Tradition tells us that in the year 1208, St. Dominic received the rosary from the Blessed Virgin Mary during an apparition where she appeared to him while he was praying in a monastery in Prouille, France. She asked him to encourage the faithful to pray it daily to combat the rampant spread of heresy and the loss of faith.
Apologetics by Bob Sullivan
Satan loves crabs, but not the delicious crustaceans from the deep blue sea. I’m talking about the ‘Negative Nellies’ who resist new efforts in evangelism and discipleship in a parish. In a way, these types of people can be compared to crabs we find in the deep blue sea, by looking at a phenomenon called “Crab in the Bucket Syndrome.”
By Tom Venzor, Nebraska Catholic Conference
Barronelle Stutzman is an ordinary citizen—like you and me—with an extraordinary adventure over the last few years. Barronelle—a woman of Christian faith—is the owner of Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, Washington. Over her career, Barronelle has served and employed a variety of people, including those identifying with a same-sex attraction. Motivated by her faith, Barronelle declined to use her creative skills to serve a long-time customer, Robert Ingersoll, in his same-sex ceremony.
“Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet” by David McLimans.
Walker and Company, New York, 2006, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
The treatment of the environment is an important subject. In the past, nature just seemed to be something that needed to be “tamed.” This short-sighted view led to terrible consequences with the extinction of many species of birds, animals and insects.
By Father Christopher Kubat, Catholic Social Services
Recently, I talked to Georgeanne Rashilla and Michelle Wagner, who are now both retired. It is on their hearts to do more for the homeless. This idea has grown in their hearts since being involved in our sack lunch program in Lincoln.
Around a dozen courageous “Warrior Moms” recently testified on a small, but deeply moving piece of legislation introduced by State Senator Joni Albrecht, representative of Legislative District 17 (Wayne, Thurston, and Dakota counties). The bill—entitled the Compassion and Care for Medically Challenging Pregnancies Act—runs the gamut of human experience and human emotion.
“Flight #116 Is Down,” by Caroline Cooney
Scholastic Books, New York, 1992, 201 pages, Grades 7-9.
Junior high readers like books that are packed with excitement. To achieve this, the author must create a vivid setting and develop characters that can grow through the experiences they encounter in the plot.
“What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (Jas 2:14-17).
Before the end of the year, Father Cyrus Rowan, teacher at Bishop Neumann Jr./Sr. High School in Wahoo, called us wondering if the eighth-graders could come to Catholic Social Services for a service project.
Apologetics by Bob Sullivan
If you have a family member who has fallen away from the Church, you likely spend a lot of time praying about it, looking for opportunities to encourage them to return to the Church.
Three forms of school choice legislation have attracted considerable media attention this legislative session: Tax credit scholarships (LB295), vouchers (LB608), and charter schools (LB630). While each legislative bill differs in key ways, they have all been the target of severe criticisms aimed to demean school choice. Many of these criticisms are rooted in false claims about school choice, and it is important to clear up what school choice really is and debunk a couple key myths.
“Garvey’s Choice,” by Nikki Grimes
Highlights Press, Honesdale, Penn., 2016, 108 pages, Grades 4-7.
On Jan. 29, the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, a young single woman with a beautiful little girl attended Mass at St. Gianna’s. I had seen her at Mass several times before.
The gospel was about the beatitudes as written in St. Matthew’s gospel: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Mt 5:3-12).
Any given week, numerous issues could easily become the topic of this column. Some weeks, the topic is easy to determine. Other weeks, it is difficult. This is one of those “other” weeks. Because of that, I want to highlight a few key issues/events.
“We Are Growing,” by Laurie Keller
Hyperion Books for Children, New York, 2016, 64 pages, Grades K-2.
Growing up is a difficult task. In elementary school, students always want to become older, bigger and more talented. In literature, this is shown by the students wanting to read “chapter books,” not just those old picture books. You know, the fun ones!
Librarians understand this tendency and try to help young readers find longer books that they can read. In the early grades, students are continuously looking to see who is the tallest, fastest and most popular. It becomes a problem when children do not value themselves appropriately.
In this award-winning book, “We Are Growing,” Laurie Keller takes on these problems with a humorous story about eight blades of grass growing up.
The story begins with one of the blades of grass realizing that it has grown taller. Surprised, the blade tells his fellow yard mates that he has gotten taller. Now all the blades of grass pay attention. Everyone wants something to be important about them. They compare their height, color and appearance with each other.
They measure the one blade of grass and all exclaim in unison, “You did grow.” This blade of grass instantly grows cocky and smugly tells the other blades of grass how easy it is to grow and become important. Sagely turning to his friends, he states that growing up is hard work.
No sooner are the words out of his mouth than another blade of grass shouts out that he has just grown as well. Now the commotion just doesn’t stop. All the blades of grass feel and see that they are growing. They all begin bragging that they are the tallest, the sharpest, the pointiest, etc.
Each blade has something very special about them except one blade of grass. His name is Walt and he can’t think of anything that makes him special. His friends try to get him to think of something that sets him apart from all the other blades of grass. He tries and tries but just can’t think of anything he is good at. Soon he is sweating and having mental anxiety. Walt wonders who he is. Is he really important? All the other blades of grass clearly have something that sets them apart. Why is he special?
Suddenly, an ominous noise can be heard on the lawn. It is a large machine with wheels and seems to be cutting the grass. All the blades of grass start trembling. What happens next?
Does the lawn mower cut down all the eight blades of grass? What happens to all of their ideas of worth? What happens to Walt? Does he find value in himself after the lawn mower is finished with all the blades of grass?
Have you ever felt that you were not important? Who helped you understand how valuable you are in your family? What does Walt learn about himself? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this funny story, “We Are Growing” by Laurie Keller.
“We Are Growing” was just awarded the Theodore Seuss Geisel Award as the Most Distinguished Beginning Reader Award for 2017 by the American Library Association. Named after the famed Dr. Seuss, the Geisel Award helps teachers and parents realize the importance of helping beginning readers find short novels that can spark their interest in reading.
Laurie Keller addresses many of the early anxieties young children have in the primary grades. Are they valuable? Do people like them? Can they succeed in school? The story is so funny and delightful that children will be laughing as Keller comforts them about their own fears. This is no small feat.
I hope you get a chance to read this charming book with a member of your family!
Recently, as I strolled through the waiting room of our St. Joseph Center, my eyes met with those of a young girl, perhaps 3 years old, with a cute animal hat on her head; it was during the recent cold snap with subzero windchills.
Several years ago, I recognized that Luke 24:13-35 (The Road to Emmaus) was an account of the first Mass celebrated after Christ’s resurrection. I owe this epiphany to Father Larry Gyhra, as it was one of his favorite passages and he spoke about it often. It has become one of my favorite passages as well.
“All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Marie Remarque.
Random House, New York, 2013 (originally published 1928), 215 pages, Grades 10 and above.
The beginnings of wars are sometimes celebrated with flag-waving and high emotion. World War I was no exception. The soldiers marching off to the front were celebrated and treated as heroes. In all the cities of Europe, young women kissed and cheered the soldiers on.
It was a heady time. Average men, formerly bakers, shopkeepers and mechanics, were suddenly transformed by the magnificence of the event. Now they were the guardians of culture and society. Very few leaders had the perception of the Foreign Secretary of Great Britain, Edward Grey with his famous and accurate comment that “the lamps are going out all over Europe and we shall not see them lit again in our lifetimes.”
Erich Marie Remarque has given us the truth behind Grey’s comments in the novel, “All Quiet on the Western Front.” Ninety years after its initial publication, it likely remains the greatest novel ever written about war.
Paul Baumer is 18 years old and has just graduated from high school. Being in the flower of youth, Paul is excited about books, science and learning. He has a generous personality and cares for his family and for his country. Paul and his classmates are encouraged to enter the German Army by the schoolmaster. He and his classmates will make up the iron soldiers of the nation.
After this exhortation, Paul and his classmates enlist in the German Army. They aren’t alone, as all the young men in Germany become soldiers. After boot camp, he is transferred to the Western Front. There he meets his company and his wise sergeant, Stanislaus Katczinsky. In short order, his company is thrown into action and ordered to attack. Within days of battle, many of the young men have been gunned down in these suicidal attacks.
Between attacks and counterattacks, Paul begins to find himself being hallowed out. The pleasant young man of a few months ago now sees a world that is being destroyed by artillery shells and poison gas. Katczinsky (Kat) shepherds the youthful soldiers through battle after battle. Kat comes from the laboring class and has a simple understanding of life. He teaches Paul and the others how to survive artillery bombardments, poison gas attacks and night patrols. The soldiers in Paul’s platoon become brothers to each other. Completely stripped of any illusions about war, the soldiers dutifully trudge along. But Germany begins to be crushed. The Americans have now entered the war, and the tide has turned. The German soldiers know this. What happens next?
What happens to Paul and Kat? What has the war done to them? Why does Paul wonder if he can ever again fit into society? Why is war so terrible? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Marie Remarque.
Remarque has written an insightful novel about the horrors of war. We see the futility of war and what it does to individuals and society. So influential was this book that the Nazis banned the title within four years of its publication. The Nazis believed that war was glorious and Remarque’s writing condemned this viewpoint. He had to flee to Switzerland to avoid being executed by the Nazi government. Having failed to catch him, they arrested his sister and had her beheaded.
Ninety years after publication, “All Quiet” remains one of the great literary works describing war and why it should be avoided. Some of the parts are not for the faint of heart, but it is a brilliant study in what happens to people in the midst of a ludicrous war. I hope you read this great novel. It continues to teach as much today as when it was first published.
After listening to the cheers and excitement of hundreds of school children, parents, and teachers at the annual School Choice Rally held at the State Capitol Jan. 19, the Revenue Committee of the State Legislature heard testimony from a number of proponents advocating the advance of LB295 which would allow for the Opportunity Scholarships Act.
The Opportunity Scholarships Act—introduced by Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion—provides privately-funded scholarships for low-to-middle-income students to attend the private school of their choice. These scholarships are funded by private donations to qualified nonprofit scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). In return, those who provide private donations could receive a tax credit (as opposed to a tax deduction) on their state income tax bill for a percent of their donation.
While this idea is novel for Nebraska, similar laws already exist in 17 other states—including a few of our neighbors (Kansas, Iowa, and South Dakota). Like these other states, our State Legislature has the opportunity to advance heroic legislation that 1) protects true parental choice and 2) provides a tremendous state savings.
Protecting Parental Choice. The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it beautifully: “As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental…. Public authorities have the duty of guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete conditions for its exercise.”
The Opportunity Scholarships Act provides a state policy that helps parents—especially those most in financial need—fulfill their duty in choosing the education that is most fitting for their children. Oftentimes, schools and parents in such circumstances are placed in a predicament of finding adequate financial resources to give their child an opportunity at private education. However, LB295 remedies this predicament by establishing a financial resource that could be essential to students and parents in fulfilling their dreams.
State Savings. Importantly, LB295 is able to achieve opportunity for low-to-middle-income students without taking away any funding from public schools. Ultimately, the program relies on the financial charity of private donors.
In the 17 states that currently have scholarship tax credit programs, it is estimated that these states have saved somewhere between $1.7 and $3.4 billion to date. Our neighbors in Iowa have saved at least $280 million since the enactment of their scholarship tax credit program in 2006.
State savings occurs by the number of scholarships that are provided to students who transfer from public to non-public schools or who otherwise would be in a public school but for an Opportunity Scholarship. This creates a direct savings to the state because such students will not receive state aid when attending a non-public school, since a student’s state aid for education is only available to them while in public school. This leads to significant reductions in expenses for local schools and provides them more funds to spend per student.
The Time Is Now. Nebraska is in a unique position this year to advance the Opportunity Scholarships Act out of the Revenue Committee and be heard by the full body of the State Legislature. Now is your chance to help make this happen with a phone call or e-mail to your State Senator and the members of the Revenue Committee. Look up their information at www.nebraskalegislature.gov. Ask them to support and advance LB295.
For more information about this legislation and the many other issues important to us as Catholics, visit www.necatholic.org and “Join CANN (Catholic Advocacy Network of Nebraska)” for our regular action alerts and information updates.
Keep this important piece of education legislation in your prayers—LB295 would certainly be the answer to the prayers of thousands of families across Nebraska seeking a private education.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska holds a number of fundraising events throughout each year, some of which have been attended by our bishop.
When delivering comments at some of these events, I have heard Bishop Bruskewitz (before his retirement) and now Bishop Conley ask these questions, “What differentiates Catholic Social Services from any other social service agency? What makes what they do any different from what other social services agencies do?”
The answer, of course, is that we do what we do for Jesus Christ. This is outlined in Matthew’s gospel, 25:31-46, the description of the final judgment by Jesus Christ, Who said, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me.”
Last year a young man, one of God’s sons, created in His image and likeness, started coming to CSS for help. Since he was homeless, he came to us mainly for food, clothing and sleeping bags. He was on the streets because of his alcoholism. Almost every time I saw him, he was under the influence. And nearly every time we gave him something, he would point to the heavens and say, “Thank you, Jesus!”
I cannot tell you how many sleeping bags we gave him this winter, for they were all lost or stolen. Recently, we received word that he died on the streets. I am privileged to have offered a memorial Mass for the happy repose of his soul. I pray that he is in the bosom of Abraham and know he will never again need a sleeping bag.
In preparation for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, the fifth- and sixth-graders at St. Patrick School in McCook held a sleeping bag drive for Catholic Social Services, for the homeless.
Tama Kain, their religion teacher, explained that teaching students about the spiritual and corporal works of mercy is one thing, but having them practice them is another, for it is projects like these they will remember. It is not hard to see the light of Christ in their eyes.
I would like to thank them, their religion teacher Tama, and all of the staff and administrators of St. Patrick School (including Father Gary Brethour).
May all of you and all of our supporters across the diocese and beyond have a blessed and holy 2017!
Jan. 22 marks the 44th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, and its companion case, Doe v. Bolton. As I have written, this anniversary is bittersweet. While we mourn the 60 million unborn lives that have been taken since Roe, we push forward in trust that the ultimate victory is the Lord’s.
As we seek to overturn Roe, it is imperative that we recognize that law follows culture. To put it another way, law is downstream from culture. Culture has a priority over the law. Law may dictate what it desires, but a society whose culture is unprepared to receive the law will prove the law ineffective.
On this year’s anniversary of Roe, I would suggest reflecting on the ways that you engage the culture in order to bring about a greater respect for the unborn child. For me, these engagements with culture are glimmers of hope as faithful advocates push back on Roe and the Supreme Court’s morally bankrupt abortion jurisprudence. I wanted to stop and share a few glimmers of hope from recent pro-life activities that brought joy to me as our culture of life pushes back on the culture of death.
Attendance at the Pro-Life Mass and Nebraska Walk for Life. As I am every year, I was edified last Saturday by the turnout of faithful pro-life advocates that attend both the pro-life Mass and Nebraska Walk for Life. The number of attendees is usually around 5,000 people, and this year was no different.
These events are tremendous signs of solidarity—a diversity of people uniting to promote the common good and supreme dignity of human life. As the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church articulates, it is “structures of solidarity”—which seek to modify laws and juridical systems—that overcome the “structures of sin” that exist within our society.
The Mass and Walk, then, become visible events where members of society selflessly and sacrificially stand up for the voiceless and those hurting from abortion. These events are a prophetic witness to the fact that life is gift, and it is given by our most benevolent God.
Hidden (Fruitful) Conversations. After the Nebraska Walk for Life, I left the student union and headed south to the origins of the Walk to fetch my car and go home to my lovely wife and baby girl. As I left, I noticed that the pro-abortion, counter-protestors were still meandering across the street with their signs, many of which were painted with vulgar, offensive messages.
But there was something different as I walked by. Nearly each of the counter-protestors remaining (about a dozen of them) was accompanied by a number of college-aged pro-lifers. The pro-lifers had courageously, actively, and respectfully engaged the counter-protestors in conversations about the issue of abortion.
Their outreach reminded me of the words spoken earlier in the day by Senator Ben Sasse to “move the culture by persuasion” and “not in shouting people down, but in engaging people.”
Renewed Energy. A friend of mine has been undertaking a variety of pro-life efforts. My friend was caught up in a number of tasks that were certainly meaningful, but also somewhat removed from the day-to-day efforts in the trenches of the pro-life movement (e.g., praying outside the abortion clinic, assisting at pregnancy resource centers, engaging in conversations with pro-abortion advocates). This led my friend to feel a bit burdened and out-of-touch.
However, my friend shared about a moment of renewal when they came into contact with a post-abortive woman who was seeking healing and counseling. This one encounter reinvigorated my friend’s other pro-life efforts and put those efforts in perspective.
Take-Away. As I offer just a few examples, I am confident each of you could add many more. It is these encounters in the day-to-day of life, oftentimes carried out in the quietness of life when nobody else is looking, that will ultimately bring about a society that properly values life. And it will be this society that not only overturns Roe, but no longer has any need or desire for Roe. Prayerfully engage the culture!
“The Wind In The Willows,” by Kenneth Grahame, illustrated by John Burningham
Viking Press, New York, 1908, reprint in 1983, 240 pages, Grades 4-7.
When a book continues to be read 100 years after initial publication, the title must speak to universal themes and sentiments. This makes a book a classic.
“The Wind In The Willows” is such a book. The setting is quite natural with much of the story taking place along a river. The main characters are animals living near the river or in the adjoining forest. But Kenneth Grahame has created them in such an endearing and gentle manner that we all learn about our lives by reading about their lives.
Water Rat (“Ratty”) lives in an idyllic manner along the languid waters of the river. He rows his boat in the pools and eddies and enjoys the beauty of the world. Nearby, Mole has decided to leave his underground home and go upward to the light. He has no idea what is in the light since he has always lived underground.
When Mole bursts above ground the sunlight warms his fur. He had no idea that the world was so beautiful. He quickly meets Ratty and is invited to go for a boat ride. Not believing his good luck, Mole jumps into the boat and is soon lazily going down the river. Ratty explains everything that Mole is seeing for the first time.
The forest looms behind a field near the river. Ratty explains that the forest is dangerous for the river animals, but that deep in the forest lives the Badger, a wise and protective friend. Not far down the river is Toad Hall, the house of Toad. Ratty likes Toad but realizes that he is sometimes conceited and impetuous. Mole learns all of this on his first boat ride.
Suddenly, Mole wants to row the boat. Bumping Ratty aside, he grabs the oars. Not listening to Ratty’s warning, Mole soon tips the boat over and both animals wind up in the water. Ratty pulls the beleaguered Mole to the shore and they try to dry off.
Mole tries to behave himself but later ignores Ratty’s advice and plunges into the forest. Soon he is lost in a snowstorm. Exhausted, he doesn’t know what to do. Luckily for him, Ratty has tracked him through the snowstorm and takes him to Badger’s house. There he learns valuable life lessons and discovers that while he is very ordinary, he is important. He has character and the other animals care for him.
With this understanding, Mole now believes he is valuable and worthwhile. This allows Mole to become generous and other-centered. Toad, on the other hand, is not as docile as his actions soon prove. What happens next?
What do the animals learn about themselves and about life? Why do some animals become docile through their experiences while others seem to learn very little? Have you ever known people like them? Why do we sometimes learn and sometimes reject what is good for us? What hand does God play in all of this? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this delightful animal fantasy, “The Wind In the Willows.”
This book has taught generations of readers about the enduring virtues of charity and honesty. Chapter Seven, “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,” is one of the most comforting chapters ever written in children’s literature about the love God has for all His children. Though Toad seems to teach children what not to do, his boisterous charm adds the story. “The Wind In The Willows” has been made into several movies. I hope you get a chance to read this delightful story. There is a reason that it is a classic. Enjoy!
I am sure you have heard the saying, ‘Good fruit does not fall far from a good tree.’
We know by faith that charity is one of the infused theological virtues. Virtues, of course, are good habits that, when practiced, bring one closer to God. Each virtue has an opposing vice, which when practiced, lead us away from God. The vice opposed to charity is hatred. When the love of God is lacking from the soul, that soul becomes selfish rather than selfless.
Since charity is an infused virtue, it is placed into the soul at baptism. However, in order to grow in the soul, one needs only to cooperate, and for children, the proper example and guidance of their parents is paramount. If you doubt what I say, place two 4-year-old boys in a room together with one toy truck and see what happens....
During the last Advent season, the Koperski family decided to do something for families in need. They purchased fabric, stuffing and other materials needed to make warm blankets, pillows and stuffed animals for adults and their children. After receiving a call from their father David, we set up a time for them to come in and drop off the handcrafted gifts.
It was a family effort, though the children did most of the work. The project was spearheaded by Julianna, 13 (who taught herself how to sew a few years ago), and the rest of her siblings: Dominic (11), Lydia (9), and Aiden (2). As dad said, “It’s funny that we can take a pillow for granted!”
Last year, I asked Jack Crowley, one of our Bountiful Harvest corporate members, what differentiates a generous from a non-generous person. Without batting an eye he responded, “Happiness.”
He has frequently told me that there is great joy in giving. Isn’t it true? The happiness in the children’s faces as they brought these beautiful gifts to our office was even more evident when they posed for a picture.
I would like to thank the Koperski family and other families like them, for this is not the first time children have given themselves in projects for CSS. In addition to thanking the children, I always like to thank their parents for, ‘Good fruit does not fall far from a good tree.’
Apologetics by Bob Sullivan
By now, we have all heard the phrase “The New Evangelization.” If you are like me, you have struggled to understand what that phrase even means. Is the Church bringing in some sort of consulting firm? Maybe the theologians are drawing up a plan? When do these evangelists show up at my door?
I’ve come to understand the New Evangelization by breaking it down into subcategories set forth below.
What it is not:
It is not a spectator sport, nor is there a requirement that every Catholic is to grab a bullhorn and a picket sign to threaten everyone with Hell if they don’t repent.
What it is:
The New Evangelization has three primary objectives which tell us what it is. The objectives are:
1. To help practicing Catholics deepen their relationship with God;
2. To help young Catholics become adult Catholics;
3. To attract non-practicing Catholics back to the Catholic Church through a thorough explanation of the truth of the Church and a more robust introduction to the beauty and goodness of Catholicism.
These three objectives are achieved when we combine faith and reason in order to know not only what the Church teaches, but why the Church teaches it and how beautiful the Gospel really is.
Why we need it:
The United States is becoming de-Christianized right before our eyes. There are currently about 70 million Catholics in the U.S. That sounds like a lot, but only around 10% to 30% of us actually receive the sacraments on a fairly regular basis. Catholic families still have more children than the average American family, but young Catholics have been leaving the Church at an increasing rate, and fewer and fewer of those who leave their faith are returning as they reach adulthood.
This means that even though we are baptizing more children than the average American Christian family, we are not ending up with anywhere near that number of adult Catholics.
The Catholic population of the U.S. has basically held steady for the last 20 years, mostly due to Catholic immigrants. But the children of Catholic immigrants are walking away from their faith at at least the same rate as the rest of the country’s Catholic youth. Therefore, researchers predict that the Catholic population of the U.S. is going to be decreasing rapidly over the next 25 years.
Who is supposed to be doing it:
We are all called to participate in the New Evangelization, both as disciples and as priests, prophets and kings. (See the Catechism of the Catholic Church 897-913.) This may sound demanding at first, but it isn’t. In fact, if you are nourished by the sacraments and prayer, your participation in the New Evangelization will be extremely fulfilling, invigorating and exciting. Not only that, but it will be eternally rewarding.
Does this mean that you will become a public speaker, lead prayer groups and Bible studies or be ordained a priest? Some of you might, and if you are so called, you must say “yes.” But we all have different gifts. While eloquent speech and the gift of teaching could flow from the grace you receive from a deepened relationship with God, your gifts could lead you to something totally different. This is because the Body of Christ is made of many parts (feet, heart, hands, eyes, mouths, etc.).
In order to function as Christ planned, the Church must have people in all the different roles. It is our job to discern the gifts we receive and then to put those gifts to work in a way that glorifies God. Rest assured that God will not call you to anything that will not flow from the graces he gives you.
We are all called to some role in the New Evangelization because we are each a living part of the great Body of Christ. As that living part, we must function as designed or we might better consider ourselves something other than a living part of the Body.
Some of us may participate in the New Evangelization simply by smiling and showing joy more often than we do today. Others may volunteer to do something new in the parish, such as becoming an usher, an acolyte or a Eucharistic adorer. From the most humble and unseen act of service in the parish to the most visible, the New Evangelization is the call to fill each role according to your gifts, so the Body of Christ is healthy and strong.
How it is supposed to work:
Your role in the New Evangelization is defined by where you are on your personal spiritual journey today.
In other words, you must determine where you could benefit from some growth, then pursue it. You may already know what the Church teaches well, in which case you might spend more time on the reasons for the teachings. You may know the teachings and the reasons, so you might focus on developing a deeper appreciation of the beauty of the Catholic faith through the liturgy, prayer, art, or service of the poor and needy of the world.
If you think you are good enough on all three, you likely need to grow in all three. Sorry, I had to be the one to break the news to you on that one, but people who think they are good on all three are kind of like the Pharisees in the Gospels. Jesus was tough on them.
The opposite of the pharisaical mindset is that of an intentional disciple. An intentional disciple deepens his or her relationship with Christ and thereby effortlessly evangelizes others by word and deed. One of the beauties of the New Evangelization is that by being evangelized, you evangelize.
On the other end of the spectrum is the fearful servant who has been given gifts, but refuses to use them. The fearful servant does nothing, the Pharisee pats himself on the back, and the disciple does God’s will.
The 105th Legislature began their work at the state capitol Jan. 4. To say there has been no shortage of excitement is almost an understatement given everything that has occurred in the first few days.
While the regular theme of this column will be to provide information and insight on specific issues being considered by the legislature, for now I want to offer a summary of why the first few days have triggered such excitement.
Election of Committee Leadership. Every odd-numbered year marks the beginning of a new legislature which occurs over a two-year period. At the beginning of a new legislature (i.e., odd-numbered year), state senators elect various leadership positions, including the speaker of the legislature and the chairperson of the fourteen standing committees that hold hearings on legislation. The speaker of the legislature has important and powerful responsibilities such as determining the daily agenda and determining when legislation will be debated. The chairperson of each committee has similar influence over legislation within their respective committee.
This year, nearly all of the elected leadership positions went to those who identify as politically conservative or Republican. This was an immediate source of tension for politically liberal or Democrat members of the legislature.
Introduction of Legislation. The first 10 working days of the legislative session are devoted to the introduction of legislation. Over the course of those 10 days somewhere around 600 pieces of legislation will be introduced. The number of bills an individual senator introduces varies from senator to senator. Some senators may introduce only a handful of bills while others may introduce as many as 30 or 40 bills.
After introduction, each bill is routed to one of 14 standing committees (e.g., revenue, education, judiciary, health and human services, agriculture). The committee’s duty is to provide a public hearing and allow for public input on the legislation. Ultimately, the committee decides whether to advance legislation to the whole body of the legislature.
Where a particular piece of legislation is routed is usually dependent on the underlying subject-matter of the legislation. For example, if a bill is intended to provide tax credits to assist low-income students obtain scholarships to attend private schools, the bill would go to the revenue committee. While a bill’s subject-matter largely controls its direction, there is an executive committee, consisting of eight senators, that ultimately decides where legislation will be directed. Whether a bill is heard by an (un)favorable committee essentially controls its destiny, making this aspect of the process critical.
