the catholic moment 6-11-17...friday, june 16 1) 2 corinthians 4:7-15 2) gospel: matthew 5:27-32...

Serving the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana Volume 73, Number 22 June 11, 2017

The Catholic MomentPull up achair forthe FamilyDinnerProject,4.

Crafting,telling our storiesof graceBy Caroline B. MooneyThe Catholic Moment

TIPTON — Just as Jesustaught his disciples throughhis preaching, Christianspractice the art of story-telling to bring others tofaith.

“Learning how to craftand tell stories of grace is arehabilita-tive prac-tice thattrains oureyes to seethe pres-ence ofGod. Notas weexpect it,but as Godis. Grace is the gift of a way of seeingthat comes to us from God,”Lenny DeLorenzo said.

A theology professor anddirector of Notre DameVision at the University ofNotre Dame, DeLorenzospoke about crafting wit-ness stories to approximate-ly 50 young adult and youthministers attending the 2017

(Continued on Page 2)

Lafayette diocese welcomes four new priests

Story and more photos from the June 3 celebration, Pages 6-9.Meet our new priests, Pages 10-12.

Bishop Timothy L. Doherty ordained four men to the priesthood on June 3 at the Cathedral of St. Mary of theImmaculate Conception in Lafayette. Hundreds of priests, seminarians, religious, family, friends and well-wishersfilled the cathedral for the celebration. Above from left are Father Michael J. Bower, Father Coady P. Owens,Bishop Doherty, Father John L. Nguyen and Father Cole G. Daily. (Photo by Bob Nichols)

LennyDeLorenzo

Celebrating the Class of 2017: Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School in Lafayette and St. TheodoreGuerin High School in Noblesville celebrated their commencements on June 2 and June 4. Share in their storiesand celebrations on Pages 4-5. (Photos by Jesica E. Hollinger and Bob Nichols)

The Catholic Moment June 11, 2017

1) Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-92) 2 Corinthians 13:11-133) Gospel: John 3:16-18

Monday, June 121) 2 Corinthians 1:1-72) Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

Tuesday, June 131) 2 Corinthians 1:18-222) Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Wednesday, June 141) 2 Corinthians 3:4-112) Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

Thursday, June 151) 2 Corinthians 3:15 to4:1, 3-62) Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

Friday, June 161) 2 Corinthians 4:7-152) Gospel: Matthew 5:27-32

Saturday, June 171) 2 Corinthians 5:14-212) Gospel: Matthew 5:33-37

June 11The Most

Holy TrinityCycle A Readings:

The Catholic MomentUSPS 403-610 ISSN 1087-2604

PUBLISHER: Most Rev. Timothy L. Doherty

EDITOR: Jesica E. Hollinger

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Laurie Cullen

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Caroline B. Mooney

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Sarah L. Murphy

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will help with the purchaseof two new computers, amobile work bench, aprinter and archival sup-plies. “The Indiana Histori-cal Society wants to sup-

The Sisters of ProvidenceArchives Department atSaint Mary-of-the-Woodsrecently received a Her-itage Support Grant fromthe Indiana HistoricalSociety which will allowthe department to makemuch needed improve-ments. Heritage SupportGrants are provided bythe Indiana HistoricalSociety and made possi-ble by Lilly EndowmentInc. The grant — estimat-ed at more than $4,000 —

P E O P L E &

P L A C E S

port organizations thathave been working ontheir heritage for a longtime, and we’ve beenworking on ours since1840,” said Sister MarianneMader, who ministers asthe department coordina-tor. Part of the grantmoney will be used to dig-itize many of the materialsthe department has tooffer. Beginning in August,the archives staff plans towork with the Wabash Val-ley Visions and Voices Pro-

gram to digitize the lettersof St. Theodore Guerin andother fragile manuscripts.“We have digitized MotherTheodore’s original jour-nals and other interestingitems, such as materialabout the Civil War andpictures of early artifacts,but less than 10 percent ofour collection has beendigitized,” said Sister JanetGilligan, archives assistant.“This grant will certainlyhelp.”

‘Your story is a gift to be given away’(Continued from Page 1)

Summit for Youth andYoung Adult Ministers, heldrecently at the St. JosephRetreat & Conference Center.

The day was organized byPaul Sifuentes, associatedirector for youth and youngadult formation in the dioce-san Office of Catechesis.

“I am happy and excitedto have Lenny talk aboutwitness and that role in ourministry and our own lives,”Sifuentes said. “I think it issomething that is veryimportant. We often talkabout the need for betterevangelization. Often, that isoutside our walls, but I thinkthere is a need in our min-istries to do a better job ofwitnessing within our walls.It’s really important to workon helping each other seegrace in our lives and toshare our stories about howGod has been working in ourlives.”

“To understand grace, weneed to find where it origi-nates. It’s the gift of beingseen in God’s mercy,”DeLorenzo said. “It is impor-tant to help our childrenreflect on their daily liveswell, to speak to each otherand to us about things thatmatter, especially whenthings that are importantseem mundane and are pret-ty easy to just pass by.

“Grace is what we learn tosee and what heals ourvision. It is almost neverwhat we expect it to be,” hesaid. “God is unrelentinglyparticular.”

The current digital age oftechnology has desensitizedpeople to grace, DeLorenzosaid. “Our eyes are trainedto see in a digital context,and we find it difficult toavoid talking about socialmedia.”

For instance, with 1.8 bil-

lion monthly users, if Face-book were a country, itwould be the largest countryin the world. The averageuser is on Facebook 50 min-utes each day.

Recent studies show thatthe average attention span ofa goldfish is nine seconds.Amazingly, the attentionspan of human beings hasdropped to eight seconds.When people receive a newe-mail, the average time tocheck it is six seconds.

“We live in an ecosystemof interrupting technolo-gies,” DeLorenzo said.“Things grab our attentionand we are losing the abilityto focus and stay with some-thing. Our eyes are trainedto scan; look quickly andtake in information quickly.We get anxious if we aren’tplugged in and constantlydoing something.

“Intrusions of grace areannouncements of what’sreal. If our eyes are constant-ly scanning, we can’t reallysee,” he said. “Storytelling isthe medicine for scanning.”

Lorenzo offered guidingprinciples to relate momentsof grace.

Tell it as a story — notcrafting a lecture. Allowsomeone else to see whatyou have seen in the wayyou have seen it. Give goodprompts, suggesting howyou might recognize grace— a time when you have hadan experience of beingknown and cherished, loved.

Begin with what hap-pened; express it in style;modify it for your audience;ensure there is sufficient clo-sure; embrace natural emo-tions, and pray and practice.

