Southwestern Indiana’s Catholic Community Newspaper

The MESSAGE

September 26, 2014

Volume 45, Number 4

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Parish reorganization continues across the Diocese of Evansville BY TIM LILLEY The Message Editor

Most Rev. Charles C. Thompson, Bishop of the Diocese of Evansville, announced today the establishment of six new parishes and an Oratory over the next two years as the result of mergers that involve 15 existing parishes. Mergers will take effect between July 1, 2015, and July 1, 2016. The new parishes include: • St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Evansville, created by the merger of St. Joseph Parish (a.k.a. St. Joseph in the

city) in Evansville and the existing St. Anthony of Padua Parish. Effective July 1, 2015. • Sts. Mary and John Parish and Holy Trinity Oratory in Evansville, created by the merger of Holy Trinity Parish in Evansville with the existing Sts. Mary and John Parish in Evansville. Effective April 27, 2015. Sts. Mary and John boundaries will expand to include the area formerly served by Holy Trinity. • Good Shepherd Parish in Evansville, created by the merger of St. Theresa Parish in Evansville and the existing Good Shepherd Parish. Effective July 1, 2016.

• St. Anthony Parish in St. Anthony, created by the merger of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Schnellville with the existing St. Anthony Parish. Effective July 1, 2016. • St. Francis Xavier Parish in Vincennes, created by the merger of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Vincennes; St. John the Baptist Parish in Vincennes; St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Vincennes; and St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Vincennes with the existing Basilica of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Vincennes. Effective July 1, 2016. • St. Peter Celestine Parish in

Sunday: Day of Prayer for Extraordinary Synod of Bishops

Golden Jubilee Mass

Photo courtesy of Father Joseph Ziliak

During the 2014 Convocation for priests of the Diocese of Evansville, Father John Schipp, left, Father Jim Blessinger, Father Jay Davidson and Father Ted Tempel concelebrate Mass Sept. 10 in honor of their Golden Jubilees. Bishop Charles C. Thompson, Bishop Emeritus Gerald Gettelfinger and their brother priests saluted them following Mass at a banquet in their honor. See more photos from the 2014 Convocation on pages 13 and 24.

Holy Trinity Catholic School! Dubois County Catholic school system will open in 2015

BY TIM LILLEY The Message Editor

Holy Trinity Catholic School will open in the fall of 2015 to serve all of Dubois County. Teams will compete as the Saints, and the school colors will be purple, white and gold.

Celestine, created by the merger of St. Raphael Parish in Dubois with the existing St. Peter Celestine Parish in Celestine. Effective July 1, 2016. The bishop also announced that none of the churches involved in the mergers are closing as a result of these moves, which represent the continuation of parish reorganizations that began last year. Holy Trinity Church, however, will be changed to an Oratory, which the Catholic Church defines as a structure other than a parish church that is set aside for certain forms of Divine worship, such as the celebration of Mass. See REORGANIZATION, page 2

Father Gary Kaiser, pastor of Precious Blood Parish in Jasper and St. Mary Parish in Ireland, also serves as Bishop Charles C. Thompson’s delegate for school administration. He announced the name, mascot and colors Thursday morning (Sept. 25) in the gymnasium of Kundek Hall on the campus of St. Joseph Parish in See SCHOOL, page 2

Pope Francis has proclaimed September 28 — this Sunday — as a universal day of prayer for the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which opens Oct. 5 in Rome. The focus of the extraordinary synod is “The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization.” Attending and participating from the U.S. are Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York; Cardinal Donal Wuerl of Washington, D.C., and Archbishop Charles Skurla of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, Pa. Pope Francis has composed a prayer — “Prayer to the Holy Family for the Synod” — and it appears below. Special Prayers of the Faithful for Masses and other appropriate liturgical settings also have been developed. Bishop Charles C. Thompson has distributed them and the Holy Father’s prayer throughout the diocese. In Rome, in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, prayers will be recited each day in the chapel of the icon, Salus Populi Romani. The faithful, individually but above all in families, are invited to join in these prayers.

Prayer to the Holy Family for the Synod Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendor of true love, to you we turn with trust. Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic Churches. Holy Family of Nazareth, may families never again experience violence, rejection and division: may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready comfort and healing. Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God’s plan. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Amen.

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Reorganization Continued from page 1 Bishop Thompson has designated the pastor of St. John Parish in Daylight to assume responsibility for maintenance and upkeep of the Oratory, subject to direction and oversight by the diocese. Holy Trinity will maintain ownership of the Reitz Chalice and other holy artifacts. “Over the years,” Bishop Thompson said, “the number of Holy Trinity parishioners who actually live within its territorial boundaries has dwindled to virtually none. Many of those parishioners, while continuing to attend Holy Trinity, also have been attending St. John, Daylight because the two parishes share similar ecclesiologies. It is not possible for us to merge Holy Trinity and St. John Daylight, however, because Canon Law mandates that parishes being merged share territorial boundaries. “As we continue to reorganize parishes across the diocese, we remain focused on keeping the Diocese of Evansville a lively, faith-filled community,” Bishop Thompson added. “Throughout my involvement with this process, which began more than six years ago under Bishop-Emeritus Gerald Gettelfinger, I have been moved by the tremendous faith of our Catholic community. They continue to let the Holy Spirit guide them as they come together to form new parish communities. We already see the fruits of their faith in several new parishes that came to life on July 1.” Seven additional parishes will link on July 1, 2015, including: • Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Petersburg and Blessed Sacrament Parish in Oakland City will link. • St. Joseph Parish in Princeton and St. Bernard Parish in Snake Run will link. • Holy Cross Parish in Fort Branch, St. James Parish in Haubstadt and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Haubstadt will link. Depending on pastoral availability, future additional parish links will most likely include: • Corpus Christi Parish in Evansville and St. Philip Parish in Posey County will link. • St. Ferdinand Parish in Ferdinand and St. Henry Parish in St. Henry will link. Also, it is possible that St. Mary Parish in Ireland and Precious Blood Parish in Jasper, which are now linked,

also will link with one or both of the other parishes in Jasper — Holy Family Parish and St. Joseph Parish. As was the case with the announcements made in September 2013, Bishop Thompson will make pastoral assignments at the appropriate times. From January through June of this year, Bishop Thompson and Diocesan Chief Operating Officer Tim McGuire held a series of parish listening sessions to discuss reorganization and hear from affected parishioners. Those sessions revealed a few consistent questions regarding the changes that involve merging parishes. One of the most prevalent involved when and where Masses will be held. As noted earlier, no churches are closing as a result of the mergers. Pastors will determine Mass schedules and locations for the newly merged parishes, conforming to the Canon Law requirement that no priest regularly celebrate more than three Masses to fulfill the Sunday obligation on any given weekend. Some listening sessions also included questions about parish and church names moving forward. The decrees establishing new parishes note formal names taken from one of the existing parishes being merged. That name, however, may be changed in the future. “It is not possible for me or any bishop to change the name of a church,” Bishop Thompson explained. “Changing the name [of a church] requires Vatican approval. I can, however, authorize the change of a parish name. “Canon Law requires that we include the name of a parish being established by decree, which is what we did with the changes we announce today. We expect, however, that the pastors and parishioners will review every element of these mergers as they develop the most effective plans for implementation. Among other things, they may request a change in the parish name.” Some parishes created by mergers announced in September 2013 already have sought and gained approval from Bishop Thompson to change their names. One

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example is St. Joseph Parish in Dale, which was created by the merger of Mary, Help of Christians Parish in Mariah Hill, St. Nicholas Parish in Santa Claus and the exiting St. Joseph Parish. When the merger takes effect on July 1, 2015, it will become St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Deacon Jim Woebkenberg provides a look into that parish’s journey to a new name on page 3 of this issue. When each merger takes effect, the assets and liabilities of the merging parishes all become part of the new parish. Pastors will form new finance councils, which are required by Canon Law, as well pastoral councils. Responsibility for final decisions remains with Bishop Thompson and parish pastors. Finance and pastoral councils, however, play important advisory roles. When parishes link, each

School Continued from page 1 Jasper. The parish hosted a Mass for students and families from the three Catholic schools that are coming together to create Holy Trinity. Father Kaiser told the crowd that the naming process proved to be truly inspired. “We asked for input from Catholics across the county — all 11 parishes — and many suggested Holy Trinity because we are bringing three schools into one,” Father Kaiser said. “It was the strongest name; it came from our students and from adults.” After this school year, Precious Blood and Holy Family schools, both in Jasper, and St. Mary school in Ireland, will come together to form the foundation of Holy Trinity, which is intended to serve all of Dubois County.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

linking parish maintains its autonomy. The major change resulting from linking is that one priest serves the linked parishes as pastor. Bishop Emeritus Gerald A. Gettelfinger initiated a strategic planning process more than six years ago that has resulted in the reorganization. During that time, groups from across the diocese have provided input and recommendations that have led to today’s announcements. “I am truly grateful to all of the people who have contributed to the process,” Bishop Thompson said. “This effort included virtually every constituency in our diocese. The people of this diocese are the Catholic Church in southwestern Indiana, and the people have provided me with the information necessary to reach these decisions.” “As I did a year ago when we announced the initial

mergers — and a I did at the listening sessions earlier this year — I ask our Catholic family today to consider a basic question that involves words we say at every Mass during the profession of our Faith,” he continued. “We say, ‘I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.’ As we move forward with reorganization and create new parish families, I ask that we contemplate whether we truly believe what we profess, or are we just repeating the words?” Bishop Thompson added that evaluation of the diocesan structure will continue. “We are on a journey to make the Diocese of Evansville as healthy and strong as it can be,” he said “What we announced today is with a focus on our ultimate goal, which is the Kingdom of God; and to achieve our mission, which is the salvation of souls.”

“During the Diocesan Strategic Planning process, it became clear to the Jasper Deanery Core Team that Catholic education was of the utmost importance to our families,” Father Kaiser said. “That team recommended that we consolidate and create a county-wide Catholic school system, and we are extremely happy to make that a reality in Holy Trinity.” Father John Boeglin, pastor of Holy Family Parish, said, “Creating a new Dubois County Catholic School from Holy Family, Precious Blood and St. Mary schools will make us a more vibrant Catholic community of service, which is centered around the table of the Lord.” “In all of our efforts to continue Catholic education in Dubois County and to help it to grow, our unity and commitment will make it the best education system possible,”

said Father Ray Brenner, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Jasper and Dean of the diocese’s Jasper Deanery. “This will take all of us working together every step of the way, but it will be worth it in the long run. May God bless our endeavors.” Father Kaiser went on to thank the transition team from the Jasper Deanery that has spent the past nine months working on the project. “We will hold a meeting in the very near future to provide more information about Holy Trinity and the ongoing planning. All of our students and their families are anxious to learn more about the home of the Saints, and we look forward to sharing lots of news with them in the coming weeks.” Look for additional coverage of the Sept. 25 announcement in the Oct. 3 issue of The Message.

About the Diocese of Evansville Coat of Arms The Catholic Diocese of Evansville coat of arms appears in the banner on the front page of The Message, and elsewhere in the paper. The crescent in the coat of arms symbolizes two important elements. Evansville, Ind., is situated on a bend of the Ohio River. As a result, it can suitably be called a “Crescent City.” The crescent also symbolizes the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is the patroness of the diocese. Appearing immediately below the crescent is the representation of a crenellated battlement or fortification wall. This represents the original Fort Vincennes, established as a trading post, which suggests that the diocese derives from historic Vincennes, Ind., and that the Catholic Faith is a mighty fortress. The two waves at the bottom of the shield represent the waters of the Wabash and Ohio Rivers. The Wabash forms the western boundary of the diocese, and the Ohio forms its southern boundary. Spiritually, the waves represent the cleansing waters of Baptism.

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Southwestern Indiana’s Catholic Community Newspaper

The MESSAGE

September 26, 2014

Volume 45, Number 4

Michael Roesch joins diocesan staff as Vice-Chancellor BY TIM LILLEY The Message Editor

Michael Roesch joined the staff of the Diocese of Evansville Chancery on Sept. 22 in the newly created position of Vice-Chancellor. In making the announcement, Bishop Charles C. Thompson added that the Chancery is being reorganized, effective Jan. 1, 2015. As part of that process, diocesan Chief Operating Officer Tim McGuire will assume responsibilities as Chancellor of the diocese on Jan. 1, 2015. Earlier this year, Chancellor Judy Neff announced her plans to retire at the end of December. “Judy Neff has served the Catholic family of Southwest Indiana admirably as our Chancellor,” Bishop Thompson said. “We wish her the very best in her retirement and offer our sincere gratitude for her tremendous service to the diocese as Chancellor for the past 19 years.

“Judy’s retirement presented an opportunity for us to review the Chancery organization in light of changes that have occurred in diocesan management around the country over the past two decades,” Bishop Thompson added. “This reorganization enables us to adopt a model that has proved very effective in U.S. dioceses of all sizes.” McGuire has served as Chief Operating Officer of the diocese since 2007. As Chancellor, he will continue to oversee the operation of the Chancery and all diocesan offices on a day-to-day basis. Roesch has served the diocese in campus ministry since February 2009, when he became director of the University of Evansville Newman Center. He is a 2005 Cum Laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and earned a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies, Magna Cum Laude, from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute, in Washington, D.C.,

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St. Francis of Assisi Parish taking shape in North Spencer County BY DEACON JIM WOEBKENBERG

St. Francis of Assisi Celebration

Special to The Message

MIKE ROESCH in 2008. “Mike will assume many of the policy and procedural responsibilities of the former Chancellor position,” Bishop Thompson said. “We welcome him to the staff, and we thank Tim for accepting the additional role of diocesan Chancellor. These changes help assure that we will continue to serve the Catholic family across our 12 counties as effectively as possible.”

Editor’s note: On June 5, 2014, Bishop Charles C. Thompson formally approved St. Francis of Assisi as the new name for the parish created by the merger of St. Joseph Parish in Dale, Mary Help of Christian Parish in Mariah Hill and St. Nicholas Parish in Santa Claus. The new St. Francis of Assisi Parish officially comes to life on July 1, 2015. Deacon Jim Woebkenberg, who serves the three merging parishes, shares with The Message the story of the new name.

On Oct. 4, the Feast Day of St, Francis of Assisi, the three parishes will host a celebration following the 4 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Dale, in the Parish Center. The meal will include soups and tacos. The public is cordially invited to attend the Mass and the meal. Please come join us in the celebration. If you have any questions, please contact the St. Joseph Office at 812-937-2200 or by email: [email protected].

In the book of Genesis, we read that God gave to Adam all the animals of the world, and Adam named them all. Names form and become our identity. When I was born, it was traditional for parents to name their child after a saint. Though we did not get to choose our baptismal names we did have a say in our Confirmation names. Names are important to us. On Sept. 27, 2013, Bishop Thompson announced that our three parishes — St. Joseph, St. Nicholas, and Mary Help of Christians — would merge into the new parish of St. Joseph on July 1, 2015. St. Joseph had the largest church and was home to the Hispanic community. See ST. FRANCIS, page 12

Office of Hispanic Ministry continues to expand BY THE MESSAGE STAFF Four new staff members of the Office of Hispanic Ministry joined Director Sharon Burns for three days of intense training earlier this month. The training was held at a different location each day (the Catholic Center, the Catholic Charities and Office of Hispanic Ministry offices in downtown Evansville, and the Huntingburg office at the Guadalupe Center, respectively) in order to introduce them to their colleagues and familiarize them with the offices. The four hail from various parts of the U.S. and Mexico, and have varied experiences and educational backgrounds, according to Burns, who notes, “all had some familiarity with and an attraction for living and working in Southern Indiana.” • Cesar Berrios brings his talents to the department as coordinator of Hispanic Outreach. Berrios, born in Nicaragua, grew up in Nativity Parish in Evansville. He holds degrees in Spanish

and history from the University of Southern Indiana. • Kyla Wargel, a Mater Dei High School and University of Notre Dame graduate, will serve the office and community as a support specialist. She will assist walk-in clients with immediate needs both in Evansville and Huntingburg, help implement outreach programs and serve as administrative assistant for the office. • Joel Padgett, a Loogootee resident and former seminarian, has assumed the position of coordinator of Immigration Legal Services. Once accredited by the Bureau of Immigration Appeals, he will offer documentation-processing assistance for immigrants desiring to live and work in Southern Indiana. He also will help with faith-formation efforts. • Pedro Mendez currently serves as a pastoral assistant at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Tulsa, Okla. A former seminarian, he will serve as the coordinator of Hispanic Ministry (faith formation) for the department. He will be joining

CESAR BERRIOS the department in early 2015. • Adam Fierst, a senior at Jasper High School, was unable to join his colleagues for the training. Since June Adam has served as the support staff member in the Huntingburg office, preparing the Spanish bulletin, assisting Spanish-speaking immigrants with a variety of community needs and joining the St. Joseph, Jasper, community during the Spanish Mass on Sundays. See HISPANIC, page 13

KYLA WARGEL

JOEL PADGETT

PEDRO MENDEZ

ADAM FIERST

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Odds and ends about unity across our diocese Odds and ends — all founded in the concept of unity. This issue includes decrees announcing changes in alignment that are part of the ongoing parish reorganization. It IS that, of course — but it’s more. I’ve seen it first-hand. Parishes come together and, in the process, create new life. They create stronger, more vibrant life. They grow in spirit and faith — when they are open to the will of God. I remember a listening session from earlier this year, when Bishop Thompson faced two parish families and broached the concept of merger. Some balked, and the atmosphere grew tense for several minutes. The last parishioner to speak, however, diffused everything with a simple question. “Merging parishes,” she said, “is kind of like getting married. You form a new life by merging two existing lives. You know going in that everything won’t be perfect, but you’re committed to it out of faith, hope and love. “So my question is this,” she added, looking into a portion of the audience that had been particularly resistant to the suggestion of parishes merging. “Will you marry me?” Everyone clapped. Everyone. Consider the decrees in this issue a form of collective wedding announcement.

