THE ROSE. First Quarter 2014, Volume 15, Number 1 June First Communion and May Crowning

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1 SHRINE OF ST. THERESE THE ROSE REACHING OUT TO INSPIRE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY First Quarter 2014, Volume 15, Number 1 June 2014 First Communion and May Crowning Amid blue skies and sunshine, twelve children received their First Holy Eucharist at the 10:30 Mass in May. Girls, angelic-looking in white dresses and veils, and boys in dress shirts and ties, had parents, grandparents and parishioners all rejoicing. Following Mass, they processed outside for the traditional May crowning of the Blessed Virgin. This year s crowning was enhanced by a group of women leading the traditional singing of Marian hymns. The crowning was accomplished by Katie Austin and Augustine Urban.. Obviously, this is a well-loved custom of the parish, with many people gathered around the statue for the ceremony. Rosary Gift Fifteen first grade students at St. Therese Catholic School actually jumped up and down with joy when they were handed beautiful bright-colored rosaries with glistening beads. These were a gift to the students for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The rosaries were made by the Shrine of St. Therese Rosary Committee. The committee members are: Sarah Guarnere, Magdalena Fisk, Lourdes Guttierrez and Carla Guarnere.

2 2 Theresa Farley joins Shrine staff At the end of May, Sarah Guanare moved to Wichita, Kansas to pursue a new interest and training there. The parish wishes her the best and thanks her for her diligent service to our parish. Stepping into the financial office position as Sarah s replacement is Theresa Farley. Theresa grew up as one of the 10 Rohar children. Her family was well-known in the Shrine Parish. There was always a Rohar in religious education classes! Theresa is married to Jeff Farley and they have two children. Sean is 14 years old and Emily is 16. Both children attend St. Therese Catholic School. Theresa spent 18 years working for the Pueblo Diocese at the Pastoral Center. Her first boss, she said, was Father Beno. She enjoyed Father Beno and was thankful she had the opportunity to work for him. Her last position in the diocese was in the Human Resources Office. We welcome and look forward to working with Theresa. Vocation News Pueblo s Own Sister Emmanuel On the fourth Sunday of Advent, Emily Barth received her habit and veil and is now known as Sister Emmanuel. Emily was a student at Pueblo County High when she made her Confirmation a few years ago with a group of Shrine of St. Therese Confirmation students. Sr. Emmanuel is the first novice of the Franciscan Sisters of St. John the Baptist. She prays there will be many more to follow. The newly formed apostolate located in Peoria, Illinois, follows the example of St. John the Baptist, dedicating themselves to grow in a life of limitless humility and self-renunciation He must increase and I must decrease John 3:30 Praying daily for priests and seminarians is an indispensable part of the apostolate s charism inspired by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Sr. Emmanuel works in the Peoria Diocese archives and assists in the cause of his canonization. She is also in school and will work at the Catholic hospital in Peoria once she obtains her nursing degree. In a letter to Msgr. Nunez, she assures him of her prayers for you and all your parishioners. Find our more about Sr. Emmanuel s community at their website: sistersofjohnthebaptist.com. The mother superior of the group comes from Slovakia.

3 3 Lenten Parish Mission Be A Saint! Evangelization by Attraction Fr. Andy Cravalho with Shrine altar servers Josh Costello and Joshua Bissonnette This year s Lenten parish mission was a huge success. Enthusiastic word-of-mouth advertising brought many people flooding into the church for five nights. Many came from other parishes. The quick speaking and enthusiastic presentation by Father Andy Cravalho C.P.M., a newly ordained priest of the Fathers of Mercy was well received by the people. Young and old, all enjoyed this young priest. Teenagers from classes at the Shrine were in attendance. Father Andy taught us a great deal. He explained Catholic history and beliefs in a humorous manner, even poking fun at himself. All of his talks urged members to make a stronger, deeper commitment to Christ and His Church. This is the second year that Msgr. Nunez has brought the Fathers of Mercy to the Shrine. Parishioners appreciate these missions and feel they are very worthwhile. Golden Opportunity Icy streets and the bitter cold of winter time is no longer a good excuse to stay away from praying in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel here at the Shrine. Stop in for a few minutes, stay for a half-hour or a full hour. Do you listen to the T.V. evening news? Surely, there are world-wide problems that need prayer. Even within your own family, there are personal health problems and family issues. The presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is as real today as when he appeared as an infant in Bethlehem with shepherds, angels and wise men adoring him. Come and talk to Him. Catholics believe it as solid truth when Jesus said, This is my Body and This is my Blood. Not a mere memorial, but a mysterious truth. As Padre Pio said, Pray, hope and don t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayers... Prayer is the key to God s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips, but also with your heart. St. Mary s Parish is also open all week from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Take the time to pray before the Lord.

