DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD—CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI

by Paula Wright Springfield, MO

Gather at the Summit! As the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau moves from maintenance to

mission, all are invited to participate in the Evangelization and Discipleship Summit where they will receive inspiration and practical resources for HOW to do this. Especially those involved in direct parish and Catholic school ministry: all clergy, Parish Pastoral Council members; Catholic School Principals; Directors/Coordinators of PSR, RCIA, Campus Ministry, and Youth Ministry; all teachers and catechists are encouraged to attend. The keynote address, “We Are Called to Missionary Discipleship,” by Deacon Keith Strohm, will explore the joy and importance of missionary discipleship and help us experience the power of God’s love so that we might become more fruitful channels of God’s love for the world. A well-known international and conference keynote speaker, Dcn. Keith has helped tens of thousands of men and women hear the Gospel message and encounter the mercy, love, and power of Jesus Christ. He has extensive experience in creating and sustaining processes and programs of evangelization and formation at the group, parish, and diocesan level that focus on the making, maturation, and missioning of disciples of Jesus Christ. He is the Executive Director of M3 Catholic Ministries and a long-time teacher and collaborator with the Catherine of Siena Institute.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS WILL INCLUDE:

• “Forming the Parish Pastoral Plan for Moving the Parish from Maintenance to Mission,” led by Deacon Strohm, for Pastors and Parish

Council Members. Deacon Strohm will lay the foundation for parish transformation and provide a simple framework for beginning the process of moving from maintenance to mission.

• “Evangelizing Catechesis,” presented by Dr. James Pauley. Dr. Pauley is Professor of Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University and has taught at the university since 2002. In 2014, Dr. Pauley was appointed editor of The Catechetical Review, Franciscan University’s journal dedicated to evangelization and catechesis. Dr. Pauley began working as a parish catechetical leader in 1989 and has served professionally in parish, diocesan, and university catechetical formation for more than 30 years. Having received his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in 2014, he is a frequent speaker in dioceses and parishes nationwide. He recently authored a new book entitled, An Evangelizing Catechesis: Teaching from Your Encounter with Christ.

Dr. Pauley describes this breakout session by saying, “We want our catechesis to be fruitful. We want participants to truly hear the Gospel, to take its life-changing content to heart, so that they might become authentic disciples of Jesus. How can the Gospel message be proclaimed today in ways it can be heard? How can we teach while also giving them opportunities to take little steps forward toward Jesus and an emerging life of discipleship? Join me as we discuss strategies for a renewed catechesis.”

• Person to Person Evangelization,” presented by Ryan O’Hara, who serves as the Content Director for Saint Paul’s Outreach, a national Catholic organization that ministers to college

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The next issue of The Mirror will be September 17, 2021.Sign up to receive the diocesan newspaper via Email in digital format: Contact Debbie Thompson at (417) 866-0841, or Email: [email protected].

Evangelization & Discipleship SummitMOVING OUR DIOCESE FROM ‘MAINTENANCE TO MISSION’

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL COHORT MEETING—Bishop Edward M. Rice and diocesan staffers, spoke to priests gathered in Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff, about the new “Parish Pastoral Council Norms,” taking the priorities of our Mutually Shared Vision and putting them into a practical framework that can be applied to the parish setting. The upcoming diocesan Evangelization & Discipleship Summit will inspire and assist parish leadership in moving our faith communities from “maintenance-mode” to a more “mission-minded” culture, one of seeking out those whom we may not see each Sunday in our churches but who long for an encounter with Christ through the sacraments. Please join us Oct. 9 & Oct. 10 AT THE SUMMIT! (The Mirror)

PLEASE REGISTER BY OCT. 1ST GO ONLINE USING THE QR CODE

OR GO TO WWW.DIOSCG.ORG/EC-EVENTS

PLEASE JOIN ME AT THE SUMMIT!

LET US DISCOVER TOGETHER NEW WAYS TO BRING PEOPLE INTO AN ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST,

ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE EUCHARIST.

– The Most Rev. Edward M. Rice, Bishop, Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau

THE SUMMIT IS BEING OFFERED FREE OF COST TO ALL PARTICIPANTS THROUGH A GENEROUS FINANCIAL GIFT FROM THE MISSOURI STATE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, RELIGIOUS INFORMATION BUREAU.

2 The Mirror September 3, 2021

True discipleship: Prayer, study, joy, and service

COME, ANDYOU WILL SEEBp. Edward M. Rice

COLUMN

FRI. , SEPT. 108:00 am CCSOMO Board Mass & Breakfast meeting; 10:30 am Blessing of new cross in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Springfield;6:15 pm CCSOMO Dinner for Life, “Play it Forward,” WhiteRiverConferenceCenter,Springfield

SAT., SEPT. 114:00 pm SacramentofConfirmation,St.Mary,Lamar

SUN., SEPT. 129:00 am Installation Mass for Fr. Shoby Chettiyath, V.G.,asPastor,ImmaculateConception,Springfield

MON., SEPT. 139:00 am Zoom Meeting: USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth

TUES., SEPT. 149:05 amGrandparentsDayMassatSpringfieldCatholic High School5:30 pm Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Mass & RosaryatSt.AgnesCathedral,Springfield

WED., SEPT. 1511:00 am Mass and visit at Nazareth Hermitage, Ava

THU., SEPT. 16 Diocesan Development Fund Planning meeting, The Catholic Center

FRI. , SEPT. 177:00 pm Diaconate Ordination for Nicholas Newton at St.AgnesCathedral,Springfield

SAT., SEPT. 184:00 pm Mass at St. Joseph Parish, Billings7:00 pm SCHS Alumni Reunion Dinner

SUN., SEPT. 19 8:00 am ConfirmationMassatSts.Peter&PaulParish, Pulaskifield

MON., SEPT. 20 Catholic Extension Bishop’s Conference, Chicago (Sept. 20-23, 2021)

PUBLIC CALENDAR

Sept. 10, 2021 - Sept. 20, 2021

September Intention: May we draw close to the Cross of Christ, the sign of our salvation (Sept. 14 - Exaltation of the Cross). And May St. Joseph protect and watch over all students, faculties, and staff in our schools and PSR programs.

