Bringing Good to Where Good is Absent

Transcripción

1 A Chapel of Miracles A message from the Virgin Mary results in a new chapel dedicated in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary. See page 7 Volume 28, No. 4 The official newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico Bringing Good to Where Good is Absent Based on an Agua Viva interview with Deacon Tom Baca, Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities Undeniably, an important challenge of Christianity resides in every baptized person s call to serve his or her fellow men and women. It s the praxis, or application, of our faith. And, like it or not, it isn t an option it is a duty! But what can possibly move us from our comfort zone, effectively motivating us to reach out to others in a helping gesture? Certainly, those of us who were baptized as infants have no conscious memory of that call to service first challenging us at the waters of the font in which we were claimed for Christ. And even catechumens, baptized later in life, may not be totally aware of that call to serve. Nonetheless, we have all received the call, and the expectation is that we respond. Our faith must be put into action! For the permanent deacon who is ordained specifically and sacramentally to serve in the Church, that call is a regular facet of daily existence. It is not a matter of clerical authority, but rather, his response should manifest itself as evidence of an inner humility that drives the deacon to seek out opportunities to serve his parish or diocesan community. For Deacon Tom Baca, the motivation to serve comes from a deep responsibility to teach the gospel in relation to what we do rather than what we say. For Deacon Tom, his role of service stems not from feeling superior to lay persons who are engaged in the same type of faith in action, but in his being aware of his own lack of holiness. Indeed, for Deacon Tom, true service occurs in the life of any Christian ordained or not when that person is able to see that it is not you, but Christ working through you. In the view of Deacon Tom, God is present in the poor. If we fail to recognize and respond to the needs of the poor in our community, we can easily begin to focus excessively (and sometimes exclusively) on our own needs. An underlying theme in Deacon Tom s life seems to be captured in his expressed desire: Let God fill me with Him rather than my filling me with myself. Our deeds impact those around us, often even more than they impact ourselves. We teach others through what we do much more than through what we say and sometimes what we teach does not mirror Jesus message of love especially love for the poor. The Diocesan Office of Catholic Charities addresses that challenge in very tangible ways on a daily basis. For the Christian cleric and lay person alike, we are all witnesses to our faith as evidenced in our actions, and our service to others must be expressed in a heartfelt giving of self. And if Deacon Tom Baca s definition of service ( bringing good to where good is absent ) is accurate, then each of us has a lot to keep us busy for the rest of our natural lives! Deacon Tom Baca and the Office of Catholic Charities can be reached by telephone at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Las Cruces, (575) the motivation to serve comes from a deep responsibility to teach the gospel in relation to what we do rather than what we say.

2 2 Agua Viva UNITED IN MINISTRY 2013 Year of Faith Generations of Faith Progress Report Appeal Goal.... $1,148, Amount pledged... $1,148, Pledged applicable to goal... $884, (97.8%) Parishes pledged over goal...32 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... $621, Applicable to goal.... $563, (49.1%) Parishes paid goal...11 Earned rebates to date... $57, Data current as of 5/16/2013 Bishop Cantú Offers Weekly Video-Log Messages on Diocesan Web Site As a new feature of communications aimed at the Diocese of Las Cruces and the rest of the world Bishop Oscar Cantú will offer a brief weekly recorded video message. Themes will be drawn from the current Sunday readings and will reflect Bishop Cantú s thoughts about a broad array of current topics directly impacting clergy and parishioners of our diocese. Each weekly video message will be recorded in both English and Spanish. You can find this interesting and informative three to four-minute Video- Log on the Diocese of Las Cruces website ( You are encouraged to view the bishop s message each week as a way to enrich your personal understanding of the Gospel message and to become increasingly aware of the Church s teachings in today s world. 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: We are confused! First we were told to celebrate Confirmation before we got married, then we were told that we had to get married before we celebrated Confirmation. Which is it? Are we to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation before the sacrament of Marriage, or after? The answer depends on you and your single, marital or living status. The Diocese of Las Cruces has a Pastoral Manual, published by the authority of the Bishop. This Manual has two parts, the first dealing with pastoral matters, such as the celebration of sacraments, the second containing the policies and procedures of an administrative nature. In the section entitled Confirmation Policy, there is a page on Preparing adults for Confirmation. It states that: Key in the preparation of adults is a personal interview that asks pertinent questions to learn about the faith formation, life style and living situations of each candidate. This interview should help the parish team determine the process needed to accompany persons preparing for Confirmation. Note that the first step may be marriage preparation rather than Confirmation classes. It goes on to list the Considerations of a person s readiness for Confirmation. Single adults are strongly encouraged to receive Confirmation prior to marriage. Adults married in the Church who are not yet confirmed are always welcome to receive Confirmation. They should seek out a program of preparation through their parish. Persons who are single and living together with or without children, if they continue living together, are to be invited into preparation for Confirmation. But before receiving Confirmation they are asked to be married in the Church or stop living together. Persons living in a civil marriage may enter into the process of preparation for Confirmation. However, they must have their marriage convalidated prior to receiving Confirmation. As you can see, the answer definitely depends on the marital status and living situation of any adult candidate. The section on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults puts it this way: While cohabitation is not an impediment to marriage, it is an obstacle to receiving the sacraments of initiation. Living together without the benefit of marriage contradicts fundamental Church teachings. Thus, this situation is to be resolved through either separation or marriage prior to the celebration of the Rite of Election. Simple answer, if you are engaged and living singly/separately, Confirmation comes first. If you are in any kind of cohabitating relationship, Marriage comes first. I hope to see you in church, either way! Obispo Cantú ofrece mensajes de Registro de Video cada semana en el sitio web Diocesano Como una nueva característica de comunicaciones dirigidas a la diócesis de Las Cruces - y el resto del mundo - nuestro Obispo Oscar Cantú ofrecerá un breve mensaje grabado en video cada semana. Los temas se extraerán de las lecturas actuales del domingo y reflejarán los pensamientos del Obispo Cantú sobre una amplia gama de temas actuales que directamente impactan el clero y a parroquianos de nuestra diócesis. Cada mensaje de video semanalmente será grabado en inglés y español. Usted puede encontrar este interesante e informativo Registro de Video de tres a cuatro minutos en la página principal de la diócesis de Las Cruces ( Le animamos a ver el mensaje del obispo cada semana como una manera de enriquecer su comprensión personal del mensaje del Evangelio y hacerse cada vez más conscientes de las enseñanzas de la iglesia en el mundo de hoy. Pope Francis names Bishop Mark Seitz as bishop of El Paso The appointment was publicized in Washington, May 6, 2013, by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Bishop Seitz was born in Milwaukee, January 10, 1954, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, master of divinity and master of arts in theology degrees from the University of Dallas. He was ordained a priest for the Dallas Diocese in He earned a master in liturgical studies degree from St. John s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, in In 2004, Pope John Paul II named him a prelate of honor, carrying the title monsignor. Assignments after ordination included parochial vicar, Good Shepherd Parish, ; adjunct professor, University