The Catholic Telegraph May 2023

MAGAZINE bringing faith into the home

192nd year | issue 5

may 2023 | teens & graduation | 1

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EDI TOR’S N OTE

Do You Remember?

Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager?

I ask myself this question at least once a week.

My oldest is only one year from entering her teens, and already I find myself trying, and often failing, to remember my own experiences at that age—maybe, it’s because I intentionally blocked them out.

Being a teenager is not easy. We go through major biological, physical, mental, and hormonal changes, but it’s also a time when we are forming strong opinions about who we are and who we will be in our adult lives, and we begin taking ownership of our faith and beliefs. All of this usually happens in an environment where other teens are experiencing the same turmoil—a potential recipe for disaster.

And yet, despite our young lives’ chaos, it’s also a time when we discover we have the intellect, creativity and agency to do wonderful things all on our own. Sometimes, those gestures may seem small—reaching out to a peer who is isolated, lonely or depressed. Other times, they take far more energy: starting a program to help those in need, exchanging coveted time with friends and devising how to go to Mass or volunteer.

But regardless of the effort required for the good deed, when the gestures are rooted in spiritual goodness and kindness, the good actions are amplified.

As we gathered stories for this month’s issue on teens, I was increasingly inspired by their everyday good work across our archdiocese. From a young woman who shares her gifts

PUBLISHER Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jessica Rinaudo

PHOTOGRAPHY Margaret Swensen

GRAPHIC DESIGN Emma Cassani

MEDIA SALES Deacon Graham Galloway

NEW MEDIA EDITOR Greg Hartman

AGE 17

and talents as a cantor at Mass and sits on pastoral councils, to high school students creating faith sharing groups that meet before and after school and students partnering with volunteer agencies to improve the lives of others, there is so much goodness happening all around us.

On April 18, 2022, Pope Francis addressed more than 80,000 teens in St. Peter’s Square, saying: “May Our Lady, the mother who was almost your age when she received the angel’s message and became pregnant, may she teach you to say, ‘Here I am,’ and to not be afraid. Take courage and go forth.”

May our teens take this message to heart, and may we, as adults, continue to be inspired by their perseverance, ingenuity and faith.

cteditorial@catholicaoc.org

THE CATHOLIC TELEGRAPH 192nd Year No. 5 • May 2023 513-263-6635 • thecatholictelegraph.com 100 East Eighth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 ctadvertising@catholicaoc.org The Catholic Telegraph (xUSPS 094-520) ISSN. 10736689 is published monthly by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati 100 E 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati and at additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Catholic Telegraph, 100 E. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

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may contents Maria Taylor page 36

teens

La Salle Upperclassmen page 38

22 JJ, GRACE & LIAM BONNY VAN

Carrying out the mission of Jesus 28 MADI LANGDON JOHN STEGEMAN

Seton soccer team embraces Catholic identity 30 ALTER UPPER ROOM REBEKAH DAVIDSON

Seniors lead prayer before school

news 8 NEW PRIESTS FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE 16 PARENT PROJECT SAVES FAMILIES JOHN STEGEMAN

Classes empower parents to support their children in making healthier, safer choices 18 SUSIE GIBBONS JESSICA RINAUDO

Superintendent to retire after more than 40 years in Catholic education 42 FESTIVALS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

ON THE COVER PHOTO BY: MARGARET SWENSEN

Badin High School students JJ Even, Grace Warner and Liam Connaughton 4 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH

32 KOUCHE & SCHULTE PATRICIA MCGEEVER

McNicholas teens offer time & talents for others 34 LIZZY HUWER MATT HESS

Inviting others to faith 36 MARIA TAYLOR EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU

Turpin High School senior cantors at St. John Fischer 38 LA SALLE UPPERCLASSMEN KARY ELLEN BERGER

Coordinating with Matthew 25 Ministries to serve the less fortunate

columns 7 QUESTION OF FAITH FATHER DAVID ENDRES

Was Mary ever-virgin?

12 A CLOSER LOOK DR. KENNETH CRAYCRAFT

“Thou art a priest forever” 14 CATHOLIC AT HOME KATIE SCIBA

Mothers & priests: Giving ourselves to others 40 SHINE ON DOMINICK ALBANO

Keep shining 44 THEOLOGY OF THE BODY DR. ANDREW SODERGREN

The problem of shamelessness 46 KIDS’ CORNER Little Li 48 OUT & ABOUT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE 50 THE FINAL WORD FATHER KEVIN SCALF, C.PP.S

Working with young people

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTION FOR MAY For church movements and groups

We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelization each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.

Seek the Lord ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR

May is a month of transitions. Children celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer break. College students return home or perhaps begin an internship related to their area of study. Families gather for First Communion and Mother’s Day celebrations and look forward to upcoming vacations. With the passage from spring to summer, we spend more time outdoors and even contemplate the changes in the natural world as trees, shrubs, flowers and crops burst into life.

This is also a season in which significant milestones are met in the lives of many young people. Graduates look forward to beginning a new stage of their education, starting down a career path or entering a trade. Many young couples begin their married life together. Within our young people’s faith journeys, this is a season when many receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and, guided by the Holy Spirit, set out to discover all that God has in store for them and the gifts they have to offer to the life of the Church.

We also thank God for the continued gift of young men who respond to His call to serve as priests. Later this month, we will gather as a local Church at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains to celebrate the ordination of seven men to the priesthood; seven newly ordained priests who will begin their ministry at parishes throughout the archdiocese.

In a particular way, the Church also looks to Mary during this month and praises God for her example of fidelity and generosity, as well as her tremendous contributions to God’s plan of salvation, even at a young age. Pope Francis recently encouraged young people to look to Mary as a model of

faith. “In the heart of the Church, Mary shines forth. She is the supreme model for a youthful Church that seeks to follow Christ with enthusiasm and docility. While still very young, she accepted the message of the angel, yet she was not afraid to ask questions (cf. Lk. 1:34). With open heart and soul, she replied, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord’ (Lk. 1:38)” (Christus vivit, 43).

Over the centuries there have also been many young men and women, even boys and girls, whom we now venerate among the saints–youthful hearts who sought from an early age to dedicate their lives to God and to service of others. Pope Francis says, “The heart of the Church is also full of young saints who devoted their lives to Christ, many of them even to dying a martyr’s death. They were precious reflections of the young Christ; their radiant witness encourages us and awakens us from our lethargy” (CV, 49). Each of us, no matter our age, can also reflect the radiance of Christ’s love to the world around us.

As we pass through this month which is marked by moments of transition, accomplishment, celebration and change, may we also strive for spiritual renewal, reinvigorating our hearts with youthfulness and grace. Over the years of our earthly life, we must learn to rekindle the fire of God’s love which He infused into our hearts at Baptism, strengthened by the grace of Confirmation, and nourishes each time we receive the Eucharist. The work of conversion to the gospel is never completed. May this time of new beginnings afford us the opportunity to set out again with youthful wonder and hope toward all the good which God has in store for those who love Him. S E E K T H E L O R D / MAY 2023 | 5

Busca al Senor ARZOBISPO DENNIS M. SCHNURR

Mayo es un mes de transiciones. Los niños celebran el final del año escolar y el comienzo de las vacaciones de verano. Los estudiantes universitarios regresan a casa o quizás comienzan unas prácticas relacionadas con su área de estudio. Las familias se reúnen para celebrar la Primera Comunión, el Día de las Madres, y esperan con ilusión las próximas vacaciones. Con el paso de la primavera al verano, pasamos más tiempo al aire libre e incluso contemplamos los cambios en el mundo natural a medida que árboles, arbustos, flores y cultivos cobran vida.

También es una época en la que ocurren momentos de gran importancia en la vida de muchos jóvenes. Los graduados esperan comenzar una nueva etapa de su educación, iniciar una carrera profesional o en un oficio. Muchas parejas jóvenes inician su vida matrimonial. Dentro del caminar de la fe de nuestros jóvenes, este es un tiempo en la que muchos reciben el sacramento de la Confirmación. Al ser guiados por el Espíritu Santo, los jóvenes se disponen a descubrir todo lo que Dios tiene reservado para ellos y los dones que pueden ofrecer a la vida de la Iglesia.

También damos gracias a Dios por el don continuo de los jóvenes que responden a su llamada a servir como sacerdotes. A finales de este mes, nos reuniremos como Iglesia local en la Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains para celebrar la ordenación sacerdotal de siete hombres; siete sacerdotes recién ordenados que comenzarán su ministerio en parroquias de toda la arquidiócesis.

De manera particular, la Iglesia también mira a María durante este mes y alaba a Dios por su ejemplo de fidelidad y generosidad, así como por sus tremendas contribuciones al plan de salvación de Dios, incluso a una edad temprana. El Papa Francisco animó recientemente 6 | THE C ATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH

a los jóvenes a mirar a María como modelo de fe. “En el corazón de la Iglesia resplandece María. Ella es el gran modelo para una Iglesia joven, que quiere seguir a Cristo con frescura y docilidad. Cuando era muy joven, recibió el anuncio del ángel y no se privó de hacer preguntas (cf.

Lc. 1:34). Pero tenía un alma disponible y dijo: ‘Aquí está la servidora del Señor’ (Lc. 1:38)” (Christus vivit, 43).

A lo largo de los siglos ha habido también muchos jóvenes, hombres y mujeres, niños y niñas incluso, que hoy veneramos entre los santos–corazones jóvenes que desde su juventud buscaron dedicar su vida a Dios y al servicio de los demás. Dice el Papa Francisco: “El corazón de la Iglesia también está lleno de jóvenes santos, que entregaron su vida por Cristo, muchos de ellos hasta el martirio. Ellos fueron preciosos reflejos de Cristo joven que brillan para estimularnos y para sacarnos de la modorra” (CV, 49). Cada uno de nosotros, sea cual sea nuestra edad, también puede reflejar el resplandor del amor de Cristo al mundo que nos rodea.

Al atravesar este mes, marcado por momentos de transición, logros, celebraciones y cambios, ojalá nos esforcemos también por renovarnos espiritualmente, revigorizando nuestros corazones con juventud y gracia.

A lo largo de los años de nuestra vida terrena, debemos aprender a reavivar el fuego del amor de Dios, que Él infundió en nuestros corazones en el Bautismo, fortaleció con la gracia de la Confirmación y alimenta cada vez que recibimos la Eucaristía. La obra de la conversión al Evangelio no termina nunca. Que este tiempo de nuevos comienzos nos brinde la oportunidad de ponernos de nuevo en camino con juvenil asombro y esperanza hacia todo el bien que Dios tiene reservado para los que le aman.

