Baltimore archbishop: With God, a broken city can heal
By Kevin Jones
Baltimore, Md., Apr 29, 2015 / 02:43 am (CNA/EWTN News) - After both peaceful protests and violent riots following the death of an African American man in the custody of the Baltimore police, the local archbishop appealed to prayer and truth as means of healing and restoring human dignity.
“May we pray together that God will grace us with his presence always, so that our broken city can once again be made whole, and that our minds and our hearts will be open to peace and God’s love beyond all understanding,” Archbishop William E. Lori said in an April 28 video message.
“Today, many in our city are trying to come to grips with the aftermath of emotional and sometimes violent protests that threaten to overshadow two realities that cannot and should not be lost: a family’s devastating loss of a young man whose body was laid to rest Monday, and a grieving community’s peaceful quest for answers and for justice.”
Baltimore resident Freddie Gray, 25, died on April 19, one week after he sustained injuries while being transported following an arrest by Baltimore police. His injuries included a severed spinal cord and a crushed voicebox.
His funeral was on Monday.
“Our hearts cannot help but go out to the loved ones of Freddie Gray, whose pain and anguish we share,” Archbishop Lori said. “Freddie was not merely a symbol, but a real person whose life was tragically cut short.”
The archbishop said this pain will be endured by “far too many other Baltimore families” as long as “senseless violence and hatred continue.”
Hundreds of people have peacefully protested Gray’s death, and some protests have turned violent.
From Monday evening to Tuesday morning, Baltimore police arrested 235 people, while the fire department responded to 15 building fires and 144 vehicle fires, which critically injured one person. Twenty police officers were injured, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan activated the National Guard in response.
Many denounced the violence, including Gray’s family and President Barack Obama. Some residents worked to clean up after rioters.
Archbishop Lori and Auxiliary Bishop Denis Madden on Tuesday morning visited churches and communities affected by the Monday night riots.
Sean Caine, executive communications director of the Baltimore archdiocese, told CNA April 28 that the two bishops met with pastors, community members cleaning up after riots, and people who were at work.
Caine said the archbishop wanted to see the destruction and meet with people “to convey concern and offer support.”
Several Catholic schools announced early closures due to protests scheduled nearby. All Catholic schools in Baltimore County have cancelled after-school activities.
Archbishop Lori said Gray’s death symbolizes the “rawest of open wounds” which can only be healed by the truth: the truth about what happened to Gray, the truth about “the sin of racism still present in our community” and the truth about the collective responsibility to deal with issues that undermine everyone’s human dignity.
Archbishop Lori called for prayer for the Gray family and for all families who have lost loved ones.
“May we unite in prayer for immediate and lasting healing, especially between members of our community and law enforcement, brought about by dialogue, mutual respect, understanding and love,” he continued.
He prayed that further protests will be peaceful, adding that violence “only deepens and prolongs injustice.”
The Archdiocese of Baltimore on its website listed opportunities to pray for peace at several Catholic churches, including a Tuesday evening Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. St. Bernardine Catholic Church planned to host a previously scheduled youth revival on Tuesday evening in conjunction with St. Frances Academy, the oldest Catholic school for African-Americans in the U.S. An ecumenical prayer service was also scheduled at Broadneck Baptist Church.
St. John the Evangelist 
Parish Center blessed, dedicated
HOISINGTON -- On a warm June day last summer, more than 200 St. John the Evangelist parishioners stood on a patch of dirt next to the church to break ground for a new parish center.
Seven months later -- soon after Christmas -- the new 8,640 square foot red brick structure became home to six meeting rooms, a conference room, four parish staff offices, a 2,700 square foot fellowship hall, and a kitchen and pantry.
On Feb. 7, the building was officially blessed and dedicated by the Most Rev. Ronald M. Gilmore, bishop of Dodge City.
Following a Mass in which he confirmed several Hoisington and Odin parish youth, the bishop processed through the building, blessing the various rooms in the new structure.
Pope's encyclical could have huge weigh-in on climate change talks
By Elise Harris
Rome, Italy, Apr 29, 2015 / 12:02 pm (CNA/EWTN News) - With experts and global leaders looking to Pope Francis as a moral compass, his upcoming encyclical on the environment could set a key ethical framework for discussion and policies surrounding the topic.
“We look to Pope Francis as a great moral leader for all humanity, all people here from every walk of life and every religion. His encyclical will make a huge difference. It's being expected around the world with great anticipation,” Jeffrey Sachs told CNA April 28.
“The whole world looks to Pope Francis for inspiration, and that's well beyond the Roman Catholics in the world, it’s all of us,” he said, adding that the Pope's encyclical will play “a huge role” in the climate change discussion.