Mary Catholic School in Ireland with Jasper’s Holy Family and Precious Blood Catholic schools was proactive — NOT reactive. Years ago, the Jasper Deanery Core Team recommended this move. Holy Trinity will offer Catholic education to students across the entire county, and do so in a way that will most effectively use all available resources. Father Gary Kaiser, pastor of Precious Blood and St. Mary parishes, is Bishop Charles C. Thompson’s official delegate for administration of the Holy Trinity school system. He has worked for the past almost-10 months with a transition team that created a number of subcommittees to address issues in a variety of areas. Their work continues, and we’ll report developments as they occur — leading up to the first day of classes for Holy Trinity Catholic School. Because of our early deadline for this all-diocesan issue, we couldn’t get anything more than the announcement of the name, colors and mascot in this issue. Look for lots more next week!

In Dubois County this week, three existing Catholic schools formally became Holy Trinity Catholic School. The Saints come to life with the start of the 2015-16 school year. Make no mistake — this move to consolidate St.

Also in this issue, we announce that the Catholic Community of North Spencer County will become St. Francis of Assisi Parish next July 1, when the merger of St. Joseph in Dale, Mary, Help of Christians in Mariah Hill and St. Nicholas in Santa

JOURNEY OF FAITH TIM LILLEY

Claus takes effect. Elsewhere in this issue, Deacon Jim Woebkenberg recounts the story of the naming process, which involved significant input from members of all the parishes. It’s another great testament to the fruits of being “one holy catholic and apostolic Church.” We’ve seen it elsewhere over the past year. Examples include Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Evansville and the new St. Boniface Parish in Evansville — each created by mergers that we announced this time last year. Another testament to unity comes from Knox County, where five parishes in Vincennes will be merging into the new St. Francis Xavier Parish, as announced in this issue. At the Vincennes listening session held earlier this year, the first question Bishop Thompson got from the audience made one of the most emphatic statements about our unity I’ve heard in this whole process. “What I want to know,” someone asked, “is how come you didn’t announce us last September? We’re ready to go!” Finally, we welcome Deacon Vince Bernardin to our roster of columnists. He will appear in the fourth issue of every month. We’re grateful to have him and so many other local contributors helping us unite Catholic families across 12 counties. Contact me any time at [email protected] with your comments, questions or suggestions. My Twitter feed is @Timonbass.

Abundant blessings can disguise the face of the poor The poor are all around us, even in places that seem to be abundantly blessed. As Catholics, we are all called to care for the poor. At the parish where I work, I don’t encounter dire financial poverty very often. In fact, when I first joined Resurrection parish many years ago, I was astounded by how successful the parishioners were in relation to the people in my own less-affluent background. Late-model vehicles gleamed in the church parking lot, athletic trophies gleamed in the school hallways and the well-groomed school children consistently produced high test scores. When I first began as a catechist, I was very impressed and slightly intimidated — unsure of what I had to offer a community that seemed so abundantly blessed. Now, more than 25 years later, I still gratefully acknowledge our parish’s many blessings; but I have also learned that real poverty exists here, just as it exists within every WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF THE parish and every DIOCESE OF EVANSVILLE human community 4200 N. Kentucky Ave. on earth. Physical Evansville, IN 47711 poverty is easier to Published weekly except one week at Christmas identify than some time by the Catholic Press of Evansville of the other forms, which are often September 26, 2014 Vol. 45, No. 4 hidden, but just as Mailed September 25, 2014 insidious and destructive. Publisher............Bishop Charles C. Thompson A few weeks Editor .................................................Tim Lilley Managing Editor .................Mary Ann Hughes ago, I was deeply Design Editor........................Sheila R. Barclay moved by the Sales & Office Coordinator ......Diane Csukas death of comedian Subscriptions ..............................Steve Halbig Robin Williams, Address all communications to: who lost his life to P.O. Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724-0169 Telephone (812) 424-5536 the poverty of joy Fax (812) 424-0972 we call depression Email [email protected] and the poverty of www.themessageonline.org peace we call anxiSubscriptions: ety. Robin Williams Print: $24/year, incl. digital edition was a man rich in

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2014

CONNECTING FAITH AND LIFE KAREN MUENSTERMAN

and manage emotions in positive ways. People who lack emotional intelligence are not horrible people. They are desperate people who lash out at others because they lack the resources to cope with the force of their own emotions. Domestic violence is a form of poverty that crosses all social and economic boundaries. It is in my parish and yours. It is often hidden behind statements like, “This is a private family matter — between me and my wife,” “me and my husband” or “me and my child.” Domestic violence, like all forms of poverty, is at its most destructive when it is allowed to remain “a private matter.” It is a social famine that damages our trust in each other and rips at the fabric of our community. Like all forms of poverty, it can kill relationships; and ultimately, it can kill people. Most of us are not in a position to provide the therapy and other coping mechanisms needed to heal the victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. But, again, we can reach out with support, understanding, and encouragement to feed the people who are struggling in the midst of it. We can act as witnesses to peace, compassion and self-control.

material wealth, rich in talent, rich in success and rich in friends, but he was starving when he died. He was starving for peace and starving for joy, and no amount of material wealth or success made up for his lack of those basic human necessities. Anxiety and depression are as much a reality in my parish — and yours — as they are in Hollywood or anywhere else. And while most of us cannot treat or cure the disease at the root of anxiety and depression, we can reach out with support, understanding and encouragement to feed the people who are struggling to survive in the midst of it. People suffering from depression cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, but those of us who can see it are called to stand at the edge of the darkness and assure them that the light is real, and that we are there to see it for them until they can once again see for themselves. I have also been disturbed recently by the reports of domestic violence within the families of NFL players Karen Muensterman is Parish Catechetical Leader at and other prominent athletes, whom we have put on Evansville’s Resurrection Parish. pedestals to admire. We are shocked when we get Report and inform ugly glimpses of their In the event of an allegation of sexpersonal lives outside the ual abuse of a minor (a person under limelight. But again, 18) by diocesan personnel, report the these people who seem allegation to authorities, and inform to have it all are desperReport child abuse the Victims Assistance Coordinator ately lacking something Every allegation of child abuse for the diocese. that all humans need. must be reported to Child Protection Toll-free: 866-200-3004, local: 812Most acts of physical Services, an agency of Indiana state 490-9565 violence within families government. result from a lack of what Toll-free: 800-800-5556 Denuncie e informe is sometimes called emoEn caso de una acusación del abuso tional intelligence — Denuncie sexual de un menor de edad (persona defined as the ability to Toda acusación de abuso de un menor de 18 años) por personal identify, use, understand niño debe ser reportado a los diocesano, es la pol’tica de la diócesis Servicios de Protección del Niño de Evansville reportar la acusación a To the Catholics of the Diocese of (Child Protection Service, CPS), una las autoridades públicas e informar al Evansville: This edition is one of six issues of agencia del gobierno del estado de Coordinador Diocesano de Asistencia The Message to be mailed to every registered para las V’ctimas. Indiana. Catholic household this year. Two dollars of Gratis: 800-800-5556 Gratis: 866-200-3004, local: 812-490each Catholic Church member’s contribution 9565 pays for these diocesan-wide subscriptions.

Diocesan policy:

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Pastoral letter from Bishop Charles C. Thompson Dear Diocesan Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we embark upon the second phase of our strategic planning process of parish reorganization, we continue to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in transforming challenges into opportunities. As I have said and written on numerous occasions, change is not easy. Change often involves a sense of dying and rising, meaning something familiar must give way to something unfamiliar. This does not mean that the “something familiar” is or was bad. Indeed, it may have been very good and life-giving. Nothing of this world is everlasting. While the Holy Trinity — God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit — is eternal, the only thing immortal about any human being is one’s soul. Thus, even structures and actions of faith are subject to change from time to time in response to the needs of any given era of salvation history. Even with the

BISHOP CHARLES C. THOMPSON

changes involved in our parish reorganization process, our parishes and churches remain the core means of Catholic ministry and service. Catholic identity continues to be marked by the Proclamation of the Word, the Celebration of Sacraments and the Service of Outreach. At the heart of it all, the Eucharist remains the source and summit of Catholic identity, presence and life throughout the 12 counties that comprise the Diocese of Evansville. Fewer Masses and shifts in Mass times, in light of fewer priests, do not take

away from the fact that the Eucharist is the center of our worship and service as Catholics. The call to New Evangelization is better served by doing few things well, such as the celebration of Mass, than the mere multiplication of things for the sake of convenience. Our priests must be spiritual leaders, especially as leaders of prayer, rather than sacramental machines that may be on the verge of wearing out from exhaustion or being far too overextended. In light of our announcement of this phase of parish reorganization, we are already in the process of redesigning our deanery structure. Our current structure of 7 deaneries — namely, Evansville East, Evansville West, Jasper, Newburgh, Princeton, Washington and Vincennes — needs to be adjusted to more effectively reflect and serve the new realities See BISHOP, page 20

Carta Pastoral del Obispo Charles C. Thompson Queridos hermanos diocesanos en Cristo, Al iniciar la segunda fase de nuestro proceso de planificación estratégica de la reorganización parroquial, continuamos buscando la guía del Espíritu Santo para transformar los desafíos en oportunidades. Como lo he dicho y escrito en varias ocasiones, el cambio no es fácil. El cambio a menudo implica un sentido de muerte y resurrección, es decir, algo familiar debe dar paso a algo desconocido. Esto no quiere decir que el “algo familiar” es o era malo. De hecho, puede haber sido muy bueno y vivificante. Nada de este mundo es eterno. Mientras la Santísima Trinidad — Dios Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo — es eterna, lo único

Bishop’s

OBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

inmortal sobre cualquier ser humano es el alma de uno. Por lo tanto, incluso las estructuras y acciones de fe están sujetos a cambios de vez en cuando, en respuesta a las necesidades de cualquier época determinada de la historia de la salvación. Incluso con los cambios involucrados en nuestro proceso de reorganización parroquial, nuestras parroquias e iglesias siguen siendo los medios principales de ministerio y servicio católico. La identidad católica

Offering chalice to disabled

Schedule Mass and Confirmation, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Petersburg, Sunday, September 28, 10 a.m., EDT. Visit, St. Meinrad Seminary, St. Meinrad, Tuesday, September 30, 12 p.m., CDT. Meeting, Clergy Personnel Board, Catholic Center, Evansville, Wednesday, October 1, 1:30 pm, CDT. Meeting, Department Heads, Catholic Center, Evansville, Thursday, October 2, 9 a.m., CDT. Dinner and Presentation, Priest and Religious Vocation, Ferdinand Community Center, Ferdinand, Thursday, October 2, 6:30 pm, EDT. Outdoor Mass, Knox County Parishes at St. Francis Xavier Parish (Old Cathedral Property), Vincennes, Saturday, October 4, 6 p.m., EDT. Mass and Confirmation, St. Philip Parish, Mt. Vernon (Posey Co.), Sunday, October 5, 9:30 a.m., CDT. Mass, Golden Julilee Celebration, Good Shepherd Parish, Evansville, Sunday, October 5, 1 p.m., CDT.

sigue caracterizándose por la proclamación de la Palabra, la celebración de los Sacramentos y el Servicio de Divulgación. En el corazón de todo, la Eucaristía sigue siendo la fuente y cumbre de la identidad, presencia y vida católica a través de los 12 condados que componen la Diócesis de Evansville. Menos misas y los cambios en los tiempos de la Misa, a la luz de un menor número de sacerdotes, no disminuye el hecho de que la Eucaristía es el centro de nuestra adoración y servicio como católicos. La llamada a la Nueva Evangelización está mejor servida por hacer pocas cosas bien, como la celebración de la Misa, que la mera multiplicación de las cosas para el bien de la conveniencia. Nuestros sacerdotes deben ser líderes See OBISPO, page 20

Question: The church that we attend has front-row seating for disabled members of the congregation, and that is where my husband and I sit. At Communion time, the host is always brought to us at our seats. However, many times the ministers of the cup forget us and we don’t have the opportunity to receive the precious blood of Jesus. I don’t know the rules on who can receive from the chalice; I would be very grateful for an explanation in your column, in case other parishes are doing the same. (Appleton, Wisconsin) Answer: Sometimes I choose a question for the value of the question itself, as well as for the answer. Such is the case here. Your question serves as a reminder that the same consideration must always

Official From the desk of Bishop Charles C. Thompson • Reverend David G. Fleck has been appointed pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, in Vincennes, as well as presbyteral moderator and sacramental minister to St. Thomas Parish in Vincennes, while continuing as dean of the Vincennes Deanery, pastor of St. John the Baptist and St. Vincent de Paul parishes, both in Vincennes, and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Petersburg, and as administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Vincennes, and St. Philip Neri Parish in Bicknell, effective Sept. 30. • Reverend Pascal Nduka has been appointed associate pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish and St.

QUESTION CORNER FATHER KENNETH DOYLE be given to people with disabilities as to other members of the congregation. When the congregation is offered the opportunity to receive the Eucharist under both species, that same privilege should be accorded to parishioners who are disabled. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002 issued norms for the distribution and reception of holy Communion under both kinds, saying that receiving under both species was the norm for

Vincent de Paul Parish, all in Vincennes, as well as sacramental minister to St. Thomas Parish in Vincennes, while continuing as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Vincennes and St. Philip Neri Parish in Bicknell, effective Sept. 30. • Deacon John McMullen has been granted a requested leave of absence from active ministry and service of the Permanent Diaconate, effective immediately. • Tim McGuire has been appointed chancellor of the Diocese of Evansville, effective Jan. 1, 2015. He will continue as chief operating officer of the Diocese of Evansville. • Michael D. Roesch has been appointed vice-chancellor of the diocese, effective Sept. 22. He had served as the campus minister at the University of Evansville.

the first millennium of the church’s existence and more clearly fulfills Christ’s invitation to “take and eat . . . take and drink.” The norms cautioned that when the chalice is used, there should be “no danger of the profanation of the sacrament.” Special care should therefore be taken that the precious blood not be spilled, but that should not be an issue when those who are disabled are seated in a convenient location (in your case, in the first row of seats.) Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at [email protected] and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208.

Following are Pope Francis posts to Twitter from Sept. 16 through Sept 22. The Holy Father did not post daily during that time. SEPT. 16 “The Lord is always there waiting to give us his love: it is an amazing thing, one which never ceases to surprise us! “El Señor siempre nos espera para acogernos con su amor: es algo estupendo, que nunca deja de sorprendernos.” SEPT. 18 “Mary, give us the grace of being joyful as we walk in the freedom of the children of God.” “María, concédenos la gracia de gozar de la libertad de los hijos de Dios.” SEPT. 20 “Dear young people, listen within: Christ is knocking at the door of your heart.” “Queridos jóvenes, estén atentos a su interior: Cristo llama a la puerta de su corazón.”

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BULLETIN BOARD Send information to Bulletin Board at least one week in advance. Items to be considered for publication Friday, October 10 must be received in writing no later than noon on Tuesday, September 30. Entries may be repeated if time and space permit. All items may be edited. All times are local times. Mail information to Diane Csukas, Bulletin Board, P. O. Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724-0169; e-mail to [email protected], or [email protected], fax to 812-4240972.

