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Holy Trinity in Nezperce. By Bryan Taylor Chancellor of the Diocese of Boise Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a parish, mission, chapel and station? What distinguishes Our Lady of Tears Chapel in Silver City from Holy Rosary Station in Cambridge from St. Paul’s Mission in Malad? The Diocese of Boise has 51 parishes and 56 missions. Of the missions, 31 are stations and 25 are chapels. These are all holy places of worship, yet there are some distinct differences. In the Diocese of Boise, one can place the differences in a hierarchy as follows: Cathedral –  The cathedral is the bishop’s official church. It is the site of the bishop’s “cathedra,” Latin for “chair,” which symbolizes the bishop’s teaching authority and governance over the diocese per Canon 515 of the Code of Canon Law. The cathedra is what makes it different from all other churches in the diocese. Each diocese has only one cathedral. Parish –  A parish is a stable community of faithful entrusted to a pastor under the authority of a diocesan bishop. It has a defined territory and is led by a pastor, according to Canon 515. Parishes typically have their own church building, sacramental life, and administrative structures. A parish provides regular sacramental and pastoral care. Mission – A Catholic community or outreach established to serve the faithful in areas where the Church’s presence is not yet fully organized into a parish. Missions serve areas with fewer Catholics or insufficient resources to sustain a parish. They are usually under the care of a priest, religious congregation or missionary society. Missions are often focused on evangelization and the growth of the Catholic faith in the area. Chapel – A chapel is a sacred place designated for divine worship, but is not a parish. There are public chapels and private chapels. Public chapels are intended for the use of the faithful for public worship and are typically tied to a parish. Private chapels are intended for a specific group or institution, like a convent, hospital or university. There can be multiple chapels within a single church or parish, open to all faithful, that are not designated as the main sanctuary. Sacramental activities often occur at a chapel, but the administration of the sacraments requires proper authorization. Chapels are governed by Canons 1223-1235. Station – A station is often in remote areas where Mass or other sacraments can be celebrated. They serve as sites for occasional worship. They are typically cared for by clergy from a nearby parish or mission. They are common in missionary territories or rural areas, which characterizes a lot of Idaho, where a full parish structure is not feasible. So, who determines what is what and when? There is a multi-step canonical process in which stations, chapels and missions can be elevated to parishes and vice versa. Several factors can cause a change to the status of a place of worship: declining population and attendance, shortage of clergy, financial instability, structure or facility issues, diocesan reorganization, or lack of sacramental activity. During this process, the faithful, the clergy and the bishop work together to determine what is best for the diocese. Some examples:  St. Agnes in Wieser began as a station in the late 1800s and was served by the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise. The Catholic community’s growth in Weiser coincided with the increase in mining and farming activities, which brought workers from across the U.S. and the world, many of them Irish Catholics. Following significant growth, the station was elevated to full “parish” status in 1900 by Bishop Alphonse Glorieux, Idaho’s second bishop. Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Nezperce is another example. Holy Trinity is now a station, though many parishioners remember the days when it was a parish with an elementary school (St. Anthony’s). As a station, Holy Trinity is served by Saints Peter and Paul Parish, which also oversees Sacred Heart Chapel in nearby White Bird.

By Eddie Trask For the ICR Christian love enables us to understand the relationship between law and human rights. Pope St. John Paul II’s 1996 annual message for World Migration Day, "The Church & Illegal Immigration," declares, “The Church must not fail to speak up for brotherhood and to accompany it with acts testifying to the primacy of charity.” Within the current humanitarian confusion, where many migrants and refugees have been rendered commodities in a tiring game of partisan extremes, the operative phrase remains the “primacy of charity.” What we can do—here and now—is slow the pendulum of extremes by respecting the law and showing love to the people in front of us: those who find themselves in the middle of a national debate without consistent rules, desperately looking for a good samaritan to guide and care for them. Aware of this confusion and volatility, Catholic Charities of Idaho helps immigrants navigate their legal options while affirming that they are made in the image of God and have equal dignity with every other human being. This same approach helps foreign-born priests stay in Idaho, gives a voice and empowerment to victims of crime, and oftentimes paves a road to legal citizenship for those who desperately want to assimilate and live as unfettered, honest Americans. These services are vital for the state of Idaho and the universal mission of the Catholic Church. The Church and her teachings will always transcend politics and secular ideologies by consulting Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterial teaching, maintaining a robust, 2,000-year-old framework that considers every soul in the world, not just those in a single locale or culture. Does this mean we should permit crime under the guise of compassion? Of course not. Again, we are fundamentally talking about respect for the law and a nation’s right to protect itself while being a source of charity and mercy for our neighbors. Both are essential elements of Catholic dogma and doctrine. It is important to recognize that there are two popular responses to immigration that are both unhelpful. The first response is passivity and delay, where decisions are stalled for long periods, and crises are allowed to endure. When this happens, we lack necessary immigration policies that provide for our safety and the good of an immigrant’s future. The second response is reactivity, where decisions are hurried, and laws are unpredictably