th e Reg ister...2020/11/27 · — to “straighten up and fly right,” in the words of an old Nat King Cole song. Or as Scripture frequently sug-gests, “Make straight (your)

Newwebsite

Salina Diocese releasesnew website,

salinadiocese.org.

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AdoptionMass

Annual eventcelebrates multipleangles of adoption.

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the RegisterNovember 27, 2020salinadiocese.org C A T H O L I C D I O C E S E O F S A L I N A

By Mike NelsonCatholic News Service

How many of you, whenasked, “How are youdoing?” have replied,“I’m just waiting forthis year to end”?

We have experienced in 2020 apandemic like none we have everseen, political turmoil like none wehave ever seen, an economic shut-down like ... you get the picture. Formany of us, 2021 can’t come soonenough.

For those of us who are Catholic,the new year comes a few weeks ear-lier — the new liturgical year, that is,starting with Advent, a season ofdesire. And rarely have so many of usdesired the breath of fresh air that anew year can bring.

But even this new season and newyear does not begin without grim andsobering reminders of how far fromGod many of us are.

“Why do you let us wander, OLord, from your ways, and hardenour hearts so that we fear you not?”laments Isaiah in the first reading ofthe First Sunday of Advent (Is 63:17).“Behold, you are angry, and we aresinful; all of us have become like

unclean people” (Is 64:4-5).This, then, is a call to repentance

— to “straighten up and fly right,” inthe words of an old Nat King Colesong. Or as Scripture frequently sug-gests, “Make straight (your) paths,”words proclaimed by John the Bap-tist in three of the four Gospels.

Today’s Gospel reading from St.Mark suggests this is best done soon-er than later.

“You do not know when the Lordof the house is coming,” Jesus tellshis disciples (Mk 13:35). “Be watch-ful.”

Jesus’ words are spoken shortlybefore he and his disciples head forJerusalem where Jesus knows whatawaits him. His disciples do not, ofcourse; nor do we know what awaitsus in the months and years ahead.

And after this year, many of us areafraid to ask. Yet go forward we must.And we will, for God always offers usthe chance to atone and correct ourcourse.

“Give us new life,” says thepsalmist, “and we will call upon yourname” (Ps 80:19).

But to acknowledge where we havefallen short and who is really incharge requires humility on our part.Such humility is more abundant, it

seems, in times of uncertainty anddesperation.

Isaiah understands this. “Yet,Lord, you are our father,” he says.“We are the clay and you the potter:We are all the work of your hand” (Is64:7).

Right before this, though, Isaiahsays something else to God, a lamen-tation that invites our reflection onhow to “straighten out” our lives, andour world: “You have hidden yourface from us and have delivered us upto our crimes” (Is 64:6).

God has hidden his face from us?Really?

Many years ago, at the Los AngelesReligious Education Congress, I par-ticipated in a workshop in which thepresenter asked us (ordered us, actu-ally) to move all the chairs in theroom out of the way (several hundredof them), close our eyes and walk(with care) around the room until weencountered (bumped into) anotherperson.

At that point, we were to ask thatperson, “Are you God in hiding?”

The answer, of course, was yes.The point was for us to realize thatwe are all creations of God and that

Seeking the face of God? Look around you

By The Register

SALINA — Since March,more than 2,500 familieshave turned to CatholicCharities of NorthernKansas for assistance.

“Many hardworking peo-ple have found themselvesasking for help, and manyfamilies have requestedassistance for the first timein their lives,” said MeganRobl, the executive directorof Catholic Charities. “2020has been a difficult year forso many people. It’s beenfull of the unexpected.Whether they’re coming into one of our offices orreceiving items from one ofthe mobile outreach vans,the need has grown consid-erably in a very short periodof time.”

The Catholic CharitiesAnnual Appeal is underwayand includes a $50,000donation match.

In addition to offices inSalina, Manhattan and HaysCatholic Charities initiateda mobile outreach programin 2015. The vans travel to20 different communities inthe diocese. At each of theselocations, Catholic Charitiesprovides food boxes andhygiene kits.

Families served includethose such as Angie.

After suffering for manyyears, Angie left an abusiverelationship to raise herthree children on her own.Although it has not beeneasy, Angie’s No. 1 goal is toprovide for her children,even if it means workingmultiple jobs.

When Angie was promot-ed from the warehouse floorto an office position last fall,she was finally able to makeends meet with just one job.Unfortunately, six monthslater, the stay-at-homeorders went into effect, andAngie was furloughed with-out benefits or pay. Eventu-ally, her savings were

CatholicCharities

Annual Appealis underway

Please see APPEAL / Page 15Please see WE / Page 15

Tom McCarthy Jr. / CNSA family lights an Advent wreath at their Maryland home. Advent begins Nov. 29.

HonoringAnniversaries

Annual Anniversary Mass takes newapproach, is celebrated in parishes across

diocese.

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2 November 27, 2020 The Register, Catholic Diocese of Salina, salinadiocese.org

Assumption of Mary, HerndonCatholic Charities of Northern

KansasDiocesan Publications (The

Register, faith magazine)Divine Mercy Radio, Hays, Salina

Holy Family Elementary School,Hays

Immaculate Conception, LeovilleManhattan Catholic Schools

Sacred Heart Cathedral, SalinaSacred Heart Grade School, ColbySacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School,

SalinaSacred Heart, Atwood

Sacred Heart, ColbySacred Heart, Esbon

Sacred Heart, OberlinSacred Heart, Selden

Seminarian Education FundSeven Dolors, Manhattan

St. Andrew, AbileneSt. Andrew Grade School, Abilene

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, SalinaSt. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis

St. Francis Xavier, Junction CitySt. Francis Xavier School, Junction

CitySt. Isidore’s Catholic Student

Center, ManhattanSt. Joseph, Bird CitySt. John’s Catholic Schools, BeloitSt. John’s Grade School, HanoverSt. John Nepomucene, BeardsleySt. John the Baptist, BeloitSt. John the Baptist, ClydeSt. Mary of the Assumption, CliftonSt. Mary Grade School, SalinaSt. Mary Church/School, EllisSt. Mary, Smith CenterSt. Mary, Queen of Angels, RussellSt. Mary, Queen of the Universe,

SalinaSt. Theresa, MankatoSt. Thomas More, ManhattanSS. Philip and James Parish,

PhillipsburgSt. Wenceslaus, WilsonThomas More Prep/Marian Jr./Sr.

High School, HaysPlease visit

Salina.iGiveCatholic.orgAdvanced giving is NOW LIVE. #GivingTuesday is Dec. 1.

Participating organizations:

The Register, Catholic Diocese of Salina, salinadiocese.org November 27, 2020 3

Name

Address

City State ZIP

Parish (if in the Salina Diocese)

The Register (USPS 397-740) is published the fourth Friday ofthe month by the Catholic Diocese of Salina, 103 N. Ninth,

Salina, KS, 67401-2503 and is mailed to all registeredparishioners in the diocese. A $25 annual subscription isrequired for all others. Periodical postage paid at Salina,

Kansas, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to

The Register, P.O. Box 1038, Salina, KS, 67402-1038.Our next issue is dated Dec. 18.

Deadline for news is Nov. 23.Deadline for advertising is Nov. 23.

Mailing label updatePlease make the correction on this form and return to:

The Register, P.O. Box 1038, Salina, KS 67402-1038or at salinadiocese.org/publications/publications-address-change/

Attach old mailing label hereand print the corrected information below.

the RegisterOfficial newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Salina Vol. 83, No. 11

Publisher: The Most Rev. Gerald L. Vincke, Bishop of Salina Editor: Karen Bonar, [email protected]

Advertising/Circulation: Brenda Streit, [email protected] Manager: Jennifer Hood, [email protected]

P.O. Box 1038, Salina, KS 67402-1038(785) 827-8746, Fax (785) 827-6133

salinadiocese.org/the-registerSupported by an endowment established by Msgr. Raymond Menard (1912-2006),

editor of The Register, 1944-1971 and 1975-2006. Email:

The Holy Father entruststhe Apostleship of Prayer topublicize his prayer inten-tions for the good of theworld and the Church.

Universal IntentionFOR A LIFE OF PRAYER.We pray that ourpersonal relationshipwith Jesus Christ benourished by the Word

of God and a life ofprayer.

Apostleship of Prayer1501 S. Layton Blvd.Milwaukee, WI 53215-1924www.apostleshipofprayer.org

D E C E M B E R P R A Y E R I N T E N T I O N

B I S H O P ’ S C A L E N D A RDecember 2020

4 Divine Mercy Radio Care-a-Thon, Bishop’s Hour, 4-5p.m.

Cursillo Winter Retreat, Capuchin Spiritual LifeCenter, Victoria

10 Chancery Staff Advent Retreat and Day ofReflection, Salina

13 Mass, St. Boniface, Vincent19 Seminarian Family Mass and Luncheon, Sacred

Heart Cathedral, SalinaMass, St. John the Evangelist, Herington, 4:30 p.m.Mass, St. Columba, Elmo, 6:30 p.m.

20 Mass, St. Philip, Hope, 8:30 a.m.Mass, St. John the Evangelist, Herington, 10:30 a.m.

Pope names firstAfrican-Americancardinal from U.S.

By Mark ZimmermannCatholic News Service

WASHINGTON— Cardinal-designateWilton Gre-

gory, installed as Washing-ton’ s archbishop in May2019, thanked Pope Francis“with a very grateful andhumble heart” for naminghim as one of 13 new cardi-nals Oct. 25.

“This appointment willallow me to work moreclosely with him in caringfor Christ’s Church,” he saidin a statement issued short-ly after the pope announcednew cardinals at the end ofhis Angelus address.

Cardinal-designate Gre-gory will be the first AfricanAmerican cardinal from theUnited States to be elevatedto the College of Cardinals.He and the other 12 prelateswill be elevated at a Nov. 28consistory at the Vatican.

