RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC Emertius Bishop Peña Passes at 87 - Diocese of El Paso
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THE
RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC
Vol. 30, No. 10 Celebrating 30 Years serving the Diocese of El Paso October 2021
Emertius Bishop Peña Passes at 87
By Fernie Ceniceros
Editor, Rio Grande Catholic
Bishop Emeritus Raymundo
J. Peña passed away peacefully
under the care of a nursing home
in San Juan, Texas, at the age of
87.
Peña was El Paso’s Bishop
from 1980 until 1995, when he
was assigned by St. Pope John
Paul II to serve the faithful in the
Diocese of Brownsville. He was
a strong advocate for immigra-
tion rights along the border and
a fierce critic of the raising of
the border fence in El Paso. Peña
was a strong leader in the com-
munity and a friend to many of
the faithful. He will be missed in
all the areas in which he served
the people of God.
During his 15 year tenure as
the 4th Bishop of El Paso, Bish-
op Peña founded the Tepeyac
Institute in 1988 as a formation
center for the lay faithful of the
diocese. He founded The Rio
Grande Catholic diocesan news-
paper in 1991 and also founded
the Progress Ministry Appeal to
help fund the diocesan ministries Bishop Emeritus Raymundo J. Peña passed away peacefully under the care of a nursing home in San Juan, Texas, at the age of 87. Bishop Peña
serving the Diocese of El Paso. was El Paso’s Bishop from 1980 until 1995, when he was assigned by St. Pope John Paul II to serve the faithful in the Diocese of Brownsville.
He was installed as Bishop File Photo El Paso Diocesan Archive.
of Brownsville and served as
its ordinary until he reached the
retirement age of 75 in 2009.
His resignation was accepted by
Pope Benedict XVI, who then of the Mexican American in be able to affirm publicly that at the Corpus Christi Cathedral of Bishop Peña and his entire
named Bishop Daniel E. Flores South Texas.” Flores delivered we are from here, but we are by the Most Reverend Maria- family during this dificult time,”
as Bishop of Brownsville. a homily in both English and also from there,” Bishop Flores no S. Garriaga, D.D., LL.D. in Bishop Mark J. Seitz said. “We
At the Funeral Mass, Bishop Spanish. added. Corpus Christi, Texas. pray that as he makes the transi-
Daniel E. Flores of the Catholic “When we were little, you Bishop Peña was born in Cor- In 1976 he was ordained to the tion to his home with Our Heav-
Diocese of Brownsville stated know, the phrase was that we pus Christi, Texas, he was the Order of Bishop and was named enly Father, he may intercede for
“The difficult road that Bishop were neither from here nor from son of Cosme A. Peña and Elisa Auxiliary to the Archbishop of us, and all the faithful he served
travels since the 1930’s when he there. It is part of the fight to Ramon Peña. He attended St. San Antonio. In 1979 he served during his ministry on earth.” He
was born of expressing the voice express our presence and gift. It John’s Seminary, and Assump- as Administrator Sede Vacan- added.
and the presence and the gift that was very distinct. I would only tion Seminary, both in San An- te for the Archdiocese of San
is that particular unique culture say that the Monsignor taught tonio, Texas. He was ordained to Antonio.
us something very important, the order of priesthood in 1957 “Our prayers are with the soul
Fallece El Obispo Emertius Peña al los 87 Años
Por Fernie Ceniceros de muchos fieles. Se le echará de en 2009. Su renuncia fue acepta- para expresar nuestra presencia y nombrado Auxiliar del Arzobis-
Editor, Rio Grande Catholic menos en todas las áreas en las da por el Papa Benedicto XVI, y don. Era algo muy distinto. Yo po de San Antonio. En 1979 fue
que sirvió al pueblo de Dios. quien entonces nombró al Obispo sólo diría que Monseñor nos en- Administrador Sede Vacante de la
El Obispo Emérito Raymundo Durante su mandato de 15 años Daniel E. Flores como Obispo de señó algo muy importante, poder Arquidiócesis de San Antonio.
J. Peña falleció en paz bajo el como cuarto obispo de El Paso, Brownsville. afirmar públicamente que somos “Nuestras oraciones están con
cuidado de un hogar de ancianos el obispo Peña fundó el Instituto En la Misa Funeral, el Obispo de aquí, pero también somos de el alma del Obispo Peña y toda
en San Juan, Texas, a la edad de Tepeyac en 1988 como centro de Daniel E. Flores de la Diócesis allá”, agregó Monseñor Flores. su familia durante este difícil
87 años. formación para los fieles laicos Católica de Brownsville declaró El Obispo Peña nació en momento”, dijo el Obispo Mark
Peña fue obispo de El Paso de la diócesis. Fundó el periódico “El difícil camino que recorre el Corpus Christi, Texas, era hijo de J. Seitz. “Rezamos para que
desde 1980 hasta 1995, cuando católico de la diócesis de Río Obispo desde los años 30 cuando Cosme A. Peña y Elisa Ramón mientras hace la transición a su
fue asignado por el Papa Juan Grande en 1991 y también fundó nació de expresar la voz y la pres- Peña. Estudió en el Seminario de hogar con Nuestro Padre Celes-
Pablo II para servir a los fieles de la Campaña del Ministerio del encia y el don que es esa cultura San Juan y en el Seminario de la tial, pueda interceder por no-
la diócesis de Brownsville. Fue Progreso para ayudar a financiar particular y única del mexicano Asunción, ambos en San Antonio, sotros, y por todos los fieles a los
un firme defensor de los derechos los ministerios diocesanos que americano en el sur de Texas”. Texas. Fue ordenado sacerdote que sirvió durante su ministerio
de los inmigrantes a lo largo de sirven a la diócesis de El Paso. Flores pronunció una homilía en en 1957 en la Catedral de Corpus en la tierra”. Añadió.
la frontera y un feroz crítico del Fue instalado como Obispo inglés y en español. Christi por el Reverendo Mari-
levantamiento de la valla fronter- de Brownsville y sirvió como “Cuando éramos pequeños, la ano S. Garriaga, D.D., LL.D. en
iza en El Paso. Peña era un fuerte su ordinario hasta que alcanzó frase era que no éramos ni de aquí Corpus Christi, Texas.
líder en la comunidad y un amigo la edad de jubilación de 75 años ni de allá. Es parte de la lucha En 1976 fue ordenado Obispo
2 - The Rio Grande Catholic Editor’s Column October 2021
EDITOR’S COLUMN
Our Ministry is a Labor of Love
I
f someone had told me three homes of El Pasoans. First, let I want to thank everyone at St. Alfonso Sandoval, the entire
years ago, in October 2018, me thank everyone at KVIA, Patrick Cathedral as they have ministry team at St. Francis of
I would be working for the ABC 7, for forming a partner- welcomed us with open arms Assisi, Fr. Michael Lewis, Fr.
