Diocese Announces Independent Compensation and Reconciliation Program for Victims and Survivors

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1 The Allentown in the Year of Our Lord VOL. 30, NO. 23 NOVEMBER 15, 2018 Announces Independent Compensation and Reconciliation Program for Victims and Survivors Fulfilling the commitment made by Bishop Alfred Schlert and his brother Pennsylvania Bishops in mid-september, the of Allentown will establish a compensation and reconciliation program to assist victims and survivors of past clergy sexual abuse. The recognizes its responsibility to provide victims and survivors with an opportunity to share their experiences and receive compensation in a compassionate forum as one aspect of their healing and recovery. Compensation determinations will be made solely by an Administrator who is independent from the Church. The Administrator s work will be overseen by an independent board. The will have no influence over the decisions of the Administrator. Parish and school assets, weekly collections, contributions and bequests from parishioners, and donations to the Annual Appeal, will not be used to fund the Program. Rather, the will use available reserves and will sell assets and borrow money as needed. While the Program will require significant resources, the will strive to maintain its mission to its five counties. Planning is actively under way. A timetable for implementation and additional details will be released in the near future. The of Allentown deeply regrets the pain caused by the abusive actions of some members of the clergy. Compensation alone cannot repair the damage caused to those who were harmed by clergy. This program will meaningfully assist in recovery and healing for victims and survivors, and for their families. Anyone who knows of incidents of abuse, in the Church or outside it, should report it to the State ChildLine at , the State Attorney General s hotline at or to local law enforcement. The Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to provide assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was abused by a priest, deacon or employee or volunteer of the or its parishes. Her direct line is Men s Conference Beckons Them to Spiritual Combat: Armed with the Spirit By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer Men face challenges that previous generations did not face. We are watching our culture slowly deconstruct, said Patrick Coffin, Nov. 3 to an estimated 600 men at the Diocesan Men s Conference Spiritual Combat: Armed with the Spirit, at DeSales University, Center Valley. Coffin, the host of The Patrick Coffin Show, an independent, listener supported podcast that features weekly interviews with A-list influencers and outliers in the effort to recover the Judeo-Christian roots of the culture, was one of the keynote speakers at the conference. Other keynote speakers included Father Stephen DeLacy, director of the Vocations Office for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; and Doug Barry, husband and father of five, Right, an estimated 600 men participate in the Diocesan Men s Conference Spiritual Combat: Armed with the Spirit, at DeSales University, Center Valley. (Photos by John Simitz) Above, Father Stephen DeLacy, director of the Vocations Office for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, presents the morning keynote address. and founder and director of the Catholic ministry RADIX. Keynote speakers for the Spanish-speaking track were Bishop Octavio Cisneros, auxiliary bishop of the of Brooklyn and Monsignor John Campbell, pastor emeritus of Queenship of Mary, Northampton. In Coffin s talk, he said the key to Christian manhood Please see ARMED page 8 }} In This Issue Spring Confirmations 2 Because We Are Catholic 3 Clarity and Charity 4 Rosary Procession 5 Youth, Young Adult 12 Rincon Hispano 14 CYO Volleyball 17 Bazaars, Craft Fairs 19 Bishop Schlert Optimistic That Conference Leaders Will Convey Bishops Desire for More Accountability At the request of the Vatican, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Nov. 12 postponed a vote on a new code of conduct for Bishops, and on a lay commission empowered to investigate Bishops. The Vatican asked that the vote be delayed until after a worldwide meeting of Church leaders planned for February. (See story page 24.) Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert expressed disappointment that the nation s Bishops will not be voting this week on new policies to strengthen safeguards by holding Bishops accountable for their conduct on clergy sexual abuse of minors. I am optimistic that our frank discussion in Baltimore will give our conference s leaders the ability to strongly express the American Bishops desire for more accountability in their meeting with Pope Francis in February, he said.

2 2 The A.D. Times November 15, 2018 Published biweekly on Thursday by Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. at P.O. Box F Allentown, PA Phone: , Ext Fax: adtimes@allentowndiocese.org President Bishop Alfred Schlert Secretary for External Affairs Matt Kerr Editor Jill Caravan Staff Writers Tara Connolly Tami Quigley Design & Production Marcus Schneck Advertising Contact Lori Anderson Office Assistant Priscilla Tatara MISSION STATEMENT As part of the Catholic Press, The A.D. Times is the official newspaper for the Roman Catholic of Allentown, serving Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties. The A.D. Times proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the People of God through evangelization, catechesis and the teaching of the Church, the extension of Christ s presence in the world today. It endeavors to nourish, strengthen and challenge the faith of its readers by continually providing news information, formation, inspiration, religious education and Catholic identification. Under the patronage of Mary, Mother of the Church, The A.D. Times serves the Church so that the Kingdom of God might become a reality in our society transformed by His Good News. POLICY STATEMENTS The A.D. Times will consider all editorial copy and photos submitted in a fair and objective manner. The newspaper reserves the right to reject or edit any submission. Any advertising copy accepted does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or endorsement of The A.D. Times and/or its publisher. The A.D. Times reserves the right to reject any advertising copy submitted. DEADLINES Advertising copy must be received by Monday of the week before publication. News copy must be received by Thursday of the week before publication. MEMBERSHIPS Catholic Press Association, Rockville Centre, N.Y. Catholic News Service, Washington, D.C. Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, , 2018 POSTAL INFORMATION The A.D. Times (USPS ) is published on Thursdays, weekly once/biweekly/ triweekly in December, at a subscription cost of $20 per year by Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. at 1515 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Allentown, PA Periodicals Postage paid at Allentown, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA Episcopal Appointments Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert has made the following appointments, effective Tuesday, Dec. 11. Father Gregory Karpyn from assistant pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Pottsville to administrator, St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown and administrator, SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Allentown. Father Dr. Robert Kosek from administrator, St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown and administrator, SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Allentown, now elected by the Barnabite order to congregational administrative service out of the of Allentown. Father Barnabas Shayo, Apostles of Jesus, from sacramental ministry, All Saints Parish, McAdoo to assistant pastor, St. Patrick Parish, Pottsville. Responds to Lawsuit Filed Over Actions of Former Priest The of Allentown has issued the following statement in response to a lawsuit filed Nov. 12. The has no record of the abuse allegations against former priest Bruno Tucci that were made in the lawsuit, and was unaware of them until the lawsuit was filed. Diocesan records indicate that Tucci was removed from ministry more than 16 years ago, on March 1, He was later dismissed from the priesthood. The of Allentown has a zero- The diocesan Office for Divine Worship has announced the spring 2019 confirmation schedule as follows. All confirmations will begin at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, St. Paul and St. Francis of Assisi, all Allentown. Wednesday, Feb. 6 Immaculate Conception BVM, Our Lady Help of Christians, St. John the Baptist, and SS. Peter and Paul, all Allentown. Thursday, Feb. 7 Holy Trinity and St. John the Baptist, both Whitehall; St. Peter, Coplay. Tuesday, Feb. 19 Sacred Heart of Jesus, Allentown. Wednesday, Feb. 20 St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall and Annunciation BVM, Catasauqua. Thursday, Feb. 21 Notre Dame of Bethlehem. Tuesday, Feb. 26 St. Anne, Bethlehem. Wednesday, Feb. 27 St. Thomas Spring 2019 Confirmation Schedule More, Allentown. Thursday, Feb. 28 Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem. Thursday, March 7 St. Rocco, Martins Creek and St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Pen Argyl. Tuesday, March 12 Assumption BVM and Queenship of Mary, both Northampton; St. John Fisher, Catasauqua Ẇednesday, March 13 St. Ann, Emmaus. Thursday, March 14 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield. Tuesday, March 19 St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown; St. Ursula, Fountain Hill; Sacred Heart, Holy Ghost, Incarnation of Our Lord, and SS. Simon and Jude, all Bethlehem. Thursday, March 21 St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton. Tuesday, March 26 Assumption BVM, Bethlehem. Wednesday, March 27 St. Joseph, Coopersburg. tolerance policy on allegations of abuse: Priests are removed from ministry immediately, and the immediately notifies law enforcement. The is transparent about allegations of abuse in cooperation with law enforcement. Since becoming Bishop on Aug. 31, 2017, Bishop Alfred Schlert has continued the policy of zero tolerance, acting immediately to notify law enforcement and to remove accused priests. Abuse is abhorrent and has no place in the Church. Bishop Schlert has apologized to victims and has set a clear tone of zero tolerance, and of keeping children safe. The recently announced the formation of a compensation and reconciliation program to assist victims and survivors of past clergy sexual abuse. (See story page 1.) Although compensation alone cannot repair the damage caused to those who were harmed, this program will meaningfully assist in recovery and healing for victims and survivors and their families. Wednesday, March 27 All Saints, McAdoo; St. Richard, Barnesville; St. John XXIII, Tamaqua. Thursday, March 28 St. Mary, Hamburg and St. Mary, Kutztown. Tuesday, April 2 Holy Infancy, Bethlehem. Thursday, April 4 St. Joseph, Summit Hill. Tuesday, April 9 St. Ambrose, Schuylkill Haven. Thursday, April 11 St. Peter the Fisherman, Lake Harmony; SS. Peter and Paul, Lehighton; Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph, both Jim Thorpe. Thursday, April 25 Most Blessed Trinity, Tremont; St. Matthew the Evangelist and St. Michael the Archangel, both Minersville. Tuesday, April 30 St. Clare of Assisi, St. Clair; Holy Cross, New Philadelphia; St. Stephen, Port Carbon; St. John the Baptist and St. Patrick, both Pottsville. Thursday, May 2 Snow date. VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR The of Allentown provides assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was sexually abused by a priest, deacon or employee/volunteer of the /Parish Parents, guardians, children and survivors of sexual abuse are invited and encouraged to contact the of Allentown for more information about this program. The fullness of compassion should be extended to these victims by the Church. To speak directly to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call the direct line To learn more about the of Allentown s Youth Protection Programs, Sexual Abuse Policy and Code of Conduct, please visit and click on Youth Protection at top right. COORDINADOR DE ASISTENCIA A LAS VÍCTIMAS La Diócesis de Allentown provee asistencia a cualquier persona que, como menor de edad, fue abusado sexualmente por un sacerdote, diácono o empleado/voluntario de la Diócesis/Parroquia. Los padres, tutores, niños y los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual están invitados a contactar la Diócesis de Allentown para obtener más información sobre este programa. La plenitud de compasión debe extenderse a las víctimas por la Iglesia. Para hablar directamente con el coordinador de asistencia a las víctimas por favor llame a la línea directa Para obtener más información acerca de los Programas de Protección de la Juventud, Política de Abuso Sexual y el Código de Conducta de la Diócesis de Allentown, por favor visite y haga clic en Protección de la Juventud en la parte superior derecha.

3 November 15, 2018 The A.D. Times 3 Because We Are Catholic On any given day, you might find Betty Milore at her volunteer job, directing the food pantry that feeds the hungry in the McAdoo, Schuylkill County area. She might be meeting a delivery truck, supervising Catholic school students doing their required community service work, or filling out applications for state and federal grants to buy much-needed supplies. Or she might be at her other job, coordinating the eight Catholic cemeteries in the region, a post for which she is on-call Or she might be doing one of her many spare time activities, like organizing community yard sales to benefit the needy, wrangling cakes at bake sales, or soliciting donations for all manner of worthy causes. I guess I m a professional volunteer, she says with a chuckle, taking a break from her cemetery duties at All Saints Parish, McAdoo. That s what I ve always considered myself. I just like volunteering. I always have. There are not many volunteer tasks that Milore, 75, has not been involved with over the years, at various parishes and working with 12 different pastors. She s also a former volunteer Catechism teacher. I still run into kids who remember me from those days, she says. When you give from the heart, you reap the benefits, Milore says, reflecting on decades of service to others. I guess it s in my blood. And my three children are volunteers too! A Helping Hand for a Veteran in Need Except for his three years in the Army and another three in the reserves, the man had spent most of his adult life in prison. Soon after being released, he found himself with no job, nowhere to live, and no friends to call. He was running out of hope. That all began to change the day he walked into the office of Catholic Charities in Reading. There he met Rob Laubenheimer, who works with veterans in need. Laubenheimer knew instinctively that after prison, the man needed a place to call his own, not a place he shared with someone else. So he helped him find an apartment and connected him with a community foundation that donated some furniture. Next came a job, after the man answered a want-ad for a cook. It s a 40-minute walk each way, so Laubenheimer is helping him through the process of getting a bus pass. Over the course of a few months, the man has gone from being desperate and dependent to feeling more hopeful and more confident. He already has his sights set on a better job. Catholic Charities helps anyone in need, regardless of their religion. The agency provides for immediate needs, but also focuses on helping people become self-sufficient, so they can care for themselves. The people of Catholic Charities reached out and grabbed my hand and helped me get on my feet, the man says. I had lost everything. They helped me put the pieces back together. When you give from the heart, you reap the benefits Because We Are Catholic tells the stories of how the people of the of Allentown make a difference in the lives of others, bringing the Light of Christ to each other and to our community. Participate in #GivingTuesday for Catholic Charities #GivingTuesday is a global giving day following Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. #GivingTuesday focuses on charitable giving in the spirit of Thanksgiving. It is an opportunity for the faithful of the of Allentown to come together and raise money and awareness for Catholic Charities on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Catholic Charities is entering its fourth year participating in #GivingTuesday and this year our generous donors, Pat and Sandy Corpora, will be matching every dollar raised up to $10,000. With your help we can reach our goal of $20,000. As you begin to celebrate the holiday season, please keep Catholic Charities clients and those in need in our community in your prayers. For more information about or make a gift to Catholic Charities, visit

