People of God, April 2020

April 2020 Vol. 38, No. 4

Serving the multicultural people of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe www.archdiosf.org

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This

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Holy Week and Easter Season

HOME Is the Holy Place

Stay home, practice social distancing.

Together, we can save lives.

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe continues to abide by New Mexico’s Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s March 11, 2020 Executive Order 2020-004 and amendments declaring a state of public health emergency as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Archbishop John C. Wester stated, “It is imperative we heed the advice of our global scientists, medical and public health experts. Stay home, practice social distancing. Together, we can save lives.”

As such, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, along with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and our Christian brothers and sisters, encourage all people of good faith to participate in the campaign, “ This Holy Week, HOME Is the Holy Place.”

My dear Brothers and sisters in Christ, In unity with all Christians, we call on the faithful to make HOME the Holy Place for the sake of all families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As St. Joseph made decisions to keep the Holy Family safe, this Holy Week and Easter Season, we invite you to make the decision to make your HOME the Holy Place.

We mourn the loss of life from COVID-19 and pray for those who are alone and hospitalized. Join us in keeping families safe and make HOME the Holy Place this Holy Week and Easter Season. Stay home, by practicing social distancing. Together, we can save lives.

On March 20, 2020, Archbishop John C. Wester promulgated Paschal Liturgical Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic in accordance with the decree of the Holy See of March 19, 2020 (“In Time of Covid-19”). All liturgies are to be celebrated without physical participation of the faithful. The faith should be informed of the times of celebration so that they can prayerfully unite themselves in their homes, until further notice. The instructions apply to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and parish churches. (See page 10) As such, El Santuario de Chimayo and the Tome Hill group pilgrimages have been cancelled. Please know the cancelling of the pilgrimages to our most sacred sites was a very difficult decision made with a great sense of sadness. Archbishop Wester, in collaboration with Reverend Julio Gonzalez, SF, Holy Family Parish | El Santuario de Chimayo pastor and civil authorities made it out of an abundance of caution due to the gravity of our current situation. In addition to the grounds of the respective sites a shortage of State personnel cannot assure the safety of pilgrims traveling on New Mexico’s highways. El Santuario de Chimayo (grounds, chapels, and restrooms) will be closed Holy Thursday through Easter Monday (April 9-13, 2020). Individual pilgrims are strongly discouraged from visiting the sacred site for the safety of all our brothers and sisters.

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Prayer Intentions APRIL/ABRIL Freedom from Addiction We pray that those suffering from addiction may be helped and accompanied.

Liberación de las adicciones Recemos para que todas las personas bajo la influencia de las adicciones sean bien ayudadas y acompañadas.

Inside This Month’s Issue 4 Archbishop’s Letter: This Holy Week, HOME Is the Holy Place

Pope Celebrates Palm Sunday at the Vatican Pope Francis carries palm fronds in procession during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 5, 2020. The Mass was celebrated without the presence of the public as Italy battles the coronavirus. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

8 Vicar General’s Corner 10 Archbishop’s Pastoral Letter: Navigating Through the COVID-19 Pandemic in Faith 13 Safe Environment 14 Archbishop’s Letter: Upcoming Paschal Liturgical Guidelines During Coronavirus Situation 16 Very Reverend Michael Demkovich, O.P.: Parable Preaching, Our Easter Call to Conversion

Annual Catholic Appeal Recipient Spotlight YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT AND CAMPUS MINISTRY

The Youth and Young Adults Office has many events continuously occurring to allow for mature faith development. It is their goal to keep the spirit of Christ alive in our youth and young adults. They strive to offer ministry opportunities that will enlighten and expand the minds, hearts and souls of all. They especially seek to empower and to encourage our youth, young adults and youth ministers.

To learn more, visit our website at: http://www.acaarchdiosf.org.

Click on the ‘Ministries and Programs We Support’ icon, then click on ‘Pastoral Ministries Division’. From there you will find information on ’Formation for Christian Service’ as well as a direct link to their website for further details.

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YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT AND CAMPUS MINISTRY The Annual Catholic Appeal Recipient Spotlight will regularly highlight ministries and organizations supported by donations to the ACA.

People of God Official Magazine of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Publisher: Most Rev. John C. Wester Editor/Photography/Design: Celine Baca Radigan cradigan@archdiosf.org

Assistant Editor/Photojournalist: Leslie M. Radigan lradigan@archdiosf.org Production: Christine Carter

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18 OSV Editorial: A Response to ‘We Are an Easter People’ 20 Very Reverend Glennon Jones: Choose 22 Vocations 24 Social Justice 26 Catholic Charities 28 Catholic Schools 31 Obituaries 32 World News From the Office of the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe

By Very Reverend Oscar Coelho, J.C.L., Judicial Vicar Case Name: GARCIA-BACA; Prot. Num.: 2020-0040M Notice of Annulment Proceeding. Deanna Renee Garcia, nee Baca is hereby notified that Thomas Marcos Garcia has filed a petition for a declaration of ecclesiastical nullity of the marriage contracted by both of you. Please contact the Office of the Tribunal before May 15, 2020 at: Office of the Tribunal, 4000 St Joseph Pl NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, 505.831.8177 Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Deanna Renee Garcia, nee Baca is to inform the Office of the Tribunal as soon as possible.

Together We Can Reach Our Goal!

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Your donation will remain confidential, and is protected within the Annual Catholic Appeal Foundation of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, a New Mexico Non-Profit Corporation, as a separate organization. Your donation does not fund legal claims. Visit our new ACA Website at: www.acaarchdiosf.org to donate to ACA 2020, watch Archbishop Wester’s ACA video, and much more!

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This Holy Week, HOME is the Holy Place

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s we celebrate Easter this year, even though we are unable to gather in our churches, I am struck by our shared hunger for the Eucharist. We truly miss being fed at the table of the Lord in order to be the Body of Christ.

Just as in their trek through the wilderness, the manna fed the People of Israel, so are we spiritually fed with the bread come down from heaven, the Bread of Angels. We also miss being gathered together as a parish family. And yet, as I have celebrated the Mass these last weeks, I have found a special bond with all of you.

It is difficult to explain but in the necessary restrictions brought on by the Covid 19 pandemic, I hope that all of us have recognized a deeper truth about the Eucharist.

It is captured in the Roman Canon which reads: “To you, therefore most merciful Father, we make humble prayer and petition through Jesus Christ

your Son, our Lord, that you accept and bless these gifts, these offerings, these holy and unblemished sacrifices, which we offer you firstly for your holy catholic Church.” While it is a lengthy sentence, it declares that the Eucharist is first and foremost our sacrificial act to God, our offering on behalf of and for the catholic Church. This highlights our common role in the Eucharist.

We, as Church, petition the Lord to “be pleased to grant her peace, to guard, unite and govern her throughout the whole world.” We can see that the Eucharist is about the Church at prayer, the Mystical Body of Christ and what it means for us to be the Church.

Thus, the Mass draws us to Christ, the one who grants us peace, who guards, unites and governs us, and it draws us together as the Body of Christ, the Church. No wonder we miss celebrating this precious gift together in our churches.

Nonetheless, I have been inspired by those who have seen in this absence an image of the empty tomb, and who have set out to find the Risen Lord and to celebrate His Resurrection with the community. They have found in their staying at home a “monastic call” to contemplate and pray. As one Taize hymn sings during the Good Friday hours, “Stay with me, remain here with me, watch and pray” as you long for the Lord.

They have realized that God dwells not only in buildings of brick and mortar but in the living stones of all who believe. Our churches are made holy and consecrated by the faithful who gather so “that we, who are nourished by the Body and Blood of Your Son and filled

with His Holy Spirit, may become one body, one spirit in Christ” (Eucharistic Prayer III). We are the gathering, the ekklesia, the Body of Christ scattered and gathered.

As the canon prays, “In your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world.”

Although we long to again be able to gather as the Body of Christ, we find Christ at home as we “shelter in place” and we experience unity with each other through our baptism and our concern for each other in prayer. As we now enter the Easter Season, what lesson must we take from this, our Lent of Longing?

In a few weeks, on the Third Sunday of Easter, we will hear the powerful story of two disciples, confused by the events of the day, trying to return to the familiar homes they left, as they journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). I find there is much for us to learn in this journey.

These two disciples struggled to make sense of their unsure and uncertain lives. We too struggle to make sense of the world today with its illness, suffering and death. No doubt they were like many who didn’t stay in Jerusalem after the crucifixion, who wanted to get away from the tragic death of one in whom they hoped. On their journey they encounter a stranger who seems ignorant of their concerns, who asks them “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” (24:17). Luke recounts their reaction as stopped in the step, with faces downcast.

Cleopas couldn’t believe the stranger didn’t know, didn’t understand their plight, so he asks, “Are you the only one visiting

Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (24:18). I believe the Lord’s response here is very important. Instead of recounting what he knows he instead reverses the question, letting it fall back on the disciples and asks “What things?” (24:19). We too must reflect upon the events of our day. We must learn as pilgrims on the way to read the signs of the times. We must not be satisfied with posts on the web or the talking heads, but we ourselves must confront and ponder the meaning of our times. I am struck that the disciples’ response consists in their unrealized expectation of what they were hoping for and what they thought was supposed to happen. This is so true of us all: we script the play we want and when it doesn’t happen as we planned we are lost. These disciples blame the chief priests and rulers for their unfulfilled dreams. How often has each one of us found our scapegoats to blame? Here the Risen Lord forces us to confront the hollowness of our grand schemes in comparison to what God has prepared. If I am honest with myself, I can recall the times the Lord has helped me to see my foolishness. Jesus is the teacher who shows us the meaning of the Scriptures. We need to be good pupils and learn; now more than ever we must be learners.

So what is the lesson given on the road to Emmaus? I believe it is about the real presence of Christ in the breaking of the bread. There are several important lessons for us all. 1) We must learn to invite the stranger in, to welcome the Lord in all His disguises -- “Stay

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with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over” (24:29).

The Lord comes to us in many ways, not only at Mass (although that is the source and summit of our lives, to be sure). We must learn to welcome the stranger, indeed to welcome Jesus, for if we do not open our hearts and our homes, the stranger will journey on. This risks our safety and security for it demands of us vulnerability to welcome in the Lord. We must be open to the many ways that Jesus is present to us as we temporarily isolate ourselves for the common good: as we engage in family Scripture readings, follow the Masses that are being livestreamed throughout the archdiocese, share prayer with family, perform works of charity, do penance and/or engage in private meditation. 2) We must learn to nourish one another, to share our table with one another.

We must realize that when we “break bread” at the altar or at our kitchen tables there can be a fleeting eye-opening moment of profound realization – the real presence of the unseen God, “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight” (24:31). And finally, 3) we must learn to be apostolic, to burn within and desire to tell the good news. “They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem” (24:32-33). Every Mass sends us forth to the world telling us to “Go!” The Eucharist achieves its fulfilment in our apostolic mission to be Christ in our world. While our Lent of Longing has made us hungry for the Bread of Life we must learn the lesson now of being Bread for the World. The upside down world of COVID-19 can be turned right-side up as we find ways to nourish one another as we go forth to proclaim the Good News. Jesus remains present even, or better, especially

PEOPLE of GOD during these trying days. And we are still one with each other as we reach out in support and love, albeit keeping a physical distance.

We can call on the phone, drop groceries off on the porch, pray for the doctors, nurses, first responders and care-givers who put their own health and lives on the line for us, pray the rosary or the stations of the cross for those who are sick, recite prayers for those who have succumbed to the coronavirus, participate in a livestreamed Mass and make a Spiritual Communion: these are just some of the ways that we “gather” and proclaim the Good News of Christ’s presence in our midst.

During these unsettling and even fearful times, we are called to see Jesus present in ways that we may never before have imagined.

As Jean-Pierre de Caussade reminds us, “Faith sees that Jesus Christ lives in everything and works through all history to the end of time; that every fraction of a second, every atom of matter, contains a fragment of His hidden life and His secret activity.” These challenging times call us to discern again and again how the Lord is present to us even when we cannot gather for Eucharist in our parish churches, discerning His “hidden life and His secret activity” at home and throughout the day. We are also challenged to see how we continue to deepen the bonds that unite us even as we keep to ourselves for everyone’s sake, including our own. It is paradoxical that as members of the Body of Christ here in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, we are present to one another in our absence, we are united in our social distancing and we care for one another by staying home.

Truly, this Holy Week, home is the holy place.

Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Most Rev. John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe

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En esta Semana Santa, hagamos de nuestro HOGAR el espacio sagrado

Arzobispo John C. Wester

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l celebrar la Pascua este año, aunque no podamos congregarnos en nuestras iglesias, me llama la atención que todos estemos deseosísimos de recibir la Eucaristía. ¡Realmente echamos de menos ser alimentados en la mesa del Señor para ser el Cuerpo de Cristo! Así como en su jornada por el desierto el pueblo de Israel recibió el maná como alimento, también nosotros recibimos alimento espiritual mediante el pan bajado del cielo, el Pan de los Ángeles. Asímismo, nos hace falta congregarnos en calidad de familia parroquial. Y aún así, al celebrar la misa estas últimas semanas, he sentido un vínculo especial con todos ustedes. Es difícil de explicar, pero en las restricciones necesarias que ha provocado la pandemia del virus Covid-19, espero que todos hayamos reconocido una verdad más profunda sobre la Eucaristía. Dicha verdad está plasmada en la sección del Canon Romano que dice: “Padre misericordioso, te pedimos humildemente por Jesucristo, tu Hijo, nuestro Señor, que aceptes y bendigas estos dones, este sacrificio santo y puro que te ofrec-

emos, ante todo, por tu Iglesia santa y católica”. En toda su extensión, la oración declara que la Eucaristía es ante todo nuestro acto de sacrificio a Dios, nuestra ofrenda en nombre de la Iglesia Católica y por ella. Esto resalta lo que tenemos en común en la Eucaristía. Nosotros, como Iglesia, pedimos al Señor que: “se complazca en concederle la paz, en custodiarla, unirla y gobernarla en todo el mundo”.

