THE CATHOLIC. Vol. 51, No. 6 June 16, 2017 Convocation delegation seeks input of the diocese

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1 THE CATHOLIC MIRROR Vol. 51, No. 6 June 16, 2017 Convocation delegation seeks input of the diocese By Anne Marie Cox As the diocesan delegation of 17 representatives prepares to attend the historic Convocation of Catholic Leaders in Orlando, Florida in July, Bishop Richard Pates seeks everyone s input. The purpose of the convocation is to reflect on Pope Francis s first encyclical The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium ) and look at how the Catholic Church in the United States can better serve those on the peripheries. We d like to hear from you so that we can bring our local perspective to this national conversation, said Adam Storey, vice chancellor and an organizer for the local delegation. Storey created a sevenquestion survey and invites everyone to take a few minutes to complete it. The feedback will help the delegation better understand the Catholic communities in central and southwest Iowa. They expect to come back from the convocation with concrete and measurable ways to better serve the communities. The survey can be found here: Surveymonkey.com/r/ Joyofthegospel. At a delegation planning meeting May 24, Bishop Pates referred to Pope Francis as saying it s No longer business as usual. We need to take a hard look at things. We have to wake up. Instead of patting ourselves on the back and waiting for people to come to the Church, the pope wants Catholics to go out to people, particularly those considered on the margins or periphery of communities, said Bishop Pates. What he s really talking about is a Church that goes out and visits with people, engages with people, talks with people, meets with people, he said. Among the most important last words in the Gospel of Matthew is, Go, he said. As human beings, we tend to seek comfort, but we re really called to move beyond the comfortable and go out. Local seminarian to be ordained into priesthood June 23 Caring for our common home Norwalk parish embraces solar panels By Kelly Mescher Collins Seminarian Deacon Trevor Chicoine of Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Mary s, Iowa is counting down the final days until he will be ordained a priest. It s a little surreal after eight years of seminary, which goes by very quickly. But it also feels like I have been at this for a lifetime, Deacon Chicoine said. He recalled those years growing up in the church, surrounded by people who cared for and encouraged him, while also telling him he d make a good priest. Deacon Chicoine has been studying in Rome for the past four years at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. He s grateful for the time seminary has allowed him to step away from the world, reflect, pray, mature and grow in relationship with Christ in order to come home and serve the people of God. It s also been a humbling experience. One becomes more keenly aware of one s shortcomings in the last days before ordination, he said. Suddenly, those parts of your own humanity in which the Lord is still calling you to grow is held right before you. It s interesting the Church doesn t ask you at the Continued on page 10 By Kelly Mescher Collins St. John the Apostle Parish in Norwalk is embracing the message of the first encyclical of Pope Francis, Our Common Home ( Laudato Si ) by installing solar panels on its church. The solar panels are owned by Red Lion Renewables. Terry Dvorak, chief executive officer, is also a member at St. John Parish. Dvorak approached both Bishop Richard Pates and Father John Ludwig, the pastor, about installing solar panels on the church for environmental reasons and to save the parish money. The project is very good because there s no capital outlay on our part, Father Ludwig said. His company puts the panels up, they produce the electricity and then we pay him for the electricity at a reduced rate. We have no investment except that he s using our roof. Cost wise, it s a no brainer, Father Ludwig continued. The solar panels will create nearly $2,000 in savings per year, Dvorak said. Photos by Nicholas Smith Workers from Red Lion Renewables / Atwood Electric install solar modules on the roof of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk. Addison Vande Wall works on wiring the solar array to provide clean renewable energy to the church. Once completed, the solar arrays will offset almost 40 percent of the church s annual usage. It s also helping the environment. The 5,800 square feet of panels on top of the church results in 1,000 tons of coal not needed to be burned for energy, or the equivalent of planting 36,000 trees. It s great, Dvorak said. This is one of my passions. I want to help customers, churches, cities do the right thing in a financially responsible manner. We all know from Laudato Si we should be taking care of our common home and we should be doing these responsible things. And what we have now is a way for most customers without it being a financial question. Both Father Ludwig and Dvorak have emphasized how supportive Bishop Pates has been throughout this endeavor. I applaud St. John Parish, Norwalk, Father Ludwig and Terry Dvorak for undertaking this significant innovation, Bishop Pates said. It is a positive response on a practical level to address the deleterious effects of climate change. Such a positive action is in accord with the leadership of Pope Francis and his encyclical, Laudato Si. Red Lion Renewables is looking for more solar energy customers as well as investors, said Dvorak. Contact him at or visit RedLionRenewables.com for more information.

2 2 The Catholic Mirror June 16, In the Heartland with Bishop Pates Moving forward is an impetus to renewal Two providential events in the U.S. Catholic Church, to happen soon, will have a long-lasting impact on our future as a robust ecclesial presence in our country. They intend to articulate and make provision to abide in a vibrant faith. Moreover, they seek to espouse a commitment to morals and values that best represent human integrity. The first is the Convocation of Catholic Leaders, set to occur in Orlando, Florida, July 1-4. It is a gathering that has been in the works for some five years gradually emerging to the point where approximately 3,500 Catholic leaders representing the vast majority of the country s dioceses will be present. The program will consist of Eucharistic celebrations, extended, carefully prepared prayer services, motivating talks and workshops. At this gathering, the Diocese of Des Moines will have 17 representatives coming from a variety of backgrounds. If there is a specific weighting of the diocesan group, it is to young participants. Religious institutions are losing the young, particularly those in the age group dubbed millennials. It is a concern for our Catholic community as well. Hence, our engagement of the convocation process. Our delegation to the convocation has met once to discuss what to expect at the gathering. By Bishop Richard Pates We are also beginning to determine how to best bring back to the diocese the impetus of the convocation. It is our anticipation that the outcome for us will be in unison with that which resonates with the rest of the country. The challenges posed by the crisis of faith, emerging in our society, can lead to seizing the opportunity to be led by the Spirit to a new season in the flourishing of the Gospel. Concomitant with preparations for the convocation, about 10 groups of priests, representing nearly all of those serving the diocese, came together at the cathedral residence for informal meals and discussions. As we talked about the future, a vision emerged that was highly pastoral in nature. Our priests are concerned about the integration of faith in the hearts of all. We ask: How do we share the faith with our families in such a way that it inspires them to commit to regular participation in the Eucharist and to otherwise engage in the conversion process? A further concern is the stability of marriages, especially in their first five years. Marriage is the cornerstone of our civilization. We cannot dedicate too much energy to enable these relationships to flourish. -- Bishop Richard Pates Contemporaneously to the Convocation of Religious Leaders in Orlando is the Hispanic effort titled Encuentro V. It is a movement already taking place in the nine diocesan parishes which have significant Latino presence. The process is progressive in nature moving from parish, to diocesan, to regional, and then to a national level set to occur Sept , 2018 in Grapevine, Texas. The main goal of the Encuentro is to assess the needs of the Hispanic members of the U.S. Church. They now constitute 40 percent of American Catholics. Again, there is a commitment to strengthen this arm of the Church as it begins to mesh with its Anglo, African and Asian counterparts into a unified church that enjoys a healthy diversity Three key components serve as foundations for what is regarded as the movement of the Spirit in our times as the convocation and encuentro unfold. The Joy of the Gospel. In the Apostolic Exhortation of this title, Pope Francis outlines his vision for the Church. The pope states that the Church, as the Body of Christ, cannot be self-referential. It needs to go out to the peripheries bringing the healing message of Jesus to a suffering humanity. Evangelization. This concept is sharing the redemptive story of Jesus Christ by our action and witness. It is a call to bring the light of the Gospel to situations where its merciful impact can lead to love and peace. Missionary Disciple. This concept popularized by Pope Francis speaks to the following of Christ by which we deeply appropriate his friendship, teaching and spirit. We are his disciples. With such ingrained in our spirit, we are sent on daily mission to witness to others without proselytizing in order that they too might come to see and enter into a vibrant relationship with Jesus who has the words of life. The challenges posed by the crisis of faith, emerging in our society, can lead to seizing the opportunity to be led by the Spirit to a new season in the flourishing of the Gospel. For American Catholics, two of these opportunities are the Convocation of Catholic Leaders and Encuentro V. May we be open to the manifestation of the Holy Spirit as he inspires these movements. Bishop s Schedule Friday, June 16 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates, Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 9 a.m. Sunday, June 18 Des Moines Confirmation and reception, St. Ambrose Cathedral, 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 19 Des Moines Red Mass, St. Ambrose Cathedral, 10 a.m. THE CATHOLIC MIRROR Bishop Richard E. Pates Publisher bishop@dmdiocese.org Anne Marie Cox Editor acox@dmdiocese.org Kelly Mescher Collins kcollins@dmdiocese.org The Catholic Mirror (ISSN ) is published monthly for $18 per year by the Diocese of Des Moines, 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines. POSTMASTER: Send changes to THE CATHOLIC MIRROR, 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa PHONE: (515) mirror@dmdiocese. org DIOCESAN WEBSITE: Tuesday, June 20 Des Moines Vocation Department, Ruan I Center, 9:15 a.m. Des Moines Diocesan Executive Committee, Ruan I Center, 1 p.m. Des Moines Hispanic Pastoral Commission, St. Ambrose Cathedral Hall, 3 p.m. Des Moines Graduation dinner with college seminarians and parents, Christopher s, 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 21 Des Moines Blessing of Chalice, St. Ambrose Cathedral, 12:10 p.m. Bettendorf Vesper Service for Bishop Thomas Robert Zinkula, St. John Vianney Church, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 22 Bettendorf Ordination and installation of Bishop Thomas Robert Zinkula as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Davenport, St. John Vianney Church, 2 p.m. Friday, June 23 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates. Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 9 a.m. Des Moines Deacon Trevor Chicoine s ordination to the priesthood, St. Ambrose Cathedral, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 24 West Des Moines 125 th Anniversary Mass and celebration, Sacred Heart Parish, 4 p.m. Sunday, June 25 Woodbine Mass and dedication of parish hall, Sacred Heart Parish, 9 a.m. Des Moines Centenary Celebration, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, All Saints Parish, 1 p.m. Des Moines Sending Mass for Hispanic Lay Formation Graduates, Christ the King Parish, 3:15 p.m. West Des Moines 50 th Anniversary of Reinstitution of Permanent Diaconate Celebration, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 27 Des Moines Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa grant presentation ceremony, St. Ambrose Cathedral Hall, 4 p.m. Des Moines Dinner, DoMNE Prayer and Discernment House, 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 28 Des Moines Pastoral Center Remodel Tour and Luncheon, Pastoral Center and Bishop s Residence, 11 a.m. Waukee Allegation Review Committee, St. Boniface Parish, 5 p.m. Thursday, June 29 Des Moines Diocesan Finance Council, St. Ambrose Cathedral Hall, Noon West Des Moines Dr. Jerry Deegan retirement celebration, Dowling Catholic, 5 p.m. Friday, June 30 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates, Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 9 a.m. Saturday, July 1 Tuesday, July 4 Orlando, FL Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America Friday, July 7 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates, Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 9 a.m. Sunday, July 9 West Des Moines Seminarian Candidacy Mass, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 12 Des Moines Post-Convocation gathering, St. Ambrose Cathedral Hall, 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 14 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates, Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 9 a.m. Des Moines Diocesan summer staff outing, TBD, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15 Urbandale Installation of Knights of Columbus state officers, St. Pius X Parish, 5 p.m. Sunday, July 16 Des Moines Mass, 50 th year alumni event, Mercy College of Health Sciences, 10 a.m. Bishop Richard Pates with newly ordained Divine Word Missionaries: (front row) Father Balonda Thierry Koula, Father Huy Khanh Tran, Father Messan Sylvain-Franck Tettekpoe, (back row) Father Michael Hutchins, Bishop Richard Pates, and Divine Word Provincial Father Tom Ascheman. OFFICIAL Bishop Richard Pates has made the following appointment effective July 14, Reverend Trevor Chicoine newly ordained (June 23, 2017) to sacramental minister to Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Atlantic and St. Mary Parish, Anita, until September 10, Assigned Pontifical University Santa Croce (The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross) from October 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 to complete licentiate degree in Sacred Theology (STL) in the subject of liturgy. Bishop Richard Pates Bishop of Des Moines Jason Kurth Chancellor

