Jaqi Kararic, far right, poses with her parents Asmir and Isabel Kararic. (ICR photo/Kathryn Ineck) by Kathryn Pasker Ineck ICR Assistant Editor Jaqi Kararic, St. Mark’s, Boise, is a student at CWI and the second recipient of the Birthright Scholarship. She works for the St. Luke’s Health System as a medical assistant and is working toward becoming an emergency medicine physician’s assistant. “Birthright’s scholarship has helped me immensely,” she said. “During my second semester of the medical assisting program, I was on the verge of having to withdraw because I had no way to pay the remaining tuition. When Birthright stepped in, it truly felt like someone had answered my prayers. The scholarship has also helped in my day-to-day life by allowing me to save money for gas, groceries, and Kash’s needs while continuing my education.” When she became pregnant with now-four-year-old Kash, “I was scared and sad because I didn’t know how I was going to raise a baby. I expected my family to be upset, but instead they became my biggest supporters. Their love and encouragement gave me the confidence to keep moving forward.” “My family has helped me with everything. They supported me as I left an abusive situation, helped Kash and me get settled into our new reality, and have continued to encourage me while I balance work, school, and raising Kash. I truly don’t know where I would be without them.” Often, people think to give monetary gifts, meals or other material items to new moms. We can help mothers in other ways, too. Jaqi said, “I think the best thing you can give a pregnant woman or new mom is your support. Sometimes having someone who will simply listen without judgment can make all the difference. Offering to watch the baby for a little while so she can shower, rest, or take care of herself is also incredibly meaningful. Those small acts of kindness can have a huge impact.” Ongoing needs for moms in Jaqi’s position also include “affordable childcare, financial assistance, flexibility while pursuing education or work, and emotional support. Knowing that someone believes in you and is willing to help can make all the difference,” she said. “Becoming a mom changed the direction of my life, but it didn’t end my dreams,” Jaqi commented. “In many ways, it gave me a bigger reason to chase them. Everything I’m working toward is to build a better future for my son. I’m incredibly grateful to Birthright for believing in moms like me and helping make those dreams possible.”

Emcee Hope Ryan showcases the materials available to people seeking help for an unexpected pregnancy (ICR photo/Kathryn Ineck) by Kathryn Pasker Ineck ICR Assistant Editor Birthright of Boise hosted its annual benefit, the Heartfelt Harvest Dinner Auction, on Saturday, October 3, at Potomac Manor in Boise. As a non-profit, interdenominational, volunteer-staffed pregnancy resource center, Birthright relies on donations to keep its doors open and the benefit — featuring guest speakers, dinner, raffles and silent auction — is its largest fundraiser each year. Hope Ryan, Salt & Light Radio Morning Show co-host, acted as emcee and kept the evening on track beginning with opening remarks. Birthright Board President Mary Pasker offered a blessing before speakers Mary Kay Klein and Kathy Webster, Birthright of Boise’s executive director and outreach coordinator, respectively, addressed the attendees. Kathy Webster speaks to the attendees. (ICR photo/Kathryn Ineck) A desire to be seen “There is a deep human need that every single one of us in this room shares tonight: the simple desire to be seen,” said Webster, a St. Mark’s, Boise, parishioner. “To know that when life becomes heavy, the unexpected happens, and we are feeling completely overwhelmed, we do not have to carry that weight alone.” In recent years, Birthright of Boise has expanded its efforts to include offering online classes and higher education scholarships to single mothers: three women have so far been awarded and that monetary support has given them the ability to care for their children while gaining important skills. One such recipient, Emily, is on track to graduate from the nursing program at the College of Western Idaho in the Spring of 2027. Kennedy, a Boise native and Boise State University graduate returned to school to study cosmetology. An unexpected pregnancy and subsequent breakup with her long-term boyfriend made paying tuition difficult. But Birthright stepped, offering scholarship assistance as she prepares for the birth of her child. Birthright is also part of the effort to add a Safe Haven Baby Box in Nampa, slated for installation next summer and funded by Angels Among Us and Treasure Valley Teens for Life. Once it is cleared by city officials, the box will be installed and Birthright will fund the yearly maintenance and training fees. Community outreach Rather than waiting in the office for women in need to come to Birthright, participation within local communities is important. “The billboards, resource fairs, community partner meetings and advertising aren’t just marketing — they can be a lifeline for women who might not otherwise know we exist,” Webster explained. “They ensure that when someone’s classmate, coworker, neighbor, daughter or themselves are navigating the unexpected, they know exactly where to turn to find a safe space for their questions, a listening ear and support, including material aid and online classes. “Awareness opens the door, whether through a conversation at a tabling event, our logo seen on a bus panel, an online search, or a referral from a community partner,” she added, “But the real impact happens through genuine, one-on-one support. It’s about ensuring everyone who visits our office feels seen, heard, and loved. We owe endless gratitude to our volunteers who make those moments possible.” Mary Kay Klein speaks about Birthright of Boise's efforts. (ICR photo/Kathryn Ineck) Mary Kay Klein, member of St. Paul’s BSU Student Center, Boise, first heard about Birthright many years ago through a friend at her parish. “Since my background is as maternal child health and lactation consultant, I was kind of piqued by the opportunity to work with moms and babies and so I thought, ‘Wow, that’s a great way I can combine my religious pro-life interests with my professional interest.” She acted as a volunteer before becoming co-executive director and later executive director. While Birthright does not affiliate with other pregnancy resource centers, Klein explained that “even though we’re not a faith-based group by definition, we still partner with [other PRCs] in the sense that we all get together quarterly and just share what we’re doing, and it’s interesting to different groups that are involved. And it’s not just pregnancy resource centers; they could be housing authorities or job training programs, so we keep each other up-to-date on what we’re doing, or what we’ve heard is going on in the community.” This collaboration helps Birthright get the right care, resources and support to the women who need it. People often walk past Birthright booths at public tabling events because they don’t realize Birthright’s resources extend a lot further than pregnancy counseling, “When people feel defensive, they shut down; when they see what Birthright offers, they are amazed,” Klein observed. Birthright resources and services Birthright offers free, confidential and nonjudgmental support to women who are pregnant, or think they might be, regardless of age, marital status, race, religion, location or income. All visits are completely confidential and completely free of charge, regardless of income level, and all visits seek to understand the needs of the person before them to offer factual, unbiased information about pregnancy options and access to services. While not a medical clinic, Birthright provides medical-grade pregnancy tests and Medicaid pregnancy test verification forms as well as community resource referrals; maternity and baby/toddler clothes, diapers and wipes; scholarships, parenting and life skills classes and other forms of support to both women and men. Newborn layettes are provided to moms, and each includes diapers, receiving blankets, several new articles of clothing and small toys. “New mama boxes” are a highlight for new mothers coming to Birthright for assistance — provided with the assistance of the Order of Malta — and contain emotional support items like hand lotion, socks and a water cup. A recent and practical companion to the new mama boxes are the “new mama hygiene boxes,” which include essentials to help new moms as they navigate the first few weeks at home, like shampoo, conditioner and laundry detergent. History Birthright was established in Ontario, Toronto, Canada, in 1968 by Louise Summerhill, a Catholic, stay-at-home mom of seven who was compelled to do something to help women facing unplanned pregnancies. “When Louise founded Birthright back in 1968,” Webster explained, “she laid down a foundational principle: Birthright should be staffed by volunteers. Why? Because Louise understood something fundamental. As she states in her book [The Story of Birthright: The Alternative to Abortion], ‘We should not underestimate the power of love. We do not need professional training in order to listen, to understand, to love.’” The Birthright of Boise chapter was founded in 1977 to assist women local to the Treasure Valley; it was later relocated to Meridian as the population grew and moved west. “I am immensely proud of the work we are doing to ensure that every single mother — and father — in the Treasure Valley knows they are not alone,” Webster said. Outside the Treasure Valley, Idaho boasts chapters in Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls.

