INSIDE

Hidden with Christ: The call to enclosure 6-7

By Francis X. Rocca Vatican City

After a year that included the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and a series of innovations by

Pope Francis, it is hard to imagine 2014 at the Vatican could be nearly as eventful. Of course, the biggest stories are likely to be those that come by surprise, but in the mean-time, here are developments bound to loom large in Vatican news over the coming year:

—New Cardinals: Pope Fran-cis is scheduled to create new cardi-nals Feb. 22. By that time, no more than 106 members of the College of Cardinals will be under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. The election of the first Latin Ameri-can pope has raised expectations of greater geographical diversity among cardinal electors, so the

1257 The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation (cf. Jn 3:5). He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them (cf. Mt 28:19-20). Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament (cf. Mk 16:16). The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are “reborn of water and the Spirit.” God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments.

The Catechism in brief

New year in Vatican news

FROM POPE FRANCIS

See Vatican News / 10

The next issue of The Mirror will be Jan. 24, 2014.

The MirrorVol. XLIX, No. 20 DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD—CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI January 10, 2014

Joplin, MO

Christmas joy came early for St. Mary Parish in Joplin.

As the faith community labors on its new parish plant,

rebuilding after the 2011 tornado, the Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri recently surprised Fr. Justin Monaghan with news that the parish he pastors was receiving a $300,000 grant.

“I was totally shocked; I had no idea,” Fr. Monaghan told The Joplin Globe after the grant was presented to him on Wed., Nov. 27, 2013. He was at a meeting at Hardy, Wrestler, and As-sociates, an accounting firm with of-fices about two blocks from the site of the former St. Mary Parish and School, when the surprise took place.

“It was a good surprise,” Fr. Monaghan said.

Stephanie Howard, chairwoman of the foundation’s board of directors, said the grant comes from the Joplin Recovery Fund, which supports mid- and long-term community efforts to rebuild from the tornado.

The Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri is a not-for-profit affiliate of the Community Founda-tion of the Ozarks, which is based in Springfield. In addition to the Joplin Recovery Fund, the foundation also oversaw the Joplin Tornado First Re-sponse Fund, which assisted residents and businesses with immediate post-tornado needs not covered by other agencies.

“We know how vital you (the church and school) are to

St. Mary Church awarded $300,000 community grant

the community,” Howard told Fr. Monaghan. “This is very, very well-spent.”

The Blessing and Groundbreak-ing for St. Mary Church in Joplin took place on May 16, 2013 on the site of the new parish plant at the corner of Central City Road and 32nd Street, Jo-plin. Construction underway includes a church, parish center, and St. Mary School.

The planning and design of the new facilities for St. Mary Parish is being handled by RDG Architects of Omaha, NE. Total budgeted expenses for the project are nearly $15.3 mil-lion. Roughly $14.7 million has been raised, including nearly $3.3 million in

pledges from parishioners, nearly $9.5 million from insurance proceeds, and $1.2 million in additional funds. The foundation grant will help offset the $522,000 gap that currently remains between expenditures and revenues,

ST. MARY PARISH AWARDED GRANT—Fr. Justin Monaghan, pastor, hugged Stephanie Howard, chairman of the board for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, on Nov. 27, 2013, after she announced a grant of $300,000 for the rebuilding of the St. Mary Catholic Church and School. (Photo by Roger Nomer)

See St. Mary / 9

2 The Mirror January 10, 2014COLUMN

Vision for 2014: ‘To shine in use’The month of January is named

after the Roman god, Janus, who ruled over beginnings, transitions, and ends. Janus

wears two faces, the one looking back and the other, forward. The year 2013 is no longer within reach except through our memories and through history; the future is a blank canvas on which our stories must yet be in-scribed. We seek happiness, succinctly described by Aristotle: Happiness is the full use of one’s faculties in the pursuit of excellence. The Book of Proverbs makes clear that “where there is no vi-sion, the people perish; he that keep-eth the law, happy is he” (Prov 29:18).

So let us begin with some pearls of wisdom to inspire our comings and goings.

What shall my vision be in 2014?From Alfred Lord Tennyson, “Ring out, Wild Bells:”(. . .)

“Ring out the old, ring in the new,Ring happy bells across the snow;The year is going, let him go,Ring out the false, ring in the true.

*Ring out the grief that saps the mind,For those that here we see no more,Ring out the feud of rich and poor,Ring in redress to all mankind.

*Ring out a slowly dying cause,And ancient forms of party strife;Ring in the nobler modes of life,With sweeter manners, purer laws.

*Ring out the want, the care, the sin,The faithless coldness of the timesRing out, ring out my mournful

rhymes,But ring the fuller minstrel in.

*Ring out false pride in place and

blood,The civic slander and the spite;

Ring in the love of truth and right,Ring in the common love of good.

*Ring out old shapes of foul disease,Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;Ring out the thousand wars of old,Ring in the thousand years of peace.

*Ring in the valiant man and free,The larger heart, the kinder hand;Ring out the darkness of the land,Ring in the Christ that is to be.”

How shall I nourish my mind in 2014?

“Read and your world will grow larger.” —Aphorism

From Emily Dickinson:“There is no frigate like a BookTo take us Lands awayNor any Courses like a PageOf prancing Poetry—This Traverse may the poorest takeWithout oppress of TollHow frugal is the ChariotThat bears the Human Soul—.”

—“There Is No Frigate like a Book”

How shall I speak during 2014?“Let your speech always be gracious and seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer each person.” —Col 4:6

Again, from the “Belle of Amherst”:I fear a Man of frugal Speech—I fear a Silent Man—Haranguer—I can overtake—

Or Babbler—entertain—But He who weigheth—While the

Rest—Expand their further pound—Of this Man—I am wary—I fear that He is

Grand—.”

How shall I work in 2014?From Robert Frost:

“The woods are lovely dark and deep.

But I have promises to keepAnd miles to go before I sleep,And miles to go before I sleep.

—“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

Also, from Robert Frost:“Two roads diverged in a wood, and

I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.

—“The Road Not Taken”

From Tennyson’s poem “Ulysses:”“How dull it is to pause, to make an

end,To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in

use.”

How shall I care for my body in 2014?

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity” —Pres. John F. Kennedy

*“Whether you eat or drink, do all for

the glory of God” —1 Cor 10:31

What of my prayer in 2014?St. Augustine tells us what we already know from experience:

“You have made us for yourself, O

Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you” —Confessions 1:1-2From the verse of Robert Browning:“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, Or what’s a heaven for?”

—Andrea del Sarto

From St. Paul, in his Letter to

the Philippians (2:14-15):

“Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and per-verse generation, in which you shine like the stars.”

From St. Teresa of Avila:“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing

frighten you.Everything passes. God never

changes.Patience obtains all.Whoever has God wants for nothing.God alone is enough.”Finally,“When upon your face I held my

gaze,I could not keep myself from

wonderingWhere you had gone to spend your

winter days,That you should be so lovely in the

spring.” —Joseph Roccasalvo, “Sonata

Pathétique” ©CNA

Sr. Joan L. Roccasalvo, a mem-ber of the Congregation of St. Joseph, Brentwood, NY, has taught at all levels of Catholic education and writes with a particular focus on a theology of beauty and the sacred arts.

