The End or Beginning?

Transcripción

1 Diocesan Summer Events A Blessing of Bishops in Mescalero; Celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi; Fortnight for Freedom Gathering Volume 28, No. 5 The official newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico THE YEAR OF FAITH The End or Beginning? PHOTO: J.D. MCNAMARA by William J. Rademacher Ph.D. OCTOBER 11, 2012 NOVEMBER 24, 2013 It s time to look back. How could the Year of Faith slip by so quickly? What have we done to shape this Year of Faith? Or, was it just another year? Holy Days, for instance, can be just like the other days if we let them. And our Mondays can be like our Tuesdays unless we take charge. We just need to be assertive, first, to actively plan our day, our week, our year, and, secondly, we deliberatively have to carry out our plans, day by day, week by week, or year by year. If we do not shape our day, our day will shape us. We just cannot be the passive victims of forces beyond our control. And there are plenty of forces out there trying to control us. Have you met an aggressive salesperson lately? (Sometimes I wonder if there are any others.) Of course, we can always find someone else, or something else, to blame for the way our day went, or alas, for the way our year of faith went. It s true, our culture is a powerful force, which, sometimes, can push us where we didn t plan to go. But that may also be a homemade excuse, a childish way of getting us off the hook. In spite of the computer, we remain the masters of our culture. Besides, we have the power of saving grace which helps us remain the masters, however powerful our cultural forces may be. So, the power of grace was, and continues to be, the most active force which made the Year of Faith into a totally different year. Prayer and Redemption are ongoing events. And faith, let me add, is an action, not an object. The Resurrection of Christ brings the Lord s redeeming activity into our own lives. So now we live the faith more consciously than when we just believed the faith. Every action is an act of Faith. Our daily lives are incarnations of that Word which knows no end, of that Word which sings a daily alleluia because our Easter knows no end. So when we celebrate The Year of Faith we really celebrate our Easter which knows no clocks or calendars. The Year of Faith moves us into a world where there are no years. We move into an ecstasy whether in the body or out of the body we do not know. The life of grace is the life of the risen Lord. It is the Lord who lives in us from sun-up to sun-down, from birth to death. Ecstasy is not a strange word transported from the monasterie s or from the ancient mystics. The next time you are scheduled for a long bus ride or for a long waiting period in the doctor s office, take along a spiritual book like The Fire and the Cloud. You will find some real gems dealing with the spiritual life. You will find out that Thomas Merton, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross were not up in the clouds. If they appear to be up in the clouds, it may be more our fault than theirs. Ecstasy is actually a fairly simple English word meaning a state of overwhelming emotion. It s fairly easy to read the lives of the saints and feel overcome with emotion. After all, the emotions are part of our humanity. Without emotions we are no longer human. Even a brief reading of St. Paul s wonderful epistle to the Romans can bring on an overwhelming feeling of emotion. Some of us may feel our Year of Faith was too short. If so, let s take charge of extending it in our own spiritual lives. First, let s read the scriptures for at least twenty minutes every day. If you want a new adventure, read all the footnotes in the Jerusalem Bibl e. Having studied the bible in Greek and English for over fifty years, I still find these footnotes quite exciting. It seems to me that in our hustle and bustle culture some daily spiritual reading is the best way to keep our sanity. Besides that, it may enrich our spiritual lives enough to extend the Year of Faith for at least another year. We never forget our daily nourishment of the body. So let s not forget our daily nourishment of the soul.

2 2 AGUA VIVA UNITED IN MINISTRY 2013 Year of Faith Generations of Faith Progress Report Appeal Goal....$1,148,905 Amount Pledged...$1,330,099 Applicable to Goal...$961,442 (83.7%) Parishes Pledged Overgoal...29 of 58 Our Liturgy Liturgy Q from YOU & A from Joanna Haston, Director of the Office of Liturgical Education Joanna Haston Diocesan Director of Liturgical Education Amount Paid...$884,361 Applicable to Goal...$724,594 (63.1%) Parishes Paid Goal...17 Earned Rebates to Date...$158,429 Data current as of 6/30/2013 Priest Assignments Fr. Richard Catanach, Vicar General, Diocese of Las Cruces, effective September 3, 2013, (will continue as Pastor, Basilica of San Albino, Mesilla) Fr. Enrique Lopez, Vicar of the New Evangelization, Diocese of Las Cruces, effective September 3, 2013, (will continue as Pastor, St. Ann s, Deming) Fr. Josh Duplissey, Parochial Vicar, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Roswell, effective September 3, 2013 Fr. Kevin McDonald, Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, T or C, effective September 3, 2013 The Office of Liturgical Education fields a variety of questions from around the diocese regarding the celebration of our Church s liturgy. This month s question is: What exactly is the Diocesan Enrichment Conference? Does it have anything to do with Basic Ministry Formation? The Diocesan Enrichment Conference, being held this year at our Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary the last weekend of July just about when this issue of Agua Viva will arrive in all our parishes is an evolving special few days of prayer and formation for all the people of the Diocese of Las Cruces. A combination of two former events the Day of Enrichment held in the summer for catechists, and the Diocesan Assembly held in the fall for Clergy and liturgical ministers the Diocesan Enrichment Conference brings these groups together. Every year the Conference has a theme. In light of this being The Year of Faith, the 2013 theme is Generations of Faith: Bring It Home. To emphasize the theme, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) initiative, Strong Catholic Families: Strong Catholic Youth, presented in partnership with the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) and the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers (NACFLM), was introduced and all diocesan Catechetical and Youth Ministry Leaders trained in its processes. Before the training, all parish leaders were involved in a reflection and discernment of the process. This was possible as, for the first time, the pastors and administrators of the diocese were invited to bring all of their parish leaders to the Friday sessions of the Conference. Following the morning spent learning about Strong Catholic Families: Strong Catholic Youth, these leaders participated in sessions in their areas of pastoral ministry. As well as the session for Catechetical and Youth Ministry Leaders, sessions were planned for Priests; RCIA, Liturgy and Music Coordinators; Secretaries; Book Keepers; Maintenance Personnel; and Tribunal Auditors. There were also sessions offered for Deacons, Deacon Candidates, and all of their wives. The Saturday of the Conference consisted of Mass with a Keynote Homily by Bishop Oscar Cantú, and three workshop sessions. All diocesan parishioners were invited to attend; everyone was welcome to take part in the workshops of their choice. It was a great diocesan day of praying, learning, socializing, continued on page 10 PHOTO: J.D. MCNAMARA New Bishop Installed for El Paso Diocese On the evening of July 9th, Bishop Mark J. Seitz was installed Bishop of El Paso in ceremonies held at the Civic Center in downtown El Paso. Bishop Seitz studied at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas, starting in 1972, and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Dallas on May 17, He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy, a Master of Arts Degree in Divinity, and a Master of Arts Degree in Theology from the University of Dallas and, later, a Master of Arts Degree in Liturgical Studies from St. John s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. In 2010, he was named Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas, taking as his motto Paratum cor meum My heart is ready. Bishop Seitz was joined by many bishops from across the United States who attended the installation ceremony on July 9th in El Paso, including Las Cruces Bishop Oscar Cantú. Statement Regarding the announced Canonization of Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II The Church received with great delight the news that Pope Francis plans to canonize both Blessed John XXIII and Blessed John Paul II later this year. While we do not know the exact date of the canonization, we anticipate it with joy and devotion. Blessed John XXIII was the pope who convoked the Second Vatican Council noting a need for the Church to be able to speak the message of the Gospel to the modern world. Blessed John was greatly loved for his simple, fatherly ways, and his profound faith, hope, and love. Blessed John Paul II enjoyed a very long and fruitful pontificate. By far the most traveled pope in history, his words, work, and witness during a tumultuous period of history positively affected not only Catholics around the world, but people of all faiths and people of good will. As blessed members of the communion of saints, we pray for their intercession and thank God for their witness to the faith in recent, modern times. Bishop Oscar Cantú Declaración Con respecto al anuncio de la canonización del Beato Juan XXIII y el Beato Juan Pablo II La Iglesia recibió con gran gozo la noticia de que el Papa Francisco planea canonizar al Beato Juan XXIII y al Beato Juan Pablo II en los próximos meses. Aunque aún no sabemos la fecha exacta de la canonización, la anticipamos con alegría y devoción. El Beato Juan XXIII es el Papa que convocó el Concilio Vaticano Segundo enfatizando la necesidad de que la Iglesia pueda predicar el mensaje del Evangelio al mundo moderno. El Beato Juan fue muy querido por su manera sencilla y paternal y por la profundidad de su fe, esperanza y amor. El Beato Juan Pablo II disfrutó de un pontificado largo y fructífero. Hasta la fecha es el Papa que más ha viajado en la historia, su palabas, trabajo, y testimonio durante un periodo tumultuoso en la historia afectaron de una manera positiva no tan solo a los Católicos alrededor del mundo sino también a las personas de toda creencia y a los hombres de buena voluntad. Como miembros beatos en la comunión de los santos, oramos por su intercesión y le agradecemos a Dios por el gran testimonio de la fe de estos dos grandes hombres en los tiempos recientes. Mons. Oscar Cantú The of ficial newspaper of the Diocese of Las Cruces MISSION STATEMENT: As the of ficial newspaper of the Diocese of Las Cruces, Agua Viva maintains as its primary goal the dissemination of local, diocesan, regional, national and international church news. Agua Viva attempts to emphasize the role of local parishioners and their activities as they relate to their own parish faith communities and to the diocese as a whole. At the same time, Agua Viva hopes to challenge its readers to reach a deeper understanding of Catholic Church teaching as well as to offer accurate and objective reporting of information having to do with the Roman Catholic Church. PUBLISHER Most Rev. Oscar Cantú, S.T.D. EDITOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christina Anchondo SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR J. David McNamara TRANSLATORS Margarita Hayes Faviola Ornelas EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Christina Anchondo Mary Carter Rev. Michael Cerretto, C.S.B. Joanna Haston J. David McNamara Lourdes Ramos Deacon Lou Roman LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Anonymous letters will not be accepted. Please limit to 300 words. Letters must be received by the first Tuesday of the month prior to publication. Please send correspondence to: Agua Viva, Letters to the Editor, 1280 Med Park Drive, Las Cruces NM or aguaviva@dioceseoflascruces.org, tel. (575) , fax (575)

