Women Called to Be Who God Made Them to Be at Conference

Transcription

1 The Allentown in the Year of Our Lord By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer VOL. 30, NO. 10 MAY 17, 2018 Women Called to Be Who God Made Them to Be at Conference Men and women are created different but equal, said Kelly Wahlquist, one of the keynoters at Women: Hearts Afire Be Who God Made You to Be, the second annual Diocesan women s conference May 5 at DeSales University, Center Valley. God made Eve from Adam to be his helper, to complete him, Wahlquist said in her afternoon presentation Setting the World on Fire: Living the Call in Daily Life. Women of all ages were invited to learn how their lives can be transformed through a deeper understanding of their vital role in God s plan for creation. The event was sponsored by the of Allentown Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization in partnership with Stewardship: A Mission of Faith. Mary Fran Hartigan, secretary of the Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization and director of the Diocesan Office of Adult Formation, said 400 women attended the event. Presenters challenged 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. God has given us the perfect tool kit to live that life of holiness. He gives us the feminine genius, our charisms, the Holy Spirit, sacred Scripture and the Eucharist. There were four keynote speakers, exhibitors, and opportunities for adoration and reconciliation. Susan Teaford of the Commission for Women offered remarks on Women s Parish Small Group Formation. Lucia Baez Luzondo offered Spanish music. The daylong event wrapped up with a bi-lingual Saturday evening Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop Alfred Schlert. A separate Spanish track was offered, and a special session for high school-age young women was offered as part of the day. Speakers and topics were: 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, Above, Spanish-speaking women get a laugh from remarks by speaker Lucia Baez Luzondo during Women: Hearts Afire Be Who God Made You to Be, the second annual Diocesan women s conference May 5 at DeSales University, Center Valley. (Photo by Ed Koskey) Left, Monsignor Andrew Baker gestures while presenting A Universal Invitation: Embracing the Call to Holiness. (Photo by Ed Koskey) Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert will administer the Sacrament of Holy Orders Saturday, June 2 while celebrating the Rite for Ordination to the Priesthood and configure Deacon John Hutta, II to the person of Christ. Deacon Hutta, 29, a parishioner of Sacred Heart, Palmerton and the son of John Hutta and Diane Hutta, will become a priest for the of Allentown at 10:30 a.m. during the solemn ceremony that is open to the Please see WOMEN page 9 }} Transitional Deacon John Hutta to Be Ordained a Priest June 2 By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer Deacon Hutta I will become an instrument used by God to share his paternal love to each of his children here on earth. public. Deacon Hutta has five siblings Angela, Vanessa, JoLynn, Shawn and Skyler. I also have many nephews and nieces, whom I adore very much, Deacon Hutta said. Thoughts about entering the priesthood surfaced during grade school while he served Mass, and the thoughts became stronger in high school when he join Diocesan youth groups and prayed more consistently. In high school and college, I went to meet the Bishop and seminarians for dinner nights, sponsored by the. There I met some of the seminarians guys who Selfie Culture Leads to Alienation, Pope Says ROME (CNS) While taking selfies can be an occasion to capture treasured memories, it can also be a sign that young men and women are deprived of meaningful human interaction with others, Pope Francis said. Responding to questions May 14 at a meeting with 1,700 priests and lay leaders of the of Rome gathered at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the pope said he realized the negative social implications of technology a few days earlier when he was greeting teens participating in a program of the Please see SELFIE page 24 }} were interested in philosophy and answered the questions I had about the faith. In prayer and through those encounters with the seminarians and priests in my life, I saw men who loved Jesus Christ and lived their lives for him. I began to think that I might be able to live that life as well, said Deacon Hutta. Since that time, he has brought me a long way and planted in my heart a great love for him, a love that I desire to share with others. I look forward to serving the people of the and sharing with them the pearl of great Please see ORDINATION page 2 }} In This Issue Family Holy Hours 2 Youth Adult Events 8 Vocations Crucifix 11 Quo Vadis, Fiat Days 12 Separated, Divorced 17 Festival Listing 18

2 2 The A.D. Times May 17, 2018 Published biweekly on Thursday by Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. at P.O. Box F Allentown, PA Phone: , Ext Fax: adtimes@allentowndiocese.org President Bishop Alfred Schlert Secretary for External Affairs Matt Kerr Editor Jill Caravan Staff Writers Tara Connolly Tami Quigley Design & Production Marcus Schneck Advertising Contact Lori Anderson Office Assistant Priscilla Tatara MISSION STATEMENT As part of the Catholic Press, The A.D. Times is the official newspaper for the Roman Catholic of Allentown, serving Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties. The A.D. Times proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the People of God through evangelization, catechesis and the teaching of the Church, the extension of Christ s presence in the world today. It endeavors to nourish, strengthen and challenge the faith of its readers by continually providing news information, formation, inspiration, religious education and Catholic identification. Under the patronage of Mary, Mother of the Church, The A.D. Times serves the Church so that the Kingdom of God might become a reality in our society transformed by His Good News. POLICY STATEMENTS The A.D. Times will consider all editorial copy and photos submitted in a fair and objective manner. The newspaper reserves the right to reject or edit any submission. Any advertising copy accepted does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or endorsement of The A.D. Times and/or its publisher. The A.D. Times reserves the right to reject any advertising copy submitted. DEADLINES Advertising copy must be received by Monday of the week before publication. News copy must be received by Thursday of the week before publication. MEMBERSHIPS Catholic Press Association, Rockville Centre, N.Y. Catholic News Service, Washington, D.C. Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 POSTAL INFORMATION The A.D. Times (USPS ) is published on Thursdays, biweekly January to May; triweekly June to September; biweekly October to November; and triweekly in December, at a subscription cost of $20 per year by Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. at 1515 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Allentown, PA Periodicals Postage paid at Allentown, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA Ordination }}Continued from page 1 price, which I have found. Throughout his journey to the priesthood, Deacon Hutta said, his family and his parish families of the former SS. Cyril and Methodius, Coaldale and Sacred Heart helped fostered his vocation. My family is originally from the coal regions of this beautiful and they have coal dust in their lungs as I do too over these past years. It is a precious diamond of our and a wonderful place. I love my family very much. They also fostered my vocation, even though I come from a divorced family. My family have supported me in my faith and I think through my witness of my faith life has strengthened theirs also in some ways, he said. As ordination draws near, Deacon Hutta is eager to take on the roles in his ministry as a priest: presiding at Mass, administering the sacraments, absolving sinners, anointing the sick, proclaiming and explaining the Gospel, and bestowing blessings. I hope to share in the generative love of spiritual fatherhood. I will be able to teach, to provide, to protect and to love my spiritual family. I will become an instrument used by God to share his paternal love to each of his children here on earth, he said. I will bring spiritual infants and adults into the world through baptism; I will put food on the table for my spiritual family in the gift of the Eucharist by the power of the Holy Spirit; I will bless the marriages of my children and see their children; I will mend the scrapes and bruises of sins in reconciliation by Christ working through me; I will pray with and to my sons and daughters and read to them sleep through Anointing of the Sick. I will be a father in sharing in the fatherhood of God, and I know I cannot lose sight of this wonderful gift, said Deacon Hutta In addition, he is anxious to immerse himself in parish life and build relationships with people to grow closer to Christ in their everyday lives. This is essential for all of us to be striving to allow Christ working in us and through us with the Holy Spirit. It comes down to prayer, relationship, love, mercy and hope, he said. Deacon Hutta attended schools in Tamaqua and graduated from Tamaqua Area High School. He graduated from Alvernia University, Reading in 2011 with a bachelor s degree in philosophy. At St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, Deacon Hutta earned a master of divinity degree in theology. Bishop Emeritus of Allentown Edward Cullen will be the principal concelebrant. Priests for the of Allentown and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be concelebrants. Culture of Encounter: Family Holy Hours 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 for a few minutes or for 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 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, May 20, noon, St. Mary, 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg; Sunday, June 11, noon, St Mary, 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 Kutztown Road, Kutztown. Lehigh Deanery Sunday, May 20, 1 p.m., St. Ann, 500 Block Wood St., Emmaus; Sunday, June 3, 11:30 a.m., St. Peter, 4 S. Fifth St. Coplay. Northampton Deanery Sunday, June 10, 11 a.m., Holy Ghost, 417 Carlton Ave., Bethlehem; Sunday, July 1, 11:30 Cultura del Encuentro: Horas Santas Familiares Traiga a toda su familia al encuentro de Cristo. Quédese unos minutos o durante toda la hora. Bebés, niños pequeños, niños, adolescentes, adultos jóvenes y adultos son bienvenidos. Se proporcionarán recursos de oración para niños y adultos en inglés y español. Algunas Horas Santas brindarán una a.m., Queenship of Mary, 1324 Newport Ave., Northampton. Schuylkill-Carbon Deaneries Sunday, May 20, 11:15 a.m., St. Mary, 82 N. Center St., Ringtown; Sunday, June 10, 9 a.m., All Saints, 17 N. Cleveland Ave., McAdoo. 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 VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR The of Allentown provides assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was sexually abused by a priest, deacon or employee/volunteer of the /Parish Parents, guardians, children and survivors of sexual abuse are invited and encouraged to contact the of Allentown for more information about this program. The fullness of compassion should be extended to these victims by the Church. To speak directly to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call the direct line To learn more about the of Allentown s Youth Protection Programs, Sexual Abuse Policy and Code of Conduct, please visit and click on Youth Protection at top right. COORDINADOR DE ASISTENCIA A LAS VÍCTIMAS La Diócesis de Allentown provee asistencia a cualquier persona que, como menor de edad, fue abusado sexualmente por un sacerdote, diácono o empleado/voluntario de la Diócesis/Parroquia. Los padres, tutores, niños y los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual están invitados a contactar la Diócesis de Allentown para obtener más información sobre este programa. La plenitud de compasión debe extenderse a las víctimas por la Iglesia. Para hablar directamente con el coordinador de asistencia a las víctimas por favor llame a la línea directa Para obtener más información acerca de los Programas de Protección de la Juventud, Política de Abuso Sexual y el Código de Conducta de la Diócesis de Allentown, por favor visite y haga clic en Protección de la Juventud en la parte superior derecha.

