Sooner CatholicServing the People of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Volume 36, Number 14 * July 11, 2010

OKARCHE — Two years afterunveiling a master plan, the Centerof Family Love broke ground onthe first phase of the project, a$4 million effort that will giveresidents living in IntermediateCare a private bedroom.

Some 200 people gathered out-side the Center of Family Loveunder a blazing Oklahoma sun forthe groundbreaking ceremony. Theevent attracted state lawmakers,the mayors of four communities andmembers and officials from the

Knights of Columbus, the organiza-tion that built the home for peoplewith developmental disabilitiesclose to 30 years ago.

Jim O’Brien, executive directorof the Center of Family Love,greeted the supporters and intro-duced several in the audience, focus-ing especially on three gentlemenwho in 1975 had the vision to pushfor its creation.

Joe Pierce, Ernie Chastain andHarold Wittrock attended the June23 groundbreaking event. The threeare members of the Knights ofColumbus and are credited withbeing the driving force behind the

creation of the Center of FamilyLove.

Making their dream a realitydid not come easy. Wittrock recalledhow the three men were told anumber of times such a home couldnot work.

“You’re not a farmer if you giveup easy,” Wittrock said, reflecting onhow the trio pushed forward even inthe face of opposition.

The idea for the home cameabout through personal need.Pierce’s now adult son, Jody, wasborn blind and with Down syn-drome. Chastain is godfather toJody.

The two men came up with theidea to build a home for people likeJody where they could live peaceful-ly and thrive. At first they focusedon locating it in Miami, but did notfind enough support. Later theytried Stillwater, but land donated tothe effort had too many legal issues.Finally, Wittrock approached theLoosen family in Okarche and soonland was donated for the complex.The same family again donated theland where the new Center ofFamily Love buildings will go up.

Sara Loosen-Otto participatedin the groundbreaking.

Continued to Page 3

Supporters of the Center of Family Love turn dirt for the ceremonial groundbreaking.

A Labor of Love: Center of Family Love to Expand

Canonization Efforts Related toFather Rother to End Locally

Pages 2 and 16

By Ray DyerThe Sooner Catholic

By means of this article, I am hereby inviting theCatholic people of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City tothe Mass for the Archdiocesan closing of the FatherRother Cause of Canonization. This Mass will becelebrated on Tuesday, July 20 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady’sCathedral.

Come join us in praying that the Servant of God,Father Stanley Rother, will eventually be canonized asour FIRST OKLAHOMA SAINT!

On Oct. 5, 2007, with the permission of theCongregation for the Cause of Saints, I constituted aspecial Tribunal here in the Archdiocese of OklahomaCity. A formal investigation into the life and death ofFather Stanley Rother was the singular purpose of thisTribunal. The members of the Tribunal participated ina Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Okarche, duringwhich they were sworn in for this solemn task. Thusthe Cause for Canonization of Father Stanley Rotherwas officially opened.

Over the past 33 months, the members of theTribunal have labored long and hard. They, like me andmany of you who knew Father Rother, are personallyconvinced that he is a saint in heaven. However, theChurch requires that for a person to be publiclyacknowledged a saint, the Church itself must makethat proclamation. The Congregation for the Cause ofSaints is charged with the responsibility to preparesuch cases for consideration by Our Holy Father, whomakes the definitive proclamation of sainthood.

The history and the circumstances surrounding acandidate for canonization must be gathered and pre-sented by the local Tribunal. Along with this informa-tion, numerous interviews were conducted. During thistime we had to prepare all pertinent material in aconvincing manner and in accordance with strict re-quirements and procedures. Only because our Tribunalmembers were so dedicated, competent and hard work-ing are we able to complete the Archdiocesan phase inwhat is record time. Therefore, I have arranged andscheduled the Archdiocesan closing ceremony. Now wecan transmit all the acts of Father Rother’s Cause tothe Congregation for the Cause of Saints in Rome.There our work will be evaluated and studied for along time. Perhaps more detail or clarification will berequested during this phase.

When I first constituted the Tribunal for theCanonization of Father Rother, I asked for yourprayers so that the cause might move forward. It has.Now, as it enters the next phase of the Church’s proce-dures, I again ask for your prayers. A standardizedprayer was written and printed cards distributedthroughout the Archdiocese. Some parishes have begunthe good practice of reciting the prayer together atSunday Mass. Many people pray it daily. It reads:

2 Sooner Catholic July 11, 2010●●

The Good News

. . . You Are Invited, Come!Over the past 33months, the members ofthe Tribunal havelabored long and hard.They, like me and manyof you who knew FatherRother, are personallyconvinced that he is asaint in heaven.

ArchbishopBeltran

Sooner Catholic

The Sooner Catholic is supported through the

Archdiocesan Development Fund.

Most ReverendEusebius J. Beltran

Archbishop of Oklahoma CityPublisher

Ray DyerEditor

Cara KoenigTechnology/Photographer

Mauro YanezHispanic Editor

7501 Northwest Expressway

Oklahoma City, OK 73132

(405) 721-1810 Fax: (405) 721-5210

e-mail: rdyer@catharchdioceseokc.org

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32180

Oklahoma City, OK 73123

Visit us online through theArchdiocesan Web Page at

www.catharchdioceseokc.org.

The Sooner Catholic (USPS 066-910) is

published biweekly except for once in July

and twice in December by the Archdiocese

of Oklahoma City.

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unsolicited material.

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Let us pray for the Canonization of

Father Stanley RotherOklahoma Martyr

Heavenly Father,Source of all holiness,

In every generation You raise upmen and women heroic in love and service.

You have blessed Your Churchwith the life of Stanley Rother,

priest, missionary, martyr.Through his prayer, his preaching,his presence, and his pastoral love,

You revealed Your love and Your presencewith us as Shepherd.

If it be Your will,may he be proclaimed

by the Universal Churchas martyr and saint,

living now in Your presenceand interceding for us all.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.Amen.

Once again, I invite you to Our Lady’s Cathedral forthe Mass for the Archdiocesan closing of the FatherRother Cause of Canonization. This Mass will be heldat 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20.

Come join us in praying that the Servant of God,Father Stanley Rother, will eventually be canonized asour FIRST OKLAHOMA SAINT!

July 11, 2010 Sooner Catholic 3●●

Labor of LoveContinued from Page 1

Wittrock brought a shovel to theevent that was used in the original1979 groundbreaking ceremony.Wittrock’s son, Kevin Wittrock, is acurrent member of the Center ofFamily Love Trustees, he too joinedin the groundbreaking.

