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Sooner Catholic
soonercatholic.org June 25, 2017 archokc.org
Go Make Disciples
Archbishop Coakley ordains new deacon
A
rchbishop Coakley ordained Vuong “Vic” Son Luong into the
transitional diaconate on Saturday, June 3, at his home parish,
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Oklahoma City.
Deacon Luong attends Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
in Saint Meinrad, Ind.
If it is God’s will, he will be ordained a priest in 2018.
Deacon Luong said he chose a life of sacrificial love because he
wants to, “follow Jesus Christ whose
life is a life of sacrificial love. I am
called to love God, to love others
and to walk with others through
their suffering.”
Photos Jan Foisy/Sooner Catholic
Cristo Rey OKC hires principal, gears up
for 2018 opening
OKLAHOMA CITY – Cristo Rey education; it’s about giving them a receive financial aid as part of a
Oklahoma City Catholic High future. We are going to reveal pos- work-study program funded by
School has hired its sibilities and open doors local business partners.
founding principal and to success these students Yocom already has an impressive
is on track to open its have never even imagined. track record of success when it
doors in fall 2018. Cody I can’t wait to see our first comes to maximizing school per-
Yocom will begin his class of students walk formance. Under his leadership
work at Cristo Rey OKC through the door.” as principal at Uplift Heights, an
immediately and, togeth- Yocom said he is excited urban preparatory charter school
er with school President to be joining Cristo Rey in Dallas, the school led its district
Renee Porter, continue OKC and its transforma- in math and reading score improve-
preparations for the tive educational model that ment for all grade levels last year
school’s first class of exclusively serves children and consistently exceeded growth
students. in low-income families. targets on standardized testing
“This is a special op- Cody Yocom The national network of benchmarks.
portunity for my family Cristo Rey Catholic schools Before joining Uplift Heights, Yo-
and me,” Yocom said. focuses on a combination com served as co-principal of
“Cristo Rey OKC educates the of rigorous academics and work
whole student. It is more than an experience; all Cristo Rey students continued on page 6
2 June 25, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic June 25, 2017 3
Put Out Into the DeepLuke 5:4 Find more Oklahoma to celebrate St. Kateri
We are all migrants on a journey news on the By Dana Attocknie After Mass, there is a procession to the Choctaw Nation and Chickasaw Nation, said
Admittedly, it is hard
website The Sooner Catholic shrine of Saint Kateri on the Abbey grounds.
This year’s principal celebrant will be the Most
she plans to attend this year’s dance.
“Saint Kateri saw dignity in each person and
People have been on the move as long as human SHAWNEE – Saint Kateri Tekakwitha has
beings have inhabited the planet. Migration is a per- to see beyond our own Rev. David Konderla, Bishop of Tulsa. loved every human being. She lived in danger
By Sooner Catholic Staff a place of honor at Saint Gregory’s Abbey in The day of celebration also is an expression because of her conversion, and she lived a
sistent phenomenon of human history. limited perspective on
Shawnee. Each year, she is celebrated with a of gratitude to all American Indians, said Rt. life of courage and humility, persevering in a
Why are people on the move? Often people move such complex matters;
Additional coverage of pilgrimage and powwow to highlight her life Rev. Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B., Abbot of growth of holiness,” Brittain said.
from one place to another seeking security in time of matters that are often
very personal as well.
Church and archdiocesan and the example she provided. This year’s Hon- Saint Gregory’s. Saint Kateri was Algonquin from her mother’s
war or political unrest or perhaps in search of food
in times of famine, a livelihood in time of economic What frame of reference news and events, only on or Dance is July 8, and begins with Mass at 3 “Our founders came to Indian Territory in side and Mo-
hardship brought on by any number of factors. can we use to help us www.soonercatholic.org. p.m. in the Abbey Church, 1900 West MacAr- 1875 to establish the ministry of the Church hawk from her
thur Street in Shawnee. among the Indian people who were rebuilding father’s side. For information or to submit
Sometimes people are forced to leave their homes approach the challenges
a To send photos, event their lives after hav- Born in 1656 prayer requests for the St.
because of influences beyond their control (think of posed by immigration Archbishop Paul S. Coakley
and migration with great- information or story ideas, ing been relocated to in Auriesville, Kateri novena, call the abbey
slaves brought from Africa to our shores or Ameri-
can Indians forcibly removed from ancestral lands or er understanding, wisdom and compassion? e-mail tips@archokc.org. the area. Certainly, N.Y., she lost office at (405) 878-5490.
Christians in Syria and Iraq today being driven out I recently heard a presentation that offered some the founding monks her parents as
by religious persecution). Of course, at other times insight into a larger frame of reference. The speaker a Our Lady of Fatima cen- worked hard to estab- a child when
people go willingly in search of a better life for them- began within the heart of the Trinity. “God so loved tennial tour. The Interna- lish our monastery, smallpox nearly obliterated her village. The
selves or their families. the world that he sent his own Son” (Jn. 3:16). We tional Pilgrim Virgin Statue several schools and disease left her with a scarred face and poor vi-
Salvation history bears witness to the fact of migra- know that verse. God sent his Son to migrate into the will be in Oklahoma as part dozens of parishes,” sion. Her uncle adopted her, and when he later
tion as well. Adam and Eve were exiled from Paradise brokenness and sinfulness of our world to redeem of the world Apostolate of Abbot Lawrence said. tried to arrange her marriage, she refused.
because of their disobedience. Abram was called by us and to bring us home. We had been separated Fatima U.S. Tour for Peace. “However, none of Saint Kateri was drawn to the Jesuit priests
God to leave his homeland with his family and go to a and alienated from God, one another and our true The tour marks the 100th that could have been who stayed in their village, and wanted to learn
Promised Land, which God would show them. Abra- selves because of our sins. All creation and human anniversary of the apparition possible without the more about Jesus from them.
ham’s descendants migrated to Egypt because of fam- history bears the scars and the hopeless burden of its of Our Lady of Fatima, Por- hospitality, generosity, “We want to help the young people get to
ine only later to be rescued from servitude there and own inability to save itself. The Word of God emptied tugal. The tour will be at the assistance and faith of know the story of Saint Kateri, who had such
lead by Moses to receive a land of their own. They himself, becoming human like us and sharing our lot Shrine of Our Lady of Fati- the people of various deep faith and a spirit of service at a very early
endured exile in Babylon and later made the jour- in every way, even taking on the guilt of our sin and ma/St. Joseph, Bison, Oct. tribes and nations who age,” Abbot Lawrence said.
ney back to Jerusalem to rebuild the ruined city and dying for us. 13; St. Mary, Guthrie, Oct. welcomed us.” The Honor Dance includes a dance contest
Temple. Mary The Son of God 14; St. Monica, Edmond, Oct. Last year, Eva Brit- for girls and boys ages 9-17. The event includes
and Joseph migrated into our 15; St. Damien, Edmond, tain and her husband a pilgrimage to her statue, gourd dancing, a
were forced to world to save us Oct. 16; St. Paul the Apostle, Billy, from Sacred supper break, a grand entry, inter-tribal danc-
take the infant from our sins and Del City, Oct. 17; and Prince Heart in Oklahoma ing and dance contests.
