Texas Chainsaw 3D, O (R)

This Is the End, O (R)

To the Wonder, A-III (PG-13)

The Tree of Life, A-II (PG-13)

Turbo, A-I (PG)

21 and Over, O (R)

2 Guns, L (R)

Tyler Perry's Good Deeds, A-III

(PG-13)

Tyler Perry's Temptation:

Confessions of a Marriage

Counselor, A-III (PG-13)

W

Warm Bodies, A-III (PG-13)

We're the Millers, O (R)

The Way, Way Back, A-III (PG-

13)

White House Down, A-III (PG-

13)

World War Z, A-III (PG-13)

The World's End, A-III (R)

Z

Zero Dark Thirty, L (R)

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 21

EWTN RadioCatolica

Las estaciones de radio enlas tres deaneries de la dióce-sis de nuevo están transmitien-do programas regulares enespañol cada fin de semanapor las mañanas. Las sigu-ientes son las estaciones y elhorario donde usted puedeescuchar EWTN y otros esfuer-zos de programaciones católi-cos en español en Abilene,Midland-Odessa y San Ángelo:

Abilene – KKHR (106.3 FM)está transmitiendo La HoraCatólica de EWTN en españollos domingos a las 10 a.m.

Midland-Odessa – PadreGilberto Rodríguez, el VicarioParroquial de la parroquia SanEsteban (St. Stephen’sChurch) de Midland, presentael programa los sábados desdelas 5-10 a.m. en KQLM (108FM) con entrevista cada sába-do con el Obispo MiguelPfeifer, OMI a las 8:45 a.m..Además, La Hora Católica deEWTN se puede escuchar losdomingos a las 7 a.m.

San Ángelo – KSJT en SanÁngelo está transmitiendo laHora Católica de EWTN losdomingos a las 7 a.m.

EWTN en EspanolRadio stations in all three of

the deaneries of the dioceseare again running regular week-ly programming on weekendmornings. The following is thestations and times where toucan hear EWTN and otherSpanish-programming efforts inAbilene, Midland-Odessa andSan Angelo:

ABILENE -- KKHR (106.3FM) is airing EWTN’s CatholicHour in Spanish, Sundays at 10am.

MIDLAND-ODESSA -- Fr.Gilbert Rodriguez, parochialvicar at St. Stephen’s Church inMidland,hosts a Saturday pro-gram from 5-10 a.m. on KQLM(108 FM). Additionally, EWTNCatholic programming can beheard Sundays at 7 a.m.

SAN ANGELO — KSJT inSan Angelo is airing EWTN’sCatholic Hour Sundays at 7a.m.

(Para 3)

tiempo en el día de Navidad, ydurante la temporada Navideña,para venir, especialmente enfamilia, y pasar un tiempo, enoración y meditación, ante esteniño en el pesebre, y para alabar yglorificarlo mientras nos arrodille-mos antes nuestro pequeño Rey yrogándole que nos muestre elcamino hacia la paz, la reconcil-iación y como descubrir la miseri-cordia y perdón de Dios, y comoser agentes de la misericordia deDios para otros. El niño—el hom-bre-Dios—en el pesebre es unsigno y una fuente de la reconcil-iación y sanación que necesitamosen nuestras vidas individuales, ennuestras familias, y en nuestrascomunidades y en todo el mundo.

Históricamente, asignamos undía para decir cuando nacióCristo. Sin embargo, por el miste-rio maravilloso de la sagradaliturgia, por el poder y presenciadel Espíritu Santo, Cristo nace enuna manera nueva cada día encada una de nuestras Misas ofre-cidas diariamente alrededor delmundo y tenemos el privilegiomaravilloso de recibirlo enComunión. Y, por el mismopoder del Espíritu, podemos decirque la Navidad pasa, o puedapasar, cada día del año al hacer aCristo presente en las vidas de otros pormedio de nuestro amor, servicio, cuidado ycompasión. La Navidad se trata del amor ymisericordia de Dios viniendo a nuestromundo para salvarnos de nuestros pecados ydejando al niño Jesús enseñarnos por su ejem-plo y palabra como compartimos ese amorcon otros.

