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The next issue of The Mirror will be November 12, 2021.Sign up to receive the diocesan newspaper via Email in digital format: Contact Debbie Thompson at (417) 866-0841, or Email: [email protected].

Springfield, MO

The Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) 2021 Campaign

Planning Committee recently met to conclude business for the 2021 campaign. The 2021 DDF Campaign raised $118,985 over goal, with total pledges of $2,768,985. This was made possible by the total of 7,153 gift commitments for 2021 with an average pledge of $375, a record year of contributions.The generosity of the people of the diocese is overwhelming!” said Bp. Edward M. Rice. “I believe they donate, even in these difficult times, because they want to share in the work of building up the Church in southern Missouri.” The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau asks parishioners to contribute to the Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) each year as a means to generate approximately half of the diocesan annual budget. The money raised supports every ministry of the Bishop, including youth programs such as Camp Re-NEW-All and the Diocesan Youth Conference, along with the annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Masses, ordination liturgies, and March for Life. Initiatives such as the

introduction and launch of the new Parish Council Norms and the recent Discipleship and Evangelization Summits depend on funding through DDF. Also, programs that are extremely important and necessary, for example the diocesan Safe Environment and Child and Youth Protection programs, are funded through DDF, along with costs associated to produce and mail The Mirror, as subscription rates have not increased for 20 years. “I would give credit for the DDF campaign exceeding its $2,650,000 goal to a number

of factors. Foremost among them is the generosity of the Catholic people throughout southern Missouri,” said Doug Kissinger, Director of Development and Properties. “The leadership of Bishop Rice and

the DDF Planning Committee has been a big factor. The execution of the plan by Tammy Stander, Shasta Beckers, and the rest of the diocesan staff along with the work by our Pastors and DDF chair people in each of the parishes, played a big part in the success. The other major factor was the campaign video and print materials created by Leslie Eidson and the communications team.” The DDF 2021 Campaign

Planning Committee members are:• MarcTruby, St. Francis of

Assisi Parish, Nixa• FelicitaPérez, Sacred

Heart Parish, Webb City• Rev.Francisco(‘Paco’)

GordilloVillamil, Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City

• Mr.andMrs.RonWesbecher, St. John Parish, Leopold

• BeckyEssner, St. Augustine Parish, Kelso

• Rev.DavidCoon, St. John Parish, Leopold

• BishopEdwardM.Rice, The Catholic Center, Springfield

• DougKissinger, The Catholic Center, Springfield

• JanSmith, The Catholic Center, Springfield

• LeslieEidson, The Catholic Center, Springfield

• TammyStander, The Catholic Center, Springfield

• ShastaBeckers, The Catholic Center, Springfield

“Typically, DDF Planning Committee Members serve two years. A special thank you to Fr. Coon, Marc Truby, Ron and Pam Wesbecher who all served three years at the request of Bp. Edward Rice to give continuity through the pandemic,” Kissinger said. “During the time we have served on the committee one of the primary focuses has been on reaching more parishioners, focusing more on the number of people who can

contribute regardless of the amount of the contribution,” said Ron and Pam Wesbecher, who will complete their term after serving for three years on the DDF Campaign Planning Committee. “Informing the parishioners of all the services the diocese offers has been quite helpful in doing that. We believe this has been very beneficial, is successful, and should continue to be a main focus. “As with anything a person is involved in, being on the committee opened our eyes even more to how important DDF is and the wide-reaching services it provides,” the Wesbechers said. “Because of the generosity of the people of our diocese to DDF, our parishes have a considerably lower diocesan assessment from the regular collections than most other dioceses. We were not aware of that until we served on the committee. We appreciate the opportunity to serve on the committee and pray for its continued success.”Thank you and many blessings to everyone in our One Church, East to West, that donated their time and resources to make the 2021 DDF campaign such a success! “Thanks especially to all our generous parishioners for their financial contributions,” Kissinger said. “We couldn’t have done this without you.” “They love their parish, they love the Church, and they love the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau,” said Bp. Rice. ©TM

by Paula Wright

2021 DDF PLANNING TEAM—The Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) campaign for 2021 exceeded its goal by $118,985 dollars. Pictured at their most recent meeting is the 2021 diocesan DDF Planning Committee, (front row) Jan Smith, Doug Kissinger, Tammy Stander; (back) Fr. Shoby Chettiyath, V.G., Pam Wesbecher, Bp. Edward M. Rice, Marc Truby, Becky Essner, and Fr. Paco Gordillo. Not pictured were Shasta Beckers, Felicita Perez, Ron Wesbecher, Fr. David Coon, and Leslie Eidson. (The Mirror)

Thegenerosityofthepeopleofthediocese

isoverwhelming!Ibelievethey

donate,eveninthesedifficulttimes,becausetheywanttoshareintheworkofbuildingupthe

ChurchinsouthernMissouri.”

– BP. EDWARD M. RICE

DDF2021campaignexceedsgoal

2 The Mirror October 29, 2021

In May 2021, Pope Francis invited the global Catholic Church to gather and reflect

on communion, participation, and mission within the Church. The two-year process of listening and dialogue is themed, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, & Mission,” being referred to as the “Synod on Synodality,” which the Holy Father officially opened with Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Oct. 10. A Synod on Synodality—what? What does that mean, what is it about, and how am I expected to get involved? These are all good questions that I am trying to anticipate and respond to as the diocese continues to implement our new “Norms for the Parish Pastoral Council.” As you hopefully are familiar with by now, our own “Mutually Shared Vision, One Church, East to West: Loving Jesus, Serving Jesus, and Sharing Jesus” was developed under the guidance of Bishop Johnston after he traveled throughout the diocese participating in listening sessions to identify the spiritual concerns of the people. From that effort was born our three priorities, “Growth in Holiness, Forming Intentional Disciples, and Being Sent to Witness.” The process in which Bishop Johnston engaged is a type of synodal process that resulted in the diocese developing its Mutually Shared Vision. After some two years of work in revising our “Norms for the Parish Pastoral Council,” we are just at the beginning stages of getting the new norms off the ground and into the hands of parish pastoral council members. At the same time, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, (USCCB) has asked all dioceses to participate in an initiation to focus on Eucharistic Revival. This effort, beginning next summer, will be a three-year process “To foster deeper devotion and knowledge about the Eucharist.” Additionally, Pope Francis has initiated the Synod on Synodality, hoping to move the Church forward in a spirit

of “communion, participation and mission.” These three words are crucial to the understanding of a “Synod” and in a very beautiful way they fit perfectly into what our diocese is attempting to accomplish through the new parish pastoral council norms and our priorities of “holiness, intentional discipleship and witness.” How we listen, how we journey, and how we include others is at the very heart of what a Synod is all about. Beginning with the seven Deans of the diocese, and including the Parish Pastoral Council members, we have the perfect opportunity to hold a wider dialogue to listen and journey and include others as we discover how to move our parishes in holiness, intentional discipleship and being witnesses to others. And I hope these are not just “buzzwords.” All of our efforts should result in a deeper love for the Eucharist and an active sacramental life, bringing the People of God to the altar. And it is at the altar that we fall within the shadow of the Cross. And it is at the foot of the cross that we discover Our Lady. Lynn Melendez and Sr. Janine Tran, CMR, from the Office of Evangelization, will soon propose to me a timeline of consultation, which includes dialogue with parish council members and then with parish membership at large. As I mentioned in our recent Evangelization and Discipleship Summits, we are planting the seeds for the future, just as those who came before us did. Now is the time to build on the foundation that they established and look to the future. In all honesty, one has a choice to see this synodal process as a burden, one more thing on the plate,

or one can see it as an opportunity. I choose to see this as an opportunity. The Preparatory Document created by the Synod of Bishop states, “The purpose of the Synod, and therefore of the consultation, is not to produce documents, but ’to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts,

give strength to our hands.” By entering into this process, every member of the diocese is invited to offer their thoughts on how to grow in holiness, to be intentional

disciples, and being sent to witness to others about the beauty of our faith. This input will assist our Parish Pastoral Council members as they discern how to move forward with parish renewal. And in all honesty, we need this renewal—from the bottom up and from the top down. All of us are being invited to personal conversion and to be a Church on mission. As I quoted earlier, and many others have said the same, authors and bishops alike, “The Church does not have a mission, the mission has a Church.” The primary function of the Church is to proclaim Jesus Christ and draw all people into intimate relationship with him. ©TM

ONLINERESOURCESVatican News: “For a Synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission.” Concludes Oct. 2023.https://www.synod.va/en.html

From the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB):https://www.usccb.org/synod

WhatisaSynodonSynodality?

