Sept. 28, 2012

September 28, 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

RESPECT LIFE MONTH BEGINS

‘Behold the Lamb of God’

‘Life Chain’ prayer vigils planned for across the diocese, 3

40 Days for Life campaign begins, 5

INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes................. 3-21 Our Faith............................. 2 Schools........................ 22-23 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................24 U.S. news..................... 26-27 Viewpoints...................30-31 World news...................... 28

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Record 12,000 Catholics attend 2012 Eucharistic Congress,

FUNDED by the parishioners of the diocese of charlotte THANK YOU!

16-21

New altar dedicated in Hickory,

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Rice bowl pennies help fund garden, greenhouse in Monroe, 10

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A saintly life ‘By your work you show what you love and what you know. When you observe true obedience with prudence and enthusiasm, it is clear that you wisely pick the most delightful and nourishing fruit of divine Scripture.’

Pope Benedict XVI

God’s word comes first in worship In everyday life, people are told that it’s best to think before they speak, but in worship, speaking God’s word should come before reflection, said Pope Benedict XVI. “The first requirement for a good liturgical celebration is that there be prayer and a conversation with God, first and foremost listening and then response,” he said.

The pope spoke Sept. 26 to an estimated 10,000 people gathered for his weekly public audience in St. Peter’s Square. The talk was the latest in his series on the subject of prayer, focusing this week on the liturgy.

Because Christ is always present in His Church, the pope said, quoting Blessed John Paul II, “the liturgy is the privileged place for the encounter of Christians with God and the One whom He has sent, Jesus Christ.”

“The liturgy reminds us of the primacy of God,” he said, so a fundamental feature must be “its orientation toward the Father, whose saving love culminates in the death and resurrection of His Son.” The people of God must direct their hearts and minds the same way, participating with a prayerful, reflective attitude so as to hear God’s word and conform their lives more closely to Christ, he said.

Every sacramental celebration represents God’s children coming together with their Father in Christ and the Holy Spirit in a meeting of dialogue “through actions and words,” Pope Benedict said.

Citing the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the pope said the faithful should approach the sacred liturgy with minds “attuned to their voices,” and should “cooperate with divine grace lest they receive it in vain.”

The best way to get heart, mind, soul and behavior all in harmony with God’s word, the pope said, is for the faithful to “lift up your hearts” and untangle themselves from “our worries, our wishes, our anxieties, our distractions.”

One’s heart should gently open itself up to God during prayer in order to receive guidance toward God through the words one hears and says.

When one’s heart is “directed toward God,” the pope said, it’s as though it has been freed from the force of gravity, letting it soar upwards “toward the truth and love, toward God.”

— St. Bruno

St. Bruno

Carthusian order’s founder Feast day: Oct. 6 St. Bruno is best known for founding the Carthusian Order, a contemplative order of hermits and nuns who maintain an extremely solitary, silent life of prayer and penitence.

The Carthusian Order, one of two orders of solitaries in the Occidental Church, has lasted more than 900 years. There are more than 300 Carthusians around the world today.

St. Bruno was not only renowned for his prodigious learning, but also for his great spirit of prayer, his severe mortification, and his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He was born in Cologne, Germany, in about 1035, and died in Calabria, Italy, on Oct. 6, 1101.

Bruno went to a prestigious school in Rheims as a youth, known for its academic excellence.

He excelled in his studies, consisting mainly of Sacred Scripture and the Church Fathers.

He returned to Cologne This marble statue of St. Bruno was sculpted and was ordained a priest

by Michelangelo Slodtz in 1744 and is on in 1055, but very soon after, display at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In in 1057, he was invited back Catholic art, St. Bruno can be recognized by to Rheims to teach. a skull that he holds and contemplates, with On the retirement of the a book and a cross. school’s director, Heriman, to contemplative life, Bruno assumed the position and ran the school for 18 years, until 1075.

During that time many illustrious students emerged from under Bruno’s careful intellectual formation, including Blessed Pope Urban II.

In 1075, Bruno was appointed chancellor of the Diocese of Rheims, which involved him in the daily administration of the diocese.

Bruno, however, had always been attracted to the contemplative and solitary life. In 1077, along with two companions, he made a vow to follow this lifestyle, but he was unable to fulfill his vow until 1080 due to his responsibilities as chancellor of the Rheims diocese.

After attempting different forms of solitary, or eremetical, life, Bruno founded the Carthusian order in 1084 at Chartreuse with six companions. The climate, desert, mountainous terrain and inaccessibility guaranteed strict silence, poverty and small numbers. They devoted their days to study, copying manuscripts, and prayer in their individual cells, and they would gather together only for certain prayers and celebration of the Eucharist.

However, in 1090 Pope Urban II, his friend and former student, called Bruno to the papal court in order to be his advisor, where he silently aided in all the councils of the time but remained uncomfortable away from the solitude he still desired.

On a trip to Calabria with the pope, Bruno was elected bishop of Reggio, a post he pleaded to be freed from so that he could return to monastic life. Urban II granted his wish but insisted that he remain in Italy so he could assist the pope when needed.

Bruno spent his last 10 years in the wilderness of Calabria, where he founded a hermitage with his companions and where he died in 1101. His holiness and wisdom became widely known, and his death was announced in parishes and monasteries all over Europe.

Bruno was buried in the little cemetery of the hermitage of Santa Maria, under the epitaph “Haec sunt ossa magistri Brunonis” (“These are the bones of the master Bruno”). Since the Carthusian Order maintains a strict observance of humility, St. Bruno was never formally canonized. He was not included in the Tridentine calendar, but in the year 1623 Pope Gregory XV included him in the Calendar of Saints for celebration on Oct. 6.

He is the patron saint of Calabria and of trade marks.

— Catholic News Agency

Learn more about the Carthusians At www.diegrossestille.de/english: Watch the trailer for “Into Great Silence,” the award-winning 2005 documentary about the life of Carthusian monks at the Grande Chartreuse, high in the French Alps (Chartreuse Mountains)

Your daily Scripture readings Scripture for the week of Oct. 7-13

Sunday, Genesis 2:18-24, Hebrews 2:9-11, Mark 10:2-16; Monday, Galatians 1:6-12, Luke 10:25-37; Tuesday (St. Denis and companions, St. John Leonardi), Galatians 1:13-24, Luke 10:38-42; Wednesday, Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14, Luke 11:1-4; Thursday, Galatians 3:1-5, Luke 11:5-13; Friday, Galatians 3:7-14, Luke 11:15-26; Saturday, Galatians 3:22-29, Luke 11:27-28

Scripture for the week of Oct. 14-20

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 (St. Hedwig, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque), Galatians 5:1-6, Luke 11:3741; Wednesday (St. Ignatius of Antioch), Galatians 5:18-25, Luke 11:42-46; Thursday (St. Luke), 2 Timothy 4:10-17b, Luke 10:1-9; Friday (St. John de Brébeuf, St. Isaac Jogues and companions), Ephesians 1:11-14, Luke 12:1-7; Saturday (St. Paul of the Cross), Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 12:8-12

Scripture for the week of Oct. 21-27

Sunday, Isaiah 53:10-11, Hebrews 4:14-16, Mark 10:35-45; Monday, Ephesians 2:1-10, Luke 12:13-21; Tuesday (St. John of Capistrano), Ephesians 2:12-22, Luke 12:35-38; Wednesday (St. Anthony Mary Claret), 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; Saturday, Ephesians 4:7-16, Luke 13:1-9

Our parishes

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Lend a hand at a ‘Life Chain’ near you

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Catholic churches and other faith groups will participate in sidewalk “Life Chains” on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 7, joining more than 1,500 similar prayer vigils across the U.S. and Canada to give witness to the thousands of babies killed by abortion every day.

