Pastor's Notes

As we approach a major election in a bit over a week, we call on the intercession of all the saints to pray for our country. I wanted to share 10 suggestions written by a friend of mine, Bishop James Wall, regarding how we approach Election Day. Nothing that is said here should surprise us. They are basic tenants of our faith that Catholics should keep in mind while fulfilling his or her civic duties. I hope that you will join us in Eucharistic Adoration on November 2 and 3 which will take place in the church, anticipating larger than normal adorers.
-Fr. Richard

Ten Suggestions for Faithful Catholics in Electing Public Officials

1. “Good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.” (Pope Francis) To participate in the election process is to exercise good and responsible citizenship.

2. Party affiliation or the personal faith of the candidate are less important than the proposals, platform and record of that candidate.

3. Since truth is often a casualty of political rhetoric, one is better off looking at the public record of the person’s actions and not simply what they say.

4. Beware of political propaganda, including from the press; seek concrete facts of the matter.

5. Actions and actual legislation of the past can be a good indicator of what a politician will do in the future.

6. Political parties and candidates evolve and change: consider not only what they supported in the past but the direction they are going now.

7. Although the ideal would be virtuous candidates, to elect someone to public office does not mean approval of the personal life of that person, or even all that they propose; often in fact it is a process of choosing the lesser evil.

8. “Thereareseveralissuesthatare‘nonnegotiable’forCatholicsinpoliticallife, because they involve matters that are always wrong given their nature.” (Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Catholics in the Public Square, n. 18)

9. Examples of n. 8 include legal support for abortion and legalized euthanasia. “There are some things we must never do, as individuals or as a society,... These are called ‘intrinsically evil’ actions. They must always be rejected and opposed and must never be supported or condoned. A prime example is the intentional taking of innocent human life, as in abortion and euthanasia. In our nation, ‘abortion and euthanasia have become preeminent threats to human dignity because they directly attack life itself, the most fundamental human good and the condition for all others’ (Living the Gospel of Life, no. 5). It is a mistake with grave moral consequences to treat the destruction of innocent human life merely as a matter of individual choice. A legal system that violates the basic right to life on the grounds of choice is fundamentally flawed.” (USCCB, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, n. 22)

10. Charity and kindness toward one another overall, regardless of their political affiliation. “In what is necessary, unity; in what is not necessary, liberty and in all things charity.” (St. Augustine)

I was saddened last weekend to receive news of the sudden death of one of my brother priests, Fr. Christopher Roberts. A priest for 13 years, he was only 41 years old. As many of you recall, Fr. Roberts’ first priestly assignment was at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. If you are reading this before Sunday, you are invited to a memorial Mass for Fr. Roberts this Saturday, October 17, at 8 a.m. 

Fr. Roberts was a prayerful man with a serious intellect. A graduate of Harvard University and the North American College in Rome, he was an avid student, most especially of the faith. On some weekends, he said Mass in English, Spanish, and Latin. Living next door to him for three years, I discovered that he lived simply and prayerfully. He was also a student of the writings of St. John Henry Newman. 

A gifted homilist, Fr. Roberts never shied away from speaking about difficult issues. I recall his request to preach at all of our Masses about the encyclical Humanae Vitae written by St. Pope Paul VI. Preaching about the prohibition of artificial birth control is about as counter-cultural as a preacher can get! But he did so out of love for people and out of concern for the institution of marriage that can be compromised by a contraceptive mentality. 

This is a great loss for the Church and our diocese. Let us pray for the repose of his soul and for his brother priests. Please also pray for St. Paul Church and School in Marion, Indiana, where Fr. Roberts served as pastor, and for all those who were touched by his ministry. 

“Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you, go forth, faithful Christian. May you live in peace this day, may your home be with God in Zion, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God, with Joseph, and all the angels and saints.”

In other news, please remember this week’s Taizé prayer service for life on Wednesday, October 21, at 7 p.m. It is a beautiful chanted prayer that renews the soul. It is also an opportunity to pray for our country as we head toward what will most certainly be a contentious presidential election. 

