Bishop Gainer's Christmas Message - Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
December 23, 2020 | Issue 33 Bishop Gainer’s Christmas Message Dear Brothers and Sisters announced to the shepherds in Christ, on the first Christmas, “I Many Christmas Carols proclaim to you good news have fascinating backstories. of great joy that will be for The beloved Carol, Joy to all the people. For today in the World, has one such the city of David a Savior interesting history. Isaac has been born for you who Watts, born in England in is Messiah and Lord.” (Lk 2: 1674, was reflecting one 10-11) The birth of Jesus is day on Psalm 98 and he the good news – the Gospel was greatly moved by the – of great joy. fourth verse, “Make a joyful As we celebrate our Lord’s noise unto the Lord, all the Nativity, we recognize that earth: make a loud noise, the angel’s announcement, and rejoice, and sing praise.” “good news of great joy” Watts took pen in hand is the very heart of our and wrote a four stanza Catholic faith. In celebrating poem which he entitled, Joy the Christmas Mystery we to the World. The words acknowledge and proclaim fit the tunes of several that our God is with us; He hymn melodies of the day. is Emmanuel. He is with us, However, many refused to redeeming us, loving us, sing the hymn because Watts setting us free to receive the dared to change the wording gift of His own Life. Our joy of the Psalm to suit his poem. should be the characteristic The second half of the that most defines us as Carol’s story begins with disciples of Christ. Lowell Mason, born in New CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS In our world so hungry for Jersey. He was a church Nativity window at Holy Name of good news, so needful of musician but realizing he Jesus Church in Harrisburg. hope and joy may our lives could not make a living doing as individuals, as married that alone, he became a banker. Still he continued couples, as families and as a Church proclaim to develop his musical gifts. In 1836 he wrote a “joy to the world” at Christmas and always. glorious melody that he named “Antioch,” then With prayers, warm wishes and the pledge he went in search for words to accompany his to remember you in my Masses throughout the music. He discovered Watts’ poem, Joy to the Christmas Season, I am World, and, as they say, the rest is history. It was Sincerely in Christ, an immediate success and remains one of our beloved Christmas Carols. Perhaps we enjoy this hymn so much because it connects so directly to the message the angel Bishop Ronald Gainer
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 2 Pope Francis Names New Bishop for Diocese of Greensburg Catholic News Agency “I feel honored to be able to serve as bishop in Pope Francis appointed a new bishop of the diocese where I was born, raised, educated, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Dec. 18. ordained and have served my entire life,” he said. The pope named Msgr. Larry J. Kulick as the Bishop Ronald Gainer, issued the following sixth bishop of the diocese founded in 1951. statement on the announcement of the Bishop-elect Kulick, a 54-year-old canon appointment: lawyer, has served as diocesan administrator “I am delighted to send my prayerful for Greensburg since Sept. 15, when he was congratulations to Bishop-elect Larry Kulick on elected to the post by the diocese’s College of his appointment as Bishop of Greensburg by his Consultors. Holiness, Pope Francis. I know that all of us in He took up the role following the July 16 the Diocese of Harrisburg wish him well on this appointment of Bishop Edward C. Malesic, the new appointment,” he said. fifth bishop of Greensburg, to lead the Diocese of “I have had the privilege of getting to know Cleveland. him and work closely with him since he has been In a statement on the Diocese of Greensburg’s the representative of the Diocese of Greensburg website, the bishop-elect said, “I would like to on the Administrative Board of the Pennsylvania express my gratitude to the Holy Father for his Catholic Conference. Now I look forward to confidence and trust in appointing me as bishop serving together with him as a brother Bishop. of the Diocese of Greensburg. Western PA has More BISHOP, page 3 always been my home.” The Witness Returns January 7 The December 23 edition of The Catholic Witness is the final one for 2020. Our first issue of the new year will be January 7, as we take time to enjoy the Christmas holiday. You can stay in touch with news from the Diocese of Harrisburg by visiting our Web site, www.hbgdiocese.org, and by following us on Facebook and Twitter. From all of us at The Witness, best wishes for a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year! Publisher: 4800 Union Deposit Road The Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer, Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710 DD, JCL, Bishop of Harrisburg Phone: 717-657-4804 Executive Director for Public Relations: Email: witness@hbgdiocese.org Rachel Bryson, M.S. rbryson@hbgdiocese.org Digital subscriptions provided complimentary to all parishioners registered to a parish in the Diocese of Managing Editor: Jennifer Reed The mission of The Catholic Witness is jreed@hbgdiocese.org Harrisburg. The Catholic Witness (ISSN 0008-8447, to be of personal and practical help as USPS 557 120) is published digitally weekly except we try to be loyal and true witnesses for Photojournalist: Chris Heisey Christmas/New Year by the Harrisburg Catholic Christ in our daily living, spiritual and cheisey@hbgdiocese.org Publishing Association, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. temporal, in private and in public.