Robust Debate. As mentioned earlier, nearly all elected leadership positions of the legislature went to politically conservative senators. This caused a ruckus predominantly among politically liberal or Democrat senators. They argued that the bipartisan nature of the legislature was being threatened. In response, it was argued that while senators within the legislature do not identify with any particular political party, as a matter of the structure of the unicameral, it is unquestionable that individual senators and their legislative districts have certain political leanings and attitudes.
Another issue that received attention was term limits and their effect on things like institutional knowledge and respect for written and unwritten traditions. Out of the 49 senators in the legislature, 17 senators are only in their third year of service to the state and another 17 are first-timers to the legislature. This means two-thirds of the legislature has two years or less experience in the legislature. In addition, three newly-elected senators received committee chair positions, which is unprecedented.
However, it was also noted that while many senators might be new to the legislature, many of them have previously held public office and are familiar with representing constituencies and evaluating policy. In other words, for these senators, this is not their first rodeo, so to speak.
Take-Away Point. As the legislature progresses into this year’s and next year’s session, these opening day dynamics will have an all-important effect on the tenor and tone of the legislature moving forward. Many of the issues identified will be the undertones on many of the issues that play themselves out in the next two years.
To follow the legislature more closely, go to nebraskalegislature.gov. Stay tuned!
“Wolf Storm,” by Dee Garretson
Harper Collins, 2011, 275 pages, Grades 4-7.
Wolves have filled people with fear and fascination. Perhaps wolves have developed this negative reputation because they roam through forests, mountains and untamed places. They certainly look fierce and formidable. The lonely howl of wolves is intimidating.
Because of these reasons, wolves were for the most part, wiped out of the lower 48 states. In recent years they are beginning to be reintroduced in national forests such as Yellowstone. Dee Garretson has used a number of images of wolves in this novel. The central characters come into frightening firsthand encounters with wolves. The name of this adventure story is “Wolf Storm.”
Everything starts out simply enough. An American movie crew is filming a science fiction movie in the Carpathian Mountains in Slovakia. On the set are domesticated wolves being handled by a wolf trainer. These wolves will be used in various scenes in the film.
The central female character is named Raine. She is a child star and used to being pampered. Opposite Raine is Stefan, a first-time actor from a poor family. Both are in their early teens. A young boy named Jeremy and an older actor named Cecil complete the acting cast for the film.
The film’s setting is an old chalet in the mountains. Raine is very hard to work with because she is conceited. Stefan is merely happy to be acting in the movie because his salary will help his poor family. During a film shooting, Stefan sees a wild wolf skulking at the edge of the set. When Cecil confirms Stefan’s sighting of the wolf, the directors and producers tell them that they are imaging things.
Stefan continues to have an uneasy feeling. When the workday ends, most of the adults go into town for dinner and relaxation. Only the elderly Cecil remains behind with the three children. As evening falls, a blizzard strikes and quickly covers the roads and blankets the chalet. Soon, the children and Cecil know that they are their own. They hear the domesticated wolves growling in their kennels and decide to bring them inside. All the time the snow continues to fall and a pack of wild wolves begin to howl in the forest. The wild wolves are hunting for food and seem to be ready to attack.
As the children wait, a great cracking sound occurs on the mountain side. All three children look up and see a gigantic avalanche bearing down on them. Like a white tidal wave it crushes the chalet. Stefan is buried in a snowdrift and Raine begins digging him out. But no sooner does Raine save Stefan from suffocation than it becomes apparent that the wild wolves are closing in as well. What happens next in this frozen, white nightmare?
What has happened to Jeremy and Cecil? Do the tame wolves join the wild pack? Can the children manage to save themselves from the brutal cold and the threatening wolf pack? What would you do? What do the children do? To find out, go to the library and check out “Wolf Storm” by Dee Garretson.
The story starts off a bit slow as the author has to develop a complicated setting. But the courage of Stefan and the maturation of Raine are uplifting. The most exciting part of the book is the ending when the children are confronted by the lead wolf. These scenes are gripping as Dee Garretson knows how to write thrilling chapters. I hope you get a chance to read this title, or one of her other exciting novels such as “Wildfire Run.” Her stories are fun to read. Enjoy!
The Christmas Season ended Jan. 9 with the celebration of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist. Didn’t the Christmas season fly by?
Did you ever wonder why the liturgical color of ordinary time is green? It is to symbolize the new growth in our souls from the graces received during the Christmas and Easter seasons, like new green buds during the spring. That said, here are some of my post-Christmas thoughts.
The King of the Universe, the divine person of the Son of God, took flesh from the Blessed Virgin Mary, making her the Mother of God and our blessed mother. King Herod, always fearful of being usurped, who killed his favorite wife and several of his sons, secretly decided to destroy the child Jesus. He would have no king rule over him. The wise men came bearing gifts of gold, a gift fit for a king; frankincense, a gift for God; and myrrh, a perfumed ointment used to anoint dead bodies, to symbolize the type of death Jesus would die. You can bet that King Herod, if he had known about these gifts, would have wanted them for himself.
As we navigate through this period of ordinary time toward the celebration of Lent and Easter, let us remember that the Son of God came to earth and assumed a human nature to accomplish two things – first, to die; and second, to start a Church in which we find our salvation. He came to die, so that we who were dead in sin may live eternally; and to start a Church we call Catholic, which means universal, for everyone, which is the mystical body of Christ. Jesus is the head and we are members of His body.
Today, more than 2,000 years later, many of us feel and live the same way, refusing to have Jesus, the King of the Universe, rule over us. As Jesus was presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, we can ask ourselves if we pay Jesus homage as our king, if we adore Him as our God, and if we give of ourselves in a sacrificial way by our prayers and penances for others, and whether we use our time, talents and treasures for ourselves or for others, which is evidence of our love of God.
Please allow me to take this opportunity to thank our many volunteers and donors who give us their time, talents and treasures in the imitation of the wise men for no other reason than for their love of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, the Word Made Flesh.
From Jan. 16-27, I will be traveling to the Holy Land with a group (including Gianna Emanuella, the daughter of St. Gianna) where the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us. It is there that I will be offering a number of Masses for our staff, volunteers and donors, who make what we do possible. Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, have mercy on us, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
January is a particularly bittersweet month for the pro-life movement. On the one hand, Jan. 22 marks the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, the notorious Supreme Court cases that enshrined the right to abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy. On the other hand, January marks an opportunity to mourn this anniversary with a tremendous sense of hope in the power of Christ as we joyfully witness to the dignity of human life.
As we enter the month of January, I want to highlight various activities that all of us can encounter with hearts of prayer and action.
Pro-Life Mass and Nebraska Walk for Life (Jan. 14). Every year, the Nebraska Right to Life sponsors the Nebraska Walk for Life. The Walk begins at 10 a.m. on the north side of the State Capitol. Beforehand, the Nebraska Catholic Conference and the Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities sponsor a Pro-Life Mass at St. Mary (14th & K) which begins at 9 a.m. Most Rev. George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha, will celebrate the Mass. Rebekah Buell will be the keynote speaker for the Walk, and will share about reversing her RU-486 chemical abortion. Both of these events testify to the power of our public worship and peaceful public demonstration.
Inauguration of President Donald Trump (Jan. 20). As we welcome our next president, it would be beneficial to humbly pray that President Trump would fulfill his campaign promises to ensure that unborn life is protected through the regulations and policies under his control, the laws that he signs, and the judicial appointments he makes (most especially to the Supreme Court).
9 Days for Life Novena (Jan. 21-29). Sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 9 Days for Life is an annual period of prayer and action focused on cherishing the gift of every person’s life. The main intention is to end abortion. This novena calls people across the country to gather for a unified act of prayer.
You can join the novena at www.9daysforlife.com and receive notifications via mobile app, e-mail, text message, or other social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)—or you can simply print off the novena. Invite your family, friends, or parish to join.
Anniversary of Roe v. Wade (Jan. 22). The anniversary of Roe v. Wade provides a particularly solemn moment to pray for a greater awareness of the dignity of human life from the moment of conception. This day calls us to acts of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, to do reparations and atonement for the sin of abortion in our country.
National March for Life (Jan. 27). Every year, around half a million people gather in Washington, DC, to peacefully protest legalized abortion. Having been to the March a number of times in my own life, this event is a foretaste of Heaven. Thousands of saints-in-the-making joyfully testify to the beauty of life and call our nation to something greater. While not all of us can be physically present for this event, there is no doubt we can join in spirit through our prayer, as well as ensuring that our family, friends, co-workers, parish, etc., know about this event since it receives little media coverage.
Pray at Abortion Mill. Planned Parenthood in Lincoln (48th & Old Cheney) is undergoing a resurgence in abortions. For some time, the abortion mill was without a regular abortionist. In recent months, they have hired a regular abortionist, Dr. Deborah Turner (pray for her conversion).
A number of individuals maintain a peaceful presence outside the abortion facility, praying for conversions and counseling women who seek abortions. For those who can, join in this peaceful and physical presence on Tuesday mornings. For those who cannot, set a personal reminder to join through prayer and sacrificial acts (e.g., fasting, almsgiving, spiritual adoption).
As you consider all of these prayer possibilities and the bittersweet nature of January, recall the words of the Psalmist: “May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”
“The Poet’s Dog,” by Patricia MacLachlan
Harper/Collins Publisher, 2016, 88 pages, Grades 3-5.
Poetry is the music of literature. This unusual combination of sounds, words and meter can make poetry difficult to understand but also is the reason that poems can describe feelings and situations so completely.
Since poets usually work alone, they must draw on experiences in their worlds. These can be encounters with people, nature or the world of literature. Because poets draw on such wide experiences, they make excellent teachers for those willing to listen and understand.
In this beautifully-told story, two children come into contact with a poet and learn about some of the beauties of life. Patricia MacLachlan is an elegant writer and has crafted a comforting story about this event. She entitles it, “The Poet’s Dog.”
Flora and Nickel are travelling with their mother when a blizzard strikes. Soon, they are unable to continue down the road. All around them a swirling white nightmare blankets their car. After a few hours, their mother strikes out into the storm to try to find help. The children stay in the car for many hours, but then decide that they too must try to find their way to safety.
Nickel wraps his younger sister Flora in a blanket but soon they become lost in the snow. As cold and snow increase, the children know that they will perish if someone doesn’t save them.
Just then, an Irish wolfhound arrives through the swirling gusts. He begins speaking to them. Since the children have not lost their innocence, they can understand the dog’s speech. He tells them his name is Teddy and that he will take them to a cabin in the woods to escape the snowstorm.
They trudge behind him and come to a curious cabin. When they go inside, Teddy tells them that this is Silvan’s cabin. Silvan is a poet and had rescued Teddy as a puppy. The poet has just recently died and Teddy is quite lost without his love.
As the children listen to Teddy, they find out many things. Silvan has read many poems and books to Teddy and taught him about the important things in life. This is why Teddy can talk. Teddy has also learned about love, friendship and loyalty. The children and the dog begin sharing the stories of their lives and feel a bond beginning to develop.
The days continue to pass and Flora cooks their meals, Nickel keeps trying to shovel out to the road and Teddy’s heart starts to heal. After several more days the storm ends. The children don’t know if their mother survived the blizzard, but they do know that people will be searching for them. They suddenly hear a banging on the door. What happens next?
Who is at the door? Can the rescuers understand Teddy? Why can’t the adults appreciate the beautiful world Teddy and the children have shared? How can life be like a poem? Do the children get home? What finally happens to Teddy? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this touching book, “The Poet’s Dog” by Patricia MacLachlan.
Patricia MacLachlan writes short, poignant novels. Her prose is reassuring, comforting and pleasurable. She won the Newbery Medal for her outstanding novel “Sarah: Plain and Tall.” She holds characters in the palms of her hands as they work out and solve life’s struggles. I hope you get a chance to read this lovely novel or any of her other fine works of fiction. “The Poet’s Dog” is delightful and uplifting. Enjoy!
Not all that long ago, a woman living in the western part of the diocese needed help escaping an abusive husband. Because of the generosity of our donors, we were able to relocate her to another community. Since then, because of the generosity of our supporters, we are helping more women living out west under the umbrella of St. Gianna’s.
One of my Christmas promises was to travel to our offices across the diocese to offer a special Mass for our staff and volunteers. After offering a Mass in the St. Isidore chapel in Imperial, I stopped at Sehnert’s Bakery in McCook, owned and operated by Matt and Shelly Sehnert. I found that baking has been in the Sehnert family for many generations.
While at the bakery, I witnessed and was able to roll out a few Stollens, which are Christmas fruit breads. They have a noticeable hump in the middle that is said to symbolize both the hump of the camels that carried the wise men who visited the baby Jesus bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; and the nave of churches (the candied fruit symbolizes the stained glass windows therein).
I was fortunate to be able to help rolling the dough and constructing the hump (it’s a trade secret). In addition, I was able to taste the Christmas bread toasted with a dab of butter. Now I know why it flies off the shelves prior to Christmas at Sehnert’s.
I would like to personally thank Matt and Shelly once again for their hospitality and for allowing me to see the operation in action and the chance to help with rolling the special dough that makes a Stollen. When in McCook, I always try to stop there for a little breakfast roll, coffee or tea.
As I reflect back on my few days out west during this Christmas season, I am grateful to our many donors who support us, not only out west, but throughout the entire diocese as we move forward this New Year. Please do not forget that we at Catholic Social Services are praying for you and your families.
While politicos and people around the world prepare for President-elect Trump’s “First 100 Days” in office, a recent action by President Obama is a stark reminder to remain vigilant of a president’s final days in the Oval Office.
On Dec. 14, President Obama’s administration finalized a rule that would prohibit states from defunding Planned Parenthood’s abortion business.
Three months ago, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) proposed a rule concerning its Title X Family Planning Program that was enacted in 1970. Title X is intended “to provide family planning and related preventive health services” to low-income and uninsured individuals. Among the types of services included in Title X are contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, fertility, pregnancy care, and breast and cervical cancer screening. Under Title X, states receive grant money from the federal government. In turn, states then distribute the grant money to qualified subrecipients.
In recent years, especially in response to David Daleiden’s exposé on Planned Parenthood’s involvement in the profitable sale of the fetal tissue of aborted unborn babies, states were placing priorities and limitations on subrecipients. For example, in Tennessee, Title X funds are distributed to community health centers and other providers prior to dispersing funds to Planned Parenthood abortion facilities. This is similarly done by our neighbor to the south, Kansas.
As the DHHS explains on its website announcing the finalization of the rule, “[t]he final rule clarifies the Title X program regulations by adding that no grant recipient [states] making subawards for the provision of services as part of its Title X project may prohibit an entity from participating for reasons other than its ability to provide Title X services.”
The rule will take effect Jan. 18, 2017.
As Steven Aden, senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, stated: “The Obama administration, even in its waning hours, has chosen to put Planned Parenthood’s Big Abortion agenda ahead of women’s health and the right of states to decide how best to prioritize public health funding so that patients and the most comprehensive health providers come first.”
Or, in the words of Chuck Donovan, president of the Charles Lozier Institute which is the research arm of the Susan B. Anthony List: “The rule assists a handful of vendors the administration prefers, at the expense of tens of thousands of patients.”
Ultimately, the problem with this finalized rule is President Obama and his administration’s exaltation and worship of the contraceptive mentality, which has as its safety net the need for abortion. Rather than permit states to justifiably focus their federal funds on entities, like community health centers, that provide comprehensive health services, President Obama and his administration prioritize ideology ahead of serving the real health care interests of low-income and uninsured patients. This, in turn, points to the grasp that the “culture of death” and “throwaway culture” continues to hold on our nation and public policy.
There does remain an opportunity for hope. The policy could be repealed. Repeal may occur through another rule-making process or a joint resolution of disapproval by the House and Senate, with the president’s approval, within 60 working days of Congress. Either task would be formidable, but an important step in providing states the discretion to maintain control in how they utilize their Title X funding and, if they so desire, prevent entities, like Planned Parenthood, from receiving funds based on their involvement with the evil of abortion.
With the incoming Congress and president, there will be work to do to ensure that our country is one that values and respects human dignity by creating a culture of life and a civilization of love. Never forget that the voice and values of people—like you and me—remains important in steering our country in such a direction.
“The Story of the First Christmas” by Ruth Sanderson.
Ariel Books, Atlanta, 1994, 10 pages, Grades K-2. ISBN 1-57036-039-1
Pop-up books are some of the most entertaining books in library collections. Filled with cardboard cutouts that “pop up” when the page is opened, these delightful creations have long fascinated readers of all ages.
Some pop-up books have moving parts in which characters wave their hands or move parts of their bodies. The charm of these books is enhanced by the vibrant colors and shapes readers find in the books. They can actually become three-dimensional works of art. One point of importance regarding pop-up books is that they are fragile. So young children must be taught to handle these books carefully or else they can be damaged or destroyed. If the moving parts are broken, much of the magic of pop-up books is lost.
Ruth Sanderson has created a carousel pop-up book about the Nativity. She uses New Testament passages describing Our Lord’s birth. But when you have completed reading the book, you can stretch the entire book into a carousel. It is amazing. The name of the special book is “The Story of the First Christmas.”
On the first page, Sanderson has a cutout of the Annunciation. Here we see the Archangel Gabriel asking the Blessed Virgin to become the Mother of Jesus. Fortunately for everyone, Mary says yes.
Turning the page, readers will encounter an elaborate cut-out of St. Joseph leading the Blessed Mother into Bethlehem. We see them turned away at the inn, so St. Joseph must search for another place for his family. This is followed by the angels visiting the shepherds and chanting the marvelous words, “Behold, I bring you glad tidings, for unto you is born a Savior, Christ the Lord.”
This wonderful news is followed by an elaborate design of the Three Kings coming to visit Jesus. Finally, in the last double sided design, we see that St. Joseph has found the Holy Family a humble home in a stable. There the Holy Child has been wrapped in swaddling clothes by His loving mother, Mary. We also see that the Three Kings’ long journey has come to a joyous end and they present their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn King of the Jews.
Sanderson does not tell the entire account of the Nativity in this book. Pop-up books are simply too detailed and complicated to keep going on and on. She has selected a number of important passages from the Infancy Narratives and included them with the appropriate texts from the Bible. When readers have finished reading the book, they can take both covers and stretch them in a circle until they touch each other. They actually will form a star. When readers turn the star it will resemble a carousel. When you look at the beauty of the Infancy Narratives being told in this unique and amazing manner, it is easy to see that Ruth Sanderson has a deep love for Jesus Christ and takes pleasure in helping readers delight in this wonderful event.
Very few pop-up books are available in public libraries. The sad reason for this is that children get so excited looking at pop-up books that they frequently tear one of the moving parts. As already mentioned, much of the charm of a pop-up book is that it actually “pops up,” and some of the charm is lost if the book is damaged. But if you want a delightful book for Christmas Eve, go to the bookstore or order “The Story of the First Christmas” by Ruth Sanderson. You will like the book as much as the children. Merry Christmas!
Recently, I went to the home of Dr. Michael and Ginger O’Donnell for a party in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day we recently celebrated. As you recall, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531 pregnant with Jesus Christ. Within six years of the apparitions, millions of people in the Americas became Christians as spiritual sons and daughters of the Virgin Mary (Jn 19:26-27; Rev 12:17) and adopted sons and daughters of God the Father. She was proclaimed “Patroness of the Americas” by Pope Pius XII in 1946.
During this party, the children participated in acting out what is called Las Posadas, which in Spanish means “the inns” or “hotels.” The children dressed up as the expectant Mary and Joseph (there were two Josephs!) and their entourage who went from inn to inn in search for a place for his wife to give birth to the Savior of the World. The children did a marvelous job acting the parts.
The first stop was at the garage door. “We’ve come from Nazareth for the great census and my betrothed is going to have a baby!” said Joseph. Then Mary said, “We will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called Son of the Most High!” The answer of course was no. “There is not room in the inn!” said the innkeepers.
After making the second and third requests at the back deck and basement doors, all the while singing in between, Silent Night and Away in a Manger (keep in mind it was cold outside), the last innkeeper suggested staying in a cave fit only for animals. Imagine, the all-powerful King of the Universe being born in a humble stable for animals. Finally, they entered the house and laid the baby Jesus in the manger at the foot of the Christmas tree. I was so proud and impressed with the children.
As we contemplate the mystery that is Christmas, let us thank God the Father for the best gift ever given, that is, the gift of His only begotten Son as Savior of the World. He came to die, so we who were dead in sin may live, not for a time, but for an eternity.
I would like to thank all of our benefactors who support us spiritually, materially and financially during this most holy time of year. Please know that you, your families and intentions remain in our daily prayers and Masses. Merry Christmas!!
Advent is a beautiful time to reflect on the coming of Christ into the world. At the Nebraska Catholic Conference (“NCC”), we are preparing for another coming: the state legislative session.
The 2017 legislative session begins Jan. 4 and marks the convening of the 105th Legislature which will take place over a two-year period (biennium). The first session (2017) of the biennium occurs over a 90-day period. The second session (2018) of the biennium occurs over a 60-day period.
As you read the newspapers or watch the evening news, you are aware our legislature faces many issues. In fact, every year, our state senators introduce for consideration somewhere between 500-600 legislative bills. It goes without saying: there will be plenty to follow.
As we anticipate this year’s legislative session, I wanted to provide some practical advice to prepare for the 105th Legislature.
Visit NCC’s Website and join “Catholic Advocacy Network of Nebraska” (CANN). For most people, tracking all (or even some) of the business of the state legislature is out of the question. This is understandable as the everyday tasks and responsibilities of life can oftentimes take precedence. But this does not mean you should be left unaware of the issues our state government is confronting, especially issues that directly concern Catholic faith and morals (e.g., life, marriage, family, religious liberty, education, poverty, immigration).
At the NCC, we maintain a website (www.necatholic.org) that tracks major legislation of concern to Catholics. On our website (www.necatholic.org), you can also sign up for our “Catholic Advocacy Network of Nebraska.” Through CANN, we provide e-mail updates on the work of the legislature and notify you when Catholics need to take action and contact their state senator. CANN ensures that Nebraska’s Catholic voice resonates in the halls of our state capitol.
The people of Nebraska are considered the “second house” to the state legislature, which means your voice matters to our state senators. As it is etched above the north doors of our state capitol building: “The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen.”
Follow NCC on Social Media. The NCC maintains a page on Facebook and Twitter. ‘Like’ the “Nebraska Catholic Conference” page on Facebook and ‘Follow’ @NECatholic on Twitter. Our Facebook and Twitter pages contain regularly updated content regarding the activity of the NCC and state government.
Contact NCC’s Office & Host Us at Your Parish. While the internet can sometimes be the easiest way to deliver updates, please know you are always welcome to contact us personally to learn more about the issues (402.477.7517). Also, we are always happy to come to your parish and provide updates or give issue-specific presentations.
Learn about the Unicameral. Our legislature has a user-friendly website (www.nebraskalegislature.gov) that provides ample resources to learn more about the legislative process. For example, you can learn the basics of the lawmaking process (i.e., how an idea goes from a bill to law), refresh your history of the unicameral, track introduced legislation, or research past legislation.
Learn about Your State Senator. The legislature’s website also provides a separate page for each state senator. Many state senators maintain regular content to inform constituents about the legislature’s activity. As well, you can easily find your senator’s contact information. Never be afraid to reach out to your Senator—in fact, they are often pleased to hear from constituents.
I highly encourage you to get to know your state senator. Term limits are beginning to have a visible effect on the make-up of the legislative body. For instance, there are seventeen new senators and another seventeen who have served the legislature for only two years. This means there are a lot of new faces in the legislature. It is critical to know who your state senator is, understand their policy positions, and know how they vote on the issues.
Pray. Most importantly, pray for the NCC and pray for our state senators. Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to fill the halls of the state capitol, so that our state might secure the common good for all Nebraskans.
Dear Readers: I hope that you have enjoyed the Children’s Literature Bookshelf during the past year. Buying books for your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces can be one of the most pleasant Christmas activities of the season. This week I compiled a list of books that have been reviewed in the last weeks of 2015 and through mid-December of 2016. I hope that this list will give you some ideas for books that might make nice Christmas presents.
You may read all the reviews of the past year (and of several previous years as well!) at this link.
It has been an honor to have written these book talks for the Southern Nebraska Register. Thanks for the book recommendations and encouragement you have given me. I hope that you and your family have a joyful Christmas.
I am most appreciative of our many supporters who allow me to drop by from time to time, without an appointment. I figure I need to do the same thing, so when I am free and someone stops by the office to see me unannounced, I ask the receptionist to have them wait in the chapel and I see them pronto.
Last week, a concerned woman wanted to talk. After meeting her in our St. Joseph Chapel, she informed me that “frozen angels have been discovered in blocks of ice in the artic, with their wings intact.”
She seemed a bit concerned. I reassured her by saying that if, in fact, they discovered some kind of winged creatures in ice, they are not angels (for angels do not have bodies as we do), and not to worry. I believe she left somewhat reassured.
That said, since we humans are body-and-soul composites, when we have suffered physical and emotional abuse, our bodies and souls are wounded. This is most evident with the ladies who come to St. Gianna’s with their children. Just this week, we admitted a woman with a black eye to St. Gianna’s. Hidden in her soul are her emotional, psychological and spiritual wounds. The goal at St. Gianna’s is to heal all of these wounds.
Not long ago, a woman with four young children graduated from St. Gianna’s and moved into an apartment. She came to us after escaping a terribly violent situation. I remember meeting her little children, one of whom we were worried about as her affect remained flat for months.
As a baptized Catholic, the mom knew little about her Catholic faith. Because of the seeds planted by the Marian Sisters, she started attending Mass on a daily basis. They were all “angels” at Mass. She and her children thrived and rebounded because of the healing that only the Divine Physician can provide. I remember before her graduation, when she learned she qualified for a housing rent voucher, she refused it saying, “Father, I want to do this myself. I do not want to be dependent on the government!” She is now working at a minimum wage job as a single mother with her four children. Since things are very tight, we still help her with the hurdles present in her life. Her biggest concern right now? Sending her children to a Catholic school. She wants them to have what she did not have, namely, a Catholic education.
As we continue preparing ourselves for Christmas this Advent Season, I cannot help but marvel at the generosity of our loving donors who have made this woman’s physical, psychological and spiritual healing possible. But there are many others like her under the umbrella of St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes and more to come. What is more exciting than to be involved in saving lives and souls?
Please remember Gianna’s Java & Gelato (located at our St. Joseph’s campus at 23rd and O streets in Lincoln) for your caffeine, food and gelato urges, for all of the proceeds help those we serve at Catholic Social Services including the woman and her children mentioned above. Thank you all! St. Gianna, pray for us!
“The Nativity: From the Gospels of Matthew and Luke,”
by Ruth Sanderson
Eerdmans Press, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2010, 26 pages, Grades K-6.
Original sin was brought about by the sinful disobedience to God’s commands by our first parents, Adam and Eve. In addition to losing many graces, death entered the world.
Modern people do not like to talk about the effects of original sin because it is either too depressing or because they don’t believe that it exists. If the 20th century teaches us anything, it teaches us that mankind is not perfect and needs God’s graces to overcome tendencies toward sin and selfishness. Though many continue to blindly deny it, this history is proof that humanity has a fallen nature.
