The Catholic Telegraph November 2020

MAGAZINE

189th year | issue 12

bringing faith into the home

november 2020 | catholic black history month | 1

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edi t or’s not e

Telling Their Stories Recently I sat down with a journalism student and answered questions about my career. When she asked what I like most about my job, I didn’t hesitate: “Learning about and telling people’s stories,” I responded. “Interviews are an opportunity to encounter people and their lives that I likely never would otherwise. And,” I added, “it’s taught me to better appreciate and empathize with others.”

But stories aren’t limited to the present.

We plan out themes for issues of The Catholic Telegraph six months to a year in advance, so I’ve known for a while that our November issue would focus on Catholic Black History Month. And even though I often assign the majority of our stories to our talented writing team, there was one story I wanted to write personally.

I learned about the six African Americans on the path to sainthood through Deacon Royce Winters, the archdiocesan director of African American Ministries. Their stories, I knew, were ones of tragedy and triumph, determination and grace – and I wanted to research, learn and tell their stories.

I attempted to mentally fortify myself for the research. As a native of the Deep South, I’ve personally witnessed the plantations and slave quarters that are part of our country’s ugly past. But as I read the histories of these six men and women, particularly that of Servant of God Julia Greeley, who sustained permanent damage to her eye and face when she was whipped as a slave at just 5-years-old, my stomach churned and a heavy weight settled upon my shoulders.

These weren’t just personal obstacles these men and women had to overcome, but an entire system of indignity with nearly insurmountable odds. And, yet, they not only remained faithful to Christ, but gave over and beyond themselves to help others, including some who, in Julia Greeley’s case, were too embarrassed to even be seen receiving her help.

With the lives of these six faithful men and women on my mind, I settled into Mass that Sunday. Included in the second reading for the day was the following verse: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.” (Phil 2:2).

And that is exactly what Venerable Henriette DeLille, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Venerable Augustus Tolton, Mary Elizabeth Lange, OSP, Julia Greeley and Thea Bowman did – despite the hardships of their lives, they still placed the needs of others before their own, serving them as Christ would. I pray that as you read about their lives, as well as those of many other influential African Americans featured in this issue, that you listen, learn and remember their stories and let them help fortify your own faith.

cteditorial@catholicaoc.org

THE CATHOLIC TELEGRAPH 189th Year No. 12 • November 2020 513-263-6633 • thecatholictelegraph.com

PUBLISHER Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

EDITOR Jessica Rinaudo

MEDIA SALES Deacon Graham Galloway

GRAPHIC DESIGN Emma Cassani

NEW MEDIA EDITOR Greg Hartman

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT Dominick Albano

PHOTOGRAPHY Margaret Swensen

BOOKKEEPING Karen Cromer

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contents news 8 A SECOND CHANCE IN PRICE HILL PATRICIA MCGEEVER

Resurrection School becomes Romero Academy at Resurrection 11 Q&A WITH THE CENTER FOR THE NEW EVANGELIZATION 12 FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY KARY ELLEN BERGER

catholic black history month 10 KIDS’ CORNER Thea Bowman 17 IN PROFILE: DIONNE PARTEE-JOHNSON REGAN MEYER

18 DANIEL RUDD SARAH ATER

Fighting food insecurity in areas that need it most

“The fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man”

30 CISE GRATEFUL TO MANY FOR REWRITING THE “NOW”

20 A CLOSER LOOK

CYNTHIA KENNEY

26 ROESCH LENDS VOICE TO REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU

CSSMV CEO participated in U.S. Judiciary Committee meeting 29 CONTINUING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION... ONE COMPUTER AT A TIME KARY ELLEN BERGER

St. Julie Billiart Parish partners with St. Susanna Parish

DR. KEN CRAYCRAFT

The Purcell brothers, abolition and The Catholic Telegraph 22 AFRICAN AMERICANS ON THE PATH TO SAINTHOOD JESSICA RINAUDO

Meet these six men and women who are on their way to becoming America’s next saints 24 ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR PARISH AND WEST DAYTON’S BLACK CATHOLIC COMMUNITY MARK DANIS

28 MEET KRIS LEE ON THE COVER PHOTO BY: MARGARET SWENSEN

DePaul Cristo Rey seniors, Martin Igaba and Iyannah Hinton, read stories about Catholic Black history inside century’s old issues of The Catholic Telegraph.

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SUSIE BERGMAN

Piqua’s mayor dedicates life to faith, family and bringing God to those around him

columns 5 SEEK THE LORD ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR

Gratitude for the universal Church 7 QUESTION OF FAITH FATHER DAVID ENDRES

Life after death?

10 SEIZE THE MOMENT NICHOLAS HARDESTY

Your life is worth living 13 SHINE ON DOMINICK ALBANO

A lesson in humility 14 CATHOLIC AT HOME KATIE SCIBA

Prepare for a more soulful Thanksgiving 16 DID YOU KNOW? GAIL FINKE & EMMA CASSANI

St. Benedict the Moor Parish 33 GIVING THANKS JESSICA RINAUDO

Book Review: Bless Us, O Lord 38 MAKING CATHOLIC MEMORIES WAYNE & MARIANNE TOPP

St. Martin’s Day lanterns 40 OUT & ABOUT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

42 THE FINAL WORD LAVERNE SUMMERLIN

Missionaries of the West End Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for November: We pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind.

SEEK THE LORD ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR

As we near the end of 2020, perhaps most of us are eager to see the completion of a troubling year that has brought great trials and deep pain to so many. And yet, even at this challenging time of COVID-19, job losses and civil strife, we have much for which to be grateful to God when we gather this month to celebrate Thanksgiving – whether in person or virtually.

In addition to our lives, we have the blessings of family, friends and faith. As Catholics, we also have Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist. The very word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek for “Thanksgiving.”

The absence earlier this year of public Mass, and the resulting separation from physical communion, makes us even more thankful for this incredible gift from God. Sometimes we do not fully appreciate what we have until we lose it.

Although our relationship with Jesus is personal, we celebrate the sacraments in the communal context of the Church. And, as we say in the Nicene Creed at Mass, the Church is “one, holy, catholic and apostolic.”

Catholic means “universal.” The Church spans the globe, united by Christ’s teachings and the leadership of the Holy Father. In the Latin Church, we are also bound together by the same liturgical norms and Canon Law. In November, commemorated since 1990 as Black Catholic History Month in the United States, we are especially grateful for the universal nature of the Church as reflected in the strong faith of Black American Catholics. One of the reasons this month was chosen for the observance is that November 3 is the feast day of St. Martin de Porres. Born in Lima, Peru, in 1579, he was the first Black person in the Americas to be recognized as a saint when he was canonized by Pope St. John XXIII in 1962.

American history and the history of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have been graced with the lives of many other saintly Black Catholics – women and men who radiated Christ, often in the face of injustice and discrimination, even from within the Church. Some of them are on the path to canonization. You will read about them and many other inspiring stories of Black Catholics in this issue of The Catholic Telegraph magazine.

In the archdiocese we can point with special pride to Daniel Rudd, founder of the National Black Catholic Congress and of a Black Catholic newspaper, The American Catholic Tribune. Although he was born into slavery in Bardstown, KY, in 1854, and died there, he spent many productive years in Cincinnati. An active evangelist for the faith in the Black community, he was quoted as saying the Catholic Church was “the only place on the Continent where rich and poor, white and black, must drop prejudice at the threshold and go hand in hand to the altar.” He also said: “The Catholic Church alone can break the color line. Our people should help her to do it.”

If we are to learn from history, however, it must be presented honestly. The Church was not free from the sin of racial discrimination in Daniel Rudd’s time, nor is it now. In its human dimension, the Church on earth still struggles to fully radiate Christ in respecting the life and dignity of each person. That is a continuing challenge for the entire Body of Christ, every one of us, not only those called to ordained leadership.

During this Black Catholic History Month, let us be thankful for the faithful witness of Black Catholics over the centuries who embraced the Catholic Church and contributed mightily to it.

S E E K T H E L OR D / NO V 2020 | 5

BUSCA AL SEÑOR ARZOBISPO DENNIS M. SCHNURR

A medida que nos acercamos a finales del año 2020, tal vez la mayoría de nosotros estamos ansiosos por ver la finalización de un año preocupante que ha traído grandes pruebas y profundo dolor a tantos.

Y sin embargo, incluso en este difícil momento de COVID-19, pérdida de empleos y conflictos civiles, tenemos mucho por lo que estar agradecidos con Dios cuando nos reunimos este mes para celebrar el Día de Acción de Gracias – ya sea en persona o virtualmente.

Además de nuestra vida, tenemos las bendiciones de la familia, los amigos y la fe. Como Católicos, también tenemos la presencia real de Cristo en la Eucaristía. La misma palabra “Eucaristía” proviene del griego que significa “Acción de Gracias”. La ausencia a principios de este año de Misa pública, y la consiguiente separación de la comunión física, nos hace aún más agradecidos por este increíble don de Dios. A veces no apreciamos plenamente lo que tenemos hasta que lo perdemos.

Aunque nuestra relación con Jesús es personal, celebramos los sacramentos en el contexto comunitario de la Iglesia. Y, como decimos en el Credo de Nicea en la Misa, la Iglesia es “una, santa, católica y apostólica”. Católico significa “universal”.

La Iglesia se extiende por todo el mundo, unida por las enseñanzas de Cristo y el liderazgo del Santo Padre.

En la Iglesia Latín, también estamos unidos por las mismas normas litúrgicas y el derecho Canónico.

En Noviembre, conmemorado desde 1990 como Mes de la Historia Católica Negra en los Estados Unidos, estamos especialmente agradecidos por la naturaleza universal de la Iglesia como se refleja en la fuerte fe de los Católicos negros Americanos. Una de las razones por las que este mes fue elegido para la observancia es que el 3 de Noviembre es la festividad de San Martín de Porres. Nacido en Lima, Perú, en 1579, fué la primera persona negra en las Américas en ser reconocido como santo cuando fue canonizado por el Papa San Juan XXIII en 1962.

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La historia Estadounidense y la historia de la Arquidiócesis de Cincinnati han sido agraciadas con la vida de muchos otros santos Católicos negros – mujeres y hombres que irradiaron a Cristo, a menudo ante la injusticia y la discriminación, incluso desde dentro de la Iglesia. Algunos de ellos están en el camino de la canonización. Usted leerá sobre eso y muchas otras historias inspiradoras de Católicos negros en este número de la revista The Catholic Telegraph.

En la arquidiócesis podemos señalar con especial orgullo a Daniel Rudd, fundador del Congreso Nacional Católico Negro y de un periódico Católico negro, The American Catholic Tribune.

Aunque nació como esclavo en Bardstown, KY, en 1854, y murió allí, pasó muchos años productivos en Cincinnati. Evangelista activo de la fe en la comunidad negra, fue citado diciendo que la Iglesia Católica era “el único lugar en el Continente donde ricos y pobres, blancos y negros, deben dejar caer los prejuicios en el umbral e ir de la mano al altar”.