Jesus and flee to lead us into our of Peace, Altus, Oct. 18. City, attended the “We express gratitude with this pilgrimage
to Egypt once true homeland. God dance for the first time. and powwow not only for the past, but also for
again to escape became man to save “I was excited and the present. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation in
King Herod’s us. In becoming a looking forward to particular has generously provided critical sup-
murderous human being, God this special event, not port for our various efforts, especially at Saint
wrath before became a migrant. really knowing what to Gregory’s University,” Abbott Lawrence said.
finally settling We are all mi- expect. I felt a special The monks at Saint Gregory’s also created
in Nazareth. grants. connection to Saint a novena to honor Saint Kateri, which begins
There is an Jesus sends Kateri as we shared a nine days before her feast day of July 14. Saint
old French his Holy Spirit to @archokc common Native Amer- Kateri died on April 17, 1680, at age 24. She
proverb that accompany us on ican heritage,” Brittain also is known as the Lily of the Mohawks.
says, “The more the journey home. said. “The Mass, cele- SGU also honors Saint Kateri each year.
things change We are not only a Archdiocese of brated in the church When graduates walk out of Benedictine Hall,
the more they pilgrim people, but Oklahoma City at Saint Gregory’s, they each place a flower at the Saint Kateri
stay the same.” a migrant people. incorporated native el- statue. About 25 percent of students at SGU
One of the ob- We are all in this to- Arquidiócesis de ements throughout. It are American Indian.
vious signs of gether and the love Oklahoma City was a new and moving The event is free and open to the public.
A raft with 112 passengers drifts in the Mediterranean Sea off of the Libyan
our times are coast before being rescued by members of a Spanish nongovernmental orga- of Christ urges us experience for me.” Dana Attocknie is managing editor of the
these massive nization. CNS photo/Yannis Behrakis, Reuters. to accompany one Brittain, from the Sooner Catholic.
movements of another, especially
people. Today, those whose bur-
because of war and hunger, environmental degrada- dens are the heaviest or at least those who are closest
tion, poverty and insecurity there are more people on
the move than at any time in human history. Usually
at hand.
A deeper reflection on our own shared status as Catholic Charities to move, offer social services in Norman
the factors behind these massive shifts in population migrants searching together for our true and lasting
homeland can give us some helpful insight into the NORMAN – Sanctuary Women’s volunteer at Sanctuary, provid- the Norman community that we this same commitment, and we
are closely linked. Today, there are more refugees be-
ing forced from their homes because of violence and insecurities and sufferings of our many brothers and Development Center, a program ing an annual Thanksgiving and are both called to serve.” know that we’ll all be stronger by
extreme poverty than at any time since the end of the sisters who are migrants, refugees or immigrants. of Catholic Charities of the Arch- Christmas lunch. The parish also With the lease at the previous lo- working together.”
Second World War. It may seem that the challenges posed by massive diocese of Oklahoma City, will hopes to model healthy relation- cation expiring, an agreement was In addition to Sanctuary ser-
Immigration is a hot political topic today in the migration of people worldwide, or the refugee crisis relocate to the Norman campus of ships by couples in the parish reached in February to explore a vices, the community will gain
United States and elsewhere. But, it is more than a in the Middle East or illegal immigration here in the Saint Joseph Catholic Church this community and participate in the strategic relationship between the increased access to Catholic Char-
United States are beyond our ability to address or Gracious and loving God, let summer. yearly “Queen for a Day” event, entities. Sanctuary is scheduled to ities’ counseling, support and ed-
political issue. It is important to see the challenges
your spirit be with us today. Sanctuary began serving the which treats clients to an after- move to Saint Joseph’s west side ucation services and adoption and
posed by immigration (legal and illegal) in their larger even begin to comprehend. But, certainly a good first
Hear our prayers, and in- Norman community in 2014 as noon of manicures and crafts. building this summer. pregnancy services. The move will
context. In our globalized world, we are all connect- step is to appreciate that we are all migrants and that
crease in us the will to follow a day center for homeless and Catho- Father allow space to expand the capacity
ed. It is hopelessly short-sighted to react only to the every migrant has a story. We need to take time to
your Son, Jesus. low-income women. Three staff lic Char- Scott Boeck- for additional Catholic Charities
symptoms of the problem without also addressing its see the human faces behind the problem and to learn
Help us to draw on the members offer case management, ities Ex-
causes. And, undoubtedly these are very complex. the stories. man, pas- services in the future.
resources of our faith as we
job resources and daily needs such ecutive tor of Saint Founded in 1912, Catholic Char-
use the opportunities of our
as laundry and shower facilities Director Joseph said, ities serves all, regardless of race,
Archbishop Coakley’s Calendar democracy to shape a society
more respectful of the life, dig-
to more than 20 clients every day. Patrick “We feel religion or national origin through
Since opening the day center in Raglow said, “Our parish relation- blessed to have this opportunity to its mission to provide help and
The following events are part of Archbishop Coakley’s official calendar. nity and rights of the human
person, especially the poor 2014, Sanctuary has transitioned ships put the ‘Catholic’ in Catholic serve our neighbors,” adding that hope through the Catholic tradition
and vulnerable. 97 people into permanent housing. Charities and allow us to serve our parish members long have ex- of service. Headquartered in Okla-
June 25 – Mass and groundbreaking ceremony, 11 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi, OKC In the past few years, the re- communities, following the call of pressed a desire to reach out more homa City, with regional service lo-
We ask this through Jesus
June 27 – Facilities Planning Committee meeting, 1:30 p.m., Catholic Pastoral Center lationship between Catholic our faith. This particular partner- effectively to underserved people in cations in Ardmore, Clinton, Enid,
Christ, your Son, who lives
June 27 – ACA Annual Mass and reception, 6:30 p.m., The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and reigns with you in the Charities and Norman’s Catholic ship is exciting because the energy, the Norman community. Guymon and Lawton and program
June 29 – Mass, 11:30 a.m., St. Francis de Sales Chapel, CPC unity of the Holy Spirit, one churches has enhanced the ex- enthusiasm and support visible “Catholic Charities is the gold locations in Norman and Midwest
God forever and ever. perience for women and children from the Saint Joseph community standard of the archdiocesan City, Catholic Charities serves more
July 1-4 – Joy of the Gospel in America: National Convocation of Catholic Leaders, Orlando, Fla.
Amen. served at Sanctuary. Saint Joseph will broaden our input across the outreach to the vulnerable. The than 14,000 Oklahomans annually.
July 6 – Rother Beatification Team meeting, 2 p.m., CPC
parishioners are among those who parish itself and even more across people of Saint Joseph aspire to Visit www.ccaokc.org.
