Catholic News Around Indiana

Compiled by Brandon A. Evans

Diocese of Evansville

Back to School gathering: Educators are reminded that ‘all are welcome’

By MARY ANN HUGHES (Message staff writer)

Early last Thursday morning, the gym at Holy Redeemer School in Evansville was filled with teachers from all over the Diocese of Evansville. They were there, all 700-plus, to attend a Back to School gathering which included Mass with their new bishop, Bishop Charles C. Thompson.

Stephanie Groenert is beginning her thirty-third year of teaching at St. Benedict Cathedral School in Evansville. She smiled as she talked about the gathering which she sees as a way “for all the teachers to touch base and join together to see what a good group we are.”

It’s an opportunity, she said, “to see friends we don’t see during the school year.”

Sarah Burns is starting her first year in the diocese. She’ll be teaching sixth and seventh grade literature at St. Ben’s. She said she was both “overwhelmed” and “really excited” about her new job. She is looking forward to working in a “faith-based environment. I’m excited I can pray with my students!”

After the teachers and their principals walked over to the parish church, they were welcomed by Daryl Hagan, diocesan superintendent of schools. He asked the new teachers to “stand and be recognized,” and they were greeted with warm applause from their fellow teachers.

Then he talked about the diocesan theme for schools this year, “All are welcome,” asking the educators “Who will you cordially receive in your school? In your classroom?”

Before Donna Halverson, the assistant superintendent of schools, did the roll call of schools, she thanked the pastors in attendance. “This is why our Catholic schools are as vibrant and vital as they are — because of our Catholic school pastors.”

Sister Carol Cimino, a Sister of St. Joseph, was the keynote speaker for the gathering. She reminded the educators that “at the age of nine none of us thought we would be working in Catholic schools,” but that God was saying, “Oh, yeah.”

“You were chosen to do this,” she said. “You were sought.”

She said she “loved” the diocesan theme “All are welcome.” She encouraged the teachers to “consider that our classrooms are holy ground,” to understand that they, as educators, are “responsible for the mission” of their schools, and to “pray for and with each other.”

Photo caption: Justin Carter, a new teacher at Corpus Christi School, Evansville, shares his thoughts during a break at the annual Back to School gathering at Holy Redeemer School in Evansville. “He will be teaching grades kindergarten through eight music,” said Martha Craig, principal. (Message photo by Mary Ann Hughes)

(For news from the Diocese of Evansville, log on to the website of The Message at www.themessageonline.org)

 

Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Bishop visits Catholic-centered nursing home

AVILLA — For the first time since becoming bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades visited Provena Sacred Heart Home in Avilla on Aug. 5. He began by celebrating Mass, later touring the facility and learning how the staff there seeks to meet individual needs and provide dignity to seniors.

At least 40 residents, family and staff members filled the chapel for Mass at Provena.

Bishop Rhoades spoke about the dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, which is celebrated on Aug. 5.

“(St. Mary Major) was the first church in the West dedicated to Mary,” Bishop Rhoades said during his homily. “The gold ceiling was made from the first gold Columbus brought from America.”

Normally, it’s very hot in Rome at this time of year, the bishop continued. But it snowed on a hill on Aug. 5, so a church dedicated to Mary was built on this hill.

“No matter what pain, suffering or troubles (we have), we can always call on her,” Bishop Rhoades said. “She’s always with me.”

St. John — in his vision of the future kingdom of God — says there will be no more mourning or pain, Bishop Rhoades said. And everyone is on pilgrimage toward this kingdom.

“We can’t imagine the joy and peace of heaven (as well as loved ones waiting for us),” Bishop Rhoades said. “Mary is at our side (during the journey).”

Before the final blessing, Bishop Rhoades said it was a gift and blessing that area priests said Mass at the home daily and many residents were able to attend. He also asked those present to pray for him.

“Most nursing homes run on the scheduled needs of employees,” explained Provena Administrator Craig Prokupek. “Here, we meet residents’ needs”

“One resident told me, ‘You let us do what we want to do,’” Prokupek said.

Photo caption: Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades celebrated Mass Aug. 5 at Provena Sacred Heart Home in Avilla.

(For news from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, log on to the website of Today’s Catholic at www.todayscatholicnews.org)

 

Diocese of Gary

No briefs available this week

 

(For news from the Diocese of Gary, log on to the website of the Northwest Indiana Catholic at www.nwicatholic.com)

 

Diocese of Lafayette

No briefs available this week

 

(For news from the Diocese of Lafayette, log on to the website of The Catholic Moment at www.thecatholicmoment.org)