RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC Diocese of El Paso Lifts Restrictions to Allow Funeral Masses
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
THE
RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC
Vol. 30, No. 3 Celebrating 30 Years serving the Diocese of El Paso March 2021
Diocese of El Paso Lifts Restrictions to Allow Funeral Masses
By Fernie Ceniceros
Editor, Rio Grande Catholic
In response to improving num-
bers of those infected with the
novel coronavirus in the El Paso
community, and an improvement
in the number of those hospi-
talized, the Diocese of El Paso
has implemented a lifting of the
restrictions for the celebration of
funeral masses and vigils with
safety protocols to include limits
to the number of participants
permitted.
In collaboration with funeral
home directors, a set of pro-
tocols were developed to help
insure the safety of all who
participate while mourning the
death of a loved one during the
Vigil, Mass and Burial.
The protocols include a limit
of 75 persons for the funeral
mass and of 25 persons for the
burial. Social distancing, a mask
mandate and capacity limitations
are already in place at funeral
homes for all funeral vigils. So-
cial distancing, mask mandates
and other protocols will be in
place at the church and cemetery.
Bishop Mark Seitz expressed
his relief at being able to lift the
restrictions to the funeral mass.
“It’s been a long and difficult
journey, and we’re so pleased
finally to be able to say to fam-
ilies who have lost loved ones
we will all join you in offering
the mass for your loved one and
will be able to be with you at
the vigil at the funeral home as
well,” Bishop Seitz said.
Bishop Seitz lamented the fact
that funerals have not been avail- The Diocese of El Paso has implemented a lifting of the restrictions for the celebration of funeral masses and vigils with safety protocols to
able during this time of pandem- include limits to the number of participants permitted. Photo by Fernue Ceniceros.
ic over the last 10 months.
“Our heart breaks for those
who have lost loved ones during
La Diócesis Levanta Restricciones Para Permitir Misas De Funeral
the course of these last 10
months or so, that we have not
been able to celebrate funeral
masses,” he said.
“What we have been saying Por Fernie Ceniceros los que participan en el duelo tos de poder decir finalmente a endo todo el tiempo es que nos
all along is that we would like Editor, Rio Grande Catholic por la muerte de un ser querido las familias que han perdido a gustaría reunirnos con ellos y
to gather with them and to offer durante la Vigilia, la Misa y el sus seres queridos que todos se ofrecer una misa en memoria
a memorial mass for the loved En respuesta a la mejora del Entierro. unirán a ustedes para ofrecer del ser querido”, añadió. “Así
one,when things improved,” he número de infectados por el Los protocolos incluyen un la misa por su ser querido y que ahora podría ser un buen
added. “So now might be a good nuevo coronavirus en la comu- límite de 75 personas para la podrán estar con ustedes en la momento para acercarse a las
time to be approaching parish- nidad de El Paso, y a la mejora misa funeral y de 25 personas vigilia en la funeraria también”, parroquias y tratar de pro-
es and trying to get something del número de hospitalizados, para el entierro. El distancia- dijo el obispo Seitz. gramar algo en el camino, para
scheduled down the road, so that la Diócesis de El Paso ha miento social, el mandato de El obispo Seitz lamentó que que se pueda ofrecer una misa
a mass can be offered with you implementado un levantamien- máscara y la limitación de aforo no se hayan podido celebrar con ustedes por su ser querido,
for your loved one even though to de las restricciones para la ya están en vigor en las funerar- funerales durante este tiempo aunque haya pasado algún tiem-
it might be sometime since their celebración de misas y vigilias ias para todas las vigilias fúne- de pandemia en los últimos 10 po desde su entierro”, finalizó.
burial,” he ended. fúnebres con protocolos de bres. El distanciamiento social, meses. La Diócesis de El Paso, junto
The Diocese of El Paso along seguridad para incluir límites el mandato de máscara y otros “Nuestro corazón se rompe con las funerarias de El Paso,
with El Paso Funeral Homes are al número de participantes protocolos estarán en vigor en por aquellos que han perdido a están animando a las personas
encouraging those in high risk permitidos. la iglesia y el cementerio. sus seres queridos en el trans- de alto riesgo y a los ancianos a
populations and the elderly to En colaboración con los El obispo Mark Seitz expresó curso de estos últimos 10 meses que vean la misa desde casa, ya
watch from home as live streams directores de las funerarias, su alivio al poder levantar las más o menos, que no hemos que la parroquia o la funerar-
will be made available by either se desarrolló un conjunto de restricciones a la misa fúnebre. podido celebrar sus misas fúne- ia ofrecerán transmisiones en
the parish or the funeral home. protocolos para ayudar a ga- “Ha sido un viaje largo y bres”, dijo. directo.
rantizar la seguridad de todos difícil, y estamos muy conten- “Lo que hemos estado dici-
2 - The Rio Grande Catholic Editor’s Column March 2021
Editor’s Note / Nota del Editor
Hello Faithful reader. In 2021, we contributor. This month I am pleased Hola, fiel lector. En 2021, usted como editor y colaborador de
are celebrating our 30th anniversary to welcome back Elizabeth O’Hara, estamos celebrando nuestro 30º este periódico. Este mes me com-
and as we move into our 30th faith- Editor of the Rio Grande from 2014- aniversario y al entrar en nues- place dar la bienvenida a Elizabeth
ful year, I have invited your former 2016. Thank you Elizabeth for your tro 30º año fiel, he invitado a sus O’Hara, editora de Rio Grande de
editors and contributors to the Rio faithful service to the people of our antiguos editores y colaboradores 2014 a 2016. Gracias Elizabeth por
Grande Catholic, to join us to give diocese. del Rio Grande Catholic, para que su fiel servicio a la gente de nuestra
an insight into their time serving -Fernie Ceniceros, Editor se unan a nosotros para dar una diócesis.
you as this newspaper’s editor and visión de su tiempo sirviendo a -Fernie Ceniceros Editor
EDITOR’S COLUMN - ELIZABETH O’HARA
Give Up Facebook For Lent?
I
really wanted to give up how many years of writing and year.” It may have been the big- It was truly an honor.