QUE ST IO N O F F A IT H

Was Mary Ever-Virgin?

Do Catholics believe that Mary remained a virgin her entire life? Did she have children other than Jesus? I have nonCatholic friends who say the Bible mentions Jesus’ siblings.

The Scriptures and tradition convey information on Mary that help us understand the details of her life and her importance to our faith. Passages in the Bible do reference the brothers and sisters of Jesus, leading some to claim that Mary clearly bore other children. However, this is inconsistent with Christian tradition. The words “brothers” and “sisters” (in Greek, adelfos and adelfa) can describe other close family members who were not siblings.

EVER VIRGIN

The Church has consistently taught that Mary was not only a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus, but remained a virgin after.

In the early Church, Mary’s virginity was bound up with Eve. As the mother of all the living, Eve was a virgin and undefiled, but she conceived death. Mary was likewise a virgin and undefiled, but she conceived Jesus, the Savior, to reverse the effects of Eve’s disobedience. As the “new Eve,” Mary’s virginal womb became the dwelling of the incarnate God. Because of the Church’s consistent teaching of Mary’s perpetual virginity, it is one of the four Marian dogmas that Catholics hold and it is shared by many non-Catholics, including Eastern Orthodox and Coptic Christians.

The adjective “ever virgin” (in Greek, aeiparthenos) was applied to Mary by the end of the second century. Church Fathers, including Jerome and Origen, discussed Mary’s virginity.

Eventually, the teaching solidified around her threefold virginity—meaning she was a virgin before, during and after Christ’s birth. The teaching became widely accepted and was affirmed at the Ecumenical Councils of Ephesus (431) and Second Constantinople (553).

SIBLINGS OF JESUS

This tradition notwithstanding, the Scriptures name several “brothers of Jesus” (James, Joseph, Simon and Judas) and

“sisters,” too (Mt. 13:55; Mk. 6:3). However, the meaning of the Biblical authors’ choice of the terms brother and sister is not certain. James and Joseph are identified as both brothers of the Lord and sons of “the other Mary”—presumably not Mary, the mother of Jesus (Mt. 27:56; Catechism of the Catholic Church, §500).

This seems to present a conflict unless we consider that the word for brothers could indicate other close male relatives, such as cousins. Such terminology can be found elsewhere in the Bible; for instance, when Abram calls Lot his “brother” (Hebrew = awkh, which is usually translated as “kinsman”).

It has also been suggested that the brothers and sisters of Jesus could be Joseph’s children by a previous marriage, though this tradition is not found in the Bible and may not answer the riddle of how Jesus’ “brothers and sisters” were children of the “other Mary.”

WHOEVER DOES GOD’S WILL…

No matter the precise family relationship, Jesus deemphasizes the biological connection to His “siblings” when He compares them to those who do God’s will. As the Evangelist Mark recorded, someone called out to Jesus: “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you….” But he replied, “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother” (Mk. 3: 32-35).

Herein lies the greater truth: by adoption, we are all in the family of Jesus and his mother, Mary. As the Catechism relates, “Jesus is Mary’s only son, but her spiritual motherhood extends to all” (§501). For when we do God’s will, we are spiritually linked to Jesus and Mary, which is a bond more important than blood.

FATHER DAVID ENDRES is professor of Church history and historical theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

Q U E S T IO N O F F A IT H / MAY 2023 | 7

New Priests FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE

Patrick Blenman Coming from a family of six, I grew up in Sidney, OH, and attended Holy Angels Church. My parents were attentive to bringing us up in the Catholic faith; I was homeschooled until I transferred to Lehman Catholic High School. There, I was involved in choir, band and other student organizations while also an active altar server at Holy Angels.

I distinctly remember my first thoughts about priesthood.

I was 12 and at the Youth and Family Encounter Conference in Atlanta, run by the Legionaries of Christ.

Watching the priests process out of the closing Mass, I thought “It might be cool to be a priest,” and from that moment, this thought and the Lord’s movement in my life kept coming back, no matter how hard I tried to suppress it.

A few months later, I opened up about this desire to Father Matthew Van Smoorenburg, LC, on my first Legionaries’ retreat. I learned to lay this desire before Our Lord in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, to strive for virtue, and to nurture this call. I began to live my life for Jesus Christ.

I have been blessed by many mentors, parents, family, and many of my parish’s priests, especially: Father Patrick McMullen, Father Matthew Van Smoorenburg, LC, Father Daniel Schmitmeyer, Father Jason Bedel, Father Daniel Hess, and Father Shawn Landenwitch.

I most look forward to being an instrument of God’s grace and mission to the world’s people in celebrating the Sacraments. Favorite devotions that help guide and strengthen me include the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the 8 |

PATRICK BLENMAN

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Divine Mercy with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the Rosary and Lectio Divina.

I enjoy camping, hiking, watching movies, smoking my pipe and hanging out with friends.

Amid our world’s great turmoil, it is more important than ever to spread Jesus Christ’s message and strive for holiness. Many struggles and questions in our lives and world are only overcome and answered through Jesus Christ. My work as a priest is to serve this Church instituted

by Christ, which includes helping you, the people of God, to grow in holiness and relationship with Jesus Christ. Let us pray for one another as we share this hopeful Gospel message to our families, friends, and communities.

Isaiah Callan I am originally from Vermont. My parents are still there with those of my 11 siblings who are not scattered across the U.S. The first inkling of my vocation to the priesthood came during middle school, was clarified in high school, but was unactionable until after college; then, I applied to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and found peace.

My godfather and Father McQuillen mentored me at different stages in my life: my godfather through high school and Father McQuillen through the first few years of seminary.

I look forward to celebrating the sacraments and walking with God’s people toward Christ. What more could one want than to see how God works miracles on a daily basis in people’s souls?

I enjoy reading and getting outside on a sunny day, and I have a particular love of St. Josemaria Escriva, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. John Bosco, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Our Lady of Lourdes.

Alex Dugas I am from St. Peter Church in Huber Heights and proud to be from Dayton.

Around age eight, I was interested in the priest at Mass and excited about all things Catholic. As I grew, however, I thought it might be a childish dream, akin to wanting to be an astronaut.

Only later, in college, did I feel the Lord really placed a desire for this call in my heart. I still remember the day I heard the Vocations Prayer at Mass and thought, “Am I one of those men the Lord is calling?”

Two priests stand out as mentors.

Father Frank Amberger was an example early in my studies. His approach to the priesthood, ministry and prayer and the witness of his life inspired me. His

ISAIAH CALLAN

ALEX DUGAS

love for the Lord encouraged my desire to love the Lord better. I regard my internship pastor, Father Sean Wilson as a real brother. His example, leadership, and friendship had a profound impact.

I am excited to say Mass and minister the sacraments, and I really look forward to confidently saying, “Yes, these are the people the Lord sent me to serve, and I have a duty to be their priest.” I also look forward to working with the many wonderful priests I’ve met and my ordained friends from seminary.

I have a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; it seems the Lord wants the furnace of charity that is His heart to be central in my life and priesthood. My favorite daily prayer is my Rosary, and St. Francis de Sales has been a saintly companion in my life.

A fan of history my whole life, I also enjoy reading novels, weight-lifting, drawing, oil painting, and time with friends.

I want to grow my love of the Lord throughout my life, and I pray I can help many love Him more. Please pray for vocations!

Stephen Hughes I grew up with four brothers and two sisters in Trenton, OH, where we attended Holy Name Parish until we moved to Champaign County. There, we attended Sacred Heart Parish in New

STEPHEN HUGHES

Carlisle. Homeschooled until eighth grade, I went to Graham High School, Bowling Green State University, then the Air Force for three years before entering seminary.

I had to think about where I was heading in life after graduation, which is when I seriously began to consider the priesthood. Through formation, my spiritual director, Father Sunberg, has been a mentor for me. Now, I look forward to celebrating the Mass and to bringing the Sacraments to the faithful.

I enjoy praying the Rosary, and in my spare time, I like to read, play board games and video games, and watch scifi and fantasy films.

Thank you for all your prayers, for both myself and all seminarians discerning priesthood.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 O R D IN A T IO N S / MAY 2023 | 9

I look forward to being with the people.

What a gift priests are given to share so many peoples’ adventure! I have special devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Rita and St. Padre Pio.

JONATHAN JERGENS

JEFF STEPHENS

made a strong impact and Father Mark Watkins from St. Lawrence provided a home for two summers during seminary. Lastly, Father Andrew Reckers was an incredible mentor during my internship year.

DAVID DUY TRAN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Jonathan Jergens The oldest of five, I am originally from Miamisburg, and my home parish is Our Lady of Good Hope Church. Joining the U.S. Army in 2003, I deployed six times to Iraq and Afghanistan, and was fortunate to have fun experiences, including as a paratrooper and Jumpmaster; which means I got to jump, and kick a few out, from perfectly good airplanes!

I first heard the call to priesthood as an altar server, but I was in high school when 9/11 occurred and felt a strong call to serve my country. Still, God kept calling me, until I decided to discern whether this was a true call—and that led me to the seminary.

Several priests inspired and helped me, including Father Tom Nevells and Father Jim Romanello. Father Ben Bruening’s example of priestly service 1 0 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH

I look forward to being part of a parish and helping the faithful grow in holiness. The Rosary is important to me—having our Blessed Mother’s ear is probably the reason I’m here today.

I love to travel to new places and experience different cultures.

Jeff Stephens Attending St. Susanna In Mason, I grew up on a golf course because my dad is a club pro golfer. My vocational dream was a large Catholic family, so, after graduating from the University of Cincinnati, I became a FOCUS missionary. I began to daily attend Mass, pray a Rosary and make a Holy Hour, and God opened my heart to the priesthood. It still took several years— two years as a missionary and time as a Dominican novice—all to discern my vocation. Eventually, God’s call became clear and I entered seminary.

My dad taught me faith. He had a reversion when I was young. My mother taught me what it means to love. When I was very sick as an infant, she offered me in prayer. I believe God received her offering and placed the call of the priesthood on my life.

My several hobbies are: playing guitar, watching movies, going to concerts, hanging with friends and rapping—even rapping can be done for the Lord!

David Duy Tran The oldest of five boys, I am from St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Liberty Township. My parents are first-generation immigrants from Vietnam.

I began discerning the priesthood around age eight. We attended Mass weekly during grade school at St. Dominic School in Delhi, and priests frequently visited classrooms and helped me realize how I could serve the Lord through the Church.

