Vatican names Bishop-elect Michael F. Olson fourth Bishop of Fort Worth
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Bringing the Good News to the Diocese of Fort Worth Vol. 26 No. 1 January / February 2014
Vatican names
Bishop-elect
Michael F. Olson
fourth Bishop
of Fort Worth
Join thousands of Catholics
taking part in the ordination
of Bishop Olson and his
installation as the Bishop
of Fort Worth at 2 p.m.,
Wednesday January 29 at the
Fort Worth Convention Center
See Story Page 34
21 KNIGHTS AND LADIES INVESTED
Bill and Tessy Ross, who chaired the
In This Issue... October meeting of nearly 1,000
members of the Southwest Lieutenancy
of the Equestrian Order of the Holy
Sepulchre of Jerusalem, process
WHEN WAS YOUR EPIPHANY? 15 into Vietnamese Martyrs Church. At
Columnist Jeff Hedglen calls on each the Mass there, new members were
21
of us to use Epiphany to recall just how invested into the papal order. (NTC
we were led to discover Jesus in our Photo / Donna Ryckaert)
lives, as the wise men were led to Him
by the Christmas star.
24 CHANGING LIVES THROUGH
24 EDUCATION IN BOLIVIA
When Fr. Robert Thames began Nuestra
CATHOLIC PRESS DIFFERENCE 19 Señora del Carmen School in Bolivia in
Columnist Denise Bossert moves us 2004, he was expecting 100 students,
all the way to February and Catholic but 250 showed up. Now its vocational
Press Month when she recalls how her program is a model for Bolivia. (Photo
local diocesan newspaper was the only courtesy of Henry del Castillo, Jr.)
means of communication that could
non-threateningly enter her home to
evangelize her family.
26 SSMNS CELEBRATE 150 YEARS
When the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur
gathered at St. Patrick's to celebrate
150 years in the U.S., they brought
MOTHER MARIA OF JESUS 32 their heritage as educators, healthcare
CRUCIFIED CELEBRATES JUBILEE
Friends of Carmel, family members,
26 workers, and ministers to the poor.
(NTC Photo / Joan Kurkowski-Gillen)
and supporters gathered at Arlington’s
Carmelite Monastery of the Holy 28 OUR LADY OF LEBANON MARONITE
CATHOLIC CHURCH
Trinity to honor Mother Maria of Jesus
Crucified Oct. 12 as she observed the WELCOMES TWO EPARCHS HOME
50th anniversary of her profession Bishop Abdallah Zaidan, MLM, and
of final vows as a Carmelite. She Bishop Paul Tabet, MLM, visited Our
entered the order when it was located Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic
on Sunset Terrace in a secluded
neighborhood in the shadow of 28 Church in Lewisville recently. Both had
major roles in establishing the local
church. (NTC Photo / Jerry Circelli)
downtown Fort Worth.
30 GUADALUPANOS FROM ACROSS
DIOCESE CELEBRATE AT CATHEDRAL
They gathered before dawn, braving
the winter chill to sing and dance
COVER PHOTO: Bishop-elect Michael F. Olson addresses and honor Our Lady of Guadalupe,
the press and members of the diocesan staff in the Patroness of the Americas, on her feast
Conference Room of The Catholic Center Nov. 19. Earlier day, December 12. (NTC Photo / Joan
that day Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Apostolic Nuncio to
Kurkowski-Gillen)
the United States, had announced in Washington that Pope
Francis had named Msgr. Olson the fourth Bishop of the
30
Diocese of Fort Worth. (NTC Photo / Donna Ryckaert)
See Page 34 for full story.
PAGE 2 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014
We have a bishop-elect,
and he's from among us...
O ne of the perks of being the editor is that I get to see all
the photos, not just the ones that make it onto the pages of
the magazine, or even just the ones that make their way into a
Editorial Office: 800 West SmugMug album on the North Texas Catholic website
Loop 820 S., Fort Worth,
PUBLISHER: northtexascatholic.org.
Texas 76108, (817) 560-3300;
Monsignor Stephen Berg FAX (817) 244-8839. And that’s why the Juan
Circulation Office: Rita Guajardo photo here is mak-
DIRECTOR OF Garber, 800 West Loop 820
COMMUNICATIONS: S., Fort Worth, Texas 76108, ing its way onto the page.
Pat Svacina (817) 560-3300. Juan was one of three
NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC photographers we had cov-
EDITOR: Newsmagazine (USPS
751-370) (ISSN 0899-7020) ering the news conference
Jeff Hensley is published six times a year where our new Bishop-
(bi-monthly) by the Diocesan
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Administrator of the Diocese elect Michael F. Olson was
Tony Gutiérrez of Fort Worth, Msgr. Stephen
announced publicly Nov. 19.
Berg, 800 W. Loop 820 S.,
ADMINISTRATIVE Fort Worth, Texas 76108. For And later in the day, there was the joy of a family reunion
ASSOCIATE: those who are not registered
parishioners in the Diocese of following the first public Mass he celebrated at St. Patrick Cathe-
Judy Russeau
Fort Worth, subscription rates dral. Bishop-elect Olson beamed as he greeted old friends and
WEB DESIGNER: are $18 for one year, $35
new, in familiar surroundings, sharing the moment with many of
for two years, $50 for three
Chris Kastner years. Periodical postage his family members present, as well as with friends he’d known
paid at Fort Worth, Texas.
POSTMASTER: Send address for decades, people who had been in parishes he had served in,
WRITERS AND changes to North Texas
PHOTOGRAPHERS: people who had come to the noon Mass simply to meet the priest
Catholic, 800 W. Loop 820 S.,
Michele Baker Fort Worth, Texas 76108. who was to become their new bishop.
Deadline for information for It was a joyous occasion. We had been without a bishop to
Crystal Brown
the North Texas Catholic is
Jenara Kocks Burgess noon of the Wednesday two lead our diocese for more than a year, and we, as the people of
Jaqueline Burkepile weeks before the magazine God in this place were hungry to have someone to move the lo-
is published. The NTC is pub-
Jerry Circelli lished bi-monthly, the third cal Church forward. You could feel it.
Juan Guajardo Friday of the month, with But as we prepared to go to press, just a month before
the following two months as
Kathy Cribari Hamer the date of each issue. Bishop-elect Olson becomes Bishop Olson on Jan. 29 at the Fort
Joan Kurkowski-Gillen To access current news and Worth Convention Center, I got to look at all of the pictures, and
Mike McGee information, find us at www.
northtexascatholic.org once all the choices were made about which to use to convey the
Nicki Prevou
The appearance of advertis- events of the day, I looked again at Juan’s photos and realized he
Donna Ryckaert ing in these pages does not
imply endorsement of busi-
had taken the position of third photographer Nov. 19, yielding
nesses, services, or products. the best spots for each photo to the other two photographers, so
COLUMNISTS: Readers must exercise
his photos had a quality of snapshots to them, photos not taken
prudence in responding to
Denise Bossert advertising in all media. from the most advantageous angle, but conveying the warmth
Jean Denton
and feeling of what was going on. That’s why this picture is here.
