OCTOBER 18, 2007

Muslim letter calls for religious harmony

During an academic lecture on faith and reason in Germany last year, Pope Benedict XVI spent some time reflecting on a 600-year-old discussion between a Byzantine emperor and a Muslim scholar:

“Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached,” were the words the pope quoted.

This quote ignited a fierce backlash of criticism from the Muslim world, inciting protests, controversy and violence.

Some Muslim leaders wondered how the pontiff could be so insensitive toward their religion. Others asserted that Pope Benedict’s timing couldn’t be worse, considering the heightened tensions between the West and Middle East.

Now, just one year later, it appears that the pope’s academic lecture and its ensuing controversy resulted in something miraculous: an olive branch in the form of a letter to the pope and the world’s Christian leaders, signed by 138 senior Muslim leaders.

The letter calls for Christians and Muslims — who combined make up 55 percent of the world’s population — to find common theological ground. Inter-religious understanding, the letter reasons, is the key to world peace.

“If Muslims and Christians are not at peace, the world cannot be at peace,” the Oct. 11 letter reads. “We say to Christians that we are not against them and that Islam is not against them — so long as they do not wage war against Muslims on account of their religion, oppress them and drive them out of their homes.”

Considering the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, hindsight reveals that the pope’s controversial lecture was well-timed — be it through an act of subtle strategy or divine intervention.

It’s hard to argue that the letter, “A Common Word Between Us and You,” wasn’t borne out of that controversy. And one would also be hard pressed not to realize the significance — both worldly and otherwise — it carries.

First and foremost, it highlights two important similarities found in the Quran and the New Testament: a belief in one God and love of neighbor.

This is important. These theological similarities are pillars of our faith and how we’re called to interact in our society. If Christians and Muslims can share in this foundation, perhaps the two worlds can truly “vie with each other only in righteousness and good works,” as the letter further states.

Secondly, it is an unprecedented show of unity among Muslim clerics and scholars, having been signed by leaders from various Middle Eastern countries, most notably by both Sunni and Shiite Muslim leaders in Iraq.

While this letter will undoubtedly be debated and dissected from a number of angles for its implications and real world applications, it is an important step in improving relations and misunderstandings between the two worlds.

And at this time and place in history, where fear and distrust have invaded much of the worldwide psyche, this letter serves as notice that we do have some similarities, that we do have reason to hope, that we are all in this together, and that if we truly believe we’re all sons and daughters of God Almighty, it is only natural we strive to treat each other truly as brothers and sisters.

We pray that those who shepherd us, Pope Benedict and the world’s theologians and diplomats, will take the next step to come together in a proper response.

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OCTOBER 4, 2007

Pope turns up heat on climate change debate

Here’s some news guaranteed to further heat up the global warming debate: The pope is expected to deliver a powerful message to the United Nations next spring emphasizing mankind’s moral responsibility to protect and care for the environment.

In what will be Pope Benedict XVI’s first trip to the United States, he will make this high-profile appeal seeking an international consensus that would address adverse effects of climate change — such as dwindling fresh water supplies for developing nations in Africa and Asia — while keeping an eye on sustainable development.

This will undoubtedly unleash a torrent of opinions that ensures that the already popular climate change debate stays on everybody’s radar for some time.

As the faith leader of the world’s one billion Catholics, the pope’s appeal is bound to carry a great deal of influence. And with more than 70 million of those Catholics living in the United States, the Church’s engagement of the hot topic is bound to generate a great deal of debate, especially during the ramp up in the U.S. presidential election season.

Among the discussion will be those who say that the global warming controversy is fictitious or an inevitable ecological trend, pointing to scientific predictions from recent decades gone by that the earth was instead on the verge of a global cooling.

Others will point out that international treaties thus far have only sought to limit economic development of the United States and other developed nations.

Some take it to other extremes, citing mankind as an evil force bent on destroying the environment.

Indeed, there remains a sea of difference within scientific circles and public opinion about global climate change — which is exactly why the pope will address the United Nations.

Pope Benedict has been particularly vocal on caring for the environment, calling on a recent audience with 300,000 youth “to make courageous decisions that reflect knowing how to re-create a strong alliance between man and the earth,” according to The Associated Press.

At a Vatican conference on climate change last spring, Pope Benedict urged bishops, scientists and politicians to “respect creation” while “focusing on the needs of sustainable development.”

The pope’s stance is one of collaboration and responsibility, of collective action over self-interest. It is a position eschewing the far-flung extremes of the debate. His foundation: the Book of Genesis and its call for man to cultivate and safeguard God’s creation.

The Vatican, for its part, is not simply paying lip service, but looks to lead by example.

In July, for instance, Catholic News Service reported that under this pope’s leadership, Vatican City became the world’s first carbon-neutral state, which means all of the Vatican’s 2007 emissions of carbon dioxide — one of the “greenhouse gases” that traps heat in the earth’s atmosphere and is seen as a prime cause of global warming — have been offset, in part, through a reforestation project in Hungary.

CNS also reports that the Paul VI audience hall will be fitted with a garden of solar panels, creating enough electricity to heat, cool and light the entire building year-round.

In 2000, the Vatican unveiled its own electric motor vehicle recharging station, where wheelchairs and vehicles could recharge their batteries.

In 1999, the lighting system of St. Peter’s Basilica was upgraded to be low-impact, cutting energy consumption by an estimated 40 percent.

The Vatican and pope aren’t just talking the environmental talk. They’re backing those words with concrete actions.

On a macro level, the pope’s message is a call to the world’s leaders to work together toward caring for the environment and to be responsible for poorer nations bearing the effects of industrialized societies.

On a micro level, the pope’s outspokenness is a wake-up call for all of us to evaluate our lives and how they intersect with the environment — from recycling at home, to learning how to make our churches more energy efficient.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2007

‘Unbelievable!’

Editor’s note: Over the past couple of months, many faithful readers of The Catholic Sun have generously shared their stories and fond memories of the 1987 papal visit to Phoenix. In keeping with that spirit, we thought we’d reciprocate and share a couple of our “behind-the-scenes” memories.

The following guest submission was published two years ago for our special edition marking the life and times of Pope John Paul II. It was written by Christopher Gunty, former associate publisher of The Catholic Sun, now the associate publisher of the Florida Catholic newspaper.

Who would have thought that a city like Phoenix could ever host the pope? By any stretch of the imagination, it was a long shot.

However, when word came in 1986 that Pope John Paul II would make his second pastoral visit to the United States in 1987, Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien decided to formally invite the Holy Father. After much consideration, visits by “advance teams” to many cities which had also issued invitations to the Holy See and much prayer, the word came back in an official announcement from the Vatican: Phoenix would be one of the cities included on the pope’s itinerary.

“Unbelievable!” the headline screamed on the front page of The Catholic Sun. The news of Phoenix’s selection was unbelievable enough, and that was before we knew all the work that would be required.

We could not have predicted the 18 months of (sometimes frantic) preparations. As founding editor/managing editor of The Catholic Sun, I worked with Marge Injasoulian, diocesan director of communications, as assistant chairman of the communications committee for the visit; we also both served on the diocesan visit steering committee.

We attended scores of meetings and spent hundreds of hours on site visits, writing news releases, negotiating media positions with Secret Service, setting up press centers and in general making sure that a couple thousand media people who would be covering the event would have as much as access and information as we could provide.

On top of that, my staff at The Catholic Sun, a brand new newspaper only established in April 1985, had to prepare to cover what would arguably be the biggest story in its history, the biggest story for any diocesan newspaper: the visit of the pope to the local diocese.

We hired additional writers and photographers. We added special issues. We spent too much money. But it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event and we wanted to provide our readers with the best we could.

Some of my favorite memories include:

-- A few days before Pope John Paul II touched down in the Valley, Injasoulian and I visited all the sites for a final check of preparations. By divine providence, we stopped by the trucking company that was providing the flatbed trailer for the television cameras and photographers. But something looked wrong with the stair-stepped platforms. Then it struck us: it was facing the wrong way, as though the trailer and photographers would be behind the pope, but actually it would be in front of the popemobile. Thankfully the problem was solved before the papal motorcade.

-- The newspaper’s five photographers for the day, who included some of the best freelance photographers available in the state, took more than 4,000 pictures in 24 hours. Each of The Sun’s photogs chose their 100 favorite shots, from which I selected more than 90 for possible use in our special edition.

-- Perhaps the most poignant memory is how the cover photo was selected for our special edition about the visit. One photographer argued that a picture showing the pope giving Communion made a strong statement that despite all the pomp and circumstance, Pope John Paul always pointed to Christ. What made it most convincing was the photo he advocated was taken by someone else. And so we selected it and headlined it: “We saw him as bishop, pastor and priest.”

And now, 20 years after that amazing day, we still remember John Paul II as the Vicar of Christ, Bishop of Rome, supreme pastor of the world’s Catholics — and a simple priest, bringing the Gospel to the people of God.