Send your parish, school and ministry community calendar events one week in advance of the physical ICR publication date to editor@rcdb.org or anytime to add it here. NOTICES YARD SIGNS AVAILABLE Help your neighbors see that Idaho chooses life. Two simple signs are available: Stop Prop 1 We have yard signs available across the state to help voters recognize how extreme Proposition 1 really is. Email Info@StopProp1.org to find one locally. Please consider making a donation of $4.50 per sign Donate at StopProp1.org. We Choose Life Contact Idaho Chooses Life to request their “We Choose Life” sign. Idaho law protects political yard signs on private property. An HOA may set reasonable rules about size, number, and placement — it cannot ban you from displaying a sign supporting or opposing a ballot measure. Don’t let fear of an HOA keep you from standing for the unborn. Put a sign out. Start a conversation. Vote No on Prop 1. SVdP SW Idaho Thanksgiving Volunteer Sign Up Volunteers help prepare and distribute the boxes so fam-ilies experiencing financial hardship can enjoy a warm, traditional Thanksgiving meal together. This program sup-ports hundreds of local households and reflects SVdP’s ongoing mission to nourish hope and strengthen our community. Unable to Volunteer? Get Involved by Building or Donating a Food Box! VOLUNTEER SIGN UP Volunteer questions: Contact volunteer@svdpid.org Event questions : Contact thanksgiving@svdpid.org Verbum Spei: the Brothers' apostolate work in the Treasure Valley has grown! They are in need of a small- to mid-sized, 4-door sedan. Gas economy is a factor. Call or text Father Johannes at (208) 809-6120. Verbum Spei is looking for a few good hands! The monastery cottages have some handyman needs, specifically bathtub recaulking and outside door weatherstripping replacement. Contact: Kit (530) 307-0575 OCTOBER 2026 Now – Nov. 1: 40 Days for Life Sign up to spend an hour in prayer for the right to life of all Idaho’s pre-born babies and in support of mothers. Vigil location: public sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood, 2112 E. Franklin Rd., Meridian. Vigil hours: Sept. 23 – Nov. 1, daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Local contacts: Jackie (208) 420-8823 or Karen (208) 869-6804 Sign up: 40daysforlife.com/meridian St. Mark's Noel Boutique - Vendors Wanted, Boise Vendors are wanted for St. Mark's Noel Boutique. If interested, please email brownrose73@yahoo.com. The deadline for vendor registration is October 31. Hours for the boutique are Saturday, Nov. 21 (8am to 5pm) and Sunday, Nov. 22 (9am to 1pm) at St. Mark's, 7960 W Northview St., Boise. Oct. 24: Anchored in Hope Idaho Catholic Marriage Conference, Boise The Diocese of Boise's Marriage and Family Life Office is pleased to offer our 2nd annual Idaho Catholic Marriage Conference at the Boise Centre to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. Register: https://dioceseofboise.regfox.com/idaho-catholic-marriage-conference-2026 Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Boise Centre West, 850 W. Front St., Boise Speakers: Michaelann & Curtis Martin Beth & Dr. Edward Sri Lorissa & Johnny Horn Bishop Peter F. Christensen Oct. 24: Naming and Taming Anxiety and Stress, Online The Dioceses of Boise, Baker and Spokane will host a four-week virtual retreat with Catholic therapist Jim Otremba, focusing on anxiety and negative stress. Sessions are Oct. 24 and 31, and Nov. 7 and 14, from 1-2 p.m. Mountain Time via Zoom. Cost is $97 Registration closes Oct. 17. Register online at jimotremba@gmail.com Oct. 24 – 25: Corpus Christi Bazaar, Fruitland On Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Corpus Christi parish, 900 NW 7th St., Fruitland, will host a bazaar with 30 vendors, cookies by the pound, and cinnamon rolls. The youth group will sell lunch. Oct. 25: Marian Pilgrimage: One Extra Rose, Moscow Are you willing to make an extra gift to our dear Mother, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, during this special month of the Holy Rosary? Join the Moscow Catholic Community on Sunday, October 25, 2026, for our 4th Annual Marian Pilgrimage in honor of our Blessed Mother. We will begin our pilgrimage from St. Augustine’s Catholic Church (628 S. Deakin Ave., Moscow, ID) after the coffee hour following the 11:00 a.m. Mass, at approximately 12:30 p.m. We will then process to St. Mary’s Catholic Church (618 E. First St., Moscow, ID) while praying the decades of the Holy Rosary along the way. This will be another beautiful opportunity for us to come together as a Catholic community to honor our dear Mother Mary during the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. Come join us in prayer and fellowship as we entrust our families, our parish community, and our intentions to the loving intercession of our Blessed Mother. Oct. 28: France Pilgrimage Informational Meeting, Boise and Online Journey to Southern France! Join Salt & Light Radio and Spiritual Director Father Johannes Kamphuis for a pilgrimage to Southern France, April 19–27, 2027. An early booking discount is available through October 20, 2026. An informational meeting will be held Wednesday, October 28, at Our Lady of Ephesus in Boise and via Zoom. Learn more at saltandlightradio.com/pilgrimage. Oct. 31: Prayer Vigil with Verbum Spei, Boise The brothers would like to warmly invite Idaho Catholics to join us for a prayer vigil on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Ephesus, Boise. Begin by singing the Divine Office of Vigils, followed by a time of Eucharistic Adoration. Our primary intentions for this vigil are to celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints with the local community and to pray for the upcoming elections on November 3rd. NOVEMBER 2026 Nov 1: Parish Dinner, Ferdinand Assumption Parish, 406 Maple St, Ferdinand, is hosting their annual dinner on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The menu includes roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, roll and dessert. The price for the meal is $15 for adults, $7 for children K – 6th grade and free for younger children. Bingo will be played all day and the raffle drawing will begin at 4 p.m. with more than 20 chances to win. Nov. 1: Men's Conference Registration Opens, Boise Calling all men, registration opens Nov. 1 for the 2027 Idaho Catholic Men’s Conference themed, "All In." Join us on Saturday, Jan. 30, at Holy Apostles, Meridian, or participate online. Experience a powerful day featuring Mass with Bishop Peter, talks by Fr. Mark Goring, Joe Heschmeyer and Dr. John Bishop, and an opportunity to strengthen your faith with hundreds of other Catholic men. Register today at IdahoCatholicMen.org or call 208-344-4774 for more information. Fr. Mark Goring, CC, grew up in Pembroke, Ontario, Canada, and was ordained a priest in 2002. Over the years, Fr. Mark has served in a variety of ministries and is currently assigned to full-time evangelization. Fr. Mark is well-known for his online presence through his YouTube channel, where he shares daily reflections and teachings. He is also an author of several books and leads a School of Reading where he guides spiritual reading and personal growth. Nov. 2: All Souls Day Candlelight Vespers and Mass, Boise Candlelight Celebration of Vespers at 6 p.m. and Mass at 7 p.m. in remembrance of all the faithful departed at St. John’s Cathedral, 707 N 8th Street, Boise. In preparation, votive candles will be available at the parish office for writing the names of your loved ones beginning Oct. 11. Questions? Contact MJ Price: (208) 342-3511. Nov. 4: Pilgrimage to Ireland, Scotland and England Informational Meeting, Zoom See Galway, Our Lady of