4 4 Confirmation Eleven of our youth received the sacrament of Confirmation on June 2 at a joint ceremony with youth from St. Joseph Parish, St. Mary s Parish, Sacred Heart Parish in Avondale, and St. Mary s Parish in Walsenburg. There s Music in the Air A children s music group began practicing for Mass and learning other songs last year. This year they developed into the Nursing Home Ministry. The members of the Therese Trio are: Claire Sandoval, daughter of Jarod and Mary; Emma Krasovec, daughter of Greg and Raquel; and Rylee Armstrong whose grandparents are Hank and Barbara Cervantes. With the encouragement and help of these adults, the girls have zealously brought joy to Nursing Home residents. Besides the Trio, the Sandoval younger children, Noelle, Charlie and Theodore, also contribute to each event by sharing their love and small gifts with residents. Overseeing notebooks, music stands, keyboard skills and children is Sister Johnette O.S.B., who states, We have visited Pueblo Towers, Sierra Place, Belmont Lodge and of course, Sharmar, which is closer to our parish. We, parishioners of the Shrine, thank this young group for bringing joy and fun to these nursing homes!

5 5 Our Squires Do It Again!! For the second year, Pueblo Squires Circle #5432 raised enough money from their fundraisers to present a $ check to Father Michael Chrisman, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Pueblo. Presentation was made at the annual Clergy Night held this past February. Shrine parishioners Carol and Dwight Scott with their son, Father Derrek Scott Presenting the check to Fr. Chrisman are Squires Luke Hawkins, Adam Maal, Josh Costello, and Chase Sexton For me, prayer is a burst from my heart. It is a simple glance thrown toward heaven, a cry of thanksgiving and love in times of trial as well as in times of joy. - St. Therese of Lisieux Patroness of our Diocese Squires with their adult leaders and priests Restricting Religious Freedom The following article was published recently in the Denver Post A growing number of colleges are telling evangelical students that they won t be given official recognition unless they allow any students, no matter what their religion, to serve as leaders. The New York Times reports... That Bowdoin College in Maine is among schools moving against such groups. They re not necessarily thrown off campus, but their access to campus facilities is restricted and are no longer eligible for a share of student activity fees..... Evangelicals have tended to balk. We can t say we blame them. Surely, a religious group ought to be able to insist that its leaders espouse the faith that the group supposedly represents. If Evangelical student groups are being treated like this, you can bet Catholic student organizations will feel the sting of religious freedom restrictions also!

6 6 Summer Garage Sale Yummy Hot Dogs! Jean Erickson and Sherri Koski Joan Javornik Adam Maal, Chase Sexton, Andrew Maal, and Josh Costello ready to serve people Hundreds no, thousands of small items were sorted, priced and organized by the Shrine s Council of Catholic Women for the Summer Garage Sale. Small jewelry pieces to large pieces of furniture, books, DVDs and fresh baked goods filled the hall. This well organized sale was under the capable management of Council President, Carole Ricotta. Carole was supported by loyal parish women and even had help from young parishioners. The Lira brothers, Dominic and Daniel, handled books and DVDs. Their sister, Sarah, was a roving worker, helping wherever needed. Four young fellows in bright green shirts, were the kitchen crew. Carmella Jordan explained that young Stacey Costello was the busy young legs that assisted tired bakers at the Bake Goods table (which was very successful, thanks to cooks in the parish!) Men also assisted, especially with heavy objects. All in all, many volunteers served to help the parish. The backbone of this big endeavor were many tired women at the end of two days, who went home with a sense of accomplishment. Their service is greatly appreciated by Msgr. Ed Nuñez who will offer one of his Masses in thanksgiving for all of their service. You just got a bargain Jeanne Pagano our friendly cashier Meatball sandwich, anyone? Thank you everyone!! Carole Ricotta our grand chef Our baked goods are out of this world! Dorothy Carleo, Julie Costello, Carmella Jordan, Stacey Costello Jan Munoz and Eleanor Saenz

7 7 Summer Totus Tuus Program

8 8 New Priest Ordained for Pueblo Diocese Bishop Berg anoints the hands of Father John with Chrism, the sacred oil of consecration Msgr. Nunez prays over Deacon John At a beautiful ceremony at our Cathedral on June 20, Deacon John Nkwocha was ordained to the priesthood. The ordination was conducted by Bishop Stephen Berg at a Mass fully packed with priests, deacons, family and friends of Father John. Father John came to the Pueblo diocese from Nigeria. He has seven siblings and has desired to be a priest since early childhood. Please continue to pray for Father John as he begins his priestly ministry. Raymond & Fidelia Nkwocha Fr. John s parents who traveled from Nigeria to be at the ordination of their son After being ordained, Fr. John celebrates Mass with Bishop Berg Fr. John greets and blesses people at reception after Mass

