“The Allentown Diocese in the Year of Our Lord”

VOL. 28, NO. 21

DECEMBER 1, 2016

Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe and giving thanks for our Hispanic Catholics

Celebrando a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y dando gracias por nuestros hispanos católicos Declaración del Obispo Juan Barres al Pueblo de Dios de la Diócesis de Allentown

Statement of Bishop John Barres to the People of God of the Diocese of Allentown

Mientras nos preparamos para celebrar el Memorial de San Juan Diego el 9 de diciembre de 2016 y la Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el 12 de diciembre de 2016, doy gracias a todo el Pueblo de Dios de la Diócesis de Allentown por la presencia y las vibrantes contribuciones de nuestra comunidad católica hispana a la misión de la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos. A nuestros hermanos y hermanas hispanos: Como su Pastor y un sucesor de los Apóstoles, les agradezco muy personalmente por las muchas maneras en las que ustedes me han evangelizado e inspirado. Su presencia, su intimidad con el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo, su deseo de ser discípulos misioneros que irradian la alegría del Evangelio, su tierna devoción a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, la Estrella de la Evangelización, enriquece todas las dimensiones de la vida de la Iglesia y todas las dimensiones de la sociedad americana. Así como San Juan Diego desplegó humildemente la bella imagen multicolor de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Así también nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Rey del Universo providencialmente ha desplegado en la Iglesia de los Estados Unidos de América, la rica tilma multicolor como testimonio de nuestras familias hispanas, testimonio que, en palabras del Papa Francisco, “transforma el mundo y la historia.” Sepan cuánto todo el Pueblo de Dios en la Diócesis de Allentown aprecia y atesora ese testimonio y cuán fuertemente estamos (CNS photo/Foto del CNS/Paul Haring) con ustedes y junto a ustedes. ¡Adelante!

As we prepare to celebrate the Memorial of Saint Juan Diego on December 9, 2016 and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, 2016, I give thanks with the entire People of God of the Diocese of Allentown for the presence and vibrant contributions of our Hispanic Catholic community to the mission of the Catholic Church in the United States. To our Hispanic brothers and sisters: As your Shepherd and a successor of the Apostles, I thank you very personally for the many ways you have evangelized and inspired me. Your presence, your intimacy with Father, Son and Holy Spirit, your desire to be missionary disciples who radiate the joy of the Gospel, your tender devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Star of Evangelization, enriches every dimension of the Church’s life and every dimension of American society. Just as Saint Juan Diego humbly unfurled the beautiful multicolored image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, so too has our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe providentially unfurled in the Church of the United States of America the rich multicolored tilma of witness of our Hispanic families, a witness which, in the words of Pope Francis, “transforms the world and history.” Know how much the entire People of God in the Diocese of Allentown appreciates and treasures that witness and how strongly we stand with you and beside you. ¡Adelante!

Time of mercy: Holy doors close, but mission of mercy continues VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The Year of Mercy brought more than 20 million pilgrims to Rome, but for Pope Francis, the idea always was that the celebration of God’s mercy would be local: have people experience God’s love in their parishes and send them out into the world to commit random acts of mercy. While concrete works of mercy have a social impact, Pope Francis’ idea was deeply connected to evangelization, which is why Rome jubilee events were organized by the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization. The pope had said he wanted the Holy Year to be “a new step on the church’s journey in her mission to bring the Gospel of mercy to each person.” The pope’s constant refrain during the Year of Mercy, which began Dec. 8, 2015, was that no one is excluded from the mercy of God, who has shown his love for each person by sacrificing his son for the salvation of all. All can be forgiven, the pope taught over and over again. And once a person experiences just how loving and merciful God has been, the obligation is to reach out to others with Please see MERCY page 21 }}

Bishop Barres closes Jubilee Year of Mercy with Mass at cathedral By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer

“Today we celebrate the solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and the closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy,” said Bishop John Barres, main celebrant of the closing Mass for the Jubilee Year of Mercy Nov. 20 at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. On April 11, 2015 Pope Francis declared the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy to begin Dec. 8, 2015 and end Nov. 20, 2016. Msgr. Francis Schoenauer, pastor of the cathedral, concelebrated. Deacon John Rother, transitional deacon, and Deacon Robert Snyder assisted. Father Kevin Lonergan assistant pastor of the cathedral, was episcopal master of ceremonies. The Cathedral Choir, directed by Beverly McDevitt, provided music for the liturgy. Bishop Barres said the 23rd chapter of the Gospel of Luke shows us how Jesus reigns from Calvary. “He reigns from the Cross of Mercy.” The bishop said we see this in a conversation on Calvary. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” “The contrast between the agony of crucifixion in the present and the promise of being in paradise with the Lord later in the day is so powerful and so moving for all of us each time we hear this passage proclaimed,” Bishop Barres said. “As we carry the mysterious Cross of Mercy in our own lives on this earth, we are strengthened by the merciful and peaceful face of the risen Christ leading us to eternal life.” Bishop Barres said that morning, a bit before 4 a.m. Eastern time, he watched Pope Francis close Please see JUBILEE page 8 }}

Parishioners exit the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown after Bishop John Barres celebrated the Nov. 20 noon Mass closing the Jubilee Year of Mercy. (Photos by John Simitz)

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The A.D. Times

Diocese Episcopal appointments

Published biweekly on Thursday by Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. at P.O. Box F Allentown, PA 18105-1538 Phone: 610-871-5200, Ext. 264 Fax: 610-439-7694 E-mail: [email protected]

President Bishop John Barres Editor Jill Caravan Staff Writers Tara Connolly Tami Quigley Design & Production Marcus Schneck Advertising Contact Lori Anderson Office Assistant Priscilla Tatara Bishop’s Liaison Msgr. Alfred Schlert MISSION STATEMENT As part of the Catholic Press, The A.D. Times is the official newspaper for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, serving Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties. The A.D. Times proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the People of God through evangelization, catechesis and the teaching of the Church, the extension of Christ’s presence in the world today. It endeavors to nourish, strengthen and challenge the faith of its readers by continually providing news information, formation, inspiration, religious education and Catholic identification. Under the patronage of Mary, Mother of the Church, The A.D. Times serves the Church so that the Kingdom of God might become a reality in our society transformed by His Good News. POLICY STATEMENTS The A.D. Times will consider all editorial copy and photos submitted in a fair and objective manner. The newspaper reserves the right to reject or edit any submission. Any advertising copy accepted does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or endorsement of The A.D. Times and/or its publisher. The A.D. Times reserves the right to reject any advertising copy submitted. DEADLINES Advertising copy must be received by Monday of the week before publication. News copy must be received by Thursday of the week before publication. MEMBERSHIPS Catholic Press Association, Rockville Centre, N.Y. Catholic News Service, Washington, D.C. Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 POSTAL INFORMATION The A.D. Times (USPS 004-111) is published on Thursdays, biweekly January to May; triweekly June to September; biweekly October to November; and triweekly in December, at a subscription cost of $20 per year by Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. at 1515 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Allentown, PA 18102-4500. Periodicals Postage paid at Allentown, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA 18105-1538

December 1, 2016

Bishop of Allentown John Barres has made the following appointments. Father Guency Isaac also to confessor to the Bernardine Sisters at Sacred Heart Convent, Reading, effective Nov. 23. Father Mark Searles to member of the Diocesan Board of Education, effective Dec. 1, for a period of three years. Kathleen Corpora of Whitehall to vice chair of the Commission for Women in the Diocese of Allentown, for a term of two years, effective Nov. 17.

For the man who has everything – a novena Perhaps you didn’t have Bishop Barres on your shopping list for Christmas. However, there is a wonderful present you can give to him that won’t cost more than a few minutes of your time. The Bishop’s Commission for Women is sponsoring a diocesan-wide Christmas Novena for our bishop, to begin Thursday, Dec. 8 and conclude Friday, Dec. 16. Anyone can sign up for the daily emails that will be delivered right to your inbox. Your name will be presented to the bishop at the Wednesday, Dec. 7 meeting of the commission. If you would like to participate, visit and register at our novena website at http://tinyurl.com/CFWChristmasNovena. You can also find the link on Facebook (ADCommissionForWomen) or Twitter (@AD_CFW). Please consider participating in this wonderful gift of prayer in gratitude to Bishop Barres for his guidance and love

for his flock here in the Diocese of Allentown.

For more information, e-mail cfw@ allentowndiocese.org.

March for Life set for Jan. 27, 2017 The March for Life in Washington, D.C., the largest pro-life event in the world, will be Friday, Jan. 27 in 2017. The peaceful demonstration on or near the somber Jan. 22 anniversary of Roe v. Wade every year since 1973 is a witness to the truth concerning the greatest human rights violation of our time, legalized abortion on demand. This year’s theme is “The Power of One.” The official program will be held on the National Mall at the Washington Monument, beginning with a rally at noon, and musical reflection at 11:45 a.m. There will be jumbo-trons for easier viewing. The march will begin immediately after the rally at approximately 1 p.m., proceed east at 14th Street on Constitution Avenue, and end in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building. Participants are encouraged to visit their congressmen in the House and Senate office buildings. Contact your parish or find buses from the Diocese of Allentown listed on the diocesan website at http://www.allentowndiocese.org/catholiclife/faith-in-action/being-pro-life/ and in The A.D. Times, in this issue on page 18. Those who cannot attend are asked to unite with their fellow marchers in prayer. For more information on the march, visit http://marchforlife.org/mfl-2017/. VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR The Diocese of Allentown provides assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was sexually abused by a priest, deacon or employee/volunteer of the Diocese/Parish Parents, guardians, children and survivors of sexual abuse are invited and encouraged to contact the Diocese of Allentown for more information about this program. The fullness of compassion should be extended to these victims by the Church. To speak directly to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call the direct line 1-800-791-9209. To learn more about the Diocese of Allentown’s Youth Protection Programs, Sexual Abuse Policy and Code of Conduct, please visit www.allentowndiocese.org and click on “Youth Protection” at top right. COORDINADOR DE ASISTENCIA A LAS VÍCTIMAS La Diócesis de Allentown provee asistencia a cualquier persona que, como menor de edad, fue abusado sexualmente por un sacerdote, diácono o empleado/voluntario de la Diócesis/Parroquia. Los padres, tutores, niños y los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual están invitados a contactar la Diócesis de Allentown para obtener más información sobre este programa. La plenitud de compasión debe extenderse a las víctimas por la Iglesia. Para hablar directamente con el coordinador de asistencia a las víctimas por favor llame a la línea directa 1-800-791-9209. Para obtener más información acerca de los Programas de Protección de la Juventud, Política de Abuso Sexual y el Código de Conducta de la Diócesis de Allentown, por favor visite www.allentowndiocese.org y haga clic en “Protección de la Juventud” en la parte superior derecha.

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December 1, 2016

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Priests gather for faith, fraternity and formation at convocation By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer

Priests of the Diocese of Allentown gathered for faith and fellowship as they attended the Convocation for Priests Nov. 8-11 at Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. “The convocation was an inspiring time for our priests to pray, enjoy fraternity and engage in ongoing formation,” said Bishop John Barres, who addressed clergy during the convocation. One of the Nov.10 morning presentations offered was “Welcoming the New Order of Celebrating Matrimony and Updates to the Marriage Process,” by Father Keith Mathur, director of the diocesan Office of Divine Worship and assistant pastor of Sacred Heart, West Reading; and Robert Olney, coordinator of the diocesan Office of Marriage and Natural Family Planning. Father Mathur reviewed the liturgical changes that take effect Dec. 30 regarding the new Order of Celebrating Matrimony. Olney reviewed the updated process for preparing couples for marriage in the diocese. Another presentation, “Grace-Filled Aging: The Big and Little Pictures,” was offered by Brother Stephen Olert of the St. John Vianney Center, Downingtown, Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Brother Olert, a member of the Fratres Scholarum Christianarum (Brothers of the Christian Schools) (FSC), discussed the spiritual, emotional, physical and practical aspects of the transition from active ministry to retirement. The convocation included presentations, the celebration of Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, confessions, evening prayer, night prayer and Gaudeamus (evening social). Msgr. Victor Finelli, diocesan coordinator of episcopal masters of ceremonies and pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, coordinated the convocation. Paul Acampora, secretary of the diocesan Secretariat for Stewardship and Development, briefly addressed clergy during the Nov. 10 luncheon. Those attending included Mary Fran Hartigan, secretary of the diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization; and Michele Mullikin, diocesan director of stewardship and annual giving. Welcoming the new Order of Celebrating Matrimony and Updates to the Marriage Process An overview of Father Mathur’s presentation included the order of celebrating matrimony within Mass; order of cel-

Father Keith Mathur addresses priests during “Welcoming the New Order of Celebrating Matrimony and Updates to the Marriage Process,” a Nov. 10 morning workshop at the Convocation for Priests Nov. 8-11 at Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. (Photos by John Simitz)

Above, listening to the changes in celebrating matrimony are, from left: Father John Pendzick, pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall; Father Clifton Bishop, pastor of Holy Ghost and Incarnation of Our Lord, Bethlehem; and Father Jerome Tauber, pastor of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown. Right, Father Michael Mullins, pastor of St. Paul, Allentown, reads the new prayers regarding matrimony. ebrating matrimony without Mass; and celebrating matrimony between a Catholic and a catechumen/non-Christian. Father Mathur said the gifts of the new translation are user-friendly prayers, clarification of rubrics, translation that better reflects theology, inclu-

sivity, pastoral/cultural sensitivities and more options. So what has changed? A number of things, including in the introductory rites. For example, the greeting of the bride and groom may be done in two forms with no specific text and not to be done publicly, but rather at the entrance of the church or once they arrive at their places. “Greet them warmly and with joy,” Father Mathur said. The entrance procession is no longer a

Additional reading page 5

Father Keith Mathur and Robert Olney offer the morning presentation on the celebration of matrimony.

detailed procession in the order – a “customary manner” allows for several different approaches. In addition, the penitential act is omitted and the “Ask “Gloria in Eccelsis” is yourself, recited or song. ‘What In the Order of Celdo I need ebrating Matrimony within Mass, regarding to grow the liturgy of the word, in my one reading must exrelationplicitly speak of marship with riage. Ephesians 4:1-6 God?’” is now permitted to be used as a New Testament reading (#807 in the lectionary). During the Easter season, the first reading is to come from the Book of Revelation. In the celebration of matrimony, “Take this ring has been changed to receive this ring,” Father Mathur said. One of the changes in the liturgy of the Eucharist is that the commemoration of the bride and groom takes place in the Eucharistic Prayer. In the Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass, the ceremony can be celebrated by a deacon, but deacons are not permitted to receive the consent of the couple when the marriage takes place within the Mass. “The key differences between within the Mass and without Mass are the Gloria is omitted, the concluding prayer of the Universal Prayer is omitted and the Our Father is recited in its place,” Father Mathur said. “Everything else from the Order of Celebrating Matrimony within Mass applies.” The Order of Celebrating Matrimony between a Catholic and catechumen/nonChristians is a similar format to the Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass. Small changes include the entire rite of reception/introductory rites can be omitted, and there are only one or two readings in the Liturgy of the Word. Father Mathur reviewed best practices in the Diocese of Allentown. A Unity Candle is not permitted in the Order of Celebrating Matrimony or in the Diocese Please see CONVOCATION page 4 }}

Robert Olney, front left, joins priests in listening to Father Keith Mathur’s portion of the presentation.