Facebook for Lent, but I journalism experience you might gest understatement Bishop Seitz Late that afternoon, the
think I’m addicted to the have. ever spoke. pope’s motorcade went back to
“memories” tab. I literally wake It was one day in December Being the editor of the RGC the Juarez airport and he flew
up, roll over, fire up my phone 2015 that the bishop came to see was just one aspect of the job. safely away. We could collec-
and go to Memories first. There me in the office. “I have some- There was me and one other tively breathe a sigh of relief that
are photos of my children from thing to tell you,” he said. Bishop person who worked in our office. all the events had gone off as
a few years ago (when did Seitz told me that he’d gotten Soon, we would receive so planned. I was on the dirt mound
they get so tall?!) and things official word from the Juarez many calls from media around as a low-flying helicopter swept
our family did before my Dad diocese – Pope Francis was the world that we required an the area, kicking up dirt as the
died. And then there’s just cool Elizabeth O’Hara coming to Mexico and more im- extra phone line. The voicemail horseback Border Patrol agents
events that happened because portantly, he would be in Juarez. filled up within a day and a half. rode past us, making sure that the
of work. A few weeks ago, my had asked me then if I considered We would have about 9 weeks According to Facebook, I was crowds were headed back to their
memories were of Popepalooza myself “religious,” I would’ve to prepare for a cross-border, averaging 30 emails an hour at cars. I no longer felt distanced
as we called it in the Rio Grande waivered. My relationship with never-before-done-event. When the height of the excitement. And from my faith. I don’t know if
Catholic office. It was one of the the church felt distanced and you work for the bishop, you on the day Pope Francis arrived it was the papal visit or the job
highlights of my time working at maybe even a little cold. But I may want to say, “ARE YOU at our beautiful border, I was itself, working at the diocese,
the diocese. was someone who still said my CRAZY?” but that’s frowned staged at the in-between area that brought me back to where
At the time I was the editor of prayers, still was drawn to the upon. I think I said something along the international fence line. I wanted to be. It was a few
the diocesan newspaper, I was rosary, in my own way observ- like, “Philadelphia had a year Our bishop was in Juarez and I months later that I left my job as
simultaneously the media rela- ing things of importance to The and a half to get ready.” (Pope was on the dirt mound with the the editor, but I’ve always had a
tions contact. I was coming off Church. Working at the Diocese Francis had been in Philly for migrants and disenfranchised soft spot for Bishop Seitz and so
a long TV career here in El Paso and in fact, having Bishop Mark the World Meeting of families, on that warm February day. My many others who worked there.
and with three young children, Seitz as my immediate super- another great adventure members job was to take in the scenes – I wish I had taken more photos
including one we had recently visor didn’t leave much space of the El Paso delegation made the words, the expressions, the and written more funny stories
adopted from China, I needed for waivering. You can’t fake for my Facebook thread.) “We’re sniffling of those so moved by about them – they would’ve
something that was equally ful- interest when you’re the editor of going to announce on el Dia de Pope Francis’ blessing they were made great Facebook memories.
filling but 24/7. I also felt drawn the Rio Grande Catholic, there’s la virgen,” he said. “And then it crying – I was there to record it
to be back at The Church. If you no way to pull that off no matter will be a very busy start to the all for the Rio Grande Catholic.
Dejar a Facebook Para La Cuaresma?
R
ealmente quería dejar internacional. Nuestro obispo
Facebook por la Cuares- estaba en Juárez y yo estaba en
ma, pero creo que soy el montículo de tierra con los
adicta a la pestaña “recuerdos”. migrantes y los privados de dere-
Literalmente me despierto, me chos en ese cálido día de febrero.
doy la vuelta, enciendo el teléfo- Mi trabajo consistía en captar
no y voy primero a Recuerdos. las escenas -las palabras, las ex-
Hay fotos de mis hijos de hace presiones, los mocos de aquellos
unos años (¿cuándo han crecido que estaban tan conmovidos por
tanto?) y cosas que hacía nuestra la bendición del Papa Francisco
familia antes de que muriera que estaban llorando- estaba allí
mi padre. Y luego hay eventos para grabarlo todo para el Rio
geniales que sucedieron por el Grande Catholic. Fue un ver-
trabajo. Hace unas semanas, mis dadero honor.
recuerdos fueron del Popepaloo- A última hora de la tarde, la
za, como lo llamábamos en la caravana del Papa regresó al
oficina de Rio Grande Catho- aeropuerto de Juárez y voló sin
lic. Fue uno de los momentos problemas. Pudimos respirar
culminantes de mi trabajo en la colectivamente de alivio al ver
diócesis. que todos los eventos se habían
En esa época yo era el editor desarrollado según lo previsto.
del periódico diocesano, y al Yo estaba en el montículo de
mismo tiempo era el contacto de tierra mientras un helicóptero
relaciones con los medios de co- que volaba bajo barría la zona,
municación. Salía de una larga sia. Trabajar en la diócesis y, de Tendríamos unas 9 semanas mayor subestimación que haya levantando tierra mientras los
carrera en la televisión aquí en El hecho, tener al obispo Mark Seitz para prepararnos para un evento dicho el obispo Seitz. agentes de la Patrulla Fronteriza
Paso y con tres hijos pequeños, como mi supervisor inmediato no transfronterizo nunca antes Ser el editor de la RGC era a caballo pasaban por delante
entre ellos uno que habíamos dejaba mucho espacio para vaci- realizado. Cuando trabajas para sólo un aspecto del trabajo. de nosotros, asegurándose de
adoptado recientemente de Chi- lar. No se puede fingir el interés el obispo, es posible que quieras Estábamos yo y otra persona que las multitudes volvían a sus
na, necesitaba algo que fuera ig- cuando se es el editor del Rio decir “¿estás loco?”, pero eso que trabajaba en nuestra oficina. coches. Ya no me sentía alejado
ual de satisfactorio pero que ex- Grande Catholic, no hay manera está mal visto. Creo que dije Pronto recibimos tantas llamadas de mi fe. No sé si fue la visita
igiera 24 horas al día. También de lograrlo sin importar cuántos algo así como: “Filadelfia tuvo de los medios de comunicación papal o el propio trabajo en la
me sentía atraído por volver a la años de experiencia en escritura un año y medio para prepararse”. de todo el mundo que necesitába- diócesis lo que me devolvió a
Iglesia. Si me hubieran pregun- y periodismo se tengan. (El Papa Francisco había estado mos una línea telefónica adicio- donde quería estar. Unos meses
tado entonces si me consideraba Fue un día de diciembre de en Filadelfia para el Encuentro nal. El buzón de voz se llenaba más tarde dejé mi trabajo como
“religiosa”, habría dudado. Mi 2015 cuando el obispo vino a Mundial de las familias, otra en un día y medio. Según editor, pero siempre he sentido
relación con la iglesia se sentía verme a la oficina. “Tengo algo gran aventura que hicieron los Facebook, tenía una media de debilidad por el obispo Seitz y
distanciada y quizás incluso un que decirte”, me dijo. El obispo miembros de la delegación de El 30 correos electrónicos por hora por tantos otros que trabajaban
poco fría. Pero era una persona Seitz me dijo que había recibido Paso para mi hilo de Facebook). en el momento más álgido. Y el allí. Me gustaría haber tomado
que seguía rezando, que seguía la noticia oficial de la diócesis de “Vamos a anunciar en el Día día que el Papa Francisco llegó más fotos y haber escrito más
sintiéndose atraída por el rosario Juárez: el Papa Francisco ven- de la virgen”, dijo. “Y entonces a nuestra hermosa frontera, yo historias divertidas sobre ellos;
y que, a mi manera, observaba dría a México y, lo que es más será un comienzo de año muy estaba en la zona intermedia a habrían sido grandes recuerdos
las cosas importantes de la Igle- importante, estaría en Juárez. movido”. Puede que haya sido la lo largo de la línea de la valla en Facebook.
