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Arsonist shoots firefighters as they respond to wild fire By Bishop Peter F. Christensen Bishop Diocese of Boise The Catholic Diocese of Boise is heartbroken by the tragic and horrific ambush that claimed the lives of two brave firefighters and left another seriously injured while they responded to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene. This senseless act of violence against those who selflessly serve our community is a profound loss that wounds us all.   As Catholics, we are called to uphold the dignity of every human life and to stand in solidarity with those who suffer. Today, we mourn the fallen firefighters, whose courage and sacrifice reflect the love and service taught by Christ. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, and the entire Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County communities. Our prayers are with the injured firefighter, who continues to fight for his life, and we ask for God’s healing grace to sustain him. We also pray for the law enforcement officers, first responders and all who risked their lives to protect our community during this horrific event. Their bravery in the face of danger is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, guided by a commitment to the common good.   In this time of grief, we turn to the words of Scripture: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Let us come together in prayer, seeking peace and healing for our community. We urge all people of goodwill to reject violence and to work toward a society rooted in respect, compassion and justice.

Christopher Check of Catholic Answers and The Vigil Project led four-day celebration. The Vigil Project performs at the Egyptian Theatre in downtown Boise for the Salt & Light Radio benefit concert. The Vigil Project is an association of Catholic musicians with teams who perform around the nation. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer   Salt & Light Radio celebrated its 15th anniversary in mid-June with four concerts in four days.   “We have received tremendous feedback from attendees,” said co-founder and President of Salt & Light Radio, Keith Pettyjohn. “The Vigil Project’s music was great. Christopher Check, president of Catholic Answers, gave a very insightful and inspirational talk. The venues were superb. The fellowship and energy of the crowds were great, and those who attended were very generous with us financially.”    Check spoke briefly at each concert on the duty of every Catholic to evangelize. In Boise, the event was at the Egyptian Theatre downtown.   “Evangelization, my friends, is not an option,” he said. “It's not something we leave to the experts. Pope Francis wrote, in virtue of their baptism, all the members of the people of God are missionary disciples, whatever their position in the Church, whatever their level of instruction.”   However, evangelization is most effective when it comes not from a sense of duty or fear, but from the interior life that has experienced the love and mercy of Christ, Check explained.   Christopher Check, president of Catholic Answers, speaks on evangelization at the Egyptian Theatre. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) “We want to reveal the love and mercy of Jesus Christ to the world. And it begins in the interior life.”   If someone does not know how to start developing their interior life, Check suggested they first commit to spending 15 minutes each week in Eucharistic Adoration. While there, people should pour out their intentions to Jesus from their heart and ask Him to align their hearts with His.   “Leave the outcome to God. He will magnify your efforts,” he said.   Radio is a unique tool in evangelization that “engages the imagination of the listener,” Check added. “Salt & Light Radio draws people in; the truth is there, and this radio network is providing it.”   The Vigil Project, an international association of Catholic musicians based in Louisiana, also focused on evangelization. They led workshops and performed concerts at Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Meridian, Boise and Cottonwood. The organization has teams of artists and speakers who provide retreats, workshops and concerts to promote Catholic liturgical and devotional music.   Nico Cabrera leads a workshop for Catholic music ministers at Holy Apostles in Meridian. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) Nico Cabrera, a songwriter and artist, led the two-hour workshop at Holy Apostles Parish in Meridian. Music directors, musicians and vocalists attended from around the Treasure Valley. He gave three points to use as groundwork in music ministry: having a vision, being open to building and growing a community and choosing to give God your best efforts.   Giving God our best in our volunteering, Cabrera said, is often the most difficult point for participants to grasp. It’s very easy for people to become entitled when volunteering. They can fall into the trap of thinking they don’t have to prioritize it because it’s not paid work.   “We sometimes entitle ourselves to basically do the minimum amount of work and kind of just get by. Because of this, what we give God is not our greatest,” he explained. “Ultimately, we evangelize with leftovers from our day, with little bits and pieces. I would like to argue that our Church would benefit if we just decided that we will give God our best.”   For musician volunteers, giving God your best includes taking time to practice or to learn more about your instrument.   “I have met people who are truly committed to what they do, and they understand that the real work comes from God.,” Cabrera said. “It is evident that they are giving they’re all to God, and it translates in how they perform music in the Church.”   Another aspect of giving one’s best is being intentional, he added. Musicians should know their strengths and weaknesses so they can better know which pieces they can do well, and which pieces should be sung or played by others. They also need to choose music that is appropriate to the liturgy.   “If we are not intentional, we are not doing the Church justice; we’re not leading our friends to prayer. This is not excellence. Instead, we should ask: ‘Jesus, how would You do this? How would You approach this?’”   Excellence also comes from recognizing that serving is a gift of love.   “I try to live by a saying from Jesuit Father Pedro Arrupe: ‘Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.’ I urge you not to fall in love with music because that has a beginning and an end. I urge you to fall in love with God. He’s a never-ending fountain that just continues to flow, Cabrera said, adding that if people rely on their own strength in ministry, they will fail.   “We have to do things different than relying on ourselves,” he explained. “We need to fall in love and stay in love with God.”   To support Salt & Light Radio and their mission to evangelize and teach, visit saltandradio.com .