Having stated the obvious, what is needed to help people reach God? The answer is again obvious. We cannot overcome the chasm caused by our rebellion against God without divine assistance. Because of this, God must intervene in human history. So, as Saint Paul tells us: “But when time had fully come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, so that you might receive adoption as sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying “Abba! Father!” So through God you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then an heir.” (Galatians 4: 4-7)
The first great chapter in the Father’s plan of redemption is the Nativity, the birth of Jesus Christ. Ruth Sanderson has drawn a gorgeous picture book based on the Infancy Narratives of St. Matthew and St. Luke. The name of this lovely book is “The Nativity: From the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.”
Sanderson combines the Infancy Narratives of St. Matthew and St. Luke into one complete story of Our Lord’s birth. She begins this commonsense approach with a touching picture of St. Luke’s account of the Annunciation. In the second picture Sanderson paints Mary after she has given her “fiat,” or verbal acceptance of the Angel Gabriel’s message.
Next, readers are graced with the beautiful story of St. Joseph taking Mary to Bethlehem for the census. The artist then paints the birth of Jesus with the Holy Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger. In the succeeding paintings, Sanderson skillfully blends the shepherds visiting the Infant Jesus and the visit of the Three Kings.
After the Three Kings depart, King Herod realizes that he has been tricked by the Magi and sends his brutal assassins to kill the Christ Child and all the boy children of Bethlehem under 2 years of age. But before this can happen, Sanderson paints holy Saint Joseph leading the Blessed Mother and the Holy Child on the flight into Egypt. The book concludes with the Holy Family returning to Nazareth and Jesus “increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” (Lk 2:52)
I can’t encourage you strongly enough to purchase this book for your family. The reviewer does quibble with Sanderson’s use of the 1611 King James translation of the Bible because it downplays the holiness of Mary. Whereas traditional Catholic bibles are based on St. Jerome’s famous Vulgate bible translation (420 A.D) in which the Archangel Gabriel addresses Mary as “gratia plena” or full of grace, the King James translation uses the rather lame expression of “favored woman.” Full of grace and favored woman do not mean the same thing.
Having said that, Sanderson has done everyone a great service with this stunning book. I would encourage you to buy this book for your family and read it to your children. The paintings draw readers into the Infancy Narratives and will enrich your Christmas season. I hope you and your family will enjoy this book as much as I did. God Bless!
I cannot imagine how many turkeys were consumed on Thanksgiving Day, but only know they are delicious, especially with all of the trimmings. Then there are Thanksgiving hams…
I am happy to relate that around 500 turkeys were distributed in Hastings, Auburn and Lincoln before Thanksgiving and Christmas this year because of a few generous donors. Across the diocese, they were distributed either on designated days or incorporated in food pantries (which are sacks or boxes of food that last a family for a week’s time).
I am also happy to announce that our generous benefactors across the diocese responded once again by donating almost 24,000 pounds of food to stock our three fixed food pantries. This is a great help to struggling families because when a food pantry is given to a family that is living paycheck to paycheck, the money saved is freed up to pay for other essentials such as rent, utilities, medical expenses, etc.
As we continue our Advent preparation for the coming of the Christ Child into our hearts, let us not forget the poverty that the Word Made Flesh came into the world. “And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Lk 2:7). If Joseph had been a wealthy man, you can be sure that Jesus would have been born in a better place and laid in a bed for an infant, not a manger. Oh the Eucharistic illusions- Bethlehem, which means house of bread… a manger which is a feeding trough for animals. I can only imagine that because of their poverty, obtaining food most likely was also an immediate concern.
Please allow me here to thank all of our donors who support us, who love Jesus Who not only is present in the poor and needy but has told us so (Mt 25:31-46). May your Advent preparation be a fruitful one so that Christmas, and the Christmas season, will be a truly joyful one, reflecting on the greatest gift ever given to us, by our loving Father in heaven, the Word Made Flesh. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14). Please remember that Masses are offered each month for you, your families and intentions, and also please do not forget you are remembered in our daily prayers!
As Catholics, we have a particular call of care and concern for those who are considered “least among us.” Within this category is found the immigrant, whether documented or undocumented. As our nation undergoes a shift in leadership in the White House, it is fitting to consider our social and political attitude toward the immigrant.
Rhetoric toward the Immigrant during Election. For those who followed the presidential campaign, it comes as no surprise that the rhetoric and messaging of President-elect Trump toward the unauthorized immigrant was problematic. President-elect Trump often spoke about the need for walls and mass deportations of currently unauthorized immigrants. The immigrant community interpreted such words as words of unwelcome and hostility.
Understandably so, President-elect Trump’s victory was quickly followed by the fears and concerns of immigrants. This experience was noted by José Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, in a prayer vigil within days after the election. Archbishop Gomez recognized the worries of children, parents, our own brothers and sisters in Christ. These were fears not based in the imagination—outside the context of objective reality—but responses to the actual words and conduct of a man soon to wield substantial political power.
These types of fears are also shared by our brothers and sisters in Christ who live with us as neighbors here in Nebraska.
Problem of the Rhetoric. The issue with the type of messaging used during the presidential campaign resides not in the fact that President-elect Trump is trying to propose elements of immigration reform, but rather that his language treats the immigrant as an object, a person-less entity, rather than a subject, a person with a face and name, full of value and dignity.
Unfortunately, this treatment of the immigrant stems from a broken immigration system fraught with issues that can only be healed through comprehensive reforms. The immigrant is perceived as a problem to be handled—a task, so to speak—instead of a person facing unique situations and difficulties of their own (which often motivate the desire to immigrate).
Christ as Immigrant. As we enter into the liturgical season of Advent, we are presented with a fitting opportunity to ponder the early aspects of the life of Jesus. In particular, one of the earliest recorded events of our Savior’s infancy concerns the Holy Family’s escape into Egypt. St. Joseph, urged by an angel, flees Bethlehem for Egypt, in order to protect the Christ Child from the coming infanticide of King Herod (Mt. 2:13-15). Christ Himself—“like us in all things but sin”—takes on the experience and status of an immigrant.
This aspect of Christ’s life provides us a point of departure for our social and political attitude toward the immigrant. Perhaps we can ponder how Christ Himself would handle our broken immigration system. What disposition of the heart, language, and conduct would He use in His approach to the immigrant? How can we conform to such an example?
Immigration Reform as Multi-Faceted. To ponder the life of Christ and how He would deal with our current broken immigration system is not to suggest that there is only one particular solution to the problem. With complex issues like immigration, there may be any number of reasonable solutions.
To begin with, for example, Catholic social teaching is clear that the state has a two-fold duty to protect its borders with reasonable legal enforcements and to welcome the stranger, especially those seeking refuge to better their livelihood. These general principles permit for a wide range of policy solutions, but they are fundamental principles that must be respected and balanced. One cannot focus simply on strict enforcement measures without accounting for the freedom of movement between countries. Similarly, one cannot propose open borders without expecting that justly established laws regulating the flow of immigrants be respected.
As Archbishop Gomez concluded his homily at the prayer vigil shortly after the election: “We need to be people of peace, people of compassion…. Tonight we promise our brothers and sisters who are undocumented—we will never leave you alone. In good times and in bad, we are with you. You are family. We are brothers and sisters.”
“Blizzard,” by John Rocco
Hyperion Books, New York, 2014, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
Snow is a fact of life in the northern parts of the United States. It can bring up many happy memories of sled riding, snowball fights, snowmen and cups of hot cocoa. School children are usually happy when they see the snow falling because school might be cancelled the next day. When it is, children can sleep in and then later play outside with their friends.
But there is another side to snow. It is always cold and sometimes it can be dangerous. In some states, like Nebraska, it is usually accompanied by high winds that produce snowdrifts. In particularly bad moments there can be a whiteout, which is the snow swirling so fast that people lose all sense of direction.
John Rocco has written a book about the giant snowstorm that struck New England Feb. 6, 1978. The name of the book is “Blizzard.”
As the children look out the window on Monday morning, some snowflakes begin to fall. The students aren’t worried as the weather doesn’t seem to be very dangerous. But the snow continues to fall all morning, leading school leaders to decide to cancel the school day early. Happily, the children troop out of the school and head for home.
But the snow starts falling faster and harder. Luckily, the children get to their homes before the roads and sidewalks become impassible. Thanking their lucky stars, they go to bed hoping that school will be called off the next day.
Much to everyone’s surprise, the snow continued to fall throughout the night and the next day, the snowdrifts were so high that some people had to climb out of their windows to get outside.
One little boy studies the weather and reads a book entitled “Arctic Survival.” He learns that people can survive and travel in snow if they know about clothing and snowshoes. He files this away for future reference. The snow is so deep in his neighborhood that snowplows are unable to reach the area. For several days everyone enjoys the time off from school and work. But people were not prepared for the severity of the storm and begin to run out of food supplies.
On the sixth day of the snowstorm, the boy decides to get supplies for his family at a local grocery store. He knows he needs snowshoes to travel through the deep snow. In the closet, the family has stored all of their old sporting equipment. He sees two tennis rackets and gets an idea. What does he do?
Why does he need tennis rackets? Since the snow is almost as tall as he is, why does he stop by so many peoples’ houses on the way to the store? How does he show both courage and charity on his trip? Why does this boy show us that we can be heroes through common actions? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this delightful book, “Blizzard” by John Rocco.
John Rocco is an acclaimed author/illustrator of children’s books. He won a Caldecott Honor Medal for the picture book “Blackout” in 2012. This book is the autobiographical account of what he did during the famous New England Blizzard of Feb. 6, 1978. It is a refreshing story of innocence and pluck. I hope you get a chance to read this book with the younger members of your family. You will relish the experience. Don’t forget, tennis rackets have more than one use. Enjoy!
At the annual Catholic Medical Association meeting which was held recently in Washington D.C., a pulmonary doctor gave a wonderful talk on spirituality in the practice of medicine and the miracles he has seen while practicing medicine.
He proceeded to tell a story of a patient he served during his time in the intensive care unit. It was there the patient’s heart stopped. Since he was on a cardiac monitor, the code team was mobilized immediately. While they were busy performing chest compressions and pumping drugs into his IV, the man later reported seeing Jesus Christ in judgment, Who informed him that he was damned to Hell for all eternity. The man said he was told that since he had used the many gifts given to him by God only for himself and not for others, he had lost his soul forever. Can you imagine the feelings of regret and despair?
I bet he had recited many rosaries during his lifetime, because out of nowhere, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared. “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen!” She said, “Son, would you give him another chance? Son …. would you give him another chance? He will do better this time.” Then Jesus turned to His Blessed Mother, our Mother and said, “For you, mother, I will give him a second chance!” I can only imagine someone in the room said, “We have a heartbeat!” After leaving the hospital, this man spendt his time talking about Divine Mercy. But before receiving the mercy of God, we need to repent first. That was the message of St. John the Baptist during his time in the desert (Mt 3:2).
Please allow me to thank all of our volunteers and benefactors because by living self-less lives by using their gifts for others, we have been able to help so many people that have come to us in need. Please know that we will continue praying for you, your families and intentions especially during this holy Advent season and beyond. Please never doubt the power of the holy rosary.
Post-election politics has brought about more of the same heated rhetoric, division, and lack of charity that was par for the political course running up to Nov. 8. While the situation easily drives one to despair for our cultural situation, a silver lining can be found in a prominent, albeit obscure-to-most academic publication.
The silver lining is the most recently published issue of the Harvard Law Review. The issue is dedicated to Justice Antonin Scalia (may he rest in peace). The opening pages contain a handful of tributes to the late Justice Scalia by close friends and colleagues, including three sitting justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. The tributes model civil discourse, generosity, and charity that could only have as its source the very heart of God.
It was no surprise to read Chief Justice John Roberts’ words of praise for and friendship with Justice Scalia. As fellow conservatives and Catholics on the bench, they undoubtedly shared many deep values about law and faith. The Chief Justice wrote about Justice Scalia’s devotion toward family, jovial spirit, and sharp legal acumen. In the end, it was no small compliment for the Chief Justice to call Justice Scalia “our man for all seasons” (a clear reference to the life of St. Thomas More).
Even more moving than the accolades of the Chief Justice were the reflections by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Elena Kagan. On the major social issues (e.g., abortion, same-sex marriage, religious liberty), there could hardly be a bigger divide between Justice Scalia and Justices Ginsburg and Kagan. Yet, reading their homages, one could sense deep respect, closeness, and devotion, cutting across ideological divides that separated the justices.
While noting deep differences of values, Justice Ginsburg recalled numerous fond memories. She shared their time singing duets for the Washington National Opera, his care and concern for her during major illness, and even a shopping adventure. Most notably, she shared Justice Scalia’s response when asked how the two maintained a deep friendship in spite of major disagreements: “I attack ideas. I don’t attack people…. [S]ome very good people have some very bad ideas…. And if you can’t separate the two, you gotta get another day job.”
Justice Kagan shared rich treasures of her friendship with Justice Scalia. She stressed how Justice Scalia sharpened her own legal skills and led her to “mak[e] my own argument more precise and rigorous” and “work harder and dig deeper, to search for arguments that would be able to withstand his mighty ripostes[.]” She called to mind numerous hunting trips where conversations transcended the legal arguments of the Court and delved into discussions about the joy of family, the meaning of faith, and the other pleasures of life.
Hidden in all of this is the deep witness of Justice Scalia’s life. This was a man who took faith seriously and, thereby, joyfully lived out the call of charity toward God and neighbor. While our own age would consider relationships with those who are “political enemies” or “on the wrong side of the issue” outside the bounds of friendship, Justice Scalia was moved by respect for the human person born out of the love of Christ—a love unbound by any division.
Justice Scalia understood that a true encounter with the other is not subject to limitations. The fruit of his encounter with others was a love that was reciprocated with respect, friendship, and charity, even by those who would be considered his ideological archenemies.
The intimate friendships shared by Justice Scalia and Justices Ginsburg and Kagan are worthy of praise. These testimonies offer a semblance of hope in a political culture gone toxic. They offer a glimpse into a style of political discourse and dialogue—in search for meaning and truth—that is rooted in mutual respect and charity.
We would do well to take note of these relationships and, pray God, imitate their merits during a time when political discourse seems to lack even the slightest traces of decency. Let us be leaven and light in the domain of politics which ultimately belongs to Christ the King.
The full tributes are available to read online at: http://harvardlawreview.org/2016/11/in-memoriam-justice-antonin-scalia/.
“Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras” by Duncan Tonathiuh
Abrams Books for Young Readers, New York, 2015, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
Mexico has many beautiful customs. The dances in the country are exciting and draw on both Indian and Spanish traditions. One national holiday is particularly popular, the Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This widely celebrated day occurs every Nov. 1 -2.
Originally a native feast in Mexico, the celebration began to be observed on All Saints and All Souls Day after the Spanish Conquest.
Special foods are prepared for the commemoration and people enjoy remembering their deceased family members. The artist most responsible for popularizing this festival was José Guadalupe Posada. Duncan Tonathiuh has written an engaging biography about this talented man and his use of calaveras (skulls) to popularize the Dia de los Muertos in Mexico.
In 1852, José Guadalupe Posada is born in the north central Mexican state of Aguascalientes. His family calls him Lupe. As a young boy, Lupe became interested in art and drawing. Lupe’s older brother sees the talent in the lad and enrolls him in a local art school. There Lupe learns to make drawings, lithographs and other types of art. He is talented and soon creates cartoon drawings of local politicians that are both humorous and politically provocative.
Eventually he moves to Mexico City and continues drawing and soon begins sketching pictures for the Day of the Dead. The pictures use skeletons in most cases and are frequently portrayed doing funny things. Posada moves beyond the Dia de los Muertos and sketches political figures as calavera characters. Now his cartoon characters become political statements about events occurring in Mexico. This increases his popularity with the masses.
There is always humor in the pictures because the skeletons keep asking each other funny questions. There is also the fact that calaveras remind readers that life will come to an end. This raises the question of what people have done with their lives on earth. In this sense, the calaveras are a testimony to Posada’s belief in the necessity of living a virtuous life. Until his death after the 1910 Mexican Revolution, Posada continues to tap deeply into the Mexico psyche with his art. Why is this?
Why are Posada’s drawings so famous? Are they just funny, or do they tell readers about the importance of living each day for others?
Have you ever heard of Dia de los Muertos or The Day of the Dead? Why is it celebrated on All Saints and All Souls Day? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this fine work of nonfiction, “Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras” by Duncan Tonathiuh.
This is a fascinating book to read. The American Library Association has awarded it both the Pura Belpre Honor Award (book award about the best portrayal of Latin American issues) and the Robert Sibert Medal as the outstanding book in nonfiction for 2016. It is a book that can be read in a group setting or by individual readers. I think it can be read for enjoyment and education and is also a book that younger readers would like to hear read to them.
So if you don’t know anything about José Posada or the Day of the Dead, this is the book for you. It is great fun! Enjoy!
Every year, the ladies at St. Gianna and their children gather in the community dining room for the annual Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and ham, complete with all of the fixings. Also present are Sister Bernadette Radek M.S., Sister Karen Eden M.S., Sister Carol Hohmeier M.S., and some of our volunteers.
St. Gianna’s, if you might not know, is a 24-apartment home for women, with their children, who are escaping domestic violence and the pressures of having an abortion. It is staffed by the Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln. In our sixth year, with the grace of God, we have helped save between 20 and 30 babies, while providing a safe place for women who are escaping violent situations with nowhere to go. Not long ago, one such mother told me what peace she had one night, after waking up, watching her children sleep safe and sound. She was most grateful that she and her children were at St. Gianna.
Since opening, most women, when shown their apartments for the first time visibly cry with a tremendous level of gratitude.
While at this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, after getting my first plate (of two), I sat at a number of tables as I was invited to sit with some of the mothers and their children. It was a good time to get to know the ladies and their sons and daughters even more. One such little girl, after complimenting her on her beautiful dress, informed me that it was really a costume she wore on Halloween. She was a little Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz.” It was flashy and fancy. Since she had a nice purse in tow, I couldn’t help but ask, “And what do young ladies keep in their purses?” After a bit of a pause, she replied, “Well …. rosaries, gummy bears and play money.” I was impressed that the first thing she listed was her rosary beads.
At St. Gianna’s, not only do we help ladies with a safe home until they are able to live safely and independently, we do so much more.
Not only do we help them materially and psychologically, but also spiritually as we want to help them save their souls… for they and their children are sons and daughters of God the Father, made in His image and likeness. In addition to wanting to help them find some earthly peace, we want to help them find peace that only God can give, the kind of peace that no one can take away from them.
Since opening, there have been women who have entered the Catholic Church and some who have returned to the practice of the faith. I am grateful for the loving example of the Marian Sisters at St. Gianna. Their mere presence is a great aid to helping the ladies and their children grow closer to God. But of course they do much more, for they teach not only by their loving example but also by their words. They are great teachers.
I would like to thank them, our St. Gianna and CSS volunteers and supporters in a special way this Thanksgiving. Please remember you are all in our prayers! Happy Thanksgiving!
“Angel Girl” by Laurie Friedman, illustrated by Ofra Amit
Carolrhoda Books, Minneapolis, 2008, 32 pages, Grades 3-4.
In times of great trial, some people would just as soon try not to see problems. This position solves nothing however since historical events do not simply vanish. However, others choose to take heroic steps to confront evil.
During World War II, the Nazi Third Reich developed an evil plan later known as the Holocaust. In the Holocaust, certain groups were selected to be exterminated by the Nazis. The primary group was the Jewish community but many other nationalities, minority and religious groups were also included. Among these were Gypsies, Seventh Day Adventists, homosexuals, Russian prisoners of war, and Catholic and Protestant clergymen deemed to be threats to the state. In the face of this descending nightmare, people were often faced with a choice: Should they try to do something against this evil, or just try to stay out of trouble?
Laurie Friedman has written a remarkable story about two children, Herman and Roma, and their decisions when they are caught in the horrible vise of the Holocaust. The name of this courageous story is “Angel Girl.”
The pleasant, pre-war life of the Jewish community is shattered with the arrest of all Jews in the town. Eleven-year-old Herman Rosenblat and his family are marched to the train station. Cattle cars are standing by to transport them to concentration camps. At the station, everyone is separated by sex. Herman’s mother tells him to leave the young children and the women and join the men. She and the other women and young children disappear into crowded railcars. Most of the Jews will never again see their separated family members.
After a frightening ride in crammed cattle cars, the Jews arrive at the concentration camp. There they are registered, given prison clothes and sent to a barracks. Herman is terrified and lays on his thin bunk, wondering what is going to happen. One of the first things he discovers is that the prisoners are going to be fed very little. In a matter of weeks, Herman is slowly starving to death. He walks in misery to the fence one day and sees a young girl hiding in the trees nearby. She is holding an apple and wants to give it to him. But both children know if they are caught that they will be executed. So the girl waits until the guards aren’t looking and throws the apple over the fence to Herman. The starving boy gratefully eats the apple and begins to get both strength and hope.
Each day the girl returns and throws him another apple. This goes on for months. Finally, the war comes to an end and the prisoners are freed. Herman doesn’t even know the name of his rescuer but tells her through the barbed wire on the last day that she has been his Angel Girl. A tear forms in her beautiful green eyes before she leaves. But who is she and will Herman ever see her again?
What happens next in the story? How do the terrible trials of Herman end in such a beautiful true life story? The ending is as poignant as it is surprising. I hope you get a chance to go to the library and read this exceptional book, “Angel Girl” by Laurie Friedman.
This book is about a horrible event in history so it is not pleasant to read. However, it could be used very effectively in a middle school social studies class, or as a text for middle grade students studying the Holocaust.
The ending is so beautiful that it will leave readers gasping and demonstrates that in the midst of the sins of mankind, God can write straight with crooked lines. I hope you get a chance to read this remarkable story.
With the election results sealed, our political attention shifts to the newly elected public officials and how their political stances will affect the direction of our country. At the heart of concern for many people is the direction our newly elected public officials will take on the issue of abortion.
It goes without saying, but can never be exhausted: the lives of the innocent, defenseless unborn demand a priority of place in our hearts and political demands. Their legal protection and right to life, once again, hinges on the fortitude of public officials and the vigilant demands of the electorate—people like you and me. It would be fitting, then, to preliminarily evaluate where we stand as a nation and a state.
President-Elect Trump. President-elect Trump provided no small amount of controversy on the campaign trail. Chief among the concerns for his candidacy and presidency was whether, as a fundamental matter, he could be trusted. While some deeply trusted his campaign promises and actions, others responded with reasonable skepticism. While some considered him the “lesser of two evils,” others conscientiously abstained from casting a vote for lack of moral character.
Despite the varying attitudes, President-elect Trump frequently articulated pro-life principles on the campaign trail. He vowed to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. He voiced support for legislation banning elective abortions after 20 weeks post-fertilization. He opposed taxpayer-funded abortions and urged protection of religious freedom and conscience rights. He promised to defund Planned Parenthood as long as they perform abortions. As well, he chose Indiana Governor Mike Pence, a strong pro-life advocate, as his running mate.
All of this stood in stark contrast to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whose political positions have been categorized as rabidly pro-abortion.
As President-elect Trump begins his transition to the Oval Office, he has maintained his pro-life positions. His website (www.greatagain.gov) reiterates protection of innocent human life from conception until natural death and protection of individual conscience rights in healthcare. In last week’s edition of 60 Minutes, President-elect Trump restated his intention to appoint pro-life judges to the Supreme Court which could overturn Roe and return the issue to state governments. Additionally, led by Vice-President elect Pence, the transition team, which will help appoint key leadership position within the administration, contains numerous individuals with strong pro-life convictions.
This occurs alongside other political victories which helped secure a Republican-controlled U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Notably, the national Republican Party platform has been staunch in its defense of innocent unborn human life, protection of conscience, and appointment of pro-life judges.
Nebraska State Legislature. The Nebraska Unicameral has not seen a major pro-life bill passed into law since 2010. Since then, unfortunately, our Unicameral has been ineffective in passing pro-life legislation.
While it is not yet entirely clear, the elections might have something to say about this drought of pro-life legislation. Early indications reveal that the legislative body may consist of a sufficient number of state senators with pro-life stances to pass legislation. However, a number of factors remain too unclear and unknown to be certain about where we ultimately stand in the state legislature.
A Call to Action. While there appears to be a window of opportunity both at the federal and state levels for pro-life possibilities, any opportunity will not come with ease. As stated earlier, capitalizing on opportunity will require tremendous fortitude by elected officials to defend the unborn child. Notably, the political voice and will of the electorate can greatly assist in building up the fortitude of their elected officials.
If you do not already, pray and fast for your and all elected officials. Never grow weary in this endeavor. Also, beg for the courage to hold your elected officials accountable, especially those who have professed pro-life values. Take the time to call or write your elected official.
As we have witnessed for years with Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, one vote can make all the difference. Your ability to exercise your political influence can help make the difference with one vote. As inscribed on our state capitol: “The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen.”
Be vigilant. Human lives depend on you!
There are obvious advantages of being a grown-up, other than getting to stay up later at night.
For example, being an adult, barring any horizontal growth, one can use the same warm winter coat year after year. Not so with children, as they are constantly growing not only horizontally, but vertically, too. This means that children usually need a new winter coat on a yearly basis, depending on their rate of growth. This makes it a challenge for some families who are struggling – especially when there are multiple children.
I am grateful to the Knights of Columbus for holding the second annual children’s coat giveaway. It was held Saturday, Nov. 12 at the beautiful St. Joseph Center, where our main social services and Gianna’s Java & Gelato are located. With the help of multiple councils across the state of Nebraska, more than 1,000 new winter coats were given away to children, young and old. Included in the mix were hats and gloves.
In addition to the many Knights, former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny “The Jet” Rogers, first responders from the police and fire departments, UNL athletes and former NFL great Chris Bober were on hand to greet the children. They were also treated to hot dogs, chips and a drink.
On the evening of Thursday, Nov. 10, I had a chance to catch up with Mike Conrad, the supreme director of the Knights of Columbus and member of St. John Parish in Ft. Calhoun. He and a large group of Knights and wives unpacked many of the coats and arranged them, according to sizes, on tables in our Guadalupe Center. Their charity and enthusiasm were infectious. I knew that the only reason they were conducting this coat giveaway was for their love for Jesus Christ who lives in the poor. They knew they were directly helping Jesus Christ (Mt 25:31-46).
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Knights of Columbus and all who were involved with this effort, and all of our benefactors who make it possible to help the many needy individuals and families who come to us in need on a daily basis.
As the winter is upon us, we will be needing more winter clothing items, including coats, hats, scarfs, socks, boots, gloves, and mittens.
We will also need sleeping bags, because among the many needy individuals – young and old – who will need these items, some will be homeless.
Please know that we at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska will keep you, your families and intentions in our prayers!
By the time you read this column, the elections will have already been decided. However, at the time of the writing of this piece, Election Day has not yet commenced. I considered making predictions that would inevitably be wrong for all of you to read. But that would hurt my pride. Instead, I want to identify a problem regarding the current state of our political discourse that I witnessed during our election season, followed by a remedy.
The problem regards our quickness to assert conclusions with little semblance of argumentation. The remedy is the need to promote charity in truth in our political discourse.
