By Jim Chmelik St. Mary’s Parish Cottonwood, Idaho Did you know that science has discovered that when the egg of the woman meets the sperm of the man, there is a spark, like a flash of light, called a “zinc spark”? This is a flash of billions of zinc ions released at the very instant of fertilization. From that very moment, a human being has been created. I know there is nothing definitive in this scientific discovery; however, this should make us pause and ponder our existence. Is science showing us the existence of God? We should look with awe and wonder — that is the beauty and the beginning of a new life; is it possible that at this very moment the light of the soul is infused; the two become one, and this new person is intricately connected for all eternity with the mystery that is creation? Everything about this new person, from its sex, the color of hair and eyes, personality traits and a host of other marvelous qualities, has been set in motion, and a one-of-a-kind, unrepeatable person of both body and soul has been brought into existence. The amazing development which takes place over the next 266 days is phenomenal. Within four weeks after fertilization, there is a beating heart. By 10 weeks, the new child can suck its thumb, swallow, grasp an object, touch its face, sigh and stretch out in his or her mother’s womb. By 27 weeks, the child can recognize the voices of his or her parents, the eyes can respond to light, and the sense of smell has developed. This did not happen by chance, and every day we are witnesses to the design of creation by an intelligence we cannot fathom; this is the creative reasoning and intelligence of a loving entity who seeks the best for what He has created. This is the action of a caring Father who seeks to be in relationship with us — to spend eternity with us. He also wants us to be in a relationship with one another, bound by His love and to share that love with each other. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I dedicated you.” I hope these words have led you to contemplate the presence of your own creation, from the very point of conception to this moment right now in your life; you are a miracle, and God has had a plan for you. Sadly, for some, this miracle will never come to fruition. Right now, there is an initiative in Idaho titled the Reproduction Freedom and Privacy Act, also known as Proposition 1. This initiative is radically pro-abortion and would allow abortion well into the third trimester and even up to birth in some cases. It is an intrusion upon parents’ rights that would allow teenage girls to get abortions without parental consent. The act also does away with the doctor requirement to perform an abortion by replacing it with the term “medical professional.” This is not health care in any sense of the Hippocratic oath, and it is an abomination against the one who created us. And what about the poor mother who must carry the burden of this abortion with her the rest of her life? What about her well-being? These issues are tough to debate and to fight against, and not everyone has the expertise to engage in the dialogue to defeat those who are working to gather signatures. However, there is something we all can do: pray. The Allegory of the Battle of Lepanto by Paolo Veronese (c. 1572, Venice) Public domain. Within the Catholic Church, throughout all of its history, God is always there. The great Battle of Lepanto, when the Christian armada was outnumbered in ships and men, the intercession to our Virgin Mother won the day, and victory was the Lord’s. We need to start right now with making a weekly holy hour within our parishes dedicated to this purpose of defeating this initiative. Just as when Pope Saint Pius V ordered the churches of Rome opened for prayer day and night, encouraging the faithful to petition the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the recitation of the Rosary, we too need to petition our Lord for victory. Where two or more are gathered, so too is our Lord. Let us not assume someone else will do this. We are all called to this battle, for if God is with us, who can be against us.

Matthew 14:22–33 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time From this Gospel passage, we see that faith means believing in and trusting Jesus through all life’s difficulties. During his comings and goings on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus surely took advantage of the moments to teach His disciples how to face even more dangerous storms in the future. Here, Jesus reenacts one of these episodes to help Christian communities overcome their fears and lack of faith. This passage’s symbolism is particularly fitting for Jesus’ teachings. The situation of the boat is desperate. The darkness of the night, the force of the wind and waves, and the imminent danger of sinking evoke a scene of chaos and uncertainty. Through the biblical language of creation, which reminds us that God has power over chaos, the early Christian communities found reason to renew their hope and strengthen their trust in Jesus. In this symbolic setting, Peter takes center stage as the man Jesus chose to guide His church to safety. Peter is Jesus’ great miracle, through whom Jesus tells us all, “Do not be afraid; it is I.” The Gospels recount other moments of trial in which Jesus was present to strengthen our faith. Let us recall the night in Gethsemane as recounted by Saint Mark (14:32–42) and the events that transpired that night. Jesus is horrified, utterly terrified and desolate. He feels a sadness as deep as death. He falls to the ground as if He has collapsed. He does not want the death that awaits Him, its cause, or how it will come about. While Jesus utters His heart-wrenching prayer, Peter, James, and John are asleep. No one is with Him. He has no one to turn to. Overwhelmed by this devastating pain, Jesus turns to God with great candor and familiarity. He does not want what is about to happen to Him, nor does He want to oppose His Father’s plan of salvation. Added to this agony is Judas’s betrayal. Once Jesus is arrested, all the disciples flee and abandon Him (Mk 14:43–52). Jesus stood before the Jewish authorities, who sought to inflict the worst possible death on Him by any means necessary. Peter, the spokesman and foremost disciple, denied Him in the most cowardly way. This is the Jesus of our faith who did not allow Peter to sink into the stormy sea of his betrayal. After His resurrection, Jesus asks Peter three times in a row: “Peter, do you love me?” Peter replies through his tears: “Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus entrusted His flock, His church, to Peter: “Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep” (Jn 21:17). The risen Jesus invites us to follow Him, telling us: “Do not be afraid. I have overcome the world” (Jn 21:14–18). In the midst of our fears and doubts about our faith, Jesus is present to tell us, “Take courage, it is I!”

Mateo 14, 22-33 Decimonoveno Domingo del Tempo Ordinario De la lectura de este pasaje del Evangelio se deduce que la fe consiste en creer en Jesús y confiar en Él en todas las dificultades de la vida. Seguramente aprovechando los momentos de sus idas y venidas por el lago de Galilea, Jesús educaba a sus discípulos para enfrentarse a tempestades futuras más peligrosas. Jesús recrea ahora uno de estos episodios para ayudar a las comunidades cristianas a liberarse de sus miedos y de su poca fe. El simbolismo de este pasaje resulta especialmente adecuado para la enseñanza de Jesús. La situación de la barca es desesperada: la oscuridad de la noche, la fuerza del viento, el oleaje y el inminente peligro de hundirse evocan un escenario de caos e incertidumbre. Con este lenguaje bíblico de la creación, que nos recuerda que Dios tiene poder sobre las fuerzas del caos, así las primeras comunidades cristianas encontraron en este episodio un motivo para renovar su esperanza y fortalecer su confianza en lo que Jesús podía hacer. Y, en este escenario simbólico, cobra importancia Pedro, a quien Jesús escogió para conducir la barca (su Iglesia) a puerto seguro. Pedro es el gran milagro de Jesús, en el que nos dice a todos: “No tengan miedo: soy Yo”. Los evangelios nos hablan de otros momentos de prueba en los que Jesús estaba presente para fortalecerlo en su fe. Recordemos la noche de Jesús, la noche de Getsemaní: que nos narra San Marcos (14, 32-42). Jesús se siente horrorizado, aterrado en extremo, desolado, siente una tristeza de muerte. Esto le hace caer en tierra como desplomado. Jesús no quiere esta clase de muerte que le espera, ni su causa, ni la manera como se dará. Mientras Jesús expresa su oración desgarradora; Pedro, Santiago y Juan duermen, nadie lo acompaña; no cuenta con nadie. Ante este dolor devastador que le invade, Jesús se dirige a Dios con gran franqueza y familiaridad, Él no quiere lo que le va a pasar, pero menos aún quiere oponerse al proyecto salvador de su Padre. A esta agonía se suma la gran traición de Judas. Y, una vez arrestado Jesús, todos los discípulos que lo acompañaban huyen y lo abandonan al verlo arrestado (Mc. 14,43-52). Mientras Jesús comparecía ante las autoridades judías que trataron de darle la peor de las muertes a como diera lugar, Pedro, el portavoz y el primero de los discípulos, lo negó de la manera más cobarde. Este es el Jesús de nuestra fe, que no permite que Pedro se hunda en el mar tempestuoso de su traición. Este es Jesús, quien, al aparecerse resucitado, le pregunta a Pedro tres veces consecutivas: Pedro, ¿me amas? A lo que Pedro responde, entre lágrimas: Señor, tú sabes que te amo. Y Jesús le confió su rebaño, su Iglesia: “Apacienta mis corderos, apacienta mis ovejas” (Jn.16,36) Este es el Jesús resucitado que nos invita a seguirlo y nos dice: “No tengan miedo: yo he vencido al mundo” (Jn 21, 14-18). Y que en el hoy de nuestros miedos y dudas de fe, Jesús está presente para decirnos: ¡Ánimo, soy Yo!