Catholic Church in El Paso and ship that allowed us to bring to bring you all of our English Peter Precourt, Deacon Jose
would be in the thick of using the English TV Mass into your Liturgies from there. William Arevalo, Deacon Andy
my talents to bring weekly mass- homes via Channel 7.2 the CW, A Very Special Thank you Ruvalcaba, Sister Margie Silgue-
es to the homes of thousands and now the Spanish Liturgy via to Chris and Alissa Saenz, our ro, Christopher Velasquez, Christ
of El Pasoans weekly. I’m not Channel 7.4 TV Azteca. Audio Engineers and closed Chavez, and Mariano Weller. We
entirely sure what my reaction I want to thank Entravision captioners for the English TV most certainly could not do it
would have been. for their support over the last 18 Mass. Their commitment to this without the help and unwavering
And here we are, October of Fernie Ceniceros months for producing and airing ministry is unmatched. service of any of these individ-
2021, and I am immersed in one the TV Mass from March 2020 Finally, I would like to thank uals.
of the most rewarding facets of we have worked very hard to to July 2021. the following individuals for Finally, I would like to thank
my ministry as the producer and continue to get our homebound I would also like to thank being so committed to bringing our donors who have donated to
director of our weekly broadcast. and elderly Catholics the ability Fr. Jose Alfredo Ramirez and you these liturgies - Fr. Marcus their parishes via our TV Masses
Every week, we work hard to to be present with us on Sundays. everyone at St. Francis of Assisi McFadin, Fr. Miguel Perez, Edna and contributed to our weekly
bring our Sunday liturgies to the It is gratifying to work, and as on the westside for being a the Rocha, Jennifer Silva, Vanessa productions. We are working to
homes of many Catholics who Director of Communications, home base and starting point for Lopez, Mary Miller, Peter Kolar, provide various new opportuni-
cannot join us in person. along with our Bishop, we will our Spanish masses, along with Lee Ann Beck, Robert Velez, ties for you to assist us fiscally in
At the beginning of the pan- continue to bring this weekly lit- various parishes we have taken Adrian Zamora, Nathen Stell, providing our TV Masses. Stay
demic, we are all quickly thrust urgy as long as we possibly can. the time to visit over these 18 Rolando Guerrero, the core of tuned to all of our social media
into this facet of communications With that said, I would like months. We are working hard to Lectors from St. Patrick Cathe- outlets, this newspaper, and our
in bringing Sunday liturgies to take this opportunity to thank ensure that we visit every corner dral, Linda Caro and the Entire diocesan website once we can
to the borderland. As we have those that has worked so hard to of our diocese to celebrate Span- Catholic Foundation Family, Fr. unveil those new opportunities to
moved through the pandemic, help bring this liturgy into the ish masses with all of you. Jose Alfredo Ramirez, Deacon you to donate to the TV masses.
Nuestro Ministerio Es Una Labor De Amor
S
i alguien me hubiera dicho ido avanzando en la pandemia, y su apoyo durante los últimos inglés por televisión. Su com- topher Velásquez, Cristo Chávez
hace tres años, en octubre hemos trabajado muy duro para 18 años para producir y trans- promiso con este ministerio es y Mariano Weller. Ciertamente
de 2018, que estaría traba- seguir consiguiendo que nuestros mitir la Misa por TV desde mar- inigualable. no podríamos hacerlo sin la ayu-
jando para la Iglesia católica de católicos confinados en casa y zo de 2020 hasta julio de 2021. Finalmente, me gustaría agra- da y el servicio inquebrantable
El Paso y que estaría en pleno ancianos puedan estar presentes También me gustaría agradecer decer a las siguientes personas de cualquiera de estas personas.
uso de mis talentos para llevar con nosotros los domingos. Es al Padre José Alfredo Ramírez y por su compromiso con estas Finalmente, me gustaría agra-
misas semanales a los hogares de un trabajo gratificante, y como a todos en San Francisco de Asís liturgias: el Padre Marcus McFa- decer a nuestros donantes que
miles de eldenses semanalmente. Director de Comunicaciones, en el lado oeste por ser una base din, el Padre Miguel Pérez, Edna han donado a sus parroquias a
No estoy del todo seguro de cuál junto con nuestro Obispo, se- improvisada para nuestras misas Rocha, Jennifer Silva, Vanessa través de nuestras misas televisa-
habría sido mi reacción. guiremos llevando esta liturgia en español, junto con varias López, Mary Miller, Peter Kolar, das y han contribuido a nuestras
Y aquí estamos, octubre de semanal mientras podamos. parroquias que hemos tomado el Lee Ann Beck, Robert Vélez, producciones semanales. Esta-
2021, y estoy inmerso en una de Dicho esto, me gustaría tiempo para visitar en estos 18 Adrián Zamora, Nathen Stell, mos trabajando para proporcio-
las facetas más gratificantes de aprovechar esta oportunidad para meses. Estamos trabajando duro Rolando Guerrero, el grupo de nar varias oportunidades nuevas
mi ministerio como productor y agradecer a aquellos que han para asegurar que visitamos cada Lectores de la Catedral de San para que nos ayuden fiscalmente
director de nuestra emisión sem- trabajado tan duro para ayudar a rincón de nuestra diócesis para Patricio, Linda Caro y el person- en la prestación de nuestras mis-
anal. Cada semana, trabajamos llevar esta liturgia a los hogares celebrar misas en español con al de la Iglesia. Patrick, Linda as por televisión. Estén atentos a
duro para llevar nuestras liturgias de EL Paso. En primer lugar, todos ustedes. Caro y toda la familia de la Fun- todos nuestros medios de comu-
dominicales a los hogares de permítanme agradecer a todos Quiero agradecer a todos en la dación Católica, el Padre José nicación social, a este periódico
muchos católicos que no pueden en KVIA, ABC 7, por formar Catedral de San Patricio ya que Alfredo Ramírez, el Diácono y a nuestro sitio web diocesano
unirse a nosotros en persona. una asociación que nos permitió nos han recibido con los brazos Alfonso Sandoval, todo el equipo una vez que podamos desvelar
Al principio de la pandemia, llevar la misa en inglés a sus abiertos para traerles todas nues- ministerial de San Francisco de esas nuevas oportunidades para
todos nos vimos rápidamente hogares a través del canal 7.2 tras liturgias en inglés desde allí. Asís, el Padre Michael Lew- donar a las misas por televisión.
abocados a esta faceta de la the CW, y ahora la liturgia en Un agradecimiento muy is, el Padre Peter Precourt, el
comunicación para llevar español a través del canal 7.4 TV especial a Chris y Alissa Saenz, Diácono José William Arévalo,
las liturgias dominicales a la Azteca. nuestros ingenieros de audio y el Diácono Andy Ruvalcaba, la
frontera. A medida que hemos Quiero agradecer a Entravision subtituladores para la misa en Hermana Margie Silguero, Chris-
THE
RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC Celebrating 30 Years serving the Diocese of El Paso
499 St. Matthews St.
El Paso, TX 79907 THE RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC (ISSN#1079-9621) is published monthly for $12.00 per year
Phone: (915) 872-8414 by the Office of Communications, Diocese of El Paso, 499 St. Matthews St., El Paso, TX
Fax: (915) 872-8435
79907, Phone: (915) 872-8454. “PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT EL PASO TX.” POST-
Publisher: Most Rev. Mark J. Seitz, D.D. MASTER: Send changes of address to: THE RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC,499 St. Matthews St.,
Twitter: @BishopSeitz
El Paso TX, 79907
Editor: Fernie Ceniceros
Twitter: @FCenicerosphoto
THE RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC is a monthly newspaper assisting the Bishop of the Diocese
Advertising Manager: Chrstopher Velasquez of El Paso by communicating the events and themes of the faith life of the local and univer-
sal church through news reports, features, columns and photographs. Articles and photo-
Spanish Translation: Fernie Ceniceros
graphs become the property of THE RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC. If photos are on loan to the
Contributors: Janet M. Crowe,
newspaper, please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope for their return.