General Interest Chase the Faith, Sept. 27, 9 a.m., St. John, Daylight; a day to celebrate all cancer survivors; opening prayers, potluck breakfast, cancer survivor recognition and celebration, outside walk together brief educational discussion/program; for questions or more information email [email protected] Respect Life Celebration, 5:30 p.m., Mass followed by catered dinner, Oct. 9, Sts. Peter and Paul, Haubstadt; Bishop Charles C. Thompson is celebrant and homilist at Mass; catered dinner with keynote address by Bishop Timothy L. Doherty, Diocese of Layfayette-in-Indiana; all are invited to Mass; non-refundable registration fee for dinner/keynote is $20/person or $15/full-time high school or college student with valid student I.D.; reservations required by calling Catholic Charities at 812-423-5456 or by visiting www.charitiesevv.org/ respect-life-celebration.html; reservation deadline is Sept. 30. Outdoor Rosary, October, 6 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 1-29, St. Raphael, Dubois; St. Raphael Youth Group will host an outdoor rosary at the outdoor Rosary Trail behind the Church; everyone is welcome. St. Mother Theodore Guerin Feast Day, 11 a.m., Eucharistic Liturgy, Oct. 3, Church of the Immaculate Conception, St. Maryof-the-Woods; everyone welcome. St. Francis of Assisi Celebration, following 4 p.m. Mass, Oct. 4, St. Joseph Parish Center, Dale; parishioners of St. Joseph, Dale, St. Nicholas, Santa Claus and Mary, Help of Christians, Mariah Hill will gather to celebrate the feast day of St. Francis who their merged parish will be named for: dinner of soups and tacos will be served; public is cordially invited to attend both Mass and meal; for questions or more information call St. Joseph Office at 812-937-2200 or email [email protected]. The Gift of Aging, 10 a.m-2 p.m., Oct. 16, Mount St. Joseph Conference and Retreat Center, Maple Mount, Ky.; chose to be involved in the aging process; $15 includes program and lunch; preregistration required by contacting Kathy McCarty at 270-229-0206 or visit [email protected].

Adult Confirmation Preparation Program, 9-11:30 a.m., Oct. 18 and 25, Nov. 15, Dec. 6, Jan. 17, Feb. 14, March 14 and 21, April 18, Catholic Center, Evansville; classes for baptized Catholics interested in renewing their faith and being confirmed by Bishop Charles C. Thompson; offered by the Office of Catechesis in partnership with the Office of Worship; for more information contact Kathy Gallo at kgallo@ evdio.org or Lisa Foster at lfoster@ evdio.org; to register contact Kay Beard at [email protected] or call 812-424-5536.

College Faith Life Sunday Masses, UE Newman Center Sunday Mass at 1 p.m., Neu Chapel, University of Evansville; Oct. 5, Father Tony Ernst; Oct. 12, no Mass — Fall Break; Oct. 19, Father Christopher Droste; Father Sudhakar Bhastati. Evening Mass, every Wednesday, Neu Chapel, University of Evansville; Oct. 1, Father Alex Zenthoefer; Oct. 8, Benedictine Father Godfrey Mullen; Oct. 15, Father Dusty Burns; October 22, Father Christopher Droste; Oct. 29, Father Zenthoefer ; call Michael Roesch at 812-477-6446 for more information.

Dinners Haubstadt Knights of St. John Chicken Dinner, 10:30 a.m., Sept. 28, Knights of St. John Hall, Haubstadt; serving fried chicken, dressing, dumplings, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, Cole slaw, dessert; dine in or carry out; $9/adults, $5/child 10 and under. Priest and Religious Appreciation Dinner in Jasper Deanery, 6 p.m. doors open, Oct. 2, Ferdinand Community Center, Ferdinand; dinner to show appreciation to priests and religious working within Dubois County and to promote vocations from Dubois County; Bishop Charles C. Thompson is the guest speaker; tickets $25, advance ticket sales only at any Jasper deanery parish office, portion of each ticket goes toward an endowment for those studying to be a priest or religious vocations; for more information contact Steve Luegers at [email protected]. Fourth Annual Harvest Dinner, 5 p.m. cash bar, appetizers, silent auction, 6 p.m. dinner, Oct. 4, White Violet Center Garden, St. Mary-of-the-Woods; meal prepared by local chefs with locally grown food; $50 donation/person, $300/table sponsorship with deadline to sponsor a table is Sept. 5; for more information or reservations call 812-535-2932 or email [email protected], reservation deadline is Sept. 26. Family Style All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Dinner, 10:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 5, Holy Cross School cafeteria, Fort Branch; $9.50/ adults, $4.50/children; carry out available.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Dinner Dance St. Joseph Dinner and Dance, 67:30 p.m., chicken dinner followed by dance at 7:30, Sept. 27, St. Joseph, Vanderburgh County; tickets $10/person for dinner, $20/person for dinner and dance (includes 2 drink tickets); for tickets visit https://sites.google.com/site/stjoechickendance/; carryout dinners available; sponsored by St. Joe Men’s Club.

55+ 2014 Wisdom Days, Oct. 20, Dubois County, Huntingburg Event Center; Oct. 27, Vincennes, Green Activities Center, Vincennes University; Nov. 3, Evansville, St. John the Evangelist gym, Daylight; day is free to seniors and includes lunch, speakers, attendance prizes and a visit from Bishop Charles C. Thompson; free will offering is appreciated; registration for Dubois Co. event will be published in parish bulletins at a later date; register for Vincennes event by calling St. Thomas parish representatives at 812-882-1219 or 812-882-6891; to register for Evansville event call 812-423-5456 or online at www.charitiesevv.org/wisdomdays.html; registration for all events is required as space is limited; sponsored by Catholic Charities.

Fundraisers Holy Rosary Premium Smoked Baby Back Ribs, 10 a.m.-noon, Sept. 27, corner of Green River Rd. and Washington Ave., Evansville; $20/slab, pre-order by email to [email protected] or call the parish office at 812-477-8923; proceeds used for parish essentials; sponsored by Holy Rosary Men’s Club. St. Philip, Posey County, Men’s Club Annual Burgoo and Raffle; Sept. 28, drive thru and carryout begins at 7:30 a.m.; serving burgoo, hamburgers, pies and drinks in cafeteria 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; raffle with grand prize of $20,000, 20 other prizes, only 3,000 tickets sold for a donation of $20/ticket; proceeds to benefit St. Philip Church and School. Dry Dumplings Sale, 9 a.m-3 p.m., Mon.-Fri., through Sept. 30, St. Boniface Parish Office, St. Agnes Campus, 1626 Glendale Ave, Evansville; $4/12 ounce bag; proceeds to benefit Westside Catholic School PTO. BUDDY Walk for S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome, 9 a.m.-noon, Oct. 4, Vanderburgh County 4H Center; all proceeds benefit S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome for outreach, parent networking and support, community awareness; for more information or to register visit smileondownsyndrome.org. Puttin’ for Poland Golf Scramble, Oct. 12, rain date Oct. 19, McDonald Golf Course, Evansville; 100% of profit will help fund 13 youth and young adults from St. Francis Xavier, Poseyville and St. Wendel, St. Wendel to attend 2014 World Youth Day in Kraków, Poland; fee $60/person, teams of four, field limited to 26 teams; fee

2014 Socials The Message invited parishes in the Diocese of Evansville to submit information about summer socials in 2014. Summer socials scheduled for this week and the next two weeks are listed below. September 28, Sunday, Holy Family, Jasper October 5, Sunday, St. Martin, Chrisney October 5, Sunday, St. Raphael, Dubois October 12, Sunday, St. Anthony, St. Anthony includes 18 holes Greens Fees, cart, food and drinks; for more information or to sign up contact Mike Wassmer at 812-475-2578 or Kevin Wassmer at 812-470-2631. Evansville CureSearch Walk for Children’s Cancer, 8:30 a.m. registration, opening ceremony and walk 10 a.m., Oct. 18, Garvin Park, Evansville; money raised helps fund ongoing clinical trials at Riley Hospital for Children and St. Vincent Hospital, both in Indianapolis, for children fighting cancer; music, food and fun activities for the entire family; sponsored by St. Mary and Deaconess hospitals; for more information visit www.curesearchwalk.org/evansville or email [email protected]. Fall Farm and Hunter’s Raffle, drawing Oct. 19, St. Clement, Boonville; first prize, 2014 Kawasaki Mule 610 4X4 Camo plus $300 gift certificate for two helmets; second price, Generac XG 7000E generator or $1,000 cash; third prize, $1,000 gift certificate from Buck’s an Jake’s or $500 cash; tickets $50 each; for more information or to purchase tickets call parish office at 812-897-4653 or 812-8972631.

Reunions Memorial Class of 1954 Sixtieth Class Reunion, 11:30 a.m., Oct. 4, buffet luncheon, Kennel Club, Evansville; 9 a.m., Oct. 5, Mass, Holy Rosary, Evansville followed by breakfast at the Carousel Restaurant at 10 a.m.; for more information or reservations call Jim/Janice Hummel at 812-4777579, Dorothy Hirsch Joest at 812867-6185, Don Neidig at 812-4767966, Doris Heierman Carter at 812-897-3410

Spiritual Growth Reflections on the Mysteries of the Rosary, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Oct. 4, Kordes Center, Ferdinand; deepen prayer life by meditating on the rosary’s mysteries; $30 fee due Oct. 1; for more information or to register call 800-880-2777 or 812-3671411, ext. 2915. Conversion: Following the Way of Christ, 7 p.m., Sunday evenings beginning Oct. 5 or Wednesday evenings beginning Oct. 8, St. Peter, Linton; six session DVD series looks at the process of conversion through the conversions of Bartimaeus, Matthew, Jonah and others; for more information or to register call 812-847-7821. Charismatic (Spiritual Growth) Conference, registration 8:30 a.m., conference 9 a.m., Oct. 25, St. Joseph Parish Center, Jasper; Father

John Judie will be presenter; early bird registration $25/person, $35/family; registration day of conference 435/person, $45/family; for more information or registration forms call 812-544-2239, 812630-8933 or go to www.evansvillecharismaticrenewal.org/ Sisters of Providence “Retreats, Programs, Events and Opportunities 2014-2015” Booklet, features key events at St. Mary-of-theWoods from August 2014 through August 2015; for more information, call Providence Center administrative assistant Jeanne Frost at 812535-2952 or email [email protected]

Trips Come Away With Us, Oct. 11; join Sts. Mary and John Parish, Evansville on a trip to Louisville to see live Broadway production of I Love Lucy; $65/person, everyone welcome; contact St. Mary, Evansville at 812-425-1577 or email [email protected] for more information or to make required reservations.

Vocation Exploration Sisters of Charity Federation Online Discernment Retreat, Sept. 28-Oct. 2; Skype, email or talk by phone to reflect and ask questions about discerning religious life; open to single Catholic women ages 18-40; sponsored by the Daughters of Charity and Sisters of Charity; for more information contact Daughter of Charity Sister Virginia Ann Brooks at [email protected] or 812963-7559; register online at http://called2.be/SCFODR14. Evansville’s Got Sisters! Retreat, Oct. 4; pray and share with Sisters from different religious communities in the Evansville area while discerning vocation; ask questions about discernment and get answers in real time; for more information contact Daughter of Charity Sister Theresa Sullivan at [email protected] or by calling 812-963-7556; to register visit http://called2.be/EGSOct14; sponsored by the Diocese of Evansville Vocations Committee.

Youth Soccer Challenge, 1 p.m., Sept. 28 (rain date 1 p.m., Oct. 5), St. John, Daylight; open to girls and boys ages 10-14; proof of age required, bring birth certificate; for more information or to register call Don Crane at 812-204-6381; sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 14659.

The Message

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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AROUND THE DIOCESE Money for Haiti The Confirmation candidates at Holy Family Parish in Jasper were each entrusted with $10 and challenged to increase those “talents” for the benefit of the people of Haiti, according to the parish newsletter. They responded to the challenge in a variety of ways, including holding bake sales and providing lawn and garden work. Holy Family parishioners contributed to the project, noting they were “investing in each candidate as well as in Haiti.” So far, the candidates have raised over $900. The Haiti Committee of Holy Family Parish “humbly thanks everyone who helped with this project, including the candidates, instructors, sponsors and all donors.”

Happy Birthday! Father James Blessinger, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, Evansville, celebrates his birthday Oct. 1. Deacon Emil Altmeyer, St. Joseph Parish, Evansville, celebrates his birthday Oct. 2. Deacon Dennis Hilderbrand, Our Lady of Hope Parish,

Washington, celebrates his birthday Oct. 2. Deacon Levi Schnellenberger, St. Joseph Parish, Jasper, celebrates his birthday Oct. 7. Deacon James Woebkenberg, St. Joseph Parish, Dale, St. Nicholas Parish, Santa Claus, and Mary, Help of Christians Parish, Mariah Hill, celebrates his birthday Oct. 7.

Deacon anniversary Deacon Ed Wilkerson, Nativity Parish, Evansville, was ordained Oct. 4, 1985.

Planning for their class trip

Spirit of TEC

Eighth graders at Corpus Christi School in Evansville gather for a photograph after unloading 725 mums. The students sold the flowers to raise money for their eighth grade class trip, said Sharon Feller, technology coordinator.

Jeff Verkamp, a parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish in Schnellville, has received the 2014 Spirit of TEC award for going above and beyond the normal duties involved with TEC [Teens Encounter Christ].

A new pictorial directory “Several people have suggested that we have a pictorial directory for our new St. John

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the Evangelist Parish,” writes Father Kenneth Walker, pastor. “I too thought it was an excellent idea and asked Stephanie McAtee to serve as the director coordinator. She graciously accepted and plans have been put into place to begin our photo sessions in the spring of 2015.”

Addison Elpers, Kaelyn Wessel; seventh graders Bailey Brush, Jill Happe, Clay Titzer; sixth graders Paige Denning, Alec Freeman, Danielle Gries; fifth graders Olivia Cody, Nicole Mayer, Addy Waller, and fourth graders Mitchell Adler, Tess Freeman and Ethan Kissel.

Student Council

Welcome

Members of the Student Council at St. Joseph School in Vanderburgh County include eighth graders Macey Adler,

“Please welcome Brother Jason Muhlenkamp who has joined Catholic Charities as a part-time intern for both fall and spring semesters this year,” writes Sharon Burns, director. “Brother Jason is currently working towards his bachelor’s in social work from Brescia University where he has also studied theology. Brother Jason took his first oath as a Glenmary

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Home Missioner on June 8, 2012, and possesses many varied experiences in social services and ministry from his mission placements. “During his time with Catholic Charities, Brother Jason will help with the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, research and develop an organizational disaster relief plan, and assist with a file integration project.”

Happy Birthday! Laura Goedde, parish catechetical leader at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Haubstadt, and Holy Cross Parish, Fort Branch, celebrates her birthday Oct. 6.

Student Council officers Nicole Neisen is the president of the Student Council at Good Shepherd School in Evansville. Landry Buck is vice-president, and Sarah Fruit is secretary. Please send information for AROUND THE DIOCESE to Mary Ann Hughes, The Message, P.O. Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724. The e-mail address is [email protected].

