The New Vision - February Issue 2010

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VISION TheNew

of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson

Volume V - Number III             February 2010 • $15 per year • Tucson, Arizona           Visit www.newvisiononline.org

INSIDE

March for Life This girl was among the hundreds who took part in Tucson’s annual March for Life.          - See Page 2

Notre Dame picks 3 Tucson schools for pilot program By BERN ZOVISTOSKI The New Vision The University of Notre Dame and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson have agreed to designate three parish schools in Tucson – St. Ambrose, St. John the Evangelist and Santa Cruz – as the nation’s first Notre Dame Alliance for Catholic Education Academy Schools. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas and Notre Dame Alliance for Catholic Education officials announced the designation on Jan. 29 at the Bishop Moreno Pastoral Center, 111 S. Church Ave. “This is an exciting moment,” Bishop Kicanas said. “It’s a great joy to have this new partnership to enhance and foster the formation of our young people…to strengthen our schools and community involvement.” The five-year partnership with the Alliance for Catholic Education will implement a unique model of Catholic education, beginning with the 2010-11 school year, to achieve comprehensive excellence in academics and school administration. The model emphasizes the enhancement of school leadership, curriculum, instruction, professional development, financial management, marketing and – importantly, Bishop Kicanas said – Catholic identity. “Above all else,” the goal of the program is “to provide a Catholic education of the highest quality to under-served communities.” See SCHOOLS, page 7

Father Joseph Corpora, CSC, of Notre Dame listens as Bishop Kicanas announces the new partnership with the university.

‘Commitment Sunday’ falls on Valentine’s Day

Happy day Father Sean Carroll, S.J., director of the Kino Border Initiative, is congratulated after making his final profession as a Jesuit.       - See Page 10

Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, is the day traditionally reserved for love, and fittingly that is “Commitment Sunday” for the Diocese of Tucson’s 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal. The Appeal’s theme is “To Love and Serve One Another,” and $3.7 million is being sought to fund the work of the Diocese’s 26 charities and ministries for the coming year. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas said the goal, $300,000 more than last year’s goal, “reflects both the reality of our

times and the reality of the needs that we must respond to as we do the dayto-day work of the Church.” The goal, he said, “is just the bare minimum that these charities and ministries need so that they can do their essential work effectively.” Pledges and pledge payments can be made online at www.diocesetucson.org. Leadership training sessions have been undertaken in the Diocese’s 11 vicariates in anticipation of Commit-

ment Sunday. Margie Puerta Edson, executive director for stewardship and development for the Diocese’s Charity and Ministry Fund, cited this Gospel passage – “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” describing it as a message that “resonates perfectly for our time.” “All around us we see the needs of our parishes…in this message we hear See APPEAL page 7


Hundreds, young and old, take part in ‘March for Life’

Hundreds turned out last month for Tucson’s 15th annual March for Life, which began with a Mass led by Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas in an overflowing St. Augustine Cathedral and concluded at Holy Hope Cemetery with a moving memorial service at the “Monument to Rachel.” Many in the crowd were children wearing bright red “Lifeguard” T-shirts and carrying placards and banners in support of life and opposed to abortion. More than a dozen priests from throughout the Diocese of Tucson concelebrated the Mass, while a Protestant prayer service was held concurrently in the Cathedral Hall.

Then everyone gathered outside for the mile-long trek to the cemetery with a large police escort to facilitate the march. The participants prayed and sang along the way and many passing motorists honked their horns to show support. Large numbers of parishioners turned out from Sacred Heart Parish in Nogales, St. Helen Parish in Eloy, Santa Cruz Parish, St. Thomas More Newman Parish, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Holy Family Parish, Our Lady of Fatima Parish and St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Tucson, as well as from Immaculate Conception Parish in

Ajo, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista and Our Lady of Grace Parish in Maricopa. At the cemetery, individuals born in each of the years since abortion was legalized solemnly placed a rose before the monument. A young woman who had had an abortion told the gathering of her regrets in having made that decision and expressed her desire to support other women facing the decision whether to have an abortion. The event, supported by the Knights of Columbus and Tucson for Life, commemorated the 36th anniversary of the Rowe v. Wade decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that legalized abortion.

Above, participants in the March for Life form outside St. Augustine Cathedral for the trek to Holy Hope Cemetery.

At right, some of the many young people who joined in the march display their sentiments on a home-made poster.

At far right, Bishop Kicanas blesses a child as he exits the Cathedral after Mass and then joins in with the marchers.

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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • FEBRUARY 2010


FROM THE BISHOP

Make Lent matter

Cómo hacer valer la Cuaresma

The Church’s liturgical year begins with the longing and waiting of the Advent season. It draws us into the awesome mystery of God, made man on Christmas. Such is God’s love for us that he sent His only Son, One like us in all things but sin. We celebrated just a few weeks ago the octave of important and festive feasts that come with Christmas – Holy Innocents, Mary, the Mother of God, The Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord. It is that feast which teaches us that Christ came to carry out a mission that He has passed on to us. That mission? We are to live as He lived. We are to love as He loved. We are to serve as He served. After a period of Ordinary time, a sort of breather in the liturgical year, we now are on the threshold of the penitential season of Lent. White and green will turn to purple. From the childlike joys of Christmas, we now are preparing to be somber and reflective. We lament how far we are from the beloved sons and daughters of God that we are called to be. We seek “metanoia.” All of us need Lent, a time to take stock of our lives as disciples of Christ commissioned by our baptism, as Christ was commissioned by His, to be instruments of God’s love in our day and in our time. All of us need Lent to be in greater communion with God. Just as friends need to spend time together, need to talk together and need to grow closer to one another, so does Lent involve seeking increased opportunities for prayer, for dialogue with God. All of us need Lent to become more focused, more disciplined, more attentive to what matters in life – what sustains, what is worth living for. So, Lent involves more focus, more discipline, more attention. Lent means making sacrifices, doing penance, putting our priorities in line, letting go, emptying our cluttered lives to focus on the essentials – faith, hope and love. All of us need Lent to become less self-seeking and more self-giving. So, Lent involves almsgiving, seeing beyond ones own needs, to do for others. We seek to move our attention from our own needs to see more vividly the needs of others. The Church invites us to make this season a time for more intense prayer, a time of doing penance and of giving alms. I feel the need for Lent. Bishops don’t get a “pass” on needing Lent. I need to grow in my union with God. As I look at my life, I see how busyness far too often robs me of time for prayer and reflection. I need to pause, to spend time with the Lord. I feel that my greatest gift as bishop to our Diocese is not what I accomplish, as important as that is, but my example as a person of prayer. I can be self-referred, self-centered and tire of giving, tire of serving. I can put my own needs and concerns first, like the hired hand who is not the shepherd. I need this season to put my priorities in line. I need this season to live more fully Christ’s charge, “the one who loses their life finds it and the one who holds on to their life loses it.” I need this season to open my eyes to see other’s need, to open my ears to hear others cries that call out for a response. Seize the opportunity this Lent to make even the smallest step forward with God’s grace to grow as a disciple by intensifying prayer, by doing penance and by making sacrifices for others and by sharing the bountiful gifts God has given you for those who have so little. Make Lent matter. • Managing Editor: Bern Zovistoski Phone: 520-792-3410; Ext. 1062 Fax 520-838-2599 bernz@diocesetucson.org • Graphic Designer: Omar Rodríguez Ph: 520-792-3410; Ext. 1063 omarr@diocesetucson.org

• Editor and Publisher: Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas

• La Nueva Visión Contributing Editor Team: José Luis González, Angel Martínez, Rubén Daválos

I need this season to put my priorities in line.

Necesito de esta temporada para organizar mis prioridades.

El año litúrgico de la Iglesia comienza con la añoranza y la espera de la temporada de Adviento. Nos hace sentir atraídos hacia el maravilloso misterio de Dios, hecho hombre en Navidad. Tal es el amor de Dios, que nos envió a Su único Hijo, un ser como nosotros en todos los aspectos, excepto en el pecado. Hace apenas unas semanas, celebramos la octava de importantes y jubilosas fiestas que son parte de la Navidad: los Santos Inocentes; María, Madre de Dios; la Epifanía; el Bautismo del Señor. Esa es la fiesta que nos enseña que Cristo vino para cumplir con una misión que nos ha encomendado a nosotros. ¿Y cuál es esa misión? Hemos de vivir como Él vivió. Hemos de amar como Él amó. Hemos de servir como Él sirvió. Después de un período de tiempo Ordinario, que es como un respiro en el año litúrgico, nos encontramos ahora en el umbral de la temporada penitencial de la Cuaresma. El blanco y el verde dan paso al morado. Dejando atrás el gozo casi infantil de la Navidad, nos preparamos para momentos sombríos, de reflexión. Lamentamos hallar que estamos muy distantes de ser los hijos e hijas amadas de Dios que debemos ser. Buscamos la “metanoia”. Todos nosotros necesitamos de la Cuaresma, un tiempo para evaluar nuestra vida de discípulos de Cristo comisionados por nuestro bautismo, al igual que Cristo fuera comisionado por el Suyo, a ser instrumentos del amor de Dios en nuestro momento y en nuestros tiempos. Todos necesitamos de la Cuaresma para estar en comunión con Dios de manera más intensa. Así como es necesario que los amigos pasen tiempo juntos, que conversen, y que continúen estrechando su relación, también la Cuaresma implica una búsqueda de más oportunidades para la oración y para el diálogo con Dios. Todos necesitamos de la Cuaresma para mejorar nuestro enfoque, para volvernos más disciplinados, para estar más atentos a aquello que es importante en la vida, lo que nos da sustento, lo que hace que valga la pena vivir. Por lo tanto, durante la Cuaresma es preciso estar mejor enfocado, tener más disciplina, hacer penitencia, organizar nuestras prioridades, liberarnos de las cosas que complican nuestra vida y que crean desorden, para así poder concentrarnos en lo que es esencial: la fe, la paz y el amor. Todos necesitamos de la Cuaresma para motivarnos a dedicar menos tiempo a la búsqueda de la satisfacción personal y más tiempo a nuestro prójimo. Así, durante la Cuaresma, es importante dar limosna, ver más allá de nuestras propias necesidades y ayudar al prójimo. Debemos prestar menos atención a nuestras necesidades para ver con mayor claridad las necesidades de los demás. La Iglesia nos invita a hacer de esta temporada un tiempo de intensa oración, de penitencia y de limosna. Yo siento necesidad de la Cuaresma. Los Obispos no estamos libres de sentir esa necesidad. Necesito aumentar mi unión con Dios. Cuando me detengo a pensar mi vida, veo cómo todos mis quehaceres a menudo me roban tiempo de oración y de reflexión. Necesito hacer Mirar OBISPO página 8

• Proofreading: Sister Rina Cappellazzo, Martha Jordan, Julieta González

• The New Vision mailing address: 111 S. Church Ave. Tucson, AZ 85702

• Advertising: Claudia Borders Phone: 520-298-1265 Voice mail: 520-298-1265 borders.c@att.net

• Vision Web site: www.newvisiononline.org

Rubén Dávalos Phone: 520-990-9225 or 520-548-0502 davalosjr@cox.net

• Advisory Board: Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, Fr. Al Schifano, Sister Rina Cappellazzo, Fr. John Arnold, Fr. Michael Bucciarelli, Bob Scala, Lee Oser, Fr. Bart Hutcherson, O.P.

Winner of 2009 international award for ‘general excellence’

FEBRUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

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Welter earns ‘Servant of Justice’ award

Dozens turned out for a discussion about migration at St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish.

St. Cyril focuses on immigrants During the 2010 National Migration Week, observed in January, St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish in Tucson celebrated with two initiatives, one leading to the other. Father Ron Oakham, O.Carm., pastor, had the idea of putting a large world map on an easel in the lobby of the Church and asking all parishioners to put a pin on the country of their ethnic origin. After every Mass, we saw different parts of the world being filled with pins: various countries of Europe, Africa, Mexico and South America, and Poland. Eventually, more than 70 countries in all five continents were highlighted, demonstrating the richness of culture and traditions present in the parish. The exercise was especially meaningful for the new immigrants from Africa and Latin America, who were grateful to have the opportunity to say “We are here” and proud to show off their origin. The point was not lost that most are “immigrants” either personally, or through ancestors. Then, at the conclusion of the week, parishioners were invited to a “Compre-

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hensive Immigration Reform Conversation” to explore the various facets of the current Immigration crisis, reflecting on how Immigration policies have evolved over time, the impact of Immigration on the economy, the conflicting values that surface in the Immigration Reform debate, Biblical and Church teaching on Immigration, and the proposed legislation. Father Ron framed the meeting and talked about the Catholic tradition of care for the stranger. Leaders from the Pima County Interfaith Council (PCIC) helped in preparing and conducting this meeting, attended by about 60 people. During the meeting, several moving stories of migration to the U.S. were shared. One concerned a divided family from Mexico, representing the current struggle at our border. Others were from recent immigrants from Cameroon and from Iraq, reflecting their difficulties getting settled in this country. Others were of immigrants from Hungary and Vietnam who went through trying experiences in the past, but eventually were successful and are now fully integrated.