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www.elpasodiocese.org
© 2021 by
THE RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC
All rights reserved
@DioceseofElPaso @ElPasoDiocese @ElPasoDiocese
The Rio Grande Catholic Bishop’s Column October 2021 - 3
INSEITZ INTO THE FAITH
It’s Time to Wake Up
D
o you ever have the feel- when we really want to have 3 earth and where we are meant to
ing that this Pandemic, hours or more to watch football be heading?
the first in our experi- or a movie or go shopping. If And when we discover this
ence, is really just a bad dream? that is the case it may say a lot purpose and are lifted up in the
Do you feel like one day we will about how God really rates in worship of God, then we begin
just wake up and then we will our life. We can make a lot of to see that God has a plan for our
be able to get back to normal excuses, like, “I can worship action in the world. By receiving
daily life? For many of us it is God anywhere,” or, “I work so Christ, we are transformed into
like a bad dream that appears as hard every other day.” But un- God’s presence in the world and
though it may never end. It just derneath it all we know the truth. we are privileged to do God’s
seems to go on and on constant- We have just pushed the most work here.
ly opening new chapters, with important relationship in our There are so many needs! If Bishop Mark J. Seitz
different variants and ongoing life, that is our relationship with each of us would do our part
vaccine boosters and etcetera. God, to the bottom of the pile. imagine what we could accom- nerable and suffering. Who can we also have become a place of
Thinking in terms of that Well, it is time that we all plish. Allow me to mention just deny that among the poorest and initial welcome for those fleeing
ongoing bad dream may also heard the alarm calling us to a few. This October is Respect most vulnerable in our world to- the persecution of the Taliban
help us to understand how it is wake up and smell the cof- Life Month. We Catholics have day are those brothers and sisters in Afghanistan after assisting
that we in our life of faith have fee. It is time for us to reorder not lived up to our responsibility of ours from other countries who American soldiers in their coun-
been lulled to sleep and settled our priorities and to discover to be speaking up for innocent have been forced to flee their try at great personal risk.
for a somewhat drowsy Catholi- the tremendous potential God unborn children who are under homes and have come to our I have seen and I am con-
cism. Ok, I’ll put it another way: has given us for His worship great threat in our society, nor borders seeking just a safe place vinced that we in our community
some of us have gotten a bit lazy and service. God deserves our have we been there as effectively to live and work for themselves can rise to these needs. All we
in our practice of the Faith, or worship. When we participate as we should to assist expectant and their children. need is to allow ourselves to be
maybe our life of Faith always in Mass we are not doing God a mothers to have the support they It appears that in these days El awakened to a new more vital
tended to look for the shortcuts, favor; we are doing exactly that need to bring their baby to birth. Paso and our borderland region Faith—a Faith that is trans-
the minimum, the least we need- for which we were created. We It is good to try to improve the is being given an opportunity to formed by our worship of God
ed to do to consider ourselves are finding our true purpose and laws, but it is even more im- have a vital role in the journey and then goes out to transform
good Catholics. the deeper meaning of our life. I portant to change hearts and to of many to the safe haven that the world!
Many of us are even finding wonder how much of the depres- provide alternatives to abortion. our country can offer. We have
it a burden now to go to Mass sion people struggle with today Our love of life should also people crossing our borders from
on the Lord’s Day. That hour in would be overcome if we all lead us to have a special love for the south. They desperately need
Church seems like a lot to ask, were clear on why we are on this others in our world who are vul- our help along the way. And
Es Hora De Despertar
¿A
lguna vez ha tenido
la sensación de que
esta pandemia, la
primera en nuestra experiencia,
es realmente un mal sueño?
¿Sientes que un día nos desper-
taremos y podremos volver a
la vida cotidiana normal? Para
muchos de nosotros es como un
mal sueño que parece que nunca
va a terminar. Parece que sigue
y sigue abriendo constantemente
nuevos capítulos, con diferentes
variantes y refuerzos de vacunas
en curso, etcétera.
Pensar en ese mal sueño
continuo también puede ayudar-
nos a entender cómo es que
en nuestra vida de fe hemos
sido adormecidos y nos hemos
conformado con un catolicismo
un tanto somnoliento. Vale, lo
diré de otra manera: algunos nos
hemos vuelto un poco perezosos
en nuestra práctica de la Fe,
o quizás nuestra vida de Fe
siempre ha tendido a buscar los
atajos, lo mínimo, lo menos que
teníamos que hacer para consid- el café. Es hora de reordenar un plan para nuestra acción en el intentar mejorar las leyes, pero viaje de muchos hacia el refugio
erarnos buenos católicos. nuestras prioridades y descubrir mundo. Al recibir a Cristo, nos es aún más importante cambiar seguro que nuestro país puede
A muchos de nosotros nos el tremendo potencial que Dios transformamos en la presencia los corazones y ofrecer alternati- ofrecer. Hay personas que cruzan
resulta incluso una carga ir a nos ha dado para su adoración de Dios en el mundo y tenemos vas al aborto. nuestras fronteras desde el sur.
Misa el día del Señor. Esa hora y servicio. Dios merece nuestra el privilegio de hacer la obra de Nuestro amor por la vida Necesitan desesperadamente
en la Iglesia parece mucho pedir, adoración. Cuando participamos Dios aquí. también debería llevarnos a tener nuestra ayuda en el camino. Y
cuando realmente queremos en la misa no le estamos hacien- ¡Hay tantas necesidades! Si un amor especial por otros en también nos hemos convertido
tener 3 horas o más para ver do un favor a Dios; estamos ha- cada uno de nosotros pusiera de nuestro mundo que son vul- en un lugar de acogida inicial
el fútbol o una película o ir de ciendo exactamente aquello para su parte, imagina lo que podría- nerables y sufren. Quién puede para aquellos que huyen de la
compras. Si ese es el caso, puede lo que fuimos creados. Estamos mos lograr. Permítanme mencio- negar que entre los más pobres y persecución de los talibanes en
decir mucho acerca de cómo encontrando nuestro verdadero nar sólo algunas. Este octubre vulnerables de nuestro mundo se Afganistán, después de ayudar a
Dios realmente valora nuestra propósito y el significado más es el Mes del Respeto a la Vida. encuentran hoy esos hermanos los soldados estadounidenses en
vida. Podemos poner muchas profundo de nuestra vida. Me Los católicos no hemos estado y hermanas nuestros de otros su país con gran riesgo personal.