Sachs is the director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and a special adviser to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, who was present in Rome for a one-day summit on climate change and sustainable development hosted by the Pontifical Academy for the Sciences.
Titled “Protect the Earth, Dignify Humanity,” the April 28 summit focused on strengthening the global consensus surrounding the topic of climate change as something with an adverse effect on every aspect of society.
The event also serves as a precursor to the publication of Pope Francis’ anticipated encyclical on environmental degradation and the global effects of climate change on the poor.
Expected to be published in mid-late June, the document has already been written and is currently being translated.
For Sachs, who is also a member of the Pontifical Academy for the Sciences, the context of sustainable development in the encyclical “is very helpful” in creating a holistic framework that builds economic, social and environmental awareness of the need to take care of the world in which we live.
The economy, he said, “must work within a moral framework, a moral framework meaning one that can deliver for the human good. And this makes the Church’s message very important for the entire world.”
Although an economy can be considered successful if it multiplies, the moral framework that ensures that the economy is serving the common good is frequently lacking, Sachs observed.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon also weighed in on the topic during a press briefing after he delivered the keynote speech for the summit.
Referring to climate change as “a defining issue of our times,” Ban Ki Moon said that the Pope’s encyclical will come at a “critical” point in the discussion on the topic.
Francis is set to address a U.N. Special Summit on Sustainable Development Sept. 25 during his visit to the United States, which is an address Ban Ki Moon said will have “a profound impact.”
In a private meeting with Pope Francis ahead of the summit, the U.N. secretary general said he told the Pope that he’s “looking forward to his encyclical as soon as possible…I count on his moral voice and moral leadership.”
Cardinal Peter Turkson, head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, was also present at the event, and highlighted the importance of placing a moral framework at the heart of all policies and discussion on the topic.
“Without moral conversion and change of hearts, even good regulations, policies, and targets in the world are unlikely to prove effective,” he told attendees in his speech for the event.
If a proper ethical foundation is lacking from the policies and their implementation, then humanity itself will lack the “courage” and moral substance to carry out event simplest proposals, the cardinal continued.
In comments made to journalists during a pause in the summit, Cardinal Turkson addressed critics who find issue with the Vatican’s partnership with organizations such as the U.N. that promote population control as a means of combating climate change.
Sachs himself is an avid supporter of population control despite his seat on the pontifical academy.
In response to the criticism, the cardinal recalled the Second Vatican Council’s emphasis on inviting the Church to find “new ways” of ministering to the world.
These new methods of engagement don’t mean running away from the world, he said, but rather establishing a dialogue that works toward “an effective solidarity” with others.
What the Church has been invited to do is to explore the ways in which it can come together with secular organizations, and use the “vantage point of its revelation, doctrine and teaching (to) seek to provide some guidance and support for the world.”
“So in doing this it’s not inconsistency, but it’s carrying on the mission…that’s what this is.”
Although there is a lot of “discussion and dispute” in the area of climate change, the cardinal stressed that it’s an issue that can only be solved by pooling the resources of economic, political and faith leaders.
The “moral obligation” of preserving and caring for the planet is one which “extends to all – political leaders, corporate leaders, civil society and ordinary people too,” he said, and noted that the concept of sustainable development is one that the entire community of nations ought to embrace.
Ban Ki Moon also emphasized the necessity for collaboration, saying that climate change and sustainable development are issues which demand a “collective action.”
“The faith leaders gathered here today, together with the scientists, are united in reminding us that addressing climate change is an urgent moral imperative.”
To care for both the climate and those that suffer from the impact of climate change, particularly the poor and most vulnerable, “is a moral responsibility. All people of faith and conscience can agree upon this,” he said.
Sachs also weighed in, noting that climate change is “a human challenge at global scale” that requires all parts of the world and society to work together.
“It requires the moral leadership of the world’s religions, it requires the science of the world’s climate and earth science experts, it requires the best technologists and technological businesses…working together there are practical solutions, and that’s what we need to find,” he said.
He stressed the importance of working from a moral framework in the discussion, and explained that by raising the moral context that will be given in Francis’ encyclical, “we will see that that economic productivity that is worldwide can be harnessed in a far more affective way.”
Bishop welcomes 150 people 
on the road to the Church
Diocese celebrates ‘Rite of Election’
More than 150 men, women and children on the road to becoming Catholic were officially welcomed along their faith journey Feb. 21 by Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore at the Rite of Election celebration at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
One of the most significant events of the liturgical year, the Rite of Election is the official moment that candidates (baptized members of another Christian denomination -- or baptized Catholics -- who are seeking confirmation and first Eucharist) and catechumens (individuals who have not been baptized and who are seeking baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist) declare their commitment to entering fully the Catholic Church at Easter.
