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Bishop Peter breaks ground for new chancery building; construction begins this fall. Bishop Peter F. Christensen, ten-year-old Joseph Ziegler, Jared Schmidt, senior architect with Lombard Conrad Architects (and seven others not pictured) break ground at the Sept. 22 ceremony celebrating the start of the construction phase of the new Chancery office building. (Courtesy Photos/Colton Machado) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer BOISE –The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise was packed on Sept. 22 as hundreds gathered for the Mass and groundbreaking for the new chancery building. Although many were recognized and thanked for their contributions during the chancery’s planning stages, 10-year-old Joseph Ziegler was the guest of honor. Bishop Peter and Father Germán Osorio, rector at the Cathedral, present Joseph Ziegler with an icon of Our Lady of Tenderness during the 10 a.m. Mass before the ground-breaking ceremony. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) “I realize more and more that sometimes we need affirmation in our life,” Bishop Peter Christensen said in his homily. “Sometimes we need direction. Sometimes we need answers. And the ways in which we get encouragement, answers, and direction, oftentimes happens in very unexpected and unplanned ways.” Bishop Peter cited examples from his seminary years in which people unexpectedly gave him affirmation or direction. When he visited an elderly, dying nun and prayed over her, she was so still that he was convinced she had already passed. As he was leaving her room, he heard a strong woman’s voice saying, “The Lord has called you. The Lord has a plan for you. He will direct you in life. Trust Him in every way.” When he turned around, he was shocked to see it was the frail nun speaking, sitting up in bed with her arm outstretched and pointing at him. Another moment came when he was discerning whether to leave the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to study for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Seattle. One thing after another went wrong as he visited family in Washington to discern where to serve as a priest. He got food poisoning, and the worst snowstorm in decades hit the state. After being sick for three days in his hotel, he went for a walk on the empty streets. Then suddenly, a homeless woman yelled at him: “Go home. Why did you come here?” Bishop Peter knew the woman’s direction to “Go home” was a clear affirmation that he belonged in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Children inspect the architectural rendering of the new Chancery during the groundbreaking ceremony on September 22. (Courtesy photo/Colton Machado) An unexpected answer regarding the building of our new chancery, Bishop Peter explained, came from the courage of Joseph Ziegler, a fourth grader at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Boise. In late spring, the Diocese made a presentation to the Boise City Council to build the new chancery building, but the council rejected it. The Diocese appealed in April, but it was denied again. On Aug. 20, the Diocese made its final appeal. If the appeal failed to gain votes in favor of the building, the Diocese would have to cease efforts to build on Diocesan land near the Cathedral. Drone footage showing the site of the new chancery in relation to St. John’s Cathedral. (Courtesy photo/Robert Dobson) About 100 people attended the City Council meeting on Aug. 24. Eighteen testified in favor of the new chancery, and four spoke against it. About two-thirds of the way through the speakers, Ziegler raised his hand to speak. After stating his name and age, the ten-year-old told the council that he supported the Diocese’s efforts to build the new chancery. “I would say that was the pivotal point of this whole decision,” Bishop Peter continued. “It was a miraculous moment in my mind of the unexpected giving a voice to change the course for us. We are so grateful.” Bishop Peter invited Ziegler to the altar steps to present him with an icon of Our Lady of Tenderness in gratitude for his bold and clear stance at the meeting. The icon was written by the Bishop. After the Mass, the congregation led by Bishop Peter and the clergy processed to the building site. A celebration with refreshments followed the liturgy dedicating and blessing the property. Bishop Peter, Charles Lawrence, Christian Welp, Dr. Michael and Kirsten Coughlin, Julie Oliver, Joseph Ziegler, Alexis Townsend, Jared Schmidt, Joe Jackson, Cory Wiltshire, and Ken Fisher were chosen for the shovel line at the groundbreaking. In his remarks Bishop Peter quoted from Isaiah 60:22, which he posted on the door to his garage at home: “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” Two large banners with the Isaian quote were hung at the construction site. “This is the best time,” Bishop Peter said. Despite the disappointing setbacks at the City Council meetings, the timing is in God’s hands. “A time I would not have chosen, nor would you, but it’s the right time for all kinds of reasons. We move forward, and only do so, with the strength of our Lord. This is the right time.” Top left: Altar servers process through the celebratory balloon arch onto the site of the new Chancery building. (ICR Photo/Deacon Scott Pearhill) Top right: The assembly gathers for the groundbreaking liturgy. St. John’s Cathedral can be seen in the background. (Courtesy photo/Colton Machado) Bottom right: The congregation at the 10 a.m. Mass processes to the nearby construction site. (Courtesy photo/Colton Machado) Bottom Left: Bishop Peter with the Brown and Dyson families following the groundbreaking ceremony. (Courtesy photo/Colton Machado) Bottom Middle: After the ceremony, three boys continued the groundbreaking. (Courtesy photo/Colton Machado) If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Father Lambert Nwauzor, right, came from Nigeria for the dedication of the new Stations of the Cross at St. Blanche’s in Priest Lake. He is with his uncle, Father Reggie Nwauzor, middle, pastor at St. Catherine of Siena and St. Blanche parishes, and Deacon Derrick Hamm, left. About 100 attended the dedication and blessing. (ICR Photo/Emily Woodham) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer PRIEST RIVER —On Aug. 23, Father Reginald Nwauzor dedicated and blessed new Stations of the Cross recently installed outdoors beside St. Blanche Catholic Church in Priest Lake. The sculptures for each of the stations are large enough to be seen from the highway that passes through the busy summer resort town. Even before the dedication, the Stations attracted visitors who were just passing by. “One Sunday after Mass, I saw three women who were walking out of the Stations,” said Father Nwauzor, pastor at St. Blanche and St. Catherine of Siena Parishes in Priest River. “When I talked to them, they were nearly in tears because they were so moved by the beauty of them. They were Protestants and had never seen the Stations of the Cross before. They were familiar with the Bible, but they said walking through the Stations made His sacrifice more real to them.” Members of St. Blanche and