Vol. 5, No. 15
June 25, 2007
The June meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, held last week at Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, was different than we ordinarily experience. We did not pass any statements or documents. We did not take any votes. Rather, we spent our time reflecting on the major priorities that will direct the work of the Bishops' Conference in the next few years. They are Marriage and Family Life, Handing on the Faith, Human Life, Vocations and Pastoral Response to the multicultural faith community in the Catholic Church.
A bishop along with two responder bishops spoke to each of these priorities. The bishops then met in small groups that ended with a large group discussion on each priority.
It was clear from the conversation that we face many challenges in the Church. As Bishop George Murray of Youngstown mentioned in his talk on Marriage and Family Life, "We need to stop lamenting and take positive and bold steps to address these priority issues."
The presentation on Handing on the Faith encouraged the bishops to take seriously their responsibility to be the primary catechist of the faith. The bishop must put a priority on catechesis and commit resources to the training of those who teach the faith.
The presentation on Marriage and Family Life emphasized the need to complete the substantive statement on marriage that is being prepared by the Bishops' Committee on Marriage. (See item number 6.) The Church, it was said, is not proposing something new or frivolous, but is simply expressing and affirming what has been understood as central to humankind, the lifelong commitment of one man and one woman to each other in marriage. This has been the foundation of human society from the beginning.
The presentation on Human Life reminded us of our commitment to defend life, which is being threatened in so many ways within our culture. Efforts of the Church in speaking out on abortion and stem cell research, speaking up for migrants and raising questions about the need for capital punishment have been criticized by some. Why is the Church getting involved? Why don't the bishops just stay in the Church and out of the marketplace. But, there are moral values involved in all of these areas that the Church needs to hold up, popular or not.
In our commitment to defend the sanctity of life, we are confronted by the number of abortions that take place daily in our communities. Many people of different faiths have spoken up, stood and prayed peaceably outside abortion clinics, trying to help women to find alternatives to a decision to abort the child. These efforts are heroic and needed, even though they are not always applauded. (A new documentary, "beingHUMAN: 40 Days for Life" is being aired on EWTN Global Cable Network tonight at 9:30 p.m. our time. While I have not seen it, the documentary is described as "giving witness to everyday people who are working to give a voice to the unborn.")
We also are confronted by the number of deaths of migrants in our Arizona desert, tragedies that were highlighted again in our local newspapers this past week. Desperate people seeking a better way of life, striving to help their families, risk the dangers of the desert in crossing the border to find a better life. The solution is clear. We need comprehensive immigration policy change. Our legislators must show courage and leadership in finding a solution to this broken system that results in the deaths of too many. We cannot let negative voices drown out the larger majority of people who know something needs to be done.
Not just any bill is acceptable. We need a bill that will protect our borders and provide an earned pathway to legalization. We need a bill that will establish a program that will allow workers seeking work and employers needing workers to meet. We need a bill that respects the fundamental value of family unification. The debate is likely to continue this week, and my prayer is that what results will benefit our country and bring people out of the shadows.
The discussion on Vocations at our meeting reminded bishops of the importance of prayer, personal invitation and assistance to families, teachers, catechists and, especially, priests to encourage and foster vocations.
While we did not discuss the multicultural dimensions of the Church in the U.S., that theme permeated all the other discussions.
1. 2007 Annual Catholic Appeal -- The solicitation phase of this year's Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) concludes this Sunday. As of last Friday, pledges totaled $4,012,935.
The Catholic people of our Diocese truly have demonstrated remarkable generosity in their support of the 26 charities and ministries that depend on the ACA.
For the first time in the 45-year history of the Appeal in our Diocese, pledges have exceeded $4 million. For the first time, the number of donors will exceed 17,500. And, for the first time, it is possible that all 74 parishes will have reached their goals. Those parishes not yet at goal (only 15) were encouraged to conduct an "Amen Sunday" collection yesterday or this coming weekend.
Beyond the full funding for the 26 charities and ministries, the extraordinary success of this year's ACA also will make possible funding for other diocesan needs, for many parish needs and for grants from our Charity and Ministry Fund to help parishes and the charities and ministries to meet special needs.
2. End of Fiscal Year -- The end of this month brings with it the conclusion of the Diocese's fiscal year.
Tomorrow, the Diocesan Finance Council will meet here at the Pastoral Center to approve the new fiscal year's budget for the Administrative Offices of the Diocese.
We have seen improvement in our diocesan finances in this current fiscal year. Through the end of May, our Administrative Offices have operated within the budget. We reduced by nearly a half million dollars our debt to the Catholic Foresters and our debt to parishes that is related to the 2002 settlement of sexual abuse claims.
