The Mirr r. Bishop greets married couples at annual anniversary celebrations Cape Girardeau Bishop Edward M. Rice. Our commitment to true married life

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1 Our commitment to true married life Bp. David Kagan The month of February marked two important annual observances in the life of our Church. National Marriage Week was observed from Feb and World Marriage Sunday was Sun., Feb. 12. These two observances give us the opportunity to celebrate the gift and blessing of marriage, and to affirm and support our engaged and married couples. Promoting and strengthening true marriage must continue to be our priority in the Church. When we have strong, faithfully holy marriages and families, our Church is better able to live the Gospel of life; our Church experiences a continued growth in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life for women and men; our Catholic schools are better able to assist our parents and families in Catholic religious education; and our ministries to those in need better serve the poor because spouses and children give of their time and talents to assist us. So, you see marriage, both as a natural institution and as a Catholic sacrament, is an irreplaceable and a necessary good for Marriage is a God-given vocation to a woman and a man for the salvation of their souls and that of their children. the Church, our society, and for all people. Last year, the Church began using the revised translation of The Order of Celebrating Matrimony. One of the many benefits of this revised text is the inclusion of a blessing to be used for engaged couples, and another blessing to be used for married couples on their wedding anniversary. Both blessings remind the couples, and all of us, that marriage is a God-given vocation to a woman and a man for the salvation of their souls and that of their children. But marriage is also to be at the service of society, especially through the example of the real fidelity of wife and husband to each other. Married life stands as a living witness to the fruits of permanent, faithful love, and that true and life-long commitment is never impossible. Our commitment to true married life and to supporting engaged and married couples is a year-round effort. To be called by God to the married vocation is not every person s vocation, but every person has parents and a family. It is here that each of us first learned about true love and its demand to be shared freely and unreservedly with others. It is here that we begin to experience the presence of God in our lives and, like the young boy Samuel, where we learn to say yes to God not because we have to, but because we want to. Let us all pray everyday for all who are married and who are engaged to be married. Only with God s grace can two good people say yes to this gift and then live their lives no longer as two, but one new person in Him. TM The Most Rev. David Kagan is Bishop of the Diocese of Bismark. The Mirr r Vol. LII, No. 23 DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI March 3, 2017 One Church, East to West: Loving Jesus, Serving Jesus, Sharing Jesus Bishop greets married couples at annual anniversary celebrations Cape Girardeau Bishop Edward M. Rice recently celebrated two annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Celebrations. One was held in Springfield on Feb. 12 while the other was celebrated the afternoon of Feb. 19 in Cape Girardeau. These events allow couples and their families to come together to affirm and witness to the gift of marriage to the Church, communities, and society. Representing some 6,247 years of marriage, 149 couples and their families participated in these recent liturgies and receptions. The longest married couples were designated to cut the cakes. In Springfield, Vernon and Ann Cashel, celebrating 70 years, cut the cake with Bishop Rice. The honor was shared in Cape Girardeau as two couples, Bernard and Dorothy Kluesner and William and Mary Loos, both will mark 61 years of marriage in The homily by Bishop Rice follows: I would like to offer my congratulations to all of you gathered to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Thank you for your witness to the sacrament, thank you for your fidelity, thank you for living out the sacrament in your married life! I would like to begin with a story told by a priest-friend of mine, a true story of when his sister became engaged. Before her boyfriend asked her to marry 61 YEARS OF MARRIED LIFE William & Mary Loos posed with Bp. Edward M. Rice Feb. 19 at the Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Celebration in St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral, Cape Girardeau. They shared the Longest Married Couple distinction with Bernard & Dorothy Kluesner. (Photo by Harrison Backer/The Mirror) 61 YEARS OF MARRIAGE Bernard and Dorothy Kluesner posed for a photo with Bp. Edward Rice during the Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Celebration Feb. 19 in St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral, Cape Girardeau. The Kluesners shared the Longest Married Couple distinction with Bill and Mary Loos. (Photo by Harrison Backer/The Mirror) him, he wanted to ask her father for permission to marry his daughter. So, he arranged to meet with the dad and asked for The next issue of The Mirror will be March 17, If you would like to receive the diocesan newspaper via in digital format, please contact Angie Toben at (417) , or her: atoben@dioscg.org. permission to marry his daughter. And when he asked the question, her dad responded by saying, before I give you permission, let me ask you, Will you? Now, let s pause right here and ponder the possibilities of the question about to be asked. Here is a dad concerned about the future welfare of his daughter. Certainly he might ask his future sonin-law, Will you be faithful to my daughter?, or Will you protect her and See Anniversary / 2