St. Catherine of Siena Parishes in Priest River attend the blessing of the newly installed Stations of the Cross. (ICR Photo/Emily Woodham) The outreach and impact of the Stations are exactly what Father Nwauzor and the parishioners who led the project, Stacy Reynolds and Elizabeth Willyard, had prayed for when they began planning its construction. “Now that the Stations are dedicated and blessed, they will be even more fruitful,” Father Nwauzor said. “We wanted everyone to see that Jesus loves them,” Reynolds said. “The design of the path and the placement of the stations were done in a way so that from any angle a passerby could see one of the sculptures.” The 12th Station, the Crucifixion, is the largest and can be seen most clearly from the highway and the school next to the church. The idea for the Stations of the Cross came to Reynolds and Willyard individually and at different times. In 2016, Reynolds visited an outdoor installation of the Stations of the Cross at a parish, which used children’s drawings for each station. “I thought it would be so cool to have an outdoor Stations of the Cross at St. Blanche’s,” she said. Although she kept this desire in her prayers, she did not share it openly. In 2018, Willyard went on a retreat with her daughter after her grandmother died. “My grandmother loved the Stations of the Cross,” Willyard said. During the retreat, Willyard and her daughter prayed the Stations of the Cross at an outdoor installation. “The Lord put it on my heart to have the Stations at St. Blanche’s. On the drive home, I told my daughter, Ella, about it.” The next day, they went to Sunday Mass at St. Blanche’s. “After Mass ended, but before people left, Father Reggie said he needed to know what we should do with the property next to the church. So, I went to Father Reggie and said ‘I think I know what we need to do with the property—we need to put a Stations of the Cross there.’ He looked at me and said, ‘Let’s do it.’” Reynolds and Willyard had met only a couple of months before and started a women’s group at St. Blanche’s. At their next meeting, about a week later, Willyard told Reynolds about using the property for the Stations of the Cross. Reynolds immediately became excited and told Willyard that she had been wanting to put the Stations of the Cross there for a long time. “Stacy told me that she would help with whatever needed to be done,” Willyard continued. When Father Nwauzor talked to the parish council about the idea, he was asked about the needed funds. “Father told them that we would have the money in two weeks. And within two weeks, we had every penny.” Stacy Reynolds using a trencher for the wiring of the Stations of the Cross.   (ICR Photo/Emily Woodham) “The Holy Spirit definitely wanted this to happen,” Reynolds said. Sculptures cut from stone were too expensive. However, Reynolds found a company in Chicago that makes statues out of fiberglass resin. “The statues were $1,200 each. We asked parishioners to sponsor a Station, and in two weeks, each Station had a sponsor. Everything was paid for.” Parishioners and extended family members helped prepare the property for the Stations of the Cross. They had to clear out shrubbery to create a level path, dig a trench for wiring, place posts in cement and then set the housing for the statues. A popular carpenter in the area offered to make the housing. “He’s a Protestant,” Reynolds said. “But he really loved the idea of the Stations of the Cross. So many Protestants think Catholics worship statues, and installing the Stations has given us an opportunity to talk about what we really believe. There’s been an ecumenical element to this.” Not everything went smoothly, though. The COVID pandemic slowed down their plans. It wasn’t until 2021 that they could begin implementing their ideas. Other setbacks occurred with weather, which sometimes meant working in the snow and freezing cold. “When I was digging for the wiring, I found a St. Benedict medal about two inches down,” Reynolds said. “I found a St. Benedict medal at every station. No one has admitted to burying them, but I knew when I found them that no matter what the devil tried to do, the Stations were going to get done.” One morning, they found that someone had hit the Station of the Crucifixion with a baseball bat until it cracked. Reynolds fixed the crack and will repaint it. But she is undaunted in her mission to keep the Stations visible, even at risk of vandalism. “Jesus said we’re the light of the world. What good is your light if you put it under a bushel basket? Are you not going to be a Christian because you might get hurt? Having the Stations out in the world so that people can see them is a way of shining our light. We shouldn’t hide it.” Reynolds said the response to the Stations of the Cross has been overwhelmingly positive. Personally, they have brought her closer to Jesus. “The Stations of the Cross help you walk that path with Jesus. He went through His trials and sufferings out of His love for us. It encourages us that we can get through our hard stuff. We can carry our crosses,” Reynolds added. “His Passion and the beauty that was brought from it was huge. It brings peace knowing that there is beauty that God can do with suffering. After all, we are asked to pick up our cross and carry it, and what better way to have than to walk the path of Jesus” If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Douglas Alles retires as executive director of Catholic Charities of Idaho By Emily Woodham Staff Writer It was not unusual for Doug Alles to leave the office late. As executive director for Catholic Charities of Idaho, long hours, especially during the holiday season, were to be expected. But he was caught off guard on a mid-December evening a few years ago when the CCI office doorbell rang. It was not unusual for Doug Alles to leave the office late. As executive director for Catholic Charities of Idaho, long hours, especially during the holiday season, were to be expected. But he was caught off guard on a mid-December evening a few years ago when the CCI office doorbell rang. Alles invited her in, found the necessary paperwork, and ensured her children would have gifts in time for Christmas. “It was a tiny window into true vulnerability,” Alles said. “It was an encounter in one of those thin places.” The ancient Celtic term “thin place” describes a sacred event or encounter, a place in time where heaven and earth meet in sheer vulnerability. “I’m not really a practitioner; my work is management,” he continued. So I didn’t get to experience those thin places as often as those who are serving the people day in and day out.” Although their work is challenging, he said burnout is less frequent than one might imagine. There’s a renewal in what they do. That’s true sanctity.” The holiness that Alles sees in others, Bishop Peter Christensen sees in Alles. “Doug is a person who has a close relationship with Jesus,” Bishop Peter said during the Mass celebrating Alles’ retirement. He said those who live out their faith have a powerful effect on others. When Bishop Peter met Pope St. John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta, they had an immediate impact on him because of