Finally, just a word of caution about our awesome Adoration Chapel. Please do not let anyone in after hours. Every night adorer should have a key card and was screened/approved. Rarely, we have homeless people or people traveling through, and we cannot vouch for their character or morality. It is our priority to keep our adorers safe. Also, if you come to your Holy Hour at night and someone is loitering outside, please do not approach the exterior door. Our hardworking Carmel police have instructed that, out of an abundance of caution, you should simply call 911. Allow them to vet the person and have them leave if they do not have a key. 

God bless you.

- Fr. Richard Doerr

Southern Catholic writer Flannery O’Connor is famous for her short stories and blunt talk. When a friend opined about how beautiful the symbolism was in the Mass, O’Connor responded, “Well, if it’s just a symbol, to hell with it.” Later she reflected on that moment and her line in the sand response saying, “[The Eucharist] is the center of existence for me; all the rest of life is expendable.”

For decades, many prophets have decried that many Catholics live a sort of “buffet line” Catholicism. We pick and choose what pleases our moral palates. And every aspect of it is seemingly expendable depending on our mood and circumstance. 

Yet, so many of the saints that we admire did not have that kind of faith. A faith built on rock is one where Jesus is the answer to all of our questions. Again, there is nothing symbolic about it. Further, a convicted faith is one whereby we seek to build God’s kingdom always and everywhere. For if Jesus is who He says He is, to anchor ourselves to anything or anyone else is foolish. 

Of the nine United States Supreme Court Justices, six are Catholic. One was raised Catholic and is now Episcopalian, and two are Jewish. The heavy Catholic concentration on the Court has raised the ire of some. They take exception thinking that there should be greater diversity amongst the judges on the Supreme Court. My frustration is, does their faith really matter that much? Catholics in the public square have successfully separated their faith from public life. Some say that is a good thing. I find this troubling. 

Not all Catholic justices think alike and certainly not with the mind of the Church. If that were the case, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Clarence Thomas, both Catholics, would be voting in unison. Instead, they are ideological opposites.

With all this as a backdrop, I read a line in an article that raised my ire about the nominated Supreme Court Justice, Amy Coney Barrett. It described that the problematic side of her faith was its “unusual intensity and character.” That phrase stuck with me because, to me anyway, she was being labeled a fanatic for her deeply held Catholicism that is characterized as extreme and dangerous. Despite her razor-sharp intellect and the esteem she enjoys as a judge and a professor, a “serious” Catholic is now a sidelined one. At best, cultural Catholicism is the only acceptable Catholicism—you know, Christmas and Easter Catholics. 

But how does cultural Catholicism make the world a better place? It is a neutered Catholicism that does not offend others. And if it is a generative Catholicism, it is best to keep it tucked safely within the walls of our church buildings where it will neither challenge nor offend. But to me anyway, to quote Flannery O’Connor, “Well, if it’s a symbol, to hell with it.” 

This column is not to canonize Amy Coney Barrett. In my opinion, some of her judicial decisions do not ring true with the mind of the Church. But the ones that do have made her a target for persecution. In that she has stepped forward for consideration, she has accepted the cross and I respect her for it. I am praying for her this week. What a brave soul. We need more Catholics with that kind of bravery. Lord, make me one!  

- Fr. Richard

I draw your attention to the respect life calendar that is included on this webpage. It has information about three consecutive Wednesdays of prayer in support of the sanctity of human life, and a Monday evening of worship on October 26 that will kick-off an election novena. Also, anticipating that many will come to do Eucharistic Holy Hours to pray for our country, on November 2, we will have adoration in the church that will continue through Election Day. I hope you will consider joining us for any or all of these events.  Finally, as I know so many are pained by the current national unrest, I composed a litany to help us stay focused on Christ. I have always loved litanies. Their cadence and rhythm slows me down and helps me focus on the eternal. Feel free to pray it with me this month. 