Nine of the new cardinalsare younger than 80 andwill be eligible to vote in aconclave; four elderlychurchmen will receive redhats as a sign of esteem andhonor.

In addition to Cardinal-designate Gregory, the popechose as cardinal electorstwo officials of the RomanCuria and bishops fromItaly, Rwanda, the Philip-pines, Chile and Brunei.

“Pope Francis is sendinga powerful message of hopeand inclusion to the Churchin the United States” bynaming Washington’sAfrican-American archbish-op as a cardinal, said LosAngeles Archbishop JoséGomez, president of theU.S. Conference of CatholicBishops.

“As a former president ofour national bishops’ confer-ence, (Cardinal-designate)Gregory displayed generousand principled leadership.The naming of the first

African-American cardinalfrom the United States givesus an opportunity to pauseand offer thanks for themany gifts African-AmericanCatholics have given theChurch,” Archbishop Gomezsaid in a statement.

HE ASKED THE NATION’SCatholics to join him “inpraying for the continuedministry” of the newlynamed cardinal, who wasUSCCB president from 2001to 2004.

A native of Chicago, Car-dinal-designate Gregoryturns 73 on Dec. 7. As asixth-grader attending St.Carthage School in Chicagoin 1958, he was inspired bythe example of the parishpriests and Adrian Domini-can sisters there to becomeCatholic.

At the news conferencewhen he was introduced asWashington’s new archbish-op, he said, “Within sixweeks of being in Catholicschool and not being from aCatholic background, I said,‘I want to be a priest.’”

Wilton Daniel Gregorywas baptized as a Catholicduring the Easter Vigil thatschool year.

Later, after studying as aseminarian, he wasordained as a priest of theArchdiocese of Chicago in1973 and earned a doctoratein sacred liturgy from thePontifical Liturgical Insti-tute in Rome in 1980.

After serving as a parishpriest in Chicago and as amaster of ceremonies toCardinals John Cody andJoseph Bernardin, he wasordained an auxiliary bish-op of Chicago in 1983.

In 1994, Bishop Gregorywas installed as the bishopof Belleville, Ill., where heserved for the next 11 years.Bishop Gregory was electedUSCCB president in 2001after serving three years asthe vice president.

During his three years aspresident, the Church’s cler-gy sex abuse crisis escalat-ed, and under his leader-ship, the bishops imple-mented the “Charter for the

Protection of Children andYoung People.”

St. John Paul II appoint-ed Bishop Gregory to serveas the archbishop ofAtlanta, where he wasinstalled in 2005 and serveduntil Pope Francis namedhis as the new archbishop ofWashington in 2019.

At his installation Massas Washington’s new arch-bishop, Archbishop Gregorypointed to the Gospel storyof Jesus calming the stormyseas when he was in theboat with his apostles.

“I remind you ... he ishere. He is here when theseas are calm, and he ishere during every momentof uncertainty, anger, fearand shame. He invites us toplace our trust in him,”Archbishop Gregory said.

Archbishop Gregoryemphasized that same mes-sage in 2020 when the coro-navirus pandemic initiallycaused a shutdown of publicMasses and the closure ofCatholic school campuses.

IN A COLUMN FOR THECatholic Standard, Wash-ington’s archdiocesan news-paper, Archbishop Gregorywrote that “even in theuncertainty of this currentsituation, if we are open,God will use this moment tobring our hearts closer tohim and more firmly inunion with one another.”

Following the nationwideracial protests in the wakeof the death of GeorgeFloyd, who died May 25after a Minneapolis policeofficer knelt on his neck foralmost nine minutes duringan arrest, Archbishop Gre-gory said in a statementthat “this incident revealsthe virus of racism amongus once again even as wecontinue to cope with thecoronavirus pandemic.”

Archbishop Gregory haspraised peaceful protests forracial justice, saying theyoung people helping leadthose marches offer hopefor building a more justnation where all lives arerespected.

Cardinal-designate Gregory thankspope ‘with grateful, humble heart’

By The Register

SALINA — CYO Conven-tion. Junior CYO Camp.Totus Tuus. Prayer andAction.

Each of these events werecanceled this year becauseof COVID-19, but plans arein the works to bring theseevents back in 2021.

“Right now, we’re plan-ning all of our summer pro-grams,” said Sister BarbaraEllen Apaceller, CSJ, who isthe director of youth min-istry for the Salina Diocese.The hope is that the pro-grams will be able to contin-ue as normally as possible.

“This is important for ouryoung people to be aroundtheir peers,” she said. “Theysupport one another andfind they are not alone intheir relationship withChrist and in their prayerand in their questions. Theysee there are other kids whoare struggling with the samethings they are strugglingwith. They can mingle withtheir age group and theteam and support oneanother.”

Plans are underway forthe annual CYO Convention,with some minor adjust-ments. Instead of a two-dayconference in Salina, thefeatured speaker, RobertFeduccia, will speak onMarch 20 in Hays andMarch 21 in Salina.

“We’re trying to keep it toone day because we don’tknow what will happen withCOVID,” Sister BarbaraEllen said.

Also in the works is

Junior CYO Camp, sched-uled for May 29-June 1 atRock Springs Ranch, southof Junction City. The annualevent is for middle schoolstudents, with high schoolseniors and college-agedstudents acting as coun-selors.

The traditional summerprograms, Prayer andAction and Totus Tuus, arealso in the works.

Prayer and Action isplanned to be in Oakley inJune and Beloit in July.

Totus Tuus is fullybooked for June and has afew weeks open in July for acollege-aged team to travelto the parish and teachsummer catechesis.

In addition to summerprograms, the youth officeis working on the NationalCatholic Youth Conference,which is scheduled Nov. 18-20 in Indianapolis.

“Deciding how NCYC willbe held will be up to thenational office,” Sister Bar-bara Ellen said. “Every-thing’s up in the air withCOVID.”

Even though plansremain tentative, she saidit’s important to have themready, should the events bepossible.

“The more you cancel,the more kids get away fromparticipating in these pro-grams,” Sister Barbara Ellensaid. “I pray we can havethese programs again. Theywere missed last year.”

Information will beupdated on the website,salinadiocese.org/office/office-of-youth-ministry/.

Diocesan youth programstentatively planned for 2021

Read The Register online:SalinaDiocese.org/publications/


AN UNEXPECTED headlinein the New York Timesrecently caught my eye: “ADisrupted ThanksgivingLeaves the Turkey BusinessGuessing.”

The article that followeddiscussed a question that is,according to the author, onthe tip of everyone’s tongue:“Just how many wholeturkeys will Americans cookthis year for a holidaywhose wings have beenclipped by the pandemic?”

I can’t say that this hasbeen the big question on mymind lately, but I have beenthinking ahead and wonder-ing what Thanksgiving andChristmas will look like thisyear.

Throughout the summer,social distancing regulationswere relaxed throughoutmuch of the country, but weare now seeing worryingsigns of a COVID secondwave.

In the world of long-termcare, we still live in a virtualbubble with our elderly resi-dents and essential staff,

almost completely cut offfrom the outside world.Families, volunteers andour devoted lay associates— who provide companion-ship, entertainment and thelittle extras that make lifemore pleasant for our frailseniors — have all beenbarred from our Homessince mid-March.

We try to take one day ata time, but we are alwaysaware that even a singlepositive COVID test wouldsend our residents back intoisolation. Recently, some ofthem told me that theyexpect the holidays to bequite difficult this year sinceit is unlikely they will beable to spend time in closeproximity with their lovedones.

What will Thanksgiving

mean this year, in the faceof so many challenges andso much loss? What will wefind to be grateful for? Howcan we celebrate while ourlives are still so thoroughlydisrupted and our wingsand spirits remain clipped?

I find answers to thesequestions in the faces andexample of our elderly resi-dents.

Throughout these pastmonths, we have marveledat how resilient our resi-dents are. Although in manycases their bodies are frail,their spirits — and theirsenses of humor — haveremained strong.

WHAT IS THE SECRET TOtheir resilience?

As members of the great-est and silent generations,our residents experiencedthe Great Depression andWorld War II.

These two generations areknown for their resilience insurviving hardship, theirstrong work ethic and theirsense of personal responsi-

bility and self-sacrifice. The wartime Thanksgiv-

ings of their youth weremarked by rationing andshortages of common ingre-dients such as sugar, meatand butter. Turkeys were inshort supply on the homefront because they wereshipped overseas so thatevery member of the U.S.military could have a hotThanksgiving dinner, nomatter where they were sta-tioned.

Gasoline and tirerationing prevented peoplefrom traveling long dis-tances by car, and militarypersonnel were given priori-ty on trains, so family gath-erings were surely smaller.

The traditional Macy’sThanksgiving Parade wascanceled as the famousgiant balloons were shred-ded for scrap rubber, andeven college and profession-al football games were puton hold.

These were the youthfulexperiences of our seniors— surely, they will know

how to find a silver liningand a way of thanking Godfor his blessings on this“disrupted Thanksgiving.”

Surely, the words utteredby their president in 1943will find an echo in theirhearts: “May we on Thanks-giving Day and on every dayexpress our gratitude andzealously devote ourselvesto our duties as individualsand as a nation. May eachof us dedicate his utmostefforts to … bring[ing] newopportunities for peace andbrotherhood among men.”

We Little Sisters are soblessed to share our liveswith these elders of thegreatest and silent genera-tions!

If you are lucky enough tohave members of these gen-erations among your familyor neighbors, take some timethis disrupted Thanksgivingto learn from them andshare in their gratitude forthe little things in life.Sister Constance Veit is director of com-munications for the Little Sisters of thePoor.

Learning gratitude from the greatest, silent generation

DURING THIS MONTH OFNovember, when we cele-brate Thanksgiving, ourhearts turn to giving thanks.For so long now, we havelived within the confines ofa universal pandemic wheresuffering and death havesurrounded us. How to begrateful within that elementhas been difficult, to say theleast. But gratitude is astate of being that growsday by day, moment bymoment in a heart thatallows itself to be open andreceptive.