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 3 BISHOP, continued from 2 born in Natrona Heights, They have featured his prized Pennsylvania, on Feb. 24, 1966. 1966 Pontiac LeMans, the car I pray God may grant him the He gained a bachelor’s degree in which he was brought home strength and joy needed for in philosophy at Saint Vincent from hospital after his birth. this important ministry,” Bishop College, and a master’s degree In recognition of his heritage, Gainer said. in systematic theology and Bishop-elect Kulick is an active A press release on the a master of divinity degree supporter of Slovak cultural and Diocese of Greensburg’s at Saint Vincent Seminary in fraternal organizations. website described Bishop- Latrobe. The Greensburg Diocese elect Kulick as “a strategic and He was ordained a priest consists of parishes in energetic administrator, even on May 16, 1992, by Bishop Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana, in the midst of the COVID-19 Anthony G. Bosco, the third and Westmoreland counties. pandemic,” which has reduced bishop of Greensburg, at The diocese has 86 priests, Mass attendance to 30-40% of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in including 16 international normal levels. the city of Greensburg. clergy, as well as 12 schools, It said that in a first for the He obtained a licentiate in 10 elementary and two junior- diocese, he had required all canon law from the Catholic senior high schools. of Greenburg’s 78 parishes to University of America in 2012. Bishop-elect Kulick said: publish an annual fiscal report That year, he was appointed “Two things that define the simultaneously. pastor of St. James Parish, people of Western PA, which The website also noted New Alexandria, where he has were also crucial in my that Bishop-elect Kulick had served to the present day. upbringing and formation, are a overseen a committee for the Also in 2012, Bishop strong faith and a strong work return of safe in-person worship Lawrence E. Brandt, the ethic.” in the diocese. fourth bishop of Greensburg, “As I begin my episcopal “New evangelization tools appointed him vicar general and ministry, I know we have a great including an email and text moderator of the curia. deal of work to do in caring for message alert system, online Bishop-elect Kulick was given our community of faith in a post- and printed resources for the title of monsignor in 2014 pandemic world.” worshiping at home, and both and was confirmed as vicar “Working with each other, live and premiered social media general by Bishop Malesic in I believe the Church and its events helped to bring many 2015. people can continue to be of people closer to the Church,” it The bishop-elect is a classic great assistance to those who said. car enthusiast who has held are in spiritual and physical Bishop-elect Kulick was fundraising summer car shows. need.” Christmas OFFERING This Christmas, please remember your parish www.hbgdiocese.org/parish-online-giving
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 4 Good Shepherd’s Nativity Celebrates God with Us By Jen Reed The Visitation, Joseph’s Dream, The Journey to The Catholic Witness Bethlehem and the Birth of the Lord. The parish On a cold winter’s night a week before further enhanced the prayerful presentation with Christmas, thousands of faithful came to Good a hand-out featuring Scripture passages of each Shepherd Parish in Camp Hill to ponder and gaze scene, and with a radio frequency playing the upon a Living Nativity display. song “Emmanuel: God is with Us!” With roles played in large part by youth of “We wanted to have something that would be the parish, and featuring live animals used in simple and safe in this time of Covid, yet exciting productions at the Sight and Sound Theater, the for the entire community,” said Father Neil drive-through event brought to life five scenes Sullivan, pastor. leading to the first Christmas. The Living Nativity presentation was the first Thousands of onlookers wound their way for the parish, and an immediate success, as a through the parish parking lot in their vehicles steady stream of vehicles inched through the and stopped at the scenes: The Annunciation, display throughout its two-hour timeframe.
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 6 Vatican Astronomer Relates the ‘Christmas Star’ to Star of Bethlehem By Hannah Brockhaus He recalled that the Star Now, astrology is specifically Catholic News Agency of Bethlehem itself was not forbidden in the Hebrew The “Great Conjunction” of the focus of the account, but Scriptures,” he explained. “It Jupiter and Saturn on Dec. at whom the star pointed. was being used as a reason to 21 – dubbed the “Christmas “The important thing to worship the stars rather than Star” – was a pretty sight, but it remember is that the Star God, and as a way of denying is impossible to know for sure of Bethlehem is just a small human freedom.” if it had any connection to the part of the infancy narrative in He said that you can Star of Bethlehem, a Vatican Matthew’s Gospel. The point of download a program on your astronomer said. his story isn’t the star. It’s the computer which tells you the On Dec. 21, the planets baby,” he said. position of the stars and roll it Jupiter and Saturn appeared a “Whatever the Magi would back to April of the year 6 B.C. tenth of a degree apart in the have seen ... it was something What you will see is “all of the night sky, something called a that nobody looking at the sky planets rising with the sun.” “Great Conjunction.” would have noticed, but they “And our understanding This conjunction happens did,” Consolmagno told the of what the ancients thought approximately every 20 years, CNA Newsroom podcast in of astrology is they thought but this year the two planets December 2019. this would be significant, but appeared the closest they have “The shepherds in the fields you could only know that it’s been in almost 400 years. To where it was dark, where they happening if you’ve calculated the naked eye, they looked like didn’t have city lights, they knew it, because the sun is there! You one, bright star, thus earning the the sky. What was it the Magi can’t actually see the planets,” nickname the “Christmas Star.” saw that everybody else didn’t he said. Brother Guy Consolmagno, see?” Brother Consolmagno “And this is a relatively rare S.J., told CNA that the asked. event, it all fits,” he continued. conjunction of Saturn and “The Magi are seeing “Is that really what Matthew was Jupiter doesn’t have a religious something in the sky which is talking about? I don’t know. It’s significance, but “nonetheless, it interpreted in terms of astrology. fun to play with the idea. is a pretty sight.” The Jesuit brother is an astronomer and director of the Vatican Observatory. Some astronomers have theorized that this conjunction of the two bright planets could be what the three “wise men from the East” saw in the sky and followed, leading them to find the Child Jesus, as recounted in St. Matthew’s Gospel. “Is this really what the Star of Bethlehem was?” Brother Consolmagno asked. “No one knows for sure what the star was, and until we have a time PreK-8 students at St. Joseph School in Hanover recently machine where we can go back joined faculty and staff in donating food items to the less and interview Matthew with a fortunate. The donations were packaged by Student Council video recorder, no one ever will officers and given to God’s Meal Barrel in Hanover to provide know for sure!” holiday meals for those in need.