Podemos ver que la Eucaristía tiene que ver con la Iglesia en oración, el Cuerpo Místico de Cristo y lo que significa para nosotros ser la Iglesia.

De este modo, la Misa nos atrae hacia Cristo, el que nos da la paz, nos guarda, nos une y nos gobierna, y nos fusiona como el Cuerpo de Cristo, la Iglesia. No es de extrañar que nos haga falta reunirnos en nuestras iglesias para celebrar juntos tan precioso regalo. Sin embargo, me han inspirado aquellos que, al ver en esta ausencia la imagen de la tumba vacía de Jesús, se han propuesto encontrar al Señor Resucitado y celebrar su Resurrección con la comunidad. En su aislamiento en casa han percibido un “llamado monástico” a la contemplación y a la oración.

Como se canta en un himno de Taizé durante las Horas del Viernes Santo: “Quédate conmigo, quédate aquí conmigo, vigila y reza”, mientras se anhela la presencia del Señor. Se han dado cuenta de que Dios no sólo habita en edificios de mampostería sino en las piedras vivas que son todos los creyentes. Nuestras iglesias son santificadas y consagradas por los fieles que se reúnen: “para que, fortalecidos con el Cuerpo y Sangre de tu Hijo y llenos del Espíritu Santo, formemos en Cristo un solo cuerpo y un solo espíritu.” (Plegaria Eucarística III). Somos el encuentro, la ekklesia, el Cuerpo de Cristo dispersado y reunido. Como reza el canon: “Reúne en torno a ti, Padre misericordioso,

a todos tus hijos dispersos por el mundo.” Aunque anhelamos volver a reunirnos en calidad de Cuerpo de Cristo, encontramos a Cristo “quedándonos en casa” y experimentamos la unidad con los demás a través de nuestro bautismo y nuestra preocupación por nuestro prójimo en la oración. Al incorporarnos al Tiempo de Pascua, ¿qué hemos aprendido durante esta Cuaresma plena de ansiedad y anhelo?

Dentro de unas semanas, en el tercer domingo de Pascua, escucharemos la impactante historia de dos discípulos que, confundidos por los sucesos del día, iban de camino a un pueblecito llamado Emaús, situado cerca de Jerusalén, de regreso al hogar familiar que habían dejado (Lucas 24:13-35). Me parece que podemos aprender mucho de ese viaje. Ambos discípulos se esforzaban por darle sentido a su vida insegura e incierta.

Nosotros también nos esforzamos por encontrarle sentido al mundo de hoy con su enfermedad, su sufrimiento y su muerte. Sin duda ellos, que como muchos que no se habían quedado en Jerusalén después de la crucifixión, querían alejarse de la trágica muerte de alguien en quien habían depositado sus esperanzas.

En el trayecto se encuentran con un extraño que parece hacer caso omiso de sus preocupaciones, quien les pregunta: “¿Qué es lo que van conversando juntos por el camino?”

(24:17). Lucas relata que se detuvieron, con la cara triste. Cleofas no podía creer que el extraño no lo supiera, no entendía su situación, así que le pregunta: “¿Eres el único peregrino en Jerusalén que no sabe lo que pasó en estos días?” (24:18). A mi modo de ver, la respuesta del Señor aquí es muy importante. En lugar de contar lo que sabe, invierte la pregunta, de modo que ésta recaiga en los discípulos: “¿Qué pasó?”, preguntó Jesús

(24:19). Nosotros también debemos reflexionar sobre los acontecimientos de nuestro día. Debemos aprender, como peregrinos que van en camino, a interpretar las señales de los tiempos. No debemos conformarnos con los mensajes que vemos en la red o con lo que dicen los que hablan sin fundamento, sino que nosotros mismos debemos confrontar y ponderar el significado de lo que está ocurriendo en nuestros tiempos. Me llama la atención que la respuesta de los discípulos se centra en que no se ha realizado lo que ellos esperaban o pensaban que iba a suceder. Esto es muy cierto en el caso de todos nosotros: escribimos el guión de la obra que queremos y cuando no sucede como lo planeamos nos sentimos perdidos. Los discípulos del relato culpan a los sumos sacerdotes y a los gobernantes porque sus sueños no se han materializado. ¿Cuántas veces cada uno de nosotros ha encontrado un chivo expiatorio a quien culpar? Aquí el Señor Resucitado nos obliga a enfrentarnos a la superficialidad de nuestros grandes planes en comparación con los que Dios ha preparado. En lo personal, y siendo honesto conmigo mismo, puedo recordar los tiempos en que el Señor me ha ayudado a percatarme de mi insensatez. Jesús es el maestro que nos muestra el significado de las Escrituras. Necesitamos ser buenos alumnos y aprender. Ahora, más que nunca, debemos ser discípulos.

Entonces, ¿en qué consiste la lección que se imparte en el camino a Emaús? Considero que tiene que ver con la presencia real de Cristo en la fracción del pan. Hay varias lecciones importantes para todos nosotros, a saber: 1) Debemos aprender a darle entrada al extranjero, a acoger al Señor en todas las formas en que se nos manifiesta --”Quédate con nosotros, porque cae la tarde y se

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termina el día” (24:29). El Señor viene a nosotros de muchas maneras, no sólo en la misa aunque, por supuesto, esa es la fuente y cumbre de nuestra vida. Debemos aprender a acoger al forastero, más aún, a acoger a Jesús, porque si no le abrimos nuestro corazón y nuestro hogar, el forastero pasará de largo. Esto pone en peligro nuestra seguridad, ya que nos exige exponernos para darle entrada al Señor. Mientras permanecemos aislados temporalmente por el bien común, debemos estar atentos a las muchas maneras en que Jesús está presente en nosotros, a saber: cuando nos dedicamos a leer las Escrituras en familia, seguimos las misas televisadas en directo por toda la arquidiócesis, oramos en familia, realizamos obras de caridad, hacemos penitencia o nos dedicamos a la meditación en privado. 2) Debemos aprender a nutrirnos unos a otros, a compartir nuestra mesa con los demás. Debemos darnos cuenta de que cuando “partimos el pan”, ya sea en el altar o en la mesa de nuestro comedor, podría haber un momento fugaz de profunda realización —la presencia real del Dios invisible: “En ese momento se les abrieron los ojos y lo reconocieron, pero ya había desaparecido” (24:31). Y, por último, 3) debemos aprender a ser apostólicos, a arder dentro de nosotros con el deseo de proclamar la Buena Nueva.

“Se dijeron uno al otro: ¿No ardía nuestro corazón dentro de nosotros mientras nos hablaba en el camino y nos explicaba las Escrituras? Y en ese mismo momento se levantaron para volver a Jerusalén” (24, 32-33). Cada misa nos envía diciéndonos “¡Vayan al mundo!“ La Eucaristía logra su cumplimiento en nuestra misión apostólica de ser Cristo en nuestro mundo. Aunque nuestra Cuaresma plena de ansiedad y anhelo nos haya despertado el hambre por el Pan de Vida, es el momento de entender la lección de ser Pan para el Mundo. El mundo que el virus COVID-19 ha volteado al revés podría ser retornado a su estado normal cuando encontremos maneras de nutrirnos unos a otros al emprender la proclamación de la Buena Nueva. Jesús permanece siempre presente o mejor dicho, especialmente, durante estos días difíciles. Y, aunque mantengamos una distancia

PEOPLE of GOD física, seguimos siendo uno con los demás cuando nos apoyamos y nos amamos. A ese efecto, podemos llamarlos por teléfono, dejarles víveres junto a la entrada de la casa, elevar una plegaria por los médicos, enfermeras, socorristas y cuidadores que arriesgan su salud y su vida por nosotros, rezar el rosario o el Vía Crucis por los enfermos, orar por los que han sucumbido al coronavirus, participar en una misa televisada en vivo y hacer una comunión espiritual.

Las anteriores son algunas de las formas en que podemos “juntarnos” y proclamar la Buena Nueva de la presencia de Cristo entre nosotros.

Durante estos tiempos de inquietud e incluso de temor, estamos llamados a ver a Jesús presente de maneras que nunca antes habíamos imaginado. Como nos recuerda JeanPierre de Caussade: “La fe nos hace ver que Jesucristo vive en todo y trabaja a través de toda la historia hasta el final de los tiempos; que cada fracción de segundo, cada átomo de materia, contiene un fragmento de su vida oculta y de su actividad secreta”.

Estos tiempos difíciles nos llaman a apreciar una y otra vez que el Señor está presente en nosotros, incluso cuando no podemos reunirnos en nuestras respectivas iglesias parroquiales para celebrar la Eucaristía.

Asimismo, nos llaman a percibir su “vida oculta y su actividad secreta” en la intimidad del hogar y a lo largo del día. También nos presentan la difícil tarea de seguir profundizando los lazos que nos unen, incluso cuando nos mantenemos apartados por el bien de nosotros y el de los demás.

Es paradójico que nosotros, los que conformamos la Arquidiócesis de Santa Fe, nos hagamos presentes unos a otros aunque estemos alejados, permanezcamos unidos en nuestro distanciamiento social y mostremos nuestra consideración por el bien de los demás evitando salir de nuestro hogar. En verdad, en esta Semana Santa, nuestro hogar es el espacio sagrado.

a i d r o e c r i p r iem e s i s m a u S a par r u d r e p

Sinceramento suyo en el Señor,

Arzobispo John C. Wester

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Traducción por Annelle Lobos y Rocío González

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Very Reverend Glenn Jones Well…we’ve had a heck of a month now, haven’t we? It’s certainly been one of the most unique times in most of our lives…and hopefully the last one like it. Pandemics have been part of human life probably since history began; fortunately, though, they seem not to be too frequent. And with modern medical research capabilities, hopefully this one will soon be little more than a memory…albeit a sorrowful one, especially for those who have lost love ones or have had health permanently compromised. Prayers for them.

We at the Archdiocese know that the suspension of Masses has been a terrible hardship—for the people AND the parishes—but a step we felt had to be taken for the safety of you all. I think of Jesus in the desert for 40 days—suspending temporarily His practice of going to the synagogue on the Sabbath.

Likewise, we know that God is always with us, even in such times in which we are unavoidably separated from the sacraments. After all, your love for your kids doesn’t wane when you’re separated from them, so we can be quite assured that God’s for us doesn’t either…and neither should ours for Him! Poor disciples of Christ we would be if we abandoned Him due to temporary separation from the Eucharist and Mass. A great time to read the Bible, for Jesus Himself teaches: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Thus, when once again renewed with His Eucharistic Body and Blood, we’ll be able to be even more attentive to putting His teaching into practice—which is the purpose of the grace given.

In other news: Concerning the chapter 11/ bankruptcy proceedings, the mediations and most proceedings are rather on hold because of the current coronavirus situation. Lawyers continue to work behind the scenes, so proceedings will likely

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start in earnest when travel and meetings can be conducted more freely. It’s all such a tragedy—the victims’ pain and suffering, and now the fact that the Church—the Body of Christ—is having to suffer for the sins of those who are almost all now deceased, and certainly none in ministry. So much time, effort and material resources that could have otherwise been used for good is now having to go to pay for the wrongdoing of others.

And yet…we realize that that is exactly what Jesus Himself did; that is what we remember on Good Friday with His suffering for all of our sins. And we have the same choice as the apostles: to flee from Our Lord, or to be like Our Blessed Mother and Sts. John and Mary Magdalene, steadfast in love, devotion and faith, remaining with Him despite the agony…and thus also to rejoice all the more in His—and thus the Church’s—Resurrection…again knowing that “With God, nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) So we are confronted with Jesus’ question: “Will you, too, go away?” Let us affirm with Peter: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:67-69) Let’s see…any other news? Without collections, parishes and schools are really hurting, and many having to take the assistance that the government is offering simply to stay afloat. Remember that YOU are the Church and the parish depends on your support. One of the most pervasive (and wrong!) misconceptions is that the Archdiocese is rich and has tons of money to give away; I can assure you that that is not the case, so please support your parish as best you can in these difficult times.

‘Til next month…take care, and stay healthy!!

Fr. Glenn

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? …No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)

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Y bien... ¿Qué tal el mes que hemos vivido?

Ciertamente este ha sido uno de los momentos más singulares de nuestras vidas... y esperemos que sea el último de este tipo. Las pandemias han sido parte de la vida humana probablemente desde el comienzo de la historia; sin embargo, afortunadamente parece que no son demasiado frecuentes. Además, con la capacidad moderna de investigación médica, esperemos que ésta pronto sea poco más que un recuerdo... aunque triste, especialmente para aquellos que han perdido a sus seres queridos o han visto su salud permanentemente comprometida. Oraciones para ellos.

Aquí en la Arquidiócesis sabemos que la suspensión de las misas ha sido una terrible perdida para la gente y las parroquias, pero sentimos que había que dar este paso para la seguridad de todos. Pienso en Jesús en el desierto durante 40 días, suspendiendo temporalmente su práctica de ir a la sinagoga el sábado. De la misma manera, sabemos que Dios está siempre con nosotros, incluso en momentos en los que estamos inevitablemente separados de los sacramentos.

Después de todo, en los padres de familia, el amor por sus hijos no disminuye cuando se separan de ellos, así que podemos estar seguros de que el amor de Dios por nosotros tampoco disminuye... ¡y tampoco el nuestro por Él! Pobres discípulos de Cristo seríamos si lo abandonáramos por una separación temporal de la Eucaristía y la Misa. Este es un gran momento para leer la Biblia, porque Jesús mismo nos enseña: “No solamente vive de Pan el hombre, sino de toda palabra que sale de la boca de Dios”. Así, cuando una vez más seamos renovados con su Cuerpo y Sangre eucarísticos, podremos estar aún más atentos a poner en práctica su enseñanza, que es el propósito de la gracia dada.