For her work to ease the plight of migrants, Joanne Welter, director of Catholic Social Mission for the Diocese of Tucson, has been named the first recipient of the Servant of Justice Award by the Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors. The award was presented at the Roundtable’s 25th anniversary luncheon at the 2010 Catholic Social Ministry gathering in Washington, D.C. The theme of the gathering was “Charity in Truth: Seeking the Common Good.” Welter, the award states, “focuses on bringing the attention of the Church in the United States to the moral dimensions of migration, especially the suffering of migrants who had to make the dangerous trek through the hostile environment of the desert. In 1996 she led the coordination of two major bi-national Border Conferences that provided experiential and educational awareness of the border realities for diocesan Social Ministry directors from across the nation.” The award cited Welter for “her persistent and unrelenting commitment to raise the awareness of Catholics about what migrants were experiencing and suffering…”

Joanne Welter For 20 years Welter was a parish social minister at St. Cyril Parish in Tucson, where she was involved in the Sanctuary Movement that offered safe haven to those escaping the Salvadoran Civil War. Founded by Catholic diocesan social action directors in 1985, the Roundtable is committed to advancing the social mission of the church. Over the years, it has evolved as a resource for expert support to members through education, formation, networking opportunities, and management development. It is a project of the National Pastoral Life Center.

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • FEBRUARY 2010


Catholics aid stricken Haitians WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Facing a tal and government operations as hunger growing humanitarian crisis after the largest grew and some Haitians became increasearthquake in Haiti in two centuries, Cath- ingly impatient because they had received olic aid agencies and world governments little or no assistance in the week since the were boosting efforts to respond to the Jan. 12 quake. Haitian government and relief agency needs of hundreds of thousands of injured authorities raised and homeless. their estimates Agencies of the number of such as Cathodead to 200,000. lic Relief ServicAnother 300,000 es and Jesuit people were Refugee Service injured. Up to 3 as well as smallmillion of Haiti’s er organizations 9.8 million people from around were affected by the world have the most recent raised millions natural disasof dollars to ter to strike the provide medical small nation. services, feed and Catholic shelter people Anna Zizi drinks water after being rescued from the Servicand head off the collapsed home of the parish priest at the Cathedral Relief of Our Lady of the Assumption in Port-au-Prince. es increased its rapid spread of pledge of aid for disease. (Dioceses throughout the U.S., includ- the impoverished nation to $25 million, ing the Diocese of Tucson, held a special and it could go higher, said Pat Johns, direccollection in support of the relief effort. tor of safety and security for the BaltimoreDonations can still be made and sent to based agency. CRS, which is coordinating CRS Haiti Earthquake Relief, Diocese of the Catholic Church’s response, reported it had collected $13.1 million for earthquake Tucson, P.O. Box 31, Tucson, AZ 85702.) The agencies were coordinating efforts relief as of early Jan. 19. with other religious, nongovernmen-

Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas Calendar

February 2010

2  Catholic Charities USA National Conference, El Conquistador 2-3  Arizona Catholic Conference, Phoenix 3  Mass for Catholic Schools, St. Simon & Jude Cathedral, Phoenix 4  7:30 A.M., Catholic Cemeteries’ Board Meeting 5  8:00 A.M., School Mass, Santa Cruz Catholic School 10:00 A.M., Leaders Meeting regarding refugees 6  9:00 A.M., Parish Boards of Directors Convocation, St. Frances Cabrini 7  10:30 A.M., Mass, Korean Catholic Community, St. Ann’s Convent 8-12  USCCB, CCCB, CELAM, Bishops’ Meeting, Montreal 12  6:00 P.M., Catholic Foundation Mardi Gras, Bishop’s residence 13  Retreat for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Redemptorist Renewal Center 14  11:00 A.M., Jubilee Mass for Vowed Religious men and women, St. Joseph Church 15  8:00 A.M., Burial at the Garden of the Ancestors, All Faiths Cemetery 10:00 A.M., Priests’ Day of Prayer, Redemptorist Renewal Center 6:00 P.M., Dinner, Mundelein Seminarians, residence

16  12:00 noon, Friends of Serra Club Luncheon Meeting, El Parador 5:00 P.M., Priests’ Appreciation Dinner, Knights of Columbus 17  12:00 noon, Ash Wednesday Mass, St. Augustine Cathedral 2:00 P.M., Meeting with Religious Congregation Leaders, Redemptorist Renewal Center 18  8:00 A.M., Administrative Directors’ Meeting 9:00 A.M., Pastoral Directors’ Meeting 11:30 A.M., Santa Cruz Vicariate Meeting 19-21  Lenten Day of recollection for Dominican men, St. Louis 21  2:30 P.M., Rite of Election, St. Joseph Church 22  10:30 A.M., Presbyteral Council 24  9:00 A.M., Violent Intruder Workshop, St. Joseph Parish 25  7:30 A.M., Prayer Breakfast, Davis Monthan Air Force Base 27  3:00 P.M., Carondelet Health Care Donor Reception 5:00 P.M., “Bishop’s Day”, Italian Catholic Federation, Mass, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 28  2:30 P.M., Rite of Election, St. Joseph Church

Celebrating Reachout Pregnancy Center’s 37 Anniversary

Spring Luncheon 2010 Sunday, March 7, 2010 Hospitality - 11:30 a.m.

Luncheon - 12:30 p.m. Skyline Country Club

Guest Speaker Tony Rothweiler “The Gift of Life” A pregnancy Center’s Impact on Life Special Gospel Music Entertainment The Gatekeeper’s Cost: $45.oo per person

Hosted Table: $360.00

RSVP: by Feb. 24, 2010

Lois at 321-4300

Think You’re Pregnant? Think You Need Some Help? Think Reachout Pregnancy Center For info call us 321-4300 or stop in 2648 N. Campbell email: reachout4life@q.com • website: www.reachoutforlife.org FEBRUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

Memorial walk The second annual 5K Memorial Walk to support families who have lost a child will be held on Sunday, March 21, at the DeMeester Bandshell in Tucson’s Reid Park, with sign-in at 7 a.m. and the walk starting at 8 a.m. The event is sponsored by the Elisa Gastellum Memorial Foundation, Inc., to raise money for the Footprints Forever On Our Hearts Support Group, which provides special services for grieving families, and other special charities. A $20 donation is asked for the walk, and for $30 the walker gets a T-shirt. Those who obtain pledges for their walk will qualify for prizes, depending on the amount pledged. Funds will support the Footprints Forever On Our Hearts Support Group’s annual retreat for families, bereavement packets to serve families in the diocese, books and CD’s for the support group library, as well as benefit other foundations and organizations for families who lave lost a child. If a family has a foundation, scholarship fund, hospital, organization or a specific cause in memory of their child, half of any pledge money they raise can go to that entity, provided at least $100 is raised. The 5K Memorial Walk will include complimentary breakfast and entertainment for the entire family.

Sisters sought The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Tucson will host a monastic experience weekend for women discerning a call to religious life on Feb. 19-21 at their monastery at 800 N. Country Club Rd. Participants will join the community for Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours and meals, beginning at 5 p.m. on Feb. 19 and continuing until 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 21. They’ll receive input on prayer and discernment, have time for personal prayer, and meet others who are discerning. Single women between the ages of 18 and 40 are invited. For more information,

Double Diamond Jubilee – 60-plus years

ordained

Jubilarians to be honored Twenty-one Sisters and one Brother will be honored at the Jubilee of Vowed Religious at St. Joseph Parish in Tucson on Feb. 14, with a Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. A catered luncheon will folow in the parish hall. Among the honorees will be three who have served for 60-plus years. The Mass will begin at 11 a.m. and the luncheon will follow at 12:30, hosted by the Knights of Columbus and Serra Clubs under the direction of Roy Sender of the Green Valley K of C. The event will also celebrate the National World Day for Consecrated Life, which falls on Feb. 7. The honorees are:

Silver Jubilee – 25 years Sister Corrine Fair, OSB

Golden Jubilee – 50 years

Sister Geraldine Brady, SC, Sister

contact Sister Lupita Barajas at 520-3256402 or email barajasosb@gmail.com.

Golf benefit Santa Cruz Catholic School will hold its 5th Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, March 13, at Randolf Golf Course, with all proceeds benefiting the Tucson school’s development of a technology program. The Cost is $75 per golfer. This includes a golf cart, tee fee and lunch. Prizes will be awarded. The school is seeking hole sponsors; the sponsorships are 100 percent tax deductible. Registration deadline is Feb. 27. For more information contact Sally Santa Cruz at 850-4028,email sally122645@msn. com or visit the school’s web site, santacruzschool.org.

Passion Play

Fr. Ray Ratzenberger spiritual director

May 9th - 20th, 2010

Eastern Europe with Oberammergau Tour including Krakow, Auscwitz, Czestochowa, Prague.

Holy Land Pilgrimage August 28 - September 7, 2010

WWW.JMJMinistries.ORG 573-0065 or (800) 299-5708 Nebraska & 12th Ave. Tucson, AZ

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Sister Rina Cappellazzo, OP, Sister Corina Padilla, OP; Sister Dolores Dowling, OSB, Sister Bernard Mary Herlihey, MSBT, Sister Mary Elizabeth Krone, OSB, Sister Janet Kunkel, OSF, Sister Anne Lorraine Mahlmeister, CSJ, Sister Patricia Winder, MSBT

This experience during the recent school holiday break gave students an opportunity to visit the southern border of the United States and learn more about the challenges it presents to the men, women and children of Mexico seeking a better life in the United States. Students picked up trash in the desert left by immigrants traveling north, visited water tanks put out by Humane Borders, took a tour of the Tucson-Nogales border, prayed, and participated in other activities designed to give them an opportunity to connect with people living in poverty, marginalized by society and/or fighting injustice. Both San Miguel and Cathedral High are Lasallian schools of the District of San Francisco. The El Otro Lado program was designed to promote the Lasallian tenets of faith, community, service, social justice and simplicity.

Diane Bridenbecker, OP, Brother Michael Graf, OSF, Sister Ann Mary Hart, OSF, Sister Leila Mattingly, MM, Sister Mary Catherine Moran, OP, Sister Carolyn Nicolai, OSF, Sister Noelle O’Shea, CSJ, Sister Anna Quigley, RSM, Sister Barbara Sullivan, CSJ, Sister Anna Quigley, RSM, Sister Barbara Sullivan, CSJ

Diamond Jubilee – 60 years

Sister Margaret Mary Bielinski, OSB, Sister Barbara Donohue, SFCC, Sister Therese Martin, SFCC

Healing journey Caregivers are invited to a “journey of healing” on Saturday, March 13, at the Tucson Convention Center. Sponsored by Carondelet Health Network and the Diocese of Tucson, the event is titled “The Resilient Caregiver: Embracing the Spiritual Journey.” For more information, contact Mary Louise Luna at 520-873-5006 or email mluna@carondelet.org.

Border visit Students from Tucson’s San Miguel High School and Cathedral High School of Los Angeles participated in a five-day immersion program called “El Otro Lado” (the other side),” refers to the wall that separates Mexico and the United States.

JMJ Jesus Mary Joseph Ministries

non-profit non-tax

Brother Marlon Mateo, O. Carm., who has been associated with Salpointe High School in Tucson since 2007, has been ordained a priest. Father Marlon was ordained on Dec. 19 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Tenafly, N.J., by Most Rev. John Boissonneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto. He has taught religion and assisted with campus ministry at Salpointe and served as a deacon at Sacred Heart Parish in Tucson. Father Marlon will continue his ministry at Salpointe.

Volunteers United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is looking for volunteers for the tax assistance program called VITA, which provides free tax services to low-income families and individuals. For more information on volunteer positions, call 520-903-3949 or go to vitavolunteers@unitedwaytucson.org.

For the year of the Priesthood: Paris, Ars, Lourdes, Italy trip with Father Juan Carlos Aguirre

France Pilgrimage June 16th - July 1st, 2010

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SCHOOLS continued from page 1

The initiative is led at Notre Dame by ACE’s director of university-school partnerships, Rev. Joseph Corpora, C.S.C., a Holy Cross priest and former pastor with nearly 20 years experience in parishes and schools effectively serving Latinos. Father Corpora, who attended the press conference along with other Notre Dame officials, said he was “equally excited.” He said the genesis of the program came when Notre Dame educators realized that 70 percent of the nation’s population under 35 was Latino, but only 3 percent are educated in Catholic schools. The goal, he said, is to double that percentage in 10 years, to 800,000 students, and in 20 years to have “hundreds” of ACE Academies across the nation. “Tucson is the perfect place to start this program,” he said. Bishop Kicanas noted that students educated in Catholic schools have a 42 percent great chance to enter college than those who attend public schools. The Alliance for Catholic Education will provide the schools with expertise and resources that include an instructional coach for teachers, on-site support for principals and teachers from Notre Dame faculty and staff and a director of marketing and development who will be responsible for efforts to boost enrollment and raise funds for tuition scholarships.

