Catholic Charities Gala Transforming Lives of Those in Need. Spend Time With the Lord in Silence on Holy Thursday

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1 The Allentown in the Year of Our Lord Please see GALA page 10 }} VOL. 30, NO. 5 MARCH 8, 2018 Catholic Charities Gala Transforming Lives of Those in Need By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer A festive evening of faith, fellowship and fun garnered $240,000 to help those in need, as 451 faithful, the second highest attendance in the gala s history, gathered for the 11 th Annual Catholic Charities Gala March 4 at DeSales University, Center Valley. Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert extended congratulations to the evening s honorees, noting, Their longtime commitment to living the Gospel message of service with special attention to the poor among us is an inspiration every day. Their exemplary dedication to their respective vocations is reflected in their generosity of spirit that brings the light of Christ into the community, said Bishop Schlert. Catholic Charities of the of Allentown which provided vital services for more than 20,000 individuals and families last year throughout Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties held the gala with the goal of raising funds to increase services for the lessfortunate in our communities. This year s gala honored Msgr. John McCann, pastor of Immaculate Conception BVM, Douglassville; and the Honorable William and Rosemary Ford, parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. The evening featured live and silent auctions, a special appeal, presentations to the honorees and a raffle. We couldn t be more excited to be honoring Msgr. McCann and William and Rosemary Ford, who, throughout their lives, have exemplified and supported the mission and services of Catholic Charities in their communities, By FATHER KEITH MATHUR Director, Office for Divine Worship The Holy Thursday tradition of visiting seven churches is an ancient practice most likely originating in Rome, where early pilgrims visited the seven major basilicas (Holy Cross in Jerusalem. St. John Lateran, St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Peter and St. Sebastian) as a sign of penance. This noble practice has continued throughout the centuries into our day. The Office for Bishop Alfred Schlert, right, greets honorees, from left, Msgr. John McCann and Rosemary and Judge William Ford at the 11 th Annual Catholic Charities Gala March 4 at DeSales University, Center Valley. (Photos by John Simitz) Spend Time With the Lord in Silence on Holy Thursday Divine Worship of the churches on Holy Thursday to ad- Please send us your photos of visiting of Allentown has times@allentowndiocese.org. created a list of all the parishes by deanery and their visitation times. At the close of the Mass of the Lord s Supper, in every church in the, a single altar of repose has been adorned with candles and flowers. Parishioners are encouraged to spend time with the Lord in the Holy Eucharist on this evening. If it is not possible Father Adam Sedar, pastor of Most Blessed Sacrament (MBS), Bally, conducts a service for students from St. Columbkill, Boyertown during their visit to MBS on Holy Thursday (File photo) to visit seven churches, visit a couple, or stay an extended period of time at your parish with the Lord. Whether you visit one, three or all seven is not the main focus of the evening, rather what is truly important is spending time with the Lord in silence. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the Mass of the Lord s Supper in 2012 said: To Holy Thursday also belongs the Please see THURSDAY page 17 }} Bishop Schlert to Celebrate Mass for People Struggling With Addiction and Their Families Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert will offer a special Mass of Healing and Remembrance for people struggling with addiction and their families. The Mass will be celebrated at a regularly scheduled parish Sunday Mass on April 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Queenship of Mary, Northampton. Father Patrick Lamb, pastor, will be the homilist. We have a responsibility as a family of faith to pray for and offer encouragement to our brothers and sisters coping with addictions, and to provide support to their families who struggle with them, said Bishop Schlert recently. The Mass is being celebrated during the Easter Season, which is one of hope and new life. The five wounds of the Resurrected Lord remind us that we have a God who suffers with us, understands our wounds, and offers us new life, healing, and conversion by living in and with him. All in the are most welcome to attend this Mass and unite in prayer for hope and healing.

2 2 The A.D. Times March 8, 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. Episcopal Appointments Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert has made the following appointments to the Priestly Life and Spirituality Committee. For a term of three years, beginning March 1, 2018 and ending Feb. 28, 2021: Father Richard Brensinger appointed to member. Father David Kozak appointed to member. Father Stanley Moczydlowski appointed to member. For a term of two years, beginning March 1, 2018 and ending Feb. 29, 2020: Msgr. Daniel Yenushosky reappointed to chairman. Father Leo Maletz appointed to member. Father Brian Miller reappointed to member. For a term of one year, beginning March 1, 2018 and ending Feb. 28, 2019: Father Daniel Kravatz reappointed to member. Effective March 1, 2018: Msgr. Victor Finelli reappointed to ex-officio member. Msgr. Gerald Gobitas reappointed to ex-officio member. Bishop Schlert also appointed: Father Clifton Bishop from assistant pastor, St. Anne Parish, Bethlehem to medical leave with residence at Holy Family Villa for Priests, Bethlehem, effective Feb. 27. Upcoming Issues of The A.D. Times Publication Date Advertising Deadline News Deadline March 22 March 12 March 15 April 5 March 26 March 29 April 19 April 9 April 12 May 3 April 23 April 26 May 17 May 7 May 10 May 31 May 21 May 24 June 21 June 11 June 14 July 12 July 2 July 5 Aug. 2 July 23 July 26 Publication Date Advertising Deadline News Deadline Aug. 23 Aug. 13 Aug. 16 Sept. 13 Sept. 3 Sept. 6 Oct. 4 Sept. 24 Sept. 27 Oct. 18 Oct. 8 Oct. 11 Nov. 1 Oct. 22 Oct. 25 Nov. 15 Nov. 5 Nov. 8 Nov. 29 Nov. 19 Nov. 22 Dec. 20 Dec. 10 Dec. 13 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. 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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. 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3 March 8, 2018 By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown has gone global that is global in the sense that they will advance the mission of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as part of its Global High School Program. Jeff Wallace, CRS relationship manager with the of Allentown, and Thomas Awiapo, visited the school Feb. 21 to meet with high school students who will represent the first school for special learning to contribute to the mission of CRS. Mercy students will specifically support CRS Rice Bowl the organization s Lenten faith-in-action program that invites people to reflect on how an encounter with a neighbor can be transformative. The program also calls on the faithful for prayers, fasting and alms to support those worldwide who are forced to flee their homes to find safety or better opportunities. Students encountered Awiapo through his personal story about being raised in a village in Ghana after the death of his parents. My parents had four little boys. After they died, sometimes we cried for food, fought for food or went to bed very hungry, he said. Within months of his parents death, Awiapo said his little brothers died and his older brother ran away, leaving him alone in the village with a few relatives. Awiapo often went without food until he learned that food was available at school if he attended. It was just a little snack of cream of wheat. I walked five miles to school and five miles home just for that snack, he said. I stand before you today because of The A.D. Times 3 For Catholic Relief Services Mercy School Named First Special Learning Global High School We can all offer someone a snack every day. We can offer people a snack of friendship, a snack of love and a snack of helping one another. that snack that came from change people gave to Rice Bowl. I have a job and my kids don t go hungry because of that snack. I stayed in school for that little snack, he said. Awiapo told the students that many children in Africa are facing starvation. There were times I was discouraged. I wanted to give up until I thought about that little snack awaiting me at school. Now I can help other people. God is great and God gives you certain things to help others. God blessed you and God blessed me so we can help others. We all have something that can help another person, he said. Awiapo also told the students that a small act of kindness can save a life. You do a lot to show people you care here at your school and community. You can also help people far away, he said. While 25 percent of Rice Bowl contributions are dispersed locally, Awiapo said 75 percent of the donations are distributed to people around the world. Your country is very blessed to have lots of clean water. Where I am from, we have to go to a river for water that is not always clean, he said. During his visit to the school on an unseasonable warm day with temperatures above 70 degrees, Awiapo admitted that he was still cold and gained a few pounds from eating snacks unavailable in Ghana like ice cream and French fries. We can all offer someone a snack every day. We can offer people a snack of friendship, a snack of love and a snack of helping one another, he said. It s not about how much money you give. It s about the significance of what you give. That little snack was the best gift I have ever received in my life, said Awiapo. He then opened his talk to questions from the students, who inquired if he Please see GLOBAL page 4 }} Thomas Awiapo, a consultant for Catholic Relief Services (CRS), leads students from Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown and Bethlehem Catholic High School in a song. From left are Jolie Sessoms, Brody Kleckner, Matthew Siemon, Shane Rotolo, James Hebert, Sean Huff and Anthony Diaz. (Photo by John Simitz) Thomas Awiapo, front center, and Jeff Wallace, front right, CRS relationship manager with the of Allentown, spend time with students and staff at Mercy School for Special Learning as they become the first school for special learning to contribute to the mission of CRS. (Photo by John Simitz) Thomas Awiapo meets James Hebert after talking about his struggle for survival while growing up in a small African village in Ghana. (Photo by John Simitz) The 2018 CRS Rice Bowl Lenten faith-in-action program. (Photo by John Simitz)

4 4 The A.D. Times March 8, 2018 Global }}Continued from page 3 knew any blind people, the date of his birthday and if he could sing a song in his native language. I knew many blind people. We used to call it river blindness. because they would become so sick from the water and the disease would spread to their eyes and they eventually went blind, replied Awiapo. As for his birthday, he told the students he did not know when he was born because he was born in a hut to parents who did not know how to read or write. When it came time for him to obtain a passport, he had to estimate the date of his birth and swear before the court. I had to lie. I did not like that, so I don t celebrate a birthday. But my friends will call me and remind me that my wife has a birthday and I try not to forget that day, said Awiapo. Obliging to the song request, he ended his talk with a song in his native tribal dialect as students swayed and snapped their fingers. Mercy students then returned the act of kindness and performed their first global mission act by singing Happy Birthday to Awiapo. Above, Thomas Awiapo, standing center, embraces DeSales students and staff including Father Tim McIntire, chaplain, left, and Robert Olney, director of the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Natural Family Planning, second from left, after discussing the importance of supporting CRS. (Photo courtesy of Robert Olney) Left, Thomas Awiapo tells how he overcame his struggle for survival thanks to CRS Rice Bowl during a talk Feb. 21 at DeSales University, Center Valley. (Photo courtesy of Robert Olney) Women Invited to Preparing Our Souls for Our Savior The of Allentown Commission for Women invites all women to a Lenten retreat Saturday, March 24. Preparing Our Souls for Our Savior will be 9 a.m. to noon at the Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux, 1 E. Garibaldi Ave., Nesquehoning. Retreat presenter will be Father Allen Hoffa, rector of the shrine. The day will begin with check-in at 8:30 a.m., followed by Mass in the shrine church at 9 a.m. Also included will be continental breakfast, spiritual reflection, a holy hour and Stations of the Cross. Cost for the day is $10. Register online at cfw-spirituality. For more information, call Joanie Norelli at or cfw@allentowndiocese.org.

