The Mirr r. Bishop Rice ordains two to Permanent Diaconate. On the morning of Sat., Aug. Called to Serve

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1 The Mirr r Vol. LIII, No. 14 DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI October 27, 2017 One Church, East to West: Loving Jesus, Serving Jesus, Sharing Jesus PERMANENT DEACONS Deacon James Walter, Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht, Bishop Edward M. Rice, Bishop Emeritus Edward J. Slattery, Diocese of Tulsa, and Deacon Michael Fritz. The ordinations of Deacon Walter and Deacon Fritz took place in St. Agnes Cathedral, Sat., Aug. 12. Deacon Walter serves St. Ann Parish, Carthage, and Deacon Fritz serves Sacred Heart Parish, Conway, and St. William Parish, in Buffalo. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror) Called to Serve Bishop Rice ordains two to Permanent Diaconate The next issue of The Mirror will be Nov. 10, Experiencing delayed USPS delivery? Sign up to receive the diocesan newspaper via in digital format: Contact Angie Toben at (417) , or atoben@dioscg.org. By J.B. Kelly Marshfield, MO On the morning of Sat., Aug. 12, St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield, the diocese celebrated the ordinations of Mike Fritz and Jim Walter to the Permanent Diaconate. The two men recently completed formation and studies through a program sponsored by the neighboring Diocese of Tulsa. The ordination marked a significant point in the vocational journey of the two men who each have their own story to tell. While some commonalities are shared between Deacon Fritz and Deacon Walter devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and praying the rosary, and to the Deacon-Martyr St. Lawrence, for example their careers, families, and discernment processes have given both a unique set of experiences that will undoubtedly benefit those whom they serve in ministry. Deacon Michael ( Mike ) Fritz Mike Fritz is a native of the St. Louis area and attended University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri S&T), where he earned a degree in geological engineering. Fritz worked for nearly three decades for the Missouri the quality of instruction and deepening of his prayer life together with Department of Transportation in Jefferson City. A convert to Catholicism, the other deacon candidates was Fritz entered the Church on Sept. 5, amazing. After six years of monthly trips to the neighboring diocese, Shortly after becoming Catholic, he was introduced to the Knights he said that all of the areas of study of Columbus. Fritz was very active came together. in the Knights in the years that followed, but felt that he should deepen ogy, Scripture, sacraments, traditions, The history, philosophy, theol- his involvement in the Church. and ceremonies all fit together to I had the nagging feeling that make us who we are as Catholics, God wanted me to do more, Deacon Deacon Fritz said. Fritz said. During his weeks in-between Eleven years after his entry into classes and formation weekends, the Church, Fritz began seriously Fritz assisted his parish, Holy Trinity, in Marshfield, in taking Holy considering the Permanent Diaconate but discerned that, due to family commitments, he would not be bound as well as became involved in Communion to the sick and home- able to devote the necessary time to prison ministry at Ozark Correctional diaconate formation. About six years Center in Fordland. At the prison, later, however, he and his wife, Michele, approached their then-pastor in the Faith, RCIA, and Mass or Com- Deacon Fritz assisted with instruction Fr. Scott Sunnenberg at Holy Trinity munion Services for the inmates. Parish in Marshfield about re-exploring the process. rience of serving Christ, he said This has been a very rewarding expe- Fr. Scott sent me to the right Now, several weeks since the people in our diocese to get me into ordination, Deacon Fritz said that he formation, Deacon Fritz said, adding enjoys serving as a deacon, researching Scripture and giving homilies, that his former pastor, has been a constant supporter for me. and that he remains sustained spiritually through the praying of the Deacon Fritz said that his formation experience with the program in Tulsa was very humbling, and that See Diaconate / 12

2 2 The Mirror October 27, 2017 COLUMN VIEWPOINT Msgr. M. Francis Mannion All Saint s Day includes every man & woman of goodwill The month of November opens with the celebration of one of the richest feasts of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of All Saints. On this day, the Church celebrates the festival of God s holy city and the redeemed citizenry of heaven. The feast of All Saints celebrates all those who lived in the model of Christ and inspired their fellow men and women in a remarkable way. The saints made a great difference in the world, and even now they continue to inspire us to do great things. The saints are not simply nice decorations in the world of Christian spirituality. A struggling humanity needs their example and inspiration desperately. We venerate the saints not as distant historical figures but as brothers and sisters with whom we are joined in a living communion. Gerald Vann, a 20th century English spiritual writer, puts this well when he writes: For the Church is, and has always been, a net that has caught all sorts of fish. She is, and has always been, a strange combination of the drab and the magnificent, the squalid and the heroic, the shabby and the beautiful. Her garden has produced both weeds and flowers. The saints are the flowers, and we must admit that without them the sanctity of the Church would not be very much in evidence. It is through them that Christ s light shines to the nations, and it is in them that Christians see what holiness really means. It is no wonder then that the Church takes pride in those noble examples of Christian living, and boldly proclaims their greatness to the world. For us and with us The saintly men and women do not exist in a world beyond or disconnected from ours, but are part of the very fabric of our existence. The modern person likes to think that he or she is self-made. But the fact is, we are what we are because of those who have gone before us. We are brought to birth by others. We are formed by the spiritual inheritance of other generations. We live our lives happily only in community and our lives are profitable only when directed to the up-building of the human community. We are Seminarian receives Ministry of Acolyte saved and brought to final fulfillment not by anything we ourselves are able to do but by the God of mercy and redemption, and through the assistance of countless others in the spiritual community of God s people. The saints exist for us and with us. We venerate them not as distant historical figures but as brothers and sisters with whom we are joined in a living communion. The great French writer Paul Claudel pointed out that the treasures of all the saints are at our disposal. All the saints and the angels belong to us. We can use the intelligence of St. Thomas, the right arm of St. Michael, the hearts of Joan of Arc and Catherine of Siena, and all the hidden resources which have only to be touched to be set in action. The heroism of the missionary, the inspiration of the Doctors of the Church, the generosity of the martyrs, the genius of the artists, the burning prayer of the Poor Clares and Carmelites it is as if all that were ourselves; it is ourselves. Like all great feasts of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of All Saints is a celebration of the Church living in history now. The stories of the saints are our stories, and our own little stories are ennobled and exalted by becoming part of the great Christian story. In this truth we should find great hope and encouragement. TM MINISTRY OF ACOLYTE Diocesan seminarian Alexander Sutachan, who is enrolled at Sacred Heart Seminary in Hales Corners, WI, received the Ministry of Acolyte on Oct. 11. Bishop Edward M. Rice was the celebrant and homilist of the liturgy. An acolyte assists a deacon or priest, primarily in the celebration of Mass. He attends to the needs of the altar and may distribute Communion as an auxiliary minister. An acolyte may also be entrusted with the public veneration of the Blessed Sacrament, but does not give the Benediction, since he is not a priest or deacon. Sutachan is a Theology III student in seminary for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. His home parish is Sacred Heart in Springfield. Fellow diocesan seminarians Rev. Mr. Brian Straus and Andrew Williams joined Bp. Rice in congratulating Sutachan. (The Mirror) Msgr. Mannion is pastor emeritus of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Salt Lake City. He holds a PhD in sacramental theology from The Catholic University of America. He was founding president of The Society for Catholic Liturgy in 1995 and the founding editor of the Society s journal, Antiphon. At the invitation of Cardinal Francis George of Chicago he founded the Mundelein Liturgical Institute in 2000.