Problem: Asserting Conclusions. The reality is that we live in a ‘soundbite’ world. Tweets have to be written in 140 characters or less. Status updates in a newsfeed need to be readable within the scroll of a mouse. Online videos have to establish their main point within seconds before they lose their audience to the next thing. Talk shows, radio broadcasts, and newscasts typically assemble point-counterpoint productions that last minutes, at most.
This style of discourse—if you can call it discourse—rarely allows a person to make much of an argument. Instead, the messenger usually asserts as many conclusions as possible in a short period of time, hoping the conclusions will emotionally resonate with listeners.
This method of engagement has implications on our larger political discourse.
Rather than structuring claims in the form of an argument that naturally leads to a conclusion, we simply assert a conclusion. We offer scant, if any, evidence for support. And, when our opponent disagrees with our conclusion, they do the same in return. In the end, we tend to bicker over who is right without ever analyzing and evaluating ‘why?’ either one of us is right.
A brief example: When Michael Rose-Ivey decided to take a knee during the national anthem of a Husker football game, he created a statewide controversy reflective of a nationwide controversy. Reactions abounded. Some asserted he was wrong to kneel. Others asserted he was within his rights to kneel.
Seemingly, very few argued (provided reasons) why his actions were right or wrong. What followed was a lack of understanding or any meeting of the minds between the arguing parties.
Instead of a robust public discourse on the issue of kneeling and the meaning of the national anthem, most conversations could be categorized as two folks talking past each other while asserting conclusions. Many other examples could be identified.
In the end, asserting conclusions diminishes robust public discourse. Inevitably, the poisoned fruit of this truncated form of communication is division, which is the work of the Evil One.
Remedy: Charity in Truth. In his encyclical, Charity in Truth, Pope Benedict XVI recognizes that “[c]harity is at the heart of the Church’s social doctrine.” It is the social doctrine of the faith—rooted in the person of Jesus Christ—which calls us to pursue the common good through politics.
To this end, charity must be at the heart of our politics. But, as Pope Benedict notes: charity can never be without truth. So, our practice of charity must be in the light of truth.
It is truth, as Pope Benedict continues, that allows us to “come together in the assessment of the value and substance of things.” Truth creates “communication and communion” as it “opens and unites our minds[.]” Truth also assists us in recognizing the essential need for Christian values to build a “good society and for true integral human development.”
Public discourse—conducted in charity and truth—does not call for the mere assertion of conclusions that fail to assess the truth of things in the world. It calls for charity in order to be guided by the love of God, the One who calls us to love of neighbor. It also calls for truth, which seeks to enter into dialogue and foster an authentic search for truth.
Through charity in truth, society can begin to foster and experience a communication that enables communion and, it is in communion, that we are set free.
“Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White,” by Melissa Sweet
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Boston, 2016, 162 pages, Grades 5-7.
Biography is a fascinating genre of literature describing a person’s life. In this form of writing, we learn about heroes and villains, monarchs and presidents, poets and writers. A fine biographer tells the audience the entire story of the subject’s life, not just the pleasant parts. In fact the person’s shortcomings are often as illustrative as are their strengths. Melissa Sweet has written a delightful biography about E.B. White, the author of the beloved novel, “Charlotte’s Web.”
Elwyn Brooks (E.B) White was born in 1899 in Mount Vernon, New York. Though not rich, the White family was financially comfortable. Surrounded by a loving family, E.B. led a happy childhood. As a young boy his family began to take extended vacations in the Belgrade Lakes region of southern Maine. During this time, E.B. starts developing his love of nature and of farm animals. Additionally, he writes in notebooks and journals about scenes from nature that interest him. This desire to write grows when the young boy enters school. He joins a literary club known as the St. Nicholas League and begins sending in stories for literary competitions. When he finishes high school, E.B. enrolls at Cornell University. At Cornell, White sharpens his writing skills and learns how to edit unnecessary words from his writing. This results in writing style that is both simple and elegant while being pleasing to readers.
After college, White begins writing for the New Yorker Magazine. His office mate is James Thurber, later to become a famed humorist and the author of the hysterical short story, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” They are as different as night and day with Thurber being outgoing and engaging while White is shy and retiring. White is so painfully reticent that he can scarcely bring himself to ask a lady out for a date. But eventually he finds a woman he loves named Katherine Sergeant Angell. They will later marry and have a son named Joe.
After writing for the New Yorker Magazine for a number of years, the Whites buy a farm in Maine and live there for extended periods of time. At the farm, E.B. begins raising pigs, chickens and sheep. He also sees any number of spiders making webs in his barn. Studying the spiders, White discovers the beauty of their webs and their amazing work habits. He begins to think about writing a children’s book about these insects and animals. Who should be the main characters? How about a pig and a spider? Now that is a thought.
How many children’s books does E.B. White write? How can characters so simply drawn reach the hearts of millions of readers? Since its publication date in 1952, why does “Charlotte’s Web” still command the love and attention of children? Have you ever read any of E.B. White’s novels? It is not too late to start. As well, you will do yourself a favor by going to the library and checking out this fine biography, “Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White” by Melissa Sweet.
This is a pleasing biography about E.B. White, the author of the famed book “Charlotte’s Web.” White draws his characters so simply and beautifully that readers fall in love with them. For nearly 65 years, “Charlotte’s Web” has been one of the favorite children’s books of all time. Sweet’s writing and illustrations draw readers into the story. The loving character of E.B. White comes shining through the pages. I hope you get a chance to read this biography and encourage the younger members of your family to do the same. Also, encourage your youngsters to read his novels as well. That is if they can pry them out of your hands. They are great! Enjoy!
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image and likeness … So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him … And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Gen 2:26-31).
There are many lessons to be learned from the first book of the Bible. First and foremost, it was God Almighty who effortlessly created the heavens and the earth; and God created us in His image and likeness, for the purposes of knowing and loving Him.
Just days ago, I stopped to talk to two homeless men who have been sleeping under the bridges next to our office. They were up the embankment, sitting on a concrete wall where ornamental grass grows. They were surprised that I stopped to say hello, as most people walk, ride or run by without acknowledging their presence.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, they invited me to sit down. As we talked, they intermittently took sips from the tallboys they were drinking. It is hard to conceal a tallboy with a brown paper bag. This, of course, is one of the reasons they are homeless. The drive to drink is overwhelming for many.
Since it was getting late, I asked if they had anything to eat. They of course did not. I told them to hold tight as I went into our food pantry to see what we had available. I knew, of course, we always have sandwiches on hand. I soon returned with sandwiches and Gatorade. They were most grateful.
Then one looked me in the eye and asked, “When you see me, what do you think …. what do you see?” I replied, “I see Jesus.” I heard the other man say with a loud voice, somewhat surprised, “Thank you!” The man who asked the question described how he felt when people passed him by, something, as a paraphrase, ‘akin to a leper.’
“I love you guys,” I said, “Because God created you in His image and likeness. You both are sons of God the Most High!”
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s favorite scripture passage was Mt 25:31-46 when Jesus said, “As you did it to one of these least of my brethren, you did it to me.” One can read this over and over, but it becomes real when taking care of the poor and homeless day after day. There are other social service organizations in Lincoln, the country and the world, but Catholic-run charities are unique because we do what we do for Jesus Christ, period.
There are many lessons learned through the years. For example, when someone knows you love and respect them because of their inherent dignity of being a son or daughter of God, they start to trust you. It is then one can begin to tackle tough issues like substance abuse. It is easy giving someone a sandwich and a Gatorade, but it is harder helping someone by the grace of God overcome addictive behavior and escape homelessness. But of course, it does not end there but truly begins and ends in having faith in Jesus Christ, Who is the only Way, Truth and Life (Jn 14:6). St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!!
In my last column, I reflected on our civic responsibility to vote and how we, as Catholics, are called to be informed by our faith and values. We are called to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and “to have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16) as we approach the ballot Nov. 8.
I addressed what it meant to have the “mind of Christ” regarding two major issues—the dignity of human life and marriage and the family. In this column, I want to pursue this theme with regard to some other major issues that are addressed in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. These issues and principles demand our attention, for they assist in establishing a just society and the common good.
Religious Liberty. Religious liberty is our first liberty. Ultimately, religious liberty is rooted in our fundamental search for truth. It protects us, most of all, in our pursuit to know and understand truths which are most supreme, those pertaining to God and religion. Religious liberty allows us to pursue these truths not only in the context of our worship, but also in the work of evangelization. It also protects us from unjust interferences by political authorities.
Preferential Option for the Poor. While it can sometimes be difficult to craft the “right” or “best” policy that assists the poor, the Church holds a particular place in her heart for the poor. This is in imitation of Christ Himself. It is our Savior who demands our love for the poor which will be a basis upon which our Lord judges our work on earth (see Matthew 25:31-46).
Welfare policy should, as Faithful Citizenship states, “reduce poverty and dependency, strengthen family life, and help families leave poverty through work, training, and assistance with child care, health care, housing, and transportation.” As well, faith-based groups should be recognized as “responsive, effective partners” in this charitable work for the poor. To this degree, the Church should be free to serve the “least among us” without having to compromise her sincerely held religious beliefs, for it is those very same beliefs that impel her to service.
Healthcare. This is yet another area of complexity that can often be difficult to craft the right solution, but, again, the mind of Christ provides us with the proper principles and foundations. As Faithful Citizenship states: “The nation’s health care system needs to be rooted in values that respect human dignity, protect human life, respect the principle of subsidiarity, and meet the needs of the poor and uninsured, especially born and unborn children, pregnant women, immigrants, and other vulnerable population.”
Additionally, those intimately involved in the medical field (e.g., doctors, nurses, pharmacists) should have the ability to provide healthcare without violating their moral and religious convictions. As well, people should have the ability to purchase healthcare in accord with their faith.
Education. The mind of Christ and the Church recognizes all persons have a “right to receive a quality education” (Faithful Citizenship). As well, parents—who are the first and most important educators—have a “fundamental right to choose the education best suited to their needs of their children, including public, private, and religious schools” (Faithful Citizenship). These concerns are fundamental matters of justice for parents and students.
Immigration. The Church has been a robust voice for comprehensive immigration reform. Nations certainly have a “right and responsibility… to control their borders and to maintain the rule of law” so long as it is in a just and humane manner. At the same time, Catholics have a unique role to play to “welcome the stranger” with the love of Christ.
Our tradition of Catholic social teaching is rich with wisdom and it certainly has many more insights to offer on these issues, in addition to many other issues. Yet, I hope these two columns begin to inform us, at a basic level, what it means to approach Election Day with the mind of Christ. These principles provide criteria by which we can make judgments of political candidates, parties, and issues. These principles bear witness to the love of Christ.
“Habibi,” by Naomi Shihab Nye
Simon and Schuster, New York, 1997, 259 pages, Grades 5-7.
The history of Jerusalem (the Holy City) has been fraught with peril for centuries. The nation of Israel was conquered and Jerusalem captured several times before the birth of Our Lord. In 70 A.D., the Roman Army leveled the Holy City, destroyed the Temple and expelled the Jews. This led to the dispersal of most Jews from the Middle East.
After World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust, many Jews returned to the Mid East and founded the nation of Israel, but of course Israel (the Holy Land) was occupied in 1945.
Though Christians, Jews and other people lived there, the predominant group was Palestinian Muslims. Commonly called Arabs, this group lost much land and suffered greatly from 1948-2016.
Today much animosity remains between the Jews and the Arabs. Many books have been published in English telling the Jewish side of this question. Very few books in English tell the Arab point of view. Naomi Nye writes from this second viewpoint in her sensitive novel, “Habibi.”
Liyana Abboud is a 14-year-old girl from St. Louis. She cannot speak Arabic and knows little about her father’s Palestinian homeland. Her father is an American-trained doctor and her mother is a well-educated woman.
On her 14th birthday, Dr. Abboud tells his unenthusiastic daughter that he has decided to take the family back to Palestine so they can learn about their roots. The father is joyful, the mother is stoic and the children are bewildered.
Liyana and her younger brother, Rafik, pack their things and soon arrive in Jerusalem. The Abboud clan of dozens of cousins, aunts and uncles holds a large celebration for the return to Palestine of Dr. Abboud and his family.
But soon Liyana is faced with the issue of her identity. She can’t quite figure out what it means to be both Arab and American. Her family isn’t even Muslim. As all these issues are swirling around in her heart, she enrolls in a private school in Jerusalem, run by Armenian educators and is of high academic quality. Though the school is fine, Liyana is now thrown into a third culture.
She soon becomes enamored with a young man named Omer and can’t quite understand how he moves so easily throughout the different parts of Jerusalem. That is, until Liyana discovers Omer is Jewish.
The action picks up when a bombing in the Jewish section causes a retaliatory strike by the Israeli Defense Force. A close Arab friend is shot and her father is arrested. Where are Liyana’s loyalties and what painful questions tear at her heart?
What happens? Does Liyana’s friend recover? Is her father released from jail? Does this just start a new round of hatred in Jerusalem? What can a teenage girl do about 2,000 years of animosity? To find out what Liyana chooses, go to the library and check out this sensitive novel.
Though there are scenes of excitement in the book, much of the novel discusses the inner thoughts and feelings of Liyana. In this sense, it resembles a coming-of-age novel of a teenage girl. But Nye also presents the Arab point of view about the political situation in the Holy Land. In this she makes a contribution toward understanding the political situation in the Holy Land. Though there are no easy answers, the characters in “Habibi” try to understand each other. It is a worthwhile goal.
Recently, after a jog on a sunny Saturday morning, while approaching the back of our main office building, I noticed a homeless person. He was tucked in between a mechanical box in back of our building and the dumpster enclosure. He was fast asleep in a sleeping bag, snug as a bug in a rug. The smashed-down iris leaves provided a soft mattress underneath. 
“Good morning!” I said in a soft tone, not to scare the person.
“I’ll be right on my way!” He replied. We immediately recognized each other, as we are on a first-name basis with many of the homeless people who sleep under the many bridges and alcoves of the buildings downtown and the near downtown area.
He was relieved it was me, but after pointing out the chubby field mouse crawling next to him he became a bit fearful. I bet he was thinking what I was thinking… that this furry creature crawled underneath his sleeping bag to share a warm bed for the night.
“Do you have anything to eat?” I asked. He answered in the affirmative, but I learned it was only a can of pop and a bag of chips.
“I’ll be right back,” I said. I returned with a big piece of gourmet, double-crusted pizza.
As the weather gets colder, we are once again making preparations to help those who, for a handful of reasons (usually because of alcoholism, drug abuse, mental disease or a combination), chronically live on the streets, or in abandoned buildings and cars.
I am grateful to our many benefactors who make it possible to help us assist them not only to survive on the streets but for some to escape homelessness.
Just weeks ago, we helped one such person find a job. For some, in order to put them on a trajectory for success, after finding employment, we often help with their security deposits, first month’s rent, and the necessary furnishings in their new apartments or homes.
After having celebrated All Saints and All Souls Day, let us remind ourselves that all of us should always be forward-thinking like St. Paul, who said, “One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:13).
As we leave the past to God’s mercy, not worrying about tomorrow as it is in God’s providence, let us concern ourselves with today and God’s grace as we look forward to eternal life where we will be all perfectly one. It is there where those who we helped here on earth will thank us, face-to-face.
As we approach Nov. 8, the societal and political fate of a variety of issues will rest in the hands of voters. In a certain sense, these fates rest in our hands on a daily basis through the ways we conduct ourselves, both privately and publicly. In another sense, the fate of issues takes on a particularly solemn and moral character when we cast our vote.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ document, Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship, states: “[A]s Catholics we are called to participate in public life in a manner consistent with the mission of our Lord, a mission he has called us to share.” To steal the words of St. Paul and apply them to our upcoming election, we want to “have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16), which is not simply a “wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age” (1 Cor. 2:6), when we approach our ballot Nov. 8.
This, however, begs the question: What does it mean to vote with the mind of Christ?
Thankfully, as Catholics, documents such as the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Faithful Citizenship, among others, give us proper insights into the mind of Christ regarding some of the key issues we face in our own political circumstances.
I will deal with these key issues in two columns. In this column, I will discuss the inviolable dignity of human life and marriage and the family. In the next article, I will discuss religious liberty, preferential option for the poor, healthcare, immigration, and education.
Dignity of Human Life
As Pope Saint John Paul II said, the right to life is the “condition for all others.” Without the right to life, no other right is possible. Devastatingly, since Roe v. Wade (1973), the right to life has been severely jeopardized by the evil of abortion. We are a country that sends over a million unborn children a year to their death through abortion. Saint Mother Teresa herself recognized that Roe v. Wade “has deformed a great nation” and has “pitted mothers against their children” and “aggravated the derogation of the father’s role in an increasingly fatherless society.”
Increasingly, we are witnessing attacks on life with the renewed push for the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia throughout the country, including attempts in Nebraska.
These attacks at the end of life perpetuate a “throwaway culture,” as Pope Francis calls it, that devalues the lives of handicapped, sick, and dying persons.
Such attacks on life—often rooted in a skewed vision of autonomy and freedom—are unconscionable for a civil society, and run contrary to the mind of Christ that calls us to value all human life from the moment of conception until natural death.
Marriage and Family
The elements of marriage can be categorized in the following points: marriage is a lifelong union, and between one man and one woman, for the good of children. Our nation has prompted the downfall of each of these elements, attempting to loosen the original bonds designed by God for our happiness and salvation.
Contraception and abortion have dismantled the good of children. No-fault divorce has undermined the lifelong union. Same-sex marriage has cast into the shadows the union of a man and a woman. On the rise, polyamory and polygamy demean the exclusivity of the one man and one woman.
Yet, with every attempt to redefine marriage, the fact is that reality is not subject to the editorial discretions of man. Reality is not beholden to our sheer will or desire. Instead, reality stands firm in the grasp of the One who made her. As the Catechism teaches, the married state “has been established by the Creator endowed by him with its own proper laws…. God himself is the author of marriage.”
At the bedrock of society is the family, united through the union of husband and wife by the grace of God. The family is society’s nucleus. It is through the family that society is able to see God. The fruitful love of husband and wife becomes a “true, living icon…capable of revealing God the Creator and Savior” (Amoris Laetitia, 11). It is through the union of husband and wife that children, begotten of their parents’ union, can attain their human flourishing.
While the proper societal response to the challenges presented to marriage and the family can sometimes seem daunting, our vote provides an opportunity to act with the mind of Christ and begin rebuilding the fundamental building block of society, the family.
As you approach the polls, I pray that, with an informed conscience, you will cast a ballot that aligns with the mind of Christ and instills in our culture goodness, truth, and beauty.
“Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein
Random House Children’s Books, New York, 288 pages, Grades 4-6.
Libraries are fascinating places to spend time. People eager to learn about literature, maps, government documents flock to libraries. Public libraries have always served as a type of “public college” for people desiring to learn and improve themselves. Most successful people have fond memories of public libraries and librarians. Most countries are not as blessed as the United States which has a strong tradition of supporting libraries.
Chris Grabenstein has written a delightful story about a group of 12-year-old children spending a night in a public library. The name of this enjoyable tale is “Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.”
Kyle Keeley is a 12-year-old boy addicted to video games. He seldom reads books because the stories move too slowly. Several of Kyle’s friends inform him of an adventure that will soon take place in the newly-renovated public library. Mr. Luigi Lemoncello, a billionaire from the community has completely financed the new library. The winners of a competition at the library will become wealthy from doing commercials for the Lemoncello Company, which makes board and video games. Kyle quickly becomes interested and asks what he has to do to get selected for the event. He is told that he must write an essay and submit it to qualify for the library event. Quickly scribbling a few words, Kyle enters his “essay.” Much to his surprise, he is selected and is told that the winners will spend a night in the library before it opens the next day.
Additionally, there will be food, books, adventures and video games. The video games part catches his interest.
The 12 winners then go to the public library and are told the rules of the competition. First, the goal is to escape from the library. Second, all the doors to the library are locked. Third, they will be given clues about how to escape. Fourth, they have several informational helps. The catch is that if you answer the question wrong with one of these assists, you lose the game. Finally, the children only have 24 hours to solve the puzzle of escaping from the library.
The children have been told that they are to act with gentleness toward the book collection and toward the other contestants. But quickly some of the children begin sabotaging other contestants. One boy, Charles Chiltington, is particularly proud and selfish. His only goal is to win the contest and make a great deal of money. He is cunning and manipulates the other children.
Kyle decides to set up a team. He and his teammates conclude that they have a better chance of winning if they work together. All the clues relate to books, characters, famous authors and the Dewey Decimal Classification System. The clock begins ticking and the children frantically try to make sense out of all these literary allusions to win the competition. Time runs short. What happens?
What does Kyle and his team learn about working together? Is it better to try to help each other or to turn on the other contestants? How do forgiveness and justice drive their decisions? Is crime and dishonesty punished? Who finally wins? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this amusing novel, “Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein.
This novel won Nebraska’s 2016 Golden Sower Award for the most popular book for students in grades 4-6. The book is funny and is a real page-turner. While it doesn’t aspire to be great literature and has several crude, fifth-grade-type comments, the novel consistently shows the value of honesty, hard work and cooperation. Conversely, it demonstrates what happens when people make selfish decisions. It is easy to see why so many middle grade students loved this book.
Just days ago, on a Friday morning, I strolled through Gianna’s Java & Gelato and greeted a table of four, comprised of two couples. At the table were Mike and Jan McConnell. They were there celebrating Jan’s birthday. After singing happy birthday, they informed me they come to Gianna’s every Friday morning for breakfast and coffee. “It’s a great place to visit while eating and drinking good food and coffee.” 
After visiting and thanking them, I greeted another couple, Gene and Barb Roth. I just love seeing couples like them gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes. “Is this your first date together?” I asked. “Father, our 57th wedding anniversary is just days away!” They too are weekly visitors to Gianna’s.
After thanking them, I stopped to say hello to our marvelous staff in the back. Was it also because I knew that a fresh batch of gelato pops were in the mix?? Please do not ask me how often I have gelato each week…. with this information, coupled with seeing a fresh batch of scones being made with walnuts, blue cheese and Asian pears, I knew I needed to return for lunch…
Whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, or if it’s your stomach talking, we thank you for patronizing Gianna’s Java & Gelato, for all of the proceeds go to assist the many women who are escaping abortion and domestic violence with their children and also the many individuals and families that come to us whether they need emergency services or grants for counseling services.
We are located in the St. Joseph campus on 23rd and O streets, and when you come, we should have our new menu available along with fresh gift cards that can be used for Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts. Please also remember that we have a drive thru window if you are on your way to or from work and want a cup of coffee, a dish of gelato, a gelato pop, or a food item from our brand new menu. Please know that we will keep you, your family and intentions in our prayers. St. Gianna, pray for us!
Mark your calendars once again for some upcoming events. Each diocesan cathedral will be hosting an event entitled “Catholic Voices against the Death Penalty.” St. Cecilia’s Cathedral (Omaha) will host Monday, Oct. 24. St. Mary’s Cathedral (Grand Island) will host Tuesday, Oct. 25. Cathedral of the Risen Christ (Lincoln) will host Wednesday, Oct. 26. Each event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Each event will consist of four speakers. Between the four speakers, Catholics will learn about our faith’s tradition and teaching on the death penalty and hear moving testimonies which shed light on problematic aspects of the death penalty.
Testimonies will be shared by Joe D’Ambrosio and Father Neil Kookoothe, Vicki Schieber, and Marietta Jaeger-Lane.
Joe D’Ambrosio is the 140th death row inmate to be exonerated after serving more than 20 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. With the help of his prison chaplain and friend, Father Neil Kookoothe, who, prior to being ordained a priest was a trained nurse and attorney, helped successfully plea for his exoneration.
Vicki Schieber’s daughter, Shannon, was raped and murdered in Philadelphia in 1998. Vicki and her husband, Syl, publically opposed the death penalty for Shannon’s murderer and have worked for decades to end capital punishment. Vicki is a co-founder of Murder Victims’ Families for Human Rights and a regular speaker and volunteer for Catholic Mobilizing Network.
Marietta Jaeger-Lane advocates for the abolition of the death penalty despite the kidnapping and murder of her seven-year old daughter, Susie. Marietta asked that the mentally ill man who murdered her daughter be given a life sentence instead of the death penalty. It was only then that the man would confess to Susie’s murders, as well as other murders.
These cathedral events provide another opportunity for Catholics to wrestle with the death penalty issue as Nov. 8 approaches. While we invite anybody to attend, I would extend a special invitation to those who are still struggling to determine their position on the issue.
Though the traditional teaching of our Catholic faith does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, Pope Saint John Paul II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church propose an opportunity for society to broaden its understanding of the gospel of life and the dignity of the human person.
In his revered encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, Pope Saint John Paul II exhorted that the state “ought not go to the extreme of executing the offender except in cases of absolute necessity: in other words, when it would not be possible otherwise to defend society.” He believed that improvements in the penal system made such cases of absolute necessity “very rare, if not practically non-existent.”
Or, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “If, however, non-lethal means are sufficient to defend and protect people’s safety from the aggressor, authority will limit itself to such means[.]” Such bloodless means, the Catechism continues, are “more in keeping with the concrete conditions of the common good and more in conformity with the dignity of the human person.”
These statements form the basis for making a judgment about whether our society has the capability to “defend[] human lives against the unjust aggressor” without recourse to the death penalty. The Bishops and the Nebraska Catholic Conference firmly believe that improvements in our penal system allow society to protect human lives (including those within our prison systems) from even the most heinous criminals.
This reasoning and conclusion lies at the crux of the Bishops’ and Nebraska Catholic Conference’s advocacy to encourage all Catholics and people of good will across the state of Nebraska to vote RETAIN on Referendum 426 on Nov. 8 .
The powerful and compelling stories of the participating speakers at the various cathedral events will help form additional, supporting experiences and arguments that reveal problematic aspects of the death penalty. Such concerns are worthy of consideration as we determine our capacity to properly execute the death penalty.
I hope you join us for these cathedral events and use them as an opportunity to dig deeper into this important issue—while you are at it, invite a family member or friend (or two) to join.
“The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Philomel Books, New York, 2013, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
Sometimes it is so hard to be ourselves. Television advertising constantly bombards us with images of beautiful, rich people enjoying the good things of life. This can cause us to look around and see these talented, handsome people and suffer from jealousy. This occurs in all stages of life but is particularly evident at school.
For example, elementary school students are very aware of who is popular and most talented in class. This can lead to friction and unhappiness. Drew Daywalt has written a clever, funny book on this topic. In the book, we view characters suffering from jealousy, exhaustion and neglect. At the same time, we see other characters that are happy and satisfied. The name of this witty, informative tale is “The Day the Crayons Quit.”
It all begins when Duncan arrives at school and finds a stack of letters on his desk. Puzzled, he opens the first letter and gets a big surprise. The crayons have written letters to him, describing their feelings about the school year. In particular, some of the crayons are angry about how Duncan has used them during coloring exercises.
For example, the first letter comes from the Red Crayon. This crayon feels that Duncan has consistently overworked it during the school year. After all, Duncan colors the fire engine, strawberries and apples red. Red Crayon doesn’t even get a break at Christmas or St. Valentine’s Day since Duncan is always using Red for St. Nicholas or valentines. Red Crayon has had enough and demands a rest.