También dijo: “La Iglesia Católica por sí sola puede romper la línea de color. Nuestra gente debería ayudarla a hacerlo”.

Sin embargo, si queremos aprender de la historia, debe presentarse honestamente. La Iglesia no estaba libre del pecado de la discriminación racial en la época de Daniel Rudd, ni lo es ahora. En su dimensión humana, la Iglesia en la tierra todavía lucha por irradiar plenamente a Cristo en el respeto de la vida y la dignidad de cada persona. Ese es un desafío continuo para todo el Cuerpo de Cristo, cada uno de nosotros, no sólo los llamados a un liderazgo ordenado.

Durante este Mes de la Historia Católica Negra, demos gracias por el fiel testimonio de los Católicos negros a lo largo de los siglos que abrazaron a la Iglesia Católica y contribuyeron poderosamente a ella.

Q UE S TION OF F AITH

LIFE AFTER DEATH? When did the belief in heaven and hell originate among Christians? I have heard that Jewish believers, some early Christians, and even possibly Jesus did not believe in an afterlife.

Most Christians would probably be surprised to know of the diversity of Judeo-Christian beliefs about the world to come. The rather simplistic view that souls entered either an eternal heaven or an eternal hell was not uniformly held in Jesus’ time.

THE UNDERWORLD

Some Jews, such as the Pharisees and Essenes, believed in an afterlife. The Sadducees, however, thought souls ceased to exist after death. These differences of belief are found even in the Bible. In the Old Testament, the texts composed earliest (often before the third century BC) do not indicate hope in an afterlife of rest and peace. Instead, the just and the unjust go to the same place after death: Sheol. Here, souls have only an imperfect, ghostly existence. As the author of Ecclesiastes writes, “The living know that they are to die, but the dead no longer know anything … for there will be no work, no planning, no knowledge, no wisdom in Sheol” (9:5, 10). This less-than-ideal afterlife developed into the concept of hell as a place of punishment.

HOPE OF RESURRECTION

The Gospels indicate Jesus’ belief in heaven. Recall Jesus’ response to the Good Thief, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Lk. 23:43); and Jesus’ comforting words to the apostles at the Last Supper, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way” (Jn. 14:3-4).

Belief in the resurrection of Jesus became the cornerstone of Christian belief. His followers came to believe that as Christ was raised, they, too, would be raised, sharing in His triumph over death. St. Paul sought to bring hope and consolation to the early Christians with this teaching, “If we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thess. 4:14).

Christians, however, differed over how this might occur.

Some believed that Jesus would soon return, ushering in the Kingdom of God by destroying evil and raising the dead to life. However, as Christians died before Jesus’ return, the focus on the fate of these souls increased. Christians came to believe Christ would judge the dead at the time of their deaths, and, if the souls were deemed to be just, enter into His eternal presence.

A PLACE OF PEACE

In the time before Jesus (especially in the first and second centuries BC), Jewish thought shifted away from the understanding that all souls go to Sheol. Instead, the souls of the just were admitted into a place of tranquility. The Book of Wisdom, for instance, reads, “The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace” (3:1-3). Jewish thought increasingly embraced two possible destinations – what we call heaven or hell – determined by how one lived his or her life while on earth.

As Christians continued to reflect on the hope of resurrection (and as the threat of martyrdom emerged), Christians’ participation in Jesus’ immortality became prominent in preaching and writing. The martyrs’ sacrifices helped highlight this connection: that those who believed in Him would share in His death and resurrection. This understanding that Christians embrace today replaced the divergent views of the afterlife that had existed at the time of Jesus.

FATHER DAVID ENDRES

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

QU E S T ION OF F AIT H / NO V 2020 | 7

Photos by Emma Cassani

A Second Chance in Price Hill Resurrection School Becomes Romero Academy at Resurrection

BY P AT RIC IA M C G E E V E R

This school year is anything but normal for students across the archdiocese. Masks are part of the new uniform and kids are forced to keep their distance from each other. For the students who attend one parish school in Price Hill, the changes are even greater. Their school has a new look, new teachers, new curriculum and a new name: Romero Academy at Resurrection.

“My favorite part of our opening week was talking to the students who had previously been at Resurrection and asking them how they liked the changes,” said Principal Tom Loughead.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The school at Resurrection parish had been losing money for years, enrollment was down and it was at risk of closing. Then, something happened to save it.

“Seton Education Partners appeared,” said Mabe Rodriguez, executive director of Cincinnati Inner-City Schools Education (CISE). CISE provides funding to Catholic 8 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEG R A PH

schools in economically challenged areas of the archdiocese.

“Seton said, ‘We want to partner with you, with the school.’

To me, this was divine intervention. This was the Holy Spirit.”

Seton Education Partners already had its blended learning model in four schools in the archdiocese. The plan for Resurrection was a bit different. A team of eight people traveled to New York City to see how a similar model worked in schools there. It took more than a year to work out the details. In the end, Romero Academy was created as an independent nonprofit that manages the school on behalf of the parish.

“I gathered the data, and I found out that there are 4,700 kids who we call ‘voucher-eligible,’ meaning living in poverty, in Price Hill,” said Rodriguez. “I thought to myself, we can’t close this school. It’s the last place we should close a school. We need to give these kids a chance.”

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr agreed. “I am very grateful

that CISE and Seton Partners were able to come together to give new life to Resurrection School,” he said. “Also, the dedication and commitment of Father Robert Keller, the pastor of Resurrection Parish, must be recognized. When he learned that the Academy needed not only the school, but also the rectory, he was prepared to make the move. Repeatedly he stated, ‘Whatever it takes to help the children,’” he said.

The COVID-19 pandemic created additional challenges. The maximum number of children the school could enroll and follow CDC guidelines was 109. It added a Pre-K program but had to temporarily cut back on the number of grades offered.

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“In order to both renovate the school and get started with the Pre-K program, we had to move the school down to Pre-K through fifth grade for this year,” said Jeff Kerscher, general partner at Seton Education Partners. “It’s easier to turn around a building when there are fewer grades to manage.”

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The school plans to add a grade each year over the next three years until it’s Pre-K through eighth and able to serve up to 290 children.

Seton Education Partners invested $1.1 million in the update.

Every child has a Chromebook. They repaired the building and roof and remodeled. There’s fresh paint, new desks and new technology, all blessed by Archbishop Schnurr early in the school year.

“The blessing of the school was a joyful occasion for students, teachers, staff, CISE and Seton Partners,” he said. “It was an honor for me to give the blessing, and then visit with some students and their teachers.”

For many reasons, parents are glad their children are back in school. It offers them stability, consistency and a quality education.

“What we’re doing signals to the children and to families that they’re cared for, that we want them to be successful, they’re worthy of investment in a lot different ways,” said Principal Loughead.

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S E IZ E TH E M OM E N T

YOUR LIFE IS WORTH LIVING

In his book Life Is Worth Living, Sheen says that the anxiety and listlessness that makes life a drudgery is often rooted in an ignorance – and sometimes even an avoidance – of the purpose and meaning of life.

The loss of everything actually happens to people.

It happens to drug addicts strung out and living on the street; to migrant children separated from their parents; to innocent people languishing on death row. It happened to Job. Some people are almost entirely deprived of beautiful things, loving people and endless possibility. That is why, in the final analysis, the reasons I’ve listed so far are good, but not good enough. We must have a better reason for why life is worth living – and I think that reason is Heaven.

THE ULTIMATE QUESTION

THE ULTIMATE ENDING

Many people don’t have meaning, and they don’t want meaning, because they’re afraid to face a fundamental question: “Why is life worth living?” They’re afraid there is no answer.

Heaven is the reason for life and the reason for your existence – it is the reason for everything!

God loves you and desperately desires a perfect relationship with you. That’s what Heaven is.

Why do you think life is worth living? Before you continue reading, spend a few minutes in prayer coming up with an answer. Every Christian needs an answer. What’s yours?

Of course, the only way to get there is to go through life first. And that’s not always easy. Life is hard and filled with injustice, pain, sickness and sadness. Sometimes life doesn’t seem worth it at all. But, what if we looked at life a little differently? What if we looked at life from God’s perspective?

Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen liked to say that there are two ways to start the day: One is to say, “Good morning, God.” The other is to say, “Good God, morning!” To some, every day is a gift. To others, it is a rude awakening.

Recently, I shared this question on Facebook.

I received a wide variety of responses. Some posted photos of their friends and family – loved ones make life worth living. Others suggested the potential to grow or the promise of change – hope of a better life makes life worth living.

Some, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, shared the things they enjoy. Hockey, pizza, cats, coffee, tacos – the pleasures of the world make life worth living. One friend said that participation in family, culture and society makes life worth living.

THE ULTIMATE ANSWER

In a sense, all of these reasons are true. They certainly bring excitement and happiness to life.

Some reasons, such as family and friends, help us focus on “the other,” which frees us from the never-ending desire to please ourselves. There is a liberation there that brings new purpose to life.

But, what if we took all of that away? What if we took away friends, family and grandkids?

What if we took away sports, food and cute little kittens? Would life be worth living then?

This is more than just a hypothetical scenario.

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The thing about pain is that it can deceive us into thinking that pain is all there is. But God sees the entire trajectory of life and the afterlife.

From His perspective, this life and all its pain is a blink, a fraction of a moment, compared to the eternal joy and love that awaits us.

St. Paul lived life from God’s perspective, and his words are a great consolation: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18). “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Cor 4:17).

Eternal glory beyond all comparison! That’s reason enough for a million mornings.

NICHOLAS HARDESTY

is the Associate Director of Adult Evangelization and RCIA for the Center for the New Evangelization, an archdiocesan initiative that empowers parishes and schools to equip the laity for missionary discipleship. nhardesty@catholicaoc.org.

Q

Q& A

WITH SEAN ON THE

ATER

CENTER FOR THE NEW EVANGELIZATION

WHAT IS THE CENTER FOR THE NEW EVANGELIZATION?

The Center for the New Evangelization (CNE) is the combination of each office in the archdiocesan pastoral center charged with the mission of evangelization. These offices include: Evangelization and Discipleship, Youth Evangelization, College Campus Ministry, Young Adult Evangelization and Marriage & Family Evangelization.

WHAT MINISTRIES DOES IT INCLUDE? The CNE provides evangelization programming for some of the most important stages in people’s lives.

For young people, the CNE hosts retreats and prayer experiences such as Encounter, youth and family Masses in partnership with NET Ministries, and retreats in partnership with the Catholic Youth Summer Camp. Our College and Campus Ministries provide evangelization and community for students attending our colleges and universities and work in partnership with apostolates.

Our Young Adult Evangelization includes community building, small groups, human formation and prayer experiences. For couples preparing for marriage, we offer Genesis retreats and help parishes implement the “Witness to Love” marriage prep program.

Much of our ministry is in supporting, mentoring and equipping parish leaders for evangelization. This includes formation and training.