For more information about the nationwide prayer effort, check out www.lifechain.net.

Here is a list of the vigils scheduled within the Diocese of Charlotte, as of press time on Sept. 26:

BELMONT

SJN teens pray for end to abortion outside facility CHARLOTTE — Youths from St. John Neumann and St. Thomas Aquinas parishes in Charlotte gathered for an hour-long prayer vigil at A Preferred Women’s Center on Latrobe Drive on Sept. 8, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The teens led in praying the rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Stations of the Cross for the intentions of women in crisis pregnancies, their unborn babies and their families. After the hour in front of the clinic, all gathered for lunch and a time of discussion about the issues surrounding abortion. St. John Neumann’s pastor, Father Patrick Hoare, provided the teens with insights as to what they can do today to eradicate this tragedy from the world. The teens committed to pray, fast and witness to youth in their schools.

— Katie Herzing and Gretchen Filz

Join the pro-life rosary in High Point each month HIGH POINT — A Pro-Life Rosary prayer vigil to pray for an end to abortion will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive.

The Pro-Life Rosary is held on the first Saturday of each month. Parking is available on-site. Contact Jim Hoyng (336-882-9593) or Paul Klosterman (336-848-6835).

Go see a documentary about climate change BELMONT — The Sisters of Mercy in Belmont will host a free screening of “Sun Come Up,” the 2011 Academy Award-nominated documentary about the world’s first “climate refugees,” at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in Curtin Hall at the Mercy Administration Building, across the street from Queen of the Apostles Church. A discussion based on Catholic social teaching will follow, sponsored by the Catholic Coalition for Climate Change. For details, contact Mercy Sister Rose Marie Tresp at 956324-7057 or rtresp@mercysc.org.

Photos provided by Carol Rasmussen

Bishop Peter J. Jugis seals three relics into the new altar at St. Aloysius Church in Hickory during the altar’s dedication at Mass Sept. 13.

New altar dedicated at St. Aloysius Church Nika Werner Special to the Catholic News Herald

HICKORY — On Sept. 13, parishioners of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory celebrated as the altar in their church was consecrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis during a special Mass.

The Mass was concelebrated by Father Bob Ferris, pastor, and Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar, parochial vicar.

The altar in the main church had separated at its joints over the years, so Joe Lamonica, the new chairperson of the parish’s maintenance committee, offered to do the necessary repairs. The body of the altar is completely new, hence the need for the dedication. Also new to the church is an altar of repose, on which the tabernacle sits, and an ambry, which secures the holy oils.

During the Mass, three relics which had been given to the parish – pieces of clothing from St. Boniface, St. Thomas à Becket, and St. Josaphat – were placed into a hidden compartment of the altar by Bishop Jugis. Before Mass, parishioners were able to view the relics on display in a reliquary before the relics were sealed permanently into the altar.

St. Boniface (680-754) fought against idolatry of the pagans, turning their hearts toward Christianity. His feast day is June 5. St. Thomas à Becket (1118-1170) stood firm in defense of truth and right, even at the cost of his life by his good friend King Henry II. His feast day is Dec. 29. St. Josaphat (1584-1623) spent his life uniting all faiths to one Church, to one Body in Christ. His feast day is Nov. 12.

The Rite of Dedication of an Altar is different than an ordinary Mass in a few ways. First, the altar was left bare until the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. And in place of the Penitential

Bishop Jugis also blessed the Perpetual Adoration chapel that St. Aloysius Church opened a little more than a year ago.

2:45 to 4 p.m.: North Main St. at North Central Ave. Seth Dobson, 704-293-7741

BRYSON CITY 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Everett St. at Mitchell St. Marzena Bradley, 828-477-4148

CHARLOTTE 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Arboretum - Providence Road at Windbluff Dr. 12:45 to 2 p.m.: Shamrock at Crestmont Dr. 1-2 p.m.: University City Blvd.

2-3 p.m.: Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. at Rea Road.

John and JoAnn VanCamp, 980-307-9835 2-3 p.m.: Idlewild at Valley Grove Road 2-3 p.m.: Kings at Morehead (park at The Map Shop) 2-3 p.m.: Providence Road at Sharon Road 2-4 p.m.: Pineville-Matthews Road (Hwy. 51) at Rea Road 3-4 p.m.: Johnston Road/Park Road at each intersection. Danielle Mathis, 704-756-5756 3-4 p.m.: Cameron Woods (Birnen and Johnston Road entrance) 3-4 p.m.: Charlotte Catholic High School 3-4 p.m.: Corner of Park Road and Mockingbird Lane (east side) 3-4 p.m.: Holy Trinity Middle School 3-4 p.m.: Huntingtown Farms (entrance at Goneaway) 3-4 p.m.: Kenilworth Blvd. and Scott/East Blvd.

(Note: Park at St. Patrick Cathedral.)

3-4 p.m.: Park Crossing (Park Crossing Dr. entrance) 3-4 p.m.: Park Road Park (east/tennis court side) 3-4 p.m.: Park Road Park (west/playground side) 3-4 p.m.: South Mecklenburg High School (south entrance at light) 3-4 p.m.: St. Vincent de Paul Church 3-4 p.m.: St. Ann Church

CONCORD/KANNAPOLIS Act, Bishop Jugis sprinkled the altar and the congregation with newly-blessed holy water to remind us that we became members of the body of Christ at our baptism. During the homily, the bishop explained the readings, picked specifically for the occasion, and the meaning of the dedication of the new altar.

After Ryan Ostrander, director of the parish’s music ministry, led the choir and congregation in chanting the Litany of the Saints, the relics were placed inside the altar by the bishop. To accomplish this, Lamonica and Jim Rand carefully lifted the top of the altar, sliding it to St. ALOYSIUS, SEE page 32

2-3 p.m.: Hwy. 29 (Concord Pkwy.) at Centerview Road. Leigh Ann Loyd, 704-938-HOPE

FRANKLIN 3-4 p.m.: Main St. at Highlands Road at Big Bear Park on the greenway. Julie Tastinger, 828-421-2473

GREENSBORO 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Battleground Avenue. Bernie and Elaine McHale (336-292-1118, elainem559@ gmail.com), Dianne Rzewnicki (336-887-7303, mrzewnicki@aol.com)

HENDERSONVILLE 2-3:30 p.m.: Two locations along Hwy. 25: The LIFE CHAIN, SEE page 29

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ARDEN St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road — “Words of Life and Liberty,” a morning conference in defense of religious freedom and the defenseless.

Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is free and open to all; teens welcome. Contact Debbie Scott at dvsgrafx@gmail.com.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks: Sept. 28 – 8 a.m.

Morning Prayer for N.C. Catholic School Teachers, Greensboro Sept. 29 – 2 p.m. groundbreaking for new church St. Francis of assisi Church, jefferson

BELMONT QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH, 503 North Main St. — On Oct. 7, come celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a Blessing of the Animals on the church grounds at approximately 9:15 a.m. following the 8 a.m. Sunday Mass and just before the 9:45 a.m.

Mass. All pets and their owners are welcome.

SISTERS of MERCY, 101 Mercy Dr.