The Message

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Never forget the most important ‘lifeline’ you have “WYdown 3-1290….” “Okay, repeat it again.” “WYdown 3-1290.” “Okay, now remember this number. If we get separated, you find a policeman or someone behind a counter. Tell him your name, that you’re lost, and that your grandfather’s phone number is WYdown 3-1290. I don’t want to lose you, Vincent.” MUSINGS BY DEACON VINCE BERNARDIN St. John the Baptist Parish, Newburgh

“Okay, Mom, I’ll never forget. WYdown 3-1290 . . . . WYdown 3-1290 . . . . WYdown 3-1290 . . . .” As best as I can reckon, this little conversation took place about 60 years ago in the crowded grand lobby of St. Louis’ Union Station. We had

just alighted from the Louisville & Nashville Pullman car from Evansville, and were waiting for Deedie (my grandpa) to pick us up and drive us to his home to spend the Christmas holidays with him. I always loved those visits with Deedie and cousins, and aunts and uncles, and all manner of wonderful people we only got to see on special occasions. As it worked out, no one got separated from Mom; Deedie eventually arrived; we had a great Christmas in St. Louis; and I never had to recite the phone number to a single person. Even so, WYdown 3-1290 became indelibly imprinted in my brain. For all you youngsters under the age of 50, telephone numbers used to start with two letters back then and they were always the first two let-

ters of a proper noun. Hence, “WY” became “WYdown,” “GR” became “GReenleaf,” “HA” was “HArrison,” etc. Go figure. I’ve often thought back on that experience and wondered why it made such a deep impression on me. I’m sure that part of it was the excitement of the train ride, and the anticipation of Christmas, Santa Claus and presents galore. But there was something else. This was the first time in my short 4-year lifespan that it had even occurred to me that I could be separated from Mom and Dad — and everything that I loved. That realization was downright scary. You can be sure, I didn’t let Mom get more than two inches away; and that phone number was the lifeline that kept me connected to her. How could I not remember

DEACON VINCENT BERNARDIN it?! Nearly 3,000 years ago, God whispered into the heart of the Prophet Isaiah: “Fear not . . . you are mine . . . You are precious in my eyes and glorious. Because I love you, I give nations in exchange for you . . . Can a mother forget

her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even if she forgets, I will never forget you. See, upon the palms of my hands I have written your name.” (Isaiah 43:1 et seq.; 49:15-16) God directed these words through Isaiah to the captive and often unfaithful people of Zion. If we listen very carefully, we can still hear them echoing down through the ages. As improbable as it may seem at some points in our lives, God says these same words to us. They’re actually true. And, we too have our own personal lifeline. May we never forget Him. His name is Jesus. Okay . . . repeat it again. Jesus. Deacon Vince Bernardin serves St. John the Baptist Parish in Newburgh.

12 MORE CHANCES TO WIN!

SEPT. WINNERS Call (812) 474-2943, ext. 300, for information

1st prize — $10,000 — Vernon & Jeanne Goedde 2nd prize — $1,500 — Don Butler 3rd prize — $1,000 — Lorraine & Roger Yourgans 4th prize — $500 — Dan Attebery Sr.

BARRY W. RAY, D.D.S., P.C.

The Message photo by Tim Lilley

Catholics for Habitat home update With the outside walls and the porch complete, inside work has begun on the Catholics for Habitat home-build in Evansville. This is the 25th home build or renovation that involves major volunteer help from Catholics in the Diocese of Evansville. The Message will continue to follow the progress on the build.

2038 Lincoln Avenue Evansville, Indiana 47714 Telephone: (812) 473-1128

MARY J. MILES, D.M.D.

The Message

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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Spiritual sonar provides us with support and hope “One ping,” barks the submarine captain, and his radio operator fires a short, high-pitched tone into dark water, seeking an object off of which to bounce, alerting the crew to its existence. From dozens of WWII movies to “The Hunt for Red October,” these scenes always grab my attention. The laws of physics allow for the measurement of distance based upon the speed of sound through water: A tone sent through salt water will return off a solid object at a predictable rate and intensity. The first human application of this principle is reported to have been made by Leonardo DaVinci in the 15th century; and by the 1920s, Sound Navigation and Ranging — sonar — was used with precision to locate targets underwater. In the age of “social media,” something sonar-like occurs daily. Status updates or Tweets are fired off into the deep-blue of the Internet like pings from a submarine — in hopes they will encounter someone and bounce back to us as comments, as “likes,” or as “re-tweets.” During a recent visit, one of my sisters-in-law took a picture of my wife and me, and she posted it on Facebook with the tag: “Is this the cutest couple ever?” I’m almost embarrassed to admit our excitement that 39 of her friends “liked” that comment — clearly we are adorable! Facebook and Twitter lend themselves to this type of interaction — a simple signal sent out in hopes of learning that we’re not alone, that others are out there somewhere and willing to acknowledge our experiences.

OYAYA STEVE DABROWSKI Lately, as I navigate a dark patch in the waters of my life, I’ve been trying my sonar on God. Prayers are broadcast into the unknown in hopes I’ll receive what I’m asking. I “ping” in petition, but my alternate hope is that a reply will prove I’m not alone in the dark water, that God is real and listening. Unfortunately, when I don’t immediately hear His echo, I grow disheartened. Despite good intentions, I have had to realize that my secondary goal has been to lure God into contact. I know this betrays my doubts, those that live in the abyss of my heart, way down where I don’t often prefer to go. I should confess that this isn’t a feel-good column where, in the end, I reveal how God “pinged” in reply, I suddenly felt His presence, and the cold darkness was replaced by the warm currents of His love. I am writing from my desolation, as St. Ignatius called it, holding on to what I believe, trying to learn why God has allowed this period, and persisting in the hope that He will lead me to peaceful waters. But, this turbulence has led me to greater sensitivity to the “pinging” of others. A friend recently confessed that she was consider-

ing asking her doctor to prescribe anti-depressants. Sadly, I know many young people who struggle with faith in similar dark times, and I believe this is a crisis of modern existence. The devil is always quick to launch torpedoes when we feel the least able to defend ourselves, and this is why we need to sail with others, a fleet of believers able to help tow those whose spiritual and mental power is temporarily disabled. Such a fleet is able to read the sonar pings of those sailing with them. “Amanda has updated her status: I need prayers,” pings out to others in her fleet, and they begin to circle the ships reading her distress. This is what the Church is about: We are not individuals designed to traverse the seas of life alone; we are a community, a fleet, designed for war against evil and to be a safe harbor for those in need. Pings of distress should never drift off into oblivion without an answer; in fact, caring replies have drawn others from the abyss, back to calm water. As I continue to sail dark waters, I am thankful for those who refuse to let me steam off under my own power. Despite temporary desolation, I am grateful for my wife, friends, and the sacraments of the Church. All of them continue to assure me that the anchor of hope will soon find another safe harbor. Ping . . . . Steve Dabrowski is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and can be reached at [email protected]

OYAYA announces details on 2015 Pilgrimage for Life BY THE MESSAGE STAFF Steve Dabrowski, director of the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, recently provided details on the 2015 Diocese of Evansville Pilgimage for Life. OYAYA has selected a newer, larger, more modern transportation company for 2015. Buses will be newer model years than those we’ve used in the past, and they will feature 110-volt outlets so that travelers can keep their phones and computers freshly charged during the whole trip. The buses are also wi-fi capable, and Dabrowski will be soliciting input on whether to add

that service. Cavallo Bus Lines manages a fleet of more than 100 buses, which means greater ability to service a bus in the event of mechanical issues. Cavallo also carries an amount of liability insurance that is double that mandated by law. Parents will obviously be comforted by this news. Final stages of a complete remodel of the Holiday Inn Express in Springfield, Va., will be complete by the time Evansville pilgrims on this trip arrive. This facility will have a great number of rooming options available, and those who were part of the 2014 PFL know the facility itself is conveniently located. The folks at

Holiday Inn Express negotiated a two-year deal with OYAYA to keep prices stable through 2016. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and Greg’s Fine Cuisine are excited to host the Evansville PFL again this year. In order to maximize travelers’ time in D.C., without sacrificing time out of the classroom, buses will leave Wednesday evening, Jan. 21, and will return on Sunday morning, Jan. 25. This will only require students to miss two school days; however, as most already know, the PFL is an approved absence for students. OYAYA will have an explanatory letter available for

school administrators should students need them. This will not be an issue for any diocesan school. OYAYA will be able to conduct this year’s Pilgrimage for Life at a rate only slightly higher than last year, but this is due to the addition of two faith-related excursions on Friday — The National Shrine of St. Elisabeth Ann Seton and the Gettysburg National Military Park. The cost will be $321 per pilgrim, and this includes everything except one lunch that groups will do on their own in D.C. on Saturday. All other meals, hotel, transportation, and promotional items are

World Youth Day 2016 offers prayer and logo BY THE MESSAGE STAFF

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The World Youth Day Committee released the official logo and prayer for Krakow: 2016, and they appear here. Preparations continue for 52 youth and young adults from the Diocese of Evansville to travel to WYD 2016. Please say this prayer and ask God to richly bless the pilgrims from the Diocese of Evansville.

included. Sadly, this year’s trip will not include the Life is Very Good Rally at the Patriot Center because of scheduling conflicts with travel for pilgrims from the Diocese of Evasnville; however, pilgrims will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass in the Crypt Church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Friday morning. For more information and to stay updated on developments, visit the Pilgrimage for Life section of the new Diocese of Evansville website at http://www.evdio.org/pilgrimagefor-life.html.

WYD Official Prayer God, merciful Father, in your Son, Jesus Christ, you have revealed your love and poured it out upon us in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, We entrust to you today the destiny of the world and of every man and woman. We entrust to you in a special way young people of every language, people and nation: guide and protect them as they walk the complex paths of the world today and give them the grace to reap abundant fruits from their experience of the Krakow World Youth Day. Heavenly Father, grant that we may bear witness to your mercy. Teach us how to convey the faith to those in doubt, hope to those who are discouraged, love to those who feel indifferent, forgiveness to those who have done wrong and joy to those who are unhappy. Allow the spark of merciful love that you have enkindled within us become a fire that can transform hearts and renew the face of the earth. Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us. St. John Paul II, pray for us.

The Message

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

The Eucharist . . . What if I really believed? BY STEVE LEUGERS

Eucharistic Adoration

Special to The Message

Chapels are found throughout the Diocese of Evansville

If someone were to ask me what I think is the biggest single problem facing the Catholic Church today, I would answer, without hesitation, that it is the widespread loss of faith in Our Lord’s Real Presence among us in the Blessed Sacrament. This is by far the biggest problem. All the other problems the Church faces today, as serious and pressing as many of them are, they all pale in comparison to this one. — Father Bill Casey, C.P.M. Is it possible that Father Casey is right? Is he on target with what he says about the Eucharist? Let’s look a little closer at that word Eucharist. It is taken from the Greek, and it means to give thanks or thanksgiving. Thanks for what? At the Last Supper, Jesus gave us the precious gift of His Body and Blood — a gift to remember Him for all eternity. When the priest says, “The Body of Christ,” what is our response? “Amen” — which in Hebrew means, “I believe” or “I trust.” In other words, we are saying “I believe I am receiving the Body of Christ.” I often wondered if I was in the minority as far as my understanding of the Eucharist. Have others missed or forgotten Church teaching on the Real Presence? Archbishop Michael Sheehan of Santa Fe, N.M., in a 1995 letter on the Eucharist, said, “A survey of Roman Catholics discovered that only 30 percent believe in Christ’s Eucharistic Presence, the way the Roman Catholic Church teaches. That is a sad commentary.” So, what changed for me? About 15 years ago I started leading a Catholic Bible study at my parish, St. Joseph in Jasper. I did this because I wanted to learn a bit more about Catholic Church teachings and the Bible in general,

The Message invited parishes throughout the Diocese of Evansville to share information about their Eucharistic adoration chapels and parish Eucharistic adoration times. Here are their responses. EVANSVILLE EAST DEANERY Christ the King, Evansville: 8:10 a.m. to 5 p.m., first Fridays Good Shepherd, Evansville: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., second Wednesdays Holy Rosary, Evansville: parishioners assigned; call the office for details St. Benedict Cathedral, Evansville: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every Monday through Friday St. John the Apostle, Evansville: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays St. John the Evangelist, Daylight: Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week St. Joseph, Evansville: 11 a.m. to 12:10 p.m., Mondays St. Theresa, Evansville: 8 a.m. to 1p.m., first Tuesdays EVANSVILLE WEST DEANERY Holy Redeemer, Evansville: Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week Resurrection, Evansville: 6 a.m. to 11p.m., Monday through Friday Sacred Heart, Evansville: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., first Fridays St. Francis Xavier, Poseyville: call the parish office for details St. Joseph, Vanderburgh County: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays St. Philip, Posey County: Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week St. Wendel, St. Wendel: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesdays

and because I wanted some answers to questions my Christian friends were asking during our conversations. I guess I got to the point where I either lived with where I was in my thinking or I became challenged enough, frustrated enough to do something about those nagging questions. I chose to do something. For the past 10 years I have lead a Catholic Bible study on one book of the Bible — the Gospel of John. It explains very clearly, in Chapter 6, what Catholics believe about the Eucharist. It tells us that Jesus is truly present — Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity — in the Eucharist. When I first heard this clearly explained, I thought, “Wow, now that is

good news!” Let me offer some questions that you might contemplate the next time you are at Mass: • Did I think about the Eucharist during the Consecration? • Did I take even a few seconds while standing in the Communion line to thank Jesus for this precious gift? • Did I prayerfully communicate with Jesus when I returned to my pew after receiving the Eucharist? Steve Luegers has developed a presentation on the Real Presence for parishes and religious education groups. For more information, contact him at 812-631-4648 or by email at [email protected].

JASPER DEANERY Holy Family, Jasper: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., third Tuesdays Precious Blood, Jasper: Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week Sacred Heart, Schnellville: noon-11 p.m., Mondays; noon to 10 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays; 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., Thursdays St. Ferdinand, Ferdinand: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., first Fridays St. Joseph, Jasper: Thursdays after the 6:30 p.m. Mass St. Mary, Huntingburg: 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., first Fridays St. Mary, Ireland: before weekday Mass; call the parish office for details St. Peter Celestine, Celestine: 4 to 10 p.m., Fridays NEWBURGH DEANERY St. Bernard, Rockport: noon on the third Thursdays to 6 a.m. on the third Fridays; 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., first Fridays St. John the Baptist, Newburgh: noon to 5 p.m., daily; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., first Fridays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., second Thursdays St. Martin, Chrisney: 6 a.m. to noon, third Thursdays; 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., first Fridays St. Nicholas, Santa Claus: 8 a.m. to noon, first Fridays PRINCETON DEANERY Holy Cross, Fort Branch: 8 a.m. to 7:15 a.m., first Thursdays, first Fridays St. James, Haubstadt: 7 a.m. to 7 a.m., first Fridays, first Saturdays St. Joseph, Princeton: 9 a.m. on the second Fridays to 9 a.m. on the second Saturdays Sts. Peter and Paul, Haubstadt: 8:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., Fridays, Saturdays VINCENNES DEANERY St. Francis Xavier, Vincennes: noon to 5 p.m., third Saturdays St. Philip Neri, Bicknell: 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays; 6 a.m. to noon, second Saturdays St. Vincent de Paul, Vincennes: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesdays; 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesdays, Thursdays; 6 a.m. on second Saturdays to 6 a.m. second Sundays WASHINGTON DEANERY Our Lady of Hope, Washington: Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week St. John, Loogootee: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays St. Joseph, Bramble: 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays, except when there is Mass St. Martin, Whitfield: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays St. Mary, Shoals: 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays, except when there is Mass

The Message

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

People

We Care About

11

Are you online? Bishop Thompson is, and so are we! BY THE MESSAGE STAFF

Following is a feature in The Message, designed to help draw together the People of God in southwestern Indiana. Readers are invited to submit information about people who may benefit by some extra prayers and attention. • Frances Brockman died Sept. 17. She is the grandmother of seminarian Tyler Tenbarge. She was a charter member of Nativity Parish in Evansville, and received the diocesan Bruté award for her dedication to the Church. Survivors include her twin sister, Mary Gibson of Henderson, Ky., ; her daughters, Barbara Cason of Evansville, Linda Carman (Henry) of Baskett, Ky., Marsha Hodges (Tom) of Richland, Ind., Sharon Kinnaman (Mark) of Washington, Susan FRANCES Tenbarge (Mark) of Haubstadt and BROCKMAN Mary Jo Hinton (Jerry) of Henderson; her son, David Brockman (Karen) of Evansville; 23 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, and a great-great granddaughter. A Mass of Christian burial was held Sept. 19 at Nativity Church.

Social media offers the opportunity for people from every corner of our diocese – and the world — to connect and stay in touch. Are you online? Bishop Thompson is. You will find him on Instagram and Twitter, where you can follow him; like his posts; and interact by commenting on his Instagram posts and sending Tweets with his screen name in them. You can do the same with The Message — and more! Southwestern Indiana’s Catholic community newspaper is on Instagram and Twitter, and the paper also has a Facebook page and its own website. All of these options give you more ways than ever to stay up to date on diocesan happenings and keep in touch — with us and with each other. Check out the screen shots with this story.