WHAT BROUGHT ABOUT ITS FORMATION? The CNE is the culmination of a renewed emphasis on evangelization by Archbishop Schnurr. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI called for an extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization building upon the hopes of his predecessor, St. Pope John Paull II. In the wake of the Synod, Archbishop Schnurr established the Office for the New Evangelization in 2013. Now, seven

years later, the Center for the New Evangelization brings together every office in the archdiocese directly tasked with evangelization in order to serve people and parishes in more fruitful ways. We’re doing this by combining talents and resources and operating under one mission, vision and approach.

HOW WILL THE CNE ASSIST PARISHES? Our mission with parishes is “communion for mission.”

This means we work with parishes for renewal, particularly the renewal of parish leadership. The spiritual communion of the pastor and his parish leaders is essential for the renewal of parish structures.

In addition to parish renewal efforts, we provide planning and training for mission. We do this primarily through workshops and training on particular areas of evangelization. For us the parish is “ground zero” for all evangelization efforts.

HOW WILL THE CNE HELP INDIVIDUAL CATHOLICS? Our mission with individual Catholics is “mission for communion.” We want to reach everyone with the Gospel and encourage each person on their journey toward missionary discipleship. Our efforts are directed to reach people where they are and bring them into deeper communion with Christ and the Church. We are focusing our evangelization efforts on young adults. We believe that the young adult years are critical – from leaving their parents’ home, to attending college, to the discernment years of single young adulthood, to preparing for marriage, to the first years of marriage and parenting. When young people have a deep relationship with Christ and the Church, they will build families that nurture and pass on the faith to their children.

WWW.CENTERFORTHENEWEVANGELIZATION.ORG | 11

Food for the Journey Fighting Food Insecurity in Areas That Need It Most B Y K AR Y E L L E N BE R G E R

The Food for the Journey Project (FJP), based in Dayton, is now aiding neighbors in need right in their own backyards thanks to a new mobile kitchen.

“Food for the Journey Project is a community kitchen and a mobile response to hunger,” said Chuck Wourms, executive director of FJP. “We acknowledge that hunger in all its forms exists and demands a consistent, dignified, street-level response. That’s why we prepare and serve free meals each week in multiple neighborhoods.”

This is the sixth year of operations for FJP. The concept of obtaining and deploying a mobile kitchen, however, is new this year.

“Mobility is the key to our effectiveness in addressing hunger where it exists,” said Wourms. “Our constraint was finding adequate food preparation facilities at the right place and time – we needed something we could cook in that would go where we needed to be.”

This is why, Wourms said, the Sisters of the Precious Blood (CPPS) helped secure a mobile kitchen for the organization.

kitchen. To celebrate the occasion, the organization held a blessing ceremony with the sisters.

“It was an unparalleled event – beautiful, gracious, humble, Spirit-filled,” said Wourms. “We could not have accepted a gift of this magnitude without acknowledging those who were responsible, accept their wisdom and blessing, and letting them know they are being represented every day in the community in which they live.”

One volunteer said, “The blessing of the mobile kitchen was one of those days that fills your soul.’”

To make the occasion extra special, the groups enjoyed ice cream following the blessing.

“Chuck, his board and volunteers happily served ice cream to the sisters, making each one feel special, just as FJP does with their ‘guests,’” the volunteer added. “And the sisters were thrilled with the tangible expression of their donation. It was a full circle experience for them to see what their financial donation had enabled to become a wonderful reality.”

“Sister Jean Rene Hoying with the Sisters of the Precious Blood has been with us practically from the beginning and is a tireless volunteer,” Wourms said. “Sister Jean suggested we apply to the CPPS Heritage Mission Fund for a grant to finance the purchase [of a mobile kitchen]. We knew of others in the community who received their grants and decided to apply.”

“Our purpose has always been to address hunger where it exists, recognizing the obstacles – circumstantial, physical, emotional and psychological – that perpetuate poor nutrition,” Wourms said. “The mobile kitchen gives us the ability to extend our reach, serve more meals, visit more neighborhoods, all with the goal of creating an atmosphere of community, stability, safety and compassion at each meal.”

FJP was approved for the grant and purchased their mobile

Learn more at foodforthejourneyproject.org.

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S H IN E ON

A LESSON IN HUMILITY When I was 19, I traveled to the poorest country on this side of the world. As a middle-class, Midwestern white-kid traveling to Haiti on a mission trip, I had strong faith and missionary zeal, but nothing could have prepared me for the kind of abject poverty I had only ever seen depicted on TV. I traveled with five friends to a Catholic boarding school that served 300 of Haiti’s poorest and brightest students. Upon arrival, I noted the blue-helmeted UN soldiers who stood guard around the airport, rifles in hand, as we made our way to the trucks that drove us to the school. The driver swerved around other cars, demonstrating a driving skill that one can only learn in an area where there are no rules of the road, traffic lights, road markings or other tools of order.

We pulled up to the solid-metal front gate of Louverture Cleary School in Port-au-Prince, and waited for security guards to allow us beyond the 12-foot-high cinder block walls with broken glass embedded in the tops to prevent anyone from climbing over them. But as the gate closed behind us, the world blossomed. Exotic trees and vibrant flowers cast comforting shadows in the clean, bright compound. We arrived during opening prayer – 300 students assembled in rows. Boys wore crisp yellow shirts with khaki pants, and girls donned plaid skirts. “Their uniform is their most prized possession,” the school’s president later told me. “It means they get to go to school.”

We were there to install solar panels on the roof of the school, ensuring a renewable source of electricity, since the country’s infrastructure didn’t provide reliable power. We would also work with St. Mother Teresa’s local Missionaries of Charity in their orphanage.

But I didn’t get to spend any time on the solar panels and just one morning at the orphanage. The experience was heartbreaking. We spent half the morning in the infant nursery, holding and feeding the babies. The image of one child with a head deformity from surviving a botched abortion will never leave me. The second half of the morning we spent in the toddler room, where we weren’t allowed to

hold or touch the children. The Sisters explained to us that they would likely never be adopted, and it was best for them to unlearn their need for physical affection at a young age.

None of the children had names.

I spent the bulk of my time in a large area of sand and dirt and small rocks adjacent to the soccer field. The school president explained to me that Haiti had very little infrastructure.

Because there were no sanitary services, the school had to reuse, burn or bury their trash – and the hole for their garbage was full. And so I spent my days in the blazing heat, work gloves on, digging a garbage hole.

At first I was angry, and I funneled my frustration into the manual labor. I had prepared for almost nine months, raised thousands of dollars for the trip, learned about the country and its culture. My friends were installing solar panels and I was digging a garbage hole, usually by myself.

But after some time and prayer, God spoke to me. The mission trip, in my mind, was all about me: The incredible work I would do and the hope I would bring to the Haitian students. I had traveled to the poorest country on our side of the planet, and, somehow made that trip all about me.

But the students at Louverture Cleary didn’t need me. They needed a hole in the ground to place their garbage. God had me literally dig myself into my own hole to understand my own selfishness.

The week after I returned home, I was riding in the passenger seat of my mom’s car. It was garbage day, and I was looking at the overflowing bins at the end of the suburban driveways.

And then a thought occurred to me. I said to my mom, “I am so grateful that someone takes away our garbage.”

DOMINICK ALBANO

is the director of digital engagement for The Catholic Telegraph, as well as an author and national speaker. He and his wife have been married for 13 years and have four sons.

S H IN E ON / NO V 2020 | 13

CATHOL IC AT H OM E

PREPARE FOR A MORE SOULFUL THANKSGIVING We go around the table every year: “I’m grateful for my family and friends,” somebody says. “I’m grateful for pie,” one child pipes up. Thinking ahead to my turn, I want to voice something that’s heartfelt and unique, but, most years, I realize that I’ve done little reflection on the details of my life that would yield the solid answer I’m looking for. Similar to waking joyfully on Christmas morning, I want to experience Thanksgiving with a deep, peaceful gratitude grounded in recognizing God’s presence and blessings. To aim for the same, take small steps toward living simply and generosity while taking actual record of what gives you joy.

LIVE SIMPLY

St. Therese prayed, “Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be, and becoming that person.”

Living simply is much more focused on the soul than it is material possessions. God has blessed every one of us with gifts, passions and charisms. Recognizing what they are, then maintaining a lifestyle to nurture them is living simply.

For example, you might be a person who thrills in hosting and get-togethers, so having an abundance of plates, table cloths and space in your home would be “simple” for you. God put desires for adventurous homeschooling in my heart, so we have a good vehicle for our travels and we budget toward experiences. Our possessions and schedules should lean into who God created us to be as individuals and as families. What lights a spark in you? In your kids? Ask the Lord to reveal it to you, and live accordingly.

BE GENEROUS

I began pursuing a simpler life more than 10 years ago, the fruits of which our family saw immediately. An expecting mama bent on nesting, I wanted to rid our house of excess to make way for our third child. I could have sold our extra stuff, but with a due date looming, I rushed to give it away and stumbled upon generosity completely by accident.

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Our family had been on the receiving end of others’ generosity countless times, but having the chance to do the same was a gift equal in proportion. My husband and I parted with small stuff at first – clothes the kids outgrew, home decor and books – and we saw how much people appreciated receiving them.

To put it simply, we saw more clearly how very important people are and that detaching from things we didn’t need could make us channels of God’s generosity. Eventually, Andrew and I had opportunities to give in bigger ways, and because we had been practicing, we could do so with joy.

NUMBER YOUR BLESSINGS

G.K. Chesterton said, “Gratitude is the mother of all virtues,” so cultivating thankfulness within ourselves is a surefire way to holiness. In 2004, I spotted a book called 14,000 Things to be Happy About at a bookstore. Flipping through, I realized that it didn’t apply to me specifically, so I bought a notebook instead and decided to write my own. Try this yourself!

Use a notebook, or make a spreadsheet. Have your kids start their own, as well, to encourage gratitude in their hearts. In noting the things that bring us joy – from the aroma of coffee to learning a baby is on the way – we open our eyes to the ways the Lord upholds us. In times of faith, my “happy list” has only made my smile wider; in darkness, I see how God buoys my heart.

Gratitude is a lifestyle, not a one-time event. It takes slow, small, steady steps to redirect our hearts, lives and families to see how present the Lord is – steps that lead to authentic thanksgiving and deep, soulful peace.

KATIE SCIBA

is a national speaker and Catholic Press Awardwinning columnist. Katie and her husband Andrew have been married for 11 years and are blessed with six children.

s

Thea Bowman

Born and raised in Mississippi, Thea Bowman grew up in a Protestant home. Though her grandfather was born a slave, her parents were strong-willed and resilient. They both followed their dreams! Her father became a doctor and her mother, a teacher.

Thea’s teachers, who were Sisters, inspired her interest in the Catholic faith. She converted to Catholicism at 9-years-old! Not too long after, she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Wisconsin at the age of 15.