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of Allentown within the liturgy. “Encourage the couple that if they so desire the Unity Candle, the reception is the more appropriate setting.” The presentation of the couple is not a part of the ritual of the Mass. Within Mass, a non-Catholic may not proclaim the readings without the permission of the diocesan bishop. Without Mass, a nonCatholic is permitted to serve as reader. The bride and groom may not write their own vows. Deacons are not permitted to preside at a wedding when one or both of the new spouses are members of an Eastern Catholic Church, according to Pope Francis’ words of Sept. 15, 2016. The permission of the local bishop is required for the wedding liturgy to take place in a suitable place outside of a Catholic church. Olney said changes to the clergy handbook are seen in the introduction, which clarifies that the One in Christ Marriage Preparation Program is for pre-Cana (engaged), Cana II (remarriage) and couples seeking convalidation. The overview explains new procedures that clergy must follow to download FOCCUS evaluations. FOCCUS will send an email to clergy’s diocesan email accounts directly when a FOCCUS assessment has been completed by the couple. Olney said the handbook “clarifies that the One In Christ program includes five sessions and 11 hours of instruction.” The handbook provides information about the online program for special circumstances, such as the military. It includes the procedures on how the Office

Changes to the order of celebrating matrimony are highlighted in a handout.

Bishop John Barres, right, joins priests listening to “Grace-Filled Aging: The Big and Little Pictures,” presented by Brother Stephen Olert, a member of the Fratres Scholarum Christianarum (Brothers of the Christian Schools) (FSC). of Marriage and Natural Family Planning registers couples for the online option and FOCCUS are provided. “It provides updated statistics on cohabitation and lists updated contact information for Catholic Charities counseling program,” Olney said.

Grace-Filled Aging: The Big and Little Pictures “The aging process began when God breathed life into us,” said Brother Olert. “No matter where we are in the aging process God sees what he created – us, Brother Stephen Olert discusses the spiritual, emotional, me and you – as physical and practical aspects of the transition from active good.” “As we age, ministry to retirement.

Sharing a light moment are, from left, Brother Stephen Olert; Msgr. James Reichert, pastor of St. Rocco, Martins Creek; and Bishop John Barres.

keep in mind formation is ongoing,” said Brother Olert. “Ask yourself, ‘What do I need to grow in my relationship with God?’” Brother Olert told priests that relationship grows in their ministry. He encouraged using the term elder priest and elder brother – not elderly – because they are full of reverence and respect. Priests need to find a purpose of life after retirement, and “continue to know, love, serve and enjoy God and each other.” “As we age remember life is meant to be joyful and happy, but it doesn’t mean we have to be cheerleaders,” Brother Olert said, advising priests to bring levity into their lives. “Be able to laugh at yourself and laugh and joke with each other.” He said priests have a sense of duty no matter their limitations or disabilities, and should feel useful and grateful that they have something to give. “See the simple beauty in being able to be happy. It’s a blessing to me to get up

Msgr. John Campbell, right, pastor emeritus of Queenship of Mary, Allentown, asks a question during Brother Stephen Olert’s presentation. At left is Msgr. James Treston, pastor emeritus of St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring.

Presenters included Bishop Joseph Bamera of the Diocese of Scranton, “The Joy of the Priesthood”; and David Shellenberger, president of the St. John Vianney Center, Downingtown, “Self-Care for Priests: Guarding the Temple.” Shellenberger discussed the physical and emotional aspects of well-being for priests, and how mind, body and spirit together promote healing. Deacon Dr. Bruce Schettini and Dr. Minh Nguyen presented “Pastoral Response to End of Life Issues.” They spoke on pastoral issues regarding questions and concerns surrounding the end of life. The presentation was pastoral in nature as to benefit the priest in his ministry. Deacon Schettini, who serves St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, has been president of the Allentown Guild of the Catholic Medical Association since it was chartered in January 2009. Nguyen is a fellow in the American College of Cardiology and a member of Pennsylvania and Northampton County medical societies.

and put two feet on the floor.” Brother Olert advised priests that as they retire they break out of the routine of meetings and administrative duties. “Have a passion for life. Do something you wanted to do and didn’t have time to do, like painting.” “There is no template for aging or aging well,” Brother Olert said. “The best way is one’s own way. Aging is a lifelong process. Growing older is a privilege. Be Please see CONVOCATION page 5 }}

Vocations The Diocese of Allentown dynamically promotes vocations to the priesthood and religious life. • The diocese is reaching out to young people through social media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. • We are tapping into the energy and enthusiasm of our young priests to find new ways to interest young men and women in the priesthood and religious life. • The diocese has instituted a “Quo Vadis” program, a weeklong summer program of prayer and discernment in which dozens of young men have participated. • A similar program called “Fiat” for young women discerning a call to religious life was debuted last year. • The diocese also assists young adult men who are seriously contemplating the priesthood through an Aspirancy Program. • For more information, visit the diocesan website, www. allentowndiocese.org/thediocese/vocations.

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December 1, 2016

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Welcoming the 2nd Edition of the Order of Celebrating Matrimony in the Diocese of Allentown By Father Keith Mathur, director of the Office for Divine Worship for the Diocese of Allentown, and assistant pastor of Sacred Heart, West Reading and Holy Rosary, Reading. General Background If you plan on attending a Catholic Wedding in the United States in 2017, you are in store for a few subtle, but meaningful changes to the text of the Ritual. The implementation of the 2nd Edition of the “Order of Celebrating Matrimony” takes effect Dec. 30, the Feast of the Holy Family. The new ritual’s journey to the Diocese of Allentown has been a lengthy one. In 1991 St. John Paul II approved the 2nd Latin typical edition for the Universal Church. Nearly 25 years later, the Church in the United States has an approved English version of the 2nd edition for use in the Sacred Liturgy. This new text offers the faithful a translation that better reflects the rich theology of the Sacrament that “the matrimonial covenant derives its force and strength from creation, but for the Christian faithful it is also raised up to a higher dignity, since it is numbered among the Sacraments of the new covenant.” 1 Marriage vs. Matrimony? By simply looking at the outside of the Ritual book, one will notice the change from the old edition: “The Rite of Marriage” to the new translation: “The Order of Celebrating Matrimony.” This literal translation from the Latin “matrimonium” not only more authentically corresponds with the typical edition, but the term Matrimony emphasizes the sacred nature of the Sacrament in which the couple give themselves over to each other. Mass or Ceremony? “The Order of Celebrating Matrimony,” 2nd edition includes three separate rites: 1) Within Mass, 2) Without Mass (commonly referred to as a ceremony), and 3) Matrimony between a Catholic and a Non-Christian. In regards to which option is to be selected, the pastor along with the cou-

ple should decide which is pastorally appropriate for the occasion governed by the norms of the Catholic Church. The Celebration of Matrimony between Father Mathur two Catholics is best celebrated within the context of Mass. Every effort should be made by the pastor and the couple to Father Mathur ensure that the Eucharist is celebrated for two Catholics. The Marriage of a Catholic and a baptized non-Catholic is usually celebrated with the context of a Ceremony (without Mass).2 This option is generally chosen as a sign of respect for the non-Catholic spouse and their family who are not able to receive Holy Communion within Mass. However, if the situation warrants, the option of Celebrating Matrimony within Mass, may be used. “The Order of Celebrating Matrimony,” 2nd edition includes a special rite for Matrimony between a Catholic and a non-Christian. The marriage of a Catholic and a non-Christian does not allow for the option of a Mass, but rather includes a ceremony that is appropriate for the occasion.3 The ministry of a reader within the Celebration of Matrimony serves a key role in proclaiming the living Word of God. Within the context of a Mass, the readings are to be proclaimed by a Catholic; however, for a just cause, only the Bishop may grant permission of a member of another ecclesial community to serve as reader.4 If the Marriage takes place without Mass, a non-Catholic is permitted to serve as reader.

house of the Lord for this celebration, dear brothers and sisters, and now we stand with N. and N. on the day they intend to form a home of their own. For them this is a moment of unique importance. So let us support them with our affection, with our friendship, and with our prayer as their brothers and sisters. Let us listen attentively with them to the word that God speaks to us today. Then, with holy Church, let us humbly pray to God the Father, through Christ our Lord, for this couple, his servants, that he lovingly accept them, bless them, and make them always one.”5 It is also important to note that because of the celebratory nature of the liturgy, if the “Order of Celebrating Matrimony” takes place within Mass, the “Gloria in Excelsis” is sung or recited and the Penitential Act is omitted.

Welcoming Words The new translation offers the celebrant the opportunity to address the couple and all those gathered at the beginning of the celebration in these welcoming words: “We have come rejoicing into the

Cultural Considerations The “Order of Celebrating Matrimony,” 2nd edition includes two optional cultural practices that have their roots in the Hispanic and Filipino customs: The Blessing and Giving of the Arras and the Blessing and Placing of the Lazo. The Arras are typically 13 ceremonial coins that are first blessed by the priest. Following the blessing, the groom hands the coins to his new wife as he pledges to care for her and the home they will build together. The bride receives the coins and then offers them back to her new husband promising the same. The Lazo is a cord or rosary that is placed over the couple’s shoulders, often by the godparents, as a sign of their unity. The couple is blessed while wearing the Lazo, reminding them of the indissoluble bond they have entered.6

1. Order of Celebrating Matrimony, 1. 2. Order of Celebrating Matrimony, 36. 3. Order of Celebrating Matrimony, 118. 4. Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism, 133. 5. Order of Celebrating Matrimony, 52. 6. Order of Celebrating Matrimony, 71b. 7. Amoris Laetitiae, 212. 8. Order of Celebrating Matrimony, 64.

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committed to living. “None of us has been at this stage of your life before.” There are concerns with aging, notable health issues. But “by allowing someone to take care of me, I’ve allowed someone to fulfill their ministry or their job,” he said.

Transition periods are preretirement, partial retirement, disability retirement and full retirement. But priests can minister in retirement. “Many bishops are asking retired priests to help out, especially on the weekends.” “Make a plan for retirement,” Brother Olert said. “See if there is a parish where you can help out on the weekends. “Where there is old life, let there be new life.” Two other presentations offered Nov. 10 included “Chancery/Tribunal: Issues

Receive this Ring Following the homily, the bride and groom along with their witnesses take their place for the Celebration of Matrimony. There are a number of minor changes to the Address to the Bride and Groom, the Questions before the Consent, the Consent, and the Reception of the Consent. Following the Reception of the Consent, a new acclamation to praise God is offered by the priest: “Let us bless the Lord” to which all respond: “Thanks be to God.” Another notable change in the new translation occurs during the Blessing and Giving of Rings. No longer does the bride and groom say “Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity” but now they each say: “Receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.” The change is subtle yet important in conveying the self-giving nature of the Sacrament of Matrimony. This self-giving love is one that is both offered and received mutually.

and Concerns,” by Msgr. Gerald Gobitas, diocesan chancellor and secretary of the Secretariat for Clergy; and Msgr. Thomas Koons, vicar for religious. The talk focused on purely internal matters, as Msgr. Gobitas briefly spoke about making clarifications about filling out the application for marriage dispensations, and Msgr. Koons spoke about taking applications for annulments. Thomas Scalici, a shareholder and co-founder of Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Cornerstone

These cultural practices are now an option for all couples in the United States of America. Commercial Custom The practice of the Unity Candle or even Unity Sand in secular culture has found its way into Catholic liturgy within the last 20 to 30 years. The “Order of Celebrating Matrimony,” 2nd edition does not explicitly mention this popular element in the ritual itself. The question of whether this popular element is permitted in the liturgy must be addressed both thoughtfully and locally. The “Order of Celebrating Matrimony” provides rich symbols that are a part of the tradition of the Church and therefore it would be desirable not to distract or dilute from those which already exist. Therefore, the custom of the Unity Candle/Unity Sand within the liturgy is not permitted in the Diocese of Allentown. The diocese encourages any couple who still desires the use of the Unity Candle on their wedding day to incorporate this secular custom as part of the Grace before Meals at the Reception. Conclusion Pope Francis in his recent instruction “Amoris Laetitiae” offered these words of reflection: “Short-term preparations for marriage tend to be concentrated on invitations, clothes, the party and any number of other details that tend to drain not only the budget but energy and joy as well. The spouses come to the wedding ceremony exhausted, rather than focused and ready for the great step that they are about to take…. “Here let me say a word to fiancés. Have the courage to be different. Don’t let yourselves get swallowed up by a society of consumption and empty appearances. What is important is the love you share, strengthened and sanctified by grace. You are capable of opting for a more modest and simple celebration in which love takes precedence over everything else. “Pastoral workers and the entire community can help make this priority the norm rather than the exception.”7 “The Order of Celebrating Matrimony,” 2nd edition offers the Diocese of Allentown an opportunity for priests, deacons, religious, and the entire faithful to recommit and reawaken our focus on the sacred nature of the Sacrament of Matrimony. May the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God who joined together our first parents in paradise, strengthen and bless in Christ the consent you have declared before the Church so that what God joins together, no one may put asunder.8

Institutional Investors, Inc., presented “Planning for the Future: Financial and Investment Strategies.” Scalici spoke on various strategies in not just financial planning for retirement, but saving in general. He is a parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown and president of the board of limited jurisdiction for St. John Vianney Regional School, Allentown.