They offer you a chance to see various socialmedia and online pages, as shown on different mobile devices and, in the case of The Message website, on a computer. Please bookmark that page; like The Message Facebook page; and follow Bishop Thompson and The Message on Instagram and Twitter. We look forward to seeing you online! Bishop Thompson — On Instagram: BishopCThompson On Twitter: @BishopCThompson The Message — On Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CatholicMessage On Instagram: TheMessageOnline On Twitter: @MessageOnline Website: www.TheMessageOnline.org

• Prayers are requested for the family of Carla Wildeman. Her father-in-law, Tony, died last week. The funeral was held Sept. 24 at St. Philip Church in Posey County. She is the secretary in the Campus Ministry program at the University of Evansville. • Providence Sister Joanna Brown died Sept. 19 at St. Mary-of-the-Woods. She was born on Sept. 29, 1928, in Loogootee to John S. and Emma Mae (Draime) Brown and was baptized Joanna Mae. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on July 22, 1946, and received the name Sister Louis Marie. She professed final vows on January 23, 1954. She earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree from Indiana State SISTER JOANNA University. BROWN In her 68 years as a Sister of Providence, she taught for 50 years in schools in Illinois, Indiana and Oklahoma. Her assignments included St. John the Baptist School in Newburgh from 1963 to 1964 and 1977 to 1984, Corpus Christi School in Evansville from 1964 to 1966 and 1967 to 1969, and Precious Blood School in Jasper from 1985 to 2006. A Mass of Christian burial was held Sept. 22 at St. Maryof-the-Woods. Please send information for PEOPLE WE CARE ABOUT to Mary Ann Hughes at The Message, P.O. Box 4169, Evansville, IN 47724 or e-mail [email protected]

Thank You! St. Theresa Catholic Church would like to thank all patrons and supporters of our Sunday Dinners over the years. Even though we have decided to no longer have Sunday Dinners, we will continue to have our Dressing and Dumpling sales from 7:30-9:30 a.m. on Nov. 22 and 8-9:30 a.m. on Dec. 20. We thank you in advance for your continued support.

First Annual Christmas Bazaar December 13, 2014 • 8:00 am - 4:00 pm University Nursing and Rehabilitation 1236 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Ind.

The Message on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CatholicMessage

Bishop Thompson on Twitter: @BishopCThompson

2014 Diocesan Yearbook available for download The Diocese of Evansville’s 2014 Yearbook is now available for download from the diocesan website. Here is a link to the download page: http://www.evdio.org/directories.html Download the entire yearbook or one or more of the three individual sections available: • Catholic Schools • Clergy • Parishes The diocesan Office of Communications plans to update the entire yearbook quarterly.

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The yearbook is now readily accessible — at no charge — to everyone.

The Message

12

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Museum Guild hosts ‘Jewel of the City’ Ball

The Message photos by Tim Lilley

A large crowd packed the Evansville Country Club Sept. 19 for the Retiz Home Museum Guild’s “Jewel of the City” Ball. BY THE MESSAGE STAFF On Sept. 19, the Reitz Home Museum Guild hosted its “Jewel of the City” fundraiser at Evansville Country Club to benefit the museum and its mission of historic preservation and history education. “Jewel of the City” committee chair Karan Pastora welcomed and introduced Bishop

Charles C. Thompson, who gave the blessing for the meal and visited with many attendees over the course of the evening. A highlight of the evening was a public display of the Reitz Chalice. David Cohn, co-founder of Kruckemeyer and Cohn Jewelers, designed the chalice in 1929 using diamonds, rubies, sapphires,

St. Francis Continued from page 13 Father John Brosmer wrote in his bulletin article a week later that several parishioners inquired about the name chosen for our new parish. After some prayer and reflection he thought it best to at least open up the possibility a new parish name to give the people “ownership and belonging.” In this bulletin article he asked: “What saint reflects the community that we can draw inspiration from?” In order to reach everyone in all three communities, Father John wrote similar words in the November-December newsletter, adding that we have the opportunity to create something for our children and grandchildren. On Nov. 21, 2013, the tri-parish council came to the consensus that a new name would bring solidarity and create excitement. Thus beginning in December, people would be encouraged to submit their proposed new parish name by answering the three following questions: What is the name? Why did you choose this name? How does it relate to our community? The goal was to have a new name by January 2014. “Ask and you shall receive!” A total of 80 entries were received by January. Several names were submitted more than once. Each nomination was read, especially their explanations of why it would be good for the community. That night the council reduced the number of parish name entries to 19 mainly by adhering to canonical guidelines for the naming of a parish and duplication of names across our diocese. The people were given a list

emeralds and pearls belonging to the family of Evansville businessman and philanthropist John August Reitz. The base of the chalice includes engraved images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Joseph, St. Francis, St. Peter, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Michael the Archangel. The Reitz family donated

of these 19 names and asked to comment on them. At the February tri-parish council meeting the names would be reduced to a few strong names. During this time, lively discussions ensued wherever people came together. Excitement was indeed building, and each council member received many comments. At the February council meeting Father John provided some information about the 19 names, and comments were heard from all. It was decided that each council member be given three stars from which to put behind their favorite names. Six names remained and a reflection on each of the remaining names was presented to the people of the tri-parish a couple weeks later. At the March council meeting, two names were selected: St. Francis of Assisi and Our Lady of Grace. Both names are identifiable with the Hispanic community. It was decided that more time was needed for comments, reflection, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. In May the council again took up the discussion of the names. Our Lady of Grace received many positive comments from the people. “Mary will always be with us,” reported one council member, but St. Francis of Assisi represents a new beginning. A unanimous consensus was built to have St. Francis to be our patron and model for the new parish. One cannot put into words the somber and prayerful atmosphere of these council deliberations. A prayer for the new St. Francis of Assisi Parish was composed in May and approved by the council in June. The prayer calls to mind some of the sayings of St. Francis as well as help from our

In addition to a public viewing of the Reitz Chalice, dinner and a silent auction, the evening also included live entertainment and dancing. the chalice to Holy Trinity Church. The practicality of regular use proved challenging, so the chalice is kept in a local vault and brought out on special occasions. Its last public display for viewing occurred in 2004, and Bishop Thompson has used the chalice when celebrating priestly and deaconate ordination Masses. He also used it in 2011

Prayer for St. Francis of Assisi Parish All praise to you God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Creator of heaven and earth, All praise to you Holy Mother Church, Thy Kingdom in heaven and on earth. We chose your holy servant, Saint Francis of Assisi, to be our patron and model, To guide us, through his intercession, to be a living, growing, and faith filled parish. Thus we pray: To become poor in our humanity so to become rich in your divinity; To become rich with patience in suffering so to realize perfect joy; To become rich in poverty and meekness, and poor in selfishness and pride; To become rich in mercy and forgiveness; to always see the good in others; To recognize your presence in the stranger, the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; To be compassionate and kind toward all creatures for you made them all. Transform our new parish, cleanse us from personal gain, so all we have left is You! We ask for the aid of St. Francis of Assisi, Mary, Help of Christians, St. Joseph, St. Nicholas, and the Holy Spirit to assist us in building the Kingdom of God. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

during the Mass celebrating his ordination and installation as the fifth Bishop of Evansville. The Reitz Home Museum is Indiana’s only Victorian house museum and is considered one of the country’s finest examples of French Second Empire Architecture. It is located at 222 S.E. First Street in Evansville.

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254-3612 three existing parish patrons and the Holy Spirit. The prayer is now used at all masses and meetings, and perhaps even at homes or work places.

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The Message

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

13

2014 Connection

Celebrating 40 years of priestly ministry Our international priests Our Catholic community is blessed with four international priests in service to the Diocese of Evansville. Left to right, Father Pascal Nduka, Father Sudhakar Bhastati, Father Crispin Adongo and Father Anthony Govind arrived in the Diocese of Evansville this year to serve our Catholic community. Father Pascal is from Nigeria, Father Crispin is from Kenya, and Father Anthony and Father Sudhakar are from India. They joined their brother priests for the 2014 Diocese of Evansville Convocation earlier this month.

Father Phil Kreilein, left, and Father Steve Lintzenich celebrated the 40th anniversaries of their ordination to the priesthood during the 2014 Convocation, held earlier this month. Father Phil is pastor of Resurrection Parish in Evansville, and Father Steve retired from parish administration in January. He had been pastor of St. Mary Parish in Evansville. The Message photos by Tim Lilley

Walkers support St. Vincent de Paul in record numbers

Hispanic

BY TIM LILLEY

Continued from page 3

The Message editor

Organizers of the 7th Annual St. Vincent de Paul Walk for the Poor hoped for 250 people to participate in the Sept. 20 event. By the time the first walkers left on their journey around the grounds of the Evansville State Hospital on Lincoln Avenue, it was clear that those hopes had been exceeded. Bishop Charles C. Thompson welcomed, thanked and prayed with the record 307 walkers who formally registered for the event, which offered participants one-, two- and three-mile routes on a near-perfect late-summer morning. Other numbers: • Forty-nine sponsors contributed $19,000 this year. Those numbers are the second highest in event history. • Walkers contributed more than $10,000, the fourth-highest total ever. • The 2014 Walk for the Poor will net more than $25,000 for use by St Vincent de Paul conferences this coming year. The St. Vincent de Paul food bank serves 1,100 monthly — or roughly 70 percent of all the people served by food banks in the greater Evansville area. John Payne, manager of Bishop Thompson, second from left, joins a record Evansville’s St. Vincent de Paul 307 registered walkers Sept. 20 for the 7th Annual Thrift Store, on Walnut Street, also St. Vincent de Paul Walk for the Poor on the spoke and invited everyone to attend grounds of the Evansville State Hospital. Vince the store’s second annual Block Party Brenner, right, sent everyone on their way as St. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 4. Vincent de Paul. He has appeared at all seven walks. The Message photos by Tim Lilley

John Payne, at left on the ladder, invites everyone to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store Block Party on Oct. 4. Payne manages the thrift store. Standing in front of him is Phillip D. Food-Bank, who appears at the walk every year wearing a grocery bag.

The Office of Hispanic Ministry is charged with helping Spanish-speaking people develop their love of Jesus Christ through Catholic faith formation. It is also responsible for outreach to the immigrant population and assists all immigrant residents with navigating their local communities, Burns said. “The immigrant population is greatest in Evansville and Newburgh, as well as in Dubois, Spencer and Daviess counties. A growing number of immigrants are choosing to live in Knox County as well.” Burns notes that several growth oriented changes are in the works. “We are moving the Huntingburg offices to St.

Mary Parish in Huntingburg by the end of the year. In addition, walk-in assistance will be available to immigrant families in Evansville beginning next month. “We expect a robust program of adult faith formation in Spanish, and communityoutreach programs to be available throughout Daviess, Dubois, Knox, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties next year. The immigration legal services continue to grow and are provided in collaboration with Catholic Charities.” If you would like to volunteer with the Office of Hispanic Ministry, please contact Burns at [email protected].

The Message

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Reitz Memorial High School’s Theatre Department will present a season of mystery, intrigue

Bishop dedicates Reitz Memorial campus expansion

On Sept. 22, Bishop Charles C. Thompson celebrated Mass outdoors and dedicated a number of new facilities that were part of the campus-expansion project at Reitz Memorial High School in Evansville. Because of early press deadlines this week, look for complete coverage of the Mass and dedication ceremonies in the Oct. 3 issue of The Message. The Message photo by Tim Lilley

The Theatre Department at Reitz Memorial High School in Evansville will present two shows filled with mystery and intrigue during its 2014-15 season. “Incognito,” written by N. Richard Nusbaum, is a World War II era espionage thriller. It will be directed by Beth Edmondson, and presented on Nov. 13, 15 and 16. The spring production is “The Adams Family.” Memorial is the first high school in the area to acquire the licensing rights to perform the recently released musical. It will be directed by Beth Edmonson and Megan Wilkey, with vocal/instrumental direction by Hannah Brasher. The dates for “The Adams Family” are April 9, 10, 11 and 12. Performances will be given at 7 p.m. in the evenings and at 2:30 p.m. for the Sunday matinees. They will be held in the school auditorium. The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors.

spelling sudoku See answer How to solve: on page 15. • each row should have each word exactly once • each column should have each word exactly once • each four-unit rectangle outlined in heavy dark line should have each word exactly once

Change of Heart In Sunday’s Gospel Jesus is in Jerusalem and he tells a parable about two brothers whose father owns a vineyard. The father tells both of the sons to do something and they react in different ways. Jesus then asks the question, “Which of the two did his father’s will?” Let’s find out. A man who owned a vineyard told one of his sons to go out and work in the vineyard. The son replied, “I will not,” but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man then told the other son the same thing. This son said, “Yes, sir,” but did not go. Jesus then asks the chief priests and the elders of the people, “Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answer, “The first.” Jesus tells them that people who are not well liked in the city believed John when he told of God’s kingdom and changed their ways. The chief priests and elders did not believe John’s teachings and did not change their minds. Jesus says that the people who believed John will enter the kingdom of heaven before the chief priests and elders. Sometimes we say one thing and do another. And, sometimes we don’t do what we say we will do because we are forgetful or because we get distracted. Sometimes, however, we are simply being disobedient by doing what we want to do instead of doing what we have been asked to do. In the parable we are told that sometimes people change their minds as well as their hearts. To change one’s heart is to have a conversion. Conversion is about recognizing the right beliefs about God, but it is also about changing how one acts. Jesus wants us to know that it is not enough to say that we love God. He wants us to act in ways that show our obedience to God. God, I pray for the strength I need to obey you by my actions and with my words. Amen.

father two

minds brothers a rowdy recess! It’s recess time! There’s a lot going on and no one seems to notice the 10 hidden items here! Do you? Find and circle the things shown below:

feather duster

apple

Letter “T”

ring

suitcase Chick

rocket

flowerpot

drinking straw

lightbulb

The Message

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

‘The Song’ a song of love, marriage and the meaning of life

SCRIPTOGRAM A passage from Sunday’s Scripture readings is represented below in code. CLUE: In this week’s SCRIPTOGRAM, X equals Y. SUGGESTION: See the Gospel Commentary page in this week’s Message, to find the citations for the chapters and verses of the readings. Solving the biblical reference will provide clues for solving the rest of the puzzle. For Sunday, Sept. 28: OCR UGUQX Z E C V P U _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ______ ZSOZ ____

ZSU ___

TSQALZ ______

VYEQX _____

EB __

AL _ _

VER ___

YEQR, _ _ _ _, ZSU ___

BOZSUQ. ______. — J S A Y A J J A O C L 2:11 — _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2:11 What’s the passage? The answer is found on page 19.

CROSSWORD

“The Song” is a few surprises, but new Christian film there remains very inspired by “The little subtext throughSISTER HELENA out. Songs of Songs” (aka BURNS, F.S.P. The film is inter“The Song of spersed with very Solomon”) in the effective voiceover of Bible. It is one of actual passages (recited by Jed) from the Song those distinctly southern/country culture films, of Songs, interwoven with Ecclesiastes. with the two main characters being Christians. This is a man’s film, a man’s perspective — It’s a story of adultery. A story of career vs. and not only because the main character is male. vocation, and spouses who are physically sepaThere are definite shadows of “women are rated growing apart. It reminds me of the either idealized virgins-brides-wives-mothers or Christian film “October Baby,” in that the first pure temptresses.” No nuance; nothing in half is poor quality and the second half gets real. between. The writer-director, Richard Ramsey, It’s a story of love, marriage and the meaning did not seem to be able to imagine a woman’s of life. inner life too deeply. The actresses do fabulously The first half is barely one-dimensional. We with what he gave them. But the film does illusdon’t get to know Jed (played by Alan Powell) trate for men what men really want. I’m sure and Rose (played byAli Faulkner), who get this film will touch the hearts of many guys. married and whom we are supposed to care The film is aptly named because there is a lot about for the rest of the film. But we do get to of music throughout. Mumford & Sons-style know them later through their sins — in a tunes; whole songs and snatches of songs. sense. There is nothing distinctive about them; When one song ends, another one begins nothing unique or original. No defects, dreams, almost immediately. There seems to be more quirks, secrets, experiences, events, histories or lyrics than dialogue. But, of course, that is also desires that are not totally generalized as a way to move the story forward and convey Everyman and Everywoman. The plot has a sentiments. Since Jed is a musician, lives in a big way through his music and spends much of his time on stage, we are joining him in his element. The fighting seems to be more real than the loving between Jed and Rose. Perhaps First Reading and Gospel for Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 because the romantic scenes were so saccharine, while the Ezekiel 18:25-28; Matthew 21:28-32 clashes were so volatile and even mean (irresistible for actors)! And Jed had some Following is a word search based on the First Reading “excellent” excuses for his and Gospel for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary behavior. Rose also had some Time, Cycle A. The words can be found in all directions great rationale and justificain the puzzle. tions on her side. The marital difficulties felt so authentic — too bad the chemistry wasn’t O HOUSE MY WAY COMMIT as palpable. WICKEDNESS RIGHT LIVE Am I being too critical of this film? I think not. Gotta SHALL NOT DIE A MAN TWO SONS call ‘em like I see ‘em. Would I SON, GO CHANGED DID NOT recommend a look-see? Yes. I think “The Song” challenges JOHN CAME THE WAY PROSTITUTES us to fill in our own blanks: YOU SAW IN CHRIST IN LOVE What is the authority of Scripture in our lives? What SPIRIT COMPASSION MY JOY are our ambitions? What are our duties to God and the ones P C H T A I T I R I P S we love? Where will we truly R C O I M Y W A Y D H S find fulfillment?