3 May 17, 2018 By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer Approximately 50 people gathered for an afternoon of faith and fun at God Calls April 29 in the parish center of St. Patrick, Pottsville. Everyone was invited to the family event of faith-filled activities, talks for children and parents, a family Holy Hour, dinner and crafts, concluding with a vocation prayer. God Calls was open to families of all ages and sizes, and hosted by St. Patrick and the Diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry (OYYAFM). Special guests spoke about prayer, and the priesthood and religious life. All priests, deacons and sisters were welcome. There was also a special track for parents and adults. Father Mark Searles, chaplain at Allentown Central Catholic High School (ACCHS) and newly appointed Diocesan director of vocations promotion, and Father Kevin Lonergan, assistant pastor of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, spoke to the boys. Sister, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Rose Bernadette Mulligan, directress of vocations for the IHMs at Immaculata, spoke to the girls. Deacon Lawrence Lonergan of St. Patrick and St. John the Baptist, Pottsville and his wife Sharon spoke to parents and adults. Msgr. David James, Diocesan director of vocations, presided at the Holy Hour. Father Lonergan The majority of Father Lonergan s talk explained that you do not have to have visions of God or great miraculous events occur for you to be called by God to serve him in the priesthood or consecrated life. Father Searles and I both had very typical high school experiences played sports, had friends and enjoyed life and yet we both responded to God s call in different ways. I felt like I should discern in a seminary right out of high school, Father Searles went to the University of Scranton and then entered the seminary from there, Father Lonergan said. All in all it s important to be open to the possibility of a call, and to realize that if I m just a normal high school guy/girl it doesn t mean that God isn t calling you. Father Searles Father Searles reflected on the Gospel of John 1:35-42 where St. John the Baptist exclaims, Behold the Lamb of God! In this passage John points others to Christ and one of our newest applicants to the seminary for the of Allentown reflected recently on his own vocational discernment and prayer with this Gospel passage, Father Searles said. He wants to be a John for others in the world pointing them to Christ. Many of our young people have a hunger for this. To seek and to behold the truth and beauty of our Eucharistic Lord and the exciting challenge of pointing others to him as well. Father Searles said the world needs more Johns to point them to Christ and to exclaim in every corner of the world: Behold the Lamb of God! In a world that is hungry for the truth and substance that we can only find in Christ, it is helpful for us to reflect on who has been a John in our own lives. Who has pointed me to Christ? And how have I been called to point others to him as well, Father Searles said. The vibrant young families and vocations that have come from Schuylkill County and St. Patrick s Parish are a great testament to a faithful dedication to the Eucharist and seeking the Lamb of God s presence in our daily lives. The time spent in front of the Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament, the family rosary, and the dinner and activities with the youth of Pottsville were a great success and I believe it will leave a lasting impression and a deep love for our Lord and his Church in the hearts of all who participated. Sister Rose Sister Rose a native of Jim Thorpe The A.D. Times 3 God Calls Event in Pottsville Provides Faith and Fellowship for Families Pay attention to God s call in your life. Monsignor David James, center, presides at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at God Calls April 29 at St. Patrick, Pottsville. Deacon Lawrence Lonergan and Father Kevin Lonergan kneel to his right. (Photos by John Simitz) who graduated from Marian High School, Tamaqua first defined a vocation in her talk. She asked the girls to raise their hand if they were involved in activities such as sports, music and drama. She asked them about subjects in school that they like. Finally, after they had all raised their hands several times, she asked them if they have a vocation. But most girls realized they needed a little more information and didn t know exactly what a vocation is. Others may have felt that if they raise their hand, it automatically meant people would assume they are becoming a religious sister. Sister Rose asked them to envision their vocation as a gift being given to them by God, and to imagine it being delivered in a UPS truck. Please see CALLS page 4 }} Preparing to recess after the Holy Hour are, from left: Father Gregory Karpyn, part-time assistant pastor of St. Patrick and part-time pastoral minister at Schuylkill Medical Center and Nursing Homes; Father Kevin Lonergan; Monsignor David James; Father Mark Searles; Deacon Lawrence Lonergan; and Monsignor Edward O Connor, pastor of St. Patrick. Boys attend the Holy Hour at the family event sponsored by St. Patrick and the Diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry. Father Kevin Lonergan speaks to the boys attending the event. Also listening are, from left, Father Mark Searles, Father Gregory Karpyn and Monsignor David James.

4 4 The A.D. Times May 17, 2018 Calls }}Continued from page 3 The initials UPS give a good overall definition of a vocation, Sister Rose said. U universal. We are all called by God. Because he created us, he has a plan for our lives, a plan for us to flourish and to find the most joy possible. P personal. We are encouraged to pay attention to what we like to do. God wants us to use our personal gifts and talents. S state-in-life. All of us will be called, eventually, to live our lives in commitment to a state-in-life, whether that means the married life, single life or priesthood/consecrated life (religious life). The best vocation is the one that each person is called to. Prayer is so important, Sister Rose said, encouraging them to listen to God by creating some quiet time each day and to also talk to God, about hopes fears, dreams, desires. Sister Rose shared a little of her own vocation story, how God gently invited me through different people in my life, books, movies, songs on the radio, and involvement in activities in high school. Pay attention to God s call in your life, she said. Sister Rose mentioned how young people today are entering religious life. She spoke about the process attending discernment retreats, entering as a postulant, the next two years of study as a novice and, after that, about five to six years as a temporary or junior professed. It takes about eight to nine years be- Sister Rose Bernadette Mulligan, left, makes a point while speaking to girls attending the event. fore a young woman would profess her final vows. It can be likened to a long engagement period and gives the person a chance to live the life to see if it is really meant to be. Deacon and Sharon Lonergan The Lonergans described their experience observing Father Lonergan s vocation story. The described how Father Lonergan came to them in the eighth grade and asked them if he could consider Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville instead of the Pottsville Area High School. We were both teachers in the Pottsville district. It turns out that the principal, Father Ronald Jankaitis, became a great mentor for Kevin as he continued his investigation into the priesthood, Deacon Lonergan said. Father Kevin s experience at St. Charles Seminary, Philadelphia was filled with beautiful memories of liturgies, family gatherings, and wonderful new and solid friendships. We looked forward to going to visit as much as having Kevin come home for vacations, the Lonergans said. We saw him grow academically. And we also saw him realize that the priesthood was the life for him. He could hear and follow the Call and still be the funloving young man, talented musician, and Studebaker-loving mechanic that he envisioned. The Lonergans said after ordination, they have seen the result of the combination of formation, the mentorship of many and varied priests, and the individuality of his own, become this vibrant, people-loving, witty, and astute man of God. We still recall with swelled pride attending Mass at his assignments and seeing the reaction of the people to his prayerful attention to the details of the Mass, his powerful singing voice, the heart-felt message in his homily, and his warm personality, they said. We wish other parents can experience this feeling of satisfaction in knowing that, in sacrificing his life for the people of God, their son can affect so many other lives in such a meaningful way, the Lonergans said. We believe that God is calling many young men to the priesthood. We pray that these men and their family and friends will support them as they answer and walk boldly on this path that follows our savior, Jesus Christ. Bernadette Joyce, left, and Wyatt Clews are dressed up by the sisters as a nun and a priest for a little vocation fun. Above, Deacon Lawrence and Sharon Lonergan address the adults. Right, Father Mark Searles, right, chats with Tyler Tray. Marriage and Family Life Franciscan Sister Mariette Andrzejewska enjoys sharing the evening with area families. Marriage Preparation ( One in Christ ) evangelizes couples to strengthen the institution of marriage in our society. Parent enrichment and family enrichment opportunities are offered across the throughout the year. Marriage seminars/workshops are presented throughout the to strengthen marriages. The annual Diocesan Anniversary Mass recognizes milestone anniversaries and celebrates the Sacrament of Marriage.

5 May 17, 2018 The A.D. Times 5 Diocesan High Schools, Special Learning Centers to Graduate 870 The six high schools of the of Allentown will honor 864 students in baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies this year. The three special learning schools in the will graduate six students. Allentown Central Catholic High School Baccalaureate: Thursday, May 31, 7 p.m., St. Thomas More Church, Allentown. Celebrant: Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. Homilist: Father Mark Searles, chaplain. Graduation: Friday, June 1, 7 p.m., Rockne Hall. Valedictorian: Olivia Luchetti. Salutatorian: Valerie Kline. Number of graduates: 218. Berks Catholic High School, Reading Baccalaureate: Tuesday, June 5, 7 p.m., St. Catharine of Siena Church, Reading. Celebrant: Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. Homilist: Father Eugene Ritz, chaplain. Graduation: Wednesday, June 6, 7 p.m., Physical Education Center, Alvernia University, Reading. Valedictorian: Shae Himmelberger. Salutatorian: Luke Andreyo. Number of graduates: 200. Bethlehem Catholic High School Baccalaureate: Tuesday, June 5, 7 p.m., auditorium. Celebrant and homilist: Father Kevin Bobbin, chaplain. Graduation: Wednesday, June 6, 7 p.m., auditorium. Valedictorian: Bridget Ehrig. Salutatorian: Antonio Diaz. Number of graduates: 188. Marian High School, Tamaqua Baccalaureate: Friday, June 1, 7 p.m., Marian. Celebrant and homilist: Father Brian Miller, chaplain. Graduation: Saturday, June 2, 11 a.m., Marian. Valedictorian: Aaron Srinivasan. Salutatorian: Henry Kreisl. Number of graduates: 73. Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville Baccalaureate: Monday, June 4, 7 p.m., Nativity. Celebrant: Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. Homilist: Father David Loeper, chaplain. Graduation: Tuesday, June 5, 7 p.m., Nativity. Valedictorian: Joseph Manus. Salutatorian: Connor Burke. Number of graduates: 51. Notre Dame High School, Easton Baccalaureate: Friday, June 1, 7 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Bethlehem. Celebrant: Father Christopher Butera, chaplain. Homilist: Father Keith Laskowski, pastor, Our Lady of Mercy Church, Easton. Graduation: Saturday, June 2, 6 p.m., Notre Dame. Valedictorian: Erika Antunes. Salutatorian: Kristina Guth. Number of graduates: 134. John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Shillington Graduation and Mass: Monday, June 4, 12:30 p.m., John Paul II. Celebrant: Father Ángel García-Almodóvar, pastor, St. Margaret Church, Reading Ḣomilist: Father John Gibbons, pastor, Immaculate Conception BVM and Sacred Heart of Jesus churches, Allentown. Number of graduates: 2 Carlos Camacho, Grant Grauf. Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown Graduation and Mass: Wednesday, June 6, 10 a.m., Mercy. Celebrant and homilist: Monsignor Thomas Koons, administrator, Assumption BVM Church, Northampton. Number of graduates: 2 Kyle Parker, Matthew Siemon. St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, Pottsville Graduation: Monday, June 11, 10 a.m., multi-purpose room. Celebrant: Pastor Walter Breiner of St. Luke Union Church, Shoemakersville. Number of graduates: 2 Kristian Hoppes, Franklin Steckel.

6 6 The A.D. Times Worship May 17, 2018 Sunday Scripture Sunday, May 20 Pentecost First reading Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 Responsorial Psalm Psalms 104:1ab, 24ac, 29bc-30, 31, 34 Second reading 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, Gospel John 20:19-23 Sunday, May 27 The Most Holy Trinity First reading Deuteronomy 4:32-34, Responsorial Psalm Psalms 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22 Second reading Romans 8:14-17 Gospel Matthew 28:16-20 Recommended to Your Prayers by Pope Francis Apostleship of Prayer Intention for June Universal: Social Networks That social networks may work toward inclusiveness that respects others for their differences. The monthly intentions are also available on video, with a reflection, or download the app at In Memoriam Please remember these clerics of the of Allentown in your prayers during June, the anniversary month of their death. 1 Msgr. Joseph Marzen, Father Ronald Oranczak, Father James Doolin, Father William Onushco, Father Robert Fagan, Father George Fenzil, Father Stephen Krizin, Deacon Richard Horst, Deacon Leo Keenan, Father Raymond Slezak, Father John Wiesler, Father Thomas Edwards, Father Aloysius Dietz, Father Joseph Lanshe, Father Charles Marciano, Father Felix Fink, Father Joseph Martinkovic, Father James Farrell, Father Francis Hoey, Msgr. Theodore Wagner, Msgr. Francis Connolly, Father Stephen Bonar, Father Joseph Jarecki, Father Frederick Przydzial, Father Stephen Valesek, Father Joseph Birosh, Deacon Gregory Bankos, Father Anthony Mechunes, Father Albin Bielskis, Msgr. Joseph Mathis, Msgr. Thomas Doyle, Father Bronislaus Kopec, Father Jan Majchrzycki, Deacon Richard Stoud, 1993 Prayer Requests for Priests Please pray for our Holy Fathers, our Bishops and these priests serving in the of Allentown during each designated date of June. 1 His Holiness Pope Francis 2 Pope Emeritus Benedict 3 Bishop Alfred Schlert 4 Bishop Emeritus Edward Cullen 5 Father John Martinez 6 Father Keith Mathur 7 Father William McCandless 8 Monsignor John McCann 9 Father Robert McConaghy 10 Father Edward McElduff 11 Father Timothy McIntire 12 Father Brian Miller 13 Father Ronald Minner 14 Father Stanley Moczydlowski 15 Deceased priests 16 Father Anthony Mongiello 17 Monsignor David Morrison 18 Father Joseph Muller 19 Father Michael Mullins 20 Newly ordained 21 Monsignor Anthony Muntone 22 Father Elias Munyaneza 23 Monsignor John Murphy 24 Father Frank Natale 25 Monsignor Francis Nave 26 Monsignor Edward O Connor 27 Father Richard O Nyamwaro 28 Monsignor Thomas Orsulak 29 Father Luigi Palmieri 30 Father Marian Paskowicz Upcoming Issues of The A.D. Times Publication Date Advertising Deadline News Deadline May 31 May 21 May 24 June 21 June 11 June 14 July 12 July 2 July 5 Aug. 2 July 23 July 26 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