See Q&A Do you have questions about the ACE Academy program? See the Q-and-A on our Website, www.newvisiononline.org for all the answers. A regional school board that will include the pastors and representatives of the schools will be responsible for the oversight of the schools’ academic, administrative and financial operations. The three schools’ principals and faculty members will spend time at the Notre Dame campus this summer preparing to implement the program. Bishop Kicanas invited the Alliance to consider Tucson as the inaugural site for the Academy Schools’ concept. Notre Dame officials said they were looking for three schools that fit the criteria for the program. “I said, ‘we have them,’” Bishop Kicanas remarked with a smile at the press conference. The Alliance selected the three schools after a comprehensive feasibility study showed strong support for the partnership, the schools’ capacity to serve area students effectively and opportunities for provid-

ing tuition scholarships that are created by Arizona’s private school tax credit. Notre Dame’s efforts in the partnership are funded through a generous grant from the Walton Family Foundation and are supported by the university and other partners. St. Ambrose, St. John and Santa Cruz Schools have a combined enrollment of 598. Hispanic children account for an average of 86 percent of the students in the three schools. Sister Leonette Kochan, OSF, principal of Santa Cruz, said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for our children who are precious and deserve every opportunity we can give them.” The Alliance for Catholic Education and the Diocese have had a partnership since 2001. Seven teachers in the Serving Through Teaching Program are teaching in four parish schools in Tucson this school year. “We are just delighted about deepening our partnership with Bishop Kicanas and the Diocese of Tucson,” said Rev. Timothy R. Scully, C.S.C., founder of ACE and director of the Institute for Educational Initiatives at Notre Dame. “St. John, St. Ambrose and Santa Cruz have served the families of South Tucson for many years, and we are thrilled about the increased opportunities this Notre Dame family of schools will offer for years to come.”

FATHER RICKY ORDOÑEZ

Vocations director Father Ricky Ordoñez, parochial vicar of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Tucson, has been appointed vocations director of the Diocese of Tucson by Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, effective July 1. “I’m humbled and overwhelmed,” said Father Ricky. “This is a big challenge.” He will serve in the position full-time. Father Ricky will succeed co-directors Father Vili Vaderrama and Father Mike Bucciarelli, who will continue in their part-time roles until July 1.

Public invited Most Holy Trinity Parish will host a meeting on Feb. 27 for anyone interested in learning more about matters related to preparing for the future. The session will run from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. and lunch will be provided. Topics include estate planning, wills, trusts, how to plan a funeral service and

what to expect when dealing with cemetery officials. Representatives of Bring’s Memorial Chapel and Holy Hope Cemetery will be among the presenters. For more information or to make a reservation, call Most Holy Trinity Parish at 884-9021.

APPEAL continued from page 1

that depend upon the Appeal are Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, evangelization and religious education, formation of new deacons and lay ecclesial ministers, support for vocations to the priesthood and outreach to youth.

the call to participation and community to build and strengthen the Church,” she said. “The challenges before us are great, so too should be our response…” Among the ministries and charities

Support the Annual Collection for the U.S. Black and Indian Missions the weekend of Feb. 20-21 in your parish. Information/donation: Catholic Social Mission, Diocese of Tucson P.O. Box 31, Tucson, AZ 85702 socialmission@diocesetucson.org  520-792-3410 FEBRUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

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Salpointe names new president Father Robert Carroll, O. Carm., Ph.D., won the award four times. “There is no question about how has been named president and head of school at Salpointe Catholic High School. honored I am to be offered this position Father Carroll succeeds Father Fred of service and leadership to the Salpointe Tillotson, O.Carm., who left Salpointe last community,” Father Carroll said. “As a board member for the last July to become president of four years I have been in the Washington Theological admiration of the exceptionUnion in Washington, D.C. al depth and richness of the In the interim, Kay SulliSalpointe educational expevan had served as head of rience, one that is holistic, school. professional, and spiritu“We are thrilled to have al at the same time. Those a new president at Salpointe who know about the devowith Father Carroll’s depth tion and care of Salpointe of experience and commitfamilies, and the faculty and ment to Catholic secondstaff of the school, are in awe ary education,” said Dr. Phil Lacovara, chairman Fr. ROBERT CARROLL with what they see. I am so pleased to become part of of Salpointe High’s board of directors. “Father Carroll has the abil- the Salpointe family.” Father Carroll assumed his new duties ity to take Salpointe to still higher levels of excellence as the school approaches its on Jan. 4 and Sullivan resumed her responsibilities as director of development. 60th year.” “Salpointe has been in very good hands Father Carroll served as president and principal of Mt. Carmel High School in under Kay’s leadership,” Dr. Lacorava said. Chicago from 1980-1990, and as princi- “ With the strong support of the leaderpal of Carmel Catholic High School in ship team, faculty, staff, parents, students Mundelein, Ill., from 1994-2008. Both and alumni, Kay has delivered a seamless schools earned Blue Ribbon awards from transition for our students. The board of the U.S. Department of Education during directors and the entire Salpointe family his tenure, and Carmel Catholic was one are extremely grateful.” of only five schools in the country to have

Views sought on ministry, theology schooling

The Diocese of Tucson’s Pastoral Services Department, in collaboration with the Advanced Degree Feasibility Steering Committee, is considering the feasibility of bringing a program from an accredited Catholic university to Tucson to offer opportunities for Certificate and Master’s level studies in pastoral, ministerial, and/ or theological areas. A survey is posted on SurveyMonkey. com which, with your input, will help decide if this is a feasible task. “We know that money is tight for everyone, and the potential of being able to offer these types of programs right here in Tucson

could help many of our parish employees and volunteers attain the education they want and need to bring our programs and services to a more professional level,” said Joe Perdreauville, assistant director of the pastoral services department. “Please take the time to complete this survey between Feb 1 and Feb. 16,” he said. The link is http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M5JXJ7X and is also accessible from the Pastoral Services Page on the Diocese of Tucson website or by emailing Joe Perdreauville at joep@diocesetucson. org.

OBISPO continua de página 3

una pausa, dedicar tiempo al Señor. Siento que el don mayor de ser obispo de nuestra Diócesis no es lo que logro realizar, por importante que eso sea, sino el ejemplo que yo dé como persona de oración. Puedo actuar de manera que todo gire en torno a mí, cansarme de dar, cansarme de servir. Puedo poner mis propias necesidades e inquietudes en primer lugar, como el peón, que no es el pastor. Necesito de esta temporada para organizar mis prioridades. Necesito de esta temporada para vivir en mayor plenitud el mensaje de Cristo “todo el que pierda su vida la encontrará, y aquel que se aferre a ella, la perderá”. Necesito de esta temporada para abrir los ojos a las necesidades de los demás, para poder oír el clamor de quienes buscan una respuesta. Durante esta Cuaresma, aprovechen la oportunidad de dar un paso, por pequeño que sea, hacia la gracia de Dios, para ser mejores discípulos aumentando las oraciones, la penitencia y el sacrificio por los demás y compartiendo los abundantes dones que Dios les ha dado con otras personas que tienen muy poco. Hagan valer la Cuaresma.

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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • FEBRUARY 2010


Decades of Service, A Night of Honor They are five priests who have served the Diocese of Tucson and southern Arizona Catholics since the 1960s. For their decades of service to the Catholic community, it is fitting in this “Year for Priests” that they will be honored May 7 at the Catholic Foundation’s 2010 Cornerstone Gala. In addition to raising money for the Cornerstone Fund and the Foundation, this year’s gala will celebrate the “Year for Priests,” as designated by Pope Benedict XVI in June 2009. The five who have been celebrants at countless Masses and who will become the celebrated at the May 7 dinner are: Msgr. Thomas P. Cahalane, pastor of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish; Msgr. Thomas J. Millane, founding pastor and pastor emeritus of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish; Msgr. Richard W. O’Keeffe, episcopal vicar for Yuma-La Paz vicariate and pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Yuma; Msgr. Todd O’Leary, founding pastor of Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, and

Msgr. Thomas P. Cahalane Msgr. Cahalane was born in Ireland in 1938. After completing his college education in Ireland, he was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Tucson on June 8, 1963. He served as associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Scottsdale and in San Manuel, Oracle and Mammoth from 1967 to 1969. He served as associate pastor at St. Augustine Cathedral from 1969 to 1971 and as priest-in-residence from 1971 to 1981. He was director of CYO/ Youth Ministry for the Diocese from 1971 to 1976 and was Vicar of Education for the Diocese from 1975 to 1983. He has served as pastor of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish from 1981 to the present. Msgr. Thomas J. Millane A native of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, Msgr. Millane was born in 1936. He was ordained on May 18, 1963. He served as associate pastor at St. Thomas Parish, Phoenix; Holy Cross, Morenci; St. Joseph Parish, Tucson; and St. Odilia Parish before being named administrator, then pastor, of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista. In 1980, Bishop Moreno assigned him to build a

2010 Cornerstone Gala

The event will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, May 7, at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Tickets are $200 per person and are available through the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson by calling Clara Moreno at 520-838-2507 or e-mail cmoreno@cathfnd.org. of Saint Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson and Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Green Valley; and Msgr. Van Wagner, retired vicar general and former pastor of Saint Monica Parish and Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Tucson. “The gala is a wonderful way to support all priests in the Diocese, and in particular, these five men individually who have given so much to their parishioners,” said the Most Rev. Gerald F. Kicanas, the Bishop of Tucson. The money generated by the gala will go toward supporting the work of the Catholic Foundation and the Cornerstone Fund, which was created to meet the most pressing needs in the Diocese.

In order for as many priests in the Diocese to attend the celebration as possible, the Catholic Foundation is seeking sponsors to underwrite the cost of meals for priests. People who are unable to attend or who would like to donate their seat are encouraged to do so in order that more priests in the Diocese may attend the dinner.

new church in the far northwest side of Tucson. He served as founding pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish until he retired in 2006. He currently holds the title of pastor emeritus at the parish.

priests who volunteered to serve in the U.S. He served as associate pastor at St. Joseph, Tucson; Holy Cross, Morenci; Immaculate Conception, Douglas; and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glendale and Scottsdale before being named pastor of St. Monica in 1969. While at St. Monica’s, Msgr. O’Leary founded Our Lady of the Valley in Green Valley. He went on to found two more parishes: St. Francis de Sales Parish in 1971 and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in 1984, where he still serves as pastor.

Msgr. Richard W. O’Keeffe, E.V. Msgr. O’Keeffe was born in Kildare, Ireland, in 1935. After attending St. Patrick’s College and Seminary in County Tipperary, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1959 and moved to the United States. He served as associate pastor of Immaculate Conception in Douglas from 1959 to 1961, associate pastor of St. Bartholomew in San Manuel from 1961 to 1963, associate pastor of St. Cyril of Alexandria from 1963 to 1969, pastor of Sacred Heart in Willcox from 1970 to 1971, associate pastor of Immaculate Conception in Yuma from 1972 to 1981 and pastor of Immaculate Conception from 1981 to the present. Msgr. Todd O’Leary Born in County Caslow, Ireland, in 1938, Msgr. O’Leary studied for the priesthood in Ireland. He was ordained a priest on June 7, 1958, and was among the many Irish

111 S. Church Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85701 www.cathfnd.org Our mission is to build endowments to provide perpetual resources to further the religious, educational and charitable ministries in the Diocese of Tucson.

Msgr. Van Wagner Msgr. Wagner was born in Chicago in 1936; his family moved to Phoenix in 1943. He was ordained on April 25, 1961, at St. Agnes in Phoenix. His first assignment took him to St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Casa Grande, followed by several years in the Diocesan Education Office and Regina Cleri Seminary. He also served at St. Joseph Parish in Tucson. He was administrator of St. Cyril of Alexandria from 1971 to 1974, when he was named pastor of St. Monica Parish in Tucson. In 1993 he was named pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. He served as vicar general for the Diocese from 1999 until his retirement in 2006.

FEBRUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

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Jesuit priests join Bishop Kicanas at San Felipe de Jesús Parish in Nogales to celebrate the anniversary of the Kino Border Initiative; Father Sean Carroll, S.J., makes his final profession.

Kino Border Initiative celebrates anniversary and its Jesuit leader San Felipe de Jesús Parish in Nogales was filled to capacity on Jan. 17 for a two-fold celebration: The first anniversary of the Kino Border Initiative and the final profession of his Jesuit vows by Father Sean Carroll, S.J., the director of the initiative. The Kino Border Initiative is a collaborative, bi-national ministry that advocates on behalf of fundamental human rights and comprehensive immigration reform. Joined by about a dozen other Jesuit priests, Father Sean’s profession was witnessed by Father John McGarry, S.J., Provincial of the Western Province of Jesuits.

The Jesuits, in concert with the Diocese of Tucson and the Archdiocese of Hermosillo, serve the people in Ambos Nogales – families, women and their children and men deported to Mexico after trying to enter the U.S. to find work. Situated in a strategic location, the initiative strives to serve migrants and communities affected by the consequences of migration. On the Mexican side of the border, the initiative offers immediate assistance to deported migrants, including meals, basic medical care and clothing. Safe room and

board is afforded to unaccompanied women and children who might otherwise be vulnerable to exploitation. In parishes on both sides of the border, the initiative offers workshops and leads discussions on local border reality, as well as a curriculum appropriate for short-term immersion groups from parishes, high schools and universities. Also attending the two-hour Mass were staff and volunteers in the initiative, along with Father Ken Gavin, S.J., Director of the Jesuit Refugee Services, and San Felipe’s pastor, Father Viliulfo Valderrama.