AUGUST 16, 2007

Where were you?

Hundreds of thousands of people took to Valley streets some 20 years ago to catch a glimpse of John Paul II during his Arizona visit.

Braving the crush of other like-minded spectators and the heat of that sunny September day was, of course, all worth it. It meant being in the presence of St. Peter’s successor, and arguably the 20th century’s most influential man.

Pope John Paul II, more than any other pope, traveled the world — celebrating the Eucharist, sharing the faith, and guiding, inspiring and touching the lives of all who would listen.

He came to build up the Body of Christ by preaching the Gospel and bringing a message of peace and hope — just as the missionary Friars Marcos DeNiza and Eusebio Kino did 400 years before his time in the territory now known as Arizona.

Like the work of the early Church missionaries, the pope came to plant the seeds of faith while enriching and encouraging the faithful.

Now, 20 years later, we continue to witness the fruits of that visit, most importantly through Catholic teaching, but also through the gifts of faith brought forward by today’s teens, young adults and a new generation of Church leaders, all inspired by the late Holy Father’s charisma and witness to the Gospel message.

Swapping stories of the papal visit is a favorite pastime for Arizona natives and other longtime residents. Many Catholics can vividly recall standing along Central Avenue with family and friends in tow, waving and cheering “John Paul II, we love you!” as the papal motorcade moved southbound from St. Joseph’s Hospital to St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix.

Many Catholic school students remember how their class curriculum had a special emphasis on the pope and how they created banners and papal flags welcoming him on his visit.

And for others, it was the 80,000-strong papal Mass at Arizona State University — watching this great man who flew around the world to be with them, listening to the Gospel, sharing in the Eucharist and truly coming together as one Church — that forever ignited their fire for the faith.

Everyone who was able to witness that September day, or a different papal-related event such as World Youth Day, has a similarly inspirational story to share, usually accompanied by a widening of the eyes, a quickening of the pulse and a smile.

Each blessed person can recall where they were at that time, and each has a unique story to share.

Where were you?

AUGUST 2, 2007

U.S. bishops ask: What have you done for your marriage today?

Who says things are dull during the summertime?

Last month witnessed two headline-grabbing news items spring forth from the Vatican.

The first: Clarification and a relaxation of guidelines dealing with the Tridentine Mass, allowing for more widespread celebration of the Mass according to the 1962 Missal.

The second: A brief text reaffirming the Catholic Church as the one, true Church, but clarifying that elements of truth can be found in non-Catholic communities.

Both catapulted the Catholic Church into the spotlight and prompted many a family discussion around the dinner table, heated debates on Web site chat rooms, and a buzz around the parish water cooler — a worldwide discourse of Catholic beliefs and the role of faith in society.

What many may have missed in all the excitement, though certainly just as newsworthy for its impact on faith and culture, is the unveiling of a major new media campaign by the American bishops, part of a multi-year initiative aimed at restoring and strengthening the sacrament of marriage and its role in society.

Television and radio spots have begun airing throughout some parts of the country, with this new Catholic Church campaign wondering: What have you done for your marriage today?

The Catholic-on-the-street answers range from getting up early with the baby to carrying a spouse’s purse, illustrating that small kindnesses cement a lifelong relationship. With humorous bits of life, the spots prompt people to think of and do more for their own commitments.

The public service announcements, along with a treasure trove of resources designed to aid couples at all stages of their lifelong journey — engaged couples, newlyweds, mature couples, or those relationships needing some work — are available on the campaign’s new Web site, www.foryourmarriage.org.

Visitors to the site can learn about the Church’s faith tradition, historical data, and can get advice and encouragement from other married couples.

We encourage all couples to take the time to visit the For Your Marriage Web site, and to visit often. Everyone, those preparing or caring for marriage, should learn about issues facing men and women, assess the health of their union, and pick up some tips on what all of us can do for our marriages today.

JULY 5, 2007

Save the date: Celebrate the lifelong legacy of John Paul II on Sept. 15

Way back in 1987, on a warm September day in Phoenix, hundreds of thousands of local Catholics jammed the town hoping to catch a glimpse of a modern-day apostle — Pope John Paul II was in Arizona.

More than 150,000 were able to see the pope as he rode along Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. Another 100,000 gathered around St. Mary’s Basilica to hear him address the people of the Southwest.

A couple thousand more greeted him at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral before he departed for Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where 14,000 Native Americans from more than 200 tribes cast their eyes upon the Holy Father.

Another 80,000 faithful participated in an outdoor Mass at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium.

And that was all in one day. But it left an indelible mark upon Arizona’s faithful and is considered by many to be a highlight for the people of Arizona.

Hard to believe it’s already been 20 years. The times, they have changed since then, but the vivid memories of seeing the pope and his entourage land in Phoenix, the goose bumps one got when hearing him celebrate Mass, and the undeniable feeling of community continue to be as real today as they were back then.

To mark the 20-year anniversary of this occasion, the Phoenix Diocese will host a 5 p.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Basilica, followed by a dinner and special presentation, Sept. 15, at the Phoenix Convention Center. The public is encouraged to attend this celebration to honor and remember the late Holy Father’s impact and influence on today’s world.

But it won’t just be a trip down memory lane — though the program promises plenty of highlights from that day — it’s also about how the Church and society have been shaped by John Paul the Great.

Phoenix has grown by leaps and bounds in the past two decades. Many local Catholics were either still living out of state or not even born yet. But even those who weren’t here that day have their stories, favorite memories and have been formed in their faith by the late Holy Father.

Stay tuned for more information in the weeks and days leading up to the Sept. 15 event.

But in the meantime, we want to hear from you. Please send us your stories of that day 20 years ago, or other times you may have had a close encounter with the Holy Father. How did he affect your faith life? What did he mean to you?

Write to: The Catholic Sun,
400 E. Monroe St.,
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Or send e-mail to: info@jp2visit.com

We will be considering submissions for future publication, so please keep them concise.

JUNE 21, 2007

Six give selves to One

Thousands bore witness to the six giving themselves to the One.

A lifetime of discernment followed by years of formation led six men to be utterly transformed June 2 at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral.

During the two-plus hour priestly ordination ceremony, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted laid hands on the six men and led the prayer of consecration. Alongside the hundreds of other priests at the ceremony, he invoked the Holy Spirit to come down upon the six — Eugene Florea, Craig Friedley, Kilian McCaffrey, John Muir, Ernesto Reynoso and Paul Sullivan — giving them a sacred character and setting them apart for the priesthood.

The newly ordained join their fellow local priests in serving the region’s half-million Catholic population after having spent many years discerning their vocational calling, and even more time in rigorous formation at the seminary.

They are now charged with celebrating the sacraments, and being leaders, teachers, confidants, decision makers as well as friends. They are our rock upon which our Church will continue to grow.

And we are indebted to all of them.

If you couldn’t be there to witness this highlight of the year, that’s OK. Just make sure that upon exiting Mass this weekend you stop to shake your priest’s hand and thank him for all he and his brother priests do for us. For without him, there would be no celebration of the holy Mass.

MAY 17, 2007

Papal visits offer hope in Christ

If Pope Benedict’s recent trip to Brazil was meant to be a show of solidarity with the Latin American Catholic population and an effort to energize the youth, then he did not disappoint.

Traveling with about 70 journalists, the pope was making headlines before his plane even touched down. Calling Latin America “the continent of life and hope,” Pope Benedict weighed in on a couple of sensitive issues: the recent legalization of abortion in Mexico City and the Vatican’s recent comments on liberation theology.

But as the week went on, it became clear the 80-year-old pontiff wasn’t in town to “lay down the Church law,” as some reports suggested.

Instead, it was his intention to bring hope to those most in need: the discouraged, the poor, the hungry and the exploited. The pope was moved to remind this largely Catholic population that they may find the greatest of all hopes in Jesus Christ.

The old adage of “the more things change, the more they stay the same” fits this papacy well, because just when the experts think they have him figured out, he goes ahead and keeps it simple, with the focus on how to best lead a life in Christ’s footsteps.

And the energized faithful, especially the eager Catholic youth, know this all too well.

Hundreds stood outside his window in the cold and rainy weather to catch a glimpse of him. More than 40,000 people filled a soccer stadium to listen to him speak.

At the rally May 10 in Sao Paulo, Catholic News Service reports that the pope warned against sexual infidelity, drug use and unethical shortcuts to success and said the desire to build a more just society depends on following God’s law.

“Stretching out in front of you, my dear friends, is a life that all of us hope will be long; yet it is only one life, it is unique; do not let it pass in vain; do not squander it,” the pope said, speaking in Portuguese.

“Live it with enthusiasm and with joy, but most of all with a sense of responsibility,” he said.

Just as John Paul II before him, the hope offered by Pope Benedict XVI in his words and appearances have a profound, invigorating effect on the faithful, giving all Catholics a time to reflect and make adjustments in their lives, to rediscover the hope in Jesus Christ.