Several priests had a great impact on me, and my parents and grandparents were instrumental in my discernment, cultivating a life of prayer in the home.

My grandmother taught me the Rosary and recited prayers in Vietnamese. We attended Mass every Sunday and often during the week.

I look forward to offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, administering the sacraments, bringing Christ to others, and preaching and teaching the faithful.

My favorite prayers are the Rosary, Litany of St. Joseph and the Chaplet of St. Michael, and my favorite devotions are Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

I enjoy reading, cooking, walking, hiking and watching movies.

In Vietnamese families, it is an honor and blessing to have a son become a Catholic priest. It is more admirable than becoming a doctor, pharmacist or engineer!

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Annual Memorial Day Field Mass Monday, May 29th 10:30 a.m. Memorial Day Presentation 11 a.m. Memorial Day Mass

with Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, Celebrant

2 p.m. Patriot Rosary in Section 28, Veterans Garden Join us for this day of remembrance and prayer on the sacred ground of Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

We will gather at the Priest Mound for the Memorial Day Presentation and the Annual Memorial Day Field Mass.

Our remembrance gathering expresses our faith in Christ’s resurrection, our gratitude for those who served and died for our country, and for all our loved ones and friends interred on this sacred ground.

Transportation will be provided from parking areas to the Priest Mound for those who need assistance.

Please bring your folding chairs.

There will be light refreshments after Mass for all.

In case of rain, the Mass will move to Good Shepherd Parish at 8815 East Kemper Rd. The Knights of Columbus will lead the Patriot Rosary at 2 p.m. in the Veterans Garden, section 28.

All are invited.

11000 MONTGOMERY RD. • CINCINNATI, OH 45249 gateofheaven.org • 513-489-0300 facebook.com/gateofheavencemetery

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A CLO SE R LO O K

“Thou Art A Priest Forever” Priestly Ordination and Ontological Change In 1964, English novelist Evelyn Waugh described how the simple liturgy of the Mass (the “low Mass” in pre-Vatican II parlance) was instrumental in his conversion to the Catholic faith. He explained that he “was not at all attracted by the splendour of her great ceremonies—which the Protestants could well counterfeit.” Disconnected from the Mass, splendid liturgy is an empty gesture. Rather, for Waugh, the beauty of the Mass was displayed by the unique task that only the Catholic priest has the ability to perform. Waugh was drawn to the Church by the priest as “a craftsmen,” he continued: “A man with a job which he alone was qualified to do,” making Christ present on the altar. Waugh’s point is that high liturgical form, while not unimportant, is secondary to the essential mystery of the priest as “in persona Christi,” transforming the simple elements of bread and wine into the glorious presence of Christ.

The priest alone is qualified to effect this mystery because his ordination causes what theologians call an “ontological” change. This is a fancy way of saying that the “being” of the priest after his ordination is substantially different from his “being” before his ordination. In some ineffable sense, he becomes a different person: set apart with the unique ability to celebrate the summit of our faith, the mystery of the Eucharist.

In May 2023, 13 men who have been formed and educated at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology (MTSM) will join this band of craftsmen; seven for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and six for other dioceses who send their men to MTSM for education and formation. Having had a part in teaching these men, I can confidently say they are prepared to fulfill this role, despite the many difficulties they will face.

All Catholic priests are confronted by perennial challenges.

1 2 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH

Aside from never really being “off the clock,” they are asked to bear the moral and spiritual burdens of the flock they shepherd, whether in a traditional parish or some specialized ministry, such as a hospital or military chaplain. In addition to these, every generation of newly ordained priests faces challenges that are particular to the time of their ordination.

The men in recent cohorts still labor in the wake of the past several years’ sexual scandals, which damaged both the priests’ morale and the flock’s trust. Of course, it is unjust that these men are yoked with that legacy. To their credit, they still answered the call to assume the burden.

Additionally, new pastoral challenges confront our young priests, who will be assigned to parish families, and most will be required to travel many miles and learn the personalities of several churches. This exhausting trend shows no signs of reversing. The number of new ordinations in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are encouraging, but they are not yet outpacing retirements.

Cultural and social changes, many of which crept into the Church, will also challenge these new priests’ skill and patience.

Questions about traditional understandings of gender and sexuality, for example, will have to be answered. I admonished them not to sacrifice doctrinal integrity on the altar of pastoral sensitivity. This is no small feat; it is easier for me to say than for them to practice. While the Church’s teaching is clear on many moral matters, ambiguities abound in those teachings’ application to particular situations. The best formation can give them the skills to negotiate these challenges lovingly and prudentially, but it cannot predict every turn or hazard in the road.

All of which is to say, these courageous men need our prayers and support. Their ordinations will give them the unique ability to stand in the person of Christ on the altar and administer the Church’s sacraments. But it will not make them immune to the frailties that accompany all of us in our moral and spiritual lives, including illness, stress, exhaustion and even, from time to time, failure. It is up to us, who they selflessly choose to serve, to reciprocate their bold decision to follow Christ’s call to minister to us. We can do this in various ways: invite them into our homes for a meal, take them out for a beer or cup of coffee, treat them to a ball game, play, or concert. And, of course, this applies to all our priests, from the well-tested veterans to the newly ordained.

When they are ordained, priests become “priests forever.”

That change effected in them is indelible and permanent.

They receive it for the purpose of bringing the simple beauty of the Mass to us. May we show them the appropriate expressions of gratitude and affection for their willingness to make Christ present for us on the altar, a job that they alone are qualified to do.

DR. KENNETH CRAYCRAFT is an attorney and the James J. Gardner Family Chair of Moral Theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

Faith Seeking Understanding Master of Arts: Theology | Master of Arts: Pastoral Theology Discover the riches of Sacred Scripture, Tradition, Church history, and the wisdom of the saints through distance education with the Augustine Institute.

Apply for Summer or Fall 2023 at augustine.edu/apply A CL O S E R L O O K / MAY 2023 | 13

CATHO LIC A T H O ME

Mothers & Priests: Giving Ourselves to Others I remember the moment I realized my mother was a person.

It’s a strange thing to say; but prior to my twenties, my mom more closely resembled a resource. I could turn to her with my needs, confident she would have the solution. As a mother, she gave; and as her child, I took. When the light bulb turned on, I recognized a depth to my mom of which I had been totally unaware. I stopped looking at her as a well of provision and saw instead my sister in Christ, with emotions, thoughts and needs unique to her.

It was impossible to fully appreciate the sacrifice my mom exerted until I was a mother myself. It’s a blessing that contributes to who I am and calls me to a depth of love I couldn’t previously comprehend. Still, when the final drip of coffee is downed and the last sock is matched, what remains is a person with spiritual, physical and emotional needs.

Recently in church, I watched the parish priest slowly make his way across the narthex. He took a few strides, then a parishioner stopped him with a question or a hello. Another few steps, then he was blessing a Rosary. His short walk was riddled with halts, and though the finer details were different, it all looked familiar. Another light bulb moment: his life and mine were more alike than not.

Think about the priests and moms you know. Do you see the parallels? Our vocations call for putting others ahead of ourselves. We are awakened up in the middle of the night—a child has a bad dream, a parishioner needs anointing. We frequently tend to souls. The people we serve come to us when they need something.

Whether we’re talking about priesthood or motherhood, it calls for a lot of GIVE. Mothers and priests need fellowship, spiritual rejuvenation and rest. Our callings consist of pouring ourselves out for the sake of others, who will likely lose sight of our humanity. As a kid, I regarded priests as existing somewhere above mankind but below angels in the hierarchy of creation.

It didn’t occur to me that a priest might need a break, an extra cup of coffee or an understanding ear, like I do now as a mom.

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Beyond the physical and mental demands, how well priests and mothers reflect the love of God has a significant impact on those we serve. At his ordination, a priest begins acting in persona Christi, in the person of Christ; he becomes the face of Jesus in his community. Similarly, a mother’s love and attention will shape the way her children see God. It’s common and natural for us to interpret God’s regard for us according to our experience of our parents. Did your mother provide, but remain emotionally aloof? Was your mother gentle and lovely? These scopes of influence are as deep as they are wide; and since priests and mothers are called to the imitation of Christ in very particular ways, we need Jesus and fervent prayers.

Several years ago when my husband and I lived out of state, we invited our bishop over for dinner. I was so nervous; “hosting the bishop” sounded so important, and I was determined that our attire, house and dinner all reflect that.

But when the bishop arrived, he wore a button-down and slacks.

During dinner, it was clear he didn’t want to discuss diocesan matters, but when someone casually mentioned gardening, he lit up. He delighted in growing his own ingredients. He couldn’t garden or cook as often as he wanted, so he jumped to do so every chance he got. Surprised, I sat back listening. “He’s a normal guy,” I thought, and shook my head at my own shortsightedness. Future dinners with him were far more relaxed and fun for everyone.

As the Lord has given me a glimpse into the lives of his vicars, I’ve felt my heart catch on fire for their sake. Consider this a heartfelt invitation to mothers and clergy alike: Let’s uphold each other in prayer, begging God to give us hearts like His own so we can love with abundance and lead souls to Heaven.

KATIE SCIBA is a national speaker and Catholic Press Awardwinning columnist. Katie has been married for 14 years and is blessed with six children.

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Parent Project Saves Families “I am more able to listen to my daughter.”

“We talk more instead of arguing.”

“He’s nicer to me and tells me he loves me randomly.”

These real observations came from parents who participated in Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio’s (CCSWO) Parent Project. Parenting the best-behaved child can be a challenge, but the Parent Project is for when things have broken down on a serious level.

The Parent Project was founded nationally 35 years ago by former Los Angeles County Police Supervisor Ralph Fry and psychologists Dr. Roger Morgan and Dr. Bonnie Burstein. While not an explicitly Catholic program, it falls within the local Catholic Charities’ mission to serve and empower people through God’s love in their times of vulnerability.

Free to Butler County residents, other counties’ residents may participate in the class by paying $30 for curriculum materials. To register or learn more about the Parent Project, contact Bolden at pbolden@ccswoh. org or call 513-867-7072.

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While parents typically participate due to court orders, many are self-referred. The children are usually in trouble: skipping school, taking drugs illegally, or engaging in violent or risky behaviors. The relationship between child and parent has suffered.

“This is not your basic parenting class,” Parent Project Coordinator Patsy Bolden said.