Braving frigid temperatures and snow-packed roads, the candidates and catechumens, along with their families, godparents, and sponsors, came from every corner of the diocese, filling the cathedral.
Heartland Farm Open Farm Day, Saturday May 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Greetings from Heartland Farm,
This Saturday, May 2nd, is predicted to be a beautiful warm day here at the farm as we host our Spring Open Farm Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It'll be a great day to be outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and activities planned for this year.
On display will be our newly sheared alpacas. This Wednesday, April 29th, they are being sheared. Our baby chicks are also arriving this same day and everyone can peek in at them in the chicken coop.
We have some local folks coming with their wares and will be set up in front of our barn. You can browse and buy whatever captures your fancy.
There will be lemonade and freshly baked cookies from our solar oven to tickle your palate. You may also bring your own picnic lunch and chairs to sit in a shaded spot.
Hope to see you Saturday at Heartland Farm.
(620) 923-4585
Who is your neighbor?
Hope in the heartland amid
tears for her homeland
By David Myers
Southwest Kansas Register
At about three-fourths the size of Texas, Kenya boasts more than 42 spoken languages, the most common of which is Swahili -- followed closely by English.
Which is why Shirley Kithuka (Kee-thoo-ka), 20, a student from the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya and now living in Great Bend, speaks fluent English with only a lilting accent marking her African birth.
“Swahili is the national language,” Kithuka said. “Everybody speaks it. That’s what brings us together. There are 42 tribes in Kenya; that’s 42 different languages. If we didn’t have Swahili, we wouldn’t know what we were talking about because there are too many people.”
Positions Available
FULL-TIME TEACHER, St. Mary Catholic School, Garden City
(Posted 4/22/15)
We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to join our teaching staff. A love of learning and children is a must! Our school offers a unique atmosphere and a fun loving staff. This is a full time position within our 5th grade classroom. An opportunity to discuss departmentalization with our 6th grade class is available. Applicants must possess a certified teaching license. Please contact Mrs. Mead, Principal at 276-2241 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FULL-TIME TEACHER, St. Joseph Catholic School, Ellinwood
(Posted 3/12/15)
St. Joseph Catholic School, K-8 accredited, is seeking a full-time teacher. Submit resumes to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 620-564-2721 for more information.
PRINCIPAL, Sacred Heart Cathedral School, Dodge City
(Posted 3/17/15)
Position
PK-8th grade Principal wanted to lead our beloved Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic School in Dodge City.
Successful applicants will possess or be able to obtain a Kansas building leadership license. School administrative experience preferred but not required. Bilingual skills English/Spanish strongly recommended.
Most importantly, the successful candidate will have a heart for Catholic schools and the students and families they serve. The close-knit and hardworking staff of 30 teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries and maintenance people are waiting to support the right leader in carrying Sacred Heart into its second century of providing Catholic education to the Dodge City area. Candidate must be a practicing Catholic.
Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. Many benefits paid by employer including health insurance, retirement, and life insurance. Additional perks include tuition discount for employee’s children and free lunches. Principal is assisted by a part-time Activities Director and two secretaries.
12-month contract begins July 1, 2015.
For More Information
Contact Superintendent Trina Delgado at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To Apply
Submit a cover letter, resumé, and three references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If selected for an interview, college transcripts may be requested. Deadline for applications are April 2, 2015.
More About Our Community and School
Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic School is a PreK-8th grade school located in a historic building in historic downtown Dodge City, KS (pop. 30,000). Dodge City is a booming small city with many unique and interesting attractions, including Boot Hill Museum, a casino, and the United Wireless Arena. Sacred Heart is the parish school of the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Diocese of Dodge City. Our school prides itself on a family atmosphere where students, parents, and teachers learn, work, worship, and play together. Our enrollment of 196 students (Kind-8th) offers small class sizes and individual attention. Uniform dress code adds to the overall structure and organization of the school. Students in grades 7th-8th are able to participate in numerous extracurricular activities such as football, volleyball, basketball, track, scholar’s bowl, cheerleading, drill team, and speech competitions. Students attend Mass twice a week and participate in the sacraments frequently. Come learn more about our family!
‘It’s never the wrong time to defend life’
Local youth, adults travel to
Topeka for pro-life rally
By Melissa Conway
Special to the Register
Editor’s Note: Melissa Conway is 18 and a freshman journalism major at Garden City Community College. She attends St. Dominic Church.