3 Connection between faith, fitness spurs first Strongman Day Men s event has something for competitors and those who prefer to leave the barbells to someone else By Anne Marie Cox About the time Lee Burleson converted to Catholicism four years ago, he was also beginning to attend strength workout classes. They ve been growing in parallel, strikingly so, he said. He has been a leader with various men s faith groups including Man-Up Des Moines and the Iowa Catholic Men s Conference. After conversations with several guys, he felt called to create a new event, something that focuses on traditional masculinity. At first, he thought about a Renaissance fair with jousting, swords and fire. But I pretty quickly discarded that idea because it s not practical and completely past the bounds of safety, he said. Yet, the urge to do something continued to percolate in his mind. One night, he was having trouble sleeping. It was then that the idea of a Strongman competition with classic strength events combined with a focus on strengthening one s spiritual life took hold. More and more, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to step forward and explore it, he said. Born from this will be the first Strongman Day for men with a focus on spiritual formation and strength competition. It will be June 24 at the Camp Dodge Historic Pool Pavilion in Johnston, Reach 35,000 households in the Diocese of Des Moines by placing an ad in The Catholic Mirror. Contact Kelly at The day will have something for all men: Those who like to compete, activities for novices and breakout sessions for those who want to strength-en their relation-ship with God without having to lift a barbell. You don t have to be at the peak of fitness to have a good time and compete, Burleson said. In one of the major activities, a Camp Dodge professional trainer will coach those who are not involved in a fitness program and don t know where to start. He ll address those who have been in a program but have trouble sustaining it. Another major session will focus on Pietra fitness, a strengthening and stretching course that may look like yoga but emphasizes Christian prayer and meditation. The Iowa National Guard is bringing an inflatable arena with boxing and jousting for men to compete at will. And, flying in from Texas will be bodybuilder and speaker Jared Zimmerer, who will talk about the physical and spiritual and how faith is present in both. Burleson hopes to reach a wide range of people. In the mode of Pope Francis, we want to stretch outside the boundaries of the ST. ANTHONY S 5th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ROSARY RALLY Saturday, July 1, 2017 (following 8:30AM morning Mass) Everyone is welcome to attend! St. Anthony s Catholic Church 15 Indianola Road Des Moines, Iowa Languages spoken: French, German, Gaelic, Spanish, & Italian church to bring guys in who may only have a glimpse of spirituality. Maybe that s the only place they find spirituality is in the gym. They know they feel great when they re fit but what s the greater calling? he said. We hope to give them some exposure to take that tug that they feel to a deeper level. Tickets are $30 and can be obtained by going to iowacatholicradio.com or calling Ongoing fellowship springs from CHRP Man-up Des Moines, a men s fellowship, grew out of Christ Renews His Parish. A group of guys already somewhat friends but who definitely bonded by the spirit after CHRP decided they didn t want to just let that go, even after being on the formation team, said Lee Burleson. A few guys created a core team to continue the format of CHRP of a meal, a talk and reflection. That s really what the goal was: To give a little bit of that experience each month to carry on the fellowship experience, he said. Man-Up Des Moines continues to meet though less frequently. The Catholic Mirror June 16, 2017 Summer at the Well draws local women with powerful stories By Anne Marie Cox Summer at the Well is more than a few hour-break from family or work. It s a daylong opportunity for women to have an encounter with the Lord and with one another. It s very locally driven by women who you would see at your parish or the grocery store or sporting event or adoration chapel, said founder Lisa Schmidt. It s their sharing stories of how Jesus encountered them and made a difference in their lives. At the June 24 event at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Indianola, women will hear stories that are funny, serious, even tragic. Schmidt compares them to TED talks, a series of short presentations available online. Yet, they ll have the powerful impact of a Christ Renews His Parish retreat, she said. One talk is on a profound experience a guest at last year s gathering had. Another zeroes in on what we miss by being so digitally connected. The goal is for women to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus, encounter other women and then take back to their families, neighborhoods and parishes the inspiration and energy they gain from Summer at the Well, Schmidt said. Praise music, adoration and Mass are incorp-orated into the daylong event offered at the Indianola parish in Palmer Hall. This is Lisa Schmidt the second Summer at the Well gathering. It truly was inspired by the Holy Spirit, placed on my heart, Schmidt said. It was rooted in my experience of leaving the professional workforce and coming home and being a somewhat lonely stay-at-home mom who was looking to connect. Although she found connection through Facebook and blogging for a while, she wanted deeper relationships. While having coffee with a friend and discussing the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, Schmidt realized that woman s life so changed after encountering Jesus that she went back to her friends and family to share her excitement and what she learned with others. She evangelized. And that, she said, was the genesis of The Well, a periodic gathering for women in which they hear and share so much good done at the local level. Sschmidt encourages women to register online by June 20 at TheWellDesMoines.com. Tickets are $65 and include lunch and dinner. There will be no registration at the door. 3 Fr. Dan Gehler to officiate Our Lady Of Fatima Years

4 4 The Catholic Mirror May 19, Opinion Deacon Joel and Lisa Schmidt: Catholic power couple Deacon Joel Schmidt wasn t born a Catholic. But while in graduate school at Iowa State University, he met the woman who would become his wife, Lisa, who was a strong Catholic. In anticipation of their marriage Joel enrolled in an RCIA program and began learning the tenants of the faith. Midway through the program, he had one of those aha moments when everything suddenly fell into place, what he described as a conversion of the heart and became fully committed to his adopted faith. One of the reasons for this conversion, he says, is that a deacon conducting the class, Deacon John McCully, was also professor of medieval literature and was able to connect intellectually with him. He was able to get to my heart through my head, Deacon Schmidt said. He was received into the Church in They also had Deacon McCully for their marriage preparation class. At one meeting the deacon told him, I can see you as a deacon some day. That started a new discernment. In 2010, while he was considering the diaconate, he met two men about to be ordained at a Knights of Columbus meeting and found out that the application deadline for the upcoming diaconate class was closed. However, they gave him the director s name and suggested that a call might still get him into the class. At home later, Lisa said just that day she had prayed for something to give them direction. They took the conversation Faith on Trial By Deacon Mike Manno at the K of C meeting as a sign; Joel called, got into the class, and was ordained in He was assigned to the Basilica of St. John. Along the way from conversion and their move from Ames to Des Moines, they suffered a miscarriage. Settling into a new city, they were surprised that there was nowhere to get resources on coping. Deacon Joel and Lisa set out to change that. During his pre-ordination training they began talking to parishes and Mercy Medical Center asking what kind of resource the Church could provide for those suffering from miscarriage or infant loss. What they came up with was something distinctly Catholic, an infant loss program, Hope In Loss, that began with an infant loss Mass with Bishop Richard Pates, which has now been repeated each year with one Mass in the eastern part of the diocese and one in the western part. Since the bishop represents the institutional Church, having Bishop Pates celebrate the Masses is the Church telling grieving parents, We care about your healing, said Deacon Schmidt. The result is a new ministry that offers a place for healing and companionship as families process their grief. Lisa has also been busy with her own ministry. With Julie Nelson, she started the Catholic Women Now radio program that she ultimately left a few years ago to concentrate on raising their four children (ages 1-8). But she does have a new project, The Well, which she describes as one-third women s conference, one-third spiritual retreat, and one-third ladies night out. Its primary focus is on cultivating a culture of encounter, to do as Jesus did: encounter others in community through participation in the Body of Christ. Deacon Schmidt is a research scientist with Pioneer. Lisa is a retired assistant city manager of Clive. More information on the ministries can be found at: thewelldesmoines.com and Deacon Joel and Lisa Schmidt hopeinlossdsm.com. Deacon Schmidt can be reached at Schmidt.joel@gmail.com. Deacon Mike Manno is the diocesan director of the permanent diaconate, has a weekly show on Iowa Catholic Radio and serves St. Augustin Paris in des Moines. Now that we re fully in wedding season, I was recently thinking about a wonderful insight my wife had into marriage. It came up while Kara and I were talking about the imperfections of our wedding day: Like how I left our wedding rings at a hotel (thanks, mom, for retrieving those!), or how the power went out at our reception, and how my uncles missed pictures due to great Minnesota fishing! Those stories could fill a few articles, but what specifically stuck out to me is how Kara was able to thank God for Marriage: Imperfect yet beautiful Marriage & Family Life By Adam Storey Photo by Laura Wills those imperfections. Even in the midst of hiccups, we both remember our wedding day as a beautiful celebration. Kara reminded me that our We are Don and Donna Conn. We have been asked to put down a few thoughts about what marriage means to us and what has helped/helps us to stay strong in our relationship. We were married in September 1960 between the dinosaurs and the Beatles. (According to our grandkids, that means we are really old.) On the day of our wedding we believed that part of our job as a couple was to pray, encourage, nag and/or drag each other to heaven along with our children, family and anyone else in our lives. We found that being married wasn t easy. Outside influences, finances and health struggles, etc. took their toll. Sometimes we lost hope that we would make the long haul. Along the way there have been some things that helped us stay on the true path. For instance, praying, worshiping together, setting aside time for sharing wedding day imperfections were a great preparation for marriage itself, which has remained imperfect and yet still beautiful. That s why, since then, I have always encouraged couples to embrace the chaos of the wedding day as a gift and a reminder that the grace of God dwells in the messiness of weddings and the messiness of our everyday lives. No wedding day is perfect and so, too, no marriage is perfect. What s most important is how we respond to those imperfections. Do we address them with peace and charity? Or, do we let them sour all the good that surrounds them? This summer my prayer for engaged couples is that they can see the imperfections of their weddings as a gift that helps them grow. My prayer for married couples is that we can all see the beauty that outweighs the burdens in our marriages. Adam Storey is the diocesan director of the Marriage and Family Life department. He can be reached at or astorey@dmdiocese.org. Keeping Christ at center of marriage is key Guest Column By Don and Donna Cronn and discussing small and important things that come up have been beneficial in our growth. Retreats that we participated in have made a big impact for us. Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, Christ Renews His Parish, and many weekend and day retreats have helped us build our relationship. Being active in our parish and working with engaged couples preparing for their marriages have kept us on track in our own marriage. We have found that when we keep Christ the center of our relationship, our love for each other bubbles up and overflows to our children, family, friends, and all those whose lives touch ours. Don and I aren t perfect we still have differences of opinion and sometimes become discouraged. By keeping lines of communication open, we are able to work through those differences with discussion and prayer and come out the other side closer to each other and more committed than ever. We heard one time that Some days we will wake up in the morning being committed to our marriage because of the wonderful person we married. Other mornings we will wake up committed to the marriage because we have a pretty good thing going. Other mornings we will be committed to our marriage because we said we would be. Still other mornings we just feel like we should be committed! We believe God has called us to be the best couple we can be. We promised, almost 57 years ago, that we would work on our relationship as long as we are both on earth. We promised again last night that we will continue to build our relationship. Who knows how much we can grow! The Cronns are parishioners at Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs. *This column originally appeared on the Corpus Christi Parish blog and has been reprinted with permission.