Chaplain’s training, faith save a man’s life By CAPT. DAN DODSON Special to The New Vision Military chaplains are often credited with saving lives, and most of the time it’s a spiritual life that is saved. For one Air Guard chaplain, Father Mike Martinez of the Diocese of Tucson, a recent hunting trip turned into a different kind of rescue operation. When Father (Maj.) Mike went hunting in early November, he didn’t take a deer’s life but instead helped save a human life. Chaplain Mike was mule deer hunting in the Gallero Mountains, just north of Willcox and west of Safford, with his brother David and his father Ralph. They had an uneventful few Father Martinez days when – as poet Robert Frost might have said – the chaplain took a road less traveled and made all the difference. In the early morning of Nov. 2, Ralph Martinez found a man in distress. “We were just about ready to go up this road and at the last second my dad decided that we should go down a different road,” said Chaplain Mike. Ralph’s decision more than likely saved the life of Henry

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Alvarado, who was spotted under a juniper tree. “This guy was kind of passed out and somewhat incoherent,” said Chaplain Mike. “My dad started talking to him and learned that his son Leonard was in the area hunting as well.” Said Alvarado: “I recall thinking there is something wrong with me, and I need to get back to camp. I just kept falling to my knees, blacking out.” At this point Chaplain Mike was about 400 yards away, communicating via radio. Chaplain Mike was instructed to find Alvarado’s son Leonard, which he quickly did. Once all the men were together they realized they knew each other. “My brother David played sports with Leonard, and my dad and Henry knew each other from Safford,” the chaplain said. Working together, they tried to load Henry on an allterrain vehicle to return to camp, where Leonard could then drive his dad to the hospital. But the situation quickly got worse. “We had just started moving on the quads when Henry began feeling nauseous; we had to stop and the next thing I knew he was throwing up blood… He also had blood running out of his nose,” Chaplain Mike said, and his eyes were rolling to the back of his head. Said Henry: “It felt like my insides were coming out.” Chaplain Mike’s training took over and he provided life-saving care.

“I remember thinking back to all my self-aid and buddy-care training, just remembering let’s make sure he has a good airway, get his breathing going.” And Chaplain Mike prayed. “The Lord was definitely with me that day,” said Henry Alvarado. At the same time Chaplain Mike’s brother David was in contact with the Graham County Sheriff ’s Department ordered a medical evacuation helicopter. He climbed to the top of a ridge to receive cell phone service, relaying what was happening. Less than 20 minutes later a helicopter landed on the ridge and transported Henry Alvarado to Tucson Medical Center. “Another 20 minutes and I would have bled out and died,” said Alvarado. It was later determined that he had lesions on his liver that ruptured, causing internal bleeding. “I owe my life to those guys,” said Alvarado. “I am very fortunate.” Taking that road less traveled, said Chaplain Mike, meant that he was exactly where he needed to be. ­— Capt. Dan Dodson is with the 162nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. This article is adapted from one that appeared originally in the base newspaper, “Desert Lightning News.”

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Peace in Holy Land ‘within reach’

CNS photo/Debbie Hill

Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas greets Mohammad Abu Saifan, 3, at his family’s house in the West Bank city of Hebron during a Holy Land visit with other church prelates on an annual mission to promote peace and justice for all people in the region.

Bishop Kicanas visits his homeland

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Calling for justice for the peoples of the Holy Land, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas joined a group of European bishops in urging political leaders to be courageous in seeking a just peace in the region. The bishops said that despite the region’s deep wounds, “love and hope are alive” among the people. “Peace with justice is within reach, but political leaders and all people of good will need courage to achieve it,” the 10 bishops said in their statement Jan. 14 at the conclusion of the four-day Holy Land Coordination. Mandated by the Holy See and organized by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, the Holy Land Coordination meets every January in the Holy Land as a demonstration of solidarity with the resident Christian community. The bishops urged both Palestinians and Israelis to support public officials who “take courageous initiatives for a just resolution of the conflict to reach a two-state solution, with security and recognition for Israel and a viable and independent state for Palestinians.” “For us, this is not merely about politics; it is an issue of basic human rights,” the bishops said in a statement. They expressed concern about the growing distance between Israelis and Palestinians and the lack of human contact between the two, noting that such distance “undermines trust and dialogue.” “The situation in the Holy Land is serious and of deep concern because it has regional implications, and it is critical the international community participate in the potential resolution of the conflict,” said Bishop Kicanas, vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “Clearly the United States plays an important role respecting the integrity of Israelis and Palestinians.” He said he would like to “prod and encourage” U.S. President Barack Obama to “exercise the will and courage” mentioned in the meeting’s closing statement. “(President Obama) along with other international leaders and certainly the Israeli and Palestinian governments must realize the critical nature of their deliberation and bring this divided and difficult situation to a positive resolution,” he said. The situation is complex, he acknowledged, and “does not lend itself to a simple or naive resolution.” The bishops visited Bethlehem University, the seminary at Beit Sahour and parishes across the West Bank and heard presentations from Israeli and Palestinian as well as international speakers about the current situation in the region. Bishop Kicanas said his visit to Hebron, West Bank, with American Catholic university students Jan. 13 brought clearly to the forefront a “fearful image” of what could happen if the two communities cannot reach “some mutual respect and understanding of each other.” He noted that both communities have suffered pain and loss, making reconciliation a very delicate and complicated process. “We have to be very sensitive to (the fact) there are two peoples who have experienced great trauma now trying to come to understand each other, respect each other and trust each other, which is not a small task,” he said.

“I saw again the River Verdauni. This time there was During his trip to the Holy Land to promote peace, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas had an opportunity to visit his some small amount of water running. The restaurants along the river, which I remembered from my first visit to ancestral home in Lebanon. “I had a chance to visit Zahleh, where I believe some Lebanon, were all closed because it was winter. Archbishof my grandparents were born,” he said. “It was Friday op Hobeika took us to a restaurant way up in the mounafternoon so the traffic was horrendous. Anis, our driv- tain that looked over the city and river. It was a magnifier, moved astutely through the jammed streets, honking cent view. “It was a typical Lebanese meal that began with a tableand turning from one lane to another to get us through the logjam. It is amazing how he ekes by with a hair’s space ful of appetizers which could have filled us. That was separating him from the next car. There are no lane mark- followed by fish or meat. We were then escorted to anothings, cars move where an opening appears like running on er table where desserts and fruit in great abundance were displayed. We could hardly move having eaten so much. a football field. “We went to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Zahleh, “Zahleh is located in the Bekaa Valley, a very fertile, beautiful place,” he said. “One has to drive over the moun- which was a joint project of all the Catholic rites repretains, through a number of small towns. Along the way we sented in the city. A beautiful image of Mary and her saw some of the damage from the 2006 war with Israel. child adorns a large structure which includes a chapel One of the bridges that had been destroyed was now being and outdoor worship space. I was amazed to see so many people gathered at the Shrine, even some from Scottsdale, rebuilt by the United States. “We arrived at the Maronite Center and Cathedral and Ariz. — amazing! “I am sure many have found great delight in visiting were greeted by Archbishop Mansour Hobeika and Father Vincent, who is the finance director for the diocese. The the place where their family has come from. That was my archbishop studied canon law in Rome and speaks a experience being back in Zahleh. Even though I am not number of languages, including English. He is from a large aware of any relatives still there, it gives you a sense of from whence you have come.” family, some of whom now live in the United States. “The Archdiocese of Zahleh is only about 30 years old. It has about 30 parishes and no schools. They are just ‘Zahleh is located in the Bekaa Valley, a very fertile, beautiful place.’ completing their cathedral, which should open in a few — Bishop Kicanas months. FEBRUARY 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG 11


elizabeth Ann Seton Award-winners Brother Nick Gonzalez, FSC, principal of San Miguel High School, and Sister Leonette Kochan, oSF, principal of Santa Cruz School, are flanked by, at left, Father Bob Carroll, o. Carm., new head of Salpointe Catholic High School, and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. Brother Nick and Sister Leonette received the honor on Jan. 25 for having made significant contributions to Catholic education in the Diocese of Tucson.

‘Blessed beyond measure’ “I am blessed beyond measure.” So said Brother Nick Gonzalez, FSC, principal of San Miguel High School in Tucson, as he and Sister Leonette Kochan, OSF, principal of Tucson’s Santa Cruz School, accepted the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for their contributions to Catholic education in the Diocese of Tucson. “I do not believe my story is exceptional,” Brother Nick said. His Catholic education “transformed me,” he said, adding that in Catholic school he “learned that God loved me and that because of that I have value. I learned that I was smart and

that I had talent. That my last name was irrelevant and that my home address was unimportant…Catholic schools ingrained hope.” While attending a Lasallian high school, he said, “the classroom was sacred space and time…we learned that salvation was spiritual and physical.” He said he was “grateful” to be at San Miguel because there he has “a relationship with God who surrounds me every day with miracles.” He said he was honored to be “in the same category as Sister Leonette.”

Vatican astronomer’s advice: ‘ Fasten your seatbelt’ VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Forget worrying over end-of-the-world predictions – lives are more at risk of being lost from smoking and driving without a seatbelt, said a Vatican astronomer. U.S. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, who is curator of the Vatican meteorite collection, one of the world’s largest, said there is no reason to believe the claims behind the new apocalyptic science fiction film, “2012,” or other doomsday scenarios. “People have been predicting the end of the world since the dawn of humanity,” he said in an interview published on Jan. 6 in the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano. “None of these theories have turned out to be true and there is no reason to believe (that they will come true) in 2012.” Brother Consolmagno said there is a more serious problem behind the many forecasts of doom on the horizon. “These beliefs spread because we are all tempted by the desire to possess secret knowledge of the future, thinking that it will make us more powerful than others,”

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It’s in our ACtIoNS . It’s in our wordS . It’s in our CAre .

he said. “In reality, this is only a sign of bad science or bad religion.” However, the Vatican astronomer – a planetary scientist and an expert on meteorites – said scientists do study the possibility of asteroids plummeting to Earth. Comets and asteroids are continually heading toward Earth, he said, but most of them are very small or they land in the ocean or in sparsely populated areas. Yet, “sooner or later one of these bodies will hit an area that is more densely populated,” said Brother Consolmagno. Large impacts are rare, but one in Siberia in 1908 “created an explosion equivalent to an atomic bomb.” Something of that magnitude “may happen every hundred years,” he said. It’s better to be more concerned about man-made disasters and to work on preventing them, he said. In the meantime, he said, “Not to panic. Just two precautionary measures are enough to increase the possibility of a long and healthy life: stop smoking and fasten your seatbelt.

Compassion. It’s in everything we do. And has been for more than 130 years. From our dedicated staff to our renowned specialists and physicians, we carry that compassion forward, every day. It’s part of our mission. But more importantly, it’s part of who we are. And it’s why so many people in Southern Arizona turn to Carondelet Health Network when they’re in need of health care—body, mind and spirit. For more information about a Carondelet Health Network hospital near you, visit carondelet.org.

St. Joseph’s Hospital | St. Mary’s Hospital Tucson Heart Hospital | Holy Cross Hospital

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VISIÓN La

Nueva

de la Diócesis Católica Romana de Tucson

Volumen V - Número III

REFLEXIONES Padre Roberto Kose, OFM Cap.

Pensamientos de la vida Hace pocos años, uno de nuestros padres capu-

chinos, pastor de tres iglesias pequeñas, pidió ayuda en sus parroquias mientras que el asistía a un programa de estudios franciscanos en Asís, Italia. Yo me ofrecí ayudarle por dos semanas durante su ausencia, lo cual me dio la oportunidad de experimentar un ministerio pastoral diferente de lo que estoy acostumbrado. Ello también me ofreció la oportunidad de hacer un retiro privado, porque fuera de las misas diarias y la de los domingos, realizaba una visita a una casa de ancianos y realizaba algunas llamadas telefónicas. Cada día caminando por el campo con el único sonido de las vacas para interrumpir mis pensamientos, tuve la oportunidad de estar abierto a la obra del Espíritu Santo en mí vida. Este junio que viene voy a celebrar diez y ocho años como sacerdote al servicio de cada uno de ustedes en la comunidad cristiana. Durante estos días de silencio era fácil sentir la mano de Dios guiándome cada día de mis 66 años de vida. Desde ser niño sentí la llamada a la vida religiosa. Estaba muy contento como hermano capuchino trabajando el la parroquia sin ordenación. Poco a poco me di cuenta que Dios tuvo otros planes para mí, primero como diácono permanente por doce años y hoy en día como sacerdote. Yo he sido bendecido por haber trabajado la mayoría de mis 45 años en la vida religiosa con la comunidad hispana. Siento que hablando un idioma diferente y con costumbres diferentes, he sido enriquecido como persona. Siento que he recibido más de ustedes de lo que he dado durante estos años. Durante mis días de reflexión y un ministerio pastoral distinto, aprendí la riqueza de la diversidad que tenemos en la iglesia. Muchas veces no apreciamos las bendiciones que tenemos. Hoy es buena oportunidad de apreciar las bendiciones que hemos recibido de la mano de Dios, nuestro Creador.