4 4 The A.D. Times November 15, 2018 Program Focuses on Catholic Response to Same-Sex Attractions and Gender Dysphoria By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer The experience of same-sex attractions and gender dysphoria, as understood in light of the teachings of the Catholic Church, was the subject of a program offered by the of Allentown Office of Adult Formation. Clarity and Charity: An Authentically Catholic Response to Same-Sex Attractions and Gender Dysphoria took place Nov. 7 at the University Center of DeSales University, Center Valley. Father Philip Bochanski, executive director of Courage International, was featured speaker of the evening event. Courage is an international apostolate of the Catholic Church that ministers to persons with same-sex attractions. The apostolate was founded in New York City in Everyone was invited to this free presentation, whether this was part of their lived experience or they were simply interested in learning more about this topic. Those attending included Mary Fran Hartigan, secretary of the Diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization and director of the Office of Adult Formation; and Rick Dooley, assistant director of the Office of Adult Formation. Working in this apostolate has transformed my life, said Father Bochanski, who has been ordained almost 20 years and has worked with Courage nine years. It s the part of my priesthood where I feel most like a spiritual father seeing what the human heart is capable of and what human beings can do when they cooperate with God s grace. There s joy in offering people welcome and accompaniment, Father Bochanski said. He cited a 2015 Pew Research Center study that showed of Catholics who attended Mass at least once a week 60 percent said same-sex couples living together in a romantic relationship was OK, yet 59 percent said engaging in homosexual behavior is a sin. Father Bochanski said in the western world, 1.6 to 1.7 percent of the population identify as gay or lesbian, and 11 percent have had same-sex attractions this increases in urban areas because they can find a community there. Father Bochanski said the allies of LGBTQ people among non-lgbtq people breaks down as follows: Silent Generation (born ), 39 percent; Baby Boomers (born ), 51 percent; Gen X (born ), 53 percent; and Millennials (born 1981 or later), 63 percent. The pinnacle of God s creation is the human person. This makes us distinctive and unique, Father Bochanski said. The ability to know and love God and each other is unique to human beings. To be in the image of God is to be a person. We re made for relationships and communion. God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them, he said, citing Genesis 1:27. God created you with a purpose and plan for body and soul. Our sexuality is a gift. Man and woman were made for each other there s complementarity between masculine and feminine. Father Bochanski reviewed the Characteristics of Conjugal Union as outlined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, noting they form a unique situation with sexuality that is good. The union must Father Philip Bochanski presents Clarity and Charity: An Authentically Catholic Response to Same-Sex Attractions and Gender Dysphoria Nov. 7 at the University Center of DeSales University, Center Valley. (Photos by John Simitz) Those gathered listen to Father Bochanski s evening presentation offered by the of Allentown Office of Adult Formation. have complementarity, as a man and woman are made for each other; permanence and fidelity; and procreativity. Marriage without contraception is God s plan for sexuality, he said. Characteristics that are of disorder not a part of God s plan are adultery, fornication, contraception, masturbation, pornography and homosexual acts. Quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2357, Father Bochanski said, Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered. They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved. Father Bochanski discussed questions that come up in society today, beginning with, Aren t people born gay? From a theological point of view, no. God does not create persons with homosexual orientation, Father Bochanski said. If he did, his plan for sexuality and marriage would only be for some people. There s never a time when God contradicts himself or he wouldn t be God. God would not give you desires that cannot be fulfilled he doesn t set you up for failure. He is close to people living that experience, offering his grace, Father Bochanski said. He then addressed the question, Does it come from nature? Is it genetic? The answer is no, homosexuality does not come from nature and it is not genetic. Father Bochanski referred to a 2010 study in Sweden of several thousand research subjects. Twins, he said, share basically the same genetics. Of 77 sets of male identical twins, at least one of the twins in a set identified as gay. Only seven of the 77 sets of these twins identified as gay. There is no evidence to say it s biological or genetic, according to the American Psychological Association. The Church says sexual orientation and attraction is a big part of human life, but it s not the only thing. Their identity is to be a creature and, by grace, a child of God, an heir to eternal life, Father Bochanski said, sharing the conclusion of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Letter to Bishops on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons published in If we just slap a label on someone, we miss so much about them. Homosexual acts are immoral. The Church distinguishes between engaging in homosexual acts and having a homosexual inclination, Father Bochanski said. Feeling a feeling is never a sin, it s when we act on it. The next question was Shouldn t people be allowed to love who they love? For this Father Bochanski turned to The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis. There is affection a surface kind of love, as for a puppy. There is charity, which is agape, as God loves us. Passion, or Eros, tends toward sexual intercourse. And the fourth love is friendship. So a person with a homosexual inclination should redirect passion into a focus on friendship with a person of the same sex. A life without sex is not a life without love, Father Bochanski said, noting he loves his family, friends and parishioners. There are different kinds of love. The next question he addressed was, Does the Church expect gay people to change? The Church does not require people to change. The attraction is not a sin itself. You don t have to go to conversion therapy according to the Catholic Church, Father Bochanski said, adding though that some Christian denominations do advocate for conversion therapy. The last question was, What about people who are transgender? You can t separate body and soul. Bodies are part of who we are. Being a man or woman is a gift from God given on purpose. It s part of God s creation of the individual, Father Bochanski said. Sexual identity of the individual is discerned at birth, not decided. Males have one Y chromosome and one X chromosome, and females have two X chromosomes, Father Bochanski said. That genetic code exists long before you have any external genitalia. You re created with body and soul and sexual identity. God doesn t put the wrong soul in a body. If he creates a male, then he has a male soul. Discussing gender dysphoria, Father Bochanski said research shows trans gendering is a psychological rather than biological matter. There s no evidence supporting claims by people such as Bruce Jenner that they have biological reasons, he said of the Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete who now at age 69 goes by Caitlyn Jenner. Father Bochanski wrapped up the session by fielding questions from the audience. Courage and EnCourage Groups Persons with same-sex attraction have always been with us. There is now formal outreach from the Catholic Church in the way of support groups and information for such persons. The of Allentown conducts Courage group meetings monthly for those dealing with this issue. Does a member of your family have same-sex attraction? Are you having difficulty dealing with the issue? Encourage is a ministry of the Catholic Church giving faithful witness to Catholic teaching with compassion. Group meetings are held monthly in the of Allentown. For more information on Courage and EnCourage: or

5 November 15, 2018 The A.D. Times 5 Holy Rosary Observes Month of the Rosary with Mass and Procession Below, faithful pray the rosary during the procession in honor of October designated as the month of the rosary. Right, a member of the faith clutches a rosary while praying and meditating on the mysteries of the Lord and the faithful witness of the Blessed Mother. Faithful participate in a rosary procession Oct. 6 at Holy Rosary, Reading in observance of the Feast of the Holy Rosary established by Pope Pius V in (Photos by John Simitz) Above, the Holy Rosary Choir sings a Marian hymn during Mass. Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert, left, incenses and sanctifies the statue of the Blessed Mother as Father John Hutta, right, assistant pastor of Sacred Heart, West Reading, joins him in prayer. When we pray the Rosary, we join our will to the will of the Blessed Virgin Mary and in turn the will of God. Through this act of reciting the Rosary, the Rosary becomes a powerful weapon against the poison of evil in this world, said Bishop Schlert. Left, Bishop Schlert greets the faithful after celebrating Mass highlighting the rosary. Tradition holds that October has been celebrated as the month of the rosary after the victory of Christian forces over the forces of the Ottoman Empire. Prior to the ships sailing off toward battle, Pope Pius V prayed the rosary asking for the Blessed Mother s intercession for victory. Bishop Schlert, center, stands with Emilio De- Carlo, left, and Rocco DeCarlo outside Holy Rosary, which was dedicated Oct. 2, Bishop Schlert, left, greets faithful exiting Holy Rosary after celebrating Mass and discussing the power of the rosary.

6 6 The A.D. Times Opinion Good Friday Leads to Easter Sunday Are you a Catholic priest? It was just after midnight and I was standing at carousel No. 1 at Baltimore-Washington International Airport waiting for my luggage. I had just gotten off a long delayed flight from Phoenix, where I had attended a conference. The only thing on my mind was to get back to my room at the seminary and fall asleep. The man asking the question looked pleasant enough. But I was bracing for what he would say next. We were in the midst of the immediate aftermath of the clergy sexual abuse crisis and I thought for sure that I was going to have to respond, I m sorry. You re right. It is terrible what my brother priests have done. I swallowed hard and said, Yes, I am. His next comment caught me by surprise. He said, We re going to get through this. I don t know whether it was my amazement or tired state of mind, but I responded with my own question, Do you mean finally finding our luggage? With a slight smile he responded, No, Father, I mean that we are going to get through this crisis. We are praying for all of you. I was so shocked and overwhelmed by his faith and kindness that I could only thank him and tell him that we are trying to be part of the solution. As rector of a major seminary preparing young men for the priesthood, I have thought and prayed long and hard about how best to serve these future priests in the midst of the revelations about heinous crimes and grave sins committed by priests. Like many people, the seminarians have been deeply pained by the suffering of the victims. They are angered by the priests who abused minors and disillusioned by the instances of the failure of episcopal leadership. The root causes of the crisis are the same ones humanity has struggled with since Adam and Eve the flesh, the world and the devil. The sin of sexual abuse is a sin of the flesh. They are actions which, like a funhouse mirror, twist and distort the God-given beauty of love, sexuality and the human person. Priestly life became a mask emptied of his supernatural meaning and filled with a desire for distorted personal pleasure and a weapon of power over others. The context of the crisis comes from the world in the form of clericalism. Dishonesty, failure of accountability, abuse of power over others, and thinking that a priest s reputation is more important than responsibility for sin and the protection of children, are all signs of clericalism. Unchastity and clericalism expose priests to the assaults of the enemy the devil. The fact that the acts of abuse seemed so wicked and even, in some cases, systematic, are clear signs of the demonic. The evil one glories in the fall of a priest, in the distortion of human sexuality, in the marring of human dignity. This does not free the perpetrators from culpability, but it does recognize that we are dealing with something wicked that is beyond simple human weakness. Seminarians realize that the stakes are high. While they are not part of the problem, they must be part of the solution. They need to develop three foundational convictions if they wish to restore trust and bring about healing. First, they have to understand and live the responsibility of their call to holiness. The goal of seminary formation is not simply to become a pastor, but to become a saint. A seminarian cannot just get by. He must strive for supernatural excellence. Also, they must not forget that the Christian life is a struggle and that they have divine grace to help in this struggle. In particular, the virtue of temperance must be lived well with the grace of God. For a committed disciple The Math of Motorcycles and Marriage Earlier this summer, I joined the ranks of St. Jane s assistants, including Father Keith Laskowski and Father John Pendzick, who bought a motorcycle. Since the day I got my bike, I ve been told by many people what a crazy idea it is. Motorcycles are dangerous! they say. I ve heard story after story of someone who has been hurt or killed riding a motorcycle. And, of course, it s true. Statistically speaking, motorcycles are about 26 times more dangerous than cars. That is, your average motorcyclist is 26 times more likely to be injured than your average driver. And here s the thing even though I may be crazy to buy a motorcycle, I still don t want to be hurt on one. So I decided to take a training class. And one of the things I learned is when you look deeper at the statistics surrounding motorcycle accidents, things get interesting. Take, for example, this fact: Almost half of motorcycle crashes involve the use of alcohol. Or how about the fact that almost two thirds of crashes involve excessive speed? Or that 22 percent of crashes involve drivers without a motorcycle license, or that a full 90 percent of crashes involve motorcyclists with no formal training? Other motorcycle crash statistics are equally thoughtprovoking. Consider that of those motorcyclists who are involved in a crash, those who are wearing a helmet are three times less likely to be killed than those who aren t. And of those motorcyclists who choose to wear a helmet, those who choose to wear a white helmet are 24 percent less likely to be in an accident than those who choose to wear a black helmet, since the white helmet is easier for other drivers to see. Here s the point: in trying to avoid an undesirable outcome in this case, getting injured or killed in a motorcycle accident a person can use statistical probabilities to see what behaviors make that outcome less likely. A person who does not drink and ride, who does not speed, who gets a motorcycle license and attends a training class, and who wears a white helmet is much less likely to be involved in a motorcycle crash than someone who does not do these things. Here s what I m thinking: I wonder if we can use statistics to avoid the behaviors that lead to that thing that Jesus speaks about in today s Gospel. Is there any statistical analysis that we can use to avoid divorce? Actually, yes. There is much research on the rates and causes of divorce, most of it done fairly recently. This research has found some interesting correlations. Take for example, this statistic: People who marry when they are very young are more likely to divorce but this holds true only to a point. Marriages that begin when the spouses are in their early 20s are more likely to end in divorce than marriages that begin when couples are in their later 20s, but that trend reverses when couples hit age 30, when the divorce rate starts to climb again. The takeaway seems to be this: Don t rush into marriage, but don t wait too long, either. Let s look at some other statistical factors surrounding divorce, particularly, those that are within our control. There was a study done in 2005 by Dr. Jill Manning, a licensed marriage and family therapist, on the factors contributing to divorce. Dr. Manning s research showed that 56 percent of divorce cases involve one party having an excessive interest in internet pornography. A survey of divorce attorneys in 2003 backs up this data, showing that 60 percent reported that pornography was a major factor in the divorce cases they handled. Studies show an insidious loop that marital dissatisfaction can lead to use of pornography, and that pornography use increases marital dissatisfaction. The takeaway here is readily apparent: Porn kills love. Other studies show more compelling statistics. In 2015 Dr. Richard Fehring of Marquette University looked into the correlation between birth control and divorce. Among married couples, he found that those who use contraception are twice as likely to divorce versus those who do not use contraception or who use Natural Family Planning. Couples who have elected to use sterilization as a means of birth control are again twice as likely to divorce versus those who use other means of contraception. Dr. Fehring explains that while birth control use increases the likelihood of divorce, Natural Family Planning develops qualities that increase marital stability, such as communication and self-control, and therefore its use results in lower rates of divorce. Marriages that are open to life tend to be successful. Dr. Fehring also studied the link between church attendance and divorce, and found that periodic attendance at church has little effect on the rate of divorce, but regular church attendance cuts the divorce rate by 33 percent. What about statistics dealing with premarital behavior? Here, too, we find fascinating results. A study cited in Psychology Today noted the link between divorce and cohabitation. Almost half of cohabiting couples end up drifting into marriage rather than making a real marital commitment. The idea seems to be that couples decide they might as well get married since they are already living together. This concept, called romantic drifting, is associated with less satisfaction in marriage and a higher By Monsignor Andrew Baker, a priest of the of Allentown, serving as rector of Mount St. Mary s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland. November 15, 2018 of Christ, the key to living temperance for all of the appetites is to practice it for each appetite. Temperance in food and drink and in the use of technology leads to more easily living temperance in the area of sexuality. Finally, a seminarian can never forget the connection between interior struggle for sanctity and apostolic fruitfulness. The more he strives for holiness, the more effective his priestly ministry will be. By being a good and holy priest, their parishioners faith will be strengthened not scandalized. Their hope will be clarified not obscured. Their love for Christ, the Church, their bishop and the Holy Father will be intensified, not diminished. Despite the difficulties, I believe there is great reason for hope. One of the seminarians said to me, Monsignor, I want to be a priest now more than ever. They deeply desire to follow God s will and they know that there are many priests who have been faithful servants to their flocks who continue to inspire and encourage them. A few weeks ago someone ed me writing, Being a Catholic is not easy, but well worth the sacrifices. Our Lord sacrificed for us, we owe him the same. If we believe (and we do) that everything is possible with God, then we (priests and laity) need to work together (daily) to make that happen and change the Church for the better... Let s get to work. It might be Good Friday right now, but we are assured our Easter Sunday is yet to be. Thank you for your priesthood. Good Friday leads to Easter Sunday. By Father David Anthony, assistant pastor of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, from his homily on Oct. 7, the 27 th Sunday in Ordinary Time. rate of divorce. As the editors of Psychology Today note, Romantic drifting often leads to romantic compromises. It is more common to drift into compromised situations rather than to consciously and deliberately choose them in the first place. The parties appear not to make choices, but to be carried along with the stream like dead fish. The takeaway seems to be this: Don t drift into marriage by cohabiting. To sum up, if you want to decrease your chances of divorce, here is what you can do: Before you get married, remember that you are making a lifelong commitment. Don t rush into marriage, or drift into marriage by cohabiting. Avoid pornography. Once you do get married, refrain from using birth control. To space births responsibly, you can use Natural Family Planning, which not only negates the risk of divorce associated with contraception, but is morally approved by the Church. Speaking of Church, one great way you can decrease your likelihood of divorce is to go to church with your spouse and not just once in a while, but regularly. The funny thing about statistics, though, is that we can still do everything right and still fall on the wrong side of the equation. We can set ourselves up for success, and still not reach the outcome we were hoping for. I can do all the right things on my motorcycle and still get in an accident. Likewise, a person can do all the right things and still have a marriage fail in divorce. Because the fact is, none of this is completely in our control. And that s why we need to ask our good Lord to help us. Jesus gives us a tough teaching in today s Gospel. But he never asks us to do something without at the same time giving us the grace to do it. All we need to do is ask. As we are faced with the demands of the Christian life, let s also remember that we re not in this alone. We have the help of Jesus. He asks us to do the right things to do those things that are most likely to result in the desired outcome but he also reminds us that the most right thing we can do is turn to him, to ask for his grace and to trust that, no matter what happens, he is ultimately in the driver s seat.