excusas, como: “Puedo adorar a pregunto cuánta de la depresión a la altura de nuestra respons- países que se han visto obligados He visto y estoy convencido
Dios en cualquier lugar”, o “Tra- con la que lucha la gente hoy en abilidad de hablar en favor de a huir de sus hogares y han veni- de que en nuestra comunidad
bajo mucho cada dos días”. Pero día se superaría si todos tuviéra- los niños inocentes no nacidos, do a nuestras fronteras buscando podemos estar a la altura de
en el fondo sabemos la verdad. mos claro por qué estamos en que se encuentran bajo una gran tan sólo un lugar seguro donde estas necesidades. Todo lo que
Acabamos de empujar la rel- esta tierra y hacia dónde debe- amenaza en nuestra sociedad, ni vivir y trabajar para ellos y sus necesitamos es dejarnos desper-
ación más importante de nuestra mos dirigirnos. hemos estado allí con la eficacia hijos. tar a una nueva Fe más vital, una
vida, que es nuestra relación con Y cuando descubrimos este que deberíamos para ayudar Parece que en estos días a El Fe que se transforma con nuestra
Dios, al fondo del montón. propósito y nos elevamos en a las futuras madres a tener el Paso y a nuestra región fronteri- adoración a Dios y que luego
Pues bien, es hora de que la adoración de Dios, entonces apoyo que necesitan para llevar za se les está dando la oportuni- sale a transformar el mundo.
todos oigamos la alarma que empezamos a ver que Dios tiene a su bebé al mundo. Es bueno dad de tener un papel vital en el
nos llama a despertar y oler
4 - The Rio Grande Catholic Diocesan News October 2021
Diocese Says Goodbye To Two Longtime Staff Members
By Christopher Velsaquez journey as a caregiver, she is
Staff Writer, Rio Grande Catholic grateful to have been of service
to the faithful community of the
Lupe Aguilera, Administra- diocese.
tive Assistant to Bishop Mark J. Deacon Frank Segura found
Seitz, retired from the Office of his faith deepened while serving
the Bishop in September after in the Navy during the Vietnam
23 years of service. She leaves era. During this time, he learned
a legacy of serving the diocese that people were praying the
passionately under two Bishops. rosary for him while he was
Having first begun a career as a overseas.
secretary in the legal field, it was Segura further found his life
at the suggestion of her son, a changed due to an unexpected
Cathedral High School gradu- wedding invitation by a friend to
ate, that Aguilera looked into his hometown in El Paso, TX. It
opportunities at the diocese and was there that he met his future
saw an opening for the secretary wife. Five years after sharing
to the Bishop. It was at that mo- vows, Segura and his wife
ment that she knew that God had attended a World-Wide Marriage
called her to this opportunity. Encounter, which convinced
As a child, she attended Our him to work for the Church. He
Lady of the Valley Catholic states, “The call at the Marriage
School and later attended Father Encounter was for us to go to our
Yermo High School. The values Parish Priest and offer our help.”
she gained from school and It was that long journey of
her parents, who were active serving the Lord in ministry and
in ministry, provided her with as a married couple that led him
a strong foundation of faith. to the call of the Diaconate. After
Aguilera said, “I remember being a family commitment, Segu-
a catechist at a very young age. ra became a Deacon and later
All my brothers and sisters were became the Director of Marriage
all in ministry, so I credit my and Family Life. Deacon Frank
parents for that type of upbring- found joy in knowing that his
ing in addition to my Catholic work was part of God’s plan. He
education.” further states, “He has a plan for
Looking back at her service everyone, and when we enter
in the diocese, Lupe said that through that door, Jesus Christ
her joy was in the mission of the opens up to us and increases
Church. “The main purpose is our territory and opens up many
for the poor and the others that more opportunities.”
are not recognized.” She credits Despite not being the Director
working in the Bishop’s office of Marriage and Family life,
as what inspired her to learn Deacon Frank continues his min-
more about her faith. In 2013, istry as a Deacon. He is always
she began her studies towards eager to serve and trusts that God
her Masters in pastoral studies will always provide.
and Catholic theology, which she As they both leave their
says opened up a new world for positions at the diocese, they Lupe Aguilera, Administrative Assistant to Bishop Mark J. Seitz, and Deacon Fran Segura, Dirctor of the
her and further strengthened her expressed their appreciation for Ministry of Marriage and Family life retire after many years of service to the Diocese of El Paso. Photo by
love for the Church. serving in the Church. Daniel Cabrera
Embarking upon her new
La Diócesis da Gran Despedida a Dos Miembros Del Equipo
Asistente Administrativa del lores que adquirió en la escuela y obtener un máster en estudios Paso, TX. Allí conoció a su futu- Además, afirma: “Él tiene un
Obispo Mark J. Seitz, se retiró de sus padres, que eran activos en el pastorales y teología católica, lo ra esposa. Cinco años después de plan para todos, y cuando entra-
la Oficina del Obispo en septiem- ministerio, le proporcionaron una que, según ella, le abrió un nuevo compartir los votos, Segura y su mos por esa puerta, Jesucristo
bre después de 23 años de servi- sólida base de fe. Aguilera dijo: mundo y fortaleció aún más su esposa asistieron a un Encuentro se abre ante nosotros y aumenta
cio. Deja un legado de servicio “Recuerdo haber sido catequi- amor por la Iglesia. Matrimonial Mundial, que lo nuestro territorio y nos abre mu-
apasionado a la diócesis bajo dos sta a una edad muy temprana. Emprendiendo su nuevo cami- convenció de trabajar para la Ig- chas más oportunidades.”
obispos. Habiendo comenzado Todos mis hermanos y hermanas no como cuidadora, está agrade- lesia. Afirma: “La llamada en el A pesar de no ser el Director
una carrera como secretaria en estaban en el ministerio, así que cida de haber estado al servicio Encuentro Matrimonial fue para de Vida Matrimonial y Famil-
el campo legal, fue por suger- doy crédito a mis padres por ese de la comunidad de fieles de la que fuéramos a nuestro párroco y iar, el Diácono Frank continúa
encia de su hijo, un graduado tipo de crianza, además de mi diócesis. le ofreciéramos nuestra ayuda”. su ministerio como Diácono.
de la Escuela Secundaria de la educación católica”. El diácono Frank Segura Fue ese largo camino de Siempre está dispuesto a servir
Catedral, que Aguilera buscó Al recordar su servicio en encontró que su fe se profundizó servicio al Señor en el ministerio y confía en que Dios siempre
oportunidades en la diócesis y la diócesis, Lupe dijo que su mientras servía en la Marina y como matrimonio lo que le proveerá.
vio una vacante para la secretaría alegría estaba en la misión de la durante la época de Vietnam. llevó a la llamada del Diacona- Al dejar ambos sus puestos
del Obispo. Fue en ese momento Iglesia. “El propósito principal Durante este tiempo, supo que do. Después de un compromiso en la diócesis, expresaron su
cuando supo que Dios la había es para los pobres y los otros la gente rezaba el rosario por él familiar, Segura se convirtió en agradecimiento por servir en la
llamado a esta oportunidad. que no son reconocidos”. Ella mientras estaba en el extranjero. Diácono y más tarde en Director Iglesia.