the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. “Those who are close to the Lord are full of goodness, peace and joy. I remember meeting Pope John Paul II, and the minute I shook hands with him, tears came to my eyes unexpectedly.” When he met Mother Teresa, Bishop Peter said the experience of being near her was also remarkable. “She had a presence, and you couldn’t help but be delighted in that presence,” he said. “I say all this about meeting them because I’m aware of such blessings in knowing you, Doug, and so is everyone else,” Bishop Peter continued. “Your faith is so true, transparent in all your transactions – with the care that you give those in their time of need, as well as in your dealings with the colleagues in ministry who serve with you. In listening to you and watching your selfless service to others, Jesus again is made known; the love of God the Father is made visible.” The Bishop added that Alles consistently brought all problems into the light of his faith. “There’s a depth to you that’s pretty amazing. I want to thank you for that.” He said Alles’ sense of purpose and mission in his work will be hard to replace. At the Mass, Bishop Peter presented Alles with the Guardian Award, an annual accolade given to those who watch over and care for the Catholic community in the Diocese of Boise. Alles received the award for his “years of service and dedication to the missionary Catholic Church.” Alles began working with Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Portland, Ore., in 1995. He was 36, married with four kids, and working in human services when he came across an opening for a Catholic Charities deputy director position. “I was a bureaucrat. I was managing contracts and overseeing programs for interstate kids when I saw the opening at Catholic Charities,” he said. He felt it was a chance to integrate his skills with a higher meaning and purpose. “Thankfully, that worked out.” Alles stayed on at Catholic Charities of Portland for nearly 20 years, first as director of social services and then as interim executive director. Although working for the Church is what drew Alles to Catholic Charities, he was not always a Christian. Alles had been raised in an agnostic home and did not seriously consider Christianity until he met his wife, Jennifer, in college. “Jennifer introduced me to God and then to Christ through the scriptures and her Christian witness in college. In our walk with Christ, we read the Bible and then the Church Fathers and the holy mystics. Finally, in mystery and enchantment, we found the Eastern Orthodox Church in the early 1980s,” Alles said. Bishop Peter Christensen and Douglas Alles gathered at the new offices of Catholic Charities of Idaho on Nov. 3, 2016 for an official blessing and dedication. In 1984, they entered the Catholic Church. “The religious experience of our Eastern Christian formation found full root in the teachings of the Roman Church. Here in the Catholic Church, the difficulty and hardship, beauty and excitement of life were celebrated and understood, mystically, but also in full engagement with the world of our time,” Alles said. “The Roman Church offered a rich teaching opportunity in family life, which led to an explosion of children,” he said. Rejecting society’s emphasis on happiness through materialism and embracing the Church’s teaching on marriage and family continues to give the Alleses great joy as Doug retires. Their family grew to seven children, and now they have a bevy of grandchildren. Their son, Christopher, and his wife, Emma, recently had triplets. (Christopher Alles is a sculptor currently creating statues of St. John the Evangelist and of St. Catherine of Siena for the Cathedral in Boise.) In 2014, Alles accepted the Catholic Charities of Idaho executive director position. Their family immediately became parishioners of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, and Jennifer, who homeschooled all their children, joined Treasure Valley Catholic Home Educators. Jennifer now is a substitute teacher at a charter school. In retirement, Alles and his wife plan to stay in Boise, where they have put down roots. Although the challenges for Catholic Charities seem to be rapidly increasing with the changes in American culture, Alles believes there is a lot of reason to hope. “It used to be that the dominant culture helped you to be good. That’s not true now. It will entice you into all sorts of things, and a person can really be harmed by this culture. So, we definitely need to pray. However, you have to trust the core goodness of Christianity. We just have the best story because it’s a narration built in love.” The Church needs its confidence back, he said. “It’s too divided and too confusing right now. You have to call people to something greater than themselves, and you have to believe that we’re free, that we have the freedom to pursue virtue. If you don’t have freedom, there’s no virtue.” Empathetic accountability is necessary in maintaining the dignity of people, he said. “We don’t just want to hand out stuff and make them dependent. We want to call them into a responsible life because that’s what dignity requires.” Alles wants to encourage people to live up to what Pope St. John Paul II called “infinite dignity.” “Live up to it. Stand in your dignity because that’s life-giving.” Although he will miss working with his colleagues and many other aspects of Catholic Charities, it is helping people find their dignity that he will miss most. “Those encounters in the thin places, where there’s no pretense—that’s when the people are ministering to you. In those encounters, you realize all of this on earth is going to go away; we don’t hold onto any of this stuff. Yet the people who have fallen to such a place of desperate need still have the capacity to articulate gratitude—that’s real human dignity. And that’s dignity being ministered to me.” If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Food Bank volunteers (left to right) Nancy Ruth Peterson, Susan Roberts, Jerri Parce, Pam Wimer, and Karen Herrenbruck help keep the aid agency running. (Courtesy Photos/Lisa Ormond) By Lisa Ormond for the ICR The Moscow Food Bank, located on the grounds of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Moscow, has served the greater Latah County community for 43 years. Last year, the food bank provided food to over 21,000 people, a 27% increase over 2022. In 2024, the trend looks likely to continue as the Moscow agency has already served more than 13,000 Latah County residents. Fr. Benjamin Onyemachi, SMMM, Pastor of St. Mary’s Church, highlighted the spiritual importance of the Moscow Food Bank. “I would like us to call to mind that charity is the hallmark of the Church’s mission. Jesus left us an example in Himself, as He was always addressing the basic and most pressing need of the people in His time. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and spoke for the voiceless.” Humble Beginnings The St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s League (CWL) founded the food bank, housed in a small storage closet in the parish center. Initially, the agency was named after the Parish: St. Mary’s Food Bank. Later, it was changed to represent the greater Moscow area and to reduce confusion because there was another church in town named St. Mary’s. “We are grateful to the Catholic Women’s League through whose initiative the food bank was established,” Onyemachi said. “We are most grateful to all the donors to the food bank, living and dead. May God bless you all.” Quickly, the CWL outgrew its humble closet space and needed to expand to serve the growing numbers of people coming to the church for food. The Moscow Food Bank has moved three times during the last four decades and has operated from its multi-purpose building next to St. Mary’s Church since 2021, when Bishop Peter Christensen blessed the building. Parishioners of St. Mary’s provided most of the funds needed to acquire the space. Over the years, a longstanding partnership between St. Mary’s parish, private citizens, area churches, businesses, service organizations, schools and grocery stores has maintained an unwavering commitment to meeting the basic needs of their neighbors—to ensure that everyone in need has food to eat. Linda Nickels has overseen the daily management of the Moscow Food Bank for over 30 years. Linda Nickels Linda Nickels has served as the food bank director since 1993. “Really, the success of a food bank is relationships,” Nickels emphasized. “From your donors to your volunteers to your customers—all of them have to trust you and believe in your credibility.” For Nickels, what mattered most was that her customers received nourishment and acceptance at the food bank. “When people come to the food bank, they don’t know what to expect. It is a hard thing, and often there are tears,” Nickels said. “We give them a comfort area, a place to feel welcomed. We treat every person with dignity. I like that they are not judged, and they can come here just like going to the local grocery store.” Moscow Food Bank Volunteer Connie Esser calls Nickels a “wonder woman” and says people have “no idea what the back story” is to the food bank—just how much Nickels has given to this ministry as a volunteer over thirty years. She’d start her day at 5:30 a.m. in the morning and end at about 7 p.m. in the evening, five days a week, receiving no pay, but rewards of a different kind.” “Linda did all the food shopping and picking up food from the local grocery stores five times a week, including lifting 50-pound boxes on her own,” Esser said. “She also did the bookkeeping and accounting, wrote thank you notes, greeted customers, and the list goes on. Many times, I’ve seen her deliver food to people at their homes even—she is just remarkable.” Esser said Nickels was why she started helping at the food bank six years ago. “I got involved because I met her and she was amazing, and I wanted to help her.” A Generous Community Keeps Giving Nickels believes the Moscow Food Bank is truly blessed because there are more and more mouths to feed, but the food keeps coming in. “Thank God,” said Nickels. “I’ve never begged for money, and we’ve always had enough.” Commenting on the necessity of the community, Nickels said, “You must have something behind you to make a food bank work. We have always had the church’s support and sponsorship. A steady stream of money and food donations, along with a dependable flow of volunteers and general helpers, keep it open and serving those in need.” “We hear all the time from our customers that the combination of higher rent, increased food costs, and rising gas prices are reasons why they need the food bank more than ever,” said Nickels. “Generally, cost of living goes up, but wages do not.” Nickels says that since COVID, the number of people coming to their current 700-square-foot location has “gone through the roof.” She shared that plans are in the works to redesign the house next door to add freezer and storage space, among other improvements. Again, St. Mary’s Church is spearheading this expansion effort to help meet the ever-growing community’s need for food. The Customer and How It Works Nickels said it’s a myth that those who come to food banks are generally retirees and students. The Moscow Food Bank demographic data shows that 51% are Latah County residents between the ages of 18 and 59, followed by 36% in the age group between newborn and 18. “Most are working parents in service industry jobs,” said Nickels. “When you come, you don’t have to show financial need. We need an address and how many are in the family so we can tailor the food to give them.” When customers arrive, they can choose from a list of perishable and non-perishable food items—some items are given weekly and others once monthly. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available, as well as meat, eggs, and sandwich meats. The food bank is open for two hours every afternoon, Tuesday through Friday. It closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most of the food is donated by private citizens and local grocery stores or bought with monetary donations. Moscow area grocery stores, including Rosauers, WinCo, Safeway, and Walmart, donate “tons of food” every week, said Nickels. To fill gaps, food is purchased locally by volunteers and online from the Idaho Food Bank in Lewiston. “In 1993, we saw about five people weekly. Last year, we averaged about 422,” said Nickels. “And we’ve never closed our doors, not even during COVID.” Volunteers are critical in operating the food bank during business hours, and there is a total of about 40 who are mostly retirees. “Two of my volunteers have been with me over 20 years,” Nickels explained. “We couldn’t do it without them.” Looking Forward to the Future According to Nickels, she is now focusing her energies on the successful transition of the Moscow Food Bank from her hands to that of the five-member leadership team that will oversee the ministry going forward. “Last fall, I received a nudge from God, and He said, ‘Knock it off, girl. Enough is enough!” She took this message to heart for her health’s sake and began to imagine and shift to a life where the food bank wasn’t her daily focus. Nickels, now 83, admits it’s difficult to let go because she devoted the last third of her life to feeding others. She is confident in the transition that is happening and those who are taking over the ministry. “They are all way younger than I am,” she said with a laugh. The team of five who are taking the reins are longtime friends, volunteers, and supporters of Nickels and the food bank, and are St. Mary’s parish members. They include Pam and Ed Wimer, Marie Kleffner, Connie Esser, and Bill Kerr. Nickels noted this is a good time to make the change. “I’m a good resource person for them right now, and I’m basically in and out as needed.” When asked about her future plans Nickels said, “I will find me a new direction; I’m not worried.” She added, “I told myself you have an angel looking after you—and it takes good care of you. I have faith there is a plan. I just need to be patient to see what the Lord has in mind.” When asked to recall her fondest memory she replied without hesitation, “We never ran out of food.” Volunteers Nancy Ruth Peterson and Jerri Parce fill an order for food. Last year over 21,000 people received food items from the Moscow Food Bank.