“I enjoyed taking a dayaway from the normal rou-tine to do some personalfaith formation that not onlybenefited my walk withChrist, but also will help meshare that walk with theteens we minister to,” saidSue Bayley, youth minister atthe Cathedral of St. Mary ofthe Immaculate Conception,Lafayette. “Lenny’s pointsregarding our stories reaf-firmed the day of personal

formation in that your storyis a gift to be given away. Itwas a day to think about mystory.

“In particular, I wasstruck by many of his pointssurrounding how to helpsomeone craft a good story,”she said. “My husband and Iare the adult leaders for theGreater Lafayette AntiochRetreat, where kids sharingtheir stories is a major com-ponent. We both came awayfrom the summit with ideasof how to help the kids crafttheir stories in order toenhance the encounter withChrist the retreat weekendprovides. We are excited toimplement many of Lenny’spoints.

“Having the summit atthe St. Joseph Retreat Centerand having the opportunityto see the potential this placeoffers our diocese was anadded bonus,” Bayley said.“I cannot wait to see all theways our parishes utilizethis facility to do God’swork.”

Lenny DeLorenzo speaks to youth and young adult ministers from across the Lafayettediocese at their recent gathering at St. Joseph Retreat & Conference Center in Tipton.(Photo by Caroline B. Mooney)

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HA PPENING . . . IN THE DIOCESE OF LA FAYETTE-IN - INDIANA

Contributions to “Happening... in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana” are most welcome.Send items in writing to: P.O.Box 1603, Lafayette, IN 47902or e-mail: [email protected] send information atleast two weeks before theevent to ensure timely notice.The listing is free.

Order of Secular Franciscans carry-inLAFAYETTE — The Orderof Secular Franciscans inLafayette will have a meet-ing and carry-in dinner at2:15 p.m. Sunday, June 11, inthe St. Michael Center at St.Boniface Parish. All are wel-come to attend.

Ordination anniversary celebrationWINCHESTER — An out-door Mass and picnic din-ner are being planned forFriday evening, June 16, tocelebrate the 10th ordinationanniversary of FatherChristopher Roberts, pastorof St. Mary Parish in UnionCity and St. Joseph Parish inWinchester. All are welcometo attend, especially parish-ioners, past parishioners,students and friends. Theoutdoor Mass will be cele-brated at 6 p.m. at the Farm-land Conservation Club,1464 N. 500 W., Winchester,followed by the picnic din-ner. In lieu of personal gifts,donations to the St. Josephand St. Mary Rectory Reno-vation Fund are welcomed.RSVPs are requested toSheryl Thurston at 765-967-0759 or [email protected] or Jeremy

Edger at [email protected].

New program at The O’Connor HouseCARMEL — Women whofeel called to serve as men-tors in the new “Training,Education Academy andMentoring” program at TheO’Connor House are invit-ed to attend an informationsession at 7 p.m. Monday,June 19, at the house. TheO’Connor House provideshousing, clothing, trans-portation, life skills classes,counseling and otherresources to help single,pregnant, homeless womenand their children. Thoseinterested in attending theJune 19 information pro-gram are asked to call VickiYamasaki at 317-313-0255 ore-mail [email protected].

Vacation Bible SchoolATTICA — St. FrancisXavier Parish invites allchildren from 4 years old tosixth grade to attend itsVacation Bible School from 9a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on June19-23. There will be games,songs, snacks, Bible lessonsand stories. Two DominicanSisters of St. Cecilia fromNashville, Tenn., will assist.The church is located at 407S. Perry St. in Attica. Formore information, contactEileen Hays at [email protected], visitwww.stfrancisattica.org orhttps://www.facebook.com/stfrancisxavierattica/, orcall 765-762-3330.

Presentation by Kelly SchaeferFISHERS — All are invitedto attend a presentation byauthor and speaker KellySchaefer at 7 p.m. Thursday,June 22, at St. John VianneyChurch, 15176 BlessedMother Blvd. Schaefer willshare her story of faith andperseverance, which wasthe basis for her book “Frac-tured Not Broken.” There isno registration or cost toattend; all ages are wel-come. For more information,contact Dodi Poynter at 317-833-2823 or [email protected].

Cemetery cleanup and revitalization dayLAFAYETTE — The firstcleanup and revitalizationday for St. Joseph Cemeteryhas been rescheduled tobegin at 8 a.m. Saturday,June 24. (Rain date will beSunday, June 25.) The effortwas postponed from ascheduled date in Maybecause of bad weather. Thecemetery is located onGreenbush Street, between16th and 17th streets. All arewelcome to participate.

Retirement receptionMUNCIE — All are invitedto attend a retirement recep-tion for Father John Kieferon Sunday, June 25, at St.Francis of Assisi Parish.Mass will be celebrated at11:15 a.m. in the church, fol-lowed by the reception inthe parish hall. Thoseattending are encouraged tobring cards sharing theirmemories of Father Kiefer to

gather and share with him.

Cursillo family picnicLAFAYETTE — TheLafayette Cursillo commu-nity will sponsor a familypicnic from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.Sunday, June 25, at thehome of Chuck and BarbaraBunnell, 7941 Peshewa Dr.,Lafayette. Meat, buns, icedtea, lemonade, condimentsand table service will beprovided. Those attendingare asked to bring theirlawn chairs and a family-size side dish or dessert toshare. All Cursillistas andfriends are invited to attend.For more information, con-tact Jeff and Marlene Jarboeat 765-567-2216 [email protected].

2017 Summer Silo SeriesKOKOMO — HealthyHomestead at R.C. Ripberg-er Farm will open its 2017Summer Silo Series on Sat-urday, June 24. AlannaBoudreau, a writer, speaker,lyricist, pianist and guitarplayer, will be the featuredartist of the evening, withan opening performance bysinger/songwriter KyrstenVan Wieren. The show willbegin at 7:30 p.m. at thefarm, located at 5199 E. 50N., Kokomo. Admission is$9 for adults, $6 for studentsand free for children ages 5and younger. More informa-tion can be found at theHealthy Homestead Face-book page. The SummerSilo Series began in 2016 asan outdoor, three-night con-cert series featuring regionaland local musicians. The

stage is the base of an oldsilo; guests are invited tobring their own lawn chairs.Food and beverages will beavailable for purchase.

“Dying with Dignity andBuilding a Culture of Life”KOKOMO — All are invitedto attend a presentation on“Dying with Dignity andBuilding a Culture of Life” at7 p.m. Monday, June 26, atSt. Joan of Arc Parish. Theevening will include a closerlook at the facts and false-hoods about physician-assisted suicide and whatcan be done proactively topromote a culture of life. Theevening will be led by regis-tered nurse Kathy Kindt andSusan Hoefer, diocesanRespect Life coordinator.