2 2 The Mirror March 3, 2017 DIOCESAN NEWS Bishop greets married couples at Diocesan Wedding Anniversary celebrations From Page 1 provide for her?, or Will you help raise the children and be a good dad? And these are all legitimate concerns. But none of those questions were posed by the dad. What the dad asked his future son-in-law is: Will you do your best to get my daughter to heaven? Now, I ve met my friend s father a couple of times, and I dare say, he could be a theologian! Will you do your best to get my daughter to heaven? That is the goal of marriage to do all in your power to see to it that your spouse gets to heaven. That implies that you are not an obstacle to your spouse in the pursuit of holiness and coming to know Jesus on a deeper level. I would like to tell another story a true story because it involves me. My older sister was married a month after I became a deacon. I was ordained a deacon in May, and she was married in June, at St. Cecilia, our home parish in St. Louis. Prior to my ordination, she wrote a letter to me saying all the mushy things a sister says to a brother on such an occasion. But one line sticks out to this day. She wrote, I am jealous that you have a close relationship with Jesus that I will never have. And when I read that part of the letter, I became sad, sad to think that she really believed that statement, that deep relationship is somehow only for the small percentage of the Church, the priests and sisters, while everyone just tries to make the best of it. So, when she was married, the Associate Pastor had the Nuptial Mass, but I was able to preach the homily and witnessed the vows. At the homily, I read that part of the letter and told her, That s not true. A close relationship with Jesus isn t just for priests and sisters. It is possible for everyone according to their vocation it just looks different. I told her, your relationship with Jesus, if it is going to grow and deepen, is going to grow and deepen and be involved with and include that man you are about to marry. And if your soon-to-be husband is to grow and deepen his relationship with Jesus it will involve you, as his wife. Your goal, as a couple, if you are blessed with children, is to give your children the tools and support to get them on the road to heaven. So, putting these two points together, hopefully gives all of you couples pause to reflect are you helping your spouse grow in his/her relationship with Christ? And, do Monthly charity project benefits Ronald McDonald House STUDENT SERVICE Joplin s St. Mary Catholic School Charity Dress- Down for February went to the local Ronald McDonald House. Students collected $ Mrs. Cassidy Claar s class collected the most money and won the awareness trip to Ronald McDonald House. So far this year, St. Mary School has raised $2, and collected 557 canned goods for various charities. (Submitted photo) 70 YEARS OF MARRIAGE Bishop Edward Rice presided over one of two annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Masses and celebrations in St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield, on Sun., Feb. 12. Ann and Vernon Cashel had the Longest Married Couple distinction and were aided in cutting the cake at the reception by Bp. Rice. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror) you desire that your spouse get to heaven? As a couple, are you united in that vision? Do you help or hinder in this process? Because, as a couple, you have to be united in so many other areas, areas that are important, but areas that can take you from the ultimate goal. Go grow in your relationship with Christ on this earth, and to obtain life with Christ in heaven. In the midst of paying the bills, putting food on the table, raising the kids, seeing to their education, keeping a roof over your head, remember that these are important matters, but they are only important in that they assist in the goal of growing in your relationship with Christ. And there is always the danger that you lose the important goal, the ultimate goal, and allow the things of this world to take over or over-shadow the fruits of your vocation as a married man and woman: to get to heaven. And when the ultimate goal gets eclipsed, you are just living together, paying the bills, are companions, merely treading water just to stay afloat. The vision of the Sacrament of Marriage is so much more than that. Marriage doesn t work when you do the math. Typically we think = 2. But it is not so in marriage. In marriage the equation is = 1. One man, one woman, united in Christ, the unseen yet ever present source of love, equals one solid marriage. And, as Christ is the factor in Christian marriage, His love Divine Love is the goal of marriage. By the numbers Wedding Anniversary Celebration St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield, Sun., Feb. 12, couples representing 3,881 years of marriage One couple celebrating their First anniversary Longest married couple is Vernon and Ann Cashel, celebrating 70 years. Nine couples are celebrating their Silver Anniversary (25 years) 21 couples are celebrating their Golden Anniversary (50) years 23 couples have been married longer than 50 years Wedding Anniversary Celebration St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, Sun., Feb. 19, Couples representing 2,366 years of marriage. Three couples are celebrating their First anniversary. Longest married couples were Bernard & Dorothy Kluesner and William & Mary Loos, each celebrating 61 years. Two couples are celebrating their Silver Anniversary (25 years). Nine couples are celebrating their Golden Anniversary (50 years). 22 couples have been married longer than 50 years. becomes the determining factor. Christ on the Cross becomes a visual display of its authentic expression. Christ on the Cross defines love as a total commitment, unconditional, whereby one lays down his/her life for the other, one s spouse, usually on a daily basis. Such a love is not a romantic love, or a physical love, though it has those two aspects, certainly. NO, what Christ exemplifies on the Cross is a Sacrificial, Divine Love. Divine Love is the goal of marriage, so that each spouse, growing in their love for Christ, achieves the ultimate goal of heaven. The Sacrament of Marriage raises the couple s human love to a higher level, to the divine. Divine love, sacrificial love in the Sacrament of Marriage is what we celebrate today! We celebrate Divine Love, the Love of Christ, at work in your marriage! And regardless of how long you have been married, may you never settle for anything less, and may all of you get to heaven in the process. TM