Father Pat Dennis https://www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com/printnotice/FrJoseph-Dennis/1o/0c/0q/0d/0b The Reverend Joseph "Patrick" Dennis, age 79, of Boise, passed away peacefully Friday evening, July 12, 2024, at the VA Hospice House with his loving sister Kathe by his side. Many close friends and family members came to see him during his final days. Born into a fun-loving Irish Catholic family on January 10, 1945, in Idaho Falls, to parents John Adams Dennis and Mary G. (Jefferies) Dennis, Pat grew up surrounded with the love of grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and other extended family. He lived a principled and dedicated life of service, always focusing on those who were struggling or just needed a helping hand. Pat's childhood education came from Catholic schools in Idaho Falls and Pocatello, before moving to Boise in 1957. He attended Saint Joseph's School, graduated from Saint Teresa's Academy in 1963, and briefly attended Boise Junior College. Enlisting in the Army in May 1966, Pat faithfully served his country for two years and throughout his life remained true to the freedoms our country provides, often referencing the obligation to help others to earn those freedoms. Following his time in the military he worked in Boise for Idaho First National Bank and volunteered at Hays House. It was during this time that he discerned a calling to continue serving others, now as a Catholic Priest. His education, in preparation for ministry included Carroll College in Helena, Montana, Saint Edward's Seminary in Seattle, Washington, and Berkeley Theological Union, in California for graduate school. Ordained a Roman Catholic Priest on December 28, 1978, he continued the life of a true servant leader. Serving his first assignment as Parochial Vicar at Saint John's Cathedral, Pat seemed to seek those who were the most troubled, struggling with addiction, recovering from tragic life events or poor decisions, and he walked their journey with them. As a living example of Christ's preferential love for the poorest of the poor, he listened, sought resources, never took no for an answer, and even took them into his own home. He was endowed with a special gift for young people, especially those discovering their beliefs or who had compromised them. He once observed that, "Most of us make our most important decisions for our lives from 13 to 23 years of age." So, he entered the breach and went into that decision space to help others. As a teacher, counselor, and Chaplain at Bishop Kelly High School in the 1980s, he was beloved and constantly sought out by students to explain the tenets of their faith in a way a young teenage mind could understand. In 1989, Pat once again felt called to help those most in need and joined the Federal Prison ministry. Sacrificing by leaving his beloved Idaho mountains, he served the convicted in prisons in Florida, Oregon, and Arizona. As a dedicated and loyal family member, and native Idahoan, this was hard for Pat. He always loved his family, his dogs, his mountains, his trucks (especially if it meant four-wheeling in the foothills) and all of God's creation. The spirituality of Native Americans and the wild instinct, appetite for freedom, and cunning of the wolf intrigued him. Although he was fiercely protective of those he loved, he never judged, and had a slightly wicked sense of humor that went along with the Irish twinkle in his eye. Pat returned to the Diocese of Boise in 1998, serving at Saint Luke's and Saint Alphonsus Hospitals, and as Pastor at Saint Mary's Parish. He actively served his flock as a Priest for 43 years and in retirement he continued to serve where he could and as his health allowed. He assisted the Idaho Parole Board and helped those re-entering society after serving their sentence. He was always there for the homeless. He also returned to ministering to Soldiers and often filled in as the weekend Chaplain with the Army Reserves at Gowen Field. He remained staunchly independent until shortly before his death. Pat is survived by his older brother, Dr. John Michael Dennis (Barb) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his younger sister Kathleen Ann (Dennis) McCurry (Mick) of Meridian, Idaho; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews who adored him. Pat was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Dennis, and his older sister Rosemary Therese (Dennis) Wilson and her husband Dr. David Wilson, beloved grandparents J.H and Josephine Jefferies, and Samuel and Sarah Dennis. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated in honor of Pat's life at 2:00 pm on August 9th, 2024, at Saint John's Cathedral, 805 N.8th St. Boise. Celebration of Life Gathering following the Mass. Internment and Rite of Committal including military honors will be a private family affair at a separate time. Donations or remembrances should be made to Bishop Kelly High School, Saint Joseph's School, Corpus Christi House, St. Vincent DE Paul or the Diocesan Fund for Retired Priests. "Dare to do the good that must be done!"

Brother John Paul recites his final vows before Father Wandrille Sevin (right), superior for the worldwide fraternity of Verbum Spei and Father Dominique Fauré, Prior of Verbum Spei’s Boise monastery (center). By Emily Woodham Assistant Editor On Divine Mercy Sunday (the second Sunday of Easter), Brothers John Paul and Joseph Smith made their Final Vows at a Mass at St. Mark’s Parish in Boise. Father Dominique Fauré, prior of the community in Boise, and Father Wandrille Sevin, superior for the worldwide Verbum Spei community, concelebrated the Mass with Father Adrian Leszko, parochial vicar at St. Mark’s. “It is a great joy that today, on this Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, they profess their vows,” said Father Sevin in his homily at the Mass. “But what is mercy?” Mercy is not a poorer kind of love, adapted because of our sins and frailties, he explained. “Mercy in God is, rather, an overflowing, excessive love. It is the Father’s superabundant love for us. As St. Catherine of Siena says, ‘It is an impetuous torrent.’” Father Sevin also quoted St. Thomas Aquinas’ definition of mercy: “It is the omnipotence of God at the service of His love.” “Mercy is an ultimate, perfect love that cannot go any further,” Father Sevin continued. “We must always relate the word ‘mercy’ with the expression of the greatest love.” Another essential aspect of God’s mercy is that it is very personal. “It is when God surrounds me with His mercy that I discover that I am unique in the eyes of God. Therefore, we can ask ourselves: Which person has lived from the mercy of God the Father in the most personal way? What is the creature that has lived the most from this grace? It is the Virgin Mary in the mystery of Immaculate Conception.” From the moment of her conception within her mother’s womb, the Virgin Mary was protected from sin by the greatest love and most beautiful mercy. “The Virgin Mary has never committed a sin, yet more than anyone, she has loved us with the mercy of God the Father for her. She has always been clothed with His mercy, with this limitless love. Without this mercy from God, she would be nothing.” Father Sevin explained that Religious life is the life of the Virgin Mary in the Church. Choosing Religious life means being with Mary at the foot of the Cross. “When Religious life loses its fervor, it loses its love for Christ crucified and becomes lukewarm; it becomes a disaster.” Father Sevin continued that a Benedictine monk once told him that hell is not full of sinners; hell is full of Religious people who became accustomed to their Religious life and became lukewarm. “In Religious life, we are the poorest, the weakest. God, knowing our fragility, chooses us to follow Him, wherever He goes.” But obedience to this call is only possible with the help of the Virgin Mary and God’s mercy. “This Sunday of mercy is the best day of the year to pronounce your vows until death, because never like today have