THE CATHOLIC. Bishop blesses new St. Joseph Chapel at Dowling Catholic, celebrates first Mass

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1 THE CATHOLIC MIRROR The primary task of a diocesan newspaper is to serve the truth with courage, helping the public see, understand and live reality with the eyes of God. - Pope Benedict XVI, Nov. 25, 2006 Vol. 49, No. 5 May 15, 2015 Seminarians ready to take final step in long journey to priesthood All welcome to June 5 ordination at St. Ambrose Cathedral By Kelly Mescher Collins Staff Writer Deacons Andrew Windschitl and Luis Mejia are on the final leg of their journey to priesthood. Deacon Windschitl, of St. Francis Parish in West Des Moines, and Deacon Mejia, (originally from El Salvador) of Our Lady of the Americas Parish in Des Moines, will be ordained June 5 at 7 p.m. at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines. All are welcome to attend. Deacon Mejia said he can only imagine how he will feel in those moments while being ordained a priest, given the overwhelming sense of the Holy Spirit he felt while being ordained a transitional deacon last year. After being prostrate and the bishop lay hands on me, it was a powerful experience that I felt in that moment, he said. You feel it and understand it s the grace of God. Words cannot explain. Both Deacons Mejia and Windschitl spent much time praying and discerning whether or not they were being called to the priesthood. Deacon Windschitl said God gave him an answer. After a couple of years in seminary, I was at an 8-day silent retreat, he said. And I received a vision of myself serving as a priest, holding up a Continued on page 3 By Anne Marie Cox Staff Writer Bishop blesses new St. Joseph Chapel at Dowling Catholic, celebrates first Mass By Kelly Mescher Collins Staff Writer Dowling Catholic High School s new St. Joseph Chapel, the crown jewel of renovations, is complete. The name of the chapel comes from the school s rich history and Catholic tradition, said Dr. Jerry Deegan, president of the school. It was important to select St. Joseph as the name and patron of the chapel to extend the legacy and traditions of St. Joseph Academy and recognize the marvelous work of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who founded the academy in 1884, Deegan said. St. Joseph Academy girls school merged with Dowling High School for boys in 1972, becoming Dowling Catholic High School / St. Joseph Educational Center. The design team made sure to include pieces of history in the new chapel. The windows, originally from the boys school, were put together into one big wall (called the Wall of Saints), which is located in the lobby between Dowling Catholic High School and St. Joseph Chapel. Also located in the lobby is the cornerstone from the old St. Joseph Academy building. I think it will become an important gathering space Photo by Anne Marie Cox Bishop Richard Pates sprinkles the assembly and the new St. Joseph Chapel at Dowling Catholic High School with baptismal water during the blessing May 9. for receptions and liturgical events, said the chapel s liturgical designer, De La Salle Christian Brother William Woeger, who is the director of Worship for the Archdiocese of Omaha. Brother Woeger has been doing liturgical design for 30 years, including work on St. Francis Parish in West Des Moines. He is currently working on the renovation of the famed Crystal Cathedral in Orange, California, which is now Catholic and called Christ Cathedral. The St. Joseph Chapel, which received major funding New priest assignments announced Bishop Richard Pates has made the following priest assignments effective July 8. Fathers Martin Chevalier and Wayne Gubbels and Msgrs. Michael Hess and Edward Hurley will be retiring. (See story on page 5). Father Tim Fitzgerald New chapel emphasizes Catholic identity with nod to former St. Joseph Academy has been given a six-year extension as pastor of Ss. John and Paul Parish in Altoona. A graduate of Father Tim Fitzgerald Dowling Catholic High School, Father was ordained in He has served in pastoral ministry and education. F a t h e r Fitzgerald began his years of ministry as a parish priest, serving parishes. He served St. Peter in Council Bluffs and St. Pius X in Urbandale before going primarily to rural parishes including: St. Clare in Clarinda, St. Patrick in Lenox, St. Joseph in Villisca, Sacred Heart in Bedford, St. Patrick in Lenox, St. Edward in Continued on page 5 from the Coppola family, puts an emphasis on the school s Catholic identity. It makes a statement immediately when you come onto the campus, Brother Woeger said of its location at the front of the building. It s certainly a statement about the values that the diocese puts on Dowling High School and the ministries that take place there. Bishop Richard Pates said the chapel s location is fitting. The central act that binds the believing community together is the Eucharist, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, he said. It is only fitting that at Dowling Catholic the Mass should have pride of place and its importance evidenced by the chapel being the focal point of the campus. The chapel s shape resembles an ark. The ark was a place of refuge in rough seas, and sometimes that can be a metaphor for having the chapel, Deegan said. When things get Continued on page 7 Hispanic lay ministry graduates Maria and Juan Miramontes were among 22 graduates of the Spanish-language Lay Ministry Formation program. See story on page 6.

2 2 The Catholic Mirror,May 15, 2015 In the Heartland with Bishop Pates Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation The Joy of the Gospel describes the companionship that we share in our Christian journey through life. Moreover, pastors and the lay faithful who accompany their brothers and sisters in faith and on a journey of openness to God... need to accompany with mercy and patience the eventual stages of personal growth as these progressively occur. A small step in the midst of great human limitations can be more pleasing to God than a life which appears outwardly in order but moves through the day without confronting great difficulties. Everyone needs to be touched by the comfort and attraction of God s saving love, which is mysteriously at work in each person, above and beyond their faults and failings. Shortly after Easter, Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines experienced strong reaction to its decision not to offer a teaching contract to an individual who was engaged to marry another man. The basis of the Dowling position is simply that a Catholic school is an extension of the Church and is expected to be faithful to a code of conduct which aligns with the Church and its mission. Another issue which contemporaneously surfaced is what does the school do in its pastoral ministry to accompany those with same-sex attraction? The Catechism of the Catholic Church maintains that they are to be treated with respect, sensitivity and compassion. Thus was born a support group One Human Family. This new group will be open for participation by individuals who sense same-sex One Human Family By Bishop Richard E. Pates Bishop s Schedule attraction. The initiative is in accord with outreach of support and understanding that Pope Francis emphasizes embodying our evangelical call to love. In line with other groups at Dowling, this group will promote virtue. Dr. Jerry Deegan, president of Dowling Catholic, in a letter to parents of students established clearly that the new group, as is the case of all activities at Dowling, is in keeping with the school s Catholic character. Let me be clear that Dowling Catholic is an extension of the Catholic Church in her teaching, doctrine and policy. The mission and purpose of One Human Family is to be an additional support to the welcoming community of Dowling Catholic High School. The goals of the group are to respect and embrace diversity in a spirit that is authentic to the mission and vision of Dowling Catholic High School, to provide additional support for strengthening student-tostudent and faculty-to-student relationships at Dowling Catholic High School and to provide another opportunity for a safe place for students to share thoughts, feelings, concerns and questions. As oftentimes happens in the rather disjointed communications world in which we live, One Human Family was described by some in secular terms such as gay/straight alliance or as being designed by activist groups apart from Dowling Catholic High. Dr. Deegan in his letter to parents again clearly states that is not the case: One Human Family is not connected to any outside entity, nor is it based upon the mission of outside entities even though it has been characterized by some in the media. The Catholic Church already has support groups in place to accompany adults who sense same-sex attraction. One is named Courage, the other Encourage. The first, a movement which seeks to reach out to those with same-sex attractions, is organized on the basis of Catholic moral principles. Among the components of Courage are fellowship, prayer and dedication, support and good example and role modeling. The second group, Encourage, is a support group for parents of children who manifest same-sex attraction. Both groups are organized in the Diocese of Des Moines and information regarding them is available on the diocesan website. As the dust settles in the controversy that embroiled Dowling Catholic High School for a couple of weeks, two guiding principles remain intact: To exercise respect, sensitivity and compassion for individuals in situations that require understanding and support. (Ref. Catechism of the Catholic Church) To remain faithful to the clear teaching of the Catholic Church on moral issues. Friday, May 15 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates, Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16 Des Moines Holy Hour and luncheon with Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, St. Augustin and Wakonda Club, 10 a.m. Glenwood Confirmation, Holy Rosary Parish, 4 p.m. THE CATHOLIC MIRROR Bishop Richard E. Pates Publisher bishop@dmdiocese.org Anne Marie Cox Editor acox@dmdiocese.org Kelly Mescher Collins Staff Writer 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: Sunday, May 17 Des Moines Mass Iowa Catholic Daughters State Convention, Merle Hay Holiday Inn, 9 a.m. Panora Mass and Family Visit Day, St. Thomas More Center, Panora, 11 a.m. Council Bluffs St. Albert graduation, St. Albert High School, 2 p.m. West Des Moines Mercy Champions Dinner, Glen Oaks Country Club, 5 p.m. Monday, May 18 Des Moines Diocesan Finance Council meeting, Pastoral Center, Noon Des Moines Sharing God s Gift follow-up meeting, Pastoral Center, 2 p.m. Bishop Richard Pates has made the following appointments effective July 8, Father Martin Chevalier from medical leave of absence to retirement Father Wayne Gubbels from pastor of St. John Parish, Adel to retirement Monsignor Michael Hess from pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, West Des Moines to retirement Monsignor Edward Hurley from pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Des Moines to retirement Father Tim Fitzgerald six-year extension as pastor of Ss. John & Paul Parish, Altoona Father James Kirby six-year extension as pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, Carlisle Father Michael Berner from pastor of St. Anne Parish, Logan, and St. Patrick Parish, Missouri Valley, to pastor of Corpus Christ Des Moines Catholic Schools Board meeting, Pastoral Center, 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 Des Moines Diocesan Executive Committee meeting, Pastoral Center, 1 p.m. Des Moines Hispanic Pastoral Commission meeting, Pastoral Center, 3 p.m. West Des Moines Bishop s Council meeting, Embassy Club West, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 Des Moines Catholic Charities Board of Directors meeting, 9 a.m. Thursday, May 21 West Des Moines Serra Club Parish, Council Bluffs Official Father Christopher Hartshorn from pastor of St. Augustin Parish, Des Moines to pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, West Des Moines Father Raphael Masabakhwa from pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Neola and St. Columbanus Parish, Weston to pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Missouri Valley and St. Anne Parish, Logan Father Felix Onuora, C.S.Sp. from pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Dunlap; Holy Family Parish, Mondamin and Sacred Heart Parish, Woodbine to pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Chariton; St. Francis Parish, Corydon; and St. Brendon Parish, Leon Father Remigius Okere, C.S.Sp. from pastor of Assumption Parish, Granger to pastor of St. John, Adel Father Christopher Pisut from pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Chariton; St. Francis Parish, Corydon and St. Brendan Parish, Leon to pastor of St. Augustin Parish, Des Moines Meeting, Farm Bureau Building, 11:30 a.m. West Des Moines Baccalaureate Mass, Dowling Catholic High School, St. Francis of Assisi, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 22 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates, Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 10 a.m. Des Moines Dowling Catholic High School graduation, Drake Knapp Center, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23 Neola Confirmation for St. Patrick Parish, Neola and St. Columbanus Parish, Weston, St. Patrick Parish, 4 p.m. Father Joel McNeil from pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, Council Bluffs to pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Dunlap; Holy Family Parish, Mondamin; and Sacred Heart Parish, Woodbine Father Guthrie Dolan -- from parochial vicar, St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines to pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Earling and St. Peter Parish, Defiance Father Ross Parker from parochial vicar at Corpus Christi Parish and Chaplain at St. Albert Catholic Schools in Council Bluffs to parish administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Des Moines Father Fabian Moncada from parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Parish, West Des Moines to parochial vicar of Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs and chaplain at St. Albert Catholic Schools Bishop Richard E. Pates Bishop of Des Moines Sunday, May 24 Stuart Sister Mary Nesta 25 th jubilee celebration, All Saints Parish, 10 a.m. Osceola Confirmation, St. Bernard Parish, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 Des Moines Farewell celebration for Dr. Luvern Gubbels, Doris Klang, Dr. Cheryl Fournier, and Kyle Lechtenberg, Pastoral Center, 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 Des Moines Habitat for Humanity Pope Francis site blessing, 1912 Francis Ave., 11:30 a.m. Continued on page 15 Father Adam Westphal from parochial vicar at St. Anthony Parish to parochial vicar of St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Des Moines and summer studies of Canon Law at Catholic University of America Reverend Mr. Luis Mejia Mejia newly ordained, is assigned as parochial vicar of the Church of Sacred Heart, West Des Moines Reverend Mr. Andrew Windschitl newly ordained, is assigned as parochial vicar of the Church of St. Anthony, Des Moines Effective August 25, 2015: Father Dominic Assim with the permission of Most Reverend Joseph Osei-Bonsu from the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong, Ghana to pastor of Assumption Parish, Granger Sister Jude Fitzpatrick Chancellor

