Oct. 12, 2012 by Catholic News Herald

October 12, 2012

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

St. Francis breaks ground on new church

OPEN THE DOOR TO JESUS

Building project spurred by largest stock gift in the history of the Diocese of Charlotte,

16-17

Entering the Year of Faith

INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes................. 3-13 Our Faith.......................... 2-3 Schools......................... 18-19 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies...................... 20 U.S. news..................... 22-23 Viewpoints.................. 26-27 World news................. 24-25

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INSIDE:

— What is the Year of Faith?, 2 — Virtual pilgrimage to France: follow local Catholics and learn more about Marian devotions, saints and sacred sites, 3

— Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization gets under way in Rome, 24 — Resources for your Year of Faith journey, 3

Year of faith

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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The ‘door of faith’ is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into His Church,” Pope Benedict writes in the introduction to “Porta Fidei,” his apostolic letter announcing the Year of Faith. “To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime.” We are called to learn about Jesus, to know Him – and through knowing Him, love Him more deeply, so that we may serve Him by our lives.

Pope Benedict XVI

Vatican II texts help navigate a troubled world

hough they were written 50 years ago, the 16 documents of the Second Vatican Council are indispensable for helping today’s Christians navigate their way in a stormy world, Pope Benedict XVI said. Unfortunately, the landmark documents have been buried under “a mass of publications, which, instead of making (them) known, have often hidden them,” he said. The council’s teachings need to be “liberated” from the deluge, because today they can still be “a compass that guides the vessel of the Church for sailing the open seas – in the middle of storms or calm and peaceful waves – to safely reach its destination,” the pope said Oct. 10 at his general audience, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s opening and the start of the Year of Faith. Pope Benedict recalled attending Vatican II as a theologian, saying he was struck by the vitality and universality of the Church that put itself under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, “the real engine” driving the council. It was in the midst of the concrete expression of its universality that the Church experienced the “great realization of her mission to bring the Gospel” to every corner of the earth. When Blessed John XXIII opened the council, he underlined the council fathers’ true task: to speak to a rapidly-changing world about the faith in a “renewed” manner. However, Pope John emphasized the Church’s perennial truths were to remain intact “without any weakening or compromise,” Pope Benedict said. The Church was to open up to the modern world, “not to conform to it, but to present our world, which tends to turn away from God, with the necessity of the Gospel in all of its greatness and purity.” “We have to learn the simplest and key lesson of the council”: Christianity “consists of faith in the triune God and in a personal and communal encounter with Christ who orients and gives meaning to life. Everything else flows from this.”

On these pages throughout the Year of Faith, we’ll explore the tenets of our faith. Kicking off the journey this week is “Journey in Faith,” a virtual pilgrimage giving us a closer look at the sacred churches, Marian shrines and saints of the Church in France. Join us, won’t you? Open the door to Jesus, who loves you, and share your journey with us.

Year of Faith begins this week 1. What is the Year of Faith? At certain times in the history of the Church, popes have called upon the faithful to dedicate themselves to deepening their understanding of a particular aspect of the faith. In 1967, Pope Paul VI announced a Year of Faith commemorating the 19th centenary of the martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul. The 1967 Year of Faith called upon the Church to recall the supreme act of witness by these two saints so that their martyrdom might inspire the present day Church to collectively and individually make a sincere profession of faith. The upcoming Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI is a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Savior of the world” (“Porta Fidei,” 6). In other words, the Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion – to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with Him. The pope has described this conversion as opening the “door of faith” (see Acts 14:27). The “door of faith” is opened at one’s baptism, but during this year Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ and His Church. 2. Why is the Year of Faith this year? With his Apostolic Letter of Oct. 11, 2011, “Porta Fidei,” Pope Benedict XVI declared that the Year of Faith is to begin on Oct. 11, 2012 and conclude on Nov. 24, 2013. Oct. 11, the first day of the Year of Faith, is the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and also the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. During the Year of Faith, Catholics are asked to study and reflect on the documents of Vatican II and the Catechism so that they may deepen their knowledge of the faith. 3. The Year of Faith begins with a Synod on New Evangelization. What’s a synod? A synod of bishops is a gathering of bishops, selected from different areas of the world, who meet with the pope to discuss questions pertaining to the activity of the Church in the world. This meeting of bishops helps to foster a closer unity between the bishops and the pope, and provides counsel to the pope. Pope Benedict XVI has situated the Synod on the New Evangelization (Oct. 7-28) at the beginning of the Year of Faith. 4. How are Year of Faith and New Evangelization linked? The New Evangelization is a call to each Catholic to deepen his or her own faith, have confidence in the Gospel, and possess a willingness to share the Gospel. The New Evangelization is first and foremost a personal encounter with Jesus Christ; it is an invitation to deepen one’s relationship with Christ. It is also a call to each person to share his or her faith with others. The Year of Faith, just like the New Evangelization, calls Catholics to conversion in order to deepen their relationship with Christ and to share it with others. 5. How does the Year of Faith affect the average Catholic? Every baptized Catholic is called through baptism to be a disciple of Christ and proclaim the Gospel. The Year of Faith is an opportunity for each and every Catholic to renew their baptismal call by living out the everyday moments of their lives with faith, hope and love. This everyday witness is necessary for proclaiming the Gospel to family, friends, neighbors and society. To witness to the Gospel, Catholics must be strengthened through celebrating weekly Sunday Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation. — USCCB

Your daily Scripture readings Scripture for the week Oct. 13-19

Saturday: Galatians 3:22-29, Luke 11:2728; Sunday: Wisdom 7:7-11, Hebrews 4:12-13, Mark 10:17-30; Monday (St. Teresa of Jesus): Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1, Luke 11:2932; Tuesday: Galatians 5:1-6, Luke 11:37-41; Wednesday (St. Ignatius of Antioch): Galatians 5:18-25, Luke 11:42-46; Thursday (St. Luke the Evangelist): 2 Timothy 4:10-17b, Luke 10:1-9; Friday (St. John de Brébeuf and St. Isaac Jogues, and their companions): Ephesians 1:11-14, Luke 12:1-7.

Scripture for the week Oct. 20-26

Saturday: Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 12:8-12; Sunday: Isaiah 53:10-11, Hebrews 4:14-16, Mark 10:35-45; Monday: Ephesians 2:1-10, Luke 12:1321; Tuesday: Ephesians 2:12-22, Luke 12:35-38; Wednesday: Ephesians 3:2-12, Luke 12:39-48; Thursday: Ephesians 3:14-21, Luke 12:49-53; Friday: Ephesians 4:1-6, Luke 12:54-59.

Scripture for the week Oct. 27-Nov. 2

Saturday: Ephesians 4:7-16, Luke 13:1-9; Sunday: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Hebrews 5:1-6, Mark 10:46-52; Monday: Ephesians 4:32-5:8, Luke 13:10-17; Tuesday: Ephesians 5:21-33 or Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32, Luke 13:18-21; Wednesday: Ephesians 6:1-9, Luke 13:2230; Thursday (Solemnity of All Saints): Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12a; Friday (Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, also known as All Souls Day): Wisdom 3:1-9, Romans 5:5-11 or Romans 6:3-9, John 6:37-40.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

Seek to know Jesus better

ear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The purpose of the Year of Faith is to put Jesus front and center in our lives – to make sure that Jesus is first. During this Year of Faith we want to know Jesus better and to love Him more. We are called during the coming months to place ourselves on the path of a stronger commitment to Jesus and a stronger commitment to our faith. The Eucharist and the Mass are at the center of a stronger commitment to Jesus and to the faith. It is the summit toward which all the activity of the Church is directed, and it is also the source from which all its power flows. It is Christ’s Real Presence with us, all days until the end of the world, that keeps us strong and keeps us going. We can grow in holiness and honor this Year of Faith by praying the rosary more, by meditating on the mysteries in the life of Jesus. Or we can honor the Year of Faith by studying one of the four Gospels, rereading it carefully for a deeper understanding of Jesus. We can honor the Year of Faith by preparing better for Mass. If we really believe that Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, then we must take seriously our desire to prepare ourselves to be in His Presence and to receive Him. We can also honor the Year of Faith by spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, devoting attention to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. We can also honor the Year of Faith by studying the teachings of Jesus and His Church, especially the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Blessed Mother is the one who most beautifully exemplifies for us the values of this Year of Faith. Her trusting faith in God, and her close following of Jesus and His teaching during His public life, serve as a model for us. The world needs the witness of our Christian joy. It needs the witness of the proclamation of the truth. It needs the witness of our Christian charity. Jesus wants the salvation of all humanity, and each of us has a role to play in bringing Jesus to others, so that others can have a chance to make a choice for Jesus. In order to accomplish our mission, we must know Jesus and love Him deeply. May this Year of Faith inspire us in our mission as Jesus’ disciples to bring His Gospel message of truth and love to others. Bishop Peter J. Jugis leads the Diocese of Charlotte.

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Online resources for your Year of Faith www.annusfidei.va: The official Vatican site for the Year of Faith, this is a must-see for your own journey. Here you’ll find: – the full text of “Porta Fidei,” Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic letter announcing the Year of Faith

Pilgrim Carolyn Franks is amazed at seeing the incorrupt body of St. Vincent De Paul in the Parisian chapel of the same name, one of the first stops pilgrims made after starting their journey Oct. 8.

– the full text of all the Vatican II documents, including the four constitutions: “Dei Verbum,” “Lumen Gentium,” “Sacrosanctum Concilium” and “Gaudium et Spes.” – catechetical talks by Pope Benedict on the Apostles and saints, the Church Fathers, leading Catholic women, medieval theologians, and prayer

www.usccb.org: At the U.S. bishops’ website, check out a video series on the Year of Faith, download Catholic prayers and catechetical resources for free, search the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and more.

www.crs.org/yof:

Photos by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

A statue of St. Denis

Father Tim Reid (pictured above, celebrating Mass at Notre Dame des Champs in Paris) is leading a Marian pilgrimage to France this month, and staff writer SueAnn Howell is documenting the journey every stop of the way. See lots more photos and stories by following our virtual pilgrimage at www.triptofrance.tumblr.com.

Learn how Catholic Relief Services proclaims the Gospel through justice and charity and explore ways to make the Year of Faith a richer, more fulfilling time of renewal and spiritual discovery.

www.flocknote.com/ catechism:

Marian pilgrimage seeks to grow closer to Jesus SueAnn Howell Catholic News Herald

PARIS — Pilgrims from the Diocese of Charlotte have not let unfamiliar sounds, a language barrier or lack of sleep deprive them from discovering the treasures of our Catholic faith in France. Staff writer SueAnn Howell is among the pilgrims, chronicling a “Journey in Faith” as she accompanies more than 40 men, women and children from the Diocese of Charlotte on a Marian pilgrimage to France through Oct. 19. These pilgrims, many of them whom have never been to France, plan to deepen their faith and their love of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Mother and the saints on this 11-day pilgrimage to religious sites all around the country known as “the eldest daughter of the Church.” In the first eight hours after landing in the City of Lights, the pilgrims collected their bags, boarded a bus in the misty rain and headed for the heart of Paris. They were all a bit sleepy-eyed after traveling – first to Philadelphia, then to Paris for the overnight eight-hour flight overseas – but they were in good spirits. First stop: the Basilica of St. Denis, the first bishop of Paris and a martyr for the faith. Legend has it that St. Denis was beheaded, but he simply picked up his head and walked about six miles, preaching all along the way. Not even the rain could dampen their spirits when they saw the magnificent basilica and toured the inside, going downstairs to the crypt where most of the kings and queens of France are buried. When asked what he thought of the basilica and all the royalty entombed there, teen Jordan Hartle exclaimed, “Cool!” At the end of the basilica tour, pilgrims paused in a heartfelt prayer led by Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte and chaplain on the pilgrimage.

“We pray in thanksgiving for our safe travels here; to Our Lady for bringing us here safely; for our bishop, Peter Jugis; our retired bishop, Bishop Curlin; and our deceased bishops of the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Begley and Bishop Donoghue.” The Marian pilgrimage is one way these faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte are beginning their Year of Faith, and using the trip to say “thank you” to the Blessed Virgin The pilgrims will Mary for her intercessions. be happy to offer up The pilgrims will weave their way via bus your prayer requests and train from Paris to the cities of Lisieux, as they journey from Ars, Paray-le-Monial, Orleans and MontParis to Lourdes on St.-Michel, ending their pilgrimage at the this Marian pilgrimage healing waters of Lourdes. for the Year of Faith. The shrines, basilicas and cathedrals on Simply click on the the itinerary are renowned for their beauty “Share your prayers” and historical significance in the growth and link on the blog, at development of the Church. They include the www.triptofrance. Basilica of St. Denis, Notre Dame Cathedral, tumblr.com. the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, Sainte Chappelle, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Chartres Cathedral. Some saints the pilgrims will encounter along the way include: St. Denis, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Thérèse, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. John Vianney, Blessed Claude de Colombiere and St. Bernadette. At every stop along the way, read all about the pilgrims’ experiences and learn more about the religious sites and the saints they encounter.

We welcome your prayer requests

Read the Catechism over the course of this year: Get daily reflections from the Catechism to your email inbox, for free.

Come along on the pilgrimage At triptofrance. tumblr.com: – Meet the pilgrims, see lots of photos and take interactive tours on the journey from Paris to Lourdes – Learn about the people and places of the Church in France and the devotions they inspired

More coverage At www.catholicnews herald.com: More on the Synod of Bishops for the New Evangelization, plus news and catechetical resources

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ARDEN

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks: Oct. 14 – 2:30 p.m. Mass for Heritage Society St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte Oct. 17 - 7 p.m. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mocksville OCT. 18 – 6 p.m. Friend to Seminarians Dinner Charlotte OCT. 19 – 10 a.m. Diocesan Finance Council meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte OCT. 21 – 2 p.m. Mass for Jubilee Wedding Anniversaries ST. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte OCT. 23 – 1:30 p.m. Diocesan Building Commission Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte OCT. 24 – 7 p.m. Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of Mercy Church, Winston-Salem OCT. 25 – 6:30 p.m. Room at the Inn Banquet Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte OCT. 26-28 Investiture of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Washington, D.C.

St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road

www.italian-club-charlotte.org or call 704-614-3822.

— Visiting Jesuit Father Paul Mankowski, scholar of Scripture and Hebrew at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and leader in the pro-life movement, will speak at all Oct. 20-21 Masses. Contact Debbie Scott at dvsgrafx@gmail.com for details.

— International Fair Trade Market, Oct. 21, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Fair Trade crafts, jewelry, coffee and chocolate will be offered for sale. Sponsored by parish’s Peace and Justice Ministry.

BELMONT BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE — Morning of Reflection, led by the Legionaries of Christ, hosted by the women of Regnum Christi. Saturday, Oct. 27, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Belmont Abbey College Mezzanine. Enjoy a light breakfast, talks by the Legionaries, confession, the rosary and Mass. RSVP to Jo Flemings: jcbf19@carolina.rr.com or 704644-3778.

CHARLOTTE CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 7702 PINEVILLE MATTHEWS ROAD — Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group Evening Reflection: led by Father Matthew Kauth, CCHS chaplain, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. He will talk on “Love in the Thought of St. Thomas Aquinas.” Contact Anita Di Pietro at 704-5430314, Mary Sample at 704-341-9292, or go to www. charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org. ST. ANN CHURCH, 3635 PARK ROAD — A Missa Cantanta, Mass in the Extraordinary Form, will be celebrated Sunday, Oct. 28, at 12:30 p.m. ST. gabriel CHURCH, 3016 providence road — Respect Life Rosary, at the Blessed Virgin Grotto, following 10:45 a.m. Mass first Sundays — Young Widowed Group, Ministry Center, 7-9 p.m. first Tuesdays. Contact Sister Eileen McLoughlin, MSBT, at 704-543-7677, ext. 1043. ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, 8451 IDLEWILD ROAD

Clarification The Sept. 28 article “Rocker turned runner to raise funds for Parkinson’s cure” failed to mention that the Michael J. Fox Foundation has quietly backed away from its once-vocal support for embryonic stem cell research. In several interviews earlier this summer, Michael J. Fox, actor and founder, said that embryonic stem cell research was proving a less and less hopeful option towards finding a cure, so his foundation is shifting its support towards other, more promising research methods. Our Catholic faith teaches that human life begins at the moment of conception, and that the use and destruction of human embryos is immoral. Exploiting one life, even if meant to help others such as what medical research aims to achieve, can never be justified. (For more, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2295) — Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

October 12, 2012 Volume 21 • Number 25

1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

704-370-3333 PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte

— Forty Hours Devotion, Oct. 21-23, Father Joseph Aytona, CPM, guest homilist. Exposition begins 7 p.m. Oct. 21. Contact 704-536-6520 or go to www.4sjnc. org for details. — Family Vocations Day, Saturday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m.3:30 p.m. Priests and religious will speak to youth, young adults and parents about various aspects of religious life while children will have the opportunity to play games that will teach them about religious life in a language they can understand. Whether you are interested in religious life for yourself or your children, this event is sure to give you a better understanding of God’s call in your life. Lunch is included. Register online by Oct. 17 at www.4sjnc.org. For details, contact meredith@4sjnc.org. ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — Italian Festival, Saturday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free entertainment. Italian food, special activities for kids, cultural displays and games. For details, go to

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org STAFF WRITER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org Online reporter: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

— Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course, Oct. 20, 1-5 p.m. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, 1400 SUTHER ROAD — The diocesan 25th and 50th Wedding Anniversary Mass for those married in 1962 or 1987 will be celebrated on Sunday, Oct. 21. Mass begins at 2 p.m. and will be followed by a reception. Check with your parish office for details and to register for an invitation. st. vincent de paul church, 6828 Old Reid road — Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group invites women to join them for the Oct. 15 reflection given by Father David Miller of St. Patrick Cathedral. Mass at 9 a.m. will be followed by a reflection in the parish hall at 10 a.m. For information, contact Anita Di Pietro at 704-543-0314 or go to www. charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org.