Vero Gutiérrez Assistant Editor María del Rosario Smith, FNP-C, works for the My Catholic Doctor agency. (Photo Courtesy) For many Hispanic families, finding a healthcare professional who shares their values and faith can make a significant difference. MyCatholic Doctor is an organization that provides medical care from a Catholic perspective. It offers patients the opportunity to receive care from a healthcare professional who is bilingual, bicultural, and respects the dignity of the person at every stage of life. The organization’s motto is “Medicine practiced from a Catholic perspective,” and it offers a variety of faith-inspired healthcare services that promote respect for life and comprehensive patient care. María del Rosario Smith, FNP-C, works for the My Catholic Doctor agency. She says that working for a Catholic agency gives her the freedom to practice medicine with confidence, knowing that the medical practices she recommends allow her to provide the best care for her patients' health. Smith felt called to study medicine at a very young age. However, she decided to get married and start a family instead of going to college. After a few years, she decided to pursue her professional aspirations. She chose to train as a certified family nurse practitioner, becoming a healthcare professional with advanced nursing training to provide primary care to patients of all ages. She began practicing in 2013. It was difficult for her to work in institutions that asked her to perform procedures contrary to her principles of faith and respect for God’s teachings as conveyed through the Catholic Church. Fortunately, she always put God first, which kept her steadfast in her honest and consistent medical practice throughout her career until she joined My Catholic Doctor, where she says she feels fully supported. Smith is an advanced practice nurse in family care, so she is qualified to treat patients of all ages. At MyCatholicDoctor, however, the agency where she currently works, she specializes in women’s healthcare. She has seven years of experience as a registered nurse (RN) and 13 years of experience as a family nurse practitioner (FNP). She has provided gynecological and obstetric care for ten of those thirteen years, including three years at MyCatholicDoctor and a family medicine clinic. Currently, most of her patients are English-speaking, but new ways are being explored to promote her services within the Hispanic community. The process for accessing medical services through this agency is simple. Simply request an appointment through the Mycatholicdoctor.com website. Nurse Smith is currently based in Jerome, but she offers remote services via video call to patients in other cities, and she makes in-home visits to patients in the Jerome area. Smith said that to facilitate medical care, they are implementing new options for people without health insurance, including cash payments and deferred payment plans. Services offered include medical weight management, women’s health services, preventive medicine, support and guidance during menopause, HRT management, PCOS management, and natural family planning. A detailed list of services is available on the MyCatholicDoctor.com website. Smith is certified in FEMM (Fertility Education and Medical Management), a model that promotes respect for life and reproductive health, for the family planning program he offers. Smith emphasized that one of the most important aspects of FEMM is its versatility beyond family planning. She explained that it is an excellent, scientifically proven tool for tracking the menstrual cycle. “I see God’s hand at work in this area very clearly. He has endowed women with clear biomarkers that show us what is happening in our bodies every day of the cycle. The FEMM model provides women with knowledge and understanding that will serve them well throughout their lives. It is knowledge based on science and fully compatible with our beloved Catholic faith,” Smith affirmed. She also stated that after receiving training in the FEMM model, she understood the effectiveness of natural family planning and learned new, holistic, natural ways to address certain women’s health conditions. She candidly acknowledged, “I wasn’t treating women in the best way possible because I didn’t know any better.” At MyCatholicDoctor, Smith said, they care for everyone, and women should know that natural family planning is a good option that protects their health. It is the best method to consider before using any other method. For Smith, working at a Catholic agency has been a life-changing experience. "It benefits me in many ways, not just professionally. Knowing that my work protects my spiritual life and benefits the people I serve gives me peace of mind,” she said. She explained that practicing medicine from a perspective of respect for life enables her to provide more comprehensive care. “Many people aren’t Catholic and may not know that there are other methods that are just as effective as birth control pills for managing their reproductive health,” she noted. Smith recalled that, in the past, she did not always have the opportunity to provide this type of care. In her previous job, she requested not to treat minors in order to avoid prescribing contraceptives, but her request was denied. She now believes that working within a model that respects the dignity of every person is an opportunity to provide better healthcare. “If we live according to what the Church asks of us, we will have a fulfilling life,” she added. “Everything is designed for our benefit, caring for both our physical health and our spirituality.” As a woman and a healthcare professional, Smith believes her vocation is tied to service. “We must treat everyone as a brother or sister, regardless of their faith. Listening to them and walking alongside them can help someone who is suffering. That is part of spirituality and cannot be separated from medicine,” she affirmed. Throughout her career, she has mentored medical students and residents, encouraging them to prioritize their faith when making professional decisions. As for young Catholics who don’t know which career to choose, Smith recommends that if their calling is medicine, they should practice in accordance with their convictions. They should also remain steadfast in their beliefs and learn to communicate their values clearly. “It can be done, but you have to stand firm and speak the truth so you don't end up in positions you don't want,” she noted. She also emphasized the importance of prevention, addressing common health issues, especially among Hispanics, such as diabetes, and making changes to improve health. Through MyCatholic Doctor, patients can receive guidance on nutrition and other preventive measures before reaching a situation that requires urgent care. She is currently exploring the possibility of accepting more insurance companies, given the high demand for bilingual healthcare professionals. She invited anyone interested in her services to find out more and explore the available options. She explained that appointments can be scheduled according to each patient’s needs, and that various forms of assistance are available, including different payment options. “Many people think these services should be free, but there are alternatives for receiving medical care.”