5 March 8, 2018 The A.D. Times 5 Bishop Waltersheid Keynotes Day of Sanctification for Priests at DeSales By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer Priests should mirror the words and actions of Christ, said Auxiliary Bishop William Waltersheid of Pittsburgh, keynote speaker of a Day of Sanctification for Priests Feb. 21 at DeSales University, Center Valley. The day included two morning talks by Bishop Waltersheid, holy hour with confessions and benediction. Bishop Alfred Schlert joined priests of the of Allentown for the day. It s good for us priests to get together at the beginning of Lent, focus on our priestly call to holiness and daily conversion of the heart so that we can faithfully serve the people of God in our parishes and schools, Bishop Schlert said. As he addressed the priests, Bishop Waltersheid said when people hear a priest s preaching and it takes on a new dimension to them, It s by God s grace that accompanies our preaching. Bishop Waltersheid said it s amazing how God uses priests, who are called to preach not their own ideas but God s truth. Our preaching is an inherently priestly act, said Bishop Waltersheid. It s forming people with love with the Gospel of Christ. How we do it is really the key are we doing it as the loving fathers we re called to be? I love Bishop Sheen, he said, referring to the Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen. What a wonderfully insightful man he was. He knew what the people of his time needed and how to say it to them. Bishop Waltersheid said the Catholic media of today is important, highlighting, for example, the late feisty Mother Angelica she knew how to connect with people. What we do at Mass is so important. The homily is guiding principles of Christian life expounded, he said. It s not my interpretation of the Gospel but Above, Auxiliary Bishop William Waltersheid of Pittsburgh keynotes a Day of Sanctification for Priests Feb. 21 at DeSales University, Center Valley. (Photos by John Simitz) Below, priests gather for the daylong event. Jesus preached from the cross, the greatest pulpit of all. what the Church says. That s why prayerfully preparing is so important. If we call upon God, he helps us. A life of prayer that is constant and taken seriously always helps us prepare homilies. Quoting St. Francis of Assisi, Bishop Waltersheid said, Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary. Bishop Waltersheid said preaching also occurs outside the pulpit, such as at a youth group, RCIA class, a sickbed or with a person who wants to talk after Mass. He recalled on May 5, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI said, Priests are bridges to God. The three imperatives of a priest, Bishop Waltersheid said, are to pray, to provide care and to preach. The sacraments are there in prayer. Preaching is also done in our everyday human interactions. Jesus preached from the cross, the greatest pulpit of all. Bishop Waltersheid said priests Vocations The of Allentown dynamically promotes vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The diocese is reaching out to young people through social media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. We are tapping into the energy and enthusiasm of our young priests to find new ways to interest young men and women in the priesthood and religious life. The diocese has instituted a Quo Vadis program, a weeklong summer program of prayer and discernment in which dozens of young men have participated. A similar program called Fiat for young women discerning a call to religious life was added in The diocese also assists young adult men who are seriously contemplating the priesthood through an Aspirancy Program. For more information, visit the diocesan website, should be humble in the way they bring the Good News. There s great courage in humility. It s Christ who speaks through us. Let him through. Bishop Waltersheid said the greatest homily priests give is when they say the words of consecration. He recalled a Bishop once asking, Are you praying the Mass? Let us preach every day of our lives, all day, Bishop Waltersheid said, not as people would expect but as witnesses, noting Blessed Pope Paul VI made the point that the world needs more witnesses, not teachers. Christ is a king who reigns not from a palace of marble but of wood, Bishop Waltersheid said. We see the life of the priest in a shepherd, Bishop Waltersheid said, adding Jesus is the greatest shepherd. Bishop Waltersheid shared thoughts about the priesthood from a few saints, including St. John Vianney, who said, The priesthood is the heart of the love of Jesus, and St. Ambrose of Milan, who said, He made them, the vicars of his love. Can people see Jesus in us? They can if we mirror him, Bishop Waltersheid said. Bishop Waltersheid said it s a challenging and exciting time for the Church. Please see PRIESTS page 9 }} Bishop Alfred Schlert, left, and priests listen to Bishop William Waltersheid s morning presentation. Bishop William Waltersheid, left, chats with, from left: Msgr. Gerald Gobitas, Diocesan chancellor and secretary for clergy; Msgr. Walter Scheaffer, pastor of St. Mary, Kutztown; and Father Michael Mullins, pastor of St. Paul, Allentown.

6 6 The A.D. Times Our Lenten Obligation Church law considers every Friday and the season of Lent as penitential days and times. The practice of penance is a part of our faith and Christian life. When we do penance, we imitate Jesus, who himself recommended it as necessary to his followers, and gave them the example of his prayer and fasting. The Lenten obligation, as determined for Catholics in the United States by our bishops, requires that fasting be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The law of abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. Who must fast? All Catholics who are between the ages of 18 and 59. The obligation ceases when one begins his/her 60 th year on his/her 59 th birthday. Who must abstain? All Catholics who are 14 years and older. What does fasting mean? The observance of fasting means that those obliged may take only one full meal on the day of fast. Two lighter meals (not equal to another full meal) may be taken to maintain strength according to one s needs. What does abstinence mean? The law of abstinence forbids the eating of meat, including poultry. Voluntary abstinence refers to refraining from lawful pleasures in a spirit of penance. Can anyone be dispensed or excused from fast and/or abstinence? Individuals for a just cause may be dispensed by their pastor or by a priest with the faculty to do so. In our all priests may dispense individuals who are committed to their pastoral care. Those who are ill or have a similar serious reason are excused from the observance of fast and abstinence. Catholics are reminded that they should not lightly excuse themselves from this obligation. Are there other obligations we should fulfill? Catholics are obliged to fulfill what has been called their Easter Duty. They are required to receive Holy Communion during the Easter time. In the United States this obligation can be fulfilled from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (Feb. 18 until May 27, 2018). Those conscious of serious sin are reminded of the obligation to confess their sins at least once a year during this time. Catholics also are encouraged to make Lent a time of more intense prayer and to practice almsgiving and other works of charity. Parishes are encouraged to continue participation in Rice Bowl. Nuestra Obligación de Cuaresma March 8, 2018 La ley eclesiástica considera todos los viernes y el tiempo de Cuaresma como los días y tiempo de penitencia. La práctica de la penitencia es una parte de nuestra fe y vida cristiana. Cuando hacemos penitencia, imitamos a Jesús, Él mismo recomendó como necesario para sus seguidores y les dio el ejemplo de su oración y ayuno. La obligación de Cuaresma, según lo determinado por los católicos en los Estados Unidos por nuestros obispos, requiere que se observe el ayuno el miércoles de Ceniza y el Viernes Santo. La ley de la abstinencia se observa el miércoles de Ceniza y todos los viernes de Cuaresma. Quién debe ayunar? Todos los católicos que están entre las edades de 18 y 59. La obligación cesa cuando se haya cumplido los 59 años. Quién debe abstenerse? Todos los católicos que tienen 14 años y mayores. Qué significa el ayuno? La observancia del ayuno significa que los obligados pueden tomar sólo una comida completa en el día de ayuno. Dos comidas más ligeras (Que no igualen a una comida completa) pueden tomarse para mantener la fuerza de acuerdo a las necesidades de uno. Qué significa la abstinencia? La ley de la abstinencia prohíbe el consumo de carne, incluidas las aves de corral. Abstinencia voluntaria se refiere a abstenerse de los placeres lícitos en un espíritu de penitencia. Puede alguien ser dispensado o excusado de ayunar y/o la abstinencia? Los individuos de una causa justa pueden ser dispensados por su párroco o un sacerdote con facultad para hacerlo. En nuestra diócesis todos los sacerdotes pueden dispensar las personas que están comprometidos con su cuidado pastoral. Los que están enfermos o tienen una razón similar seria están excusados de la observancia del ayuno y la abstinencia. Se les recuerda a los católicos que no deben excusarse a sí mismos de esta obligación. Existen otras obligaciones que debemos cumplir? Los católicos están obligados a cumplir con lo que se ha llamado su deber de Pascua. Ellos están obligados a recibir la Sagrada Comunión durante el tiempo de Pascua. En los Estados Unidos esta obligación puede ser cumplida a partir del Primer Domingo de Cuaresma hasta el Domingo de Trinidad (18 de febrero hasta el 27 de mayo del 2018). Los que tienen conciencia de pecado grave se les recuerda de la obligación de confesar sus pecados al menos una vez al año durante este tiempo. También se les anima a los católicos a hacer de la Cuaresma un tiempo de oración más intensa y de practicar la limosna y otras obras de caridad. Se anima a las parroquias a continuar su participación en la Operación Plato de Arroz.

7 March 8, 2018 Opinion The A.D. Times 7 Father Power and the Indomitable Irish Spirit Dear reader, unless you hail from this city on the Schuylkill River founded by the sons of William Penn, you probably do not know that our Parish of St. Peter the Apostle, Reading has quite a history. A fascinating history provides an array of equally fascinating characters none moreso than the Irish immigrant priest, the Rev. James D. Power. In August 2016 I did my annual retreat at the Benedictines Conception Abbey in northwest Missouri. My journey there didn t start from the airport in Philadelphia, but in the archives of our parish. When I first arrived as pastor in 2005, I spent some time poking through this treasure trove. I came upon a reference to a Father Power from St. Peter Church in Reading who, in 1858, during an economic depression, accompanied several Irishmen west to the frontier to see if they could improve their luck. I was impressed by this pioneer priest but never did any further research. And then in May 2014 a certain Frank O Reilly who has several family connections with our parish and with whom I have had previous contact had sent to me a book titled A History of Conception. Colony, Abbey and Schools by Edward E. Malone, O.S.B. One of Mr. O Reilly s forebears helped form an association to investigate the possibility of establishing an Irish Catholic colony in the west. Malone dedicated a section in his book to the Reading Land Association. The U.S. government was looking to settle the territory west of the Mississippi River, and the land association was established to aid adventurous Irish to do just that. Father Power played a prominent role in this adventure. So now, having had my passing interest quickened by what I read in this scholarly work, I decided to do my annual retreat in Conception. My focus was spiritual, of course, but I would take some time to see if I could uncover some more information on Father Power. It didn t take me long. At supper the first night, I inquired of one of the brothers if he had ever heard of Father Power. Sure, came the reply. He is buried across the street in the parish cemetery. With the evening sun obscured by storm clouds building over the western horizon, I entered the small cemetery and strolled past several stones bearing Irish and German surnames. I easily located the nondescript gravestone not much bigger than a shoebox next to the storage shed that appeared to have once been a chapel. Etched in the stone in three short lines were the cleric s vital statistics: Very Rev. J. D. Power / May 30, May 5, 1899 / Pioneer Priest of Nodoway Co. The abbot, who I ran into in the cemetery performing his post cenam walk, informed me that research done by a priest other than the author was the basis for much of the information in A History of Conception. What I discovered in this research was that not only did this former pastor of our St. Peter Parish provide wise guidance during the formation of the land association, travel west as part of the investigation committee and spiritually shepherd the 17 pioneers in what is now northwest Missouri but he was also the one who named the colony! The dogma of the Immaculate Conception was defined only a few years earlier (1854), so it is no surprise that he suggested the colony be named Conception. He later invited the Benedictines into the village to establish a school, which developed into the present abbey and seminary. Father Power apparently was well known and respected in those parts. Upon his death in 1899 at age 84, his body lay in state in the diocesan cathe- By Father Thomas Orsulak, pastor of St. Peter, Reading and regional priest coordinator of Hispanic ministry for Berks, Carbon and Schuylkill deaneries. dral, so influential was this man who once pastored our parish. On my last night in Conception, I placed between the headstone and the base of Father Power s grave, a letter that I wrote to him. It reads: Dear Father Power, It s been some time. Some time, indeed, since anyone from Reading, Penna. has contacted you. Dare I say that I am the first of your successors from St. Peter Parish to have visited you here in the colony that you helped found almost 160 years ago. I don t know if anyone from Reading even recognized the great work that you did or how proud we are of you. Let me say so now. I came to the abbey across the street to do a spiritual retreat, but my time here has turned into something of a pilgrimage. I discovered in my short time here just how much work you did in the Lord s vineyard and how much you were respected. As I return to St. Peter, I ask that you intercede with the Lord for me that I may have a brave heart and a missionary spirit as you had, and that you intercede for the current parishioners of St. Peter that they, like the people you led out here on the frontier, may trust that God will protect them as he leads them toward the future s horizon. Sincerely, Rev. Tom Orsulak Pastor, St. Peter, Rdg, PA