7 May 17, 2018 Opinion The A.D. Times 7 The Gift of the Holy Spirit The Church s Easter season comes to an end with the celebration of Pentecost. Fifty days after the resurrection (Easter) and 10 days after the conclusion of Jesus appearances on earth in his risen body (the Ascension), the Holy Spirit came to Mary and the Apostles. We recognize this event as the birthday of the Church. In the Last Supper discourses in the Gospel according to John, Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise was fulfilled on Pentecost. But what does this mean for us today? For most Christians, the Holy Spirit is a gift that is left unopened. As we profess in the Creed, the Holy Spirit is the Lord: He is fully God along with the Father and Jesus, the Son. The Holy Spirit is a person, not some impersonal force emanating from God. Because he is a person, we can speak to him and foster a relationship with him no less than with God the Father and with Jesus the Son. It can be challenging to relate to the Holy Spirit because we can form mental images of the Father and Jesus, but this is not as easy to do with the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, it is important to learn how to relate to the Spirit as a person, to be in dialogue with him and to grow in a relationship with him. How are Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church on Pentecost connected? Jesus is our Savior. As both God and man, he is the bridge who can heal the relationship between us and God. As the disobedience of our first ancestors damaged humanity s relationship with God, our Creator and source of life, Jesus perfect obedience to the Father unto the total sacrifice of himself in his suffering and death saves us. Thanks to Jesus, reconciliation with God is possible. And if our relationship with our Creator and source of life is restored, we can rise to eternal life like Jesus. He has conquered both sin and death. So, where does the Holy Spirit come in? Jesus has died and risen once for all. But the gift of salvation is not forced on anyone. There must be a way for this gift to be offered to each and every person in the world until the end of the world. There must be room for each and every one of us to freely accept this gift. Down Syndrome, Dignity and Ethical Relativism A recent opinion headline in The New York Times caught my eye: The Ethical Case for Having a Baby with Down Syndrome. Initially I was taken off guard that a piece with such a loaded title would have passed their editorial board to publication. As I began to digest the article s content, however, my hopeful sense of surprise dissipated. Dr. Chris Kaposy, a bioethicist from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, wrote a passionate op-ed about raising Aaron his 7-year old son prenatally diagnosed with Down Syndrome and why parents who receive such a daunting prenatal diagnosis should choose life. He highlights the demands, joys and challenges of parenting Aaron, and asserts the need to embrace persons with disabilities in our families and communities. An eloquent testament of advocacy, to say the least. Nonetheless, Kaposy is abundantly clear: in his opinion, the abortion of unborn children diagnosed with Down Syndrome should remain legal. He states: My wife and I are pro-choice and oppose placing limits like You Are Not Alone Do you feel numb and in shock? Heartbroken? Frightened and alone? Are you considering carrying to term but uncertain how to find resources and support? The You Are Not Alone ministry is here to help families who have received an adverse prenatal diagnosis. Our free service of practical guidance and compassionate care focuses on meeting the needs of expectant parents as they seek to honor the life of their baby no matter how frail or how brief. We provide resource materials, assistance with writing birth plans, birth support persons as requested, and referrals to other community-based services and support groups. To expectant parents, we offer unique insight and sensitivity regarding such difficult issues as mourning these on abortion we don t need new laws; we just need more people to choose to have such children. In the end, he seeks to argue why children like Aaron should be welcomed into our society, not that we need to legally protect them in the womb. Before further dissecting Dr. Kaposy s opinion, I must express how much I am inspired by his family s courageous example to choose life. Frankly, we need more voices like his in medicine and in academia, overall who witness to parenting children with Down Syndrome and call for their recognition and inclusion in our culture. I applaud them and sincerely thank them. However, it is necessary to call attention to a logical inconsistency here. By legally permitting abortion based on the diagnosis of Down Syndrome, our society asserts that these children s lives do not have intrinsic value. The baby with this disability, in turn, is viewed as a burden, not a person with dignity. One cannot call for the inclusion of children with Down Syndrome in families and society while simultaneously insisting that abortion should remain a legal the loss of the anticipated baby, maintaining hope when a prognosis is poor, medical decision-making during pregnancy and beyond, stillbirth and neonatal critical care. For support, contact Sister Janice Marie Johnson at jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org or ext By Father Kevin Bobbin, chaplain at Lafayette College, Easton and Bethlehem Catholic High School. This is where the Church comes in. One way of understanding the Church is that it is the Body of Christ. All Christians, all disciples of Jesus are joined to him the way the parts of a living body are joined together. Jesus is the head. We are his members. This means that Jesus is present wherever the Church is present in the world. The purpose of the Church is to extend the gift of salvation to each and every person in the world until the end of the world. The purpose of the Church is to connect us with the Paschal Mystery through the celebration of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and the preaching of the Gospel. With this background in mind, we can understand the role of the Holy Spirit. Essentially, the Holy Spirit is the soul of the Church. Jesus formed the body of the Church during his earthly mission by gathering disciples, choosing the 12 apostles and making them the first priests (technically the first bishops) at the Last Supper, appointing Peter the head (the first pope), giving us the Eucharist as the memorial of his death and resurrection, and the act itself of his death and resurrection. After the resurrection Jesus continued to form his Church by appearing to his disciples and forming them as witnesses. Forty days after the resurrection Jesus ascended to heaven. The Ascension does not mean Jesus left us, but rather that he no longer appears in his risen body, limited by space and time. Now he can communicate his presence to all people in all times and places through his Church. Having formed the body of the Church, God breathes life into it through the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Again, an easy way to understand the Holy Spirit is that he is the soul of the Church. He is the very presence of God dwelling in the Church today to continue to bring the gift of salvation to all people. This means the Holy Spirit is constantly active in all the work of the Church. The Spirit is at work in making Jesus present in the sacraments. The Spirit is at work when the Gospel is preached and the faith taught. The Spirit is at work in all the Church s charitable activity and work for justice. The Holy Spirit has a particularly special role in guiding the pope and bishops when they teach faith and morality. The Spirit ensures that the faith is being correctly taught and applied to new questions and circumstances by the Church s leaders today. The Holy Spirit inspires and guides the work of salvation today. The Holy Spirit dwells in the Church as the Body of Christ. But the Spirit also dwells in us individually. Just as the soul fills all parts of the body, the Holy Spirit dwells in each individual member of Christ s body that is, each individual Christian. When we are baptized, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. With God s very presence in us, we are adopted into God s family. God the Father becomes our Father. We are joined to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Another way of understanding the Church is that it is God s family. When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Holy Spirit comes to us anew to help us live up to being God s adopted sons and daughters and disciples of Jesus. The Spirit gives us seven gifts that we share in common (fear of the Lord, knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, reverence and wisdom), but also our own unique gifts that we are called to share for the good of the Church (for example, a gift for being a good leader or a gift for being a compassionate listener). With all this in mind, the Holy Spirit is nothing less than the gift of God s very presence in the Church and in our individual lives today. As noted above, the Spirit is a gift that tends to be left unopened. Like the wind, the Holy Spirit is invisible, and known only by his effects (see John 3:8). But the more aware we are of his presence and his work, and the more we foster a relationship with him, calling on his guidance in all we do, the more we will find ourselves living by his presence and growing into the disciples of Jesus we are called to be. By Matthew Kuna, a seminarian for the of Allentown. This article first appeared on Seminarian Casual, the blog of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia. Reprinted with permission. To subscribe to the blog, visit option for parents who receive this news from a neonatologist. Such undermines the very effort to promote the acceptance, empathy and unconditional love of children with Down Syndrome, for which Dr. Kaposy argues. I do agree that the conversion of hearts and attitudes toward children with Down Syndrome is key to their acceptance in our world. (I actually think it will be impossible to make any strides in preventing abortions if we do not focus on this.) However, our dignity as human beings is not dependent on these dispositions. The moral decision of aborting a child with this prenatal diagnosis is not an issue of personal values, popular opinions or social norms. Such ethical relativism opens the door for anyone to choose what is right or wrong without consideration of truth or goodness, like the objective right of every person regardless of his or her abilities or status in the world to life. An argument for why parents should choose life for their Down Syndrome child must begin with the dignity that is inherent to every human person, not subjective choice and individual attitudes. Posing legal limits on aborting children with Down Syndrome is essential to advocating for their dignity. Pennsylvanians received the exciting news recently that our House of Representatives overwhelming passed a bill that aims to do just this. To date, the only other limit placed on abortion in the first 24 weeks is that parents cannot discriminate on the basis of sex. House Bill 2050 will expand this limitation to protect children with Down Syndrome. As the bill moves to the Senate floor, our prayers and voices must come together even in the face of political backlash in defense of the dignity of the human person. Such a legislative act would be a truly ethical response to affirm children with Down Syndrome.

8 8 The A.D. Times May 17, 2018 Youth & Young Adults Young Adult Philadelphia Pilgrimage Aug. 25 Join other young adults on a pilgrimage through the City of Brotherly Love Saturday, Aug. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry. The group will attend Mass, tour shrines and other popular sites, and enjoy lunch at Spruce Street Harbor. Cost is $20 with lunch on your own. For more information or to register, visit pilgrimage or call , ext Theology on Tap to Answer What is Discernment? The next Theology on Tap, St. Ignatius Loyola and the Discernment of Spirits, will be Monday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at Allentown Brew Works, 812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. What is discernment, and how do we know if we are doing it correctly? How can we distinguish God s prompting in our lives from the voices of the world, others, and even ourselves? Join us to learn about the founder of the Jesuits, his guide for daily prayer, and an introduction to his method of discerning God s plan for your life. Speaker will be Father Christopher Walsh of St. Raymond of Penafort, Phila- 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, meets once a month to explore a classic through the lens of Catholicism. The next meeting will be Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m. at Whole Foods (Foundry Cafe and Beer Hall), 750 N. Krocks Road, Allentown, discussing The Blue Cross by G.K. Chesterton, the first Father Brown story. For more information, visit the group s Facebook page, Lehigh Valley Inklings: Young Catholic Book Club. delphia. 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. Young Adult Book Club to Discuss The Blue Cross

9 May 17, 2018 Women }}Continued from page 1 The A.D. Times 9 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, Minnesota. 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, Texas. With her husband, Ricardo, she co-hosts the television series Creados Para Amar (Created for Love) which broadcasts on EWTN Spanish worldwide. She also co-hosts, 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. Kelly Wahlquist In her presentation, Wahlquist defined mercy as love when it encounters suffering. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, Wahlquist said, quoting John 3:16. We were suffering. She also discussed the importance of mercy and evangelization, and that women can do both in everyday circumstances. God has given us the perfect tool kit to live that life of holiness. He gives us Don t underestimate your role in evangelization, Kelly Wahlquist says while presenting Setting the World on Fire: Living the Call in Daily Life. (Photo by Tami Quigley) the feminine genius, our charisms, the Holy Spirit, sacred Scripture and the Eucharist, Wahlquist said. She said there was a change in her life when she called out to the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is love. Wahlquist said she travels a lot teaching people how to have a Catholic Bible study. I always pray for the people next to me on the plane for many reasons. When you re strapped in at 33,000 feet, you re going to be talking about Jesus soon, she said in a presentation laced with faith and humor. She told the story of sitting next to a man who wanted to open a Mexican kosher restaurant when he returned home to New Jersey. He asked her several questions about Catholicism, including what is the rosary We pray to Mary to meditate on the life of Christ and ask Mary to intercede, Wahlquist answered him. Can we go to Jesus directly? Absolutely. But nobody loves Mary more than Jesus. What s he going to say, no mom, not today? The man told Wahlquist she was the Please see WOMEN page 10 }} Sister Faustina Maria Pia of the Sisters of Life presents Who God Meant You to Be: Discerning Our Unique Vocation. (Photo by Ed Koskey) Lucia Baez Luzondo strolls across the room as she speaks to Spanish-speaking women. (Photo by Ed Koskey) Religious Education and Adult Formation Women listen to a speaker during the daylong conference sponsored by the of Allentown Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization in partnership with Stewardship: A Mission of Faith. (Photo by Ed Koskey) Adult Formation offers enrichment opportunities through the Institute for Catechesis and Formation. The Institute for Catechesis and Formation offers workshops in specific areas of ministry, e.g., liturgical and Master Catechist Certificate. Provides regional faithbased events with opportunity for discussion. Serves as a resource to parishes seeking to help adults deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith.