It is actually a prayerstance that has been therecipient of goodness timeand again and has learnedhow to respond in kind. It isa freedom within thatallows generosity to be partand parcel of one’s life, agift to be released and

shared that others mightlive and prosper.

In August 1980, my dadwas diagnosed with livercancer, and in the doctor’soffice, surrounded by fami-ly, Dad asked how muchtime he had left. The doctorresponded readily to thathonest and direct question:“You have about twomonths.” Dad looked ateach one of us and said,“The Lord gives and theLord takes away. Blessed bethe name of the Lord.”

This was a side of Dad

with which I wasn’t toofamiliar. He lived his faith,but he didn’t wear it on hissleeve, either! His statementof grace made me realizethat Dad had for manyyears owned a heart of grat-itude for his life, and heknew where that grace orig-inated. His was a generousspirit that showed throughhis actions more thanthrough words. His 80years had been full of grati-tude, and that abundance ofgratitude just overflowedout of him. When his lastmoments on this earth hadarrived, he was able to sur-render gently and unre-servedly to the God he hadso faithfully served.

A FEW YEARS BACK, I felta need to write a journal ofgratitude. My heart was full

with the little and big thingsin my life that had helpedme to know God more pro-foundly in all that wasaround me. Each day, usu-ally at bedtime, I would jotdown three or four thingsfor which I was grateful thatday. These were not hugeand dramatic but simplyexpressed the little and themundane: a sunrise, ababy’s smile, the smell ofrain, a kind word or gesture,a gentle gaze, a bird’s song.Each one of those moments,when I reviewed them overtime, reminded me of thoseblessings and gifts that Iheld dear and in which Irejoiced!

Gratitude can sometimestake our breath away as afamily member or frienddiagnosed with cancerreceives the gift of remis-

sion. Even when what weperceive as unfortunate orhave an experience that hascaused us suffering or grief,it may actually be a momentof gratitude. Gratitudecomes in many forms andsometimes in the mostunexpected places or occa-sions!

We go through days ofjoy, pain and suffering, butif we have a rope of hope onwhich to hang our hearts,we can know the God offullness, who in total gen-erosity gives us what weneed to meet each moment,and we can be grateful.

May gratitude hold you,and generosity spill fromyour grateful heart!

Sister Jodi Creten, C.S.J., is well knownfor her gift for writing poetry, she cur-rently resides in the Motherhouse inConcordia.

From Gratitude to GenerositySister JodiCretenRegister columnist

SisterConstanceVeitLittle Sisters of the Poor

“CAN YOU BELIEVE peo-ple are putting their Christ-mas decorations upalready?” an acquaintanceasked me the first week ofNovember.

“I’m used to the storesstarting Christmas earlierand earlier every year, butnot my family or friends,”they continued.

I paused to think.“Yes, I can believe it,” I

replied. Here’s why: 2020 has

been a difficult year foralmost everyone I know. Weare exhausted (or is it justme?). We are digging deep.We are leaning into difficul-ties and obstacles we couldnever have imagined. Andwe need some hope.

Luckily, the Church pro-vides us hope in a liturgicalsense with Advent. Eachyear, the four weeks leadingup to Christmas are set

aside, with the invitation toeach of us to prayerfully pre-pare and wait in joyful hopefor the coming of Christ.

When I look ahead to2021, I wonder, “Will it bemore of the same? Moresleepless nights? Moreanticipation and concernabout remote school start-ing at the flip of a switch?More division in our coun-try? Our families?”

If I’m being completelyhonest, it’s difficult to feelanything but weary thesedays.

This makes me think of aline from the song “O HolyNight” that says, “The thrill

of hope, the weary worldrejoices...”

I’m absolutely weary, butam I rejoicing?

AS 2020 MARCHEStoward Dec. 31, I’ve spentsome time reflecting andcomparing it to the close of2019. It was a tough yearfor me. I had a sinus infec-tion for four months, andclosed out 2019 with a boutof whooping cough just forfun (sigh, not really). At theclose of 2019, I was lookingforward with eager antici-pation, with joy, to 2020. Iwas going to be healthy.Things were going to be dif-ferent and look up. I feltlike there was an abun-dance of hype about a newdecade.

Then, COVID-19 hap-pened across our countryand around the world.

Yes, my family and I cele-

brated some fun “firsts” in2020, such as my son’s firsttrip on an airplane, the firstfull week of vacation out ofstate in many years and thefirst time to receive awardsfrom the Catholic PressAssociation. There weresome good times, but I feltmore weary than rewardedin 2020.

As I write this, it’s twoweeks before Thanksgiving,and I’ve started to noticeChristmas trees going up inmy neighbors’ front win-dows. I see Christmas lightsbeing hung on their homes.(I never took the singularstrand of lights down fromour house last year, so we’reready for Christmas!)

I paused to reflect if thisearly preparation I’m seeingbothers me: Christmas inearly November.

Honestly, I go back to myearlier comment. In a weary

world, I feel like we needsome hope. We need somelight. We need some joy.The season of Christmascertainly encompassess allof those things.

As the days grow shorterand nightfall comes earlier,let’s place our Adventwreaths on our dining roomtables. Let’s dim the lights.Let’s light each candle. Let’ssee the tiny flame and pre-pare for the fire of Christthat will come at Christmas.

I invite you to flip topages 8-9, where you willfind an Advent calendar.Please join us in prayingour way through Adventand preparing spiritually forChristmas.

I know it’s difficult, buttogether we can find a littlehope.Karen Bonar is the editor of The Regis-ter and a parishioner of St. Mary, Queenof the Universe in Salina.

Finding light in a weary worldKarenBonarRegister editor


By The Register

SALINA — TheSalina Diocesedebuted itsnew website onOct. 22 at sali

nadiocese.org.“Over the past year, the

Diocese of Salina has beenworking toward building anew website,” said ColleenAugustine, director of com-munications for the diocese.“This was something I wasexcited and anxious to takeon.

“It was clear that a newwebsite was needed to bet-ter serve our people and getthem the information theyare seeking efficiently andeffectively. We are hopefulthat, by launching this newwebsite and continuing to

expand our digital efforts,we will be able to servemore people and ultimatelylead them to Christ.”

Manhattan-based 502Media built the new site,which includes moremobile-friendly optionsthan its predecessor.

“They weren’t just going

to shove us into a pre-designed template like mostother agencies,” Augustinesaid. “They wanted to spendtime getting to know thediocese and discover ourtrue needs.”

The new site includes a“find a parish” option, aswell as a new directory with

a search function for clergy,parishes, schools orchancery staff.

“I am excited about ournew website and its capacityto communicate with thepeople in our diocese andbeyond in a clear andinformed manner,” saidBishop Jerry Vincke.

Diocese launches new, updated websiteThe Salina Diocese launched its new website in October. Included in the new site are features such as “find a parish” and acomprehensive list of upcoming events (above), as well as opportunities for viewers to learn more about the faith and other relatedissues (below).

W E D D I N G SClayton Basgall and Arin

Pfannenstiel were married Oct.16, 2020, at St. Francis of AssisiChurch in Munjor. Father JohnToepfer, OFMCap, witnessed theirvows. Parents of the bridegroomare Steven and Michelle Basgall.Parents of the bride are CurtPfannenstiel and Stacy Toepfer.Witnesses were Nick Hammekeand Emma Pfannenstiel.

Clay Drylie and BrittanyDinkel were married Oct. 24,2020, at St. Nicholas of MyraChurch in Hays. Father RyanMcCandles witnessed theirvows. Parents of the bridegroomare Donald and Tamara(McNorton) Drylie. Parents of thebride are Larry and Sandra(Dreher) Dinkel. Witnesses wereJohn Staab and Shelby Sager.

Chase Shelton and TaylorStaab were married Oct. 10,2020, at St. Nicholas of MyraChurch in Hays. Father DamianRichards witnessed their vows.Parents of the bridegroom areJeffery and Janell (Shaffer)Shelton. Parents of the bride areLarry and Debra (Ashmore)Staab. Witnesses were DrewCavanaugh and Jordan Staab.

Casey Don Jensen andRileigh Elizabeth Gardner weremarried Oct. 17, 2020, at OurLady of Perpetual Help Churchin Concordia. Father David Metzwitnessed their vows. Parents ofthe bridegroom are Kirk andStephanie (Crays) Jensen.Parents of the bride are Wayneand Kelly (Follett) Gardner.Witnesses were Cody Jensenand Taylor Gardner.

Kyle Allen Shumaker andBrooke Mckenzie Swensonwere married Oct. 17, 2020, atSS. Peter and Paul Church inClay Center. Father DonZimmerman witnessed theirvows. Witnesses were AlexAshcraft and Haley Mastin.