4 June 25, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic June 25, 2017 5
Author Matthew Kelly to speak in OKC Meet the
Q&A with Bishop Mueggenborg
By Judy Hilovsky Taylor, will perform at the event. ing, marriage, personal finances, ARCHDIOCESE OF OKLAHOMA CITY Former Tulsa priest talks basketball, Eskimo Joe’s and Fr. Rother
The Sooner Catholic He is best known for his albums health and well-being, parenting
Matthew Kelly has dedicated his “What’s Mine Is Yours” and “All and community involvement. This is part of a series to introduce the seminarians of the By Ted King inary. I wanted to experience life in the third
Things in Time,” which includes Hughes hopes the event will in- Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. The Sooner Catholic world. I arranged to spend the summer in a very
life to helping people and organi-
zations become the best version of the hit “Up from the Bottom.” spire others. remote Maryknoll mission in Mugumu, Tanza-
“Witnessing people awaken to “With our mission of evangeliza- Martin Parizek On May 31, Rev. Msgr. Daniel Mueggenborg, nia, and it turned out to be one of the best sum-
themselves and he is bringing his
the genius of Catholicism and the tion, I truly can’t think of anyone a native of Okarche who had been the pastor of mers, if not the best summer, of my entire life.
message to the Cox Convention What is your
possibilities in their lives is a rare better to touch the hearts of every Christ the King in Tulsa, was ordained an auxil- Question: In a recent article there was a pic-
Most Reverend Center in Oklahoma City for the home parish? iary bishop in the Archdiocese of Seattle. Before
privilege,” Kel- Catholic with his message of be- ture of you in Tanzania wearing an Eskimo Joe’s
Paul S. Coakley ly said. coming the best versions of our- My home his ordination, he spoke to the Sooner Catholic T-shirt?
Accord- selves. My prayer is that we fill the parish is Saint while traveling to Stillwater, where he attended Bishop Mueggenborg: [Laughter] Well, I did
Archbishop of Oklahoma City Dynamic Catholic presents...
ing to Nicole Cox Convention Center with folks John Nepomuk Oklahoma State University in the early 1980s graduate from OSU. So, I do have a personal
Publisher in Yukon.
Hughes, a who want to know and love Jesus and earned a bachelor’s degree in geology. association with Eskimo Joe.
Diane Clay
MATTHEW KELLY member of
Saint Eugene
more. There’s room for 11,000.
And, if we all invite just one more What seminary Question: Have you been to Seattle?
Question: What did the locals think about it?
with Special Musical Guest Eliot Morris Bishop Mueggenborg: They were very fasci-
Editor who was in- person, we’ll fill that place up,” she do you attend? Bishop Mueggenborg: I was there in 1981. I nated by the cartoon image on the shirt. They
strumental in said. I attend Con- had an aunt and some cousins who live in that
L I V I N G E V E R Y D AY W I T H had no idea what an Eskimo was. I had to rely
ception Semi-
PASSION
Dana Attocknie getting Kelly Doors open at 4:30 p.m., but area. I still have extend- on the missionaries to explain in
to Oklaho- attendees should arrive 30 min- nary College in ed family members in
Managing Editor Swahili near the Serengeti Plain
Missouri. the archdiocese, both
& PURPOSE
ma, this is 23 utes to an hour prior to the event what an Eskimo is and what a
years in the to find a seat and collect event on my mother’s and my
world full of snow is like.
making. materials that will be worth more If it is God’s will, what year will you father’s sides. I received
Question: In 1981, you helped
Volume 39, Number 13 “I first than $50. be ordained a priest? e-mails from them and
Are you ready to become a better-version-of-yourself?
Father Stanley Rother serve Mass
How about the-best-version-of-yourself®? Join Matthew
learned about Judy Hilovsky is a freelance writ- 2021. look forward to catching
Kelly for a not-so-typical church event and start living at Holy Trinity in Okarche. What
Sooner Catholic Newspaper Matthew in er for the Sooner Catholic. up with them.
every day with passion and purpose.
was it like to meet him?
1994. My What advice would you give to some- Question: I suppose
7501 Northwest Expressway Bishop Mueggenborg: He was
mom had just one discerning a call to the priest- you are not going to Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg (right) at his instrumental in getting me to be
Oklahoma City, OK 73132 mention the Oklahoma
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 gotten back hood?
(405) 721-1810 from a month-
Matthew Kelly The advice I would give to someone City Thunder when you
ordination. open to the priesthood. His mar-
6:00 PM - 10:30 PM tyrdom was confirmation. His life
Fax: (405) 721-5210 long pilgrim- parish tickets who is discerning a call to the priesthood are living there?
and commitment to Christ were
E-mail: tips@archokc.org age and peace is to give seminary a try. That is the Bishop Mueggenborg: [Laughter] Someone
Thirteen parish sponsors will jokingly told me that I was the consolation prize. the real inspiration that occurred when I served
Mailing Address: ARENA AT flight around best place to find out if it is your calling
COX CONVENTION CENTER I’m not sure there was any connection, but it is Mass for him.
P.O. Box 32180 the world, and sell half-priced tickets for the in life. You don’t have to be 100 percent
1 Myriad Gardens.
kind of funny. Question: Is there anything you would like to
Oklahoma City, OK she was so Matthew Kelly event during sure you want to be a priest to go to
Oklahoma City, OK 73123 Question: What does an auxiliary bishop do? say to our readers?
excited to tell June or July. Each parish also seminary. You go to seminary to find out
SIGN UP TODAY! TICKETS JUST $39!
Bishop Mueggenborg: An auxiliary bishop as- Bishop Mueggenborg: I am very sincere and
SPECIAL EARLY BIRD PRICING: $29! me about this if you truly want to be a priest. It is a
Visit us online at Includes event bag valued over $70. will sell regular-priced tickets sists a bishop or archbishop in the performance aggressive about asking people for their prayers.
young man process of discernment to see what God
www.soonercatholic.org later in the summer. of the episcopal duties of his office such as or- I’ve never been more conscious in my life about
she had met,” wants you to do with your life, and at
daining priests and conferring the sacrament of how dependent I am on the grace of God for my
Hughes said. seminary you have people to help you
St. Eugene, OKC; confirmation. Assistance is especially important future ministry and for the good of the Church.
Visit the archdiocesan website first time on Sept. 30. “I can re- listen to and hear that call, whatever it
in large dioceses where there are great numbers The greatest thing anyone can do for me and for
at www.archokc.org Kelly is an international speaker, member like yesterday hearing her St. John, Edmond; may be.
of people and parishes. the Church is to pray for me and the Archdio-
talk about this incredible storytell- Christ the King, OKC;
a bestselling author and business Question: I read about you being in Tanzania. cese of Seattle for inspiration and blessings of
er sitting in the row ahead of her What do you look forward to most
The Sooner Catholic consultant. His books have been St. James the Greater, OKC; Was that in 1988? the Holy Spirit.
on the plane. He had an amaz- about becoming a priest?
(USPS 066-910) is published published in 25 languages, have St. Charles Borromeo, OKC; Bishop Mueggenborg: It was the summer of Ted King is a freelance writer for the Sooner
ing heart for the Lord and was The thing I look forward to most is
biweekly except for once in July appeared on the New York Times, an aspiring author and speaker. St. Monica, Edmond; 1988. I was preparing my fourth year of sem- Catholic.
administering the sacraments. I look
by the Archdiocese of
Wall Street Journal and USA To- Fast forward several years and my St. Andrew, Moore; forward to bringing Christ to people,
Oklahoma City.
day bestseller lists, and they have mom gives me a book called “The Holy Spirit, Mustang; especially in the real presence of the Peter’s Pence
sold more than 20 million copies. Rhythm of Life” and says, ‘Remem- St. Paul the Apostle, Del City; Eucharist. I also look forward to bringing 59 earn degrees from
The event, “Living Every Day ber me talking about him?’” people back to Christ through the sacra- collection July 1-2
The newspaper is not responsible
with Passion & Purpose,” will Kelly uses a mix of humor and
St. Mark, Norman;
St. Francis of Assisi, OKC;
ment of Reconciliation. St. Meinrad Seminary and
for unsolicited material.
