October is Respect Life Month - see pages 7-8 - Western New York Catholic
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Pencils and
Photo Prayers
Page 6
w w w.w nyc atholic.org
October 2019
October is
Respect Life Month see pages 7-8
2 Western New York Catholic October 2019
MINISTRY OF THE BISHOP
Report on Listening Sessions Conducted Across the Diocese
In this report, I begin by expressing my sincere charities not be used to pay abuse settlements community for sharing of support and
gratitude to the many Catholics who participated in • Considerable concern expressed over the fraternal accountability
seven listening sessions which were held across the decline of catholic education, faith formation • Provide proactive support for priests to
diocese in recent months. I am deeply appreciative of and outreach to families, youth and those live healthier lives and lessen the burden of
the leaders of the Movement to Restore Trust for their alienated from the church administration and other non-sacramental or
prompting and help in organizing these opportunities. • Concern that pastoral care for those wounded pastoral duties
I am convinced that actively listening to one another is needed beyond financial compensation • Restore priests falsely accused in a public way
is an essential part of the way forward for this diocese. • Demand for immediate accountability for • Provide support and compassion to all priests,
At these sessions, I promised to share what I’ve heard, clergy who commit any act of abuse including those rightly accused
and more importantly, how I plan to respond in a way • Support for innocent priests who are currently • Facilitate a public pledge of integrity and
consistent with my duty as shepherd and with all of serving in demoralizing circumstances, and accountability from priests and deacons at a
you as servant leaders of the people of this diocese. care for those who have been exonerated after diocesan gathering of the faithful
I have heard the anguish of faithful, conscientious their reputations have been unfortunately • Strengthen lay participation in parish
and committed Catholics who turn on the news and publicly blemished governance – through revived, reauthorized
hear one disturbing story after another about our • Concern that the abuse scandal will lead to a and refocused pastoral and finance councils
Church. It breaks my heart to realize that we have complete loss of credibility and the financial • Conduct a conspicuous act of remorse for the
lost credibility with so many of our people in so few failure of many catholic institutions many wrongs done in our name as a public
months. I have heard that this loss of credibility was • The need for increased accountability, confession and consecration of the diocese
caused, in part, by a sometimes slow and insufficient transparency and lay leadership throughout • Facilitate circles of restorative justice where
response on the part of the diocese to claims of sex the Church at every level offender and victim might be supported to
abuse. In this message, I express again my sincere • Greater access to the bishop by the people of confront each other and be reconciled
apology for any of my own failures to move more the diocese
decisively, and I resolve to do everything in my power • Insufficient information about the process, We have already begun to make changes in the
to restore the confidence entrusted to me. This is not criteria and disposition of claims of clergy past several months including the following:
a time for me to defend the errors of the past. This is a abuse • Engaged the nationally-respected Leadership
time for action going forward. • Appreciation for the bishop’s willingness to Roundtable to implement further actions to
Since the Second Vatican Council we have affirmed come forward and take responsibility despite foster enhanced integrity, accountability and
the nature of the Church as being in constant need apparent decades of inaction prior to his transparency
of reform. In these listening sessions, I have heard appointment as bishop • Established an Independent Reconciliation
expressions of bewilderment, discouragement, • Need for the bishop to admit the total scope of and Compensation Program for victims
frustration, betrayal, alienation and utter dismay at the problem, and act to ensure that it does not • Published a current list of priests placed on
what has gone on in our Church for many decades recur administrative leave due to substantiated
with regard to the clergy abuse scandal. I have heard • Concern over the screening process and accusations of misconduct
how the credibility of our Church, and my credibility formation of seminarians • Established an independent Office for
as your bishop, has been damaged as stories of abuse • A blend of scorn and gratitude expressed Professional Responsibility
past and present have been exposed by the media. toward the media for uncovering and • Established an Independent Review Board
In this brief summary of our summer conversations, persisting in exposing the scope of the abuse • Developed a policy and procedure for handling
I will highlight what I heard, share some of the scandal misconduct with adults by clergy
immediate changes that we have already made, and • Adopted a new Code of Pastoral Conduct
point to more extensive reforms that we will work on The recommendations (some of which are already based on that of the Archdiocese of New York
together in the months ahead. being done) included: • Increased availability of both bishops to
I have heard many call for stronger leadership, • Provide peer support groups where survivors meeting with victim/survivors
integrity, accountability, transparency and co- can extend emotional care for fellow victims • Maintained 100% compliance rating in
responsibility from me and from all of us. At each • Continue listening sessions by the bishop on a external audits for protection of children
meeting, I have expressed my desire to respond regular basis according to the Charter for the Protection of
to victims and survivors of clergy abuse, while • Commit to more pastoral visits by the bishop Children and Young People
maintaining my commitment to continue with you the to parishes across the diocese on a regular • Continued training and background checks
essential work of the Church. In the course of these basis for over 45,000 persons - employees and
listening sessions, I have heard several consistent • Urge pastors also to hold listening sessions in volunteers across the diocese
observations and concerns, which include: each parish • Expanded publication of support accessible to
• Dismay over how the evidence of sex abuse • Greater lay involvement in oversight and victims and their families
in the past could have been covered up by so formation at the seminary • Expanded clergy training in the area of sexual
many in positions of trust and leadership • More stringent screening of candidates for the abuse, including trauma training
• Exasperation at consistently hearing things priesthood • Expanded lay participation on the diocesan
first from the media, without a full and timely • Continued formation, mentoring and finance council
explanation from the diocese supervision for priests for a prescribed time • Expanded transparency in diocesan financial
• Concern that funds contributed for specific after ordination reporting
purposes such as upon this rock and catholic • Create incentives for priests to live in • Continue sending all cases of substantiated
October 2019 Western New York Catholic 3
MINISTRY OF THE BISHOP
clergy misconduct against minors to Rome for • Encourage more lay involvement in parish
final adjudication administration (e.g. business managers and
• Authorized expansion of a third-party parish pastoral administrators) In this Issue
misconduct reporting service for any • Set up a regular schedule of pastoral visits
complaint of misconduct including all around the diocese for the remainder of my
diocesan personnel, even including the tenure as bishop, and conduct another round
bishops of listening sessions in 2020
• Completed the review of claims of
victims of sex abuse filed through the I welcome and need the support of the priests
Diocesan Independent Reconciliation and and deacons, religious and lay ecclesial ministers,
Compensation Program and all concerned people of our Church in this effort
• Ensured that all contributions to Catholic to restore credibility and confidence. I ask you to
Charities, Upon This Rock, employee hold me accountable for these priorities as we move
pensions, Catholic parishes and schools would forward. As always, I welcome your prayers for the
be protected for the use intended by donors remainder of my term as bishop of Buffalo.