THE WAY OF BEAUTYSr. Joan L. Roccasalvo, CSJ

The Diocesan Liturgical Commission of the Roman Catholic Diocese of

Springfield-Cape Girardeau presents a

Liturgical Ministry DayIn the Service of God’s People

Sat., March 8St. Francis Xavier Parish Sikeston,

Missouri10 a.m.-3 p.m.All Are Welcome!

Are you a Reader, Extraor-dinary Minister of Holy Communion, Usher or Minister of Hospitality, Can-

tor, Musician, Liturgical Coordinator or do you assist with the liturgical environment in your parish? Or if you are not presently doing so, would you like to take part in one of the liturgical ministries? Then please take this opportunity to join with others from our diocese in this day of learning and renewal. This event is sponsored by the Diocesan Liturgical

PresentersThe ReaderMillicent Kalil, Musician/Liturgist,Sacred Heart Parish, Willow SpringsExtraordinary MinistersHoly CommunionMary Stone, Pastoral Associate,St. John the Baptist Parish, LickingMusic MinistersKen Pesek, Children’s Liturgy Director,St. Agnes Cathedral, SpringfieldHospitality Ministers (Ushers/Greeters)Speaker TBALiturgy Coordinators/SacristansFr. Mark Binder, PastorSacred Heart Parish, Conway andSt. William Parish, BuffaloArt and Environment MinistersChris Haik, Liturgy Coordinator,St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Springfield;Fr. Mark Boyer, MA, MDiv, MREAssistant Diocesan Master of Ceremonies

Commission in collaboration with the Diocesan Office of Worship and is hosted by St. Francis Xavier Parish in Sikeston.

A $10 registration fee to defray expenses is requested from each ap-plicant. Registration by Feb. 28 is ap-preciated so that sufficient food and facilities may be prepared. For more information, contact Katie Newton at The Catholic Center in Springfield (417) 866-0841, or Email knewton@dioscg.org. Thank you for your con-sideration in registering early.

In order to adequately plan for lunch and space, registration and payment are due by: Feb. 28

Mail to: Office of Worship, The Catholic Center 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806For more information, contact:Katie Newton at knewton@dioscg.org, (417) 866-0841, Fax: (417) 866-1140

January 10, 2014 The Mirror 3COLUMN

Divine power resides in human frailty

What a great blessing it is to be CatholicLIVING THE LITURGYFr. David J. Dohogne

The liturgical celebration com-memorating the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Sun., Jan. 12, officially concludes

the Christmas Season. As we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, let us reflect upon our own baptism.

As Catholics, we realize that each of our sacraments are a spiritual encounter with the Divine. They are not merely empty rituals that have no effect on or power toward our salva-tion or relationship with God. Rather, the sacraments are the greatest way God shares His grace with us. God is at work in each of the sacraments, spiritually providing for us what we need most through these real encoun-ters with the Risen Lord.

Many spiritual fruits and benefits

are received in the Sacrament of Bap-tism. Since Baptism is our “spiritual birth,” it is through Baptism that we become “children of God” and “heirs to the Kingdom.” What does it mean to you to be a son or daughter of God? How do you live your life differ-ently knowing that God is your Heav-enly Father? As children, there seems to be a desire instilled in our hearts to always please our parents, regardless of our age. The fact that we are God’s

sons and daughters is a source of great joy and pride for Him.

At the Baptism of Jesus, the voice of the Father spoke saying, “This is My Beloved Son.” In Christ, we, too, have become beloved sons and daughters of God. Remind yourself of this when you wake up every morn-ing. Live each day of life as a son or daughter of God! In Baptism, God makes us His children. In the Holy Eucharist, He nourishes and strength-ens our soul with Heavenly Food and Drink. In Confirmation, He clothes us with the power of the Holy Spirit. In Penance and Reconciliation, He cleanses our souls with mercy and washes away our sins. In the Anoint-ing of the Sick, He “binds up our wounds” and tenderly takes away our pain. In Marriage, He calls a man

Bp. Johnston’s prayer intentions for January:For the innocent who have already perished, and for

those whose lives are threatened, because of abortion, starva-tion, and war.

For the renewal of all families through God’s grace and mercy, and a return to family prayer and mutual service.

Thu., Jan. 16 Diocesan Development Fund Team meeting, The Catholic Center, Springfield

Fri., Jan. 17 The Catholic Center staff Mass & meeting, Springfield

Sat., Jan. 18 Confirmation, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Ozark

Sun., Jan. 19 Masses, visit, St. Joseph the8 & 10:30 a.m. Worker Parish, Ozark;

6 p.m. Spanish Mass;

Mon., Jan. 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. March, Springfield, *The Catholic Center closed;

11 a.m. Assumption Abbey pastoral visit & Mass, Ava, MO

Wed., Jan. 22 41st Annual March for Life, Washington, DC

Thu., Jan. 23 Diocesan Envisioning Team Meeting, Springfield

suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, Christians see that human suf-fering is not meaningless.

Last year, our Office of Vocations distributed pamphlets in our parishes entitled, “The Apostolate of Suffer-ing.” We wanted to enlist our sick and shut-ins across the diocese to assist in the work of fostering vocations, invit-ing them to offer the “fruit” of their suffering for our seminarians and for an increase in vocations to the priest-hood and religious life. The response has been promising, and the power of this abundant grace could also impact other aspects of the Church’s life and mission. All of us can participate in this powerful work, because each of us carries some suffering in life. Christ invites us to share our suffering with him as a deliberate act of faith. The result is an outpouring of grace, and a lighter burden. His yoke is easy and his burden is light (cf. Mt 11:30).

Central to the good news is that Christ has transformed the meaning of human suffering. We are to work to alleviate it when possible, but to

ON THE WAY

Bp. James V. Johnston

“Behold, I make all things new.” —Rv 21:5

Recently a person with a chronic illness shared with me how her outlook on her condition was transformed when she discov-

ered that Christ has given it meaning and purpose. She speaks of the reality of which, regrettably, many Christians are unaware. Namely, that our suf-ferings, when offered willingly to the Son of God, are incorporated into his redemptive work. This is an aspect of the Paschal Mystery that extends to us and our membership in the Body of Christ. Just as Jesus’ loving act of self-offering was the means of life-giving grace for the salvation of the world, ours, too, when united to him, mysteriously results in an outpour-ing of grace for ourselves and others. Literally, God uses human suffering as a power of love for the good of the world and its salvation.

United to Christ, we can truly say that everyone in the Church has the means to be a powerhouse in contributing to his work. This is an especially important truth for those who are sick, injured, or homebound. So often in our culture, we see the value of what they can do or produce. Christians celebrate a different reality; namely, that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). When viewed through the lens of the

Public calendarrealize it is not without meaning or power when united to Christ.

For further readingWidely considered as some of his

best writing, Bl. John Paul II’s “Salvifici Doloris,” apostolic letter on the Chris-tian Meaning of Human Suffering can be found here: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_sal vifici-doloris_en.html. However, allow me a few excerpts:

“Down through the centuries and generations it has been seen that in suffer-ing there is concealed a particular power that draws a person interiorly close to Christ, a special grace.” …

“In the Body of Christ, which is ceaselessly born of the Cross of the Re-deemer, it is precisely suffering permeated by the spirit of Christ’s sacrifice that is the irreplaceable mediator and author of the good things which are indispensable for the world’s salvation. It is suffering, more than anything else, which clears the way for the grace which transforms human souls.” …

“… The Gospel of suffering is being written unceasingly, and it speaks un-ceasingly with the words of this strange paradox: the springs of divine power gush forth precisely in the midst of human weakness.”

