Catholic News Around Indiana
Compiled by Brandon A. Evans
Diocese of Evansville
Puppet ministry: Mission: To introduce Christ to those who don’t know him
By MARY ANN HUGHES (Message staff writer)
Olyvia Symon is a quiet child, but she can do an amazing British accent, and she smiles broadly as she thinks about her participation in the Hands of Joy Puppet Ministry at St. Joseph School in Vanderburgh County.
Its mission statement is “to introduce Christ to those who may not know him; enrich the faith of those who do; and provide an avenue by which each person may carry out his or her calling.”
Sharon Vogler is the DRE at St. Joseph parish, and she says, “It’s a great ministry for the parish.”
The group began at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Evansville, and about 10 years ago young parishioners at St. Joe were invited to participate.
Today this interdenominational group has eight to 10 young adults and three adult leaders.
Two years ago, a “Beginning Hands of JOY” group was formed at St. Joe School. It started with 12 members and one adult leader, and it has grown to 20 members and three adult leaders.
Both groups perform through-out the Evansville area at nursing homes, churches and vacation bible schools.
Patty Schnautz and Shirley Tillman lead the advanced group; Kim Bruk, Donna Hiestand and Denise Weil work with the younger group.
The programs, which range from 20 to 40 minutes, offer both songs and dialogue. Patty explained that the songs use contemporary music and lyrics which have been rewritten to reflect a “Christian message. ‘YMCA’ becomes ‘Why Not Today,’ and ‘10 Things I Don’t Like About You’ is transformed into ‘10 Things God Commands.’
“The tunes bring you in, but the message is Christian.”
The music and lyrics are purchased, and Patty has become the script writer for the puppet shows. Common themes include “Pray Without Ceasing,” “The Meaning of Christmas,” and “Jesus Loves You.”
She says the ministry is time-consuming but she does it “because we are called to serve however we can.
“I love to write, and I usually write the scripts. It’s a chance to be creative, and still serve God.”
Photo caption: Members and leaders of the advanced Hands of JOY group include, front row, Shannan Schrum, Carrie Schnautz, Danielle Schmitt, Jessica Vaal, second row, Patty Schnautz, Shirley Tillman, Cindy Schmitt, Ken Schnautz, Rob Schnautz, Alex Miller and Aaron Sather.)
(For these stories and more news from the Diocese of Evansville, log on to the website of The Message at www.themessageonline.org)
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Bishop D’Arcy receives President’s Medal at Saint Mary’s College commencement
NOTRE DAME — Most Rev. John M. D’Arcy, bishop-emeritus of the Diocese of Fort-Wayne South Bend, and John J. O’Connor, outgoing chair of the college’s board of trustees were the recipients of the prestigious President’s Medal at the 163rd Annual Commencement at Saint Mary’s College, held Saturday, May 15. The medal is presented rarely and exclusively to those who have offered exceptional contributions to the life of the college and society.
Bishop D’Arcy, who retired in January, has been a faithful servant to the people of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend for 25 years. As bishop, he engaged in ongoing dialogue with four Saint Mary’s presidents, and in 1991, Bishop D’Arcy received an honorary degree from the college. He participated regularly in campus events and enjoyed a climate of trust, mutual understanding and shared vision with the college.
As his citation reads, “Always pastoral, he frequently celebrated Mass with students. He lingered long afterward to answer questions and engage in conversation with the young women who were interested in deepening their faith. As the celebrant of our baccalaureate Mass, he shared the story of his graduation without any special honors, not even the prize for religion. He told students and parents that the greatest award of all, the one that counted most, was their diploma from Saint Mary’s College.”
John J. O’Connor, of New Canaan, Conn., is the vice chancellor and secretary of the State University of New York and also the president of its Research Foundation. The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States. He brought more than 25 years of senior level expertise in higher education to his position on the Saint Mary’s College Board of Trustees.
Photo caption: Saint Mary’s College President Carol Ann Mooney presents Bishop-emeritus John M. D’Arcy, with the prestigious President’s Medal at Saint Mary’s College’s 163rd Commencement held on Saturday, May 15. The medal is presented rarely and exclusively to those who have offered exceptional contributions to the life of the college and society. As bishop, he engaged in ongoing dialogue with four Saint Mary’s presidents, and in 1991, Bishop D’Arcy received an honorary degree from the college. Bishop D’Arcy participated regularly in campus events and enjoyed a climate of trust, mutual understanding and shared vision with the college. Also receiving a President’s Medal was John O’Connor of New Canaan, Conn., the outgoing chair of the college’s board of trustees.