5 The Catholic Mirror May 19, 2017 Questions on reconciliation, resources and canonization Q. I was at a faith formation session recently, and the presenter said that the Eucharist is the primary sacrament of reconciliation. I always thought it was confession. A. Both sacraments involve us in the love and forgiveness of God that we experience in Christ. When believers gather for the Eucharist, reconciliation is part of what we do. No one is perfect, so when we gather together at the Lord s Table, we re reminded that all of us need reconciliation. At the beginning of Mass we pray the penitential act, and just before communion, we all say, Lord, I am not worthy.... Confession (or Penance or Reconciliation) can give us time to examine our lives more individually. It can be a wonderful experience. Q. Do you know of any online resources to learn more about my faith, the Church, and scripture? A. Today, there are numerous possibilities. You can access them on your computer, your tablet or your smart phone. Here are a few suggestions: ThePopeApp (its free); crux now.org; whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com; usccb.org (the U.S. bishops website) and vatican.va (the Vatican s website). Also many Catholic universities and dioceses have spiritual resources online. Jesuit universities such as Creighton, Marquette, St. Louis and Loyola have daily reflections and insights into the Spiritual Exercises. These are only a few ideas. There are many more. Q. May Catholics receive Communion in a Protestant Church? And may Protestants receive Communion when they come to the Catholic Church? A. Well, they do so on occasion. When the Holy Father has travelled to different countries and has celebrated Mass in front of thousands of people, you can bet that not all the people receiving communion have been Catholics. Some Protestant churches actively welcome any believer in Christ to share at the Lord s Table. Permission by the local bishop to share communion can be given in certain circumstances. Catholics and Protestants already accept each other s baptisms as valid. The ecumenical conversations going on today look forward to the time that we can share the Eucharist together officially. We re not there yet. Q. When I was a child I often Ask a Priest heard of St. Christopher, the patron and helper of travelers. I presently find him listed in the abridged edition of Modern Catholic Dictionary. Medals of St. Christopher are available at the present time in our local Catholic book store. However, I cannot find a shrine or religious Catholic organization dedicated to St. Christopher where I can enroll individuals for a year or so, or even perpetually. I have tried to find one, but without success. Might you be able to tell me? Thank you for any help you can offer. A. The process of canonization, as we know it, was not known in the early days of the church. For example, St. Peter and St. Paul and St. Andrew were never formally canonized as saints. As the centuries passed, literally hundreds of faithful followers of Jesus came to be known as saints. Some were declared by local bishops; others, later on were canonized by the Bishop of Rome, the pope. Saints are canonized to be examples of a holy life to the faithful. There are certainly many more saints in heaven than just those formally canonized. There is almost nothing known about Christopher. Hi name means the bearer of Christ. The confusion over Christopher s status comes from a 1969 reform of the Roman Calendar. This reform had been mandated by Vatican II s Constitution on the Liturgy. Because the Roman Calendar was getting crowded, especially with saints with local rather than universal followings, the Council called for a reform of the calendar of saints. In the Calendar that implemented the Council s statement, Christopher s name is omitted. Pope John Paul II canonized many saints in his 26-year papacy. Not all of them are listed in the universal calendar. I m not aware of any shrines or Catholic organizations dedicated to St. Christopher, but there s no reason that individual Catholics can t maintain a devotion to this bearer of Christ. Got a question for Ask a Priest? Send it to communications@dmdiocese.org or Ask a Priest /Catholic Mirror at 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA Dominican from Des Moines coming home for anniversary Dominican Father David Santoro returns to his home parish of St. Augustin in Des Moines to celebrate his 40 th anniversary of priestly ordination. The anniversary Mass will be on July 2 at 2 p.m. at St. Augustin followed by a reception. Father Santoro was attracted to the priesthood at an early age. He attributes this to the Adrian Dominican Sisters who taught him at St. Augustin School in Des Moines. They, along with other diocesan, Dominican and lay teachers were influential as were his parents, Charles and Roxie Santoro, who passed on to him their faith. As a Dominican, Father Santoro holds three masters degrees: in philosophy from the Aquinas Institute of Philosophy in River Forest, Illinois, in theology from the Aquinas Institute of Philosophy in Dubuque, Iowa and in English literature from Loras College, also in Dubuque. In addition, he completed two years of doctoral work at the The national leader of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas is coming to Des Moines for the June 25 celebration honoring Court Ave Maria No. 302 on its 100 th anniversary. Mass begins at All Saints Church in Des Moines at 1 p.m. with Bishop Richard Pates, Bishop Emeritus Joseph L. Charron, C.PP.S., Msgr. Robert Chamberlain and Father Robert Harris. A reception follows in the social hall. National Regent Helene Shepard was in Iowa last April for the statewide convention in Ames for the more than 5,000 members of the Catholic Daughters. I was most impressed with the women there, Shepard said. It really was kind of interesting for me to be able to see them in action. We prayed together, there was a learning experience, there were so many wonderful things. And, they all had activities that were going on in the various courts in Iowa. I thought that was wonderful to able to see it. She returns to the state to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Court 302. I think 100 years is quite a milestone, Shepard said. The truest test of excellence is the test of time. I think 100 years passes the test with flying colors. Her visit is not only to celebrate the past but to look toward the future. We want them to continue, she said. I think they have to know what their charter members went through and how difficult it was 100 years ago. And yet they continue. I believe it s Dominican Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. While ministering in Des Moines, he received his permanent teaching certificate from Iowa to teach English grades seven-12. His teaching assignments include DeLourdes College, Loras College, Clarke College, Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, and Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois. In the Des Moines diocese, he taught English and religion at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, where he had graduated as valedictorian in He was voted Teacher of the Year twice by the senior class. While teaching at Xavier University, Father Santoro was ordained on May 7, 1977 at St. Anthony of Padua Church by Bishop Harold Perry, auxiliary bishop of New Orleans. His twin brother, Father Charles, also served as a Dominican priest until his death in really because of their dependence on the Blessed Mother, who is our patroness and our model and also their trust in God. The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, created by the Knights of Columbus, was originally called the Daughters of Isabella. Over the years, members have worked in soup kitchens, rolled bandages and held clothing drives during wars, volunteered for programs like Meals On Wheels and marched in pro-life rallies. We have continued to do all of these activities throughout the nation, Shepard Books by your favorite authors Large children s section Adult formation resources for parishes Clergy Apparel, and Church supplies Gifts and jewelry for all the Sacraments In short, all things Catholic BLOOM: Because Loving Ourselves and Others Matters July 22, 9:00 a.m. July 23, 12:00 p.m. Schuyler, NE This retreat for mothers and daughters, ages 11-14, will deepen communication for growth into mature womanhood. Sessions connect faith, relationships and healthy loving in ways that are rooted in gospel teaching. Includes outdoor activities, weather permitting, and Mass. Deb Waskowiak and team presents Confirmation retreats and workshops. Register now at St. Benedict Center Retreats@stbenedictcenter.com Father Santoro served more than half of his priestly life in the Des Moines diocese: two years as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Massena and St. Timothy Parish in Reno; four years at Dowling Catholic; and 15 years as assistant pastor of St. Mary of Nazareth Parish. Presently, Father Santoro is the chaplain to Dominican cloistered nuns at the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Farmington Hills, Michigan. National leader returns to Iowa for centennial said. Though times have changed, the CDA continues to focus on spiritual and corporal works of mercy, reaching out to those who are hurting and evangelizing. Nationally, there are about 70,000 members. In Iowa, there are about 5,400 members. There are eight courts in the Diocese of Des Moines. Shepard encourages women to find a local CDA group and consider joining. For more information, go to CatholicDaughters.org. or IowaCatholicDaughters.org.