En otras noticias: En cuanto al capítulo 11/proceso de quiebra, las mediaciones y la mayoría de los procedimientos están más bien suspendidos debido a la actual situación del coronavirus. Los abogados continúan trabajando entre bastidores, por lo que los procedimientos probablemente comenzarán en serio cuando los viajes y las reuniones se puedan llevar a cabo más libremente. Es toda una tragedia: el dolor y el sufrimiento de las víctimas, y ahora el hecho de que la Iglesia, el Cuerpo de Cristo, tenga que sufrir por los pecados de los que casi todos han fallecido, y ciertamente ninguno en el ministerio. Tanto tiempo, esfuerzo y recursos materiales que de otra manera podrían haber sido utilizados para el bien, ahora tienen

que ir a pagar por las malas acciones de otros.

Y sin embargo... nos damos cuenta de que eso es exactamente lo que Jesús mismo hizo; eso es lo que recordamos el Viernes Santo con su sufrimiento por todos nuestros pecados. Y tenemos la misma elección que los apóstoles: huir de Nuestro Señor, o ser como Nuestra Madre Bendita y los santos Juan y María Magdalena, firmes en el amor, la devoción y la fe, permaneciendo con Él a pesar de la agonía... y así también alegrarnos aún más en Su -y por ende de la Iglesia- Resurrección... sabiendo de nuevo que “Con Dios, nada es imposible”. (Lucas 1:37) Así que nos enfrentamos a la pregunta de Jesús: “¿Tú también te irás?” Afirmemos con Pedro: “Señor, ¿a quién iremos?

Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna; y nosotros hemos creído y hemos llegado a saber que tú eres el Santo de Dios”. (Juan 6:67-69) Veamos... ¿hay alguna otra noticia? Sin colectas, las parroquias y escuelas han sido verdaderamente afectadas, y muchas tendrán que tomar la ayuda que el gobierno está ofreciendo simplemente para mantenerse a flote. Recuerden que ustedes son la Iglesia y la parroquia depende de su apoyo. Una de las ideas erróneas más extendidas (¡y equivocadas!) es que la Arquidiócesis es muy rica y tiene mucho dinero para regalar; puedo asegurarles que no es así, así que por favor apoyen a su parroquia lo mejor que puedan en estos tiempos difíciles.

Hasta el mes que viene... ¡Cuídese y manténgase sanos!

Padre Glenn

¿Quién nos separará del amor de Cristo? ¿Acaso las pruebas, la aflicción, la persecución, el hambre, la desnudez, el peligro o la espada? ...No, en todas estas cosas somos más que vencedores por medio de Aquel que nos amó. Porque estoy seguro de que ni la muerte, ni la vida, ni los ángeles, ni los principados, ni las cosas presentes, ni las venideras, ni las potestades, ni la altura, ni la profundidad, ni ninguna otra cosa en toda la creación, podrá separarnos del amor de Dios en Cristo Jesús, nuestro Señor. (Romanos 8:35-39)

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April 2020

Navigating Through the COVID-19 Pandemic In Faith Pastoral Letter by Archbishop John C. Wester March 15, 2020

M

y dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we navigate these stormy waters of the COVID-19 crisis, we find ourselves tossed about by fear, anxiety, doubt and confusion. It is not easy to fight an enemy that we cannot see and yet fight it we must since for a few, lives lay in the balance.

As Catholics, we prudently rely on the scientific and medical communities to steer us clear of disaster and help us find safe shores. But we also recall that it was the Lord who calmed the storm for the disciples. We must also rely on God’s grace since ultimately we walk “...by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7) As your bishop, I wish to assure you that I stand with you during this health crisis, praying for you and doing all that I can to protect and comfort you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as those in whose midst we live here in New Mexico. In turn, I am deeply grateful for your support and the assurances I have received these past few days.

As people of faith, we are challenged to respond to what has now been labeled a “pandemic” with a common sense approach recommended by health professionals and yet at the same time trusting in Divine Providence, which, as Shakespeare has Hamlet say, “shapes our ends, rough-hew them as we will. “ When does science end and faith begin? Or, are they both at play at the same time?

Many have thanked me for cancelling church services for a time while others have scolded me for doing so. The reasons are mixed but they all point to a similar conundrum that lies at the intersection of faith and reason.

While there is not much I can do to find a vaccine for COVID-19, I do hope by this letter to give a context to the decisions I have made thus far in responding to the current crisis. It is a kind of Lenten longing that we face these days.

Of paramount importance is that the cancellation of church services, including the celebration of the Eucharist, does not mean that we have ceased to provide pastoral care. This epidemic has disturbed all of our lives, so it is even more critical that we care in a special way

for the spiritual life granted us by grace. It is my desire and that of all our priest’s, deacons, religious and lay leaders to continue to care for our Catholic faithful. That care will be immediately expressed in our prayer as well as in ongoing pastoral ministry. As you know from the statement of March 13, 2020, individual confessions will continue to be heard as long as parishioners abide by the core instructions of washing hand s be fore and after being in church, keeping the proper social distance and not touching the face, etc. Priests will continue to provide the Sacrament of the Sick and the Last Rites, carefully observing the proper protocols and being sure to properly dispose of the oil used. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe and many of its parishes are providing televised, taped and livestreamed Masses so the faithful can pray with the celebrant from home and make a “spiritual Communion.”

Funeral services (without Mass) may be held with a very small number of congregants. Prayers are being disseminated through our communications department. And our priests and other church leaders are creatively reaching out to our people in caring and creative ways. We are the People of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, who continue to deepen the bonds that unite us, despite services being cancelled and despite the challenges posed by this pandemic.

In addition, there are some specific points that I would like to pose for your consideration as well, hoping that they will assist you in coming to a deeper understanding of the temporary restrictions in place. We must exercise great caution that amid all the clamor and confusion we attentively hear the Word of God who stills our restless hearts.

1. Some have objected to the cancellation of Masses and therefore the inability to receive Holy Communion.

I am deeply grateful for the devotion to the Eucharist expressed by these parishioners. As the Second Vatican Council said in Sacrosanctum Concilium,”... the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist, is the outstanding means

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whereby the faithful may express in their lives, and manifest to others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church.” It is the source and summit of all we are as Catholics. I am therefore most sympathetic with the sentiment expressed by these faithful. At the same time, it is important to remember that these Masses were only cancelled when it was absolutely clear that our people would be put at risk if they gathered for Mass.

Viruses are communicated very easily in groups, especially in large numbers. We are keeping our churches open for individual prayer and/or confession but even this is a risk, mitigated, but not eliminated, by the washing of hands and not touching the face. On the spiritual plane, Jesus is present to us in many ways: in prayer, as we read the scriptures, in doing acts of charity, in contemplation, etc. Indeed, Christ is closer to us than we are to ourselves. I understand that it is a great sacrifice not to have the Mass even for a short time but we must not overlook the many ways Christ is present to us.

2. Some are concerned about the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday.

Due to the emergency we are experiencing, all Catholics are excused from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass by the law itself. This obligation is suspended in cases of moral or physical impossibility, and may also be dispensed for a just cause when it is for the spiritual good of the faithful. In addition, the Church also has the obligation to protect those who are most vulnerable and those who care for the sick. Therefore, under Canon 87 §1 (cf. canon 1245), I have dispensed Catholics from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the next two Sundays (March 22, March 29) and will re-evaluate the situation in two weeks’ time. While failing to fulfill one’s Sunday obligation without proper cause is grave and serious our current epidemic is just reason for my dispensation.

I would strongly recommend that our faithful gather on Sunday to pray over the Gospel of the day, either individually or as a family. As I have mentioned, the

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Archdiocese of Santa Fe, along with many parishes, is making livestreamed Masses available. There will be a Sunday Mass livestreamed from the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis at 10:00 a.m. for the next two Sundays and beyond, if necessary. (This is NOT a scheduled Mass at the cathedral. I will celebrate this Mass privately and it will be livestreamed for the faithful.) In addition, individuals or families can pray the rosary, the Liturgy of the Hours (available online) or use other prayers such as those attached to this letter. I also recommend that we all consider special Lenten practices to accompany our prayer by which we seek God’s grace during this difficult time.

3. Some have expressed the notion that they are not afraid of the corona virus and would rather trust in God and receive Communion.

Grace builds on nature. Or, as St. Thomas Aquinas puts it, “Grace does not destroy nature but perfects it.” In the article I have appended to this letter by Bishop Raymond Centene in the Diocese of Vanne in northwest France, the point is made that this thinking tends toward Fideism, i.e., the belief that knowledge depends on faith or is somehow secondary to the world as we know it. Instead, grace builds on and perfects nature. We cannot live our lives of faith without grounding them in reality. We cannot help others if we are so sick that we are bed­ridden. Faith compliments reason and we Catholics are called to see how faith calls us to live reasonably, using the creation God has given us as a pathway to our final home in heaven. In other words, it is not reasonable to risk sickness and even death on the premise that faith has called me to do so. Even Our Lord condemns this kind of fideism, this unthinking legalism, when he challenges the Sabbath laws. Reason and common sense are not antithetical to faith. It is also important to remember that it is not just my life at stake here. If I take imprudent risks, I can also infect and jeopardize another person. Even though one longs to receive Holy Communion and has a right to do so, that person must not fail to take into consideration the Pastoral Letter continued page 12

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Pastoral Letter continued from page 11

good of the community.

After all is said and done, we are called to be a people of faith. In this critical time as I struggle to understand our Lord’s hand in the drastic measures that must be taken, I am aware that our Eucharistic Fast, this abstinence from the Church’s celebration of the Eucharist, is an invitation to our deeper appreciation of the Eucharist itself. I believe that we are being called to reflect on the Stripping of the Altar that happens after the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The absence of the Eucharistic celebration all the way to the Easter Vigil is a sober time when we join our Lord in the tomb and no Mass is celebrated throughout the Church. It is a time for each of us to grow in appreciation of the Lord’s real presence in the Body of Christ, the Church, if even by its absence we keep vigil at the tomb. This is our Good Friday as we await the Easter promise.

In the attached article from the New York Times, Dr. Mccaulley reminds us that in Jesus’ s final discourse in John‘s Gospel, the disciples are told that it is better if Jesusis absent for a whil e so that he can send the Holy Spirit. As Dr. McCauley puts it: “The point is that the loss of his physical presence through his death, resurrection and ascension would lead to an even deeper communion with God. It is possible that, strangely enough, the absence of the church will be a great testimony to the presence of God in our care for our neighbors.” As members of the Body of Christ here in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, we are present to one another in our absence, we are united in our social distancing and we care for one another by staying home.

I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to our priests, lay leaders, deacons and religious for their

service during these difficult times. I am also grateful to my colleagues at the Catholic Center and to the other religious communities that grace our archdiocese. The Catholic Church is no stranger to epidemics and plagues. Throughout our history we have endured calamities galore and have passed through them with God’s grace and the good will and pastoral outreach of so many dedicated men and women. This time is no different. Let us continue to pray for one another, asking God to deliver us from the scourge of illness and to especially help those who have been affected and all those on the medical front lines.

Please refer to our website for prayers that you can download and pray during the current crisis. You can also contact Ms. Celine Radigan at 505-831-8231 if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

I have appended some articl es that you may find helpful as well.

I pray that the Lord of Life and All Healing will raise his arms of benediction over us and the whole world in our time of need. And may Nuestra Senora de la Paz, who has been with us in this sacred place since 1598, intercede for us, her children, as we seek her help and guidance. May God bless you and may Mary, Health of Christians, pray for us.

Your Servant in Christ Jesus,

Most Reverend John C. Wester Archbishop of Santa Fe

April 2020

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April 2020

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April is Abuse Awareness Month

By Annette Klimka, Victim Assistance Coordinator It has been over 20 years since we began to be aware that sexual abuse and harassment had become a serious problem in our Church. In that time, we have identified and removed many staff and clergy who had been involved in sexual misconduct.

We have also provided counseling, financial assistance and legal settlements to victims of sexual abuse. As a result of this turmoil, some people have called this the worst epoch in the history of the Church. Some have called into question our leadership of bishops and priests. I disagree. As painful as the last few years have been for all of us, there is another story. This story does not make headlines and it is not featured on the ten o’clock news. It is the story of a Church that is learning through prayer, education and experience what it takes in today’s world for a community of faith to work together to protect God’s children.

One key has been the archdiocesan policy on zero tolerance. Archbishop John C. Wester has stood firm by his resolve that sexual abuse of children will not be tolerated in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe by anyone: priest, religious, deacon, or lay volunteer. To support this resolve, the archbishop appointed an Independent Review Board of professional women and men in our community to evaluate all allegations against clergy and make recommendations to him. To date, all recommendations have been accepted. We also have a policy of proactive communication and cooperation with civil authority and law enforcement. All allegations are reported to the district attorney in the county where the victim resides.

A second key to child safety is education in abuse prevention. All adults in any ministry or employment

are required to complete the Virtus Training Program either on-line or in person training sessions. The Virtus Training is a nationally recognized program utilized by many dioceses across the county. Our Church has made a number of strides to educate our parishioners to be vigilant in keeping our parish environment safe for everyone.

A third key to a safe environment is open communication. When I started in the mental health field, there was not as much information of the extent and severity sexual abuse in our country. There is now a greater awareness and more resources to deal with the problem. Many excellent therapists are available to work with victims. This is very important. In the longrun however, I believe it is our growing awareness as a community of faith that will prevent the majority of crimes against our children. When we all take child protection seriously and dedicate ourselves to ensuring the safest possible environment for our children, we will see fewer incidents of abuse. It’s already happening.

We aren’t perfect, but we’re learning. It’s a process. With God’s help and our continued watchfulness, we can create a better place to live and grow.