65 yearsBob and Mary Binder, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

AJ and Marjorie Horinek, Sacred Heart, Atwood

Bill and Venita Patzell, Seven Dolors, Manhattan

Albert and Arlene Pfeifer, St. Fidelis, Victoria

Vince and Kathleen Zerr, St. Paul, Angelus

Ralph and Clara Zimmerman, St. Joseph, Oakley

60 yearsMurray and Millie Baalman, St. Paul, Angelus

Leo and Mary Lee Beckman, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Salina

LaVerne and Janice Dinkel, St. Mary, Ellis

LeRoy and Patricia Lang, St. Nicholas of Myra, Hays

Miles and Jane Legleiter, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Joe and Janet Klaus, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Donald and Florence Mense, St. Frances Cabrini, Hoxie

Alfred and Betty Otter, St. Joseph, New Almelo

Vernon and Celeste Sander, St. Fidelis, Victoria

Adolph and DeAnn Schmidt, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Bernie and Laura Schoenberger, St. Mary, Ellis

Ivan and Verda Werner, St. Fidelis, Victoria

Lawrence and Phyllis Wetter, St. Mary, Queen of the Universe,

Salina

55 yearsRoger and Phyllis Allerheiligen, Seven Dolors, Manhattan

Vergil and Ann Augustine, St. Mary, Ellis

David and Carmelita Berndt, Immaculate Conception, Minneapo-

lis

John and Elizabeth Duden, St. John the Baptist, Beloit

Leon and Janet Eck, St. Boniface, Tipton

Bob and Carol Feauto, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Tony and Sarah Herman, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hill City

Tom and Mary Lynne Jadlow, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina

Harold and Patricia Legleiter, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Harold and Joyce Newell, St. Mary, Glasco

Charles and Beatta Robben, St. Paul, Angelus

Raymond and Ardith Scheetz, St. Joseph, New Almelo

Dave and Linda Struble, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina

50 yearsCharles and Jeannette Augustine, St. Mary, Ellis

Tom and Kathy Biehler, St. John the Evangelist, Herington

Rich and Judy Bieker, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Salina

Max “Butch” and Annette Burks, St. John the Baptist, Beloit

Jim and Marcia Chacon, Seven Dolors, Manhattan

Max and Alice Copple, St. Anthony, Miltonvale

James and Shirley Dinkel, St. Joseph, Hays

Sonny and Linda Ehm, St. Francis Xavier, Junction City

William and Laura Goetz, St. Joseph, Oakley

Larry and Patricia Heidrick, St. John the Baptist, Beloit

Deacon Steve and Diane Heiman, St. Edward, Belleville

Jerome and Susan Hellmer, St. Mary, Queen of the Universe,

Salina

Rodney and Janice Jager, Seven Dolors, Manhattan

Darell and Barbara Janasek, St. George, Munden

Ken and Kathy Kroupka, St. Columba, Elmo

Marvin and Rosanne LaBarge, St. Joseph, Oakley

Doug and Jean Mull, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina

Stan and Joyce Newell, St. Nicholas of Myra, Hays

Mark and Bernice Rueschhoff, St. Paul, Angelus

Gerald and Jeanne Rziha, St. Phillip, Hope

Arlyn and Marietta Schupman, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Merle and Karen Schroeder, St. Aloysius, Osborne

45 yearsCharles and Barb Baalmann, St. Paul, Angelus

Ralph and LouAnn Brungardt, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Michael and Linda Carl, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Salina

David and Leanna Davignon, St. Joseph, Damar

David and Alice Fox, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina

Jim and Kristy Fellhoelter, St. Paul, Angelus

Glen and Marilyn Gabel, St. Nicholas of Myra, Hays

Brent and Deborah Halepeska, St. Anthony, Miltonvale

Gerald and Cora Knipp, St. Fidelis, Victoria

Mark and Dora Leiker, St. Francis of Assisi, Munjor

Dennis and Bernadette Luedke, Sacred Heart, Atwood

Kendall and Renee Miner, St. Mary, Queen of Angels, Russell

Charlie and Kathy Ramsay, Sacred Heart, Plainville

Lester and Donetta Robben, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Paul and Beth Ruder, St. Mary, Queen of the Universe, Salina

Olen and Florence Svoboda, St. Mary, Holyrood

Harvey and Donna Swager, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Goodland

Bill and Marty Wendell, St. John the Baptist, Beloit

40 yearsMike and Christine Blass, St. John the Baptist, Beloit

Robert and Janet Koerner, St. Nicholas of Myra, Hays

Pat and Diane Kuhn, St. Mary, Ellis

Duane and Patty Kuhn, St. Nicholas of Myra, Hays

Kirk and Kimberly O’Donnell, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Salina

Dr. Charles and Cheryl Ritter, St. Mary, Queen of the Universe,

Salina

Rodney and Christi Roy, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Clarke and Lillian Sanders, St. Mary, Queen of the Universe, Salina

Gregory and Sandra Smith, St. Mary, Ellis

Bob and Karen Threlkel, St. Joseph, Hays

John and Cathy Triplett, St. Francis Xavier, Junction City

Kenny and Shari Ubelaker, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Osborne

Kenneth and Amelia Werner, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Jim and Susan Werth, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Ralph and Judy White, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina

35 yearsDan and Jean Ann Aker, St. Andrew, Abilene

Francis and Rebecca Griebel, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Rick and Janet Hahn, St. Francis Xavier, Junction City

Terry and Brenda Hutchison, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Lennie and Janelle Pacey, St. John the Baptist, Beloit

Robert and Maria Rohr, St. Nicholas of Myra, Hays

Kevin and Elda Ryan, Sacred Heart, Colby

Duane and Linda Stefan, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

30 yearsBrent and Amy Campbell, St. Mary, Queen of the Universe, Salina

Kevin and Kathleen Huser, St. Boniface, Vincent

Greg and Jackie Jirak, St. Joseph, Oakley

Jon and Alice Quinday, St. Mary, Queen of Angels, Russell

Deacon Steve and Nancy Urban, St. Nicholas of Myra, Hays

Curt and Becky Wahlmeier, St. Joseph, New Almelo

25 yearsGary and Nancy Alden, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina

Dwight and Nicole Berry, St. Francis Xavier, Junction City

William and Laura Biermann, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Good-

land

Scott and Terri Braun, St. Nicholas of Myra, Hays

Neal and Trica Dreher, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Michael and Shannon Hughes, St. Francis Xavier, Junction City

Lyle and Deb Jackson, St. Joseph, New Almelo

Bob and Tammy Klaus, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hays

Tony and April Kuhlman, St. Joseph, Oakley

Sheldon and April Pfeifer, St. Mary, Ellis

Roger and Ramona Weigel, St. Nicholas of Myra, Hays

20 yearsMichael and Pamela David, St. Joseph, New Almelo

AZ and Jenny Molina, Sacred Heart, Plainville

15 yearsJacob and Amber Davis, St. Francis Xavier, Junction City

Cody and Karen Marintzer, St. Nicholas of Myra, Hays

Jeremy and Amanda Martin, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Good-

land

10 yearsJohn and Heather Benkelman/Robben, St. Ann, Walker

Jonathon and Shannon Kinderknecht, Immaculate Heart of

Mary, Hays

5 yearsMatt and Tynan Dowell, St. Edward, Belleville

Nevada and Laura Gray, St. Isidore, Manhattan

1 yearMiguel and Courtney Rodney, St. Francis Xavier, Junction City


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122 couples honored at anniversary MassesCOUPLES WHO CELEBRATED AN ANNIVERSARY ENDING IN 0 OR 5 AND THEIR FIRST

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WERE HONORED AT MASS IN THEIR HOME PARISH.

The wedding anniversary blessing took place Oct. 24-25 at St. Mary Parish in Ellis. The parish honored 12couples present during the Masses. Parishes across the diocese were invited to honor married couples in lieuof a diocesan-wide Mass, because of to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Karen BonarThe Register

SALINA — The path toadoption for Mandy andKeegan Wilson looked noth-ing like they envisioned.

“Adoption is something Iwanted to do since I was inhigh school,” Mandy Wilsonsaid. “I have friends whohave placed babies foradoption. I’ve had familymembers and friends adoptbabies. I knew it was in myheart to adopt, no matterhow it came to me.”

The couple, along withtheir three children, Jazzy,11, Kolin, 10 and Grady, 10,were among about 75 whogathered Nov. 6 at SacredHeart Cathedral to partici-pate in the annual AdoptionAwareness Mass. This is thethird year for the event,which is hosted by CatholicCharities of NorthernKansas.

AT THE EVENT, FAMILIESgathered to pray and honorthe shared experience ofadoption in their lives.

After the Wilsons hadtheir son, Grady, in 2010,they experienced secondaryinfertility and pregnancylosses. They discerned thefoster to adopt process, butultimately decided it was notthe best fit for their family.

Along the way, they expe-rienced two attempts at pri-vate adoption.

“One of them, we were atthe hospital and had themessage the baby was bornand we were waiting to seeher,” she said. “We were toldthree hours later the momhad changed her mind.”

The couple went home.“We were devastated and

heartbroken,” she said. On New Year’s Eve 2014,

a friend sent her a message,inquiring if they were opento adoption.

“I said, ‘Thank you, butit’s not going to work,’” Wil-son said. “Then she sent mea picture. They were as cutecould be. We said, ‘Let’sexplore this option.’”

The family met Jazzy andKolin, a sibling set, inspring 2015 and adoptedthem on Dec. 18, 2015.

“It was a complete Godthing,” Wilson said. “Kolinand Jazzy had been availablefor adoption for a year and ahalf. Had we met them whenthey were first available foradoption, we probablywouldn’t have been open toit because adopting two kidswhen I had a 4-year-old feltoverwhelming.

“We met them and fellhead over heels in love withthem. Grady fell in love withhaving two best friends. Hewas 5 when they came to livewith us. Grady doesn’tremember what life was likewithout them.”

The trio attend St. Mary’sGrade School in Salina andare in fourth, fifth and sixth

grades.“Grady and Kolin love

like brothers, they fight likebrothers,” Wilson said.“They know how fiercelythey are loved by us and ourfamily and our community.We tell the kids, ‘You wereloved so much. You werechosen for us from thebeginning. God knew you’dbe here with us.’”

She said the path toadoption can be difficult attimes.

“I tell my friends, ‘If Godputs a desire in your heart,he will fulfill it,’” Wilsonsaid. “Our hearts were shat-tered and broken after losinga baby of our own and thebaby at the hospital. We hadlost all hope. Then one day,there was a phone call thatchanged our lives forever.”

MEGAN ROBL, THE exec-utive director of CatholicCharities, said adoptionisn’t always easy.

“We want to honor all ofthe parts of that journey,”she said. “It is a joyousjourney but can be painfuland difficult. I think it’simportant to continue topray for everybody who is apart of that process.”

About 75 people attendedthe Mass, with social dis-tancing, where Father DonZimmerman presided. Hesaid adoption is part of hisfamily’s story.