Next, Purple Crayon thanks Duncan for using it so well. The grapes and dragons give Purple Crayon a sense of beauty and accomplishment. But Purple Crayon has one major complaint about Duncan’s coloring. He doesn’t stay in the lines, which constantly frustrates Purple Crayon.
Next, comes the letter from Beige Crayon. This crayon is sad and very tired. It can’t believe that so many people neglect this color and think that brown is a prettier color. This constant comparison with the Brown Crayon has depressed and worn out Beige Crayon. It wants to be used in more colorful and interesting pictures.
The story continues with color after color demanding that Duncan changes the way he colors. Orange and Yellow refuse to talk to each other because both feel put down by the other crayon. Duncan tries to figure out how to make all these bad feelings and jealousies go away. All that he wants to do is color fun pictures. As he looks at the moping box of crayons he comes up with an idea. Maybe this will work. What is it?
What does Duncan do? Is he able to make all the crayons happy? Have you ever felt jealous over someone else’s accomplishments? What did you do? What finally happens in the book? To find out, go to the library and check out this entertaining picture book, “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt.
This book was awarded the Golden Sower Medal in 2016 as the most popular K-3 book in Nebraska. It has won many awards in other states. I think part of the reason for this is that the book addresses the problems of self-acceptance and rivalry in a compassionate and humorous manner. The illustrations are clever, vibrant and have a childlike quality. They look as if some children were let loose with a box of crayons.
This is a fun book to share with younger members of your family or in a classroom setting. I hope you get a chance to read this delightful book. Enjoy!
Not long ago, before offering Mass in our main chapel, while walking through the lobby on a crisp fall morning, I noticed a relatively young woman in the parking lot. While setting up for Mass, I noticed the same young woman sitting in the front pew. I later found out she was not Catholic (which makes perfect sense because she was sitting in the front pew). In any case, she looked in acute distress and was crying. I knew from many years of experience, the big output from her lacrimal glands were not crocodile tears but the real deal.
Since there were a good number of CSS employees attending Mass that morning, I thought it would be nice if we did a little bit of singing. I was proud of our employees because for the most part we were all in tune and, except for one of us, we sang like angels. You can imagine who that one is, but I can assure you, he tries his level best when he does sing.
After Mass started, she lifted her head out of her hands and tried her best to participate. All the while, her eyes seemed to be at peace. As most of you know, when a priest or bishop offers Mass, he does so for a particular intention, but while offering Mass, the celebrant outside of offering the Mass for a certain intention is free to converse with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. At Mass, I often say, ‘Lord, the official intention for this Mass is such and such, but remember and please help so and so etc.’
As it turns out, after Mass one of our staff met with her only to find out that she is a single woman with children struggling to survive. She had just received a three-day eviction notice and was a whisker away of being evicted. She had lost her job and was fortunate to have found another but the interruption of income made her unable to pay her rent. She did not know where or who to turn to. Little did she know that she would be present at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that morning. For all I know, this could have been the first Mass she ever attended. As I mentioned to the Lord that morning, I pray that it will not be the last but the first of many Masses during her life. After helping her, for some reason, she asked for a St. Christopher medal which we gave her. We happened to have one at our St. Louise Gift & Thrift Store. I hope that the person who donated it will meet her and her children in heaven at the end of time - just another side intention.
Whenever I tell or write these stories, I am always filled with gratitude for the grace of God, and to our generous donors who have responded to the grace and inspiration of God to donate to us, making it possible to fulfill the gospel mandate in loving Jesus Who lives in the poor and needy. So, for those out there reading these lines, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please know that in addition to offering Masses for you directly, I include all of you and your families as a ‘side intention,’ while offering Mass. St. Christopher, pray for the woman mentioned above and for all of us!
The American Medical Association’s (AMA) House of Delegates adopted a resolution at its June 2016 meeting. The resolution proposes that the AMA reconsider its decades-long opposition to doctor-prescribed suicide and adopt a neutral position.
The House of Delegates will hold an open forum on this topic in November. The AMA’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs will study the proposal and provide a recommendation to its House of Delegates in June 2017.
The opposition of the AMA and state medical associations has been crucial for defeating doctor-prescribed suicide measures. Physicians and other medical professionals—whose mission is healing, not death—are critical in preserving the dignity of human life on this issue. For example, the shift from opposition to “neutrality” by state medical associations in Oregon, Vermont, and California played a key role in the legalization of doctor-prescribed suicide in those states.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is asking physicians and medical professionals, and their organizations, to urge the AMA to maintain its opposition to doctor-prescribed suicide. However, doctor-prescribed suicide should be on everybody’s radar screen as yet another form of the culture of death corrupting the moral fiber and common good of society.
Simply put, doctor-prescribed suicide is a morally unacceptable evil.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “[An] act or omission which of itself or by its intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator.” It is the profound duty of every human person and Christian to recognize the sovereignty of God as the “Master of life.” While one may accept their impending death and morally discontinue medical care that is “burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome[,]” it violates the natural and divine law to directly will one’s death.
In addition to a morally unacceptable evil, it’s just bad policy. Let me offer just a couple reasons.
First, doctor-prescribed suicide legislation fosters a fractured and hostile attitude toward the value of life and suicide prevention.
On the one hand, society tirelessly works toward suicide prevention. On the other hand, doctor-prescribed suicide undermines these efforts by legally affirming the intentional taking of one’s life as a societal good. Such an ambiguous attitude has consequences, like the increase in the general suicide rate in Oregon where doctor-prescribed suicide has been legal since 1995.
Second, doctor-prescribed suicide legislation cannot adequately draw lines in the sand. Laws always create boundaries, but a boundary is only as strong as the reasoning for it. Doctor-prescribed suicide has at least a couple of easily identifiable, inadequate boundaries.
Doctor-prescribed suicide legislation currently attempts to limit its use to those with terminal illness (that is, diagnosed illness which cannot be adequately cured or treated and is expected to result in the person’s death within six months).
But, it is unclear why this definition of terminal illness must be the standard and why a broader standard could not be adopted. For example, if doctor-prescribed suicide legislation is about people’s pain, what about those who deal with pain for longer periods of time but are never terminal?
Similarly, age restrictions can be easily rewritten. Legislative proposals in Nebraska, for example, have attempted to restrict doctor-prescribed suicide to those who are at least 18 years old. However, Belgium recently rewrote its law to readily include minors. There was even serious discussion in Canada to include “competent” minors as they considered their doctor-prescribed suicide laws.
While attempting to create legal boundaries, the logic of “compassion” (to play off the misused word of its proponents) logically and problematically extends to larger categories of individuals once you accept its initial justifications.
In short, doctor-prescribed suicide is a moral evil and bad policy. As proponents of doctor-prescribed suicide strengthen their renewed efforts to give this flawed legislation the stamp of law, we have a deep obligation to defend the dignity of human life in its last stages.
In a special way, I challenge our Catholic medical professionals to involve themselves on this issue. The stakes are literally life and death. Remain informed. Remain vigilant.
“Missing May,” by Cynthia Rylant
Orchard Books, New York, 1992, 89 pages, Grades 4-6.
Coping with the death of loved ones is the most painful experience most people will encounter. There are no easy answers to this. People that we have loved are no longer with us. This fills us with sadness and the need to make sense of this loss.
Without spiritual understanding, death seems to have robbed us of people important in our lives. With grace we can learn that we are all part of a divine plan. But when our hearts are breaking this is easier said than done. Cynthia Rylant has written a highly acclaimed novel on this topic, entitled “Missing May.”
It is winter in the West Virginia mountains and Uncle Ob and his niece Summer are clunking around their trailer house. Ob’s wife, Aunt May, has just died. She was the joy of Ob and Summer’s lives. Now they are reeling in anger, loss and depression over her death. Ob has been an industrious handyman but is now scarcely able to get out of bed most mornings. Summer is always trying to fix things but is overwhelmed when she tries to help her elderly uncle while coping with her own loss.
At this time, Cletus, an eccentric classmate of Summer’s comes into their fractured lives. With his bubbling personality, Cletus gets the two to start moving and doing things. He tells them his own story of drowning and being brought back to life. Cletus tells them that he experienced beauty and joy in the next world. Eternity is not something to fear. Ob and Summer can hardly believe this. Cletus then tells them that a spiritual medium in a faraway town might be able to get Ob in touch with May.
So they pack up their car and go to meet this minister. However, their search rapidly ends when they discover that the medium has died. So there will be no gimmicky and quick answers regarding May’s death. Frustrated, they turn around and start for home and on the journey they begin talking about May. Summer finally breaks down, releasing all of her grief. Something changes in Ob as well, and he caringly turns to comfort Summer. What is it that changes them?
Cynthia Rylant (1954-present) was awarded the Newbery Medal for the outstanding contribution to children’s literature in 1993 for this novel. She has written and illustrated more than 100 books. “Missing May” is written in simple language and comforts the hearts of readers. It is not a novel with much dialogue or exterior action, but is rather a rich testimony to the sufferings and triumphs of the human heart. It is an unforgettable story. I hope you get a chance to read this fine novel and encourage anyone dealing with the grief caused by death to do the same. Below are some other books to help people cope with the loss of a loved one.
“Where is Grandpa?” by T.A. Barron. A book with stunning illustrations in which a young boy and his family cope with the death of their beloved grandfather.
“Saying Goodbye to Lulu” by Corinne Demas. This is a touching story about a young girl losing her pet dog, Lulu. It is very nicely done, as the child is angry and doesn’t want to be consoled. Things turn out nicely in the end when she gets a new puppy but plays with the puppy under the tree near Lulu’s grave.
“Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs” by Tomie DePaola. Beautiful autobiographical account of the lives and deaths of his great grandmother and grandmother.
“The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” by Judith Viorst. Comforting story about a boy losing his pet cat.
“The Old Dog” by Charlotte Zolotow. Lovely story about a young boy grieving his old dog. It ends happily when his parents bring him a new puppy.
We have heard this gospel story many times while at Mass: “And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living’” (Mk 12:41-44).
Recently, an older woman I know who is living on a limited fixed income approached me in public and discreetly said, “Father, I have something for you!” Reaching into her purse, she gave me a few dollars and said, “I have been meaning to do this for a long time.” She wanted me to use the money to help someone in need. During and after giving me this money, I thought of the poor widow in the gospel as outlined above. I was touched not only with the gesture, but by the sincerity of the gift.
Not long before this encounter, we helped a homeless man who was secretly living in an abandoned warehouse without heat or running water. He was fortunate enough to have found a job as a short order cook at a fast food restaurant. Once we found out about this man, we were able to help him get into an apartment, furnish it, and give him a car. I am happy to say, he has a line on a much better paying job and has a vehicle that will allow him drive there. Sometimes, people need a little push to put them on a better trajectory, to lift them out a jam.
Ever since I started working at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, I am continually amazed and edified by the generosity of our donors, those who are financially well-off who give sacrificially and those who are less well-off and do the same.
Whether the donations are big or small, they all add up to an amount, foreknown by God, that is used to help the countless men and women, young and old, and families who come to us in crisis. Sometimes, people we see are crying tears of sorrow which are transformed into tears of joy after we help them.
No matter how many times I thank our donors, I will never be able to thank them enough, so for those of you who have helped us in the past, please accept our heartfelt thanks. For those who have not supported us in the past, please consider first, supporting us with your prayers and penances, materially with items around your house or farm not needed, and a cash donation, according to your means, like the woman I described above.
This is why we pray and I offer Masses for our supporters, their family members and intentions. Please know that God will bless you and your reward in heaven is great!
“Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car” by Ian Flemming, Illustrated by John Burningham
Random House, New York, 1964, 114 pages, Grades 3-5.
Some writers have the ability to excite the imaginations of children. They can do this by creating magical adventures. When youngsters begin reading a novel, they are quickly caught up in the fantasy and adventure of the plot.
While some of these books can be about weighty topics, others are written for fun and enjoyment. Ian Fleming has written such a book with “Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car.” In this light-hearted tale, the Potts family discovers that their long green roadster, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is full of wonderful surprises.
Curiously enough, the story begins with Mr. Potts losing his longtime job at a factory. He has an inquisitive mind and is constantly trying to invent things. Frequently, these inventions burn or spill and create problems in his home. Luckily, one of his inventions, a candy wafer, is purchased by a local candy factory. For 1,000 pounds sterling and a percentage of future sales, Potts sells the invention.
He uses the money to buy an old motor car. It certainly was a beautiful classic in its day, but now really looks like a pile of rusted junk. Always up to the challenge, he has the old car towed to his home and begins repairing the vehicle. Throughout the next months, the two Potts children, Jeremy and Jemina, watch their father tinkering with the electrical system and occasionally banging on various parts of the car.
At long last, the car was ready for its first drive. It had an 8-foot-long green hood and a powerful engine. Repaired, the old car had regained its regal elegance. But something was curious about the car. Rows of buttons and levers were close to the steering wheel and had no perceivable use. But Mr. Potts has his wife and children get in the car for a trip to the ocean. When he tries to start the car for the first time, the engine makes two sounds resembling the word chit and two bangs. They decide this is an excellent name for the car. So they head down the highway to the ocean in Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang.
Then strange things begin to happen. When caught in a traffic jam the buttons on the dash board begin to light up. When Mr. Potts pushes the buttons and pulls the leavers the car’s fenders fold inward and a pair of wings emerge out of the sides. With this, Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang takes off and begins flying. The family can’t quite believe what is happening, but soon they are enjoying the experience. Then the trip gets odder when Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang begins flying over the English Channel. The family lands near a cave on the French beach. When they go into the cave, they discover all kinds of guns, explosives and burglary tools used in a bank robbery. What is going on?
What happens to the Potts family in the cave? Do the guns, explosives and burglary tools belong to a gang? How does Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang come to the rescue? What would you do? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this delightful novel, “Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang” by Ian Fleming.
Ian Fleming worked in British Intelligence during World War II and organized a group of spies. This background allowed him to write the James Bond spy series. “Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang” is his only novel for children. Fleming does not try to create “great literature” with this book but instead gives us an enjoyable, magical story. Published in 1964, “Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang” continues to entertain readers. I hope you get a chance to check out this novel and to encourage the younger members of your family to read it as well. It is great fun. Enjoy!
On one occasion while Jesus Christ was with his disciples in the midst of a large crowd, seeing them “harassed and helpless,” He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:36-37).
Certainly Jesus was referring to the calling of men to the priesthood, but also to the universal call to holiness to everyone in order to be instruments of conversion to those around them, especially to those who are separated from God. That said, it is true that if one strives for holiness in a humble manner, God will use them to bring wayward sheep into His fold.
Not long ago, in Hastings, a very anxious woman came into our office and while crying said to our receptionist, “I do not know what to do any more. I just don’t know what to do!”
As our receptionist related later, it seemed as if the Holy Spirit took control as she replied, “Would you like to go into the chapel to pray?” “Oh yes!” the woman replied.
“Would you like to go alone or would you like me to go with you?” asked the receptionist. “I want you to go with me!” was the answer.
Once inside the chapel, dedicated to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, they knelt down before the Blessed Sacrament. Then the tearful woman said, “Please tell me what to do!”
Once again, according to our receptionist, it seemed that the Holy Spirit took control as she said, “Look at the crucifix. Do you think that Jesus understands suffering?” After looking at the crucifix and the Stations of the Cross, she replied, “Oh yes... Jesus does understand…. He suffered and died for me!” She said it with great emotion. After a few moments, she arose and said joyfully, “All of my anxiety is gone! Thank you very much!” With that she left our office in peace—not peace that the world gives, but the peace that only God gives.
This is one of the reasons all our sites across the diocese have chapels. I can personally relate that this is not the first time something like this has happened, and it will not be the last. Many people off the street are drawn into our chapels and start to cry—not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy and peace. Some people have even asked us, “Why is this the only place I have ever experienced peace?” or they have said, “This is the only place I have ever encountered this kind of peace.”
As I dropped in a few days ago to say hello to the members of a Bible study group that meets weekly at Gianna’s Java & Gelato, after telling them this story, I told them that if they strive for holiness, God will use them also to bring souls to Him because, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
You can be sure that if you pray in this manner, you too will become a fellow laborer in the fields and vineyards of the Lord.
The theme of the beggar is one that occasionally arises in the Scriptures, but that presents itself in a particularly powerful way. The beggar is characterized by lowliness, poverty, hunger; by one who yearns for the fundamental needs of life to be fulfilled.
In particular, Bartimaeus strikes me as one of the most important beggars in all of Scripture (see Mk 10:46-52). In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the markets of Jericho, Bartimaeus—a blind man—finds himself on the roadside. Upon hearing of the coming of Christ, Bartimaeus cries out: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Though Bartimaeus is rebuked by those around him—including the disciples—and called to silence, he cries out all the more: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” With the gaze of mercy that Christ alone offers, Jesus poses a basic, open-ended question to Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?”
Msgr. Luigi Giussani beautifully expresses the supreme dignity of the beggar in the following way: “The real protagonist of history is the beggar: Christ who begs for man’s heart, and man’s heart that begs for Christ.” Msgr. Giussani finds that the main character in the theater of life is the beggar. It is the beggar who stands at the center of all creation. The first beggar is Christ. And, in imitation of the first beggar, we find ourselves begging for Christ who alone “has the words of everlasting life” (Jn 6:68).
As we approach the election, we have a critical opportunity to recognize our own situation as a beggar who lives in a political community. In this recognition, we understand that as citizens in this earthly pilgrimage we have fundamental needs and desires for justice, truth, peace, common good. But the beggar recognizes that these basic needs are fulfilled not by our own doing, but by the work of another. The beggar has nothing to offer—he is poor, needy, lacking. The beggar depends on the charity of one who is rich in mercy, by one who looks upon the state of the beggar and can do nothing but to fulfill the needs of the beggar in his lowliness. But it is Christ alone who can fulfill such demanding needs. Only Christ can gaze upon our lowliness and adequately satisfy our thirsts for justice, truth, peace, common good.
As election politics further engages into full throttle as November nears, there will be the grave temptation to fall prey to the demagoguery of political candidates who offer any number of seemingly salvific solutions to the broken situation of our humanity. But, as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states in its document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: “The struggles that we face as a nation and as a global community cannot be addressed solely by choosing the ‘best candidate’ for political office.” While we are called to form our consciences to vote for virtuous and faithful candidates, we are called even more deeply to “fast and pray, asking our loving and gracious God to give us the ability to effectively proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our daily witness to our faith and its teachings.”
Returning to the theme of the beggar and the figure of Bartimaeus, let us cry out to Christ, the Son of David, the Merciful One. Even as the culture of death further attempts to silence the cry of those with faith in God, let us cry out all the more. It is in this moment that Christ turns to each of us with that same basic, open-ended question He posed to Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?”
As the election draws near, I encourage you to run toward Christ and join the Bishops of the United States to “ask humbly in prayer for an outpouring of the grace of the Holy Spirit on the United States of America.” In the same way that Christ fulfilled Bartimaeus’ desire for sight, I am confident God will respond to this desire for the Spirit. As the Psalm states: “[T]he Lord listens to the needy” (Ps 69:34).
“The Safest Lie,” by Angelo Cerrito
Holiday House, New York, 2015, 180 pages, Grades 4-7.
Ethnic cleansing is methodical elimination of a national or religious group. It is occurring continuously today in the Mid-East with repeated accounts of Yazidis, Muslims and Eastern Rite Catholics being deported or killed. Ethnic cleansing can easily turn into genocide. The afflicted groups are first marginalized and then characterized with inhuman traits. This depersonalizes the groups and desensitizes members of the dominant culture. This desensitization in turn weakens the public will to oppose the coming assaults.
During World War II, all of these actions led to the Holocaust. This horribly evil event included the mass murder of Jews, Gypsies, church leaders and other “enemies of the state.” Yet in these dark times, true heroes arose to help the victims. Often these courageous people were priests, nuns and dedicated members of the laity. In the novel “The Safest Lie,” Angelo Cerrito tells the harrowing story of a young Jewish girl, Anna Bauman, her struggle to survive, and the courageous actions taken by many Poles to save her.
All the Jews in Warsaw are ordered into a small, walled-in section of the city. Simply called “The Ghetto,” the Jews struggle to survive there each day. The Baumans make a painful decision and decide their daughter must flee this prison. Mrs. Bauman first tutors Anna to use the Polish surname of Karwolska. She is smuggled out of the ghetto by faithful Poles and taken to a farm in the country.
Within days the girl is taken to a convent where she is sheltered by a group of courageous nuns. Anna is one of many Jewish girls the nuns have rescued and protected from the Nazis. But Anna must begin living a double life to survive. She quickly learns Catholic prayers but lives with a constant inner struggle as she wants to remain Jewish.
After about a year, the sisters know they must move some of the Jewish girls to Polish families, to avoid having the convent discovered by the Germans. But fear and danger continue to follow Anna because now she is moved to a farm outside of a small town. The family who owns the farm shields her from the Nazis, at great risk to themselves.
Anna soon encounters Nazis close by her new home, in the nearby city and on the farm. Anna lies to deceive them. Lying troubles her but she is so vulnerable that she doesn’t know what else to do. Events quickly develop when her family becomes involved in the Resistance movement and World War II ends in Poland. But Anna soon learns that peace isn’t so pleasant either. What happens next?
Who helped Anna in the story? Why did so many people risk their lives to save these Jewish children? What is courage? Who shows Anna that she has courage? And finally, what is the safest lie? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “The Safest Lie” by Angelo Cerrito.
I read this book from cover to cover at one sitting. I found the story compelling without being overwhelming. This is not an easy task, given the nature of the Holocaust. Cerrito does not give any easy answers in this book, but repeatedly shows the great love and courage of Anna and the people saving this child.
One of the characters in the novel is based on the life of the heroic Irena Sendler. During World War II, despite imprisonment, Sendler saved more than 2,500 Jewish children. This is a fine novel about a terrible historical event. Cerrito tells the story in a truthful manner, but also in a way that will not overwhelm children. I hope you get a chance to read the book or recommend it to middle school children in your family.
One day, 35 minutes after the office closed, as I walked through our front lobby, I noticed a homeless man I know trying to enter our building. After finding a locked door, I could see the look of disappointment in his face and eyes.
It would have been easy to walk away, thinking, ‘the office is closed buddy, come back tomorrow during normal business hours.’ I immediately was reminded that most homeless people don’t have watches and only know roughly what time it is, not to mention the fact that some do not even know what day of the week it is.
By the time I opened the door and called out to him, he was a good way across the parking lot. After getting his attention, I invited him in. He quickly turned around and headed my way.
I noticed he was agitated and disturbed as he related having been freshly assaulted by a much bigger man, who threw all of his clothing and sleeping bag into the dirty waterway. All of his life possessions were lost.
Not finding an adult sleeping bag, I found a beautiful quilt a woman had created and donated. There was nothing else in that moment I could give him to keep warm that night. My first thought was, ‘If I give this quilt to him, it will eventually end up in the ditch or drink. What a waste of a beautiful quilt.’
But after I was thinking such thoughts, God said, “He is My son, whom I created in My image and likeness – this is why I want him to have it!” The man was impressed beyond description that I would give him something so beautiful.
Next, he wanted to enter our chapel, dedicated to St. Joseph, to say a prayer. It was then he told me that every time he prays in this beautiful chapel, he weeps. As we both knelt down, he buried his face into his hands which were made moist by his tears. I reminded him that he was a son of God and only the Lord can help him out of the substance abuse that has led to his homelessness.
After this I gave him some tasty-looking, double-crusted pizza, some plain-Jane pizza and tomato juice. I was moved when he said he would give the double crusted pizza to a fellow homeless person and eat the regular pizza himself. He left acting as though he had won the lottery, an effect mostly because of the grace he received in our chapel and the love he received. Are not our souls meant for love?
As winter is just around the corner, please consider praying for the homeless people to whom we minister, those who live year-round in the streets and under bridges; and donating any warm winter clothing to us, such as sweatshirts, coats, hats, gloves, socks, and boots. If you have any sleeping bags you are not using anymore, please bring them down as well. Be assured we will get them into the hands of those who need them.
And never forget that we at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska will keep you, your family and intentions in our daily prayers and Masses.
Get out your calendar and mark off some dates! For those in the North Platte area, mark down the evening of Monday, Oct. 3. If you are in the Hastings area, mark down the evening of Thursday, Oct. 6. All those in and around Lincoln, mark down Friday, Oct. 7 and/or Saturday, Oct. 8! Find more information on times and locations for these dates at the end of this article.
The Nebraska Catholic Conference (NCC) will be hosting Justice for All (JFA) the week of Oct. 3 to engage in a statewide tour to provide Nebraskans with training on how to become more effective in conversations on the topic of abortion. We will be traveling to parishes, schools, and other venues across the state, covering communities across all three dioceses. Most of the community events will be evening trainings, with the exception of one of the Lincoln, events which will be a full-day Saturday training.
On a couple of previous occasions, I have written about the incredible work of JFA whose mission is to “train followers of Christ to make abortion unthinkable… through conversations with pro-choice advocates—conversations in which the contentious debate about abortion is transformed into dialogue.”
JFA does the critical work of forming the intellect in order that we are properly equipped to understand the issue of abortion, analyze the issues that often arise in conversations on abortion, and learn how to steer conversations on abortion into fruitful and respectful dialogue to shed light on the humanity and dignity of the unborn child. As well, by helping to form the intellect, JFA helps to adequately prepare the will to make acts of courage by engaging with others on the issue of abortion and make known the Gospel of Life that God has given the world.
As I have also highlighted in previous articles, we are often stifled by the fact of our own shortcomings in our calling to be missionary disciples. In some way, shape, or form we recognize our inadequacy. Rather than calling on God, begging Him for grace, allowing Him to show His glory in our weakness, we can succumb to our inadequacy. We allow ourselves to become frozen in our shortcomings. Inevitably, this leads to missed opportunities of evangelization, to speak about the love of the One who has given us the very gift of life.
But opportunities for growth—like the ones that will be provided by NCC and JFA—begin to cultivate in our will the virtue of courage. As St. Thomas Aquinas said, the virtue of courage is “chiefly about fear of difficult things.” As the Catechism states, it is courage that “ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good.” It is courage that allows us to “take heart,” as the saying goes.
In the spiritual warfare of defending the unborn, there could be nothing more important than the bravery needed to be a voice for the voiceless.
God is calling each of us—without question—to cultivate peace and justice and society by advocating for the unborn child. Perhaps you can take one of the JFA trainings that will be offered as an opportunity to become a stronger missionary disciple of the Gospel of Life!
To return to the initial invitation of this article: get out the calendar and mark off some dates: Monday, Oct. 3, North Platte (St. Patrick Church), 6:30 to 9 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 6, Hastings (St. Michael Parish, basement), 6:30 to 9 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 7, Lincoln (Old Chicago, Haymarket), begins at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 8, Lincoln (St. Michael School, commons area), 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We humbly request that you register in advance (especially for the Saturday training in Lincoln) at www.jfaweb.org/register or contact Eva at (316) 683-6426.
“Winter is Coming” by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Jim LaMarche
Simon & Schuster, New York, 2014, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
The changing of the seasons is one of the wonders of nature. As summer ends and the days grow shorter, the entire physical world explodes with golden colors and red hues. Migrations of birds fly south and animals begin storing food for the winter. People enjoy walking in parks and through the countryside to savor this beautiful time.
Tony Johnston has written an excellent picture book about the changes of the season. He entitles this colorful book, “Winter is Coming.”
