One year later: Remembering the Joplin tornado

By: Laura Ball Joplin MO

PASTOR AT PRAYER--Fr. Justin Monaghan, pastor, St. Mary Catholic Church, Joplin, bowed his head in prayer with St. Mary School students during a prayer service May 22, 2012, at the site of the former St. Mary Parish and School in commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the tornado which struck the Southwest Missouri community. (Photo by Renee Motazedi)

Beginning mid-May, a week full of commemorative events helped the people of Joplin and the world remember and honor the events of May 22, 2011. A year after a devastating tornado ripped through the southwest Missouri town citizens continue to rebuild their lives and their community.

A variety of events, ranging from a half-marathon to a presidential address at Joplin High School’s commencement, were planned around the May 22 anniversary of the 2011 Joplin tornado. There were many moments that were specific to the Catholic community in Joplin in honor of the loss of St. Mary Catholic Church and School and all those affected by the storm in the parishes of St. Mary and St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Churches.

On Sat., May 19, a memorial concert featuring contemporary Christian musical artists Steve Angrisano and Tony Melendez was held in the McAuley Catholic High School gymnasium. It was a time for a little over 200 people to reflect and remember what was lost, but at the same time look forward to the continued recovery.

“Steve and Tony both delivered their performances in an interactive way for the benefit of a very enthusiastic crowd,” said Renee Motazedi, development director of the Joplin Catholic Schools (JACSS). “Many commented afterward how much Steve and Tony’s ministry meant to them on that night in their healing journey.”

More than $1,000 in proceeds from this event benefited the JACSS scholarship fund, which was established in the aftermath of the tornado in an effort to help those affected by the storm continue their Catholic education.

ST. MARY CROSS--St. Mary Cross was the site of a prayer service held in honor of St. Mary Catholic Church and School a year after the May 22, 2011 tornado. (Photo courtesy The Joplin Globe)

Looming cross

The huge iron cross that still stands vigil over the landscape of the former St. Mary Catholic Church in Joplin stood high above the Catholic faithful of Joplin on Tue., May 22, for a rosary that commemorated the anniversary of the events of the disastrous tornado that destroyed the church and school. The cross has remained an icon in Joplin since the storm and has become a place where people go to pray and reflect, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. It is one of the most photographed structures throughout Joplin. There are accounts of people trapped in the storm’s aftermath in their destroyed homes who could see the cross looming in the sky, which gave them hope.

The cross will remain at the site as a memorial

Students, faculty, and many staffers of JACSS as well as parishioners from St. Mary Church and St. Peter Church, and other citizens, prayed the rosary together on what was a sunny afternoon, a sharp contrast to the same day a year earlier.

The rosary was led by Sharon Reeve, a teacher at St. Mary Catholic School. She was helped by student representatives who read petitions throughout the service. Students also led the crowd in song singing “Ave Maria” and “Father We Adore You.”

“We stand on sacred ground today,” Bp. James V. Johnston said before the rosary. The bishop invited those in attendance to remember all the events that took place on this ground before the tornado: baptisms, weddings, Masses, and the learning that took place in St. Mary School. The bishop reflected that while the storm took away the physical buildings, it did not take away the church and school. The church and the school are made up of people, the bishop said—many of them there at the prayer service—therefore the church remains strong and present.

“We gather here today to acknowledge what happened a year ago that changed school and church life,” Bp. Johnston said. “But we also gather here to give thanks to the Lord for the many blessings that he has given this past year. Even out of tragedy and destruction, there is power, and the power of His love brings forth new life.”

“You have shown your true colors during the course of this year,” Bp. Johnston said, “and it is a reminder that you are the school—you are the church.”

MEMORIAL CONCERT--A May 19 Joplin Memorial Concert featured contemporary Christian musical talents Steve Angrisano and Tony Melendez. Held in McAuley Catholic High School gymnasium, more than 200 attended the concert to reflect and remember what was lost during the May 22, 2011, tornado, and to look forward to the community’s continued recovery. (Photo by Renee Motazedi)

Fr. Justin Monaghan, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, described what the past year has been like for the people of St. Mary’s.