I want to close by conveying a humble but abiding
In each session, I reminded our people that the sense of hope. It has often been said that the most
Diocese of Buffalo has a proven record of protecting convincing proof of God’s presence in the Church is
children since 2002. Additionally, there has been no evidenced by its very existence for so many centuries,
substantiated claim of sexual abuse of minors against despite its being led by such a frail humanity. While Local family host student from China
a priest ordained in the last 30 years. we share in this time of profound and sadly self- attending Cardinal O’Hara High School
I further commit myself to: inflicted suffering, we live in hope. This hope is Page 5
• Form action teams around the key areas of powered by our confidence in a faithful Father, the
concern which were expressed at the listening redemption won by Jesus Christ, and the guidance
sessions: youth, families, Catholic schools, of the Holy Spirit who calls and converts us each day. Regular Features
parish structures, co-responsibility in diocesan St. Paul noted, it is when we are most weak that God
leadership, and priestly formation; expedite exhibits great power in our midst (2 Cor. 12: 9-10).
both immediate reforms and long-term As we move forward, I invite you to continue
Cultural Diversity 9
innovations in church policy and procedures. to pray with me as we did at each of the listening Columns 10-11
These teams will include lay experts, along sessions: O Merciful Father, Your Son in Love
with clergy and representatives of parish stretched out your hands upon the cross to embrace Ministry 12
leadership and diocesan support staff us. Embrace and heal our brothers and sisters who
• Encourage the establishment of independent carry the wounds of abuse inflicted upon them. Heal
The Scene 13
survival and advocacy groups for victims of Your Church broken by this betrayal of trust. Cleanse Media Guide 20
clergy abuse and sanctify Your Clergy that they may radiate the
• Require pastors to establish pastoral councils selfless love of Your Son. What’s Happening 21
• Urge pastors to convene regular listening Thank you for your steadfast commitment to
sessions in each parish Christ and His saving mission in our diocese.
Obituaries 22
• Call upon the priests and people of our diocese Top Stories 4-8
to join in a public display of penitence for Lent Most Rev. Richard J. Malone
in 2020 Church News 15-18
• Approve a new strategic plan for Catholic Bishop of Buffalo
schools that will address affordability and
sustainability (this is in process)
• Implement all reasonable recommendations
for greater integrity and accountability, lay On the Cover
leadership and co-responsibility in the Church
• Increase lay leadership in all diocesan A child’s hand holds the hand of an adult.
consultative bodies October is Respect Life month.
• Gather leaders of the diocese in 2020 to
consider ways to move the diocese beyond this
time of “breakdown,” and plan a strategy for Submission Deadline
“breakthrough” in a conversation which will
continue in the coming year and involve all
parishes and vicariates October 10, 2019 for the November issue.
• Propose recommendations to Christ the King
Seminary for enriching formation of those
studying for the priesthood which can include
greater lay involvement, pastoral experience,
spiritual direction and continued formation
beyond ordination
4 Western New York Catholic October 2019
TOP STORIES
Snyder school looking forward to banner year
By Patrick J. Buechi strategic plan and timeline.
Staff Reporter “By the end of the seventh year you
should have reached your goals. Then
Driving down Main Street through you may renew and find you have other
Snyder, one can see a huge banner goals and just keep on going,” Zalacca
declaring Christ the King School as a explained.
Middle States Accredited elementary Receiving accreditation is a lengthy
school. It was easy to make the banner, and costly process, but Zalacca, who
but the accreditation took a year of has spent 45 years in the education
hard work on behalf of the school staff. field, thinks it makes the school better.
The school, founded in 1929, went By having a strategic plan, the school
through an in-depth self-study of becomes more stable.
every aspect of its governance, finance, “You’re making everything better.
student life, and academic courses. Not just academics, but the whole
This information is used to outline its operation of the school,” he said.
strengths. The school now uses the
“When you identify your strengths, accreditation to promote itself, which
you then find out there are gaps. So, in turn will help meet the goal of
there are weaknesses,” explained increasing enrollment by five students
Principal Samuel Zalacca. “The school every year. The school also hired a
has to go through a questionnaire director of development, is advertising,
listing its strengths. Then after the and offers tuition assistance to achieve
strengths are listed, the school is able that goal.
to step back and find that there are “It’s a win-win situation because
some gaps in areas that maybe the Dan Cappellazzo/Staff photographer the school realizes what they’re doing
school can be doing better in.” Principal Samuel Zalacca and Vice Principal Maria Wangler give the thumbs well, and it has a strategic plan of how
Accreditation does come from the up as their school was awarded the prestigious Middle States Accreditation. to make things even better,” Zalacca
things the school does well, but from said.
identifying the areas for improvement After learning they received
and designing a detailed action plan to at Christ the King will have achieved Maria Wangler served as internal accreditation, everyone at the school
make those improvements. proficiency (85 percent) or above coordinator, organizing the different – students, teachers and staff – threw
After the preliminary assessments, in mathematics as measured by subcommittees. a party so loud, their noisemakers
the school creates its action plan with the individual iReady progress “We still came up with things we drowned out the sirens from an
three academic and one “outside assessments, the New York state wanted to work on internally even emergency vehicle rushing down
academic” goals. In this case Zalacca assessments in math and the local though Middle States wasn’t looking Main Street. State Senator Michael H.
and his team choose to increase assessments,” Zalacca read. “So, it’s to see if it was a specific action plan,” Razenhofer read a proclamation.
students’ proficiency level in math; very specific.” she said of the process. “Even though Christ the King is now one of
place more technology in the hands To reach those goals the entire it wasn’t something we had to focus eight elementary schools in the
of students; and work effectively to staff broke into subcommittees for on, we still made changes in places Diocese of Buffalo with Middle States
increase enrollment. The plan needs every school subject, not just math where we felt we needed to make Accreditation.
to be very precise, give indicators, and and technology. The small staff meant improvements.” The others include: Immaculate
have a seven-year timeline. some people had to be on two or three Wangler made sure the group Conception School, East Aurora;
“So, by the year 2025, students of these subcommittees. Vice Principal stayed on task and on time, then Nardin Academy, Buffalo; Northern
compiled all the information into one Chautauqua Catholic Regional School,
300-page document that is thicker Dunkirk; St. Amelia Catholic School,
than a textbook. Kenmore; St. Andrew’s County Day
“It was a lot of work, but everybody School, Tonawanda; St. Christopher
pitched in and we were able to Catholic School, Tonawanda; and St.