Opposed to the culture of deathThis truth of Christian suffering

is also a much-needed counter-propos-al to the culture of death so prominent in the secular world. One could argue that the greatest dread of modern people is that of suffering. One dis-cerns this ultimate fear in the mind set which promotes abortion and eutha-nasia. In other words, the foreseen suffering in a so-called “unplanned pregnancy” or a grave illness positions

and woman to the highest degree of love and brings forth new life from that love. In Holy Orders, He pro-vides us with spiritual “doctors” and shepherds who will heal and refresh the soul weighed down by sin and hardship.

What a great blessing it is to be Catholic and to have the opportunity to know and love God more deeply through the precious gift of the sacra-ments! In this new year of 2014, make an extra effort to meet Jesus as often as possible in the sacraments. ©TM

In addition to his position as dioc-esan Director of Worship, Fr. Dohogne serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Par-ish, Dexter, MO; St. Teresa Church, Glennonville; and St. Ann Church, in Malden.

death as the lesser of the evils. Death is preferred to suffering. Many of those who advocate abortion and euthanasia would acknowledge that it is killing; but then justify the killing as a means to an end; the end of suffering.

As the Christmas Season con-cludes, in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord of Life, we do well to remember that he was born so that he could suffer and die for us. That is the way that God, in his myste-rious design, chose as the best way to accomplish our salvation. As such, it reveals something profoundly impor-tant about the mystery of God him-self, and of all of us as human beings, created in his image and likeness: our suffering has the power to accomplish good by imitating Christ. ©TM

4 The Mirror January 10, 2014

The Mirror: Newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau USPS Publication 117-330 Publisher: Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. Editor: Leslie A. EidsonProduction: Glenn Eckl Circulation/Advertising: Angie Toben, atoben@dioscg.org

Published every other week except the last week in December at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. Address all communications to 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143; Telephone (417) 866-0841; FAX (417) 866-1140; Email atoben@dioscg.org

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. When giving change of address, state both old and new address, also old and new parish. Subscription price, $14 per year.Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, MO, and additional mailing offices. Vol. XLIX No. 20 Jan. 10, 2014 Single copy price, $0.50

Copyright © 2014, The Mirror, CNS, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: www.dioscg.org

REVIEWS

“De gustibus non est dis-putandum.” That’s a famous line from St. Augustine wherein he

suggests that taste is subjective and that what one person fancies might not be to another person’s liking. Under that canopy, among the books that I read in 2013, these 10 stayed with me. So, with no promises that your tastes will echo mine, here goes …

Among the different novels that I read, I recommend:

Alice Munro’s, Dear Life - Sto-ries: These stories won’t give you easy moral comfort, but will stretch you. They’re moral in that they name things as they are. Munro might have entitled these stories—It is what it is! Since publishing this novel, she has won the Nobel Prize for Literature, no surprise to anyone in Canada.

Barbara Kingsolver’s, Flight Behavior: This is a novel about global warming which won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, though everyone will learn from it. More important even than her moral message is the flashlight she shines into ordinary life. Told from the viewpoint of a young mother, trapped in poverty and frustrated by her lack of education and her lack of choices, Kingsolver brilliantly lays bare a hu-man heart, with both its temptations and its virtues.

Toni Morrison’s, Home: Morrison isn’t easy reading, and her story line isn’t always the easiest to follow, but

Preparing for the title role in “Mary of Naza-reth” helped German actress Alissa Jung to

realize that Mary was not only the mother of God but a real person.

“I was really taken by her,” Jung said. “Her way of loving, giving, and believing is a big example, and she’s a wonderful person. I think I changed my perspective.”

“Mary of Nazareth” is a European-made film being distributed in the US by Igna-tius Press.

Jung has been acting on television and in movies since she was 16 years old and cur-rently resides in Berlin.

At first, the thought of playing the mother of God was overwhelming, Jung said. An added challenge was that

her writing is art, the best, and her lan-guage conveys a color and feeling that has few equals among novelists. She didn’t win the Nobel Prize for literature undeservedly.

Within the genre of biography and history, these books stood out:

Roger Lipsey’s, Hammarskjold, A Life: Lipsey, using mountains of material from Dag Hammarskjold’s journals and letters, reveals that Ham-marskjold was all that was hinted at in Markings, and more. Hammarsk-jold, both as a public figure and in his private life, tried to mirror the great-ness of life. Nearly 800 pages long, it’s worth the effort, the story of a great soul.

Brenna Moore’s, Sacred Dread, Raissa Maritain, the Allure of Suffer-ing and the French Catholic Revival (1905-1944): Not an easy read, but anyone with an interest in the world of Maritains, Leon Bloy, Charles Peguy, and the French Catholic Revival at the beginning of the last century will be given a deeper insight into that world.

Kay Cronin’s, Cross in the Wilderness: An old book, published in

the movie was going to be filmed entirely in English.

“The first two days I was a bit shocked. Then I calmed myself down and said, ‘First of all, you are interested in the human being, you are not interested in being an icon,’” Jung said.

From the point of view of an actress, the role pre-sented a challenge because Jung had to simultaneously convey both the joy of Mary’s motherhood and her sorrow in knowing Jesus would die.

“That was really inter-esting to me as an actress, to

1960, and now available only in librar-ies, Cronin traces the history of the Oblate missionaries coming to Oregon and British Columbia and opening churches there. I was truly inspired by the selflessness and courage of these men and what they accomplished. French intellectuals, many of them, they were sent into the wilderness with little preparation and survived on ide-als and faith, and flat-out toughness. Food, shelter, and doctors often weren’t available. Reading their story made me, more than ever, proud to be a mem-ber of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Mary Gordon’s, The Shadow Man, A Daughter’s Search of Her Father: We only understand ourselves when we understand our parents and how their virtues and weaknesses helped shape our own souls. Mary Gordon, better than most, has been able to do this. Many of us are familiar with her brilliant book on her mother, Circling my Mother. Here she does the same thing with her father. How she understands her father will help us to understand our own.

In the area of spirituality, I much recommend:

Belden C. Lane’s, The Solace of Fierce Landscapes, Desert and Mountain Spirituality: Very much in the genre of Bill Plotkins’, Soulcraft, Lane gives us insights into the impor-tant role that geography can play in shaping our souls, and hints of how

have the possibility of having this huge conflict—to believe in something and lose your son for this,” Jung said.

Jung, who is not Catho-lic, said that filming the movie was also an enjoy-able experience because the

we might more deliberately expose ourselves to that. For Lane, spirituality isn’t something that should be done only in air-conditioned prayer centers. Rather, nature—the desert, the wind, and the sun—need also to wash over our souls and bodies.

Jim Wallis’, Rediscovering Values - On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street, A Moral Compass for the New Economy: This book should come with a warning: It will upset you if you’re a fiscal conservative, but, if you are, you might want to give yourself this challenge. Wallis is as close to a “Dorothy Day” as our generation has.