3 COLUMN March 3, 2017 The Mirror 3 COME, AND YOU WILL SEE Bp. Edward M. Rice Habits formed during Lent help us fully celebrate Easter I recently read that if one is serious about improving one s self or seeks to break a bad habit, that positive change can be realized within a 30-day span. I find that encouraging as we enter into the 40 days of the Lenten Season. The Church, in her wisdom, sees fit to give us an extra 10 days as we strive to grow in virtue and holiness so as to more fully live the glory of the 50 days of the Easter Season. Together, the two seasons of Lent and Easter provide each of us a glimpse into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Paschal Mystery. The Opening Prayer for Ash Wednesday speaks to us of the campaign of Christian Service as we take up battle against spiritual evils and being armed with weapons of self-restraint. In this 40-day campaign against our own spiritual evils our weapons are the traditional works of the Lenten Season: prayer, fasting, and works of charity. In Bishop offers dispensation for March 17 In accordance with the prescriptions of the Code of Canon Law, canons 87 1 and 91, I hereby officially dispense all Catholics in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau from the requirement to abstain from meat on Fri., March 17, March 17, a Lenten Friday, is also the Commemoration of St. Patrick. St. Patrick is highly-revered as the Patron of Ireland and St. Patrick s Day is celebrated with numerous observances throughout the diocese. This day is to serve as a reminder to both honor the memory of the Irish Catholic immigrant forebears of yesterday, and to welcome the immigrants of today. With due regard for the penitential character of Lent, I encourage Catholics in the diocese to adopt another day of abstinence in place of March 17 or to pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. The Most Reverend Edward M. Rice, Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau prayer, there are so many opportunities such as participating in daily Mass, praying the Scriptures, the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, or spending time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. The Perpetual Adoration Chapels at Saint Francis Hospital, Cape Girardeau, and Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, offer unlimited opportunities for quiet prayer. In addition, many of our parishes throughout the diocese offer local opportunities for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. One need not be a member of that parish in order to spend an hour or so there with the Lord. Let this 40-day period of Lent be a time of Eucharistic Renewal for each of us. Fasting In fasting, the Church invites us to desire Christ above all things. In our consious abstianing from meat on the Fridays of Lent or other treats, we grow in our desire for Him who can truly satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. But there are other things to offer up as well. What would these 40-days be like if we turned off the television and picked a good spiritual book to read? What would it be like if we put down all the electronics and had real conversations with one another? How about fasting from texting or s or the phone just during the evening meal? Hey, just a thought, how about sitting down to the evening meal together as a family or with a friend? How about a fast from prejudice or gossip? Gossip is a favorite topic of Pope Francis. He has called it terrorism and murder. Let this 40-day period of Lent be a time of fasting from the things that hinder us from being more like Christ. Theology on Tap with Bishop On the Web Bishop s homily for Ash Wednesday Almsgiving In almsgiving, our prayer and fasting moves the focus from self and to action as we reach out to those in need. This outward concern is essential to our life in the Gospel, as we hear in Chapter 20 of St. Matthew s Gospel, I was hungry and you gave me food, thirsty and you gave me drink. As a child, I was given a little Lenten box into which to save my change, a practice I continue today during Lent. The idea of almsgiving or charity is much more than giving money. How about reaching out to a neighbor who lives alone? Or making a phone call to reconnect to a family member or friend? When was the last time you sent a card to someone through the mail? Remember the time when people took pen to hand and wrote to others on a piece of paper and then sent the message through the mail? Sounds obsolete, but it can be an act of charity! Let this 40-day period of Lent be a time of charity toward the needy neighbor or emotionally/spiritually hungry family member or friend. Of course, the Lenten Season is a perfect time for reconciliation. The Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation, which flows from the Easter promise of peace, is reconciliation with God. When was the last time you celebrated the sacrament of reconciliation? Check with your parish for special Penance Services offered during Lent. There is also the challenge to be reconciled with others. Is there someone with whom you should be reconciled? Let this 40-day period of Lent be a time of reconciliation with God and neighbor. An especially blessed Lent to all! TM THEOLOGY ON TAP Participants, including Mary Ann Hennecke, listened as Bishop Edward Rice spoke to students of Catholic Campus Ministry in Cape Girardeau on Feb. 16. Held at Bella Italia, the Theology on Tap session allowed time for conversation with Bp. Rice and refreshments. (Photo by Harrison Backer/The Mirror) March prayer intention: May we enter into this Lenten Season, drawing closer to Christ in his passion, so as to share in the glory of His resurrection! Public calendar Mon., March 6 Priests Day of Recollection Tue., March 7 DDF Regional Leadership 7:30 p.m. Meeting, Pallotti Center, Springfield Wed., March 8 Mass with Seniors in 11:15 a.m. Springfield Catholic High School Thu., March 9 Staff Mass and Meeting, The Catholic Center, Springfield; DDF Regional Leadership Meeting, St. Lawrence Parish, Monett, MO Sun., March 12 Rite of Election, St. Mary 3 p.m. Cathedral, Cape Girardeau Mon., March 13 Priests Day of Recollection, Cape Girardeau; Parish Council Meeting, St. Benedict Parish, Doniphan, MO Tue., March 14 Quarterly Safe Environment Review Board Meeting, Springfield; Knights of Columbus Council #698 Rosary and dinner Thu., March 16 DDF Regional Leadership Meeting, St. Mary Parish, Joplin, MO Fri., March 17 Anniversary Mass and Luncheon for Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht, The Catholic Center Staff, Springfield Sat., March 18 Sacrament of Confirmation, 5 p.m. St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield Fast & Abstinence regulations The law of fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The law allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit the taking of some food in the morning and the evening (Code of Canon Law, C. 1251). Everyone 18 years of age and under age 60 is obliged to follow the law of fasting. The law of abstinence is to be observed on all Fridays of Lent and on Good Friday. The law forbids the use of meat on these days. All persons 14 years of age and older are bound by the law of abstinence.