All Good things come from God By Father Ron Rolheiser Professor of Spiriturally Oblate School of Theology For the ICR   Does God have a sense of humor? This may seem a frivolous or impious question, but it’s anything but that. It’s an important question and a reverent one as well.   Why? Because healthy humor and playful banter help bring joy, lightness of heart and a healthy perspective into our lives. Can we imagine all that wonderful lightness of heart having no connection to God?   Does God have a sense of humor? For sure! Without doubt!  Jesus teaches that God is the author of all good things. Humor, playfulness and healthy banter are good, healthy things. They can have their ultimate origin only in God.   Why are they good things? What positive role do they play in our lives? Freud once suggested that sometimes we can understand things more clearly by looking at their opposites. What are the opposites of humor, playfulness and banter? We see their opposite in three things: over-seriousness, needless irritation and pomposity, none of which are healthy.   Consider this example: I have lived almost my entire adult life within a religious community of men, and by and large it has been positive and life-giving. But among the, literally, hundreds of men with whom I have shared community over more than fifty years, there have sometimes been confreres who were over-serious and their presence in the community room or at table could sometimes effectively rob the room of joy.   I recall one such incident at table where someone shared a rather earthy joke (spicy, though not in bad taste). Most of us responded with a hearty laugh, but as soon as the laughter died down, one of our confreres in a heavy and overly pious tone, asked: Would you tell a joke like that in front of the Blessed Sacrament? That not only ended the laughter in the room and injected a certain heaviness into our gathering, it also effectively drained the oxygen out of the room.   Over-seriousness, while not a moral deficiency, can leave us too raw before the demands of family and community to which we can never perfectly measure up. On the other hand, playfulness, humor and banter, when healthy, can provide some important “grease” for family and community life.   For example, when you join a religious congregation, you take a vow to live within a community (of men, in my case) for the rest of your life. Moreover, you don’t get to choose with whom you get to live. You are simply assigned to a community, which invariably will include some members whose temperament is very different from yours and with whom you would not normally choose to live.   Well, I have lived in this type of religious community for nearly sixty years and, with very few exceptions, it has been life-giving and enjoyable; mostly because I have been blessed nearly always to live in a community where part of our very ethos has been the daily exchange of humor, playfulness and banter. Prayer and a common mission of course have been the main glue that held us together, but humor, playfulness and banter have been the grease that have kept petty tensions and the occupational hazard of pomposity at bay.   It's interesting to note that the classical Greek philosophers understood love as having six components: Eros  – infatuation and attraction; Mania  – obsession; Asteismos – playfulness and banter ;   Storge – care; Philia – friendship ; and Agape – altruism. When we define love we generally make room for most of those components, except Asteismos , playfulness and banter. We pay a price for that.   My Oblate novice master, a wonderful French-Canadian priest, once shared with us (a group of young novices) a joke with a purpose. It runs this way: a family was planning the wedding of their daughter, but were unable to afford a venue for the festivities after the church service. So, the priest made them an offer:   “Why don’t you use the entrance, the foyer, of the church? There’s enough room for a reception. Bring in a cake and have your reception there.”   Things were fine, until the father of the bride asked the priest if they might bring liquor to the reception. The priest replied most emphatically, “Absolutely not! You may not have liquor in a church!” The father of the bride protested, “But Jesus drank wine at the wedding feast of Cana,” to which the priest replied, “But not in front of the Blessed Sacrament!”   This joke can serve as a parable, cautioning us vis-à-vis stripping God of humor and playfulness. God has a sense of humor, a sense of playfulness and a talent for banter far beyond that of our best comedians. How could it be otherwise? Can you imagine spending eternity in heaven without laughter and playfulness? Can you imagine a God who is perfect love, but with whom you would be afraid to joke and banter?   Is the last laugh before we die to be our last laugh forever? No. God has a sense of humor, which will, without doubt, be for all of us a delightful surprise.   Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a Professor of Spirituality at Oblate School of Theology and award-winning author. He can be contacted through his website   www.ronrolheiser.com .  Follow on Facebook  www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser

La Vida de Fe de José González Corona El Obispo Peter Christensen con la señora Guadalupe Maciel Govea, el señor José González en la capilla de la Catedral Saint John The Evangelist (Foto/cortesía Josefina González Maciel). Vero Gutiérrez Editora Asistente JEROME – En el corazón del Valle Mágico, entre cam­pos de cultivo y comunidades de fe, vive un hombre cuya historia ha tocado profundamente a quienes lo rodean. José González Corona, de 78 años es originario de Guascuaro, Michoacán, México, es un testimonio viviente de que la fe puede transformar incluso las pruebas más difíciles en bendiciones. Nacido el 15 de septiembre de 1946 en una familia católica, José creció asistiendo a la parroquia de San José, donde desde pequeño aprendió a confiar en Dios. A los 26 años se casó con Guadalupe Maciel Govea, con quien formó una familia de siete hijos, a quienes inculcaron el amor por Dios y la importancia de la oración. Pero la vida de José dio un giro inesperado a los 36 años, cuando un accidente mientras trabajaba en la cosecha de maíz le provocó una lesión en la cabeza que, tras años de intentos médicos, resultó en la pérdida total de la vista. “Lo más difícil fue aceptar que no iba a poder recuperar la vista y que no iba a poder sacar adelante a mi familia”, recuerda. Sin embargo, en lugar de rendirse, José se aferró a su fe. Don José González con su esposa Guadalupe. junto a la replica de La Piedad, durante su exposición en la Catedral de Boise. ( Foto/cortesía Josefina González Maciel). Desde entonces, su vida espiritual se ha profundizado. Cada mañana comienza con el rezo del Santo Rosario, y rara vez se pierde la transmisión de la Santa Misa por Ra­dio Sal y Luz. Su devoción a San José se ha convertido en el pilar de su vida. “Creer y estar convencidos de que los planes de Dios son perfectos, darle ese primer lugar aún en medio de las dificultades”, es el mensaje que comparte con todos los creyentes. En marzo de 2022, durante una visita a la Catedral de Boise, José recibió una bendición especial al conocer al Obispo Peter Christensen, quien le obsequió un pin de su escudo de armas, que, por cierto, José guarda con profundo cariño y casi siempre lo lleva consigo en la solapa de su chamarra. Hoy, Don José asiste fielmente a la iglesia de Saint Jerome los fines de semana y los jueves al Monas­terio de la Ascensión con los Misioneros Servidores de la Palabra o a la parroquia de Saint Edward The Confessor. Don José conserva como un obsequio muy especial este pin con el escudo de armas del Obispo Peter Christensen y trata de llevarlo siempre en su chaqueta. A pesar de su ceguera, José ha desarrollado una sensibilidad extraordinaria. “Le hablas una vez y esa voz se le queda grabada”, dijo Josefina, una de sus hijas menores quien está al pendiente de él y de su madre, mientras pasan tiempo en Jerome. Su oído se ha convertido en una ventana al mundo y una vía para sentir la presencia de Dios. “Siento más vivo que nunca. Conozco al Creador por la obra de sus manos”, afirma con convicción. Aunque en la vida a veces ocurren situaciones que pueden parecer negativas o difíciles de comprender para el entendimiento humano, y no se entiende el porqué, José pone todo en manos de Dios y de su Divina Voluntad confiando plenamente en Él. José y Guadalupe han sido pilares para sus hijos, quienes crecieron viendo a su madre asumir el rol de madre y padre, trabajando la tierra mientras los hijos ayudaban después de la escuela. Hoy, José y su esposa Guadalupe son ciudadanos estadounidenses, con 15 nietos y 2 bisnietos, y una familia que lo considera su consejero espiritual y ejemplo de vida. “Lo que más agradezco a Dios es el don de la vida”, dice José. Su historia, que comenzó en un pequeño pueblo de Michoacán, ahora inspira a muchas personas incluso en Idaho. Para sus nietos, que crecen en una cultura distinta, él les recuerda siempre: “Pongan a Dios en primer lugar”. José González Corona no imaginó que su vida sería un testimonio para otros. Pero su fe inquebrantable, su amor por la Eucaristía y su capacidad de ver con el corazón lo han convertido en un faro de esperanza para todos los que lo conocen.

St. Vincent de Paul Mission Statement “A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.” The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA is a Catholic lay organization inspired by Gospel values. We join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to neighbors in need, and keep in the tradition of our founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam , and patron, St. Vincent de Paul . The National Council supports our local Councils and Conferences throughout the United States by providing Vincentian members with resources, spiritual formation, and best practices as they assist millions of neighbors in need.