of Dallas, ; spiritual director, Hoy Trinity Seminary, ; vice-rector, Holy Trinity Seminary, ; pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Waxahachie, Texas, ; and pastor, St. Rita Parish, since Bishop Seitz was named auxiliary bishop of Dallas, March 11, For more on Bishop Seitz visit The official newspaper of the Diocese of Las Cruces Mission Statement: As the official 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 A Message from Our Bishop June 2 Truth or Consequences, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Mass at 10:00am Las Cruces, St. Genevieve Church, Procession / Mass at 7:00pm 3-5 Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and 7 Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and 8 15 San Diego, Spring Assembly 16 Mescalero, St Joseph Apache Mission, Farewell Mass, time TBD Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and 21 Las Cruces, Our Lady of Guadalupe Prayer Center, Mass 11:00 22 Las Cruces, Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Ordination of Dan Schneider to Permanent Deacon at 10:00am 23 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Mass place and time TBD Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and 28 Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and 29 Anthony, Asamblea Regional 30 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Mass place and time TBD July 1 Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and 2 Las Cruces, Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fortnight for Freedom 10:00am 3 Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and 5 Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and 7 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Mass place and time TBD 8-10 Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and Region XIII Permanent Deacon Conference Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and 19 Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and 21 Anthony, St. Anthony s Church, 50th Anniversary Mass for Fr. Andres Alava, 11:00am Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and Las Cruces, Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Diocesan Enrichment Conference 28 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Mass time and place TBD Las Cruces, the Pastoral Center, Meetings and Las Cruces, Holy Cross Church, Theology on TAP Ministry at 7:00pm The Works of Mercy in Christian Life Dear Faithful of the Diocese of Las Cruces, Most Reverend Oscar Cantú, S.T.D. Un Mensaje de Nuestro Obispo Jesus spent some two or three years with his disciples, allowing them to come to know him, to learn from him, and eventually to love him. The disciples learned what it meant to live in the Kingdom of God. Among the many things they learned from their master, Jesus, they learned that they must serve one another. Over the many years of his pontificate, Blessed John Paul II taught that part of the meaning of human existence is to give of oneself generously to others: this helps to bring human fulfillment. I would like to highlight, for our consideration, the forms of service to others that come to us from Scripture and Tradition, namely, the works of mercy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us the following regarding the works of mercy (CCC 2447): The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities ( catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm#note3220). Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead ( what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/ epub/index.cfm#note3221). Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God: He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food must do likewise (Lk 3:11). When I was named pastor in Houston, I was made pastor of my home parish, Holy Name. It was indeed a joyful, if challenging, experience. I had not been in the parish but a few weeks when an older gentleman knocked on the door of my office. I recognized him immediately, Mr. Gonzalez. I had grown up with and gone to school with his children. He was an immensely respected pillar of the parish community. A man of few words, he simply handed me an envelope and said, This belongs to you now, and he turned around and left. Puzzled, I opened the envelope that looked old and worn. It was a letter dated in 1968, some thirty-five years earlier. It was addressed to Mr. Gonzalez in his capacity as the head of the parish St. Vincent de Paul Society. The letter was brief, written by the mother of a family, thanking the St. Vincent de Paul Society for the groceries that were apportioned her family during a time of need. She explained that her husband had had surgery and was out of work for several weeks, and was not able to provide for the family as usual. She assured Mr. Gonzalez that her husband was now better and back to work. The letter was simple, but grateful. The author was my mother. I was one of the six children at home (at that time) that benefitted from the kindness, love, and concern of others. We don t always realize who it is we serve, but we do know that it is always Christ. I was hungry, and you gave me to eat (Mt. 25:35). May we feed others with service, so that Christ can feed us with his love and grace. Las Obras de Misericordia en la Vida Cristiana Queridos Feligreses de la Diócesis de Las Cruces, Jesús convivió dos o tres años con sus discípulos, permitiéndoles que vinieran a conocerlo, a aprender de él y eventualmente a amarlo. Los discípulos comprendieron el significado de vivir en el Reino de Dios. Aprendieron muchas cosas de su maestro, Jesus, entre ellas, que tienen que servir el uno al otro. Durante los años de su Pontificado el Beato Juan Pablo II enseñó que parte del significado de la existencia humana es la entrega generosa de uno mismo a los demás, ayudando a lograr el cumplimiento humano. Quiero recalcar, para nuestra consideración, las formas de servicio que nos enseñan las Escrituras y la tradición, que vienen siendo las obras de misericordia. El catecismo de la Iglesia Católica nos enseña las obras de misericordia de la siguiente manera (CCC 2447): Las obras de misericordia son acciones caritativas con las cuales ayudamos a nuestro vecino en sus necesidades espirituales y corporales ( cfm#note3220). Instruyendo, aconsejando, consolando, confortando son obras de misericordia espirituales, así como: perdonando y aguantando un mal con paciencia. Las obras de misericordia corporales consisten en alimentar al hambriento, dar techo al que no tiene, arropar al desnudo, visitar al enfermo y encarcelado y enterrar al muerto ( what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/ index.cfm#note3221). Entre todas estas, dar limosna al pobre es una de las caridades fraternas más importante: es también una obra de justica que complace a Dios: El que tiene dos túnicas, comparta con el que no tiene; y el que tiene qué comer, haga lo mismo (Lc 3:11). Cuando fui nombrado párroco en Houston, fui nombrado párroco de mi parroquia, el Santo Nombre. Fue una experiencia maravillosa y a su vez desafiante. No tenía ni dos semanas cuando un viejo anciano toco la puerta de mi oficina. Lo reconocí inmediatamente, Sr. González. Había crecido e ido a la escuela con sus hijos. Era un pilar de inmenso respeto es nuestra comunidad parroquial. Un hombre de pocas palabras, me entrego un sobre y dijo: esto te pertenece a ti ahora y se dio la vuelta y se fue. Perplejo, abrí el sobre que se veía viejo y desgastado. Era una carta con la fecha de 1968, hacían algunos 35 años antes. Estaba dirigida al Sr. González en su capacidad como cabeza de la sociedad San Vicente de Paul de la parroquia. La carta era breve, escrita por una madre de familia, agradeciendo a la sociedad de San Vicente de Paul por los comestibles que le repartieron a su familia en momentos de necesidad. Ella explicaba que habían operado a su esposo y que no había podido trabajar por varias semanas por lo tanto no había podido proveer por su familia. Le aseguró al Sr. González que su esposo ahora se encontraba mejor y de regreso en el trabajo. La carta fue sencilla pero llena de gratitud. La autora de esa carta fue mi madre. Yo fui uno de esos seis niños en casa (en aquel entonces) que se benefició de la bondad, amor y preocupación de los demás. No siempre sabemos a quién servimos, pero sí sabemos que siempre es a Cristo. Porque tuve hambre, y me disteis de comer (Mt: 25:35). Alimentemos a los demás con nuestro servicio, para que Cristo nos alimente con su gracia y amor. Bishop Oscar Cantú Monseñor Oscar Cantú

