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Welcome Pope Benedict
Pope Benedict XVI’s plane was still in the air on its way to the United States when the discussion of his remarks aboard the plane were already making headlines.
Although the pontiff was commenting on several issues, it was his words about the disgrace of the clergy sexual abuse crisis that were getting noticed (See Page 3).
Some were surprised that the issue had already emerged on the first day of the pope’s visit to America when no public speeches were scheduled. Others thought it was a clever strategy on the pope’s part to deal quickly with the issue and hopefully move it to the back burner so that issues about war and peace, the threat of secularism, and the challenge of Catholic education could get equal time.
Make no mistake about it. This pope, who follows the charismatic John Paul II to the U.S., has developed a style all his own and it has proven to be effective and enlightening.
As The Tablet goes to press, the journey has only begun. It is still to be seen what issues the Pope will choose to speak about. But you can be certain that he already has our attention and America will be listening.
In addressing the sex abuse crisis, the Holy Father made it clear that he hopes to act as a reconciler to those still disenchanted with the actions of a small percentage of priests. He understands the suffering of the victims. And perhaps that’s another reason for his immediately engaging the topic in his remarks.
He also said that he is not a miracle worker and that the whole Church must be involved in healing the wounds of the crisis. Our efforts can start with listening to the pope as he elaborates on the issue.
To receive a visit from a pope is a special privilege. Indeed, most diocese in America have never had the opportunity to greet a sitting pontiff. The Brooklyn Diocese has been visited by three of the last four popes, the exception being Pope John Paul I, who reigned for only a month.
Once again, the Church in Brooklyn and Queens has a special grace of seeing the Holy Father on our own turf. In a special farewell ceremony to be held this Sunday evening, we will get a chance to give him a send-off that is second to none.
In his remarks that evening, the Holy Father is certain to mention that Brooklyn and Queens is a Diocese of Immigrants. Children representing four lands from which our people have come will make a presentation to Benedict XVI.
Diocesan employees have the privilege of having received invitations to help wish Godspeed to the pope. We urge everyone who has responded in the affirmative to follow through and be present at Kennedy Airport as we bid farewell to the Holy Father.
A vigorous man who turned 81 while with us in the United States, Pope Benedict XVI has proven himself to be a man of exceptional scholarship, wisdom and hopefulness. He chose Christ Our Hope as the theme of his visit among us because he firmly believes that Jesus offers the world the path to holiness and salvation.
Listen to the pope’s words. Study them and reread them. He brings love and hope, the topics of his first encyclicals, into our presence. This is a grace-filled moment that we would foolish to miss. Take advantage of every step of this papal journey and pray along with him as he follows Christ Our Light.
Mom’s Medical Costs
People all over the country are helping their moms save as much as $3,600 per year on the cost of prescription drugs. You can too!
We all know the high cost of medicine can be a burden on mothers who have limited income and resources. But there is extra help – available through Social Security – that could pay part of her monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help could be worth up to $3,600 per year.
To figure out whether your mother is eligible, Social Security needs to know her income and the value of her savings, investments and real estate (other than the home she lives in). To qualify for the extra help, she must be receiving Medicare and also have:
• Income limited to $15,600 for an individual or $21,000 for a married couple living together. Even if her annual income is higher, she still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. Some examples where income may be higher include if she or her spouse:
– Support other family members who live with them;
– Have earnings from work; or
– Live in Alaska or Hawaii; and
• Resources limited to $11,990 for an individual or $23,970 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count her house and car as resources.
Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that you can help complete for your mom. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov. To apply by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to the nearest Social Security office.
To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
So this Mother’s Day, help your mom save up to $3,600 a year on her prescription drugs. Long after the candy and flowers are gone, the extra help through Social Security will keep on giving.
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