COME, ANDYOU WILL SEEBp. Edward M. Rice

COLUMN

WED., NOV. 3 TheCatholicCenterStaffDayofReflection

THU., NOV. 48:30 a.m. Mass with students, St. Teresa Catholic School, Glennonville, MO7:00 p.m. SacramentofConfirmation,Immaculate Conception Church, Jackson, MO

FRI. , NOV. 58:30 a.m. Masswithstudents,ImmaculateConception Catholic School, Jackson5:00 p.m. House & Chapel Blessing, Franciscan Sisters of St.Elizabeth,Springfield

SAT., NOV. 64:00 p.m.SacramentofConfirmation,St.JosephChurch, Springfield

SUN., NOV. 7 Daylight Savings Time ends National Vocation Awareness Week, Nov. 7-Nov. 13

MON., NOV. 8 Clergy Orientation Workshop, Day 1

TUE., NOV. 9 Clergy Orientation Workshop, Day 2 Diocesan Development Fund Committee meeting, Springfield7:00 p.m. ‘Theology of the Body,’ Parent Orientation meeting, SpringfieldCatholicSchools

WED., NOV. 10 Clergy Orientation Workshop, Day 310:00 a.m.Vocationshour,SpringfieldCatholicHighSchool6:30 p.m. Mass in celebration of the Year of St. Joseph, St. Joseph Church, Billings, MO

THU., NOV. 11 VETERAN’S DAY Staff Meeting (Directors), The Catholic Center, Springfield6:00 p.m. Catholic Man Night, St. Ann Parish, Carthage, MO

FRI. , NOV. 128:30 am Mass with students, St. Agnes Cathedral School, Springfield

SAT., NOV. 13 – THU., NOV. 18 US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) meeting, Baltimore, MD

PUBLICCALENDAR

Oct. 29, 2021 - Nov. 13, 2021

November Intention: Letusprayforourfamilyandfriendswhohavepassedaway,thattheymayseeGodfacetoface.

October 29, 2021 The Mirror 3COLUMNA

¿QuéesunSínodosobrelasinodalidad?

VEN Y VERÁSObispo Edward M. Rice

En el mes de mayo de 2021, el Papa Francisco invitó a la Iglesia católica de todo el

mundo a reunirse y reflexionar sobre la comunión, la participación y la misión dentro de la Iglesia. El proceso de escucha y diálogo de dos años de duración, tiene como tema: “Por una Iglesia sinodal: comunión, participación y misión”, que se conoce como “Sínodo sobre la sinodalidad”, el cual el Santo Padre inauguró oficialmente con una Misa en la Basílica de San Pedro el 10 de octubre. Un Sínodo sobre la sinodalidad: ¿qué? ¿Qué significa eso, de qué se trata y cómo se espera que me involucre en ello? Todas estas son preguntas buenas a las que estoy tratando de anticiparme y responder mientras la diócesis continúa implementando nuestras nuevas “Normas para el Consejo Pastoral Parroquial”. Con suerte ya está familiarizado, nuestra propia “Visión compartida mutuamente, una Iglesia, de este a oeste: amando a Jesús, sirviendo a Jesús y compartiendo a Jesús” se desarrolló bajo la dirección del Obispo Johnston luego de que viajara por toda la diócesis participando en sesiones de escucha para identificar las inquietudes espirituales de la gente. De ese esfuerzo nacieron nuestras tres prioridades: “crecer en santidad, formar discípulos intencionales y ser enviados a dar testimonio”. El proceso en el que participó el Obispo Johnston es un tipo de proceso sinodal que dio lugar a que la diócesis desarrollara su Visión compartida mutuamente. Tras unos dos años de trabajo en la revisión de nuestras “Normas para

el Consejo Pastoral Parroquial”, nos encontramos en las primeras fases de puesta en marcha de las nuevas normas y en manos de los miembros del consejo pastoral parroquial. Al mismo tiempo, la Conferencia de los Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) les ha pedido a todas las diócesis que participen en una iniciación enfocada en el renacimiento eucarístico. Este esfuerzo, que comenzará el próximo verano, será un proceso de tres años de duración “para fomentar una devoción y un conocimiento más profundos sobre la Eucaristía”. Además, el Papa Francisco ha iniciado el Sínodo sobre la sinodalidad, con la esperanza de que la Iglesia avance en un espíritu de “comunión, participación y misión”. Estas tres palabras son cruciales para la comprensión de un “Sínodo” y, de una manera muy hermosa, encajan perfectamente en lo que nuestra diócesis está intentando lograr a través de las nuevas normas del consejo pastoral parroquial y nuestras prioridades de “santidad, discipulado intencional y testimonio”. Cómo escuchamos, cómo caminamos y cómo incluimos a otros están en el corazón mismo de lo que es un Sínodo. Comenzando por los siete decanos de la diócesis, e incluyendo a los miembros del Consejo Pastoral Parroquial, tenemos la oportunidad perfecta de mantener un diálogo más

amplio para escuchar y caminar e incluir a otros mientras descubrimos cómo hacer que nuestras parroquias avancen en la santidad, el discipulado intencional y ser testigos para los demás. Y espero que estas no sean sólo “palabras de moda”. Todos nuestros esfuerzos deben resultar en un amor más profundo por la Eucaristía y una vida sacramental activa, llevando al pueblo de Dios al altar. Y es en el altar donde caemos a la sombra de la Cruz. Y es al pie de la cruz donde descubrimos a la Virgen María. Lynn Melendez y la Hna.

Janine Tran, CMR, de la Oficina de Evangelización, me propondrán pronto un calendario de consulta, que incluye el diálogo con los miembros del consejo parroquial y luego con los miembros de la parroquia en general. Como mencioné en nuestras recientes Cumbres de Evangelización y

Discipulado, estamos plantando las semillas

para el futuro, tal y como lo hicieron aquellos que nos precedieron. Ahora es momento de construir sobre los cimientos que ellos establecieron y mirar hacia el futuro. Con toda sinceridad, uno tiene la opción de ver este proceso sinodal como una carga, algo más en el plato, o puede verlo como una oportunidad. Elijo verlo como una oportunidad. El documento preparatorio creado por el Sínodo de los obispos afirma: “Recordamos

que la finalidad del Sínodo, y por lo tanto de esta consulta, no es producir documentos, sino “hacer que germinen sueños, suscitar profecías y visiones, hacer florecer esperanzas, estimular la confianza, vendar heridas, entretejer relaciones, resucitar una aurora de esperanza, aprender unos de otros, y crear un imaginario positivo que ilumine las mentes, enardezca los corazones, dé fuerza a las manos””. Al entrar en este proceso, se invita a cada miembro de la diócesis a compartir sus pensamientos sobre cómo crecer en santidad, ser discípulos intencionales y ser enviados a dar testimonio a los demás sobre la belleza de nuestra fe. Este aporte ayudará a los miembros de nuestro Consejo Pastoral Parroquial a discernir cómo avanzar en la renovación de la parroquia. Y, sinceramente, necesitamos esta renovación, de abajo hacia arriba y de arriba hacia abajo. Todos nosotros estamos invitados a una conversión personal y a ser una Iglesia en misión. Como cité anteriormente, y muchos otros han dicho lo mismo, tanto autores como obispos, “La Iglesia no tiene una misión, la misión tiene una Iglesia”. La función principal de la Iglesia es proclamar a Jesucristo y atraer a todas las personas hacia una relación íntima con él. ©TM