you needed His mercy so much,” he said. “You are committing yourselves to something impossible; you really are crazy. But as Jesus says in the Gospel, ‘Blessed are those who believe without having seen.’” He said their vows are acts of faith, hope and pure love. “Because of your courage, because you give yourselves unconditionally to God, you are surrounded by God’s mercy.” If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Nearly 500 attend Chrism Mass at Boise Cathedral Click on the photo to see the photo gallery taken at the Chrism Mass by Joe Egbert for the ICR. By Emily Woodham Assistant Editor BOISE — “People are searching for freedom,” said Bishop Peter Christensen in his homily at the annual Diocesan Chrism Mass on March 14 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise. During Lent, Bishop Peter and a team of priests and prayer partners visited 12 parishes in six deaneries to celebrate the Rite of Election and healing Masses. Over 3,500 attended the healing Masses, and about 1,500 are entering the Church in Idaho this Easter Vigil. Nearly half of the 500 who participated in the Chrism Mass also attended a healing Mass. “At the healing Masses, so many people wanted freedom from their anxieties and fears, as well as physical ailments, that can so often keep people imprisoned emotionally and spiritually,” he said. Bishop Peter explained that Jesus wants us to take to heart the message of the Gospel reading proclaimed at the Chrism Mass: Luke 4:16-21. Jesus declares He is the fulfillment of a prophecy from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” (Lk 4:18-19). Bishop Peter said the proclamation of “a year acceptable to the Lord” is as true today as it was then. But just as people rejected Jesus’ message then, they continue to deny it today. After Jesus spoke in the synagogue, people tried to throw Him off a cliff, but He walked away through the crowd. “Why the rejection? Why the closed heart? Why is it the same today? We know that many people in our own day have turned their backs on truth and the freedom that Jesus freely offers to humanity.” “He suffered for us so that we may be free. Why do people cut themselves off from such a great gift? It goes back to original sin.” He explained that self-reliance is the cause of original sin. “For some reason, we want to do things ourselves, blocking out that which helps. The opposite of that is surrender, giving ourselves over to our Creator to understand the true meaning of life as intended.” “There is a purpose to Creation,” he said, and God wants us to be in sync with that purpose. He then referred to Psalm 36:10: “For with You, Lord, is the fountain of life and in your light we see light itself.” Bishop Peter used physics to illustrate how Jesus’ light gives us true freedom. He explained that the human eye can detect visible light, which is only a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. “It’s very strange: radiation and x-rays (which are also in the electromagnetic spectrum), we can’t see. But our eyes are sensitive to the seven wavelengths of light that appear to us as color.” He explained that the color we see on any given object is a wavelength reflected back to our eyes. All light has the full spectrum of seven colors within it, but the color we see is made of the wavelengths of light not absorbed by the material. For example, an apple reflects the color red but absorbs the other colors in the spectrum. If all colors within the white light spectrum are absorbed by the object and not reflected, the color of that object is seen as black. If all colors reflect off the object, the color is seen as white. Bishop Peter then linked the physics of light to the spiritual life. “All humanity shares in the spectrum of gifts of creation put forth by our heavenly Father. Every blessing we receive is a blessing from God. Everything we enjoy is a blessing created by God,” he said. Those who receive God’s gift of light and share their gifts with others have true freedom, as designed by God. Freely sharing with others what they have received, they are like white light, which appears when all wavelengths are reflected. But the person who takes in all that has been given by God and chooses to keep it to himself, reflecting nothing back to others, appears as darkness. Such a person, preferring self-reliance and self-absorption, ultimately cannot see and lives in confusion. The Lord wants His people to be set free, he said. God offers liberty to anyone who is held captive and enslaved by fear and anxiety and who is thinking falsely that life is limited to this world alone. “We are called through our prayer to reflect God’s love and joy, to witness to the poor in spirit who seek the truth that there is meaning and purpose for their lives.” He explained that God wants each person to use the gift of faith he or she has received for God’s glory and the good of others. Bishop Peter concluded the homily with words engraved on the wall of St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata’s Home for Children: “Give the world the best you have, and it may not be enough. Give the best you’ve got anyway.” About 60 priests from parishes around the Diocese attended the Chrism Mass, during which they renewed their vows to the priesthood. At the Chrism Mass, the bishop blesses the Oil of Catechumens, which is used for pre-baptismal anointing to strengthen the person until the day of their baptism. He likewise blesses the Oil of the Sick, which brings healing and comfort to those who are ill. He also consecrates the Sacred Chrism oil, used in post-baptismal anointing for those being Confirmed and ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops. After the Mass, representatives from each parish deliver the Holy Oils to their home churches, where they are used throughout the year. If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

“Never for a moment think your struggle is pointless” (Rule 6). Pope Francis’ new book shares timeless spiritual wisdom to help readers of all ages overcome attachments to materialism, sloth and a passive life of being entertained. By Emily Woodham Assistant Editor A Good Life: 15 Essential Habits for Living with Hope and Joy by Pope Francis (Worthy Publish, 208 pp., $28.00) is a book that encourages all ages to live with hope and joy by following 15 rules or habits based on Christian virtues and principles. The book begins with the 15 rules for a good life as a prologue. They include “Never for a moment think your struggle is pointless” (Rule 6) and “Always have the courage of truth” (Rule 13). Pope Francis expands upon the rules in the chapters that follow. With a pastoral tone, the pope expresses his concerns for society. He encourages both young and old to leave behind attachments to materialism, sloth and a passive life of being entertained. With his admonishments for individuals to take personal responsibility for their choices, he emphasizes the need for gentleness and charity to take root in communities. Each chapter can stand alone as a means for meditation and prayer, inviting the reader to consider the aspects of their lives that need change, renewal and perseverance. The pope frequently asks readers to reflect on their choices and know where each decision leads. The book touches on social justice issues, but its primary purpose is to guide readers to a full Christian life. Some passages are directed at youth, but Pope Francis notes these timeless truths are for all ages. When addressing problems caused by a passive, selfish life, his serious tone is softened by his desire to console people in their suffering. Pope Francis references the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the book, originally written and published in Italy in 2021. At times, there is a clear intent to uplift people after the heartbreaking loss and setbacks due to the pandemic, but he also uses the pandemic to highlight the need for Christian compassion and courage. The English translation by Oonagh Stransky was released in the United