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April 2020

Letter from Archbishop John C. Wester on Upcoming Paschal Liturgical Guidelines During the Coronavirus Situation March 20, 2020 Ref

Decree of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments of March, 19, 2020 (“In Time of COVID-19”)

My brothers and sisters in Christ,

With gratitude to Father Glenn Jones and Ms. Damaris Thillet, I have established the following liturgical guidelines.

Quoting from the referenced decree above: “Easter is the heart of the entire liturgical year and is not simply one feast among others. The Easter Triduum is celebrated over the arc of three days which is preceded by Lent and crowned by Pentecost and, therefore, cannot be transferred to another time.” The decree is attached for your reference.

Because of the COVID-19/coronavirus situation, the following guidelines for liturgies are promulgated for the Archdiocese in accordance with the decree of the Holy See of March 19, 2020 (“In Time of Covid-19”). These instructions apply to the Cathedral and parish churches.

1) Chrism Mass: postponed to a later date to be determined.

2) Passion (Palm) Sunday and Paschal Triduum a. General i.

Liturgies are to be celebrated without physical

participation of the faithful. ii.

The faithful should be informed of the times of

celebration so that they can prayerfully unite

themselves in their homes. iii.

Live (not recorded) televisual or internet broadcasts

are helpful, if possible. iv.

Resources are to be provided to support family

and personal prayer. b.

Passion (Palm) Sunday: Recommended is to bless the palms as normal in the Mass without the faithful and allow persons to retrieve them individually during the week. As a sacramental, it may provide some comfort to the faithful. c. i.

Holy Thursday The faculty to celebrate Mass in a suitable place, with-

out the people, is granted in an exceptional manner to

all priests. ii.

Washing of feet, already optional, is to be omitted. iii.

At the End of the Mass, the procession with the

Blessed Sacrament to the place of repose is to be

omitted and the Blessed Sacrament is to be kept in the tabernacle. iv.

Priests unable to celebrate Mass should instead pray

Vespers of the day.

d. Good Friday i.

The Archbishop/Parish Priest will celebrate the Passion

of the Lord in the absence of the faithful. ii.

In the Universal Prayer, a special intention for the sick,

the dead and for those who feel lost or dismayed is to

be added (cf. Roman Missal, no. 13). e. Easter Vigil & Easter: Attention: All liturgies are to be celebrated without physical participation of the faithful. The faithful should be informed of the times of celebration so that they can prayerfully unite themselves in their homes. until further notice. i.

To be celebrated only in Cathedral and parish churches. ii.

At “The Solemn Beginning of the Vigil or Lucernarium”

the preparation and lighting of the fire is omitted, the

Paschal Candle is lit, the procession is omitted and the

Easter Proclamation (Exsultet) follows. iii.

The Liturgy of the Word takes place. iv.

Regarding reception into the Church for catechumens

and candidates, see (f) below. v.

For the “Baptismal Liturgy” the “Renewal of Baptismal

Promises” alone is necessary (Roman Missal, no. 55). vi.

The “Liturgy of the Eucharist” then follows. vii.

Those clergy who have absolutely no possibility of

uniting themselves to the Paschal Vigil celebrated in

a church should pray the Office of Readings

for Easter Sunday. The faithful are also encourage to

read from the rites if possible. f. Reception of Catechumens and Candidates: In order that those being received into the Church are not deprived of the attendance and support of friends and family, such reception is to be delayed until such time that the current COVID-19 crisis is alleviated and a fuller celebration possible. On a designated Sunday, Archbishop Wester will grant an indult for sacraments normally received at the Easter Vigil to be celebrated. This will also allow pastors more time to complete validations of marriage for those in irregular situations.

As the current crisis situation develops, please be alert for any future changes to these instructions. And let us continue to pray that our Loving Lord will keep all of humanity safe from COVID-19 and that He will also grant us the gift of peace as we place all our trust in Him. Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Most Reverend John C. Wester Archbishop of Santa Fe

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Normas Litúrgicas Próximas durante la situación del Coronavirus 20 de marzo de 2020 Ref.:

Decreto de la Congregación del Culto Divino y la Disciplina de los Sacramentos del 19 de marzo de 2020 (“En el tiempo de COVID-19”)

Mis hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

Con gratitud al Padre Glenn Jones y a la Sra. Damaris Thillet, he establecido las siguientes normas litúrgicas.

Citando el decreto mencionado anteriormente: “La Pascua, corazón del año litúrgico, no es una fiesta como las demás: celebrada durante tres días, el Triduo Pascual, precedida por la Cuaresma y coronada por Pentecostés, no puede ser trasladada.”. Se adjunta el decreto para su referencia.

Debido a la situación de COVID-19/coronavirus, se promulgan las siguientes normas para las liturgias en la Arquidiócesis de acuerdo con el decreto de la Santa Sede del 19 de marzo de 2020 (“En tiempo de Covid-19”). Estas instrucciones se aplican a la Catedral y a las iglesias parroquiales.

1) Misa Crismal: Se aplaza a una fecha posterior por determinarse.

2) Domingo de la Pasión (Ramos) y Triduo Pascual a. General i.

Las liturgias deben ser celebradas sin la participación

física de los fieles. ii.

Los fieles deben ser informados de los tiempos de

celebración para que puedan unirse en oración en sus hogares. iii.

Las transmisiones televisivas o por Internet en vivo (no

grabadas) son útiles, si es posible. iv.

Se deben proporcionar recursos para apoyar la oración

familiar y personal. b.

Domingo de la Pasión (de Ramos): Se recomienda bendecir las palmas como de costumbre en la misa sin los fieles y permitir que las personas las recojan individualmente durante la semana. Como sacramental, puede proporcionar cierto consuelo a los fieles. c. i.

ii. iii.

iv.

Jueves Santo La facultad de celebrar la misa en un lugar adecuado, sin el pueblo, se concede de forma excepcional a todos los sacerdotes.

El lavado de pies, ya opcional, debe ser omitido.

Al final de la misa, se omite la procesión con el Santí simo Sacramento hasta el lugar de reposo y se guarda el Santísimo Sacramento en el sagrario.

Los sacerdotes que no puedan celebrar la misa deben rezar las vísperas del día.

d. i.

ii.

Viernes Santo El Arzobispo/Párroco celebrará la Pasión del Señor en ausencia de los fieles.

En la Oración Universal, una intención especial para los enfermos, los difuntos y para aquellos que se sienten

perdidos o consternados debe ser añadida (cf. Misal Romano, no. 13).

e.

Vigilia Pascual y Pascua de Resurrección: Atención: Las liturgias deben ser celebradas sin la participación física de los fieles.

Los fieles deben ser informados de los tiempos de celebración para que puedan unirse en oración desde sus hogares. i.

Se celebrarán sólo en la catedral y en las iglesias parroquiales. ii.

En el “Solemne inicio de la Vigilia o Lucernario”

se omite la preparación y el encendido del fuego, se

enciende el Cirio Pascual, se omite la procesión y sigue

el Pregón Pascual (Exsultet). iii.

Se celebra la Liturgia de la Palabra. iv.

En cuanto a la acogida en la Iglesia de los

catecúmenos y candidatos, véase el apartado f). v.

Para la “Liturgia Bautismal” sólo es necesaria la

“Renovación de las Promesas Bautismales” (Misal

Romano, nº 55). vi.

Sigue la “Liturgia de la Eucaristía”. vii.

Aquellos clérigos que no tienen ninguna posibilidad

de unirse a la Vigilia Pascual celebrada en una iglesia,

deben rezar el Oficio de Lecturas del Domingo de

Pascua. Los fieles también son animados a leer de

los ritos si es posible. f.

Recepción de catecúmenos y candidatos: Para que los que son recibidos en la Iglesia no se vean privados de la asistencia y el apoyo de amigos y familiares, dicha recepción debe ser retrasada hasta que la actual crisis de COVID-19 se alivie y sea posible una celebración más completa. En un domingo designado, el Arzobispo Wester concederá un indulto para que se celebren los sacramentos que normalmente se reciben en la Vigilia Pascual. Esto también permitirá a los pastores más tiempo para completar las convalidaciones de matrimonio para aquellos en situaciones irregulares.

A medida que se desarrolle la actual situación de crisis, por favor, estén atentos a cualquier cambio futuro en estas instrucciones. Continuemos rezando para que nuestro amado Señor mantenga a toda la humanidad a salvo de COVID-19 y que también nos conceda el regalo de la paz mientras ponemos toda nuestra confianza en Él.

Sinceramente suyo en el Señor,

El Reverendísimo John C. Wester Arzobispo de Santa Fe

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April 2020

Parable Preaching, Our Easter Call to Conversion E

aster is the great testimony to the life and mission of Jesus Christ and His preaching. It is the victory of life over death no matter the dangers that assail us, the fears that plague us. The Gospel that Jesus preached was simply and clearly this: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Or as Mark’s gospel tells us: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14). The Gospel is always one of personal conversion in this moment so that we might enter the kingdom of God. The Christian never abandons this call to real Gospel change. We need to remember that unless each of us faces the hard reality of our own conversion of heart, nothing makes sense. Lent is a time of such profound conversion, and it is the reign of God, the rule of God’s mercy and love, that we strive to embrace. But Lent is not an end in itself, it is the preamble to Easter, a prelude and overture that makes life more meaningful.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus confronted the unrepentant heart and the wayward spirit. But He always did so not with force, but with life stories that placed before each person their need for conversion of heart. He did this so beautifully and simply in the close to 50 parables He told. We know many of these by heart – the Good Samaritan,

the Prodigal Son, the Unjust Steward, the Ten Virgins and many more. Each parable takes everyday circumstances and puts before our imagination an invitation to conversion of heart.

This idiom of the parable or parable preaching holds a worthwhile lesson for us today. It instructs us in how we might share this gospel, Jesus’ call to personal conversion. But how?

It seems to me that we ought to look at the contexts that gave rise to Jesus preaching in parables, realizing that the parable itself is timeless. St. Asterius of Amasea, in the fourth century, described the parables as “examples enshrining holy truths” (Office of Reading Thursday First Week of Lent). In the parable of the shepherd, who leaves the 99 to seek out the one lost sheep, we see how “parable preaching” must encounter the lost soul. Asterius writes of the lost sheep or for us the lost soul: “When he found it, he did not chastise it; he did not use rough blows to drive it back, but gently placed it on his own shoulders and carried it back to the flock. He took greater joy in this one sheep, lost and found, than in all the others” (ibid.).

There is an important lesson for us, especially when even now within the church we find a tendency to brutalize those we deem “traitors” (traditores), like the Donatists did of old. This should not be the case, for there is a gentleness to the ministry of the Good Shepherd

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who calls to us, who uses parables that draw us to change our hearts. Perhaps we should do the same? It is for this reason that I see “parable preaching” as showing us a way to learn from Jesus how to enter a person’s context, how to find a way for the Gospel to find its way into a person’s heart and there to take root.

I would say that there are really two major contexts where we see the parables being used. They are used for teaching, to instruct about the kingdom, and preaching, the genuine call to conversion, a call to real repentance.

Jesus uses parables to teach people about the Kingdom of God, for example about the reality of Jesus’ unique mission (new cloth not sewn on old; new wine burst old wine skins; lamp not put under a bushel). They are also used to teach us about discipleship, what does it mean to follow Christ (the foolish builder; the barren fig tree; the seed and its soil; the wheat amid the weeds).

And they are used to teach us about the eschatological or ultimate meaning of life (the mustard seed; the leaven in bread; the hidden treasure; the pearl of great price; the abundant catch of fish).

Jesus teaches with parables because he knows how cluttered our minds and dulled our imaginations can be. We need to have something break through our walls and barriers. In Matthew 15 Jesus credits Isaiah who said “You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive.

For this people’s hearts have grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn—and I would heal them” (Matthew 13:14-15 NRSV).

Parables have a way of entering into a person’s awareness in simple and subtle ways so that they might find the good soil in a person’s soul.

Jesus also used parables to preach the gospel, which is that genuine call to deep personal conversion. This “parable preaching” is what we are most in need of today, for it confronts us, no

PEOPLE of GOD that doesn’t say it, “I am confronted” and called to honesty and integrity.

The New Testament word is metanoia which means a profound heart-felt transformation of one’s self. It is the core of Jesus’ preaching and it means repentance, a new way of thinking and being, a re-ordering of one’s life. These are the contexts today where we are most called to enter and engage. This American malaise we face is missing what the transformation of life is all about, we rot in the tomb of our own making when we ignore this call to conversion. It isn’t a “hey, maybe if you aren’t doing anything and you want to try this conversion thing out cause it’s really cool and everybody who does it really likes it” kind of a thing. No! It is a “I have been hit in the gut and my whole life has new meaning, life has a greater purpose” kind of a thing! But with God, it creeps into our marrow, it seeps into our soul, it leaves no bruises no scars, but it does cut to the deep down me I’ve been hiding and afraid to show. When Jesus uses parables to preach he is lifting the sinner on his shoulder, carrying the sinner so as to discover their place of belonging, but the moral choice remains theirs.

Each person must decide to change or not. Jesus uses parables to preach a challenge, calling us to do what is right (the persistent widow; the obedient and disobedient sons; the wicked tenant; the wedding banquet; the sheep and goats). Jesus also uses the parable in His preaching to call one to moral conversion, humility, and a deeper awareness of God’s mercy (the lost sheep; the Good Samaritan; the lost coin; the Prodigal Son; the rich man and Lazarus; taking the lowest seat). This call to conversion, to real genuine conversion, is the core of gospel preaching. In the New Testament, the common context for these parables is a person’s inability to see how their own self-justification or their self-righteousness, is in fact their greatest obstacle (the lawyer who wanted to be vindicated so he asked who is my neighbor; the Pharisees and scribes who question Jesus’ association with sinners; even the disciples and

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their ambition to find who will be the greatest). Parables are our best way to hear the call to conversion, to a change of heart, and a new way of life.