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 7 This Year’s Vatican Christmas Tree Features Ornaments Handmade by the Homeless By Courtney Mares Christmas meal at the homeless florist and decorator. Catholic News Agency shelter near the Vatican. Šegula helped to train 400 Reaching a height of nearly “We decided also to give one people to help make this year’s 100 feet, the Christmas tree in special tree … to the structure ornaments out of straw and St. Peter’s Square this year is for the homeless people, which wood using instructional videos adorned with handcrafted because of the pandemic. wooden ornaments made She said that most of by the homeless, as well the ornaments were made as children and other by people in Slovenia, adults. including some young Before the Christmas children, but the homeless tree lighting ceremony in Rome and Slovenia Dec. 11, Pope Francis were also involved in the said that he wanted craftsmanship. the Christmas tree and “They really enjoyed nativity scene in St. their workshops so they Peter’s Square to be “a made their own designs,” sign of hope” in a year Šegula told EWTN. marked by the coronavirus “And that was the main pandemic. is next to St Peter’s Square. We goal – that we bring also joy and “The tree and the nativity will provide for them also a kind the Christmas spirit to the house scene help to create of special meal for that day, so of homeless people in Rome,” the favorable Christmas we can express also kind of our she said. atmosphere for living with faith connection with them in this Slovenia donated the the mystery of the Birth of the way,” the ambassador said. Christmas tree as a symbol Redeemer,” the pope said. The homeless were also of gratitude for the Vatican’s “In the nativity, involved in making some of support of the country’s everything speaks of ‘good the ornaments for the Vatican independence movement on the poverty,’ evangelical poverty, Christmas tree, according to which makes us blessed: Sabina Šegula, the Vatican’s More ORNAMENTS, page 8 contemplating the Holy Family and the various characters, we are attracted by their disarming humility.” The massive spruce tree in St. Peter’s Square is a gift from Slovenia, a Central European country with a population of two million people, which also donated 40 smaller trees to be placed in the offices of Vatican City. Jakob Štunf, Slovenia’s ambassador to the Holy See, told EWTN News that Slovenia is also sponsoring a
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 8 ORNAMENTS, from 7 ceremony led by Cardinal for the Advent and Christmas Giuseppe Bertello and Bishop seasons. 30th anniversary of Slovenia’s Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, Both the tree and nativity independence from Yugoslavia. president and secretary scenes will be displayed until “John Paul II ... understood general of the governorate of Jan. 10, 2021, the feast of the very well the situation in that Vatican City State respectively. Baptism of the Lord. time, what was going on, not At the ceremony, this year’s On Friday, Pope Francis met only in Slovenia or Yugoslavia Vatican nativity scene was also with a delegation from Slovenia at that time, but also in Europe. unveiled. and from the Italian region of So he understood the big A more traditional Italian Abruzzo involved in the creation changes that were going on and nativity scene with moving of this year’s Christmas displays he was really personal, very figures is also displayed in the in St. Peter’s Square. much involved and engaged in baptistery chapel of St. Peter’s “The feast of Christmas the process,” Štunf said. Basilica. The painted angels reminds us that Jesus is our “Slovenia is actually from the chapel’s grand mosaic peace, our joy, our strength, our recognized as one of the of the baptism of Jesus in the comfort,” the pope said. greenest countries in the Jordan River appear to hover “But, to welcome these world. … More than 60% of the above the scene’s wooden gifts of grace, we need to feel Slovenian territory is covered manger, which is surrounded small, poor and humble like the by forests,” he said, adding that by poinsettias and a long row of characters in the nativity.” this tree could be considered kneelers for pilgrims who wish “I express my best wishes to a gift from the “green heart of to contemplate the nativity in you for a Christmas feast full Europe.” prayer. of hope, and I ask you to bring The tree from Slovenia’s “Angels Unawares,” the them to your families and all Kočevje forests is 75 years image of the Holy Family in your fellow citizens. I assure old, weighs 70 tons, and is 30 the migrant sculpture in St. you of my prayers and I bless meters tall. Peter’s Square, has also been you. And you too, please, pray It was lit Dec. 11 in a illuminated for the first time for me. Merry Christmas.” Choosing A School For Your Child? Consider Catholic Schools Excellent Academics 95% of our Elementary students score above the national average in Language skills. 90% of our Elementary students score above the national average in Reading. 85% of our Elementary students score above the national average in Math. Affordable Tuition We are committed to making Catholic education an affordable option for families. Financial Aid and Scholarship programs are available to help with the cost of attending our schools. High Graduation Rates Over 98% of our students graduate from High School. College Scholarships Annually over $40 Million in scholarship funds are offered to graduates of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Tuition Assistance and Scholarships are available. Learn more at a school near you. Find a school at www.GoCatholicSchools.org Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg • 4800 Union Deposit Road • Harrisburg, PA 17111 • (717) 657-4804
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 9 Pregnancy Resource Center Spreads Christmas Cheer to Families By Mary Ann Albertini delivered presents via a safe, outdoor, socially- Special to The Witness distant drive-through, complete with a volunteer With Christmas just five days away, staff at Santa Claus. A Woman’s Concern Pregnancy and Parenting The giveaway ensures families who come to Resource Center in the center for help Lancaster put their know they are not Santa hats on Dec. alone. The stress 21 to give gifts to of the season families in need. mixed with financial The center woes can be a turned their Hope lot for anyone to House, where handle. Nonprofit families normally organizations pick up strollers like A Woman’s and Chicco car Concern recognize seats, into a drive- this reality and do through toy land. whatever they can “During the to give aid when it beginning of the Santa Claus and helpers from A Woman’s Concern is needed most. pandemic, we in Lancaster give gifts to families four days before “At this time of invited families to Christmas. year, spreading joy, pick up diapers, hope, and the spirit wipes, formula and any other material assistance of giving becomes our job, and we are proud to they needed here at the center to help them be here for mothers and families in our area,” through these difficult times. Now, as Christmas Hartman said. nears, we hope to fill their cars with some much- The center provided personalized gift bags needed joy to more than 75 families on Monday and was this holiday planning to hold additional gift distributions for season, families who plan to pick up later this week. thanks to a “We’ll try not to turn anyone away,” Hartman generous said. “If a mother, father, or family needs partnership something, we will find a way to spread some joy with local to their homes this Christmas.” churches, Thanks to the support of donors and individual community partners, A Woman’s Concern offers families, free, confidential pregnancy and parenting and Toys services to women and families in the Lancaster for Tots,” area. A Woman’s Concern empowers women executive by equipping them with tools and information director Jill to make healthy choices about pregnancy, Hartman parenting, and sexual health. Free services are said. available by appointment and include pregnancy With toys testing, ultrasound scans, STD/STI testing, designated education and support, community referrals, and by age, material assistance. A volunteer at A Woman’s Concern, Hartman Visit www.PregnancyLancaster.com for more a pro-life pregnancy center, selects and her information on the work of A Woman’s Concern in presents for children. team the Lancaster area.