8 8 The A.D. Times March 8, 2018 Faith and Spirits Ponders Evidence Authenticating Shroud of Turin By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer The Shroud of Turin always intrigued me. During Lent it is a great time to reflect on the Lord. In looking at the shroud, we are remembering Christ s passion and living it in our hearts, said Sister Rose Mulligan, vocations director for the Sisters, Servants of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata at Faith and Spirits. Sister Rose presented the talk Feb. 26 at P.J. Whelihan s Pub, West Lawn for more than 70 faithful interested in the answers to the focus of the talk: What is the Shroud of Turin? Where does it come from? Sister Rose opened Faith and Spirits, which was created to provide a forum for adult Catholics to learn more about their faith in a comfortable setting, by explaining her research on the shroud was performed using a lens of faith and reason. Tonight we will talk about distinguishing between facts and speculation. The foundation of our Church does not rest on if the shroud is proven to be the actual burial cloth of Christ. It does not change our faith, she said. Believers say the 14-foot shroud, one of the Church s most mysterious and often revered icons, was used to cover the body of Christ after his crucifixion. The icon, though blackened by age, bears the faint but distinct impression of a human form both back and front. The Church is hesitant to call it a relic, which is an object touched by a saintly person or a piece of bone from a saint s body. Pope Francis refers to it as an icon of a man scourged and crucified, Sister Rose pointed out, The image is of a man who was 6 feet tall. The cloth itself is a linen cloth featuring herringbone twill. The image also has over 100 marks from a whip and shows a physically traumatized man similar to trauma suffered during crucifixion, said Sister Rose. Documents and clear descriptions of the linen date back to the 14th century when it belonged to a French knight, Geoffroy de Charny, who exhibited it in a church in Lirey, France. In 1453 it was passed to the Savoy family, who moved it to Chambéry, France, where it was badly damaged in a 1532 fire and still bears water and scorch marks. In 1578 it was taken to Turin, Italy The cloth itself is a linen cloth featuring herringbone twill. The image also has over 100 marks from a whip and shows a physically traumatized man similar to trauma suffered during crucifixion. by the Savoy family, which would later become Italy s monarchy. The last king, King Umberto II, who was exiled in 1946, bequeathed it to Pope John Paul II at his death in Although the shroud is presently housed in Turin, the Church technically owns the cloth, said Sister Rose. She went on to outline other features of the naked image on the cloth, including swollen eyes, a disjointed nose and unfractured legs. The image also shows a nail going through the wrist and not the hand. Most experts agree that crucifixion was performed with nails penetrating the wrist, said Sister Rose. Another fascinating piece of evidence, according to Sister Rose, is the first photograph of the shroud taken by Seconda Pia, an amateur photographer on May 28, While developing the photographs, he noticed that negatives showed a clearer rendition of a man and face that could not be seen with the naked eye. He almost fainted when he saw the images, she said. Sister Rose said many experts have stood by a 1988 carbon-14 dating of scraps of the cloth carried out by labs in Oxford, Zurich and Arizona that date the cloth from 1260 to 1390, which rules out its use during the time of Christ. But a new test, by scientists at the Please see SHROUD page 9 }} Left, Sister Rose Mulligan, vocations director of the Sisters, Servants of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, discusses the Shroud of Turin during Faith and Spirits. (Photos by John Simitz) Below, faithful listen to details about the shroud, a centuries-old linen that many believe is the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth. Adults gather at P.J. Whelihan s Pub and Restaurant, West Lawn for Faith and Spirits. Adults enjoy food and drinks in a casual setting for the talk. One of the slides during the talk highlights the importance of faith and reason while contemplating the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin.

9 March 8, 2018 The A.D. Times 9 Priests }}Continued from page 5 It s time for us to be grounded in what the Church has been telling us about our identity and our priesthood, he said, urging priests to be true to be priesthood and be committed. He encouraged priests to be of good cheer and full hope, reminding them they don t do it alone but have a wonderful fraternity of priests and that Christ is with them. Bishop Waltersheid said priests should also turn to the Blessed Mother. Mary, who stood at the foot of the cross, stands by us too, her sons. She stands by us our entire life as priests. She is with us, and how we need her. Sharing the words of St. Pope John Paul II, Bishop Waltersheid said, The world looks to the priest, because it looks to Jesus! No one can see Christ; but everyone sees the priest, and through him they wish to catch a glimpse of the Lord! Immense is the grandeur of the Lord! Immense is the grandeur and dignity of the priest! When we go back to the first moment when we knew we were called, we know the call is ours, the help of the Lord s grace is ours and his mother is ours, too, Bishop Waltersheid said. Bishop Waltersheid was born Nov. 18, 1956 in Ashland, son of the late William F. and Margaret M. (Deane) Waltersheid. He was baptized at St. Joseph, Locust Gap, where he spent his childhood and early adult years. An only child, he lived with his parents and maternal grandfather. After graduating from high school in 1974, Bishop Waltersheid worked in the health care field. He graduated from Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing in In 1985 he was accepted as a candidate for the seminary formation program of the of Harrisburg. In 1988 he was sent by Cardinal William Keeler to the Pontifical North American College in Rome for continued formation for the priesthood. Bishop Waltersheid received a bachelor s degree in theology in 1991 from the Pontifical Gregorian University and a licentiate in dogmatic theology from that same university in He was ordained a deacon in Rome April 30, 1992 by Cardinal Pio Laghi and a priest in Harrisburg July 11, 1992 by Bishop Nicholas Dattilo. Bishop Waltersheid returned to Rome in 1999 and served on the faculty of the Pontifical North American College until In June 2006 he was appointed Diocesan secretary for clergy and consecrated life by Bishop Kevin Rhoades. On Feb. 25, 2011 it was announced that Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of the of Pittsburgh and Titular Bishop of California. Above, Bishop William Waltersheid, right, chats with Msgr. Robert Wargo, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield. Left, Bishop William Waltersheid, left, greets Bishop Alfred Schlert after offering his morning presentations. Shroud }}Continued from page 8 University of Padua in northern Italy, used the same fibers from the 1988 tests, and disputes the findings. It dates the shroud to between 300 BC and 400 AD, which would put it in the era of Christ. Sister Rose then discussed aspects of the blood soaked into the linen and said experts agree that dark-colored blood entered the linen first and then the image. That piece of evidence rules out that someone may have painted the image. The blood also had high levels of bilirubin that a body produces when it s in a state of high anxiety and gives it a deep red color, she said. Sister Rose then referred to Holy Saturday, March 30, 2013, when the images of the shroud were streamed on various websites, as well as on television for the first time in 40 years. That brought back interest and excitement to the shroud. Pope Francis issued a statement urging us to not simply look at the shroud as a form of veneration but a way for Jesus to look at us, she said. I also encourage you this Lent to take the time to meditate on the Passion of Christ. It is there where we see how much God loves us, said Sister Rose. Sister Rose, center, reconnects with her former classmate, Sarah Amidon, parishioner of St. John Neumann, Lancaster, left, and friend, Gerri Frink from St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring. Sister Rose, right, chats during the break with Heidi Wilson, parishioner of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading.

10 10 The A.D. Times March 8, 2018 Gala }}Continued from page 1 said Diane Bullard, Catholic Charities executive director. Evelyn and Anthony Carfagno served as gala chairpersons for the second year. Laurie Gostley Hackett of Air Products was the evening s master of ceremonies. Bishop Emeritus Edward Cullen prayed the invocation. Paul Wirth, chairman of the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, introduced the honorees. Bishop Schlert presided at the Medallion Presentation to Msgr. McCann and the Fords. The medallion is an award unique to Catholic Charities, of Allentown. It is presented to individuals who, or organizations that, provide compassionate services and care for our community. I can now say I ve been awarded a bronze medal, Msgr. McCann said, referencing the recent Winter Olympics. Msgr. McCann voiced his gratitude for the extraordinary privilege of working with Catholic Charities. Those were wonderful years working on behalf of those in need. He recalled an older priest had told him, The work of charity and justice are the beautiful facades of the Church. Msgr. McCann said while working with the Catholic Social Agency (CSA), the former name of Catholic Charities in the, a little boy came in for emergency foster care placement, accompanied by the police who had removed him from the home where he had been living. He had dirty clothes, lice and recoiled You are inspiring as well. Through your generosity you are transforming lives. in fear. It was heartbreaking. The same child came in months later with his foster mother wearing a radiant smile and no trace of fear. Doesn t that show the transformative power of love? asked Msgr. McCann. He also remembered a homeless man, Polka Johnny, who came into the soup kitchen. He was an agent of God s love. He always thanked the volunteers for preparing the meal. People like Polka Johnny, despite their difficulties and poverty, they too have gifts and talents. His sincere and profound gratitude enriched the lives of the volunteers, Msgr. McCann said. The CSA staff was extraordinary. They treated every client with respect, he said, noting they embraced the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human person. You are inspiring as well. Through your generosity you are transforming lives. As the Fords took to the podium, Rosemary Ford said, Bill and I are honored by this recognition. We see so many family and friends here who see the good Catholic Charities does in the. Rosemary Ford spoke of a 93-yearold woman who was an Alzheimer s patient in a nursing home. All she wanted to do was go home. But she delighted all who came in her room talking about what her Joy ornament meant: Jesus first, others second, yourself last. Let us remember with joy much can be accomplished joy has already guided you, Rosemary Ford said. May God bless you. Anthony Carfagno presented the first- Please see GALA page 11 }} Programs for the 11 th annual gala. Guests enjoy the festive evening, which garnered $240,000 to help those in need.

11 March 8, 2018 Gala }}Continued from page 10 The A.D. Times 11 time award for Lifetime Service to the Catholic Charities Gala to Paul and Patty Huck, who have served on the gala committee since its inception. Auctioneer Tony Luna presided at a live auction, with items including a soup to nuts dinner for eight prepared by Father Allen Hoffa, pastor of St. Joseph, Summit Hill; and two tickets to a Yankees vs. Red Sox game donated by Peter and Robin Puleo. An angel bidder cast the $10,000 winning bid for dinner with Bishop Schlert at his residence. Luna also presided at a Catholic Charities pledge appeal for community support, counseling, pregnancy and parenting support, and soup kitchens. Students from Allentown Central Catholic High School, Bethlehem Catholic High School and Notre Dame High School, Easton sold tickets for the Catho- Please see GALA page 12 }} Laurie Gostley Hackett welcomes guests. Msgr. John McCann addresses the gathering. Charles Klinesmith is on the screen during the Catholic Charities video. Tony Luna conducts the live auction. Msgr. McCann Msgr. McCann graduated from Marian High School, Tamaqua and began his college studies at Allentown College of St. Frances de Sales (now DeSales University), Center Valley. After completing his first year of college, he entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia to begin his studies for the priesthood. In 1980 he was chosen by then Bishop of Allentown Joseph McShea to complete his studies for the priesthood at the Pontifical Roman Seminary and the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, Italy. Msgr. McCann was ordained to the priesthood in 1985, after which he returned to Rome, where he earned a licentiate in sacred theology from the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family. He completed an internship at the Vatican s Pontifical Council for the Family in Also that year he was named assistant pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall and served as an advocate on the Diocesan Tribunal. In 1987 he was transferred to Immaculate Conception BVM, Allentown and assigned to the Catholic Social Agency (now Catholic Charities) and Social Action Bureau of the of Allentown, where he held a variety of direct service and administrative posts. In 1992 he was awarded a master s degree in social work from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Msgr. McCann was appointed executive director of the Catholic Social Agency of the of Allentown in In 1995 he was named a Chaplain of His Holiness by Pope John Paul II. In addition to his leadership role at the Catholic Social Agency, Msgr. Mc- Cann also served as a member of the Social Welfare Department of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference He served as moderator of this department In 1998 newly installed Bishop of Allentown Edward Cullen appointed Msgr. McCann vice chancellor of the of Allentown and secretary to the bishop. He was appointed secretary for clergy and chancellor of the in Msgr. McCann was named pastor of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Sacred Heart, Nesquehoning in 2002; and to his current position as pastor of Immaculate Conception BVM, Douglassville in In 2007 Msgr. McCann was named a Prelate of Honor by Pope Benedict XVI. Msgr. McCann has been active in a variety of community-based organizations, serving as both a member and officer of various governing and advisory boards. He also serves as a member of the Berks County Mental Health-Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board. A sampling of the silent auction prizes. Annmarie Weist bids on the Yankees vs. Red Sox game.