6 6 The Catholic Mirror June 16, June 20 Tuesday Summer Bible Institute DES MOINES All Saints Catholic Church is hosting its third annual Summer Bible Institute with Katie Patrizio. This year it is a four-week study on the Acts of the Apostles running Tuesdays June 20, 27, July 11 and 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. The cost is $10. To register, go to actsclass.com. June 23 Friday Catholic Widows & Widowers DES MOINES -- Annual Gray s Lake walk and sack lunch/ potluck. Meet at viewing dock at 9:30 a.m. June 24 Saturday St. Anthony School 105 th Anniversary DES MOINES -- Please join us for St. Anthony School s 105 th anniversary celebration. Mass will be at 4:30 p.m. and the reception will follow from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Heavy hors d oeuvres and adult beverages served. A freewill offering is appreciated. June 25 Sunday Catholic Daughters DES MOINES -- Court Ave Maria No. 302, which began Feb. 16, 1917, will celebrate its 100 th anniversary with 1 p.m. Mass at All Saints Church. Bishop Richard Pates, Bishop Emeritus Joseph Charron, C.PP.S. and chaplain Msgr. Robert Chamberlain will concelebrate. A reception follows in the parish hall. July Thurs. -Sat. Rummage Sale ANKENY -- The annual Our Lady s Immaculate Heart rummage sale will offer everything from tools to clothing, baby items to household items, furniture to sporting goods, games, toys, and more. Sale dates and times are: Thurs., July 13, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. ($5 Mercy Hospice early bird entrance fee from 4 p.m- 5 p.m.); Fri., July 14, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat, July 15, 8-11 a.m. (1/2 price on Saturday). Donations and volunteers welcome. For more information visit: centerforsocialministry.org/ upcoming-events/ July Friday-Sat. Italian Heritage Festival Diocesan Choir DES MOINES -- The Cultural/Events committee of this year s Italian-American Heritage Festival of Iowa seeks singers who would like to join in a diocesan choir for this year s Mass at 4 p.m. honoring the elderly in the Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines. Choir will be under the direction of Jim Cacciatore. Volunteers who would like to sing with the choir or wish additional information may contact him at jimcacciatore@gmail.com. Aug. 18 Friday Beginning Experience DES MOINES -- Open houses are scheduled for Aug. 18, 25 and Sept. 8 at 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Augustin Church Hall. Beginning Experience is willing to walk with you as you discover new hope and find meaning again in your life after death, divorce or separation. These open houses are the first steps toward healing, and provide information about a weekend gathering Sept Contact Dana Reed at , or Mike Losee at , or Father Bob Schoemann at for details. Wednesdays Divine Mercy Chaplet DES MOINES The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. at St Augustin Chapel. Need a life change? JustFaith is a transformative, small group program that Comfort, dignity and compassion at the end of life. Around the diocese Bishop Emeritus Joseph Charron celebrates 50th anniversary invites participants to live more deeply, with a greater sense of purpose. JustFaith helps participants connect their faith/spirituality with the needs of the world and provides tools for making a difference. For a list of fall group offerings or for more information, contact Susie Tierney, Center for Social Ministry, or centerforsocialministry@ gmail.com. Whether at home, in a nursing facility or at our hospice residence in Johnston, we provide the care you and your family need. To learn more about Mercy Hospice, call (515) or visit Photo by Jennie Morgan Bailey Bishop Emeritus Joseph Charron celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on Saturday, June 3 at St. Francis Parish in West Des Moines. Left to right are Father Ray McHenry, pastor of St. Francis Parish in West Des Moines; Bishop Charron; Father Andrew Windschitl, also of St. Francis Parish; and Msgrs. Mike Hess and Ed Hurley. Foundation awards $275,000 in grants to parishes, schools Nineteen parishes, schools and organizations will receive grants June 27 amounting to $275,000 from the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa. Grants ranging from $500 to $6,700 will be used for technology and learning materials across the Diocese of Des Moines. We are able to provide these grants thanks to the support we continually receive from individuals, couples and many different organizations within the Diocese of Des Moines, said the foundation s executive director, Chris McCarville. The Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa was founded six years ago as an organization which helps provide financial support for parishes, schools and other organization within the diocese. The foundation is an organization independent of the diocese but works exclusively for the diocese s benefit. Eight parish enrichment grants will go to: Our Lady of the Americas, Des Moines - $1,850, acquire equipment to produce audio and video content primarily in Spanish Our Lady s Immaculate Heart, Ankeny - $2,300, help fund Called and Gifted workshop Sacred Heart, Chariton - $1,900, Purchase new textbooks, workbooks and Bibles for K-12 religious education Sacred Heart, West Des Moines - $500, help fund Christ Renews His Parish retreat program St. Boniface, Waukee - $999, purchase an ipad Plus Pro for music ministry St. Patrick, Corning - $1,400, purchase an ipad Pro and three ipads for student use with projectors and protective cases for religious education and adult faith formation St. Patrick, Perry - $1,375, launch MyParish App St. Pius X, Urbandale - $500, help fund Christ Life ministry to parish Eleven general grants will go to: All Saints, Stuart - $1,000, add Wi-Fi access at parish Catherine of Siena Student Center Drake University, Des Moines - $6,705, help with pastoral outreach needs Corpus Christi, Council Bluffs - $3,000, help with pastoral outreach needs of growing Hispanic ministry program Holy Trinity School, Des Moines - $3,000, help to purchase Chromebooks St. Anthony School, Des Moines $3,000, help replace religion textbooks in all grades St. Clare, Clarinda - $5,000, help replace aging PA system within church St. Joseph School, Des Moines - $3,000, help to expand STEM opportunities for students St. Luke School, Ankeny - $3,000, help to expand STEM opportunities for students St. Malachy School, Creston - $3,000, help to purchase Chromebooks for student use and two Learniture charging stations Shelby County Catholic School - $3,000, help to expand STEM opportunities for students St. Thomas More Center, Panora - $5,500, safety equipment for campers and Easy Worship program for Masses at camp. The grants will be awarded June 27 at 4 p.m. at St. Ambrose Cathedral Parish hall. All are invited.

7 The Catholic Mirror June 16, Congratulations to our graduates! St. Albert Catholic High School graduates and cousins Dania Barajas and Rodrigo Barajas celebrated at the commencement ceremony on May 21. Bishop Pates blesses Holy Family School Find the latest photos like this on Instagram! Search: DmDiocese Top: Dowling Catholic High School graduates Jenna Bindel of Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines and Cristina Banuelos-Moriel of St. Ambrose Cathedral Parish in Des Moines celebrated their graduation on May 26. Bottom: Jenna Bindel greets Bishop Richard Pates during the commencement ceremony. Bishop Richard Pates blessed Holy Family Catholic School in Des Moines on May 25. With the help of the Holy Family Foundation and a capital campaign, the school added two classrooms, a student activities center with a gym and stage, new roof, and a new heating/air conditioning system. The school has about 230 students from preschool through eighth grade and is home to a diverse population of childen. GEORGE W. Appleby Attorney Des Moines Free Initial Consultation Office: Cell: appleby@carneyappleby.com Youth Minister Assumption Catholic Church in Granger, IA seeks a parttime Youth Minister. An individual in this position works to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of the youth. The Youth Minister also seeks to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the faith community. Individual must be a practicing Catholic in good standing. Individual must have appropriate self-knowledge and ability to share the Catholic faith with young people. Individuals interested must send their resume to Fr. Dominic Assim at domassim@yahoo.com OUR LADY OF FATIMA 100th Anniversary THE PATH TO PEACE CONFERENCE Saturday, August 5, a.m. to 4 p.m. Sioux City Convention Center 801 4th Street Sioux City, Iowa Conference will feature world-renowned speakers Fr. Wade Menezes, a Father of Mercy who hosts The Crux of the Matter on EWTN; Msgr. Charles Mangan of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, who studied Mariology in Rome. The traveling Statue of the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady of Fatima Presented by Deacon Bob Ellis of the Blue Army. First Saturday Mass will be offered by Bishop R. Walker Nickless of the Diocese of Sioux City. $25 admission fee, lunch included FOR ADVANCE REGISTRATION, CONTACT: Trinity Heights Queen of Peace rd St Sioux City, IA Presented by: Trinity Heights Queen of Peace along with the Diocese of Sioux City

8 8 The Catholic Mirror June 16, years after permanent diaconate restored, diocese celebrates spirit, service of deacons and their wives Diocese of Des Moines was among the first in the nation to ordain permanent deacons By Anne Marie Cox Council Bluffs Deacons Larry Knotek and Dennis Kirlin went on a retreat that changed their lives. It was the late 1960s when they did a Cursillo. The experience filled them with a burst of energy that just wouldn t fade, pushing them to go out and serve the greater good. But how? A group met weekly, yet that wasn t enough. We should do something more than this, Knotek said, and someone in his group wrote to Bishop Maurice Dingman. One could call the timing providential. Bishop Dingman was new to the diocese, ordained in 1968, right after the Second Vatican Council. Within months of his installation in the Diocese of Des Moines, he met with his priests and brought to their attention a document penned June 18, 1967 by Pope Paul VI (called a moto proprio) that outlined the general norms for restoring the permanent diaconate in the Catholic Church. Permanent deacons hadn t existed in the Church for more than 1,000 years. The priests agreed to move forward. Duane Weiland became the architect of the formation program, which he created in consultation with several other dioceses and archdioceses. The priests reviewed and approved Weiland s proposal and it went to the U.S. bishops office in Washington, D.C. As they waited to see if they could move forward, priests began to look for parishioners who might have a vocation to the diaconate. What we really wanted was a group of men and their wives who, by their lifestyle, could illustrate and then motivate a renewed spirituality of the laity, Weiland said. We wanted the men and women to be trained for change. They were ordained. But change was their mission, that is to say, adapting to the needs of the laity in the concept of the council, which was saying the spirit of God is in the people. The hierarchy are advised to listen to the Spirit that is rising out of the laity. A groundbreaking moment came March 15, 1970, the day the national office approved the first Des Moines diocesan diaconate formation program. It was among the first in the country to be approved. A group of men and their wives from the Des Moines and Council Bluffs areas began formal discernment with a week in Collegeville, Minnesota Aug. 2-11, Deacons Knotek and Kirlin were in the first class. Deacon Bob Howe had gone through discernment and formation with them, but wasn t ordained in the first community because he was too young. An exemption from the age requirement didn t come through. He was ordained later. He, too, experienced a Cursillo retreat, like Deacons Kirlin and Knotek, that inspired him to do more. It wasn t too long after Vatican II that awakened a lot of us, he recalled. Many of the men who stepped forward were folk who had made a Deacon Larry Knotek Cursillo, which was a big impetus to serve the Church. Deacon Marvin Klein, of Dunlap, also made a Cursillo. It caused people to realize that I need to do more than just go to church and pray and do the sacraments. I need to be involved in helping people understand and care for (others) and bring them in, he said. Deacon Kirlin remembers the first ordination held at Memorial Auditorium in Harlan June 7, The men were ordained in business suits. You couldn t find a stole in Omaha or Des Moines, he said. They weren t made commercially yet. These stoles were made by a costumer in Omaha that one of the diaconate candidates knew. Deacon Kirlin remembers the wives being called Diaconate candidates installed as acolytes Bishop Richard Pates installed 17 men as acolytes on June 3 at St. Ambrose Cathedral. They are slated to be ordained as permanent deacons in August, This is the largest group to experience formation together in the diocese s history. Photos by Anne Marie Cox to the microphone to confirm that their husbands could become deacons. The best part of his ministry, he said, has been bringing the Eucharist to the homebound and nursing homes: The closeness that people sense, the presence of Christ. I met a few saints doing this. Deacon Knotek and his wife, Marianne, went on to found MICAH House emergency shelter in Council Bluffs. Deacon Marvin and Dolores Klein have been involved in ecumenical efforts and stood up for farmers in their community who were in crisis in the 1980s. He may not have done that if he hadn t been ordained. Scripturally, I wouldn t have had the background to do it, he said. We knew from a study of Scripture that Amos and some of those prophets spoke out with what they knew was right. I don t think I would have done it without them. Deacon Howe had been involved in youth ministry, and while he could still do that without ordination, he felt it was important. The difference between someone who is ordained and someone who is not is intentionality, he said. There s a focus there that s different. Over the years, the diocese has ordained more than 100 men. There are 55 currently active in ministry, 30 retired (though most of them still minister) and a record-breaking 17 in formation who will be ordained in August of Service Deacons minister through the Word (proclaim and teach the Gospel), sacrament (they can celebrate baptism, witness marriages, conduct wake and funeral services and lead the faithful in prayer) and charity. All deacons in the Des Moines diocese can assist liturgically and have a ministerial plan that often includes some sort of outreach in the community. I always like to think Deacon Dennis Kirlin we re there to assist our priests, said Deacon Jim Houston. We re not there to replace them. We re not there to do better. We re there to help them. Spouses Those who feel called to the diaconate must have the approval of their wives and the women are required in the Des Moines diocese to travel the faith journey through formation with their husbands. This is so that a man doesn t experience the faith journey without his spouse, and to honor their vocation of marriage. Marianne Knotek said she and her husband, Deacon Knotek, both were called to the formation and never felt that only he was called alone to serve. It was just part of an extension of our partnership in marriage, she said. Charlotte Hunkele is a military wife and said she s used to not being included. When her husband, Deacon Tom Hunkele who serves St. Anthony Parish in Des Moines, said he felt called to the diaconate, she was thrilled to learn the Church s approach includes wives in discernment and formation. It s so kind and loving and so our Church, she said. It s bringing me along with my husband, honoring our commitment to each other. I was happy for him, but I was happy for me, too. Mary Houston says the Church got two for one. Although her husband, Deacon Jim Houston of St. Pius X Parish in Urbandale, was ordained, she experienced the formation with him and they serve as a couple with marriage ministry, baptism preparation and more. I think people need to know that the wife is very, very valued in this training, said Charlotte Hunkele. As much as she has the ability to say No I think her Yes is far more important. Continued on page 9