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 10 The Called A series of profiles on clergy and religious and having a grand old time during Exposition, and my teacher pulled my ponytail – just for me to be aware. Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC She said, “What are you Hometown: Butler, N.J. doing?” Of course, I lowered my eyes because I realized I Education: St. Anthony of Padua School wasn’t supposed to be doing in Butler, N.J.; Neumann Prep in Wayne, what I was doing. She said, N.J.; Felician College in Lodi, N.J.; Mary- “You’re disrespecting Jesus wood University in Scranton, Pa. in the Blessed Sacrament Current Assignment: Diocesan wide- by talking to your friend.” I area network coordinator, Director of said, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Smith.” Formation for Wives in the Diaconate She said, “Don’t say sorry to Program, and a columnist for The Catholic me, say sorry to Him.” I knelt Witness there, looking at the Blessed Sacrament, and said, “Sorry Tell me about your childhood. there, and I was not going to go I disrespected you.” I had an I grew up in a little borough where my sister went! She was a incredible experience with called Butler in northeast New cheerleader, and I wasn’t her. Christ, and as an eight-year- Jersey. I am the second of three From Neumann Prep, I went old, I dedicated myself to Him. children. I have a sister who is to Felician College in Lodi, N.J., I didn’t know what that meant, eight years older than I am, and which is about an hour and but I knew He was calling me a younger brother who is eleven 20 minutes east from where I to something deeper. months younger than I am. There grew up. Felician was run by Between seventh and is a baby between my sister and the Franciscans of St. Felix, a eighth grade, I was in a very I, who my mom lost. My mother Polish community. I majored in serious car accident. My could conceive but could not special education and minored mother was driving the car, carry children to full term. I was in elementary education, and which hydroplaned, flipped, my sister’s First Communion it’s where I met the Sisters hit a tree and spun on its wish. She wanted a baby sister, of Christian Charity. Their roof. I was thrown out the and I was born January 18, temporary-professed Sisters went window, 75 feet from the car. 1961. to school with me and I was very I needed 350 stitches and six I went to our parish much intrigued by going to school operations to put me back elementary school, St. Anthony with them. together. I had to learn how to of Padua. It closed in the 90s. walk again. Had you been thinking about I was taught by the Franciscan As I came to understand a religious vocation while you Sisters of the Sacred Heart. what happened to me, people were in school? The Sisters who taught me said, “You could have died.” The first time I thought about really showed me about prayer But I did die. I came to on religious life was when I was and about Christ. They were the side of the road, I never in second grade. The only lay amazing. opened my eyes, but I could teacher in my elementary school I went to a diocesan high hear voices. I asked, “What was my second-grade teacher, school, which closed in the mid- happened? How is my mom?” and during Lent we had a tradition 90s. It was named Neumann Someone said, “Was there where the whole school would Prep, after St. John Neumann. I anybody else in the car?” I spend time in front of the Blessed was in the second class of girls got quiet. I remember seeing Sacrament. Then there was to go there. It was a high school myself, as a bird would see Benediction and Stations of the seminary at one point. The other me, and was very conscious Cross. I was sitting in the third diocesan high school nearby pew talking to my best friend was DePaul. My sister went More THE CALLED, page 11
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 11 THE CALLED, from 10 and knowing I was home. My if I belonged. reaction to that was, “Oh shoot.” of the color of the tarp they What do you remember from Coming home after that put over me because it was your first day in the convent? weekend, I went to the front pouring rain. The first responder The application and spiritual door of my house and my father uniforms were hunter green biography you had to write screamed from the second floor and the tarp was a royal blue. was overwhelming. Getting that over his dead body was I never opened my eyes, but I clothes and things you need. I entering the convent until I could tell you those colors. The Even though I was entering, my graduated from college. I yelled, voices said, “Is she gone?” I parents were still responsible “Oh yeah? Who is paying for knew what that meant, I was for me. I wanted to give them college? You’re not, I am!” He like, “Nope, I am right here!” money so I wouldn’t be a said, “But you’re living here.” I had emergency surgery financial burden to them, and By the time I graduated from because of the amount of glass so they could use the money I college, I was only living at that was under my skin was gave them during my initial four home part-time. I had landed horrific. years of formation. They had to a job at a psychiatric treatment Those events made me pay a little bit for my room and center for emotionally ill children realize that God saved me for board and academics. and I lived there for three a specific reason. But in high The first day, I was in a mud- years on and off. In order to school, I didn’t want it. I didn’t brown uniform, white blouse, make tuition, I was working want to be a nun. Nuns were brown shoes. My trunk with all full-time and part-time jobs, holy, and I wasn’t holy. I had a my belongings filled the car. I and maintaining a 3.8 average snarky attitude. I used my fists. didn’t think my family and my because I was on an academic My brother is on the Autism congregation had any ties. I scholarship. spectrum and would get picked could remember helping my By the time I graduated on, and I was his defender. I dad with the trunk, which was college in 1983, I was burnt beat people up. My parents all I had. An older Sister, named out. The convent was a were constantly coming in to Sister Louise, was outside at welcome respite, so I entered. the principal’s, especially to the the motherhouse. She asked In my congregation at the time, elementary school. One time, my father where he was from, you had to do two years of my father said to me, “I expect and he said Bronx, New York. postulancy, in which I studied to be called to the principal’s She asked which school he Theology. office because of my son, not went to, which was Immaculate because of my daughter!” I How do you go from a couple Conception. It was a school had a fiery temper. There were jobs and school, to entering our congregation taught in. several holes in the home I the convent? The experiences of him being grew up in that are now paneled It felt like home. Being smacked by the Sisters from the because of my fist. So religious obedient to my father, ultimately same congregation I was called life was not for me! I would get what I wanted, which to was sobering. When I taught was to enter after I graduated. in the Bronx in the same school What changed your mind? Rather than be a burden to my he went to, I looked for his When I went to college, parents, I worked full-time and report card, but it was misfiled a classmate of mine named any job I could find part-time: – shucks! But the day I entered Joan didn’t have a car and McDonald’s, Baskin Robbins, the convent, I found there was a commuted to college via mass as a lifeguard. Anything I could family tie to my congregation. transit. She asked me if I would do to pay for tuition. When I driver her to the motherhouse What did you study before graduated, I graduated burnt for a retreat weekend. I can becoming a Sister? out and debt free. But I knew all remember genuflecting in the After my degree in education, that work was not life, it was a motherhouse chapel – it was I got an associate’s in Theology. moment. I entered the Sisters of the first time I was there – in Christian Charity wanting to see front of the Blessed Sacrament, More THE CALLED, page 12
