The Catholic Connection
February 2016

In This Issue
Archbishop's Tweets

Do you follow Archbishop Kurtz on twitter? Here is a sampling of his tweets this month:

February 7
@ArchbishopKurtz:
Wonderful Jubilee Mass honoring those of Consecrated Life renewing vows at St Gabriel. Church. Reception followed.
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February 7
@ArchbishopKurtz:
Preparing to begin Confirmation Mass at St Edward Church.
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February 6
@ArchbishopKurtz:
At Holy Spirit Church for confirmation - also w seminarians who led retreat for those confirmed.
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February 5
@ArchbishopKurtz:
"Anointed w the Holy Spirit" - St Martha class confirmed at Cathedral.
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February 5
@ArchbishopKurtz:
Beautiful Confirmation celebration at St Albert the Great on Friday evening.
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February 4
@ArchbishopKurtz Retweeted @MikeAllenShow:
Today w/ @ArchbishopKurtz on why informed consent is pro-woman & what he's learned as USCCB pres. 12 min mark at http://bit.ly/1P9CKca

February 2
@ArchbishopKurtz:
Passage of Senate Bill 4 is a great day for a culture of life in Kentucky. See http://ow.ly
@CCofKY @BishopMedley1

February 1 
@ArchbishopKurtz:
Just spoke to Louisville Serra about Pope Francis' USA visit & the Synod on Family. St Junipero Serra, pray for us!
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February 1

@ArchbishopKurtz:
If you have been away from the Church, Christ longs for your return. The words of Jesus are in our hearts...See blog http://ow.ly/XNE1i 


Archlou Happenings:

Below is a list of upcoming archdiocesan events:

2/11/16 7:00 p.m.
Multicultural Ministry (See link for cost/registration)

2/11/16 7:00 p.m.

Catholic Connection Listening Session

2/12/16 7:00 p.m.
Conversations with Archbishop Kurtz

2/13/16 9:00 a.m.


2/13/16 9:45 a.m. - 2/15/16 5:00 p.m.
TEC Retreat (Teens & Twenties Encounter Christ)

(See link for cost/registration)

2/13/16 11:00 a.m.

Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion

2/14/16 2:30 p.m.
Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion

2/15/16 7:00 p.m.
Catholic Connection Listening Session

2/20/16 9:00 a.m.
Foundation for Marriage
(See link for cost/registration)

2/21/16 2:00 p.m.
Catholic Connection Listening Session
 
2/22/16 7:00 p.m.
Communion Minister Formation Sessions
(See link for cost/registration)

2/23/16 7:00 p.m.
Catholic Connection Listening Session

2/24/16 7:00 p.m.
Catholic Connection Listening Session (Spanish)

2/25/16 7:00 p.m.
Catholic Connection Listening Session

2/26/16 7:00 p.m. - 2/28/16 3:00 p.m.
"On the Side of Angels" High School Retreat
(See link for cost/registration)

Each Friday during Lent at 1:00 p.m.
Catholic Cemeteries Stations of the Cross
 
Opportunities to Learn
My Brother's Keeper
By Deacon Kenny Bell 

I began working for the Archdiocese in July 2015, as the Community Outreach Program Coordinator.  One of my responsibilities is to strengthen male ministry and to address the needs of those living on the margins in our city.

We had just returned from our annual Kujenga Viongozi Youth Leadership Retreat. During one of the breakout sessions that included male adults and youth, the discussion turned toward the police and our youth - the very discussion that many people were having all around the country.  Our youth were concerned about the police and their seemingly aggressive behavior towards them.  I found myself being on both sides of the table, having been in law enforcement for over 20 years, while also being an African American male. From this perspective, I truly understood both sides of the argument.  So the seed was planted for me to do whatever I can to foster better understanding, and subsequently better relationships, between our youth and law enforcement.   

The first order of business quickly became "Law Enforcement and You" under the umbrella of "My Brother's Keeper" to provide ongoing opportunities to address the needs of our community.  On January 9, 2016, we invited Officer Robert Oliver with the Louisville Metro Police Department and Attorney Shaun Wimberly, Sr. to participate in our first workshop.  The goal was to educate those in attendance on their rights and responsibilities when encountering law enforcement.  