States on Feb. 20. If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Catholic seniors at MorningStar create vibrant worship community Deacon Jack Pelowitz, retired, distributes Holy Communion to a Catholic resident of MorningStar Senior Living. By Emily Woodham Assistant Editor When Deacon Jack and Sherrie Pelowitz moved into MorningStar Senior Living in Boise, they thought they were done with ministry. But soon after they arrived in September last year, their expectations were upended. “We came to MorningStar because we had heard it had a good Catholic group here,” Sherrie Pelowitz said. Pat Hunt, a lifelong Catholic who moved to MorningStar in 2015, started the “Catholics Being Catholic” group a year after she arrived. The group was based on a small faith community model at Holy Apostles Parish in Meridian. Then, in 2021, Father Raul Covarrubius moved into MorningStar. He offered Mass, Confession and Anointing of the Sick to Catholic residents. “Our group really took off after Father Raul joined us,” Hunt said. “It made such a difference to have Mass here in the facility.” Hunt needed to pass the baton of leadership because of medical concerns, just as Deacon Jack and Sherrie Pelowtiz moved in. “The timing was perfect,” Hunt said. “Pat had it so organized that it was reasonably easy for me to take over,” Sherrie Pelowitz said. Hunt, who had worked in public affairs before retiring, had divided the group’s activities among different leaders, like the division of ministries in a parish. “Catholics Being Catholic” includes a rosary group, an intercessory prayer group, lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for Mass, and a group that visits bedbound people. “Bishop Peter was very impressed with how well organized we are,” Sherrie Pelowitz said. Before taking over the administration of “Catholics Being Catholic,” she had not taken any leadership roles. “Although I am a deacon’s wife, I was happy to stay more in the background. It’s been such a new experience for me to lead this, and Pat made it so easy. Everyone knows what to do and is happy to do his or her job.” Since coming to MorningStar, Deacon Jack Pelowitz has begun serving at the altar again, a ministry he had to stop doing about ten years ago because of his arthritis. “I can function again as a deacon,” Pelowitz said. “I feel so blessed by this community. I can be at the altar; I can give homilies again.” Monsignor Andy Schumacher joined MorningStar earlier this year and concelebrates the Mass with Father Covarrubius. “We have grown in number so much,” Sherrie Pelowitz said. “We have about 35 to 40 people who attend each Mass, but at the last Mass, we had about 43. I could barely get through the door, which is a good problem to have!” Because of health issues, Deacon Pelowitz and the priests sit during the celebration of Mass, and Communion ministers take the Eucharist to the assembly members in their seats, rather than have them form a line for Communion. Those who cannot attend Mass receive Eucharist in their rooms. The Diocese of Boise provides what is needed to celebrate the liturgy. Vessels and linens are stored at the center, but the community does not yet have a tabernacle for reserving consecrated hosts. “Maybe one day we’ll build a chapel with a tabernacle here,” Sherrie Pelowitz said. Living in a diverse religious community at MorningStar is something the Pelowitzes and Hunt enjoy. One of Deacon Jack’s favorite things is having conversations about faith and the Catholic Church with non-Catholic residents. In November last year, Deacon Rick and Bea Bonney moved to MorningStar. Deacon Rick died last month, and Bea Bonney has appreciated the outpouring of support from the Catholic group and non-Catholic residents. “The community here is just wonderful,” Bea Bonney said. As Holy Week approaches, “Catholics Being Catholic” looks forward to their first Stations of the Cross service on Good Friday. Because Deacon Pelowitz and Monsignor Schumacher are assisting Father Covarubbius, they will also celebrate the Triduum for the first time. For information about starting a Catholic community in a senior living facility, email Sherrie Pelowitz at seniorsonamission@hotmail.com . Deacon Jack Pelowitz serves at the altar during Mass with Father Raul Covarrubius and Monsignor Andy Schumacher. The retired clergy live and serve at MorningStar Senior Living in Boise. If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Rob and Sharla Walsh with Bishop Peter Christensen at the 2024 Anniversary Mass celebrating their 54th year of marriage. By Emily Woodham Assistant Editor Rob and Sharla Walsh were married for 28 years when they joined Teams of Our Lady, an association for married couples. “Couples journey together on a prescribed plan to find, know and serve Christ,” Rob Walsh said. “The first and essential objective of Teams of Our Lady, from which everything else should flow, is to lead its members, couples united by the Sacrament of Marriage, to holiness.” Teams of Our Lady is not a program. It is an “Association of the Faithful,” recognized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity and Pope St. John Paul II in 1992 and confirmed in 2002. Father Henri Caffarel founded Teams of Our Lady in the Archdiocese of Paris in 1939 with four couples in his parish. The ministry quickly grew and spread from Europe to other parts of the world, according to teamsofourlady.org . In 1947, he drafted and implemented the Charter. Rob and Sharla Walsh married in 1969. They met when they were 16 and 18. They married and raised their six children in the Church. However, it wasn’t until their oldest daughter, Jill Marie, received First Communion that Sharla became Catholic. In 1983, only five years later, their oldest daughter, Jill Marie, died from leukemia when she was 12. Their faith helped them stay strong as a couple through the heartbreak of their daughter’s death and all the other difficulties of family life. Although they found strength in the Church, they wished they had discovered Teams of Our Lady sooner, Rob said, because its teachings and couples’ support would have bolstered their faith even more. “We were told early on that we got married to help each other get to Heaven,” Rob said. “We have come to know that to be true by many of the events that have happened in our lives. The Teams’ methods have strengthened our relationship with Christ and each other, especially through our increased prayer life.” A crucial part of Teams of Our Lady is forming small groups. Couples support one another and pray for each other. “We met many wonderful couples that have become lifetime friends. Many couples have told us the same thing after joining the Teams. I think it is because the spirituality of the Movement is holiness in and through our Sacrament of Matrimony,” he said. Rob and Sharla, who moved to Idaho from Oregon, began serving in leadership for Teams of Our Lady in 2003 in Portland. “Another thought that seems to be woven in, and through everything we do, is that God is the true Author of love.” They went from serving locally to being a “Provincial Couple,” overseeing groups in the western United States. From 2015 to 2020, they were first “Correspondent Couple” in the United States for the “Association of the Friends of Father Caffarel,” promoting Father Caffarel’s canonization. Since 2020, the Walshes have retired from leadership roles. However, they have mentored and piloted a Teams of Our Lady group at Holy Apostles Parish in Meridian. They hope to promote Teams of Our Lady in other parishes in the Diocese of Boise. “We believe that couples have lost sight of the fact that marriage is holy and Christ should be at the center of the married relationship,” Rob said. “Couples should realize that God wants to be in a covenant with them and that He will bestow graces on them which will sustain them, guide them and remain with them all the years of their married lives. God wants our marriages to succeed. It is not just about the individual or the couple, but for the benefit of