Sept. 29 – 4:30 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of assisi Church, jefferson

— “Sun Come Up,” the 2011 Academy Award-nominated documentary, depicting the world’s first “climate refugees,” will be hosted by the Sisters of Mercy on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. in Curtin Hall at the Mercy Administration Bldg. A discussion based on Catholic social teaching will follow this free event. Contact Mercy Sister Rose Marie Tresp at 956-324-7057 or rtresp@mercysc.org.

Oct. 2 – Noon Diocesan Capital Campaign Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte Oct. 3 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville

BOONE

Oct. 6 – 5 p.m.

Rosary Congress A.L. Brown High School, Kannapolis OCT. 7-12 PRIESTS’ RETREAT LIVING WATERS CATHOLIC REFLECTION CENTER, MAGGIE VALLEY

ST. ELIZABETH OF THE HILL COUNTRY CHURCH, 259 PILGRIMS WAY — Join us at Blue Ridge Mountain Club (formerly Laurelmor Resort, Ginn Property), one of the most stunningly picturesque locations in the High Country, as we celebrate the restored hope, realized dreams and bright futures of people we serve. Free admission. RSVP: development@ hospitalityhouseofboone.org.

BREVARD SACRED HEART CHURCH, 4 BRIAN BERG LANE — Forty Hours Devotion: Eucharistic Adoration from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day Oct. 1-3, culminating with Mass at 7 p.m. Oct. 3. All are welcome.

— Blessing of Pets in honor of St. Francis of Assisi: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, in the church parking lot.

All pets and their owners are welcome.

CHARLOTTE 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

ST. JOSEPH VIETNAMESE CHURCH, 4929 sandy porter road — Fall Festival, Friday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 7.

Food, lion dance, music, games for children, custom car show (Oct. 6). Free admission. Hours are Oct. 5, 6-11 p.m.; Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — Ham Radio Operators special event in honor of St. Maximilian Kolbe, their patron saint. A station will be set up in the Parish Center on Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his canonization. Contact Bill LaMay (K3RMW) or call 704-995-0002.

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 — Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course, Sept. 29, 1-5 p.m. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230.

— 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.

Volume 21 • Number 24

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

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

— Seasons of Hope Grief Ministry will meet for six weeks on Sunday afternoons, Sept. 30-Nov. 4.

Anyone who is mourning the loss of a loved one is encouraged to attend and bring a guest. Join us in the Kloster Center, 1:45 to 4 p.m. To register call the St. Pius X Parish Office at 336-272-4681.

HIGH POINT — A Pro-Life Rosary will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, at 9 a.m, outdoors (rain or shine), at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive. Please come and help us pray for the end of abortion. Anyone who would have difficulty standing for 15-20 minutes is welcome to bring a folding chair. Contact Jim Hoyng (336-8829593) or Paul Klosterman (336-848-6835).

HUNTERSVILLE St. mark Church, 14740 stumptown road — “Catholicism,” a 10-week series based on Father Robert Barron’s video presentations, will begin on Monday, Oct. 1, in Room 204 at 9:30 a.m. A 30-minute video will be shown and discussion questions will follow each week. To register for this free series, contact Donna Smith at dsmith18@bellsouth.net or call 704-948-1306, ext. 104.

— TRANSITUS, the Franciscan devotion to ritually remember the passing of St. Francis of Assisi, will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. in the church. The event is sponsored by the St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity. Contact Martha Roman at 704-5359965 for more information.

CLEMMONS

KERNERSVILLE

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

HOLY CROSS CHURCH, 616 S. Cherry ST. — Ministerio Hispano de Holy Cross en Kernersville anuncian un taller de Acción diferida (DACA). Día: Sábado, 29 de Septiembre. Horario: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sábado, 6 de Octubre. Horario: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Para poder asistir al taller es necesaria la registración previa llamando al (336) 996-5604or holycrossmata@ yahoo.com.

GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, 2205 West Market st.

— Mass in the Extraordinary Form (according to the 1962 Missal) each Sunday at 1:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. A schola (choir) is forming and will sing at Mass each Sunday. Fluency in Latin is not necessary.

Beginners most welcome. For more information and to set up a brief audition, contact the schola director, Brian Marble, at 336-274-6520, ext. 337.

— Join us in the cafeteria at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 4, 11 and 18 for our series “Hit by a runaway train: what happened to the Catholic Church in America, 1962-2012?” This series will be 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, who holds a Ph.D. from Notre Dame and a master’s degree from the College of William and Mary.

— Monthly “Catholicism” series 7-9 p.m. in the Parish Hall starting Oct. 1. Father Pat Hoare will facilitate this 10-part series so all adults can come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. Call 704-5366520 for more information.

September 28, 2012

st. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St.

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WINSTON-SALEM St. Leo the Great church, 335 Springdale Ave. — “Senior Solutions: A Program for Seniors, their Children and Caregivers,” Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m.1 p.m. in the Bishop Begley Parish Center. All seniors, their children, their caregivers and future caregivers are welcome to attend. RSVP by Oct. 2 by phone to 336-724-0561 or by email to mgschumacher@ stleocatholic.com.

— Is your parish or school hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Calendar is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org.

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.

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September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

40 Days for Life campaign begins in Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem

Join a vigil in your community Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem are the sites of 40 Days for Life vigils until Nov. 4. Learn more at www.40daysforlife.com.

Charlotte A Preferred Women’s Healthcare Center, 3220 Latrobe Dr., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily Family Reproductive Health, 700 E. Hebron St., 24-hour vigil Sign up and get more info: 40daysforlifecharlotte@gmail.com, www.charlottecoalitionforlife.com/get-involved, or www.facebook.com/groups/40daysforlifecharlotte

Greensboro A Women’s Choice of N.C., 201 Pomona Drive, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily Sign up and get more info: www.40daysforlife.com/greensboro, www.facebook.com/40daysgreensboro; or contact 336-355-8401 or 40daysgreensboro@gmail.com

Winston-Salem Planned Parenthood Health Systems, 3000 Maplewood Ave., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily Sign up and get more info: www.40daysforlife.com/winstonsalem; or contact 336-816-3382 or ws40daysforlife@gmail.com

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Charlotte Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin (left) listens as Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor of St. Patrick Cathedral, shows His Excellency the plans for the “Bishop Curlin Commemorative Stair” project after the Jubilarians Mass on Sept.

11. Bishop Curlin is marking the 55th anniversary of his priesthood in 2012, and the stair renovation project is being launched in his honor.

Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — For the spring 2012 40 Days for Life campaign, Charlotte organizers decided to double their efforts by holding vigils at two local abortion facilities. The result: an astonishing 53 babies saved in Charlotte alone, more than one per day during the 40-day campaign. All the result of dedicated prayer and vigil.

Now, the 11th coordinated national campaign since 2004 has gotten under way, and three cities within the Diocese of Charlotte are participating: Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Greensboro. 40 Days for Life focuses on prayer and fasting, constant vigil and community outreach for the end to abortion.

The fall campaign began Sept. 26.

“Fasting is crucial to the success of this vigil,” explained Leslie Marsh, member of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro and coordinator of that city’s vigil. “Giving up some of our own creature comforts enables God – the Holy Spirit – to fill us. It is a form of prayer.

“We are really pushing a media fast: turning off your Facebook, TV, radio, and spend some quiet time with Christ in contemplation and remaining in silent prayer with Him.” “This is our first year bringing this into our community,” Marsh added. “We are just really excited about getting this message out to our community.”