RECURSOSENLÍNEANoticias del Vaticano: “Por una Iglesia sinodal: comunión, participación y misión”. Concluye en octubre del año 2023.https://www.synod.va/es.html

De la Conferencia de los Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB):https://www.usccb.org/synod


SaintsinGuardianAngelCatholicSchool

ALUMNUS SERVES IN ROME—Effective July 1, 2021, Fr. David Hulshof undertook a five-year assignment as Director of Apostolic Formation at the Pontifical North American College, in Rome, Italy. He is pictured recently greeting Pope Francis at the seminary, which forms seminarians for priestly ministry in the dioceses of the US and elsewhere. Oversight of the college is the responsibility of the Holy See’s Congregation for the Clergy. Father Hulshof’s most recent diocesan assignment was as Pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, in Branson; Our Lady of the Ozarks Parish in Forsyth; and as Chaplain of Catholic Campus Ministry at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO. Father Hulshof is himself an alumnus of the Pontifical North American College. (Photo courtesy of Fr. Hulshof)

Pope Francis greets diocesan priest

SAINTFRANCISHEALTHCAREannouncesminimumwagehikeCape Girardeau, MO

Saint Francis Healthcare System recently announced it raised the minimum hourly wage to $15 effective Oct. 24, 2021. The pay hike will

reportedly affect more than 600 Saint Francis employees, or 22 percent of the workforce. Dr. Maryann Reese, president and chief executive officer of Saint Francis, said the wage increase is not based on the external market but rather the Healthcare System’s Catholic identity to affirm the human dignity of all colleagues. “Since 2018, Saint Francis has repeatedly raised its minimum hourly pay to ensure all colleagues have an opportunity to earn a livable wage. We believe that this is a tangible expression of our Catholic heritage and the Mission begun by our founding Franciscan Sisters nearly 150 years ago.” As the largest employer in the region, the increase

is a more than $2 million investment in the Healthcare System’s staff. “Our colleagues are our most valuable asset,” said Dr. Reese. “Doing the right thing includes ensuring we care for all members of the Saint Francis Family through market-leading compensation. It is only through their hard work that Saint Francis continues to provide award-

winning, nationally-recognized care to the communities we are called to serve.” Inspired by faith in Jesus Christ, Saint Francis Healthcare System is guided by its mission to provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality,

and love. Founded by Franciscan Sisters in 1875, the healthcare system’s priority remains the same: serve all who enter with dignity, compassion, and joy. Saint Francis serves nearly 713,000 people across Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas. ©TM

ALL SAINTS—Eighth grade students in Guardian Angel Catholic School, Oran, presented the annual Saints program on Oct. 28. Pictured were (front row) Ava Forehand (St. Gianna Beretta), Ryder Siebert (St. Valentine), and Cora Woods (St. Josephine Bakhita); (back row), Amelia LeGrand (St. Margaret of Antioch), Reid Hobbs (St. Sebastian), and Cooper Bryant (St. Hubert). (The Mirror)

Oran, MO

Guardian Angel Catholic School of Oran presented the annual 8th grade Saint’s program on Thu., Oct. 28, in Guardian Angel Church. Each student researched a Saint of his/her choice, wrote a report about the Saint, and put together an

outfit and props appropriate for that Saint. During the program, the students processed down the church aisle, dressed as the Saint of choice, and then individually approached the podium and presented the information that they had researched. The students and who they represented were: Cooper Bryant (St. Hubert-patron Saint of hunters and mathematicians); Ava Forehand (St. Gianna Beretta-patron Saint of abortion, pregnant women, and unborn children); Amelia LeGrand (St. Margaret of Antioch-patron Saint of childbirth); Reid Hobbs (St. Sebastian-patron Saint of soldiers and athletes); Ryder Siebert (St. Valentine-patron Saint of love, beekeepers, and epilepsy); and Cora Woods (St. Josephine Bakhita-patron Saint of slavery and human trafficking). This program is held each year right before All Saint’s Day, Nov. 1. Mrs. Michelle Priggel is the religion teacher that puts the whole program together. ©TM

DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

October 29, 2021 The Mirror 5

The Mirror: Newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau USPS Publication 117-330 Publisher: The Most Rev. Edward Rice Editor: Leslie A. EidsonCirculation/Advertising: Debbie Thompson, [email protected] Communication Specialist: Paula Wright, [email protected]

Published every other week at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. Address all communications to 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143; Telephone (417) 866-0841; Email [email protected]

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. When giving change of address, state both old and new address, also old and new parish.Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, MO, and additional mailing offices. Vol. LVII No. 14 October 29, 2021 Single copy price, $0.50 Subscription: $14 per year.

Digital subscriptions available as an option to USPS delivery with paid subscription. For more information, contact [email protected] © 2021, The Mirror, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: www.dioscg.org

“Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau” @DioSCG DioSCG


REMEMBRANCE OF FIRST RESPONDERS—On Sept. 11, 2021, the students, faculty, and clergy of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church and School in Sikeston, MO, gathered around the school flag pole to participate in a Remembrance of the First Responders 9-11 Service. The group was led in a prayer by Fr. Colby Elbert, Parochial Administrator, followed by the 8th Grade Class leading the Pledge of Allegiance. (The Mirror)

CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN SIKESTON—Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School 100-year celebration continues. All the student body and the classroom teachers joined together outdoors, to make the number 100 to show recognition to the school’s 100 years of service. For more information about enrollment or centennial festivities, please contact the school principal, Barbara Tomaszewski, M.Ed., (573) 471-0841. (Submitted photo)

Nov. 9, 2021 | 6:30-9:00 pmJohn Henry Newman Center, Cape Girardeau, MO

An evening of Adoration, Confession, and a Manly Meal with discussion to follow.

Please RSVP to [email protected], find ‘SEMO Catholic Man Night’ on Facebook or call 573-275-5214

ALL Catholic Men are invited to join us for

CENTENNIALSikeston, MO

This history of the Catholic Church in Sikeston, MO, began in 1885 with the visit of Fr. Joseph Connolly, Pastor of Immaculate Conception in New Madrid, MO. Although the Catholics at that time only numbered 10 faithful, their enthusiasm for his visit led him to travel to Sikeston once a month to celebrate Mass in one of their homes.

Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School opened in 1921. Three Sisters of Mercy taught 50 students. In 1930, a large home was purchased for a school and convent. That residence is now the rectory. Today’s brick church was built in 1938. A steady increase in the school population caused a new school and convent to be built in 1951. In May 1970, the Sisters of Mercy were transferred and the school was closed, to be reopened in 1987. The 2021 enrollment is 105 students. ©TM

S A I N T F R A N C I S X A V I E R C A T H O L I C S C H O O L


‘AlmostMaine’A T N O T R E D A M E R E G I O N A L H I G H S C H O O L

I N C A P E G I R A R D E A UCape Girardeau, MO

John Cariani’s Almost Maine will begin in Notre Dame Regional High School starting on Thu., Nov. 4,

2021, through Sat., Nov. 6, 2021, at 7 p.m. in King Hall. Welcome to Almost, Maine, a town so far north it’s almost in Canada. Well, almost. One cold, clear Friday night in the middle of winter, while the northern lights hover in the sky above, the residents of Almost find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. And life for the people of Almost, Maine, will never be the same. Notre Dame Regional High School welcomes 15 actors to its stage—Christina Blanquet, Maria Bleckler, Audrey Deken,