7 November 15, 2018 The A.D. Times 7 Prayer Requests for Priests Please pray for our Holy Fathers, our Bishops and these priests serving in the of Allentown during each designated date of December. 1 His Holiness Pope Francis 2 Pope Emeritus Benedict 3 Bishop Alfred Schlert 4 Bishop Emeritus Edward Cullen 5 Monsignor John Grabish 6 Father James Greenfield, O.S.F.S. 7 Father Eric Gruber 8 Father Francis Grundowski 9 Father Kevin Gualano 10 Father Abraham Ha 11 Father Stephen Halabura 12 Monsignor William Handges 13 Father James Harper 14 Monsignor Dennis Hartgen 15 Deceased priests 16 Father John Hilferty 17 Monsignor Thomas Hoban 18 Father Allen Hoffa 19 Father Richard Huber, M.S.C. 20 Seminarians 21 Father John Hutta 22 Father Augustine Idra, A.J. 23 Father Edward Ifkovits, S.J. 24 Father Francis Iroot, A.J. 25 Father Guency Isaac, M.S.C.M. 26 Father Stephan Isaac 27 Monsignor David James 28 Father Richard James 29 Father Dominik Kalata 30 Father Francis Kaminski, S.J. 31 Father Kiaieta Kanimea, M.S.C. Sunday Scripture Sunday, Nov rd Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading Daniel 12:1-3 Responsorial Psalm Psalms 16:5, 8-11 Second Reading Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 Gospel Mark 13:24-32 In Memoriam Please remember these clerics of the of Allentown in your prayers during December, the anniversary month of their death. 1 Father Stephen Vidoczy, Father Edward Kane, Monsignor Reginald Billinger, Monsignor Scott Fasig, Father Joseph Sangmeister, Father Joseph Campion, Father William Dermott, Father James McCloskey, Father Andrew Lenahan, 1987 Sunday, Nov. 25 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe First reading Daniel 7:13-14 Responsorial Psalm Psalms 93:1-2, 5 Second Reading Revelation 1:5-8 Gospel John 18:33b-37 Recommended to Your Prayers by Pope Francis Apostleship of Prayer Intention for December Evangelization: In the Service of the Transmission of Faith That people, who are involved in the service and transmission of faith, may find, in their dialogue with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time. The monthly intentions are also available on video, with a reflection, or download the app at 11 Deacon Daniel Thomson, Deacon Bernard Wisser, Father James Magee, Father Frederick Winkler, Father Francis Opps, Father Joseph Morrell, Father Francis Mockus, Monsignor George Petro, Monsignor James Butler, Father John Mickun, Father John Duminiak, Monsignor Francis Donnelly, Father Charles Walsh, Deacon Peter LaFata, Deacon Fernando Torres, Father Michael Sverchek, Father John Zboyovsky, 1965

8 8 The A.D. Times November 15, 2018 Armed }}Continued from page 1 all hinges on what is a man and who is Jesus. A real man, according to Coffin, is not one of the 71 gender options listed on Facebook but one of the two sexes created by God. This is where we are at. We live at a time with 71 genders and a time that is gender versus sex, he said. Coffin then said men need to work and struggle to learn more about three virtues: chastity, courage and patience. You know that you are feeling chaste when you are not giving in to lust. Sin is in the will to be tempted to lust after someone, he said. And one of the biggest lies we are told is that courage is only for brave men. Courage comes alive in the face of fear. The Bible tells us over and over to be not afraid, said Coffin. He also stressed the importance of patience and reminded the men that God is love. God is patient. We have become impatient. Men are bored with the Church, said Coffin. We have domesticated the Bible. The Catholic environment tends to be more feminine than masculine. It s got to end. We can no longer be absent, he said. Coffin noted that absent abusive fathers are part of the root of same-sex attraction, 70 percent of church goers are women, most religious education teachers are women and worship is mostly organized by women. I am not down on women at all. I love my mother, wife and two daughters. But Catholic parishes would shut down without women, said Coffin. I would argue that we are the weaker sex, he said. Directing the men to examine their identity, Coffin said men should love God first, their wives second and their children third. It s more important to be a father than a husband. Father flows from husbandhood, he said. Coffin acknowledged that many men struggle with father wounds stemming from an uncaring, absent father or a father dealing with addiction. No matter how good or saintly your dad was he was still a sinner. You can t give what you don t have. You have to have a sense of son-ship rooted in the Holy Father to give your sons a sense of manhood, he said. God continues to will us to be here. That is why we are here, said Coffin. He then asked the men to drop their double loves and step away from habits like lust, pornography and addiction. The truth always grinds out. We can t walk a crooked path. One little decision to stop can be dramatic. You and I can change our family trees just by the things we decide to give up, said Coffin. In his presentation, Barry said having a woman as the spiritual heart of the home, and a man as the spiritual head are equally needed in a home. We have been put in this world at this time to confront the battle we are facing right now. Let s not wallow in our Mike Barski, member of the diocesan Commission for Men, introduces Father Hoffa. Bishop Octavio Cisneros, auxiliary bishop of the of Brooklyn, presents a talk at the Spanish-speaking track. Father Mark Searles, director of the diocesan Office for Vocation Promotion, talks about his vocation to the priesthood and the vocation to be good fathers, brothers and sons. Doug Barry, left, husband and father of five, and founder and director of the Catholic ministry RADIX, discusses the importance of self-defense with Keith Neidig, student at Bethlehem Catholic High School. Father Allen Hoffa, administrator of St. Joseph, Summit Hill, welcomes men to the conference. wounds. Take your sword and let s go. We have to keep moving forward and telling the devil not on my watch, he said. Barry told the men that the battle shouldn t be left to just the young guys and urged them to no longer be complacent or apathetic when it comes to spiritual battles. We have to hold the faith of our time now. We need to train each other in the Catholic faith. There is an intense spiritual battle occurring in America right now and Catholics need to make use of the weapons God has given us to fight evil attacks on life and family, he said. It s a very basic concept. We need to use self-defense to become battle ready, said Barry. Calling to mind many apparitions of the Blessed Mother, he told the men it is critical to follow Mary s repeated advice to pray the rosary to help mitigate evil. We are seeing evil in ways we ve never seen it before such as the Supreme Court s decision redefining marriage. Furthermore, statistics about the practice of Catholicism in the West are dim, with the majority of baptized Catholics not attending weekly Mass, said Barry. As men, he said they need a fight, and we need to be told what weapons to pick up and what direction to go. Priests are the spiritual officers of the battle, said Barry. And the Blessed Mother doesn t want them to turn away from the battle or bury their heads. Our Blessed Mother has come to us in six major apparitions in the last hundred years, all approved by the Church, and every single time she warns us of the consequences of not responding to her call to pray the rosary, Barry said. That rosary needs to be an extension of who we are. We should not leave the Please see ARMED page 9 }}

9 November 15, 2018 Armed }}Continued from page 8 house without one on us, he said. The conference began with Opening Prayer and featured Eucharistic Adoration, confession and exhibits. The day concluded with a bi-lingual Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. Top right, more than 100 men gather for the Spanish-speaking presentations at the Gambet Center. Left, Deacon Saul Hernandez, assigned to St. Paul, Allentown, begins the Spanish-speaking track with Opening Prayer. Right, Bishop Cisneros, right, talks with Jerome Stephen, left and Salvador Espinosa during the lunch break. The A.D. Times 9 The Men s Choir from Holy Infancy, Bethlehem leads worship and praise at the Spanish-speaking track. Bishop Schlert offers the homily at the Vigil Mass. Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert, center, celebrates Mass at the Diocesan Men s Conference. From left are: Deacon Hernandez; Deacon Michael Doncsecz, assigned to Queenship of Mary, Northampton; and Bishop Cisneros. Above, Bishop Schlert greets a conference participant after Mass. Left, Bishop Schlert chats with one of the men participating in the conference. More photos page 10

10 10 The A.D. Times November 15, 2018 Men s Conference Beckons Them to Spiritual Combat: Armed with the Spirit Men from the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown choir sing the Responsorial Psalm during Mass. Enjoying conversation during the break are, from left: Frederick Yanity; Jack Huber; and Deacon John Mroz, assigned to St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe. Men meeting Bishop Cisneros, right, at the Spanishspeaking track are, from left: Angel Martinez, Alberto Martinez and Felix Pereira. Story & more photos pages 1, 8 & 9 Above, Bishop Schlert introduces himself to men attending the conference after Mass. Left, Monsignor John Campbell, left, pastor emeritus of Queenship of Mary, enjoys a conversation with Hector Lopez. Young Men s Discernment Retreat Set for January The Diocesan Office for Vocations Promotion is sponsoring a new retreat for young adult men in college and older. The first Young Men s Discernment Retreat will be offered Friday, Jan. 4 through Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019 at St. Francis Retreat House, Easton. Cost for the weekend is $50 per person to cover the accommodations and meals. The retreat is open to young men between the ages of 18 and 40. We hope to offer this retreat to some of our alumni who have attended our first few Quo Vadis retreats and who are now older, and any other young men who are open to discerning the priestly vocation in our, said Father Mark Searles, director of the Office for Vocations Promotion. Included will be Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, talks and reflections by priests and seminarians, and quiet time for reflection and prayer. For more information and to register, contact Father Searles, msearles@allentowndiocese. org or Come and See Weekend for Young Men 14 and Older Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Young men age 14 and older of the of Allentown are invited to a Come and See Weekend Friday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 2 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia. This is a great opportunity to check out seminary life and to learn more about discerning the vocation God desires for you. The weekend will include Mass and time with our seminarians; a time for prayer, adoration and reflection; and sightseeing in Philadelphia with visits to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul and the St. John Neumann Shrine. Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 23, and all paperwork must be received by this date. For more information or to register, visit For questions, contact the Office for Vocations Promotion at or msearles@allentowndiocese.org.

