Catholic News Around Indiana
Compiled by Brandon A. Evans
Diocese of Evansville
Bruté Society induction ceremony will be held Oct. 25 at St. Benedict Cathedral
By MARY ANN HUGHES (Message staff writer)
The diocesan Bruté Society will have 138 new members from 55 parishes this year. An induction ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. CDT Oct. 25 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville.
The Bruté Society was established in 1990 as an official activity of the Diocese of Evansville to honor Catholic lay persons who have been recognized by their fellow parishioners as outstanding models of Christian stewardship.
New members receive a certificate and the Simon Bruté medal which depicts the three stewardship T’s of treasure, time and talent.
Matt Miller, diocesan director of Worship, said, “The purpose of the Bruté Society is to acknowledge and give thanks for exemplary Christian stewardship demonstrated by individual members of the Diocese of Evansville.
“By doing this in a public and formal way, we hope to promote an ever-deepening commitment to stewardship as the way of life for all Catholics of southwestern Indiana. In addition, the witness of stewardship shown by the members of the Bruté Society may serve to inspire others to give of themselves in living out their baptismal call.”
Justin Clements is the retired diocesan director of Stewardship and Development. He is the founder of the Bruté Society program in the diocese. This year, he and his wife Shirley will become honorary members of the society.
“No one is more familiar with the importance and place of the Bruté Society in our diocese than Justin and Shirley,” Matt said. “His tireless work establishing and promoting this recognition society for the people of the diocese, along with countless other contributions to the Church local and universal, should not go unrecognized. They both have truly reflected the faithful witness of the society’s namesake, and it only makes sense that they should be recognized in this way.”
(For these stories and more news from the Diocese of Evansville, log on to the website of The Message at www.themessageonline.org)
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Diocese suspends the administering of holy Communion through the chalice
Letter from Bishop John M. D’Arcy
After consulting with the regional vicars and receiving competent medical advice, I have determined in the best interest of the health of all in our communities and especially our young children, that we will suspend the administering of holy Communion through the chalice. This will be effective the weekend of Oct. 17-18, 2009 — the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. In reaching this decision, we have consulted medical authorities, especially Dr. Deborah McMahan, health commissioner of Allen County. Dr. McMahan informs us that the present situation is classified as a pandemic, meaning that individuals do not have any natural immunity to H1N1. Dr. McMahan has endorsed the suspension of drinking from the cup. This was also the advice from the majority of our regional vicars.
The H1N1 virus may have run its course in three months, or it may last longer. We will monitor the situation, but I want to make it clear that no parish may give holy Communion from the cup until the suspension is lifted. That will be done as soon as the present serious situation has eased.
This suspension applies to all parishes and at all Masses: Sundays, solemnities and weekdays. I urge that it also be followed by religious houses.
Also, for further protection of the health of all, the greeting of peace is optional or may be given verbally or by a nod of the head.
We do this not only for parishioners, but for the wider community. Protecting all, especially our dear young children, must be the concern of everyone.
Young adult ministry builds faith community
By Karen Clifford
SOUTH BEND — Sean Allen, a diocesan young adult minister in the South Bend area, clarifies the mission of young adult ministry. “Young adult ministry is targeted for a specific age range and builds community among this peer group. We are not about forming a group, we are about Christian formation.”
Allen and his young adult minister counterpart in Fort Wayne, Allison Sturm, work with young adults in their late teens, 20s and 30s. It is a community made up of single, married (with or without children), divorced or widowed young adults. This community, Allen stresses, seeks to learn more about the Catholic faith and also is strengthened by serving others, praying, worshiping and socializing together.
Mary Glowaski, director of the Office of Campus and Young Adult Ministry, explains why this ministry is so important to the church. “Young adults have a great deal to teach us as church. They possess an energy and hopefulness that sustains us and challenges us to be more responsive and creative in how we seek ways of growing our relationship with one another and with God as we discern God’s will for our lives no matter what our age.”
Because of the transient nature of young adults, Glowaski notes that the diocesan Facebook site and Web page, along with the traditional communication of bulletin announcements and Today’s Catholic newspaper, are essential tools in getting the word out about young adult ministry events and opportunities.