4 4 The Mirror March 3, 2017 DIOCESAN NEWS Diocesan Youth Conference March 24-26, register now By Jason Fulp West Plains, MO If you haven t already done so and are in high-school, be sure to register for the annual Diocesan Youth Conference March in West Plains at the West Plains Civic Center. The event is open to all youth in grades 9-12 and will feature workshops and entertainment designed to strengthen and build Catholic faith and Bishop Rice will be there for the entire weekend! The diocesan youth conference is an opportunity for all of our young Catholics, from east to west of our diocese, to be together in one place, Bp. Rice said. It s a great opportunity for us to get to know one another and to support each other in the faith. Organized annually by a parish youth group, this year s event was planned by youth of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Branson under the theme, Through the Narrow Gate, which was inspired by Jesus own words in Matthew 7: Along with Bishop Rice will be many other members of the clergy and diocesan seminarians, in order to celebrate the sacraments and to teach and encourage the youth. It is my hope that this will be a visible sign of our union with each other, all rooted in Christ, Bp. Rice said. I look forward to spending the weekend with our young people. This year s keynote speaker is Jesse Manibusan, an inspirational speaker and singer/songwriter who received the National Catholic Youth Award in 2014 for best Presenter/Artist by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministries, Inc. Selected youth from across the diocese will also be sharing their testimonies as to how God is working in their lives. In addition to the speakers and workshops, there will be a pizza party on Friday night and a teambased trivia challenge Saturday evening. The weekend will close with Sunday Mass at 11:15 a.m. Bishop Rice will be the celebrant. Youth are reminded to bring a small, marble-sized pebble for a special activity and any trading items from their hometown or parish they can exchange with other attendees. Parish youth groups are also encouraged to create their own hanging banner, in which they can showcase what this year s theme means to them. These banners will be hung in the civic center throughout the entire event. Finally, any youth musicians are invited to participate in providing the music for Saturday evening s mass of the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, which celebrates the Archangel Gabriel s announcement to Mary that she will bear the Son of God. The registration fee for this year s event is $65. Scholarships are available so don t let anything keep you from attending the diocesan youth conference, said Bp. Rice. See you there! Detailed hotel and registration information, as well as a schedule of events and other resources are available Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7: at (look for the banner at the top right hand of the home page). For additional questions about the DYC, you can call or Katie Newton at (417) , knewton@dioscg. org. TM Sr. Blanca Rivera, MC, celebrated jubilee GOLDEN JUBILEE The Most Rev. Edward Rice celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving and parish reception on Sun., Feb. 26, 2017, marking the 50th anniversary of Sr. Blanca Rivera, MC, as a Poor Clare Missionary Sister of the Blessed Sacrament. The three Poor Clare sisters minister in Sacred Heart School, Poplar Bluff, MO. Pictured were Fr. William Hodgson, pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff; Bp. Edward M. Rice; Sr. Celia Martinez, MC; Sr. Blanca Rivera, MC; Sr. Rocio Alcantar, MC, Regional Superior for USA communities; and The Most Rev. James V. Johnston, Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph, formerly of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, who was instrumental is establishing the sisters in Poplar Bluff. (The Mirror) The Mirror: Newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau USPS Publication Publisher: The Most Rev. Edward Rice Editor: Leslie A. Eidson Production: Glenn Eckl Circulation/Advertising: Angie Toben, atoben@dioscg.org Published every other week except the last week in December at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO Address all communications to 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO ; Telephone (417) ; FAX (417) ; atoben@dioscg.org POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO When giving change of address, state both old and new address, also old and new parish. Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, MO, and additional mailing offices. Vol. LII No. 23 March 3, 2017 Single copy price, $0.50 Subscription: $14 per year. Digital subscriptions available as an option to USPS delivery with paid subscription. For more information, contact atoben@dioscg.org. Copyright 2016, The Mirror, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: Diocese of Springfield-Cape

5 March 3, 2017 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Mirror 5 Announcements Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed in the Announcements. They will be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee. Advance St. Joseph Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW), will host a plant, yard, and bake sale, Fri., April 7, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sat., April 8, 7 a.m.-noon, in the Knights of Columbus Hall next to the church. For more information, contact Teresa Jansen, (573) ; or Anita Vandeven, (573) Aurora Holy Trinity Aurora Council of Catholic Women (ACCW) will hold its annual inside rummage and bake sale, Sat. March 11, 7 a.m.-noon, in the church gym, Hwy 60 and Carnation Dr. For more information, contact the church office, (417) Billings Join the St. Joseph Men s Club for Lenten fish frys on the following Fridays: March 17 and March 31, 5-7 p.m., in the parish hall. Cost: adults: $8; children (ages 11 and under): $4. For more information, call (417) Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday evening during Lent at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Cape Girardeau Healthcare Professionals Camp for boys and girls entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and considering a career in healthcare, will be Sun.