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The A.D. Times

Opinion

The king is coming

December 1, 2016

By Father Bernard Ezaki, assistant pastor of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton. More articles by Father Ezaki on his website www.apologyanalogy.com.

Years ago my friend Father Frans Berkhout and I were all ages. George MacDonald, fairy tale author par excelon our way to my sister’s house in Connecticut. Father lence, declared: “I do not write for children, but for the Frans, who was in the driver’s seat, of course, was mak- childlike, whether of 5 or 50 or 75.” ing good time while I was sound asleep in the passenSome of my all-time favorite fairy tales are “The ger’s seat. Eventually I Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewdid wake up, although is. I picked up the first one while in I stayed perfectly still college, and I couldn’t rest until I “And then they will see the Son of as if I were asleep. I dehad devoured all seven. Since then, name of the Great Lion because they were basically very Man coming upon clouds with great cided I’d play a trick on I have returned to these classics good children. power and majesty” – Mark 13:26. Again, all four children learned that Aslan was commy friend. again and again. Ever so softly I beThe first book in the Narnia se- ing, but Aslan’s coming was good news only for those gan to whistle in imitaries is “The Lion, the Witch and the who were living good lives. Now that the church’s liturgical year has drawn to a tion of a police siren. Father Frans looked around franti- Wardrobe.” Four children – Peter, Susan, Edmund and cally, and I perceived a sudden and dramatic decrease in Lucy – find themselves in the enchanted land of Narnia, close and as we are immersed in Advent, our readings at the car’s velocity. which is under the dominion of the evil White Witch, Mass tell us more and more about Christ’s coming again at the end of time to bring about the final defeat of Satan. I began to laugh. “What did you do that for, Bernie?” who makes it always winter but never Christmas. The important question is this: If I knew for certain Father Frans cried in his high-pitched, New-York-acYet the children learn that Aslan, the Great Lion, Son cented voice, “Not for nothing, you could have gotten us of the Emperor over the sea, is coming to set Narnia free. that Jesus were coming sometime tonight, how would that make me feel on the inside? Would I be like Edkilled. I thought they got me.” Here is what Lewis writes: Hmm. How do drivers respond to an approaching po“And now a very curious thing happened. None of mund – filled with guilt and dread because I had been lice car? I think that depends on their consciences, and the children knew who Aslan was, but the moment [his doing something wrong? Or would I be like Peter, Susan their consciences often point to their behavior. name was spoken], everyone felt quite different, as if and Lucy – filled with a sense of longing because I had been living a good life? If a motorist is in trouble – let’s say stranded on the something jumped inside of them. By the end of “The side of the road in the dark of night in a winter snow“Edmund [who was secretly working Lion, the Witch and the storm – he will look on the approaching police car as a for the White Witch] felt a sensation of “Behold, he is coming amid the Wardrobe,” wicked little welcome sign of rescue and deliverance. mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly clouds, and every eye will see Edmund does repent and If a driver is not doing anything wrong but simply go- brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if makes peace with Aslan. ing about her innocent daily business, she will regard the some delicious smell or some delightful him” – Revelation 5:7. He actually turns out to police car as no big deal. If, however, a driver has been strain of music had just floated by her. be a great hero and king. doing something wrong or illegal, he will, at the first And Lucy got the feeling you have when sight of the police, experience a very unpleasant adrenal- you wake up in the morning and you realize that it’s the It is he who ultimately breaks the White Witch’s golden wand. in rush. He will regard the siren and flashing lights with beginning of the Holidays or the beginning of summer. If we are not comfortable at the thought of Christ’s uneasiness or downright dread. Notice: While all four children heard the name Aslan, How we respond to an approaching police car all de- each felt differently about that name, and the way he felt coming at the end of time, maybe we had better repent pends on how we have been behaving. I often tell some- depended on how he was behaving. Edmund was horri- and make peace with Jesus while there is still time. Who thing similar to school children, only not about police, fied by the thought of Aslan because, unlike his siblings, knows what great things Christ has in store for us. Remember, Christ is coming – but without a siren. but about fairy tales. he had met the White Witch and was under her spell. A good fairy tale will appeal to the young at heart of Peter, Susan, and Lucy, on the other hand, rejoiced at the

Knights raising funds to help situation facing persecuted Christians Addressing the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Maronite Bishop Gregory Mansour

called on the bishops of the United States to bring wider attention to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East to their parishes and political leaders. The Maronite leader said he hoped that the new four-year strategic plan adopted by the conference would incorporate a robust advocacy for religious freedom in the rest of the world. While referring to the acts of kidnapping, torture and killings by the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, Bishop

Mansour said that attention must be given to attacks on the religious freedom of Christians throughout the Middle East. He encouraged the bishops to take several steps to “increase our communion with our brothers and sisters there” including raising funds for the humanitarian work of various organizations, including the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus have created a website focusing on the plight of persecuted Christians in the Middle East,

“Christian Refugee Relief,” at www. kofc.org/en/christianRelief/index.html, where people may find information and donate to this worthy cause. Donations may also be sent to Knights of Columbus Headquarters, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510, or call 203-752-4000 for information. Please make checks payable to “Knights of Columbus Charities” and in the memo line of the check reference “Christian Refugee Relief.”

December 1, 2016

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Jubilee }}Continued from page 1

the Door of Mercy at the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. “While the Jubilee Year is over and the Door of Mercy has been physically closed, we continue to open the doors of mercy in our lives that Christ stands at at each moment “While the and in each day of Jubilee Year our lives,” he said. is over and “We open the Doors of Mercy of the Door of our parishes and Mercy has this Cathedral of been physiSt. Catharine of cally closed, Siena daily to the we continue mercy of Christ expressed in the corto open poral and spiritual the doors works of mercy. of mercy And in a special in our lives way today, we that Christ stand with the martyred and persecutstands at at ed Christian famieach molies of the Middle ment and in East. each day of “We open the our lives.” doors of mercy of our confessionals with the inspired understanding that the sacrament of penance is the epicenter of Christ’s mercy working through the church to the world. “We open the doors of mercy in our homes to a new living of the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan, realizing that when we live the spirit of the Good

World Samaritan in our marriages and families, we will live it so much more deeply and effectively with the entire human family. “We open the doors of mercy where we work when we mentor, support, build a bridge or listen to a colleague.” Bishop Barres said as we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King and anticipate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, “We remember the Mexican martyrs of the 1920s who helped inspire Pope Pius XI in 1925 to institute this liturgical celebration of Christ the King.” The bishop said it was Mexican martyrs like the Jesuit Blessed Miguel Pro, who at the moment of their executions, shouted joyfully and courageously from the rooftops of the world in a way that rings around the world even today, “Que Vive Cristo Rey y La Virgen de Guadalupe!”/“Long live Christ the King and the Virgin of Guadalupe!” Bishop Barres said we go to these Mexican martyrs and to the intercession of the saints of North, Central and South America as we rejoice in the gift of our Latino families in the Diocese of Allentown. “Just as the humble St. Juan Diego unfurled the beautiful multi-colored image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, so too has Christ Our King unfurled in the Church of the United States of America the rich multi-colored tilma of the vibrant Catholic faith of our Latino families which enriches and strengthens every dimension of our Church’s life,” he said. “So together we move forward into the future of the mission of the church in the world, a future which expresses that mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel and that mercy is at the heart of the mission of the church in the world.”

December 1, 2016

Deacon Robert Snyder carries the Word of God in the opening procession.

Bishop John Barres leads the opening procession. At left are Deacon John Rother and Father Kevin Lonergan.

Bishop John Barres greets parishioners after the Mass. Vibrant Parishes as Schools of Prayer and the New Evangelization Above, the Cathedral Choir, directed by Beverly McDevitt, sings during the liturgy.

The Diocese of Allentown is committed to pastoral and strategic planning that cultivates vibrant parishes that are schools of prayer and the New Evangelization. • Vibrant parishes make a vibrant diocese. • The diocese is a champion of the parish and respects the individual identity and charism of each parish (principle of subsidiarity) while seeking to see the individual needs of each parish in the context of pastoral diocesan/regional planning, planning that makes the parish and the diocese together prophetic catalysts of holiness and mission. • Pope Francis: “The parish is not an outdated institution; precisely because it possesses great flexibility, it can assume quite different contours depending on the openness and missionary creativity of the pastor and the community…. In all its activities the parish encourages and trains its members to be evangelizers.”

Right, the Door of Mercy at the cathedral featured the papal coat of arms, left, and the Good Shepherd looking for his flock.

Special activities in diocese during Year of Mercy Diocesan-sponsored events for the Year of Mercy included an opening and closing Mass, Lenten Day of Mercy, 24 hours of confessions during Lent in every deanery, articles and a special logo in The A.D. Times, displaying the Mercy Cross on confessional doors throughout the entire Year of Mercy. Also, Year of Mercy parchment in every parish/high school/diocesan office, diocesan prayer card, parishes having extra time for confessions throughout the year and a diocesan Year of Mercy Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. “For Catholic Charities, we focused on a few special Year of Mercy activi-

ties,” said Pam Russo, secretary of the diocesan Secretariat for Human Services and executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown. “In July, we held the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat weekends in English and Spanish for anyone affected by abortion. We offered ‘scholarships’ for those who could not afford to attend. “Also in July, we hosted groups from Catholic Heart Work Camp at Catholic Charities’ Community Center. As part of the Year of Mercy, we wanted a mural painted that would articulate the love and caring for our neighbors in need. The students painted two beautiful murals,” Russo said. “We worked with several schools

throughout the year to ‘Feed the Hungry/ Give Drink to the Thirsty’ – whereby the schools held several food drives for emergency pantries.” Finally, a staff retreat was held in October that focused on the Year of Mercy. Father Andrew Gehringer, pastor of Holy Infancy, Bethlehem, was featured presenter for the retreat at St. Francis Center for Renewal, Monocacy Manor, Bethlehem. Mary Fran Hartigan, secretary of the diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization, listed the secretariat’s events and offers for the Year of Mercy: Faith and Spirits: Father Forgive Them: The Role of Forgiveness, March 7; Apologetics Forum: Indulgences, June 2.

Also, Faith and Spirits: Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage, Sept. 15; Hope for the Suffering, Oct. 3; Apologetics Forum: Socialism and Catholicism, Oct. 12; Men’s Conference: Encounter Mercy and Truth, Nov. 5; Girl Scout Jubilee Year of Mercy Event, Nov. 19. The Diocesan Year of Mercy website page listed a theme each month, and the monthly Adult Formation Newsletter contained a Year of Mercy Reflection that focused on the monthly theme. To focus on the gift of mercy, Father Bernard Ezaki, assistant pastor of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, composed A Prayer for Mercy. In addition, many parishes in the diocese hosted special observances and devotions.

Diocese

December 1, 2016

The A.D. Times

Workshop focuses on ‘Calling Youth to Mission: Equipping Young Disciples’ By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer

The diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry (OYYAFM) hosted the newest workshop from the Center for Ministry Development – “Calling Youth to Mission: Equipping Young Disciples” – Nov. 12 at St. Mary, Kutztown. Parishes and Catholic schools are called to form young people as missionary disciples in the world. Approximately 25 laity and religious sisters attended the daylong workshop that shared effective ways to engage youth and empower them as young disciples growing as witnesses to their faith. The day included vision and practical ideas for these topics: Calling Youth to Missionary Discipleship, Growing as Leaders in Our Relationship with Jesus, Transforming Youth Ministry into Disciple-Building, Supporting Families of Disciples, Knowing Young People Today, Equipping Young Disciples, and Accompanying Youth. Joan Weber was presenter for the day. Weber is coordinator of National Workshop Series and the Lifelong Faith Formation at the Center for Ministry Development, Gig Harbor, Washington. She also serves as co-coordinator for Young Neighbors in Action. She holds a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska and a certificate in faith and justice. Weber is the former president of the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association and content editor and author for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ book “Connecting Young Adults to Catholic Parishes.” On hand for the day were Sue Matour, director of OYYAFM; Alexa Donscecz and Samantha Hennis, assistant coordinators of OYYAFM; and Mary Fran Hartigan, secretary of the diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization. Youth and Young Adults •

The Diocese of Allentown provides diocesanwide and regional youth events throughout the year.

•

Increase the service activities and spirituality of the Catholic Youth Organization.