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 12 THE CALLED, from 11 learned how to swear from kids Chastity means that I who had emotional problems. love Jesus only; Christ is As a religious, you really need I saw a side of life that few my beloved. I remember to know your faith. We also took people did. I lived with those in postulancy, there was a what we called Instructions, kids for two and a half years. I vocations day where an older which was basic spirituality wasn’t lily white, I wasn’t holy by Sister said, “Most people and how to pray the Office, the any means, and yet God called think that when you become a Rosary and the Stations of the me. I thought, “Well, God called religious, you give up men. Nah, Cross – things that, because I the apostles and they were a I give up a man to get Christ grew up in the 70s, were alien ragtag bunch, so maybe he is instead.” It’s exclusive love to to girls my age. calling me!” love Christ above all. There was another woman I can remember walking Obedience means when who entered with me, Jean. She to the edge of the convent my superior tells me to go was in her 40s at the time. She property and saying, “I have a somewhere or do something – was temporary-professed in thumb; I could keep going and unless there is a really serious an Italian order in upstate New leave.” But that thought was reason – I have to do it. I York, and during the upheaval of fleeting. We were told in the realized the snark was pride the Second Vatican Council, she process of discerning that if and arrogance. When you begin left and became a lay woman something came up, let it go. If to deal with that, it’s your will, before feeling called again to it came up again, let it go. But not God’s will. It’s part of the religious life. She journeyed with if it came up a third time, then continual conversion that we’re me in my class until first-year you need to talk about it. The all called to – and it’s continual novitiate. A year after me, they thought of leaving never came for me because I’m still snarky. changed formation to one year up a third time for me. On August 16, 1985, I made of postulancy. A woman named I remember my postulancy my first vows. I made those Mary Ann entered a year behind year. It was horrible. Prayer three vows temporarily for one me and we all received our was dry. Community life was year. You make those vows like religious names and our habit irritating me. My directress was you’re going to say it for the rest together. Jean and Mary Ann like a gnat in front of my face. of your life. There is wisdom in both discerned out of religious I could do nothing right. It was that because once you leave life, so I am the only Sister for miserable. And I kept looking at initial formation, you’re going my class. I jokingly say that the Cross, saying, “Jesus, you from a very secure and intense whenever I look at myself in the hung there. I can hang here. If moment and into the real world mirror, I have a class reunion. this is really truly what you want, where you begin you’re ministry. When did you profess your I’m hanging with you.” Come Now, there’s cooking, cleaning, vows? Easter Sunday, there was such responsibility of ministry. On August 16, 1985, I joy. I realized that’s what the There’s all these spinning plates professed my first vows, and journey of Lent was all about. and you fall on your face. That’s then every year after for the why they’re renewed every year. Explain what it means to take next six, I renewed my vows. Not only are you discerning if final vows. On August 15, 1994, I made my you’re actually called to this; the Our congregation take three final vows. It’s ten years in my community is also discerning vows: poverty, chastity and congregation from the time you whether you are as well. obedience. Poverty is, “I don’t enter until the time you make After six years, you make own anything, and what I do your final vows, and you can your final vows, which means use, I use at the discretion of discern-out anytime in between. I perpetually vowed poverty, the community.” I don’t receive Did you ever have times of chastity and obedience a salary, I don’t receive a car. I doubt? according to the Constitutions of hold on to material things very I doubted the snarky attitude, the Sisters of Christian Charity. loosely because they’re not the foul-mouthed individual. I mine. More THE CALLED, page 13
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 13 THE CALLED, from 12 a trade so she could maintain a computer science to one of our lifestyle. local schools. My fourth year, I It’s like a wedding day. We Mother Pauline wrote more was a seventh-grade teacher. wear a white cape, as Mother than 2,000 letters, and her That was hard, because I was Pauline, our foundress, did. stories of working with the blind neither fish nor fowl. I was a We get a wedding band. You touched my heart. She had love Sister but I was not connected can either get a wedding band for the kids who were broken, to the parish. That was hard, from your family, or you can and that’s why I was drawn. and again, my imprudence and get one from the congregation. my immaturity made things My wedding band was my Where have you served in even worse. You only learn that grandmother’s. It’s engraved your ministry? in hindsight. with my initials, Jesus, Mary and I was six years in mission When I returned to mission Joseph, Augustine and the date before my final vows. I spent life, I went to St. Nicholas of my final vows. That will get my first year in St. Mary’s in in Jersey City and was a recycled when I die, and melted Hackettstown, N.J., teaching seventh-grade math and down to be given to another eight grade. I had no clue how science teacher. Then I went to Sister. to do it! I had 28 kids in my first Immaculate Conception in the class, and it was a very wide Tell me about Mother Pauline. by narrow classroom. In the Bronx again, and it was there She was a tall woman. She that I flowered for six years. back of the room was a pipe was the oldest of four children, It was stable enough for me with hangers where the kids born