Sello Postal para ayudar a Haití CIUDAD DEL VATICANO. (ZENIT.org).- La Oficina Filatélica y Numismática vaticana ha hecho pública la próxima tirada de un sello especial, cuyos beneficios irán a la población de Haití, víctima del reciente terremoto que ha devastado el país. Se trata de un sello dedicado al 1500 aniversario del Santuario de Nuestra Señora de las Gracias.

Febrero 2010 • $15 por año • Tucson, Arizona

Visita www.newvisiononline.org

Benedicto XVI: “Todos debemos dar los pasos necesarios hacia la unidad”

Homilía en las vísperas conclusivas de la Semana por la Unidad de los Cristianos ROMA.- (ZENIT.org) perseguidor de los cristia- este año, es decir, la invi- central del mensaje de Cris-

Durante la homilía pronunciada durante las vísperas con las que concluyeron la Semana de Oración por la Unidad de los Cristianos, en la Basílica de San Pablo Extramuros, el Papa Benedicto XVI llamó a “todos a dar los pasos necesarios hacia la unidad de los cristianos”. “El compromiso por la unidad de los cristianos no es sólo tarea de algunos, ni actividad accesoria en la vida de la Iglesia. Cada uno de nosotros está llamado a procurar su aportación para dar los pasos que lleven hacia la comunión plena entre todos los discípulos de Cristo, sin olvidar nunca que ésta es ante todo don de Dios que hay que invocar constantemente. “De hecho, la fuerza que promueve la unidad y la misión surge del encuentro fecundo y apasionante con el Resucitado, como sucedió con San Pablo en el camino de Damasco, y con los Once y los demás discípulos reunidos en Jerusalén. Que la Virgen María, Madre de la Iglesia, haga que cuanto antes se pueda realizar este deseo de su Hijo: “Que todos sean uno... para que el mundo crea”. Recordó que “no han pasado muchos meses desde que se concluyó el Año dedicado a San Pablo, que nos ofreció la posibilidad de profundizar en su extraordinaria obra de predicador del Evangelio. Pablo, a pesar de conservar viva e intensa memoria de su propio pasado como

nos, no duda en llamarse Apóstol. En fundamento de este título, hay para él un encuentro con el Resucitado en el camino de Damasco, que se convierte también en el comienzo de una incansable actividad misionera, en la que consumirá todas sus energías para anunciar a todas las gentes a ese Cristo que había encontrado personalmente. “Así Pablo, de perseguidor de la Iglesia, se convertirá él mismo en víctima de la persecución por causa del Evangelio del que daba testimonio. Escribe en la Segunda carta a los Corintios: “Cinco veces recibí de los judíos cuarenta azotes menos uno; tres veces fui azotado con varas, una vez apedreado... Viajes frecuentes; peligros de ríos; peligros de salteadores; peligros de los de mi raza; peligros de los gentiles; peligros en ciudad; peligros en despoblado; peligros por mar; peligros entre falsos hermanos; trabajo y fatiga; noches sin dormir, muchas veces; hambre y sed; muchos días sin comer; frío y desnudez. Y aparte de otras cosas, mi responsabilidad diaria: la preocupación por todas las Iglesias” (2 Cor 11,2425.26-28). El testimonio de Pablo alcanzará el culmen en su martirio cuando, precísamente no lejos de aquí, dará prueba de su fe en el Cristo que vence a la muerte”. El Papa recordó que “la elección del tema de la Semana de oración por la unidad de los cristianos de

tación a un testimonio común del Cristo resucitado según el mandato que Él confió a los discípulos, está unida al recuerdo del centenario de la Conferencia misionera de Edimburgo, en Escocia, que es considerada por muchos como un acontecimiento determinante para el nacimiento del movimiento ecuménico moderno A un siglo de distancia, desde el acontecimiento de Edimburgo, la intuición de aquellos valientes precursores es aún actualísima. En un mundo marcado por la indiferencia religiosa, e incluso por una creciente aversión hacia la fe cristiana, es necesaria una nueva, intensa, actividad de evangelización, no sólo entre los pueblos que nunca han conocido el Evangelio, sino también en aquellos en los que el Cristianismo se difundió y forma parte de su historia. No faltan, por desgracia, cuestiones que nos separan a unos de otros, y que esperamos que puedan ser superadas a través de la oración y el diálogo, pero hay un contenido

to que podemos anunciar todos juntos: la paternidad de Dios, la victoria de Cristo sobre el pecado y sobre la muerte con su cruz y su resurrección, la confianza en la acción transformadora del Espíritu. Mientras estamos en camino hacia la comunión plena, estamos llamados a ofrecer un testimonio común frente a los desafíos cada vez más complejos de nuestro tiempo, como la secularización y la indiferencia, el relativismo y el hedonismo, los delicados temas éticos respecto al principio y al final de la vida, los límites de la ciencia y de la tecnología, el diálogo con las demás tradiciones religiosas. Hay además ulteriores campos en los que debemos desde ahora dar un testimonio común: la salvaguarda de la Creación, la promoción del bien común y de la paz, la defensa de la centralidad de la persona humana, el compromiso por vencer las miserias de nuestro tiempo, como el hambre, la indigencia, el analfabetismo, la desigual distribución de los bienes.

Programa Nuevo escolar

La Universidad de Notre Dame y la Diócesis de Tucson han acordado a trabajar juntos para mejorar las oportunidades educativas para niños Hispanos en tres escuelas – St. John the Evangelist, Santa Cruz y St. Ambrose. El programa es el primero de este tipo en todo el país. Para información adicional, visite nuestro Sitio:, www.newvisiononline.org, y léa las preguntas y respuestas.


CAMINO DE LA FE

Orientación Familiar

el estuche del alma Por Lucero de Dávalos

Hoy platicaremos de la importancia de la pres-

encia física. No podemos olvidar que el cuerpo es el estuche del alma. Cuando una persona se quiere desarrollar íntegramente, no puede ni debe olvidar esto. Entendamos primero que lo bien presentado no es por vanidad sino por la virtud de la justicia, pues si una persona nos puede ver mejor, ¿por qué nos va a ver peor? Tú sabes que no es lo mismo blanco y negro que multicolor y, para convencernos, basta con ver una película en las dos formas, o ver a una mujer prudentemente pintada o sin pintar. Pero ello no solamente atañe a la mujer, pues es muy agradable observar a un varón con su ropa planchada cuidadosamente, sus zapatos boleados, el pelo peinado y oliendo a limpio. Debemos pensar en el prójimo que nos ve y convive con nosotros. Con mucha gracia, el fundador del Opus Dei hacia esta recomendaciones. Nos hacía creer que “la mujer compuesta saca a su marido de otra puerta” y que las mujeres, como las fachadas de las casa, “entre más años, más pintura”. Pero también arremetía contra los varones y les hacía recomendaciones más concretas para que no se descuidaran en ese aspecto tan importante. A veces, tu lo sabes bien, comemos solo por el gusto y descuidamos el aspecto nutritivo; nos olvidamos que la gula es pecado y difícilmente lo reconocemos y, en confesión, decir que “nos sobran tantos kilos de gula”. El ejercicio físico lo tenemos archivado y con el pretexto de que “trabajamos mucho”, dejamos que los músculos se nos estropeen. Es curioso pero, sin embargo, hay personas que tienen mas cuidado con la maquinaria de su automóvil que con su propio cuerpo; al primero le dan servicio cuando lo necesita, mientras al segundo hasta que resista. El gusto personal es una maravilla digna de respetarse. Debemos pensar en que nuestro aspecto personal debe ser cuidadosamente observado y, redundando, no olvidar que “el cuerpo es el estuche del alma”. Con cariño te bendice tu madre.

Superación del materialismo

La familia es amor y solidaridad Por Emilio Avilés Cutillas | Fuente: Catholic.net

Mi amigo “Nacho” -–personaje real pero con nombre imaginario-- es genial. Hace unas semanas, al regresar a medianoche de una reunión extra en su trabajo, hubo de superar dos difíciles pruebas antes de irse a descansar. Me explicó que, después de dejar su automóvil en el parking y subir hasta su casa, un piso céntrico de una gran ciudad, le inquietó sobremanera ver que olvidó en el coche la llave de entrada a su domicilio. Siendo tan tarde no quería despertar a su esposa y a sus dos hijos de 1 y 3 años. ¡Qué fastidio y qué pereza tener que volver al aparcamiento por ese despiste! ¡Pero lo hizo! Cuando regresó a casa, abrió silenciosamente la puerta. Todo en silencio, todos durmiendo. Sin embargo, lo desconcertó una bolsa de basura apoyada a la entrada, con una nota bien visible que le recordaba algo en lo que él insistía siempre: Los pañales desechables y sucios de los niños era preciso sacarlos de casa lo antes posible. Entonces, esgrimiendo la épica de un intrépido padre de familia, volvió a bajar a la calle para depositar la “olorosa” bolsa en el contenedor de la esquina. Me perdonarán la sencil-

la anécdota, pero es que muestra las pequeñas heroicidades cotidianas de tantas personas que no son noticia. ¡Cuántos amigos y colegas tenemos, vecinos a quienes saludamos a diario, que no son famosos pero sí muy importantes! Concretándolo en algo básico, viene a cuento esto para hablar de lo que representa la unidad y la entrega de los esposos. Pensando en un fin común, como es la felicidad y la madurez a todos los niveles de su relación: afecto, sexualidad, procreación, el cuidado de los hijos… A veces si nos enteramos que la familia es una comunidad de amor y de solidaridad que ha de garantizar el compromiso y la duración del amor. Por ello, el vínculo jurídico no es un mero

formalismo. El caso es que en la familia se puede y se debe encontrar una realización integral, una felicidad insustituible, que pasa por encima de toda actividad profesional, intelectual o social, por estupenda que sea. Debemos de reconocer que amar es adherirse a la realidad, es ver lo bueno que puede haber en ella, es superar el relativismo y el materialismo que nos atenazan a menudo. La estructura de la familia no se apoya en un plano sentimental, ni siquiera es algo sólo socio-cultural. La familia no es una variable cambiante del orden social, tiene su raíz en una exigencia estructural del mismo ser del hombre. Es un gran error dirigir el bienestar social sólo a los individuos

y no a las familias. Pongamos más en valor el carácter natural de la familia, su intrínseca anterioridad al Estado. Veamos en ella el lugar donde la fraternidad y la paz tienen su inicial encuentro. Es por eso tan necesario buscar el bien mayor, concentrar en él la voluntad de todos los miembros de la familia; ensanchar horizontes, elevar el nivel en las relaciones humanas, superar circunstancias adversas y actitudes mezquinas. Se dice fácilmente pero, como todo lo que vale cuesta esfuerzo, nos tendremos que entrenar en la épica de servir a los demás. Para ello, no olvidemos contar también con el viento a favor de una cierta madurez espiritual, con la cual entenderemos mejor la dignidad de los demás y del propio cuerpo, y el gran significado que este tiene en las relaciones personales.

Las ayudas de la Iglesia Católica llegan hasta el devastado Haití CIUDAD DEL VATICANO. (ZENIT.org).- Dentro de las operaciones de ayuda humanitaria a gran escala que está llevando a cabo la red Caritas en Haití, en los últimos días, ha sido posible transportar varios camiones de ayuda humanitaria urgente a Léogâne, una localidad situada a 30 kilómetros de Puerto Príncipe que quedó prácticamente arrasada por el terremoto. Acompañado por fuerzas del contingente de paz de la ONU, el convoy transportó miles de lotes familiares de comida, tiendas de campaña, lonas, mantas, pastillas depuradoras para el

agua y contenedores de agua para unas 5,000 personas, lo que se repartió a los damnificados de manera personalizada. Asimismo, el personal de Cáritas levantó en la zona una clínica de campaña para prestar servicio médico de emergencia a los afectados. El dispensario ha quedado instalado detrás de la destruida iglesia de Léogâne y ya está atendiendo a unos 80 pacientes al día. Aunque el hospital de Léogâne no se vino abajo a causa del sismo, la gente no se atreve a entrar en el edificio por temor a un posible derrumbe.

Saint Joseph Construction 30 Years of experience Richard “Rick” Karasch Arizona Remodeling Contractor Since 1970 BA Public Administration, University of Arizona All phases of remodeling, repair and maintenance: including carpentry, dry wall, painting , and roof coating.