CLEMMONS HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, 4820 Kinnamon Road — Charismatic Prayer Group, 7:15 p.m. Mondays

DENVER HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 North HWY 16 — Join the Holy Spirit parish community weekly to watch “Catholicism” - a series of 45-minute episodes - beginning at 7:30 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. in the Church Overflow Room. Each session will be facilitated by a member of the parish staff. After the video is shown, there will be refreshments. No registration is required. All are invited! Upcoming segments: Oct. 17, The Mystical Union of Christ and the Church; Oct. 24, Bread of Heaven: The Mystery of the Eucharist; Oct. 31, A Vast Company of Witnesses: The Communion of Saints; Nov. 7, Prayer and the Life of the Spirit; Nov. 14, World Without End: The Last Things.

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE — Healing Retreat: Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend, Oct. 26-28, sponsored by Catholic Social Services Respect Life Program. Retreat will be held in the Asheville area and is open to both men and women beginning their healing journey after an abortion. Contact Carla at 828-342-4655 or go to Rachelsvineyard.org for more information. — Room at the Inn 18th Annual Banquet, featuring keynote speaker Johnette Bankovic from EWTN, Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Charlotte Convention Center. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. For details or to RSVP, contact 704-525-4673 ext. 10 or email marypaulforsyth@rati.org. Reservations are free but are required.

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GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, 2205 West Market st. — Rosary Crusade Saturday, Oct. 13, after the 8 a.m. Mass. — Join us in the cafeteria at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 for the last in a series of talks, “Hit by a runaway train: what happened to the Catholic Church in America, 1962-2012?” This series is a study of Church teaching during a very troubled time, and about how that teaching has been debated, denied and defended. Presenter: Deacon James H. Toner, Ph.D. ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, 2715 HORSE PEN CREEK ROAD — Rosary Crusade Saturday, Oct. 13, at noon (arrive by 11:30 a.m.). Contact Guy and Antoinette Cerrito at 336-852-0714 for details. st. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St. — Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 13, noon-8 p.m. Food, games, entertainment. For details, go to www. stpiusxnc.com. — Seasons of Hope Grief Ministry will meet for six weeks on Sunday afternoons until Nov. 4. Anyone mourning the loss of a loved one is encouraged to attend and bring a guest. Kloster Center, 1:45 to 4 p.m. To register, call the parish office at 336-272-4681.

MINT HILL ST. LUKE CHURCH, 13700 LAWYERS ROAD — Annual Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Held in conjunction with the St. Luke Church 25th anniversary celebration. Live entertainment from local musicians and dancers, shopping, book and bake sale and carnival rides. Children’s Fair will also include inflatables, pony rides, an exotic pet zoo and more. Chuck “the Charlyhorse” Johnson, winner of the 2012 Charlotte Music Awards Americana Artist of the Year and Singer/Songwriter of the Year, will perform along with other bands and choral groups. The Knights of Columbus will sponsor a free throw and soccer shoot-out competition, awarding trophies to top finalists. For details, call 704-545-1224 or go to www.stlukechurch.net.

TRYON ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Church, 180 LAUREL AVE. — Join parishioners for their first-ever Life Chain on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2-3 p.m. along Main Street. For details, call 828-859-9574.

OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE — Men’s Emmaus Walk: St. Philip Neri in Fort Mill, S.C. will host a Men’s Emmaus Walk for those interested, aged 21 and older. This encounter is designed to draw participants closer to God through their journey with His Son Jesus Christ in their “walk to Emmaus.” The Walk will be held Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. through Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. and will conclude with Mass. For details, call Jenny in the parish office at 803-548-7282.

contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others. POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.

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Faithful turn out to show respect for life

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CHARLOTTE — People stretched along busy Park Road Oct. 7 to mark Respect Life Sunday with a prayer vigil and peaceful witness to the dignity of all life from the moment of conception until natural death. Respect Life Sunday kicks off Respect Life Month, a time for Catholics to “renew their personal commitment to defend all human life, especially the most vulnerable members of the human family,” said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a statement. “By our unflinching defense of human life and religious freedom, by our witness to the transcendent nature of the human person, and by our compassionate service to our brothers and sisters in need, may we spark a renewal of love and commitment to the true good of others.” Family and community bonds, he noted, have eroded in the four decades since Roe v. Wade, the 1972 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion virtually on demand. About 20 people gathered outside St. Gabriel Church with their pastor, Father Frank O’Rourke, and there were more people gathered with pastor Father Tim Reid at St. Ann Church, with Father Joshua Voitus at St. Vincent de Paul Church, and outside Charlotte Catholic High School and Holy Trinity Middle School. It was the longest prayer chain in the diocese, but it wasn’t the only one. Respect Life Sunday vigils were also held in numerous other towns and parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte last weekend. See more photos online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

In Brief Fall intern joins CNH team CHARLOTTE — The Catholic News Herald welcomes Megan Barnes as its fall intern from Belmont Abbey College. Barnes is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in education studies and is planning to graduate in December 2013. Originally from Maryland, Barnes edited her high school newspaper and has also contributed to the Belmont Abbey College Reader. She writes her own blog, Eloquence of the Inarticulate (online at www. eloquenceinarticulate. blogspot.com). She is also vice president of the Delta Chi chapter of Epsilon Barnes Sigma Alpha Sorority at Belmont Abbey College. During her internship at the Catholic News Herald, Barnes will write stories and take photographs for both the print and online editions, contribute to its social media outlets and multimedia content, and explore other basic reporting and editing duties. “This opportunity is incredibly exciting and I feel extremely blessed to have be offered the experience and the chance to work with a great team of people,” Barnes said.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Learn more about how you can help defend human life At www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities: Read about what Catholics believe about abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research, IVF/ reproductive technology, contraception and post-abortion healing; find prayers for those who have lost a child due to miscarriage or abortion; get other prayer and Holy Hour suggestions, and much more.

At css.charlottediocese.net/respectlife: Learn more about local Respect Life activities – including an upcoming Rachel’s Vineyard retreat for post-abortive women and men Oct. 26-28. Contact diocesan Respect Life coordinator Maggi Nadol at mnadol@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3229.

Freedom rally set for Oct. 20 The next “Stand Up for Religious Freedom” rallies to oppose the HHS mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will be held Oct. 20 in Charlotte, Lincolnton and Winston-Salem – among 130 cities nationwide: n Charlotte: St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St. n Lincolnton: Lincoln County Courthouse, 1 Court Square Drive n Winston-Salem: Hiram H. Ward Federal Building, 251 North Main St. This is the third such rally organized nationwide by the Pro-Life Action League and Citizens for a Pro-Life Society and involves a wide-ranging coalition of religious organizations and legal groups. All rallies will start at noon, and everyone is welcome. Signs will be provided. For more information, go online to www. standupforreligiousfreedom.org.

‘Women of Grace’ host to headline RATI banquet CHARLOTTE — Johnnette S. Benkovic, the host of “Women of Grace” on the radio and on EWTN and executive producer of “The Abundant Life” on EWTN, will be the guest speaker at the Room at the Inn’s 18th annual fundraising banquet set for Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Charlotte Convention Center. Room at the Inn is a non-profit Benkovic Catholic maternity and after-care program based in Charlotte. For details, go online to www.rati.org or call 704-525-4673, ext. 10. Reservations are free, but required.

Marian Congress focuses on importance of rosary Rico De Silva Correspondent

KANNAPOLIS — They came from as far as Guatemala and New York City, or as near as Kannapolis and Mooresville. Latinos, Filipinos and Anglos. All with the same purpose: to sing Mary’s praises as the Mother of Jesus, Mother of the Rosary, and Mother of the human family in the third-annual Carolina Marian Congress at the Kannapolis Performing Arts Center on Oct. 6. Nearly 400 faithful gathered throughout the day to hear talks in both English and Spanish. The Congress’ theme was “Called to Humility and Unity in Charity.” It began with recitation of the rosary in the morning, and it included Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. In the afternoon, the Marian devotees hoisted the image of “Our Lady of Manhattan,” along with other banners with images of the Blessed Virgin, and went around the block for a Marian procession. The event concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis. During his bilingual homily, Bishop Jugis encouraged married couples to ask Our Lady to intercede for their families and obtain God’s blessings on their behalf while praying the rosary. “We need Mary’s prayers to guide us through these troubled times for marriage,” he said. Bishop Jugis also pointed out that the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, and the family, are under attack by secular forces. “Marriage and the family

are facing great difficulties today.” Bishop Jugis also denounced the abortion mentality and the proliferation of contraception as diminishing factors of the value of human life and as enemies of family union. “All the mysteries of the rosary remind us of the beauty of family life in one way or the other,” he said. In the Joyful Mysteries, the Incarnation of Jesus and His birth are gifts from God in the action of the Holy Spirit, and are models of love for all families. In the Luminous Mysteries, Mary acts as Mother of the Church, asking to Jesus to perform His first miracle at the wedding of Cana. The Sorrowful Mysteries culminate with Jesus’ death on the Cross, but not before Christ appoints Mary at the foot of the Cross as the Mother of St. John the Apostle and the Mother of all His disciples. Finally, in the Glorious Mystery of Pentecost, Mary is present in the midst of the Apostles during the birth of the Church as the Mother of the Church. Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin made a special appearance in the afternoon and spoke about the importance of having devotion to Mary and her rosary as a way to bring Catholics closer to Jesus and find internal peace. “Mary understands our heartaches,” Bishop Curlin said. “Daily prayer of the rosary is important because the mysteries of the rosary help us answer the mysteries of life.” Missionary Fraternity of Mary Father Francisco Menjivar of Guatamala conducted all the Spanish talks. Father

Ricoi De Silva | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Peter Jugis celebrated Mass for attendees of the Marian Congress in Kannapolis Oct. 6. In the foreground is a statue of Our Lady of Manhattan. More photos from the Marian Congress are online at www.catholicnewsherald.com. Menjivar called Mary a “faithful servant,” and encouraged the Spanish-speaking audience to follow Mary’s exhortation at the wedding at Cana: to “do what He tells you.” The Marian Congress was a combined effort of both Redemptorist Father Alvaro Riquelme, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Kannapolis, and Aida Gamolo, a Marian evangelist from New York. Originally from the Philippines, Gamolo travels frequently back and forth from New York City to the Carolinas to promote devotion to Mary. She started a rosary group called “To Jesus through Mary” at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Mooresville in 2008. Gamolo said devotion to Mary is deeply rooted in Filipino and Latin-American cultures. “Devotion to the Blessed Mother doesn’t come overnight,” she noted.

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan wedding anniversary Mass set for Oct. 21 CHARLOTTE — Couples who were married in 1962 or 1987 are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. They are invited to attend the diocese’s annual wedding anniversary Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. The annual Mass recognizes couples who have been married 50 and 25 years. A reception will be held immediately following the Mass. In November of 2009, the U.S. bishops released the pastoral letter “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan,” which expresses the meaning and their support of traditional marriage. “We rejoice that so many couples are living in fidelity to their marital commitment,” the bishops said. “We thank them for proclaiming in their daily lives the beauty, goodness, and truth of marriage. In countless ways, both ordinary and heroic, through good times and bad, they bear witness to the gift and blessing they have received from the hand of their Creator.” The bishops also reiterate that while marriage is a special blessing for Christians because of the grace of Christ, marriage is also a natural blessing and gift for everyone in all times and cultures. It is a source of blessing to the couple, to their families, and to society and includes the wondrous gift of co-creating human life. For resources for married couples, go to www. foryourmarriage.org. For more information about the upcoming wedding anniversary Mass, contact your parish office. — SueAnn Howell, staff writer

Bishop Jugis: Religion not ‘a personal hobby’ All people of faith must resist attempts to ‘mute the voice of religion in the public sphere’ SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — We are called to demonstrate our faith publicly – in our daily lives and in the public square – and to defy the “prevailing mood” towards organized religion, Bishop Peter J. Jugis preached during his homily for the “Red Mass,” an annual gathering of Catholic legal professionals at St. Patrick Cathedral Sept. 27. Bishop Jugis spoke candidly to members of the local chapter of the St. Thomas More Society and others about threats to religious freedom that Catholics and other Christians face in the current social and political climate. And he emphasized that our focus must remain on the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, if we want to follow Jesus and live the Gospel that He proclaimed. One of the most tangible attacks on religious freedom has come from the Obama administration’s definition of what a religious organization is under the Affordable Care Act’s mandate for free contraceptive services. Nearly all employers must provide free contraception and sterilization services in their health insurance plans, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department announced last year, despite any religious objections they may have. The Church teaches that contraception and sterilization are unnatural and immoral impediments to human dignity and sexuality. Religious employers – including Catholic colleges, dioceses, charitable agencies, and Catholic-run businesses – may be exempted

from the HHS mandate only if they primarily serve or employ people of their own faith. Faced with the prospect of checking people’s religious affiliation before they could receive help at a food pantry, or attend Catholic school, or work for entities like Catholic Charities, Catholic leaders and the U.S. bishops have called for the mandate to be stricken and the health care legislation revised as a whole. Nearly two dozen lawsuits challenging the mandate’s constitutionality have been filed in federal courts. “This very real threat to religious liberty,” Bishop Jugis said, “is indicative of a trend which seems to be developing in this country: an attitude – a very disturbing attitude – that religion is becoming more a curious personal hobby to be engaged in by individuals, that a person is free to engage in on their own private time, but they must not try to bring the values of that religion into the public square.” He emphasized, “There seems to be a move

gradually, slowly developing, to mute the voice of religion in the public sphere because religion is being seen more and more as a purely private matter just between a person and their God – whoever that God might be.” “We see it in other ways, also reflected in our culture, with a decrease in identification with organized religion,” Bishop Jugis added, “where people are leaving organized religion behind because they buy into the idea that it is just a purely personal, private affair that one has with God and there is no community dimension to it at all. “It’s sad, but that seems to be what is developing.” The HHS mandate is indicative of this growing secularism and even hostility to organized religion, he noted. This attitude is, “The Church has to change in order to fit in with the prevailing mood of society. The Church, if it wishes to carry out its role in charity, must compromise its own principles if it wants to be a part of society.” “We know, of course, taking our message from Christ who sent the Apostles into the world to preach Truth – not preach a fad, but preach the Truth – we just can’t abide by that prevailing opinion that seems to be developing in the culture,” he continued. “To be specific, we know we cannot offer health insurance policies that cover contraceptives, sterilization and abortioninducing drugs. But what a choice the Church RED MASS, SEE page 11

St. Matthew celebrates MOMS, sacred role of motherhood Jenny Cox Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — More than 60 women came together recently to commemorate 10 years of the Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS) at St. Matthew Church. Founding members and new ones alike joined to celebrate the bond of motherhood, faith and friendship and to revisit topics that have made the national MOMS program a source of spiritual strength for women since 1992. Past participants shared heart-felt stories on topics such as self-esteem, stress and everyday spirituality, eliciting laughter and tears from the audience throughout the evening. “Tonight we honor Mary as we celebrate the common bond of For more information about motherhood and our reliance on St. Matthew Church’s MOMS God’s grace in our lives,” said MOMS program, contact Adult Faith Ministry Leader Lisa Tolido during Formation Coordinator Michael the celebration Sept. 7. “And just like Burck at 704-541-8362, ext. 4. Elizabeth supported Mary, today we have the Ministry of Mothers Sharing For more about the to empower us to be the best parent, national MOMS program: wife, daughter, sister and friend that www.stpaulsmonastery.org. we can possibly be.” Tolido has been involved with MOMS for more than 10 years, first as ministry leader at St. Catherine Church in Morgan Hill, Calif., then as a small group facilitator and ministry leader for St. Matthew Church. “It’s been such a positive part of my life, revitalizing my faith and introducing me to some amazing women who’ve become cherished friends,” she said. Created by Benedictine Sister Paula Hagen as an outreach of the Sisters of St. Benedict of St. Paul Monastery in Minnesota, MOMS is a parishbased ministry centered on the theology of Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium, a document by the U.S. bishops that calls all baptized Christians to take an active and responsible role in the mission of the Church. MOMS helps women see more clearly how their motherhood is in itself a ministry and a lifetime spiritual journey. For many women, MOMS is often the start of a deeper spirituality and greater involvement in parish life, said Pat Tomlinson, the parish’s faith formation coordinator. “Women who go through MOMS become

Learn more

Photo provided by Jenny Cox

Pictured from left are St. Matthew Ministry of Mothers Sharing charter members Lynn Albuquerque, Nancy Kitson, Jeannine Evans, Mary Ann Kirchner and SueAnn Howell. more connected to their faith and to other women in the church, and they’re eager to get involved in other ways. Their children and families are also more likely to become involved.” St. Matthew Church’s Family Enrichment, First Friday and Called to Be Mom ministries were all created by women who participated in MOMS, Tomlinson said. The experience is the same at churches across the country. Bishop Richard E. Pates of the Diocese of Des Moines wrote of the program, “MOMS has contributed significantly to parishes throughout the country, providing a formative experience of spiritual growth and community for women. Those who go through this ministry often become active volunteers and leaders in their parishes.” Marcie DeMore, mother of two, says MOMS came into her life at just the right time. “I was new to motherhood and new to (St. Matthew Church). It taught me a lot about myself, about my faith and about my need for the friendships of true women. MOMS made me stop and take an inventory of what was important to me, and I learned a lot about my inner strength and what I needed to do to be successful as a wife and mother. I have made some lifelong friends.”