3 AGUA VIVA 3 Bishop s Schedule August 2 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, Deming, St. Ann, 20th Anniversary Mass of Very Rev. Enrique Lopez at 6:00pm 3 La Mesa, San Jose Church, Youth Encuentro 9:00am 4 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mass time and place TBD. 5-6 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 6 Mesilla, Basilica of San Albino, 25th Anniversary Mass of Very Rev. Richard Catanach at 5:30pm 7 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 9 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 10 Las Cruces, Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Catholicism in the Year of Faith Retreat at 9:00am 11 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mass time and place TBD 12 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, San Antonio 18 Mesilla, Basilica of San Albino, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass at 8:00am (Spanish) Mesilla, Basilica of San Albino, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass at 11:00am (English) 19 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 23 Las Cruces, Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, ACTs Retreat Mass at 7:00am Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 25 Las Cruces, Our Lady of Health, Mass at 10:00am (English) Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 30 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, September 1 Hurley, Shrine of Infant Jesus, 1st Anniversary of the Inception of the Shrine of Infant Jesus Mass at 11:00am 2-4 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 5-6 Santa Fe, 2013 Province Meeting 8 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Mass, time and place TBD 9-11 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, North Carolina, Decimo Congreso Eucarístico 15 Roswell, St. John s Church, Mariachi Mass at 10:00am Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 20 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 21 Deming, St. Ann Church, Confessions at 3:30pm, Mass at 5:00pm 22 Deming St. Ann Church, Mass at 7:30am (Spanish), Mass at 9:00am (English), Mass at 11:00am (English) Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 27 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, 29 San Miguel, San Miguel Church, Fiesta de San Miguel Mass at 10:00am 30 Las Cruces, The Pastoral Center, The Year of Faith A Message from Our Bishop Most Reverend Oscar Cantú, S.T.D. For a year now we have been celebrating the Year of Faith. Marking the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, as well as the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI invited us at that time to recall the importance of faith, which opens to us friendship with God. In calling us to appreciate the gift and virtue of faith, Pope Benedict recommended studying anew the documents of Vatican II. Its sixteen documents are profound and beautifully written. They continue to nourish our souls and give us direction. Marking as well the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Benedict advised us to revisit that great compilation of the truths of the Catholic faith. A treasure for the Church, clearly and beautifully presenting the teachings of the Church, this document should be read and consulted often by every Catholic. It clarifies the content of our faith. Faith is spoken of in two ways, the faith by which we believe and the faith in which we believe. The first is more of an action, a verb, while the second is an object or a noun. Both are essential in the totality of faith. We cannot simply have faith without focus on the content in which we believe. The content of our faith is actually a person, Jesus Christ. Jesus declares, I am the way, the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6). Coming to know Jesus, to love him and to follow him has its consequences - a way of life, a commitment. Thus does the Catechism spell out this way of life - that of a Catholic Christian. Pope Francis recently published his first encyclical, Lumen Fidei, the Light of Faith. A beautiful, profound document on this most important supernatural virtue, it was worked on by his predecessor, Pope Benedict, and completed and published by Pope Francis. The encyclical opens describing faith as light. As light is necessary for the eyes to see, faith is necessary to understand the human person and his relationship to the creator. There is an urgent need, then, to see once again that faith is a light, the encyclical notes. The light of faith is unique, since it is capable of illuminating every aspect of human existence Faith is born of an encounter with the living God who calls us and reveals his love Transformed by this love, we gain fresh vision, new eyes to see Faith, received from God as a supernatural gift, becomes a light for our way, guiding our journey through time (4). Faith is a response to God s revelation of Himself. Thus, faith is dialogical a response to God s communication to us, to the world. Faith is also ecclesial. Jesus cannot be separated from his body, the Church. Thus, while in the new, more accurate translation of the creed we say, I believe, we do so because the Church has transmitted the faith to us and welcomed us into the life of grace, friendship, with God. As the encyclical notes, [we] can respond in the singular I believe only because we are part of a greater fellowship, only because we also say We believe (39). The Holy Father, moreover, notes that just as Christ gathers to himself all those who believe and makes them his body, so the Christian comes to see himself as a member of this body, in an essential relationship with all other believers (22). While the above mentioned documents are important for our instruction, our formation in the faith, the faith is handed on or transmitted by other human beings who believe, namely the Church. You and I are essential in handing on the faith here and now, in the Diocese of Las Cruces. Let us do so by living it to the best of our ability, by learning about it, and by expressing it with love and hope. Bishop Oscar Cantú Un Mensaje de Nuestro Obispo El Año de la Fe En el transcurso de un año hemos estado celebrando el Año de la Fe. Conmemorando el 50 aniversario del Concilio Vaticano Segundo así como el 20 aniversario del Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica el Papa Benedicto XVI nos invitó a recordar la importancia de la fe, la cual nos abre a una amistad con Dios. Pidiéndonos que apreciemos el don y la virtud de la fe, el Papa Benedicto nos recomienda estudiar nuevamente los documentos del Vaticano II. Sus dieciséis documentos están escritos de una manera bella y profunda. Continúan nutriendo nuestras almas y nos dan dirección. En el 20 aniversario del Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, Benedicto nos pide que volvamos a estudiar la gran compilación de las verdades de la fe Católica. Estas enseñanzas de la Iglesia presentadas de una manera clara y bella son un tesoro para la Iglesia y por lo tanto este documento lo deber leer y estudiar con frecuencia todo Católico. Clarifica el contenido de nuestra fe. La fe se verbaliza de dos maneras, la fe por la que creemos y la fe en la que creemos. La primera es mas bien una acción, un verbo, mientras que la segunda es un objeto, un sustantivo. Las dos son esenciales en la totalidad de la fe. Simplemente no podemos tener fe sin enfocarnos en el contenido en el cual creemos. El contenido de nuestra fe en realidad es una persona, Jesucristo. Jesús declara, Soy el camino, la verdad y la vida (Jn 14:6). El conocer a Jesus, amarlo y seguirlo tiene sus consecuencias, es una manera de vida, un compromiso. Y por lo tanto el Catecismo muestra este estilo de vida como la de un Cristiano Católico. El Papa Francisco recientemente publicó su primera encíclica, Lumen Fidei, la Luz de la Fe. Un documento bello y profundo que relata esta virtud importante y sobrenatural; lo comenzó su predecesor, el Papa Benedicto, y lo concluyó y publicó el Papa Francisco. La encíclica comienza describiendo la fe como luz. Así como la luz es necesaria para que los ojos vean, la fe es necesaria para entender la persona humana y su relación con el creador. Existe una necesidad urgente, pues, para ver de nuevo que la fe es luz, así lo relata la encíclica. Y es que la característica propia de la luz de la fe es la capacidad de iluminar toda la existencia del hombre La fe nace de un encuentro con el Dios vivo que nos llama y nos revela su amor Transformados por este amor, obtenemos una visión fresca, ojos nuevos para ver La fe, recibida por Dios como un don sobrenatural, se presenta como luz en el sendero, que orienta nuestro camino en el tiempo. (4). La fe es una respuesta a la revelación de Dios mismo. Por lo tanto, la fe es dialogal es una respuesta a la comunicación de Dios hacia nosotros y el mundo. La fe también es eclesial. Jesús no puede separarse de su cuerpo, la Iglesia. Por lo tanto, dado que la nueva traducción del credo es más precisa decimos, yo creo, lo hacemos porque la Iglesia nos ha trasmitido la fe y nos dio la apertura a una vida de gracia y de amistad con Dios. Como enseña la encíclica: es posible responder en primera persona creo sólo porque se forma parte de una gran comunión, porque también se dice creemos (39). Por otra parte el Santo Padre relata que así como Cristo abraza en sí a todos los creyentes, que forman su cuerpo, el cristiano se comprende a sí mismo dentro de este cuerpo, en relación originaria con Cristo y con los hermanos en la fe (22). Mientas que estos documentos son importantes para instruirnos en nuestra formación en la fe, la fe es trasmitida por otros seres humanos que creen, es decir la Iglesia. Ustedes y yo somos esenciales en transmitir la fe aquí y ahora en la Diócesis de Las Cruces. Hagámoslo pues, viviendo de la mejor manera posible, aprendiendo sobre ella, y expresándola con amor y esperanza. Mons. Oscar Cantú