As we look in horror at the unfolding of events in Afghanistan and the

loss of military personnel, let us remember to pray for those who are still stranded in that country. Vatican News recently reported that two Jesuit priests and four Missionaries of Charity, the Order founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta, are stranded in that country. In addition, “Children of Kabul,” an Italian association of priests and religious sisters who run a free day center for children with mental disabilities, employing Afghan women as staff and teachers, are reported to be safe at the moment (Aug. 26) but there are no guarantees after Aug. 31, the deadline for the US to be out of the country. Let us all take up the Rosary and ask Our Lady to intercede in ways unknown to us. I will be offering the Rosary on September 14, Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, for our medical personnel and I have asked all our parishes to do the same. Let us also remember to pray for peace in the Middle East and Afghanistan and the protection of our military personnel as well.

CATECHETICAL SUNDAYCatechetical Sunday is Sept. 19, 2021. This is a great opportunity to offer a public commissioning of our Directors of Religious Educators, CRE’s, and all catechists. Lynn Melendez has sent information from the USCCB to our pastors with resources on how to commission catechists. Most of the catechists that teach in our PSR programs are volunteers who are doing their best to pass on the faith to the next generation. Maybe they have a child in the class or simply have a love for the faith and want to do their part to evangelize. Whatever their motivation, our catechists are the unsung heroes of the diocese. FREE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION RESOURCESI am so grateful to the Knights of Columbus for funding the

Franciscan University of Steubenville On-Line Catechetical Institute. With this program, every parishioner of every parish in the diocese has access to the latest, quality content in Catholic faith formation. I have constantly stated that the resources provided through the Online Catechetical Institute is a real “game changer” for the diocese. The flip-side, however, is that people must take the time to use the resources. The latest and greatest is useless if people do not take advantage of the content.

EVANGELIZATION & DISCIPLESHIP SUMMITAlong with the On-Line Catechetical Institute, the Knights of Columbus are also collaborating on a new diocesan endeavor, the Evangelization and Discipleship Summit. I thank the Knights for their financial support and Lynn Melendez for organizing the upcoming Summit, being offered on Oct. 9 at Holy Trinity Parish, in Springfield, and Oct. 10 in St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cape Girardeau. The goal of this gathering is to provide inspiration and practical tools to move our diocese and parishes “from maintenance to mission,” thus fulfilling the priorities of our Mutually Shared Vision: growing in holiness, forming intentional disciples, and being sent forth to witness. When people ask me what that means, I tell the details of the interview of Cardinal Tobin, Cardinal Archbishop of Newark. When asked what was the biggest challenge facing the Church

today, he replied, “Closing the gap between life and faith.” Such a move requires a more than surface-level relationship with Jesus. It requires more than simply knowing the details of His life and message. It is about encountering Jesus, in prayer and the Sacraments, giving my life to Him, inviting him into the slop of my life, accepting the gift of salvation from him. When that happens, then His life is my life, His message is my message. There is no more gap between faith and life! All that we do is seen in the light of faith. When we close that gap, there is no duplicity, no time, no event

that is not an expression of faith. When we close the gap, we make the

conscious choice to walk the walk with Christ. That is moving from “maintenance to mission.” Such a choice will have consequences in the life of a Christian and eventually in the life of the parish. Just think of what our parishes could be if we all are on that road moving our communities from “maintenance [serving those who show up] to mission [calling souls to Christ].” I get excited just thinking about it. I encourage all parish ministers to attend. You can register Online or go to www.dioscg.org/ec-events. We are at a critical moment in the Church of Southern Missouri and now is the time to move from “maintenance to mission” – There is no greater task before us. I hope to see you there! ©TM

September 3, 2021 The Mirror 3COLUMNA

El verdadero discipulado: oración, estudio, alegría y servicio

VEN Y VERÁSObispo Edward M. Rice

Mientras contemplamos con horror el desarrollo de los acontecimientos en

Afganistán y la pérdida de militares, recordemos que debemos rezar por los que todavía están varados en ese país. Noticias Vaticanas informó recientemente de que dos sacerdotes jesuitas y cuatro Misioneras de la Caridad, la orden fundada por Santa Teresa de Calcuta, están varados en ese país. Además, «Niños de Kabul», una asociación italiana de sacerdotes y religiosas que dirigen un centro de día gratuito para niños con discapacidades mentales, que emplea a mujeres afganas como personal y profesoras, parece estar a salvo por el momento (26 de agosto), pero no hay garantías después del 31 de agosto, fecha límite para que Estados Unidos salga del país. Tomemos todos el Rosario y pidamos a la Virgen que interceda en formas desconocidas para nosotros. Voy a ofrecer el Rosario el 14 de septiembre, fiesta de la Exaltación de la Cruz por nuestro personal médico y he pedido a todas nuestras parroquias que hagan lo mismo. Recordemos también rezar por la paz en Oriente Medio y Afganistán y por la protección de nuestro personal militar.

DOMINGO DE LA CATEQUESISEl Domingo de la Catequesis es el 19 de septiembre de 2021. Esta es una gran

oportunidad para ofrecer una comisión pública de nuestros Directores de Educación Religiosa, CRE’s, y todos los catequistas. Lynn Meléndez ha enviado información de la Conferencia de los Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos a nuestros párrocos con recursos sobre cómo comisionar a los catequistas. La mayoría de los catequistas que enseñan en nuestros programas de RSP son voluntarios que hacen todo lo posible por transmitir la fe a la siguiente generación. Tal vez tengan un hijo en la clase o simplemente tengan amor por la fe y quieran aportar su granito de arena a la evangelización. Sea cual sea su motivación, nuestros catequistas son los héroes anónimos de la diócesis.

RECURSOS GRATUITOS DE EDUCACIÓN RELIGIOSAEstoy muy agradecido a los Caballeros de Colón por financiar el Instituto Catequético en Línea de la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville. Con este programa, todos los feligreses de todas las parroquias de la diócesis tienen acceso a los contenidos más recientes y de calidad en materia de formación en la fe católica. He afirmado constantemente que los recursos proporcionados a través del Instituto Catequético en Línea son algo auténticamente revolucionario para la diócesis. Sin embargo, la otra cara de la moneda es que la gente debe dedicar tiempo a utilizar los recursos. Lo último y lo mejor no sirve de nada si la gente no

aprovecha el contenido.