4 4 Agua Viva Our Communion with the Saints Focus on Catholic Schools Wm. J. Rademacher, Ph.D. Diocesan Consultant for Pastoral Ministry On November 1st we celebrate the Feast of All Saints. We gather as a community of believers to proclaim the Word of God and then to break the bread of the Lord. First, as believers and as disciples, we feel the Lord Himself is now speaking to us through this living Word. And this Word will once again become flesh in our daily lives. We break the bread because it is this breaking of bread which reveals our identity as a sharing community. At the same time, it links us to the historical Jesus and to his disciples. In the Preface we sing about our communion with the saints. This is the profound truth we celebrate on this Feast Day. Communion literally means our union with. Even though we are still earth bound pilgrims we can, already here on earth, celebrate our union with the saints of heaven. This is a profound mystery. What strong bonds do we have with the Saints that we can even now celebrate our union with them? Do we pray to our patron saint? In the risen Christ we all transcend this world s class distinctions. St. Paul in Rms 1:7 tells us that we are all called to be saints. Then St. Paul goes on in the rest of his letters to call his newly baptized Christians simply the Saints, or the Saints of God. Twenty three times in the rest of his epistles he refers to his fellow Christians as the saints. So it is fitting that we celebrate who we are as Christians and, better, who we are called to become. There is no doubt in Paul s mind about our Christian vocation. So during the Feast of All Saints on November 1st we celebrate, not only the Saints in their high heavens, but all the saints here on earth and especially our own vocation to become saints. It was not an accident, during the Second Vatican Council, that the world s bishops in their Dogmatic Constitution on the Church spoke eloquently about the call of the whole church to holiness. Significantly, in this same Constitution, the chapter on the universal call to holiness comes before the Chapter on Religious and the Chapter on the Laity. So, regardless of our situation, priest, bishop or layperson, all of us have this basic vocation to holiness. So on November 1st we also celebrate our own call from God. We also celebrate our own break-breaking community. Our American culture suffers from a pathology of individualism. When I was driving daily to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, it was quite normal to be stuck in traffic congestion on the Pittsburgh turnpike. While waiting for the traffic to clear, I would look in the rear view mirror, then sideways, to the cars parked next to me. Every car without exception had one, and only one, passenger, the driver. It s no wonder the American turnpikes are packed. One rider per car! But it was not long until the State of Pennsylvania passed a law requiring turnpike users to have three persons in their cars. On the first day, three lone drivers were fined the maximum amount. Habits of individualism persist, no matter the cost. Building a strong Christian community in this culture is a neverending task. The poor are dependent on others to get to the doctor. But not the American affluent! We can complain about the greedy consumption of gasoline and the consequent pollution of our cities and then still do nothing about it ourselves. We are all called to build community. Have we ever offered the Liturgy s handshake of peace to a total stranger in church? Have we ever joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society on their trips to the Mexican barrio or to the city slums? To build community we need to reach beyond ourselves to the most neglected members of our society. It will take some of our precious time. It will require a willingness to reach into the unknown, trusting the divine protector will be with us. Knights of Columbus Council receives awards The Knights of Columbus, St. Genevieve Council members received six awards at the Knights of Columbus 104th State Convention in Santa Fe, NM on May 3, The awards are as follows: Family of the Year Grand Knight Jaime and Cecilia Flores; Lady of the Year Cecilia Flores; Knight of the Year Brother Al Lopez; Pro-Life Couple of the Year Brother Kerry and Lady Ann Morley; Catholic Boy of the Year Joseph Paz; Catholic Girl of the Year Julie Sierra. In addition, the Council received the Service Church Award for assisting St. Genevieve Church in Las Cruces with remodeling the church facilities. Fr. Ricardo Bauza is the Chaplain of the Council and was present at the award ceremony. Flanked by her mother (left) and her school principal (right), Victoria Rel enjoys the loyal support of a cadre of friends and family members who are fully convinced of her potential. photo: j.d. mcnamara Going Against the Flow by J. David McNamara, D.Min., Agua Viva Special Projects Soon-to-graduate eighth grader Victoria Rel has been a student at the Las Cruces Catholic School since transferring from Mesilla Valley public school in the fifth grade. And in the fall of this year, following her transition from middle school, she intends to enter ninth grade classes at St. Mary s High School here in Las Cruces the only Catholic high school in the diocese. But Victoria s decision was not an easy one. Most of her classmates all good friends since her arrival at the school in fifth grade would be attending high school classes in the public schools come the fall. Indeed, her choice of St. Mary s for her high school years evoked some very negative responses from her closest friends who were reluctant to see her take a different path. Going against the flow was not well received by Victoria s peer group and the opposition that she experienced caused her to re-think her decision several times! Interestingly, the faith journey of this remarkably articulate young lady began as part of the Baptist tradition in which she was thoroughly immersed when she arrived at the Catholic School in the fifth grade. But sometime during her sixth grade year, Victoria became very interested in the Catholic Faith. Daily exposure Religious ARTICLS Church GOODS 2139 San Mateo Blvd., NE Albuquerque, NM to the school s religion classes directed by Mrs. Linda Dolan began to leave their mark. As Victoria says, Mrs. Dolan is a very gifted woman who opened my eyes to the Catholic Church. Another major influence in Victoria s life and decision-making process was Rev. Bill McCann, Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who along with godparents, John and Jill Walker, mentored her during her time as a catechumen in the parish s RCIA process. Naturally, all of her supporters were present at this year s Easter Vigil when Bishop Oscar Cantú baptized and confirmed Victoria in the Roman Catholic Faith. During those same ceremonies, Victoria s parents were brought into full communion, receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Now, with her mind made up, and with the support and guidance of her parents and the Las Cruces Catholic School s principal, Mrs. Connie Limón, Victoria s plans for high school are solidly in place and she looks forward to the start of classes next fall. And from even a cursory observation of this young student s personality and intellect, she will excel in any field of endeavor that she chooses in the future. We wish her all the very best! Phone (505) Fax (505) Toll Free garsonsons@aol.com Web: garsonandsons.com SERVING YOU SINCE 1958

5 Agua Viva 5 Voces de mi Pueblo Vayamos en paz a amar y servir a nuestros hermanos, la Misa ha terminado son las últimas palabras que escuchamos al asistir a la Sagrada Eucaristía. Todos los días que se celebra la Eucaristía, nuestro mas alto signo de culto y adoración a Dios, el sacerdote o diácono nos recuerdan que estamos llamados a ir y servir a los que nos rodean. No podríamos vivir la Eucaristía, sin el responder al gran llamado a servir y animar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas. Mi mamá siempre me retaba en mi vida y me decía que no fuera candil de la calle y oscuridad en la casa. Es decir, muy amable y bueno con los demás y nada de amor para mi familia que estaba en casa, para mis seres queridos. Estas palabras siempre me han retado en mi vida espiritual también. Puedo decir que creo mucho en Dios, pero si no hago algo por los que me rodean y sirvo a los que están cerca de mi, entonces, de que me sirve mi fe? Yo he tenido la bendición en mi vida de poder dar y de recibir ayuda. Estos momentos me han recordado la fragilidad de mi vida y cómo yo no puedo vivir aislado. Siempre el Señor ha sido muy generoso conmigo y ha puesto cerca de mí personas que Alejandro Barraza La Pastoral Hispana Diócesis de Las Cruces han estado dispuestas a tenderme la mano. Esto ha sido una bendición, porque han sido momentos en los que yo me sentía frustrado y no sabía que hacer. De la misma manera yo he podido estar ahí y caminar con personas que han necesitado de mi ayuda aunque no la hayan pedido. Desde abrir una puerta a alguien que traía las manos cargadas de cosas, hasta ayudar a pintar cuartos de casas a alguien que no podía a ser solo. Estos momentos me han mostrado, que yo, tal como soy puedo ser un instrumento de Dios mostrando Su amor a los demás. El servir es una moneda de dos lados, doy ayuda y recibo ayuda. Muchas veces en nuestras comunidades, existen personas que no