11 November 15, 2018 Want to give yourself the perfect Christmas gift? Join the women of the at a Day of Reflection Saturday, Dec. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the Jesuit Center, Wernersville. The Commission for Women is hosting the event, with the theme Advent: New Church Year, New Me. Deacon James Russo will discuss a Catholic perspective on the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. He will use the story to compare and contrast Scrooge to us and his conversion, said Deacon Russo. Advent (meaning, ad-venio in Latin or to come to ), is the beginning of the Church s liturgical year. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ s second coming at the end of time, and to the anniversary of the Lord s birth on Christmas. During the weeks of Advent, Catholics prepare with expecta- The A.D. Times 11 Women of to Gather for Advent Day of Reflection Perhaps you didn t have Bishop Schlert on your shopping list for Christmas. However, there is a wonderful present you can give to him that won t cost much more than a few minutes of your time. The of Allentown Commis- Catholic Charities, of Allentown thanks everyone for their willingness to support the Pregnancy and Parenting Support Program through the annual Christmas Giving Tree collection. Each year Catholic Charities focuses its Christmas giving on respect life efforts. Last year Catholic Charities helped tion for the coming of Christ in a spirit of waiting, conversion and hope. But waiting during this season is unlike the waiting for a bus. During Advent we should be doing something very different than what the rest of society is doing. Practical prayerful suggestions will be offered to help navigate the days of Advent by praying the mysteries of our lives, leading us to our destination of peace by being the person God intends us to be and not who our past experiences and others have told us we are. Cost for the day is $20, which includes a light breakfast, Mass, rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, lunch and time for fellowship. To register go to For questions, contact Joanie Norelli at or Susan Teaford at , or cfw@allentowndiocese.org. Pray a Christmas Novena for Bishop Schlert sion for Women is sponsoring a Diocesan-wide Christmas Novena for our Bishop, to begin Saturday, Dec. 8 and conclude on Sunday, Dec. 16. Anyone can sign up for the daily s that will be delivered right to your inbox. Participate in Annual Christmas Giving Tree 138 families with pregnancy support services. In 2017 eight babies were saved from abortion. Christmas serves as a wonderful reminder of the precious gift of all life. We hope that you will consider supporting our work to respect life by sponsoring a collection of baby items during the Advent season. All items collected will be distributed to pregnant or parenting families throughout the. Specific items needed include diapers, wipes, new clothing, towels, blankets, other baby item, and gift cards to places that sell baby items (i.e.: Walmart, Target). Please contact Catholic Charities Advent Course Offered by Salesian Center at DeSales Your name will be presented to the Bishop by the members of the Commission for Women. Please consider participating in this wonderful gift of prayer in gratitude to Bishop Schlert for his guidance and love for his flock here in the of Allentown. To participate, visit For questions, call , ext or cfw@allentowndiocese. org. Pregnancy and Parenting Support program staff Tom Miller, Gennaro Landi or Lisa Taylor to arrange a time for dropoff or pick-up of your items/gift cards, at Thank you so much for all that you do to support the mission of Catholic Charities. The Salesian Center for Faith and Culture at DeSales University, Center Valley is offering a free online noncredit course for spiritual enrichment during Advent. The Season of Advent: Preparing the Way will open Sunday, Nov. 25 and remain open until Dec. 31, This course will delve into sacred Scripture and what it truly means to prepare for Advent. It will discuss the spirituality taught by St. Francis de Sales and how to live your spirituality every day. Advent and Christmas Concerts and Vespers Announced Throughout the The annual Christmas Concert at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown will be Sunday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Featured will be all the choirs of the Cathedral, including Cathedral Choir, Living Word, Angelorum and the Diocesan Choir. There will be readings, prayers, instrumentalists and voices all raised in worship of Our Beautiful Savior. Everyone is invited to begin Advent enjoying the reason for the season. There will be a freewill offering for a family in need in the Lehigh Valley. Carolers will greet attendees as they enter. For more information: , Also announced: Sunday, Dec th annual Advent Concert with Vespers at Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, 4 p.m., with Holy Guardian Angels Choir, directed by Sue Swavely, organist Anne Lazar, pianist Donna Ayala; solo performances by Camille Otruba, Julie Sansary, Sue Swavely, Ken Montgomery, Nicholas Porno, and harpist Linda Umstead; , Saturday, Dec. 8 What Child Is This? Advent concert in the Main Chapel at the Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, 7 p.m., free; with organist and music director David Gross, flutist Catherine Fronheiser and violinist Neil Fronheiser; , Sunday, Dec. 9 Christmas Concert presented by Music Ministry at St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 2 p.m., , Sunday, Dec. 9 Festival of Carols and Lessons Advent vespers at St. Benedict, Mohnton, 4 p.m., parish choir directed by Andrew Angstadt will be joined by a professional string quartet, refreshments provided by Women s Club, , Sunday, Dec. 9 Invitation to a Miracle presented by the Music Ministry of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 5 p.m., directed by Gary Stokes, freewill offering, be taken, , Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16 Christmas Vespers in White House Chapel of St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 and 7 p.m., freewill offering, followed by refreshments, , To register: For questions, contact Lore McFadden at lore.mcfadden@desales.edu or , ext

12 12 The A.D. Times November 15, 2018 Youth & Young adults Next Theology on Tap Trusting God s Plan What happens when your career and your vocation seem to be pulling you in different directions? How can we make the best choices for ourselves and our loved ones when life presents us with a difficult crossroads, and what is God s role in our journey? The next Theology on Tap Trusting God s Plan: From Federal Government to Full-Time Ministry will be Monday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at Hops at the Paddock, 1945 W. Columbia St., Allentown. Deacon Mike Pascarella of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will share his testimony about faith, family and the intersection of several passions and callings. Theology on Tap is a monthly series A workshop titled Ministry with Gen Z and Their Families will be offered Saturday, Nov. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church, Allentown. This workshop will share the research about Gen Z youth and their families, along with effective ways for parishes to engage youth and their families. There will also be practical ideas and starting points within these topics as we explore the ministry implications for youth ministry, catechesis, sacramental preparation and parish life. The workshop is designed for all parish leaders whose ministries touch the lives of adolescents including pastors, sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry (OYYAFM). The series is designed to welcome young adults ages 21 to 35, single or married, in a casual setting where they can grow in the faith and share community with one another. Theology on Tap events are free of charge. Food and beverage can be ordered from the menu at the event site. For more information, visit or Alexa Smith at asmith@allentowndiocese.org. Ministry with Gen Z Workshop Planned deacons, pastoral associates, coordinators of youth ministry, leaders in faith formation, catechists, Confirmation preparation leaders, and service/social concerns leaders Ċost of the workshop is $54, which includes handouts and lunch (but contact Alexa Smith at asmith@allentowndiocese.org to receive a coupon code for $29 off the workshop fee). For more information, contact Dera Hartshorn at or debra@ cmdnet.org, or visit Register at 07efj8785w838387ba&oseq=&c=&ch=. Young Adult Book Club to Discuss The Greatest Gift From Tolkien to Thomas Merton from Shakespeare to St. Augustine from Jane Austen to Julian of Norwich great works of literature have the power to challenge and strengthen our Christian faith. Lehigh Valley Inklings, a book club for young adult Catholics ages 21 to 35, meets once a month to explore a classic through the lens of Catholicism. The next meeting will be Friday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at Hamilton Crossings Whole Foods (Foundry Cafe and Beer Hall), 750 N. Krocks Road, Allentown. The reading will be The Greatest Gift by Phillip Van Doren Stern, the story that inspired the movie It s a Wonderful Life. Members will also be celebrating the holidays with a secret santa book swap. Bring a wrapped book (new or used) to trade. For more information, visit the group s Facebook page, Lehigh Valley Inklings: Young Catholic Book Club. Wisdom Discussions for Young Adults What role does faith have in the decisions we make as young adults? Find out at the new Wisdom discussion series. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the parish center of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Orefield, with the next event coming up Nov. 20. Join other young adults (ages 18 to 35) to watch and discuss the Wisdom Series by Ascension Press. Learn practical ways to discern and implement God s will as you face important life decisions, and meet fellow young adults from the area. For questions, Katie Rossowski at KatlynRossowski@kings.edu. Parent-Teen Event Planned on God s Amazing Plan The Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry is co-sponsoring a parent event with St. Thomas More Church, Allentown. The Master Craftsman: God s Amazing Plan for Teens (and Their Parents) will be offered Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church Family Center, 1040 Flexer Ave. Teens in grades 9-12 and their parents are invited to this faith-filled evening with nationally recognized speaker Scott Anthony, as he helps us see the Truth of God s guiding hand in our lives. After this evening, parents and their youth will look toward the future with a newfound sense of hope. This event is free of charge. Light refreshments will be provided. To register, visit For questions, call , ext or Francesca Frias at Ffrias@allentowndiocese. org.

13 November 15, 2018 The A.D. Times 13

14 14 The A.D. Times November 15, 2018 Sister Martha Zammatore Receives Volunteerism Award for Prison Ministry By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer Franciscan Sister Martha Zammatore, prison ministry liaison for the of Allentown, is dedicated to her faith-filled work in prison ministry. That dedication was recognized recently as the Northampton County Department of Corrections and Jail Advisory Board hosted a banquet Oct. 25 at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, Easton, during which she was awarded the Chaplain Joe Buck Spirit of Volunteerism Award. Sister Martha was presented with a plaque recognizing her work in prison ministry at Northampton County Jail, Easton. The plaque states it is presented In honor and recognition of your many years of dedicated service to the residents incarcerated at Northampton County Jail. Your service has not gone unnoticed and is appreciated. It was a complete surprise to me, Sister Martha said of the award. She said those in charge just kept asking her if she was going to be present at the banquet. I wasn t sure I could make it on time due to my ministry at SCI Mahanoy on that same day. I never suspected that I was chosen as the Volunteer of the Year. Amid so many other volunteers, I felt This message, the Good News is for us all. Whether we re victims or guilty, Jesus came to give us all a new life, and we become witnesses to the power love and mercy of a God who is among us to save us. so unworthy. I began ministry there in 2014 and was always seen with my guitar in my hands. In reality, when the secretary of our Secretariat [for Catholic and Evangelization] asked me to go into prison ministry, it was something I had never thought about, and yet it just seemed like it was meant for me to do. It brought true joy to my heart. Now besides Northampton I m also going to SCI Mahanoy and SCI Frackville. I have met such wonderful persons of all faiths doing all anyone can to help these persons come to know the Lord, whose love and mercy can show us the path to life and restoration. Jesus wants to restore us all. He s waiting for us to open the door of our hearts. I thought I knew Jesus, until after 21 years as a religious at a special moment during my time spent in Antofagasta, Chile, I had my personal encounter with our savior. Even though I was always basically a joyful person, my joy changed into JOY! That s why I m so happy to be serving our brothers and sisters in this ministry. This message, the Good News is for us all. Whether we re victims or guilty, Jesus came to give us all a new life, and we become witnesses to the power, love and mercy of a God who is among us to save us. The banquet at Our Lady of Lebanon is an annual event. Sister Martha said those in charge of the kitchen are Deacon Anthony Koury and his wife Chafica (Cheffie), along with inmates and former inmates who serve the meal. Deacon Koury has been a permanent deacon at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, Easton since being ordained in A graduate of Notre Dame High School, Easton, he retired in 2012 after 43 years at Notre Dame as athletic director and a theology teacher. It is such a beautiful, special and well planned event by those in charge of volunteerism and the chaplaincy of Northampton County Corrections, said Sister Martha. Sister Martha, daughter of George and Rose Zammatore, is a parish daughter of SS. Philip and James, Phillipsburg, New Jersey, just across the Delaware River from Easton. Anyone who may have known my parents back then would not be surprised that when I was given the award, I was called up to receive it by the way I ve come to be known: The Singing Nun. Everyone in the Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization is thrilled that Sister Martha was recognized with this award. She exemplifies what it means to evangelize in the work she does, said Mary Fran Hartigan, secretary of the Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization. Sister Martha has so much compassion and love for each person she ministers to, and her only desire is to share God s love and mercy with each person who is incarcerated so they know they are loved by God. In addition to Northampton County Franciscan Sister Martha Zammatore displays her Chaplain Joe Buck Spirit of Volunteerism Award. (Photo courtesy of Mary Fran Hartigan) Jail, Sister Martha also ministers to inmates in the two state prisons in Mahanoy and Frackville, said Hartigan. Chaplain Christopher Santos is chaplain at Northampton County Jail.