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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN DE LA DIOCESIS ROMANA CATOLICA DE TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • FEBRERO 2010


VISIÓN CATÓLICA

Matrimonio: hoy, mañana y siempre

NI TANTO QUE QUEME AL SANTO Padre Viliulfo Valderrama

Parroco de San Felipe de Jesús, Nogales, Az

El poder sanador de la aceptación

Por Luce Bustillo-Schott | Fuente: Catholic.net

El matrimonio es y siempre será una unión indisoluble. Ante los ojos de Dios no hay alternativas después de que Él ha dado Su bendición y sellado dos almas con Su promesa de amor “que lo que Dios ha unido no lo separe el hombre”.(Mat.19,6) “¿Acaso puede un ciego guiar a otro ciego? ¿No caerán los dos en el hoyo? Un discípulo no es más que su maestro, si bien cuando termine su aprendizaje será como su maestro” (Lc 6,39-40). Cuando un “ciego” dice que los casados que se separan se casen otra vez (“así rehacen sus vidas y pueden ser felices”) y más de cuatro repiten esta creencia, nos encontramos ante un ciego que guía a otros ciegos que están convencidos de que lo que dicen es lo mejor y lo correcto. Así lo que sucede es que terminarán cayendo todos en el “hoyo”. Por el hecho de que un grupo de ciegos no pueden ver el sol, no quiere decir que no existe la luz. Por el hecho de que no todos entendemos las verdades de la fe, no significa que no sean ciertas. Si nos comparamos con Dios podremos darnos cuenta de que somos de mente corta y que nuestros pensamientos son finitos y al fin y al cabo nos dejamos cegar por aquellos que insisten en vivir en la oscuridad. Entender las verdades de la fe no es fácil y menos cuando decidimos buscar una felicidad falsa y egoísta queriendo ir contra la voluntad de Dios faltando a Su palabra y a Sus mandamientos, al dar rienda suelta a nuestras pasiones desordenadas y al dejarnos guiar sólo por el deseo, la pasión y el querer.

Un

hombre que estaba insatisfecho por su vida, marcada por tantas injusticias, visitó a un sabio y le preguntó como podía cultivar la paz interior. El sabio le dijo: “Necesitas contemplar el devenir de la vida, sin juzgar y percibiendo el flujo inexorable de la historia”. El hombre replicó: “No sé de qué de me hablas”. El sabio insistió: “Sé como el río, cuyas aguas corren a veces caudalosas, otras veces tranquilas, pero sin criticar al lirio que las bebe o al narciso que en ellas se refleja, y sin decirle al salmón que su jornada contra la corriente es inútil. Si, sé como el río, testigo mudo de mil batallas, como la de la gacela, que sucumbe ante las destructoras mandíbulas del cocodrilo. Sé como el gorrión que canta, sin ser escuchado. Sé como el sol que sale, sin ser contemplado. Sé como la estrella, que guía al que se ha extraviado. Sé como la nube, que manda un chubasco de vida, sobre los que rezan y sobre los que odian. Sé como Dios, que sólo contempla y no juzga, que redime y no condena, que guía y no suelta. A pesar del mal en la vida, el río, el sol, la nube y Dios aceptan el paso inexorable de los días. Y ven al hombre sin recelos”. El hombre se quedó atónito, y pensó: “en verdad, tengo mucho que aceptar”. Uno de los grandes problemas del hombre es aceptar las cosas, la vida, los acontecimientos, tal como estos se presentan. Etimológicamente, aceptar es “tomar lo que se ofrece”. Pero hoy desarrollamos ciertos esquemas mentales y queremos que la vida fluya según esos moldes. Y la vida, que tiene su propio guión, suele a veces darnos un “gancho al hígado”: un

cáncer, un accidente, un hijo rebelde, un huracán, la muerte prematura de un ser querido, etc. A veces, la vida parece “no dejarnos en paz”, o ser como una especie de “aguafiestas”. Otras veces, de manera más “agresiva”, corta nuestra flor más hermosa del jardín de la vida. Cuando los hombres no aceptamos lo imperfecto del mundo, surge el sufrimiento. El sufrimiento moral y emocional viene de la mente que no acepta. Así, a menor aceptación de las cosas, mayor sufrimiento. Y a mayor aceptación de las cosas, menor sufrimiento.

El dolor físico es objetivo, pero el dolor moral es subjetivo. Dicen los orientales que hay cinco cosas que debemos aceptar: que todo lo que empieza termina, que las cosas no siempre suceden como se planean, que la vida no es siempre justa, que el dolor es parte de la vida y que los hombres no son siempre bondadosos. Aceptar estas realidades, y muchas otras, es el sendero a la paz interior y a la salud mental. Hoy, la salud mental se define en términos de adaptación y tolerancia. Los seres más “saludables” son los mejor adaptados y los más tolerantes a las ambigüedades de la vida. Los menos saludables son lo que no aceptan, ni toleran, ni se adaptan. Pero, aceptar no es sinónimo de negar.

La aceptación no es ni negación ni resignación. La resignación suele tener tintes fatalistas y negativos. La aceptación es fuerza dinámica que nos abre a la vida. La no aceptación nos descarrila de la vía del tren de la vida. Desde una perspectiva cristiana, Jesús aceptó los desafíos de su época, aunque no estuvo de acuerdo con ellos, a saber: la hipocresía, la dureza de corazón, la traición, la ingratitud, la tibieza, etc. Pero El sabía que lo más que podía hacer era dejar el más sublime legado espiritual de todos los tiempos. Y ya dependería del hombre seguirlo o transgredirlo, e incluso ignorarlo. Jesús nunca quiso controlar la vida de nadie. Hoy tiene seguidores no porque obliga, sino porque valida, afirma y ama a la persona, independientemente de sus errores y limitaciones. Y al final termina exaltando la dignidad, que esta por encima de todo. Un texto clásico es el de la mujer sorprendida en adulterio

(Juan 8,1-11). Jesús rechazó tajantemente el adulterio, pero amó y aceptó a una prostituta. El “yo tampoco te condeno” no revela una conciencia laxa o permisiva sino una profunda aceptación de la condición humana. Una última anécdota de los sufitas: Se cuenta que Malik era un religioso mahometano muy preocupado por la conducta libertina e intolerable de un joven vecino. Un día, Malik le pidió que cambiara de conducta. El joven contestó que él era un favorito del Sultán y podía vivir como a él le viniera en gana. Malik le dijo: “Yo, personalmente, me quejaré con el sultán”. Aquel le dijo: “Será inútil porque el Sultán jamás cambiará su opinión sobre mi”. “Entonces, le hablaré de ti al Sumo Creador”. Y el joven disoluto contestó: “El Sumo Creador es demasiado misericordioso”. Pero Malik decidió volver a reprenderle. Cuando se dirigía a la casa del

joven, oyó una voz que le decía: “No toques a mi amigo. Está bajo mi protección”. Malik sufrió una enorme confusión y, en presencia del joven, no supo qué decirle. El joven le preguntó: “¿A qué has venido?”. Malik respondió: “Venía a reprenderte pero en el camino oí una voz que me dijo: “No toques a mi amigo, está bajo mi protección”. El rostro del disoluto joven se transformó. “¿De verdad me llamó amigo suyo?”. Pasaron los años y Malik se encontró con aquel joven en la Meca. Entonces ese joven le confió: “Esa Voz me impresionó tanto que renuncié a todos mis bienes y me he convertido en un mendigo errante. “Ahora he venido aquí en busca de mi Amigo”. Cuando los seres humanos nos sentimos aceptados, surge la sanación y el cambio. Cuando aceptamos, alcanzamos la paz y, por ende, una vida de mayor plenitud.

St. Vincent de Paul Stores Some Things Never Go Out of Style!

circa 1950’s Your donation to St. Vincent can impact the life of someone who needs your help — a family with four small children, whose mother is unable to work as she recovers from an illness may need emergency food; help with rent or utilities or just someone to provide hope. Help us continue to help others in faith, hope and love. Go shopping, donate or volunteer.

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Tucson: 820 S. Sixth Ave. (520) 622–2821 or 5426 East Pima (520) 323–0734 Green Valley: 505 N. La Canada Dr. (520) 625–4536 Sierra Vista: 220 Myer Dr. or 236 W. Fry Blvd., (520) 458–0870 Douglas: 543 N. G. Ave., (520) 364–3637 Benson: 201 E. 5th St, (520) 586–9438 How do I make a donation? Make your check payable to the Society Casa Grande: 405 E. 2nd St, of St.  Vincent de Paul and mail it to: 829 (520) 836–2009 South Sixth Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85701. For more information visit our web site www.svdptucson.org or contact (520) 628–SVDP (7837) This ad and its design are a gift from Connie Boch of Travel Host magazine of Southern Arizona and designer Chad Worth.

FEBRERO 2010 • THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN DE LA DIOCESIS ROMANA CATOLICA DE TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG

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Nosotros ponemos hincapié consistentemente y constantemente en el Programa del Ambiente Seguro en nuestra Diócesis de Tucson que todos los empleados y voluntarios de las parroquias, escuelas y otros ministerios existentes dentro de la Diócesis debieran considerar como mandato propio la obligación de reportar cuando tengan una sospecha razonable de que un niño o un adulto vulnerable está siendo abusado o maltratado. Nosotros también ponemos hincapié consistentemente y constantemente en las “banderas rojas” de posible abuso o maltrato. Estas “banderas rojas” son actualmente varios niveles de indicadores de dolor o angustia en un niño. El primer nivel puede ser llamado “factores de riesgo”. Nosotros sabemos que algunos niños son vulnerables al abuso más que otras Esto no quiere decir que es su culpa, muy lejos de eso. Lo que significa es que debemos ser aún más vigilantes del bienestar de estos niños con esas características. Niños que tienen historia previa de abuso es muy posible que corran el riesgo de ser abusados otra vez. Aquellos que no tienen buen apoyo en su familia o entre amigos y aquellos que sufren de alguna forma emocional, cognitiva o incapacidad física son más vulnerables a cierta forma de maltrato. Cuando estamos a sabiendas de estos niños, lo mejor que podemos hacer es el de estar alerta y apoyarlos. La presencia de apoyo puede hacer la gran diferencia en la vida de estos niños. “Adultos de confianza” alertas son como el Buen Pastor. El segundo nivel de los indicadores consta de signos generales que nos llaman a ver más a fondo una situación. Es posible que estos signos generales puedan ser de naturaleza física, emocional, social o de comportamiento. Buen número de las funciones físicas en estos niños vienen a consecuencia de angustia. Cuando, por ejemplo, hay cambios repentinos en el dormir y en el apetito, es probable que algo ande mal. Si un niño empieza a orinarse en la cama o tiene problema en controlar su intestino cuando está en la edad en que un buen control es esperado y después de un período en el que un buen control fue demostrado, ahí se encuentra un problema que necesita ser resuelto. Más directamente, un niño que es en general miedoso o que tiene muy pobre relación con sus compañeros es un niño que necesita que se le dé ánimo en explorar y cambiar su percepción del mundo. El temor de estar a solas con una persona o el cambio marcado en su modo o disposición son indicadores más

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN PAUL DUCKRO, Ph.D

estar en guardia con las “banderas rojas” de abuso específicos que requieren el enfoque de nuestra atención para determinar lo que haya pasado. Otros indicadores, como logros y otros cambios en el comportamiento, son también indicadores de “banderas rojas” de problemas potenciales. Una tendencia hacia comportamientos impulsivos riesgosos, o dificultad en poner atención, justifica nuestra inquietud. Comportamientos que causan daños específicos a sí mismo o un cambio notable en el aprovechamiento escolar levantan banderas rojas que exigen buscar y encontrar inmediatamente el problema. Mientras que ninguno de estos indicadores pueda manifestar que un niño haya sido actualmente abusado, todos apuntan hacia un niño que puede estar en problemas. El tercer nivel de indicadores, como quiera, apunta más directamente al abuso. Cuando se notan estos indicadores, una llamada a los aplicantes de la ley, es el mejor paso a seguir. Indicadores de abuso sexual incluyen: dolor inexplicable o injuria en los órganos genitales; embarazo o enfermedades venéreas; conocimiento sexual inesperado a la edad del niño; preocupación sexual en palabra y acciones. Indicadores de abuso físico incluyen: Injurias inexplicables; historia de injurias previas en casa; miedo de ir a casa; o moretones desvaneciendos. Indicadores de negligencia incluyen: necesidad frecuente de comida o de dinero para comprar comida; falta de higiene o ropa; ausencia de cuidado médico o dental; o cualquier otra indicación que apunte a necesidades básicas no provistas o la falta de supervisión de un adulto.

Bishops to retire WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Up to 24 U.S. bishops, including two cardinals, could retire because of age this year. There are 11 active U.S. bishops, including one cardinal, who have already turned 75. Thirteen more will celebrate their 75th birthday in 2010. At age 75 bishops are requested to submit their resignation to the Pope. Cardinal Bernard F. Law, archpriest of St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome and a cardinal since 1985, turned 75 in 2006. He was archbishop of Boston from 1984 until his resignation from that post in 2002 in the wake of controversy over his handling of cases of clergy sex abuse there. He was named to his Rome post in 2004. Turning 75 on April 19 this year is Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia. Pope Benedict XVI, like his predecessor Pope John Paul II, often asked cardinals to stay on the job after they reached the age of 75.