Bolden said the classes empower parents of 11 to 17 year-olds to support their children in making healthier, safer choices so they can be successful in all aspects of life. Parents whose five to 10

CLASSES EMPOWER PARENTS TO SUPPORT THEIR CHILDREN IN MAKING HEALTHIER, SAFER CHOICES

BY JOHN STEGEMAN

year-old children are in difficult situations take the Loving Solutions class, also called Parent Project Jr. “Why Try” is a class for children ages 11 to 17 whose parents are taking the Parent Project course. Through a series of 10 visual metaphors, it teaches social, emotional and leadership principles. During her seven-plus years as project coordinator, Bolden said she noticed that this class’s parents come from all socioeconomic backgrounds and family situations. Despite their differences, parents often bond with each other, forming friendships that staff encourage them to continue when the class concludes.

“It’s amazing to see these parents click,” she said.

“They see they’re not alone.”

Parents who are ordered to attend the classes often have a chip on their shoulder, said Bolden, like “Steve” who had trouble with his son “Mikey.” He was at the end of his rope with his son’s violence in school, among other struggles, and was further frustrated to be in the 10-week class. However, by the sessions’ end, Steve shared that Mikey had done a complete 180; he was earning good grades and even sitting in the front of the classroom. A positive email from his son’s teacher brought tears to his eyes. Such success stories are common, said Bolden.

“He made the decision for the sake of his child,” Bolden said. “He said, ‘Why not try it and see if it works?’”

Armed with a strong Catholic faith and extensive knowledge, our graduates are prepared to successfully meet life’s challenges and make a difference in the world.

C ONG R AT U L AT I ON S to the Class of 2023

T E E N S / M AY 2023 | 17

she spontaneously selected French. Upon graduation, teaching Catholic school was Gibbons’ natural choice.

“It was never really a conscious decision for me. I just knew that, to me, putting Catholicity and education together was always the way to do it.” Gibbons said.

Teaching at her alma mater, Alter High School in Dayton, for her first two years, she moved to Seton High School in Cincinnati in 1980, where she gradually took on more responsibilities.

“I taught math. And then in 1982, they asked me to be director of student activities … and then I was department chair. I became assistant principal in 1990, and principal in 1997,” she said.

SUSIE GIBBONS Superintendent to Retire After More Than 40 Years in Catholic Education

BY JESSICA RINAUDO

For retiring superintendent Susie Gibbons, Catholic education has been with her nearly every step of her life. From attending Catholic grade school, high school and college, to teaching, administering, then leading the charge for the fourth largest Catholic school system in the U.S., Gibbons has done it all.

Her vocational call to education began her junior year of high school, when a fantastic math teacher inspired her to pursue education. In college, she was told that, in addition to math, she had to have a second educational focus, so 1 8 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH

Her time as a teacher and administrator in Catholic schools helped prepare Gibbons, both administratively and empathetically, for her role as superintendent of the entire archdiocese.

“With principalship, you have the best of days and you have the worst days.

There’s not really a norm. And the days that are hardest are when something happens with a child, like if there’s illness or an accident,” said Gibbons.

“But I always felt when we had those really hard times, that’s when you could see faith just everywhere.”

After 30 years at Seton, Gibbons knew it was time for change and departed the school in 2010 without a future game plan, but she trusted one would materialize.

“So when [the archdiocesan regional director] job came open, Kathy Beaver and Jean Kennedy, who were predecessors in the school’s office, they called me and said, ‘You really ought to think about this,’” said Gibbons.

She applied for the job and was hired as a regional director, where the newly hired superintendent, Jim Rigg, asked Gibbons to fill in the gaps. “Pretty much every year I had a different assignment. So that was really fortuitous because I really got to know all of the principals,” she said.

Her career took an unexpected turn in 2015, when Riggs told his team he had accepted another job in Chicago.

At Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr’s request for names of potential interim superintendents, Riggs tossed Gibbons’ name into the hat.

in the schools’ office, ‘You’ve seen one Catholic school, you’ve seen one Catholic school, because they’re all so very different.’”

“The next day I was sitting in the lunchroom. Jim came in and said, ‘Susie, Archbishop wants to see you.’ Well, it really scared me,” said Gibbons. “The previous April, [a student shot himself ] in the classroom. He had kind of that look on his face… So, we went back to my office. I sat down and he

In response to her upcoming retirement, Archbishop Schnurr offered these words, “You have brought a steady hand to the Superintendent role these past seven years.

You have been someone whom I could always count on to represent the Archdiocese of Cincinnati with honesty

said, ‘Archbishop wants to talk to you about being interim superintendent.’ And I was like, ‘Is that all?’”

and integrity. As you head into retirement, you leave the Catholic Schools Office stronger than you found it with a professional team and forward-looking vision.

Everything you have done has been with an eye toward providing our students with the best possible Catholic educational experience. One could not ask for much more from a leader. You will leave very big shoes to fill!”

After a year as the interim, Gibbons was the natural choice to permanently take the position. “Archbishop offered me the position. I said I’d be honored and he kind of laughed. He said, ‘We didn’t even talk about salary yet.’ And I said, ‘If I was in this thing for the salary, I would not be 40 years in.’ So we laughed and the rest is history. … I’ve been superintendent for seven years.”

Looking to the future, Gibbons offered this advice to the next superintendent: “The school office people… there’s an awful lot of knowledge, and very mission driven people, people who want to see Catholic education move forward and continue,” she said.

Gibbons continued, “You can have the worst day and be really depressed here because of things going on. We really do see the good, the bad, the ugly. And lots of days we see more ugly than good. But the best days are when you get out, and you can talk to principals, and you can be in a school. And we always say

But I always felt when we had those really hard times, that’s when you could see

faith just everywhere.

N E W S / MAY 2023 | 19

“Oh, my dear son, what happiness for us if for the rest of our lives we can walk along the beautiful path of faith and live only from faith, act only by faith.”

- Blessed Joseph Chaminade

Congratulations, Men of Moeller Class of 2023

Catholic. Marianist.

Forming our Students into Remarkable Men.

www.mndhs.org 2 0 | THE CATHOLIC TELE G RAPH

Hands Up & Shout Outs to all 2023 Graduates!

GRAND RAFFLE: • 1 Ticket for $50 • 3 Tickets for $75 • 5 Tickets for $100 • 10 Tickets for $150 For every 3 tickets purchased, an extra ticket will be added into the Grand Prize Drawing.

Grand Raffle Cash Prize Awards: • 8/21/2023 Early Bird Drawing: $2,500 • 10/17/2023 Grand Prize Drawing: $25,000

1720 CLUB: • 1 Ticket for $25 • 3 Tickets for $50 • 9 Tickets for $75 • 15 Tickets for $100 1720 Club Cash Prize Awards • Monthly Drawing: $1720 • 8/21/2023 Early Bird Drawing: $2500 • 12/1/2023 December Drawing: $2500 COMBO PACKAGE: (Chances include all Grand Raffle and 1720 Cash Prizes) • 10 Makers of Miracles Grand Raffle tickets $150 value • 15 1720 Club Raffle tickets $100 value • Total purchase price $200

I want to purchase the Combo Package $_________ I want to purchase _______ Grand Raffle Tickets $_________ I want to purchase _______ 1720 Club Tickets $_________ I don’t want to purchase tickets, but want to make a difference in a child’s life with a donation of $___________ Name_______________________________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________ Email_______________________________________________ All credit cards accepted. Checks can be made payable to St. Rita School for the Deaf Card #______________________________ Expiration Date_________________ CVV_______________ For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Tom Reusch at Treusch@srsdeaf.org or 513-771-7600 | 21

T E ENS WHO RAD I ATE CHRI S T

JJ, Grace & Liam Carrying Out the Mission of Jesus | By Bonny Van In searching for those carrying out the mission of Jesus, look no further than Stephen T. Badin High School in Hamilton. There, you’ll find seniors Liam Connaughton, JJ Even and Grace Warner. All three credit their Catholic faith for helping guide their mission of sharing Christ’s love and service with others.

For his junior and senior year service projects, Connaughton partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for children in need. “Before volunteering at SHP, I was largely unfamiliar with the issue of bed poverty,” said Connaughton. “So many kids in our community don’t have a comfortable place to rest their heads at night.”

Connaughton works at his family’s ice cream shop, plays the piano, and has always been involved at his church, St. Joseph in Hamilton. “[It’s] one of the prettiest churches I’ve ever seen,” he said.

“Christ is truly at work through SHP,” he said.

“I’ve done everything you can think of at a parish: serving, reading and distributing,” he said. In seventh grade, he built a website for the church. “But more than that, I’m involved in faith outside my parish. I’ve led retreats at Badin, been a part of Bible studies and led faith groups at Badin. My Catholic faith is the core of who I am. I believe many of the values I hold close are the results of my faith.”

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Fellow classmate, Even, is usually participating in volleyball or soccer or sitting on the sidelines cheering on other Badin sports teams. Otherwise, he’s busy helping others find their strength, both spiritually and physically.

An active member of Sacred Heart Church in Fairfield, Even is also a Eucharistic Minister at school Masses. His group’s service project partnered with The NeuroFit Gym in Hamilton, a non-profit organization that provides a gym-like environment for those with neurological issues.

The group painted a mural and a Bible quote, bought

organizational supplies and built shelves and desks.

“I chose this as my service project because one of the directors of the gym was super supportive of us through the whole process and loved all of our ideas and gave us a lot of freedom,” said Even.

Even said he was initially looking for a “direct” service project, but is grateful for the lessons received.

“I learned that you can make just as big of a difference behind the scenes,” he said. “This work relieves some of the load off of the team. I learned how much of a community there is surrounding the gym.”

Warner is part of Badin’s cheerleading squad and participates in competition cheer and dance, the Scholar Leader Academy, the National Honors Society and the Spirit Club. Her involvement with her church, St. Peter in Chains in Hamilton, began at a young age. She helps lead Vacation Bible School, was an altar server, lectors and is a Eucharistic minister.

“The people there are in some of the toughest situations but they talk and laugh and sing worship,” she said. “The workers are all volunteers who take time out of their Friday night to serve these people. We pray and share with each other, and there’s just almost a magic to it that can’t be described.”

She continued, “I drive through Hamilton now and I see ‘my friends’ from the Meal Center, rather than a stranger who scares me. My heart has more empathy, even outside of my own hometown, and I go out into cities around the country with eyes of empathy and compassion. I’ve also just learned how important it is to look at the heart of a person and meet each other at that human level. God calls us to love one another.”