Officer Oliver spoke about the importance of mutual respect, even when you feel the stop is unjust.  All citizens have the right to ask why they are being stopped.  You can ask for the officer's code number and name or ask for a supervisor to respond to the scene if warranted.  Always remain calm - don't run or fight.  Keep your hands visible at all times and let the officer know before you reach for anything.  Don't give fake IDs or false information of any kind.  Remember, at the end of the day the officer wants to go home to his family too.

Attorney Wimberly talked about our constitutional rights and the right to be protected from illegal search and seizure.  He says it's usually not a good idea to give up your right by submitting to a search of your vehicle, regardless of the circumstances.  You should ask the officer if you are being detained or are you free to leave.  He explained the Terry Stop and how officers may frisk for weapons if they have reasonable suspicion that someone is armed and dangerous.  In short, know that the constitution is supposed to protect the rights of all citizens.  

There was a lot of information given to the forty-six males of various ages in attendance.  The group was extremely interested in the question-and-answer opportunity provided at the end of the session.  The goal was to equip the attendees with information about what they are required to do by law as well as what their rights are.  

This first session was for males only.  There were several women who dropped their sons off and expressed interest in the workshop.  Because of that interest, we had another event in early February for males and females.  Our hope is to have ongoing dialogue on these issues and any other issues that impact our community.  

Deacon Kenny Bell is the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Louisville's Office of Multicultural Ministry.
Supporting Scholarship Tax Credits
By Andrew Vandiver, Associate Director of the Catholic Conference of Kentucky

The 2016 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly has begun, and education reform is an important topic being discussed in both the House and Senate.  House Bill 336 and Senate Bill 44 have been filed to establish a Scholarship Tax Credit program in Kentucky. This legislation, important to Catholics across the state, would provide families with options when it comes to their children's education, regardless of their income or ZIP Code.

A Scholarship Tax Credit program increases financial assistance to families who wish to send their children to a nonpublic school, including Catholic schools. The bill creates a nonrefundable tax credit, which may be applied against the individual income tax, corporation income tax, the limited liability entity tax, or the bank franchise tax, for donations to scholarship granting organizations.

The legislation ensures that all students have the opportunity to obtain the education they deserve at a school that best suits their educational needs.  Wealthy parents have the means to send their children to any nonpublic school they want or to move to a different public school district if they choose. Yet Kentucky's middle- and low-income families are not afforded these same options.  Scholarship Tax Credits can rectify the economic imbalance that exists in our education system.

It is important that the Catholic community rally around this legislation. There are a few things you can do immediately to help ensure this legislation moves forward in the General Assembly:
 
1)      If you haven't liked EdChoice Kentucky on Facebook or followed it on Twitter, do so today. EdChoice Kentucky is a coalition of educators, business leaders and citizens who want more choices for Kentucky students.

2)      Tell your family, friends, coworkers, and church groups about the importance of bringing Scholarship Tax Credits to Kentucky.

3)      Reach out to your state representative to co-sponsor House Bill 336 and senator to co-sponsor Senate Bill 44 by calling the Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 or 1-866-840-6574 for Spanish.  The operator on the line will assist you in getting the message to your correct representative and senator.
Believe, Know, and Be Christ 
By Madelyn Steurer, Senior, Assumption High School and winner of the Catholic Education Foundation's annual essay contest for Catholic Schools Week

 "Remember  to do your homework, go to church on Sunday, and remember who we are: we are the Community of Assumption." Every Friday over the announcements, I am reminded of this statement. No matter how tiring the week has been or what exciting plans we may have, our school days come to a close before the weekend with this same mantra. But what does it mean? Why is this phrase repeated, as well as our mission statement, over the intercom day after day?