-Tue., June 11-13, at the Southeast Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Tution of $300 includes meals, t- shirts, and two nights lodging in a Southeast Missouri State University dormitory. Enrollment is limited. Scholarships available. Enrollment deadline: April 3, Applications and camp details should be sent to org/healthcarecamps. Doniphan St. Benedict Parish will host its 16th annual St. Joseph Table, Sun., March 19, 1 p.m., in the parish hall. Join in this free celebration of St. Joseph by sharing fellowship, authentic Italian food, and prizes. For questions, call Gayle or Sam Ruffino, (573) Gainesville St. William Parish will host Lenten fish frys, Fridays, March 10, March 24, and April 7, in the parish hall. Fish cooked on-site by Eddie. Cost: $7.50/person; children (under age 12): $3.50; carry-outs available, (417) Leopold St. John Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) will hold a rummage sale at the Knights of Columbus Hall just off Highway N, Tue.-Wed., April 4-5, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and Thu., April 6, 7 a.m.-noon. All proceeds benefit PCCW projects. For more information, contact Geri Geringer, (573) Mt. Vernon Saint Susanne Parish will host an all-you-can-eat fish fry each Friday during the month of March, 5:30-7:30 p.m., in the parish hall. Cost: adult: $9; children (ages five- 12): $5; children (ages four and under): free. For more information, mvkofc7516@outlook. com, or call (417) Salem Knights of Columbus Council #7501 of Sacred Heart, Salem and Christ the King, Bunker, will host fish frys at Sacred Heart, Salem, Parish Center, Fri., March 24, and Fri., April 7., 5-7 p.m. Cost: adults: $9; children: $5. For more information, call, (573) Scott City St. Joseph Home/School will host Black Light Bash Spring Fling, Sat. March 25, in the Knights of Columbus Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $30 at the door; $25 with gift certificate (purchased in advance). Over $1,000 in prizes; silent auction. Menu includes pulledpork sandwich, cheeseburger, nachos, and baked potato. For more information, or to purchase gift certificates, contact Janice Madalon, (573) Springfield St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish will sponsor its annual Retreat for Women of the diocese, Fri., April 7. The day will begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m. Speakers include Bp. Edward M. Rice, Sr. Richard Mary Burke, RMS, and Sr. Pauline Nugent, CCVI, who will explore the topic, Bringing Us Closer to GOD. A light lunch will be served, and the day will end at 2:45 p.m. with Stations of the Cross. There is no charge, but please reserve your place by calling Kay Maloney, (417) Springfield The Regional Council of Catholic Women (RCCW) will host a presentation of the movie, Miracles From Heaven, Sun., March 19, 2 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Parish, in the community room. Fresh popcorn, soda, and dessert will be served. Donations will go to Catholic Charities and Newborns in Need. For more information, contact Karen Soetaert, (417) Springfield Immaculate Conception Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW), invites all women of the area to walk the Stations of the Cross with Mother Mary, Tue., March 14, 7 p.m., in the church. Angel Voices will provide music during the evening as we focus on the pain of a mother suffering with her son. Betty Willeford will share her faith journey. Fr. Tom Kiefer will close the evening with a blessing. For more information, call Karen Soetaert, (417) Springfield St. Joseph Parish will host An Evening at His Table, Sat., April 1, Knights of Columbus Hall. Tickets are $60/person; 6 p.m., silent auction and hors d oeuvres; 7:15 p.m., dinner; 8:15 p.m., live auction. Proceeds from this elegant evening of fine dining, drinks, and music will benefit students in St. Joseph Catholic Academy. For tickets, visit org, or call (417) West Plains St. Mary Parish will host Lenten all-you-can-eat buffets, Fri., March 10, and Fri., March 31, 5:30-7 p.m., in the parish hall. Cost: $10/person. For more information, call the church office, (417) Registration deadline is March 15 Camp Re-NEW-All Spots are filling fast! Don t miss this great opportunity! Camper spots are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Application packets are at your parish. All applications are available on the diocesan Website Select Camp Re-NEW-All from the Ministry/Offices drop-down menu. For more information call Rosie at (417) with questions Camp schedule Fredericktown: Cassville: (Roaring River State Park) Session 1F June Session 2F June Session 3F July Session 1C June Session 2C July 3-7 Session 3C July Session 4C July Session 5C July Schedule The next safe environment in-service opportunities will be held at the following locations: Mon., March p.m....st. Vincent de Paul, Cape Girardeau Sat., March 18 9 a.m.-12-noon...sacred Heart, Bolivar Tue., March p.m....sacred Heart, Willow Springs Thu., March p.m....sacred Heart, Poplar Bluff Mon., March 27 8:30-11:30 a.m....immaculate Conception, Springfield Wed., April p.m....st. Ann School, Carthage Wed., April p.m....our Lady of the Lake, Branson Sat., April 29 9 a.m.-12-noon...st. Vincent de Paul, Cape Girardeau Mon., May p.m....immaculate Conception, Jackson Sat., June 10 9 a.m.-12-noon...holy Trinity, Springfield Mon., June p.m....our Lady of the Lake, Branson Pre-registration is necessary; go to and click on registration on the left or call your parish/school office for assistance; or call Ken Pesek at The Catholic Center, (417) ; or him at kenpesek@dioscg.org. Participants must be present for the entire training. Training sessions are for adults only. Schedules may be found on the diocesan events calendar at or at