Kids’ Page on Page 16


The Class of 2017

‘You will never be on this journey alone ...’By Jesica E. HollingerThe Catholic Moment

LAFAYETTE — Unstop-pable. That is the adjectiveNeil Wagner, principal ofCentral Catholic Junior-Senior High School, uses todescribe the Class of 2017.

Marking the school’s his-toric 60th anniversary, diplo-mas were conferred to 64students during commence-ment exercises June 2 in theRev. Leo P. McHale Gymna-sium.

While the students wereadjusting their caps andgowns prior to the ceremo-ny, Wagner said he is excitedfor their bright futures, butalso a bit sad, since this classhas truly felt like family forstaff and faculty.

“This class has been out-standing from the momentthey got here — they helpeach other, they supporteach other, and they havefun together,” Wagner said.

“The character of this par-ticular class certainlyembodies what CC is allabout,” he added.

In his opening remarks,Wagner told the students toremember that they willnever be alone in their newjourney, reminding themthat God is always near andhe is a very real presence intheir lives.

“You will never be on thisjourney alone, no matterwhere it takes you,” Wagnersaid. “I ask you to rememberthe words of Joshua 1:9 and... ‘be strong and steadfast!Do not fear nor be dismayed,for the Lord your God iswith you wherever you go.’”

In his invocation, BishopTimothy L. Doherty encour-aged the students to savortheir special moment, drink-ing it all in by being fullyalive and present during theceremony.

Emma Gerrety, the 2017class valedictorian,addressed the audience,directing remarks to herclassmates as she encour-aged them to keep both theircharacter and their faith atthe center of all their newendeavors.

“I’ll miss being aroundpeople who know every-thing about me, but I’ll takecomfort, and I hope every-one else does, knowing thatwe are still united in whatbrought us here — ourfaith,” Gerrety said.

She told her classmatesthat as they are preparing toenter the real world, theymust rely on the characterand values they developedduring their years ofCatholic education, whichwill always help them do theright thing.

“There was a poster Iremember from my grade-school days of a group ofmeerkats with the phrase,‘Character is doing what isright when no one is look-ing,’” Gerrety said.

“Now, we are enteringthe timewhen wemust exhib-it our ownindividualcharactersin our newenviron-ments andsituations.In doing so,I challenge

you to take on the world asheroes — just don’t forgetyour CC family back home,”she added.

Keynote speaker Mark E.Brown, a former footballcoach and teacher at CC,challenged members of the

Class of 2017 to keep a sharpfocus as they continue tomove forward, during thisnew chapter of their lives.

“Have a vision for yourfuture and set goals for your-self to get there,” Brownsaid.

“Make a plan and starttaking the steps, striving tobe your best along the way,”he added.

Brown assured the stu-dents that they will havepeople along the way to helpthem, and not be afraid toask for help.

“Look around you ... youhave been blessed to be partof a great community,”Brown told the students.“My advice to you is to makean impact in a positive way,just as Jesus would want youto do.

“You also must rememberthat things aren’t going tojust happen for you. Youmust push through and beperseverant, knowing alongthe way that you will faceobstacles. There will be timeswhen you ask yourself ‘OLord, what do I do now?’

“Don’t be afraid to knowwhat you don’t know and toask for help when you needit, always pursuing yourpassion with deliberate pur-pose,” he encouraged.

During the ceremony, theDistinguished Knights toRemember inductees alsowere recognized, includingJack “Tapper” R. Bogan(Class of 1965), Thomas L.Ferriter (Class of 1973),Christine S. Harless Ferriter(Class of 1974) and DeaconJames B. Rush (Class of1976).

“This class has been outstanding from the moment they got here,” Principal Neil Wagn-er said. “They help each other, they support each other, and they have fun together.”(Photos by Jesica E. Hollinger)

EmmaGerrety


The Class of 2017

‘Ahead of us stands our potential and possibility’By Sarah L. MurphyThe Catholic Moment

NOBLESVILLE — Mem-bers of St. Theodore GuerinHigh School’s Class of 2017— the largest graduatingclass yet with 200 students— said farewell to the schoolwith an emphasis on takingtheir strong foundation offaith with them into theworld.

The graduating seniorsshared memories and insidejokes, said upliftingfarewells, emphasized livinga life of gratitude, and cele-brated the ongoing inspira-tion they receive from theschool’s value statement:Lead with humility; servewith love; trust in provi-dence.

“No matter how yourjourney began, God pulledyou here,” Principal JamesMcNeany said near the startof the June 4 commencementin the school gym. “You willalways share that lifelongcommon bond with thesebrothers and sisters sittinghere with you today.”

Family and friends wit-nessed the seniors, clad inthe school’s colors of purpleand gold, proceed into thegymnasium to learn andpray together one last timeas Guerin Catholic GoldenEagles.

School chaplain FatherThomas Haan used hisopening prayer as a tool todraw parallels between thelife and mission of St.Theodore Guerin and thefutures of the studentsbefore him.

He prayed that they willhave the same love for Jesusand the Eucharist that shehad as they, too, have faith tofollow God’s plan for theirlives.

Salutatorian AmandaGjerde, who will study atPurdue University, focusedon the support of parentsfinancially, spiritually andphysically. She also sharedher gratitude for the effortsof the faculty and staff atGuerin Catholic, remindingher classmates that “we allhave the opportunity to usewhat we’ve learned to makethe world a better place.”

These sentiments wereechoed in salutatorian Ben-jamin Catton’s speech, as hegave a short list of the manyways students are gratefuland paraphrased John F.

Kennedy by addressingthem: “Class of 2017, as wego out into the world,remember to not only utterwords of gratitude, but alsoexpress your gratitude bythe way you live.” Cattonalso will be attending Pur-due University.

The four valedictoriansworked together to present amultifaceted speech whichfocused again on gratitude,faith, providence, and lead-ership on the global level.

Brian Grisham, who willstudy at DePaul University,was the first valedictorian tospeak, sharing with thecrowd that he was also votedthe 2017 “Class Clown.” Hishumor ran the gamut ofinside jokes to roasting hisclassmates, some of the fac-ulty, and the school itself.

The self-proclaimed“clownedictorian” alsotouched on miracles andfaith, and said, “Our fouryears together have beennothing short of memorableand through these things Ihave learned things ourteachers are never able toteach,” like the importanceof friendship, safety and afather’s love.

Valedictorian EmilyMcCorkle, who will attendthe University of Dayton inOhio, spoke of fitting in andtruly appreciating the “fami-ly of upperclassmen to lookafter me.”