All three students acknowledged their families for providing love, support and strong Christian values that helped guide them through school. They also credit Badin High faculty as outstanding role models. Warner said she learned to live by the idea of “attitude of gratitude” from her homeroom teacher and now keeps a gratitude journal.

I believe many of the values I hold close are the results of my faith.

“My faith has given me opportunities in high school as a server and Eucharistic Minister at school Mass, taken me to Boston on a conference with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and now, my senior year, as head Sacristan— meaning I get to lead my school in prayer each morning and set up and clean up for each Mass,” said Warner.

For her senior service project, Warner and her friends bake bread on Thursdays and deliver it on Fridays for the Community Meal Center. They also help prepare meals for guests.

“Why be sad about a rainy day when I can thank God that the rain is giving life to this Earth?” she said.

“Liam, JJ and Grace have continually glorified God and furthered the mission of Badin High School through their work,” said Badin principal Patrick Keating. “They have been leaders in our Christian Service program, retreats, the classroom and extracurricular activities.

We are incredibly proud of the work that they continue to do and look forward to what comes next for each of them.”

T E E N S / MAY 2023 | 23

Cong tulations to e Class of 2023!

Keep doing ext dinary ings!

Badin High School • 513-863-3993 info@BadinHS.org • BadinHS.org

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Eagle Spirit

Moving in Our World Class of 2023 – Cherish the experiences that you have had as CJ Eagles. Take with you the relationships that you’ve formed with teachers, coaches and classmates. You’ve grown to be the people that you are today with the care and support from those around you.

Ohio Academy of Science Shaw Award Winning School 2018 | 2020 | 2022

You are prepared to meet your future! Have fun and find strength in taking the opportunities that are awaiting you. God bless, and Go Eagles! - Neel Jones ‘24 Catholic Faith • Excellent Academics • Enriched Community

Saint Ursula Academy is proud to introduce the

CLASS OF 2023,

1339 East McMillan St. www.saintursula.org 513-961-3410

women of faith, integrity and courage committed to building a better world.

These students have embodied grace, strength, leadership, and resilience during the past four years. SUA is so proud of each one of you!

Lorelei Elizabeth Anello Lorelei ElizabethAnhofer Anello Mary Elizabeth Mary Elizabeth Anhofer Lauren Grace Ayer Aissatou Bah Ayer Lauren Grace GabrielleBah Morenike Paptist Aissatou Sophia Kay Bates Gabrielle Morenike Paptist Margaux Julia Begehr Sophia BatesBenevides SophiaKay Catherine Margaux Julia Begehr Magda Evelyn Betz Elizabeth Ann Boehmer Sophia Catherine Benevides Greta Elizabeth Boettcher Magda Evelyn Betz Brenna Earley Bohan Elizabeth Ann Boehmer Emily Jennifer Bolan Greta Elizabeth Boettcher Mia Nicole Borcherding Brenna Earley Bohan Sara Catharine Bower Katrina Rose Brizendine Emily Jennifer Bolan Margaret Browner Mia NicoleHillenbrand Borcherding Madeline Grace Bruns Sara Catharine Bower Bridget Ann Brus Katrina Rose Elizabeth BlairBrizendine Burk Margaret Hillenbrand Caitrin Weber Byars Browner Sophie Katherine Canter Madeline Grace Bruns PrestonAnn Marie Carey Bridget Brus Caitlin Nicole Carney Elizabeth Blair Burk Abigail Jean Cherry Caitrin Weber Childs Byars Lily Catherine Sophie Katherine Canter Elizabeth Desha Cho MalloryMarie Elizabeth Como Preston Carey Katie Anne Conway Caitlin Nicole Carney Isabella Jean Cornwell

Abigail Jean Cherry Lily Catherine Childs Elizabeth Desha Cho Mallory Elizabeth Como Katie Anne Conway Isabella Jean Cornwell

Margaret Catherine Corsig

Margaret Catherine Corsig Kendall Rae Cox Kendall Rae Cox Macy Annette Creech Chloe Annette Ella Crist Creech Macy Katherine Chloe EllaElizabeth Crist Crowther Rose Elizabeth Danenhauer Katherine Elizabeth Crowther Kathleen Hayes Davin Rose Elizabeth Danenhauer Evelyn Elise Davis Kathleen Hayes Davin Isabelle Ann DeBrunner Sofia Sullivan deJesus Evelyn Elise Davis Frances Ann Kate Deters Isabelle DeBrunner Cecilia Rose Fermann Sofia Sullivan deJesus Ruth Louise Fermann Frances KateFickell Deters Luca Emmy Cecilia Rose Fermann Avery Marena Finley Mary Margaret Finley Ruth Louise Fermann Katherine Anne Fisher Luca Emmy Fickell Madeline Rose Fisher Avery Marena Finley Kathleen Paige Fitzpatrick Mary Margaret Finley Alexandra Danielle Forman Katherine AnneFredrick Fisher Elizabeth Barritt Jade Aunjalie Freeman Madeline Rose Fisher Sophia Clemons Kathleen Paige Garrett Fitzpatrick Sophia Mae Garver Alexandra Danielle Forman Maria Gabrielle Geiser Elizabeth BarrittGephardt Fredrick Charlotte Marie Jade Freeman EliseAunjalie Sophia Gerding Mollie Jane GetgeyGarrett Sophia Clemons Abigail Mae Ruby Garver Goyette Sophia Elizabeth Margaret Graham Maria Gabrielle Geiser Charlotte Marie Gephardt Elise Sophia Gerding Mollie Jane Getgey Abigail Ruby Goyette Elizabeth Margaret Graham

Maureen Elizabeth Greenwell

Maureen Elizabeth Heidi Eileen GruberGreenwell Heidi Eileen Gruber Molly McCafferty Gruber Molly Rose HallerGruber Molly McCafferty Elizabeth Jo Hamant Molly Rose Haller Sydney Rian Hamilton Elizabeth Jo Hamant Ava Claire Hassel Sydney Rian Isabella RoseHamilton Hausfeld AvaAva Claire Hassel Lauren Heffernan HaileyRose Mercedes Heidrich Isabella Hausfeld Morgan Hein AvaNatalie Lauren Heffernan Katherine Patricia Hoog Hailey Mercedes Heidrich Natalie Anne Hubert Natalie Morgan Hein Audrey Jane Hull Katherine Patricia Katherine GilletteHoog Hummel Meredith Grace Hurst Natalie Anne Hubert ClaireJane Elizabeth Audrey HullJeffreys Margaret Sarah Kelley Katherine Gillette Hummel Elizabeth Louise Klus Meredith Grace Hurst Josephine Ann Knaley Claire Elizabeth Megan ElizabethJeffreys Knapke Elizabeth MarieKelley Knight Margaret Sarah Gloria Lillian Knight Elizabeth Louise Klus Collen Anne Lake Josephine Ann Knaley Emily Ann Lamping Megan Knapke EllenElizabeth Halling Lange Elizabeth Marie Knight Mia Pascale Lawrence Catherine Leahy Gloria LillianClaire Knight Katherine Collen AnneEsther LakeLee Megan Karolina Lenhardt Emily Ann Lamping Ellen Halling Lange Mia Pascale Lawrence Catherine Claire Leahy Katherine Esther Lee Megan Karolina Lenhardt

Adare Cottrell Lindy

Adare Lindy Abby Cottrell Loiuse Lockard Abby Loiuse Lockard Zoe Marie Luebbers Quincy Marie MacCutcheon Zoe Marie Luebbers Sydney Louise Quincy Marie Majick MacCutcheon Caroline Grace Sydney Louise Dargin MajickMcCormick Courtney Renee McKeown Caroline Grace Dargin Emily Jane McLachlan McCormick Stella Suzanne McNab Asha Meyer Courtney Renee McKeown Anna Jane Caleigh Mickol Emily McLachlan Gabriella Elizabeth Minella Stella Suzanne McNab Magdalyn Leigh Mitchell Asha Meyer Megan Elizabeth Molloy Anna Mickol MaryCaleigh Clare Momper Regan Marie Montanus Gabriella Elizabeth Minella Hannah Christine Moorman Magdalyn Leigh Mitchell Molly Reuther More Megan Elizabeth Molloy Meredith Ann Murray Mary Momper AnnaClare Victoria Mussman Regan MarieNappi Montanus Tessa Lynn Samantha Sloan Neeb Hannah Christine Moorman RachelReuther ElizabethMore Newton Molly Sophia Kate Niehaus Meredith Ann Murray Carlie Aundrea Nieman Anna Victoria Mussman Ainsley Lucille O'Toole Tessa Nappi EdenLynn Laraine Oaks Leah MarieSloan OederNeeb Samantha Sloane Elizabeth Sebastian Osterfeld Rachel Newton Eva Isabella Pappano Sophia Kate Niehaus Carlie Aundrea Nieman Ainsley Lucille O’Toole Eden Laraine Oaks Leah Marie Oeder Sloane Sebastian Osterfeld

Grace Marie Pavloff

Eva IsabellaLee Pappano Francesca Pedoto Grace Marie Pavloff Ainsley Elizabeth Poland Ella Rose Lee Pollock Francesca Pedoto Sophia MacLeid Qotb Ainsley Elizabeth Poland Adeline Ilsabein Ransick Ella Rose Pollock Christine Michelle Reinhart Sophia MacLeid Qotb Meredith Margaret Reisman Adeline Ransick CatelynIlsabein Janice Rothring Taylor Elisabeth RoyReinhart Christine Michelle Kennedy Margaret Senai Rugless Meredith Reisman Annelise Colette Salomon Catelyn Janice Rothring Lauren Helen Sayre Taylor Elisabeth Roy Samantha Lyon Scheve Kennedy SenaiSchimanski Rugless Peyton Olivia Caroline Rose Schoettmer Annelise Colette Salomon RachelHelen Helene Sayre Schulte Lauren Emilee Ann Servaites Samantha Lyon Scheve Regan O'Hara Sharp Peyton AllisonOlivia Nicole Schimanski Shattuck Caroline Rose Schoettmer Hollyn Elizabeth Shumrick Ava Marie Siefke Rachel Helene Schulte Camryn Elizabeth Simonson Emilee Ann Servaites Ella Michele Smith Regan O’Hara Sharp Lillian Margaret Smith Allison Nicole Shattuck Reilly Elizabeth Somerville Hollyn Elizabeth Shumrick Margaret Rose Spaeth Norah Elizabeth Ava Marie SiefkeSpears + Anna Kay Spinney Simonson Camryn Elizabeth Grace Audrey Staarmann Ella Michele Smith Lillian Margaret Smith Reilly Elizabeth Somerville Margaret Rose Spaeth Norah Elizabeth Spears + Anna Kay Spinney