Of the 316 participating locations, 46 are first-time campaigns like Greensboro’s. Vigils are scheduled in 49 states, Washington, D.C., seven Canadian provinces, Australia, England, Spain and – for the first time – Uganda.

“Evil is the absence of a good that should be present – in this case, respect for the reproductive nature of our bodies and the life it creates as a natural reflection of the goodness and love of God,” said Gretchen Filz, Respect Life coordinator at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

“As Catholics we know the way to end abortion is to change the hearts of those who do not embrace the dignity and sanctity of life,” said Maggi Nadol, director of the Respect Life Program for the diocese. “We do this through prayer and faith in action, such as assisting those struggling with an unplanned pregnancy or becoming a part of our parish Respect Life committees.”

Added Filz, “So this is not a ‘feel-good’ ministry and I don’t get involved because I enjoy it. I do it because 1) it works, and 2) it needs to be done, and 3) I am capable of doing it. And even if 1 weren’t true, 2 and 3 still would be. So, I do it.”

OUR PARISHESI

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Cathedral kicks off ‘Bishop Curlin Commemorative Stair’ project Parish hopes to raise $100,000 SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Catholics from around the Diocese of Charlotte will have the opportunity to assist in the efforts to complete a much-needed exterior facelift at St. Patrick Cathedral in the coming months. The cathedral, which is home to the bishop of Charlotte, hosts the annual chrism Mass and many important liturgical celebrations throughout the year.

For years now, the parish building and grounds committee has known that the front steps to the 74-year-old cathedral are in need of significant repair and redesign. Besides the fact that the old staircase and railings are worn and cracked, there is also a great need for a more expansive gathering area outside the cathedral’s front doors. The steep staircase presents a danger to anyone who wants to linger outside the cathedral entrance, and brides being wed at the cathedral have to step carefully down the narrow steps if they want to avoid tripping on their long gowns and falling headlong into the street.

Some time ago, a parishioner made a large donation to the cathedral in honor of Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, who was bishop of Charlotte from 1994 to 2002. After speaking with Bishop Curlin about the donation, the two decided that the best use of the funds would be to overhaul the front steps and create a more welcoming, attractive entrance for the beloved cathedral. The total cost for the project will be approximately $240,000.

Plans were drawn up but the project was postponed when Bishop Curlin retired in 2002 and the parish decided to proceed instead with construction of the Family Life Center adjacent to the cathedral.

Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor of the cathedral, recently said the decision was made to resume the stairway renovation effort to honor Bishop Curlin, and it has been named the Bishop Curlin Commemorative Stair project. The project follows on the heels of a similar improvement effort inside the cathedral earlier this year to restore its marble assets and refurbish the sanctuary area.

The new, larger entrance will feature two staircases running down to the left and to the right from the doorway, including several landings so that the steps slope more gently down to the sidewalk and street below. Beautiful details in the entrance’s new design showcase symbols of our faith, from the Chi-Rho symbol for Jesus to roses and five-pointed stars.

The front of the staircase will feature a new cathedral sign in cast stone and a cast stone engraving in honor of Bishop Curlin. Another monument will STAIR PROJECT, SEE page 29

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Making final vows, Sister Rebecca saw life’s struggles on Tanzania plain Stephen Lalli Special to the Catholic News Herald

MARYKNOLL, N.Y. — Witnessing firsthand how the Maryknoll sisters helped women in the Maasai culture in Tanzania was one of the factors that led Sister Rebecca Nyaki to the Maryknoll Sisters Center, where she and Sister Susan Nchubiri pronounced their final profession of vows on Sept. 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.

When Sister Rebecca and Sister Susan walked into a packed Annunciation Chapel, it was not the usual Eucharistic celebration.

The women were among four Maryknoll Sisters who took their final Nyaki vows this year as the congregation marks its centennial anniversary.

Before entering Maryknoll in 2004, Sister Rebecca worked as a physical therapist in Moshi, Tanzania. These days, her ministry as a Maryknoll sister has been caring for disabled schoolchildren at St. Gerard House in Hendersonville, using the latest techniques and therapies available. St. Gerard House is a non-profit ministry affiliated with Immaculate Conception Parish that assists and supports children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families, as well as serves children with other learning disabilities and special needs. The school also provides training and consultation for families, educators and others involved in the treatment and care for children with ASD. Despite the culture shift, the final vows ceremony confirmed for the young sisters their future journey in life.

“As one person, sometimes you can be discouraged, but with missioners who are

encouraging, we understand and deepen that faith that God has yet a lot for us to do, and together we can do it,” said Sister Rebecca, who became familiar with Maryknoll’s work when her older sister, Euphrasia, joined the congregation.

Sister Rebecca’s journey with Maryknoll began on the arid rangelands of northern Tanzania, where she used to accompany Maryknoll Sister Sue Rech on her visits with Maasai families. She saw a lot of “empowering” and “educating” in the Maryknoll sisters’ ministry with Maasai women. After training in physical therapy, Rebecca had remembered Sister Sue’s example as a reminder that God was calling her.

“Helping other people,” Sister Rebecca said, “I got the chance to go with Sister Sue into the villages and see how other people were struggling with life.”

Sister Rebecca said she would like to continue working in North Carolina, where her ministry with disabled kids includes many children who have been diagnosed with ASD. “It’s a very challenging situation, to see so many of them” with the disorder, Sister Rebecca said.

With the final vows phase of her growth as a Maryknoll sister behind her, Sister Rebecca said she looks forward to returning to St. Gerard House.

“Whatever is the need, it’s for me to expand and say, ‘Yes, I can do this,’” she said, “even though I don’t know how. But the people will teach me how.”

Two more Maryknoll sisters are expected to make their final vows during this centennial year: Sister Sia Temu will have her final vows ceremony in Tanzania on Oct. 20, while Sister Norma Pocasangre will pronounce her final vows in Hong Kong on Oct. 27.

Stephen Lalli serves in the communications office for the Maryknoll Sisters in Maryknoll, N.Y.

Your Local Catholic Charities Agency

St. John Neumann Parish

in East Charlotte seeks a talented organist/accompanist to provide support for one weekly choral rehearsal and one weekly Sunday liturgy at 11:00 a.m.

To read more about the position, please visit our website at www.4sjnc.org and click on “Employment Opportunities” on the left.

A HOLY CALL TO THE HOLY LAND

OLG parishioner called to explore vocation as a Franciscan Georgianna Penn Correspondent

GREENSBORO — A holy call is leading Benjamin Rumley of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro to the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, located in Washington, D.C. “I hope this special time in my life will help me to grow in love for Christ and in detachment from the distractions of the world,” shared Rumley in a recent interview.

Father Christopher Davis, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church, saw Rumley’s call to a religious vocation early on. He met Rumley about four years ago, when Father Davis was serving as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Rumley Asheboro.

“I think it is a good fit,” Father Davis said. “His love for the poor and marginalized fits well with the charism of the Holy Land Franciscans.”

Rumley is a North Carolina native and was valedictorian of his class at Eastern Randolph High School. He graduated from Washington and Lee University and has most recently worked at the Greensboro Urban Ministry. Raised a Quaker, he converted to Catholicism in 2009.

“I would say the way that I was raised had a lot to do with appreciating silence, discernment and simplicity of living,” Rumley said.