Openness and transparency in our Diocese's fiscal management remain priorities. In August, an independent audit of financial statements will begin, with an audit report to be presented by the end of this calendar year. The complete audit report will be available on our diocesan Website (www.diocesetucson.org) early next year. The past fiscal year's audit report is available on our diocesan Website under "Reports, Statements, Letters."
3. 2007 Marianist Province Assembly -- It is my honor this evening to welcome the priests and brothers of the Marianist Province of the U.S. as they begin their 2007 Province Assembly here in Tucson at the Marriott Starr Pass Resort.
The theme of the assembly is, "Come to the Desert: Becoming Brothers, Finding Life." In addition to extending a welcome on behalf of our Diocese, I also will share a reflection on the spiritual and moral dimensions of the phenomenal migration into our nation and how this migration has impacted our Diocese and my ministry as bishop.
The Society of Mary (Marianists) is an international religious order of brothers and priests, 600 of whom serve in the Province of the United States. The Province also includes Eastern Africa, India, Ireland, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Blessed William Joseph Chaminade founded the Society of Mary in 1817, and the Marianist have had a presence in the U.S. since they first arrived in Cincinnati in 1849. In the U.S., Marianists sponsor the University of Dayton in Ohio, St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 18 high schools, 12 parishes and five retreat centers.
4. Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Presbyteral Assembly -- I am looking forward this week to being with Archbishop Harry Flynn, newly appointed Coadjutor Archbishop John Nienstedt, Auxiliary Bishop Richard Pates and the priests of the Archdiocese for their annual Presbyteral Assembly in Rochester, Minnesota. I will give a presentation this Wednesday to the priests on the Assembly's theme, "The Paschal Mystery and Priestly Communion."
5. The New Vision/La Nueva Visión Managing Editor Position -- Karl Bierach, our diocesan publication's managing editor, and his family will be relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, next month. Karl shared with us last week the good news that his wife, Julie, a news and public affairs reporter at KUAZ in Tucson, has accepted a news anchor/reporter position at KWMU, the National Public Radio affiliate in St. Louis.
I greatly appreciate all that Karl has accomplished for The New Vision, its associated Website and the new iDiocese Website. Karl has brought many new and creative ideas to his work and has been a delight to work with. We will miss him.
We have begun a search for a new managing editor. The position description is available at www.diocesetucson.org/ManagingEditor.htm.
6. "What Have You Done for Your Marriage Today?" -- That is the question being asked in a campaign being launched this week by the Committees on Marriage and Family Life and Communications of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The answers, which come from people interviewed on the street for a series of TV and radio spots, range from getting up early with the baby to carrying a spouse's purse.
The couples featured were filmed in parks and other public sites in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Texas and Providence, Rhode Island. They include young and old and a rich variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Together the couples offer insights into marriage.
The spots can be viewed on www.foryourmarriage.org, the marriage campaign Web site. The campaign is part of a multi-year National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage of the U.S. Catholic bishops to convey the meaning and value of married life for the Church and for society. The initiative will develop guidance and resources, including a pastoral letter, to promote, strengthen, sustain, and restore marriages.
The bishops approved the effort at the November 2004 meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Phase one (2005-2007) included research and consultation. Phase two (2007-2008) includes the TV and radio campaign and the writing of a pastoral letter. Phase three (2008-2011) includes implementation, development of pastoral resources and evaluation.
Support for Catholic couples in their marriages remains a pastoral priority for our Diocese. One effort to support couples is our inaugural "Celebration of Marriage Mass" for couples who are celebrating their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries this years. The Mass will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23, at St. Augustine Cathedral.
7. Catholic Digest Seeks Heroes
-- I pass on this request from Catholic Digest and encourage you to send in nominations from your parish or school.
Does someone you know deserve recognition? The deadline to nominate Catholic heroes is July 1! Please take a few minutes to send us a quick note about the person in your organization or parish (or even someone you've never met and only heard about) who deserves to be recognized.
Catholic heroes come in many forms. They may be medical researchers, overseas volunteers, lay missionaries, or environmental activists. They may be corporate leaders who demonstrate their faith in the values-oriented way they lead their companies. They may be reporters bringing to light issues of social justice in their communities, or artists, athletes, and entertainers who use their fame to send out important messages and support the less fortunate. They may be educational professionals whose unique visions have forever changed the lives of their students, schools, and communities. They may be scientists looking for ways to better care for the Earth and its people. They may be founders or leaders of local, regional, and national organizations that benefit the poor, sick, elderly, persecuted, or disabled. These are just a few examples.
