Suzanne Helzer, nurse manager at First Way, shows Dr. William Chavira the new ultrasound machine.
Suzanne Helzer, nurse manager at First Way, shows Dr. William Chavira the new ultrasound machine. (Joyce Coronel/CATHOLIC SUN)
Friends, supporters and staff of First Way Pregnancy Support Center gathered Dec. 12 to celebrate the advent of the facility’s second ultrasound machine.
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix was on hand to bless the new machine and noted that it was “most fitting” that the occasion coincided with the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
He commented on a portion of the account of creation that was read at the beginning of the blessing, noting that after each day, “God saw that it was good” but that after He created man and woman, He saw that it was “very good.” Man and woman, he said, were created in the image and likeness of God. [quote_box_right]
“That’s why it’s so important to have an image and why it makes such a difference to women when they see this image of their child,” Bishop Olmsted said.
With improved technology, ultrasound pictures of the unborn child are not the grainy affair that they once were. The figures that dance on the screen are a glimpse into the hidden reality of life inside the womb – a reality that often persuades women to give birth rather than abort.
Suzanne Helzer, nurse manager at First Way, said the second ultrasound machine would allow the support center to double its efforts serving women. The ultrasound images “can be the difference between life and death,” Helzer said. “It can change their outlook when they see it,” Helzer said.
Bishop Olmsted blessed First Way’s new ultrasound machine and thanked the Knights of Columbus for their consistent support of pro-life efforts. (Joyce Coronel/CATHOLIC SUN)
Bishop Olmsted said that the Aztecs knew the image on St. Juan Diego’s tilma was that of a pregnant woman by the black ribbon tied about her waist. The purpose of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance in Mexico, he said, “was Jesus, so that people would discover Him.”
“What a perfect day to celebrate and bless the machine that creates the true image of the child within the womb,” Bishop Olmsted said. “Each of these is an image that reflects God.”
Christine Accurso, executive director of First Way, said that the room where the second ultrasound machine stands would be dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe in honor of Dr. William Chavira, the longtime medical director of the center.
“During these past 11 years that I’ve been able to serve as medical director, I’ve seen the growth of First Way, especially under Christine’s leadership,” Dr. Chavira said. “This is a place of welcome, of life and support…It is truly a privilege to serve here.”
Bishop Olmsted thanked the Knights of Columbus for their “consistent support of pro-life things and for once again making it possible for us to have an ultrasound machine.”
Larry Becker, state deputy for the Knights, was on hand and said that the culture of life is this year’s theme for the Knights in the State of Arizona. The money was raised through the creative fundraising of eight councils. The machine cost $77, 150.
Accurso said that First Way has some 400 visits per month. The center is open 48 hours a week, Monday through Saturday.
Sacred Heart's boys basketball team went undefeated all the way to the championship Dec. 11. (Photo from Facebook)
Sacred Heart’s boys basketball team went undefeated all the way to the championship Dec. 11. (Photo from Facebook)
Students across the Diocese of Phoenix are spreading Christmas cheer and earning recognition for their work in and out of the classroom.
St. Theresa students lent their voices to ABC 15’s Operation Santa Claus effort last week. Their peers at St. Gregory sang their hearts out for seniors in Sun City. Third-graders at St. John Bosco donned Christmas hats and antler headbands while singing for patients at Mercy Gilbert Hospital in Gilbert Dec. 10.
Lauren Hickey, a sophomore at Xavier College Preparatory, had her piece featured on the annual holiday card sent out by the National Art Education Association. Her piece appears just below the greeting in the top row, second from right.
Most of the first and second-grade class at St. Matthew brought the prayerful matachines dance to the parish and school community Dec. 11-12 in honor of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. They also performed at a nearby auto dealership that had a Marian altar on display.
Back on campus, junior high students at Brophy’s Loyola Academy enacted their teacher’s original production of “A Tale of Two Storytellers” to critical acclaim.
Paul Rodriguez, who graduated from Bourgade Catholic High School in May and went on to Grand Canyon University, heads a club that pioneers tech projects. Connor Willey will graduate from Brophy College Preparatory in May, but has already found success with a startup featured in AZTechBeat.
Students are doing well academically too. Brophy seniors Anthony Gutierrez and Martin Rodriguez Nunez, were recently awarded four-year scholarships to Columbia and Tufts University through the prestigious QuestBridge program. They were among 501 students selected nationwide because they proved themselves to be high-achieving despite coming from low-income families. Some 77 percent of recipients are first-generation college students.