María del Rosario Smith FNP-C atendiendo a una de sus pacientes. (Foto cortesía) Vero Gutiérrez Editora Asistente Para muchas familias hispanas, encontrar un profesional de la salud que comparta sus valores y su fe puede marcar una gran diferencia. Esa es precisamente la misión de MyCatholic Doctor, una organización que ofrece atención médica desde una perspectiva católica, brindando a sus pacientes la oportunidad de recibir cuidados de un profesional de la salud que, además de ser bilingüe y bicultural, respeta la dignidad de la persona en todas las etapas de la vida. “La medicina practicada desde la perspectiva católica” es el lema con el que la organización ofrece diversos servicios de atención médica inspirados en la fe, promoviendo el respeto por la vida y un cuidado integral para el paciente. María del Rosario Smith FNP-C trabaja para la agencia My Catholic Doctor y afirma que trabajar para una agencia católica le ha dado la libertad de ejercer la medicina con seguridad de que las prácticas médicas que recomienda a sus pacientes son las que le permiten lograr el mejor cuidado para su salud. Siendo muy joven, Smith sintió el llamado para estudiar medicina; sin embargo, decidió casarse y formar una familia en lugar de entrar a la universidad. Después de algunos años tomó la determinación de hacer realidad su inquietud profesional y optó por prepararse como enfermera practicante familiar certificada, lo que la convirtió en una profesional de la salud con formación avanzada en enfermería para brindar atención primaria a pacientes de todas las edades. Comenzó a ejercer su profesión desde el año 2013. No fue fácil para ella ejercer la medicina en instituciones donde le pedían hacer procedimientos que iban en contra de sus propios principios de fe y respeto a las enseñanzas de Dios a través de la Iglesia Católica. Afortunadamente, siempre tuvo a Dios en primer lugar y eso la mantuvo firme en una honesta y congruente práctica de la medicina en toda su carrera hasta llegar a la agencia My Catholic Doctor, donde afirma que se siente ampliamente respaldada. Como enfermera de práctica avanzada en atención familiar, Smith está capacitada para atender a pacientes de todas las edades. Sin embargo, en MyCatholicDoctor, la agencia para la que trabaja actualmente, ejerce su especialización en el cuidado de la salud de la mujer. Smith cuenta con la certificación en FEMM (Educación sobre la Fertilidad y Manejo Médico), Su experiencia profesional incluye siete años como enfermera titulada (RN) y 13 años como enfermera familiar (FNP). Diez de los trece años ha brindado consulta de ginecología y obstetricia y tres años en MyCatholicDoctor y una clínica de medicina familiar. Por el momento, la mayoría de sus pacientes son de habla inglesa; sin embargo, se están buscando nuevas formas de promover sus servicios médicos entre la comunidad hispana. El proceso para acceder a los servicios médicos a través de esta agencia es muy sencillo. Solo tiene que solicitar la cita a través de la página web Mycatholicdoctor.com. La enfermera Smith se encuentra actualmente en la ciudad de Jerome, pero también ofrece servicios remotos a pacientes de cualquier otra ciudad a través de videollamada, y es posible hacer las consultas en la casa del paciente si vive en el área de Jerome. Smith dijo que, con el fin de facilitar la atención médica, están implementando nuevas opciones para las personas sin seguro médico, entre ellas el pago en efectivo y la posibilidad de establecer planes de pago diferido. Algunos de los servicios que se ofrecen son: manejo médico para la pérdida de peso, servicios de salud para la mujer (consulte el sitio web de MyCatholicDoctor.com para obtener una lista detallada de los servicios), medicina preventiva, apoyo y orientación durante la menopausia, manejo de la terapia de reemplazo hormonal (TRH), manejo del síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP) y planificación familiar natural. En cuanto al programa de planificación familiar que ofrece, Smith cuenta con la certificación en FEMM (Educación sobre la Fertilidad y Manejo Médico), un modelo que promueve el respeto por la vida y la salud reproductiva. Smith destacó que uno de los aspectos más importantes de FEMM es que no se limita a la planificación familiar. Explicó que es un recurso excelente y científicamente probado, para el seguimiento del ciclo menstrual. “Este es un ámbito en el que veo la mano de Dios obrando de manera muy clara. Él ha dotado a las mujeres de biomarcadores claros que nos muestran lo que sucede en nuestro cuerpo cada día del ciclo. El modelo FEMM brinda a las mujeres conocimientos y una comprensión que les serán de utilidad durante toda su vida. Es un conocimiento basado en la ciencia y plenamente compatible con nuestra querida fe católica”, aseguró Smith. También aseveró que, después de capacitarse en este modelo que ofrece FEMM, comprendió la efectividad de la planificación familiar natural y aprendió nuevas formas de abordar ciertas condiciones de salud de la mujer desde una perspectiva integral y natural. Con sinceridad, reconoció, “No estaba tratando a las mujeres de la mejor manera que podía, porque no lo sabía”. En MyCatholicDoctor, dijo atendemos a todas las personas y, las mujeres deben saber que la planificación familiar natural es una buena opción que cuida de su salud y es el mejor método antes de utilizar cualquier otro. Para Smith, trabajar en una agencia católica ha sido una experiencia que va más allá del ámbito profesional. “Me beneficia de muchas maneras; no solamente profesionalmente. Me da tranquilidad saber que lo que hago protege mi vida espiritual y también beneficia a las personas a quienes atiendo”, afirmó. Explicó que ejercer la medicina desde una perspectiva de respeto por la vida le permite sentirse libre de ofrecer una atención más integral. “Veo a muchas personas que no son católicas y quizá no saben que existen otras formas tan efectivas como las pastillas para cuidar su salud reproductiva”, señaló. Smith recordó que anteriormente no siempre tuvo la posibilidad de brindar este tipo de atención. En su trabajo previo, había solicitado no atender a menores de edad para evitar prescribir anticonceptivos, pero su petición no fue aceptada. Ahora considera que trabajar bajo un modelo que respeta la dignidad de cada persona representa una oportunidad para ofrecer mejores prácticas de cuidado de la salud. “Si vivimos lo que nos pide la Iglesia, tendremos una vida de calidad”, agregó. “Todo está pensado para nuestro beneficio, cuidando tanto nuestra salud física como nuestra espiritualidad”. Smith ejerce su especialización en el cuidado de la salud de la mujer a través de la agencia MyCatholicDoctor (foto cortesía). Como mujer y profesional de la salud, Smith considera que su vocación está ligada al servicio. “Siempre hay que tratar a cada persona como un hermano, sin importar su fe; escucharla y acompañarla también puede ayudar a alguien que está sufriendo. Eso es parte de la espiritualidad y no se puede separar de la medicina”, afirmó. Durante su trayectoria, también ha acompañado a estudiantes y residentes de medicina, a quienes ha animado a poner su fe en primer lugar al tomar decisiones profesionales. “En cuanto a los jóvenes católicos que no saben qué carrera elegir, Smith recomendó que, si su vocación es la medicina, deben ejercer de acuerdo con sus convicciones, que sean firmes en sus creencias y aprendan a comunicar sus valores con claridad. “No es algo imposible; se puede hacer, pero hay que mantenerse firme y hablar con la verdad para no terminar en posiciones donde uno no quiere estar”, señaló. También destacó la necesidad de la prevención y atender problemas frecuentes sobre todo para los hispanos, como la diabetes, y buscar cambios que ayuden a mejorar la salud. A través de MyCatholic Doctor, dijo, los pacientes pueden recibir orientación sobre nutrición y otros aspectos preventivos antes de llegar a una situación que requiera atención urgente. Smith considera que su capacidad de brindar atención bilingüe y bicultural ha sido una gran ventaja para sus pacientes. “Muchos me han encontrado precisamente porque se sienten más seguros al poder comunicarse con alguien que habla su propio idioma”, añadió. Actualmente, está explorando opciones para aceptar más compañías de seguros, ya que existe una gran necesidad de profesionales bilingües en el área de la salud. Finalmente, invitó a las personas interesadas en sus servicios a informarse y conocer las opciones disponibles. Explicó que las citas pueden programarse de acuerdo con las necesidades de cada paciente y que existen diferentes formas de asistencia, incluidas opciones de pago. “Muchas personas piensan que estos servicios deben ser gratuitos, pero hay alternativas para recibir atención médica”.