Kathy Cribari Hamer
I wanted you to feel a bit of what it felt like to be there at this joy-
Jeff Hedglen
Jeff Hensley ous time in our shared history.
Father David Mercer P.S. — Thank you Monsignor Berg for shepherding the Diocese
David Mills through this time of transition as diocesan administrator.
Mary Regina Morrell
Sharon K. Perkins Jeff Hensley
Editor
PAGE 3 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014
The toddler in the sunbonnet with the calf is
Sharon Perkins at age three.
This is ‘The Farm Wall’ at Sharon’s mom’s house after ‘reframing’
Reframing the
Christmas Season
by Sharon K. Perkins
I
’ve been engaged in some delightfully creative work for my mother
lately — although it’s been far from easy. After my Dad went to be
with the Lord a few years ago, my parents’ house pretty much re-
mained as it had looked for the last twenty years, except for the
gradual acquisition of even more family photos and mementos as the chil-
dren and grandchildren got older and lives changed. When Mom decided to
remodel the house last fall, the task of emptying shelves and readying the
walls for painting made her realize just how many items had accumulated.
That’s where I came in.
PAGE 4 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014
My threefold mission was this: help
Mom sort through the items that were most
important to display, purge those things to
T he story of the Holy Fam-
ily is my story, the account of
heard so many times that I don’t really grasp
their beautiful connection to each other and to
my own life today?
which she had no lasting emotional ties, and For me, the first step is to read the Gos-
incorporate her selections in such a way that a newborn King whose par- pels for those feasts — I mean, really read
they complemented the home’s new décor and them — with new eyes, and to hear their proc-
color scheme. Simple? Hardly. Although I tried
ents must flee those who wish lamation with new ears. The story of the Holy
to repurpose as much as possible the things to thwart his mission before Family is my story, the account of a newborn
she already owned, I still found myself making King whose parents must flee those who wish
numerous shopping trips to buy new picture it even begins. How often do I to thwart his mission before it even begins.
frames. How often do I vow to fully trust the Lord in
I was most apprehensive about what I vow to fully trust the Lord in a situation, only to take back control of my life
called “The Farm Wall”: an 8x4 foot space before He even has an opportunity to work
previously decorated with a magazine cover
a situation, only to take back things out for his glory and my highest good?
and a jumble of photos about our farming control of my life before He Jesus’ mother Mary, whose title “Mother
family’s history — varied in size, brilliantly of God” was decreed at the Council of Ephesus
colored or faded black and white, some recent, even has an opportunity to in 431 because her Son’s two natures, both
some old—most of which were not framed at fully human and fully divine, are united in one
all or which sported dented metal frames that work things out for his glory person — is my mother, too. She is the mother
were probably picked up in a dime store some of all who receive “second birth” through
30 years ago. They may have been related
and my highest good? water and the Spirit. She will always be our
thematically, but visually the photos had little mother “in the order of grace,” according
connection with each other. I decided that to Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on the
an overhaul was in order. Mom was adamant tive, and the more I ponder the Old Testa- Church (#61). So why did I all but ignore her
about not taking up precious wall space with ment, the more I realize that the four weeks maternal role in my life for so many years? If
more frames; I convinced her to trust me while of Advent compress liturgically the experience Jesus saw fit to bestow his mother to each of
I juxtaposed photos that belonged together, of hundreds of years of waiting for a Messiah. us from the Cross, why did I not try to get to
omitted or cropped some, supplemented with Those beautiful, hope-filled passages from the know her as personally as I tried to know her
a few new ones, and found a frame for every prophet Isaiah and the Psalms all tell the story Son? (I’m happy to relate that my relationship
single one, arranging everything into one large of human longing for deliverance from the rav- with Mary, and her Son, is deepening dramati-
grouping that told a story. The final effect was ages of sin and death, and it’s my story, a narra- cally as I’ve consecrated myself to her care in
a pleasant surprise, even to me. The photos tive that continues long after the Baby Jesus is recent months).
hadn’t changed at all — but the new frames packed away in tissue paper. The feasts of the Epiphany, the Baptism,
had done their magic. The jumble now made And what about those feasts that come and the Presentation of the Lord are really
sense, and the story, once easily missed, came after December 25? In different Christian about the importance of seeking Him with all
alive again. churches, the Christmas season might end on my heart and honoring Him with all I have, to
The seasons of Advent and Christmas January 6 (the traditional date of the Feast of see beyond mere appearances and to discover
are sort of like that — a jumble — if we’re the Epiphany), or it might last until the Feast that Jesus is nearer to me than I ever imagined.
really honest with ourselves. No matter how of the Baptism of the Lord (traditionally eight They’re about taking seriously the promises of
many years I’ve vowed to slow down the pace days or the Sunday after Epiphany), or might my own Baptism. Many of Isaiah’s descen-
of Christmas preparations, celebrate Advent even culminate on February 2 (the Feast of dants didn’t recognize Him when He came —
properly, and enter prayerfully into the mystery the Presentation of the Lord, forty days after maybe because they stopped looking? — and
of Christ’s birth and its significance for my life December 25). Tucked in during that week we I’m reminded that too often I’m either looking
personally, it always rushes by in a blur. I leave call the “Octave of Christmas” are the Feast of in all the wrong places, or in my self-righteous
up my holiday decorations until the end of Jan- the Holy Family and the Solemnity of Mary, conceit I’ve simply stopped looking for Him
uary, joking that I’m resisting the secular cul- the Mother of God (known by many as a day altogether.
tural tendency to have Christmas over and done for nursing a hangover, watching football, and Taking the “long view” of Christmas isn’t
with, when it’s really because I simply haven’t eating black-eyed peas). Truthfully, except for merely about prolonging the season on the cal-
had the time to retrieve the boxes from storage the familiar story of the three Magi bringing endar. That’s the easy part. It’s the recognition
and put things away (but of course, that’s just gifts to the Christ Child, those feasts barely that these ancient stories, dusted off, reframed,
me!). I needed to reframe the whole Christmas receive our attention (except at Mass), so and considered together, are powerfully con-
thing, and I think I’ve discovered how to do it. quickly are they overtaken by New Year’s Eve nected, timelessly fresh, and relevant not only
I call it taking the “long view” of Christmas. and Super Bowl parties and Valentine’s Day for me but for all those who came before and
The past few years I’ve been doing more merchandise in the stores. What’s the “long those who will come after me. And they’re
group Bible studies from a Catholic perspec- view” of those? How do I reframe stories I’ve your story, too.