6 6 The Mirror ADVERTISING March 3, 2017

7 March 3, 2017 ADVERTISING The Mirror 7

8 8 The Mirror March 3, 2017 DIOCESAN NEWS Congratulations Congratulations to priests and deacon celebrating anniversaries in March: Priest Msgr. Raymond Orf March 26, 62 yrs. Fr. Frank Palermo March 26, 62 yrs. Bishop Emeritus John Leibrecht March 17, 61 yrs. Fr. Bob Landewe March 15, 58 yrs. Fr. Justin Monaghan March 5, 51 yrs. Fr. Daniel Hirtz March 31, 44 yrs. Fr. Rick Jones March 24, 27 yrs. Fr. Alberic Maisog, OCSO March 25, 17 yrs. Deacon Deacon Joseph Kurtenback March 21, 19 yrs. Vows/Entrance Sr. Dara Delozier March 9 Sr. Angelene Schram, RSM March 12 Sr. Gisela Pedraza, MC March 31 From a grateful Church: Thank you from all the people whose lives you have touched! Employment opportunities in diocesan schools Principal openings common requirements include: Active Catholic with a passion for Catholic education; Missouri (or other) educator certification; Master s in Education Administration (or in progress), and administrative experience, especially in Catholic schools, preferred. Principal sought for two Joplin schools Principal opening at St. Peter Middle School/McAuley Catholic High School in Joplin, MO. Send resume with three professional references to Georgiana McGriff, Director, Joplin Area Catholic Schools: gmcgriff@jacss.org. Elementary Principal, Carthage Principal opening at St. Ann Elementary School, Carthage, MO. Send resume with three professional references to: Fr. J. Friedel, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church 812 Pearl Ave., Joplin, MO Elementary Principal, Cape Girardeau St. Mary Cathedral School, Cape Girardeau, MO, seeks an elementary principal for the school year. The school serves approximately 229 Pre-K to 8th grade students with a staff of 24. This position is supervised by the pastor of the parish and the Diocesan Superintendent of Schools. Send resume and cover letter to: Fr. Allan Saunders, Pastor, St. Mary Cathedral, 615 William Street, Cape Girardeau, MO The application process is currently open and will continue until the position is filled. Serving 11:30 a.m. ~ 7 p.m. ADULTS ~ $9 CHILDREN (SIX THRU 12) ~ $5 CHILDREN FIVE & UNDER FREE Three positions open in Kelso St. Augustine School, Kelso, has three job positions open for the academic year. The school is currently accepting applications for a principal; a math/social studies teacher for Grades 6-8; and part-time music teacher. Interested individuals should contact Dr. Gerald Landewee, (573) , or Fr. Joe Weidenbenner, pastor. Teacher positions open in Springfield Immaculate Conception School is accepting applications for a middle school or an elementary classroom teacher for the school year. Applicants must be an active Catholic, must be a certified teacher, and must complete the Online application at Please contact Theresa Coleman at (417) or tcoleman@scspk12.org if you have any questions. Custodian position open in Oran Guardian Angel School, Oran, is looking for someone to clean the school for the next school year. The hours would be from around 2:30-5:30 each day. Duties would include sweeping, mopping, collecting trash, vacuuming, cleaning glass doors, cleaning bathrooms, and other general cleaning duties. If interested, please contact Katrina Kluesner at the school, (573) Diocesan Youth Conference March West Plains Civic Center, West Plains, MO Who: 9-12th Graders How much: $55 early registration (postmarked by March 3rd) $65 registration (postmarked after March 3rd) Make checks payable to: Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Additional costs include transportation, food, and lodging. For more information go to Ministry/ or contact Katie Newton at knewton@dioscg.org or (417) Sponsored by: Office of Youth Ministry Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau 601 S Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO (417) knewton@dioscg.org Keynote Speaker Conference Schedule (at a glance) FRIDAY, March 24 7 p.m. Packet Pick up 7 p.m. Pizza Party at the WCC 10 p.m. Travel to Hotel 12 a.m. Lights Out SATURDAY, March 25 8:30 a.m. Mass (Bishop Rice, Celebrant) 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Icebreaker 10 a.m. General Session I 11 a.m. Workshops Round I 12:00 p.m. Lunch (provided) Confessions Games after Confession 1:30 p.m. Workshops Round II 2:30 p.m. General Session II Jesse Manibusan Jesse Manibusan is a composer, singer/songwriter, storyteller, humorist, catechist, evangelizer, and encourager. Working with any and every age group, Jesse has that knack to build instant rapport, connect to his audience, and create lifegiving memories that help deepen faith and cultivate the joy that inspires service, sacrifice, and the celebration of life. Jesse earned an MA in Multicultural Ministries from the Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley, CA, and gives concerts, workshops, parish missions, and retreats. Jesse s music is published by Oregon Catholic Press and Spirit & Song (a division of OCP). In 2014, Jesse received the National Catholic Youth Award, for Presenter/Artist Category by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministries, Inc. 3:30 p.m. Panel Discussion on Vocations 4:45 p.m. Workshops Round III 5:45 p.m. Dinner Break (on your own) 8 p.m. Trivia Challenge 10 p.m. Adoration 11 p.m. Travel to Hotel 12:30 a.m. Lights out at Hotel SUNDAY, March 26 9 a.m. Prayer 9:30 a.m. General Session III 10:30 a.m. Prepare for Mass 11 a.m. Youth Witness Talks 11:30 a.m. Mass (Bishop Rice, Celebrant) 12:30 p.m. Pick Up Box Lunches to Go (Schedule subject to change)

