The Celebration of the Christian Mystery1591The whole Church is a priestly people. Through Baptism all the faithful share in the priesthood of Christ. This participation is called the “common priesthood of the faithful.” Based on this common priesthood and ordered to its service, there exists another participation in the mission of Christ: the ministry conferred by the sacrament of Holy Orders, where the task is to serve in the name and in the person of Christ the Head in the midst of the community.

The Catechism in brief

The Mirr rVol. LIII, No. 12 DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD—CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI September 29, 2017

One Church, East to West: Loving Jesus, Serving Jesus, Sharing Jesus

The next issue of The Mirror will be Oct. 13, 2017.Experiencing delayed USPS delivery? Sign up to receive the diocesan newspaper via Email in digital format: Contact Angie Toben at (417) 866-0841, or Email: atoben@dioscg.org.

Inside this issue

LifeHouse’s Dinner for Lifepp. 6-7

Mass at SEMO CCMp. 12

The Catechism of the Catholic Church compiles the living tradition of the Catholic Church and divides it into four sections: What Catholics believe (the Creed), how the faith is transmit-ted (worship and sacraments), how Catholics are called to live (moral life), and prayer.

Bishop announces DiocesanYouth Endowment Fund

Springfield

As you may recall, a recent Capital Endowment Campaign was conducted in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau

to meet the impending needs of three areas of concern: to augment existing endowments for seminarian education and retired priests, and to establish an endowment for youth formation. The people of the Church in South-ern Missouri responded generously and the Capital Campaign realized pledges and cash gifts in the amount of $23,319,000, surpassing its original goal of $15 million.

Bishop Edward Rice is proud to announce the establishment of the Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund, which has been instituted from part of the investment interest accrued from that third prong of the Diocesan Capital Endowment Campaign. The purpose

of this fund is to support the on going and projected programs for adolescents and youth undertaken by the diocese in order to enable them to deepen their relationship with God, learn about themselves, and discover what it means to be a Catholic Christian.

“With great gratitude to our Heav-enly Father for the generous gifts of his people, we have officially formed the Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund,” said Lynn Melendez, diocesan Director of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation.

“Over the past two months, we have been meeting with youth leaders and listening to the joys and struggles of youth ministry within our diocese,” Melendez said.

“The new Diocesan Youth Endow-ment Fund will provide financial sup-port for many of the existing ministry

See Youth Endowment / 10

The window of the young

Christ has confidence in young people and entrusts them with the very future of his mission, “Go and make disciples.”

Our generation will show that it can rise to the promise found in each young person when it knows how to give them space.

This means that we have to:

• Create the material and spiritual conditions for their full development;

• Give them a solid basis on which to build their lives;

• Guarantee their safety and their education to be every-thing they can be;

• Pass on to them lasting values that make life worth living;

• Give them a transcendent horizon for their thirst for authentic happiness and their creativity for the good;

• Give them the legacy of a world worthy of human life;

• Awaken in them their great-est potential as builders of their own destiny, sharing responsibility for the future of everyone.

If we can do all this, we an-ticipate today the future that enters the world through the window of the young.

—Pope Francis, July 22, 2013

YOUTH DIRECTOR—Tonya Gott, youth director at St. John Parish, Leopold, and her husband, Patrick, and their children are pictured with Bp. Edward M. Rice. Bishop Rice just announced the foundation of the Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund, which is instituted as a result of the recent Capital Endowment Campaign. The purpose of the fund is to support the on going and projected programs for adolescents and youth in order to enable them to deepen their relationship with God and enrich their understanding of being Catholic Christians. (The Mirror)

2 The Mirror September 29, 2017

COME, AND YOU WILL SEEBp. Edward M. Rice

US Catholic Church: #sharejourney

I am currently reading A Pope and A President by Paul Kengor, a gift from Msgr. Edward Eftink, a retired priest of the diocese. It is

a fascinating chronicle of President Reagan, Pope St. John Paul II, and of all things, the message of Fatima. It is a great read for history buffs.

Early on in the book is the quote, “War has forcibly separated husbands and wives, parents and children … It has caused the great-est and most tragic migration of peoples in all history. It has created a vast multitude of exiles, deluded, disheartened, desolate … In these homeless masses is the yeast for revo-lution and disorder.”

That quote is not in reference to the immigrant and refugee situation today. It is a quote from Pope Pius

XII, referring to the so-called “Dis-placed Person,” or “DPs—an estimat-ed 1.5 million people left homeless in Central and Eastern Europe as a result of the war [World War II].”

Today, we face a similar situa-tion with refugees displaced by war, famine, or terrorist ideologies.

Share the JourneyOn Sept. 27, Pope Francis asked

us to join him in the “Share the Journey” campaign to highlight the plight of those around the world who have been driven from their homes. He asks us to love our neighbor and travel with them as they seek the lives of dignity and fulfillment that God intends for us all. The Holy Father launched the campaign on Sept. 27 with a symbolic gesture of

reaching out to those forced from their homes.

This appeal is aimed at the Catholic Church worldwide, its message is carried in this country by three agencies who work on behalf of the displaced both here and abroad—the US Conference of Catholic Bish-ops (USCCB), Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). As Pope Francis invites oth-ers to join him on this journey, the Catholic Church invites all those who share our concern to join us in this campaign.

For too many in America and around the world, migrants and refugees are seen as threatening—tak-ing jobs, bringing crime, fomenting violence, even terror. But statistics show this is not the case. Very,

COLUMNS

Steadfastly live your promises made to God

For many parents, the birth and arrival of a child is a very exciting and sacred mo-ment. Catholic parents not

only look forward to the “earthly” birth of their child, but also the child’s “spiritual” birth in the Sac-rament of Baptism.

Catholic parents have a very serious moral and spiritual obliga-tion to have their child baptized as soon as possible after birth. This is one of the promises they made to God in the Sacrament of Matrimony. Many priests find it very confusing and disheartening when parents who have deliber-ately chosen to marry outside the Church and rarely, if ever, do they attend Mass, approach us request-ing to have their child baptized. It is important for parents to truly understand the vows and promises they will be making in the celebra-tion of their child’s baptism.

How can parents “pass on the Faith” to their children when they aren’t practicing it and living it themselves?

To assist parents in their du-ties and obligations as Christian parents, the Church asks that godparents be chosen who will help the child in his/her spiri-tual formation and growth in the Catholic Faith. It is the hope, de-sire, and intention of the Church that the godparents be more than just “symbolic” or “honor-ary.” Godparents are to play an important role and active part in the spiritual and sacramental life

of their godchild. It is the tradi-tional practice and preference of the Church that a child have both a godfather and a godmother. If this is not possible, then only one would suffice. One cannot have two people of the same gender serve as godparents.

GodparentsWho can serve as a “godpar-

ent?” Canon Law (#874) notes that a godparent must be a practicing Catholic, be living the Faith, and his/her life is in harmony with the Gospel, be at least 16 years of age, and have received the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Confir-mation, thus being fully initiated into the Church. Parents cannot serve as baptismal sponsors for their own children. It is assumed that if a godparent is married, he/she is validly married in the Church. A person who is baptized Catholic and has fallen away from the practice of the Faith or has formally left the Church to join another Christian denomination or non-Christian religion cannot serve as a godparent due to the nature of the promises and vows made by parents and godparents in

the celebration of baptism.The practice has been intro-

duced in the Church of choosing a “Christian Witness” who would encourage and support the child in his/her growth and development as a Christian. A Christian Wit-ness is a person who is not of the Catholic Faith, but who has been validly baptized as a Christian and

who is living a faith-filled life in harmony with the Gospel. This person can certainly serve as a role model and example for the child in living a Christian life. A Chris-tian Witness is not an alternate “substitute” or replacement for a godparent. Again, the preference of the Church is to have both a godfather and godmother who are practicing Catholics.