Miller Architects designed the $4million project that will include twoseparate 16-bedroom units. Eachunit will stand on its own, O’Briensaid.

“Each will have its own kitchen,living area and laundry area,” hesaid. The first phase is expected totake a year for completion. CooperMedical will serve as contractor onthe project. The firm built theKingfisher Municipal Hospital.O’Brien said Cooper’s familiaritywith the construction-related workforce in the area will prove to be agreat resource for this project.

O’Brien said the second phase,expected to begin soon after the firstphase is complete, will be a $600,000renovation of the existing housingunits. When finished, those units willalso provide private bedrooms forresidents.

The third and final phase will bea $3 million effort that will createtwo more 16-unit housing centers.O’Brien said the cost is less on thethird phase although it is identical tothe first because infrastructure isbeing put into place now to supportboth phases.

“We’re adding the utility lines,the streets, the sidewalks now sothat brings the cost of the thirdphase down.”

The third phase will also includea unit dedicated to geriatric resi-dents. O’Brien said the Center ofFamily Love will be the only home ofits kind to offer services to the aging.

Financing for the project is com-ing from a number of sources. TheLove family, Knights of Columbusacross Oklahoma, the Knights ofColumbus Foundation as well asbanks in Duncan, Oklahoma Cityand Okarche are all participating.

“God put His hand on this manytimes, otherwise we wouldn’t bewhere we are today,” Joe Pierce said,recalling the early days when theCenter of Family Love was only adream.

Mary Brinkley andMike Milligan chatprior to thegroundbreaking atthe Center ofFamily Love.

Harold Wittrock, left,holds a shovel used inthe original Center ofFamily Love ground-

breaking in 1979,while his son, Kevin

Wittrock, holds ashovel used in the

June 23 event.

Mel Martin, left,visits with HankRoss at the ground-breaking ceremonyfor the Center ofFamily Love.Martin’s bank,First National ofOklahoma, isinvolved in thefinancing of the$4 millionconstructionproject. Ross is alongtime trusteewith the Center ofFamily Love.

4 Sooner Catholic July 11, 2010●●

CFO Golf Classic Supports Catholic SchoolsThe Catholic Foundation’s Ninth

Annual Golf Classic was a hugesuccess. The event, held on June 7 atTwin Hills Golf and Country Club,sported 166 golfers in both a morn-ing and afternoon session. In addi-tion to the golf on a perfect-weatherMonday in June, a lunch, wine andcheese gathering, silent auction andawards dinner were held. The netproceeds of the event totaled$60,000, and go to the CatholicSchools Endowment Fund. The fundis set up to support the 22 Catholicschools in the Archdiocese, maintaina quality education and make itaffordable to more students.

The Presenting Sponsor for theevent was GMX Resources Inc., and

the Flight Sponsors were Love’sTravel Stops & Country Stores andMidFirst Bank. The Double EagleSponsors included Cooper MedicalBuildings, Heritage Trust, GallagherBenefit Services, Lawter & Associ-ates, Maguire O’Hara Construction,OG&E, RBC Wealth Management,St. Anthony Hospital, Synergy Data-com Supply and Trinity Publications.

Hole Sponsors included AssetServices, Tom Avant, BancFirst,Bank of Oklahoma, John H. Baransy,Boaz & Associates, PC, CatapultLearning, Catholic Mutual Group,Children’s Eye Care, Cole & Reed,Crowe & Dunlevy, Dental Depot,First Bethany Bank and Trust,First Commercial Bank, Ralph

Fredrickson, Harrison DiscountPharmacy, Lady Bugs, Lawrence &Eason, Longhorn Service Co., MedleyMaterial Handling, Montag &Caldwell, Nash & Company, Dr. andMrs. Robert Nisbet, Peters &Chandler, St. Mary School - PoncaCity, Smith & Kernke, ToddInvestment Advisors, Wedge CapitalManagement and Yukon Foot Clinic.

In-kind Sponsors included RickJones Motors - Buick-GMC, Top ofthe World, Rocket Color, Tyler SignCo, Justice Golf Cart Co., Twin HillsGolf and Country Club, InsureOklahoma and Delta Dental.

Auction Donors included Arch-bishop Beltran, Carleen and Jerry

Burger, John Baransy, Nora Medley,Greg Burns, Toby and Rick Boothe,Rev. James Greiner, Dr. CharlesLawrence, Leonard Taron, NancyBodard, Matt Dallas, Joe's PlaceWine & Spirits - Norman, ThunderBasketball, Capital Asset Manage-ment, Louie’s Sports Grill, RussFarley, Windstar Casino, DornickHills Golf & Country Club, St.Thomas More Books & Gifts, Dr.Robert Nisbet, Twin Hills Golf &Country Club, Sacred Relics - DianeCulbertson, Jill Nisbet, Pat Smith -Downtown Goodyear, Tom Casso,Brother Mel Meyer SM, Dr.Katherine Farley, Rose Rock Bank,the Tyler family, Barney and Gayle

Continued to Page 5

2nd Place Winners — A Flight 2nd Place Winners — B Flight

2nd Place Winners — Women’s2nd Place Winners — Schools Flight

July 11, 2010 Sooner Catholic 5●●

Continued from Page 4Semtner, Mount St. Mary CatholicHigh School, Bishop McGuinnessCatholic High School, OKCDragboat Races - Mike McAuliffe,and OU Athletics - Joe Castiglione.

New to this year’s Golf Classicwas the Schools Flight, whichallowed for one representative teamfrom each school to compete for theArchbishop’s Trophy and a GrantAward to the school. This year’swinner was the Christ the KingSchool team of Jim Feighny, RonHill, Brian Affolder and Jeb

Blacketer. Second-place team whichalso received a school grant was theSt. Eugene School team of BryanWiliams, Jake Stone, Trey Welkerand Willie McFall.

Also new to this year’s GolfClassic was a Women’s Flight. Thewinning team in the Women’s Flightwas Allie Duncan, Jane Crain,Carolyn Hyden and Patsy Homsey.Second place in the Women’s Flightwent to Susie Fuller, Kitty Belden,Suzette Williams and SusieSullivan. The Foundation A Flightwinning team was Randy Lewis,Rusty Parker, Larry Thomas and

James Bell. Second-place team inthe A Flight was Charles Lawrence,David Lawrence, Andy Lawrenceand Butch Meibergen. TheFoundation B Flight winning teamwas Ben Byers, Matt Dallas, JimKeitz and Dick Dugger. Second-place team in the B Flight wasJimmy Merrill, Mike Cook, TuckerMcHugh and Steve Craig.