9 March 3, 2017 LETTER TO EDITOR/DIOCESAN NEWS The Mirror 9 Commentary deemed anti-gay The front-page commentary in the Feb. 17 issue of The Mirror entitled, The Church is not anti-gay was a welcome headline. Unfortunately, its author, Lorrie McNickle veered off track and into negative and possibly anti-gay sentiment. The first was stating LGBTQ community are immersed as individuals in their sinful ways. Our Holy Father has stated, Who am I to judge? Second, if you find yourself in one of these categories, don t let that category define you as a person. McNickle is claiming to be in the Christian category, doesn t she allow herself to be defined by this category? Especially being Catholic? All minorities by definition are in a defined category. As Catholics, we are definitely a minority here in predominantly non-catholic southwest Missouri and we are proud to be defined by our Catholicism! Historically, when a minority feels pride, it is how they organize themselves and pursue equal justice LETTER TO EDITOR From Our Readers afforded them under the US Constitution. Third, We must not allow a group of people to cram their immoral choice of lifestyle down our throats. Claiming superiority to another person or group is NOT Christian. The Catechism of the Catholic Church section 2358 states, The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They do not choose their homosexual condition. All mainstream scientific and social science agrees with the Church that homosexuality is NOT a choice. The article by McNickle is a clear sign of anti-gay rhetoric that is to be disavowed. Finally McNickle wrote, We must resist and not be sucked into the lies and intolerance of the devil, we can t let our pride get Bible Belt Studies offers new course Bible Belt Studies invites you to participate in a Lenten course entitled, Becoming Whole, Becoming Holy. The course will connect Scripture readings with short reflections from Alice Camille, and challenge growth in adult faith and practice. For information, Sr. Frances Wessel, SSND, at fwessel@ssndcp.org. The first 10 participants will be contacted for enrollment. Cursillo promotes Catholics growing in holiness and personal spiritual development. The focus is on individuals becoming effective Christian leaders and taking what they have learned back into their home, work, and community. Attention all Cursillistas and those interested in attending a Cursillo weekend! There is a men s weekend coming up on March being held at Pinecrest Camp and Conference Center near Fredricktown, MO. If you are interested, the applications, sponsor forms, and more information about Cursillo in Southern Missouri is available at There will also be a prayer service held for the Cursillo team and candidates on Sat., March 24, at 8:30 a.m. at St. Ambrose Parish, Chaffee. Ultreya schedule for March March 17 7 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral, Huels Room, Cape Girardeau March 18, 9 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Springfield, School Cafeteria For more information please contact Sharon Essner at smessner735@sbcglobal.net, (573) or Jacque Markusic at jpmarkusic@me.com, (417) the best of us. On this, I couldn t agree more. Charles M. Ewing Springfield Letters to the Editor may be sent to Editor, The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO , or via , leidson@dioscg.org. Letters will be verified so please provide your name, daytime phone number, or address. Preference is given to letters that are direct, concise, and no longer than 250 words. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor and subject to editing. Readers letters are limited to one per person in a 60-day period. u Marian Conference Sacred Heart of Jesus & Our Immaculate Mother St. Mary Cathedral 615 William St. Cape Girardeau April 28 & 29, 2017 Fri., April 28, 5-9:30 p.m. (Finger foods: Fri. 5-6 p.m.) Sat., April 29, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Donuts: Sat. 7:30-8:15 a.m., Lunch: 11:30 a.m.) Mass times: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Sat., 7 a.m. & 4 p.m. Free Admission Adoration Confession Relics Rosary Resources Presentations and Speakers Answering Mary s Call with Fr. Chris Alar; Bearing Witness to the Truth with Deacon Patrick O Toole; Men of Valor & the Rosary with Mark Kiser; Getting Past the Rhetoric with John Horvat; Sacred Heart Greatest Gift, the Eucharist with Gregory Thompson Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) Spring Assembly All are welcome! April 21 22, 2017 Sowers of Joy & Healing through Acts of Love All women of the diocese are cordially invited to join us for Mass at 5 p.m. on Fri., April 21 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Springfield Also, Be our guest at the DCCW Banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn Springfield at 6:30 p.m. RSVP to Rita Lueckenotte by March 10 at (417) or ritalueck54@gmail.com Youth service benefits soldiers CARE PACKAGES FOR SOLDIERS Students in Sacred Heart School, Poplar Bluff, recently wrote letters and collected goods for soldiers overseas as a community project. The fifth-eighth graders helped count and organize the items to be shipped. Mrs. Connie Hensley was the sponsor. (Submitted photo) Registration Name: Phone: Address: City: State: Zip: Region: Parish: Please select an option below and include a check for the amount indicated: (Read carefully) Complete Assembly, $45 if mailed by April 10 (this includes going to the luncheon & Friday all day, including the evening banquet, and Saturday) Complete Assembly, $50 if mailed AFTER April 10 (this includes going to the luncheon & Friday all day, including the evening banquet, and Saturday) Attending Friday-morning/afternoon only, $25 (includes luncheon but NOT the banquet) I am ONLY attending the Mass and Banquet on Friday evening, $25 I am ONLY attending Saturday morning, $20 I am a First-Time Attendee to the Spring Assembly Please make checks payable to DCCW and mail check and completed registration form to: Patricia Eftink, 1051 Patricia St., Cape Girardeau, MO Deadline for making Hotel Reservations is: April 10. Please call: Hilton Garden Inn, 4155 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804, (417) $99.00 room, plus tax includes breakfast (1-4 people per room-king and double beds available). Mention DCCW for this price. Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds. However, registration can be transferred to another person.