St. Francis Xavier eighth-grader Francisco Gamez won a full-year scholarship through the Ted Novak Memorial Scholarship program. It’s in honor of Novak, an alum and former Spanish teacher at the Jesuit school, and intended for a Spanish-speaking St. Francis Xavier student who exemplified the qualities of humility, kindness and commitment to learning.
Deacon Fernando Camou, who is expected to be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Phoenix next summer, yesterday had the honor of singing the Gospel for Pope Francis’ Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. [Via Diocese of Phoenix Blog]
This is the cover of "Manger" poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Helen Cann. The book is reviewed by Regina Lordan. (CNS)
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The following books are suitable for Christmas giving:
“I Lived on Butterfly Hill” by Marjorie Agosin. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (New York, 2014). 455 pp., $16.99.
Lucila has a good life: a loving family, close friends and a home in her cherished hill city of Valparaiso, Chile. But her sense of security quickly crumbles when political turmoil turns violent. Classmates disappear and her parents flee for safety. Then her grandmother, a refugee from Nazi Germany, sends Lucila to Vermont. Now a refugee, Lucia must overcome language barriers, homesickness and anxiety. But Lucila triumphs, finding inner strength in her creative writing and will to flourish. Author Marjorie Agosin, who was raised in Chile by Jewish parents, wrote a story of survival particularly of interest to preteen girls. Full of many meaningful messages, the novel will remind readers to welcome “the new kid in class” with patience and understanding. Ages 10-14.
This is the cover of “Manger” poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Helen Cann. The book is reviewed by Regina Lordan. (CNS)
“Manger” poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Helen Cann. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2014). 34 pp., $16.
Wild and domestic animals rejoice and give praise to the baby Jesus in this unique collection of poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins. One by one, each awestruck and curious animal — from the cow to the spider — lends a voice to the chorus of Christmas celebration. Illustrated in lovely watercolor images by Helen Cann, this book will be enjoyed for many a Christmas season. Ages 4-8.
“Grandfather Gandhi” by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Evan Turk. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (New York, 2014). 37 pp., $17.99.
Arun Gandhi had a lot to live up to, not least of whom his grandfather Mahatma Gandhi. But the12-year-old boy did not feel peaceful during prayers or successful at his lessons. Instead he felt fidgety and frustrated. And after a friend shoved him during a soccer game, Arun’s blood boiled with anger. With tears streaming down his face, he ran to his beloved grandfather, who explained to him how the power of anger can do good. The product of years of collaboration between author Bethany Hegedus and Arun Gandhi, “Grandfather Gandhi” is a story with unique, three-dimensional collage illustrations that will be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Ages 5-9.
This is the cover of “Tell Me about the Catholic Faith for Small Children” by Christine Pedotti. The book is reviewed by Regina Lordan. (CNS)
“Tell Me about the Catholic Faith for Small Children” by Christine Pedotti. Magnificat (San Francisco, 2014). 96 pp., $16.99.
This hardcover book is a valuable resource for teaching young children about the Bible, saints, early church history and faith traditions. Young children will be engaged in the simple language and colorful illustrations while adults will find the book’s organization and clear information helpful. The Catholic faith is rich and complex, and this book’s simplicity can help start build a foundation for a life of faith. Ages 3-6.
“Little Lamb Finds Christmas” by Cathy Gilmore, illustrated by Kim Wilson. Liguori Publications (Liguori, Missouri, 2014). 40 pp., $16.99.
Little Lemi is a curious lamb who has a habit of getting lost. Thankfully, his loving young shepherd brings him back home to the herd. One evening a glorious star beckons the shepherd to find a child king sleeping in a manger. Inquisitive Lemi follows after his shepherd, but loses his way until he too follows the light and finds the baby Jesus. With its splendidly real watercolor illustrations, “Little Lamb Finds Christmas” is a true gem that children and adults will enjoy time and again. Fans of this little lamb also will adore the main character in author Cathy Gilmore’s “Easter Bunny’s Amazing Day” about a frightened bunny who discovers the risen Jesus. Ages 3-6.
“The Great Big Green” by Peggy Gifford, illustrated by Lisa Desimini. Boyds Mill Press (Honesdale, Pennsylvania, 2014). 32 pp., $15.95.
What is big, round and green all over … except where it is blue? Take a look inside this clever book by author Peggy Gifford and illustrator Lisa Desimini to find out. The rhyming riddle will delight little readers while the multidimensional illustrations created with scanned images and materials will keep them interested and curious. Ages 3-5.
“The Legend of Saint Nicholas” by Anselm Grun, illustrated by Giuliano Ferri. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2014). 26 pp., $16.