4 4 AGUA VIVA Two people can squeeze by one another in the skinny hallway dominated by a bulky copier in the office at St. Eleanor Church in Ruidoso, but it helps if they are very close friends. The narrow passageway links three smallish work spaces that comprise the parish operational nerve center. Its approximate 500 square feet contain three desks and copious amounts of paper, checks, ledgers, notices, bulletins, baptismal certificates, member registers, student educational materials all the paraphernalia one might expect to find in a church office. A frequent visitor said in 13 years he had yet to see a desktop. But it is not the clutter that defines this beehive, that being simply the evidence of a busy workplace. Rather, it has been the untiring spirit of the Go to Gals of St. Eleanor the three women bound together by loyalty to one another and by a seemingly insatiable craving for the occasional donut delivery. Their collective personality suggests a fun workplace, but their serious work exemplifies love of God and devotion to their parish. Office Manager Rozy Saenz and Secretary Evelina Baker were but two of grieving loved ones, friends and admirers who said goodbye in June to their colleague, Lilly Ana Valle-Furphy. Lilly became Director of Religious Education in 1996, the same year as Rozy joined the staff. Evelina joined them in Together they served under three Presidents, three Popes, and one Pastor. Father Al Galvan unabashedly calls them the best staff that could happen to a priest. Lilly died of cancer at the age of 49. The cliché is she was too young. Too young. Too bright. Too vivacious. Too lovely. Too vital. Too everything, and most of all too essential to her loving family, husband Chris, daughter Caitlin, and son Sean. Visitors to St. Eleanor realize the new parish church is a magnificent structure seating upwards of 500. It needed every seat on June 22 when Ricardo Ramirez, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Las Cruces, celebrated Lilly s Mass of Burial. He spoke of her spunk, of her perception of every child as a diamond in the rough, no matter how deep the rough might run. He said Lilly s enthusiasm and leadership were known throughout the diocese. Remembering Lilly by Ned Cantwell, Parishioner, St. Eleanor Church It was that type of team play and loving determination that garnered Lilly the diocese s Dedicated Service Award, recognizing her as a living example of faith whose very existence promoted awareness of the Church to the world. To those with a front row observation post, the Lilly personality was one of love and laughter, but one, also, of no-nonsense intent to get the job done. While she was never overly aggressive, she could resemble Chinese water torture to those she doggedly pursued to take on volunteer teaching roles for one through twelve religious education. It was the annual Vacation Bible Study, though, that was the Lilly showcase. To many adults, VBS might suggest the need for sedatives and a helmet. To Lilly Furphy, it was a happy hunting ground for bringing Jesus into kids lives. A typical VBS scene: Fifty children from six to pre-teen exuding Kid Energy. Little Johnny, this year s Pharaoh, goes dashing up the hallway in pursuit of a buddy who has punched his arm, knocking over third grader Sally Ann, about to portray the Virgin Mother. Purple Kool-Aid spilled on her costume, Sally Ann sits crying on the floor. Get me Lilly! yells an exasperated volunteer. And Lilly would appear to coolly take charge of the scene. Lilly didn t walk. Lilly scurried. Her journey to St. Eleanor began in Bisbee, Az., the daughter of Raymundo and Estela Valle. She was raised in Alamogordo, graduating in 1981 from Alamogordo High School. Her childhood years are best characterized by Mom Estela. Lilly was a great kid, she says with a warm smile. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from New Mexico State University, Lilly worked in Santa Fe at St. Vincent s Hospital. She chose to be a stay-at-home Mom when Sean was born in Lilly, Chris and the family relocated to Ruidoso in The Go to Gals at St. Eleanor will continue to get the job done. Baptisms will be recorded, marriages so noted, bills paid, banks accounts reconciled, kids taught, and vacation bible school skits salvaged. But make no mistake about it, without Lilly Ana Valle-Furphy it will never be quite the same. PHOTOS: J.D. MCNAMARA Holy Cross Honors 22 Jubilarians Bishop Appoints New Vicars PHOTO: J.D. MCNAMARA Las Cruces Bishop Oscar Cantú has made two important appointments. Effective September 3, 2013, Fr. Richard Catanach will become Vicar General of the Diocese of Las Cruces, following the retirement of Msgr. John Anderson who has served in that capacity for many years. Fr. Richard is the current pastor of the Minor Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla where he will continue to serve in that role. Msgr. Anderson, currently Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Las Cruces, will continue his pastoral duties following his transition from Vicar General in September. The second appointment represents the creation of a new vicar position: Vicar for Evangelization. Selected by Bishop Cantú for that duty is Fr. Enrique Lopez-Escalera who is the current Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Deming. Fr. Enrique is well-known throughout the Diocese of Las Cruces (and beyond) for his many spiritual retreats, rallies, and keynote addresses at an array of events and ceremonies. His credentials as a master evangelist are strong, and his contributions to the Diocese as Vicar for Evangelization will touch the minds and hearts of many of the Catholic faithful in southern New Mexico. Notre Dame, Ind. The Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers celebrated the lives and ministries of 22 Holy Cross Religious who have reached milestone anniversaries. Among those priests was Rev. Robert A. Villegas, C.S.C. Fr. Robert has served in the Diocese of Las Cruces at San Luis Rey Church in Chamberino since June of A Jubilee Celebration Mass of Thanksgiving was held to honor the priests at the University of Notre Dame in May The faithful of the Diocese of Las Cruces sends blessings and prayers on this milestone to Fr. Robert and to the other jubilarians. Pope Francis Releases his First Encyclical Letter Pope Francis first encyclical, Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith), was released on July 5, It s an encyclical written with four hands, so to speak, because Pope Benedict began writing it and he gave it to me, Pope Francis said. It s a strong document. For a copy of the encyclical, visit Catechetical Sunday 2013 Invites Catholics to Open the Door of Faith WASHINGTON Catholics will be called to reflect on how they can spread the Gospel as they honor those who teach the Catholic faith in parishes, schools and homes. Catechetical Sunday 2013 is the weekend of Sunday, September 15, and will focus on the theme, Open the Door of Faith. The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis has prepared a variety of materials to assist catechists and Catholic school teachers to better understand and enter into the Year of Faith, including a revisit of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, said Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, chairman of the committee. The resources will assist parishes in celebrating Catechetical Sunday not only in September, but also throughout the year. The theme Open the Door of Faith is taken from the Vatican s guiding document on the Year of Faith, Porta Fidei. This year s materials, available in English and Spanish, are directed to all Catholics to help them reach out and evangelize others. They include resources for clergy, family resources, prayer cards, posters and teaching aids. Teaching aids include The Catechism: A Symphony of Faith by Petroc Willey and Reexamining the Word of the Second Vatican Council (Hermeneutics of Reform) by Alan Schreck. Resources available for free download are available at: www. usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/ how-we-teach/catechesis/catechetical-sunday/year-of-faith/index.cfm Catechetical Sunday, which is observed on the third Sunday in September, is a celebration of catechists and all teachers of the Catholic faith. Many parishes commission those who serve in catechetical ministry on Catechetical Sunday. The U.S. bishops have provided resources for Catechetical Sunday since More information is available at: The Year of Faith runs from October 11, 2012, to November 24. More information is available online:

5 AGUA VIVA 5 Saint of the Month Crosiers Peter Julian Eymard August 2 PHOTOS: J.D. MCNAMARA Above, from several southwestern states, permanent deacons, candidates to the deaconate, and their wives came to Las Cruces from July 12 to 14 as participants in the Region XIII Annual Deacon Conference. Left, Las Cruces Deacon Robert Brotherton gives directions to attendees at the Regional Deacon Conference hosted by the Diocese of Las Cruces and held at the local Hotel Encanto. The patron saint of eucharistic devotion, Peter Julian began adult life, like his father, as a cutler. But he became a priest of the French Alpine Diocese of Grenoble in In 1839, he left diocesan service to become a Marist priest and eventually became provincial of his congregation at Lyons. But, after making a pilgrimage in 1851, he understood that Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, to whom he was utterly devoted, had no specific religious institute. Subsequently, he founded the Congregation of the Priests of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, an order of sisters, both devoted to perpetual adoration. He was canonized in Mary Kathleen Ruddy: Called to Religious Life by Olivia McDonald One would expect a call to come to a young person on a cell phone perhaps or definitely a text message. But it wasn t a text, nor voic , not even a phone call. Instead it was a quiet, but distinct message at a very early age an urging to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to answer the call to the religious life that came to Mary Kathleen Ruddy. About her vocation discernment, Mary Kathleen relates: As I look back on my life s experiences and reflect on my whispered prayers, I cannot help but smile for ever being impatient to know God s will in my life! She was born into an extremely loving family. With Dad Drew, Mom Patricia, and brother David Michael prayer and service to the Church and God s people was part of their daily lives. One of my great memories was my first Holy Communion and confession as these sacraments brought me closer to my Jesus. The next milestone was my Confirmation. I remember weeping as my family drove home because I felt God s love so strongly and had yet loved Him so little in return. Through high school she was involved in numerous academic, spiritual, and social activities. The idea of becoming a sister was forefront in my mind, but under the guidance of my parents I continued my education. I decided no matter what I was doing, or where I was, I would follow my personal motto, To Love, To Serve, and To Live Simply. At Charleston Southern University in South Carolina, I spoke to our parish priest about my desires, began looking up different communities, and visited some my family helped me choose. They just weren t the right fit. A video about Mother Teresa of Calcutta impressed her with the discipline and simplicity of her order. Still, no matter how much my heart was stirred, my mother, a religious herself for 20 years, wasn t about to let me run off to India! Not ready to settle into a long-term secular career, she joined the U.S. Peace Corps spending two years in a mountain village in Eastern Uganda as a secondary school science teacher. God was at work the all-girls school was founded by the Catholic Church which was the heart Mary Kathleen Ruddy, a valuable member of the Las Cruces music ministry scene, poses for a picture at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary just prior to her entry into the convent. PHOTO: J.D. MCNAMARA of the village! Life was simple, the community beautiful. She learned Lugisu, one of many Ugandan languages and left Africa in 2013 with the conviction that it was time to pursue religious life and work in God s garden as an official sister and not just a wanna-be. Back home though, pressure forced me back onto the track of the American ideal of success. I stayed with my career path hoping one day to work in Africa again. As I prayed, I felt Blessed Mother step in. My new-used car license plate read, IHM 500. I took notice of the tiny cue, and placed myself in the care of the Immaculate Heart of Mary whenever I drove it. On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception I received funding to attend graduate school at New Mexico State University. Two miles from the school was the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. continued on page 11 Saints Having Christ present in our lives As summer concludes, our thoughts turn to the coming fall and if you have school age children, the process of preparing for school or college life consumes our time. We often reflect on the summer months as time away from the standard activities that control our days. Now we give thought to fall wardrobes, school supplies, travel for our college bound youngsters, and how we are going to pay for everything. As a Christian family we are reminded that we are a community of persons and it has an evangelizing and missionary task. 1 We have to remind ourselves what is quoted to us in the New Testament by Jesus Christ: Do not worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will take care of itself. (Matthew 6:34) What we should be concentrating on is having Christ present in our very souls. What we do within our day should reflect our service to the Lord in our actions with those around us with our families, our co-workers and individuals we encounter throughout the day. Greeting those we come in contact with by offering a positive outlook will lift their spirits and yours. Have we noticed God s creatures and His Creation? What has been accomplished this summer that is of Mary Helen Llañez Diocesan Director, Of fice of Family Life true importance and benefit to all? Some families do set aside some time to go and help a family in need. Maybe they helped remodel a modest home, or they painted their elderly neighbor s home. Some families financially helped another family with repairing their car. There are so many ways we can use the gifts that God has bestowed upon us. Spending way too much money on electronic gadgets and school clothes plus expensive tennis shoes should not be the highlight of one s summer. How is your family practicing stewardship and building relationships with one another? Check with your parish to see what is available to help families enrich their faith. If you have access to a computer, you can download material to enrich your catholic knowledge. Use your electronic devices for a positive activity not just games! On another note, we will be conducting two Respect Life events in the month of October. Bishop Cantú will be celebrating the 4:00 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross Parish in Las Cruces on Sunday, October 13 and in Artesia at Our Lady of Grace on Sunday, October 20 at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Please join us. 1 CCC 2205

6 6 AGUA VIVA Sustainability in our Parishes Richard Petrillo Diocesan Coordinator, Buildings & Properties I recently attended a conference sponsored by the Conference for Catholic Facility Management. The two-day conference offered a host of presentations covering a range of topics given by recognized experts in their respective fields. I found one session particularly relevant for our times. The session addressed many in the Church who are concerned about the sustainability of our environment in the near future. The session was titled A Roadmap for Catholic Sustainability Planning and Development. Much of the discussion focused on how best to develop realistic and achievable goals for Catholic parishes. The very issues that concern environmentalists today concerned our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Their reasons and perspectives were different and yet the goals, on one level, were similar. Here in the southwest the goals included conserving water, conserving the land for wise and renewable agricultural use, conserving the home by doing timely repairs, conserving and saving money by conserving energy. How many of us remember a parent s lecture for leaving a light on in an empty room? Our parents and grandparents sustained our environment by conserving, preserving, exercising prudence, reusing and timely maintenance. The advent of the consumer age after World War ll brought an avalanche of disposable products into our homes. Plastic became the buzz word for the consumer industry. We enjoyed the convenience of those plastic home products. The packaging material used for so many of these products became a major industry in itself. This spiral continued until, one day, the more astute among us began to question where this material was going after we were through with it. We now know where it s going. Sacred Scripture, the Catholic Catechism, the Saints, and the popes all remind us that this creation we live in is not ours to despoil. It is God s gift to us to use (not abuse) for our common good. Genesis 2:15, Leviticus 25:23, Catechism of the Catholic Church #2415 and the teachings of Popes Francis and Benedict xvı. The website listed below has a Catholic perspective on sustainability and conservation. You can find teaching tools and practical ideas on how to implement a plan for your parish to help sustain God s creation. Talleres de Oración y Vida Es una nueva forma de evangelización. Es una escuela de oración: se aprende y profundiza en el arte de orar con un carácter experimental y práctico, desde los primeros pasos hasta las alturas de la contemplación. Es una escuela de vida donde los asistentes van superando paso a paso el mundo interior de angustias, tristezas y ansiendades. El taller logra transformar a muchos talleristas en apóstoles del Señor. El taller compromete al asistente en tres dimensiones: con Dios, consigo mismo y con los demás. Es un taller cristificante. En cada sesión hay dos líneas fundamentales una, descendente: Dios habla al hombre; y otra ascendente el hombre habla (responde) a Dios. Los Talleres de Oración y Vida se estarán impartiendo en diferentes parroquias para jóvenes y adultos. Para más información, comunicarse a los siguientes números telefónicos: ; ; ; ; ; A greeting of peace and well, My experience in the Diocese of Las Cruces has been far too short but rewarding. For Christmas last year I had the opportunity to work in the community of St. Genevieve Parish in Las Cruces where I had a wonderful experience. This summer, after having finished my studies in English at Conception Seminary College in Missouri, I had the great opportunity to work in two beautiful communities: Holy Cross Parish in Las Cruces and St. Helena Parish in Hobbs. My experience at these two parishes has helped me continue in my formation to the priesthood and in my configuration as Christian as well. I also had the opportunity to meet people who have helped me to further expand my cultural horizons. This broad experience has helped me to open up a little more to this beautiful culture and feel closer to the people who will be part of my life here in the Diocese of Las Cruces. During this summer I was also learning how to drive and working on the process to be accepted in Mundelein Seminary where I will finish my studies of theology. I take this opportunity to thank Monsignor John Anderson, Father Alejandro Reyes, Father Juan Carlos Ramirez, and the entire communities of Holy Cross and St. Helena for their prayers and for their full support I have received during this time. I commend myself to your prayers, and be sure of mine. I pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe for special protection for all of you. May God bless. Juan Pablo Daza Trujillo ioannespaulus77@hotmail.com Queridos Amigos, Seminaristas estén alegres porque están en la luna de miel ojalá esa alegría sea para siempre Papa Francisco Les saludo con mucha efusión, desde la parroquia de Santa Ana, en Deming, NM. En esta parroquia a cargo del Padre Enrique López, he estado sirviendo durante de este verano. Los que conocen al señor cura podrán estar de acuerdo conmigo que es una parroquia muy activa. Pues desde que llegué me he mantenido ocupado, aprendiendo de la gran sabiduría que tiene el señor cura. He de confesar, que cuando me dijeron que vendría a esta parroquia me causó un poco de sentimientos encontrados pues no sabía con que situaciones me habría de encontrar, pero ya a casi tres meses de estar inmerso en