quieren recibir ayuda. Prefieren vivir aislados, para que nadie se de cuenta que necesitan algo. Esto no es tener un corazón abierto al servicio. Pero desgraciadamente existen personas que pueden ayudar y no lo hacen por desprecio, superioridad o quizás porque nadie les ha ensenado a que deberían ayudar. Yo recuerdo hace unos veranos, cuando estábamos teniendo problemas eléctricos con nuestro único carro. Tenía un corto circuito y no lo habían podido localizar. Ya le habíamos invertido una buena cantidad de dinero y parecía que el único feliz era el mecánico! En fin, necesitábamos ir a la tienda y nos fuimos mis hijos y yo en el carro, creíamos que ya estaba todo bien, pero al tratar de prenderlo descubrí que la batería estaba descargada. Había una pareja mayor en otro carro y pensé que sería buena idea pedirles ayuda. La esposa del hombre que manejaba fue muy cortante y me dijo que debería invertirle dinero a mi carro, que cómo era posible que saliera con un carro descompuesto y con niños bueno, me dijo muchas cosas.el hombre en cambio le dijo que estaba bien, tomó mis cables, abrió su cofre, y en tres minutos, mi coche estaba andando. La esposa nunca dejó de hablar y decirme lo que debería hacer, pero el esposo en tres minutos me mostró amor, paciencia y compresión. Yo le pido a Dios que abra nuestros corazones y nos de tres minutos para poder ayudar a los demás y mostrarles amor y compasión. Dios los bendiga y Feliz Pentecostés que el Espíritu Santo nos conceda el don del servicio y un corazón abierto para dar y recibir ayuda de los demás. Amén. Una Promesa a Nuestra Madre Bendita Ha encontrado a una persona que le ha causado un impacto inesperado en su día? Recientemente dos individuos entraron en el Centro Pastoral buscando información sobre cómo llevar a cabo una coronación para nuestra Santísima Madre, la Virgen Maria. Esta petición me trajo muchos recuerdos de mi infancia en Anthony, cuando escuchaba las campanas de la iglesia repicar durante el mes de mayo y sabía que era tiempo para ir a la iglesia y ofrecer flores a nuestra Santísima Madre. Tuvimos la suerte de vivir a pocas cuadras de la iglesia y todos en mi vecindario tenían flores frescas que crecían en sus jardines con la intención de ofrecérselas a la Virgen María. Hay joyas ocultas dentro de nuestra diócesis que uno debe tomar el tiempo para descubrir. Jack Griggs Mary Helen Llañez Director Diocesana Oficina de Vida en Familia y Elva Meléndez fueron los portadores de una maravillosa noticia cuando llegaron al Centro Pastoral y tuve la suerte de ayudarles. Alejandro, nuestro nuevo director del Ministerio Hispano fue muy útil para proporcionar información adicional. Nos enteramos de una serie de eventos maravillosos que Jack había experimentado que condujeron a la construcción de una capilla en Radium Springs dedicada a nuestra Señora del Rosario. Jack relató su historia con respecto a esta misión que ha emprendido. No ha sido un camino fácil para cumplir con su promesa a nuestra Santísima Madre. No sé cómo yo hubiera reaccionado si estos eventos se hubieran puestos en mi camino. Permitiré que Jack lo relato con sus propias palabras. Les invitamos a ser parte de este maravilloso viaje parti- cipando en la recitación del Rosario. Su horario actual es todos los martes a las 2 y 6 p.m. en inglés; cada jueves a las 6 p.m. en español; y cada tercer domingo del mes a las 3 p.m. con una recitación bilingüe por los Caballeros de Colón, Jesús Frietze coordinando el evento. La capilla se encuentra en Leasburg State Park Road en Radium Springs (salida 19-25). El número de teléfono de Jack es Encontrará información adicional en nuestro sitio web en la página de Office of Marriage and Family Life. Hay actividades que puede iniciar la comunidad de la iglesia para unir a las familias y darse apoyo unas a otras. Un número de parroquias ofrecen actividades que pueden servir como medio para que las familias amplíen su conocimiento de la fe. CNS Saint of the Month John of Avila May 10 Born near Toledo, Spain, John was sent by his wealthy parents to study law in Salamanca. But, renouncing such a career, he instead lived as a hermit for three years, and was ordained in 1525, after his parents had died. Though he hoped to be a missionary in Mexico, his archbishop sent him to Andalusia, where he preached successfully for nine years. He was imprisoned briefly by the Inquisition for rigoristic preaching, then continued evangelizing for the rest of his life. Many of his letters survive. A holy priest and mystic, he was a friend of St. Ignatius Loyola and an adviser of St. Teresa of Avila and several other Spanish saints. He is a patron saint of Spain. Saints 2013 Catholic News Service Permanezcamos Firmes en la Fe Retiro de Formación Para Lideres Sábado 29 de Junio del a.m. 4 p.m. Descubramos juntos nuestro llamado a ser lideres dentro de nuestras parroquias. Que nos pide la iglesia? Cual es nuestra labor como lideres de grupos? Cual es la visión para nuestro grupo? Costo $5 por persona (incluye materiales y comida) Registración para 24 de Junio No habrá guardería Será un día de trabajo vista relajado! Evento en la Parroquia: Holy Cross, 1327 N Miranda St., Las Cruces El Papa Benedicto XVI proclamó el Año de la Fe en octubre de 2012; es una ocasión oportuna para buscar actividades que nutran su crecimiento y también continuar edificando la tradición familiar. Actualmente en el Centro Pastoral también nos estamos preparando para nuestra Conferencia Anual Diocesana de Enriquecimiento programada para el 25 de julio-julio 27, en la Catedral del Corazón Inmaculado de María, la cual dará un énfasis al programa, Fortaleciendo Familia en la Fe (Strong Catholic Families: Strong Catholic Youth). Este programa está diseñado para motivar a los padres a asumir la responsabilidad para el desarrollo de la fe de sus hijos y para motivar a las parroquias y escuelas a que apoyen y equipen a los padres y familias en la trasmisión de la fe a sus hijos. Exhortamos a todos los que sirven en ministerios/apostolados para participar en la formación que se ofrece y especialmente a los padres de nuestros jóvenes, adolescentes y niños. Encontrarán más información sobre la Conferencia en esta edición de Agua Viva en nuestro página web,

6 6 Agua Viva Diocese of Las Cruces CONFERENCIA DIOCESANA de ENRIQUECIMIENTO DIOCESAN ENRICHMENT CONFERENCE Keynote Mass by Most Reverend Oscar Cantú Friday, July 26 Parish Staff Day Morning Session: Strong Catholic Families, Strong Catholic Youth Afternoon Sessions for: Priests Secretaries Deacons & Candidates Bookkeepers Tribunal Auditors Maintenance Personnel Catechetical Leaders Liturgy Coordinators Youth Ministry Leaders Cost will be per parish Saturday, July 27 All Parish Staff & Parishioners Mass with Bishop Oscar Cantú Three Sessions of Workshops Lunch Exhibits Sending Prayer DIOCESAN ENRICHMENT CONFERENCE Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 1240 S. Espina Las Cruces, NM July 26-27, 2013 WORKSHOP TITLES Symbolism in the Mass Social Media, Faith and You Stewardship Year of Faith Prison and Jail Ministry Pastoral Councils The Bible and the Family Vocation as Journey - which way do I go? Únete con los padres de familia transforma tu catequesis Welcoming the Stranger Los desafios de la sociedad de hoy y la moral cristiana Where are the Parents? Maximizing Key Catechetical Moments in the Life Cycle of Families Small Christian Communities Singing IS praying twice! Family, Faith and Technology Finance Councils The Challenges in Today s Society on Living a Moral Life Does Prayer Have to Be the Same? Que mas podemos hacer en la oración? Scripture Homebound Ministry Grupos de Jovenes Advocating for Justice Spirituality of the Family Touch Points to Bring Faith Home: Baptisms, Weddings, Funeral Training and Developing Liturgical Ministers Facebook Evangelization: Sharing the Good News in the Digital Age Año de la Fe Bereavement Ministry in the Parish: How to Begin Raising our Kids with Faith Gabriel Project/Consistent Ethic of Life Ministerio del Enfermo You are Never too Young to be a Disciple Spirituality of the Family For information call The Pastoral Center