Copyright © 2017 Sooner Catholic
feature Kelly and musician Eliot
Morris. Morris, a singer-songwrit-
candor to inspire attendees to
apply the genius of Catholicism St. Francis Xavier, Enid; Name one thing that every Catholic
School of Theology WASHINGTON – The annual Peter’s
Pence collection will be taken in many
er who has toured with Counting to every aspect of life, including Epiphany of the Lord, OKC. needs to know. dioceses across the United States the
prayer and spirituality, work, dat- God loves you! Let me say it again. Graduates of Saint Meinrad Seminary and School weekend of July 1-2. Funds from this
Subscription rate: $25 per year Crows, John Mayer and James
God loves you with all your faults, short- of Theology, St. Meinrad, Ind., were awarded master’s collection support Pope Francis’s char-
for all who are not members of the itable
comings and weaknesses. God loves degrees on May 13. Graduates accepted their diplomas
Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. outreach
Congratulations
you. No matter what you do, He will from the Rt. Rev. Kurt Stasiak, O.S.B., archabbot of
Periodical postage paid at to the
always love you, and He wants you to Saint Meinrad Archabbey and chairman of the school’s
Oklahoma City, OK 73125. suffering
be with Him. So, turn to Him with all of board of trustees.
and mar-
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton class of 2017 your faults, weaknesses and shortcom- The commencement address was given by Archabbot ginalized
POSTMASTER: Send address ings and strive to grow closer to Him. Kurt Stasiak, O.S.B. around
changes to the Sooner Catholic, Receiving a the
P.O. Box 32180, Oklahoma City, Top Row: Mark Nagykaldi, Why choose a life of sacrificial love? master’s degree world.
Gavin Johnston, Luke Well, to be honest we are all called in divinity was “The
OK 73123.
Copyright © 2016, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: © CNS/Paul Haring. 80200217
Harstad, Parker Holmes, to a life of sacrificial love. It is what we Kelly Edwards, Peter’s
George Machtolff, Hunt- were made for. Nothing we do can hurt from Saint Pence collection is a tangible way to be
A P R E S S A S SO er Gum, Colin Fultz, Luke or help God. The only way we can do Monica in a witness of the tenderness and mercy
OM C Tarman of God,” said Archbishop Thomas J.
that is by our interactions with others. Edmond who
Third Row: Thomas Ra-
IA
BETTER Rodi of Mobile, Ala., chairman of the
AH
For whatever we do to the least of His was ordained
TIO
glow, Tony Giordano, Caleb
OKL
USCCB Committee on National Collec-
people that we do unto Him. The reason a priest in the
NEWSPAPER
N
Candler, Leo Owens, Ben tions. “We join our brothers and sisters
Newby, John Lopez, Ashton I chose this particular form of sacrificial Archdiocese of
in the United States and around the
CONTEST Decuire, Tucker Resolute, love is because I want to love everyone. Oklahoma City world to support Pope Francis as he
Mason Hopkins I want to help everyone who God will on June 24 at cares for those most in need.”
Second Row: Raphael entrust to my care. I can’t do that if I’m The Cathedral The Peter’s Pence collection is tak-
2 0 AWARD Dunlap, Kaden Rogers, Mat- only focused on myself. of Our Lady of en up worldwide to help Pope Francis
16 R
WINNE
thew Coomes, John Cer-
Perpetual Help. provide relief to victims of war, religious
vantes, Olivia Kowals, Casey
Gormley, persecution and natural disasters.
Front Row: Grant Murphy, To learn more about seminary, contact: More information about the collection
The Sooner Catholic
Matt Minielly, Emma Single- Rev. Brian Buettner can be found at www.usccb.org/ppc,
is supported through the
tary, Hannah Simer, Kaeli bbuettner@archokc.org or (405) 721-9351. and shareable resources for the collec-
Annual Catholic Appeal.
Nguyen, Elise Rountree www.archokc.org/vocations/home tion can be accessed at www.usccb.org/
ppc/collection.
6 June 25, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic June 25, 2017 7
Archdiocese hosts seminar to improve June Feast Making Sense of Bioethics
services for those with disabilities Days Can I donate my body to science?
By Ted King Some people may wish to “do- “is the donation of organs, per- body would thus include arranging
SHAWNEE – On June 7, the National Institute many years for the Oklahoma Department of Hu- nate their body to science” after formed in an ethically acceptable for burial in consecrated ground
The Sooner Catholic
on Developmental Delays sponsored the Communi- man Services; Angela Donley, autism family support they die. Such a gift of themselves manner, with a view to offering a afterwards.
ty-Based Solutions Seminar to address the need for coordinator with the Oklahoma Family Network; and Saint Cyril of Alexandria can be objectively good and praise- chance of health and even of life A second consideration of impor- Father Tad
a delivery system for individuals with developmental Ellyn Novak Hefner, a parent who discussed “Keeping Tuesday, June 27, is the feast worthy provided that their body itself to the sick who sometimes tance for Catholics involves the of- Pacholczyk
disabilities. Hope for a Good Life in Challeng- day of Saint Cyril of Alexandria would contribute to meaningful re- have no other hope” (EV 86). fering of prayers, and particularly National Catholic
The semi- ing Times.” (376-444). search or study, and that it would The U.S. Catholic bishops have the sacrifice of the Mass, on behalf Bioethics Center
nar was held He was the not be used in a disrespectful or given similar guidance in their pol- of the deceased.
Also participating was Sis-
at the Ma- Archbishop otherwise inappropriate manner. icy document called “The Ethical Rev. Edward McNamara, a well-
ter Maria
bee-Gerrer of Alexandria There are number of potentially and Religious Directives for Catho- known writer and liturgy professor
Museum of For more Faulkner, sibility of donating their bodies
and is famous laudable projects that can benefit lic Health Care Services:” “Catholic in Rome, offers some practical
Art at Saint information, R.N., found- to science should weigh a fourth
for denouncing from a person’s decision to do- health care institutions should guidance in this regard: “Since it
Gregory’s Uni- contact NIDD, er of Gos- consideration as well, namely,
Nestorius, a nate his or her body to science. A encourage and provide the means is usually impossible to have a fu-
versity. Fr. Paul Zahler at pel of Life whether others in their family are
priest-monk of human cadaver can be useful for whereby those who wish to do so neral with the remains shortly af-
Leading (405) 878-5289 or Dwellings open to their body being utilized
Antioch who anatomical studies, to help train may arrange for the donation of ter death as this would render the
professionals (405) 878-6438. at Saint in this way. They should find out
held there medical students to save lives their organs and bodily tissue, for body unsuitable for research pur-
from various Visit www.nidd.us. James; and whether their spouse, children or
were two dis- later. It can be ethically legitimate poses, a memorial Mass without
programs others close to them would have
a team from tinct persons of assistance purposes, so that the body can be celebrated so as
across the “Although there are not any objections or concerns.