PAGE 5 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014
PAGE 6 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014
CHURCH, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
NEWSBRIEFS
Judge says employer objections to HHS Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, new USCCB
mandate based on religious rights president, is rooted in simple values
BALTIMORE (CNS) — The newly
NEW YORK (CNS) — A spokesman But Catholic entities, including elected president of the U.S. Conference
for the New York Archdiocese said the those in the New York Archdiocese of Catholic Bishops has been a bishop
archdiocese “welcomes and applauds” and Rockville Centre Diocese, say for nearly 14 years, but it's as priest,
a Dec. 13 ruling by a federal judge the exemption is too narrowly drawn family member, and social worker that
granting Catholic organizations in the and the accommodation still does not he describes himself.
archdiocese and the neighboring Dio- solve their problem over being involved By way of introduction to American
cese of Rockville Centre a permanent in providing coverage they reject for Catholics, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz
injunction on having to comply with moral reasons. of Louisville, Ky., talked about his up-
the federal contraceptive mandate in Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, new
“The court has correctly cut through bringing in northeastern Pennsylvania, of
the health care law. president of the U.S. Conference
the artificial construct which essentially spending most of his priesthood as a social
Adele Keim, counsel at the Becket of Catholic Bishops (CNS photo/
made faith-based organizations other worker, and of caring for his older brother,
Fund for Religious Liberty, which tracks Nancy Phelan Wiechec)
than churches and other houses of wor- George, who had Down syndrome, for
suits challenging the mandate, said it ship second-class citizens with second- 12 years after their mother died. moving in to high gear.”
was “we believe, the first permanent class First Amendment protections,”said He takes obvious pride in his identity Asked about his long-term plans
injunction that has been issued against Joseph Zwilling, a spokesman for the as a coal-town native and a transplanted for the conference, he suggested there
the HHS mandate in any case.” New York Archdiocese, in a Dec. 16 southerner, after serving as bishop of might be a thread to consider in his
The 41-page ruling issued by Judge statement. Knoxville, Tenn., from 1999 to 2007, intervention in October 2012 at the
Brian Cogan of the U.S. District Court Cogan ruled that the HHS contra- when he became archbishop of Louisville. world Synod of Bishops on the new
for the Eastern District of New York in ceptive mandate violates the Religious Archbishop Kurtz, 67, was elected evangelization.
Brooklyn said the Affordable Care Act Freedom Restoration Act and said that to serve a three-year term as president There, he used his allotted five
mandate violates the religious freedom even the third-party accommodation to of the conference, succeeding New minutes to focus on parish observances,
of the four nonprofit plaintiffs — two provide the coverage violate the groups' York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan in particularly the Rite for the Blessing of
Catholic high schools and two health religious rights. the post. He has been vice president of a Child in the Womb.
care systems, one of which is ArchCare, The judge said the plaintiffs con- the USCCB for the past three years and The ceremony is a “pastoral moment
an umbrella group of nonprofits based sider complying with the mandate “an was elected with a 125-vote win on the of first evangelization of the child and
in New York that provide health care endorsement of such coverage,” which first ballot Nov. 12. new evangelization of the family,” Arch-
to the poor and disabled. also “compels affirmation of a repug- Shortly after his election, Archbish- bishop Kurtz told the synod.
Under final rules issued in June to nant belief.” op Kurtz spoke of seeing the example of He told CNS Nov. 12 that he sees the
implement the mandate, there is an “It is not for this court to say oth- Pope Francis as a model for outreach, rite as a way of “reaching out to people
exemption for some religious employers erwise,” he added. listening and collegiality. “He’s asking on the margins, especially a woman who
that fit its criteria. us to go beyond what we've been doing,” is pregnant, especially if they're distant
he said. “If it was a car, I guess we're from Christ, distant from the church.”
Pope Francis calls for action against scandal of hunger in a world of plenty
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — People Catholic charities, a global “wave of to feed everyone, he said, but only “if a roar which can shake the world.”
must stand united against the scandal prayer” was to begin at noon Dec. 10 on there is the will” to respect the "God- The Caritas campaign is also a way
of hunger while avoiding food waste the South Pacific island of Samoa and given rights of everyone to have access to invite people to pay attention to their
and irresponsible use of the world's head west across the world's time zones. to adequate food.” own food choices, “which often lead to
resources, Pope Francis said. Pope Francis offered his blessing By sharing in Christian charity with waste and a poor use of the resources
People should “stop thinking that and support for the “One Human those “who face numerous obstacles,” available to us,” the pope said.
our daily actions do not have an impact Family, Food For All” campaign in a the pope said, “we promote an authen- Caritas Internationalis invited its
on the lives of those who suffer from video message released on the eve of tic cooperation with the poor so that, 164 member organizations and local
hunger firsthand,” he said in a video the global launch. through the fruits of their and our work, churches to pray for an end to hunger
message Dec. 9, launching a global With about 1 billion people still they can live a dignified life.” and malnutrition, by acting on a local,
campaign of prayer and action against suffering from hunger today, “we can- Pope Francis invited all people to act national or global level against food
hunger. not look the other way and pretend this “as one single human family, to give a waste and in favor of food access and
Organized by Caritas Internatio- does not exist,” he said in the message. voice to all of those who suffer silently security worldwide.
nalis, the Vatican-based federation of There is enough food in the world from hunger, so that this voice becomes
PAGE 7 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014
Bishop Deshotel encourages DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE
youth to ‘persevere in NEWSBRIEFS
prayer’ at annual WYD Mass Speaker discusses
By Jacqueline Burkepile phasized the importance of prayer in vocation of being
everyday life. He discussed prayers of
male, female at YA
Correspondent
petition, repentance, and thanksgiv-
ARLINGTON — More than 6,000
youth from the dioceses of Fort Worth,
ing, and encouraged youth to “always
persevere in prayer.”
