Volume 19, Number 4 ~ March 2017
Lent is— We must prepare
to celebrate Jesus’ Death and Life.
Fifty is­—
We must celebrate
our Diocese:
five Bishops,
hundreds of
Priests, Deacons
and Religious,
and a million
plus of
People.
Bishop Timothy Manning
Bishop Hugh A. Donohoe
Bishop Joseph J. Madera
Bishop John T. Steinbock
Bishop Armando X. Ochoa
The Homily of Msgr. Ray Dreiling, V. G.
at the Cathedral on the Opening of the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese
Sisters and Brothers, dear People of God in the Diocese
of Fresno: a warm and cordial welcome to you all. Grace
and Peace to you in Christ Jesus, Our Lord!
Tonight, we begin our year long celebration of the 50th
Anniversary of the Diocese of Fresno. We Catholics are so
predictable, aren’t we? It seems when it comes to a major
celebration, what’s the first thing we think of? Let’s have
Mass! How natural of us – how Catholic of us. And so, it
comes as no surprise, that the Eucharist is how we express
ourselves because the Eucharist is the source and summit
of our lives. It celebrates who we are; what we believe;
and who is at the center of everything – even our celebrations: Jesus Christ, our
Lord.
So, I am very grateful to stand here in this historic Cathedral Church where
a large portion of the history of both the Diocese of Monterey-Fresno and the
Diocese of Fresno has been made. Two dioceses were officially established in
this Cathedral. Three bishops of the former Diocese of Monterey-Fresno and five
bishops (count them) of the Diocese of Fresno have been installed here and have
been seated in that very “cathedra” – the Bishop’s Chair! – Currently occupied
by Armando Ochoa, by the Grace of God and the Apostolic See, our Bishop!
And let’s not forget the scores of priests and dozens of deacons ordained
here, the Religious Women who have taken or renewed religious vows here. The
weddings, baptisms, first communions, confessions, confirmations, funerals and
wakes celebrated here. This is the “stuff” of real life! These events and moments
tell stories of real peoples’ lives – the hopes, the joys, the sorrows of real families,
real history! So, it is entirely fitting that we begin the celebration of our 50th Anniversary here – in this “Mother-Church” of our Diocese.
But, this is just one parish community among the hundred or so parishes and
missions scattered all over Central California – eight counties making up the Diocese of Fresno – more than 35,000 square miles and today numbering more than
1.3 million Catholics; impressive statistics to be sure, but only numbers. What really matters is that each person, each family, each parish community has its own
unique and colorful stories to share, its own history to remember, and futures to
dream and build.
I am reminded of an old East-African greeting still in use today: When one person greets another, he or she says “I see you.” The other replies: “Then I exist.”
What a marvelous greeting! It’s when we truly SEE one another that our story,
our life, our dignity is appreciated and celebrated.
We cannot fully celebrate our anniversary without remembering our past,
especially those whose sacrifice and vision, whose determination and patience,
whose faith and devotion have brought us to this moment in our story. Who have
we been? Take a moment and using your imagination – In your mind’s eye, take
a look around your own parish. To those of a certain age: Do you know who the
pastor was who guided the building of your parish church, or classrooms, or
parish hall? Can you SEE him? Who were those who made the parish festivals,
the fundraisers, the annual devotions really happen? Can you remember who got
your parish’s religious education program started? Who were some of the teachers and volunteers who gave their lives to see the children of the parish brought
closer to Jesus? Can you remember who helped clean the church or the grounds?
Who were the people who cleaned and ironed the altar linens used at all the
Masses celebrated over the years? Do you remember them? Do you remember
their names? Can you SEE them?
What about today? Who are we now? Our parish communities have become
more complex and more diverse. Languages and cultures demand new resources
and gifts. The explosion of new ministries and structures are calling us to reach
out in order to serve a wider and larger population. The presence of our Deacons,
Ministers of Holy Communion, Catechists, Lectors, Musicians, the Ushers offer
new opportunities and sometimes bring new stresses on parish life.
We are in a challenging moment in our history as a Diocese: not a “crisis”
moment, or a moment of panic. Rather, our faith community is searching to discover new ways of proclaiming the Gospel for a generation whose demands are
certainly different than the past. With an ever growing Catholic Community, the
challenges are real and they are important to address. This is Who we Are Today.
The realization that fewer priests are available to guide the pastoral needs of a
modern parish has its own stresses and concerns. The expansion of Lay Ministry
is a huge blessing for the vibrancy and health of our parishes and calls for an even
greater outpouring of the Spirit to meet the pastoral needs of our people.
The reality of who we are now would not be complete without the recognition
and gratitude for the contribution of newcomers and immigrants from every land
and culture.
Do we SEE them? Do they Exist for us? Do we welcome them? These enrich
our life as a Diocesan Family and give us new stories and new histories to build
upon those which already bind us together. That common story of our Faith in
Jesus Christ – our common history that we are all Catholic! No matter what language we speak, what color our skin may be, or where we come from. The real
message we need to take into our hearts and into our soul is: We are ALL Catholics. May it always be so!
A celebration of an anniversary, even one as important as our 50th as a Diocese, is an empty exercise without asking the questions: “What now?” “Where do
we go from here?” We have reflected on who we have been and who we are now.
The challenge this Anniversary Year offers us is to discover the path of Who We
Are Called to Be! That is the ultimate and sobering question. Who Are We Called
to Be? I have no magic answer. Like you, I struggle to discern the Signs of the
Times. But, I do have a modest suggestion that is always before us:
As people of Faith, we find our answer not in a crystal ball or in searching the
stars. We find our Way in and through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Listen
to the word of the Lord from our Second Reading:
“May God, the source of all patience and encouragement, enable you to live
in perfect harmony with one another according to the spirit of Christ Jesus, so
that with one heart and voice you may glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ.”
Not a bad “blueprint” for our future!
And, from the Gospel:
“I send my messenger ahead of you to prepare your way before you.”
Dear friends, sometimes we can see the Church only as a building, or even
worse, as an impersonal organization that, sadly, has sometimes let us down. This
anniversary is an opportunity to set that notion aside for good. Rather, let us always go forward (Siempre Adelante) knowing that we are a Holy People of God
– made holy not by our power, or our own merits, but through the Sacrificial Gift
and Holiness of Christ Jesus. If we are this People, then our call is clear:
To come to know Jesus more deeply;
To love Him more dearly;
To follow Him more nearly;
To serve Him more sincerely.
Called to be authentic disciples of the Lord, indeed to be Intentional Missionary Disciples of the Lord! To so conform ourselves to Christ that we are and are
known by all to be genuine messengers announcing that the Kingdom of God is
among us! May our eyes and hearts be open to SEE those who search for God
even if they are hidden or in the shadows. Can we SEE them? Do they EXIST for
us? Can we embrace them and welcome them among us?
So, as we go forward: Who, then, are we called to be?
A people God SEES and calls into EXISTENCE – to be people who SEE
with God’s Vision; who LOVE with the Heart of Christ; and who LIVE with the
strength and courage through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
May this be who we are – to the honor and glory of God.
MARANATHA! COME, LORD JESUS!
Getting to Know Your Diocese – Part III
by Scott Alston, Diocesan Archivist
(This article is the third in a series with a brief historical overview of
not only the first 50 years of our Diocese, but a look back to the earliest Catholic presence in what is now the eight-county thirty-six thousand
square mile Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno.)
The early Diocese parishes of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(1861) (now The Good Shepherd Catholic Parish) in Visalia and of Saint
Joseph (1862) in Mariposa, were followed by the erection of the parishes
of Merced’s Saint Patrick and Our Lady of Mercy (1873), Saint Francis
of Assisi in Bakersfield (1881), Saint Joachim in Madera (1881), Saint
John the Baptist in Fresno (1882), Saint Brigid in Hanford (1886), Saint
Malachy in Tehachapi (1887), and Saint Anne (1896) in Porterville. By
the close of the century there were nine Fresno Diocese parishes serving
Catholic communities in the then Diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles.
Fresno County’s village of Millerton was a mission of Visalia before
the construction of the first church building in Fresno in 1882. During
the early mission years of 1863 to 1872, Visalia’s Father Dade offered
Mass at the Millerton Courthouse. According to a local newspaper of the
day, these Masses were widely publicized, popular and attended by many
2
March 2017
non-Catholics. Father Dade retired to a northern California monastery in
1872 and the site of the Masses was relocated to the fast growing railroad
community of Fresno. This is the year that Father Cornelius Scannell, then
pastor of Visalia, began saying Mass and conducting sacraments in homes
of local Fresno Catholics. Fundraising efforts for a church in Fresno were
begun in 1878 and bolstered by a visit from the Bishop of the MontereyLos Angeles, Most Reverend Francisco Mora.
At this time, there was constructed in Fresno the first Civic Auditorium
named Magnolia Hall and that is the location of the series of Masses offered by the Bishop. Both the railroad and the Bishop aided in the church
fundraising by donating several contiguous building sites near M and
Fresno Streets for the eagerly anticipated brick church building. By 1879,
Visalia’s Father Valentin Aguilera was celebrating Mass in Magnolia Hall
and would be named the first pastor of the Saint John the Baptist parish
in 1882. Father Aguilera was not yet a fixture in the Fresno community,
but he did return often enough to celebrate Mass (Metropolitan Hall) and
to have met numerous people with whom it is said he became well known
among both Catholic and non-Catholics.
Central California Catholic Life
OUR 50 YEAR HISTORY
The Historical Development of
The Diocese of Fresno: 1967-2016
by Scott Alston, Diocesan Archivist
What is now the Diocese of Fresno was a sparsely populated desert and forestland that was but one small portion of the vast Diocese of Guadalajara (established in 1770) which was then comprised of some two-thirds of the total
area of Mexico plus what became California. In 1840, the large diocese was
reconfigured and divided and the diocese of the “Two Californias” (Baja and
California) was created and administered by the first Bishop, Francisco Garcia
Diego y Moreno, O.F.M. Another division occurred in 1859 when the Diocese
of Monterey-Los Angeles was created. It was comprised only of the southern
half of California. Presiding Bishop Thaddeus Amat y Brusi, C.M., soon relocated the seat of the See from Monterey to Los Angeles. 1922 brought yet
another change when the Diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles was divided and the
Diocese of Monterey-Fresno erected. The new diocese included the counties of
Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Kern, Inyo, Monterey, San
Benito, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Cruz. Most Rev. John B. McGinley was the
first bishop of the new diocese and he served until his resignation in 1932 due to
ill health. Bishop McGinley attended the canonization of Saint Therese of the
Child Jesus in Rome in 1924 and immediately petitioned the Vatican to designate
the new saint as the Patroness of the Diocese of Monterey-Fresno. This request
was granted and the diocese has the distinction of being the first diocese in the
world so dedicated. Bishop Philip Scher followed Bishop MacGinley and Bishop
Aloysius J. Willinger, C.Ss. R., followed next in 1946. Bishop Willinger retired
in October 1967 shortly before the Diocese of Fresno was formed from that of
Monterey-Fresno on December 15, 1967.
A chronology of a few of the important events in the Diocese of Fresno follows:
1967 On October 25, Bishop Willinger resigns. The Diocese of MontereyFresno is divided into two Sees. On December 15, 1967, the Diocese of Fresno is
established and Bishop Timothy Manning,
Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, becomes
the first Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno.
The new Diocese embraces eight counties:
Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Mariposa and Tulare, covering an area
of over 35,000 squares miles. Bishop Harry A. Clinch, Auxiliary Bishop to Bishop
Aloysius J. Willinger since 1957, becomes
the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Monterey. Two parishes established in 1967
were Saint Rita in Tulare and Saint Jude in
Easton.
1968 Saint Philip the Apostle in BakersBishop Timothy Manning
field and Saint Jude Thaddeus in Earlimart
are decreed parishes.
1969 Bishop Timothy Manning is elevated to Coadjutor Archbishop of Los
Angeles and Most Rev. Hugh A. Donohoe is appointed the second Bishop of the
Diocese of Fresno. Saint Jude parish in Wofford
Heights is erected as is Saint Joseph in Boron. Ryan
Preparatory College and Minor Seminary graduates
its last class and Bass Lake’s Camp Santa Teresita is
permanently closed after the summer season.
1975 Most Rev. Roger M. Mahony is appointed
Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno.
1978 Saint Isidore the Farmer parish in Orange
Cove is established.
1980 Auxiliary Bishop Roger M. Mahony is appointed the third Bishop of the Diocese of Stockton.
Bishop Hugh A. Donohoe retires and Most Rev.
Joseph J. Madera, M.Sp.S., is appointed the third
Bishop Roger Mahony
Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno.
Bishop Madera hosted a Spanish
language radio program when assigned to Ventura and this media
interest encouraged him to promote and establish in 1986 the
24-hour Catholic television station KNXT, now broadcasting in
its fourth decade. The diocesan
Catholic population is estimated
to be 307,000. There are 85 parishes, 38 missions, 23 stations,
33 chapels, and 25 elementary
schools.
1981 The parish of Holy Spirit
is erected in north east Fresno.
1989 The Merced churches of
Our Lady of Mercy and Saint
Patrick are combined as one parish. The diocese newspaper “The
Bishop Joseph J. Madera
Central California Register” prints its
with Pope St. John Paul, II
final issue.
1990 A smaller diocesan newspaper’s first issue is published under the banner,
Adelante.
1991 Bishop Joseph J. Madera, M.Sp.S., is transferred to the Archdiocese of
the Military Services (USA), Washington, D.C. Most Rev. Norman F. McFarland, Bishop of the Diocese of Orange, serves as Apostolic Administrator of the
Diocese of Fresno until the Most Rev. John T. Steinbock is installed as the fourth
Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno on November 25. Prior to this appointment,
Bishop Steinbock was the Bishop of the Diocese of Santa Rosa.
1993 The Adelante newspaper ceases its irregular publication and is replaced
by the seasonally issued, Central California Life.