9 Vocations The Catholic Mirror June 16, Photo by Daniela Casillas Bishop Richard Pates blessed the ministry of Deacon Troy Thompson, of Our Lady of the Americas Parish in Des Moines, in A brief history and development of the permanent diaconate By John Huynh Contributing Writer The diaconate has a rich history stemming from biblical roots. In Acts 6:1-6, the early apostles were having difficulty trying to preach the word of God while also serving the poor. As a result, the community was asked to choose among them seven men who were of formidable reputation and filled with the Holy Spirit to be appointed to the task of service. The community chose seven men and among them was Stephen, the first martyr, to take up devotion to ministering to the needy. St. Paul s first letter to Timothy describes the characteristics of a deacon (1 Tim. 3:8-13). Consequently, it was understood that works of charity were at the heart of the diaconate ministry. However, beginning in the early fifth century there was a gradual decline of deacons. This happened for a couple of reasons. The first reason was Continued from page 8 Future One measure of success of the diaconate in the diocese is the growth in the number of men ordained. Another way is to look at the all service done behind the scenes: through parish RCIA programs, youth ministry, and more. Deacon David Bartemes, of St. Pius X Parish, recalled a saying from St. Teresa of Calcutta: We re not called to be successful. We re called to be faithful. Deacons today continue to serve the laity and encourage the failure to understand the value of the diaconate in its own right by both priests and deacons. They didn t understand what it was and that it was separate from priesthood. The second reason was the escalating resentment and disdain that the priests had for the deacons. This was because the deacons, at this point, were enjoying powerful roles as the bishop s assistants and were appointed positions like vicar general and judicial vicar. By the mediaeval period, the diaconate was seen more as a transitional phase for men who will eventually be ordained to the priesthood. In 1963, the Second Vatican Council called for a restoration of the diaconate as a role in its own right and with its own rite; and in 1967 Pope Paul VI implemented this call from Vatican II. He published General Norms for Restoring the Permanent Diaconate in the Latin Church ( Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem ). The duties of the permanent deacon are spelled out in the Dogmatic Consittution of the Church ( Lumen Gentium ). In paragraph 29, it says: It is the duty of the deacon, them to become more involved. It s not a matter of having the deacon run all of these things but creating that unity, that fellowship within the parish, said Charlotte Hunkele. I think it s happened, especially with (ministries) in the prison, feeding the hungry downtown. Those kinds of things are starting to grow. Being among the first dioceses in the country to ordain deacons was bold. The diocese had no seminary or university it could use for formation and it was unclear where this new ministry would lead. I think Bishop Dingman knew that. He wanted to be bold. He said there s a horizontal according as it shall have been assigned to him by competent authority, to administer baptism solemnly, to be custodian and dispenser of the Eucharist, to assist at and bless marriages in the name of the Church, to bring Viaticum to the dying, to read the Sacred Scripture to the faithful, to instruct and exhort the people, to preside over the worship and prayer of the faithful, to administer sacramentals, to officiate at funeral and burial services. Dedicated to duties of charity and of administration, let deacons be mindful of the admonition of Blessed Polycarp: Be merciful, diligent, walking according to the truth of the Lord, who became the servant of all. Currently, the Diocese of Des Moines has 17 candidates who recently have been installed as Acolytes by Bishop Richard Pates in preparation for their ordination to the permanent diaconate in The application process and the initial stages of inquiry for the next group of men called to serve the Lord in this role will begin in the upcoming year. 50 years after permanent diaconate restored church and a vertical church. He read the council as asking for a horizontal church, Weiland said. The diocese celebrates the 50 th anniversary of the restoration of the diaconate on June 25 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. I don t know where the diocese would be if we didn t have all the diaconate couples because I think we have brought so much energy through so many people just by being present, being available, said Dolores Klein. I believe the diaconate presence has been a gift for the diocese, I really do. We re still committed to what God has called us to. It s definitely a calling, there s no doubt about it. Striving to improve, deacons survey priests Des Moines diocesan priests have a favorable view of permanent deacons, according to those who responded to a recent survey. This past January, all the diocesan priests were sent a survey asking for their perspective. Of the 38 who responded, 87 percent have served with two or more deacons and more than 95 percent indicated they have a very favorable or favorable attitude toward deacons, according to the executive summary. We felt a need to get a clearer picture of how the integration of the diaconate into the life of the Church, our diocese, was perceived by our priests, said Deacon Tom Bradley, coordinator of the Deacon Council and member of Holy Trinity Parish in Des Moines. The survey was one part in a process to improve the diaconate in the diocese. Leaders have re-written the constitution and by-laws of the Deacon Council and revised diocesan policies for the diaconate, said Deacon Mike Manno, diocesan director of the permanent diaconate who serves St. Augustin Parish in Des Moines. They sought input from the deacons themselves, other dioceses, educators and the priests. In this way, we are seeking to improve the life of the Church in those areas in which we have particular ministries, said Deacon Manno. In the ministry of the Word, 74 percent of respondents said deacons should be involved with RCIA, 53 percent said Bible study and 35 percent said adult catechesis. In the ministry of the Liturgy, 44 percent said deacons should be involved with benediction, 36 percent funerals and wakes, 31 percent weddings, 25 percent communion services and 25 percent Liturgy of the Hours. In the ministry of charity, 41 percent of respondents said deacons should be involved with prison/jail ministry, 38 percent said visiting the homebound, 30 percent said being involved with hospitals/nursing homes and 24 percent said programs for the poor and hungry. The latest effort for improvement is to review the entire diaconate education and formation process as well as continuing education, said Deacon Manno. We are making changes in deacon training, especially in post-ordination training, said Deacon Manno. The effort is to coordinate all formation and training in such a way that education and spiritual growth is a seamless lifetime event. Becoming a deacon is a vocational call The diaconate is a vocational call to service and deacons are clergy. Therefore, the structure of support for the diaconal ministry falls within the diocese s Vocations Department. The diocesan director of the Diaconate is Deacon Mike Manno, who serves St. Augustin Parish in Des Moines and who coordinates the administrative aspects with the diocese including assignments to parishes. He is assisted by associate director, Deacon Fred Cornwell, of St. Luke Parish in Ankeny. Within Deacon Manno s office, there is a director of formation who facilitates the recruitment of men discerning a call to the diaconate and manages their formation. This position is shared by Deacon Ron and Tammy Myers, of Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines. Also within the Diaconate Department is a coordinator of post-ordination formation. Deacons experience three years of ongoing formation after ordination. The Deacon Council coordinates aspects of the life of a deacon such as ongoing formation, study days and activities for the deacon community. The council is coordinated by Deacon Tom Bradley, of Holy Trinity Parish in Des Moines. Service plans split between parish, community A deacon s service is outlined in a ministry plan that is approved by Bishop Richard Pates. Deacons provide service in two ways: through the parish and in the broader community. Their service stems from the call to be a minister of the word, of the altar and of charity. In the Diocese of Des Moines, half of the deacons ministry plans focus on their role in the parish, where they can exercise their role as minister of the word and of the altar. In the parishes, they preach and teach the Gospel, assist in liturgy, celebrate baptisms, weddings, wakes and funerals, coordinate or help with RCIA programs, marriage and baptism preparation classes and other activities as the pastor may determine. The other half of their ministry plans outline a ministry of charity. Deacons are involved with homeless shelters, food pantries, jails, Catholic Charities and in outreach efforts such as the pregnancy and infant loss ministry. Bishop Pates observed: The Diocese of Des Moines is blessed with a well-formed and dedicated diaconal corps. Special appreciation is expressed to the deacon wives who, in many different expressions, share this ministry of service. With the passing of time, the vocation of the deacon will emerge with greater clarity in its own right and be an indispensable part of ordained outreach to our communities.