12 12 The A.D. Times March 8, 2018 Gala }}Continued from page 11 lic Charities raffle. First prize was a Magical Evening in Manhattan, two tickets to Hello Dolly starring Bernadette Peters including a meet and greet with Peters, dinner for two at the famous Sardi s Restaurant and round trip limousine service. Second prize was an Apple iwatch. And third prize was an overnight stay at Holiday Inn Express Williamsburg North, plus a round of golf for two at Kiskiack Golf Club, Williamsburg, Virginia. Catholic Charities told its story via a video screened at the gala. The video may be viewed by visiting Catholic Charities website, In addition to the Carfagnos, gala committee members were Lina Barbieri, Patty and Paul Huck (past co-chairs), Sister of Mercy Janice Marie Johnson (past honoree), and Sabina and Stephen Olenchock (past co-chairs). The Topper Foundation was the Title Sponsor. Partners in Compassion Sponsors were Anthony and Evelyn Carfagno, Joseph Hixson and Shirley Knecht-Hixson, and Air Products. All proceeds from the gala will support Catholic Charities programs and services in Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties. Services include: emergency food pantries; soup kitchens in Allentown and Pottsville; family counseling; housing assistance; pregnancy and parenting support; support services for veterans and their families; support for older adults; adult day care in Orwigsburg; immigration services; and adoption. William and Rosemary Ford Rosemary Ford attended Allentown Central Catholic High School (ACCHS), Immaculata College and DeSales University. When the couple s youngest child went to school, Rosemary began work as a kindergarten aide at the Cathedral School, now St. John Vianney Regional School, Allentown. A current member of Women s Alliance of the Cathedral, she served on its board for more than 30 years. She also is a member of the parish s St. Vincent de Paul Society and serves as a Eucharistic minister. William Ford served for 24 years as a trial judge on the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. He began his legal career in the U.S. Marine Corps as an officer in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Division, where he was trial counsel at courts-martial. After his military service, he entered the private practice of law. He also prosecuted all manner of criminal cases as an assistant district attorney. He was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Lehigh County in November 1991 and retained for a second 10-year term in November He retired in For 15 years he was an adjunct faculty member at DeSales University and at Chestnut Hill College in its graduate program. He has served on the boards of the Lehigh County Bar Association, Sacred Heart Hospital, ACCHS and DeSales University. He also has done other church and community work, including 30 years as a coach with the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). The couple was married in 1971 at St. Francis of Assisi, and has 11 children and 32 grandchildren. A Soup to Nuts Dinner prepared by Father Allen Hoffa is up for bidding. Students from Allentown Central Catholic High School, Bethlehem Catholic High School and Notre Dame High School, Easton who sold raffle tickets during the evening. Robert Nicolella, administrator of the Lehigh-Northampton County Office of Catholic Charities, Allentown, left, greets Charles Klinesmith. Father Kevin Lonergan, assistant pastor of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, left, chats with, from left, William and Rose Marie Scharle and Paul Essig. Barnabite Father Robert Kosek, administrator of St. John the Baptist, Allentown, enjoys the evening with some of his parishioners. The first-time award for Lifetime Service to the Catholic Charities Gala was presented to Paul and Patty Huck, right, who have served on the gala committee since its inception. At left are this year s chairpersons Evelyn and Anthony Carfagno, and Bishop Schlert.

13 March 8, 2018 Young Adult Book Club to Discuss The Screwtape Letters 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 new book club for young adult Catholics ages 21 to 35, will meet once a month to explore a classic through the lens of Catholicism. The next meeting will be Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at Whole Foods (Foundry Cafe and Beer Hall), 750 N. Krocks Road, Allentown. Join the group for a discussion of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. For more information, visit the group s Facebook page, Lehigh Valley Inklings: Young Catholic Book Club. The next Theology on Tap, Finding God in a Broken World, will be Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at Hops at the Paddock, 1945 W. Columbia St., Allentown. Join us for an engaging discussion on how one law enforcement officer found peace, healing and meaning amid both personal and professional encounters with suffering. Speaker will be FBI special agent James Doolin. Theology on Tap is a monthly series 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, together 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 Doncsecz at adoncsecz@allentowndiocese.org. Youth & Young Adults The A.D. Times 13 Theology on Tap on Finding God in a Broken World March 19

14 14 The A.D. Times March 8, 2018 Youth & Young Adults An Afternoon Tea for Mothers and Daughters The of Allentown Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry will host a Mother Daughter Tea on Sunday, March 18 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the University Center of De- Sales University, Center Valley. During this special afternoon, participants will explore God s precious gift of human fertility in a respectful, loving atmosphere, establishing a foundation for dialogue between mothers and daughters within the family. Katelyn D Adamo, an energetic young speaker from Generation Life, will offer practical and empowering tips on modesty, virtues and responsibility. Elisabeth Laskowski, a health care Catholic young adults from across the of Allentown are invited for an opportunity to step away and connect with God and others, Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mariawald Renewal Center, 1094 Welsh Road, Reading. Theme for the day, My Soul Thirsts, is based on Psalm 63:1: My soul thirsts for thee as in a dry and weary land where no water is. Spiritual director will be Father Stephan Isaac, assistant pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring. professional trained in the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, will discuss physical and emotional changes that occur, as well as a discussion on the sacredness of life. Both presentations will emphasize respect, understanding and appreciation for God s gift of fertility. The afternoon will also include games, door prizes and a Q&A session. There will be light refreshments and take-home resources for mothers to share with their daughters. Registration is $30 for each mother and up to three daughters (ages 9-13 only please), at For questions, call , ext My Soul Thirsts Theme for Young Adult Retreat The day will include talks by Father Isaac, Mass, Eucharistic adoration, opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, time for personal prayer and reflection, and a chance to engage with the other young adults present. Cost is $10 and includes lunch. Register at org/ya-retreat. For questions, adoncsecz@ allentowndiocese.org or call , ext

15 March 8, 2018 Youth & Young Adults The A.D. Times 15 Scouts and Troops Invited to Catholic Scout Activity Weekend The annual Catholic Scout Activity Weekend for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will be Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22 this year. This weekend is full of activities, excitement and fun for the scouts. It will start Friday night as the scouts arrive at Trexler Scout Reservation near Jonas in the Poconos. This year it will be held in Settlers Camp. Although the scouts are tent camping, the retreat staff provides all their meals in the dining hall. The food is prepared by two professional chefs. The activities kick off that evening and don t let up until the final assembly Sunday morning. Every year the program is different, although it follows the same basic structure. Friday night is get-acquainted time with a fun icebreaker activity, then everyone breaks bread together, re-creating the way the early Christians would gather, and finally the evening wraps up with snack time (called cracker barrel by Boy Scouts). Saturday the scouts move through five or more stations, each tied in to the year s theme. This year s theme is The 100 th Anniversary of the Blessed Virgin s Appearance at Fatima. The scouts will be learning about the Miracle of the Sun and the predictions given to the three children that were kept secret for many years. At the craft station they will learn staining and finishing techniques to produce handsome decoupaged plaques as their souvenir. There also will be a station for scout skills involving using the sun for orienteering (with a nod to the Fatima miracle). By late afternoon the scouts are ready to put on their uniforms, and have Boards of Review for candidates for the Ad Altare Dei or Pope Pius XII awards. After dinner, Mass will be celebrated by Father Eric Tolentino, Diocesan scout chaplain. An Eagle Scout himself, Father Tolentino always makes this Mass especially appropriate to scouts. The evening will end with a game (this year it will be a dreidel game) and another cracker barrel. Sunday morning is for packing up, cleaning the camp and a final flag-lowering ceremony. Each participant receives a patch and a pin to take home, along with his hand-made souvenir. This year s patch is truly unique and innovative, since it will include holographic thread to depict the famous Miracle of the Sun. This is a great weekend for Catholicsponsored troops to attend as a troop to bring A Scout is Reverent to the forefront. Because all the meals are provided, it is also a perfect weekend to invite the Webelos or new scouts along for a first camping trip. The Catholic committee especially invites Girl Scouts to attend this year because Girl Scouts working on the prestigious Marian religious award will be able to complete major parts of its requirements during the weekend. In the past several Girl Scout units have successfully made it a one-day event on Saturday. Even if the whole troop doesn t attend, individual scouts are welcome to attend. Arrangements can also be made to accommodate individual scouts who come without adult leadership. The cost is $40 per person. The Catholic Committee on Scouting has sent registration forms for this event to all scoutmasters. For more information or copies of the registration form, visit the website, or contact Fred Flemming, or fcflemming@gmail.com. Before every meal the scouts practice the hymns to be used during the evening Mass. Several staff members provide the musical accompaniment. As a service project, the scouts replaced the seating in the campfire circle at Trexler Scout Reservation during the 2017 weekend.