As we reflect upon the Sacra-ment of Baptism and the role and responsibilities of parents and godparents, it is a perfect oppor-tunity for us to consider how well we live the promises and commit-ments we make to God, particu-larly in the sacraments. Do we take seriously the words we speak? Do these words come merely from our lips, or do they truly come from our hearts as well? Words have meaning and purpose, especially when they take on the form of a promise. In baptism, we each receive the name of “Christian,” a name which binds us and brings us together here on earth and one day will bring us together in heaven. How well do we live up to that name which is “above all names”?

God is always faithful in the promises He makes to us. May we always be faithful in the promises we make to Him! ©TM

In addition to his position as diocesan Director of Worship, Fr. Dohogne serves as pastor of St. Henry Parish, Charleston, and St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sikeston.

BAPTISM—As we reflect upon the Sacrament of Baptism, it is a per-fect opportunity to consider how well we live the promises and com-mitments we make to God, par-ticularly in the sacraments. Do we take seriously the words we speak? Words have meaning and purpose, especially when they take on the form of a promise. (Thinkstock)

LIVING THE LITURGYFr. David J. Dohogne

very few people want to leave their homes. They are leaving because they are desperate. They might be fleeing a natural disaster—drought or flood-ing (as we saw here with Hurricanes Harvey or Irma). They might be flee-ing violence—whether from gangs re-cruiting their children or from bombs dropped from the sky. They are often escaping from the very same terror-ists who would do us harm.

What they deserve is not suspi-cion or fear but, as our faith requires, compassion and respect. We are not saying that all borders should be open or that immigrants should not be vetted. But we are saying that our attitudes and policies should be based on the fundamentals of our

See #sharejourney / 3

September 29, 2017 The Mirror 3

Public calendarWed., Oct. 4 Mass marking the Feast of11 a.m. St. Francis, Saint Francis

Medical Center, Cape Girardeau;

Thu., Oct. 5 Alumni Day at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis

Fri., Oct. 6 Board Meeting of the Missouri Catholic Conference, Jefferson City, MO

Sat., Oct. 7 Missouri Catholic Conference 50th Annual Assembly, Jefferson City

Sun., Oct. 8 Sacrament of10:30 a.m. Confirmation, Sacred

Heart Parish, Mountain Grove, MO;

Knights of Columbus Religious Appreciation Dinner, Guardian Angel Parish, Oran, MO

Mon., Oct. 9 Missouri Bishops and Religious Superiors meeting, St. Louis

Tue., Oct. 10- Seminary visit and Rite ofWed., Oct. 11 Acolyte, seminarian Alex

Sutachan, Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners, WI

Thu., Oct. 12 Board of Trustees meeting, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis;

Fri., Oct. 13 All-school Mass, Notre10:15 a.m. Dame Regional High

School, Cape Girardeau;12:30 p.m. Fatima rosary, Saint

Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau;

6:30 p.m. Closing of the 100th Anniversary of Fatima rosary and Mass, St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau

Sat., Oct. 14 Keynote/Catechist Institute, Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield;6:30 p.m. Sacrament of

Confirmation, St. Mary Parish, Seneca, MO

Sun., Oct. 15 Boy Scout Troop from St. Louis, St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield;

5 p.m. Mass for all Healthcare Workers, St. Agnes Cathedral

October prayer intention: October is Respect Life MonthAs we celebrate the Feast of St. Luke, Patron of Physicians (Oct. 18), we ask all Catholic physicians and others who work in health care, to uphold the sanctity of life and the dig-nity of the human person. Let each of us do our part in build-ing a Culture of Life.

COLUMN

Millions of people forced to flee by emergencies can live an entire generation as a refugee: the current average number of years people spend as refugees is 20.

faith—on loving our neighbor, wher-ever she lives, and treating him as we would want to be treated ourselves.

These neighbors don’t always look like us, pray like us, dress like us, talk like us, or even live near us, but each one deserves a chance to flourish in this life.

This attitude toward refugees is fully in keeping with our faith tradition. The Old Testament often refers to the need to be hospitable to those fleeing foreign lands. And in Mat-thew 25, Jesus explicitly tells us to “welcome the stranger,” letting us know that whatever we do to the “least among us” we do for him.

The need is par-ticularly acute now as over 65 million people are displaced globally—the highest level since World War II. Pope Francis has recognized their plight since the beginning of his papacy when he visited the Italian island of Lampedusa where many land on their way from Africa and the Middle East trying to reach Europe. As he has said, there is currently a great need for a “spirit of readiness to welcome those fleeing from wars and hunger, and solidarity with those deprived of their fundamental rights, includ-ing the right to profess one’s faith in freedom and safety.”

Week of prayer & actionPope Francis envisions this cam-

paign as both spiritual and practical, personal and political. He asks us to pray and reflect on this issue with

Oct. 7 to 13 designated as a Week of Prayer and Action. He asks to seek out migrants and refugees in our neighborhoods, towns, and cities, to encounter their lives, to hear their stories. And he asks us to help ensure that our government meets its obliga-tion to protect those who are suffer-

ing, wherever they are in our world. (DACA, border wall, immigration reform, travel ban, refugee limits).

The US is a wealthy nation, blessed with resources, and it is im-perative that we show the international community our moral leadership on this issue, helping to prove that God is bountiful, that he has given us the means necessary to meet the needs of those in peril and in poverty, both here and abroad.

America has long welcomed the migrant. Throughout history, our country has been seen as a safe haven from those flee-ing violence, persecution, and poverty. And the Cath-olic Church in the US has been filled with migrants

from around the world—from Poland and Italy and Ireland and Mexico and Guatemala. In joining Pope Francis in the “Share the Journey” campaign, we ensure that these traditions con-tinue, nourishing our response to a worldwide humanitarian crisis. For resources and more information, visit sharejourney.org.

Closing the 100th Anniversary of Fatima

As we approach the 100th an-niversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, His Eminence,

Donald Cardinal Wuerl, will preside over the Consecration of the United States of America to Our Lady of Fati-ma’s Immaculate Heart. The Mass, on Friday evening, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. (ET) will be broadcast live on EWTN to 140 nations! I will celebrate the closing of the 100th Anniversary Oct. 13 in three locations: at 10:15 a.m., there is an all-school Mass in Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau; I will lead the rosary in Saint Francis Medical Center at 12:30 p.m.; another rosary at 6:30 p.m. in St. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau, followed by Mass at 7 p.m.