The Rio Grande Catholic Bishop’s Column March 2021 - 3
INSEITZ INTO THE FAITH
You Cannot Feast Without the Fast
“F
or everything there a time for fasting. Remember taken what we have had for
is a season, and a the passage, “Then [the Phar- granted without a spirit of joy
time for every matter isees and their scribes] said to and thanksgiving. We searched
under heaven.” (Eccl. 3:1) So him, ‘John’s disciples, like the for some kind of experience
begins the beautiful and wise disciples of the Pharisees, fre- that would delight and thrill us
poetry from the Old Testament quently fast and pray, but your and since it was not to be found
book of Ecclesiastes. Our lives disciples eat and drink.’ Jesus in the ordinary joys of life, nor
are marked by patterns and said to them, ‘You cannot make in the promise of God’s future
cycles. There are times for birth wedding guests fast while the kingdom, we looked for it in
and for dying, for winter and bridegroom is with them, can illicit pleasures such as sex and
for spring, times of joy and of you?’ The days will come when drugs, in other risky or immoral
sorrow. In his book, In Tune the bridegroom will be taken behaviors and in sheer wasteful Bishop Mark J. Seitz
with the World: A Theory of away from them, and then they extravagance. Perhaps in this
Festivity, Joseph Pieper suggests will fast in those days.” (Lk. sense, the unwelcome Pandemic participation in Christ’s cross find the simple blessings of God
that these cycles are absolutely 5:33-35) that continues to afflict us may as it is manifested in our life. in life bring you new pleasure.
necessary for our lives. Spring Pieper’s observation is that be a situation God can use to Decide on some practices that You will rejoice in your freedom
would not be spring without one of the major problems we help us come to a more balanced bring to the forefront your love to live without the burden of so
the winter that precedes it. Our have in our society today is the perspective on this passing and service of God. Reflect on many excesses that appeared
‘good times’ would not be truly loss of fundamental patterns that world of ours. your sins and confess them. Set to be necessities. The Paschal
good if they did not have ‘hard help us discover the meaning For this reason also, the Sea- aside some of the luxuries that Mystery of Jesus’ Passion,
times’ to provide the contrast. If of life. We, and particularly our son of Lent has great importance have you in their spell, so that Death and Resurrection, which
we were continually eating we children, have tended to have for us. Although the Season is you can have more time and we will soon have the privilege
would never appreciate a long memories only of plenty. We well underway it is still not too treasure at your disposal for the to celebrate, will be revealed for
awaited meal. have always had practically late for you and your family to sake of the poor. Fast. you as the pattern that gives all
Jesus told his listeners that whatever we wanted and so we let it be fruitful. The penances Then you will have space to life its meaning and leads to a
just as there was a time for have not had a sense of longing we choose to undertake repre- rediscover the One who alone life that will never end.
celebrating, so there would be for what God offers. We have sent a voluntary acceptance and can fill your longings. You will Bp. Mark
No Se Puede Festejar Sin Estar En Ayunas
“P
ara todo hay una comiendo, nunca apreciaríamos nos ayudan a descubrir el sentido sigue afligiendo puede ser una de más tiempo y tesoros en favor
época, y un tiempo una comida tan esperada. de la vida. Nosotros, y espe- situación que Dios puede utilizar de los pobres. Ayuna.
para cada cosa bajo el Jesús dijo a sus oyentes que así cialmente nuestros hijos, hemos para ayudarnos a tener una per- Entonces tendrás espacio para
cielo”. (Ecl. 3:1) Así comienza como había un tiempo para cel- tendido a tener recuerdos sólo de spectiva más equilibrada de este redescubrir a Aquel que es el
la hermosa y sabia poesía del ebrar, también habría un tiempo la abundancia. Siempre hemos mundo nuestro que pasa. único que puede colmar tus anhe-
libro del Eclesiastés del Antiguo para ayunar. Recuerda el pasaje: tenido prácticamente todo lo que También por esta razón, el los. Descubrirás que las sencillas
Testamento. Nuestras vidas están “Entonces [los fariseos y sus es- queríamos y por eso no hemos tiempo de Cuaresma tiene una bendiciones de Dios en la vida
marcadas por patrones y ciclos. cribas] le dijeron: ‘Los discípulos tenido el sentido de anhelar lo gran importancia para nosotros. te aportan un nuevo placer. Te
Hay tiempos para nacer y para de Juan, como los de los fariseos, que Dios ofrece. Hemos dado por Aunque el tiempo de Cuaresma alegrarás de tu libertad para vivir
morir, para el invierno y para la ayunan y oran con frecuencia, sentado lo que hemos tenido sin ya está en marcha, todavía no es sin la carga de tantos excesos que
primavera, tiempos de alegría y pero tus discípulos comen y un espíritu de alegría y agradec- demasiado tarde para que tú y tu parecían ser necesidades. El Mis-
de tristeza. En su libro In Tune beben’. Jesús les dijo: “No podéis imiento. Hemos buscado algún familia lo hagáis fructífero. Las terio Pascual de la Pasión, Muerte
with the World: A Theory of Fes- hacer que los invitados a las bo- tipo de experiencia que nos penitencias que elegimos empren- y Resurrección de Jesús, que
tivity, Joseph Pieper sugiere que das ayunen mientras el novio está deleitara y emocionara y, como der representan una aceptación pronto tendremos el privilegio de
estos ciclos son absolutamente con ellos, ¿verdad? Vendrán días no se encontraba en las alegrías y participación voluntaria en la celebrar, se revelará para ti como
necesarios para nuestras vidas. en que el novio les será quitado, y ordinarias de la vida, ni en la cruz de Cristo que se manifiesta la pauta que da sentido a toda la
La primavera no sería primavera entonces ayunarán en esos días”. promesa del futuro reino de Dios, en nuestra vida. Decide algunas vida y conduce a una vida que no
sin el invierno que la precede. (Lc. 5:33-35) la hemos buscado en placeres prácticas que pongan en primer tendrá fin.