3 Emmaus House celebrates milestone anniversary 40 years of helping others deepen their relationship with God By Kelly Mescher Collins Staff Writer Emmaus House is inviting the public to attend its 40 th anniversary celebration June 28 with a 4 p.m. vespers service at St. Ambrose Cathedral in downtown Des Moines, followed by a catered dinner with program to follow. The event is a great opportunity to learn about the options available for deepening one s relationship with God, said Cindy Shaw, co-director of Emmaus House. She enjoys seeing others lives changed in a positive way. I just watch transformations happen in people, Shaw said. Emmaus House was founded in 1974 by the Jesuits of the Wisconsin Province at the request of Bishop Maurice Dingman. He wanted to create a house of prayer for all people seeking spiritual growth and a desire to listen and respond to the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives and ministry. The house would also serve the pastoral needs of priests and other ministers, provide a place for quiet prayer and reflection, and offer hospitality and companionship. It would also support the social justice ministry and outreach of the diocese. Emmaus House, at 1521 Center St. in Des Moines, offers noon Mass several times a week, Ignatian spiritual exercises, prayer workshops, days of reflection, spiritual direction and much more. It s amazing how many non-catholics who are ministers of other Christian traditions come to Emmaus House for spiritual direction, Shaw said. To me it just speaks of more and more people recognizing the real benefits of spiritual direction. Co-director Father Dan Krettek spoke highly of the feedback he has received from others. Very positive and enthusiastic, he said. Many people have experienced it as profoundly personal and transformative. Folks who have been Catholic all their lives find a whole new depth and personal prayer. Patrons of Emmaus House say it has changed their lives. It changed my life completely, said David Costello of Des Moines. I really like the Ignatian spirituality. But the biggest thing I m getting out of the course is that all of us have different journeys, and it s just amazing how we struggle and we re all growing. I d be completely lost without Emmaus House. Costello has deepened his faith, made friends and found a community. Kathleen Greenwood of Ss. John and Paul Parish echoes those feelings. We re open about our faith, joys in our lives and our struggles, Greenwood said. I think the openness has improved my faith life. Mary Ann Van Dyke, of St. Mary of Nazareth Parish, said spiritual direction at Emmaus House has helped her understand that God is not just a judge but a friend. It s an opportunity to find my relationship with God and [understand] the things that have gotten in the way of my relationship with God and find ways to become closer to God, Van Dyke said. Shaw is thrilled she is helping others find God. There s just an energy there, she said. That s what people say. It s my dream job. It s the job I ve waited all my life for and didn t know it. I m so grateful that God lets me do this. To RVSP to the 40 th anniversary celebration, emmaus_house@yahoo.com or call Eucharist after Jesus had come down from his throne to lay himself on the altar. It was from there I lifted up the Eucharist. Deacon Windschitl said at first he wondered if he was dreaming or had fabricated this vision in his mind. But consultation with his spiritual director and others helped him realize it was a genuine vision that God had granted me. The vision came to him once more during his time in seminary, giving him much peace and confirmation that he was on the right path. Deacon Mejia started studying in El Salvador but finished in the U.S. seminary, which was challenging. Here in the United States, I liked the education, because it seems to me here in America the seminary pushes you to learn many things and open your mind, Deacon Mejia said. It s very important for the future. Deacons Mejia and Windschitl said spiritual directors and formation helped them become more mature in their faith. The formation overall is very challenging, Deacon Windschitl said. It allowed me to be broken down and be rebuilt in the way Christ wants me to be built in order to serve him and his Church. Seminary taught them to focus on four areas of their lives: spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral. It requires balance, Deacon Windschitl added. God wants us to be well-rounded, strong, holy, happy, knowledgeable priests to serve his people well, he said. I think what I look forward to most is being Christ in people s lives. Somebody they can turn to and see Christ at work. Deacon Mejia agrees. I m looking forward to serving the people of God, trying to be something for the people, he said. [It s] not about me -- it s about him, about Christ. God is ready and Want to join Pope Francis in Philadelphia this September for the World Meeting of Families? The diocese has organized two tour groups that will leave from Des Moines, and we hope that you can join us! To find information about our tours visit the diocesan website at org and click on Year of Marriage and Family or call Adam Storey at We hope to see you in Philadelphia! The Catholic Mirror, May 15, 2015 Seminarians ready to take final step on journey to priesthood Continued from page 1 Photo by Kelly Mescher Collins L-R: Deacon Andrew Windschitl and Deacon Luis Mejia will be ordained to the priesthood on June 5. Deacon Windschitl s first assignemnt is at St. Anthony Parish in Des Moines and Deacon Mejia s is at Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines. World Meeting of Families 3 willing to help his people, Deacon Windschitl added. He looks forward to playing a role. He isn t just sitting up in heaven as if he doesn t care about them, Deacon Windschitl said. He is here and now and willing to help them, especially in the sacrament of the holy Mass and in the sacrament of reconciliation. Ordination to the priesthood Friday, June 5-7 p.m. St. Ambrose Cathedral Reception to follow All are welcome! If you would like to learn more about the World Meeting of Families please join us for one of the following information nights hosted by the Marriage and Family Life Office: seeing is believing InnerVisions HealthCare s 4th Annual Fundraising Banquet 6:30 p.m. Dinner and Program Airport Holiday Inn Register by ing Heather@innervisionshealthcare.org or phone Thursday, May 28 th, 6:30-7:30 PM at Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs, Queen of Apostle site, th Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA Sunday, May 31 st, 6:30-7:30 PM at Catholic Pastoral Center, 601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA Tuesday, June 2 nd, 6:30-7:30 PM at Catholic Pastoral Center, 601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA Wednesday, June 3 rd, 6:30-7:30 PM at Ss Peter and Paul Parish in Atlantic, 105 W 6th St, Atlantic, IA Whether you re interested in joining us for the pilgrimage, or would just like to learn more about the meeting, we hope to see you there!

4 4 The Catholic Mirror, May 15, 2015 In 1972, a local Methodist minister, Dr. Ray Martin, an associate with First United Methodist Church, and a group of associates developed a spiritually sensitive counseling ministry, known now as the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center. Dr. Martin incorporated his vision the following year as a nonprofit with no continuing affiliation with First United Methodist or a specific faith group. In 1999, DMPCC opened a new child and adolescent program, known as Children Overcoming the Obstacles of Life, or COOL, which helps youth who have physical, emotional or mental challenges, or have been harmed or neglected by another person, or who are having trouble adjusting to a major life changes. Its clients range from two to 18, and it sometimes has clients into their 20s, said DMPCC therapist Scott Young, Ph.D. We help adolescents with a wide range of behavioral problems, Dr. Young said. Those services include assistance for children and adolescents suffering from Χριστός ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη! Greek to you? Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Are you still sharing Easter greetings? You may know that the Easter season continues through the feast of Pentecost. After 40 Lenten days of intense prayer, fasting, and charity, Christ now calls us to rejoice for 50 days in the new life we are given through his defeat of death. The Easter season s duration itself is a liturgical symbol: Seven is a traditional number for perfection or holiness. So, we take seven seven-day weeks and feasts for 49 days. On top of those 49 days, the Church adds a 50th Pentecost as a sign of infinity, the innumerable length of days of praise following our lives here on earth. This year, we celebrate Ascension on May 17 and Pentecost on May 24, one week apart due to the calendar move that most U.S. dioceses do in order to give a It s May. The month of commencement ceremonies and parties, honoring students who are crossing a finish line of sorts, earning their diplomas and moving on to new chapters in life. In the whir of ceremonies, parties, and questions about What s next? for graduates, it s natural to focus on the excitement of celebrations. Less often do we look at a graduate and ponder the long walk that preceded the short walk across the stage -- the mundane routines and tedious effort that led the student to graduation day. Perhaps because our own story may not have been as challenging. I m lucky to know a young woman who will graduate this month from Dowling Catholic High School who has given me good reason to reflect on resolve that is deeper and stronger than what can be seen, even with a weekly glimpse. Attend Sunday Mass at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, and chances are, you will see Janefa James serving on the altar. Quiet and serious, Janefa, 18, is clearly a dependable right hand to St. Ambrose clergy, liturgists and Eucharistic larger number of people time with the mystery of the Ascension (the feast is traditionally celebrated on the Thursday that falls 10 days before Pentecost). A look at the text of Mark s account of the Ascension reveals an impressive scene: The radiant, Risen Lord gave words of challenge and comfort. Matthew s account describes the scene atop a mountain, such as the important moments like the Transfiguration. Only this time, Jesus did not walk with the disciples down the mountain. He was taken up, just before he sent the disciples down with his message, but without him. The beautiful description Opinion COOL: Children Overcoming Take a break with Deacon Mike By Deacon Mike Manno depression, anxiety, emotional concerns, sexual and physical abuse, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), developmental disorders including autism and Asperger s Syndrome, parent-child relations, selfesteem issues, response to loss and grief, as well as substance abuse. Dr. Young also said the center provides evaluation and training services. The center offers intelligence assessments (IQ), learning disorder testing, adaptive behavior and developmental challenges assessments, autism spectrum assessment, testing for ADHD, emotional functioning/personality assessment, Lift Up Your Hearts By Kyle Lechtenberg Easter season calls for 50 days of rejoicing The road to graduation Guest Column By Catherine Swoboda ministers. She serves almost every Sunday and helps train new servers. Witness Janefa s abiding involvement in Mass and you know you are seeing a young person of deep faith and commitment. But the fleeting glance of Janefa at Mass does not fully capture the entire commitment the lengths she goes to in order to serve. Janefa is the oldest of five siblings, ranging in age from 18 to six years old. Born in South Sudan, Janefa arrived to the U.S. as a child with her mother, Rejoice. Janefa attended Holy Family School, where she ran track and met teachers she memory testing, and testing for differential diagnosis, said Kathleen Murrin, the center s director of development. Other assessments offered include in-depth learning disorder testing (reading, math, receptive and/or expressive language, nonverbal learning, etc.), as well as screening for specific conditions, she added. The demand for such testing and assessments has increased as schools and area educational agencies have been doing less, Murrin said. In addition, COOL occasionally has referrals from the Department of Human Services, juvenile court services, schools, as well as other service agencies including Catholic Charities, said Dr. Young. The COOL staff includes three doctoral-level psychologists and four master s-level licensed independent social workers. When a parent calls for assistance, an intake person will interview the caller to determine which psychologist or social worker would be the best match for the child and an appointment is scheduled. admires to this day for their unwavering service to others, especially Janet Holmes and Mr. Robey. Throughout high school, Janefa has stayed active in track and at St. Ambrose. Like many first-generation American families, Rejoice works long hours -- nights and early mornings -- to provide for her children. As Rejoice needs the family car for work, Janefa rides her bicycle several miles from the James home on Des Moines south side, through downtown to St. Ambrose to attend and serve Mass every Sunday. It s not often you see a teen coming and going from church on bike. Rain or shine, regardless the season, Janefa doesn t miss Mass. Beyond involvement at St. Ambrose and school, Janefa holds a job and helps care for her siblings. This autumn, Janefa will become the first person in her family to attend college, setting out to pursue nursing or speech pathology. As we celebrate with our graduates and think about who is that person, how did he or she arrive to this point, and who helped them get here, Janefa s story Most insurance plans cover part of the fees, but those with no insurance are charged on a sliding scale ability-to-pay basis with donations picking up the remainder of the costs. Gifts to DMPCC are tax deductible. What to look for? Dr. Young advises parents to watch for drastic changes in behaviors that last for more than a day or so. A notable and sustained change, rather than a simple mood change, may indicate that the child is suffering from anxiety, depression or some other problem that should be investigated. He also notes that Iowa has a severe shortage in mental health professionals; we are 46 th per capita in psychiatrists and 47 th in psychologists. Appointments may be made by calling the center at Its website, dmpcc.org, contains further information. Deacon Mike Manno is the diocesan director of the permanent diaconate and serves St. Augustin Parish in Des Moines. at the end of this reading shows the continuing presence of Jesus even before the account of the Holy Spirit s descent: But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs. The book of Acts of the Apostles tells us that, 40 days after Easter, Jesus ascended, and that the Holy Spirit came to the Apostles on the 10 th day after that the Jewish feast of Pentecost. What happened in those days between the Ascension and Pentecost? The first Christian community stuck together the disciples, Mary the mother of Jesus, other women and men. They prayed. They discerned that Matthias would succeed Judas. We can also imagine there was some confusion, perhaps fear, or some isolation because they had not yet gone out to do as Jesus had commanded. The vigil for Pentecost readings recount the ways the people of God have awaited the Spirit throughout salvation history, and the Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans that hope is a necessary active practice, and that as we wait in hope, the Spirit helps us, is our advocate. Surely those gathered in prayer before Pentecost felt Christ s presence even in his absence, because together they held the Gospel message and the Lord Jesus himself in their memories and in their lived experiences and in the ways their lives were forever changed. Then, with the Spirit of God filling them up to the point of fearlessness, they could live out of the real presence of Jesus Christ and share that message with others. Kyle Lechtenberg is the director of the diocesan Office for Worship and welcomes your comments and thoughts. Please call or send an to klechtenberg@dmdiocese.org. Photo by MJ Photography Dowling Catholic student Janefa James serves regularly at St. Ambrose Parish. inspires us to remember our connections. Janefa allowed herself to be inspired, shows her appreciation by giving back and, in turn, inspires the best in us. Happy graduation to Janefa and all the graduates in our diocese. Your efforts, as much as your achievements, are recognized and appreciated. Catherine Swoboda is a member of St. Ambrose Cathedral Parish in Des Moines.