10 10 The Catholic Mirror June 16, Deacon Trevor Chicoine Seminarian gives commencement address at University of St. Thomas Deacon Trevor Chicoine of Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Mary s, Iowa, will be ordained June 23 at 7 p.m. at St. Ambrose Cathedarl in Des Moines. Continued from page 1 ordination if you re ready or if you re perfect, he said. She just asks if you re here. It s marvelous, Deacon Chicoine continued. The Church asks, Are you here? And you say, Yes, I m here. The [bishop] asks Has this man been found worthy, and the Church declares you worthy. You never declare yourself worthy. We re never worthy of our own accord for priestly service or for any service of the Church. But we re called and we re so very keenly aware of that sense of being called despite my own imperfections and unworthiness, and that s a real grace of not my own doing but his. Though Deacon Chicoine is returning to Rome in the fall for one more year to obtain his Licentiate in Liturgical Theology, he looks forward to when he ll start serving as a priest in the Diocese of Des Moines. I m looking forward to the sacraments, he said. Priesthood, in many ways, centers around the Eucharist. In both we offer the sacrifice of the Eucharist and the sacrifices before God, but we ourselves become the sacrifices. The priest standing at the altar offers his own body and his own blood before the people of God. This isn t something one does for one s own glory but does for the love of God and for service of his people and the church, and that s something I m very much looking forward to doing, he said. Deacon Chicoine encourages everyone to attend his ordination on Friday, June 23 at 7 p.m. at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, with a reception to follow at St. Anthony Parish in Des Moines. Please come it s a diocesan celebration, he said. This is not about me this is about our diocese celebrating a gift of priesthood, the gift of Holy Orders and all the priests do for us and mean for us. And likewise, I would encourage folks to come because priests need prayers. We need the prayers of our people in many moments of life and most especially right at the start. He appreciates the prayers already sent his way. I have a profound sense of gratitude for those who have prayed for, supported in whatever way, he said, while also mentioning his gratitude for the Serra Club, the Knights of Columbus and various parishes. We would not be able to do what we do without the generosity of the people of God and their prayers. I think it s important that they know that their prayers are bearing fruit. By Reed Flood Contributing Writer Reed Flood, of Holy Trinity Parish in Des Moines, graduated college last month. His commencement speech is below. Flood leaves for Rome soon to spend the next four to five years studying for the priesthood at the North American College. Unlikely Introduction Hello, as you ve heard, I m Reed Flood and I have double major in Catholic studies and philosophy. I ve been a seminarian in St. John Vianney for the past four years. What you didn t hear is that I didn t imagine entering the religious life when I decided to attend St. Thomas. My plan was to be a Business Communication major. I was attracted to St. Thomas for its beautiful campus, its beautiful people, and the prospect of a beautiful girlfriend. St. Thomas offered all these things and more. However, one month before school began, I felt a nagging in my heart: I wanted to do something great with my life and I thought, Maybe seminary would be a great thing to try! My plan was to try it out for at least a semester, and to leave if I stopped enjoying it. When I joined the seminary, I thought I would have to give up some beautiful things-- namely dating--but I ve experienced more beauty than I could have ever imagined in my four year at St. Thomas. Beauty amidst pain I have enjoyed beautiful classes, beautiful friendships, and beautiful experiences. I also learned a very important lesson: even painful experiences can be beautiful. During our sophomore year, in the fall semester 2014, I witnessed my best friend Erik Nielsen suffer a brain aneurysm. While we were working out in the Anderson Recreation Complex, Erik suddenly said that his head hurt, that he was experiencing his worst headache ever. His eyes were bloodshot. One hour later I waited in the Hennepin County Medical Center for any news. His mom, dad, two brothers, and two younger sisters came from Iowa as soon as they could. We waited anxiously, along with many of Erik s friends so many that we had to visit Erik in shifts because there were so many people who wanted to see him and pray with him. He was unconscious but we took turns sharing stories and funny memories with him. Erik died the next day. The Cross and Resurrection I m convinced that the worst pain a human can experience is losing someone close to them. I was in pain due to the loss of Erik. I had no motivation. I suffered from depression. I didn t care about school, friends, seminary, or life. When winter break ended, I was required to attend an eight-day silent seminary retreat. I thought, Perfect, now I have to sit alone and think about the aneurysm that killed my friend. I sat alone, sulking and praying in my room, when I heard Erik s smart, happy voice. He spoke fourteen words that were the start of a new beginning: Reed, you have no idea how much God loves you. You have no idea. Slowly, I began to see color again. I began to see the beautiful people who meant so much to me. I began to live again. I believe that Erik s message applies to all of us: We have no idea how much we re loved. We have no idea. Reed Flood Call to Greatness Life is beautiful. Look around! We have a beautiful campus. We have beautiful professors and support staff. We have beautiful friends. We have beautiful families and relationships! Today is a day to give thanks to those who have supported us in small and big ways. Yet, none of these relationships are immune to pain, or even the possibility of death. As a community, we ve suffered the losses of other students, faculty and support staff. Some of you have also lost friends and family members. As we go out and meet new people, start new jobs, start new families and have new adventures we will inevitably experience the loss of someone close to us. A seemingly logical response to this scenario is to try to avoid pain by not creating close relationships. I urge you not to take this path. Because in doing so, you will miss the opportunity to love and to be loved. I love Erik. I lost him. It hurt a lot. But I learned that love outlasts even the greatest of all human suffering. Love comforts us in our grieving. Love heals our bleeding hearts when they ve been shredded by loss. Love gives us hope that death isn t the end. During this great celebration today, I encourage you to look around and see into the eyes of our friends and family here today, know that we have no idea how much they love us. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, other family, and our dear friends: you have no idea how much we love you. Your love for us, and our love for you will last forever. And that, members of the St. Thomas community, is truly beautiful. Newly ordained Jesuit priest to celebrate Mass of Thanksgiving in Des Moines Find the Diocese of Des Moines on Instagram! DMDiocese By Nicholas Smith Contributing Writer One of the newest priests of the Society of Jesus has his roots in Iowa. Jesuit Father Brian J. Taber, a native of Davenport, was ordained June 3. His parents, Jim and Lois, moved to the Des Moines area while he was in formation. They are now members of Christ the King Parish in Des Moines. On June 18, he will offer a first Mass of Thanksgiving at the regularly scheduled 11 a.m. Mass at Christ the King, with a reception immediately following. Father Taber attended Assumption High School in Davenport before moving on to Creighton University, where he first encountered the Jesuits. He entered the order in 2006, two years following graduation. He relishes the opportunity to return to Des Moines, where he has found prayerful and material support from the Vocations Committee at Christ the King. It s a great privilege to be able to come back to a place where I have found great support this is very necessary to sustaining a vocation, he acknowledged. At the end of the summer, Father Taber will begin his first assignment where he will be teaching, serving as sports chaplain and coaching at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, as well as assisting St. Giles parish in Oak Park, Illinois.

11 The Catholic Mirror June 16, Sisters celebrate jubilee anniversaries Congregation of the Humility of Mary jubilees Sister Catherine Talarico Sister Mary Ann Aman Sister Micheline Curtis Sister Elaine Hagedorn Sister Ruth Morris Sister Marilyn Shierbrock Sister Donna Schmitt Sister Lillian Stevens The Congregation of the Humility of Mary will celebrate the jubilees of Humility sisters and associates at a special Mass of celebration at Christ the King Chapel, St. Ambrose University, in Davenport on June 25 at 2 p.m. Sisters living at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston who are unable to travel will celebrate at Bishop Drumm in Our Lady of Peace Chapel on Sept. 24 at 2:15 p.m. All those who wish to celebrate with the 2017 jubilarians are welcome to attend. Sister Ruth Morris 80 Years Sister Ruth Morris was born in South Dakota. She entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in Her first vows were pronounced in Sister Ruth served as a teacher in Iowa, Montana, Arizona, and Illinois. She taught at a girls high school as a Peace Corp volunteer in Ghana, Africa, and taught at the Rainbow Literacy Center in Canton, Mississippi. She is now retired and lives at the Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston. Sister Donna Schmitt (Sister M. Angelita) 70 Years Born in Des Moines, Sister Donna Schmitt entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in Her first vows were professed in Sister Donna s ministry of teaching started in Minneapolis. She taught in Iowa in elementary schools in Melrose, Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, Marshalltown, at Sacred Heart School in West Des Moines ( ) and St. Theresa School in Des Moines ( ). In early 1986 Donna moved to Davenport where she coordinated Seeds of Hope, a Humility of Mary volunteer program, and served as the coordinator of Humility of Mary Center. In 1991, she returned to Des Moines where she was hired as an apartment manager for Anawim Housing ( ). She was a member of New Hope, an experimental community consisting of a group of sisters and volunteers who were active in a variety of ministries in the River Bend neighborhood of Des Moines ( ). She is retired and living in Davenport at Humility of Mary Center. Sister Mary Ann Aman (M. Doreen) 60 Years A native of Perry, Sister Mary Ann Aman entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in Her first vows were pronounced in Sister Mary Ann s ministry of teaching saw her in Iowa at Ottumwa, Centerville, Albia, Davenport and Bettendorf. In the Diocese of Des Moines, she served at St. Theresa in Des Moines ( ). She also served as director of religious education at St. Theresa Parish from In Omaha, she served the Omaha Archdiocese Department of Education and taught religious education. She served as director of religious education in Texas, Ames and State Center in Iowa. Sister Mary Ann currently resides at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston. Sister Micheline Curtis 60 Years Sister Micheline Curtis was born in Iowa City and entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in Her first vows were pronounced in Sister Micheline s ministry of teaching in Iowa led her to St. Albert High School in Council Bluffs ( ) plus schools in Ottumwa and Iowa City. She taught in Illinois, Arizona, and served as an intervention counselor at Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Illinois. She served as the archival assistant for the Congregation of the Humility of Mary until retiring to Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston. Sister Elaine Hagedorn (Sister Marie Paul) 60 Years A native of Des Moines, Sister Elaine Hagedorn entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in Her first vows were pronounced in Sister Elaine taught in the Iowa schools of St. Mary and St. Patrick in Ottumwa, St. Joseph in Dunlap ( ) and St. Mary School in Marshalltown where she was also principal. In Des Moines, Sister Elaine served as the area coordinator in the Diocesan Social Action office ( ) and delivered meals through the Homemaker Service ( ). She served as pastoral minister and director of religious education in Visitation Parish ( ). Sister Elaine lives in Des Moines and is actively involved in peace and justice efforts including the Des Moines Faith Committee for Peace and a board member of the Catholic Peace Ministry. Sister Marilyn Schierbrock (Sister Regina Marie) 60 Years Sister Marilyn Schierbrock grew up in Neola and entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in Her first vows were pronounced in Sister Marilyn s ministry of teaching in Iowa found her at St. Anthony in Des Moines ( ), St. Mary in Marshalltown and Sacred Heart in West Des Moines ( ). She was director of religious education in Iowa in the following parishes: Sacred Heart in West Des Moines ( ), in Bettendorf and in the Vicariate of Iowa City. In Mt. Pleasant, she was pastoral minister. For many years Sister Marilyn was a neighborhood advocacy coordinator for John Lewis Community Service in Davenport. She now lives in Johnston at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. Sister Catherine Talarico (Sister Peter Marie) 60 Years Sister Catherine Talarico was born in Des Moines. She entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in 1957 and made final profession in She began her first career as a teacher. Her ministry took her to Albia, Bettendorf, Minneapolis, Sacred Heart in West Des Moines ( and ), Ottumwa, St. Theresa ( ) in Des Moines and St. Pius X ( ) in Urbandale ( ). Sister Catherine pursued her second ministry career serving as pastoral minister in Assumption Parish in Granger ( ), and St. Mary of Nazareth Parish in Des Moines ( ). Her third ministerial call came to work with those with housing issues as well as mental health/substance abuse issues at Anawim Housing as the Shelter Plus Care Director ( ). She ministered at the Broadlawns PATH program in Des Moines as a holistic health coordinator until retirement ( ). Now retired in Des Moines, Sister Catherine volunteers for homeless veterans and for women at Iowa Correctional Institution for Women, as well as her involvement with other justice issues. Calling all Catholic Teens! Sister Lillian Stevens 25 Years Born in Missoula, Montana, Sister Lillian Stevens entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in Her first vows were pronounced in Sister Lillian was a bookkeeper and secretary for the Alzheimer s Association in Rock Island, Illinois, and worked as a secretary in Davenport at Churches United, Center for Aging Services, Inc., and the Friendly House. From she worked at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston, first as assistant then as the Humility Sister coordinator. She currently resides at Humility of Mary Center in Davenport. We ll highlight three other sisters who are also celebrating their jubilees in next month s edition of the Catholic Mirror. They are Sister Linda Roby, Sister Catherine Burns and Sister Luz Maria Orozco. Join us for the 2017 National Catholic Youth Conference! Talk to your parish Youth Minister or Director of Religious Education today! Heads up! No group from your parish attending this year? No problem! Contact Justin White at jwhite@dmdiocese.org We will be coming back on the morning of the 19th