You’re making everything better. accomplish getting our Middle States Stephen Catholic School, Grand Island
Accreditation by all working together,” The Middle States Commission
Not just academics, but the whole she said. is a voluntary, non-governmental,
Christ the King was reviewed by the membership association that defines,
operation of the school. Middle States Commission in October maintains, and promotes educational
2018, then received accreditation last excellence across institutions with
~ Principal Samuel Zalacca May, which is fast. The process could diverse missions, student populations,
take up to a year and a half. In three and resources. It examines each
years, things will be reviewed to make institution as a whole, rather than
sure the school is on track with the specific programs within institutions.
October 2019 Western New York Catholic 5
TOP STORIES
East meets West in Cardinal O’Hara exchange program
Tonawanda family welcomes Chinese exchange student
By Patrick J. Buechi
Staff Reporter
Hebrews 13:1-2 states “Let brotherly love continue.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
That has been the experience of the Oates family
of Tonawanda, who opened their doors to Fangyu
Liu, a student with Cardinal O’Hara High Schools
international students’ program.
Despite already having a house practically
overflowing with seven children, Rick and Rhoda
Oates welcomed the 16-year-old boy from China
as a favor to a friend. “Our door was knocked on,”
explained Rick Oates, a self-employed business
consultant and talent recruiter. They keep that door
open to everyone, allowing a steady stream of friends
and neighbors coming in and out.
Being self-employed allows Rick and Rhoda to
be present to their children who range in age from
19 to 3. They also stay engaged in their community.
Rick coaches and serves as a volunteer fireman and
chaplain. They even go caroling on Christmas.
“We count on the Lord to help balance things, and
He’s always provided,” Rick said.
When a friend in China asked them to host Fangyu Courtesy of the Oates Family
for four years, the family thought about it and prayed. The Oates family, including Chinese student Fangyu Liu, enjoy a visit to the Sanborn Sunflower Field.
“When we shared it with the kids, they were very Joining Liu are Rhoda (left to right), Annabeth, Charlotte, Andrew, Jenna and Rebecca, with Louis, Rick
excited to have Fangyu,” Rhoda said. “We think we and Christa (in back).
had a very positive response from them, which made
me feel an affirmation that, yes, this was supposed to connections in China. to American newspapers.
happen.” Doug Buczak, director of enrollment and “Everyone has their form of Sept. 11,” Rick learned.
They got creative with their house, already admissions for O’Hara, has been an asset to the Oates Another shared experience. Fangyu’s father said
bursting at the seams. Their two young boys let family during the planning process. children in China are too dependent on cell phones.
Fangyu have their room downstairs while one boy “He brought a lot of comfort to the table. He was Rick said they them use as much as American kids.
moved upstairs with the girls and the other is with a good resource,” Rick said. “He’s had experience. He “There are way more commonalities then there
the parents until a long-wanted attic bedroom is gave us some good tips, which were very helpful and differences.”
complete. made us feel good.” The family is committed to hosting Fangyu for
“Everybody had a really excited attitude to have One tip was to treat Fangyu just like someone in his full four years at O’Hara. The Oates’ have quickly
another person come and join us. I’m excited for a the family. Don’t let him choose how he participates. become aware of the angel he is. The second day
lot of reasons,” said Rhoda. “Hopefully, we’ll make a So, Fangyu is learning to do his share of chores, and Andrew got a sliver in his foot. As Rhoda tended to the
difference in Fangyu’s life in a positive way. He’s going joins the family on special outings. These outings have 6-year-old, Fangyu came by and pulled it out himself.
to make a difference in our lives. We’re learning about had a mutual benefit for everyone. “I didn’t ask him,” said Rhoda.
China now and will continue. Seeing that diversity Along with Chinese markets, the family visited “He just saw the need, came over,” added Rick.
is an awesome thing,” she then adds, “It’s been fun the Sanborn Sunflower Field because Fangyu’s father “So, he’s very thoughtful and sensitive to how he can
waking up in the morning and smelling noodles for owns a flower farm. It became an opportunity to see help. He’s pro-active with that. We’ve noticed that.”
breakfast.” one of the beautiful attractions of Western New York Pondering the positive affect Fangyu has had on
Fangyu attends Cardinal O’Hara, while to most that locals never get around to seeing. the family so far. The Oates’ are looking forward to the
of the Oates children attend public school. Annabeth Tall and shy, Fangyu simply says he came to the next four years.
is at NCCC, while Louis, 3, is a stay-at-home kid. U.S. to “study.” He has also learned from his host “If God’s in it, that’s really what it comes down
Chinese students who wish to attend American family and shared about his own country. to. His ways are above ours. We’ve been around long
colleges often come to the States for high school to After seeing flags flown at half staff during his first enough to see that. The people He has put in our
learn the English language and familiarize themselves high school football game, Rick explained the tragic lives to help us along, even to get the addition on
with American customs and way of life. O’Hara events of 9/11 to Fangyu, who in turn explained some the house,” Rick said. “We see His hand in so many
has a strong international programs with several tragedies that happened in China that never made it things.”