Knock, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Dublin, Edinburgh Castle, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Stonehenge, London and Oxford on this 15-day pilgrimage with Father John Moser and Deacon Bill Burns, Apr. 10 - 24, 2027. Informational Meeting: Nov. 4 at 6 p.m., MT Contact Dcn. Bill Burns at wdburns63@gmail.com Nov. 6: Church Builders Living Water Fundraiser, Boise Join us in person to support the Church Builders Living Water Fundraiser and help bring clean water to those in need and listen to speaker Lorissa Horn on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 at 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Pioneer Room, 6th floor of Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP), 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise. Register at www.EventBrite.com or www.ChurchBuilders.us. Discount pricing for table of eight or early ticket purchase before Oct. 1. Nov. 8: Annual Fall Dinner and Bazaar, Kamiah The annual Fall Dinner and Bazaar is set for Sunday, Nov. 8 at St. Catherine’s Parish Hall, 7th St. and Idaho St., Kamiah, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Event activities include: Full Turkey Dinner: (with dessert and beverage) for dine-in or carry out. Veterans $8.00 Adults $10.00 Children, aged 8 years & under $6.00. Country Store Prize Drawing Silent Auction Games for kids and adults The doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for those interested in playing bingo or viewing the items in the Silent Auction and Country Store. Dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join us for a day of great food and fun! Nov. 8: Harvest Festival, Lewiston All Saints Catholic Church, 3330 14th St., Lewiston, is hosting a Harvest Festival on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be kids games and a country store with beef pit BBQ, potatoes, coleslaw, rolls, green beans and chocolate cake. Entrance fees are $20 for ages 11 and up and $7 for ages 4-10. Kids aged 3 and under are free. Nov. 13 & 14: St. Jerome’s Craft Bazaar, Jerome St. Jerome’s is hosting a craft bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be for sale from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 216 2nd Ave. East, Jerome. No entry fee. Nov. 19 - 30: Light the World Giving Machine, Boise Support Catholic Charities of Idaho and other non-profits with the Giving Machine kiosk at the Boise Towne Square Mall. Public Launch Event: Nov. 19 at noon. For more information go to: https://www.justserve.org/GivingMachineIdaho Nov. 21: A Sacrament for True Sanctity, Boise A half-day couples retreat will take place at the Monastery of Our Lady of Ephesus, 4450 N. Five Mile Rd., Boise, on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 9 a.m. and will end with noon Mass and lunch. Childcare is provided. Register: Google Form Questions: registrar@vsboise.org Nov. 21 – 22: St. Mark's Noel Boutique, Boise St. Mark's Parish in Boise, 7960 W. Northview St., Boise, to host their Noel Boutique on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. DECEMBER 2026 Dec 1 - 14: Light the World Giving Machine, Caldwell Support Catholic Charities of Idaho and other non-profits with the Giving Machine kiosk at Indian Creek Plaza. Public Launch Event: Dec. 1 at noon. For more information go to: https://www.justserve.org/GivingMachineIdaho Dec. 5: Floriani Free Music Workshop, Boise Free music workshop for all music directors, choir members and interested musicians. Saturday, Dec. 5 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the St. John’s Riffle Center, 775 N. 8th St., Boise. Register at boisemorris@gmail.com. Click here to view the workshop flyer. Dec. 5: Floriani Advent Concert, Boise Saturday, Dec, 5 at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Cathedral. No tickets needed but a free will offering will be taken. Reception will follow in the parish hall to meet the singers. Click here to view the event flyer. Dec. 5-6: Oblates of Verbum Spei silent retreat Saturday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. to Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Plan to stay overnight for a solemn retreat experience or come as a day commuter. No charge to attend; free-will offerings are optional. Register online at www.vsboise.org. Dec 15 - 31: Light the World Giving Machine, Meridian Support Catholic Charities of Idaho and other non-profits with the Giving Machine kiosk at The Village. Public Launch Event: Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. For more information go to: https://www.justserve.org/GivingMachineIdaho JANUARY 2027 FEBRUARY 2027 Feb. 2: St. Augustine’s Church 60th Anniversary Banquet, Moscow Best Western University Inn, Moscow Holy Cross Dinner, Keuterville

By Vero Gutiérrez ICR Assistant Editor The Friends of the Poor Walk, organized by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to raise funds and awareness of its efforts to prevent homelessness, took place once again this year. The weather was excellent, and participants completed their walk through Julia Davis Park. There were two routes: a short, 1-mile route, which most participants took, and a 3-mile route, which took an estimated one hour to complete. Participants included families from various parishes, members of the St. Vincent de Paul conferences in Southwest Idaho, volunteers and friends of the volunteers. Taking advantage of Father Jerry Funke’s participation, the Catholic community began the walk with a blessing from the retired priest of the Diocese of Boise. He encouraged all participants to reflect on the pilgrimage we undertake as the Church Militant before reaching our eternal destination with God while walking. He also recalled the long journey of the people of Israel throughout the Old Testament. Conference President Becky Swarts commented that holding these activities is important because they raise awareness of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s work in Idaho and motivate others to support their parish conferences financially or through volunteering. Meanwhile, Joe Lasuen, the coordinator of the Friends of the Poor Walk, expressed his satisfaction with the results. He noted that it had been 12 years since the last event, and he is glad that they were able to hold it again. Organizing this type of event takes a lot of time, so he is seeking support from various parishes for next year to encourage their participation and promote the event among parishioners. Now that the event has been revived, he said they hope to hold it again next year with even greater participation. To achieve this goal, they will encourage parishes to compete by fielding teams with more participants. In addition to promoting physical activity, the walk is a good opportunity to improve overall fitness, meet new people and, above all, make a donation to help those in greatest need. The funds raised during this walk will directly support the conferences’ activities and the residents they serve. This assistance will address the urgent needs of families facing difficult situations due to circumstances such as job loss and health issues. These families require support to cover their rent and utility bills, as well as help with food and clothing. Lasuen and her team expressed their gratitude to all who participated in the event, including participants, sponsors and volunteers. Team members said they hope to participate next year and invite their friends, coworkers and neighbors to join them in this walk to prevent homelessness in southwestern Idaho. On Nov. 15, the 10th World Day of the Poor will be celebrated around the world. In this regard, Pope Leo included the following thought in his message: “I trust that this 10th World Day of the Poor may serve as a significant step toward rediscovering the faces of so many brothers and sisters who seek refuge in God and wish to feel at home in our communities. Christ’s love makes us participants in God’s life of love. In this sense, Christians are called not only to seek refuge in God but also to become a refuge for others in Him, without distinguishing between the one who helps and the one who is helped, the one who gives and the one who receives, or the one who is poor and the one who offers time, skills, and assistance. We are the Lord’s Church, a church of the poor—all precious, all participants, each one bearing a unique word of God. Each one is a gift to others.”