A young girl sits in her treehouse watching a deer running through the fields. The yellow and brown grass allow the deer to be camouflaged. The child sketches this lovely scene and begins noticing that the entire physical world is busy preparing for winter.
Using her binoculars she scans the fields through falling leaves. A slash of red gleams in her vision. It is a red fox stealthily creeping through weeds. While watching the fox, the girl stays very quiet because she doesn’t want to frighten the handsome animal. If she remains hidden, she can observe all the actions of the fox. Like the other animals, the fox is looking for food. Except for a wrinkled apple, there isn’t anything to eat below her treehouse and the fox moves on to the next field.
A mother bear and her cub next come scuffling across the field. The child again stays absolutely quiet. The last thing she needs is an angry mama bear thinking she need to protect her baby. Fortunately, the bears also move on through the woods.
The girl continues to observe the natural wonders under her treehouse. Readers are treated to the changing of the leaves and families of different animals and birds looking for food to eat. When four skunks walk under her hideout, the girl remains particularly silent so that the skunks continue their journey. A hammering suddenly jars the child. Nearby some woodpeckers begin drilling holes in the trees. As soon as the holes are drilled, they immediately fill them with acorns.
She also spies a number of rabbits carefully chewing grass as they fatten up for the coming winter. They are particularly cautious as they sense predators nearby and scurry to safety. It is a well-founded fear as a lynx soon meanders through the meadow, looking for something to eat. The child continues to view all of these changes with a perceptive eye and frequently draws pictures of the scenes.
What else does this perceptive young girl view in this lovely meadow and forest? What species of animals and birds would you like to see in their natural habitat? I would like to see the white head of a bald eagle against the blue sky. Do you have a favorite? What do you think is the young girl’s favorite? To find out, go to the library and check out this beautiful picture book, “Winter Is Coming,” by Tony Johnston.
This book lends itself to oral reading and sharing in a family setting. Children will easily identify with the girl as she views and draws the wildlife near her treehouse. The pictures are drawn with soft pastels which are comforting and display the child’s innocence.
This book was a starred review in the children’s literature magazine, Booklist. Share the title with a member of your family and you will understand why it is highly regarded. It is a lovely experience. Enjoy!
Recently, Curt Krueger met a young woman at a gas station in distress because her car had ‘expired.’ After greeting this woman in obvious turmoil, he found out she had just escaped from a violent man and was living in an abandoned building, without running water and electricity. Now that her car had died, she was stressed even more.
In the midst of her suffering, she knew she could not go back to her abuser, but was at a loss of where to turn. Curt’s encounter was providential. I am happy to inform you, she is now safe and sound at St. Gianna’s and is a proud owner of a “new” older-model Buick that is in great shape, that we gave her from the CSS St. Christopher car donation program.
Not long ago, I received a heartwarming letter from Amy Flamminio in Lincoln about her 3-year-old daughter Ella.
It read, “Dear Fr. Kubat: When we got your mailing, my almost 4-year-old daughter immediately got out her piggy bank and gave every cent she owned. Then she asked every other member of our family and visitors if they wanted to ‘help the poor.’ She raised $3.84, to which I added $15. She wants me to mail her pennies, but a check will be lighter.” It makes me want to cry!
After reading this letter, I sent Ella a thank-you note. I believe this is the youngest person I have ever written a thank-you note to. After a few days I received another letter from Amy saying how glad Ella was to receive my letter and how happy she is to help the poor.
In addition to thanking Ella once again, I want to thank her parents, Amy and Tom, because despite the fact that Love itself was infused into a soul at her baptism, it has obviously grown because of the good example of her parents.
Thank you to all of our supporters and volunteers who help us assist the many individuals and families who come to Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes in crisis, like the single mother I mentioned. Please know that you, your families and intentions are in our daily prayers!
Every election cycle, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops re-issues its teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics (“Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship”) found at www.usccb.org. This document provides guidance “in the exercise of [our] rights and duties as participants in our democracy” and “lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens.”
In an opening paragraph of the document, Catholics are reminded that “we are called to participate in public life in a manner consistent with the mission of our Lord.” Quoting Pope Francis, the document states that “[a]n authentic faith…always notices a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it…. If indeed ‘the just ordering of society and of the state is a central responsibility of politics,’ the Church ‘cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice.’”
This opportunity to transmit Gospel values, leave the world somehow better, and join in the fight for justice is manifest in a concrete, tangible way with “Referendum No. 426” to retain the repeal of the death penalty which Nebraska voters will confront this November on the ballot.
Referendum No. 426 asks Nebraska voters the following: “The purpose of Legislative Bill 268, passed by the First Session of the 104th Nebraska Legislature in 2015, is to eliminate the death penalty and change the maximum penalty for the crime of murder in the first degree to life imprisonment. Shall Legislative Bill 268 be repealed?” The responses to this question are “Retain” or “Repeal.”
The referendum states that “[a] vote to ‘Retain’ will eliminate the death penalty and change the maximum penalty for the crime of murder in the first degree to life imprisonment by retaining Legislative Bill 268” and “[a] vote to ‘Repeal’ will keep the death penalty as a possible penalty for the crime of murder in the first degree by repealing Legislative Bill 268[.]”
Our Bishops—Archbishop Lucas; Bishop Conley; and Bishop Hanefeldt—supported and urged the passage of LB268. Likewise, they support and urge all Nebraska Catholic to vote RETAIN on Referendum No. 426. Our Bishops have taken this position based on the strong foundations of Catholic social teaching.
First, Catholic social teaching recognizes the justice of the death penalty as exercised by state authority under certain strict conditions. The retributive aim of justice recognizes that greater crimes call for greater punishment. Thus, the gravity of certain heinous criminal offenses permits capital punishment.
Second, more recently, Catholic social teaching has clarified serious limitations on the state’s just use of the death penalty. Pope Saint John Paul II was clear that other aims of justice—in addition to retribution—must be considered when determining the just use of the death penalty. He stressed that the state “ought not go to the extreme of executing the offender except in cases of absolute necessity: in other words, when it would not be possible otherwise to defend society.” He adds: “[A]s a result of steady improvements in the organization of the penal system, such cases are very rare, if not practically non-existent.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church further states: “If bloodless means are sufficient to defend human lives against an aggressor and to protect public order and the safety of the persons, public authority must limit itself to such means, because they better correspond to the concrete conditions of the common good and are more in conformity to the dignity of the human person.”
As the Bishops concluded in their joint statement during debate on LB268, “The death penalty is not necessary in Nebraska. The purposes of a criminal justice system are rehabilitation, deterrence, public safety, and the restoration of justice. The death penalty does not provide rehabilitation to convicted criminals. There is no clear evidence that executions deter crime. Public safety can be assured through other means. And justice requires punishment, but it does not require that those who have committed capital crimes be put to death.”
As you submit absentee ballots and go to the polls this November, the Bishops urge you to vote “Retain” on Referendum No. 426. For more information, please visit www.necatholic.org.
“Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park” by Bob and Teri Temple
Children’s World, Chanhassen, Minn., 2007, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
The United States National Park System is a marvelous gift to the country. Although Yellowstone National Park was created in 1872, the National Park System was formed in 1916 through a law signed by President Woodrow Wilson. The purpose of the law was to preserve some of the most beautiful and interesting geographical areas in the United States. The Park System was needed because vital parts of the country were vulnerable to overdevelopment resulting in critical loss of natural habitat. Because of the creation of the national parks, everyone in the United States is allowed to visit these remarkable areas. They are an endless treasure trove of beauty.
Teri and Bo Temple have written an inspiring account of one park in the system, the Grand Canyon National Park. The book takes you on an informational and photographic tour of this splendid area. The title of the book is “Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park.”
The Temples begin with a history of national parks and some astounding pictures of Grand Canyon National Park. The Park is 1,904 square miles or nearly twice the size of the State of Rhode Island. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide at its widest point and more than a mile deep. It’s famed South Rim is the most widely visited. Here tourists can look down to the bottom of the canyon and sense the magnificence of the geography.
The rare California Condor, with its near 10 foot wingspan, can sometimes be viewed from the South Rim. Though at one time nearly extinct, the California Condor, has benefitted from the protection of the National Park System and once again soars over the huge canyon. So marvelous is the view from the South Rim that people have been known to break into tears upon seeing it for the first time.
Next, visitors can brave the trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. This trip requires a modicum of courage as it is usually done by riding a mule down the narrow and dangerous trail to the bottom. The path is narrow and the drop-offs are dangerous. Fortunately, mules are very steady on their feet. At the bottom of the canyon lies the Colorado River. After a sweat filled ride on the mules, visitors often experience a shocking sensation when they plunge their feet into the icy river.
The third section of the park is the isolated North Rim. Much harder to get to, the North Rim holds its own special sights. Due to its isolation, the fauna and animal life is slightly different than the other parts of the Grand Canyon. Sunrises are particularly beautiful from the North Rim. Though it is difficult for visitors to tour all three major areas of the Grand Canyon, the Temples give valuable tips on how to get the most out of your trip.
Have you ever visited a National Park? What beautiful areas in the United States are in the National Parks System? Have you ever thought about visiting the Grand Canyon? Why is this famous area so interesting? To find out the answers to these questions go to the library and check out: “Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park” by Teri and Bob Temple.
The photography in this book is superb, and the writing holds the interest of the readers. If you would like to share your memories of a trip to the Grand Canyon with the younger members of your family, or you would like to encourage them to think about visiting this national park, this is an excellent book. It is great fun to read and contains outstanding photographs. Enjoy!
When a person, young or old, is baptized, the very life of the Blessed Trinity is infused into the soul, which is Love Itself. With the good example of loving, self-less parents, little children learn not only what Love is but how to return love to God and their neighbors.
Recently, a little 8-year-old girl named Rebecca Wacker won her age bracket of the summer reading program at the Shelby Community Library. She was awarded a $100 gift card to Walmart. I can imagine that after acquiring a gift card like this, many 8-year-old girls would immediately think of many little girl things to buy…. but not this little girl.
After receiving the gift card, she decided to buy things and donate them to the women and children at St. Gianna’s Women’s Home. Doesn’t love spread like fire? On hearing what she did, her 11-year-old sister Rachel decided to add $40 that she made from her cookie and lemonade stand this summer at the farmer’s market to the pot!
But they were not done. Their mother Joelle also pitched in a great big box of size-6 diapers. We are grateful to their little brother, too, because he did not need the diapers as he is a recent graduate of the Potty Training Institute at their home.
After talking to the Marian Sisters at St. Gianna, the two young sisters had fun picking out clothes and some toys for the moms and children.
You might think that this is the end of the story, but it’s not. After the kids’ mom posted on her Facebook page what the girls did, some of their family and friends matched their donation. They were elated when they came down and delivered the money and goods to Curt Krueger, the director of social services for the Diocese of Lincoln. I can tell you that the ladies and children at St. Gianna’s are very grateful.
I would like to thank Rebecca and her sister Rachel for their love and generosity. I also would like to thank their parents because good fruit does not fall far from the tree. Thanks also to their family member and friends who also helped. They all did it for the singular reason-for the love God and His presence in their neighbors.
St. Gianna, pray for us!!
“A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai,” by Fr. Paul Glynn, S.M.
Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 1988, 267 pages, Grades 10 and higher.
Sometimes a virtuous person must take a stand that is very unpopular. This frequently happens during periods of great stress. Dr. Takashi Nagai was one such person. As Japan became increasingly militarized during the 1930’s, he began to have serious misgivings against the foreign policy of his nation.
Additionally, after several important conversions, he commits a great cultural affront to his family by becoming a Christian. But since Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, His followers will sometimes stand in opposition to current fads and opinions. Nagai’s life is both a sign of contradiction and beacon leading to the truth. Father Paul Glynn tells us about the remarkable life of Dr. Takashi Nagai in this outstanding biography, “A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai.”
Takashi Nagai is born in southern Japan. The two major cities nearby are Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Raised in a household based on filial beliefs of Confucius, young Takashi is loath to challenge traditional Japanese society. But European science is sweeping across Japan and upon graduating high school, he enrolls in Nagasaki University. He studies intently and becomes a physician specializing in radiology.
As the Sino/Japanese War erupts, Nagai is called to the war front. There he is forced to confront the meaning of life and the political purposes of Japan’s military leaders. He has no religious faith and loses himself in drunkenness and sexual immorality.
On leave from the war, Nagai meets a Christian woman in Nagasaki, named Midori Moriyama. She is one of the descendants of the “Hidden Christians” in Nagasaki. These faithful Catholics had endured more than 250 years of violent persecution from the Japanese government. Takashi is moved by her sincere faith and joyful life. After reading the French philosopher, Blaise Pascal, he realizes that his atheism and belief in scientific progress cannot fill the huge hole he feels in his heart.
With the help of the beautiful Midori, Nagai submits his prideful will into the hands of Christ and converts to Catholicism. They are soon happily married. But Japan’s evil military leaders soon launch a second war with a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Dr. Nagai warns the students at Nagasaki University of the terrible sufferings that will be inflicted upon Japan during WWII. They are shocked and stunned at his “disloyal” statements. Throughout the war, Nagai continues to improve X-ray techniques in Nagasaki and develops radiation treatments for those suffering from tuberculosis.
At the same time he continues to grow in grace and holiness. Then on Aug. 9, 1945, while at work in his hospital, the atomic bomb explodes, destroying most of Nagasaki and killing thousands. Over the next five years, until his death from radiation sickness, Takashi Nagai will become a symbol of light conquering darkness throughout Japan and the world.
What did Dr. Nagai do to accomplish this? How does his entire life become one with Jesus on Calvary? Why in the midst of all the evil that enveloped the world in 1945 does his life so brilliantly give an example of authentic love? What role does the Blessed Virgin have in his work? How does grace transform Takashi Nagai? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library or purchase this outstanding biography.
In my opinion, this is a moving story about a man deserving canonization. The history of Christianity in Japan and the great faith of the “Hidden Christians” is accurately told. Readers will learn of the political struggles in Japan during the 1930s and 1940s which led to such disastrous consequences for the country. As well, Glynn poignantly writes of the tender love between Takashi and Midori Nagai. This is simply a marvelous book that will edify and enlighten readers.
I am happy to announce that on Sunday, Sept. 25, we will hold our annual “Bountiful Harvest Banquet” in the newly renovated Hastings City Auditorium. This year, we will be giving the Caritas Christi award to Wayne and Monica Mousel for their love of Jesus Christ and His presence in the poor and needy.
We will be highlighting the many works of charity that have been performed through the central and west parts of the Diocese of Lincoln. Last year, nearly $840,000 in services were provided to nearly 15,000 individuals and almost 5,000 families out of the Hastings office.
In addition to helping homeless individuals and families escape homelessness, and helping individuals and families avoid homelessness, and helping individuals with charity grants because of an inability to pay for the cost of counseling services for some reason, we want to do more.
Because of the increased need to assist women who are escaping abortion and domestic violence throughout the diocese, we will be increasing our services to these vulnerable women in the greater Hastings area and beyond. We will now be expanding our services for these vulnerable women and their children to provide housing and case management on an ongoing basis under the umbrella of St. Gianna’s.
Just as at St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes, we want to help vulnerable women out of an abusive environment and into a stable, permanent safe one- addressing not only their physical, emotional, material, and financial needs but also their spiritual needs as well.
Finally, I would like to thank our many individual and corporate sponsors who support us spiritually with their prayers and penances and materially with donated items not needed from their homes or farms (including vehicles and cash donations) according to their means so we can continue the mission of Jesus Christ until He comes again in His glory on the last day.
We are especially grateful on the occasion of our 18th annual Bountiful Harvest Banquet. If you cannot join us on the 25th, please pray for its success. Please be assured of our continued prayers for you, your families and intentions.
In Psalm 8:4, King David proposes a profound question to God: “Who is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” As response to some form of this same question (“Who is man?”), various visions of the human person have been proposed by history’s greatest thinkers.
But this question is not reserved for saints and scholars, but an inquiry that every person must confront during their earthly pilgrimage. This “anthropological” question which attempts to understand what it means to be a human person provokes each one of us to a search for meaning.
Award-winning novelist Walker Percy believed it was impossible to not answer the question about the nature of the human person: “I suspect that most of us, whether we consciously profess it or not, are already equipped with a theory of man. Indeed, it is hard to imagine how one can live one’s life and work with other people day in and day out unless one has already made certain assumptions about one’s own nature as well as other people’s.”
As Christians, we are well-equipped with—as Saint John Paul II coined it—an “adequate anthropology.” This “adequate anthropology” provides us an “understanding and interpretation of man in what is essentially human.”
At its core, to be human is to be one who is created in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26-27). As the Catechism of the Catholic Church so beautifully states: “[B]eing in the image of God the human individual possesses the dignity of a person, who is not just something, but someone. He is capable of self-knowledge, of self-possession and of freely giving himself and entering into communion with other persons. Further, he is called by grace to a covenant with his Creator, to offer him a response of faith and love that no other creature can give in his stead” (CCC, 357).
Unfortunately, this sure and certain vision of the human person offered to us by Scripture and developed by the Tradition of the Church has been lost in our own day. In a technocratic age, bombarded by information, misleading theories of man have been proposed to us that undermine our intelligent, moral, and social capacities.
This year’s upcoming pro-life conference, entitled, “Made in His Image: Human Dignity in a Secular World,” seeks to restore and re-articulate the “adequate anthropology” that Christ and His Church has established for us. An array of national and local speakers will cover topics such as a general overview of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God; how to effectively communicate the message of human dignity; how biological science supports the theology of the body; moral problems surrounding reproductive technologies and embryo research; the issues surrounding legal coercion and human dignity; formation of the intellect and the influence of technology; and reverencing the whole human person in psychology.
As well, the pro-life banquet, to be held Friday, Sept. 23—beginning with a social hour at 5 p.m. (with our Nebraska bishops) and dinner at 6 p.m.—will host keynote speaker, Vicki Thorn of Project Rachel, who will help us identify the post-abortive woman so that we can assist the Lord in the healing and restoration of her human dignity. The evening will also include a celebration of gratitude as we present our annual “Gospel of Life” award to Greg Schleppenbach for the 25 years of service he offered in Nebraska to defend the dignity of the human person, especially unborn children and their families.
This year’s pro-life conference and banquet will be held at the Creighton University Harper Center in Omaha from Sept. 22-24. For more information and to register for either or both events, visit http://family.archomaha.org/respecting-life/conference.
As we seek to lead souls to the Truth, Way, and Life of Jesus Christ, it is imperative that we understand the splendor of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God. We are beautiful—we are dignified. We look forward to seeing you at the conference and banquet!
“C is for Cornhusker: A Nebraska Alphabet,”
by Rajean Luebs Shepherd, Illustrated by Sandy Appleoff
Sleeping Bear Press, Chelsea, Mich., 2004, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
Alphabet books fascinate children. The rhymes, illustrations and word sequence in alphabet books are very enjoyable. These books are great aids in helping children learn to read, as the rhyming chant so often found in alphabet books can lead children to clapping their hands with delight.
Authors of alphabet books frequently think out of the box and write with great creativity. This helps children with different learning styles effectively begin learning to read. The illustrations used in the books are particularly helpful to young students because of the assistance they provide in decoding and understanding the meaning of the words. Since learning to read is challenging for many students, educators should use every type of learning medium available to help in this process. And since alphabet books are so fun to read, students usually respond eagerly.
Rajean Shepherd has written a delightful alphabet book that combines all of these benefits using the state of Nebraska as the subject. The name of this title is “C is for Cornhusker.”
In Nebraska City, Shepherd begins her captivating description of the alphabet. The letter A is represented by Arbor Day, one of the important events that brought awareness of the importance of trees and forests to the country. Next we are introduced to one the most famous people in Nebraska history, Buffalo Bill. The exuberant drawing shows the famous cowboy at his Wild West show.
The letter C stands for Cornhusker. Before farm machinery such as combines, the corn had to be picked and shelled (husked) by hand. The word “husker” stuck and became the nickname of the state. Shepherd uses a beautiful quote from famed Nebraska author Willa Cather in the sidebar for the letter C. Cather said of Nebraska: “Elsewhere the sky is the roof of the world, but here the earth is the floor of the sky.”
The letters continue on and on. We see Sandhill Cranes dancing, Pony Express riders racing across the state, Kool Aid being invented in Hastings, and people rafting down the beautiful Niobrara River. It is an altogether captivating and exquisite panorama of the state. Having gone all the way to the splendor of the Sandhills, the book now returns to eastern Nebraska with the letter Z, represented by the Henry Doorly Zoo. The excellent writing and colorful illustrations of the book makes you realize that it is time to get off Interstate 80 and really start travelling across the state.
What was your favorite letter in this book? How much did you learn about Nebraska? Too often people don’t think there is much that is interesting in Nebraska. How does this book demonstrate that Nebraska is a very remarkable state? Where would you like to visit in the Cornhusker State? Have you ever seen the beauty of the Sandhills or the magnificence of Lake Ogallala? How does this book show the great beauty and diversity of Nebraska? To find out, go to the library and check out “C is for Cornhusker” by Luebs Shepherd.
I hope that you get a chance to share this enjoyable title with the younger children in your family. Luebs Shepherd has used many interesting facts from our state’s history in this book.
So in addition to learning more about their home state, young children can grow in their appreciation of the many beautiful and interesting things that Nebraska has to offer. Take the time to check out this title, you will be glad you did.
There are three things in life one can depend on: paying taxes, dying, and weeds growing out of control. Not long ago, despite spraying our parking lots, after several generous rains, the weeds starting growing out of control. So early one morning, I thought I would take matters into my own hands. I grabbed a garbage bag and started picking the bigger weeds in our back gravel lot. I figured if I sprayed them, we would have a lot of dead, brown weeds which are not very attractive.
After 10 minutes of weed pulling, my back bumped into something firm but not hard. I turned around and saw a middle-aged woman silently helping. It was our backs that collided. I wondered how many minutes she had been silently working. “Morning, Father!” she said.
After a brief conversation, I learned that she was a homeless woman trying to permanently get off the streets. She insisted on helping until every weed was pulled. To make a long story short, we are now in the process of getting her into a one-bedroom apartment and off the streets.
On Saturday, Sept. 24, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is holding its ninth annual Bishop Glennon Flavin Memorial Sporting Clays Tournament at Oak Creek Sporting Club located near Brainard. Proceeds will go to helping the many needy individuals and families that come to us in crisis like the woman mentioned above.
Registration, shooting and games begin at 9 a.m. with a luncheon at 1 p.m.. The last team will start the course at 1 p.m. Game prizes and trophies will be awarded after the event. The $125 registration fee includes 100 sporting clay targets and shells, and one free ticket for the shooting games. There are multiple sponsorship opportunities. All those who have participated in the past can testify that it is a blast! For more information, call John McDermott at 402-430-5626 or visit our website at www.cssisus.org.
I would like to thank all those who have made and will make this event possible and remember – all of the proceeds will help us assist the countless individuals and families that come to us including women that are escaping abortion and domestic violence. Please know that all of you, your families and intentions are in our daily prayers!
“I won’t do it perfectly, but I will do something. I am not going to keep worrying; but I am going to act. I do not want to come to Jesus empty-handed.”
These words were spoken by Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay to nearly 100 pro-life directors from across the country—including three from Nebraska.
These simple, yet powerful, words of Bishop Ricken struck me in a couple ways. First, my experience is that many of us (including myself) are often trapped by fear when faced with the work of evangelization, which is the work of spreading the love of Jesus Christ. Any number of concerns often creep into mind, most especially the fact of our insufficiency to do the work of evangelization. Falling into scrupulosity, we feel that we will not do the work perfectly enough. We become stifled by our shortcomings and imperfections. As a result, we fail to proclaim the Gospel of Life.
Second, I found that Bishop Ricken was echoing much of what Pope Francis describes in paragraphs 120-121 of his apostolic exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel. I have written about these two pargraphs already, but they bear repeating time and time again.
In these paragraphs, Pope Francis highlights two points. His first point is that all—every single one of us—are called to the work of missionary discipleship. By virtue of our baptism, regardless of our position in the Church or level of instruction in the faith, we are called to be “agents of evangelization[.]” We cannot sit idle as “passive recipients” of the Gospel.
His second point is that although we are called to “mature in our work as evangelizers” through “better training, a deeper love and a clearer witness to the Gospel,” we are nevertheless called to proclaim the Gospel of Life in the here and now of our present and imperfect circumstances. As Pope Francis insists: “[W]e should not postpone the evangelizing mission; rather, each of us should find ways to communicate Jesus wherever we are…. Our falling short of perfection should be no excuse; on the contrary, mission is a constant stimulus not to remain mired in mediocrity but to continue growing.”
The Gospel of Life cannot wait for us to reach perfection. The reason is quite simple: on this side of eternity, we will never reach perfection. Every moment we delay our sacred call to proclaim the Gospel of Life is a moment we delay cooperating and working to promote justice and peace in our society. Thus, the tendency to wait until I have it “figured out” is a tendency that must be rejected. Place this tendency at the foot of the Cross and beg Christ for the virtue of courage, of a heart fortified for the great mission of love that seeks to protect the most vulnerable.
As Robert Frost expressively captures in his poem “Storm Fear”: “It costs no inward struggle not to go[.]” The call to “cast out into deep” as our Lord commands will be one that puts us in a position of discomfort—or, again, to steal from Frost, will give rise to an “agitated heart.” After all, the work of evangelization is not easy; it is not for the faint of heart. Yet, the beautiful fact is that evangelization is a work that the Lord has called us to bear as a response to His unfailing love. And, precisely because God has lovingly commanded us, He also promises to be with us. Thus, we should never find ourselves alone or without the power of God by our side in the work of proclaiming the Gospel of Life.
I highly encourage you to seriously reflect and pray about those things which impede your work of missionary discipleship for the Gospel of Life. Ask for the courage to overcome the impediments and follow our Lord in the imperfection of your circumstances. Pray for the zeal to winsomely defend the unborn and their parents, assist the widow and orphan, protect the poor and marginalized. Returning to the words of Bishop Ricken: Quit worrying and “do something” and do “not come to Jesus empty-handed.”
“Bully” by Patricia Polacco
G.P. Putnam and Sons, New York, 2012, 32 pages. Grades 3-5
One of the most painful experiences for children is being bullied. Victims are usually vulnerable and often are unable to protect themselves. Bullies will pick on these children, tormenting their lives. Without question, bullying is mean-spirited and un-Christian.
Though bullies have poor self-images and sometimes compensate by projecting this on others, their actions can never be justified. They need to be stopped and educators many times are the only persons the victims can turn to. In this book, famous children’s writer/illustrator Patricia Polacco turns from her normal cheery subjects to tackle this painful problem. The name of the book is “Bully.”
Lyla Dean has just moved to the San Francisco Bay area. She is nervous at school the first day. Being a sixth-grader, she is entering into the uncertainties of puberty. She meets a nice boy in the sixth grade named Jamie and they become friends.
As Lyla looks around the lunchroom it is quite apparent the children have segregated themselves into groups. There are the “geeks” and the “athletes.” One table holds special prominence and is called “the celebrity table.” Three girls rule this table and make and ruin reputations at the school. One girl, Gage, leads this pack and is used to winning everything she deems important.