6 Western New York Catholic October 2019
TOP STORIES
A pencil and a prayer for students at Notre Dame Academy
By Paula De Angelis - Stein each student who attends Notre Dame Academy
on the back of a paper cut-out and invite
Notre Dame Academy is a regional school, parishioners from all five South Buffalo churches
which means it reaches out beyond parish to look for a basket full of names in the back of
boundaries to educate students from the their parish. Parishioners will be asked to take
surrounding areas. A regional school also receives a cut-out home and keep this child in their daily
support from, and works in conjunction with, the prayers.
many parishes they serve. In South Buffalo, there “The parishioners receive the name of a
are five Catholic churches in the vicinity of Notre student to pray for and the students will receive a
Dame Academy: St. Martin of Tours, St. Thomas blessed pencil,” said D’Angelo.
Aquinas, St. Teresa and Our Lady of Charity, Father James Cunningham, pastor at St.
which has two worship sites, St. Amborse and Teresa; Father Bill Quinlivan, pastor of St. Martin
Holy Family. of Tours and St. Thomas Aquinas; and Father
As the school year at Notre Dame Academy Bryan Zielenieski, pastor of Our Lady of Charity,
Courtesy of Notre Dame Academy
begins, so too does the notion of working together have all taken time to bless pencils for the school
to benefit the students. Tristan D’Angelo, principal students. The pencils are inscribed with the words, Blessed pencils inscribed with the words,
of Notre Dame Academy, had an idea that would “Someone is praying for you.” “Someone is praying for you.”
bring school and parishes closer together. Teachers handed out these blessed pencils to
“While on vacation I came across an idea that their students during the first week of school. It like to send ‘their student’ a short prayerful note
I felt the students, teachers and parishioners could is the hope of Notre Dame Academy, that when a in care of the school.”
all be involved in,” explains D’Angelo. “I tweaked student is having a bad day, they can simply look Small gestures go a long way. If you belong
the idea to better suit our community and we are at their pencil and take comfort in the knowledge to one of these parishes, please consider adding
running with it. But for it to work, we needed that someone is holding them up in prayer. a Notre Dame Academy student or even a faculty
to ask for help from our parish priests. I am so “I am really hoping that our parishioners will member to your personal prayer list.
thankful to the priests in South Buffalo who are become prayer partners with our children so I For more information on South Buffalo
always so supportive of Notre Dame Academy.” tried to think ahead,” said D’Angelo. “We coded Catholic School Notre Dame Academy visit www.
D’Angelo’s idea is to hand write the name of each of the cut-outs in case a parishioner would notredamebuffalo.org.
Scrub run raises funds for the ministries of Mercy Hospital Buffalo
By Patrick McPartland floor or somebody in the OR, scrubs Funds raised through the Scrub Buffalo, we also have 12 additional
Managing Editor are pretty much the uniform we wear. Run support the ministries and patient ministries, mostly in the Southtowns,”
We thought it would be fun to make care at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. said Messinger.
Over 300 runners and walkers that the theme of our fundraiser.” “Mercy Hospital is located in South “We recently purchased a neural
took part in the Mercy Hospital microscope, so we do some high end
Foundation’s seventh annual Scrub stroke and brain surgery,” said Bratko.
Run 5K Race through Cazenovia Park The neural microscope allows more
on Sept. 11. that one surgeon to work on a patient
“The scrub run is a great event put at a time and helps the medical staff
on by Mercy Hospital of Buffalo,” said to respond to emergencies in a timely
Deanna Messinger, Mercy Hospital manner. The hospital also has a level 2
Foundation executive director. newborn intensive care unit.
The run, which sees medical After the race, participants were
personal racing in their surgical garb, treated to a party with food, craft beer,
has grown from a group of 30 people to live music with the Time Pirates and
over 300 participants. much more.
“The Scrub Run is an annual event “Thank you to all our foundation
that we do as a fundraiser for Mercy board members and the foundation
Hospital through our foundation staff who helped put this together every
every year. This is the seventh annual year,” said Bratko.
event,” said Eddie Bratko, president of Messinger added a special thank
Mercy Hospital. “It’s called the Scrub you to the community. “The reason we
Run because it’s a nice play on words. (Mercy Hospital) are so successful is
It is to benefit a hospital. Obviously that we have a lot of wonderful people
most of our staff wear scrubs as they Patrick McPartland/Managing Editor here in the Southtowns and South
go through the course of their day. Runners start their way through Cazenovia Park for the seventh annual Mercy Buffalo and throughout Buffalo, New
Whether it’s a med surg nurse on the Hospital Scrub Run to benefit Mercy Hospital Foundation. York.”
October 2019 Western New York Catholic 7
TOP STORIES
Several area churches unite to support pro-life cause
By Patrick J. Buechi
Staff Reporter
Nearly 100 people representing an
estimated 60 churches gathered to unify
their mission to protect all life from
conception to natural death. Assembling
in the sanctuary of Mt. Olive Baptist
Church, the group known as New York
Pastors for Life met on Sept. 10 to
address New York state’s Reproductive
Health Act, which expands the right
to have an abortion to the full nine
months of pregnancy, removes the
personhood definition of a fetus older
than 24 weeks, and expands licensing
for those able to perform abortions from
physicians to physician assistants and
nurse practitioners.
“We are grateful today because we
had our first meeting of the various
Christian denominations, not only
in the city of Buffalo, but throughout Patrick J. Buechi/Staff
Western New York and beyond,” Cheryl Calire, director of Pro-Life Activities for the Diocese of Buffalo speaks to the media following a meeting of the
explained William Gillison, pastor of New York Pastors for Life. The meeting involved nearly 100 people from various Christian faiths and took place at Mt.
Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Buffalo, Olive Baptist Church.
which hosted the meeting. “The thing
that really brought us together is the Pro-Life Activities. ministry Set Free, said the group of St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church,
issue of abortion. We have decided Jim Harden, president and CEO wants to move in a “more reflective contacted Calire, wanting the Catholic
amongst ourselves, because of our CompassCare Pregnancy Service, a and deliberate way as we take steps Church aboard.
mandate from our God, that we can no Christ-centered organization dedicated forward.” “I think it was a great kickoff for us
longer remain silent, but that we must to erasing the need for abortion by “A group of us have been meeting to, first of all, get to know one another a
speak out against this horrible evil that transforming women’s fear into for eight months. We decided eight little bit better, know what we do, what
has come over our land.” confidence, gave some statistics about months was pretty close to full term and we could do better, what we don’t do
Not wanting to add fire to the hot abortion in Erie County. today we birthed something,” explained and what we should be doing. I’m really
button abortion debate, Pastor Gillison Twenty-four percent of pregnancies Warner. “We’re still discerning ideas excited about that.”
said the group is not against anybody, in Erie County end in abortion, and 36 and what that looks like moving Their first public event will be a
but for the unborn. percent of all black pregnancies end in forward. We sought input from unified march from St. Mark Church in
“We are here for the unborn, we are abortion. everybody in forms to get their input. Buffalo to the Women’s Services Clinic
here for our children, we are here for “Not a single woman alive wants to We’ll take that into account. The group on Main Street.
generations yet to come,” he said. have an abortion. We understand that. is sort of steering this, then make next “Although we are people from many
After a formal meeting, speakers She feels stuck, she feels trapped, as steps from that.” different faiths and backgrounds, we
representing different organizations if she has no choice at all. We want to Members of the group signed talk often about that is one thing that we
displayed their passion for the pro-life solve that problem. Women need to be a personhood letter, that read “We seem to have in common that we could
cause to the media. empowered to make the most difficult the pastors of New York recognize unite together,” said Calire.
“We are together, united. Regardless choice and have the baby,” he said. “For the personhood and dignity of every Calire, who directs the St. Gianna
of our backgrounds or our faith, there one person or a small group of people to preborn boy and girl. We commit to Molla Pregnancy Outreach Center
is one thing for certain, we are ready to decide who qualifies and who does not leveraging our power and influence to and the Mother Teresa Home which
stand for life publicly and to ask others qualify for personhood is unjust at best, teach and exhort and even rebuke our provides a stable home for women
to join us in the dignity of the human tyrannical at worst.” community to protect the personhood experiencing pressure to abort,
person at all stages and currently Their first public event will be of all people from fertilization to natural explained her role and that of many
consider doing whatever it is that you’re a Unified Walk to peacefully and death. An attack on the dignity one of others in the group.
called to do, and take some action prayerfully protest outside the Buffalo the least of these children is an attack on “It doesn’t just end when the child is
because right now educating, action and Women’s Services Clinic on Main Street the personhood of us all.” born, in fact that’s when it really begins
prayer is how we will move this forward on Saturday, Oct. 5. Various members of the Pastors for for us and our calling to ensure that
to end abortion in New York state and The group plans to meet regularly Life have met over the years, but only we’re there to support the mother, the
in our country. God bless,” said Cheryl to plan more action steps. Al Warner, recently were they able to have a large child, the family. That is where it will
Calire, director of the diocesan Office of executive director of the networking group meeting. Father Arthur Ward, make the biggest change,” she said.
8 Western New York Catholic October 2019
TOP STORIES
Migration, plight of refugees are pro-life issues
Deacon Don Weigel issue of life, an issue of the integrity and
dignity of human persons. It is, in other
The picture was stunning in words, a pro-life issue.
its brutal realism – Óscar Alberto Last year, Pope Francis issued an
Martínez Ramírez and his 23-month- apostolic exhortation entitled “Rejoice
old daughter, Valeria, lying face down, and Be Glad.” In that document, he
drowned, in the Rio Grande. The reminded Catholics of the life issues
photo was featured on the front page involved in migration:
of newspapers around the country this “We often hear it said that, with
past June, and created an outpouring of respect to relativism and the flaws
emotions ranging from sorrow to anger. of our present world, the situation of
Shortly after the publication of migrants, for example, is a lesser issue.
the photograph, Cardinal Daniel N. Some Catholics consider it a secondary
Dinardo, Archbishop José H. Gomez issue compared to the “grave” bioethical
and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez wrote an questions. That a politician looking
opinion piece in the publication The for votes might say such a thing is
Hill. They pointed out that the tragedy understandable, but not a Christian,
of Oscar and his daughter Valeria was, for whom the only proper attitude is
unfortunately, not unique. to stand in the shoes of those brothers
“Countless others,” they wrote, “all and sisters of ours who risk their lives to
precious children of God, do not make it offer a future to their children. Can we
Photo by Paul Ratje/AFP/Getty Images
to the border, finding their final resting not realize that this is exactly what Jesus
place somewhere along a journey that demands of us, when he tells us that in Migrants, mostly from Mexico, are pictured sitting on the ground waiting
began with hope but quickly turned into welcoming the stranger we welcome near the Paso del Norte Bridge at the Mexico-U.S. border, in Ciudad Juarez,
despair.” him (cf. Mt 25:35)?” Mexico, on Sept. 12, 2019.
Current estimates are that there are Cheryl Calire, the director of the
over 258 million migrants, refugees and diocesan Office for Pro-Life Activities, this on-going attack on the dignity of instruments and love for mankind.”
asylum seekers around the world. Many made the connection between the human person, a pro-life issue,” The U.S. bishops have increasingly
of these people on the move are family migration and the Catholic principle of Calire said. called attention to migration as a part
units, traveling together to flee violence, respect for life and dignity of human Calire continued by linking a pro- of a full teaching on respect for life and
war or political oppression, or economic persons: life ethic to our responsibility for the dignity. At a Georgetown University
or ecological disasters. Children make “As Cardinal Sean O’Malley put least among us. “Fear is causing many conference last year, Archbishop José
up half of the world’s refugees and it in a homily at the U.S.-Mexico to avoid the very encounter Christ has H. Gomez of Los Angeles said, “There
experience severe trauma as a result of border in 2014; ‘We know that the called all of us to, in giving a voice to are no single-issue saints.” Indeed, the
being displaced. border is lined with unmarked graves the underserved and marginalized. saints “teach us that whenever human
Pope Francis has, throughout his of thousands who die alone and ‘Made in the image and likeness of life is threatened, whenever the image
papacy, raised the issue of migrants and nameless.’ Five years later, and I note Christ’ applies to ALL life, and we of God is obscured and violated, we are
refugees and made it clear that this is an an increased fear, not solutions, for are all called to protect and serve as called to rise up and defend it.”