15 November 15, 2018 The A.D. Times 15 Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Receives Award from Alvernia Dr. Philip Fromuth, superintendent for Catholic education in the of Allentown, received the Ellen Frei Gruber Award from Alvernia University, Reading Ṫhe award was presented Oct. 11 during the President s Dinner at Alvernia. The Ellen Frei Gruber Award is presented to an individual who has given outstanding service to his/her alma mater and exemplified continued commitment and support of the mission of Alvernia. Most important, this individual reflects the values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality. A lifeline resident of Reading, Fromuth is completing his 37 th year in the Diocesan education system. He received his undergraduate degree from West Chester University in 1980, his master s degree from Kutztown University in 1984 and completed his educational administration studies at Temple University, Philadelphia in He was awarded a doctor of philosophy degree in leadership from Alvernia University in He began his tenure in the teaching at St. Catharine of Siena School, Reading in 1980, and was named principal of Holy Guardian Angels (HGA) School, Reading in 1984 (HGA became a regional school in 2001). Fromuth began the new century in the new role of assistant superintendent of elementary education with the diocesan Office of Catholic Education. He was named deputy secretary for education in By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer Dr. Philip Fromuth, third from left, with his family members after receiving the award. From left are Collin Vito, daughter Katharine Fromuth, wife Joanne Fromuth, and in-laws Mary Ann and Rodney Focht. The Fromuths other daughter lives in Florida and was unable to attend. The next year he succeeded Dr. James Cusimano as the s secretary of the Secretariat for Catholic Education and superintendent of Catholic education when Cusimano retired. Fromuth was a charter student in Alvernia s doctoral program in leadership. His dissertation was a historical narrative study on the life of Monsignor George Two Diocesan Schools Awarded SAGE Grants Two schools of the of Allentown were awarded SAGE (School Advancement Grants for Excellence) grants, which are given to Catholic schools that have adopted the Healey methodology in s in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Minnesota. A total of nine awards are given Nov. 8 to recognize performance in areas such as enrollment, development and innovation. The schools that received grants are St. Jerome Regional School, Tamaqua, current Healy school with highest enrollment growth; and St. Ann School, Emmaus, runner-up alumni school for highest annual fund growth. The SAGE awards are given annually to recognize and incentivize exemplary work by the Healey Alumni Schools in advancing their schools missions through outstanding achievement in enrollment management and fundraising, said Stephanie Schweder-Kratzer, Diocesan director of school development. The Healey Education Foundation partners with dioceses to strengthen Catholic schools. Healey provides resourceful strategies, training and coaching over a three-year period. After the three-year period is finished Congratulations to these two schools and all our schools who are working hard to create a vibrant future for Catholic education. these schools become Healey Alumni Schools. About half of our schools are Healey Alumni Schools. Unlike previous years, these awards were announced by Christine Healey and her father Robert Healey using a video conference format. Healey representatives and Schweder- Kratzer waited outside in parking lots and surprised each school with their monetary award as their names were announced. Congratulations to these two schools and all our schools who are working hard to create a vibrant future for Catholic education, said John Bakey, Diocesan chancellor for education. Bornemann, a Roman Catholic priest who was pastor of St. Paul, Reading Fromuth has also been involved in community organizations, including the Board of Directors of PBS 39; the Berks Business Education Coalition; the Board of Associates of Muhlenberg College, Allentown: and secretary-treasurer for the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) for Pennsylvania. He is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a past grand knight of Reading Council 793, and served on the President s Council at Alvernia. Fromuth has been honored as a distinguished alumnus of the former Reading Central Catholic High School and honored by the of Allentown for his service to youth in CYO activities and education. For leadership in basketball officiating on and off the court, he has been honored and received awards from local, regional, state and international organizations. After receiving the Ellen Frei Gruber Award, Fromuth thanked: the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters who founded Alvernia College in 1958; his dissertation committee St. Margaret Ann Dougherty, Dr. Bill Harst and Alvernia President Dr. Tom Flynn for their guidance, assistance and encouragement through the dissertation process; Dr. Flynn both professionally and personally for his interactions and collaboration with Fromuth and the over the past 13 years; his Diocesan colleagues for their dedicated service to the students and families entrusted to our care ; and his own family members. He expressed my sincere gratitude for your kindness with this recognition. I am proud to say that Alvernia University is not only in my hometown, but that in so many ways, Alvernia is home. Diana Kile, principal of St. Ann School, Emmaus, right, and advancement director Lisa Schultz display the school s SAGE award after receiving it Nov. 8. (Photos courtesy of Stephanie Schweder-Kratzter) Amy Hannis-Miskar, principal of St. Jerome Regional School, Tamaqua, left, and advancement director Manda Smarr Beers show the school s SAGE award after receiving it Nov. 8.

16 16 The A.D. Times Sports November 15, 2018 Support Pours in for Berks Catholic Student Battling Cancer By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer At age 16, Anthony Myers days should be filled with family, friends, playing football for Berks Catholic High School (BCHS), Reading and his studies as a sophomore. But life changed for Myers in late October when he was diagnosed with a stage three malignant brain tumor after suffering seizures. The star football player at BCHS, a defensive back for the Saints, had a gamewinning play one night and the next day suffered seizures that turned out to be a brain tumor. His jersey number is 17. Some people made 17 Strong T-shirts as a fundraiser. In a matter of days, the shirts started being sold at most other Diocesan high schools and some public schools. The effort was spontaneous, not planned by school officials. It s been on social media and on WFMZ Channel 69. Dr. Brooke Tesche, deputy superintendent, secondary and special education with the Diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Education, and Jessica Edris, director of Catholic school marketing and enrollment, called it a good example of people overcoming school rivalries to help a needy student with the costs of his operation. A 17 Strong rally is slated for Saturday, Nov. 17 from 7 to10 p.m. at the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum. Team 17 Strong has launched Above, Anthony Myers, a sophomore at Berks Catholic High School, Reading, who has been diagnosed with a stage three malignant brain tumor after suffering seizures. (Photos courtesy of Berks Catholic High School) Right, Myers in action on the football field as a defensive back for the Saints. several fundraisers to support Myers and his family in this fight. Some athletic star power is also lending support. Philadelphia pro athletes offering encouragement are 76ers guard J.J. Redick and Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey, who posted messages of encouragement for Myers on Twitter. Team 17 Strong thanked Reddick and Jeffrey on Twitter at twitter.com/team17strong/status/ twitter.com/team17strong/status/ Penn State football coach James Franklin who played at East Stroudsburg University with Myer s father Ed Myers in the 1992 and 1993 seasons called to offer his support. We are all praying for Anthony and his family, said Tony Balistrere, BCHS principal. I know Anthony and his family are so thankful for the outpouring of love and support from throughout the and beyond. Balistrere said BCHS students, faculty and staff are wearing bracelets with Myers No. 17 to show their support. A parent donated the bracelets. Myers has always worn 17 as a tribute to his grandmother, who died in Balistrere said Bishop Alfred Schlert offered intentions for Myers when he celebrated Mass at BCHS for All Saints Day. The Bishop met privately with Myers, his brother Nico and sister Gia after the liturgy. Nico, a senior, plays center for the Saints. Team 17 Strong is comprised of a group of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, ministers, teachers, students, uncles, aunts and all in between who want to show love to the Myers family. Their mission is to raise as much money as possible, to offset the medical and other expenses during Myers fight with cancer; 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the Myers family to cover expenses not covered by medical insurance that may occur with his care including lodg- A 17 Strong rally is slated for Saturday, Nov. 17 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum. Team 17 Strong has launched several fundraisers to support Myers and his family in this fight. ing, transportation, parking and meals. T-shirts and soon other items are available for purchase on the Team 17 Strong website to raise money for the Myers family. Team 17 Strong can be found on Twitter at The website can be found at team17strong.org/. Upcoming Issues of The A.D. Times Publication Date Advertising Deadline News Deadline 2018 Nov. 29 Nov. 19 Nov. 22 Dec. 20 Dec. 10 Dec Jan. 10 Dec. 31 Jan. 3 Jan. 24 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Publication Date Advertising Deadline News Deadline Feb. 7 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 21 Feb. 11 Feb. 14 March 7 Feb. 25 Feb. 28 March 21 March 11 March 14 April 4 March 25 March 28 April 18 April 8 April 11 May 2 April 22 April 25 May 16 May 6 May 9 May 30 May 20 May 23

17 November 15, 2018 Sports Our Lady of Perpetual Help Clinches CYO Volleyball Title The A.D. Times 17 Carly Campbell, right, goes on the attack for Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) against LaSalle. The girls volleyball team from LaSalle Academy, Shillington huddles up Oct. 28 before their match against Holy Guardian Angels, Reading during the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) volleyball tournament at Berks Catholic High School, Reading. LaSalle won the match 25-14; (Photos by John Simitz) Kylie Heinze, left, prepares to receive a set from her teammate from St. Thomas More, Allentown. Heinze tips the ball over the net during St. Thomas More s championship match against OLPH. Members from the St. Thomas More volleyball team celebrate their second place finish in the CYO tournament. From left are: Assistant Coach Jenny Kozuch, Olivia East, Alyssa Mullaney, Elizabeth McGorry. Elizabeth Trump, Lauren Trump, Elena Pursell, Kylie Heinze, Isabelle Russo. Molly Maskiell, Diana Grover, Grace Fifield and Coach Jessica Reynolds. The volleyball team from OLPH claims the first place trophy in the CYO tournament, From left are: front, Eowyn O Hearn, Cadence Truskolasky, Ashlynne Corrigan; back, head coach Joe Tomko, Katie Stawicki, Maelle Pierre, Kyla Rodriguez, Terri Campbell, Carly Campbell, Liz Stawicki and Marisa Lopez- Rodriguez.

