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Architect’s rendering of the future plaza of St. Paul’s Catholic School. (Courtesy Photo/St. Paul’s Catholic Church)   By Emily Woodham Staff Writer NAMPA —St. Paul’s Catholic School in Nampa is kicking off its capital campaign for a new school, catechetical center and campus plaza. The theme is “Building on Hope.” Phase one is planned for this February. “We’re setting up a campus that we can use for the next century,” said Father Justin Brady, pastor at St. Paul’s Parish and School. “The health, vibrancy and the heart of our school aren’t fully reflected in the current building, which has served well for 100 years. It is not wishful thinking to say that once we have a campus that reflects the school’s interior excellence, it will grow.” St. Paul’s campaign to build Marist Hall was themed “Building on Faith.” Father Brady, Deacon Daniel Gamboa, administrator at St. Paul’s, and the committee decided to continue focusing on the theological virtues for the school and Catechetical Center campaign. Phase one of the new project is hope; phase two is charity. “Hope is this operation in the confidence and belief of God’s fulfilled promises. Hope is not wishful thinking. Hope is the concrete understanding that God provides for our needs and that what God calls us to, He will let us accomplish,” Father Brady said. “The next phase is charity, or love. Love wills the good of the other. So, as we create this more diverse campus with greater resources, the way we love the other within worship, education, outreach, formation, and fraternity will be magnified in great ways.” The original school, built in 1922, has been expanded and improved at various times in its history. However, the school is outgrowing the space as the population booms in Nampa and the surrounding areas. More than 125 students are enrolled at St. Paul’s School, the only Catholic school in Canyon County. The parish has nearly 700 children enrolled in its faith formation classes, which meet in the school building. The new campus will be designed to accommodate the demands of both faith and academic formation. “The parish and the school are two ventricles of the same heart, all pumping with the same mission of forming souls for Christ,” Father Brady said. The population of Canyon County has grown by more than 100,000 people in the last year to nearly 270,000, according to the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS). There are about 111,000 people in Nampa. “To put the population of Nampa into context,” Father Brady explained, “when Boise was that size, it had four Catholic schools and five parishes.” The parish boundaries of St. Paul’s run from Melba to the border of Oregon and parts of western Meridian. “We have one of the largest parishes, and there’s a need to grow. We need more room. This speaks to the vibrancy of St. Paul’s.” Lombard, Conrad and Associates are the architects for the new school and catechetical center. The construction company is Hellman Construction. The new center will adjoin the parish church, built in 2013, and Marist Hall, built in 2019, on Roosevelt Ave., in Nampa. St. Paul’s planned to include a new school building on the same campus from the beginning of their construction of the new church. The committee for the new campus is focused on more than meeting immediate needs. They are planning the parish and school campus that can serve well into the future. “Looking at what the parish and campus need to be for the next 100 years is not meant to sound grandiose. It’s a very objective reality because our decisions will hinder or enable this parish’s mission. So, we are going at this project with a lot of zeal and boldness. If we under-build this, we’re in big trouble.” St. Paul’s plans to improve the overall classroom experience for the school and faith formation and increase “specials”—rooms designed specifically for subjects such as math, music and art. Overall plans also include an early education center, outdoor space for science classes and sports facilities. “Whereas I do not know all that the future will demand,” said Father Brady, “I am confident that the glory and power of God will accompany us along the way.” Be the first to hear the vision for the future of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and School at the “Building on Hope” campaign launch on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 3:30 p.m. in Marist Hall. Father Brady invites all St. Paul’s parishioners and those who wish to join the St. Paul’s community in building a new school and Catechetical Center. Mass at St. Paul’s Church at 5 p.m. will follow the building campaign event.