the National Saint Cyril of in Christ, that in carrying they may be used to entrust the soul of the deceased
state came Alexandria any fundamental moral At the end of the day, there may
Institute on Developmental De- of man and out basic for donation and re- to God and offer the family the
together to be some family members who, in
lays, Fr. Paul Zahler, O.S.B., K.P. that of God. biomedical objections to donating search after death” opportunity of mourning together.
give input to Saint Irenaeus research or (No. 63). the words of one commentator,
Mohanachandran, Virginia Reeves our bodies to science, When the remains are released to
can’t quite get past the idea, “that
help resolve Wednesday, June 28, is the feast in developing Although there the family, another Mass may be
issues faced
and Marcy Reeves certain details of how the you will be dissected over a period
Julia Teska, Fr. Paul Zahler, O.S.B., Vickie Jean and K.P. day of Saint Irenaeus (125-202), new medical are not any funda- offered.”
by people The group discussed solutions donation is carried out of months in anatomy class, or cut
Mohanachandran. Photo provided. who was a Roman bishop in Gaul instruments. mental moral ob- A third potential area of concern
with disabili- to help families meet the needs of are important.” up and divided among different
(France) and martyr. He opposed It can be used jections to donating involves the possibility that cer-
ties and their individuals with disabilities. as a forensic our bodies to sci- programs (brain to an Alzheimer’s
the gnostic heresy, which taught tain cells or tissues derived from
families. Several guest speakers provided examples of The seminar was part of an initiative to explore that Christ had a secret gospel. tool to help ence, certain details study, joints to an orthopedic
the human body may be inap-
existing programs that work and new ideas. community-based solutions for people with delays in Saints Peter and Paul solve crimes of how the donation propriately used in research. To surgery training).” Careful vetting
Guest speakers included Julia Teska, who worked development. Thursday, such as studying advanced states is carried out are important. consider one instance, it is pos- of the details ahead of time helps
June 29, is of bodily decay. It can assist with First, bodily remains should be sible to harvest sex cells, or their avoid resentment, pain and sur-
the feast day the training of surgeons, and can properly interred in the earth at progenitor cells, from corpses even prises after a loved one passes.
continued from page 1 Cristo Rey OKC With these caveats and consider-
of Saints Peter even help with the development of the conclusion of their use. The up to a few hours following death.
President Renee Por- ations in mind, donating a body to
and Paul. various types of safety or protec- body should not be surrendered to Some researchers might be tempt-
the KIPP Renaissance High School ter said Yocom was science can indeed allow someone
Peter was the tive gear, like helmets, automobile researchers and then merely “left ed to use these cells, for example,
in New Orleans. Once considered hired for his work to “give back” or “contribute to
first pope of airbags or bulletproof vests. in limbo.” to create human embryos in the
a troubled school, Yocom helped ethic, his leadership
Parents interested in enrolling students the Church. In 1956, Pope Pius XII noted Often a university or research laboratory for biomedical research. society” after death.
to lead a comeback, overhauling and his vision.
Paul, formerly that consenting to “damage to the institution will oversee and pay Although such practices are un- Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D.
school culture, emphasizing higher “We didn’t want at Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School
Saul of Tar- integrity of the corpse in the inter- for the cremation of the body after common, if an individual believed earned his doctorate in neurosci-
expectations and increasing the just an adminis- should visit CristoReyOKC.org. est of those who are suffering, is the research is completed, so the ence from Yale and did post-doctor-
sus, was a that his or her cells were likely to
percentage of students scoring trator, we wanted no violation of the reverence due to family can then be given the ash-
persecutor be used in this unethical way by a al work at Harvard. He is a priest
“good” or “excellent” on state test- a visionary with a the dead.”
lives. I couldn’t be more excited to of Christians Saints Peter es. This may be specified in the research institution, they should of the diocese of Fall River, Mass.,
ing from 34 percent to 50 percent. strong belief in Christian values Saint John Paul II wrote in a
start our first year with him as our who converted and Paul agreement signed by the individual not agree to donate their bodies and serves as director of education
Yocom began his education and a proven record in obtaining 1995 encyclical that one way of
principal.” to Christiani- ahead of time. Assuring appropri- after death. at The National Catholic Bioethics
career in 2006 as a social studies outcomes,” Porter said. “We are nurturing a genuine culture of life
Yocom is pursuing a doctorate in ty. He became ate respect and reverence for the Those contemplating the pos- Center in Philadelphia.
teacher before becoming interested building a new school, a new com-
munity and a new culture. Cody is educational leadership from Dallas one of the Church’s most signifi-
in administrative and educational
leadership. He completed the pres- committed to ensuring we deliver Baptist University and has earned cant and powerful evangelists be-
ST. SEBASTIAN’S
tigious Ryan Fellowship, a three- a world-class Catholic educational a master’s degree from Roosevelt cause of his missionary trips and
year program that trains gifted experience to our students and University. He received an under- letters to the various churches
teachers to become principals in their families and maximizing our graduate degree from the Universi- that constitute a substantial part
SUMMER CAMP
urban charter schools. potential to change and improve ty of Texas. of the New Testament. Both were
He, his wife and two children martyred.
First Martyrs
Tootsie Roll fundraiser moved to Oklahoma City in June.
Friday, June 30, is the feast day 8:30am - 3:30pm
On May 5 and 6, the
Yocom said he is thankful for the
hospitality shown to his family by honoring the first martyrs of the
early Church.
July 17-21 MONDAY - FRIDAY
Knights of Columbus, ladies his new Oklahoma neighbors.
auxiliary and families of Opening in the fall of 2018, St. Sebastian’s Camp will be led by local Catholic school teachers, and will
Council #12108 handed out Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic combine sport, virtue, teamwork, and spiritual growth. Camp activities will include:
Tootsie Rolls at the west High School will offer families with sports-based games, swimming, prayer, and faith formation.
side Wal-Mart in Norman limited educational opportunities
in support of The Center of an affordable and transformative
Family Love in Okarche. The
Knights of Columbus use
educational option.
The school will be a member of
$
125
$
150
the fundraiser to help with non-members
the Cristo Rey Network comprised members
the operating costs at the fa-
of 32 Catholic, college preparato-
cility. This year, volunteers
ages 3 to 91 helped to make ry high schools that serve more
it a successful effort. Photos than 10,000 underserved youth
across 21 states and the District
Summer Camps 2017 Camp Fees Due: Wednesday, July 5
provided.
of Columbia. The schools combine Camp Registration: sfflc.com/st-sebastians
rigorous academics with real-world Athletic and specialty summer
work experience, seeking to pre- camps at Mount St. Mary, 2801 S. Camp location: Santa Fe Family Life Center
pare students for success in col- Shartel Ave. in Oklahoma City, in- 6300 North Santa Fe Ave.
lege and life. clude baseball, basketball, football, Oklahoma City, OK 73118
As part of Cristo Rey’s unique soccer, volleyball, robotics, speed
Top: Kynslee, St. Marks the Corporate Work Study Program,
Camp Contact: 405-840-1817
Evangelist, Norman. and spirit. For more information
students work one day a week in
Right: Barbara and Vicki, and registration, visit:
professional settings, earning a
Knights of Columbus Council www.mountstmary.org/
#12108 and ladies auxiliary. majority of their own tuition. The
school will be located at OSU-OKC, summercamps.