CUMBRE DE EVANGELIZACIÓN Y DISCIPULADOJunto con el Instituto Catequético en Línea, los Caballeros de Colón también están colaborando en un nuevo esfuerzo diocesano, la Cumbre de Evangelización y Discipulado. Agradezco a los Caballeros por su apoyo financiero y a Lynn Meléndez por organizar la próxima Cumbre, que se ofrecerá el 9 de octubre en la Parroquia de la Santísima Trinidad, en Springfield, y el 10 de octubre en la Parroquia de San Vicente de Paúl, en Cape Girardeau. El objetivo de este encuentro es proporcionar inspiración y herramientas prácticas para que nuestra diócesis y nuestras parroquias pasen «del mantenimiento a la misión», cumpliendo así las prioridades de nuestra Visión Compartida: crecer en santidad, formar discípulos intencionales y ser enviados a dar testimonio. Cuando la gente me pregunta qué significa eso, cuento los detalles de la entrevista del cardenal Tobin, cardenal arzobispo de Newark. Cuando se le preguntó cuál era el mayor reto al que se enfrenta la Iglesia hoy, respondió: «Cerrar la brecha entre la vida y la fe». Tal movimiento requiere una relación con Jesús más allá de una simple relación superficial. Requiere más que simplemente

conocer los detalles de su vida y su mensaje. Se trata de encontrar a Jesús, en la oración y en los sacramentos, entregarle mi vida, invitarle a entrar en la pendiente de mi vida, aceptar de él el don de la salvación. Cuando eso sucede, entonces su vida es mi vida, y su mensaje se convierte en mi mensaje. ¡No hay más brecha entre la fe y la vida! Todo lo que hacemos se ve a la luz de la fe. Cuando cerramos esa brecha, no hay duplicidad, ni tiempo, ni evento que no sea una expresión de fe. Cuando cerramos la brecha, tomamos la decisión consciente de caminar con Cristo. Eso es pasar «del mantenimiento a la misión». Tal elección tendrá consecuencias en la vida de un cristiano y eventualmente en la vida de la parroquia. Piensa en lo que podrían ser nuestras parroquias si todos estuviéramos en ese camino que hace que nuestras comunidades pasen del «mantenimiento [servir a los que se presentan] a la misión [llamar a las almas a Cristo]». Me emociona sólo de pensarlo. Animo a todos los ministros de la parroquia a asistir. Puedes inscribirte en línea o ir a www.dioscg.org/ec-events. Estamos en un momento crítico en la Iglesia del Sur de Missouri y ahora es el momento de pasar «del mantenimiento a la misión»; no hay mayor tarea ante nosotros. ¡Espero verte allí! ©TM

students on campus. He is passionate about seeing Catholics come alive in Christ, grow to spiritual maturity and become apostles to the people in their life. O’Hara has a B.A. in History from William Jewell College and an M.A. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame.

In this breakout session, O’Hara addresses how individuals can evangelize, sharing the Gospel message, through the small opportunities and encounters they have with others each day.

In addition to the speakers and sessions, there will be opportunities

to meet with other parish council and ministry leaders to share ideas.

TWO SUMMIT OPPORTUNITIESThere are two (2) opportunities to

attend; summits will be held in both Springfield and Cape Girardeau.

SPRINGFIELD: Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Church

CAPE GIRARDEAU: Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, 12 p.m.–5:30 p.m., St. Vincent De Paul Church

Lunch will be provided.

Register for the Summit before October 1. For more information and to register Online, go to www.dioscg.org/ec-events ©TM

Sources: https://review.catechetics.com/Dr-James-Pauley; https://osv.com/about-osv/osv-authors/deacon-keith-strohm;

Continued from page 1: Moving our Diocese from ‘Maintenance to Mission’

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Celebrations

SUNDAY, OCT. 3, 2021, 2:30 PM ST. MARY CATHEDRAL, CAPE GIRARDEAU

SUNDAY, OCT. 17, 2021, 2:30 PM ST. AGNES CATHEDRAL, SPRINGFIELD

For us to properly prepare, we ask that couples RSVP by Sept. 24, 2021.

Register by scanning the QR code, or go to the Family Life page at dioscg.org, or call or email Kim Brayman, [email protected],

(417) 866-0841.

ALL MARRIED COUPLES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO JOIN US

FOR THE ANNUAL DIOCESAN

“THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL FILLS THE

HEARTS AND LIVES OF ALL WHO ENCOUNTER

JESUS…I WISH TO ENCOURAGE THE

CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL TO EMBARK UPON

A NEW CHAPTER OF EVANGELIZATION

MARKED BY THIS JOY, WHILE POINTING OUT NEW PATHS FOR THE

CHURCH’S JOURNEY IN YEARS TO COME.”

– Pope Francis, “Evangelii Gaudium,” no. 1

4 The Mirror September 3, 2021DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

Saint Francis expands services with new facilitiesCape Girardeau

Saint Francis Healthcare System is expanding healthcare services across southeast Missouri in Jackson, Sikeston, Charleston, East Prairie,

Scott City, Cape Girardeau, and Poplar Bluff. “We are excited to grow throughout the region and provide enhanced services for the communities we are privileged to serve,” says Dr. Maryann Reese, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Francis. “There has been a shift away from hospital-based care, with a greater emphasis on prevention and treatment in an outpatient, ambulatory clinic setting. With these new service offerings, Saint Francis will continue the Mission and ministry begun nearly 150 years ago to improve the health and well-being of southeast Missouri for years to come.” Saint Francis Clinic Jackson, located at 2130 E. Jackson Blvd., opened Mon., Aug. 9, and offers primary care, counseling services, onsite lab and imaging, and extended urgent care hours on nights and weekends. The new clinic brings all Saint Francis primary and urgent care services in Jackson under one roof in a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility that best meets the needs of patients and the Jackson community. Saint Francis recently closed on an 18-acre land purchase for the property located between Highway H and I-55 at Exit 67 behind the Drury Inn and Suites in Sikeston. Construction of a new facility will begin later this year, and open 2023. When complete, all services at Ferguson Medical Group in Sikeston will move to the new facility. “Our goal is to provide exceptional care to our patients,” says Jason Bandermann, MBA, Vice President of Saint Francis Medical Partner Operations – Northeast. “Primary and urgent care services are

essential for keeping patients out of the hospital and keeping their costs low. These new facilities will provide patients a spacious, state-of-the-art care experience,