Nuestros “buenos tiempos” no La observación de Pieper es ilícitos como el sexo y las drogas, plano tu amor y servicio a Dios.
serían realmente buenos si no que uno de los principales prob- en otros comportamientos arries- Reflexiona sobre tus pecados Bp. Mark
tuvieran “tiempos difíciles” que lemas que tenemos en nuestra gados o inmorales y en el puro y confiésalos. Deja a un lado
nos proporcionen el contraste. sociedad actual es la pérdida de derroche. Tal vez en este sentido, algunos de los lujos que te tienen
Si estuviéramos continuamente los patrones fundamentales que la inoportuna pandemia que nos hechizado, para poder disponer
THE
RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC Celebrating 30 Years serving the Diocese of El Paso
499 St. Matthews St.
El Paso, TX 79907 THE RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC (ISSN#1079-9621) is published monthly for $12.00 per year
Phone: (915) 872-8414 by the Office of Communications, Diocese of El Paso, 499 St. Matthews St., El Paso, TX
Fax: (915) 872-8435
79907, Phone: (915) 872-8414, Fax: (915) 872-8435. “PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT
Publisher: Most Rev. Mark J. Seitz, D.D. EL PASO TX.” POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: THE RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC,
Twitter: @BishopSeitz 499 St. Matthews St., El Paso TX, 79907
Editor: Fernie Ceniceros
THE RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC is a monthly newspaper assisting the Bishop of the Diocese
Twitter: @FCenicerosphoto
of El Paso by communicating the events and themes of the faith life of the local and univer-
Advertising Manager: Norma Muñoz sal church through news reports, features, columns and photographs. Articles and photo-
graphs become the property of THE RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC. If photos are on loan to the
Spanish Translation: Fernie Ceniceros newspaper, please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope for their return.
Printer - PDX Printing.
Contributors: Janet M. Crowe,
Fr. Wilson Cuevas,
www.elpasodiocese.org
© 2020 by
THE RIO GRANDE CATHOLIC
All rights reserved
@DioceseofElPaso @ElPasoDiocese @ElPasoDiocese
4 - The Rio Grande Catholic Diocesan News March 2021
Cathedral High School AP Passes Away Due To Covid-19
By Fernie Ceniceros
Editor, Rio Grande Catholic
Cathedral High School
announced the passing of Mr.
Gerardo “Gerald” Gamez, 55,
Assistant Principal of Cathedral
High School on February 6. Mr.
Gamez passed from complica-
tions due to the novel Corona-
virus.
A 27-year veteran of Public
Schools in the El Paso Com-
munity and current assistant
principal of Cathedral, Gamez
was diagnosed with COVID-19
while on bereavement leave in
early January. It is believed that
Mr. Gamez contracted the virus
while on leave from Cathedral
High School.
“We are in absolute shock at
the loss to our Cathedral High
School community,” Mr. Adolfo
Sanchez, Principal of Cathedral
High School said. “Mr. Gamez Cathedral High School announced the passing of Mr. Gerardo “Gerald” Gamez, 55, Assistant Principal of Cathedral High School on February
was beloved member, not only of 6. Mr. Gamez passed from complications due to the novel Coronavirus. Photo provided by Cathedral High School
our Cathedral community, but of
the greater educational commu-
nity in El Paso,” he added.
Principal Sanchez expressed “He is what the definition of very devout Catholic and had retired from the Ysleta Indepen- a counselor in San Elizario ISD,
his admiration of Mr. Gamez’s what a nice guy is,” Sanchez immense faith in the Catholic dent School District where he El Paso ISD and at Hanks High
love for his students and his said. “He loved being an active Church.” served as an Assistant Principal School in Ysleta ISD.
overall demeanor which made participant in the success of our Prior to Mr. Gamez’s two at Del Valle and Eastwood High Gamez is survived by his wife,
him a beloved member of the student’s educational experi- years as Cathedral High School’s School. Previous to his role as three children and one grand-
Cathedral Community. ence,” he added. “He was a Assistant Principal, Mr. Gamez Assistant Principal he served as child.
Fallece El AP De La Escuela Secundaria Catedral A Causa Del Covid-19
Por Fernie Ceniceros dad de El Paso y actual subdi- chez, director de Cathedral High “Él es la definición de lo que del Distrito Escolar Indepen-
Editor, Rio Grande Catholic rector de Cathedral, Gamez fue School. “El Sr. Gámez era un es un buen tipo”, dijo Sánchez. diente de Ysleta donde sirvió
diagnosticado con COVID-19 miembro muy querido, no sólo “Le encantaba ser un partici- como Asistente del Director
Cathedral High School mientras estaba de licencia por de nuestra comunidad de la Cat- pante activo en el éxito de la en la Preparatoria Del Valle y
anunció el fallecimiento del Sr. duelo a principios de enero. Se edral, sino de la gran comunidad experiencia educativa de nues- Eastwood. Antes de su papel
Gerardo “Gerald” Gamez, de 55 cree que el Sr. Gámez contra- educativa de El Paso”, añadió. tros estudiantes”, añadió. “Era como Asistente del Director,
años, subdirector de Cathedral jo el virus mientras estaba de El director Sánchez expresó un católico muy devoto y tenía sirvió como consejero en San
High School el 6 de febrero. El licencia en la escuela secundaria su admiración por el amor del una inmensa fe en la Iglesia Elizario ISD, El Paso ISD y en
Sr. Gámez falleció por com- Cathedral. Sr. Gámez por sus estudiantes Católica”. la Escuela Secundaria Hanks en
plicaciones debidas al nuevo “Estamos en absoluta conmo- y su comportamiento general Antes de los dos años del Ysleta ISD.
Coronavirus. ción por la pérdida para nuestra que lo convirtió en un miembro Sr. Gámez como Asistente del A Gámez le sobreviven su
Veterano de 27 años en las comunidad de Cathedral High querido de la comunidad de la Director de la Preparatoria esposa, tres hijos y un nieto.
escuelas públicas de la comuni- School”, dijo el Sr. Adolfo Sán- Catedral. Catedral, el Sr. Gámez se retiró
Diocese offers assistance for victims of sexual abuse
Bishop Mark J. Seitz invites anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse by a priest, deacon, religious, or any
minister of the church, to contact the Victim’s Assitance Coordinator, Mrs. Susan Martinez LCSW, at (915)
872-8465 or the Office of the Chancery, (915) 872-8407. The Church desires the healing of anyone that has been
harmed.