Staff Sergeant Colton Sabala is at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise. (Courtesy photos/Colton Sabala) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer Staff Sgt. Colton Sabala spent six years away from the Christian faith. “From the time I was 20 until I was 26, I wasn’t really anything,” he said. “I call it my ‘Jonah experience.’ I was totally swallowed by the whale. I was telling Christ, ‘I don’t want you. I’m doing good without you,’ but God had different plans for me.” Colton was born and raised in Twin Falls. His family attended a Baptist church until he was 6, when they switched to an evangelical, nondenominational church. He continued in his faith through high school. On Jan. 3, 2012 he enlisted in the Army National Guard. “Of my choices I wanted to specialize in, they told me I had to choose chaplain assistant or something else,” Colton recalled. “They told me that a chaplain assistant was essentially a bodyguard of the chaplain, and I’d do all kinds of exciting security detail work like the Secret Service. It turned out that you’re only a bodyguard in heavy combat zones.” He then added with a chuckle, “I’ve done none of that in terms of being ‘a bodyguard.’ In all reality, it’s been a ton of real-world ministry in the community and organizations. It’s been good, and fruitful even during my estrangement. The Chaplain Corps gave me a sense of belonging when I felt like I had little to grasp onto.” About two years into his service with the National Guard, his church faced a scandal. “It was pretty cataclysmic, and I lost my faith,” he said. “I was putting my faith in the people of the church instead of in Christ.” As a result, Colton felt completely lost and betrayed. He found it hard, or nearly impossible, to put his faith into anything more than secular science. During the time of his estrangement, he faced many challenges, including social acceptance, identity, substance abuse and grief. People close to Colton often reiterated to him that his personal journey that led him to estrangement was so close to the story of Jonah. He was closer to God than he realized, and all the while his testimony was bringing others to Christ. No matter how far Colton thought he had distanced himself from God and the church, he had always felt comfort in St. Edward Catholic Church in Twin Falls. There was a spiritual calm that came over him when he was near St. Edward’s. One encounter truly scared him. While scrolling through his phone, he found a video of himself praying fervently to Christ and singing worship songs outside a parish. What troubled him most was that he had no memory of recording it or how it ended up on his phone. Colton is with Father Germán Osorio, rector at the Cathedral. (Courtesy photos/Colton Sabala) Despite unbelief, he continued as a chaplain assistant. It was the only line of work at which he felt he was good. It provided him comfort as he helped the soldiers of the units he served. He felt convicted to help others find what was important to them. Toward the end of 2017, before his second deployment to the Middle East, his first sergeant had an honest conversation with him that would later be the catalyst for his conversion. Colton recalled, “He said he was concerned about me. I asked him, ‘Why?’ I did what I was told to do, I loved my job and supported the soldiers. I gave the soldiers whatever they needed without question, and this was the only thing that gave me gratification and peace of mind. But my first sergeant said, ‘Yeah, but you’re not doing anything for yourself. If this job is your true passion, I’d like to see you be more religious or spiritual.’ It seemed like an oxymoron that I was working in the Chaplain Corps at that very moment.” Colton was very taken aback by what his first sergeant had bluntly told him. “It really bothered me for a long time. Whether I realized it or not, that was the whale spitting me out, so to speak, and it wasn’t a nice landing; most people would land on their rear end, but I landed straight on my neck. I had to ask myself why I was bothered so much by what he said and if I truly belonged working in ministry.” He had more than a year to think about it while in the Middle East. This was where God truly started to work in his life. Being so far from home, he began to discover the true person God had created him to be. Colton realized it was exhausting living as an agnostic. “In my estrangement from God, I had to learn a lot about religion to defend my agnostic beliefs,” he said. In July 2020, when he began working full time at Gowen Field in Boise, he began to humble himself to God’s plan. “I began dabbling in Christianity, but I wasn’t sure if it was going to stick.” Two years later, the Chaplain Corps conducted baptism training at Hidden Lake near McCall. “My state chaplain is a father figure to me, and he was a real thorn in my side about needing to be a better guy,” Colton said. He felt the urge to be baptized and knew that he could no longer distance himself from Christ, but he wasn’t sure where to go next. “I had such a bad experience in the church I went to when I was 19 that I knew I didn’t want to go back to a non-denominational church. I just wanted a relationship with Christ.” However, he found it difficult to live out his new Christian faith. “I knew I needed community and accountability, but I didn’t know where I could place my trust. I told God that He really needed to help me out. I asked Him to give me three signs so that I would know what to do. I received way more than three, and fast.” Of the many signs that God gave Colton, these were the most profound: after praying for God’s help, one of the first signs was realizing how often he felt compelled to go to St. Edward Church for comfort. Another sign was through Father Germán Osorio, rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise. He was also a chaplain at Gowen Field. One of their in-depth conversations revealed two signs: a coincidental conversation about hypocrites, which ended up being the liturgy for the very next day’s weekday Mass. Also discovering that he had seen Father Osorio as a young seminarian at St. Edward’s when Colton was growing up in Twin Falls. near St. Edward Church and often The most powerful sign came during a foot-washing ceremony he took part in with the Chaplain Corps during the summer of 2025. A chaplain candidate, with whom he had grown close and who was Catholic, washed his feet. “I was raised that strong men don’t cry, and I tried my best not to cry. But the ceremony was just so powerful. I couldn’t help it. I thought, ‘OK, God, You are really pushing this Catholic thing.’” For a second time, he felt the Holy Spirit flow directly through him, from the bottom of his feet to the hairs on his head. At that moment it was clear to him that he needed to become something larger than himself, and after more than a half-decade of praying, he chose to pursue the Catholic faith. Colton began OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes in October 2025 with Father Osorio. He received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist from Bishop Peter Christensen at the Cathedral this year during the Easter Vigil. “I have felt so welcomed by the Catholic Church, and I am so grateful that I can receive the Eucharist. I am home.” His favorite Catholic devotion is the rosary. “I learned the mysteries by heart in the first few days of being a catechumen,” he said. “I carry a rosary with me everywhere and pray it every day; sometimes multiple times a day.” In gratitude for the Catholics in the military who helped inspire him on his journey, he ordered rosary kits for soldiers from Combat Rosaries for Heroes, a Wisconsin-based Catholic nonprofit organization founded by Father Richard Heilman. He hoped to revitalize the Catholic community among his ranks and promoting his devotion to God and the rosary. “I just really appreciate Father Osorio and everyone who has been a part of the process and made an impact on my life, and I credit all things in my life to our Lord Jesus Christ. He is risen,” Colton said.

Father Caleb Vogel, vicar general for the Diocese of Boise, blesses Cathleen Wonacott and Tyler Tackett during their marriage vows. (Courtesy photo/Starr Photo & Video) By Marco Roman, PhD Director of Communications “The two sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony, are directed towards the salvation of others; if they contribute as well to personal salvation, it is through service to others that they do so. They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God.” (CCC 1534) The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church describe Holy Orders and Matrimony as the two sacraments “at the service of communion and mission.” This description is profoundly important for understanding both the life of the Church and many of the spiritual and cultural battles we face today. These sacraments are not merely private realities or personal lifestyle choices. They are sacramental vocations given by God for the building up of the Body of Christ, the sanctification of souls and the mission of evangelization. Dr. Marco Roman For this reason, it should not surprise us that these two sacraments have become particular targets of confusion, dissent and ideological pressure in our own age. Whenever God establishes something beautiful, life-giving and ordered toward truth, the “father of lies” (Jn 8:44) seeks to distort it. From the beginning, the evil one has attempted to undermine God’s design for human life, marriage, sexuality, family and the sacramental life of the Church. What we are witnessing today is not simply a disagreement over policy or practice, but a deeper spiritual struggle over the meaning of the human person, the nature of Divine Revelation and the authority of Christ and His Church. The Church teaches clearly and definitively that Holy Orders is reserved to baptized men. This teaching is not based on cultural prejudice, discrimination or historical limitation, but on the example and will of Christ Himself. Jesus freely chose twelve men as His Apostles, even while elevating the dignity of women in ways radically countercultural for His time. The Church has always understood herself as bound by the example and intention of