Katherine Anna Stagnaro

Grace Audrey Staarmann Lauren Elise Stafanski Katherine Anna Stagnaro Jaimes Elizabeth Stocks AlyssaElise Brianna Sutherlin Lauren Stafanski Annabel Lee Taylor Jaimes Elizabeth Stocks Margaret Ann Louise Tegtmeyer Alyssa Brianna Sutherlin Cara Donna Thiemann Annabel Lee Taylor Isabel Bauer Thomson Margaret Ann Louise Lillian Gallagher Thurnau Tegtmeyer Elyssa Marie Venard Abigail Elizabeth Vetter Cara Donna Thiemann Samantha Vogeler Isabel BauerRyan Thomson Sarah Grace Wainscott Lillian Gallagher Thurnau Sophia Maria Wampler Elyssa Venard LydiaMarie Paige Warden Abigail Vetter Grace Elizabeth Katherine Deye Wessel Elyse Marie Wheeler Samantha Ryan Vogeler Ava Rose Sarah GraceWiehe Wainscott Cameron Marie Wilburn Sophia Maria Wampler Emma Ann Wilking Lydia HanaPaige Rose Warden Winchester Grace Katherine Deye Wessel Gertrude Elisabeth Winter Elyse Marie Mary Carol Wheeler Wurzbacher Ella Elizabeth Yorn Ava Rose Wiehe Rachel Marie Zeller Cameron Marie Wilburn Marissa Lynn Zerhusen Emma Ann Wilking Hana Rose Winchester Gertrude Elisabeth Winter Mary Carol Wurzbacher Ella Elizabeth Yorn Rachel Marie Zeller Marissa Lynn Zerhusen

T E E N S / M AY 2023 | 25

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T E ENS WHO RAD I ATE CHRI ST

Madi Langdon Seton Soccer Team Embraces Catholic Identity | By John Stegeman

When Shannon Ott hit the back of the net in the second half of the OHSAA Girls Division I State Soccer Championship in November to give Seton High School a 1-0 victory against Strongsville, it capped off a feel-good season for the Saints. But soccer is only part of the story for a team that dove headfirst into its Catholic identity.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples not to worry about worldly things: saying, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Mt. 6:33).

Madi Langdon, a four-year defender for the Saints, and her teammates took a similar approach to their season. They practiced and played hard, but they prayed hard too.

“Oftentimes people just go through the motions, but this team really applied themselves to [faith],” Langdon said. “Our mission statement was, ‘Play for the glory of God by persevering together.’ That’s really what we did this year. [I knew this team was special] because this team really dove into it deep.”

Lisa LaRosa, an assistant under Head Coach John 2 8 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH

Volker, handles much of the faith-building exercises.

Some key elements came from her daughter, Erika Maurer, who worked in sports ministry for Seton, but LaRosa made the work her own. The 10-year assistant makes herself available for faith building as often or as little as a team’s players desire. This year, the team asked at least weekly for activities, and often more than that.

“This team was truly special,” LaRosa said. “Yes, they are filled with speed, technical ability, endurance; but the underlying thing is their mission statement. …

These girls would look at each other, and they’d say, we got this. They didn’t back down. They didn’t get nervous. They knew what they needed to do to glorify God, and they didn’t take their talents for granted.”

The Saints went on to win 19 games en route to the title—and the Seton community’s strong support was evident. The school sent six buses filled with fans to the state semifinal game and had a large crowd at the final game as well.

“It was very cool to see the whole community come together,” Langdon said. “Just being able to lead the team through it all was very encouraging. And [it

was] very cool to be a part … because I had lots of injuries throughout my [soccer] career, so I never knew if I was going to be able to keep playing.”

“I credit a lot of my faith to Seton,” Langdon added. “Everything we do is based on our faith.

I’ve grown up in a Catholic household, so I always had my faith, but Seton soccer and Coach LaRosa, who I’ve become very close to, have helped me through my faith and made it a main priority in my life.”

The soccer season is over, but LaRosa’s sports ministry is not—the administration asked her to work with the Saints’ basketball and lacrosse

God will always be there for them, leading them and loving them. teams on similar faith-building programs. She has already seen the seeds of faith take root in the basketball team, and the lacrosse team asked for faith-building exercises twice a week.

“They want to learn more,” she said. “I tell them, ‘My hope is that you know God will love you no matter what, unconditionally, and that you will have more hope at the end of the season.’ I feel like young people are really struggling right now with that. If they make a mistake, they feel like nobody loves them. I’m trying to teach them that, unconditionally, God will always be there for them, leading them and loving them.”

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CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2023!

“I would wish to fit you for that world in which you are destined to live.”

- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Lucy Adams Emma Allen Lilly Angel Mercy Archila-Nolasco Avery Arling Rachel Arnold Kelsee Backscheider Peyton Ballard Elena Beck Lucy Becker Marlie Berger Maria Bernard Hannah Bier Magdalena Bill Paige Billing Abigail Bittner Kristin Bizaillon Megan Bonfield Abby Brady Katie Brass Madison Brewer Riley Brigger Mercedes Briggs Claire Brogan Natalie Brogan Natalie Brown Bailey Broxterman Josephine Brubaker Alicia Burke Emma Busch Katelyn Byrne Allison Byrum Gracie Callahan Megan Childs Kamara Chowning Mikaela Correll Tram Thuy Dao Marie Dattilo Kaylee Davis Lucy Davis Scarlet Dickerson Annalise Doepker Lauren Dressman Kaitlyn Dudley Gretchen Feldman Reagan Feldman Courtney Fitzgerald Katelyn Fitzpatrick Olivia Frederick Emma Fullenkamp Sydney Galbraith

Madeline Garrett Ava Gaskins La’Shay George Claire Gibbs Rachel Ginn Grace Gonnella Cameron Goodin Ceanna Goodin Olivia Goodin Olivia Grawe Lucy Guenther Kate Gutekunst Caroline Hafner Alexandra Hammann Tara Harman Grace Hartfiel Lindsay Hasselbeck Megan Heine Emma Herms Natalie Hillgrove Kylie Himmler Adele Hinker Kelly Hodgeman Mischa Hoffmeister Maria Holmes Anna Horgan Cena Hornberger Andersen Hughes Emma Hunsche Katelyn Hunt Gabrielle Ingle Elizabeth Jackson Rachel Jorg Emma Kahny Jenna Kammer Elise Kenney Donna Klocke Paige Klocke Lily Kock LeeAnn Kuhlman Emma Lageman Madison Langdon Callie Lengerich Katelynn Linde Megan Linnemann Miriam Lipps Isabelle Lonneman Olivia Maloney Madison Martin Sophia Martin Carley Martini

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3901 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45205 setoncincinnati.org T E E N S / M AY 2023 | 29

T E ENS WHO RAD I ATE CHRI S T

Alter Upper Room Seniors Lead Prayer Before School | By Rebekah Davidson Through Upper Room, students at Alter High School in Kettering found a way to incorporate their faith into the education schedule. Led by students, the faith group meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. before school starts. The five current leaders are: seniors Andrew McKenna, Ben Burkhardt, Grace Girman and Monica Jasek and junior Amelia Hess.

The weekly topic “corresponds with either something we’re going through or something that is [going on] during that week,” said Hess. “For example, Lent—we just did one on that. We make either a slideshow presentation or play games. It’s kind of like a Bible study type vibe, but it’s more so that students can connect to [other] students in their faith.”

Originally launched in 2014, with help from a former Alter High School teacher, the idea was inspired by summer youth conferences at Franciscan University in Steubenville.

Leaders group chat and sometimes meet for breakfast to prepare for the Upper Room meetings. They or an Alter teacher email the week’s plan and reminders on Tuesday nights for the following morning’s meeting.

“It’s a club, where we have worship, prayer and faithsharing,” said Burkhard. “It’s [for] anyone who is desiring to grow closer to God and find that Catholic or Christian community within Alter.”

“The meetings of Upper Room can look like anything from small groups where students can find friends that they share the faith with and feel comfortable to be vulnerable with, to worshiping—our teacher will play the guitar and we all sing—to a student or teacher giving a testimony [or] talk [on] the theme of the month,” said Girman. “It’s kind of just like a morning hang out.”

Typically lasting 30 minutes, the Upper Room is held in the school’s chapel. Each week, leaders take turns leading the meetings, and they all lead when attendees split into smaller groups.

3 0 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH

Around 20 students typically attend every week; however,

want to make sure that everyone is welcome and that they know the Catholic community is open to everyone.”

It’s a club, where we have worship, prayer and faith-sharing. all students are welcome at any meeting and not obligated to a weekly attendance.

“It doesn’t matter what grade level you are; even though the majority of the leaders are seniors, we still have a lot of freshman [who attend],” said Burkhardt. “We just

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF 2023 May you utilize your God-given gifts and talents in service to others while holding true to the characteristics of a St. Xavier High School graduate.

Currently, Upper Room is listening to teacher testimonies. “Every week, a teacher that the students are really close with will come and give their testimonies,” Girman said. “Throughout the weeks [the topic] has been transitioning. At the beginning, a teacher might talk about what faith is to them or how they pray. The next week it could be overcoming obstacles of faith. It kind of all strings together, but it depends on what the teacher wants to focus on.”

Each year, Upper Room has four senior leaders and one junior leader, who will continue leading the year after the seniors graduate.

“I can help lead because I know the gist of everything,” said Hess. “I lead just as much as they do now.”

Planning more activities, the Upper Room leaders most recently considered holding Exposition and prayer after school on Fridays to help students wind down at the week’s end.

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T E ENS WHO R AD I ATE CHRI S T

Kouche & Schulte McNicholas Teens Offer Time & Talents for Others | By Patricia McGeever This past Christmas, 10-year-old Colton Forsee’s life changed. A special present under the tree made it possible for him to do what other children his age get to do: ride a bike.

“He immediately got on the bike in the living room and rode it down the hallway,” said his mom, Kelly. “It was just the most incredible experience. He was so excited.”

Because Colton has cerebral palsy, his right side is weaker than his left, so that, as hard as he tried, he couldn’t properly pump the pedals on a regular bike. His parents considered several options without success—until Kelly called May We Help, a nonprofit composed of volunteer engineers, designers and others who build custom devices for people with special needs. The family was paired with a high school engineering student group at McNicholas High School in Cincinnati. Their job: Develop a solution—and they did!