The answer is simple: although Christ may seem like an intangible figure, He is the holy core in whom we seek comfort in each day. As a Catholic school student, I have been fortunate enough to be constantly surrounded by the powerful truth that is Christ, and the repetition of Assumption High School's mission statement is only one way in which I feel His presence in my life. In short, Catholic schools are liaisons of faith, knowledge, and service.

The first facet of my school's mission statement is "Faith Guides." I cannot think of a more fitting definition for the driving force behind all Catholic schools. Of course, Catholic schools have a theology requirement that all students must meet, but what people don't understand is that our faith is not limited to the classroom setting. Our faith is expanded through our prayers before classes (even in my AP English class), our prayers on the basketball court or soccer field, and the prayer services we take part in for special feast days or holidays. Prayer at Catholic schools is not a requirement; it's a way of living. Through the prayers we share with others, we are able to look beneath the surface and see someone else's soul that is well-deserving of compassion. We are reminded through prayer that the homeless man on the street, the young girl with a small child, and the woman rushing in the check-out line at the supermarket all have dignity, worth, and a story. Catholic schools are bound together by this faith, and with this faith comes the result of compassion.
 
Assumption's next core value is "Compassion Inspires". We firmly believe a goal of service to humankind is essential, and my school's foundress preached this message throughout her life. Catherine McAuley said, "...our charity must be in our hearts and from our hearts, and a charity such as Jesus Christ practiced while on earth." The goal is to alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate by our own actions as we inspire others to do the same.  In February, my school dedicates an entire week to the serving of others. During this Mission Week, students have the opportunity to serve the immediate
community or go on mission trips to other areas in Kentucky and around the world. Students return with a sense of purpose, and that is what service is all about. Service is not divine; it is an attainable human matter. One cannot fuel the human spirit without the service of our fellow man. With this comes knowledge and great responsibility.

Finally, we are reminded at Assumption that "Excellence Empowers". What a wonderful choice of words. Excellence, therefore, is not a selfish motive. Excellence is empowerment.  It is taking knowledge to the next level in order to shine the light of Christ for others. In this way, we show our gifts and talents to the world - gifts and talents from the Creator. Catholic school has transformed me into a perpetual student. I hunger for discovery in the laboratory, library, theatre, and classroom. My parents and brother, all graduates of Catholic schools, continue to be lifelong learners. The knowledge we have gained is a humble kind of knowledge. We have been fed with real-world scenarios and encouraged to make a difference in the world by putting our knowledge into practice.

My Catholic education has shaped me into the young woman I am today. Just as my school has a mission, I have created my own mission over the years at Assumption: to believe, know, and be Christ for others. I will always carry that with me.

For information about the Catholic Education Foundation's upcoming Salute to Catholic School Alumni dinner go here.
The Blog Spot

This section will feature local and national blogs and websites that will inspire, teach, and call to action. Featured this month is Archbishop Kurtz's Blog. In his blog, Archbishop Kurtz writes about Pope Francis' Lenten call to experience conversion "more intensely," especially during a special 24 Hours in March.

Lent Experienced and Celebrated "More Intensely."

Celebrating and experiencing seem to go hand in hand.  Take a birthday and a special party.  We can experience that annual passage from one year to the next in our minds and hearts, but there is no substitute for a good old-fashioned party with cake, candles, friends and good cheer!  Celebrations, if done right, can express and even enhance what we experience internally.

Pope Francis had this in mind when he penned his 2016 Lenten message. How timely since, believe it or not, Ash Wednesday is just over one week away!  Starting early this year on February 10, these days of Lent call us to the traditional practices of prayer, fasting and giving alms.  This year - the Jubilee of Mercy - we are asked to be more intentional and experience Lenten conversion in a deeper way.

Our Holy Father's message quotes Matthew 9:13 "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."  Properly, Pope Francis turns to the example of our Blessed Mother Mary who, having heard the good news from the angel Gabriel, "... prophetically sings of the mercy whereby God chose her."  We, too, are invited to take time to contemplate the Word of God and uncover our calling to do God's will in our daily lives.

Pope Francis links that experience of mercy in our lives with Mary's call - recalling that in the prophetic tradition, mercy is...Read More

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