A diocesan prayer card for the 100th Anniversary of the Miracles at Fatima has been created for each par-ish and school. The prayer card holds the image of Our Lady of Fatima along with a prayer of consecration so that each of us may be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Please do not let this opportunity pass. Last year the Diocese was able to be consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as part of our 60th anniversary celebration. What a beautiful oppor-tunity we now have to be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady of Fatima. ©TM

From Page 3

PRISON LITURGY—Bishop Edward M. Rice had Mass on Aug. 24 with the men in Southeast Correctional Cen-ter in Charleston, MO. Father Bobby Manso of Cape Girardeau serves the community as its Catholic Chaplain. (The Mirror/courtesy SE Correctional Center)

Mass held in Southeast Correctional Center

4 The Mirror September 29, 2017

The Mirror: Newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau USPS Publication 117-330 Publisher: The Most Rev. Edward Rice Editor: Leslie A. EidsonProduction: Glenn Eckl Circulation/Advertising: Angie Toben, atoben@dioscg.org

Published every other week except the last week in December at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. Address all communications to 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143; Telephone (417) 866-0841; FAX (417) 866-1140; Email atoben@dioscg.org

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. When giving change of address, state both old and new address, also old and new parish.Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, MO, and additional mailing offices. Vol. LIII No. 12 September 29, 2017 Single copy price, $0.50 Subscription: $14 per year.

Digital subscriptions available as an option to USPS delivery with paid subscription. For more information, contact atoben@dioscg.org.Copyright © 2016, The Mirror, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: www.dioscg.org

“Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau” @DioSCG

DIOCESAN NEWS

Book for Advent & Christmas by local author

Retired Fr. Mark G. Boyer has authored a new book of reflections for Advent and Christmas titled Names for Jesus (Wipf and Stock, 2017). The work explores 50 names given to Jesus

in the Bible using a short Scripture text, reflection, meditation question, and prayer. All 54 titles written by Fr. Boyer are available at DeSales Catholic Bookstore, 210-J W. Sunshine, Springfield, MO, (417) 831-4630, or from your favorite book retailer. For more information, visit wipfandstock.com. Bulk orders receive a discount.

Fr. Boyer

Cape Girardeau, MO

Maryann Reese was installed as Presi-dent and CEO of Saint Francis

Healthcare System (SFHS) on Sept. 20 by The Most Rev. Ed-ward M. Rice in the St. Fran-cis Conference Center. Reese, RN, MHA, DHA, FACHE, has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operat-ing Officer at Saint Francis since August 2015.

Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, retired Sept. 1 as President and Chief Execu-tive Officer of Saint Francis Healthcare System. He had led Saint Francis since 1999.

“Today, we pause to install Maryann Reese in this liturgy, a ceremony which is designed to help her,” said

Bp. Edward M. Rice during the Installation Mass, “as well as all of the Saint Francis family, to recall what it is we do and why we are called to do it.”

“As people of God, we are called to a profound love of God and love of our neighbors,” Bp. Rice said.

“Mary Ann, it is your responsibility to create a ‘culture of encounter’ here at Saint Francis Medical Cen-ter,” Bp. Edward Rice said. “When someone comes to the front desk for informa-tion or stops at the Café for a snack or is on the floors vis-iting a patient, everyone here from surgeons to sanitation, must be doing their part to create an encounter with Jesus.”

“Now, I ask you, and all

of this Saint Francis Family: Will you value the gift of life, seeing each person as made in the image of God, and care for each with respect, dignity, and compassion?”

All present responded, “We will.”

Reese came to Saint Francis Healthcare System from St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, IL, where she served as Chief Executive Officer since 2011. She has more than 15 years in execu-tive leadership for a variety of hospitals and healthcare systems. Most of her career has been spent with Catho-lic hospitals, giving her a unique perspective for this ministry. Beyond her experi-ence in Catholic healthcare, Reese served in several lead-ership roles at the Hospital Corporation of America, the largest for-profit national health system in the country.

At St. Elizabeth’s, she oversaw a 350-bed facility that is part of the Hospi-tal Sisters Health System, a $2 billion Catholic health system based in Springfield, IL, with 14 locations in two states.

Symbols of leadershipBishop Rice presented

Reese with symbols of her leadership within the Catho-lic healthcare system: a San Damiano crucifix, a copy

New CEO installed for Saint Francis Healthcare System

PRESIDENT & CEO—Bishop Edward M. Rice, Maryann Reese, new President and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare System, and Nick Lund-Molfese, diocesan Director of Social Ministry, Family Life, Health Affairs, and Respect Life. (The Mirror)

Married couples:Get re-acquainted at Marriage Encounter

HUSBANDSThere was a time when you would have put aside

ANYTHING for a weekend alone with your wife. It’s time for you to get away, to rediscover each other, and supercharge

your relationship for an entire weekend. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is

Nov. 12-14, 2017For more information or to apply, please visit our Website:

www.wwme4youandme.orgor call Tony & Barb Zimmerman, (816) 741-4066

or Email tonybarbz@prodigy.net

Worldwide Marriage Encounter—Kansas City-St. Joseph/Northeast Kansas/Springfield & Branson

“Love One Another as I Have Loved You!”

of the crucifix that spoke to Francis at the beginning of his conversion, “Symbolizing the love and compassion you will use in leading this insti-tution to quality and excel-lence,” Bp. Rice said. Other items included a copy of the Mission and Franciscan values, based on the beliefs of St. Francis and the sisters who founded the hospital; articles and bylaws of the system; a clock, and a lighted candle.

Reese holds a doctorate in healthcare administra-tion from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree in healthcare administra-tion from the University of

Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts in healthcare admin-istration from Graceland University. She is a registered nurse by training. ©TM

Saint Francis Medical Center is a 308-bed facility serving more than 713,000 people throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Guided by its mission to pro-vide a ministry of healing and wellness inspired by its Christian philosophy and

values, the Medical Center has become a progressive, in-novative regional tertiary care referral

center. The major service lines of Saint Francis have received national recogni-tion, and include the Neurosciences Institute; Orthopedic Institute; Family BirthPlace, featuring the region’s first Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Heart Hospital; Emergency and Level III Trauma Center; Cancer Institute; and Fitness Plus.

September 29, 2017 The Mirror 5ANNOUNCEMENTS

AnnouncementsParishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events

to be printed in the Announcements. They will be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.

Belleville, IL—The Victorious Missionar-ies will host a Fall Retreat, “Extraordinary Lives: Finding God and Our Purpose in Ordinary Life,” from 6 p.m., Fri., Oct. 20 through lunch on Sun., Oct 22, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Guild Center. Steve Givens, spiri-tual director, speaker, and author on issues of faith and spirituality, will lead the retreat. Cost: $175 (includes six meals, lodging, snacks, and handouts). For more information, or to register, call the VM National Office, (618) 394-6281. A printable registration form is available Online at www.vmusa.org.

Branson—Our Lady of the Lake Parish will hold their annual Arts and Crafts Festival, Fri., Oct. 13-Sun., Oct. 15, at the Parish Center across the street from the church. The three-day festival will include handcrafted items, including jewelry, artwork, and woodwork items, just to name a few. There are still seven booths available for rent ($50). Vendor information and exhibitor applications are available Online at www.OLL-Branson.com, or by contacting the church office, (417) 334-2928. For additional information, contact Janet Bostnick at (417) 230-6060, or Joyce Arnold, (417) 334-2928, ext. 103, or OLLBranson@suddenlink.com.