“About three decadesago, my sister and her hus-band were anticipating anadoption,” he said duringthe homily. “I read her jour-nal as the days were gettingclose, and even after theadoption of their son. Itbrought me to being movedwith tears of great joy. Icould sense in them thedesire and longing of havinga child. How special andblessed are those who have

been given life.”Robl said that Father

Zimmerman’s story is anexample of the ripplesadoption have through afamily.

“More people than werealize have been touchedby adoption in some way,”she said. “It’s a journey forboth the birth mother tomake that decision out oflove for their child to sharethem with another familyand for the adoptive fami-lies who are yearning andopen to loving a child. It’simportant that we celebratethat creation and extensionof family in the most lovingway. You’re willingly mak-ing decisions that affect achild’s life, whether you’rethe birth mom or adoptiveparent.”

LAURA DUNN, WHO wasadopted as an infant byJoan and the late DaveDunn, sat in the pew with adiverse family. The groupincluded her adoptive moth-er, biological father and hiswife, biological mother andbiological aunt.

“I always suspected shewould search for her biolog-ical parents when sheturned 18,” Joan Dunn said.“She did, but about 20 years

after when I expected it.”Laura Dunn said she was

curious about her biologicalparents, but it was onlywhen she was pregnant withher oldest child that seekingmedical history became apriority.

“It’s amazing. I didn’tneed anything to bereplaced,” she said of hersearch and reunion with herbiological parents. “I wasjust looking for the missingpiece. Now, I feel complete.My family has widened.”

Her biological mom,Mickey Strump, describesthe reunion as a blessing.

“It’s almost like I’vealways known her,” Strumpsaid. “We text each other orsend messages four to fivetimes a week. We’re includ-ing each other in familyoccasions, birthdays, funer-als, everything.”

Strump said she wasalways curious about thechild she placed for adop-tion during her collegeyears.

“I assumed if she hadn’tcontacted me by the timeshe was 30, she was happywith her life,” she said.

She found a Facebookmessage from her daughterwas in her junk folder in theMessenger area on social

media. “Happy doesn’t even

begin to describe” the expe-rience, Strump said. “Shehad questions, but for me, itwas also knowing that I hadmade the right decision.The things I had wanted forher turned out exactly as Ihad hoped.”

During her adoptionexperience, it was closed.She had no participation inchoosing her daughter’sfamily. Yet she choseCatholic Charities becauseshe grew up Catholic.

“I wanted her to go to aCatholic family,” Strumpsaid. “I wanted her to havetwo parents who could giveher the world and a goodCatholic upbringing. Icouldn’t have asked for any-thing better.”

The ripples of adoptionpermeate through multipleareas of Strump’s own life.Her father was adopted andlater, after she wed, she andher husband adopted twosons from the foster caresystem.

“It goes full circle here,”she said. “I know both sidesof the adoption experience.”

THE NOV. 6 ADOPTIONCelebration Mass was thesecond one Joan Dunn, aparishioner at ImmaculateHeart of Mary in Hays,attended. While she andDave, who passed in Sep-tember, attended togetherlast year, this year she wassurrounded by her daugh-ter’s biological family.

“It verifies how good Godis,” Joan Dunn said, to beable to gather with theextended family who gaveher daughter life. “Way backwhen we adopting, we weretold that it’s an act of loveto give your child up foradoption. That’s what I heldin my heart. These parentsloved their children. Wewere blessed to be able toadopt.

“I always wanted to tellthe biological mother of mychildren, ‘Thank you.’ I wasglad Laura was searching,because I got to thankMickey.”

Laura Dunn said she isgrateful for her mother’ssupport.

“My mom is my mom.She will always be mymom,” Laura Dunn said.“She loves that I have moresupport, more family.

“I didn’t realize howmuch contact she had withmy birth family until mydad died. I love that she hasa relationship with them.It’s not replacing her. Iknow it’s unique, but we’veall melded together.

“My boys have a birthdayparty coming up, and every-one is invited. We’ll all gettogether to celebrate theboys’ birthday. It’s not awk-ward, there is no tension.It’s just extended familythat has melded together.”


A R O U N D T H E D I O C E S E

Annual adoption Mass celebrates families

Photos by Karen Bonar / The RegisterThe Wilson family attends the annual Adoption Mass Nov. 6 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina.From left are Keegan, Kolin, Grady, Jazzy and Mandy.

Laura Dunn of Hays (center, Chiefs mask) kneels with herbiological and adopted family at the adoption Mass.


A R O U N D T H E D I O C E S EB A P T I S M SCamri Elizabeth Bruna, daughter of Brock and Melissa Bruna,

was baptized Sept. 19, 2020, by Father Joseph Kieffer at St. Johnthe Baptist Church in Hanover.

Kynley Ann Bruna, daughter of Kevin and Katlin Bruna, wasbaptized Oct. 10, 2020, by Father Joseph Kieffer at St. John theBaptist Church in Hanover.

Lawson Lee Bruna, son of Lee and Wendy Bruna, was baptizedOct. 10, 2020, by Father Joseph Kieffer at St. John the BaptistChurch in Hanover.

Olive Rene Bruna, daughter of Troy and Hannah Bruna, wasbaptized Sept. 19, 2020, by Father Joseph Kieffer at St. John theBaptist Church in Hanover.

Brooks Timothy Gilliland, son of Eric and Ambria (Menard)Gilliland, was baptized Nov. 1, 2020, by Father David Metz at OurLady of Perpetual Help Church in Concordia.

Emmy Lynn Jensen, daughter of Cory and Briana Jensen, wasbaptized Sept. 27, 2020, by Father Joseph Kieffer at St. John theBaptist Church in Hanover.

Wells Daniel Larue, son of Jacob and Carissa Larue, wasbaptized July 19, 2020, by Father Carlos Ruiz-Santos at SacredHeart Church in Oberlin.

Jaxon Henry Maneth, son of Chad and Jennifer Maneth, wasbaptized Oct. 25, 2020, by Father Damian Richards at St. Nicholasof Myra Church in Hays.

Lee Joseph Mondero, son of Joseph (Joe) and Becca Mondero,was baptized Oct. 11, 2020, by Father Carlos Ruiz-Santos atSacred Heart Church in Oberlin.

Khloe Ann Provost, daughter of Kyle and Miranda Provost, wasbaptized Oct. 3, 2020, by Father Joseph Kieffer at Sacred HeartChurch in Greenleaf.

Blair LaRain Robinson, son of Braeden Robinson and LaraStephens, was baptized on Nov. 14, 2020, by Father Richard Daiseat Sacred Heart Church in Colby.

Kove Louis Stenberg, son of Eric and Mindy (Kvasnicka)Stenberg, was baptized Oct. 11, 2020, by Father Steven Heina atSt. John the Baptist Church in Clyde.

Vivian Kay Tegtmeier, daughter of Jeffrey and MeganTegtmeier, was baptized Oct. 11, 2020, by Father Joseph Kieffer atSt. John the Baptist Church in Hanover.

Marcella Jo Valek, daughter of Brady and Marta (Blecha) Valek,was baptized Oct. 31, 2020, by Father David Metz at St. GeorgeChurch in Munden.

Oakley students give thanks

Courtesy photoFirst grade students at St. Joseph School in Oakley: front row (from left) are IsaacSamuelson, Cory Smith, Rudy Smith and Brecken Harrel; back row, Lakota Younkin, ElsieHelus, Faith Kuhlman, Delana Munk and Johnnie Ottley.

“I am thankful that my mom and dadtake care of me. I pray that everyone hasa turkey to cook on Thanksgiving andthat my dog stops chewing on toiletpaper.” LAKOTA YOUNKIN

“I am thankful for my little brother. Ipray for my grandma.” ELSIE HELUS

“I am thankful for animals and myfamily. I pray that my whole family willnot get sick.” FAITH KUHLMAN

“I am thankful for my mom, dad,brother, grandma and grandpa. I praythat the whole wide world will stay safe.”DELANA MUNK

“I am thankful for my new baby sister.

I pray that we get rain so our trees cangrow.” JOHNNIE OTTLEY

“I am thankful for my pets and myfamily. I pray that my family stayshealthy.” ISAAC SAMUELSON

“I am thankful for my Grandma andmy Grandpa. I pray that everybody has agreat Thanksgiving.” CORY SMITH

“I am thankful for my grandma’s hors-es that I get to ride and my family. I prayfor my mom, dad and sisters.” RUDYSMITH

“I am thankful for my family. I prayfor the people who have COVID.”BRECKEN HARREL

By Dennis SadowskiCatholic News Service

CLEVELAND — Admittingthat people’s faith in God“has been shaken” by thepandemic and related eco-nomic turmoil, Los AngelesArchbishop José Gomezcalled on his fellow bishopsto take the news of the Res-urrection and the triumphof life over death directly topeople to help them navi-gate the crises.

“At the heart of their fearsare fundamental questionsabout divine providence andthe goodness of God,” saidArchbishop Gomez, presi-dent of the U.S. Conferenceof Catholic Bishops, Nov. 16during an online address on

the first day of the bishops’annual fall general assembly.

“This is far more than apublic health emergency,”he said. “Everywhere we seespreading the fear of illnessand death.”

The assembly was takingplace entirely online for thefirst time because of thepandemic. ArchbishopGomez’s address was prere-corded.

The archbishop said thepandemic illustrates thatthe core message of theGospel — Christ’s love forevery person, the power ofthe cross and the promise ofthe resurrection — “is fad-ing from our neighbors’hearts.”

“Brothers, in this time of

death, we hold the word oflife. We come in the nameof the God whose love isstronger than death,” hesaid.

The times, with theirsocial unrest and uncertain-ty caused by the pandemic,“call for heroic Christiani-ty,” he explained. “We needto continue to form andempower missionary disci-ples, as Pope Francis callsus to do.”

Citing the example ofFather Michael McGivney,founder of the Knights ofColumbus and who wasbeatified Oct. 31 at theCathedral of St. Joseph inHartford, Conn., (see relat-ed story on p. 14) Archbish-op Gomez suggested the

bishops confront modern-day injustices “by living theGospel.”