created and enforced so that human beings are shuttled around like cattle, stripped of their dignity. In both responses, Satan gains the upper hand. Using man’s pride and impulsivity, he covertly dehumanizes the most vulnerable. So, what can we do to combat the enemy’s playbook? Three things. First, ensure we are not labeling an entire people as violent criminals. Second, data from multiple sources should be inspected while contributing to civil discourse that inspires communion rather than divisive conflict. Finally, pray for an end to the crisis, for a solution that is lawful and supports our shared humanity, one that values the person and the law. By doing these three things, we can help keep the pendulum of extremes from forcefully swinging when political parties alternate. To echo the final point, Archbishop José Gómez of Los Angeles recently said: “…any enforcement actions should be prudent, and should be matched by immediate action in Congress to fix our immigration system, which has been broken for decades now.” Creating a just and humane immigration structure will take time and bipartisan effort. For this to happen, our nation needs to be more united, the width between political aisles must decrease, forgiveness must be extended in every direction, and immigrants must consistently be shown their identities as children of God, not game pieces. Some may think this will require a miracle. Well then, my fellow Catholics, let’s pray for such a miracle during this Jubilee Year. Our pilgrim brothers and sisters are hoping for one. Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Jesus and Mother of all the peoples of the Americas, pray for us! More resources: Catholic Charities USA Justice and Mercy Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum  (1891) Pope Pius XII’s Exsul Familia  (1952) USCCB’s Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope (2003) Pope Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est  (2005) Pope Francis’ Migrants and Refugees: Towards a Better World  (2014) USCCB’s Responding to False Claims About Catholic Organizations Serving Newcomers  (2024) USCCB’s Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform (2025) Catechism of the Catholic Church,  2238-2246

Above, Michelle Koepl and her daughter Kerstin by the votive candle stand at Holy Trinity Church. (Courtesy Photos/Phillip A. Janquart) By Kerstin Koepl for the ICR On July 5, 1896, 13-year-old Fred Baldus was working in one of his family’s fields. His parents, Karl and Elizabeth Baldus, had just taken possession of a 160-acre homestead outside the newly established town of Nezperce City (later renamed simply Nezperce). Like many new homesteaders on the prairie, Fred’s family were Catholic immigrants from Germany, but there was no Catholic Church in Nezperce. That was about to change, beginning with a chance meeting on a warm summer day. Fred was probably not expecting to look up and see a priest making his way beside the field, riding a black pony. The priest noticed that Fred was having a hard time with his farm work, so he stopped to help, introducing himself as Father Aloysius Soer. He was one of the Jesuit priests who served the mission churches of St. Stanislaus in Lewiston and St. Joseph in Slickpoo. He was making the two-day trek to Kamiah to offer Mass at the mission for the Nez Perce tribe. Fred invited him to his family’s home, and after gathering a few of the Catholic neighbors, Father Soer offered the first Mass in Nezperce. There were twelve Catholic families in Nezperce at the time, and Father Soer returned eight times in the following year to say Mass for them in the home of the Kemper family with the permission of Bishop Glorieux of Boise. Father Soer suggested building a permanent church as more Catholics came to the area. In 1898, the community purchased four lots at the north end of the town for $80 and built a small wooden church that measured 30 by 60 feet. The construction cost was $400, with parishioners supplying all the labor. Despite its tiny size, the church had both a bell tower and a choir loft. It was named Holy Trinity, and Father Soer presided at the first Mass in 1899. Father Soer and several other Jesuits from the Slickpoo and Lewiston missions came to offer Mass once or twice a month, often making the long journey in inclement weather, in both the summer heat and the winter cold. The other early missionaries of this period were Father J.G. Nicholson and biological brothers Father John Post and Father Hubert Post. The parishioners of Holy Trinity were deeply affected by the devotion of these priests and thought highly of them. The Jesuits called Father Soer “The Saint of the Rockies.” In 1903, Father Van der Velden was assigned as a permanent pastor for Holy Trinity. Not least of those affected by the example of these priests was young Fred Baldus. Father Soer had taught him to serve at Mass, and Fred would also accompany him to Kamiah and nearby Russell to serve. Eventually, Fred left the family farm in Nezperce and became a Jesuit priest. The little church at the north end of town was only used for a few years. A bigger church was built on the hill on the western edge of town. Once again, much of the work was done by the parishioners. This new church—which kept the name Holy Trinity—was consecrated in 1904. The hill where it was built was the highest point in town, and the new church made an impressive landmark. The original church building was demolished, and the lots where it had stood became part of the campus for the public school. The church stood atop the hill for about 80 years but was not to stand alone for long. In 1900 or 1902, the newly formed Holy Trinity Parish parishioners recognized a need for catechism lessons for their children so that they could receive their First Holy Communion. They pooled together $35 to pay John B. Lauby to teach the children for a month. Mr. Lauby quickly saw that a month would not be sufficient for the task at hand, partly because many of the children needed to be taught to read in addition to their catechism. Within a few years, this led to the formation of a Catholic school built next door to the new church. In the fall of 1907, the first classes began in the new St. Anthony’s School. The 1902 church and 1907 school were eventually demolished. In 1980, the building across the street, which had been part of the school grounds, was converted into a church, becoming the third and current Holy Trinity Catholic Church, still overlooking the little town of Nezperce.