- Fr. Richard

A Litany for Troubled Times

Our Lady of Peace, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

From the Violence of war, deliver us, O Jesus
From the Violence of terrorism…
From the Violence of abortion and other sins against innocent human life…
From the Violence of racism…
From the Violence of self-harm…
From the Violence of pornography…
From Violence in our politics…
From Violence against people of faith…
From Violence in our streets….
From Violence against the sick at the end of life…
From Violence in the home…
From Violence against women and children…
From Violence in our media and social media…
From Violence perpetrated against people’s good names…

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, grant me the grace to desire it.
That I might love those who are seemingly unlovable… 
That I might love my enemies in obedience to you…
That I might forgive those who have trespassed against me… 
That I may put an end to gossip and calumny… 
That I might build bonds of friendship…
That I might soothe the hearts of the lonely and pained…
That I might strive to be more aware of suffering and hardships…
That I might pursue justice, the foundation of true peace…
That I might live simply so that others might simply live…
That I might encourage instead of tear down….
That I might be a person of faith, hope, and love…

Lamb of God, Prince of Peace, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Prince of Peace, you take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Prince of Peace, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us!

Pray for us, most holy Mother of Peace, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Loving God,
We call you Father, and you call us to be one human family. Inspire us to build a world of justice and peace. 
May we follow our Lord’s example by laying down our lives to defend the sanctity of human life. 
Let me love you all the more by loving my neighbor! We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

We live in troubling times. Communities are being destroyed. Our faith is being tested. Conversations about riots, thuggery, and civil unrest are commonplace. I admit fisting my hands in frustration when I see unnecessary police violence and when I see people in service professions be disrespected and killed. I’m disheartened when businesses and livelihoods are destroyed.

I am also frustrated when people act like this violence is unprecedented or an aberration. Violence has existed since the fall of Adam and Eve. A generation later Cain killed Abel. Modern-day violence destroys lives, as well as the dignity and hopes of millions of people. It seems to be uniquely paralyzing today. 

But really, we have tolerated violence all along. We accept it in much of our media, music, and video games that poison our minds. Violence, of course, begins with words—written and spoken. I am amazed that people who often do not even know someone’s heart will harm that person’s reputation with online posts. Why is it today that, behind our screens, we feel so qualified to “weigh in,” often in hurtful, anonymous ways?  

Beyond the current street violence and social media, there is ample hostility, hatred, and indifference. It’s growing in our culture. What about the verbal and sometimes physical violence in families? Broken families and fatherlessness is crushing children who lack proper mentoring by men who care. 

What about the movies and television programs that are contributing to this culture of violence that we readily and comfortably consume in our suburban easy chairs? What about the epidemic of pornography? There are assaults on human dignity every second of the day that contribute to violence against men, women, and children, and yet many parents allow access to the Internet with little supervision. Discrimination destroys the ties that should bind us. Have we listened to the concerns and stories of people who look or sound different than us? Have we taken exception to racial jokes? 

And then of course, and maybe even most especially, there is the violence that is perpetrated in the womb through abortion which has contributed to the deaths of millions of babies, destroying the lives of their parents who live with long-term grief. Do we speak out against it and support pro-life agencies? Have we contributed to the violence of suicide that has dramatically increased in recent years by our indifference? Do we notice and soothe the pain of others who feel isolated and alone? 

I don’t like to call attention to problems without talking about solutions. I am incredibly hopeful about our ability to overcome what ails us with the grace of God and Christian action. But I also am beginning to think that what is most troubling about the violence that we are experiencing today is that, at least in our minds, it used to be elsewhere—in the inner city, far away on a battlefield, or in an abortion clinic. Could it be that we are most disturbed because it is potentially coming into our neighborhoods and our streets instead of those that belong to someone else?

The sin of indifference manifests itself in resignation, that because bad things happen, we are not obligated to resist evil or do good. We often just turn away so we don’t have to look at it. When we are ruminating on our modern-day fears, it seems that our national problems are too big for us to make any difference. But looking at the examples of modern-day violence that I mentioned above, that existed way before this summer of unrest, perhaps there are things we can personally do to promote peace. Instead of scrolling through Twitter or watching CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC—pick one issue and make a change!

Keeping this in mind, the theme of our Respect Life Month is simple: Stop the Violence and Be Good. Stay tuned for more on that topic.

And pray. I am attaching a prayer by New Orleans Archbishop Aymond. Join me in praying it this week.