Peter Dittmer, Michael Edwards, Madeline Hendrickson, Cameron Hinkebein, Cheyanne Joiner, Patrick Lutmer, Evan Missey, Lily Pennington, Anna Schuchardt, Lydia Strohmeyer, Mia Timlin, and Stella Wright The play is directed by Miss Cynthia King with assistant director Kaylin Zoellner. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased by visiting www.notredamehighschool.org/fallplay. For more information, please contact Cindy King at (573) 335-6772. ©TM

KNIGHTS DONATION—The Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church Knights of Columbus recently donated $7,000.00 to Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, in Sikeston. The money allowed the purchase and installation of beautiful new stained glass windows in the church. Pictured are Fr. Colby Elbert, Parochial Administrator, and Grand Knight, Dr. Dan Obermark. The donation is made possible from the Knights of Columbus Annual Chicken Fry, which was held Sept. 18, 2021. (The Mirror)

New stained glass windows in Sikeston parish


TICKETS ADULTS $10STUDENTS $5

FRIDAY, NOV. 19, 7:00 PMSATURDAY, NOV. 20, 7:00 PM

SUNDAY, NOV. 21, 2:00 PM

MEEK AUDITORIUM

SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 417-887-8817ST. AGNES 417-831-3565

October 29, 2021 The Mirror 7DIOCESAN NEWS

By Daniel S. Mulhall

What connects these three books is the important role that parents play in the faith lives of their children. Each

approaches the topic from a different perspective.Since the year 2000 with the National Study of Youth and Religion, Christian Smith and his team of researchers have been studying the religious practice of teens and young adults and the important role their parents have in handing on the faith.The study began with interviews of teens and their parents across religious communities. Additional studies have been made with the original cohort at 10-year intervals. “Handing Down the Faith” is the most recent book from Smith and team detailing the current research and its results. The research continues to find that the religiousness of parents is a significant factor in whether their adult children are religious. Important factors in handing on the faith are:

• Parentingstyle: The authoritative style seems best—parents who are demanding and hold high expectations but also express great warmth and regularly communicate with their children.

• Settingclearanddemandingexpectationsofchildren’sbehaviorandattitudes.

• Two-wayandfriendlycommunication.

• Awarmandfriendlyrelationshipbetweenparentsandchildren.

• Parentsspeakingwiththeirchildrenaboutreligion.

This is the gold standard of research on the subject and should be required reading for anyone charged with helping parents to hand on the faith. As a research report, the book is content-heavy but people in ministry should have no trouble reading and understanding the data and its value to their ministry. In “Return,” Brandon Vogt provides guidance to parents on things that they can do to invite their children back to the practice of Catholicism. In Part 1, Vogt summarizes the research on youth and religion (mostly the work of Smith, et al.) and addresses some of the myths about why young people leave. He says people leave the faith primarily because they are not thoroughly engaged in or attached to the practice of the faith. In Part 2, Vogt offers practical suggestions that parents can do to reach out to their children and gently invite them back. In Part 3, he looks at many of the arguments made by children about why they don’t participate in the church, and then presents ideas that parents can use for responding to these objections. The writing style is personal and friendly: The reader feels invited into a conversation. The book is clearly intended for parents whose children or grandchildren no longer practice the Catholic faith and who want to bring those relatives back to active lives in the faith. Vogt offers no guarantees that these ideas will be successful, but the ideas seem reasonable and have a good chance of being helpful. In “All Things New,” Erin McCole Cupp has taken an informative and thoughtful approach to how children who have been raised in dysfunctional

families can overcome the negative behaviors learned in the family of origin to raise their own children in a healthy family. She creatively uses the beatitudes as a way to organize how to overcome these negatives. The issues raised by Cupp are powerful and realistic. Many people have been burdened with negative messages and feelings of anger and lack of self-esteem while growing up. Learning to name these messages and feelings are important steps toward healing and raising healthy children. While some of the issues raised by Cupp may seem less than harsh, they help the reader understand that some children can be traumatized by what may seem to others as minor inconveniences. What is important here is to accept and not judge. Cupp is at her best when the focus is squarely on these issues of hurt and loss, and when the issues are addressed from a healthy psychological perspective.The book is weakest when the author attempts to provide a theological basis for her approach. She notes that she is not a theologian but throughout presents theological speculation as if it were Catholic teaching.For example, Cupp argues that God’s mercy is only available to people who admit their sinfulness, which contradicts the Church’s teaching that God’s mercy is freely offered to all. The author also writes that all parents who fail their children are “sinners,” ignoring the teaching that sinfulness requires intention and a knowing willingness to do what one knows is wrong. Despite these theological issues, the book could be a helpful resource for those seeking to overcome the dysfunction they learned as children. ©CNS

Mulhall is a catechist living in Louisville, KY.

Handing Down the Faith: How Parents Pass Their Religion on to the Next

Generation, by Christian Smith and

Amy Adamczyk.

Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church,

by Brandon Vogt.

All Things New: Breaking the Cycle and Raising a

Joyful Family, by Erin McCole Cupp.

BOOKS ON PARENTING—These are book covers for “Handing Down the Faith: How Parents Pass Their Religion on to the Next Generation” by Christian Smith and Amy Adamczyk; “Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church” by Brandon Vogt; and “All Things New: Breaking the Cycle and Raising a Joyful Family” by Erin McCole Cupp. The books are reviewed by Daniel S. Mulhall. (CNS composite/courtesy Oxford University Press, Word onFire Catholic Ministries, Our Sunday Visitor)

Booksprovideresearch,helpfulguidanceonraisingCatholicchildren

8 The Mirror October 29, 2021DIOCESAN NEWS

National Vocations Awareness Week

ABlessing and Dedication of the Cross was held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Springfield, on Sept. 10 by The Most

Rev. Edward M. Rice. In attendance were members of the clergy, area parishioners, and Catholic Cemeteries of Springfield Board members. Chapter four of the Gospel of Matthew begins with a beautiful story: the calling of the first disciples. Jesus is said to be walking by the Sea of Galilee, and He happens upon these two seemingly ordinary men, who are simply fishing. He calls them, and they leave their nets and follow. Further down the Sea of Galilee, Jesus also encounters two more ordinary men, James and John, who are mending their nets. He calls them, and they likewise respond. They respond faithfully, not knowing much about what they were going to see, experience, and do. To make this call even more intriguing, it does not simply last for the few years He was walking the earth, but throughout the rest of each of their lives. Jesus’ call was enough to cause them to completely uproot themselves and change the rest of their lives. In my own mind, though, this story prompts a question: is Jesus still “walking by the Sea of Galilee?” Is He still encountering ordinary people and calling them to do extraordinary things? Is He taking a leap of faith in asking simple and ordinary men and women to come and follow Him, and to be His disciples? In short, the answer is “yes.” While we may not see Jesus as we cast our nets into the Sea of Galilee, each one of us has our own version of that scene in our day-to-day lives, whether we are in our homes, at our jobs, or even in school, enjoying our hobbies, and other activities in which we participate. Jesus, though he may not seem to be visibly walking by our “boat” in the same

way, still desires to have that same encounter with each of us. He did not simply call disciples hundreds of years ago. Rather, he continues to call each one of us in this current age. As we prepare to celebrate National Vocations Awareness Week, Nov. 7-13, it is an opportune time to look in depth at what exactly is at the root of every vocation: God’s own unique way of calling each of us to be a disciple, be that in the priesthood, religious life, married life, or as single persons. Being a disciple is not something reserved to only certain vocations, nor is it more present in one vocation over another. A vocation is not a battle of importance, either: it is rather a personal and unique call to be a faithful disciple that follows our Lord, especially in that specific way. Even though we aren’t Simon, Andrew, James, or John, as we enter National Vocations Awareness Week, we should consider our own individual path in being a faithful disciple. This path is, first, something we should always be open to if we have not found our vocation. Next, it is something to pray for, as we ask God to fill our need for faithful disciples as a Diocese and a universal Church, particularly in faithful clergy, pious religious, and holy families. Then, finally, we must remain faithful to our path of discipleship, not just in one moment, but throughout our entire lives. We may not be fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, but each of us is —today—personally called by Christ to fill the role of being a faithful disciple. ©TM

Ordained a priest in 2020, Fr. Belken is Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish, Springfield, and a chaplain at Springfield Catholic High School. He serves the Diocese as Associate Director of Worship & Liturgy and as a Regional Vocation Promoter.