La comunidad católica participa con el Obispo Peter Christensen, y los sacerdotes de la Catedral Saint John the Evangelist durante la apertura del Año Jubilar. (ICR Photo/Vero Gutiérrez) Por Vero Gutiérrez Asistente Editora Como Iglesia celebramos un año especial de gracia dedicado al perdón y la reconciliación, conocido como Año Jubilar. Este año, 2025, el Papa Francisco lo ha llamado «Peregrinos de la esperanza» En nuestra Diócesis de Boise, el Obispo Peter Christensen celebró la Misa especial de apertura del Jubileo el 29 de diciembre de 2024 en Saint Johns the Evangelist, cuatro días después de que el Papa inaugurara formalmente el Jubileo desde la Basílica de San Pedro en Roma con la apertura de la Puerta Santa. De manera especial, el Papa Francisco pidió que estas Puertas Santas sólo se designaran en Roma, y aunque nuestra diócesis no cuenta con una Puerta Santa, los obispos de todas las diócesis han designado un lugar donde se venerará una cruz especial con la reliquia de la Verdadera Cruz en el centro, para que los peregrinos puedan acudir a este lugar y obtener las indulgencias plenarias cuando no puedan visitar Roma. En la diócesis de Boise, la catedral de Saint Johns fue elegida para celebrar la Misa de apertura del Jubileo, y en ella, el Obispo Peter Christensen dijo: “Seamos peregrinos de esperanza en este nuevo año, sabiendo que nuestro Señor está con nosotros y que nos pide a cada uno de nosotros que seamos testigos de esperanza para los demás”. A lo largo de 2025 y hasta el 6 de enero de 2026, fecha en que el Papa Francisco clausurará el Año Jubilar, las personas podrán recibir gracias especiales visitando la Catedral. Es importante mencionar que la celebración del Jubileo proviene de las costumbres de los israelitas, ya que Dios ordenó a Moisés realizar esta práctica, según consta en el Antiguo Testamento de acuerdo al Libro del Levítico capítulo 25. Posteriormente, el Papa Bonifacio VIII comenzó a celebrarlo en la Iglesia Católica cada 25 años a partir del año 1300. La confesión es el punto de partida para obtener indulgencias plenarias en este Jubileo 2025.  Según la bula «Spes Non Cunfundit» (La esperanza no defrauda) publicada por el Papa Francisco, se deben cumplir ciertas condiciones para recibir una de las indulgencias plenarias. En primer lugar, la persona debe hacer la confesión sacramental, y en este punto en particular, el Papa Francisco ha convocado a todos los sacerdotes a ser accesibles ofreciendo a sus fieles oportunidades para confesarse. Aunque no se recomienda que se confiesen mientras se está celebrando la Misa, en esta ocasión, se ha concedido un permiso especial para hacerlo, facilitando a los fieles el acercamiento a la reconciliación.  Una vez escuchada la confesión, los fieles deben acercarse a recibir la Sagrada Comunión y rezar por las intenciones del Santo Padre, rezando un Padrenuestro y un Avemaría. Otras opciones para obtener la Indulgencia Plenaria además de peregrinar hacia la Catedral, y participar en la celebración de la Misa. También pueden participar de la Celebración de la Palabra de Dios, la Liturgia de las Horas (Oficio de Lecturas, Laudes, Vísperas), el Vía Crucis, el Santo Rosario, el Himno Mariano del Akathistos y la celebración de la Penitencia. La visita al Santuario jubilar, puede ser individual o en grupo. Otra posibilidad es participando de misiones populares, retiros u otros encuentros de formación sobre los textos del Concilio Vaticano II y el Catecismo. También, haciendo obras de misericordia corporales y espirituales, como visitar a personas necesitadas (enfermos, encarcelados, ancianos, etc.). Para los viernes, se proponen iniciativas penitenciales especiales, como abstenerse de distracciones banales (reales o virtuales, como las redes sociales). Se recomienda ayunar, practicar la abstinencia, dar dinero a los pobres, apoyar obras de carácter religioso o social (especialmente en favor de la defensa de la vida en todas sus etapas y de la prote-  cción de los menores abandonados, de los jóvenes en dificultad, de los ancianos necesitados o solos, de los emigrantes), y dedicar tiempo al voluntariado. La Indulgencia Plenaria puede obtenerse diariamente, y en el caso de los fieles que no pueden asistir a las iglesias designadas, como los enfermos, los ancianos y los presos, pueden obtener la Indulgencia uniéndose espiritualmente y ofreciendo sus sufrimientos.

Please call the Governor's Office today to register your support Good morning, everyone. As you may have heard, our School Choice Bill (House Bill 93) passed the senate on Wednesday afternoon. The bill is now on the Governor's desk.  This is what we have been waiting for.  Please take the time to call the Governor's office today. The number is 208-334-2100.  They have a separate automated survey line set up so you won't even have to talk to anyone . The process takes about one minute to complete.  House Bill 93 will provide a $5,000 refundable tax credit per child. It will help those families that want choice in their child's education but can't afford it.  It will benefit our Catholic Schools  and will also assist those in micro schools, learning pods or those in homeschool.  Because House Bill 93 is a tax credit, no money will come out of the public school's budget .  This is a win win for all of Idaho's kids . Thank you so much for your help! God bless you, Christian Welp Director of Special Projects, Diocese of Boise

Pope Francis prays during a general audience on Feb. 5. (Credit/Vatican Media) By Deacon Scott Pearhill ICR Editor On Tuesday, Feb. 18, a Vatican statement reported that Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. The statement said the Holy Father’s latest test results reveal a "complex" medical condition. The 88-year-old Pontiff had the upper lobe of his right lung removed as a young man and is prone to bouts of bronchitis in the winter, the Associated Press  reported on Friday, Feb. 14. “He is in good spirits and is grateful for the prayers for his recovery," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Bruni explained, “The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon" demonstrated the "onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy.” Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican Press Office said. Bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, which can develop in one or both lungs. When both lungs are affected, it is a more serious situation because there is less healthy lung tissue to compensate for the effects of respiratory illness. At the time of reporting, there has been no indication that the Pope is using supplemental oxygen, and the Vatican Press Office has reported that the Holy Father has eaten breakfast every day, is reading the newspapers and has done some work from his hospital room. The Feb. 18 online edition of the National Catholic Reporter  reported that “Despite his ongoing hospitalization, the pope has continued his almost daily calls with the Catholic parish in Gaza that he has spoken with each night since Israel's war against Hamas began in 2023. According to its pastor, Pope Francis called as recently as Feb. 17. ‘He was tired but with a clear voice,’ said Father Gabriel Romanelli. ‘He asked how we were and thanked us with prayers, and gave us his blessing.’” A rainbow appeared over Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 18, and Francis received get-well drawings and cards from children being treated in the hospital’s oncology ward, the Associated Press reported. Rome's Gemelli Hospital features a 10th-floor suite reserved for treating popes. On Monday, Feb. 17, a Vatican Press Office statement said, “Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he has been receiving in recent hours; he especially wants to extend his thanks to those who are hospitalized at this time, for the affection and love they have expressed through drawings and messages of good wishes; he prays for them and asks that they pray for him.” Please join Bishop Peter Christensen in praying that Pope Francis returns to full health. Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, look kindly on Pope Francis, your vicar on earth, and grant him relief from his sufferings.   To this faithful guardian of your Church, send an angel to shield and protect him. To this Priest who comforted and anointed the sick, now bring peace in his own time of trial. To this herald who has bravely proclaimed your Gospel, give the consolation of your word.   Hear the prayers of those who trust in you, O Risen Lord and Savior, who are seated at the right hand of the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.   Amen.