More than a 1,000 people from across the state, including 55 youth and adults from the Diocese of Dodge City, journeyed to Topeka Jan. 22 for the pro-life rally.
“Our kids, our diocese, made a huge sacrifice to get there that day – real effort financially, money-wise – but I think we do it because it’s important,” said Father Wesley Schawe, pastor at St. Dominic in Garden City and St. Stanislaus in Ingalls, who was one of the leaders on the trip.
Father Schawe said this trip was important for three reasons:
“It’s important for people who go to be better informed and better advocates for the cause of life. It’s good for the people that see us know that the pro-life movement is young and diverse and energetic. It’s good in part that we have young people go from our diocese because it’s an element of their education and formation that they might not be otherwise getting,” he said.
Pope Francis to Cuba: it’s official!
by Elise Harris
Vatican City, Apr 22, 2015 / 06:34 am (CNA/EWTN News) - Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. confirmed to journalists today that Pope Francis will make a pastoral stop in Cuba ahead of his September apostolic voyage to the United States.
The Vatican spokesman made the announcement to journalists April 22 around 2:15p.m. in the Holy See press office.
In an official statement released shortly after, the spokesman said: “I am able to confirm that the Holy Father Francis, having received and accepted the invitation from the civil authorities and bishops of Cuba, has decided to pay a visit to the island before his arrival in the United States.”
Although the details of the stop have not been released, it is expected that Pope Francis will meet with Cuban authorities. He is not expected to meet with Cuban president Raul Castro, according to a Vatican source.
Cardinal Beniamino Stella, Prefect of the Congregation of the Clergy, traveled to Cuba April 22, where he will stay until the 28th in celebration of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the Holy See.
Cardinal Stella served as papal nuncio to Cuba from 1993-1999, and helped pave the way and organize St. John Paul II’s visit in 1998, which marked the first-ever papal trip to the Caribbean Island.
The cardinal is set to meet with local clergy during his visit, and will celebrate three Masses. He will also encounter the top officials of the Cuban government and of the Communist Party.
His visit may represent a further fostering of the Holy See contribution in Cuba, and could be seen as a sign of the papal effort to help normalize relations between Cuba and the United States.
On the eve of the Dec. 17 announcement of the normalization of the diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States, former Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone traveled to Cuba for a private visit.
In the coming days Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, former papal nuncio to Jordan and Iraq, will take up his post as the new nuncio to Cuba. He was appointed to the position March 17, and one of his main tasks will be to help facilitate talks between U.S. and Cuba.
The possible stop in Cuba this year would fit within the framework of Pope Francis’ efforts in the dialogue, since Washington and Havana are currently in talks to re-establish full diplomatic ties.
If the Cuba visit is made official, it would be the first stop in a week-long papal voyage to the United States. Although the official program for the Pope’s trip to the U.S. has not been released, some appointments have been already been confirmed.
Pope Francis will be the first pope to speak to a joint session of the U.S. Congress in Washington, which is scheduled to take place Sept. 24.
On March 18, secretary general of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon made it official that Francis will address the U.N. General Assembly in New York Sept. 25, and then move on to Philadelphia Sep. 26-27 to attend the World Meeting of Families.
The Pope’s appointments in New York are also expected to include a visit to Ground Zero, the site of the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, that brought down New York City’s twin World Trade Center towers.
In Philadelphia, the two big events the Pope is anticipated to attend are a prayer vigil on the 26th and Sunday Mass on the 27th.
The organizational committee for the Pope’s U.S. visit includes: Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Holy See Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York; Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, papal nuncio to the United States; Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington; Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley, archbishop of Boston; Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, also president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York; Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia; Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, secretary-general at the bishops’ conference, as well as a team of various secretaries and assistants.
This article was updated at 2:48p.m. with official comments from Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J.
Catholic Schools Week in Pictures
Podcast: St. Joseph, Ellinwood students sing during Catholic Schools Week
Holy Family, Great Bend
St. Joseph, Ellinwood
Sacred Heart, Ness City
St. Dominic, Garden City
St. Mary, Garden City
Sacred Heart, Dodge City
Sacred Heart, Pratt
A special note from Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore:
I write these words as February begins, in the middle of Catholic Schools Week. I write to give thanks for those places of wonder, of learning, of formation, of energy, of adventure, and of laughter.
Our schools help our parents in the task of humanizing their children. That is to say, they help our parents in drawing the best out of the gifts who are their children. They help to teach their children. They help to form their children. They help to give their children the skills to develop as responsible members of our communities. Our parents are the first and best teachers of their children. Our schools are but a slight step behind them.