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

Mount Airy Catholics are ‘Russian’ to help this mission Peggy Bowes Correspondent

MOUNT AIRY — “You live in Paradise!” Father Myron Effing exclaimed as I introduced myself outside Holy Angels Church on a warm “Mayberry” October morning. An Indiana native, Father Effing has lived as a missionary in Vladivostok, Russia, for the past two decades. He walks to a convenient globe in the classroom where we are conducting our interview and points out Vladivostok, a port city on the southeastern coast of Russia, just 30 miles from the Chinese mainland. As a missionary in a former Communist country, Father Effing faces a vast array of challenges. The concept of the traditional family has been under attack for decades, and 80 percent of marriages end in divorce. The average Russian woman has had 5-12 abortions, and children are scarce. Many residents live in poverty, alcoholism is rampant, and suicide rates are high, he said. Father Effing and his fellow missionary Father Dan Maurer have been hard at work establishing a variety of programs to care for and educate the people of Vladivostok about the importance of the family and choosing life over abortion. They founded five women’s pregnancy crisis centers as an alternative to abortion and started Project Guardian Angel to match generous sponsors with mothers who want to choose life but can’t afford a child. And their Grandma and Grandpa mentoring program seeks volunteers to visit and play with the many orphans in Vladivostok. A new university campus was recently completed on an island that is part of the city of Vladivostok. There will be more than 100,000 students, and Father Effing is thrilled that a community of sisters from Kansas City is joining the mission to run a pregnancy crisis center on campus and host retreats for the students. Father Effing said he is pleased with the positive impact that his programs have made. “We are leaders in a lot of these social problems. I serve on government commissions and I’m chairman of the Russian committee that deals with the government on behalf of the Catholic Church. We make ourselves be heard. I think our presence is important. We’ve been involved in saving 10,000 kids through our five women’s support centers.” All these programs are expensive, though, and the tiny parish in Vladivostok can barely cover expenses, let alone help pay for the programs the missionaries run. Consequently, Father Effing visits U.S. parishes like Mount Airy each year to seek financial assistance. He said he is especially concerned about vocations. “I’m 72 and Father Dan is 62, so we have to think about the future,” he said, adding that they are blessed to have eager young men in the Philippines and Indonesia who want to enter the seminary and become Russian missionaries, but there is no money to pay for their seminary education. Of course, the missionaries appreciate any prayers on behalf of their work and for more vocations and funding. Even with all of these challenges, Father Effing said he is hopeful for the future of the Church in Russia. “The best thing about Vladivostok is simply being there, of realizing that after so many years of atheism that we have a parish and can speak and talk about religion. That’s just a mind-blowing thing.”

Learn more At www.vladmission.org: Learn more about the Vladivostok mission and how you can help. You can also call their U.S. office at 209-408-0728.

Photos provided by Jeannie DeSena, jeanniedesena.zenfolio.com

Jackson Laskowski celebrated his first Communion and confirmation at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte on Sept. 29.

Five-year-old receives graces in fight against cancer Boy celebrates sacraments at St. Thomas Aquinas Church Kimberly Bender Online reporter

CHARLOTTE — Five-year-old Jackson Laskowski goes to kindergarten at Harrisburg Elementary School. Like any other little boy, his favorite things include riding the school bus and playing on the playground and in the school’s computer lab. But unlike most 5-year-olds, Jackson has endured years of surgeries and treatments to fight Stage IV cancer in his liver and lungs. The cancer is incurable, doctors say, so the Laskowski family treasures every milestone young Jackson achieves. Last week, Jackson celebrated a significant milestone in his Catholic life, as he celebrated his first reconciliation, first Holy Communion and confirmation at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. After numerous conversations with the parish’s former pastor, Capuchin Franciscan Father Remo DiSalvatore, and fellow Capuchin priest and family friend Father Martin Schratz, Jackson’s family decided to move forward with preparing him for the sacraments, said his mother, Maggie Laskowski. Making the decision to celebrate the sacraments early wasn’t because his family thinks Jackson won’t make it to the appropriate ages, Laskowski said, adding, “I hold on to my faith that he’s going to survive.” “It’s more about Jackson receiving the love – and grace and peace – he’ll receive with the Body and Blood of Christ. With all the treatments and hospital stays and all he’s gone through, we felt it would be a good thing to be able to receive them.” Father DiSalvatore said he had no doubt that Jackson was ready to receive the Eucharist. “It’s a good thing to receive a sacrament. They want to do it now to open him up to more of the grace of God –

Want to help? ROCK OUT AT BLOCtoberfest: A free live music festival hosted by Business Leaders of Charlotte, 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the NC Music Factory in Charlotte. A portion of the proceeds from beverage sales will benefit Jackson Laskowski’s Keep HOPE Alive Fund. Details: www.bloctoberfest.com. learn more about Jackson and the Keep HOPE Alive Fund: www.jacksonlaskowski.com, or email Maggie Laskowski at mlaskowski1@ymail.com.

whether it’s healing or to strengthen him.” Jackson has been battling cancer for much of his short life. After he was first diagnosed in January 2010, he underwent 11 rounds of chemotherapy, several lung surgeries to remove the remaining cancer, and then a liver transplant. By August, he was cancer-free. But that changed a few months later. He endured more lung surgery and chemotherapy, and the cancer went into remission again. Then in April 2011, the cancer came back, and Jackson began another round of treatments that ended in May when the cancer went into remission for the third time. But doctors told them the cancer could come back as early as this fall, so Jackson goes for tests once a month to check for the disease. “We’ve already had two relapses,” his mother said, adding that doctors “sat down with us earlier this year and said there are not a lot of options left.” Jackson and his family pray that he remains cancer-free.

JACKSON, SEE page 11

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Inmates of the N.C. state prison Avery-Mitchell Correctional Center in Spruce Pine recently participated in a Residents Encounter Christ program. Another program will be held there Oct. 26-27. More than two dozen state prisons are scattered throughout the Diocese of Charlotte, and the dioceseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prison ministry encourages laypeople and clergy to visit with prisoners to preach the Good News and seek reconciliation with God. Photo provided by Mike Murray

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SPRUCE PINE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;When did we ever see you ill or in prison, and visit you? And The King will say to them in reply, Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.â&#x20AC;? (Matthew 25: 39-40) Ever wonder how you could live up to this particular Gospel call? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not far out of reach, and a diocesan ministry specifically devoted to tending to prisoners welcomes your involvement. Within the diocese, there are more than two dozen state prisons housing more than 38,000 men and women right now. Through the diocesan prison ministry, the faithful can visit prisoners in person, send them letters of encouragement, pray, donate supplies or fund gifts of religious items for them, and so much more. An upcoming program for inmates, referred to as residents, of Avery-Mitchell Correctional Center in Spruce Pine may be the perfect opportunity for you to reach out in faith. Residents Encounter Christ (REC) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an intensive retreat type of program inspired by the Cursillo movement that focuses spiritual discussion and growth over a two-day time frame â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will be held Oct. 26-27 at the correctional facility. It features talks by clergy and laypeople, music, discussions and shared meals. The first day of REC focuses on the Word of God, Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death and resurrection, and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forgiveness and mercy. The sacrament of reconciliation is offered. At the end of the day, residents receive letters of support written by people from across the diocese. The second day focuses on the Risen Christ, improving oneself and developing healthy

Get involved Learn more about the prison ministry: Contact Don Waugh from St. Bernadette Parish at 828-284-2471 or 828-766-2766, or Joe Noser from St. Lucien Parish at 828-766-7784 or 828385-3663. Send palanca or donations: St. Bernadette Church, 2085 Highway 105, Linville, N.C. 28646 828-898-6900. Note: Palanca should be addressed to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dear Resident,â&#x20AC;? written using only first names and include nothing other than the letter in an unsealed envelope. Donations should be noted for REC.

communal relationships within the prison environment. The outside community then joins the team and residents. Everyone shares a meal together, followed by a final presentation and the concluding Mass. Your letters of support and prayer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; called â&#x20AC;&#x153;palancaâ&#x20AC;? in the Cursillo world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are especially requested for the residents who will be taking part in this retreat. The letters are an outward expression of agape love through prayer. Through these first-name-only letters, written from the heart, the writer tells the prisoner that they are praying for their healing and for them to receive Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mercy. Donations to provide Bibles, supplies and other items are also welcome to aid the Residents Encounter Christ program. And finally, you are welcome to attend this REC retreat in Spruce Pine or others in the diocese in the future. About 12 to 15 people are needed to put on each retreat, including both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking laypeople.

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October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

Renowned legal scholar speaks about religious liberty Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

BELMONT — “Religion is a basic aspect of the well-being of a human being, and therefore it is the kind of thing that is protected by a right to religious liberty,” said Dr. Robert P. George in the annual Cuthbert Allen Lecture at Belmont Abbey College. “In its fullest and most robust sense, religion is a human person’s being in right relation to the Divine, the more than merely human source of meaning and value.” In his Oct. 4 lecture to a packed house at the Abbey Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, George reflected on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council on Oct. 11, 1962, and focused on the Church’s understanding of religious liberty as a universal right, not a privilege that is exclusive to Catholics. From that council came a declaration on religious George freedom which broadened the Church’s understanding of faith and religious liberty. “The Council has fundamentally shaped our religious life, not just for Catholics,” George said. “The engagement of Catholics with the broader world, the ecumenical and inter-faith implications of the Council have been profound. So, we should mark and celebrate this 50th anniversary. “But, of course, there was a time before the Second Vatican Council, and for much of that time the Church did not fully embrace a robust conception of religious freedom, one that honors not only the right to be uncoerced in faith, but – even as the Church now acknowledges as a result of the teachings of the fathers of the Second Vatican Council – the civil right to give public witness and expression to sincere religious views even when erroneous, and that is set forth in the document ‘Dignitatis Humanae’ of the Second Vatican Council. “The fathers of the Second Vatican

Council did not embrace the idea that error has rights. They noticed, rather, that people have rights, and they have rights even when they are in error.” This understanding of ecumenism in light of Vatican II is especially relevant as Benedictine Father Cuthbert Allen, the monk for whom the lecture is named, was very active in ecumenical affairs. “He was widely known as a pioneer in ecumenical relations,” explained Dr. Grattan Brown, professor of theology at Belmont Abbey College, in his introduction. “For example, he arranged for a local Baptist pastor to accompany Abbot Walter Coggin to one of the sessions of the Second Vatican Council as an accredited observer.” In gratitude for his work in defense of the Church’s moral teachings, the College conferred an honorary doctorate upon George. “As a Christian thinker, you have fought valiantly for the inviolable dignity and the immeasurable worth of every human life from conception to natural death,” said Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, abbot of Belmont Abbey Monastery. “Through your example, you have reminded us of the difference one human being can make. You have shown what convictions courageously held, cogently demonstrated, and charitably presented can accomplish.” Replied George, “This degree is very special to me because this college decided to stand in the gap in defense of religious liberty, not only for itself, its faculty and its students, but for everyone in the entire country. God bless you for what you have done. I am proud to be an alumnus.” George is the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. He has served on the President’s Council on Bioethics and was a presidential appointee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. He is a former Judicial Fellow at the U.S. Supreme Court, and he is a signer of the Manhattan Declaration. A graduate of Swarthmore College and Harvard Law School, he earned a doctorate in legal philosophy from Oxford University.

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704-841-1160

St. Luke’s

Fall

FestivaL ting bra Cele

Saturday, October 20th 10am - 4pm

Live Entertainment, Carnival Rides, Bazaar, Raffles, Kids Activities, Soccer Shoot Out, Free Throw Contest, Book Sale, International Foods, Baked Goods, Drinks & MUCH More!

*Unlimited Ride Wristbands are sold in advance for $12 at the church OR $15 at the gate.

For More Information Call 704-545-1224 or e-mail fallfestival@stlukechurch.net 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill www.stlukechurch.net s

r Yea

All-Inclusive Excellence Punta Cana Resort March 18-22, 2013

Come with old friends or meet new ones as we “escape winter” and explore this new, exciting travel destination – the Dominican Republic! Fly non-stop to our Caribbean beach and luxury resort surrounded by palms. This ALL-INCLUSIVE vacation means all drinks, all meals, all tips are included! No worries! Relax by the enormous winding pool or in the Jacuzzis. Walk on the powdery white sands or float in the crystal blue sea. Try exciting new water sports, tennis or the private jogging trail. Spoil yourself by dining in 8 international restaurants -- and choose your favorite of the 10 bars, each with its own kind of fun! This all-inclusive vacation takes you away to an unforgettable experience! Plus, we also will have daily Mass (subject to space availability) with our own diocesan priest! Rates are $1109 to $1249 per person (all-inclusive) double occupancy, depending on your choice of accommodations. Singles are available, too. A $150 deposit holds your space today – but don’t wait! Only limited group space can be held and your airfare (cost to be quoted at registration) may go up closer to deadline.

Your Local Catholic Charities Agency

For info or a brochure, call Cindi Feerick, diocesan travel coordinator: (980) 230-7430. For reservations, call AAA’s Henry Dennis: (704) 318-4222, ext. 13611 hddennis@mailaaa.com

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Photos provided by Sister Joan W. Pearson, SSJ

Celebrating the feast of St. Francis of Assisi with joy

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LENOIR â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir celebrated their patron saintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feast last weekend with numerous events â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all aimed at glorifying God and giving thanks to Him. First, the faithful gathered for the blessing and dedication of a new sacristy at the church on Oct. 4. A Mass celebrated by Father Julio Dominguez, pastor, initiated the parishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forty Hours Devotion. Each faith formation class (led by their catechist) took an hour of Adoration in the course of the 40 hours to pray for their families. Later on Oct. 4, Deacon Stephen Pickett led the blessing of the animals, and then parishioners gathered for a potluck supper that evening. On Oct. 5, nearly 150 women from the parish went to a nearby camp center for an Emmaus retreat, while their husbands stayed home and took care of the children. On Oct. 7, the parish welcomed the women home with a closing Mass. Throughout the Forty Hours Devotion, a relic of St. Francis of Assisi was on display in the church. Overall, it really was a wonderful feast!

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Jennifer V. Daniels | Catholic News Herald

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;All creatures great and small ... The Lord God made them allâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; LEXINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Al Gondek, pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington, was among many priests or deacons across the Diocese of Charlotte who commemorated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi earlier this month with pet blessings. Check out more photos of families and their pets online at www.catholicnewsherald. com.

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

JACKSON: FROM PAGE 7

“Today he’s good. As of today, he’s cancer free,” she said last week. “They said to take the next year and a half and make the best of it.” Jackson has been preparing for the sacraments for a while, his mother said, with Father DiSalvatore and Father Schratz and the support of their fellow parishioners at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. “It’s amazing how much he gets and understands,” Laskowski said. “There’s a lot about faith and God he understands… He understands as much as he can for a 5-year-old. He has to pray a lot. We pray a lot.” Jackson made his first reconciliation on Sept. 26. On Sept. 29, Jackson received his first Communion and confirmation during the Saturday vigil Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Jackson was very excited to receive his first Communion, and his mother said it went very well. “It was very emotional. I didn’t expect it to be so emotional. When your child is diagnosed with cancer, you don’t know what milestones you’re going to be able to hit. Being able to make first Communion and confirmation, I was surprised how emotional I found myself,” she said. “It was beautiful, and he did a fabulous job.” Father DiSalvatore said Jackson has a depth of faith he’s never seen before in such a young boy, and that’s a testament to the Laskowski family. “It all starts with his parents. They are very faith-filled people,” Father DiSalvatore said. “Their faith and their family are always in the center of the lives. He’s grown up in that. He’s a bright little boy.” Father DiSalvatore recalls a moment with Jackson about a year ago that has remained with him. “His family was bringing up the gifts, and Jackson was carrying the paten with the hosts in it. I knelt down to give Jackson a hug, and he asked, ‘Are you going to

RED MASS: FROM PAGE 6

is presented with! Either compromise our moral teaching in order to serve the poor and needy, or remain true to our moral teaching and serve only Catholics. “Of course, we know neither option is acceptable. Neither really correctly captures who we are as Catholics,” he preached. Bishop Jugis then explained that at the 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist held at the Vatican, the bishops discussed the role of the Eucharist in the life and the mission of the Church. Even then the bishops spoke of threats to religious liberty, he said, and they noted the powerful connection that exists between the Eucharist and religious liberty. “There is a relationship between the Eucharist and religious liberty, which they saw very clearly,” he said. “It’s a powerful relationship. If we believe and profess that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Church’s life, then it is also the source and the summit of the Church’s mission out in the world.” He described how the celebration of the Eucharist blossoms into works of

make this Jesus now?’ I was like, ‘Wow, he knows what’s going on.’ To me, that spoke volumes of his faith at such an early age.” When Jackson sees other kids suffering at Levine Children’s Hospital, he prays for them, Father DiSalvatore also noted. “At such a young age, the poor kid has been anointed a couple times. The last time I anointed him was before I left (Charlotte),” he said. “After that, he wanted to pray over me. He sat down and put some holy water on his thumb and made the sign of the cross on my forehead and on my hands and he said a little prayer.” The Laskowski family has turned to God, their priests and fellow parishioners at St. Thomas Aquinas for support through Jackson’s illness. Laskowski said she leaned on Father Schratz when her oldest son died at only 100 days old. “He was a strong part of our life when our first child passed away. We are still very close with him. To us, he’s uncle Marty.” The Laskowskis even named Jackson Martin in Father Schratz’s honor. Jackson chose Michael, his father’s name, as — Maggie Laskowski his confirmation name. He was confirmed on the Feast of the Arch Angels. And Father DiSalvatore, who has recently been reassigned by his order to a parish in Hoboken, N.J., had supported Jackson and his family through the battle with cancer. Now, Laskowski said she hopes to set up Facetime, online calls with web cameras, so Jackson can talk to Father DiSalvatore, Laskowski said. “Father Remo has gone through the whole journey with us,” she said. “He has been my spiritual strength throughout the last few years. He’s really helped my family.” When Jackson was first diagnosed, his family reached out to their parish because they didn’t have any family nearby, she said.

‘We take every day we can and make it the best we can.’