Many Phoenix Catholics still look back on the 1987 papal visit as a major highlight in their lives and for our state. Same goes for the million or so youth from all over the world who attended the 2005 World Youth Day celebration in Germany. This will likely be the case for next year’s youth celebration in Australia.

It’s this excitement, this fire of faith, that has given birth to what many are calling the JPII generation. It’s this generation that has been witness to a globe-trotting pope; Catholics who have either seen him in person or via television or the Internet, who grew up understanding the truly universal, hope-filled and life-giving power of Christ’s representative on earth.

It is this JPII generation where today’s priestly and religious vocations are born. God willing, Pope Benedict and his successors will continue to embrace the lessons from John Paul the Great — as we witnessed in the Brazilian youths’ enthusiasm last week — spawning future generations to take up Christ’s cross in humble service to Him.

This was Benedict’s fifth trip in his two years as pope, the first outside Europe, and arguably one of his most important. The geographical region is home to nearly 43 percent of the world’s Catholics. We can only pray that Pope Benedict chooses to visit other regions of the world and, of course, the United States, in hope that his presence will provide the spiritually unifying energy for which papal visits are known.

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APRIL 19, 2007

Finding ‘value’ in Catholic newspapers

Catholic publications, such as the diocesan newspaper currently in your hands, deserve a greater emphasis as a means of evangelization and in providing a sense of community among the faithful, according to a statement released earlier this month by the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada.

Read “The Value of Diocesan Publications”

The 800-word statement extolling the value of diocesan publications — newspapers, magazines, books or Web sites — is an easy read and bullet points several strengths (or goals, in some cases) of Catholic media:

Faith-filled information: “Diocesan publications are often the first step for Catholics who are interested in reading and learning more about their faith. … they can be windows into the vibrant world of Catholic literature.”

A bishop’s outreach: “If the bishop provides a column or interview in the publication, it offers him the opportunity to speak with the faithful on a regular basis.”

A sense of place: “Diocesan publications carry stories of faith, of challenges and of changes; these stories help Catholics understand the needs of their sisters and brothers across town, across the state, even across the world. Readers of diocesan publications recognize their fellow parishioners in stories and photos, and can empathize with others whom they have never met.”

A source for Catholic news: “This is an especially vital aspect of diocesan publications, both in terms of their credibility and the Church’s credibility. … With a spirit of collaboration and a desire to be real witnesses of faith, the professional journalists at diocesan publications can use sources and information that might not be explored by the secular media to tell the full and richer story of the Church.”

Opinions, perspectives and ideas: “Dialogue as a way to enrich the faith has been evident in the Church from the very beginning. That exchange is even more important today, not as a means of attacking the Church, but as a teaching tool and another way of evangelization. Pope Benedict XVI offered strong support of diocesan newspapers to be professional and faithful: ‘… in order to promote an authentic dialogue, which is indispensable for the growth of the civic and Church communities.”

“The Value of Diocesan Publications” spells out for Catholics the scope, purpose and mission of Catholic newspapers, magazines and Web sites. In addition, the statement has the potential to become a useful means of professional and spiritual focus for the 173 Catholic press newsrooms throughout North America.

We applaud the Catholic Press Association (of which The Catholic Sun is a member) and its board of directors for this document. We encourage the board to continue in this spirit by regularly promoting the value of diocesan publications and its unifying and evangelizing purpose, as well as to provide for more inter-diocese collaboration.

As anyone in today’s workforce can attest to, it can be easy to become mired in endless paperwork, long hours and little appreciation. Without proper focus or the renewal of one’s energy, a once-enthusiastic spirit may fall prey to everyday doldrums or lose sight of the common goal.

This document can be the spark that rekindles a “fire of faith that warms hearts to action for the good of all.” With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we at The Catholic Sun pray we have the opportunity to play a part in the faith life of all our readers.

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APRIL 5, 2007

Overcome emptiness through reconciliation

What a difference a day makes, especially when that day is Easter Sunday.

Jesus Christ became flesh to walk among us, to teach us, to lead us on the path to holiness and, ultimately, to redeem us through His suffering, death and resurrection.

This weekend we relive the horrors of Christ’s death on Good Friday and rejoice in the eternal life He secured for us through rising from the dead on Easter Sunday. Through this ultimate sacrifice He opened the gates of heaven, cleansing and saving humanity.

Indeed, what a difference a day makes.

Through our own free will, however, we still have the propensity to sin and turn our back on God, His love, His grace and His sacrifice, blurring the path to our eternal reward with Him. Fortunately it is through the sacrament of confession that we can erase all that.

Pope Benedict XVI, our Holy Father, shepherd and teacher, continues to emphasize the need to recognize that which blocks us from full communion with the Church.

“We see a humanity that wants to be self-sufficient, where not a few maintain they can do without God and still live well, and yet so many seem sadly condemned to face dramatic situations” of emptiness, violence and solitude, the pope said March 16, reported Catholic News Service.

“Today it seems that a ‘sense of sin’ has been lost, but in return ‘guilt complexes’ have increased,” he told priests and seminarians participating in a Vatican-sponsored course on the sacrament of confession.

Only Jesus, who died “to defeat forever the power of evil with the omnipotence of divine love,” can free people from “the yoke of death” that oppresses them, the pope said.

It is with joy and gratitude that Pope Benedict continues to confront and identify that which detracts from Jesus’ sacrifice. And what a gift we have in the sacrament of reconciliation — a time for us to abandon ourselves to Christ by confessing our sins and asking Him to help us shoulder our burden of guilt and emptiness.

As we celebrate this Holy Week, churches all over the diocese are offering additional opportunities to let the light of Christ shine on the hearts of Catholics. Whether you’re a regular visitor to the confessional or if it’s been awhile since your last visit, we encourage you to take advantage of this incredible gift of Christ. What better way to be thankful for His sacrifice than to be spiritually cleansed through the sacrament of reconciliation on Easter Sunday?

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MARCH 15, 2007

Embracing ‘March Madness’

“March Madness” — a term for the NCAA basketball championship tournament — is a wildly popular springtime event that ignites a frenzy of pop cultural conversation for three weeks each year.

Catholics also have an annual springtime ritual. And like all championship-caliber teams, it requires us to keep our hands up, play good defense and endure a period of madness in its own right: a full-court press against the core beliefs of Christianity.

This year it was “Titanic” director James Cameron’s “The Lost Tomb of Jesus,” a documentary claiming Jesus Christ had a wife and child. Oh, it also claimed He didn’t ascend to heaven.

Last year it was “The Da Vinci Code” hype machine that barreled through Lent leading up to the film’s anticlimactic Memorial Day Weekend opening.

In 2005, Newsweek ran a feature about Jesus that left the reader to ponder, “How much of this is remembered history, and how much heartfelt but unhistorical theology? It is impossible to say.”

The list goes on. During the last two decades, the core beliefs of Christianity are routinely called into question during this holiest time of year, as noted by Bill Donahue of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights.

The organization’s Web site — www.catholicleague.org — provides a year-by-year breakdown of what it calls “Christianity on the firing line during Lent,” a list of books, television programs and articles that have appeared since 1990 with “wild-eyed speculation” and attempts to tear down the faith.

As Donahue correctly asserts, one is hard pressed to find other faiths that endure the skepticism Christianity shoulders, especially during its holy days.

But on the other hand, are these challenges all that bad?

Certainly it is a grave irresponsibility to intentionally spread confusion or falsehoods. But these challenges are hardly the crushing blow to Christianity that some may be looking for.

During these 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, is it not somehow fitting that we are called to be challenged, like Christ in the wilderness? What better time than Lent to throw ourselves into the teachings of our faith by studying, listening, praying and participating?

Make these remaining weeks of Lent a time of spiritual focus and exercise. Spend time with family and friends answering those varied and difficult questions raised during Christianity’s very own “March Madness.”

As the saying goes, it’s defense that wins championships. In this case, it’s defending the Gospel teachings that will win hearts and minds.

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MARCH 1, 2007

Lent:
The 40-day retreat

It’s easy for modern day Catholics to fall into the trappings of our turbocharged society. More and more is required of us, both at home and on the job, while the time to do it in remains a fixed constant.

So we multitask: we’re on the cell phones while driving, we hold the baby while cooking dinner, we catch up on TV while running the treadmill.

Lost in the mix are those moments of silent introspection, of rest, of prayer.

Thank God for Sundays, the day we set aside to celebrate the Eucharist, to hear the Word of God, to be spiritually nourished, leaving us recharged for the busy week ahead.

In this same spirit, we also thank God for the season of Lent — the 40-day period between Ash Wednesday and Holy Week — when we’re called to prayer, penance, forgiveness, fasting and love.

At Mass each Sunday we participate in the liturgy, the reenactment of the Last Supper, the night when Christ was betrayed and arrested, leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection.