1994 The parish of Saint Katherine of Del Rey is suppressed and its territory
incorporated into that of Sanger’s Saint Mary parish.
1995 Our Lady of the Snows parish is established in Frazier Park.
1996 Oakhurst’s first Catholic parish is established and named Our Lady of the
Sierra and the Bass Lake Parish of Saint Dominic Savio is suppressed and made
a mission of Our Lady of the Sierra. The Fresno parishes of Saint Alphonsus
Liguori and Our Lady of Mount Carmel are suppressed and combined as a single
parish bearing both names.
2000 5,000 (plus) people celebrated the Millennium with a Mass at Selland
Arena, Fresno.
2001 Our Lady of Lourdes parish is decreed in California City and the parish of Saint Joseph in Boron is suppressed and made a mission of Our Lady of
Lourdes. The parish of Saint Alphonsus Ligouri and Our Lady of Mount Carmel
is re-divided into separate parishes bearing the same names.
2002 The diocese celebrates its 35th year and a book entitled, “The Church in
Central California” is published in recognition of that anniversary.
2003 On January 11, Bishop John T. Steinbock ordains 22 men to the Order of
Permanent Diaconate, the first class ever formed in and for the Diocese of Fresno.
On June 6, St. John’s Cathedral is rededicated on its 100th anniversary.
St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery (Fresno) announces its first expansion in 25
years, adding 3,300 sites. The Diocese leases the St. Anthony Retreat Center in
Three Rivers from the Franciscans who can no longer provide the necessary staff.
The Diocese has an option to buy.
2004 The Pastoral Center Chancery celebrates the 50th anniversary of its relocation to the grounds of the Ryan Preparatory College and Minor Seminary site
on Fresno Street.
The Catholic Community of St. Jude (Easton) and Our Lady of the Assumption
(Caruthers) parish is established by joining the Catholic communities of Easton
and Caruthers.
Bishop Steinbock arranges with the California Jesuits to have three Jesuits sent
to help the diocese in various apostolic ways. The three are Fr. Camille Prat, later
deceased, Fr. James
Gallas and Fr. James
Rude.
2005 Special Masses held throughout
the Diocese upon
the death in April of
Pope John Paul II, as
well as in honor of
his successor, Pope
Benedict XVI.
2006 Diocese purBishop John Steinbock with Jesuits Fr. James Gallas,
chases the St. AnFr. Camille Prat and Fr. James Rude
thony Retreat Center,
Three Rivers, from
the Franciscans and makes plans for a youth center addition. Porterville’s second
church, Holy Cross, is completed and blessed.
2007 Ground is broken for the hall of the Catholic Church of Visalia’s fourth
church, St. Charles Borromeo.
The Diocese collaborates with Holy Names University (Oakland) and introduces a three-year Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministries, beginning in
January, 2008. The classes are to be held at various sites in the Diocese. The
Diocese of Fresno celebrates 40 years as a Diocese.
2008 Two new parishes are established in Bakersfield: San Clemente (which
had mission status for many years) and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. The Diocese
Channel KNXT 49 acquires Channel 38 in Bakersfield.
The Holy Ghost Parish becomes Our Lady of Miracles Church in Gustine. It
was later renamed “The Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles.”
2009 Most Reverend John T. Steinbock, Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno, celebrates his 25th Episcopal Anniversary, July 14, 2009, having been consecrated
by Timothy Cardinal Manning in Los Angeles, July 14, 1984.
Our Lady of La Vang Mission is created as a parish rather than a mission, being
separated from St. John’s Cathedral, Fresno. Groundbreaking takes place for St.
Peter, Prince of Apostles, a new church in Lemoore. Site work begins on the Santa Teresita Youth Conference Center at St. Anthony Retreat Center, Three Rivers.
2010 The Catholic Church of Visalia begins a yearlong celebration of 150
years of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in September.
Continued on page 4
Central California Catholic Life
March 2017
3
Our Diocesan History, con’t.
2011 Bishop John T. Steinbock, fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno, dies
on December 5. Msgr. Myron J. Cotta is elected Diocesan Administrator by the
College of Consultors on December 7.
The construction of the Santa Teresita Youth Conference Center buildings at
St. Anthony Retreat Center, Three Rivers, commences. Ground breaking takes
place for two new churches: St. Mary Queen of Apostles, Fresno and St. Anthony
of Padua, Reedley. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Bakersfield, is
renamed Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Co-Patroness of the Unborn. The
completed new church, St. Peter Prince of Apostles, Lemoore, is dedicated and
consecrated on October 16. St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community Center
of Visalia is dedicated and blessed August 19.
2012 The Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D., is installed as the fifth
Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno. Prior to this appointment, Bishop Ochoa was
the Bishop of the Diocese of El Paso, TX. The diocesan Catholic population is
estimated to be 1,000,000 plus. There are 90 parishes, 44 missions, 5 stations,
and 22 schools.
The cloistered Norbertine Sisters of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph (Tehachapi) hold their new convent expansion groundbreaking ceremony on March
30. St. Anthony of Padua’s (Reedley) new church is dedicated and consecrated
March 8, 2012. The Santa Teresita Youth Conference Center at St. Anthony Retreat Center in Three Rivers opens in July, 2012.
The Canonization of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is held in Rome and pastoral
center staff is in attendance. Bishop Ochoa designates February as Homeless
Awareness Month. Students submitted essays on homelessness and Channel 49
produces related programs and announcements.
2013 Saint Anthony Retreat Center celebrates its 50th anniversary with an
open house for the public.
2014 Rev. Msgr. Myron J. Cotta, Vicar General
of the Diocese of Fresno, is installed as an Auxiliary
Bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento on January 24.
Rev. Msgr. Raymond C. Dreiling is appointed Vicar
General of the Diocese of Fresno. Hilmar’s new Holy
Rosary church construction begins.
2015 Pope Francis visits the United States and Bishop Ochoa and several others from the diocese witness
Bishop Myron Cotta,
some of his appearances in Washington, D.C., includ- Auxiliary Bishop of the
ing the Canonization of Fra. Junipero Serra, O.F.M. Diocese of Sacramento
The long sitting Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Msgr.
James H. Culleton served on the Serra Cause Commission for several years. Pope Francis declares 2016 the Year of Mercy.
2016 A Decree of Union was promulgated suppressing and then joining the
Visalia/Goshen parishes of Saint Mary, Holy Family and Saint Thomas the Apostle under the single name of The Good Shepherd Catholic Parish. The Visalia
Catholic church Saint Charles Borromeo is part of the newly formed parish.
Office of Vocations reports that 24 men are in varied phases of formation and
asks for our prayers that they complete their studies. Pope Francis visits Mexico
and Bishop Ochoa and others of the Pastoral Center staff travel there to participate in the celebrations. Bishop Ochoa ordains four new priests and three transitional deacons at a standing-room-only ceremony held at Fresno’s Saint Anthony
of Padua Catholic Church. The Shrine of Saint Therese celebrated its Diamond Jubilee; Bishop Ochoa
Continued on page 5
The California Awards Committee Honored
The Most Reverend Bishop Armando X. Ochoa
by Imam Abdul Shadid Muhammad
The Muslim American Chaplain Association
and American Muslim Community Endorsement
Agency honored Bishop Armando X. Ochoa and
four others at its Twenty-First Annual California
Awards Banquet, on October 8, 2016.
The theme for this year’s banquet was “Religion in Correctional Institutions: Rehabilitation
Begins In The Human Soul.” Honorees selected
this year include: the Most Reverend Bishop Armando X. Ochoa, Diocese of
Fresno, California. Tahara Akmal, Chaplain and Director of Clinical Pastoral Education at Reading Health System, Reading, Pennsylvania, Retired Chaplain Aisha Kareem, Ph. D., CEO, Community Wide Shuraa Conference, and Radio AM
360, Imam Abu Qadir Al-Amin, resident Imam, San Francisco Muslim Center,
Imam Faheem Shuaibe, resident Imam Masjidul-Waritheen, Oakland, California
and Michael Salaam, Muslim Chaplain, Avenal State Prison.
Guest speakers were Chaplain Tahara Akmal, the first Muslim woman in the
United States to become certified as a Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor
by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, she is the new manager of
education at Reading Health System. Bishop Armando Xavier Ochoa is a native
of Oxnard, California. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in East Los Angeles, May 23, 1970 by Cardinal Timothy Manning, Bishop
Ochoa was appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Los Angeles, in December, 1984. He was named a Monsignor, Chaplain to His Holiness, in 1982. In
February, 1987, as Auxiliary Bishop of the San Fernando Pastoral Region, he
served as a board member and later as Co-Director of the Permanent Diaconate
Program for the Archdiocese. He also served as a board member for both Don
Bosco Technical High School and St. John’s Seminary, also headed the secretariat for ethnic Ministry Services.
On June 26, 1996, Bishop Ochoa was installed the fifth Bishop of the Diocese
of El Paso, in Texas. A geographical region 26,000 square miles, an industrial
based diocese. On February 2, 2012, Bishop Ochoa, transferred to the diocese of
Fresno in California, as the fifth Bishop. A region encompassing 32,000 square
miles divided into eight counties, consisting of eighty-nine parishes, eight missions providing an array of services, and educational program to approximately
1.2 million Catholics. Bishop Ochoa’s efforts to provide spiritual enrichment to
his congregation, service to the community and institutional populations are to be
commended. Bishop Ochoa’s administrative responsibilities include supervising
120 active priests, 100 deacons, 70 religious women, and 125 retirees.
The Catholic communities are culturally diverse, including Vietnamese,
Hmong, Koreans, Lahu, Khmer, African-Americans, Europeans and Hispanic
make up 75% of the diocese of Fresno population. The diocese’s religious women come from many countries such as Ireland, Italy, Africa, Samoa, Portugal,
Mexico, Fiji Islands, the Philippines and the United States and serve in such di-
versified ministries as Catholic schools, parishes, elderly ministry, parishes, and
detention or correctional facilities.
Education is a major foundation platform of the Catholic Church. He explains
levels of education offered in the Catholic School System range from 18 elementary and K-8 grade throughout the diocese. There are two high schools San Joaquin Memorial and Garces, both are co-ed. All schools are open to the public.
Another important component of Catholic information and religious education is
KNXT Catholic Television Channel 49. The diocese of Fresno operates the nation’s only full power 24-hour-a-day Catholic Television Station.
Jim Grant, Director, Social Justice Ministry hosted Imam Abdul Shadid Muhammad, President of Muslim-American Chaplain Association, on the Faith
Works television program which aired September 22-23, 2016, at 8PM and can
be watched on YouTube.com/KNXT 1, after the broadcast dates. Imam Muhammad, during the program, reminds us of the vital role and function of chaplains in
institutional environments, especially prisons.
Bishop Ochoa described KNXT as a tool of evangelization programs are
in the diverse languages of various Catholic communities speaking Portuguese,
Hmong, Spanish, English. Recitation of Rosary, participation in Catholic Mass
to the home-bound, and people who otherwise would not be reached by church
venues. Keeping in mind social media is the wave of the future and must be included as the trend especially with the younger generation. The diocese’s focus is
to keep up with Christian programming over the air and online to every home in
the Central Valley every day.
Imam Muhammad described KNXT as a bridge connecting faith communities over false divisions into truth understanding of pluralistic cultures, religious
beliefs and practices for mutual understanding, harmonious relationships and
peaceful co-existence of humanity.
Bishop Ochoa stated “We need to continue respectful dialogue with interfaith
collaboration and ecumenical cooperation as well as reaching out to people God
entrusted to us with their pastoral care. That includes all faith clergy. What better
way to build bridges then sitting down breaking bread together. I don’t see a better way to foster the kingdom of God on Earth.”
Bishop Ochoa was selected by the California Awards Committee to receive the
Interfaith Collaboration Award for his tireless efforts promoting interfaith community relationships. Direct service to institutionalized persons via chaplains and
himself being proactive in serving institutional congregations. He stated “Pope
Francis continuously asks us to go out to highways and byways and bring good
news to the downtrodden.”
The California Awards Committee Banquet was held October 8, 2016. At the
Ramada North, 324 E. Shaw Ave. Fresno, CA 93710. For more information, and
to order a DVD of the event call 559-307-7783 or visit www.macausa.org email:
[email protected] MACA – non-profit 501(c)(3).
In the first picture, Imam
Michael Salaam, keynote speaker, is on the
left, with Imam Muhammad
and Olivia Gomez, of the
International Focolare
Community. Imam Muhammad is in the other two
pictures along with Imam
Ran El-Amin and two women:
the woman in the middle
picture is Doctor Tahara
Akmal CPF, guest speaker,
and Chaplain Rosa Maria
Guembe is in the picture
on the right.
4
March 2017
Central California Catholic Life
Our Diocesan History, con’t.
Convocation of the Clergy of the Diocese of Fresno
presided at the Mass and later dedicated the church’s Rev. Msgr. E. James Petersen Hall. Siempre Adelante (Keep Moving Forward) is adopted as the motto
for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
Clovis is decreed a second parish named Divine Mercy and architectural drawings for the new church building completed.
A special Mass was held at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral on December 15,
inaugurating the yearlong celebration of the diocese’s 50th Anniversary. Concurrently, a new trailer complete with logos is being outfitted as a traveling chapel
for Mass celebrations and once completed will then tour the Diocese’s outlying
areas where Masses will be said.
At year end, there were eighty-eight parishes, forty-three missions and five
stations in the diocese. The number of Catholics in the diocese is estimated to be
one million seventy-four thousand residing within the thirty-six thousand square
miles composing the diocese’s eight counties’ total area.
Watch your parish bulletins and the Central California Catholic Life for the
special 50th anniversary events to be held about the diocese during 2017.
Clergy Renewal in Visalia
by Fr. James Torrens, S.J.
How much we all need renewal, and not just by
means of a vacation. The priests and deacons of this
diocese were called together for this purpose at the
Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center, from January 23 to 26. Two presenters from Renew International—Father Abraham Orapankal and Sister Maureen
Colleary, F.S.P.—took on this mission. They entitled
it “Renewing the Priestly Heart.”