•

Offer young adults opportunities to gather for community and fellowship, which include service- and faith-based activities. Serve as a resource to parishes in the formation of youth and young adults as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Weber noted in his address of Sept. 13, 2014, Pope Francis said this “is what Jesus wants today: missionary disciples.” The first session, “Following Christ – Mini Retreat” noted as leaders, our attention to our own conversion as disciples is the source of our ministry. This session began in prayer that followed Jesus’ call and formation of the early disciples. Participants recalled their encounter, the communities that deepen their relationship with Christ, their experience of the practices of discipleship, and their engagement in mission and ministry. In the second session, “Calling Youth to Missionary Discipleship,” through exploration of the research and shared experience of faith communities, participants explored the process for engaging today’s youth and helping them grow as disciples. The third session was “Becoming a Disciple Building Parish.” To help young disciples grow, we change the way we look at all aspects of our ministry with youth and families. Participants reflected on their parish ministries and imagined new ways to support families of disciples and engage in new methods for helping youth grow in their relationship with Christ. This included presentation of tools and resources for growing disciples. The fourth session was “Disciple Building Action Plan.” Each community has what it needs to support and form young disciples. In this final session, participants developed a step-by-step plan for accompanying youth in their response to Christ’s presence in their life. Presenting the morning session “Calling Youth to Missionary Discipleship,” Weber said to grow young disciples, it’s important to provide encounters that en-

Those attending discuss and review materials.

relationships, peer relationships, and a variety of communities in which they gather for common interests and shared action. “Practices that form include prayer and reading Scripture and the sacraments,” Weber said. “For younger children, it can be helping with Vacation Bible School.” Weber said youth and young adults hunger to know and understand what friendship in Christ really means in their life. They want to know the Gospels; they seek the teachings of the faith. They long for a way to find answers to their quesAbove, Joan Weber presents “Calling tions. Youth to Mission: Equipping Young “Youth and young adults grow in their Disciples” Nov. 12 at St. Mary, Kutz- faith understanding when they experience town. faith in action, when they learn about Scripture and when they learn about the Left, “Young disciples experience a teachings of our church. They are formed chance to serve others through acts by the practice of discipleship.” of service, ministry and leadership,” Weber’s advice on providing a misWeber says. sion that energizes? “Give them a mission that gives them goosebumps – a mission that is noble, captures the imagination and ultimately builds up the kingdom of God.” Weber said youth and young adults hunger to make a difference, to be able to contribute and share their gifts. They gage, relationships that deepen, practices learn about their gifts through relationships and through the community. Somethat form and mission that energizes. “Provide encounters that are giving one trusts them and gives them a chance them opportunities to experience Jesus to do something that matters – something that makes a difference for someone. personally,” Weber said. “Young disciples experience a chance She explained like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, young people are to serve others through acts of service, ministry and leaderoften bewildered and ship,” she said. filled with questions. In the ensuing They long to encoun“Give them a mission that discussion period, ter Christ, and they gives them goosebumps. Weber noted that want to have someencounters, relationA mission that is noble, one walk with them in ships, practices and their questions. They captures the imagination mission “are not a want a first-hand exand ultimately builds up linear process” that perience of God, and the kingdom of God.” have to occur in that they want that experiorder, but “encounence to be connected ters are always the to their everyday life. “Youth and young adults encounter heart.” “Parental involvement is so important God in sacraments, prayer, community, in the Word, nature, service, witness, friend- – we have to involve the parents,” she ship, acts of kindness, hospitality, silence, said. Weber said other important points to creativity, art and music.” “Family members and mentors can remember are affirmation – assuring chilprovide relationships that deepen faith,” dren they can do it; making sure children are involved in the parish, diocese and the Weber said. She said youth and young adults hun- larger Roman Catholic Church; having ger to belong, to have a community that children spend time with their pastors; cares about and accepts them. “Like all and involving youth more at Mass. The Center for Ministry Development of us, young Catholics can feel insecure and wonder if they are worthy of love and promotes the development of ministry and catechesis with youth and families friendship. “They experience God’s presence in a through leadership formation, service community when they experience being learning, and resources rooted in Cathowelcomed, accepted, affirmed, and chal- lic tradition and Scripture. Several free lenged. Relationships deepen their ex- resources from its Youth Ministry Access perience of God and provide models for and Fashioning Faith subscription websites – such as PowerPoints, handouts discipleship.” Weber said youth and young adults and other resources from the workshop experience belonging in their family, the – are available at www.cmdnet.org/cytmchurch community, friendships, mentor- resource.

Tom Dowd, parishioner of St. Clare of Assisi, St. Clair, and Heidi Wilson, parishioner of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, review discussion questions.

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Youth & Young Adults

CYO Diocesan Spelling Bee

Above, the CYO Diocesan Spelling Bee was Nov. 6 at St. John Neumann Regional School, Palmerton. Sixth grade winners are, from left: third place, Amanda Koehler, St. Theresa School, Hellertown; second, Bella Bartashus, Assumption BVM School, Pottsville; and first, Samuel Owens, Holy Family School, Nazareth. Above right, seventh grade winners are, from left: first place, Dominic Chewey, Assumption BVM School, Pottsville; second, Bennett McNamara, Assumption BVM School; and third, Autumn Slater, St. Joseph Regional Academy, Jim Thorpe. Right, eighth grade winners are, from left: second place, Ashleigh Meskill, St. Joseph the Worker School, Orefield; first, Seamus McGee, St. Thomas More School, Allentown; and third, Luke Bender, St. Anne School, Bethlehem.

December 1, 2016

December 1, 2016

Youth & Young Adults

The A.D. Times

Tapping into ‘The Problem of Evil: Finding God in Violence’ By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer

“Violence is one component in the larger component of evil, particularly suffering,” said Father David Kozak, presenting “The Problem of Evil: Finding God in Violence” at Theology on Tap Nov. 21 at Viva Bistro and Lounge, Reading. Father Kozak is assistant pastor of St. Peter the Apostle, Reading. Theology on Tap is a young adult speaker series sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry (OYYAFM) for married and single young adults, scheduled for the third Monday of every month at various locations in the diocese. It is designed to allow young adults to come together in a comfortable and relaxed setting to share community, learn more about their faith and discuss faith topics relevant to their life experiences. It originated in the Archdiocese explain why there’s suffering. You of Chicago, Ill. Alexa Doncsecz, assistant coordi- don’t have the right to speculate unless nator of OYYAFM, welcomed those you’ve experienced it. “You run up against a brick wall gathered. Also attending were Sue Matour, director of OYYAFM; and Father when you try to fathom evil and sufStephan Isaac, assistant pastor of St. Ig- fering. You can’t turn to philosophers. All you can turn toward is God’s revnatius Loyola, Sinking Spring. In his presentation, Father Kozak at elation.” Father Kozak said the Christian retimes cited the writings of St. Teresa of Calcutta and Servant of God Dorothy sponse to suffering is not philosophical theodicy, that is justifying the ways of Day. Day, who died in 1980, was a Brook- God to man’s limited intellect. Nor, he lyn-born journalist, social activist and said, is it “facile, Pollyannaish,” exdevout Catholic convert. In the 1930s plaining away suffering as “all for the she worked closely with fellow activ- best” or “God’s will.” “Our discourse ist Peter Maurin to about the subject establish the Cathof suffering and olic Worker move“You run up against a brick pain must come ment, a nonviolent, wall when you try to fathom from an experienpacifist movement evil and suffering. You can’t tial witness that is that continues to turn to philosophers. All you not detached from combine direct can turn toward is God’s the suffering peraid for the poor revelation.” son,” Father Koand homeless with zak said. “What nonviolent, direct matters is not the action on their beintellectual construct or ‘issue’ of jushalf. Day was proposed for sainthood tifying the existence of suffering. The by the Claretian Missionaries in 1983. important issue is the person who is Blessed Pope John Paul II gave the suffering.” Father Kozak said Day and the CathArchdiocese of New York permission olic Worker’s intellectual roots are in to open Day’s cause for sainthood in March 2000, making her a “Servant the philosophical school of Emmanuel of God” in the eyes of the Catholic Mounier through Maurin. “It’s not philosophical speculation Church. Father Kozak noted Day went but faith reflection on the Word of through a conversion at St. Patrick’s God,” he said. Father Kozak said the gradual maCathedral in New York City. He recalled in 1948, Day had written turing of our view of evil and suffer“It’s hard to reconcile one’s self to such ing from being seen as a punishment is suffering,” and encouraged people to seen through the Book of Job’s deeper see this suffering “In the light of God’s understanding of the reality of suffering just persons. love.” “Some people of faith believe evil “When you come up against the reality of suffering, it’s not theodicy – and punishment come about because of trying to justify God’s way to humans,” our sins. That’s a very distorted view of God with a thunderbolt handing out Father Kozak said. “You can’t get in God’s head and punishment,” Father Kozak said, addYouth and Young Adults • • •

The Diocese of Allentown provides diocesanwide and regional youth events throughout the year. Increase the service activities and spirituality of the Catholic Youth Organization. Offer young adults opportunities to gather for community and fellowship, which include service- and faith-based activities.Serve as a resource to parishes in the formation of youth and young adults as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Above, Father David Kozak, left, chats with, from left, Lauren Walter, Heather Shainline, Josh Petrauskas and Father Stephan Isaac, back. Left, Father David Kozak listens to a question while presenting “The Problem of Evil: Finding God in Violence” at Theology on Tap Nov. 21 at Viva Bistro and Lounge, Reading. (Photos by John Simitz)

The group enjoys mingling during the evening event, including Sue Matour and Alexa Doncsecz, front right, and Father Stephan Isaac, back left.

ing we have free will to choose what roads we take in life. Father Kozak spoke of the “poetry of dialogue” between Job and God. Job, he said, shakes his fist at God and says God can’t punish him for his sins because he’s a good person. “It’s OK to shake your fist at God, he has thick skin. He’s not going to respond with a thunderbolt.” “God says it’s not for Job to question him, not like an angry parent, but more like, ‘Trust me and understand,’” Father Kozak said. Job repents and gets his family and home back. Father Kozak said the full maturity of Hebrew scripture’s understanding of suffering is in Isaiah’s “Songs of the Suffering Servant” that we read every Good Friday. “Suffering endured out of love is the key to the lock of our Christian message,” Father Kozak said. “It’s the cross of Jesus as the fullness of God’s revelation regarding pain, loss and suffering. “The disciple of Jesus is to take up his or her own cross. Following him implies walking the Way of the Cross, leading to salvation.” Father Kozak said Jesus tells us the suffering of people is not the result of them being sinners.

“The Passion shows us suffering can be redemptive.” Father Kozak said in his ministry in Reading he points to the cross when speaking with people who are suffering, and says, “Here’s somebody walking beside you.” “I’m edified by groups, including youth groups, from suburban Reading parishes – like St. Ignatius – coming to serve at the Kennedy House Soup Kitchen,” Father Kozak said. St. Teresa of Calcutta, he said, had many references to seeing Christ in the poorest and the most helpless. “Spiritual suffering is the darkness of faith. For maybe 20 years Mother Teresa lived ‘the dark night of the soul’ and didn’t think a loving, compassionate God was by her side,” Father Kozak said. “But this strengthened her commitment to serve the poorest of the poor. “Mother Teresa said our own suffering is a sharing of the passion of Christ. Without suffering our work would be just social work, which is good, but not part of the work of Jesus Christ.” Theology on Tap events are free of charge. Food and beverage can be ordered from the menu at the event site. For more information, visit www.allentowndiocese.org/oyyam or email

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Diocese

December 1, 2016

Catholic Christmas gifting choices are plentiful in our diocese By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer

If Catholic items are on your gift-giving list this Christmas, choices abound in various areas of the Diocese of Allentown. Stores to dash to include Abundant Graces, Bethlehem; Hackman’s Bible Book Store, Whitehall; The Way to Emmaus, Emmaus; and Holy Infancy Gift Shop, Bethlehem. Two retreat centers in the diocese also have gift shops worth perusing for Catholics on your list: McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center, Reading; and St. Francis Retreat Center, Easton.

Stores Abundant Graces Terri O’Connell and Laura Smith are the owners of Abundant Graces, which offers an array of merchandise in Bethlehem Township. Merchandise carried throughout the year includes books on all topics for adults and kids; Bibles; DVDs; music; inspirational gifts for all sacraments from birth to death; liturgical supplies; everyday essentials such as rosaries, scapula, daily readings, jewelry; T-shirts; nativities; saint statues for indoor and outdoor; Fontanini; cards; artwork; and more. “We have inspiration ’round every corner,” Smith said. Recommendations for gifts include jewelry – bracelets and medals; saint and angel statues; books – informative books on the saints and about the church, adult coloring books, prayer books to novels and lots in-between; and anything Pope Francis talks about. Abundant Graces 3348 Easton Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18020 610- 865-1702 www.abundantgracesonline.com Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday closed. Hackman’s Bible Book Store Joseph and Marcia Hackman are the owners of Hackman’s, an institution for religious goods in the Lehigh Valley for decades.

Young shoppers at The Way to Emmaus, Emmaus enjoy seeing all the animals in the Fontanini Nativity, a popular choice this Christmas season. (Photo courtesy The Way to Emmaus)

A shopper peruses inspirational titles in the book section, popular items this Christmas season at Abundant Graces, Bethlehem. (Photo courtesy Abundant Graces)

Immaculate Waters natural lavender soap, hand and body lotion, and bath and shower liquid soap are among the items trending this Christmas season at Hackman’s Bible Book Store, Whitehall. Immaculate Waters are made with pure Lourdes grotto water. (Photo courtesy Hackman’s Bible Book Store) Year-round merchandise includes Bibles, books, music, cards, church supplies and more.

Hot right now are “The Magnolia Story,” by Chip and Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino – the Gaines’ are stars of “Fixer Upper”; personalized ornaments; Merry Christmas from Heaven ornaments; baby baptism gifts; and Immaculate Water Lotions. Hackman’s Bible Book Store 1341 Mickley Road Whitehall, PA 18052 610-264-8600 or 1-800-345-1341 www.hackmans.com Holiday hours: Through Friday, Dec. 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (closed Sunday). Normal hours: daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Sunday). The Way to Emmaus The Way to Emmaus is owned and operated by Susan Kirby, parishioner of St. Ann, Emmaus, who said the shop is “a favorite destination for families that are looking for Christ-centered Christmas gifts.” “Things that that we carry year round would include a large selection of rosaries, religious jewelry, religious art, numerous statues and cards for all occasions. Our book selection includes books for adults and children on the saints, sac-

raments, missals, prayer books, Bibles, as well as books to help you live out your faith,” Kirby said. “We have everyday gifts for baptisms, weddings and birthdays. Seasonally we have gifts for First Holy Communion, confirmation, graduation and ordination.” Trending this Christmas shopping season are inspirational adult coloring books; a number of kitchen items with a fun inspirational message; and traditional Catholic jewelry, especially a new jewelry line of charm lockets called “Forever in My Heart,” which can be personalized. The Way to Emmaus is passionate about nativity sets. The traditional sets are beautiful – one set even has real gold, frankincense and myrrh. They have a wall filled with Fontanini, the nativity pieces are imported from Italy and can be added to year after year to fully customize your own special re-creation of the birth of Christ. There are many unique sets that are fun to check out; one is gumball sized, and there is even an Eskimo nativity with an igloo stable and a reindeer. The Way to Emmaus 1325 Chestnut St. Emmaus, PA 18049 610-965-8855 www.WaytoEmmaus.com Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday closed. Holy Infancy Gift Shop “We are a mission to our Catholic brothers and sisters,” said Mary Ann Rich, manager of Holy Infancy Gift Shop on the southside of Bethlehem. The shop carries religious gifts for every occasion, church goods and clerical apparel throughout the year. Items include statues, rosaries, crucifixes, all types of medals, all the latest Catholic books and prayer books, cards, scapulars, videos, statues from Peru, CDs, children’s books, baptism gifts, holy cards, Catholic wall art, rosary supplies and jewelry. Church goods include altar linens, altar candles, altar breads, statues, ordos, sacred vessels, charcoal, incense, Emkay liquid candle wax, lectionaries, liturgical calendars, and palm and ashes. Clerical apparel includes shirts, vestments, albs and cinctures. Popular this Christmas season are medals, rosaries, statues and Nativity scenes. “If something is not seen and desired, it can be ordered, if possible,” said Rich. Holy Infancy Gift Shop 324 E. Fourth St. Bethlehem PA 18015 610-866-9360 Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday closed.