De niña, asistió a la Escuela atribuye el trabajo en la oficina Segura también encontró que de Vida Matrimonial y Familiar.
Católica Nuestra Señora del del obispo como lo que la inspiró su vida cambió debido a una in- El Diácono Frank encontró la
Valle y más tarde a la Escuela a aprender más sobre su fe. En vitación de boda inesperada por alegría de saber que su traba-
Secundaria Padre Yermo. Los va- 2013, comenzó sus estudios para un amigo a su ciudad natal en El jo era parte del plan de Dios.
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The Rio Grande Catholic October 2021 - 5
Catholic Pilgrimages Are Back!
Medjugorje & Italy
October 19 - 28, 2022 (10 Days)
Medjugorje - Mostar - Spli - Ancona - Assisi - Rome
and a Public Audience of Pope Francis
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Marian Shrines
October 24 - November 4, 2022 (12 Days)
Barcelona - Lourdes - Fatima - Santiago de Compostela
Lisbon and More!
$4,299 Per Person w/Round Trip Air from El Paso
Holy Land
November 9 - 18, 2022 (10 Days)
Bethlehem - Cana - Galilee - Jerusalem - Temple Mount
with Optional Jordan & Petra Extension
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Our Lady of Guadalupe
April 12 - 18, 2023 (7 Days)
Mexico City - Tulpetlac - Puebla - Coyoacan - OLG Shrine
Chapel of Tepeyac - San Angel - Pyramids of Teotihuacan
$2,499 Per Person w/Round Trip Air from El Paso
Catholic Ireland
August 8 - 17, 2023 (10 Days)
Dublin - Waterford - Killarney - Blarney Castle - Cliffs of Moher
Ring of Kerry - Killarney - Knock Shrine - Waterford and More!
$4,299 Per Person w/Round Trip Air from El Paso
Other Offerings For 2022 Other Offerings For 2023
Tulip Time River Cruise - Mar. 16-26 Australia - New Zealand Tour
Alaska Ocean Cruise + Denali Tour February 1-15
July 3-14 Bordeaux, France Wine River Cruise
Mediterranean Ocean Cruise March 23-30
Mississippi River Paddle Boat Cruise
September 16-28
May 14-31
Danube River Christmas Markets Northern Lights Ocean Cruise
December 3-12 September 17 - October 1
For detailed information and to reserve your spot on any of our tours, cruises,
or pilgrimages, please contact Kerry McCullough at 915-591-4246 (Talk/Text)
or email: Kerry@TravelWK.com.
6 - The Rio Grande Catholic Foundation News October 2021
Diana Rascon Named Steward of the Year 2021
By Karina Sandoval these concerns among the youth.
Major Gifts Officer Throughout the year, Diana
has been a leader in organizing
The Catholic Foundation youth gathering, dramas, retreats,
invited pastors, diocesan leaders social gatherings, and similar
and Catholic school principals to activities. She is well grounded
nominate an outstanding individ- in her Catholic faith and is very
ual who they believed used their dedicated in helping youth grow
gifts and talents to their fullest in their faith and in their relation-
potential, and generously helped ship with Christ. She is also a
those in great need, during the great community builder among
pandemic. the youth. We in the parish can
After 27 nominations from always count on her dedica-
across the Diocese, the Steward- tion and service in our parish,
ship Selection Committee gath- especially with the youth. Our
ered together and read one by parish is blessed to have such
one each nomination, and after an outstanding faith-filled youth
a prayerful unbias decision, and leader.”
inspired by the sign of our times, This pandemic brought a myr-
Diana Rascon was chosen as the iad of challenges, social isola-
Steward of the Year 2021. tion, loneliness and depression.
Msgr. Arturo Bañuelas, Pastor According to Psychology Today,
of St. Mark’s Catholic Church humans are fundamentally social,
nominated Diana Rascon, a and perhaps never more so than
Youth and Young Adult Leader in adolescence when hanging out
in the parish for her outstanding with friends is the top priority for
energy to serve the youth of El most teenagers. Diana combated
Paso, specially during these diffi- social isolation and helped our
cult times of a global pandemic. youth feel loved and connected
“Diana is an outstanding youth to one another through zoom
After 27 nominations from across the Diocese, the Stewardship Selection Committee gathered together
leader in our parish. During the meetings.
and read one by one each nomination, and after a prayerful unbias decision, and inspired by the sign of our
pandemic she managed to keep Diana, the Catholic Founda-
times, Diana Rascon was chosen as the Steward of the Year 2021. Photo Courtesy Catholic Foundation
the youth group together via tion rejoices with the meaningful
zoom gatherings. Many of the work that you are doing, espe-
youth were experiencing difficult cially for our youth, thank you
times of anxiety, fear and isola- for helping to build the future of Because this pandemic brought serve, the Steward of the Year categories, please read below
tion. She responded to address the Church! Congratulations! a myriad of opportunities to 2021 contest expanded to seven category winners.
Steward of the Year 2021 Category Winners
St. Toribio Romo because he would it do it for free and donate the supplies. Santiago goes out of his way to perform his duties in the
Ministry of Refugees and Migrants Pete ensured that the workers of his company would ministries he is involved in. During the pandemic, when
Rafael Carrasco attend the end of each service in order to disinfect the churches were closed, Santiago made it one of his respon-
St. Mark’s Catholic Church church, he did it over a year never charging San Antonio sibilities to begin livestreaming the mass. Initially he took
“Caring for migrants and their families has been a top de Padua a penny…the workers who would sanitize the his personal equipment to the church and learned to lives-
priority for Rafael because he sees his calling as being a Church became part of the parish family.” -Fr. Mariano tream the mass. Eventually, the parish purchased equip-
missionary of Christ to the most vulnerable…one time, Lopez, Pastor, San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church ment to continue livestreaming and Santiago continues to
we had no food for that day, a miscommunication, we livestream the mass.” -Paula Favela, Parish administrator,
were praying for a miracle, when Rafael arrived to help St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) All Saints Catholic Church
and found out about the situation, he returned with more Ministry to the Poor
food that we needed. This is the way he works.” -Msgr. Yuridia Perez St. John Baptist of la Salle
Arturo Bañuelas, Pastor, St. Mark’s Catholic Church El Buen Pastor Catholic Church Ministry of Education and Religious Education
“During this pandemic, needy parishioners of El Buen Br. Mariano Lopez F.S.C., Religion Instructor
St. Teresa Benedict of the Cross Pastor were surprised to find on the footsteps of their Cathedral High School
Ministry of Bereavement home food baskets filled with milk, cereal, can goods,
Lupe Rodriguez de Gonzalez bread, soap, detergent, toilet paper, meat, toothpaste, “Brother Mariano embodies the five Lasallian values
San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church napkins, cleaning supplies and water…for months they that are engrained in every student on our campus. He
“Lupe developed a Memorial at the Parish of all the wondered who was doing this, until one day Fr. Fabian models his faith daily on the campus and at all ex-
faithful departed who have died of Covid this year. walked into his office and found Yuridia leaving bags of tra-curricular activities. Concern for the poor is mod-
Parishioners and their relatives were invited to give Lupe groceries and toiletries on his desk, he knew right there eled through his community service in our community.
