Catholic News Around Indiana

Compiled by Brandon A. Evans

Diocese of Evansville

No briefs available this week

 

(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

World Youth Day pilgrims rev up for travels

WARSAW — The excitement was palpable as pilgrims gathered from across the diocese for a special Mass and World Youth Day informational meeting at Sacred Heart Parish in Warsaw on July 22.

One-hundred-and-twenty youth and adults will be led by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades on a 12-day spiritual pilgrimage through Europe that will culminate in Madrid, Spain, for the five-day World Youth Day event Aug. 16-21 — the 12th event held since 1986.

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Rhoades who was joined at the altar by newly ordained Fathers Terrance and Matt Coonan, Father Drew Curry, Father Paul Bueter and Franciscan Father David Engo, all of whom are scheduled to travel to Spain.

The congregation that gathered had truly begun their pilgrimage of prayer. Warsaw had been hit by severe storms earlier in the day that rendered Sacred Heart Church without power.

Without benefit of air conditioning, lights or audio system, the Mass brought the group back to basics. Fortunately the oppressive heat did not dampen the prayerfulness or joy of these faithful travelers who chuckled as Bishop Rhoades admitted, “This is a good way to start a pilgrimage — with a little hardship.”

Miraculously, the power came on part way through the bishop’s homily, much to everyone’s delight.

During his homily, Bishop Rhoades spoke of the theme of World Youth Day chosen by Pope Benedict XVI from Col. 2:7, “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith,”

“Think about those words — We’re here because we’re rooted in Jesus Christ,” Bishop Rhoades said.

“We all need to be built up in Jesus Christ. All seek to follow, but all can grow in faith and be firm. That’s why we’re going,” Bishop Rhoades said, adding that he hoped that the pilgrims would all be changed when they returned from their spiritual journey.

“You’re going to experience the Church like you never have,” he said.

(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

High school seniors have ‘amazerful’ experience helping others

Story by NWIC Staff

VALPARAISO—Put some high school seniors in several apartments, give them some paintbrushes and a food pantry to organize, and what do they do? Besides the work, they learn something about themselves and the marginalized people they only thought they knew. The 30 high school seniors at Catholic Youth Xperience spent the afternoon of July 23 doing various rehab projects at Housing Opportunities, a nonprofit agency working with individuals and families on housing issues. It is housed in the former Spring Valley Homeless Shelter.

That Saturday afternoon the teens painted and cleaned some apartments, swept, picked up trash, and restocked and organized the agency’s food pantry. One day later, while introducing a video on the service project, Marian University’s Mark Erdosy said, “What struck me was how readily [the seniors] jumped into the service project.”

The work, Erdosy said, corresponded to three of the principles of Catholic social teaching: dignity of the individual, caring for the common good, and options for the poor and needy. “It was so much fun and fulfilling to help out,” said Leah Markowitz, from St. Matthias, Crown Point.

Markowitz was among the teens who stocked and organized the pantry. Other CYXers cleaned out refrigerators, while others painted walls – and each other. "These people definitely need a lot of help. Anything we can do to alleviate their difficulties is a help,” said Sean Miller, from St. Patrick, Chesterton.

Also from St. Pat’s, Adam Antone noted, “You’re doing service for people but working with others. It’s like being Catholic – we’re like one billion people all striving for one purpose.” Antone went on to receive the CYX Breath of the Spirit Award, which recognizes young people who have gone well beyond to fulfill their baptismal call, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through them to build the Kingdom of God. Housing Opportunities clients face such issues as homelessness and foreclosure. As Kevin Driscoll, diocesan youth ministry director, pointed out, “Many region teens are surprised to learn that poverty isn’t confined to northern Lake County, that there are people in affluent areas struggling to have and keep a home, too.” From St. Mary, Kouts, Megan Atwood said the service opportunity provided an opportunity for the two top things for high school students – doing service and being out in the community.

(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)