The cover of this year’s Christmas issue of the Idaho Catholic Register features artwork created by one of our very own, Father Paul O’Donnell. I first viewed his artwork as a tapestry on a wall in the parish center at St. Mark’s, where Father Paul currently serves as one of their priests. I was immediately struck by the image and desired that it be made into this year’s Christmas card, of course, with the artist’s permission. The Child’s tenderness impressed me then and still today, Jesus looking so content, wrapped in a blanket, and sound asleep. I was also taken by the fact that He is featured without anyone else in the scene. Jesus is portrayed and presented for whomever wishes to draw near and dearly ponder the beauty and miracle of this Child. If unwrapped over time, this God Child Jesus reveals Himself as a great gift sent by Our Heavenly Father to bless all who accept Him. The Virgin Mary knew her baby’s origins. How she must have wished to be able to hold on to Him forever, to nourish Him, to be able to care for His every need, to guide Him through life, and to protect Him from all harm—so enamored she must have been with the Child of her womb. At some point, however, the Child that Mary cared for so tenderly would become the One who cared for her. Even in His agony as He hung upon the Cross, Jesus made sure that His disciple John knew to take care of His mother after He departed from this life. In the same fashion, Jesus asked His mother to behold a new son to love: the disciple John. And so it was, and so the gift goes on, as we, too, care for one another, fulfilling what Christ asks of all His disciples. Jesus is the gift of life for each of us. And Jesus is the gift of life we give to each other. His love transforms us individually and collectively. Sixth and seventh graders at St. Mark’s Catholic School recently gave witness to this gift. It began when I received three letters a little over a month ago. As it turns out, I was to be part of a project the English teachers assigned to their students. They were to connect with a priest or nun and ask questions about their life and vocation. Three young men wrote me—Will, Kingston and Ollie. Their letters were loaded with questions waiting for my written response. Will asked, “During your personal time, can you eat fast food or candy? I couldn’t imagine life without one of those.” He also asked, “I was wondering if you can go on vacations out of the country or off the mainland, like Hawaii?” Kingston asked, “I am wondering how hard it is to get to where you are and how to become a bishop?” He continued, “I would imagine that God is pretty much your entire life, and you get to be close with Him every day, and I am trying to get really close with God.” Ollie followed up with these questions: “I’d love to know if you played any sports as a child. Also, I’m curious about when you committed your life to God and which college you attended?” He went on to say, “I want you to know I have been one of your biggest fans. Your guidance has been instrumental in my decision to become Catholic. Your words inspired me to believe that with God, anything is possible. Now, I confidently pray to God before every competitive game or practice, which has become an essential part of my routine.” Ollie concluded, “Thank you for bringing out my faith. My life has become so much more fulfilling because of it. I feel happier and more energized knowing God is by my side. It would mean a lot if you could write back. I look forward to your response.” Instead of writing back, I contacted the teacher who gave the assignment, asking if I could come to the school and meet with all the students who wrote letters. I also asked if I could meet ahead of time with the three who wrote to me personally. My two wishes were granted. Last week, I met with approximately 60 students. They asked me many questions, and I soon realized their questions and my answers had a great deal to do with faith. One of the last questions came from a young lady asking, “What one thing makes me the happiest in my life?” My response caught me a bit off guard, but was altogether the most truthful answer I could give: “Knowing that God uses me to help others understand how much they are loved by Him as well.” That’s it. That’s the Christmas message: to unwrap the gift given to each of us, to cherish the gift that was given to us (Jesus), to be received by the love of the Father, and to allow the love of God to move through us by the witness and care we offer others. It’s the love Mary gave to her baby Jesus and the loving response He gave to her in return. It’s the love Jesus imparts to us that we give to one another and, in doing, we know we remain in the love of the Son. If you’re reading this, know you have done the same for me in letting me know that Jesus is truly with us by your love and care for me and for others – Emmanuel, God with us. Merry Christmas! Bishop Peter, Abre el regalo La portada de edición navideña de este año del Idaho Catholic Register presenta obras de arte creadas