He recalled how, for thepriest, “love was not anabstraction or cause”because he knew the facesof “the widow and theorphan, the father with nojob, the prisoner on deathrow.”

“Following the coura-geous example of BlessedMichael McGivney, theChurch needs to weep nowwith those who are weep-ing,” he said. “We need totell our neighbors the goodnews that we have aRedeemer, who died, so thatwe might live, who passedthrough the valley of theshadow of death so that weshould fear no evil, not evendeath.”

He noted how BlessedMcGivney died during the

1890 flu pandemic in whichover 1 million people losttheir lives worldwide. Hesaid the likely future saintcan be “a model and inter-cessor for our own min-istries.”

Archbishop Gomez alsopointed to the USCCB’sstrategic plan the bishopswere set to approve duringthe assembly as a path for-ward for ministry. Titled“Created Anew by the Bodyand Blood of Christ: Sourceof Our Healing and Hope,”it sets the mission for thebishops “to continue tobring healing and hope tothe people of our time,” hesaid.


Q What is the signifi-cance of ThanksgivingDay for us as

Catholics?

A Thanksgiving is some-thing that shouldcharacterize our

entire life as Catholics. It’snot just something weshould celebrate one day inNovember but rather everyday. Thanksgiving or grati-tude should be one of thefundamental determiningattitudes of our world view,of our attitude and perspec-tive. Everything good aboutour lives, everything good increation, every good experi-ence, in fact all goodnessthat exists is a reflection ofthe infinite goodness of Godand is his gift to us.

Striving to cultivate thisattitude of thanksgiving orgratitude can have enor-

mous consequences in ourspiritual, psychological,emotional and even physicallives. It’s so easy for us tofocus on what we perceiveas negative or lacking orimperfect, whether in ourown lives or in the situa-tions we find ourselves in.We focus on what we do nothave or what someone elsehas that we don’t, instead ofwhat God has already givenus. This attitude of pes-simism or cynicism is exact-ly what the devil wants forus because it will lead to anoverall negativity or criti-cism in our mind and heart.

This can then easily lead tobitterness, jealousy, envy,etc.

ST. PAUL GIVES US Aremedy for this. In Phil 4:8he says, “Finally, brethren,whatever is true, whateveris honorable, whatever isjust, whatever is pure, what-ever is lovely, whatever isgracious, if there is anyexcellence, if there is any-thing worthy of praise,think about these things.”We should strive to focusour attention and ourthoughts on what is good,on what comes from God.And when we become morefocused on the good in ourlives and in the world, wewill then be led to more fre-quently express our grati-tude to God. Gratitude canbecome the predominantmindset with which we liveour lives. This will lead to

so much more freedom, joy,and peace.

The New Testament isconstantly exhorting us togive thanks to our heavenlyFather. Mt 11:25: “At thattime Jesus declared, ‘Ithank you, Father, Lord ofheaven and earth, that youhave hidden these thingsfrom the wise and under-standing and revealed themto infants; yes, Father, forsuch was your graciouswill.’” and 1 Cor 1:4 “I givethanks to God always foryou because of the grace ofGod which was given you inChrist Jesus,” are just twoexamples among many.

St. Teresa of Avila onceasked Jesus how she couldadequately thank him for allhe had done for her. Hisresponse was, “Attend oneMass.” The Holy Mass is thegreatest means we have forgiving thanks to God

because it is Jesus’ own actof thanksgiving that we getto participate in. I’m sureyou’ve heard that the wordeucharist means thanksgiv-ing. Just as the HolyEucharist is the source andsummit of the Christian life,so too should thanksgivingcharacterize our entire livesas Christians. So take sometime to count all the bless-ings in your life. Strive topay more attention to allthat God has given you anddone for you. And bring thisgratitude with you everytime you go to Mass. Spiri-tually place it on the altarand offer your thanksgivingto the father in union withhis son, in the grace of theHoly Spirit.Father Andrew Rockers is the parochialvicar of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Sali-na. E-mail questions to him [email protected] or writehim at P.O. Box 1038, Salina, KS 67402.

F A I T H A N D R E A S O N S

Seeking to find the goodness of GodFatherAndrewRockersDiocese of Salina

USCCB president to bishops: Take Gospel to troubled people during pandemic

This is far morethan a public health

emergency.Everywhere we see

spreading the fear ofillness and

death.

“”Archbishop José

Gomez president of the U.S.

Conference of CatholicBishops

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By Carol GlatzCatholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Plenaryor full indulgences tradi-tionally obtained during thefirst week of November forthe souls of the faithful inpurgatory can now begained throughout theentire month of November,the Vatican said.

Also, those who are ill orhomebound and would notbe able to physically visit achurch or cemetery in theprescribed timeframe stillwill be able to receive a ple-nary indulgence when meet-ing certain conditions,according to the ApostolicPenitentiary, a Vatican tri-bunal that deals with mat-ters of conscience.

The tribunal also askedthat priests be particularlygenerous throughout Novem-ber in offering the sacramentof reconciliation and inadministering Communion tothose who are infirm.

The new provisions weremade after a number ofbishops asked for guidanceas to how the faithful couldperform the works requiredfor receiving a plenaryindulgence, given the ongo-ing pandemic and restric-tions in many parts of theworld limiting the numberof people who can gather inone place, Cardinal MauroPiacenza, head of the Apos-tolic Penitentiary said.

Traditionally, the faithfulcould receive a full indul-gence each day from Nov. 1to Nov. 8 when they visiteda cemetery to pray for thedeparted and fulfilled otherconditions, and, in particu-lar, when they went to achurch or an oratory to prayNov. 2, All Souls’ Day.

Bishops’ conferences incountries where large num-bers of faithful traditionallygo to confession, attendMass and visit cemeteriesduring the week had askedhow the faithful could beaccommodated, givenCOVID-19 restrictions or inthe case that a member ofthe faithful was ill, in isola-tion or in quarantine, thecardinal said.

The Vatican decided toextend the time one canreceive a full indulgence toinclude the whole month ofNovember, he said. Thatincludes those who cannotleave their homes or resi-dences for “serious reasons,”which includes governmentrestrictions during a pan-demic.

The full indulgence tradi-tionally offered Nov. 2 forthose who visit a church oran oratory and recite theOur Father and the Creedcan also be gained any dayin November, he added.

The Church teaches thatprayer, particularly theMass, and sacrifices may beoffered on behalf of thesouls in purgatory.

Rosetta Aschenbrenner, 75,of Ellis, died Oct. 3, 2020.Funeral Mass was celebratedOct. 17 by Father Dana Clark atSt. Mary Church in Ellis. Burialwas in St. Mary Cemetery, Ellis.

Francis “Frankie” Braun, 85,of rural Hays, died Oct. 14,2020. Funeral Mass was cele-brated Oct. 17 by Father NickParker at Immaculate Heart ofMary Church in Hays. Burial withmilitary honors was in St. Antho-ny Cemetery, Schoenchen.

Mary Lee (Scheetz) (Camp-bell) Brooks, 94, of Hays, diedOct. 7, 2020. Funeral Mass wascelebrated Oct. 12 by BishopJerry Vincke at St. Nicholas ofMyra Church in Hays.

Leo Dwight Burgman, 95, ofLeonardville, died Sept. 27,2020. Funeral Mass was cele-brated Oct. 2 by Father DonZimmerman at SS. Peter andPaul Church in Clay Center.

Robert “Bobby” Crough, 82,of Clyde, died Oct. 12, 2020.Funeral Mass was celebratedOct. 21 by Father Steven Heinaat St. John the Baptist Church inClyde. Burial will be in Mt. Cal-vary Cemetery, Solomon.

Madeline Demars, 92, ofConcordia, died Oct. 18, 2020.Funeral Mass was celebratedOct. 22 by Father David Metz atSt. Peter Church in Aurora. Bur-ial was in St. Peter’s Cemetery,Aurora.

Father Myron G. Flax, OFM-Cap., 92, of Hays, died Oct. 4,2020. Funeral Mass was cele-brated Oct. 12 by Archbishop

StephenReichert, OFM-Cap., at St.Fidelis Basilicain Victoria. Bur-ial was in theFriar’s Plot inthe parishcemetery, Vic-

toria.He was born Sept. 28, 1928,

to Godfrey and Catherine(Weber) Flax in Ransom andbaptized Godfrey. He enteredthe Capuchin Franciscan Order

in 1958 and received the nameMyron. He was ordained a priestin 1964.

He was assigned as a priestin Papua New Guinea in theSouth Pacific, where he becamethe first nonindigenous personto enter the Gambe area in theland of the Huli people. Heserved in the region for morethan 40 years, returning to theUnited States in 2003 and serv-ing in Colorado Springs, Colo.He retired in 2011.

Father was preceded in deathby his parents, five brothers andtwo sisters.

Survivors include his sister,Sister Mary Ann Flax, CSJ, ofLexington, Neb.

Memorials are suggested toThe Capuchin Province of Mid-America, Inc.

Kenneth A. “Ken” Giebler,91, of Hays, died Oct. 21, 2020.Funeral Mass was celebratedOct. 26 by Father MatthewCowen at St. Joseph Church inHays. Burial with military honorswas in St. Joseph Cemetery,Hays.

Charlene Herman, 87, ofChapman, died Oct. 21, 2020.Funeral Mass was celebratedOct. 24 by Father John Woleskyat St. Michael Church in Chap-man. Burial was in St. PatrickCemetery, Chapman.

Jasper “Jack” JosephHamel, 96, of Hays, died Oct. 7,2020. Funeral Mass was cele-brated Oct. 9 by Father DamianRichards at St. Nicholas of MyraChurch in Hays.

Dolores C. (Ruhkamp) Kief-fer, 89, of Clifton, died Oct. 9,2020. Funeral Mass was cele-brated Oct. 16 by Father JosephKieffer at St. Mary Church inClifton. Burial was in St. Mary’sCemetery, Clifton.