in 1817 and died in 1881. to come into my own. I won a would hang their coats and She visited Harrisburg at one grant from the National Catholic throw their book bags on the time. What struck me was her Educational Association for floor. I thought, naively, that 14 love for kids with special needs, 14-year-old boys could handle integrating religion into the particularly the blind. going to the closet for their stuff. academic areas. I was involved She was German. During the One kid bent over to pick up in the parish and the youth Neapolitan War, the army went group. I learned Spanish from a book bag and a second kid to Egypt and brought back an Missionaries of Our Mother of pushed him through the wall. I STD that affected the in-utero Perpetual that we lived with. literally had to pull him out the development of children’s eyes. wall, and then confess it to my From there, I went to Wilkes- At the time, two of three children principal. She practically fired Barre, and that was scary in Egypt were born blind. So because I hadn’t taught Anglo me on the spot! I wound up when the army came back and children for six years. It was staying, and I wanted to do it brought the STD with them, like speaking a whole different right the second time. there was a huge population language. The first week of I then went to Immaculate of kids who were blind, and school, kids were going home Conception in the Bronx. I had they had no idea how to teach crying because I would snap my a tremendous principal who them. Mother Pauline, as a lay fingers and say “Move.” That took me under her wing. I told woman, began a kindergarten was the way I handled inner-city her, “I did everything wrong my and a Catholic school for the kids, but not so in Wilkes-Barre. first year, and I’m hoping to do blind. She accepted poor kids Then I came to Harrisburg, everything right.” I had 41 kids off the street. She came across and was at Bishop McDevitt. in that class, and they were a woman who was a dwarf and The school got a major grant broken kids. They knew that I was blind, and was literally tied loved them, and we both healed and created a 64-workstation to her mother’s flower cart. computer lab. I was responsible each other. Pauline said to the mother, “Let for putting that together and Two years in formation me take care of your daughter.” and then two years at the creating the curriculum, since The mother agreed, and the I had just finished my master’s motherhouse was part of our woman became a ward of the in instructional technology. It formation. So I went back to congregation. Pauline taught the motherhouse and taught her how to weave and gave her More THE CALLED, page 14
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 14 THE CALLED, from 13 about education, but then Father Schenck asked me and realized the need for theology I said, “How am I qualified?” was a city environment, and I and relationships with God. The He said, “You’re as qualified as thrived. rest, they say, is history. I’ve any of the apostles were.” My I became a part of the been writing for The Witness for provincial said, “How are you Diocesan Technology ten years, and have done more qualified?” I said, “That’s exactly Committee, and we were than 200 articles. what I asked Father Schenck.” looking at a telecommunication I’ve been involved in Rachel’s She told me to pray about it, grant in addition to one from Vineyard retreats for healing and it was a hands-down yes. Lancaster Intermediate Unit 13. from abortion and director of This is how you make the We received a $1.7 million grant formation for the wives in the love of God visible in the local that created a fiber network, the diaconate program. I remember Church. wide-area network, to connect dropping a Sister off at the I was expecting that there all our schools. It was my Diocesan Center when the class would be a curriculum I’d be responsibility to write the job of deacons from 2010 was just using. Father Schenck said to description for the wide-area ending their formation. I said, me, “The USCCB hasn’t made network coordinator, and our “Holy Spirit, it would be really a curriculum for the guys, let IT director turned to me and cool if I could work with future alone for their wives, so you asked if I wanted the job. I said candidates.” Well fat chance! I basically have open freedom no, because I was teaching, don’t have a degree in theology, on this.” So we started with the but a year later I took the WAN my degree is in technology. dignity and vocation of women, coordinator job. Fast forward, and I was asked because there are few women I left teaching in a classroom to be a keynote speaker in this world who know what setting to come here, and for the Diocesan Council of the Church says we’re called that was 11 years ago. I Catholic Women at their annual to be; not what the culture calls still maintain the wide-area convention, and I spoke for feminism but feminism as in the network. I’ve become a regular 40 minutes about joy and the heart and dignity of women. I contributor to The Catholic voice of a Catholic woman. I got began there and let the Holy Witness newspaper, which a standing ovation and about Spirit drive me. I published has been a tremendous gift a dozen people approached one of my talks online so the because I didn’t know I could me about being their spiritual wives could go back and listen write. Part of the grant that we director. I realized there was no to it. The new diaconate class received for the WAN allowed list in the diocese of people who was ordained in September, us to be part of Powerful function as spiritual directors, and they’re my sons and Learning Practices, which is a and there is no program to train daughters in the true sense training session for teachers on them, either. I prayed about it because I grew up with them. In integrated technology within the and went to Bishop Gainer. I September we’re going to start curriculum. Because of my role said, “Your spiritual daughters another diaconate class, and here, I was considered a fellow are hungry. I have a plan but I’ve been asked to remain as and I began helping teachers I need your blessing.” That’s formation director for the wives. learn how to integrate. I learned where the conversation started that I could write, and I learned That’s a wealth of ministry. to begin a program to train lay that people responded to the What do you do to unwind? guides for the Diocese. The first way I write; so much so that I’m an artist, so I draw, I class graduates this month. they offered me a job. I said, paint, I play with stained-glass. Also at the time, Father Paul “No, because I wouldn’t be able One of the gifts of the car Schenck was named director to talk about God.” I approached accident I was in: I carried a of formation for the diaconate Jen Reed, the managing editor piece of glass in my body for formation program, and Bishop of The Witness, and asked 25 years. I could feel it, it was Gainer said he wanted a if she wanted someone to in my forehead. When I would program for the deacons’ wives collaborate with. I started writing More THE CALLED, page 15 and that he wanted me to do it.