Knights of Columbus, Office of Pro-Life Activities plan pro-life march
The Knights of Columbus and the March to unify the efforts and increase the Sunday Mass normally held at of local, national and international
diocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities awareness of the good works being St. Joseph Cathedral, and will allow projects. From international charitable
have announced plans for a unified done right here in the Diocese of Sunday participants to concentrate partnerships with Special Olympics,
march to protest the practice and Buffalo. on Life-Chain events at their own the Global Wheelchair Mission and
legality of abortion on Saturday, Oct. 5. “We have gotten national attention parishes, Niagara Falls Boulevard and Habitat for Humanity to our own
The day will begin with 9 a.m. Mass for our sonogram program with the remote areas of our eight counties of Food for Families and Coats for Kids
at St. Mark Church, 401 Woodward Knights and Catholic Health, and felt Western New York. projects and other local charities, the
Ave., Buffalo, celebrated by Bishop what better time than Respect Life The Knights of Columbus opportunity to work together with
Richard J. Malone. Participants will Month to kick off the month with a previously teamed with the diocese fellow knights and their families is
then proceed to the Women’s Services showing of support, unity and prayer to and Catholic Health to raise funds for virtually endless.
Clinic at 2500 Main St., where they will celebrate our success as well as to give the purchase of handheld ultrasound “We are all very excited about
peacefully pray the rosary together for thanks for all those unborn children machines. This is part of a nationwide having this opportunity to work
the unborn. who are here today because of this effort to purchase 1,000 ultrasound for together and to invite our communities
This idea originated with Jim program,” said Cheryl Calire, director pro-life pregnancy centers. to experience part of the wonderful
Grubka and the Knights of Columbus of Pro-Life Activities for the diocese. The Knights of Columbus work being done by all involved in the
at their annual awards meeting last The effort this year will replace encompass an almost infinite variety Sanctity of Human Life,” Calire said.
October 2019 Western New York Catholic 9
C U LT U R A L D I V E R S I T Y
Revive, refresh, renew
In the midst of what our church Martin de Porres Parish beginning evil generation; it seeks a sign, but
is going through in the world and each night at 6 p.m. The choir no sign will be given, except the
everything we are going through from St. Martin de Porres will sign of Jonah.” The second night
in our own diocese lately, I believe praise God in song on Monday By he will preach on Refresh using the
that we can all say today, more and Wednesday. On Tuesday, SS. Milagros Ramos Gospel, Luke 11:37-41 “Did not the
than ever, we need a Revival. God Columba-Brigid Choir will lead the Director maker of the outside also make the
is ready to do something in this music on Youth Night. Although inside? But as to what is within,
moment of uncertainty for many we call it youth night everyone is give alms, and behold, everything
Christians. This is a moment welcome to join them. will be clean for you.” The last
for spiritual reconstruction. It Our guest revivalist is night the theme will be Renew
is a time of much prayer and coming from the Archdiocese of this moment of time in which God using the Gospel Luke 11:42-46,
to be reminded that the Lord Atlanta, Father Roy A. Lee, Ph.D. is ready to do some great work. He “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay
knows what to do with all that is Father Lee was ordained for the said, “Remember, some of God’s tithes of mint and of rue and of
happening and that the Lord is Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He has best work has been done in the every garden herb, but you pay no
taking care of us and will continue had a very electric, challenging and midnight hour. That midnight hour attention to judgment and to love
to take care of us. Let’s keep our distinguished pastoral ministry brings us to the resurrection. We for God.”
faith alive. as lecturer, educator, counselor, call it Easter Sunday morning.” Father Lee is a great preacher
The African-American revivalist, retreat master, homilist Each night he will touch on and I am looking forward to the
Commission is working together and chaplain in the U.S. Air the topics of the theme. The first message the Holy Spirit is going to
with the Office of Cultural Force. Father Lee is coming as an night, he will preach on the theme send us through Father Lee. You
Diversity to sponsor a three-day electrifying revivalist to give us of Revive using the Gospel, Luke won’t want to miss it! Please join
Revival, Oct. 14, 15 and 16, at St. some insight as well as hope about 11:29-32, “This generation is an us and pray for the Revival.
Revivir, refrescar, renovar
En medio de lo que nuestra Diversidad Cultural para patrocinar consejero, predicador, maestro de le dará más señal que la de Jonás.”
iglesia en el mundo está pasando un Reavivamiento de tres días, 14, 15 y retiro y capellán en la Fuerza Aérea La segunda noche predicará el tema
y todo lo que estamos pasando en 16 de octubre de 2019 en la Parroquia de los Estados Unidos. El Padre Lee Refrescar usando el Evangelio, Lucas
nuestra propia Diócesis últimamente, de San Martín de Porres a partir de viene como un electrizante predicador 11:37-41 “¿Acaso el que hizo lo exterior
creo que todos podemos decir hoy cada noche a las 6 p.m. El Coro de San para darnos una cierta visión, así como no hizo también lo interior? Den más
más que nunca que necesitamos un Martín de Porres alabará a Dios con esperanza sobre este momento de bien limosna de lo que tienen y todo
Renacimiento. Dios está dispuesto canticos el lunes y miércoles y martes tiempo en el que Dios está listo para lo de ustedes quedará limpio.” La
a hacer algo en este momento el coro de Ss. Columba Brígida dirigirá hacer una gran obra. Dijo: “Recuerda, última noche el tema será Renovar
de incertidumbre para muchos la música en la Noche de la Juventud. algunas de las mejores obras de Dios se usando el Evangelio Lucas 11:42-46,
cristianos. Este es un momento Aunque esa noche se llama noche de han hecho en la hora de medianoche. “¡Ay de ustedes, fariseos, porque pagan
para la reconstrucción espiritual. Es la juventud, todos son bienvenidos Esa hora de medianoche nos lleva a la diezmos hasta de la hierbabuena, de
un tiempo de mucha oración y de a unirse a ellos. Nuestro predicador resurrección. Lo llamamos Domingo la ruda y de todas las verduras, pero
recordar que el Señor sabe lo qué hace invitado viene de la Arquidiócesis de de Pascua por la mañana.” se olvidan de la justicia y del amor de
con todo lo que está sucediendo y que Atlanta, Rev. Roy A. Lee, Ph. D. El Cada noche tocará uno de los Dios!”
