Catholic News Around Indiana
Compiled by Brandon A. Evans
Diocese of Evansville
Chalice connects three priests over 99 years
By MARY ANN HUGHES (Message staff writer)
“For most priests, the chalice is the most significant vessel that they use. Of all the vestments and vessels we use, it’s the most significant because it’s the one we use the most often, and because the Eucharist is at the heart of what we do as priests as far as being nourished ourselves and nourishing the people of God.
“The chalice is very significant.”
That’s how Father Alex Zenthoefer understands the importance of the chalice. He’s the assistant pastor at Holy Rosary Church and chaplain at Memorial High School, both in Evansville, and diocesan director of Vocations.
His own chalice has added significance, because it connects him to two other diocesan priests, and linking them all the way back to 1911.
He was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 2005. Before his ordination, he was given a chalice which had belonged to Father Eugene Dewig, who died in 2002. Father Dewig had been his pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Evansville, and he had used the chalice during his 50-plus years of priesthood.
Father Dewig had served as Father Alex’s mentor, and the two men often talked about the priesthood. “Before he died, we sat down. He wanted me to ask him questions about the priesthood, and that was helpful for me.”
“Then he pulled out a sheet he had prepared of things he thought I needed to know. He went through the list of things, which was wonderful. Then he hinted that he wanted me to have his chalice.”
Father Alex’s mom, Mary Ann, was the parish DRE at the time. “He told my mom he wanted me to have it. It was fitting, because the two biggest influences on my vocation were Father Dewig and my parents.
“Then in December of 2009, while he was doing a wedding someone asked where he had gotten his chalice. When he answered “from Father Dewig,” he was told that Father Dewig had received the chalice on June 3, 1950, on his ordination from Father Bernard Reidford.
Father Reidford had received the chalice from his parents on the occasion of his own ordination on June 10, 1911.
“It’s amazing,” he said, “when I use it. It’s so much more clear to me that what I do as a priest is so much bigger than myself. Jesus handed his ministry to the apostles, and I think I am in line. I’m doing my part for the Church.”
Photo caption: Father Bernard Reidford is shown with his parents John and Frances (Rexing) Reidford in this undated photo at St. Joseph parish in Vanderburgh County. A chalice, presented to him in 1911 by his parents, is now being used by Father Alex Zenthoefer. “This June, I am celebrating the ninety-ninth birthday of my chalice,” Father Alex said. He’s the assistant pastor at Holy Rosary Church and chaplain at Memorial High School, both in Evansville, and diocesan director of Vocations.
(For this story 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
Corpus Christi Procession unites Latino neighborhoods
By Jodi Magallanes
SOUTH BEND — Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades met the diocese’s Spanish-speaking faithful on Sunday, June 6, when hundreds accompanied him on a 1 2/3-mile Corpus Christi procession through the Hispanic neighborhoods between St. Matthew’s Cathedral and Our Lady of Hungary parishes in South Bend.
In observance of the solemnity, the afternoon began with Mass at the Cathedral — the first time the parish has hosted a Spanish-language Mass, and a first for the bishop as well.
“This is the first Mass in Spanish in the diocese for me, and it’s appropriate that it be for the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ,” he told worshippers. He then thanked them for being present to their new bishop.
“I’m very happy to celebrate this feast day with you, the Latino community of the diocese. When I received the news that Pope Benedict XVI would appoint me to this diocese, I was excited because I knew it had a Hispanic community. I was excited because I believe that your presence is a blessing to the U.S. Church,” he said.
Following the Eucharistic liturgy, the Body of Christ began its journey through the streets of South Bend’s near southwest side. Pilgrims emblazoned with the name of their home parish followed on foot and in song, with the Hispanic choir of St. John the Evangelist Church in Goshen providing live music.
At the procession’s second stop, Los Rosales market on South Michigan Street, Rebecca Rosales waited anxiously for the throng to arrive.
“We were so excited that they would have thought of us too,” she said. Rosales wanted to erect banners and hang flowers to enhance the appeal of the parking lot where a temporary altar was set up, but said the windy conditions precluded additional adornment.
Bishop Rhoades visits Center for the Homeless
By Diane Freeby
SOUTH BEND — Service to God and country was celebrated this past Memorial Day, as the feast of the Visitation also fell on May 31.
In South Bend, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades spent part of his day with some of the area’s neediest people, and those who serve them, at South Bend’s Center for the Homeless. Arriving in time for the center’s Monday evening meeting, he met with folks from a variety of backgrounds. Some shared their stories and everyone listened as Bishop Rhoades talked about some of his experiences as a priest and bishop.
“I wanted to be here tonight because I think this is an extremely important mission of the Church,” said Bishop Rhoades. “Not only financially, which we do support, but also spiritually, through our prayers and our outreach. I’m just so proud of people who are here to provide service, to help people who, for whatever reason, might be down and out. We’ve all had times like that in our lives, where we experience some troubles and challenges. Sometimes we need someone who’s going to be there for us … providing us a place or whatever kind of support we need.”
Bishop Rhoades had the attention of everyone in the room, which included people from many different religious backgrounds, or no religious background at all. He talked about the three greatest virtues, beginning with faith.