Thea was appalled by the racism she saw in the Church and worked vigorously as an advocate for racial harmony. She traveled all around the country sharing her gifts of storytelling and music to help break down racial barriers.

Her vibrant and passionate personality inspired and opened the eyes of many people.

In 1984, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite her illness, she continued her inspiring work, even as she grew weaker. She died in 1989 at the age of 52, but is currently on the path to sainthood!

In the spirit of Sister Thea, pray that we might stand against prejudice and racial injustice wherever we see it, and pray that Sister Thea may one day be canonized a saint!

I can change things. I can make things happen.

AC TIVIST AD VOC ATE C AN C ER F RAN C ISC AN P ASSION ATE

RAC IS M SAIN T H O O D STORY T E L L E R THEA BO W M A N TRAVE L E R K ID S ’ C OR N E R / NO V 2020 | 15

St. Benedict the Moor Church in Dayton is the most recent church in the United States named for the 16th Century Italian friar whose parents were African slaves.

1703: Congregation of the Holy Spirit (the Spiritans) founded to minister to the poor.

Designed by Bovard Studio of Fairfield, IA, the stained glass Stations of the Cross were inspired by an African tapestry given to Father Francis Tandoh, and depict the Passion of Christ in a traditional African setting. The bright colors and bold patterns of the glass throughout the church contribute to its contemporary and African design notes.

1794: First Spiritans came to the U.S. They originally ministered to European settlers, and later branched out to African Americans, especially with the support of St. Katherine Drexel.

1873: The first Spiritan fathers moved to Russia, OH. 1999: St. John, Resurrection and St. James Churches merged to form St. James-Resurrection Parish.

2003: Groundbreaking held for

new St. Benedict the Moor Parish.

2005: St. Benedict the Moor Church was dedicated.

2014-2015: St. Benedict the

Moor parish began operating consolidated St. Benedict the Moor School in the building of the former Resurrection School.

"Some of the design staff (myself included) had concerns about how satisfactorily tapestry images would translate into stained glass windows. As it turned out... these windows were brilliant and spectacular."

— Ron Bovard in Windows for the Soul

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Born to African slaves, Benedict was an Italian peasant who was invited to become a hermit because of his dignity and charity when insulted over his heritage. The term “moor” comes from the Italian word for “black.” He joined a Franciscan friary as its cook, and eventually became its Guardian (leader) because of his wisdom as a confessor and skill as a healer, although he couldn’t read and was never ordained. After his term ended, he insisted on returning to cook again. He is especially popular in Spanish-speaking countries, where he has more than one local feast day, and one is one of the “incorruptibles” – saints whose bodies have never decomposed.

“We wanted to make it so people enter the church and see faces like theirs, the way you might enter a church and see it is a German-style church. The Jesus on the cross is a black Jesus, to show that Christ is for all, and the window over the altar is the people in the pews. It says to them: We all rely on the help of God, we all reach up together to the place of God.” — Father Francis Tandoh

D ionne Parte e-Johnson Catholic community is family for Cincinnati educator

BY R EGA N M EY ER

Catholic education and Cincinnati have always been a central part of Dionne Partee-Johnson’s life. Since attending elementary school at St. Joseph on Cincinnati’s West Side, she’s either been learning from Catholic educators, or teaching the next generation of students in Catholic schools.

After graduating from Xavier University, Partee-Johnson worked at St. Joseph as the secretary. For 28 years, she worked in Catholic elementary education, eventually rising to the principal’s job at St. Joseph. After a brief break in 2018, she returned to Catholic education as assistant principal at De Paul Cristo Rey High School.

“I have always been in Catholic education, and I will definitely make sure that I continue in Catholic education. I would have it no other way,” said Partee-Johnson.

Partee-Johnson has seen the benefits of Catholic education from different sides. Not only has she been a student and an educator, she’s also been a parent to Catholic students.

When Partee-Johnson entered Catholic education in 1992, she wanted to give back to the students of the communities who made her Catholic education possible.

“As a parent, I couldn’t keep my eyes on my kids at all times.

It was a safe feeling to know that I had other people who were saying the same things. There were other people that were speaking the same language and speaking about love and all of the same things that we valued,” she said.

“It’s an awesome feeling to be able to talk about and share my life journey with students, to bring some reality to them and life. But, I’m still able to be Christ-centered. I wanted to give back to the roots of where I came from,” she said.

Partee-Johnson’s favorite part of Catholic education is the ability to be Christ-centered at her place of employment.

“The spirituality. The ability to pray in schools. ... The ability to share my life and to share the spiritual part of my life, to be able to talk about Christ has been rewarding to me,” she said.

She also enjoys exposing her students to the beauty of the Catholic faith. During her time at St. Joseph School, about 40 students became Catholic – some were even baptized at the school Masses!

“We have flexibility and are able to show the Mass. School is where you do a lot of evangelization, and we definitely try to use that to our advantage,” she said.

For Partee-Johnson, the Church community is an extension of her family. Growing up poor in Cincinnati’s West Side, Partee-Johnson said her church family emboldened her through love and prayer.

“We knew we were going to be okay, because we had our family and we had our church family and somehow those weren’t separate. They were one and the same,” she said.

When her teenage son was murdered in March 2018, ParteeJohnson’s church family was there every step of the way.

“My church family, including the archdiocese, was definitely there for me and my family,” she said. “I never felt closer. Not that it took a tragedy to happen in order for me to recognize that, but, there is a huge sense of family in that. ... I have always been centered around Christ. Even with the tragedy of losing my son, I’m still able to turn to that.”

IN P ROF IL E / N O V 2020 | 17

DANIEL RUDD “The Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man”

BY S ARAH AT E R

high school and attended St. Raphael Church.

Daniel Rudd can be counted as one of the most While there, he began his work in newspapers and influential Catholics during his time in the established the forerunner of the ACT, the Ohio State Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Indeed, his influence Tribune. During this time, he was reached throughout the U.S. A man active in promoting racial equality, of deep faith, zeal for justice and advocating for racial integration in untiring activity, Rudd founded the Springfield schools. the American Catholic Tribune He wrote the Catholic (ACT), the first Black Catholic Rudd began publishing ACT in newspaper, and the National Black Church was “the only Cincinnati in 1886. His main Catholic Congress. His Catholic place on the continent, audience for the newspaper was faith influenced his world view where rich and poor, Black Americans, but Rudd knew – he saw the Church as the vessel white and black, must that a large number of subscribers of truth, justice and equality of all were white. He used the newspaper people before God. drop prejudice at the to share the Catholic faith, asking threshold and go hand his readers to give the teachings He wrote, the Catholic Church was in hand to the altar. of the Church a fair hearing. By “the only place on the continent, observing history, they could see where rich and poor, white and the teachings of the Catholic Church supported and black, must drop prejudice at the threshold and go uplifted the lowly, the poor and those cast down by hand in hand to the altar” (ACT, Aug. 9, 1890, 2). society.

Born into slavery in Bardstown, KY, in 1854 to In ACT, Rudd also advocated for the recognition Robert and Elizabeth Rudd, Daniel and his family of the equality and the dignity of Black Americans; were devout Catholics and served as sextons at St. that no race is better than another, and that all Joseph Proto-Cathedral. He would later reminisce are brothers and sisters before Jesus. Rudd was a about receiving instruction from the parish priest. hopeful and optimistic man, but he acknowledged As a young man, Rudd moved to Springfield, OH, how the stain of racism seeped into the Church, to live with his brother, Charles. There he completed 1 8 | NEWS

and he considered those Catholics who would separate people based on skin color as “less than Catholic.” In the pages of ACT, Rudd promoted the rights of African Americans on a practical level. He advocated for desegregation and he wrote passionately for higher education opportunities and vocational schools.

ACT published through 1897.

When Rudd founded the Black Catholic Congress, his goal was to mobilize the laity into action. He was convinced there were more Black Catholics than what was known, if only an organization would rise up to give them a voice. The organization met five times between 1889-1894,

the second held at the Cathedral in Cincinnati. However, because of the resistance met from some in the Church when talking about racism explicitly, the Congresses had to proceed gently, as amalgamation was still opposed in the Church. The Congresses focused on labor and trade unions to admit African Americans; the ongoing African slave trade and the support of “colored [religious] sisters.”

We remember Daniel Rudd for his deep faith and commitment to truth.

He encountered many obstacles in his work, the persistent racism of people from within the Church, and saw the growing reality of Jim Crow laws. But he also saw the good in his fellow man and the potential for what humanity could be. His hope remained because he did not leave it with man, but placed it all in Jesus Christ.

Further reading: Gary Agee, A Cry for Justice: Daniel Rudd and his Life in Black Catholicism, Journalism and Activism, 1854-1933, 2011.

RACISM IS AN ISSUE OF DIGNITY Why is racism the subject of a podcast devoted to pro-life issues? In their 2018 Pastoral Letter, Open Wide Our Hearts, the U.S. Bishops wrote, “As bishops, we unequivocally state that racism is a life issue.” More recently, Archbishop Schnurr stated, “Opposing racism must… be an integral part of our pro-life witness as Catholics.” Racism is an issue related to the dignity of human life, and that makes it a pro-life issue.

Thus, this month’s interviews feature several people whose stories show that racism still exists. If you don’t believe it, you need to hear their stories.

Then, look into your own heart, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you should do to address this problem.

Here is a list of the month’s podcasts: • Stories of racism today • Bishops say “Racism is a life issue” • “But all lives matter!”

• First steps in ending racism

Letters written

by Daniel Rudd are housed in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati archives.

BOB WURZELBACHER

is the director of the Office for Respect Life Ministries. He and his wife, Cindy, live in Sharonville with their two young daughters.

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A C L OS E R L OOK

THE PURCELL BROTHERS, ABOLITION AND THE CATHOLIC TELEGRAPH “History” is not the accumulation of facts in the past, but rather what we say about, and the use we put to, those facts.

This is not to say the facts are unimportant, nor should they be manipulated by the historian. A conscientious historian wants to be as thorough and careful as possible so the story she tells about the past is not distorted. But she will necessarily have to use critical discernment about how to present those facts, including such factors as the political, economic, social and demographic contingencies in which they are discovered. While it is neither her role to excuse nor judge the people whose story she tells, the careful historian does contextualize her subjects in order to try to understand their motivations and intentions. Perhaps most importantly, the historian’s work allows us to learn how we have become who we are in order to try to become who we should be.

THE PURCELL BROTHERS

The story of Archbishop John Baptist Purcell and his brother, Father Edward Purcell, as it pertains to the 19th Century abolitionist movement, is an excellent example of this understanding of history. While they were far from perfect and their story leaves us wishing they had done more for the cause of emancipation, the moral integrity of these two fine priests leaves a positive legacy. And it puts the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and The Catholic Telegraph squarely in the story of African American history during and after the Civil War. John Purcell was Bishop of the Diocese 2 0 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H

of Cincinnati from 1833 until Cincinnati was made an archdiocese in 1850, after which he was archbishop until his death in 1883. Father Edward Purcell was a priest of the archdiocese and editor of The Catholic Telegraph from 1840 to 1879. With their respective platforms, the Purcell brothers became the first and leading Catholic voices in the United States for the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of slaves. As Father David Endres wrote in his Ohio Valley History article, “Rectifying the Fatal Contrast: Archbishop John Purcell and the Slavery Controversy among Catholics in Civil War Cincinnati,” after “mild protestations against slavery, [Archbishop] Purcell became an outspoken proponent of . . . emancipation.”