Baptism takes place at Edgewood Castle Hills assisted living facility in Boise (under the outreach of St. Mary's Parish) Annie Russel, 74, center, was baptized and received into the Catholic Church at Edgewood Castle Hills assisted living facility in Boise on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Father John Kucera, pastor at St. Mary's in Boise, presided over the ceremony, which was witnessed by fellow residents, staff members and friends. (Courtesy photo) "Pure joy, this side of heaven!" These words were spoken by Annie Russell, age 74, a resident at Edgewood Castle Hills assisted living facility, on the day of her baptism during the recent Easter Season.  On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Annie was baptized and received into the Catholic Church in the dining room of the assisted living facility, decorated with flowers for the occasion, in the company of approximately 30 people – her fellow residents, staff members, friends, and St. Mary’s Eucharistic Outreach volunteers. Annie also received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion, along with the Anointing of the Sick that day. It is, of course, not the norm for someone to come into the Church at an assisted living facility. Yet, under the circumstances, because of the difficulty of transportation for Annie and her fellow residents, a pastoral exception was made to the great blessing of all involved. Father John Kucera, Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Boise, administered the sacraments, while Deacon Tom Dominick, part of the St. Mary’s Eucharistic Outreach team for Edgewood Castle Hills, assisted. Barbara Spence and Michelle Pettyjohn, St. Mary’s parishioners who also lead Communion Services at the facility, helped with the event. Gloria Pettinger, a fellow resident at Edgewood and a friend of Annie's, was chosen by Annie to be her Godmother. Gloria has been a member of St Mary's Parish for 48 years. Her faith is "the greatest joy of her life." She is “thrilled” to be a new Godmother at age 81. Annie decided to begin attending the Sunday 10:15 a.m. Catholic Communion Services soon after moving to her new facility earlier this year. She told her now Godmother, Gloria, that what had set the background for her interest in a journey into the Catholic Church was "the loving care at St Alphonsus Hospital" that she had received over the years, having had three hospitalizations. With this positive outlook towards the Catholic Church, she was very open to the fellowship and prayer at the Communion Services, and found herself attending weekly. Annie Russell (Courtesy photo) As Annie learned more about the Eucharist, she decided that she wanted to become Catholic, and confided this to Deacon Tom Dominick, who is one of three who lead the weekly communion services on a rotating basis from St. Mary's. Annie told Deacon Tom that she found “the Catholic religion to be beautiful.” Deacon Tom advocated for Annie and sought approval from Father Kucera to prepare her in a personalized way for coming into the Church. Soon after Easter, when it was determined that Annie was ready, arrangements were made for the baptism to take place at Edgewood Castle Hills. It was truly an event celebrated by so many people at the facility. Even the cook on staff prepared special treats for the reception, which took place immediately afterwards in the dining room. Annie was radiant in her white dress, a gift from a fellow resident, Sally Harris.  After her Baptism, Annie expressed to Gloria, "God bless everyone, and thank you for believing in me. May we all have love in our hearts for one another." Gloria and Annie pray together after each evening meal with their table group and give thanks to God for His daily blessings.  Gloria commented that it is amazing how "God can work through us when we let him." Article initially drafted by Gloria Pettinger, and finalized by Michelle Pettyjohn, June 17, 2025

Verbum Spei Brother Juan Vargas becomes an Acolyte and professes final vows Bishop Peter presides at the Rite of Institution of Acolytes for Brother Juan at Verbum Spei’s Boise monastery, Our Lady of Ephesus. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer When Jesus told His disciples that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (Jn 14:6), He was not allud­ing to something allegorical or obscure. “He is not giving a set of directions, or some­thing you have to search for the meaning. Jesus is giving an invitation,” Bishop Peter Christensen said in his homily at the installation of Brother Joseph Vargas of Verbum Spei as an acolyte at the Monastery of Our Lady of Ephesus in Boise. “And how do we receive that invitation? Through the Eucharist.” “Jesus wants to journey with us and be united to each of us through the Eucharist,” Bishop Peter continued. “His presence is not separate, contrary or distant. Christ’s presence is real, and it is within us.” The world, he said, is waking up to what the Catholic Church has. “People are hungry to experi­ence