Jolly old St. Nicholas is an interesting fellow, wrapped in legend and lore. But really, who is this humble bishop who helped the poor, and why is he the patron of so many people from seafarers to children? Anselm Grun offers several stories about the saint in this book illustrated with the vibrant and inviting paintings of Giuliano Ferri. Ages 4-8.
Cover of Adam Baker’s first book (image from book’s website). Free coloring book download is also available.
“Maury C. Moose and the Forest Noel” by Adam Baker, Morgan James Publishing, (New York, 2014). 96pp., $10.95 retail,separate pricing if buy direct.
In order to save his Christmas-loving forest, Maury and his friends must band together and prevent the construction of the new Bar Hum Bug. This Christmas chapter book mixes adult humor with childhood whimsy to create a story that kids and parents will love reading together. Written by an Arizona native who recently shared the story with students at St. John Bosco School in Ahwatukee.
“Outside the Box: A Book of Poems” by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Diane Goode. Margaret K. McElderry Books (New York, 2014). 172 pp., $17.99.
Appropriately dedicated to the beloved poet and author Shel Silverstein, this collection of witty and brief poems will delight poetry enthusiasts. Author Karma Wilson and illustrator Diane Goode team up to deliver word-play fun paired with animated sketches in black and white. Although some Silverstein fans might consider this collection a wimpier version of his mastery, young readers nonetheless will enjoy its silliness. Ages 7-10.
“Real Life Faith: Bible Companions for Catholic Teens” by Mary Elizabeth Sperry. Liguori Publications (Liguori, Missouri, 2014). 160 pp., $12.99.
By using fictional but authentic anecdotal stories to accompany the Bible stories of Miriam, Solomon, Timothy and others, author Mary Elizabeth Sperry connects the Old and New Testaments to today within the lens of teen understanding. Many of the challenges biblical figures faced were rooted within the context in which they lived, but, as Sperry points out, their struggles and lessons remain valuable. This book makes the connections tangible, and is appropriate for individual teens, youth groups and classrooms. Ages 13-Up.
“Thank You, God” by J. Bradley Wigger, illustrated by Jago. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2014). 24 pp., $16.
“Thank You God” is a beautiful prayer of gratitude for all things created by God. Young children and parents together will reflect on the day’s graces as they flip through the hardcover book illustrated by Jago and written by author and religious education professor J. Bradley Wigger. Ages 3-8.
— Reviewed by Regina Lordan Catholic News Service. Lordan, who reads to her two young children, is a former assistant international editor for Catholic News Service. The Catholic Sun in Phoenix contributed to this review.
Mary Jo Schmitt of Dubuque, Iowa, speaks with Nicole Hockley of Newtown, Conn., after her presentation in late October at Loras College in Dubuque. Hockley lost her son in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown in December 2012 and now works with Sandy Hook Promise, an organization dedicated to preventing gun violence. (CNS photo/Dan Russo, The Witness)
Mary Jo Schmitt of Dubuque, Iowa, speaks with Nicole Hockley of Newtown, Conn., after her presentation in late October at Loras College in Dubuque. Hockley lost her son in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown in December 2012 and now works with Sandy Hook Promise, an organization dedicated to preventing gun violence. (CNS photo/Dan Russo, The Witness)
DUBUQUE, Iowa (CNS) — Nicole Hockley’s message from Newtown, Connecticut, to people at two different venues in the Dubuque area was clear: “Our hearts are broken, but our spirit is not.”
The mother whose 6-year-old son, Dylan, was killed in the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School Dec. 14, 2012, along with 19 other children and six adults, spoke to a crowd of several hundred at Loras College. She also spoke at Clarke University during her visit to Dubuque earlier this fall.
“Sometimes when you lose someone you love and all hope seems lost, that is when you find strength you never knew you had,” Hockley said at Loras, a Catholic college. “The strength doesn’t come from grief or despair or anger. It comes from faith.
“It comes from love, and perhaps if we let love lead us we would more easily find a course of action and create solutions to protect the future of our country, our children.”
Hockley now directs communications and outreach for Sandy Hook Promise. The charity, started by families who lost loved ones at Sandy Hook, aims to prevent gun violence by starting a grass-roots movement in communities around the nation.
Hockley was later joined on stage by Tim Makris, executive director of Sandy Hook Promise, to take questions from the audience. Both explained that the goal of the group was not to ban all guns or attack responsible gun owners, but rather to work together to find solutions, including promoting education on the causes of gun violence, gun safety and mental wellness.
Hockley and Makris drew a distinction between “mental illness” and “mental wellness.” Whereas only about 4 percent of incidents of gun violence in the United States is carried out by people with serious mental illness, the majority is done by people who lack mental wellness because of anger issues or other problems, according to the speakers.