3 COLUMN October 27, 2017 The Mirror 3 COME, AND YOU WILL SEE Bp. Edward M. Rice May your loved ones rest in peace From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead: Let us help and commemorate them. If Job s sons were purified by their father s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Praying for the dead November is the month during which we particularly remember our departed loved ones. Mother Nature helps us ponder the reality of death as we see the leaves falling, the days getting shorter and cooler, and long shadows often cast early in the afternoon. At the writing of this column, I have received 2,320 cards from across the diocese carrying the names of your deceased loved ones. I have placed all of these cards in my chapel, at the foot of the altar. It is an honor for me to remember your deceased friends and family members in my prayers and Masses. For me, it is a reminder that someday hopefully in the distant future someone will pray for me! We begin the month with the Solemnity of All Saints on Nov. 1. This is a holy day of obligation, so please attend your local Mass. Even though there is sadness in the midst of our loss, the Entrance Antiphon expresses the joy at the center of this celebration, Let us all rejoice in the Lord, as we celebrate the feast day in honor of all the Saints, at whose festival the Angels rejoice and praise the Son of God. Who are these saints? I would refer to them as the hidden jewels of the Church: men and women, countless in number, who lived saintly lives, often hidden behind the routine of daily life, fulfilling their obligations to family and Church, often under heroic circumstances. I think of the wife who cared for her invalid husband for over 12 years as he slowly declined from a debilitating disease. I think of the family who continues to care for their adult child permanently injured from a car accident. What about the countless number who get up day-after-day and go to work so they can provide for the family? When they get home from work, their work is not finished! The Along with the living, even the dead could benefit from our prayers. ALL SAINTS DAY A family visits the cemetery on All Saints Day. The Church remembers our beloved departed in a special way in November. (Stock) obligations to spouse and children are there, met with love and devotion. In a sense, it is never ending! Theirs is a hidden holiness. You know some of these hidden saints. They were your parents or grandparents. While many have not yet been officially canonized, they indeed led saintly lives. By their witness and example, they continue to inspire us with their faith and dedication to family. All Souls Day, Nov. 2, has a more somber tone to it. While we reaffirm our belief in the resurrection, we specifically recall our loved ones who have died. While we profess our belief in the resurrection of the body, it does not keep us from deeply feeling the separation and loss as the result of death. The beautiful tradition of having the Holy Mass offered for the repose of the soul of a loved one is most appropriate and I encourage all of you to consider the last time you had a Mass offered for your deceased family members. My dad has been gone for 40 years now, my mom for 29. I still arrange to have Mass offered for them at St. Cecilia Parish in St. Louis, our home parish. As is told to us in 2 Maccabees, when Judas took a collection from his soldiers to have sacrifices offered on behalf of the fallen, He took a collection from them and sent it to Jerusalem to have a sacrifice for sin offered, an action altogether fine and noble, prompted by his belief in the resurrection. For had he not expected the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead, whereas if he had in view the resurrection the thought was holy and devout. Hence, he had this expiatory sacrifice offered for the dead, so that they might be released from their sin. The Catholic tradition of having a Mass offered is highly encouraged. Along with the living, even the dead could benefit from our prayers. Call your local parish and remember your loved ones in this special way. Each day as I pray in my chapel, I look upon the many names of your loved ones who have passed away. Again, I assure you of my prayers, and I end this time with the beautiful prayer for the dead, Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. TM November prayer intention: For our faithful departed, may they rest in the peace of Christ. Nov Public calendar NATIONAL VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK Sun., Nov. 5 Sacrament of 11 a.m. Confirmation, Immaculate Conception Parish, Jackson, MO; 5:30 p.m. Project Andrew Vocations Dinner, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau Mon., Nov. 6 Mass & visit, Immaculate 8 a.m. Conception Catholic School, Jackson 9:30 a.m.- Sophomore Retreat, 3:30 p.m. Notre Dame Regional High School, Knights of Columbus hall, Jackson, MO Tue., Nov. 7 Diocesan Finance Council Meeting The Catholic Center Thu., Nov. 9 Apostles Legacy Gala, Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Louis Fri., Nov. 10 Cursillo Weekend, Fredericktown Sat., Nov. 11 Diocesan School Board Meeting, Mountain View, MO Nov. 11- USCCB Annual Assembly, Nov. 16 Baltimore Holy Day of Obligation The Solemnity of All Saints, Wed., Nov. 1, is a holy day of obligation. Please check with your local parish for the celebration of Mass.

4 4 The Mirror October 27, 2017 DIOCESAN NEWS Annual White Coat Mass held Oct. 15 Springfield The Springfield-area chapter of The St. Luke Society (SLS) held its annual White Coat Mass in St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield, with The Most Rev. Edward M. Rice. All members of the health-care profession along with their families were invited to participate in the liturgy, where healthcare providers could be recognized for their vocation and mingle in Catholic fellowship. A reception followed. Participating physicians, nurses, EMTs, NPs, etc., wore a white lab coat or carried a symbol of their profession as a sign of unity in the field of healthcare ministry. The annual White Coat Mass is normally held around the Oct. 18 feast day of St. Luke, physician and evangelist. TM MINISTRY OF HEALTHCARE The annual White Coat Mass for those in the ministry of healthcare was held Sun., Oct. 15, in St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield, with Bp. Edward M. Rice. Pictured were (front row) Mary Alice Krueger, Sharon Giboney, and Isabelle Carter; (back row) Denee Scruggs, Dr. Mark Jarek, Bp. Edward Rice, Dr. Barbara Bumberry, and Ron Wieberg. (The Mirror) From the Office of Vocations & Seminarians ENCOUNTER with GOD S CALL RETREAT Conception, MO All men ages are invited to Conception Seminary College s Encounter with God s Call retreat from Nov More information can be found at conception.edu/seminary/encounter-gods-call/. Junior-Senior Retreat Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis A Junior-Senior Retreat is scheduled for Nov at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis. More information can be found at come-and-see-weekends. For more information and registration, please contact the Office of Vocations at (417) or Caitlin Blaine, cblaine@dioscg.org. WEBINAR Thu., Nov. 9, 2-3 p.m. To register go to: register/ SEMINARY VISITS Seminarian Daniel Belken, Bp. Edward M. Rice, and diocesan seminarian Allen Kirchner at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis, MO. (The Mirror) The Mirror: Newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau USPS Publication Publisher: The Most Rev. Edward Rice Editor: Leslie A. Eidson Production: Glenn Eckl Circulation/Advertising: Angie Toben, atoben@dioscg.org Published every other week except the last week in December at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO Address all communications to 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO ; Telephone (417) ; FAX (417) ; atoben@dioscg.org POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO When giving change of address, state both old and new address, also old and new parish. Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, MO, and additional mailing offices. Vol. LIII No. 14 October 27, 2017 Single copy price, $0.50 Subscription: $14 per year. Digital subscriptions available as an option to USPS delivery with paid subscription. For more information, contact atoben@dioscg.org. Copyright 2016, The Mirror, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: Diocese of Springfield-Cape