The Fowler family poses with Father Francisco Flores, pastor of Pope St. John Paul II Parish. By Philip A. Janquart ICR Editor Sam Fowler wanted answers. The former 35-year-old Protestant pastor spent years studying Scripture and teaching the Bible, but some things just didn’t add up. Most pressing was the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Sam didn’t know his search for answers would lead him away from the ministry he had spent years preparing for, to the last place he expected — the Catholic Church. “I just wanted Christ,” he said. “I mean, I just wanted what He’d promised.” That promise, he added, is found in John 6:54, where Jesus says, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.” “I was missing Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, taken into my body so that He lives in me and I depend on Him, like I depended on my father and my son depends on me,” he added. Sam and his wife, Amanda, were received into the Catholic Church on April 18 at Pope St. John Paul II Parish in Idaho Falls. Their twin boys, John and Caleb, were baptized the same day. It was the end of one journey and the beginning of another. Sam grew up in Grand Junction, Colo., in what he described as a nominally Christian home. His family prayed every night, but that was about the extent of it. His father’s family had left the Catholic Church in 1975, and there was little love for Catholicism in Sam’s home. Searching for God Things began to change after his paternal grandmother died in 2002. Her death led Sam’s grandfather to begin searching for God. He became a Southern Baptist and spent the rest of his life evangelizing and doing missionary work. That direct influence led Sam to become a Christian at 13, but the years that followed were filled with challenges. “I was just searching for God, but didn’t know where to look,” he said. “It led me in different directions that weren’t good.” Eventually, he found a church in Fort Collins, Colo., where a friend took him under his wing and began teaching him Christian doctrine. After college, Sam married and moved to Idaho Falls, where he now works in agriculture, making farm loans for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He and his wife became active in a Protestant church, both teaching Sunday school. Sam eventually became a youth pastor. After his twin boys were born, Sam left law enforcement after six years of service and returned to a more family-friendly work schedule. That gave him more time to study theology and teach. Eventually, he was ordained a Protestant pastor, a responsibility he took seriously. “I was not willing to lead anybody astray due to ignorance,” he said. Searching for Holy Communion The month following his ordination, he enrolled in seminary to pursue a master’s degree in theology. Then came his first assignment: choose any biblical topic and write a paper. Sam chose Holy Communion. For years, he struggled with how Communion was practiced in his church. The church celebrated it once a month, and the lack of reverence bothered him. “I didn’t understand,” he remembered thinking. ‘This is my Body. This is my Blood.’ But then we treat it flippantly.” He figured he would research Communion, find the answer, write his paper and move on. That’s not what happened. Sam started with Scripture. As a Protestant, he strongly believed in sola scriptura — Scripture alone. But the more he studied, the more convinced he became that Scripture treated Communion far more seriously than he understood. Then he discovered the Apostolic Fathers. He began reading Saint Irenaeus of Lyon and other early Christian writers and found something he wasn’t expecting: They believed in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Sam researched the different views of Communion and concluded that his own church practiced memorialism — essentially viewing Communion as a memorial, which no longer made sense to him. “That was a really dark time for me,” he said. “I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat.” There was a lot at stake. “All I’d ever wanted was to be a pastor,” he said. He had spent a decade in ministry, and the people around him were like family. But the more he studied, the more he realized his church’s teaching on Communion was not right. Still, Catholicism was not an option —at least not yet. “We don’t want to become Catholic,” Sam said. “But we were also convinced that there was something more about Communion.” They stopped receiving it at their church; then Sam had an idea. He would make Communion at home. He learned how to make unleavened bread and bought sacramental wine. One evening, after the children were in bed, Sam poured the wine, took the bread and read Matthew 26 and the account of the Last Supper. Then he prayed. “Lord, I’m lost. I’m confused. I’m scared,” he said. “But I know enough at this point that this could actually be true, that you could really be present in the Eucharist. And if it’s true, will you please show me?” Sam ate the bread; then something happened he still can’t explain. “I’m not going to tell you that it was a Eucharistic miracle,” he said, “But I will tell you is that it was the most substantial piece of bread I’ve ever eaten.” Sam likened eating the unleavened bread to eating something like a steak. “It was not bread,” he said with conviction. Even today, Sam is careful about what he says happened. He has a degree in natural sciences and has spent considerable time working with microscopes. “I don’t like to jump to conclusions without evidence,” he said. “All I can say is that it wasn’t unleavened bread anymore.” Amanda didn’t have the same experience that Sam did but nonetheless experienced “something.” “I’ve never felt closer to Christ than right now,” she told Sam after eating the bread. Sam turned to his college friend Luke, a devout cradle Catholic living in Montana and started asking questions — lots of them. By then, his seminary paper was the last thing on his mind. “I was on a different road of finding Christ,” he said. Finding peace Sam drew the Twelve Apostles on a chalkboard, traced their disciples and searched for their writings. Again, he found belief in the Real Presence. Eventually, Sam did something he never imagined he would do: He called a Catholic parish, told them he was a Protestant pastor writing a paper about Holy Communion, and asked to speak with a priest. Deacon Thomas Middleton called him back and agreed to meet. Sam brought his research, hoping he would tell him he had missed something. But he hadn’t. The conversation lasted several hours, and Sam finally revealed his experience with the bread. Deacon Middleton told him about Eucharistic miracles and invited him to Eucharistic Adoration. He knew nothing about Adoration but went anyway. “I felt peace for the first time in a couple of months,” he said. In the days that followed, Sam continued taking long walks and praying, ultimately arriving at the point of surrender. “Lord, I don’t care where you take me anymore,” he prayed. “I just want