She said that GuerinCatholic has a strong senseof community and its stu-dents are fortunate to haveattended a school thathelped them grow “not onlyacademically, but also spiri-tually as we allowed our-selves to be transformedwholly as a person.”

The school’s value state-ment to lead with humility,serve with love and trust inprovidence was repeatedlyinvoked by each studentspeaker, but valedictorianAlessia Bernocco asked her

classmates to focus on thosewords as they look back overtheir careers at GuerinCatholic.

“Each person will notice atransformation in them-selves and how he or sheapproaches life” now thattheir goals are set furtherinto the future, she said.Bernocco will be attendingthe University of NotreDame.

Finally, valedictorianJoseph “J.T.” Lazzara, whoalso will study at the Univer-sity of Notre Dame, wantedto focus on the future andhow it is a grand journeythrough which they can liveout the school’s value state-ment.

“Ahead of us stands life,my classmates; ahead of usstands our massive potentialand possibility. Ahead of usstands the memories wehave yet to make anddreams we are to realize,” heproclaimed, ending with arobust, “Class of 2017, aheadof us stands life; let’s live it.”

Physics teacher HughRoss was chosen by the classto give the commencementaddress. He has taught sci-ence for 23 years, the last 11at Guerin Catholic. Last year,Ross was the recipient of thenational honor, the Presiden-tial Award for Excellence inMathematics and Science

Teaching.Ross presented a science

lecture that drew the atten-tion of his students, withtouches of science, history,faith and social awareness,as well as personal anec-dotes that engaged hiswhole audience.

He spoke of the rhythm ofregularly attending Masswhile in college, allowing“the Holy Spirit to resonatein my heart, and I began tocompletely trust in God, giv-ing my vocation to him.”

Ross beseechedthe students to“tenaciously seekGod in prayer andsacraments, espe-cially reconcilia-tion and theEucharist.”

Bishop TimothyL. Doherty alsoaddressed the stu-dents, saying thathe wanted them toalways rememberthat being a part ofGuerin Catholic inany capacity is an“exercise in a free-dom to partici-pate,” clarifyingthat freedom is notthe absence oftumult, but“comes from hav-ing a consciencewhen we know we

are doing the right thing.” He asked that students

“take a chance, make a con-tribution,” to always act onthe freedoms “to participatein our Church, in our educa-tion, in our country.”

“The world needs thekind of peace that comesfrom the commitments andactivities that you havealready demonstrated,”Bishop Doherty said. “Myprayer for you is that theysimply continue.”

Valedictorians, from left, Joseph “J.T.” Lazzara, Alessia Bernocco, Emily McCorkle andBrian Grisham were among the speakers at the June 4 commencement at St. TheodoreGuerin High School in Noblesville. (Photos by Bob Nichols)


Ordination 2017

Lafayette diocese welcomes four new priestsBy Caroline B. MooneyThe Catholic Moment

LAFAYETTE — TheCathedral of St. Mary of theImmaculate Conception wasfilled to capacity as approxi-mately 900 priests, seminari-ans, religious, family, friendsand well-wishers witnessedthe ordinations of FatherMichael J. Bower, FatherCole G. Daily, Father John L.Nguyen and Father Coady P.Owens to the priesthood onJune 3.

As the cathedral pews andchoir loft seats filled, morethan 200 faithful were sent tooverflow seating in BishopsMemorial Hall, where alarge screen was set up toview the Mass.

“I am really proud ofthese four men,” said FatherDavid Hasser, diocesanvocations director. “Theyhave been under my guid-ance for the last six years andI have walked with them allalong the way, through thickand thin. They have a reallygreat spirit and are very per-sonable with a down-to-earth outlook on life. Theyhave a great outlook on thefuture of their coming min-istry and interacting with allthe people they will serve.They are all a lot of fun, andall unique. I look forward totheir ministry with us in thepresbyterate and throughoutthe diocese.”

I n his homily, BishopTimothy L. Dohertytalked about the ordi-

nands lying prostrate duringthe litany of saints.

“If you have never seenthe ordination of priests orbishops, this will be one ofmany gestures that raises aquestion. But let me reflecton only a couple of aspectsof this one, without at allexhausting its potential,” hesaid.

Dance choreographerMartha Graham staged aNew York premier of one ofher compositions. After-ward, a wealthy patronasked the meaning of it. Gra-ham replied, “Honey, if Iknew how to say it, I would-n’t have danced it.”

“So I can’t expect to cap-ture this piece of our liturgythat is called the prostra-tion,” Bishop Doherty said.“But I can say two things. Ateach Good Friday’s solemnliturgy, the priest enters and

immediately lies flat on thefloor before the altar. And hewill remember this day as hehonors the cross.

“Second, today we willwatch you flat on your faces,and today you will riseunder your own power. Butthere will come days whenyou will remember an iconicphrase in our culture: ‘Help,I’ve fallen, and I can’t getup.’ Physically, eventually.Spiritually at the most incon-venient times.

“I want you to know thatwith the grace of this sacra-ment comes the grace to askfor help, and to accept assis-tance along the way,” hesaid. “Those of us whocrowd the church and wholook at streaming video arehere to pledge the assistanceof our constant prayers. Andyour brother priests, yourfamilies, all of us, will nothesitate to help you get toyour feet.

“Of course you are toteach, sanctify and shepherd.Teach the whole of the goodnews,” Bishop Doherty said.“Sanctify by your carefulpreparation and celebrationof the Eucharist. And withthe echoes of the Year ofMercy still in our hearts, bedutiful and patient as youtake advantage of, and min-ister, the wonderful sacra-ment of penance.

“To shepherd as pastorswill be to govern as the

Church’s laws and con-firmed traditions provide,”he said, “and you will dothis in order to lead to Godthe Father through the Sonand the Holy Spirit.”

The men each knelt beforethe bishop to vow obedienceto him and his successors.

Later in the rite, BishopDoherty placed his hands oneach candidate’s head,invoking the Holy Spirit tocome down upon him.Brother priests then did thesame.

After the prayer of ordina-tion was offered by BishopDoherty, each of the menreceived a chasuble symbol-izing their new ministries.

The newly ordainedpriests’ hands were anointedwith sacred chrism, andBishop Doherty presentedthem with a chalice andpaten.

The men received hugsfrom the presbyterate duringthe fraternal sign of peace.

“I’m very, very happy,”said Henry Nguyen, father ofone of the newly ordainedpriests. “Priesthood is a reallyspecial vocation from God.John told us that wheneverhe came into a church, heheard God’s voice call him tothe priesthood. He followedinstruction after that. He ishappy to be serving the peo-ple. He is a good son and iskind to everybody.”