La diócesis ofrece asistencia a las víctimas de abusos sexuales
El Obispo Mark J. Seitz invita a cualquier persona que haya sido víctima de abuso sexual por parte de un
sacerdote, diácono, religioso o cualquier ministro de la iglesia, a contactar a la Coordinadora de Asistencia a las
Víctimas, la Sra. Susan Martínez LCSW, al (915) 872-8465 o a la Oficina de la Cancillería, (915) 872-8407. La
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FATHER! Iglesia desea la curación de cualquiera que haya sido dañado.
Fr. German Alzate-Agudelo 3/4
Fr. Juan Manuel Heredia Hernandez OFM 3/4 PDX Printing proud printer
Fr. Michael Lewis 3/20 of the Rio Grande Catholic
Fr. Juan Victor Gamino Trejo, MNM 3/20 PDX Printing is a full service
Fr. Apolinar Samboni 3/25 commercial print shop.
Fr. Mount Joseph Selvan Durai Raj, SJ 3/30 In addition to newspapers, we print and bind
books, programs, brochures,
Fr. Wilson Cuevas 3/30 carbonless forms, flyers, posters,
letterhead, envelopes, business cards
ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES and much more.
Fr. Emanuel Alcazar 3/17/1989 Call us and allow us to bid on
Fr. Roberto Alvarado 3/17/1989 your printing needs.
Fr. Robert S. Kobe (Retired) 3/9/1979
915.544.6688 208 Octavia St., El Paso, TX 79901
The Rio Grande Catholic Diocesan News March 2021 - 5
Casa Guadalupe Retreat House Gets Creative To Raise Money
By Sofia Larkin the one who taught you to pray.
Major Gifts Officer Future plans include facilities
for youth and other types of
Mark your calendar! This is retreats. Casa Guadalupe will
a unique opportunity to bid on need the support of many part-
mini masterpieces created by ners and volunteers, construction
Bishop Mark (with a little help experts and materials, electri-
from his friend, Hal Marcus) and cians, plumbers, engineers, paint-
beloved priests in the Diocese of ers, artists architects, interior
El Paso during a special online designers, landscapers and more.
auction from Friday, March 12 at Casa Guadalupe retreat house
12 noon through Sunday, March offers retreats, workshops, and
14 at 8pm. conferences to help guide people
Casa Guadalupe Retreat House in their spiritual journey. The
was two weeks away from purchase of the retreat house,
launching the development of formerly known as Holy Trinity,
a plaza and prayer space when is an historic moment for the di-
the pandemic hit. Retreat House ocese, which will now be able to
Director Dr. Verónica Rayas offer a variety of exciting retreats
thought about what she could and programs for the various par-
do to inspire fundraising while ishes and groups in the Diocese
giving our pastors a creative of El Paso. New possibilities
outlet during quarantine. She for the retreat house, including
purchased beautiful Mexican spiritual programs, upgrading
statuettes and prayed she could of facilities, and future new
find a few priests to paint them. Bishop Mark Seitz (with a little help from his friend, Hal Marcus) and beloved priests in the Diocese of El facilities, are being created. Casa
She was overwhelmed with the Paso, painted Mexican Statuetes for the Casa Guadalupana Auction. Photo Couresy Bishop Seitz. Guadalupe retreat house opened
positive response. Bishop Mark May 2018. Casa Guadalupe
and a number of pastors went to Retreat House welcomes gifts of
work on their mini masterpieces, monetary donations, supplies and
including lovingly naming and Bidding instructions will be is over to confirm a delivery to put a name on a Talavera tile volunteer time.
signing each one, and now you provided prior to the event. The schedule. Casa Guadalupe has which will be part of the prayer To donate or for more infor-
get the chance to take one (or bidding will start at $75 each a goal of raising $24,000 to garden area. In addition, you can mation, please contact Verónica
more!) home with you. and go up in increments of $20. develop the Casa Guadalupe dedicate a planter, the bell tower Rayas at 915.342.7859 or visit
Visit casaguadaluperetreat- You have through Sunday, March Plaza and Prayer Garden. There or the prayer wall in honor or casaguadaluperetreathouse.com.
house.com and start bidding on 14 at 8pm to bid. Winners will are also naming opportunities. memory of a loved one, the per-
Friday, March 12 at 12 noon. be contacted when the auction With a $100 donation, you get son who taught you the faith, and
Casa Guadalupe Se Pone Creativa Para Recaudar Fondos
By Sofia Larkin mediodía. Las instrucciones para electricistas, fontaneros, inge-
Major Gifts Officer pujar se proporcionarán antes del nieros, pintores, artistas arqui-
evento. La puja comenzará en 75 tectos, diseñadores de interiores,
¡Marque su calendario! Esta es dólares cada una y subirá en in- paisajistas y más.
una oportunidad única para pujar crementos de 20 dólares. Tienes La casa de retiros Casa Gua-
por mini obras maestras creadas hasta el domingo 14 de marzo a dalupe ofrece retiros, talleres y
por el Obispo Mark (con un poco las 20:00 horas para pujar. Los conferencias para ayudar a guiar
de ayuda de su amigo, Hal Mar- ganadores serán contactados a la gente en su viaje espiritual.
cus) y queridos sacerdotes de la cuando la subasta termine para La compra de la casa de retiros,
Diócesis de El Paso durante una confirmar el horario de entre- antes conocida como Holy
subasta especial en línea desde el ga. La Casa Guadalupe tiene la Trinity, es un momento histórico
viernes 12 de marzo a las 12 del meta de recaudar $24,000 para para la diócesis, que ahora podrá
mediodía hasta el domingo 14 de desarrollar la Plaza y el Jardín de ofrecer una variedad de emocio-
marzo a las 8pm. Oración de la Casa Guadalupe. nantes retiros y programas para
La Casa de Retiros Casa También hay oportunidades para las diversas parroquias y grupos
Guadalupe estaba a dos sema- ponerle nombre. Con un donati- de la Diócesis de El Paso. Se es-
nas de lanzar el desarrollo de vo de 100 dólares, puedes poner tán creando nuevas posibilidades
una plaza y espacio de oración un nombre en un azulejo de Ta- para la casa de retiros, incluyen-
cuando la pandemia golpeó. La lavera que formará parte del área do programas espirituales, mejo-
directora de la Casa de Retiros, del jardín de oración. Además, ra de las instalaciones y futuras
la Dra. Verónica Rayas, pensó en puedes dedicar una jardinera, el nuevas instalaciones. La casa
lo que podía hacer para inspirar campanario o el muro de oración de retiros Casa Guadalupe abrió
la recaudación de fondos y al El Padre José Morales y otros sacerdotes de la Diócesis de El Paso, en honor o en memoria de un sus puertas en mayo de 2018. La
mismo tiempo dar a nuestros pintaron estatuillas mexicanas para la subasta de la Casa Guadalupana. ser querido, de la persona que te casa de retiros Casa Guadalupe
pastores una salida creativa Photo Coretsia de El Padre Morales enseñó la fe y de la que te enseñó agradece los donativos monetari-
durante la cuarentena. Compró a rezar. os, los suministros y el tiempo de
hermosas estatuillas mexicanas Los planes futuros incluyen los voluntarios.