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The Message

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32; First Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28; Second Reading: Philippians 2:1-11 The gospel reading of this Sunday is again a parable. A parable or teaching story can be long, as last Sunday’s gospel reading, or as short as the mini-parable the liturgy gives us for our consideration on this Sunday. A parable invites the person or persons to whom the parable is directed to compare herself or himself to a leading actor in the parable. Since today’s parable is so brief, comments on it can be brief enough to permit us to examine an Old Testament parable to understand how a parable can function. The parable is found in 2 Samuel 12:1-4. King David committed adultery with the wife of one of his soldiers, while her husband was engaged in defense of David’s kingdom. The woman was Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite (not even an Israelite). She became pregnant. To hide his crime, David contrives Plan A and Plan B. He sends a message to his general to send Uriah home to his wife Bathsheba. Uriah leaves the battle, comes to Jerusalem, but will not go home to his wife while his fellow-soldiers risk their life in defense of David’s kingdom. To David’s annoyance, Uriah does a sit-in at the gate of David’s palace. Plan A failed. Plan B: David sends Uriah back to the front with a secret message for the general. The secret message: put Uriah into battle where danger is the greatest. The general complied, and Uriah died in battle. Success? Only briefly. God sends Nathan, a prophet, to tell David a parable. There was a rich man and a poor man. The rich man had herds and flocks. The poor man had one little ewe lamb which was his pet. A visitor comes to the rich man’s house. Instead of taking a lamb from his flock to feed the visitor, the rich man takes the poor man’s one little ewe lamb and turns it into lamb stew. David was furious. He vowed to punish the rich man. Nathan said, “You are that

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE FATHER DONALD DILGER man!” David understood, bitterly repented and accepted God’s punishment. This is how a parable can reveal something about and to the person or persons to whom it is addressed. The context of this Sunday’s parable: Jesus is in the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. When he entered the city, he received a hero’s welcome from a people oppressed not only by the Romans but by the chief priests. The crowd’s acclaim of Jesus got the attention of the V.I.P.s of the temple. Worse yet, Jesus had attacked their bottom line when he “drove out those who bought and sold in the temple.” On his second day in the city Jesus returned to the temple and was teaching the people. He was confronted by “the chief priests and the elders.” They represented the Sanhedrin — the High Council which governed the Jews in religious matters and some civil matters. They demand to know, “By what authority are you doing these things and who gave you this authority? It was their duty to oversee the temple and judge the correctness of anyone who dared to teach publicly. Jesus was a free-lancer, not under their control. Their envy and fear of Jesus’ popularity was also at work. Matthew will write later that Pilate was aware that they handed Jesus over to him out of envy. The Greek terminology the gospels use about the arrest of John the Baptizer, indicates that these same people were involved in getting rid of John, another free-lancer. Jesus is aware of their betrayal of John. He responds to their question about his authority, “I’ll ask you a question too. If you answer mine, I’ll answer yours.” His question: “Was John’s baptism sanctioned by God or by

men?” If they said sanctioned by God, Jesus would say, “So why didn’t you believe him?” If they answered, “only of human origin,” the people who revered John might riot and tear them to pieces. In fear and embarrassment they answered, “We don’t know.” Jesus said, “Then I won’t answer your question either.” Then comes today’s little parable like a saberthrust. A man had two sons. He said to the first, “Son, go work in the vineyard.” The son refused, but then repented (changed his mind), and went to work. The father said the same to the second son. He replied, “O.K.,” but did not go. Jesus wants to know which of the two did the will of his father. They replied correctly, “The first son.” To which Jesus responded with an oath, “Amen, I say to you. Tax collectors and prostitutes enter the kingdom of God before you. You did not believe John. They did, and even when you saw it, you did not repent and believe him.” Those despised by society as sinners repented at John’s preaching. The first son, who originally refused, then repented, is their symbol. The second son was a hypocrite who pretended publicly that he did his father’s will, but did not. The second son is therefore a symbol of Jesus’ critics who did not repent at John’s preaching but got rid of him. Did Matthew, a half century after Jesus, compose this parable as a warning to the leaders of his Christian Community? He warned them earlier, “See that you do not despise these little ones.” The “little ones” in Matthew’s theology are usually those without clout. He also reproaches them for pompous titles and apparel. Can the parable apply to us in our attitudes toward “sinners,” whom difficult circumstances forced into ways of living we usually consider sinful? If we are guilty, the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount are appropriate, “You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

The Message

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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Election 2014: How should Catholics prepare to vote? Key principles when approaching election campaigns The 2014 election in Indiana does not have the high profile offices of President, Governor and Senator on the ballot; these come in 2016. But that does not mean the 2014 election is less important. COMMENTARY BY GLENN TEBBE Special to The Message

This year’s ballot includes all U.S. House of Representatives members, all State Representatives and half of Indiana’s State Senators. In addition, state offices — such as Secretary of State, Auditor and Treasurer — and many countywide offices are on this year’s ballot. Each election has value, its own importance and conse-

quences. Hence, all elections should be taken seriously and deserve due diligence when considering the candidates and issues involved. As Catholics, we are obligated to take part. In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation. Elections provide opportunities to debate and decide about leaders, policies and values that will determine the direction of our state and nation. As is evident, public policies and decisions by public officials have moral dimensions and consequences that affect everyone. So how does one prepare to fulfill his/her civic duty and decide for whom to vote? The

Church can offer some guidance — not by recommending specific candidates, but by giving guidance and perspective in how to approach the issues and how to determine a prudent choice. One cannot compartmentalize politics and morality A common error in our time is the dichotomy between faith and public life. All of human life and activity is not out of the scope of God’s care and concern. Some today want to keep religion out of the public square, but that denies the integration of faith and life. The Church teaches that faith is to be lived each day and in all one does; Sunday Eucharist nourishes and enables us to

live the Gospel‘s call each day in all we do. We are called to be a leaven in the world. Personal as well as political activity is rightly guided by moral norms. Voting is a moral act One’s vote should not be based on frivolous or selfish motives. Catholics are called to be guided by moral convictions and not attachments to party or interest groups. One should not let party affiliation determine who they vote for, or lead them to neglect fundamental moral truths. The Church’s call for political engagement is different from other institutions and social groups. Interest groups and political parties focus on power and governance; the

Church asks us to focus on the dignity of every human being, the development of the common good and the protection of the weak and vulnerable. Be principled and not partisan in political and social issues Politics is often ideological, emotional, and divisive. The Catholic Tradition does not offer an ideology, but a moral framework in which to evaluate policies and candidates. The Church asks Catholics to engage using faith and reason, and to form their consciences through study and prayer. First, one must seek to know what is right by studying Scripture and Church teaching. Second, one must use reaSee PRINCIPLES, page 23

What is the common good? In Church documents and often when Church officials discuss social and political issues, the term “common good” will be cited. While it is one of the fundamental principles of Catholic Social Teaching, it is often misunderstood. It is distinct from the term “greater good,” which one may hear from political leaders or media pundits. Common good has a specific meaning within Church teaching. COMMENTARY BY GLENN TEBBE Special to The Message

The Church’s social doctrine is based on the foundation that each person is made in the image and likeness of God. As stated in the Catechism, “being in the image of God, the human individual possesses the dignity of a person, who is not just something, but

someone.” Hence, society and public policies should promote and respect the dignity of the human person. This is the basis for all human rights. As St. John Paul II noted, “These rights apply to every stage of life and to every political social economic and cultural situation. Together they form a single whole, directed unambiguously towards the promotion of every aspect of the good of both the person and society.” Catholic social teaching also recognizes that the human person is a social being. We depend on one another for our livelihood as well as our wellbeing — physically, emotionally and spiritually. We grow and realize our vocation, and fulfill God’s purpose for our life in relation not only with Him but with one another. Hence, In Catholic teaching, rights are not without corresponding duties: they are

inseparably linked (Compendium of Catholic Social Teaching). As St. John XXIII noted, “in human society to one man’s right there corresponds a duty in all other persons; the duty, namely, of acknowledging and respecting the right in question.” Because of the social nature of humankind, the good of each individual is necessarily related to the good of everyone else. The Church defines common good as, “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individual’s, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.” It concerns all of life, not just particular aspects, such as economic or political questions. As the Catechism points out, the Common Good has three essential elements. First, it presupposes respect for the person and his/her

fundamental rights, which include right of conscience and freedom in matters of religion. Second, the common good requires the social wellbeing and development of the group. This includes the responsibility of civil authority to arbitrate the interests between groups, and to ensure that all have access to what is needed and befitting of human life — the rights to food, health, work, education; the rights to privacy, to establish a family, etc. Third, the common good requires peace brought about by stability and security of a just order. While all, as individuals, have a responsibility to participate and to do their part in promoting and providing for the common good, collectively, through the political community, we accomplish this as a reality. It is the fundamental role of all levels of gov-

ernment to defend and promote the common good of civil society, its citizens, and all organizations and associations that make up the fabric of the community. Today, the global natures of economic, social, and political systems highlight the interdependence of human beings. We are more and more dependent on and responsible for one another. But as some may assert the “greater good” as the target of some policy or activity, the Church asserts in the Catechism that, “the common good is always oriented towards the progress of persons. The order of things must be subordinate to the order of persons, and not the other way around.” The common good is common to all because all are made in the image and likeness of God. Tebbe is Executive Director of the Indiana Catholic Conference.

Election issues, candidates and your vote The Catholic Church teaches that government exists to promote and secure the common good, and that Catholics have a responsibility to participate in and fulfill their roles in the civic and public affairs of the community. “Participation is a duty to be fulfilled consciously by all, with responsibility and with a view to the common good.” (Compendium of Catholic Social Teaching) COMMENTARY BY GLENN TEBBE Special to The Message

As one expression of this responsibility, most of us will be responsible and exercise our right and duty to vote this November. Yet this is not as

simple as it would appear. There is a constant rotation of ads on TV, in newspapers and on the radio. Social media also is clogged with campaign slogans and support for particular candidates. Many become numb to all the noise and tune out; others enter the fray and take sides in the debates and campaign activities. Because we know we will have to make a choice when we vote in November, most of us, in the midst of taking care of family and work responsibilities, attempt to sort through the maze of contradictory comments and pledges, and the overstated assertions about the candidates, parties and policies. It is difficult; one can get lost in the detail and

rhetoric. How does one sort through and determine what issues are substantive and which candidate is more likely to better promote the dignity of persons and the common good? The Church in its role as teacher will not identify particular candidates, but it does contribute to the conversations about what is best for society by defending human dignity in all of its stages. And in doing so, it addresses related issues such as immigration, health care, marriage, religious freedom, economic justice, education and family. Because campaign ads and candidates typically only speak in sound bites, it is important to focus on the salient issues that will

have long lasting impact on our society when deciding on whom to support. One can do this by looking at candidates through the lens of Catholic social teaching and to consider the moral dimensions of public issues. Significant issues to consider and the candidate’s position: • Conscience protection for individuals as well as religious institutions to serve the public in accord with religious principles and values • Social and economic policies that support jobs with good working conditions and just wages • Comprehensive immigration reform and support of refugee resettlement for unaccompanied children

• The definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman • Opposition to legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide • Respect for life, including rejection of violence and the death penalty • Affordable health care for low- and moderate-income individuals and families • Support of policies to protect vulnerable persons; prisoner rehabilitation and reentry programs • Support of “child benefit” as a principle for participation in education programs, and parental choice in education of their children • Opposition to abortion; See ELECTION, page 23

The Message

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Book celebrates the writings of Thomas Merton Simply Merton: Wisdom From His Journals By Linus Mundy Paperback, 144 pages Published June 2014 by Franciscan Media Thomas Merton. We remember him as a convert to Catholicism, as a Trappist monk, as a spiritual writer, as a hermit and as a student of the writings of Mahatma Gandhi and Zen Buddhism. BOOK REVIEW BY MARY ANN HUGHES The Message managing editor

He has been called the greatest spiritual writer and spiritual master of the 20th century in Englishspeaking America. And now Linus Mundy, a self-described “Merton aficionado,” has written a terrific book celebrating him. The author, known throughout southern Indiana for his work at St. Meinrad, takes pride in having read “as much as possible all the words that Merton himself penned.” Mundy’s book is divided into 15 chapters, focusing on themes that he deems most important in Merton’s life and works. Each chapter contains writings by Merton, comments from Mundy’s own journals, reflections on Merton, and an opportunity for readers to reflect on each theme in their own lives. Chapter titles include “Simplicity,” “Pleasing God” and “Death and Eternity.”

In “Becoming One’s True Self,” Mundy quotes Merton as asking, “How do you expect to reach your own perfection by leading someone else’s life?” Mundy notes, “One of the big discernment issues for all of us, as it was with Thomas Merton, is to figure out just who and what we are. How can we differentiate between our true and false selves?” In his chapter on “Single-heartedness,” Mundy writes, “This chapter is about single-heartedness, not single-mindedness.” While Merton’s mind was filled with a multitude of ideas, it is clear that his heart “was set on only one thing: to be a monk and thereby please God in his every thought and action.” Single-heartedness, Mundy notes, allows us to “renounce whatever it is that is in the way of our relationship with God.” In “Prayer and Contemplation,” Merton is remembered for writing, “If saying your prayers is an obstacle to prayer, cut it out. Let Jesus pray. Thank God Jesus is praying. Forget yourself. Enter into the prayer of Jesus. Let him pray in you.” He adds, “The best way to pray is: stop. Let prayer pray within you, whether you know it or not.” Merton believed that “so it is with one who has vanished into God by pure contemplation. God alone is left.” Mundy knows there are many opinions about Thomas Merton. Some remember him as “a humble, holy man, a mystic, a prophet, a leader, an inspiring artist, a theologian, a teacher and spiritual director,

a spiritual giant, a saint.” Others call him “rebel,” “a troublemaker,” and “a rabble-rouser.” Some of us, like Mundy, “simply like Thomas Merton. We like him because he is like us — only smarter, deeper, more profound, more serious, more intense.”

Yours, mine and hours . . . . BY S. TODD BROCK The Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana, Inc.

“Phi-lan-thro-py: the practice of giving wealth and time to help make life better for other people” is the definition provided by Merriam-Webster toward an idea that has provided opportunity, health, education, positive change, and support for our fellow brothers and sisters over the span of recorded time. It seems like a pretty simple sentence to me, especially when viewed in the light of such beauty and grace. The word philanthropy wasn’t used before the early 1600’s, but the concept has existed in practice since the dawn of time. In fact, an endowment supported Plato’s Academy (c. 387 B.C.) for close to 1,000 years. To me, philanthropy is actionable love for one another — whether through the motivation of faith, responsibility, remembrance, an idea of positive social change, or one of an unending stream of moti-

vators that drive us to Catholic culture in the make a difference in areas of Catholic eduthe lives of others. cation, parish supWorking in the field port, vocations, social of philanthropy has justice, facility supprovided a gift from port and a variety of God to enable me to other causes that are see the light in somesignificant to our one’s eyes who has philanthropic partbeen the recipient of ners. the love from another, But questions pull and I am thankful to at me that I am hopebe allowed to witness ful we can answer — such beauty from His the what if’s . . .? What if we could people, FOR his peovirtually eradicate ple. hunger in this dioI believe The S. TODD BROCK cese? Catholic Foundation What if every family who desired a exists for the purpose of facilitating Catholic education for their child actionable love for one another. It is a could afford to do so? unique opportunity for good, and a sword of the Church to help provide What if our social justice efforts support from individuals toward our could reach all those in most need?