all in the comfort of their home community.” Saint Francis plans to expand primary and urgent care services with major building projects at the Ferguson Medical Group clinics in Charleston, East Prairie, and Scott City, and at Cape Primary Care and Immediate Convenient Care in Cape Girardeau. In Poplar Bluff, Saint Francis has expanded services and renamed its facility Saint Francis Medical Center Poplar Bluff, located at 225 Physicians Park Drive. The Medical Center in Poplar Bluff houses an Ambulatory Surgery Center, primary and specialty care, high-acuity urgent care with extended hours and onsite ancillary services such as lab, imaging and pharmacy. Additionally, Saint Francis Medical Center Poplar Bluff will provide counseling, audiology, and physical therapy services. “In Poplar Bluff, our services are unparalleled in the community, and our physicians are known and trusted, sometimes for generations,” says Christy Shawan, Vice President of Saint Francis Medical Partner Operations – Southwest. “By providing comprehensive services in one location, Poplar Bluff and the surrounding communities benefit from the high-quality and patient-centered care Saint Francis Healthcare System offers across our region.” The projects will create jobs and expand healthcare services to more residents across southeast Missouri. “As the leading regional care provider, it is our responsibility to make a positive economic impact on the region. Utilizing local resources, these projects will

promote growth for southeast Missouri beyond the wellness Saint Francis provides its patients,” said Dr. Reese. For more information, visit www.sfmc.net. ©TM

Saint Francis Healthcare System is guided by its mission to provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality, and love inspired by faith in Jesus Christ. Founded by Franciscan Sisters in 1875, our priority remains the same: serve all who enter with dignity, compassion, and joy.

EXPANDING HEALTH CARE—Saint Francis Healthcare System is expanding healthcare services across southeast Missouri in Jackson, Sikeston, Charleston, East Prairie, Scott City, Cape Girardeau, and Poplar Bluff. Pictured is its facility in Jackson, which opened Aug. 9. (Submitted photo)

September 3, 2021 The Mirror 5

The Mirror: Newspaper of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau USPS Publication 117-330 Publisher: The Most Rev. Edward Rice Editor: Leslie A. EidsonCirculation/Advertising: Debbie Thompson, [email protected] Communication Specialist: Paula Wright, [email protected]

Published every other week at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. Address all communications to 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143; Telephone (417) 866-0841; Email [email protected]

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Mirror, 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806-3143. When giving change of address, state both old and new address, also old and new parish.Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, MO, and additional mailing offices. Vol. LVII No. 10 September 3, 2021 Single copy price, $0.50 Subscription: $14 per year.

Digital subscriptions available as an option to USPS delivery with paid subscription. For more information, contact [email protected] © 2021, The Mirror, CNA, USCCB, The Vatican, as noted. The Mirror OnLine: www.dioscg.org

“Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau” @DioSCG DioSCG

DIOCESAN NEWS/ADVERTISING

Belleville, IL—The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows and the St. Clair County Mental Health Board Suicide Prevention Alliance invite you to attend “Question, Persuade, Refer” Train-ing on Wed., Sept. 8, 6-7 p.m., in the Shrine’s Guild Center. This training is free for anyone who wants to know how to help someone who is strug-gling with thoughts of suicide. Regis-tration is required. The “We Remember You” Candlelight Vigil will be held Wed., Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., at the Shrine’s Lourdes Grotto, where we remember in song and prayer those who have died by suicide and their loved ones at this event. Register for either program online at snows.org/vigil or call (618) 394-6281 to register or for more information.

Branson—The Knights of Columbus Council #6470 will sponsor a Sporting Clay Charity Shoot on Sat., Sept. 11, at Ozark Shooters Sports Complex, in Walnut Shade. Participation is open to the public and sponsorships are available. Proceeds to benefit Missouri Special Olympics. For questions, contact Ed Johnsonbaugh at [email protected].

Forsyth—Our Lady of the Ozarks Catholic Church will hold its Fall Rum-mage and Bake Sale, Thu., Sept. 30, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 1, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sat., Oct. 2, 8 a.m.-noon (bag day). Come shop for quality household goods, furniture, jewelry, baked goods and more. The church is located at 951 Swan Valley Drive in Forsyth.

Kimberling City—Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church located at 20 Kimberling Blvd will hold its Fall Garage Sale on Fri., Sept. 24, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and Sat., Sept. 25, 8 a.m.-Noon. Furniture, clothing, and many more items. Something for everyone!

Leopold—The Parish Council of Catholic Women will host a Breakfast and Bake Sale on Sun., Oct. 19, 7:30-10:30 a.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Sausage, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, biscuits, gravy, pancakes, fruit, and drinks for a goodwill dona-tion. Proceeds to support missions. For more information or questions, please call G. Geringer (573) 208-6445.

Marshfield—The Parish Council of Catholic Women will host a Rummage Sale at Holy Trinity Catholic Church located at 5115 E. Washington on Thu., Oct. 28, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sat., Oct. 30, 8-11

A N N O U N C E M E N T Sa.m. ($1 bag day). Donations of clean & working household items, clothing, toys, outdoor items, holiday décor, antiques, and furniture are being ac-cepted on Mon., Oct. 25 and Tue., Oct. 26, at the parish hall behind the church. Proceeds to benefit PCCW supported charities.

Scott City—St. Joseph Catholic Church will host its Annual Fall Dinner on Sun., Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. CURBSIDE ONLY. Menu includes kettle beef, chicken and dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, slaw, and dessert for $11.

Southeast Missouri—Saint Francis Healthcare System will join the Blue Career Event on Thu., Sept. 23, 4-9 p.m., at Saint Francis Medical Center, Entrance 1. Learn more about the many career opportunities in healthcare. Interested attendees can apply and interview on-site, immediate contingent offers will be given to qualified can-didates. To register for the event, visit sfmc.net/JointheBlue; to view current openings, visit careers.sfmc.net.

Springfield—The annual St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk will be held Sat., Oct. 2, at St. Agnes Cathedral, in Springfield. Registration and refreshments begin at 8:30 a.m. and walk starts at 9:30 a.m. There will be a one-mile fun walk and a three-mile walk available. The Friends of the Poor Walk is a unique fundraising effort organized nationally and locally by the councils and conferences to participate in a simultaneous, nationwide effort to raise national awareness of the challenges faced by the nation’s people in need and to raise funds for use in direct service to people in poverty. Funds raised locally will be used locally. For more information and to register, visit www.fopwalk.org.

Springfield—American Heritage Girls will have a kick-off social on Mon., Sept. 13, and the first meeting will be Mon., Sept. 27. American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered, scouting-type, char-acter and leadership development pro-gram for girls ages five-18 and meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Spring-field. This program is sponsored by the diocese and is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. For more information or ques-tions, contact April Mika, [email protected], or call (417) 731-6035.