In the Skills Contest, thewinner of the Closest to the HoleCompetition was Tim Benton;winner of the Straightest DriveCompetition was Matt Dallas;winner of the Longest Drive

Competition was Carolyn Hyden;and winner of the Longest PuttCompetition was Sister CatherinePowers. No one won the Hole-in-One contests for a new 2010 GMCTerrain from Rick Jones Buick-GMC or for a new golf cart fromJustice Golf Cart Company.

Chairman of the Golf Classicwas Ray Haefele, and chair of theAuction Committee was Jill Nisbet.The event committee included MaryMcAnulty, Russ Farley, Steve Jantz,Bev Kanaly, Toby Boothe, PatriciaHudacko, Gena Wright and BarneySemtner.

First-place winners — A Flight First-place winners — B Flight

First-place winners — Women’s FlightFirst-place winners — Schools Flight

6 Sooner Catholic July 11, 2010●●

Retreat in Daily Life: What It Meant to MeI have come across many words that I have

grown up hearing but never understood. It isperhaps my need to experience something beforeI am truly able to fully comprehend its meaning.One of the words that I actually remember askingpeople about is grace. What does it mean toreceive God’s grace?

For so many years, God had softly been tryingto get my attention. On random occasions a glow-ing sensation would radiate through every nerveending of my whole body. It would only last forseconds, but I knew that God was gently saying,“Hello, I am here.” I simply chose to deny thatany such events could occur. Especially to me! Iwanted to ask someone about it but I did notknow who I could trust. I had no idea that somany already knew and understood the gift ofGod’s grace.

God has a way of getting through to each ofus. If we do not find understanding when Hegently offers it, we will be given the chancethrough our suffering. He can only reach us whenwe are actively searching. I can’t help but wonderif I could have stopped the chaos in my life.Would searching sooner have at least brought methrough it with less anguish and turmoil?

Due to my disbelief in God, I started into atailspin when God actually came to me in an ex-perience that was so shocking and so unquestion-ably of God that I had to finally accept that GODIS REAL. I still did not know where to go for theanswers I needed. I only knew I had to find themsomewhere. I worked with very good people whiletrying to gain some understanding. Two psycholo-gists and a very devout friend, they helped, but Ineeded something more than they were able tooffer. I tried reading different sources for answers

to how God comes to people. The books werealmost as confusing as helpful. Not finding themeans to stop the ever inevitable impact of thetailspin, I hit bottom a few weeks later. While in astate of despair, I wrote about feeling like I hadbroken into a thousand Lego pieces. How can aperson whom God is working so hard to reach,feel that way? How do you find answers whenevents are happening in your life you simply can-not understand?

I ended up at Red Plains Spirituality Centerwhere I found the Benedictine Sisters. I spent theweekend with them and found the meaning toanother word I did not yet understand. What isour righteousness before God? I never understoodhow Jesus made us righteous. God does have away of physically showing you this, even if youare as hard to reach as I seem to be. Through asmall miracle he gave me a few days of knowingwhat life would be like if I did not carry aroundmy sins. I seem to have been holding on to themand, as I had written about Legos, the weight wasbreaking me. The lightness and freedom withoutmy sins in tow was otherworldly. I simply floatedwith absolutely no problems or concerns what-soever. To know that God never held my sinsagainst me was so freeing. But that is not how youlearn the real lessons. That is simply a preview ofwhat life can be. God expected me to do the workso that I would be able to find forgiveness in thefuture. Before leaving for the weekend, He gaveme back my sins. I felt each of my burdens return.It was up to me to learn to release them formyself. I had to do the work of finding the truemeaning of righteousness.

The Red Plains Spirituality Center and theBenedictine Sisters are a beautiful gift to all ofus. It is amazing how many, like myself, do notknow we are blessed with such beautiful people so

willing to help us find answers we are searchingfor. After being at the center for the weekend, Iwas invited to join a retreat that was coming up,the 30 Week Retreat in Daily Life. This retreat isbased on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius,but the materials have been so personalized, thatI think St. Ignatius himself would enjoy attend-ing. The expectations are high. Participants com-mit to an hour of prayer each day, attend a smallgroup once a week, and meet with a spiritualdirector twice a month. A big commitment, but ifyou really want answers to spiritual questions,you can trust the program to help you find them.

Another word that I could not comprehendwas surrender. What does it really mean to sur-render to God’s will? Through the retreat, I amfinding that being less and making God more is awonderful way of approaching life. I am learningwhat the world can be if we but walk with God. Itis like I am an infant with a whole new universeto explore and learn how to live in it. To attemptto look for God’s will in each moment is a joy. Butthe true pleasure is in the moment when you seeHis will actually manifest itself before your eyes.The wonder at knowing His infinite goodness istruly a part of each of our lives.

To say the retreat has been life-changing is anunderstatement. Finding the help to understandmy purpose in life better is really more fulfillingthan I had ever dreamed. The goal of the retreatis to start seeing yourself and your future accom-plishments through God’s eyes. If you are willingto spend each day with the Lord, you can be somuch more than you ever imagined possible.

A word that had long been eluding me and somany others in this world has come to have newmeaning for me. Peace. The real peace that I’mtalking about can only be found through absolutetrust in God and His love for each of us.

Sister Mary Jude Dietrich(Dorothy Frances) was born Feb. 6,1921, in Humboldt,Kan., to John EmilDietrich and EmmaCatherine BreinerDietrich. Sister Judedied suddenly onSunday, June 20,2010.

Sister attendedschool in Humboldt, Kan., andreceived a BS in medical technologyat Webster Groves College in St.Louis. Her mission in health ministryendeared her to many through her

patient, generous and loving service.Sister served as Supervisor of ClinicalLaboratory and Radiology at St.John’s Mercy in St. Louis, Mo., FortScott, Kan., and Slaton, Texas. Formany years Sister was on a 24-houron-call schedule and graciously ob-liged anyone who needed her services.As she approached retirement, shevolunteered in medical records at FortScott, Kan. In 2005, Sister began herretirement years at Mercy HealthCenter Convent, Oklahoma City. Shecontinued her generosity and alwaysshared a happy smile. Sister Judeenjoyed her religious community,

reading, and being outdoors. She wasnoted as a prayerful, lightheartedperson, and dedicated Sister of Mercy.

Sister was preceeded in death byher parents; her sisters, Sister Maryde Pazzi Dietrich, Ruth DietrichWatts and Cecilia Dietrich Miller; andbrothers, Robert Dietrich, PaulDietrich, Carl Dietrich and LeoDietrich.