18 18 The A.D. Times November 15, 2018 Calendar Editor s note: , fax or mail Church-affiliated items for the Calendar page (Calendar, Retreats, Socials, Festivals, Bazaars, Trips) to: , adtimes@allentowndiocese.org; fax, ; The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA Items must be received by Thursday of the week before publication. Please type or print. Please notify The A.D. Times if bingos and other regularly listed events are cancelled for the summer or other holiday periods, and again when they resume. Please do not send items again after they are published. For more information, adtimes@allentowndiocese.org or call , ext Thursday, Nov. 15 Mass of Remembrance, St. Joseph, Frackville, 6 p.m., for those who have gone before us and to offer support for those who still mourn for their loss; photo, candle or memento may be displayed on table in the sanctuary. Mass of Remembrance, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m., all parishioners who have died in the past year will be remembered in a special way; parishioners may submit names of relatives and friends whom they wish to have remembered at this Mass, by Monday, Nov. 5. Friday, Nov. 16 Project 177, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, 6:30 p.m., rosary 6:45 p.m., Eucharistic adoration 7 p.m., concert with Marie Miller and Ben Wagner 8:15 p.m., free, sponsored by Adoration Artists, similar event in every diocese in the United States all aimed at bringing people to the Lord. Saturday, Nov. 17 Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund Collection, also Sunday, Nov. 18 Ḃake Sale, Immaculate Conception BVM, Allentown, after all Masses, also Sunday, Nov. 18 after Masses. International Grandparents Association meeting, parish center, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, after 8:30 a.m. Mass, garcia1047@ptd.net. Lehigh Valley Pops Orchestra Concert for 85 th Birthday Celebration for Monsignor Joseph Smith, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, 3 p.m., free, any donations and offerings benefit Monsignor Smith s charity Family Promise, questions Ministry with Gen Z and Their Families, workshop, for parish leaders whose ministries touch the lives of adolescents, $54, asmith@allentowndiocese.org. Oldies Dance, social hall, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, doors open 6:30 p.m., dancing 7-10 p.m., per person $5, BYOB Sunday, Nov. 18 Community Breakfast, church basement, Sacred Heart, Bath, 7-11 a.m., this month s special Belgian waffles, adults $9, children $4, under 6 free, sponsored by the church and Knights of Columbus. Breakfast, school hall, St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring, 8 a.m.-noon, adults $8, children 6-12 $4. All Saints, movie club showing, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 2 p.m., doors open 1:30 p.m., free. Memorial Mass, Deceased Holy Name Disciples, Allentown Diocesan Union of Holy Name Societies, St. Anthony of Padua, Easton, 2 p.m.; celebrant Father Stanley Moczydlowski, pastor; attire suit jacket, tie, HNS pin and rosary; Natural Family Planning/Fertility Seminar, McGlinn Conference Center, Reading, 2:30 p.m., no charge, a method of family planning that can be used to achieve or avoid pregnancy and follows Church teaching, scientific advances in gynecological health which offer far superior treatment for infertility than IVF, more viable alternatives to birth control pills to avoid pregnancy and treat women s health problems, also Monday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m., St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, , ext Monday, Nov. 19 Pro-Life Berks on BCTV (Berks Community Television), 8 p.m., repeated several times throughout the week, discussing pro-life and family issues. Tuesday, Nov. 20 Mass of Thanksgiving Honoring Our Veterans, gymnasium, Notre Dame High School, Easton, 8:15 a.m., followed by reception, all who have served our country invited, contact ncaroprese@ndcrusaders.org, , ext. 123 by Nov. 16. Thursday, Nov. 22 Patriotic Rosary for Thanksgiving, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, after 9 a.m. Mass. Sunday, Nov. 25 Eucharistic Adoration for Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, 1-4 p.m. with benediction, Divine Mercy prayed 3 p.m. The Season of Advent: Preparing the Way free online noncredit course for spiritual enrichment, through Monday, Dec. 31, Salesian Center for Faith and Culture, DeSales University, Center Valley, , ext. 1244, salesian@desales.edu, lore.mcfadden@desales.edu. Monday, Nov. 26 Paint N Sip, cafeteria, Marian High School, Tamaqua, 6-9 p.m., register Friday, Nov. 30 Come and See Weekend, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, for young men ages 14 and older, includes Mass, time with seminarians, time for prayer, adoration and reflection, sightseeing in Philadelphia, registration deadline Friday, Nov. 23, msearles@allentowndiocese.org. Gently Used Toy Sale, church basement, Holy Family, Nazareth, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; also Saturday, Dec. 1, 9-11 a.m.; drop off toys before and after weekend Masses Nov and Nov , for special arrangement drop off call Sunday, Dec. 2 Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, Knights of Columbus Chapter 16656, St. Nicholas, Walnutport, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $7, kids under 12 free. Holiday Brunch, benefit Clare of Assisi House, serving the needs of women upon release from prison, McGlinn Conference Center, Reading, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., per person $50, reservations by Monday, Nov. 19 at Brunch2018, or make checks payable to Clare of Assisi House, 325 S. 12 th St., Reading, PA 19602, , www. clareofassisihouse.org. Spaghetti Dinner, parish center, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., adults $8, children $3.50. Advent Concert with Vespers, Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, 4 p.m., with Holy Guardian Angels Choir. Saturday, Dec. 8 Diocesan-Wide Christmas Novena for Bishop Schlert, through Sunday, Dec. 16; sign up for daily s, your name will be presented to the Bishop by members of the Commission for Women, , 2021, cfw@allentowndiocese.org. What Child Is This? Advent concert, Main Chapel, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, 501 N. Church Road, Wernersville, 7 p.m., free, mleonowitz@jesuitcenter.org, Simbang Gabi 2018, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, through Sunday, Dec. 16, Mass begins each day 7:30 p.m., fellowship after Mass, sponsored by FCCDA. Sunday, Dec. 9 Christmas Concert, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 2 p.m. Festival of Carols and Lessons, Advent vespers, St. Benedict, Mohnton, 4 p.m., parish choir will be joined by a professional string quartet, refreshments provided by Women s Club. Saturday, Dec. 15 Christmas Vespers, White House Chapel, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 7 p.m., freewill offering, also Sunday, Dec. 16, 2 and 7 p.m., , stfranciscenter@gmail. com, Tuesday, Dec. 18 International Grandparents Association meeting, parish center, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, after 7 p.m. Mass, garcia1047@ptd.net. Sundays Interpreted Mass, for the hearing impaired, St. Columbkill, Boyertown, 9 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations, Serra Club of Reading, Holy Rosary, Reading, 4-5 p.m. Children s Prayer Group, for children of any age, Perpetual Adoration Chapel, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 5 p.m. Holy Hour of Reparation, Adoration Chapel, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m., for sins committed against the Body of Christ and the healing of victims and all those affected, all are welcome. First Sundays Spaghetti Dinner, parish center, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., adults $8, children $3.50. Divine Mercy Liturgical Service, St. Teresa of Calcutta, 600 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City, 3 p.m., confessions before liturgy, Anointing of the Sick after liturgy and benediction. Second Sundays Breakfast, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 8:30-11:30 a.m., adults $7, children $4, 3 and under free, October to April. Youth Mass, students in PREP and Catholic schools asked to participate as lectors, greeters, ushers, etc., St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 10:30 a.m. Latin Mass, St. Mary, Reading, 12:30 p.m., reconciliation at noon, social after Mass, Facebook Berks County Traditional Latin Mass Community. Juventutem Lehigh Valley Traditional Latin Mass, Sacred Heart, Bath, 12:30 p.m., followed by meeting at 2:15 p.m., open to ages 18-36, lawrence.meo@gmail.com, Bereavement Support Group, parish center, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, 3-4:30 p.m., no membership, sign-in or registration required, , sue@jnsc.org. Third Sundays Breakfast, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., adults $8, children 7-11 $4, under 7 free, no breakfast July or December. Fourth Sundays Breakfast, Assumption BVM, Northampton, 8:30 a.m.-noon, adults $7, children $3, Last Sunday Breakfast, St. Stephen of Hungary, Allentown, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays Eucharistic Adoration, chapel, St. Catharine of Siena, Reading, after 8 a.m. Mass until 9 p.m., Scripture Classes, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Bible Study on Gospel of John, Coll Room, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 10 to 11:35 a.m., join anytime, , ldurback@gmail.com. Monday Evening Bible Study, Finnegan Room, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 6:30-8 p.m., , ext. 12. Father Walter Ciszek Prayer Group, Father Ciszek Convent, 18 E. Oak St., Shenandoah, 6:30-7:30 p.m. GriefShare Workshop and Support Group, St. Catharine of Siena, 2427 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, 7-8:30 p.m., First Mondays Eucharistic Adoration, Chapel, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, after 8 a.m. Mass, evening prayer and benediction 5 p.m., second Mondays if falls on federal holiday or holy day, Third Mondays Pro-Life Berks on BCTV, discussion of pro-life and pro-family issues, 8 p.m. Fourth Mondays Kids Konnected, support group for children with a parent being treated for cancer, Penn State Health St. Joseph, Reading, 7 p.m., registration required , Last Mondays Mass and Veneration of Relic St. Pauline Visintainer, Our Lady s Chapel, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 5 p.m. Tuesdays Eucharistic Day of Prayer, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Sinking Spring, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after 8 a.m. Mass until 7 p.m. Benediction, Eucharistic Adoration, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, after 8:15 a.m. Mass until 9 p.m. benediction, Divine Mercy 3 p.m., Miraculous Medal novena 7 p.m., rosary for vocations 7:30 p.m. Holy Family Quilters, church basement, Holy Family, Nazareth, 9 a.m.-noon, experienced quilters or those interested in learning are welcome, , salternkb@outlook.com. Tuesday Morning Bible Study, rectory basement, St. Paul, Allentown, 9:30-11 a.m., join anytime, , ext. 14. Catholic Charities Services, Annunciation BVM, Shenandoah, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., appointments Parenting Support Educational Series, Catholic Charities, Annunciation BVM, Shenandoah, 11 a.m.-noon, free, for parents and grandparents of infants through toddlers, register Adoration, St. Peter, Coplay, 6-7 p.m. Flame of Love Centacle; 7-8 p.m. personal time, end with benediction. Tuesdays at the Shrine, National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Immaculate Conception BVM, Allentown, 2-3:30 p.m., special rosary asking Mary s intercession to heal all victims of abuse, and for our Holy Mother Church in these difficult times, followed by Divine Mercy Chaplet 3 p.m. First Tuesdays Simply Prayer mornings of prayer, reflection and sharing, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 9:30 a.m.-noon, First and third Tuesdays Catechism Classes for Men, Catholic Men of Good News, Franciscan Center (former convent), St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m., Second Tuesdays Cancer Support Group, Msgr. Gobitas Meeting Room, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, 7 p.m. Hoagie Sale, Knights of Columbus Cardinal Francis Brennan Council 618, $4, pickup 9 a.m. until sold out, 201 W. Cherry St., order , Rosary and Benediction, St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe, 6:30 p.m. Third Tuesdays Outreach Committee, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilke-Barre, $25 (new price), , Wednesdays Spiritual Book Study, directed by Pat and Rich Kane, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 10-11:30 a.m., , ext. 12. Rosary and Novena, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 7 p.m. Bible Study, SS. Simon and Jude, Bethlehem, 7-8:30 p.m., bring your Bible. Wednesday Evening Bible Study, rectory basement, St. Paul, Allentown, 6:30-8 p.m., join anytime, , ext.14. First and third Wednesdays Joseph s People, support group for unemployed and underemployed persons, St. Catharine of Siena, Reading, 7-8:30 p.m., , , kaf8860@dejazzd.com or jsenick@ptd.net. Women s Prayer Group, Sister Gertrude Room, Franciscan Center, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, fellowship and hospitality 6:30 p.m., prayer hour 7-8 p.m., , gatheredingrace@aol.com. Second and fourth Wednesdays God s Bountiful Table, soup kitchen open for disadvantaged and those in need, St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville, at Father Anthony Ricapito Annex, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., volunteers needed, Rosary, Marian Prayer Group, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, Third Wednesdays Cancer Support Group, for those with cancer, caregivers and friends, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, 7 p.m., all are invited, , Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations, Serra Club of Reading, St. Mary, Kutztown, 7 p.m. Thursdays Bible Study, Wortmann Center, Holy Family, Nazareth, after 8:30 a.m. Mass, bring your Bible. Prayer of the Heart Contemplative Prayer, classes, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Scripture Study, SS. Simon and Jude, Bethlehem, 10-11:30 a.m., Musical Entertainment, Christopher s at Columbian Home, Knights of Columbus Calvary Council 528, Allentown, 7-10 p.m., Faith Sharing, Allentown Bethlehem Catholic Young Adults, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 7:30-8:45 p.m. First Thursdays Holy Mass with Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 7-9 p.m. Please see CALENDAR page 19 }}

19 November 15, 2018 The A.D. Times 19 Calendar }}Continued from page 18 Second and fourth Thursdays On-Going Job Transition Workshop, job transition group for those seeking employment or career advancement, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9-11:30 a.m., free, , Fridays Holy Mass, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 7:30 p.m. Symbolon, the Catholic Faith Explained, catechetical program, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 8:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Rosary and Chaplet, Divine Mercy, Shenandoah, 3 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Family, Nazareth, after 8:30 a.m. Mass until 5 p.m. First Fridays Litany of the Sacred Heart, Daily Mass Chapel, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown 7:55 a.m. before Mass. Eucharistic Adoration, Sacred Heart, Palmerton, confession 8 a.m., Mass 8:30 a.m. followed by adoration until noon, concluding with midday prayer and benediction. Eucharistic Adoration, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, after 8:15 a.m. Mass until 10 p.m. benediction, Divine Mercy 3 p.m., rosary for vocations 7:30 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Family, Nazareth, after 8:30 a.m. Mass-4 p.m., Divine Mercy Chaplet 3 p.m. Respect Life Holy Hour, adoration chapel, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7-8 p.m., all welcome, presider Deacon Bob Young. Saturdays Holy Hour of Reparation, Adoration Chapel, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 12 p.m., to pray for our world leaders, church leaders, clergy, pastors, families, the sick and suffering, the dying. We need people to pray! Also Sundays 7 p.m. First Saturdays Holy Hour for Vocations, Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, begins with 8 a.m. Mass (except May and June). Devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 4:05 p.m. First and third Saturdays Mass for the Deaf Community, interpreted Mass for the hearing impaired, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem, 9 a.m. (changed from Sundays). Second Saturdays Prayer Pilgrimage, Helpers of God s Precious Infants; Mass, Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 8 a.m., followed by 15 decades of the rosary at Allentown Women s Center, 31 S. Commerce Way, Bethlehem, , schedule40dfl@hotmail.com. Second and fourth Saturdays Sacrament of Reconciliation, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 11 a.m.-noon. Third Saturdays Lay Dominican Meeting, Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic, Chapter of the Expectation of the Blessed Mother, Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 9-11 a.m., , , Retreats First Tuesdays Simply Prayer, mornings of prayer, reflection and sharing, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 9:30 a.m.-noon, free will offering, , stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Tuesday, Nov. 27 A Day of Adoration, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, Exposition 10 a.m., Benediction 3 p.m., , stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Tuesday, Dec. 4 St. Teresa of Calcutta Her Lessons of Love and True Devotion to Our Blessed Mother Mary, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 8:45 a.m.-noon, $35, , stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Wednesday, Dec. 5 Waiting in Joyful Hope: Advent Day of Reflection, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., $50, Friday, Dec. 7 Sunday, Dec. 9 Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary Our Models for Advent Waiting, $165, , stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Weekend Directed Retreat, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, $240, Saturday, Dec. 8 Dare to Prepare Advent retreat for teen girls 12 +, St. Joseph, Coopersburg, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $30, features Mass, social time, games and a Christmas craft, , , (events). Drawing Near to God: Praying and Playing with Color and Shape, hands-on workshop to create simple mandalas for prayer and meditation, Gambet Center Auditorium, DeSales University, Center Valley, free, online registration required scroll to Visiting Artist, questions , ext. 1233, lore.mcfadden@desales.edu. Saturday, Dec. 15 New Church Year, New Me A Catholic Perspective on A Christmas Carol, Advent day of reflection offered by of Allentown Commission for Women, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, 9:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m., $20 includes lunch, presenter Deacon James Russo, register questions cfw@allentowndiocese.org, Monday, Dec. 17 A Franciscan Christmas, mini-retreat on characters in the Christmas story and crèche, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, dinner 6 p.m., presentation and discussion 7-9 p.m., $30, register by Monday, Dec. 10, , ext. 10. Saturday, Dec. 15 Friday, Dec. 21 Five-Day Directed Retreat, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, $540, Friday, Jan. 4 Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019 Young Men s Discernment Retreat, offered by of Allentown Office for Vocation Promotion, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, $50, includes Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, talks and reflections by priests and seminarians, quiet time for reflection and prayer, msearles@allentowndiocese.org, , Saturday, Jan. 12 Sunday, Jan. 20 Eight-Day Directed Retreat, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, $720, Friday, Jan. 25 Sunday, Jan. 27 Weekend Directed Retreat, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, $240, Festivals/Bazaars Friday, Nov. 16 Saturday Nov. 17 Christmas Boutique, St. Catharine of Siena, Reading, Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 Craft/Vendor and Food Sale, Green and Gold Booster Club, Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 18 Holiday Gift Market, benefiting Mary s Shelter, Reading, at Riverview Garden and Gifts, 3049 Pricetown Road, Temple, noon-4 p.m., please bring basic needs donations, financial donations welcome. Saturday, Dec. 1 Christmas Craft Bazaar, Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, in school building, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 Christmas Boutique, Sacred Heart School, Bath, Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 Christkindlmarkt, St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Trips Previously announced Saturday, Nov. 17 St. Thomas More, Allentown to choice of Broadway; Dear Evan Hansen, $235; Pretty Woman, $125; Mean Girls, $205; Lion King, $180; To Kill a Mockingbird (play), $164; , johra2179@aol.com. Tuesday, Nov. 20 Outreach Committee, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, $25, , Wednesday, Nov. 28 St. Thomas More, Allentown to Christmas Tour of Winterthur and Longwood Gardens, $75, , johra2179@aol. com. St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Christmas Show, American Music Theater, Lancaster, $90, payment deadline Wednesday, Nov. 7, , suemueller45@gmail.com. Thursday, Nov. 29 Fellowship Group, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem to Country Christmas Show, Silver Birches Resort, Lake Wallenpaupack, $77, , Thursday, Dec. 6 Assumption Travel Club, Slatington to A Christmas Carol the Musical, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Lancaster, $90, Wednesday, Dec. 12 Friendly Fifties, St. John Byzantine, Northampton to Christmas Show, Hunterdon Hill Playhouse, Hampton, New Jersey, $98, Thursday, Dec. 13 Golden Agers, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to First Noel, American Music Theatre, $93, St. Thomas More, Allentown to Christmas Show, Radio City Music Hall, New York City, $110, , johra2179@ aol.com. Wednesday, Dec. 19 Golden Agers, Holy Family, Nazareth to The First Noel, American Music Theater, Lancaster, $94, Monday, Jan. 28 Friday, Feb. 1 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Woodloch Pines Lodge, Hawley, $590, , Thursday, Feb. 7 Thursday March 7 Assumption Travel Club, Slatington to Costa del Sol, Spain, $3,499, Tuesday, June 25 Friday, June 28 Fellowship Group, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem to Villa Roma, New York, $505, , Thursday, Nov. 7 Saturday, Nov. 16 Assumption Travel Club, Slatington to Rome and Amalfi Coast, Italy, $3,899,