5 Afton and Holy Spirit in Creston. In 1985, he went to Our Lady s Immaculate Heart in Ankeny. Two years later, he became a resource theologian for St. Joseph Educational Center in West Des Moines. In 1993, Father Fitzgerald began serving for six years at Notre Dame University. He returned in 1999 as the director of the diocesan Adult Faith Formation effort. He became the diocesan director of Worship and Lay Ministry in 2007 and served for two years before becoming pastor of Ss. John and Paul Parish in Altoona. Father Jim Kirby was granted a six year extension as pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carlisle. A graduate of Father Jim Kirby Dowling Catholic High School, Father Kirby was ordained by Bishop Emeritus Joseph Charron, C.PP.S. at St. Ambrose Cathedral in In his 19 years of service, he has ministered in Des Moines metro area parishes and at Dowling Catholic. After ordination, he served St. Theresa Church in Des Moines. In 1998, he was appointed to Dowling Catholic, where he served in campus ministry for 10 years. In 2008, he began serving St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines. One year later, he began serving St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Carlisle. Father Michael Berner will become pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs. Father Michael A graduate of Berner St. Albert School in Council Bluffs, Father Berner was ordained by Bishop Gerald O Keefe at St. Ambrose Cathedral in After ordination, Father Berner began serving at Holy Spirit in Creston, St. Edward in Afton and St. Patrick in Lenox. The Catholic Mirror, May 15, New priest assignments announced Continued from page 1 Four priests, with a collective 165 years of service to the people of southwest Iowa, are retiring effective July 8. Msgr. Ed Hurley Msgr. Hurley has served in education, in parishes and administration during his 45 years of priestly ministry. He was ordained by Bishop Maurice Msgr. Ed Hurley Dingman at Veteran s Auditorium on May 30, 1970 and honored with the title of monsignor in A graduate of Dowling Catholic High School, he briefly served as associate director of the diocesan Vocations Office He moved to the Des Moines metro area to serve St. Anthony in Des Moines and then Our Lady s Immaculate Heart Parish in Ankeny. In 1992, he returned to rural life with service to St. Patrick in Audubon, Holy Trinity in Exira, St. Joseph in Earling, St. Peter in Defiance, St. Anne in Logan, Holy Family in Mondamin and St. Patrick in Missouri Valley. Father Christopher Hartshorn will become pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines. Ordained by Bishop Charron at St. Ambrose Cathedral in 1994, Father Hartshorn has served on Father Christopher both the diocesan Hartshorn and parish level. He served a number of parishes Sacred Heart in West Des Moines, St. Mary in Anita, St. John in Adair and St. Joseph in Casey before going to Catholic University in Washington, D.C. to study Canon law. When he returned, he began serving St. Joseph Parish in Winterset while also serving as judicial vicar of the Tribunal, which handles annulment requests. In 2012, he began serving St. Augustin Parish in Des Moines while also serving the diocese as vicar general. Father Raphael Masabakhwa will become pastor of St. Patrick parish in Missouri Valley and St. Anne Parish in Logan. Born in Kenya and ordained by Father Raphael Masabakhwa Bishop Charron in 1995, Father Masabakhwa has served three parishes in southwest Iowa: St. Patrick in Council Bluffs, St. Patrick in Neola and St. Columbanus in Weston. before going to Council Bluffs. Beginning in 1972, he joined the faculty of St. Albert High School. Seven years later, he became the executive coordinator of the Council Bluffs Area Catholic Educational Systems Board of Education. He led the school system in Council Bluffs for five years, then began pastoral ministry in parishes serving St. Patrick in Massena, St. Timothy in Reno/ Cumberland, St. Pius X in Urbandale, St. Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines and St. Joseph in Des Moines. I ve really enjoyed the people that are part of the parish and being a part of their lives, he said. It was rewarding to have the chance to be a part of lives of really good people, both in good times and bad. Spiritan Father Felix Onuora is becoming pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Chariton, St. Francis Parish in Corydon and St. Brendon Parish in Leon. Born in Nigeria, Father Onuora Father Felix Onuora was ordained by Archbishop Albert Obiefuna in Nigeria in He did post graduate work at Duquesne University in Pittsburg to study systematic theology. Father Onuora began serving the Diocese of Des Moines in 1996 with an appointment to St. Ambrose Cathedral. In 2002, he began serving Holy Trinity of Southeast Warren County. Nine years later, he moved to the far northwest corner of the diocese to serve St. Patrick in Dunlap, Holy Family in Mondamin and Sacred Heart in Woodbine. Spiritan Father Remigius Okere will be pastor of Assumption Parish in Granger to pastor of St. John in Adel. Originally from Nigeria, Father Okere was ordained by Bishop Peter Dwansi Sarpong in Two years later, he began serving six years at St. Father Joseph Parish in Remigius Des Moines. He Okere moved to Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines in 2002 and since 2009, he has been serving Assumption Parish in Granger. Father Christopher Pisut has been assigned pastor of St. Augustin Parish in Des Moines. A graduate of Dowling Catholic, Father Pisut was ordained in 2003 by Bishop Charron. After ordination, he served at St. Francis of Assisi Parish for three Father Christopher Pisut years, then went to Catholic University in While serving in parishes, Msgr. Hurley used his business acumen to help the diocese. He served on the diocesan Finance Council, chaired the Priests Retirement Board and was a member of the board of the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa. Bishop Richard Pates said Msgr. Hurley has a knack for numbers, a keen sense of business acumen and has generously served the broader Church of southwest Iowa, particularly in the realm of finance. He s a humble person. He could have been a CEO of a major corporation, said Bishop Pates. He chose to use his gifts while serving the people of southwest Iowa and for that, we are grateful. Naturally, his greatest strength is pastoral. Washington, D.C. to study Canon law. In 2008, he began serving three rural parishes south of Des Moines: Sacred Heart in Chariton, St. Francis in Corydon and St. Brendan in Leon. In 2009, he began serving the diocese as judicial vicar while continuing his service at the three parishes. Father Joel McNeil is moving to pastor of St. Patrick parish in Dunlap, Holy Family Parish in Mondamin, and Sacred Heart Parish in Woodbine. Ordained in 1987, Father McNeil moved to the Diocese of Des Moines in 2009 to serve as pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Des Moines and direct the diocesan Campus Ministry program. He moved to Council Bluffs to pastor Corpus Christi Parish in Father Joel McNeil Father Guthrie Dolan is becoming pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Earling and St. Peter Parish in Defiance. A graduate of Dowling Catholic High School, Father Dolan was ordained in 2011 by Bishop Pates at St. Ambrose Cathedral. Father Guthrie Dolan Father Ross Parker Immediately ordination, after he began serving St. Anthony Parish in Des Moines, In 2013, he began two years of serving St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines. Father Ross Parker will be the parish administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Des Moines. Father Parker was ordained in 2013 by Bishop Pates at St. Ambrose Cathedral. After ordination, he Four diocesan priests retiring this year Terry Lillis, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Principal Financial Group, has known Msgr. Hurley since he was chair of the St. Pius X Parish Council and Msgr. Hurley was the pastor. Lillis now chairs the diocesan Finance Council. He uses words like pragmatic, thoughtful, visionary, and straight forward to describe Msgr. Hurley. He looks at everything from both sides and I think that s what makes him so effective. I always thought of him as a kind of visionary, someone who knew where we needed to go and what needed to be done, Lillis said. You know you re going to get an honest opinion when you talk to him. He s not wishy washy, he added. began serving Corpus Chrisi Parish in Council Bluffs and has been the chaplain at St. Albert Schools. Father Fabian Moncada Father Fabian Moncada will be parochial vicar of Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs and chaplain at St. Albert Catholic Schools. Originally from Bogota, Columbia, Father Moncada was ordained by Bishop Pates in 2013 at St. Ambrose Cathedral. After his ordination, he began serving as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines. Father Adam Westphal will be parochial vicar of St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Des Moines while studying Canon law during the summer at Catholic University of America. A graduate of Dowling Father Adam Catholic, Father Westphal Westphal was ordained by Bishop Pates in 2013 at St. Ambrose Cathedral. Since his ordination, he has been serving St. Anthony Parish in Des Moines. Deacon Luis Mejia Mejia, who will be ordained June 5, is assigned as parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish in West Deacon Luis Mejia Des Moines. Deacon Andrew Windschitl Deacon Andrew Windschitl, who will be ordained June 5, is assigned as parochial vicar of St. Anthony Parish in Des Moines. Msgr. Hurley is looking forward to having his evenings free and playing golf in retirement. I m going to enjoy the opportunity to decide what I want to do with my time, he said. He does have one item planned for next year. He will be leading one of the 25 th anniversary trips St. Francis of Assisi Parish is planning to Italy in Msgr. Michael Hess Ordained in Harlan in 1971, Msgr. Hess dedicated the first half of his 44 years of priestly ministry to education, the Msgr. Michael second to parish Hess ministry. Continued on page 12