Immediate survivors includeLawrence Dietrich of Humboldt,Kan.; beloved nephews and nieces;her religious community, Sisters ofMercy; associates, co-workers, friends,compassionate physicians and care-

givers.Rosary and Remembrance

Service was held Tuesday, June 22,2010, at Mercy Health CenterConvent. Father John the Baptistcelebrated a Mass of Christian Burialheld on Wednesday, June 23, 2010.Sister Jude had requested to beburied next to her sister, Sister Maryde Pazzi, at Mary Queen of AngelsCemetery, Fort Scott, Kan. Over 75friends, including five physicians,co-workers and one nephew werepresent for her funeral services inFort Scott. The Celebrant in FortScott was Father Darron May.

By Marka ActonFor The Sooner Catholic

Mercy Sister Mary Jude Dietrich Dies on June 20

July 11, 2010 Sooner Catholic 7●●

Mercy Opens $60 Million Patient Tower

Briefs

ARDMORE — Mercy MemorialHealth Center’s new $60 million,180,000-square-foot patient toweropened its doors on Sunday, June 27,as the first high-tech, all-digitalhospital in southern Oklahoma. With150 private rooms, Mercy Memorialis among only 2 percent of hospitalsin the nation with an integratedelectronic health record which ulti-mately means greater safety inpatient care.

“This new patient tower is muchmore than bricks and mortar,” saidRhonda Hanan, BSN, MS, RN, MercyMemorial chief nursing officer. “Everyfacet of it was designed to providebetter patient care.”

With a new nurse pod design,nurses will be closer to patients at alltimes, spending more time at the bed-side. Traditionally, hospitals haveplaced nursing stations at one end ofa long hall, usually serving about 15rooms. With a pod layout, six or sevenpatient rooms circle the nursing area.

Patients in the new tower willalso be able to directly call theirnurse’s wireless phone with the pressof a button. Instead of linking to onecentral desk, call buttons connect di-rectly to wireless phones nurses carry,allowing them to respond more quick-ly to any patient needs or requests.

“The new nurse call system willalso send reminders to our nurses to

remind them it’s time to reassess thepatient’s pain level 45 minutes afterpain medication has been given,” saidHanan.

In addition, Mercy Memorial’spharmacy and laboratory will havethe ability to respond much morequickly with a pneumatic tube systemtransporting laboratory samples andmedication across the hospital at

light speed. Previously, lab samplesand medications had to be hand-carried between nursing units andthe pharmacy and lab.

Mercy Memorial Health Center’snew tower will also provide:

· An integrated electronic healthrecord (EHR) reducing the chance ofmedical errors. EHR provides more

reliable lab and X-ray results with aquicker turn-around; less chance ofduplicating expensive imaging andother tests; drug interaction alerts;and the ability for multiple medicalpersonnel to access a patient’s chartat the same time.

· An atmosphere that welcomesfamily members. Patients’ rooms areequipped so one family member canstay overnight. The goal is to create amore family-friendly environment.

· Room service meals. Patientswill select meals from a restaurant-style menu and choose what timethey want to eat.

The new patient tower alsoincludes a women’s health center, anew and improved intensive careunit, as well as more parking and anew entrance.

“We are focused on the needs ofour patients and their families,” saidMindy Burdick, president of MercyMemorial Health Center. “We willcontinue to provide compassionatecare, but wired with new technologyand a new work flow, our physicians,nurses and other caregivers arebetter equipped to provide a higherquality of care.”

Mercy Memorial Health Center isa member of Mercy Health System ofOklahoma and the Sisters of MercyHealth System.

Faith Community Nursing Association ofOklahoma, Mercy Health System, Legend AssistedLiving and Memory Care, and the FaithCommunity Nurse Resource Center of CatholicCharities are sponsoring the second annual FaithCommunity Nurse conference. “Are You Ready” willbe held Thursday, Aug. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.at First Presbyterian Church, 1001 NW 25th St.,Oklahoma City. The day will focus on preparing theFaith Community Nurse and Congregation foremergencies as well as exploring new prayerpractices in times of crisis. Speakers include Rev.Linda Brinkworth, St. Luke’s United MethodistChurch; Debi Wagner, State Health Department;

and Sharon Hinton, Rural Nurse Resource. Cost is$40 for FCNAOK members, $60 for non-members,$45 for clergy, health ministers and students ifreserved before Aug. 6. Checks are payable toFCNAOK: Attn: Maria Avers, Treasurer, 820552 S.3320 Road, Wellston, Okla. 74881. An additional$15 will be charged for registration after the dead-line. For more information, contact Marilyn Seilerat (405) 334-1630 or mjsjuly@yahoo.com.

OKLAHOMA CITY — St. Francis ParishGarage Sale will be held Friday, July 22 from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 23 from 8 a.m. to noon.The sale will be in the Parish Hall, 1901 NW 18th.Donations of household items, furniture, toys,collectibles, (working) appliances, etc., are appreci-

ated. Babies and vintage are only clothing accepted,drop-off can be made Monday through Wednesday,July 18-20, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the same loca-tion. Please call 317-4600 with any questions.

EDMOND — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton CatholicSchool’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Past and present students, parents and staffmembers are invited to attend the 5:30 p.m. Massat St. John the Baptist Catholic Church onSaturday, July 31, and then join us for a receptionand open house in the school gym following inhonor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School’s20th year. Please help us spread the word! It will bea great time to catch up with friends and teachers,take a walk down memory lane, and see how SEAShas changed.

Mercy Hospital, Ardmore

Faith Groups SponsorAugust Nursing Conference

Garage Sale at Parish

School Reunion Set

8 Sooner Catholic July 11, 2010●●

Fun&Faith

A Day at Catholic Summer Camp

The voices of 200 fifth- and sixth-graders shouted in unison asFather Peter Jandaczek asked

them again, “What are the threevirtues?”

“Faith, Hope and Love,” theresponse came back in a decibel thatsurely shook the splinters inside thewooden logs of the chapel at OurLady of Guadalupe Catholic YouthCamp. Still, the Polish-born Father

Jandaczek was not satisfied. “I stillcan’t hear you,” he chided the youth-ful congregation. “What are the threevirtues,” he again demanded. “FAITH,HOPE and LOVE,” the young voicesscreamed.

“OK, that’s what I thought,”Father said.

This is an example of the kind ofchallenge the Catholic youth ofOklahoma encounter when they

attend the beautiful week-long campat OLOG. They are run ragged frommorning to late in the evening andthey love every minute of it.