Maria and Rudy Ayala with their quadruplets. (Courtesy Photo/Rudy Ayala) By Gene Fadness for the ICR The Idaho Catholic Men’s Conference has drawn the best of nationally known Catholic speakers over its 10-year span. Nonetheless, the men are surprised when spiritual needs are met in more ways than just inspiring speakers. For some, it is Adoration or the opportunity to participate in Mass with the Bishop. For others, it may be Reconciliation or the camaraderie with many like-minded men. For Rudy Ayala of Immaculate Conception Parish in Buhl, it was an encounter with a relic. The relic of the True Cross was moved to the Men’s Conference at Holy Apostles in Meridian at the request of Bishop Peter Christensen. Bishop Peter asked Johnny Horn, Conference co-organizer, to transport the relic from the Cathedral where it has been on display, housed in the special Jubilee Cross near the Cathedral altar. It was a last-minute change for the Men’s Conference, but one that bore fruit in one man’s life and likely many others. The relic so impacted Ayala that he immediately told his family about it when he arrived home late Saturday night. “After I told them about the relic, I asked them if they would like to see it.” They said yes, so on Sunday morning, just hours after getting back from Boise, Ayala, his wife Maria and their four children made the 130-mile journey back to Meridian—only to find that the relic was no longer there. It had been moved back to the Cathedral. Having already attended Mass that morning at Holy Apostles, his kids wanted to go to Costco, but Ayala said he was still “determined to see the relic.” At Costco, they ran into Johnny Horn. When they told Horn that they had driven back to Boise to see the relic, Horn told them they could probably still see it if they left right then to get to the Cathedral in time for the close of the Spanish Mass. They grabbed a Costco hot dog and were out the door. Ayala, his wife and children were able to pray in front of the Jubilee Cross containing the relic. (Asked how old his children are, Ayala responded, “Eight, eight, eight and eight.” Quadruplets, two boys and two girls.) “It’s not every day you can see a tiny piece of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified,” Ayala said. “You may get to see other relics, but, for me, this was the top of the relics.” After a short time in prayer in front of the Jubilee Cross containing a fragment of the True Cross, the family got into the car and headed back to Buhl in the pouring rain. “I’m so happy my entire family got to see it,” Ayala said.

Deacon Robert Barros-Bailey speaks about retirement and a lifelong passion for faith-filled travel Mary and Deacon Bob Barros-Bailey on São Jorge island in the Azores, Portugal. (Courtesy photo/Deacon Barros-Bailey) By Deacon Scott Pearhill ICR Editor The former director of the Office of the Diaconate for the Diocese of Boise has been on a lifelong journey of faith and service that has taken him all over the world. Military service, work with non-profit organizations and Church ministry are some hallmarks of his faith life. It is not surprising, then, that in retirement, Deacon “Bob,” as he is more commonly known, also leads pilgrimages, even while opening an Airbnb with his wife, Mary, starting to grow coffee, and working towards becoming a certified coffee roaster. Given his love of faith-filled travel, it should also come as no surprise that he and Mary are doing this in Portugal! Deacon Bob was born in Washington, D.C., the son of a career Naval officer. He told the Idaho Catholic Register  ( ICR ) he was “born and raised Catholic” to a “very strong traditional Catholic family.” His father’s Navy assignments meant young Robert attended school in France, Virginia, Italy and Puerto Rico. He followed his father into the military and became a Naval Intelligence officer with four years of active service and 11 years as a reserve officer. He is a Gulf War Veteran. When asked about his Intelligence career, Deacon Bob told the ICR , “That’s all you get!” After his active military service, he worked with non-profits, including the Boy Scouts of America, where he was an executive. While working for a non-profit in Monterey, Calif, he met his future wife, Mary, who also worked for a non-profit. Mary and Bob will be married 35 years in August. Deacon Bob and Mary moved to Idaho, and he became Deputy Clerk for the City of Boise. Eventually, the Catholic community hired him to be the director of the Treasure Valley Young Adult ministry, and later, he became the high school and young adult minister for Holy Apostles Parish in Meridian. Bishop Peter F. Christensen asked Deacon Barros-Bailey to be the director of the Office of Diaconate in 2016, Deacon Bob’s final assignment before retiring in 2022. He said his vocation to the diaconate was inspired by a growing involvement in the Church, and the joy of working as a catechist and volunteer youth minister. This active participation in the Faith made him understand “that the Holy Spirit was calling me to a deeper level of service.” Deacon Bob was ordained to the diaconate for the Diocese of Boise on October 27, 2012, by the late Bishop Michael Driscoll. He was first assigned to Saint John’s Cathedral in Boise, then to Holy Apostles in Meridian and later to Our Lady of the Snows in Sun Valley. He described his role as director of the Office of the Diaconate as “Part coach, occasional enforcer, and formation teacher.” He added, “My favorite part was watching men grow into their vocation and the strong role the Holy Spirit plays in that process. My least favorite part was being the enforcer for guys who should know better.” The ICR  jokingly asked him which deacon was most annoying, not expecting a response. Deacon Bob replied, “Most annoying . . . me!” In retirement, he and Mary live on a little island in the Azores (Portugal) called São Jorge (Saint George), where Mary’s family has had a house for generations. “Life on an island in the middle of the Atlantic is both wonderful and challenging. The island is lush and dramatic with some towns, very familial communities, and a strong Catholic culture,” Deacon Bob said. “We have two houses; the first is Mary’s family home, which has been in the family for over 200 years. We have modernized it and use it as an Airbnb. Our residence is a small one-bedroom cottage 80 feet above the ocean,” said Deacon Barros-Bailey. Europe's only tea plantation is located on São Jorge island where Deacon Bob and Mary live in their retirement. (Courtesy photo/Deacon Barros-Bailey) He added, “We are starting to grow a variety of fruits and veggies as well as coffee.” It is a work in progress. Deacon Bob and Mary lived in Idaho for 30 years and now find themselves on a Portuguese island. The former director of deacons explained, “Idaho is all about