“Emotionally, it has been a very difficult year,” said Fr. Monaghan, who himself rode out the 2011 tornado in the rectory bathtub. “It is tremendous what St. Peter Parish has done for us and we are grateful. However, we feel homeless, and feel like we don’t see each other anymore. We are trying to get past that and are grateful for a temporary building that is in the plans.” St. Mary Catholic Church recently moved to a temporary location at 1230 E. 7th St., Joplin.

The plans for rebuilding St. Mary are progressing. Architects are being contracted and there has been a meeting where ideas were discussed between the bishop, building coordinators, Fr. Justin, and the parish council, who comprise the building committee. The land has been purchased and construction will begin shortly. The parish hopes that the church will be completed in two years, and will know more in the near future as the plans become more concrete.

Students from St. Mary Catholic School have been having classes at a temporary location, a refurbished warehouse next to McAuley Catholic High School and St. Peter Parish. Fr. Monaghan expressed excitement for the future of St. Mary and appreciation for people from all over the diocese who have given their time and resources to be a part of the rebuilding process.

“We are very grateful for the support and feel really good at how we have stayed together in difficult circumstances,” he said.

Liturgy

Later that evening at Mass in St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Fr. John (J.) Friedel, pastor, celebrated the liturgy and focused on the events in Joplin one year ago. He reflected that they were preparing for evening Mass just before the tornado hit a year ago. He decided after the storm to stay and have Mass with those people who also wanted to stay.

“We gather on the anniversary that changed our lives as people of faith,” Fr. Friedel said in his homily. “We stayed that night to pray, we have prayed throughout the year, and tonight we will continue to pray.” He spoke of how the storm that night affected their parish family and encouraged the congregation to “pray for each other, that we may do what God calls us to do until we are called from this world to the next.”

Throughout the events and various speeches surrounding the anniversary of the tornado that changed a city and a community forever, the resounding message was one of pride for what the people of Joplin have accomplished in the face of this adversity despite their grief. The people tearfully acknowledge what they have lost, for example, 161 of their neighbors who perished in the storm. However, much like St. Mary’s cross that couldn’t be destroyed, Joplin heralds hope and resiliency and is still standing: The damaged buildings and city are being rebuilt and a loving community looks with hope toward the future.

Source: The-Mirror

Second Mother and Daughter Tea planned at Trinity Hills

By: Laura Ball Rogersville MO

PRESENTER--Patty Straus, Diocesan Natural Family Planning Coordinator, and daughter Lauren, had their picture taken at the April Mother Daughter Tea held at Trinity Hills. The next Mother Daughter Teas are slated for July and September. (Photo by Christine Lund-Molfese)

MOTHER DAUGHTER BONDING--Catherine Lund-Molfese gave her mother, Christine, a hug during the Mother Daughter Tea at Trinity Hills. Many topics were addressed, including respect, good manners and courtesy. Mother Daughter Teas are scheduled for July and September. (Submitted photo)

COURTESY--Christine Lund-Molfese, Coordinator of the Diocesan Mother Daughter Program, and Ana Brandel talked about a nice thing Ana had done for her mother lately. During the tea time, mothers and daughters snacked on delicate appetizers such as mini cheesecakes, chicken salad and crackers, fruit salad, and of course gummi bears and M&Ms. Upcoming Mother Daughter Teas will be held in July and September. (Submitted photo)

Patty Straus, Diocesan Natural Family Planning Coordinator, explained the beauty and wonder of God's plan for girls growing up during a recent Mother Daughter Tea held at Trinity Hills. Age-appropriate Mother Daughter Teas are scheduled for July and September. (Submitted photo)

MOTHER DAUGHTER TEA--Jill Sisney gave a talk on "Being A Mother" at a recent Mother Daughter Tea held at Trinity Hills. Younger participants learned about the beauty and wonder of God's plan for growing up and becoming a woman. Delicate topics were discussed in a sensitive manner putting all at ease. Two more Mother Daughter Teas are scheduled for July and September. (Submitted photo)

FIRST MOTHER DAUGHTER TEA--Mikayla, Grace, and Pamela Sullivan attended the April 22, 2012 Mother Daughter Tea held at Trinity Hills, where they learned about the beauty and wonder of God’s plan for growing up and becoming a woman. (Photo by Christine Lund-Molfese)

GOOD MANNERS, RESPECT--Jennifer and Cora Dwyer, and Astara and Cheyenne Pearson took part in a recent Mother Daughter Tea where yummy treats were served amid discussions on respect, good manners, and courtesy. (Photo by Christine Lund-Molfese)

Trinity Hills hosted a Mother Daughter Program on April 22, 2012 that explored God’s special gift of human fertility and the beauty and wonder of God’s plan for growing up and becoming a woman. Around 50 people participated in the event which Christine Lund-Molfese organized for mothers and daughters in the area. The event was sponsored by the diocesan Office Of Social Ministry, Evangelization and Formation.