A VOCATION: OUR CALL TO DISCIPLESHIPRev. Daniel Belken

God our Father,We thank you for calling men and women to serve in your

Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons.Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and

courageously to your call.May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our

youth and young adults.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the

Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

SHORT PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS


Nov. 7-13, 2021In the next issue, we’ll launch the new diocesan 25 by 2025 Vocations Initiative and speak with a woman religious on fostering vocations in her community and a young woman in discernment who discovered her vocation in a Newman Center on a university campus.

THE ANNUAL DIOCESAN CLERGY INSTITUTE was held the week of Oct. 11-15 in Cape Girardeau. We are blessed by many great men serving the Church in Southern Missouri. (The Mirror)


Preregistration is necessary: If you are a new registrant please go to www.virtus.org and click on “first time registrant” on the left, and follow the prompts to register for Live or Online training. Instructions for the registration process can also be found on the Child and Youth Protection Page of the diocesan Website.www.dioscg.org/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Register-for-a-VIRTUS-withOnline-Option.pdf

Those attending an in-person session must be present for the entire training. Training sessions are for adults only. The link to updated schedules may be found at www.dioscg.org just above the events calendar.Along with the VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children” training for adults, before regularly engaging in activities involving minors and/or vulnerable adults, new volunteer or employees are also required to submit a current Background Disclosure and Authorization Form and the annual Code of Conduct, which are available on the VIRTUS Website and the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Child and Youth Protection Webpage: www.dioscg.org/child-youth-protection/For more information, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection, [email protected]; or Bill Holtmeyer, [email protected]; or Rosie Francka [email protected], (417) 866-0841.

Live, in-person “Protecting God’s Children” adult awareness training sessions are now available. New registrants are encouraged to take the live training, but the Online training will remain available as an alternative for the remainder of this year [2021].

Friday, Nov. 12 | 1:00-4:00 p.mThe Catholic Center, Springfield

TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP—On Sept. 29, the Springfield Catholic High School Lady Irish Tennis Team won the Big 8 Conference Championship at Gillenwater Park and Tennis Complex. Eight teams competed including: Springfield Catholic, Logan Rogersville, Mt. Vernon, Reeds Spring, Aurora, Nevada, Lamar, and Monett. The Lady Irish were the Big 8 Conference Champions with a 1st Place overall team finish. Elizabeth Tynes was named Big 8 Player of the Year. Elizabeth Tynes and Lila Griesemer were named Big 8 Doubles Team of the Year. (The Mirror)

Lady Irish win Big 8 Conference



CCSOMOrespondstoPandemicwithagrowingprogramroster

Springfield, MO

In his message for the Fifth World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis states, “The poor, always and

everywhere, evangelize us because they enable us to discover in new ways the true face of the Father.” We are called as Catholic disciples to seek the Father and serve the poor. One of the ways we do this across the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau is through the programs and services of our local Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri (CCSOMO). CCSOMO was established in 2009 to serve the vulnerable with quality, compassionate social services that meet local needs. Over the years, tens of thousands of our brothers and sisters have been helped by the programs and services offered through Catholic Charities. Our diocese is home to eight of the top 10 most impoverished counties in Missouri. As the pandemic continues, so does widespread financial insecurity. CCSOMO has responded by providing vital rental and utility assistance to prevent homelessness, and has created new housing programs to address the ever-growing needs of the poor among us. New programs created over the last year include the Rancho Emergency Homeless Shelter and Housing Program for homeless families and women requiring medical respite, the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, and the Non-congregant Shelter for homeless persons recovering from COVID. CCSOMO provides these vital services in the name of all Catholics and brings help and hope to people like Shannon.

Pandemic,stress,andasinglemomParenting presents many challenges and it is perhaps even more so for parents of children with disabilities. Shannon, whose son has epilepsy and is on the autism spectrum, worked for the area’s largest tourism business in rural Missouri. The pandemic

eventually led to her losing her job and her son having to stay at home. The fallout from this loss created an emotional roller coaster for both of them. “Chaz is normal is in his own

way,” Shannon said, “but when the world is in chaos and you have a child that doesn’t understand, it is difficult.” For many children, but particularly those with Chaz’ condition, the disruption of the daily routine can have a profound impact. During this difficult time, the plumbing lines at her home broke. Not only was this an additional disruption to the household’s routine, which affected Chaz, it was a major financial stressor, too. Shannon knew her unemployment income would not cover the necessary repairs and she knew she needed help. “I know that in my situation, being a single mom, and living paycheck to paycheck, and having a disabled child, I would’ve probably never got the work done,” she said. She called the Missouri Regional Office of the Department of Mental Health, which referred her to CCSOMO. Catholic Charities assessed Shannon’s needs and created a plan to make the repairs through its Home Repair and Rebuilding Program. CCSOMO’s general contractor and construction social enterprise, Purpose Home Repair, sent a team to Shannon’s home and began the work. The sewage and other essential plumbing lines were soon repaired and some normalcy returned to the home which benefited Shannon’s son Chaz. “Having access to services like these from Catholic Charities means a lot when you’re on a fixed income and a single parent,” Shannon said. “Without this help, a lot of people like me just wouldn’t make it.”

MoreProgramsandServicetoServeMorePeopleGrowing needs grows programmingOver the years, the range of CCSOMO’s programs has grown in response to

the growing needs across the diocese. Catholic Charities’ programs and services allow all of us to be the hands and feet of Christ. We are united as One Church, East to West and together we are Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri. Pope Francis reminds us “the poor are a sacrament of Christ, they represent His person and point to Him.” When we come to together to care for the least among us, we care for Christ. Together we can continue ReachingOut,ProvidingHope,andChangingLives.

SECONDCOLLECTION:NOV.21Each year, Catholic faithful in our parishes have the opportunity to contribute to helping our neighbors in need through the annual Second Collection for Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri. Always held the Sunday before Thanksgiving, thisyear’scollectionwillbeheldonSun.,Nov.21. In the coming weeks, CCSOMO will share a few of the many success stories of lives changed by your vital support. Through these stories, you will see how your contributions bring God’s love, mercy, and hope to many in need: THANK YOU. ©TM

PURPOSE HOME REPAIR—Young Chaz lives with epilepsy and autism. He and his mother, Shannon, found relief and hope amid the pandemic when CCSOMO’s Purpose Home Repair made major repairs to their home’s plumbing that would have been otherwise unaffordable on her fixed unemployment income. (CCSOMO)

SECONDCOLLECTION

Nov.21,2021www.ccsomo.org

Please enjoy the newsletter insertinthiseditionofTheMirrorfromCatholicCharitiesofSouthernMissouri.Yoursupportmakesthesesuccessespossible.Thankyouforyourcontributiontothe

SecondCollectiononNov.21.

FormoreinformationregardingthesuiteofservicesprovidedbyCatholicCharitiesof

SouthernMissouri,logontowww.ccsomo.org.