The presenters opened by reminding us that our
ministry requires passion. In words of a parish wit,
they advised not to be a pastor “invisible on weekdays
and incomprehensible on Sundays.” This note was echoed in the final liturgy by
words of Saint Paul to his associate Timothy: “Stir into flame the gift of God that
you have through the imposition of my hands.” At an ordination the priests also
lay on hands, so the presenters had the priests tell each other what this means to
them.
Msgr. Perry Kavookjian, in his homily at Mass on the second day, caught the
mood of the gathering when he announced, “I am a happy priest.” He went on
to say what the statistics seem to bear out: “Priests as a group are happy—overworked but happy.” The evident comradery of the deacons at the Convocation
said the same for them.
The parish priest is called to something paradoxical: build community and
animate his parish without living in community. The Renew program explores
what model of community is feasible for priests, so as to end isolation, which
suffocates happiness and fosters unhealthy habits. Half of Americans today take
part in support groups, to counteract the individualism of our era. The priest too
needs some real fraternity, to build bridges across different outlooks, to cut down
on competition and negativity, and to allow him to share his faith and pray with
his brothers.
On the final day, the Clergy Convocation in Visalia tended to other matters:
uniformity in use of the new marriage ritual; information from the Chief Financial Officer, Gary Bethke; explanation of the Deliverance ministry in the diocese,
which responds to affliction from evil spirits.
At the convocation, the priests attended,
communicated, and prayed.
by Msgr. Anthony Janelli, Administrator, Sacred Heart, Planada
Every year the Bishop calls the priests and deacons of the diocese to a week
of prayer, study and reflection on our ministry and service to the people of the
diocese. The focus of this year’s convocation was our need as priests and deacons
for support in our ministries.
Presenters from “Renew International” offered ideas and guidance in our
reflections. We recognized the importance of “Intentional Presbyteral Communities” in which we would come together in fraternity to offer support to one
another. We were called to appreciate the roles of Prayer, Learning, Faith Sharing
and Mutual Support in helping us to carry out our Mission. And we were given
guidelines and practice in creating these communities.
The process ended with the invitation to put what we had learned and experienced into practice as a way of strengthening each other in our ministry to our
people and church.
In addition to this part of the Convocation there was a review of the status
and process of the “V Encuentro” in the diocese and nation. Previous encounters
have focused primarily on ministry to Hispanics, but this encounter is designed
to involve all members of the Church in the United States. In effect the process
is designed to form and develop small support communities similar to those discussed for the priests among all members of the church in the United States.
At the present time parish teams are being trained in the process. They will
then develop and train small faith communities within their parishes. These communities will reach out to other members of the church to invite their participation. This summer there will be a Convocation in each parish to review and
strengthen the Faith and ministries of the parish and its members. This will be
followed in October with a diocesan V Encuentro of parish representative of the
diocese. And next year there will be a V Encuentro at a Regional and National
level of representatives of all the dioceses of the country.
At the end of this
review Bishop Ochoa personally expressed his commitment to the V Encuentro
and its fulfillment in our diocese.
The new Rite for the Sacrament of Matrimony and the Ministry of Healing and
deliverance Guidelines of the diocese were also discussed at the Convocation.
Convocación del clero de la Diocesis de Fresno 2017
by Msgr. Anthony Janelli, translated by Edith Maldonado
Cada año el Obispo llama a los sacerdotes y diáconos de la diócesis a una semana de oración, estudio y reflexión en nuestro ministerio y servicio a la gente de
la diócesis. El enfoque en la convocación de este año fue nuestra necesidad como
sacerdotes y diáconos para apoyar en nuestros ministerios.
Los presentadores de “Renew International” ofrecieron ideas y dirección en
nuestras reflexiones. Reconocemos la importancia de las “Comunidades Presbiterales Intencionales” en las que nos reuniríamos en fraternidad para ofrecer apoyo
mutuo. Fuimos llamados a apreciar las funciones de la Oración, Aprendizaje,
Compartimiento de la Fe y Apoyo Mutuo al ayudarnos a llevar a cabo nuestra
Misión. Y se nos dieron las directrices y práctica en la creación de esas comunidades.
El proceso terminó con la invitación a poner en práctica lo que hemos aprendido y experimentado como una manera de fortalecer mutuamente nuestro ministerio para nuestra gente y la Iglesia.
Además de esta parte de la Convocación hubo una revisión del estado y proceso del “V Encuentro” (V Encounter) en la diócesis y la nación. Los Encuentros
anteriores se han enfocado principalmente en el Ministerio a hispanos, pero este
encuentro está diseñado para involucrar a todos los miembros de la Iglesia de
los Estados Unidos. En efecto el proceso está diseñado para formar y desarrollar
pequeñas comunidades de apoyo similares a las descritas por los sacerdotes entre
todos los miembros de la iglesia en los Estados Unidos.
Actualmente los equipos parroquiales están siendo entrenados en el proceso.
Ellos entonces desarrollarán y entrenarán pequeñas comunidades de fe dentro de
sus parroquias. Esas comunidades llegarán a otros miembros de la Iglesia para
invitar su participación. Este verano habrá una convocación en cada parroquia
para revisar y fortalecer la Fe y los ministerios de la parroquia y sus miembros.
Esto será seguido en Octubre con un encuentro diocesano de representantes parroquiales de la diócesis. Y el próximo año habrá un V Encuentro a nivel Regional
y Nacional de representantes de todas las diócesis del País.
Al final de esta reseña el Obispo Ochoa personalmente expreso su compromiso
con el V Encuentro y su cumplimiento en nuestra diócesis.
También se
examinaron en
la convocación
las directrices
de la nueva
Rutina para el
Sacramento de
Matrimonio y
el Ministerio
de Sanación y
liberación de
la diócesis.
Central California Catholic Life
March 2017
5
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno Release:
by Teresa Dominguez, Chancellor
Celebration at St. John’s Cathedral
Diocese of Fresno Began 50th Anniversary Celebration
Most Reverend Joseph J. Madera, M.Sp.S., D.D.
Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno 1927- 2017
Bishop Madera died January 21, 2017. His Mass of Christian
burial was held at St. Anthony of Padua, Fresno, on Tuesday, January
The theme, Siempre Adelante, is literally translated “Always Moving Forward.” It 31. He was buried at St. Peter’s Cemetery with the other bishops.
reflects not only the need to look forward, but to be constantly in motion. As a theme
for our diocesan anniversary it leads us to a reflection on where our Diocese has been
and how our past and present are fueling the desire to see and plan our future...to explore
where we are going as we head into our next 50 years of existence. Moving forward
means having a constant desire to learn and grow, as well as change when necessary,
rather than sticking to the “but we’ve always done it this way” mentality. Growing in
faith is a challenge, and one that we should readily accept.
—The Missionary Impulse of our Church
I dream of a “missionary option,” that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules,
language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world
rather than for her self-preservation.
—The Joy of the Gospel, 27
"Go out to the highways and byways, go out to tell the good news fearlessly, without
prejudice, without superiority, without condescension, to all those who have lost the joy
of living. Go out to proclaim the merciful embrace of the Father." — Homily for Canonization of St. Junipero Serra
—Diocese of Fresno Mobile Chapel
In light of this missionary call, the Diocese of Fresno 50th Anniversary committee
met with Bishop Armando Ochoa to explore the idea of a “Mobile Chapel.” In the early
1900s, Fr. Francis Clement Kelley felt a call to serve those who were living in rural, frontier areas that did not have access to a priest or a church. He initiated the Catholic Society
(now Catholic Extension) in order to raise money to reach parts of the United States that
were not yet established. He also began the practice of a “Chapel Car”, and travelled
along the railway in a three-car train, celebrating Mass and distributing the Eucharist
from the back of the last car. In areas where he was not able to reach by train, he used
a motor chapel, driving to obscure places and celebrating with the people. From 1929
through 1947, similar trailers, RVs and other vehicles answered the call in the FresnoMonterey diocese. There is a history of priests, starting with the Redemptorist Order,
traveling to serve the rural communities, making sure that the sacraments were available
to the people who lived and worked in the fields.
In the same sentiment, and with the words of Pope Francis echoing in our hearts, we
are resurrecting this practice. It began with the acquisition of a trailer which was converted to accommodate an area for an altar, and a canopy overhang for protection. This
vehicle will be sent to different areas in the diocese, most notably areas that do not have
a church nearby, where Mass is not regularly celebrated. Rather than hosting an event
asking people to travel to the Church, the Church will go out to the People of God to
celebrate our diocesan anniversary!
The Mobile Chapel is wrapped with our theme and striking images of our beautiful
countryside and agricultural life.
KNXT
Reverendísimo Joseph J. Madera, M.Sp.S., D.D.
Obispo de la Diócesis de Fresno –1980-1991
El Obispo Madera nació en San Francisco, California el 27 de
noviembre de 1927. La familia del Obispo se trasladó a México
donde él fue criado y, a los quince años de edad se convirtió en un aspirante clerical de la Orden Religiosa Misioneros del Espíritu Santo,
siguiendo a dos de sus tíos en esta orden religiosa. Él fue ordenado al
sacerdocio el 15 de junio de 1957. Él prestó sus servicios ministeriales en varios lug ares en México y California antes de ser nombrado
párroco en Oxnard en 1970, donde él estableció el programa de radio
hispano La Hora Católica, adicionalmente a sus numerosas responsabilidades pastorales.
En 1979, durante su ejercicio como párroco en Fowler, él fue nombrado Obispo Coadjutor de Fresno, siendo ordenado como Obispo de
Fresno el 4 de marzo de 1980. La experiencia anterior del Obispo
Madera en la radio de Oxnard lo impresionó con el poder de los medios de comunicación en el campo de la evangelización, por lo que
él tomó la idea trascendental de la diócesis de iniciar una estación
de televisión educativa y, a través de su liderazgo dinámico lo hizo
realidad cuando KNXT Canal 49 transmitió su programa inaugural
el 2 de noviembre de 1986.
El Obispo Madera fue nombrado a la Arquidiócesis de los Servicios Militares en Washington, D.C. el 28 de mayo de 1991 y se jubiló
el 15 de septiembre de 2004. El residió en la Parroquia de Santa Martha desde el mes de septiembre de 2011.
El Obispo Madera fue precedido en la muerte por sus padres, Jesús
Madera Flores y Paz Uribe Santana y seis hermanos. Le sobrevive su
hermana Carmen Madera.
Catholic Television
Streaming LIVE on the Internet at: www.KNXT.tv
Programming Highlights
Most Reverend Joseph J. Madera, M.Sp.S., D.D.
Third Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno -1980-1991
Founder of KNXT-TV
Bishop Madera was born in San Francisco, California on November 27, 1927. The Bishop’s family
soon moved to Mexico where he was reared, and at fifteen years of age became a clerical aspirant
of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, following two of his uncles into that Order. He was ordained
June 15, 1957. He ministered in various locations in both Mexico and California before becoming a
pastor in Oxnard in 1970 where he soon established the Hispanic radio program La Hora Católica,
in addition to his numerous pastoral duties.
In 1979, during his tenure as pastor in Fowler, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of
Fresno, being ordained Bishop of Fresno on March 4, 1980. Bishop Madera’s earlier radio
experience in Oxnard impressed him with the power of the media in evangelization,
so he took the seminal idea of the diocese starting an educational television station
and through his dynamic leadership made it a reality when KNXT Channel 49
broadcast its inaugural program on November 2, 1986. At the time, there were
only two other dioceses in the United States with television stations. Today, the
station broadcasts 24 hours each day sending the message of the gospel
throughout the Central Valley and the whole world.
On May 28, 1991 Bishop Madera was appointed to the Archdiocese of the
Military Services, Washington, D.C. Bishop Madera passed away on
January 21, 2017.
6
March 2017
Central California Catholic Life
Interview with Jim Grant, Director of Social Justice Ministry, by Father Jim Rude
Fr. Jim: The award you got the other night, how do you feel about it? What was
the group, and what was it all about?
Jim Grant: Each year, the City of Fresno celebrates the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday with a fantastic weekend of gatherings, speeches, meals,
marches and award ceremonies, all in honor of Dr. King. This year on January
13, I was privileged to receive the Community Leader award with two others, Dr.
Joseph Castro for his work as President of California State University, Fresno,
and Robin McGhee for her work with the LGBT Community locally and nationally.
In making the presentation, the MLK Unity Committee emphasized my years
of work for Social Justice through my Interfaith work with many different organizations committed to social issues, as well as the many different television
programs which KNXT has produced to bring awareness of issues like peace,
justice, poverty, homelessness, mental illness, human rights, and nonviolence to
the attention of our viewers.
My family and many friends were there to celebrate with me at City Hall, and
I especially enjoyed the chance to share with all gathered some words of Pope
Francis on Dr. King which he delivered to the U.S. Congress on September 25,
2015 and to the whole world on January 1, 2017.
Fr. Jim: You had a first interview with me, but after that the bishop appointed
you director of social justice. What have you been able to bring to that office?
Jim Grant: Since becoming Director of Social Justice Ministry in July of 2015,
so much of my work for the diocese has changed. I have been attending meetings
and conference calls with my colleagues from all the other diocese of California,
and I worked extensively with the California Catholic Conference in campaigns
to defeat the Physician Assisted Suicide initiative and to abolish the death penalty. Both efforts of the CCC failed, but we raised consciousness on the importance
of the dignity of each and every human being, and we will continue our education
efforts on these and all Catholic Social Teaching issues.
Most recently, our office hosted a very productive meeting of Bishop Ochoa
with Prison Chaplains from across the Diocese, and we’ve met also with the
Matthew 25 Ministry, which is doing a wonderful job volunteering at the Fresno
County Jail.
Fr. Jim: What is the extent of social justice in our Diocese?