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS October 27, 2017 The Mirror 5 Announcements Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed in the Announcements. They will be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee. Belleville, IL The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows seeks volunteers for a shift or two during the Way of Lights, Fri., Nov. 17- Sun., Dec. 31. Duties include greeting visitors to the Christmas tree display or assisting in the children s craft area. If you are interested, programs@snows.org, or call Bette, (618) Glennonville St. Teresa Parish will host a Glow Run, Fri., Nov. 3, at the parish center/ school gym. Registration fee: $25; children (ages 13 to four): $15; children (ages three and under): free. For more information and registration forms, contact Heather Colvin at hcolvindpt12@gmail.com. Poplar Bluff Sacred Heart Parish will host its 95th St. Anne Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 4, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the parish center. There will be homemade breakfast cinnamon rolls and a gourmet lunch. There will be booths for arts and crafts, sewing, the Christmas shop, baked goods, including the Walz family bread, country store, homemade candy orders in time for Christmas, jewelry, religious goods, and white elephant items. The Guadalupe Group will be selling tamales. For more information, contact Cassie Willey, (573) Republic Happy Feet Run/Walk will be Sat., Nov. 4, 8:30 a.m., Cost: adults, $35; children, $25. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m., Nov. 4 at Calvary Baptist Church, 804- US Hwy. 60 West. Awards ceremony and breakfast at 10:15 a.m. Race packets may be picked up on Thu., Nov. 2, 1-5 p.m., or Fri., Nov. 3, 3-6 p.m. No refunds. Register Online at or visit www. reppregnancyresourcefriends.org. Scott City St. Joseph Alumni will host a School Reunion, Sat., Nov. 11, Knights of Columbus Hall. Meet and Mingle, 3 p.m.; meal, 5 p.m.; Dance, 7-10:30 p.m., to the band, Electric 107 s (formerly Third Wheel). Cost: $20/ person (includes meal and dance). Text or pictures for the video to Sherry (Kern) Thomas, (573) ; Joyce (Dees) Cliff, (573) ; or Leslie (Stubenrauch) Simmons, (573) , or lascpaco@gmail. com. Add yourself to the Facebook group St. Joseph Alumni (Catholic Grade School-Scott City MO) to receive notifications of meetings. Payment in advance would be appreciated. Mail to: St. Joseph School Reunion, Jay Simmons, Secretary/Treasurer, PO Box 2017 Cape Girardeau, MO Springfield St. Agnes Parish will hold it s Fall Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. A variety of booths will include Norwex products, greeting cards, pottery, pet treats, LulLaRoe clothing, jewelry, bake sale, and a variety of handmade items. Breakfast Cinnamon rolls Sat. morning. There is still space available. If you would like to rent a booth, contact Judy, (641) Springfield St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) will host a Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., in the old gym. There will be many returning vendors as well as new ones. Food items and our famous baked bread will be available for purchase. For additional information, contact Annie Freelove, (417) ; or Linda Zimmer, (417) Springfield Immaculate Conception Church and School has an opening for a fulltime janitorial maintenance position. Hours are 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Submit resume to Tina at tmiller@ic-parish.org or Immaculate Conception Church, 3555 S. Fremont, Springfield, Springfield Immaculate Conception Parish council of Catholic Women (PCCW). Will host a Holiday Sale, Sat., Nov. 11, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 12, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., in the community room. There will be white elephant items, baked goods, and a bistro. For more information about while elephants, contact Sandi DeFrank, (417) ; for baked goods, call Noreen Penn, (417) Springfield Holy Trinity Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW), will host its annual Fall Bazaar at Holy Trinity Church, Sat., Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the parish center. Thirty vendors will offer Catholic and Christian jewelry, books, and gifts; ceramics and pottery, Tupperware, hand-made scarves, accessories, and child/ baby gifts, jewelry, Christmas crafts and décor, and much more. Parish organizations will offer a sweet shoppe, garden booth, silent auction, and huge white elephant sale. Meals available for purchase. For more information, call Holy Trinity, (417) , or Tina Kile, tkile@holytrinityspringfield.com. Springfield Got your Praise on? This prayer group meets every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Enjoy beautiful music and prayer with friends. For more information, call Jan Peters, (417) Springfield Contemplative Outreach of Springfield is launching a new, quarterly Diving Deeper series. The series will run from Sat., Nov. 4, 2017-Fri., May 4, 2019, Immaculate Conception Church. Mass at 8:30 a.m.; registration, 9:15 a.m.; program, 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m.; lunch provided. To ensure there will be sufficient food/materials, please Barb DePue at democatsx2@gmail.com. Free-will offering will cover cost of lunch and supplies. Springfield In conjunction with the Mid-town Victorian Homes Tour, Sacred Heart Church is planning its 12th annual Craft/Vendor Christmas Bazaar, Fri., Dec. 1, 5-9 p.m., and Sat., Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in the church hall. Homemade Holiday Cookies by the pound available for purchase. For more information, contact Bob Horton, (417) , or rmhorton711@gmail.com. MADP holds series of talks on the death penalty Schedule Safe environment in-service opportunities will be held at the following locations: Thu., Nov p.m...st. Mary, Joplin Sat., Nov. 4 9 a.m.-12-noon...st. Joseph the Worker, Ozark Sat., Nov. 4 9 a.m.-12-noon...immaculate Conception, Springfield Mon., Nov p.m...our Lady of the Lake, Branson Mon., Nov p.m...st. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau Mon., Nov p.m...st. Ann, Carthage Sat., Dec a.m.-12-noon...st. Vincent de Paul, Cape Girardeau Pre-registration is necessary; go to and click on registration on the left or call your parish/school office for assistance; or call Rosie Francka at The Catholic Center, (417) ; or her at rfrancka@dioscg.org. Participants must be present for the entire training. Training sessions are for adults only. Schedules may be found on the diocesan events calendar at or at

6 6 The Mirror October 27, TH ANNIVERSARY OF REFORMATION First public monument of Martin Luther, designed 1821 by J.G. Shadow, Wittenberg. Luther was a monk, theologian, and the translator of the bible into German. (Shutterstock) The Reformation 500 years later (Part 2) The spark started by Martin Luther helped push Catholic leaders to their own Counter-Reformation, the benefits of which the faithful still reap today By Russell Shaw Was it a much-needed struggle by Catholics to root out Catholic failings and abuses, or was it a spiritual counter-offensive against Protestantism? In fact, the renewal movement that burst into life in the Church in the 16th century was something of both Catholics correcting Catholic failings while also fighting Protestantism. In the short range, reform of the Church was a reaction to Martin Luther, his associates and followers, and the other Protestant groups that sprang up alongside and often in competition with Lutheranism. In this sense, it was a counter-reformation in opposition to the Protestant Reformation. But as a positive exercise in internal renewal spearheaded by Catholics who deplored abuses in the Church and sought to root them out while remaining faithful to their Catholic tradition, the Catholic Reformation was an inseparable part of the same history. This complex set of events was in the background of Pope Francis 2016 journey of reconciliation to Sweden for a Lutheran observance of the start of the 500th anniversary year of Luther s break with the Catholic Church. Early inspiration It takes nothing from the importance of Luther to point out that Catholic efforts on behalf of reform began before he arrived on the scene. One place they began in the late 15th century was Spain with Card. Francisco Jimenez de Cisneros, confessor of Queen Isabella. Foreshadowing the great reforming Council of Trent more than half a century later, Card. Cisneros concentrated especially on upgrading the clergy. To that end, he established an important new university in Alcala for the education of priests. Although reform tended to lag behind in other European countries, Catholic intellectuals of the day railed against abuses. The best known SECOND IN THE SERIES This is the second part of a two-part series looking at the Protestant Reformation. Part 1 was published in the Oct. 13, 2017 issue of The Mirror and explored the key players and their reasons for seeking reformation. today was St. Thomas More s friend, Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam. In his widely read book, the Enchiridion Militis Christiani (Handbook of a Christian Knight), published in the first decade of the 16th century, Erasmus compiled a catalogue of practices that he believed put too much emphasis on things like pilgrimages and indulgences, instead of emphasizing that which is more near to very godliness interior faith. Although a Spanish ex-soldier who had lately experienced a profound religious conversion Ignatius Loyola was his name disliked the book for what he considered its coldness and critical spirit, the Enchiridion had a powerful impact. Not surprisingly, Erasmus supported Luther when he surfaced as a challenger of the status quo, though later he backed off upon concluding that Luther went too far. Roots of reform The first Church-wide official effort at reform was the Fifth Lateran Council, which took place on the very eve of the Protestant explosion from 1512 to Lateran V was highly critical of corruption among the clergy and, especially, religious orders. But its limitations can be seen in the fact that it left untouched one of the worst problems of all the practice of allowing bishops to hold See Reformation / 7