You, and I want You alone. Take me where you want me to go.” Things moved quickly after that, as Sam and Amanda spent hours studying Catholic teaching and working through Baptism and other doctrines. The Blessed Mother Mary was the last major hurdle, but once he worked through the theology, there was no going back. By late November, the decision was made. “This is real,” Sam recalled thinking. He enrolled in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, or OCIA, and met yet another deeply personal struggle. Sam’s grandfather, the man who helped lead him to Christ and had left Catholicism died in 2019. Knowing how his grandfather would have reacted to his conversion was painful. Eventually, Sam realized he had his own family to lead and his own decision to make. “I like to think that, with some refined clarity, he can see now and that he’s pleased with my conversion,” he said. I’ve found a well that has no bottom,” he said. The Eucharist is at the center, but Sam has also discovered a love for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “I’ve found great joy in the confessional,” he said. Looking back, Sam marvels at how his first assignment as a Protestant seminarian led him away from the future he envisioned and into the Catholic Church. “It went so fast after I gave myself over to God,” Sam said. “It was so, so fast.”

By Dr. Bryan Taylor Chancellor Baptism planning can sometimes resemble wedding planning. There is the date, the church, the family gathering and occasionally the delicate question of who gets to be a godparent. Before worrying about how many, however, there is a more important question: Who qualifies? A godparent is not simply your favorite relative, best friend or the person most likely to remember your child’s birthday. A godparent must be a fully initiated Catholic, having received Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion and who is in good standing and living the Catholic faith. (“Good standing” means a person is in full communion with the Church and is living consistently with its teachings and sacramental life.) Once you have cleared that hurdle, we can address the next potential family crisis: How many? Fortunately, canon law is considerably less complicated than family politics. A child may have one godparent. If there are two, there is to be one male and one female. That is it. Canon 873 contains no exception for large families, cultural traditions, persuasive grandmothers or the unfortunate fact that six relatives have already been told they are godparents. There is nothing wrong, of course, with surrounding a child with an army of faithful adults who promise to pray for, encourage and support the child. But canonically, they are not all godparents. Why the limit? Because being a godparent is not an honorary title. The Church calls the person a sponsor because the person is accepting a real responsibility: helping the newly baptized live the Christian life and grow in the Catholic faith. A baptized non-Catholic Christian may, in certain circumstances, participate as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic sponsor. But a Christian witness is not another godparent. And a Catholic who does not qualify as a godparent cannot simply be redesignated a “Christian witness.” Canon law saw that workaround coming. So invite the whole family. Recruit relatives, friends and anyone within six degrees of separation to pray for your child. But for godparents, the rule is simple: one is enough; two is the limit. Any more is just a crowd. Besides, there isn’t room in the baptismal register for more than two names anyway.

By Marco Roman, Ph.D. Director of Communications One sometimes hears the claim that Catholics should “stay out of politics,” particularly when the Church speaks about controversial moral questions. But this misunderstands both the Catholic faith and the nature of political life. The Church does not exist to promote a political party or candidate. She does, however, have a responsibility to proclaim moral truth, and Catholics have a vocation and responsibility to bring that truth into the communities in which we live. The Catechism teaches that “it is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good” (CCC 1913). It goes even further: “As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life” (CCC 1915). Participation in civic life, therefore, is not something foreign to Catholic discipleship. It is one of the ways we exercise responsibility for our neighbor and for the common good. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church likewise teaches that participation is one of the pillars of democratic society. Citizens are not merely spectators of public life. We share responsibility for shaping the laws, institutions and culture in which human beings, marriages, families and communities either flourish or suffer. This is especially important when political questions involve the natural moral law. The Church is not attempting to impose a uniquely Catholic morality upon society when she defends innocent human life, marriage and family, justice, human dignity or the fundamental rights of parents and children. These truths arise from the nature and dignity of the human person. They are not exclusively Catholic truths. They are human truths, accessible to human reason and applicable to every member of the human family. The Catechism teaches that the natural law expresses the “original moral sense” by which the human person can discern through reason what is good and evil (CCC 1954). It provides the indispensable moral foundation for building the human community and for civil law (CCC 1959). As St. Paul reminds us, the requirements of God’s law are “written in their hearts” (Rom. 2:15). God’s moral law, therefore, is not intended for Catholics alone. It is rooted in the human nature and dignity God has given to every person. Every society legislates morality. The real question is not whether morality will influence our laws, but which understanding of morality will influence them. Our laws already prohibit murder, assault, theft, fraud, perjury, exploitation, abuse and discrimination because society recognizes that certain actions harm human beings and the common good. We establish laws protecting children, property, contracts, workers, families and vulnerable persons. These are moral judgments expressed through civil law. Someone, therefore, will always help shape the moral fabric of society. The question for Catholics is whether we will participate in that process — or surrender it entirely to others. The Church’s social doctrine calls Catholics to something more than withdrawal. The lay faithful have a particular vocation to bring the Gospel and the moral truth about the human person into the temporal order: into our families, workplaces, schools, businesses, communities, culture and political institutions. We do not cease being disciples of Jesus Christ when we enter the public square or the voting booth. This responsibility becomes particularly serious when fundamental human goods are at stake. Here in Idaho, voters will go to the polls on Nov. 3 and consider Proposition 1, which concerns abortion. Whatever political slogans may surround the debate, abortion presents a foundational moral question: Does every innocent human life possess an inherent dignity that civil society is obligated to recognize and protect? For Catholics, the answer cannot depend upon political party, polling, convenience or changing cultural attitudes. Human dignity precedes government. It is not bestowed by the state, and therefore the state cannot legitimately decide that some innocent human beings possess it while others do not. This is precisely why Catholic participation in political life matters. The Church does not ask Catholics to transform the state into the Church. She asks us to help build a society worthy of the human person — a society in which civil law increasingly reflects justice, protects fundamental human rights and serves the authentic common good. We should also remember that not every moral issue carries the same weight. The Church’s social doctrine encompasses many serious concerns: care for the poor, migrants, workers, the elderly, the sick, prisoners, families and those suffering injustice. Catholics should take these responsibilities seriously. But the right to life is foundational because without life no other right can be exercised. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church reminds us that the political community exists for the common good — not merely the preferences of the powerful or the desires of individuals. Authentic freedom cannot be separated from truth about the human person. Freedom detached from truth can eventually become the power of the stronger over the weaker. That is particularly important when the person whose rights are at stake cannot speak, vote, protest or defend himself or herself. Our political engagement, therefore, should not arise from anger, partisanship or a desire for power. It should flow from conversion and faith in Jesus Christ, mature into faithful discipleship and holiness, and bear fruit in mission and charity. We participate because we love our neighbor. We vote because our decisions affect other human beings. We speak because silence can also have consequences. Catholics should never be embarrassed to bring moral truth into public life. Every political philosophy brings with it some understanding of the human person, freedom, justice, rights and the common good. Catholic social teaching simply insists that these questions must begin with the truth about the human person: created by God, endowed with an inviolable dignity, called to communion with others and redeemed by Jesus Christ. On Nov. 3, our responsibility is greater than simply casting a ballot. We are called to form our consciences, understand what is truly at stake, judge political questions according to moral truth and act for the common good — especially for those who cannot defend themselves. Catholics do not leave their faith at the doors of the voting precinct. We bring with us a conscience formed by the truth of God’s divine law, placed within each human being upon their creation. This law is not the possession of Catholics alone; it is God’s gift to the entire human family. We bring a responsibility to love and protect our neighbor, to defend the dignity of every human person, and to work for a society whose laws reflect the truth about the human person and serve the authentic common good. In doing so, we help build on what St. John Paul II so often called a “civilization of love.” This is not improper political interference. It is part of our vocation and responsibility as faithful Catholic citizens.

I arrived almost 9 years ago in Idaho, a state that has allowed me to discover great cultural diversity. One of the first events in which I participated was the process leading up to the Fifth Encounter of Hispanic Ministry in the United States. This experience allowed me to get to know and learn about the ethnic and cultural diversity that exists both in this country and in our Diocese of Boise. Often, as ministry leaders or as leaders of volunteer teams in our communities, we face the challenge of how to maintain and increase the faithful’s participation in the life of the Church. We constantly talk about how we must be open and “welcome” everyone, but there is a big difference between saying, “You are welcome here,” and saying, “We need you here.” We often behave more like gatekeepers than as those called to open the doors. We must move from being gatekeepers to being those who open doors. The difference lies in the questions we ask: gatekeepers ask, “Do you know how we do things here?” while those who open doors ask, “What gifts has God placed within you?” Gatekeepers protect their positions; those who open doors develop people to fill those positions. Gatekeepers worry about losing control; those who open doors are excited about multiplying leadership. Gatekeepers say, “Wait until you’re ready;” those who open doors say, “Come and walk with me.” On many occasions, ethnic and cultural diversity can be a factor that hinders the participation of the faithful. Our parishes and ministries must reflect this multiculturalism; let us look at our neighbors, our schools, and the families who walk through the doors of our church and our ministries. The face of the Church is changing, and that is not something to be feared; it is something we should celebrate. The Catholic Church is made up of people of all backgrounds: Anglo, Hispanic and Latino, Asian, Indigenous, African, and Caribbean; it is made up of immigrants, urban and rural communities, the affluent, the working class, and the poor. It is truly universal. Therefore, cultural and ethnic diversity is not something we need to add to Catholicism; it is already part of what it means to be Catholic. As the Second Vatican Council notes in “Lumen Gentium” “All people are called to be part of the new People of God… By virtue of this catholicity, each part contributes its own gifts to the others and to the entire Church.” (LG13) This diversity does not oppose the unity of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, reminds us that “from the beginning, this one Church has nevertheless been marked by great diversity, which stems both from the variety of God’s gifts and from the multiplicity of the people who receive them” (CCC 814). In Revelation 7:9, we read, “After this I saw a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” This shows us that heaven is multicultural. And if our Church and our ministries have the mission of preparing God’s people to reach heaven, perhaps our ministries and our parish communities should begin to resemble heaven a little more. Dr. Ansel Agustine, alongside members of the Holy Spirit Hispanic Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Southwest Idaho. (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez) I recently attended the National Conference of St. Vincent de Paul, where Dr. Ansel Augustine (Deputy Director of African American Affairs for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) shared the following reflection on multiculturalism in the Church and its ministries: “Building a multicultural Church and ministry requires more than just featuring different faces in our newsletters or event promotions. It requires listening; it requires humility; it requires relationships. It requires embracing the diverse cultural expressions that shape our community and our ministry. Often our institutions say, ‘Everyone is welcome,’ but what that really means is, ‘You’re welcome as long as you learn to be like us.’ A genuine welcome says, ‘Bring your story, share your culture, bring your language, bring your music, bring your questions, bring your experiences, bring your wounds, bring your wisdom—bring your whole self—and together we’ll discover what God is creating among us.’” Let us open our hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit so that we may all work together to be like those who open doors to ensure everyone’s participation in our parishes and ministries; let us work for the multicultural enrichment of our parish communities; let us build bridges, not barriers. May the richness of our cultures and races give impetus to the collaborative pastoral work that is so sorely needed in our communities.