Retreat centers McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center’s The Canticle Gift Shop Many items are available for giftgiving at The Canticle Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Gift Shop at the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center. Looking for inspiring and religious gifts that reflect your Catholic faith? Visit The Canticle Gift Shop opened by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 2002 after the motherhouse renovations and construction of the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center. Please see SHOPS page 13 }}

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cifixes. A number of years ago the Franciscans decided to increase the size of the shop to add some unique products made by monks, friars, sisters, nuns and her}}Continued from page 1 mits. The shop has been known to say, “We Selections include: baptismal gifts, confirmation gifts, First Communion carry everything from caramels to casgifts, angel items, rosaries, medals, Fran- kets,” and it’s true. It offers delicious ciscan specialty items – San Damiano creamy caramels from the Trappistine Crosses, medals, statues by Roman, auto nuns, and is a contact point for simple but magnificent solid wood visor clips, catechist/ caskets and urns made teacher and nurse reby the Trappist monks. membrances, and spe“We have inspiration Some of the most cialty and Mass cards. ’round every corner.” favorite featured items Angel items, Holy available include feaFamily statues and auto visor clips are trending this Christmas tured “Shark Tank” TV show successes, handmade soaps, Mystic Monk coffee, season. handmade candies and jellies, and spiriMcGlinn Conference and Spirituality tual books and CDs. Trending this Christmas season are Center’s The Canticle Gift Shop Mystic Monk coffee; handmade can460 St. Bernardine St. dies; and their specialty fruit cake from Reading, PA 19607 the Trappist Monks out of Ava, Missouri, 484-334-6807 voted the No. 1 fruitcake in America. www.bfranciscan.org-conferencecenter Hours: Wednesday 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; for special events, as St. Francis Retreat Center 3918 Chipman Road well as on request. Easton, PA 18045 610-258-3053 St. Francis Retreat Center Tucked away near the rear entrance of www.stfrancisretreathouse.org St. Francis Retreat House is a small gift Hours: Hours vary, but most weekdays shop that offers some very unique items. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with limThe shop has always offered the stan- ited hours Sunday. Call ahead to let them dard fare of religious stores, including know you are coming and they will be books, statuary, rosaries, icons and cru- happy to open the shop for you.

Shops

A Nativity scene is displayed at Holy Infancy Gift Shop, Bethlehem, where Nativity scenes are one of the suggested gift-giving selections this Christmas season. (Photo courtesy Holy Infancy Gift Shop)

Above, gathering among displayed merchandise at The Canticle Gift Shop at the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center, Reading are, from left: Bernardine Franciscan Sister Maria Bartos; Sister Jean Jacobchik; a guest; Jessica Chadwick, muralist; Sister Christen Shukwit; and Sister Shaun Kathleen. Angel items, Holy Family statues and auto visor clips are trending this Christmas season at the shop. (Photo courtesy McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center) Right, a sampling of the merchandise available this Christmas season at the gift shop at St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, where Mystic Monk coffee, handmade candies and their specialty fruit cake from the Trappist Monks out of Ava, Missouri – voted the No. 1 fruitcake in America – are popular this Christmas season. (Photo courtesy St. Francis Retreat Center)

Easton Catholic High School reunion Notre Dame High School (NDHS), Easton hosted the 2016 Easton Catholic High School (ECHS) reunion Oct. 2 at Green Pond Golf Club. ECHS was founded by Father P.J. McDeavitt in 1909. It closed after graduation in 1957 as Cardinal John O’Hara, archbishop of Philadelphia, opened NDHS. The 31 alumni and their guests enjoyed an afternoon sharing stories, memories and friendships. Marie Pasch, Class of 1932, “senior” member of the alumni group present at the event, was treated to a special happy birthday, commemorating her 100th birth-

day earlier this year. Jeanette Hammerstone Lucey, Class of 1936, celebrated her 80th reunion at the event and was joined by nine family members. Lewis Chillot and James Tone, both Class of 1956, celebrated their 60th anniversary of graduation. The ECHS Alumni Association has contributed to the success of NDHS for many years, generously donating to various needs of the school, such as the grotto and chapel renovations. The members are now building a scholarship endowment to reward the Spirit of Service to a NDHS student.

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Annual collection supports eldercare needs of religious communities The annual Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR) collection will be conducted the weekend of Dec. 10-11 in the Diocese of Allentown. Coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO), the parishbased appeal benefits nearly 33,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests whose communities lack adequate retirement savings. The Diocese of Allentown contributed $30,062.70 to the last collection. In 2016, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, Cistercian Fathers, Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart and the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood received a combined total of $297,174.08 in financial assistance made possible by RFR. Additionally, the Diocese of Allentown, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Harrisburg, also distributes funding to local religious communities to support retirement needs. Catholic bishops of the United States initiated the collection in 1988 to address the significant lack of retirement funding among U.S. religious communities. Proceeds help underwrite retirement and health care expenses. Nearly 95 percent of donations directly support senior religious and their communities. The appeal raised $30.7 million in 2015, the sixth highest total in its history.

As a result, the NRRO distributed $25 million to 401 religious congregations. These funds supplement the day-today care of elderly religious and help their congregations implement longrange retirement strategies. Throughout

the year, additional funding is allocated for congregations with the greatest needs. “We are humbled by the love and support that Catholics across the nation share with our senior religious,” said Sister Stephanie Still, a member of the Sisters

of the Presentation and NRRO executive director. The retirement-funding deficit is rooted in low salaries and changing demographics. Traditionally, Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests – known collectively as women and men religious – worked for small stipends. As a result, many religious communities lack adequate retirement savings. At the same time, elderly religious are living longer and now outnumber younger, wage-earning religious. Among communities providing data to the NRRO, 68 percent have a median age of 70 or above. The income of those engaged in compensated ministry cannot keep pace with the growing cost of eldercare. In addition to providing financial support for immediate needs, proceeds from the annual appeal underwrite educational initiatives in retirement planning and eldercare delivery. Workshops, webinars and print resources, for example, address topics ranging from property-planning to caring for members with dementia. “Our mission is to help religious communities meet current eldercare needs while preparing for the ones to come,” said Sister Stephanie. “We remain grateful for all those who support these efforts.” For more information, visit www.retiredreligious.org.

Bringing the Holy Doors of Mercy home in Jim Thorpe The sweet sounds of first and second grade voices filled St. Joseph Church, Jim Thorpe with “Be merciful, be merciful, just like our Father in heaven,” while third- and fourth-graders worked on their Holy Door art project. For two weeks in August approximately 90 students in the Jim Thorpe Regional Whole Community Catechesis program focused on their catechetical studies, along with art and music. “Our Whole Community Catechesis summer program is what I describe as faith immersion. We begin our day with Morning Prayer in church, have classes, and break them up with art and music.” explained Kathleen Daday Merkel, coordinator of religious education for the parishes of Immaculate Conception BVM and St. Joseph in Jim Thorpe. “Children learn in different ways – some students are tactile learners and some are auditory. We try to teach in many ways, just as in church – smells and bells.” Each year the program has a different theme; this year it was the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The first week concentrated on the Corporal Works of Mercy. Art class was filled with projects dealing with mercy – the students made a paper version of the Jubilee Holy Door of Mercy to take home, and the older students created two full-size banners or “quilts,” stylized versions of the jubilee door, to cover the doors at each parish. The art project the second week combined both Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy by decorating comfort bags for the homebound, and those in nursing homes and assisted living homes. The students decorated bags, collected items to fill them and created cards for the people, letting them know that the children would be praying for them. Lay ministers from both parishes and Father James Ward, pastor of Immaculate Conception, delivered the comfort bags. The program that is used is “Our Sunday Visitor,” and the catechists cover the material that is usually covered in the 26week school year. When the program began Father

Francis Baransky, pastor of St. Joseph, asked that the children have “catechism” questions based on what they are learning. Although the students don’t have to memorize, they are expected to know the answers. They take an assessment at the end of each week to show they are proficient in their classwork. Kerrie and Bridget Koller, students at Allentown Central Catholic High School, volunteered as aides in the classroom and the art room. “We loved listening to the song ‘Be Merciful,’” they said. “The first- and second-graders were amazing, and we found ourselves singing it at home after the program was over.” St. Joseph’s music director, Michael Seroka, wrote the song especially for this year’s program. Catechists and aides worked hard to provide a great experience for the students. “It is wonderful that so many confirmation students come back as aides to help in the classrooms or wherever they are needed,” said Father Ward, who also teaches the eighth grade class. The students really enjoy putting on a short skit each week that also complements the theme. The first week the skit was the Good Samaritan, the second week the students came up with the title “Cool Dude and the Rad Dad” instead of the Prodigal Son. In the skits there are chorus members, speakers and actors – everyone participates. The students make the props and come up with simple costumes. With only 15 minutes of play practice each day, they are able to act out an adaptation of some of the Bible stories. The closing prayer service, which is also in church, exposes the children to many different types of prayer connected to the theme. The first week there is always a Reconciliation Service where the students are encouraged to go to confession. Some years the prayer services include Benediction or Stations of the Cross. This year the students prayed a decade of the rosary for Mary, Our Mother of Mercy, along with celebrating the Feast of St. John Vianney.

Above, Father James Ward with students from Immaculate Conception, Jim Thorpe. Below, students and aides from St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe.

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Catholic school spotlight on new principals

St. John Vianney Regional School, Allentown 1. What is your background? Are you new to the diocese? In my professional experience I have worked as a teacher, facilitator and administrator at Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit, Schnecksville, and adjunct professor at Gwynedd-Mercy University. I hold a bachelor of science degree in special education from East Stroudsburg University; a master of science degree in early childhood literacy from Wilkes University; and a doctor of education in curriculum and instruction from Liberty University, Lynchburg Virginia. I am new to working for the diocese; but, in my previous role, I oversaw state programs provided for diocesan schools and managed the budget to increase the amount of services offered.

2. Why do you believe in Catholic education? I have always felt that my work in education was an act of service to God, and a means of changing and improving the world; however, nowhere does this happen more than in Catholic education. We are raising disciples, with solid academic skills, as well as a foundation of virtues, to ensure that our students will compete in what is now a global economy while making ethical decisions. 3. What are some new exciting things going on in your school? Our board has invested in our technology infrastructure and increased access to technology for all students. One of the reasons St. John Vianney Regional School is so special is that the staff strives

to meet the needs of every student and aims to help all students excel. Now the staff is able to incorporate additional 21st century tools to assist all students in their journey. 4. What is your goal for your school? The staff and I are collaborating to create our own schoolwide positive discipline model to consistently and thoroughly teach and reinforce discipleship behaviors. We are working to showcase our Catholic identity and ensure that the outcome for all students is strong moral character. 5. Do you have any upcoming events you would like to share? We just had our Floating Rosary on Oct. 17, which is an awesome event.

Catholic school spotlight on new principals

St. Theresa School, Hellertown 1. What is your background? Are you new to the diocese? I began working in the Diocese of Allentown in 2003 at Notre Dame of Bethlehem School, where I taught fifth and sixth grade language arts, and sixth grade social studies. Then in 2013 I earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and principal certification from Alvernia University, Reading. I was vice principal at St. Michael the Archangel School 2014-16 and became the principal at St. Theresa School in July 2016. 2. Why do you believe in Catholic education? In Catholic schools, students receive lessons that go well beyond curriculum standards and 21st century skills. Students are taught about faith, kindness, and mercy using the life of Jesus Christ as an example. Together with parents, Catholic school teachers and administrators work as a team to educate students not only academically, but emotionally and spiritually as well, so that they become responsible citizens and effective, moral leaders in the future. 3. What are some new exciting things going on in your school? We welcomed into our school com-

New Principal Colleen Weiss munity 17 new families, as well as new teachers in third grade, fifth grade and K-8 Spanish. St. Theresa School continues to

make technology education a top priority. The school repurposed the former school computer lab space into a STEM/ STEAM/STREAM lab, as well as a Makerspace area. This area will serve students in grades Prek4 through 8 and can be used during any open time, in addition to regularly scheduled class use times. St. Theresa School has been doing Makerspace projects since the 2014-15 school year, and has held a Maker Faire at the end of each school year to showcase student-designed projects. The new STEM/STEAM/STREAM/Makerspace area will provide space for students to work on Makerspace projects as part of a class activity or it can be used for independent project work before and after school. Tech Wizards students will assist the school’s Technology and STEM coordinator with teacher and student support when using this repurposed lab area. The lab contains a variety of new science tools and kits, a 3D printer, and computers capable of controlling robot projects and providing coding practice, while interfacing with a variety of data collection and display tools. Additionally, our instrumental music program has expanded and now includes third grade violin instruction as an option

New Principal Dr. Emily Kleintop

for beginner musicians. We have a new hot lunch program that the students are really enjoying, too. This year we hired a full-time director of marketing and advancement, who is coordinating events and activities, engaging the community in support of our school, and working hard to spread the word about all the wonderful things St. Theresa School has to offer. 4. What is your goal for your school? The No. 1 goal I have for our school is to make sure that each child receives the best education possible, and works to the best of his or her ability in a caring and safe environment. 5. Do you have any upcoming events you would like to share? St. Theresa Autumn Fest, during the second weekend of November, brought together parish and school families, and included a basket raffle sponsored by our HSA. The HSA also had other fun events planned for our student body, such as a middle school dance, a Barnes and Noble Book Fair, and a pumpkin decorating contest. Our student council and junior honor society students also worked on two community outreach programs for local organizations in need of support, such as the local “Adopt a Road” clean-up project in Hellertown and a food drive to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Death

Father Morgan, former Good Samaritan chaplain Father James Morgan, 81, retired priest and resident of Holy Family Villa for Priests, Bethlehem, died Nov. 12. Born in Chester, Father Morgan was the son of the late John and Rose (McDevitt) Morgan. He attended elementary school at St. Robert School and St. James High School, both in Chester. He received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, and attended Villanova University, Philadelphia. He was ordained to the priesthood

May 14, 1960 by Bishop J. Carroll McCormick at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. Father Morgan’s first priestly assignment was professor, Marian High School, Tamaqua, with residence at the former St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Coaldale; then resident, former St. Anne Parish, Lansford; and resident, St. Joseph Parish, Summit Hill. He was later named assistant financial secretary for the Diocese of Allentown, with residence at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bethlehem, followed by director pro tempore, Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem; supervisor, Diocesan Mailing Service, with residence at St. Anne Parish, Bethlehem; professor, Cardinal Brennan High School, Ashland, with residence at the former Annunciation BVM Parish,