Christ. As St. John Paul II taught in Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, “the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women.” This teaching belongs to the constant and universal tradition of the Church and cannot be changed. Likewise, the Church teaches that Matrimony is the lifelong covenant between one man and one woman ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. This is not merely a religious custom or ecclesiastical rule. Marriage is rooted in creation itself. “Male and female He created them” (Gen 1:27). The complementarity of man and woman reflects God’s design and reveals something sacred about love, communion, fruitfulness and the covenant between Christ and His Church. In recent years, many voices both outside and within the Church have argued that true inclusion, compassion or welcome requires changing the Church’s teachings regarding same-sex unions, human sexuality or the nature of ordained ministry. Yet authentic charity can never be separated from truth. To alter the perennial teachings of the Church in order to conform to prevailing cultural ideologies would not be an act of mercy, but a departure from the Gospel entrusted to the Church by Christ Himself. Too often today, fidelity to Church teaching is portrayed as harsh, rigid or lacking compassion. Yet the opposite is true. Clarity is charity. Love demands truth. Jesus Himself proclaimed difficult teachings not to condemn, but to save. The Church cannot abandon Divine Revelation in order to gain cultural approval. She is called instead to proclaim the truth with courage, humility, patience and genuine pastoral love. The attack upon these two sacraments ultimately strikes at the heart of communion and mission within the Church. If Holy Orders is redefined according to modern ideological categories, the Church’s sacramental understanding of the priest acting in persona Christi Capitis becomes obscured. If Matrimony is redefined apart from God’s design, the family — the domestic church and foundational cell of society — is weakened. In both cases, the unity of the Church suffers, confusion spreads among the faithful and the Church’s mission to evangelize is hindered. Holy Orders and Matrimony are not isolated teachings disconnected from the Gospel. They are part of the Church’s sacramental vision of salvation history and reveal God’s plan for humanity. Priests are called to embody sacramentally Christ the Priest, Prophet and King in service to His people through preaching, sanctifying, shepherding, sacrifice and pastoral charity. Husbands and wives are called to reflect the faithful, fruitful and sacrificial love of Christ and His Church. Both vocations are ordered toward communion, holiness and mission. Our world desperately needs the witness of faithful priests, holy marriages, strong families and courageous disciples who are willing to stand firmly within the truth handed down by Christ and safeguarded by His Church. This is not a time for silence, ambiguity or surrender to cultural pressure. It is a time for clarity, conviction and renewed confidence in the wisdom of God’s plan. This confidence in God’s design has been echoed recently by Pope Leo XIV during his apostolic journey to Spain. Speaking to young people, the Holy Father encouraged them not to succumb to the fears and uncertainties of contemporary culture, reminding them: “Marriage is also a vocation. Do not be afraid of marriage or of forming a family.” In a world increasingly tempted to view marriage and family life as burdens or merely social constructs, Pope Leo pointed instead to their beauty and missionary significance. His words serve as a timely reminder that strong families built upon the foundation of marriage between one man and one woman remain the cradle of faith, the first school of love and virtue, and an indispensable foundation for the life, communion and mission of the Church and society. Indeed, the future of both the Church and civilization depends in no small measure upon strong families rooted in the covenant of Matrimony and open to the gift of life and the faithful transmission of the Gospel to future generations. All Catholics are called to bear witness courageously to the truth of the Gospel, but this responsibility rests in a particular way upon those entrusted with teaching, catechesis, pastoral ministry, theological formation and leadership within the life of the Church. Now is not the time for fear, silence, ambiguity or reluctance regarding the Church’s perennial teachings on Holy Orders, Matrimony and human sexuality. Rather, the Church needs joyful, faithful and confident voices willing to proclaim clearly the wisdom and beauty of God’s plan with both conviction and authentic compassion. Those entrusted with the sacred responsibility of teaching in the name of the Church must do so in communion with the Church. Charity and pastoral sensitivity can never be separated from fidelity to the truth. At times, genuine fraternal correction may also be necessary within the life of the Church when half-truths and outright dissent cause confusion, mislead the faithful or foster division within the Body of Christ and the unity of the Church. Those who have accepted the vocation to teach on behalf of the Church should prayerfully and honestly seek to conform both mind and heart to the teachings entrusted to the Church by Christ Himself. If one finds oneself unable to teach these truths faithfully and clearly, integrity and ecclesial communion may require stepping away from such a sacred responsibility rather than contributing to confusion regarding teachings that belong to the Deposit of Faith and the unity of the Church. Christ Himself reminds us, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much” (Lk 12:48), a sobering reminder that those entrusted with teaching the faith carry a sacred responsibility before God and will one day be called to give an account for whether they fulfilled that vocation with fidelity, courage, clarity and love. At the same time, the Church always extends her invitation with love and hope. Every person is loved by God and called to conversion, holiness and communion with Christ. The Church welcomes all people not by abandoning truth, but by leading souls toward the freedom that comes from living in the truth revealed by Jesus Christ. As Catholics, all of us are called to examine our hearts and minds carefully. Before dismissing or undermining the perennial teachings of the Church regarding Holy Orders, Matrimony and human sexuality, we should ask ourselves an honest question: Do we trust the wisdom of God more than the changing ideologies of the age? Christ promised that the Holy Spirit would guide His Church into all truth (Jn 16:13). That promise remains true today. Now more than ever, the Church must proclaim clearly, courageously and joyfully the beauty of God’s unchanging plan. For when communion is protected, mission flourishes. And when truth is proclaimed in love, the world encounters not oppression, but the saving freedom of Jesus Christ.

Diocese of Boise In thanksgiving to Almighty God for the witness and holiness of Saint Francis of Assisi, and mindful of the observance of the Year of Saint Francis commemorating the eight-hundredth anniversary of his death; Recognizing the spiritual benefits that arise from pilgrimage, prayer, participation in the Sacred Liturgy, Eucharistic devotion, and the reception of the Sacraments; Desiring to provide the faithful of the Diocese of Boise with a designated place of pilgrimage during the Year of Saint Francis and to foster devotion to Our Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist through the witness and ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist; Therefore, by virtue of my office as Bishop of Boise and in accord with the norms of canon law, I hereby decree the following: Article I The chapel and grounds of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist Community in Pocatello, Idaho, are hereby designated as an Official Pilgrimage Site for the Year of Saint Francis in the Diocese of Boise. Article II The Christian faithful are encouraged to visit this pilgrimage site throughout the Year of Saint Francis for prayer, participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, meditation upon Sacred Scripture, reception of the Sacrament of Penance, and devotion inspired by the life and example of Saint Francis. Article III Pastors, chaplains, schools, religious communities, and other ecclesial organizations within the Diocese are encouraged to organize pilgrimages to this site during the Year of Saint Francis so that the faithful may grow in holiness and deepen their communion with Christ and His Church. Article IV Pilgrims are encouraged to offer prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father, for the needs of the universal Church, for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, and for the people and ministries of the Diocese of Boise. Article V The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist Community shall collaborate with the Diocese of Boise in providing opportunities for prayer, catechesis, and spiritual enrichment so that pilgrims may receive abundant spiritual fruit from their pilgrimage. Article VI This designation shall take effect on July 1st, 2026 and shall remain in force for the duration of the Year of Saint Francis, concluding on January 10th, 2027, unless otherwise extended or modified by the Bishop of Boise. All things to the contrary notwithstanding. Given at the Chancery of the Diocese of Boise on this 12th day of June, in the Year of Our Lord 2026.