“I began considering religious life once I began investigating the lives of the saints and the radical vows that religious take,” he added. “It seems like the most complete and romantic way of giving oneself to God.” To get a little taste of the Holy Land, Rumley spent part of Holy Week in 2011 with the friars at the monastery in Washington, D.C., called the Monastery of Mount St. Sepulchre. The monastery replicates many of the shrines and sites from that ancient part of the world, while housing friars who have served in various ways themselves in the Holy Land.

“Our faith is incarnational,” Rumley said. “So much like God changes our

hearts through the physical means of the sacraments, so too did He change human history through the geography and landscape of the Holy Land – first by means of the Israelites, and then through Christ Himself,” he said.

According to Father Jacob-Matthew Smith, vocations director at the monastery, the formation process lasts about two and a half years. Candidates spend eight months at the monastery before going to the Holy Land to continue their formation process. At the monastery, they learn how to lead prayer, serve at Mass and distribute Holy Communion.

They also minister to the homeless in the area, and they study Scripture and the lives of Sts. Francis and Clare. They also learn Italian and how care for historic church assets, besides taking exercise classes to prepare them for all the walking they will do once in the Holy Land.

“The purpose for the formation program here is to help prepare our candidates for service in the Holy Land,” Father Smith said. He noted that they are readied to serve as peacemakers in a chaotic and sometimes violent area that the world’s three great religions consider holy, and where world politics have collided for generations.

“While guarding the holy sites for all of Christianity, their role is to be open to service to all who come to them needing help, whether they be Christian, Jew, Muslim or otherwise,” he said.

One major aspect of the candidacy program that Rumley said he likes is that it serves as sort of a “safe zone” in which to do serious and focused discernment.

“It is somewhat more open and free than a novitiate,” he said.

And so he hopes and prays for God’s direction during this time. “If he wants me in this order, wonderful! If he wants me somewhere else, wonderful! I just ask for the grace to follow Him one day at a time.”

Get a look yourself At www.myfranciscan.org: Read more and take a virtual tour of the Monastery of Mount St. Sepulchre, a National Historic Site and pilgrimage site for thousands since 1899.

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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September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

St. Matthew named leading parish for its strong stewardship Jenny Cox Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — “Time, Talent and Treasure” is a familiar mantra for parishioners at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, where stewardship of these gifts is a way of life – so much so that the parish was recently named one of seven certified “Stewardship Parishes” across the country by the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC).

Stewardship – giving back – has been a primary focus for a decade at St. Matthew Church, said parish Stewardship Committee Chairwoman Joan Slep. “It’s pretty amazing how much we do that’s stewardship related. It’s in every part of the parish. We’re excited to receive this recognition and become a model for other parishes.”

With more than 8,000 registered families, St. Matthew Church is the largest parish in the Diocese of Charlotte and one of the largest Catholic parishes in the U.S. The ICSC certification is good for three years and designates St. Matthew Church as a mentor parish for the diocese and for churches across the country.

“St. Matthew is one of the model stewardship parishes in the country, and very deserving of this honor. It comes with a responsibility to share their expertise with others. I encourage other parishes in the diocese to contact them for assistance,” said Barbara Gaddy, associate director of development for the diocese.

To qualify for the designation, the parish was evaluated in nine key areas: Christ-centeredness of the community, stewardship outreach, spirituality and worship, communications, formation of stewardship leaders, hospitality,

stewardship education and catechesis, stewardship of time and talent, and stewardship of treasure. Members of the parish stewardship committee also completed a self-assessment in each of these areas over a four-month period.

St. Matthew Church received high scores in nearly every area. From 2008 to 2011, the parish saw its number of volunteers grow by 8 percent. It also saw the number of families making offertory pledges increase by 65 percent, as well as a 69 percent increase in the total amount pledged by each family. The overall number of offertory pledges jumped 28 percent in just the past year.

“This was a great way for us to evaluate our efforts,” said parish Volunteer Coordinator Pat White. “It showed us where we stood and areas that we can work on.”

New initiatives in the coming year will focus on volunteer recognition, children’s stewardship and programs to reach young adults, White added.

“As the U.S. bishops taught in their 1992 stewardship pastoral letter, stewardship is an essential expression of how we live our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development and former ICSC board president. “Our hope is that by focusing on stewardship, parishioners get more connected to Christ and more engaged in their church community.”

ICSC was founded in 1962 and works to promote the mission “to foster an environment in which Christian stewardship is understood, accepted and practiced in the Catholic Church.” The organization offers seminars, training and resources to support churches around the world.

For more information, visit www. catholicstewardship.com.

Two area parishes start support groups for separated, divorced Catholics SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — The dissolution of a marriage is a painful time in one’s life. For anyone who has experienced separation and divorce, it can take years to heal and recover from the devastating effects.

Two parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte are now reaching out to men and women who have or who are dealing with separation or divorce.

St. Gabriel Church on Providence Road offers a Divorced and Separated Happenings Group, also known as D.A.S.H. They meet every first and third Thursday of the month in the parish’s Family Room.

The group, started about 10 months ago, offers social and informational gettogethers throughout the year in addition to the support meetings.

Sue Edmonds, a parishioner who spearheads the D.A.S.H. ministry, said she hopes more people in the area will come to the bi-monthly meetings. “It’s open to people from all of our parishes,” Edmonds said. “Our biggest challenge is that we think there is interest, but we need to find out what people need so we can give them what they need.”

St. Mark Church in Huntersville also offers a 12-week program which started this month.

The hope is that men and women who have gone through separation or divorce will experience healing and renewal of hope in their lives. The program will give them a clearer understanding of their Catholic faith and how to live life more fully after divorce.

Dr. Gerard Carter, director of Catholic Social Services for the Diocese of Charlotte, shares the Church’s position on Catholics who have suffered separation or divorce.

“The Church shares in the pain and suffering of individuals and families that comes from dissolution of marriages,” Carter said. “Because of this, the Church remains committed to helping those touched by divorce. As His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI stated during the Seventh World Meeting of Families in Milan: ‘In regard to divorced and remarried persons (without an annulment), we must tell them… that the Church loves them…. so that they really feel that they are loved, accepted, they are not ‘outside’ even if they cannot receive absolution and the Eucharist.’

“Divorce ministry truly is a component of the Church’s ministry to families.”

For more about the divorce ministry at St. Gabriel Church, contact Sue Edmonds at 803370-4296 or email 0754sue@gmail.com. At St. Mark Church, contact Ellen Cleary at 704-9532939 or email ellenbridget75@yahoo.com.

At a Pivotal Time in the History of the United States, We come together in Defense of Religious Freedom and the Defenseless…

Join us for a morning conference on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at St. Barnabas Catholic Church 109 Crescent Hill Road Arden, NC

Sponsored by the St. Barnabas Respect Life Committee

FREE AND OPEN TO ALL! (Teens welcome!)

9:00am – 10:15am … Dr. Bill Thierfelder President of Belmont Abbey College, Belmont, NC

“Holy Daring, Fearless Trust in the Public Square”

10:30am – 11:45am … Olivia Gans Turner

Director of AVA, (American Victims of Abortion), Richmond, VA

“When they say, You say” 11:45am – 12:30pm … Deborah Wood CEO, Pregnancy Support Services, Asheville, NC

“On the Front Lines” … words of comfort and compassion.

Start doing the things you think should be done…and start being what you think society should become. Do you believe in freedom of speech? Then speak freely.

Do you love the truth? Then tell it. Do you believe in an open society? Then act in the open. Do you believe in a decent and humane society? Then behave decently and humanely..

- Adam Michnik (Polish writer) Behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. I have not hidden Your saving help within my heart. I have spoken of your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your mercy and Your faithfulness from the great congregation.