16 16 The A.D. Times March 8, 2018

17 March 8, 2018 Thursday }}Continued from page 1 Adoration Schedule for Holy Thursday Evening, March 29 Berks Deanery Bally, Most Blessed Sacrament 8:15-10 p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. Boyertown, St. Columbkill 8:15 p.m.-midnight. Douglassville, Immaculate Conception BVM 8:15-10 p.m. Hamburg, St. Mary 8:15-9:30 p.m. Kutztown, St. Mary 8:15-9:15 p.m. Kutztown University, St. Christopher Catholic Newman Center 10 p.m.-midnight, Night Prayer midnight. Mohnton, St. Benedict 8-11 p.m., Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. Reading, Holy Guardian Angels 8:15-10 p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. Reading, Holy Rosary 8:15-10 p.m., Night Prayer 9:45 p.m. Reading, St. Catharine of Siena 8:15-10:30 p.m., Night Prayer 10:30 p.m. Reading, St. Joseph 8:30-11 p.m. Reading, St. Margaret 8:30-11 p.m. Reading, St. Paul 8:30-11 p.m. Reading, St. Peter the Apostle 8:30-11 p.m. Robesonia, St. Francis de Sales 8:15-10 p.m. Shillington, St. John Baptist de la Salle 8:30-10 p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. Sinking Spring, St. Ignatius Loyola 8:15 p.m.-midnight, Night Prayer midnight. West Reading, Sacred Heart 8:30-11 p.m., Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. Carbon Deanery Jim Thorpe, Immaculate Conception 8-10 p.m. Jim Thorpe, St. Joseph 8:15 p.m.-midnight. Lake Harmony, St. Peter the Fisherman 8:15-10 p.m. Lehighton, SS. Peter and Paul 7:45-9 p.m. Palmerton, Sacred Heart 8:15-10 p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. Summit Hill, St. Joseph 8:15-11 p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m. Lehigh Deanery Allentown, Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena 8-10:45 p.m., Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. Allentown, Immaculate Conception BVM 8-11 p.m. Allentown, Our Lady Help of Christians 8-10 p.m. Allentown, Sacred Heart of Jesus 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Allentown, St. Francis of Assisi 8:15-11 p.m., Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. Allentown, St. John the Baptist 8-10 p.m. Allentown, St. Paul 8:45 p.m.-midnight. Allentown, St. Stephen of Hungary 8 p.m.-midnight. Allentown, St. Thomas More 9 p.m.-midnight. Allentown, SS. Peter and Paul 8-10 p.m. Catasauqua, Annunciation BVM 8:15-10 p.m. Catasauqua, St. John Fisher 8:30-11 p.m. Coopersburg, St. Joseph 8:15-11 p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m. Coplay, St. Peter 7:30-10 p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. Emmaus, St. Ann 8:15-10:45 p.m., Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. Northampton, Assumption BVM 8-10:45 p.m., Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. Northampton, Queenship of Mary 8:15-11 p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m. Orefield, St. Joseph the Worker 8:15 p.m.-midnight. The Office of Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry is partnering with 12 parishes in each deanery to offer a monthly Eucharistic holy hour specifically for families from November 2017 through October Bring your whole family to encounter Christ. Stay a few minutes or the whole hour. Babies, toddlers, children, teens, young adults, and adults are all welcome. Prayer resources will be provided for both children and adults in English and Spanish. Some Holy Hours will provide an opportunity for silent prayer, while others will have planned prayer services. Holy Hours at parishes with a large Hispanic population will be bilingual. Pick up a postcard at the parish for the schedule, or visit dark night of the Mount of Olives, to which Jesus goes with his disciples; the solitude and abandonment of Jesus, who in prayer goes forth to encounter the darkness of death. Let us try at this hour org/encounter. To sign up for text message reminders, text your Deanery s code The next two holy hours in each deanery: Berks Deanery Sunday, March 11, 1 p.m., St. Ignatius Loyola, 2810 St. Albans Drive, Sinking Spring; Sunday, April 22, 2 p.m., St. Joseph, 1018 N. Eighth St., Reading. Lehigh Deanery Sunday, April 15, 1:30 p.m., St. Thomas More, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown; Sunday, May 20, 1 p.m., St. Ann, 415 S. Sixth St., Emmaus. Northampton Deanery Sunday, March 18, 1 p.m., St. Rocco, 658 School St., Martins Creek; Sunday, April 8, 3:30 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3219 to understand more deeply something of these events, for in them the mystery of our redemption takes place. May our time spent with the Lord on The A.D. Times 17 Holy Thursday renew our relationship with him so that we may experience the glory and the joy of the Resurrection on Easter morning. Slatington, Assumption BVM 8:15-10:30 p.m. Whitehall, Holy Trinity 8:15-11 p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m. Whitehall, St. Elizabeth of Hungary 8:15-11 p.m., Night Prayer 10:30 p.m. Whitehall, St. John the Baptist 7:30-10 p.m. Northampton Deanery Bangor, Our Lady of Good Counsel 8:15-10 p.m. Bath, Sacred Heart of Jesus 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Bethlehem, Assumption BVM 8:30-10 p.m. Bethlehem, Holy Ghost 8-11:30 p.m. Bethlehem, Holy Infancy 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Bethlehem, Incarnation of Our Lord 8-9:30 p.m. Bethlehem, Notre Dame of Bethlehem 8:15-11 p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m. Bethlehem, Our Lady of Perpetual Help 8:15 p.m.-midnight. Bethlehem, Sacred Heart 8:15-11 p.m. Bethlehem, St. Anne 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Bethlehem, SS. Simon and Jude 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Easton, Our Lady of Mercy 8:15-10:30 p.m. Easton, St. Anthony of Padua 8-11 p.m. Easton, St. Jane Frances de Chantal 8:45 p.m.-midnight, Night Prayer midnight. Fountain Hill, St. Ursula 8-9 p.m. Hellertown, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus 8:15-11 p.m. Martins Creek, St. Rocco 8-10 p.m. Nazareth, Holy Family 8:15-11 p.m. Pen Argyl, St. Elizabeth of Hungary 8-10 p.m. Roseto, Our Lady of Mount Carmel 8:15-10 p.m. Walnutport, St. Nicholas 8 p.m.-midnight, Night Prayer 11:45 p.m. Schuylkill Deanery Ashland, St. Charles Borromeo 8-9 p.m., Night Prayer 9 p.m. Barnesville, St. Richard 7-10 p.m. Frackville, St. Joseph (at Annunciation BVM) 8:30-11 p.m. Mahanoy City, St. Teresa of Calcutta 8-10 p.m. McAdoo, All Saints 8:15-10:30 p.m., Night Prayer 10:30 p.m. Minersville, St. Matthew the Evangelist 8:15-9:30 p.m., Night Prayer 9:30 p.m. Minersville, St. Michael the Archangel 8-10 p.m. New Philadelphia, Holy Cross 8:15 p.m.-midnight. Port Carbon, St. Stephen 8:30-10 p.m. Pottsville, St. John the Baptist 8-10 p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. Pottsville, St. Patrick 8-11 p.m., Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. Ringtown, St. Mary Adoration at St. Joseph, Sheppton. St. Clair, St. Clare of Assisi Adoration at St. Stephen, Port Carbon. Schuylkill Haven, St. Ambrose 8:15-9:30 p.m., Night Prayer 9:30 p.m. Shenandoah, Divine Mercy 8-10 p.m. Shenandoah, St. Casimir (Worship Site) 8-10 p.m. Sheppton, St. Joseph 8-10 p.m. Tamaqua, St. John XXIII (at SS. Peter and Paul) 8:15-10 p.m. Tremont, Most Blessed Trinity 8-11 p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m. Culture of Encounter: Family Holy Hours Cultura del Encuentro: Horas Santas Familiares La Oficina de Juventud, Adultos Jóvenes y Ministerio de Familia se ha asociado con las doce parroquias en cada decanato para ofrecer mensualmente una Hora Santa de Adoración Eucarística específicamente para las familias desde noviembre de 2017 hasta octubre de Traiga a toda su familia al encuentro de Cristo. Quédese unos minutos o durante toda la hora. Bebés, niños pequeños, niños, adolescentes, adultos jóvenes Santee Road, Bethlehem. Schuylkill-Carbon Deaneries Tuesday, March 13, 6 p.m., St. Joseph, 526 y adultos son bienvenidos. Se proporcionarán recursos de oración para niños y adultos en inglés y español. Algunas Horas Santas brindarán una oportunidad para la oración silenciosa, mientras que otras tendrán servicios de oración planificados. Las horas santas en las parroquias con una gran población hispana serán bilingües. Recoja una postal en la parroquia para el horario, o visite North St., Jim Thorpe; Sunday, April 8, 2:30 p.m., St. Joseph, 426 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill. Death Deacon William Pitts, served in Palmerton Deacon William Pitts, 82, of Allentown died Feb. 22 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. Surviving are his son, Jon Pitts, and granddaughters, Aerin, and Cameron, all of Denver, Colorado. He was the husband of Irene (Machalec) Pitts, who died in 2005, for 48 years. Deacon Pitts was ordained to the permanent diaconate Oct. 12, 1982 by Bishop Joseph McShea in the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena Church, Allentown. He was appointed by Bishop McShea to Sacred Heart Church, Palmerton, where he served for 30 years. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 3 at Sacred Heart Church, Palmerton. Father William Campion was main celebrant and homilist. Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert was in attendance. Interment followed Mass with military honors at Sacred Heart New Cemetery, Stoney Ridge Road, Palmerton.

18 18 The A.D. Times March 8, 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 Saturday, March 10 Prayer Pilgrimage, peaceful prayer to end abortion, Helpers of God s Precious Infants; Mass, Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 8 a.m., followed by rosary at Allentown Women s Center, 9:15 a.m., celebrant Father Christopher Zelonis, , schedule40dfl@gmail.com, Restless Heart, religious movie, Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, at St. Stephen Hall, Shenandoah, 1 p.m., donations accepted of canned goods or new or gently used clothes. The Large Flowerheads, church hall, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7-10 p.m., $10 per ticket, Sunday, March 11 Breakfast Buffet, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 8:30-11:30 a.m., adults $7, children $4, children under 3 free, also Sundays, Feb. 11 and April 8. Spaghetti Dinner, Knight of Columbus Father DeNisco Council Home, West Bangor Road, Washington Township, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., $9, children under 8 free, tickets sold at door. Monday, March 12 Friendly Fifties, social hall, St. John the Baptist Byzantine, Northampton, 1 p.m., singer Glenn Kakowski will entertain, no meeting if Northampton schools cancel, delay or dismiss early. Exposition of Sacred Relics: Treasures of the Church, of Allentown Office of Adult Formation, teaching and exposition of sacred relics, St. Catharine of Siena, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading, 7 p.m., adultformation@allentowndiocese. org, , ext. 2021, From Despair to Hope An Evening of Support for Those Impacted by Addiction and Those Who Love Them, St. Ignatius Loyola, 2810 St. Albans Drive, Sinking Spring, 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 13 Miracles and the Mysteries of the Church, Salesian Center for Faith and Culture, DeSales University, Center Valley, 7 p.m., free and open to the public, presented by John Cavadini, University of Notre Dame theology professor, sponsored by the Notre Dame Club of the Lehigh Valley, kathylink33@gmail.com. Thursday, March 15 Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs) Classes, church hall, St. Michael Ukrainian, 300 W. Oak St., Shenandoah, 6-9 p.m., $40, register , also Saturday, March p.m. Friday, March 16 Thoroughly Modern Millie, Franco-Post Auditorium, Berks Catholic High School, Reading, 7 p.m.; general admission adults $11, seniors $9, students $5; reserved seats (www. tinyurl.com/bctheater) adults $15, seniors $13, students $9; also Saturday, March 17, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 17 Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner and Oldies Dance, school hall, Holy Infancy, Bethlehem, dinner 5:30-7:15 p.m., $20; dance 7:30-11:30 p.m., $13, both dinner and dance $30; sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council 313, Bethlehem. St. Patrick s Dance, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, 7-10 p.m., $25 per person. Sunday, March 18 Breakfast, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, 7:45-11:30 a.m., adults $8, children 6-12 $4, under 6 free. Breakfast, Knights of Columbus, school hall, St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring, 8 a.m.-noon, adults $8, children 6-12 $4 Ṁary s Shelter Bowl-a-Thon, Berks Lanes, 3190 Shillington Road, Sinking Spring, 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 3-5 p.m., office@ marysshelter.org, , , An Afternoon Tea for Mothers and Daughters, DeSales University Center, Center Valley, 1:30-4:30 p.m., $30 for mother and up to three daughters (ages 9-13 only), questions , ext. 2021, register by Monday, March 12 www. allentowndiocese.org/tea. Wednesday, March 21 Allentown Serra Club Spirituality Meeting, St. Thomas More, Allentown, rosary 6:45 p.m., Mass 7 p.m., meeting 7:30 p.m., speaker Father John Krivak. Saturday, March 24 St. Joseph Feast Day Polka Mass, St. Joseph Slovenian Church, 417 E. Fifth St., Bethlehem, 10:30 a.m., celebrant Father David Kozak, followed by (optional) luncheon ($25), Saucon Valley Acres, Black River Road, Bethlehem, all welcome, , stjosephcommittee@gmail.com. Friday, March 30 Collection for Shrines of Our Faith in the Holy Land. Wednesday, April 4 We Are Remembered Ministry Easter Mass, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, 7 p.m., register name of loved one by Wednesday, March 28 (see page 6 in this issue of The A.D. Times), frjim.stmj@gmail.com. Thursday, April 5 Bereavement Support Group, first of six, convent meeting room, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown, 6:30-8 p.m., free and open to the public, Sunday, April 8 Breakfast, St. Vincent de Paul Society, SS Simon and Jude, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., tickets Health Fair, parish hall, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., includes information, testing, demonstrations, massages, Divine Mercy Devotions, Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, 3 p.m., (Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will not be celebrated). Breakfast Buffet, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 8:30-11:30 a.m., adults $7, children $4, children under 3 free, also Sundays, Feb. 11 and April 8. Tuesday, April 10 St. Catharine of Siena the Mystic, Pivotal Players Study, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m. Friday, April 13 Godspell, auditorium, Bethlehem Catholic High School, 7 p.m.; general admission adults $12; students, seniors, military $10; also Saturday, April 14, 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 15, 2 p.m.; Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 7 p.m., (reserved seating information theater@becahi.org. Saturday, April 14 Together in Holiness, Diocesan marriage conference, St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., questions mflf@allentowndiocese.org, , ext. 2028, register Spaghetti Dinner, social hall, Holy Ghost, Bethlehem, 5-7 p.m., adults $10, children 6-12 $6, at door $12, , deadline for tickets April 1. Oldies Dance, St. Mary, Hamburg, 6:30-9:30 a.m., tickets $10, at door $12, no BYOB/BYOF, , Lenten Dinners Fridays of Lent except Good Friday Fish Dinner, Russell Building, St. John the Baptist, Pottsville, 4-7 p.m., adults $14-$17, children under 12 $8. Lenten Pierogi Sale, St. Mary, Reading, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., $8 per dozen, new location under the church 12 th and Spruce Streets. Fridays, March 9, 16, 23 Lenten Dinners, Father King Hall, Sacred Heart, Bethlehem, 4:30-7 p.m., adults $10, children 6-12 $5, under 6 free, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council Fish Bake, Holy Family Club, Nazareth, 4-7 p.m., adults $12, children 6-12 $5, children under 6 free, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Nazareth Council Friday, March 16 Lenten Food Sales, parish center, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville, noon-3 p.m., large orders Fridays 9-11 a.m. Fridays, March 16, 23 Lenten Fish Bake, Knights of Columbus Council 4050, Ruffenach Hall, St. John the Baptist, Chestnut and Ruch streets, Whitehall, 5-7 p.m., adults $9, children $7, pierogi dinner $6, Through Sunday, March 18 Lenten Soup Sale, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, $4 or $7, order due by Sunday, March 18; pickup Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25; Friday, March 23 Lenten Dinners, St. Stephen Hall, Shenandoah, 3-5 p.m., $8, take-out only, order one week in advance, Fish Dinner, parish hall, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 4-7 p.m., adults advance $10, at door $12; children advance $5, at door $7; children under 5 free; tickets at parish office or Lenten Fish Bake Dinner, Knights of Columbus, school hall, St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring, 5-7 p.m., adults $10, children 6-12 $5. Lenten Events Wednesdays of Lent Traditional Latin Masses, Sacred Heart, Bath, 6 p.m. Fridays of Lent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Stations of the Cross, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, adoration 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Stations of the Cross. Sunday, March 11 Lenten Taize Service, St. Benedict, Mohnton, 6:30 p.m., night of prayer and meditation through music, Scripture and silence, andang@hgaschool.org, Tuesday, March 13 Afternoon of Reflection During Lent, bilingual, Hispanic Ministry Office, at Father Walter Ciszek Center, Shenandoah, lunch followed by conference, Bible reading and reflection, closing with Divine Mercy Chaplet and rosary, no children allowed, must register with Sister Vincent de Paul, Sunday, March 18 Lenten Music Concert, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 3 p.m. Saturday, March 24 Easter Paschal Festival, St. Mary, Hamburg, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., seasonal baked goods, crafts, Easter theme items, palm weaves, etc., breakfast and lunch available for purchase. Palm Sunday Weekend Bake Sale, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 1:30-6 p.m., also Sunday, March 25 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28 and Good Friday, March 30 Here I Am, Lord, passion drama by Msgr. John Murphy, St. Thomas More, Allentown, 7:30 p.m.; also Good Friday, March 30, 1 p.m. (child care available); Through Thursday, March 29 Finding Our Way in the Wilderness, free online noncredit course for Lent, offered by Salesian Center, DeSales University, Center Valley, course opens Saturday, Feb. 10, questions , ext. 1244, lore.mcfadden@desales.edu, register Homemade Lenten Pierogi Sales, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Clair, church basement, use Hancock Street entrance, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Ash Wednesday; Fridays of Lent except Feb. 16 and Good Friday March 30; Holy Thursday March 29; $7.50 per dozen; orders must be placed in advance by previous Wednesday, except for Ash Wednesday order by Monday, Feb. 12; call to order, , , , Friday, March 30 Beautiful Gate Scriptural Rosary, Mysteries of Good Friday, chapel, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, noon. Everyone s Way of the Cross, St. Anne, Bethlehem, 6:30 p.m., accompanied with music, prayers, Scripture readings, meditation, prayerful silence, singing by Father Anthony Mongiello. Through Easter Homemade Easter Eggs, St. Ann Guild of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland, $1 per egg, $12 per dozen, 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, Friday, March 9 Sunday, March 11 Rachel s Vineyard Retreat, for anyone seeking healing after abortion, registration information RACHEL (toll free), , ext. 2019, projectrachel@allentowndiocese.org, information about retreat experience Mondays, March 12, 19 and 26 Letting Love In: From Agony to Acceptance, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $15 per session, 4 sessions $50, , stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Friday, March 16 Sunday, March 18 Who Cares for the Caregiver? weekend retreat for personal and professional caregivers, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, $200, register questions mleonowitz@jesuitcenter.org, Tuesday, March 20 Triduum An Ongoing Journey to the Great Easter Vigil, twilight retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $25, , stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Friday, March 23 Sunday, March 25 Standing on the Edge of Holy Week, weekend retreat, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, $200, register questions mleonowitz@jesuitcenter.org, Keys to Life: Easter Here and Now, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, $215, facilitator Father Kevin Bobbin, with guest speaker Father Bernard Ezaki, , fideljasa@ gmail.com. Saturday, March 24 Preparing Our Souls for Our Saviour, women s Lenten retreat sponsored by Diocesan Commission for Women, Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux, Nesquehoning, 9 a.m.-noon, facilitated by Father Allen Hoffa, registration www. allentowndiocese.org/cfw-spirituality, information , cfw@allentowndiocese.org. Bazaars/Festivals Sunday, March 11 Spring Fling Bazaar, St. Paul, Allentown, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., vendors, crafts, more. Socials Sundays Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. Bingo, Immaculate Conception School, Pen Argyl, 1 p.m., doors open 11 a.m., Second Sundays Bingo, Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally, 12:30 p.m., doors open 11 a.m. Please see CALENDAR page 19 }}