God have mercy on us in the United States and throughout the world as we refuse to follow your command of peace. Give your blessing to those who have died, their families, and to those who protect us through law enforcement. Lord Jesus, we weep with you. Please use our prayers, hearts and hands to build peace in our families and in our world. Wherever in my heart there is a hint of violence and revenge, mercifully help me to a change of heart. Lord, let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Amen

-Fr. Richard

Catholic Ministries Appeal

The Catholic Ministries Appeal, formerly Fruitful Harvest, kicks off in our parish this weekend, September 19 - 20, and runs until December 31, 2021. The theme for this appeal is “Hearts on Fire.” Jesus wants our hearts to be on fire for his mission no matter what our life’s vocation. He wants us to create strong and vibrant communities of love through the witness of our faith in action. Jesus wants us to remember that all we have is a gift from God, even the very breath in our lungs.

By our missionary discipleship, we can work to build up the Body of Christ, his Church, by carrying the Good News of the gospel to all people. The Catholic Ministries Appeal is offering each of us the opportunity to reach out to those in need across our diocese, as well as continue the ministry and education programs within our own parish. 

Giving to the Catholic Ministries Appeal means that you are helping support programs for our retired priests, seminarians, deacons, youth, Newman Centers, prison ministry, pregnancy centers, and so much more. You will be receiving, or have already received, a letter in the mail which provides even more detail about the ministries funded by the Catholic Ministries Appeal, as well as why all gifts matter, regardless of their size. Also, in that mailing, you will find a pledge card asking you to make a commitment to this appeal.

Clearly, it has been a rocky year for all of us in 2020. COVID-19 has separated us so much. People complain to me that they feel more isolated than ever—we need our church! And then the difficulties relative to the priestly personnel changes were an added stressor. But I am here as your pastor, and despite these trying times, I opened the letter from the diocese and immediately made my pledge. Will it put us over the top? I wish. By design, though, my salary is meager, but I want you to know that I believe in the ministries that will be supported by the Catholic Ministries Appeal. I encourage you to study the mailing and to prayerfully consider giving generously to this appeal.

-Fr. Richard

You won’t see me this weekend as I took a week for rest after our tumultuous spring and summer. I am on a road trip will my college roommate and his wife up in the northeast, dear friends that somehow understand the life of a priest. 

I still prayed through some thoughts about this weekend’s readings, though, and I must say, I didn’t like all this talk about insistent and automatic forgiveness. I am too weak for that! I blame my ethnic heritage that my mother often says is responsible for grudges, etc. I am a mutt, really, from a Polish, German, Irish American family that included a cast of characters the likes of which you would never believe produced a priest, let alone two. 

My maternal grandfather was one of 14 siblings: 11 girls and 3 boys. And frankly, I witnessed a lot of grudge-holding over the silliest things. In fact, I heard lore that two of my great aunts held a grudge for so long that they forgot what it was about! All they needed to know was that they did not talk or even walk on the same side of the street if they could help it, and that was that! Oh, brother.

Based on last week’s readings which encouraged fraternal correction, there seems too little room for such anger and silly grudges. As I often tell parishioners who depend heavily on their feelings, feelings can be deceptive. We need to be focused on our common mission and not the past.

Letting go of bitterness is essential for no other reason than that the Father’s forgiveness, which we have been given, will be withdrawn at the final judgment if we do not imitate this forgiveness in our relationships with others. It’s scary to think that what we do to others will be done to us – eternally! 

Look at the evidence: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you … For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out of you” (Lk 6:37-38).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church helps us understand why this is the case. It explains that the outpouring of God’s mercy, which far exceeds any mercy we could hope to extend, “cannot penetrate our hearts as long as we have not forgiven those who have trespassed against us. Love, like the Body of Christ, is indivisible; we cannot love the God we cannot see if we do not love the brother or sister we do see. In refusing to forgive our brothers and sisters, our hearts are closed and their hardness makes them impervious to the Father’s merciful love.”

So in the end, letting go of the past and forgiving others is as important for us as it is for others. Think about your greatest hurts this weekend. While you don’t have to be best friends, you would do well about asking for the grace to let the anger go.

-Fr. Richard

You may have noticed the new signs along 146th and Oak Ridge Road this weekend. Week in and week out as I headed to see my mother throughout the quarantine and beyond, I saw these hopeful messages along Main Street in my hometown of Pendleton. I knew we had to have them along our well-traveled streets in Carmel. 