7 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF REFORMATION October 27, 2017 The Mirror 7 From Page 6 two dioceses at the same time, often without living in either. Other elements of the Catholic reform movement proved more successful. An important part of it was the founding of several new religious bodies, including the Franciscan reform group called the Capuchins, the Oratory of Divine Love, which counted among its members some of the most notable religious figures of the day, and St. Angela Merici s Ursulines. And, as time would show, particularly important to the Catholic Reformation was still another new group called the Society of Jesus the Jesuits. Their founder, Ignatius, as a young man was deeply imbued with the ideals of chivalry and military glory. On May 20, 1521, he was seriously wounded in French-Spanish fighting at Pamplona. Laid up at the family castle during a long and painful recovery from a shattered leg, he began to read the lives of saints out of sheer boredom. Unexpectedly, he found himself moved. If these people could reach holiness, he asked himself, why not he? His conversion had begun. But it needed a long time to mature and deepen. Ignatius spent the next 20 years strengthening his previously neglected spiritual life and trying to discern God s will for him. In the meantime, at universities in Spain and France, he pursued THE JESUITS: COUNTER-REFORMERS Prominent in the Catholic Reformation was the Society of Jesus the Jesuits which Pope Paul III formally approved in The founder and first superior general of the new religious order was St. Ignatius Loyola. Writing to the Jesuits of Portugal in May 1547, he laid out the situation facing the Church and the challenge it presented to the Jesuits: You are certainly living in times when it is necessary to show your desires by deeds. Find if you can a spot today where the divine majesty is honored, where his immense greatness is venerated, where his wisdom and infinite goodness are known, where his most holy will is obeyed. See, rather, and see it with sorrow, how much his holy name everywhere is ignored, despised, blasphemed. If you consider fully how great is our obligation to promote the honor of Jesus Christ and the salvation of our neighbor, you will recognize how fit and just it is that you should be prepared for every effort and endeavor to make of yourselves efficient instruments of the divine grace for that end. You must increase your endeavors to supply what others fail to perform, for to you God gives a special grace in this your vocation and purpose. the academic studies that he believed would be necessary to accomplish whatever it was God had in mind. On Aug. 15, 1534, in Paris, Ignatius and six companions joined in pronouncing vows that were a first step toward forming a new religious community. In 1540, Pope Paul III gave formal approval to the new group, the Society of Jesus. Ignatius was elected its first superior general. Before his death in 1556, the Jesuits had grown rapidly and spread dramatically, fully reflecting the spirit prescribed for them by their founder in the constitutions he wrote for new order. As in this: It is to be observed that the intention of the vow wherewith the Society has bound itself unreservedly to obedience to the Supreme Vicar of Christ [the Jesuits famous fourth vow of unconditional obedience to the pope] is that we repair to whatever part of the world he shall determine to send us for the greater glory of God and the succour of souls, whether among the faithful or infidels. And soon it seemed as if Jesuits were everywhere doing just about everything. Jesuits rise up Jesuit theologians had a prominent role at the Council of Trent. Jesuits labored to bolster the Faith in many places in Europe for example, Germany, where St. Peter Canisius See Reformation / 10 SOCIETY OF JESUS Vows of the first members of the Society of Jesus, altar in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Zagreb, Croatia. Founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuits were prominent in the Catholic Reformation. (Credit: 123rf/The Mirror) 500 YEARS OF MISUNDERSTANDING Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI (Flickr) The heart has its reasons, says Pascal, and sometimes those reasons have a long history. Recently I signed a card for a friend, a devout Baptist, who was raised to have a suspicion of Roman Catholics. Who of us is entirely free from suspicion of what s religiously different from us? And what s the cure? Personal contact, friendship, and theological dialogue with those of other denominations and other faiths does help open our minds and hearts, but the fruit of centuries of bitter misunderstanding doesn t disappear so easily, especially when it s institutionally entrenched and nurtured as a prophetic protection of God and truth. And so in regards to Christians of other denominations there remains an inability to see the other fully as one of our own. I signed the card for my friend, To a fellow Christian, a brother in the Body of Christ, a good friend, from whom I m separated by 500 years of misunderstanding. Five hundred years of misunderstanding, of separation, of suspicion, of defensiveness, isn t easily overcome, especially on issues about God, truth, and religion. Granted, there has been much progress made in the past 50 years, but the effects of the historical break with Christianity are still seen everywhere, from high church offices, to debates within the academy of theology, to suspicions inside the popular mind. Sad how we ve focused so much on our differences, when at the center, at the heart, we share the same essential faith, the same essential beliefs, the same basic moral codes, the same Scriptures, the same belief in afterlife, and the same fundamental tenet that intimacy with Jesus Christ is the aim of our faith. To someone looking at us from the outside we, all the different Christian denominations, look like a monolith, one faith, one church, a single religion, our differences far overshadowed by our commonality. Sadly we tend not to see ourselves like this from within, where our differences are seen to dwarf our common discipleship. Yet, the Epistle to the Ephesians tells us that, as Christians, we share one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God who is Father of all of us. At its most essential level, that s true of all of us as Christians, despite our denominational differences. We are one at our core. Granted, there are some real differences among us. Ecclesially, the issues that divide us focus mostly on church authority, on ordination to ministry, on whether to emphasize word or sacrament, on how to understand the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, on the number of sacraments, on the place of sacramentals and devotions within discipleship, and on how Scripture and tradition interplay with each other. In terms of moral issues, the issues that divide us are also the red button issues within our society as a whole: abortion, gay marriage, birth control, and the place of social justice within discipleship. But, even on these, there s more commonality than difference among the churches. Moreover, today, the differences on how we understand many of the ecclesial and moral issues that divide us are more temperamental than denominational, that is, they tend to be more a question of one s theology than of one s denominational affiliation. Granted, classical denominational theology still plays in, but the divisions today are less a tension between Roman Catholics and Protestants (and Evangelicals) than they are between those who lean temperamentally and theologically in one direction rather than the other. The earliest Christian Creed had but a single line: Jesus is Lord! All Christians still agree on that and so we remain brothers and sisters, separated only by 500 years of misunderstanding. TM Oblate Fr. Ron Rolheiser is president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX.