Faith fact The Red Mass is so named because the clergy wear red vestments, symbolizing the flames of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Since the 13th century the Red Mass has marked the opening of the term of courts in Europe, and in the early 20th century the tradition spread to the U.S. It provides the legal, political and law enforcement communities with an opportunity to reflect on their faith and ask God for wisdom as they administer the law.

charity for the poor, works of charity to care for the sick, for immigrants, for the marginalized – all of the Church’s work out in the world takes its form, its meaning and its origin from the Eucharist. “The Eucharist is meant to transform the world,” he said. “But for that transformation of the world to take place, we have to be able to practice our religion freely, to serve everyone without compromising our moral teaching.” What happens at the altar in the Sacrifice of the Mass fuels and sustains Catholics’ work in the public arena, in their workplaces, and in their homes.

“We knew we needed prayer, emotional support and spiritual support,” Laskowski said. “It never hurts to have too many prayers and blessings. Father DiSalvatore was very good about putting it out there for the church and asking everyone for prayers. Our parish in itself has just been amazing with the support we have gotten.” Now, she looks to Fathers Patrick Winslow and Matthew Kauth, the current pastor and priest-in-residence at St. Thomas Aquinas Church to help guide Jackson’s faith journey. “When we decided to allow Jackson to do the sacraments, we were told we could do it privately or at a vigil Mass,” Laskowski said. “We have gotten so much support and the parishioners have traveled the journey with us. There are so many people who care about him and love him. We chose to do it at the vigil Mass and open it up to all those who want to attend – it’s been as much their journey as ours.” Laskowski continues to turn to God and her parish for spiritual support. “It’s hard because today he’s good. He’s very good,” she said. “I’ve lost a child already and the thought of losing another one is so very difficult to think of. We take every day we can and make it the best we can. “That’s why, if and when the cancer comes back, I want him to be able to feel the peace, love and grace you can only receive through the Body and Blood of Christ.”

OUR PARISHESI

annual fund raiser was held the night before Jackson received first Communion. The Keep HOPE Alive Fund has also been chosen as the benefactor for a free concert, BLOCtoberfest, at the NC Music Factory on Saturday, Oct. 13.

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Keeping Hope alive

Through Jackson’s fight with cancer, his family set up the Keep HOPE Alive Fund, which helps families of other children like Jackson who are battling cancer. Their first fund raiser was primarily to help Jackson because he was in need of a liver transplant, Laskowski said. Now the fund helps other Charlotte area families going through similar struggles. “We raise money for families like ours whose children are battling cancer in areas that are not covered by medical insurance,” she said. The fund helps to cover living expenses, prescriptions, travel to get second opinions and, sadly, funeral costs. They partner with Levine Children’s Hospital. The third

“For the Eucharist to realize its full meaning out there in the world, we have to have religious freedom to freely practice and care for and love and serve – not only Catholics, but all people of any race, of any nation, of any religion,” Bishop Jugis said. He noted that Pope Benedict XVI had written in his exhortation at the conclusion of the 2005 Synod of Bishops: “Wherever religious freedom is lacking, people lack the most meaningful freedom of all, since it is through faith that men and women express their deepest decision about the ultimate meaning of their lives.” Bishop Jugis also emphasized that as Christians we must remember it is Jesus Christ whom we serve. Christ is our hope who opens up new horizons and brings that inspiration into our workplaces. “Let us ask the Lord to strengthen us to be faithful to Him and strengthen us also to be faithful to our Catholic faith, to our Christianity, and that we bring those values and those convictions to serve justice and to serve the common good,” he said, “so that Christianity does not fall victim to the secular attitude that religion is a private affair.” He concluded, “Religion has a most important role to play in the public sphere” – that is, to proclaim “the values of Christ, peace, justice and the common good.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 OUR PARISHES

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Vatican II and in observance of Pope Benedict’s XVI

“Year of Faith”

St. Matthew Catholic Church 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277 presents National Catholic Reporter and CNN Vatican News Correspondent

John Allen, Jr. All Are Welcome!

“The Future Church: Current Trends That Will Revolutionize the Church!” St. Matthew Church welcomes prize-winning Senior Vatican Analyst for CNN and National Catholic Reporter Senior Correspondent, John L. Allen Jr. Mr. Allen is the author of seven best-selling books on the Vatican and Catholic affairs including his book “The Future Church.” The London Tablet has called Allen “the most authoritative writer on Vatican affairs in the English language,” and renowned papal biographer George Weigel has called him “the best Anglophone Vatican reporter ever!” Allen’s work is admired across ideological divides. Liberal commentator Fr. Andrew Greeley calls his writing “indispensable,” while the late Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, a conservative, called Allen’s reporting “possibly the best source of information on the Vatican published in the United States.” His weekly internet column, “All Things Catholic,” is widely read as a source of insight on the global Church

TWO SESSIONS:

Monday, Nov. 12, 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Church An Open and Free Lecture No registration required for the evening session! All are Welcome! Monday, Nov. 12, 1:00 to 2:30p.m. in the New Life Center Banquet Room For all Clergy, Religious, Diocesan and Parish Staff, including all Faith Formation, Liturgy, Music, Youth Ministry, Pastoral Care Personnel and Catholic School Teachers This is also a free lecture. Registration for the afternoon session is required!

Book sales and a book signing session will be offered at both sessions!

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Plan now for March for Life 2013 Next year’s March for Life is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2013, in Washington, D.C. All parishes are encouraged to join the diocesan pilgrimage. For parishes and schools that wish to take part in the youth rally sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., tickets will need to be requested via email to the Office for Youth Ministry of the Charlotte Diocese. For details, go to: www.education.charlottediocese.net/youthministry/youth-services/march-for-life. — Paul Kotlowski

‘Rat Pack’ teens perform for local elderly CHARLOTTE — A group of six friends at St. Gabriel Church have formed a musical group called “the Rat Pack Teens,” to share their love of music with residents of local retirement homes. So far they have performed at The Carriage Club of Charlotte, The Regency Retirement Village, and Carmel Place Retirement Community. Their repertoire of “Rat Pack” music, Broadway musicals and dancing engages the audience to get up and sing along. The idea came from parishioner Michelle Ashlin, who had spent a lot of time with her grandfather when he was in hospice care. The time spent with him became treasured memories, she said. “I would play piano for my grandpa, and I saw how much his face brightened up and how others seemed uplifted.” Caitlyn Dest, Caroline Kurani, Alex Lothspeich, Carter McKinstry, Emilie Tolley joined the effort, which is supported by the parish community. Stay tuned for The Rat Pack Teens Christmas performances! — Ana Lothspeich

AFTERNOON SESSION REGISTRATION FORM

Your Name Email Name of your Parish or School Parish or School Address To register multiple attendees, send a list of names and emails, noting a name and phone number for a contact person, on parish or school letter head and send to: Michael Burck, Adult Enrichment Coordinator, St. Matthew Church, PO BOX 49349 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277 or email Michael at mburck@stmatthewcatholic.org. For more information Michael can be reached at 704-541-8362 ext. 4.

Knights install new officers GREENSBORO — St. Pius X Council of the Knights of Columbus recently installed new officers for the 2012-2013 fraternal year. All have solemnly pledged to advance the guiding principles of the Knights and to serve the interests of the Church, St. Pius X Parish and the Greensboro community. Pictured are (from left): Jim Duffy, Duane Dudkiewicz, Bob Matulis, Richard Long, Tom Heslin, Deacon Phil Cooper, Jim Milanese, Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio (state chaplain and pastor of St. Pius X Church), Ron Van Buren, Walter Kulla, Greg Rachal, District Deputy Jean Dion, Elliot Suttle, David Ray and Jeremiah Lynn. — John Russell

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief SJN prepares for 40 Hours Devotion CHARLOTTE — St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte will host a 40 Hours Devotion Oct. 21-23, starting with Exposition at 7 p.m. Guest homilist is Father Joseph Aytona, CPM, a priest of the Fathers of Mercy, who will preach on the Eucharist as “A Taste of Heaven.” The theme of this year’s devotion is “The Necessary Encounter: Eucharistic Amazement.” For details and a full prayer schedule, visit www.4sjnc.org. — Jennifer Noto

Family Vocations Day set at SJN CHARLOTTE — St. John Neumann Parish will host a Family Vocations Day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20, in the Parish Hall. The theme is “Imitating the Saints.” This free event for the entire family will include a series of engaging talks, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, and fun for all ages. Besides the Diocese of Charlotte Vocations Office, the event will have on hand several religious orders, including the Fathers of Mercy, Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word (Birmingham, Ala.), the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey, Dominican Sisters (Nashville, Tenn.), Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration (Charlotte), and Sisters of Charity of our Lady of the Mother of the Church (Baltick, Conn. Lunch is included. Register online by Oct. 17 at www.familyvocations.com/fv. For details, email meredith@4sjnc.org. — Meredith Paul

‘Mystery of Woman: Her Dignity and Spirituality’

St. Matthew to host Fair Trade Market

CHARLOTTE — Enjoy a morning of faith, fun and refreshment from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. Presenters will speak on developing a prayer life, authentic femininity and the Blessed Mother. Other activities include praying the rosary and an opportunity to enroll in the Angelic Warfare Confraternity of the Dominican Order. This free program is sponsored by the Natural Family Planning Program of Catholic Social Services and by St. Ann Church. Register online at www.cssnc. org/nfp or contact Batrice Adcock, 704-3703230 or cssnfp@charlottediocese.org.

CHARLOTTE — The Peace and Justice Ministry of St. Matthew Church will host an International Fair Trade Market from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, in the New Life Center Banquet Room. A myriad of items from Catholic Relief Services’ Work of Human Hands, Project Have Hope and Cherubs Café & Candy Bouquet will be available for purchase, including crafts, jewelry, chocolates, coffee, home décor and more. There will also be information about fair trade organizations, including Kiva, Heifer International and others. “We hope to share the message of fair trade and call attention to Catholic social teaching that supports the dignity of work and the rights of workers around the world,” said Peace and Justice Ministry Leader Terri Jarina. According to a document by the U.S. bishops, “The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected – the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to organize and join unions, to private property and to economic initiative.” To learn more about fair trade, visit www. fairtradefederation.org, www.crsfairtrade.org or www.projecthavehope.org.

Celebrating the ’50s, helping OEO HAYESVILLE — More than 120 people recently gathered at the Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge near Hayesville for a “Sock It To Poverty!” fund raiser, a 1950s-themed event with a DJ, Elvis impersonator, and soda jerks, that benefited Catholic Social Services’ Office of Economic Opportunity in Murphy. The fund raiser was sponsored by St. William and Immaculate Heart of Mary churches. Claudie Burchfield, OEO program director, announced the event by calling on attendees to “Puff up your poodle skirt, shine up your saddle shoes, turn your collars up and get ready to hop!” Attendees and sponsors helped to raise almost $20,000 for OEO CSS through ticket sales and live and silent auctions. The honorary chair for the evening was Sister Terry Martin, CND, of Hayesville, who serves on OEO CSS’s advisory board and is the Diocese of Charlotte’s social outreach coordinator for Clay and Cherokee counties. To learn more about the programs of OEO CSS which “fight poverty, build community, and strengthen families” in far western North Carolina, go to www.cssnc.org/oeo. — Joseph Purello

— Jenny Cox

Sylva member earns Eagle rank CANTON — Joseph Rhett Baker of Whittier has achieved Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank of Eagle Scout. The award was presented by Daniel Boone Council Field Director Dan Rogers at a Court of Honor on July 21 at Camp Daniel Boone in Canton. Baker has been a Boy Scout since 2006, and

OUR PARISHESI

has been a member of Troop 999 in Sylva and Troop 914 in Cullowhee. During that time, he earned 36 merit badges, served as Senior Patrol Leader for each troop, and was elected to the Order of the Arrow. His Eagle Scout project, completed in 2010, involved two improvements to property in Cullowhee owned by Full Spectrum Farms: landscaping and signage at the property entrance, and removal and disposal of hundreds of used tires from the property. Baker He has worked as a camp counselor at Camp Daniel Boone for the past three summers, where he has helped to teach hundreds of Scouts the skills needed to earn merit badges in camping, backpacking, hiking and climbing. At the Court of Honor, Baker named Jay Madill as his “Scout Mentor.” Madill is a former Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 914, a former Scoutmaster of Troop 999, and is now the Ranger at Camp Daniel Boone. Baker has been a member of St. Mary Church in Sylva, where he was an altar server for seven years and the head altar server for four years; he also spearheaded a post-confirmation youth program that presented skits of the lives of the saints for faith formation classes. The homeschool graduate recently began his freshman year at Rensselaer Polytechnic University in Troy, N.Y., where he plans to major in aerospace and mechanical engineering. — Lois Baker We welcome your parish’s news! Please email news items and photos to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

St. Mark Adult Education Department is pleased to offer

An Evening with Dr. Peter Kreeft, author of over 50 books and professor of philosophy at Boston College, presenting...

How to Live a Virtuous Life in the 21st Century Saturday, November 10th 6:30—9 pm Parish Hall St. Mark Catholic Church 14740 Stumptown Road Huntersville, NC www.stmarknc.org

This evening will include a wine reception followed immediately with Dr. Kreeft’s talk on How to Live a Virtuous Life in the 21st Century.

Office Of UndergradUate admissiOn (800) FORDHAM | enroll@fordham.edu | www.fordham.edu

Cost for this evening is $25.00 a couple / $15.00 single ticket Tickets can be purchased by contacting Donna Smith (dsmith18@bellsouth.net/704-948-1306). eeo/aa

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD LEFT PAGE

Cross Catholic Outreach Supports Efforts of Heroic Mission Team in Africa It began with a calling from God — a soft whisper in one woman’s heart, urging her to serve the poor in Christ’s name. That woman is Olinda Mugabe, a Catholic lay missionary, and she has since turned God’s calling into a life-changing ministry for poor children in Mozambique, Africa. In 1998, Mugabe and a group of her friends launched Reencontro, a Catholic ministry with the mission to save the lives of AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children in Mozambique. Olinda knew there were thousands of orphaned children who needed help — she had witnessed the AIDS pandemic rsthand and had seen how it was racing through the population, striking down parents by the thousands. The eyes of the forgotten children left behind as orphans of that crisis haunted

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Olinda and lled her prayers at night. “When the people who were living with HIV started to die, their children were left without anybody,” Olinda said. “So I was grieving for the children. I knew I would need other people to help me nd a way to support these children.” The outreach had humble beginnings, serving about a hundred children, but it grew quickly as others discovered the importance of the work and learned of the integrity of its founders. One of those early sponsors was Cross Catholic Outreach (formerly known as Cross International Catholic Outreach). Among other things, it helped Reencontro add staff, purchase equipment, and open a new ofce. Today, Reencontro supplies aid in various forms to 7,000 orphans and has expanded its services to include medical care and a houseReencontro’s founder, Olinda Mugabe, meets with Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, to discuss the AIDS crisis in Africa. Together, they hope to do more.

A Reencontro staff member locates another child in need — a young girl living in poverty.

building program that keeps families of orphans together under the care of an older sibling. Cross Catholic Outreach, the Floridabased charity, was created specically to provide this kind of support. Rather than create its own centers overseas, Cross Catholic Outreach serves the poorest of the poor by nding local Catholic ministries like Reencontro, supporting them with help from its benefactors in the U.S. Such support has allowed Olinda to answer God’s call to help the “least of these” in Mozambique — the forgotten children orphaned by AIDS. “I can only carry out my dreams, my mission, because of the people that are supporting this outreach,” Olinda said. “We know the support of American Catholics does not come easy because they have got money problems there also, but thankfully they rise above that. The American people have goodwill to support others that suffer, and they have a true dedication to God. That is a blessing for us. It has allowed us to rescue a lot

of children because of their help.” Cross Catholic Outreach and its supporters see this support of Reencontro quite differently. “I’ve gotten letters from benefactors to Cross Catholic Outreach, thanking us for letting them know about Olinda and the work of her team,” explained Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach. “They are amazed by her personal sacrices and the wonderful work these women are doing in Africa. They consider it a cause worthy of our support, and they say they consider it a privilege to play a role in its success.” The point is made. There is honor in supporting a heroic effort like Olinda’s mission — and American Catholics are proud to be a part of it. To make a tax-deductible contribution in support of Cross Catholic Outreach and its projects overseas, use either the postage-paid brochure inserted in this newspaper or send your donation to: Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC00892, PO Box 9558, Wilton, NH 03086-9558.

“Cross Catholic” Now Endorsed by 60 U.S. Bishops, Archbishops As Cross Catholic Outreach (formerly known as Cross International Catholic Outreach) continues its range of relief work to help the poor overseas, its efforts are being recognized by a growing number of Catholic leaders in the U.S. “We’ve received an impressive number of endorsements from American Bishops and Archbishops — 60 Catholic leaders at last count,” explained Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach (CCO). “They’re impressed by the fact that we’ve done outreaches in more than 40 countries and that we undertake a variety of projects; everything from feeding the hungry and housing the homeless to supplying safe water and supporting educational opportunities for the poorest of the poor.” Archbishop Robert Carlson of St.

Louis sent one of the more recent letters of encouragement, writing: “It is my hope that this ministry will continue to ourish and reach as many people as possible. I will inform the priests of the Archdiocese of St. Louis of the important work that Cross Catholic Outreach does and elicit their prayerful and nancial support for the service you provide to the less fortunate around the world.” In addition to praising the work CCO accomplishes, many of the Bishops and Archbishops are also impressed by the unique collaborative relationship Cross Catholic Outreach has with the Pontical Council Cor Unum in Rome. This allows the charity to participate in the mercy ministries of the Holy Father himself. In his praise of CCO, Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of Cincinnati underscored this unique connection.