As early as 1838, for example, Archbishop Purcell delivered a speech in which he condemned the “virus” of slavery. But, noted Father Endres, when The Catholic Telegraph reported the speech (presumably under the guidance of Purcell) it hedged on the question of emancipation, noting that, “however desirable,” prudence counseled against it at that time. And Archbishop Purcell “refrained from taking a vocal stand in the decades before the war,” explained Father Endres. Like many of his brother bishops, Purcell feared the political, economic and social upheaval that sudden emancipation would cause. Of course, from our perspective, this reticence is indefensible. Fundamental human liberty should not be subject to such considerations.

In an April 22, 1863 editorial The Catholic Telegraph expressly condemned slavery.

THE TELEGRAPH CONDEMNS SLAVERY

But while it regrettably did not occur earlier, these attitudes changed dramatically over the years until about 1860, when Archbishop Purcell became the leading Catholic prelate for the cause for emancipation in the U.S. Church. The Sept.

3, 1862 edition of The Catholic Telegraph, for example, published a lecture by the archbishop, condemning the “sin of . . . holding millions of human beings in physical and spiritual bondage.” And in an April 22, 1863 editorial, probably jointly written by the Purcell brothers, The Telegraph became the first diocesan Catholic newspaper expressly to condemn slavery and support immediate emancipation.

In “The Church and the Oppressed,” the paper opined that “the doctrine of the unity of the human race [is] a fundamental doctrine of Christianity,” and that, therefore, no historical contingencies or contexts can justify the continuation of slavery. The following Sept. 9, another editorial declared, “The mark of nobility, the image and likeness of God is stamped on every soul. ... It implies equality in all that is essential to manhood, equality in origin, equality in destiny, and in the right to means of fulfilling the destiny.”

widespread criticism within the hierarchy of the Church in the U.S., to the shame of other bishops and the credit of Archbishop Purcell. And even though he met resistance in his own archdiocese, Father Endres explained, Archbishop Purcell “was successful in bringing attention to the moral and social ramifications of the slavery question.” And he demonstrated that “some Catholics were willing to stand in support of emancipation and the honor of the nation,” concluded Father Endres.

We can, and should, regret Archbishop Purcell’s inertia before the Civil War. But we can also learn from it, using it as a cautionary tale about our own resistance to eliminating barriers to racial progress, regardless of how subtle they may be. And, while we do not deny that this lethargy clouds his legacy, we also must affirm his moral growth and recognize the positive contributions of Archbishop John Purcell – along with his brother, Father Edward Purcell – to the story of African Americans in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and beyond.

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. He holds a Ph.D. in moral theology from Boston College, and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law.

While it may seem like an unexceptional declaration in 2020, in 1863 the archbishop’s uncompromising stand drew

Retirement Fund for Religious Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests served for years, usually for little pay. Today, many religious communities lack adequate retirement savings and struggle to provide for aging members. You can help.

retiredreligious.org

Please donate at your local parish December 12–13 or by mail at: Office for Consecrated Life Attn: Maria Reinagel 100 E. Eighth Street Cincinnati OH 45202 Make check payable to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati/RFR.

Above, from left: Sister Alice Garcia, SSCJ, 91; Brother Martin Gonzales, OCSO, 95; Sister Theresa McGrath, CCVI, 86; Sister Anne Cecile Muldoon, OSU, 93; Abbot Emeritus Peter Eberle, OSB, 79. ©2020 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC • All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis

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“In every age and culture, communities have raised up men and women who lived saintly lives in the movements of their day. In every continent, the Church has canonized men and and women to whom we can acknowledge the possibility for everyone to aspire to live as excellent witnesses of God’s saving power. The Church needs the example of these six candidates in order to celebrate God’s active presence in a period of American history that was oppressive and unjust. We need the example of holiness lived by these African Americans under extreme adversity. In the Church’s profession and belief that all humanity is created in the image of God, these candidates provide a public way for the Church to embrace the gifts of blackness. Saints of God, pray for us.”– Deacon Royce Winters, Director of African American Ministries Meet these six men and women on the path to sainthood, and join us in praying through their intercession.

BY J ESSIC A RINAUD O , ILLU S TR A TED BY EM M A CA S S A N I

Henriette was born in New Orleans, LA, in 1813 to Marie-Josèphe “Pouponne” Díaz, a free woman of color, and Jean-Baptiste Lille Sarpy, a native of France. Her parents were united as part of the plaçage system wherein European men had common law marriages with African American and Creole women.

Henriette was trained in French literature, music and dancing with the expectation that she too would find a plaçage partner.

Instead, Henriette rallied against the plaçage system and was drawn to the Catholic Church, in particular to Sister Mathe Fontier who opened a school for girls of color in New Orleans. She began teaching at a Catholic school when she was 14, caring for and educating the poor.

This educational work led her to found a small congregation of nuns named the Sisters of the Presentation. Together the group of Creole women cared for the sick and poor, and educated both free and enslaved children and adults. They also opened America’s first Catholic home for the elderly.

In 1837 the religious order received formal recognition, and in 1842 they changed their name to Sisters of the Holy Family.

The sisters’ legacy includes caring for the sick during the Yellow Fever epidemic and running parochial schools. They remain active today.

Henriette died in 1862 at age 49.

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THE PATH TO SAINTHOOD SERVANT OF GOD Fr. Augustus Tolton was the first Black American priest in the U.S. Augustus desired to be a priest, but was rejected by every American seminary. Father McGirr continued to advocate for him, and eventually Augustus was able to study in Rome. He graduated from St. Francis Solanus College and attended Pontifical Urbaniana University.

Tolton was ordained to the priesthood in Rome in 1886 at age 31, making him the first Black Roman Catholic priest in the U.S. His first public Mass was in St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday in 1886.

Augustus was born a slave to parents, Peter and Martha, in Missouri. His family escaped slavery: Peter fled and joined the Union Army, and Martha escaped with their children to the free state of Illinois.

Once in Illinois, the family, including Augustus’ mother and siblings, worked for a tobacco company. There Augustus met Father Peter McGirr, an Irish immigrant priest who helped him attend St. Peter’s parochial school during the winter months.

Allowing an African American child into the school was met with great resistance, but Father McGirr continued to advocate for Augustus and allowed him to continue his education.

He returned to Quincy, IL, where he faced opposition from both Whites and Black Protestants. He was eventually assigned to Chicago. There he led the development of “negro national parish,” St. Monica’s Catholic Church. The parish grew from 30 parishioners to 600 with the construction of the new church building, and brought him national recognition.

St. Mother Katherine Drexel, an heiress, contributed financially to Father Tolton’s parish.

At the age of 43, on July 8, 1897, he collapsed and died the following day.

After a person dies, they have to meet three criteria to be considered for sainthood: 1. They must have “heroic virtue;” 2. They must be considered to be in heaven.

3. They must be recognized by the Catholic Church.

The diocesan bishop must begin an investigation into the person’s life, then write a report. If it’s reviewed favorably, the person is given the status of “Servant of God.”

VENERABLE Once named a Servant of God, the local bishop’s findings are sent to Rome and the Congregation of the Causes of Saints. The investigation will continue to determine if the person is of “heroic virtue,” and seek information on the person’s death. If they pass this phase, they are deemed “Venerable.”

BLESSED If prayers through the person’s intercession lead to a miracle, the claim is investigated, confirmed and approved by the pope. Then they are named, “Blessed.”

SAINT After a person is named Blessed, a second miracle must be confirmed. Once that happens, the person can be named a saint. Once that happens, they are assigned a feast day!

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Elizabeth was born in Cuba, in a Haitian community, in 1784. She immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1800s, eventually settling in Baltimore, MD. When she arrived in the city, the free African American population was growing rapidly.

Despite the efforts of other Protestant organizations opening schools to meet this growing need, they could not keep up. Elizabeth saw this need and opened a school in her home to educate African American children.

Nicholas Joubert, S.S., a French native. He taught the Catechism to African American children, but struggled to do so because many of the students were not good readers. A friend introduced him to Elizabeth and Marie Balas. Together they agreed to start a school for girls, and founded a new religious order. Their order, the Oblate Sisters of Providence, was the first religious congregation of women of African descent in the U.S. Elizabeth took the name “Sister Mary,” and became the order’s first religious superior. Together she and four other sisters founded a school, later known as St. Frances Academy, which is still in operation today.

The trajectory of her life changed when she met Sulpician priest James

Despite fighting against racism and poverty, the Oblate Sisters evangelized the Black community through Catholic education, including classes for women and career training. They also established homes for widows and orphans, and aided the sick during the cholera epidemic.

Historically and posthumously she was recognized and inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame in 1991 for the school she founded and her work that still continues.

Thea was born in Yazoo City, MS, in 1937. While her grandfather was a slave, her parents had successful careers - her father a doctor, and her mother, a teacher. With their permission, Thea converted to Catholicism when she was 9-years-old, and later joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Wisconsin as the only African American member.

Her education was extensive. She earned a B.A. in English before attending The Catholic University of America in D.C., earning a M.A. and Ph.D., both in English. Following graduation, she taught at schools all over the U.S. for 16 years.

She then moved to Jackson, MS, where she served as the diocesan consultant for intercultural awareness. Thea used her dynamic mind, voice and personality to give presentations across the country. Her goal was to break down racial and cultural barriers, and she encouraged others to communicate and understand one another.

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Lange died on February 3, 1882, at age 98.

Thea played a tremendous role in publishing the Catholic hymnal, Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Within the hymnal is an essay written by Thea, wherein she wrote, “Black sacred song is soulful song.”

Immediately before her death, Thea spoke to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops from her wheelchair. When she finished speaking, they stood linking arms and singing as Thea led them in the spiritual, “We Shall Overcome.”

She died of breast cancer on March 30, 1990, aged 52.

The Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Educational Foundation was established as a legacy to raise scholarship money for Blacks.

education and learning a trade. He was also a friend to refugees and immigrants from Haiti, helping them establish income.

Upon arrival in New York, Pierre apprenticed as a hairdresser. When Jean Bérard died, Pierre stayed on with his widow. Upon her death, she freed Pierre. With his saved earnings as a hairdresser, Pierre purchased his sister, Rosalie’s, freedom.

Pierre was born in Haiti in 1766 as a slave to the Bérard family. He was trained as a house slave and educated by the family’s tutors. As slaves and free people of color began to rise in rebellion in Haiti, the Bérard family fled to New York, taking Pierre with them.