8 8 The Mirror October 27, 2017 ADVERTISING

9 October 27, 2017 ADVERTISING The Mirror 9

10 10 The Mirror October 27, TH ANNIVERSARY OF REFORMATION From Page 7 ( ) is credited with a central role in saving half the country for Catholicism. Jesuits worked in the new missions of the Americas as well as in the Far East, where the heroic labors of St. Francis Xavier ( ) brought many thousands of non-christians to the Church. Directing this activity from Rome was St. Ignatius. Besides founding the Society itself, his most lasting contribution may be the writing of the Spiritual Exercises, a handbook for retreat masters and spiritual directors that has shaped the formation of countless devout souls since the 16th century. Catholic historian Christopher Dawson calls the book the fundamental text of the Catholic Reform. Among its most famous passages is one in the Principle and Foundation at its start: Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save his soul. All other things on the face of the earth are created for man to help him fulfill the end for which he is created. From this it follows that man is to use these things to the extent that they will help him to attain his end. Likewise, he must rid himself of them in so far as they prevent him from attaining it. But the spirit of the Catholic Reformation needed to enter the Church at large and via ecclesiastical structures and laws. Accomplishing that was the great work of the Council of Trent a general council of the Church that was to have a profound effect on the lives of Catholics not just in its own day but up to the present. The man who called it was Pope Paul III. A member of a powerful family, Alexander Farnese led a morallydisorderly life in his younger years INTRODUCTION TO DEVOUT LIFE Central to the Catholic Reformation was its emphasis on spiritual formation, including the formation of laypeople. St. Ignatius Loyola s Spiritual Exercises is a landmark in this effort. But it is not the only one. Another notable title in the literature of spiritual formation is The Introduction to the Devout Life, written by St. Francis de Sales, bishop of Geneva, and published in Like Ignatius Exercises, it is still read and used. St. Francis de Sales The holy author describes his vision and purpose in the book s introduction, there insisting that the forms of devotion must be adapted to suit different vocations and states in life. Is the solitary life of a Carthusian suited to a bishop? Should those who are married practice the poverty of a Capuchin? If workmen spent as much time in church as religious, if religious were exposed to the same pastoral calls as a bishop, such devotion would be ridiculous and cause intolerable disorder. But even so, St. Francis insists, all forms of authentic devotion are alike in being cheerful. Real living devotion presupposes the love of God; is in fact that very love, though it has many aspects. The world defames devotion as much as it can. The devout are represented with peevish, gloomy and sullen faces and devotion is said to make people melancholy and insupportable. But the Holy Spirit assures us through the saints, and our Lord himself assures us, that the devout life is pleasant, happy and agreeable. but then experienced a conversion, serving as an eager participant in the Lateran Council and a conscientious bishop. He was elected pope in Nineteen months later, he formally convoked the Council of Trent. Gathering in Trent In preparation for the council, Pope Paul established a commission of reform-minded cardinals whom he instructed to identify abuses that needed correcting. The result was a searing indictment starting at the top. The source of much of the trouble, it declared, was the Roman curia, which too often counseled popes not on what they ought to do but what they wanted to do. The need for good bishops and good priests was obvious, the commission continued. All too often ecclesiastical appointments were made to suit the convenience of the nominee, not the needs of the flock of Christ. Action was desperately needed to rein in the practice of allowing bishops to hold more dioceses than one. Religious orders had grown too numerous and some should be suppressed and so on, from scandalous fundraising to the multiplication of dispensations. The list was long, and the report pulled no punches naming them. The council that followed was held in three sessions, , and , and extended over the pontificates of five popes. That long stretch of 18 years reflected more than just the quantity of work the council aimed to accomplish, substantial though that was. An even larger factor was the external and internal obstacles Trent had to surmount, including disruptive wars, political maneuvering, disagreements within the Church, and the opposition of at least one pope, Paul IV, who believed he could accomplish reform without the involvement of any council. That mirrored a long-standing pope-council power struggle that preexisted Trent by centuries and lasted to some degree until Vatican Council I ( ) and Vatican Council II ( ) settled the question of primacy in favor of the papacy. In the end, despite the obstacles, Trent adopted a body of doctrinal and disciplinary documents that affirmed Catholic teaching on many matters disputed by the Protestants while decreeing urgently needed reforms. Among the highlights: It ended the practice of allowing bishops to hold more than one diocese; it required every diocese to have a seminary for the training of candidates for the priesthood; and it commissioned the writing of a comprehensive catechism of Catholic doctrine that came to be called the Catechism of the Council of Trent (see sidebar on Page 11). Beginning, not an end In November 1564, responding to a request by the council fathers, On the Web What 50 years of talks between Catholics and Lutherans looks like Reformation Politics: Luther s Movement was as much about power as religion Interview: Pope talks Catholic- Lutheran dialogue St. Charles Borromeo: A model for all clergy in troubled times Martyr of the English Reformation: St. Thomas More Pope Pius IV published a profession of faith expressing Trent s renewed emphasis on the Church and the papal office: I acknowledge the holy, catholic, and apostolic Roman Church as the mother and teacher of all the Churches, and I promise and swear true obedience to the Roman pontiff, successor of blessed Peter, chief of the apostles, and vicar of Christ. Trent was a beginning, not an end, says historian James Hitchcock. The spirit of the Catholic Reformation, forged at Trent, was one of strict orthodoxy and morality, deep personal piety, and obedience to Church authority, Hitchcock says, calling this a revival that was profoundly successful in giving the Church a character that would endure for 400 years. Meanwhile, even before the council ended, a treaty known to history as the Peace of Augsburg in 1555 had restored a measure of peace to Europe. This settlement between Emperor Charles V and his opponents was based on a famous formula cuius regio eius religio: the religion of a territory s ruler shall be the religion of the territory. Peace was purchased at the price of subjecting religion to the secular state (England, where British monarchs had already declared themselves supreme head of the established church, provides a model). The decisive years By the time Trent ended, the Catholic Reformation was well underway. Now it grew and spread, See Reformation / 11

11 October 27, TH ANNIVERSARY OF REFORMATION The Mirror 11 From Page 10 energizing the Church s efforts in a religiously divided world to retain what could be retained, regain what could be regained, and everywhere breathe new spirit into Catholics themselves. Implementing the council in the face of an entrenched status quo was by no means immediate or easy, but under the leadership of reforming popes like the Dominican St. Pius V, pope from , it moved ahead, with the Jesuits and other reinvigorated religious orders playing notable roles. New schools and universities were founded under Catholic auspices, religious formation along the lines of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises flourished, and the Faith put down roots in mission territories overseas. Christopher Dawson calls the period after Trent the decisive years. James Hitchcock says, It was a creative period that produced new conceptions of religious life catechizing and evangelizing in ways never before attempted, and a daring new style of religious art the Baroque. But the highest achievement of that era is found in the saints of the post-tridentine period. These include figures like St. Teresa of Ávila, reformer of the Carmelites, mystic and Doctor of the Church, who died in 1582; St. Charles Borromeo, cardinal and bishop of Milan, the model of a Church leader committed to renewal as prescribed by Trent, who died in 1584; and St. Philip Neri, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory and a strong spiritual influence on Church leaders in Rome, who died in Speaking at the ninth and last session of the Council of Trent, Bp. Jerome Ragozonus of Venice presented an overview. He began by expressing regret that Protestants had shunned the council. Oh, that those for whose sake this voyage was chiefly undertaken had decided to board it with us, he exclaimed. Yet even so, he concluded, the voyage had proved to be eminently worthwhile. The Council of Trent, which was begun long ago, was for a time suspended, often postponed and dispersed, now at last through a singular favor of almighty God and with a complete and wonderful accord of all ranks and nations has come to a close. This most happy day has dawned for the Christian people; the day in which the temple of the Lord, often shattered and destroyed, is restored and completed, and this one ship, laden with every blessing and buffeted by the worst and most relentless storms and waves, is brought safely into port. A bit flowery, one might say, but not bad as a summing up of Trent and the Catholic Reformation. TM Russell Shaw is a contributing editor at Our Sunday Visitor, wwwosv. com. This article is reprinted with permission. ONGOING CATHOLIC-LUTHERAN DIALOGUE TRENT S TEACHINGS Although not referring by name to any of the Protestants, the Council of Trent s reaffirmations of doctrine were often aimed at them. Passages drawn from a few suggest the tone. On justification, and the relationship between God s grace and human action: The beginning of justification must be attributed to God s prevenient grace through Jesus Christ. Those who through their sins were turned away from God, awakened and assisted by his grace, are disposed to turn to their own justification by freely assenting to and cooperating with that grace. On the seven sacraments (the number was important, since the Protestants generally recognized only baptism and the Eucharist): If anyone says that the sacraments were not all instituted by Jesus Christ our Lord; or that there are more or fewer than seven let him be anathema. (Anathema was the traditional formula for condemning false teaching.) Catholics and Lutherans continue to work toward reconciliation, most recently with the joint document Declaration on the Way, released in The document took stock of 50 years of dialogue between the USCCB and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It also highlighted areas where Catholics and Lutherans still need to work to foster unity. Visit OSVNews.com for more. On the sacrifice of the Mass, which Protestants typically described as a ritual meal but did not consider a sacrificial act: (Jesus) was once and for all to offer himself to the Father by his death on the Cross. But, because his priesthood was not to end with his death, at the Last Supper he offered his body and blood under the species of bread and wine to God the Father, and then established (the apostles) and their successors in the priesthood to offer. On indulgences: Since the power of granting indulgences was conferred on the Church by Christ, and as she made use of this power divinely given to her even in the early times, the holy council teaches and commands that the use of indulgences is to be retained in the Church. CHRISTIAN UNITY Pope Francis embraced Bp. Dr. Munib A. Younan, President of the Lutheran World Federation-during a joint prayer service in Lund Oct. 31, Pope Francis said that without God, we can do nothing, but with him, Catholics and Lutherans can work toward greater unity not in order to forget the past, but to heal it so all Christians can be better witnesses of God s mercy. (Credit: L Osservatore Romano)