Donald H. Dunson’s and James A. Dunson’s, Citizen of the World, Suffering and Solidarity in the 21st Century: Socrates once said that he was a citizen of the world first and only, after that, a citizen of Athens. How do we widen our hearts and our attitudes so as to live out a citizenship that’s wider than our own ethnicity, nation-ality, history, geography, self-interest, and natural affinity? Donald and James Dunson try to answer that, and they do it with remarkable nuance. This book is a genuine moral compass, what prophecy should be. Good prophets don’t spray you with guilt; they make you want to be a better person.

Again, de gustibus non est dispu-tandum. ©TM

Oblate Fr. Ron Rolheiser is President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He can be contacted through his Web site www.ronrolheiser.com. He is also on Facebook www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser

storyline prompted a lot of reflections about faith among the cast and crew.

“We had a lot of discus-sions on set,” she said. “We had Germans, Tunisians, and Muslims. There were a lot of discussions about religion. I liked it because I think it’s a way to understand other cultures and other people, to really understand their way of believing.”

Anthony Ryan, direc-tor of sales and marketing for San Francisco-based Igna-tius Press, said that “Mary of Nazareth” will help both Catholics and non-Catholics come to a deeper understand-ing of Mary’s life.

“She had to be a woman of great faith and mystery,” Ryan said, adding that those who watch the film

will understand why she is sometimes called Our Lady of Sorrows.

Ignatius is working with Catholic organizations around the country, such as schools and Knights of Columbus councils, to set up screenings of the movie at commercial theaters. Organi-zations are using the movie as an opportunity to evange-lize their local communities and also as a fundraiser, he said.

So far, roughly 120 showings have taken place, Ryan said, and Ignatius hopes to keep the movie in theaters through Easter.

More information about “Mary of Nazareth” and a trailer of the film can be found at www.maryfilm.com. ©CNS

My 10 favorite books of 2013

Actress: Mary’s ‘way of loving, believing’ an example for all

MOVIEReviewed by: Veronica Ambuul

‘MARY OF NAZARETH’—Luca Marinelli portrays Joseph and Alissa Jung is Mary in a scene from the movie “Mary of Nazareth.” (CNS photo/courtesy of Ignatius Press)

INEXILEFr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI

January 10, 2014 The Mirror 5

Ferdinand, IN—The Sisters of St. Benedict will hold a “Come and See” weekend for high school girls, freshman-seniors, Fri.-Sun., Feb. 14-16. Learn what it is like to be a nun in today’s world. Pray, eat, and recreate with the sisters. For more information, contact Sr. Michelle Sinkhorn at (800) 738-9999, visit, www.thedome.org/vocations, or Email vocation@thedome.org. Parent permission is required.

Ferdinand, IN—The Sisters of St. Benedict, will hold a “Come and See” event for single, Catholic women ages 18-40, Fri.-Sun., March 14-16. Get to know the Bene-dictine sisters while sharing in their community life and prayer; meet other women who are considering religious life. No pressure, no commit-ment! For more information, or to register, visit www.the dome.org/vocations, call Sr. Michelle Sinkhorn at (800) 734-9999, or Email voca tion@thedome.org.

Ferdinand, IN—The Sisters of St. Benedict will

host Camp Marian, Fri.-Sun., June 16-18, by Lake Marian, at the Benedictine Monas-tery. This summer camp, filled with fun, food, fire, and friends, is for girls who are currently in fifth-eighth grade. Cost is $45, due at registration. Registration opens March 15 at www.the dome.org/vocations. There is a 50 camper limit. For more information, Email Sr. Mi-chelle Sinkhorn at vocation@thedome.org, or call (812) 367-1411, ext. 2830.

Owensboro, KY—The Glenmary Sisters will host a “Come and See” weekend for single women ages 18-35, Fri., March 14, 4 p.m.-Sun.,

March 16, noon, in the Glenmary Center Forma-tion House, 411 Locust Ct. Join other young women for a weekend of reflection and discernment on God’s call as a religious working in the mission areas of the southern US and Appalachia. Glenmary Sisters will share their vocation stories and answer your questions. For more information and to RSVP, please contact, Barbara O’Nan, Vocation Facilitator, at Barbara@glenmarysisters.org, or call (706) 414-2982.

Springfield—Travel plans are underway from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau to the annual

ScheduleThe next safe environment in-service opportunities will be held at the following locations:Wed., Jan. 15 5-8 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Ann School, CarthageThu., Jan. 30 12:30-3:30 p.m. . . . . . . .The Catholic Center, SpringfieldMon., Feb. 3 3:30-6:30 p.m. . . . . . . . .Our Lady of the Lake Parish, BransonTue., Feb. 11 6-9 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Our Lady of the Cove Parish, Kimberling CitySun., March 30 5-8 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, SpringfieldMon., April 7 5-8 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Our Lady of the Lake Parish, BransonSun., April 27 3-6 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Holy Trinity Parish, SpringfieldTue., May 6 6-9 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Our Lady of the Cove Parish, Kimberling CityTue., Aug. 12 6-9 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Our Lady of the Cove Parish, Kimberling CityTue., Nov. 4 6-9 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Our Lady of the Cove Parish, Kimberling CityPreregistration is necessary; go to www.virtus.org and click on “registration” on the left or call your parish/school office for assistance; or call Ken Pesek at The Catholic Center, (417) 866-0841; or Email him at kenpesek@dioscg.org. Participants must be present for the entire training. Training sessions are for adults only. Schedules may be found on the diocesan events calendar at www.dioscg.org, or at www.virtus.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

KHJMCatholic radio for

Southeast Missouri

From Jackson to the Bootheel, KHJM 89.1 FM

brings the

Heart of Jesus and Maryradio to the area.

March For Life in Washington, DC., Mon., Jan. 20, 2014. Bus will leave from Cavallo’s bus station, 3755 E. Kearney at 1:30 p.m. Cost is $210/person. Registrations are first-come, first-served. Payment includes three meals and concert. VIR-TUS training is required for all adult pilgrims 18 and over. For more information, con-tact Kathleen Keesee at (573) 334-7298; (573) 986-3320, or Email: kkeesee@charter.net.

Springfield—The

ANNOUNCEMENTSParishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed in the Announcements.

They will be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.

Springfield Chapter of the Missourians for Alterna-tives to the Death Penalty is sponsoring an Execution Vigil on Tue., Jan. 28, noon-1 p.m., on Park Central Square. This vigil is under-written by the Council of Churches of the Ozarks. Join us on the square to peace-fully protest the execution of Herbert Smulls, and to remember all victims of violent crime. For more information, contact Donna at (417) 459-2960.

We are called to share our gifts.

The “Church” includes your parish, or a Catholic school, or the diocese. It can even specify a particular ministry, such as youth ministry or the diocesan priests’ retirement fund. Through a gift in your will, you can pass on the Faith to the next generation. Thank you for supporting the Lord’s work!

For more information, contact the Office of Development and Properties, (417) 866-0841, or your parish.

Have you remembered the Church in your will?

ClarificationThere was an error in

the Dec. 13, 2013 issue in which the “Women in the Midst” series article featured Sr. Elizabeth Ann Weiler, ASC. During Sr. Weiler’s min-istry in St. Augustine School, Kelso, Fr. Mike McDevitt served as the associate pastor, not the pastor.