12 The Mirror October 29, 2021YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH/ADVERTISING

Did you know that, to this very day, there is a cathedral in Italy that houses the wedding ring that St. Joseph gave to Mary on their wedding

day? It is affectionately called Santo Anello, which means “holy ring.” It is kept in the Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Perguia, Italy, not too far from Assisi. It has been housed in various places over the centuries, but now finds its home in Perugia. A mystic by the name of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich once saw in a vision the Santo Anello. She recounts the vision that took place on July 29 and Aug. 3, 1821: “I saw the Blessed Virgin’s wedding ring, it is neither of silver nor of gold, nor of any other metal; it is dark in color and iridescent […] the ring is engraved with something. I saw it kept behind many locks in a beautiful church. Devout people about to be married take their wedding rings to touch it […] I saw a festival in a church in Italy where the wedding ring is to be found. It seemed to be to be hung up in a kind of monstrance which stood above the tabernacle” (quoted in Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Calloway, pp. 136-7). Allegedly, through her visions Bl. Emmerich found out that the ring was in a church in Italy, but she never knew where exactly it was. In fact, she had never been told that the ring was still in existence! Her visions seem to confirm that it is the wedding ring of Mary and St. Joseph! How remarkable! In an age in which marriage and the family are under such diabolical attack, Santo Anello ought to remind us of the importance of praying for all married and engaged couples, that they may be strengthened in their marriages and encouraged to live well the beautiful vocation of Holy Matrimony. May all married couples seek to imitate the beautiful, holy, and fruitful marriage of Mary and St. Joseph! St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin, pray for us and for all married and engaged couples! ©TM

Fr. Kelly is the pastor of Guardian Angel Parish, Oran, MO, and St. Ambrose Parish, in Chaffee.

Fr. Joseph Kelly

Santo Anello: ‘HolyRing’

Dec. 8, 2020–Dec. 8, 2021 Bishop Rice will preside at the following Masses to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau:

St. Joseph Church, Billings Wed., Nov. 10 6:30 pm

St. Joseph School Mass, Springfield Fri., Dec. 3 8:30 am

Immaculate Conception, Springfield* Wed., Dec. 8 5:30 pm *Closing Mass for the Year of St. Joseph. Live-streamed on diocesan Facebook page.

MassesfortheYearofSt.Joseph

“Show yourself a father, and guide us in the path of life.”

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust;

with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us

from every evil.

St. Joseph’s CornerYe a r o f S t . J o s e p h

Featuring 32 amazing women speaking directly and honestly about the core issues that moms of all ages and stages of life encounter.

• How to bring lasting peace and joy into your home.• Tips on making your prayer life a wellspring of joy.• Easy and practical ways to make Advent and Christmas

beautiful and unforgettable.• They whys and hows of building deep friendships with other

moms.• How to avoid overwhelm and recharge for you and your family!

PLUS...this year’s Summit will also directly support the amazing pro-life and crisis pregnancy work of the JPII Life Center with every purchase of the All Access Pass.

REGISTER for FREE by scanning the QR code or go to cardinalstudios.org/embrace-catholic-moms-summit-2021-home

October 29, 2021 The Mirror 13

Springfield, MO

ABlessing and Dedication of the Cross was held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Springfield, on Sept.

10 by The Most Rev. Edward M. Rice. In attendance were members of the clergy, area parishioners, and Catholic Cemeteries of Springfield Board members. “We are introduced to the cross on the day of our Baptism,” said Bp. Rice to those gathered at the blessing. “‘I claim you for Christ by the sign of His cross’ are the words prayed as the priest or deacon, along with the parents and godparents, as they trace the sign of the cross on the forehead of the one to be baptized. And, at the end of life, the victory of the cross awaits us at the moment of death. How appropriate it is to have the cross standing in the midst of our Catholic St. Mary’s Cemetery as our loved ones await the coming of Christ.” The cross is 18 feet tall, rises above the ground 12 feet high, and spans six feet across. The vertical and horizontal sections of the cross are

each 16” x 16” square. However, this is not the first cross to be blessed and dedicated in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The historic cast iron crucifix at St. Mary’s, located in the center of the cemetery in the altar area, was vandalized and stolen around the 1st of April 1998. It was always the hope of the Catholic Cemeteries of Springfield Board to replace it. Although discussions took place from time-to-time, nothing really materialized until August of 2019 when St. Agnes Cathedral parishioner Joe Wheeler approached Keith Wallis, Jr., General Manager of local Prestressed Casting Co., about making a concrete cross. Wheeler had worked as the plant supervisor at Prestressed from 1957 until 2009 when he retired. Wallis consulted with the owner of the company, William B. Johnson, now retired and who lives in Florida. Johnson approved the plan and agreed to cover the cost. He has many relatives buried at St. Mary’s. Drawings of the cross were sent to Paul Wunderlich, then-Director of the Catholic Cemeteries of

Springfield, and he shared them with Bishop Edward Rice and then-Vicar General Msgr. Thomas Reidy, and they approved the design. By July 1, 2020, the cross was finished and was ready to install. Preparations were made at the site on July 6, 2020, and it was placed the following day. After the concrete cured and the braces were removed, a concrete pad was poured around the cross near grade level. The board contracted with Springfield Striping & Sealing to have the deteriorated concrete platform in front of the altar (which is beside the new cross) and the sidewalk leading to it removed and replaced with new concrete, and that was accomplished on Jan. 12, 2021.

DONATIONOFTIME&MATERIALSWilliam B. Johnson, Prestressed Casting Co., fabricated the cross, delivered, and installed it at the site. The following three companies also donated their time and materials: Carson-Mitchell, Inc., donated the crane services (Chris and Jason

Carson); Conco Companies donated the ready-mix concrete in the ground around the cross (the late-Tom Baird, IV, was instrumental in their donation); Hohensee Tree Service donated a three-man crew to trim trees and remove trimmings to allow room for the crane and concrete trucks (Terry Hohensee). “When you think about it, the cross is with us throughout the journey of life, from beginning to end. In the struggles and sufferings of life, we are invited to embrace such moments as our personal crosses, and in doing so, allow these moments to unite us closer to Christ,” said Bp. Rice. “St. Paul, understanding this in a profound way, would write to the Galatians 2:20, ‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.’ What profound wisdom and insight do we find in the verse from the Stations of the Cross, ‘We adore you O Christ, and we praise you, for by Your Cross and resurrection, You have redeemed the world.’” ©TM

DIOCESAN NEWS

NEW CROSS AT ST. MARY’S CEMETERY—Springfield pastors joined Bp. Edward M. Rice and members of the Springfield Catholic Cemeteries Board of Directors at the blessing and dedication of the new cross in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Springfield, Sept. 10, 2021. (The Mirror)

by Paula Wright

NewcrossatST.MARY’SCEMETERY


GroundbreakingforLifehouseCapeGirardeauCape Girardeau, MO

LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home is one step closer to providing its life-changing

ministry to homeless pregnant women and their children in southeast Missouri,” said Michele Marsh, Director of Special Projects for Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri. October 20 produced perfect fall weather with beautiful blue skies for the large, engaged crowd, which included city and state representatives, donors, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri staffers, and community partners. Many enthusiastically spoke and shoveled dirt for the official groundbreaking after the blessing of the earth by The Most Rev. Edward M. Rice.

SPRINGFIELDTWINSince 2013, LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home in Springfield has proven transformational for the pregnant

women in its care who courageously rise out of homelessness and traumatic histories into healthy self-sufficient families. Building a 15-unit LifeHouse in Cape Girardeau will bring critical services and resources to homeless pregnant women aged 18 and older, their infants, and young children in southeast Missouri. “By working together, we can offer help to women and children with critical needs,” said Maura Taylor, Executive Director of CCSOMO. “Please join us in prayer and in generosity as we embark on this journey to bring the love of Christ to our neighbors who are most in need.” For more information on how you can help vulnerable mothers, please contact CCSOMO’s Development Office at (417) 720-4213, or log on to the Website: www.ccsomo.org. Also, please make a donation to the Second Collection in your parish for Catholic Charities on Nov. 21. ©TM

DIOCESAN NEWS

A N N O U N C E M E N T SCape Girardeau—St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Bazaar will be held Sat., Nov. 13, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., in the St. Vincent de Paul Center (Old Notre Dame High School) located at 1912 Ritter Dr. Freshly baked cinnamon rolls available and lunch will be served.