A few hours later, following lunch,hoola hoops, four-square and otherorganized chaos, the youngsters maketheir way to a session with seminari-an Christopher Brashears, who leadsthem in a lesson on angels. Brashearspaces back and forth through the

maze of children seated on thefloor, calmly asking and answeringevery imaginable and some not soimaginable questions that come fromthe kids.

Later, it’s off to water fun and stilllater there will be more prayer andplay.

All in a summer day’s work atOur Lady of Guadalupe CatholicYouth Camp.

By Ray DyerThe Sooner Catholic

July 11, 2010 Sooner Catholic 9●●

Campers leaveMass and headfor lunch.

Above, Father PeterJandaczek gets someassistance making a

point during hishomily fromseminarian

Cristobal DeLoera.At left, seminarian

ChristopherBrashears walks the

campers through alesson on angels.

10 Sooner Catholic July 11, 2010●●

Local St. Vincent de Paul Society Assists Tornado Victims

OKLAHOMA CITY — We’ve allseen them before: baskets labeled“Food for St. Vincent de Paul” sittingpatiently in church lobbies, waitingfor parishioners to fill them with foodthat will be delivered to needycommunity members. Although typi-cally known for its ability to providefood and utility assistance tocommunity members in need, local St.Vincent de Paul volunteers recentlystepped up to one of the biggestdevastations our state has seen inyears — the May 10 tornadoes.

The mission of the Society of St.Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organ-ization, urges both men and women tojoin together and “grow spiritually byoffering person-to-person service tothose who are needy and suffering.”The aftermath of the May 10tornadoes gave local Vincentians theopportunity to put their mission intopractice.

A quick response by SVDP’snational allowed the local SVDP tooffer assistance to victims rapidly.Betty Olivas, executive director, So-ciety of St. Vincent de Paul, DiocesanCouncil of Oklahoma City, has led uplocal Vincentian efforts to relievethose impacted by the recent devasta-tion and witnessed firsthand theimportance of the SVDP nationalheadquarters to making a differencelocally.

“The next morning the disasterrelief team from the regional teamwas on the phone [saying], ‘We’re hereto help,’” Olivas explained. “Liz(Elizabeth Disco-Shearer, AssociateNational Director, SVDPUSA, SouthCentral Regional Office) was there,helping us to understand and get ahold on what we need to be doinghere.”

Within one day of the disaster,SVDP representatives had visitedsites of the most heavily hit areas,taken pictures and spoken withpeople to get an understanding oftheir needs. Working with the Red

Cross, enough information wasgathered to request funding from thenational SVDP. One week later, thisrequest was approvedand funds placed in alocal SVDP account,ready to be distributedto victims.

“I’m so proud ofthe fact that I belongto an internationalorganization that canrespond like it does atthe national level andso quickly,” Olivassaid. “Many times wehave to sit back andwait for funds, but wehad them within aweek.”

SVDP’s ability toprovide financial as-sistance on the spot, inmany cases, clearlydifferentiates this or-ganization from someof the national federalorganizations where,in many cases, victimshad to apply for assis-tance and wait weeksto receive help. Ifsomeone needed a gascard, diapers or moneyfor food, SVDP couldoffer assistance imme-diately.

As funds came in,more than 30Vincentian volunteersopened resourcecenters in areas mostimpacted by thestorms: Noble,Little Axe, Tecumseh,Seminole and Harrah.Many helped to createdatabases for thepeople they met. In all, local Vincen-tians were able to touch the lives of233 people, distributing more than$20,000 in the form of food, rentmoney for housing, hotel assistance,furniture, appliances and various

household items.“I’m really proud of the Vincen-

tians and their willingness to give of

their time to those in need. That’swhat our society is about … alwayslooking for the face of Jesusto those we serve and an excellenttime for us to grow spiritually,” saysOlivas.

Bill James, president of theArchdiocesan Council, was also on-site and witnessed the need for not

only financial assis-tance, but to lend anear and let people telltheir stories or justget things off theirchest.

“It’s easy for us tosee Jesus in them —maybe because of theneeds they have —but we hope they cansee Jesus in us,”James says. “It’s anhonor and a privilegeto be able to helppeople, but it’s not justus helping people, butJesus helping people.”

The local SVDPoffice is currentlyreceiving calls as aresult of the recenthail storms and flashflooding. The need formoney and volunteersis ongoing.

SVDP has twothrift stores, one onNW 10th andMeridian, the other onNW 23rd. Any dona-tions made to thesethrift stores areused to help localcommunity membersand people with vari-ous needs. Clothing,furniture and house-hold items are alwaysneeded as well asvolunteers to man thestores.

If you would liketo donate moneyor volunteer, please

contact Betty Olivas at (405) 248-8114. You can also send money to theArchdiocesan Council of OklahomaCity SVDP, Attn: Betty Olivas, 3031NW 23rd, Oklahoma City, Okla.73107.

Shelter From the StormBy Eliana Tedrow

For The Sooner Catholic

July 11, 2010 Sooner Catholic 11●●

Catholic Education: Faith the Difference

Free Clinic Good Example of Grant in Action

In my five years as a Catholicfreelance writer, I have neverwritten about Catholic education.As a former teacher, I haven’twanted to burn any bridges. Notthe bridges that are in my past,nor the bridges that might be inmy future. After all, what if Godsends me back to teaching?Wouldn’t want to damage mychances for employment.

And so, I haven’t writtenabout it.

It’s time to light a fire and burn that bridge.Very soon, thousands of young people will

return to school. Even now, their mothers areordering the uniforms and buying the backpacks.The parents are sitting down with the familybudget and hammering out how they will affordthe tuition. They are purging things from the“want” list to make it all happen. They are puttingoff things on the “need” list and deciding to makedo with what they have.

Parents are making sacrifices because theybelieve Catholic education provides the bestfoundation for their sons and daughters. What doparents expect when they fork out thousands ofdollars? Certainly, they expect that their childrenwill get a solid education, but they might expectthose same results from many public schools oreven from nonsectarian private schools.

Parents choose Catholic schools for specificfaith-based reasons. They expect their sons anddaughters will be taught the faith — how to live it,cherish it and share it. They don’t expect theclasses to be carbon copies of the public school. Theroom, the curriculum, the teacher, the walls in the

halls, the hidden curriculum (what students learnwhile they are in school that we didn’t set out toteach them) — it should all underscore one thing:We are Catholic.

When I was working onmy B.A. in education, thebuzz phrases were writing-across-the-curriculum orreading-across-the-curricu-lum. Here’s a buzz phrasefor Catholic schools.Be Catholic-across-the-curriculum.