Today our evangelization, our teaching and preaching can benefit from Jesus’ style of “parable preaching” that takes the life stories of real people and allows them to speak to our hearts and to our imagination, to challenge both the self-righteous and the sinner in us all. The parables that need to be told for today may include stories of LGBT persons seeking to find God’s love; or the displaced person looking for somewhere to call home; or the Democrat and the Republican who find the evil they fear is of their own making; or the barren earth left untended; or the lost street children left abandoned.

The core of Jesus’ preaching is a call to genuine conversion which, no matter the season, is always personal and profound. It calls me now, in this moment, in the fullness of this hour to recognize God’s kingdom, the mercy and love of a God who cares for each one of us. But be careful, to preach is a dangerous business as Jonah realized when preaching to the people of Nineveh. People do change. We each must face our own call to conversion, our own need for God’s mercy. While it is dangerous, it is our Easter call to preach the Good News –change, for the kingdom of God is at hand!

By Very Reverend Michael Demkovich, OP, Episcopal Vicar for Doctrine & Life

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Editorial: A response to ‘We are an Easter people’

By Our Sunday Visitor Editorial Board: Gretchen R. Crowe, Scott P. Rickert, Scott Warden, York Young A recent open letter from a group of concerned Catholics calls on the U.S. bishops to take steps to ensure Catholics have access to all of the sacraments during the coronavirus pandemic.

Titled “We are an Easter People,” the message calls the sacraments the spiritual “personal protective equipment” of Catholics that “enable us to be in the field hospital of the sick and the dying.”

It asks the bishops to provide “safe access to the anointing of the sick” and “some form of public celebration of Mass during this time of strife and pandemic,” and for them to “keep our churches open for prayer and adora-

tion.”

While this clearly is a cri de coeur from those who, like we, desperately miss the sacraments during this time of global crisis, we strongly believe that much of what the message advocates is ill advised and, worse, could cause great harm.

We should note that we do not disagree with the entire message, and we certainly understand the sentiment behind it. We strongly agree that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick should be widely available, particularly at a time when reception of other sacraments isn’t possible. By nature of their celibacy, priests are “free” to serve in just such a capacity, while at the same time taking stringent precautions. With no spouses or dependents, priests are available

— and even called — to reach out to those most in need and bring them God’s grace.

That being said, these heroic acts of love and service should be restricted to those priests outside the most vulnerable population (as deemed by age or condition), and only if their bishop has deemed it to be prudent. Some dioceses are asking priests to volunteer or have devised plans that ask a limited number of young, healthy priests to dedicate themselves to providing the anointing of the sick to the gravely ill.

During this time, that should be their only task, and they should remain isolated from others — including other priests.

Though the Sacrament of Reconciliation was not discussed explicitly with-

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in the message, we also believe the Church and bishops should find a way to make this one-on-one sacrament available, if possible, while exercising all possible precautions.

But with all due respect to Dr. Janet Smith, who has contributed many times to these pages and whose initiative this is, we have serious concerns about several other points contained within.

Early on, the open letter raises the question of religious liberty. We, of course, agree that religious liberty needs to be upheld: It wasn’t long ago that Our Sunday Visitor sued the federal government over the contraception mandate. But to frame questions of public health as matters of religious liberty when bishops themselves have exercised their authority to restrict access to the sacraments is to create a straw man. And it’s a straw man with consequences, creating strife between lay Catholics and their bishops at the very moment when the Church needs to be united in prayer, supplication and penance for those poor souls who are suffering and dying from COVID-19.

Underlying the document is a view, which is misguided at best, that receiving the sacraments are unalienable rights. The Church’s sacramental theology explains that they convey Christ’s grace, “the gratuitous gift that God makes to us of his own life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1999). As gifts, the sacraments are given on the giver’s terms — that is, on the terms of the Church. Sacraments should not be sought or received out of a sense of entitlement, and we especially should not demand them when such demands could lead even to death. “Obedience is better than sacrifice,” Scripture reminds us (1 Sm 15:22).

Regarding access to the holy Eucharist more particularly, this is a time of great challenge for the Church and the world, and sacrifices, unfor-

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tunately, must be made by all. Any potential distribution of holy Communion makes the presider particularly vulnerable — both in the giving and receiving of the virus. The average age of our American priests is above 60; that places the majority of them in a “protected class” during this outbreak.

There is a great danger in turning the priest into a vector of the disease by putting one man in contact with the multitudes, thereby becoming less a minister of the sacraments and more an angel of death.

sequences of which the Church will be facing for the foreseeable future.

For it is clear that this crisis will leave a lasting impact on the institutional Church in ways we cannot now even imagine. Furthermore, we know many people already are not taking this crisis seriously. Why embolden them further? All of us who desperately are missing the sacraments right now could be living with the consequences of this pandemic for decades if the virus becomes widespread among our nation’s vulnerable presbyterate.

It is irresponsible to assert that we know enough about the virus to encourage, in good conscience, the sorts of decisions that could very well end up becoming matters of life and death. The supposition that we can simply wave a magic wand and make Communion available to all in the midst of this crisis is idealistic to an extreme — and, when considering all the people that it puts into harm’s way, selfish at best.

This open letter fosters further division among Catholics during this time of global crisis, tragedy and grief.

This is a time when we should be coming together — striving for unity even without physical community. So much work has been done by so many people to unite the Church during this moment. Protesting the theologically sound, pastorally sensitive decision of those bishops who have clearly acted in the interest of the common good is both imprudent and dangerous.

Some of the other proposals listed are unclear, but the open letter explicitly asks bishops to relax the suspension of public Masses, especially at Easter. But, again, to what end do we ignore the recommendations of public health officials who have determined that things undoubtedly will get worse before they get better?

Had the U.S. bishops’ conference opted to issue national guidelines or centralized pastoral guidance that could have been modified at the diocesan level, perhaps that would have helped unify Catholics across the country and soothe souls during this time of trial — even if it might not have satisfied those who drafted this letter.

In the midst of this public health emergency, however, individual bishops have acted in faith, charity, justice and an overall concern for the common good; they have not simply taken their cue from civic leaders. Moreover, the decision to suspend public Masses in their various dioceses has created a massive financial burden — the con-

We are in a time of crisis. Nobody wants to be here. Nobody wants to be separated from the sacraments.

Nobody wants to be separated from one another. But as an Easter people, we know that Christ is still among us, as he promised (see Mt 28:20). And we know that the risen Lord, who is not bound by the sacraments that he gives us out of his generous love, provides for the good of our souls.

The magnitude of this crisis requires bold actions in response. In shutting down public Masses, the bishops took a bold move that will cost them dearly. But their choice was prudent and loving. Because while the body of Christ in the Eucharist is most assuredly worth dying for, we should never risk killing the members of the Body of Christ in order to receive it.

Reprinted with permission of Our Sunday Visitor.

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By Very Reverend Glennon Jones, Vicar General, Vicar for Clergy, Vicar for Religious As is often said, crises bring out the best and the worst in people. We’ve seen this in spades over the last few weeks with the whole world scrambling with the COVID-19 situation—certainly a situation quite unique in most people’s lifetimes, especially in the so-called first-world countries. It certainly makes one appreciate modern medicine all the more and the eradication of so many deadly diseases in many parts of the world … as well as renewing our sympathy for those who continue to struggle with less-than-modern medicine.

In this time, two starkly contrasting personality types have become more evident— those who are willing to sacrifice for others, and those who … aren’t.

To put on a façade of cordiality and charity is easy when no sacrifice—or one’s own profit— is involved, but when the requirement of actual sacrifice is not only present, but likely, that’s when the mask may fall. We’ve certainly seen that over the last several weeks with stories and photos of hoarders buying up all the paper products, cleansers, favored foods, etc., not only to stock for themselves, but—much more despicably—to scalp by profiteering in shortages perhaps exacerbated by the scalpers’ own actions. These are rather repulsive manifestations of the “every man for himself” and “dog eat dog” attitudes antithetical to human civilization, and to humanity itself. After all, if one is not humane, then one is inhumane. If not human, then inhuman. If not honorable, then dishonorable.

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But then … there are the lights—all the brighter in these shadowed days.

How can one not admire—and admire greatly—those nurses, doctors and other hospital staff who are on the front lines of our current crisis? While that vast majority of us take every precaution against possible exposure and contact, our medical folks willingly thrust themselves into the midst of the hornets’ nest—day after day, week after week. Weary soldiers on a battlefield against an invisible foe, they pick up weapons of hypodermic, stethoscope and thermometer and advance into the fray … eye ever fixed toward ultimate victory. And not only them, but the ever unheralded—the janitor, the laundry persons, lab techs, the chaplains providing spiritual support, and so many others. We pray for them, one and all … as well as the police, firefighters, EMTs and others who risk themselves for us … essential businesses and their employees who keep us fed.

In this time most of all, Christians would be negligent in not recognizing how such selflessness mirrors that of the most selfless of all: Jesus. The majority of Christianity begin today the holiest week of the year in which we recall the suffering, passion, death and resurrection of Christ.

In the Catholic Church, the week begins with Passion, or Palm, Sunday— “passion” rooted in the Latin “passio”, meaning suffering or submission. That suffering of Jesus was wholly voluntary, a suffering endured for all humanity— each and every person—and the absolute pinnacle of selflessness and self-sacrifice. As Jesus Himself noted: “…the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many,” (Mark 10:45), and “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) We read this year the Passion account of the Gospel of Matthew, beginning with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21)—the

PEOPLE of GOD crowd lining the road with branches (thus the “palms” of Palm Sunday) to honor Him. And yet … only days later, a crowd would be calling for His blood.

Nonetheless, even with His divinity intact, He acquiesces to torture and death, taking upon Himself the just due for the sins—the evils of hatred and selfishness—that we do against one another. Why? Because the balance of divine—and thus perfect—justice must be restored for justice to truly BE fulfilled, else it is no justice at all. The dual nature of Jesus as both God and man is thus essential—as man able to suffer, and as God to suffer infinitely— balancing the scale, as it were, for all humanity … IF we choose to accept such vicarious justification through individual faith.

The passion story is tragic but beautiful, with inexhaustible depths to be plumbed. In considering just a few, we might consider: …the corrupting power of wealth in the apostle Judas’ betrayal… …the corrupting power of power and pride in the Pharisees’ refusal to acknowledge Jesus’ innocence even when Judas admits to deception and treason… …the apparently unfulfilled prayer in the Garden, ultimately leading to a much greater good… …the denial of one who would become the leader of Jesus’ apostles… and first leader of His Church… …the call for Christ’s blood to be upon those clamoring for His death… blood which convicts and yet acquits… …favoring a murderer over the source of life… …the surprised passerby, called to one of the greatest services ever to God… …the prayer of the forsaken, which is actually a psalm of trust… …the infinitely regal and

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omnipotent…in humiliation… …the immortal…suffering death… …the trembling of creation at the death of its creator… …the Son’s obedience to the Father’s will…infinite innocence atoning for human guilt… …the apparent utter failure of crucifixion, becoming ultimate victory on Easter morning.

Every Christian must ask himself at some point: “Will I be brave enough to endure His scoffers and even His enemies? … to offer a drink of faith for which He thirsts to succor my Lord, and thereby aid Him on His mission of salvation? Or … will I flee cowardly into the darkness like His apostles in the Garden? Will I sacrifice for Him as He sacrificed for me? Will I, like Simon of Cyrene, bear at least a little of the cross with Him?” Remember near the end of the movie “Forrest Gump”? … Forrest describing his adventures at the bedside of his beloved dying Jenny? Jenny says: “I wish I could have been there with you.”

And Forrest looks at her tenderly and says: “You were.”

Likewise, when our hearts ache at Jesus’ sufferings … at His loneliness … at His agony … and we moan: “My Jesus … I wish I could have been there with you.” He smiles back at us tenderly and says: “You were.”

May you have a blessed Holy Week and Easter. And to our lights working night and day to turn the tide of the coronavirus … in imitation of the selflessness of Our Lord: The LORD bless you and keep you: The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

(Numbers 6:24-26)

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Anthony Ezeaputa What is your favorite part of the Lent and Easter Season?

My favorite part of the liturgical season of Lent is its emphasis on spiritual discipline. The season of Lent calls me to discipline myself, and to mortify myself from the things that compete against my response to the call to holiness.

My favorite part of the Easter Season is the Easter Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. The Easter Triduum is the most important celebration of our Christian faith: the suffering, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In your studies, what is greatest thing you have learned in getting ready for serving the people of God? The greatest thing I have learned is charity. The beautiful and sound academic formation I have received is to be shared in the community of faith for the salvation of souls.

What would you like to ask for from all those who pray for you every day?

I appreciate your prayers. Please pray for me that I would be faithful and fulfilled in my decision to respond to the universal call to holiness through the Sacrament of the Holy Orders.

Reverend Monsignor Richard J. Olona was born December 23, 1944 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, IHM Seminary (Santa Fe) and Mt. Angel Seminary (Oregon). He was ordained on March 29, 1970 at Our Lady of the Assumption in Albuquerque by Archbishop James Peter Davis.

He served many rural and city parishes in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He was also appointed to several special assignments such as Vocation Director, Chancellor, Vicar General, and Ecumenical Officer.

Monsignor worked in Peru from 1983-1986 with the St. James Missionary Society. Retiring in 2015, he continues to assist at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish and resides with the Franciscan Friars at San Juan Diego.

Please say a special prayer for Msgr. Olona as he celebrates his 50th year dedicated to the people of God.

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Deacon Joseph Baltz In Lent, I love the motivation I get for doubling down and advancing in holiness through doing stuff I wouldn’t normally want to do such as prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

It’s easier because we are all struggling together.