10 10 The Mirror March 3, 2017 DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING Students receive ministry of lector at Saint Meinrad St. Meinrad, IN Eighteen priesthood students from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, received the ministry of lector on March 2, 2017, in the Seminary s St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, of the Archdiocese of Louisville, installed the lectors. The seminarians receiving the ministry were: Joseph Augustin, Archdiocese of Nassau Camerino Aviles-Ayala and George Jose, Diocese of Memphis Michael Batz, Michael Clawson and Michael Dedek, Archdiocese of Indianapolis Joel Blaize, OSB, and Elias Leeuw, OSB, Saint Meinrad Archabbey Peter Chineke, Diocese of Springfield, IL Edwin Jarboe, Archdiocese of Louisville Nicholas Koeppel and Nicholas Newton, Diocese of Springfield- Cape Girardeau Gabriel Mills, Connor Plessala and Peyton Plessala, Archdiocese of Mobile Michaelprakasam Puthumaisavari, Diocese of Palayamkottai, India Dan Taylor and Timothy White, Diocese of Lexington The ministry of lector is conferred upon those who prepare and proclaim readings from Scripture at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. A lector also may recite psalms between the readings and present the intentions for the general intercessions. TM Golden Apple nominees in Joplin schools MINISTRY OF LECTOR Two diocesan seminarians, Nicholas Koeppel and Nicholas Newton, received the ministry of lector on March 2 in St. Meinrad Seminary, St. Meinrad, IN. They are pictured with Bishop Edward M. Rice. (The Mirror) EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION These teachers from St. Mary Elementary, St. Peter Middle School, and McAuley Catholic High School were recently nominated for the Golden Apple Award presented by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. Pictured are Amanda Walker, Debi Staton, Margie Black, Sr. Joan Schwager, RSM, and Blake Zapletal. The Golden Apple award recognizes outstanding contribution in the field of education. Teachers are nominated for this award by students and parents. (Submitted photo) Columbia Construction Co. PO Box 1332 Cape Girardeau, MO (573) Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc. Brentwood Chapel University Chapel Crematory Columbarium Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home Locally-owned & operated u Dedicated u Caring u Professional Offices of the Catholic Cemeteries Paul & Lynn Wunderlich David Fenton Louis Lohmeyer Charlene Harris-Bengsch Gene Lohmeyer Mary Ann Johnston Joel Champ 1947 E. Seminole Springfield MO (417) fax (417) , gormanscharpf@mchsi.com Licensed funeral directors of distinction: Bill M. Abbott W. Bruce Howell Marquis Howell, Jr. Robert Lohmeyer Harley R. Williams Don R. Lohmeyer Clint W. Mease Marquis Howell, Sr. Angela N. Collins Heather K. Howell Winford R. Laster Locally owned and operated for over 50 years 500 E. Walnut - Springfield, MO (417)

11 March 3, 2017 ADVERTISING The Mirror 11

12 12 The Mirror March 3, 2017 ANNUAL BISHOP S WALK Bishop Rice to walk in his first Bishop s Walk Families helping Families Annual CCSOMO event April 1 & 2 Springfield The third annual Bishop s Walk Families Helping Families will be held across southern Missouri on Sat., April 1 and Sun., April 2, Bishop Edward M. Rice will be walking April 1 in his first Bishop s Walk on the track at Springfield Catholic High School. Everyone in the diocese is encouraged to contact the local parish and get a group together to walk, or visit a neighboring church, make new friends, and help those in need within the diocese. The Bishop s Walk was instituted as a fun and healthy way to bring awareness and support to the Gather your fellow parishioners together in support of our neighbors in need! Register for Bishop s Walk 2017 today! Call (417) , visit or mail in the registration form found in this issue of The Mirror. TRAVELING TROPHIES Bishop Edward Rice presented the 2016 Bishop s Walk traveling trophies to Tim Pashia, St. Mary Church, Lamar, and to pastor Fr. Patrick Teter. Held annually, the 2017 Bishop s Walk is being held diocesan-wide April 1 & 2. (The Mirror) programs of Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri (CCSOMO), all of which serve our neighbors in need in the name of the Church. The Walk is held each year during Lent, making it a wonderful opportunity for parishioners to join others in the Lenten practice of almsgiving. Currently, the Bishop s Walk will be hosted at the following locations, with more being added as plans emerge and are finalized. Many neighboring parishes are participating collaboratively to walk Registration Form Please print. Registration must be received by March 8 for participants to receive a free T-shirt. Participant Information Adult Name(s): Parish: Mailing Address: City/State/ZIP: Phone: Minimum Donation $10 for an individual $30 for a family of walkers I/We are unable to participate in Bishop s Walk. Please accept a donation of. T-shirt sizes and quantities for participants registering before March 8. Adult Child Small Medium Please make your check payable to CCSOMO or provide credit card information below. Large Mail your payment and this form to X-Large Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri 2 X-Large 424 E. Monastery Street Springfield, MO X-Large Online registration is available at Credit Card Payment (If you prefer to provide your credit card information by phone, please call the CCSOMO office, (417) ) Visa MasterCard Discover American Express Credit card number Expiration date CVV Code Signature together at one location. Cape Girardeau Joplin Kimberling City Lamar Leopold Mount Vernon Mountain View Sikeston Springfield This is the third year for Bishop s Walk, said Maura Taylor, executive director, and it is exciting for us to see the Catholic community in our diocese come together in a show of unity to support and encourage our neighbors in need. We are so grateful! Cape Girardeau, Joplin, & Springfield locations As noted, Bp. Rice will put on his walking shoes and will lead his first Bishop s Walk at Springfield Catholic High School on Sat., April 1, beginning at 9 a.m. In Joplin, the Bishop s Walk will be at Landreth Park at 9 a.m. Cape Girardeau s Notre Dame Regional High School will host the Bishop s Walk on Sun., April 2, at 1 p.m. The full listing of locations and times can be found on the Website for Catholic Charities, Traveling trophies Two traveling trophies will be awarded again in 2017, one to the parish raising the most funds and the second to the parish with the highest percentage of participating parishioners. Saint Mary Church in Lamar was awarded both 2016 honors. For the first Bishop s Walk held in 2015, St. Mary, Lamar, won the trophy for most participation, and Sacred Heart Parish in Poplar Bluff won for most funds raised. Families Helping Families Proceeds from the annual Bishop s Walk benefit Catholic Charities programs including Supportive Services for Veteran Families; homelessness prevention; disaster response and recovery; home repair for disaster survivors, seniors, and low-income families; LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home; pregnancy and parenting support; and housing and financial counseling. Registration Registration for Bishop s Walk is $10 for an individual and $30 for a family. All participants registered by March 8 will receive an event T-shirt. For more information, to register, or make an Online donation, please visit TM