“Cross Catholic Outreach’s close collaboration with the Pontical Council Cor Unum is a source of encouragement,” the Archbishop said. “The Holy See has unique knowledge of local situations throughout the world through its papal representatives in nearly two hundred countries and through its communications with Bishops and others who care for the poor and needy in every corner of the world.” CCO president, Jim Cavnar, explained the signicance of this connection. “Our collaboration with Cor Unum allows us to fund outreaches in virtually any area of the world and we have used that method in special cases — to help the victims of natural disasters, for example,” he said.“It only represents a small part of our overall ministry, but it can be a very important benet in those situations.”

CCO’s outreach helps priests, nuns and Catholic lay leaders throughout the world.

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI RIGHT PAGE

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Modern Day Daniel Faces Own “Lion’s Den” Of Hardships — But Perseveres With Help From American Catholics The biblical story of Daniel centers on one man’s immense trust in God during a horrifying ordeal: a night trapped in a den of hungry lions. Daniel trusts God to save him, and the Lord sees his innocence and intercedes. The biblical Daniel endured only one night of danger, but for Daniel Namapala, an elevenyear-old orphan in Mozambique, the “lions” threatening his life surround him every single day. Instead of teeth and claws, little Daniel’s lions are loneliness, fear and desperation. Like the biblical Daniel, all he can do is trust God. When Daniel was 2, his mother died of AIDS. His father left him with his elderly grandmother. He later passed away of the same disease. Daniel has no siblings and no recollection of his parents — not even a single photograph. Daniel’s elderly grandmother and sole caregiver is very sick and can’t protect him, let alone afford to feed, clothe and educate him. He is often hungry, rarely happy and almost completely reliant on the few dollars he earns in the streets by selling odds and ends he makes. Millions of orphaned children in

Cross Catholic Outreach (formerly known as Cross International Catholic Outreach), a ministry involved with alleviating poverty among children worldwide. According to Cavnar, the number of orphaned children around the world has reached a “critical mass,” meaning there are thousands more orphans than potential caregivers. “An entire generation of parents has been all but wiped out in some places, especially in Africa, due to the AIDS pandemic. There simply aren’t enough grandmothers, aunts or neighbors who can care for orphans,” Cavnar said. “Malaria, tuberculosis and treatable illnesses caused by unsanitary conditions are also to blame. Whatever the cause, innocent children are left behind, and there’s no place for them to turn.” To help solve this terrible problem, Cross Catholic Outreach partners with local parishes and ministries caring for orphaned children in developing countries. As a result, tens of thousands of children worldwide now lead better lives. The many ministries Cross Catholic Outreach funds provide food when orphans are hungry; medicine when they are sick;

When Marta was discovered living in a straw shack, she was caring for several younger siblings. Today, she has a home and hope — her life has improved and her future is bright. developing countries share stories similar to Daniel’s. When their parents die as a result of preventable diseases, they have no relatives or neighbors to take them in; they live in dilapidated shacks, are forced to drop out of school, and must work odd jobs to earn a few pennies for food. Sadly, the number of young children who could tell these heart-breaking stories is vast — literally measured in the thousands. “The plight of orphaned and vulnerable children in developing countries is extreme because, in most situations, they live in poverty so intense they can’t go to school, see a doctor when they’re sick or even eat each day,” said Jim Cavnar, president of

shelter when they are homeless; educational support when they can’t afford to attend school; and loving counseling when they are hurting. For orphans mired in poverty, the impact of this support is profound. Cross Catholic Outreach’s assistance literally means the difference between a “normal” childhood and a life of despair. For those taken into the program, there is a much better chance of a prosperous adulthood too. “Reencontro” is one of the key Cross Catholic partners involved in this type of outreach. Reencontro was launched by Catholic lay women who provide services for up to 7,000 poor orphaned or vulnerable children in Mozambique.

Catholic support from the U.S. forever changed Daniel Namapala’s fate for the better. One of their many “success stories” is Marta Macomb. Marta was only 13 when her father died and left her, the oldest child in the family, to head the remaining household. She cooked meals, fetched water and rewood, washed clothes and ground corn into our with a mortar and pestle. She and her younger brothers and sisters lived alone in a decrepit shack made of reeds left to them by their parents. At such a young age, she could barely scrape together enough food for her siblings, let alone nd time or money to attend school. Reencontro discovered Marta and immediately enrolled the family in Reencontro’s programs. No longer struggling to survive, Marta is now a thriving 18-yearold who, thanks to educational support from Reencontro, speaks uent English and has plans to study at the university level. Left to her earlier fate, she might never have survived, and would certainly not have been blessed with such opportunity. “Children like Marta are examples of what God can do through Catholic lay missionaries — and through the loving Catholics who support them nancially,” Cavnar said. Like Reencontro, dozens of Catholic ministries are also dedicated to orphaned and

vulnerable children in countries around the globe, including Ethiopia, Ecuador, Haiti, the Philippines and Mozambique. Many of these also depend on Cross Catholic Outreach for nancial support — and Cross Catholic Outreach remains committed to aiding them in Christ’s name. “That’s only possible because we continue to have the help and support of American Catholics. It is in their name we make our pledges of support,” Cavnar said. “I’m condent our American benefactors will continue to help us give children like Daniel the resources they need to become successful adults like Marta. When God calls Catholics to help in his name, they always seem to answer — even if it is from the other side of the globe!” For Daniel, receiving this help will ultimately mean obtaining practical things like food, school and medical care — but it will also mean new hope. The volunteers who have become his mothers and who counsel him will show him what it means to have a family for the rst time. “Yes, they are my mothers,” Daniel said, “I feel happy when they come to visit me. I pray every day they will never leave me.” If Cross Catholic Outreach has anything to say about it, Daniel will never face that “lion” of loss again.

How to Help: Your help is needed for Cross Catholic Outreach to bring Christ’s mercy to the poorest of the poor. To make a donation, use the enclosed postage-paid brochure or mail a gift to: Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC00892, PO Box 9558, Wilton, NH 03086-9558.

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 FROM THE COVER

Photos by Mike Murray | Catholic News Herald, Sketch provided by St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Bishop Peter J. Jugis; Father James Stuhrenberg, pastor; and other local dignitaries broke ground Sept. 29 on a new church for St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Jefferson. The 10,205-square-foot church will have a “Gothic mountain” style, said Father Stuhrenberg, featuring Gothic pointed arches, stonework and a vaulted wooden ceiling.

St. Francis of Assisi breaks ground on new, larger church Building project spurred by largest stock gift in diocesan history Mike Murray Correspondent

JEFFERSON — “God blessed us with this rain to soften the soil for construction,” noted Bishop Peter J. Jugis during a happy – albeit wet – groundbreaking ceremony for a new Catholic church in the mountain town of Jefferson on Sept. 29. Officials including U.S. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx gathered with Bishop Jugis and Father James Stuhrenberg, pastor, to turn the shovels and mark the start of construction on a new, larger St. Francis of Assisi Church set at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains. Bishop Jugis blessed the ground and gave thanks to God in his prayers for the project. Foxx commented, “Having first attended the existing church in the 1960s, I know what a strong faith community exists and commend their efforts to build this new church.”

ONCE SMALL, NOW GROWING

Catholics in the picturesque mountain town of Jefferson first came together for Mass years ago celebrated by traveling priests on a portable altar in people’s living rooms, basements, inns and the local courthouse. As the Catholic community grew to about 30 people, Bishop Vincent Waters saw the need for a church building. The church that would become St. Francis of Assisi had been built in 1899 originally as a Presbyterian church. The Catholic diocese purchased it for $12,000 in 1962 and dedicated it 49 years ago, on Aug. 27, 1963.

Located near the Virginia and Tennessee state lines, the Jefferson parish began as a mission of St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Church in Boone, with priests of the Glenmary Home Missioners serving there from the mid-1960s until 1999 when diocesan priests, starting with Father Mark Lawlor, took over leadership of the parish. In the early 1970s, parishioners contributed to building a basement apartment for then-pastor Glenmary Father Robert Cameron. To keep up with the growing number of Catholics in the area, Glenmary Father John Otterbacher oversaw an expansion of the church property to include offices, a social hall, meeting rooms, a kitchen and

restrooms also in the basement. Bishop John F. Donoghue dedicated the new hall on Sept. 25, 1985. The community continued to grow as Spanish Masses began to be offered. In 1990, a house next to the church was purchased and converted into a rectory. In 1994, St. Francis of Assisi parishioners also renovated the church, complete with a new main altar and altar of repose, as well as stained glass windows. Today, St. Francis of Assisi has grown from being a mission church to having a mission church of its own – St. Frances of Rome in Sparta. Growth in Jefferson and at the parish has been spurred by the popularity of the beautiful area close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, both by tourists and by people who want to make their home in the mountains. Local Christmas tree farms that dot the area also have attracted jobs and related businesses. St. Francis parishioners have responded to the needs in their community, participating in many ministries to feed the poor, teach English to immigrants, help mothers with crisis pregnancies, and minister to people in jail. There’s also an active faith formation program with 65 people, and the parish also supports the SEPI program, a nationallyrecognized lay ministry program for Hispanic Catholics. But the growth has come with a price. The small church on East Main Street is now too small to fit all of the Catholics who come together each Sunday for Mass, particularly during the summer months, and many people have to crowd into the basement hall downstairs to watch the Mass on closed-circuit television. The basement also no longer accommodates all of the parish’s ministries and classes.

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

Celebrating confirmation JEFFERSON — Bishop Jugis not only helped celebrate the groundbreaking for Jefferson’s new church building during his visit Sept. 29, he also celebrated the sacrament of confirmation during a special Mass for 15 young men and women of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. This was the largest class in St. Francis of Assisi Parish’s history. One young man from St. Frances of Rome, the mission parish of St. Francis, was also confirmed.

Photo provided by Patrick J. Hession

BUILDING A NEW CHURCH

Plans for a new church had already gotten under way a few years earlier, prompted by two things: a very special gift, and a beautiful piece of land. In 2006, the parish received a substantial donation of 60,000 shares of common stock – worth $1.36 million – specifically to construct a new church. It was the largest single stock donation in the history of the diocese, said diocesan Development Director Jim Kelley, and it gave the parish the push it needed to build its new church. But the parish still needed to find an appropriate location. In 2008, they found it: 15 wooded acres at the foot of Mount Jefferson, just off Highway 221. It’s near the local hospital and close to downtown Jefferson, yet the location affords the parish with beautiful, secluded views of the mountains and a peaceful place to come together to worship God. The diocese went ahead and bought the land, and parishioners launched a capital campaign to pay off the debt of approximately $480,000. They achieved that goal earlier this year – clearing the way for the construction of their new church. Inspiring the parish toward its dream for a new church, parishioners have built a prayer garden and outdoor Stations of the Cross on their new property – putting “sweat equity” into their new church home and not just their financial contributions. Hispanic parishioners particularly have worked hard to clear part of the property, a difficult task given the wooded terrain, and they helped to build the prayer garden. In 2010 Father James Stuhrenberg became pastor, and he immediately set to work on addressing the parish’s rapid growth and driving the building project forward. Thanks to the stock gift and the earlier land purchase campaign, the parish now has to collect only $1 million of the total $2.9 million that it will cost to build the larger church and a rectory. Part of that will come from selling the current church for an estimated $700,000. The parish has launched a second capital campaign to raise the remaining $300,000, and $250,000 of that has already been pledged.

A ‘GOTHIC MOUNTAIN’ CHURCH HOME

The new church will better accommodate the swelling number of Catholics in Jefferson – which now numbers 227 registered families, double that in the summertime – as well as the parish’s many vibrant ministries. Parishioners have helped to design the new church within a fiscally conservative budget, under the direction of Father Stuhrenberg and Appalachian Architecture Services, and in coordination with diocesan planning and development officials. The 10,205-square-foot church will have a “Gothic mountain” style, said Father Stuhrenberg, featuring Gothic pointed arches, stonework and a vaulted wooden ceiling. It will be laid out in the traditional cross shape, with a Located at the foot of Mount Jefferson, the 15-acre site already features a prayer garden that seating capacity for nearly 300 parishioners constructed. people and future capability to be expanded as the parish’s needs change. “The size and seating capacity footing for the future, emphasized Thomas. of our new church plan is being designed to accommodate “Our new 15-acre church property will allow our parish our continued future growth as a Catholic community,” community to continue in its progressive growth pattern said David Thomas, chairman of the parish’s building and along with our Catholic ministries.” planning committee. Enterline & Russell Builders has been selected to oversee The building will have two levels, with the upper level as construction, which is expected to take about a year to the church and the lower level used for classrooms, office complete. space and a 100-plus-seat fellowship hall with a kitchen. During the groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 29, Father A signature feature of the church will be its soaring Stuhrenberg said he hopes that the parish can celebrate bell tower, which people will see through the trees as they the Savior’s birth at Christmas in 2013 in their new approach the church on a long, winding entrance up from mountain church home – a fitting season given Jefferson’s the main road. The main entrance will have a covered notable Christmas tree farms. Next year will also mark the walkway, and there will also be an outdoor patio for 50th anniversary of the first church’s dedication, making parishioners to enjoy the beautiful mountain views in nice the new church’s dedication a “true blessing,” he said. weather. The new church will really set the parish on a stronger

Our schools 18

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Catholic educators from across North Carolina gathered in Greensboro Sept. 27-28 to learn, pray and listen to each other. The N.C. Catholic Schools Education Conference is held every three years. (Below left) Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge celebrated Mass for the conference participants. (Below right) Monsignor Mauricio West of the Diocese of Charlotte gave the keynote address.

In Brief SPX’s Duke TIP nominees announced GREENSBORO — St. Pius X School is proud to announce that 25 of its seventh-grade students have been nominated to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program. Students were selected based on scores at or above the 95th percentile on their standardized achievement or aptitude tests. The TIP identifies and serves academically talented young people and informs them about various educational resources. Congratulations to the following nominees: Charlie Alexander, Bryan Bell, Taylor Berry, Mahlon Brady, Ellis Brown, Brendan Chase, Charlie Dunaway, Ann E. Ford, Leo GarciaCalderon, Ella Hackett, Jillian Heard, Connor Hudson, Rebecca Hunt, Jacob Hutchens, Jenny Iruela, Kaeli Miller, Adam Pitman, Claire Register, Drew Ritzel, Will Roselli, Peter Schaftlein, Emma Smith, Nathan Strasser, Nathan Urquhart and Christian Workman. — Jean Navarro

Photos by Mike Ford, Diocese of Charlotte, and Richard Reece, Diocese of Raleigh

Conference unites 1,200 Catholic educators from both N.C. dioceses SueAnn Howell Staff writer

An ‘Owl-standing October’ WINSTON-SALEM — St. Leo School secondgraders are having an “owly” good time in October. Principal Georgette Schraeder recently stopped in to contribute to their “Owl-standing October” by reading them a book titled “Owl Moon.” — Donna Birkel

OLG receives PTO donation GREENSBORO — At the first PTO meeting of the year, Our Lady of Grace School principal Kurt Telford was presented with a check for $10,000 from the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. The funds will be used to help the school purchase teaching supplies and upgrade technology. The funds are the direct result of an active organization of parents, teachers and students who work hard throughout the year to support OLG’s mission and vision of educating every student – mind, body and spirit. — Karen L. Hornfeck

GREENSBORO — More than 1,200 Catholic teachers, administrators and school officials from the Charlotte and Raleigh dioceses came together over the course of two days to pray, listen and learn from each another at the N.C. Catholic Schools Education Conference Sept. 27-28. Educators from the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools, representing 19 schools in the Diocese of Charlotte, and 24 schools in the Diocese of Raleigh – attended the two-day conference at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. It is held every three years. Raleigh Bishop Michael F. Burbidge offered the opening Mass for the conference attendees. Dr. Alan Hirsh planned the music for the liturgy. The Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School community, including students from their band and chorus, as well as music teachers from other diocesan schools, provided music during the Mass. In his homily, Bishop Burbidge noted, “Today provides the wonderful occasion in the name of Bishop (Peter) Jugis, the students and their parents and all in the dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh to express profound thanks to you, dear Catholic educators, for your faithful, generous and dedicated service. It is that service that allows our Catholic schools to exist and to flourish, and we are so very grateful to all of you.” Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, gave the conference’s keynote address on Thursday evening. He wove the conference theme, “Grounded in Faith, Teaching the Future” into his keynote address, speaking of Jesus the Master Teacher and how His example can guide today’s Catholic educators who face the challenge of teaching in today’s changing society. On Friday morning, Bishop Peter J. Jugis led Morning Prayer for the conference. Patti Fischer, a computer teacher at St. Matthew School in south Charlotte, found the conference beneficial. “It was a wonderful opportunity to worship, share best practices and fellowship with our Catholic school peers in a relaxing

environment,” Fischer said. “I was excited to attend a session on developing a personal learning network with Twitter, Pinterest, social bookmarking and more! Not only is it something I can start right away to help me keep up with trends in education and technology, but it encourages communication and collaboration with colleagues, which are skills we are trying to develop in our students,” he said. More than 30 vendors who supply local Catholic schools with materials such as textbooks and computer software were also present at the conference, manning booths where participants could stop by to learn about new programs and other offerings. Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent of schools for the Charlotte diocese, said she was pleased with the conference. “The N.C. Catholic Schools Education Conference was the culmination of two years of planning,” Ritter said. “This conference was a wonderful opportunity for teachers from the Diocese of Charlotte and the Diocese of Raleigh to come together and renew their commitment to our shared ministry of Catholic education.” The conference committee included Beth Acitelli, Charlotte Catholic High School; Jacqui Durrett, Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School; and Amanda Rivers-Lucey, St. Mark Catholic School. The conference, which took place just days before the Church began the Year of Faith on Oct. 11, was also a perfect time for Bishop Burbidge to encourage the Catholic educators in their mission. “As we prepare to embark on the Year of Faith, the Church needs you more than ever, dear Catholic educators, to enlighten our young people and to fire them up in their faith and love for God. There is no doubt that you will continue to do so by assisting their parents in teaching them the faith. “Like Bishop Jugis, I am so impressed to see the knowledge of the faith that our students have. You will continue to bring that faith into every subject area and every part of the day. You will help them to demonstrate that faith in and through works of service and love for one another. “May this Year of Faith be a source of abundant blessings for you, your school community and all those you love and serve.” The next N.C. Catholic Schools Education Conference will be held in 2015, hosted by the Diocese of Raleigh.