Es Navidad siempre cuando en alguna parte

del mundo nace o renace el amor; es navidadcuando siempre abrimos las puertas de nues-tras casas o corazones a los que sufren opiden ser confortados especialmente al enfer-mo, al pobre, al inmigrante. Es Navidad siem-pre cuando perdonamos a quien nos ha heri-do, ofendido o pisoteado. Es Navidad siempreque renunciamos al egoísmo, sirviendo congenerosidad. Es navidad siempre que sonreí-

mos a alguien, aun cuando este-mos cansados; siempre cuandoenjugamos alguna lagrima de unrostro atribulado. Es Navidadsiempre que extendemos lamano a una persona necesitada;siempre que hacemos un favor aquienes nos piden ayuda. Siempre es Navidad cuandocallemos una crítica destructivay animamos a nuestros her-manos desanimados. Es Navidadsiempre cuando luchamos por laverdad, sin pactar con la menti-ra, o compartir en la decepción.Es Navidad siempre cuandodemostramos un acto de com-prensión y consideración y hace-mos un acto de caridad o de esti-ma que nos unen en la solidari-dad. Es especialmente Navidadcuando rezamos y trabajamossin descanso para proteger elprecioso infante no nacido, cadauno la imagen del infante Cristo,y cuando ofrecemos apoyo a lasmadres quien luchan con deci-siones de embarazo, ayudán-doles a pedirle ayuda a la Madrede todas Madres, María, laMadre del infante Jesús y todosinfantes. Siempre es Navidad cuandoencendemos una vela, sinmaldecir la oscuridad; es navi-dad cuando el sermón de lamontaña y las lecciones del niño

de pesebre de Belén sean parte de nuestravida diaria mientras sigamos a Cristo en vidacomo adulto, viviendo su Evangelio.La Navidad no morirá si nosotros no ladejamos morir. Ella será diaria, constante,cuando podamos decir con San Pablo: “Ya nosoy yo el que vivo. Es Cristo que vive dentrode mí.” (Gal. 2:20)

De José y María de Nazaret[Mis hermanas y hermanos en Cristo – José y María me pidieron el favorde compartir esta invitación con todos ustedes para tomar parte en la cel-ebración de cumpleaños de su hijo, Jesús, el 25 de diciembre del 2013.Por favor confirmar su asistencia por medio de arrodillarse y decir: “Maríay José, allí estaré.” Ellos están disponibles 24 horas al día para recibir lacontestación a su invitación dondequiera que estén. – Obispo Miguel]

De José y María de NazaretCon gran alegría y cariño, les invitamos cordialmente a usted, sufamilia y amigos a la celebración de cumpleaños de nuestro hijo, Jesús.IMMANUELEn la parroquia más cercana a usted, en la vísperas de la Navidad yel 25 de diciembre, la Navidad y la recepción inmediatamentedespués en susCORAZONESSe les pide, que al reunirse con sus familias, sus familiares y amigospara comidas y fiestas, que también inviten a los pobres, a los oprimi-dos, a los necesitados y especialmente a los niños, al celebrar estedía y la temporada de Navidad con un espíritu de paz y gozoEn su iglesiaEn su propia casaA gasto propioY a su conveniencia

Dones recomendados—Amor, perdón, compasión y servicio.En retorno recibirá vida y amor eterno y paz de Dios.

Les deseamos una muy feliz y pacifica

NAVIDADSinceramente,

José y MaríaFecha: 25 de diciembre del 2013

Con los mejores deseos de los Ángeles,Santos y Ministros Celestiales

OBISPO

ADVIENTO(Para 4)

termina con cenas y festividades en el día deNavidad y en abrir regalos, más bien deberíamosesforzarnos a tomar parte en el nuevo gozo,esperanza y felicidad que se nos ofrecen pornuestro Dios durante toda la temporada deAdviento en preparación para la Navidad yluego vivir su cumpleaños durante la entera tem-porada de la Navidad. Al concentrar en la razónprimaria de la temporada, el nacimiento deCristo, necesitamos tomar ventaja de este tiempogozoso con luces de color, decoraciones, y lamúsica de Adviento y Navidad para realmentecelebrar el regalo tan gracioso de Dios a

nosotros. Adviento nos prepara para capturar elespíritu de la Navidad el cual se trata del cuida-do y la compasión amorosa de Dios para todosnosotros. Nuestro Dios escogió a venir anosotros en el lugar más bajo de lugares y parallegar a ellos quienes se sienten desamparados ydesesperanzados.