Jim Grant: There is no end to the possibilities for Social Justice Ministry, and
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be directing it at this time. Besides the
projects listed above, one project deserves special mention. For almost ten years,
the Bishops’ Advocacy Committee for the Homeless has been effectively educating the Fresno community about this ongoing social problem, especially through
its eight Homeless Summits. Its next awareness raising effort was a Memorial
Service for Fresno area homeless who had passed away on the street, unnamed,
abandoned, uncared for. With support from the Coroner’s Office, the Sheriff’s
Office and the Poverello House, this simple ceremony was celebrated at the Poverello House on February 14 at 11:30am.
Immigration, the rights of all immigrants, and migrant ministry have long been
part of the Diocese of Fresno’s social justice outreach. Work in this area, and support for all immigrants and refugees will only need to grow this year in response
to the directives coming down from Washington as we speak.
Fr. Jim: What about our local PICO group? What is it accomplishing?
Jim Grant: The local PICO affiliate in Fresno formerly known as Faith in Community is now known as Faith in the Valley-Fresno. Its work, outreach and staffing has grown, and now its five centers (Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Fresno,
Bakersfield) are joined with a new Executive Director to guide their work here in
the dioceses of Stockton and Fresno.
Our local Fresno affiliate was busier than ever getting people registered for
the November 8 election, and since then they were engaged totally in dealing
with local issues like Rental Property Inspections, and Cardinal Turkson’s visit to
Modesto for the US Regional Meeting of Popular Movements, February 16-19.
Fr. Jim: Among others, our local
PICO group’s board of directors
has the Exec. Dir. of the Islamic
Cultural Center of Fresno and the
Rabbi of Temple Beth Israel. What
do you think about working with
the different races and religions?
Jim Grant: I have personally been
a close friend of the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno since 2005
when KNXT was awarded the First
Annual Spirit of Abraham Award
for our efforts to support Muslims
through our long running program
“Forum for a Better Understanding”. In early February, Reza Nekumanesh (Exec.
Dir., ICCF) and I visited St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bakersfield and shared
how positive Interfaith friendships can be, and how important especially now it
is to cultivate them. In a similar way, all the Rabbis from Temple Beth Israel and
Congregation Beth Jacob have been guests on KNXT as well, and our personal
relationship with them has been a blessing for all of us in so many different ways.
Fr. Jim: I know you have contacts with an incredible number of people throughout Fresno, people of different races and religions. How do you use that in your
social justice work?
Jim Grant: Following Pope Francis and the Bishops that have led the Diocese
of Fresno, working with ecumenical and Interfaith and interracial groups comes
very easily to me. The Vatican Council made it very clear 50+ years ago that
the best and most practical way to do interfaith work is not necessarily through
discussing all the things that divide us, but rather working together on practical
issues and common concerns that actually unite us. My membership on boards
like the Interfaith Alliance of Central California, the Human Rights Coalition of
Central California and the Interfaith Scholar Weekend not only give me a chance
to share the riches of our Catholic Social Teaching with a wider audience, but at
the same time affords me a chance to be enriched by the commitment of Muslims,
Jews and non-Catholic Christians whose faith motivates them in their social justice commitments just as mine does. Interfaith social justice commitments, such
as the present one we are involved in with the Syrian Refugees in Fresno, is a
win-win for all those collaborating,
Fr. Jim: How is KNXT involved in social justice work?
Jim Grant: KNXT has always been committed to bringing our viewers the
wealth of Catholic Social Teaching. Right now we’re doing that through our
website, where previous Social Justice programs are archived on our YouTube
channel, and through postings on our Facebook page. Catholic Social Teaching
101 is a current program in which the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching are discussed by a panel of guests involved in that particular aspect of Social
Justice. This program airs on Mondays at 10:00PM and Thursdays at 1:30PM,
and 16 of the previous discussions are now easily found at YouTube.com/user/
KNXT1.
For more information about how you could become involved in Social Justice
Ministry, please contact me at [email protected] or call me at 559-4887440.
World Day for Consecrated Life
by Sr. Invencion Cañas, RAD, Vicar for Religious
It was in 1997, when Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and
men in Consecrated life. This day is intended to help the entire Church to esteem
ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by
means of the practice of the evangelical counsels: chastity, poverty and obedience
and, at the same time, is intended to be a suitable occasion for consecrated persons
to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervor which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord.
This year the Religious of the Diocese gathered at Saint John’s Cathedral for the
10:30 a.m. Mass on February 5th. The Rev Msgr. Raymond C. Dreiling, V.G. was
the main celebrant and Rev. Arthur Gramje, C.M.F. the homilist. Sister Margarte
Tapang, P.D.D.M. ;Titus Versoza and a magnificent “Fruit of the Vine Choir” made
everyone feel the joy of the Gospel throughout the Liturgy.
After Mass, all the Religious gathered at Nazareth House for lunch. It was a
great time for sharing, laughing and remembering. What a grace -filled day!
Please pray for all those men and women who have responded to God’s call to
become followers of Jesus through the profession of their vows and a life dedicated
to prayer and service.
Our Bishop with some of our Religious
Central California Catholic Life
March 2017
7
Catholic Schools Celebration
by Mona Faulkner, Superintendent of Diocesan Catholic Schools
Catholic Schools Week is a national celebration that has been going on
since 1974. Ask any millennial alumni about this time of the year and you
will hear stories of the fun they had, the service their school provided for
others and the special Mass that starts off the week each year. This year
the celebration began on Sunday, January 29 and ran through February 4.
This special week is essential to the future of our schools because the
many activities involving students, parents, parishioners and community
leaders spread the word across the country of the vibrancy of Catholic education system. Each school’s marketing campaigns and enrollment initiatives for the 2017-2018 school year begin at this time. There is much work
to do and so many ways all Catholics can help!
In order to broaden the service area of our schools it would be helpful if each parish would invite a representative from the school(s) in their
vicariate to share the “good news” of what is going on at their school or
allow schools to “recruit” students from neighboring parishes, in a mutually agreed upon plan between the pastors and the schools.
Individual efforts are powerful as well. Consider a donation to an
“adopt-a-student” or other type of scholarship fund to help families who
want a Catholic education for their child but cannot afford the whole tuition. Our schools always need volunteers. A gift of your attention and
talents keep our Catholic environments warm and welcoming.
As I speak with business and community leaders, they share concerns regarding finding hard working, well educated workers for the future of their
companies and endeavors. The students coming from Catholic schools not
only do well in high school and college, but are often hired before they
even graduate because of their qualifications and dedication to service.
Please share the good news of Catholic education with your colleagues
and friends by inviting them to Masses or other special events open to the
public.
We have so much to celebrate and all Catholic schools have been highlighting our faith based education for the past 43 years. Please join us this
year and help secure the future of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of
Fresno because for over 100 years, our Catholic schools have helped students grow spiritually and excel academically by welcoming children into
a faith-filled community where they come to know, love and serve God.
Catholic Schools Week
submitted by Andrea Camarena
Catholic Schools Week: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service
January 23, 2017 – The Catholic School of Visalia, George McCann Memorial Campus was excited to participate in the National Catholic Schools
Week kicking off Sunday, Jan. 29 and finishing up on Friday, Feb. 3. The
Catholic Schools Week Schedule included a Flag Ceremony, Lip Sync
Contest, fundraising for missionaries in Peru, science projects and more.
Catholic Schools Week is not only a time for current students to reflect
on the unique opportunities and responsibilities they each have by attending George McCann Memorial, it also offers the school a chance to showcase their mission to the larger community.
Established in 1924, the Pre-K-8 school is a Visalia mainstay, and while
religion is an important part of our curriculum, students are not required
to be Catholic to attend. Enrollment to this private school is open to the
entire community.
A unique element of our school is its family-oriented structure. Students are enrolled as a family and parents are involved in volunteering and
fundraising throughout the school year. The parents work with teachers to
put on large events such as the Our Lady of Fatima Community Celebration, the school’s Halloween Carnival, the GMC Ball and the Community Mother’s Day Luncheon. While maintaining a small school environment, George McCann offers large-school extracurricular programs such
as competitive sports teams, student body council, elective art and music
classes, academic decathlon and more.
Catholic Schools Week is a great time to learn more about the Catholic
School of Visalia and find out if we might be a fit for your family. We are
presently accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year. We began
kindergarten testing in February. We invite you to call the school (559732-5831) for more information or set up a time to visit and take a tour
of the school to learn more about the Catholic School of Visalia, George
McCann Memorial.
More about Catholic School of Visalia, George McCann Memorial Campus: Catholic School of Visalia is located at 200 E. Race Avenue in Visalia.
The school’s mission is to educate children to learn, lead and serve in the
spirit of Jesus Christ. Pre-school and Transitional Kindergarten classes
are available. Children who will be three years old by Sept. 1, 2017, are
eligible to attend.
For more information: www.catholicschoolvisalia.org .
Catholic Schools Week Schedule
We celebrated National Catholic Schools Week, beginning Sunday January 29. The theme,“Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge
and Service”, highlighted our focus on faith development,
academic excellence and dedication to community service. We planned a
8
March 2017
variety of events to celebrate the week.
Sunday, January 29: Faith Knowledge and Service: In our Parish
George McCann fourth grade students sang at the 10:30am Mass at St.
Mary’s Church. George McCann families were present at numerous parish Masses as greeters and speakers and hosted donuts and coffee after St.
Mary’s Masses.
Monday, January 30: Faith, Knowledge and Service: In Our
Community
George McCann students had the opportunity to participate in a “free
dress” fundraiser. All of the money raised went toward Fr. Gerard’s mission work.
Tuesday, January 31: Faith, Knowledge and Service: In Our
Students
George McCann students participated in grade-level stem activities in
the morning. In the afternoon all of the students walked through the other
classrooms to view the stem activity projects.
Wednesday, February 1: Faith, Knowledge and Service: In Our
Nation
George McCann students created a handprint representation of the United States Flag. The Boy Scouts led us in a Flag Ceremony preceded by a
prayer service with a patriotic theme. All Parish Veterans were invited to
attend this ceremony.
Thursday, February 2: Faith, Knowledge and Service: In Our
Vocations
A panel of those in religious vocations presented an informational talk
for the George McCann students. Lip Sync Performance was held on this
date in the Parish Center.
Friday, February 3: Faith, Knowledge and Service: In our Faculty,
Staff and Volunteers
A special thank you
was presented to all of the
GMC volunteers by the
George McCann Staff.
George McCann Staff
enjoyed a special thankyou at morning break. An
All-School Mass was at
12:15 and all were welcome to join us. We concluded Catholic Schools
Week with an All-School
Bingo in the Parish Center.
Central California Catholic Life
Reedley
Celebrating 50 Years As a Diocese
On Thursday, December 15, 2016, St. Anthony’
of Padua, Reedley, joined with Bishop Ochoa and the
entire Diocese in beginning a full year of celebration of
the formation of our Diocese.
We offered three celebrations: 8am English Mass in the Old Church; 10am
English Mass with the Students of St. La Salle School and a 7pm Bilingual
Mass in the New Church.
A warm thank you to the Knights of Columbus 4 Degree for adding to the
importance of the Celebration. A Special thank you to all who participated
in this Mass, especially Barbara Alaimo who chaired all three events.
th
Celebración de 50 años como Diócesis
El jueves, 15 de diciembre de 2016, San Antonio de Padua, Reedley con
el Obispo Ochoa y toda la Diócesis en el comienzo de un año completo de
celebración de la formación de nuestra Diócesis.
En Nuestra Parroquia Se ofrecieron tres celebraciones: 8am Misa Inglesa
en la Iglesia Antigua; 10am Misa en Ingles con los Estudiantes de la
Escuela La Salle y una Misa Bilingüe en la Iglesia Nueva a las 7pm.
Agradecemos a los Caballeros de Colón 4 º Grado por añadir la importancia
de la celebración. Un agradecimiento especial a todos los que participaron
en esta Misa, especialmente a Bárbara Alaimo, quien presidió los tres
eventos.
Submitted by
Angelita Lazaro
The pictures are from
the 7pm Bilingual
Mass at St. Anthony
of Padua, Reedley.
Las fotos fueron
tomadas en la Misa
Bilingüe a las 7pm
en la Parroquia San
Antonio de Padua en
Reedley.
Priest Anniversaries
March
Rev. Chummar Chirayath, OSJ 3/13/1978
Rev. James Catalano, OSJ 3/19/1963
Rev. Daniel Bringas 3/26/1976
Rev. Gerald Chavez 3/31/1973
Religious Anniversaries
March
Sr. Maria Pilar Borregon RCM 3/18/1964
Sr. Hilda Barrera SJS 3/19/1961
Sr. Mary Anne Bradish BVM 3/19/1956
Sr. M. Eugenia Pia Bianco PDDM 3/25/1957
Sr. M. Margarita Ceballos PDDM 3/25/1963
Sr. M. Crucis D’Amico PDDM 3/ 25/ 1944
Sr. M. Rosaria Gallardo PDDM 3/25/1962
Sr. M. Alba Scellato PDDM 3/25/1943
Sr. Anne Marie Maxfield, ESEH 3/25/2006
Sr. Elaine Elgart, ESEH 3/25/2015
Rev. Larry Toschi, OSJ 4/3/1976
Rev. Edwin Danilo Pena Hernandez 4/4/2009
Rev. Showreddy Thirumalareddy 4/7/1997
Rev. Carlos Esquivel, OSJ 4/9/1983
Rev. John Burns 4/12/2003
Rev. Jose Luis Vega 4/17/1954
Rev. David Norris 4/20/1974
Rev. Balaswamy Gangarapu 4/24/1998
Rev. Rayanna Pudota 4/24/2001
Rev. Raul Silva Arredondo MSC 4/27/1979
Rev. Msgr. John Esquivel 4/27/1968
Rev. Jean-Michael Lastiri 4/27/1985
Rev. Gregorio Neri 4/28/1992
Rev. Msgr. Michael Braun 4/29/1967
Rev. Kevin Bray 4/29/1967
Rev. Msgr. John Coelho-Harguindeguy 4/29/1967
Rev. Msgr. Ronald Swett 4/29/1967
Rev. Donald Flickinger 4/30/1964
Rev. Msgr. Anthony Janelli 4/30/1964
Rev. Msgr. Walter Minhoto 4/30/1964
Priest Anniversaries
Permanent Deacon Anniversary
April
Rev/ Victor P. Hernando 4/1/1982
Rev. Roger LeDuc 4/2/1960
April
Rev. Mr. Leon Miller 4/10/1988
Central California Catholic Life
March 2017
9
News from the Office of Formation and Evangelization (formerly the Office of Ministries)
Noticias de la Oficina de Formación y Evangelización (anteriormente Oficina de Ministerios)
With the theme “Siempre Adelante/Keep Moving Forward” we are
celebrating our 50th Anniversary as the Diocese of Fresno. This year,
we appreciate our present, consider our past, and pursue a brighter
future. The Fifth Encuentro (encounter) process with the theme
“Missionary Disciples: Witnesses of God’s Love” is a vehicle to help us
evaluate the present state of our diocese and reflect on plans to continue serving God’s people and becoming a stronger family in Christ.