el Señor nos está cuidando y seguirá reverendo Lee fue ordenado para la temas. La primera noche, el P. Lee El P. Lee es un gran predicador y
cuidándonos. Mantengamos viva Arquidiócesis de Milwaukee. El P. predicará sobre el tema de Revivir espero con ansias el mensaje que el
nuestra fe. Lee ha tenido un ministerio pastoral usando el Evangelio, Lucas 11:29-32, Espíritu Santo nos enviará a través del
La Comisión Afroamericana está muy eléctrico, desafiante y distinguido “La gente de este tiempo es una gente P. Lee. ¡No querrás perdértelo! Por
trabajando junto con la Oficina de como conferenciante, educador, perversa. Pide una señal, pero no se favor, únete a nosotros a orar.
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10 Western New York Catholic October 2019
C O M M E N TA R Y
No back to school fun for child laborers
It’s that special time of the This enslaving chain can, and program that directly addresses a
year again for kids in the Northern must, be broken! way out of poverty and child labor by
Hemisphere as they start heading
Making a The poor deserve better – giving poor children nourishment for
back to school. And for those who Difference especially poor children who belong both body and mind is the McGovern-
have discovered the fun of learning, in school not in sweatshops and on Dole International Food for Education
school is an adventure. By battlefields. Program. Since 2003, it has provided
But for millions of working Tony Magliano Wealthy nations have a moral school meals to over 40 million
children worldwide, the adventures of obligation to justly, generously and children in 40 of the world’s poorest
a new school year remain but a dream. energetically work to abolish world countries, several of which are in near
Sadly, these children will never in armed conflicts, prostitution poverty, hunger and child labor. famine conditions.
learn to read or write. They will not and pornography (see: https://bit. For as St. John Paul II said in his Please email and call (Capitol
acquire computer skills. They will not ly/2zKHELb). 1979 visit to the U.S., “The poor of the switchboard: 202-224-3121)
experience singing in chorus, going on And worst of all, according to the United States and of the world are your two U.S. senators and
field trips or playing at recess. Their ILO every year about 22,000 children your brothers and sisters in Christ. congressperson urging them to
classrooms will be sweatshops, farm are killed while working (see: http:// You must never be content to leave honor Bread for the World’s request
fields and battlefields. Their days will bit.ly/1i15HZt). them just the crumbs from the feast. to appropriate in the 2020 fiscal
be filled with long, dirty, dangerous The ILO has several excellent You must take of your substance, and year budget $215 million for the
work. The lesson they will learn is that resources to assist us in helping to not just of your abundance, in order to McGovern-Dole International
life is cruel and unfair. end child labor (see: https://bit. help them. And you must treat them Food for Education Program with
According to the International ly/2P7E3BR). like guests at your family table.” an additional $25 million for local
Labor Organization, 152 million One of the main reasons children According to the Christian anti- and regional food purchases. And
children 5-17 years old are victims of do not attend school, and work poverty organization Bread for the urge them to robustly increase all
child labor, while 73 million of these instead, is because adults in countless World (www.bread.org), less than 1 other international poverty-focused
children are trapped in hazardous families in poor nations have not had percent of the U.S. federal budget goes programs.
work. And even more tragic is that access to a good education, learning toward international poverty-focused Tony Magliano is an
approximately 8 million children a viable trade, or are subsistence development assistance – that’s only internationally syndicated social
are enslaved in the worst forms of farmers who are unable to grow about 50 cents of every $100. We can, justice and peace columnist. He is
child labor – the sale and trafficking enough food for their families. Thus, we should, and we must do far better available to speak at diocesan or
of children, debt bondage, drug it sadly becomes imperative that than this. parish gatherings. Tony can be
dealing, forced recruitment to fight children must work. A wonderful U.S. government reached at tmag@zoominternet.net.
Go repair my house
The universal church observes hills of Umbria, when one day he characterize or times, can we hear
the feast of St. Francis of Assisi came upon a church in need of Called to this call and act upon it?
every year on Oct. 4. Each year, the repair. He entered the church at San Abundant Life The times in which we live are
young and the young at heart gather Damiano and knelt down under the not unlike the times of St. Francis
in prayer with their parish priest or large wooden crucifix painted in the of Assisi. The distraction and
deacon to bless pets and furry friends style of a Byzantine icon. By disappointment of ongoing scandal
at a convenient time on or near this It was here in the year 1204 Sr. Joanne impinge upon us and threaten to
great feast. Although this is a lovely that the eyes of Christ on the cross Suranni take us away from Christ. Now more
custom, there are deeper dimensions met his eyes, and where Francis than ever, we need to keep our eyes
of St. Francis to consider for the life prayed for direction in his life. As divine words. With his prayer fixed on Jesus who continues to call
of the church and the world today. he prayed the Lord answered him finished, Francis set out with zeal and challenge his sinful, human and
Known from birth as Francesco in a clear voice, “Francis, go and to physically repair the church. flawed disciples.
Bernadone, St. Francis was a restless rebuild my house which as you see is During the rebuilding process, he We belong to a church that needs
young man searching for his path falling into ruin.” As Francis prayed, gradually learned that his vocation repair, and every baptized person is
in life. He dreamed of becoming a he experienced great fervor and was to rebuild souls and the human called to the hard work of rebuilding
heroic warrior, and unfortunately consolation when he heard the Lord institution of the church. it. When we approach Christ in
spent time as a prisoner of war. His speak to him. One of St. Francis’ Over 800 years later, it appears prayer, let’s all listen to his call to
father, Pietro, envisioned his son biographers stated that his eyes were that the Church is falling into ruin rebuild the church and to follow him
taking over the family business, filled with tears as he heard the voice again, facing tumultuous times of in moments of sorrow and darkness
but that too, was not a good fit for of Jesus. crisis. From the cross, the crucified as well as in moments of joy and
Francesco. According to St. Bonaventure’s and risen Jesus calls out to the light. As Francis listened to Christ,
Francesco wandered around account, Francis trembled with faithful, “Go and rebuild my house so too, let us listen to what he wishes
the outskirts of his hometown as a fear at these words and received which as you see is falling into ruin.” each one of us to do. The call of St.