Both Sturm and Allen note the challenges of formation of this community. Sturm says while her family, friends and coworkers embraced her Catholic faith when she was a young adult, she knows that others do not always have this consistent influence and support. “I believe we must have a ministry that reaches out with faith-based groups to help young adults incorporate their faith in all aspects of their life so that they can use all of their positive energy to benefit themselves and others.”
Photo caption: Young adults gather at the Theology on Tap series in South Bend.
Red Mass celebrated at Basilica of the Sacred Heart
By Judy Bradford
NOTRE DAME — Sarah Chambers is a second-year law student at the University of Notre Dame. She realizes that the career she has chosen will probably lead to some tough decisions.
So when Bishop John M. D’Arcy recently talked about what it takes to gather strength for those decisions, she listened.
“It was a reminder that we’re all going to face those kinds of decisions,’’ said Sarah after the Red Mass.
The Red Mass is named for the resplendent red vestments, worn by the presiding priests and required for a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit.
It dates back to the 1300s, when it formally opened the legal term of the year in many European countries. In the United States, it is often celebrated the first week of October to coincide with the opening of the Supreme Court’s term.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart was packed on Sunday, Oct 11, with attorneys, judges and students of the law school at Notre Dame, as well as those who regularly attend Mass there every Sunday.
Bishop D’Arcy, in his homily, chose to talk about the inner spiritual life of St. Thomas More, the lawyer, scholar, author and statesman who has become the patron saint of anyone professionally connected with law. More was beheaded in 1535 for refusing to recognize the king as the head of the Church of England, which was heading for a split with Rome.
Although the story has been told many times through literature and film, Bishop D’Arcy said details of More’s spiritual life are often overlooked.
“He prayed every day,” said the bishop, of More. “He kept the sacraments, and he defended the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.”
As did More, in 16th century, those in the law are asked to make decisions that might hurt their own prestige and professional position. Bishop D’Arcy told worshipers that a life of prayer and living close to the Holy Spirit is the only way to make decisions in the way of “truth, for beauty and for love.”
Photo caption: Bishop D’Arcy shakes hands with Michael Agrippina, a high school junior from Atlanta, who was visiting the University of Notre Dame and attended the Red Mass for law students, attorneys and political officials.
(For these stories and more news from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, log on to the website of Today’s Catholic at www.todayscatholicnews.org)
Diocese of Gary
Deacons bring 'enormous vitality'
through their ministries
GRIFFITH — Deacons may not possess the perfection of angels, there is a similarity between the two groups, Bishop Dale J. Melczek told permanent deacons and their wives Oct. 1. During his homily at the annual diocesan celebration with deacons at St. Mary Church, Bishop Melczek said, “Like the angels, the Lord calls deacons to speak to His people about His desires and His plans.” Just as God sends angels to remind people of His love and care for them, the bishop continued, “so does He send deacons to persons in everyday places and circumstances to remind them that He loves them and watches over them with His Providence.”
With the nine deacons ordained in June, the Diocese of Gary has 48 active permanent deacons and 11 senior deacons. Depending on their time, talents, and the needs of their parishes, they serve in various capacities.
“I cannot imagine this local Church without deacons,” Bishop Melczek said. “You bring an enormous vitality to the parishes and institutions in which you serve.”
In praising deacons, the bishop recalled the diaconal ordination class of 1984 that was marking its silver anniversary. Of those 17 men, two are still in active ministry locally, four are senior deacons, seven are deceased, and four reside elsewhere.
Deacons bring their personal experiences to their ministries. Bishop Melczek noted that through their own pain and suffering, “you are able to interpret the Word of God in a way that speaks to the people in your workplaces as well as in your parishes and the institutions where you serve. You do so in a manner that speaks to their pain, their fears, their hopes, and their quest for life-giving water which Jesus offered to the women by the well in Samaria.”