“It’s really exciting. We’re

all really glad he’s been ableto get to this moment — hehas worked very hard,” saidhis sister, Dorothy Nguyen.“I think he will bring a greatattitude and a lot of kindnessto his priesthood.”

“He has provided a greatexample for me,” said hisbrother, John Nguyen. “Thisshows that you never knowwhat life is going to throw atyou.”

“I’m looking forward tostarting to share all the thingsI have received on my longjourney,” Father Nguyensaid. “I feel like God has beenfilling me up with blessingsand graces to share all thosethings with everyone.”

He said he was calmbefore the ceremony, butthought nerves would hitduring, as they did when hewas ordained a deacon.

“It was a wonderful,beautiful Mass,” said TaylorBlalock, who got to knowthen-Deacon Nguyen at herhome parish. “He is full ofthe Holy Spirit and shows itto everyone. He lights up theroom when he comes in.He’s going to be an amazingpriest.”

Father Daily said that dur-ing the Mass, “the thing thatkept coming to mind, espe-cially when the priests werelaying their hands on me,was gratitude. How thepriesthood is not anythingany of us deserves or earns,

but it is a free gift from Godthat he has poured out on us.I have peace that this is rightbecause this is what God hascalled me to. It is really pro-found.”

His mother, Lori Daily,said her family was filledwith lots of joy and thanks-giving to God.

“Especially experiencingthe joy that others have beensharing with us and theeffect that the Lord is havingon their lives through ordi-nation,” she said.

“I’m so happy for him andso proud of him,” said hissister, Sister Rose Dominic,OP, a Dominican Sister of St.Cecilia in Nashville. “This issuch a wonderful gift fromthe Lord for our family andfor the whole Church. He’llbe a very holy priest andreally rooted in prayer. Hewill lead in a humble way.”

Father Ted Dudzinski,vicar general of the Dioceseof Lafayette-in-Indiana, wasFather Daily’s pastor whilehe was discerning his voca-tion at his home parish of St.Patrick, Kokomo.

“Cole has always been agreat leader, and a great spir-itual person, as is his wholefamily,” Father Dudzinskisaid. “They were one of thefirst families who all cametogether to our adorationchapel. They are a beautifulfamily.”

(Continued on Page 7)

The Cathe-dral of St. Mary of theImmaculateConceptionin Lafayettewas filled tocapacity during theJune 3 celebration,as BishopTimothy L.DohertyordainedFatherMichaelBower,Father ColeDaily, FatherJohn Nguyenand FatherCoadyOwens.

(Photo byBob Nichols)


CCCongratC ng attulatiotulat onsnSJVV Alumnus Fr. M

gMichael Bower, Fr

from the seminarians, Saint John VViianney C

r. Cole Daily and

priests and staffff of College Seminary

Fr. Coady Owenns

www.vvianney.net (651) 962--6825 [email protected]

Ordination 2017

‘This is such a wonderful gift from the Lord ...’Ana Uhlrich works at

Mount St. Mary University,where she met Father Dailywhile he was in seminary.

“He was team chaplainfor our cheerleaders,” shesaid. “My daughter is acheerleader and just loveshim. He always took time totalk with the students. He’sgoing to be an amazingpriest. I really wish we couldstill have him on campus —he better visit!”

Newly ordained FatherBower said it was wonderfulto know how full the cathe-dral was during Mass,“knowing that the people ofGod are behind us, prayingfor us, and with us, all ourfamily and friends.

“It’s a wonderful experi-ence to feel all that supportin the communion of saintsalong with them,” he said.“I’m looking forward to nolonger being in seminaryand being an instrument ofthe Lord’s Prayer.”

His father, Jeff Bower, saidthe Mass was “very emo-

tional. It’s the culmination ofa long journey and it wasvery exciting seeing him getordained. I think it’s excitingthat there are four newpriest, not just one.”

”It’s just a very specialday,” said his mother, Mari-lyn Bower. “When he decid-ed to become a priest as ahigh school junior, I was a bitsurprised because he was soyoung. But he was veryactive in the parish, so itwasn’t that surprising. He’sjust a nice young man, a kin-dred spirit. He will be awonderful priest.”

Father Bower’s sister, Jes-sica Flores, thinks he will be“a great priest. I was soproud I cried at Mass. Seeinghim move up and sit up withthe rest of the priests was thebest part.”

Andrew Henderson andhis father, Keith Henderson,got to know then-DeaconBower when he wasassigned to their parishwhile he was in seminary atSaint Meinrad.

“He was Andrew’s confir-mation sponsor and he start-ed a Knights of the HolyTemple group at our parish,”Keith Henderson said. “He’sgoing to make a greatpriest.”

“He has a great personali-ty and is good to work with.He’s a good leader,” Andrewsaid.

After ordination, FatherOwens said he felt very joy-ful.

“It was a beautiful Mass.This is a really powerfuloccasion that is hard to putinto words. I am looking for-ward to celebrating Mass.The sacrifice of the Mass isso special for everyone, butmy first Mass is going to be agreat occasion.

“When I was in the sanc-tuary looking at the hostbefore we all consumed it, itreally hit me — the power ofthe sacrifice and that I’mgoing to participate in it,” hesaid.

His mother, Jill Owens,who joined the Church last

Easter, thought it was abeautiful ordination.

“We are so excited for hisfuture and happy — it’s ajoyous day,” she said.

Thomas Owens, thepriest’s father, said he wasfeeling blessed. “I think he’sgoing to be a great priest.He’s very excited about it.”

“We are elated,” said hisgrandmother, Pat Owens.“He’s looked forward to thisfor so many years. It’s reallyexciting because that’s whathe’s always wanted.”

“Our whole family isblessed,” said his grandfa-ther, Tom Owens.

Phillip Breckler, from theDiocese of Fort Wayne-SouthBend, met the new priestwhile they were both attend-ing Ball State University.

“This is pretty exciting,”he said. “He is one of themost gifted seminarians Ihave ever met and one of themost passionate about whathe does. He connects withpeople from any walk of lifereally well and knows how

to talk to the human experi-ence better than any I havemet. He’s a remarkable sem-inarian. It’s been greatknowing him. “

The newly ordainedpriests were to celebratetheir first Masses of Thanks-giving at their home parish-es — Father Daily on June 3at St. Patrick; Father Owenson June 4 at St. Louis deMontfort, Fishers; FatherNguyen on June 4 at OurLady of Mt. Carmel, Carmel;and Father Bower on June 4at St. Alphonsus Liguori,Zionsville.

