Prayers for Father McHugh

Received a note earlier today asking for prayers for Father Owen McHugh, who was admitted to the hospital yesterday and will be in for a few more days of monitoring. He is doing well today and prayers for his recovery are requested.

I've met Father McHugh twice, I believe, and both times I think he had a Rockies hat on. Awesome. He has been a priest for 58 years, with his ordination anniversary on June 3.

A concert you won't want to miss

At 7:30 p.m. this Saturday at St. Mary Cathedral, a special collection of singers and musicians will present a concert in honor of the diocese's 25th anniversary. There is no cost to attend the concert.

Highlights of the program include the Gauedeamus, Introit for the Feast of the Blessed Mother, the Vivaldi "Gloria," Mozart’s "Ave Verum," the Sanctus from the Requiem by Faure, the Bach/Gounod "Ave Maria" and an arrangement of "On Eagles Wings" that choir director Edmond Ladouceur deemed "beautiful."

"It will be thrilling. There won’t be a dry eye for some pieces, and for others the spine will tingle," Ladouceur told the Herald.

I'm sold. Hope to see you there.

Diocesan Marriage Office directors to be on EWTN

Christian and Christine Meert, codirectors of the diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life and cofounders of Catholic Marriage Prep online progran will be featured on EWTN's "Life on the Rock" program at 6 p.m. MST May 14. Re-runs scheduled for 11 p.m. May 14, 11 a.m. May 15 and 9 p.m. May 17 (all MST, I believe, but check your local listings for when Life on Rock airs on your system).

www.ewtn.com/rock

Jubilee men's conference in Springs has Web site

The Rocky Mountain Catholic Men’s Conference, which was previewed in the Dec. 5 issue of The Colorado Catholic Herald, has launched a new Web site with a different address than mentioned in the article.

The new Web site address is http://www.rockymountaincatholicmensconference.com/. The site is active and speaker and registration information will be available soon.

The conference will take place from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. March 21 at Holy Apostles Parish in Colorado Springs.

Bishop Michael Sheridan is scheduled to attend and will conclude the day with a Mass. The conference was originally conceived as a special event for the Diocese of Colorado Springs’ 25th anniversary next year, but its scope has expanded and it is now cosponsored by the Diocese of Colorado Springs and the Archdiocese of Denver.

[UPDATE: The RMCMC link is working again.]

A proud moment for the diocese

(CNS photo/Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo)

As mentioned in an earlier post, Colorado Springs Diocese seminarian Jim Baron, who is studying at North American College in Rome, was selected to read the second reading during Midnight Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve. Thanks to Paul Haring at Catholic News Service for getting his Vatican contact to snap a picture of this. You can see a larger version of the photo if you click on it.

St. Joseph-CS, OLG parishioners step up

Times are tough economy-wise, but that didn't stop members of St. Joseph Parish in the Southgate neighborhood of Colorado Springs from stepping up to address some major needs for the church. A couple of weekends ago, parishioners were told of the need for a new roof and new water heater for the church -- projects that would total close to $40,000. After pleading the case, Father Gregory Golyzniak held a special second collection the following weekend. This past Sunday, he announced that the church was able to put in the new roof and heater.

Another great story, which is not yet posted online but is in the Oct. 17 Heraid, is what is happening at Our Lady of Guadalupe. During one homily a while back, Father Alfredo Garcia divulged his vision for a renovated church campus that would encourage more community gathering. His parishioners listened and donated time, talent and treasure to beautify the grounds, including the building of a plaza. One item that wasn't mentioned in the story because we learned it late in the production cycle -- marble was recently donated for a new church floor.

If anyone else would like to share good news going on at his/her parish, we'd love to hear it.

Headlines from the Seoul

In our July 18 issue, there will hopefully be a story on the diocesan WYD pilgrims’ three-day stop in Seoul, South Korea. That means a 2-3 word bang head has to be conceived for the top story spot on the front page. Struggling to find the right one, I solicited opinions from friends. Needless to say, we didn’t get very far. The leading one is: “Heart and Seoul” with a subhead referring to their generosity in taking the time to host us for what was essentially a late addition to everyone’s schedules.