“Delicate topics were discussed in a sensitive manner, putting all at ease,” Lund-Molfese said. “Respect, good manners, and courtesy were discussed. During the tea time, mothers and daughters snacked on delicate appetizers such as mini cheesecakes, chicken salad and crackers, fruit salad, and of course gummi bears and M&Ms.”

Additional Mother and Daughter Teas are slated for Sun., July 29, for 13- to 16-year-old young women and their mothers (or other significant female); another on Sun., Sept. 23, for 10- to 12-year-old girls and their mothers.

For the event, Natural Family Planning teachers as well as others came and spoke to mothers and daughters about the journey to womanhood. Patty Straus, Diocesan NFP coordinator, spoke on the beauty and wonder of God’s plan for growing up, and Shelly Pichler, mother of five and member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Springfield, delivered a talk titled “All in God’s Plan,” the focus of which was physical and emotional changes girls go through on the journey to womanhood. Kate Sisney, a high school student, spoke to “When I Was Your Age,” encouraging the girls from the perspective of a young woman who has been through what many of participants are just beginning. Jill Sisney gave a talk on “Being a Mother,” which encouraged the moms in the audience from a mother’s perspective. Lund-Molfese’s topic was, “It’s Great to Be a Girl!”

Elsa Brandel, parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, heard about the tea and was interested in bringing her daughters, Eileen, 11 years old, and Ana Marie, 9 years old. She had reservations at first, concerned that the girls were too young and worried about how the information would be presented.

“I was very pleased with the event,” Brandel said. “It was beautifully done; the presenters were very nice and so knowledgeable. It was very easy to understand for everyone. I would take them in the future to another event to refresh them with this information.”

Being interested in pro-life events, Lilith Lund from Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Branson, MO, decided to take her daughter to the tea. She and her daughter, Disa, were “very excited because I had heard of similar programs, sharing God’s plan for growing as a woman, from friends, and how much it had helped those mothers and daughters talk about sensitive or awkward issues.”

Disa said, “I was excited to be with my mom, and nervous at the same time.”

“The talks were reverent, fun, and inspirational, and conveyed with joy and sincerity,” Lund said. “I loved young Kate Sisney’s talk the most, although they were all great. She talked about the chrysalis developing into a butterfly, and opened up the mystery and hopeful expectations we are having as we grow up. There were slide shows, with music, showing mothers and daughters, including our pictures they had taken of us together when we arrived. That made us feel we belonged to the group and closer in our bond to each other.”

“I did enjoy it, and my mom did, too!” Disa said. “It was fun, and I think others should go!”

“Our goal is to foster communication between mothers and daughters during this very important time in their lives,” Lund-Molfese said. “We don’t do ‘sex ed.’ What we do is present appreciation of the gift of being a girl. We also encourage the girls that they are beautiful during a time in their lives when they may not feel so sure about this.”

Sixteen years ago, Lund-Molfese served in the Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Rockford, IL. In that capacity, she coordinated several Mother Daughter Teas and gave chastity talks to hundreds of middle school and high school students. The April event was the first one of its kind in the Springfield area, but as mentioned above, they are planning similar teas in July and September. For more information, contact Christine Lund-Molfese at (417) 753-7758, or check out the “Upcoming Events” section of the Trinity Hills Web site: www.thills.org, or local church bulletins.

Source: The-Mirror

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ tournament a hole in one

By: Laura Ball Springfield MO

Click here for a slideshow of the tournament

First-year event lauds $12,000 for St. Mary Catholic School

On Mon., April 16, the first annual Everybody Loves Raymond golf tournament took place at Hickory Hills Country Club, Springfield. Twenty-five teams from the Springfield and surrounding area came together to celebrate Msgr. Raymond Orf’s 57th anniversary as a priest in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau and to raise money for St. Mary Catholic School in Joplin, MO.