Cape Girardeau—Saint Padre Pio Emerging Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will meet at Saint Francis Medical Center, Sat., Oct. 14. Prayer in the chapel at 8:30 a.m., followed by fraternity meeting in the St. Agatha Conference Room. Learn how you can live in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi: “Gospel to Life, Life to Gos-pel.” For more information, contact Shawn Asmus, OFS, (573) 204-7688, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/padrepiocape/.

Chaffee—St. Ambrose Catholic School will host its second annual Alumni Volleyball Game at the school on Sat., Oct. 14, 5 p.m. Admission is donation for AED units for the church and school. For more information, call the school at (573) 887-6711.

Chaffee—St. Ambrose Parish will host its 28th Annual Dinner Auction, Oct. 28, Chaffee VFW Hall in Chaffee. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the silent auction; dinner, 6 p.m.; live auction, 7 p.m. Tickets: $25/person and may be purchased by contacting Amanda Proctor, (573) 270-7765.

Forsyth—Our Lady of the Ozarks Parish will hold its Fall Rummage and Bake Sale, Thu., Oct. 26, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 27, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sat., Oct. 28, 8 a.m.-noon. Some items for sale will be furniture, housewares, collectibles, jewelry, clothing, books, artwork, and homemade baked goods. Proceeds benefit the parish as well as several charities in the community. For more information, call the church office, (417) 546-5208.

Kimberling City—Our Lady of the Cove Parish will host a Fall Garage Sale, Fri., Oct. 13, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and Sat., Oct. 14, 8 a.m.-noon.

There will be clothing, furniture, appliances, and much more for sale. For more information, call the church office at (417) 739-4700.

Leopold—The Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW), will host its annual Mission Sunday Breakfast and Bake Sale, Sun., Oct. 22, at the KC Hall, 7:30-10:30 a.m. Cost: adults: $7; children (ages six-12): $5; children (under age six): free. All proceeds benefit the missions. For more information, contact Geri, (573) 208-6445.

Oran—Guardian Angel Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW), will host a sausage, ham breakfast, Sun., Oct. 22, 8 a.m.-noon, in the school gym. Menu includes scrambled or fried eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy. Cost: $7; children (ages six-12): $3; children (age five and under): free. All proceeds will support the mis-sion work for the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. For more information, contact the school office, (573) 262-3583.

Springfield—The Secular Franciscan group will meet, Sat., Oct. 28, beginning with lunch at noon (optional), then at 1 p.m. in the day chapel at Holy Trinity Parish. Contact for new inquirers is Steve Moncher, stevemoncher@gmail.com, or call (417) 861-2109.

Springfield—Contemplative Outreach of Springfield will host a Silent Saturday, Oct. 7, Christ Episcopal Church. Registration: 8:30 a.m.; prayer, 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, contact Mary Ellison at maryellison@sbcglobal.net/&44-7318.

Springfield—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Par-ish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW) will host a bazaar, Sat., Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., in the old gym. There will be many returning vendors as well as new ones. Food items and our famous baked bread will be available for purchase. For additional information, contact An-nie Freelove, (417) 864-5518, or Linda Zimmer, (417) 225-8615.

Springfield—Gamblers Anonymous, meets in the conference room at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, each Monday, 7-8 p.m.; and Thursday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., in the youth room. This is a proven 12-step program. For more information, call, (417) 894-7959.

Springfield—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish will celebrate its annual Mass honoring all children who have died, Wed., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., in the church. Come and celebrate this special liturgy. A reception will follow Mass in SEAS Café.

Springfield—St. Agnes Parish will hold its Fall Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. A variety of booths will include Norwex products, greeting cards, pottery, pet treats, LulLaRoe clothing, jewelry, bake sale, and more. Cinnamon rolls will be available for pur-chase Sat. morning. There is still space available. If you would like to rent a booth, contact Judy, (641) 751-6632.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ScheduleSafe environment in-service opportunities will be held at the following locations:Sun., Oct. 8 12:30-3:30 p.m.. . . . . . . . Holy Trinity, SpringfieldWed., Oct. 11 6:30-9:30 p.m.. . . . . . . . . St. Peter, JoplinSat., Oct. 14 1:30-4:30 p.m.. . . . . . . . . Holy Trinity, SpringfieldMon., Oct. 16 6-9 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Vincent de Paul, Cape Girardeau Mon., Oct. 23 5-8 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Mary, Pierce City Sat., Oct. 21 9 a.m.-12-noon . . . . . . . . St. Susanne, Mount VernonSat., Nov. 4 9 a.m.-12-noon . . . . . . . . St. Joseph the Worker, OzarkMon., Nov. 6 6-9 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Our Lady of the Lake, BransonMon., Nov. 6 6-9 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Mary, Cape GirardeauPre-registration is necessary; go to www.virtus.org and click on “registration” on the left or call your parish/school office for assistance; or call Rosie Francka at The Catholic Center, (417) 866-0841; or Email her at rfrancka@dioscg.org. Participants must be present for the entire training. Training sessions are for adults only. Schedules may be found on the diocesan events calendar at www.dioscg.org, or at www.virtus.org.

Cursillo promotes Catholics growing in holiness and personal spiritual development. The focus is on individuals becoming effective Christian leaders and taking what they have learned back into their home, work, and community.

Attention all Cursillistas and those interested in attending a Cursillo weekend! There is a woman’s weekend coming up on Nov. 9-12 and a men’s weekend on Nov. 30-Dec. 3 being held at Pinecrest Camp and Conference Center near Fredricktown, MO. If you are interested, the applications, sponsor forms, and more information about Cursillo in Southern Missouri is available at http://dioscg.org/index.php/cursillo2/.

For more information please contact Sharon Essner at smessner735@sbcglobal.net, (573) 334-0373 or Jacque Markusic at jpmarkusic@me.com, (417) 496-8288.

Hello St. Maria Goretti Guild Girls and new prospective members. Our

first and introductory meeting for the school year is:

Wed., Oct. 4, 2017, 7-9 p.m.St. Joseph the Worker Church, Ozark

(in the church basement)

You and your moms are invited to attend and

see if this guild of Catholic High School girls

devoted to living pure, Spirit-filled, joy-filled,

and mercy-filled lives is a good fit for YOU!

We meet during the school year on the first

Wednesday of each month.

From our own girls you’ll hear: WHO we are

… WHY we meet … WHEN we meet …

WHO our patroness is and why

New members, we’re looking forward to

getting to know you and the gifts you bring to share for our growth in

holiness, for the good of others, and for the glory of the Lord!

If you have any like-minded Catholic friends, invite them and their

moms to join us! For more information, please call, (417) 225-2228.

Many blessings,

JoAnn Heath, Jill Sisney, and LuAnn Shinault

St. Maria Goretti

6 The Mirror September 29, 2017DIOCESAN NEWS

Springfield

Over 300 caring individuals gathered at the White River Conference Center in Spring-field on Sept. 15 to express

their support for homeless, pregnant women who choose life for their ba-bies. Dinner for Life is the annual fun-draiser in support of LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home, a program of Catho-

lic Charities of Southern Missouri.Guests for the 2017 event en-

joyed special visitors from the Won-ders of Wildlife museum, soft jazz from the guitar of Mark Ellman, a silent auction, a “photo op” with a likeness of Pope Francis, delicious food, and an exciting live auction. The “Dessert Dash” is always an audience favorite as “dashers” run to claim the fanciest and most delicious desserts from among those donated by area restaurants and bakeries.