Diócesis de Boise En acción de gracias a Dios Todopoderoso por el testimonio y la santidad de San Francisco de Asís, y teniendo presente la celebración del Año de San Francisco, que conmemora el octavo centenario de su muerte; Reconociendo los beneficios espirituales que se derivan de la peregrinación, la oración, la participación en la Sagrada Liturgia, la devoción eucarística y la recepción de los sacramentos; Con el deseo de ofrecer a los fieles de la Diócesis de Boise un lugar específico de peregrinación durante el Año de San Francisco y de fomentar la devoción a Nuestro Señor en la Santísima Eucaristía a través del testimonio y el ministerio de las Hermanas Franciscanas de la Eucaristía; Por lo tanto, en virtud de mi cargo como obispo de Boise y de conformidad con las normas del Derecho Canónico, por la presente decreto lo siguiente: Artículo I Por la presente, se designan la capilla y los terrenos de la comunidad de las Hermanas Franciscanas de la Eucaristía en Pocatello, Idaho, como lugar oficial de peregrinación para el Año de San Francisco en la Diócesis de Boise. Artículo II Se anima a los fieles cristianos a visitar este lugar de peregrinación a lo largo del Año de San Francisco para orar, participar en el Santo Sacrificio de la Misa, adorar la Eucaristía, meditar sobre la Sagrada Escritura, recibir el sacramento de la Penitencia y practicar la devoción inspirada en la vida y el ejemplo de San Francisco. Artículo III Se anima a los párrocos, capellanes, escuelas, comunidades religiosas y otras organizaciones eclesiales de la Diócesis a organizar peregrinaciones a este lugar durante el Año de San Francisco, para que los fieles puedan crecer en santidad y profundizar su comunión con Cristo y su Iglesia. Artículo IV Se anima a los peregrinos a rezar por las intenciones del Santo Padre, por las necesidades de la Iglesia universal, por las vocaciones al sacerdocio y a la vida consagrada, y por el pueblo y los ministerios de la Diócesis de Boise. Artículo V La Comunidad de las Hermanas Franciscanas de la Eucaristía colaborará con la Diócesis de Boise para ofrecer oportunidades de oración, catequesis y enriquecimiento espiritual, de modo que los peregrinos puedan obtener abundantes frutos espirituales de su peregrinación. Artículo VI La presente designación entrará en vigor el 1 de julio de 2026 y perma- necerá vigente durante todo el Año de San Francisco, que concluirá el 10 de enero de 2027, salvo que el obispo de Boise la prorrogue o modifique. Sin perjuicio de cualquier disposición contraria. Dado en la Cancillería de la Diócesis de Boise, el día 12 de Junio del año del Señor 2026. Monseñor Peter Christensen Obispo, Diocese of Boise

From left, newly ordained Deacons Jeremey Westmark and Colin Meyer are with Bishop Peter F. Christensen and Deacons Keith Pettyjohn and Rodney Geilenfeldt. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer The Lord, said Bishop Peter F. Christensen, called the men ordained to the permanent diaconate far beyond any expectations or preconceived abilities. “You have said yes to the Lord’s call to ordination out of your desire to serve the Lord and His Church,” Bishop Peter continued in his homily. “Whatever that may involve and wherever it may take you, it is a walk of faith, a walk of trust.” The deacon candidates lie prostrate during the Litany of the Saints. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) Bishop Peter ordained Deacons Rodney Geilenfeldt, Colin Meyer, Keith Pettyjohn and Jeremey Westmark at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on June 5. Bishop Peter told the men to take comfort in the first reading at the Mass, Jeremiah 1:5-9, in which God calls the Old Testament prophet and tells him to be not afraid of the calling on his life. “Jeremiah has doubts about his readiness to do what the Lord was asking of him,” he explained. “He even objects by stating his preconceived limitations. Our Lord, since the beginning of time, had a plan for Jeremiah as He has had for each one of us, for each of His disciples, each of His saints, each one of you four.” Deacon Jeremey Westmark makes the “Promise of the Elect” with Bishop Peter. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) Bishop Peter also encouraged the candidates in their vows to have “integrity of the witness we give by living the Scriptures” and “proclaiming them by word and action to others.” “My brothers, let us enter the places of imprisonment that so many people today are suffering. Many lives are hurt by doubts and fears. Let us bring our brothers and sisters the Good News of Jesus Christ. Teach them His living Word of Hope, His living Word of Salvation.” As ordained deacons, the Lord gives them the grace by the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission entrusted to them, he continued. Deacon Rodney Geilenfeldt receives the “Handing on of the Book of the Gospels.” (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) “New strength will come. He asks only one thing: to let Him into your lives deeply for His use and purpose. He knows that you’re capable — and what you’re capable of doing in this life with His grace. He will stand with you to fulfill His plans through you.” Two of the men ordained are from north Idaho, and two are from the Treasure Valley. Deacon Rodney Geilenfeldt, assigned at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene, loves helping others. Not only does he enjoy serving people in the Church, he has also worked in emergency medical services and fire departments for 35 years. “I’ve been an EMT, paramedic and firefighter,” said Rodney, who is currently a division chief for EMS in Coeur d’Alene. Bishop Peter invokes the Holy Spirit over Deacon Keith Pettyjohn. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) However, Deacon Rodney was not always Catholic, nor was he always an Idahoan. He was born and raised in California. His family was Baptist. Although he was baptized when he was 10, over time, his family stopped going to church. “I was away from the church for a long time, until I met my wife, Bessie,” he said. They married in May 2000 and have three children, Courtney, Megan and Otto. After Megan was born, they felt like it was finally time to start going to church. “We went church shopping as good Protestants do,” he chuckled. Their search ended with a Presbyterian church in 2006. Rodney became involved in the music ministry and then was elected as an elder of the church. His wife also joined church leadership. “This is kind of funny now,” he added. “My wife was a deacon.” However, the more Rodney and his wife studied Scripture, the more they began to question what their church was teaching. “We always felt like something was missing at our church, and we couldn’t quite put our finger on it,” Rodney said. As they faced struggles with their church, Rodney and Bessie began having more conversations with Catholics, especially with one of Bessie’s co-workers. “She was living out her faith in a way I hadn’t seen before,” Rodney said. The four newly ordained deacons receive a blessing from Bishop Peter after the Mass. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) Rodney started listening to Catholic radio. Then, through the Chaldean Catholic community, he had an encounter with the Blessed Mother. From the time of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 until eleven years ago, about 35,000 Iraqis have been resettled in the San Diego area, most of whom are Chaldean Catholics. “The refugees just kind of flooded into our town,” Rodney said. “I was a firefighter at the time. When I would go into their homes that had their rosaries, statues and all the Catholic stuff, I would think, ‘Man, these people are over the top.’ But then it started piquing my interest.” One day, he was called to an emergency for an elderly man with chest pains. As Rodney assessed the man, the man’s teenage granddaughter came into the room. “She was standing there with her head tilted and her hands in prayer at her chest, looking at her grandfather, and it pierced me. It was as if it was Our Lady of Guadalupe standing there in front of me.” Although he knew intellectually it was just the man’s granddaughter, in that moment of transcendent grace, he experienced the presence of the Blessed Mother. Rodney wept after he left the man’s home, overwhelmed by the experience. “God knew he needed to send ‘Mom’ to come and get me. So, she got me.” Then in February 2015, 21 Coptic Christians of Libya were beheaded by Islamic terrorists. Their heroic faith “sealed the deal for me,” Rodney said. “So, we became Catholic.” Newly ordained Deacon Colin Meyer is given a fraternal embrace by a fellow deacon after his ordination. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) Rodney and Bessie entered the Church at the Easter Vigil of 2016. True to their love of serving, Rodney and Bessie quickly became involved in teaching for OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). They also joined Cursillo. With encouragement from friends and his pastor, Rodney entered formation for the diaconate in 2019. But when the COVID pandemic hit in 2020, formation classes stopped with the shutdown. Later that year, he found a job in Coeur d’Alene. “We came up here, and we’ve been blessed ever since,” he said. Rodney began formation in the diaconate for the Diocese of Boise in 2021. The most difficult things he had to overcome in his formation were doubts that seemed to come at him from nowhere. “There were times I would think: ‘I’m no preacher. I’m a fireman who loves Jesus and His Church. I’m no theologian,’” Rodney said. Talking with others helped him overcome his fears and realize that they came from “the evil one,” not from God. Rodney also did the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises with Deacon Chris Stewart, who serves at St. Pius X Parish in Coeur d’Alene. “Learning those spiritual exercises helped make those doubts go away,” he said. “My brothers in formation—Keith, Colin and Jeremey—have been a great support. I also had help from Father Mariusz. He’s amazing,” he said. Father Mariusz Majewski is the pastor at St. Thomas in Coeur d’Alene. If anyone is considering becoming a deacon, Rodney suggests having conversations with a parish deacon about the role and everyday realities of serving. It’s also important, he said, to explore the topic with your parish priest and pray. However, he emphasized that the first conversation “should be with your wife.” Deacon Colin Meyer, assigned at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Moscow, had little to do with the Church until 10 years ago. “I took the long road,” Deacon Colin said. “This whole journey has been God working in me and doing a complete metamorphosis.” “My mother is Catholic,” he explained. “She was born in England, was an orphan and raised in a convent. She met my dad when he was stationed with the Air Force in England. My brother