ToB conference
Dallas, and Tyler filled Six Flags Over “God sees all eternity and He knows By Juan Guajardo
Texas Oct. 20 for the annual World what is good for us, what will help us to Correspondent
Youth Day. In addition to being cel- grow in our relationship with Him, and
Photo by Michael McGee / NTC
ebrated internationally by the Church also what will separate us from Him,” KELLER — Nearly 60 young adults Sister Jane Dominic Laurel, OP,
every few years, many dioceses across said Bishop Deshotel. “When we think from around the diocese attended a was the keynote speaker at a young
the world hold their own annual about true prayer, we have to remember Theology of the Body conference at St. adult Theology of the Body confer-
celebrations. Since the 1990s, World what the goals of our prayer must be.” Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Nov. 23, ence held at St. Elizabeth Ann Se-
Youth Day at Six Flags has provided At the end of the Mass, Msgr. Berg which featured two keynote speakers ton Parish in Keller Nov. 23.
community and fellowship for thou- thanked the youth for participating in and guy and girl gender sessions.
sands of Catholic youth in North Texas. World Youth Day, and for being wit- Using examples from Scripture, strong families, and strong families
The day began with amusement nesses of Jesus Christ to the world. He religious artwork, medicine, science, create strong societies. But Sr. Laurel
park attractions before youth gathered humbly expressed his pride in the youth, and everyday life, keynote speaker Sister reminded her audience that there is
in the park’s Music Mill amphitheater and asked them to remember God’s Jane Dominic Laurel, OP, broke down a vocation that is being attacked and
for community-building and faith- presence in their everyday challenges. one of the more complex and heavier mocked in society today that is key to
enriching activities. Dallas Auxiliary He asked the assembly to be ready theological works of our time, Blessed creating those strong marriages, fami-
Bishop Douglas Deshotel celebrated the to respond to the surprises God offers John Paul II’s 129-part Theology of the lies, and societies.
closing Mass at 5 p.m. with Fort Worth them in their lives, and encouraged Body, into more relatable terms for her “We have an even more fundamen-
Diocesan Administrator Monsignor them, as they re-entered their daily young adult audience. tal vocation,” Sr. Laurel said. “The vo-
Stephen Berg concelebrating. lives, to “show up for Jesus, show up for Sr. Laurel, a 17-year theology pro- cation to masculinity and femininity.”
Bishop Deshotel’s homily em- the poor, and show up for each other.” fessor at Aquinas College, used many She went on to outline some of the
examples to explain the differences be- archetypes surrounding femininity and
tween men and women and how those masculinity and explained that one of
Diocesan RCIA Conference differences — biological and psycho-
logical — were instilled by God into our
the ways the devil attacks us is by using
fear — which can lead to perversions of
to be held Jan. 25 bodies and souls to inform us of what masculinity and femininity.
it means to be masculine or feminine. “God did not intend for man and
I m m a c u l ate C onc e pt ion Workshops will cover areas in She discussed how the entire female woman to hold their fears against one
Church in Denton will host the catechetical, liturgical, and pas- body says “active receptivity” and how another,” Sr. Laurel said. “He intended
2014 Diocesan RCIA Conference, toral ministry. A detailed list of the entire male body says “life giving for man and woman to hold each other
“Spreading the Joy of the Gospel” workshops and presenters will be initiative” and how the designs of our in their fear — he protecting and pro-
Saturday, Jan. 25 from 8:30 a.m. available Jan. 15. bodies communicate this to us. One of viding, and she encouraging, nurturing,
to 3:30 p.m. Special activities at the confer- those key differences is in the brain, Sr. and supporting.”
Keynote speakers will include ence are designed to accent and Laurel said. More white matter in the She added, “The joy and love be-
Jack Mooney in English and Marlon ritualize the RCIA team members’ female brain makes them better at un- tween them and their children reflects
De La Torre in Spanish. Mooney roles as “priest, prophet, and king.” derstanding emotions, and at commu- the love between the Father, Son, and
is the former director of adult re- There will also be a special track for nicating, nurturing, and relationships. Holy Spirit.”
ligious formation for the Diocese RCIA adapted for children. Men’s brains, meanwhile, contain more St. Elizabeth youth minister Gabe
of El Paso, and currently serves as The registration fee is $20 and gray matter, which makes them better Gutiérrez, who coordinated the confer-
an adjunct faculty member with includes lunch, if paid by Friday, at finding order and working toward a ence, was pleased with the conference
that diocese’s Tepyac Institute, a Jan. 17. The fee will increase to common goal. and hopes to do it again next year.
lay ministry formation program. $25 for any payment made after “Our bodies say we came from love “I think people are hungry for
De La Torre currently serves as the that date, or at the door. To pre- but our bodies also say we came for love,” truth,” he said. “When you offer them,
director of Children’s Catechesis register, contact Melissa Loza 817- Sr. Laurel said. ‘Hey let me tell you something differ-
and Catechist Formation for the 560-2452, ext. 255, or by e-mail at She explained to the young people ent. Let me tell you something real.’ It
Diocese of Fort Worth. lloza@fwdioc.org. in the audience, many of whom were resonates. That hits to the core of who
couples, that strong marriages create we are as people.”
PAGE 8 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014
Austin VG, former A&M pastor, DIOCESAN, LOCAL & STATE Renowned researcher
named bishop of San Angelo NEWSBRIEFS discusses Shroud of Turin
EDITOR’S NOTE : This story is adapted
CNS Photo Courtesy of Diocese of Austin
from press releases from the Austin and
San Angelo dioceses.
SAN ANGELO — Pope Francis named
Monsignor Michael Sis, vicar general of
the Austin Diocese, to succeed Bishop
Michael Pfeifer as the sixth bishop of
San Angelo. He will be ordained and
installed as bishop Jan. 27. Bishop-elect Michael Sis
Msgr. Sis was born Jan. 9, 1960, in
Mount Holly, New Jersey, and ordained tive Catholic campus ministries in the Photo by Jerry Circelli / NTC
to the priesthood for the Diocese of country, according to campus minister Renowned Shroud of Turin expert Dr. John Jackson shared his knowledge
Austin July 19, 1986. Marcel LeJeune’s “Aggie Catholic” blog. and some theories about the Shroud Nov. 23 with more than 1,000 people
Since ordination, he has served as On the blog, LeJeune added that the at St. Maria Goretti Church in Arlington.
associate pastor of Christo Rey Church parish averages 10 students entering
in Austin and St. Mary’s Cathedral in formation or seminary annually, a “wave By Jerry Circelli emerges from a special 3-D mapping
Austin; associate pastor and pastor of started when [Msgr. Sis] was pastor.” Correspondent device when it analyzes a photograph of
St. Mary’s Student Center at Texas At a Dec. 12 press conference Msgr. the Shroud, providing additional proof
A&M University in College Station; Sis discussed Pope Francis’ recent apos- ARLINGTON — Dr. John Jackson, to scientific studies that the Shroud is
pastor of St. Thomas More Church tolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium. the physicist who led a 40-person team not a painting or photograph. Scientists
in Austin; Austin diocesan vocations “As a diocese we will discern how of international scientists to examine the determined that this detailed 3-D imag-
director; and vicar general. best to respond to that exhortation ... in Shroud of Turin in 1978, addressed a ery could not be derived from paintings
While pastor of St. Mary’s Student our circumstances here in San Angelo,” crowd of more than 1,000 at St. Maria and photographs.