12 12 The Mirror October 27, 2017 DIOCESAN NEWS Bishop Rice ordains two to Permanent Diaconate From Page 1 Liturgy of the Hours, a daily examination of conscience, and maintaining regular meetings with his spiritual director. The latter, he said, is something he recommends as key for anyone s spirituality, in addition to daily prayer and self-reflection. Deacon Mike Fritz has been assigned by Bp. Rice to serve as a deacon in Sacred Heart Parish in Conway and St. William Parish in Buffalo. Deacon James ( Jim ) Walter Jim Walter was born and raised in Eastern Nebraska. He attended Archbishop Bergan Catholic High School CALL & PRESENTATION Michael Fritz and James Walter await their Call and Presentation to Bp. Edward M. Rice in St. Agnes Cathedral on Aug. 12. The men were ordained to the permanent diaconate in service to parishes in Buffalo, Carthage, and Conway. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror) in Fremont, NE, and then attended the US Military Academy. Deacon Walter spent five years on active duty in the Army before earning his MS in Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He then began a career as an engineering/manufacturing manager, from which he retired four years ago. Deacon Walter and his wife, Susie, have been married for 45 years and have five children and 10 grandchildren. They moved to Carthage in 1986 and attend St. Ann Parish. That is where Walter s discernment regarding the Permanent Diaconate also began, thanks in part to the suggestion of a retired Vietnamese priest (Carthage is also home to the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer, formally the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix). I had not really considered the vocation before then, Deacon Walter said, due, in part, to not having encountered many permanent deacons in the diocese. However, I knew that I needed to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, he said. Deacon Walter submitted his application with the belief, that if this was something that was God s will, nothing could prevent it from happening. Attuned to the work of the Spirit in his life, Deacon Walter persevered through six years of Lamar 2017 Box of Joy discernment and formation within the diaconate program in the Diocese of Tulsa. Reflecting on his preparation experience, Walter said, the foundation of the program, that which gave light and life to our formation weekends, was a life of prayer centered on the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours), Eucharistic Adoration, and, of course, daily Mass. I came to the understanding that the purpose of my diaconate preparation was not about doing something for God, but rather to grow my relationship with Him, Deacon Walter said. And, when we deepen our relationship with God, acts of love and charity naturally come forth. Deacon Walter points to the Eucharist the source, center, and summit of the Faith, he notes as the center of his spiritual life, and that of his wife s. Attending Mass and praying the Psalms, as well as the rosary, are also of utmost importance to keeping himself spiritually sustained. Especially in these difficult times, Deacon Walter said, the words of Our Lady of Fatima to say the rosary every day to bring peace to the world are critically important. Deacon Walter said that he enjoys sharing with others what he has learned through his formation and spiritual growth, and looks forward to continuing sharing the Faith through preaching and various pastoral settings. It is a great honor to PRAYER OF ORDINATION Bishop Edward M. Rice laid his hands on the head of Michael Fritz, ordaining him a Deacon in service to the Church of Southern Missouri on Aug. 12 in St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror) be in service to the Word and Altar at Mass, Deacon Walter said, and then go out and serve others in INVESTITURE Deacon Dan Vaughn, of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Branson, vested the newly-ordained Deacon James Walter in a deacon stole and dalmatic. Deacon Walter and Deacon Michael Fritz were ordained to the permanent diaconate on Aug. 12 in St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror) charity. Deacon Walter serves as a deacon in his home parish of St. Ann in Carthage. TM Favorite spiritual books Deacon Fritz: Catechism of the Catholic Church Man and Woman, He Created Them: A Theology of the Body (St. John Paul II) Introduction to the Devout Life (St. Francis de Sales) Deacon Walter: True Devotion to Mary (St. Louis de Montfort) The Glories of Mary (St. Alphonsus Liguori) Confessions (St. Augustine) Encyclical Letter The Splendor of Truth (Pope St. John Paul II) Project Andrew Dinner Sun., Nov. 5, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau & Sun., Nov. 29, St. John Vianney Parish, Mt. View St. Mary Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) of Lamar is participating in the Cross Catholic 2017 Box of Joy program. This service provides underprivileged children in various countries with a shoe box filled with boy or girl age-appropriate toys, hygiene products, clothes, and school supplies. St. Mary Parish, Lamar, is a drop-off site for completed boxes. Deadline is Nov. 12. Project coordinator is Jill Purinton, (417) , joedpjilldp@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www. crosscatholic.org. A Project Andrew Dinner will be held in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau on Sun., Nov. 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; and in St. John Vianney Parish, Mtn. View on Sun., Nov. 29, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Young men ages are invited to this vocations event to learn more about the ordained priesthood as well as share prayer and a meal with Bp. Edward M. Rice and other area priests. The Project Andrew Dinner is named for St. Andrew, who brought his brother, Simon Peter, to meet Jesus as is recorded in the passage about the first disciples in Jn 1: If you are interested in participating in this event or have questions, please contact Caitlin at (417) or cblaine@dioscg.org.