the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.” In the Roman Catholic Church, an instituted ac­olyte is a person officially appointed to serve at the altar and assist the priest and deacon in liturgical celebrations, especially during Mass. They have specific responsibilities, including preparing the al­tar and sacred vessels, and, if necessary, distribut­ing Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister. For Brother Juan, becoming an instituted Acolyte is a part of the journey to priesthood. In the Rite of Institution of Acolytes, the bishop hands a paten with bread to the candidate and says, “Take this vessel with bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of His Church.” (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) “Brother Juan, you are now a part of that jour­ney of coming into a deeper relationship of the transformation at the altar,” Bishop Peter said. “As priests, as celibates, Jesus becomes our all in a very special way.” After his homily, Bishop Peter presided at the Rite of Institution of Acolytes, and Brother Juan, newly instituted, assisted at the altar during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Brother Juan, baptized “Jesus Vargas,” was raised in Weiser and attended St. Agnes Parish. He studied mathematics and secondary education at the University of Idaho. While completing his internship as a student teacher in Weiser, he began volunteering for the parish youth group, which led to a deeper relationship with God. He began attending classes at Verbum Spei in 2020. In 2022, he made his First Vows. He made his Final Vows on May 17, the day after becoming an instituted acolyte. Having finished the required period of formation to become a Religious Brother of Verbum Spei, Brother Juan professed his final vows in the presence of Father Wandrille Sevin, the general superior for the worldwide Fraternity of Verbum Spei. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) “It was easier to make my Final Vows than it was to make my First Vows,” Brother Juan said. “It was the grace of God. That’s the best way to put it.” Brother Juan also credits the support of his Brothers at Verbum Spei for his decision to make his Final Vows. “Praying and working with the Brothers, time in silent prayer, and taking semi­nary classes all helped me to discern that I want to continue my life with Verbum Spei,” he said. The laity who come to pray at the monastery are also a huge encouragement. “It’s reassuring when people say that they are praying for us,” he said. “It’s just a beautiful buildup to the consecration.” In May, he completed his philosophy courses with the seminary at Saltillo, Mexico. He will study Theology in the Philippines, where Verbum Spei recently opened another monastery. Brother Juan encourages others who are con­sidering Religious life to avoid focusing on the techniques of discerning a vocation. “I think it’s better to just focus on Jesus, to spend time with Him in prayer and to talk to a spiritual director. I think people should come to Verbum Spei and see what it is like.” Brother Juan signs his name under the record of his final vows. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) Father Wandrille Sevin, general superior of Verbum Spei, Father Dominique Fauré, prior of the Monastery of Our Lady of Ephesus, Father Johannes Kamphuis, V.S., Father Jonathon Kil­kelly, V.S., Father Pedro Cepeda, V.S., and retired priests of the Diocese of Boise, Fathers Tom Keller and Roger LaChance, concelebrated the Mass for Brother Juan’s Final Vows. “Your only love, your only treasure, is the Heart of Jesus,” Father Sevin said in his homily, which he addressed to Brother Juan. “But it’s not enough to just know this love; rather, you are to live this love. You can live this, if you offer yourself in an act of adoration, in an act of total confidence, in an act of love.” “Brother, we are going to ask the Holy Spirit to take hold of your heart today and all the days of your life,” he continued. “So that there will be nothing else for you except the love of the Heart of Jesus.” For more information about Verbum Spei, events at the Monastery of Our Lady of Ephesus and discerning Religious life, visit vsboise.org .

Dr. John Bergsma spoke at St. Mark's Parish in Boise in early June. This was in conjunction with his speaking for the Priest Study Days for the Diocese of Boise. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer   Each jubilee year, from Biblical times to the present, is an opportunity to receive extra graces from God.   “He wants us to enter into relationship with Him and enjoy His good creation, which He made for us,” said Dr. John Bergsma, Ph.D., during an early June presentation held at St. Mark’s Parish in Boise. Bergsma’s presentation was given in conjunction with the Priest Study Days for the Diocese of Boise. He is a full professor of theology at Franciscan University in Steubenville and the author of many books. His most recent is “ Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of God’s Favor ” (Emmaus Road Publishing, 2024).   