Likewise, we strive to walk the footsteps of Christ during these 40 days of Lent, using this time for prayer and self-denial as a means of spiritual cleansing. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert for 40 days so that He could face Satan’s temptations. By resisting these temptations, He was able to have a closer relationship with the Father.

Fr. Rob Clements, rector of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, articulated this point in the Feb. 15 edition of The Catholic Sun: “If we’re going to act with integrity to rise with the Lord on Easter, then we must die to self as much as we can” (www.catholicsun.org/2007/feb15/local/lent.html).

“The 40 days of Lent are meant as a preparatory and examination time so as to make such promises in integrity,” he added.

It was during this 40-day fast in the wilderness that Jesus rejected Satan. And just as we’re called to be like Jesus in our lives each and every day, we’re called especially during this time leading up to Easter Sunday to turn an inward gaze on our thoughts and actions, using this Lenten season as a retreat in which we strip away the excesses of 21st century life to reveal the state of our souls.

Consider: Are we fulfilling our Sunday obligation by going to Mass? And when was the last time we went to confession? Are we being Christ to our neighbors — our family, friends, coworkers and strangers? Have we forgiven those who trespass against us?

How would we fare in the desert? Will we reject Satan’s temptations, or will we break our Friday fast from meat, caving the moment a juicy steak makes its way into our field of vision?

Most critically, are we worthy of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice?

Lent is the holiest time of year for Catholics. We encourage you to join us in a time of prayer, reflection, penance and forgiveness. Call your parish to see what your Catholic community has planned for Lent, or visit www.catholicsun.org for a list of events.

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Feb. 1, 2007

Sounds of a modern home

The double click of a mouse and rhythmic tap-tap-tapping on the computer keyboard, not to mention some occasional not-so-kind words and frustrated fist pounding, are everyday sounds emanating from today’s home office (or family den, for you traditionalists).

For an increasing number of families living in today’s always-on, interconnected world, these 21st-century sounds are now so common in today’s households that the brain may filter out these flesh-upon-plastic reverberations as merely background noise.

Though the dream of modern technology once promised an easier, more carefree lifestyle — which, one would presume, would allow more free time to spend with family and friends, not working till all hours of the night in our pajamas — a recent paid-for study floating around the Web (where else?) points to a disturbing trend: some 65 percent of Americans are spending more time with their computer than their spouse.

Thud!

(That’s the collective noise our hands made when meeting our foreheads after we added up how we spend our time at home.)

The issue isn’t so much the origins of the study, but the truths revealed therein. So many of us in the workforce are not only expected to work harder, but smarter. More is expected out of the same, and in many cases fewer, number of employees. Technology has afforded us, unfortunately as this study shows, the ability to bring work home with us.

At risk is the family core: Often both working, husband and wife spend more time interfacing with spreadsheets and databases than sharing conversation and strengthening the marital and family bonds.

Also on the block are the good examples today’s children need. With mom and dad off checking e-mail, the kids will all too quickly pick up this habit, focusing more on texting and downloading music than coming together as a family unit.

Do these scenarios ring true for you and your loved one? If so, then read on for what is hopefully some sound advice:

Make time for your marriage: As jam-packed as many of our schedules are these days, be sure to put aside some time every night for conversation. Even just spending time with one another in peace can help strengthen that connection. Use your computer’s calendar as a reminder if you find it helpful.

Set a bedtime for your marriage: As much as we may feel the need to stay up all night working to meet our deadlines, married couples must remember that family comes first. The work will still be there tomorrow and we must not take one another for granted. Use bedtime as an opportunity to discuss things and reflect upon the day’s events.

Pray for your marriage: Take time out of each day to say a prayer of thanksgiving. Pray for God’s grace to strengthen your marriage. We can’t have successful marriages without Him.

While these suggestions may appear simplistic in nature, these baby steps will help set a positive tone for your relationship.

When we make time for our spouse and our family, we recognize each other as gifts. Unlike a computer that may just need a software update to keep it going, our spouses need more — they need us to give of ourselves.

Celebrate Marriage

Next Saturday, turn off the computer and cell phone and join other like-minded couples for a marriage celebration. At 10 a.m., Feb. 10, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted will celebrate a special Mass for married couples at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave. in Phoenix. The bishop will bestow a special blessing and a certificate will be presented to couples celebrating their 25th, 40th and 50th wedding anniversaries in 2007. The Mass will be followed by a luncheon and guest speakers delving into the importance of marriage in today’s society.

Registration is required for the luncheon and costs $20 per couple in advance, $30 at the door. Call Rosemarie Carreon, assistant to the Marriage and Respect Life Office, for information at (602) 354-2355.

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Editorial: Jan. 4, 2007

Pope’s true blessing doesn’t click for instant message crowd

The Internet crowd was abuzz last week following Pope Benedict’s Christmas Day blessing, and not in a good way.

In his annual address, the pope said the world should not put technological human achievements above God’s message for salvation. Advances by humanity, “which has invented interactive communication, which navigates in the virtual ocean of the Internet and… has now made the earth, our great common home, a global village,” needs to be weighed against Christ’s call to love for one’s neighbor.

“Does a ‘Savior’ have any value,” the pope questioned, in light of “a humanity which has reached the moon and Mars and is prepared to conquer the universe; for a humanity which knows no limits in its pursuit of nature’s secrets and which has succeeded even in deciphering the marvelous codes of the human genome?”

Though readily available in several different languages, his intent appeared to be lost in the translation of 1s and 0s. Instead of a message of peace, perspective, community and faith, some Web citizens proclaimed: “The pope hates technology!”

Others hopped on the bandwagon without taking the time to truly understand what the pope said, immediately spewing an avalanche of anti-Catholic, anti-religion bigotry so prevalent in some corners of the Internet these days, stuff so vicious you would’ve thought the pope said something nasty about their mothers (or their iPods).

Faceless, baseless and irresponsible criticism on the Web? Shocking, to be sure, but symptomatic of a high-speed, instant-gratification mentality, where messages must be easy to digest or fall prey to misunderstanding.

In fact, the pope never said we should turn away from technology, or that our human achievements are a bad thing. He is saying, however, that despite our technological prowess, suffering continues to exist in the world and as Christians we need to keep in mind why Christ came to be among us — we need to work toward ending poverty, sickness and sin.

Regardless of what is being propagated on the Web, the pope’s message of love and peace through Christ is definitely worth bookmarking. We must remember that we have a responsibility as children of God to protect life and care for human dignity. No matter how advanced we become in the sciences, for example, it will never be permissible to end a life, be it before birth or in old age. We must also be good stewards of our resources and share our God-given gifts with those less fortunate, and not waste away before the glow of the latest and greatest 50-inch plasma television set.

And while the latest Nintendos and iPods can certainly provide for hours of entertainment (the pope, in fact, has one of the iconic music players), we must not let these small, shiny gadgets distract us from Christ, the one true and eternal light of the world who most assuredly deserves our fixed gaze.

Read Pope Benedict’s Christmas Day blessing “urbi et orbi” — to the city of Rome and the world.

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Editorial: Dec. 21, 2006

Christmas makes a comeback?

Two years ago we used this space to lament the loss of the words “Merry Christmas” amidst the onslaught of generically characterized holiday greetings — “Seasons Greetings” and “Happy Holidays” being the obvious one-size-fits-all offenders.

Just as it was in 2004, “Merry Christmas” remains a powerful greeting, so much so that many Americans share it only between confirmed believers. It’s a phrase cordoned off to an area of the brain where timid salutations are kept so that one dare not utter “it” unless someone else musters the courage to let those four glorious syllables roll off the tongue first.

It’s not that most Americans have stopped celebrating Christmas. Hardly. A majority of the country does so quite merrily each year at this time. And no, Christmas hasn’t been replaced by some other new fangled day where people gather in good cheer and faith — a super-duper-hybrid “December Seasons Winter Wonderland Holiday,” if you will.

And “Festivus” isn’t real.

No, Christmas is still here, strong as ever, still falling on the 25th day of December, just like last year, just like it will next year. It is still the day we celebrate Christ’s birth. Which is why we find it strange today, as we did two years ago, that “Merry Christmas” became the odd phrase out.

So what happened? Why give up the traditional cheer-inspiring verbiage? If Christmas is in our hearts and on our minds, why can it not be on our lips?

In short, people got scared of offending those who do not celebrate Christmas. And then people began erroneously believing that Christmas violated the separation of Church and state, which is where the media really took hold of the issue and perpetuated that fear, leading to hastily crafted policies — both in the public and private sector — resulting in the further removal of Christ from the public sphere.

What a shame.

Each year there seems to be a couple of stunning examples of how Christmas gets trampled as a result of hypersensitivity. This year’s most widely publicized move against Christmas involved the removal of Christmas trees from Seattle Airport after a rabbi threatened a lawsuit.