mountains and prairies; São Jorge is all about the ocean.” But he was quick to note there are similarities, too. “The culture of self-reliance with a desire for community involvement” that we found in Idaho “carried over to our community here in São Jorge.” He spoke about the sheer tranquility present on the island. “My decision to retire on São Jorge is deeply intertwined with my desire for physical tranquility and spiritual enrichment. The island’s isolation and its vibrant yet unhurried community life allow me to step away from the busyness of past responsibilities and embrace a slower, more reflective pace. This environment is conducive to personal peace and fostering a deeper connection with my faith.” He noted that the Catholic culture on the island is very strong, with many public festivals for the Saints and liturgical seasons. In addition to getting their Airbnb up and running and becoming a certified coffee grower and roaster, Deacon Bob also helps at their local parish by doing some administrative work. He is “trying his best to learn Portuguese as quickly as possible.” And, as you would expect, he and Mary also travel a lot. “We spent a good chunk of January in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. I love the access to Europe.” Having lived in Portugal for a few years, what could be more natural for this pilgrim at heart than to share his joy, enthusiasm and tranquility with his Idaho community and the world? Deacon Bob is offering a pilgrimage retreat in Fatima (See page 15). He intentionally combines pilgrimage with opportunities to rest and reflect. Deacon Bob explained that too many visits to holy sites are hurried and exhausting. “I have developed a pilgrimage and retreat format that I will begin hosting in the fall of 2025. This program is designed to offer participants an immersive experience that combines travel to spiritually significant sites with reflective retreat sessions.” A pilgrimage retreat to Fatima will be his first, but Deacon Barros-Bailey intends to offer future pilgrimages to other holy sites. The “pilgrimage retreat” format is simple: morning and early afternoon visits to significant shrines and holy sites, followed by late afternoon and early evening retreat sessions reflecting on the day’s experiences. These retreats are crafted to allow participants to enjoy the holiness of sacred locations and engage in spiritual exercises that reflect on their personal faith journeys. “Through these pilgrimage retreats, I aim to create spaces where individuals can explore their spirituality more deeply while experiencing the profound impact of being present at these revered sites. It is a continuation of my life’s work, now enriched by the tranquility and inspiration drawn from my new home on São Jorge Island.” If you would like to join Deacon Barros-Bailey on a pilgrimage retreat to Fatima this Fall, please contact him at rbarrosbailey@gmail.com or call 208.371.8289. Deacon Bob also invites our Idaho parishes to work with their priests and deacons to form groups that travel together. “I will be more than happy to assist you in planning in any way I can. I am excited by the opportunity to facilitate these experiences in such spiritual locations as Fatima and Rome.” Pilgrimage Retreat Overview Fatima, Santarém, Lisbon “A pilgrimage retreat is a ritual journey with a hallowed purpose. Every step along the way has meaning.” –Macrina Wiederkehr, Behold Your Life The Sanctuary of Fatima, Portugal (By Renato Alves da Costa, CC BY 2.0, commons.wikimedia.org )   All breakfasts, dinners, and overnights are in Fátima Lunch is on your own Friday, Day 1: Begin Your Pilgrimage As you travel to Portugal, prepare your heart and mind for the profound experiences that await. Let the anticipation of this sacred journey fill you with hope and openness. Saturday, Day 2: Arrival in Fatima - A Spiritual Awakening After settling into your hotel, gather for a soul-nourishing dinner and an inspiring retreat introduction. As night falls, experience the awe-inspiring Fátima Shrine, where countless pilgrims have found solace and renewal. Sunday, Day 3: Fatima (Mary’s Apparitions and Message) Morning–After breakfast, we begin with Mass in the Chapel of the Apparitions. Visit the Basilica where Francisco and Jacinta are buried and follow the young visionaries’ footsteps. Let the natural wonders of the Mira de Aire Caves remind you of God’s magnificent creation. Afternoon/Evening–Retreat Session 1: “The Fire and the Rose: The Immaculate Heart of Mary.” Monday, Day 4: Fatima (Healing and Forgiveness) Morning–After breakfast, visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima for confession, Mass, and the rosary and then tour its museum. As you walk the Via Sacra, let each station deepen your connection to Christ’s sacrifice, arriving at the Hungarian Calvary on the Valinhos hill overlooking Fátima. Afternoon/Evening–Retreat Session 2: “From Sorrow to Joy.” After dinner, join pilgrims from all over the world in an evening candlelight procession to pray the Rosary for the sick and drink from the miraculous fountain. Tuesday, Day 5: Santarém (The Eucharist) Morning–After breakfast, venture to historic Santarém – one of the oldest cities in the world where faith has flourished for centuries. Walk through its narrow streets to the Sanctuary of the Eucharist Miracle, home to the oldest recorded miracle of the Eucharist that has been on continuous display since 1247. Afternoon/Evening–Retreat Session 3: “Food for the Journey.” Wednesday, Day 6: Lisbon (Pilgrimage and Community) Morning–After breakfast, travel to Lisbon Cathedral and the Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon. We will visit the Belém Tower, Jerome’s Monastery and the Monumento of Discoveries, which remind us of the far-reaching impact of faith. Enjoy lunch at the Time Out Market. Afternoon/Evening–Retreat Session 4: “River of Wisdom, The Rosary.” Thursday, Day 7: Lisbon (Peace and Reconciliation) Morning–On the way to Lisbon, visit the majestic Christ the King Shrine and Monument, a symbol of divine love overlooking the city. Then, visit Estrela Park, one of the nicest parks in Lisbon. Discover the city’s past at the Lisboa Story Centre and view masterpieces at the National Museum of Ancient Art. A visit to Portugal would be incomplete without visiting the National Tile Museum and taking Tram 28 to St. George’s Castle. Afternoon/Evening–Retreat Session 5: “Fado” dinner. Friday, Day 8: Fátima Departure - Carrying the Light Forward As you prepare to leave Fátima, reflect on the profound experiences and insights gained. Carry the spirit of this pilgrimage in your heart as you return home.   If you would like to join Deacon Bob Barros-Bailey on the pilgrimage retreat to Fátima this Fall, please contact him at rbarrosbailey@gmail.com or call (208) 371-8289.

