“Bishops can’t tell politicians what to do, but Catholic voters can,” the Philadelphia archbishop said during a visit to Nashville. Political leaders respond to pressure from citizens, he added, and Catholics ought to demand respect for religious values.

Archbishop Chaput joined fellow bishops in urging Catholics in the pew to be more politically active.

“The very principle of religious freedom, the first freedom in the Bill of Rights, is at stake here,” he said. “That’s a lot to be at stake. Once it’s lost, you don’t get it back.”

In an interview with the Tennessee Register, Nashville’s diocesan newspaper, Archbishop Chaput addressed the contraceptive mandate and the Jan. 20 announcement by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that religious organizations could delay but not opt out of the required coverage and that the religious exemption as first released would go into effect unchanged.

Catholic and other religious leaders have objected that the exemption is written so narrowly that institutions such as hospitals, schools and social service agencies would not qualify.

The mandate and the narrow exemption are examples of society’s growing indifference to religious values, the archbishop said.

Society’s hostility to faith and religion comes “from a secularized people who don’t see the importance of respecting the moral values of other people if those values stand in the way of their goals,” he said.

Bishops across the U.S. condemned the HHS regulations when they were first proposed and worked to persuade federal officials to change them and to broaden the religious exemption. They have been forceful in their condemnations of the latest announcement as well.

“The bishops as a body are very committed to taking a firm stance on this,” as evidenced by the establishment of the new Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, Archbishop Chaput said.

Because the church did not work harder to combat indifference to religious values in society earlier, “now it’s come back to bite us in the face,” he said.

The regulations leave Catholic institutions with few options.

One option would be to stop offering health insurance as an employee benefit, Archbishop Chaput said. Catholic institutions presumably would increase employees’ pay so they could buy insurance on their own, he said, but that would mean their health insurance premiums would most likely be more expensive.

“Or we can stop helping people who aren’t Catholic, but Catholics always take care of other people,” Archbishop Chaput said. “The church has to live in the broader world or else it’s not living its values.”

Catholic leaders might be forced to choose the option of civil disobedience, Archbishop Chaput said. Catholics are good citizens, he said, “but we’re God’s citizens first.”

The best outcome would be for public pressure to force the government to change the contraceptive mandate, Archbishop Chaput said.

The arguments supporting it say it promotes women’s health, but Archbishop Chaput said the issue isn’t one of women’s rights. The Catholic Church is a great supporter of women’s rights, he said, “but not at the point of giving up our basic values.”

Marchers attend Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral prior to the trek to Holy Hope Cemetery.

Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas and many priests, religious and deacons joined more than 1,000 men, women and children in Tucson last month for the annual “March for Life,” to note the anniversary of the legalization of abortion.
“We prayed,” Bishop Kicanas said, “calling for an end to abortion, for proper care for people with disabilities, for respect for the elderly, for concern for the migrant, for assistance for the poor and marginalized, for an end to capital punishment, and for building a culture of life locally, nationally and throughout the world.”
The event began with a packed Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral and other services, then the multi-faith crowd assembled in the Cathedral parking lot for the 3.7-mile walk to Holy Hope Cemetery.
There the traditional rose ceremony marked the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court in Roe vs. Wade, as a single rose was placed by individuals born in each of the years since that landmark decision.
Many youth groups participated in the walk, riding skateboards and bicycles, wearing T-shirts and carrying banners. Messages on the signs included “I regret my abortion,” “Take my hand not my life,” “Give women alternatives to aborting their child.”
Some marchers prayed the rosary; some walked with canes for support.
The marchers “came to give witness to our Church’s teaching on respect for God’s gift of life, the protection of human dignity and to advocate for human rights,” the Bishop said afterward.