Effective June 28, FatherNguyen will be assigned asparochial vicar of St. Eliza-beth Ann Seton, Carmel;Father Owens as parochialvicar of Holy Spirit, Fishers;and Father Bower asparochial vicar of Our Ladyof Grace, Noblesville. Effec-tive June 16, Father Dailywill be assigned as parochialvicar of St. Lawrence,Lafayette, with ministry toLafayette Catholic schools.


Ordination 2017

The four ordinands stand before Bishop Timothy L. Doherty. Cole Daily promises obedience to Bishop Doherty and his successors.

The ordinands lay prostrate on the floor during the Litany of Saints.

Priests lay hands on the candidates’ heads during their ordination.

The cathe-dral wasfilled withpriests,deacons,seminari-ans, reli-gious, fam-ily, friendsand faithfulfor theJune 3 celebra-tion. The menare the16th, 17th,18th and19thordained tothe priest-hood byBishopDoherty.

BishopDoherty layshands onCoadyOwens,invoking theHoly Spirit tocome downupon him.

“It was abeautifulMass. This isa really powerfuloccasionthat is hardto put intowords,”newlyordainedFatherOwens saidafter Mass.


Newly ordained Father Daily is vested in a stole and chasuble. Bishop Doherty anoints the hands of Father Michael Bower.

Father John Nguyen receives a chalice and paten during the rite.

The newly ordained priests offer blessings to Bishop Doherty (kneeling at left) and Bish-op Emeritus William L. Higi.

FatherOwensoffers ablessingafter theJune 3 ordinations.

“I am reallyproud ofthese fourmen,”FatherDavid Hasser,diocesanvocationsdirector,said.“I look forward totheir ministrywith us ...”

Ordination 2017

BishopDohertyshares afraternalsign ofpeace withFatherBower.

The newpriests celebratedtheir firstMasses ofThanks-giving attheir homeparisheson June 3-4.

(Photos by BobNichols)


Ordination 2017: Meet our new priests

We’re Saving a Seat for

You.PLEASE JOIN US ON SUNDAY!

We are happy to

congratulate Saint Meinrad

graduates Rev. Michael

Bower and Rev. John

Nguyen on their ordination

to the priesthood.

Very Rev. Denis Robinson, OSB, and the students, faculty, monks

and staff of Saint Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology

Saint Meinrad Seminary andSchool of Theology

200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577www.saintmeinrad.edu

Congratulations! Is God calling you to religious life?Young men and women

considering religious life may contact diocesan vocations director

Father David Hasser.E-mail: [email protected]

Visit the Web site at:www.priestforever.org

‘I hope to offer a servant’s heart and a ready ear ...’Name: John NguyenHome parish: Our Lady

of Mt. Carmel, Carmel

What have been the high-lights of your year in the dia-conate?

One of the highlights ofmy year as a deacon wasbeing able to celebrate thesacrament of baptism onthree different occasions. Asa seminarian, I have beenused to assisting at variousliturgies, but at the baptismsI was the main celebrant.The experience ofleading the liturgywas new and I felt ina new way the spe-cial role of the cele-brant as the instru-ment of God’s graceand love. I have alsobeen mindful of thefact that I now havespiritual childrenwho I pray for on adaily basis and hope to seethem grow and mature overthe years.

Has the experience affirmedyour call to the priesthood?

The experience has been apowerful affirmation for mycall to the priesthood as Iprepare to embrace evenmore fully the role of spiritu-al father.

As we learn in seminary,being called “Father” doescarry with it many similarresponsibilities that biologi-cal fathers have in terms ofcaring for the welfare of thechildren. The main distinc-

tion is that as a priest I willbe focused on the spiritualwell-being of my parish fam-ily, while a biological fatherwould be more focused onthe physical well-being ofhis family.

Have any of your views onpriestly life changed?

I would not say that myviews on priestly life havechanged as much as theyhave expanded. At thebeginning of seminary, I wasfocused on the role of the

priest in terms of cel-ebrating Mass andhearing confessions,which are still pri-mary parts of thepriestly life, but Ihave experiencedmany more of theless public aspects ofpriestly life, includ-ing the challenge ofbalancing work and

prayer, the importance ofvarious relationships in thelife of priests like friend-ships, and practical day-to-day parts of ministry.

Were you surprised by any-thing over the past year?

I was surprised by howmuch I have grown to enjoypreaching. During my dis-cernment before seminary,one of the biggest reserva-tions I had about myself wasmy public speaking ability. Iwas worried that I wouldnot be an effective preacherand I used that for manyyears as an excuse to avoid

entering seminary. Nowmany years later, I findmyself looking forward topreaching and it has remind-ed me of how God uses ourweaknesses to build up hiskingdom. I am excited tocontinue to grow as apreacher so that God canmore effectively use me toshare his good news.

What do you hope to offer toparishioners as a new priest?

I hope to offer a servant’sheart and a ready ear to myparishioners.

All throughout my life, Ihave always lived by thesaying that our actions speaklouder than our words.Being able to serve othersand share the love of Christthrough quiet and unseenactions is one of the biggestsources of joy in my life andto be able to do it as part ofmy priestly identity is such agift.

One of the biggest lessonsI learned about preaching isthat being a good preacherrequires being a good listen-er first. So it is one of my pri-

orities to be an active listeneras I am given the privilege ofsharing in the lives of myparishioners.

Can you share some reflec-tions on your journey?

My journey through semi-nary has had more twistsand turns than the averageone, which has been a greatreminder that we are onGod’s time.

When I started seminary, Iwas in a hurry to finish it asquickly as possible so that Icould start being a priest assoon as possible. Ten yearsafter I started, I can lookback and see that there wasno need for any rush andthat all of the unexpectedchallenges and experiences Ihave gone through havehelped shape me into theman and priest that God iscalling me to be.

In our culture whereinstant gratification is a highcommodity, learningpatience is one of the biggestparts in growing in our spir-itual lives.

What do you most look for-ward to as ordination nears?

I most look forward to thejoy of celebrating the sacra-ments daily.

I have been going to dailyMass for half of my life nowand soon I will be the onethrough whom Christ comesinto the world in sacramen-tal form. It will take sometime getting used to beingthe celebrant at the majority

of the Masses I participate inin the future. As a priest Ihope to grow in my love,understanding and devotionto the Blessed Sacramenteach and every day.

What did you find mostmeaningful or helpful or inspi-rational during your last yearin the seminary?

As part of our last year inseminary at Saint Meinrad,the deacon class has the giftof traveling in Europe forfour weeks during January.

My classmates and I wereable to spend a week in Lon-don, Paris, Rome, and haveour retreat at Einsiedeln,Switzerland, at themonastery where the found-ing monks of Saint Meinradcame from.