-PSALM 40 You have the words of eternal life.

-John 6:68

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Greensboro Pregnancy Center’s annual fund raiser celebrates life Georgianna Penn Correspondent

GREENSBORO — Hundreds gathered to celebrate life at the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center’s annual fundraising banquet Sept. 10. Held every year at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, this year’s theme was “Shine like Stars,� with actor Ken Bevel as the keynote speaker.

The Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center (GPCC) is a life-affirming, pro-life agency that provides limited free ultrasounds to its clients, free parenting classes, postabortion healing Bible studies to men and women, and healthy relationship classes for all ages. It has served Greensboro for more than 28 years. St. Pius X Church in Greensboro is one of the center’s major supporters.

Keynote speaker and actor Ken Bevel, who appeared in the hit movie “Fireproof,� shared his story of faith during the special celebration. He said we must be a shining light for one another, as “children need to be trained and mentored.� He said his journey has not been an easy one, but with God’s grace pointing him in the right direction, he has been able to find a better path. He noted about his acting success, “A movie cannot save you, it can only point us to the cross.�

GPCC touches lives and saves lives – one life, one soul at a time. It has provided healing from past wounds of abortion for women and men and points clients towards healthier relationships with themselves, with others and with God. Bevel closed by thanking GPCC for providing

that better path for the women and men of Greensboro.

He thanked the volunteers, staff and donors of GPCC and encouraged everyone to continue “to do the work.�

In addition to a silent auction and an elegant meal, the evening celebration was filled with stories of life, love and hope. Couples and women shared their stories of life, and one young man shared his story of healing from a past abortion decision.

Grounded in Christ’s love and filled with grace, GPCC is a gift to the Greensboro community, supporters agreed. “All you have to do is hear a heartfelt story of a woman or couple and see their beautiful child to realize the impact GPCC has on people’s lives and the contribution it makes in our community for life,� said Tita Wofford of St. Pius X Parish’s Respect Life Ministry team. Wofford has attended the banquet each year since 2008 and is a personal supporter of the center.

Lend a hand Get more information about the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center and learn how you can help: Call 336-274-4901 or visit www.pregnantfreehelp.com, or visit its supporters’ website at www.friendsforlifegreensboro.org for ways your parish or Respect Life team can get involved.

Georgianna Penn | Catholic News Herald

Pictured are Tita Wofford and Barbara Wike, St. Pius X Parish Respect Life team members and supporters of the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center. A fund raiser was held Sept. 10 to aid the center.

Rocker turned runner to raise funds for Parkinson’s cure SueAnn Howell Staff writer

HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark parishioner Dave Haywood is an accomplished musician whose talents have given him the opportunity to perform with entertainers like Les Paul, Jon Bon Jovi and Chaka Khan.

On Nov. 4 he’ll take another passion of his – running – and turn it into a tribute to his late father Robert Haywood Jr., who passed away from Parkinson’s disease in 2006.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, chronic disorder of the brain and nervous system that affects a person’s movement. About 7 to 10 million people worldwide suffer from the degenerative disease, which causes tremors, slowed and increasingly stiff movement, and lack of balance.

Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, and while there are treatment options to alleviate some of the symptoms, there is no cure.

Two people who have put a face on this disease in recent years are Blessed John Paul II, who died in 2005, and the American actor Michael J. Fox, who created a foundation to help spur medical research for a cure. To date, the Michael J. Fox Foundation has funded $297 million in research and has supported 51 clinical trials.

It is to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation that Haywood is running in the ING New York City Marathon in Manhattan.

The 26.2-mile course will be filled with more than 47,000 runners, among them people like Haywood,

who are raising money to help find a cure for the disease that stole his father’s life. “Six years ago, shortly after running the 2005 NYC Marathon, I had a conversation with my dying father,� Haywood said. “He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1998 and championed the work of the Michael J. Fox Foundation. He thought the idea of running a marathon for Team Fox was an honorable idea and utilizing my public image and high-profile friends would help accumulate a significant amount of donations.�

Haywood’s Catholic faith also plays a part in his desire to find a cure for the disease. “I was raised in the Catholic Church by very devout parents. They taught me that to be of strong body and mind it takes serious discipline. I strive to raise my children the same way...I was schooled by the Carmelite sisters at Our Lady Of Consolation in Wayne, N.J. “My wife Marianne and I see St. Mark’s (Church) as a strong faith community that supports its parishioners. We hope to grow in the parish as our children do, and as we are all servants, I feel it is an obligation to support worthy causes like Parkinson’s disease. I hope to spread this message and be a role model to the community.�

Haywood’s goal is $5,000. He is already almost halfway there. “I ask for your support towards finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease,� Haywood appealed.

A benefit will be held from 3 to 10 p.m. Sept. 30 at Howl at the Moon at the Epicentre in uptown Charlotte to raise funds for Team Fox. For more information or to donate, go to www.NYC4DAD.com.

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September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

9

Household items, donations ‘desperately needed’ for incoming refugees Editor’s note: This is part of an ongoing series of articles showcasing how the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte welcome and support refugees through Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Resettlement Office, which has helped nearly 11,000 refugees from 27 different nationalities since 1975.

Tracy Winsor Special to the Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — There is a steady stream of refugees fleeing some of the poorest and most dangerous places on earth and coming here to the Diocese of Charlotte, where they can be welcomed and provided a safe, stable place to begin new lives.

When these refugees step off the plane at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Catholic Social Services’ More information Refugee about the needs Resettlement of the diocesan Office is there to refugee office and welcome them opportunities for with open arms. volunteering is at And now, the the Catholic Social RRO needs your Services’ website: help. www.cssnc.org.

“We currently There you will find are in desperate detailed information need of about apartment assistance sponsorship under getting the “Volunteer in apartments Charlotte” tab. ready for refugee Furniture pick-up is clients,” says available. Monetary RRO director donations can also Cira Ponce. be sent to Catholic “Five families Social Services came in the Refugee Office, last 10 days 1123 S. Church St., and we have no Charlotte, N.C. 28203. more sofas and dining room sets For inquiries, left. We need contact Sandy help from the Buck at 704-370community.”

3283 or skbuck@ As part of an charlottediocese.org. array of services provided to these refugees when they are resettled in Charlotte, the RRO prepares a furnished apartment for each family. Refugees flee their country of origin, usually to a neighboring country, because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political beliefs or membership in a particular social group. Most of the

How can you help?

refugees resettled by the diocese’s refugee office come from camps where they have waited months or even years to be granted refugee status and receive the opportunity for resettlement to a place where they can live safely, in peace and without threat from persecution. They come to Charlotte as part of a partnership between the U.S. bishops and other religious groups and the U.S. State Department.

The RRO depends almost completely on donations so that the staff can set up furnished apartments for these new refugees. Why? Refugees usually arrive in Charlotte with few, if any, personal belongings.

Having resettled 355 refugees since last October (76 families and 93 individuals), the program is in constant need of household furnishings – everything from basic furniture to silverware and dishes, towels, sheets, cleaning supplies, pretty much anything one needs to set up a first home.

“We greatly appreciate the donors who have called us with a sofa or kitchen table to donate, or a box of household items,” says Sandy Buck, CSS volunteer coordinator for the Charlotte area. “But it is hard with individual donations of furniture to keep up with demand. In the month of September alone, we had 61 arrivals! That means we needed 25 sofas and 25 kitchen tables, not to mention bedding and mattresses for maybe 45 beds, and then 61 spoons, forks, knives, cups, plates... There is a lot that goes into getting an apartment ready.”