20 20 The A.D. Times November 15, 2018 Bishop Celebrates Mass Marking Bethlehem and Its Sister City in Italy By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer The City of Bethlehem marked a special day Sept. 29, as the official dedication ceremony took place linking the city and the town of Foiano di Val Fortore, Italy as sister cities. Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez and Foiano di Val Fortore Mayor Michelantonio Maffeo participated in the day, which began with a 10 a.m. flag raising ceremony on Payrow Plaza, followed by a ceremony inside Town Hall. The festive occasion continued at Holy Ghost, Bethlehem, where Bishop Alfred Schlert celebrated a 4 p.m. Mass. Father David Kozak is administrator of Holy Ghost. The day celebrated the unique bond between the towns, which dates back more than 100 years. Bethlehem s relationship with Foiano di Val Fortore goes back over 100 years. The original immigrants arrived seeking economic opportunities. They immediately organized and built a church in 1902, and eventually a social hall, settling in neighborhoods of South Bethlehem. Today a very large percentage of Bethlehem area residents with Italian surnames can trace their heritage not only to Italy, and specifically to the tiny village called Foiano di Val Fortore. Although many Foianese found work at Bethlehem Steel, others toiled in the knitting factories and in cigar manufacturing, and others plied their trades as stone masons, in shoe repair, etc. They formed a Society of St. Peter, where in addition to satisfying social needs, the Foianese received advice on how to assimilate into American life. They also made important contacts so they could borrow money, which helped to start businesses and build homes. The Foianese were so concerned with fitting in that within a generation and a half, they began moving to other sections of the city. Their children became proficient English speakers, and a college education was soon attainable for the next generation, born here. Today a very large percentage of Bethlehem area residents with Italian surnames can trace their heritage not only to Italy, but specifically to the tiny village called Foiano di Val Fortore. This symbolic joining of the two towns was a long time coming. The connection is so close and so direct that citizens in both towns have fully embraced this idea of Sister City cooperation. It is Bethlehem s hope that from the seeds planted this day, the door will be opened to even more conversations, visits and true cultural appreciation. A magnificent new replacement statue of St. John the Hermit, dedicated that day by Bishop Schlert, is on display at Holy Ghost. Left, Maria Delgrasso Dangelmaier and Mark Iampietro uncover the statue of St. John the Hermit during a Sept. 29 Mass at Holy Ghost, Bethlehem that marked linking Bethlehem and the town of Foiano di Val Fortore, Italy as sister cities. Behind them are, from left: Father David Kozak; Father Luigi Palmeri, retired to Holy Family Villa for Priests, Bethlehem and former pastor of the former Our Lady of Pompeii, Bethlehem; Bishop Alfred Schlert; Father Pierpaolo Marucci of Foiano di Val Fortore, Italy (hidden), and Ron Koach, coordinator of the Newman Center at Lehigh University, Bethlehem. (Photos by John Simitz) Below, Sister City members attend the afternoon liturgy celebrated by Bishop Alfred Schlert. The statue represents the culture, beliefs and faith of the original immigrants, but also stands for the reconnection made possible through the cooperation between the third generation of these pioneers. The plaque, to be placed on a wall near the statue will read: San Giovanni Eremita (Saint John the Hermit), Dedicated on Saturday, September 29, 2018 by His Excellency Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of the of Allentown Pennsylvania. The hermit Giovanni da Tufara ( ) was born, raised and buried in the Fortore Valley in Italy. He was founder and first prior of the Monastery of S. Maria de Gualdo Mazocca. Pope Hadrian IV chose him to found this Monastery. Giovanni s Monastery is credited with bringing civilization to the Fortore Valley, including the village of Foiano di Val Fortore. He was held in high esteem by the inhabitants of this area and became their patron saint. When the original immigrants came to America in the early 20th century, they brought with them their annual celebration of his feast day. The original statue was displayed in the Our Lady of Pompeii Church. When the original statue went missing and the Our Lady of Pompeii Church closed, a group of current Foianese commissioned the creation of this replica statue. Today we sincerely thank the people of Foiano for their kind gift. Our gratitude extends to Father David Kozak, Ronald J. Koach, Pastoral Assistant and the parishioners of Holy Ghost Church for displaying the statue and to the dozens of people here in our community who raised money to pay for the shipping of the statue to America. Special thanks to Honorable Robert J. Donchez, Mayor of Bethlehem; the Honorable Dr. Michelantonio Maffeo, Mayor of Foiano di Val Fortore; Dr. Giuseppe Ruggiero, and Mrs. Maria Del- Grosso Dangelmajer, Mr. Frank V. Facchiano and Mr. Mark C. Iampietro. Above, Bishop Schlert, center, gathers with representatives of Southside Bethlehem churches, including front, far left, Father Luigi Palmeri and right, Father David Kozak and Ron Koach. Left, the statue of St. John the Hermit.

21 November 15, 2018 The A.D. Times 21 St. Luke s, Allentown Seeking Donations for Wreaths Across America St. Luke s Allentown Campus is helping to raise money to lay 1,500 wreaths at Resurrection Cemetery on Krocks Road in Wescosville as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. Resurrection Cemetery is one of two diocesan cemeteries of the of Allentown. The other is Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Each December Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies to honor fallen veterans at more than 1,400 locations across the country, at sea and abroad. This year s event will be Saturday, Dec. 15. Our goal is to recognize every veteran at rest in Resurrection Cemetery, said Robert Smith, St. Luke s Hospital Allentown Campus Manager Safety and Security. There are almost 1,500 veterans gravesites at Resurrection. This event brings the community together to remember our veterans. Friends, family and grateful citizens can all participate. Donate a wreath or join in the ceremony. Everyone can be a part of the moving day. Each wreath sponsorship is $15 and can be made in the name of a specific person or all who have served. To donate a wreath, go to Please make donations by Friday, Nov. 30. Flag-bearing wreaths honoring the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines and Pow/MIA also will be laid and will be provided by the Wreaths Across America national organization. In addition to financial donations, St. Luke s Allen- town Campus is looking for veterans and a POW/MIA family member to participate in the formal ceremony before the wreath-laying. The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the wreath-laying at noon. Children of veterans and St. Luke s employees also may volunteer to speak on What a veteran means to me. Those wishing to participate can contact Smith at robert.smith@sluhn.org. Those wishing to volunteer can call STLUKES ( ). St. Luke s also welcomes volunteers to help distribute and lay the wreaths and coordinate traffic at the cemetery. The public is invited to attend the ceremony. A robust turnout makes Wreaths Across America a unifying community event, said Von George, St. Luke s University Health Network director, Supply Chain Logistics. Smith will serve as master of ceremonies. Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization based in Maine and founded in 1992, strives to Remember, Honor, Teach. St. Luke s Hospital Allentown Campus has taken over the role of coordinating the event from Air Products in Trexlertown, which started area participation in Other groups participating in the event include veterans organizations, Boy Scouts of America, Knights of Columbus and individual contributors. The event will be held rain or shine. Filipino Community Plans Simbang Gabi Event The Filipino Catholic Community in the of Allentown (FCCDA) will sponsor its annual Simbang Gabi event in December. Simbang Gabi consists of nine-day novena Masses in parish churches in celebration, preparation and anticipation for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. This year s event will start Saturday, Dec. 8 and end Sunday, Dec. 16 at St Jane Frances de Chantal Church, 4049 Hartley Ave., Easton. For nine days the Mass will start at 7:30 p.m., followed by fellowship after the Mass. There will be potlucks Dec. 8 and 16; coffee and pastry Dec. 9 and 15. For more information, fccda@gmail.com. Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by the blood of his cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear our cries as we agonize over the harm done to our brothers and sisters. Breathe wisdom into our prayers, soothe restless hearts with hope, steady shaken spirits with faith: Show us the way to justice and wholeness, enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people s wounds and transform our brokenness. Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace, so that we may act with justice and find peace in you. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Copyright 2004, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved. Pub. No Natural Family Planning Free Seminars Looking for a method of family planning that can be used to achieve or avoid pregnancy and follows Church teaching? Come learn about scientific advances in gynecological health that offer far superior treatment for infertility than IVF. This seminar will discuss more viable alternatives to birth control pills to avoid pregnancy and treat women s health problems. A series of three seminars were being offered in November and December. Remaining seminars will be Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2:30 p.m. at McGlinn Conference Center, Reading and Monday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem. For more information, visit. org/nfp. For questions, call , ext Top 5 Reasons to Switch to an Online Subscription of The A.D. Times 5. You can forward the link to family and friends, so they can read the article you ve been talking about. 4. If a picture of your son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter appears in the paper, you can print your very own high-quality copy. 3. Even if you re on vacation or away on business, The A.D. Times will be accessible on your laptop or desktop computer. 2. After you re finished reading The A.D. Times, you can click on the previous window to browse other pages on the Diocesan website. 1. You can brag to your friends about how tech-savvy you ve become. You read The A.D. Times online! To transfer your print subscription to instead receive an notification with a link to each new issue posted on the diocesan website, send the following information to adtimes@allentowndiocese.org or fill out the submission form on the Diocesan website, address Name Address Parish Daytime phone number Subscriber number (on line immediately above your name printed in the lower left-hand corner of this issue)

22 22 The A.D. Times November 15, 2018 Rite of Candidacy for Seminarian Left, Allentown Seminarian and First Theologian Matthew Kuna, center, was admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders Nov. 4 at a Mass for the patronal feast of St. Charles Borromeo in St. Martin of Tours Chapel at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia. Main celebrant was Archbishop of Philadelphia Charles Chaput. Joining him were Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert, right, and Father Mark Searles, director for vocations promotion for the of Allentown. Death Religious Sisters Sister Mary Cabrini Nowosielski, 92, of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Third Order Regular of St. Francis, died Nov. 1 at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, where she had resided since During her ministry as an elementary teacher and tutor, Sister served in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. In the of Allentown, she ministered at Sacred Heart Motherhouse and St. Joseph Villa, both in Reading. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 5 in St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, with burial in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading. ing, where she had resided since Anna Dei Gloria Radzai was born in Shenandoah, a daughter of the late Anthony and Pauline (Mojzesz) Radzai. During her ministry as an elementary teacher, principal, organist, superior, supervisor, provincial councilor, provincial superior, local minister, retreat coordinator, and administrator, Sister served in various dioceses in Pennsylvania. In the of Allentown she ministered at Sacred Heart, Reading; St. Stanislaus, Summit Hill; SS. Peter and Paul, Lansford; St. Mary, Mahanoy City; and St. Joseph Villa, Reading. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 15 at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, with burial in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading. Above, Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert, center, and Father Mark Searles, front fourth from left, gather after the celebration with the Allentown seminarians. Marriage Encounter I wish we could just sit down and talk. Have you ever said that to your spouse? Do you wish you could take your talk to a deeper level of listening and understanding? Learn how on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. For information, call or visit Correction A photo in the Nov. 1 issue of The A.D. Times misidentified Sister Mary Glackin, coordinator of the choir from Trinity Academy at the Father Walter Ciszek Education Center, Shenandoah. We apologize for any inconvenience this misinformation may have caused. Sister Bonaventa Radzai, 96, of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Third Order Regular of St. Francis died Nov. 11 at St. Joseph Villa, Mount Alvernia, Read-