The “celebrities” disdain Jamie as an overweight computer dork and begin posting mean pictures of him on Facebook accounts. The three girls know how to use social media to attack people they don’t like. That includes anyone not bowing to their importance. Lyla tries out to become a cheerleader and impresses the squad director with her grace and athleticism. Jamie tries to warn Lyla that the celebrities are dangerous and vengeful, but she doesn’t understand.
Soon Gage tries to bring Lyla into the inner circle of “important people.” But when she refuses to post hateful Facebook posts, she falls out of favor. Before long, Gage and her followers decide to set Lyla up and ruin her reputation. Since Gage has always been the smartest girl in school, she is particularly angry at Lyla for getting higher grades in class. So Gage plots to undermine Lyla during a statewide examination.
She succeeds and Lyla is soon being ridiculed throughout the school. But even clever children can be caught. Jamie figures out a way to discover the truth. What happens next?
How does Jamie uncover the truth? Why do so many people want to believe the worst about Lyla? What happens to Lyla as a result of these attacks? Do you know anyone that was targeted by bullies? Have you ever been bullied? How does Jamie help protect Lyla? How can bullying be stopped? To find out the issues in this problem and possible solutions, go to the library and check out “Bully” by Patricia Polacco.
Bullying is a serious problem in schools and can now result in serious consequences for the perpetrators. It cannot be stopped too soon, as bullying results in heartbreak for many children. Polacco does not offer any easy answers at the end of the book, but does show that bullies can be held accountable. Though this book is not pleasant to read, Polacco has done us a favor in bringing this problem more into the light. She does show how the victims can be assisted by others. If bullying is a problem in your school or in your family, this book could be a valuable help.
When I was a little boy, at a stadium watching baseball or at an arena watching basketball with dad, I often asked for a box of Cracker Jacks for two reasons. First, I liked how they tasted; and second, they always came with a prize inside, a little treasure.
We are all endowed with God-given natural gifts, one of which is wisdom (the ability to judge). For example, aided with natural wisdom, before long, I was able to correctly judge that the prizes in a box of Cracker Jacks were rinky-dinky in comparison to other things of the world… like a shiny new bicycle.
When we were baptized, we were infused with Divine Wisdom, one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. This important gift is supernatural, meaning it is above and beyond our nature, helping us judge the value of things as God judges them. Aided with Divine Wisdom, we are able to judge where true treasure lies. However, at baptism, these gifts are like seeds: if in humility we cooperate with God they will grow, if we do not cooperate, they will not grow.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mt 6:19-21).
It is true that whatever treasures we accumulate on earth, when we die, we will leave them all here on earth. How do we lay up treasures in heaven, “Where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal?” By using our earthly treasures for the benefit of our neighbors who are in need.
The two consistent common characteristics of the saints are an intense love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and for the poor and needy. I see this daily in our donors. “If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Col 3:1).
Last spring, I traveled to Surprise, Ariz., with Father Daniel Rayer and Father Harlan Waskowiak to watch the Royals during spring training. It was there that I succumbed to a strong temptation: I bought a box of Cracker Jacks. Yes, they were delicious! But natural wisdom informed me that the prizes and treasures inside are more rinky-dinky than they were more than 50 years ago!
But after 10 seconds of disappointment, Divine Wisdom reminded me where true treasures are, where “No eye has seen, nor ear heard nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9).
Earlier in the summer I wrote about a pro-life dialogue training I attended that was presented by Justice for All (“JFA”). In that piece, I wrote about three essential skills that are fundamental to creating a dialogue on the issue of abortion: 1) Ask questions of the other person with an open heart and the purpose of gathering information (what?) and asking for reasons/evidence (why?); 2) Listen to understand which entails genuine intent to know the other person’s position; 3) Establish common ground when possible, recognizing points of agreement.
This column will focus on discussing a few more insights that JFA shared. These insights focus on the central question: “What is the unborn?”
Most likely, you have engaged in a conversation on abortion that quickly went awry. The conversation winded up discussing tangents that—though important—were not essential to the dialogue. For example, the conversation may have quickly digressed into topics such as poverty, the woman’s right to choose, or timing of and desire for the pregnancy.
These topics miss out on the fundamental question: “What is the unborn?” However, by directing and redirecting a conversation to this question, we face the question that should intellectually settle the issue.
JFA recommends “trotting out the toddler” to refocus the conversation. For example, redirecting somebody who is focused on the “right to choose” might look like this: “I agree that women should have the right to choose many things. But consider a woman who has a toddler. Should she be allowed to choose to kill her child?” The response to this question should be a resounding “No!” Asking reasons (why?) for this belief might lead to the following: “Because the toddler is a human being.” We would wholly agree.
A statement about the humanity of the toddler dovetails into an opportunity to ask another key question: “Is the unborn a living, human organism?” Importantly, this question requires us to brush up on our biology as we articulate what it means to be ‘living,’ a ‘human,’ and a ‘whole organism.’
That the unborn is ‘living’ is evidenced by demonstrating her growth through cellular reproduction, reaction to stimuli, and metabolizing food for energy. That the unborn is ‘human’ can be shown by the fact that she has human parents and a DNA structure unique to a human being. That the unborn is a ‘whole organism’ can be revealed through her active development through the stages of human development. These types of verifiable scientific facts debunk flawed arguments that the unborn is a mere ball of living cells or no different from the functional parts of sperm and egg.
While the scientific facts of the unborn child’s humanity may be established, a difficult question may yet remain: “Is the unborn equal to the rest of us?” In other words, while a person may admit the unborn is a human being, they may not believe a ‘human’ is a ‘person’ with the inalienable right to life. For example, they may claim that the unborn lacks intelligence or is incapable of self-awareness.
In response, you can gently challenge the other person, asking why attributes such as intelligence or self-awareness are significant and confer legal rights on a human. Ultimately, such attributes are overly broad and overly narrow. For instance, they may include the equal protection of animals while excluding the legal protection of an infant (e.g., presence of some level of ‘self-awareness’). Such absurd results shed light on the fact that our legal rights do not stem from some attribute or property we acquire, but that our legal rights arise from our God-given human nature.
With these three essential skills and central question which opens up subsequent key questions, JFA provides a basic roadmap for navigating almost any difficult conversation on the topic of abortion. This “method” of dialogue provides the tools to encounter other people in a manner that respects their human dignity, builds relationships, and, God willing, changes minds and hearts. Finally, with these tools at your disposal, take courage—do not be afraid—to engage a family member, friend, or random stranger in your work of spreading the Gospel of Life.
“Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh,”
by Sally M. Walker, illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss.
Henry Holt and Company, New York, 2015, 32 pages, K-3.
A.A. Milne was a famous English journalist in the early decades of the 20th century. His son, Christopher Robbin, became one of the main characters in the famous Winnie-the-Pooh book series. One of the most famous pictures in children’s literature is that of Christopher Robbin coming down the stairs holding the paw of Winnie-the-Pooh. Milne’s home became the site of the Winnie-the-Pooh series with the backyard and trees serving as places of adventure for Christopher Robbin.
But where did the Winnie-the-Pooh come from? Sally Walker tells the fascinating story of the real animal in the book: “Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the Pooh.”
As World War I broke out, British citizens throughout the Empire enlisted in the army. In Canada, there was a patriotic fervor to join the military. In the Province of Manitoba, many young men eagerly joined the war effort. Since so much of the army moved by horse-drawn vehicles, the military stood in dire need of veterinarians. Dr. Harry Colebourn joined the veterinary corps in 1914.
On the way to advanced training, Dr. Colebourn saw a man sitting at a train station with a baby bear. Quickly getting off of the train, he found the man would sell the bear for $20. He rapidly paid the money and picked the cub up as the train was about to leave. As the train moved down the tracks, his commander asked why he had bought the baby bear. Colebourn told him he had named the cub Winnipeg, after the provincial capital, and the bear was to be the company’s mascot. The commander agreed when Dr. Colebourn said he would feed and care for the bear.
The cub’s name was soon shortened to Winnie and Dr. Colebourn continually fed him sweetened milk and other tasty foods. Winnie became quite tame and insisted on being held by Dr. Colebourn and slept each night under his cot. But as time passed, Winnie grew and the Canadians were sent to the Western Front in France. Before leaving, Dr. Colebourn arranged to have Winnie transferred to the London Zoo. Though Winnie ran after Dr. Colebourn when the doctor was leaving, he soon became very happy at the zoo. He was so tame and pleasant that children rode on his back and petted him.
One day a famous writer named A.A. Milne brought his young son, Christopher Robbin, to the zoo and the child was immediately drawn to Winnie. In the next days, A.A. Milne began to use his considerable literary skills to entertain the young boy. What stories did he write?
What kind of adventures did Christopher Robbin and Winnie have? When did his bear get the name Pooh? Did Dr. Colebourn return and take Winnie back to Canada? Why was Winnie so attractive to everyone? If bears seem scary to most people why did everyone want to pet Winnie? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh” by Sally Walker.
This is a delightful book about Winnie-the-Pooh. The photographs of Dr. Colebourn and the Milne family add to the story. Christopher Robbin’s haircut is identical to the drawings in the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. I hope your get a chance to read this enjoyable book with the younger members of your family. They will love it and so will you.
I am elated to announce that our annual Catholic Social Services Memorial Golf Tournament and Auction is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 12. This year we are honoring Bob McCabe, who was a great friend of the agency. Not only was he a wonderful friend of the agency, he played in this tournament for many years. One of Bob’s passions was working tirelessly in the pro-life movement. I cannot tell you how many times I have said to women contemplating an abortion the old Bob McCabe line that works wonders: “Your baby will be as beautiful as you are!” We are privileged to honor him this year.
Our silent auction includes a pristine, low mileage 1990 Cadillac Eldorado; a cute scooter; an overnight pheasant hunt; a set of irons; a little dune racer; a Trek 820 bicycle; a snow blower; a lawn mower; a gourmet dinner for 8-10 by yours truly; a wine fridge with some wine; a hot air balloon ride; and many more items.
Like last year, one need not be present to bid on these items. You can simply bid on any item via your smart phone or by text from anywhere. You will be updated on the status of your bid throughout the evening until bidding closes. You can even start bidding on items days before the tournament. For instructions on seeing these items and how to make a bid, please visit our auction website (www.qtego.net/qlink/cssgolf). You can even contact John McDermott for more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. He will be able to tell you if there are any more openings for teams in the morning flight. If you are interested in sponsoring a hole, John can help you with this too.
For those who will be golfing and attending the cookout in the evening, I look forward to seeing you then. If you cannot attend and are interested in checking out our silent auction, please see our website for more details. Please join me in saying a prayer for the happy repose of Mr. Bob McCabe, who had a role in my vocation to the priesthood (which is a story for another day). May the soul of Bob McCabe rest in peace, Amen!
Under Nebraska state law, every abortion performed in our state must be reported by the attending abortionist through an abortion reporting form to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The abortion reporting form submitted to DHHS includes a variety of information (e.g., age of the mother, type of procedure performed, reason for the abortion, etc.). DHHS compiles this information and issues an annual report. These annual reports date back to 1974. Recently, the DHHS issued its “2015 Statistical Report of Abortions” (full report available at http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/pages/ced_vs.aspx).
The annual report offers an opportunity—as difficult as it is to read through an account of lives lost—to better understand the state of abortion in Nebraska. This article looks at some of the categories of information provided in the report.
Total Number of Abortions. The Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities regrets to inform you that 2,004 babies were killed by induced abortions in 2015. This number represents an 11% decrease when compared to the 2014 total of 2,270, and a 68% decrease when compared to the 1990 total of 6,346 which represents the high water mark for abortions in Nebraska. While we thank God for this steady decrease, there is no doubt we are called to mourn the lost lives, to beg the Divine Physician for the healing of the mothers, fathers, and families who have been affected, and to remain prayerfully vigilant and determined in our defense of the dignity of human life.
Mother’s Age. The modal age—the age at which most abortions occurred—was 25. Typically, the modal age has been between 21 to 23. Young women between 20 and 29 accounted for nearly 60% (1,154) of abortions. Nearly 30% (583) of abortions occurred with women between 30 and 39. Another 10% of abortions were had by teenage girls between the 15 and 19. Most saddening was the fact that seven girls under 15 had abortions, with the youngest being 12 years old. The remainder of abortions (66) was with women over 40 years old.
First-Time & Repeat Abortions. The majority of abortions were first-time abortions, totaling slightly above 60% (1,250) of abortions. Another 25% (503) were second-time abortions. Just over 12% (251) of abortions were performed on woman who had three or more previous abortions.
Reasons for Abortions. The reasons for abortion varied, but the top three reasons were no contraception used (46%), contraceptive failure (14%), and socioeconomic (11%). In 25% of abortions the mother declined to provide a reason. The remaining 5% of abortions occurred because of maternal physical health (41), mental health (21), fetal anomaly (15), sexual assault (10), and maternal life endangered (7).
Abortion Procedures Used. Most abortions were the result of one of two methods. The most common method was medication-induced abortion which resulted in 965 (48%) of abortions. Interestingly, a decade ago, medication-induced abortion amounted to less than 2% (43) of abortions. In 2010, medication-induced abortions gained prominence at 30% (746) of abortions. Notably, 2015 marked the first year that medication-induced abortions were the most common abortion method. The suction curettage method followed closely with 46% (924) of abortions. The remaining 6% (115) of abortions were by dilation and evacuation (D&E) and dilation and extraction (D&X).
Gestational Age of Unborn Child. Nearly all abortions occurred within the first 12 weeks (or first trimester) of pregnancy, totaling 1,867 (93%) abortions. Within this time period, the majority of abortions (1,109) occurred during the fourth, fifth, and sixth weeks of pregnancy.
While the annual report only gives us raw data, as pro-lifers we are left with the difficult work of reaching out to the post-abortive woman and extending the love of Christ and His Church. We know that abortion hurts woman (and men) physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. As we reflect and mourn, pray for healing. Continue to promote the work of healing ministries such as Project Rachel and Rachel’s Vineyard. We commend all this work to the Most Sacred and Merciful Heart of Jesus!
“The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkein
(Part One of Three in “The Lord of the Rings)
Mariner Press, New York, 1994 (originally published in 1954), 398 pages. Grades 10 and higher.
High fantasy is a form of literature in which a young and sometimes naïve character is set on the difficult task of stopping evil and achieving good. Due to their inexperience, the main character is usually assisted by noble people knowledgeable in how to oppose the impending malevolence. But even with this assistance, the central figure must plumb the depths of his heart and soul to resolve the problem.
Frequently, fantasy writers create new worlds in their novels. This gives high fantasy a compelling stage to discuss current issues and hold readers attention. “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the greatest fantasy trilogies in literature. “The Fellowship of the Ring” is the first book in the series.
Frodo Baggins is a hobbit living in Bag End in the Shire. Similar to most hobbits, he likes to take it easy and eat two or three breakfasts each day. Years earlier, his uncle Bilbo Baggins went on a long and dangerous journey and returned with great wealth and a mysterious ring. Bilbo had met an evil creature named Gollum and tricked him out of the ring. Now an old hobbit, Bilbo plans to leave Bag End and gives Frodo the ring.
After he leaves, Frodo is visited by a wizard named Gandalf. He learns that whoever possesses the ring has enormous power but that this power turns the ring holder down the path of evil and destruction. Frodo is told the ring was created by the evil Lord Sauron and that he is searching the entire world for the ring. When he finds the ring, Sauron will use it to create an evil world dominated by his poisoned will.
Gandalf tells Frodo that he must go on a dangerous journey to the malicious world created by Sauron to destroy the ring. Frodo feels overwhelmed by the task. But at Gandalf’s urging, he leaves the Shire with three other hobbits. They soon meet a mysterious outdoorsman named Strider.
Not able to yet understand the gravity of the situation, the hobbits make silly comments at a tavern and are attacked by black riders serving Lord Sauron. Saved by Strider, they flee through the mountains with the riders doggedly pursuing them. Barely making it to safety in the kingdom of Rivendell, Frodo now is told the full measure of his mission. It is a journey that will take him to the ends of the earth and he will learn what happens when goodness confronts evil.
How does he learn this? Who is Legolas the Elf? What are the Mines of Moria? What does Galadriel, the beautiful Lady of Lorien, teach Frodo about the power of the ring? And finally, how does Frodo learn that you must confront and reject evil. To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and read “The Fellowship of the Ring” by J.R.R. Tolkien.
In the late 1960s, “The Lord of the Rings” achieved immense popularity. J.R.R. Tolkien was a professor of literature at Oxford University and the success of “The Lord of the Rings” made him world-famous. Though others had written high fantasy before Tolkien, the massive success of his writing made him the virtual father of high fantasy. Though he died in 1973, his influence is such that that “The Lord of the Rings” is the literary benchmark for high fantasy.
I hope you take the opportunity to read "The Fellowship of the Rings" and the subsequent books in the trilogy. You just can’t beat them by Gollum. Enjoy!
I trust most of our benefactors know about Gianna’s Java & Gelato, located on 23rd and O street on our beautiful St. Joseph Campus, which serves handcrafted gelato and delicious coffee and food (Click here for slideshow of photos!).
I trust you also know that our equipment is from Italy, as well as the ingredients for the gelato. What you do not know is that our gelato chef, David Walbrecht, who was trained to make gelato from scratch, just received advanced gelato training.
As the executive director of CSS, I have made the sacrifice of quality control moving forward (meaning helping with taste testing). It is a tough job, but somebody has to do it.
The advanced training was held at the American headquarters of Pre-Gel (the famous Italian Gelato company) in Concord, N.C. Dave drove out with his wife, Pat and stopped at many places in the South including Irondale, Ala. at EWTN.
After this southern trek, we decided to hold an event, called “Southern Style Dinner,” where we will showcase some of new types of gelato along with authentic southern flare foods. This includes a Carolina barbecue (including pork and brisket), baked beans, cheesy corn muffins, corn on the cob, sweet tea, and, of course, new gelato flavors.
We will be holding this fun and flavorful event Saturday, Aug. 6 starting at 6 p.m. sharp with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $30, all you can eat, and must be purchased in advance. There will be plenty of parking, but space is limited to 93 persons, so we encourage you to register early!
For more information, call Paula at 402-327-6228.
Please remember that all of the proceeds of Gianna’s Java & Gelato are used to help abused women who are escaping abortion and domestic violence; to aid individuals and families in avoiding and escaping homelessness; and for grants for individuals who cannot afford the full cost of counseling services.
Please let me remind you that Masses and prayers are offered for you, your family and intentions. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Joseph, St. Gianna and all of our patron saints, pray for us!
The Supreme Court of the United States recently issued two devastating blows to life and religious liberty. 
First, in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt (“Hellerstedt”), by a 5-3 opinion authored by Justice Stephen Breyer, the Court struck down a Texas law that had required abortion clinics to meet the safety standards of ambulatory surgical centers and required doctors performing abortions to have hospital admitting privileges.
Second, in Stormans, Inc. v. Weisman (“Stormans”), the Court denied review of a Washington State regulation requiring a pharmacy to deliver all prescription medications (including abortifacient contraceptives), even if the owner of the pharmacy has a religious objection.
In Hellerstedt, the Court further distorted an already corrupt abortion jurisprudence. It did so in various ways, but I will highlight two ways.
First, Hellerstedt further propagates the lie that abortion is a fundamental good and constitutional right for women. By upholding the fabricated ‘right’ to abortion, the Court disregards the supreme dignity of human life from the moment of conception. As well, the Court discounts efforts to protect women’s health in the midst of an act that already produces negative physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual consequences.
Second, the Court asserts raw judicial power by a) establishing novel procedural rules, and b) dismissing the efforts of a legislative body. The Court bent over backwards to carve out exceptions to procedural rules in order to reach a favorable decision for abortion clinics and doctors. This “troubling tendency” (as Justice Clarence Thomas calls it) of abortion distortion occurred to such an extent that Justice Samuel Alito proposed it will undermine “public confidence in the Court as a fair and neutral arbiter.”
The Court also circumvented the Texas legislature’s rationale to prioritize patient safety. Instead of offering any credence to the legislature’s reasoned judgments, the Court substantially deferred to a trial court. Additionally, the Court’s reasoning offered no indication of the types of regulations a state could validly establish in the context of pre-viability abortions. This leaves legislatures guessing at the evidence required to establish constitutional public policy. As Justice Thomas criticizes: “[O]ur decisions deliver neither predictability nor the promise of a judiciary bound by the rule of law.”
In Stormans, the Court’s decision to deny review provides, as Justice Alito forewarns, an “ominous sign” of “how religious liberty claims will be treated in the years ahead” which should give “those who value religious freedom ... cause for great concern.”
Stormans involved a family who owned a local grocery store and pharmacy in Olympia, Wash. As devout Christians, the Stormans sought to run their store and pharmacy in accord with their religious beliefs, which affirm the scientifically demonstrable reality that human life begins at conception, and drugs which prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg constitute abortion. However, even though Washington regulations allow a refusal to dispense the drugs for a host of secular reasons, they do not permit exceptions for religious or moral reasons.
After 12 days of trial, the trial court enjoined the regulations. The court determined that the “predominant purpose” of the regulation was to “stamp out the right to refuse” dispensation of emergency contraception for religious reasons.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the lower court and upheld the Washington regulation. The Supreme Court denied further review.
Justice Alito dissented, claiming there should be an assessment whether the regulation “stems from animosity to religion or distrust of its practices.” This means, for now, the 9th Circuit decision is authoritative law in that judicial circuit and puts folks in Washington, like the Stormans, in a dilemma: violate your sincerely held religious beliefs, or leave the pharmaceutical business.
In short, these decisions by our nation’s highest court further prove life and religious liberty continue to be under attack. In the midst of these assaults, we do well to have courage and take heart in these words of Pope Benedict XVI: “Dear friends, may no adversity paralyze you. Be afraid neither of the world, nor of the future, nor of your weakness. The Lord has allowed you to live in this moment of history so that, by your faith, his name will continue to resound throughout the world.”
“Night,” by Elie Wiesel
Hill and Wang, New York, 2006 (originally published in 1958), 120 pages, Grades 10 and higher.
Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) was one of the great voices of the 20th century. A survivor of the concentration camps in World War II, he gave a voice to the immense suffering and horror of the Holocaust.
“Night” is his autobiographical account of the sufferings of the victims of the Final Solution. This diabolical plan was developed by the Nazis to exterminate the Jewish people, and many others that were found to be “unworthy of life.” Wiesel and his family will be caught in this horrible plan in 1942.
His autobiography tells of the searing of his soul by the Nazis. To put it mildly, it is a painful book, but it is a book that tells of an experience that mankind should never forget.
The story begins in 1941 where the 12-year-old Elie is living with his family in a normal Hungarian town. His father is a respected man, and his mother is known for her virtuous qualities. Elie studies the Bible and the Talmud (collection of writings on Jewish law and religious practices). He loves his family and in every way he is just a normal Jewish boy.
Hungary has been protected to some extent because its leader, Admiral Horthy, had drug his feet in enforcing German laws attacking the Jews. Unfortunately, this ends and the Jewish community in Weisel’s hometown is forced into a ghetto. Everyone is completely befuddled by this. Many of the Hungarian Jews speak fluent German and have an appreciation of German culture and can’t grasp what is happening. When the Wiesels’ former maid tearfully visits them in the ghetto and tries to convince the father to take the family and escape to a hiding place she has created, he just can’t believe things are this bad and turns down the offer. The idea of killing an entire people appears preposterous. So it just seems best to hunker down hoping this latest bad time in Jewish history will roll by. Tragically, it is just beginning.
Soon the entire community is ordered out of the ghetto to a loading zone. Marched without food or water, the dazed Jews are forced into cattle cars. Because there are so many people in the cattle cars, the Wiesel family, like the rest of the Jews, can hardly move. As the train begins its deadly journey, the Jews helplessly try to understand what is happening.
After a days-long, suffocating trip, the train stops in Poland. They are at their destination. They are then unloaded into the hellish world of the Auschwitz Death Camp. A German SS officer with eight words begins sorting the Jews into two groups: “Men to the left, women to the right.” The first death selection is about to begin.
What happens to the Wiesels and to the other Jews? Though most are killed, why do some survive? What does this survival cost the survivors? Why do some people despair and lose their faith and others offer their suffering? And finally, why is it so important that Elie Wiesel tells this story of suffering?
Why do we need to never forget? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this important book.
This is not an enjoyable book to read and the suffering described is immense. But genocides have not stopped with the Final Solution. The United States House of Representatives just passed a resolution calling the actions of ISIS to be genocidal. Perhaps by remembering the heroic life of Elie Wiesel, we can stop a future genocide. This autobiography continues to ask questions we need to confront. Its message is still as relevant today as it was in 1958.
Three weeks ago, on the 11th Sunday of ordinary time, we heard the story of a woman who approached Jesus at the home of a leading Pharisee who had invited Him to dinner. Most of us know the story well.
“Standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with ointment…” (Lk 7:38).
“While this was going on, the Pharisee thought to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner’”(Lk 7:39).
Knowing his thoughts, Jesus told a parable about a creditor who forgave the debts of two persons, one a large and another a smaller amount. After asking the Pharisee who of the two would love the creditor more, he answered, “The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more” (Lk 7:43).
After affirming his answer, Jesus said, ‘Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much’… He said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven … your faith has saved you; go in peace’” (Lk 7:47-50).
Just days after this gospel was read, in all of the Catholic churches throughout the world, a woman employed as a stripper outside the Diocese of Lincoln decided to travel to Lincoln to party with some friends. As you can imagine, the alcohol was flowing and once the word spread to the young men hanging around what her profession was, one decided to take advantage of her. During the ensuing struggle, she managed to break away and was found wandering the streets of Lincoln with her clothes torn and in shambles.
After seeing her in obvious distress, a friend of CSS brought her to us. After she refused to involve law enforcement, while doing her best to cover herself because of her torn clothing, we took her to our St. Louise Gift & Thrift store and clothed her. Afterwards we gave her a rosary and while looking at the corpus of Jesus hanging on the cross, she said with great emotion, “I’m not worthy of this!”
It was then we informed her of her God-given dignity of being a daughter of God the Father Who created her in His image and likeness. We then called a cab to take her to a friend’s house. She was told to call us if she ever needs anything.
I need not tell you that a seed was planted and what is necessary now is water and fertilizer, i.e. prayer and penance. During this year of Mercy, please pray for this young woman and if you can, please perform a little act of penance.
We are not worried that we may never see her again because, “One sows and another reaps” (Jn 4:37) – in other words, we have sown the love of Jesus Christ in her heart and another will witness her conversion as Jesus will say to her, “Your sins are forgiven … your faith has saved you” (Lk 7:48-50).
Recently, I wrote about some workshops regarding how to have constructive conversations on the issue of abortion. I had the privilege of attending one of these workshops. The organization that provided the workshops was Justice for All (JFA). JFA’s goal is to foster “conversations in which the contentious debate about abortion is transformed into a dialogue.”
JFA seeks to “train thousands to make abortion unthinkable for millions, one person at a time.” JFA accomplishes this mission by having trained staff travel the country to mentor anybody interested in nurturing life-changing conversations. JFA helps people—like you and me—understand the basics of discussing the abortion issue.
The trainings were led by JFA staff member, Rebecca Haschke (a Nebraska native!). Rebecca blessed us with innumerable insights. In this article and my next, I want to share some of these insights.