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

A Spiritual Journey to France, Spain & Portugal Under the Spiritual Direction of: Rev. Lawrence LoMonaco St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Waynesville, NC

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Poetry for Growth and Healing: Photo provided by Mary A. Morales

Diocesan school board kicks off new year CHARLOTTE — The 2012-2013 Diocese of Charlotte School Board met Sept. 24 at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Charlotte to kick off the new school year, and board members quickly got down to work. This marks the first time in a while that all of the board seats have been filled at the start of the year. Bishop Peter J. Jugis and Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, asked the board to continue promoting and developing Catholic education for all 19 of the diocese’s schools. The board also established two committees: a Technology Committee headed by Joann Wasson, school board president, and a Grants Committee headed by Mary A. Morales, school board vice president. The board is composed of seven voting members from different parishes and four non-voting members: the diocesan superintendent of schools, a pastoral representative, a principal representative and a teacher representative. Aside from its monthly meetings, the board attends local school board meetings throughout the diocese. Pictured are board members: Wasson; Morales; Jill Conner, secretary; members Joe Strasser, Paul Malinda and Trent Codd Jr.; Dr. Janice Ritter, diocesan superintendent of schools; Father Tim Reid, pastoral representative; Jerry Healy, principal representative; and Tim Wolfe, teacher representative. Not pictured is school board member Dennis Gibson.

Creative Exploration of Change in Our Lives Meet Professor Geri Chavis and participate in an educational workshop that explores the power of poems and creative expression. Join us at the Highland Lake Inn, Flat Rock, NC on Saturday, October 27 at 10am for this special opportunity. Cost is only $40 for lunch and the two hour workshop – Please RSVP! Register online at www.stkate.edu/registeronline by October 20 or call Kelly Povo 651-690-6063

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Visit Our Fall Open Houses sFaith sTradition sAcademic Excellence ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS- October 14th 1:30 -3:30pm October 16th 9:00 - 12:00pm St. Ann Catholic School (TK,PK-5) St. Gabriel Catholic School (K-5) 600 Hillside Avenue - Charlotte 3028 Providence Road - Charlotte St. Patrick Catholic School (K-5) St. Mark Catholic School (K-8) 1125 Buchanan Street - Charlotte 14750 Stumptown Road-Huntersville St. Matthew Catholic School (TK-5) Our Lady of the Assumption 11525 Elm Lane - Charlotte Catholic School (PK-7) Admissions: (704) 370-3273 1123 South Church St. 4225 Shamrock Drive - Charlotte

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Mix 20

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

On TV

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

n Sunday, Oct. 14, noon-2:30 p.m. (EWTN) Mass and Pilgrimage for Life and Liberty: Broadcast live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, will celebrate the liturgy and pilgrimage as part of the U.S. bishops’ annual Respect Life prayer campaign. His homily will focus on the noted quote from Thomas Jefferson: “The god who gave us life gave us liberty.”

In theaters

n Monday, Oct. 15, 10-11 p.m. (PBS) "Standing Bear's Footsteps." Documentary following the efforts of 19th-century Ponca chief Standing Bear to secure his freedom and civil rights.

‘Won’t Back Down’ A David-vs.-Goliath story, directed by Daniel Barnz, about a teacher (Viola Davis) and a parent (Maggie Gyllenhaal) who join forces to save a failing public school from a wicked bureaucracy, hoping to turn it into a charter school where students not only learn but thrive. Facing mighty opposition from the powerful teachers’ union and its boss (Holly Hunter), and a school board whose chairwoman (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) resists change, teachers and parents unite for a showdown. Some intense emotional moments. CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPPA: PG

‘Hotel Transylvania’ When Count Dracula (voice of Adam Sandler) invites his fellow fiends to his “monsters only” resort for the celebration of his daughter’s (voice of Selena Gomez) 118th birthday, the focus of the overly protective vampire is to keep his offspring protected from the outside world and free from human contamination. Occasional mild scatological humor, a few scary scenes. CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPPA: PG

‘Taken 2’ A retired CIA agent (Liam Neeson) returns to the rampage when the father (Rade Sherbedgia) of the villain he dispatched in the first installment of this violent franchise seeks revenge. Mayhem for its own sake seems to be the driving principle behind director Olivier Megaton’s otherwise largely pointless shoot’em-up. Frequent, sometimes gory violence, including beatings and torture, profanity and occasional crude language. CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

‘Pitch Perfect’ Campus musical in which a college student (Anna Kendrick) joins an all-female a cappella group that’s on track to compete in an annual competition. Implied nonmarital relationships, adult themes and references, occasional crude language. CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

Other movies: n ‘Frankenweenie’: CNS: A-I (general patronage), MPAA: PG n ‘House on the End of the Street’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Looper’: CNS: L (limited adult audience): MPAA: PG-13

Photos by Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

Shelby artist Chrys Riviere-Blalock’s North Carolina landscape paintings are on display in the Hearst Tower Plaza in uptown Charlotte until Nov. 1.

Shelby artist strives to be a ‘witness of our Christian joy’ Christopher Lux Correspondent

SHELBY — As Christians we are called to love and serve God. Particularly, Jesus calls us to “do to others whatever you would have them do to you” Mt 7:12. So, how can we justify living a life in which we do not constantly pray, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick? Chrys Riviere-Blalock, along with many other Christian artists, is faced with this question. The painter from Shelby hangs a crucifix in her studio, but wonders how she can deem herself a “Christian artist.” No, her paintings are not of saints or Biblical scenes. Instead, she is left wondering, “Wouldn’t I be of more service to do something good for others? It seems real selfish.” She says, “Sometimes, as a painter, I think, ‘Why am I doing this?’ You get all these pieces (of your work) piling up if you don’t have a show, and you haven’t sold anything in a while, and sometimes it’s hard to justify why you’re doing it, but you want to do it.” Troubled with this conflict, Riviere-Blalock found encouragement in the words she saw on the cover of a hymnal: “He who does God’s work does not do so in vain.” With this in mind, she realizes she has a gift from God, a gift she must take advantage of. “I thought, that’s encouraging when you’re not selling anything and it’s piling up around the studio, and you think you should be doing something else. Then, you remember, ‘God gave me that gift.’” Riviere-Blalock admits, “I still struggle with that.” But encouragement for her to continue keeps coming. She says, “You hear things like what Bishop (Peter) Jugis said at the Eucharistic Congress. In his homily, he said,

‘The world needs the witness of our Christian joy.’ That’s what I was supposed to hear. That’s why I do my painting – it’s my witness of my Christian joy.” Riviere-Blalock grew up in an environment of art and design. Her father was an architect and her uncles were printers. “There was always paper everywhere,” she says. “So, my earliest memories are lying on my tummy drawing on the floor all the time. Everybody can do something – I was the kid who the teachers would take my drawings and put them outside the door. They didn’t pick me to read the hard library books, they didn’t pick me to go stand up and talk, they picked me to do stuff to hang outside the door. That’s what I always did.” Growing up Methodist, Riviere-Blalock also carried with her an attraction to the Catholic Church and the Eucharist. “I think God must have put that seed in my heart to yearn for the Eucharist,” she says. “I remember as a little girl asking my dad why Methodists didn’t believe (the bread and wine) turned into the Body and Blood. I had read or heard about what Catholics believed from somewhere. He told me what Methodists believe and I remember thinking, ‘Well, that’s kind of odd. Why don’t we think God is capable of doing it?’ I think that God always led me to converting, and I finally did.” Her faith has become a part of who she is as an artist. In his letter to artists, Pope John Paul II wrote that artists “must labour without allowing themselves to be driven by the search for empty glory or the craving for cheap popularity … There is therefore an ethic, even a ‘spirituality’ of artistic service.” As a painter, Riviere-Blalock keeps this WITNESS, SEE page 21

n Monday, Oct. 15, 9:45-11:30 p.m. (TCM) “Father of the Bride” (1950). Delightful comedy from Edward Streeter’s novel about a self-assured suburbanite (Spencer Tracy) suddenly thrust into the unfamiliar world of wedding preparations and financial obligations when his only daughter (Elizabeth Taylor) announces her engagement. Brightly directed by Vincente Minnelli, Tracy is superb as the caring but confused head of the household helped by patient wife Joan Bennett to come to terms with their daughter’s vision of the perfect wedding. Amusing yet perceptive view of middle-class life and family values. n Tuesday, Oct. 16, 9-11 p.m. (ABC) "ABC News: 2012 Presidential Debate: 2nd Debate." Live coverage of the debate between President Barack Obama and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. n Thursday, Oct. 18, 2-3 p.m. (EWTN) "Web of Faith 2.0: The Body and Blood of Christ." Father John Trigilio, Father Ken Brighenti and others handle questions about matters of faith, especially pertaining to the nature of Holy Communion and the Real Presence of Christ. n Friday, Oct. 19, 10-11 p.m. (EWTN) "The Mystery of the Holy House." This show focuses on the Holy House of Loreto, one of the most famous shrines in Italy. Historical tradition believes that the three walls come from the house where Mary was born and lived. n Saturday, Oct. 20, 2-3:30 p.m. (EWTN) "Cathedrals Across America." The Mass of installation and ordination of Bishopdesignate Lawrence T. Persico as the 10th bishop of Erie, Pa. From St. Peter Cathedral in Erie.

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

‘From Hysterical to Holy’:

Memories and funny stories from two Catholic women named Ann

WITNESS: FROM PAGE 20

letter in mind. She says, “You need to make a living and find an audience for your work, and you want it to be popular. But that’s not why I’m doing it; it’s just that, you’re not witnessing to the Christian joy if you don’t have an audience.” Her paintings are well-received in a secular environment, and their quality is recognized outside of her religious background. Right now, her paintings focus on landscapes. “I’ve done a lot of different things over the years,” she says. “But I’ve always been interested in spatial concepts, putting the viewer within the actual painting, rather than just that two-dimensional surface being a kind of illusion. So, now I’m doing landscapes, and I play with this idea of the space being ambiguous. I try to almost make the viewer be in the space so it reads ambiguously. Then, as the viewer, you have to figure out where you are in space.” She says, “I still haven’t gotten tired of working with landscape because there so much to discover. I live in a rural area and it’s so much a part of my life. I think that God speaks to me in that way. Landscapes constantly reflect God’s beauty and they

Center for Spirituality

434 Charlotte Avenue, P.O. Box 11586 Rock Hill, SC 29731-1586

(803) 327-2097

Kathleen Schmieder Correspondent

TRYON — What do you get when two Third Order Carmelites receive a direct calling from the Blessed Mother? The delightful book “From Hysterical to Holy.” Filled with musings and memories of Anne Strozzo and Ann Marie Rowe, affectionately known as the “two Anns” to those who are blessed to know them, the book entertains from the first page. Both women, born in Georgia, led productive lives enriching those around them through their original vocations. Eventually they both came to be settled at St. John the Baptist Parish in Tryon, where they found a shared calling that would become the basis for many of the stories in their new book. Strozzo first worked as an operating room private scrub nurse before getting her degree in electrolysis and opening her own business in Spartanburg, S.C. Rowe was a registered nurse and certified registered nurse anesthetist. After both retired from their respective nursing careers, they got together to open a Catholic bookstore in Spartanburg – an experience they describe as “the Blessed Mother took us on her ‘wild ride’.” Filled with stories that span from their childhoods through the years of running their Catholic bookstore, the book penned by the “two Anns” provide readers with vignettes of faith, community and friendship. “The Lord uses people who don’t know anything, to get things done,” Rowe says. “The bookstore became a calling, ministry and vocation.” Their outreach expanded into the community not only for Catholics but also to other faiths. Their store afforded them with an opportunity to teach others about Catholicism in small ways that made a

THE ORATORY

rockhilloratory.org

oratorycenter@gmail.com

Give thanks … with a Grateful Heart Saturday, November 3, 2012 9:00am – 11:45am The best preparation to celebrate Thanksgiving and Advent is to learn the recipe for grateful living.

Cost: $15.00 Kathleen Schmieder | Catholic News Herald

Ann Strozzo and Ann Marie Rowe are pictured with Father John Eckert, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon. great impact. Often the door opened and those entering the shop offered the Anns the chance to “entertain angels,” they said. “From Hysterical to Holy” offers a full dose of both fun and faith, as promised in the title. The book received its introduction to the public at St. John the Baptist Church’s second-annual Italian festival held recently. The authors will continue the promotion for the book at signings to be held from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 12 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Store, 443 Congaree Road, Suite C, in Greenville, S.C. (864288-0335), and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 13 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Store in Spartanburg (864-576-2777). Arrangements are currently being made for a future book signing at Seven Gifts in Gastonia. “From Hysterical to Holy” can be also be ordered by contacting Rowe and Strozzo through P.O. Box 37, Columbus, N.C. 28722, or through St. John the Baptist Church at 180 Laurel Avenue, Tryon, N.C. 28782 (828859-9574). The book costs $10, with $3 more for shipping.

take my breath away.” Riviere-Blalock is within a world of contemporary art where, she says, “so much visual art is so graphic in so many different ways that are not positive. I think it’s real hard. You want your work to be strong, but you have to be in the world and not of the world.” She attempts to separate herself from the typical contemporary artists through her faith. She says, “For Christian people in the arts, we’re doing the same thing (as contemporary artists): we’re making art and trying to engage the viewer, challenge somebody intellectually, and reflect what’s going on in our culture and time. But Christian artists are motivated by a witness to Christian joy. Christian artists have this idea that art that’s beautiful or uplifting points to God. Our job is to point to God and His incredible love for us in what He surrounds us with visually.” Riviere-Blalock earned a master’s degree in art at Appalachian State University, and has taught in small colleges in western North Carolina for 25 years. Riviere-Blalock loves to paint and hopes she continues to have the talent and calling to do it. She says, “There’s never any question about why I want to do it. I love it and it’s such a joy. I know it’s a gift. I know God has given me the gift to see, which is what painters do. We see.”

A day with the Gospel of Luke Thursday, November 8, 2012 or Saturday, November 10, 2012 9:30am – 4:00pm Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM The day includes an overview of the Gospel and its use in the Liturgy of the Word. Prayer, Noon Eucharist and lunch are included. The same program is offered both days.

Cost: $40.00 (lunch included)

Mystery of Woman: Her Dignity and Spirituality 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, Saturday, Oct. 27th, St. Ann Church, Charlotte • Door Prizes • Group Rosary • Refreshments • Opportunity for enrollment • Presentations in the Angelic Warfare Confraternity Frances Martini - founder and president of St. Ann Secular Discalced Carmelite Group will speak on developing a prayer life and the impact of the Catholic woman at prayer, including the types and stages of prayer and a reflection on the Blessed Mother.

Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN - Lay Carmelite; Program Director, Natural Family Planning Program of Catholic Social Services, Diocese of Charlotte will speak on the special gifts of woman as articulated by Blessed John Paul II and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross including overcoming challenges to authentic femininity presented by secular culture. The program is FREE, register online at cssnc.org/nfp or contact Batrice Adcock, (704)-370-3230, cssnfp@charlottediocese.org.

Your Local Catholic Charities Agency

CSS NFP Program and St. Ann are sponsoring the program.

Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

More than 540 women attended the National Council of Catholic Women’s annual gathering Sept. 19-22 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where they heard speakers discuss how vital it is to spread the message in the public square, especially when religious liberty is threatened by, among other things, the HHS mandate on contraception.

In Brief Cardinal says Year of Faith a time for Catholics to deepen, share faith WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the Church prepares to celebrate the Year of Faith, Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl called on Catholics to deepen their faith and to share it with others. “All around us are people who should truly be with us at Mass, who should be with us at church, who should be with us in the parish,” Cardinal Wuerl said Sept. 30 in an address at the John Carroll Society’s annual brunch following the Red Mass. The cardinal addressed the group of Catholic professionals and business men and women on the eve of his departure for Rome, where he will attend and serve as “relator,” or general secretary, for the Oct. 7-28 Synod for the New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith. He said the synod – which is drawing about 200 bishops from around the world – will consider “how do we repropose for a hearing all over again our faith.” Lamenting that some Catholics “did not get that type of (religious) education we got when we were growing up,” Cardinal Wuerl said the new evangelization and the Year of Faith are opportunities to reach those “who really don’t know a lot about the faith and those who drifted away because they think they know the faith and it offers nothing for them.” He called on the faithful to “renew our own faith ... have confidence that what we believe is actually true ... (and) share the faith with one other person.”

Prelate urges financial, grass-roots support for traditional marriage BALTIMORE — Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori and other religious leaders Sept. 26 asked supporters of traditional marriage to join efforts to overturn Maryland’s new law legalizing same-sex “marriage.” More than 200 people attended an invitation-only event at St. Mary’s Seminary. The group included representatives from Christian, Muslim and Mormon communities, as well as written support from the Orthodox Jewish community, who were observing Yom Kippur. Church leaders urged those in attendance to take their “feet to the street” and “get souls to the polls” to vote “no” on Question 6, the Maryland ballot referendum that seeks to legalize same-sex “marriage.” Archbishop Lori hosted the event as chairman of the Maryland Catholic Conference, the bishops’ public policy arm. In Maryland, state lawmakers in February passed a measure to allow same-sex “marriage” in the state and it was signed into law in March by Gov. Martin O’Malley. Under its provisions, same-sex couples would be permitted to marry beginning Jan. 1, 2013. Opponents collected enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot for the Nov. 6 election, so Maryland voters will decide if the law takes effect. Same-sex “marriage” is on the ballot in three other states as well. In Washington, a referendum seeking to overturn that state’s same-sex “marriage” law is on the ballot. In Minnesota, voters will decide whether to pass a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex “marriage.” In Maine, voters will decide on an initiative on same-sex “marriage,” three years after a referendum overturned a law passed by the Legislature.