19 March 8, 2018 The A.D. Times 19 Calendar }}Continued from page 18 Thursdays Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 11 Designer Handbag Bingo, parish hall, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 1 p.m., doors and kitchen open noon, $20, tickets available in parish office, Sunday, March 18 Cash and Prize Bingo, St. Benedict, Mohnton, 2:30 p.m., doors open 12:30 p.m., advance $25, at door $30, sarahswish75@hotmail.com, , proceeds support CYO of La Salle Academy, Shillington. Sundays, March 18; April 8, 22; May 6, 20; June 3, 24; July 8, 22: Aug. 5, 19; Sept. 9, 23; Oct. 7, 21; Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2 Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 618, St. Stephen s Hall, Shenandoah, 2 p.m., doors open noon, food and refreshments available, , Thursday, March 22 Designer Bag Bingo, Family Center, St. Thomas More, Allentown, 7 p.m., doors open 6 p.m., $25, refreshments provided, Friday, March 23 Sunday, March 25 Basket Social, parish center, Annunciation BVM (St. Mary s) Catasauqua, Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m., proceeds benefit CCD program, , Saturday, March 24 Designer Handbag Bingo, gymnasium, Holy Family School, Nazareth, 1 p.m., doors open noon, advance $25, at door $30, food and refreshments available for purchase, hfshandbagbingo@gmail.com. Sunday, April 8 Longaberger and Designer Handbag Bingo, cafeteria, St. Francis Center for Renewal, 395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem, 1:30 p.m., doors open noon, sponsored by Bethlehem Chapter of UNICO, advance $20, at door $25, , Saturday April 14 Sunday, April 15 Tricky Tray, social hall, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Pen Argyl, Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-1:50 p.m., sponsored by Martha and Mary Society, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Bangor, Thursday, May 16 Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 4397, Family Center, St. Thomas More, Allentown, 6:30 p.m., doors open 6 p.m. Trips Editor s note: The A.D. Times publishes newly announced, church-affiliated trips in every issue. The entire previously announced list is repeated as space permits. Send church-affiliated trips to adtimes@allentowndiocese.org by Thursday of the week before publication. Please notify The A.D. Times when seats are filled for a trip so it can be removed from the repeating list. Trip listings include sponsoring group, destination, cost and contact information. Contact the sponsor for other details, such as times, dining location, itineraries and what is included in the cost. Newly announced Tuesday, March 20 Outreach Committee, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, $22, , , gift certificates available. Wednesday, March 21 Golden Agers, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to Hollywood Casino, Grantville, $25, Wednesday, April 18 Seniors, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $105, Tuesday, May 1 St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Anne, Bethlehem to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $125, Thursday, May 10 Women s Guild, St. Thomas More, Allentown to National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, $38, Thursday, July Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Legends of Las Vegas, Silver Birches, Hawley, $76, Monday, Aug. 20 Sunday, Sept. 3 Archdiocese of Philadelphia official pilgrimage to World Meeting of Families, and Saints and Legends Tour, Dublin; Monday, Aug. 20 Monday, Aug. 27, World Meeting of Families only; Sunday, Aug. 26 Sunday, Sept. 3, Saints and Legends Tour only; call Select International Tours for prices , kristine@select-intl.com, Thursday, Aug Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Million Dollar Quartet, Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope, $97, Wednesday, Sept. 26 Thursday, Sept Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Sugarhouse Casino and Resorts, Atlantic City and Cape May, New Jersey, $146, Wednesday, Oct. 10 Golden Agers, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to Germanfest, Silver Birches, Hawley, $81, Thursday, Dec. 13 Golden Agers, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to First Noel, American Music Theatre, $93, Previously announced Wednesday, March 14 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, $30, , suemuelle45@gmail.com. Tuesday, March 20 Friendly Fifties, St. John Byzantine, Northampton to Neil Diamond, Mount Airy Casino, $65, Tuesday, March 20 Wednesday, March 21 Prime Time Club, St. Thomas More, Allentown to Atlantic City, three casinos (Sugar House, Resorts and Tropicana), $125, Wednesday, March 21 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $112, deadline Wednesday, Feb. 28, suemueller45@gmail.com, Thursday, March Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Hollywood Casino, Grantville, $30, Friday, March 23 Travel Club, Assumption BVM, Slatington to Jesus, Sight and Sound, Lancaster, $115, Saturday, March 24 St. Thomas More, Allentown to Carousel on Broadway, $147, , johara2179@aol.com. Thursday, April 5 Saturday April 14 MSC Sisters, Reading to Lourdes, Paris and other sites in France, request a brochure Wednesday, April 11 Seniors in Action, Holy Trinity, Whitehall to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $86, Saturday, April 14 Catholic Family Life Center, East Greenville to Museum of the Bible, Washington, D.C., $57, com, registration deadline Friday, March 30. Monday, April 16 Thursday, April 19 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, $634, suemueller45@gmail.com, Tuesday, April 17 Prime Time Club, St. Thomas More, Allentown to The Duprees, Mount Airy Casino, Mount Pocono, $59, Tuesday, April 24 Prime Time Club, St. Thomas More, Allentown to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $98, Thursday, May 3 St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $106, Monday, May 14 Friday, May 18 Travelers, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville to Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, $649, , Saturday, May 19 St. Thomas More, Allentown to Broadway (choice of My Fair Lady $153, Anastasia $152, Mean Girls $185, Come From Away $164), , johara2179@aol.com. Tuesday, May 22 Friendly Fifties, St. John Byzantine, Northampton to Elvis Jailhouse Rock, Mount Airy Casino, $65, Wednesday, June 13 Golden Agers, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $113, Tuesday, June 26 St. Thomas More, Allentown to Yankees at Phillies, section 112, $60, , johara2179@aol.com. Sunday Scripture Sunday, March 11 Fourth Sunday of Lent First reading 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, Responsorial Psalm Psalms 137:1-6 Second Reading Ephesians 2:4-10 Gospel John 3:14-21 Sunday, March 18 Fifth Sunday of Lent First Reading Jeremiah 31:31-34 Responsorial Psalm Psalms 51:3-4, Second Reading Hebrews 5:7-9 Gospel John 12:20-33