23 November 15, 2018 The A.D. Times 23 Santa Alegría III Por DIÁCONO JOSÉ SANTOS Podemos decir que la felicidad es equivalente: a la alegría que vivimos en un ambiente de armonía donde reine la paz. Todos queremos vivir en paz, no siempre lo logramos porque no ponemos los medios necesarios para lograr la paz. Oramos con el himno de la Liturgia de las Horas que dice: Señor dame concordia de cuerpo y alma. El cuerpo es criatura de Dios, y a él le pertenece. El alma es infundida en el cuerpo por el mismo Señor para que el cuerpo tenga vida, y también dice el salmista: Señor si tú les retiras tu aliento, mueren y desaparecen (Salmo 104, 29). Tú existes porque el Señor tu Dios te regaló la vida y esa vida es de Dios, solo él puede y tiene derecho a retirarla del cuerpo. Tuyo soy, tuyo soy dice la canción. Así dice San Pablo: No me avergüenzo del evangelio, porque es poder de Dios para que todos los que creen alcancen la salvación, los judíos en primer lugar, pero también de los que no lo son. Pues el evangelio nos muestra de qué manera Dios nos hace justos: es por fe, de principio a fin. Así lo dicen las Escrituras: El justo por la fe vivirá (Rm 1, 16-17). El evangelio es la buena noticia transmitida con alegría para despertar a la fe a los que se van salvando y viven según la voluntad de Dios. Esta buena noticia, tiene poder para desterrar la tristeza, la angustia, el odio, la soledad, el rechazo a amar a ciertas personas. Cuando una persona se enamora de alguien, la primera reacción de la persona que ama, es una alegría desbordante que no se puede ocultar. El amor produce alegría en el corazón del enamorado o de la enamorada, de la misma manera esa persona quiere, y busca la forma de comunicarse y contagiar a la otra. Así es la presencia de Dios que es Amor, sí, Dios es Amor. Cuando Dios decide visitar a la humanidad en persona, un ángel anuncia el nacimiento de Jesús como dice el evangelio de San Lucas en el primer capítulo: A los seis meses, Dios mandó al ángel Gabriel a un pueblo de Galilea llamado Nazaret, donde vivía una joven llamada María; era virgen, pero estaba comprometida para casarse con un hombre llamado José, descendiente del rey David. El ángel entró en el lugar donde ella estaba, y le dijo: Salve, llena de gracia! El Señor está contigo. María se sorprendió de estas palabras, y se preguntaba qué significaría aquel saludo. El ángel le dijo: María, no tengas miedo, pues tú gozas del favor de Dios. Ahora vas a quedar encinta: tendrás un hijo, y le pondrás por nombre Jesús. Será un gran hombre, al que llamarán Hijo del Dios altísimo, y Dios el Señor lo hará Rey, como a su antepasado David, para que reine por siempre sobre el pueblo de Jacob. Su reinado no tendrá fin. María preguntó al ángel: Cómo podrá suceder esto, si no vivo con ningún hombre? El ángel le contestó: El Espíritu Santo vendrá sobre ti, y el poder del Dios altísimo se posará sobre ti. Por eso, el niño que va a nacer será llamado Santo e Hijo de Dios. También tu parienta Isabel va a tener un hijo, a pesar de que es anciana; la que decían que no podía tener hijos, está encinta desde hace seis meses. Para Dios no hay nada imposible. Entonces María dijo: Yo soy esclava del Señor; que Dios haga conmigo como me has dicho. Con esto, el ángel se fue (Lc. 1,26-38). Esta es la noticia que ha traído más alegría a la tierra, los que celebramos con conciencia clara la navidad, sabemos que júbilo se siente. Muchos también se alegran aunque no entienden lo que celebran, pero es buena noticia y es motivo de gozo para la humanidad. Dios visita a su pueblo, éste es el acontecimiento de la navidad. La Visitación de María a Isabel: Por aquellos días, María se fue de prisa a un pueblo de la región montañosa de Judea, y entró en la casa de Zacarías y saludó a Isabel. Cuando Isabel oyó el saludo de María, la criatura se le estremeció en el vientre, y ella quedó llena del Espíritu Santo. Entonces, con voz muy fuerte, dijo: Dios te ha bendecido más que a todas las mujeres, y ha bendecido a tu hijo! Quién soy yo, para que venga a visitarme la madre de mi Señor? Pues tan pronto como oí tu saludo, mi hijo se estremeció de alegría en mi vientre. Dichosa tú por haber creído que han de cumplirse las cosas que el Señor te ha dicho! María dijo: Mi alma alaba la grandeza del Señor; mi espíritu se alegra en Dios mi Salvador. Porque Dios ha puesto sus ojos en mí, su humilde esclava, y desde ahora siempre me llamarán dichosa; porque el Todopoderoso ha hecho en mí grandes cosas. Santo es su nombre! Dios tiene siempre misericordia de quienes lo reverencian. Actuó con todo su poder: deshizo los planes de los orgullosos, derribó a los reyes de sus tronos y puso en alto a los humildes. Llenó de bienes a los hambrientos y despidió a los ricos con las manos vacías. Ayudó al pueblo de Israel, su siervo, y no se olvidó de tratarlo con misericordia. Así lo había prometido a nuestros antepasados, a Abraham y a sus futuros descendientes. María se quedó con Isabel unos tres meses, y después regresó a su casa (Lc. 1,39-56) Ḋice el Papa Francisco en la Exhortación Apostólica Evangelii Gaudium: La alegría del evangelio llena el corazón y la vida entera de los que se encuentran con Jesús. Con Jesucristo siempre nace y renace la alegría. Recobremos y acrecentemos el fervor, la dulce confortadora alegría de evangelizar. La alegría del evangelio es para todo el pueblo, no puede excluir a nadie. No tengan miedo ahí tienen la buena noticia, que les trae la paz. Gloria a Dios en las alturas y Paz a los hombres de buena voluntad. Parish Picnic Celebrates 70 th Year Milestone of St. John, Shillington Cardinal Dennis Dougherty, Archbishop of Philadelphia established the new parish of St. John Baptist de la Salle in Shillington, a young borough of Reading, on Oct. 4, Born out of the post-world War II economic boom, the new parish was formed from Sacred Heart Parish in West Reading and St. Peter Parish in Reading. Father John Hasson, a native of Reading, was appointed first pastor. In 1969 the current church on Kerrick Road was constructed. Later La Salle Academy became a reality to replace the aging St. John grade school. Father Rich Clement has been pastor since Every year the parish has an annual picnic, and this year the steering committee decided to use the 70 th anniversary as a time to celebrate. Since some consider Reading as Baseball Town USA, a theme of Hitting it Out of the Park for 70 Years became the picnic slogan. Over 330 people attended the picnic Sept. 16 at the Mohnton Playground. Keeping with the baseball theme, food found at a ballpark was served hotdogs, pizza, chips, baked beans, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts and Cracker Jack finished off with cake and ice cream. Several local companies and benefactors helped to supply the food. Screwball, mascot for the Reading Fightin Phils, made a special appearance. Pat Boylan, one of the original parishioners, gave a presentation on the early days of the parish. The cake and banner highlight the theme for the day. Above, the picnic committee. Right, Pat Boyland shares memories of the early days of the parish. Parish Mission December 3-5 at St. Anne Walking in the Dark, Living in the Light will be the theme of a parish mission in December at St. Anne Church, Bethlehem. Preacher will be Father James Wallace, rector and director of San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey. The mission will be Monday, Dec. 3 through Wednesday, Dec. 5 each evening at 7 p.m. Topics will be: Monday We A People Who Experience Both Darkness and Light. Tuesday The Crucified Risen Christ The Light in Our Darkness. Wednesday Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help: A Companion in Our Darkness. For more information: ,

24 24 The A.D. Times World November 15, 2018 Dolan: Even Without Vote, Discussing Abuse Protocols Still Productive WASHINGTON (CNS) A Vatican request that the U.S. bishops postpone voting on several proposals to address abuse was a disappointment, but they quickly took a deep breath and realized they could still have a productive discussion about the measures, said New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan. It s a big thing and I don t mind telling you... that from what I ve heard my brothers say, there was a sense of disappointment and we can t deny that, the cardinal said in a Nov. 13 interview with host Monsignor Jim Vlaun during Conversation with Cardinal Dolan on SiriusXM s Catholic Channel. I think there was a momentum going, and we looked forward to a fruitful week, and now there s a little frustration, the cardinal told the priest, who is president and CEO of Telecare Television of the of Rockville Centre, New York. However, I think the bishops quickly took a deep breath and said, Wait a minute, that still doesn t keep us from talking about it, Cardinal Dolan continued. That still doesn t keep us from giving Cardinal DiNardo a sound sense of direction as to where we should go BALTIMORE (CNS) The U.S. bishops overwhelmingly approved a pastoral letter against racism Nov. 14 during their fall general meeting at Baltimore. The document, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love A Pastoral Letter Against Racism, passed with one abstention. It required a two-thirds vote by all bishops, or 183 votes, for passage. Despite many promising strides made in our country, the ugly cancer of racism still infects our nation, the pastoral letter says. Racist acts are sinful because they violate justice. They reveal a failure to acknowledge the human dignity of the persons offended, to recognize them as the neighbors Christ calls us to love, it adds. Bishops speaking on the pastoral gave clear consent to the letter s message. This statement is very important and very timely, said Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky. He appreciated that the letter took note of the racism suffered by African-Americans and Native Americans, two pieces of our national history that we have not reconciled. Bishop Timothy Doherty of Lafayette, Indiana, chairman of the U.S. bishops Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People, speaks from the floor Nov. 13 at the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. (CNS photo/bob Roller) and almost to deputize him to take that to Rome at the February meeting. He was referring to Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who announced the Vatican s request as the bishops Nov annual meeting opened in Baltimore. The Congregation for Bishops requested that no vote be taken on proposals such as standards of episcopal accountability and conduct, and the formation of a special commission for review of complaints against bishops for violations of the standards. They are among steps developed by the USCCB Administrative Committee in September in response to the firestorm that has emerged since June over how the bishops handled reports Heather Banis, a clinical psychologist who is victim assistance coordinator for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, speaks Nov. 13 at the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. (CNS photo/bob Roller) This will be a great, fruitful document for discussion, said Bishop Barry Knestout of Richmond, Virginia, in whose diocese the violence-laden Unite the Right rally was held last year. Bishop Knestout added the diocese has already conducted listening sessions on racism. Bishop Shelton Fabre of Houma- Thibodaux, Louisiana, chairman of the U.S. bishops Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, said an electronic copy of Open Wide Our Hearts would be posted somewhat immediately, with a print version available around Thanksgiving. Also, there will be resources available immediately now that the pastoral letter has been approved, including Catholic school resources for kindergarten through 12th grade, added the bishop, who also is chair of the bishops Subcommittee on African American Affairs. Open Wide Our Hearts conveys the bishops grave concern about the rise of racist attitudes in society, Bishop Fabre said Nov. 13, when the pastoral was put on the floor of the bishops meeting. It also offers practical suggestions for individuals, families and communities, he of wayward priests. Cardinal Dolan told Monsignor Vlaun that, despite the vote delay, he felt the bishops discussion on the proposals would still be pretty productive. I think we bishops in the United States keep reminding ourselves, Whoa, wait a minute, we are Catholic. We are members of the church universal and we are a small segment of the church universal, the cardinal said. We know here in the United States, this is not just a Catholic problem. We re talking about the sexual abuse of minors. It is a problem in every religion, every organization, every family, every institution, every school. It is not just a Catholic problem.... Nor is it just an American problem. Now, we know that it s throughout the world. So I think what the Holy Father is saying, Wait a minute, we don t want you to get too far ahead here. We appreciate what you re doing in the United States, but we want you to be part of the universal discussion. He added that he feels the Vatican made its request out of a benevolent said. Every racist act every such comment, every joke, every disparaging look as a reaction to the color of skin, ethnicity or place of origin is a failure to acknowledge another person as a brother or sister, created in the image of God, it adds. Racial profiling frequently targets Hispanics for selective immigration enforcement practices, and African-Americans for suspected criminal activity. There is also the growing fear and harassment of persons from majority Muslim countries. Extreme nationalist ideologies are feeding the American public discourse with xenophobic rhetoric that instigates fear against foreigners, immigrants and refugees. Bishop Robert Baker of Birmingham, Alabama, which he called ground zero for the civil rights movement, said the pastoral s message is needed, as the civil rights movement began 60 years ago and we re still working on achieving the goals in this document. Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, said he was grateful for desire that Cardinal DiNardo come with an open mind to the February meeting, instead of with things already decided by the U.S. bishops. In Rome, in response to questions about the request the bishops delay voting, Catholic News Service was told the Congregation for Bishops is working to ensure the best evaluation and accompaniment of the questions raised by the American episcopacy. Father Massimo Cassola replied to CNS on behalf of Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the congregation. Andrea Tornielli, a respected Vatican reporter, wrote Nov. 13 on the Vatican Insider website that a Vatican source involved in the matter told him: It is wrong to think the Holy See does not share the objective of the U.S. bishops to have effective instruments for combating the phenomenon of the abuse of minors and to establish firm points regarding the responsibility of bishops themselves. The motive for asking for a postponement (of the vote) should not be considered putting on the brakes, but an invitation to better evaluate the proposed texts, including in view of the meeting in February of all the presidents of the bishops conferences of the world with the pope dedicated to the struggle against abuse. Tornielli reported that the Vatican believed the proposal on standards of accountability for bishops goes beyond both civil and canon law and the Vatican raised concerns regarding the generic nature of some passages; it could occur that a bishop does not know he is violating these standards of behavior but in the future could be brought before a national commission called to judge him. Another problem, Tornielli said, regards some incoherence between the contents of the document regarding the national commission on the responsibility of bishops and the Code of Canon Law. In the draft given to the Vatican, the commission is described as a nonprofit institution without having a juridical and canonical figure, but it is able to exercise a power of judgment on bishops. U.S. Bishops Overwhelmingly Approve Pastoral Letter Against Racism the pastoral s declaration that an attack against the dignity of the human person is an attack the dignity of life itself. Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix said the letter will be welcome among Native Americans, who populate 11 missions in the diocese, African-Americans in Arizona I think we were the last of the 50 states to be part of the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday, he noted and among Hispanics, who make up 80 percent of all diocesan Catholics under age 20. This is very important for our people and our youth to know the history of racism, he added. Personal sin is freely chosen, a notion that would seem to include racism, said retired Bishop Ricardo Ramirez of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Nov. 13, but social sin is collective blindness. There is sin as deed and sin as illness. It s a pervasive illness that runs through a culture. Bishop Fabre responded that the proposed letter refers to institutional and structural racism.