In Easter, I love the Easter Vigil Mass. It’s long, but it’s worth it to see a well executed ritual that makes me realize just how awesome the Faith is.

In your studies, what is greatest thing you have learned in getting ready for serving the people of God? I would have to say trust in Our Blessed Mother. Totus tuus and all that good stuff. To entrust my ministry, and indeed my whole self, into her immaculate and merciful hands will bring about the greatest possible glory to God. What would you like to ask for from all those who pray for you every day?

Please pray to St. Joseph that I imitate his fatherly love for the Savior in my care for the children of God, and that I imitate his spousal love of the Blessed Virgin in my care for the Church.

Jordan Sanchez What is your favorite part of the Lent and Easter Season?

My favorite part of Lent is the Stabat Mater hymn. I find myself singing it often while imagining myself being held in our Blessed Mother’s mantle as we stand at the foot of our Lord’s Cross. My favorite part of Easter would have to be the candlelight procession into church at the Easter vigil with all of our faces lit with the warm light of our candles. This reminds me of the gentle love of Christ in our hearts.

In your studies, what is greatest thing you have learned in getting ready for serving the people of God? The greatest thing I have learned as I prepare to serve the people of God is that while my seminary education has been wonderful, I still have so much to learn! I am so excited to serve and continue to learn and grow day by day!

What would you like to ask for from all those who pray for you every day?

Please pray for me through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that I may be a faithful bridge to her Son, Jesus.

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Creation as Sacrament: The Christian Moral Imperative to Address Climate Change Very Rev. Stephen A. Gaertner, O.Praem.

As Catholics, we understand our faith, our community, as lodged within a sacramental tradition, Christ’s enduring legacy to us bequeathed through his first disciples. The root meaning of “sacrament” could be understood as that which “makes holy,” that is, something that sanctifies. The sacramental tradition in the Catholic Church—the mystical body of Christ on Earth—therefore sanctifies human experience and creation as a whole by continuing to manifest Christ’s incarnate presence among the People of God. In Baptism, Eucharist, Marriage, Anointing, etc. Christ continues to “make holy” the lives of His beloved people and indeed all of creation.

Understood from this theological perspective, then, the current human-created climate crises that our plant faces threaten humankind and all forms of life on earth in not only an existential way, but also within a sacramental context. For it is through the many dynamic, living facets of this God’s creation that the “holiness” of Christ—and therefore the Church—is brought to fulfillment. Thus, when we desecrate our planet through pollution, lifestyles of unbridled consumption, irresponsible energy policies, cultural attitudes of social and environmental indifference—we contribute to threatening the sacramental presence of Christ among us.

The very elemental nature of our Church’s sacraments give testimony to this reality. How could we celebrate Eucharist if droughts and floods destroy our wheat and vineyards? With what would be anoint our sick if there were no longer olives for oil? In what way would be baptize our children, if our precious water becomes scarce? For what reason would people marry, if unable to raise children on a loving, nurturing and habitable planet? These are extreme examples, of course…but they make a valid point. If our collective indifference to how we treat our planet, ourselves and our fellow creatures, through the cultural values we embrace and the choices we make, threatens our capacity to life in “holy,” just, loving right-relationships with God and one another, indeed our Christian sacramental reality is already gravely threatened.

Thus, as we Christians enter this Easter season, the summit our Church’s liturgical—and sacramental—life, let us appreciate anew the gift of Christ’s sacramental presence throughout all of creation, and consider how another Catholic sacrament—reconciliation—calls us to constant conversion in thought, word and deed so as to reflect better on how God is calling us—you and I—to be conscientious, ethical stewards of all God’s creatures, great and small, so that our Lord may continue to be present among us and “make holy” His beloved people…and Planet Earth.

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How Can You Promote the Census During Time of “Stay at Home?”

Census Day was April 1, and the 2020 Census count continues through the Summer. Response is easy: on line, by phone or by mail is the best. It is still very important for all ministers to promote participation in the Census. In these days of “Stay at Home” due to COVID-19, here are some suggestions as to how and when you can promote participation in the Census.

Remember items can be found and downloaded from https://archdiosf.org/census-2020-1 1. Distribute Census materials at Meal/Supply Distribution sites (if your church has them). Census 101 (bilingual) flyer can be found here: https://archdiosf. org/census-2020-1 2. Phone calls to encourage parishioners to respond online and over the phone using the following message: “It has never been easier to respond to the Census on your own, whether online, over the phone, or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.

Visit 2020Census.gov to complete the Census online or call (844) 330-2020 to talk to a live Census employee who can help you fill out your form over the phone.”

The number for Spanish-speakers is (844) 4682020. There are a total of 13 phone numbers for different languages. To see the list of numbers, visit https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond/ responding-by-phone.html 3. Text messages using the wording above.

4. Social media posts encouraging people to participate. Suggested social media posts for your use are on the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Census web page: https://archdiosf.org/census-2020-1 Archbishop Wester has filmed two great YouTube videos (in English and Spanish) you can use on your social media pages.

Those can also be found on the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Census web page.

5. FB LIVE Masses and Prayers. Encourage people to complete the Census during your FB LIVE services Masses and prayers using the messaging above.

Dr. Mercy Alarid, Senior Partnership Specialist with the Census Bureau, is available to speak during your services virtually if you need support. See her contact info below.

6. E-learning at Home: Teachers/Parents can use our Statistics in Schools materials with their students online.

There are activities that do not need a classroom setting and you can access those lessons on Google Classroom by using the Google Classroom code: oqm32yo. To learn how to access Google Classroom, follow this link: https://youtu.be/nN4pHCsIgrE 7. Census Bureau Local Help. If you need to reach her, Dr. Mercy Alarid, Senior Partnership Specialist with the Census Bureau, is here to help if you need support. Office: (505) 715-3275, email: mercy.n.alarid@2020census.gov Let Dr. Alarid know if she can do anything to make some of this virtual outreach easier on you and your parishioners.

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The Easter Story

By Carol Feeney, Project Rachel Coordinator The Bible tells stories of heroic women who saved the day and even saved Israel. Among these brave women are Miriam the sister of Moses, Deborah the prophetess and judge of Israel, Queen Esther, Abigail, Jael and Rahab. The virgin Mary of the New Testament agreed to be the mother of the Savior of the world. In the Word of God, women are not left out of history.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry he recognized the dignity of women, and this was counter-cultural for his time.

Jesus loved and associated with women, even those who were afflicted with sin or disease.

In all four gospels we read about Mary Magdalene, a friend and follower of Jesus. Mary had been possessed by seven demons, which Luke described as “evil spirits or diseases” (Luke 8:2). Jesus cast out the seven demons, and Mary’s devotion to Jesus because of this healing was very strong. She saw Jesus beaten and humiliated by the crowd. She was one of the women who stood near Jesus during the crucifixion, trying to comfort Him. She was the first witness to the resurrection, and she was the one Jesus commissioned to go and tell the good news to the others. She became known as the “apostle to the apostles.”

Mary Magdalene loved and believed in Jesus, but it took some time for her to truly understand the resurrection. ...she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” (John 20: 14-15) Mary’s eyes were opened when she encountered the resurrected Jesus face to face.

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (John 20:16) Mary must have suffered severely from psychological trauma for Jesus to have performed an exorcism. She journeyed with Jesus from a place of suffering and torment to a place of life-changing healing and faith.

Easter is about mercy and healing afflictions from illness, and restoration of dignity.

If you are suffering from grief after abortion, call the confidential Project Rachel message line at 505-8318235.

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. (Luke 7:27)

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April 2020

Generations @ West Mesa Grand Opening

Archbishop John C. Wester blesses Generations Older adults face a severe housing shortage in Albuquerque – the city estimates that an additional 200+ units are needed to meet the demand for affordable housing. In collaboration with real estate developer Gorman & Co., Catholic Charities has spent years developing and building Generations @ West Mesa, an affordable living community serving older adults caring for grandchildren. The Grand Opening Ceremony for the facility took place on February 27th, opening with a blessing by Archbishop John C. Wester and followed by addresses from Jim Gannon of Catholic Charities, Brian Swanton of Gorman & Co., and local officials.

Residents of the new complex, who began moving in as early as January, joined in the festivities and shared their experiences at Generations with Catholic Charities staff and community partners. Many of the new residents are excited and relieved to be able to rely on stable housing for themselves and their grandchildren, and appreciate the special features such as a walking track, exercise room and playground that serve the needs of both older adults as well as children. Catholic Charities will continue to recruit new residents for Generations and will also staff the complex with a Resource Coordinator who will help residents access other public services and community resources.

In his blessing of the new complex, Archbishop Wester said, “May God always be here among us. May He nurture the love found here. Share in their joys, comfort them in their sorrows. … May God seek to make this new home before all else a dwelling place of love, diffusing far and wide the goodness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

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Services Expand in Santa Fe Catholic Charities’ Santa Fe office has provided services through its Center for Immigration and Citizenship Legal Assistance for many years. We are excited to announce the expansion of its services, which will be managed by a full-time Catholic Charities case manager in the Santa Fe office on San Felipe Ave. The case manager has assisted families and individuals in Santa Fe with direct referrals to housing, public benefits (such as SNAP, TANF and SSI), and mental and behavioral health services for over a year. Catholic Charities identified a gap in transportation for seniors in the area and we are expanding the Senior Transportation Program to Santa Fe, where the new program will be called Partnering for Seniors. The new program hopes to connect the senior population of Santa Fe with Catholic Charities programs as well as other community resources and supports.

Looking for Stories!

As our 75 anniversary nears, we are looking for stories of the impact that Catholic Charities has had in the community over the past three quarters of a century. If you are a current or former client, employee, volunteer, board member, or community member, we want to hear from you! We hope to compile stories as a narrative memory of our history to honor the 75 years of service that Catholic Charities has invested in the Central New Mexico community. Please visit www.ccasfnm.org/story to submit a story about how Catholic Charities has impacted your life and/or the lives of others. th

Longtime Volunteer Says Goodbye Talk about longevity! Clara Mae Vanzura wins hands down as she has been a volunteer at Catholic Charities for over 20 years since she registered as a driver for Senior Transportation Services in June of 1997. She goes so far back that we did not have the electronic means of calculating all the hours she has logged.

Conservatively speaking, in 20 years she has logged an estimated 6,000 volunteer hours. It is safe to say she has probably scheduled over 20,000 trips in that length of time. This is not an easy task and entails additional clerical duties. After recently celebrating her 90th birthday, Clara Mae has decided to retire from volunteering. We are so grateful for the thousands of hours she has dedicated to helping the organization honor human dignity, and will miss her cheerful presence around the office. Thank you, Clara Mae!

Help reunite refugee and asylum-seeking families!

After surviving war, persecution, disaster, and being separated from their loved ones, refugees, asylees and asylum seekers only want one thing: to be reunited with their family. But when that crucial moment comes, the cost of a flight prevents the majority from being together. That’s where your frequent flyer miles can help. United Airlines & American Airlines miles are their most urgent need right now. In partnership with Miles4Migrants, Catholic Charities accepts frequent flyer miles to reunite families around the world. Donate yours here: www.miles4migrants.org/givemiles

Heydt, Trujillo Mr. L.A. (Tony) Trujillo and Miss Ellen Marie Heydt were joined in holy matrimony on April 18, 1970 at St. Stephen Church in Bradshaw, Maryland.

Tony is formerly from Taos, New Mexico and Ellen from Kingsville, Maryland. They have been blessed with three children: Melanie (Matthew) Mascarenas; Jason (Laura) and Sean and four grandchildren; Kainoa (8) and Charlie (6) Trujillo and +Michael Mary Luke and +Regina Chiara Mascarenas.

Tony is still active as a real estate broker for Nu Mex Realty, their firm, for over 45 years; Ellen is in her 16th year as a flight attendant with Southwest Airlines. Their lives have been richly blessed and they have been parishioners at Our Lady of Annunciation Parish since 1973.

The Trujillos give thanks to God for the many years of blessings from church, family, friends and good health.

ARCHDIOCESE OF SANTA FE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Years of Service Awards 2019-2020

Congratulations for reaching a milestone in your careers. Thank you for your continued commitment to forming students in the Catholic faith and preparing our future leaders.

Superintendent Susan M. Murphy

35 YEARS 30 YEARS

Johnee Simmrell St. Mary ABQ

30 YEARS

Barbara Ducaj St. Pius X

Mary Wentworth Our Lady of the Assumption

25 YEARS

Juan de Dios Baca St. Pius X

Donna Gallegos St. Charles Borromeo

Jeanean Mader Our Lady of Fatima

Scott Howard St. Pius X

ARCHDIOCESE OF SANTA FE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Years of Service Awards 2019-2020 20 YEARS

Sr. Anne Louise Abascal St. Thomas Aquinas

Roxanne Encinas St. Mary ABQ

Patricia Lawton St. Thomas Aquinas

Mercedes Madrid St. Thomas Aquinas

Jo Meurer Our Lady of Fatima

Heidi Mulikin St. Thomas Aquinas

JoAnne Rickard St. Thomas Aquinas

Charla Smith St. Pius X

15 YEARS Annunciation Amy McCarty | Lydia Sparks Our Lady of Fatima Elizabeth Gray Risen Savior Angelica Lucero St. Pius X Frances Torres | Alex Cutter St. Therese Diana Montoya St. Thomas Aquinas Shelena Lucero | Eric Vigil Monique Van Loben Sels

10 YEARS

5 YEARS

Annunciation Annunciation Austen Walsh Cristina Gonzalez | David Wahler Holy Child Santo Niño Colette McCleave Rose Romero Our Lady of Fatima St. Charles Borromeo Mary O'Carroll Aundria Koprowskiw Our Lady of the Assumption St. Pius X Laura Goodyear Matthew Cornelius | Lori Montoya San Felipe de Neri Gabriele Reil Ashley Powledge St. Mary ABQ St. Charles Borromeo Yvette Groves | Kimberly Hood Maria Leahigh Poore St. Mary Belen St. Therese Elizabeth Cordova Christina Murtagh St. Thomas Aquinas Office of Catholic Schools Irene Archuleta | Mary Lutz Superintendent Susan M. Murphy

DO UNTO 'OTTERS' Ashley Powledge, Principal San Felipe de Neri Catholic School Mrs. Powledge spread the message of good manners and kindness with one of her favorite books, Do Onto Otters: A Book About Manners

by Laurie Keller. Pre-Kindergarten and eighth-grade students read along with Mrs. Powledge and discussed how good manners and kindness follow the school-wide expectation of respecting and appreciating God's creation. Students designed their own otters, which were then posted along gym walls and hallways as a reminder to "do onto 'otters' as you would have 'otters' do onto you."