I have to say, the novelty of COVID-19 wore out its welcome months ago. Seeing these signs lifted my spirits and gave me a hopeful perspective. Recently, I have been praying daily for an increase in the theological virtue of hope. There are three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love. They are called theological virtues because, when we live them, they draw us to God as they ultimately emanate from Him. 

Christians have a very specific understanding of Hope that is related to our desire and longing for our eternal home in heaven. C.S. Lewis once said, "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven."

I believe, for example, that our large numbers of parishioners who stepped forward during our quarantine and COVID-19 blood drives were infused with hope. There is a certain bravery that drew us to donate over 700 units of blood while most Americans stayed safely at home. Many were simply inspired to save lives. I received an email from one of the blood center’s regional managers that stated, “OLMC has been a saving grace for Indiana hospitals and has been a rock for us to lean on for collections.” Several have spoken about their amazement at how quickly we were able to mobilize. 

But the fact is those who are simply interested in conditions down here on this earth lack the power to actually affect conditions here! But hope, the pursuit of God, Heaven, and holiness are what charges us on towards the perfection of earthly matters. 

So, if you really want to make a difference and if you really want to change the world, start by making sure you are putting God and your supernatural destiny first. Come to Mass, go to confession, and say your prayers so that God is not a stranger in your life, but a trusted companion. 

We are disciples of Jesus at this parish, not social workers. As the Catechism reminds us, by hoping for heaven, “we are preserved from selfishness and led to the happiness that flows from charity.”

Especially now as we head toward this contentious election, it easy to become discouraged. But as a hopeful people, we are reminded of something that my mother has reminded me of when I start to get frustrated. She says, “Richard, you remember that Jesus wins in the end, right?” Such a great reminder for a hearth-theologian!

- Fr. Richard

I write my pastor’s column at least 5-7 days in advance. This morning (Monday morning), I sat in my recliner eating my morning egg sandwich watching the news, while at the same time pondering what message I wanted to give to you in this column. Sometimes I wonder why I watch the news because everything seems so troubling these days. And I rolled my eyes and sighed, even over the weather report. I mean, of course, there was a weather phenomenon like no other: Two tropical storms/hurricanes were barreling into the Gulf of Mexico. I mean, seriously? As if COVID-19, racial tensions, rioting, western wildfires, and our fractured politics are not enough?! We need some good news, Lord! 

St. Julian of Norwich is credited with writing the simple yet inspiring belief that, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” Considering that these words were written in the 14th century, they are surprisingly applicable sentiments to cling to during our own time and our current national/international difficulties.

But according to St. Julian herself, these words were actually spoken to Julian by Jesus. While Julian ultimately embraced this divine wisdom, it was not instantly consoling to her. At one point she wrote, “Ah, good Lord, how could all things be well, because of the great harm that has come through sin to your creatures?” And Jesus replied to this mystic soul, “Since I have set right the greatest of harms, then it is my will that you should know through this that I shall set right everything which is less.”

What a beautiful and consoling conversation between Jesus and this mystical daughter. While I am no mystic, I happily cling to the promise that the same Jesus Christ is alive in this time, in these circumstances—that Jesus will make them well. 

Sometimes when we are in the midst of such chaos we start to think of our time as uniquely difficult. But I remember reading a touching testimonial by Fr. Walter Czisek, an American Jesuit that was serving in Poland when the iron curtain slammed down, forcing the closure of his parish. In his book The Leadeth Me, he recounted painful conversations that he shared with parents who were torn between the religious formation of their children and going to Mass, versus the ramifications that they faced just coming to Mass by the communist oppressor 

Fr. Czisek wrote eloquently about those troubling days, comparing them to the immensity of God and the footnote that our troubles are by comparison. In other words, no matter what earthly trial we face, God is still in his place, so all will be well. 

This week and probably the week after this, I am working on being more hopeful. It is one of the theological virtues that bids us place our hope in our relationship with God in this life, despite our circumstances, so that we can be with God in the next. If you care to work on this with me, may I suggest a little homework? Read Matthew 6:25-34. It is my favorite penance for those who confess despair. 

So be hopeful this weekend! All will be well!

-Fr. Richard