The power of the 2025 Idaho Catholic Appeal What does it take to become a saint? By Margaret Hampton for the ICR If you’re imagining halos and thinking, “That’s out of my league,” don’t worry—becoming a saint isn’t about being perfect. Saints struggled, stumbled and faced challenges, just like us. What made them extraordinary was their deep love for God and others, which inspired them to pray boldly and act generously. This year’s Idaho Catholic Appeal, themed “Called to be Saints,” reminds us that holiness isn’t an impossible goal—it’s a call for all of us. It’s about loving intensely, praying fervently and giving generously as we work together to build the Kingdom of God in the Diocese of Boise. With a goal of $3.6 million, the 2025 Idaho Catholic Appeal is ambitious but achievable when we unite in faith and generosity. The Appeal supports more than 20 life-giving diocesan ministries and programs. In a recent video (scan QR code below), Bishop Peter F. Christensen explained that the Appeal will: Strengthen families, Form missionary disciples, Support clergy and seminarians, Provide hope and healing for those in need Last year, the Appeal returned over $900,000 to 69 parishes, enabling them to reinvest in their local ministries and projects. This highlights how the Appeal strengthens both the diocesan Church and local communities, allowing us to collectively build a stronger, more vibrant Catholic presence throughout Idaho. Bishop Peter extends a heartfelt invitation to every parishioner to participate in this sacred mission. He reminds us that it’s not the amount we give, but the love behind our gift that truly matters. Whether your contribution is big or small, it’s a tangible way to share Christ’s love and be part of something extraordinary. The Bishop also encourages us to embrace the power of prayer, especially through the Rosary, which has brought grace and strength to countless saints. He invites us to pray the Rosary together for a renewal of the Catholic faith and the success of this year’s Appeal. Participating in the Appeal is easier than ever, with direct debit, credit card, or online giving options. We’ve kept it simple so you can focus on the important part: being a saint in the making. As we take up this challenge together, remember that we’re all called to be saints. By loving deeply, praying with purpose, and giving generously, we can make a lasting impact on our diocese, our parishes, and the lives of those in need. Let’s answer the call, reach the $3.6 million goal and build the Kingdom of God here in Idaho—one prayer, one act of love, and one gift at a time. For more information or to donate, please visit catholicIdaho.org/ICA or contact the Diocese of Boise at (208) 342-1311. Your faithfulness and generosity are deeply appreciated, and your participation in this sacred mission will help bring the love of Christ to countless people.

Mary, left, and Natalie Edl sharing life together in Boise. (Courtesy Photo/Mary Hersley-Kaineg) By Mary Hersley-Kaineg For the ICR “You have to make a place where you are….as you are,” said 95-year-old Mary Edl of Risen Christ parish. Mary recently moved to Boise from her family home in Payette to live with her daughter, Natalie Edl. After 50 years in the same house, Mary found the transition challenging. “It wasn’t even a real decision,” said Natalie. “Mom was no longer able to live alone, and it just seemed natural for me to say, ‘She can live with me.’” Mary was born in Wisc. and grew up on a farm near Madison. No high school was available to her, so her parents arranged for her to board with a family in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Upon high school graduation, Mary entered nursing school in Milwaukee. She was offered a position at a Milwaukee hospital after completing her training. “But I had been away from home a very long time, so I decided to move back where I could be close to my family,” she explained. Once home, Mary began her lifelong nursing career when she accepted a position at the local hospital in Dodgeville. There, she met Joe Edl, one of the local farmhands. Joe was active in sports and especially loved baseball. He was a pitcher for the local summer baseball program and occasionally served as a catcher. After their marriage, Mary continued her nursing profession, and Joe continued his farmwork.          By the time three of their children were born, Joe realized he did not want to spend the rest of his life farming. By now, Joe was a talented mechanic, so in 1952, the family moved to Wyoming, where Joe began working on an oil rig and Mary continued her nursing profession. While in Wyoming, six more children were added to the family. In 1966, the family moved to a small farm in Payette, Idaho, where Mary lived for the next 50 years. Natalie, third of the nine Edl children, stayed in Wyoming and graduated from the University of Wyoming, majoring in geology. She soon found a position with Morrison-Knudson (MK) in Boise. After three years with MK, Natalie accepted a new position with the Idaho Transportation Department where she remained until she was eligible for retirement. During her time in Boise, Natalie has been active in her church. She was part of the Risen Christ Catholic Church building committee, working closely with Monsignor Joe DeSilva. Natalie is a gifted seamstress and has formed a sewing group that meets regularly at Risen Christ Church. The group makes “fidget” mats and other items for patients and residents of a local care facility. After her retirement, Natalie bought a house “with a huge backyard because I love to garden,” she said. “My dream of retirement was to have a lot of time for myself, to do all the ‘retirement’ things.” “When mom had her second stroke, it became obvious she could no longer be alone,” Natalie continued. “While my brother and sister lived very near to Mom, in houses on the same property, they had jobs to go to every day. While the family was discerning the best course of action, it occurred to me that the right thing to do was to invite Mom to come live with me,” said Natalie. “It wasn’t a real [difficult] decision. Mom ‘came home’ to Boise.” “I did not move well,” added Mary. “They moved a distraught, stressed-out lady, and I had to accept that there was no other option.” “It wasn’t difficult,” Natalie said, “though, of course, my priorities had to be shifted, some of my activities are now limited, and I’ve lost some of my autonomy.” “It’s okay,” laughed Mary. “There’s no fussing, and she (Natalie) accepts me as I am,” Mary said. “She has been very accepting of my tears. I have cried because I miss my old home. I miss my friends of many years, and I really miss my church family at Corpus Christi in Payette.” But we do have a lot of fun,” Natalie added. “I cherish this time I have with Mom. We laugh a lot, we pray a lot, and we do things together. We make applesauce, and we enjoy ‘near new’ shopping.” “In the end, this is the natural evolution of life events, and we are doing God’s will,” Natalie concluded.