Though the situation has been rectified and the trees once again can provide cheer to travelers, there remain similar problems throughout the country that don’t get equal coverage. But a few oddball instances aside, things are beginning to look up this year for Christmas: a recent Zogby Poll found that 95 percent of surveyed shoppers were not offended when greeted with “Merry Christmas.”

Zogby also reported that the decision by many retailers in recent years to use the more politically correct “Happy Holidays” caused a backlash. Shoppers were turned off by the generic greeting. Retailers like Wal-Mart have since reversed those policies thanks to Christians who are making their opinions heard, who won’t be coerced into losing Christ or succumbing to political correctness.

This season is about Mary, the first disciple who led the way for Christians to do as God asks. This season is about Jesus, the all-powerful Who humbled Himself to walk among us.

This is the season about the greatest Gift human beings have ever received.

We said it two years ago and we’ll say it again: In these days leading up to Christmas, remember that it’s OK to speak your beliefs — and remember Who this season is about. You’ll hear “Happy Holidays” a dozen times between now and Christmas, so take this opportunity to live your faith. Embrace and find strength in the Holy Spirit, and always remember to take a deep breath and smile, replying with “Merry Christmas.”

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Editorial: Nov. 16, 2006

Help break the cycle of poverty

Many of us are blessed to have others in our lives we call family and friends, a bed to call our own, clean clothes and access to health care. And it’s at this time of year especially when we take the time to reflect upon our good fortunes of having others to rely upon as we share our gifts, prayers and warm meals together.

As we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner next week, and as we begin preparing the way for the baby Jesus this Advent season, it’s vitally important to keep in mind the 37 million other Americans — people made in the likeness of Christ, just like you and me — who aren’t nearly so fortunate.

There are more people living in poverty today than ever before in the history of the United States. For 13 million children, that likely means there’s little chance of a turkey on the table next week or gifts under the Christmas tree next month.

For millions, finding safe shelter and a hot meal would be gift enough.

Fortunately we have an opportunity to help break the cycle of poverty by contributing to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development during a second collection at Masses this weekend.

The CCHD isn’t just a charity, it’s an organization that gives money to local organizations and people to help them help themselves by promoting self-reliance, self-sufficiency and self-determination.

According to their Web site (www.povertyusa.org), the CCHD has offered more than $270 million in support to nearly 4,000 self-help projects and 300 community-based projects that improve neighborhoods, educate children, create jobs and more.

Three-quarters of the donations go to the CCHD national office to support anti-poverty projects across the country, while the remaining 25 percent is kept here in the Phoenix Diocese to fund local self-help initiatives to benefit our local communities.

CCHD is committed to helping people find permanent solutions to the problem of poverty, but they cannot do it without help from all of us. Please join in solidarity with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development this weekend to put an end to poverty.

Editorial: Nov. 2, 2006

Planned Parenthood slows Komen’s race for cure

Nearly 40,000 women, men and children took to the streets of Phoenix last month in a race that promised sweat and agony, laughter and tears, and camaraderie and perseverance — all in the name of finding a cure for breast cancer.

The event raised an estimated $1.8 million — money that will go a long way toward research, prevention and early detection of the deadly disease.

This weekend’s upcoming 3-day walk promises to have an equally big impact in the way of raising funds and awareness of the cancer that strikes the lives of so many of our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.

These wildly celebrated events are huge fundraisers for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. When a breast cancer cure is discovered, the Komen organization will undoubtedly be recognized as a leader in saving so many women’s lives.

Thanks to last year’s race, the Phoenix affiliate was able to give more than $1.2 million to local research, education, screening and treatment programs, according to their Web site. Among many of the worthy organizations that receive grant monies, unfortunately, is the not-so-worthy Planned Parenthood of Central and Northern Arizona. The Komen foundation gave Planned Parenthood $24,580 this year “for breast health education and early cancer detection in Coconino, Gila, Maricopa and Yavapai Counties.”

Some will argue the grant is earmarked for areas other than abortion or contraception, so the affiliation between the organizations is inconsequential. But the sad reality is that the grant money now frees up Planned Parenthood funds for these other areas opposing life and counter to our Catholic faith.

Tragically ironic, too, are the ongoing scientific discoveries linking abortion and breast cancer. So by giving money to Planned Parenthood, Komen is in essence shooting itself in the foot — then trying to race with only one good foot to raise additional funds to stop the bleeding. But the blood, both literally and figuratively, won’t stop until the grants to Planned Parenthood end.

So if you’re like a great many of the pro-life Catholics who stand, walk and run for life but were unaware of the connection between Komen and Planned Parenthood, we urge you in joining with us in calling upon the Phoenix Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to immediately end its support of Planned Parenthood.

Write to: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 2040 W. Bethany Home Rd., Suite 103, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Call: (602) 544-2873
Fax: (602) 544-3366
E-mail: mdokes@komenphx.org

The Susan G. Komen Foundation and its organizers do so much good in the way of rallying the community and raising awareness of breast cancer, which is why their support for Planned Parenthood remains truly regrettable.

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Editorial: Oct. 19, 2006

Local Church news made possible by a ‘Pit Bull’

When she spoke, reporters listened. She demanded excellence from the local media and she got it.

Marge Injasoulian, former communications director for the Phoenix Diocese, earned the respect of Arizona’s media professionals for her vision and tough but fair attitude.

Late last week she was formally recognized for her 40 years of work in bringing news to the people of Arizona as she was inducted to the Arizona Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Oct. 12.

It’s about time.

As the head of Church communications for 20 years until her retirement in 2002, Marge Injasoulian became known around Catholic and media circles for her intense ferocity and unwavering commitment to her profession.

Before coming onboard with the Church in the early ’80s, she was a trailblazer in the Wild West of a male-dominated Arizona media, working as the promotions director and then vice president of information services for CBS affiliate KOOL Radio and Television for 20 years.

But it was her commanding presence and no-nonsense attitude when working with religion reporters that led to her earning the nickname “Pit Bull,” a handle also reflecting her vision, energy, focus and ability to get things done.

And Arizona should consider itself blessed, for if it weren’t for these traits, residents here may have missed out on two of the biggest events in state history: the visits of John Paul II in 1987 and Mother Teresa in 1989.

It was Injasoulian’s hands-on leadership and behind-the-scenes work that introduced Arizona to these two future saints.

“Pit Bull” was so focused on making the most of the papal visit that Mary Jo West, another local media trailblazer, recently quipped that the only two who the late pontiff took orders from were God and Injasoulian.

Two other hefty milestones that the Arizona Catholic crowd should sing her praises for were the founding of the weekly televised Catholic Mass and the region’s first Catholic newspaper, The Catholic Sun, which has been delivering news to the faithful for more than 20 years. Thanks to her work, The Catholic Sun reaches more than 120,000 homes twice each month.

In this age of corporate-owned media — where interests lie in upholding not the First Amendment but, wait for it, corporate-owned media — Injasoulian represents a Golden Age for journalism in Arizona. And to this day she remains a beacon of all that is good and tough about the profession.

Injasoulian is an enduring and colorful media personality that Arizona can proudly call its own. She truly embodies the media buzzword “localism” — to borrow a term from the corporate-news-friendly FCC lexicon — and is a reminder of a time back when news outlets were actually owned and cared for by locals.

For those media professionals and Catholics who had the opportunity of getting to know and love Injasoulian throughout her 40 years of pioneering work in the field, the mental images of a menacing pit bull terrier personified seems rather unfounded.

But make no mistake, when the going got tough, “Pit Bull” got going. And Arizona is better for it.

— RD

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Editorial: Oct. 5, 2006

Celebrate freedom

Be an informed voter

Looking for a way to celebrate freedom but wary of putting yet another bumper sticker on the family SUV?

Then add this to your to-do list: Vote on Nov. 7.

Election Day is right around the corner. It’s a time to make decisions about policies, issues and leaders. It’s a time to exercise the freedoms secured by those who lay it on the line for us each day. And it’s a time to shape the world around us.

The American bishops recognize that Catholics are a diverse community. As clarified in their 2003 pastoral statement, “Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility,” the Church does not endorse candidates and understands that our faith, principles and responsibilities cannot fit neatly into one party or another.

Instead, the U.S. bishops believe it is better for the civic-minded Catholic to examine the issues at hand and measure them in the context of Church teaching.

This past summer the Arizona Catholic Conference, the legislative representative for the bishops of the state, asked political candidates to offer their position on a series of 12 statements that covered a wide spectrum of important topics, including immigration, education, marriage, capital punishment and life issues. Turn to our special Voters Guide section to read their responses.

It should be emphasized that neither the Catholic Church nor The Catholic Sun have endorsed any candidate or party, but instead pray that Catholics will look to the Voters Guide as an educational opportunity to become better informed before heading to the polls.

In “Faithful Citizenship,” the American bishops call on Catholics “to see civic and political responsibilities through the eyes of faith and to bring our moral convictions to public life.”