Every teacher shouldknow the Catholic faithwell enough to defend it.Every teacher should know what is in theCatechism. (You can’t know what is in the book ifyou haven’t read it.) Every teacher should exude alove for Jesus Christ and His Church — and finda way to integrate faith with the subject matter.

Here’s the reality. Parents are spendingthousands of dollars in order to provide theirchildren with a Catholic education, but all toooften, their children graduate from Catholicschools unable to share or defend the faith. Someeven have trouble living it.

It’s idealistic, perhaps, but wouldn’t it be greatif our children could go to daily Mass every day ofthe school year? Wouldn’t it be great if they couldspend 15 minutes in Adoration every week? If theycould be equipped with an arsenal of prayers thatwould help them face any crisis? If they couldrecite the Creed and be able to explain what theCommunion of Saints is? What Apostolic means?What the Four Marks of the Church are?

Wouldn’t it be great if they began the process

of discerning a vocation while they were still inhigh school?

Wouldn’t it be great if our children graduatedwith such a love for theCatholic Church thatthey considered attend-ing a Catholic college orprayed that God wouldsend them a Catholicspouse?

As educators, wehave to prove to ourparents that a Catholiceducation is worth theirfinancial sacrifices.

We have to proveto them that Catholic education is truly andcompletely Catholic. That the curriculum isthoroughly Catholic. That the hidden curriculumwon’t undermine their faith. That they will en-counter classmates who are grounded in the faithand not more inclined to challenge their faith orcompromise their morals.

Catholic education should outshine everyother educational option. Parents should turn toeach other on a warm summer evening and say,“Well, that purchase will have to wait anotheryear. Their Catholic education comes first.”

We should seek not only to make Catholiceducation worth every penny. We should makeCatholic education priceless.

Denise Bossert is a convert to the CatholicChurch. She has taught in Catholic schools andhas an M.A. in British and American Literature.You can find more articles by Bossert atcatholicbygrace.blogspot.com.

“Have you ever wondered whatyou would do if you needed medicalhelp, but you were impoverishedand had no health insurance? Canyou imagine lacking the knowledgeand resources needed for yourselfand family when sick?”

Becky VanPool, ArchdiocesanDirector of the Catholic Campaignfor Human Development, said TheGood Samaritan Health Clinic re-ceived a CCHD grant to help thosewithout insurance.

The Good Samaritan HealthClinic is a free clinic that providesmedical services and health educa-tion to the impoverished. The clinic

is operated through St. Monica’sParish of Edmond and is open mostSaturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

“The purpose of the clinic is toprovide medical services to peoplewho have no means of obtaining theservices on their own,” said DeaconLee Hunt, St. Monica’s Parish.“Beyond just examining patients,the clinic has made a commitmentto provide education to the patientsso that they can improve their ownhealth. Through education, patientswill have a chance to maintain andprevent illness and have a betterchance to break out of poverty.”

The clinic was awarded a local

grant through the Commission onJustice and Human Development tofurther the health education aspectof the clinic. Local grants fundprojects that help participants ad-dress and overcome the issues thatkeep them in poverty. These fundsare generated by the annualcollection for the Catholic Cam-paign for Human Development,which will be held Nov. 20 and 21.

The Commission for Justice andHuman Development partners withparishes to support local projectsthroughout the Archdiocese. One-fourth of the funds are used forlocal projects throughout the Arch-

diocese. Local grants are availablefor parishes and Catholic schools toaddress the issues of poverty.

A grant workshop will be heldon Wednesday, Aug. 11. The work-shop will be hosted at CatholicCharities at 6 p.m. The workshopwill give examples of successfulprojects, provide valuable contactsand resources, help with theapplication process, and introduceattendees to a useful support net-work.

Applications for funding aredue Sept. 1. To register, call VanPoolat (405) 523-3009 or e-mail cchd-oklahoma@gmail.com.

By DeniseBossert

“Wouldn’t it be great ifthey began the process ofdiscerning a vocationwhile they were still inhigh school?”

14 Sooner Catholic July 11, 2010●●

Jobs Box Data Entry Specialist/Secretary

The Archdiocesan Development FundAppeal office has an opening for the position ofData Entry Specialist/Secretary. This positionrequires the ability to work with the followingsoftware: Raiser’s Edge, IC Verify, MidFirstInternet Transmission, Microsoft Word, Exceland Access. Ten key skills are a necessity. Astrong background in Data Base programs willenhance the adjustments to Blackbaud’s RaisersEdge program, which is used exclusively forrecording all data for the Annual Appeal.Additionally, duties will include those necessaryto support the activities of the annual ADFAppeal and secretarial support for the C.P.C.facility manager. Interested individuals maysupply an updated resume to Tom Maxwell, ADFOffice, Catholic Pastoral Center.

Lifeguard OpeningVilla Teresa Moore School located at 13501

S. Western in Oklahoma City has an immediateopening for a certified lifeguard. Hours are 9a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday through the end ofJuly. Contact Ann Grover at 691-7737 for moreinformation.

DRE OpeningEpiphany of the Lord Parish, Oklahoma

City, is accepting applications for the full-time

position of Director of Religious Education. Theparish is searching for a candidate deeply rootedin the Catholic faith with experience and visionto serve its 1,600 families. The director willcoordinate all education programs for pre-Kthrough 12th grade, including sacramentalpreparation for children and parents. Thedirector will be responsible for catechist recruit-ment, formation and certification, and mustalso collaborate with the parish leaders ofyouth ministry, music and adult education.Applicants should have a degree in theology,religious education or related area, and aminimum of five years experience working withyouth (master’s degree preferred). Interestedcandidates should contact Patricia Koenig in theArchdiocesan Office of Religious Education toinitiate the application process, (405) 721-5651Ext. 126.

Associate Director for Development andMission Integration

Catholic Charities in Oklahoma City islooking for an Associate Director for Develop-ment and Mission Integration. This position willwork with the executive director and other staffto develop and implement a comprehensivedevelopment and fundraising strategy; researchand identify potential donors and sponsors (e.g.,prospect, explore, identify and track fundraising

opportunities), focusing on those that have thehighest priority); write proposals, letters ofinquiry and grant reports to donors; identify andfollow up on potential funders suggested byother people; explore a wide variety of fundingopportunities (e.g. foundations, corporate donors,individual memberships, plan giving, capitalcampaigns, events, etc.), identify which wouldwork best for Catholic Charities and proceedaccordingly; develop and implement a plannedgiving program; meet with current and potentialdonors. The successful candidate will possess arelevant degree and have a minimum of fiveyears experience in fundraising. Candidatesshould e-mail their resume to HR@catholic-charitiesok.org or mail to 1501 N. Classen Blvd.,Oklahoma City, Okla. 73106.