Here are some rejected suggestions:
Seoul Trippin
Seoul Asylum
Soul II Seoul
Seoulja Boy
Seouldiers 4 Christ
De la Seoul
Heart & Seoul *(the leading contender for the headline)*
Seoul Train
Seoul Plane
Seoul Provider
Circque de Seouleil
Seoulcial Justice
Collective Seoul
Summer Seoulstice

Joking aside, the visit to Seoul will be an awesome experience and I am very much looking forward to sharing the faith with our brothers and sisters there. We are grateful for their generosity.

Giving is up in the diocese

Vincentian Father Mark Pranaitis, diocesan director of stewardship and development, gives a nice response to a recent Gazette article that says charitable giving to religious organizations is down. Here's Father Mark's letter:

The Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs has a different experience to report than the general decline in giving to religious organizations presented in The Gazette’s Feb. 23 report, “Where has all the giving gone?” From 2000 to the present, weekly offertory (in all 44 parishes and mission churches of the diocese) has increased from $15.8 million to more than $19.6 million. At the same time, the annual appeal, begun in 2004, has generated more than $8 million.

Additionally, Catholic Charities, a legally separate organization, reported being surprised by the overwhelming generosity of its donors in the past year. While individual parishioners come and go, choose to give to other charities, and national and local economies can rise and fall, the overall outlook for Catholic parishes, the diocese, and other Catholic organizations seems quite good — thank God.

Contrary to the article’s comments about stewardship, I find that when it is presented as a way of life, not merely a fundraising gimmick, parishioners respond to the call to be thankful, responsible, generous and accountable.

Rev. Mark Pranaitis
Director of Stewardship and Development
Diocese of Colorado Springs

Sacred Music Workshop to draw big crowd

The inaugural Rocky Mountain Regional Sacred Music Workshop Jan. 18-19 at St. Mary's Cathedral looks to be a momentous ocassion for the diocese. From the Aquinas and More blog:

We had hoped for around 60 signups for the Rocky Mountain Regional Sacred Music Workshop with a maximum group of around 75. We are currently at 106 registrations with two on hold. The biggest problem is that the cathedral in Colorado Springs doesn’t have a place to put a choir that big for the Mass.

A few stats:
* Half the registrants are from Colorado Springs
* Six are from out of state
* Six local choir directors are coming
* At least eight local parishes will be represented

Priest ordination on Saturday

Deacon Bob Newbury will be ordained to the priesthood Dec. 22 during a Mass celebrated by Colorado Springs Bishop Michael Sheridan at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral. This is a great chance to participate in a holy event for the diocese and for Deacon Newbury, the second man to be ordained to the Diocese of Colorado Springs this year.

Deacon Newbury comes to the priesthood as a second career after spending more than two decades in the military and law enforcement in Colorado Springs. The latest issue of The Colorado Catholic Herald has a feature on Deacon Newbury.

Bishop Sheridan responds to Colorado shootings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


Colorado Springs Bishop Michael J. Sheridan responds to Colorado shootings


Dec. 10, 2007


I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic events yesterday at New Life Church here in Colorado Springs and at the Youth With a Mission training center in Arvada. These acts of violence are senseless, but we can find strength in God to help us in this time of such great distress. I, together with all the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, extend our sympathy and prayers for the victims at New Life and Youth With a Mission and their families, and we pray for these communities as they begin to heal from this terrible tragedy.

We are all disturbed by the incidences of violence that seem to be occurring more frequently in recent years. Evil is real and present, and so we pray, too, for an end to the culture of death that has so taken hold of our society. We pray also for the perpetrators of these crimes, people so disturbed that they saw fit to end the lives of other human beings.

Let us remember that Christ provides us great hope in His resurrection, and that He is present to us especially in times of great loss and sorrow. Christ was present yesterday at New Life Church and in Arvada, and He continues to be present as these communities come together for healing.

Most Reverend Michael J. Sheridan
Bishop of Colorado Springs

Till the cows come home

The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo takes place July 11-15 at Norris-Penrose Events Center in Colorado Springs. This Saturday the rodeo kicks things off with a parade through the streets of downtown Colorado Springs, complete with a children's dress-up review. Check it out for a good family time.