Photos provided.
900 N. Portland Ave.
8 June 25, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic June 25, 2017 9
Catholic Foundation’s golf classic winners announced Thank you
T
he Catholic Foundation’s 16th Annual Golf Classic was a Chuck Lawrence, Andy Lawrence, David Lawrence and Dick Hef- Associates. The goodie bag sponsor was Gallagher Benefit Ser-
great day of golf, fellowship and dedication to support of ton (Saint Joseph School, Enid). The second place team members vices. The Golf Hat Sponsor was Butch and Margie Meibergen.
our Catholic Schools and Catholic Education in the arch- were Shannon Begnel, Bryan Bagby, Rich Stupansky and Kyle The double eagle sponsors were Gerald E. Kelley LLC, Longhorn
diocese. The event was held on May 22 at the Oklahoma City Golf Winston (Mount Saint Mary). Service Company, Charles L. & Jaimee R. Zorio, Maguire-O’Hara
and Country Club. The Golf Classic sported 192 golfers in both Saint Lawrence Flight Construction, Heart-
morning and afternoon sessions. The first place team members were Jim land Mobility, Alan
In addition to the golf played, a lunch, wine and cheese gather- Feighny, Steven Zwinggi, Corey Edwards and and Kathy Aneshans-
ing, silent and live auctions, and awards dinner were held. Guy Turlip (Christ the King School). The second ley and George Brown-
New this year in conjunction with the silent auction was a place team members were John Lampert, Aar- ing.
Dutch Auction held to benefit specific school needs at 11 of the on Steffens, Brad Schultz and Doug Beachum The premium hole
Catholic schools in the archdiocese. The total net proceeds of the (Mount Saint Mary). sponsors were An-
1st Place-St. Christopher
Golf Classic is projected to be more than $80,000 with more than Saint Sebastian Flight derson and House,
$50,000 going directly to the 22 Catholic schools and the re- The first place team members were David BancFirst, Mary and Pictured above (L to R): Mike Bennett, Saied Music,
mainder going to matching grants for Catholic Education Endow- Morton, Gary Savely, Steve Jantz and Pat Bates Tom Beadles, Crowe Sandi Michalicka, organist at St. Joseph, Rev. Mark
(Bishop McGuinness). The second place team and Dunlevy, Doug Mason, pastor at St Joseph, and Dan Miller, Rodgers
ment Funds.
members were Jeff Saxton, Michael Lawter, Ed and Tish Eason, Lisa Instruments. Photo provided.
The Father Kirk Larkin All-Parish Team 1st Place Traveling
Lawter and John Feary (Saint John Nepomuk and Bentley Edmonds,
M
Trophy was won by Christ the King Church Team of Jim Feighny,
Steven Zwinggi, Corey Edwards and Guy Turlip. School). Eide Bailly, Ralph any thanks to Mike Bennett, manag-
New for 2017 were six flights named after great saints of the Saint Rita Flight Fredrickson, Good er of piano and church organ sales
The first place team members were Marlene Archbishop Coakley says a prayer before the golf tournament. Shepherd School at with Saied Music Company in Tulsa,
Catholic Church. Winning teams were able to direct a Flight Photos provided.
Grant to the Catholic school of their choice as part of their win- Sams, Louise Meek, Mindy Wright and Benny Mercy, Rev. James and Dan Miller with Rodgers Instruments U.S.
ning prize. It was a tie between the Saint Andrew Flight First Clay (Saint Eugene School). The second place Greiner, John and in Hillsboro, Ore., for helping St. Joseph in
Place Team (Saint Charles Borromeo School) and the Saint Se- team members were Justin Steckman, Matt Piercy, Kevin Pierce Seyan Hefner, Charles Lawrence, LCG Associates, Todd and Union City to install and properly showcase a
bastian Flight First Place Team (Bishop McGuinness). and Trey Welker (Saint James School). Andrea Lechtenberger, Nash and Co. CPA, Peters and Chandler,
1st Place-St. Clare 589 Artist series organ. The organ was fund-
The Skill’s Contest P.C., Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton School and United Mechanical.
Saint Andrew Flight ed by a grant from the Catholic Foundation
Closest to the Pin – Rev. Rusty Hewes; The classic hole sponsors were ADG, All Saints School, Anon-
In the morning session, the first place team members were of Oklahoma Pastoral Music and Fine Arts
Men’s Longest Drive – Joe Vahlberg; ymous-On Behalf of Saint Gregory’s University, Arvest Bank,
Daniel Stith Jr, Joe Vahlberg, Brian Vahlberg and Matt Slatnick Endowment Fund and the generosity of St.
Women’s Longest Drive – Rebecca Taylor; Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, Catapult Learning,
(Saint Charles Borromeo School). The second place team mem- Joseph parishioners. The organ was blessed
Longest Putt – John Hardwick. Catholic Charities, Catholic Mutual Group, Stephen A. Chastain,
bers were Hugh O’Hara, Nick O’Hara, Brian Yost and Brent Cole
Dennis Ottis won the 6th Hole Contest prize of a custom fit Ti- Glen Ashmore and Dental Depot, Eickhof Columberia, Holy on May 5 by Rev. Mark Mason followed by a
(Christ the King School).
tleist Driver. Preston Williams won the 50/50 contest and desig- Trinity School, Okarche, InvesTrust, Ken and Karen Kenworthy, concert by Dan Miller and a reception in the
Saint Clare Flight
nated Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton School the recipient of the prize. Paycom Payroll, LLC, Tim and Kathy Payne, Rocket Color Inc., church hall.
The first place team members were Kevin Karpe, Aaron Jack,
There were no winners for the Hole-in-One contests for either Sacred Heart School, El Reno, Charles Schwab and Co., Smith
David Cummings and Mark Detten (Saint Mary School, Ponca
a new 2017 Buick Encore Compact Sport Utility from Rick Jones and Kernke, Saint John Nepomuk School, Saints Peter and Paul
City). The second place team members were Rev. John Metzinger, Buick-GMC or for a Rolex Watch from B.C. Clark Jewelers. School, Saint Ann’s Retirement Center, Surgery Center of Enid
Bob Metzinger, Matt Atyia and Brent Benn (Saint Elizabeth Ann Chairman of the Golf Classic was Danny Stith. The event and Trinity Publications.