JOB DESCRIPTIONSTitle Case Manager—Family Strengthening Coordinator Reports to Regional Case Manager Supervisor Status Full-time, exempt Location Joplin, MO Title Construction Manager Reports to Director of Housing and Volunteers Status Full Time, exempt Location Joplin, MO

Title Regional Case Management Supervisor Reports to Executive Director Status Full-time, exempt Location Joplin, MO Title Retail Manager - Joplin retail storeReports to Director of Housing and Volunteers Status Full-time, exempt Location Joplin, MO

For more information, including job descriptions and instruc-tions on how to apply, consult the Web site of Catholic Charities

of Southern Missouri at www.ccsomo.org.

Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri

employment opportunities

Administration Office424 East Monastery St.Springfield, MO 65807

(417) 720-4213

Cape Girardeau Office937 Broadway Ste. 304

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701(573) 335-0134

Sikeston Office205 W. Malone, Ste. BSikeston, MO 63801

(573) 481-0659

Joplin Office403 East 4th StreetJoplin, MO 64801

(417) 624-3790

Van Buren Office504 Ash Street

Van Buren, MO 63965(573) 323-4044

6 The Mirror January 10, 2014FEATURE

Our God of surprisesBy Sr. Edith Maria of Our Lady, Ark of the Covenant, PCPA

I come from Cape Girardeau, MO, a town right on the banks of the Mis-sissippi River. My father came from Vietnam in 1975, and my moth-

er is from a small town in southeast Missouri.

They met in college and married in 1979. My three siblings and I all grew up in Cape Girardeau, in close contact with both my mother’s siblings and my father’s large Vietnamese family who live in California.

Since our family is a blend of cul-tures and religions (Mom is a Catholic and Dad is a Buddhist), we have some interesting traditions and have always had very vibrant dinner table discus-sions! Our house was always filled with books, and visitors could be treated alternately to the aromas of rice, Viet-namese foods, or fried chicken and bis-cuits and gravy. Most importantly, our household revolved around faith.

Mom made sure that all four of her children received a solid upbring-ing in the fundamentals of the Catho-lic faith. She took us to Mass, prayed the rosary with us, taught us about the saints and about the Blessed Mother, and instilled in us a great love for the Church. She set the example of how to answer the universal call to holiness and taught us the importance of fam-ily, hard work, and persistence in the face of adversity and trial. To each of their children, Dad and Mom have al-ways stressed the importance of play in our lives, and we never doubted that we were vitally important to them.

My siblings and I were fortunate to attend great Catholic elementary and high schools, where dedicated teach-ers reinforced the lessons our mother taught us about the Faith. Our parish has always had fantastic priests who were great examples of religious vocations. As I grew up, I always admired the re-ligious sisters and priests with whom I came in contact regularly. As I got older and began to think about what God wanted me to do with my life, I began to think on and off about a voca-tion to the consecrated life. I went off to college and graduate school, where I studied literature, music, and math. I became a math teacher in a local Catholic school, where I was privileged to teach some of the greatest children I’ve ever met. I also began to read more and more about my Faith and truly fell in love with what G.K. Chesterton

called the “romance of orthodoxy.”

All through col-lege and graduate school, and even as I made lesson plans and graded papers for my students, I still had the thought of a religious vocation in the back of my mind. The veracity of this small but insistent call lay in the fact that it made itself mani-fest even at the best of times, when I loved what I was doing and was perfectly content with the status quo. Thus, I knew that this persistent desire was not symptomatic of a need to run away or escape and that I should probably pay attention to it.

I spent a few years visiting various religious com-munities, all the while becoming more and more attracted to the cloistered contemplative life, an attraction that at first did not make sense to me. I was already a teacher and thought that an active order would be the most logical

choice for me. However, our God is a God of surprises, albeit surprises that actually make more sense in the long run and in light of the bigger picture.

I was a teacher, but I was also someone for whom learning, think-ing, and reading had been a lifelong

passion. That continual quest for knowl-edge had led me to an appreciation for truth as a pathway to God and to the conclusion that all contemplation of truth really leads us to contemplation of God Himself and to the truth about His being and His relationship to us.

Sr. Edith Maria of Our Lady, Ark of the Covenant, PCPA

CENTERED ON THE EUCHARIST—Sr. Edith Maria of Our Lady, Ark of the Covenant, PCPA, lives a life entirely centered on the Eucharist. Fr. Miguel Marie Soeherman, MFVA, a priest-friar of the Missionaries of the Eternal Word, blessed Sr. Edith Maria at her final profession of vows in 2013. Assisting Fr. Soeherman was Fr. John Paul Mary Zeller, MFVA. (Submitted photos)

FINAL VOWS—A prostrate Sr. Edith Maria during her 2013 final profession as a sister of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration. (Submitted photo)

January 10, 2014 The Mirror 7FEATURE

The cloistered, con-templative life began to make more sense and eventually be-came the focus of my discernment.

After visiting more communities, I eventually wrote to the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Alabama and was invited to come for two visits. Their life of perpetual adoration of Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacra-ment was so beautiful to me, especially since I had been exposed to Eucharistic adora-tion from an early age. Living a life centered around the Holy Eu-charist in such a ba-sic and tangible way, where even the hours of the Office are chant-ed before the exposed Presence of Our Lord, held for me an almost undeniable attraction.

The doctrine of the Real Presence was so central to the faith my mother passed on to me that living a life centered on the Eucha-rist was paramount, and I found (and still find) a certain beauty in always knowing that even in the most ordinary moments of the day, Our Lord is truly present, in a vital and cor-poreal way, just down the hall in our chapel. Exposed and waiting, He wel-comes each sister as she comes for her adoration hour or for the hours of the Divine Office, and even when she slips

through the chapel for a second or two on the tasks. Each mo-ment in His presence is a chance to let that presence seep into one’s self and to un-derstand Him more.

Even though it took a long period of discerning to get this step in my voca-tional journey, I can see that all the side roads through which God leads us are im-portant in His larger plan for each of us. My experiences have helped me to grow closer to God in ways that I never would have envisioned if I had made the plan. How fortunate that God is making the plan, then, and not I! With your prayers, I will continue upon this journey to see what beautiful things God has in store for me! ©TM

Sr. Edith Maria of Our Lady, Ark of the Covenant, PCPA, is formally known as Thùy Ha. A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sr.

Edith Maria’s home parish is St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral in Cape Girardeau.

Reprinted with permission, this article first appeared in the Sept./Oct. edition of Religious Life magazine (ReligiousLife.com).

CLOISTERED COMMUNITY—Sr. Edith Maria and two of her religious sis-ters on the grounds of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Alabama. (Submitted photo)

‘COPING WITH LIFE ALONE’ for

Divorced Separated Widowed

Beginning Experience of Springfield is offering a six (6)-week “COPING WITH LIFE ALONE” series designed to help individuals work through the trauma of losing a spouse through death, divorce, or separation.

Participants are introduced to the 5 Stages of Grief, a normal reaction to any significant loss. All sessions are led by a trained group of men and women facilitators who have been there—who themselves are divorced, separated, or widowed—thus, a peer ministry of people caring for people and who are willing to share their own experiences to help others.

The program follows a specific topic each week, and consists of a presentation and a personal talk given by a facilitator on that week’s subject matter followed by a reflection time for participants to answer questions related to the topic. Participants and facilitators then discuss the topic in small groups.

The program is Christian-based and open to all faiths.Join us for this supportive, informative, and uplifting six-week series, or recom-

mend COPING to others.