“Number two is hope,” continued Bishop Rhoades. “Even if things are really tough, there can always be a brighter day because the Lord is on our side. He’s always there to pick us up. … I’ve experienced that in my own life.
“And of course the greatest of the virtues, the third one, is love. God created us in His image, and if we’re ever going to be fulfilled in our lives it’s through love that we’re fulfilled,” he added. “That’s our vocation. I’m a bishop, and that’s my vocation. But whatever we’re called to do, we’re called to be self-giving. … I think everyone knows it’s through love that we find meaning in our lives. It’s the way God made us.”
The group, which included several veterans, responded with a lengthy applause. Sapphire Marks, who hopes to return to her military career in the National Guard, called the bishop’s talk “inspiring.” Bishop Rhoades said he would keep everyone there in his prayers.
Photo caption: Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades chats with residents Danny Forrest and John Peepers before a Memorial Day gathering at South Bend’s Center for the Homeless.
(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
St. Joe closes after 132 years: Final students urged to 'go make a difference'
Story by Steve Euvino
DYER—Melissa Higgason’s two children spent only one year at St. Joseph School, but she still feels blessed. The mother of a special-needs child, Higgason said St. Joseph provided her children’s “first real friends,” calling the school a “shining example of the goodness that is possible.”
Higgason spoke near the conclusion of the final school Mass for St. Joseph, June 3. The school, founded in 1878, is closing due to escalating costs and declining enrollment.
On a Thursday morning filled with tears flowing and cameras clicking, Principal Jane Smith thanked staff, students, parents, and volunteers, calling upon school families to “go out in St. Joseph style, heads held high.”
Smith, whose farewell comments received a standing ovation, provided treat bags and certificates for the students. Students then read thank-you letters to the faculty and staff. Father Terrence Steffens, pastor, cited the sadness of the closing in his homily. “It seems like things have died, but it’s not stopping here,” Father Steffens said. “There’s new life for each of us as time goes on through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Just as Father Steffens encouraged students to use the Holy Spirit’s gift of wisdom and make good choices, parents at Mass wore t-shirts with the message “Go make a difference” on the back. That was also the name of the closing hymn at Mass.
Dr. Barbara O’Block, diocesan school superintendent, attended the Mass. She commented later, “We have paid close attention to the BP oil spill, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and financial meltdown of Wall Street, the unending ups and downs of the war in the Middle East.”
Another tragedy, much closer to home, however, continues to unfold — the closings of our Catholic schools.
“Just as in other major catastrophes, the long-term results of these closings are not yet seen but appear to be potentially detrimental to the work of the Church in catechizing future generations of informed, involved, and inspired Catholics. This latest closing compels us to reaffirm our commitment to our Catholic schools and reinvigorate our efforts to keep them vital and viable.”
(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
100 years later, plans for landmark chapel look to future
By Kevin Cullen
RENSSELAER — A century ago this spring, on May 17, 1910, hundreds gathered to dedicate the resplendent new chapel at Saint Joseph’s College. Bishop Herman Alderding preached. The guest of honor was Indiana Gov. Thomas R. Marshall, a Protestant who praised Catholic education.
The $100,000, 15-month construction project was the costliest in the history of the college, but the result was one of the most beautiful churches in northwest Indiana.
Its two 130-foot towers could be seen for miles across the Jasper County prairie; the gilded, shimmering interior was filled with columns, statues, artwork, candlestick holders, Communion rails, a forest of varnished oak, and nine altars.
Today, 100 years later, the chapel still symbolizes the college and its image appears on logos and publications. The centennial will be marked in conjunction with an induction luncheon for college fellows on June 5. Meanwhile, fund raising and planning are under way for renovations needed for a second century of service.
“It’s a beautiful old building, but it certainly needs some restoration,” said Bess Thomas, of Chicago, who walked through the building before attending her nephew’s commencement exercises. “It really is a diamond in the rough and I’m glad to know they’re going to do something with it.”
The building is structurally sound, but it is inaccessible to the handicapped. It also needs mechanical upgrades and major redecorating.
A “Chapel Complex Endowment” fund-raising campaign ended June 30, 2008. Under its provisions, when all pledges were paid in full, and the fund balance reached $1 million, 5 percent of the endowment, or $50,000 a year, was to be used for maintenance and renovation of the structure.
The goal of $1 million in pledges has been reached, but more donations are being sought to create a larger endowment and greater interest earnings.
Meanwhile, the college is working with architect Andrew Guljas, diocesan facilities management coordinator, to solicit information from architectural firms experienced in church restoration. The Missionaries of the Precious Blood, founders and sponsors of the college, will be involved in deciding what to do, and when.
Photo caption: The chapel at Saint Joseph’s College, dedicated in May 1910, has remained “the religious and spiritual heart of our campus,” says Father Kevin Scalf, CPPS, a Precious Blood priest and director of campus ministry at the school. (Photo by Kevin Cullen)
(For this story and more news from the Diocese of Lafayette, log on to the website of The Catholic Moment at www.thecatholicmoment.org)