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Cuando todo está dicho y hecho, naturalmente, el nivel final de “bandera roja” y el indicador más seguro de abuso es el reporte de un niño que él o ella ha sido abusado-a. Aunque el reporte llegue a ser o no exacto, el reporte por un niño debe siempre tomarse seriamente y siempre debe conducir al hacer un reporte a las autoridades de polcía. Nosotros hacemos hincapié en nuestro entrenamiento en el Programa del Ambiente Seguro que siempre que los indicadores dirijan a una sospecha segura de abuso, ahí hay una razón para investigación. Esa investigación, que es diferente al hacer un juicio, necesita ser llevado a cabo por las autoridades de policía, no por la persona que tiene la sospecha. Refiriendo la investigación a las autoridades civiles para que la lleve a cabo resulta en una división productiva de responsabilidades y pone la investigación en las manos de personas entrenadas a llevarla a cabo de una manera justa y balanceada. Cuando los indicadores son menos específicos y no se levantan al nivel de una sospecha razonable de abuso, nosotros ponemos hincapié que el personal y voluntarios de nuestras parroquias y escuelas compartan sus observaciones con sus supervisores inmediatos o consultores más cercanos para que con su asistencia el indicador sea evaluado hasta que esté bien claro el siguiente paso que se deba dar. Cuando una investigación hecha por un aplicante de la ley no produce evidencia de abuso, no quiere decir que nuestra responsabilidad con el niño se haya terminado. Es crítico que continúe la investigación porque puede llevar a más información y a un reporte suplemental o acción correctiva. Más allá de reportes de abuso o acción correctiva por comportamiento imprudente, tampoco debemos olvidar nuestra obligación de extender la mano, cuando se ponen en las manos de los aplicantes de la ley para que ellos lo hagan, en un esfuerzo de ayudar a las familias afectadas por abuso o cualquier otro problema con que se puedan enfrentar, psicológicamente y financieramente. Para más información acerca de señales de abuso, por favor lea el siguiente folleto: Cómo reconocer el maltrato de menores: Los síntomas y los indicios Child Welfare Information Gateway, Marzo 2008. www.childwelfare. gov/pubs/factsheets/sp_signs.cfm

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Por JOHN PAUL SHEA Nací y crecí en Mesa, Arizona. Cuando niño, viví con mi madre, mi hermana, mi abuela y cuatro tíos. No conocí a mi padre biológico. Fuimos una familia muy íntima e hicimos muchas actividades familiares. No como muchos hombres que entran al seminario para ser sacerdotes, yo no crecí en la fe Católica. Crecí como Mormón y recibí lo que es un bautismo Mormón a la de edad de ocho años. Puedo recordar que gocé mucho yendo a la iglesia y aprendiendo acerca de Jesús cuando era niño. Sin embargo, durante mis años de joven empecé a dudar las enseñanzas Mormonas y perdí el interés de aprender acerca de religión. Dejé de ir a la iglesia y por varios años no practiqué ninguna religión como muchos jóvenes en hoy día, adopté una actitud de que diversión y entretenimiento era más importante que aprender acerca de Dios. Me convertí al Catolicismo por medio de la intercesión de la Santísima Virgen María. En 1994 le dijeron a un buen amigo mío que se estaba muriendo. El era Católico, pero por varios años no había ido a la iglesia. El fue la figura de un padre para mí. Lo consideré como mi papá y él me consideró como su hijo adoptivo. Fui muy cerca de su familia desde que fui un jovencito. Con el miedo de su muerte, yo empecé a preguntar el por qué de mi vida y empecé a buscar a Dios. En mi búsqueda por Dios, empecé a escuchar diferentes programas de radio y a ver programas de televisión que se enfocaban en Milagros y lo sobrenatural. Una noche había oído un programa en el radio que habló acerca de las apariciones de la virgen María. Tuve una atracción instante hacia ella y pronto compré un Rosario. Después de rezar el Rosario por dos años, me di cuenta que Dios me estaba llamando a ser Católico. Ingresé a la iglesia en 1998 después de recibir el bautismo, la confirmación y la Santa Comunión; y mi papá regresó a la iglesia y fue a confesión. El murió, más o menos, un año más tarde. ¿Cuándo fue la primera vez que pensaste en ser sacerdote? Mis primeros pensamientos acerca de llegar a ser sacerdote empezaron mientras estaba en RCIA. Durante ese tiempo, varias personas me preguntaron que si iba a ser sacerdote. Sucedió tantas veces que yo sabía que no había la posibilidad de que pudiera ser una coincidencia. Había descubierto que tomaba ocho años de escuela para llegar a ser sacerdote. Me había salido de la escuela en el décimo grado, así es de que ocho años de escuela se me hacía un reto tremendo. Aun, me estaba enamorando de la fe Católica, y tenía el deseo de dedicar mi vida al servicio de Dios.

En

el Camino al

Sacerdocio

Este es el cuarto en una serie de artículos en donde seminaristas relataran personalmente cómo y por qué encontraron sus caminos al sacerdocio en la Dióceses de Tucson

La Santísima Virgen María me llamó Gané mi diploma de Equivalencia en Preparatoria (GED) en 1999 y recibí mi grado de Asociado General (General Associate degree) de Mesa Community College dos años más tarde. En 2001 me uní a la orden religiosa de Carmelitas Descalsos. Después de estar dos años y medio en la orden, la dejé porque sentí que Dios me llamaba a ser sacerdote diocesano. Trabajé algunos años como guardián de personas que están desarrolladamente incapacitadas, y luego me metí de seminarista para la diócesis de Tucson. ¿Tuviste un sacerdote a quien quisiste emular en tu juventud? Como hasta los veinte años fui Católico, no tuve a un sacerdote a quien emular. Sin embargo, desde que entré al Catolicismo, muchos sacerdotes me han inspirado con su fe y devoción a Dios. Durante el tiempo que estuve con los Carmelitas vi como algunos de los sacerdotes dedicaban su vida a rezar y servicio. Mi maestro de novicios fue una gran influencia en mi vocación. Admiro también a mi presente párroco en St. George, Padre Domenico Penti. Entre otras cosas, el me ha enseñado con su ejemplo qué tan importante es ser atento y amable con las personas. El es un sacerdote muy acogedor y generoso. El siempre anima y da reconocimiento a las personas. En mi seminario, yo veo la dedicación de amor y sacrificio que los sacerdotes les dan a los seminaristas. Ellos dedican la mayor parte de su tiempo y cuidado para que nosotros seamos hombres santos de Dios. Veo el gozo en sus caras, y yo deseo también irradiar ese gozo. ¿Cómo consideras que será tu sacerdocio? Mi meta como sacerdote es hacer la diferencia en la vida de la gente. La vida es sagrada y bendita. Aún, vivimos en mundo y cultura donde muchos no se dan cuenta del amor y gozo que está tan al alcance de nuestras manos. Deseo fervientemente servir a la gente y ser un testigo de que Cristo está dentro del corazón de cada individuo. Dios se me ha hecho presente en mi vida, y yo deseo hacerlo presente en otros si él desea usarme. La iglesia le ofrece al mundo curación y gozo por medio de los sacramentos, y yo me veo siendo un instrumento de estos sacramentos y quiero compartir a Cristo con aquellos que confrontan muerte o dificultades. Tengo el anhelo de permitirle a

Dios que use mis manos para consagrar el pan y el vino. Espero, como sacerdote, traerle curación y Consuelo a los enfermos y a los ancianos Cristo obrando en mí. ¿Cuál es tu gozo más grande al contemplar el sacerdocio? Pienso que mi más grande gozo es que, como sacerdote, serviré a la iglesia en la persona de Cristo. Puedo ser una parte especial de las vidas de muchos individuos, y puedo permitirle a Dios que me use en lo máximo de mi potencia. Como sacerdote estaré libre para servir a todos. Encuentro gozo de que como sacerdote puedo ser la persona a la que Dios me llamó a ser. Puedo entregarme completamente a Dios en el servicio de la iglesia. ¿Qué le dices a alguien que está considerando el sacerdocio? Le sugiero a cada uno que está contemplando ser sacerdote que seriamente consideren entrar al seminario. El seminario es el lugar ideal para uno aprender acerca de sí mismo y ponerse más cerca de Dios. El seminario es un lugar de discernimiento. Uno no tiene algo que perder si entra al seminario, pero tuviera mucho qué ganar. He hablado con muchos barones que han entrado al seminario y más tarde decidieron que Dios los llamaba para el sacramento del matrimonio. El tiempo que pasaron en el seminario los preparó a ser mejores esposos en el matrimonio. Hombres que entran al seminario y llegan a ser sacerdotes encuentran un gran gozo porque están llevando a cabo la llamada de Dios. ¿Cuál es tu devoción favorita? El Rosario es mi devoción favorita. Recé

el Rosario antes de llegar a ser Católico, y siempre será parte de mis oraciones diarias. También rezo cada día la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia. Creo firmemente que la oración es fundamental para mi vocación. Desde antes de ser Católico también había tenido la devoción del escapulario café. ¿Cómo te relajas? ¿Tienes un lugar de vacaciones favorito y/o un lugar de retiro? Los sábados en la tarde me gusta manejar a mis tiendas favoritas. También me gozo en ir a los restaurantes que me gustan. Me gusta pasearme en bicicleta cuando el tiempo es favorable. Me encanta hacer ejercicio y correr. Cuando tengo la oportunidad, me gusta ir al centro de Chicago en tren. De vez en cuando me gusta ir al teatro a ver una película, o relajarme viendo una película en mi cuarto. Los miércoles en la noche, me junto con los seminaristas en mi corredor para hablar, ver una película o ir a comer afuera. También, una vez por semana, me junto con los otros muchachos de mi diócesis para rezar y comer juntos. A un lado de nuestro seminario hay un santuario que se llama “Marytown.” Ellos tienen adoración perpetua con una custodia preciosa. Me gusta mucho ir ahí. Describe un buen día en el seminario. Para mí, cada día en el seminario es un día bueno. Tengo algunos días mejores que otros pero, por seguro, cada día está lleno de gracias. La presencia de Dios está dondequiera en el seminario. Tenemos Misa diariamente, tengo la oportunidad de oír magníficas lecturas de grandes maestros, y tengo una capilla a un lado de mi cuarto en la que puedo rezar a cualquier hora. - Termine esta declaración: “Sorprendiera a la gente saber… que fui un boxeador amateur durante mi juventud.” — John Paul Shea es un estudiante en primer año de teología en el Seminario Mundelein en Mundelein, Ill.

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We emphasize consistently and constantly in our Diocese of Tucson Safe Environment Program that all employees and volunteers of the parishes, schools and other ministries within the Diocese should consider themselves mandated reporters whenever they have reasonable suspicion that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or mistreated. We also emphasize consistently and constantly the “red flags” of possible abuse or mistreatment. These “red flags” are actually several levels of indicators of distress in a child. The first level might be called “risk factors.” We know that some children are more vulnerable than others to abuse. This does not mean it is their fault, far from it. It does mean that we must be even more vigilant for the welfare of children with these characteristics. Children who have a previous history of abuse are more likely to be abused again. Those who do not have good support within the family or among peers and those who suffer with some form of emotional, cognitive or physical disability are more vulnerable to some form of mistreatment. Our best role when we know of such children is to be alert and supportive. A supportive presence can make a big difference in the life of a wounded child. Alert “trusted adults” are like good shepherds. The second level of “red flag” indicators is comprised of general signs that call us to look more deeply into the situation of the child. These general signs may be physical, emotional, social or behavioral in nature. Many physical functions are much influenced by distress. When sleep or appetite is suddenly changed, for example, it is likely that something is wrong. If a child begins to wet the bed or have trouble with bowel control at an age when good control is expected and after a period in which good control was demonstrated, there is some problem that needs to be addressed. We left for Tanzania, East Africa the day after Thanksgiving, having prepared since the spring before. Our mission? To teach English to our African Salvatorian Sisters who were preparing to take a National English Exam. If they passed, they could continue studies toward a ministry in their country. If not, they would either re-take the test at great expense or remain as an aide in a Catholic kindergarten or dispensary. They were young, vibrant, talented Sisters with much potential. So our mission was practical and specific, clear and simple: prepare them for the test. That was the mindset with which we left the U.S. But as soon as we reached the continent of Africa, things began to shift. The Sisters were busy with other worthy

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN PAUL DUCKRO, Ph.D More directly, a child who is fearful in general or who has very poor relationships with peers is a child who needs some encouragement to explore and change his or her perception of the world. Fears of being alone with a person or marked change in mood are somewhat more specific indicators that require our focused attention to determine what has happened. Achievement and other behavioral changes also are “red flag” indicators of potential problems. A tendency toward impulsive or risky behavior, or difficulty paying attention, warrants our concern. Behaviors that cause specific harm to the self or a remarkable change in school achievement raise red flags and call for immediate follow-up. While none of these indicators may mean a child is actually being abused, they do all point to a child who may be in trouble. The third level of “red flag” indicators, however, points more directly to abuse. When these indicators are noted, a call to law enforcement is the very next step. Indicators or sexual abuse include: unexplained pain or injury of genitalia; pregnancy or venereal disease; sexual knowledge unexpected at the child’s age; or sexual preoccupation in word or actions. Indicators of physical abuse include: unexplained injuries; history of previous injuries at home; fear of going home; or fading bruises. Indicators of neglect include: frequent need for food or for money to buy food; poor hygiene or clothing; lack of medical or dental care; or any other indication that point

That All May Know the Savior A reflection on the challenges and joys of ministry from the Jordan Ministry Team

Sister Jane Eschweiler, S.D.S. pursuits: retreat, meetings, doctor appointments, home visits, hoeing the garden, feeding the pigs and chickens, and warming the water on an outside wood fire pit for the breakfast instant coffee. It became clear that the expectations on the other end differed from ours. And each day, my Sister-companion and I asked, “What are we DOING here?” Our class size varied in number from 14 to 22 to 10 on some days, so the ideal of consistency was never met.