Seton School). committee was Lori Carter, Jim Feighny, Brian Jackson, Kevin In-kind donations have been provided by Cory’s Audio-Visu-
1st Place-St. Lawrence Saint Christopher Flight Karpe, Wade Kovash, Butch Meibergen, Michael Ray, Sharon al Services, Rick Jones Buick GMC, Tyler Signs and B.C. Clark
In the afternoon session, the first place team members were Robinson, Barbara Thornhill, David Jewelers. Special donors include Aetna, Christ the King School,
Zuech, Randi Stith, Jeanne Bohan, and Delta Dental, Danny and Jeannie Stith, Doug and Tish Eason,
Barney Semtner. Barbara Hatfield, Sharon and Brent Robinson, Tony Tyler and
The flight sponsors for the 2017 Golf UNUM.
Classic were MidFirst Bank and
Wealth Management Group.
The golf ball sponsors were
Saint Katharine Drexel Retire-
ment Center and Wells Fargo
Advisors.
The awards dinner sponsor
was Bank of Oklahoma. The
1st Place-St. Rita 1st Place-St. Sebastina 1st Place-St. Andrew golf shirt sponsor was Lawter &
THE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION OF OKLAHOMA
Announces a new pilot program to award
2017-2018
CAREER TECH St. Mary, Ardmore, Communion class 2017 Holy Family, Lawton, Communion class 2017
SCHOLARSHIPS
For qualifying Catholic residents in the
Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
to attend Public/Private Vocational Technical Schools
$500 to $1000 per year Scholarships available
For approved certificate training programs in areas including Agriculture, Food &
Natural Resources, Architecture & Construction, Arts, A/V Technology & Commu-
Thanks to a grant from the Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma, nications, Business, Management & Administration, Health Sciences, Hospitality &
3rd grade students at All Saints Catholic School in Norman and Tourism, Human Services, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Marketing and
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (to name a few areas of training).
their teachers, Annette Black and Dottie Morris, had the oppor-
tunity to incubate four dozen chicken eggs in the classroom. Application Deadline: Monday, July 3, 2017
Students learned about the embryology of the egg, and reflect- For Applications, call or download application at:
ed on the beginning of life. The chickens’ heart beat was detect- Catholic Foundation of Oklahoma
ed on the first day and a first peep 21 days later. The hatched P. O. Box 32180 ● Oklahoma City, OK 73123-0380
chicks were returned to the farm that provided the fertilized Phone (405)721-4115 ● Fax (405)721-4114 ● E-Mail: cfo-info@archokc.org
eggs. Photos provided www.cfook.org St. Andrew, Moore, Confirmation class 2017 Holy Family, Lawton, Confirmation class 2017
10 June 25, 2017 Sooner Catholic Sooner Catholic June 25, 2017 11
What were those seeds of faith and love? A Millenial Journey in Faith
A holy fruit of the first evangelization Be transformed, joyful while you work
As I reflect on the life of holiness of this What was their preaching style? What evange- was so Monday morning: time to drag myself out of The truth is, not very often do I experience relief of the
young woman, I cannot stop from wondering lization materials or methods did they use? Did intense bed and get ready for the week’s work. Prayers, joy as I work, whether because I’m tired, bored burdens of
Anamaría
and asking myself, what were those examples she belong to a bible study, discipleship group that she Pedro A. Moreno, breakfast, dressing, followed by many sighs as or a little bit defeated at the sheer amount of others.
I face the day’s tasks. Scaperlanda
and messages shared with her that led her to or rosary guild? What did her mom say to her decided to O.P. work there is. But, this disposition to my work The
Biddick
fall in love with before she died? What did this young woman Director, Office of Whether it’s house work or paid work, all too is not in accord with how God created us. distance
leave her For the Sooner
Hispanic Ministry often I view working as just something I have God made us to work. Before the Fall, Adam between
Christ? see in her mom, and in those missionaries, that Catholic
commu- to get through. I try to do my work quickly, and Eve tended the Garden of Eden, ordering the rich-
She grew up in awoke in her such an intense love for Christ? reasonably well and without too much frustra- God’s creation. ness inher-
nity and
a simple and lov- How did they do it so we can do it too! tion –usually with my thoughts already on the My own daily tasks aren’t just things I have ent in our
ing home. Her Learning more about Jesus Christ, and the go north. next thing I have to do. I may take pride in a to do, but the way in which I am called to par- work and our experience of our work is often
father wasn’t Catholic faith meant a lot to her while it also More than 200 miles later, she was received into particularly well-done job, but rarely do I relish ticipate in God’s creating work. Like Adam, it is great because we no longer live in the Garden
a strong Catholic community. the process of actually doing it. through my work I embrace my role as care- of Eden. We are not gardeners there; we are
Catholic, but her was frowned upon by most of the members of
Imagine my surprise at taker for the world children of the Fall. Our labor includes the
mother was and her community. This hostile environment to- In her new community, she grew in faith and reading from the Cate- God made and the aspect of toil. Our work is often arduous and
in her own way, ward faith did not discourage her. She was more was finally able to receive, on Christmas Day, chism that in the family, gifts he has given overwhelming.
as most mothers do, she would share her faith in in love with Jesus with each passing day, and on something, or someone, she desired with all we are to learn “endur- “The truth is, not very often do I me. Yet, even in our fallen world, our work is
Jesus Christ and be an example of prayer with an Easter morning, when she was about 20, she ance and the joy of work.” experience joy as I work, whether This is joyous! It sanctifying. The Catechism of the Catholic
of her heart, her first Holy Communion. There
her young children. Neither she nor her younger received I read this every three because I’m tired, bored or a little is a joyous activi- Church teaches us, “The vocation of humani-
was no turning back, she gave her whole life to months, at the quarterly bit defeated at the sheer amount of ty to nurture and ty is to show forth the image of God and to be
brother were baptized as children. Her com- her bap- Christ and even made a vow of virginity. Only baptismal seminar my tend to what God transformed into the image of the Father’s only
munity was an interesting mix of believers in tism. work there is. But, this disposition
Christ could be her spouse and she would be husband and I teach, and has given us: to Son.”
a higher power and those who had learned that As a new to my work is not in accord with
every time I am startled. leave the world It is through the work of our particular vo-
totally his! how God created us.”
the higher power had a son and his name was Christian, The joy of work! more beautiful and cations that we begin to show forth the image
Jesus Christ. her fervor She continued with her many acts of charita- We are not only to orderly, to further of God and that we are transformed into the
It was a tragic event when her community and heart- ble service and strived to live a life of what was practice endurance, but society and to help image of his Son.
most pleasing to God. Even though the mission- to experience joy in work others. Whether We are God-bearers: this should bring us joy!
was ravaged by illness and death. She was left felt devout – and model both for our we are doctors or Even when our work is hard, our hours are
without a family and physically debilitated and love for Je- aries tried to discourage her, she was dedicated children. How often do I take joy in my work homemakers, painters or teachers, police offi- long and we can’t see clearly the good that we
marked for life by what today would be known sus Christ to many acts of penances. – especially while I am doing it? Do I find real cers or engineers, we can take joy in our con- are doing, we manifest the image of God. We
as a simple childhood illness. continued In the middle of one Holy Week, her health joy, connected to but distinct from pride, in tribution to society, our part in ordering and are sanctified and transformed by our partici-
Her aunts and uncles would adopt her and to grow. doing my work well? enriching God’s creation, and our role in the pation in God’s redeeming work.
being so deteriorated, she died. Her final words
after her 18th birthday she even received per- Not only were, “Jesus, I love you!”