The genesis of the tournament came to Jim Hennessy and Larry Jansen in September of last year during a golf game with Msgr. Orf. Hennessy got a hole in one, and Msgr. Orf expressed his disappointment that in all of his years of golf, he has never gotten a hole in one. The idea of the golf tournament was born surrounding the idea that in a day’s time, Msgr. Orf would be given 25 chances at a hole in one … at the same hole. As Jansen and Hennessy became serious about planning the event, Msgr. Orf chose St. Mary Catholic School in Joplin as its beneficiary. The school was destroyed by the Joplin EF-5 tornado in May of 2011.

The idea exploded within Immaculate Conception Parish, where Msgr. Orf, although retired, is visible in ministry, even teaching religion in Immaculate Conception School.

Many people were involved in the planning of the event and its subsequent festivites, including David Pomerenke, who provided all the signage, and Tom Wamsley who championed the process. Silent action items included gift cards from various local restaurants, a hot-air balloon ride from RE/MAX House of Brokers, Springfield Cardinals merchandise, and an autographed Payne Stewart golf ball. Servicemaster donated a special golf cart for use by Msgr. Orf that was named the “Pope Mobile”.

HELPFUL TIPS--Msgr. Raymond Orf leaned against a cutout image of the late PGA champion Payne Stewart during the Everyone Loves Raymond golf event held April 16, where some alleged golf tips were exchanged. (Photo by Larry Jansen)

All 25 teams had a chance to golf with Monsignor on the #2 Hole, as he tried to finally make his hole in one.

Teams included one team from Joplin and others included various diocesan staff and lay people. Both Bp. James V. Johnston and Bp.-Emeritus John J. Leibrecht came out to show appreciation for Monsignor and support St. Mary School. The two bishops were named “Cardinals For a Day” by event planners.

The day of the tournament was “blessed with beautiful weather,” beamed Msgr. Orf.

Mayor of Springfield, James O’Neal, designated April 16, 2012 “Monsignor Raymond V. Orf Day.” The official proclamation was presented to a surprised Msgr. Orf in a leather-bound binder.

“It greatly humbles me with all that they did [event planners],” Msgr. Orf said. “It was a tremendous day and very pleasant to meet all the golfers.”

Ordained a priest in 1955, a year before the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau was established, Msgr. Orf has been in the Church of Southern Missouri since the beginning.

“It is a great pride to be a priest and serve the great people of Southern Missouri,” Msgr. Orf said.

“It’s been a challenge at times, but I have enjoyed every minute of it,” the Flinthill Missouri native said. “Being at Immaculate Conception now is just great.”

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP--Bp.-Emeritus John J. Leibrecht wished Msgr. Raymond Orf good luck before the shotgun start of the Everybody Loves Raymond golf event at Hickory Hills Country Club, on April 16, 2012. Bp. Leibrecht was a member of the team “Holy Hitters” with Scott Rhodes, Greg Ledwon, and Jim Hennessy. (Photo by Larry Jansen)

Msgr. Orf served a broad area of the Diocese before retiring in 2002: West Plains, White Church, Willow Springs, Mansfield, Ava, Advance, Glennon, Branson, Kimberling City, Forsyth, Kelso, Carthage, and Lebanon. Like many of retired priests in the Diocese, he continues to be active in ministry.

“I’m retired,” he said, “but I haven’t found out what retirement is yet!”

The event has raised over $12,000 for St. Mary Catholic School. Renee Motazedi, Development Director for Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS), joined the effort at the tournament.

“It was a gorgeous day and we are so grateful for the great turnout and commitment from everyone from the planning committee to the teams and volunteers,” Motazedi said. While the decision about how the money will be spent remains undecided, “It is wonderful to know it is there to be used to help us rebuild our school system.”

Students from St. Mary School sent hand-written thank you letters to all the businesses that contributed to the event.

Did Msgr. Orf get his hole in one? He came very close, hitting the pin.

Mark your calendars now: Msgr. Orf will continue his quest for the elusive hole in one on April 22, 2013, the date of next year’s tournament.