For this reason, the RRO is looking at other ways to encourage donations and volunteer involvement in this effort to welcome these refugees.

Notes Ponce, “We are always in need of cash donations, which then allow us greater flexibility in providing those items not usually donated. For instance, we provide rice cookers and vacuum cleaners in the apartments, and these are items we can use monetary donations to purchase.”

“We have a list of items that are required for each apartment on the CSS website,” Buck adds.

“Interested persons can use that list to do their own shopping on our behalf and then donate to us a new set of dishes, or pots and pans, or sheets or towels. Individuals can even host donation drives within groups to which they belong, collecting new bed pillows for the RRO or sets of towels for the bath or kitchen, or alarm clocks or personal care items,” she suggests.

The RRO is also seeking groups to sponsor apartment set-ups, and in this way commit to locating, gathering and putting in place the furnishings, household items,

Photo provided by Sandy Buck

Mattresses are ready for delivery to the newest arrivals being aided by the diocese’s Refugee Resettlement Office. beds, linens and all the other essentials for a two- or three-bedroom apartment for refugees when they arrive.

Several Charlotte area parishes have sponsored such apartment set-ups, soliciting donations of new and gentlyused items from parishioners to start from scratch and provide everything a newly-established household would need to function effectively.

For parishes interested in this type of assistance, the RRO provides an “Apartment Sponsorship” packet on the CSS website.

“Our main objective in apartment set-up,” Ponce says, “is to provide a comfortable place for our families to land and feel welcomed. They are weary, missing family and friends, and we want to give them enough of the basics that they can focus on the task of integrating into their new community and settling in to their new lives here.”

“We need 10 groups to each step forward and commit to sponsoring an apartment before the end of this year,” Buck notes.

“Our work is never done because we always have new arrivals coming.”

Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte Executive Director: Gerard A. Carter, Ph.D. (704) 370-3250 Refugee Office: Cira Ponce (704) 370-3262 Family Life: Gerard Carter (704) 370-3228 Justice and Peace: Joseph Purello (704) 370-3225 OEO/CSS Murphy Satellite Office (828) 835-3535 Charlotte Region: 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Area Director: Sharon Davis (704) 370-3218 Your Local Catholic Charities Agency

Western Region: 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Area Director: Michele Sheppard (828) 255-0146 Piedmont-Triad: 627 W. Second St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Area Director: Diane Bullard (336) 727-0705 Greensboro Satellite Office (336) 274-5577

For information on specific programs, please call your local office.

www.cssnc.org

Strengthening Families. Building Communities. Reducing Poverty.

10

catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Photos by Alex Gutierrez | Catholic News Herald

Parishioners of St. Mark Church in Huntersville and other churches in the Charlotte area have been working with the Missionaries of the Poor in Monroe to build a greenhouse and community garden that the brothers rely upon to help feed more than 60 families each week.

Rice bowl pennies help fund community garden, greenhouse in Monroe Kimberly Bender Online reporter

MONROE — The pennies you collect in those little paper rice bowls during Lent really do add up.

Thanks to money collected from Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl, the Missionaries of the Poor are going to be able to provide fresh vegetables to more needy families in the Monroe area. The brothers received a $1,000 CRS mini-grant from the Diocese of Charlotte – as part of the rice bowl campaign that remains locally – to help build a hydroponic greenhouse and improve the community garden they started at the monastery last summer.

The Missionaries of the Poor and parishioners of neighboring parishes tend to the community garden, which when paired with a warehouse of donated supplies, provides food to more than 60 families each week. The six brothers from the Missionaries of the Poor, an international religious order of brothers dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor, have provided food and helped those in need in the diocese since 2008, said Brother Augusto Silot.

The MOP will soon be able to grow fresh and healthy vegetables all year in their own hydroponic greenhouse. The minigrant was used to fund a portion of the materials and rock screenings to build the greenhouse and wood for boxes for the MOP community garden, Brother Augusto said. Many Charlotte parishes and families have added donations to complete the project.

The greenhouse and garden project in

Monroe was initiated by several families from St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

Parishioner Chris Hardin said the idea grew out of the brothers visiting his farm, Rivendell Farm, and as a way for families to minister together.

“It’s very important to do family ministry,” he said. “The teens are kind of quasi-leading this, which is really cool.

About 70 percent of the time, they like it.

It’s a calling, and we do it to really help serve other people.”

This project was developed to complement other service projects for “God’s Poor in Monroe and Jamaica” that have been provided by parishes including St. Matthew, St. Ann and St. John Neumann in Charlotte, as well as Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.

Volunteers started building the greenhouse in January, and they expect to have the project complete by the end of the year, Brother Augusto said.

Hardin said his family and about 10 others have been working on the greenhouse and the boxes once a month.

“We’re doing this because it’s a calling of our baptism. And eventually the parish will follow. We started as a group of three families and the parish has followed,” Hardin said.

“No one has the time to do this, we just make the time. We just do it because it’s the right thing to do. We’ve got a lot of blood, sweat and tears going into those soils.”

The goal is to distribute fresh foods – including carrots, potatoes, broccoli, corn, sweet potatoes and greens – to more than 30 families, Brother Augusto said. A lot of the families they help have access only to a few types of foods, he said, and even when

they find it, fresh produce can be costly.

The greenhouse should allow the brothers to provide these families with a balanced and healthy diet. They also use the garden to show the families how to grow the vegetables themselves.

“The project is to provide both food and the means to produce food to increase the health, self-image and dignity of the poor.”

Brother Augusto said. “Most of these families are away from their native country and confused about the American way of life. Allowing these families to actively engage in raising their own food with the MOP will provide them food and a sense of family in Christ.”

When completed, each community garden 12-by-20-foot box is expected to feed two or three families for eight months of the year using sustainable and “cold weather” methods.

“If all goes well, this initial project may be used as a ‘pilot project’ to plant similar community garden projects in Jamaica and Haiti,” Brother Augusto said.

Working together on a small farming project such as this helps Catholics of different socioeconomic brackets realize that people are all “rich” and “poor” at the same time, he noted.

“By sharing our resources, strengths and weaknesses around a practical farming and food-producing activity, it can allow us all to become ‘rich’ in Christ. It also is a natural way to build community and family life by working on a common project and a common cause. By praying, working and sweating together, it quietly allows everyone to understand the causes of spiritual poverty that are common in many American families.”

Want to help?

The Missionaries of THE POOR, located at 1403 Griffith Road in Monroe, is in need of food, including canned meats and vegetables, toiletries and other necessities for its food pantry warehouse. To donate, call 704-635-8831. For more information, go to www.missionariesofthepoor.org.

Grant deadline nears Oct. 15 is the postmark deadline for the receipt of applications in the next round of CRS ORB Mini-Grants, administered

by Catholic Social Services’ Office of Justice and Peace. Guidelines, eligibility criteria and applications are available at www.cssnc.org/ cchdcrs.

One of the most important aspects of the community garden project is that it allows Catholic youths and their parents to experience the “special charism” of the brothers, Brother Augusto added.

“The work of the Holy Spirit in the Missionaries of the Poor allows families to experience a oneness with God’s poor and the simple joy that it provides. This oneness in the Holy Spirit helps everyone to see that we are all deeply dependent on Jesus – we just have different needs.”