esta comunidad, lo que les puedo decir es que he aprendido mucho y he podido conservar mi sentido del humor, he conocido gente muy buena, con una fe muy profunda, con un gran amor a la eucaristía. Mis actividades en esta comunidad, aparte de ayudar en la oficina parroquial, es acompañar a los jóvenes en las distintas actividades, que realizan para prepararse para asistir a Stuebenville en San Diego, hemos formado un grupo de monaguillos, he visitado los ancianos, he realizado algunas visitas al hospital, y me he dado mi tiempo para acompañar a algunos feligreses OUR SEMINARIANS Seminarian, Juan Pablo Daza (right), sings in the choir Conception Seminary in Missouri. Seminarian, Nelson Bernal (center), helps at this year s Youth Rally in Las Cruces. My bride, the Church PHOTO: J.D. MCNAMARA The Old Testament biblical language has used the image of love to express God s relationship with his chosen people. In the New Testament, for Christ to become a man he also had a bride. His bride is the Church. Using this same image, I must say that I have a very beautiful bride. I d like to tell you a bit what my bride and I have done this summer. We have been working at the Pastoral Center offices with vocations, finances, helping with the Youth Rally, and much more. We have traveled the diocese, visiting many parishes in all six vicariates. These visits allowed me to get to know my brid learning to accept and love her. We stayed at St. Genevieve and Holy Cross Parishes in Las Cruces. We served in the Holy Mass, participated in meetings, visited the sick and enjoyed meals with friends. Mary Radwanski and Luis Phon helped me obtain my driver s license. These summer months have been a great blessing. I would like to express my sincere thanks to my bride, the Church. And I want to thank the people of the Diocese of Las Cruces for your prayers and for this wonderful and very rewarding experience. Special thanks to Bishop Oscar Cantú; the Pastoral Center staff; Margarita Hayes of the Vocations Office; Fr. Ricardo Bauzá and parishioners of St. Genevieve; Msgr. John Anderson; Fr. Alex Reyes and the parishioners of Holy Cross; Fr. Rogelio Martinez; Mr. and Mrs. Norman; Mrs. Radwanski; Mr. and Mrs. Johnson; Mr. Agustín Morales; the Knights of Columbus. May the Lord bless you with good health, peace, and love for your generosity and support. Nelson Bernal que me invitan a dar un paseo en caballo en mi tiempo libre. También, estoy tomando algunos cursos de teología en línea. Creo que el llamado del seminarista es que nos sumerjamos en los Santos y los distintos carismas que la Iglesia tiene, para que podamos darle fundamento a nuestra fe así como a nuestro existir. Pero para poder concretizar todo esto, es necesario que creamos en nosotros mismos, que amemos nuestra vocación, que con el corazón en la mano podamos responder con un Sí generoso. Quiero agradecer en este articulo, al señor cura Enrique López-Escalera, con quien estuve compartiendo esta única e inolvidable experiencia. He aprendido mucho del gran amor que tiene por su sacerdocio. Al señor cura Ronald Machado, mil gracias A todos los miembros del personal muchas gracias por sus enseñanzas, a mi equipo de ayuda para la formación sacerdotal, mil gracias por sus consejos, a María, por sus atenciones y su ayuda, a los monaguillos por su disposición y a toda la comunidad de Santa Ana, por permitirme servir en su comunidad e impregnarme de su amor a la eucaristía, sepan que a todos los llevaré siempre en el corazón los recordaré siempre frente al sagrario. Mil gracias al señor cura y su comunidad por todas las enseñanzas, los llevo en el corazón Dios los bendiga!!! Ricardo Ortiz

7 AGUA VIVA 7 YOUTH RALLY 2013 JUNE 7-9 New Mexico State University Las Cruces NM PHOTOS: J.D. MCNAMARA YOUTHLEADER 2013 JULY 10-14, 2013 Sacramento Christian Camp Sacramento, NM

8 8 AGUA VIVA CATHOLIC RUTHS FOR CATHOLIC KIDS! by Lorraine E. Espenhain Our Lady of the Light, La Luz Praying with the Bible Because the Bible is the Word of God, Christians have a long tradition of reading the Bible to help them pray. Name One popular approach is to close your eyes, open the Bible, put your finger on the page, and then Praying read the verse you re with pointing to. Name This the works Bible if you happen to open the Bible to the Psalms, the Gospel of John, or anywhere Jesus is telling people Because how the to Bible live. is But the what Word happens of God, if Christians you open it to Matthew have a long 1:1-17, tradition or 1 of Chronicles reading the 12? Bible Look to up help those chapters them pray. and you ll quickly see the problem! One popular approach is to close your eyes, A open better the Bible, way is put to your find a finger place on to the sit quietly page, and with your Bible, and open then read it to the a part verse that s you re somewhat pointing familiar to. (for example, the Gospel This works of Luke). if you Read happen until to you open find the something Bible to the that interests you. Psalms, Read the that Gospel part of several John, times, or anywhere then put Jesus a bookmark is telling on that page, people and how close to live. the Bible. But what Sit quietly happens for if a you few open minutes it towith your eyes Matthew closed, 1:1-17, thinking or 1 about Chronicles what you 12? Look read. up those chapters and you ll quickly see the problem! Open A better the Bible way is again, to find and a place find a to verse sit quietly or phrase with that your Bible, and will open remind it to a you part of that s the selection. somewhat Copy familiar it into (for the example, the prayer Gospel space of Luke). below. Read Cut until it out you and find glue something it to an that interests index you. Read card. that Put part the card several where times, you then can put see a it bookmark often on that during page, and the close day: on the the Bible. bathroom Sit quietly mirror, for a for few minutes with your eyes closed, thinking about what you read. example, or on the refrigerator door. Be sure to include Open the the Bible citation again, (the and quotation s find a verse book, or phrase chapter, that will remind you of the selection. Copy it into the and verse number). prayer space below. Cut it out and glue it to an index card. Put the card where you can see it often during the day: on the bathroom mirror, for example, or on the refrigerator door. Be sure to include the citation (the quotation s book, chapter, and verse number). Guarding the Soul Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. [2 Co 7:1] Melanie is always worrying about what she eats, what she drinks, and how much physical exercise she has taken in that day. She is always obsessing over calories, eating the proper amount of fruits, vegetables, and grains, and the elimination of junk food. While she is vigilant when it comes to exercise and good eating habits, her vigilance, unfortunately, stops there. She gives little or no thought to the types of books or magazines she reads, the music she listens to, the movies she watches, the friends she hangs out with, and the many different ways in which she spends her free time. Like many today, Melanie is only concerned about taking care of her physical body, which she can see, while neglecting the needs of her soul, which she cannot see. If she wants to be received into Heaven when she dies, Melanie needs to be just as vigilant over the needs of her soul as she is when it comes to the needs of her physical body. How many of us truly give any thought to that which is best for our soul? And yet, it is the soul that will live forever and ever! Before we engage in any type of activity, we should ask ourselves the following questions: How will this help my soul? Will this help my soul or harm it in the end? We must beware of and avoid altogether those things that distract and cause our souls great harm. As a rule, I avoid anything that won t help me spiritually. If I have time to read a book, I read books that will help my soul, such as books about the Saints. In our home, if we watch a family movie together, it is a Catholic movie that will inspire us in our Faith. We don t play raunchy music in our home because we have found out the hard way that such music always ends up draining us mentally and spiritually. Most of the music that is played on the radio today has a very depressing effect on one s spirit, so I avoid it altogether. If I m going to listen to music, I want it to be music that will help me to think about Jesus and my relationship with Him. I m also very careful about choosing friends. I want friends in my life who are going to help me in my walk with God, not hinder me, pull me away from Him, or cause me to completely forget about Him. There are many things out there that are not necessarily sinful, but neither do they benefit my soul. If it doesn t benefit my soul, if it only serves to waste my time, then it is a danger to my soul. Anything that can be used by Satan to distract me from God can also be used by him to pull me away from God. Take a close look at your life right now. Are you neglecting the needs of your soul? Are you endangering your soul by exposing it to all sorts of things that will pollute, contaminate, and distract it? If so, ask God to give you the grace to get rid of those things and replace them with things that will help your soul, not hinder it. When it comes to your eternal destiny, guarding the soul is worth it! HOLY FAMILY PARISH 85TH ANNUAL KLOBASE COURTHOUSE PARK, DEMING Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of food, friends, fun and fellowship! 2008, 2001, and 2000 Pfl aum Publishing Group, Dayton OH ( ) aum.com Permission is granted by the publisher to reproduce this page for noncommercial use only , 2001, and 2000 Pfl aum Publishing Group, Dayton OH ( ) aum.com Permission is granted by the publisher to reproduce this page for noncommercial use only. 92 Soft Saints, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. Visit Soft Saints on line at Do you have any ideas, questions, suggestions about God s Children? Share them with us! Write to Lourdes c/o Diocese of Las Cruces, 1280 Med Park Drive, Las Cruces NM 88005, or at lramos@dioceseoflascruces.org. October 20, :00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our famous Klobase will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. along with BBQ potato salad, coleslaw, and beans. All for only $8.00. We will also have homemade desserts available. Spend the day and try your luck at Bingo, or you may buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win $300.00, $150.00, or $ You don t even need to be present to win. There will also be games and face painting for the children. If you have never come before, it is worth the trip. Don t forget your lawn chairs. Meet old friends and make new ones!