“One of his feet would slip off the pedals, so we modified a bike so that his foot would stay on it,” said senior Nate Kouche.

The students bought a bike, added bigger wheels on the sides 3 2 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEGRAPH

as stabilizers, then attached adult-sized Crocs to the pedals. Colton’s feet, shoes and all, fit inside the Crocs, and the Croc’s heel strap prevents his right foot from slipping. Now, his mom sends videos to the students to show how well their solution is working.

“It’s amazing,” said Kouche. “It’s really satisfying to know that the work that I’ve done is directly impacting people’s lives.”

Kouche was introduced to May We Help in his Introduction to Engineering class at McNicholas, when his semester’s class created a device to help kids in wheelchairs grab baseballs off the ground.

“We realized this is something we want to maybe do for a job,” said Kouche. “So outside of the class we kept working with May We Help, and we’ve done a couple other projects with them.”

Kouche and his classmates are not alone at McNicholas in helping others. All seniors complete a service project and presentation on their work before they graduate.

Kaitlyn Schulte and some friends have been visiting

residents at Anthology Senior Living monthly.

“In our religion class we talk about Catholic Social Teachings, so we focused on community and life and dignity of the human person,” said Schulte. “We picked the elderly because we felt, ever since COVID, there was a lot of loneliness and total isolation for them, and it was really depressing. We felt like things haven’t gotten back to normal.”

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

They fed residents a Thanksgiving meal, made gingerbread houses with them and passed out Valentines and candy. Karaoke was also a popular event during an afternoon happy hour.

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“The acts that we were doing were really small things but you could just tell how huge it was for them,” said Schulte. “The other day when we were leaving, they just kept saying ‘Thank you so much.’ We also got a few letters back from our Valentine’s notes. They were really sweet and really grateful.”

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“I think it taught me empathy,” said Schulte. “I’m always surrounded by so many people—I can’t imagine what it would be like to feel alone all the time.”

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T E E NS WHO RAD I ATE CHRI ST

Lizzy Huwer Inviting Others to Faith | By Matt Hess Joy and humility. These words describe high school senior Lizzy Huwer, who discovered Christ during her freshman year at St. Henry High School in St. Henry, OH, and who now leads her peers to Him. It all started at a Life in the Spirit retreat. “It took a lot of convincing to go,” Huwer said, “but I did a 180 there.”

She came back from the retreat on fire for her faith and ready to share the Lord with those around her.

Growing up in St. Francis Church outside the town of St. Henry, Huwer participated in parish life, sang in the choir and was a cantor for Masses early on. When her faith grew, so did her appreciation for music. Listening to praise and worship music, she said, can “prepare you to live for Christ in the moment. It can be fine-tuned to what I am feeling.”

Some of the most powerful experiences for Huwer and the St. Henry Youth Group have been service opportunities.

“It’s a time where people’s faith journeys and stories collide with yours,” said Huwer.

These moments are an encounter with people in need, not only materially, but also spiritually and emotionally.

Deepening her faith led Huwer to minister in the school’s Hope Squad and join the same team that gave the Life in 3 4 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEGRAPH

the Spirit retreat.

Huwer’s love is exemplified in small ways: an invitation to small faith sharing groups, a smile to someone sitting alone and a conversation with someone who is struggling, sharing with them her journey with Christ.

Huwer also witnessed her faith to peers and grew her circle of friends into the wider Catholic community by being an example of a happy disciple of Christ.

Following Christ, especially while in high school, takes work and humility. “I have to make myself less and God more to find joy,” said Huwer. When it comes to growing in your relationship with Christ, “It takes work, it’s not all done in a week,” she said.

Looking past graduation, Huwer hopes to take her faith and skills from ministry with her to college and continue building a relationship with Christ. She intends to remain connected with the St. Henry community parishes while pursuing a degree in education, a profession she felt called to while volunteering at Vacation Bible School.

In reflecting on the importance of faith, Huwer said, “It gets me through the trials in life; because of faith, I can serve the Lord with all my being.”

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T E E NS WHO R AD I ATE CHRI S T

Maria Taylor Turpin High School Senior Cantors at St. John Fischer | By Eileen Connelly, OSU There was a time, admits Maria Taylor, when she would have been afraid to stand at a microphone and sing in front of a crowd. Thanks to her own deep faith, her supportive family and the encouragement of parishioners and staff at St. John Fisher Church in Newtown, Taylor now shares her gifts and brings joy into others’ lives as a cantor and psalmist.

The teenager’s musical talent was nurtured at Mercy Elementary, where her third grade music teacher nominated her to perform in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

“That’s where it all started, ironically, with a Bible story,” Taylor said. “It’s been all music from there. I’m sure my family sometimes wishes they could get me to stop singing now,” she added with a laugh, noting she is blessed by support from her parents, Denise and Steve, and siblings, Michael and Katie.

Over the years, Taylor took voice lessons, gaining knowledge and confidence in her vocal abilities. Her interest in theater 3 6 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH

carried into high school at Turpin, where she is currently a junior involved with marching band, chamber choir, Hope Squad, Key Club and the National Honor Society.

A lifeguard at the YMCA during the summer, Taylor is employed at Doscher’s Candy Co. over the winter.

“I like being busy,” said the active teenager. “Being involved in so many different things will open doors for me in the future and help me choose my path.”

Amid her many activities, a big piece of Taylor’s heart is with her faith community of 17 years. Fellow parishioner Jane Kinley, who passed away in early March, “was a loving friend, who really helped me on my journey, adamantly encouraged me to seek out cantoring and to sing my heart out,” Taylor said.

Another parishioner, Jim Crosby, introduced Taylor to Michelle Markert, the parish music director. What started as plans to simply sing at a couple of Masses quickly led to her regularly cantoring the Saturday vigil Mass, and sometimes for Sunday morning liturgies.

For Taylor, the rewards that accompany cantoring are many. “It brings me so much joy to bring the congregation together to sing and to celebrate our faith,” she said. “God gives each of us certain gifts for a reason, gifts that, with hard work, we can use to help others or turn into something beautiful for them to enjoy. One way I can do this is through cantoring.”

Many people thank Taylor after Mass for singing. “That’s priceless,” she noted. “It gives me purpose. If I can do something that makes another person’s day better, that brings them closer to God, then I should keep doing it.”

Markert gives high praise for Taylor’s gifts, “Maria is a rare talent in that she has a beautiful voice, sight reads

I’m learning how to listen, compromise and recognize the importance of taking in everybody’s input. There’s value to what other people have to say, even if you don’t agree. I think I’m able to provide a fresh perspective and it’s really a blessing to serve my parish in this way.”

“Maria is living out her faith and confirmational commitment by being of service not only to her school community, but very passionately and selflessly to the parish community,” said Father Steve Angi, pastor.

As she looks to the future, one of Taylor’s favorite hymns, “Enter the Journey” offers reassurance. The refrain’s inspiring words read: “Enter the journey. Come to the song. By God

This reminds me to enjoy the journey and that we’re not alone. well and is able to understand well that her role as cantor and psalmist is very different than that of a solo performer. She receives guidance well and communicates beautifully with the congregation. It has been a joy to watch her grow in her understanding of her own vocal instrument and in the spirituality of the liturgy.”

Taylor is also a voice for the parish’s youth, representing them at the monthly Pastoral Council meetings.

Her service has been an incredible learning experience as she discusses various parish-related issues and plans future events. “It’s been a real opportunity for growth,” Taylor said.

“Everyone treats me like an equal, and

you are chosen, by name you are called to follow the vision, carry the cross.

Enter the journey of faith as the family of God.” “This reminds me to enjoy the journey and that we’re not alone,” she said.

“I’ll be entering my college journey soon, then adult life. That song is very comforting.”

Taylor doesn’t have any firm college plans yet, but considered studying nursing, with a possible minor in music. “There are so many things I’d love to explore,” she said. “Whatever my career is, I know it will involve using my gifts and helping people. I find so much fulfillment in that.”

T E E N S / M AY 2023 | 37

T E ENS WHO RAD I ATE CHRI ST

La Salle Upperclassmen Coordinating with Matthew 25 Ministries to Serve the Less Fortunate | By Kary Ellen Berger Did any good come out of out of the COVID-19 pandemic? From shutdowns to self-distancing, many argue there wasn’t much to be cheerful about during its height. However, rather than focus on the negatives happening in 2020, then-juniors at La Salle High School in Cincinnati created a positive initiative—a clothing drive with Matthew 25 Ministries.

Benjamin Jungkunz, a current senior at La Salle and member of St. James the Greater Church in White Oak, shared that, “At the time, many service opportunities were taken away from those looking to help others. This sparked an idea from juniors who [wanted to] make a difference in a time of need. They brought the idea of a clothing drive to our campus ministry team.” This was continued last 3 8 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH

school year (2021-2022) and again this school year.

Leading the project this year, current seniors held and organized the third annual clothing drive this past March, receiving clothing, bed linens and gently used shoes.

Collections were donated to Matthew 25 Ministries, where they are sorted then distributed, both in the U.S. and around the world. La Salle students also hold a canned food drive each fall.

“It gives a great feeling knowing our efforts are going to help the less fortunate,” said Charlie Etris, LaSalle senior and St. James the Greater parishioner.

The clothing drive’s creators, now freshmen in college, laid

MIND BODY SPIRIT

the path so current La Salle upperclassmen could expand and grow the ministry—one the current seniors hope will continue for many years. This year’s juniors shadowed the seniors’ efforts to ensure next year’s event will be as successful.

“Holding another clothing drive this year was important to us because we wanted to continue what last year’s seniors started [as juniors],” said Jungkunz. “In order for our clothing drive to prosper and grow into a yearly tradition, the first few years are crucial. And if we were to slack off or not do it all this year, then it may never start again.”

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We love seeing our community come together to our truck with clothes to donate.

Etris echoed this sentiment, “Our clothing drive is a great effort put on by students, and we love seeing our community come together to our truck with clothes to donate!”

“It is very humbling for sure,” agreed Gabriel Logan, senior and St. Antoninus parishioner. “We get to help people in need and those who are less fortunate than us.

It is amazing that a group of high schoolers can put on such a successful event, but that is what is expected here at La Salle. We are expected to go above and beyond for our Lasallian community and to help those who need it.”

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SHINE O N

Keep Shining This is my last Shine On column for The Catholic Telegraph.