During the past months, the Fifth Encuentro Diocesan Committee has
been training parish teams for the evangelization and consultation
process at the parish level that started in February. The National Team
of Accompaniment for the Fifth Encounter process, appointed by the
USCCB, provided us the five-session guidebooks and they have been
already distributed to the parishes participating in this pastoral opportunity.
We are happy to announce that many parishes in our diocese are ready
to go out to the communities as one family in Christ and evangelize
door by door putting on their missionary
discipleship shoes as Pope Francis has
encouraged us to do.
If you are interested in being part of the
Fifth Encounter process, contact your
parish and ask for more information. You
can also access the materials online
www.vencuentro.org.
School of Ministry
Rite of Election & Neophyte Mass
Josie Longoria School of Ministry Coordinator
For the past year the new members have participated in a time
of evangelization, hearing the message of our living God proclaimed. They have opened their hearts to the guidance of the
Holy Spirit as they continue to seek on their spiritual journey.
Each through their free will has elected to be initiated into the
Catholic Church through baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist. As one Church, one community, I ask that you keep in your
prayers all those who celebrated the Rite of Election at the following locations:
St. Mary’s, Visalia
St. Philip’s, Bakersfield
St. Patrick’s, Merced
St. Anthony of Padua, Fresno
Date: February 12, 2017
Date: February 13, 2017
Date: February 14, 2017
Date: February 15, 2017
Those received into the Church will continue their spiritual journey through a period of post baptismal catechesis or Mystagogy.
We invite the newly received and their families to join
Bishop Armando Ochoa for the Neophyte Mass on
June 24, 2017, 3 pm at St. Anne’s Chapel. Following the
Mass there will be a reception and opportunity to join in fellowship with Bishop Armando X. Ochoa.
For questions concerning the Rite of Election or Neophyte Mass
please contact Josie Longoria or Grace Alston at the School of
Ministry at (559) 488-7474.
Con el tema “Siempre Adelante/Keep Moving Forward” estamos celebrando nuestro Quincuagésimo Aniversario como Diócesis de Fresno. Este año, apreciamos nuestro presente, consideramos nuestro pasado, y perseguimos un futuro brillante. El
proceso de Quinto Encuentro con el tema “Discípulos Misioneros: Testigos del Amor de Dios” es un vehículo que nos ayuda a
evaluar el estado actual de nuestra Diócesis y a reflexionar
acerca de los planes para continuar sirviendo al Pueblo de Dios
y convertirnos en una familia más fuerte en Cristo.
Durante los últimos meses, el Comité Diocesano de Quinto Encuentro ha estado entrenando equipos parroquiales para la
evangelización y el proceso de consulta a nivel parroquial que
empezó en Febrero. El Equipo Nacional de Acompañamiento
para el proceso del Quinto Encuentro determinado por USCCB,
nos proporcionó las guías para las cinco sesiones y ya han sido
distribuidas a las parroquias participando en esta oportunidad
pastoral.
Estamos felices de anunciar que muchas parroquias en nuestra
diócesis están listas para salir a las comunidades como una familia en Cristo y evangelizar puerta por puerta poniéndose los
zapatos de discípulos misioneros como el Papa Francisco nos
ha animado a hacerlo.
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2019
I AM A SERVANT OF THE LORD;MAY IT BE DONE TO ME ACCORDING TO YOUR
WORD LUKE 1:38
The date and location for World Youth Day 2019 have been announced
for January 22-29, 2019!
Although that seems like a strange time of year for a pilgrimage, the traditional June/July is the rainy season in Panama and would make travel
and planning for the event very difficult. The committee has therefore
chosen January for this event.
If you are interested in taking a parish group to the event, or would like to
join with the Diocesan group, make sure you are on the mailing list for
our diocese! We will be giving updates and information on the event and
the preparation, in addition to tips and fun facts! We are also planning at
least three retreats and other gatherings for anyone attending World
Youth Day, and a blessing Mass with our Bishop before the pilgrimage
begins!
To be on the email list, contact [email protected].
Si está interesado en ser parte del proceso de Quinto Encuentro, comuníquese a su Parroquia y solicite más información.
También puede tener acceso a los materiales en internet, visita
la página www.vencuentro.org
10
March 2017
Central California Catholic Life
All adults (over 18)
invited!
For prices
and to register, please
see the Office of Formation and Evangelization website!
Discipleship — Old Hat?
Women and Men
by Sr. Marie Francis Schroepfer, CSJ, Assistant Director, Social Justice Ministry
by Fr. James Rude, SJ
Each year as Lent runs its course, I find myself looking forward to Holy
“For us men and for our salvation, he came down
Week and the intensity it brings as we move closer to the celebration of from heaven and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of
the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Holy week calls me to slow the Virgin Mary and became man.” This is a very
down in a more intentional way, and reflect on my life, and who Jesus is to beautiful statement, and incredibly stunning. God
me. What level of discipleship do I carry within me day after day: in my never did exist simply way out there in the heavens,
comings and goings; how I relate to the people I meet – those I agree with looking down on us, but sadly the people in Jesus’
and those I don’t; and my stewardship of God-given gifts that I often take time really did believe it. And so Jesus’ basic job
for granted.
was to proclaim to the people that God was here,
This year, I trust, will be no different. However, it does bring a particu- God was with us, all the time. He was truly one of
lar challenge to me and to all who profess belief in a God who embraces us. But even more so with Jesus.
each individual with a love so great that one’s mind cannot even begin to
But as much as I love the idea, I really don’t like the way we say it. In
fathom it.
fact, when I read the Creed at Mass, I change two of its words: “men” beEvery issue on the dockets of our United States Congress and State Leg- comes “men and women” and “man” becomes “human”. “For us women
islatures are, and always have been, deeply entwined with our core belief and men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven and by the Holy
that God created each in God’s own image, from which flows our inher- Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became human.”
ent dignity as persons. This God gave us a planet to live on and creatures
Two thousand years ago, it was illegal for a Jewish man to deal with
to satisfy our essential needs–physical, psychological, and spiritual; God a woman in public. But Jesus did that easily, because although He did
gave us to one another as brothers and sisters to embrace – as members of want to follow the laws, the most important law for Him was love, and
one family – in Him. As followers of the Word of God, we are called to therefore some of the lesser laws became irrelevant. After his death and
care for each other, and care for the earth and all its creatures. We do this resurrection, and when the Church began to develop, there were no offiby seeking the “common good” in every decision we make that impacts cial ordinations. Mass was said by the baptized person who assembled the
the well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
others in that person’s home, whether that person was a man or a woman.
Many had hoped that, after the election, the negative rhetoric so promi- Sadly about two hundred years later, when ordination became a reality, the
nent in every strain of political persuasion would come to a halt. That has Church, settled in Rome, followed the Roman ideas, and women could no
not happened. Our ability to focus on the common good, as defined by longer say Mass.
Jesus, I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly. (John
Today, some 1800 years later, there is being developed in our Francis
10:10), continues to be side-swiped by judgmental rhetoric, attitudes of Church the idea that maybe women could be ordained as deacons.
self-righteousness, name-calling, and sometimes mean-spirited dialogue. Fantastic! A few decades after that happens, I feel and hope that the idea
Like squabbling siblings, one side cannot let go of an argument; the other will be brought up that women should be ordained as priests.
demanding to have the last word; each accusing the other of wrongdoing;
When we are baptized, we are baptized as prophets, priests and kings.
each insisting they are right and the other is wrong.
Prophets because we are called to proclaim the good news to others; kings
As people of faith, how can we reconcile that behavior with our belief because we become part of a divine royalty; but priests? When I say Mass
in a God of love, justice, and peace? A God Who calls us to “more” – to with others on Sunday, I say a beautiful paragraph just before the Consebe more loving, more just, more respectful in our demeanor and language; cration. It is: “Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you: by the same
more peaceful in our relationships with one another. It is in doing so that Spirit graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consewe respond to the deepest desire of God’s heart: I pray Father that they cration, that they may become the Body and Blood of your Son our Lord
all may be one, as you are in me and as I am in you; that they may be one Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate these mysteries.” Notice:
in us. (John 17:21) Love one another as I have loved you. By this all will WE have brought the gifts and WE celebrate these mysteries. It’s not just
know that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)
me up on the altar who is doing the big job. It is WE, me the priest at the
I return to the beginning with the question for myself and for all: What altar, and you the priests in the pews. I love it, but very few people believe
FROM OSCAR® WINNING DIRECTOR MEL GIBSON*
level of discipleship do I carry within me day after day: in my comings and it, and that is sad.
goings; how I relate to the people I meet – those I agree with and those I
We have to come alive in our religion, love it and live it. Because of
don’t; and my stewardship of God given gifts that I often take for granted. my back problems, on Sunday at Mass, by the time we come to the ComIn today’s world, voices are being raised which we cannot ignore and munion, I am exhausted and so I send out the Eucharistic ministers, and
which implore our Churches to live deeply our identity as disciples of the then I go and sit down. I usually pray with my head down, but recently I
Lord Jesus Christ. (Pope Francis, November 2014)
looked up and was stunned by what I saw. People were not just going to
Communion; my brothers and sisters were receiving Jesus into their bodies! And then tears came to my eyes. We are a community, women and
men and Jesus! Do we believe that? Do we live that?
From Oscar Winning Director
ROM OSCAR® WINNING
DIRECTOR MEL GIBSON*
Mel Gibson
For The First Time Ever in English and Spanish the Powerful Epic
THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST Arrives on
Digital HD, Blu-ray and DVD February 7
From ACADEMY AWARD®-winning director Mel Gibson*, comes one of cinema’s most
uniquely powerful films – the profoundly moving, uncompromising story about the final twelve
hours in the life of Jesus Christ. A filmmaking triumph, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST was
nominated for three OSCARS®**, including cinematography.
The film begins in the Garden of Olives where Jesus has gone to pray after the Last Supper.
Jesus must resist the temptations of Satan. Betrayed by Judas Iscariot, Jesus is then arrested and
taken within the city walls of Jerusalem where leaders of the Pharisees confront him with
accusations of blasphemy and his trial results in a condemnation to death.
With inspiring performances from Jim Caviezel as Jesus and Monica Bellucci as Mary
Magdalen, this new edition of THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST features English, Spanish and
Portuguese language dubbed audio for the first time ever.
*1995: Directing, Best Picture (Mel Gibson, Alan Ladd, Jr. and Bruce Davey, Producers), Braveheart
**2004: Cinematography, Music (Original Score), Makeup
The First Time Ever in English and Spanish the Powerful Epic
THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST Arrives on Central California Catholic Life
Digital HD, Blu-ray and DVD February 7
gloryfilmsmpm.com
March 2017
11
Lent 2017
Lent
by Rev. Jean Michael Lastiri ,Director of Worship and Christian Initiation
Hope Renewed, Lives Restored, Joy Rediscovered
The life of the Church finds its finest moments
during the Season of Lent. In these Forty Days, the
Church and its members take the opportunity to reflect on the real reason for our being baptized, to
be faithful disciples of Jesus. Lent is that unique
time in our Christian journey to be in touch with
our spiritual side, the contemplative side our lives.
Too often we are in a hurry, often going
nowhere. We want so much, but that which does
not satisfy. For too many Catholics, Lent is a time of hardship and sacrifice. In reality, it is a time of hope and glory. Broken lives made whole,
hope restored, joy rediscovered. Death loses its sting, life is the eternal
gift. Jesus makes sense. Fear is gone.
The Masses and liturgical activities during these holy days are made
for our spiritual growth, provided we take advantage of them. Sunday
Masses, which are rich in this year’s Lectionary Cycle A pattern, take us
to the stories of the Temptation of Jesus, the Transfiguration, the story
of the Woman at the Well, the miracle of the man born blind, and that of
Lazarus’s life restoration. The daily Masses are wonderful opportunities
of daily reflection and inner peace. The Penance Services create for us a
spiritual healing from our broken and confused lives.
The Initiation Rites of the Church in the RCIA find their very heart
during Lent. Those seeking to join the Church, those preparing for Professions of Faith, Eucharist, and Confirmation focus all their attention to
these days, which will bring them to the Sacraments at either the Easter
Vigil, or celebrated during the Easter Season. The Rites will include the
Rite of Election with the Bishop, the scrutinies, and the various minor
rites, concluding with the great Easter vigil liturgy in our various parishes.
So often in our parishes, so few people experience these rites, going only
to the one Mass when these rites are celebrated. Pastors should celebrate
these rites at different Masses, allowing more of our Catholics to share in
the mysteries of transformation, accepting faith and grace.
The journey of Jesus to Jerusalem is our journey to the heavenly Jerusalem. We walk with Jesus these 40 days. We are tempted, we are rejected,
we are reviled, we are ridiculed, and we share in the crucifixion, but we
ultimately share in the resurrection. At the end the journey is glory.