Parishes and organizations are invited to submit notices of future events to be printed in the announcements. They will be printed on a space-available basis. There is no fee.

Preregistration is necessary: If you are a new registrant please go to www.virtus.org and click on “first time registrant” on the left, and follow the prompts to register for Live or Online training. Instructions for the registration process can also be found on the Child and Youth Protection Page of the diocesan Website.

www.dioscg.org/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Register-for-a-VIRTUS-withOnline-Option.pdf

Those attending an in-person session must be present for the entire training. Training sessions are for adults only. The link to updated schedules may be found at www.dioscg.org just above the events calendar.Along with the VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children” training for adults, before regularly engaging in activities involving minors and/or vulnerable adults, new volunteer or employees are also required to submit a current Background Disclosure and Authorization Form and the annual Code of Conduct, which are available on the VIRTUS Website and the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Child and Youth Protection Webpage: www.dioscg.org/child-youth-protection/For more information, please contact the Office of Child and Youth Protection, [email protected]; or Bill Holtmeyer, [email protected]; or Rosie Francka [email protected], (417) 866-0841.

Live, in-person “Protecting God’s Children” adult awareness training sessions are now available. New registrants are encouraged to take the live training, but the Online training will remain available as an alternative for the remainder of this year [2021].

Thu., Sept. 9 6-9 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Teresa, Glennonville Mon., Sept. 13 1-4 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Catholic Center, SpringfieldTue., Sept. 21 3-6 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Mary School, JoplinWed., Sept. 29 6-9 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Mary School, Joplin Thu., Sept. 30 5:30-8:30 p.m. . . . . . . .The Catholic Center, SpringfieldThu., Sept. 30 5:30-8:30 p.m. . . . . . . .Sacred Heart Parish, Poplar Bluff Sat., Oct. 23 8:30-11:30 a.m. . . . . . .The Catholic Center, Springfield Fri., Nov. 12 1-4 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Catholic Center, Springfield


St. Joseph’s CornerYe a r o f S t . J o s e p h

You probably have heard about the ‘Seven Sorrows’ and the ‘Seven Joys’ of Mary, but have you heard of the ‘Seven Sorrows’ and

the ‘Seven Joys’ of St. Joseph? Back in the 16th century a devotion to the ‘Seven Sorrows of St. Joseph’ developed in the Church. No one knows the exact origins of this devotion. Two centuries later, in the 18th century, the ‘Seven Joys of St.

Joseph’ was added to the devotion.

In his book, Consecration to St. Joseph, Fr. Donald Calloway explains: “Blessed Januarius Maria Sarnelli took the Seven Sorrows of St. Joseph devotion and added another dimension to it: the Seven Joys of St. Joseph. In his preaching, Blessed Januarius told the story of how two shipwrecked Franciscans had been lost at sea for several days, clinging to a plank so as not to drown. Suddenly, a man appeared to them and guided them safely to shore. When the Franciscans asked the man who he was, the man responded that he was St. Joseph. After revealing his identity, St. Joseph asked the Franciscans to honor his Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys on the Seven Sundays leading up to his feast on March 19” (p. 157).

So, what are the Seven Sorrows and the Seven Joys of St. Joseph: They are as follows:

THE SEVEN SORROWS—St. Joseph resolves to leave Mary quietly; The Poverty of Jesus’ birth; The Circumcision of Jesus; The Prophecy of Simeon; the Flight into Egypt; the Return from Egypt; and the Loss of the Child Jesus in Jerusalem.

THE SEVEN JOYS—St. Joseph’s Annunciation in the dream; the Birth of Christ; the Holy Name of Jesus; the Effects of Redemption; the Overthrow of the Idols in Egypt (from Isaiah 19:1); Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth; and the Finding of Child Jesus in the Temple.

This beautiful devotion to the Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph reminds us that we can unite our sorrows and joys to St. Joseph and ask for his powerful aid, since he too experienced both sorrow and joy in his life. As we do so, we grow in God’s grace in hopes that, one day, we will share in the eternal joys of heaven with Jesus, Mary, St. Joseph, and all the saints! St. Joseph, pray for us! ©TM

Fr. Kelly is the pastor of Guardian Angel Parish, Oran, MO, and St. Ambrose Parish, in Chaffee.

Fr. Joseph Kelly

Dec. 8, 2020–Dec. 8, 2021 Bishop Rice will preside at the following Masses to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau:

St. Peter the Apostle, Joplin Tue., Sept. 7 6:00 pmSt. Joseph School, Scott City Thu., Sept. 30 8:00 amSt. Mary Cathedral, Cape Girardeau Wed., Oct. 20 7:00 pmSt. Joseph, Billings Wed., Nov. 10 6:30 pmSt. Joseph Catholic Academy, Springfield Fri., Dec. 3 8:30 amImmaculate Conception, Springfield Wed., Dec. 8 5:30 pm

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Closing Mass for the Year of St. Joseph. Live-streamed on diocese Facebook page.

Masses for theYear of St. Joseph

“Show yourself a father, and guide us in the path of life.”

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust;

with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us

from every evil.

The Seven Sorrows and the Seven Joys of St. Joseph

YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH/ADVERTISING

Sept. 8, 2021 | 6:30 pm | St. Denis, Benton, Mo• Eucharistic Adoration• Sacrament of Reconciliation

• Socially Distanced Man-feast • Fellowship & Discussion

Please RSVP to [email protected] | (573) 837-2556 or [email protected] | (417) 827-0303

ALL Catholic Men are invited to join us for

September 3, 2021 The Mirror 7DIOCESAN NEWS

See more photos on our Instagram page!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—Under the banner of “Faith, Family, Farm,” Sacred Heart Parish, Verona, youth celebrated Vacation Bible School July 12-16. (The Mirror)

VBS celebrated by youth in Verona

50TH ANNIVERSARY—Sr. Seraphia Mato, DSF, celebrated her 50th anniversary as a Daughter of St. Francis on Aug. 1 with a Mass celebrated by The Most Rev. Edward M. Rice in St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Mountain View, alongside members of her congregation. (The Mirror)

Golden jubilee celebrated in Mountain View

TOTUS TUUS—Youth in St. Vincent de Paul Parish Totus Tuus in Cape Girardeau welcomed newly ordained Fr. Alex Sutachan on his first day in the parish. Father Sutachan was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 2021. (Photo by Kathy Raines)

Fr. Alex’s first day at first assignment

8 The Mirror September 3, 2021ADVERTISING

September 3, 2021 The Mirror 9ADVERTISING

10 The Mirror September 3, 2021ADVERTISING

On June 7th, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that immigrants withTemporary Protected Status (TPS) who originally entered the country unlawfully are not eligible to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States. Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the unanimous court, stated that TPS status, by itself, does not guarantee that an individual meets the requirements to become an LPR.