por uno de los nuestros, el Padre Paul O’Donnell. Vi por primera vez su obra de arte como un tapiz en una pared del centro parroquial de St. Mark’s, donde el Padre Paul sirve actualmente como sacerdote. La imagen me impactó de inmediato y deseé que se convirtiera en la tarjeta de Navidad de este año, por supuesto, con el permiso del artista. La ternura del Niño me impresionó entonces y me sigue impresionando hoy, Jesús parece tan contento, envuelto en una manta y profundamente dormido. También me impresionó el hecho de que Él aparezca solo en la escena. Jesús está retratado y presentado para que quien quiera se acerque y medite detenidamente sobre la belleza y el milagro de este niño. Si se desenvuelve a lo largo del tiempo, este Niño Dios se revela como un gran regalo enviado por Nuestro Padre Celestial para bendecir a todos los que lo aceptan. La Virgen María conocía los orígenes de su bebé. Cuánto deseaba poder tenerlo siempre en sus brazos, alimentarlo, atender a todas sus necesidades, guiarlo en la vida y protegerlo de todo mal: tan enamorada debía de estar del Niño de sus entrañas. En algún momento, sin embargo, el Niño que María cuidaba con tanta ternura se convertiría en Aquel que cuidaba de ella. Incluso en su agonía mientras colgaba de la cruz, Jesús se aseguró de que su discípulo Juan supiera que debía cuidar de su madre cuando Él dejara esta vida. Del mismo modo, Jesús pidió a su madre que contemplara a un nuevo hijo al que amar: el discípulo Juan. Y así fue, y así continúa el don, mientras nosotros también cuidamos unos de otros, cumpliendo lo que Cristo pide a todos sus discípulos. Jesús es el don de la vida para cada uno de nosotros. Y Jesús es el don de la vida que nos damos los unos a los otros. Su amor nos transforma individual y colectivamente. Los alumnos de sexto y séptimo curso de la escuela católica San Marcos dieron recientemente testimonio de este don. Comenzó cuando recibí tres cartas hace poco más de un mes. Resulta que yo iba a formar parte de un proyecto que los profesores de inglés asignaron a sus alumnos. Tenían que ponerse en contacto con un sacerdote o una monja y hacerles preguntas sobre su vida y su vocación. Tres jóvenes me escribieron: Will, Kingston y Ollie. Sus cartas estaban cargadas de preguntas esperando mi respuesta por escrito. Will preguntó: «Durante tu tiempo personal, ¿puedes comer comida rápida o dulces? No podría imaginarme la vida sin uno de ellos». También preguntó: «Me preguntaba si puedes ir de vacaciones fuera del país o del continente, como Hawái». Kingston preguntó: «Me pregunto qué tan difícil es llegar a donde usted está y cómo llegar a ser obispo». Y continuó: «Me imagino que Dios es prácticamente toda tu vida, y llegas a estar cerca de Él todos los días, y yo estoy intentando estar realmente cerca de Dios». Ollie continuó con estas preguntas: «Me encantaría saber si practicaste algún deporte de niño. También tengo curiosidad por saber cuándo entregaste tu vida a Dios y a qué universidad fuiste». Y añadió: «Quiero que sepa que he sido uno de sus mayores admiradores. Su orientación ha sido decisiva en mi decisión de hacerme católico. Tus palabras me inspiraron a creer que con Dios todo es posible. Ahora rezo con confianza a Dios antes de cada partido de competencia o entrenamiento, lo que se ha convertido en una parte esencial de mi rutina.» Ollie concluyó: «Gracias por sacar a relucir mi fe. Mi vida se ha vuelto mucho más plena gracias a ello. Me siento más feliz y con más energía sabiendo que Dios está a mi lado. Significaría mucho si pudiera responderme. Espero su respuesta». En lugar de contestar, me puse en contacto con el profesor que me había asignado la tarea y le pregunté si podía ir al colegio y reunirme con todos los alumnos que habían escrito cartas. También pregunté si podía reunirme antes con los tres que me habían escrito personalmente. Mis dos deseos fueron concedidos. La semana pasada me reuní con unos 60 alumnos. Me hicieron muchas preguntas, y pronto me di cuenta de que sus preguntas y mis respuestas tenían mucho que ver con la fe. Una de las últimas preguntas me la hizo una joven: «¿Qué es lo que más feliz me hace en la vida?». Mi respuesta fue muy espontánea, pero fue en conjunto la respuesta más sincera que podía dar: «Saber que Dios me utiliza para ayudar a los demás a comprender cuánto son amados también por Él». Eso es. Ése es el mensaje de Navidad: desenvolver el regalo que se nos ha dado a cada uno de nosotros (Jesús), ser recibidos por el amor del Padre, y permitir que el amor de Dios se mueva a través de nosotros mediante el testimonio y el cuidado que ofrecemos a los demás. Es el amor que María dio a su niño Jesús y la respuesta de amor que Él le dio a cambio. Es el amor que Jesús nos transmite para que nos demos los unos a los otros y, al hacerlo, permanezcamos en el amor del Hijo. Si estás leyendo esto, debes saber que has hecho lo mismo por mí al hacerme saber que Jesús está realmente con nosotros gracias a tu amor y cuidado por mí y por los demás. Emmanuel, Dios con nosotros. ¡Feliz Navidad!