Shenandoah; residence at the former St. Canicus Parish, Mahanoy City; and residence at St. Joseph Parish, Frackville. He was named administrator of the former SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Tower City; followed by pastor, the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Minersville; and assistant pastor, Notre Dame of Bethlehem Parish. His last assignment was chaplain, Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville. Father Morgan retired July 15, 2008. During the course of his priestly ministry, Father Morgan served as advocate, Diocesan Tribunal; regional associate director, CYO Carbon County; regional director, Family Life Bureau, Northampton Deanery; and member, Council of Priests. Surviving are his brother, John Morgan; sister, Rosemary Barans; sister-in-

law, Carol Morgan; caregiver, Margaret (Peg) Tobias; nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial for Father Morgan was celebrated Nov. 18 at Notre Dame of Bethlehem by Bishop Emeritus of Allentown Edward Cullen. Homilist was Father Bernard Ezaki, assistant pastor, St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish, Easton. Main concelebrants were Msgr. Gerald Gobitas, secretary for clergy, chancellor and rector, Holy Family Villa for Priests; Msgr. Thomas Baddick, pastor, Notre Dame of Bethlehem; and Father Ezaki. Interment followed Mass in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

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Holy Family Manor remembers sacrifices of soldiers and families By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer

“Let’s not be warmongers Let’s be peaceful and let the peace of Christ be in our hearts and souls,” said Msgr. Joseph Dooley, who served the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II, Nov. 11 during a Mass commemorating Veterans Day at Holy Family Manor (HFM), Bethlehem. Msgr. Dooley, pastor emeritus of St. Rocco, Above, Msgr. Joseph Dooley, pastor emeritus of St. Rocco, Martins Creek, Martins Creek, who also preaches the homily during the Veterans Day Mass at Holy Family Manor, served the U.S. Navy after Bethlehem (HFM). World War II, was homilist and celebrant of the Below, residents and guests participate in Mass in the Mass in observance of Mass in St. Ann Chapel. Veterans Day. Concelebrant was Father Joseph Braudis, who noted that day commemorated the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, who served the Roman military when he was 15. As a young soldier, Martin encountered an unclothed beggar leading him to remove his cloak and cut it in half for each of them to share. “He was an excellent soldier who fought well. He is more known for his charity and is a wonderful example of a Christian soldier,” said Father Braudis. In his homily, Msgr. Dooley acknowledged the sacrifices of families and noted that there are more victims of war than there are all U.S. citizens. soldiers. “War is not pretty. War is not funny. War is not kind. “Today we talk about military activity. We talk about Let’s pray to God that another generation doesn’t have men and women who served the U.S. Armed Forces. to face war,” he said. But I would like to honor parents who sent their child After Mass, residents, guests and veterans were honinto the military. Sometimes their children did not come ored at a luncheon and given the opportunity to tour the back and sometimes they didn’t come back as the same newly renovated McShea Sub-Acute and Short-Term child,” he said. Rehabilitation “What about Unit. husbands and fa“The residents “War is not pretty. War is not funny. War is not kind. thers? Some of and staff of Holy Let’s pray to God that another generation doesn’t them never came Family Manor are have to face war.” back, whether it honored to give was through death, back to veterans, divorce or deseractive military tion. What about wives and children? They are victims members and their families who have faithfully served of war, too,” said Msgr. Dooley. our country,” said Michael Melnic, CEO of Catholic He asked the faithful to continue to support the miliPlease see SOLDIERS page 20 }} tary and urged them to pray for the nation, soldiers and

A sign honors the different branches of the U.S. military at HFM.

Among the HFM residents and veterans praying for the military and their families are, from left, John (Jay) Howard and Francis Petruccelli.

Leonard Gizinski, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, folds his hands in prayer during Mass.

A display honors HFM residents who served the country.

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‘Faith and Spirits’ charts ‘new ways’ to live in Christ Left, Father Allen Hoffa, assistant pastor of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, leads the informal discussion “A New Way to Be Human: Living a Life in Christ.” (Photos by John Simitz)

By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer

“Jesus was all about ‘new ways.’ He was always offering people new ways to live their lives. Even on the cross – he offered the thieves beside him a new way. Those same things Jesus offered to people in the Scriptures are available to us,” said Father Allen Hoffa, assistant pastor of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, during “Faith and Spirits.” Father Hoffa was the presenter for the informal discussion, “A New Way to Be Human: Living a Life in Christ,” at P.J. Whelihan’s Pub and Restaurant, Reading. Father Hoffa began the discussion by asking the faithful to contemplate their relationship with Jesus Christ and stressed many people are fearful of maintaining a “love life” with him. “We have to tell people ‘this is who my Lord is, this is my God and this is what I want you to experience,’” he said. Father Hoffa cautioned against forcing rules on others and advised the faithful to tap into their personal experiences with God. “Take the gift of faith and the gift of God and put it in someone’s life and affect them. That is a new way of life. Tell them how you met God,” he said. “The world is not robotic. It is constantly changing. But God doesn’t change. Our new way to ‘be’ is to constantly look at the world differently.” Like Jesus Christ, he told the faithful, approach people as individuals and to look into their hearts. “Everyone is not the same. You can’t beat them over the head. You have to meet each person intimately – like Jesus did. Jesus looked into hearts to see what they needed,” said Father Hoffa. As human beings, he said, people are built for relationships and noted Adam didn’t find fulfillment until Eve was cre-

Below, adults enjoy food and drinks during “Faith and Spirits” at P.J. Whelihan’s Pub and Restaurant, Reading.

ated. “The beautiful thing about relationships is that we are called to live and be alive. We are to deposit the faith and set souls on fire through the true inspiration of the Holy Spirit,” said Father Hoffa.

Religious Education and Adult Formation • • • •

Adult Formation offers enrichment opportunities through the Institute for Catechesis and Formation. The Institute for Catechesis and Formation offers workshops in specific areas of ministry, e.g., liturgical and Master Catechist Certificate. Provides regional faith-based events with opportunity for discussion. Serves as a resource to parishes seeking to help adults deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith.

According to Father Hoffa, a person cannot be “partially’ alive with Christ and maintained that people compare a lack of freedom to imprisonment or restriction. “The last thing we want to give up is God. He is the core and the constant,” he said. “God is not saying he wants to strip you of your free will. He built creation. He knows what is good for us and what is bad for us.” He stressed testing the waters is not

freedom. “That is chaos. It’s great to experience things – but stay focused. God gives us an incredible life with parameters. Those parameters are to prevent us from falling into sin and to protect us from things that aren’t good for us,” said Father Hoffa. “We have to understand that our loving father gave us parameters so we can fully enjoy the good things in this world.” As Christians, Father Hoffa pointed out that “The world is they do not necnot robotic. It essarily have to is constantly be their “brother’s keeper” but changing. But have a responGod doesn’t sibility to go change. Our to others out of new way to love. ‘be’ is to con“Sometimes we have to put stantly look ourselves aside. at the world That is a ‘new differently.” way’ in today’s world because there is nothing in it for ‘us.’ And that type of selflessness changes us. We are called to love people courageously,” he said. Although the opportunity may appear difficult to be Christ to others, Father Hoffa said the chance to do so should never be underestimated. “We can make a significant impact. We have the chance to do the same thing Jesus did 2,000 years ago. We can go to people intimately and help them see Christ,” he said. In doing so, he advised the faithful to talk about their specific encounters with Christ and to take time to make their love life with him stronger. “I hope you have the desire in your hearts to share that love life with others,” said Father Hoffa. The speaker series is sponsored by the diocesan Office of Adult Formation. For more information, contact Rick Dooley, assistant coordinator, 610-289-8900 or [email protected].

Above, Father Hoffa responds to a question during the discussion. Left, Father Hoffa, second from left, mingles with adults during the break. From left are: Adam Schmidt, parishioner of St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring; and Beth Pawlik and Karen Zuczek, parishioners of St. Catharine of Siena, Reading.

Former Assumption BVM, Bethlehem Youth Choir members sought Dr. Dennis Varley is looking for alumni of the Youth Choir of Assumption BVM, Bethlehem from 2001-16. He would like all alumni to join the parish

choirs singing “Silent Night” at their 15th Annual Gaudete Concert. The concert is Sunday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at the church at 4101 Old Bethle-

hem Pike. It will feature the Assumption Choir, the Youth Choir, the Contemporary Ensemble and soloists. For more information or to join the

reunion, call the parish office at 610-8677424 or email [email protected].

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Diocese

Calendar

Editor’s note: E-mail, fax or mail church-affiliated items for the Calendar page (Calendar, Retreats, Socials, Festivals, Bazaars, Trips) to: e-mail, adtimes@ allentowndiocese.org; fax, 610-439-7694; The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA 18105-1538. Items must be received by Thursday of the week before publication. Please type or print. Please notify The A.D. Times if bingos and other regularly listed events are cancelled for the summer or other holiday periods, and again when they resume. The A.D. Times publishes only newly announced, church-affiliated trips on a regular basis. The entire previously announced repeating trip list is published only as space permits. Please notify The A.D. Times when seats are filled for a trip so it can be removed from the repeating list. Please do not send items again after they are published. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 610-871-5200, ext. 264. Thursday, Dec. 1 Advent Service of Lessons and Carols, service of sacred Scripture and hymns/carols, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 Breakfast with Santa, Our Lady Help of Christians, Allentown, 9 a.m., adults $5, children 4-12 $3, children 3 and under free, reservations required 610-432-9384. Holiday Mass of Remembrance, St. Ann, Emmaus, 1 p.m., add names of departed loved ones in remembrance book 12:15-12:50 p.m., names of those remembered will be read during Mass, light reception and fellowship will follow, 610-965-9355. Meatball or Sausage Hoagie Sale, with peppers and onions, Divine Mercy, Shenandoah, at St. Stephen Hall, 3:30-6:30 p.m., $5 per hoagie, deadline for orders Sunday, Nov. 27. Christmas Concert with DeSales University Chorale, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, 8 p.m., $11, tickets on sale after Masses Nov. 5-6 and Nov. 19-20, joined by fifth- to eighth-grade choir of St. Joseph the Worker School, benefit St. Joseph the Worker’s Haiti Mission Team, www.haitimission.weebly.com. Sunday, Dec. 4 Spaghetti Dinner, parish center, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., adults $8, children $3.50. Children’s Christmas Concert, Our Lady Help of Christians, Allentown, 2 p.m., free. Advent Concert with Vespers, Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 Barnes and Noble Bookfair, Holy Family School, Nazareth, at Southmont Way, Easton, 5-8 p.m., includes crafts, Minute to Win It challenges, Lego building contest and Polar Express story time at 7 p.m., support online at www.bn.com/bookfairs, ID 11930906, Dec. 2-7. Wednesday, Dec. 7 Christmas Dinner, Friendly Fifties, St. John the Baptist Byzantine, Northampton Banquet and Event Center, 11 a.m., entertainment by Emmaus Baptist Academy “Ring the Bells.” Saturday, Dec. 10 Collection for National Appeal for Retired Religious, also Sunday, Dec. 11. “The Bright Star,” Christmas show performed by students for family and friends, Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown, 11 a.m., free. Breakfast with Santa, St. Isidore School, Quakertown, 9-11:30 a.m., $5 per person or $20 per family. “Christmas Oratorio,” parts 4, 5 and 6, Bach Choir of Bethlehem, First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 8 p.m., adults $37, students $9, BACH.org, 610-8664382, ext. 110/115; also Sunday, Dec. 11, First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 4 p.m.

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school, pre-K and kindergarten. Thursday, Dec. 15 Holiday Food Sale, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville, preorders only, pierogi $7 per dozen, kielbasa $8 per link, pickup at parish center 120 Oak St., 570544-2211.

Saturday, Dec. 10 Christkindlmarkt, St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe, noon-5:30 p.m., organ concert 2 p.m., tour of St. Joseph Church 2:45 p.m., 570-325-3731.

Socials

Saturday, Dec. 17 Christmas Vespers, convent chapel, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 7 p.m., free will offering, reception following; also Sunday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m.

Sundays Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. Bingo, Immaculate Conception School, Pen Argyl, 1 p.m., doors open 11 a.m., 610-863-4816.

Sunday, Dec. 18 Breakfast with Santa, Knights of Columbus, St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring, 8 a.m.-noon, adults $8, children under 12 $4, children under 6 free. Advent Vespers and Concert, St. Benedict, Mohnton, 4 p.m., all are welcome, directions 610-856-1006.

Second Sundays Bingo, Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally, 12:30 p.m., doors open 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration, social hall, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, dinner 6:30 p.m., music 9:30p.m.-12:30 a.m., $30 per person, advance tickets only, deadline Thursday, Dec. 15, reservation 610-432-3505.

Retreats First Tuesdays “Simply Prayer,” mornings of prayer, reflection and sharing, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 9:30 a.m.-noon, free will offering, 610-867-8890, www. stfrancisctr.org. Third Tuesdays “Journey of the Heart: Introduction to Contemplative Prayer Practices,” St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 7-9 p.m., free will offering, 610-867-8890, www. stfrancisctr.org. First Fridays “Day of Prayer,” St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., $30, register a week in advance 610258-3053, [email protected], www.stfrancisretreathouse. org. Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14 “Praying Through Advent,” St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $20 per session, 610-867-8890, [email protected], www.stfrancisctr.org. Friday, Dec. 9 – Sunday, Dec. 11 Advent Retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, $170, 610-867-8890, [email protected], www.stfrancisctr.org. Monday, Dec. 12 “Feast of Mercy, Birth of Jesus,” miniretreat, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 6-9 p.m., $25, 610-2583053, [email protected], www.stfrancisretreathouse.org. Tuesday, Dec. 13 “Make your Heart a New Bethlehem,” twilight retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $25, 610-867-8890, [email protected], www. stfrancisctr.org. 2017 Monday, Jan. 30 “Let’s Make it Simple; Plain Talk About God and Us,” mini-retreat, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, presented by Father Dennet Jung, O.F.M., 6-9 p.m., $25, 610-258-3053, [email protected], www.stfrancisretreathouse.org. Monday, Feb. 20 “What Are We Looking For? Filling the Emptiness,” mini-retreat, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 6-9 p.m., $25, 610-258-3053, [email protected], www.stfrancisretreathouse.org. Monday, March 13 “Naming and Claiming Our Anger,” mini-retreat, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 6-9 p.m., $25, 610-2583053, [email protected], www.stfrancisretreathouse.org.