10 10 The A.D. Times May 17, 2018 Women }}Continued from page 9 first Christian who had not told him he wouldn t be saved if he didn t believe in Christ, and asked why she didn t try to convert him. She responded to him, Because it s not my job. My job is to tell you about Jesus. It s the job of the Holy Spirit to convert hearts. The Holy Spirit is pure love. What converts the heart? Love. Wahlquist said she had prayed, Come, Holy Spirit when the man asked her questions so she would respond with the right words. The Holy Spirit said, Here you go kid, I m going to toss you a little softball, knock it out of the park. Evangelization has to be heart to heart, she said. What is the bridge from heart to heart? Joy. Radiate that joy of Christ that s how we bring others to Jesus. Wahlquist recalled that every day the religious sister who was principal of her school said over the public address system, Joy is J for Jesus, O for others and Y for yourself. If you do this, you ll be joyful. Think of Mother Teresa. In her eyes we saw joy, and after she died we learned of her dark night of the soul, Wahlquist said. In Scripture, God is speaking directly to us, Wahlquist said, encouraging women to get into a good Catholic Bible study you ll find Jesus there, and in the Eucharist bring people to the Pascal Mystery. Wahlquist shared Psalm 51:8, Let me hear the sound of joy and gladness, and the bones you have crushed will dance. With this Psalm in mind, she spoke about how a shepherd would tend his flock and one wily lamb would always go astray. Wahlquist said there are those who believe when a shepherd found a lost lamb, he d break the lamb s leg with the thought it would grow back stronger. While the lamb s leg healed, the shepherd carried the lamb on his shoulders. When the lamb was healed it would walk next to the shepherd because the lamb now trusted him. Wahlquist said we too sometimes need to suffer to learn to trust God. She spoke of The Visitation, when Mary goes in haste to Elizabeth after the angel Gabriel had announced to Mary that she was to become the mother of our Lord. Mary is the perfect feminine genius. She exudes joy, Wahlquist said, recalling the opening words of The Magnificat: My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my savior. Mary is overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, Wahlquist said. That s how we evangelize we lead with our joy. Then share your story, as Mary does in The Magnificat she tells the world who God is. Tell the world who Jesus is that s how we set hearts afire. God never underestimated the role of women in salvation history, said Wahlquist. And Jesus, in great pain on the cross, said, Woman, behold your son behold your mother. Don t underestimate your role in evangelization, Wahlquist told the women. Mary Fran Hartigan welcomes the 400 women attending to the conference. (Photo by Ed Koskey) A graphic of Pope Francis is projected during the conference. (Photo by Ed Koskey) Above, Magdalene Stratton, 16, left, her mother Deanna Stratton and sister Molly Stratton, 14, of Reading listen to Sister Faustina Maria Pia speak at the event. (Photo by Ed Koskey) Right, Gia Myers of Douglassville listens to Monsignor Baker s presentation. (Photo by Ed Koskey)

11 May 17, 2018 The A.D. Times 11 Traveling Vocations Crucifix Commissioned at St. Joseph, Frackville By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer St. Joseph, Frackville hopes to highlight the need for more vocations with a crucifix that will journey from home to home of its more than 500 parishioners. A Traveling Vocations Crucifix was blessed and commissioned April 22 in light of the 55 th World Day of Prayer for Vocations that was established to publicly fulfill the Lord s instruction to Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest. Families of St. Joseph Parish are invited to participate in something very special, said Carolyn Tenaglia, parish director of religious education. The need for vocations is real and this is a way that we can join with other Catholics in their prayer that God will open the minds and hearts of those he is calling to serve his Church. Tenaglia said the crucifix was purchased and the initiative was implemented into the life of parishioners as a daily reminder for the faithful to pray for vocations to the religious life and their own vocations. The parishioner or parish family will have the crucifix in their home for one month. While the crucifix is present in their home, they will be committing to making a special effort to pray for vocations. When their month is finished, they will bring the crucifix back to Mass to pass it along to another parishioner or parish family to do the same. The Vocations Crucifix will remain in a home for one month at a time and will keep going as long as people request it. It s our way to make an extra effort to raise vocation awareness in our homes and to increase our prayer effort for vocations, she said. This program is perfect for single parishioner households, married couples or families, said Tenaglia. Not only will we be offering additional prayers for vocations, but we will be raising awareness of vocations in our homes and families perhaps planting the seeds of consideration in others. This will help us as we strive to build a culture of vocations as the Holy Father Pope Francis and Bishop Schlert have asked us to do. The crucifix is also a tangible tool for prayer and education about vocations, and for encouraging young people to think about where God might be calling them. During his homily, Father Robert Finlan, pastor, asked all the faithful to contemplate God s will for them, along with the call to holiness. We have a universal call to holiness. Our universal vocation is to be holy as our God is holy, said Father Finlan. He also asked families to take the time to mention the religious life as an option to young men and women. Put that invitation out to them to discern a life in the priesthood and the religious life as a viable call of God in their hearts, he said. After the Vocational Crucifix was blessed, Tenaglia said the faithful gathered to acknowledge the vocations of Father Finlan and Sister Patricia Weidman. To register to host the Vocational Crucifix, contact Carolyn Tenaglia, or carolyntenaglia@yahoo.com, or the parish office, It s our way to make an extra effort to raise vocation awareness in our homes and to increase our prayer effort for vocations. Father Robert Finlan, pastor of St. Joseph, Frackville, blesses the Traveling Vocations Crucifix to be hosted by a different parish family each month to increase prayers for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. (Photos by John Simitz) Below, Claire and Francis Kowalonek proudly display the Traveling Vocations Crucifix that they will host as the first family of the initiative. Father Finlan presents the Kowalonek family with the Traveling Vocations Crucifix to take to their home. From left are Jennifer, Claire, Francis, Stefan and Alyza. Above, the 10-inch bronze crucifix will make its way to the homes of parishioners on a monthly basis. Sister Patricia Weidman, left, and Father Finlan, pastor, stands alongside posters signed by parishioners. Parishioners sign a poster in tribute to Father Finlan and his call to the religious life.

12 12 The A.D. Times May 17, 2018 Alvernia University Awards Bishop Schlert Honorary Degree By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert was bestowed the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters May 12 from Alvernia University, Reading for emulating the core values of the Franciscan tradition and for leading a life of service. The university also conferred the honorary degree to commencement speaker John Hope Bryant, chairman and CEO of Bryant Group Ventures and The Promise Homes Company, the largest for-profit minority-controlled owners of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the United States. Bryant also established Operation HOPE when he was 26 years old after the Los Angeles riots and the beating of Rodney King. Commencement is a time each year when we honor individuals who we hold up as models of leadership and service, said Dr. Thomas Flynn, president of Alvernia, during the commencement ceremony in Santander Arena, Reading. Bishop Alfred Schlert and John Hope Bryant both embody our inclusive Franciscan core values, rooted in the ideal of knowledge joined with love and in the historic traditions of both liberal arts and Catholic higher education. It is customary in higher education to recognize, on special occasions, the significant contributions of individuals who have made a difference in the world. The degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, Today is a day of accomplishment, but it is also a day of aspiration. It doesn t end here. No one stops here today. may be conferred on these individuals as a sign of their distinguished accomplishments. Flynn pointed out the unusualness of the Holy Father selecting a priest to be the Bishop of his home and lauded Bishop Schlert for his engaging and inclusive style. On a personal note, I was privileged to be invited to attend Bishop Schlert s installation as Bishop. His deep faith, humility and servant-leadership were richly apparent in his introductory remarks to the assembled congregation. We are proud to count you as a member of the Alvernia University Class of 2018, said Flynn. Also during the ceremony, 407 men and women graduated with bachelor s degrees, 192 earned master s degrees, 33 were awarded doctoral degrees and 13 earned associate degrees. Bishop Schlert Celebrates Baccalaureate Mass Graduation is a beautiful thing. Not only have you received sound academics but you have absorbed the Franciscan spirituality as a way of life, said Bishop Schlert while celebrating Baccalaureate Mass in the university s Physical Education Center. During his homily, he told the graduates that their achievements were no small task and urged them to pay close attention to their interior life as they embark on the world. That s how we get through life it is our interior that is so much at work, said Bishop Schlert. Today is a day of accomplishment, but it is also a day of aspiration. It doesn t end here. No one stops here today. Pushing the graduates to always strive for more, he reminded them that they are at a threshold. We have to strive for more in the right ways without crushing others or stepping on people. That s not our accomplishment. Our aspirations have to rely on God s plan for us. That has to factor in, he said. As a Catholic institution of higher learning, Bishop Schlert said, a place like Alvernia feeds the mind but would be an extraordinary failure if it didn t feed their souls. Always allow aspirations to be guided by your knowledge of God and under the guidance of prayer as you ultimately serve God, he advised the graduates. What we do on earth is part of our journey to heaven and eternal life. Bishop Schlert also strongly advised the graduates to prayerfully consider how God is constantly calling them to be part of his plan for salvation of the world. Never deviate from that. That s what brings ultimate happiness. As long as God is part of the plan and your aspirations God will bless it. And we will be blessed because of you, he said. Register Now for Quo Vadis and Fiat Days Vocation Camps Are you wondering what to do with your life? Have you asked the question, What am I looking for? If so, you are not alone. You are in good company because people like St. Andrew and St. John the Evangelist had these same questions and then found the answers in a man who was baptized by John the Baptist and called them to be fishers of men. We invite you to join the seminarians of the of Allentown and sisters from various women s religious communities at the 2018 Quo Vadis or Fiat Days at DeSales University, Center Valley from Sunday, July 15 to Thursday, July 19. Quo Vadis and Fiat Days are open to young men and women ages 14 to 18 (including the newly graduated). This five-day event will include time for personal and group prayer, Mass and other Catholic devotions, talks by priests and religious sisters, and sports and other activities. Registration materials are available at and Left, taking the stage at Alvernia s Commencement ceremony are, from left: Jerry Greiner, provost; Sister Marilisa da Silva, congregational minister for Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and Alvernia trustee; Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert; Dr. Thomas Flynn, Alvernia president; John Hope Bryant, commencement speaker, and founder, chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE; and Kevin St. Cyr, chairman of the Alvernia Board of Trustees. (Photos by John Simitz) Below, Bishop Schlert, center, receives the hood signifying his honorary degree from Jerry Greiner. Watching are Dr. Thomas Flynn, left, and Kevin St. Cyr. Alvernia s graduating class of 2018 gathers for its commencement.

13 May 17, 2018 By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer More than 250 supporters of life set out on the streets of Reading April 29 to march for the unborn and to denounce euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide and capital punishment by voicing the event s theme, Love Saves Lives. The Eighth Annual Reading/Berks March for Life kicked off at Berks Catholic High School, Reading with an expo, festival, prayer and stirring speakers who motivated supporters to spread their love for life. Father Keith Mathur, assistant pastor of Sacred Heart, West Reading and Holy Rosary, Reading, and director of the Diocesan Office for Divine Worship, began the day with opening prayer and blessing of the marchers. Father Stephan Isaac, assistant pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Sinking Spring, welcomed supporters of life and stressed that despite false stereotypes, the prolife movement is a movement of great love, compassion, peace, reason and mercy. We love human life in all of its forms and at all of its stages, and we seek its legal protection from conception until natural death, he said. We re here today because true love dictates that all human beings, whether born or pre-born, male or female, rich or poor, young or old, black or white, disabled or healthy, gay or straight, Christian or non-christian, possess equal, intrinsic, and immeasurable dignity, value, and worth, said Father Isaac. Maggie Sweet, regional coordinator of the Lehigh Valley Silent No More Awareness Campaign, shared her personal experience with abortion and affirmed that pro-life supporters save millions of lives through prayer. Your love for humanity is amazing and courageous. It unites us in prayer and The A.D. Times 13 Love Saves Lives at Reading/Berks March for Life We love human life in all of its forms and at all of its stages and we seek its legal protection from conception until natural death. Pro-life supporters leave Berks Catholic High School (BCHS), Reading to participate in the Eighth Annual Reading/Berks March for Life. (Photos by John Simitz) Father Stephan Isaac, assistant pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring, welcomes guests and supporters of life at the expo and festival. the results have been amazing, she emphasized. Twenty-six years ago, the mother of two boys who was in an abusive relationship, said she made the fatal choice. I made the biggest mistake in my life, I had an abortion, she said. The aftermath was devastating and something only God can heal. Eating, sleeping, inhaling air became a chore, said Sweet. Grieving every missed milestone of her child, Sweet said the consequences of abortion are immeasurable. Her pain became manageable when she attended Rachel s Vineyard, a post-abortion healing retreat, where she was freed from 20 years of secrecy and shame. I learned there that I was not alone. Let s begin helping others heal today by restoring families and saving the unborn. We need prayers and we need your witness, she said. Sweet then invited Lori, another mother of two, who she met outside an abortion clinic, to the stage. Lori told the supporters that she was on her way in to the abortion clinic dressed in a wig and asking God to forgive her when she encountered Sweet. I was in an abusive relationship, I just suffered a house fire and I was trying to start a career in cosmetology. That s when I was walking into Planned Parenthood, she said. I ran into Maggie and she prayed with me. I want everyone to know that you are not alone, said Lori, who will welcome a son this spring. David Bereit, former CEO of 40 Days for Life, said Lori was one of many women touched by prayers of supporters and affirmed that her child was not one of the 30,881 children in Pennsylvania who lost their lives to abortion last year. Bereit told the supporters that 999 residents of Berks County opted for abortion last year and maintained that we can do better. We can speak for those who can t speak for themselves. And we need to do it with love, he said. As people of faith, Bereit said, they are called to invest their time and stop pretending that abortion is not happening. The Good Samaritan was willing to go and help and do something about the problem. Today is the next step in your pro-life movement to reach out and help those in need and to respond to what God wants us to do, he said. Women are being wounded in our community and on our watch. Why are Please see MARCH page 14 }} Above, David Bereit, former CEO of 40 Days for Life, encourages supporters of life to continue investing their time for the protection of life. Right, Lori, left, shares how she encountered and prayed with Maggie Sweet, right, at an abortion clinic.