Bishop Edward Rice opened the

special evening with remarks and prayer.

“Before I begin, I would like to thank Maura Taylor, executive direc-tor of Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, and the entire staff for their good work they do on behalf of each one of us,” Bp. Rice said. “We have an estimated 67,000 Catholics in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Therefore, we should have 67,000 sup-porters of the work of Catholic Chari-ties Southern Missouri.”

“While so many of our parishes

do have St. Vincent de Paul Societies and partner with other denominations with various food pantries, Catholic Charities is able to respond to those suffering from natural disasters, or reach out to the homeless vet, or in the case with LifeHouse, reach out with an entire future, forever changing the lives of a mother and her child,” Bp. Rice said. “I also issue a special thanks tonight to those of other de-nominations who support this pro-life cause. We are grateful for your support, and so we pray …

“Lord, bless the work of Catholic Charities throughout Southern Missouri.

Bless the work of LifeHouse in offer-ing a safe haven for the unwed mother.

Bless those who volunteer and staff this program, and especially those here

Dinner for Life raises crucial funding for LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home

DONOR SUPPORT—Tom and Susy Barr of Springfield greet-ed other LifeHouse supporters on Sept. 15 in the White River Conference Center before the start of the 2017 Dinner for Life. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

DINNER FOR LIFE—Over 300 gathered in the White River Conference Center in Springfield on Sept. 15 for the annual Din-ner for Life benefitting LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home. Pictured is the silent auction table. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

GUITARIST—Mark Ellman afforded 2017 Dinner for Life attendees soft jazz music in the White River Confer-ence Center, Springfield, on Sept. 15. (Photo by Jeffrey Sweet)

KEYNOTE & DIRECTOR—Cassie Manning hugged LifeHouse Director Michele Marsh. Manning is a gradu-ate of the programming at LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home and keynot-ed the 2017 Dinner for Life Sept. 15. (Photo by Jeffrey Sweet)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR—Maura Taylor, executive director of Catho-lic Charities of Southern Missouri, smiled as Bp. Rice thanked the staff of Catholic Charities and LifeHouse for its efforts toward women and their children within our communities. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

TWO BISHOPS & POPE—Bishop Edward M. Rice and Bp.-Emeritus John J. Leibrecht posed for a fun photo with a cut out of Pope Fran-cis during the 2017 Dinner for Life benefitting LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home on Sept. 15. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

September 29, 2017 The Mirror 7DIOCESAN NEWS

Dinner for Life raises crucial funding for LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Hometonight participating in this Dinner for Life.

“We ask you to touch the hearts of those in the abortion industry. Help us to do our part to create a “cul-ture of life” and build up your kingdom. Amen.”

Personal success storyThe highlight of Din-

ner for Life was a short video about the LifeHouse program followed by remarks from a LifeHouse graduate, Cassie Manning. Manning’s journey took her from substance abuse and homelessness to the delivery of a healthy baby (a beauti-

ful, red-headed boy), permanent housing, a stable job, and begin-ning college classes. Manning is determined to “give back,” and her new life reflects that goal: Her full-time job involves working with individuals with develop-mental disabili-ties, and her col-lege classes are focused in order that Manning become a social worker.

Manning credits LifeHouse with turning her life around.

“At the time (I entered LifeHouse), I was lost and confused, and had been sometimes living on the streets and didn’t really know where to turn,” Man-ning told Dinner for Life participants. After moving into LifeHouse, Manning was surprised, saying, “I was becoming a different person, one that I had never seen before. I didn’t even know that the things I was doing were possible.”

Manning stays in-volved through the After

Care program at LifeHouse.“I always smile when I enter the

drive outside LifeHouse because this place is a part of my heart now,” Man-ning said. “I just want to say thank you to everybody at Catholic Chari-ties, and at LifeHouse—the work that you do here really changes lives. It has changed mine, and I am forever grate-ful and thankful. I just thank God ev-eryday for my life, and for the people that he puts into my life.”

“I am grateful and humbled by the immense generosity of so many people,” Michele March, Director of LifeHouse told The Mirror. “We netted

over $180,000! These funds are so criti-cal. LifeHouse wouldn’t exist without the support of these compassionate donors.” ©TM

Since opening on December 27, 2013, LifeHouse has housed 83 women, and 49 babies have been born. LifeHouse provides homeless, pregnant women with a safe place to call home, clothing, and nutritious meals, as well as comprehen-sive services to help them obtain prenatal care, an education, a job, and permanent housing. While at LifeHouse, the residents also receive counseling and take classes in parenting, relationships, money manage-ment, and other life skills. The women can stay for up to one year after delivery as they work toward self-sufficiency. The After Care Program then provides support for an additional two years to ensure long-term stability.

I just thank God everyday for my life, and for the people that he puts into my life. —Cassie Manning

DONOR SUPPORT—Tom and Susy Barr of Springfield greet-ed other LifeHouse supporters on Sept. 15 in the White River Conference Center before the start of the 2017 Dinner for Life. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

AUCTIONEER—Royce Burke brought a laugh to Catholic Charities board mem-ber Bill Hennessey Sept. 15 as he launched the live auction during the 2017 Dinner for Life benefitting LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

PRAYER—Over 300 people bowed their heads in prayer in thanksgiving for God’s blessings on LifeHouse and the work of Catholic Charities in its efforts to reach out to homeless, pregnant women and their babies. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

EPISCOPAL DASH—Being an avid runner may have assisted Bp. Rice as he participated in the Dessert Dash at Dinner for Life on Sept. 15 benefitting LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

Presenting SponsorO’Reilly Auto Parts

Partner in Changing LivesSacred Rose Healthcare Drs. Wendell and Jamie ScottDrs. David and Anne SmidDr. Carlos and Elizabeth

TomelleriPartner in Providing Brighter

FuturesAndy’s Frozen Custard Bob and Becky BachMatt and Beth BedinghausCoxHealth Harter House Heim, Young & Associates Mercy Dr. Nancy O’Reilly Family

FoundationJohn and Beth Raidel

Partner in Offering New BeginningsDr. Gary Nie and Dr. Jane

Flathers

Partner in Creating OpportunitiesTom and Susy BarrDr. Barbara Bumberry—Mercy

Health TracksCommerce BankDan and Dr. Mary DuffDr. Paul and Debby FreimanHoward and Carol FrischeDr. Kathleen GriesemerKnights of Columbus Council 698Ladies Auxiliary Knights of

Columbus Council 698Mary Beth DeShazo HackettMarshfield Clinic Pharmacy—

Mike and Laura VinehoutOur Lady of the Lake Catholic

ChurchRick’s AutomotiveSignature Home Comfort Heating

& Air Conditioning St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic

ChurchTom and Joyce SamselSpringfield Catholic SchoolsUS BankDr. John and Cindy WaitesDr. Melvin and Linda Walker

TWO BISHOPS & POPE—Bishop Edward M. Rice and Bp.-Emeritus John J. Leibrecht posed for a fun photo with a cut out of Pope Fran-cis during the 2017 Dinner for Life benefitting LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home on Sept. 15. (Photo by Dean Curtis/The Mirror)

8 The Mirror September 29, 2017DIOCESAN NEWS

‘Seven Sisters’ apostolate prays for Bp. Rice, Fr. IsidoreWebb City, MO

In 2010, Janette Howe of Minnesota, felt a call on her heart to pray, “more frequently and inten-

tionally” for her pastor. She decided to make a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament each week on Thursdays ex-pressly for this purpose.