9 AGUA VIVA 9 Parish Events Brothers serving parishes in Tularosa Basin Vicariate text & photos by Polly Chavez, Member of Santa Rita Catholic Church, Carrizozo, NM Fr. Mike Williams (above, left) serves at Santa Rita Church in Carrizozo (Lincoln County). He is the oldest of 11 siblings. His brother, Fr. Chris Williams serves in neighboring Our Lady of the Light Church in La Luz and Sacred Heart Mission in Cloudcroft. (Both churches in Otero County). Fr. Mike has been the pastor of Santa Rita Church since February He also serves the missions of Sacred Heart in Capitan and St. Theresa in Corona. His last assignment was at St. Francis Newman Center in Silver City. Fr. Chris is shown here in front of Our Lady of the Light Church in La Luz. Catholic Schools All Saints Catholic School Welcomes Bishop Cantú submitted by All Saints Catholic School, Roswell Rite of Permanent Profession On Saturday, June 8, 2013, the Order of Secular Franciscans, a Catholic spiritual lay organization, conducted the Rite of Permanent Profession during a Mass at San Jose Catholic Church officiated by Father Valentine Jankowski, OFM. Pictured are, from left to right, Fr. Valentine, new member Ida Gomez, fraternity minister Joel Gomez new member Johnnie Bradford, Formation Director Lupe Galindo and new member Elidia Castillo. Rachel s Vineyard Weekend Retreat October 11-13, 2013 San Patricio Retreat Center San Patricio, New Mexico Do you know someone who is hurting after abortion? Post-abortion suffering is not age discriminate. Whether your abortion was 10, 20, 40 or even 60 years ago, you can find peace within the safety and unconditional love experienced at a Rachel s Vineyard weekend retreat. The retreat weekends are specifically designed to facilitate grief work. We recognize that grief must be emptied before there is room for the grace of reconciliation, and the peace of healing. Rachel s Vineyard weekends are for the sole purpose of post-abortion healing and are for any person who has struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain of abortion; women, men, couples, grandparents, siblings and former abortion providers and clinicians. Individuals of many different faiths, as well as those with no faith at all, have journeyed through Rachel s Vineyard and found it to be very comforting and healing. If the emotional and spiritual wounds of a past abortion have been sapping faith, love and joy from your life, a journey into Rachel s Vineyard is a gift only you can open your heart to receive. The spiritual process of reconciliation with yourself, with God and your lost child will truly result in wholeness and freedom and a difference you will be able to feel inside your heart. This healing process will give you a deeper compassion for yourself, and you will begin to experience an end to isolation, despair and hopelessness. Whatever your fears or hesitations may be, you are encouraged to take the steps toward receiving the healing and peace you deserve. You are not alone. A new chapter of your life awaits you. Take courage, God is calling you towards peace, love, hope and freedom. Dr. Theresa Burke, Founder of Rachel s Vineyard Ministries. Inquiries, registration, and retreat participation are strictly confidential. For more information, contact Martha at or bslmrvls@aol.com, or Elizabeth at All teachers expect their students to be excited about the end of the school year. But, last May, at All Saints Catholic School in Roswell, the excitement was even greater about a visit from Bishop Oscar Cantú! The morning of May 16 began with the school Mass at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, with Bishop Cantú the celebrant, assisted by Seminarian Nelson Bernal and altar servers from the school. The Mass was beautiful, as always, and the bishop endeared himself to the children with stories of his own childhood and some sound counsel about God s love for them and the importance and joy of living for Jesus. After Mass, there was a small breakfast at the school to honor the bishop. Then, accompanied by Principal Scott Schoen, Bishop Cantú toured the new school building. He visited each classroom, where he talked with the children, answered their questions, and told them that God has plans for all of us, despite what we have planned for ourselves. I wanted to be a basketball player when I was young, Bishop told the students, but then I stopped growing. Several students asked how he became a priest and then a bishop. One asked for his autograph! A few of the classes presented handmade cards of welcome. The following day, much of the students conversation had switched from Only three more days of classes! to Next year when our bishop comes They, along with their parents, the principal, the teachers, and the staff, are grateful to Bishop Cantú for taking precious time from his busy schedule to visit All Saints Catholic School, where he is greatly loved, respected, and admired. RELIGIOUS ARTICLS CHURCH GOODS SERVING YOU SINCE San Mateo Blvd., NE Albuquerque, NM Phone (505) Fax (505) Toll Free garsonsons@aol.com Web: garsonandsons.com

10 10 AGUA VIVA Diaconate Journey IX Andy Weiss Immaculate Conception Church Alamogordo Mary is very important to our faith and to God. I love Mary, but I hadn t really explored that part of my faith until more recently with this assignment: What role is the blessed Mother playing in my formation? How is her presence in my formation guiding my spiritual growth? This caused me to have to look into my life and this article illustrates not only am I not done answering the questions for myself, but some of things I have found. Good assignments are like that. I include passages so you can look them up and strengthen your own faith. We are all to build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:10). I have always had a great respect for my Hispanic brethren in their devotion to our Blessed Mother. I am German and Irish, the latter known for deep devotion to Mary. Both are known for their studies in our faith and that is my wiring I really love Scripture and the early Church fathers. I also learned I need to know the background of Marian devotion before I can put myself into it. I learned more deeply about these things doing this assignment. Mary is not only the Mother of our Lord (Luke 1:43; Revelation 12:1-2), but my (and your) Mother, personally (Genesis 3:15; Jn 19:26-27). I can go to her with anything and she will help as all good Mothers do. My favorite title for Mary is undoer of knots, a very popular title in the Eastern Churches. She has this title in relation to Eve, the Mother of all the living (Genesis 3:20), who by her disobedience (Genesis 3:1-7) tied us in the knot of sin. Sometimes I feel tied up in knots (don t you?). Mary, by her obedience (Luke 1:26-38), untied that knot of sin and is co-redemptrix, helping Jesus save us. So run to Mary when you have a need and she will obtain it for you! How can I say she will obtain it? It is because Mary is the Queen. The logic is simple: Jesus is Mary s son, fully God and fully man, the King. In Jewish tradition, the queen is not the king s wife but his Mother. So I encourage you to rely upon and run to the Queen Mother and she will bring your needs to her Son, the King. God love you! Holy Cross Retreat 600 Holy Cross Road Mesilla Park NM (575) ENGAGED ENCOUNTERS August 17-18, 2013 For information call EE weekends are 2 days, 1 overnight ONLINE REGISTRATION: ACTS Four Day Spiritual Retreat ALL RETREATS HELD AT HOLY CROSS RETREAT CENTER August 1-4, 2013 Men s Retreat - St. Stephen s Parish For information/registration call August 8-11, 2013 Retreat - Queen of Peace Parish For information/registration call August 22-25, 2013 Men s Retreat - St. Luke/St. Matthew Parish For information/registration call September 5-8, 2013 St. Luke/St. Matthew Parish For information/registration call September 12-15, 2013 Women s Retreat - St. Patrick s Cathedral For information/registration call Retreats August 16-18, 2013 Spanish Contemplative Prayer Retreat led by Fr. Tom Smith, OFMConv. For information/registration call September 27-29, 2013 Recovering Alcoholics/Alanon Retreat led by Fr. Patrick Mullin. For information call September 27-29, 2013 Beginning Experience Retreat For information/registration call September 30-October 4, 2013 Priest Retreat - Diocese of Juarez For information/registration call August 31-September 1, 2013 Fine Arts Festival, Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Donations welcome at the front door Those who wish to make a private reatreat or private directed retreat with one of the Friars, please contact the office at the number listed above to make prior arrangements. Daily visitors are welcome anytime at no cost. Donations accepted. HOLY CROSS RETREAT CENTER RELIGIOUS GIFT SHOP & BOOKSTORE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK VISIT DIOCESEOFLASCRUCES.ORG FOR MORE NEWS, PHOTOS, ANNOUNCEMENTS La Virgen María es muy importante en nuestra fe y para Dios. Amo a la Virgen María, pero realmente no había explorado esa parte de mi fe hasta, recientemente, con esta asignación que recibí: Qué papel está jugando la Madre bendita en mi formación? Cómo está su presencia en mi formación guiando mi crecimiento espiritual? Esto hizo que tuviera que examinar mi vida y este artículo ilustra solo algunas de las cosas que he descubierto, puesto que no