14 14 The A.D. Times May 17, 2018 March }}Continued from page 13 we not acting like the crisis it really is? After the speakers shared their messages, throngs of people holding signs and crosses made the 2-mile trek through the city of Reading, pausing for prayer in front of Planned Parenthood, before reaching Holy Rosary Parish, the final destination of the march. Supporters of life participate in the Reading/Berks March for Life. Keaton Eidle, left, and Aaron Scheidel, diocesan seminarians, carry the baby Jesus during the march. Crosses symbolizing lives lost through abortion cover the lawn at BCHS. Supporters view materials at one of the vendor displays at the festival. Deaths Religious Sisters Sister Rosemary McGowan, 85, of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Third Order Regular of St. Francis, died May 10 at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, where she had resided since During her ministry as an elementary and secondary teacher, business office staff, principal, superior, administrative assistant, office assistant, receptionist, congregational offices volunteer and local minister, Sister served in Maryland, Michigan and Pennsylvania. In the of Allentown, she ministered at Alvernia College, Sacred Heart and St. Joseph Villa, all in Reading. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 14 at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Mount Alvernia, Reading, with burial following in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters cemetery, Mount Alvernia. Sister Felicia Ann Dziedzic, 96, of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Third Order Regular of St. Francis, died May 12 at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, where she had resided since During her ministry as an elementary teacher, principal, driver, ministry of presence and superior, Sister served in California, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. In the of Allentown, Sister ministered at Sacred Heart, Reading; St. Stanislaus, Shenandoah; and St. Joseph Villa, Reading. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 15 at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Mount Alvernia, Reading, followed by burial in the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters cemetery, Mount Alvernia.

15 May 17, 2018 The A.D. Times 15 Bishop s Annual Appeal Kicks Off in Carbon County The Bishop s Annual Appeal (BAA) helps Carbon County in many ways, benefitting our communities today and in the future, Richard and Kathy Reaman, chairpersons for the BAA in Carbon County, tell those gathered for the BAA kickoff for Carbon County April 26 at St. Joseph, Summit Hill. They are parishioners of St. Joseph. (Photos by John Simitz) Margaret and Joseph Pelcheck, parishioners of St. Joseph, Summit Hill, listen to the Reamans address the gathering. Enjoying the evening are, from left, Helene and James Breen, parishioners of St. Peter the Fisherman, Lake Harmony, and Karen and Jack Yanity, parishioners of St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe. Monsignor William Campion, pastor of Sacred Heart Palmerton, second from left, mingles with a group of Sacred Heart parishioners. Bishop s Annual Appeal and Catholic Charities The of Allentown through its parishes, Catholic Charities and the generosity of its parishioners, provides help to those who need it most the poor, the marginalized and those in crisis. More than $4.9 million was raised in the latest Bishop s Annual Appeal. The works to turn Pope Francis words about reaching out to the poor and suffering of the world into concrete initiatives in our parishes, our schools and the work of Catholic Charities. Last year alone more than 22,000 people of all faiths received assistance through Catholic Charities. This assistance is provided regardless of religious affiliation. Through the compassionate ministries of Holy Family Manor and Catholic Senior Housing, the of Allentown provides quality nursing care and affordable housing for older adults of any faith. Women and men who have experienced abortion find healing and grace through Rachel s Vineyard/Project Rachel. Retreats are conducted in English and Spanish. Above, Bishop Alfred Schlert, left, greets Thomas McBride, parishioner of Immaculate Conception, Jim Thorpe. The theme of this year s appeal is Called to Serve. Right, the group from St. Peter the Fisherman, Lake Harmony smiles for the camera. The appeal s goal is to raise $5 million to help those in need. More photos page 16

16 16 The A.D. Times May 17, 2018 Bishop s Annual Appeal Kicks Off in Carbon County Sister of Mercy Janice Marie Johnson, major and planned gifts officer with the Diocesan Secretariat for Stewardship and Development, right, chats with the Reamans. To learn more about BAA or to make a gift, visit May is Older Americans Month Catholic Charities designed our senior program to meet the physical, social, emotional and material needs of each individual. The services may occur in individual s homes, office settings, parishes or other locations. Services can include counseling and compassionate listening, housing or utility assistance and supplemental food or Bishop Alfred Schlert, left, converses with George and Jean Bruker, parishioners of Immaculate Conception, Jim Thorpe. More photos page 15 financial help. Catholic Charities also runs the Holy Family Adult Day Care in Orwigsburg and works closely with United Way GLV on the Gatekeepers program. According to the U.S. Census, by 2030, 25 percent of America s population will be 65 years and older. In our area, nearly half of this population will have some form of disability as a result of aging Ṫo learn more about what Catholic Charities does for older adults in our area and how you can help, visit gfbm30jwd7n, #OAM18 #OlderAdults #Gatekeepers #CatholicCharities #How- WeHelp.

17 May 17, 2018 By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer Thank you for being here. I m certain it wasn t easy for you to decide to come, said Deacon James Russo, speaker at Finding Comfort and Solace, an evening of reflection for the separated and divorced May 1 at the Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux, Nesquehoning. Deacon Russo s topics included why we suffer, healing, forgiveness, brokenness and mercy. Individuals who are separated or divorced gained an understanding of Christ as the Suffering Servant, how they can unite their suffering to the cross and how this connects to day-to-day life Ṫhe Diocesan Office of Marriage and Natural Family Planning sponsored the evening that included time for adoration, a brief presentation and fellowship. Like our God who is a social being, we are made to bond with each other at various appropriate levels. When that bond is broken, it hurts. People cry when their parents die, their best friend moves away or their co-worker is transferred. There is pain in separation with loved ones, Deacon Russo said. Marriage is meant to be the highest level of union between people, uniting husband and wife into one flesh. What is one flesh? Deacon Russo explained it s two unique individuals who form an intimate, deeply personal communion that mirrors the loving union of the Persons in the Trinity: they remain separate, but in a sense they also disappear into each other at the same time. They become one. They merge, meld and give themselves totally to one another. Like Father, Son and Holy Spirit do. From that union should come great security, love, peace and joy. But when spouses separate or divorce after forming emotional, sexual, financial, parental, social and spiritual The A.D. Times 17 Evening of Reflection for Healing After Separation and Divorce Marriage and Family Life Forgiveness, mercy and grace are available to you from God at every moment and in every circumstance... even when they are not available to you from others. bonds becoming one they do not separate they tear apart. So, and here s a key principle, the deeper the emotional attachment one has, or had, the deeper the pain, Deacon Russo said. Pain can also signal grave fear. Marriage sometimes becomes a person s entire identity or their security. When it s lost, panic arises, and a person may often fight or flounder to grab hold of a quick substitute. Tonight I hope to convince you to discover your identity and your security. I pray that you will become the person God created you to be. No role in marriage spouse or parent should ever be the center of your life; that place is reserved for God alone. When you are willing to begin to put God at the center of your heart, he will heal you from the inside out. That s a promise. Deacon Russo highlighted Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman (John 4), noting the number seven in Scripture is symbolic of perfection/completeness/wholeness. He told her, Go, call your husband and come back. I have no husband, she replied. Jesus said to her, You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband [that s number six]. What you have just said is quite true. Jesus is the seventh man in her life where one can find perfection/completeness/wholeness, Deacon Russo said. How to feel better? You can always eat a half gallon of double chocolate fudge ice cream, a box of Oreos or a whole chocolate lava cake, but that won t work in the long run, Deacon Russo said. As with any difficult times, slowing down, getting lots of rest, unloading your overscheduled calendar for a while, taking walks, or listening to beautiful music is a much better choice. Perhaps you may never have thought about going to sit before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He promised never to leave you and left his real, true and substantial presence available to you in Marriage Preparation ( One in Christ ) evangelizes couples to strengthen the institution of marriage in our society. Parent enrichment and family enrichment opportunities are offered across the throughout the year. Marriage seminars/workshops are presented throughout the to strengthen marriages. The annual Diocesan Anniversary Mass recognizes milestone anniversaries and celebrates the Sacrament of Marriage. 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. If a picture of your son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter appears in the paper, you can print your very own high-quality copy. 3. Even if you re on vacation or away on business, The A.D. Times will be accessible on your laptop or desktop computer. 2. After you re finished reading Deacon James Russo speaks during adoration to those attending Finding Comfort and Solace, an evening of reflection for the separated and divorced May 1 at the Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux, Nesquehoning. (Photo by John Simitz) the Eucharist. Quiet time with him, crying, unloading, problem solving or even better just listening can help you feel better. Deacon Russo also discussed the feelings of guilt the separated and divorced feel. Feelings of guilt can be like warning gauges on the car: they signal that something is wrong and we should pay attention to them. But first understand that there is a distinction between genuine guilt and false guilt, said Deacon Russo. Genuine guilt has been described as an authentic grieving of your spirit because you know you have failed, hurt or used someone, and you regret having done so. Thank God for this, because it should move you to change direction away from self and back to love. It is a maturity that takes responsibility for one s sins. If only I had been less selfish, maybe he/she would not have left. I blew it. False guilt is really more of a fear of rejection for having failed to perform to someone s standards. It comes from a mixture of pride and a disordered reliance on others opinions and approval, and a fear that if you lose it, you ll be lost. Some call this codependency. If only I were thinner, richer or more sexually available, maybe he/she would not have left. Both come from a sense of failure. But remember: we all fail. And it s not the world s expectations we should live up to, it s God s. Failure alone is not a reason for divorce. Forgiveness, mercy and grace are available to you from God at every moment and in every circumstance... even when they are not available to you from others, he said, sharing the words of Pope Francis in saying, God never tires of forgiving. If God is good, why did he allow this divorce? Many may ask this question. God is not a puppet master. While in an overarching way he is completely in control, he also let go, in a sense, of that control so we could have free will. God does not will evil, but he permits it, to safeguard the gift of our free will. And, boy, has mankind made a mess of that, said Deacon Russo. But God also promises from the hurtful things that happen to bring forth a greater good. Look at the crucifix how could a loving God let his only son suffer and die that hideous death like a common criminal? Because from that greatest evil came the greatest good our salvation. You may look at bad things and think they are the end, but wait and see what gifts can come from an evil like divorce. When you send your kids off to school for the first time, you do not will their being bullied on the playground or other suffering, but you permit it for a greater good: their growing up, learning, and becoming the man or woman God intended. Real love does not keep a child safely locked away from all pain. Real love stands by faithfully, helping the child to grow from it. Many say that through their divorce they finally found God; they grew closer to him, changed their lives and found deep inner peace. They came back to the gifts of his Church, had better relationships with their children and learned what life was really all about. Not to discount injustices and pain that you have suffered, but these are some unexpected treasures that can be yours. Top 10 Reasons to Switch to an Online Subscription of The A.D. Times The A.D. Times, you can click on the previous window to browse other pages on the Diocesan website. 1. You can brag to your friends about how tech-savvy you ve become. You read The A.D. Times online! To transfer your print subscription to instead receive an notification with a link to each new issue posted on the diocesan website, send the following information to adtimes@allentowndiocese.org or fill out the submission form on the Diocesan website, address Name Address Parish Daytime phone number Subscriber number (on line immediately above your name printed in the lower left-hand corner of this issue)