Father Ricky Ordoñez

By FATHER RICKY ORDOÑEZ
Special to The New Vision

Inquisitive young minds often ask questions that adults assume to be common knowledge.  I am often asked by young kids, “What does a priest do, Father?”  Well, what do you think we priests do?
On the second week of January, we celebrated “National Vocations Awareness Week” with a week-long program at Salpointe Catholic High School.  As Vocations Director, I made 24 presentations to as many classes from the freshman year to the seniors, and this question was asked countless times.  Recounting what I do as a priest made me realize that we are “God’s workers called to wear many hats.”
My first assignment as a priest was as a Parochial Vicar at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Tucson for two years.  Because of the parish’s location, I was also a pager-bearing Sacramental Minister at the University Medical Center (UMC).   Aside from my parish duties, I was also a teacher, teaching 8th graders “Morals and Values,” and the Spiritual Director of a Catholic Charismatic Community among others.
With all these activities, I have led a most exciting and hectic life.  On one such day I recall the pager jolted me out of deep sleep at about 2  a.m.  It was UMC calling for a baptism for a child born prematurely.  Almost always, before I go to bed each night, my clothes are laid out in case I have to make a “mad dash” on an emergency in the middle of the night – and this was definitely one of them.
I was in the nursery (neo-natal ICU) in 15 minutes baptizing a child that was no bigger than my hand.  I spent the rest of that early morning comforting the distraught parents.  At 6:30 a.m. I had returned to the parish to celebrate Mass.  By 8:30 a.m., I was at the school teaching the first of two classes that would end at 10:45.
Returning to my office after class, I found a couple waiting for me for counseling.  Truly, I was not their counselor.  I only had to be a mediator – sometimes also a “referee” – as they try and find a workable solution to their marital problems.  Shortly after they left, a parishioner arrived asking if I can hear her confession.  By the time she leaves, it is past lunch time.
At 2 p.m., I had to prepare the church for a 3 p.m. wedding.  The bridegroom came unusually early and sought a “meeting” with me.  After a brief chat, I was relieved to find that it was just a case of the pre-wedding “jitters” -  “Yes!”, he still wants to get married…and the wedding pushed through and I got to have a great meal at the reception.
By 10 p.m., I was just about to call it a night when my cell phone rang… “Father, my grandpa is dying.  Can you come?”  Of course!  And off I went!  I held the old man’s hand and gave him the Anointing of the Sick and Commendation of the Dying as he faded away at the last blessing.
All of this does not happen every day – but it did on that particular day!  In hindsight, I did almost everything that a priest can do in one day – ministering to the people of God, from “womb to tomb.”
It has only been a little more than three and a half years since my ordination to the priesthood and when I think about it, I sometimes feel guilty that I have not done enough.  It is only when people ask me what I do as a priest and I start to recall what I have done that makes me realize that God has used me – and used me wonderfully!  It is truly humbling for me to know that this “ordinary” human being had been called by God to do “extraordinary” things for Him and his people.
As Vocations Director for the Diocese of Tucson, it is now my quest to share my life as a priest with everyone hoping that those whom He has called to the priesthood would respond positively.  Priesthood is a “charmed” life of responsibility, ministry and service filled with a great sense of fulfillment and excitement.  After all, we priests never really know what God has planned for us at each corner of the day.

It’s the priest that brings the soul home to God after an anointing of the sick; it’s the priest who through the absolution of Christ our sins are forgiven; it’s the priest that celebrates the body and blood of Christ at the altar of sacrifice.
The priesthood is a supernatural job.
As a seminarian, I look forward not to the cassock or roman collar a Roman Catholic priest wears, but I look forward to serving my parish and community.
Being a priest brings so many fruits not only to the parish, but the priest as well. Being able to baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, is something that brings life to the life of a priest.
To anoint their foreheads with the gift of the Holy Spirit touches the heart of the priest, knowing that he or she is in full communion with the Lord. And to present vows of marriage to a loving couple in holy matrimony, it opens a world of grace to the priesthood, because I know that this couple is going to live Catholic life together, forever.
Today’s world is in need of priests. Who is going to bring the sacraments to the next generation or anoint those near death?
I chose to follow Christ in the Holy Priesthood because I know that there is light at the end of the road and that it’ll end at the altar Christ. Like John 15: 16 says, ““It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you…”

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Annual Catholic Appeal

The 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal will kick off with “Commitment Weekend” on Feb. 18-19 in an effort to raise $3.7 million – the same amount as last year – to fund the charities and ministries that serve the people of the Diocese of Tucson.
Participation is the key to success, said Margie Puerta Edson, executive director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson Stewardship and Charitable Giving.
“Through participation the appeal has been able to help those in need,” she said, noting the results of last year’s appeal, when 97 percent of the goal was achieved.
More than 17,000 individuals and families contributed to the 2011 appeal, she said.
The funding is necessary to operate the 26 charities and ministries that serve a wide range of needs throughout the diocese, and a repeat of last year’s success will ensure all of the work of the diocese can continue.
“Be Co-Workers in His Vineyard” is the theme this year and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas said “I am drawn to this theme; working together affects so much to how we understand one another, and the sharing of work and effort reinforces that we are one body in Christ.”
For convenience, pledges and contributions can be made on-line. Go to www.diocesetucson.org and click on the banner titled “Co-Workers in His Vineyard.”