VG of Tyler, Texas, named its bishop TYLER, Texas — Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Msgr. Joseph E. Strickland, 53, vicar general of the Diocese of Tyler, to serve as its bishop. He succeeds Bishop Alvaro Corrada del Rio, who was named bishop of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, in 2011. — Catholic News Service

Photo provided by The Catholic Miscellany

Catholic women urged to bring their voices to the public square Christina Lee Knauss Catholic News Service

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — When the National Council of Catholic Women chose “Be the Voice of Catholic Women” as the theme of its 2012 convention, the organization’s members probably didn’t foresee how relevant those six words would be in today’s political and cultural environment. More than 540 women who attended the annual gathering Sept. 19-22 in Myrtle Beach heard speakers discuss how vital it is to spread the message in the public square, especially when religious liberty is threatened by, among other things, the HHS mandate on contraception. Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston was the principal celebrant of the opening Mass Sept. 20. He was joined by more than 30 priests who are spiritual advisers for women’s councils around the United States. The bishop praised the work that women do in the daily life of the Church, and said it is more necessary today than ever before. He urged attendees to not be discouraged by troubles at the national level or in their personal lives, and to turn to God for solutions and encouragement. “If we are willing to confront and not run away from problems, the presence of Christ will sustain us,” Bishop Guglielmone said. “As we try to conquer the evils of our times, we need to remember we don’t want to defeat people, we want to convert them. We want them to see the presence of Christ.” Increased involvement also was encouraged by John Carr, a fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics and former executive director of the USCCB’s Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development, who gave the keynote address. Carr said women play a vital role in spreading the Church’s message, educating the culture about the sanctity of all human life, and standing up for the most vulnerable in society, including the unborn, the elderly and disabled, poor people and immigrants. But taking sides will only dilute the message, he said. “We’re not factions or interest groups but one family of faith,” Carr said. “We can divide up the work, but we shouldn’t divide up the Church.” Dr. William Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College in Charlotte, noted that the college was one of the first to file a lawsuit against the HHS mandate requiring employers, including most religious employers, to provide free contraceptive coverage to their workers. He urged attendees

to develop their own sense of gratitude and faith as a defense against secular culture. “If God took everything away from me, I could still never be thankful enough for what he’s given me up this point,” Thierfelder said. “If we overlook praise and thanksgiving to God each day, we have lost before we have even begun to fight.” Thierfelder said an overwhelming self-centeredness in American culture has led to everything from the breakdown of the family to today’s debates about contraception, abortion, health care and poverty. Sacrifice and service, already familiar to many women, is the true key to a happy life nurtured by God’s grace, he said. Elizabeth Scalia, the final keynote speaker on Sept. 22, encouraged the faithful to embrace the Internet and new technology as a potent tool for evangelism. Scalia is a writer and managing editor of the Catholic portal at www.Patheos.com, where she writes The Anchoress blog. She said too many people regard the Internet as the devil’s tool and don’t engage in the medium with the voice and truths of the faith. Scalia noted that Pope Benedict XVI embraces the Internet’s evangelistic power. — John Carr “People who never thought they former executive director were or could be evangelizers are of the USCCB’s Department slowly but surely being formed of Justice, Peace and Human by the Holy Spirit to share their Development voices,” she said. “People who thought that all they could ever do for the Church was iron altar cloths are on the Internet. The new evangelization is astonishing ... that’s how the Holy Spirit moves. In the end, it’s not about profit, but becoming modernday prophets.” People need to pray to find the way God wants them to communicate, Scalia said, because their voices are needed more than ever in a world where everything from pop culture to politics seems ever more hostile to Christianity.

‘We can divide up the work, but we shouldn’t divide up the Church.’

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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CNS | Dennis Callahan, Catholic San Francisco

New San Francisco archbishop is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;collaboratorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in helping lead the faithful to holiness George Raine Catholic News Service

SAN FRANCISCO â&#x20AC;&#x201D; On the feast of St. Francis of Assisi in the city of St. Francis, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone was installed at the ninth archbishop of San Francisco at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, and found inspiration in that patron saint to whom Jesus had said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Francis, rebuild my house.â&#x20AC;? On Oct. 4 at a Mass of installation, with some 40 other bishops from around the world and more than 250 priests and 64 deacons participating, Archbishop Cordileone began his work as shepherd to more than a half million Catholics. He talked about being a collaborator with 416 priests to help people get to holiness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To you, my flock here in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, please know how much I am looking forward to getting to know you all and together with you crafting a vision and plan for furthering the new evangelization here and so continue the good work that has been carried on in this local Church for over 150 years,â&#x20AC;? said Archbishop Cordileone, who succeeds retired Archbishop George H. Niederauer. Outside the cathedral, protesters denouncing Archbishop Cordileoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opposition to same-sex â&#x20AC;&#x153;marriageâ&#x20AC;? held forth. He is chairman of the U.S. bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage. But the two-hour-long Mass was without interruption and the only competition for the attention of the capacity crowd was the occasional fly-over by the Blue Angels. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., was the presiding bishop. Monsignor C. Michael Padazinski, chancellor of the archdiocese, read Pope Benedict XVIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apostolic letter appointing the new San Francisco archbishop, transferring him from Oakland, where he had been bishop for three years. The new archbishop, with humility and a dash of self-deprecating humor, mentioned in his homily that â&#x20AC;&#x153;God has always had a way of putting me in my place with little and sometimes big ways of reminding me of my need to depend upon Him and to attend to the work of my own rebuilding

from within.â&#x20AC;? He added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would say, though, that with the latest episode of my life, God has outdone Himselfâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a reference to his Aug. 25 arrest for driving under the influence in San Diego. After dinner at the home of some friends, he was driving his mother to her home near the campus of San Diego State University, where police had set up a DUI checkpoint. He told the congregation that at the time he hoped something good would come of it, and, indeed, he said, something good has: â&#x20AC;&#x153;the outpouring of love and support and promises of prayers.â&#x20AC;? Such a response has made it clear that â&#x20AC;&#x153;most people have an instinctive sense of compassion and are naturally inclined to reach out to anyone who is hurting and in need of being bolstered by the moral support that only the solidarity of friendship can offer,â&#x20AC;? he said. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a building block, he said, one of the building blocks that St. Francis used in rebuilding Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house, â&#x20AC;&#x153;as his house manifests itself in the different communities to which we belong.â&#x20AC;? Archbishop Cordileone began the homily saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Francis, rebuild my house,â&#x20AC;? a reference to Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instruction to St. Francis as he prayed in the dilapidated San Damiano, a church with a monastery near Assisi. St. Francis did repair it, using the original foundation, but Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s words had a much deeper spiritual significance, said the archbishop. St. Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time was one of spiritual unrest, not unlike this time, and St. Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; response â&#x20AC;&#x153;was as timeless as it was simple â&#x20AC;&#x201C; holiness.â&#x20AC;? The story and message is as applicable to our time as they were to St. Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as well as to any number of other periods in the history of the Church, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, as our father Francis teaches us, the work of rebuilding must necessarily begin within each one of us, clergy, consecrated religious, lay faithful.â&#x20AC;? He spoke, too, of Pope Benedict, who called for a Year of Faith, during which time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; again, a time of spiritual unrest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when Catholics will take a fresh look at Vatican II. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, our One Savior of the world.â&#x20AC;?

Tour of Egypt and Kenya Cairo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aswan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Giza â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Memphis Luxor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nairobi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Maasai Mara

African American Ministry Diocese of Charlotte

For more information please contact: Sandy Murdock 704-370-3267 at the African American Ministry Office -orinfo@palacetravel.com 215-471-8555 Toll Free 800-683-7731

Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope, opening synod, says Christ is the answer to humanity’s questions Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — To evangelize means to help people understand that God himself has responded to their questions, and that His response – the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ – is available to them as well, Pope Benedict XVI said. “Our role in the new evangelization is to cooperate with God,” the pope told the more than 260 cardinals, bishops and priests who are members of the world Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization. “We can only let people know what God has done.” In a 21-minute, off-the-cuff reflection during morning prayer at the synod’s opening session Oct. 8, Pope Benedict spoke of the importance of prayer in the Church’s push for a new evangelization, the meaning of evangelization, and sharing the Gospel through both proclamation and charity. The pope examined the use of the word “evangelion,” the Greek term that is the root of the English word “evangelization,” and which is itself translated as “Gospel.” In the Book of Isaiah, he noted, the Hebrew equivalent of the word describes “the voice that announces a victory, that announces goodness, joy and happiness,” transmitting the message that “God has not forgotten His people,” and that He intervenes with power in history to save

them. In the New Testament, the pope said, “evangelion” is the good news of the incarnation of Christ, the coming of God’s Son into the world to save humanity. For the people of Israel suffering under Roman rule, it was truly good news that God spoke to His people and came to live among them, the pope said. News of Jesus’ birth was the answer to those who questioned whether there really was a God; whether He knew His people and the circumstances of their lives; and whether He had any power to change their situation. People today have the same questions, the pope said: “Is God a reality or not? Why is He silent?” When Christians evangelize, they must remember that their “faith has content,” and that what they believe and seek to share with others is outlined in the creed, he said. They must use their intelligence to reflect on the tenets of their faith and use their mouths to proclaim it. Because faith isn’t an abstract notion, Christians also must live their faith and share it with the world through acts of charity and love, the pope said. “Being tepid is the greatest danger for Christians,” he said. “We pray that faith becomes like a fire in us and that it will set alight others.” The synod formally opened Oct. 7 with a Mass in St. Peter’s Square. During his homily, Pope Benedict said

CNS | Paul Haring

Bishops from around the world gather for the opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 7. that the “Church exists to evangelize” by sharing the Gospel with people who have never heard of Christ, strengthening

the faith of those who already have been baptized and reaching out to those who “have drifted away from the Church.”

New evangelization: Aimed at the West, especially the U.S. Upcoming Synod observer: American idea of tolerance makes Catholics shy about sharing their faith Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — When Blessed John Paul II launched the project he called the “new evangelization,” he made it clear that it was aimed above all at reviving the ancient faith of an increasingly faithless West: “countries and nations where religion and the Christian life were formerly flourishing,” now menaced by a “constant spreading of religious indifference, secularism and atheism.” Those words are commonly taken to refer to Christianity’s traditional heartland, Europe. Yet Pope Benedict XVI, who has enthusiastically embraced his predecessor’s initiative, has made it clear that the new evangelization extends to other secular Western societies, including the U.S. In a series of speeches to visiting U.S. bishops last fall and earlier this year, Pope Benedict reflected on the “spiritual and cultural challenges of the new evangelization,” giving special emphasis to a “radical secularism” that he said has worn away America’s traditional moral consensus and threatened its religious freedom. The world Synod of Bishops dedicated to

the new evangelization, which is meeting at the Vatican Oct. 7-28, includes seven U.S. bishops as full members, and 10 other Americans as official experts or observers. Experts advise the bishops during the synod, and observers are allowed to address the entire assembly. Looking ahead to that gathering, several of the U.S. participants spoke about the obstacles that the new evangelization faces in their country and some of the particular strengths that the church brings to the task. “We seem to be approaching a tipping point in how we encounter an increasingly militant atheism and secularism in our society,” said Carl Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus, who will be attending the synod as an observer. “We have been able to avoid the downside of what has happened in Europe, but for how much longer is a continual question. This synod may be the best opportunity to answer that.” Sister Sara Butler, a professor of theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Ill., who will serve as a synod expert, said a common American understanding of “tolerance” views “any attempt to share the faith ... as a kind of ‘imperialism,’” and the U.S. media

celebrate an idea of freedom defined as “freedom from restraints of any kind.” This leaves many Catholics “shy about revealing their faith, much less sharing it with others,” said Sister Butler, a member of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity who sits on the Vatican’s International Theological Commission. “They find the idea that they are commissioned to proclaim the Gospel to the world challenging and implausible.” Changing that attitude will require more than improved instruction in the tenets of the faith, said synod expert Ralph Martin, president of Renewal Ministries in Ann Arbor, Mich., and director of graduate programs in the new evangelization at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. “Orthodoxy isn’t enough; we really need an infusion of God and the Holy Spirit,” said Martin, who has been a leader in the charismatic renewal movement since the 1970s. “You can’t have a new evangelization without a new Pentecost.” Edward N. Peters, a canon lawyer who teaches at Sacred Heart Seminary and who will serve as an expert during the synod, draws encouragement from what he calls the relatively “up-front” manner of American Catholics by comparison to their European counterparts.

“Conversations about the faith by rank-and-file Catholics, participation in the Church’s public rites and devotions, reading Catholic literature, and so on, all of these seem to me much more common on this side of the Atlantic,” said Peters, author of the blog “In the Light of the Law.” Synod observer Peter Murphy, executive director of the Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said an American culture capable of generating a fashion for “What Would Jesus Do” bracelets is also a natural environment for traditional expressions of Catholic identity, such as religious medals. He said ordinary Catholics can turn even mundane occasions such as a child’s soccer practice into opportunities for sharing their faith. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., said the Church’s charitable activities are some of its most effective vehicles for the new evangelization. “Works of charity and justice are one of the most powerful ways to inspire people to see what the Church is and think about why they might want to re-engage with it EVANGELIZATION, SEE page 25

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

EVANGELIZATION: FROM PAGE 24

or ... meet the Lord for the first time,â&#x20AC;? said Bishop Kicanas, chairman of the board of Catholic Relief Services, who will be attending the synod instead of Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, who is undergoing chemotherapy. For Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C., the synodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recording secretary, the primary mission field for the new evangelization in the U.S. will be its vast network of Catholic schools, colleges and universities, because the key to success lies in reviving faith among the young. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The focus is truly on this generation that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dealing with right now, because what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to is the future of the Church,â&#x20AC;? the cardinal said earlier this year. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., is taking that principle to the ultimate level: the earliest stages of human life. In his presentation to the synod, the archbishop plans to highlight the rite of Blessing of a Child in the Womb, which

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In Brief Pope adds two saints to list of Church â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pope Benedict added a 16th-century Spanish priest and a 12th-century German abbess to the roster of doctors of the universal Church. The pope proclaimed the new doctors, St. John of Avila and St. Hildegard of Bingen, at Mass Oct. 7 in St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square. In his homily, Pope Benedict said that St. John, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a profound expert on the sacred Scriptures,â&#x20AC;? knew how to â&#x20AC;&#x153;penetrate in a uniquely profound way the mysteries of the redemption worked by Christ for humanity.â&#x20AC;? Noting St. Hildegardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge of medicine, poetry and music, the pope called her a â&#x20AC;&#x153;woman of brilliant intelligence, deep sensitivity and recognized spiritual authority. The Lord granted her a prophetic spirit and fervent capacity to discern the signs of the times.â&#x20AC;? The doctors of the Church, saints honored for particularly important contributions to theology and spirituality, come from both the Eastern and Western Church traditions. The 35 doctors include early Church fathers such as Sts. Jerome, John Chrysostom and Augustine, and theologians such as Sts. Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure and John of the Cross.

Pope: Christ, not priest or faithful, is at center of liturgy VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A liturgy is not Christian if Christ is not the center of the celebration, Pope Benedict XVI said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The conviction must grow in us every day that the liturgy is not â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;myâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; doing, but is Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acting in us and with us,â&#x20AC;? he said Oct. 3 at his general audience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If in the celebration (of Mass) the centrality of Christ does not emerge, we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have Christian liturgy, totally dependent on the Lord,â&#x20AC;? who supports it with His presence. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the action of the individual â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether the priest or one of the faithful â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or the group gathered in the pews â&#x20AC;&#x153;that celebrates the liturgy, but it is primarily

he first proposed in 2008 and which the Vatican approved for use in the U.S. earlier this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The blessing is a first evangelization of the child, and a re-evangelization or new evangelization of the family,â&#x20AC;? Archbishop Kurtz said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a positive and hope-filled way to announce to society our wonderful teaching on the great gift of human life.â&#x20AC;? As a sacramental celebration that emphasizes a widely contested ethical teaching, the blessing reflects the â&#x20AC;&#x153;creative tensionâ&#x20AC;? that another synod father, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, has said is inherent in the new evangelization, which seeks to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;embracing, understanding (and) conciliatoryâ&#x20AC;? toward disaffected Catholics without compromising on â&#x20AC;&#x153;certain clear moral truthsâ&#x20AC;? that they may reject. As the cardinal said late last year, Blessed John Paul offered a â&#x20AC;&#x153;gracefulâ&#x20AC;? resolution of that tension in his maxim that the Church should â&#x20AC;&#x153;preach the truth, always with love.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love would require that we never soft-pedal the truth,â&#x20AC;? Cardinal Dolan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Truth would require that we never forget compassion and patience.â&#x20AC;?

the action of God through the Church, which has its own history, rich tradition and creativity. This universality and fundamental openness, which is characteristic of the whole liturgy, is one of the reasons it cannot be created or modified by the individual community or by experts, but must be faithful to the forms of the universal Church.â&#x20AC;? The faithful fully experience the Church in the liturgy, which is â&#x20AC;&#x153;the act in which we believe God enters into our reality and we can meet Him and can touch Him. ... He comes to us and we are enlightened by Him,â&#x20AC;? the pope said.

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VATICAN CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A three-judge panel of Vatican jurists found Paolo Gabriele, the papal butler, guilty of aggravated theft Oct. 6 and sentenced him to 18 months in jail for his role in leaking private papal correspondence and other confidential documents. The judges had found Gabriele guilty and sentenced him to three years in jail, but reduced the sentence for four reasons: Gabriele had never been convicted of a crime before; the value of his previous service to the Vatican; the fact that he was convinced, â&#x20AC;&#x153;although erroneously,â&#x20AC;? of having acted for the good of the Church; and his declaration that he was aware of â&#x20AC;&#x153;betraying the Holy Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trust.â&#x20AC;?