Youth MinisterThe Cathedral Parish in Dodge City, Kan., is

accepting applications for the full-time positionof youth minister in large multicultural parish.Applicant must be in full communion with theCatholic Church and be able to work flexiblehours. Fluency in Spanish would be an asset.Salary negotiable depending upon experienceand training. Submit resumes in writing toMaria Musick, Search Committee, P.O.Box 1912, Dodge City, Kan. 67801. Parish web-site: www.dodgecitycathedral.com.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y (CNA). —As Americans across the countrycelebrated the nation’s Indepen-dence Day last weekend, they weretold to humbly remember theirdependence on their Creator, saidArchbishop Timothy Dolan of theArchdiocese of New York.

In a column written for July 4,he reflected on the celebration ofIndependence Day and called onthe faithful to proclaim a “spiritualDeclaration of Dependence” on Godthat is “downright revolutionary” inAmerican society today.

The archbishop then spoke of thefalse contemporary understandingof freedom “as the right to do what-ever we want, whenever we want,wherever we want, however wewant, with whomever we want.”Our culture has lost the true under-standing of freedom as “the libertyto do what we ought,” he said.

He observed the modern trend of“freeing” oneself from “any sense of

obedience to God, His revelationand the basic code of right andwrong He has engraved upon thehuman heart.”

This false understanding of free-dom has devastating consequences,he continued. “The Ten Command-ments become a list of suggestions,the Eight Beatitudes a set of niceideas, the Bible mere literature,the Church unnecessary, religion acrutch for the unenlightened, objec-tive truth an outmoded oppression.”

By adopting this distorted mind-set, we elevate ourselves to thelevel of gods, the archbishop said.This is evident in today’s culture,which claims dominion over life inmatters such as abortion, euthana-sia and embryonic stem cell re-search, he explained. Focused onconsumption and convenience, theculture presumes to re-definemarriage and family as it sees fit,revels in violence in its movies andmusic and resorts to war and

terrorism without regard to thedemands of morality.

This phenomenon is “curious,”Archbishop Dolan said, because thevery culture declaring itself inde-pendent of God and morality hasbecome “terribly dependent” on“money, insurance, gas, weapons,security systems or even upon alco-hol, pornography, lust, gamblingand drugs.”

The archbishop contrasted thisfalse sense of freedom with the trueindependence that the founders ofAmerica fought so adamantly togain.

“The patriots who won indepen-dence for us in 1776 had no troubleat all acknowledging their totaldependence upon God,” he said. “Infact, the normative documents ofour beloved country presume theexistence of a providential God,objective truth, moral duty and theright to life itself.”

This acknowledgment of total

dependence on God is something wemust preserve, he said. We mustboldly admit to the world “thatevery breath we take, each daywe have, every opportunity we aregiven, come from an omnipotentGod.”

Offering a courageous witness toa hostile culture, we should “baskin the fact that we are totally de-pendent upon Him,” the archbishopsaid. “He is sovereign, He is Lord,He has power and dominion.”

Emphasizing Christ’s teachingthat “the Truth shall make youfree,” Archbishop Dolan invited thefaithful to take seriously the wordsthey pray at every Sunday Mass:“We believe in God, the FatherAlmighty...”

Recalling a comment fromCardinal Francis George, he ex-plained that this opening line of thecreed is “perhaps the most revolu-tionary statement we can makethese days.”

True Freedom: Acknowledging Dependence on God

July 11, 2010 Sooner Catholic 15●●

Calendar JULY

11 Charismatic Healing Mass,5:30 p.m. at Immaculate ConceptionCatholic Church, 3901 S.W. 29thStreet, Oklahoma City. For moreinformation, call the Church officeat (405) 685-4806.

11 The Divine Liturgy (theEucharist or Mass) of the ByzantineCatholic Church will be celebratedat St. Mark the Evangelist Churchin Norman at 6 p.m. Everyone isinvited to come and experience thediversity and richness of ourCatholic Church. St. Mark theEvangelist Church is located at3939 W. Tecumseh Road, Norman.Refreshments with questions andanswers will follow the Liturgy. Formore information, call Father PhilSeeton at (405) 789-2595.

13 Catholic War Veterans (of anywar/conflict) will meet the secondTuesday of each month in thecommunity room of St. AnnRetirement Center at 7 p.m. Formore information, contact Father M.Price Oswalt at (405) 567-3404.

14 Eucharistic Adoration at theCathedral of Our Lady of PerpetualHelp, NW 32nd and Western, everyWednesday, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Allare welcome.

14 Catholic War Veterans USA.Oklahoma Memorial Post 168 willhold their monthly meeting at 7p.m. in the Sunnylane FamilyReception Center located at 3900 SE29th St. in Del City, every secondWednesday. For more information,contact Bob at (405) 672-7728 or bye-mail at OkPost168@cox.net.

15 Exposition of the BlessedSacrament at Epiphany Parish, inthe chapel every Thursday, 8:30 a.m.to 8 p.m. and daily (M,T,W,F) from8:30 to 9:30 a.m. All are welcome.Epiphany is located at 7336 W.Britton Road, Oklahoma City 73132.

15 TAP into FAITH! July 15 topic:Vacation From Your Faith? What’sYour Excuse? Single or married.Ages 21 to 121. 8 p.m. happy hour,

8:30 p.m. talk, 9 p.m. Q & A. Stayafterwards for fellowship. Tap intoFaith is held at Pepe’s MexicanRestaurant located at 1701 S.Broadway in Edmond. For moreinformation, call Mary Lacher at401-4105.

17 Monthly Novena to the InfantJesus. Nine days of novenas toInfant Jesus of Prague monthly.During these nine days, the novenaprayers will be as follows: Monday-Friday following noon Mass,Saturday following 6 p.m. Mass, andSunday following 11 a.m. Mass. AtSaint Wenceslaus Catholic Churchat 304 Jim Thorpe Blvd. in Prague.From I-40, take exit 200 north 7miles on SH 99/377; or from I-44,take Stroud exit south 18 miles onSH 99/377. (405) 567-3080 orwww.shrineofinfantjesus.com.