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We had come all this way, laden with two extra suitcases stuffed with handouts, stories, poetry, and 200 pens and pencils donated by Most Holy Trinity Parish in Tucson. The up-side was an enjoyable relationship with our students from the first day. Our methods were often fun, and their motivation, effort and faith kept us going. We soon realized they learned communally. When one Sister seemed confused about directions given, a huddle formed around her, and rather than our repeating the information, they worked with her until she understood. The diet was difficult and the heat extreme. Although we were immunized against malaria, the mosquitoes pursued us without mercy, and the fl ies were a constant Continued on page 19

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to basic needs not being met or to a lack of adult supervision. When all is said and done, of course, the final “red flag” level and most reliable indicator of abuse is a report by a child that he or she has been abused. Whether or not the report turns out to be accurate, a report by the child should always be taken seriously and always should lead to making a report to law enforcement. We emphasize in our Safe Environment Program training that whenever the indicators lead to a reliable suspicion of abuse, there is reason for investigation. That investigation, which is different from making a judgment, needs to be carried out by law enforcement, not the person who has the reasonable suspicion. Referring to civil authorities to carry out the investigation results in a productive division of responsibilities and puts the investigation in the hands of persons trained to carry it out in a fair and balanced manner. When the indicators are less specific and do not rise to the level of a reasonable suspicion of abuse, we emphasize that our parish and school staff and volunteers should share their observations with immediate supervisors or closest consultants so that with their assistance the indicator can be evaluated until it is clear what the next step should be. When an investigation by law enforcement does not produce evidence of abuse, our responsibility to the child is not ended. Continued observation is critical because it may lead to further information and a supplemental report or corrective action. For more information about signs of abuse, check out this pamphlet: Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms. Child Welfare Information Gateway, June 2007. www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm

Desert Hearts:

“Many Voices / One Mission” A Valentine evening of dinner, concert, and dancing: Music by Fr. Joe Rodrigues with Patti Munsen & Friends.

Sunday, February 14, 2010 4:00 PM

Support the work of the Jordan Ministry Team in their adult faith formation work throughout the Tucson Diocese. Your support will help bring more quality programs and resources to all the parishes in our diocese. Call 520-623-2563 or visit www.jordanministry.org for reservation information. Tickets are $60 each. Seating is limited, reserve ASAP! CALENDAR EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY PLEASE SEE WEBSITE!

THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • FEBRUARY 2010


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Building families through adoption By RUTH LILJENQUIST For Lexann Downey-Lewis, Catholic Social Service’s director of pregnancy, parenting, and adoption, her work is more of a calling than a career. For 32 years, she has taken part in the beautiful and life-changing process of building families through adoption. She’s seen miracles happen and is assured that God has a plan for the children and families she and her co-workers serve. Catholic Social Service (CSS) has been providing adoption services for more than 60 years, matching children in need of a home with couples that long to be parents and have a family. The infant adoption program accepts couples who have an infertility problem and who are childless or who have only one child. CSS helps these families become certified by the state, conducts home studies, and assists families through the legal process. They also assist the family in creating a profile—an “about us” narrative that helps a birthmother get to know them better. CSS’s adoption program works in tandem with its pregnancy counseling program. When a pregnant woman contacts CSS, a counselor helps the woman explore the options before her, which include parenting her child or placing her child for adoption. If the woman chooses to parent her child, CSS assists her in finding the resources she needs to be a successful mother. If the woman chooses to place her child for adoption, the counselors help her create an adoption plan and choose a loving adoptive family for her child. CSS offers what many other agencies, especially nationwide adoption agencies, cannot: a wealth of experience, personal attention, continuity of service, and affordability. “The people who work at CSS are very dedicated to Continued from page 18

aggravation. We received little news from home, except for blips about Tiger’s infidelities. There was no visible sign of Christmas. Praying the Eucharist in Swahili twice a day left me cold, and I began to feel isolated, craving authentic Christmas joy. But then it happened: After we had finished our classes and were headed back, we spent a few days with our community in Dar es Salaam, the bustling capital of Tanzania. One night we were sitting around talking, and a Tanzanian Sister looked us straight in the eye and spoke

The rameys take time for a family photo at last year’s Catholic Social Service Adoptions Picnic.

what they do, and they work here because they feel it’s where they should be,” said Lexann. That dedication means that birthmothers and adoptive couples are working with caring experienced staff members who are going to be with them throughout the entire process. The personal touch means a lot to families. “We know our families. All of us that work here know all of our families,” said Lexann. “When issues or questions come up, they feel comfortable in coming to us for answers.” Making the services affordable is important to CSS. “Couples that adopt through nationwide adoption agencies often spend $30,000 to $50,000,” said Lexann. “But there are many couples who would make great parents that just don’t have that kind of money. At CSS, we feel that money shouldn’t determine who can adopt.” plainly in perfect English: “We know you love us!” Both of us were moved almost to tears. So THAT’S what we did here! We had no way of knowing if irregular verb tenses, comprehension of poetry, or map skills would stick. But we had loved and that was the greater gift. That insight leads me to the real message of this article. In January, we completed this year’s reflection on the Christmas mystery, at least liturgically. It was all about Mary, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, LEAVING LOVE BEHIND: Jesus’ life for the world. And now, entering the Lenten season, we ponder, embrace and try

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In addition to domestic infant adoptions, CSS also helps facilitate international adoptions. The agency works most closely with Holt International, a well-respected international adoption organization, and has placed children from Korea, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Colombia, Haiti, Thailand, India, China and other countries in adoptive homes throughout Southern Arizona. Children available for international adoption generally live in orphanages and foster homes and have little chance of ever being adopted domestically. Many of them have a disability or medical problem. “People who adopt children from third world countries are not just giving children a home, but a life,” said Lexann. “And often the medical issues the children come with are easily treated with the health care resources we have in this country.” Many of the adoptive families that come to CSS with the intention to adopt internationally do so because they want to make a difference in a child’s life. Some are happy to adopt children from any country, while others seek to adopt a child from a country or region of the world that they have a personal connection to. Families that adopt internationally do not have to have to have an infertility problem and may have more than one child. For Lexann, the joy of her work is seeing children cared for by good, loving parents, whether it’s with birthparents or adoptive parents. “The child is really our primary client, and everything we do is focused on the welfare of that child.” If you are interested in adopting or are considering making an adoption plan for your newborn or young child, please contact Lexann at (520) 623-0344, ext. 1059 or at 800-234-0344, ext. 1059. to emulate WHAT JESUS LEFT BEHIND: the message, sacrificially communicated, that He did everything (including a generous ministry, dying, rising, and sending His Spirit) TO LEAVE LOVE BEHIND. Not a romantic feeling nor a nostalgic, misty kind of love, but a flesh and blood, covenant-faithful love that includes, forgives, and becomes our lasting Christian legacy. During Lent, may our pray of praise be: “WE KNOW YOU LOVE US, Lord Jesus. May that conviction keep our love growing. Amen.”

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By JOHN PAUL SHEA I was born and grew up in Mesa, Arizona. As a child, I lived with my mother, sister, grandma, and four uncles. I did not know my biological father. We were a close family and did many family activities. Unlike many men who enter the seminary to become a priest, I was not raised in the Catholic faith. I grew up as a Mormon and JoHN PAUL SHeA received what is a Mormon baptism at age eight. I can remember really enjoying church and learning about Jesus as a child. However, during my teenage years I began to doubt the Mormon teachings and lost my desire to learn about religion. I stopped going to church and practiced no religion for several years. Like many teenagers today, I had adopted an attitude that fun and entertainment was more important than learning about God. I converted to the Catholic Church through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1994 a good friend of mine was told that he was dying. He was Catholic but had not been to church in several years. He was a father figure to me. I considered him as my dad and he considered me as his adopted son. I had been close to his family since I was a teenager. With the fear of his death, I had begun to question the purpose of my life and began to search for God. In my search for God, I began to listen to different radio programs and watch television shows that focused on miracles and the supernatural. One night I had heard a show on the radio that spoke about the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I had an instant attraction to her and soon bought a Rosary. After praying the Rosary for a couple of years, I knew that God was calling me to become Catholic. I came into the church in 1998 after receiving baptism, confirmation, and Holy Communion and my dad came back to church and went to confession. He died about a year later. -When did you first think about becoming a priest? My first thoughts about becoming a priest began while I was in RCIA. During that time, several people asked me if I was going to be a priest. It happened so much that I knew there was no possibility that it could be a coincidence. I had discovered that it takes eight years of school to become a priest. I had dropped out of school in the tenth grade, so eight years of school seemed like a tremendous challenge. Yet, I was falling in love with the Catholic faith, and I did have a desire to devote my life in service of God.

20

on

the Path to

Priesthood

This is the fourth in a series of articles in which seminarians will relate, personally, how and why they’ve found themselves on the path to priesthood in the Diocese of Tucson.

The Blessed Virgin Mary called me I earned my GED in 1999 and received my General Associate degree from Mesa Community College a couple of years later. In 2001 I joined the Discalced Carmelite religious order. After being in the order for 2 ½ years, I left because I felt that God was calling me to be a diocesan priest. I worked for a few years as a caretaker for people who are developmentally disabled, and then I became a seminarian for the Diocese of Tucson. -Did you have a priest you looked up to in your youth? Since I did not become Catholic until my 20s, no. However, since becoming a Catholic, many priests have inspired me for their faith and devotion to God. While I was in the Carmelites, I saw how some of the priests devoted their life to prayer and service. My novice master was a great influence in my vocation. I also admire my current pastor at St. George, Father Domenico Pinti. Among other things, he has shown me an example of how important it is to be personable with people. He is a very welcoming and generous priest. He always acknowledges and encourages people. At my seminary, I see the dedication of love and sacrifice that the priests give to us seminarians. -What do you envision your priesthood to be? I envision my priesthood as making a difference in people’s lives. Life is sacred and blessed. Yet, we live in a world and culture where many are unaware of the love and joy that is available to each of us. I desire to serve people and be a witness that Christ is within the heart of every individual. God has made himself present to me in my life, and I desire to make him present to others should God choose to use me. The church offers healing and joy to the world through its sacraments, and I envision myself to be an instrument of these sacraments I want to share Christ with those who are facing death or difficulties. I have a desire to allow God to use my hands to consecrate the bread and wine. As a priest, I hope to bring healing and comfort to the sick and elderly through Christ working in me. -What is your greatest joy as you contemplate the priesthood? I think my greatest joy is that, as a priest, I will serve the church in the person of Christ. I can be a special part of the lives of many individuals, and I can allow God to use me to my fullest potential. As a priest I will be free to serve everyone. I find joy knowing that as a priest I can become the person who God

has called me to be. I can fully give myself to God in the service of our church. -What do you tell someone who is considering the priesthood? I suggest for anyone who is considering the priesthood to seriously consider entering the seminary. The seminary is a wonderful place for one to learn about himself and get closer to God. The seminary is a time of discernment. One would have nothing to lose by entering the seminary but would have much to gain. I have spoken with many men who have entered the seminary and later decided that God was calling them to a vocation of marriage. The time they spent in the seminary helped them to become a better husband in their marriage. Men who enter the seminary and become priests find much joy because they are fulfilling God’s call. -Do you have a favorite devotion? My favorite devotion is the Rosary. I prayed the Rosary before I became Catholic, and it will always be part of my daily prayers. I also

pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy each day. I believe that prayer is very important for my vocation. I have had a devotion to the brown scapular since before I became Catholic also. -How do you relax? I like to go driving to my favorite stores on a Saturday afternoon. I also have my favorite restaurants that I enjoy. When the weather is nice, I enjoy riding a bike. I love to exercise and run. When I get the chance, I like to ride the train to downtown Chicago. Every once in a while I like to go see a movie at the theater or relax with a movie in my room. Every Wednesday night I get together with the seminarians on my hallway to talk, watch a movie, or go out to eat. I also get together with the other guys from my diocese once a week to pray and eat together. Right next to our seminary there is a shrine called “Marytown.” I enjoy going there! -Describe a good day at the seminary. I think that every day is a good day at the seminary. I have better days than others, but each day is filled with many graces. God is present everywhere at the seminary. We have Mass every day, I get to hear wonderful lectures from great teachers, and I have a chapel near my room that I can pray in. -Finish this sentence: “It would surprise people to know… I fought some amateur boxing matches in my earlier days.”

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THE NEW VISION - LA NUEVA VISIÓN OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF TUCSON • WWW.NEWVISIONONLINE.ORG • FEBRUARY 2010


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