By Emily Woodham Assistant Editor The following story appeared in the April 12 Idaho Catholic Register. Corpus Christi Parish in Fruitland is the first stop for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (NEP) in Idaho. The Diocese of Baker will formally transfer the NEP monstrance containing the Holy Eucharist to the Diocese of Boise. “Before the exchange of the monstrance, Bishop Liam Cary of the Diocese of Baker will bless the pilgrims from Oregon,” said Melea Ulery, director of Religious Education, Catechetical Leadership and Lay Formation for the Diocese of Boise. After Bishop Cary hands the monstrance to Bishop Peter Christensen of the Diocese of Boise, Bishop Peter will bless the pilgrims from Idaho. When the procession arrives at Corpus Christi Parish, Adoration and Benediction will be offered. A social in the church hall will follow. The following day, Tuesday, May 28, at 9:00 a.m., Mass will be offered at Corpus Christi for pilgrims and faithful. The Serra Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will begin in San Francisco on Saturday, May 18. The route includes California, Neva-da, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, and Illinois. All NEP routes, including the Serra Route, will end in Indianapolis on Wednesday, July 17, for the Eucharistic Congress, which will run until Sunday, July 21. If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

A film from the Boise, Idaho stop of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage ( Film by Joe Egbert) During the Boise stop of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, each Idaho parish was represented by a banner, one of which was carried by Julian Lopez of Mountain Home. “It’s the Lord showing up,” said Lopez of the immense downpour that deluged pilgrims as they hurried from Memorial Park to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise. “I hope that as the Lord showed up powerfully and tangibly for us today, He will also [be present], in a very simple, Eucharistic way, in our hearts.” Join us as we journey through the Boise stop of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, where faith and determination shone brightly despite a massive rainstorm. Witness the incredible perseverance of the pilgrims as they braved the elements, united in their devotion to the Eucharist. In this video, you will see: The challenging yet inspiring moments during the rainstorm The unwavering spirit of community and prayer The beauty of Boise amidst the storm The rain may have poured down, but our spirits remained uplifted and our faith unshaken. This segment of the pilgrimage is a testament to the power of collective devotion and the strength we find in our faith during trying times. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more inspiring moments from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Watch now and be inspired by the resilience and faith of our pilgrims! If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Your Ways is a film captured in Glenns Ferry, Idaho during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (Produced by Joe Egbert ). In the small town of Glenns Ferry, Idaho, during the profound National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a heartwarming and moving story unfolds. "Your Ways" chronicles the journey of baby Maggie, who is battling a rare liver disease, and her mother’s ( Laura) unwavering hope and faith. At the film's onset, Maggie's mother, filled with both hope and uncertainty, wishes for a blessing from Bishop Peter Christensen. As the pilgrimage progresses, their paths miraculously cross, and Maggie receives a powerful blessing. This moment of divine grace brings a sense of solace and hope amidst their trials. "Your Ways" is a somber yet hopeful short film that delves into the depths of faith, the mysteries of God's plan, and the strength found in the unlikeliest of places. Through Maggie's story, we are reminded that sometimes we may not understand why things happen, but we can always trust in the higher purpose of God's ways. Join us on this poignant journey and witness the extraordinary power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit. If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Bishop Peter at National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Rupert. (Film by Joe Egbert) Immerse yourself in a profound spiritual experience as the Idaho Catholic Register documents the heartfelt devotion of the faithful during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Rupert. It was a day filled with prayer, adoration, and joyous hymns as pilgrims honored the Eucharist. People in Prayer: Witness the power of collective prayer as we gather at Historic Rupert Square. Feel the presence of the Holy Spirit moving through the crowd, uniting the faithful in a shared moment of spiritual reflection and reverence. Adoring the Eucharist: Experience a solemn procession down F Street to Saint Nicholas Church, where pilgrims came together