20 20 The A.D. Times March 8, 2018 Conference Will Challenge Women to Be Who God Made You to Be Women of all ages are invited to learn how their lives can be transformed through a deeper understanding of their vital role in God s plan for creation, at the second annual Diocesan women s conference. Women: Hearts Afire Be Who God Made You to Be will be Saturday, May 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at DeSales University, Center Valley. The event is sponsored by the of Allentown Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization in partnership with Stewardship: A Mission of Faith. Presenters will challenge women to discover who God made them to be through topics of embracing the universal call to holiness in daily life and unveiling their unique vocation, as St. Catharine of Siena affirmed when she said, Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire. There will be four keynote speakers, exhibitors, and opportunities for adoration and reconciliation. The day will conclude with a Saturday evening Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. A separate Spanish track will be offered, and a special session for high school-age young women will be offered as part of the day. Speakers and topics will be: A Universal Invitation: Embracing the Call to Holiness Msgr. Andrew Baker, a priest of the of Allentown serving as rector of Mount St. Mary s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland. Who God Meant You to Be: Discerning Our Unique Vocation Sister Faustina Maria Pia, of Sisters of Life in Stamford, Connecticut, who helps care for vulnerable pregnant women and their unborn children. Setting the World on Fire: Living the Call in Daily Life Kelly Wahlquist, a Catholic author and speaker, and assistant director of the Archbishop Harry J. Flynn Catechetical Institute in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. My Sisters the Saints: Role Models in Holiness Colleen Carroll Campbell, an author, print and broadcast journalist and former presidential speechwriter. She has served as executive producer and anchor of EWTN News Nightly with Colleen Carroll Campbell, a television newscast airing worldwide on EWTN, the world s largest religious media network, and as creator and host of EWTN s Faith and Culture television and radio interview show. Principales en Español (Spanish track) Lucia Baez Luzondo, director of the Secretariat for Laity, Marriage and Family Life and Youth and Director of the Office of the V Encuentro San Antonio at the Archdiocese of San Antonio. With her husband, Ricardo, she co-hosts the television series Creados Para Amar (Created for Love) which broadcasts on EWTN Spanish worldwide. She also cohosts, En el Día a Día Con Ricardo y Lucia (In the Day to Day With Ricardo and Lucia), a weekly live-radio program that broadcasts worldwide on EWTN Radio Católica Mundial (EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network) and in radio on television at CTSA, Catholic Television San Antonio. For information and to register, visit Conference or call , ext A Mournful Mother By SISTER MEG COLE Catholic Charities Therapist A hallmark of beginning the season of Lent is once again using special songs that feature the solemnness of these 40 days. Generations upon generations have chanted and been moved by these ancient yet touching hymns. One song in particular, Stabat Mater, has a way of evoking such childhood memories of Friday afternoons when the whole school would be marched over to church for the Stations of the Cross. Our prayer posture would be tested by repetitive standing, bowing, kneeling and turning toward each station as we dutifully held our cherished, yearly, entrusted station books and followed the priest. Our attention being centered on Jesus, we are also drawn to his faithful companion at this sorrowful hour, his Mother, Mary. As children we saw the faith-filled, loyal dyad, this holy woman and the unjustly accused Jesus, troubled and in grief as they staggered through the final hours of Jesus s earthly life. With such piety and devotion, our cherub-like voices would sing that first verse with great reverence. At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last. A mournful mother, what could be harder to contemplate in prayer and song? How does one offer comfort to a mournful mother? For a mother in mourning, how does peace get restored? How does wholeness and fulfillment come to a mother who carries within her the death of her child? A mournful mother. In the ministry of Project Rachel and Rachel s Vineyard Retreats, I have met mournful mothers. I have come to know women who in a very difficult and sensitive time of their lives, feeling trapped and alone and unable to make a life-giving choice, choose to have an abortion. And from that moment on, women carry silently the emotional and internal pain of the loss of a child. Very often this mournful mother holds deep within her the awareness that a child is missing from her life. Each Christmas, Mother s Day, Easter, each joyful family celebration, she wordlessly pictures the child who should be there, who should be sitting at the table, opening presents, being and feeling loved. As a mournful mother whose child has died from abortion, she conceals the shame and does not feel worthy of acknowledging the heartfelt regret that lingers in her heart and mind. Reconciling the inclusion of this lost child into her life, into her family, into her ongoing life s journey is very difficult. Julian Barnes in his book Levels of Life would refer to this mournful mother as the principal rememberer (Barnes, J., 2013, Levels of Life : Vintage Books Random). Rachel s Vineyard Retreat Helps Healing From Abortion Are you carrying the emotional hurt associated with a past abortion? God in his mercy wants you to experience forgiveness and peace. Come to a Rachel s Vineyard Re- treat sponsored by Catholic Charities of the of Allentown. For more information or to register, call Rachel, or projectrachel@allentowndiocese.org. It is just such a woman this mournful mother, the principal rememberer of her child s brief life who is welcomed to a Rachel s Vineyard weekend or to post-abortive counseling at Catholic Charities that is called Project Rachel. In these opportunities of healing, a woman can give herself permission to put words, thoughts and feelings to owning her identity as a mournful mother. The sense of ending that comes with the death of a child can now be acknowledged and memorialized in a safe and prayerful manner. A RVR or Project Rachel Counseling can give a mournful mother a sense of renewed motherhood, peace and holiness as she experiences the loving mercy of God. To find out more about the RVR or counseling, please call Rachel or projectrachel@allentowndiocese.org.

21 March 8, 2018 The A.D. Times 21 Treasures of the Church to be Displayed in Reading and Bethlehem The of Allentown Office of Adult Formation welcomes everyone to a teaching and exposition of sacred relics Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at St. Catharine of Siena Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading. Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3219 Santee Road, Bethlehem will also be hosting the event Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. Exposition of Sacred Relics: Treasures of the Church will be presented by Father Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross. Over 150 relics will be shown, some believed to be as old as 2,000 years. Among the treasures will be relics of The Addiction Ministry team at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Sinking Spring will host an event on addiction, From Despair to Hope An Evening of Support for Those Impacted by Addiction and Those Who Love Them, Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. Featured will be a professional from Caron speaking about the disease of addiction: recognition, intervention, treatment, support, recovery. A person in recovery will speak about St. Joseph, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Maria Goretti, St. Thérèse of Lisieux (the Little Flower ), St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Faustina Kowalska. In addition, there will also be present a piece of a veil believed to have belonged to Our Lady and one of the largest remaining pieces of the True Cross in the world. For more information, visit For questions, contact the Office of Adult Formation at adultformation@allentowndiocese.org or , ext. 2021; or Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Evening of Support for Those Involved With Addiction University of Notre Dame theology professor John Cavadini will discuss Miracles and the Mysteries of the Church Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at DeSales University, Center Valley. The lecture, hosted by the Salesian Center for Faith and Culture at DeSales, and sponsored by the Notre Dame Club of the Lehigh Valley, is free and open to the public. Do miracles still occur? How can we understand the meaning of a miracle? What is the biblical and theological basis for a Catholic understanding of miracles? How do miracles serve in the process of the journey to recovery and in recovery. Another person speaking from personal experience will help those attending understand how a family member deals with a loved one trapped by the disease of addiction. Representatives from several organizations will be there to provide information about services and support to those affected by the disease of addiction. For more information, call Lecture March 13 on Miracles and the Mysteries of the Church Cavadini the canonization of saints? This lecture takes up these topics and other related questions. Inspired by the late Father Hesburgh s example of lifelong learning, the Hesburgh Lecture Series has brought university faculty to Notre Dame clubs and their local communities since The lectures, presented by mostly tenured faculty, showcase the depth and breadth of Notre Dame s academic expertise in research and teaching through an accessible format suitable for a general audience. The series furthers the mission of the Alumni Association to provide meaningful continuing education opportunities to alumni and friends. Cavadini is a member of the Department of Theology, having served as chair of the department and led the department to a top 10 ranking in the recently released NRC rankings of doctoral programs. Register Early for Diocesan Marriage Conference His main areas of research and teaching are in the theology of the early Church, with a special focus on the theology of St. Augustine, and on the biblical spirituality of the Fathers of the Church. He has published extensively in these areas, as well as in the theology of miracles, the life and work of Gregory the Great, catechetical theology and the theology of marriage. He has served as a consultant to the USCCB Committee on Doctrine since For details, Kathy Link at kathylink33@gmail.com. Early bird registration is now open for the Diocesan Marriage Conference on Saturday April 14. The conference will be held 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Sinking Spring. Theme of the day is Together in Holiness: Where Spouses Discover God s Plan for Your Family. Speakers include EWTN host Joy Pinto, Dr. Roland Millare, Deacon Joseph Nines, and Dr. Joshua Schulz and Mrs. Christine Schulz. Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert will be the celebrant at Mass. Couples live their marriage vocation most fully when they help each other grow in holiness on their common journey to Eternal Life, said Bishop Schlert. Child care will be available. Sign up soon for the early bird discount, at For questions, call , ext