Adviento es el tiempo para concentrar en lanueva esperanza y vida que Dios nos ofrece enel niño Jesús en la Navidad, y capturar el espíritude dar y compartir que se demuestran por nue-stro Dios. Hay una razón para la temporada, y seencuentra en el proceso de dar, especialmente denosotros mismos, de nuestro tiempo, nuestrosregalos para ayudar a otros, y ayudar el uno a

otro para preparar bien para el cumpleaños de lapersona más grande que ha vivido. Durante estosdías de Adviento necesitamos tomar tiempo parareflexionar en la Palabra de Dios tal como se nosdio en la liturgia de cada día, especialmente laesperanza de Dios que se nos ofrece por mediode varias lecturas del Profeta Isaias. Para real-mente capturar la esperanza y el gozo de la tem-porada necesitamos tomar más tiempo y rezarmás con nuestra familia, ir a la iglesia juntos,celebrar el sacramento de reconciliación, y llegara otros por medio de compartir nuestros regalosy nuestros bienes con los que tienen menos quenosotros. Luego, la Navidad tendrá un nuevosignificado más alegre.

Page 22 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

BISHOP

BOOKS

(From 2)

offered daily around the world and wehave the wonderful privilege of receivinghim in Communion. And, because of thesame power of the Spirit, we can say thatChristmas happens, or can happen, everyday of the year as we make Christ presentin the lives of others by our love, service,care and compassion. Christmas is aboutGod’s love and mercy coming into ourworld to free us from sin and letting theChrist Child teach us by example andword how to share this love with others.

It is Christmas then, when in some partof the world, love is born or reborn in theheart of a human person. It is alwaysChristmas when we open the doors ofour houses, our hearts to those who suf-fer, to those who seek comfort and careespecially the abandoned, the sick, thepoor, the immigrants. Christmas happensespecially when we pardon someone whohas offended us, or who has hurt us, ortaken advantage of us.

It is always Christmas when we refuseto give into our pride and our egoism,and when we reach out in service to oth-ers in generosity. Christmas happenswhen we smile at someone even whenwe are tried, even perhaps when we dis-like a certain person. It is alwaysChristmas when we wipe the tears of a

suffering child or from the face of some-one who is troubled. Christmas happensin a special way when we extend a hand

to a person in need and when we do afavor for someone who asks for help.

It is always Christmas when we stifle

destructive criticism and try to encouragea brother or sister who is discouraged. It isChristmas when we fight for the truthwithout ever entering into a pact withuntruth, or taking part in a lie or decep-tion. It is Christmas when we showunderstanding and consideration for theopinion and feeling of another person, andwhen we perform an act of charity whichshows that we are in solidarity with theother person. It is especially Christmasday when we pray for and work tirelesslyto protect the precious unborn infants,each one an image of the infant Christ,and when we offer support to mothersstruggling with pregnancy decisions, help-ing them to turn to the mother of all moth-ers, Mary, the mother of the infant Jesusand all infants.

It is always Christmas when we light acandle without cursing the darkness. It isespecially Christmas when the sermon onthe mount is the guiding force of our life,and when the lessons that we learn here atthe crib of this infant become part of ourdaily living as we follow this Christ in hisadulthood and life his Gospel.

Christmas will never die in us if we donot let it die. Christmas will happeneveryday and constantly, in the Eucharist,in our acts of love, in service, and whenwe say with St. Paul, “I live, no longer I,but Christ lives in me.” (Gal.2:20)

[My sisters and brothers: Joseph and

Mary asked me to please share their invi-

tation with all of you to take part in the

birthday celebration of their son, Jesus,

on December 25, 2013. RSVP by simply

falling on your knees and saying: “Mary

and Joseph, I’ll be there.”

They are available 24 hours a day for

you to reply to their invitation from wher-

ever you might be. — Bishop Mike]

From Joseph and Mary of Nazareth—With great joy and love we cordiallyinvite you, your family and friends tothe Birthday celebration of our Son,Jesus

EMMANUELAt your nearest Parish Church, OnChristmas Eve and 25th December,Christmas Day, and the receptionthereafter in your

HEARTS.

You are requested, as you cometogether with your family,

relatives and friends for meals and par-ties, to also reach out to the poor, theoppressed, the needy, and especiallychildren, as you celebrate his birthdayand the Christmas season in a spirit ofpeace and joy ...

In churchIn your own House

At your own expenseAnd at your convenience

RECOMMENDED GIFTSLove, forgiveness, compassion and

service. In return you will receive God’seternal life, love and peace. We wishyou a very joyful and peaceful

CHRISTMAS

Yours sincerely,Date: Dec. 25, 2013

Joseph & MaryWith best compliments from the

Angels,All Saints and Heavenly Ministers.