“After every shooting, people start arguing, and it’s always about gun control or gun freedom,” said Hockley. “We often say at Sandy Hook Promise that one of the best ways to start talking about gun violence is to stop talking about the gun, because the real story isn’t what happened on (Dec. 14, 2012). It’s about what happened before.”
She continued, “While I believe there is much to be done in the area of legislation, I believe we must also focus on the person behind the gun. What is it that brings a person to that point where the only option visible to them is to pick up a firearm or a weapon and harm himself or herself or someone else? What is their trigger and how can we prevent them from taking this action? Anyone can be trained to recognize the signs and signals that someone needs help.”
Hockley said solutions begin with education about what causes gun violence. Her group encourages “Promise Communities” at the local level, which receive tools from the charity. All those who join Sandy Hook Promise are asked to pledge to work to end gun violence. The organization’s website is www2.sandyhookpromise.org.
Sandy Hook Promise focuses on education to foster social change, provides resources to promote mental wellness, and gun safety in homes. Hockley also mentioned support of gun laws to increase safety, which everyone can agree on — such as background checks. A portion of Hockley’s remarks focused on the personal toll the tragedy took on her.
“In terms of my faith, I won’t lie to you,” she said. “It’s been completely shaken and I really hope I don’t offend anybody, but it’s very hard for me to think that anyone would allow such evil to exist and to take away so many beautiful children and adults. And some people said, ‘It was God’s will.’ I can’t believe that because I don’t believe God is like that.”
Hockley credited the love of friends and family and their patience with helping her work through the grief. For many, the healing process is still going on two years later, according to Makris, whose son was in the school that day.
“We have about 800 kids in our town who are in therapy and countless adults,” he said. “Countless attempts at suicide and two people who have succeeded, so there is a ripple effect that has come out of this tragedy, that perhaps a lot of people don’t realize.”
Hockley and Makris called Sandy Hook Promise’s mission to change the culture of violence a “marathon” instead of a “sprint,” one that will require average people to step up.
Miles de personas esperaron afuera de un McDonald’s en Phoenix para disfrutar del desayuno gratis.
Miles de personas se alinearon temprano por la mañana en un McDonalds en el sur de Phoenix para disfrutar de un evento que se ha convertido en una tradición del día de Acción de Gracias.
A través de los últimos 21 años, Julian Nabozny, un católico local, ha abierto su restaurante para servir un desayuno caliente gratis al público. Tanta gente toma parte en las festividades que la policía de Phoenix cierra la Avenida Central al norte de la calle Baseline.
Abrigados, y empujando bebés y niños en cochecitos, la gente hizo linea fuera del restaurante, a la espera de su oportunidad de entrar para comer panqueques, leche y jugo de naranja, todo en forma gratuita.
Al interior del restaurante, decenas de voluntarios en camisetas azules ayudaron a distribuir la comida y bebida, sacando botellas y paquetes de grandes cajas de cartón.
Zoe Laskoskie, un estudiante en la escuela secundaria Chaparral, estaba allí con varios voluntarios, descargando botellas de jugo de naranja. Los adolescentes, miembros de Interact, un club de servicio en su escuela, llegaron a las 4:40 de la mañana para poder descargar las mesas y el alimento de los camiones.
“Este es un gran evento. Es mucho más de lo que yo esperaba,” dijo Laskoskie.
Emerson Smith, jefe del departamento de consejería en Chaparral, dijo que ha trabajando como voluntario en evento en el Día de Acción de Gracias a través de los últimos 15 años. El es moderador del club Interact y lo comparó a la Sociedad de Rotarios.
“Está bién que estos estudiantes salgan de la burbuja de North Scottsdale y vean como vive la comunidad más grande”, dijo Smith.
Un grupo de músicos tocaron para la multitud que estaba sentada en numerosas mesas en el estacionamiento del restaurante. Algunas empresas locales tuvieron mesas desde donde ofrecieron regalos gratis como botellas de agua y bolsas de tela.
Cristal Ortiz estaba allí con sus cinco hijos y su madre.
“Venimos todos los años. Se ha convertido en una tradición para nosotros estar aquí, y disfrutar del evento y dar gracias de que toda la familia pueda estar junta,” dijo Ortiz. La familia Ortiz es católica, dijo, pero no se dieron cuenta de que el Obispo J. Thomas Olmsted de la diócesis de Phoenix estaría en el desayuno.
El alcalde de Phoenix Greg Stanton, así como el jefe de la policía de Phoenix Daniel Garcia, estaban parados en el escenario al lado del restaurante junto con Nabozny, el Obispo Olmsted y Mike Nowakowski del concejo municipal de Phoenix.