WHEN: Six (6) THURSDAYS, beginning Feb. 13, 2014, 6:30pm

WHERE: St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 2200 W. Republic Rd, Springfield, MO

COST: $20 donation. Scholarships are available. (No one is excluded because of inability to donate.)

For information call:Kathy (417) 818-6522; Becky (417) 872-5987; or Annie (417) 864-5518Vocation

Awareness

‘The discernment of a vocation is above all the fruit of an intimate dia-logue between the Lord and his disciples. Young people, if they know how to pray, can be trusted to know what to do with God’s call.’

—Pope Benedict XVI, April 16, 2008

8 The Mirror January 10, 2014DIOCESAN NEWS

Chaffee, MO

Fr. Ralph J. (“Jake”) Duffner, 83, died Mon., Dec. 2, 2013, in Jackson

Manor, Jackson, MO. May he rest in peace.

The Mass of Resur-rection was celebrated Thu., Dec. 5, 2013, in St. Ambrose Catholic Church, with principal celebrant Bp. James V. Johnston. Concelebrat-ing the liturgy was Bp.-Emeritus John J. Leibrecht, Fr. Duffer’s classmate in seminary who also served as homilist, and numerous priests and deacons. Burial was in St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery.

“In a letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul de-scribed life as living in ‘a tent’” Bp. Leibrecht said in the funeral liturgy’s homily. “Fr. Duffner set his tent down in 11 different parishes and missions in his 57 years as a priest. He has now folded up that tent and, as St. Paul put it, entered an eternal beau-tiful building provided by his loving God.”

Fr. Duffner was born Aug. 4, 1930, in St. Lou-is, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Joseph Duffner and Agnes Anna (Stuesse) Duffner. Fr. Duffner is survived by a sister, Marga-ret J. Scheiner; two nephews, Gregory G. Scheiner, (wife, Ellen), Jeffrey C. Scheiner, (wife, Nancy); a niece, Mary E. Moran; two great nieces, Nicole M. Scheiner and Stacie P. Scheiner; and three great nephews, Erik O. Scheiner, Mark J. Scheiner, and Adam G. Scheiner.

Fr. Duffner was ordained a priest on March 17, 1956, in St. Louis Cathedral for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. His first assignment was as assistant pas-tor of St. Mary of the Annunciation Church in Cape Girardeau, which became the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation when the Diocese of Spring-field-Cape Girardeau was formed later that same year. Other pastoral assignments included pastor of St. Susanne Parish in Mount Vernon, St. Patrick Mission Church, Greenfield, St. Ann Parish in Mal-den, St. Mary Mission in Campbell, St. Lawrence Parish in New Hamburg, and St. Ambrose Parish in Chaffee.

A few of Fr. Duffner’s many other appoint-ments included serving as chaplain for the Mis-souri State Sanatorium in Mount Vernon; St. John’s Hospital in Springfield; Missouri Chest Hospital in Mount Vernon; and Veterans Hospital in Poplar Bluff. He was also assistant director of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, assistant director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, and then-Bp. William Baum’s representative for Health and Hospitals in 1970.

Fr. Duffner was the first Catholic priest elect-ed president of the ministerial alliance in Mount Vernon in 1967. As a result and hungry to know more about the Catholic Faith, the alliance took the opportunity to change the format of its meetings so that Fr. Duffner and the other ministers could share doctrinal thoughts among the varying faith traditions. The alliance would meet once a month at 11 a.m., break for lunch, then have their business meeting at 1 p.m.

Fr. Duffner was also the Vice President of the Lawrence County Board of OACAC for three years; a board member of the Salvation Army for three years, and a board member of its self-help thrift store “Christian Neighbors.”

Although Fr. Duffner officially retired on Aug. 15, 2000, he continued to serve as parochial admin-istrator of St. Ambrose Parish in Chaffee until 2010. Fr. Duffner was a steady presence in St. Ambrose Catholic School. After his assignment at St. Am-brose, Fr. Duffner continued sacramental assistance in area parishes and hospitals when needed.

“A few weeks before his death, I visited Fr. Duffner, who had recently been dealing with bouts of dementia,” Bp. Leibrecht shared in his homily. “It seemed he recognized me briefly. As I sat beside his bed, he talked on and on about nothing else than wanting to get a new car. At the end of my visit, I gave him a blessing and asked for his. He ended his little prayer for me with, ‘And, dear God, get me a good deal on my new car.’ God answered that prayer much more bountifully than with a new car.”

Messages of sympathy may be sent to Gregory Scheiner, in care of State Farm Insurance, 9159 S. Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455. ©TM

Priest of 57 years dies at age 83

CHAFFEE STUDENTS MOURN FR. DUFF-NER—Students in St. Ambrose School, Chaffee, created posters in honor of Fr. Ralph Duffner who passed away Dec. 2, 2013. (Top photo) The white banner was created by stu-dents in the seventh and eighth grade; (sec-ond photo) the blue banner was created by students in the third and fourth grade; (third photo) the yellow banner was created by stu-dents in the fifth and sixth grade; (above) the pink banner was created by students in the first and second grade. (Submitted photos)

Fr. Ralph J. (Jake) Duffner

CELEBRATE the Week ofPrayer for Christian UnityJan. 18-25, 2014

As we gather for worship during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we respond to God’s call to us and we seek to be renewed and to build up our mutual relationship in Christ through song, word, and gesture.

The 2014 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) will take place Jan. 18-25, 2014 under the theme: “Has Christ Divided Us?” (cf. 1 Cor 1:13). Observed

annually with a history of over 100 years, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity moves Christians toward the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper “that they all may be one” (cf. Jn 17:21).

Having been in dialogue for many years, the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau and area Pentecostals will jointly host an ecumenical worship service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Wed., Jan. 22, 2014, at 6:30 p.m., in Evangel Temple, Springfield. Everyone is invited. For the first 30 minutes, various dialogue members, including Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht, will speak about the history of the Roman Catholic-Pentecostal dialogue; the service will begin at 7 p.m.; refreshments will be served afterward.

For more information on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, including parish resources, con-

sult (http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teach ings/ecumenical-and-interreligious/events/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity.cfm); the Web site for Graymoor Ecumenical and Interre-ligious Institute (www.geii.org); and/or the Web site for the World Council of Churches (www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/week-of-prayer).

January 10, 2014 The Mirror 9DIOCESAN NEWS

Trinity Hills is a diocesan center for prayer, service, and Christian formation inspired by the Catholic Worker movement. Located 20 minutes east of Springfield, Trinity Hills produce food for the hungry, and provide housing for homeless youth and persons escaping from situations of domestic violence. The ministry at Trinity Hills facilitates retreats for parish groups and days of respite for social service providers, and actively engages in caring for creation. Located on

114 acres, we receive calls for help from throughout southern Missouri. With your help we can serve more people. You are invited to join us!

Opportunities to participate include:• Mentoring homeless guests and helping trans-

port them to appointments• Helping us promote our retreat programs to

college students and other groups• Helping with farm projects • Living and working at Trinity Hills for a set

period of time• “Adopt” one of our free-range laying hens,

helping to keep her healthy while she feeds the hungry.

To get involved, please contact Nick Lund-Molfese at nick@thills.org or call (417) 753-7758. For more information on Trinity Hills, visit www.thills.org.