Center 1993-2006, he oversaw a capital he said. “I look forward to coming to Goretti Parish in Arlington Nov. 23. • Blood depicted on the Shroud was
campaign to build a new student center, serve you here in our diocese. I will Jackson and his research team determined to be real: The Shroud
chapel, and activity center, and led the love you and I will walk with you in were granted access to the cloth and shows evidence of a crown of thorns, a
parish to become one of the most ac- our pilgrimage of faith.” conducted exhaustive examinations. laceration on the side of the body, wrist
Now as director of the Turin Shroud and foot wounds, and scourge marks
Catholic Schools Office announces free Center of Colorado, Jackson is dedicated
to continuing research on the Shroud,
on the back.
Jackson and the Shroud Center of
/ reduced-price lunch and milk programs publishing his findings, and educating Colorado have also developed one of
the public on scientific data and forensic the most fascinating hypotheses on how
The diocesan Office of Catholic Schools has announced its policy for free evidence about the cloth. The Church the Shroud was formed, and one that
and reduced-price meals for children who are unable to pay for meals served un- has not authenticated the Shroud. underscores the death and Resurrection
der the National School Breakfast, Free Milk, or Commodity School programs. Jackson began his discussion with narratives in the Bible.
The following parochial schools will participate in the National School Lunch a reference to Scripture that describes Named the “R adiation Fall-
Program: All Saints, St. George, Our Mother of Mercy, and Our Lady of Victory, apostles arriving at Jesus’ tomb and Through Hypothesis,” it suggests that
St. Rita, and St. Peter the Apostle, all in Fort Worth; Sacred Heart, Muenster; discovering no body, but finding the body wrapped in the Shroud became
Notre Dame Elementary, Wichita Falls; St. Mary’s, Gainesville. burial cloths. instantaneously radiant and mechani-
St. Maria Goretti School in Arlington will participate in the free and reduced- “Here, at the tomb of Christ, sci- cally transparent, with no resistance
price milk program. ence and religion are being blended to the cloth. This could have allowed
Under current guidelines, applicants for the free and reduced-price lunch together,” Jackson said. “In Scripture, the Shroud cloth to collapse and fall
program must list the Social Security numbers of all adults living in the house- we see that they can be united. Science through the radiant body space under
hold. All incomes must also be listed by source, such as Social Security, wages, can serve faith.” the influence of gravity. The irradi-
child support, and pension. Through scientific research, it was ated cloth aged and the image later
Everyone wanting to participate in the program must apply again this year discovered that: developed.
at their respective schools, including children who had tickets for the last school • The Shroud itself is actually a nega- Jackson left his audience with facts
year. A child must be registered in school before an application will be accepted. tive image: the best way to view it is on and hypotheses to ponder and predicted,
Participants will be notified within one week after applying if their children a photographic negative from a picture “I think that as time goes on, the Shroud
qualify for free or reduced-price lunches or milk. taken of the Shroud, where a natural is going to be something that is going
In the operation of child-feeding programs, no child will be discriminated looking image appears. to be more and more important to
against because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or handicap. • A 3-dimensional image of the Shroud Christianity and the Church.”
PAGE 9 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014
RESPECT FOR LIFE
Respect Life Office encourages Catholics to attend events surrounding Roe anniversary
By Michele Baker “The reason that the Mass is for Life and Rally Jan. 18 at the Kay “Right now we have about 100
Correspondent so important,” Demma explained, Bailey Hutchison Convention Center youth and chaperones signed up to
“is that prayer is the foundation of in downtown Dallas and culminate make the trip,” Laux said. That num-
“We want people to know that everything we do. It supports us and in a march to the Earle Cabell Federal ber represents participants from at
Respect Life in our diocese is alive and gives witness to the fact that we are Courthouse where the original Roe v. least 12 parishes. Laux, who has made
well; vibrant and ongoing,” said Mike of one mind and one heart.” Wade case was filed in 1971. A youth the trip with Fort Worth youth many
Demma, director of the diocesan The Mass includes a special can- rally kicks off the event at 12:30 p.m. times, talked about the impact the
Respect Life Office, in a recent inter- dlelight procession and presentation followed by Mass celebrated at 1 p.m. experience has on those who attend.
view. With Jan. 22 marking 41 years of the Book of the Innocents. Rachel by Bishop Kevin Farell of Dallas. “The kids are always moved by
since Roe v. Wade legalized abortion Ministries Coordinator Betsy Kopor The march will begin after the Mass. the sheer number of people there,”
in the U.S., the office is encouraging explains: “Each candle represents 1 “Marches like this are an im- she said. Last year’s National March
pro-lifers throughout the diocese to million children killed by abortion. portant witness to the larger secular drew about 600,000 participants,
participate in a number of events, This year we will light 55 candles for community,” said Demma, adding about 75 percent of whom were 25
including the Dallas March for Life the 55 million children killed in the that one of the biggest problems years old or younger.
and Rally Jan. 18, the Annual Respect U.S. since Roe v.Wade.” facing pro-life programs is that most “So often the youth feel alone
Life Mass to be celebrated 7:30 p.m. The Book of the Innocents con- people in the general public do not at home,” Laux explained. “So when
Jan. 24 at St. Patrick Cathedral in tains the names of all the children understand the scope of this tragedy. they see that there are other young
Fort Worth, and the Texas Rally for memorialized on a Rachel’s Vineyard According to Demma, “1.2 mil- people who are willing to stand
Life in Austin Jan. 25. retreat and represents all the children lion — that’s one million two hundred up and speak out for life, they are
aborted in the diocese, said Kopor, thousand — children are killed each overwhelmed by a sense of one-ness
A NNUAL R ESPECT LIFE MASS adding, to reassure past retreatants, year in the United States alone,” he and joy.”