An invitation from Mary & Joseph

(From 18)

Christian lesson is appropriate for allages. Ages 4-8.4 "A Girl Called Problem" by KatieQuirk. Eerdmans Books for YoungReaders (Grand Rapids, Mich., 2013).256 pp., $8.

When an entire village moves to a newcommunity to help build a free Tanzania,conflict arises. But are the problems theresult of evil curses from disgruntledancestors or is something -- or someone -- else causing the disruption? Set in mid-1960s Tanzania, "A Girl Called Problem"is a wonderful introduction to historicalfiction that will teach young readersabout the crossroads of tradition andmodernization, culture and science.Readers will fall in love with the maincharacter, a spunky young girl who teach-es her village that when girls are allowedto go to school, an entire community ben-efits. Ages 10-14.4"Jorge from Argentina: The Story ofPope Francis for Children" by MarlynMonge, FSP, and Jaymie Stuart Wolfe,

illustrated by Diana Kizlauskas.Pauline Books and Media (Boston,2013). 58 pp., $8.95.

We know by now that Pope Francisgrew up in Argentina and studied chem-istry before becoming a Jesuit. But didyou know that as a student, the youngJorge Bergoglio liked playing basketballand worked at a sock factory cleaningfloors and equipment? Young readers ofthis illustrated biography will enjoy inter-esting facts about Pope Francis' life anddiscovering that the pope was an ener-getic student, helpful son and an ordinarychild of God called to do extraordinarythings. Ages 8-11.4"Thomas Jefferson Builds aLibrary" by Barb Rosenstock, illustrat-ed by John O' Brien. Calkins Creek(Honesdale, Pa., 2013). 32 pp., $16.95.

This book's clever illustrations and funnarrative about a well-known Americanpresident will wet the appetite of futurehistorians. "Thomas Jefferson Builds aLibrary" is a nonfiction picture book thatdescribes Jefferson's love affair withbooks. Within the context of his literary

obsession, readers also will learn a lotabout the nation's third president andearly America. Ages 8-10.4 "Grumbles From the Forest: FairyTale Voices With a Twist" by JaneYolen and Rebecca Kai Dotlich, illus-trated by Matt Mahurin. WordSong(Honesdale, Pa., 2013). 40 pp., $16.95.

This collection of poems dedicated tobeloved fairy tales is witty and smart.Enchanting illustrations and charmingpoems will tickle the imagination ofyoung children and adults alike. The bookwill allow readers to revisit their favoritefairy tales and think about them in a newway. This is one of those books that willbe pulled from the shelf time and again.Ages 5 and up.4 "Dear God, I Don't Get It" by PattiMaguire Armstrong, illustrated byShannon Wirrenga. Liguori Publications(Liguori, Mo., 2013). 112 pp., $7.99.

Sixth-grader Aaron Ajax is facing somereal problems: His dad lost his job, andthe family must move in the middle of aschool year. How could God do this tohis family? They pray and go to church;

shouldn't that guarantee Aaron from beingthe dreaded new kid in school? "DearGod, I Don't Get It" is a well-writtenchapter book that will help readers trustin God and learn that God has a plan,even if it is not always immediatelyapparent. Although the predictable endingis perhaps tied up too tightly with a bow,that shouldn't discourage young readerswanting to read more books like this.Luckily, another book about the Ajaxfamily is due to come out next year. Ages8-12.4"The Prayer of St. Francis" illustrat-ed by Giuliano Ferri. Paulist Press(Mahwah, N.J., 2013). 34 pp., $12.95.

This children's picture book is the St.Francis' prayer depicted in soft illustra-tions of a fox treating his furry friendswith kindness, forgiveness and love.Although the prayer actually was writtenlong after the beloved saint died, this sim-ple and beautiful prayer along with thebook's pictures will help young childrenlearn about St. Francis' mission and whatthey are called to do as children of God.Ages 3-5.