18 18 The A.D. Times May 17, 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 Friday, May 18 Inside Out, musical production by Holy Family School Players, Nazareth, 7 p.m., also Saturday, May 19, 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 20, 3 p.m., tickets available after all Masses in May or in parish office Saturday, May 19 Catholic War Veterans Post 454 Poppy Sale, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem and Queenship of Mary, Northampton, also Sunday, May 20. Polka Mass, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, 4 p.m., all are welcome, Sunday, May 20 Flores de Mayo, Filipino Catholic Community in the of Allentown, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 23 The Gospel of Matthew, Bible study group, St. Paul, Allentown, 6:30-8 p.m., join anytime, , ext. 12, ldurback@gmail.com. Thursday, May 24 Homemade Pierogi and Halupkie Sale, parish center, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville, take-out only 3-7 p.m., also Friday, May 25, 9 a.m.-noon; pierogi $7 per dozen; six halupkie $12; preorder , , Friday, May 25 Golf Outing, Our Lady Help of Christians Church and School, Allentown, at Southmoore Golf Course, registration and lunch noon, shotgun start 1 p.m., dinner 6 p.m., $95, dinner only $20, , ourladyhlp@aol.com. Saturday, May 26 Catholic War Veterans Post 454 Poppy Sale; Holy Trinity, Whitehall; St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall; and St. Nicholas, Barnesville; also Sunday, May 27. Memorial Day Mass, Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem, 10 a.m., in case of inclement weather call for correct location. Monday, May 28 Memorial Day Mass, Divine Mercy, Shenandoah, at Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights, 8 a.m., bring chairs, if rain Mass will be at Divine Mercy Church 8 a.m.; Mass also 9 a.m. at Annunciation Cemetery Chapel Patriotic Rosary for Memorial Day, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, after 9 a.m. Mass. Friday, June 1 Reunion, Allentown Central Catholic High School Class of 1968, send address to ref-boy@live.com, for more information #GoldenVikings. Sunday, June 3 Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, St. Nicholas, Walnutport, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $7, kids under 12 free, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Chapter Wednesday, June 6 The Old Testament, Bible study, Finnegan Room, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 10-11:30 a.m., join anytime, , ext. 12, ldurback@gmail.com. Saturday, June 9 Life in the Spirit Seminar, school cafeteria, St. Phillip and St. James School, Phillipsburg, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., also Sunday, June 10, free admission, , , , pre-register lssspsj@gmail.com. Golf Outing, St. Columbkill, Boyertown, Twin Ponds Golf Club, Gilbertsville, 1 p.m., per golfer $100, lunch and dinner for non-golfers $35, mikep@stcolumbkill. org. Oldies Dance, social hall, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, 7-10 p.m., doors and kitchen open 6:30 p.m., per person $5, BYOB, Monday, June 11 Vikette Girls Basketball Camp, gymnasium, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., for girls now grades 5-8, mkoppcchs@gmail.com, through Thursday, June 14. Golf Outing, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem, at Southmoore Golf Course, Bath, registration 11 a.m., shotgun start 1 p.m., four-man scramble format, per golfers $85, davney@aol.com. Tuesday, June 12 of Allentown Clergy Golf Tournament, for priests and deacons, Southmoore Golf Course, Bath, 1 p.m. shotgun start, $55, entries due by Monday, June 4, checks payable to St. Catharine of Siena Church, mail to 2427 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, Wednesday, June 13 The Gospels, Bible study, rectory basement, St. Paul, Allentown, 6:30-8 p.m., join anytime, , ext. 14, ldurback@gmail.com. Saturday, June 16 Collection for the Holy Father (Peter s Pence), also Sunday, June 17. Monday, June 18 Youth Football Camp, turf field, Bethlehem Catholic High School, for students going into grades 2 through 8, $175, ($50 discount for second child), , ext. 316, jhenrich@ bethlehemcatholichs.org, Girls Basketball Camp, gym, Notre Dame High School, Easton, noon-5:15 p.m., for students now in grades 4-8, $120 per camper ($100 if registered by June 1), jkopp@ndcrusaders.org, Monday, June 25 Shipwrecked, vacation Bible school, parish hall, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 8:45 a.m.-noon, ages 4 to fifth grade, per child $20, family $35, through Friday, June 29, www. sercc.org,.dirreled@sercc.org, Saturday, July 4 Patriotic Rosary for Independence Day, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, after 9 a.m. Mass. July August Collection for Mission Co-Op. Thursday, July 12 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena, begins, Divine Mercy, Shenandoah, Mass 8 a.m. each day, final Mass Sunday, July 22, 9:30 a.m., followed by procession. Saturday, July 14 Collection for Central and Eastern Europe, also Sunday, July 15. Sunday, July 15 Quo Vadis and Fiat Days, of Allentown five-day vocation camp for young men and women (including newly graduated), DeSales University, Center Valley, $50 before June 15, $75 after June 15, registration deadline June 29, registration materials at and 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, Monday, May 21 A Celebration of Surprises, twilight retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $25, , stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Friday, June 1 Sunday, June 3 Lifeshift: Work and the Christian Journey, combining career/ work/retirement planning with spiritual exploration, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, $220, org, mleonowitz@jesuitcenter.org, Friday, June 15 Sunday, June 17 Weekend Directed Retreat, Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, $200, mleonowitz@ jesuitcenter.org, Thursday, Aug. 9 Sunday, Aug. 12 Monocacy Manor Land Retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, explore the diversity and beauty of the land, with presentations, prayer and reflection, $275, commuter fee $165, , stfranciscenter@gmail.com, www. stfrancisctr.org. Festivals Friday, June 1 Sunday, June 3 Festa Italiana, St. Anthony of Padua, Easton, at Holy Cross Park, Williams Township, Friday 6-11 p.m., Saturday 5-10 p.m., Sunday 2:30-9 p.m., polka Mass Sunday, 2:30 p.m. at the park. Saturday, June 9 Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival, social hall and grounds, Holy Ghost, Bethlehem, 5-9 p.m., all welcome. Friday, June 16 Sunday, June 18 Summer Festival, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, Friday (Harley Night) 6-10 p.m., Saturday 5-10 p.m., Sunday 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 22 Sunday, June 24 Parish Festival, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, Friday and Saturday 5:30-10 p.m., Sunday 5-9 p.m. Friday, July 13 Sunday, July 15 Block Party, Divine Mercy, Shenandoah, times to be announced. 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., Third Sundays Bingo, Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally, 12:30 p.m., doors open 11 a.m. Thursdays Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 20 Meat Bingo, social hall, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, 1 p.m., doors and kitchen open noon, $11 for 15 games, (last bingo until September). Chinese Auction, Men of Marian, Marian High School, Tamaqua, 2:30 p.m., doors open 11 a.m., , dahurst3@gmail.com. Sundays, May 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, , Saturday, July 14 Bingo Buffet, church basement, Incarnation of Our Lord, Bethlehem, doors open 5 p.m. (after special 4 p.m. Mass), followed by buffet supper, advance $20, at door $25, 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 Wednesday, June 20 Prime Time, St. Thomas More, Allentown to Hollywood Casino, Grantville, $23, Wednesday, Sept. 19 St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown to Bronx Zoo and Arthur Avenue Little Italy of the Bronx, $36, Previously announced 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, May 23 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $112, , suemueller45@ gmail.com. Thursday, May 24 Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes- Barre, $25, Tuesday, June 26 St. Thomas More, Allentown to Yankees at Phillies, section 112, $60, , johara2179@aol.com. Wednesday, June 27 Golden Agers, Holy Family, Nazareth to Bobby Rydell show, Caesar s Casino, Atlantic City, $85, Thursday, June Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $104, Friendly Fifties, St. John s Byzantine Church, Northampton to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theatre, Lancaster, $110, Saturday, June 30 St. Thomas More, Allentown to Nationals at Phillies with fireworks, section 419, $30, , johara2179@aol.com. Thursday, July Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Legends of Las Vegas, Silver Birches, Hawley, $76, Wednesday, July 18 Travel Club, Assumption BVM, Slatington Songs of the Silver Screen, American Music Theatre, Lancaster, $90, Wednesday, Aug. 1 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, $50, , suemuelle45@gmail. com. Thursday, Aug. 9 Golden Agers, Holy Family, Nazareth to Nunsense, Hunterdon Playhouse, Hampton, New Jersey, $96, Monday, Aug. 13 Golden Agers, Holy Family, Nazareth to The Shirelles, Mount Airy Casino, Mount Pocono, $65, 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, Please see CALENDAR page 18 }}