February 14, 1912.
At the White House, President William Howard Taft has just signed the bill admitting Arizona as the 48th state in the Union of the United States.
Back in Arizona, at the new state capitol in Phoenix, Gov. George Hunt announces the happy news to a throng of joyful citizens.
Near Tucson, a young Franciscan friar looks out over Mission San Xavier del Bac to the mountains beyond and says to himself, “This sure doesn’t look like China.”
And on the Diocese of Tucson page of his 1912 Official Catholic Directory, Bishop Henry Granjon, the second Bishop of Tucson, has written next to “San Xavier del Bac, Indian Mission” the name of that young Franciscan to whom he has given responsibility for the care of the souls of the Papago People.
Rev. Bonaventure Oblasser, O.F.M.

Father Bonaventure is 26-years-old, and he is not where he wants to be.
Born in 1885 in Portland, Ore., Emil Oblasser had begun his studies for the priesthood at age 13.
When he began his novitiate at the Franciscan’s Old Mission in Santa Barbara, he was given the name Bonaventure.
By the time of his ordination in 1908, his heart was set on becoming a missionary to China.
But in 1910, the Franciscans sent him to Arizona, to their St. John’s Mission in Komatke in Maricopa County, to minister to the Pima Indians.
In October of 1911, the Franciscans assigned Father Bonaventure  to minister to to the Papago Indians in the vast area of their territory.
In early 1912, Bishop Granjon formalized the Franciscan’s ministry to the Papago People, changing the headquarters of their ministry from Casa Grande to Mission San Xavier del Bac.
And it was in 1912, as Arizona was becoming a state, that Father Bonaventure began to make history.
Through photos and recently discovered film in the Diocese of Tucson Archives, we can witness the ministry of this legendary missionary who would come to be called the “Apostle to the Papagos” by the Tohono O’odham People.

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See relative story: Catholic voters urged to press  for change in health mandate

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Everyone is invited – there will be 83 workshop choices sure to include every ministry, job, and role in the parish or school setting – when the Diocese of Tucson hosts a unique three-day conference next month at the Tucson Convention Center.
“No matter your role, there will be workshops designed to enrich your experience in service to our Church,” said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. “I strongly urge all of my co-workers to sign up now, join us and take advantage of the opportunities this conference presents.”
The conference will run from Thursday, March 15, through Saturday, March 17.
Titled “Co-Workers in the Vineyard,” the event will feature four general sessions that will “grab your attention, draw you in, and embrace you in a celebration of who we are together: Co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord,” said Joe Perdreauville, a principal organizer of the event and assistant director of the diocese’s Pastoral Services Department.
Three inspiring keynote addresses will be delivered:
On Thursday evening, Spokane, Wash., Bishop Blase Cupich will encourage all participants to see themselves as part of a very large story, the life of the Church in the world today.
On Friday morning, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas will encourage all to realize the importance of one another in the work of the Church, and the need to have a relational understanding between the faithful, others involved in lay ministry and lay ecclesial ministers.
On Saturday morning, Matthew Kelly, an author and business consultant, will speak about “the four signs of a dynamic Catholic.”
Two seminarians, Marco Carrasco and Albert Miranda, will be conference Masters of Ceremonies. Studying at Mundelein, they will be appointed to pastoral internships at parishes in Tucson later this month.  Albert is originally from the Philippines, and Marco is from Douglas.  Their energy and fun-loving spirit will help everyone fully enjoy the conference as they guide all through the general sessions through storytelling, prayer, laughter, and information.
There will be live music from local talent during the Music Showcases on Friday and Saturday.
“This will also be an ideal opportunity to network with others who have similar roles as you through workshops, or over lunch or dinner,” said Perdreauville. Downtown restaurants and TCC food concessions will be open and ready to serve.
“The greatest benefit is the celebratory feeling we all get when a large number of people gather in Christ’s name to worship, witness, and serve as ‘Co-Workers in the Vineyard’,” Perdreauville added.

Albert Miranda & Marco Carrasco, Masters of Ceremonies.

“We will celebrate the Eucharist together on Friday afternoon.”
The conference welcomes all who contribute to the life of the Church in the diocese. The intended audience is adults; minors under 18 who attend must be registered and remain under the immediate and constant supervision of parents or guardians.
“Help us reach our goal of 3,000 people attending this conference,” Perdreauville said. “Seventy-six parishes, 26 Catholic schools –all clergy, every employee, every volunteer, every board member, every council member, every donor, everyone who contributes to the life of the Church is expected to join us.
“Join your co-workers in the vineyard and be strengthened in your witness, celebrated through worship, and renewed in your service!”
Remember, to register, go to www.workersvineyard.com.  The registration fee is $40 per person – “an impressive deal for a gathering of this magnitude,” Perdreauville said.