Han pasado ya casi nueve años desde que llegué a Idaho y a este país que, desde el primer momento, me ha permitido descubrir una gran diversidad cultural. Uno de los primeros acontecimientos en los que participé fue el proceso del V Encuentro del Ministerio Hispano en los Estados Unidos. Esta experiencia me permitió conocer y aprender sobre la diversidad étnica y cultural que existe tanto en este país y en nuestra Diócesis de Boise. Dr. Ansel Agustine, junto a miembros de la Conferencia Hispana Espíritu Santo de la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl del Suroeste de Idaho. (ICR foto/Vero Gutiérrez) Muchas veces, como líderes ministeriales o como líderes de los equipos de voluntarios en nuestras comunidades, nos enfrentamos al desafío de cómo mantener e incrementar la participación de los fieles en la vida de la Iglesia. Continuamente hablamos de que debemos ser abiertos y dar “la bienvenida” a todos, pero existe una gran diferencia entre decir: “Eres bienvenido aquí” y decir “Te necesitamos aquí”. Con frecuencia nos comportamos más como guardianes de puertas que como quienes están llamados a abrirlas. Debemos pasar de ser guardianes de puertas a ser quienes las abren. La diferencia está en las preguntas que hacemos: los guardianes preguntan: ¿Sabes cómo hacemos las cosas aquí?, mientras que quienes abren puertas preguntan: ¿Qué dones ha puesto Dios en tu interior? Los guardianes protegen sus posiciones; quienes abren puertas desarrollan a las personas para que ocupen sus posiciones. A los guardianes les preocupa perder el control; a quienes abren puertas les entusiasma multiplicar el liderazgo. Los guardianes dicen: “Espera a estar listo”; quienes abren puertas dicen: “Ven y camina conmigo”. En varias ocasiones la diversidad étnica y cultural puede ser un factor que dificulta la participación de los fieles. Nuestras parroquias y ministerios deben ser el reflejo de esta multiculturalidad; observemos a nuestros vecinos, a nuestras escuelas y a las familias que cruzan las puertas de nuestra iglesia y de nuestros ministerios. El rostro de la Iglesia está cambiando, y eso no es algo que deba temerse; es algo que debemos celebrar. Nuestra Iglesia católica es blanca, hispana y latina, asiática, indígena, africana y caribeña; es inmigrante, urbana y rural; de clase acomodada, de clase trabajadora y pobre. Es verdaderamente universal. Por eso, la diversidad cultural y étnica no es algo que debamos agregar al catolicismo: ya forma parte de lo que significa ser católico. Como señala el Concilio Vaticano II en Lumen Gentium, n. 13: “Todos los hombres están llamados a formar parte del nuevo Pueblo de Dios… En virtud de esta catolicidad, cada una de las partes aporta sus propios dones a las demás y a toda la Iglesia”. Esta diversidad tampoco se opone a la unidad de la Iglesia. El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, en el n. 814, recuerda que “desde el origen, esta Iglesia una se presenta, no obstante, con una gran diversidad, que procede a la vez de la variedad de los dones de Dios y de la multiplicidad de las personas que los reciben”. En el libro del Apocalipsis 7:9, leemos “Después de esto vi una muchedumbre inmensa, que nadie podía contar, de toda nación, raza, pueblo y lengua, que estaba de pie delante del trono y delante del Cordero.” Esto nos muestra que el cielo es multicultural. Y si nuestra Iglesia y nuestros ministerios tienen la misión de preparar al pueblo de Dios para llegar al cielo, quizá nuestros ministerios y nuestras comunidades parroquiales deberían empezar a parecerse un poco más al cielo. Recientemente asistí a la Conferencia Nacional de San Vicente de Paúl, donde el Dr. Ansel Augustine (subdirector de Asuntos Afroamericanos para la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos) compartió la siguiente reflexión acerca de la multiculturalidad en la Iglesia y en sus ministerios: “Para lograr una Iglesia y un Ministerio multicultural se requiere más que poner diferentes caras en los boletines o en la publicidad de nuestros eventos. Se requiere escuchar, se requiere humildad, se requieren relaciones. Se requiere permitir las diferentes expresiones culturales que dan forma a nuestra comunidad y a nuestro ministerio. Muchas veces nuestras instituciones dicen “Todos son bienvenidos”, pero lo que en realidad significa es “eres bienvenido siempre y cuando aprendas a ser como nosotros”. Una auténtica bienvenida nos dice, trae tu historia, comparte tu cultura, trae tu idioma, trae tu música, trae tus preguntas, trae tus experiencias, trae tus heridas, trae tu sabiduría, trae todo tu ser y juntos descubriremos qué es lo que Dios está creando entre nosotros.” Abramos nuestro corazón y nuestra mente al Espíritu Santo para que trabajemos todos juntos por ser como aquellos que abren puertas para lograr la participación de todos en nuestras parroquias y ministerios, trabajemos por el enriquecimiento multicultural de nuestras comunidades parroquiales, construyamos puentes y no barreras. Que la riqueza de nuestras culturas y razas dé impulso al trabajo de la pastoral de conjunto que tanta falta nos hace en nuestras comunidades.

Matthew 22:34–40 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time This Sunday, the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we will hear the Gospel passage that addresses the question we all ask ourselves at the end of the day: What is the most important aspect of religion and Christianity? How do we respond to the challenges of our relationships with God and others? It was not easy for Jesus’ contemporaries to develop a clear understanding. Ordinary people felt lost. The scribes spoke of the 613 commandments contained in the Law. When the Pharisees questioned Jesus, He did not hesitate to answer them by recalling words that all Jewish men repeated daily at the beginning and end of each day: “Hear, O Israel: You shall love the Lord your God with all your soul and with all your heart.” Then He added what no one expected: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These two commandments are the most important. For Jesus, they are inseparable. You cannot love God and ignore your neighbor. It is worth recalling that the voice of God the Father was heard at both the Baptism and Transfiguration of Jesus, saying, “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” This voice echoes the announcement of the Incarnation of the promised Messiah. When the archangel Gabriel surprised Mary of Nazareth with God’s greeting, he invited her to conceive and give birth to “Emmanuel” — God with us. After saying, “Let it be done to me according to your word,” Mary conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and gave birth to the Son of God. “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God. Begotten, not made...” (Creed). Therefore, we can say that the center of Christianity is Jesus. In other words, Christianity centers on a human being — a man who reveals, makes known, and explains the invisible God to us. This earthly Jesus was born, lived, and died in Palestine during the time of Pontius Pilate in the first century A.D. When Philip asked Him to show them God, Jesus responded in a surprising and instructive way: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn 14:9). In His inaugural sermon at the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus explained His redemptive mission by quoting the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has sent me to proclaim the Good News to the poor...” That is, to every human being deprived of their dignity. Let us also recall the Beatitudes, in which Jesus sets forth the criteria for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. At the Last Judgment, we hear him speak with complete clarity (Mt 25:34-40): “Come, you who my Father blesses. Take your inheritance: the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” When they reply in surprise, “Lord, we never saw you!” Jesus reaffirms human dignity: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Therefore, love for our neighbor is quite clearly the center of our Christian life. Jesus gives us a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34). Jesus explains, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” and he declares, “You are my friends” (Jn 15:14).