13 October 27, 2017 DIOCESAN/NATIONAL NEWS The Mirror 13 National Vocations Awareness Week set for Nov Washington DC The Catholic Church in the US will celebrate National Vocations Awareness Week, Nov. 5-11, This annual event is a special time for parishes in the US to actively foster and pray for a culture of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the Chair of the US Bishops Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, reminds us that each of us in the Church has a key role to play in the witness of our vocation in ordinary circumstances, As we go about our everyday life and most especially this week, we must keep vocations in our prayers, while, at the same time, being a mindful witness with our own vocation, said Card. Joseph Tobin. We may never know how our lives may have an impact on someone else s story. Simply living out our call as disciples of Jesus Christ fully and joyfully in the world bears witness to the love of Christ as He generously bestows on each of us our own personal call. National Vocations Awareness Week is designed to help promote vocation awareness and to encourage young people to ask the question: To what vocation in life is God calling me? Parish and school communities across the nation are encouraged to include, during the first full week in November, prayer and special activities that focus on vocation awareness. Observance of Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 when the US bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for the celebration. It was later moved to Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January. In order to engage Catholic schools and colleges more effectively in this effort, the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations moved the observance of National Vocation Awareness Week to November. More information and resources for National Vocations Awareness Week, including a prayer card, homily aids, suggested prayers of the faithful, and bulletinready quotes are available Online at: vocations/national-vocation-awareness-week.cfm. TM Prayer for Vocations God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacricial love in our youth and young adults. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Married couples: Get re-acquainted at Marriage Encounter HUSBANDS There was a time when you would have put aside ANYTHING for a weekend alone with your wife. It s time for you to get away, to rediscover each other, and supercharge your relationship for an entire weekend. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is Nov , 2017 For more information or to apply, please visit our Website: or call Tony & Barb Zimmerman, (816) or tonybarbz@prodigy.net Love One Another as I Have Loved You! Diocesan Council for Youth Adventure Programs formed Invitation to all adult leaders in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Trail Life USA, American Heritage Girls, and other adventure -type programs Council membership for the new Diocesan Council for Youth Adventure programs consists of all adult leaders for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Trail Life USA, American Heritage Girls, and other adventuretype programs who have been chartered through and/or meet on the grounds of Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. If you are an adult leader serving in one of these programs, you are considered a council member. The mission of this council is to form our youth into intentional disciples who love Jesus, serve Jesus, and share Jesus. Bishop Edward Rice invites you to a special Advent gathering of the new Council for Youth Adventure Programs on Sun., Dec. 3 from 1-3 p.m. We will meet in a central location of our diocese: St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 808 State Route Y in Mountain View, MO. This gathering will be a unique opportunity for all leaders to gather and share ideas with each other, engage in a time of prayer, and Bp. Rice will share some of his thoughts on promotion of our common mission of forming disciples. There will be light snacks and fellowship. For more information, please consult the Office of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation at (417) or via to knewton@dioscg.org or lmelendez@dioscg.org. Worldwide Marriage Encounter Kansas City-St. Joseph/ Northeast Kansas/Springfield & Branson

14 14 The Mirror October 27, 2017 DIOCESAN/NATIONAL NEWS/ADVERTISING Fr. Stanley Rother beatified in Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK Fr. Stanley Rother, an Oklahoma priest martyred in Guatemala, was beatified Sept. 23 during a Mass in Oklahoma City attended by over 20,000 people, including a group from Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Pope Francis named him blessed in a letter that cited his deeply-rooted faith, his profound union with God, and his arduous duty to spread the word of God in missionary lands, faithfully living his priestly and missionary service until his martyrdom. His feast day is set for the anniversary of his death, July 28, 1981, which the papal letter described as the day of his heavenly birth. Blessed Stanley Rother served indigenous people of his Guatemala parish at a time of civil war. He returned to his home state of Oklahoma after a death threat, then returned knowing the dangers. Before his last Christmas, the priest wrote to a parish in Oklahoma about Guatemala: The shepherd cannot run at the first sign of danger, he said. Armed men broke into his rectory, intending to abduct him. He resisted and struggled, but did not call Permanent deacon appointed Springfield Bishop Edward M. Rice recently announced the appointment of Deacon Kevin Carroll to Immaculate Conception Parish, Springfield. Deacon Carroll and his wife, Mary, recently relocated to Springfield from St. Louis. Deacon Carroll was ordained to the permanent diaconate in He previously served Holy Trinity Parish in St. Ann, MO, and Our Lady of the Presentation Parish in Overland, MO. TM PERMANENT DEACON Deacon Kevin Carroll and his wife, Mary, recently moved to Springfield from St. Louis. Deacon Carroll will serve Immaculate Conception Parish, Springfield, effective immediately. (Photo by Sarah Pittman/The Mirror) First nativeborn priest and martyr of the US. Bl. Fr. Stanley Rother C O N T E M P L A T I V E MONK for help, so others at the mission would not be endangered. He was shot twice and killed. At a time of great social and political turbulence, the priest lived as a disciple of Christ, doing good and spreading peace and reconciliation among the people, Card. Angelo Amato, Prefect for the Congregation of Saints, said in his homily. Unfortunately, this immediate recompense on this earth was persecution and a bloody death, in accord with the Words of Jesus: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it produces much fruit, said the cardinal, citing the words of the Gospel. Though Bl. Rother faced difficulties in his seminary studies, he showed great dedication to the manual labor he was familiar with from his youth on his family farm near Okarche, OK. After volunteering for the Guatemala mission Santiago Atitlan, the priest learned Spanish. He even learned the local language of the Tz utujil Mayan Indians so well that he could use it in his preaching. He would spend 13 years of his life there, diligent in visiting newlyweds and baptizing and catechizing their children. He was vigorous in both religious and social formation, drawing on his experience to work the fields and repair broken trucks while also building a farmer s co-op, a school, a Trappist Cistercian A small, self-supporting community in the Ozark foothills of Missouri. Available for retreats and periods of discernment. Assumption Abbey RR 5 Box 1056, Ava, MO (417) assumptionabbey@gmail.com SEVEN FROM DIOCESE ATTEND BEATIFICATION Six women joined Fr. Dan Hirtz to attend the beatification of Fr. Stanley Rother in Oklahoma City on Sept. 23. Fr. Rother is the first US citizen to be martyred and the first US priest to be beatified. Pictured are (not in order) Trudy Duncan, Judy Russell, Tennessee Dazey, Anne Gibbar, Sr. Rose Mock, and Jean Boldreghini, along with Sr. Carol Prenger, SSND, and Sr. Jane Wand, SSND, both of whom formally served in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in Van Buren and who were also at the beatification Mass. Fr. Hirtz is pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Piedmont; St. George Mission Church, Van Buren, and Our Lady of Sorrows Mission in Willamsville. Fr. Stan needs one more miracle attributed to him for his canonization to move forward, Fr. Hirtz said. Anyone looking for a miracle would be encouraged to pray for his intercession. (Submitted photo) hospital, and the area s first Catholic radio station. After a major earthquake in 1976, Bl. Rother took action. With courage he climbed the ravines in order to help the very poor, pulling the wounded out of the ruins and carrying them to safety on his shoulders, Card. Amato said. Cardinal Amato recounted the civil conflict in Guatemala. From 1971 to 1981, there were numerous killings of journalists, farmers, catechists, and priests, all accused falsely of communism. This was a real and true time of bloody persecution of the Church, the cardinal said. Fr. Rother, aware of the imminent danger to his life, prepared himself for martyrdom, asking the Lord for the strength to face it without fear. He continued, however, to preach the gospel of love and non-violence. Both the priest s mission and the aid he gave to the victims of violence were seen as subversive, explained the cardinal, who added: a good shepherd cannot abandon his flock. In the face of kidnappings and violence Fr. Rother felt helpless because he did not succeed in changing the situation of reconciliation and forgiveness, Card. Amato said. He often cried in silence to a Carmelite nun who asked what to do if he were killed. Fr. Rother responded: Raise the standard of Christ Risen. CNA Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc. Brentwood Chapel University Chapel Crematory Columbarium Licensed funeral directors of distinction: Bill M. Abbott W. Bruce Howell Marquis Howell, Jr. Robert Lohmeyer Harley R. Williams Don R. Lohmeyer Clint W. Mease Marquis Howell, Sr. Angela N. Collins Heather K. Howell Winford R. Laster Locally owned and operated for over 50 years 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield MO (417) fax (417) , gormanscharpf@mchsi.com