y rezó para encontrar algunos instalaciones para jóvenes y otros Para donar o para más infor-
sacerdotes que las pintaran. Se sus mini obras maestras, incluy- más) a casa. tipos de retiros. Casa Guadalupe mación, por favor contacte a
sintió abrumada por la respuesta endo el nombre y la firma de Visita casaguadaluperetreat- necesitará el apoyo de muchos Verónica Rayas al 915.342.7859
positiva. El obispo Mark y varios cada una de ellas, y ahora tienes house.com y empieza a pujar el socios y voluntarios, expertos o visite casaguadaluperetreat-
párrocos se pusieron a trabajar en la oportunidad de llevarte una (o viernes 12 de marzo a las 12 del en construcción y materiales, house.com.
6 - The Rio Grande Catholic Diocesan Migrant and Refuge Services March 2021
ICE Deports Survivor Of Walmart Shooting
By Sandra Ramirez believed had been resolved. Rosa
Communications Director, DMRS also had an existing deporta-
tion order from 2019. Rosa was
August 3, 2019 is a day that arrested and taken to the El Paso
changed the lives of many El County Detention Center.
Pasoans and fronterizos in our Only two days later, Rosa was
community. It was the day a released from jail, and imme-
person from outside of our com- diately taken into custody by
munity drove hundreds of miles Immigration and Customs En-
with the specific intention of forcement (ICE). Rosa explained
killing our friends and neighbors. that she was a survivor of the
Today, we still mourn 23 people Walmart shooting and was coop-
who died as a result of his hatred. erating as a witness. ICE agents
We also thank God for those who decided to deport her anyway.
survived, and pray that He is “Rosa is a survivor of one
with them as they live with the of the most horrific events to
trauma of what they witnessed ever take place in El Paso. The
that day. One of those witnesses decision to deport her amounts to
and survivors is a woman named a re-victimization of this young
Rosa. lady, who only came forward to
Rosa was born in Ciudad help build the case against the
Juarez and moved to El Paso shooter in the racist attack,” said
when she was 14 years old. She Hey.
made friends in El Paso, graduat- Rosa remains in Juarez.
ed from high school, and worked Diocesan Migrant and Refugee
in El Paso. It was her dream to Services is advocating for Rosa’s
go to college, but accepted that return to El Paso. Despite her ex-
it was not a possibility for her perience, Rosa remains prepared
because she was undocumented. to testify against the person who
On August 3, a trip to the lives with every day. Following Hey accompanied Rosa to speak in the process of collecting the attacked our community.
Walmart grocery store changed the shooting, Rosa watched news with the El Paso Police Depart- additional documents needed for “I want to help even though
Rosa’s life forever. coverage and heard that police ment, the FBI and Homeland the application, but the process everything happened. I want to
“My sister was driving up to were looking for witnesses to Security Investigators about what was delayed when many govern- help with what I saw. I want to
the Walmart and when we saw come forward. she witnessed. ment offices closed to the public help my community because it is
what was happening she went “When you are illegal, you As a survivor of the Walmart due to the coronavirus pandemic. my community, too,” she said.
into shock. Her children were don’t want to talk. You do not shooting, Rosa is eligible for a On the evening of January 27, You can find more information
shouting, ‘Mom, let’s go! Mom, want to be seen, but something U visa. The application re- 2021 Rosa was driving home about how to help Rosa at www.
let’s go!’ My sister finally reacted was telling me, you need to go quires a certification to prove from work when she was pulled dmrs-ep.org.
and we left. We didn’t stay be- and tell what you saw,” said the applicant has been helpful over for a broken brake light. If you or someone you know
cause we were scared to stay and Rosa. with an investigation. The El The officer advised Rosa she needs help with their immigra-
be killed,” recalled Rosa. Rosa is represented by Anna Paso County District Attorney’s had unpaid traffic citations from tion case, please contact our
Rosa and her family were able Hey, Supervisor of the Crime Office provided the certification 2015. Rosa explained that she office to schedule a consultation.
to get away uninjured. However, Victims Unit at Diocesan Mi- in September 2020, more than a had agreed to a payment plan to You could be eligible for free le-
the trauma is still something she grant and Refugee Services. Ms. year after the shooting. Rosa was those citations in the past, she gal services. Call 915-532-3975.
The Rio Grande Catholic Foundation News March 2021 - 7
Welcome Home to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue
By Sofia Larkin for a larger church. When Bishop
Major Gifts Coordinator Anthony Schuler, S.J. became
the first bishop of El Paso in
There was an outpouring of November 1915, he announced
grief when the St. Patrick Ca- his intentions to make St. Patrick
thedral Sacred Heart statue was the Cathedral. On November 12,
vandalized last fall. Shock and 1916, Bishop Schuler blessed
sadness brought together donors the cornerstone and the site of
from all over the country who felt the altar was marked by a large
compelled to pray and to give. wooden cross. On November
The vandalism of the 8-foot 19, 1917, the finished St. Patrick
statue of the Sacred Heart of Church was officially designated
Jesus at the historic St. Patrick by Bishop Schuler as the Cathe-
Cathedral on September 15, dral for the Diocese of El Paso.
2020 left many concerned that The Catholic Foundation is
the statue could not be repaired. helping to oversee the distribu-
So many members of the faithful tion of donations intended to
had looked to the Sacred Heart, support the Cathedral Sacred
his arms open wide in welcome, Heart Statue Fund and the parish,
for almost 90 years during some and extends its sincere appre-
of the most joyful and chal- 8ft Statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus vandalized in October has been restored and awaiting arrival at St. ciation to all who contributed
lenging times in their lives, and Patrick Cathedral. Photo Courtesy of Daparto Rigali Studios, Chicago, Illinois in any amount and prayed for
the thought of its destruction the statue’s restoration and safe
and possible replacement was return, especially the St. Patrick
difficult to accept. The statue Cathedral community and lead-
has been at the Cathedral almost back to the Cathedral was more saying they first had to reinforce restoration of the statue, shipping ership. Once again, the Diocese
as far back as the dedication complicated than it was getting it the body to the base and then the costs, repair of the damaged altar, of El Paso came together in faith
ceremony which took place on to Chicago when the statue was head to the base. At that point, and contribute to an upgraded to overcome pain and obstacles
Thanksgiving Day, November broken and in pieces. they sculpted a new hand, arm, security system at St. Patrick from a place of compassion and
29, 1917. Elizabeth (Lisa) Rigali, the and face. The statue masters Cathedral. forgiveness.