More than 200 attended his presentation that focused on his book about the Jubilee year, including its biblical roots. He also provided an outline for participating in the Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis at the end of last year.   During his presentation, Bergsma asserted that humans have struggled with receiving all the goodness God intended since Adam's fall. The jubilee year was given in the liturgical calendar to give people a fresh start and the grace to receive God’s gifts. In the Old Testament, God commanded a jubilee year every 50 years to release people from bondage, forgive debts and restore families. For more than 700 years, the Church has also proclaimed jubilee years to offer graces and mercy to help people in their spiritual journeys.   “These are the goods of the Jubilee: forgiveness, freedom, family and fullness,” Bergsma said. The liturgy of the jubilee is meant to keep God’s people free from slavery, false gods, demons and their own unholy desires.    When Jesus quoted from the prophet Isaiah (Lk 4:16-20), He proclaimed Himself the fulfillment of the prophecy of the one who would bring a perpetual jubilee. Beginning with the first jubilee declared in the Bible during the leadership of Moses, Dr. Bergsma explained the purpose and powerful graces attached to a jubilee. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) “Jesus is the divine Melchizedek, a priest who brought bread and wine and blessed Abraham (Gn 14:17-20). He drives out demons; He forgives sins; He heals,” Bergsma said. “Jesus, the God-Man, takes these jubilee powers to forgive the debt of sin and to free people from slavery to Satan, and He puts those powers onto the Apostles (Mk 3:13-19). He gives the Apostles the freedom to bind and loose (Mt 18:18). By breathing on them (Jn 20:20-23), He is bringing the supernatural jubilee, that never ends because the powers of the jubilee will be passed on from Him to the Apostles to their successors, the bishops and priests, down to the present day.”   During this Year of Hope, Bergsma recommended that people “level up on their participation of the sacraments.” Through the Sacraments as we are forgiven and set free from sin, we enter into a deeper relationship with God and our family in Christ, the Church, Bergsma stated. This freedom and relationship allow us to experience lives that are full of goodness and hope.   “The sacraments are the liturgy of liberty,” he said. “Through the sacraments, we receive the Holy Spirit and strengthen the Spirit in our lives. As St. Paul says in I Corinthians 3:17, ‘Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.’”   Going to Mass and Reconciliation more frequently, Corporal Works of Mercy, reading Sacred Scripture praying the Rosary increase freedom from sin in your life, he added. “The spiritual and corporal works of mercy bring relief of body and soul to other people. We can lean into these practices during the jubilee year, and a plenary indulgence is attached to many of the corporal works of mercy.”   During the Jubilee Year, one can get two indulgences a day: one for oneself and one for another person. Indulgences, plenary (full) and partial, are graces that eliminate (or partially eliminate) the spiritual consequences of sin. Pilgrimages to Rome and other places designated by a bishop are ways to gain indulgences. (For more information on indulgences, visit dioceseofboise.org/jubilee .)   Following his presentation, Dr. Bergsma signed books, including copies of the Ignatius Press Study Bible, in which he and other Catholic scholars contributed commentary. (ICR photos/Emily Woodham) “Every pilgrimage is like the story of the Prodigal Son,” Bergsma said. “We pilgrims are the prodigal, and we are heading home to be embraced by our Father at the destination, whether we are going on the Camino, Rome or another holy place.”   Hope and mercy do not end with the Jubilee of Hope. Bergsma pointed out that because of the Sacraments we can continue to grow in grace.     “Some of the rites in the Church understand this really well,” Bergsma explained. “In the Chaldean Rite, they call their sacred liturgy the ‘perpetual jubilee,’ and they divide the church year into seven seasons of seven weeks. Every day, they have a great solemnity because they understand that they're always living in the jubilee cycle.”   Any day of any year, the Sacrament of Reconciliation stands out in fulfilling jubilee promises because through it, our sins are absolved. “Confession has great power, and it is at the center of the jubilee. The confessional is not a judgment chamber, but a liberation chamber.”   Although the Jubilee of Hope is at its midpoint, Bergsma encouraged the faithful that it’s not too late to participate in the jubilee. “Let's try to live the jubilee year with gusto. Let's try to live every day well.”   For more information about participating in the Jubilee of Hope, visit stpaulcenter.com .