7 Agua Viva 7 A Chapel of Miracles Jack Griggs is a man driven by faith. And his is not just a faith to which he gives lip service. Rather, it is a faith into which he has (quite literally) sunk his life savings! Following a trip to Fatima two years ago, Jack received a message from the Virgin Mary in a series of dreams in which Our Lady made it clear that she wanted him to build her a chapel. It would be a place where those afflicted with cancer and other illnesses could come to pray the rosary and ask Jesus to rid their bodies of sickness. After overcoming many obstacles, the quest was finally made a reality, and today Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel stands as Our Lady requested complete and beckoning in evidence of the profound faith of Jack Griggs in response to the messages he received in that series of dreams. For additional details about the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, please see the article by Mary Helen Lláñez printed directly below. Clockwise from left: Under the watchful gaze of Bishop Emeritus Ricardo Ramírez, C.S.B., members of a capacity congregation deliver flowers to be used as part of May Crowning ceremonies. The bright rose exterior of the Chapel stands out clearly in contrast to the sandy desert that surrounds it near Radium Springs. Worshippers attend the first Mass celebrated in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary with Bishop Ramírez presiding. photos: j.d. mcnamara Have you ever encountered a person that has an unexpected impact on your day? Recently two individuals came into the Pastoral Center seeking information on how to conduct a Coronation for our Blessed Mother Mary. This request brought back so many memories of my childhood in Anthony, when I would hear the church bells toll during the month of May and knew it was time to get to the church and offer flowers to our blessed Mother Mary. We were fortunate to live a few blocks from the church and everyone had fresh flowers growing in their front yards for the express purpose of offering them to Mary. There are hidden jewels within our diocese that one must take the time to discover. Jack Griggs and Elva Melendrez were the bearers of wonderful news when they came to the Pastoral Center and I was A Promise to Our Blessed Mother fortunate enough to assist them. Alejandro, our new Hispanic Ministry Director was very helpful in providing additional information. We became aware of a wondrous series of events that Jack has experienced which has led to the building of a Chapel in Radium Springs dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. Jack relayed his story to me regarding this mission he has undertaken. It has not been an easy path to fulfill his promise to our Blessed Mother. I do not know how I would have reacted if these events had been put in my path. Mary Helen Llañez Diocesan Director, Office of Family Life I will let Jack tell it in his own words. You are invited to be a part of this wonderful journey by participating in the reciting of the Rosary. Their current schedule is every Tuesday at 2:00 and 6:00 p.m. in English; every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in Spanish; and every third Sunday of the month at 3:00 p.m. with a bilingual recitation by the Knights of Columbus, Jesus Frietze coordinating the event. The Chapel is located at Leasburg State Park Road in Radium Springs (exit 19 off I-25). Jack s telephone number is You can access additional information on our website org under the Office of Marriage and Family Life page. There are activities that a church community can initiate to bring families together and provide support for one another. A number of parishes provide activities that can serve as a conduit for families to expand their knowledge of our faith. Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed The Year of Faith in October of It is an opportune time to seek activities that will nurture its growth and also build family tradition. Currently we at the Pastoral Center are also preparing for our annual Diocesan Enrichment Conference scheduled for July 25-27, 2013, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Las Cruces, with the emphasis being on Strong Catholic Families: Strong Catholic Youth initiative. This program is designed to motivate parents to take responsibility for the faith development of their children, and to motivate parishes and schools to support and equip parents and families in passing the faith to their children. I encourage everyone serving in ministry to participate in the training that is being offered, and especially the parents of our youth, adolescents and children to attend. There is additional information regarding the Conference in this issue of Agua Viva (p. 6) and on our website at

8 8 Agua Viva Starving at the Banquet Lorraine E. Espenhain Immaculate Conception Church Alamogordo Special Report SIXTH-GRADER SERVES AT LAKEVIEW Jose Diego is a sixth-grader at Fairview Middle School. Like most boys his age, he enjoys sports and days off from school. But Jose has found a way of spending his free time that is perhaps uncommon for a boy his age. Jose spends his Saturday mornings at Lakeview Nursing Home. Jose doesn t understand why this is news. He says, Boys my age like to hang out. I ve just found I like to hang out here. The residents are so appreciative of the time I spend with them. They really like when I get a bingo game going. Sometimes I bring my friend Melissa, who plays guitar, for a sing-a-long. I d recommend this for other kids. Jose says he got started at the nursing home when visiting his grandpa. When his grandpa died last year, Jose just kept coming. He says it s no big deal, but maybe residents from Lakeview Home who enjoy his visits would disagree. Name After reading the news article, answer these questions. Who is served? Who does the serving? What service is given? What are the benefits to the residents of Lakeview? What are the benefits to Jose? Name a way you have served others in your home. Name a way you have served others in your community. Eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. [Isa 55:2] Sometime ago, I came across an article about men and women who were leaving the Catholic Church in order to join Protestant evangelical churches. As I read the various testimonies of these ex-catholics, I noticed that many of them stated the same reason for leaving the Catholic Church: they were not being spiritually fed. As I read these words, I asked myself, How can a man starve at a banquet table? To say that there is no fare before them in the Catholic Church to sustain them is incomprehensible to me. Ours are the Holy Eucharist and the Sacraments with which to receive grace and strength from our Lord! Ours are the Sacred Scriptures, the Catechism, and the Sacred Traditions! Ours are the Lives of the Saints, the desert fathers and mothers, and their writings! Ours are the papal encyclicals, and teachings of the holy Church Fathers! And if all of this were not enough, we have thousands of classic Catholic books that have been published for centuries, not to mention those that are being published every year! And yet, these individuals are starving and are forced to dine at the table of heretics because their Holy Mother Church refuses to feed them! My brothers and sisters, Catholic teaching and formation become effective only in proportion as we give ourselves with enthusiasm and energy to the means available to us for spiritual growth, development, and enrichment. If Catholics are starving, it is because they simply refuse to consume the rich fare that has been before all men for thousands of years at the table of our Holy Mother Church. We are as filled with God as we want to be. Christ has made available to us all that we need, not only to nourish our own souls, but also to feed the entire world! It is up to us to put forth the effort it takes to consume such rich fare by devoting ourselves to daily spiritual reading. Those who refuse to do so have no one but themselves to blame when it comes to feeling spiritually parched and unfed. When I was a helpless infant, it was necessary for my mother to spoon feed me in order to survive. But as I grew older, I learned how to pick up a fork, knife, or spoon so that I could feed myself. We apply this principle to earthly matters, but not when it comes to the most important matter of all: that of our eternal soul! Could it be that we have among us many who are waiting to be spoon fed by those in church leadership instead of learning how to feed themselves? It is time for us to grow up in God, brothers and sisters, and to start doing what is necessary in our daily lives so that our soul will be nourished and our spiritual growth will no longer be hindered. To give to our Father in heaven anything less than this is to willingly choose to starve. 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. 48 Other answers will vary They visit, play bingo, or sing songs Jose and his friend Melissa The residents of the nursing home ANSWERS: 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. Diocese to host Call Retreats The Diocese of Las Cruces will be hosting Call Retreats during the month of 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 the participants. We only ask for commitment to serve. A Spanish Retreat will be held on August 17, 2013, at San Patricio Retreat Center in San Patricio, and two English retreats on August 24, 2013; one at St. Jude Church in Alamogordo and one at Our Lady of Grace Church in Artesia. Additional information will be sent as the date approaches. 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 El sábado 24 de agosto; uno en St. Jude en Alamogordo y uno en Nuestra Señora de la Gracia en Artesia. Información adicional será enviada cuando se acerca la fecha.