19 May 17, 2018 The A.D. Times 19 Espíritu Santificador Por DIÁCONO JOSÉ SANTOS Creo en el Espíritu Santo Señor y dador de vida, que procede del Padre y del Hijo y que habló por los profetas. El Padre nos crea, Jesús nos salva y el Espíritu Santo nos va santificando durante toda la vida. De una manera sutil, el Espíritu Santo nos conduce hacia la verdad plena, por medio de las virtudes, dones, y los frutos del Espíritu nos lleva por el camino de la santidad. A partir del Concilio Vaticano II han surgido en la Iglesia, un sin número de escritos que nos instruyen como llegar a ser el hombre y la mujer perfecto a imagen de Jesús, con la gracia del Espíritu Santo. Es necesario saber que sin santidad nadie verá al Señor. Millones de almas esperan en el purgatorio, la purificación antes de entrar en el cielo. Esta espera de purificación en el purgatorio puede ser de muchos años, incluso siglos. Cuando Sor Lucía preguntó a la Santísima Virgen en Portugal por sus amigas, María de las Nieves y Amelia, ellas solían venir a su casa para tejer, y ambas habían muertos. La Virgen respondió que María de las Nieves estaba en el cielo, de Amelia quien murió a los 19 años respondió: Pues estará en el purgatorio hasta el fin del mundo. Ya ha pasado más de un siglo. Dios nos ha sellado con el Espíritu Santo el día de nuestro bautismo, nos ha reforzado de nuevo a plenitud con el Sacramento de la confirmación. No es cuento, es una realidad, contemplado en el plan de Dios, porque el Señor sabe que necesitamos la fuerza de lo alto para poder nosotros, con su gracia dominar todo el mal presente en este mundo. Jesús habló con certeza a sus discípulos: Si ustedes me aman, obedecerán mis mandamientos, y yo le pediré al Padre que les mande otro Defensor, el Espíritu de la verdad, para que esté siempre con ustedes, los que son del mundo no lo pueden recibir, porque no lo ven ni lo conocen. Pero ustedes lo conocen, porque él permanece con ustedes y estará en ustedes. No los voy a dejar huérfanos; volveré para estar con ustedes (Jn 14, 15-19). El Espíritu Santo nos guía por el buen camino, nos conduce por los caminos de la verdad, nos protege del mal, nos libra de todos los peligros; por medio del don del discernimiento nos ilumina para rechazar el mal y elegir el bien cada día de nuestra vida. Él está dispuesto a acompañarte si lo invitas, si lo invocas, si lo llamas. Ven Espíritu Santo llena los corazones de tus fieles También agregó Jesús: Cuando venga el Espíritu de la verdad, él los guiará a toda verdad; porque no hablará por su propia cuenta, sino que dirá todo lo que oiga, y les hará saber las cosas que van a suceder. Él mostrará mi gloria, porque recibirá de lo que es mío y se lo dará a conocer a ustedes. Todo lo que el Padre tiene, es mío también; por eso dije que el Espíritu recibirá de lo que es mío y se lo dará a conocer a ustedes (Jn 16, 13-15). El Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo están en completa comunicación, por eso cuando el Espíritu Santo comunica la voluntad del Padre, cuantas veces repetimos el Padre Nuestro, además es Palabra de Jesús la que oímos porque él es la palabra de Dios hecha hombre. Jesús es la Palabra que estaba junto a Dios desde el principio y la palabra vino a los suyos y los que la recibieron, llegaron a ser hijos de Dios por el agua y el Espíritu. Aleluya gloria a Dios. Cuando escuchamos, leemos y meditamos la Palabra de Dios, escuchamos al Espíritu Santificador, quien nos susurra, y nos guía por el camino de la paz y tenemos seguridad, enraizado en la verdad plena; si de veras aceptamos con humildad el mensaje que nos salva. Los que son de Dios se caracterizan por vivir como Jesús, siervo humilde y obediente. Dice san Pablo: Jesús aprendió sufriendo a obedecer. Aceptar el sufrimiento por la verdad, siempre nos trae la paz, la paz es el fruto del Espíritu Santo. Quien ama a Dios acepta sus mandamientos, porque sus mandamientos no son una carga, al contrario, los mandamientos son como la herramienta eléctrica, que ayudan a hacer el trabajo más ligero, con menos esfuerzos y mucho más rápido. El Espíritu Santo viene a nuestras almas para guiarnos en nuestro caminar, para fortalecernos en los momentos difíciles, especialmente frente a una prueba o tentación. El Espíritu nos comunica la sabiduría de Dios como un regalo o carisma para resolver situaciones difíciles, nos consuela en momentos de tristeza y sequedad, es como un oasis en medio del desierto. El Espíritu Santo hace que las almas busquen a Dios su creador, ilumina nuestras mentes para que tomemos decisiones correctas antes la falsedad que los enemigos de la verdad proponen en los tiempos presentes. El Espíritu Santo hace que la palabra de Dios sea letra viva en nuestro caminar en la vida, generando cambios prósperos para bien de todos. Quien confía en el Espíritu Santo, se deja conducir por él, vive en comunicación con la Santísima Trinidad, es capaz de amar todo cuanto existe en el universo que nos lleva a la salvación, a Jesús el Hijo de Dios, El Espíritu quiere hacer de ti el hombre, la mujer perfecta para que sean santos como Dios nuestro Padre celestial es Santo. Santo es el Señor Dios del universo. Amén. Calendar }}Continued from page 17 Wednesday, Aug. 22 St. Thomas More, Allentown to Sponge Bob Square Pants on Broadway, $134, , johara2179@aol.com. Thursday, Aug Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Million Dollar Quartet, Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope, $97, Wednesday, Aug. 29 Golden Agers, Holy Family, Nazareth to Jesus, Sight and Sound Theater, Lancaster, $112, Wednesday, Sept. 5 Wednesday, Sept. 19 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to the Black Hills and Yellowstone National Park, suemueller45@gmail.com, Wednesday, Sept. 12 Friendly Fifties, St. John Byzantine, Northampton to The Shirelles, Mount Airy Casino, $65, Monday, Sept. 17 Friday, Sept. 20 Fellowship Group, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem to Wildwood Seafood Feast, $365, , Friday, Sept. 21 Seniors in Action, Holy Trinity, Whitehall to Fountain Show, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, $48, Monday, Sept. 24 Thursday, Sept. 27 Travelers, St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville to Wildwood Italian Style: A Touch of Italy at the Jersey Shore, $439, , Wednesday, Sept. 26 Thursday, Sept Club, Notre Dame of Bethlehem to Sugarhouse Casino and Resorts, Atlantic City and Cape May, New Jersey, $146, Thursday, Oct. 4 Friday, Oct. 12 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with Spiritual Directors Father John Pendzick and Father George Winne, visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, Emmaus and others, starting at $3,200, , , , Saturday, Oct. 6 Monday, Oct. 15 Catholic Italy Pilgrimage with Monsignor William Glosser, pastor of St. Clare of Assisi, St. Clair, $4,299, , scassisi@ptd.net. Monday, Oct. 8 Friday, Oct. 19 Holy Trinity, Whitehall, pilgrimage to Lourdes, Burgos, Fatima and other religious sites, Tuesday, Oct. 9 Golden Agers, Holy Family, Nazareth to The Four Freshmen, Penn s Peak, Jim Thorpe, $92, Wednesday, Oct. 10 Golden Agers, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to Germanfest, Silver Birches, Hawley, $81, Monday, Oct. 15 Wednesday, Oct. 17 St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield to Finger Lakes region, New York, suemuelle45@gmail.com, Saturday, Oct. 20 Friday, Oct. 26 Travel Club, Assumption BVM, Slatington to Iceland s Magical Northern Lights, $3,579, Thursday, Nov. 29 Fellowship Group, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem to Country Christmas Show, Silver Birches Resort, Lake Wallenpaupack, $77, , Thursday, Dec. 6 Assumption Travel Club, Slatington to A Christmas Carol the Musical, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Lancaster, $90, Thursday, Dec. 13 Golden Agers, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to First Noel, American Music Theatre, $93, Wednesday, Dec. 19 Golden Agers, Holy Family, Nazareth to The First Noel, American Music Theater, Lancaster, $94, Thursday, Feb. 7 Thursday March 7 Assumption Travel Club, Slatington to Costa del Sol, Spain, $3,499, Thursday, Nov. 7 Saturday, Nov. 16 Assumption Travel Club, Slatington to Rome and Amalfi Coast, Italy, $3,899,

20 20 The A.D. Times May 17, 2018 Bishop Blesses Renovations at St. Jane Frances de Chantal School By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer St. Jane Frances de Chantal School, Easton honored the Blessed Mother and officially dedicated the newly remodeled middle school May 3 with family, friends, faithful, student body and school staff. Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert was the principal celebrant for the Mass and presided at the special Marian devotion that paid tribute to the Blessed Mother as the Queen of May. Bishop Schlert, who attended St. Jane School, reflected on receiving the Sacraments of Holy Communion and We educate who Jesus is and how he defines himself. He is the way, the truth and the light. Confirmation in the former church in the basement of the school. I have a lot of memories of this church. Aside from Holy Communion and Confirmation, I was here every week for Friday Mass. I was ordained a deacon here and I celebrated my first Mass here. This is a great homecoming for me, he said. Bishop Schlert also told the students that their school is among the things that the does best and encouraged them to receive Jesus as much as they can through the sacrament. We educate about who Jesus is and how he defines himself. He is the way, the truth and the light, he said. That s how we get through living here on earth and how we get to heaven to believe in him and to do whatever his will is for us. Bishop Schlert reminded the students that the Blessed Mother was the first one to follow Jesus and the first one to recognize that he was the way, the truth and the light. Your job is to get to know Jesus the best way you can, said Bishop Schlert. After Mass, the student body, staff and faithful processed to the statue of Our Lady of Fatima outside the Bennett Building and crowned the Blessed Mother with flowers while singing Marian hymns. Bishop Schlert then blessed the $1.3 million renovations to the Bennett Building, named after Father Michael Bennett, who established the parish in 1920 with 200 families. Marybeth Okula, principal of St. Jane School, said the building houses the middle school grades, the gymnasium, the cafeteria and the art room. The building is also the site of Father Farrell Social Hall, named after a former pastor. The upper floor is where our seventhand eighth-grade classrooms are located. In 2016 we remodeled one classroom to a science lab complete with lab tables. We are increasing our STEM program and compete yearly at the STEM Design Challenge with Thermo Fisher Scientific and Colonial IU 20, she said. In addition, the building s exterior bricks were repointed, new windows were installed and the roof was replaced. Concelebrants at the Mass were Monsignor Stephen Radocha, pastor, and Father David Anthony, assistant pastor. Master of ceremonies was Father Kevin Longeran, assistant pastor of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert preaches the homily at St. Jane Frances de Chantal School, Easton. (Photos by Ed Koskey) Students who received their First Holy Communion last month participate in the May Crowning procession. Students, staff and faithful leave the Bennett Building after crowning the Blessed Mother and blessing of $1.3 million in renovations. Bishop Schlert blesses the newly-renovated Bennett Building on the St. Jane School campus. Behind him are Father Kevin Lonergan, left, and Father David Anthony.

21 May 17, 2018 The A.D. Times 21 Ministry of Acolyte at Mount St. Mary s Seminary Juan Eduardo Rodriguez, front left, after the Mass during which he and his classmates were instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte with: Bishop O Connell, center, and Monsignor Andrew Baker, fourth from left, a priest of the of Allentown and rector of Mount St. Mary s Seminary. Above, the seminarians in Second Theology at Mount St. Mary s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland were instituted as acolytes April 21 during a Mass celebrated by Bishop David O Connell of Trenton, New Jersey. Pictured, of Allentown seminarian Juan Eduardo Rodriguez, who was instituted as an acolyte during the Mass, kneels before Bishop Connell while touching the chalice, which is symbolic of the ministry, as an acolyte may prepare the chalice at Mass. Right, Rodriguez, second from left, is pictured with, from left: Father Christopher Butera, recently named director of seminarian formation for the of Allentown; Bishop O Connell; Monsignor Baker; and Monsignor David James, current of Allentown director of vocations. Ministry of Acolyte at St. Charles Seminary of Allentown seminarian John Maria, second from left, was instituted into the Ministry of Acolyte May 5 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia. After the Mass in St. Martin of Tours Chapel, Maria is joined by, from left: Monsignor David James, current director of vocations for the of Allentown; Bishop Timothy Senior, auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia and rector of the seminary; Father Joseph Shenosky, vice rector; Father Mark Searles, recently named director of vocation promotion for the of Allentown; and Father Christopher Butera, recently named director of seminarian formation. Death Monsignor Anthony Wassel, Pastor Emeritus in Mahanoy City Monsignor Anthony Wassel, 88, pastor emeritus of the former Assumption BVM, Sacred Heart and St. Joseph churches, all of Mahanoy City, died May 4 at Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem. Born in New Philadelphia, Monsignor Wassel was the son of the late Anthony and Anna (Kerewich) Wassel. Surviving are a niece, Linda May; a nephew, Eugene Fraser; and great-nieces. Monsignor Wassel attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, New Philadelphia; St. Stephen School, Port Carbon; and St. Joseph s Preparatory School, Philadelphia; followed by St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, where he received a bachelor of arts degree. He was ordained to the priesthood May 14, 1960 by Bishop J. Carroll Mc- Cormick at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. Monsignor Wassel s first priestly assignment was assistant pastor at the former St. Francis of Assisi Church, Minersville, followed by assistant pastor at the former St. Joseph Church, Mahanoy City; assistant pastor, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Allentown; assistant pastor, St. Peter the Apostle Church, Reading; and assistant pastor at the former St. George Church, Shenandoah. His first pastoral assignment was at the former St. Joseph Church, Mahanoy City, followed by pastor, the former Sacred Heart Church, Mahanoy City. He was also named pastor of the former Assumption BVM Church, Mahanoy City. During the course of his priestly ministry, Monsignor Wassel served as regional director, CYO Mid-Schuylkill County; regional director, Social Action Bureau, East Schuylkill County; parish priest consultor; dean, East Schuylkill County; exofficio member, Council of Priests; and Dean, North Schuylkill County. Monsignor Wassel retired July 15, 2008 and was named pastor emeritus of the former Assumption BVM, Sacred Heart and St. Joseph churches, all of Mahanoy City. Monsignor Wassel was named Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, on Aug. 20, Mass of Christian Burial for Monsignor Wassel was celebrated May 11 at Holy Cross Church, New Philadelphia by Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. Homilist was Monsignor Edward Zemanik, pastor of St. Ambrose Church, Schuylkill Haven. Main concelebrants were Monsignor David James, vicar general; Monsignor Gerald Gobitas, secretary for clergy, chancellor and rector, Holy Family Villa for Priests; Father Ronald Minner, pastor, Holy Cross Church, New Philadelphia; Monsignor James Treston, pastor emeritus, St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Sinking Spring; Monsignor Thomas Hoban, pastor emeritus, St. Ann Church, Emmaus; Monsignor Joseph Smith, pastor emeritus, St. Catharine of Siena Church, Reading; and Monsignor Zemanik. Interment took place in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Philadelphia.

