November 3, 2010

Kateri Catholic Community: 16 tribes, one family in Christ

Congregation welcomes archbishop for pastoral visit

On Oct. 24 the Kateri Catholic Community in Lakewood welcomed Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap., for Mass and fellowship. Archbishop Chaput, who generally visits the community once a year, is a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe and chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Subcommittee on Native American Affairs.

Margaret Tranekier, the community’s director of religious education, serves as liaison between northern Colorado’s Native American Catholic community and the archdiocese.

“We really enjoy his visits,” Tranekier said. “He’s not only our shepherd, he’s also our friend. We’ve known him a long time.”

The 10 a.m. liturgy began as it does every week: with the group encircled in prayer for the canonization of their patroness Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, followed by a sign of peace, a litany of gratitude to the “Great Spirit,” and personal greetings of welcome to each other.

“The community is like a family,” Tranekier said. “Everybody’s welcome, you don’t have to be Indian, we’re a Catholic Church.”

There are approximately 2.3 million Native American Catholics in the U.S., representing roughly 3.5 percent of the country’s Catholic population. According to Lloyd Honeysette, chairman of the Kateri Community Council, there are about 300 members in the Denver community, though the number varies depending on the seasonal powwow circuit.

Kateri members come from all over the metro area to the chapel at 1020 Upham St., and from as far away as Limon and the mountain regions. Currently about 16 tribes are represented. In the past, as many as 25 tribes were represented in the community.

“It doesn’t make any difference what tribe you are,” Tranekier said. “People like to come to Kateri to visit with friends.”

Following the opening prayer circle, the 80 people present were seated in the small chapel as Archbishop Chaput processed to the altar, accompanied by drums and Native American spiritual music. Many parishioners dressed in traditional Native attire for the occasion.

Archbishop Chaput, wearing a colorful beaded bishop’s cross, smudged the altar flanked with wildflowers, a statue of Blessed Kateri, sacred vessels with Native designs, and a star pattern quilt of fall colors. Smudging involves burning sage, cedar and sweet grasses—and using a ceremonial feather to purify people and places before praying.

“It signifies cleansing yourself before presenting yourself to the Lord,” explained Honeysette who assisted with the smudging.

In his homily, Archbishop Chaput greeted the community, recognizing new members since his last visit. He then reflected on the Scripture readings for the day asking: “Does God love the poor more than he loves other people?”

He encouraged the congregation not only to love the poor in word and action, but to become poor themselves.

“The poor in the Bible are not just those who are crippled, widowed and orphaned,” he explained. “But those who as see themselves not as powerful, strong and important—but those who see themselves as depending on God.”

He preached how the Gospel reading (Lk 18:9-14) teaches the faithful “to think like God thinks” and the importance of not judging others, noting that tribalism can be a factor in the lives of Native Americans.

“When we look at ourselves and others, we see saints and sinners,” he said. “When Jesus looks at us, does he saints and sinners? No, he sees his brothers and sisters.”

He concluded by drawing on the second reading (2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18) written by St. Paul from prison when he was about to be killed because of faith in Christ.

“St. Paul said ‘…no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me,’” Archbishop Chaput said. “Everyone deserted St. Paul because he stood for the truth and they didn’t want to risk their own imprisonment.”

The reading speaks to Catholics today on the necessity of standing for the truth, even when it means standing alone.

“Are you willing to do that?” the archbishop asked.

He offered the examples of criticism towards Muslims, same-sex marriage and abortion.

“There are many instances in our lives when we are called to stand with the Gospel, but in doing that: we have to stand alone,” he said. “That’s what it means to be a Christian.”

Following Mass, Archbishop Chaput joined the community for a potluck lunch.

“He’s known some members of our community for over 20 years,” Tranekier said. “He comes and sits and talks. He’s very relaxed when he’s here.”

To get involved in the Kateri Catholic Community, which has existed in the archdiocese since the 1970s, Tranekier suggested: “Come to Mass!”

“We don’t take registrations over the phone,” she added with a laugh.

In addition to 10 a.m. Sunday Mass, they offer religious education, sacrament preparation, adult Bible study, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and social events such as a Thanksgiving potluck and a Christmas party. The community also has a presence at the Denver March Powwow.

Clergy serving the Kateri community are Very Rev. James Goggins, V.F., pastor of the community and of St. Bernadette Parish on whose property the chapel is located, chaplain Father John Gibbons and Deacon Bill Stow. For more information contact Tranekier at 720-261-0297 or Deacon Stow at 303-868-2780 or billstow@comcast.net.