Jose Santos Sanchez entered the United States unlawfully from El Salvador in 1997. In 2001, the government granted Sanchez TPS because of unsafe living conditions in that country. In 2014, Sanchez sought an “adjustment” of his status to an LPR. His application for adjustment was denied by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) because his original entry to the U.S. was without inspection. He appealed to the district court, which ruled in his favor. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals reversed, and Sanchez appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Current immigration law provides that the Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely. The USCIS can grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries who are already in the United States, such as Mr. Sanchez.

In order to apply for LPR status, however, an individual must have been “inspected and admitted or paroled” into the United States at the time of entry. An “admission” is defined in immigration law as “the lawful entry of the alien into the United States after inspection and authorization by an immigration officer.” Admission occurs in

most cases when someone presents themselves at a port of entry with valid immigration documents and is formally admitted to the U.S. In three Circuits (the Sixth, Ninth, and Eighth), however, a grant of TPS has been considered as a valid admission. Mr. Sanchez contended that because a TPS recipient is considered a “nonimmigrant” under the law, it follows that he must also be considered as admitted.

The Supreme Court disagreed. Writing for the unanimous Court, Justice Kagan held that immigration law clearly distinguishes the concepts of lawful status and admission, and that the TPS program “gives foreign nationals nonimmigrant status, but does not admit them.” While Mr. Sanchez had established lawful status, it did not change the fact that he had not been legally admitted to the U.S. “[B]ecause a grant of TPS does not come with a ticket of admission, it does not eliminate the disqualifying effect of an unlawful entry”, wrote Justice Kagan.

The Court did note that there was legislation pending in Congress that would change its result and allow a TPS holder, such as Mr. Sanchez, to get a green card even if he entered the United States without admission or inspection. This change would bring some consistency to the law, as currently TPS holders such as Mr. Sanchez are not eligible for LPR, while someone who was admitted legally but, for instance, overstayed his visa could be eligible for LPR. However, as Justice Kagan pointed out, the Supreme Court “does not get to say that [what the current law does] is not enough.” In other words, the Court cannot make law, as that power is reserved to the Legislative branch.

September 3, 2021 The Mirror 11ADVERTISING


The events of each day at Camp Smokey, summer’s Camp Re-NEW-All at Roaring River State Park, Cassville, are simple:

crafts, music, skits, games, swimming, faith, and eating good food. Campers are ready to do a goofy chant or dance for one last piece of garlic bread, lemon bar, or cup of passion-flavored kool-aid. Throughout the day, we sing silly songs at the top of our voices and enjoy a cold swim in the river. We create skits that have us all rolling in laughter. On Mondays of the week of Camp, everyone arrives as strangers. But, after a week, we leave as family. Camp is magical. But the magic isn’t Bobbi’s famous cooking, cold river swims, funky crafts, silly camp songs, or any of the activities: We find camp’s “magic” in gathering together for Adoration, Reconciliation, and daily Mass. We find the magic in reveling in holy friendships that often last a lifetime, friendships that are centered on faith and a love for Christ. Our love for Christ and his Church, no matter where we are in our faith journey, is something that lives at our very core. We’re connected. It is something that makes us who we are, and to gather with others that just understand that part of us, that’s the magic. Stepping away for a week from our phones, from the world, from what is most familiar, and stepping out in faith is the magic. Taking away all our distractions and entering the relationship that is right in front of us with Christ (and one another!), that is the magic. It fills us with joy that cannot be contained. From a camper, to staffer, to now former director, I’ve had the privilege to witness the magic that happens at Camp for 13 years. Despite the passage of time or the state of the world, people gathered and Christ entered the hearts of the people

every year at Camp Re-NEW-All. You can see it when campers light up with wonder and questions about their faith during Formation or conversation. We watch vocations-in-the-making by seeing them play kickball with a sister or a priest. Watching them perform acts of service for one another, like

doing chores, or inviting a new friend to play. Most notably, is witnessing the campers and staff sit in awe at the Blessed Sacrament at Adoration and walk back with a smile on their faces from Reconciliation. Seeing a group—that the world so often distracts with its ways—sit in silence and just ponder the reality in front of them of Jesus full present in

the Eucharist: that’s the magic of camp. And it’s inexplicable to anyone who hasn’t experienced it. As we head home on Fridays, our hearts ache a little to leave our new Camp family. But we have an amazing opportunity ahead of us. That is to share our newfound, or reignited, joy for Christ and his Church for the next 365 days with all those we meet. Then, right when we need it, when the world seems to have us pulled away and distracted again, Camp comes back around for another year, another season, to greet us with fun, friends that feel like family, and most importantly, Christ himself. ©TM

Editor’s note: Begun in 1974, Camp Re-NEW-All is held each summer in two locations: Camp Smokey, in Cassville (five sessions), and Camp St. Vincent in Fredericktown, MO (three sessions). Greater Camp needs are made possible because of assistance through the annual Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) so that the fee remains only $100. For the 2021 season, 418 campers and 240 staff experienced the “magic” of Camp. Thanks to the generous donors to the recent Capital Campaign and a grant process, the Youth Endowment Fund helped 27 youth attend Camp Re-NEW-All this summer with partial scholarships! Thank you!