Friday, March 16
Workshops A (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

A-1     The Priest: A Collaborative Leader – Part I
(For Priests Only) Brother Loughlan Sofield, S.T.
A-2     Dioceses Without Borders:
Global Solidarity at Our Doorstep
Joanne Welter and Dioceses Without Borders Partners
A-3    Lectio Divina – Theory and practice (English)
Peggy Guerrero
A-4    Bearing Witness: Anti-Semitism, the Holocaust
and Contemporary Issues
Paul Wieser and Karen Brady
A-5    Care for the Earth, Care for the Poor
Katie Hirschboeck, Ph.D.
A-6    Father Eusebio Kino: El Maestro
Rosie Garcia and Mark O’Hare
A-7    The Parish Secretary: What do you say after you say “hello”    Sister Charlotte Anne Swift, OP &Kathy Rhinehart
A-8    Parish Property Concerns: Maintenance and Risk Management – David W. Miller
A-9    Parish Financial Governance and Responsibilities
Tom Arnold and Kathryn Preble
A-10    The Role of Human Resources in the Diocese of Tucson – Ricardo M. Serrano
A-11    Care and Feeding of Teenage Soul
Suzanne Shadonix
A-12    La Secretaria de la Parroquia: Como responde uno después de dar el saludo?
Sonya Gutierrez and Ofelia James
A-13    Vocations Promotion Is Our Business!
Father Ricky V. Ordoñez
A-14    Preparing the Parish/School for the USCCB On-Site Audit –     Dr. Paul Duckro
A-15    Building A Stronger Parish through the Sunday Bulletin, Sponsored by J.S. Paluch, Tom Gull, MBA
A-16    Catechesis for the Young Child (3-7)
Norma Cable and Cathy Kent
A-17    Young Adults Finding Faith: Is there an App for that?
Sponsored by St. Mary’s Press, Anne Herrick, Ed.D.
A-18    Alienated Catholics Anonymous: Coming Home!
Msgr. Thomas Cahalane
A-19    Religion and Politics Don’t Mix
John L. Carr
A-20    Preparación de las Familias Para el Bautismo Infantil
Msgr. Carlos Romero-RomeroMoreno

Friday, March 16
Workshops B (2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

B-1     The Church Volunteer: A Valued Resource (Bilingual) – Ricardo Serrano and Human Resource Department
B-2     Manna in the Desert: The Bread of Life for Migrant Peoples – Dr. Alex Nava
B-3    Adolescent Spirituality
Sister Elizabeth O’Donnell, O.P.
B-4    10 Maneras de Como la Tecnología Puede Mejorar tu Sesión de Educación Religiosa, Victor Valenzuela
B-5    Adult Faith Formation Programs and Resources
Sponsored by Sadlier, Carole M. Eipers, D. Min.
B-6    Teach like a Mystagogue
Nick Wagner
B-7    Maintaining Buildings
John Shaheen and Father Greg Adolf
B-8    Catholic Community Services: Resources throughout the Diocese of Tucson
Marguerite “Peg” Harmon and Elizabeth “Liz” McMahon
B-9    Health and Wellness – Your Benefit Information
Alicia Corti
B-10    Vocations Promotion Is Our Business!
Father Ricky V. Ordoñez
B-11    Catholic Schools at a Crossroads
Sponsored by CTSO
Father Ronald J. Nuzzi
B-12    Immigration and the Church: Why we care!
Father Sean Carroll, SJ
B-13    Preparing Families for Infant Baptism
Deacon Ken and Linda Moreland
B-14    Transformational Leadership for a Church Renewed
Tricia Hoyt
B-15    Still in the Storm: Weaving Together Prayer and Justice,     Joe Grant (JustFaith)
B-16    Sacramental Guidelines: How to implement without being overwhelmed
Laura Stehle
B-17    Strengthening Stewardship in Our Parishes
Margie Puerta Edson, CFRE
B-18    Remarkability: The BEST way to SERVE
Robert Shaff
B-19    The Priest: A Collaborative Leader – Part II
(For Priests Only) – Brother Loughlan Sofield, S. T.
B-20    So, What do you think? Ready for a Challenge?
Sister Rina Cappellazzo, O.P. and the Vocation Discernment Team

Saturday, March 17
Workshops C (10:30 a.m. – Noon)