El Obispo Thomas J. Olmsted de la Diocesís de Phoenix estuvo en el evento junto con el alcalde de Phoenix y el jefe de la Policia de Pheonix.
“Es una gran alegría para mí estar aquí con ustedes y poder dar gracias a Dios por todos ustedes y a sus donaciones, en particular el don de la fe y por el don de la generosidad de Julian y a los demás que están aquí para celebrar este gran día”, dijo el Obispo Olmsted. “Dar gracias a Dios es ser un hombre o una mujer de fe y alegría…damos gracias por lo más importante en nuestras vidas, nuestras familias, nuestros hijos, nuestros padres y nuestros amigos.”
El alcalde Stanton agradeció al obispo por su presencia en el evento.
“Gracias, Obispo Olmsted, para esa bella oración”, Stanton. “Yo sé que en su papel como obispo, ha conocido a muchas personas generosas, pero ahora, ha conocido el hombre más generoso de Phoenix, Julian Nabozny.” La multitud estalló en aplausos. “Por los últimos 21 años, Julian ha patrocinado este maravilloso evento que se lleva a cabo aquí en el McDonald’s. Es parte de una gran tradición de Phoenix”, dijo Stanton.
There’s still another week of Advent, but our parishes and greater community are offering some ways to celebrate the Christmas spirit this weekend.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Advent Concert — 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Scottsdale (map)
The music ministry will present a concert of familiar hymns and songs. Here’s a sneak peek from a similar concert held Dec. 12 at the parish’s old Adobe Mission. A reception with cookies and hot chocolate to follow. Info.
‘Light of the World’ concert — 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at St. John XXIII School in Scottsdale (map)
Performed by students. Watch livestream.
Christmas Greccio Event and Holiday Train— 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at St. Maria Goretti Parish in Scottsdale (map)
Be reminded of the sights and smells that surrounded the original Nativity scene in Bethlehem via a petting zoo followed by a 5 p.m. live Nativity and Christmas carols plus a hog dog dinner and play by St. Therese of Lisieux. Info.
When it’s over, head to the Holiday Train at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale (map and info).
Christmas through the Centuries — 6-8 p.m. Dec. 13 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Scottsdale (map).
Tours depart every 15 minutes. Info.
Believe in Christmas — 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Scottsdale (map)
The parish’s music ministry will host a concert featuring more than 100 voices from its various choirs who have mastered music in up to four languages. Also includes refreshments and raffles. Tickets: $5 adults and $1 children with proceeds funding a 2015 Christmas-time trip to Rome. Info.
Mass and Holiday train — 5 p.m. Mass Dec. 13 at a Scottsdale parish followed by the Holiday Train at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale (map)
Attend a Saturday Vigil for the Third Sunday of Advent — surrounding parishes with 5 p.m. Masses include St. Maria Goretti, Franciscan Renewal Center and St. Patrick — then head to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale and Indian Bend roads) to enjoy a train ride through a lit up Christmas village, a carousel ride and a visit with Santa. Info.
(2013 parade entry)
Glendale parishes in Hometown Christmas Parade — 11 a.m. Dec. 13 in downtown Glendale (map)
Look for students from Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, St. Helen Parish, and possibly other Catholic groups in Glendale’s second Hometown Christmas Parade. Info.
Mass and Glendale Glitters — 5 p.m. English or 7 p.m. Spanish Mass Dec. 13 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Glendale (map) followed by an evening out at Glendale Glitters’ Winter Wonderland. Info.
Christmas light parade featuring Annunciation Catholic School float — 6 p.m. Dec. 13 in Carefree (map)
The Carefree Christmas Festival runs Dec. 12-14 with a light parade Saturday night. Keep eyes peeled for a float from Annunciation Catholic School in Cave Creek. The school has won an award for it in years past. Info on parade and larger Carefree Christmas Festival.
Movie ‘Knight’ — 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 12 at St. Mary’s High School (map)
Sixth-eighth-graders are welcome to spend an evening at the home of the Knights, St. Mary’s High School. The featured presentation is the movie “Elf.” Info.
Preschool open house — 10 a.m. Dec. 12 at Our Lady of Joy Preschool in Carefree (map)
Families seeking the right preschool for their little one are invited to a Gingerbread Open House. Meet the teachers, have some coffee and watch your young gingerbread artists. Bring a friend and you will entered into winning a 7-day Caribbean vacation. Info.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
Need a Christmas tree? — Sacred Heart School is hosting a lot through Dec. 14 at Monezuma and Willis in Prescott. Proceeds support the school’s athletes. Info.