We pray that Arizona Catholics, indeed all the faithful of this great nation, will read up on the issues before blindly endorsing any candidate or issue based on superficial political allegiances. We believe this Voters Guide presents a solid source of unbiased, educational information that will help readers understand our civic duty and Catholic faith.

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Editorial: Sept. 21, 2006

Whose line is it anyway?

Muslim leaders throughout the Islamic world are outraged with him. Government officials in Pakistan have brought forth resolutions of condemnation while those in Turkey are now rejecting him outright. Protestors in cities throughout the Middle East are rioting in the streets.

Can it be? Have Islamic extremists finally gone too far with their terror in the name of religion? Are the world’s Muslim leaders finally saying enough is enough and calling on all Muslims to reject the terrifying ways of Osama bin Laden and his evil bunch?

Sadly and frustratingly, no. Terrorists killing Christians and Westerners in the name of Islam will likely continue without rebuke from the Muslim world.

So what’s got their goat? Apparently it has to do with something the pope said.

In an academic lecture at a German university emphasizing the necessity of recognizing faith and reason last week, Pope Benedict XVI spent some time reflecting on a 600-year-old discussion between a Byzantine emperor and a Muslim scholar. The subject, strikingly relevant in today’s climate of civil unrest, was regarding Islamic “jihad.”

At the heart of the problem lies this quote: “Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.”

During his speech, the pope made clear that these were not his own words, but those of the 14th century emperor. The pope used the words “I quote” twice.

Now Muslim leaders are accusing the pope of showing insensitivity to their faith, claiming he showed an ignorance of Islamic history by attributing the spread of their religion to violence.

But for whatever reason — be it a combination of the media taking his words out of context and some Muslim leaders’ irrational oversensitivity to criticism — the pope, and by extension Christianity, are on the receiving end of a very public rebuke at a time when relationships between the two worlds continue to be extremely dicey.

Of course the pope meant no disrespect to the world’s Muslims. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said the pope had no intention of giving “an interpretation of Islam as violent,” according to Catholic News Service.

“I think everyone understands that even inside Islam there are many different positions and there are many positions that are not violent,” Fr. Lombardi said. He noted that the pope’s speech was primarily a historical analysis.

But it is interesting to witness how quickly the pope’s message of faith and reason has become distorted — like a childhood game of “telephone” gone terribly awry — to one of intolerance and violence.

The absurdity and hypocrisy of the situation, obviously, lies now at the feet of the very leaders who criticize the pope. How can the world’s Muslim leaders mobilize in only a matter of days to publicly condemn Pope Benedict and incite riots, yet continue to sit idly by as the Western world lives with threats of terror in the name of Islam?

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Editorial: Aug. 17, 2006

‘An authentic peace’ is possible

We as God’s creatures are having a difficult time learning a valuable lesson: violence begets only more violence.

Even as a peace deal was being worked out late last week, the war between Israel and Hezbollah raged on with civilians on both sides of the border shouldering the misery. Meanwhile, the U.S.-led war in Iraq continues to shed lives at an alarming rate.

In a pre-9/11 anniversary wake-up call, more than two dozen terrorists were apprehended last week with intentions of blowing up U.S.-bound commercial airliners.

Some might have begun to let the paralyzing fear of Sept. 11, 2001, fade from memory. Others may have been a bit too young at the time to recall the anguish. But this latest terror threat is destined to reignite the fear and anger felt by all nearly five years ago.

Yes, we need to invest in greater security measures at our airports and borders. And yes, we need our government’s intelligence agencies to remain zeroed in on those who wish to destroy our way of life.

But no, it is not imperative that we rush to arms. Not again.

If anything, we need to learn from our past actions and measure how liberating Iraq, for example, has left us as a world. Are we more secure today than we were three years ago? And what of the loss of innocent life, both Iraqi and the brave men and women in the U.S. armed forces? Where has the violence gotten us and when will it end?

What of the violence on the Israeli-Lebanese border?

This is a question contemplated by Pope Benedict XVI, whose outspoken pleas for an immediate cease-fire in the Middle East have fallen on seemingly deaf ears. The pope, much like the late Pope John Paul II, believes warfare does little to quell future violence or to provide stability. Instead, it leads to further hatred, resentment and intolerance.

“These facts clearly demonstrate that you cannot re-establish justice, create a new order and build an authentic peace by turning to the instrument of violence,” the pope said of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

“Our eyes are filled with the chilling images of people’s bodies — especially children’s — torn apart,” Pope Benedict added. “I want to repeat that nothing can justify the spilling of innocent blood, no matter which side does it.”

We are indebted to our soldiers for risking their lives to protect ours. And we support our intelligence agencies with hopes that they may preemptively apprehend those who wish us harm.

We implore our community and our world leaders to seek a new, different and better solution to our world’s woes, an answer that doesn’t perpetuate the cycle of violence.

Negotiations can work. Sovereignty can be protected. Pride can be put aside. The United States, with its influence and power, can be a leader in setting the stage for a global cease-fire agreement.

And as idealistic as it sounds, prayer can be the answer.

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Editorial: Aug. 3, 2006

Back from vacation?

You may have missed this

Arizona’s sweltering summers have most of us seeking cooler refuge, be it a jaunt over to the Pacific, the local swimming pool or the sanctuary of our air-conditioned homes.

Though these dog days are primetime for vacation, there were several sizzling hot issues being debated this past month that affect the lives of Catholics here in Arizona and across the country. If you were among those fortunate to unplug from the Internet, cell phone and Blackberry this summer, here’s what you may have missed:

The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act: The immigration issue is especially close to the hearts and minds of many Arizonans. As Catholics, we support comprehensive immigration reform that secures the nation’s borders and ensures laws are just and humane. In other words, an enforcement-only approach does not address the need for “legal avenues for future flows of immigrants to come to the United States to work or join family members, nor would it address the plight of 11-12 million undocumented in the nation,” according to Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn.

Bishop DiMarzio, a consultant to the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration, testified before a Congressional subcommittee late last month. He believes the immigration reform act recently approved by the Senate is not without its flaws, but is the “right approach and right direction our country should be taking.”

The Child Custody Protection Act: By a vote of 65-34, the U.S. Senate passed this act that forbids taking teenage girls across state lines to evade laws requiring parental or judicial involvement prior to an abortion. Simply stated, it would be illegal for a local underage girl to drive over to California to have an abortion. Every parent has an obligation and right to know what their children are up to, especially when it comes to life-altering decisions such as abortion.

“Secret abortions undermine parents’ ability to care for their children in crisis, and put young girls at particular risk both physically and emotionally,” said Deirdre A. McQuade, pro-life spokesperson for the bishops.

“Abortion does not solve an adolescent’s problems, but instead often compounds her fears, anxiety, and sense of isolation,” she added.

The House version of the law is expected to be ironed out soon.

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act: For the first time in his presidency, George W. Bush used his veto power, nixing a law that would have forced U.S. taxpayers to encourage the destruction of human embryos for their stem cells. The law as passed by both chambers of Congress was a step backward in maintaining the sanctity of human life. It also ignored effective and morally sound procedures using adult and umbilical cord stem cells.

As Catholics, we believe all life is sacred. Some lives should not be destroyed in the hope it helps others. And as taxpayers, we should not be required to foot the bill in an endeavor we find morally objectionable.

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Editorial: July 20, 2006

Directory’s fuzzy math doesn’t add up in Phoenix

First, the good news: there are more Catholics in the United States than ever before, hovering just under the 70 million mark.

Next, the so-so news: this statement may or may not be accurate, depending on unreliable reporting from Boston (which may have inadvertently flipped some numbers) or waterlogged New Orleans (it’s still too soon to get accurate numbers from the hurricane-ravaged archdiocese).

Finally, the bad news: there is a reported decline in Church marriages, confirmations, first Communions and infant baptisms.

This report is brought to you by the 2006 Official Catholic Directory, a massive 2,000-page book that contains a statistical breakdown of everything in the local and national Church. It includes everything regarding clergy, parishes, schools and sacramental enrollments.

The Phoenix Diocese mirrors some of these national trends; however, we question the directory’s accuracy. Arizona’s population has been booming yet the number of Catholics in the area has reportedly slipped by 4,000, down from last year’s count of 555,669.

We find this figure puzzling, especially since new parishes such as Our Lady of Guadalupe in Queen Creek and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne in Anthem are but two of the new churches serving our sprawling population. Established churches such as Immaculate Heart of Mary in downtown Phoenix have standing-room only congregations each Sunday.

In addition, Notre Dame Preparatory opened just a few years ago to serve the northeast Valley’s thirst for a Catholic high school. Bourgade, St. Mary’s, Seton and Xavier are doing everything they can to keep up with the burgeoning demand through renovations and expansions. Many Catholic elementary schools have waiting lists.