At right, Roman Caywood during a Bronco practice session on the blue turf. The redshirt freshman turned to faith after an injury sidelined him for the 2024 season. (Courtesy Photo) By Philip A. Janquart ICR Assistant Editor A movement seems to have taken hold across the U.S., with athletes unapologetically proclaiming their faith in Jesus before the media in television interviews and newspaper reports. “As cool as it is to sit on this podium, there are a lot of things in life that I appreciate a little bit more,” Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard said, referring to his faith in a press conference before the Jan. 20 NCAA National Championship between the Fighting Irish and the Buckeyes of Ohio State University (OSU). Before the big game, OSU running back TreVeyon Henderson posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “We don’t have to be afraid to come to Jesus. He knows what we have done, and He still chose to die for you and me because He loves us. Put your faith in Jesus, and He will save you from sin and give you a new and eternal life. Don’t be afraid; follow Jesus.” Several Philadelphia Eagles players gave praise to Jesus following their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts. (As an aside, former Boise State University quarterback and Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was given much of the credit for the win and has already accepted the head coaching job with the New Orleans Saints.) Faith is one reason redshirt freshman Roman Caywood accepted a football scholarship offer at Boise State University where head coach Spencer Danielson recognized Jesus Christ after his team captured its second straight Mountain West Conference championship in December 2024. “Thank you, Jesus,” he told a FOX Sports reporter in a post-game interview. He added, “Jesus deserves all the glory. I mean, we serve a Champion. He died on the cross, but He rose again three days later. That’s the God I serve. Anything is possible. Our players don’t run from hard work. They just keep swinging…They deserve the credit. Jesus deserves the credit.” Father Nathan Dail and Roman Caywood at St. Paul's Student Center on the campus of Boise State University. (Courtesy Photo/Father Nathan Dail) Caywood is used to following men of faith. He belongs to a family of devout Catholics led by his father, Jason. “My dad is an amazing man, an amazing Catholic. The same goes for my mom (Melissa) and my two sisters (Norah, 10, and Ava, 17). I have an amazing family” he said. “My dad was adopted at birth. It was a closed adoption, and his birth mother’s only wish was that he go to a Catholic family; it’s something he takes very seriously. He knows he was born to be Catholic, and so our whole family is very religious. I grew up in that environment, which is amazing.” Caywood was recruited out of Corner Canyon High School, a 6A school in the Utah High School Athletic Association classification system. Corner Canyon High is located in Draper, Utah, not far from Caywood’s home in Holladay, a suburb of Salt Lake City. After visiting with the BSU coaching staff, Caywood knew where his next step would be. “My senior year in high school, I was excited to find that next place that would help me develop into the best football player and man that I could be,” the defensive end told the ICR . “Coming to Boise State was definitely the best decision of my life.” Caywood graduated early and arrived in Boise in January 2024. He attended spring camp and was healthy all summer, but an injury at the beginning of fall camp put him on the sidelines. He went through the healing process and, by the second game of the season, was ready to play. Unfortunately, things didn’t go the way he planned and, once again, found himself watching from the sidelines. “I got healthy for Oregon (the University of Oregon game) and played a snap on special teams,” he explained. “Then, that next week at practice, I reaggravated the injury and was out for the rest of the season.” It was a tough blow for a kid whose aim is to play in the NFL, but that’s where his faith came into action, helping him through the long healing process. “Looking at it, I think my spiritual growth and my relationship with Jesus has definitely been the most beneficial thing coming out of this injury,” Caywood said. “There were times where I would feel like I’m getting better, and then something would happen, I would kind of regress or aggravate the injury, but I just always leaned back on God, knowing He has a plan.” He added, “As bad as something might seem, everything happens for a reason, and good will always come out of the bad. God always puts blessings in disguise no matter what the situation, so recognizing those good things is key.” He said we all have a choice when carrying our respective crosses. “You can focus on the bad and feel bad about yourself, or you can get up and look at the good things, which has been a big thing for me—just doing what I could and being around my teammates, bringing good energy every day,” Caywood said. “That’s what I focused on, and I think that helped me a lot and helped me grow in my faith. Maybe that was part of God’s plan, for me to grow in my faith, and the injury was a way for me to figure that out.” Caywood attends St. Paul’s Student Center on the BSU campus, where Father Nathan Dail regularly presides at Mass. “He’s awesome, the way he’s able to keep everyone intrigued about what he is saying,” Caywood said of Father Dail. “He has an energy when he is talking, and it always keeps me engaged.” “I love seeing him at Mass,” Father Dail said of Caywood. “He has a massive tattoo of a cross on his arm, so he is obviously proud of his faith.”