the community and world. The fabric of our society is strengthened by good, solid marriages and family values.” “I can tell you that in nearly 55 years of marriage, a lot can go wrong, but even more can be better – a lot more. Our faith and our love grew together through struggles and joys. However, we did consult God, who is the Author of love.” For more information about Teams of Our Lady, contact the leaders for Idaho, Victor and Nicole Sanchez, at 208-949-1740 or Rob and Sharla Walsh at emmettwalsh@me.com . If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Father Godinez is a new U.S. citizen By Vero Gutiérrez Assistant Editor Father Francisco Godínez, pastor of Corpus Christi in Fruitland, is a new U.S. Citizen. He took the oath of allegiance on Nov 21st at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service in Boise. After successfully completing his U.S. history test (the final step in his preparation), Fr. Godinez immediately took the oath of citizenship, as recently updated protocols no longer allow for a separate oath-taking event. Father Dennis Day and the Molitor and Wonacott families were present at the ceremony. “Now that I have completed this process of becoming a citizen, I feel at ease. Although I was not born in this country, I feel I am part of this community where I spent half my life. I grew up again in this country, where I had the opportunity to improve myself, grow as a person, meet many people, and serve as a priest during these last 13 years. For this, I give thanks to God,” said Father Godínez. Father Godínez was born in La Piedad, Michoacán, Mexico, and came to the United States 21 years ago as a seminarian when he was 23 years old. He arrived in the United States on September 1, 2002, thanks to the permission of the Archbishop of Morelia, Alberto Suárez Inda, now Cardinal Emeritus, and the acceptance of the Bishop of the Diocese of Boise, Michael Driscoll. He participated in the formation program at Treinen House in the former rectory of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Immediately after he arrived in Boise, Father Godínez began studying English. His companions were Father Camilo García, now pastor of St. Nicholas in Rupert, and Father Eladio Vieyra, now pastor of St. Therese Little Flower in Burley. Thanks to his dedication, Father Godinez was able to pass the TOEFL exam before the end of that year. Part of his experience as a seminarian was living with the Molitor family during the summer of 2003, during which he practiced English and learned more about U.S. and Idaho culture. He completed his studies in Philosophy at Conception Seminary College in Missouri, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2005. He studied theology at the Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon from 2005 to 2010. In 2009, he was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Carlos Suárez Cázares in his hometown of La Piedad Michoacán. On June 10, 2010, he and four others were ordained priests by Bishop Michael Driscoll at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Boise. In his first assignment as a priest from 2010 to 2012, he was a parochial vicar at St. Pius X Parish in Coeur d´Alene, where Fr. Roger LaChance was pastor. From 2012 to 2013, he was parish administrator of St. Mary Immaculate in Saint Maries, Idaho, and from 2013 to 2015, he was made parish administrator at St. Nicholas in Rupert. Bishop Peter Christensen appointed him pastor of St. Nicholas in Rupert where Fr. Godinez served from 2015 to 2021. While still in this position at Saint Nicholas, Father Godínez was asked to study Canon Law, and Father Gabriel Morales oversaw the parish in his absence. In 2018, Fr. Godinez completed his studies in Canon Law, having earned a master’s degree from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. Bishop Christensen appointed him as a Diocesan judge for matrimonial matters and a promoter of justice in individual cases for clergy. In 2021, Father Godinez was appointed pastor of Corpus Christi in Fruitland, in addition to his Tribunal duties. If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

By Emily Woodham Assistant Editor The faithful from across Idaho and neighboring states are encouraged to participate in any portion of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) as it passes through the Diocese of Boise. The pilgrimage has nine stops in the lower portion of Idaho, making participation more accessible for local pilgrims.  “Please be sure to identify when and where your deanery’s NEP event is,” said Tish Thornton, Director of Worship for the Diocese of Boise. “It will be import-ant at each of these stops within a deanery to have enthusiastic representation of the faithful to welcome the Lord and the pilgrims as they make their way through the state. Please plan to attend.” There are nine stops at parishes within Idaho. Each stop will include opportunities for the faithful in their area to meet the national pilgrims, pray with them, adore the Blessed Sacrament, socialize, listen to talks, and witness testimonies. Local pilgrims can also process with the national pilgrims.  Beginning on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2024, four teams of young people, together with priest chaplains, sisters, and seminarians, will embark on a pilgrimage, processing across the country with the Blessed Sacrament, each from a different starting point. Each route is named for a regional saint, and the routes converge in Indianapolis in time for the National Eucharistic Congress on July 17.  Idaho is on the “Serra” Route, which begins in California. The Serra route is named after the “Apostle of California,” St. Junipero Serra, a missionary priest who dedicated his life to administering the sacraments to indigenous people and Spanish settlers across the west coast of our continent. He traveled approximately 24,000 miles throughout his ministry, mostly on foot.  On May 27, Bishop Peter Christensen will meet Bishop Liam Cary of the Diocese of Baker on the border between Oregon and Idaho. There, the Blessed Sacrament will be solemnly transferred to our Diocese, and then be carried in procession across the southern portion of the state before crossing the Utah border.  The dates for the Idaho portion of the pilgrimage have been finalized. How-ever, details for each stop, including times are still in the planning stage. The Office of Worship and the Office of Religious Education for the Diocese of Boise will provide more information as it becomes available, and a commemorative edition of the Idaho Catholic Register published in late spring will provide more details about the NEP in Idaho. When the NEP arrives at its evening destination, area parishes will welcome pilgrims and be represented at a “gathering of altars” at a local city park.  The NEP will process from altar to altar and pass the Blessed Sacrament with-in the NEP monstrance to the pastor of each parish in the deanery. The pastor will then bless pilgrims from his parish, who can be laity, ministry leaders, or any group that wants to participate, with the Blessed Sacrament before handing the monstrance back to the NEP.  Following the blessing of parishes, the NEP and local pilgrims will process to a church for Adoration, praise and worship, prayer and to listen to testimonies from the national pilgrims. The faithful will then have time for fellowship and socializing. ​ The following stops have been confirmed: Monday, May 27: Afternoon - Blessed Sacrament in Ontario (transfer of Eucharist from Oregon to Idaho) Evening - Corpus Christi in Fruitland  Tuesday, May 28: Afternoon - Sacred Heart in Emmett Evening - St. John’s Cathedral in Boise Wednesday, May 29: Afternoon - Our Lady of Limerick in Glenns Ferry Evening - St. Jerome in Jerome Thursday, May 30: Afternoon - St. Nicholas in Rupert  Evening - Holy Spirit Community in Pocatello ​Friday, May 31 Afternoon - St. Peter’s in Preston (transfer of Eucharist from Idaho to Utah) If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.