Cape Girardeau—The Cathedral of St Mary PCCW will host its annual Craft/Bake Sale on Sat., Nov. 13 and Sun., Nov. 14, in the school gym. Prizes and items of interest include a queen size quilt, a one-night stay at Drury Hotel, and a framed diamond dot picture of the Blessed Virgin.

Cape Girardeau—Notre Dame Regional High School will hold its 25th Annual Crafts, Gifts, & Collectables Show, Fri., Nov. 19, 5-9 p.m., Sat., Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be over 200 vendors and food and baked goods for sale. Santa will make a stop on Sunday. Admission: $2 on Friday and Saturday; Sunday, free. Proceeds to benefit the Performing and Visual Arts Departments. For questions, contact Deana Pecord, [email protected] or call (618) 967-2953

Kimberling City—The Branson Knights of Columbus will co-sponsor a Blood Drive on Fri., Nov., 19, 12-5 p.m., in Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church Parish Center located at 202 Vaughn Dr. Appointments recommended. To schedule, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: OURLADY.

Poplar Bluff—The annual St. Anne’s Bazaar will be held in Sacred Heart School Gymnasium located at 825 Vine St., on Sat., Nov. 6, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Crafts, candy, quilts, and lots of other items! Proceeds to benefit the school and church needs.

Springfield—Sacred Heart Catholic Church will hold its Annual Craft/Vendor Sale on Fri., Dec. 3, 5-9 p.m., and Sat., Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in the Parish Hall located

at 1609 N. Summit Ave. Sale is in conjunction with the Midtown Victorian Homes Tour, and Sacred Heart will be part of the tour. Vendors and crafters from Springfield and surrounding area will offer a variety of items and famous cookies for sale by the pound. For more information or questions answered, please contact the parish office, (417) 869-3646.

Springfield—St. Joseph Catholic Church Ladies Group will hold a Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale on Sat., Nov. 13, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., in the Parish Hall located at 1115 N. Campbell.

Springfield—St. Joseph Catholic Church invites you to a Thanksgiving Dinner on Sun., Nov. 21, at 12-noon, in the Parish Hall Gym located at 1115 N. Campbell. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, and dessert. Dine-in, carry-out or curbside available. Social distancing will be observed and a facemask required.

Springfield—The Parish Council of Catholic Women at Immaculate Conception Parish will have a Holiday Sale, Sat., Nov. 13, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 14, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Start your Christmas shopping at the White Elephant & Bake Sale in Community Rooms A & B. A lunch of soup, sandwiches, dessert, and snacks for sale.

Springfield—The Parish Council of Catholic Women at Holy Trinity will hold the annual Fall Bazaar on Sat., Nov. 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., in the Parish Center, located at 2818 E. Bennett. Vendors from Springfield and surrounding area will offer a wide variety of items, including unique home décor, hand-knitted children and baby hats, blankets, and clothing, Christmas gifts and decor, handmade kitchen towels, jewelry, skin care, handmade cards, candles & scents, and much more! Visit the White Elephant Sale and Gardening Booth with lots of houseplants! The Knights of Columbus will serve lunch Saturday (smoked meat sandwich, coleslaw, chips, beverage, and dessert) and a full breakfast on Sunday

(pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuits & gravy, bacon, fruit, coffee, and juice). All are welcome Masking and social distancing will be encouraged.

Springfield—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Council of Catholic Women will hold the 13th annual Fall Bazaar on Sat., Nov. 6, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., Nov., 7, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendors will be located in the gym selling embroidery, knitted, and crocheted items, painted wood and glass items, handmade jewelry, rosaries and devotionals, Christmas items and ornaments, quilting, candy, and much more. There will be a Bake Sale in the café. Visit the dining room for lunch: chili, soup, frito pies, and more. Proceeds to support St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Building Fund, diocesan seminarians, LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home, and needs within the parish.

Springfield—St. Agnes Fall Bazaar will be held Sat., Nov. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., in the school gymnasium located at The Catholic Center. There will be a variety of booths with many handmade items, quilted items, artwork, greeting cards, and a bake sale. Booth space still available. If interested, call Judy at (641) 751-6632.

Springfield—Come Holy Spirit, Come! A Revive Mass and Rosary will be held the first Thursday of every month, along with praise and worship, 6 p.m., in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS) located at 2200 W Republic Rd. Please come join us and raise joyful praise to the Lord!

Webb City—The 72nd annual Turkey Dinner and Silent Auction will be held, Sat., Nov. 6, 12-7 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 7, 12-5 p.m., in Sacred Heart Parish located at 909 N. Madison St. Cost: adults, $9; children, $5. For additional details, visit www.sacredheartwebbcity.org

Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed in the announcements. They will be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.

BUCKET OF EARTH—Dirt from the site of LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home, Springfield, was brought to mix with the dirt at the site of the new LifeHouse Cape Girardeau at the blessing and groundbreaking held Oct. 20 with Bishop Edward M. Rice. (Photo courtesy of CCSOMO)

CRISIS MATERNITY HOME—Michele Marsh, Director of Special Projects and former Director of LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home, Springfield, spoke at the podium Oct. 20 at the blessing and groundbreaking held in Cape Girardeau on Oct. 20 for LifeHouse Cape Girardeau, a crisis maternity home for pregnant, homeless women and their children. Also pictured were Rick Cuba, Bishop Edward M. Rice,Tedd Powers, Laura Powers, Rhonda Cuba, Mayor Bob Fox (Cape Girardeau), and Maura Taylor, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri. (Photo by John Farmer de la

Torre/CCSOMO)

October 29, 2021 The Mirror 15SCRIPTURE/ADVERTISING

R E F L E C T I O N O N T H E 3 2 N D S U N D A Y I N O R D I N A R Y T I M E

AnyvocationlivedwellleadstoGod’sjoy1 Kings 17:10-16;Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

Ever nearer to the close of another liturgical year, the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary

Time aligns with the start of National Vocation Awareness Week, observed Nov. 7-13. I believe most Catholics in our diocese have a basic understand-ing of vocations. For instance, you have probably heard “we all have a vocation to love” and that “growing in holiness is our universal vocation as human beings.” Further still, the vocational journey, while unique and personal to each one of us, often culminates in either Holy Orders (the diaconate, priesthood, episco-pacy); Holy Matrimony (sacramental union of husband and wife);or the consecrated life (religious sisterhood or brotherhood). Discerning and deepening vocations requires con-stant cooperation with God’s grace, requiring both faith and surrender. I believe within every person, there is a mysterious place of desire to give entirely of one’s self as a generous gift of pure love to God and one another. In this space, God’s Word seeks a vocation. Reflecting more deeply on God’s Word speaking to us in this week’s selected Scriptures may prove beneficial, even Divinely Providen-tial, increased vocation awareness, and faithful surrendering to Divine Love. As we begin our search for the heroes of this week’s Scriptures, I encourage you also to be mindful of heroes in your daily life who fully live their vocation. At the beginning of the Gospel passage, Jesus conveys a warning to his disciples about the scribes who like the prestige and hon-ored favors of being in a position of religious authority. Jesus says these religious leaders “will receive a very severe condemnation” because they use extortion, disguised as prayer, to take advantage of the resources of widows, who are most likely already