9 Agua Viva 9 Parish Events Tularosa Basin Vicariate St. Joseph Mission, Picacho St. Joseph s feast day was celebrated on March 19, 2013, the same day Pope Francis began as the Vicar of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. The faithful in the Hondo Valley will be asking not only for St. Joseph s prayers, but also for the prayers of Pope Francis. The mission of St. Joseph was founded in 1906 and has been in operation since then. The church seats about fifty and on March 23rd it was filled to capacity. The choir of St. Jude s Catholic Church in San Patricio played and sang for the Mass. Fr. Al reminded us of asking St. Joseph for protection for our families and family life, and for life (from conception to natural death). The church has been recently renovated. The altar has changed, new flooring has been installed, the interior has been painted, and pews were donated by St. Eleanor Church. Flowers supplied by the Chavez family give the church a refreshed, bright loook. Modesto and Ursula Chaves, their daughters and families, the Fresquez family, and others in the area are responsible for making the church beautiful. Mass was celebrated on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at St. Joseph s Mission in Picacho, NM. St. Joseph s is a mision of St. Eleanor Parish, Ruidoso. The pastor is Rev. Al Galvan. The pot-luck lunch following Mass was a great opportunity for sharing and connecting with the members of the mission. One day we hope to have Bishop Cantu visit us. We would ask for his prayers and blessings. People from Picacho, Albuquerque, Arabela, Ruidoso, Carrizozo, Roswell, Hondo, San Patricio, Loving, and Alamogordo attended the St. Joseph s Feast Day Mass, The mission of St. Joseph is a beloved reminder of our faith since childhood, and of our parent s passing on the faith to us. It is God s way of keeping us together in faith, and we are grateful to Him, adore Him and praise Him for His faithfulness to us. Roswell Vicariate Assumption Parish Roswell On the morning of Holy Saturday, Catholics from Carlsbad and Roswell came to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Roswell for the blessing of foods for their First Easter Meal contained in beautiful baskets. Fr. Joseph Pacquing was assisted by Robert and Sheree Smyzenski in the blessing celebration. In Poland, blessing of the Easter baskets is known as swiecenie pokarmow wielkanocynch, a custom dating back to the 15th century or earlier. It is still observed by many Polish-Americans and by other Catholics of Eastern European heritage. The white napkin that lines each basket represents the shroud of Christ. Some of the foods in the baskets are hand-decorated hard-boiled eggs, meat, sausages, bacon, horseradish, vinegar, salt, Easter bread, and baranek, a lamb molded from butter, sugar, dough, or even wood and plastic, to represent Jesus, the Paschal lamb. All Catholics are welcome to celebrate this wonderful Easter tradition each year, on Holy Saturday, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Roswell. Las Cruces Vicariate Blessing of the Bikes at San Isidro Mission On Saturday, April 6, 2013, San Isidro Mission in San Isidro (Mission Church of Our Lady of Purification, Doña Ana) was the location for the 2013 Blessing of the Bikes. Renee Banegas arranged the motorcycle rally to stop at the mission church for the blessing. Sally Cabrera organized volunteers to provide refreshments and the Third Order of Carmelite nuns had a display of religious articles. Michael Banegas rang the church bell to gather the motorcyclists before Fr. David Klein, C.S.B. (above) who then said a prayer for the safety of the riders. There were 120 motorcyclists who proceeded to pass in front of the church to be blessed with holy water. One motorcyclist said he just moved to the area from Chicago and remarked that the blessing of the bikes was a unique event. Holy Cross Retreat Beatification of Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration at Mount St. Francis in Colorado Springs, Colorado rang the church bells in Jubilation when they heard the news that their foundress, Venerable Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, had been declared Blessed. In his first act as pope concerning the causes of saints, Pope Francis beatified Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel, born Regina Christine Wilhelmine Bonzel on September 17, 1830 in Olpe, Germany. A Vatican spokesman announced that a designation of Blessed, marking the third step in the four step process of canonization, was signed by the pope on March 27, Mother Maria Theresia was the founder of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in Olpe, Germany. The 150th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation is celebrated this year. Once the anti- Catholic May Laws of 1873 were enacted in Germany and the sisters orphanage was shut down by the government, Mother Maria Theresia sent six sisters to the United States to ensure the continuation of their way of life. On December 12, 1875, the sisters landed in New York City. They spread throughout the country, establishing hospitals, schools, nursing homes, orphanages, retreat centers, counseling centers and child care centers as far west and north and south as Colorado and Wyoming and New Mexico. Although Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel died on February 6, 1905, still, her work continues, with four Provinces in the USA, a mission in Brazil, the Immaculate Conception Region in the Philippines and the Generalate in Olpe, Germany. If you live in the Diocese of Las Cruces, the sisters have served you. Perhaps you or your parents or grandparents were educated at St. Peter School or St. John School in Roswell. St. Peter was opened in 1910 and St. John in Both of these schools were run by the sisters until their closings in The sisters taught the children of the Las Cruces diocese for a total of fifty years. All of these works spring from the vision and courage of Blessed Mother Maria Theresia Bonzel. The Sisters now add Mother Maria Theresia s beatification to other festivities to commemorate their 150 years of service. Visit org for more information. 600 Holy Cross Road Mesilla Park NM (575) ENGAGED ENCOUNTERS June 1-2, 2013 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 June 6-9, 2013 Women s Retreat - Mother Cabrini Parish For information/registration call June 20-23, 2013 Women s Spanish Retreat - Queen of Peace Parish For information/registration call June 27-30, 2013 Women s Retreat - St. Luke/St. Matthew Parish For information/registration call July 11-14, 2013 Queen of Peace Parish For information/registration call July 18-21, 2013 Women s Retreat - San Martin de Porres Parish For information/registration call August 1-4, 2013 Men s Retreat - St. Stephen s Parish For information/registration call Retreats May 30-June 1, 2013 Third Order Carmelites Retreat For information/registration call June 14-16, 2013 Shroud of Turin Retreat led by Deacon Pete Schumacher. A weekend on the Shroud of Turin, The Rosary and our relationship with God. For information call July 26-28, 2013 Desert Retreat led by Fr. Tom Smith, OFMConv. For information/registration call July 26-28, 2013 His Teaching Ministry - Novena for World Peace led by Dr. Devadar Jayanand. For information/registration call or art2pat2@aol.com 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