6 6 The Catholic Mirror,May 15, 2015 May 17 Sunday Eucharistic procession DES MOINES St. Anthony Parish invites everyone to its Eucharistic procession on May 17 at 10:30 a.m. Bilingual Mass at the Grotto of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Divine Mercy. Following the Mass, we will process through our neighborhood with Banda Sencacio n, stopping at six altars for adoration, song, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. After the procession, lunch will be in the parish hall to recognize the pillars of the parish. May 23 Saturday Hog Roast DES MOINES St. Augustin Parish Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a hog roast with all the trimmings at 6 p.m. in the St. Augustin Parish Hall. Tickets are $25/adults, $15/family members 17 and under. Proceeds 22 graduate Spanish lay formation program After 18 months of formation, 22 Hispanic men and women graduated May 2 from the Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral near Chicago with a certificate in lay leadership. Five men in the group plan to continue on with diaconate formation after another group has obtained a certificate in lay leadership. The opportunity for the lay leadership formation arose as the Diocese of Des Moines explored options for a Spanish-language diaconate formation program. It was decided the lay leadership program should be taken first. The program not only was challenging in its formation, but in the assignments. For some, expressing themselves on paper or learning how to use a computer to complete assignments was new, said Mayra Moriel de Bañuelos, coordinator of diocesan Hispanic Ministry. This is new for them, she said. I know many of them are doing many of the activities that a deacon does. They are very committed in their parishes, but it was so good they could receive a formal training. Fruit from the program can already be seen in parishes, she said. Participants were asked to create a project to implement in their parishes. They re offering baptismal preparation and RCIA in Spanish. They re recruiting from the Hispanic community and training Spanish-speakers to be lectors and Eucharistic ministers and offering Bible study. To have Hispanic Ministry in a parish is not just having a Mass, said Bañuelos. It s having an organized community that can offer the people services for their pastoral needs. We can see the seeds were planted and the fruit of this formation in our parishes. Those who graduated with the certificate in lay leadership are from the following parishes: Christ the King, St. Anthony and Our Lady of the Americas in Des Moines plus St. Bernard in Osceola and Assumption in Granger. Those who received the certificate are: Diana Balmaceda Cruz, Miguel Ángel Burgos Vazquez, Maria Dolores Camacho, Teresa Camacho Alfaro, Esther Patricia Saldaña de Casillas, Daniela de la Cruz Casillas-Ceballos, Pedro A. Ceballos, Chris Corrice, Mary Patricia Corrice, Francisco Franco, Alejandro Gómez Hernández, Osvaldo López Orozco, Maura F. Merino de Martinez, Juan Miramontes, Maria Miramontes, Ricardo E. Montano, Macario Pizarro, Julia Schenk, Socorro Coss de Trinidad, Manuel Trinidad Montes, Irma Zambrano, and J. Jesus Zambrano Godinez. Around the diocese will be used for the benefit of persons intellectually disadvantaged. Tickets must be purchased at least one week in advance so we have a firm count for which to prepare. To purchase advance tickets call Rob denhartog at or rob. denhartog@nm.com; or Paul Martin at or paulxfe@ gmail.com. May 24 Sunday Pancake Breakfast DES MOINES, St. Anthony Father Victor Romanelli St. Anthony Knights of Columbus will be hosting its quarterly pancake breakfast on from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the St. Anthony Parish Hall. Free-will donation, all are welcome. May 28 Thursday Philadelphia meeting COUNCIL BLUFFS The diocese is holding an informational night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Parish/Queen of Apostles site to provide information on the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia and how people can join one of two tours going. For more information, call Adam Storey at May 31 Sunday Philadelphia meeting DES MOINES -- The diocese is holding an informational night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. the Catholic Pastoral Center, 601 Grand Ave., to provide information on the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia and how people can join one of two tours going. For more information, call Adam Storey at June 1 Monday Natural Family Planning Classes WEST DES MOINES -- Digital workshop focuses on new media Parishes across the diocese are reaching beyond traditional weekly bulletins and websites to appeal to parishioners and call them to action. Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs uses a blog, Twitter account and Facebook to provide regular updates to parishioners and the broader community. The parish will be starting an e-newsletter soon. Ss. John and Paul Parish in Altoona has a weekly e-newsletter and uses Facebook pages for the parish, a teen group and the junior high youth ministry. St. Boniface Parish in Waukee is tapping talent from within the parish community to communicate more visually through photography, social media and videography. This is aside from launching a new website in each of the parishes. In each case, a committee evolved that incorporates gifted parishioners volunteering their time. Ss. John and Paul Parish has a committee of staff and volunteers, including a youth representative who looks at communication from a teenage perspective and offers feedback. St. Boniface s committee includes former Meredith magazine editor Marlen Kemmet, who coordinates communication for the parish, and up to 20 volunteers under the leadership Kemmet and Kayla Engebrecht. Corpus Christi s digital outreach committee includes about 10 people who contribute by taking small pieces of the work. It s really a team effort to get it done, said Christy Rhoades, of Corpus Christi Parish. I think there are a lot of parishioners who want to get involved, they just don t know how to get involved, she said. If you can find someone and you know their strengths are photography, they can take professional pictures of your church, or if you know someone who does design work, they can make a banner or flier for you. It makes people feel like they belong in a way that extends beyond coming to Mass. With the help of volunteers, St. Boniface has created all the things we did not have eight months ago like a YouTube presence, said Kemmet. The main obstacle to getting started was fear of having anything controversial posted, he said. The committee meets monthly to go over what will be posted so there are no surprises. Sami Craig got involved in Ss. John and Paul committee as she was preparing for her confirmation. At age 16, she likes the parish bulletin, saying, They are a good publication for those young and old, tech savvy or not. In the future though, she thinks parishes could better communicate with people using text messages or applications, commonly called apps. My advice for other parishes that are afraid or unsure of technology is to just try something, she said. The youth or teen groups would be a good place to start, and implement whatever your ideas are. The Basilica of St. John in Des Moines has a Roku channel for those who ve cut the cord from cable or satellite TV. The parish live streams its Sunday Mass on the Roku channel and its newly revised website. There s so much that you could do it s mindboggling, said Rosemary Sloss, of the basilica parish. Communication should make people aware of what s going on and offer a call to action, Kemmet said. The first step is to become aware, he said. The second step is to become involved. To share what the parish has learned along the way, St. Boniface is cohosting with the St. Joseph Educational Center a oneday workshop called Digital Discipleship in a New Media Culture on June 19 from 8:30 a.m. 3 p.m. with lunch included. The workshop focuses on how parish staff and volunteers can energize parishes and share the Gospel. The keynote speaker is Scot Landry, author of Transforming Parish Communications: Growing the Church through New Media. A free-will offering will be taken. To register go to sjeciowa.org or call The next three-part series of classes on the sympto-thermal method of natural family planning is 6-8:30 p.m. at Little Padded Seats Community Room (Valley West Mall, lower level by Younkers). Cost is a one-time fee of $140 for all course materials, classes, one year of consultation with certified instructors, plus a one-year subscription to Family Foundations magazine. Online registration is required at For more information, call Rick or Alexi at or send an to awedgie@hotmail.com. June 2 Tuesday Philadelphia meeting DES MOINES The diocese is holding an informational night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Catholic Pastoral Center to provide information on the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia and how people can join one of two tours going. For more information, call Adam Storey at June 3 Wednesday Philadelphia meeting ATLANTIC The diocese is holding an informational night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish to provide information on the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia and how people can join one of two tours going. For more information, call Adam Storey at June 5 - Friday Golf and barbecue URBANDALE Since 1969 the St. Pius X Holy Name Society has held a golf outing at Terrace Hills golf course, starting at 8:30 a.m. A barbecue dinner is in the St. Pius X Parish Center at 5:30 p.m. with social hour beginning at 4:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit improvements When Kara and I were expecting Gabriel, I remember the instructor of our childbirth class telling us that after children we would never sleep again. The class would chuckle, and she would slowly shake her head, and repeat with more emphasis, You will never sleep again. Three and a half years into parenthood, and I m terrified that she was right. My mom always seems a bit pleased when I tell her about sleeping struggles. She reminds me that I was a terrible sleeper and that she would be up for hours with me almost every night. When I asked her what she did sitting up with me all night, she said she d pray the rosary. Not one set of mysteries, but all of them. And not one rosary, but as many as it took. In fact, when I think of my childhood and my mother, when I think of sick kids, or road trips, or waiting for a sibling to come home, I think of my mom praying the rosary. During this month of Mary, I ve been thinking a bit about my mom s rosaries. I was a pretty terrible child and made a lot of bad choices, and yet somehow I ve been so blessed with my faith, my family and my work, it s really humbling to think of how God has provided for me. I m convinced Year of Marriage and Family Make the rosary a part of your life By Adam Storey Contributing Writer for the St. Pius X Parish Center. Contact Barry at or at mickey64thst@me.com. June 7 Sunday 50 th Anniversary DES MOINES Christ the King Parish is holding an open house for Msgr. Frank Bognanno celebrating his 50 th anniversary of ordination. 4 6 p.m. Entertainment, refreshments and tours of Christ the King Parish including the new pastoral center, youth center, senior housing apartments, the school, parish hall and the church will be available. June 19 Friday Digital Discipleship WAUKEE St. Joseph Educational Center and St. Boniface Parish are hosting a daylong workshop on using new media featuring author Scot Landry from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch included) at St. Boniface Parish in Waukee. A free-will offering will be taken. All are invited. Details available at sjeciowa.org or call June 25 Thursday Faith & Healing DES MOINES Mercy College of Health Sciences will host its third session of the Faith & Healing speaker series featuring medical ethics expert Tobias Winright, Ph.D. who will speak on Practicing Patients: Revisiting the Patient as Person. Hors d oeuvres at 6 p.m., followed by talk and Q&A. The event is free and open to the public. Please pre-register at mchs.edu/faithandhealing.cfm. that so many of the blessings in my life came from the graces of those rosaries. Growing up, the rosary was at the center of my family s life, and now with my own Adam Storey family, I strive to make the rosary a part of our lives, too. The family rosary is such a beautiful devotion to bring into the home, it s simple but hard to put into practice. I hope that this month you ll join me in trying to make it more central in your family life. If you re wondering how to start, here are a few suggestions: Start small: Maybe you don t yet have time for a whole rosary, but start with a decade each day. What s most important is consistent and intentional times for prayer. Pray as a family: Sometimes the kids aren t as excited about praying together, and if you have young children a rosary can be especially challenging. But get everyone involved. Like all habits, it s hard at first but you will begin to treasure it! Be patient: Praying with a 3-year-old and an 18-month-old is not always as serene as we d hope. It s something that we re still figuring out, and I m sure it ll take more work and adjustments. But it s important to us, so we keep trying. Prayer starts with a desire to pray, and if you have that you can sort the rest out.