Julia was born into slavery in Missouri. When she was only 5-years-old, her eye was permanently injured by a slave master’s whip that he was using on her mother. She was freed under the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865. She took employment as a cook and nanny to Julia Pratte Dickerson of St. Louis.

She moved with Julia and her husband, William, to Denver, CO. Julia was baptized Catholic in 1880, and thereafter received the Eucharist daily. She was known for her devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Eucharist. Her faith was so

Julia visited the poor and gave them assistance despite her own poverty. When their needs were greater than she could provide, she begged for them.

He married Juliette Noel, a slave whose freedom he purchased.

Together they adopted Pierre’s niece after his sister died of tuberculosis. The Toussaints used the income Pierre made from his successful career to support the local orphan asylum, and often brought them baked goods. Their generosity extended to opening up their own home to orphans and foster care - supporting them in

Pierre’s faith was an important part of his life. He attended daily Mass and helped raise the money to build St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, as well as the first New York City Catholic school for Black children.

He died at age 89. His ghostwritten memoir was published in 1854.

Toussaint is the first layperson to be buried in the crypt below the main altar of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue, normally reserved for bishops of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York.

strong that she walked the streets distributing information from the Sacred Heart League, all while quietly suffering from painful arthritis.

According to Julia’s obituary: “Every door in the parish was open to her.

Her marvelous piety and her constant charity made her the friend of everybody. She was known in every convent of Denver, for, as might be expected, she loved Sisters.”

She was perhaps best known for her “little red wagon,” which she pulled through the streets of Denver at night, distributing food, coal and clothing to needy families. Julia did her charitable works under the cover of darkness so she wouldn’t embarrass those accepting charity from a poor, black woman.

In 1901, Greeley joined the Secular Franciscans. In recognition of her dedication to the poor, Greeley has been dubbed “Denver’s Angel of Charity.”

C AT H OL IC BL AC K H IS T OR Y M ON T H / N O V 2020 | 25

St. Benedict the Moor Parish and West Dayton’s Black Catholic Community

BY M AR K D AN IS

Philippians 3:13; “But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

St. Paul’s challenge to “press toward the goal,” has been the response of the Black Catholic community in West Dayton for more than 60 years. This year, the predominantly Black Catholic Parish of St. Benedict the Moor is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Pastor Father Francis Tandoh, the spiritual leader of the West Dayton Black Catholic community for nearly 25 years, is an expert on the history and remarkable journey of the parish to reach this milestone.

With a deep booming voice and a ready laugh, one quickly discerns this man’s deep love for his community.

He is also honest about the challenges and the victories of St. Benedict the Moor Parish. Father Tandoh’s office is largely decorated with pictures of the graduating classes from St. Benedict the Moor’s Catholic School, an institution that also plays a significant role in the story of the Black Community in West Dayton. His own life, in many ways, mirrors the experiences of his parish.

Father Tandoh’s journey began in Africa, and includes the formation and theological education he received in Ghana and Nigeria. In 1993 he was ordained a 26 |

Spiritan priest. The Spiritans were founded in Paris in 1703. Their primary ministry is to serve the poor with a missionary focus. Father Tandoh’s life has been a model of this missionary spirit. In 1996, he arrived in the U.S., serving initially in New York City and then later in Ohio. While preparing to transfer to Pennsylvania, Archbishop Pilarczyk asked him to stay in Dayton to lead what was then the combined parishes of St. James and Resurrection.

A MERGED HISTORY

Long before Father Tandoh arrived in Dayton, there was a largely Black Catholic church in Dayton named for St. John the Baptist. That church closed in the early 1960’s when State Route 35 was built. The members merged with West Dayton’s St. James Church. Later, St. James and Resurrection Church were required to share the services of a single pastor. In response, the two parishes decided to merge into one church, calling themselves St. James Resurrection Church.

Aside from the limited space, the parishioners struggled to combine the worship traditions they were accustomed to, such as traditional gospel and charismatic. Father Tandoh realized he needed to allow the community to create something entirely new, a place they could embrace as their own. It needed to be a faith community that, in his words, “looked like them.”

He set about reviving a plan that had been explored years earlier to build an entirely new church on farmland just off Route 35. The community rallied behind the idea and began a campaign entitled, “Vision to Victory.”

A NEW CHURCH

Father Tandoh confessed he was not entirely convinced it would work. He reflected how the project actually, “ran the risk of tearing our community apart.” He even lamented how he felt very much crucified – not by the people, but by the process. He believed the new church would one day be a great blessing, and when the Lord calls us to build something, there will always be obstacles and there must be sacrifices.

The community chose to do a number of things that helped move them forward toward the goal. First, in 2004, on the Feast of the Presentation, the community held a groundbreaking ceremony on the site of the future church. Next, they established a committee to identify a name for the new church. Despite the fact that the initial list included names from the previous parishes, the committee settled on the name Simon the Cyrene, only to be told by Rome that a church must be named for a proper saint.

SAINT BENEDICT THE MOOR

living under the Rule of St. Francis of Assisi. Benedict was asked to join them. Later, he joined the Franciscan Order of the Friars Minor.

Recognized as a patron saint of African Americans, Benedict was particularly noted for his advancement in the spiritual life.

Under his patronage, this West Dayton Church has continued to grow and prosper as a faith community.

A MISSIONARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Today, one of the greatest contributions to West Dayton, is the Benedict the Moor Catholic School. It provides education to students who live in West Dayton, a population where many live below the poverty line. It survives through numerous grants, contributions from donors and the generous tithes and prayers of parishioners.

Father Francis Tandoh realized he needed to allow the community to create something entirely new, a place they could embrace as their own.

After a great deal of prayer, research and catechesis, the community decided to place itself under the patronage of St. Benedict the Moor. St. Benedict was the son of African slaves who had been taken to a small town near Messina, Sicily. Benedict was freed on the day of his birth because of his parents’ loyal service.

Benedict, at age 21, was publicly insulted for the color of his skin. His name stems from his Italian heritage where, “il Moro” (the Moor) means “the dark.” His patient response was witnessed by a local hermit who led a community of men

Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains

The school’s missionary element stems from the fact that of its more than 170 students, only five are Catholic. Nonetheless, all the students participate in spiritual formation in the Catholic tradition. The focus, according to Father Tandoh, “is to form the whole human person.” “Faith,” he added, “is the center of the academic process. Math, science, humanities, these are from God, and they are intended to be used to serve God.”

The other contribution of the school, according to the parish’s deacon candidate, Victor Obasuyi, is that “it serves as the centerpiece of evangelization.” There are a number of outreach efforts through the school, such as movie nights and social justice initiatives which address the needs of the local community.

Through these contributions, parents and grandparents of the students of St. Benedict Catholic School are being invited to deepen their encounter with Christ. Obasuyi explained, “If we first meet the social and material needs of the local community, we can speak to them about Christ.”

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www.cincinnativocations.org C AT H OL IC BL AC K H IS T ORY M ON T H / N O V 2020 | 27

MEET KRIS LEE P iqua’s Mayor Dedicates Life to Faith, Family

& Bringing God to Those Around Him

BY SUSIE BERGMAN

When Kris Lee was 15-years-old, he attended Easter Sunday Mass with a close friend. While his life up to this moment had not been void of religious faith – his grandmother was a Pentecostal Minister – it was the first moment he realized something significant had been missing from his life.

As he finished high school, he continued to practice his family’s Pentecostal faith, while also periodically attending Catholic Masses with his friend.

“My grandmother was a huge role model for me. As I began to explore my faith, she supported and encouraged me along my journey” remembered Lee. A CONVERSION JOURNEY

“My first reaction was to blame God. I think that’s common for many people who experience a tragedy or lose a loved one, but I remained faithful and He guided me to do something useful with the experience.”

That journey led him to a class on World Religion in college at Wright State University. It was through this study and exploration that he found himself reflecting on what he had experienced during Catholic Mass. By the time he was 25, Lee was enrolled in the RCIA program and dating his future wife, Peggy.

Even though he had begun his journey to Catholicism before they met, she made it clear that they would never be married if he did not complete the process, to which he mused, “It’s a good thing God led me on that path before I met her or I would have really missed out!”

Kris is a graduate of Piqua High School, where he also worked as a substitute teacher for many years while actively serving as police

28 |

officer in the community. He was proud of his alma mater and the public education he received, but he and Peggy both agreed they wanted their children to experience something more.

“We wanted our children to have the ability to learn about the Catholic faith while they were growing. Most importantly, we wanted them to have the opportunity to pray while at school, so we chose Piqua Catholic [for K-8] and Lehman Catholic [for high school],” he said.

A DEDICATED VOLUNTEER

The couple are blessed with five children, and Lee has been focused on being actively involved in all aspects of their lives. In addition to substitute teaching and serving as a police officer, Lee volunteered his time as president of the school board, was an active member on the parish council and spent numerous years coaching basketball, tennis and soccer. He credits his dedication to his unwavering desire to bring God to the lives of those around him.

Four of his children have graduated high school (the youngest is 13), and three of those four attended Capitol University in Columbus. While he and Peggy are proud of the faith-filled adults their children have become, a few years ago God called on them to nurture another young life.

EXTENDED FAITH & EXTENDED FAMILY

Before his sister passed away from breast cancer in 2014, she asked Kris and Peggy to take custody of her daughter. During those conversations, Kris reminded her that they send their children to Catholic school and he wanted to ensure she would be ok with that.

“She said she trusted us. That made us both feel good about the decision and now her little girl is thriving as a student and athlete. We know she would be so proud,” smiled Lee. INSPIRED TO A HIGHER CALLING

Unfortunately, his sister was not the first sibling Lee has lost. In 1996 his youngest brother was involved in a car accident and did not survive. Lee was tasked with identifying the body and confirming the tragic news to his parents. His newly-found faith was immediately tested.

“My first reaction was to blame God. I think that’s common for many people who experience a tragedy or lose a loved one,” he recalled, “but I remained faithful and He guided me to do something useful with the experience.”

His brother was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he crashed his vehicle. Inspired by his faith and desire to help his community, Lee became a D.A.R.E. officer for the city of Piqua. For more than 10 years, he shared his brother’s story as a way to connect with local youth and let them know the consequences of dangerous substance abuse.

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After 23 years of service as a police officer, Lee followed God’s calling once more and ran for Piqua City Commission to service as a voice of openness for the citizens. He won with more than 80 percent of the vote, and in 2020 was voted Mayor of the City of Piqua. In addition to his duties as mayor, he also serves as a safety officer at a career-technical school and is a part-time lieutenant for the Village of Anna police department.

This past year, Lee has taken on the unique challenges that came with leading a city through a pandemic in stride. He even contracted COVID-19 and battled it for nearly two weeks.

“I was very ill, but I was able to recover from it and get back to work. I guess God wasn’t ready for me to be done yet. He still has more for me to do.”

Living a faith-filled life is a work-in-progress and life-long journey. Kris Lee is a reminder that living a life focused on Jesus and trying our best to follow His teachings will lead to a life that inspires others and positively impacts the world.