C-1    Enhancing Pastoral Effectiveness and Safe Environment with SOP’s
Dr. Paul Duckro and Laura Stehle
C-2    Corporate Board Session with Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas (BY INVITATION ONLY)
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, Father Al Schifano, and Kathy Rhinehart
C-3    Insurance Claims – When and How to File
John Shaheen and Liz Aguallo – Diocese of Tucson Office of Property and Insurance
C-4    Seven Steps to Creating the Vibrant, Life-giving Parish You’ve Always Dreamed Of,
Nick Wagner
C-5    Annulments in the Church: What makes for a Valid Marriage?
Father John Lyons
C-6    A Vision for Families
Tricia Hoyt
C-7    Arco-Iris: Bringing out the COLORS in Youth (Bilingual)
Enrique Hermosillo, Father Emilio Chapa, Father Martin Martinez, and other team members
C-8    Manna in the Desert: The Bread of Life for Migrant Peoples
Dr. Alex Nava
C-9    So, What do you think? Ready for a Challenge:
Sister Rina Cappellazzo, O.P., and the Vocation Discernment Team
C-10    Adult Faith Formation Programs and Resources
Sponsored by Sadlier
Carole M. Eipers, D. Min.
C-11    Catechist Tool Box
Joe Paprocki
C-12    La Liturgia Como Fuente de Espiritualidad
Msgr. Carlos Romero-Moreno
C-13    Soy Catequista: La Espiritualidad de la Vocación (Spanish and English)
Sponsored by Sadlier
Victor Valenzuela
C-14    Still in the Storm: Weaving Together Prayer and Justice
Joe Grant
C-15    Music and the Liturgy: Everyone Has a Role to Play
Sponsored by World Library Publications/J.S. Paluch
Peter Kolar
C-16    Human Life and Dignity
Susan E. Wills, Joanne Welter and Father Domenico Pinti
C-17    Remarkability: The BEST way to SERVE
Robert Shaff
C-18    Walking together in Solidarity: Praying, Learning, Acting, Giving
Sponsored by Catholic Relief Services – Southwest Office
Anna Alicia Chavez
C-19    Technology in Catechesis: We Have a Story to Tell!
Sponsored by Our Sunday Visitor
Tim Welch
C-20    Collaboration and Giftedness
Brother Loughlan Sofield, S.T.

Saturday, March 17
Workshops D (2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

D-1    Parish Board of Director New Member Orientation
(For Parish Board Directors Only)
Father Al Schifano and Kathy Rhinehart
D-2     The Church Volunteer: A Valued Resource (Bilingual)
Ricardo M. Serrano
D-3    Jesus an Asian; the gift that is: The Church of America Enriched
Father Remigio “Miguel” Mariano, Jr.
D-4    La Comunión llevada a los enfermos y a las personas en sitios de reclusión,
Msgr. Carlos Romero Moreno
D-5    Catholic School at a Crossroads,
Sponsored by CTSO
Father Ronald J. Nuzzi
D-6    Practice Makes Catholic
Joe Paprocki
D-7    Parish Pastoral Councils 101: Getting Started and Running Strong
Dr. Robert Scala and DPC members
D-8    Yaqui History and Religious Practices
Richard A. Tellez and Father Seraphim V. Molina, S.T.
D-9    Human Life and Dignity
Susan Wills, Joanne Welter and Father Domenico Pinti
D-10    Religion and Politics Don’t Mix
John L. Carr, USCCB
D-11    The Bread of Life: A Living Sign
Cheryl Wilson-Weiss
D-12    Consejo Pastoral Parroquial 101: Iniciando y Ejecutando,
Jeanette Apaez and Diocesan Pastoral Council Members
D-13    The Circle of Life Journey: Bringing Our Faith Perspective to the Full Spectrum of Life Issues
Katie Hirschboeck, Ph.D.
D-14    Una Visión para las Familias
Tricia Hoyt
D-15    Our Parish Can Make a Difference
Rachel Lustig
D-16    Evangelization, Joyful Praise and the Recognition and Visibility of  Black Catholic Ministry
Shawn Jackson and the Diocese of Tucson Black Catholic Committee
D-17    I was in Prison and you Visited Me
Michael Gutierrez
D-18    Liturgical Ministers: Creating Hospitable Parishes (Bilingual)
Sponsored by World Library Publications/J.S. Paluch
Peter Kolar
D-19    Be not afraid… of Social Networks!
Sponsored by Our Sunday Visitor
Tim Welch
D-20    Marketing 101: Techniques for Increasing Parish Participation and Revenue,
Sponsored by J.S. Paluch
Tom Gull, MBA