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 15 THE CALLED, from 14 Undefeated Courage is a non- and there were about 20 cards profit sidewalk counseling in line. I was determined to not tell the story of the car accident ministry and I was honored to add to the air pollution, and I and that I was saved by God’s be asked to donate 25 pieces turned the car off. I did this as will, I allowed my students to for an auction to help purchase the line moved, and when I got feel the glass. One kid pushed their mobile ultrasound closer to the window, I realized a little hard, and I yelled, “Ow! machine. The auction earned I didn’t have hand sanitizer That really hurt!” A month later, $20,000 in one evening. and I’d have to touch the drive- someone asked me if they could I’ve had one professional through canister. I was freaking feel it, and it was gone. Six art show, and that was 11 out! I kept saying, “Jesus, I months later, I got a boil on my years ago. One of the Knights trust in You. Jesus, I trust in thigh and I went to the doctor to of Columbus at the Cathedral You.” When my turn came, the get it lanced. Inside the boil was Parish had an art gallery and he car wouldn’t start. I had a dead a piece of glass. I have a very allowed me to show my artwork battery. I got out and asked, close relationship with glass. there. It was such a gift. “Could someone push me out A friend of mine gave me her of the way? My battery is dead.” entire stained-glass studio, so What advice would you give Some people helped to push it, I make stained-glass windows a snarky college student who and I began calling the Sisters, and pieces of art. has heard the call to religious because the convent was just I’m also a seamstress. I make life but is ignoring it? down the street. One didn’t a lot of my own clothes and a lot Search your heart and find answer because her phone of the Sisters’ clothes as a sign out what brings you peace, not was off. Another didn’t answer of my own vow of simplicity and what the world says brings you because she didn’t recognize poverty. I had a small sewing peace. As bizarre as it might my number. A third just didn’t business in college to help be, think about what gives you answer. And they were all make a buck. peace, and then go for it. Not sitting around the same table! money, not fame, but peace that How important is it for you to The fourth one answered, and lasts, because that’s the peace find time for your craft, and I asked her to come so that God wants for you. how does it connect you with we could jump my car. I was your beloved? Is there anything else you standing there waiting with the My very first spiritual director would like to share? hood up and about a dozen was a priest from Portland, I live in the Holy Spirit people stopped and asked if I Maine, stationed in Columbia Hospital convent with 14 needed help. Presbyterian Hospital. He was amazing women. The youngest I still hadn’t done my banking. an artist, a sculptor. He made is in her 30s and the oldest is A teller came out and asked me own my artwork. I remember way beyond her retirement age, if they could help with the drawing a picture of Christ I’ll put it that way. They make banking, so they got all my stuff on the Cross when my dad me want to be holy. done. The Sister came, we was dying of lung cancer. My My father said that, for him, jumped the car, and I headed spiritual director said, “You did proof of God is that women can back to the convent. As I was this? Well, you’re going to do share the same kitchen without driving, I was growling at God, more.” When I would go to him, killing each other. We do that “Come on. Why did this have he would say, “Draw. Draw what 24/7. to be so hard?” He said to me, you’re feeling.” He made me How have you been changed “Are you done yet? You were own my artwork as an extension by the pandemic? afraid to touch the drive-through of my spiritual journey. I wrote an article for The canister. You didn’t have to. I I “live” with a piece of artwork Witness when the pandemic took care of you. I will take care until it stops speaking to me, had just started. I offered to of you through all of this.” and then I can let it go. I sell go to the bank for one of our The pandemic has been a it, but most of them I give Sisters who is the treasurer. I away. That’s part of the gift. drove up to the drive-through More THE CALLED, page 16
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 16 THE CALLED, from 15 rollercoaster ride, don’t get me wrong. I mind the loneliness. One Diocesan of the downsides of being a confident and competent woman is, people don’t realize you need help. Youth Protection A bigger issue with Covid is that we’re in this together. The Program entire world is facing the same thing, so this is really a lesson in community. It’s funny how our culture has become divisive instead To report suspected abuse of of united, and part of that is fear. Get down on your knees and say, a minor, call the toll free PA “It’s Ok. God is in charge.” We are his creatures. To find that peace Child Abuse Hotline: and love is what this is all about. 1-800-932-0313 (Interview conducted by Chris Heisey, The Catholic Witness.) To report suspected abuse of a minor by a church official, employee or volunteer, also Respect Life Mass On the 4th Day of the 9 Days for Life Novena, the Diocese of Harrisburg please call the Diocese of will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for expectant fathers Harrisburg Youth Protection to lovingly support the mothers of their children in welcoming new life. Hotline: 1-800-626-1608 or email: ReportAbuse@ hbgdiocese.org Para reportar la sospecha del abuso de un menor, llame al número de teléfono gratuíto Línea de Ayuda Abuso del Niño Pennsylvania 1-800-932-0313 Para reportar la sospecha del abuso de un menor a manos de un official, empleado o voluntario de la iglesia, también llame al número de teléfono gratuíto de ayuda diocesana: 1-800-626-1608 o envíe Principal Celebrant correo electrónico: Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer ReportAbuse@ Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. hbgdiocese.org Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick • Harrisburg, PA Live Stream Available: www.youtube.com/hbgdiocese 9 Days for Life Novena, January 21-29. Sign up today at www.9daysforlife.com The Respect Life Mass is sponsored by the Diocese Office of Family and Respect Life Ministries www.hbgdiocese.org/respectlife