The Chosen cast members were at the Ford Idaho Center on Feb. 1 to share their experiences playing their respective roles on the hit streaming series. From left, Shaan Sharma (Shmuel), Luke Dimyan (Judas), Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdelene) and Kirk B.R. Woller (Gaius). (Courtesy Photo/Kelly Jenkins) By Philip A. Janquart ICR Assistant Editor Unity, surrender, and God’s timing were key elements of "The Chosen: A Celebration of Jesus Christ" held at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa on Feb. 1. Thousands attended the two free shows brought to Idaho by Christian Outreach Multimedia Events (C.O.M.E., Inc.). People of all faiths were invited to hear from “The Chosen” cast members as they shared spiritual insight and stories of personal growth through their respective character roles. On Friday, Jan. 31, organizers held a special VIP dinner to thank the many volunteers who worked to bring the event to fruition. Cast members Elizabeth “Liz” Tabish (Mary Magdelene), Luke Dimyan (Judas), Kirk B.R. Woller (Gaius), and Shaan Sharma (Shmuel) answered questions from a group of about 80. Shaan Sharma, who moderated the question-and-answer session, asked each cast member what they hope people take away from their respective portrayals and what the experience has meant to them. Liz Tabish said she hopes people will see that God forgives regardless of our sins, pointing out that Mary Magdelene, who she said was possessed and in the ‘depths of despair,’ was the first to see Jesus after His resurrection. “She gets to experience the most joyful moment in history,” she said, adding that, despite our past, joy can be found in the end. “I hope people who might identify with Mary Magdelene and see themselves in her see that their lives can have a very happy ending,” said Tabish. “Usually, when you do portrayals of women who have gone through assault and PTSD and trauma, it’s not a happy ending. “But with The Chosen … we see a complete transformation and a very realistic portrayal of growth, which is a little, ‘two steps forward and one step back.’ It’s a little messy, but also real and relatable and a reminder that if you make a mistake, God still loves you and you have to keep trying.” Luke Dimyan, who plays Judas in the series, added that it’s not our duty to judge others, regardless of their past or present. “There is no such thing as justifiable hate, no matter how far someone stumbles,” he said. “It’s easy to label someone simply as a villain or a miscreant, and it is quite literally in Christ’s teachings that we give them a second chance; everyone should be afforded that.” He expanded on Tabish’s thoughts on having a “happy ending,” explaining that we must be ready to receive forgiveness when asking Jesus for pardon. But Judas, he said, could not overcome the consequences of his actions. “Judas doesn’t even make it to the Crucifixion because he was so wracked with guilt and heartbreak, realizing that his betrayal of Jesus wasn’t just a trial, it wasn’t just a face-off with the Pharisees, it was a death sentence,” Dimyan said. The actor mused that we can assume Judas must have “begged for Jesus to be released” before the Crucifixion because Judas killed himself apparently from guilt and despair. "It’s more complicated than a simple villain story," he said. While there is no official teaching of the Church on the eternal fate of Judas, Dimyan spoke to those gathered at the Friday event, saying, “I hope that through this portrayal, you can see that there is salvation, no matter what you have done, what you are doing, or how people see you. I promise you, He won’t turn you away, no matter what. But you have to forgive yourself first; that’s first and foremost.” Luke Dimyan is surrounded by fans during a meet and greet Feb. 1 at the Ford Idaho Center. (Courtesy Photo/Kelly Jenkins) Shaan Sharma, citing his role as the Pharisee Shmuel, spoke about judging others. While visiting a local school, a teacher asked him how it felt to be “the Pharisee of Pharisees.” “Essentially, it was, ‘How does it feel to be the worst person ever on the show?’” he chuckled. “I told him I didn’t see it that way.’ I pointed out to him, ‘What has Shmuel done that is so wrong other than to protect his people?’ We all think we are right about something and have to find out painfully that we were wrong. Does that mean we are villains? Saul wasn’t so great before he was Paul. Shmuel is a fairly young man. He has time to come to God; it’s on God’s time. Kirk Woller spoke about his role as Gaius, based on the royal official who asks Jesus to heal his dying son in the Gospel of John (4:46-54). “The first line in that scene (Season 4, Episode 4) is ‘Lord,’” Woller said. He texted Dallas Jenkins’ wife Amanda about the meaning of the word. Kirk B.R. Woller plays 'Gaius' in The Chose series. (Courtesy Photo/Kelly Jenkins) Amanda provided him with a definition of “Lord,” from which Woller understood “surrender.” He elaborated on the impact of the word for himself, saying, “Look, I’m German. I’m meticulous. I want to be in control of everything. I work hard, and I’m disciplined … but sometimes you just have to surrender. Just let it go, dude; just let go.” The actors also shared about the way the show has generated community around the world. “Before going to Rome, I was very crushed … very isolated, very sad, lonely and lost,” Tabish said. “And playing this character, I got to watch her (Mary Magdelene) grow, and I got to grow with her. I watched Jesus teach and hear His parables and saw how this show affects everyone around the world. “I went from being such an isolated woman to having an enormous community of loving, faithful, wonderful people … all of these different cultures and communities connecting on this one thing. I felt a kind of burst in my heart, and I don’t feel isolated anymore. It has brought so much joy in my life.” Sharma added: “One of the things I want to impart … is that it takes four seasons for Simon and Matthew to hug it out and let it go, and yet they stayed at the table, following Jesus and did so much good along the way,” he said. “So, you can severely disagree with somebody and still follow God, work together and do good for the community and doing that might actually bring the two of you together.” Chosen casting director Beverly Holloway, a resident of Meridian, Idaho, shared a personal story about God's timing in her life and the inexplicable journey that led her in a direction she did not anticipate. With a home in Orange County, California, and an office in Culver City, a historic film and television production center, she felt a persistent urge to uproot and move to Meridian to be near her sister. In 2018, Holloway, who was baptized Christian at a church camp in middle school, followed her intuition, not knowing what the future would hold. “I had no clue; I just knew I was supposed to move,” she said. “I thought, ‘This is ridiculous; this is crazy.’ I said, ‘God, you know I’m in the film business, right? There is no film in Meridian.’” Soon after, she found herself unexpectedly divorced, her sister and brother-in-law the only family to lean on.   “I celebrated my 25-year wedding anniversary on March 13 and was up here by April 1. By June, my marriage was over, and I had no idea what was coming,” she said. “But God absolutely knew where I needed to be. He made sure I was in a place where I was safe and secure, where I could thrive.”   Not long after, director, writer, producer, and friend Dallas Jenkins called to request her services for a new project.   “Dallas called me and said, ‘Hey, I’m doing this show, this series. We are just doing the first four episodes. It’s kind of never been done before. We have no money, and people aren’t really going to understand what it is, but we are going to cast it.’ I was, like, ‘OK.’   “So, I did the commute to L.A., back and forth, and in the midst of all this stuff that was going on in my life, I discovered how much God loves us. You will never know what a gift he handed me in that phone call from Dallas at a time when there was so much instability.”   But God was not done with her. Six years later, she met the love of her life and was married.