After several months of her faithful Holy Hours, Howe heard in her heart the words: “Seven Sisters.” The words stayed with her. Gradually, she came to un-derstand these words meant inviting seven women to commit to making one Holy Hour before the Eucharistic Presence of Christ one day a week for one year for their parish priest.

She discussed this with her pastor and was eventu-ally instructed to invite other women to participate. In June 2011, 49 women, form-ing seven groups of Seven Sisters from various parishes in the area, made their prom-ises to pray for one year.

Seven Sisters prayer apostolate

Today, more than 250 parishes, chanceries, semi-naries, hospitals, and other

locations all over the world have Seven Sister groups, in-cluding Sacred Heart Parish in Webb City. Seven women made their promises in Janu-ary 2017 to pray for their pastor, Fr. Rahab Isidore.

Recently, seven more women from the parish made promises during the Aug. 15 Mass on the Feast of the Assumption to pray for Bp. Edward M. Rice.

“When we reported this good news to the Apostolate Headquarters, we were told that it is actu-ally preferred that a bishop have three groups praying for him—one for mornings, afternoons, evenings/nights because of the heavy respon-sibilities and spiritual needs of our bishops,” said Brenda Conyers. “The Webb City women hope the message

of Seven Sisters will travel throughout the Diocese, and there will soon be two other groups to pray for Bp. Rice.”

Webb City’s Seven Sisters hopes, as well, to encourage Eucharistic Adoration and prayer for all priests and bishops.

“It only takes one woman willing to lead the group and get things

SEVEN SISTERS FOR FR. ISIDORE— The Seven Sisters prayer apostolate in Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City was formed in January in order to pray for the parish priest, Fr. Rahab Isidore. Pictured are: Cindy House, Mary Smittle, Fr. Isidore, Debbie Streeter, Stephanie Attaway, Brenda Cony-ers, and Terrian Williams. Not pictured: Carol Chapman. (The Mirror)

PRAYER FOR BP. RICE—The Seven Sisters prayer aposto-late in Sacred Heart Parish, Webb City, for Bp. Rice was formed Aug. 15, 2017. Pictured are: Mary Poage, Fr. Isidore, Johna Dixon, Laurel Smith, Cathy Spencer, Barbara Chap-man, and Linda Cushing. Not pictured: LeeAnn Wilson. (The Mirror)

started,” Conyers said.“We really do hope this

movement can spread and be a blessing to our priests and a source of strength to our Church!” she said.

For more information, or to start a group, please refer to the Seven Sisters Website found at: Sevensis tersapostolate.org; or contact Sacred Heart Parish at (417) 673-2044. ©TM

‘Family’ at the heart of healthcare staff donation Junior Beta Club of Guardian Angel School

HURRICANE HARVEY—Staff from Saint Francis Health System’s Home Health, Hospice, and Call Center donated a pack-n-play full of diapers to Hurricane Harvey victims. Pictured are Shannnon James, Kyla Langston, Jane Owens, Melissa Hale, and Terry Bollinger. (Submitted photo)

OFFICERS CHOSEN—The Junior Beta Club of Guardian Angel School, Oran, had its first meeting on Thu., Sept. 14. The club consists of grades fifth through eighth, and conducts several events throughout the year. The election of officers for the 2017-2018 school year was the primary goal of the first meeting. Camryn Lynch, an eighth grader who was Vice President (VP) last year became the President for the cur-rent year. Other officers elected were all seventh graders: Sophie Priggel, VP; Taylor Hobbs, Secretary; Riley Schlosser, Treasurer; and Nathaniel Woods, Chaplain. One of the events sponsored by the club was a Red Cross Blood Drive, which was held Mon., Sept. 25, in the school gym. (Submitted photo)

September 29, 2017 The Mirror 9DIOCESAN NEWS

Sat., Oct 14Holy Trinity Parish, Springfield7:45 a.m.-3:15 p.m.Featuring presentations byBp. Edward Rice, Lynn Melendez,and Oddwalk Ministries

Please print clearlyName: __________________________________ Email:_______________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________State:_________ Zip: __________________

Phone: ______________________________ Cell phone: _______________________________

Parish: ___________________________________ City:_______________________________

Your role in parish: _____________________________________________________________

List any special dietary needs: ______________________________________________________

I am registering for: ___ Holy Trinity, Springfield ___ St. Vincent de Paul, Cape Girardeau

Amount due: _______ Check enclosed: _______ (checks payable to Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau)

Please mail checks and completed registration forms to:Office of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation, 601 S. Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806

If you have questions, please contact Kim Brayman, Rick Barnhart, or Lynn Melendez at (417) 866-0841

Catechists as Missionary DisciplesSun., Oct. 22St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau1-4 p.m.Featuring presentations byBp. Edward Rice, Lynn Melendez

The Most Rev.Edward M. Rice

Lynn Melendez, Director of Evangelization, Catechesis, & Youth Formation

Shannon Cerneka & Orin Johnson of Oddwalk Ministries

Anyone who intentionally shares the Gospel with another is an evangelizer or a catechist

Registration fee: $20 per person, includes all materials for the day, continental breakfast, and lunch on Sat., Oct. 14, or lunch on Sun., Oct. 22. Registrations can be made via Email at

kbrayman@dioscg.org OR you can print and fill out the form below, then mail it in with payment.* REGISTRATION DEADLINES : Oct. 9, Springfield, and Oct. 16, Cape Girardeau

NDHS contributes to hurricane-ravaged high schoolsCape Girardeau

Concerned about the recent devastation in the wakes of Hur-ricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, students, faculty, parents, and staff of Notre Dame Regional High School (NDHS) in Cape Girardeau dug deep to support two Catholic high schools in

Texas and Florida.Brother David Migliorino, OSF, principal, recently announced that

two checks were bring issued from the Notre Dame family: $10,500 to Tampa Catholic High School in Tampa, FL, and $10,500 to St. Pius X High School in Houston, TX.

Why these two schools?“St. Pius X High School is a diocesan high school similiar to us

here at Notre Dame,” said Bro. Migliorino. “The Dominican Sisters staff the school. Like Franciscans, they are mendicants (beggars), so I felt the connection.”

St. Pius X High School is administered by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Founded in 1962, Tampa Catholic High School in Florida has as its roots “the elements of a Christian Brother Education” of Blessed Edmund Rice. He was a Roman Catholic missionary and educationalist. Tampa Catholic is administered by the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg.