Courtesy of Square Fish Books

ANNUNCIATION MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES Amy McCarty, Assistant Principal Annunciation Catholic School HOUSE is an Annunciation middle school program that creates an inclusive, engaging, and friendly atmosphere while promoting spirituality, positive behavior, school spirit, leadership, and service. Students are divided into six HOUSES with a mix of all three grade levels. The HOUSES are all named after a saint: St. Michael, St. Juan Diego, St. Cloud, St. Sebastian, St. Joan of Arc, and St. Patrick.

Eighth-graders are elected to leadership roles such as Captain, Co-Captain, and Chaplin.

These HOUSES meet monthly, tabulate points, and participate in activities and leadership lessons. HOUSES earn points for random acts of kindness, activity participation, service outside of the school day, Mass reflection questions, and HOUSE competitions.

Contests between HOUSES are full of fun and encourages a focus on teamwork and problem-solving.

All HOUSES participated in a day of service in the Fall. Students volunteered at the Road Runner Food Bank, Barrett House, Mandy's Farm, Joy Junction, Montebello Retirement Community, and Catholic Charities. Now our teams are preparing for another day of service and will have donated over 600 hours of service to our local community.

Over the two years this program has been active, we have found that students integrate more with one another, have more school spirit, and make an effort to be more kind.

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Rest in Peace Deacon Rene Greivel

Sr. Mary Angela Matthews, OSU

Deacon Rene Greivel passed away March 31, 2020. Deacon Rene headed St. Pius X High School’s Campus Ministry Team, Reconciliation Days, Liturgical Ceremonies, and Retreat Program for more than 20 years.

Deacon Rene spent his life ministering to youth at a number of parishes in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He touched many lives. Deacon’s mantra: “God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.”

Deacon Rene was appointed as the school’s deacon by Archbishop Emeritus Michael J. Sheehan during a time when there was not a priest available to assign to the school. He immediately developed great relationships with the students and worked with them so that the school’s liturgical programs were presented by the students themselves. He trained students to assist at Mass as lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Holy Thursday Stations of the Cross were presented by students with readings and music in mind. With the help of others, Deacon Rene organized all the retreats from the senior students at Camp Oro Quay to the freshmen retreat in the gym at the beginning of each school year. Deacon Rene gave spiritual guidance to those students who needed it or were assigned to him. It must not be overlooked that Deacon Rene spent much of his free time at athletic events, opening the games with a prayer, watching those from public schools signing themselves with the Cross.

During this time of COVID-19, the family may only have a small graveside service. However, when the ban to gather as a community is lifted, the family plans to have a memorial service for Deacon Rene and everyone will be invited to celebrate his life. His beloved wife, Merle, passed away last fall. Deacon entered the hospital in December after the Christmas Mass at St. Pius X. He was between hospital and rehab for the last months.

On Sunday, the family brought him to his home in hopes that he would continue on for a while, but the Lord had other plans for him. We all hope he is with his beloved wife of many years.

One of Deacon Rene’s dreams was that all students would begin praying a rosary during their lunch hour. It would be fitting for all Sartan families to offer a rosary for Deacon Rene.

Whenever we finished conversations with Deacon, he would always say, “Hey, Hey! I love you.” So, now we all say “Hey, Hey, Deacon! We love you and we will miss you!”

Barbara Rothweiler, PhD, Principal, St. Pius X High School, Albuquerque

Sr. Mary Angela Matthews, 90, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died April 5, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 70th year of religious life. She was a native of Hardinsburg, Kentucky.

She was director of religious education at Christo Rey Parish, Santa Fe (1988-91) and religion coordinator at Saint Mary School, Belen (1996-97).

She was also director of religious education for St. Teresa Parish, Grants (1991-96), Mission San Rafael Parish, San Rafael (198688) and St. Rose Parish, Blanco (1985-86). She also ministered in Kentucky and Nebraska.

Survivors include the members of her religious community and nieces and nephews.

Sr. Anastasia McNichols, OP Sr. Anastasia McNichols, formerly known as Sr. John Leo McNichols, died on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 91 years of age and in the 70th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sr. Anastasia was born in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Stasia (Ryan) McNichols. She graduated from Trinity High School in River Forest, Illinois, and received a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in English and a Master of Teaching degree in Education, both from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian. She also was certified as a Pastoral Counselor by the Cardinal Meyer Institute in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Sister ministered for 20 years in elementary education in Detroit and Walled Lake, Michigan; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Tucson and Scottsdale, Arizona; and in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she was principal at Queen of Heaven from 19671970 for three years.

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WORLD NEWS

Pope sends video message ahead of Holy Week Vatican News - English Pope Francis sends this video message to Christians around the world as we prepare to celebrate Holy Week in an unusual manner due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. He prays especially for those suffering and for all the families whose lives have been upset in this difficult time.

“In his message, the Holy Father reminds us that this time of the coronavirus is a call to courage, a call to faith. And as he says, faith does not mean simply agreeing with a set of ideas. Faith means making a decision to entrust our lives to Jesus Christ and to follow his path, to embrace his cross.

“The Holy Father tells us today that this pandemic is a time for conversion, a time for us to make choices about what truly matters in our lives, a time for us to change the

priorities of our societies. It is a time to turn to God and to recognize that no matter how advanced our civilization and technology, we cannot save ourselves. We need God. “In this moment saints are being made, the Holy Father tells us, pointing to the quiet heroism of ordinary people carrying out their daily duties in extraordinary times, serving one another with kindness and patience. ‘How many people pray, offer and intercede for the good of all,’ our Holy Father observes. ‘Prayer and silent service: these are our winning weapons.’

“So, let us continue to unite with Pope Francis in asking the Lord, through the intercession of Mary our Blessed Mother, to bless our world and to give us the courage to love and serve our brothers and sisters in this time of trial.”

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POPE ‘URBI ET ORBI’ CORONAVIRUS Pope Francis leads a prayer service in an empty St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican March 27, 2020. At the conclusion of the service the pope held the Eucharist as he gave an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world). The service was livestreamed in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

March 27, 2020 - WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued the following statement on the Holy Father’s Urbi et Orbi message today.

Archbishop Gomez’s full statement follows: “Along with my brother bishops of the United States, I am grateful for Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi message today. We join with him in asking God to bless the world and to deliver us from the coronavirus pandemic.

“I think we all understand that we took part today in something historic, as the whole world was gathered together through communications media by the successor of St. Peter, united in one prayer before the living presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist.

“It was a moving and emotional moment, and I urge my fellow Catholics, and every person of good will, to read and reread Pope Francis’ beautiful meditation. . http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2020/documents/papa-francesco_20200327_omelia-epidemia.html

CNS graphic/Lucy Barco, The Catholic Register

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WORLD NEWS Vatican confirms pope does not have COVID-19

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Neither Pope Francis nor any of his closest collaborators have the COVID-19 virus, said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office.

In a note March 28, Bruni confirmed that a monsignor, who works in the Vatican Secretariat of State and lives in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where Pope Francis lives, did test positive for the coronavirus and, “as a precaution,” was hospitalized.

The Italian newspaper Il Messaggero and the Jesuit-run America magazine published reports March 25 about the monsignor testing positive.

Bruni said that as of March 28, the Vatican health service had conducted more than 170 tests for the virus. No one else who lives at the Domus Sanctae Marthae tested positive, Bruni said.

As soon as the monsignor tested positive, he said, his room and office were sanitized and all the people he had come into contact with over the preceding days were contacted.

“The health authorities carried out tests on the people in closest contact with the positive individual,” Bruni said. “The results confirmed the absence of other positive cases” among the residents of the Vatican guesthouse, but another employee of the Holy See who was in “close contact with the official” did test positive.

That brings to six the number of people in the Vatican who have tested positive, he said.

The Vatican press office had confirmed the first four cases March 24. The first, already confirmed by the Vatican March 6, was a priest from Bergamo who had a routine pre-employment exam at the Vatican health clinic. After he was discovered with symptoms, the clinic was closed temporarily for special cleaning, and the five people the priest came into contact with were put under a preventive quarantine.

There were reports at the same time that the offices of the Secretariat of State were closed temporarily for a thorough cleaning.

The Vatican did not say when the next three people tested positive, but it said one worked in the Vatican warehouse and two worked at the Vatican Museums.

All four, the Vatican said March 24, “were placed in precautionary isolation” before their test results came back. “The isolation has already lasted more than 14 days; currently they are receiving care in Italian hospitals or in their own homes.”

Both America magazine and Il Messaggero said Pope Francis was unlikely to have had contact with the monsignor from the Secretariat of State who tested positive. Both reported that Pope Francis has been eating his meals in his room rather than the dining room since coming down with a bad cold after Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26.

While the Vatican has canceled all group meetings, Pope Francis continues to meet with individuals each day.

News reports said the pope and his guests use hand sanitizer before and after the meetings.

Archdiocese to livestream display Shroud of Turin on Holy Saturday VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- With people forced to stay home, even during Holy Week, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the archbishop of Turin has announced a special online exposition of the Shroud of Turin, which many believe is the burial cloth of Jesus. On Holy Saturday, April 11, as Christians contemplate Jesus lying in the tomb, Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia will lead a liturgy of prayer and contemplation before the shroud at 5 p.m. local time (11 a.m. EDT).

The prayer service will be live-streamed along with live images of the 14-foot-by-4-foot shroud, which has a full-length photonegative image of a man, front and back, bearing signs of wounds that correspond to the Gospel accounts of the torture Jesus endured in his passion and death. As of April 5, the Archdiocese of Turin said it was finalizing the plans and would publish a list of participating television stations and links to the livestream later in the week

CNS/Paul Haring

Dr. Fauci is dedicated to public service, formed at Jesuit high school NEW YORK (CNS) -- Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has emerged for many as the voice of reason and integrity as the nation confronts the novel coronavirus pandemic. Much of that he learned at Regis High School, a no-tuition, Jesuit-run boys college-prep school in New York City that is renowned as an academic haven. Fauci, a member of the class of 1958, told a group of alumni last May that attending the school “was the best educational period I could ever have imagined having.” Fauci also is a graduate of College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, another Jesuit institution, and Weill Cornell Medicine, then called Cornell University Medical College.

The alumni address was part of a return to Regis by Fauci, now 79 and known for his power walking, who, while not a household name at the time, was apparently nearing the end of a long career in government service working for six presidents. “I take great comfort in knowing that when he speaks that he is speaking the truth and nothing but the truth,” Jesuit Father Daniel Lahart, Regis’ president, told National Catholic Reporter. Father Lahart now supervises a school, like most across the country, confined to online classes as COVID-19 disrupts normal life. The priest said the most famous Regis alumnus

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WORLD NEWS has exuded integrity throughout a career, which, before this latest outbreak, was best known for raising the alarm about HIV/AIDS at the highest levels of government in the 1980s. Fauci has emerged as a no-nonsense truth-teller in the latest crisis. While President Donald Trump has been prone to what have been criticized as overly optimistic daily briefings, it’s been Fauci, frequently standing behind the president, who has tempered the optimism, whether it has been about the possibility of miracle cures or the hope of returning to business as usual.

Surgical masks, social distancing: Palm Sunday in Jerusalem’s Old City JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Nadine Bitar wore a surgical mask and waited 109 yards from her home in the Old City -- as permitted by the Israeli Ministry of Health -- to receive a blessed olive branch from Franciscan Father Amjad Sabbara of St. Saviour Parish. Father Sabbara wound his way around the narrowest of alleyways of his parish in the Old City Palm Sunday, April 5. When he and several assistants arrived to give Bitar the branch and pray with her, she took several branches and Mass booklets, then distributed them among her extended family and neighbors, some of whom are elderly and were unable to come down to receive the branches.

With the booklets, they were able to follow the Palm Sunday Mass celebrated by Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of Jerusalem, and livestreamed from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which has been closed since March 25. For the Christian residents of the Old City, Holy Week and Easter are like a family celebration, said Bitar. “It is heartbreaking we can’t participate in the church service and the public Mass on Palm Sunday, but we have faith this pain we are living into Holy Week is also giving us hope of the resurrection,” she said. “It is a lesson for us to take some time for God and actually know the word of God.”

CNS photo/Debbie Hill A Christian kneels in prayer outside the locked door of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem’s Old City on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020.

The traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to the Old City was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

U.S. seminarians from Rome have parish placements during pandemic ROME (CNS) -- The U.S. seminarians who were studying at Rome’s Pontifical North American College have or are about to complete their 14-day quarantine at home and will be getting very unusual pastoral experience in U.S. parishes that are finding ways to minister to Catholics amid the restrictions imposed to slow the coronavirus pandemic. Father Peter C. Harman, rector of the college, told Catholic News Service April 6 that 30 people -- mostly faculty and staff, but also some Australian seminarians -- remain at the seminary on Rome’s Janiculum Hill and about 12 at the Casa Santa Maria, a residence for priests doing graduate studies at Rome’s pontifical universities. The North American College opened in 1859 at the Casa Santa Maria property, near the Trevi Fountain.