The Sacred Heart was shipped director of art and design at pieced together all of the cracked Located on the Northeast Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
to Daprato Rigali Studios in Daprato Rigali Studios who pieces of plaster and once the corner of Mesa and Arizona, the For more information, to
Chicago for repair on October 8, spearheads many of their painting statue was intact, they cleaned Cathedral is a work of art and discuss the giving that best suits
2020. It was the Daprato Broth- projects and is one of the four the entire thing and sealed it with an historic landmark. Plans to you and your family, and to
ers, today Daprato Rigali Studios, 4th generation owners of Daprato surface painting. The statue was build the church of St. Patrick notify the Catholic Foundation
founded in 1860, who made the Rigali Studios, shared that it was painted in traditional colors and originated with the Irish Cath- of your plans, please contact
original statue. The same com- a great pleasure and honor to sealed with a finish coat. olic community in El Paso in Major Gifts Officer Sofía Larkin
pany lovingly restored the statue restore the statue of the Sacred Many donors contributed a 1908 when parishioners at Holy at slarkin@elpasodiocese.org or
and prepared it for its journey Heart of Jesus. She detailed the total of $38,549 to the Cathedral Family Church, formerly St. 915.433.2003.
home. Shipping the Sacred Heart painstaking restoration process Heart Statue Fund to support Mary Chapel, began to fundraise
Undecided, Your Catholic Foundation Can Help
By Sofia Larkin
Major Gifts Coordinator
We’ve partnered with FreeWill
to make planned giving easier
than ever, and completely Free.
FreeWill’s tool allows you to
write a will online, and only
takes 20 minutes to complete
your legally valid plans.
If you don’t have a will or
your will needs an update, you’ll
complete the process with a
completely up-to-date plan that
protects your loved ones and as-
sets, in addition to defining your
legacy. FreeWill can also be used
with more complicated estates by
generating a list of documented
wishes that can be brought to an
attorney.
Visit FreeWill.com/catholic-
foundationep to get started
today! The giving platform will
walk you through each step, and
is designed to make the process
as easy and fast as possible.
Consider Gifts in Lieu of
Flowers and for Special Occa-
sions
The Catholic Foundation has
an easy way for parishioners
to recognize family and loved
ones in times of sorrow and joy.
Parishioners may contribute to
endowed funds in lieu of flowers
to memorialize and to honor or online donation form itself: “In it in person or in your sympathy parish, school or ministry fund of discuss the giving that best suits
recognize special occasions like memory of...” or “In honor of...” or congratulatory note: “We’ve the donor’s choice. you and your family, and to
weddings, baptisms, First Holy Include your address, as well, remembered Maria with a con- The Foundation will send an notify the Catholic Foundation
Communions, quinceañeras, and so we can alert the family as to tribution to the Catholic Founda- acknowledgement of your dona- of your plans, please contact
graduations. where to send an acknowledge- tion.” tion to the family or loved one Major Gifts Officer Sofía Larkin
When you make a donation ment. Tax-deductible contributions being honored or memorialized. at slarkin@elpasodiocese.org or
include a note saying whom it If you want to be sure that can be made to the Catholic It’s a wonderful and meaningful 915.433.2003.
memorializes. Also add it on the family knows about your Foundation for the Diocese of gift anytime.
the notation line of the check or contribution, it’s fine to mention El Paso and designated for the For more information, to
8 - The Rio Grande Catholic March 2021
SIDEWALK JESUS
Will Things Ever Go Back To Normal?
muffle our words. I don’t even help us realize the inner strength “What did we learn?” Sonia words, do we go back to eating
know if I heard the teacher’s we possess which enables us to asked. the cookies and just forget about
lesson right and we’re having a resist bigger temptations. Lent is “Jobs, bills, homes, these are this year-long period of sacri-
quiz tomorrow. I can’t hang out about eliminating obstacles that facts of life,” Mom began, “but fice? Or do we learn from our
with my friends. We can’t go keep us from living the life God sometimes things happen that experiences?”
anywhere to have fun. It’s been wants for us as well as doing affect them. People lose their “Exactly!” beamed her moth-
over a year, Mom! When will more to get back on the path jobs and can’t pay their bills and er. “For some, the hardship has
things get back to normal?” that will bring us closer to Him. might even lose their homes. been severe, and they will still
Janet M. Crowe “Oh, is that Normal with a But when Lent is over, you’ll Do we just sit back and watch need help after restrictions ease
capital N or just normal nor- go back to eating cookies again. and cluck our tongues over their and things open up again. For
mal?” Mom teased, trying to Will you be any closer to God?” misfortune? Church is more than those of us whose difficulties
lighten the mood. “Mom,” groaned Sonia, “I’m a building; it’s a group of people have been less hard to bear, will
Sonia slammed the front door “You’re so funny, Mom,” tired, just make your point worshipping together and sup- we make the effort to help those
behind her and stomped down Sonia groaned sarcastically. already.” porting one another spiritually. who are still in need? Or will
the hall. Throwing her backpack Seeing her daughter longingly “What I’m saying is that Lent We’ve missed that togetherness we claim that things are back
on the kitchen floor, she ripped eyeing the cookie the jar, Mom is a failure if we just end our and mutual support, but have we to normal and shake our heads
off her facemask and tossed it handed a plate of carrot and cel- sacrifices and stop our extra learned that we need to take that when people need help? We can
on the washing machine before ery sticks along with a bowl of activities and go back to the way spiritual support outside of the curse the darkness or we can be
plopping down in the chair with peanut butter to her teenager. we were before.” walls of the church building and a light in the dark. It’s up to us
a disgusted grunt. “Thanks, Mom,” sighed Sonia, “Okay,” moaned Sonia, “but spread our love and our faith to to decide how we want to face
Her mother had listened to the dipping celery into the peanut how does that relate to this others where they are in need?” tomorrow.”