22 22 The A.D. Times Sports May 17, 2018 Clergy Golf Tournament to Tee Off June 12 for Priests and Deacons The of Allentown Annual Clergy Golf Tournament will be Tuesday, June 12 at Southmoore Golf Course, Route 512, Bath. The tournament will begin at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start. All priests and deacons are welcome. Cost to participate is $55, which in- cludes greens fee, cart and light dinner after golf in the Southmoore dining room. All entries are due by Monday, June 4. Please make checks payable to: St. Catharine of Siena Church and mail to 2427 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, PA Mahanoy City Wins District 5 Basketball Winners of the CYO District 5 basketball tournament, the CYO Mahanoy City team, area from left: front, Jace Yedsena; second, Colm McGroarity, Tanner Zawada, Aidan Bowman, Kadin Styka, Ayden Soult; third, coach Natalie Zawada, William Mayberry, Brady Alansky, Colin Ryan and coach Karen Yedsena. Corrigan Named National High School Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year Notre Dame High School, Easton (NDHS) has announced that the National High School Coaches Association (NHS- CA) has selected Art Corrigan, current head girls /boys cross country and girls / boys track and field coach at NDHS, as their 2018 National High School Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year. Corrigan has been a coach at NDHS for over 30 years and was recently inducted into the school s Athletic Hall of Fame. He is one of the most decorated cross country coaches in the nation, with over 1,200 wins combined between the girls and boys teams. Under his leadership, the Crusader teams have collected many league and district championships and, in track, Corrigan has coached several athletes to individual state championships. During the 2017 season, Corrigan collected his 600 th win in girls cross country, a feat he accomplished a few years ago with the boys team. During the span , the Crusaders boys teams had a dual meet record of Coach Corrigan s humility and style of coaching has led to his successes with his athletes. Because of his leadership style, he influences our Notre Dame student-athletes beyond the cross country courses and tracks, said Principal Mario Lucrezi. We are all fortunate he is part of our Crusader family. By receiving this award, Corrigan enters an elite list of past recipients, all of whom have achieved success on the national level. Corrigan is the first girls coach from Pennsylvania to receive this award. It pays to advertise in The A.D. Times Contact Lori Anderson at landerson@allentowndiocese.org or ext. 263

23 May 17, 2018 The A.D. Times 23 Bernardine Franciscan Sisters of Reading Host Mission Day The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters of Reading, in conjunction with Vocation Directors of the National Religious Vocation Conference-Delaware Valley Region (NRVC), hosted a Mission Day April 11 at the McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center at the Bernardines Motherhouse at 460 St. Bernardine St., Reading. The focus of the event was for students to take a closer look and explore Christian vocations. A total of 46 young women from Berks Catholic High School, Reading attended. The day began with an opening prayer and included a presentation on religious life and group activities, followed by a noon Mass and lunch. The last segment of the day included a question-and-answer panel discussion. Each year we are heartened by the positive feedback we receive from the students who attend, said the sisters. They take with them a little more knowledge about religious life and an understanding that there are many ways to use their gifts and talents in service to the Church and to the world. The National Religious Vocation Conference is a professional organization of vocation ministers that presents religious life as a viable option in the Catholic Church. NRVC promotes vocation awareness, invitation and discernment to life as a religious sister, brother or priest ( The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters are a community founded on the ideals of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi and their followers ideals as precious now as they have ever been. As a faith-filled community rooted in contemplation and Gospel values, the Bernardines strive to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to all they meet and especially to those who suffer from poverty and oppression ( The group that attended Mission Day. Approximately 61 parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Minersville, guests from St. Charles Borromeo in Ashland and Most Blessed Trinity in Tremont attended the Stations of the Cross and Lenten Soup Supper March 23 at St. Michael s Parish Center cafeteria. Hosting the combined event was a group of volunteers from St. Michael s Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The event was initiated by Sister of St. Joseph Catherine Therese Brennan, pastoral assistant, DRE and president of the society. Several society members and parishioners made meatless soups, and others heated soup in crockpots, served and Above, the Bernardine Sisters chapel decorated for the event. Left, students participate in the Exploring Our Heart activity. Enhancing the Lenten Journey at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Minersville pitched in to clean up. The Lenten Soup Supper consisted of potato, vegetable vegetarian, tomato tortellini soup and rolls. There was no cost, but free will offerings were accepted to stock the parish food pantry for the needy of the area. Father Christopher Zelonis, pastor, prayed the stations with the participants. It was a very special, memorable Lenten encounter. Right, Sister Catherine Therese discusses the Stations of the Cross setup with Father Christopher Zelonis. Participants in the Lenten Soup Supper and Stations of the Cross.

24 24 The A.D. Times World May 17, 2018 Volcano s Lava Flow Displaces Members of a Hawaii Parish HONOLULU (CNS) In addition to offering prayers, the Catholic Church is stepping into action on behalf of hundreds of residents displaced from a fierce and unpredictable volcanic eruption. Members of Sacred Heart Parish in the town of Pahoa in the Puna District of the island of Hawaii known colloquially as the Big Island are opening their hearts, their homes and their parish hall to those forced to flee the lava flowing from cracks in the ground in their neighborhood. Bishop Larry Silva of Honolulu has visited and offered his assistance. Local Catholic service agencies are working with victims, coordinating aid efforts, and collecting and distributing funds. About 1,700 people reside in Leilani Estates, a rural subdivision of acre-sized lots on a grid of about 22 miles of roads, where at least 15 fissures have opened up since May 3 spewing molten rock and poisonous sulfur dioxide gas. A Hawaii County evacuation order sent subdivision residents packing shortly after the eruption began. According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, 36 structures, including 26 homes, already have been destroyed by lava from the 2.5-mile-long fissure system, the newest outflow from Kilauea Volcano, which has been erupting since Lava so far has covered more than 115 acres. During pauses in the volcanic activity, residents have been allowed to return to their homes to retrieve belongings. Some are staying at two county evacuation centers. Sacred Heart parishioners are being taken in by fellow parish members, according to parish administrator Father Ernesto Juarez. Parishioners are opening up their homes, he told the Hawaii Catholic Herald, Honolulu s diocesan newspaper. Bishop Silva was at the parish May 5-6, the weekend the eruption started, for a previously arranged episcopal visitation and to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation. With hundreds of small earthquakes predicting volcanic activity, the bishop had offered to reschedule his visit, but Father Juarez, after consulting with some of his parishioners, decided to proceed as planned. I was happy to be there with them during that time, the bishop said. Selfie }}Continued from page 1 international network of Scholas Occurrentes. They were all there waiting for me, he said. When I arrived, they made noise, as young people do. I went to greet them and only a few gave their hand. The majority were with their cellphones (saying), photo, photo, photo. Selfie! I saw that this is their reality, that is the real world, not human contact. And this is serious. They are virtualized youths, the pope said. The world of vir- Lava flows onto Leilani Estates from Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, May 6. About 1,800 people live near the eruption. (CNS photo/usgs, handout via Reuters) I was actually surprised how normal life seemed in Pahoa, despite the eruption that was taking place in the parish boundaries, the bishop said. I did not detect any panic or great anxiety. He said he could see from the church the plume of smoke from the eruption site Ṡeveral people told him that evacuees who were parish members did not have to use the county-run emergency shelters because they were offered hospitality by fellow parishioners. Bishop Silva said that the diocese s three social service agencies Office of Social Ministries, HOPE Services Hawaii and Catholic Charities Hawaii have all been involved in the situation. I asked them to keep me informed to see if there was anything I could do or if there were any services of the diocese that needed to be mobilized, he said. The bishop was told that immediate needs for shelter, food and clothing were being addressed locally, but that longterm needs may require help from outside the community. We will continue to monitor the situation and will let people in the diocese know if there are any specific ways they can help, he said. Father Juarez volunteered the parish hall as a crisis information center. tual communication is a good thing, but when it becomes alienating, it makes you forget to shake hands. Archbishop Angelo De Donatis, vicar of the of Rome, had asked Pope Francis about his impressions of the meeting in March in preparation for the upcoming Synod of Bishops on young people, faith and vocational discernment and how the church should respond to the needs of young men and women. The pope said he had a good impression of the presynod meeting and the meeting s final document was beautiful. He also praised the commitment of the young delegates and their seriousness in addressing the challenges facing young At the center, which is open weekday, evacuees from the Leilani Estates and the smaller Lanipuna Gardens subdivision connect with personnel from Hawaii County and social service agencies for information or to apply for assistance. Participating organizations include Child and Family Services, The Food Basket, Catholic Charities Hawaii and HOPE Services Hawaii. HOPE Services Hawaii, which deals primarily with homelessness on the Big Island, has deployed several staff members who, with others, are collecting data on evacuated households to determine their needs. As of May 10, the agency had gathered information on nearly 300 households. Quite a bit of people need everything, said Brandee Menino, HOPE Services Hawaii chief executive officer, who is coordinating the data collection. They are checking all the boxes food, shelter, permanent housing, transportation. Other families have temporarily settled in with family and friends, but will have needs down the road, she said. Some hope to eventually go back home. We re still only days in and it looks like this is going to be a long one, Menino said. She added some of the agencies involved cover financial assistance, food, Pope Francis Film Set for Release This Week shelter, counseling, case management, physical and mental health, clothing, legal assistance and animal care. HOPE Services has already given out some rent assistance. In a message to Big Island parishes, Catholic Charities Hawaii s Hawaii Island Community Director Elizabeth Murph said housing needs are a looming concern, in particular for those with mortgages to pay on houses they no longer have access to. She said besides stable housing, other immediate needs include counseling, clothing, and gift cards for groceries, household items and gas. Catholic Charities Hawaii has asked the public for monetary donations to be used for direct housing assistance for the victims of both the Kilauea eruption and April s historic flooding on Kauai. Donations will go toward temporary housing subsidies, emergency home repairs and other related needs. Funds will be immediately available to victims, Murph said, compared to money from other organizations distributed through a lengthy grant process. Father Juarez, who has been at the parish for less than a year, visited the main evacuation shelter in Pahoa May 7. Several hundred people are being temporarily housed there. He was joined by former pastor Jesuit Father Mike Scully, parish religious education director Maila Naiga and parishioners Liz Morgan and Roberta Vangoethem. We talked to them, shared stories, offering comfort, letting them know that there are people who have great concern about their plight, Father Juarez said. The parish is bringing back into action its Disaster Assistance Relief Team, which was mobilized when Tropical Storm Iselle ravaged the east side of the Big Island in 2014, and later that same year when a lava flow threatened Pahoa. At an East Hawaii vicariate meeting May 8, Father Juarez said, some of his fellow Big Island priests offered their parishes for refuge. At the meeting the priest gathered rosaries, Bibles and holy water to be distributed at the evacuation center. Father Juarez said his church, which is three-and-a-half miles from the eruption, is not in any immediate danger. We still need prayers, he added. The eruption is unpredictable. NEW YORK (CNS) Veteran filmmaker Wim Wenders respectfully profiles the current successor of St. Peter in the well-crafted, sometimes moving documentary Pope Francis: A Man of His Word (Focus). In the of Allentown it begins showing Thursday, May 17 at R/C Reading Movies II & Imax. Though Wenders also provides some narration, as his title suggests, he largely lets the pontiff speak for himself. That approach pays off by allowing the audience to hear Francis views on a wide variety of topics of interest to believers and nonbelievers alike. These include the environment, the situation of young people, relations with the Islamic world, economic inequality and the clergy sex abuse crisis. Francis also sets out, in a general way, his vision for the future of the Church. Along with original interviews with the pope at the Vatican, Wenders incorporates footage of his worldwide travels, which have included trips to North and South America, Africa and, closer to home, Greece and the southern Italian city of Naples. We also see Francis answering questions from youngsters and, in a particularly touching scene, offering encouragement to the inmates of a prison. people today. Drug use, he said, is one of the main problems facing young men and women today. However, youths also can be easy prey to a different kind of drug: cultural alienation. Young people today receive proposals that are alienating them from values, from insertion into society, alienating them from reality: they propose a life of fantasy, the pope said. It worries me that they communicate and live in a virtual world. They live like this, communicate like this and do not have their feet on the ground, he said. We must make young people grounded in the real world; to touch reality without destroying the good things the virtual world may have because they are useful. This is important: reality, concreteness. An important way to help young people engage with the reality around them is to encourage them to get involved in charity work and in the corporal works of mercy, he said. Do something for others, because this helps them be concrete, it grounds them, and they enter into a social relationship. Since many parents today are from a generation whose roots are not very strong, the pope said young people lost in the virtual world should engage in dialogue with their grandparents and the elderly.