Camp cook retires after 25 yearsCassville, MO

This was the last camp season for Bobbi Moseley, who retired as the Head Cook at Camp Smokey, Cassville, after 25 years and over 100 sessions of Camp Re-

NEW-All. “One person who has poured her heart and soul into this place is our head cook, Bobbi Moseley,” said Mary Black. “Anyone who has attended Camp in those years knows her as a camp legend and mother to us all. There are no words to express how much of an impact she has made in the lives of the Camp family. After all her years at camp, she will be serving as the head cook for her final year this summer.” To thank her for her years of dedication, advice, and service to Camp, alumni made a scrapbook of memories and photos that was presented to Moseley during a surprise party given to her during the last session of Camp 2021. ©TM

by Mary Black

100 SESSIONS OF CAMP—Knights of Columbus Holy Spirit Council #9533 presented Bobbi Moseley with an Outstanding Service plaque and a gift card for her 25 years as Head Cook for Camp Re-NEW-ALL at Camp Smokey in Roaring River State Park, Cassville, MO. Pictured are Fr. Chaz Dunn, Scott Buckman, Ron Seid, Marge Seid, Bobbi Moseley, Sandy Hennemann, Nick Hennemann, Mel Hennemann, and Dave Dooling who served a meal July 1 to campers and staff. (The Mirror)

DIOCESAN NEWS

CAMP SMOKEY—After Mass, Bishop Edward M. Rice attempted to capture all the campers at a July session of Camp Re-NEW-All at Roaring River State Park. In this reflection on the experience of Camp, former camper, staffer, and Camp Director, Mary Black, speaks of the “magic” that happens for campers and staff alike during the summer youth program. (The Mirror)

2021 Camp Ref lection

FUN & FAITH SINCE 1974—Co-Founder of Camp Re-NEW-All in 1974, Fr. Mark Binder, Bp. Edward Rice, and Jerry Welker posed for a photo during a summer session at Camp St. Vincent in Fredericktown, MO. (The Mirror)

CAMP ST. VINCENT—Michaela Martin, Bp. Rice, and “Flat” St. Joseph enjoyed a session of Camp Re-NEW-All at Camp St. Vincent in Fredericktown, MO. (The Mirror)

September 3, 2021 The Mirror 13

”Flat” St. Joseph hung out with the Totus Tuus youth in Cape Girardeau. (The Mirror)

DIOCESAN NEWS

Summer 2021: Totus TuusThe summer’s Totus Tuus programming was enjoyed by 575 youth in 12 parish locations. Most of the

Totus Tuus funding is generously provided by the Youth Endowment Fund: participants pay only $15 for each week. The program was enjoyed in Ozark, Neosho, Carthage, Lebanon, Aurora, Mountain

Grove, Fredericktown, Leopold, Cape Girardeau, Portageville, New Hamburg, and Salem and facilitated by a team of young adult missionaries, pastors, and religious. ©TM

BLESSING OF THE ROSARY—Before the launch of Totus Tuus this summer, Bp. Rice blessed the rope rosary that would accompany each Totus Tuus session and be prayed during the week. (The Mirror)

A coloring of St. Joseph attended Tutus Tuus in Leopold, MO. (The Mirror)

Games during Totus Tuus at Sacred Heart Parish, Salem, MO. (The Mirror)

Totus Tuus at St. Ann Parish, Carthage, MO. (The Mirror) Fr. Chaz Dunn was the human sundae during Totus Tuus at St. Canera Parish, Neosho, MO. (The Mirror)

Totus Tuus, Sacred Heart Parish, Mountain Grove, MO. (The Mirror)

14 The Mirror September 3, 2021SCRIPTURE/DIOCESAN NEWS

Isaiah 50:5-9a; Psalm 116: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8: 27-35

If you are a “score keeper” with the Scripture readings for our Sunday and Holy Week Masses,

you will note that this Sunday is the third time we hear Isaiah 50:5-9a in this Church Year. The Church is continuing to ask us not to forget the Paschal Mystery, “The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus,” which is the Divine Intention of God to bring salvation to the whole world. This Lord’s Day we find ourselves between “The Suffering Servant” writing of the prophet Isaiah and the two specific questions of Jesus to his disciples. These two questions of Jesus are also directed to each of us in this 21st century. We are first presented with someone who is voluntarily willing to suffer abuse, revilement, beatings, and even death itself for the sake of righteousness. Who is this person, you ask? If you lived in the day of the Prophet Isaiah, it could well be any one of the prophets calling God’s people and

their kings to be faithful to God. Each prophet, “through thick and through thin,” faced the political upheavals of an irresponsible government and the onslaught of enemy armies invading their land. All of this led the people to be disobedient to God. As we hear in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ apostles (disciples) are asked two very important questions: 1) Who do people say that I am?; and, 2) Who do you say that I am? A rephrasing could be, “What are people saying about me? What do I mean to you?” These two questions are keys to what discipleship entails. Being a good listener, Jesus encounters what is vital to good relationships. This good relationship is what he would have had with his apostles. Many experienced Jesus in his day but did not necessarily have a good relationship with him. People saw and heard him, believers, and non-believers alike. Others, like the religious and political leaders, observed Jesus with skepticism and anxiety.

What were these observers saying and thinking about Jesus? Is Jesus a prophet? He is John the Baptizer raised from the dead? Is he Elijah or one of the other prophets? But Jesus only has concerns with what his apostles believe. He zeros in on them: “Where are you with me? What do I mean to you?” The writing of St. James’ letter for us today calls us to live out our answer to Jesus’ second question. We are called to live our response in the combination of both faith and works. We are people who believe in all that Jesus said and taught. We are to act in the same way that he did in his faithfulness to the Father and in his care, kindness, and compassion with all. The Gospel also calls us to a deeper level of living. Jesus shares with his apostles that he must suffer, be rejected, be killed and rise on the third day. He is revealing the Father’s “Divine Plan of Salvation.” This begins with Jesus’ salvific act. However, Jesus asks all of us, both his apostles and us, to take up our cross daily and to offer our lives as he has offered his life.

At this point, Simon Peter objects to Jesus’ revelation of suffering. Jesus stops Peter and says, “Peter, you need to ‘retool your thinking’. The way of Divine

Love is to be manifested by total love surrendered in the face of evil, both by your Lord and by each of you who follow me and call yourself ‘Christian’.” We fulfill in our lives today what St. James’ letter says: we live out our Christian lives with both faith and works that complement each other. Does anyone remember those billboards with total black background and simple white letter messages? One billboard said, “LET GO; LET GOD.” When Jesus said to Peter, “You are thinking not as God does, but as humans do,” Jesus could well have said, “LET GO; LET GOD!” ©TM

Father Binder is a retired priest of the diocese and lives in Chaffee, MO.

SCRIPTURE WISDOMFr. Mark Binder

R E F L E C T I O N O N T H E T W E N T Y- F O U R T H S U N D A Y I N O R D I N A R Y T I M E

The ‘Divine Plan’ - are we buying it?

Many experienced Jesus in his day but did not necessarily have a good

relationship with him.