he terminado de responder a las preguntas. Las buenas tareas son así. Incluyen pasajes que hay que buscar y la búsqueda nos ayuda a conocer y fortalecer nuestra fe. Todos nos estamos ayudando a crecer juntos. (1 Tesalonicenses 5:11). Siempre he tenido un gran respeto por mis hermanos hispanos por su devoción a la Santísima Virgen. Soy de descendencia alemana e irlandesa. Los irlandeses son muy conocidos por una profunda devoción a la Virgen María. Tanto los alemanes como los irlandeses son conocidos por sus estudios sobre nuestra fe y de eso se trata mi escrito - Me encantan la Escrituras y los Padres de la Iglesia. También he aprendido que tengo que conocer los antecedentes de la devoción mariana antes de que pueda acoger esa devoción. Profundicé mis conocimientos de La Presencia de Cristo en Nuestras Vidas A lo que concluye el verano, nuestros pensamientos se tornan hacia el otoño que viene y, si tienen niños de edad escolar, el proceso de preparación para la escuela o la universidad consumirán nuestro tiempo. A menudo pensamos en los meses de verano como un tiempo para escapar de las actividades que regularmente controlan nuestros días. Ahora empezamos a preocuparnos por el vestuario, útiles escolares, viajes para las universidades de nuestros hijos, y cómo vamos a pagar por todo. Como familia cristiana recordemos que somos una comunidad de personas... y que tenemos una tarea evangelizadora y misionera. Tenemos que recordar lo que nos dice Jesucristo en el Nuevo Testamento; No te preocupes por el mañana, el mañana se encargará de sí mismo. Deberíamos concentrarnos en tener a Cristo presente en nuestras continued from page 2 praising, renewing, and evangelizing! Now, what does this have to do with Basic Ministry Formation? Right now, nothing. But in the future, as the Specialization component requirements for certification or recertification in a specific ministry are developed, the Diocesan Enrichment Conference will be one of the Jornada al Diaconado IX por Andy Weiss, ICC, Alamogordo Mary Helen Llañez Director, Oficina de Vida en Familia almas. Lo que hacemos en el día debe reflejar nuestro servicio al Señor en nuestras acciones con aquellos que nos rodean; con nuestras familias, nuestros compañeros de trabajo; y con las personas que cruzan nuestro paso durante el día Saludar a aquellas personas con quien hacemos contacto presentando una actitud positiva elevará sus espíritus y el nuestro, Hemos notado a las criaturas de Dios y a su creación? Lo que hemos logrado este verano es de verdadera importancia y beneficio para todos? Algunas familias apartan algún tiempo para ayudar a una familia necesitada. Tal vez ayudaron a remodelar una casa modesta, o pintaron la casa de su vecino anciano. Algunas familias ayudaron financieramente a otra familia con la reparación de su coche. Hay tantas maneras que podemos utilizar los dones que Dios nos ha concedido. Gastar demasiado ways to meet those requirements. If you have never heard of our diocesan Basic Ministry Formation Process and want to know more, contact one of us in the Ministries Department or see the diocesan website. If you attended the Diocesan Enrichment Conference, you should have heard about it, gotten a brochure, estas cosas haciendo esta tarea. La Virgen María no es sólo la Madre de nuestro Señor (Lucas 1:43; Apocalipsis 12:1-2), sino mi (y su) madre, en lo personal (Génesis 3:15; Jn 19:26-27). Puedo acudir a ella con cualquier cosa y ella como todas las buenas madres me ayudará. Mi título favorito de la Virgen María es Desatadora de Nudos, un título muy popular en las Iglesias orientales. Ella tiene este título en relación con Eva, la madre de todos los vivientes (Génesis 3:20), que por su desobediencia (Génesis 3:1-7) nos ha atado al nudo del pecado. A veces me siento atado en nudos. La Virgen María, por su obediencia (Lucas 1, 26-38), desató ese nudo del pecado y es coredentora, ayudando a Jesús a salvarnos. Así que acude a la Virgen María cuando tengas una necesidad que ella te responderá! Cómo puedo decir que ella responderá? Lo digo porque la Virgen María es la Reina. La lógica es simple: Jesús es el hijo de María Santísima, plenamente Dios y plenamente hombre, el Rey. En la tradición judía, la reina no es la esposa del rey, sino su madre. Así que los animo a confiar y a acudir a la Reina Madre y ella les llevará sus necesidades a su Hijo, el Rey. Dios te ama! dinero en aparatos electrónicos, ropa, zapatos de tenis costosos no debería ser el punto culminante de su verano. Cómo está su familia practicando la mayordomía y construyendo relaciones unos con otros? Consulte con su parroquia para ver lo que está disponible para que las familias enriquezcan su fe. Si tiene acceso a una computadora, puede descargar material para enriquecer sus conocimientos católicos. Utilice sus aparatos electrónicos para actividades positivas No sólo juegos! Pasando a otro tema, en el mes de octubre se llevarán a cabo dos eventos para conmemorar el Respeto a la Vida. Monseñor Cantú celebrará misa el domingo, 13 de octubre de las 4 p.m. en la parroquia de Holy Cross en Las Cruces, y en Artesia en Our Lady of Grace el domingo 20 de octubre a las 11 a.m. Por favor únase a nosotros. Liturgy Q from YOU & A from Joanna Haston, Director of the Office of Liturgical Education and received a flyer for the retreats to be held around the diocese in late August. Attending a Call Retreat is another of the components of the Basic Ministry Formation Process. If you have a question for Joanna, contact her at jhaston@ dioceseoflascruces.org or

11 AGUA VIVA 11 Calendar of Events COMING EVENTS August 3, 2013 Youth Encuentro, San Jose Church, La Mesa, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information call The Pastoral Center at August 6, 2013 Faith Environment Sexual Abuse Workshop, San José Parish Hall, La Mesa, 6-9 p.m. Presenter: Fr. Rogelio Martínez, Spanish Workshop August 9-10, 2013 Day of Reflection Catholicism In the Year of Faith, Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Las Cruces, 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday with Mass following at 5:30 p.m. 17 de Agosto 2013 Llamado Retiro, San Patricio Retreat Center August 19, 2013 Faith Environment Sexual Abuse Workshop, Cathedral of IHM - Finley Hall, Las Cruces, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Presenter: Lonnie Briseño, English Workshop August 24, 2013 Call Retreat, Our Lady of Grace, Artesia, Bilingual August 24, 2013 Call Retreat, St. Jude, Alamogordo, Bilingual September 21, 2013 Faith Environment Sexual Abuse Workshop, St. Peter Education Center, Roswell, 9 a.m p.m. Presenter: John Banda, English Workshop September 23, 2013 Family Day Be Involved. Stay Involved TM is CASAColumbia s national initiative to promote simple acts of parental engagement as key ways to help prevent risky substance use in children and teens. To learn more about Family Day and to join parents all across America in taking the Family Day STAR pledge, log on to www. CASAFamilyDay.org. October 13, 2013 Respect Life Month Mass, Holy Cross Parish, Las Cruces, 4 p.m., celebrated by Bishop Oscar Cantú. Reception following Mass. Everyone welcome October 20, 2013 Respect Life Month Mass, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Artesia, 11 a.m., celebrated by Bishop Oscar Cantú. Reception following Mass. Everyone welcome ANNOUNCEMENTS HOST A HIGH SCHOOL EXCHANGE STUDENT Invite the world home by SHARE!ing your heart and home with a student from overseas! High schoolers from over 30 countries are eagerly waiting to hear who their host families will be St. Mary s High School, located on the Holy Cross Church campus is looking for families to host students for the school year. Host families provide room and board. All other expenses including tuition are the responsibility of the student. If you would like more information about SHARE!, please contact Yvette Coffman at , ycoffman@ sharesouthwest.org. Website: www. sharesouthwest.org Life in the Spirit Seminar An eight-week Life in the Spirit seminar will be offered each Tuesday from July 9-August 27 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The seminar features a DVD series, As by a New Pentecost, taught by national leaders in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, followed by small-group discussions. Each session is 7 8:30 p.m. in Room at the parish center, 1240 S. Espina Street (entrance on Idaho Avenue). Sessions are free. For more information, call or eeasterly@q.com. Call Retreats Scheduled The Diocese of Las Cruces will be hosting Call Retreats during August in order to provide the opportunity for parishioners serving in ministry (or wanting to serve) to begin their certification process within the diocese. There is no financial cost to participants. All that is required is a commitment to serve. A Spanish Retreat will be held on August 17, 2013, at San Patricio Retreat Center, San Patricio, and two English/Bilingual retreats on August 24, One will be held at St. Jude Church in Alamogordo and one at Our Lady of Grace Church in Artesia. For information please call Llamadas Retiros La Diócesis será el anfitrión de llamadas retiros durante el mes de agosto con el fin de dar la oportunidad a los feligreses que sirven en el ministerio (o el deseo de servir) para comenzar el proceso de certificación dentro de la diócesis. No hay ningún costo financiero para