Joseph LeRoy “Joe” Klaus,86, of Hays, died Oct. 14, 2020.Funeral Mass was celebratedOct. 19 by Father Nick Parker atImmaculate Heart of MaryChurch in Hays. Burial with mili-tary honors was in St. JosephCemetery, Hays.

Evelyn J. Kohl, 93, of Ellis,died Sept. 18, 2020. FuneralMass was celebrated Oct. 16 byFather Dana Clark at St. MaryChurch in Ellis. Burial was in thechurch cemetery.

Lewis B. Linden, 97, of Con-cordia, died Oct. 10, 2020. Amemorial service was held Oct.23 by Father David Metz at Cha-put-Buoy Funeral Home in Con-cordia. Burial was in AtwoodFairview Cemetery, Atwood.

Earle Stanley McRae, 86,formerly of Concordia, diedSept. 27, 2020. Funeral Masswas celebrated Nov. 21 byFather Billy Kosco at St. HenryChurch in Buckeye, Ariz. Burialwith military honors will be at afuture date in St. ConcordiaCemetery, Concordia.

Lois Elaine Meitl, 91, ofOberlin, formerly of Leoville,died Sept. 25, 2020. FuneralMass was celebrated Oct. 1 byFather Carlos Ruiz-Santos atImmaculate Conception Churchin Leoville. Burial was in MountCalvary Cemetery, Leoville.

Pamela Sue Nault, 67, died.Graveside services were held byFather Steven Heina Sept. 12 atMt. Calvary Cemetery, Clyde.

Garold “Gary” Lee Rieth,71, of Hanover, died Oct.15,2020. Funeral Mass was cele-brated Oct. 19 by Father JosephKieffer at St. John the BaptistChurch in Hanover.

Billie Jo Rivera, 84, of Man-hattan, died Oct. 8, 2020. Funer-al Mass was celebrated Oct. 17by Father Gnanasekar Kulandai,HGN, at St. Francis XavierChurch in Junction City. Burialwas in St. Mary Cemetery, Junc-tion City.

Elaine Agnes Salsbury, 85,of Junction City, died Oct. 7,2020. Funeral Mass was cele-brated Oct. 15 by FatherGnanasekar Kulandai, HGN, atSt. Francis Xavier Church inJunction City. Burial was inKansas Veterans Cemetery,Manhattan.

Emmylou Sarsozo, 45, ofOverland Park, died Aug. 24,2020. Funeral Mass was cele-brated Sept. 3 by FatherGnanasekar Kulandai, HGN, atSt. Francis Xavier Church inJunction City.

Dorothy M. Schneider, 94,of Phillipsburg, died Aug. 30,2020. Graveside services wereheld Sept. 3 by Father GeorgeChalbhagam at Fairview Ceme-tery, Phillipsburg.

Elsie Irene Anne Schurle,newborn, of Manhattan, diedOct. 3, 2020. Graveside serviceswere held Oct. 9 by FatherFrank Coady at Sunrise Ceme-tery, Manhattan.

Rita M. (Dandurand) Sorell,88, of Concordia, died Oct. 4,2020. Funeral Mass was cele-brated Oct. 8 by Father DavidMetz at Our Lady of PerpetualHelp Church in Concordia. Bur-ial was in St. Concordia Ceme-tery, Concordia.

Mary Rose Wiltzius, 94, ofClifton, died Sept. 9, 2020.Funeral Mass was celebratedSept. 14 by Father Steven Heinaat St. Mary Church in Clifton.Burial was in St. Mary Cemetery,Clifton.

Don R. Younger, 71, of Ellis,died Oct. 1, 2020. Funeral Masswas celebrated Oct. 7 by FatherDana Clark at St. Mary Churchin Ellis. Burial was in the churchcemetery.


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IN CHAPTER 12 OF THEBook of Revelation, we wit-ness this startling scene. Adragon (the Devil) wants todevour a woman (theBlessed Mother). Thewoman escapes. A warbreaks out in heavenbetween St. Michael and hisangels against the dragonand his angels. The dragonand his angels are throwndown to earth. Once again,the dragon tries to destroythe woman. The womanescapes again. The Devil isso angry with the womanthat he “went off to wagewar against the rest of heroffspring, those who keepGod’s commandments andbear witness to Jesus.”

This scene may frightenus. This huge dragon iswaging war against you andme because we keep God’scommandments and bearwitness to Jesus. What isour response? St. GerardMajella, the patron saint ofexpectant mothers, said:“Who except God can giveyou peace? Has the worldever been able to satisfy theheart?”

God alone gives us thatpeace that the world cannotgive. He will never leave usas abandoned orphans.During Advent, we sing:

“O Come, O ComeEmmanuel / and ransomcaptive Israel / that mournsin lonely exile here / untilthe Son of God appears.”

Israel, the chosen peopleof God, are held for ransomin their exile far from theirhomes. It was their choice

to turn away from God andled to their exile. They arehungry, sometimes torturedand longing to return home.They desire that their deliv-erance might come, so theycry out for the son of God toappear.

We, too, feel the weightof being in exile — not in aphysical sense but in a spir-itual way. We feel trappedby our sins and failures; wefeel guilt over our badchoices time and timeagain; we feel a sense ofhopelessness over lovedones who have gone astray;we mourn over the prob-lems and dysfunctions ofour country and our lead-ers; we can feel over-whelmed by the evil in ourworld; and yes, we can feardeath.

BUT THE GOOD NEWS ISthat Emmanuel (God withus) has appeared and hasentered humanity and hasgone right to the core of sinand death to defeat it. “OCome, O Come Emmanuel!”St. Jose Marie Escrivareminds us: “He did not sayyou would not be troubled,you would not be tempted,and you would not be dis-tressed. But Jesus did saythat you would not be over-come.” Jesus has come to

give us hope. As St. JohnPaul II tells us, “We are notthe sum of our weaknessesand failures, we are the sumof the Father's love for usand our real capacity tobecome the image of his sonJesus.”

During this season ofAdvent, I encourage you tomeditate on and pray forthe virtue of hope. Hope isthe theological virtue bywhich we desire and expectfrom God both eternal lifeand the grace we need toattain it. In the preface ofthe Roman Missal for afuneral Mass, these wordsfill us with hope, “Lord, foryour faithful people, life ischanged, not ended” upondeath.

This year has been a diffi-cult one. The pandemicmixed with the politicalscene was a double wham-my on the psyche of manypeople. And yet, the great-est news is that God is com-ing to us. Advent is a timeto remember with hope thatSomeone is coming to uswho is greater than COVID,greater than any presidentor government. We are notsaved by a program or alofty idea, but a person —Jesus Christ!!! God is com-ing to save us. The cry ofthe Church is “Come, LordJesus!”

On the First Sunday ofAdvent, we begin anothernew church year. Again, wewill remember, celebrate,enter into and live God’sloving plan of salvation withChrist. May we spend theseholy days together inprayer, penance and hope,fixing our eyes on theappearance of Christ ourSavior and longing for hisdeliverance.


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Advent: A season of hopeBishopJerryVinckeSalina Diocese


By The Register

JUNCTION CITY — Inorder to allow maximumparticipation in the annualauction, St. Francis XavierSchool has moved it online.

The auction, X Fest2020: Be Part of the Mis-sion, will be held Nov. 29through Dec. 6 online athansenonlineauction.com.

“Our annual live auctionin the spring is a largefundraiser that supports theoperating costs of ourschool,” said Kristel Jahnke,with the office of recruit-ment and marketing.

An in-person auction wasimpractical because ofCOVID-19. The X Fest,which is a nod to theschool’s patron, St. FrancisXavier, coincides with thesaint’s Dec. 3 feast day.

“X Fest 2020 is a way tobring in needed revenuewhile also trying out anonline auction platform,”Jahnke said. “If we arepleased with the results fromthe upcoming virtual auc-tion, the school may include

an online element in ourannual spring auctions in thefuture. This would give usthe opportunity to includeour alumni and expand ourfundraising efforts beyondour local community.”

Featured auction itemsinclude a guided pheasanthunt; a Kansas City ChiefSuperbowl LIV commemora-tive football; a Bud Lightgrill; dinner for six withFather GnanasekarKulandai, HGN, and BishopJerry Vincke; a Budweisersmoker; a variety of giftcards from golf courses,restaurants and other busi-nesses; a handmade quilt;homemade desserts; andmore. Additionally, an“itemless item” will acceptdonations. The money raisedwill go towards playgroundequipment and develop-ment.

In previous years, theschool held a spring event,which is tentatively in theworks for 2021.

More information isavailable online at saintxrams.org.

Virtual auction to be held tobenefit Junction City school

By The Register

GREAT BEND —Among the 12jubilarians at the

Dominican Sisters of PeaceMotherhouse in Great Bendare two with ties to the Sali-na Diocese.

Sister Martina Stegmanand Sister Esther Fiegel,celebrating 70 years and 65years professed, respective-ly, were honored. The event,which was private becauseof COVID-19, included aMass with Father DonBedore and banquet.

70 YEARS PROFESSED

Sister Martina was anelementaryschool-teacher for20 years inKansas,Oklahoma,and Nebras-ka.

Sheworked inImmaculateHeart of

Mary parish in Hays in reli-gious education from 1977-81. She worked as the dioce-san religious education

coordinator in Salina 1981-86. She was at St. Nicholasof Myra Parish in Hays inpastoral services from 1995-2001.

Recently Sister Martinaretired to the Great Bendmotherhouse and serves assacristan and does environ-ment duties in the conventchapel.

65 YEARS PROFESSED

Sister Esther was also anelementaryschool-teacher. Shethen servedin parishministry atSt. BernardParish inEllsworthfrom 1982-86. Sheworked in

parish ministry at theSacred Heart Cathedral inSalina from1988-89 andserved as pastoral associateat Our Lady of GuadalupeParish in Goodland from1989-96.

Cards can be sent to theGreat Bend Motherhouse,3600 Broadway Ave., GreatBend, KS 67530.