10 10 Agua Viva Diaconate Journey VIII Mercy s what we need, in times like these, God won t you have mercy, please, is a part of a song by Andre Crouch entitled Mercy. What is there about mercy that is so important? It s due to our sins we need God s mercy to save us. We cannot save ourselves. It has been said that the more a Christian matures, the more he or she knows their sins and knows how horrid even the smallest venial sin is in God s eyes. So why would I write this as part of my diaconate journey? I ll tell you. Going through this program forms men who will be ordained deacons, and we need holiness of life. When we preach, counsel and help others, people don t want a pretender, but the real thing. The people Andy Weiss Immaculate Conception Church Alamogordo of God (you and I) need to have examples of real people striving to please God. That s why the Church names people saints who have shown us how to be holy. But some need to personally know someone striving to be holy and please God. It shows us it is possible. In our class, just one example of my brothers in this program, Jerry is open and honest with a beautiful, childlike faith. He discovered the Chaplet of Divine Mercy music on EWTN and saved it to use in our Saturday night adoration of Jesus in the Eucharist reserved in the tabernacle. Your deacon candidates have been praying for God s mercy in English and Spanish. I heard that on EWTN before Jerry discovered it and thought I was hearing the prayers VIII Peregrinaje al Diaconado por Andy Weiss Immaculate Conception Church Alamogordo Misericordia es lo que necesitamos, en tiempos como estos, por favor, Dios ten piedad, esta frase es parte de una canción de Andre Crouch titulada, Misericordia. Por qué es tan importante la Misericordia? Es debido a nuestros pecados, necesitamos la misericordia de Dios para salvarnos. No podemos salvarnos a nosotros mismos. Se ha dicho que entre más maduro es un cristiano, él o ella reconoce más sus pecados y sabe que tan horrible es ante los ojos incluso el más pequeño pecado venial. Así es que por qué escribo esto como parte de mi viaje al diaconado? Ya os contaré. Este programa forma a hombres que serán ordenados diáconos, y necesitamos santidad en la vida. Cuando predicamos, aconsejamos y ayudamos a los demás, la gente no quiere falsedad, sino sinceridad. El pueblo de Dios (tú y yo) necesitamos ejemplos de personas que quieren agradar a Dios. Por eso la iglesia llama santos a esas personas que nos han enseñado cómo ser santo. Pero algunos tienen que conocer personalmente a alguien que está luchando y decidido a ser santo y agradar a Dios. Alguien que nos muestre que es posible ser santo. En nuestra clase, un ejemplo es uno de mis hermanos en este programa, es Jerry. El es honesto con una fe hermosa, e infantil. Descubrió la música de la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia en EWTN y la grabó para rezarla en nuestra adoración de Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento los sábados por la noche. Los candidatos al diaconado han estado orando la Misericordia de Dios en inglés y español. La había oído en EWTN antes que Jerry la descubriera y pensé of angels. When Jerry gave it to me, I put it on my phone and pray it while listening often. This part strikes me powerfully, Eternal Father, I offer you, the body and the blood, soul and divinity, of your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. This is what Jesus is doing in the heavenly temple, offering this one sacrifice for the mercy of God to save us from our sins. There is no other offering. And I realize in a personal way that my sins caused him to do this for me by his own goodness, love and mercy. I pray God will give us all comprehension of our need for God and help us to be holy people. We must be merciful to others to receive it. God love you! que estaba escuchando a los Ángeles orando. Cuando Jerry me la dio, la grabé en mi teléfono, y a menudo oro mientras la escucho. Esta parte me parece la más poderosa y conmovedora, Padre eterno, te ofrezco, el cuerpo y la sangre, alma y divinidad de tu Amadísimo Hijo, nuestro Señor Jesucristo, en expiación por nuestros pecados y los del mundo entero. Esto es lo que Jesús está haciendo en el templo celestial, ofreciendo este sacrificio por la misericordia de Dios para salvarnos de nuestros pecados. No hay ninguna otra ofrenda. Y me doy cuenta de una manera personal que mis pecados lo llevó a hacer esto por mí por su propia bondad, amor y misericordia. Ruego a Dios que nos haga comprender a todos cuánto lo necesitamos y que nos ayude a ser un pueblo santo. Debemos ser misericordiosos y compasivos con los demás para recibirlo. Dios te ama! Interfaith Prayer Service on Immigration Reform Hosted by Most Reverend Oscar Cantú Bishop of the Diocese of Las Cruces May, a.m. Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary 1240 S. Espina Street, Las Cruces Reception to follow Servicio de Oración Interreligioso a favor de la Reforma Migratoria Evento Patrocinado por Monseñor Oscar Cantú Obispo de la Diócesis de Las Cruces 29 de mayo a.m. Habrá una recepción al terminar el Servicio de Ovación New Consulting Services for Rural Groups Interested in CCHD Grants National Catholic Rural Life Conference is working with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) to increase the number of successful CCHD grant applications from rural communities to address poverty. CCHD was created 40 years ago by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to provide funding to groups of low income people who are empowered to address the causes of poverty in their communities. CCHD has provided nearly 8,000 grants to community groups that to seek justice and create lasting change for people in poverty. CCHD local and national grants have helped low-income day care centers, legal advocacy to enforce fair wages, environmental justice, affordable housing in low-income neighborhoods, and on-line marketplaces and co-operatives for small artisans and growers. The Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation used a CCHD grant to expand their business coaching program to help sustain small rural communities. Since it began, 22 new businesses have opened, $6 million in sales has been generated and 97 jobs created. Last year alone, NWMEF helped 110 businesses and held 11 grand openings of restaurants, a bed and breakfast, a window cleaning company, a dance studio and others. Read more about the NWMEF and other successful CCHD programs at Do you have a grant idea? NCRLC provides education and consulting to rural organizations interested in applying for CCHD grant funds and can assist throughout the application process: Talk through a grant concept Understand the CCHD grant timelines and requirements Answer questions throughout the application process Please visit the NCRLC website at for more resources. Our website features CCHD grant guidelines, success stories, grant writing resources, links to CCHD application guides, webinars, and more. Applications are available on September 1, 2013 and are due by Nov. 1, Contact us to get started or refer a rural community organization. James Ennis, Executive Director at (515) ext. 15, jim@ncrlc.com or Beth Hyser, Development Coordinator at (651) , beth@ncrlc.com. Catholic Campaign for Human Development can help you... THE STATE HAS MADE YOUR WILL, unless you prepare one. A few good reasons to prepare your will: You select guardians for your children, not the State. You name your personal representative, not the State. You ensure financial security and care for your significant other(s) & You can ensure donations to your favorite charities. Please call your attorney or the Foundation Office at for more information. DON T WAIT!! WAIT, and your family will use a will prepared by the STATE! GRANT APPLICATIONS: Available Sept. 1 / Due Nov. 1 Visit to learn more about CCHD grant guidelines, success stories, and grant writing resources. NATIONAL CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE CONFERENCE provides free consulting services to rural nonprofit organizations interested in applying for national CCHD grants. Call: (515) Jim@ncrlc.com or Beth@ncrlc.com.