TRINITY HILLS—Bp. James V. Johnston celebrated Mass with Boy Scouts after they spent a day of service at Trinity Hills. (The Mirror)

Join in the work of Trinity Hills

Fr. Monaghan said, “reducing our defi-cit, probably by about half.”

“This is wonderful, wonderful news,” said Stephen Jones, principal, St. Mary School, Joplin, which is home

St. Mary Church awarded $300,000 community grantFrom Page 1 to 196 students.

Jones said there is “great prog-ress” on the school’s construction and the school hopes to open in August this year. After the roofline took shape and prefabricated walls were raised, interior work began in December. Fr.

Monaghan estimated that the school was about 30 percent complete.

At the nearby church site, work-ers have finished the foundation and footings, and concrete was recently poured. St. Mary Church is set to open in December, 2014.

Howard told The Joplin Globe that the $300,000 grant is one of the largest awarded since the foundation

launched the recovery fund after the tornado. More than $3.2 million in grants was been awarded from the fund to nonprofit organizations in Joplin, Carl Junction, and Webb City. These organizations include Rebuild Joplin, Children’s Haven, the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Missouri, and Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity.

“Community Foundation is here to help Joplin and whatever Joplin needs,” Howard said.

For more information, contact St. Mary Parish office at (417) 623-3333, or “Like” the parish on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Marys-Catholic-Church-Joplin-MO-official-site/482775721794971. ©TM

SCHOOL HOPES TO OPEN IN AUGUST—Brooke Wear, a fifth grader at St. Mary School, Joplin, and Bethany Lone, first grade, looked over an enlarged mock check announcing the grant of $300,000 for the rebuilding of the St. Mary Parish after the 2011 tornado. (Photo by Roger Nomer)

ST. MARY PARISH—Construction progresses on St. Mary Catholic School, Joplin. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks recently awarded St. Mary Parish a $300,000 grant toward its rebuilding efforts after the 2011 tornado. (Submitted photo)

10 The Mirror January 10, 2014ADVERTISING

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PRINCIPAL needed for Sacred Heart School (PreK-12) in Sedalia, MO a faith community with 405 students and 39 faculty. Applicants must be practicing Catholics with at least three years of successful teaching, preferably in a Catholic school. Requirements in-clude a Master’s degree and principal’s certificate. For information contact Tony Farkas by email at sh.prin.ap-plications@gmail.com by Feb. 3, 2014. Application deadline is Feb. 15, 2014.

Principal

new slate might prove relatively heavy on names from statistically under-represented regions, especially Latin America and Africa.

—Vatican reform: The eight-member Council of Cardinals that Pope Francis formed to advise him on governance of the universal Church and reform of the Vatican bureau-cracy has already joined him for two rounds of meetings at the Vatican and will do so again in February. Although the council has not announced a timeline for its work, Pope Francis has established a record of acting fast; in December, he approved an idea for an international commission on the sexual abuse of children just one day after the council proposed it. So few will be surprised if the council gives him a draft of an apostolic constitu-tion reorganizing the curia before the

end of 2014.—Canonization of two popes:

The double canonization ceremony of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II, scheduled for April 27, is al-most certain to draw crowds larger than the more than 1 million who attended the latter’s beatification in May 2011.

By choosing to declare the sanc-tity of both men on the same day, Pope Francis may be trying to emphasize fundamental continuities between two popes widely seen as respectively liberal and conservative, especially with regard to reforms ushered in by the Second Vatican Council. Blessed John opened the council in 1962, and Blessed John Paul attended all four sessions as a bishop. The ceremony could thus serve as an occasion for Pope Francis to expound on his own understanding of Vatican II and its legacy for the Church.

—Papal trip to the Holy Land: The Vatican has yet to announce dates or an itinerary for an expected

papal visit to the Holy Land but has not denied recent reports that it will take place in late May and last three days, with stops in Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories. Pope Fran-cis has said a Holy Land visit would include a meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constanti-nople, considered first among equals by Orthodox bishops.

The trip would be Pope Francis’ second outside of Italy, following his visit to Brazil in July 2013, and the first planned during his pontificate. The destination would be fitting for a pope whose relations with Jews have been exceptionally warm and who has made peace in the Middle East a priority of his geopolitical agenda.

New year in Vatican newsFrom Page 3

Each month, Pope Francis announces his spe-cial prayer intentions—particular things that he wishes all Catholics to pray for that month. Pope Francis offers two intentions every

month, one general, and one for a particular Catho-lic missionary activity.

January 2014General: Authentic economic development

That all may promote authentic economic development that respects the dignity of all peoples.

Mission: Christian unityThat Christians of diverse denominations may walk toward the

unity desired by Christ. ©TM

Pope’s prayer intentions

—Divorced and remarried Cath-olics: An extraordinary session of the Synod of Bishops will meet at the Vati-can for two weeks in October to discuss the “pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization.”

Pope Francis has indicated top-ics of discussion at the synod will include Church law governing mar-riage annulments and the eligibility of divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion—problems he has said exemplify a general need for mercy in the Church today.

In addition to speculation about possible changes in Church practice in those areas, the synod has drawn attention with a preparatory ques-tionnaire sent to the world’s bishops, which asks about the promotion and acceptance of Catholic teachings on such controversial topics as premarital cohabitation, same-sex unions, and contraception. ©CNS

January 10, 2014 The Mirror 11

HOLY LANDJUNE 4-16

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DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

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Van Buren, MO

The 2014 Winter Seminarian Gathering took place Jan. 2-3 in Van Buren by the beautiful Current River. Mass was held

in St. George Mission Church where seminarians gathered with their fami-lies. Bp. James V. Johnston celebrated the Mass; Fr. J. Friedel, diocesan di-rector of vocations and seminarians, concelebrated.

Lunch was served at The Land-ing. Families and seminarians got to know one another better during a

“Speed Meeting” scenario. This in-volved rotating seminarians to differ-ent tables for a set period of time so that everyone got a chance to ask the seminarians questions in order to get to know them better. Christmas gifts were exchanged, photos were taken, and overall it was a great time of ca-sual fellowship.

After lunch, several families and seminarians braved the cold and spent some time at The Big Spring.

Only two seminarians were un-able to participate in the gathering: Francisco Gordillo and Juan Rosete.

WINTER SEMINARIAN GATHERING—Diocesan seminarians were able to gather with Bp. James V. Johnston Jan. 2-3 during the winter break. Pic-tured were (front row) Bp. James V. Johnston, Jr., Nicholas Koeppel, David Gomez, visitor, Joseph Kelly, Daniel Belken, Colby Elbert, Caitlin Blaine, Office of Vocations/Seminarians, Fr. J. Friedel, director, Office of Vocations/Seminarians; (second row) Brian Straus, David Baunach, Joseph Stoverink, Charles Dunn, Andrew Williams, Josh Carroll, Nicholas Newton, and Luis Hernandez. (Photo by Dan Williams)

Seminarians gather over winter breakDavid Gomez, a prospective semi-narian for the diocese, was a guest at the seminarian gathering. From

Colombia, Gomez has been visiting various parishes in the diocese for the past month. ©TM

STROLL BY BIG SPRING—Diocesan seminarian Nick Koeppel and Fr. J. Friedel, diocesan director of voca-tions/seminarians, took a walk by The Big Spring in Van Buren, MO, during the Winter Seminarian Gath-ering on Jan. 2-3. (Photo by Dan Williams)

CHRISTMAS GIFTS—Diocesan semi-narian Nicholas Newton shared with his mother, Katie Newton, a Christ-mas gift he received from Bp. James V. Johnston during family time at the Winter Seminarian Gather-ing on Jan. 2-3 in Van Buren, MO. (Photo by Dan Williams)

12 The Mirror January 10, 2014ADULT FAITH

What is God’s will?In the Lord’s Prayer we say, “Thy

will be done.” But what is God’s will? People say things like, “There’s a reason for everything.”