Catholic store at Paradise Valley Mall — Check out the related article regarding Vesuvius Press, which sells Catholic books and other gift items including statues, rosaries, coffee and chocolate.
Seasonal CDs — The Marian Shop at St. Francis Xavier Parish (map) just stocked up on newly released CDs by the parish’s music department. Choose from “Church Classics,” “Joy to the World” and “A Christmas Collection” or buy the whole set. Info.
Maury C. Moose and the Forest Noel — Author Adam Baker shared the book with St. John Bosco students this week. It features puns, rhymes and quirky animal characters. Info. Be sure to download the free related coloring book.
Buying a book? — If you plan to buy a book or anything else that Barnes & Noble carries, your purchase can also support the library/media center at St. Mary-Basha School in Chandler. Just use code 11492170 for online purchases or tell the cashier in the store to research the code by school name. Promotion runs through Dec. 18.
Blow out sale — Dec. 12-14 at St. Vincent de Paul’s Bell Road/29th Street thrift store (map)
The store needs to make room for a Palomino children’s Christmas bash and is clearing items up to 60 percent off. Proceeds helps neighbors in the community. See recent items.
The final event isn’t happening this weekend, but the PR for a two-day Christmas Market was too cute not to share.
Christian Bale, Kevork Mailkyan, center, and Maria Valverde star in a scene from the movie "Exodus: Gods and Men." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (CNS photo/Fox)
Christian Bale, Kevork Mailkyan, center, and Maria Valverde star in a scene from the movie “Exodus: Gods and Men.” The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (CNS photo/Fox)
NEW YORK (CNS) — Time was when the biblical extravaganza was a Hollywood staple.
In fact, from the silent era through the mid-1960s, it seemed a safe bet that selected slices of the best-selling volume of all time — or fictional spinoffs from it like “Ben-Hur” — translated to the screen on a large scale would yield box-office gold.
Post-Beatles irony and the baby-boomer generation’s antipathy toward authority and tradition may have put that calculation to rest for a few decades. But, as earlier movie offerings from this year — ranging from “Son of God” to “Noah” — suggest, some in Tinseltown are apparently dusting off their copies of the Scriptures and taking a second look.[quote_box_right]
Exodus: Gods and Kings
Catholic News Service classification, A-III — adults. Motion Picture Association of America rating, PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
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The latest to do so is director Ridley Scott (“Gladiator,” “Kingdom of Heaven”). The bad news is that his 3-D epic “Exodus: Gods and Kings” (Fox) turns out to be big but boring. The good news is that, somewhere, Cecil B. DeMille is at ease, knowing his 1956 blockbuster “The Ten Commandments” remains the definitive mass-media take on this crucial portion of the Old Testament.
Just as DeMille’s fleshing out of the story is not above satire, though (witness Billy Crystal’s hilarious channeling of Edward G. Robinson’s Dathan), so Scott’s tale is not without its promising aspects. Chief among them, for viewers of faith, is the conversion story his film introduces into the life of Moses (Christian Bale). Here, the patriarch’s series of trials and triumphs takes him from religious skeptic to true believer.
Raised as a foster son to Egypt’s Pharaoh, Seti (John Turturro), and adoptive brother of Seti’s heir, Ramses (Joel Edgerton), Moses is sent into exile when Hegep (Ben Mendelsohn), a corrupt official whose wrongdoing he has uncovered, reveals his lowly origin as the child of a Hebrew slave.
Working as a shepherd in Midian, Moses finds solace in married life (Maria Valverde plays his loyal, devout spouse Zipporah). But his contentment is once again disturbed when God — oddly personified by an 11-year-old boy (Isaac Andrews) — calls on him to lead his enslaved compatriots to freedom.
While Scott’s picture has computer-generated effects to spare, especially in the plague scenes, its human interaction is stilted and uninvolving. Thus Moses’ potentially intriguing spiritual development is only sketched out in the dialogue, and lacks the heft that might propel the audience along on its trajectory.
Additionally, the collaborative script — penned by Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, Jeffrey Caine and Steven Zaillian — is skittish where miracles are concerned and revisionist in its treatment of the relationship between Moses and the Almighty.
Granted, the Moses of the Bible sometimes plays the role of advocate for the Israelites, pleading with God to spare his wayward people. But it’s nonetheless perplexing to find Scott’s main character frequently coming across as more merciful than the petulant lad who embodies his vision of the Divinity.