11 Agua Viva 11 Calendar of Events COMING EVENTS May 29, 2013 Interfaith Prayer Service on Immigration Reform, hosted by the Most Reverend Oscar Cantú, Bishop of the Diocese of Las Cruces, 10 a.m., Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Las Cruces. Reception to follow 29 de Mayo de 2013 Servicio de Oración Interreligioso a favor de la Reforma Migratoria. Evento Patrocinado por Monseñor Oscar Cantú, Obispo de la Diócesis de Las Cruces, 10 a.m., Catedral de Immaculate Heart of Mary Las Cruces. Habrá una recepción al terminar el Servicio de Ovación June 7-9, 2013 Diocesan Youth Rally, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces June 8, 2013 Bereavement Ministry training presented by Myrna Albin, the Pastoral Center, 1280 Med Park Drive, Las Cruces, 8:30 a.m p.m. Individuals who would like to learn listening skills, how to offer nonjudgmental comfort and support, and share the grieving experience with the bereaved are invited to attend the two session training. For information call , or mhllanez@dioceseoflascruces.org June 8, 2013 North American Forum on the Catechumenate Institute on Children and Christian Initiation, time and place TBD June 15, 2013 Bereavement Ministry training presented by Myrna Albin, the Pastoral Center, 1280 Med Park Drive, Las Cruces, 8:30 a.m p.m. Individuals who would like to learn listening skills, how to offer nonjudgmental comfort and support, and share the grieving experience with the bereaved are invited to attend the two session training. For information call , or mhllanez@dioceseoflascruces.org June 22, 2013 Deacon Ordination of Dan Schneider, Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Las Cruces, 10 a.m. July 2, 2013 Fortnight for Freedom, consist of national and local efforts to educate Americans on challenges to religious liberty both at home and abroad, Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Las Cruces Pro-Life Message of the Month de Julio 2013 El Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial te invita a vivir con tu pareja en fin de semana en un retiro, se presentara en Las Cruces. Para mas información llame a o July 25-27, 2013 Diocesan Enrichment Conference, Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Las Cruces July 27, 2013 Magnificat, A Ministry to Catholic Women, Our Lady of the Cross Chapter, Magnificat Meal, Days Inn (Mesilla Valley Conference Center), 901 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces, from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. Speaker will be Msgr. Robert Fr. Bob Getz. Fr. Bob has ministered to more than 10,800 families, celebrated 30,000 Masses, married over 2,000 couples, baptized 3,000+ souls, given First Communion to more than 7,000 people, sent ten young men to the seminary and five women to convents. In El Paso, he established the new Cristo Rey parish along with Christ the Savior parish. In the Las Cruces diocese he held the position of chancellor, coordinator for new clergy, and established All Saints Catholic School in Roswell. Fr. Bob has gone above and beyond his call and done everything for his faith. Remarkably with all activities, he has also overcome heart disease and cancer. At age 80, now retired, he continues to care for diocesan priests, started an endowment fund for spiritual education needs, and is on-call to substitute throughout the diocese. For nine years he has been spiritual advisor to Magnificat, a Ministry to Catholic women. and continues to celebrate weekly Masses at his retirement home. Tickets for the breakfast are on sale through July 19, 2013, for $13 per person. Limited seating. For reservations call or For tickets by mail please send a check payable to Magnificat P.O. Box 1387, Mesilla, NM Your request must be postmarked by July 19. Reservations after deadline $18 only if space is available. Since the day is designed to speak to the hearts of women, free of distractions, it is respectfully requested that young children not be in attendance. 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 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 24, 2013 Call Retreat, Our Lady of Grace, Artesia August 24, 2013 Call Retreat, St. Jude, Alamogordo ANNOUNCEMENTS Mass is celebrated every Friday at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel at Memorial Hospital in Las Cruces POSITION OPENING The Diocese of Tucson is seeking applicants for the full-time, exempt position of Director of Cemeteries. Under the direction of the Bishop and the Catholic Cemeteries Board of Directors, the individual selected is responsible for the administration and management of the Catholic Cemeteries (two locations) in the Diocese of Tucson. The Director is responsible for overseeing day-today operations and for the longrange strategic plans for meeting the present and future burial needs of the Catholic community. The Director is also responsible for ensuring the utilization, in a positive and professional manner, the resources of the cemeteries including personnel and other assets. Required are a degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or equivalent experience, with five to ten years of successful professional experience in management and leadership positions in business or a non-profit setting. Cemetery experience is a plus. The individual must be a very strong experienced business and people manager. Successful direct sales and marketing management experienced as well as proficiency in Spanish is preferred. R.Serrano@diotuc.org to apply. The position will remain open until filled. Magnificat International Conference Members of Magnificat, a Ministry to Catholic Women, Our Lady of the Cross Chapter, Diocese of Las Cruces, recently attended the 2013 International Conference in New Orleans, LA. Representing several parishes, the seven chapter representatives joined 78 chapters from throughout the world, including the United States, Poland, Malta, Ireland, Canada, Africa, West Indies, and many other areas. Pictured left to right, Elizabeth Benhke, Lupe Mirabel, a Polish priest, a Canadian priest, Spritural Advisor Msgr. Bob Getz, Lorraine Baker, Delfina Clower, Bertha Gallegos, and Olivia McDonald. The four-day conference was attended by some 400 worldwide Magnificat women and their spiritual advisors. PILGRIMAGES Year of Faith Pilgrimage Following the footsteps of Blessed John Paul II Please consider taking the journey of a lifetime, as we wonder through the countries of Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, following the footsteps of Blessed Pope John Paul II, Maximilian Kolbe and Sr. Faustina Kowalska. Some of the cities that we will visit along the way include: Krakow, where we will celebrate the feast of John Paul; Prague, considered one of Europe s most attractive capitals; Vienna, home to St. Stephen s cathedral and Budapest, coined Paris of the East. The pilgrimage is from October 18-29, 2013 and the cost is $3290. Per person, from El Paso, Texas. For more information and/or a pamphlet registration form, please contact Fr. Ray Flores: or fr.ray@stalbertnewmancenter.org Fatima, Lourdes & Paris November 6-16, 2013 Visiting Lisbon Fatima Burgos Lourdes Nevers Paris Hosted by Rev. Msgr. John Anderson $3469 from Dallas For more information: (575) frjohn@zianet.com Forgiven after Abortion: Through the Divine Mercy of God I have been healed. The shame, embarrassment, and guilt are gone. Of course, this does not mean I am not sorry, I will always be sorry, but, instead of being afraid and running from the fact, I know I am a sinner, and while I always strive not to sin, I am also aware that anything I do right is only because of His grace in my life. Theresa Bonopartis, Director of Lumina/Hope & Healing After Abortion. Let the greatest sinners place their trust in my mercy. They have the right before others to trust in the abyss of My mercy. My daughter, write about My mercy towards tormented souls. Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight Me. To such souls I grant even more graces than asked. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to my compassion, but on the contrary, I justify him in my unfathomable and inscrutable mercy. Our Lord to St. Faustina Kowalska, Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul YOUR ROAD TO HEALING STARTS WITH THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION 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 The Ordination of Fr. Kevin Thomas McDonald to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ May 11, 2013 Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Las Cruces, NM Clockwise from top left: Las Cruces Bishop Oscar Cantú prepares to anoint the hands of newly-ordained priest, Kevin McDonald; Assisted by Deacon David McNeill, Fr. Kevin concelebrates Mass with Bishop Cantú at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Las Cruces; Family members of Fr. Kevin present the offertory gifts; Flanked by other family members, Fr. Kevin s mother reacts with emotion as her son is ordained; Kevin McDonald lies prostrate before the Cathedral sanctuary during the ordination ceremony; Assisting during the ordination ceremony were Rev. Enrique López-Escalera, Deacon Bob Brotherton, and Deacon David McNeill; Following his ordination, Fr. Kevin beams with happiness, sharing the moment with his fellow priests. photos: j.d. mcnamara