Sunday, Dec. 11 Pictures with Santa, Heritage Hall, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Blood Drive, in honor of 3-year-old parishioner Bobby Favocci, Holy Family, Nazareth, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., sign up www.giveapint.org, 1-800-b-a-donor, sponsor code 78756. Gaudete Concert; featuring Assumption Choir, Youth Choir, Contemporary Ensemble and soloists Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 6 p.m., free of charge, 610-8677424, ext. 11; Youth Choir alumni invited to join the singing of “Silent Night.”

Saturday, Dec. 3 Christmas Craft Bazaar, Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 12 Christmas Concert, St. Isidore School, Quakertown, 6:30 p.m., grades 1-8; also Tuesday, Dec. 13 with pre-

Saturday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 4 Christmas Boutique, auditorium, Sacred Heart School, Bath, Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Thursdays Bingo, Knights of Columbus Home Association, Reading, 6:30 p.m., doors open 5 p.m., nonsmoking. Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 4 Tricky Trays, Our Lady Help of Christians, Allentown, Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 618, Shenandoah at St. Stephen Hall, 2 p.m., doors open noon, accessible to handicapped. Sunday, Dec. 11 Bingo, parish center, Annunciation BVM (St. Mary’s), Catasauqua, 1 p.m., kitchen opens 11:30 a.m., 610264-0332. Sunday, Dec. 18 Meat Bingo, social hall, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, 1 p.m., doors open noon, $11, refreshments available, 610-432-3505. 2017 Sundays, Jan. 8, 22; Feb. 5, 19; March 5, 19, 22; April 23; May 7, 21; June 4, 25; July 9, 23; Aug. 6, 20; Sept. 10, 24; Oct. 8, 22; Nov. 5, 26; and Dec. 10 Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 618, Shenandoah at St. Stephen Hall, 2 p.m., doors open noon, accessible to handicapped.

Trips Editor’s note: Trip listings include sponsoring group, destination, cost and contact information. Call the sponsor for other details, such as times, dining location, itineraries and what is included in the cost. Send church-affiliated trips to adtimes@ allentowndiocese.org by Thursday of the week before publication. Newly announced Wednesday, Dec. 7 Golden Agers, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, $25, 610-2643721. Tuesday, Dec. 20 Outreach Committee, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, $22, 610-5155975 or 610-433-6102. Thursday, Jan. 26 55+ Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, $25, 610-866-0360. Friday, Jan. 27 – March for Life St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to March for Life, Washington, D.C., $10, donations accepted, 610-3922957. Previously announced Sunday, Dec. 4 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to tour and Christmas concert, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, $35, 610-392-2957.

Monday, April 10 “Where is Our Humor? Have We Lost It?” mini-retreat, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 6-9 p.m., $25, 610258-3053, [email protected], www.stfrancisretreathouse. org.

Monday, Dec. 5 St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville to Radio City Christmas Spectacular, $105, 570-544-5231, 570-6285413.

Festivals/Bazaars

Friday, Dec. 9 55+ Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to “Winter Wonderland,” American Music Theatre, Lancaster, $90, 610-866-0360. Saturday, Dec. 10 St. Thomas More, Allentown to light tour, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, New York, $70, 484-951-0440.

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Senior Housing and Healthcare Services, Inc. HFM Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a division of Catholic Senior Housing and Health Care Services,

Diocese Inc. Established in 1963 by Bishop Joseph McShea, HFM is a leading provider of sub-acute care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care in the Greater Lehigh Valley. Services are available to anyone, regardless of faith. For more information, visit www.cshhcs.org or call 610-865-5595.

Residents and guests enjoy the luncheon in observance of Veterans Day.

Father Edward McElduff, right, pastor emeritus of St. Nicholas, Walnutport, and Msgr. Joseph Dooley lead grace before the luncheon honoring veterans.

It pays to advertise in The A.D. Times Contact Lori Anderson at landerson @allentowndiocese.org or 610-871-5200 extension 273

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Sunday Scripture Sunday, Dec 4

Second Sunday of Advent

First reading Responsorial Psalm Second reading Gospel

Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12

Sunday, Dec, 11

Third Sunday of Advent

First reading Responsorial Psalm Second reading Gospel

Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Psalms 146:6-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11

Sunday Dec. 18

Fourth Sunday of Advent

First reading Responsorial Psalm Second reading Gospel

Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalms 24:1-6 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24

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Bishops at fall assembly approve priorities, plans for 2017-20 BALTIMORE (CNS) – The U.S. bishops Nov. 17 overwhelmingly approved priorities and strategic plans for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for 2017-20 in a 233-4 vote. The document, which was a revised version of a draft presented to them at their June assembly in St. Louis, Missouri, focuses on five major areas: evangelization; family and marriage; human life and dignity; religious freedom; and vocations and ongoing formation. In June, after a presentation on the draft, several bishops said the document needed to be reworked to put more emphasis on helping those in need in light of Pope Francis’ emphasis on the poor. At that meeting, the bishops OK’d the draft so it could be reworked to incorporate the feedback. At their general fall assembly in Baltimore, the bishops heard a presentation on the revised document Nov. 16 and voted on it the following day. In comments on the floor before the vote, there were mixed views about the

revised document presented by Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle, USCCB secretary and chairman of the Committee on Priorities and Plans, along with Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, USCCB secretary-elect. Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich said he was afraid the plans seemed “too self-referential” with their emphasis on advocacy for religious freedom and not enough emphasis on global poverty or immigration reform. Bishop George Thomas of Helena, Montana said he had initially expressed discouragement with the proposed plans but the revised version, with its mentions of poverty, showed a shift in the wording and a cause for optimism. The list of USCCB priorities was developed from survey responses from U.S. bishops and the National Advisory Council, a 48-member group that advises the bishops on various issues. The priorities listed in the document are: Family and marriage: Urging Catho-

lics to embrace the sacrament of marriage, providing formation for married couples and youths, and reaching out to broken families. Evangelization: Going out into communities with the message of the Gospel and bringing healing to those who have left the church or who don’t attend. Religious freedom: Defending it in the public square, advocating for those who have been persecuted and building a support movement beyond the Catholic community. Human life and dignity: Rejecting the “throwaway culture” of abortion and euthanasia and emphasizing Catholic social teaching. Vocations and ongoing formation: Helping dioceses develop a culture of vocations by providing ongoing formation and renewed awareness of prayer. The revised document says the bishops’ emphasis on evangelization will include bringing the Gospel message and the emphasis of a personal encounter

with Christ particularly to “the marginalized and those most in need of Christ’s merciful love.” Under the topic of marriage and family, the bishops stress that they want to encourage and heal families and “make the advancement of healthy family life a central strategy for combating poverty and for the promotion of social justice, with special attention to the homeless, the poor and immigrants. The approved revision expanded on the human life and dignity section, emphasizing “the need to reject the throwaway culture of abortion, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide and to work to eliminate the darkness caused by neglect, poverty, racism and addictions including pornography.” The bishops’ priorities and plans also call for study and application of Catholic social teaching “in service to all our brothers and sisters, with special emphasis on advocacy for the poor, disenfranchised, immigrants and refugees.”

USCCB president-elect stresses need to listen, continue dialogue BALTIMORE (CNS) – The newly elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said he is not planning on “creating a new vision” but hopes to continue the bishops’ priorities particularly focusing on dialogue and listening to Catholics. The bishops “intend to be attentive,” said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston hours after his Nov. 15 election to a three-year term that begins at the close of the bishops’ fall assembly in Baltimore. For the past three years, he has served as USCCB vice president, a role that typically leads to election as president. He succeeds Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, formerly a priest of the Diocese of Allentown. The cardinal said he plans to focus

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston addresses a news conference Nov. 15 at the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. The cardinal was elected USCCB president that morning. Seated to his left is Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, who was elected USCCB vice president. (CNS photo/ Bob Roller) on the needs and concerns of Catholics, particularly members of the immigrant

community who fear deportation with the recent election of

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that same love and mercy. Pope Francis made no claim to having invented a church focus on divine mercy. The evangelical trend was already clearly present when St. John Paul II wrote an encyclical letter on mercy in 1980 and when he beatified and then canonized Sister Faustina Kowalska, known as the “Apostle of Divine Mercy.” “I believe this is the time of mercy,” Pope Francis told reporters traveling with him to Brazil in 2013 on his first foreign trip as pope. “The church is mother. She must go out and heal wounds with mercy.” For Pope Francis – personally and for all Catholics – that healing is expressed most powerfully in the confessional where one is honest about one’s sins and where God’s forgiveness and mercy are expressed through sacramental absolution. The pope formally commissioned more than 1,100 priests from around the world as “missionaries of mercy” on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10, giving them special faculties to grant absolution even in cases that usually must be referred to the local bishop or even the Vatican. Along with processions to the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica and a meeting with Pope Francis, all of the major jubilee events in Rome included extended hours for confession. It was part of all the large jubilee events, including those for

Pope Francis closes the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the closing of the jubilee Year of Mercy at the Vatican Nov. 20. (CNS photo/Tiziana Fabi, pool via Reuters) children, for people in mourning, for deacons, priests, the sick, youths, catechists, prisoners and for papal nuncios -- the pope’s ambassadors around the world. As he has done before, ignoring the cameras, Pope Francis himself went to confession during a special Lenten penance service in St. Peter’s Basilica and again in August in Assisi when he cel-

ebrated the traditional “Pardon of Assisi.” Setting an example did not stop at the church doors, though. One Friday each month throughout the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis quietly left the Vatican – without informing the media – and spent the late afternoon and early evening making visits reflecting the traditional corporal works of mercy.

Donald Trump as U.S. president. But he also said he remained hopeful about working with the new administration, saying its newness “offers options and possibilities.” “We hope for a whole lot. This is brand new,” he told Catholic News Service. The cardinal said he would listen to the voices of the immigrants and would work to ensure government leaders treat them with dignity, adding that the church in the U.S. has always stood with immigrants. “We make our voices heard,” he said, “not by screaming in the Please see BISHOPS page 22 }}

The visits took him, among other places, to a community for persons recovering from addiction, a hospice, a hospital neonatal care unit and to an apartment on the outskirts of Rome where he met with men who have left the priesthood to marry and have children. A highlight of the year was the canonization of Mother Teresa of Kolkata, an event that brought some 120,000 people to St. Peter’s Square in September. In his homily, Pope Francis said, “God is pleased by every act of mercy because in the brother or sister that we assist, we recognize the face of God which no one can see.” “Each time we bend down to the needs of our brothers and sisters,” he said, “we give Jesus something to eat and drink; we clothe, we help and we visit the Son of God.” Preaching God’s mercy has been a central focus of Pope Francis’ ministry since his election in March 2013, and the closing of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica Nov. 20 will not end that focus. Celebrating a jubilee Mass Nov. 13 with the homeless and other people in precarious situations, Pope Francis prayed that as the Holy Doors in some 10,000 cathedrals, shrines and churches around the world were closed, God would open people’s eyes and hearts to the needs of others. The Year of Mercy was an occasion to help people recognize how merciful God has been to them and, then, in effect, he commissioned all Catholics to be “missionaries of mercy.”

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For late actress Florence Henderson, Catholic faith was her foundation CINCINNATI (CNS) – In you and I’m very grateful. what came to be her final interAnd my kids have that qualview, actress Florence Henderity, too.” son told St. Anthony MessenIn the interview Henderger magazine that throughout son said that from time to her life, through good times time, she found herself quesand bad, her Catholic faith was tioning her faith, mainly in her foundation. instances unrelated to her “I don’t ever remember not career. praying. Bedtime prayers, the As a new mother, the acrosary, praying for friends, reltress experienced repeated atives, for the sick and for those bouts of postpartum depreswho had died. It was a natural sion, Piro reported. During part of our lives,” she told writthe mid-1960s, Henderson er Rita Piro, who interviewed was diagnosed with a hethe popular actress in August. reditary bone deformity of The story appears in the Januthe middle ear and needed ary 2017 issue of the magazine, surgery to prevent deafness. published by Cincinnati-based Stage fright and insomnia Franciscan Media. also were present in her life. Henderson, who died unex“The loss of family and pectedly Nov. 24 at age 82, was friends, especially her sibbest known for her role as Carlings, weighed heavily on ol Brady in the 1970s sitcom her, as well as a natural fear “The Brady Bunch.” Originally of her own mortality,” said broadcast from 1969 to 1974, Piro. the program has never been Born the youngest of 10 off the air and has been synchildren in tiny Dale, Indidicated in over 122 countries. ana, across the Ohio River It remains one of the most befrom Owensboro, Kentucky, loved and most watched family young Florence later moved shows of all time. with her family about 25 “I frequently am contacted miles away to Rockport, Inby people who want to thank diana. me for ‘The Brady Bunch,’” Piro noted that little Florshe told Piro. “Whether they ence was a natural at singgrew up during the show’s Actress Florence Henderson is pictured on the cover of the ing from age 2, but she “had original television run or are January 2017 issue of St. Anthony Messenger magazine. little to sing about” growing brand-new fans of the present (CNS photo/St. Anthony Messenger) up with her nine siblings in generation, they tell me how extreme poverty during the important ‘The Brady Bunch’ Great Depression. “But that – Barbara, Joseph, Robert and Elizabeth. didn’t keep her from developing a deep has been in their lives. “I wanted to portray Carol as a loving, “My children and their happiness have love for her faith,” which sustained her fun, affectionate mother, and it seemed to always been my greatest concern,” she through life, Piro wrote. resonate with a lot of people who maybe said. Henderson was educated by BenedicShe described her children as “the tine nuns and priests in St. Meinrad and had the same situation I did growing up. To think that something I was involved nicest people you could ever meet” and Ferdinand, Indiana. (She had a priest in had such a positive effect on the lives “very spiritual people.” in the family; her uncle, Jesuit Father “Being a mom makes you far more Charles Whelan, taught constitutional of so many people is satisfying beyond compassionate. You have more empa- law at Fordham University.) In the St. words.” Her most important role, though, she thy for people, more love,” Henderson Anthony Messenger interview, Hendersaid, was Mom to her own four children added. I was always taught to say thank

son talked at length about her first-grade teacher – Benedictine Sister Gemma. After high school, with the help of a close friend and her wealthy family, Henderson was enrolled at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City – which launched her long acting career. She made her debut on Broadway as the star of “Fanny” in 1952. She played Maria in the original version of “The Sound of Music,’’ also on Broadway. She starred in several touring productions, including “South Pacific” and “Oklahoma!” She made numerous appearances on television, in film and live music shows. Henderson’s last television performance was with Maureen McCormick (who had played daughter Marsha Brady) on “Dancing With the Stars” on ABC Sept. 19. McCormick was a contestant, and Henderson took part in a Brady Bunch-themed performance. Henderson competed on the show herself in 2010. In a 1994 interview with Mark Pattison, media editor at Catholic News Service, Henderson lovingly recalled her role as Carol Brady and “The Brady Bunch” legacy. She said that perhaps because of her wholesome image, parents approached her to ask if certain TV shows were good for their children to watch. “They’re responsible for this little soul they’ve brought into the world and they wonder what’s being taught,’’ she told CNS. “Very few people in our business have been a part of something that everyone seems to feel with great affection. They really love the characters. They love Carol Brady, everyone in it. And that it’s still going strong after so many years absolutely amazes me,’’ she said. The show “represents what everyone wants in life, and that is a loving family, unconditional love, a place to make mistakes, to get angry, to be forgiven, to forgive,’’ Henderson said. Information on getting the complete article on Henderson is available at www. franciscanmedia.org/source/saint-anthony-messenger.