At the center of the activities that the book remains closed and its said, adding that of these children, In addition to the marches,
being promoted by the Respect Life contents are kept confidential. a disproportionate number of them Masses, and rallies being held
Office is the Annual Respect Life (64 percent in Texas) are Black or throughout January, Rachel Minis-
Mass. It will be celebrated at 7:30 PRO-LIFE MARCHES IN Hispanic. “We must get across that tries will present a Rachel’s Vineyard
p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 DALLAS AND AUSTIN this is a wrong being perpetuated in Weekend Retreat for Healing after
Throckmorton St., in downtown Pro-lifers throughout the Dio- our country and by our culture — Abortion Jan. 17-19 in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth. A reception will follow cese of Fort Worth are encouraged that we accept the death of another Rachel Ministries will also spon-
in the cathedral’s Pastoral Center. to participate in the Dallas March human being as a right. This is a fal- sor a number of training sessions for
lacy that must be remedied.” clergy, licensed mental health profes-
The Texas Rally for Life will take sionals, and social workers Feb. 7-8.
place at the State Capitol in Austin, “Abortion trauma is a very spe-
Jan. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. Demma said cific type of trauma,” explained Ko-
the Respect Life Office is organizing por. “Most often clergy are among the
bus transportation to Austin for those first to hear about past abortions. We
from the diocese who wish to attend. want to provide them with training to
Volunteers are needed to facilitate know how to talk to those who come
the operations and can contact Mike to them and to educate them about
Demma at 817-560-2452 ext. 257 or Rachel Ministries so that they are
by e-mail at mdemma@fwdioc.org comfortable referring people to us.”
for additional information.
“This is a great opportunity for For information about the events
people to get involved,” Demma said. memorializing the lives lost since
ROE V. WADE, or for the ministries of
OTHER EVENTS the Respect Life Office, visit www.
Youth for Life Coordinator Sue fwdioc.org/pages/respect-life-about.
Laux is once again coordinating For information about the Dallas
with youth ministers throughout March for Life and Rally, visit www.
the diocese to bring a contingency dallasmarch4life.org. For information
youth to the National March for about the Texas Rally for Life in Austin,
Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 22. visit www.texasrallyforlife.org.
PAGE 10 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014IN MEMORY
Sister Magdalen Hession, CCVI, humble servant and ‘baseball nun’ dies at 85
By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Texas Rangers baseball started when
Correspondent both were working at the now-closed
St. Joseph Hospital. When the Wash-
They were both members of the ington Senators relocated to Texas
Congregation of Sisters of Charity of and scheduled their first home game
the Incarnate Word and longtime for April 21, 1972 in Arlington, Sr.
friends. But it’s the baseball reference Frances had a friend who worked near
Sister Frances Evans used that best the stadium’s box office pick up a $10
describes the death of Sister Mag- ticket for her. She was instantly smit-
dalen (Maggie) Hession, CCVI, on ten by the excitement of big league
Nov. 20 from Alzheimer’s Disease. baseball and coaxed Sr. Maggie into
“Maggie crossed home plate and coming to the games with her.
is now with Jesus,” Sr. Frances said of “Sr. Maggie didn’t know any-
her cherished companion and fellow thing about baseball and Sr. Frances,
Texas Ranger baseball enthusiast. who grew up a tomboy, taught her all
Born on Oct. 20, 1928, in about the game,” said Patrice Parks,
County Galway, Ireland, Bridget one of many volunteers who drove
Hession entered the Congregation the sisters to the baseball stadium
of Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate for games. “They knew all about
Word on Aug. 15, 1948, and was the Texas Rangers pitching, line-up, Photo courtesy of Patrice Parks
given the religious name of Magda- and injuries.” Sister Maggie Hession, CCVI, one half of the famous “baseball nuns” duo, sits
len. She professed her first vows Aug. Parks formed a friendship with in a movie theater with her trademark Texas Rangers T-shirt during a World
15, 1951, and perpetual vows Aug. 15, the sisters after they helped her get a Series watching party. Sr. Maggie passed away Nov. 20 at 85.
1956. Mass of Christian Burial was baseball signed for a little boy dying
held Monday, Nov. 25, at St. Andrew from a brain tumor. The four-year- and Sr. Francis 45 years ago dur- the noise and heat. But her room in
Church in Fort Worth. old, the son of a friend, caught the ing a Christmas party at St. Joseph the assisted living center continued to
After earning a degree in nursing foul ball during a Rangers game and Hospital. reflect her love of the Texas Rangers.
from Incarnate Word College (now wanted the player who hit the ball, “I would call Sr. Maggie a “She had a Texas Rangers bed-
University of the Incarnate Word) Julio Franco, to sign it. humble servant. She would do any- spread, tablecloth, and pictures of
in San Antonio, Sr. Maggie began a Sr. Frances and Sr. Maggie thing anyone asked of her,” the St. the coaches and players everywhere,”
career in healthcare and worked at not only got the baseball signed by Andrew parishioner said. “I never Parks explained. “Even the bath-
Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, Franco, they brought a treasure chest saw her without a smile on her face.” room had baseball mitts and bats
Incarnate Word Hospital in St. Louis, full of bats, caps, t-shirts, and other When Clarkin’s son was being on the wall.”
and St. Joseph Hospital and Plaza special items for the sick youngster. treated for ALS, both sisters would Sr. Maggie was preceded in
Medical Center, both in Fort Worth. “During his last few days at visit him, “and I’m grateful for that,” death by her parents, Bridget and
Her longest period of service was 31 Cook Children’s Hospital, Sr. Fran- she said. Patrick Hession; siblings, Michael
years at St. Joseph Hospital where ces and Sr. Maggie went to see him After St. Joseph closed its chapel, Hession, Mary Connell, James Hes-
she was in charge of the surgical unit. and prayed with the family,” Parks Sr. Maggie and Sr. Frances began sion, and Patrick Hession. Survivors
Known throughout the Fort recalls. “They felt a connection to attending daily Mass at St. Andrew include her sister, Nora Murphy of
Worth/Dallas Metroplex as the the little boy.” Church. Hudson, New Hampshire; nieces and
“Rangers Nuns,” the sisters gained Two years ago, Parks started a “St. Andrew became their parish nephews in the United States and
widespread renown for their fan Facebook page titled the “Ranger home, and the whole congregation Ireland; longtime friend, Sr. Frances
loyalty. They sat in the same seats at Nuns” to honor the pair. The picture- became their family,” Clarkin added. Evans; and the Sisters of Charity of
every Rangers home game, and when filled site now includes tributes to After retirement Sr. Maggie the Incarnate Word.
the Ballpark at Arlington opened in Sr. Maggie. continued to volunteer wherever she
1994, they were the first fans through One part of the “dynamic duo,” perceived a physical or spiritual need. Memorials can be made to the Sisters
the turnstiles. Former owner Tom Sr. Maggie was known for her quiet She frequently ministered to nursing of Charity of the Incarnate Word
Schieffer and Hall-of-Fame pitcher presence and constant smile. home residents and shut-ins. Retirement Fund, 4530 Broadway,
and former owner Nolan Ryan are “She had the sweetest-sounding After her Alzheimer’s Disease San Antonio, Texas 78209 or the
among their friends. giggle. I’ll miss that,” Parks said. diagnosis, Sr. Maggie stopped at- Alzheimer’s Association, 2630 West
The sisters’ fascination with Barbara Clarkin met Sr. Maggie tending baseball games because of Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
PAGE 11 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014DIOCESE
Catholic Charities plans service hub in Wichita Falls to serve Northwest region
By Jenara Kocks Burgess the North Texas Catholic that CCFW Falls,” she said. CCFW currently offers limited
Correspondent formed this committee of parish and Sotelo said the organization’s services in the Northwest region in-
community leaders to help develop a vision for the location is a “one stop, cluding clinical counseling, the St.