and sister were baptized, but when I came around, things were rough for my family. My father worked odd hours at a couple of jobs. It was hard for them to make it to church. They basically decided to leave it up to me to get baptized.” Colin grew up in South Lake Tahoe, California. When he graduated from high school, he joined the Army. Although he didn’t get the specialization he wanted, he has no regrets that they stationed him in Germany for four years. “It was a wonderful tour in Germany, and that is where I met my wife, Kirstin,” he said. Colin and Kirstin married in 1990. Although she was a cradle Catholic and he loved her, he still didn’t want to have anything to do with God. After his four years were done, Colin returned to South Lake Tahoe with Kirstin. They had three children: Ashley, Brandon and Cassidy. Priests and deacons from around the Diocese of Boise attended the ordination for the permanent diaconate at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) Going from working with howitzer cannons in the Army to civilian life was challenging for Colin. After seeing Kirstin’s fulfillment in her work as an EKG tech at a hospital, he decided to also work in the hospital. He started as a transporter, taking patients from room to room or to procedures. He then became an anesthesia tech until an opportunity opened up to be a physical therapy aide. In 2005, Colin and Kirstin moved their family to Moscow to be closer to Colin’s parents. “My mom was a parishioner at St. Mary’s for six years, until they moved back to Nevada, and loved the church. She tried to compel me to come into the Church, but I was a very rough man. I didn’t feel that I deserved to be there and that these folks who were in church were much holier than I am. I thought they’d see right through me and throw me out.” Soon after moving to Moscow, Kirstin found out that a massage school was opening in Moscow. “Kirstin has always been my guiding light. She told me about the school, and I knew I needed to go,” he said. Colin has been a medical massage therapist for almost 20 years. In the fall of 2016, Colin found out his daughter, Ashley, was going to what was then called “RCIA,” “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.” (This is now called “Order of Christian Initiation for Adults” or “OCIA.”). When he asked her about OCIA, she told him that it was just like catechism for a small group of people. “Right then, something kind of hit me,” Colin said. The “something” was an unquenchable curiosity and undeniable grace to know more about the classes. “I thought, ‘Well, if it’s a small group of people, let me try this out,’” he continued. With his daughter’s encouragement, he went with her to OCIA. When Colin told Kirstin that he joined OCIA, she laughed, he said. “Because of the way I used to be, she never put God and me in the same room.” Kirstin has had to learn to trust God throughout Colin’s conversion. “It took her a while to see that there was a change God made in me.” Colin was baptized and confirmed at Easter Vigil at St. Mary’s Parish in 2017. Six years ago, he began his formation in the permanent diaconate. Before his transformation at his baptism, he said, he was very self-centered. “It was always about what was in it for me if I helped someone out. There was a change God made in me because who in their right mind, who is selfish and self-serving, would want to jump into this role of ministry, of self-emptying in service to others?” Colin looks forward to serving as deacon at St. Mary’s. “We’re really involved with our church. It’s our second home and a big part of our life. It’s helped bring our family together. We love to help and serve the people here.” Deacon Colin Meyer gives a blessing following his ordination. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) Deacon Keith Pettyjohn is assigned to St. Mary’s Parish in Boise. From an early age, growing up on his family’s farm near Walla Walla, WA, Deacon Keith learned that community members have to look after one another. “Whenever there is a fire during harvest season, all of the farmers stop their harvest and rush to help put out the neighbor’s fire,” Keith shared. Keith and his wife, Michelle, have raised their four children at St. Mary’s and now are the proud grandparents of two grandsons. “I am so blessed to have such a loving and supportive wife to support my ministry work,” Keith stressed. In his 28 years at St. Mary’s, Keith has served on the finance council and as a lector. He is a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council #12531 and serves as its Lecturer. He also serves as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist with Michelle to a local nursing home. Father John Kucera asked Deacon Keith to serve on his Parish Leadership Team (PLT) two years ago, when he implemented the new Amazing Parish program at St. Mary’s. “It has been a tremendous privilege to work alongside Fr. John and the other great deacons at St. Mary’s! The parish is thriving under Fr. John’s leadership, and I am so grateful for the support of my brother deacons. Given the current demands on my time at Salt & Light Radio, my primary ministry at the parish will continue to be serving on the PLT and assisting Michelle with the Eucharistic outreach to the nursing home. Of course, I look forward to serving on the altar and to preaching occasionally, but St. Mary’s is already well served in those capacities.” Deacon Keith Pettyjohn blesses his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren following his ordination. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) Keith was also one of the founding members of Salt & Light Radio, a Catholic radio apostolate based in Boise that now has stations across Idaho. He still serves as its board president and acting executive director. The prompting to start a Catholic radio station was just another step in Keith’s call to serve Christ and His Church. “We have such an incredible team at Salt & Light / Sal y Luz Radio. The Holy Spirit has definitely guided that effort from its inception in 2009. My job is just to not get in the way of the Holy Spirit and to take the garbage out on Fridays!” Deacon Jeremey Westmark is assigned at Holy Apostles Catholic Church. Like Deacon Keith, he is also a “cradle Catholic,” growing up in a small town south of Fresno, California, where he went to Catholic school through the eighth grade. “I was an altar boy and very active in my church,” Deacon Jeremey said. He first felt the call to serve the Church when he was in first grade. His teacher was a Religious sister and encouraged him in his faith. “Because of that, I always felt like God had something special for me to do,” he said. He found his faith to be especially crucial when he joined the military. “I enlisted when I was 18 at the end of my freshman year of college,” he said. “The Eucharist solidified my faith during one of the most extreme environments you can imagine—Marine Corps boot camp.” During that time, he faithfully went to Mass each Sunday to renew himself. “It was where my faith was deepened,” he explained. “I actually discerned the priesthood during that time of my life, but it just didn’t seem to go with the Marine Corps.” Jeremey served in the Marine Corps Reserves for eight years. He started his own company in 1999 in Las Vegas. He married his wife, Deanna, in 2006. While in Las Vegas, he began formation for the diaconate, but after two years, his pastor told him that it was not the right time. “Deanna was pregnant at the time, and he really felt I needed to just take time to focus on being a husband and father,” he said. After having two more children, they began looking for other places to live. “We didn’t want to raise our kids in Las Vegas,” Jeremey said. In 2012, a friend recommended that they check out Boise. “I flew up and fell in love with it. I brought my wife and kids up the following week.” They immediately registered at Holy Apostles Parish in Meridian. “We love it and have never looked back,” he said. Although becoming a deacon remained in the back of his mind, Jeremey didn’t pursue it until one day he received an email from his pastor, who at the time was Father Len MacMillan (now pastor at St. Pius X in Coeur d’Alene). Father MacMillan asked Jeremey if he had ever considered becoming a deacon, and then set up a meeting so they could discuss it. The newly ordained deacons and their wives are, fom left, Deanna and Deacon Jeremey Westmark, Bessie and Deacon Rodney Geilenfeldt, Kirstin and Deacon Colin Meyer, and Michelle and Deacon Keith Pettyjohn. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) “I told him the whole story about my journey, and at the end of it, he said, ‘Well, that settles it. You’re going to be a deacon.’” The greatest difficulty Jeremey had to overcome in formation was spiritual warfare. “The first five months of formation, I learned very acutely that spiritual warfare is very real,” he said. There was, however, an encouraging aspect to the spiritual warfare. “I knew God wanted me to be a deacon because the evil one was working overtime to keep me from being a deacon!” Jeremey said. His second and third years of formation were more peaceful, but he experienced more spiritual warfare during his fourth year. “But it still wasn’t as bad as during that first year. I’m very blessed that my spiritual director is Father Justin Brady. I was able to articulate to him everything that I was going through.” Father Brady is pastor at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Nampa. Each candidate for the diaconate chooses a spiritual director to help guide them through formation. The deacon candidates stand at the beginning of the Mass for their ordinations. (ICR photos/Vero Gutierrez) “God knew exactly what I needed in a spiritual director,” Jeremey said. “Even as challenging as the spiritual warfare was, I’m blessed to have gone through all of it.” Of all the aspects of serving as a deacon, Jeremey is most looking forward to the relationships he will build within the community. He wants to be there for people who are facing difficulties or just need someone to listen to them. “I think that is what God has called me to be in this diaconate ministry: someone who really builds those relationships,” he said.