Dominican Sisters in GreatBend celebrate Jubilees

Sister EstherFiegel

Sister MartinaStegman

By Julie AsherCatholic News Service

BLESSED MICHAEL J.McGivney was “an out-standing witness of Christ-ian solidarity and fraternalassistance” because of his“zeal” for proclaiming theGospel and his “generousconcern for his brothers andsisters,” Pope Francis saidin his apostolic letter ofbeatification of the founderof the Knights of Columbus.

Representing the pope,Cardinal Joseph Tobin ofNewark, N.J., read the letterin Latin during the Oct. 31Mass of beatification forFather McGivney at theCathedral of St. Joseph inHartford, Conn. Beatifica-tion is a step toward saint-hood.

In his homily, CardinalTobin elaborated on BlessedMcGivney’s attributes as aparish priest.

“Father McGivney’s life isan illustration of how a holypriest can provide that nec-essary and intimate connec-tion so crucial in the lifeand mission of a parish,”the cardinal said.

Blessed McGivney “knewthe simple, indispensablerequirement for a pastor: tolove his people. He was withthem in their sorrows, intimes of death and bereave-ment. He was sanctified bydoing what parish priestsstill do, day in and day out.”

His parish was not boundby names on his church’sregistration rolls, CardinalTobin said. “He was not astranger to jails and hospi-tals. He fostered respectfulrelationships with otherChristian churches and civilauthorities. He was abridge-builder who shunnedwalls.”

In Blessed McGivney, “wesee the face of a son ofimmigrants who gave hislife in pastoral service of

those most recently arrivedin this country,” he said.“We meet the eldest of 13children, who worked tokeep families united in dig-nity and security; we are inthe presence of an apostlewho cared for victims of anepidemic before he himselfdied of the disease.

“We praise God for (the)timeliness of this celebra-tion because 130 years afterhis death, the brief life ofthis holy man speaks elo-quently to our own path toholiness.”

Jesus asks “each one ofus to become a saint,” and“each one of us can certain-ly find encouragement inthe life of Father McGivney,but none more than those ofus who are called to becomesaints as parish priests,”Cardinal Tobin said.

The founding of theKnights of Columbus “grewout of his ministry as aparish priest,” he noted.And “long before hisexhausted body surrenderedto disease, he died daily tohis own desires,” the cardi-nal added, and “he laiddown his life for hisfriends.”

God is good for giving the

church Blessed McGivney“at this moment of our com-mon pilgrimage,” CardinalTobin said. “In a time ofsuffering and division, weglimpse his face among the‘cloud of witnesses’ thaturge us on. In BlessedMichael, we are remindedthat life is not transactional,but a gift to be shared.

“We appreciate that trueworship is centered on aright relationship with Godand others, particularlythose on the margin of soci-ety, and that Christian unityis more than simply adher-ence to a common belief,”the cardinal said. “Weaccept that like him, Godcalls each of us — in ourown day and our own way— to be vessels of mercyand so enter into our heav-enly inheritance.”

THE BEATIFICATION RITEcame shortly after thebeginning of the Mass. AfterCardinal Tobin read the ritein Latin, ArchbishopWilliam Lori of Baltimore,the Knights’ supreme chap-lain, read the English trans-lation of the letter. A gianttapestry of BlessedMcGivney’s portrait was

unveiled in the cathedralsanctuary.

Michael “Mikey”McGivney Schachle, togeth-er with his parents, Danieland Michelle, and several ofhis 12 brothers and sisters,carried a relic of BlessedMcGivney and presented itto Cardinal Tobin. The relicwas placed in the sanctuaryand censed.

Mikey, now 5, is the childwhose in utero healing froma life-threatening conditionthat, under most circum-stances, could have led toan abortion, was confirmedby Pope Francis; it wasannounced in May as a mir-acle that occurred throughFather McGivney’s interces-sion.

This miracle paved theway for the priest’s beatifi-cation. In general a secondmiracle is needed for canon-ization.

Before asking CardinalTobin that the beatificationproceed, Hartford Archbish-op Leonard Blair welcomedthose in attendance — andall watching from afar — to“the joyful celebration ofthe beatification.”

The number inside waslimited by COVID-19restrictions, and those inthe cathedral wore facemasks and practiced socialdistancing.

Thousands more, in theU.S. and around the world,participated by watchingthe EWTN broadcast of theMass or a livestream of it onwww.kofc.org.

Supreme Knight Carl A.Anderson read a brief biog-raphy of the Knights’founder, saying that byestablishing fraternal orderhe “presented to the Churcha paradigm” for an activeand engaged laity.

The priest embodied theorder’s core principles ofcharity, unity and fraternity,he said. His holiness direct-

ed him toward parish life,“not away from it,” and didnot separate him from oth-ers but “drew him to theirlives,” because he knew hispeople’s hardships first-hand, Anderson added.

Blessed McGivney (1852-1890), the son of Irishimmigrants, was born inWaterbury, Conn., and wasordained a priest in 1877 forwhat is now the Archdioceseof Hartford. As a parishpriest, he worked toimprove the condition of his19th-century Irish immi-grant community in Con-necticut.

In 1882, while he waspastor at St. Mary’s Parishin New Haven, Conn., hefounded the Knights ofColumbus to provide finan-cial support for widows andorphans and to keepCatholic men and their fam-ilies close to their faith at atime of widespread anti-Catholic bigotry.

He died of pneumoniacomplications at age 38 in1890, during an outbreak ofinfluenza known as theRussian flu in Thomaston,Conn. Some recent evi-dence, according to theKnights, indicates the out-break may have been theresult of a coronavirus.

The apostolic letter ofbeatification alsoannounced Aug. 13 as thefeast day for BlessedMcGivney — the daybetween Aug. 12, the day hewas born, and the date ofhis death, Aug. 14.

It will be observed annu-ally in the Hartford Arch-diocese. Votive Masses inhonor of Blessed McGivneyalso can be celebrated bypriests for Knights ofColumbus gatherings “withthe permission of the localbishop on any day when notsuperseded by anotherobservance on the liturgicalcalendar,” the letter said.


Blessed McGivney: Model parish priest with ‘zeal’ for Gospel, for serving faithful

CNS photo / courtesy Knights of ColumbusMichael “Mikey” McGivney Schachle, his parents, Daniel andMichelle, and several of his siblings stand with a relic during theOct. 31 beatification Mass of Blessed Michael McGivney, founderof the Knights of Columbus, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph inHartford, Conn. Daniel Schachle is holding a cross containing theMcGivney relic.



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Antonino First Communion

Courtesy photoYouth at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Antoninoreceived First Communion Sept. 26. Pictured with CapuchinFather Earl Befort is Finley John Lowry.

depleted, and she did notknow how she was going topay her bills or buy food.

Like thousands of otherfamilies across the diocese,Angie turned to CatholicCharities.

Angie said the large boxof food and a month’s worthof hygiene items (like tooth-paste, toilet paper, andsoap) from the mobile out-reach van in her communitywas a blessing to her family.She also found out thatCatholic Charities couldhelp with her utility bills.

IN ADDITION TO HELPINGwith basic household itemsand utility assistance, herfamily benefited from theCatholic Charities DisabilityAssistance Fund, which pro-vides financial support forpeople with mental andphysical disabilities.

“Thank you from the bot-tom of my heart. I haveworked extra hard to keep aroof over our head and foodon our table,” Angie said.“The fact that you are will-ing to help people in need issuch a blessing. Havinggood people help out makesa world of difference.”

The goal for the 2020appeal is $300,000, saidRobl.

“Your generosity is ananswer to the prayers ofstruggling families,” shesaid. “When you give toCatholic Charities, you arebringing hope to families insome of their darkestmoments. When you give tothe 2020 Catholic CharitiesAppeal, you are supportinga variety of life-changingprograms. Without the gen-erosity of people like you,none of this would be possi-ble.”

Donation envelopes forthe appeal are available atparishes throughout thediocese. Donations can alsobe made online atwww.ccnks.org.

Appeal assistsfamilies in

multiple waysFrom page 1

Go Make a Difference Day in Manhattan

Courtesy photoVolunteers in Manhattan gathered for the annual Go Make a Difference Day at St. Thomas More Parish on Oct. 31. Small groupswent out into the Manhattan community to do small projects for homeowners such as raking leaves, yard work and painting.

Our Lady of PerpetualHelp, pray for us!

we are called to be the lov-ing, caring face of God toone another to build andnourish the kingdom of Godon earth.

Like Isaiah, many of ushave lamented, “Lord, youhave hidden your face fromus.” But if God created usall in his image and like-ness, should we not seek theface of God among thosealready in our midst? Andbe the face of God to oth-ers?

“Rouse your power,”pleads the responsorialpsalm, “and come to saveus. ... Let us see your face,and we shall be saved” (Ps80:3-4).

That sounds like a call topay closer attention to whatalready is in our midst: theface of God, present in ourlives, serving us and callingus to serve one another.That suggests hope, if we letGod’s love — personified inChrist Jesus — shine fromus.

St. Paul expands on thatpromise in the second read-ing. “You were enriched inevery way, with all dis-course and all knowledge ...so that you are not lackingin any spiritual gift,” he tellsthe people of Corinth (1 Cor3:5-7).

Moreover, Paul remindshis listeners, “God is faith-ful, and by him you werecalled to fellowship with hisson, Jesus Christ our Lord”(1 Cor 3:9).

These are words of com-fort we need to hear inthese challenging times. Butwe also need Jesus’poignant reminder that wecannot wait for God to doall the work.

“Be alert!” says Jesus tohis disciples. “You do notknow when the time willcome. ... May he not comesuddenly and find yousleeping” (Mk 13:33-37).

If we desire the Lord inour lives, let us act accord-ingly — in this and in everynew year.

We must join God during AdventFrom page 1


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th e Reg ister...2020/11/27 · — to “straighten up and fly right,” in the words of an old Nat King Cole song. Or as Scripture frequently sug-gests, “Make straight (your)