12 12 The Catholic Mirror June 16, Keeping the faith Young married couple explains why church is important to them By Kelly Mescher Collins Church leaders and researchers report that people prefer to say they are spiritual rather than affiliated with a faith tradition. Yet, there are young adults rooted in the Catholic Church and want to continue their faith, passing it on to their children. Luke and Veronica Monat met nearly seven years ago at the YCAF (Young Catholic Adults and Friends) weekly Bible study at St. Francis Parish in West Des Moines. They married in They now have two young children. Despite the hectic lifestyle that comes with being new parents, they re still coming back to St. Francis weekly for Mass and are involved in activities that help strenghten their faith. The Monats say their Catholic faith is the foundation of who they are individually and as a couple. Having grown up in the Catholic faith, obviously that was the foundation of my family and the foundation of my education and faith life, and so that s what started me going to the Catholic Church, Luke said. And the reason I continue to going back is that it provides me really with what I am seeking, he added. The sustenance of Jesus in the Eucharist is first and foremost, and then there s a lot of supporting things as well - the strong faith community and friends and family. Veronica said they feel fortunate that St. Francis offers everything they need. I ve never really looked for anything else and I feel satisfied, she said. We re lucky with St. Francis in that there s a lot of different people our age and a lot of different people at St. Francis like us. There are tons of families and kids, so it feels like we re in the right spot. There are also a number of programs that help the couple grow in their faith while offering the fellowship they so earnestly seek throughout their faith journey, including YCAF, Christ Renews His Parish and now Christian Family Movement. Veronica admits it s not always easy attending Mass with two small kids, but it s worth it. It s really easy with kids to get caught up in how we re tired and busy and we work all week and it s easy to lose track of your faith life, and so [attending Mass] re-centers you every week, she said. We ve been pretty good at going to Mass every week, she added. I know a lot of people that say, It s too hard with toddlers. And I ll be honest, I don t always get a lot out of Mass because I m trying to wrangle the kids, but it s still good and re-centers me. The couple greatly appreciates the community aspect of church. Whenever they return to their home parishes outside of Des Moines, people approach them with a smile and say they re glad to see them again. And now that they have kids, the couple say they are encouraged by the kind words and actions of others - oftentimes strangers. One thing that s always encouraged me and encouraged others that I ve witnessed is when [our toddler] Theo doesn t behave that well in Mass, but there are folks after Mass that have encouraging words to say, like Hey, we ve all been there, Luke said. Or even Your kids are cute or They don t seem as badly behaved back here as they do to you. Just words of encouragement are certainly appreciated and don t fall on deaf ears. Veronica and Luke Monat of St. Francis Parish in West Des Moines with their son Theo, 2, and daughter Samantha, 8 months. The couple met at the parish s Bible study for young adults and appreciate the faith formation and fellowship opportunities the parish offers. [We re] working through the struggles of raising a family and just how to raise a family and finding other people to talk to about the same sort of things, Luke added. St. Francis and the Catholic Church has been able to serve our needs in that regard as well, and we haven t felt let down. And really, the Church is really big and wonderful and a strength that we ve been able to lean on and provide for our needs, Luke concluded. Sense of community connected couple By Anne Marie Cox Joshua Tatz and Gina Digiantonio met at a Bible study through a Catholic student group called FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) at St. Catherine of Siena while students at Drake University. The key that kept them active in their faith while in college was a sense of community in which students not only prayed together but socialized outside of church, Digiantonio said. I was working that summer in Des Moines and wanted to deepen my faith and try to form a Catholic community while in college, said Digiantonio, who is originally from Cedar Rapids. That s why I wanted to do Bible study, to get a sense of community. I was interested in the fellowship, more of an opportunity (of) going out and helping in the community, said Tatz, who is from Des Moines. I think ours is an active faith and if you want to be like a dynamic Catholic, you need to be out doing things. You can t just be doing your time once a week. They married at the Basilica of St. John on May 27 and now look to practice their faith in married life. It s attractive to want to do something like a destination (wedding), Digiantonio said. In the end, I think we re both really happy that we put in the extra time to make our wedding something that was in front of those we loved but also involved God and our faith because that is something that, to us, is a huge part of marriage and will help us in the future as we try to be good spouses to one another. The pair is active at Annunciation Church in northwest Washington, D.C., where they live and study. He is pursuing a doctoral degree in cognitive neuroscience. She is in yearlong marine policy fellowship with the U.S. Department of Interior. In Washington, D.C., Joshua Tatz and Gina Digiantonio met at Bible study at St. Catherine Parish in Des Moines. they re looking for young adult communities like they had in Des Moines. I think the secret to FOCUS was the creation of the community and all the activities they did to try to bring in (students) in a very positive, loving way, Digiantonio said. Anniversary Masses Bishop Richard Pates will continue a tradition of celebrating milestone anniversaries with couples, their families and friends this summer. An anniversary Mass will be Aug. 20 in the Des Moines metro area. A Mass will be celebrated Sept. 3 on the west side of the diocese. For more information, contact Adam Storey, diocesan director of the Marriage and Family Life Department at or astorey@dmdiocese.org. For all the latest news, updates and photos, follow us! facebook.com/dmdiocese

13 The Catholic Mirror June 16, Iowa Catholic Conference review of 2017 legislative session Bishop Pates celebrates Memorial Day Mass By Tom Chapman Contributing Writer As Catholics, our cause is the defense of human life and dignity and the protection of the weak and vulnerable the principles of Catholic social teaching dignity of the human person, subsidiarity and solidarity, freedom, participation, the common good, and care for the poor and most vulnerable among us must define our positions on issues and should invite reflection on the best specific response. Faithful Citizenship for Iowa Catholics, 2016 A few priorities of the Iowa Catholic Conference became law with Gov. Branstad s signature: The ICC supported Senate File 471, which prohibits abortion after 20 weeks post-fertilization with exceptions to save the life of the mother or for a serious physical health emergency. It is the first limitation on abortion passed in Iowa in many years. The ICC will continue its work to oppose abortion, embryonic stem cell research/cloning, and doctor-prescribed suicide. The ICC has supported efforts to create a sustainable funding stream for Iowa s regional mental health care system and was pleased to see Senate File 504 pass the legislature. The bill provides for the equalization of county property tax levies for mental health and intellectual/development disability services. It allows for more funding for these important health care services in some regions of the state. We support initiatives which would make health care, including mental health care, more readily available and affordable to all Iowans, including immigrants and their children. The ICC also supported a provision found in House File 653, the $1.7 billion human services budget bill. HF 653 changes the current Medicaid family planning waiver program to prevent the reimbursement of abortion providers. Unfortunately, as with the other departmental budget bills, HF 653 contained some substantive cuts in spending. A relatively small example is a $100,000 (one-third) cut in the Refugee RISE program. We were disappointed the legislature reduced funding for transportation of students to nonpublic schools in Senate File 516. The legislature budgeted $8.56 million in the current year but it was cut to $8.2 million for next year. There was regrettably no legislative action in support of Education Savings Accounts or School Tuition Organizations to help parents afford the education of their choice for their children. The ICC will continue to advocate for school choice and affordability. Unfortunately the governor signed legislation, House File 517, removing any duty to retreat in the face of any perceived threat and allowing the use of deadly force anywhere, including for the protection of property. Catholic moral teaching recognizes the right to self-defense as a way of preserving one s life and in defense of others, but we have a moral obligation not to use deadly force unless absolutely necessary. The new law moves farther away from this standard. The ICC will continue to advocate for reasonable gun controls, in defense of innocent human life and the common good. The ICC will continue to oppose Senate File 481 and work on the issue in the interim. SF 481 requires law enforcement agencies to honor any immigration detainer request from the federal government, even those without a criminal warrant attached. This would be a significant change of practice for many local law enforcement agencies. We do not believe that an escalation of immigrant detention and intensive use of local enforcement in communities is the way to achieve compassionate and merciful reform of our immigration system. SF 481 has already passed the Iowa Senate and was assigned to the House Public Safety Committee for action next year. The legislature failed to raise the minimum wage. We hold the opinion that, in the current circumstances, an increase to the minimum legal wage would directly or indirectly benefit more Iowans than not. Therefore, we continue to advocate for an increase. On the positive side, bills restoring the death penalty and legalizing doctor-prescribed suicide failed to advance. We will continue our work in opposition to these proposals. Tom Chapman is executive director of the Iowa Catholic Conference, the legislative voice of the bishops of Iowa. Photo by Adam Storey Bishop Richard Pates celebrated the annual Memorial Day Mass on May 29 at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. 10 Day Pilgrimage to the Holy Land hosted by Rev. Robert E. Harris 10 days Departing October 29, 2018 from Des Moines Cost is $3,698 All inclusive! (except lunches) / Deposit $300 (payable on booking) / 2nd payment (50% of balance) June 1, 2018 / full balance due August 15, Journey features: round-trip air transportation; First Class & Deluxe Hotels; land transportation via deluxe, private motor coach with free Wi-Fi; daily Masses; entrance fees to all sites; taxes & fuel surcharge ($710) and tips ($80) included; boat ride on the Sea of Galilee /cable car ride to top of Masada; The Jesus boat & whisper headsets are included. Sites include: Sea of Galilee & Upper Galilee; Jordan Valley; Jerusalem & Bethlehem. For more information contact: Rev. Robert E. Harris, All Saints Church, 650 NE 52nd Ave., Des Moines, IA 50313; ; bha @aol.com Join veteran tour leader Father John Vakulskas Jr. for a & Springtime Tour of Poland We re close in all the ways you need. Yes, we are located nearby for your convenience. Through the years, we have formed close relationships with the families we serve. As neighbors, we are there when needed most. With a skilled and caring staff. With a warm and comforting atmosphere. With answers and options few funeral homes can offer. Eastern Europe Warsaw, Czestochowa, Krakow, Wadowice, Auschwitz, Budapest, Vienna & Prague April 30 - May 11, 2018 $3,699 Chicago $3,749 Omaha Includes R/T air, first class hotels, most meals, daily Mass, transfers, daily tours, and much more. Seats are limited. (Tour price includes $680 taxes/airline surcharges from each gateway.) For complete details contact: Father John Vakulskas Jr Box 347 Okoboji, IA, (712) or johnvakulskas@gmail.com