Desert House, home of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, was photographed several years ago. The house overlooks a lake on the sisters’ property and is known by this name because of its location in an arid region. (Photo courtesy of the ICR archives.) By Vero Gutiérrez Assistant Editor Pocatello — If you love nature, be sure to visit the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist Convent during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi in the Diocese of Boise in 2026. Founding of the Community The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist were founded in 1973 by a decree of the Vatican’s Sacred Congregation for Religious. Their founding was in response to the call of Vatican II for religious communities to renew religious life. The fifty-five (55) original founding Sisters were members of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and had participated in a program of renewal within that congregation. It was discerned by the Sacred Congregation for Religious in Rome that the new expression of religious life emerging from this program of renewal would grow more fully if it were established as a separate congregation. As a result, on December 2, 1973, the First Sunday of Advent, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist came into being as a Pontifical Community. The founding years drew upon the energy, drive, and commitment of the young Community to form centers of community life that expressed the vision which impelled the Sisters to move into this new venture, and to initiate various forms of apostolate to meet the needs of the people. It was through the vision and Spirit-directed leadership of their original foundress, Mother Rosemae Pender, and co-foundress, Mother Shaun Vergauwen, that the Community continues to flourish. Pocatello Community A more recent image of the residence of the Franciscan Sisters. ( Photo ICR/ Vero Gutiérrez) One of the centers for the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist is currently located at 2098 Truckerville Road in Pocatello. It is home to six active sisters. The center was founded in June 1975 by the founder, Mother Mona Brunner, and co-foundress, Mother Janice Otis. The community had served in Blackfoot before that date. Mother Mona held a degree in Family Counseling, and Mother Janice Otis was instrumental in working for the Diocese of Boise as a religious education teacher for the children of migrant workers. In 1975, Bishop Sylvester Treinen officially named their center the Family Life Center within the diocese, emphasizing their work with all families and their needs in today’s world. The site retains its beauty, just as it did more than fifty years ago when the sisters first arrived in the area. Visitors can enjoy abundant species of wild birds and wildlife, as well as a pond that offers beautiful sunsets. There is a small lake at the back of the sisters' house. (Photo ICR/ Vero Gutiérrez) Named the Desert House, due to the arid nature of the area, particularly during the summer, this beautiful property on the outskirts of Pocatello is a peaceful haven ready to welcome pilgrims seeking a plenary indulgence this year. This year, 2026, marks the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. The Catholic Church, and the Franciscan Community in particular, have launched special Jubilee celebrations in honor of this beloved saint. In 2015, Pope Francis wrote a letter announcing that this year would be the culmination of the celebration. He stated that we are all called to sanctify ourselves in the modern world by following St. Francis’s example. In his message, Pope Francis affirmed that today’s world needs to rediscover the spirit of St. Francis, writing: “May this Year of St. Francis inspire us all to imitate the Little Poor Man of Assisi, form ourselves after the model of Christ, and become constant witnesses of peace, each according to our own abilities.” Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi When the appointed time came, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a special Jubilee Year dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. Pope Leo XIV wrote, “May every faithful Christian, following the example of St. Francis, become a model of holiness and a constant witness to peace.” In a decree published on January 16 of this year, the Apostolic Penitentiary explained that a plenary indulgence would be granted “under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the Holy Father's intentions), and it may be applied as a suffrage for souls in purgatory.” Plenary Indulgence Among other points, the decree establishes that all the faithful, without distinction, who, with a soul detached from sin, participate in the Year of St. Francis by visiting any Franciscan convent, church, or place of worship dedicated to or connected to St. Francis in any way, and who devoutly follow the Jubilee rites there, spend time in pious meditation, and offer prayers to God so that feelings of Christian charity toward one’s neighbor and authentic wishes for harmony and peace among peoples may spring forth in their hearts following the example of St. Francis, concluding with the Our Father, the Creed, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare, and all the saints of the Franciscan family, may obtain a plenary indulgence. Diocese of Boise A press release from our diocese announced that, effective July 1, 2026, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist community will be a designated place of pilgrimage for obtaining a plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis. According to Bishop Peter Christensen’s formal announcement, this invitation complements the Vatican’s invitation to the faithful worldwide to make this year a special time of prayer and spiritual renewal inspired by St. Francis’s life and witness. A first-class relic of St. Francis of Assisi, housed in the convent chapel. The statement notes that this year Catholics throughout Idaho are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to the Pocatello chapel and community of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist to pray and participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It was crafted from a valve used in an irrigation system. The sisters intentionally incorporate elements characteristic of the local region into their chapels. Because this piece once carried water—a symbol of life—it now serves as a tabernacle, holding Life Himself in the Eucharist. (Photo ICR/ Vero Gutiérrez) “The Franciscan Sisters’ example inspires us to love Christ more deeply in the Holy Eucharist and to recommit living the Gospel with simplicity, joy, and charity,” said Bishop Christensen. “As we celebrate the Year of St. Francis, I encourage the faithful of our diocese to take advantage of this opportunity to make a pilgrimage and experience spiritual renewal.” Mother Anthony Marie Greving, superior of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, prays in the monastery chapel. Mother Anthony Marie Greving, the local community’s superior, welcomed the announcement that her community had been designated a pilgrimage site for the Year of St. Francis in the diocese. “We are deeply grateful to Bishop Christensen for this designation and for his support of our community,” she said. “St. Francis dedicated his life to bringing others closer to Jesus Christ through humility, simplicity, and love for the Eucharist. We hope that all who come here during this Year of St. Francis will encounter the Lord more deeply, experience his mercy and peace, and return home with renewed faith.” One important recommendation from Mother Anthony is to contact the convent before planning your visit. During the first fortnight of July, the community will be on retreat, so they will only be able to welcome pilgrims from 15 July onwards.

By James Scerbo For the ICR Members of the Boise Chapter of Legatus gathered May 21 for an evening of prayer, fellowship and a presentation by emergency physician Dr. Scott French, who spoke on Eucharistic miracles, the Shroud of Turin and the relationship between faith and science. French, a board-certified emergency physician and member of the Magis Center advisory board, has spent years studying scientific research surrounding Eucharistic miracles and the Shroud of Turin. Drawing upon medicine, pathology James Scerbo and forensic science, he challenged attendees to consider how physical evidence can point toward deeper spiritual realities. The presentation focused on several well-known Eucharistic miracles, including Lanciano in Italy, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Tixtla in Mexico and the more recent miracles in Sokolka and Legnica, Poland. French explained how investigators examining these events reported findings of human blood and cardiac tissue associated with consecrated hosts. While emphasizing that science cannot prove the supernatural itself, French argued that science can examine the physical effects associated with extraordinary events. For him, the growing body of research surrounding Eucharistic miracles serves as a signpost directing people toward Christ and toward the Church’s teaching on the Real Presence in the Eucharist. French also discussed the Shroud of Turin, which many Christians believe to be the burial cloth of Jesus. He described scientific and historical evidence that continues to generate interest among researchers and believers alike. Rather than presenting faith and reason as opposing forces, he suggested that the search for truth requires both. The Shroud presentation, text, images and life-size post-scourging body of Jesus were so moving that 24 high-res photos of the exhibit were displayed at the January 2026 Legatus Summit held in Santa Barbara. Dr. Scott French, an emergency physician, speaks about the Shroud of Turin at a recent Legatus meeting. (Courtesy photo) One of the most memorable portions of the evening centered on Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager known for creating a digital catalog of Eucharistic miracles before his death in 2006. French shared several reflections from Acutis on eternity, courage and the importance of keeping one’s eyes fixed on Christ. Acutis once wrote, “Our goal must be infinite, not the finite. The infinite is our homeland.” That theme resonated throughout the presentation as French spoke about modern society’s struggle with despair, anxiety and loss of meaning. As a physician who regularly encounters suffering and mortality, he offered a perspective shaped by both medical experience and Catholic faith. For many attendees, the evening became more than a discussion of miracles. It became a reflection on the human search for truth itself. Questions surrounding science, evidence, suffering and eternal life are not merely academic. They touch every person, whether in the workplace, the family or the broader culture. The presentation also connected naturally with the mission of Legatus. Founded to help Catholic business leaders study, live and spread the faith in their professional and personal lives, Legatus encourages members to bring Catholic principles into the public square with conviction and integrity. The evening began with opportunities for confession, the Rosary and Mass before members and spouses gathered for dinner and the presentation. Such events are a hallmark of Legatus, which combines faith formation, fellowship and intellectual engagement. Joe Burke, Dr. Scott French and Ellen Burke (Courtesy photo) Legatus strives to provide business leaders and entrepreneurs with faith formation and a community where they can build meaningful relationships with other Catholics running similarly sized organizations. Legatus is unique in offering events and membership to couples, allowing spouses to participate fully in chapter life. Monthly gatherings typically include prayer, the sacraments, a shared meal and presentations from distinguished Catholic speakers. One of more than 95 chapters throughout the United States, the Boise Chapter continues to provide opportunities for Catholic executives and their spouses to deepen their faith while building lasting friendships with fellow Catholic leaders. French’s presentation ultimately returned to a simple but profound claim: truth exists, faith and reason are not enemies and the Eucharist remains at the center of the Christian life. For those gathered that evening, the discussion offered both intellectual engagement and a renewed appreciation for the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Church. Call (734) 274-6400 or email info@legatus.org for membership details.