slamming door and stomping butter. tiresome pandemic? When will “I’m still not sure I under- “Rather than going Back, with
feet and watched the slumping “Honey, why did you give up things go back to Normal, with a stand,” Sonia said. a capital B, to Normal,” Sonia
form of her daughter who had cookies for Lent?” Mom asked. capital N?” “Isolation has been the norm smiled, “we need to be moving
collapsed in the kitchen chair. “I mean, giving up cookies isn’t “You’re right, this past year for the past year,” Mom ex- Forward with not just a capital
It would have been impossible going to bring you any closer to has been difficult,” Mom agreed, plained. “We definitely want to F but with capital expressions
to interpret her teenager’s mood God.” “but things are never going to return to a time when we can get of ongoing Help and Love for
for anything but weariness and “Oh, Mom,” answered Sonia, go back to the way they were, together with others. However, those who will continue to need
disgust. However, she smiled “that’s not all I’m doing. You and we shouldn’t want or expect have we learned from this expe- assistance.”
and asked, “Hi, honey, did you know I like to do a small sacri- them to go back to what we rience how difficult isolation can “Forward, not back,” Mom
have a good day?” fice along with reading the Bible once considered to be normal. be for people? When things open agreed, “which will put us on the
“Good day!” exclaimed her or doing extra good works to Hopefully, we have learned back up again, there will still path that God has chosen for us
daughter. “Mom, are you totally help others. You go to adoration something from this past year. be people who have no support to walk and will lead us closer
clueless? I am so sick of this … each week along with a daily ro- Things happened that opened system, or who are afraid to ask to Him.”
this … this tiresome pandemic. sary. Why do you do that? I ask our eyes, things that made us for help. Will we go back to our “Let’s get walking, Mom,” So-
I can’t talk to my friends except even though I know the answer cry, things that made us reassess merry ways or have we learned nia said, grabbing a couple more
from six feet away. Do you because I know you aren’t really our priorities. There is no more from our own isolation that we carrots. “I’m sure there are ways
know how difficult it is to talk just changing the subject. You’re Normal with a capital N any- should be reaching out to others we can help right now. Normal
about boys when you have to sneaky that way.” more. We have to make a new to help them?” is overrated, let’s move Forward
shout to make yourself heard, Mom laughed and said, normal, just a regular normal, With a thoughtful wrinkle and be a Light instead.”
especially with these stupid “You’re right. We’ve often out of the things we experienced in her brow, Sonia looked at
masks? No one understands talked about how small sacrifices and the things we learned.” her mother and said, “In other
what we’re saying because they
MAKING SENSE OF BIOETHICS
The “Quality of Life” Error
computer programmer named was simple: and perhaps “quality of help” benefit or is unduly burden-
John Peyton (1945-2009). He “I have a marvelous quality judgments against ourselves. some. It should not be because
lived in Kent, Washington, and of life! Right now I am totally As such, our focus should be we conclude that someone’s life
had an unusually aggressive dependent. I can do nothing for on the benefits and burdens of itself lacks value and needs to
form of amyotrophic lateral myself. I’m effectively para- a proposed medical interven- end.
sclerosis, or ALS, commonly lyzed. But I have a family. I tion rather than on trying to Individuals struggling with
known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. have friends. I have my church impose our own conclusion that grave ailments, even though
The disease made him totally community. I have loving certain individuals no longer they may be very compromised
Fr. Tad Pacholczyk dependent on Patricia, his wife support all around me. I don’t have enough value or meaning and unable to act as their own
of 40 years. She dressed him, understand how anyone could in their lives to merit receiving decision makers, remain per-
fed him, and regularly shifted deny that I have a very high a particular treatment. Their sons of great moral worth. They
During “serious illness his body position in the living quality of life, and it gets me to humanity is violated if they contribute to the common good
conversations,” some doctors room recliner where he spent understand and be compassion- are treated according to their simply by being, rather than by
will ply their patients with his declining months. ate toward those without the functionality or quality of life, doing or choosing. Moreover,
this question: “What is your As Peyton’s once-strong support that I have. Rather than rather than according to their they continually call each of us
minimally acceptable quality of voice gradually began to fade giving them the temptation to personal dignity. to a higher and more beautiful
life?” away, he continued to use it kill themselves, we should be Of course everyone has a standard of full acceptance,
Behind the question can be publicly to oppose and lobby trying to figure out how to help certain natural fear or hesita- loving support and authentic
the implication that if patients against Initiative 1000, the them to have the quality of life tion when it comes to living care, even and especially in the
are experiencing a low quality assisted suicide initiative in I enjoy.” in a disabled or compromised midst of very challenging medi-
of life, their medical treatments Washington. Peyton’s answer cuts to the state. We may also be afraid cal circumstances. They raise
can be discontinued because When he was interviewed by heart of the matter: if anyone of “being a burden to others.” the bar for us and we should
their life has become “no lon- Laura Ingraham of Fox News, who is sick or dying is facing When we acknowledge that the respond by elevating their qual-
ger worth living.” he said, “I’m one of those a low quality of life, we should gift of life has “absolute value,” ity of life.
This can even become a people who is somewhat of a take steps to raise and improve that doesn’t mean we must do Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk,
shorthand to justify actions like target of the initiative and I it. His story also reminds us absolutely everything scientif- Ph.D. earned his doctorate in
physician-assisted suicide or don’t know how we as a society how the one-sided category ically available to maintain it, neuroscience from Yale and did
euthanasia. Making quality of could really consider making of “quality of life” can easily but it does mean that we should post-doctoral work at Harvard.
life assessments about our- doctors into killers.” tempt us in the wrong direction exercise good stewardship He is a priest of the diocese of
selves or others can lead us to Laura countered: “John, I when it comes to basic moral over it, making use of ordinary Fall River, MA, and serves as
devalue the gift of human life think a lot of people who are duties owed to our loved ones means of treatment and receiv- the Director of Education at
by insisting it must have a cer- for this type of assisted suicide in compromised states like a ing supportive care, even in the The National Catholic Bioeth-
tain amount of “quality” before would say, ‘Look, what about coma, ALS, stroke, Alzheimers, face of imminent decline. ics Center in Philadelphia. See
it can be deemed “meaningful” the quality of life?’ ‘Look, you or dementia. It also means the decision www.ncbcenter.org and www.
or “worthwhile.” know, people suffering like you Instead of making quality of to refuse or stop a particular fathertad.com.
The clearest rebuttal of — what kind of quality of life life judgments about people, we medical treatment should be
the “Quality of Life” error do you really have?’ What do should be making “quality of based on the judgment that the
I’ve come across was from you say to those people?” treatment” judgments for those treatment itself is extraordinary,
a 64-year-old retired Boeing His reply was as brilliant as it who are ailing and vulnerable, that is to say, it offers minimal
You can also read