in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. See the deep devotion in the faces of the faithful as they kneel in prayer, their hearts open to the divine presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Singing Hymns: Experience the uplifting and joyous hymns sung by the community, echoing through the streets and filling the church with praise. These hymns are a testament to our love for the Eucharist and the commitment to celebrating our faith through music. Sending Forth: As the National Pilgrims depart for Pocatello, they carry with them our prayers and blessings, continuing their journey of faith and devotion. This pilgrimage is a beautiful expression of our unwavering love for the Eucharist. We invite you to be part of this moving event, to witness the power of prayer, the beauty of adoration, and the joy of singing hymns together. If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

National Natural Family Planning Week, July 21 – 27, 2024, is underway! Resources from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops can be found here: https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning/national-nfp-awareness-week . At the National Eucharistic Congress last week, Bishop Robert Barron, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, & Youth, discussed how to live the Evangelical Counsels of the Church. His remarks are relevant for anyone teaching NFP.

BK students collected 27,000 pounds of food during the 2024 Frassati Food Drive. From left to right, Zoey Stauffer, Kate Revier, Alex Martinez, Belén Lete, and Amaya Lanningham. (Courtesy Photo/Bishop Kelly High School) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer BOISE– Students collected more than 27,000 pounds of food for this year’s Frassati Food Drive at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise. Bishop Kelly uses a “house” system in which students are divided into groups that meet for community and support. During the food drive, houses compete to collect food and diapers and are awarded points. This year, Caritas House won. “The school blew past our goal of 30,000 points worth of food and diapers,” said Dr. Anthony Paz, teacher and Chair of Theology at Bishop Kelly. “We ended with 54,485 points.” The food and diapers collected were donated to food pantries at St. Paul’s Parish in Nampa (managed by St. Vincent de Paul) and St. John’s, St. Mark’s, St. Mary’s and Risen Christ parishes in Boise. In previous years, the food drive was organized by BK’s campus ministry. This year, the drive was led by the social justice classes taught by Dr. Paz. The classes are senior elective courses that study the seven themes of Catholic social teaching: life and dignity of the human person; call to family, community and participation; rights and responsibilities; option for the poor and vulnerable; the dignity of work and the rights of workers; solidarity; and care for God’s creation. The texts for the class are papal encyclicals and pastoral letters. “At the beginning of the semester, we started the class learning about Catholic social teaching,” said Maya Lanningham, a student in the class. “Then we got involved with the food drive. It’s been really awesome because it’s a practical way to demonstrate Catholic social teaching and to get outside of ourselves.” She said the experience of working for the food drive reinvigorated her faith. “You’re demonstrating what Jesus would actually do in the world around us today.” Although she is not Catholic, she chose the elective because she wants to help others. “The class and food drive have helped me be more grateful for what I have and also grateful for people who go out and do things for others.” The food drive was named for Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Frassati was born in 1901 in Turin, Italy, to a wealthy family. He used his privileged life to serve others, especially the poor and vulnerable. He died when he was only 24 and was beatified in 1990. The Vatican announced that he will be canonized next year during the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” The holy year will include special celebrations for various groups, including a “Jubilee of Youth” from July 27-Aug. 3, during which Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized. If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