It was an amazing experi-ence to see the Church in somany different countrieswhere some of the mostwell-known saints originat-ed. It reminded me that theChurch is so much largerthan any one parish, dioceseor even country, and that ourfaith connects us not only topeople all over the world,but with people throughouttime and even beyond death.

The interconnectednessthat we share as Catholics isa gift that we can often over-look, but it is a major sourceof our strength as we traveltogether in our pilgrimage toheaven.

FatherNguyen

Meet our new priests

In the days preceding theirJune 3 ordination, TheCatholic Moment invitedour new priests to reflect onsome of their experienceson their journey toward thepriesthood.

Faith fundamentals atyour fingertips

The online version of the Catechism of theCatholic Church is easyto search and read. Visitthe U.S. bishops’ Website: www.usccb.org.



‘To make Christ present in the world, bring the world to meet him’

Name: Cole Daily Home parish: St. Patrick,

Kokomo


This year has been filledwith many blessings, buttwo stand out. The first ispreaching. From my experi-ence in this past year, I cansay that preaching is entirelydifferent from any otherform of public speaking I didbefore. This is becausepreaching is inti-mately connectedwith the Word ofGod. Though Ispend time research-ing and crafting thehomily, it is the HolySpirit who speaks inthe sacred liturgy.Preaching has forcedme to invest myselfcompletely in theScriptures, and this has bornfruit in my own life.

The second joy of my dia-conate year has been thesacrament of baptism. WhileI was assigned at St. Alphon-sus Church in Zionsvilleover the summer, I had theopportunity of baptizingseveral children. There isnothing quite like it. Bring-ing a soul into communionwith God and his Church istruly satisfying.


My experience as a dea-con has truly affirmed thecall to the priesthood. Thedeacon is called to servicebefore the altar of the Lord.This sacred task of the dia-conate has allowed me to seethe connection between theliturgical actions of the priestand his role in the world.God gives us sacred ordersin order to sanctify the world— to enter the mess ofhuman life and bring the

light of Christ. Inserving others and atthe altar as a deacon,I have learned tocherish this greattask of the ordainedlife.

Have any of yourviews on priestly lifechanged?

This past year as adeacon has helped me toappreciate the day-to-dayministry of the priesthood.Most people only see thepriest on Sundays, but thereis so much to the priesthoodthat extends beyond Sunday.I began to taste this selflesslove as a deacon throughhospital visits, homeboundvisits, meetings and officework. All of this has helpedme prepare for the sacrificiallife of priesthood.


The most surprising thingover the past year was reallyabout my identity as anordained man. Shortly afterthe ordination, I knew thatsomething in me was differ-ent, and yet I was still thesame man. This tension isreally the heart of theordained life. Ordinationmakes Christ present in theman, but the man is stillthere. I have experiencedthis in so many waysthroughout the past year:Jesus working in my human-ity. St. Paul says it best in 2Corinthians: “We have thistreasure in earthen vessels...”


Without sounding falselypious, I truly hope to offerparishioners nothing lessthan Christ himself. Theadventure of the priesthoodis to make Christ present inthe world and bring theworld to meet him. This hap-pens both through the sacra-mental life of the priest, butalso through his humaninteractions with real people.


Throughout these years inseminary, one thing standsout in particular. We speak a

lot about unity and commu-nion within the Church, butit is another thing entirelywhen you see it play outbefore your eyes. I am speak-ing of brotherhood. Thefriendships that I havedeveloped in seminary havetruly shaped the man I havebecome. I am quite sure thatwithout the support of suchbrothers, I would not bewhere I am today. Next tothe sacraments, weencounter Christ throughthose members of his Body,the Church. This has beenprofoundly true in my lifethroughout the past eightyears, and I am deeply grate-ful to all who have stoodwith me on this journey.


As ordination nears, I amassuredly looking forward tocelebrating the sacramentallife of the Church as a priest,saying Mass and hearingconfessions. In terms of theordination event itself, I ammost excited about celebrat-ing the power of God withthe whole Church. Peoplefrom all times and places ofmy life will be comingtogether for this joyous occa-sion. It will be a great joy forme to pour out God’s bless-ings on so many who haveblessed me with their lives.

What did you find mostmeaningful or helpful or inspi-rational during your last yearin the seminary?

There were really twoinspirational things duringmy last year in seminary.The first was praying withthe Gospel of John. I havealways been drawn to John’sGospel, particularly theprayers of Christ in the LastSupper Discourse. Jesus is soassured of his identity beforehis Father. He also prays as apriest, standing betweenGod and man and offeringhimself on man’s behalf.Reading, preaching andmeditating on the words ofChrist have been a greatinspiration during this pastyear.

The second source ofinspiration this year was mytime spent in parishes. Dur-ing the summer, I wasassigned to St. AlphonsusChurch in Zionsville, andduring the year, I helped atOur Lady of Hope Church inPotomac Falls, Va.

Both of these parisheschallenged me and affirmedme in many ways. I alwaysreturned from a busy week-end tired, but extremely ful-filled. There is nothing likeserving the people of God asan ordained man. Theseassignments gave me greatinspiration and encourage-ment.

FatherDaily

Prayer for seminarians

Lord Jesus, we askyour special blessing

on those preparingfor the holy priesthood.

May their hearts overflow with love,understanding and

generosity.

May their desire toserve inspire othersto answer your call.

Lord Jesus, fill the hearts of

seminarians with thefire of your love,

make them holy asyou are holy.

Amen.

Seminarian Fund Appeal 2017

The 12th annual Seminarian Fund Appeal will continueon June 10-11 in parishes across the Lafayette diocese.

The appeal helps cover the cost of educating seminari-ans for the diocesan priesthood. This year’s goal is$465,000.

The annual cost of educating each seminarian is morethan $40,000. The collection assists seminarians withtuition, room and board, books, health care, travel,summer assignments and other related expenses.

Each year, this collection has yielded a great harvestand also has helped to create a culture of vocations.The annual needs continue to increase and the collec-tion is an opportunity for all the faithful to supportfuture priests of the diocese.

Gifts also may be made throughout the year by visitingthe diocesan Web site at www.dol-in.org.

Thank youfor your generosity!



‘I look forward to being present in the lives of people’Name: Michael Bower Home parish: St. Alphon-

sus Liguori, Zionsville


For me, the highlight ofmy year in the diaconate hasbeen the opportunity topreach at Mass.Preaching the Gospelhas been an intimi-dating task, but abeautiful one. It is areally powerfulopportunity to sharewhat inspires meabout the faith.

Has the experienceaffirmed your call tothe priesthood?