14 14 The Catholic Mirror June 16, En las Tierras del Corazón Con el Obispo Pates Siguiendo adelante impetu a la renovación By Bishop Richard Pates Dos eventos providenciales para la Iglesia Católica de los Estados Unidos que se van a llevar a cabo pronto, van a tener un impacto duradero en nuestro futuro con una presencia eclesial robusta en nuestro país. Ellos están intentando articular y prepararse para atender a una fe vibrante. Más aún, ellos buscan el perpetuar un compromiso con los valores y la moral que representan mejor a la integridad humana. El primero es la Convocación de Líderes Católicos, que se llevará a cabo en Orlando, Florida del 1 al 4 de julio. Es una reunión en la que se han estado preparando por algunos cinco años emergiendo gradualmente al punto en que estarán presentes aproximadamente 3,500 líderes católicos representando la gran mayoría de las diócesis del país. El programa va a consistir de celebraciones Eucarísticas y servicios de oración extensos y cuidadosamente preparados así como talleres y pláticas motivacionales. En esta reunión, la Diócesis de Des Moines tendrá 17 representantes que vienen de una variedad de antecedentes. Si hubo un paso mayor en un grupo diocesano, fue en el de participantes jóvenes. La mayor fuga actual en las instituciones religiosas es entre los jóvenes y sus predecesores, los milenios. Esto preocupa también a nuestra comunidad católica. Por lo tanto, nuestra participación en el proceso de la convocatoria. Nuestra delegación a la convocatoria se ha reunido ya una vez para discutir qué es lo que se espera de la reunión. Nosotros vamos también a empezar a determinar cómo traer a la diócesis el ímpetu de la convocatoria. Anticipamos que el resultado para nosotros será en el mismo tono de lo que resuena en el resto del país. A la par de los preparativos para la convocatoria, se reunieron aproximadamente 10 grupos de sacerdotes, representando a casi todos lo que sirven en la diócesis, en la residencia de la Want a great way to prepare for Christmas? Holy Land trip hosted by Fr. Mike McLaughlin 10 days Departing November 6, 2017 from Omaha Cost is $3,699 All inclusive! (except lunches) catedral para una comida y conversaciones informales. Conforme hablamos sobre el futuro, surgió una visión con una naturaleza altamente pastoral. Nuestros sacerdotes están preocupados sobre la integración de la fe en los corazones de todos. Preguntamos: Cómo compartimos la fe dentro de nuestras familias de modo de que les inspire a una participación regular en la Eucaristía y a integrarse de alguna forma al proceso de conversión? Una mayor preocupación en la estabilidad de los matrimonios, especialmente en sus primeros cinco años. El matrimonio es la piedra angular de nuestra civilización. No podemos dedicar demasiada energía para permitir que estas relaciones tengan éxito. A la vez que se lleva la Convocatoria de Líderes Religiosos en Orlando, está también el esfuerzo llamado V Encuentro. Este es un movimiento que ya se está llevando a cabo en las nueve parroquias diocesanas con una significativa presencia latina. El proceso es de naturaleza progresiva avanzando del nivel parroquial, al diocesano, al regional y entonces al nivel nacional que se Commit by August 1 We ll visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Shepherd s Field and Nazareth. Add to that, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes the site of the Sermon on the Mount, Tabgha the site of the Miracle of Loaves and Fishes, Mount Tabor traditional site of the Transfiguration, and more. Sharing this experience with other Christians creates a unique fellowship from this journey that will be treasured forever. Especially with our trip being about six weeks before Christmas, it will make every future Christmas and Easter that much more special. For more information contact: Fr. Mike McLaughlin, 1495 Warren Avenue, Cumming, IA 50061; Tel: (515) ; michael.mclaughlin1746@gmail.com. llevará a cabo del 20 al 23 de septiembre del 2018 en Grapevine, Texas. La meta principal del Encuentro es la de evaluar las necesidades de los miembros Hispanos en la Iglesia de los Estados Unidos. Ellos constituyen ya el 40 por ciento de los Católicos Americanos. Nuevamente, donde existe un compromiso para fortalecer este brazo de la Iglesia conforme se empieza a combinar con sus contrapartes anglo, africana y asiática hacia una iglesia unificada que disfruta de una diversidad saludable. Hay tres componentes claves que sirven como la base de lo que se considera como un movimiento del Espíritu en nuestros días conforme se desarrollan la convocación y el encuentro. El Gozo del Evangelio. En la Exhortación Apostólica con este título, el Papa Francisco traza su visión de la Iglesia. El papa dice que la Iglesia, como el Cuerpo de Cristo, no puede referirse a sí misma. Necesita salir a las periferias trayendo el mensaje de sanación de Jesús a una humanidad que sufre. Evangelización. Este concepto es el compartir la historia redentora de Jesucristo por medio de nuestros actos y de nuestro testimonio. Es un llamado a traer la luz del Evangelio a situaciones donde el impacto de su misericordia pueda llevar al amor y la paz. Discipulado Misionero. Este concepto que el Papa Francisco ha hecho popular habla sobre el seguimiento de Cristo por medio del cual nos acercamos profundamente a su amistad, enseñanzas y su espíritu. Nosotros somos sus discípulos. Con tal penetración en nuestro espíritu estamos siendo enviados en una misión diaria el dar testimonio a los demás sin sermonear de modo que ellos puedan también puedan llegar a ver y a entrarse en una relación vibrante con Jesús, quien tiene palabra de vida. Los retos que nos presenta la crisis de fe que está emergiendo en nuestra sociedad, nos puede llevar a aprovechar la oportunidad de que nos que el Espíritu hacia una nueva era en que fluya el Evangelio. Para los católicos Americanos, dos de estas oportunidades son la Convocatoria de Líderes Católicos y el V Encuentro. Que estemos abiertos a que el Espíritu Santo se manifieste ya que es él quien inspira estos movimientos. Our caskets and urns are prayerfully made and blessed. No other casket company can make this claim. As Trappists, we make our caskets in prayer and hope to bring comfort during your time loss. Let us join you on your journey by providing personal attention and answers to all your questions. Call us now for an immediate need or visit our website for future planning. Receive a keepsake cross with your request for our printed catalog. trappistcaskets.com Blessed and prepared by the monks of New Melleray Abbey , University Ave., Clive, IA FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS Real Estate Salesperson of the Year Doris Weindel THE LISTENER doris.weindel@coldwellbankermag.com 2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated. MID-AMERICA GROUP, REALTORS Consejero sobre Asistencia de Víctimas El Consejero sobre Asistencia de Víctimas es un empleado de Polk County Victim Services. Ella ayuda a víctimas de abuso sexual por parte del clero durante el proceso de la queja y buscando servicios de apoyo y consejería. Pueden comunicarse al o en advocate@dmdiocese.org.

15 A visit with Father The Catholic Mirror June 16, 2017 Share your thoughts, complete survey Take a few minutes to complete a short, five-question survey to help Bishop Richard Pates prepare for an upcoming synod on youth and young adults. Pope Francis and Bishop Pates would like to know your insights and experiences with the Church and to identify the most effective ways to announce the Good News today. The Church is interested in everyone s voice: those who practice the Catholic faith and those who no longer practice the faith, Catholics and non-catholics alike. The Diocese of Des Moines has put together a short survey that will help prepare the U.S. bishops for an upcoming synod (a meeting of bishops and invited guests with Pope Francis) this fall. 15 Help the diocese by taking the survey and inviting others to take the survey. The survey is available online here: See what our Catholic families are saying Photo by Anne Moeller Jack Moeller chats with Father John Ludwig at St. John the Apostle Parish in Norwalk after younger brother Ben was baptized. Sarah Cowman, Broker Cell # Licensed in the state of Iowa 67 E Jefferson St, Winterset, IA ~Serving Central Iowa with Catholic Values~ Andy Couture, Realtor Cell # Licensed in the state of Iowa Mark & John Parrish, parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi From the first call to the graveside service, Mark and John demonstrated complete compassion for Father Jim Kiernan and for our family. Being a Catholic funeral home allowed for the upmost reverence during the rosary, prayer vigil and funeral. The services were remarkable due to their attention to detail and never once did the family have a concern or a worry. Our family has used this funeral home since the early 1900 s and impeccable service, quality and Catholic tradition continue to be demonstrated without exception. ~Family of Father Jim Kiernan 8201 Hickman Road Urbandale CaldwellParrish.com Prices starting at $2,499 ~ with Airfare Included in this price from anywhere in the USA DES MOINES ONLY CATHOLIC-OWNED & OPERATED FUNERAL HOME. Several trips to different destinations: the Holy Land; Italy; France, Portugal, & Spain; Poland; Medjugorje, Lourdes, & Fatima; Ireland & Scotland; England; Austria, Germany, & Switzerland; Greece & Turkey; Budapest; Prague; Our Lady of Guadalupe; Colombia; Brazil; Argentina; Domestic Destinations; etc We also specialize in custom trips for Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. Call us 24/ Hablamos Español anthony@proximotravel.com Victim Assistance Advocate The diocese s Victim Assistance Advocate is a staff member at Polk County Victim Services. She helps victims of sexual abuse of minors by clergy through a complaint process and in seeking support and counseling services. She can be reached at or advocate@dmdiocese.org.

16 The Catholic Mirror June 16, St Joseph - model of faithful fatherhood & protector of the Holy Family We follow the example of St Joseph to showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about. It means caring for one another in our families: husbands and wives first protect one another, and then, as parents, they care for their children, and children themselves in time protect their parents. It means building sincere friendships in which we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness. Pope Francis The bond of sincere friendship can be found in our Band of Brothers the Knights of Columbus. See what we can do together to protect God s gifts. Be Courageous! Do everything with Love. Join the Knights of Columbus visit To Learn More Follow us on facebook/iowaknightsofcolumbus and Facebook.com/caballerosdecoloniowa on twitter.com/iaknights What are you worth to your family? DSM.June.2017.indd 1 Help protect your life with life insurance from the Knights of Columbus. Still Agency Shawn Still (General Agent) (319) shawn.still@kofc.org 5/25/17 11:44 AM Follow us on Barry McNulty (319) Washington, Williamsburg, Harper & Richmond-Wellman Donnie Kenkel (712) Council Bluffs Missouri Valley, Neola & Portsmouth Nick Still (319) Des Moines, Grinnell, Ankeny, Tama & Newton Ken Salyer (563) Des Moines, Ankeny, Elkhart & Altoona Todd Roecker (712) Atlantic, Red Oak, Avoca-Walnut, Council Bluffs, Glenwood & Shenandoah Rob Ryan (515) West Des Moines, Panora, Anita, Guthrie Center & Stuart Pete Seuntjens (712) Earling, Harlan & Audubon Charles Stastny (515) Adel, Waukee, Perry, Granger, Des Moines & Panora Steven Youngs (515) Perry, Des Moines, West Des Moines, & Norwalk Career Opportunities Available in your Area L I F E I N S U R A N C E D I S A B I L I T Y I N S U R A N C E L O N G - T E R M C A R E I N S U R A N C E R E T I R E M E N T A N N U I T I E S