Catholic parishes in the nine- business plan for its future location. Catholic shop” that will provide a Joseph Health Care Trust Program,
county Northwest region of the “We have pastors, deacons, and Catholic response to help people TXU Energy Aid, and immigration
Diocese of Fort Worth are working community leaders from Wichita in need. consultations through a video site.
with Catholic Charities Fort Worth Falls and Young County, who have “The permanent facility will Since Catholic Charities doesn’t cur-
(CCFW) to establish a permanent helped us identify gaps in services include Catholic Charities’ offices, rently have Wichita Falls area offices,
facility or “service hub” in Wichita within the Northwest region so we which will offer an array of services it partners with various parishes in
Falls in the next few years. can truly focus on coming in and aimed at moving families toward the deanery using their space.
“This expansion is necessary filling those gaps,” she said. self-sufficiency and our ultimate “We take advantage now of the
because the rural counties are The Northwest region includes goal of ending poverty within our St. Joseph Healthcare Trust Fund,
underserved, usually due to their the eight counties in the Northwest diocese,” she said, adding that it will which works through Catholic
remoteness and relatively sparse Deanery plus Young County, which also include a St. Vincent de Paul Charities. That’s been going on a
populations,” said Father Jack is in the Southwest Deanery of the Thrift Store. good while,” said Deacon Jim No-
McKone, pastor of Sacred Heart diocese. Father Richard Kirkham, pas- vak, parochial administrator for
Church in Wichita Falls. Planning committee member tor of St. Jude Thaddeus Church Sacred Heart Parish in Seymour,
For the past few months, rep- Liliana Samuelson said she is very in Burkburnett, Christ the King St. Mary of the Assumption Parish
resentatives of several parishes in excited about CCFW establishing a Church in Iowa Park, and St. Paul in Megargel, Santa Rosa Parish in
the area have participated in the service hub in Wichita Falls. “I had Church in Electra, said the new Knox City, and St. Joseph Parish in
Northwest Services Strategic Plan- the dream of a center for the needy offices would better help meet the Rhineland.
ning Committee. CCFW Director and the immigrant that would bring needs of the people in his parishes. Dcn. Novak added that he is
of Parish Relations Laura Sotelo told the Catholic presence into Wichita Though CCFW serves the en- excited that Hispanics in his parishes
tire diocese, Fr. Kirkham said it’s a will have a closer location allowing
challenge for the people in the area to them to take advantage of Catholic
make the two-hour drive for services. Charities’ immigration services.
Sotelo added that Catholic Once they are able to establish a
Charities serves anyone regardless of permanent location in Wichita Falls,
faith tradition. “We serve because of CCFW hopes to expand services
our Gospel call to do so and are privi- already offered to the region to in-
leged to be able to serve anyone who clude Financial Stability/Education,
comes through our doors,” she said. Community Connections (general
JD Trucking
General construction work/repairs inside and out including topsoil,
sand, gravel, washed materials, driveways, concrete, backhoe, and
tractor services. Custom mowing lots and acres. Call (817) 732-4083.
To Report Misconduct
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual misconduct by anyone who
serves the church, you may
․ Call Judy Locke, victim assistance coordinator, (817) 560-2452 ext. 201 or
e-mail her at jlocke@fwdioc.org
․ Or call the Sexual Abuse Hot-line (817) 560-2462 ext. 102 and ask for the
moderator of the curia, Msgr. Stephen Berg
To Report Abuse
Call the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (Child Protective
Services at (800) 252-5400
PAGE 12 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014case management program), home- able to pick up some school or work CATHOLIC CHARITIES
less services, Enrollment Solutions, clothes at St. Vincent de Paul.… We
and potentially services aimed at
assisting veterans, as well as a voca-
will have a very visible Catholic out-
reach presence in our community.
Workshop helps LPRs work for citizenship
tions program, Sotelo said. This is part of our Catholic mandate
CCFW will need both volun- to witness to the Gospel, in avenues
teers and people who can help pro- far too great for any one parish to
vide financial resources to help make tackle on their own.
the agency’s presence in Wichita “Few of us will go to Africa
Falls a reality, she added. or Central America…” he added.
“We have been so excited by But whether serving those, “across
the support and response we have the street or across the ocean, we
received from people throughout the are called to solidarity with all our
Photo courtesy of Catholic Charities
Northwest region of the diocese, as brothers and sisters. In this sense Approximately 300 Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) attended the Mega
we have begun to share our vision … the opportunities for service are Citizenship Workshop held Nov. 2 in Arlington.
for this project,” said Sotelo. not only for the benefit of the needy,
Fr. McKone said there are many the broken-hearted, the alien, or Approximately 300 Legal Fort Worth high school, she is
good reasons for parishioners of the the sick, but they are also for our Permanent Residents (LPRs) now taking classes at Tarrant
Northwest region to get involved with parishioners and clergy. Those op- came to the Sam Houston High County College with plans to be-
Catholic Charities’ new project, but portunities are literally a gift to us School in Arlington Nov. 2 to come a nurse. The hardworking
the most important is that by virtue from God, a way to make vibrant the participate in the North Texas young woman is typical of many
of the sacrament of baptism, every faith that He has given us.” Mega Citizenship Workshop, of the LPRs in North Texas, said
Catholic is called to be a missionary. an event designed to offer a Xergio Chacin, program man-
“The new project will offer For more information on how to variety of resources and to offer ager for CCFW’s Immigration
our parishioners a much broader help Catholic Charities establish a free assistance to legal immi- Services department.