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Shanghai clergy forced to attend government classes SHANGHAI â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Priests and nuns in the Shanghai Diocese were forced to attend compulsory â&#x20AC;&#x153;study classes,â&#x20AC;? which observers believe were imposed by Chinese authorities in response to the new Shanghai auxiliaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renunciation of the state-run Catholic Patriotic Association. In September, nearly 80 diocesan priests and 80 nuns were divided into three groups to take three days of classes at the Shanghai Institute of Socialism, reported the Asian Church news agency UCA News. Classes lasted 12 hours each day and included university professors lecturing about strengthening the sense of duty toward China, the law, and the independent church principle. The main subjects included state-religion relations, the Communist Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s religious concepts, policies and regulations, the socialist core value system and economic development in China. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Catholic News Service

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ViewPoints 26

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Robert M. Gallagher

Father Mark Lawlor

A tale of two conventions

World Mission Sunday:

n Sept. 22 I had the privilege of joining approximately 12,000 fellow Catholics for the Diocese of Charlotte’s annual Eucharistic Congress. The day began with a Eucharistic Procession. Hundreds participated in the procession and thousands more lined the streets and humbly knelt as the Blessed Sacrament was carried solemnly through uptown Charlotte. As I awaited the completion of the long Eucharistic Procession, I was struck by the fact that less than three weeks earlier another group of individuals, representing a very different organization with very different beliefs and objectives, met in this same city, just a short walk away. In the homily before Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, we were encouraged to look beyond our nominal identification as Catholics and our everyday liturgical practices. We were challenged to see Christ in the sick and the poor, to move beyond our comfort zones and” to taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” We were challenged to live for Christ instead of ourselves. And we were reminded that our happiness is found only in developing an intimate, deep and transforming relationship with Christ, who awaits our response. We were encouraged to follow Jesus. Less than three weeks earlier, another organization had gathered here, purporting to represent the poor and the sick. Yet in their platform all mention of God was deleted. Later the attendees were asked to amend their platform with a voice vote. When the convention chairman ruled that references to God would be restored, he was met with a loud chorus of boos. As I listened to the inspirational talks and sacred music at the Eucharistic Congress, I could not help but contrast this prayerful, uplifting and wholesome environment with that of the earlier convention. At their gathering, abortion on demand was touted as a kind of sacrament. Speaker after speaker affirmed the right of a mother to take the life of her pre-born child. Nominal Catholics won thundering applause for decrying the Church’s consistent and ancient prohibition against such killing. How different was the Eucharistic Congress. Here, in contrast to enthusiasm for abortion and sterile same-sex “marriage,” was a celebration of life and family. Young and old alike worshipped God side by side. Strollers were plentiful, teeming with life and hope for the future. True diversity was on display as individuals representing almost every continent, every race, and speaking several languages joyfully became one family under God as we offered praise to our Maker. On Saturday evening at Mass we were reminded that our country is in need of God. We were urged to stand firm in fighting to protect the most vulnerable among us, the pre-born babies who are so routinely killed in their mother’s wombs. We were reminded that marriage is between one man and one woman, and that religious liberty, our most cherished freedom, is under assault. We were encouraged to follow Jesus. As I listened to the inspiring homily, I could not help but think that only a few short days before another organization had gathered here to praise a man who voted multiple times to allow babies who survived a botched abortion to be tossed aside to die. They praised a man who has pushed same-sex “marriage” as being tolerant and enlightened. And yet, this man has demonstrated a complete lack of tolerance for those who refuse to abandon their deeply-held moral and religious beliefs. He forces Catholic schools, charities and business owners to join him in funding contraception and abortion-inducing drugs. He promotes same-sex “marriage” as wholesome and moral and ridicules those who cling to the Holy Bible as their guide in life. This is the man who was praised and honored in Charlotte in early September. This is the man once again nominated by his party to lead our country. This is the man those gathered were encouraged to follow, the man whose beliefs they would enshrine in law throughout our land. On Sept. 22 thousands gathered in that same place to fall on their knees and worship Christ in the Holy Eucharist. They confessed their sins because they realize there is still such a thing as sin. They inspired one another to take the love of Jesus to the world. And they prepared themselves to propose the truths of His Church, even to those individuals so full of pride that they dared to boo the very name of God. What a difference a few days can make! Robert M. Gallagher is publisher of Saint Benedict Press LLC in Charlotte.

Taking the Gospel to very ends of the earth

chapel and baptized six children. The chapel was n 1926 Pope Pius XI instituted Mission Sunday materially very simple – rough planks over a dirt for the entire Church. World Mission Sunday floor – but the faith of the parishioners was sincere. will be celebrated this year on Oct. 21 and I have also seen the missionary spirit in our a special collection will be taken in dioceses diocese. Last year, parishioners donated $283,000 throughout the world. to assist various missions. In addition to our World Mission Sunday is a day set aside for all support of World Mission Sunday, 53 parishes Catholics to recommit themselves to the Church’s and missions were assigned to participate in the missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice. Missionary Cooperative Plan and our diocese Mission dioceses – about 1,150 – depend on annual hosted 41 different mission dioceses and religious subsidies from the Society for the Propagation congregations this year. Several parishes support of the Faith, and on the prayers and support missions in other parts of the world and many of all of us. These mission churches provide priests and lay persons a spiritual home for have traveled on the poorest and most mission trips. vulnerable, and provide Worldwide, more the sanctifying grace of than $100 million is the sacraments. To those donated on World living in challenging Mission Sunday, with circumstances, some 120 nations missionaries share participating. U.S. the Lord’s message of Catholics donate about salvation, hope and 30 percent of that total. peace. In the missions, One diocese in the U.S. some 80,000 seminarians – Fairbanks, Alaska – are currently preparing receives funds from the for the priesthood, universal collection. and another 10,000 are The office of the in formation to serve Pontifical Mission as religious sisters or Societies notes that brothers. Some 10,000 Photo provided by Father Mark Lawlor “every year the needs orphanages provide In this 2008 photo, Father Mark Lawlor concelebrates a Mass of the Catholic Church safe shelter to children, in the Nueva Eperanza (New Hope) Chapel, in the jungle region in the Missions grow and many thousands of Peru, where he also baptized six children. – as new dioceses are of medical clinics formed, as new seminaries are founded as young care for the sick and dying. Mission dioceses men hear Christ’s call to follow Him as priests, as submit requests to the Congregation for the areas devastated by war or natural disaster are Evangelization of Peoples for assistance. World rebuilt, and as other areas, long suppressed, are Mission Sunday reminds us that the Church opening up to hear the message of Christ and His is catholic – universal – and that we have a Church.” We know that all of the baptized share in responsibility to support the missions throughout the continued mission of the Church. the world. In his message for this year’s World Mission As the diocesan director of the Society for the Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI wrote the following: Propagation of the Faith, I am in contact with “This year the celebration of World Mission Day missionaries throughout the world, usually has a very special meaning. The 50th anniversary through mail or e-mail. I also serve on the national of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council board that puts me in contact with other diocesan and of the opening of the Year of Faith and of directors and various bishops. I am inspired as the Synod of Bishops on the theme of the New I learn of the struggles and joys of some of the missions of the Church. Over the summer, a couple Evangelization contribute to reaffirming the Church’s desire to engage with greater courage of mission priests visited our parish. One priest and zeal in the ‘missio ad gentes’ (‘mission to the was from the Diocese of Tuticorin in southern nations’) so that the Gospel may reach the very India, and the other was from a mission region in ends of the earth. the Congo. While these mission priests serve in “The mandate to preach the Gospel, therefore, different parts of the world, they both shared with for a pastor does not end with his attention to me their joy of serving the Lord and the faithful. the portion of the People of God entrusted to his Both also related the limited material resources pastoral care or in sending out priests or lay people of their own dioceses and their appreciation of ‘fidei donum’ (‘gift of faith’). It must involve all the mission collections. activities of the particular Church, all her sectors, I have had the opportunity to visit foreign missions in short, her whole being and all her work.” as well. It was a blessing for me recently to meet the priests, religious and laity during three visits to Father Mark Lawlor is the diocesan director of the Society for the jungle region of Peru, in the Apostolic Vicariate the Propagation of the Faith. of Pucallpa. I concelebrated a Mass in this humble

October 12, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Letter to the editor

Religious liberty fears are alarmist

I find the many recent articles in your publication and others about religious liberty to be both alarmist and biased. In “Catholics must take action to protect religious liberty...” (Sept. 28 edition), one speaker is quoted as saying that religion is not the accidental victim of some government action, but “Religion is the target.” Such statements, made without any documented evidence, are made to fan the fire of anti-intellectual support for a religious position. Other statements such as calling the health insurance plan “a dictatorial mandate” also will appeal to those riding the current hype on religious liberty – alarming and biased with little discussion of different points of view, which ironically are not allowed. Not allowing different points of view on religious liberty flies in the face of freedom of conscience. The HHS mandate to provide free contraceptives for all employees of religious or other institutions is in step with how a democracy works. Nowhere have I heard a discussion of how an exemption to the mandate would infringe on the rights of those employees who might want and are entitled to such access. Most of the discussion has been focused on the government’s restriction of religious groups controlling the individual conscience. What about those employees who are denied their democratic rights to access the full benefits of the health insurance plan because the Church objects? Are we trading alleged government restriction of liberty for religious restriction of liberty? If we truly believe in religious liberty, then we must allow individuals real freedom of conscience to choose for themselves. Kenneth Schammel lives in Cornelius.

Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be in good taste. To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification. Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy. Mail: Letters to the Editor Catholic News Herald 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203 E-mail: catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

Father Patrick Hoare

To be pro-life is to see no one as an enemy

few months ago, we had the opportunity as a parish to attend a screening of the film “October Baby.” A beautiful young college student, Hannah, is burdened by a troubling medical history, including epilepsy, asthma and chronic depression. After a seizure, her doctor suggests that her medical history may be related to trauma she has suffered early in life. It is then that Hannah’s parents reveal a secret – that Hannah was adopted after surviving a botched abortion attempt by her natural mother. Her body, and her spirit, still bear the gaping wounds of this violent act, and Hannah, in her pain and no doubt with some anger, begins a quest to find her birth mother, to confront her and ask why. Along the way, she must confront several people she views as the enemy: her adoptive parents, who have kept this secret from her for so many years; the nurse who she discovers assisted with the failed abortion that also resulted in the death of a twin brother she never knew she had; and, of course, her birth mother, now a successful lawyer, wife and mother who wants to forget the past and the children she so violently rejected. In each of our readings from Sept. 30, those who would call themselves “good” confront an enemy. First, there is Moses. Moses, in leading the people of Israel through the desert, realizes that he cannot lead the people alone. He cries out to the Lord for help, and the Lord chooses 72 elders among the people to assist Moses in his work. Seventy of the men obediently answer Moses’ request to come to the meeting tent outside the camp to receive the Spirit; two of the men, Eldad and Medad, defy Moses’ authority and stay behind. Surprisingly, all 72 men receive the Spirit of prophesy, even those who had disobeyed. Joshua, Moses’ loyal aide, is furious! Despite the fact that Eldad and Medad have received the Spirit, Joshua wants to exclude them from the community. But Moses reminds Joshua that, despite the insult inflicted on Moses and Joshua, what the Lord has given cannot be taken away. In the Gospel, a similar rivalry has developed between Jesus’ apostles and some other disciples. John, whom we normally think about as the nice guy who sat next to Jesus at the Last Supper and the only one who followed Him all the way to the Cross, speaks for the other apostles in complaining about someone who is teaching and healing in Jesus’ name but who is not in their group. We can probably assume that, because they were separated from Jesus in some way, there was something “imperfect” about their ministry, that what they were doing did not perfect align with the mission of Jesus. And, yet, Jesus tells John to be tolerant of those who were outside of their group. Prior to this, as you may remember from the previous week’s Gospel, Jesus taught His disciples that to follow Him faithfully demanded that they be the servant of everyone. He used the example of a child, the least important member of Jewish society, to show that each person, no matter what their standing, is important in the mission of the Gospel. He makes it clear today that these “little ones”

were not merely children, but included those who were not among the most holy and faithful disciples. The “little ones” would include sinners, perhaps even the greatest sinners. Jesus forgives not only those who disagree with Him, but those who brutally torture and kill Him! To show a sinner anything other than love would serve only to root them more firmly in their sin. Their mission was to get everyone to heaven, no matter who they were and how difficult it was to accomplish. When St. James speaks to the early Christians, he admonishes them for creating a different kind of enemy – one who forces them to compromise their material wellbeing. James is fierce in his criticism of those who accumulate wealth, who have so much clothing that some of it is eaten by moths, those who collect money and precious metal so that some of it has corroded away. And who are their enemies? The workers in the field, whom they pay an inadequate wage, cry out in hunger, while the landowners’ wealth only increases. The “little ones” of their community are the poor, and by not providing for them, those who consider themselves blessed will find their riches worthless in the eyes of the Lord. October is Respect Life Month, a time when we pray for an end to all attacks on human life, from conception to natural death. Very often, that effort is focused on abortion, no doubt an unthinkable evil and the “holocaust” of our generation. In fact, about 25 percent of children conceived in the U.S. since 1973 have been aborted. But the pro-life fight cannot end there! The film “October Baby” certainly begins with the tremendous violence abortion does to our society, beginning with the unborn children rejected by their own parents and the selfish attitudes it engenders in our society. But Hannah, the young woman who survived the abortion, meets and confronts those who tried to kill her. Amazingly, she finds it in her heart not only to not hate them, but to forgive them. She forgives the nurse who had a hand in her brother’s death, whose soul cries out in pain even many years later. And she forgives her mother who wanted her dead, and who refuses to meet her, and who is too proud to ask for forgiveness. By forgiving them, Hannah loves them – regardless of whether they will accept her love. By forgiving them, she refuses to make another human being her enemy. By forgiving them, she offers them the possibility of redemption as a child of God. Abortion must end in our nation, to be sure. But we must also stop making enemies of others – no matter what crime they have committed, what ways we might disagree with them, or what they may take from us. Every person deserves the chance at redemption, and as Christians we must help to give them that chance. To do otherwise is sinful. To do otherwise is to participate in the death of another. For what God wants to give, we must never try to take away. Father Patrick Hoare is pastor of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte.

Peggy Bowes

Show your true colors

enjoy running near my home on a paved trail that meanders along a beautiful river. There are granite markers placed along the path every quarter-mile, reminding me how far I’ve run and how many miles I have yet to go. I’m so familiar with the trail that I know each mile marker by the terrain surrounding it. One is just around the corner after a small hill. Another is at the end of a bridge. Yet there is one particular maker, at the one-and-aquarter-mile point, that I often miss. It sits under a nondescript tree and is hidden by tall grass. On a cool morning in early fall, I rounded a corner of the trail and gasped in delight as I caught sight of the tree that shaded the marker I usually fail to notice. It was ablaze with orange, crimson and gold leaves. Standing alone in its glory, it was the most beautiful tree in the woods that lined the trail. As I passed the tree, I turned to admire its beauty until it was out of my sight. My feet pounded the pavement in rhythm with the repeated Hail Marys of the rosary I always pray when I run. I thought of the tree and knew that God was sending me a message, but what could it be? I recalled a science class long ago where I learned that the gorgeous colors in the leaves are always there. We just can’t see them when they are hidden by the green chlorophyll that the tree produces during spring and summer. As the days get shorter and cooler, the process of photosynthesis slows down and the chlorophyll disappears from the leaves, showing their true colors. Isn’t it ironic that my lone tree showed its breathtaking beauty just before its leaves are about to die? It will be spectacular for only a few days or weeks before returning to its lowly status as another nondescript tree. Yet I will always know that this particular tree has the potential to be the most beautiful on the trail. Now I understand the meaning of the tree. We show our true colors, the virtues that God has given us, when we die to ourselves. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24) By dying to self in imitation of Christ, we reflect His glory. People who see us acting in a Christ-like manner will remember, even when we return to being our ordinary selves. The more we die to self, the more we show our true colors. So as you admire the brilliant colors of the fall leaves this season, recall the words of St. Paul: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:3-4) Peggy Bowes is a member of Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy and author of “The Rosary Workout” (www. rosaryworkout.com).

catholicnewsherald.com | October 12, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

JOURNEY IN FAITH A Marian pilgrimage to France

AYEUX ★ BBAYEUX ★ LISIEUX MONT NT ST. ST. MICHEL L ★ MON

★ ARS ★ PARIS

★ CHARTRES ★ ORLEANS

www.triptofrance.tumblr.com NEVERS Y YON ON ★ LLYON ARAY-L LE-M MONIAL ★ PPARAY-LE-MONIAL

Follow Catholic Newss He Herald erald rreporter eporter SueAnn Howell as she acc accompanies comp paanies more pilgrims m ore than than 4400 p ilgriimss on an n 11 111-day 1-d day ayy journey journey to to France, France, exploring explorring r g our ou u Catholic ur Caatholic oli ol Marian devotions and the ffaith, aith, tthe he M arian d evotiions an n th nd hee rrich history Catholicism h istory ooff C ath atho holliciism in France. Fr

• See photos and take virtual tours of the basilicas, cathedrals and shrines from Paris to Lourdes. p g • Read the dailyy blogg about the pilgrims' em motional aand nd sspiritual piriitual ex xperiences.. emotional experiences. • Learn n about about French French h saints like St. Denis, Deenis, Bernad dette, St. Margaret Margarret Mary Alaqoque, M Alaaqoque, St. Bernadette, J V y and and St. St. Therese. Theerese. Th St. John Vianney

OURDES ★ LLOURDES

Kick off your Year of Faith with the Catholic News Herald. Join the virtual pilgrimage!