The training began by outlining three essential skills:
1) Ask Questions with an Open Heart;
2) Listen to Understand; and
3) Find Common Ground when Possible.
While these skills seem obvious, they are easily lost in the passion of defending life. Thus, it is critical they are intentionally practiced.
Asking questions with an open heart, and listening to understand, require a stance of humility and openness toward the other. We must put away all assumptions about what we think the other person might believe. Instead of assuming we know what it is for the other person to be “pro-life” or “pro-choice,” we are invited to learn what this particular person believes. This requires gathering information, asking for clarification, and asking for reasons or evidences for their belief.
Listening to understand also requires certain attention. We must remain attentive to the present moment. We give our devotion to what is actually being said by the other person, demonstrating that we comprehend their position. Listening builds trust and, thereby, relationship.
These first two skills are perhaps the most important skills, not only for their persuasive effect but chiefly because they respect the dignity of the human person. They provide the means to meet others in their current circumstances which is also the work of the Church. As Blessed Pope Paul VI once stated: “[T]he Church of the [Second Vatican] Council has been concerned, not just with herself and with her relationship of union with God, but with man—man as he really is today[.]”
In meeting the other person in their circumstances, we practice what Father Antonio Sicari calls “a paradoxical patience.” It is ‘paradoxical’ because we permit the other to have their experience, regardless of its ultimate moral value. This respects the freedom of their use of intellect and will. This paradoxical patience is, as Father Luigi Giussani states, “how God acts with man.” Only from this ‘paradoxical patience’ of asking questions and listening to understand can we do the further work of asking deeper, more challenging (life-changing) questions.
The third skill—finding common ground when possible—is perhaps the most difficult skill. In our world infected by political bickering, argumentation is often illustrated by contrasting polar opposite positions. There never appears to be common interest. Finding common ground involves rejecting this mentality and building bridges. For example, we might find ourselves agreeing with an adamant pro-choicer that certain forms of abortion or abortion under certain circumstances are wrong and should be legally prohibited. These points of agreement should be acknowledged.
Ultimately, these three essential skills provide us with a “method” for substantive and—God willing—fruitful conversations. These skills are worth practicing in our daily conversations (on any number of topics). JFA has found these three essential skills to be life-changing and life-saving, and I think you will, too. If you are interested in learning more about this method and watching a video of Rebecca putting these skills in action, visit www.jfaweb.org/learn-at-home.
“Tucky Jo and Little Heart” by Patricia Polacco
Simon & Shuster Books for Children, New York, 2015, 32 pages. Grades 3-5.
War creates many victims. These terrible conflicts tell us who we really are, not just what we would like to be.
After the Pearl Harbor attack, the United States entered World War II. Millions of men and women served in the armed forces and millions of others worked in war industries. The war in the Pacific was particularly brutal due to the hot climate and the prevalence of tropical diseases. Battles were often fought to the last man as the soldiers of the Imperial Army of Japan seldom surrendered. This led to battle-hardened American soldiers. Yet in the midst of all this destruction, acts of great courage and sacrifice were to be found.
Famed author/illustrator, Patricia Polacco tells of a series of heroic acts in an embattled Filipino village. The name of this beautifully moving story is “Tucky Jo and Little Heart.”
Johnnie Wallen was born in rural Kentucky in 1924. Growing up, he learns to hunt and fish and becomes a crack shot. After the Pearl Harbor attack, Johnnie enthusiastically tries to join the Army. He lies to the recruiter about his age as he is too young. Be careful what you ask for. Inducted, he soon finds himself in combat and learns the horror of war.
In campaign after campaign, he is wounded, afflicted with illness and bitten by vicious bugs on the Pacific islands. When the invasion of the Philippines occurs, Johnnie’s unit is in constant combat. He is an excellent marksman and is nicknamed “the Kid,” or “Kentucky Jo.”
On one dangerous mission he is crawling through the jungle and spies a village where the women are washing clothes in the stream. He senses someone behind him and turns around. There, standing in the jungle, is a beautiful little girl with ragged clothes and haunted eyes. The little girl has been so traumatized by the war that she cannot speak. She can’t even say her own name so Johnnie calls her “Little Heart” because of a heart-shaped birthmark on her arm. When he introduces himself as Kentucky Jo, Little Heart can only manage “Tucky Jo.”
When Johnnie goes into the village, he finds the people starving. With the little girl next to him, Kentucky Jo makes friends. He solves the food shortage in the village by getting some dynamite and throwing it into the river. After the explosion, all kinds of fish rise to the surface. The women are ecstatic and collect large numbers of fish.
After a happy period, a Japanese attack on the village is planned. The American artillery commanders respond by ordering a full-scale barrage on the village as the Japanese begin their assault. Johnnie is ordered to retreat, but begs his sergeant to allow him to save Little Heart and the villagers. Returning to the doomed village, Johnnie frantically leads all the villagers to the waiting American trucks while clutching the terrified Little Heart.
Weeping, Johnnie tears Little Heart’s arms from his neck and gives her to her grandfather in the back of the truck. But Johnnie must stay and defend the position. As the trucks flee the battle, Little Heart screams “Tucky Jo.” Johnnie’s unit survives the battle and is then sent to the next engagement. He never sees Little Heart again during World War II and for the rest of his life thinks of her.
What happens? Do Little Heart and Tucky Jo ever meet again? What allows a very ordinary Kentucky boy to become such a hero? What generous thanks does Little Heart so freely give him? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this magnificent story, “Tucky Jo and Little Heart” by Patricia Polacco.
I thought this was one of the most moving books I have ever read. Johnnie acts with genuine Christian charity and bravery throughout the story. Little Heart will return that love. I hope you get a chance to read this marvelous story with your family. It is a powerful story of love and courage.
On Memorial Day, before reporting to my yearly priestly retreat, I decided to spend time at the office catching up on some paper work. Holidays are perfect for a little catch up because there are fewer ‘interruptions.’
Right before lunch, I decided to take a jog on the bike trail north to the Devaney Center and back. While going north I noticed more homeless people than usual sleeping under the bridges of the new Antelope Creek Valley waterway.
My plan was to eat lunch after running. On my return leg, the message from the Lord was loud and clear, “How can you eat and drink knowing I am hungry and thirsty? How can you ignore me?”(Mt 25:31-46).
I knew in that moment after returning to the office, before doing anything else, I needed to feed and give something to drink to Jesus, Who lives in the homeless individuals I’d seen.
One of the men I passed was having trouble putting his shoes on, visibly in pain. While helping him with his shoes, I remembered I had given him those very shoes just weeks before. While helping him, I learned that after getting a construction job, he pulled a muscle in his back.
After returning to the office food pantry, I loaded up some grape juice and sandwiches and returned to those living under the bridges. They were very happy and grateful. The men and women living under the bridges do so 12 months out of the year. One even showed me his foot, on which he had lost several toes due to frostbite, as he lacked proper boots.
I am grateful to the many donors who help us assist so many: the homeless; individuals and families so they may avoid homelessness; individuals who cannot afford the total cost of counseling; the ladies at St. Gianna’s who come to us escaping domestic violence and abortion with their children. They are most grateful for your love and support. Please know that all of you, your families and intentions are in our prayers.
Recently, I ran across an old article from the April 1998 edition of First Things entitled “Abortion: A Failure to Communicate,” written by Paul Swope. The article summarized psychological research regarding the effectiveness of pro-life rhetoric. The research focused on the response of a certain set of women (i.e., American women of childbearing age who do not view the abortion issue through the same moral framework as pro-life activists) to a specific type of pro-life rhetoric.
The research sought to answer how these women could personally oppose abortion, but favor its continued legality. The research also intended to help pro-lifers more effectively communicate with this category of women.
The first insight recognized women in crisis pregnancies do not resolve the abortion question in a cool, logical, “left-brain” manner. Instead, women often resolve the issue in a more emotional, “right-brain” manner. Swope notes that for decades pro-lifers approached women with the assumption that they knew “killing a baby is wrong” and simply thought they needed to demonstrate that the fetus is a baby. Swope says this approach had “frustratingly little impact.”
Instead, the research revealed that many young women have developed a self-identity that excludes motherhood. As a result, an unplanned pregnancy represents a threat with three perceived “evil” solutions: motherhood, adoption, and abortion. The mother is left to choose what she believes is the least evil solution.
Unplanned motherhood is viewed as a “death of self” of her present and future self. The response by pro-lifers to focus on the innocent, unborn child falls on deaf ears, since the mother views her situation through self-preservation. Instead, it is important to help the mother move from an instinct of “self-preservation” to “species preservation.” This requires helping the woman incorporate motherhood into her identity and overcome thoughts such as “my life is over.”
Interestingly, adoption is perceived as the most “evil” of the three options. Adoption is experienced as a “double death”: the first is the “death of self” and the second is the “death of the child through abandonment.” The mother feels that adoption leads to an uncertain future for her child. The mother also fears her child’s abrupt return later in life. The study proposes that when adoption is pitted against abortion, adoption will be the “hands-down loser.”
Abortion, then, becomes the least perceived “evil” of the three options. Though these women believe abortion is wrong, they believe God will understand their predicament and offer forgiveness. As well, these women believe there is no real “choice” since their life is at stake. Abortion becomes a “difficult, costly, but necessary decision in order to get on with her life.” Thus, these women are protective of abortive women and their “right to choose” as the guardian of self-preservation.
Based on the research, Swope questions language and imagery that focuses on the child when speaking with women in these situations. Often times, they already know the fetus is a human and that abortion kills the baby. But, under their circumstances, they are willing to sacrifice this truth in their struggle for survival. This means the pro-life movement has to “address her side of the equation, and do so in a compassionate manner that affirms her own inner convictions” and help her “reevalaute what she perceives as the three ‘evils’ before her.”
This is not to say that stating objective facts is unsuccessful in other circumstances, but the research Swope summarized almost 20 years ago should provoke us to consider our messaging and whether it is counterproductive or ineffective. As we continue to consider being the most effective evangelists of the Gospel of life, Swope’s article offers something to ponder in our encounters with women of childbearing years, or those who are post-abortive.
by Tom Venzor,
Associate Director for Pro-Life & Family
Nebraska Catholic Conference
“The Real Benedict Arnold,” by Jim Murphy
Clarion Books, New York, 2007, 264 pages, Grades 6-9.
Our late Bishop Glennon Flavin once stated in a Legion of Mary meeting that “no one gets to heaven by themselves, and no one gets to hell by themselves.”
So how do people make important decisions? Is it their own doing or do others have a responsibility in the decisions? These are the basic questions that established nonfiction writer Jim Murphy asks about Benedict Arnold. Is he just a disgusting traitor, or is there more to the story? Who was he and what motivated him to betray his country? Murphy attempts to unravel this complicated knot.
The Arnold family had been a leading family in New England for a century before the American Revolution. But over time, the family becomes impoverished. Young Benedict grew up during these unhappy times and was affected by them. He develops a temperament that is quick to become angry over personal or familial slights. It doesn’t matter if they are real or imagined. With a chip on his shoulder, Benedict fights his way through life. This choleric personality makes many people resent him.
By force of character, Arnold builds a successful business in New Haven, Connecticut. But the taxes imposed upon the American Colonies by the Crown in the 1770s nearly bankrupt him. When the American Revolution begins, Benedict Arnold becomes an avid patriot and rises quickly in General George Washington’s army to the rank of general. He turns into a brilliant battlefield commander capable of using daring tactics at the Second Battle of Saratoga that saves the Revolution from collapsing.
While he has Washington’s full confidence, Arnold makes repeated enemies with members of the Continental Congress and leaders in the city of Philadelphia. In many cases, he is not to blame but inflames ill will by bluntly confronting the legislators over their greedy actions. This creates a poisonous atmosphere with many legislators and some generals.
Badly wounded twice in combat, General Arnold has contempt for many of his growing number of enemies. His character is repeatedly maligned in public and Congress refuses to pay him the money he is owed for paying for the upkeep of his army. His thin-skinned personality is repeatedly abused when less competent men are made major generals in the Continental Army. He believes that many people hate him, and he is largely correct in his assessment. The one joy in his life at this time is his marriage to Peggy Shippen, the wealthy daughter of a loyalist family in Philadelphia.
Shuttled to the sidelines by his enemies, he feels abandoned by Washington when he is convicted on trumped-up charges at a military court martial. He must publicly apologize for his nonexistent military failings. He broods for months over this public humiliation and then seems to make the fatal decision to betray the country by turning over the important fort at West Point to the British. The English intermediary in the treason is Major John Andre. Through chance, Arnold escapes, Andre is captured, and Washington reads all the treasonous letters of Benedict Arnold. Utterly crushed, Washington exclaims: “Arnold has betrayed me. Who can we trust now?” (p. 214)
How does this sordid saga end? What happens to Benedict Arnold? What 30 pieces of silver do the British give him for treasonous acts? What becomes of Major John Andre? Why was General Washington so impressed with the young officer? And finally, who is to blame for this terrible act?
Why was Bishop Flavin so accurate in saying that no one goes to heaven or hell without help from others?
I hope you get a chance to read this outstanding book, “The Real Benedict Arnold,” by Jim Murphy.
It is true that Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska has helped needy individuals and families in the southeastern portion of the Diocese of Lincoln before starting the St. Francis Center in Auburn. But it is a beautiful space, complete with a thrift store (the profits of which are used to help needy people and families), social and clinical service offices, and warehouse space.
Since its inception in 2000, we have provided nearly $1.6 million of total assistance to individuals and families in the southeastern sector of the diocese. This includes help with rent and utilities, medical expenses, food, clothing, cars, and grants for counseling, to name a few areas.
I am excited to announce that on Sunday, June 26, Catholic Social Services is holding its annual St. Francis Summer’s Eve Celebration to benefit those who come to us in crisis. This year it will be different. We are planning a riverboat dinner cruise on The Spirit of Brownville Riverboat, docked on East Main Street in Brownville.
The riverboat will be leaving the dock at 5 p.m. and will return at 7 p.m. Included in the cruise will be a dinner buffet. The cost is $30 per person. Corporate sponsorships are available.
All the net proceeds will go to help needy individuals and families who live in the southeastern sector of the diocese of Lincoln.
I pray that you will be able to join us on this first ever event (we have never hosted a riverboat dinner cruise!). I understand that the scenery is beautiful. Seating is limited to 100 attendees. If you are not able to attend, please pray for the success of this fun event.
To register, please contact us by calling Paula or John at 402-474-1600.
Please know that we at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska will keep you, your family and intentions in our prayers. St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of our southeastern Nebraska center, pray for us!
by Tom Venzor,
Associate Director for Pro-Life & Family
Nebraska Catholic Conference
“Evangelization is the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity,” exclaims Pope Paul VI in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Nuntiandi (EN, 14). His Holiness continues: “[The Church] exists in order to evangelize” (EN, 14).
Saint Pope John Paul II expounds on this core truth of the faith in his encyclical, Evangelium Vitae. In that monumental defense of the dignity and inviolability of human life, he reminds “all the various workers of the Gospel” that the call of evangelization “is also the case with regard to the proclamation of the Gospel of life” (EV, 79). Having received the gift of life from the Author of Life Himself, Saint John Paul acknowledges the sense of duty within each of us “to preach the Gospel of life” (EV, 79).
Yet, this sense of duty is often accompanied by another set of experiences which hinder our efforts to proclaim the dignity and value of the human person, especially of the unborn child. Perhaps we fear we are not intellectually prepared to make an articulate defense of life. Perhaps we worry the other with whom we are conversing will not be receptive and may respond with animosity. Perhaps we are concerned with our basic ability to begin a conversation on such a deeply divided issue like abortion. Aware of the fearful tendencies of the children of God, Pope Francis has advised us in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, that “[o]ur falling short of perfection should be no excuse” for not preaching the truth of the Gospel.
Pope Francis also recognizes the aspiration within the people of God to want “better training, a deepening love and a clearer witness to the Gospel” (EG, 121). Though all of these needs are not perfected within us, Pope Francis counsels us that “this does not mean that we should postpone the evangelizing mission” (EG, 121). Instead, he encourages us that “despite our imperfections” the Lord offers “his closeness, his word, and his strength” to each of us in the work of evangelization (EG, 121).
In short, we have a great duty—born out of our encounter with the love of Jesus Christ—to evangelize regarding the dignity and beauty of human life, even when we find ourselves unprepared or ill-equipped. In fact, I would argue we will always find ourselves, in some way, unprepared to do the work of evangelization. Nevertheless, the Lord calls and sends us on the way, just as He sent the Disciples to preach the Gospel, instructing them to “take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics” (Luke 9:3).
This is not to say, however, that we should shirk our responsibility to be educated and understand the Gospel of life. After all, we inherently yearn for the wisdom. Our intellect demands “better training” and catechesis on truths at the heart of the Gospel. “In this sense,” Pope Francis states, “we ought to let others be constantly evangelizing us” (EG, 121). We ought to learn from others how we can grow in our missionary discipleship regarding the Gospel of life and grow in our efforts to foster life-saving conversations on the issue of abortion.
In this regard, I turn your attention to some upcoming interactive workshops entitled “Taking Abortion from Debate to Dialogue” that will be facilitated by Justice For All. These workshops are intended to train individuals to create good dialogue about abortion by asking questions with an open heart, listening to understand, finding genuine common ground, and sharing the truth about abortion in a loving way. The workshops will provide training to respond to some of the common and most difficult pro-choice arguments, all within the context of being a good ambassador for Christ. The trainings will occur in early June in various locations (Broken Bow, Grand Island, Norfolk, St. Edward, and David City). There is no cost for the workshops. You can find more information and register at www.jfaweb.org/calendar. If you are in the area of any of these workshops, I highly encourage you to attend. Equip yourself with the knowledge and wisdom to lead others to see the beauty and dignity of all human life—born and unborn.
“That Is Not a Good Idea!” by Mo Williams
Harper Collins Publishers, New York, 2015, 32 pages, grades K-2.
Sometimes people do things that aren’t very smart. Why is this? Occasionally, we just feel like doing the activity. At other times, people don’t realize the implications of their choice. And sometimes, we just do things that we know aren’t going to be good for us.
This lack of prudence usually results in some sort of unpleasant result for people. But sometimes the people luck out and escape the consequences of a poorly thought out decision. Mo Williams has written a thoroughly delightful story about this. The characters in the book are repeatedly warned of problems and the book is appropriately named, “That Is Not a Good Idea!”
A mother duck is happily walking down the street. She doesn’t seem particularly intelligent, but rather just a peaceful, ordinary duck. As she walks down the street, a fox spies her on the sidewalk. His eyes light up and all he can think about is supper. The problem now is to befuddle the duck and get her to come into the deep, dark forest with him.
The fox happily greets the duck. Somewhat flattered that someone is paying attention to her, she accepts his invitation to go for a walk into the forest. Each time she makes a choice, the baby ducks on the next page state: “That is not a good idea.”
Undeterred, the duck accompanies the fox farther into the woods. He seems so gentlemanly and kind. As they walk, the fox invites the duck to come into his cottage. What a nice invitation! She readily accepts and the baby ducks on the next page repeat: “That is really, really not a good idea.”
Smiling, the mother duck keeps following the elegant fox’s instructions. When asked if she would like some soup, the duck tells the fox that she loves soup. The story continues to progress with the mother duck finally being warned, “That is really, really, really not a good idea.” At last the fox is ready to spring his trap. The water is boiling and he invites the duck to look into the kettle. Suddenly, a trick happens.
What was the trick that happened at the end of the book? Who outfoxed who? Have you ever had a trick played on you? Sometimes it is possible to turn the tables on the trickster. What does the duck finally do? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this funny tale, “That Is Not a Good Idea!” by Mo Williams.
This book was made to share with the younger children in your family. The story is upbeat and funny. The children will not believe that the duck can be so gullible. As you read the story, have the children make predictions about what is going to happen next in the story. You will have a delightful experience together.
The conclusion of the book has a clever ending. It lends itself to a technique in oral reading called “look backs.” You turn the pages back to an earlier part of the story and then compare it to a later picture. Then you can ask the children who really was the trickster. The book is just great fun and I hope you get a chance to read it with the younger members of your family. Enjoy!
Knowing that Dr. Aaron Stratman, the director of our Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center, Dr. Peter Martin, Father Joseph Tatro, Ashley Krienert, and James Hernandez attended the recent Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA) Conference in Austin, Texas, I asked Dr. Stratman to write about the experience. Here is his report:
Recently, a contingent of our psychologists, interns, and therapists at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center attended the CPA Conference in Austin, TX. In honor of the Year of Mercy, the theme for this year’s conference was “The Face of Mercy: The Healing Path of Catholic Psychotherapy.” Talks spanned the history of Catholic psychotherapy from the Affirmation Therapy proposed by Drs. Conrad Baars and Anne Terruwe to the more current applications of mindfulness within a Catholic framework. Catholic Social Services was well-represented at this national conference. Dr. Peter Martin provided the most indispensable talk of the conference on Forgiveness Therapy, and Dr. Aaron Stratman participated in a panel discussion for the students who attended.
When I heard the overview of the conference, I was reminded about the advantage that we have with our counseling services in the diocese of Lincoln. Being able to refer to a counselor who can acknowledge the role that the Catholic faith has in maintaining good mental health is a luxury most people do not have. At some points in recent history, our counseling service locations ranged from McCook to Falls City. We want our services available to everyone throughout the diocese. Our goal is to maintain those services by placing counselors in the nearby communities so they can more easily provide parish-based services.
The number of counselors providing services that integrate a Catholic anthropology are growing at an exponential pace. Our counseling center is recognized as a leader in this area because of our commitment to training therapists to provide services based on this anthropology. Perhaps the most important aspect of our services, no matter the competencies of our counselors, is the respect our counselors show to the dignity of the human person. If you know someone who needs counseling, please prayerfully consider sending them to our counseling center. If you know of someone who provides counseling and would like to work from this understanding of the human person, please encourage them to contact Dr. Stratman at 402-489-1834. As always, your continued prayers are most welcome, especially for those who are experiencing the effects of poor mental health and the counselors who serve them.
Thank you, Dr. Stratman, for this wonderful article! Please keep our clinic in your prayers as we continue to help those who are in need of counseling services across the diocese of Lincoln.
“Fatima for Today: The Urgent Marian Message of Hope” by Father Andrew Apostoli
Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 2010, 288 pages. Grades 10 and up.
In 1917, the world was embroiled in the cataclysm of World War I. In the preceding two centuries, humanity had embraced the period called the Enlightenment. This epoch held that man was inherently good, unaffected by original sin, and would always make wise decisions. As a result, God wasn’t central to the Enlightenment. The sinful pride that resulted from this thinking caused the eruption of World War I. After three years of colossal slaughter, no end was in sight. So much for the idea of not needing God to help us make decisions!
At this crucial time, Our Lord sent His Blessed Mother to a small town in Portugal. Her mission was to help us return to Her Divine Son. The name of this small Portuguese town was Fatima, and these apparitions would become world-famous.
The Blessed Virgin appeared to three young children, Lucia Santos, age 10; Francisco Marto, age 9; and his sister Jacinta, age 7. The children were first cousins. They were so unlearned that they didn’t even know that there were months in the year. They only knew time by the fact that they took the sheep to the pastures when the grass began growing. But all three children had a deep faith in Christ.
On May 13th, 1917, the Blessed Virgin appeared to them in a pasture named the Cova da Iria (Cove of Peace). Lucia and Jacinta could hear the Virgin speak, whereas Francisco could only see the Mother of God. She told the children that she would appear on the 13th of each month until October. During the final apparition, a miracle would occur. Interest in the apparitions immediately grew, as well as opposition. Lucia’s mother in particular thought her child was lying. This brought immense suffering to the girl. The Martos were more believing.
As the 13th of the next months passed, the crowds grew massively. On October 13, 1917 the astounding “Miracle of the Sun” occurred over Fatima, in which the sun literally danced around in the sky as the 70,000 or so pilgrims at the Cova would later attest.
The Blessed Virgin told the children that she was the Lady of the Rosary. The Virgin had also made a number of prophesies throughout the apparitions. During the July visitation, the children were shown a vision of hell. Our Lady implored the children to pray for lost souls to save them from being condemned.
Next, the Blessed Mother told the children that “the war would soon end, but a worse one would follow if mankind did not repent its sins.” The second war was to be preceded by a sign in the skies. She then told the children if Russia were not consecrated to Her Immaculate Heart, it would spread its errors across the world. Finally, the children were told the Third Secret, which was revealed by St. John Paul II on May 13, 2000 at the Mass of Beautification of Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
While some people want to place Fatima and its prophecies into the realm of the past, Father Apostoli shows the importance of Fatima for contemporary society. Our age is in far worse moral shape than any other period in history. The Blessed Virgin continues to call to us through the spiritual practices she stressed at Fatima: First, turn to God, go to confession and ask for forgiveness. Second, receive Holy Communion. Third, say the Rosary and finally, perform the Five First Saturday Devotions. The Five First Saturday Devotions entail: 1) going to confession on the First Saturday of the month for five consecutive months, or within a week before or after, 2) receiving Holy Communion, 3) reciting five decades of the Rosary, 4) meditating on mysteries of the Rosary with Our Lady for 15 minutes. Our Blessed Mother states that the Five First Saturday Devotions will make reparations for sins and that she will assist those practicing the devotion at the hour of their death.
I encourage you to read this important book. Fatima is not just some pleasant memory from the past. The events were real and Our Lady continues to call to us today. May we pay attention!
If you read last week’s Seedlings, you remember it was about an elderly man who was living on the streets, whom we helped with a bus ticket, in order to reach his daughter’s home in a small Kansas town.
You will also recall that while on the streets, he ran into trouble with some younger homeless men who stole some of his personal belongings. In light of this, he was desperate when he walked in our doors.
While driving him to the bus station, I learned he was a widower with several children, having worked his entire life in the construction industry. As is the case for many Americans, he is without a retirement plan or IRA, relying solely on his social security which is between $300-400 a month – certainly not enough to live on, hence the reason for his homelessness.
Admitting that his homelessness has been intermittent, I wondered what additional income he relied on through the years after retiring.
“Father, I am a pool player,” he said. “My game is eight ball. I have been playing for 65 years, since the age of 10.”
I immediately thought of the pool table a generous family donated to the rectory at North American Martyrs Parish (NAM) in Lincoln. Having not played for more than 30 years, my game is atrocious. The man admitted traveling from town to town, looking for games at local bars and pool halls for years, cleaning up. But his gigs only lasted so long once the other players figured him out.
Wondering if I was being ‘hustled,’ in the conversation, I asked him for specifics. His answer was a blend of physics and geometry. He even described how to put proper spin on the ball, keeping it near the center of the table or near the next ball to be aimed at.
Knowing I needed professional help in order to beat Father Brian Connor, the pastor of NAM, I asked him for some tips. His advice was to mark each ball with a little lipstick after lining up the shot.
‘How brilliant,’ I thought. But then I came to my senses and realized I could never walk into a department store to buy lipstick… who would believe me if I said it was for billiards? And if a woman purchased it for me, if asked, she would have to admit who it was for, and no one would believe her either. And even if I did have a hidden stick, if I had a heart attack and died, the Chancellor, Father Daniel Rayer, would find it in my bedroom and call Bishop Conley, and what would he think?
I just have to resign myself to being forever a mediocre pool (and chess) player, living in a rectory with the master!