Photo caption: Bishop Dale J Melczek speaks with Deacon Christopher Hawkins at the reception following the annual anniversary Mass for deacons of this diocese. (Tim Hunt photo)
(For this story and more news from the Diocese of Gary, log on to the website of the Northwest Indiana Catholic at www.nwicatholic.com)
Diocese of Lafayette
Presentation offers tips for creating calmer home
By Caroline B. Mooney
WESTFIELD — If you can raise a child into an adult who can control his emotions, you are doing a good job as a parent.
That was the message Kirk Martin delivered to more than 200 parents at St. Maria Goretti Church Sept. 29. He spoke about ways to create a calm home, help children with special needs, and build confidence, vision and internal motivation.
Martin, a behavioral consultant from Washington, D.C., has worked with more than 1,500 children through Celebrate!Calm, an educational organization for parents, kids and teachers. He is the author of four books and writes a weekly newsletter. His talk was co-sponsored by St. Maria Goretti, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Carmel, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Carmel.
Exercise before breakfast can calm children, Martin said.
“If you have a trampoline, challenge your child to go out and jump a number of times before you finish making breakfast,” he said. “Ninety-nine percent of the time you control the mood of your child in the morning by your mood. Start the day with connectors — you can’t get compliance until you connect. Either ask your child about something that is interesting to him or start the day with praise.
“Welcome kids into the day in a calm way,” Martin said. “Use as few words as possible in the morning. Your voice is as irritating to your kids as your spouse’s voice is to you. Bedtime issues begin in the morning.”
At the end of the day, give children peace and quiet. Questioning them about what happened at school as soon as they get off the bus is like having your boss follow you home and ask questions about the amount and quality of work that you did during the day, he said.
When children are doing homework, hovering and repeatedly asking if they are done only creates stress, Martin explained.
“I came here because I have kids: ages 12, 9, 3 and one on the way,” said Julie Mears, member of St. Maria Goretti. “Homework and morning routine are things we deal with on a daily basis. The talk has been very entertaining — he has a lot of great ideas and stories that I can really relate to. A lot of books I have read don’t give specific advice and strategies, but he gave good practical advice.”
When parents encounter defiance and disrespect, they should address their own behavior before addressing their child’s, Martin said.
“Don’t try to change everything at once — change yourself first,” Martin said. “Go home and say, ‘I want to apologize for trying to control you.’ … When kids come and tell you something, tell them you appreciate them sharing that.”
'You know, this is God's garden': Garden ministry at St. Mary Parish, Muncie
By Louisa J. Reese
MUNCIE — The garden ministry at St. Mary Parish is blooming.
Since it began in 2007, the number of adopted flower beds on parish grounds has grown to 50, and there’s a waiting list for volunteers who want to help, said Anne Condran, one of four ministry coordinators.
Former pastor Father Ed Kacena founded the ministry. “Gardening is one of his great loves. … He is a visionary,” Condran said.
Her hope, she said, is that it “(becomes) a way for us to honor and glorify God and our Holy Mother Mary, and not just in May and October, but throughout the year. I think a lot of people truly love her and keep her in their hearts throughout the day.”
Also, she said, “The ministry is a vehicle for us to come together as a parish community, on a project. … It is a way to meet and really get to know people rather than just seeing faces at Mass.”
Gardening provides an opportunity to give emotional and prayer support to families, she said, as well as to practice and teach stewardship to children, unite various groups, beautify the grounds, and enjoy, relax and gain gardening expertise.
The ministry includes a winter educational meeting, work days, parish spring and fall clean-up days, and summer socials. No parish funds are used.
In July, the ministry held a tour for the parish and pastor Father Andrew Dudzinski blessed the gardens. He prayed that the care gardeners show their plants would remind them of God’s tender love for his people.
Photo caption: There are now 50 adopted flower beds on the grounds of St. Mary Parish, cared for by dozens of volunteers. The parish’s garden ministry began in 2007. At left: Garden 4 in front of the church is cared for by Sherry and David Stagge and their children. (August 2009 photo by Louisa J. Reese)
(For these stories and more news from the Diocese of Lafayette, log on to the website of The Catholic Moment at www.thecatholicmoment.org)