In this 50th anniversary of the life of the Diocese of Fresno, faith, hope
and eternal love has been shared with thousands. We have a legacy of
bringing the joy and comfort of the Church’s sacraments since our founding. We will continue this legacy well into the future, as faithful disciples
of the Lord. We will turn to St. Thérѐse, our patroness, for help and guidance. Always going forward!
Slow down, smell the roses, listen to the birds, and sit in quiet. Let the
whisper of God’s voice touch your ears and heart.
Lenten Resolutions
by Jennifer Mendenhall, Parishioner at St. Brigid’s, Hanford, and
Student at the Business Technology Center
“Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart… Rend
your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.” (Joel)
And so we begin the liturgical season of Lent. When I think of this
“penitential” time of year in the Catholic world, I think of giving up candy
as a kid. (Boy, was it hard!) Then came the negotiating of whether Sundays
counted as part of Lent, and if the ultimate penance could be broken for
a day. When I think of penance, it sounds like I am imposing something
difficult on myself. This can be good for self-discipline, but I’ve also wondered if there’s a gentler way of returning to the heart of what it means to
be Catholic?
As a former novice in religious life, I continue to be enlightened by
the psalms to “sing a new song.” (see Psalm 96) How can we renew our
“song” as Catholics? What is our attitude in prayer? How are we living out
our Catholic faith?
Lent is a great time to refresh and begin anew. As St. Francis de Sales
said, “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the task anew.”
Now is the time to start afresh, and I encourage you to walk through
Lent as a journey with Christ and His Blessed Mother, whether in His gospel ministry in the daily readings at Mass or on His walk towards Calvary
with His self-gift on the cross.
God be Praised!
12
March 2017
A life-changing event that will help you see your life, your
relationships, your faith, and the world in a whole new way!
March 4, 2017
6:30PM-10:30PM
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
355 E. Champlain Dr.
Fresno, CA 93730
Are you thriving or just surviving? Are you ready for a deeper
sense of purpose? More energy? A clearer understanding of God’s
plan for your life? Join internationally acclaimed speaker and New
York Times best-selling author Matthew Kelly, and award-winning
singer songwriter Eliot Morris for Passion & Purpose LIVE! It’s not
your typical church event!
Who should attend? The event is appropriate for ages 12+; youth
are encouraged to attend! Husbands and wives, boyfriends
and girlfriends, single or married, young or old, Catholic or nonCatholic. This event is about living every day with passion and
purpose, and the role our faith is meant to play in the midst of it all.
Doors open at 5:30PM for check-in and seating. Visit
DynamicCatholic.com/Fresno, CA or call 859.980.7900 for tickets.
About Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has dedicated his life to
helping people and organizations become thebest-version-of-themselves. Born in Sydney,
Australia, he began speaking and writing in
his late teens while he was attending business
school. Since that time, more than four million people have attended his seminars and
presentations in more than fifty countries.
Today he is an internationally acclaimed
speaker, bestselling author, and business consultant. His books have been
published in twenty-five languages, have appeared on the New York
Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller lists, and have sold
in excess of three million copies.
Kelly is also a partner at Floyd Consulting, a Chicago-based management-consulting firm. His clients include: Pepsi, Procter and Gamble,
Chick-fil-A, General Electric, FedEx, HSBC, the Department of Defense,
McDonalds, US Bank, 3M, Ernst & Young, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air
Force, and dozens of other Fortune 500 companies.
The Matthew Kelly Foundation was established in 1995 to help young
people discover their mission in life. Over the past fifteen years Kelly has
visited several hundred high schools, inspiring students to use their lives
to make a contribution. The Foundation’s most recent initiative is a grade
school program entitled, Why Am I Here?
Matthew is also active as a Catholic speaker and author. Raised Catholic, he has been saddened by the lack of engagement among Catholics and
founded The Dynamic Catholic Institute to research why Catholics engage
or disengage and explore what it will take to establish vibrant Catholic
communities in the 21st Century.
Matthew Kelly’s core message resonates with people of all ages and
from all walks of life. Whether he is speaking in a business forum, at a
high school, or in a church, he invites his audience to become the-bestversion-of-themselves.
His personal interests include golf, piano, literature, spirituality, investing, spending time with his wife, Meggie, and their children Walter, Isabel,
Harry, and Ralph, and making a difference in the world.
Central California Catholic Life
The Day the Sun DanceD
September 15 – 24, 2017
Join Bishop Myron J. Cotta of the
Diocese of Sacramento
•
on a pilgrimage to Fátima, Portugal
Candlelight Procession
Next year, 2017, will mark the 100th Anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Lady in Fátima, Portugal.
Our Lady appeared six times to the Three Shepherd Children: Lúcia, Jacinta and Francisco between
the months of May 13 and October 13 in 1917. In honor of the Centenary Anniversary of the Appari¬tions, the Diocese of Sacramento will be sponsoring a pilgrimage to Fátima, Portugal in 2017. I invite
you to join me on this 10-day special pilgrimage to Fátima. It promises to be a unique location for
the experience of prayer. It will give the pilgrim the opportunity to reflect upon the significance of the
Mes¬sage which Our Lady conveyed to the Three Children and to the world. The message of mercy revealed at Fátima is an ideal way to follow the recent celebration of the Year of Mercy. In addition, you
will enjoy several excursions in the surrounding area outside of Fátima. We will conclude with a visit
to the historical and cultural sights of the beautiful city of Lisbon. Hope to see you in Fátima in 2017!
September 15 ~ Our pilgrimage to Fátima begins as we depart
from the United States on an overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.
September 16 ~ Upon arrival into Lisbon, our escort greets us
and we make our way to Fatima. We enjoy lunch and check into
our hotel, having the remainder of the afternoon to rest at leisure.
Tonight we have the opportunity to join in the candlelight Rosary
procession. Overnight Fatima
Port City of Lisbon
Bishop Myron J. Cotta
September 17 ~ Today, we’ll visit the shrine of Our Lady of Fátima and the Capelinha where our Blessed
Mother appeared to the three children. Our spiritual director will celebrate Mass at the basilica. We’ll walk
together the Way of the Cross, which takes us through Aljustrel, Valinhos, and the Loca do Cabeço. Again,
following dinner, there will be an evening candlelight Rosary procession. Overnight Fátima
September 18 ~ Morning Mass at the Capelinha, followed by a visit to the Church of St. Anthony where
the three children were baptized. Next, we’ll visit the walled city of Óbidos with its quaint medieval streets.
Tonight, candlelight Rosary procession. Overnight Fátima
September 19 ~ Today we’ll visit Coimbra and the Carmelite convent where Sr. Lúcia lived for most of her
adult life. While there, our spiritual director will celebrate Mass. Then we’ll venerate the relics of St. Elizabeth
of Portugal. Following dinner, we’ll join again in the candlelight Rosary procession. Overnight Fátima
September 20 ~ Morning Mass at the shrine with the remainder of the day being spent at leisure. Dinner and
candlelight Rosary procession. Overnight Fátima
September 21 ~ Our schedule today includes a visit to the Atlantic coast, its beaches, and the markets of
Nazaré – including the Miracle of Our Lady of Nazaré. We will also visit the medieval town of Batalha with
its mighty church and the Abbey of Alcobaça. We will end our last night in Fátima by joining in a final candlelight Rosary procession. Overnight Fátima
Jacinta, Lúcia, Francisco
September 22 ~ This morning we make our way to Lisbon, stopping en route in Santarém, one of the oldest
cities in the world, to see the Church of St. Stephen with its famed Eucharistic miracle. We will also stop at
the Church of the Little Shepherds in the town of Alverca. This is the first church dedicated to Blessed Jacinta
and Blessed Francisco Marto. Upon arrival into Lisbon we’ll have a tour of this beautiful port city and visit the
birthplace of St. Anthony where our spiritual director will lead us in prayer. Overnight Lisbon
September 23 ~ Today we enjoy a city tour of Lisbon. We’ll visit the Tower of Belem, the Monastery of
Geronimos, and the Monument of Discoveries. After lunch, we go across the Tejo River to see the National
Sanctuary of Christ the King with the Christ Statue, and finish our tour at the Castelo Sao Jorge. We enjoy a
farewell dinner together. Overnight Lisbon
September 24 ~ With a renewed faith and invigorated love of Our Lady of Fátima, we’ll depart Lisbon on
our return flight home.
Person
Cost per Person:
Pilgrimage Includes:
Nazaré Beach
† Assistance of a Professional Tour Escort
& local Catholic guide(s)
† Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
† Catholic priest available for spiritual direction
† Mass daily & spiritual activities offered
† Luggage handling
† Round-trip airfare from Sacramento, or
San Francisco, CA (Including airport
taxes & surcharges.)
Double Occupancy $3,595.00
† Accommodations at the beautiful 3 &
4 star hotels
Single Supplement $595.00
† Breakfast and dinner daily (special
dietary needs available upon request)
A deposit of $450.00 is required
† Wine served with dinners
to hold your reservation.
† Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
166 South River Rd. Suite 110, Bedford, NH 03110-6928 | 800-653-0017 | canterburypilgrimages.com | [email protected]
Central California Catholic Life
March 2017
13
Suicide
Submitted by Bianca Blanchette, Diocesan Safe Environment Director
Suicide: Warning Signs and What Needs to Be Done
The Safe Environment office wants to share with you this article, written by Carlos
Flores, RN, FCN.
Suicide is not a rare occurrence. In surveys conducted of Catholic youth from the Diocese of Fresno during the 2012 and 2014 “youth day” of the annual Congress, suicide and
depression were identified as the primary teen health care concern touching scores of preteens and teens directly and personally.
In the U.S., it is now the second leading cause of death in youth between the ages 10-24.
Suicide has now surpassed motor vehicle crashes as a major cause of death for kids 10-14
years of age. Locally, the Fresno County Pediatric Death Review Committee has seen a
300% increase in teen suicide since 2008. In 2016, Fresno County alone experienced the
tragedy of 10 teen suicides.
The numbers of attempted suicide is much, much higher. It is estimated that the ratio of
attempted suicide among our youth is 200 attempts to every known death. Valley Children’s
Hospital alone experiences over 150 social service/mental health referrals for youth suicide
attempts annually.
This is a hidden epidemic. Our social norms tend to wrap depression and mental illness
in a stigma that cloaks its prevalence and severity. Breaking from this through discussion
and compassion are the first steps towards reconciliation and healing. The thought of suicide evokes strong emotion. Fear, denial, shock, anger, these emotional reactions to the
stigma of depression may become barriers to loving and compassionate action.
The teaching of our Catholic faith recognizes the spiritual paradox of the suicide act as
being contrary to God’s love. Yet, what drives the person to commit the act is reason for
mercy and compassion.
As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Suicide is contrary to love for the
living God.” (CCC 2281)
“Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.” (CCC 2282)
“We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own
lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.” (CCC 2283)
As Pope Francis emphasizes our faith as the church of mercy, the message on depression
and suicide calls us to mercy and compassion. Our holy catechism teaches us to understand
that those who commit the act as a result of mental illness may have a diminished culpability, so let us pray for them.
90 percent of suicidal persons suffer from depression. As an illness, depression certainly
is not the “fault” of anyone afflicted by it. It is not a weakness. It’s a physiological and
psychological condition that is influenced by both biology and life experience. In addition,
the spiritual life of the depressed person can in fact assist in the recovery.
Symptoms may include depressed mood, feelings of sadness or emptiness, lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, withdrawal, weight changes (gain or loss), sleep
disturbances (too much or too little), fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness,
contemplation or planning of suicide.
It may also manifest in hostility, agitation, restlessness, and anger. This is true for men
in particular.
There may also be a component of substance abuse.
Often there are direct verbal clues of the suicidal person who might say outright “I’m
going to kill myself” or “I wish I were dead”. There may be indirect verbal clues as well
with statements such as “I’m tired of my life, I just can’t go on.” In addition, there may
be behavioral clues, such as a depressed person putting personal affairs in order and giving away prized possessions, as in preparing for their death. Among the youth, cutting (an
indication of emotional distress), decrease in school performance, or risky behaviors might
be seen. Other clues might be seen in social media entries, writings, drawings, or internet
research which focuses on death and dying.
If these elements are recognized in a person, our Catholic response should be to reach
out compassionately. Stay calm and ask directly, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
or “Some people with those feelings think about suicide, is this what you’re thinking?” If
the answer is yes, then simply listening can provide hope to the depressed person while
compassion behind the listening gives Christ’s love.
But then it is essential that we also follow up with action. Obviously, if the situation is
dire, initiating an emergency response by calling 911 is necessary.
However, if the situation is not immediately emergent, then one of the best actions is
to get help by calling the National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It’s best that
the depressed person make the call, but those wishing to assist may also make the call for
direction on how to help further.
It is equally important that the depressed person see their doctor as well as initiate counseling sessions. This will probably lead to medication from the physician and a therapy plan
from the counselor.
In addition, it is essential for the Catholic to follow up with his/her priest and request the
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This will allow for spiritual healing in addition to
the physiological and psychological recovery.
Our Lord desires us to be free of anguish, depression, and hopelessness. In His encounter with us, through each other, we can find his mercy and compassion which leads us to
healing.
Hope, expressed within our faith, is much more akin to anticipation. It is not wishful
thinking. We know, that with the direction our Lord gives us through the intervention of
others who are willing to help, recovery from our emotional distress will occur. This is
certain. Time, patience, and prayer, while following a treatment regimen will bring us out
of the darkness.
For a faith based presentation (appropriate for adult and youth groups) on the topic of
Suicide from the Catholic perspective, please contact Carlos Flores RN, FCN, (559) 3535989 or [email protected].
Carlos Flores RN, FCN, is a Faith Community Nurse working through Raphael Health
Ministry, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Clovis, a recognized ministry of the Diocese of
Fresno.