We realize The Official Catholic Directory is likened to a snapshot of the Church each year and not a thorough Catholic-by-Catholic audit; however, this picture came out too underdeveloped for our liking. It’s difficult believing that the diocese lost 4,000 Catholics in the past year considering the region’s growth and demand for parish services. Inaccurate reporting from Boston and underreporting from New Orleans could mean there are discrepancies elsewhere throughout the country.

The Official Catholic Directory has been a mainstay in Catholic circles for more than 180 years and its in-depth data remains unmatched, but the current way of collecting statistical information is too unreliable: parishes send information to the diocese which then forwards it to the publishers of the book.

In this high-speed world of instant information, something more must be done to provide relevant, up-to-date data. For a local Church such as the Phoenix Diocese, whose makeup changes as quickly as a new housing subdivision is established, Church leaders would be better served with monthly updates provided through recent Web technologies, rather than a yearly census of sorts.

A clear, true representation of everyday Church life is critical to our local Catholics. Church leaders need to know whom they’re serving and what is needed of them, be it additional religious education classes, more Natural Family Planning instructors, or simply more parish priests celebrating Mass each Sunday.

The hardworking parish staff, volunteers, ministers and clergy of the Church are challenged day in and day out to meet the needs of the faithful. If churchgoers’ needs are underrepresented, how can they be effectively evangelized?

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Editorial: July 6, 2006

Victories for school choice

School-choice advocates have cause to rejoice, for one of the biggest news items from the recently passed state budget is the opportunity for more children to receive a Catholic education.

For the first time ever, a voucher bill was passed into law in Arizona. In fact, two voucher bills were signed into law. These bills will provide $2.5 million to foster children and disabled students.

For foster children, the voucher law gives them a sense of belonging. It allows them a chance for a stable, high-quality education independent of their living situation for the duration of their academic career.

Students with disabilities can now choose the school that best serves their needs.

“These events are historic,” remarked Ron Johnson, executive director of the Arizona Catholic Conference.

As if the voucher bills weren’t enough, the corporate tuition tax credit that was passed into law earlier in the session was expanded from $5 million to $10 million. The amount of the credit will also increase an additional 20 percent a year in subsequent years. As a reminder, this money is targeted to low-income students switching from public to private schools or entering kindergarten in private schools. It permits corporations to claim a dollar-for-dollar income tax credit for contributions made to a student tuition organization, such as the Catholic Tuition Organization, which provides scholarship money for private school students.

The incredible success on the school choice measures were accomplished in the last days of the session due to the negotiating of Rep. Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler; Sen. John Huppenthal, R-Chandler; Senate President Ken Bennett, R-Prescott; Rep. Laura Knaperek, R-Tempe; Rep. Rick Murphy, R-Glendale; and House Speaker Jim Weiers, R-Phoenix. The Arizona Catholic Conference along with the Alliance for School Choice and the Center for Arizona Policy spent countless hours lobbying these measures to ensure their final victory.

Critics of school choice argue that scholarship tax credits and vouchers drain money from the public school system. However, studies regularly show that these measures actually save taxpayers money.

A 2005 Goldwater Institute report notes that the average private elementary and middle school tuition is $3,700 per student, less than half of what Arizona taxpayers shell out for the average public school expenditure of more than $7,800 per student.

With these successes, Arizona has become a national leader in school choice as it is the only state to have an individual tuition tax credit, a corporate tuition tax credit and now vouchers.

These new laws are for low-income families. Children most in need stand to benefit. The impact of this historic session will affect thousands of families, allowing them to send their children to schools that best fit their needs.

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Editorial: June 15, 2006

Society depends on marriage

Earlier this month the U.S. Senate shot down the Marriage Protection Amendment, a bill defining marriage between a man and a woman. Supporters sought to amend the Constitution to include these two sentences:

“Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution, nor the constitution of any state, shall be construed to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon any union other than the union of a man and a woman.”

Are these 53 words those of a bigot? Yes, according to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who was quoted recently as saying, “A vote for this amendment is a vote for bigotry.”

Talk about political posturing. Deep down, Sen. Kennedy, a Catholic, knows well the traditional understanding of marriage. Generations spanning thousands of years the world over know it, too.

Marriage is the cornerstone of the family. By God’s command, one man and one woman unite, forming a bond from which more life springs forth, populating the earth and laying the foundation for society.

“Those who would seek to redefine the institution of marriage are asking society to give up something it does not have the right to relinquish,” said Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali the day before the Marriage Protection Amendment was rejected.

“Marriage is given to us by God. It is the sacred union of one man and one woman for the purpose of procreation, part of God’s plan for the human race.”

When two people of the same sex seek marriage, they not only reject God’s plan, they also reject the foundation on which our society has flourished.

Doubters need only look across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, where secularists have succeeded in making same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples the norm.

Europe is now teetering on the brink of a continental disaster, where there are now more deaths than births.

According to Catholic News Service, Germany is likely to lose the equivalent of the population of the former East Germany in the first half of the 21st century. Spain’s population will decline from 40 million to little more than 31 million by midcentury. By 2050, if present trends continue, almost 60 percent of Italians will have no brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts or uncles.

Europeans are shutting the door on Christian culture and their society is facing a tragic future. Let’s not follow their example.

While the recent proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution didn’t turn out the way many had hoped, there is still a chance on the local level. Arizona residents, like those in many other states, are working to enact changes in the state constitution that would define marriage between one man and one woman.

Supporting the Protect Marriage Arizona initiative does not indicate bigotry, as Sen. Kennedy unfortunately suggested. Rather it is a call to family, to the future of our society and acceptance of God’s plan for humanity.

Signature gatherers are scrambling to gather about 80,000 additional signatures by July 6 to get it on the November ballot. If you see people gathering signatures after Masses this weekend, we encourage you to stop by the table to add your name to the list of others supporting the traditional meaning of marriage.

For information or to request a petition, contact Protect Marriage Arizona at (602) 978-0737 or visit www.ProtectMarriageAZ.com.

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Editorial: June 1, 2006

Calling all Catholics: show your support for new priests

Catholics have cause for celebration this weekend as two men are welcomed into the priesthood.

On Saturday, June 3, before God, family and friends, John Greb and John Lankeit will be ordained when Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted lays hands on the two men and leads the prayer of consecration. Alongside the hundreds of other priests at the ceremony, he will invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon Greb and Lankeit, giving them a sacred character and setting them apart for the priesthood.

Much of the laity may wonder what kind of preparation seminarians take on to join the priesthood. Basically, seminaries address four types of formation: human, spiritual, academic and pastoral. Men like Greb and Lankeit must participate in a full schedule of spiritual activities that includes daily Mass, prayer, spiritual direction and retreats. The goal is for the men to be well prepared for pastoral ministry.

A man considering the possibility of priesthood must have four years of high school, four years of college, one year of spirituality and four years of graduate study in theology.

Future Fathers Greb, 43, and Lankeit, 39, spent many years in discerning their calls to the priesthood and still even longer in a challenging program of priestly formation at the seminary. It is through rigorous training, coursework and heeding God’s call that these new priests will continue Christ’s mission on earth.

A recent nationwide survey shows that 80 percent of the men slated to be ordained this year have completed a college degree. The average age of the class of 2006: 37. This is good news for the Catholics of Arizona. These are men of high-caliber who possess a great ability and desire to serve the people of God through the Church.

As the Catholic population continues to grow at a rapid clip, parish priests are expected to shoulder more responsibilities. Much of a priest’s time is dedicated to celebrating the sacraments of the Eucharist, penance, baptism, marriage and ministering to the sick. They must also be available to people when they have special needs, including counseling to parishioners regarding marriage problems, parent-teenager problems, drug problems or life in general. Not to mention the skills needed to keep a parish running smoothly on a day-to-day basis.

Local Catholics are blessed to have such hard working and faithful priests serving them in Christ’s name. Moreover, there are nearly 30 men currently enrolled in seminaries who are studying to become a priest in the Phoenix Diocese.

We encourage you to support all of our priests by getting to know them and by praying for their ministry. We ask that you support our future priests in their education by giving to the seminarian appeal this weekend during Masses throughout the diocese. This second collection goes toward the educational support of the diocese’s seminarians, ensuring a better-educated, more well-rounded priest who will someday soon be serving at a parish near you.

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Editorial: May 18, 2006

Protect Marriage Arizona initiative deserves support

The traditional definition of marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman for the benefit of children has always been a cornerstone of our society. This understanding of marriage predates not only our government, but also all organized religions, and is essentially unchangeable in nature.

Nonetheless, throughout the United States and even the world, marriage is currently under attack by those seeking to redefine its inherent nature. Fortunately, in our country people are now coming to the defense of the institution of marriage and overwhelmingly enacting ballot measures in numerous states to enshrine and preserve the unique status of marriage.

Locally, Protect Marriage Arizona is precisely such an effort to preserve the unique and irreplaceable status that marriage has always held in our society. Thankfully, Catholic organizations in our own state such as the Knights of Columbus and the Phoenix Diocesan Council of Catholic Women have generously come forward and are actively circulating petitions in parishes to place this important initiative on the ballot.