I was running through my neighborhood over lunchtime during the COVID lockdown three years ago and praying about this column. I asked God what message He wanted to share with the world. There are more gifted writers and certainly holier people who could fill these pages, so I knew if I was going to write for the magazine, I better focus on God’s ideas, not my own.

Then this passage from the Gospel of Matthew came to mind: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Mt. 5:14-16).

lampstand. I hoped to shine a light on God’s greatness and the people who work for His glory. In my last column I share with you these parting prayers, offered up to God for all those who read our magazine: I PRAY THAT YOU WILL NOT BE AFRAID.

The Gospel has never gotten far when the people trying to share it acted out of fear. I pray that you always boldly proclaim your faith and are never afraid to shed a light on the goodness of God and His Church!

I PRAY THAT YOU STAND TALL.

The world will always try to bring down men and women of great faith. It always has. Don’t make it easy. Don’t shrink your faith or stand in the shadows to make other people more comfortable. I pray that you allow yourself to stand out in a world that begs you to sit down.

As I look over the past few years of writing this column, my mind goes back to that beginning, to those verses. At the time, I remember thinking how our culture tries to twist the goodness of our faith, and how Christians are often faced with a choice to let their light shine and get attacked for it or to put that light under a bushel basket.

I PRAY THAT YOU LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

God is so good—from the outstanding work of the ministries that serve within our archdiocese to the amazing holy “nobodies” who love their neighbors every day without recognition. And yet, we so often allow the lights to be dimmed.

Thank you for reading. Shine on my brothers and sisters!

Shine on!

My hope was to put the goodness of our faith on a 4 0 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEGRAPH

God has done and continues to do amazing things in your life. The sufferings and sinfulness of this world make us forget that from time to time. Bad things happen to us and we make mistakes. Still, I pray that you find your light and let it shine before others.

DOMINICK ALBANO is The Catholic Telegraph’s outgoing director of digital engagement, an author and national speaker. He and his wife have been married for 15 years and have four sons.

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June

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POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II’S THEOLOGY OF THE BODY

The Problem of Shamelessness Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB).

In recent articles, we have explored the emergence of shame in our first parents and all subsequent human beings after Original Sin. We saw how the emergence of concupiscence, particularly sexual desire, results in the experience of reciprocal shame by man and woman, which moves us to conceal the sexual features of our bodies from one another. Because concupiscence has been born in man’s heart, we are aware that when we look at each other’s bodies, we do not easily and immediately see the person in his or her fullness. Our eyes have, in a sense, been darkened by sin, such that our vision may only take in the body’s exterior features, which we judge and evaluate as to the potential pleasure or usefulness it may bring.

This awareness of our concupiscence gives rise to shame, which moves us to conceal the sexual features of the body so that we do not become objects of others’ disordered desires. This experience of shame has nothing to do with seeing sexuality as bad or dirty. Rather, understood in this way, shame reminds us of our dignity and the sacredness of human sexuality by protecting us from being used as mere objects. This form of shame is a healthy building block for the virtue of modesty.

Understanding the important role of shame in the lives of fallen human beings also sheds light on the problems of shamelessness evident today. One form of shamelessness involves the normalization of lust (i.e., disordered sexual desire). When lustful actions and attitudes are given approval or even celebrated, an attitude of shamelessness is being expressed and promoted: the human body is seen only as a sexual object for use without any regard for the person.

Another form of shamelessness is when the human body is portrayed in such a way that its sexual appeal is accentuated above and beyond the value of the person. This can be in forms of dress and behavior and in artistic representations. The most common example of this today is pornography.

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In TOB, Pope St. John Paul II contrasts pornographic representations of the human body with other artistic uses of the nude human form (see TOB 60-63). The difference between pornography and an appropriate artistic rendering of a naked human being originates in the artist’s intention. In the latter case, the intention is to depict the human person revealed through his body in a dignified way, whereas in the former, the intention is merely to present an anonymous human body as an object of lustful desire. Indeed, pornography obscures the reality of the person and over-accentuates the sexual features of the body. In this way, it turns the human body—and therefore the human person—into a mere object (i.e., an impersonal thing) to be used for selfish pleasure and even, into a commodity to be bought and sold.

The Catechism condemns pornography in no uncertain terms, saying that it “offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act.” It goes on to say that pornography: “Does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense.” (no. 2354) Indeed, the Church’s opposition to pornography is so absolute that the Catechism exhorts governments to make it illegal: “Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials” (no. 2354). Given all that Pope St. John Paul II taught us about the dignity of the human person and the spousal meaning of the body, this should come as no surprise. Next month, with the help of modern psychology, I will further diagnose the problems of pornography.

DR. ANDREW SODERGREN, MTS, PSY.D. is a Catholic psychologist and director of psychological services for Ruah Woods. He speaks on the integration of psychology and the Catholic faith. He and his wife, Ellie, have five children.

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Li was a young girl in the late 1940s, when the Communists took over China and worked hard to eradicate Catholicism from the country. One day a commander and four soldiers forced their way into a priest’s school house while he was teaching. They took him prisoner and forced the villagers into the church. Pulling down the crucifix, blessed images and statues, they made the villagers watch as the soldiers destroyed all their sacred images. They even broke into the tabernacle and desecrated the Holy Eucharist, spilling the hosts on the ground and stomping on them.

However, from his locked room in the church, the priest witnessed something amazing. Every evening, a little girl emerged to pray before the Eucharist for an hour, then she knelt down and consumed the host

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with her mouth, directly from the floor. (In those days, lay people did not touch the Eucharist with their hands.)

Li continued this every night for 32 days (one night for each spilled host). When only one host remained, a soldier witnessed her reverent and loving act and became enraged. Right before she consumed the host, he shot her—but with her dying breath, Li crawled forward and consumed the last host before passing from this life.

The story of Li’s martyrdom and faith spread throughout China, and eventually reached Father Fulton Sheen, who was famous for his radio show and, later, his popular TV show. Li’s story inspired him to spend an hour in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament every, single day.

Eucharistic Martyr: Little Li Craft Directions thecatholictelegraph.com/ little-li-craft

“The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white host.”

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

amazing china communism fulton sheen host knelt little li mouth night soldier M A K IN G CA T H O L IC M E M O R IE S / MAY 2023 | 47

out & about in the Archdiocese

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2) South 8 Deanery Lenten Series The South 8 Deanery held a Lenten Soup Supper at four churches for four consecutive weeks in Lent. Each evening, participants had soup and then listened to a priest speak about a different type of prayer. Then the group prayed together.

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1) Lehman Science Olympiad Winners The Lehman Catholic High School Science Olympiad team competed in the Science Olympiad Regional on March 18. The team won medals in 12 events. The Lehman Catholic High School Science Olympiad consists of 15 students competing in 23 events. Lehman’s team placed fifth out of 11 teams.

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4) The Summit Latin Champions Among more than 350 students from 25 Ohio schools who competed in the Ohio Junior Classical League (OJCL) annual convention in March, The Summit Country Day School’s Latin Club emerged as the champions for 2023 for the 13th time since 2009. The award was based on total points earned by 26 Summit students in Grades 7-12 across a wide variety of categories. Summit’s winning total was 1,105 points.

4 3) Faith in Action at Saint Ursula Academy Sophomores from Saint Ursula Academy visited Camp Ernst as part of a recent Faith in Action Day. All students who attend Saint Ursula Academy participate in Faith in Action days as they strive to understand their commitment to building a better world by living their faith. At Camp Ernst, students focused on their unique sisterhood and important ways to model God’s love for each other.

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THE FINAL WORD with Father Kevin Scalf, C.PP.S.

Working with Young People Wise, witty, and shrewd was Mr. Joe Acito, my senior English teacher at Elder High School. He affectionately called me “Reverend Scalf.” I have no idea why—I was far from religious, but I guess that was his point. If, when I was in his class, you had told me that I would one day become a theology teacher—let alone a priest—I would have laughed.

God’s laughter clearly prevailed.

Throughout my 25 years of teaching (14 as a priest for) high school and college students in various settings, God has gifted me with an array of experiences: director of mission and ministry, retreat director, spiritual director, instructor for lay ministry students and deacon candidates, theology professor, department chair and special assistant to a college president. It has been a privilege to accompany young people in their religious, spiritual and very human contexts.

Most of this soul-making work occurred as a Missionary of the Precious Blood, a society that received from our Italian founder, St. Gaspar, the charism of “reconciliation.” While it can be said that the jewel on the crown on reconciliation is the Sacrament itself, our society widens the aperture to include the Church’s healing and renewal by the Blood of Christ. That’s the “mission” part of being a “missionary” of the Precious Blood. The spirituality of Precious Blood is a Eucharistic spirituality that aspires to inspire the faithful to go where they’re needed, so others may have “life in abundance” (Jn. 10:10). We might imagine this like our own nutrient rich blood naturally going where it’s needed throughout our bodies, so we might have life in full.

And this spirituality forever changed me as a Catholic educator. So, what have I learned in working with young people in matters of God, belief and things ultimate? Most importantly this: Treat young people with immense respect. Never talk down to them. Any whiff of arrogance, egotism, superiority, condescension, sanctimoniousness, 5 0 | THE CATHOLIC TELE G RAPH

self-righteousness or too much deadly seriousness in matters of God and religion will turn them off and easily drive them away forever. This is not an exaggeration.

What’s more, avoid talking “at” them. Remember, we’re not just a megaphone; we’re also an earpiece. Ask them questions. Dialogue—talk and listen—even if they disagree or seem to be listening instead to their phones. Consider Pope Francis’ wisdom, “Faith reduced to formulas is shortsided.” Talk from your experience. Make it interesting.

Make it relevant. Share the faith that has been true, beautiful and good for you. Speak it accurately, clearly and lovingly. If your children do not practice their faith the way you would hope, don’t lose heart. Keep encouraging them through your witness. Remember, God is in charge. God will work this out. Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end!

Indeed, Precious Blood spirituality provides a useful approach for accompanying young persons in their journey with God and the Church. It includes a dynamic oscillation of respect, interpersonal dialogue, lived experience and truth-telling informed by the multi-splendored dimensions of Christ’s Precious Blood, at the center.

This particular praxis seems to resonate with my students at McNicholas High School, where I teach theology, and with the young adults I serve at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. It is quite practical. So too is this quote from the late German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, which presents the Gospel in miniature as we reflect on our own enduring commitments: “Your life as a Christian should make nonbelievers question their disbelief in God.” FATHER KEVIN SCALF, C.PP.S. is a priest of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, United States Province, and a member of the faculty and administration at Archbishop McNicholas High School, Cincinnati, OH.

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