Being a deacon has great-ly affirmed my call to thepriesthood, because it hasgiven me so many opportu-nities to act in priestly roles.I have been able to baptize,give funerals, and to witnessmarriages. Furthermore, ona daily basis, now I havebeen wearing clerical attire,which is a powerful witness

to the secular world of a mancommitted to the cause ofChrist.


One of the things that Ihave learned about priestlylife is that it is easy to getcaught up in the day-to-day

activities, which pre-vent you sometimesfrom seeing the big-ger picture. Therewas a priest in mycollege seminarythat said that priest-hood is not a sprintrace, but a marathon.It is about steadysuccess, as opposedto sudden bursts ofeffort.

It is easy for a priest to getworn out by focusing on thechallenges of priesthood.The important thing is beingfaithful in the little things ofdaily priestly life.


The most surprising thingto me over the past year was

the responsibility taken onby being a deacon. I remem-ber that during my first bap-tism, I was really nervous. Iwas nervous, because I justwanted to make sure Iwasn’t forgetting anything. Iimagined that the preachingwould be harder, but for me,it was the sacramental tasksof things like baptisms thatmade me the most nervous.


As a new priest, I hope tooffer parishioners a freshlook on the Christ, theChurch and the priesthood.Knowing that I grew up in atypical family and a publicschool, I think I share thesame perspective as many ofthe people in the pew. So, Ihope that I can share whatinspires me about the priest-hood in a way that resonateswith them as well.


My journey to the priest-hood has been a beautifulone. I have been inspired, I

have been challenged, and Ihave just flat out had manydifferent experiences. I havetraveled Europe, I have beena hospital chaplain, a campcounselor, and I have somany different experiencesof Catholic life. I feel blessedto have encountered somany different people. I ameager to see where this jour-ney continues to lead me.


As ordination nears, I lookforward the most to beingpresent in the lives of peo-ple. One of the difficultthings about seminary is thatyou are away from the dio-cese and you do not live in acommunity of families. Oneof the great blessings ofpriesthood is the opportuni-ty to enter into and helpgrow a strong Catholic com-munity. I learn so much fromspending time with peopleand learning about theirdaily experience of life andof Catholicism.

What did you find most

meaningful or helpful or inspi-rational during your last yearin the seminary?

During my last year ofseminary, what I found mostmeaningful was the fact thatI was ordained. Every manwrestles with his vocation.Even in seminary, there isalways the question ofwhether or not God is stillcalling you to the priest-hood.

After being ordained adeacon, that question evapo-rated. I have already madethe promises for ordinationand I have already been con-secrated for ministry. So,those questions are nolonger distracting me fromtruly entering into the priest-ly lifestyle.

It is like a man who mar-ries and becomes a dad forthe first time. His life is total-ly different after that. He hasa family to take care of now.His life is no longer his own.That is what being ordainedhas felt like. It has addedpurpose and intentionalityto my life.

FatherBower

‘I hope to offer parishioners nothing less than Jesus himself’Name: Coady OwensHome parish: St. Louis

de Montfort, Fishers


Everything that you get todo as a transitional deacon isgreat because each experi-ence moves you closer andcloser to your vocation! Iloved preaching — especial-ly over the summer at HolySpirit where I got to preachalmost every day! Anotherbig highlight was ourclass trip to the HolyLand. All of the dea-cons at Mount St.Mary’s Seminaryspent three weeks inIsrael praying andexperiencing first-hand the sites of theScriptures. I alsoloved doing bap-tisms and was partic-ularly grateful for my timeplanning and teaching RCIAat Mount St. Mary’s Univer-sity.


Yes!


My views on the priest-hood: The priesthood ofJesus Christ follows theexhortation of St. Paul:“Preach the word, be urgentin season and out of season,convince, rebuke, andexhort, be unfailing inpatience and in teaching. ...As for you, always be steady,endure suffering, do thework of an evangelist, fulfillyour ministry” (2 Timothy:2-4). The priest is one who

prays; one whoserves; one whoteaches. He is filledwith zeal for Christand for his flock. Heshepherds them,protects them andguides them alongthe right path. Hespeaks truth. If thetruth is comforting,then he comforts,

but if it is abrasive, then herefines. He is a minister ofthe most high God andshould always act to discernthe divine will so as to main-tain a consciousness of theeternal. Still, also, he is fullyman — “a seeing, feeling,

contemplating, acting ani-mal” (Newman, TamworthReading Room 6). Alongwith a focus aimed at thedivine, he models a charac-teristic gift of sympathy tohis brothers and his sisterswho are burdened with greatdesires, ideals and purpose.Like Moses and Paul, he rec-ognizes his own people andpetitions God on their behalfout of the great love that hehas for humanity. He worksand prays for his salvation,for that of his family and forthat of all mankind! Fromthis lifestyle, this love andthese prayers stem forth allthe virtues, counsels andgraces provided by God forhis ministry. In short: Thepriest is a representation ofthe Incarnation of God in themidst of the world and afearful and humble servantwho acknowledges his ownneed for salvation andyearns for the return of himwhom he represents.


No experience stands outas especially surprising — Iguess I’ve been constantly

surprised by the generosityof God and of the Church.It’s a generosity that reallyhumbles you and fills youwith wonder. “What is manthat you should keep him inmind, mortal man that youcare for him? Yet you havemade him little less than agod ...” (Psalm 8).


I hope to offer parish-ioners nothing less thanJesus himself.


Grace builds on nature. Ispent my first three years inseminary just trying to growin my humanity — trying tobe a better human. I focusedmostly on virtue — trying togrow stronger, smarter,kinder, more confident, moreunderstanding, etc. After myfourth year of seminary, Ireally realized that the Incar-nation changes everything.God became a man and thewhole world — everyinstant, every experience —is filled with a meaning thatcorresponds to our hearts

and desires. This is the mostimportant thing I’ve everlearned and continue tolearn about. Still — withoutmy human foundation, Iwouldn’t have been able toreceive the reality of theIncarnation in its fullness.Grace builds on nature.


I’m really looking forwardto celebrating the Mass as apriest and living and minis-tering at a parish day in andday out.

What did you find mostmeaningful or helpful or inspi-rational during your last yearin seminary?

The thing that was mosthelpful and inspirational tome during my last year wasthe time I spent with mybrother deacons. In class, inthe Holy Land, at their ordi-nations/first Masses, I wasable to see what God wasdoing in me by watchinghim do it in them. Solid fra-ternity is a non-negotiablefor seminary and the priest-hood.

FatherOwens

the catholic moment 6-11-17...friday, june 16 1) 2 corinthians 4:7-15 2) gospel: matthew 5:27-32...

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