We're counting on you to show us the breadth and depth of Catholic heroism alive among laypeople in America today! We will be gathering these stories over the next several weeks, so please send a quick note with your nominee's name, contact information, and why you think he or she should be honored (include press clippings or Web links, if possible). We will get back in touch with you once we finalize our list. If we choose your nominee, your organization and its connection to this hero will be mentioned. Please send an e-mail (tneal@bayard-inc.com) or give me a call if you prefer at 800-321-0411, ext. 181. Traci Neal , Catholic Digest, 1 Montauk Ave., Suite 200, New London, CT 06320 860.
8. "Official" Groundbreaking for Placita Project -- We held the "official" groundbreaking last Friday for the Msgr. Carrillo Placita and Hall Project at St. Augustine Cathedral. It was "official" because this time, unlike the "unofficial" groundbreaking two weeks ago before demolition began, we had our official commemorative groundbreaking shovels.
Joining me for the groundbreaking, (below, left to right) were Dr. Tony Carrillo, chair of the project's committee, architect Jesus Castro, diocesan Property and Insurance Manager John Shaheen, Cathedral Rector Father Pat Crino and project committee member Albert Elias.
Planned in three phases, the renovation of the placita on the north side of the Cathedral will result in a beautiful plaza that will include a performance stage, ample room for booths for the Cathedral's annual fiesta, new restrooms and a covered patio. Tony told me that he hopes the first phase of the project will be completed in time for the Saturday, Sept. 8, Harmonia Fiesta Concert at the Tucson Convention Center. I am hoping for a great turnout from our parishes at the concert as we demonstrate our support for this project that will honor our beloved Msgr. Arsenio Carrillo, rector of the Cathedral for many years.
One other note from the groundbreaking: You never know what you might find when dig a hole in downtown Tucson. At the groundbreaking, Albert Elias (below) showed me a small bottle that was unearthed just this past week at the placita project construction site. Barely legible on the bottle are the words "Cahill's Bronze, Patented 1868." I don't know what the product was, but 1868 was the year the Vicariate Apostolic of Arizona was established. The bottle will be going into our Archives.
9. El Día de San Juan -- It is encouraging to see the development that is happening just west of the Santa Cruz River in Tucson. Yesterday, I was honored to bless the new plaza dedicated to John Paul Amparano, who died on May 22, 2005, at 23 years of age. The plaza is located in the historic Menlo Park area near downtown. There are some interesting plans for housing, a mercado and other new developments that respect the culture and ambience of our community.
Yesterday afternoon, I was delighted to participate in the El Día de San Juan festivities along the Santa Cruz River near downtown. The gathering included a procession, food booths and entertainment.
John Jacob had me ride in a red Mustang convertible along with five-year-old Alexa, who was the princess for the day. We followed a 1966 yellow truck that transported the statue of St. John that was placed at the site of the festival. After I blessed the water, people filed by the statue, flowers in hand, to bless themselves with the water.
The rest of the evening brought enjoyment listening to the Mariachi Brillante Juvenil and watching the Charros and Escaramuzas riders do some amazing maneuvers on horseback. I was pleased to see that St. Augustine Cathedral had a food booth for the fiesta.
I am told that on the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist the community prays for rain. Regretfully, none came from my prayers yesterday, but don't lose heart, the monsoon rains will come. I was also told about the St. John's Day traditions of taking a bath, a reminder of the gift of water so needed for life, and getting a hair cut.
It is always fun when our community gathers. It is especially fun to see the little ones learning about some of our traditions and joining in. They will carry these customs on to their children.
10. A Summer Break -- I am going to take some time off over the next two weeks to do some traveling. I hope all of you will find time for rest and relaxation before the pace of activities picks up again in early August. Monday Memo will return on Aug. 8.
11. Please Remember in Your Prayers -- Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Maria Cristina Lopez de Lara, C.F.M.M., who died last week. Sister's service in our Diocese began in Nogales in 1948 at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy.
Monday Memo is from Bishop Kicanas and contains his reflection on what is happening within the Diocese. The purpose of Monday Memo is to communicate information about the week ahead, to acknowledge the good things happening around the Diocese and to address specific issues that Bishop Kicanas wants to bring to your attention. Bishop welcomes any comments, suggestions or recommendations on how to make this memo as helpful as possible. If you have something you want publicized in the Monday Memo, please send it to his attention c/o Monday Memo at the Pastoral Center, 111 S. Church Avenue, P.O. Box 31, Tucson, AZ 85702. You are welcome to e-mail Bishop Kicanas at bishop@diocesetucson.org. Bishop Kicanas encourages you to post or duplicate the memo for others in your organization.