a list of names of the deceased in order for them to be that the parishioner who every week was leaving food Respect for all is displayed daily to all faculty, staff, and
written on ribbons that would hang from the “Covid Me- baskets in the door of needy parishioners, was her…Yu- student body. Quality education is delivered daily to all of
morial Tree” until the end of the year of St. Joseph…she ridia a single parent, who also cares for her mother, and his students…he is the model example of everything St.
consistently makes time to listen to the pain and grief of who was in much need as everyone in the community John Baptist de la Salle wanted his teachers to represent.
the many senior citizens who had no one to talk to during was the one helping others in need.” -Fr. Fabian Marquez, Love, compassion, respect, and generosity. ” -Adolfo
the pandemic.” -Fr. Mariano Lopez, Pastor, San Antonio former Pastor, El Buen Pastor Catholic Church. Sanchez, Principal, Cathedral High School
de Padua Congratulations Rafael, Lupe, Pete, Yuridia, Santiago,
St. Juan Diego Br. Mariano, the Catholic Foundation prays for your
St. John of God Ministry of Communication and Evangelization faithful and serving hearts!
Ministry of Health Santiago Romero The Steward of the Year 2022 contest will be open for
Pete Felix All Saints Catholic Church nominations in the Fall of 2022.
San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church “Santiago is very active in ministry, he is a lector, ush- For more information about the Steward of the Year
“Pete was asked for an estimate in order for his disin- er, Extraordinary Minister of Communion, sacristan, Safe 2021 contest please contact Karina Sandoval, Steward-
fecting company “Blue Life Environmental,” to sanitize Environment Coordinator, and is the technology expert ship Coordinator at ksandoval@catholicfoundationelpa-
the church after every mass when the churches opened at for the parish. His duties are numerous and it is not un- so.org, or at 915-872-8412.
25 percent capacity, he said he would not give an estimate common to see Santiago in each of the weekend masses.
The Rio Grande Catholic Capital Campaign October 2021 - 7
LIVING THE LITURGY
Ask The Saints For Their Intercession, But Also Imitate Their Life
Church on earth, interceding for sion has become a popular form life as well as powerful heaven- the communion of saints through
us with Christ and through him of prayer largely because the ly intercessors. Their greatness Christ. However, we may focus
with the Father. saints are often seen as more is entirely dependent on Christ so much on asking the saints for
Beginning with the Blessed accessible, more like us, literally and was evident in the way they their assistance that we forget to
Virgin Mary and the first mar- more down-to-earth. They wish extraordinarily and heroically imitate their model Christian way
tyrs, the Church has consistently to aid, protect, and intercede exhibited Christian charity while of life. As the Dogmatic Consti-
upheld the saints as worthy of for us because they know our alive on earth. Yet their gener- tution on the Church explains,
imitation and veneration. Over needs as fellow pilgrims and they osity and love for their fellow “The authentic cult of the saints
Fr. Michael Lewis, STL
the centuries, the Church de- continue to accompany us on Christians did not end with their does not consist so much in a
clared some saints to be defini- our journey as heavenly friends. death; rather, they continue with multiplicity of external acts, but
This month, as we approach tively in heaven, based on mira- That’s why some have become even greater fervor from heaven. rather in a more intense practice
the celebration of All Saints’ cles that God performed through patrons of specific groups of Now united with Christ, their of our love, whereby, for our
Day on November 1, it may be the saints’ heavenly intercession. people in certain areas (St. Pat- activity and work on behalf of own greater good and that of the
helpful to explore the “cult of These saints have been “canon- rick in Ireland, for example), in other Christians has only intensi- Church, we seek from the saints
the saints,” that is our devotion ized,” that is, added to the list of certain occupations (St. Thomas fied. As St. Dominic said on his ‘example in their way of life, fel-
to and veneration of the men saints who can be publicly ven- More for lawyers), or in certain deathbed, “Do not weep, for I lowship in their communion, and
and women who, because they erated, and we typically celebrate situations of life (St. Anne for shall be more useful to you after the help of their intercession.’”
led holy and virtuous lives them liturgically on their dies mothers in childbirth, and St. my death, and I shall help you To paraphrase a prayer from
of ever-increasing union and natalis, or “heavenly birthday,” Joseph for the dying). then more effectively than during the Mass, may the saints’ great
conformity with Christ, are now the day of their death. But the But it’s important to distin- my life.” example give us courage, and
believed to be with him in heav- most basic definition of “saint” guish between the worship due to Therefore, invoking the saints’ may their fervent prayers sustain
en. As members of the “cloud of is simply someone in heaven, God alone, and the veneration or intercession does not lessen our us in all we do.
witnesses,” they are united to the including, we pray, our non-can- honor given to saints. It is God love or devotion to God. Rather,
glory of God and with selfless onized relatives who have gone alone who answers our prayers. it enriches it, since the commu-
charity, they act as advocates and before us. The saints, on the other hand, are nion of saints are united to Christ
protectors of the members of the Invoking the saints’ interces- both exemplars of the Christian in heaven and we are united to
Pide A Los Santos Su Intercesión, Pero También Imita Su Vida
Este mes, al acercarnos a la glos, la Iglesia ha declarado que realidad. Desean ayudarnos, sos intercesores celestiales. Su enriquece, ya que la comunión
celebración del Día de Todos los algunos santos están definitiva- protegernos e interceder por no- grandeza depende enteramente de los santos está unida a Cristo
Santos, el 1 de noviembre, puede mente en el cielo, basándose en sotros porque conocen nuestras de Cristo y se puso de manifiesto en el cielo y nosotros estamos
ser útil explorar el “culto a los los milagros que Dios realizó a necesidades como compañeros en el modo en que exhibieron unidos a la comunión de los
santos”, es decir, nuestra devo- través de la intercesión celestial de peregrinación y siguen acom- extraordinaria y heroicamente santos por medio de Cristo. Sin
ción y veneración a los hombres de los santos. Estos santos han pañándonos en nuestro camino la caridad cristiana mientras embargo, podemos centrarnos
y mujeres que, por haber llevado sido “canonizados”, es decir, como amigos celestiales. Por vivían en la tierra. Sin embargo, tanto en pedir la ayuda de los
una vida santa y virtuosa de cre- añadidos a la lista de santos que eso algunos se han convertido en su generosidad y su amor por santos que nos olvidamos de im-
ciente unión y conformidad con pueden ser venerados pública- patronos de grupos específicos sus compañeros cristianos no itar su modelo de vida cristiana.