“For years, The Franciscan Brothers served as principal and staff of the school,” Bro. Migliorino said, himself a Franciscan. “We are no longer there, but again: I felt a connection.” ©TM

97th annual NCCW held in Dallas

97TH ANNUAL CONVENTION—Several women from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Giardeau attended the 2017 National Council of Catholic Women Convention in Dallas, TX, Sept. 6-9. Pictured are (front row) Rita Goodhead, Bev-erly South, newly-appointed Province Director for the St. Louis Prov-ince; Mary Rowley, Rita Leukenotte, and Alice McIntosh; (back row) Doris Eftink, Lydia Fellwock, Judy Carley, DCCW Spiritual Director Fr. Jim Unterreiner, for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau; Judy Stricker, and Betty Jones-Kornblum. The St. Louis Province includes the Missouri dioceses of Kansas City-St. Joseph; Springfield-Cape Gi-rardeau; Jefferson City; and the Archdiocese of St. Louis. During the convention, council sisters from across the country joined in prayer and fellowship; became empowered through workshops on spiritual-ity, leadership, and service; heard inspiring speakers; celebrated mov-ing liturgies; and mingled with exhibitors. (Submitted photo)

Final rosary & Mass

100th Anniversary of the Miracles of FatimaPlease join Bp. Edward Rice, area clergy, and faithful in celebrating the final rosary and Mass commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Miracles of Fatima on Fri., Oct. 13, in St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral, Cape Girardeau. Bishop will lead the rosary at 6:30 p.m., with Mass at 7 p.m. There will be a special opportunity to consecrate ourselves to Our Lady of Fatima.

10 The Mirror September 29, 2017DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral HomeLocally-owned & operated u Dedicated u Caring u Professional

Offices of the Catholic Cemeteries

Paul & Lynn WunderlichDavid Fenton • Louis Lohmeyer • Charlene Harris-Bengsch

Gene Lohmeyer • Mary Ann Johnston • Joel Champ

500 E. Walnut - Springfield, MO (417) 862-4433www.hhlohmeyer.com

Quincearaña Masscelebrated in Nixa parish

FUENTES FAMILY—Karen Fuentes celebrated her Quincearaña at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Nixa on Sat., Aug. 5, 2017. Pictured is the proud Fuentes Family: Father, Jose, Karen, her mother, Maribel, and her brother, Loui, are pictured with Fr. Colby Elbert, Associate Pastor, and diocesan seminarian Alexander Sutachan. During the liturgy, Karen stood before the statue of the Blessed Virgin and made a commitment to live her life as Mary lived her life. The fiesta de quince años (also fiesta de quinceañera, quince años and quince) is a celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday. The birthday marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. The celebration includes dancing, food, the celebration of 15 candles, during which candles are given to 15 people the young woman considers influential in her life. (Photo by Rick Barnhart/The Mirror)

programs and activities within our diocese,” Melendez said. “Equally exciting, is that soon we will have the ability to expand those opportunities for sharing the Gospel and forming young disciples in our Church!”

Currently, the fund has provi-sions to provide grants to parishes with high school youth and adult youth ministry leaders in need of

financial assistance to attend the fol-lowing activities:• The Diocesan Youth Conference –

March 23-25, 2018• Camp Re-NEW-All – Summer

2018• Steubenville StL Mid-America

Youth Conferences, July 13-15 & July 20-22, 2018

In addition, a portion of the fund has been allocated for the following:

Bishop announces Diocesan Youth Endowment FundFrom Page 1 • Implementation of a new di-

ocesan program next summer, known as Totus Tuus, for some of the smaller parish communities within our diocese. (Totus Tuus [“Totally Yours”] was the apostolic motto of Pope St. John Paul II.) Totus Tuus is a summer Catholic youth program dedicated to shar-ing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic Faith through evangeli-zation, catechesis, Christian wit-ness, and Eucharistic worship.

• Retreat Leadership Training for retreat teams in the Catholic high schools

• Special one-time parish grants for use in establishing a program, training activity, or special event that would benefit the youth within a parish with limited youth ministry/youth formation funding.

Presently, the budget is some-what limited for the Diocesan Youth

Endowment Fund. However, as the investment interest from the overall Capital Endowment Campaign accu-mulates, the possibilities for support-ing the growth of existing ministries, as well as creating new and more effective ways of serving the youth within our diocese, will grow as well.

“We will continue to seek the in-put of ministry leaders throughout the year and continue together to pray for God’s wisdom in discerning his plans for the diocese,” Melendez said.

Each June, the committee will assemble with Bp. Rice and discern the current suggestions and needs of the youth and youth leaders to dis-cern the next steps.

Grant applicationsTo apply for a grant for the

Diocesan Youth Endowment Fund, a representative from the parish should complete the form, with the pastor’s approval. It would then be sent for consideration to the Office of Evan-gelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation. A small committee will gather at designated times through-out the year to review and approve the applications. For those applying for assistance in attending one of the approved youth conferences or camps listed above, applications may be made on behalf of both youth and adult youth ministry leaders in need of financial assistance for attending these events. Registration fees will be considered first and then consider-ation for lodging, meals, and travel expenses will be secondary.

For more information, please contact the Office of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Youth Formation at (417) 866-0841, or Email lmelendez@dioscg.org, or consult www.dioscg.org. ©TM

Language Arts teacherImmaculate Conception Catholic School, Springfieldis now accepting applications for a 7th and 8th grade Lanugage Arts teacher for the current 2017-18 school year.

Applicants must be an active Catholic and a certified teacher. For more information, contact Theresa Coleman (417) 881-7000.

September 29, 2017 The Mirror 11DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc.Brentwood Chapel • University Chapel Crematory • Columbarium

Licensed funeral directors of distinction:Bill M. Abbott W. Bruce Howell Marquis Howell, Jr.Robert Lohmeyer Harley R. WilliamsDon R. Lohmeyer Clint W. MeaseMarquis Howell, Sr. Angela N. CollinsHeather K. Howell Winford R. Laster

Locally owned and operated for over 50 years

1947 E. Seminole, Springfield MO 65804(417) 886-9994 • fax (417) 886-9996, gormanscharpf@mchsi.com

CONTEMPLATIVE

M O N KTrappist Cistercian

A small, self-supporting community in the Ozark

foothills of Missouri. Available for retreats and periods of discernment.

Assumption Abbey RR 5 Box 1056, Ava, MO

65608 (417) 683-5110www.assumptionabbey.org assumptionabbey@gmail.com

LETTER TO EDITORFrom Our Readers

To St. Mary Parish, Joplin, and the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau:

We were parishioners of St. Mary from 1970 to 2000, before relocating to Tulsa so that I might

be now Bp.-Emeritus Edward Slat-tery’s Chancellor. Our five kids grew up in St. Mary Parish, Joplin, and both daughters were married there. After the tornado devastated the parish in 2011, I took six bricks off

the debris, one for my wife and me, and one for each of the kids, who are now scattered from Seattle to India-napolis. All of them took apprecia-tively the brick. Our son, Kenneth, a priest of the Diocese of Tulsa and Pas-tor of St. Francis Xavier in Stillwater, OK, has been building a new parish plant. The church is to be dedicated Feb 4, 2018. This picture shows, he

Hurricane Irma, sacrifice & the resurrectionBy Sarah Prosser

A little over a week ago, I sur-veyed my apartment, taking one last visual inventory of al-most every worldly possession

I own. As I walked down the stairs of my apartment building, I wondered when I would be able to come back and to what I would return.

In the muggy summer rain that was oh-so-appropriate for the current mood of my city and state, I loaded myself and a couple of hastily-packed-bags into my car, beginning the trek to Orlando.

Not even an hour before, I had decided to fly out. In a sea of $1,000 one-way flights, I stumbled across a flight my meager bank account could afford. There’s no other explanation than God’s grace. He does always pro-vide, you know.