22 22 The A.D. Times March 8, 2018 Bendita Criatura II Por Qué Llora la Virgen? Por DIÁCONO JOSÉ M. SANTOS En los últimos tiempos vemos con frecuencia, las imágenes de la Santísima Virgen llorando, e incluso lágrimas de sangre, alrededor del mundo. En Hato Mayor, ciudad de Santiago, República Dominicana, una imagen de la Virgen de las Mercedes lloró lágrimas de sangre presenciado por este humilde servidor. Estos signos de Dios, muestran el dolor de una madre por sus hijos. La Virgen María llora por los pecados del mundo, llora por tantos abortos, llora por la muerte de inocentes. En muchos países se continúa legislando para matar; el mandamiento de Dios: No matarás ha sido olvidado. No matarás a tu hermano, ni a tu hijo, mucho menos al inocente e indefenso. Dios es salvación. Dios quiere salvar la humanidad en toda su integridad, salvar al hombre y toda la creación. Él quiere bendecir a los niños y niñas en el vientre. Salvarlos de tantas amenazas e inseguridades. Estaba la madre Teresa de Calcuta (ganadora del premio Nobel de la paz) en un encuentro de diplomáticos, dictando una conferencia, hablando en defensa de la vida humana, al finalizar se acerca un comunicador social y le pregunta: Madre Teresa, Por qué Dios no manda al mundo la cura del sida? Ella se quedó orando (pensando) y respondió, Él ya la ha mandado varias veces y ustedes lo han abortado. (Piense en la familia de Beethoven). En oración. Me desperté a las tres de la madrugada el 13 de septiembre del 2007, (50 años después de mi bendición en el vientre) y comencé a orar con María el Santo Rosario, terminando junto a mi esposa (quien se llama Carmen Rosario) hasta las 4:00 AM. Continué orando en silencio y meditación, y vino a mí mente una imagen, donde veía: unas manos grandes, llenas de agua, en el centro flotaba un lirio blanco. La sabiduría del Espíritu Santo me daba la interpretación y continué orando alabando a Dios y le pedía que le diera también a mi esposa discernimiento para confirmarlo. Le comunique a ella la visión para que oráramos juntos, luego de orar juntos bendiciendo al Señor, me preguntó el significado y se lo comuniqué. Las manos grandes, son las manos de Dios, el agua, es la placenta donde crece la criatura, y el lirio blanco es cada ser humano a quien el Creador da vida en el vientre de su madre. Luego vino la Palabra del Señor a mi corazón: Te voy a dar una nueva semilla. Yo oraba al Señor diciéndole: Pero yo no soy digno, tú has regalado ya todo, a tus santos profetas, Quién soy yo? El Señor continuó: Dios quiere que los cristianos bendigan a las madres embarazadas, que los sacerdotes y diáconos bendi- gan a las mujeres que estén embarazadas, ellos han sido ordenados para bendecir. Continuó el Espíritu santo en mi mente desarrollando la idea: Que se organice en parroquias y capillas el día 13 de cada mes, especialmente en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Fátima. Recordé lo que había dicho el señor Arzobispo Ramón Benito de la Rosa y Carpio, el 13 de mayo del mismo año, cuando celebraba la Eucaristía el día solemne de la fiesta. Quiero que celebren aquí la misa los días 13 de cada mes como en Portugal. La Virgen va hacer milagros! Ahora para los cristianos el día 13 es día de bendición. Sentí en mi corazón, (en oración) que esta idea de Dios llegaría muy lejos en el mundo para salvar a inocentes e indefensos. Gracias a Dios Padre creador que me ha dado la vida, a Jesucristo el Señor que me ha salvado de mis pecados, al Espíritu Santo que me ha llenado de su sabiduría, y a la Santísima Virgen María quien me consagró a su hijo amado. Oración para los primeros meses del embarazo (sacerdote o diácono): Dios Todo Poderoso, tú que creaste el mundo y todo lo que existe, diste vida al ser humano, a imagen tuya lo creaste; Te pedimos por esta(s) madre(s) embarazada(s), por la(s) criatura(s) en su(s) vientre(s). Ahora, Señor, bendice y protege la vida que de Ti procede, y derrama tu gracia abundante para que vea(n) la luz, + en el nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo. Amén. Oración para después del sexto mes (sacerdote o diácono): Señor Dios, creador del género humano, cuyo Hijo, por obra del Espíritu Santo, quiso nacer de la Virgen María, para redimir y salvar a los hombres, librándolos de la deuda del antiguo pecado, atiende los deseos de esta hija tuya, que te suplica por el(la) hijo(a) que espera, y concédele un parto feliz; que su hijo(a) se agregue a la comunidad de los fieles, te sirva en todo y alcance finalmente la vida eterna. Por Jesucristo, nuestro Señor. Amén. Oración de los padres (o la madre): Dios todopoderoso, Padre de todo el género humano, te doy gracias por lo que soy, me diste vida, me amaste y me sigue amando. Te pido, proteja por medio de tus ángeles a esta criatura, llénanos de tu amor, que no le falte nada, confiamos a tu providencia nuestra familia. Por Jesucristo nuestro Señor. Amén. Top 10 Reasons to Switch to an Online Subscription of The A.D. Times 10. The online version is available right away, there s no delay waiting for the print copy to be delivered to your home. 9. You can help the save printing and postage costs. 8. It s environmentally friendly, there s no paper to add to your recycling pile. 7. You can zoom in to make the type larger and to look at the details in photos. 6. You can highlight an article, inspirational phrase or bingo listing and save it into a document on your computer. 5. You can forward the link to family and friends, so they can read the article you ve been talking about. 4. 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23 March 8, 2018 The A.D. Times 23 Minersville Area Crafty Quilters Make a Difference Members of the Minersville Area Crafty Quilters, who meet at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Minersville, presented items for Schuylkill County Make a Difference Day in October 2017 to help babies, elderly and women in crisis. The quilters donated 33 quilts, eight fleece blankets, 24 clothing protectors, 75 crayon rolls, pencil rolls, 50 adult coloring books, 50 children s coloring books, knitted items, stuffed toys, baby wash cloths, children s drinking cups and over 100 personal care items. The items were shared by Birthright of Frackville, Schuylkill Women in Crisis and Avenues Elder Gardens Older Adult Center in Pottsville. A small social was held at St. Michael to present the donations. Enjoying one of the activities at the Christmas part are Prime Time Club members Barbara Novak, left, and Gloria Kohn. Members gathered with some of the Christmas goodies are, from left, Gloria Kohn, Nancy Ravinski, Doris Miraldo, Barbara Novak, Elissa Clausnitzer, Mary Yourgal, Barbara Balon, Joanne Lewis, Maryjane Wagner, Susanne Preisler, Cas Hillanbrand and Ola Tatusek (kneeling). The True Spirit of Christmas Seniors Helping Seniors Every year we become wrapped up in the hectic demands of holiday preparations, setting expectations of gifts we would like to receive, big dinners and festive new clothes. This year, the Prime Time Club of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Orefield decided to share its Christmas with seniors not as fortunate as themselves. They sponsored a Christmas party for 50 residents of Cedarbrook Nursing Home in Allentown. They held a fundraiser to help with costs, along with their personal contributions of time, energies and finances to purchase a special gift for each of the 50 residents from a wish list Cedarbrook provided. This included gifts such as jewelry, sweaters, hats and shirts. They also provided 50 shoeboxes full of toiletries, candies and personal care items. The club also thanked those who made community contributions, such as Robbins Rehabilitation, Jay Smarr, and an anonymous donor at Josh Early Candy who offered money and gifts. Along with the Therapeutic Recreation Department of Cedarbrook, the club hosted a party Dec. 8, complete with games, caroling and gift giving. This is the true meaning of Christmas: sharing with others less fortunate, bringing happiness and merriment, and letting others know someone cares about them and want to do something special just for them. The residents were not the only benefactors. All the Prime Time seniors who participated gained the reward of selfworth and satisfaction, as they saw the smiles and words of appreciation. Sally Casey, co-director of Schuylkill Women in Crisis, third from left, receives quilted items from quilters, from left, Kathleen Paul, Jean Angelo and Vinnie Roscoe. Participating in a presentation are, from left: Dorothy Kessler, Birthright volunteer; Mary Concalves, Birthright co-director; Sharon Tranosky, quilter; Ayden Correll, mascot; Barbara Meusel, Birthright volunteer; and Kathleen Paul, quilter. I Items are displayed by, from left: Linda McCall, quilter; Yvonne Buck, Avenues; Marie Doyle, quilter; and Clarice Connors, Avenues. Not pictured in the presentations are quilters Delight Ashembrier, Theresa Cook, Lisa Callaghan, Terry Gregory, Dolores Kramer and Colleen Stock. Grief Support Group Starting April 5 For those grieving the death of a loved one, a Bereavement Support Group will begin Thursday, April 5 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown. This support group offers an opportunity to come together to work through the grieving process with the help and support of others who have experienced this difficult journey. The group will meet for six consecutive Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the convent meeting room. It is free and open to all. For more information, call the parish office at

24 24 The A.D. Times World March 8, 2018 Pope Adds Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church to Universal Calendar VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope Francis has decreed that Latin-rite Catholics around the world will mark the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church on the Monday after Pentecost each year. The Gospel reading for the feast, which technically is called a memorial, is John 19:25-31, which recounts how from the cross Jesus entrusted Mary to his disciples as their mother and entrusted his disciples to Mary as her children. The decree announcing the addition to the church calendar was released March 3 by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. Pope Francis approved the decree after having attentively considered how greatly the promotion of this devotion might encourage the growth of the maternal sense of the church in the pastors, religious and faithful, as well as a growth GENEVA (CNS) As the world has grown increasingly interconnected, some nations have seen religious pluralism as a threat and reacted either by failing to protect religious minorities or by trying to marginalize all believers, a Vatican representative said. And, unfortunately, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic told the U.N. Human Rights Council, some international agencies and organizations also see religion as a threat to their agendas when they go against religious wisdom and the sentiments of the greatest part of humanity. The archbishop, who is the Vatican ob- of genuine Marian piety, the decree said. Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the A mosaic of Mary as Mother of the Church is seen above St. Peter s Square at the Vatican in this April 13, 2011, file photo. (CNS photo/paul Haring) congregation, noted in a brief commentary published the same day that Blessed Paul VI in 1964 had formally bestowed the title mother of the church on Mary, but that recognition of her maternal care for the church and for believers had already spanned centuries. The feeling of Christian people through two millennia of history has cultivated the filial bond which inseparably binds the disciples of Christ to his Blessed Mother in various ways, the cardinal said. The church calendars of Poland, Argentina, St. Peter s Basilica and some religious orders already set aside the Monday after Pentecost as the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church. Honoring Mary as mother of the church on the day after Pentecost also highlights for Catholics that Mary was present with the disciples on Pentecost, praying with them as the Holy Spirit descended. Cardinal Sarah said that Mary, from the awaiting of the Spirit at Pentecost, has never ceased to take motherly care of the pilgrim church on earth. Along with the decree and his comments, Cardinal Sarah also published in Latin the specific liturgical texts for use on the memorial at Mass and in the Liturgy of the Hours. Bishops conferences will approve the translation of the texts they need and, after receiving their confirmation, will publish them in the liturgical books for their jurisdiction, the cardinal said. Vatican Official Warns U.N. of Hostility Toward Religion server to U.N. agencies in Geneva, spoke March 2 during the council s discussion on freedom of religion and belief. Archbishop Jurkovic quoted Pope Francis denunciation of international agencies that, paradoxically in the name of human rights, promote modern forms of ideological colonization by trying to impose their programs on poorer nations as a condition for receiving aid. The archbishop objected strongly to the use of the phrase freedom from religion in the report to the council by Ahmed Shaheed, the special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. WASHINGTON (CNS) The chairmen of two U.S. bishops committees said it is long past time for the nation s leaders to come up with common-sense gun measures as part of a comprehensive approach to the reduction of violence in society and the protection of life. The U.S. Catholic bishops have advocated for such measures for decades and will continue to do so, said Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop George Murry of Youngstown, Ohio, chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education. In the aftermath of the tragic attack Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, this moment calls for an honest and practical dialogue around a series of concrete proposals not partisanship and overheated rhetoric, they said in a joint statement March 5. Once again, we are confronted with grave evil, the murder of our dear children and those who teach them, they said. Our prayers continue for those who have died, and those suffering with injuries and unimaginable grief. Bishops Dewane and Murry rejected the idea of arming teachers, as President Donald Trump and others have suggested as one possible solution. This seems to raise more concerns than it addresses, the prelates said. Setting a more appropriate minimum age for gun ownership, requiring universal background checks as the bishops have long advocated and banning bump stocks are concepts that appear to offer more promise, the bishops said. The phrase, Archbishop Jurkovic said, reveals a patronizing idea of religion and one that overlooks the importance and wisdom of religions and their integral part in the cultures of people around the world. The report said, International human rights treaties are reticent on the sort of relationship a state should have with religion or belief. They do, however, impose a duty upon states to be impartial guarantors of the enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief, including the right to freedom from religion, for all individuals and groups within their territory and subject to their jurisdiction. Respecting the deepest convictions of members of a given society is, in fact, the prerequisite on which an authentic culture of human rights can be built, the archbishop said. The common good is the aim to which all states, and by extension the international community, aspire. It can be determined and achieved only through an inclusive process of dialogue and in seeking the true meaning of fundamental rights and freedoms of every human person, whose intimate nature is to seek the truth and celebrate it in the religious experience. Time is Now to Address Gun Violence in Comprehensive Way, Say Bishops So-called bump stocks are devices used to make a semiautomatic gun act like a fully automatic weapon. We must explore ways to curb violent images and experiences with which we inundate our youth, and ensure that law enforcement have the necessary tools and incentives to identify troubled individuals and get them help, they continued. Most people with mental illness will never commit a violent act, but mental illness has been a significant factor in some of these horrific attacks. We must look to increase resources and seek earlier interventions, the bishops said. Bishops Dewane and Murry noted that for many years, the USCCB has supported a federal ban on assault weapons; limitations on civilian access to highcapacity weapons and ammunition magazines; further criminalizing gun trafficking; certain limitations on the purchase of handguns; and safety measures such as locks that prevent children and anyone other than the owner from using guns without permission. They also remarked on the advocacy on the gun issue being carried out by survivors of the Parkland shooting and other young people around the country, calling their action a stark reminder that guns pose an enormous danger to the innocent when they fall into the wrong hands. The voices of these advocates should ring in our ears as they describe the peaceful future to which they aspire, Bishops Dewane and Murry said. We must always remember what is at stake as we take actions to safeguard our communities and honor human life. In the words of St. John, Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. Don t Hold Grudges; Forgiveness Comes from Forgiving Others, Pope Says Snowball Fight at the Vatican Father Robert Kilner, right, and seminarians from the Pontifical North American College engage in a snowball fight with their peers from the Venerable English College in St. Peter s Square at the Vatican after a rare snowfall Feb. 26, the first time in six years. After the battle they embraced and shook hands. (CNS photo/paul Haring) VATICAN CITY (CNS) Christians must let go of resentments and forgive those who have wronged them so that they may experience God s forgiveness, Pope Francis. This can be particularly difficult when we carry with us a list of things that have been done to us, the pope said in his homily March 6 at morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. God s forgiveness is felt strongly within us as long as we forgive others. And this isn t easy because grudges make a nest in our heart and there is always that bitterness, he said. The pope reflected on the day s first reading from the prophet Daniel in which Azariah, one of three young men condemned to death in a fiery furnace, courageously prays for deliverance from God. Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy. Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord, Azariah prayed. Although Azariah is innocent of the crime he is condemned for, the pope explained, his attitude of recognizing his own personal sins is the same attitude Christian men and women should have when approaching the sacrament of penance. Accusing ourselves is the first step toward forgiveness, the pope said. To accuse one s self is part of the Christian wisdom. No, not accusing others; (accuse) ourselves. I have sinned.