Father O'Donnell saves beautifully detailed 90-year-old priestly garment Father Paul O'Donnell, parochial Vicar at St. Mark's Parish in Boise, shows off the 90-year-old chasuble he saved from disposal. (Courtesy Photo) By Fr. Paul O'Donnell Parochial Vicar St. Mark's Parish, Boise for the ICR About 15 years ago, I happened to walk into a sacristy (in a chapel that shall go nameless) where two well-meaning sacristans were bemoaning the state of disrepair of an obviously old chasuble, considering its disposal. They asked me if I might want it, and I immediately replied in the affirmative, for despite its lamentable state, it was still beautiful. Almost  90=years-old, the cloth and detailed design were made in Belgium and France. The chalice is woven with real gold thread, making it very heavy, hence the sagging shoulders, broken neckline etc. But God provided a talented seamstress who expertly repaired it all, including the faux gems adorning the foot of the chalice. Now I joyfully wear it, especially on the Feast of Corpus Christi and for First Holy Communion celebrations! Beautiful vestments attract the faithful to the truth! The 90-year-old chasuble Father Paul O'Donnell saved from disposal was repaired by a skilled seamstress, preserving its intricate detail. (Courtesy Photo)

There are only a few tickets remaining for the St. Vincent de Paul car raffle. Organizers encourage the Catholic faithful and anyone else to buy tickets now and raise your chances of winning 1 of 5 brand new Subaru's! You can purchase tickets this week and at the Boise Collister Center Thrift Store or the Meridian Thrift Store Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a live drawing party at Treasure Valley Subaru, located at 5605 E. Gate Blvd. in Nampa on Friday, June 27 from 4-6 p.m. You don't have to be present to win. There will be food trucks on site, including Idapoe BBQ and Tacos Papirringo Lozano. There will also be a donation truck. Clothing and small household items are especially appreciated. Donation fuel SVdP's thrift stores and voucher programs for local families in need. Ticket processing has taken longer than expected, so if it's been more than a month since you purchased and haven't received anything in the mail, pleas email beth.bishop@svdpid.org . All confirmed purchases are securely entered in the drawing, even if you don't have a physical ticket. Tickets purchased on or after June 20 will no longer be mailed. Instead, SVdP will email your raffled number directly to you. Your can buy your tickets here: Buy a Tickets Here

Women’s retreat features keynote speaker, Sr. Mary Eucharista Sr. Eucharista, program manager at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane, Wash., center, led a women's retreat held in Spirit Lake, Idaho May 17.   (Photo/Elizabeth Hersch) Elizabeth Hersch For the Idaho Catholic Register   On Saturday, May 17, in Spirit Lake, 33 women from parishes in North Idaho met for a beautiful day of reflection with Sr. Mary Eucharista, SMMC.    The hall at St. Joseph Catholic Church was colorfully decorated to welcome women from St. Joseph, St. Stanislaus, St. George, St. Pius X, St. Thomas and even as far away as Northern California.    The ladies enjoyed a light breakfast and had the opportunity to “meet and greet” before beginning the retreat, entitled, “Clothed with Splendor… Daughters of the King (Ps 45),” reflections on Pope Saint John Paul II’s apostolic letter on the Dignity and Vocation of Women (Aug 15, 1988).    The day was broken into three sessions, featuring an enlightening question/answer period.  Sr. Mary Eucharista, program manager at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane, Wash. was asked to return this year after leading the North Idaho women’s retreat in 2024.    She shared amusing anecdotes throughout the day, highlighting women's gifts – Receptivity, Maternity (the innate drive to nurture and protect), Generosity and Sensitivity. These feminine gifts reflect God’s work in our lives and bring us closer together in recognizing our calling to nurture and protect others. Sr. Mary Eucharista emphasized the significant role that women play, and have historically always played, in our church. A lively discussion of “What is a Woman” ensued, and laughter abounded.  The ladies in attendance felt pampered and valued as they sat down to a beautiful luncheon, provided and served by the Knights of Columbus Council 15304 (St. Stanislaus in Rathdrum and St. Joseph in Spirit Lake). Guests enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches, with a variety of sides, and many delicious desserts. Each place setting also included a small gift bag with sweets, a religious charm and a special prayer card which read, “May Mary, Queen of Love, watch over women and their mission in service of humanity, of peace, of the spread of God’s Kingdom (Pope Saint John Paul II).”  Members of the Knights of Columbus Council 15304 (St. Stanislaus in Rathdrum and St. Joseph in Spirit Lake) served a luncheon for the ladies during their retreat.   (Photo/Elizabeth Hersch)   After lunch, the assembly gathered in the church, where Sr. Mary Eucharista prepared the attendees for Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.    Fr. Arogyam Madanu, Parochial Vicar for St. Joseph Chapel, presided over Adoration and provided opportunities for Confession. Some women in attendance had never experienced Adoration before and were profoundly moved by this beautiful devotional. Others said they were inspired to go to Confession for the first time in years. Returning to St. Joseph Hall, the retreat continued with the third session.    Throughout the day, Sr. Mary Eucharista made many suggestions for individual reading, including books by Laura Doyle, “The Surrendered Wife, The Empowered Wife”,  which had been explored during the 2024 retreat.   This extraordinary gathering of mothers, daughters, sisters and friends began at 9 a.m. and concluded at 3 p.m. Many stayed to chat afterwards, and among the comments were, “When is our next retreat?” and “Can we invite Sr. Mary Eucharista to speak again?”    The retreat committee has already begun exploring dates and topics for next year and hopes to make this an annual event.