That night in the hotel, I couldn’t sleep. I dreamed of destruc-tion, the life and city I once knew mangled and washed away at the hands of mother nature. Or maybe at the hands of the Old Testament God of Wrath. I hadn’t decided yet.

Despite physically relocating my body to Michigan, my mind continued to be in a different place,

worried about the friends, life, city, and state that I had left behind. I wrestled with God, much like Jacob in the Book of Genesis, struggling between thoughts of How can You allow this? and How are You working in this? For days I watched her chug along. Waiting.

And then the day came. I compulsively peered into a small hand-held screen, watching a weather man in a bright blue jacket fight mighty gusts, standing on a street I know all too well. I went to sleep that night, won-dering what the morning would hold.

At dawn, they said, We are all okay. There’s no serious damage to campus.

I breathed a long awaited sigh of relief.

I live in Naples, FloridaYes, we were spared the worst.

The predicted armageddon never came. The divine weatherman broke down the back-end of the storm, providing for us as always. Nonethe-less, those slow-ticking days and hours of anticipation set forth an opportu-nity (or more accurately, forced an

opportunity) to unclench my death grip on life and give back to the Giver all that he has given.

What does it mean to give it all? To live like the apostles, who, at hear-ing the words, “Follow me,” immedi-ately left their possessions and plans behind, trusting that the Lord would provide (Mt 4:18-22).

Those close to me can attest that I have struggled to see God working in this mess. How could you not?

As I wrestled with myself, with God, I found the only way to respond to this situation was sacrifice; to meet my Lord at the cross and crucify all of my life with His, full-heartedly trust-ing in the hope of resurrection.

“Destroy this temple and in

three days I will raise it up,” He said (Jn 2:19). And he did. What He de-stroyed, He rebuilt even better. But in order for that to happen, all that was known had to be sacrificed, had to be destroyed.

Those three days of waiting post-crucifixion must have been encom-passed in a thick darkness that only those experiencing it could explain. Will He make good on His promise?

These post-Hurricane Irma days are much the same. As we rebuild, as we navigate the uncharted territory before us, we hope. We hope that in our sacrifice, in our destruction, there is good, that there will be a resurrec-tion of our lives, our city, our state.

Hurricane Irma has taken so much, but she has also given. She has given us the opportunity to enter deep into the reality of the mystery of Christ’s passion and resurrection. And that, friends, is a gift that far surpasses anything that she has taken. ©TM

I.d. 9:16 is a community of mission-ary disciples under the arm of Renewal Ministries. An i.d. 9:16 group of young adults ages 20-30 is active in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Cape Girardeau. This article is a piece from its blog series. All rights reserved.

wanted to connect St. Mary Parish to his parish, St. Francis Xavier. We just got this image from him on Sept. 22. Thought you might like to know

how Joplin’s St. Mary Parish has been connected to his parish in Stillwater.

Henry and Ramona HarderTulsa, OK

12 The Mirror September 29, 2017DIOCESAN NEWS

Bishop preaches on prayer with students

LITURGY—Isabel Wurth, daugh-ter of FOCUS missionaries Con-ner and Jennifer Wurth, was all smiles at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chapel on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University Sun., Sept. 10. (Photo by Harrison Backer/The Mirror)

MASS—Students celebrated Mass with Bp. Edward Rice in the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Cha-pel on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University on Sept. 10. (Photo by Harrison Backer/The Mirror)

CCM STUDENTS—Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) stu-dents greeted Bp. Edward Rice after the Sept. 10 Mass in the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chapel on the campus of South-east Missouri State University. (Photo by Harrison Backer/The Mirror)

MEAL—Students celebrated Mass with Bp. Edward Rice in the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Cha-pel on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University on Sept. 10. The gorgeous weather was perfect for the meal afterward. (Photo by Harrison Backer/The Mirror)

SEMO CCM—Leadership for Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau took a photo with Bp. Rice after the Sept. 10 Mass with students. Pictured is Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Chaplain, Trevor Jin (FOCUS Missionary), Tori Jara (FOCUS Team Director), Bp. Rice, Gabriel Eckstein (CCM campus minister), Julia Brown (FOCUS mis-sionary), and Deacon Tom Schumer, Director. (Photo by Harrison Backer/The Mirror)

Cape Girardrau

Bishop Edward M. Rice had Mass Sept. 10 with Catholic Campus Minis-try students at Southeast Missouri State University. He talked about prayer and country music:

How often have people gath-ered in prayer only to have the prayer go unanswered or go in a total opposite direc-

tion? How often have maybe some of you prayed for the physical healing of a loved one or the spiri-tual healing of a friend and have had that prayer go unanswered? How often have we prayed for peace in our world only to see war, violence, and destruc-tion increase?

The real-ity is people pray for things—often praying desperately and they do not receive that for which they prayed. And yet the Gospel says, “If two of you pray for anything, it shall be granted you by My Heavenly Father.”

Is this all make believe?

I have two thoughts to consider. Number one is what is called the “big lie.” The “big lie” goes something like this: say all the prayers they tell you to pray, live correctly, follow the rules they tell you to follow, go to Mass on Sunday, and nothing bad will ever

happen to you and you will live hap-pily ever after. Many people have lost their faith believing that “big lie.” And it is a “big lie” because Jesus never said that. In fact, Jesus taught just the opposite. Think of last week’s reading, “Take up your cross and follow in My footsteps.” Jesus told us we had to die to ourselves in order to live His life.

Now, it is human to want things and to pray for those things. We pray to be safe from difficulties, some sor-row, or some disappointment or loss.

But the basic law of prayer is that, while we pray for what may be heavy on our hearts, God will give us what He knows we need.

That brings me to the second thought about prayer—God doesn’t rescue us from our human situations. Rather, He gives us the grace to accept what we cannot understand. Jesus himself, in the Garden of Gethsemane facing his own death, prayed that this would pass him. But He did not escape the cross; rather, He was given the strength to embrace the cross, and, in the end, to turn the cross into victory.

As I have got-ten older, I’ve come to realize that maybe the

greatest prayer that we can offer is “Thy will be done.”

‘Country music’ theologySince I’ve come to southern

Missouri, I find myself listening to more country music. Some songs are typical, about dogs, girlfriends, pickup trucks, and dirt on my boots. There is a nice one called, “Last Time for Everything.” The singer recalls a last dance in the high school gym or a last kiss. And as life moves forward, the last time you woke up to see if Santa left presents, or the last time you have breakfast at mama’s house. It’s rather sentimental. Some songs are insight-ful. Old Dominion has a song, “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart.” The song reminds us that we have no con-trol in life: “You can’t keep the sunset from fading … cry when it hurts, laugh when it’s funny. You gotta love like there’s no such thing as a Broken heart.”

But, for whatever reason, one day not too long ago, while listening to an old Garth Brooks song, I got teary-eyed. Looking back on his life and the things he prayed for when he was younger, especially his girlfriend, and now as an adult, looking at his family with the woman he actually married and what he has in his life now, he sings these insightful words, “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers. Remember when you’re talking to the man upstairs. That just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care. Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayer.”

So, maybe when life brings us to our knees and our prayers seem to fall on deaf ears, the best thing we can say is, “Thy will be done.” It is true, “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unan-swered prayers.” ©TM

God doesn’t rescue us from our human situations.