Cristo, se cree que ahora están mente, y normalmente los cele- de personas en determinadas terminaron con su muerte, sino Como explica la Constitución
con él en el cielo. Como miem- bramos litúrgicamente en su dies zonas (San Patricio en Irlanda, que continúan con un fervor aún dogmática sobre la Iglesia, “el
bros de la “nube de testigos”, es- natalis, o “cumpleaños celestial”, por ejemplo), en determinadas mayor desde el cielo. Ahora, verdadero culto a los santos no
tán unidos a la gloria de Dios y, el día de su muerte. Pero la defin- ocupaciones (Santo Tomás Moro unidos a Cristo, su actividad y consiste tanto en la multiplicidad
con caridad desinteresada, actúan ición más básica de “santo” es para los abogados), o en deter- trabajo en favor de los demás de actos exteriores cuanto en la
como abogados y protectores de simplemente alguien que está minadas situaciones de la vida cristianos no ha hecho más que intensidad de un amor activo, por
los miembros de la Iglesia en la en el cielo, incluidos, rezamos, (Santa Ana para las madres que intensificarse. Como dijo Santo el cual, para mayor bien nuestro
tierra, intercediendo por nosotros nuestros parientes no canoniza- dan a luz, y San José para los Domingo en su lecho de muerte: y de la Iglesia, buscamos en los
ante Cristo y, a través de él, ante dos que nos han precedido. moribundos). “No llores, porque te seré más santos ‘el ejemplo de su vida, la
el Padre. Invocar la intercesión de los Pero es importante distinguir útil después de mi muerte, y te participación de su intimidad y la
Comenzando por la Santísima santos se ha convertido en una entre el culto que se debe a Dios ayudaré entonces más eficaz- ayuda de su intercesión’”.
Virgen María y los primeros forma popular de oración, en y la veneración u honor que se da mente que durante mi vida”. Parafraseando una oración de
mártires, la Iglesia ha promovi- gran medida porque los santos a los santos. Sólo Dios responde Por tanto, invocar la inter- la Misa, que el gran ejemplo de
do constantemente a los santos suelen ser vistos como más a nuestras oraciones. Los santos, cesión de los santos no dis- los santos nos dé valor, y que sus
como dignos de imitación y accesibles, más parecidos a en cambio, son tanto ejemplos minuye nuestro amor o devo- fervientes oraciones nos sosten-
veneración. A lo largo de los si- nosotros, más cercanos a nuestra de vida cristiana como podero- ción a Dios. Al contrario, la gan en todo lo que hagamos.
Diocese offers assistance for victims of sexual abuse
Bishop Mark J. Seitz invites anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse by a priest, deacon,
religious, or any minister of the church, to contact the Victim’s Assitance Coordinator, Mrs. Susan
Martinez LCSW, at (915) 872-8465 or the Office of the Chancery, (915) 872-8407. The Church desires
the healing of anyone that has been harmed.
La diócesis ofrece asistencia a las víctimas de abusos sexuales
El Obispo Mark J. Seitz invita a cualquier persona que haya sido víctima de abuso sexual por parte de
un sacerdote, diácono, religioso o cualquier ministro de la iglesia, a contactar a la Coordinadora de
Asistencia a las Víctimas, la Sra. Susan Martínez LCSW, al (915) 872-8465 o a la Oficina de la Can-
cillería, (915) 872-8407. La Iglesia desea la curación de cualquiera que haya sido dañado.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FATHER!
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8 - The Rio Grande Catholic October 2021
SIDEWALK JESUS
Wash Away The Mud
“True. However, just hold on to his or her own life, not the life of extremely than was healthy, it was decision regarding abortion.”
that rather murky scenario and let’s another person. You cannot say a private issue and nobody else’s “Okay, I get it,” Susana said,
look at another one,” said Mom. that your life is more valuable than business. People shook their heads “but what about the boy cheating
“Imagine there is some type of someone else’s and say you are and felt sorry for the family, but on the test? How does he figure
danger in which two people are worthy to live while the other is left nothing was done. A man’s home into this discussion?”
trapped. Maybe a fire in a burning to die. That’s not a sacrifice, that’s was his castle and no one else Pro-choice arguments are the
building with a very narrow escape murder.” could tell him what to do inside of same as little Sam’s muddy logic
path, or a sinking ship with only “True,” Mom agreed, “the sacri- it. It’s my family, keep your nose that his cheating was not hurting
Janet M. Crowe enough room in the lifeboat for one fice is forced upon the person left out of my business, so to speak.” anyone. Sam confuses everyone by
person, or an airplane in imminent to die rather than that person freely “That’s barbaric,” grumbled throwing out muddy nonsensical
danger of crashing but only one offering to give up their life for the Susana. statements and continues to repeat
I just don’t understand,” grum- parachute. Got the picture?” other.” “Don’t you see the parallels?” them until some people agree that
bled Susana to her mother. Susana nodded her head but “I hate situation ethics,” com- asked Mom. “Abortion rhetoric he is right. They fail to see the issue
“Okay, bear with me on this,” wrinkled her forehead. plained Susana, “because real pushes the same slogans: ‘It’s my beneath the mud he is smearing on
reassured Mom. “Sometimes, you “There are two clear alterna- life is never an either/or situation. body, keep your hands off my the truth,” said Mom. “We must
have to examine the mud closely tives,” said Mom. “The first one There are always more than two uterus.’ ‘It’s my body, my choice.’ clear away the mud to see the real
before you can understand how to involves great sacrifice. One of the choices. Why must one die and one Ignoring the domestic violence in issue that there are two lives affect-
wash it away and clearly see what people in danger tells the other per- live? Why can’t they both make the past is the same as accepting ed in any abortion – one will be
is hidden underneath.” son to leave quickly before the fire it out of the danger alive? Sure, in today’s deceptive rhetoric, we are injured and one will be murdered.
Susana looked even more engulfs them both, or to row the helping each other out of the burn- allowing mud to obscure the truth. No one has the right to take away
confused, but her mother patted her lifeboat away before the ship pulls ing building, maybe both will get Those who profit from abortion the life of the living child with-
hand before continuing. them both under, or to take the only badly burned but they might both are just like the abuser of the in her; it is not their life to take.