9 9 Shrine of St. Therese Memorial & Building Fund Raquel & Clarence Alcala Mr. & Mrs. Shawn C. Alcala Charles & Caroline Anselmo Mr. & Mrs. Ralph H. Anselmo Joe Arias Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bassi Joseph Arias Mrs. Carol Arias Joseph Arnold Mr. & Mrs. Richard Arnold Fidel Sr. & Valeria Arriaga Mrs. Esther Herrera Fidel Jr., Paul & Robert Arriaga Mrs. Esther Herrera LaVona Balchuck Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Balchuck Janice L. Beeman Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Beeman Diana Boyer Mrs. Marjorie Hoody Ed & Helen Brady Linda Brady Patricia Charest Ms. LaVonne Morton Edith Crusich Miss Dorris Gronquist Jack DeSalvo Mrs. Regina DeSalvo Ann & Mark M. Dominguez Michele Prado-Landreth Maximiana Espinoza Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Arnold Regina Falletta Mrs. Mildred Stofac Richard Herrera Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Dietz Jeannette Hiza Susan & Myrna Ward Ms. Shirley Marcen Robert Huber Ms. Ruth Huber Con Jeffries Ms. LaVonne Morton Richard A. Landreth Michele Prado-Landreth Walter Larmour Mr. & Mrs. Richard Arnold Catherine Marcen Ms. Shirley Marcen Ron Maldonado Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Christofer Mehess Irene & Alice Diddy Martinez Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Dietz Michael D. Martinez Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Dietz Helen A. Montoya Mr. Nash Moreno DuBois Moreno Mr. Nash Moreno Julie Munoz Mrs. Esther Herrera Sharleen McDonald Mr. & Mrs. Peter Dell Ann McGill Mr. James McGill Frank & Steve Pershin Mrs. Patricia Pershin John E. Prado Michele Prado-Landreth Phillip Rodacy Martha Rodacy John & Heddy Sabo Mrs. Mary Frances Kelley George Santistevan Mr. & Mrs. Richard Arnold Anton & Maria Sneperger Ms. Shirley Marcen Frances Sneperger Ms. Shirley Marcen Alexandria, Robert L. & Rachelle Turner Mrs. Sandra Turner Fred, Gary, & Terri Ursick Mrs. Mary Ann Ursick Lucille Vining Ms. Shirley Marcen

10 10 Meeting new people at Coffee and Donuts Do you go for Coffee & Donuts after Mass on Sunday? I have to admit that during the winter months I failed to attend these pleasant social gatherings. In the past few months, I ventured inside the Hospitality Room to visit old friends and yes, to meet new people!! One nice woman told me she had recently gone through the RCIA program at the Shrine and was a new member of the parish. Where to meet members? Why, at Coffee & Donuts, naturally. I was curious. What made her decide to become a Catholic? She told me her parents were not religious at all, and had no faith. But both she, and her brother, had been interested in religion. She had joined various Protestant churches through the years and picked up some erroneous ideas of the Catholic Church. One night she found this funny old Catholic nun on TV who made her laugh. This was Mother Angelica on EWTN. She continued to watch and learned a lot about the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Various errors were corrected and explained by Mother Angelica. They made sense. This was the truth and the church for her even though living up to the beliefs of the Catholic Church can be hard. A few Sundays later, I met another woman, who loved to come to the Mass at the Shrine and was just signing up for the next RCIA session in the Fall. She came from a very strong Protestant background and had attended many Protestant churches. Yes, these churches had wonderful programs for young people and children. They also had good Bible study groups with discussions for adults. And yet, something was missing. So why did she want to become Catholic? I guess it was because of the people who came into my life as Catholics. Also, as wonderful as previous churches were they never seemed to have much time for praying. I love coming to pray together with other people at Mass. I am anxious to be able to receive Communion. There, you have it. Do you realize your blessings? Do you reach out to new visitors? - Sally Stricca DMF Campaign. STEWARDSHIP: When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing. - Unknown It may be a joke, but it really isn t funny!! Give something! We need to support our diocese.. If you have made a pledge please honor that pledge. Drop your donation in an envelope with your name. Thank you!! Visit the Shrine website at Weekly bulletins Previous copies of The Rose Other Parish information The Rose Spiritual Adviser Msgr. Edward un ez Editor Sally Stricca Staff Angie Duran, pictures & layout Sue Litton, writer Carmela Jordan, pictures