Perhaps Pope John Paul II described the contemporary situation the best when he proclaimed “at a moment in history in which the family is the object of numerous forces that seek to destroy it, or in some way to deform it, and aware that the well-being of society and her good are intimately tied to the good of the family, the Church perceives in a more urgent and compelling way her mission of proclaiming to all people the plan of God for marriage and the family, insuring their full vitality and human and Christian development, and thus, contributing to the renewal of society and the people of God.” (John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio #3)

Marriage is important because it is the foundation of the family. The family, in turn, is the basic unit of society. Marriage is, therefore, a personal relationship with public significance.

It only makes sense that a strong definition of marriage will benefit and strengthen society. Similarly, a weak definition of marriage that reduces or eliminates its unique status will ultimately harm society. Consistent with this reasoning, the Catholic Church is, therefore, opposed to the “legal recognition of homosexual unions” in order to prevent the redefinition and devaluation of the institution of marriage. (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons #11)

In speaking on these matters, it remains important to emphasize that people of all sexual orientations must always be treated with compassion and respect and that their individual civil liberties must be protected. The Catechism of the Catholic Church further elaborates in reference to people of homosexual orientation that “every sign of unjust discrimination in this regard should be avoided.” (#2358)

The Protect Marriage Arizona initiative is consistent with these principles while preserving the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. It is for these reasons that the bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference issued their pastoral statement in March titled “Why is Marriage Important to the Catholic Church?” and formally endorsed this effort.

While there will undoubtedly be many other important measures on the ballot this year, the defense of the institution of marriage involves an issue that is a foundational matter for both the Catholic Church and society as a whole. Amending our state constitution through the Protect Marriage Arizona initiative is good public policy and deserves the utmost support.

Ron Johnson is the executive director of the Arizona Catholic Conference, the public policy agency for the Diocese of Gallup, N.M., the Diocese of Phoenix and the Diocese of Tucson.

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Editorial: May 4, 2006

Vincentians bring hope, happiness to community

Smiles, enthusiasm, faith and charity are all the rage at 420 W. Watkins Rd. in Phoenix. And it’s infectious.

The reason? It’s the headquarters for the local Society of St. Vincent de Paul, an international lay organization of volunteers committed to living the Gospel message through serving those in need. The people that make up the body of this organization give of themselves tirelessly and enthusiastically so that those trapped in the margins of society might have a brighter day and a hope for tomorrow.

As they have discovered, helping others in the name of Christ can leave a lasting impact on all involved.

St. Vincent de Paul of Phoenix celebrated 60 years of service at an event last month during which volunteers took guests on a tour of their downtown campus to see firsthand the services they provide and to meet the clients they serve.

Guests were welcomed at the door with wide smiles and friendly conversation before venturing into Arizona’s largest industrial kitchen, a bustling facility that turns out more than 3,000 meals each day. Between 200 and 500 meals are served each day at the Watkins Road location by parishes, schools or other groups volunteering their time. The remainder is shipped out to various dining facilities throughout the Valley.

More than a place for a hot and healthy meal, St. Vincent de Paul offers ministries to prevent homelessness, such as job counseling, use of a computer and an e-mail address. Local doctors and dentists give of their time to meet the healthcare needs of those without insurance. And the downtown location is the central processing center for donated food and goods.

All told, more than 3,000 members are helping others throughout central and northern Arizona. The volunteers — known as Vincentians — work out of 86-parish based chapters and comprise the local St. Vincent de Paul council. Their work is nothing short of amazing. Each year, Vincentians provide:

-- More than 40,000 home visits to the poor;

-- Showers, clothing, haircuts, bus tickets and case management for more than 24,000 homeless people;

-- 8.8 million pounds of donated food processed and distributed in the form of food boxes;

-- Nearly $2 million in rental and utility assistance to families;

-- Job search assistance and on-the-job training for approximately 150 individuals;

-- Travel assistance to 2,500 non-residents who have been stranded in Phoenix or Flagstaff;

-- 5,800 visits for medical care, counseling and health education;

-- 6,900 visits for dental care, including 3,600 children’s visits;

-- 1.26 million meals served in its five dining rooms and in 18 other non-profit organizations in the Phoenix area;

-- More than $150,000 worth of merchandise distributed to the poor through six thrift shops in the Metro Phoenix area and nine more throughout the diocese that sell affordable used clothing and merchandise to support its programs;

-- 47 scholarships for first generation college students;

-- Transitional housing for more than 170 homeless people who are disabled or older than 50; and

-- A Christmas adopt-a-family program for 725 families.

As the Arizona community continues to grow, so does the need for assistance. Here’s how you can help:

Financial support: Your contributions provide assistance for thousands of residents who desperately need help.

Volunteer: Be a part of that smiling, enthusiastic group who make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged.

Donate clothing and goods: St. Vincent de Paul will arrange to pick up any items you would like to donate.

Hold a neighborhood drive: Together with friends, coworkers or neighbors, collect non-perishable food, hygiene products or other items needed by those they serve. Jeans (sizes 30, 32 and 34) and shoes, toothpaste, deodorant and more are needed.

Shop at the thrift stores: By shopping at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores you support efforts to house the homeless, feed the hungry and care for the sick.

In 1946, the seeds of serving in Christ’s name through faith and charity were planted by a group of five young Catholics. Their mission: to become humble servants of the poor. Today, Vincentians carry on that mission by providing hope and encouragement, bringing smiles wherever they go.

For more information, visit the Web at www.stvincentdepaul.net.

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Editorial: April 6, 2006

RU-4Real, FDA?

Some pills cure us and some pills sustain us. Other pills, evidently, kill us.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, charged with approving drugs in the United States, is responsible for knowing the difference.

While more than a million abortions are performed each year in the United States — estimates indicate one baby dies every 22 seconds at the hands of surgical abortionists — abortion advocates have been looking to make it even easier for women to terminate their pregnancy. They found it, courtesy of the FDA.

With assistance from the widely controversial RU-486 pill, a chemical abortion concoction marketed in the United States under the names Mifeprex and Early Option by Danco Laboratories, four more souls have been taken away from us. Two women seeking to end their pregnancies died last month after taking the abortion pill.

“It’s a pill that brings death. That’s strange medicine,” said Chicago Cardinal Francis George upon the 2000 FDA approval of the drug.

Medicine that ends a pregnancy and puts the mother at risk is indeed strange, to say the least. The New England Journal of Medicine calculates a tenfold increase in the number of infection-related deaths when using the abortion pill compared to surgical abortions. This estimate doesn’t take into account other known risks associated with RU-486.

Known generically as mifepristone, this pill induces an abortion in the first seven weeks of pregnancy when used in conjunction with another drug, a prostaglandin.

RU-486 prevents the fertilized egg from clinging to the uterine wall, and the prostaglandin is used 48 hours later to set off contractions that expel the embryo. RU-486 was first produced in France and approved there in 1988.

Pro-life advocates claim the FDA deviated from its rigorous testing procedures in evaluating the abortion pill, shirking its duty to ensure the safety of the drug and in the process leaving the American public at great risk.

In early February, Deirdre A. McQuade, an official of the Pro-Life Secretariat of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed support for “Holly’s Law” (H.R. 1079), legislation to temporarily suspend FDA approval of the drug RU-486. Following the most recent deaths, McQuade reiterated her support for the legislation March 17. She and other RU-486 opponents hope the U.S. comptroller general will review the FDA’s adherence to statutory mandates in its process for approving the drug, according to Catholic News Service.

“Holly’s Law” is named in memory of Holly Patterson, an 18-year-old from California who died from toxic shock after being given RU-486.

“After five years of trauma and death associated with RU-486, the FDA’s response has been limited to health advisories and amended drug labeling. How many more healthy women must die before the agency takes a close second look at RU-486?” McQuade asked.

While no hearings have been scheduled to take a look at the bill, the FDA is doing the American public a great disservice by not immediately halting the use of the abortion pill.

Opportunities to profit

In their efforts to expand the availability of abortion-on-demand in America, advocates argue the abortion pill is necessary for women on the margins of society who cannot afford the surgical procedure. They reason that the cost of taking a pill would be significantly lower without the overhead of preparing and cleaning up after the surgical abortion and time spent “counseling” the expectant mother. This, they intimate, could help close the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

Shockingly, the pill costs several hundred dollars, as much as a standard abortion.

Perhaps not so shockingly, the abortion industry has found a way to cut costs while maintaining its profits, all the while washing their hands, so to speak, of the physical, mental and spiritual havoc wreaked on two human lives during the process.

The FDA owes it to the American public, including those without a voice — birthed or otherwise — to halt the use of RU-486. Anything less amounts to another knock against a government agency whose mission is to keep us safe — a very tough pill to swallow, indeed.

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