Wheeler heads to Holy Cross this fallGlennonville, MO

Kate Kalich Wheeler, the daughter of Kevin and Sarah Wheeler of Campbell, MO, and an eighth grade graduate of St. Teresa Catholic School

in Glennonville, MO, will attend in the fall College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. Holy Cross is known as the nation’s only Jesuit institution exclusively for undergrads and is also alma mater to former Boston Celtic Bob Cousy and Dr. Anthony Fauci. At St. Teresa Parish, she was active in the youth group but also served as a lector and altar server at St. Ann Parish in Malden. In addition, as an avid singer and guitarist, she organized special music for St. Ann’s Christmas and Easter masses. Choosing homeschooling for high school, in addition to her homeschool courses, she enrolled in several classes at Three Rivers College such as Chemistry I & II, Calculus I & II, Microeconomics, and several history courses. At the end of her senior year, she received the TRC Student Excellence Awards in both History and Mathematics. Other awards she earned throughout high school include National Merit Commended Scholar and acceptance into Missouri Scholars Academy.

CIVIL AIR PATROLDuring her six-year membership of Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary to the Air Force, she achieved the rank of Cadet Senior Master Sergeant and earned the Model Rocketry Badge, Ground Team Badge Level Three, and Community Service Ribbon. In the summers, she attended encampments at Fort Leonard Wood where she served as an Advanced Training Flight staff member. Cast in The Stage Company of Poplar Bluff productions, she performed major roles such as Liat in “South Pacific” and Anne Gilbreth in “Cheaper by the Dozen.” She also played many roles in productions sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff where her father attended services. She also regularly sang in their church choir. Since middle school, she has volunteered for the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell and the VA Hospital Nursing Home in Poplar Bluff, providing the residents with musical entertainment and comical skits with her four siblings. At Holy Cross, she plans to study Chemistry or Economics and engage in research studies. ©TM

September 3, 2021 The Mirror 15SCRIPTURE/ DIOCESAN NEWS

R E F L E C T I O N O N T H E T W E N T Y- F I F T H S U N D A Y I N O R D I N A R Y T I M E

What good is humility if you can’t brag about it?Wisdom 2:12, 17-20;Psalm 54: 3-4, 5, 6-8; James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37

Bigshots. We like “big.” Have you noticed how some things are bigger than they used to

be? When I was a kid, sodas came in a small bottle—and I had to split it with my little sister! The other day, I stopped into the convenience store and got a soda. It came in a bucket. Burgers are bigger, televisions are bigger, houses are bigger, even I am bigger! “Supersize it.” We all want to make it big. We are a big society. So, it is hard to blame the dis-ciples for wanting to be bigshots. Af-ter all, they started out small. Being a fisherman or a tax collector was not considered the big time. They were followers of a Nazorean car-penter turned prophet, and every-one knows nothing big ever came out of Nazareth. But things were looking up. They had just finished a major tour and the crowds had been bigger than they could have imag-ined, thousands. Jesus was popular, and they were his disciples. But here they were, the biggest thing since Moses, and all Jesus could

talk about was some silliness about being handed over and being killed. Ridiculous. They were hot. The people loved them. Of course, there was some discussion about which of them was the greatest. But that is to be expected among important men. After all, they had made it: They were bigshots. But Jesus is not impressed. He has a different way of judging big. “What are you guys whispering about?” he asks. Silence. The disciples realize that maybe they have made a mistake. Apparently, Jesus was being literal with all that talk about meekness and humility. They are a bit confused. After all, what good is it to be humble if you can’t brag about it? They had sacrificed, gambled everything on a long shot, and now it was time for the big payout. However, Jesus set them straight. They need to reevaluate what is big. “If you want to be first, you have to be last. You must be a servant.” Jesus takes some-

thing the world sees as small, a little child, and tells them, “This is me. You want to do something big? Serve this little child. That is big.” We work hard to make it big. We judge our worth by how great our income is, how large our houses are, and what big name is branded on our clothes. Like the disciples, we are worried about who is most important. We spend our lives seeking greatness. We want to be bigshots. The problem is, like the disciples, we lose track of what really is big. Eternity is big. Most of the things that seem like a big deal now, look pretty small from an eternal perspective. If you want to know what is really big, visit a nursing home. There, even the biggest lives are laid bare. All the things accumulated over a lifetime will not fit in a small room or apartment. Only the most important things, the things that were truly biggest in a life, are kept. You will consistently find two things there: faith and family. A Bible, a picture of Jesus, maybe a statue of Mary or a rosary. You will find photographs of lost spouses, cards from children, drawings

by grandchildren. When life’s walls close in on us, we decorate those walls with what is really important, what is truly big. We begin to see “little” and “big” like Jesus does.

Only when we see little and big as Jesus does, will we find peace. And, sometimes, we forget how big God

is and try to find happiness on our own. We start to think we are bigger than God. We try to squeeze God into 60 minutes a week and take the rest for ourselves. When we do that, we are left with a hole that all the big things of the world cannot fill. That emptiness can lead to hopelessness. We begin to believe that our sins are too big for God. We try to shrink God’s love down to our size. Only when we see little and big as Jesus does, do we realize how immense his love, his mercy is. ©TM

Deacon Huff is the diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools. He also serves in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, MO.

SCRIPTURE WISDOMDeacon Rob Huff

If you want to know what is really big,

visit a nursing home.

FR. OLIVER CLAVIN—Bishop Edward M. Rice, Fr. Oliver Clavin, and Bp. Emeritus John J. Leibrecht posed for a photo after the Mass on Aug. 24 in St. Augustine Catholic Church marking Fr. Clavin’s “50-Plus-1” anniversary to the priesthood. Father Clavin was ordained June 6, 1970, in Carlow, Ireland, for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Father Clavin retired from active ministry on July 1, 2015. (The Mirror)

Priests celebrate ‘50-plus-1’ anniversaries

FR. MITCH WILK—Bishop Edward M. Rice, Fr. Mitch Wilk, and Bp. Emeritus John J. Leibrecht posed for a photo after the Mass on Aug. 3 in St. Mary Cathedral marking Fr. Wilk’s “50-Plus-1” anniversary to the priesthood. Father Wilk was ordained June 13, 1970, in Czestochowa, Poland. He was incardinated into the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau on June 22, 1981. Father Wilk retired from active ministry on Feb. 29, 2016. (Photo by Dennis Vollink /The Mirror)

16 The Mirror September 3, 2021CHILD & YOUTH PROTECTION

DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD—CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI

Documents