Area Catholic students receive top theology awards at Notre Dame
By Karen Clifford
NOTRE DAME — Sometimes, the best things in life are home grown.
The University of Notre Dame’s theology faculty, led by its chair Professor John Cavadini, conferred two awards upon four students on April 26. The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend was well represented with the selection of Caroline Murphy, a graduate from Saint Joseph’s High School and Justin Bartkus from Marian High School as two of the award recipients.
Msgr. Michael Heintz, director of the Master of Divinity Program in Theology at the University of Notre Dame and rector of St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend, was elated at the selection of Murphy and Bartkus.
“It is a really great honor to have two of the four undergraduate winners be graduates of our two Catholic high schools,” Msgr. Heintz says. “I could not be more proud of them both.”
Bartkus received the Rev. Joseph H. Cavanaugh, CSC, Award, which was established in 1960 and, “is given annually to a graduating senior(s) who has evidenced high qualities of personal character and academic achievement, particular in theological studies.”
Murphy received the Gertrude Austin Marti Award, which was established in 1987, and is given annually “to a senior who has given evidence of excellent qualities of personal character and academic achievement in theology.”
Robert Krieg, director of undergraduate studies in the Theology Department at the University of Notre Dame, described some of the criteria used in the selection of students for these awards.
“The recipients of these two awards are graduating seniors who have shown academic excellence in general and, in particular, in theological studies, that is, in Christian faith seeking understanding. Moreover, they have manifested outstanding personal character as evidenced in maturity, integrity, community service and a love of learning. The award winners are selected by the theology department’s chairperson in consultation with the department’s Collegiate Committee.”
Cavadini adds that with 200 theology majors within the department, the selection of local students is especially rewarding.
Photo caption: The University of Notre Dame’s theology faculty, led by its chair Professor John Cavadini, center, conferred two awards upon four students on April 26, including Caroline Murphy, left, a graduate from Saint Joseph’s High School and Justin Bartkus, right, from Marian High School. Murphy received the Gertrude Austin Marti Award, and Bartkus received the Rev. Joseph H. Cavanaugh, CSC, Award.
(For these stories and more news from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, log on to the website of Today’s Catholic at www.todayscatholicnews.org)
Diocese of Gary
Grads urged to cultivate wisdom during transition period
Story by Steve Euvino
HAMMOND—Rita Blake picked up an associate degree in religious studies 22 years ago. One husband, five children, and one step grandchild later, she earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Calumet College of St. Joseph May 15.
Soon to retire as a special education paraprofessional, Blake said that after her husband and all her children received college degrees, “I wanted to get my degree. I’m the first member of my own family to graduate from college.”
A member of Assumption BVM, New Chicago, Blake believed, as Bishop Dale J. Melczek said at the CCSJ baccalaureate Mass, that this is a time of transition for graduates. It is also a time to share what they have learned in college with others.
The day’s readings deal with people in transition, including Jesus and St. Paul. Just as Jesus tells the apostles that he will not leave them orphans, “that whatever they ask the Father in his name, the Father will give them.”
The bishop noted, “These are mighty comforting words for you as you transition from this point in your life to
whatever the future holds.”
Bishop Melczek expressed his hope that the graduates have gained not only knowledge to guide them personally and professionally but that the college provided them with the “cultivation of humanity,’ or wisdom.
From a Catholic perspective, the bishop said, wisdom is not only stored knowledge but “a sense of the ultimate meaning and significance of human existence.” Wisdom, the bishop said, has four dimensions: critical thinking, personal integration of knowledge, the religious significance of human existence, and the concept of community over exaggerated individualism.
“We cannot be closed in on ourselves without betraying others,” the bishop said. “We are rational beings, possessing our lives — our integral human development — only by way of relationships: first with God, then with others.”
At its 48th commencement, Calumet College presented 11 associate degrees, 272 baccalaureate degrees, and 96 master’s degrees.