As always, the goal of the Safe Environment office at the Diocese of Fresno is to keep
children safe and protected. The Diocese of Fresno is committed to ensuring that when
your child is in our care in parish programs or in Catholic Education that their safety is of
utmost importance and priority. To know more about what your parish and school is doing and how you can be part of creating and maintaining a safe environment, contact the
Diocese of Fresno Office of Safe Environment at (559)493-2882 or visit us online at www.
dioceseoffresno.org.
14
March 2017
Suicidio: Señales de Advertencia y lo Que Se Necesita Hacer
La oficina del Ambiente Seguro desea compartir con ustedes este artículo, escrito por
Carlos Flores, RN, FCN.
El suicidio no es un acontecimiento raro. En las encuestas conducidas por la juventud
Católica de la Diócesis de Fresno durante el “día de la juventud” del Congreso anual en
el año 2012 y 2014, el suicidio y la depresión fueron identificados como la preocupación
primordial de salud en los adolescentes con puntajes que afectaron a los preadolescentes y
adolescentes de una manera directa y personal.
En los Estados Unidos, ahora es la segunda causa de muerte en los jóvenes entre las
edades de 10 a 24 años. El suicidio ahora ha sobrepasado a los choques de automóviles
como la causa principal de muerte para niños de 10 a 14 años de edad. Localmente, el Comité de Revisión de Muertes Pediátricas del Condado de Fresno ha visto un aumento del
300% en la muerte de adolescentes por suicidio en 2008. En 2016, en solo el Condado de
Fresno se ha experimentado la tragedia de 10 suicidios por adolescentes (al momento de
escribir la presente).
El número de atentados de suicidio es mucho, mucho más alto. Se estima que la proporción de atentados de suicidio entre nuestra juventud es de 200 atentados por cada muerte
conocida. Solamente en el Hospital de Niños del Valle (Valley Children’s Hospital) anualmente se experimentan más de 150 referencias de servicio social / salud mental para los
atentados de suicidio por jóvenes.
Esta es una epidemia oculta. Nuestras normas sociales tienden a encerrar la depresión y
las enfermedades mentales en un estigma que oculta su predominio y severidad. Apartarse
de esto por medio de la discusión y compasión son los primeros pasos hacia la reconciliación y sanación. El pensar en el suicidio provoca una emoción fuerte. Miedo, rechazo,
conmoción, coraje, estas reacciones emocionales al estigma de la depresión se pueden convertir en barreras para una acción de amor y compasión.
La enseñanza de nuestra Fe Católica reconoce la paradoja espiritual del acto de suicidio
como algo contrario al amor de Dios. Aun así, lo que lleva a una persona a cometer el acto
de suicidio es razón para la misericordia y compasión.
Como lo dice el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica: “El suicidio el contrario al amor del
Dios vivo.” (CCC 2281)
“Trastornos psíquicos graves, la angustia, o el temor grave de la prueba, del sufrimiento
o de la tortura, pueden disminuir la responsabilidad del suicida.” (CCC 2282)
“No se debe desesperar de la salvación eterna de aquellas personas que se han dado
muerte. Dios puede haberles facilitado por caminos que Él solo conoce la ocasión de un
arrepentimiento salvador. La Iglesia ora por las personas que han atentado contra su vida.”
(CCC 2283)
Así como el Papa Francisco enfatiza nuestra fe como la iglesia de la misericordia,
el mensaje sobre la depresión y el suicidio nos llama a la misericordia y la compasión.
Nuestro santo catecismo nos enseña a comprender que aquellos que han cometido el acto
como resultado de una enfermedad mental pueden tener menos culpabilidad, así que oremos por ellos.
El 90 por ciento de las personas suicidas sufren de depresión. Como una enfermedad,
la depresión ciertamente no es la “culpa” de alguien afligido por ella. No es una debilidad.
Es una condición fisiológica y psicológica que es influenciada por ambas la biología y experiencia en la vida. Además, la vida espiritual de la persona deprimida puede en realidad
ayudar en la recuperación.
Los síntomas pueden incluir: estado de ánimo deprimido, sentimientos de tristeza o
vacío, falta de interés en actividades que anteriormente gozaba de ellas, retiro, cambios
en el peso (subir o bajar), perturbaciones en el sueño (dormir mucho o muy poco), fatiga,
sentimientos de inutilidad o desesperación, contemplar o planear el suicidio.
También se puede manifestar como hostilidad, agitación, inquietud, y coraje. Esto es
muy cierto particularmente en los hombres.
También puede ser un componente del abuso de substancias.
Con frecuencia hay claves verbales directas de parte de la persona suicida quien puede
decir abiertamente “Me voy a matar” o “Mejor estuviera ya muerto(a)”. Puede haber claves
indirectas verbales así como también declaraciones tales como “Estoy cansado(a) de mi
vida, ya no puedo seguir adelante.” Además, puede haber claves del comportamiento, tales
como cuando una persona deprimida pone todos sus asuntos en orden y regala sus más preciadas posesiones, como si se estuviera preparando para morir. Entre los jóvenes, cortarse
(una indicación de aflicción emocional), una baja en el desempeño escolar, o comportamientos arriesgados, pueden ser observados. Otras claves pueden verse en las entradas que
ponen en los medios de las redes sociales, escritos, dibujos, o investigación en el Internet
que se enfoca en la muerte y los que están muriendo.
Si se reconocen estos elementos en una persona, nuestra respuesta Católica debe ser
acercarse a esa persona con compasión. Permanecer calmado(a) y preguntar directamente,
“¿Estás pensando en quitarte la vida?” o “algunas personas con esos sentimientos piensan
acerca del suicidio, ¿es esto lo que estás pensando?” Si la respuesta es sí, entonces simplemente el escuchar puede proporcionar esperanza a la persona deprimida mientras que la
compasión que hay detrás de escuchar proporciona el amor de Cristo.
Pero entonces es esencial que también hagamos un seguimiento con acción. Obviamente, si la situación es urgente, es necesario iniciar una respuesta de emergencia por
medio de llamar al 911.
Sin embargo, si la situación no es inmediatamente urgente, entonces una de las mejores
acciones es obtener ayuda por medio de llamar a la Línea Directa Nacional del Suicidio
(National Suicide Hotline) 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Es mejor que la persona deprimida
haga la llamada, pero aquellos que desean ayudar también pueden hacer la llamada para
recibir instrucciones sobre cómo ayudar más adelante.
Igualmente es importante que la persona deprimida vea a su doctor así como también
empezar con sesiones de consejería. Esto probablemente conducirá a que su doctor le recete
medicinas y un plan de terapia por parte del consejero.
Además, es esencial que la persona Católica haga una cita con su sacerdote y pida el Sacramento de la Unción para los Enfermos. Esto le permitirá una sanación espiritual además
de la recuperación fisiológica y psicológica.
Nuestro Señor desea que nos libremos de la angustia, la depresión, y la inutilidad. En su
encuentro con nosotros, a través del uno con el otro, podemos encontrar su misericordia y
compasión lo cual nos guía a la sanación.
La esperanza, expresada dentro de nuestra fe, es mucho más similar a la anticipación.
No es pensar y esperar buenos resultados. Sabemos que con la dirección que nos da Nuestro
Señor a través de la intervención de otras personas que están dispuestas a ayudar, la recuperación de nuestra aflicción emocional puede suceder. Esto es seguro. Tiempo, paciencia,
y oración, mientras se sigue un régimen de tratamiento, nos sacará de la obscuridad.
Central California Catholic Life
Continued on page 15
Human Trafficking: What is it? What it may look like. What can be done?
by Leonard G. Ramirez, Special Education Teacher and Former School Board Member
Someone once said, “People are created to be loved. Things are created to be used.
The reason why the world is in chaos is because things are being loved and people are
being used.”
Until a number of years ago, I had not heard of human trafficking nor knew that it was
a form of modern day slavery, nor was I aware of its presence within American society.
But, in the “freest” country in the world, it exists.
Human trafficking can be categorized into two general areas. One is labor trafficking
which involves people who are made to believe that they are without recourse to report
injustices they experience such as the failure of being paid by unjust “employers” for
work services that they have provided. These victims are comprised of both legal and immigrant workers. The other area of trafficking is the sexual exploitation of children and
adults. This area will primarily be the topic of the remainder of this article.
Human sex trafficking exists in society under the veil of ignorance, denial or at worst,
under full knowledge or acceptance. Survivors of human trafficking who have either
managed to break free of this form of slavery, or who have been rescued, are providing
information and details of how trafficked victims are recruited, groomed and enmeshed
into an existence of dehumanizing sexual exploitation. Sex traffickers in the United States
are increasingly targeting minors. These minors are referred to by people and organizations trying to help them as Commercially Sexually Exploited Children.
Predominantly, the victims are females, but increasingly young males are also being
recruited and enslaved. Traffickers utilize variations of fraud, fear and/or force to enslave
their victims. For example, they may groom minors through online social media sites and
tell vulnerable adolescents things that may gain their trust or make them feel appreciated
or valued. Then, they lie to their prospective victims about the glamor of a rich lifestyle
that comes from making money through selling their bodies in the sex trade, or how it can
be temporarily lucrative and that they can exit this lifestyle whenever they want, or how
they will be protected by their traffickers. Traffickers may then make arrangements to
isolate and meet the child away from their homes. Once these or other various tactics are
utilized, victims are then quickly manipulated through force or through drug addiction, or
both, and then psychologically abused until they are dominated by traffickers.
Not all victims are lured to live away from their homes. Many live within their homes
from where they are manipulated to do what traffickers demand. With the advent of technology, instant communication and social media, the influence and reach of traffickers
can extend into domestic homes through the use of such technology and make it difficult
for many parents to detect or prevent.
In the U.S. domestic sex trade, men, women and juvenile, same-age peers traffic their
victims. CSEC’s become coerced psychologically to fear and depend upon their traffickers. In order to survive psychologically, victims detach from those virtues, values or
beliefs that may have been instilled within them as children by their parents or family
systems. Traffickers dominate and manipulate the behaviors of their victims. Because of
their lack of life experiences due to their ages, CSEC’s frequently possess limited social
awareness or trusted relationships with others to talk about their predicaments and defend
themselves against the continuous onslaught of psychological manipulation and coercion
they receive from traffickers. Their chains of slavery, invisible, are very real.
One survivor, Teresa Flores, was trafficked for two years beginning at the age of fifteen
years old. She recounts the level of psychological abuse, coercion and fear that dominated
her life which prevented her from being able to break free of her circumstances. In her
book, The Slave Across the Street (Ampelon Publishing, 2010), she tells about the manner
in which two of her high school classmates worked with older relatives to put a date rape
drug into her drink, violate her while she was unconscious and coerce her into being a
CSEC victim by threatening to send the photographs of her to her parents and classmates.
Because of their coercion, she became psychologically imprisoned and submitted to their
demands. Her living nightmare occurred while she resided in her upper-middle income
home, sneaking out at night and returning before sunrise. Being violently raped of her
innocence and dignity, she was used as an object of sexual gratification by as many as 1012 men in one day. She and others like her, male and female victims, are treated by other
human beings as objects that are used, rather than people, according to God’s plan, to be
loved. Through circumstances, she was removed from her situation which, because of her
immense guilt and shame, remained a secret that she kept to protect herself psychologically for years. She was an adult before she could recount the horror of her experience to
become a powerful advocate of children who are trafficked.
In March, 2009, the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress offered a workshop
entitled Into the Belly of the Beast. The presenter, Patrick Atkinson (The Dream Maker,
Monica Hadden, ET Nedder Pub, 2006), talked about domestic and worldwide systems
of human trafficking. This was the first time I became aware of the extent of modernday, domestic slavery in the United States. In subsequent years, I attended workshops
presented by CSEC victim Teresa Flores who spoke primarily of domestic trafficking of
Suicidio: Señales de Advertencia y lo Que Se Necesita Hacer
Para una presentación basada en la fe (apropiada para grupos de adultos y jóvenes) sobre
el tema del Suicidio desde una perspectiva Católica, favor de contactar a Carlos Flores, RN,
FCN, 559-353-5989 ó [email protected]
Acerca del autor, Carlos Flores, RN, FCN, es un Enfermero para la Comunidad de Fe
que trabaja a través de Raphael Health Ministry (Ministerio de Salud Rafael), Our Lady
of Perpetual Help (Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro), un reconocido ministerio de la
Diócesis de Fresno.
Como siempre, la meta de la oficina del Ambiente Seguro de la Diócesis de Fresno es
mantener a los niños seguros y protegidos. La Diócesis de Fresno está comprometida a
asegurar que cuando su niño(a) está bajo nuestro cuidado en programas de la parroquia o
en la Educación Católica, de que su seguridad es de la máxima importancia y prioridad.
Para mayor información sobre lo que su parroquia y escuela están haciendo y cómo usted
puede formar parte para crear y mantener un ambiente seguro, comuníquese a la Oficina
del Ambiente Seguro de la Diócesis de Fresno al 559-493-2882 ó visite el Internet www.
dioceseoffresno.org
minors. From their experiences that they shared in their workshops, I also became aware
of fraudulent tactics that traffickers utilize for the international recruitment and enslavement of women trafficked specifically to be funneled into and exploited within the U.S.
sex industry of pornography and prostitution.
At her workshop, Teresa Flores provided information on a highly utilized website that
advertises in thinly veiled and explicit terms for the selling of human beings for sexual
exploitation. Also on the website are ads for massage parlors that use “coded” terminology for sex services. Many of these disreputable massage parlors operate openly under
the guise of providing therapeutic massage services. While it is true that a person could
pay for and receive a massage and not receive any form of sexual service, most will accommodate the customer if he or she uses the correct terminology or body positioning in
a manner that invites sexual contact. Throughout our Fresno Diocese, disreputable massage parlors are popping up with incredible frequency in legitimate business areas such
as shopping malls and business office complexes, even close to public school sites. These
types of massage parlors are tantamount to serving as modern day brothels that stay open
late into the evening and encourage full or partial nudity of patrons. In the Fresno/Clovis
area, the rapid increase of massage parlors making their way into the commercial areas
of communities has increased significantly over the past ten years due to changes in state
legislation relaxing the laws governing their regulation and inspection.