By Emily Woodham Staff Writer One of my favorite Bible verses is from Psalm 73 “To be near God is my happiness” (verse 28). It is used as an antiphon in the Office of Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours, something I became familiar with only after I became Catholic in 2015. It brings to mind a little song that premiered more than 20 years ago on the brilliant and erudite series, Veggie Tales. In an episode about contentment, a poor little girl celebrates her birthday with a humble piece of pie and sings, “A thankful heart is a happy heart.” If being near God and thankfulness are keys to my happiness, then humility seems to be the door for both. But humility is not as easy as it sounds. So God, in His mercy, provides ways to keep us humble. For me, among His many tools for my sanctification, writing about the saints is most consistently humbling. For eight years, every two weeks, I have done a deep dive into a saint’s life, which is often obscured by legends or forgotten texts tucked away in a museum’s website. It is a given that each saint will have an adventurous journey ready for me with highs and lows, sludging through literary swamps to get to the rivers of clarity, and mucking about in barren deserts of information to find treasure troves in oddly placed oases. “Lord, if You want me to keep writing,” I often pray as the chaos of a large household usually unravels in the midst of writing saints’ tales, “then You’ll need to help me!” Trying to write about a saint immediately makes me feel like a five-year-old child who has been given an overwhelming task. I feel little, which, according to St. Thérèse de Lisieux, is exactly what I need. Perhaps we can only draw near to God when we are little? To write, I need the help of the saints themselves. I pray a litany to St. Francis de Sales each Monday. St. Anthony is my go to when it is time to choose a saint for a story. He’s also my knight-at-arms when I’m battling my way through information (or lack of it) trying to find nuggets of truth. I ask the saint I’m writing about to pray for me and to help me. The list goes on. I’m a wimp, and I don’t want to go it alone without their help. Writing about the saints is a constant exercise of surrendering to Jesus—both the process and the outcome of each story. Added to that, each saint’s life has points of conviction and encouragement for me. It is humbling overall, but I am thankful. Ultimately, I am honored that their stories have been entrusted to me to share with you. I write because I am so thankful to be able to know the saints. I don’t know that I would have paid so much attention to them or would have learned so much about Church history and liturgy if it were not my job to write about the saints. Our family is just now coming out of what the Latin philosophers would describe as an annus horribilis (“horrible year”), which began in the summer of 2023. Health problems and other trials and tribulations over the last decade seemed to reach their pinnacle. In that annus horribilis , there were periods of sunshine, touches of God’s grace, letting us know He never left us and never stopped loving us. There was a lot of loss, and also a lot of gain. A few friendships that I cherished ended, while other friendships proved to be true gold. We mourned leaving the house that we had lived in for so long, but now we live closer to friends. Doors closed to certain hopes, and other doors opened to things I did not think possible. God is truly good, in and out of the storms of life, and He makes all things new. To say we are thankful is an understatement. About ten years ago when things were rough, I cried out to God, “What do you want from me?!” And as soon as my tears stopped, I felt the Holy Spirit say, ever so gently, “Everything.” It wasn’t exactly comforting. But now, as we approach Thanksgiving at the beginning of a new season in our family’s life, my heart is so fit to burst with love and gratitude that I gladly give Him everything. “Everything” isn’t a burden anymore; giving Him everything is a relief . . . a joy. Stubborn as I am, this surrender in joy could not have come without the saints and their stories etched into my being from years of research and writing. I am so thankful for St. Thérèse knocking me off my high horse and re-minding me to be little. I cannot say enough about what a hero St. Alfred the Great is to me for his courage to keep going after desperate failure. I love the saints who had a reputation for being salty, but God used them anyway. I adore the saints who ignored what people thought and did what God wanted. I am floored by the love, compassion and forgiveness that the saints had, even when they themselves were in deep pain from rejection and betrayal. From their lives, it was easier to understand that I owe God everything because it all came from Him anyway. And I must not fail to thank the Queen of Saints, Mother Mary, who never left my side. She never gave up trying to show me how to be courageous, faithful and magnanimous, how to keep my eyes on her Son no matter what happens around me. (Thank you, St. Mother Teresa, for teaching me to ask Mama Mary to be a mother to me, especially when things seem most bleak.) To be near God is truly my happiness. Nothing else matters. By His grace, may I always stay little so that I do not dare wander away nor forget to say, “Thank You.” Through His merciful love, I hope to always have a thankful, happy heart. If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

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

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

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