mission to go to religious instruction and learn
more about this Jesus that her mother had spo-
did she
progress in
I invoke her intercession so I also can grow in
my own love for Christ. The more I think about
The witness of a man’s man
ken to her about. The gospel stories the mission- her life of
it, the more I am convinced that the best sowers By J.E. Helm eventually he came to believe that Football League after eight years. his way at this point. Mike Ditka
aries shared with her community filled her with prayer, she The Sooner Catholic “faith needs to be shared in com- He accepted a job as a ra- of the Chicago Bears hired him
of the seeds of faith and love for Christ, the best
enthusiasm and more hunger for Jesus. Her love also began Anyone looking for a great role munity to be truly alive!” dio-broadcast color analyst for the as a special teams coach. When
for the Savior and Redeemer of the world was to offer penances and sacrifices just to be able to evangelizers, are those who are truly in love He played football at Catholic Saints. He also tried several execu- Ditka was hired by New Orleans,
model of what a good Catholic
growing and becoming more intense. She was a feel a little of what Christ felt when he suffered with Christ. A profound love for Christ, who man Central High School, and his cous- tive sales positions, but couldn’t he asked Abramowicz to come on
loved us first, is very contagious! This is the in suggested that his relatively find the right fit. His life spiraled board as his offensive coordinator.
woman in love. and died for us. should
small size (5’11) might make him out of control. He attended Charismatic Renew-
What was it that these missionaries said? How The more devout she became, the more she secret to effective evangelization. be need
to look better suited to being a wide “Finally,” he said he al; he and his wife began attending
did they say it? What was their methodology? was rejected by her community. The shunning Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us. no fur- receiver. This proved to be a “woke Mass through the week. He formed
great idea. It turned out that up on a men’s prayer group that was a
ther than
“God had blessed (him) with Dec. 15, huge success.
Danny
Sister Mary Antonine Maca
From the Archives …
degree at Saint hands that seemed almost to 1981, with He notes that “Our culture ex-
Mary’s College Abramo-
stick to the football.” Football another pects men to keep their troubles
Sister M. Antonine was born in Leavenworth, wicz, an NFL wide receiver and
earned him a full scholarship hang- and feeling to themselves. But,
to Peter John Maca and Emma Kan., and a coach and, most importantly, a
to Xavier University in Cin- over.” He this isn’t healthy for anyone, and
Parizek Maca, in Yukon on master’s degree man who has put his faith first in
cinnati. looked in certainly not for anyone dealing
March 1, 1926. at Saint Louis his life.
Abramowicz’s book has the mirror with spiritual struggles.”’
Her siblings included her sis- University. She Abramowicz has penned the sto-
wonderful stories of his play- and saw He began speaking about his
ter, Sister Mary Hortense, broth- taught at Bish- ry of his life in “Crossing the Goal:
ing days, working summers himself for conversion, and increased the
ers Martin and Francis, and twin op John Carroll, Sister M. A Saint Goes Marching On.” While
“in the blast furnace depart- what he time he spent in prayer. One day,
sister, Sister Mary Charlotte. Holy Angels and Antonine the book does have a lot of sports ment of Wheeling Steel,” and had be- while praying before the Blessed
Sister Antonine attended ele- Immaculate Con- insider information, Abramowicz marrying the love of his life, come, and Sacrament, he felt he “heard the
mentary school in Yukon and ception in Okla- says in his prologue that “the pur- Claudia DiPrinizo, after his “so I cried Lord calling me to concentrate my
high school at Sacred Heart in homa City; and at Saint Mary in pose of this book is to bring you junior year at Xavier. out: O Lord, efforts on evangelizing Catholic
El Reno. She graduated in 1943 Lawton. Sister taught English to along on my journey,” his life-long At this point, he writes please help men.” He did just that, speaking at
from Mount Saint Mary’s Acad- Cambodian refugees in Oklaho- “quest for holiness.” that “looking back on those me!” conferences, and eventually he be-
emy in Oklahoma City. Follow- ma and assisted in re-settlement. He admits candidly that early in (college) years, I can see that even He called a Jesuit priest he knew gan a TV program for EWTN called
ing high school, she entered the Mass of Christian Burial was his career, he pursued “populari- though I was succeeding academi- who agreed to see him immedi- “Crossing the Goal,” a program
Sisters of Mercy. May 16 with burial at Resurrec- ty and money and accolades and cally and athletically, my spiritual ately and who confessed that he, that is still on the air.
Sister earned a bachelor’s tion Cemetery. alcohol,” but it was only “growing life was regressing.” too, was an alcoholic. The priest Abramowicz’s book is the story
S
in holiness” and accepting Jesus Just before graduation, he was referred him to someone who of a rich and wonderful life. He
tanley Rother entered the seminary the same year that his Christ that brought him “lasting drafted by the New Orleans Saints. had helped him, and Abramowicz and his wife Claudia have been
sister Betty (Sr. Marita) entered the convent. Neither knew peace.”
The Heritage Gallery at the His career went well, and he began began attending Alcoholics Anon- married for 50 years and have
of each other’s plans! It also came as a surprise to his par- He describes growing up in
Catholic Pastoral Center, 7501 receiving requests for speaking ymous. been blessed with three children
ents. Stan the seminarian struggled with Latin and was asked to Steubenville, Ohio, where “like
Northwest Expressway, is pre- engagements and endorsements. He felt that “God’s hand was and four grandsons. He and his
leave Assumption Seminary in San Antonio. He eventually entered nearly everyone else … we had a
senting “The Shepherd Cannot His drinking increased. upon me.” He went home and told family survived Hurricane Katrina,
Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. There, he complet-
Run: A retrospective on the life of crucifix on the wall and a statue of Halfway through his last season his wife what had happened. “I and he himself survived a major
ed his studies. Despite his difficulties with Latin, Fr. Rother quickly
Father Stanley Rother.” The ex- the Blessed Mother on the table.” with the Saints, he suffered a knee asked her to pray for me, and she heart attack.
learned Spanish and the difficult local dialect Tz’utujil Abramowicz attended Catholic
hibit is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon- injury. “Before each game until told me, beautifully, that she had More than all this, “Crossing
when he arrived at the Guatemalan mission in 1968. grade school and high school and
day-Friday, and on the following the season ended,” he says, “they been for quite some time.” the Goal” is one man’s story of
He even helped to create a written language for the even served as an altar server, but
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to Noon: shot Novocain into my knee and His life began to settle down, and searching for faith and finding it in
villagers and translate the New Testament. it was mostly “cultural Catholi-
July 29 and Aug. 19. The exhibit taped it up.” Finally, an operation he felt that “the Lord was encour- a close and personal relationship
is free. Special tours arranged by cism.” revealed that his knee was bad- aging me to go deeper in my faith.” with Jesus Christ.
ARCHDIOCESE OF OKLAHOMA CITY ARCHIVES
calling (405) 721-5651, Ext. 141. “We didn’t talk about faith out- ly damaged, and so Abramowicz Abramowicz writes about other J.E. Helm is a freelance writer for
side the church,” he writes, but decided to retire from the National coaching opportunities that came the Sooner Catholic.
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