destitute from their situation (Mk 12:40). In this instance, the scribes mentioned above are certainly not poised to be the heroes of this weekend’s Gospel. Indeed, for priests and anyone with any reli-gious authority, Jesus begins his lessons with a counterexample. Further, Jesus, himself with Divine Authority, does not assume the explicit place of the hero and is more situated in a teaching position, aligning his disciples and us who listen as students. Who then fulfills the prime example of a Gospel hero or a vocational hero? If we fully examine the Gospel and Scriptures this week, we encounter two different widowed wives, both who emerge unexpectedly as biblical heroines and supreme witnesses to all vocations. These archetypes are unexpected models for two reasons. First, Jesus already mentions widows as downtrodden, oppressed, and exploited by religious leaders, including the scribes. Secondly, while married life evokes wholeness and oneness, representative of spou-sal love, a widow has experienced the death of a spouse, evocative of separa-tion, incompleteness, and loss. We do not expect those we might admire and emulate to possess these traits. Yet, the same faithful surrender witnessed by the widows is what God wants for each of us as disciples. As the Psalmist says of the Lord, “The fatherless and the widow he sustains but the way of the wicked he thwarts” (Ps 146). The two widows believe in this promise. The stories of the two widows, both unnamed, have a paralleled arc directed toward total self-gift to God. We meet the widow of Zarephath as Elijah arrives at the city. The prophet makes requests of the widow for water and bread, but “as the Lord, your God, lives,” she is down to her last meal. Not only that, but she still

must care for her son, who, for unknown reasons, is seemingly unable to care for her as she is doing all the work. Elijah asks her for the last meal, meant to be the very last meal for her and her son, for they will soon die of famine. Presum-ably, the prophet Elijah might be taking advantage of this poor widow. Tension builds as Elijah might turn out no better than the Scribes from Jesus’s warning. Still, God as-sures her of a bigger plan, as Elijah recalls God’s words, “the jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the Lord sends rain upon the earth.” Faithfully, the widow gives away her last meal, only to discover that her faithful surrender led to an abundance that sustained all three of their lives for the entire year until the day of the Lord. The jars did not go empty; in other words, the resources necessary for live-lihood do not dry up for those with faith. Everyone who is living a voca-tion finds this same sustaining power of God. Catholic vocations do become one and for all commitments, and still, they require the daily action of faith and surrender. As a priest, I know of this abundance that is without end. Every time I give of myself to celebrate the Eucharist with the people of God and consecrate the bread and the wine, I encounter the sustenance of God’s Word and a chalice that is full of unceasing salvation. Within my priestly vocation, I experience a thanksgiving that does not run out. I am not alone. I have witnessed religious men and women discover a supernatural joy in living as God’s holy possession, embracing poverty for communion with Christ. I have seen husbands entrust their hearts to their wives and wives who know the love of Christ in their husbands. I have seen the joy of parents, constantly sacrificing and giving themselves to their families, who live to see the promises of God come true in the lives of their children and their children’s children.

Before this column runs out, let us turn back to the Gospel and meet the poor penniless widow. She has only a couple of nearly worthless bits of met-al. What does she do? She gives this to the temple treasury. She makes her last bit of money an offering to God. Many people had put in large sums of money, and Jesus says she put in more than all the others combined. Earthly

economic wealth is not what God wants from us. We do not hear what hap-

pened with the widow. However, the story of the widow of Zarephath can clue us in. We can interpret Jesus’s approval of her as both a model of discipleship and of holy vocation. Any vocation lived well always leads to God’s joy. What will you do with your life, a life that seems to be running out? Can we invest it in the Lord? Can we give him everything we have and are? Why not follow the example of the widows who faithfully surrender everything to the Lord as their strength? Allow God to sustain you in your life and, more still, your vocation. Sometimes we might think we do not have much to offer, which is most unexpected. No matter if you are living your vocation or still discerning, make an offering to God. Offer him your vocation, along with all your freedom, your plans, and the love in your heart. These things might not seem like much, or they might seem to be all you have. Offer it all with trust, and the Lord will ever sustain you. You will discover a new freedom, a divine plan, and you may well discover and deepen a vocation of love that will sustain you until the great day of the Lord. ©TM

Father Elbert is the Parochial Administrator of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Sikeston, MO, and Chaplain of Southeast Correctional Center, in Charleston.

SCRIPTURE WISDOMFr. Colby Elbert

Ibelievewithineveryperson,thereisamysteriousplaceofdesiretogiveentirelyofone’sselfasagenerousgiftofpurelovetoGodandoneanother.


Vatican City

The incoming chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities hopes his brother

bishops will approve a statement on the Eucharist that helps Catholics understand the gift that it is and that invites them back to active church life.“I think it would be a beautiful thing if, in November, we were to close ranks and say, ‘We are pastors. We love our people. We want to make this an inviting church and we want to gather people around the altar of the Lord,’” Abp. William E. Lori of Baltimore said.. In discussing and voting on a document on the Eucharist during their meeting Nov. 15-18, he said, the tone should be pastoral, “not compromising our teaching, not denying that it is possible to exclude oneself from the table of the Lord,” but laying the foundation for the bishops’ multiyear project of helping Catholics better understand, appreciate and celebrate the sacrament.

CATHOLICSOCIALTEACHINGSome bishops want the statement to specifically address the question of Catholic politicians, such as President Joe Biden, who support legalized abortion or other laws at odds with Church teaching. Archbishop Lori was at the Vatican accompanying the new Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus for a visit in late October; Biden was scheduled to meet the pope Oct. 29. Given their roles, “it would be surprising if the pope and the president didn’t meet,” the archbishop said Oct. 23. “It’s clear that the pope does not agree with the president about abortion. He’s made that exceptionally clear.”

“I don’t think that this meeting signals any kind of weakness on the pope’s part on the life issues,” he said, “but I think there will also be some areas of agreement, and those areas of agreement are broadly shared by the American bishops. It doesn’t mean we’re in one camp or the other, it just means that these are issues that are guided by our social teaching,” particularly on the environment in the runup to the UN climate conference. As for bishops who want the conference’s statement on the Eucharist to make a strong statement about politicians and worthiness to receive Communion, Archbishop Lori said among the US bishops there will always be “voices on either side of an issue, and that’s fine. They contribute to the discussion. They sometimes call us to things we might be forgetting.” But he hopes the document ends up being more focused on what the Eucharist is. “We have to be discerning,” he said. “Sometimes you say, well to be in the middle is kind of the position of weakness. (But) these days the position of strength and courage is often in the middle.” As pastors, the bishops must teach the truth and help all Catholics understand it, no matter what political office or position they may hold, he said.At the same time, “the Church is called to be the great sacrament of salvation

and the great sacrament of unity. And if ever there were a time we needed to live up to that deeply theological description of what the church is, it’s right now in our polarized culture,” Abp.

Lori said. “And so we have to be careful of not allowing ourselves to go down no exit, partisan alleys where there is no life at the end of it, no evangelical life, no spiritual fruit.” At the end of the US bishops’ November meeting, Abp. Lori will begin a three-year term as chairman of

the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities. He said he hopes the bishops and parishes across the US will continue to support and expand the “Walking with Moms in Need” project to identify resources and services available in their

local areas to women experiencing a difficult pregnancy, help women access those services and provide resources that may be lacking. The committee, he said, will continue to educate, advocate and work on “all the issues that deal with the life and dignity of the human person,” although abortion will remain the predominant issue because of the number of abortions performed in the U.S. each year and “because of the complete and utter helplessness of the unborn child, whose humanity we must defend.” At the same time, the church must fight against the death penalty and euthanasia and reach out to assist immigrants and people struggling with poverty. “We’re not exempt from any of that,” he said. “By showing compassion at every stage of life, we give credence to our ardent defense of the life and dignity of the unborn.” ©CNS

THE EUCHARIST—The Eucharist rests on a paten on an altar. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, incoming chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, spoke to Catholic News Service about the US bishops’ document on the Eucharist and Pope Francis’ Oct. 29 meeting with Pres. Joe Biden. (CNS photo/Chaz Muth)

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