7 Gabriel s Corner holds ninth annual Celebration of Life Diocesan News Extraordinary form of the Mass uses hundreds-year-old traditions The Catholic Mirror, May 15, By Mary Sue Wickham Contributing Writer Gabriel s Corner Pregnancy Counseling Center held its ninth annual Celebration Of Life dinner at Corpus Christi/ Queen of Apostles in Council Bluffs on April 10. Proceeds from the dinner, attended by 340 people, will be used to buy supplies for the young women who come to the center for help. Gabriel s Corner is a Christ-centered ministry that serves young women and men who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Founded by Deacon Jean and Kathy Plourde in 2006, the center has helped hundreds of women choose life for their babies and supported the mothers as they chose parenting or adoption. Every program (by Gabriel s Corner) is designed as a service to the community to help pregnant moms and children and families in support of the sacredness of human life, said Deacon Plourde. Through God s grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to persevere in doing his work as we enter our 10 th year in operation of promoting abstinence education and exposing the dangers and fallacies of the abortion industry, which is proving to be very dangerous and destructive path for our society and indeed our world, he added. Volunteer Tung Dang was honored for his many years of helping the center by being named the 2015 Make-A- Difference Volunteer. The keynote speaker at the dinner was Rita Diller, national director of Stop Planned Parenthood Project with American Life League. For information on Gabriel s Corner, call or go to gabrielscorner.com. St. Joseph Chapel Continued from page 1 you have a place to go for refuge. The interior of the chapel features 12 stained glass windows, representing the merge of formation and education, Deegan added. The windows were basically designed to tell the story of what happens at Dowling, Brother Woeger said. Each of the windows is designed to represent an area of study, and incorporated into the window is a model of someone who incorporated that discipline into their Christian living. So, you ve got a patron saint of each area. The chapel was blessed on May 9 and the chapel began to be used the following week with Mass for each individual class. Deegan said: This chapel will stand as a sign that Christ resides on our campus, guides our work and lives in our hearts. By Kelly Mescher Collins Staff Writer Churchgoers attending the extraordinary form of the Roman rite Mass, often called the Latin Mass, offered weekly at St. Anthony Parish in Des Moines, use words, chants, gestures and movements that go back hundreds of years, said Msgr. Frank Chiodo. Shortly after he became pastor at St. Anthony in 2007, parishioners asked him to offer Mass in the extraordinary form on a weekly basis. They said that while they appreciated and revered the ordinary [Mass], the extraordinary form adds richness to the liturgical tradition, he said. It adds a sacredness to it that sometimes, celebrated in English, does not quite capture. The richness of the ritual and the beautiful music in Latin provide a spiritual experience for so many people that they have been missing over the years. The extraordinary form came in response to the Reformation and was created in 1570, said Kyle Lechtenberg, diocesan director of the Worship Office. Between then and 1962, there have been seven revisions. The current book outlining the Mass was created in The request for the Latin Mass came shortly after Pope Benedict XVI issued Summorum Pontificum, an apostolic letter allowing the use the extraordinary form of Mass, which must be celebrated in Latin with the exception of the homily. The ordinary form of the Mass can be celebrated in a language that has ecclesiastical approval. In the Diocese of Des Moines, the ordinary form of the Mass is celebrated in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The extraordinary form is held every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. in the lower level of St. Anthony Church, and on the main level on Holy Days. Though Msgr. Chiodo does not prefer one Mass to the other, he admits that there is something very special about the Latin Mass. The turnout shows people are interested in attending. About people attend on a normal Sunday, he said. I would say three-fourths of the group that comes regularly are people in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. It s very young people who didn t grow up with this form of Mass but want to experience the richness of the tradition. There are a number of differences newcomers will notice upon attending the Latin Mass. The altar is oriented facing east, which is an ancient tradition, he said, noting the Bible s reference of the Lord s return from the east at the end of time. Also, the priest faces the same direction as the congregation. The ritual is more elaborate and is marked by a certain solemnity that is sometimes missing in the ordinary form, said Msgr. Chiodo. There s an element of mystery as well. The people are behind and not seeing everything you do that adds a certain mystique, he said. The Gregorian chant music is spiritual and deep. There s something so anointed about that music. So when we use that music, it really taps into that deep sense of the Holy Spirit. Aside from the language and direction the priest faces, there are other differences. There are more signs of the cross; many women wear skirts and veils. The word Amen is not used by the recipient when receiving the Eucharist on the tongue. I think people have a right to the richness of our tradition, he said. Dawn Ogden, of St. Anthony Parish, said there are a number of things she appreciates about the extraordinary form of the Mass. Many Catholics no longer realize they are literally in the presence of God at Mass, she said. The Latin Mass is so instructive, especially for children, in this way. When I bring my 3-year-old son to the Latin Mass and he sees the whole congregation kneel to receive the Blessed Sacrament, he gets a lesson in faith and reverence that is worth a thousand words. Friday, June 19 Ogden also appreciates the fact that she could travel anywhere in the world and participate in the extraordinary form of the Mass with locals. I t is something we all share St. Boniface Parish Waukee 8:30 am - 4:00 pm All are welcome! Lunch provided. A free will offering will be taken. Register online or by phone sjeciowa.org Top: Msgr. Frank Chiodo of St. Anthony Parish consecrates the wine at the extraordinary form of the Mass. Bottom: Priests wear a biretta hat during the Latin Mass, as seen on Msgr. Chiodo. together as Roman Catholics, despite any language or cultural barriers, she said. Floyd Bates, of St. Anthony, attends with his wife, Lori, and their daughter. It helps him feel closer to heaven while escaping the harsh realities of modern life. It s easier to think less of the world, he said. Kathy Graeve, of St. Patrick Parish in Neola, attends the extraordinary form of the Mass in Omaha and Des Moines whenever she can. I feel like it s more reverent, more holy and there are more graces, Graeve said. It s very special to receive Jesus kneeling and on the tongue it shows more reverence. St. Anthony is currently the only parish in the Diocese of Des Moines offering the extraordinary form of the Mass on a weekly basis. How can you help energize your parish and use the power of new media to share the Gospel? Come learn from national speaker and author Scot Landry, experts from Our Sunday Visitor and Vibrant Faith, as well as regional new media specialists. Keynote Address The Pope(s) made us do it! Embracing new media to evangelize the culture Breakout Sessions Websites, social media, e-newsletters, digital resources, best practices

8 8 The Catholic Mirror,May 15, 2015 H ow marvelous it would be if, at the end of the day, each of us could say: today I have performed an act of charity towards others! - Pope Francis Story of Success: Shelter Reunites Family & Marriage Author s Note: This is a true account of a family at the Catholic Charities St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter. The names of the family and some details have been changed to protect the privacy of the family. Catholic Charities strives to protect all clients with dignity and respect. Mom s grandmother s house was a three hour round trip on the bus from where Dad was living. Mom and the kids would visit Dad on the weekends, trying to be together as a family and enjoy time with each other. Mom and Dad found that they spent a lot of time fighting about money during the eight months of living apart. The stress and tension in their marriage were taking a toll. A family friend suggested they go to a family shelter. They were not aware there was a shelter in Des Moines that would serve the entire family. Catholic Charities St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter would become Counseling Center for Life Counseling offers support as you work through stress, grief, illness, depression or whatever is going on in your life. Let us help you learn how to manage the anxiety in your life in a positive way. Daytime and evening appointments Most insurance is accepted Sliding-fee scale available for uninsured Bilingual counseling available in Des Moines Call for an appointment: Des Moines Council Bluffs When this nuclear family of four walked into St. Joseph s Shelter they did not know what the future had in store for them. They were focused on the present; the basic needs of day to day life. The thought that they could all live together once again was exhilarating. Little did they know where their journey would lead. The family had lost their housing due to health issues causing them to be unable to pay their rent. They arrived at St. Joseph s after eight months of living apart. Dad was living in his friend s garage, and Mom and their two children had been staying with her grandmother. They experienced a high level of stress and anxiety about their living situation. It was too much to handle. Mom and Dad started to have physical and mental health issues that prevented them from working. The intense stress intensified their health issues, and Dad had to increase his pain medication twice during this time. Here to Help Shelter St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter is the only emergency shelter facility in Polk County where the entire family unit can stay together. St. Joseph s provides safe, clean housing for homeless families for a limited stay th St., Des Moines, IA their new temporary home. At the shelter, the couple s teenager startcoming to ed to rebel, and the shelter was school started over whelming to become an for the family. issue. Their They knew they case manager were planning Carla and her on living at St. parents were Joseph s Shelter able to probfor the next 30 lem-solve the days, but they issue and got were unsure ~ St. Joseph her back to atabout what they Emergency Family tending school would do when Shelter Client on a regular bathey had to leave sis. Carla also at the end of worked with their stay. They told St. Joseph s their daughter on her future Case Manager, Carla Woods, goals and college plans. they were planning on just going back to the way it was bethis family did not have to fore, living separated and back worry about what they would at square one. do when they left St. Joseph s at the end of their stay. They were Within 72-hours the family able to work with a program learned about guidelines of the in the community that would shelter, found comfort in a room help them with housing due to where they could be safe and se- their health. This allowed for cure together, and established a them to stay a little bit longer service plan with the Case Man- at St. Joseph s until a unit could ager. Their biggest fear while in be found and ready for them to the shelter was adhering to the move in. guidelines. Knowing we had to follow guidelines became They had minimal issues overwhelming at first, just wor- around the guidelines that they rying if we were going to get were so worried about on their into trouble and what happened first day at St. Joseph s. The if we did, said Mom. The St. Jo- family plans on implementing a seph case manager was able to lot of those same guidelines at guide the family to success. Continued on next page. Without the love and support of St. Joseph s, I m not sure where we would be as a family right now....i will miss this place and a lot of people around here. Phoenix House Domestic Violence Shelter provides domestic violence and sexual abuse services to anyone faced with these issues through a 24-hour emergency shelter and crisis phone line, court advocacy, educational groups and through outreach to under-served populations in nine counties surrounding Council Bluffs in southwest Iowa Hour Crisis Line: PhoenixHouse@dmdiocese.org Food & Clothing St. Mary Family Center offers emergency food boxes, perishable food items (available to all M-F each week items and quantities vary), clothing, diapers and infant formula. Emergency food boxes contain a four day supply of nonperishable food items (one box per family per calendar month). Diapers and infant formula are available following the same guidelines as food boxes. Free clothing closet available to anyone, regardless of their address. All clothing is donated, so available sizes vary from week to week Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, IA Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Partnership Volunteer We can t do all the work we do without our volunteers! Volunteer once with a program to see if it is a good fit for you. Onetime volunteer experiences need to be coordinated in advance with the program manager. To become a Catholic Charities volunteer on a regular basis, interested persons need to attend a brief orientation and complete forms for background checks. Minimum age for volunteers is 16 & parental consent required for minors under 18. Please call program coordinators for more information. Go to For youth, parish, and corporate group opportunities, contact Ken Bresnan at or kbresnan@catholiccharitiesdm.org Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines 601 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA

9 The Catholic Mirror, May 15, Continued from previous page. home, such as not smoking in the house and a stronger focus on their children s academic future. The family is also excited about having their own home and being able to continue to focus on their health. Their stay allowed them to both appreciate the things they once took for granted and to broaden their daily structure for their families future. Mom and Dad said that this struggle has taught them a lot about themselves as husband and wife and also as parents. When asked about their shelter stay and considering the future, Dad said, Without the love and support of St. Joseph s, I m not sure where we would be as a family right now. It was heading south fast. As much joy as I feel to finally be getting a place of our own, I will miss this place and a lot of people around here. The family was able to secure their housing through community collaboration between St. Joseph s Shelter, Broadlawns CAPP program, Des Moines Community Action, and the Bidwell-Riverside Center. Carla Woods is the Case Manager for the families at Catholic Charities St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter. She helps them develop a plan for their future success. Sunday, June 28, :08 pm Iowa Cubs vs. New Orleans zephyrs sponsored by For more information about St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter and other Catholic Charities programs, go to CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 13 World Refugee Day Cup: All-Nations Soccer Tournament Saturday June 13, 2015, Des Moines 20 World Refugee Day Celebration Saturday June 20, 2015, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Global Greens Farmer s Market at LSI, 3200 University, Des Moines Join Bishop Pates and Mercy Medical Center to support Catholic Charities by enjoying a Sunday afternoon at the ballpark! All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Catholic Charities, whose programs impact more than 30,000 lives in southwest Iowa each year. Order your tickets today! go to or mail the completed order form below with a check made payable to Catholic Charities to: Catholic Charities/I-Cubs 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA Catholic Charities Night at the Iowa Cubs Sunday, June 28, 2015 Call Ken at for more information. August 31 Catholic Charities Bishop s Golf Outing Monday, August 31, 2015 Call Beth at for more information. December 4 No Room at the Inn Fundraising Reception Friday, December 4, 2015 Call Beth at for more information. catholic charities at the I-Cubs Name Address City, State, Zip Phone ( ) Cell ( ) Parish General Admission...$5 Reserved Seat...$10 Utility Pack $20 1 reserved ticket + $10 in Cubbie Bucks good at concession stands all season! Bishop s Reception... $75 Names of all attending: 1 reserved ticket + Bishop's pre-game reception in the Mercy Sky Box Donation Sky Box - starting at $2,000 Win an iwatch! 1st Prize: 42mm Sport Apple Watch 2nd Prize: $250 Cash Online giving & monthly giving available at... Select Tickets: Individual Tickets...$20 3 Tickets...$50 Call Beth at = Tickets Donation Raffle Total Make checks payable to Catholic Charities. FY2015CCICUBS For more information about tickets or parish ticket sales, please contact Ken Bresnan at or kbresnan@catholiccharitiesdm.org.

10 10 The Catholic Mirror,May 15, 2015 By Anne Marie Cox Staff Writer Talk about ecology is heating up. The Vatican hosted a gathering April 28 on climate change and sustainable development. The United Nations is looking for Pope Francis s spiritual and moral leadership, said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Pope Francis is preparing an encyclical on the matter, which is expected to be released this summer. He will address the United Nations in New York on Sept. 25, as world leaders gather to hammer out a sustainable development agreement that will be up for a vote at a December climate conference in Paris. The encyclical will become the Catholic Church s white paper for Paris, said Father Robert Bud Grant, a Des Moines diocesan priest, environmental theologian and professor at St. Ambrose University in Davenport. The value of it is on the grand scale. This is the Catholic Church planting a flag. This is the Catholic Church setting a precedent for other religions. This is the Catholic Church which, let s face it, is still a powerful geopolitical force, he said. The encyclical is expected to present ecology as the ultimate pro-life, pro-poor, pro-family issue. I tell my students, and I truly believe this: there are no more important issues than environmental issues, said Father Grant. Every other problem -- social, economic, political conflict -- that we re dealing with pales in comparison with the threats that we are facing environmentally. Pope Francis needs to address the issue for two reasons, he said. The environment is the ultimate life issue because it affects current and future generations, he said. It s the ultimate social justice issue because the poor tend to bear the brunt of the effects of climate change, he said. There are three victims of ecological crisis: the marginalized, the future and Earth itself, Father Grant said. In the history of Catholic social teaching, starting with Rerum Novarum, the Church has focused on the rights of the poor with the idea that agriculture is designed for the common good, not only the profit of the person who owns the land, he said. Father Grant, who held the miter of St. John Paul II during his Oct. 4, 1979 visit to Iowa, said environmental theology was born that day. His homily on that day is still very much emphasizing, as it obviously would, agriculture and the role of agriculture, the dignity of farming and the use of farming, he said. But it goes further, or at least it probes into this idea that the Earth is God s, not ours, and we are not its owners but its stewards. Once you have stepped across that line, you ve struck a beautiful balance between what I call an anthropocentric ethic. The Earth is a resource to be distributed justly, and an ecocentric ethic. The Earth is God s creation and that alone demands responsibility for it. It s Scriptural and deeply embedded in our tradition, said Father Grant. Pope Benedict XVI, dubbed the green pope, followed up by encouraging care Pope Francis preparing encyclical on climate change Father Robert Bud Grant on his farm just outside of Davenport. Hispanic student enrollment growing in local Catholic schools By Darcie Tallman Enrollment in the diocesan Catholic schools has increased seven out of the last ten years. During the last 10 years, Des Moines diocesan schools have seen an increase in ethnic diversity amongst the students, especially from Hispanic families. The number of Hispanic students enrolled in the Catholic schools has more than doubled over the last 10 years. Eren Muniz has four children at Christ the King Catholic School. She also acts as an interpreter to help the school better communicate with Hispanic families. I love Christ the King School. The teachers are amazing. Everyone is like family, said Muniz. Liliana Carter, who has two children who went to Sacred Heart and are now at There s a reason more Catholic families choose an Iles Funeral Home......and it starts with our people. Barbara Bellizzi, St. John the Apostle Sydney Blanchard, St. Joseph s Kelly Broderick, St. Boniface Randy Broich, St. Mary of Nazareth Mark Dreckman, St. Pius X Tom Goodwin, St. Mary of Nazareth Bill Henry, St. Pius X Jan Hogan, St. Francis of Assisi Tim Hughes, St. Theresa s Dowling Catholic High School, also talked about the comfort and familiarity she receives from knowing the parents. In her work as an interpreter, Muniz sees firsthand how the teachers are willing to do whatever it takes to help a child. The average high school graduation rate for this year is 100 percent. In addition, the Iowa Assessment scores are consistently higher than the state and national averages. The values Muniz instills in her children are reinforced each day at school through the daily prayers at school, their discussions of God and our faith and how they teach students to be responsible and give back to the community and others in need. A holistic learning experience that encompasses faith, education and service is an investment in a child s future. The average cost of Catholic elementary school tuition in the Diocese of Des Moines is $2,700. Paying the full cost of tuition can be a challenge for families. A variety of opportunities for financial assistance are available, including the Catholic Tuition Organization. Every family that meets the CTO income guidelines are guaranteed tuition assistance, based on their financial need. The maximum gift a family can receive through CTO is 75 percent of the cost of tuition. During the school year, 1,414 students received more than $2.1 million in tuition assistance through CTO. For the school year, more than $3 million will be available for assistance through CTO. For more information about Catholic schools, call or visit dmdiocese. org and click on the Catholic Schools tab. Ted Lockwood, St. Pius X Sharon Reid, St. Joseph s Allyn Salz, St. Mary of Nazareth Karl Schmitz, Jr., St. Malachy s Diana Shandri, St. Joseph s Paul Sweeney, St. Pius X John Wild, Christ The King John Wild,Sr., Christ The King Larry Zahm, St. Pius X Women from across the diocese were encouraged during the 86 th annual Des Moines Diocesan Council of Catholic Women s annual convention to be evangelizers in their own parishes. They can be story tellers and share their faith, said Theresa Romens, director of Faith Formation at Holy Rosary Parish in Glenwood and speaker at the April 11 event at All Saints Parish in Stuart. We have to share our gifts with one another and with our communities and parishes, she said. At the DCCW convention, various volunteer activities were mentioned. Romens encouraged those in attendance to share those stories. By sharing their faith stories, women can be evangelizers in their own parishes. They are the passers-on for the environment. Father Grant hopes Pope Francis addresses in his encyclical the intrinsic value in the Earth as God s creation. Thomas Aquinas reminds us that the earth is one of the ways we know of the existence of God, said Father Grant. The earth is God s garden. By wandering in it, we learn some things about the identity of God that are very real. There are traces of the Creator in creation. I just really, really love that. I hope that s what he says. Speculating on what the encyclical could say, Father Grant added that Pope Francis could invite people to share in the suffering. Suffering is real. It s already happening and it s extensive, he said. We have to become aware of it and we have to choose to embrace more of the suffering, and share the cross. I call this idea redistributive suffering. That s what I hope he ultimately says. Only religions, Christianity and uniquely Catholicism, can challenge the best that is in us to choose to suffer for the sake of others, even if we don t really believe they deserve it, Father Grant said. It s embedded in the Eucharist. It s the crucifixion. It s the essence of our faith. Diocesan Council of Catholic Women hold 86th annual convention of the faith, she said. All women of the diocese, by virtue of their membership in a parish, are members of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Several women were honored at the convention. They are: Eileen O Connor, of St. Patrick in Council Bluffs Loretta Ramsey, of Holy Rosary in Glenwood Dorothy Wallace, of St. John in Greenfield Kathleen Kloewer, of St. Mary in Panama Carol Wegner, of St. Mary in Panama Deb Pogemiller, of St. Patrick in Council Bluffs Elaine Hussman, of Corpus Christi in Council Bluffs Donna Olson, of all Saints in Stuart Hank Hughes of St. Mary in Portsmouth.