The Angelus DECEMBER 2013 Page 23

House, Senate

Contact information

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-- U.S. Congressman K. Michael

Conaway (District 11-- San Angelo,

Midland-Odessa, Andrews, Stanton,

Crane, Rankin, Big Lake, Colorado City,

Sterling City, Robert Lee, Bronte,

Ballinger, Winters, Miles, Christoval,

Eldorado, Junction, Menard, Eden, Melvin,

Brady, Coleman, Brownwood, Sonora,

McCamey, Mertzon, Sweetwater )

Phone: 202-225-3605

Mailing Address: 511 Cannon House

Office Building, Washington, DC 20515

Email (via Web):

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/wel-

come.shtml:

Web: http://conaway.house.gov/

-- Rep. Randy Neugebauer (District 19

-- Big Spring, Abilene, Clyde)

Phone: 202-225-4005

Mailing Address: 1424 Longworth

HOB, Washington, DC 20515

Email (via Web):

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/wel-

come.shtml

Web: http://randy.house.gov/

-- Rep. Pete Gallego (District 23 —

Fort Stockton, Iraan, Ozona

Mailing Address: 431 Cannon HOB

Washington, DC 20515-4323

Phone 202-225-4511

Web http://gallego.house.gov/

U.S. SENATE

-- U.S. Senator John Cornyn

Phone: 202-224-2934

Mailing Address: 517 Hart Senate

Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510

Web:

http://www.cornyn.senate.gov/public/

-- U.S. Senator Ted Cruz

Cruz, Ted - (R - TX) Class I

Phone: (202) 224-5922

Mailing Address: B40B Dirksen Senate

Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

(From 8)

winter, and Christ becomes Aslan thelion who offers his own life in order toliberate the land. In The ScrewtapeLetters, Lewis illustrates how the gener-al calamity plays itself out in the life ofa very ordinary Christian and the low-level devil assigned to torment him. It isprecisely Lewis’s confidence in the vic-tory of Christ that enabled him to disem-power the devil through mockery.J.R.R. Tolkien, who was a great friend toand Christian fellow-traveler withLewis, presented his own version of theBiblical tale in The Lord of the Rings.In Tolkien’s invented world, the devil

appeared as Sauron the Dark Lord andChrist under the guise of Frodo thepriest, Gandalf the prophet, and Aragorn,the king who returned after a great battleto take possession of his rightful king-dom. Both Lewis and Tolkien wanted to“evangelize the imagination,” to plantthe seeds of the Gospel and the rhythmsof the Biblical narrative in the minds oftheir readers. The fact that both TheChronicles of Narnia and The Lord ofthe Rings have, in recent years, beenmade into wildly popular films can onlybe characterized, therefore, as a triumphof evangelization.

C.S. Lewis intuited something thathas become a commonplace among

postmodern philosophers, namely, thatthe avatar of one worldview overcomesanother, not so much through argument,but through telling a more compellingstory, by “out-narrating” his opponent.He knew that the Christian evangelist,despite any personal flaws he mightexhibit or institutional baggage he mightcarry, still possessed the greatest storyever told. Lewis told that story withparticular verve, bravado, intelligence,imagination, and panache—and that iswhy it is well and good that we shouldcelebrate him on the 50th anniversary ofhis passing.

BARRON

PATTERSON

VATICAN

(From 3)

emotions in an especially compellingway.4Love your country through it all.Think we have problems in America?Despite our significant economic issues,what we do have—safety, opportunity,home— is what many Syrians describepraying they can one day have again.Living in tents or crowded apartments asrefugees, they can’t wait for the daywhen they can peacefully return to theirland, even if their house is no longerstanding. It is home. Most of what wehave in America the refugees in Jordanonly dream of, yet since they spend mostof their time just surviving, their dreamsare often different from our dreams.4 Work. Next to having a healthy,

secure family and a desire to returnhome, the men from Syria mostly justwant to work. Not just so they can pro-vide for their families, but because itgives them self-worth.4 Fall in love. Stay that way. I metone couple that was quite an inspiration.She is 33. Her husband 24. They marriedbecause they fell in love. In America,that’s understood. In the Middle East, itcan fall somewhere between rarity andmiracle. Seeing the embodiment of alove-created union in the middle of warand involuntary displacement is an emo-tional slice of life powerful to watch. 4 Sometimes its OK to look back.Especially when, like most refugees,that’s where you left behind most ofwhat you had and many you cared about.4 Open your home to strangers. Sightunseen, the Syrian families welcomed

us, gave us tea, shared their life storiesand blessed us and thanked us when weleft. The appreciation they have for thekindness of others is difficult to put intowords.4 Take care of the poor. It is our mis-sion. To not do so renders us poor inspirit, many times as difficult a place tobe as physical poverty itself.4 No matter how hard you have it,someone else has it worse. You maynever meet that person, but he or she isalways there.4 Whatever you do for the least ofthese, you did for me. Whatever youdid not do for the least of me, you didnot do for me. Pray. Not just for peopleyou know. Pray for those you will neverknow. They are counting on you to doso.