18 Pilgrimage Sunday, Mass beginsat 11 a.m. and includes blessingof the sick and blessing of thechildren, noon lunch, 1 p.m. Novenaprayers to Infant Jesus of Prague,Litany of the Infant Jesus andAdoration of the Blessed Sacrament.National Shrine of the Infant Jesusof Prague is located at SaintWenceslaus Catholic Church at 304Jim Thorpe Blvd. in Prague. FromI-40, take exit 200 north 7 miles onSH 99/377; or from I-44, take Stroudexit south 18 miles on SH 99/377.(405) 567-3080 or www.shrineof-infantjesus.com.

18 The community of the SecularOrder of the Blessed Virgin Mary ofMt. Carmel and St. Teresa of Jesus -Oklahoma Community and Provinceof St. Therese meets at St. JosephCarmelite Monastery in Piedmontfrom 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For moreinformation, call Susan Staudt at(405) 282-6624 or Sister SilviaNegrete at (405) 232-7926.

18 The Secular Franciscan Order ofSt. Francis Fraternity meets at 1:15p.m. at St. Anthony’s HospitalChapel. For more information, callJim Disbrow at 830-8688.

21 PARISH NURSE RETREAT -

The 12th annual Parish NurseRetreat will be July 21-23 at OurLady of the Lake Retreat Center inGuthrie. This retreat will offer anopportunity for nurses to nurturetheir spirits with prayer, communityand reflection. Cost is $50, whichincludes meals and lodging for twonights. Facilitated by Mary DianeSteltenkamp. Reservations may bemade with Glenda Bronson, MercyCommunity Outreach, 936-5226.Registration ends July 16 and islimited to 15 people.

28 Rother Anniversary Activities atOkarche. Starting at 8 a.m. at HolyTrinity in Okarche, there will beExposition with all day Adoration,Benediction at 4:45 p.m. and Massat 5 p.m.

AUGUST2-6 “Irish Summer Overture” musiccamp for students entering seventhto 12th grade next fall. The musiccamp dates are Aug. 2-6, 2010.Registration fee for the camp is$100 per student. If a student isregistered by both Percussion andDrumline sessions, registration is$150. Parents can request informa-tion online at www.bmchs.org (linkto Irish Summer Overture), or bycalling Bishop McGuinness at (405)842-6638.

4 Emmaus Days Retreat. This is aretreat for young men (high schoolfreshmen through seniors) whowould like to learn more about thecall to the priesthood. For moreinformation or to register, call theVocations Office, (405) 721-9351, orby e-mailing the vocations office,jmulligan@catharchdioceseokc.org.

6 1st Friday Adoration at St.Francis of Assisi in Oklahoma City.After the 7:30 a.m. Mass, andconcludes at 5:30 p.m. with closingprayer and Benediction. This is opento all. St. Francis is located at 1910NW 19th (just two blocks east ofPenn), Oklahoma City.

6 Holy Family Home Mass, 11:30a.m., Holy Family Home, 6821 EddieDrive, Midwest City. To confirm that

Mass will be held that day and fordirections, contact the HFMH at741-7419.

6 First Friday Sacred Heart Mass atthe Catholic Pastoral Center.Exposition of the Blessed Sacramentis at 5:30 p.m. with the Sacramentof Reconciliation available prior toMass. Mass is at 7 p.m. Those want-ing to learn more about First FridayDevotion and the practice of conse-crating the family and home to theSacred Heart of Jesus will findmaterials available after Mass. Formore information, please call theOffice of Family Life at (405) 721-8944 or Diane Grim at (405) 528-6252.

8 Charismatic Healing Mass,5:30 p.m. at Immaculate ConceptionCatholic Church, 3901 S.W. 29thStreet, Oklahoma City. For moreinformation, call the Church officeat (405) 685-4806.

8 The Divine Liturgy (the Eucharistor Mass) of the Byzantine CatholicChurch will be celebrated at St.Mark the Evangelist Church inNorman at 6 p.m. Everyone isinvited to come and experience thediversity and richness of ourCatholic Church. St. Mark theEvangelist Church is located at3939 W. Tecumseh Road, Norman.Refreshments with questions andanswers will follow the Liturgy. Formore information, please call FatherPhil Seeton at (405) 789-2595.

13 Bingo at St. Joseph’s, Norman, inthe gym. A light dinner is served at6:30 p.m., first session begins at 7p.m., second session at 8:30. Eachsession is $5, blackouts are $1 each,no limit.

14 The Benedictine Oblates of RedPlains Monastery will meet from2:30 to 4:30 p.m. They join theCommunity for Vespers, followedby a potluck dinner. For moreinformation, contact Sister Euniceat 373-4565 or osbokc@ionet.net.

16 Sooner Catholic July 11, 2010●●

CanonizationEffort to Close

The closing ceremony for the CanonizationCommittee for the Cause of the Servant of God,Father Stanley Rother, will be at Our Lady’sCathedral on Tuesday, July 20 at 6 p.m. This stepcloses the archdiocesan process of beatificationand canonization, which was opened in the Arch-diocese of Oklahoma City on Oct. 5 , 2007, at HolyTrinity Church in Okarche.

Over the last two-plus years the canonizationcommittee has been researching and document-ing Father Rother by reviewing thousands of doc-uments, newspaper articles and personal lettersas well as conducting approximately 90 inter-views to compile a complete overview of FatherRother’s life and work. The results of this workwill now be sealed and sent to Rome to theCongregation for the Cause of Saints.

All the material on Father Rother’s life thathas been gathered will be reviewed over the nexttwo to three years. Many other causes are alsobeing considered and this will affect the length oftime to complete the review of Father Rother’scause. During this time the Congregation de-termines whether he died for the faith and trulyoffered his life in love for Christ and the Church.

After the review is complete, the Congre-gation will inform the Archdiocese if the materialthat has been presented is worthy of considera-tion as supporting the cause of Father Rother. Ifthe answer is yes, Father Rother will then receivethe title of “Venerable.” A martyr may be beatifiedand declared “Blessed” by virtue of martyrdomitself. Then only one miracle will be required forthe final stage of his cause. If a miracle isconfirmed, Father Rother would then be declareda Saint for the Universal Church.

All are welcome to the closing ceremony atOur Lady’s on July 20. It is asked that you con-tinue to pray for the Cause of Servant of GodFather Stanley Rother, that he may be recognizedas a Saint and Martyr of the Catholic Church.

Okarche to CelebrateFather RotherHoly Trinity Church in Okarche willcelebrate the life of Father Stanley Rother onJuly 28, the anniversary of his death inGuatemala in 1981. At 8 a.m. there will beExposition of the Holy Eucharist with all-day Adoration. Benediction will be held at4:45 and Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m.All are welcome to participate.

Servant of God Father Stanley Rother during carnival at Santiago Atitlan.