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The Message

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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Frequently Asked Questions about the reorganization announcements When do the mergers become effective? No merger announced Sept. 26, 2014, will become effective before April 27, 2015. Isn’t this entire process a reaction to a shortage of priests? Actually, the decline represents a return to priestly levels that are historically stable. In the decade immediately following WWII, the U.S. saw the largest rise in priestly vocations in the nation’s history. The average number of priests serving parishes in 1960 was almost twice the 1950 number. Today, however, the number of priests available to serve parishes is virtually identical to 1950 (i.e. an average of 1.01 in 1950 to 0.97 today) according to data from Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). What’s happening to the churches in merged parishes? All churches in the Diocese of Evansville remain open. Parish reorganization does not include decisions to close any church across our 12 counties. What is an Oratory? Why did the diocese

change Holy Trinity Church to an Oratory? In the Roman Catholic Church, an Oratory is a structure other than a parish church that is set aside for certain forms of Divine worship, such as the celebration of Mass. Bishop Thompson has designated the pastor of St. John Parish in Daylight to assume responsibility for maintenance and upkeep of the Oratory, subject to direction and oversight by the diocese. Holy Trinity will maintain ownership of the Reitz Chalice and other holy artifacts. What happens to the staffs of parishes that no longer exist due to mergers? The pastor and parish councils of the newly created parishes will be responsible for decisions regarding staffing. There is no indication that mergers will result in significant layoffs or changes. What happens to the Catholic cemeteries? Merged parishes will be responsible for perpetual maintenance of any cemeteries that were previously part of parishes that merged. No cemetery will be abandoned or otherwise neglected as a result of any changes announced in this or any phase of the Strategic Plan.

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What happens to the Catholic schools? Schools become part of the newly merged parishes. The pastors and schools’ staffs will determine plans for the educational component of their overall parish ministries moving forward. When will Masses be, and where? Every pastor will determine the Mass schedule for each parish, in accordance with Canon Law. What happens to the finances and ministries of the merged parishes? On the effective date of each merger, the assets and liabilities for each merged parish become part of the newly created (by the merger) parish. From that point forward, the collections taken at services in each worship site within the new parish go into the general fund of the merged parish. What about all the other parishes in the diocese? As Bishop Thompson and others have noted throughout the reorganization process, the changes announced Sept. 26, 2014, represent the latest phase of ongoing work.

The Catholic connection at the Fall Festival The West Side Nut Club’s Fall Festival is held in Evansville the first full week of October with volunteers from churches and organizations operating food booths up and down Franklin Street. Nut Club proceeds from the annual festival are returned to the community. Here is a listing of booths with a Catholic connection. • The Booster Club at Corpus Christi Parish in Evansville: Puppy chow, coyote crispies, churros, milk, hot coffee, hot chocolate, lattes, frappes, sodas and tummy yummies • The Men’s Club at Corpus Christi Parish in Evansville: Sausage burgers • Holy Redeemer Parish in Evansville: AllAmerican bean soup with cornbread, threepound smoked turkey legs, chicken-fried bacon with ranch dipping sauce, tornado potatoes (plain or loaded), soft drinks • Marian Educational Outreach, assisted by Annunciation Parish, Evansville: Texas steak sandwiches, Texas cheese fries, cactus salsa • Mater Dei High School Band Boosters: chocolate-covered cheesecake, chicken strips, cheese sticks, Texas tenderloins, Polish sausage, pork tenderloins, jalapeño peppers • Resurrection Parish, Evansville: Chicken and dumplings, kuchens (apple, blueberry, cinnamon, cherry, peach), pizza (cheese, sausage, pepperoni), caramel pecan yum-yum’s • St. Joseph Parish, Vanderburgh County,

Knights of St. John: to be determined • St. Joseph School, Vanderburgh County, PTO: Sausage burgers, Heidelberg cheese soup, Nisbet Inn BBQ pork pit sandwiches, kettle corn, sweet tea, soft drinks, bottled water, Capri Sun • St. Philip Parish and School, Posey County: Kuchens, burgoo, bosco sticks, pork chop sandwiches, pickle spears, pickle on a stick, sodas, water, coffee, hot chocolate • Boy Scouts at St. Theresa Parish, Evansville: Giant tenderloin sandwiches, corn dogs, munchen rolls, potato soup in a bread bowl, drinks • St. Wendel Parish, St. Wendel: Burgoo, hot ham and cheese sandwiches, grilled cheese, bread pudding, kuchens, springerlies, dry dumplings. • PTO at Westside Catholic School, Evansville, Sacred Heart: pronto pups, Amish cinnamon rolls, Dippin’ Dots, chocolate chip cookies, cotton candy, drinks • PTO at Westside Catholic School, Evansville, St. Agnes: grilled pork tenderloin sandwiches, grilled chicken sandwiches, cinnamon kuchens, fudge, peanut butter fudge, potato swirl candy, chocolate chip cookies, cotton candy, dried dumplings • Booster Club at Westside Catholic School, Evansville: Parking lot is available on the grounds of St. Boniface Parish (Wabash Campus).

2014/2015 Trips ❏ France: Lourdes, Normandy, Paris — 11 days in October 2014 . . . . . . . $3,238 ❏ Florence, Rome and Assisi — 11 days in November 2014 . . . . . . . . . . $3,388 ❏ Greece — 9 days in November 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,898 ❏ Our Lady of Guadalupe & Mexico City — 8 days in February 2015 . . . $2,190 ❏ Rome & Assisi — 9 days in March 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,988

THIS WEEK’S ANSWERS

❏ Eastern Mediterranean & Rome — 14 days in March 2015 . . . . . . from $3,496 ❏ Sorrento, Isle of Capri & Amalfi Coast — 9 days in April 2015 . . . . . . . $2,789 ❏ Hawaii Cruise — 8 days in May 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . from $3,098

Scriptogram

❏ Ireland — 10 days in September 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,948 ❏ Please send full details about the trip(s) I’ve checked above

Name _____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City __________________________

State ___________

Zip ____________

For Sunday, Sept. 28: A N D E V E RY T O N G U E C O N F E S S T H AT J E S U S CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE G L O RY O F G O D T H E F AT H E R .

Phone (optional) ( ________ ) _________________________________________

— PHILIPPIANS 2:11

Call Toll Free 1-888-284-6725 or mail to:

Golden Frontier Tours 4100 N. Illinois St. • Swansea, Illinois 62226 www.goldenfrontier.org Email: [email protected]

EVV

See The Message from anywhere at themessageonline.org

The Message

20

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Decrees Sts. Mary and John in Evansville and Holy Trinity in Evansville DECREE establishing Saints Mary and John Parish and Holy Trinity Oratory in Evansville, Indiana from the merger of Saints Mary and John Parish, Evansville, Indiana and Holy Trinity Parish, Evansville, Indiana Whereas Saints Mary and John Parish was established in 2014 as a territorial parish in the city of Evansville whose church is located at 613 Cherry Street, and Holy Trinity Parish was established in 1849 as a territorial parish in the city of Evansville whose church is located at 219 Northwest Third Street; Whereas the number of parishioners at Saints Mary and John Parish has increased while Holy Trinity Parish has been in a steady decline such that it has shared a pastor with Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Daylight, Indiana since 2014; Whereas only minimal pastoral activity has taken place at Holy Trinity Parish for some time, and one household is present within the boundaries of that parish; Whereas Holy Trinity Parish has its attendance from some parishes within the city of Evansville and Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Daylight, Indiana who frequent the weekday noon Mass as well as a Latin Mass on Sundays; Whereas Holy Trinity Parish has had an ongoing relationship for some time with Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Daylight, Indiana due to the common bond of home schooling the youth; Whereas Holy Trinity Parish and Saints Mary and John Parish share vastly different ecclesiologies; Whereas Saints Mary and John Parish and Saint John the Evangelist Parish also share vastly different ecclesiologies, and their boundaries are not contiguous, rendering them unable to be merged; Whereas Holy Trinity Parish and Saint John the Evangelist Parish share similar ecclesiologies and have worked well together through the years; Whereas the pastors of Saints Mary and John Parish and Holy Trinity Parish have met and, after consultation, came to the mutual decision that the liquid assets of Holy Trinity Parish are given to Saint John the Evangelist Parish which has the responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the edifices of Holy Trinity; And having heard the opinion of the Deans, the Presbyteral Council, and the College of Consultors on August 13, 2014, according to the norm of canon 515 §2 regarding a proposed merger of the above-named parishes; I hereby decree: • that Saints Mary and John Parish in the city of Evansville and Holy Trinity Parish in the city of Evansville will be merged according to the norm of canon 121, and that from this extinctive union, Saints Mary and John Parish will be established in place of the two parishes; • that Holy Trinity Church is reduced to the status of an oratory, and Holy Trinity Oratory and its immediate surrounding property are placed under the

Bishop Continued from page 5 emerging from our strategic planning process. Through it all, we must remain true to the profession of faith we make at every Sunday Mass; namely, that we “believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.” Together, we suffer and die with Jesus Christ. Together, as Church, His Body, we rise with Jesus Christ. Beyond the cross of change, even with linking and merging of parishes, there is the experience of the empty tomb pointing to resurrection. As I recall hearing in a presentation, the cross always gives

direct auspices and supervision of the Diocese of Evansville; • that Saints Mary and John Parish will be territorial, its territory encompassing all of that area situated within the boundaries of the former Saints Mary and John and the former Holy Trinity Parish as they exist on April 27, 2015 with the exception of Holy Trinity Oratory, the property on which the oratory sits, and any improvements such as the rectory and parish office; • that the former Holy Trinity Parish’s portion of the disbursement of any trust funds is distributed to Saint John the Evangelist Parish to be used for the upkeep of Holy Trinity Oratory; • that any artifacts or bequests which were part of Holy Trinity Parish are to be maintained for Holy Trinity Oratory; • that the bishop will appoint a pastor of the newlyformed Saints Mary and John Parish effective April 27, 2015; • that the bishop will appoint the pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Daylight, Indiana as the administrator of Holy Trinity Oratory so as to provide for the most effective care of souls effective April 27, 2015; • that all sacramental and other records of Saints Mary and John Parish will be conserved at the office of Saints Mary and John Parish; • that all sacramental and other records of Holy Trinity Oratory will be conserved at the office of Saint John the Evangelist Parish. The provisions of this decree are to take effect on April 27, 2015, all things to the contrary notwithstanding. These provisions may be appealed according to the norm of law (canon 1734 §1). Given at the Catholic Center September 26, 2014

Whereas the number of parishioners at Saint Anthony of Padua Parish and Saint Joseph Parish has been in steady decline such that both parishes have shared a pastor with no reasonable expectation for an increase of parishioners; Whereas Saint Joseph Parish has had no children’s baptisms over the past year and has had nine deaths which speaks to an ongoing decline; Whereas a lack of pastoral activity at Saint Joseph Parish has existed for some time, but merging the two parishes better allows for the spiritual needs of the people to be met; Whereas Saint Joseph Parish has struggled financially as the number of parishioners has decreased, but merging the two parishes creates greater fiscal stability and opportunities for spiritual growth; Whereas Saint Anthony of Padua Parish has an established outreach ministry with a strong commitment to and solidarity with the poor which resonates with Saint Joseph Parish, and together, they better serve the people; Whereas the decline in the number of available priests is such that only one priest is available for the pastoral care of both parishes so that they must necessarily share one and the same pastor; Whereas Saint Anthony of Padua Church is the bestsuited and better maintained to provide for the needs of the faithful; Whereas, in light of the above, it is prudent to combine resources with a unified pastoral approach under the direction of a single pastor so as to provide for the most effective care of souls and for the works of charity and evangelization as well as for the furtherance of faith formation, youth ministry and vocations; And having heard the opinion of the Deans, the Presbyteral Council, and the College of Consultors on August 13, 2014, according to the norm of canon 515 §2 regarding a proposed merger of the above-named parishes; I hereby decree:

Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Evansville

Judith A. Neff Chancellor

St. Anthony of Padua in Evansville and St. Joseph in Evansville DECREE establishing Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Evansville, Indiana from the merger of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Evansville, Indiana and Saint Joseph Parish, Evansville, Indiana Whereas Saint Anthony of Padua Parish was established in 1888 as a territorial parish in the city of Evansville whose church is located at 704 First Avenue, and Saint Joseph Parish was established in 1905 as a territorial parish in the city of Evansville whose church is located at 618 East Virginia Street;

way to hope. As Pope Francis has encouraged us time and time again, Christians must be witnesses of joy and hope who do not merely accept but are willing to embrace the Gospel, the Good News of Salvation in Jesus Christ. This must be particularly so in times of challenge, hardship and uncertainty. It is in such moments that we actually discover our true character as individuals and community. Let us never cease praying for one another, especially keeping in mind those parishioners undergoing changes in their parish structure and Mass times. May we strive to be patient with others, especially the priests, and ourselves. We must allow for the time and space to grieve. It is by the grace of God that grief

• that Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in the city of Evansville and Saint Joseph Parish in the city of Evansville will be merged according to the norm of canon 121, and that from this extinctive union, Saint Anthony of Padua Parish will be established in place of the two parishes; • that Saint Anthony of Padua Parish will be territorial, its territory encompassing all of that area situated within the boundaries of the former Saint Anthony of Padua Parish and the former Saint Joseph Parish as they exist on July 1, 2015; • that Saint Anthony of Padua Church will serve as the parish church with Saint Joseph Church remaining open as an additional church for the occasional use of the faithful under the direction of the pastor; • that all goods, assets, and liabilities of the former Saint Anthony of Padua Parish and the former Saint Joseph Parish will become the goods, assets, and liabilities of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, in accord with canon 121; • that the bishop will appoint a pastor of the newlyformed Saint Anthony of Padua Parish effective July 1, 2015; • and that all sacramental and other records of Saint See DECREES, page 21

gives way to joy, that darkness gives way to light, that despair gives way to hope, that wounds give way to healing, that vengeance gives way to forgiveness, that hatred gives way to love and that death gives way to life. The best is still yet to come. With assurances of my prayers and best wishes, I remain Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson Bishop of Evansville

The Message

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Whereas Good Shepherd Church is the largest and best-suited to provide for the needs of the faithful;

Decrees Continued from page 20 Anthony of Padua Parish and Saint Joseph Parish will be conserved at the office of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish. The provisions of this decree are to take effect on July 1, 2015, all things to the contrary notwithstanding. These provisions may be appealed according to the norm of law (canon 1734 §1). Given at the Catholic Center September 26, 2014

Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Evansville

Whereas, in light of the above, it is prudent to combine resources with a unified pastoral approach under the direction of a single pastor so as to provide for the most effective care of souls and for the works of charity and evangelization as well as for the furtherance of faith formation; And having heard the opinion of the Deans, the Presbyteral Council, and the College of Consultors on August 13, 2014, according to the norm of canon 515 §2 regarding a proposed merger of the above-named parishes;

Good Shepherd in Evansville and St. Theresa in Evansville DECREE establishing Good Shepherd Parish in Evansville, Indiana from the merger of Good Shepherd Parish, Evansville, Indiana; and Saint Theresa Parish, Evansville, Indiana Whereas Good Shepherd Parish was established in 1955 as a territorial parish in the city of Evansville whose church is located at 2301 North Stockwell Road, and Saint Theresa Parish was established in 1947 as a territorial parish in the city of Evansville whose church is located at 600 Herndon Drive; Whereas the number of parishioners at Saint Theresa Parish has been in steady decline, and the parish’s financial situation has been challenged for some time; Whereas the number of parishioners at Good Shepherd Parish has remained stable such that both parishes have shared a pastor since 2014 as Saint Theresa Parish continued to decline as well as having economic and demographic challenges; Whereas Saint Theresa Parish has experienced financial challenges and decreased income but greatly benefits from being merged with Good Shepherd Parish since that school and parish are financially solvent; Whereas the schools of Saint Theresa Parish and Good Shepherd Parish complement one another, providing academic benefits and the opportunity for the promotion of youth ministry and vocations; Whereas Good Shepherd Parish has had forty-two children’s baptisms and fifteen deaths in the last year, and Saint Theresa Parish has had nine children’s baptisms and twenty deaths which speaks to a general lack of growth; Whereas the decline in the number of available priests is such that only one priest will be available for the pastoral care of both parishes so that they must necessarily share one and the same pastor;

Obispo Continued from page 5 espirituales, especialmente como líderes de oración, en vez de máquinas sacramentales que estén a punto de agotamiento de ser demasiados sobre extendidos. A la luz de nuestro anuncio de esta fase de la reorganización parroquial, ya estamos en el proceso de rediseñar nuestra estructura decanato. Nuestra estructura actual de 7 decanatos — a saber, Evansville East, Evansville West, Jasper, Newburgh, Princeton, Washington y Vincennes — necesita ser ajustada para reflejar y servir de manera más eficaz a las nuevas realidades que surgen de nuestro proceso de planificación estratégica. A pesar de todo, debemos permanecer fieles a la profesión de fe que hacemos en cada misa dominical; a saber, que “creemos en la Iglesia una, santa, católica