Inicio de la procesión con la estatua de San Francisco de Asís en la parroquia de Saint Nicholas en Rupert. En junio de este año, a través de un decreto, el obispo Peter Christensen designó a la comunidad de las Hermanas Franciscanas de la Eucaristía de Pocatello como lugar oficial de peregrinación para el año de San Francisco. También en muchas de nuestras parroquias se realizaron celebraciones con motivo de la fiesta de San Francisco de Asís, especialmente este año, en el que celebramos su Año Jubilar. Así fue como la parroquia Saint Nicholas en Rupert, a través de su párroco, el Padre Camilo García, convocó a la comunidad para celebrar de manera especial la fiesta de San Francisco de Asís en este Año Jubilar. Tras participar en la celebración eucarística, la comunidad se unió en una solemne procesión por algunas de las calles de la ciudad. En ella participaron el Padre Camilo García, el diácono Paul Henscheid, seminaristas de la orden de los Misioneros Servidores de la Palabra y monaguillos. Exposición de santos y beatos franciscanos y de la Tercera Orden. Otra de las actividades que llevó a cabo la comunidad de Saint Nicholas, fue una exposición especial en uno de los salones parroquiales, en la que se presentó información sobre todos los santos y beatos de la Orden de San Francisco y la Tercera Orden de Laicos. Padre Camilo García, párroco de Saint Nicholas en Rupert, junto con el grupo de monaguillos, seminaristas Misioneros Servidores de la Palabra y algunos de los participantes de la procesión en honor a San Francisco de Asís. Al terminar los estudios bíblicos del verano, dirigidos a los niños de la parroquia y dedicados a San Francisco de Asís , el Padre Camilo García se caracterizó como el santo durante el último día de clases.

By Jay Wonacott Director of Marriage and Family Life for the Diocese of Boise This year Idaho voters have the opportunity to protect human life by voting No on Proposition 1. It is providential that October is Respect Life Month. We are at a crossroads in Idaho about our identity as a pro-life culture. Since the passage of the Dobbs decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022, the battleground for deciding abortion law occurs state by state. There have been some defeats, with losses in Michigan and Ohio, but also victories in states like Florida and South Dakota. Fortunately, the ballot initiatives that would have radicalized those state’s abortion laws worse than the U.S. law under Roe v. Wade were defeated. Now, it is Idaho’s turn to choose life over the culture of death. (Read the stories throughout this special section for information about how extreme these abortion statutes would be for Idaho). There are no ordinary people Idaho has a culture that upholds the dignity of each individual person and the right to life. While strong on this right, Idaho is compassionate and caring with 25 pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) statewide, ready to help women facing a pregnancy crisis. Pro-life leaders across our state hold the passionate conviction that every single life conceived in the womb of a woman should be respected and protected. Christian writer C.S. Lewis wrote in a sermon that “there are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal … It is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendors … Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object present to your senses … If he is your Christian neighbor, he is holy in almost the same way, for in him also Christ vere latitat — the glorifier and the glorified Glory himself, is truly hidden” (The Weight of Glory). As Catholics, we see the hidden reality of life in the womb and we lend our voice to the voiceless to promote justice. We proclaim the hiddenness of children in the womb so they might be seen by all in their true dignity. By extension, unborn children are also immortals, given an immortal spirit by the God in whose image and likeness they were created. In the highly acclaimed movie, Schindler’s List, Oskar Schindler saves the lives of 1,200 Jews during the holocaust. In saving these 1,200 people, Schindler actually saved more than 8,500 people; the living descendants of these 1,200 Jews. In the movie, those he saved present Oskar with a ring that has the words of the Talmud engraved on them: “He who saves a life saves the world entire.” Oskar had hoped that he could have saved more. Doing small things I am not Oskar Schindler, but I have my own story of helping to save a life from abortion. In the early 2000s, I was working as the Director of Marriage and Family Life in the Archdiocese of Portland. This job also had responsibilities in helping with respect life ministries, so I often took calls from women seeking information and help. Sometimes we can make a bigger difference by doing small things. One day, for me that was simply answering the telephone. I got a call from someone who said, “I have a young woman here who is strongly considering an abortion today, but she might change her mind if she were to get some help right away. Can you help me?” I took a couple of deep breaths after hearing this news and proceeded to make a call to a pregnancy resource center affiliated with Catholic Charities. My contacts there said to encourage the young mother to come right away. I hung up the phone and called the woman back about where to go with the young woman. She took the information and hung up the phone, and I said a little prayer that this would work. I didn’t hear anything about what happened. Fast forward into the future about six years: I was now working for Ascension Press and happened to be in Camas, Wash. with an event featuring Christopher West, speaking on the theology of the body. I was manning the resource table when a woman quickly approached me and asked if I was Jay Wonacott. She was very excited to talk to me: “Do you remember several years ago when you got a call about a young woman who was considering an abortion and you gave her another option?” “Yes, I remember! What happened?” I responded. “Well, the young woman did choose life, and she had a little girl. The little girl is alive and doing well just a few miles away from here. In fact, I know she is getting in her pajamas right now to head to bed. I just wanted to thank you for what you did that day. She probably would not be here today if I had not gotten ahold of you and asked for some assistance.” Of course, I had a lump in my throat thinking about the small part I played in helping this little girl’s mom choose life. The mother was scared, confused, and desperate. All it took was a few phone calls to get this woman to a place of support and to alleviate her loneliness and dispel her fear. She chose life I am sure the woman told me her name and the name of the mom and child, but I have forgotten. Maybe this is all for the better. I will probably never know her on this side of the veil, but I am so glad I picked up my telephone that day and played a small part in saving her life. We are all precious in the eyes of God. He is the Lord and the giver of life. All of us have a mission to do what we can to protect and defend life in this culture of death. I pray that the young woman whose life was saved that day will continue to recognize her greatness and use her breath of life to praise God, in whose image she was conceived and born into this world. Abortion would have destroyed this beautiful image in our world. Let us pray for life in October and keep Idaho a pro-life culture with our vote in November.