spectrum of services and a central permanent location in Wichita Falls, grants in preparing citizenship “As of 2012, Texas has the
location,” said Fr. McKone. “For contact Laura Sotelo by phone at 817- applications. third highest number of Legal
example, someone coming in to ap- 413-3904 or by e-mail at lsotelo@ The event, co-sponsored by Permanent Residents in the
ply for help with utility bills will be ccdofw.org. Catholic Charities Fort Worth nation, with approximately 1.2
(CCFW), Catholic Charities of million living in the state,” he
Dallas, and the Proyecto Inmi- said. Eligible immigrants face
grante organization, was part barriers to citizenship, including
of the ongoing New Americans high application fees, a complex
Campaign, a national, nonpar- legal process, and unscrupulous
tisan effort to encourage and attorneys who take advantage of
assist eligible LPRs on their path individuals seeking assistance,
to citizenship. he explained. “This workshop
“Hser,” a 23 year-old par- offered the opportunity to meet
ticipant at the event, said she with trained caseworkers and
was eager to become a citizen volunteers as [workshop partici-
as soon as possible, now that she pants] prepare their paperwork,”
had met the first requirement: he added. Eligible workshop
living in the U.S. for five years participants who began their
as a legal resident. She and her process at 8 a.m. had their forms,
22 year-old brother were born completed and ready for them
and raised in a refugee camp in to mail to the U.S. Citizenship
Thailand after her parents fled and Immigration department,
Burma, she said. “It was terrible by noon.
for them there, and then we spent “It’s a great day for me and
those years in Thailand, hoping my brother,” said Hser, beaming.
to come to America. Now we all “I’m really thankful for the help.”
live here together, and there are so
many opportunities for a better For more information about
life. We love America. We want CCFW and its Refugee Services
to become citizens.” program, visit the website at www.
After graduating from a ccdofw.org or call 817-534-0814.
PAGE 13 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014LIGHTER & BRIGHTER
Pope Francis talks with men who live on the streets near the Vatican.
The pope celebrated Mass and had breakfast with the men as part of
celebrating his 77th birthday. (CNS photo/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO) via Reuters)
Katherine Russell, dressed as Pope Francis holds a bronze
an angel, tells 4-year-old Nori reliquary containing the relics
Bellucci-Mattice about the night of St. Peter the Apostle during
Christ was born during a living a Mass concluding the Year
Nativity Dec. 7 at Sacred Heart of Faith in St. Peter's Square
Cathedral in Rochester, N.Y. (CNS at the Vatican Nov. 24. (CNS
photo/Mike Crupi, C ATHOLIC COURIER) photo/L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO)
This Nativity set is one of 193 Verna Bechard displays in her New London, Wis., home.
She purchased her first set for her mother in 1950 to replace an older one. (CNS photo/
Sam Lucero, THE COMPASS)
A girl in St. Peter's Square holds
baby Jesus figurines for Pope
Francis to bless during his Angelus
at the Vatican Dec. 15. Children
observed an annual tradition by
bringing their Nativity figurines
for the pope to bless. (CNS photo/
Paul Haring)
Cross-Words
By Mark Simeroth
Across & Down: www.sheepdotcom.com
1. Hebrew warrior; 3. Airplane locator
name means lightning 4. Astonish
2. Famous Texas mission 5. Asian divided nation
1 2 3 4 5
2
3
4
5
PAGE 14 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014GROWING AS A CHRISTIAN
How was Jesus born in you?
When was your epiphany?
I RECENTLY SAW AN EXPLANA-
TION OF A DVENT THAT SAID
SOMETHING TO THE EFFECT
THAT “IF YOU’RE TIRED OF
What led you to find
Jeff Hedglen is the Campus
CHRISTMAS BY THE 25TH OF
DECEMBER YOU ARE DOING Jesus in your life; in Minister at UTA and associate
director of Young Adult Ministry for
A DVENT WRONG.”
This is because Christmas,
as per the Liturgical Calendar
short, what is your the diocese. He is also the primary
convener of Camp Fort Worth’s
many editions.
(the schedule of the seasons of the
Church year) doesn’t begin until personal epiphany
cal point of our lives, even if we
moment?
Dec. 24 and lasts all the way to
the Feast of the Baptism of the do not consciously think about
Lord, which this year is not until it all that often. The season of
January 12. Christmas is the perfect time to
Christmas is all about the seriously consider our relationship
birth of Jesus, in time, almost with the Lord.
2,000 years ago and in our lives Catholic News Service file photo of a stained-glass window at St. Michael
So, whether it is on the Feast
all the time. Because the secular Cathedral in Toronto depicting the visit of the Magi bringing gifts to the infant of the Mother of God (Jan. 1) or
Jesus. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) Epiphany (Jan. 6) or the Baptism
observance of Christmas seems
to last until Dec. 26 when all ing a star so they could find Jesus. though it was close to 20 years of the Lord (Jan. 12) or even
the stores re-open, so people can He then asked the people in the ago. someplace in between, I encour-
return all the gifts they opened church what was our “star,” what All of the decorating and age you to take a few moments
the day before, we can lose sight led us to find Jesus in our lives; cooking, and wrapping and un- to think about your “star.” What
of the opportunity to really cel- in short what was our personal wrapping are important parts of led you to find Jesus in your life;
ebrate, contemplate, and enjoy the epiphany moment? celebrating Christmas, but if we in short what is your personal
reality of God’s love for humanity For the next 20 minutes are to successfully avoid the trap epiphany moment?
revealed in the sending of his Son Father Beaumont scurried all over of kicking Christmas to the curb Then, once you know what
to save us for all eternity. the church with the microphone along with our Christmas tree a it is, share it with someone, post
In the middle of the as people shared about the people few days after Dec. 25 we have to it on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr,
Christmas Season is the Feast of who helped them grow in faith, intentionally find ways to make or find a way to Instagram it.
Epiphany, the remembrance of or the retreat they attended that Christmas about the Incarnation. Knowing your story is one thing;
three visitors from the East who changed their life, or the way the If God had not emptied sharing it is what we are called to
came bearing gifts for the new- Scriptures had impacted their himself to embrace humanity, life, do. Like the great Christmas song
born King of the Jews. This feast faith, or about a specific moment not just Christmas, would lose its says: “Go tell it on the mountain
is a perfect opportunity to more in prayer, or at Mass or in nature meaning. The Incarnation is the that Jesus is Christ is born” (in
deeply reflect on the coming of or in silence when they encoun- seminal moment in creation. It your life).
Jesus in our own lives. tered the living God. simultaneously raised the dignity But don’t stop there, be like
Years ago on the Feast of The stories were as varied as of the human person, opened Pope Francis, live the words you
Epiphany the homily at my par- they were numerous. Each in their the door for salvation, gave us a speak. Put into action the love
ish was pretty much given by the own way revealing the countless mediator and direct connection to you have received from God.
congregation. My pastor began ways that God reveals himself to the Father, and paved the way for For when we do this, the truth
by reminding us that the Magi humanity. I can remember that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. of Christmas impacts the world
traveled a great distance follow- Mass like it was yesterday, even Jesus the God-man is the fo- around us every day of the year.
PAGE 15 NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014You can also read