Though it ends with the giving of the Commandments on Mount Sinai, at an intimidating running time of over two-and-a-half hours, “Exodus: Gods and Kings” may strike many as recalling more directly the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness by which the fidelity of the Hebrews was thereafter put to the test.
The film contains considerable combat and other violence with some gore, religious themes requiring mature discernment as well as restrained sexual content, including a gay innuendo and two marital bedroom scenes. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Pope Francis talks with Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican March 26. A delegation of government, religious and community leaders from Pennsylvania was meeting with Vatican officials to plan the Sept. 22-27, 2015, World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. U.S. church and civil officials were preparing for Pope Francis' possible participation in the event. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Pope Francis talks with Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican March 26. A delegation of government, religious and community leaders from Pennsylvania was meeting with Vatican officials to plan the Sept. 22-27, 2015, World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. U.S. church and civil officials were preparing for Pope Francis’ possible participation in the event. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
WASHINGTON (CNS) — To date, the only city officially announced for a September visit by Pope Francis is Philadelphia, where he will attend the eighth World Meeting of Families.
However, other cities are still making their bid to be part of a papal itinerary.
Talk persists about the pope including two more East Coast cities on his first U.S. visit as pontiff. One is Washington, where he has been issued an invitation to address a joint session of Congress. The other is New York, where he has been invited to address the United Nations General Assembly.
Even before the Philadelphia visit was confirmed by the Vatican, which was Nov. 17, the pope told reporters accompanying him on the plane back from South Korea in August he wanted to go Philadelphia and noted the invitations from Washington and New York. “Maybe the three cities together, no?” he said.
Catholics in Detroit, which only emerged in early December from a yearlong bankruptcy, did not get attached to the papal itinerary despite a letter-writing campaign by students at Catholic schools in the city.
Margaret Cone, who helped shepherd the letter-writing initiative, told Catholic News Service that an appeal for a papal visit could take an additional tack.
A globally recognized center on infant mortality is located in Detroit, in the Detroit Medical Center complex — now one of the city’s largest private employers. Pope Francis is keenly interested in infant mortality, Cone said. New Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a Catholic, had been CEO of the Detroit Medical Center before taking the mayoral reins.
“This is a global issue and Detroit is at the epicenter of all this,” Cone said, adding that giving the pope “someplace to visit” would help in a Detroit bid.
Where else might Pope Francis go if he accepts their invitations?
— Birmingham, Alabama. “We sent a letter to the Holy Father about a year ago inviting him to come to Birmingham because of the international recognition that Birmingham has as cradle of the civil rights movement,” Mayor William Bell told AL.com. “We had not heard back from them until recently.” The city hosted the Dalai Lama this fall.
— Boston. Mayor Martin Walsh asked Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston to deliver the invitation to Pope Francis. St. John Paul II visited Boston in 1979. In the letter, Walsh said he would love to have Pope Francis bless a park in Dorchester, Massachusetts, named for the new saint.
— Buffalo, New York, originator of the “Mass Mob” movement where Catholics go to old churches in the city for Mass. The Buffalo Mass Mob issued its own invitation. “If the pope came to Buffalo, it would be historic and a spiritual boost to the whole Niagara Frontier,” said Mass Mob organizer Greg Witul.
— Chicago. This invite was extended nearly two years ago by Cardinal Francis E. George, the now-retired archbishop of Chicago. “The cardinal extended a personal invitation to Pope Francis immediately after his selection as pope last year,” said Colleen Dolan, his spokeswoman. “Cardinal George invited the pope during their official papal greeting by stating: ‘You’ve taken my name (Francis), so why not let us welcome you to Chicago.'”
— Dallas. Students at the University of Dallas, a Catholic college, launched a letter-writing campaign to have Pope Francis visit. “Every single prayer and every single letter counts!” wrote student Alex Doucet in a message to students, alumni and their families.
— El Paso, Texas. “There is no community on the border that is as large as our own — with Juarez, El Paso and extending to the whole metropolitan area of Las Cruces — we think that’s a good reason and a great place to come, Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso told the El Paso Times. “This is also a great area to highlight the international cooperation that we have between our cities.” He issued the invitation jointly with Bishops Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Renato Ascencio Leon of Juarez, Mexico.
— Green Bay, Wisconsin: “It comes back to why not Green Bay?” Mayor Jim Schmitt told The Compass, Green Bay’s diocesan newspaper, last February. “It just seems that there’s a whole lot of synergy with what the pope speaks and what the greater community of Green Bay believes,” he said, adding it is possible the pope could celebrate Mass at Lambeau Field, home to football’s Green Bay Packers.