11 Iowa positively impacts Mary s Meals Kaitlin Flynn, executive director of Mary s Meals USA, Inc., said Iowa has played a positive role in the cause. In terms of the impact that Iowa has made on Mary s Meals, I think it is fair to say that Iowa is the heart of Mary s Meals, USA, she said. Iowa is an inspiration and the support we receive from thousands of generous people across the state is incredible and truly moving and will change the lives of many children, as will the prayers and awareness raising efforts of so many people in the heartland. Just $19.50 feeds one child for an entire year through Mary s Meals. To learn more or make a donation visit www. marysmealsusa.org. The Catholic Mirror, May 15, Mary s Meals: From one man s vision to nearly one million children fed per day By Ken Bresnan Contributing Writer It all began with a trip to Medjugorje, where 15-year-old Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow was inspired to help others. In his new book The Shed That Fed a Million Children, the former salmon farmer takes us from the start of his journeys driving a used Land Rover from his home in Scotland across the continent to Bosnia delivering medical supplies. Over time, he expands his work to Croatia, then Africa and India, and eventually into Haiti. Along the way he introduces us to several Hundreds of students confirmed Recently confirmed by Bishop Richard Pates at St. Patrick Church in Missouri Valley are: Jaclyn Loftus, Sarah Dillinger, Chris Nelson, Elijah Rath, Matt McDermott, Derek Hansen, Austin Adair, Andrew Stephens and Jenna Peschel. memorable people. We meet Father Eddie in Bosnia, Gay Russell in Malawi, Father Tom Hagan in Haiti and a host of others. He encounters survivors of war in Bosnia and his eyes fill with compassion. In each situation, MacFarlane-Barrow asks what can be done. He tells us of his first visit to a hospital that was full of children suffering from AIDS. We then watch him and the people he met in that community start one house then another to provide these children with a better level of care and a community of love to live in. Mary s Meals, the feeding of children one good meal a day in school, germinates after the first 10 years of MacFarlane- Barrow offering humanitarian aid, which he feels was a learning experience for the creation and expansion of Mary s Meals. When he goes into Africa, he sees children suffering from hunger, a hunger that can cause distended bellies. He develops the lunch program for children going to school and he works with the local communities making sure that they take ownership of the program and provide the people for the dayto-day operation of the program. Today, his organization, Mary s Meals, feeds nearly 1 million children daily at their school. In his book, MacFarlane- Barrow tells of the CEOs and the archduchess, along with Ellen Miller of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Indianola and youngster Alison Ockenfels, of northern Iowa, plus many other people who have taken the reins of raising substantial funds for Mary s Meals. All of these people become the framework of the fundraising across the world and we get a glimpse of the joy that each has in doing this work. In Africa and other places, we see the results of Mary s Meals: attendance at local schools sometimes doubling or more because of the one good meal every day in those schools, and children who can go on to a higher level of education. MacFarlane-Barrow finds joy in the villages that host Mary s Meals. The villagers in Belleh Balma gave him the name Mr. Tanjo as they welcome him. As he visits the school, the children joyfully sing songs which had been written for his visit. Many times in this book, MacFarlane-Barrow returns to Medjugorje or refers to the work on Mary s Meals from people he has met there. In Medjugorje, we have children who bear witness to an apparition and they are called visionaries. The Shed That Fed a Million Children is a tale of one man who has a vision, a vision that he would like many to share, a vison that food makes it better. The Shed That Fed a Million Children (HarperCollins) will be published May 26. Cost is $21.99 MacFarlane-Barrow will be signing books Saturday, May 30 at Smith Chapel at Simpson College at 8:30 a.m. in Indianola and later that day at 5:30 p.m. at St. Francis Parish in West Des Moines. Books will be available for purchase at these events. By Anne Marie Cox Staff Writer This spring marks the first full season that the diocese has transitioned to celebrating confirmation for youth in high school. Bishop Richard Pates announced in his 2010 pastoral letter that it was his desire to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation with high school youth. They are able to understand more completely the meaning of the sacrament and enter into the celebration of the sacrament more fully and thus lead to a more pastoral developmentally appropriate outcome, he wrote. Shortly after the pastoral letter came out, the diocese began assisting parishes with transitioning from programs that prepared eighth graders for the sacrament to programs that offer preparation for high school youth. At that age, youth have a better sense of their talents and gifts and can tie confirmation s call to mission with what they sense God is calling them to, their vocation, said John Gaffney, director of the diocesan Evangelization and Catechesis department. In baptism, one receives the graces of entering the Christian family and the remission of sin, he said. In confirmation, one prepares for mission with the strength of the Holy Spirit. This is really the completion of the baptismal graces that began years ago, Gaffney said. The Eucharist and reconciliation offer the nourishment, the strength to continue to live into lifelong formation. Since parishes have made the transition, parishes have noticed more young people playing a more active role in parish activities. We have a growing number of communities that are seeing an increase in active participation in what the parish has to offer, said Gaffney. Young people are more involved in liturgical ministries, helping with religious education programs and activities offered through the parishes such as Habitat for Humanity. He s also witnessed the seriousness of the youth as they prepare for reception of the sacrament through the retreats he s organized. I have witnessed young people who are actively searching for what this faith means, for what being Catholic means for them, said Gaffney. They take it seriously and I have been inspired by that. They want to know how faith figures into the issues that they re dealing with personally and in the world. Thelma Calderon gets a hug from her little siser, Sofia, in celebration of Thelma s confirmation at Our Lady of the Americas Parish. Join veteran tour leader Father John Vakulskas on a Grand Mediterranean Cruise & Visit Italy, Rome, Greek Isles, Ephesus, Istanbul, France Barcelona October 22 - November 6, 2015 $ Chicago $ Omaha Price includes fuel surcharges and government taxes Includes Round-trip air, First Class hotel w/ breakfast and orientation tour in Venice & Barcelona NCL Mediterranean cruise w/ all meals, transfers between airport/hotel/pier. Highlights are: visiting Venice, Naples, Rome & Florence Italy, Athens Greece & Greek Isles, Ephesus (where St. Paul lived and preached), Istanbul, Toulon, France & Barcelona, Spain; daily Mass, and much more! For more information contact: Father John Vakulskas Jr PO Box 347 Okoboji, IA (712) or johnvakulskas@gmail.com

12 12 The Catholic Mirror,May 15, 2015 Four diocesan priests retiring Continued from page 5 After ordination, he served briefly at St. Michael Parish in Harlan and St. Ambrose Cathedral before beginning a 28- year run at Dowling High School. He joined the faculty when the school merged in 1972 with St. Joseph Academy and became president in 1976, a position he held until In honor of his longstanding support for the school, the south wing of the school is named the Father Michael N. Hess Convocation Center. Msgr. Hess took the reins at a critical time in the history of Dowling High School, Bishop Pates said. Issues related to financial stability and enrollment. He led the school to a renewal, which since his time has been in place at this outstanding school, Bishop Pates said. Msgr. Hess began the new millennium by moving into parish ministry. He was named pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in West Des Moines, where he has served the past 15 years. I had two long-term assignments. Both opportunities were great places. All had their rewards and their blessings and also their challenges, he said. The best times of being a priest for these 44 years, he said, was really working with the people and seeing them growing in their faith and ministering to them in times of need. Those are the great moments. Father Wayne Gubbels Father Gubbels said the highlight of his 44 years as a priest has been dealing one-onone with people on a personal level and empowering people to own their gifts. Ordained by Bishop Dingman in Harlan in 1971, Father Gubbels has spent most of his years in service to parishes, primarily in rural areas of the diocese, with the exception of a three-year period in the diocesan Vocations Office and one year at St. Albert High School. A f t e r ordination, he served Holy Trinity Parish Father Wayne in Des Moines Gubbels for two months before heading to the rural west end of the diocese. While in the Vocations Office, he served St. Anthony Parish for a year, and then returned to rural Iowa. Father Gubbels has served the following parishes: Sacred Heart in Woodbine, St. Anne in Logan, St. Bridget in Magnolia, Holy Family in Mondamin, Assumption in Granger, St. Mary in Shenandoah, St. Mary in Hamburg, St. Patrick in Neola, St. Columbanus in Weston, St. Mary in Anita, St. Joseph in Casey, Immaculate Conception in St. Mary s, Assumption in Churchville, St. Patrick in Irish Settlement, St. Patrick in Audubon, Holy Trinity in Exira and St. John in Adel, where has been since Father Gubbels is an outstanding parish priest, said Bishop Pates. He is there for his people and gently leads them to grow more deeply in their relationship with God. Father Gubbels expects to continue filling in at parishes on weekends, preaching, which he enjoys, and doing some volunteer work at hospice. I ll maybe do some adult faith formation and possibly some spiritual direction. That s the kind of stuff I like to do, he said. Father Martin Chevalier Ordained by Bishop Dingman at St. Ambrose Cathedral in 1983, Father Chevalier dedicated his years of service to parish ministry, primarily in rural areas, and hospital chaplaincy. A f t e r Father Martin Chevalier ordination, he served at Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines. Then, he began serving rural Iowa at the following parishes: St. John in Adair, St. Mary in Anita, St. Joseph in Casey, Queen of Apostles in Council Bluffs, St. John in Adel, Holy Trinity in Southwest Warren County, St. Elizabeth Seton in Carlisle, Assumption in Churchville and St. Patrick in Irish settlement. Father Chevalier served as chaplain at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines for three years and as chaplain at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri for six years. Most recently, he has served in California. Father Chevalier has maintained a strong interest in health care, which has led to his long-term ministry in medical institutions where he has been very effective in reaching out to the sick, Bishop Pates noted. 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

13 Year for Consecrated Life Sister Mary Nesta Ezeanya, who serves at St. Gregory Retreat Center in Adair, is celebrating her 25 th anniversary of making her first vows as a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary religious community. Born in Nigeria, she knew early on that she wanted to be a religious woman. After sixth grade, she went to a school for girls who were discerning a vocation to religious life. At age 16, she became a postulate and worked in her homeland and in Kenya. It was during her novitiate that she came to understand the person of Jesus and wanted to grow in that intimacy, she said. Though she was frightened initially of the challenges of religious life, she prayed and decided to go ahead with her first vow Nov. 29, Looking back, I m so glad I made the decision to make my first vow, she said. She taught in school, attended the University of Nigeria and earned a degree in social work. She taught school and worked with the poor and homeless in Nigeria, then was asked to go to Minnesota to the Sharing and Caring shelter for the poor, where she served the homeless for 10 years. She remembered one case in particular of a woman who struggled with addiction and homelessness. The woman had no high school diploma, but when Sister Mary Nesta left Minnesota, the woman had married and earned a master s degree. It s always a very powerful experience to witness such change, she said. And, she The Catholic Mirror, May 15, Sister Mary Nesta glad she made religious vows On June 20, three women who were born and later served in Shelby County will be celebrating 70 years of consecrated life along with other U.S. School Sisters of St. Francis who are enjoying milestone anniversaries as women religious. Sister Leta Heese (Alexandra) was born in Earling, earned a bachelor s and master s degree in education and served in the Diocese of Des Moines as a principal and teacher at St. Joseph School in her hometown of Earling from Currently, she lives in Milwaukee. School Sister Frances Koewer spent much of her life serving people in the Diocese of Des Moines. Born in Harlan, she earned both a bachelor s and master s degree in education. For 35 years, she served the people of Sister Mary Nesta Ezeanya likes to be part of their journey and allow God to work through her. It s part of who I am, she said. People struggle in life and I try to assist. By the time she was asked to come to Iowa in 2012, she had two master s degrees, in social work and theology, and a certificate in spiritual direction. At the St. Gregory Retreat Center, she works with women who struggle with depression, anxiety and other issues. I enjoy what I do and work with wonderful women who choose not to give up on themselves, she said. I m thankful to God for his blessings, good health and wonderful people and spiritual directors. It s why I pursued a certificate in spiritual direction, she said. I help people discover their purpose in life and pursue that with a passion. When I look back, I can t believe it s been 25 years, she said. My heart is full of gratitude for so many graces. Women celebrate 70 years of consecrated life Sister Leta Heese Shelby County. She taught at St. Joseph School in Earling, Panama and Harlan from , served as a media Sister specialist at Shelby Frances County Catholic Koewer Schools from , and served as a substitute teacher from Currently, she lives in Omaha. Sister Bernice Schmitz (Eufra), born in Harlan, served in the Des Moines diocese as a homemaker at St. Joseph Convent in Earling from and in Sister Bernice pastoral ministry Schmitz in her hometown from Since 2008, she has served in the ministry of prayer and presence in Harlan. Cards can be sent in these sisters names to their religious community s Jubilee Committee, 1515 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI Reach 35,000 homes in central and southwest Iowa by placing an ad in The Catholic Mirror, your diocesan newspaper. Contact Kelly at kcollins@dmdiocese.org or Eric O Leary, Funeral Director & Owner Parishioner at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk Grand Knight , Knights of Columbus Council 7556 Catholic Owned & Operated Funeral Home Serving Norwalk, Des Moines Metro & Central Iowa Pre-Arrangements Monuments Banquet Room Flower Shop 2015 New Business of the Year Award, Warren County 1020 Main Street Norwalk olearyfunerals.com 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.