los participantes, les pedimos su compromiso de servir. Un retiro español se llevará a cabo el sábado 17 de agosto en San Patricio Retreat Center y dos retiros Inglés / Bilingüe El sábado 24 de agosto; uno en St Jude en Alamogordo y uno en Nuestra Señora de la Gracia en Artesia. Para mas informacion llame a October, the month of the Holy Rosary. Join us as we pray a Living Rosary Sunday, October 6, :45 p.m. St. Genevieve Parish Hall 1025 E. Las Cruces Ave. Las Cruces NM Followed by the National Life Chain event We will meet at st. Genevieve s Catholic Church, 100 S. Espina, Las Cruces at 2:45 p.m. We will walk to Amador Avenue and form a life chain along on the sidewalk carrying signs in prayerful silence. LIFE CHAIN is a peaceful, prayerful public witness of pro-life Americans standing in honor of 54 million lives lost to abortion, praying for our nation, for people in crisis situations and for an end to abortion. It is a visual statement of solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception to natural death. Stand with thousands of pro-lifers throughout the USA! You ll be a light in a darkened world as you help put an end to abortion through prayer! Bring your whole family! Rain or shine! Water, lawn chairs, umbrellas and strollers are welcome! Signs will be provided Donations are encouraged to help area crisis pregnancy centers and services save lives, including Care Net Pregnancy Center,Turning Point, and the Gabriel Project/Angel Gabriel Ministry. For information call/ /selromero@yahoo.com Mary Kathleen Ruddy: Called to Religious Life continued from page 5 I quickly integrated into the church and community of Las Cruces, but my heart would not be silenced. I felt I had reached a turning point: either follow my heart s desire and answer God s call in service to his people, or forget about being a sister and press forward. Fr. Bill McCann suggested several communities and God enlightened her heart. When she visited the Missionaries of Charity community in Gallup, NM, and experienced their life of love and service, she knew! She remarks, I nearly cried as the sisters prayed, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of our joy, pray for us. Having lived and worked among the poor in First and Third Word countries and desiring nothing more than to give her life to Christ in such service this, at last, was a fit! In addition to her degree in Professional Biology, minor in music, and graduate studies in Plant and Environmental Sciences, throughout her life Mary Kathleen has honed her musical talents. At age 9, she began playing the harp under the tutelage of harpist Kathleen Wilson of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. She also played in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary choir and sings in a soft soprano voice. Mary Kathleen Ruddy answered that Spiritual call in July and began her journey in the religious life. She traveled to the Bronx, NY, for initial formation with the Missionaries of Charity. Consisting of over 4,500 religious sisters and active in 133 countries, members adhere to vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, and give wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor. The parish family of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary joins her in prayerful good wishes for success in her religious vocation. REPORT SEXUAL ABUSE If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel, contact the Victim s Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Las Cruces at (575) , or lroman@ dioceseoflascruces.org REPORTE EL ABUSO SEXUAL Si usted o alguien que usted conoce ha sido victima de abuso sexual por parte del clero o personal de la iglesia, póngase en contacto con el Coordinador de Asistencia a Victimas de Abuso Sexual de La Diócesis Católica de Las Cruces, llamando al , o mandando un correo electrónico a lroman@dioceseoflascruces.org

12 12 AGUA VIVA Following their farewell Mass, Fr. Paul Botenhagen and his confreres receive a blessing from the Apache community elders. Franciscans Bid Farewell to Mescalero by J. David McNamara, Agua Viva Special Projects Bishop Cantú, Bishop Ramírez, and Fr. Botenhagen receive a blessing from the first of three groups of Apache dancers. A Blessing of Bishops by J. David McNamara, Agua Viva Special Projects On Friday, May 31, the Apache community at St. Joseph s Mission in Mescalero had much to celebrate. First, they wished to recognize the many contributions of Bishop Emeritus Ricardo Ramírez, C.S.B., and long-time St. Joseph pastor, Fr. Paul Botenhagen, O.F.M., as they take leave of their duties in the Diocese of Las Cruces. Second, they wished to welcome the new local ordinary, the Most Rev. Oscar Cantú, who became the Bishop of Las Cruces in February of this year. At the start of a celebration that would span over 24 hours, a feast was prepared and participants prepared themselves for the elaborate and beautiful ceremony that would bless both the retiring bishop and their departing pastor. Likewise, Bishop Cantú would be blessed by the Apache elders and community as a whole at the beginning of his tenure in southern New Mexico. Ample use of bee pollen during the ritual transformed the clerics vestments from their original colors to a mix of superimposed yellow polka-dots marking the points of blessing applied by the Apache leaders. At three different locales, starting near the front door of the church, ornately dressed groups of Apache dancers participated in the blessing rituals, accompanied by the distinctive prayerful vocal and drumming sounds of Native American musicians. Following the blessing of the bishops and Fr. Paul, dancing and song continued throughout the night and into the following morning centered around an enormous bonfire that was lighted on the ceremonial grounds in front of the mission church. After well over 100 years of service to the faithful of southern New Mexico, and just short of 100 years of pastoral presence at St. Joseph Apache Mission in Mescalero, the Santa Barbara Franciscans celebrated a final Mass with that community on Sunday, June 16, 2013 In a concelebrated liturgy led by Las Cruces Bishop Oscar Cantú, St. Joseph Mission s pastor, Fr. Paul Botenhagen, O.F.M., and members of his religious community blessed the capacity crowd of worshippers eager to bid a fond farewell to the friars who had served the Mescalero church so faithfully over many generations. The Mass was followed by an Apache blessing ceremony, the presentation of many gifts to and by Fr. Paul, as well as several lengthy tributes offered by parish members who directed their kind words toward the departing Franciscans. Indeed, the long-standing rich legacy of the Santa Barbara Franciscan religious community will not be forgotten by the Native American community of St. Joseph Apache Mission in the years to come. At the half-way point during their Corpus Christi procession from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to St. Genevieve Parish, Bishop Cantú stops to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. PHOTOS: J.D. MCNAMARA Accompanied by representatives of the Protestant community and members of St. Albert the Great Newman Center, Bishop Cantú leads attendees in prayer during interfaith ceremonies at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Fortnight for Freedom Gathering by J. David McNamara, Agua Viva Special Projects Celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi by J. David McNamara, Agua Viva Special Projects On Corpus Christi Sunday, June 2, approximately 200 faithful gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Las Cruces to mark the annual feast with benediction and a procession to the nearby Church of St. Genevieve. Led by Bishop Oscar Cantú carrying a monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament exposed, the throng recited decades of the rosary as they marched under somewhat threatening weather conditions along the several blocks between the Cathedral and St. Genevieve s. The procession stopped at the half-way point to pray at a temporary altar erected by the Catholic Daughters in a small street-side park. A short time later, the group reached its destination in the ornate beauty of St. Genevieve Church where the bishop imparted a final benediction, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. On July 2nd, Las Cruces Bishop Oscar Cantú hosted an interfaith prayer vigil at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Las Cruces. The motivation for the gathering was in response to the recent push by the federal government to oblige the Catholic Church in America and other religious denominations to embrace the option for abortion when offering health care to pregnant women served in privately operated clinics. The churches represented at the vigil ceremonies wished to ratify their support of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution that states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. At the Cathedral vigil, Bishop Cantú was joined by Rev. Wayne Hawkins, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Iglesia del Pueblo, and Rev. Gabriel Rochelle, Pastor of the Orthodox Christian Mission St. Anthony of the Desert. Each offered prayers and observations concerning their perception of the federal government s pressure on their respective churches related to the abortion issue.