seeker, climbing the breathtaking in his heart the power of Christ’s Through the anguish and anger that Francis is our call – are we listening?October 2019 Western New York Catholic 11
C O M M E N TA R Y
Has the ‘Our Father’ changed? Just a translation
The sixth petition of the “Our do. 12 Do not say: ‘He himself has led wherein Jesus would give up his calling
Father” reads: “and lead us not into me astray,’ for he has no need of the and turn his back on God, choosing
temptation, but deliver us from evil.” wicked. 13 Abominable wickedness
Pondering with instead the Evil One. The rest of the
This gives rise to the question “Does the LORD hates and he does not let it God’s Word sixth “Our Father” petition is: “but
God, who is all good, really tempt a happen to those who fear him.” deliver us from evil (or the Evil One).”
person to evil?” This is along the lines St. Paul dealt with the question. By Given the seriousness of the “testing”
of “God made me do it” as opposed to In I Cor 10:13, he wrote, “No trial has Sr. Marion we are speaking of, it would be
the “devil made me do it.” come to you but what is human. God MoeSer appropriate to choose the translation,
Here we are dealing with the “Our is faithful and will not let you be tried “the Evil One.”
Father” as found in Matthew 6:13 (and beyond your strength; but with the trial desire.” Thus, while the Greek text of
Luke 11:4), both of which are Greek he will also provide a way out, so that What of the Greek word peirasmos the “Our Father” has not changed,
texts. Therefore, when we English- you may be able to bear it.” normally translated “temptation”? a newer translation for this petition
speaking Christians recite the prayer Also, the Letter of James, a text Scholars tell us not to think of ordinary would read: “Do not let us fall into
we are using a translation. The Greek close in time to Matthew’s gospel, sin but rather of a situation of “testing,” temptation, but deliver us from the
text of the New Testament writings states: “1:12 Blessed is the one who an enticement to evil, wherein one Evil One.” This is the translation
does not change, but translations can perseveres in temptation, for having would turn one’s back on God and used in France and recently approved
and do change. Change sometimes been proven, that person will receive commit apostasy. Gerhard Lohfink, SJ, in Italy. While there are no plans
occurs with further study of the use the crown of life that God promised refers to such a “testing” as refusing now to adopt this translation in our
of a Greek word in ancient times, or to those who love him. 13 No one one’s Christian calling to live as a country, it is worth reflecting on this
with a better grasp of the meaning of a experiencing temptation should say, ‘I person who gives honor to God alone deeper meaning of our ancient prayer.
passage, as is the case here. am being tempted by God;’ for God is and to give service to others. Perhaps the reader remembers a
In the Old Testament, Sirach dealt not subject to temptation to evil, and Matthew’s gospel has already given difficult time of “testing” where an
with our question in 15:11-13: “11 Do God himself tempts no one. 14 Rather, us an example of such a “testing,” awareness of God’s presence was what
not say: ‘It was God’s doing that I fell each person is tempted when that peirasmos, in the narrative of Jesus in enabled one’s faithfulness to gospel
away,’ for what he hates he does not one is lured and enticed by their own the desert being tempted by the devil living.
The Gospel of Life and the Church in the modern world
Whenever we reflect on the life must necessarily be felt in the as well as disgraceful working
Church’s pro-life mission, we Church’s very heart … and engage Justice conditions, where people are
invariably remember the great her in her mission of proclaiming treated as mere instruments of gain
document of St. John Paul II, the gospel of life in all the world and
Perspective rather than as free and responsible
“Evangelium Vitae (the Gospel to every creature.” persons; all these things and others
of Life).” And rightfully so. That There should be no surprise in By like them are infamies indeed. They
encyclical will, I believe, be an the fact that St. John Paul II freely Deacon Don poison human society, and they do
important part of the Church’s social and comfortably quotes Vatican Weigel more harm to those who practice
teaching for many years to come. II – after all, he was a bishop at the them than to those who suffer from
Everyone is clear about the entire council, even though he was a Thirty years later, taking up the the injury. Moreover, they are a
pope’s defense of life “from very young bishop when the council words of the council and with the supreme dishonor to the Creator.”
conception to natural death” and began. In addition, his biggest same forcefulness I repeat that Contained within the list of all
the clarion call that he made in that contribution to the council was condemnation in the name of the of the “crimes” against humanity
document to oppose the threats to that he was one of the bishops who whole Church, certain that I am are three categories that define the
life at both ends of the spectrum – worked on “Gaudium et Spes” – the interpreting the genuine sentiment “infamies” of our day: when put in
abortion at the beginning of life, and document that he always felt so easy of every upright conscience: a more positive way, the Church
euthanasia at its end. to quote from. “Whatever is opposed to life stands to defend and proclaim life
Less well-known is the context He then goes on to specifically itself, such as any type of murder, itself, the integrity of the human
that he builds for that teaching that reference one of the most enduring genocide, abortion, euthanasia or person, and human dignity.
places what follows squarely in the passages from “Gaudium et Spes,” willful self-destruction, whatever During this month when we
teaching of the document of Vatican and he introduces it with great violates the integrity of the human promote the pro-life teachings of
II called “Gaudium et Spes” – the delight. I have quoted it in its person, such as mutilation, the Church, we place them side by
Pastoral Constitution on the Church entirety here because I believe it to torments inflicted on body or side of our defense of the integrity
in the Modern World. Within the be so significant. mind, attempts to coerce the will and dignity of human persons in one
third section of “The Gospel of “The Second Vatican Council, itself; whatever insults human complete Gospel of Life.
Life,” the pope calls us to action in a passage which retains all dignity, such as subhuman living Deacon Don is the diocesan
to affirm the value of each human its relevance today, forcefully conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, director of Catholic Relief Services
person made in the image of God: condemned a number of crimes deportation, slavery, prostitution, and can be reached at deacondon@
“every threat to human dignity and and attacks against human life. the selling of women and children; gmail.com.You can also read