Pope asks scientists to find solutions, declare rules to save planet VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Humanity does not own God’s gift of creation and has no right to pillage it, Pope Francis said. “We are not custodians of a museum and its masterpieces that we have to dust off every morning, but rather collaborators in the conservation and development of the existence and biodiversity of the planet and human life,” he said Nov. 28. The pope addressed experts attending a plenary session of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences Nov. 25-29 to discuss the impact of scientific knowledge and technology on people and the planet. People in the modern world have grown up “thinking we are the owners and masters of nature, authorized to plunder it without any consideration for its secret potential and evolutionary laws, as if it were an inert substance at our disposal, causing, among other things, a very serious loss of biodiversity,” he said. An “ecological conversion” is needed in which people recognize their respon-

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streets but rather our voices are heard in the streets by our care and concern and our clarity, what we think is essential.” Cardinal DiNardo, 67, said the key

Pope Francis greets British theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking, during an audience with participants attending a plenary session of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican Nov. 28. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano, handout)

sibility for caring for creation and its resources, for trying to bring about social justice and for overcoming “an unfair system that produces misery, inequality

and exclusion,” the pope said. In fact, with sustainable development, the tasks of taking care of both people and the planet are inseparable, he said.

part of his role remains as a church leader, which is “where we show our shepherd’s heart.” His Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston includes 1.3 million Catholics, 440 priests in 146 parishes and 60 schools spread over 8,880 square miles. The cardinal, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, was ordained to the

priesthood for the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1977 and named a bishop 20 years later. He is a former bishop of Sioux City, Iowa. He has been archbishop of Galveston-Houston since 2006. He was named a cardinal in 2007 and participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. This summer, after the shooting of police officers in Dallas in response to

The pope said there was a “weak response” in most international policies to promoting the common good. He lamented how easily well-founded scientific counsel is “disregarded” and how politics tends to obey technology and finance instead. The proof of that, he said, is the way countries are still “distracted” or delayed in applying international agreements on the environment as well as the “continuous wars of dominance masquerading as noble declarations that cause increasingly serious harm to the environment and the moral and cultural wealth of peoples.” shootings by police officers, Cardinal DiNardo said: “These tragedies call for our prayer for healing and for change. It seems as though at times our hearts are stony and paralyzed. We need God’s spirit of mercy to melt them and reopen our hearts to the beauty of human life and to rebuilding human communities.”

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only seen him twice. “We expressed love though the mail and calls. We knew our hearts were committed,” she said. The night before their wedding Melaid asked her to understand that his profession as a doctor was truly a ministry to the sick and time consuming. “It was a profession, but to him it was his vocation,” he said. She entrusted her future to him and God. Together they had four children – including Father Stephan Isaac, who was ordained a diocesan priest last year and is assistant pastor at St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring. In 2003 her husband died from cancer on the Feast of St. Jude.

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“It was a marriage made in heaven. We wanted to bring each other to heaven. We encouraged holiness and shared our love. Living the life of a widow, I realized love never dies. My husband still has a positive influence on our lives,” said Isaac. She then told the young people not to be afraid of marriage or sharing their life with another person. “Be daring. Pray for a marriage made in heaven to whomever God brings to you – even if he or she is from the other side of the world,” said Isaac. Celebration The event was hosted by the parish Vocations Committee and featured an essay about God’s abundant mercy written and read by Clarissa Lieb, student at Bethlehem Catholic High School. The celebration also included Evening Prayer, Eucharistic adoration, music and fellowship.

Above, youth participate in praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Below, young faithful gather for the celebration to learn about following what God is calling them to be to their families, friends and the world.

Vocations The Diocese of Allentown dynamically promotes vocations to the priesthood and religious life. • The diocese is reaching out to young people through social media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. • We are tapping into the energy and enthusiasm of our young priests to find new ways to interest young men and women in the priesthood and religious life. • The diocese has instituted a “Quo Vadis” program, a weeklong summer program of prayer and discernment in which dozens of young men have participated. • A similar program called “Fiat” for young women discerning a call to religious life was debuted last year. • The diocese also assists young adult men who are seriously contemplating the priesthood through an Aspirancy Program. • For more information, visit the diocesan website, www.allentowndiocese. org/the-diocese/vocations.

2015-16 session-end legislative status report By A.B. Hill, director of communications of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, the public affairs agency of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania. Stay up-to-date with Catholic news and issues at www.pacatholic.org, www.facebook.com/pacatholic and www.twitter.com/pacatholic. The 2015-16 session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly officially closed Nov. 30. Here is the status of the several high priority bills that were on the legislative agenda of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC). Pro-Life Legislation – House Bill 1948 would have banned barbaric dismemberment abortions and abortions when the unborn baby is able to feel pain (20 weeks). It passed in the House, was voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, but the session came to an end without a Senate vote. Gov. Tom Wolf promised to veto the bill, so it would have been unlikely to become law. The election brings some small but important political changes to Pennsylvania’s General Assembly which could bring strength to the pro-life cause in the next session. Adoption Records – House Bill 162 was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor. It allows an adoptee to obtain a noncertified copy of his or her original birth record (what is commonly referred to as a birth certificate), naming the birth parents, unless a birth parent files a name redaction request form with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The filing of the name redaction request form would protect that birth parent’s privacy because the birth certificate issued to the adoptee would not name the birth parent. This new law changes the current law, which kept the identity of a birth parent confidential unless the birth parent agreed to disclosure. Now a birth parent, for past and future adoptions, must take affirmative action to protect his or her identity by filing the name redaction request form. PCC will pursue opportunities to alert the public and especially birth parents through Catholic media channels and www.pacatholic.org when the redaction forms become available. Human Trafficking – Senate Bill 851 would have ensured that juvenile victims of human trafficking are not prosecuted as criminals and that support services are made available to them. Action was not taken by the end of the session, but legislation may be reintroduced next session. Organ Donation –The Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association was successful in amending legislation that encourages organ donation so it is clear who is able to receive information and/or consent to an organ or tissue gift on behalf of a patient. The amended bill did not allow presumed consent for patients who have not explicitly indicated their wishes to donate organs; however, the General Assembly did not take up the bill before the end of the session. End of Life – Although legislation concerning doctor-prescribed suicide or other end-of-life issues did not have much traction this session, PCC did engage its advocacy network to urge the American Medical Association (AMA) to maintain its decades-long opposition to doctor pre-

scribed suicide. If the AMA weakens its opposition, the move will send a message to the legislature that legalizing suicide is acceptable. It is not too late to send a message to the leaders of the AMA urging them to remain neutral on the issue of doctor-prescribed suicide. Connect to the Catholic Advocacy Network at www.pacatholic. org to send an email. Much work has been done with work groups behind the scenes on the issue of Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST). Draft legislation has already been submitted to the State Joint Government Commission Subcommittee on Powers of Attorney and the Legislative Reference Bureau in preparation for its introduction next session. Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) – The legislative session ended with strong public statements by Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), urging a significant increase in the EITC and OSTC programs next year. He announced this at several press conferences at Catholic schools in different parts of the state. Turzai has set this as a priority for the next session. Statutes of Limitation Reform – House Bill 1947 was a proposal to reform the statutes of limitation for childhood sexual abuse. The House of Representatives voted for legislation that would eliminate the criminal statute of limitations in the future, extend the civil SoL for future cases and give an equal opportunity for victims in public institutions to bring suit (sovereign immunity prohibits these victims from suing now). The bill would also retroactively nullify the civil statute of limitations for past childhood sexual abuse cases from decades ago.

In June the state Senate voted 49-0 in favor of an amended version of House Bill 1947 that removed controversial retroactive provision, citing conflicts with Pennsylvania’s state constitution as the reason for the change. The Senate version maintained prospective changes to the law. The House Rules Committee did not act on the Senate-amended version of the bill; therefore it simply died at the end of the session. Leaders of those pushing for the legislation stated publicly that they are unwilling to accept any bill that does not include retroactivity. While the session comes to an end, no retroactive window was enacted; but it is anticipated that the proposal will be introduced again in the next session. The fight for fair statute of limitations reform is far from over. Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Legislation – Legislation that would add “gender identity or expression” and “sexual orientation” to Pennsylvania’s nondiscrimination law was again debated this session. Changing the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) will jeopardize many churches and their charitable outreach if they continue to adhere to their religious beliefs. In other states this law has closed Catholic adoption agencies and violated religious liberty. These bills could mean that Catholic agencies would no longer be able to make our contributions to the common good of Pennsylvania without violating our religious beliefs. One bill passed in the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee; but no further action was taken so the legislation died at the end of the session. This potential threat to religious liberty will need to be addressed in the new session.

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The A.D. Times

Diocese

December 1, 2016

St. Jane Vocation Day Celebration casts light on seeking true calling By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer

When Sister Angela Marie Igou, member of the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, was discerning her life’s path she thought becoming a sister was impossible for her. “I thought I had to be a saint to be a sister. I had to reconcile that God calls sinners. Those who have made mistakes know God’s mercy,” she said Nov. 6 to young people who gathered for Vocation Day Celebration at St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton. The celebration kicked off National Vocation Awareness Week (Nov. 6-12), a week dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew support for those who are considering a religious vocation. As one of 12 children, Sister Angela Marie said she was very much formed in the faith by her family and was the recipient of God’s beautiful love through her Above, Sister Angela Igou, member of the Sister Servants of the Most Saparents. “We all make mistakes. What I say to cred Heart of Jesus, discusses mercy you young people is don’t let your mis- during Vocation Day Celebration at takes define you. God is calling you to St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton. something higher than nitty gritty mis- (Photos by Ed Koskey) takes,” she said. Before entering the convent when she Instead, he tried to picture what would was 22, she taught sewing classes and would find silent time to contemplate make him happy in 20 years. “I thought a high-rise apartif she was living ment in New York City, a great out what God was job and a cool car should do it. calling her to do. “True and loving Then I thought a little more and “Mercy plays happiness only I felt empty. The more I thought, such a huge role comes from God. the more I felt happy thinking when you are about helping others,” he said. God is definitely called to someWhile in college he came calling you to thing. We need to across the “Fishers of Men” vocaknow God’s mersomething. My tions video and was moved by a cy,” said Sister prayer is you will clip of a priest absolving a car acAngela Marie. ask God what it is.” cident victim of his sins. “We define “If I were in that unfortunate ourselves by our circumstance – the one thing I sins and think God will love us if we do better. That is not would want is to have a priest there to true. God loves us. He wants us to do bet- bring me home to my holy father,” said Father Anthony. ter but will always love us.” “I thought if I became a priest and brought one soul Father David Anthony Father David Anthony, a graduate of home to God the father – Liberty High School and Lehigh Univer- then I realized I would be sity, Bethlehem, admitted he did not hear doing something good for God’s “voice” when he was discerning all of eternity.” He urged the young peothe priesthood. ple to turn to God and ask him what is it that he is calling them to do in life. “True and loving happiness comes only from God. God is definitely calling you to something. My prayer is you will ask God what it is,” said Father Anthony.

Clarissa Lieb, student at Bethlehem Catholic High School, reads her essay discussing the importance of God’s mercy.

Rebecca Isaac After Rebecca Isaac, a native of Australia and parishioner of St. Jane, graduated high school all her friends were anxious to travel and visit America. “Not me. I had no interest in travelling. But God has a great sense of humor, and a few years later I called this great country my home,” she said. Her call to married and family life began in 1972 during a family get-together when she met her future husband, Melaid Isaac, who was studying to become a doctor and was an army captain in the Vietnam War. “My whole family fell in love with him – except for me. I wasn’t about to fall for him because he was leaving,” said Isaac. He then asked her to write to him while he was at war and she obliged.

Aidan Arnold, 13, listens to a speaker Nov. 6 during the celebration that kicked off National Vocation Awareness Week (Nov. 6-12).

Above, Rebecca Isaac, parishioner at St. Jane, shares her vocational story to the married life and motherhood. At right is Sister Mary Rose Bernadette Mulligan, vocation directress of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Left, Father David Anthony, assistant pastor of St. Jane, replies to a question about accepting the call to the priesthood. Below, Andrew Brown, 13, parishioner at St. Jane, listens during the celebration offered by the parish as part of the observance of Jubilee Year of Mercy.

After the war they stopped writing and he returned to Pennsylvania to resume his medical studies. Her mother encouraged her to pray a St. Jude novena because all her friends were getting married. “St. Jude is the patron saint of the hopeless. And I think my mother thought I was a hopeless cause,” joked Isaac. On the last day of the novena, she received a letter from Melaid asking her to come visit him. Her grandmother suggested they head to Rome for a pilgrimage and stop in Easton, Pa. to visit him and his family. Soon after they were engaged and married in 1978 – even though she had Please see VOCATION page 23 }}