— St. Augustine, Florida. The diocese will celebrate its 450th anniversary in 2015. Mayor Joe Boles issued an invitation a year ago. The Freedom From Religion Foundation asked him to rescind it, saying it was “fiscally reckless” of the mayor to do so. Boles said he would not withdraw it.
— Tucson, Arizona. In August, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson said he personally wrote to Pope Francis to visit the U.S.-Mexico border to see firsthand immigrants fleeing their native countries and trying to cross the border. “Pope Francis has deep interest and concern for the plight of migrants,” Bishop Kicanas said, “and Tucson is the epicenter of the immigration movement across the border.”
Of course, it’s not just U.S. cities that are hoping for a papal visit. Mexico City has been talked about as one possible destination.
On that plane with reporters in August, Pope Francis said he could visit the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe — the patroness of the Americas — on the same trip, “but it is not certain.”
President Enrique Pena Nieto announced in June after a visit with Pope Francis in the Vatican that the pope had accepted an invitation to visit Mexico, but the Vatican has not confirmed that.
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, along with Vicar General Fr. Fred Adamson, were on hand Dec. 7 for the groundbreaking at St. Bernadette Parish.
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, along with Vicar General Fr. Fred Adamson, were on hand Dec. 7 for the groundbreaking at St. Bernadette Parish in Scottsdale. The parish community was founded in 1995 and has been meeting in a temporary worship space since then.
SCOTTSDALE —St. Bernadette parishioners have waited 20 years for the day they would break ground on a church.
On Dec. 7, the wait was over.
Inside the parish hall where Masses have been celebrated for the last 16 years, a countdown graced the wall next to the altar — a wheelbarrow and construction tools beneath it. The parish’s first permanent worship space will begin taking shape around the time the community celebrates its 20th anniversary Jan. 1.
Hundreds of parishioners processed out of Mass Dec. 7 singing and bearing a rosary. Their pastor, Fr. Pete Rossa, encouraged them to regularly pray for the success of the project.
By the time the faithful reached the parking lot and gathered around the site of the future cruciform worship space, they had donned mock construction hats with writing that memorialized the occasion.
“What we wish to do is give great glory and honor to God,” Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted said during his homily that touched on the idea of building a firm foundation, one with roots of peace and security in Christ. The bishop recognized the discussion and consensus building carried out over the years regarding the three-phase master plan. Construction of the church marks the midway point.
St. Bernadette
16245 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale
(480) 905-0221
“Today is a day many of us have dreamed of and too many of us have awaited,” Don Tellis, parish council president, told the crowd during the groundbreaking ceremony. He offered a communal “thank you” for the role each person played.
Zabinia Arvizu, a parishioner and seventh-grader at St. John XXIII School on the same grounds, spoke on behalf of the youth who invested time, energy and prayers. She said she looked forward to coming to the church to lay an array of emotions at the altar.
The 900-seat church will have a classic French design honoring the birthplace of its patron saint. It will also feature a choir loft, stained glass windows and a communion rail. More importantly, it will look like a Catholic church from the exterior and interior, Fr. Rossa said, “communicating the imminent and transcendent image of God.”
He told The Catholic Sun that a church building should express the universality of faith of the Church and that it should be beautiful and dignified.
Longtime parishioners recalled the early years of the parish.
“The hall has many memories, but we truly believe the time is now to build a sacred place of permanent worship,” said John Smith, one of St. Bernadette’s original parishioners.
Smith’s family settled in a home about a block from the church when they moved from Minnesota and he remembered the first Mass in a nearby school cafeteria. They also attended the first Mass in the parish hall 16 years ago. It’s still filled with moveable chairs and dull, hardwood floors.
Parishioner Sarah Larson reflected on church life today alongside her husband Erik. Sarah reminded the parish family to be thankful for what they have now and was confident that God’s graces guaranteed that list would be long. Still, she joined the spirit of Advent that was in the air as St. Bernadette parishioners await the countdown to the church’s dedication.
“I can hardly wait for the warmth and joy that will fill our hearts on that day,” Sarah said.
Fr. Rossa expressed a sense of gratitude for watching the parish community grow in faith since becoming pastor in 2007. He is eager to embrace the parish’s future.
“This has been a pinnacle of what the Lord has charged me with over the years, but it’s not the end,” Fr. Rossa said.
The church is scheduled for completion by the end of 2015 with planning underway to welcome an influx of new and returning parishioners. Future projects call for school and parish administration expansion plus renovation of the church hall.
Rendering of the interior of St. Bernadette Parish in ScottsdaleA young St. Bernadette parishioner examines renderings of the community’s first permanent worship space Dec. 7. (Ambria Hammel/CATHOLIC SUN)