“Let’s look at a few situations,” parachute and jump to safety while live. Why can’t they crowd one past. They are muddying people’s Every excuse to have an abortion
Mom said. “Imagine two boys are the other one goes down with the more person into the lifeboat? Why minds with lies and deception, falls apart if we can clearly show
taking a test. They’re both smart, plane. Of course, it is very sad but can’t they hold onto each other putting greed and monetary gain the truth that a child will die in
and both have studied for the test. the one has offered to sacrifice his and strap themselves together into from abortion over the health and every abortion situation. Instead of
However, the teacher notices that or her life in order that the other the parachute? The weight might welfare of those living within throwing muddy slogans to distort
when Sam picks up a pencil that one may live.” be too much and they might break that ‘castle’ or the woman’s body. the truth, let’s address the real
dropped, he looks at Joe’s paper Susana started to respond, but a leg, or even both of them might If you think they care about the issue of trying to save both lives
before sitting back down and writ- Mom continued, “In the second die, but they tried to help each oth- pregnant woman who feels she by helping the mother with what
ing down his answer. She continues alternative, one of the people in er rather than saying I want to live is drowning without a lifeboat to she really needs – prenatal care,
to monitor the classroom and again danger pushes the second person my life and am willing to give up save her, ask the abortion clinic if financial assistance, moral support,
feels that Sam looks at Joe’s paper farther back from the only exit and yours but not mine. There are more they will help her obtain prenatal or whatever she needs to rescue
as Sam returns from a bathroom rushes out of the burning build- alternatives, Mom, than just the care, diapers, or moral support if both herself and her precious child
visit. Of course, she is upset but ing, or jumps into the lifeboat and two you offered. Life is not either/ she chooses to not to let them kill from danger.”
can’t prove anything. When she quickly rows away, or grabs the or. They could help each other or her baby. They usually won’t even “It’s a child, not a choice,”
confronts the boys, Joe is com- parachute and waves good-bye even call for help and maybe be refund the money she has paid for said Susana. “I get it. I just wish
pletely unaware that anything has to the other person still left on the saved before the plane crashed or the abortion she has chosen not to we could concentrate on helping
happened. Sam, also, claims not to airplane while floating to safety whatever.” endure. On the other hand, pro-life both mother and child instead
have done anything wrong. Sam before the plane’s fiery crash.” “Smart girl,” said Mom proudly. centers regularly help pregnant of responding to the anger and
insists that he has not taken any of “That would be murder,” Susana “Now you are washing away the women with whatever resources name-calling they keep throwing
Joe’s answers. After all, doesn’t Joe interrupted. mud that obscures the true solu- they need so that both mothers and at us.”
still have all of his answers on the “Why?” asked Mom. “The result tions. But before we explore what’s their babies may continue living. “It’s not easy to wash away mud
paper? If Sam has taken an answer is the same – one person dies, the underneath the mud, let’s examine Pro-life centers also support and when people keep throwing more
from Joe’s paper, it would be other has a chance to make it to that mud just a little more first.” help post-abortive women receive at you,” reassured Mom, “but
stealing and Joe wouldn’t have the safety. Both stories have the same Susana sighed. counseling and whatever assistance every life you save is worth it.”
answer on his paper anymore.” sad endings.” “Many years ago, domestic they may need. Non-judgmental Susana smiled, “In this case,
“That’s not how cheating “No,” Susana argued, “the end violence was ignored,” Mom support so that both people – moth- you get a two-for-one savings with
works,” laughed Susana. “The result may be that one person lives said. “For example, if a man got er and child – can go on to live every decision not to abort.”
answers were not Sam’s to take.” and one person dies but in the first upset with his wife or children and their lives because there are always
story, the person offered to sacrifice disciplined or punished them more at least two people affected in a
Decisions of Consequence
to hear about abortion-pill reversal a lasting, impactful, and eternal nity who are parentless, through my locker because I didn’t want
for the first time… I thought: God difference. mentoring programs such as Big to leave a mess for anyone else.
just brought that in front of me, It should come as no small con- Brother/Big Sister, or through I had stored away some of my
and I think that’s what I’m meant solation to understand that when- pursuing the generous path of mother’s sleeping pills and I was
to do.” ever we make deliberate moral foster parenting and adoption. Such going home to commit suicide. But
She went on to share a follow-up choices for the good or turn away generosity is another “decision of after we spent some time together
from two mothers whom she had from what is wrong, we are already consequence” where we stand to talking and laughing, I realized
recently assisted. starting to make those “eternal dif- make an eternal difference. that if I had killed myself, I would
“They sent me pictures on ferences.” Through such decisions Our “decisions of consequence” have missed that time and so many
Fr. Tad Pacholczyk WhatsApp after they had their of consequence, we align our own need not be great or lofty gestures; others that might follow. So Mark,
babies. … I’m so thankful for their will with God’s, and contribute, in they can be quite simple. I recall a when you picked up those books
courage and their bravery. They his wisdom, to rectifying the many true story first relayed by John W. that day, you did a lot more: you
talked about how much they love patterns of sin around and within Schlatter in 1993, that has circulat- saved my life.”
their babies and I’m just so happy us. Such decisions enable us to col- ed widely since. In a sense, each day for us
I recently watched a compelling
for them. I’m just so grateful God laborate with his all-encompassing Bill was walking home after involves a walk along the thresh-
video prepared by a group called
gave me that opportunity to speak redemptive plan. his junior high school classes, his old of eternity, through small and
“Heartbeat International.” They
with both of them. In the field of bioethics, these arms full of books and other items not-so-small gestures, even though
provide women, who regret having
I’ve never had this kind of “decisions of consequence” arise from his locker. At a certain point, we may not always see the full im-
taken an abortion pill, the chance
fulfillment in any previous nursing with great regularity. When one everything spilled out of his arms, plications of each of our decisions.
to reverse their decision through
job that I’ve had — that feeling of of our ethicists at The National and another boy named Mark Each day we have a chance to
a treatment involving progester-
Yes! — I’m making a difference in Catholic Bioethics Center, for witnessed it and came over to make beautiful, potentially life-sav-
one. The protocol, though not yet
someone’s life, …a difference in example, helps a husband and wife help him pick it up off the ground, ing and indeed eternal “decisions
officially “peer-reviewed,” appears
eternity.” to understand the moral problems making some friendly small talk. of consequence.”
to work well if the woman doesn’t
Every child saved this way is surrounding in vitro fertilization, The two of them decided to spend Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D.
wait too long, and the video
someone who now enjoys the op- not only can this help them avoid part of the afternoon together, earned his doctorate in neurosci-
includes pictures and rescue dates
portunity to grow up, go to school, the tragedy of trapping their young playing games and goofing off. ence from Yale and did post-doc-
of many beautiful babies who have
get married, have kids, grandkids offspring in “frozen orphanages,” In succeeding weeks and months, toral work at Harvard. He is a
been saved this way.
and great-grandkids. It clearly but it can also help them reflect they became friends. priest of the diocese of Fall River,
What also caught my attention
makes an incalculable difference on deeper questions like, “What Years later, Bill was reminiscing MA, and serves as the Director of
were the stories of several nurses
for that child, as well as for untold does our infertility really mean?,” with Mark, and he brought up the Education at The National Cath-
working at Heartbeat International.
others. An “eternal difference.” and, “How does God want us to day they first met. olic Bioethics Center in Philadel-
“I wanted to help out in a mean-
Each of us would like for our be fruitful?” This can lead them to “Did you ever wonder why I phia. See www.ncbcenter.org and
ingful way,” one of them, named
lives and our work to “make a consider new paths of grace, like was carrying so many things home www.fathertad.com.
Amanda, said. “I was very excited
difference,” and especially to make reaching out to kids in the commu- that day?” he asked. “I cleaned out
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