15 October 27, 2017 DIOCESAN NEWS/LETTER TO EDITOR/ADVERTISING The Mirror 15 Angela Schaefer awarded the Blessed John Duns Scotus Award Cape Girardeau, MO Brother David Anthony Migliorino, OSF, principal of Notre Dame Regional high School (NDHS) announced that Angela Schaefer has been awarded the Blessed John Duns Scotus Award for excellence in Franciscan Education in the discipline of Science. The Blessed John Duns Scotus Award, presented by The Franciscan Brothers of Schaefer Brooklyn, recognizes excellence in education in certain disciplines. The General Council nominates and selects the award winners and is comprised of five elected representatives of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn. This is the first time that a high school teacher was selected over a college professor for any of the disciplines recognized by this award. Schaefer is the head of the Science Department at NDHS and teaches Chemistry and Advanced Chemistry classes. In addition to her teaching duties, Schaefer serves the school as its Substance Abuse Prevention Team Chairperson, Students Against Destructive Decisions Moderator, Freshman/Senior Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home Locally-owned & operated u Dedicated u Caring u Professional Offices of the Catholic Cemeteries Paul & Lynn Wunderlich David Fenton Louis Lohmeyer Charlene Harris-Bengsch Gene Lohmeyer Mary Ann Johnston Joel Champ Lock-In Coordinator, and Project Prom coordinator. Mrs. Schaefer is one of the most dedicated teachers in the building, said Notre Dame Junior, Lily Parker. Every class period, I can see how much she engages with us and helps us to succeed. We are truly blessed to have her in our lives. Schaefer received her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and Master of Arts in Natural Sciences from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. She is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, Science Teachers of Missouri, and the National Catholic Education Association. She has provided 31 years of service to Notre Dame Regional High School. Mrs. Schaefer gives her all to every student, she is a remarkable teacher, one who not only loves what she teachers, but loves those she teaches, Bro. Migliorino said. She makes every lesson a work of art. TM OL of Fatima what now? LETTER TO EDITOR From Our Readers Now that we have celebrated the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima and she has crushed the head of the serpent, we should claim Our Lady s victory. During this past century the world has been overwhelmed with sin. It will take time to come back to normal, but we can aid this by claiming this victory in all our thoughts, words, actions, and prayers. Start by acknowledging each and every little change we see and give thanks for all the good that is coming to this world. Lou Flood Letters to the Editor may be sent to Editor, The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO , or via , leidson@dioscg.org. Letters will be verified so please provide your name, daytime phone number, or address. Preference is given to letters that are direct, concise, and no longer than 250 words. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor and subject to editing. Readers letters are limited to one per person in a 60-day period. u 500 E. Walnut - Springfield, MO (417)

16 16 The Mirror October 27, 2017 DIOCESAN NEWS 2017 Catechist Institutes Catechists as Missionary Disciples By J.B. Kelly Springfield The annual Catechist Institutes held in the diocese this year focused on the theme of Catechists as Missionary Disciples, delving into concepts related to authentically putting into practice the theology of the New Evangelization. Religious educators in the diocese gathered for the institutes on Sat., Oct. 14, at Holy Trinity Parish in Springfield and on Sun., Oct. 22, at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cape Girardeau. Lynn Melendez, Director of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation for the diocese, and Bp. Edward Rice each gave keynote addresses that expounded upon the idea of missionary discipleship and reminded catechists of the growing number of challenges that face the work of sharing and teaching the Faith. Oddwalk Ministries, Shannon Cerneka and Orin Johnston, provided upbeat music and witnessing surrounding the theme of embracing life as Eucharistic people. Melendez offered insights gleaned in part from her experience at the Convocation of Catholic Leaders held earlier this year in Orlando, FL, which explored key ideas from Pope Francis 2013 Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium ( The Joy of the Gospel ). We have to recognize that the ways we ve been doing things [in catechesis and evangelization] may not be effective today, Melendez said, adding that Pope Francis missionary impulse envisions a transformation of Church customs, schedules, and structures to be more suitable for the evangelization of today s world rather than for self-preservation (EG, 27). Melendez shared a broader view of discipleship that incorporates a greater missionary impetus and challenges catechists and all of the faithful to strive to more deeply engage others and bring them to an encounter with Christ. A disciple prays every day, but a missionary disciple helps others to pray, Melendez said, offering one of several examples of what were referred to as Habits of Discipleship. Cultural landscape KEYNOTE Lynn Melendez, diocesan Director of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation gave a presentation during the recent Catechist Institutes on Missionary Discipleship and Habits of Discipleship. (Photo by J.B. Kelly/The Mirror) Bishop Rice spoke about the changes in societal developments of recent decades, for better or worse, and urged the attendees to not be content with doing things as we ve always done. He suggested that modern society has essentially reverted to being similar to pagan Rome, but that that should be seen in a positive light, since the Church survived similar challenges nearly 2,000 years ago. We have the truth, Bp. Rice said, but it needs to be presented to today s culture with all of the cultural context of a pagan Rome. It worked back in the beginnings of the Church, Bp. Rice said, and can work today. Why? Because it is the work of the Holy Spirit! TM CATECHIST AWARDS Religious educators who attended two recent Catechist Institutes Oct. 14 and Oct. 22 received Catechist Service Awards. Pictured Oct. 14 were: Barbara Vitter, 10 yr. as Parish School of Religion (PSR) teacher, Our Lady of the Cove Parish, Kimberling City; Gabina Davis, 10 yr. PSR, Kimberling City; Bp. Edward M. Rice; Nancy Major, 15 yr. PSR, Sacred Heart Parish, Salem; Mark Harris, five yr. PSR, Salem; and James Faber, 15 yr. PSR, Kimberling City. (Photo by J.B. Kelly/The Mirror) RELIGIOUS EDUCATORS Two diocesan Catechist Institutes were recently held in the diocese: Oct. 14 at Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield, and Oct. 22 in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau. This group of Cape Girardeau-area religious educators posed for a group photo with Bp. Edward Rice on Oct. 22. (Photo by J.B. Kelly/The Mirror) JOY of the GOSPEL Amazing quotes from Evangelii Gaudium By Matt Fradd Pope Francis apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, is beautiful. Simple, yet profound, and definitely worth your time. Here are fantastic quotes from the letter. Enjoy: The Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak. Evangelization An evangelizer must never look like someone who has just come back from a funeral! Let us recover and deepen our enthusiasm, that delightful and comforting joy of evangelizing, even when it is in tears that we must sow. And may the world of our time, which is searching, sometimes with anguish, sometimes with hope, be enabled to receive the good news not from evangelizers who are dejected, discouraged, impatient, or anxious, but from ministers of the Gospel whose lives glow with fervour, who have first received the joy of Christ. Instead of seeming to impose new obligations, [Christians] should appear as people who wish to share their joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet. It is not by proselytizing that the Church grows, but by attraction. The Church evangelizes and is herself evangelized through the beauty of the liturgy, which is both a celebration of the task of evangelization and the source of her renewed self-giving. Encountering Jesus The primary reason for evangelizing is the love of Jesus which we have received, the experience of salvation which urges us to ever greater love of him. What kind of love would not feel the need to speak of the beloved, to point him out, to make him known? If we do not feel an intense desire to share this love, we need to pray insistently that he will once more touch our hearts. We need to implore his grace daily, asking him to open our cold hearts and shake up our lukewarm and superficial existence. It is impossible to persevere in a fervent evangelization unless we are convinced from personal experience that it is not the same thing to have known Jesus as not to have known him, not the same thing to walk with him as to walk blindly, not the same thing to hear his word as not to know it, and not the same thing to contemplate him, to worship him, to find our peace in him, as not to. I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord. TM Excerpted from 15 Amazing Quotes from Evangelii Gaudium, by Matt Fradd, Catholic writer, speaker, evangelist, and podcaster. The author of several books, Fradd lives in the mountains of North Georgia with his wife and children. He blogs at mattfradd.com.