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CISE GRATEFUL

TO MANY FOR REWRITING THE “NOW” B Y C YNTHIA KENNE Y

For 40 years, Catholic Inner-city Schools Education (CISE) has been rewriting the futures of thousands of Cincinnati inner-city children. This year, all of us embrace this season of gratitude with extra gusto.

Our small but mighty team, directed by Mabe Rodriquez, hit the ground running in March exploring how to provide for our students. How could we bring the classroom to their homes? What expert protocols would arm our teachers?

Where and how would students receive weekend food?

Diligent principals and teachers, big-hearted donors, inventive partners and the grace of God have helped us provide technology, food and assistance for 2,300 students at our 10 CISE schools. We are incredibly appreciative for the many who have helped make back-to-school a little more like back-to-normal.

Cincinnati Business Community (CBC) and Cincinnati Bell, internet service is being provided to 100 CISE scholars so they are prepared for virtual learning.

INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

WORKING AS ONE, GRATITUDE TO MANY

Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) shared valuable time working with us to plan for a variety of “what ifs.” Thanks to Laura Mitchell, superintendent for CPS, ideas for virtual and in-class teaching were vetted. The best minds joined forces to solidify processes for both the worst and best scenarios.

COVID-19 presented a challenge none of us have experienced. Necessity being the mother of invention, new and renewed partnerships kicked into gear as our teams came together to address limitations and thrive in virtual settings. Connectivity to one another, to learning and to healthy coping and growing was key.

Teaching remotely and being equipped to answer parents’ questions required extra training for our teachers. Hamilton County Educational Service Center (HCESC) established inventive coaching, helping create a sense of empowerment and confidence.

Technology was the first hurdle to overcome. In prior years, Chromebook tablets remained at school. Overnight they became the in-home link to learning. Getting tablets into the hands of every student continues to be vital. In response, Accelerated Grade School (AGS), provided funding for new Chromebooks.

The number of households lacking internet tested the team.

Thanks to past campaign chair, Ted Torbeck, funding from 3 0 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A PH

GOOD HEALTH = BETTER LEARNING

Data shows that children can’t learn when they’re hungry.

During the uncertainty of the summer months, healthy food was distributed to students, thanks to Suzy DeYoung’s dedicated team at La Soupe. They continue to provide a prepared meal for CISE students to take home, creating the opportunity for family time around the dinner table.

Jessica Grover from PSI provides invaluable service in the

role of nurse coordinator for our 10 CISE school nurses. Beech Acres addresses mental health concerns of scholars and their families and provides referrals. United Way provided necessary personal protective supplies and equipment for our teachers and classrooms.

BLESSED DONORS

CISE donors have gone above and beyond during these times of great need. We continue to fund raise as the cost to support our schools has increased by nearly $500,000.

Our critically important partners are our own CISE school teachers, principals and staff. God bless them for being true heroes and providing a sense of normalcy through these uncertain times. They have provided not only excellence in education, but love, hope and safety to our CISE scholars.

We are grateful for the support given to our schools. Together we are rewriting the futures of 2,600 CISE scholars.

GOD BLESS YOU AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING

CISE serves 2,300 scholars at 10 inner-city Catholic grade schools and provides scholarship assistance for 300 students at designated Catholic high schools.

If you can help, contact Debbie Weitz at dweitz@catholicaoc. org, or (513) 263-3471, or visit CISEKids.org N E W S / NO V 2020 | 31

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N O V 2020

It’s the most

wonderful time of the year!

Giving Thanks Bless Us, O Lord A Family Treasury of Mealtime Prayers written & compiled by Robert M. Hamma

The Ultimate Guide to Advent helps you experience all the peace, joy and anticipation Advent has to offer.

REVIEW BY JESSICA RINAUDO

Do you ever find yourself struggling to figure out the best way to pray with your family? Or perhaps you’re in search of a way to mix up the traditional mealtime prayer? I picked up a copy of Bless Us, O Lord: A Family Treasury of Mealtime Prayers by Robert M. Hamma, with those things and the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays in mind.

Most nights my family of six breezes through the traditional Catholic meal blessing by rote, then dives into their meals without another thought. But dinner is also one of the rare times that all of us are seated together with devices and TV off – and it’s the perfect time to invite Jesus to sit at the table with us.

Bless Us, O Lord is a book that’s more reference guide than start-to-finish read. Inside its pages are prayers meant to be said at the table together as a family. There are prayers for specific saints’ feast days, for birthdays and

anniversaries, for liturgical seasons – and even the standard, ordinary days of the week.

Highlights of the book include history lessons on the saints for their feast days – brief and easily read, even to the tiny tots at the table. There are prayers for historically important days like Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, bringing attention to a date that my family would likely pass by without the beautiful reminder contained within the book’s pages.

If you’re looking for dinner-time prayer inspiration, especially as we approach the holidays – or perhaps even as a way to kick off your holidays on the right foot – Bless Us, O Lord is a great family resource to help you do just that.

Bless Us, O Lord: A Family Treasury of Mealtime Prayers by Robert M. Hamma | Ave Maria Press | $17.95 | avemariapress.com

Watch for it this November!

BOOK R E V IE W / NO V 2020 | 33

Roesch Lends Voice to Refugee Resettlement CSSMV CEO Participated in U.S. Judiciary Committee B Y E IL E E N C ON N E L L Y, OS U

Bernice Gervais arrived in the U.S. in early 2019, fleeing from war and violence in her native Burundi and hoping for a new, better life. Her mother and siblings soon joined her in Dayton with help from Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley’s (CSSMV) refugee resettlement program. Gervais, who had been attending nursing school in Burundi, now works as home health care aid and is enrolled in a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) training program.

“There have been some challenges, but life is good here, and we’re very grateful,” Gervais said.

Her experience, along with those of other refugees assisted

by CSSMV, was on CEO Laura Roesch’s mind when she participated in a virtual Advocacy Meeting with members of the U.S. Judiciary Committee in September.

Organized by Refugee Council USA, the event provided the opportunity for Roesch and representatives from other refugee resettlement programs to meet with elected officials.

3 4 | T H E CATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H

“The number is at all time low,” Roesch said, explaining the current number of refugees in the U.S. Resettlement agencies are following all CDC health protocols to ensure the safety of all during COVID-19 and communities are ready and willing to welcome more refugees, Roesch emphasized.

“We appreciate the people who are making the decisions taking the time to listen to real information about refugee work and why it matters. We know as a community that we have the capacity to serve more refugees than have been arriving,” Roesch said.

“This is a humanitarian issue and one Catholics should be concerned about,” she added, noting that United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) defines a refugee as “any person who is unable to return to their home country out of a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, nationality, political opinion or

membership in a particular social group.”

Cuts to resettlement have had a significant impact on refugees in harm’s way and families awaiting reunification that have already been approved for admission, but are now facing uncertain futures. Employers across the country who rely on refugee workers and communities, including Dayton, who have long welcomed refugees have also been affected.

Refugees like Gervais are serving their local communities as part of the COVID-19 response. According to statistics from Refugee Council USA, refugees are working on the frontlines and in essential jobs, including 176,000 employed in health care and 175,000 in the food supply chain.

As an affiliate of Catholic Charities USA and the USCCB, CSSMV’s refugee resettlement program is the portal for services in the Dayton area. Newly arriving refugees are assisted with placement in initial furnished housing, receive a cultural orientation overview, employment assistance and are connected with other community resources, such as language classes and medical services.

“This is the start of a brand-new life for the arriving refugees,” Roesch said. “The root of our program is self-sufficiency. True resettlement can take years, but as the refugees become settled, everything else falls into place and they continue to progress.

They are employed, pay taxes, eventually buy homes and become contributing members of the community.”

“We appreciate the people who are making the decisions taking the time to listen to real information about refugee work and why it matters.”

– Laura Roesch CEO CSSMV

Thanksgiving May Be A Good Time to Plan Your Estate Thanksgiving offers us a chance to catch up with loved ones. It may also be a good time to consider the ones we are thankful for and create a plan to protect and care for our loved ones after we are gone.

Why have a Will?

• Legal protection. Do you want an officer of the court deciding who gets your assets?

• Save time & money. With a will in place, the probate process can usually move more quickly and be less costly than with no will at all.

• Assign guardianship. A will protects your choice of who takes care of your children and pets.

• Tax implications. You may have more assets than you think, and you will want to leave your heirs with as much as possible.

• Peace of mind. If you think family situations can get complicated around the holidays or when it comes to sibling rivalries, just add money, valuable assets, and no estate plan in place to the mix.

Your Wishes The only way to ensure your wishes are carried out is to prepare a will and keep it current. When major life changes—marriages, divorces, births, deaths, interstate moves— occur, you should review your will and make any necessary changes.

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Continuing Religious Education...

One Computer at a Time St. Julie Billiart Parish in Hamilton Partners with St. Susanna Parish in Mason

BY K AR Y E L L E N BE R G E R

The gift of computers is doing more than providing children with a resource for school or play — at St. Julie Billiart parish in Hamilton, it is also providing children the gift of religious education. But help is needed to make it possible for all children.

St. Julie Billiart Parish is distributing computers to members in need so children can continue their Religious studies. The parish’s Religious education program will be held online this school year due to COVID-19.

“Many of our families don’t have enough furniture to put a desktop on,” Mary Pat Austing, coordinator of parish religious education programs at St. Julie Billiart, explained. “The table is dedicated to Mary. The few pieces of furniture they have are very essential to them and one of them is a prayer altar.”

“Our mission is to provide donated computers, that are refurbished and loaded with free Linux operating and other systems, to charities in and around Mason,” said Marty Klenke, the co-founder of the Charitable Computing Ministry. “The objectives of the ministry are to reduce the environmental impact caused by discarded computer equipment and at the same time support local charities in their work to help the community.”

We’re offering families who are suffering financially a way for their children to have a religious education system.

“That is why we were asking for laptops,” Austing continued. “We’re offering families who are suffering financially a way for their children to have a religious education system.”

Through the organization, Charitable Computing Ministry at St. Susanna Parish in Mason, laptops are 3 6 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H

collected and retooled with new software.

Some other organizations Charitable Computing Ministry has provided technology to include Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Leo, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Warren County and Mount St. Joseph University.

“Since our founding in 2017, Charitable Computing Ministry has donated more than 300 computers, tablets and smartphones,” said Klenke. “We provide to the charity our assurance that the equipment will function as their need requires. If, at any time, one of the computers we provided fails to perform the needed functions, we will take it back and replace it with one that will do the job, so long as we are still an

active ministry and we have donated inventory from which to provide that replacement.”

“To me, this is a symbol of what our Catholic Church is, our universality is – taking care of one of other,” Austing said. “St. Susanna has many talented and gifted individuals who are following their Catholic faith in social justice to minister to others. They bring a silver lining to the world we’re living in.”

Austing has a goal of equipping 25 families with computers. She is in need of 14 more devices.