Beyond the major metropolitan areas, these disreputable businesses are also opening
up in rural communities where residents are predominantly uninformed, and as with any
thriving business that serves its customers, there cannot exist a thriving business unless
the business fills a high demand for such services. Because disreputable massage parlors
mirror reputable businesses that provide therapeutic massage services, and because they
are harder to regulate due to the changes in state laws, they are difficult for law enforcement to detect and against which they can take appropriate action.
How does all of this information interrelate? Online advertising of businesses offering
massage services openly advertise that they have recently acquired new girls to serve customers. Many rescued victims who have broken free from enslavement in the sex industry
explain that they were recruited by traffickers when they were minors. From data that is
being collected from formerly trafficked victims, the average age of CSEC’s when they
were sold into sex slavery is 11-13 years old for males and 12-14 years old for females.
As the result of this information exposing traffickers’ increasing efforts to target children for recruitment, a valley school district has made an effort to take action beyond
requirements of state laws to make the effort to stimulate age-appropriate awareness of
its students as well as inform its community members. It has demonstrated that it is aware
that the problem exists and desires to protect the innocence and honor of the children
that are served in the district. The governing Board of Trustees of the Central Unified
School District (CUSD) of Fresno recently passed a resolution which requests its district
administration to ask local, state and federal representatives to pass new legislation that
would create enhancements at the time of sentencing of those people convicted of human
trafficking if it was determined during trial that any form of the activity occurred within
proximity of a school site or district facility. The resolution also requests that the district
administration offer workshops for parent groups who request more information on human trafficking and support services available to them or their children if they discover
that they need such services.
This effort by the governing board of the CUSD demonstrates its desire to: 1) take action to create awareness of human traffickers’ efforts to target the recruitment of children,
2) make a statement to traffickers that it is aware of their activity and as a community will
work to take action against them through their elected officials and law enforcement, and
3) demonstrate the District’s resolve to protect the honor and innocence of its children
whose educational and developmental needs are being served. From a faith-based perspective, the actions of the CUSD demonstrate that there is increasing awareness of the
gross disorder in personal, human relationships when human beings are objectified and
selfishly used rather than recognizing and appreciating the reality that people are created
in the Divine image and are meant to be loved.
We must do what we can to prevent the enslavement of our children by traffickers
recruiting for the commercial sex industry. We must recognize the inherent dignity of
all human beings and the gross injustice imposed upon our fellow human beings whose
dignity and human rights are stripped away from them when they are enslaved by the sex
industry through human trafficking. Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said, “It is by standing up for the rights of girls and women that we truly measure up as men.”
The actions being taken by the CUSD also remind us that our secular institutions are
still comprised of elected public servants. Many of these elected representatives identify
as striving to live faith-based lives as well as other elected officials who do not, but the
efforts made by the CUSD demonstrate that our elected representatives at all levels can
and should work together to seek justice for others and exercise proper stewardship for
our country.
Our great country may still possess systemic and social injustices that result in disorder of the Divine plan for human relationships, but we who call ourselves Catholic can
respond in a manner that brings light to and attempts to address these systemic injustices.
We can strive to be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem. On an individual level, we must refrain from patronizing any business establishment where we suspect
human trafficking, either sex trafficking or labor trafficking, to be occurring and report to
the authorities when we suspect such activity to be taking place. At a community level,
as encouraged by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in their document
entitled Faithful Citizenship, each one of us must do what we can to follow well-formed
consciences and participate in the governance of our nation through our elected representatives. In direct communication with our elected officials, who each have contact
information for constituents to contact them, we must encourage them to take action by
passing legislation to prevent the injustice and dehumanization of our brothers and sisters
from becoming victims of domestic human trafficking in our United States of America.
If we wish to make a difference by addressing the chaos in our world that exists resulting from the disordered relationships between human beings enmeshed in human trafficking, we must become aware, become informed, and take action. In the words of Blessed
Pope Paul VI, “If you want peace, work for justice.”
Central California Catholic Life
March 2017
15
Avenal State Prison’s Villages of the Immaculata
by Jesse Carson, Inmate, Avenal State Prison
Avenal State Prison (ASP) is home to some 4,000 inmates spread out across six
separate facilities. Coordinating communion services, workshops, and activities
with outside volunteers is a full-time job for the prison’s Catholic Chaplain, Rodney Ornellas. But Chaplain Ornellas, a lay Dominican from Hanford, is excited
about a relatively new addition to the spiritual programs at ASP.
In the past year, four of the facilities have founded a Village of the Immaculata, smaller versions of the Cities of the Immaculata founded by St. Maximilian
Kolbe in Niepokalanow, Poland, and Mugenzai no Sono in Japan. Villages of
Prayer, as they are also known, are intended for prisoners to gather and unite
their prayers and efforts to conquer the whole world for Jesus Christ. “By joining forces rather than relying solely on individual initiative,” Father Kolbe wrote
in one of his countless articles, “we can work and worship more effectively and
bring others into a deeper relationship with Jesus.” Village meetings consist of
music, prayer, readings from Scripture and excerpts from Kolbe’s writings, and
discussion. By far, prayer is the most important aspect of the meetings — prayer
for others, prayer for assistance and protection in spiritual battles, prayer while
meditating on Christ’s life in the mysteries of the rosary, prayer to the Holy Spirit
for guidance.
Father Kolbe began the Militia of the Immaculata (MI) movement on October 16, 1917, with six other Franciscan friars studying in Rome. Turning to his
Blessed Mother and Queen for guidance, he aimed to create a Spiritual army
to combat heresy and extend the reign of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. In
fact, armed only with his unshakeable faith and Our Lady’s patronage, only a
short time later Father Kolbe requested permission to meet with the local head
of the Freemasons in order to convert him—his superiors denied the request. Six
months later, Brother Maximilian was ordained a priest. The movement gained
incredible momentum under Mary’s direction, and today there are Cities of the
Immaculata in Brazil, India, Italy, the Philippines, and the United States in addition to those founded by Kolbe, all under the oversight of the first City in Niepokalanow. Kolbe created a small media empire in Poland and Japan; the Cities
published monthly and weekly newspapers and magazines with circulation in the
hundreds of thousands, the Polish City ran a radio program, and there were plans
to construct a movie studio all for the purpose of evangelizing the world. The MI
is fundamentally an evangelist movement: the international statutes recommend
that members become active apostles in the fields of evangelism, level of charity,
and mass media.
The incarcerated obviously do not have much recourse to the mass media,
but their circumstances are ripe for works of evangelism and charity. To that
end, many of the men at ASP have consecrated themselves to Mary as part of the
MI movement. The Rite of Consecration involves a reading from Scripture with
reflection, a renewal of baptismal promises, meditation on the mysteries of the
rosary, and the Act of Consecration composed by Kolbe in 1917. The Village of
Mary Merciful Mother, on Facility A, has eight consecrated members; the Village
of the Good Shepherd, on Facility C, has 16 consecrated members; the Village of
the Immaculata of the Chapel of the Risen Christ, on Facility D, has seven consecrated members; and the Village of the Immaculata of the Chapel of St. Michael,
on Facility F, also has seven consecrated members.
All Knights of the Immaculata (as members of the Militia are called) received
certificates and information about living out this vocation, and their names were
entered into the national MI registry.
The MI movement is not restricted to prisoners, and in fact the families of
some of the Knights have also been consecrated; the faithful living in the community are also invited to establish and participate in their own Villages of Prayer.
However, the incarcerated have a great deal of unique sufferings to offer up as
sacrifices, and a great deal to atone for. Father Kolbe believed strongly in the
power of redemptive suffering, and referred to the friary’s hospital as “the department where work is most intense and valuable,” explaining that “These sick
brothers, forced into inactivity, are the most useful to us since with their sufferings, they draw down on us the choicest blessings of God.”
The MI also contains a “rehabilitative” aspect, or more specifically, one which
involves aspects of restorative justice. An important part of the consecration
of self is the consecration of one’s sufferings (whether physical, emotional, or
spiritual) as a burnt offering, to be united with Jesus’ sufferings on His cross for
alleviating the suffering of others. Several of Avenal’s Knights have committed
brutal crimes against others in their past, crimes for which there can never be
enough reparation. The principle of redemptive suffering gives inmates a chance
to offer something — something of infinite value — to their victims, a consolation of graces and relief from torment and pain that they might never know they
have received but which will be effective nonetheless.
It is not necessary to be a consecrated Knight to attend Village meetings, and
Village membership is open to all denominations and faiths. The MI exists, according to its motto, “To lead all men and every individual through Mary to the
most Sacred Heart of Jesus."
The act of consecration is explained by Kolbe as giving all one has, all his
“powers of soul and body, of [his] whole life, death, and eternity,” all that he is
and has “wholly and without reserve” for use in extending “as far as possible the
blessed kingdom of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.” Regarding such consecration to Jesus through His mother, 17th-century theologian St. Louis de Montfort
writes in his True Devotion to Mary that “[a] fervent and generous soul who gives
God all he has, without reserve, so that he can do nothing more; who lives only
for the glory and reign of Jesus Christ, through His holy Mother, and who makes
an entire sacrifice of himself to bring it about … it is toward that soul… that Our
Lord and His holy Mother are the most liberal in this world and in the other, in
16
March 2017
the orders of nature, grace, and glory.” He adds that “by this practice faithfully
observed, you will give Jesus more glory in a month than by any other practice,
however difficult, in many years.”
After the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939, Kolbe was sent to the Auschwitz
concentration camp, where survivors recount that he continued to remain humble, prayerful, and generous, even sharing his meager food with others. When an
inmate escaped from the camp in July 1941, the commandant selected 10 others
from his unit to die in the starvation bunker as a deterrent against future attempts.
As one of the selected victims began to cry about his wife and children, Father
Kolbe stepped forward and volunteered to die in his place. Hymns and praise
were heard ringing our from the cell as one by one the victims fell silent, and 14
days later Kolbe was injected with a lethal dose of carbolic acid to finish what the
starvation bunker could not. The man whose life he saved, Francis Gajowniczek,
was still alive to attend Kolbe’s canonization Mass at the Vatican in 1982.
All faithful Christians are invited to join their prayers and sufferings with those
of the incarcerated, who are often forgotten. More information about the Militia of the Immaculata and Marytown (the City of the Immaculata in the United
States) can be found at Missionimmaculata.com or by writing to the following
address: MI National Center, 1600 W. Park Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048 (847)
367-7800 ext. 246.
For those who are interested in volunteering their time or resources in the
state’s many prisons, which are always in need of financial assistance for educational materials and catechesis and other religious materials, Deacon Clyde
Davis (former chaplain at the state prison in Tehachapi) can help coordinate efforts: California Catholic Conference, 1119 K Street, 2nd Floor Sacramento, CA
95814.
My Experiences in Prison
by Fr. James Rude, SJ
One of the joys I have experienced during my fifity years plus as a priest is
working with inmates in our prisons. My first experience was in 1974, when I
was on sabbatical in Berkeley. I called the San Quentin Catholic chaplain to ask
him if I could help him in any way. His response, “Please, please, please”, full
of tears. It turned out that he had just begun workng there and did not have a
clue. I ended up as the Lenten chaplain for the prisoners, and he spent the time
learning his job.
My next five years were as a teacher at Loyola High in LA, so the prisons I
visited there were really county jails. But talking to the men and the women in
their jails was always interesting for me, because more and more I was beginning
to sense that although they were criminals, they were also victims. You and I are
not going to go out and kill someone to see what it feels like; but when people do
do that, it is because of childhood abuse, or poverty or lack of parents, or living
in a gangland.
One guy I talked with told me that his father abandoned them when he was seven, and so his mother, two sibs and he were living on the sidewalk in downtown
LA. Shortly he told his mother that he wanted to go to school and she answered
that if he did, when he came back, she would not be there. But he did try, was
turned back because he had shown up without a parent, and when he went back
to where they were living, his mother and sibs were gone. He spent his next few
years living off the food that he could steal. In juvenile camp, he met a guy who
knew Fr. Greg Boyle’s Homeboys. He tried it when he got out of the camp, and
lived afterwards a very beautiful life.
My next prison experience was in Honolulu at their county jail and state
prison. And then came Fresno, the Diocese with more prisons than any other
diocese. I started at Pleasant Valley and Avenal and finally one day, I happened
to go to Chowchilla for Mass and afterwards, the religious chaplain thanked me
and added that this was the first Mass the ladies had in six months. So I got two
other priests to help and the two women’s prisons in Chowchilla got their
Masses. One of the prisons became a male prison and this is where Fr. Jim Torrens, SJ, helps out regularly.
I loved Avenal. Two yards every visit. Confessions starting around nine- thirty, and then Mass, lunch and another yard in the afternoon. The ones I talked with
were the ones who had begun to turn around. Maybe fifty or so in the Catholic
chapel, but also the Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, and some others, but there are
still a thousand guys out in each yard who are willing to hit and beat. But I came
to love some of those guys who came in to see us. One I really love, Emiliano,
just got out and I hope to visit with him in LA. Another one will never get out,
but after four years of fighting and punishment, he finally realized that since he
would be there the rest of his life, he should make things enjoyable for himself.
The result of talking with the Catholic chaplain is that he has already brought in
four inmates to be baptized as Catholics. He’s John, and he is wonderful.
I really love working in our prisons.
Central California Catholic Life is published six times annually by the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Fresno, which comprises the counties of Fresno, Inyo, Kern,
Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced and Tulare.
Publisher: Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D., Bishop, Diocese of Fresno
Co-editors: Sr. Rosalie Rohrer, IHM and Fr. James Rude, SJ
1550 N. Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93703
559-488-7463
E-mail: [email protected];or [email protected]
Diocesan website: www.dioceseoffresno.org
Central California Catholic Life