Whereas Saint Anthony Parish was established in 1864 as a territorial parish in the town of Saint Anthony whose church is located at 4444 Ohio Street, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish was established in 1876 as a territorial parish in the town of Schnellville whose church is located at 2504 Walnut Street; Whereas the number of parishioners at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish has been declining with no indication of growth; Whereas the parishes have already been linked and have shared the same pastor for a number of years; Whereas combining resources allows for better ministerial services and more human resources, benefitting all parishioners;

I hereby decree: • that Good Shepherd Parish in the city of Evansville and Saint Theresa Parish in the city of Evansville will be merged according to the norm of canon 121, and that from this extinctive union, Good Shepherd Parish will be established in place of the two parishes; • that Good Shepherd Parish will be territorial, its territory encompassing all of that area situated within the boundaries of the former Good Shepherd Parish and the former Saint Theresa Parish as they exist on July 1, 2016;

Judith A. Neff Chancellor

21

• that Good Shepherd Church will serve as the parish church with Saint Theresa Church remaining open as an additional church for the occasional use of the faithful under the direction of the pastor; • that all goods, assets, and liabilities of the former Good Shepherd Parish and the former Saint Theresa Parish will become the goods, assets, and liabilities of Good Shepherd Parish, in accord with canon 121; • that the bishop will appoint a pastor of the newlyformed Good Shepherd Parish effective July 1, 2016; • and that all sacramental and other records of Good Shepherd Parish and Saint Theresa Parish will be conserved at the office of Good Shepherd Parish. The provisions of this decree are to take effect on July 1, 2016, all things to the contrary notwithstanding. These provisions may be appealed according to the norm of law (canon 1734 §1). Given at the Catholic Center September 26, 2014

Whereas only minimal pastoral activity at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish has taken place for some time, merging with Saint Anthony Parish invigorates the faith life of the people, better allowing for an evangelical spirit to bring about unity and catechesis among the parishioners; Whereas more than twice as many children’s baptisms have taken place over the past year at Saint Anthony Parish than occurred at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish which speaks to a general lack of growth; Whereas the decline in the number of available priests is such that only one priest is available for the pastoral care of both parishes so that they must necessarily share one and the same pastor; Whereas Saint Anthony Church is best-suited to provide for the needs of the faithful; Whereas, in light of the above, it is prudent to combine resources with a unified pastoral approach under the direction of a single pastor so as to provide for the most effective care of souls and for the works of charity and evangelization as well as for the furtherance of faith formation, youth ministry and vocations; And having heard the opinion of the Deans, the Presbyteral Council, and the College of Consultors on August 13, 2014, according to the norm of canon 515 §2 regarding a proposed merger of the above-named parishes; I hereby decree:

Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Evansville

• that Saint Anthony Parish in the town of Saint Anthony and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in the town of Schnellville will be merged according to the norm of canon 121, and that from this extinctive union, Saint Anthony Parish will be established in place of the two parishes;

Judith A. Neff Chancellor

• that Saint Anthony Parish will be territorial, its territory encompassing all of that area situated within the boundaries of the former Saint Anthony Parish and the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish as they exist on July 1, 2016;

DECREE

• that Saint Anthony Church will serve as the parish church with Sacred Heart of Jesus Church remaining open as an additional church for the occasional use of the faithful under the direction of the pastor;

establishing Saint Anthony Parish in Saint Anthony, Indiana from the merger of Saint Anthony Parish, Saint Anthony, Indiana; and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Schnellville, Indiana

• that all goods, assets, and liabilities of the former Saint Anthony Parish and the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish will become the goods, assets, and liabilities of Saint Anthony Parish, in accord with canon 121; See DECREES, page 22

St. Anthony in St. Anthony and Sacred Heart of Jesus in Schnellville

y apostólica.” Juntos, sufrimos y morimos con Jesucristo. Juntos, como Iglesia, su Cuerpo, nos elevamos con Jesucristo. Más allá de la cruz de cambio, incluso con la vinculación y la fusión de parroquias, está la experiencia de la tumba vacía que apunta a la resurrección. Por lo que recuerdo oír en una presentación, la cruz siempre da paso a la esperanza. Como el Papa Francisco nos ha animado una y otra vez, los cristianos debemos ser testigos de la alegría y la esperanza de que no nos limitemos a aceptar pero estamos dispuestos a abrazar el Evangelio, la Buena Nueva de la salvación en Jesucristo. Esto debe ser especialmente cierto en tiempos de desafíos, las dificultades y la incertidumbre. En esos momentos realmente descubrimos nuestro verdadero carácter como individuos y como comunidad. Que nunca dejemos de orar uno por el otro, especialmente los feligreses que están experimentando

cambios en la estructura de su parroquia y un horario diferente para la misa. Que nos esforcemos por tener paciencia con otros, especialmente los sacerdotes, y nosotros mismos. Debemos dar tiempo y espacio para el duelo. Por la gracia de Dios, el duelo da paso a la alegría, la oscuridad da paso a la luz, la desesperación da paso a la esperanza, las heridas dan paso a la curación, la venganza da paso al perdón, el odio da paso al amor y la muerte da paso a la vida. Lo mejor está aún por venir. Con garantías de mis oraciones y los mejores deseos, me quedo Sinceramente suyo en Cristo,

Reverendísimo Charles C. Thompson Obispo de Evansville

The Message

22

Decrees Continued from page 21 • that the bishop will appoint a pastor of the newlyformed Saint Anthony Parish effective July 1, 2016; • and that all sacramental and other records of Saint Anthony Parish and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish will be conserved at the office of Saint Anthony Parish. The provisions of this decree are to take effect on July 1, 2016, all things to the contrary notwithstanding. These provisions may be appealed according to the norm of law (canon 1734 §1). Given at the Catholic Center September 26, 2014

Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Evansville

Judith A. Neff Chancellor

The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Vincennes, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Vincennes, St. John the Baptist in Vincennes, St. Thomas the Apostle in Vincennes and St. Vincent de Paul in Vincennes DECREE establishing Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Vincennes, Indiana from the merger of The Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, Vincennes, Indiana; Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Vincennes, Indiana; Saint John the Baptist Parish, Vincennes, Indiana; Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Vincennes, Indiana; and Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, Vincennes, Indiana Whereas The Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier Parish was established in 1732 as a territorial parish in the city of Vincennes whose church is located at 205 Church Street; Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, established in 1908 as a territorial parish in the city of Vincennes whose church is located at 2004 North Second Street; Saint John the Baptist Parish, established in 1847 as a territorial parish in the city of Vincennes whose church is located at 803 Main Street; Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, established in 1843 as a territorial parish in the city of Vincennes whose church is located at 6268 South St. Thomas Road; and Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, established in 1847 as a territorial parish in the city of Vincennes whose church is located at 1837 South Hart Street Road; Whereas the number of parishioners at all parishes has experienced an ongoing decline and a lack of growth with no reasonable indication of any change; Whereas the operation of the interparochial schools of Flaget Elementary School, and Rivet Middle and High School has placed a financial strain, but the parishes greatly benefit from being merged so as to consolidate their assets in order to provide better fiscal stability; Whereas a combined religious education program for those students who do not attend the Catholic schools is a strong benefit from the merger of the parishes; Whereas the Catholic schools and combined religious education program continue the promotion of faith formation, youth ministry and vocations; Whereas the decline in the number of available priests is such that only one priest is available for the pastoral care of all parishes so that they must necessarily share one and the same pastor; Whereas Saint John the Baptist Church is the largest and best-suited to provide for the needs of the faithful;

Whereas, in light of the above, it is prudent to combine resources with a unified pastoral approach under the direction of a single pastor so as to provide for the most effective care of souls and for the works of charity and evangelization; And having heard the opinion of the Deans, the Presbyteral Council, and the College of Consultors on August 13, 2014, according to the norm of canon 515 §2 regarding a proposed merger of the above-named parishes;

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 Whereas the parishes have already been linked for a number of years, have shared the same pastor and are manifesting spiritual growth; Whereas the parishes have demonstrated an ability for collaboration, evidenced by the fact that they share the same school system, and since the parishes have been linked, are growing as a community of faith; Whereas the parishes are located geographically close to each other and share similar demographics; Whereas merging allows the parishes to share resources and to have a more vibrant faith;

I hereby decree: • that The Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in the city of Vincennes, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in the city of Vincennes, Saint John the Baptist Parish in the city of Vincennes, Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish in the city of Vincennes, and Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in the city of Vincennes will be merged according to the norm of canon 121, and that from this extinctive union, Saint Francis Xavier Parish will be established in place of the five parishes; • that Saint Francis Xavier Parish will be territorial, its territory encompassing all of that area situated within the boundaries of the former Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, the former Saint John the Baptist Parish, the former Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, and the former Saint Vincent de Paul Parish as they exist on July 1, 2016;

Whereas Saint Raphael Parish lacks the ability to financially sustain a pastor on its own, and for that reason, it was linked with Saint Peter Celestine Parish; Whereas the decline in the number of available priests is such that only one priest is available for the pastoral care of both parishes so that they must necessarily share one and the same pastor; Whereas Saint Peter Celestine Church is best-suited to provide for the needs of the faithful; Whereas, in light of the above, it is prudent to combine resources with a unified pastoral approach under the direction of a single pastor so as to provide for the most effective care of souls and for the works of charity and evangelization as well as for the furtherance of faith formation, youth ministry and vocations;

• that Saint John the Baptist Church will serve as the parish church with The Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier Church, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, and Saint Vincent de Paul Church remaining open as additional churches for the occasional use of the faithful under the direction of the pastor;

And having heard the opinion of the Deans, the Presbyteral Council, and the College of Consultors on August 13, 2014, according to the norm of canon 515 §2 regarding a proposed merger of the above-named parishes;

• that all goods, assets, and liabilities of the former Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, the former Saint John the Baptist Parish, the former Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, and the former Saint Vincent de Paul Parish will become the goods, assets, and liabilities of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, in accord with canon 121;

• that Saint Peter Celestine Parish in the town of Celestine and Saint Raphael Parish in the town of Dubois will be merged according to the norm of canon 121, and that from this extinctive union, Saint Peter Celestine Parish will be established in place of the two parishes;

• that the bishop will appoint a pastor of the newlyformed Saint Francis Xavier Parish effective July 1, 2016; • and that all sacramental and other records of The Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, and Saint Vincent de Paul Parish will be conserved at the office of Saint Francis Xavier Parish. The provisions of this decree are to take effect on July 1, 2016, all things to the contrary notwithstanding. These provisions may be appealed according to the norm of law (canon 1734 §1). Given at the Catholic Center September 26, 2014

Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Evansville

I hereby decree:

• that Saint Peter Celestine Parish will be territorial, its territory encompassing all of that area situated within the boundaries of the former Saint Peter Celestine Parish and the former Saint Raphael Parish as they exist on July 1, 2016; • that Saint Peter Celestine Church will serve as the parish church with Saint Raphael Church remaining open as an additional church for the occasional use of the faithful under the direction of the pastor; • that all goods, assets, and liabilities of the former Saint Peter Celestine Parish and the former Saint Raphael Parish will become the goods, assets, and liabilities of Saint Peter Celestine Parish, in accord with canon 121; • that the bishop will appoint a pastor of the newlyformed Saint Peter Celestine Parish effective July 1, 2016; • and that all sacramental and other records of Saint Peter Celestine Parish and Saint Raphael Parish will be conserved at the office of Saint Peter Celestine Parish. The provisions of this decree are to take effect on July 1, 2016, all things to the contrary notwithstanding. These provisions may be appealed according to the norm of law (canon 1734 §1).

Judith A. Neff Chancellor

St. Peter Celestine in Celestine and St. Raphael in Dubois

Given at the Catholic Center September 26, 2014

DECREE establishing Saint Peter Celestine Parish in Celestine, Indiana from the merger of Saint Peter Celestine Parish, Celestine, Indiana; and Saint Raphael Parish, Dubois, Indiana Whereas Saint Peter Celestine Parish was established in 1843 as a territorial parish in the town of Celestine whose church is located at 6864 East State Road 164, and Saint Raphael Parish was established in 1899 as a territorial parish in the town of Dubois whose church is located at 5564 East St. Raphael Street;

Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Evansville

Judith A. Neff Chancellor

The Message

SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

23

Recognizing Parish Respect Life Coordinators BY DOMINIC FARAONE Coordinator, Diocesan Family Life Services/Respect Life

Who in the parish helps to organize spiritual and material assistance for expectant mothers in the community? Who broadcasts the respect life legislative concerns of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Indiana Catholic Conference? Who helps to arrange prayer services for all victims of abortion, those at the end of life, and those facing state-sanctioned executions? Parish Respect Life coordinators and committee members often carry out these and other important tasks that promote Catholic teaching on the dignity of life from conception to natural death. Recognizing the good work of coordinators and committees is particularly timely at this point in the year, as the U.S bishops’ annual Respect Life

evaluation of the Program — highlighted parish’s respect life in liturgies and marked needs, and offer to help by special events successfully implement throughout the country relevant programs and — will begin on Oct. 5, projects. They collabo2014. Locally, everyone rate with committee is enthusiastically invited to Catholic members, and meet Charities’ Respect Life quarterly with Catholic Celebration, which will Charities’ Family take place on Oct. 9 at Life/Respect Life coorSts. Peter and Paul dinator. Parish in Haubstadt. Parish coordinators Get more details and and committee memregistration information bers understand and accept that life involves at http://www.charithe creative action of tiesevv.org/respect-lifeDOMINIC FARAONE God, is therefore celebration.html. sacred, and must be respected and proMany parishes in the Diocese of tected from conception to natural Evansville are blessed with a Respect Life coordinator (one individual or one death. They tirelessly donate their expertise and time to serve their married couple), whom the pastor parishes in a voluntary manner. appoints. Some parishes have a Coordinators are guided by the Respect Life committee. United States Conference of Catholic Coordinators listen to the pastor’s www.bannertruck.com

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Principles Continued from page 17

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Bishops’ “Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities,” first issued in 1975 to put forth “a precise and vigorous reaffirmation of the value of human life and its inviolability, and at the same time a pressing appeal addressed to each and every person, in the name of God: respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life.” The Pastoral Plan calls upon the people, services, and institutions of the Church to pursue respect for life and the legal protection of every human life in four major areas: public information and education; pastoral care; public policy efforts; and prayer and worship. Talk with your pastor if you discern a call to promote respect for life at the parish level, or are interested in serving as a coordinator or committee member. And please join me in thanking current coordinators and committee members for their dedication and perseverance.

son to study the issues in the light of faith. Third, one must prayerfully ask for God’s guidance and will to be done. Opposing evil and doing good are essential obligations Catholic social teaching is holistic. One must always oppose intrinsic evils that directly threaten the sanctity and dignity of human life such as euthanasia, genocide, torture and racism. In like manner, there is an obligation to contribute to the common good in solidarity with those in need. The right to life is

linked to the basic things that every human being needs to live and thrive. In addition to the basic human needs, defending religious freedom, supporting marriage and family, welcoming the immigrant and protecting the environment individually and collectively provide for the common good. While evil must always be opposed, that does not mean opposition alone absolves one from doing good. Both are required. Because no candidate is perfect, it is difficult to find one who complies with all values and principles of Catholic social teaching. In the end,

you must form your conscience through study and prayer; then vote based on your best judgment of which candidate will do the best job of protecting from evil and promoting the common good. So can we be sure we made a good choice? God gives us the virtue of prudence, which enables us to discern the true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it. During the election season, seeking God’s help in developing the virtue of prudence is also a good way to prepare for voting. Tebbe is Executive Director of the Indiana Catholic Conference.

Election Continued from page 17

generations

also includes support for mothers and children during pregnancy and infancy • Stewardship and care of the earth for this and future

No candidate will perfectly comport to Church teaching. And all issues do not carry the same weight; opposition to intrinsic evils has a special

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claim on our conscience. Often one has to choose which candidate is more likely to do the most good or the least harm. Voting decisions should include the candidate’s commitments, character, and integrity, because circumstances and issues will arise that now are not known, on which the official will have to make decisions. At those moments we, the electorate, are relying on our representatives and public servants to use their prudent judgment in determining the best course of action to promote and secure the common good – the primary purpose and role of the position that he/she is seeking. Tebbe is Executive Director of the Indiana Catholic Conference.

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Priests of the Diocese of Evansville — 2014

The Message photo by Tim Lilley