Integrating virtue, prayer, and psychology, Catholic therapy seeks healing that leads to holiness By Michael D’Esterre, MSW, LICSW Archangel Catholic For the ICR Contrary to popular belief, the Catholic Church has long understood the importance of mental health. From the earliest centuries, Church thinkers like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas reflected deeply on the inner life of the human person. They recognized that our thoughts, emotions, and psychological experiences are not separate from our faith, but rather flow from the nature God gave us. In fact, the Church has even given us a patron saint of mental illness: St. Dymphna, a young martyr of the 7th century. Her designation is a striking testament to the Church’s early concern for mental and emotional suffering. Though her full story is one for another time, her intercession offers hope for those navigating these invisible wounds today. Ancient Concern, Modern Tools While the Church has always cared for the whole person, the field of psychology—the scientific study of the mind and behavior—is a more recent development. In the long history of science, it is still young. But rather than treat psychology with suspicion, Catholics should approach it as another way of uncovering the truth about God’s creation. When rightly ordered, psychological science helps us understand and care for the human person, which aligns with the Church’s mission. Today, mental health struggles are common and varied. Healing may involve various paths, including reading, prayer, spiritual direction, coaching, or professional therapy. Here, we will focus on licensed counseling, a particularly helpful resource when one’s struggles go beyond what can be managed alone. What Is Counseling? Counseling is a professional relationship designed to help individuals explore, understand, and address their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Its goals include personal growth, emotional healing, improved relationships, and the development of healthy habits. Ultimately, it’s about helping people live more freely and fruitfully. The process usually begins with a short consultation—often free—where you meet a counselor and discuss your concerns. If it feels like a good fit, regular sessions are scheduled, typically on a weekly or biweekly basis. Over time, many find that they’ve met their goals and can “graduate” from counseling, entering a new season with greater peace and confidence. Counseling is not a permanent crutch—it’s a tool for restoration and growth. Common Catholic Concerns Many faithful Catholics wonder: Shouldn’t my faith be enough? Aren’t these struggles my cross to bear? These are important questions, and Scripture offers guidance. St. Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”   (Philippians 4:6–7). Indeed, God’s grace is our deepest source of healing. But the Church teaches that grace builds on nature —a phrase attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas. It’s important to discern the difference between carrying a cross and carrying an untreated wound. Yes, suffering is part of the Christian journey. But that doesn’t mean we are meant to suffer alone or unnecessarily. If you broke your leg, no one would say you should avoid the hospital because it’s “just your cross.” Mental health struggles deserve the same compassionate response. Walking with a counselor may be part of how you carry that cross with strength and hope. Why Catholic Counseling? There are many competent and well-trained counselors in the world. So why seek a Catholic counselor? While secular therapy often focuses on improving quality of life, Catholic counseling sees this as only part of the picture. A Catholic counselor recognizes that earthly healing is meant to lead us toward eternal life. The goal is not just comfort, but conversion—a deeper freedom to love and follow Christ. A Catholic counselor will, of course, uphold Church teaching and offer moral clarity. But even more, they’ll integrate faith and psychology to help you grow in virtue, resilience, and spiritual maturity. The human person is a unity of body, mind, and soul, and Catholic therapy seeks to heal all three. The spiritual lens offered by a Catholic counselor can profoundly reframe the counseling process. It’s not about self-improvement for its own sake—it’s about healing that leads to holiness. Therapy and the Church’s Mission The Church’s mission has always been to care for the whole person. From hospitals and hospices to confessionals and counseling offices, the Church offers paths to healing. Mental health care is simply a continuation of this tradition, drawing on both spiritual and scientific insights to restore what is wounded. If you’re struggling emotionally or mentally, seeking therapy does not mean your faith has failed. On the contrary, it can be a profound act of humility, trust, and cooperation with God’s grace. We are not meant to journey alone. God often works through the hands and wisdom of others—therapists included. When integrated with the faith, counseling becomes more than problem-solving. It becomes a means of sanctification—a way of healing that brings us closer to the person God is calling us to be. Final Thoughts The Church’s long-standing concern for the full dignity of the human person includes our mental and emotional well-being. From St. Dymphna to modern Catholic counselors, we see a consistent truth: God desires to heal every part of us. If you’re considering counseling, especially Catholic counseling, take the first step. Healing is possible, and the goal is not just relief—it is freedom. Freedom to live, to love, and to respond to God’s call with joy and clarity. Let us support one another on the journey to wholeness, remembering always that true healing—body, mind, and soul—comes through Christ, the Divine Physician. Michael D’Esterre is a licensed psychologist and the director of Archangel Catholic, a telehealth resource based in Denver and Boulder, CO, as well as Spokane, WA, with a branch office in Boise. For more information or to speak with a Catholic counselor, visit archangelcatholic.com or call (208) 557-1780.