14 14 The Catholic Mirror,May 15, 2015 En las Tierras del Corazón Con el Obispo Pates El Papa Francisco en su Exhortación Apostólica La Alegría del Evangelio describe el compañerismo que compartimos en nuestro trayecto Cristiano durante nuestra vida. Por otra parte, tanto los Pastores como todos los fieles que acompañen a sus hermanos en la fe o en un camino de apertura a Dios hay que acompañar con misericordia y paciencia las etapas posibles de crecimiento de las personas que se van construyendo día a día. Un pequeño paso, en medio de grandes límites humanos, puede ser más agradable a Dios que la vida exteriormente correcta de quien transcurre sus días sin enfrentar importantes dificultades. A todos debe llegar el consuelo y el estímulo del amor salvífico de Dios, que obra misteriosamente en cada persona, más allá de sus defectos y caídas. Poco después de la Pascua la Escuela Preparatoria Católica Dowling en West Des Moines enfrentó una fuerte reacción a su decisión de no ofrecer un contrato By Bishop Richard E. Pates como maestro a un individuo que estaba comprometido para casarse con otro hombre. La base de la posición de Dowling es simplemente que una escuela Católica es una extensión de la Iglesia y que se espera que sea fiel a un código de conducta que este en línea con la Iglesia y su misión. Otro asunto que surgió al mismo tiempo fue qué hace la escuela en su ministerio pastoral para acompañar a aquellos que sienten atracción por el mismo sexo? El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica sostiene que deben ser tratados con respeto, sensibilidad y compasión. De esto surgió un grupo de apoyo llamado Una Familia Humana. Este nuevo grupo estará abierto a la participación de individuos que sienten atracción George W. Appleby Attorney Des Moines Free Initial Consultation Office: Cell: appleby@carneyappleby.com Una familia humana hacia el mismo sexo. La iniciativa es de acuerdo con el esfuerzo del apoyo y entendimiento en que hace énfasis el Papa Francisco al acoger nuestro llamado evangélico a amar. En línea con otros grupos de Dowling, este grupo promoverá la virtud. El Dr. Jerry Deegan, Presidente de Dowling Catholic, en una carta a los padres de los estudiantes estableció claramente que el nuevo grupo, como es el caso de todas las actividades en Dowling, se mantendrá dentro del carácter Católico de la escuela. Voy a ser claro que Dowling Catholic es una extensión de la Iglesia Católica en sus enseñanzas, doctrinas y políticas. La misión y propósito de Una Familia Humana es el de proporcionar apoyo adicional a la comunidad de la Escuela Preparatoria Católica Dowling. Las metas del grupo son las de respetar y acoger la diversidad en un espíritu que es auténtico con la misión y la visión de la Escuela Preparatoria Católica Dowling, de ofrecer apoyo adicional para fortalecer las relaciones de estudiante a estudiante y de estudiantes con la facultad en la Escuela Preparatoria Católica Dowling y para ofrecer una oportunidad más de tener un lugar seguro para que los estudiantes compartan sus ideas, sentimientos, Thank you for prayers answered, St. Jude. -LA preocupaciones y preguntas. Como sucede frecuentemente en el mundo en que vivimos con tantas comunicaciones distorsionadas, hubo algunos que describieron a Una Familia Humana en términos seculares como una alianza entre homosexuales y heterosexuales o que estaba diseñado por grupos activistas ajenos a la Escuela Preparatoria Católica Dowling. El Dr. Deegan en su carta a los padres aclara nuevamente que ese no es el caso. Una Familia Humana no tiene conexión con ninguna entidad externa, ni está basado en la misión de entidades externas, aunque haya sido descrito así por algunos en la prensa. La Iglesia Católica ya cuenta con grupos de apoyo cuya función es la de acompañar a adultos que sienten atracción por el mismo sexo. Uno se llama Courage (Valor) y el otro Encourage (Motiva). El primero, un movimiento que busca atender a aquellos que siente atracciones hacia el mismo sexo, está organizado en la base de los Director of Music and Liturgy St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish in Hiawatha, IA is seeking a full-time Director of Music and Liturgy. The ideal candidate will have Catholic liturgical training; excellent keyboard, music conducting, and organizational skills; will be able to work collaboratively and demonstrate the ability to lead and participate in a spirit-filled community through music and liturgy. Only piano is available, no organ. Required: Bachelor s degree in Music and/or Liturgical Studies or equivalent education and experience. Prior experience preferred. Position begins in July or August, Job description is available on parish website, To apply, send cover letter and resume to Fr. Mark Ressler at 1350 Lyndhurst Dr. Hiawatha, IA or office@seasp.org. Submission deadline is June 15, 2015, although applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Classifieds principios morales Católicos. Entre los elementos de Courage están el compañerismo, la oración y dedicación, apoyo y buen ejemplo en base a modelos a seguir. El segundo grupo, Encourage, es un grupo de apoyo para padres de hijos que manifiestan atracción hacia el mismo sexo. Ambos grupos están organizados en la Diócesis de Des Moines y tenemos información disponible sobre ellos en la página web de la diócesis. Conforme se calman las aguas de la controversia en que se vio involucrada por un par de semanas la Escuela Preparatoria Católica Dowling, permanecen intactos dos principios rectores: El poner en práctica el respeto, la sensibilidad y la compasión respecto a individuos que se encuentran en situaciones que requieren entendimiento y apoyo (Referencia al Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica.) El permanecer fieles a las claras enseñanzas de la Iglesia Católica respecto a asuntos morales. Habitat for Humanity, parishes prepare for Pope Francis house Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity welcomes financial gifts and volunteers to help build a home in honor of Pope Francis. Nearly $14,000 has been collected toward a $60,000 matching gift challenge to build the house. The agency has more than 75 volunteer opportunities for the project. Bishop Richard Pates encourages parishes and schools in the diocese to partner with Habitat for Humanity on the project. He will bless the site on May 27. To volunteer or donate, go to gdmhabitat.donorpages.com/ thepopefrancishouse/. Or contact Brendalyn Shird, bshird@gdmhabitat. org, x112, for more information. Pictured above, Pierre Robichaux,of Ss. John and Paul Parish in Altoona, and Dennis Rau, of St. Pius X Parish in Urbandale, work on a wall. St. Mary Parish, Storm Lake, IA, is now accepting applications for a full-time Parish Director of Faith Formation (DFF) to begin on or shortly after July 1, The DFF will be primarily responsible for the design, implementation and assessment of our School of Faith, our program for parish students who do not attend our Catholic Schools. In addition, the DFF will have an active role in the youth ministry and adult faith formation programs at St. Mary s. The successful applicant will be a Catholic in good standing; have a degree in Catholic theology, religious studies and/ or religious education (Master s preferred, but not required); a portfolio showing service and religious education experience as part of her/his training, volunteer work in a parish/school, or, preferably, from previous successful employment; preferably have some facility with the Spanish language, to better serve our large Spanish-speaking population. Salary and benefits are negotiable on the basis of the applicant s level of education and experience. Applications may be sent to Rev. Dr. Timothy A. Friedrichsen, Pastor, St. Mary Parish, PO Box 1106, Storm Lake, IA

15 The Catholic Mirror, May 15, Bishop Pates schedule Continued from page 2 Des Moines Director of Worship Search Committee, Pastoral Center, 1:30 p.m. Des Moines Catholic Charities Volunteer Appreciation, Science Center of Iowa, 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 29 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates, Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30 Altoona Confirmation, Ss. John & Paul Parish, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31 Neola Marriage and Family Anniversary Mass, St. Patrick Parish, 9:30 a.m. Perry Confirmation, St. Patrick Parish, 3 p.m. Monday, June 1 Conception, Missouri Mass at Diocese of Des Moines Priests Retreat, Conception Abbey, 11:15 a.m. Friday, June 5 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates, Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 10 a.m. Des Moines Priesthood ordination of Deacon Luis Mejia and Deacon Andrew Windschitl, St. Ambrose Cathedral, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 6 Council Bluffs Confirmation for St. Patrick Parish at Queen of Apostles Site, 9 a.m. Council Bluffs Confirmation for Corpus Christi Parish at Queen of Apostles Site, 1 p.m. Sunday, June 7 Carlisle Confirmation, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 9 a.m. Des Moines Mass and 50 th anniversary of ordination for Msgr. Frank Bognanno, Christ the King Parish, 11 a.m. Norwalk - 50 th anniversary of ordination reception for Msgr. Frank Bognanno, Echo Valley Country Club, 1 p.m. Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12 St. Louis U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meetings Friday, June 12 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates, Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 10 a.m. Des Moines Diocesan Executive Committee meeting, Pastoral Center, 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13 Lacona Confirmation, Holy Trinity of Southeast Warren County Parish, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14 Chariton Confirmation for Sacred Heart Parish, Chariton and St. Francis Parish, Corydon at Sacred Heart Parish, 10:30 a.m. Des Moines Graduation Mass Hispanic Leadership Cohort, Christ the King Parish, 3 p.m. Monday, June 15 Des Moines Fairway Fathers Golf Outing, Blank Golf Course, 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 16 Des Moines Annual Red Mass, Iowa State Bar Association, St. Ambrose Cathedral, 7 a.m. Des Moines Vocations Holy Hour, St. Anne s Chapel, 7:30 a.m. Des Moines Vocation Department Team Meeting, Pastoral Center, 8:45 a.m. Des Moines Diocesan Senior Housing Meeting, Pastoral Center, 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 16 Wednesday, June 17 Western Portion of Diocese Prerecording of In the Heartland Des Moines only Catholic-owned and operated funeral home. Mark and John Parrish, parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi radio shows with Bishop Pates Thursday, June 18 Des Moines House of Mercy Game Show Gala, Community Choice Credit Union and Convention Center, 6 p.m. Friday, June 19 Des Moines In the Heartland with Bishop Pates, Iowa Catholic Radio, Des Moines; KVSS, Omaha, 10 a.m Hickman Road Urbandale CaldwellParrish.com BURIAL CREMATION PRE-NEED MONUMENTS Fulfilling our mission is to help Catholics know, love and keep their faith. Stop in and have a cup of coffee, peruse our great selection, & connect with other people of faith. You ll be glad you did Hickman Rd. Des Moines, LoisB@DivineTreasuresInc.net Mary, pray for us. Prices starting at $2,699 ~ with Airfare Included in this price Prices are ALL-INCLUSIVE w/airfare from anywhere in the continental USA Several trips to different destinations: the Holy Land; Italy; France, Portugal, & Spain; Poland; Medjugorje, Lourdes, & Fatima; Ireland & Scotland; Austria, Germany, & Switzerland; Greece & Turkey; Camino de Santiago; Viking Cruises; Budapest, Prague; Denmark, Sweden, & Norway; etc... We also specialize in custom trips for Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. Call us 24/ anthony@proximotravel.com Carmela Manago carmela@proximotravel.com Executive Director

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