“It’s God’s will.” Is it really? Let’s look at some recent events and consider how they fit into God’s will.

On Dec. 13, Colorado student, Karl Pierson, brought a shotgun to Arapahoe High School in Littleton, CO. He opened fire, critically injur-ing 17-year-old Claire Davis, before killing himself. Claire died on Dec. 21. Atheists say, “How can such things happen if there is a God? If you were God, couldn’t you make a better world than this one?”

In November of 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, struck the Philippines, caus-ing untold damage and killing about 6,000 people. After the typhoon, a CNN news report praised the efforts of Fr. Edwin Bacaltos, who ministered to parishioners in the city of Taclo-ban. Many of them asked how God could let such a calamity befall them. He responded: “God is not the cause of the suffering. … This is the work of nature.” He added that it’s difficult to explain such devastation.

A parishioner, Eddie Cinco, disagreed. He said that only God was powerful enough to create such a storm. God must have wanted to punish Tacloban, but Eddie didn’t know why. Who was right? Eddie or his pastor?

A few months ago I received a letter from a mother who had suf-fered a miscarriage. A woman of great faith, she believes, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, that her child is in heaven. The woman and her husband still experience the pain of loss. But she says: “I’ve learned to accept God’s will.” In what sense can a miscarriage be “God’s will”?

God’s will in our imperfect worldIn 1998, Pope John Paul II

wrote a letter explaining the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Regarding the gift of knowledge, he wrote: “With knowl-edge we are able to understand the mysterious interweavings of second-ary causes with the First Cause in the turn of events.” This means that the gift of knowledge helps us under-stand how human choices fit in with God’s will.

Old Testament authors were inspired, but did not have the full-ness of Revelation granted through Jesus. They did not make distinc-tions between the First Cause (God’s will) and secondary causes (our free choices). They did not understand the difference between God’s causing something and God’s allowing some-thing. As a result, they sometimes saw God as causing a sinful decision and punishing that same decision. An example of this is 2 Sam 24,

where God is said to have prompted David to carry out a census of the Is-raelites, then to have punished David and his people for the same census!

Over the centuries, as people grew in spiritual maturity, they came to grasp more of God’s truth. In the New Testament, we find a clearer understanding of our place in God’s design. The Church, with the help of the Spirit’s gift of knowledge, has come to realize that God allows many things he does not will. With this insight, let’s look at the three situations just mentioned.

The school shooting in ColoradoWe know that the murder of

Claire Davis and subsequent suicide of her killer, Karl Pierson, were not God’s will. God’s commandment, “Thou shalt not kill,” makes this clear. Murder and all other sins result from humanity’s rejecting God’s will and misusing his gift of freedom. God is love, and God created us to enjoy the happiness that comes from loving and being loved. This requires freedom, because love cannot be forced. If we are free to love, we are also free to refuse love. Like Adam and Eve, we can say “no” to God as well as “yes.” We can abuse the gift of freedom by disobeying God. In so doing, we hurt ourselves and others. God allows this because otherwise we could not be free. But God never wills sin.

Typhoon HaiyanPerhaps we can see how God

must allow people to harm others if freedom is to be real. But what about evils that come from nature, like Typhoon Haiyan? Again, the answer is freedom. God gave us wonder-ful abilities so we could cooperate with him in bringing this world to perfection. We might suppose that the world would be better if it were already perfect, but God knows that while we live in time we need to make a contribution. A world ex-isting in time must be a world in process. This allows the satisfaction of achievement, and the happiness of helping others.

The Book of Genesis says that God placed human beings on this earth to tend it and care for it. But Adam and Eve, and people through the ages, have used their talents for sinful purposes as well as for good. As a result, terrible evils have devastated our world. Immense possibilities for good have been left untouched. Most of the tragedies that darken our days could long ago have been eliminated by humanity’s humble acceptance of God’s designation of good and evil. Harmony with nature—includ-ing nature’s energies of fire, wind, water, and motion—could have been achieved. There would still be storms and earthquakes, a natural part of our world in transition, but we would live in homes that could withstand any outburst of nature.

Eddie was wrong. God was not punishing Tacloban. The people of the Philippines suffered because our world is far removed from what God wants it to be. The suffering of the Philippine people was allowed by God, but it was not his will.

To the ex-tent that we are willing to ac-cept God’s plan for us, to that extent we will work together to build a bet-ter world. Our world could be turned into a paradise if people stopped spending bil-lions of dollars on illegal drugs, lust, drunken-ness, pornog-raphy, criminal pursuits, and other sinful purposes, and instead spent the money on housing for the poor, safer

buildings, levees, and technology to make our world better.

Atheists might suppose they could create a better world. But without freedom, it would be a world of robots devoid of love and of op-portunities to do anything meaning-ful. God’s plan for us is better than anything atheists might devise. We need only to follow it.

Premature deathThe mother whose baby died

in a miscarriage wrote, “I’ve learned to accept God’s will.” A miscarriage is not God’s will in the sense that God wants the baby’s death. Because previous generations have misused freedom, our gene pool is damaged, and diseases today can be the result of human sins committed long ago. God allows this as an unwanted consequence of human freedom, but God does not directly will it.

When parents, grieving at the loss of a child, say, “We’ve learned to accept God’s will,” it means they accept God’s plan to create human-ity in his image and likeness, free, able to know and love. It means they realize that humanity has rebelled against God, and that God sent his Son to save us from eternal death. It means they endure the tragedies that befall them as a result of the sins of previous generations. It means they know Jesus weeps with them at their loss, just as he wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. It means they find comfort and peace in Jesus’ promise of eternal life for their child. It means they believe in the Communion of Saints and in God’s pledge that their child is a saint who watches over them and waits eagerly for the mo-ment when they will joyfully em-brace one another in the kingdom of heaven.

The Spirit’s gift of knowledgeAs Pope John Paul II noted,

there are many complexities involved in the “mysterious interweavings of secondary causes with the First Cause in the turn of events.” We do need the Holy Spirit’s gift of knowledge in order to understand God’s will in our world, in our lives, in the lives of others.

And when we want to comfort friends who suffer loss, we should avoid expressions like “It’s God’s will,” or “There’s a reason for ev-erything.” Instead, the words, “I’m sorry. I’m praying for you,” can bring the presence and peace of Jesus. In all our trials, Jesus is near as our Savior and Friend. When tears flow in time of sorrow, Jesus weeps with us, as-suring us that every cross can lead to resurrection, eternal life, and everlast-ing joy. To that we can say without hesitation, “Thy will be done!” ©TM

A Vincentian priest in Perryville MO, Fr. Lukefahr directs Catholic Home Study Service (CHSS), sponsored by the Missouri Knights of Columbus and their Religious Information Bureau. He may be reached at frlukecm@gmail.com.

THE GRACE OF BEING CATHOLICFr. Oscar Lukefahr, CM