There's something about the rodeo that brings out the little kid in me.

A couple of other items this weekend:
*** At 7 p.m. Saturday (7/7/07 at 7), there will be a groundbreaking for a proposed church on land donated by the Venetucci family (on the Venetucci farm at 5210 S. U.S. 85/87). The church will combine Holy Family in Security and St. Joseph in Fountain and is going by the tentative name of St. Dominic. You can read about it in the July 20 issue of The Colorado Catholic Herald. Bring a shovel to participate in the groundbreaking.

*** Father Francisco Quezada will be installed as pastor of St. Mary's Cathedral at the 8:45 a.m. Sunday Mass. Read about him here.

Latin Mass motu proprio update

A new rumor is swirling in the Catholic blogosphere that the motu proprio that would loosen the restrictions on the celebration of the Tridentine Mass will finally be released July 7. Now this is the gazillionth rumored release date of the document, so while this seems to be the best bet yet, I'll believe it when I see it.

And even so, the media and the blogosphere are going crazy over this, and I'm not sure why. I don't see this document as revolutionary, especially considering any priest could already celebrate the Mass with the bishop's consent. I have heard of (and lived in) some dioceses where it is hard to get approval, so I guess this will help those priests. But I would be shocked (and pleasantly so, btw) if more parishes in our diocese started offering, if not the Tridentine Mass, at least the Novus Ordo Mass. I don't see this creating a "Latin revolution" with a resurgence of sacred music at Mass, etc..., but maybe I'll be wrong.

Priestly ordination

In the June 22 issue of The Colorado Catholic Herald, we cover the ordination Mass for Father Rafael Torres-Rico. If you haven't had a chance to attend an ordination, I highly recommend it. It is one of the most holy events you can witness.

I wish Father Torres-Rico much success as a priest, and I ask that you include him in your daily prayers.

Father Don Dunn memories

In the June 8 issue, The Colorado Catholic Herald celebrates Father Don Dunn's career by publishing thoughts from co-workers and family members. This is in addition to the profile we did on him last December. We invite you to continue the conversation here for Father Dunn, who is retiring this month from active ministry.

I have only known Father Dunn for less than two years, but I have always found him to be incredibly patient, affable and approachable. I've enjoyed the opportunity to get to know a little more about his personal life, and his stories from his time in Colombia are remarkable.

Please share your comments.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We will be keeping this post at the top of the blog for about another week. Newer posts will appear beneath this during that time.]

Feast of Corpus Christi

Here's a very cool shot from Corpus Christi's Parish procession for the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 10. It almost made the Herald but the composition seems just a tad off. Jim Myers thought it would work if the monstrance was lifted higher (we weren't about to interrupt the procession to make artistic suggestions). I think he's right. Nevertheless, we thought it deserving of some sort of publication.

I love the Corpus Christi procession. With hostilities against Catholicism high these days and the temptation to privatize our faith and confine it to indoors, it's a powerful witness to line up behind Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and take our faith to the streets.

National Right to Life boots out Colorado Right to Life

Wow. Anyone care to venture a guess as to the future of Colorado Right to Life after this? I haven't been here long enough to know the group's history. From what I understand, the local Catholics pro-life community has been very involved with CRL events.

Ordination of Deacon Torres on Saturday

Come celebrate the ordination of Deacon Rafael Torres-Rico to the priesthood for the Diocese of Colorado Springs at a 10 a.m. Mass this Saturday at St. Mary's Cathedral. Bishop Sheridan will celebrate. If you have never been to an ordination Mass, I strongly urge you to attend. It is a powerful event. It is hard to put into words the feelings that come with watching a man lay before Christ at the altar and vow to give the rest of his life to serving the Church.

You are also encouraged to attend Father Torres' first Mass the following morning at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church. A priest's first Mass is a special ocassion of great grace. The church acknowledges this rare moment by granting a plenary indulgence "to the faithful who devoutly participate in the Mass." To read what an indulgence is and is not (read: not what the kinds that caused the Protestant Reformation) and for the conditions to receive the indulgence, click here.