(From 16)

had three consequences: 1) The com-missions were much more conscious intheir work of what the pope wanted orwhat they thought he wanted 2) TheCoordinating Commission became lessand less while more and more of themanagement of the Council was givento Cardinal Felici. 3) In these circum-stances, direct appeals to the popeinevitably increased.

No schema was without problems butfour were in for serious problems. 1)The schema on revelation 2) TheDecree on Religious Liberty 3) TheChurch in the Modern World 4) On theJews and non-Christian Religions.

In the month before the opening ofthe Council, the German bishopsshowed themselves more open to the

document on The Church in theModern World when some changeswere made. The Declaration on Jewsand Non-Christian Religions arousedgreat anxiety among all concerned.There was a relatively small part deal-ing with Hindus and Buddhists andlonger section on Muslims. The Easternrite bishops and patriarchs wereextremely concerned about the part onthe Jews because of their geographiclocation and the whole question of“deicide.” In the end, no statement wasmade, either accusing the Jews of dei-cide or absolving them from it. A deli-cate balance indeed!

In June the Group sent a letter toPope Paul requesting a change in theprocedures. In August CardinalCicognani replied to the letter in astinging rebuke. He told the Group that

their very existence was a threat to thesuccess of the Council and might verywell lead to a schism in the Church.

On September 14, the day theCouncil reconvened, Pope Paul issued aletter (motu proprio – his own doing)Apostolica Sollicitudo, in which heannounced the beginning of the Synodof Bishops. On the surface, this seemedlike an answer to the question of colle-gial government, but when examinedmore closely, it became obvious thatnothing really changed since the synodwould be purely advisory and that thepope would control the agenda. In real-ity it was more an expression of papalprimacy than it was episcopal collegial-ity. The text cut collegiality off fromgrounding in the institutional reality ofthe Church.

The West Texas AngelusOfficial Newspaper of the

Diocese of San Angelo, TexasPOSTMASTER: Send all address

changes to:WEST TEXAS ANGELUS

P.O. Box 1829SAN ANGELO, TX 76902-1829__________________________

Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI

Publisher

Jimmy Patterson

Director of CommunicationsEditor

MemberCatholic News Service

Catholic Press AssociationTexas Catholic News

Published the first Monday follow-ing the 1st Saturday of each month

and delivered to all registeredparishioners in the San Angelo

Diocese.

Subscription rate for all others:$10 per year

THIRD CLASS POSTAGE PAIDAT SAN ANGELO, TEXAS

Printed by the San Angelo Standard TimesA Scripps-Howard Company

Submissions:

Story suggestions, calendar items,parish briefs and all other

submissions should be emailed toJimmyLeePatterson@gmail.com.

COPY, PHOTO DEADLINE:

Third Friday of every month.

Photos should be in jpeg format.

Letters to the editor are welcome,and should be emailed to

JimmyLeePatterson@gmail.com.Letters to the editor are printed at

the discretion of the editor andidentities of the writer are subject

to verification. Please includename, address and phone number

when submitting letters.

Page 24 DECEMBER 2013 The Angelus

Around the Diocese

Rowena

Midland Merkel

San AngeloParishioners helped “Light up the Courthouse”

during the first week of Advent in San Angelo.

About 65 faithful gathered to pray at the event.

Odessa

Bishop Pfeifer, center, and Msgr. Larry Droll, right, with pro-

life supporters from St. Lawrence, left to right, Joyce

Halfmann, Martha Schwartz, Lynette Jansa and Kay Donna

Machicek at the recent Life Center fundraiser that featured

Rick Santorum as the main presenter.

A Town Square Rosary Rally was held in Merkel on October 12. Pictured,

left to right, are Jocille Brady, Sylvia Ybarra (Rally Coordinator), Charlotte

Starbuck, Jake Butler, Kay Amerine, Audye Butler and Becky Brown.

San Angelo Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, presides

over the 20th Anniversary of the Odessa Perpetual

Adoration Chapel, located at St. Mary’s Church. Holy

Redeemer Church in Odessa hosted the celebration

beginning with Mass on October 17. A covered dish

reception followed the Mass in the parish hall. With the

bishop are, left to right, Fr. Mamachan Joseph, Fr.

Santiago Udayar and Deacon Antonio Gonzales.

Father Ariel Lagunilla

stands before a banner

presented to him by the

CCD students of St.

Joseph Parish in

Rowena, on Priesthood

Sunday, October 27. He

was honored by the

entire parish family with

gifts, prayers, banners,

song and cards to thank

him for the many ways

he helps its members.