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 17 Obituary: Campaign Medal and Unit Citation of the Vietnam Father Robert F. Berger, KHS Cross of Gallantry. Father (Colonel) Robert Father Berger is a life member of the American F. Berger, KHS, died Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He at his family home on was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th December 14, 2020. Degree and was selected as Knight of the Year, He was a priest of the Mary Gate of Heaven and State Exemplification Diocese of Harrisburg for Honoree in 2016. He is a graduate of Command 58 years. and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth. He was born August Father Berger earned three master’s degrees, 30, 1935, in Locust Gap, one in Psychology and two in Theology, and the son of the late George wrote training manuals for the first class of Francis and Josephine permanent deacons in the Diocese and another (Heiser) Berger. for marital counseling. He was given the He graduated from ecclesiastical honor of Knight of the Equestrian St. Charles College, Order of the Holy Sepulchre (KHS) in Jerusalem Catonsville, Md., in 1956, and from St. Charles by Cardinal Edwin O’Brien. Seminary, Overbrook, Pa. and was ordained on Father Berger was preceded in death by his May 19, 1962, by Bishop George Leech. parents, George Francis and Josephine, his Throughout his priesthood, Father Berger’s sister, Sister Patricia Ann, and nephew, Robert various parish assignments in the Diocese were Christian. He is survived by his sister, Kathleen as assistant pastor at Good Shepherd Parish, Ferdock, of Bloomsburg and brother Francis of Camp Hill; Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Elysburg, and many nieces and nephews Mary Parish, Lebanon; St Francis Xavier Parish, Mass of Transferal will be celebrated at Our Gettysburg; and pastor at Mary, Gate of Heaven Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Mount Carmel Parish, Myerstown. He entered the Pennsylvania on December 29 at 7 p.m. by Father Jonathan National Guard and then served on active duty as Sawicki. Father Berger’s body will be present at a chaplain from 1967-1993. In January 1993, he the church from 5-6:45 p.m. for private prayer. A was appointed pastor of Mary, Gate of Heaven Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m., before the Mass Parish until his retirement on January 31, 2017. at 7 p.m. Private prayer will follow until 9 p.m. Father Berger was an avid reader who did The Mass of Christian Burial will be a Latin High extensive research for the more than 600 Mass, by invitation only, at the Carmel of Jesus, thought-provoking homilies he printed and filed Mary and Joseph in Elysburg on December for future use. He founded the WW II Chaplains 30 at 11 a.m. Bishop Ronald Gainer will be the Memorial Foundation to bring attention to the celebrant. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery in important roles of chaplains and to preserve their Elysburg. stories, artifacts and photos, including being Live streaming of both services will be involved in the effort to have Chaplain Ignatius available online at Maternowski promoted to sainthood for his https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt-u-DeduO_ selfless actions on D-Day, June 6, 1944. YKu_DE-M4-Ig While in the Chaplain Corps, Father Berger In lieu of flowers, contributions in Father advanced from the rank of Lieutenant to that of Berger’s name may be sent to Carmel of Jesus, Colonel. He served at Fort Bragg and Vietnam Mary and Joseph Monastery, 430 Monastery Rd, with 173rd Airborne Brigade, in Korea with the Elysburg, PA 17824, or to the WWII Chaplains 2nd Infantry Division, and in Germany with the 3rd Memorial Foundation, PO Box 67, Elysburg, PA Infantry Division; at Fort Benning and Fort Bliss 17824. and was Post Chaplain at Fort Leonard Wood Family and friends may send online and Fort Stewart. His military awards include: condolences to www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com. Bronze star (2ndOLC), Meritorious Service Medal Condolences may be sent to Father Berger’s (6thOLC), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal brother, Francis Berger, at P.O. Box 20 (2ndOLC), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Elysburg, PA 17824.
December 23, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 18 Meekness, St. Joseph and the Beatitudes: reminds us that those A Quarantine Connection who appear By Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC found in the link at the bottom of hidden The Catholic Witness this article1, I thought, “COVID or in the It’s midway through Advent as has certainly taught all of shadows I write this article, and I pause humanity about the beatitude can play to wonder. During the course of meekness and St. Joseph.” an incomp- of the last few days, I have To quote him, “My desire to arable experienced the pandemic first do so increased during these role in the hand. You see, COVID, the months of pandemic, when history of international traveler, made a we experienced, amid the salvation. “Thoughts from a visit to my little convent. The crisis, how ‘our lives are woven A word of Catholic Evangelist” Sisters that contracted it are together and sustained by recognition getting better day by day. I ordinary people, people often and of gratitude is due to them was tested and it revealed an overlooked. People who do all.” (Patris Corde – Introduction) amazingly negative diagnosis! not appear in newspaper and Each of the individuals that So what have I learned during magazine headlines, or on Pope Francis mentioned have these days of quarantine? Since the latest television show, yet strength not only because they the experience is still too fresh in these very days are surely are Sons and Daughters of for me, I cannot put to words shaping the decisive events of God but also because of their the total lessons learned. At a our history. Doctors, nurses, ministry and the work they very high level, I can truly say storekeepers and supermarket do for others. For me, they that this entire journey has been workers, cleaning personnel, epitomize meekness to the a grace, since I have thought a caregivers, transport workers, “nth degree!” They go about lot about the global experience men and women working to their work often unnoticed and of so many people who are provide essential services and under-appreciated, doing every experiencing sorrow, grief, fear, public safety, volunteers, priests, tiny work for another purpose: frustration, and the list goes on men and women religious, and to serve someone else and to and on. so very many others. They make someone else’s life a little At the beginning of my understood that no one is saved bit better. quarantine, and the same day alone… How many people daily So, what is meekness in which my Congregation exercise patience and offer actually? Meekness is not celebrated its patronal Feastday, hope, taking care to spread not weakness. A meek person is a December 8, Pope Francis panic, but shared responsibility. person who possesses personal issued an Apostolic Exhortation How many fathers, mothers, power, yet chooses to keep that about the Year of St. Joseph. grandparents and teachers power under control. Jesus, In addition to this, I have been are showing our children, in the Incarnated Word of God, praying and thinking about small everyday ways, how to announces, “Learn from me the Beatitude, “Blessed are accept and deal with a crisis by because I am meek and humble the meek for they shall inherit adjusting their routines, looking of heart” (Matthew 11:29). Jesus the land” as I continue this ahead and encouraging the had to learn human meekness series about the Beatitudes. practice of prayer? How many from St. Joseph. Joseph’s entire Ponderings on three distinct are praying, making sacrifices life was lived in obedience to topics – meekness, St. Joseph and interceding for the good of God. When Mary is found to be and the Beatitudes – somehow all.’ Each of us can discover in with child, St. Joseph decides to interconnected in my heart this Joseph – the man who goes divorce her quietly until he was week. Let’s dive into each, shall unnoticed, a daily, discreet and told by an angel that the child is we? hidden presence – an inter- of the Holy Spirit. Over and over Upon reading the exhortation cessor, a support and a guide in by Pope Francis, which can be times of trouble. Saint Joseph More MUSINGS, page 19
You can also read