“Our pope says to be a people of joy,” said Austing.

“While we can’t be the feet and hands of God this school year, we can be His voice and His face.”

Those interested in donating laptops are encouraged to visit the Charitable Computing Ministry’s website, stsusanna.org/charitablecomputingministry, or call (513) 398-3821, ext. 3126.

Marty Klenke from St. Susanna Charitable Computing Ministry discusses hardware with Robert Richter from St. Julie Billiart Parish.

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Our second son’s middle name comes from his grandfather, Martin. When we named him, we hadn’t considered just how great of a patron we had given him! Not only is St. Martin of Tours an amazing saint with a powerful story, he also has some super-fun traditions linked to his feast day.

ST. MAR TIN’S DAY L A NTE RNS

BY WAYNE & MARIANNE TOPP

A crackling bonfire flickering in the crisp fall air.

Warm apple cider in hand. Friends and family gathered in a circle sharing laughter and making memories together. All a picture-perfect image of what an autumn night should be. Heading into November, we try to squeeze in just a few more of these magical moments before the chill of winter creeps in. How perfect it is then, that our saint this month is celebrated in just that way.

St. Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier-turned Christian just after Christianity was recognized as a religion in Rome. The story goes that while riding on his horse one day, St. Martin passed by a poor beggar who had no clothes. St. Martin stopped, drew his sword and sliced off half of his soldier’s cloak and gave it to the man. That night, in his dream, Jesus appeared to him wearing the cloak and from that point forward, St. Martin gave up his sword and willingly went into battle unarmed, vowing never to kill another man.

Shortly thereafter, he left the legion altogether and later, despite trying to flee and hide amongst a gaggle of geese to avoid it, became a well-loved bishop.

3 8 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A PH

A few years ago, we discovered that the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner German American Club hosts a St. Martin’s Day celebration. It’s a night of family fun in Downtown Dayton commemorating St. Martin of Tours in a traditional German way complete with bonfires, lantern making, treats and hot chocolate. The highlight of the night was a procession of homemade lanterns through the town while singing St. Martin’s Carols, led by a man on horseback dressed as the 4th Century saint.

As we have learned to do throughout this year, we’ll celebrate St. Martin’s Day at home, and, hopefully, you can celebrate with us! Let’s make our St. Martin’s day lanterns and create our own family processions (horse and traditional Roman soldier outfit are optional). As we parade throughout our homes, or in our yards, or even up and down our streets, may we remember the boldness with which St. Martin lived his life and the example he gave to us in recognizing God’s presence in the face of every person we meet.

ALL SAINTS PARISH

Craft: St. Martin’s Day Laterns Supplies needed: • Cardstock/cardboard • St. Martin’s Day coloring sheet (or other items to resemble St. Martin or the Fall season. You can download our coloring sheet at thecatholictelegraph.com) • Wax paper • Masking (or decorative) tape • Pipe cleaner • Battery-powered tea light • Iron and ironing board • Hand towel • Ruler, pencil, scissors, hole punch

Fall Chicken Dinner

No craft show this year, but it will return next year. Mega Split-the-pot license #002595

1) Measure and cut out a 4.5” diameter cardboard circle.

2) Cut wax paper to go around your cardboard circle (about 17”).

3) Color and cut out the St. Martin’s Day symbols.

4) Fold the wax paper in half lengthwise.

5) Place the colored symbols on the inside of folded wax paper, leaving space between.

6) Create crayon shavings and sprinkle around the symbols inside the wax paper.

7) Place wax paper on the ironing board and cover with a hand towel.

8) Iron at medium heat over the entire wax paper so that the two sides stick together.

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9) Form the wax paper into a tube and tape around cardboard circles – one at each end.

10) Punch two holes on opposite sides of the top cardboard of the lantern.

11) Place a pipe cleaner through the hole and secure in place as a handle.

12) Place a battery-operated tea light in the base of the lantern and go on parade!

M AK IN G C AT H OL IC M E M ORIE S / NO V 2020 | 39

OUT AND ABOUT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

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1) A RECOVERY BLESSING IN DAYTON

Queen of Martyrs Church in Dayton was hit and destroyed by the Memorial Day tornadoes of 2019. Following the tornadoes, a 16-month renovation began, led by parishioner Don Tomczak. On Sept. 13, Archbishop Schnurr joined the faithful to bless the parish after and the completed repairs. A plaque of appreciation was unveiled, thanking Tomczak for his dedication to the renovations at Queen of Martyrs.

2) KINDESS CHALLENGE WINNERS

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Last fall the 6th graders at St. Albert the Great in Kettering entered a contest in their 5th grade reading classroom, based on kindness.

Their teacher, Mrs. Embry, took a photo of their hard work and sent it to Random House for their “Kind Classroom Challenge.” This past year, they won the grand prize!

3) SU CASA RECEIVES P&G DONATION

Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio (CCSWO)’s Su Casa received a $175,000 donation from Procter & Gamble (P&G) at the Salsa on the Square Event at Fountain Square in Downtown Cincinnati. Su Casa’s mission is selfsufficiency for poor and vulnerable immigrant families in Greater Cincinnati who are seeking a better life for themselves and their families.

4) MISSION TRIP TO WEST VIRGINIA

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St. Xavier students recently traveled to West Virginia on a mission trip. They volunteered at local nonprofits that work to end food deserts and provide jobs to those with disabilities.

Cultural immersion experiences added another layer allowing students to learn about life in coal country.

5) MASS FOR ARTISTS

The Angelico Project celebrated their annual Mass for Artists at the Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center on Sept. 17. Father Ambrose Deobrozsi inspired all present to lead souls toward Christ’s Eucharistic presence through their creative endeavors.

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THE FINAL WORD with LaVerne Summerlin

MISSIONARIES OF THE WEST END

Holy Trinity Church and School (now the 5th Street I-75 South Exit ramp) was my parish, my place of solace. Why? Because of the missionary zeal of St. Katharine Drexel’s Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament; St. Daniel Comboni’s Missionaries; our parents and the seemingly ever present ethnically-diverse lay evangelists who contributed to the vibrancy of the parish.

Some historians reference 1925-1950 as the Archbishop John T. McNicholas Negro Apostolate, and 1950-1970 as the Karl J. Alter Urban Apostolate. Why? Because it was under their aegis that the archdiocese expanded its African American ministries Adults from various ethnicities saw us as God’s children. They told us that, despite what others thought, we were capable of academic and moral excellence. They let us know – in no uncertain terms – that they believed the Catholic Church had a moral obligation to help Black parents realize their dream of securing a quality education for their children. They proved their belief by establishing standards of excellence in worship, academics, sports and in all other aspects of parish life.

The ambiance of Holy Trinity was also, to some degree, the ambiance of the other eight West End Catholic institutions at that time: St. Edward/St. Ann, St. Anthony, St. Henry, St. Augustine grade schools, and Madonna, DePorres and Our Lady of Mercy high schools. St. Joseph is the only remaining.

The Sisters of St. Francis Oldenberg have been replaced with outstanding lay educators. Those rays in our diversity rainbow were instruments of peace who instilled in us the desire and will to follow their lead. Many who were children during that era have also been instruments of peace and lights to others.

Hundreds of those African Americans have contributed to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s work in the mission fields, but I can only name a few.

Father Clarence Joseph Rivers, PhD, priest, artist, liturgist had a vision that resulted in the inculturation of African American worship styles in Catholic worship. The Lead Me Guide Me 4 2 | TH E F INAL WORD

Hymnal is dedicated to him, and now resides in Catholic churches across the country. He made it possible for choir members to share their gifts by joyfully praising God with such hymns as, “God Is” and “Holy God, We Praise His Name.”

Second are hundreds of behind the scenes stewards. Two who come mind are Ruth Smith, who was inducted into the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for her work as the priests’ housekeeper and as unofficial counselor to the young and the elderly; and Linda Knight, who worked with the elderly and shut-ins, and is still actively working with the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Joseph.

Third are the educators such as Myron Kilgore, who taught at DePorres, in Cincinnati Public Schools and Xavier High School; and Linda Bates Parker who became Vice President at the University of Cincinnati and founded Black Career Women, Inc. Fourth are Charles Chambers, Raymond Payne and Arthur Lindsay who served as business managers of their parishes.

Fifth are the men of DePorres High School who have continued the school’s legacy of achievement in all areas of society.

The original archdiocesan missionaries who voluntarily worked with Black folks helped our parents realize their dreams of a better life for us. Like the missionaries of their youth, those interviewed for my book, Gems of Cincinnati’s West End, have lived their lives as instruments of peace and children of the light.

LAVERNE SUMMERLIN is Professor of English at the University of Cincinnati where she has received a number of awards, including the Dolly Cohen Award for Teaching Excellence. An alumna of Holy Trinity Grade School and Our Lady of Mercy High School, she is indebted to all those West End Catholic Missionaries who dedicated their lives to our achievement of social justice.

On August 19, 2020, we started our adventure of in-person classes in the midst of Covid-19. Our students who are deaf, hard of hearing, Apraxic, on the Autism spectrum, and who have Down Syndrome benefit from having school in person.

Hands-on projects and one-on-one teaching are how our students thrive in a learning environment.

The leadership team met and developed a plan that would safely allow all students and staff back in the building again.

The leadership team determined that not only should masks and temperature checks be required, but that they would set up a system for each class to minimize contact with others. Students and staff were assigned an entry point into the school building and certain stairwells for transitions. A rigorous cleaning schedule is followed that includes cleaning the playground equipment after each class use and

using an electrostatic disinfecting machine. Our maintenance staff constantly clean door knobs, stairwells, and bathrooms. Desk shields are used to provide a clear barrier between students and staff. Carpet circles serve as a reminder to keep six feet apart in the hallways. Students eat lunch in their classrooms and the Art, Religion, and ASL teachers go into the K-6 classrooms, instead of the students going to another class for their specials.

All of these new systems and protocols though have come at a cost. Additional cleaning staff, supplies, and Chromebooks or iPads for the students have increased the school’s operating cost this year by over $60,000.

Check out our YouTube channel (search for St. Rita School for the Deaf) and see the videos the students and staff made during the pandemic.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation to keep our students in their classroom and safe as they continue to learn and flourish during this pandemic. ___$25 ___$50 ___$75 ___$100 ___Other ___My company will match 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_______________________ St. Rita School for the Deaf educates students who need special methods of communication in a safe, value-oriented environment. We believe in maximizing our students’ full potential by developing the whole child to enrich the world. | 43

100 E. 8th St. • Cincinnati, OH 45202

SERVING LOCAL FAMILIES. CHANGING LOCAL LIVES.

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In the first five months of the pandemic, Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio recognized key needs in the community and adapted its services to protect the vulnerable during trying times. So far, we provided $458,271 in adaptive works of mercy in food, rent and utilities assistance and free mental health care. It is through your generous contributions these works of mercy are made possible. Please prayerfully consider making your annual gift now for people in need.

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