(For this story and more news from the Diocese of Gary, log on to the website of the Northwest Indiana Catholic at www.nwicatholic.com)
Diocese of Lafayette
New bishop announced, installation July 15
By Kevin Cullen
LAFAYETTE — Bishop-elect Timothy L. Doherty said “yes” to God and the Church in 1976 when he was ordained a priest for his home diocese, the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois.
He has said “yes” again by accepting the pope’s call to serve as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. The appointment was announced May 12; the installation will be celebrated July 15.
“I am humbled by the call of our Holy Father Benedict XVI. This part of my priesthood was not anticipated,” he said at a news conference held May 12 at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception.
The retirement of Bishop William L. Higi was announced at the same time. A prayer service and reception followed.
“I am privileged to be with you,” Bishop-elect Doherty told the crowd of approximately 100, “and besides acknowledging the common faith that draws us all here … the discipleship of Christ, I am simply pledging myself to you and I ask for your prayers and help.
“It’s just such a transition — for which I’m appreciative — but it’s all new,” said the former parish priest, a monsignor, who was diocesan health care ethicist.
“... I like to say I was in charge of leaks, lights, locks, loans and lawns … today, it’s a different life.”
Bishop Higi, 76, bishop since 1984, will serve as apostolic administrator until Bishop-elect Doherty, 59, is ordained and installed.
The new bishop-elect was greeted with a standing ovation by diocesan staff, clergy and well-wishers. He said he had no “grand vision or plan at this point.”
He declined to discuss any challenges facing the diocese, because, he said with a smile, he had been in Lafayette for only one hour.
Following long tradition, strict secrecy surrounded the appointment, and that limited his ability to make contact.
When he received the call on April 16, Msgr. Doherty was the pastor of two parishes: St. Catherine of Siena, in Dundee, Ill., and St. Mary Mission, in Gilberts, Ill. The Dundee parish is large and suburban; the Gilberts parish is small and rural.
Photo caption: Bishop-elect Timothy L. Doherty (left) is introduced at a news conference in Lafayette May 12. He will succeed Bishop William L. Higi (right) as bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. (Photo by Caroline B. Mooney)
Local Church members welcome new shepherd
By Kevin Cullen
LAFAYETTE—Bishop-elect Timothy L. Doherty has spent most of his life in his home diocese, the Diocese of Rockford, Ill. But he quickly impressed those who attended a May 12 news conference at which he was introduced to the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.
Seminarian Pete Logsdon said he was touched by Bishop-elect Doherty’s sometimes-emotional remarks about leaving his two parishes to begin a new phase of his ministry in Indiana.
“When he talked about leaving home, that personalized him for me,” said Logsdon, a member of St. Patrick Church, Kokomo, who is studying for the priesthood at Saint Meinrad School of Theology. “I left California and am now in this diocese, so I can relate to that. I left a career; I left a lot of roots behind, but I feel that those roots just help us grow where we are planted.”
His background in health care struck a chord with Terry Wilson, CEO for the Western Indiana Region of Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, which operates Catholic hospitals in Lafayette and Crawfordsville.
“I look forward to working with him when he becomes bishop,” Wilson said. “I think it will be wonderful to have someone with that background, training and experience to help lead our efforts for Catholic health care in the diocese. That is a very good thing, especially now when the challenges get tougher and tougher, as he said, to make sure Catholic health care is contributing in the way it should.
“To have somebody like that on your side, helping to lead the effort, is very valuable.”
“He seems extremely bright and extremely nice,” said Father Paul Cochran, pastor of St. Mary Church in Alexandria and St. Joseph Church in Elwood.
“Each bishop has brought something to the diocese. I am sure our new bishop will bring something to the diocese as well,” he said.
Pamelia Storms-Barrett, development director at St. Theodore Guerin High School, Noblesville, said she appreciated Bishop-elect Doherty’s expressions of support for Catholic schools, and the fact that he spent 14 years teaching full-time and part-time in Catholic high schools.
“Catholic education has been an important part of Bishop Higi’s legacy, and we want to make sure it is carried on,” she said. “Having a bishop with experience working in Catholic schools, especially Catholic high schools, can only benefit us. He knows about the various roadblocks we face and the hurdles we must overcome to provide quality Catholic education.”
(For these stories and more news from the Diocese of Lafayette, log on to the website of The Catholic Moment at www.thecatholicmoment.org)