According to a history posted on the college website, the seminary stayed open during World War I, even though enrollment dropped to 25 students. During World War II, though, the college closed completely. Father Harman said that with the coronavirus, “we are not closed down, but operating a smaller house.” Before the pandemic hit, the college seminary had 192 students; just over half of them were called home by their bishops or vocations directors in early March when schools and universities throughout Italy were closed and the country went on lockdown. The college had announced March 23 that the rest of the students were to return home if possible. “Most will be, or already are, in parishes after their 14-day quarantine has ended, so they will be in a parish experience for the time being,” he said.

Nicaraguan officials stop church program to prevent COVID-19 MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Health officials in Nicaragua have stopped a church program to prevent COVID-19 in the Central American country, where the government has downplayed the pandemic’s potential impact and encouraged the population to go about their business as usual. Bishop Rolando Alvarez Lagos of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, tweeted April 5 that the health ministry told him he “could not carry out the medical prevention centers project and not even the call center,” which would have provided medical advice. “I want to say for the record, before the people, that we as a diocese wanted to work for the health of our communities, and they have not allowed us to do so.” In an earlier tweet, Bishop Alvarez said the project included six medical centers and a call center “to inform, orient and attend to the population in the face of COVID-19, to the best of our ability.” Central American countries have closed borders and imposed quarantines in response to the pandemic. But Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, First Lady Rosario Murillo, have downplayed the disease’s dangers, convening a march promoting “Love in the times of COVID-19,” according to local media. They have not encouraged prevention measures such as social distancing.

COVID-19 does what war couldn’t: churches closed in Syria, nuncio says VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal Mario Zenari, the nuncio to Syria, said he is raising special prayers these days to Sts. Cosmas and Damian, fourth-century physicians who offered free care for the

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WORLD NEWS sick in Syria. As the Syrian civil war enters its 10th year, still sowing death and destruction, the danger is extremely high of the coronavirus pandemic spreading in a country devastated by war and where more than 6 million people are internally displaced. In an interview April 4 with Vatican News, the cardinal said that despite the war, up to this point Christians in Syria celebrated Holy Week and Easter every year, “even under the risk of bombs and mortar attacks.” But the coronavirus pandemic has done what the war could not, he said.

All the churches are closed for worship. “It is a totally new, unimaginable, unexpected, difficult-to-describe time of preparation” for Holy Week and Easter, he said, which makes the situation in Syria similar to many places around the world.

During plague, Catholic Church called on saints for help, healing WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Catholic Church has had a long tradition of calling on saints and praying for their intercession in sickness and difficult times. This plea for saintly help for protection from disease and healing was particularly evident when the bubonic plague, or Black Death, spread throughout Europe in the 14th century killing one-third of the population. At the time, in many cities and villages where medical knowledge was limited, cities and villages often adopted a plague saint to protect them. In Florence, Italy, the bishop had an altar built in honor of St. Sebastian as a means to stop the Black Death and after the plague was over, he built a church dedicated to the saint in thanksgiving for his intercession. Artwork depicting the plague shows that St. Sebastian seemed to be the go-to saint at the time. He was martyred around the year 288 during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian. He was shot by arrows, which is how he is portrayed in paintings where the arrows are also said to be symbolic of the arrows of the Black Death. But the special appeal of St. Sebastian has a lot of layers. He is said to have converted to Christianity after seeing the bravery of Christian martyrs and he then drew others to become Christian, including a Roman officer who was said to be have been cured of a plague at his conversion. This particular action caught the attention of Diocletian, who sentenced St. Sebastian to death by arrows. But the saint, according to tradition, is said to have survived the arrows and returned to Diocletian to have strong words with him, which caused the emperor to again, and successfully this time, have St. Sebastian executed.

CELAM calls for act of consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe on Easter MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- The Latin American bishops’ council announced plans to perform an act of consecration of Latin America and the Caribbean to Our Lady of Guadalupe on Easter, “asking her for health and an end to the pandemic.” The consecration will take place at noon April 12 behind closed doors at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but it will be transmitted digitally. Cathedrals and parishes throughout the region will participate by ringing their bells 12 times as a call to prayer. CELAM, as the Latin American and Caribbean bishops’ conference is known, said a Mass would be followed by the rosary and act of consecration for an end to COVID-19. The ceremony will include a presentation of a floral wreath in the same place where, in 2016, Pope Francis prayed silently to Our Lady of Guadalupe for the whole world.

St. John Paul showed how to face suffering by embracing God, Mary VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Remembering St. John Paul II and the 15th anniversary of his death, Pope Francis encouraged people to pray for his intercession and trust in Divine Mercy, especially during these “difficult days” of the coronavirus pandemic. St. John Paul, who, after a long illness died April 2, 2005, will always be an important figure for the church, but is even more so now at a time when so many people are suffering worldwide, said Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. The last years of his pontificate reflected personal trial and suffering, and he showed the world through his witness a life filled with faith and a way of accepting pain as something redeemed

by God’s love, he said in an interview with Vatican News April 1. “This is one of the reasons why the epidemic is so frightening because, for so many people, faith has died. John Paul II was a believer, a convinced believer, a coherent believer and faith illuminated the path of his life,” the cardinal said.

Catholic schools, Little Sisters among Supreme Court’s postponed cases

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Supreme Court, much like the rest of the country, is putting some of its work on hold amid the restrictions of the COVID-19 health crisis. The court, which had already postponed oral arguments from mid-March to mid-April, announced April 3 that it also was postponing the rest of the April argument session scheduled through April 29. In announcing the decision, it did not say if or when it would resume scheduled arguments for this term but indicated in a short news release that the court will “consider rescheduling some cases from the March and April sessions before the end of the term, if circumstances permit in light of public health and safety guidance at that time.” The most recent announcement impacts a case the court was to hear April 29: Little Sisters of the Poor v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The sisters, who have been before the nation’s high court before, are back because of state challenges to the Trump administration’s decision to allow religious employers to opt out of the Affordable Health Care’s contraceptive mandate. “In this trying time for our nation, the Little Sisters of the Poor are dedicated to protecting their elderly residents from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Diana Verm, senior counsel at Becket, representing the sisters, in a statement after the court’s postponement was announced. “Now more than ever the sisters need the freedom to focus solely on that mission,” she added.

Haddad: Catholic health care committed to ‘loving care’ of COVID-19 patients WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As the COVID-19 pandemic touches nearly every corner of the globe, “there are many ethical considerations around resource allocation and the delivery of care for critically ill patients,” said Mercy Sister Mary Haddad, president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association. “Catholic health care is committed to the healing ministry of Jesus and upholding the inherent dignity of all who seek our care,” she said in a March 27 statement. “We are also committed to accompanying and supporting patients through the end of their lives.” She warned against health care providers and facilities proposing “a universal, unilateral DNR” -- a “do not resuscitate” policy

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WORLD NEWS -- for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. “It is not morally appropriate” to proposed this kind of a policy, Sister Haddad said. “This eliminates clinical decision-making and erodes the patient-professional relationship. There are cases where “if it is shown that the burdens exceed the benefits, it is morally acceptable to withhold CPR,” she said.

This is in keeping with the “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services” of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Sister Haddad said. “The clinical indication for decision-making about any intervention does not change for COVID-19 patients,” she added.

work,” he told CNS. “Especially since most (immigrants without legal status) live paycheck to paycheck, they’re worried they won’t make rent this month. The reality of not having health care is also scary right now, especially with public charge.” The 2019 Trump administration’s “public charge” policy, which is navigating through U.S. courts, seeks to deny legal status to some immigrants who apply for social safety-net programs. If they apply for government help, it could hurt their chances to apply for permanent residency or citizenship and even threatens deportation for those who sign up for public benefits.

Pandemic adds increasing burdens on immigrants without legal status

Pope prays for media helping people endure isolation

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- From a darkened room, the immigrant spoke in mid-March via Skype to a reporter from the TV station Guatevision, which focuses on issues pertaining to Guatemalans in and outside of the country. He told her that in Ohio, where he lives, though the community has been generally kind without regard to a person’s immigration status, the fear among immigrants without legal permission to be in the U.S. was rampant -- and the coronavirus was just one of many mounting problems. Work in Ohio, as in the rest of the country and the world, has dried up. Having no health insurance, even some experiencing symptoms were seeking to fight the virus in their residences, without receiving any medical care or advice, risking death and exposing others to the virus. Jose Arnulfo Cabrera, director of education and advocacy for migration at the Ohio-based Ignatian Solidarity Network said in an interview March 27 with Catholic News Service that for many immigrants, particularly those without legal documentation, the COVID-19 crisis has added another layer of fear and thrown them into an economic crisis with no safety net. “My mom cleans houses for a living and hasn’t worked all week because her clients are in self-quarantine. Many of our friends have lost their job or are day laborers and haven’t found

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- With self-isolation becoming more widespread due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis thanked journalists and members of the media who inform people and help them cope with loneliness. “Today, I would like us to pray for all those who work in the media, who work to communicate so that people don’t find themselves so isolated, for the education of children, for information to help endure this time of isolation,” the pope said April 1 during his livestreamed morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

In his homily, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading from St. John in which Jesus points out the hypocrisy of the doctors of law who, while claiming to be sons of Abraham, do not recognize Christ’s divinity.

“If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this,” Jesus said to them.

Jesus, the pope explained, “puts them in a corner by showing them their contradictions.” However, the response by those who were criticized -- “We were not born of fornication. We have one father, God” -- shows that they find no other way out of Christ’s argument than to insult him.

ARCHBISHOP’S SCHEDULE

Date

Event

April

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month Holy Thursday/Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday – Friday of the Passion of the Lord Holy Saturday Easter Sunday Divine Mercy Sunday Earth Day

May

National Mental Health Month Good Shepherd Sunday Ascension of the Lord Pentecost

Thurs, Apr 9 Fri, Apr 10 Sat, Apr 11 Sun, Apr 12 Sun, Apr 19 Mon, Apr 22

Sun, May 12 Thurs, May 21 Sun, May 31

Archbishop John C. Wester will be broadcasting Daily Mass each weekday. The link can be found on our website archdiosf.org/mass-schedules or on our Facebook page (Archdiocese of Santa Fe Official). It will also be on Relevant Radio/The Archbishop’s Hour 98.9FM at the same time.

Sunday Live-Streamed Masses with Archbishop Wester will be streamed from the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi at 10 a.m. Mass will be uploaded by the Cathedral on their YouTube channel later that Sunday afternoon, or you can listen to Archbishop’s Mass at 10 a.m. on www.kswvradio.com . Videos are courtesy of Cathedral staff and are streamed weekly on the Cathedral’s Facebook page (@ CathedralBasilicaOfStFrancisOfAssisi)

TV MASS SCHEDULE The Catholic Center / St. Joseph/St. Francis Chapel Over the air television Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on KRQE TV-13-2, KBIM TV-10-2, KREZ TV-6-2 and KASY-My50TV. Cable or satellite providers on KRQE TV-13, KBIM TV-10, KREZ TV-6, FOX 2 American Sign Language (ASL) InterpretedTV Mass donations may be sent online to www.archdiosf.org or mailed to: Vicar General’s Office/TV Mass, 4000 St. Joseph’s Pl. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Check out Sunday and daily readings at www.usccb.org

April 2020

PEOPLE of GOD

39

A Different Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Season

By Damaris Thillet, Director, Office of Worship The consequences of social distancing have led to postponed or canceled public liturgies and prayer services throughout Lent, and upcoming Holy Week and Easter liturgies, leaving priests to pray these liturgies in solitude, or with just one or two ministers.

To help the faithful meet their spiritual needs during the church’s holiest week of the year, the archdiocese and dioceses around the world are planning to livestream the liturgies for the Holy Triduum and Easter Masses.

As we keep searching for resources and ways to stay connected to each other and our faith practices, we need to be attentive to the difference between watching and participating. There are several things you might want to consider.

• Consider making a prayer space, around the TV or computer. Light candles, and place a crucifix there.

• It is best to watch a live Mass rather than a recorded one.

• Respond to the prayers and readings, as if you were present. There are many resources available online during this time with Mass parts

that you can access. One example is Give Us This Day, giveusthisday.org/digital.

• Visit our archdiocesan webpage www.archdiosf.org/worship and take advantage of all the resources we have been compiling for your

personal and family prayer.

• Make a spiritual communion during the communion time of the Mass. Pray that Jesus come into your heart, by your desire, spiritually at

that moment of the Mass.

• Share about the Mass together after Mass with your family.

• What did you hear?

• What can you take that is helping you during this difficult time?

Pope Francis had this to say about praying together as Christian households and families: Do you pray together from time to time as a family? Some of you do, I know. But so many people say to me: But how can we? …But in the family how is this done? After all, prayer seems to be something personal, and besides there is never a good time, a moment of peace… Yes, all that is true enough, but it is also a matter of humility, of realizing that we need God… all of us! We need his help, his strength, his blessing, his mercy, his forgiveness. And we need simplicity to pray as a family: simplicity is necessary! Praying the Our Father together, around the table, is not something extraordinary: it’s easy. And praying the Rosary together, as a family, is very beautiful and a source of great strength! And also praying for one another!

Remember that when we pray as a domestic church, Christ is truly present. The church teaches that Christ is truly present in the priest, in the sacraments, in God’s word, in the Eucharist, and in the church when we pray and sing.

We know the presence of Christ under the eucharistic species is unique, and it is painful for all of us to be deprived of that presence in this difficult time. But that does not mean Jesus is not present in other ways. When we gather as a domestic church to proclaim God’s word and pray together, Christ is truly present in our midst.As we struggle with the crisis and challenges we’re facing, and as we work with what it takes to be safe and keep our loved ones safe, we’re going to have to decide not to be buried with darkness. Let us pray to find the deeper meaning of this challenge that is facing the whole of humanity and which is calling us to faith and to resurrection.