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

11

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Renowned scholar to speak on religious freedom

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Celebrating our jubilarians Bishop Peter J. Jugis (left) celebrated a Jubiliarian Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte on Sept. 11 to honor six priests collectively celebrating more than 285 years of service to the Church. Father Joseph Elzi, CM (center) and Charlotte Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin (right) were two of those being honored at Mass. Father Elzi celebrated 60 years of priestly service and Bishop Curlin celebrated 55 years. Other jubilarians who were not able to attend were: Monsignor Anthony Kovacic (65 years); Monsignor Joseph Kerin (55 years); Father Bernard Manley (25 years) and Father Raymond Hourihan (25 years).

BELMONT — Dr. Robert P. George will give the annual Cuthbert Allen Lecture at Belmont Abbey College at 8 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 4, in the Abbey basilica.

He will speak on “Religious Liberty and the Human Good.”

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 George Judicial Fellow at the U.S. Supreme Court, and he is a signer of the Manhattan Declaration (see related story on page 26). A graduate of Swarthmore College and Harvard Law School, he earned a doctorate in legal philosophy from Oxford University.

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Reserve a seat by contacting Mary Worthington at 704-461-6574 or MaryWorthington@bac.edu.

The Saint Pius X / Belmont Abbey College Lecture Series

Natural Law Foundations of Religious Liberty and the HHS Contraception Mandate

Dr. Grattan T. Brown, STD Gratten T. Brown is an assistant professor of Theology at Belmont Abbey College. He received his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Alfonsian Academy in Rome, and degrees from the University of Memphis and Washington & Lee University. From 2001 – 2004 he did research in the area of religion and public policy at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington DC. From 2004 – 2008 he served as assistant professor of Moral Theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. He has written on a number of bioethics issues, including rights of conscience in healthcare and the determination of death.

Saturday, October 6 at Saint Pius X Catholic Church Greensboro, NC Pre-Lecture Reception at 6pm with Lecture at 7pm

Saint Pius Catholic Church is located at 2210 North Elm Street, on the corner of North Elm Street and Cornwallis Drive. For more information go to www.stpiusxnc.com or call 336-272-4681

The event is free and open to the public

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com For the past 15 years it has been my pleasure to help the employees of the Diocese of Charlotte plan for a secure retirement.

I would also like be your trusted financial advisor.

Retirement planning – Life – LTC – Auto & Home Insurance

In Brief Ken Altman

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Religious liberty programs set at St. Barnabas Church in Arden ARDEN — St. Barnabas Church in Arden will host a series of speakers on the topic “Words of Life and Liberty” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Speakers at the free program about religious freedom and the sanctity of life will include Dr. Bill Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College; Olivia Gans Turner, director of American Victims of Abortion; and Deborah Wood, CEO of Asheville Pregnancy Support Services.

It is sponsored by the parish’s Respect Life committee. Everyone is encouraged to attend, especially teens.

Also, on Oct. 20-21, St. Barnabas will host Jesuit Father Paul Mankowski, who will give the homily at Mass and speak on the pro-life cause.

A Scripture scholar and author of books on Biblical Hebrew, Father Mankowski was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1987. He has been a strong advocate and leader in the pro-life movement and has even been arrested for defending life.

For details about either event, contact Debbie Vernon Scott at 228-493-5923.

Retreat trip planned to Dominican Sisters in Nashville GASTONIA — The Vocations Commission at St. Michael Church in Gastonia will drive young women, aged 17 to 30, to a Jesu Caritas Retreat

Oct. 5-7 at the convent of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville, Tenn.

The retreat is not for discernment of a vocation, but a general retreat of prayer, Adoration, teaching, and reception of the sacraments. Attendees get an overview of convent life and an opportunity to talk to and question the sisters.

Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. Application deadline is Sept. 30.

Organizers from St. Michael Church will leave at 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, and return Sunday afternoon. The drive to Nashville is about six hours.

For information about rides, call Joanna DeLaquil at 803-329-3949 or email her at delaq@comporium.net. Registration forms can be downloaded from the Dominican Sisters’ website, www.nashvilledominican.org. To make a reservation, contact the convent’s Vocation Office at vocation@op-tn.org or call 615-256-0147.

Family Vocations Day offered 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 more information, email meredith@4sjnc.org.

Mary King

— Meredith Paul

Look who’s enjoying carefree retirement living!

Good friend and satisfied resident of Pennybyrn at Maryfield.

Mary King has many friends…and she’s always encouraging them to join her at Pennybyrn at Maryfield. She likes how good it feels to not have to cook, clean or worry about home repairs. Plus all the fun trips, movies, concerts—for Mary, it’s a great way to be around people and stay busy. “I didn’t give up a thing when I moved to Pennybyrn—it’s been perfect for me!”

Are you ready to enjoy carefree retirement living?

Call (336) 821-4050 or toll-free (866) 627-9343.

109 Penny Rd., High Point, NC 27260 www.PennybyrnAtMaryfield.org Located less than a mile from downtown Jamestown and only 10 minutes from Greensboro. All faiths welcome.

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Schola choir members sought GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace Church is forming a new choir to serve at Masses in the Extraordinary Form. Initially, the choir will sing traditional chant, although over time they may be able to include some polyphonic music. No ability to read music is required, and all training and recordings for practice will be provided.

All singers of high school age and older are welcome. A brief audition with the director is requested. Email Brian Marble at bmarble@ olgchurch.org for details.

St. Ann Church in Charlotte also has a schola choir. Contact Terese Rowe, the choir director at St. Ann Parish, and go online to www. stannschola.blogspot.com for details.

OUR PARISHESI

13

Parish supports Denver Pregnancy Care Center DENVER — Holy Spirit Church in Denver was the top fund raiser among 21 local churches during the Denver Pregnancy Care Center’s recent Annual Walk for Life event. The walkers and parishioners brought in $3,363 of the nearly $20,000 raised. Holy Spirit Church member Barbara Robbins received special recognition from Crystal Regan, PCC director, for five years of volunteer service. (Right) Holy Spirit Church’s pastor, Father Carmen Malacari, says a prayer prior to the start of the walk.

— Doreen Sugierski

— Sid Cundiff

Days of Reflection for Seniors Share your day and enjoy lunch with friends.

Sponsored by Catholic Social Services, Elder Ministries.

Belmont parish hosts carnival BELMONT — With school supply donations collected from Queen of the Apostles parishioners in Belmont, about two dozen middle school youth group members and their leaders recently held the second-annual Back To School carnival for residents of the Reid Park neighborhood. About 40 kids and their parents enjoyed two hours of carnival games, food and fun. There was no charge for the event and everyone walked away with lots of new supplies to start the school year.

— Kevin Eagan

Albemarle hosts annual picnic ALBEMARLE — Parishioners of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle held their annual picnic at Cannon Park and Pavilion Aug. 26. Hot dogs, hamburgers and baked beans were provided by the Knights of Columbus. These were matched with beverages and side dishes by the picnic goers. Pictured are (from left) Knights Jerry Maiden (chair), Vince Lombardo, Greg Fisher (Grand Knight) and Don Barker.

— Done Espina

4 DATES & LOCATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM! Thursday, October 25 – Catholic Conference Center, Hickory Presenter: Msgr. John McSweeney Check-In & Light Refreshment: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Program: 10:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Closing Mass: 2:15 p.m.

Cost: $15 per person includes morning snack and lunch – Make check payable to Catholic Social Services Deadline for Registration: Monday, October 15 Thursday, November 8 – St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Greensboro Presenter: Msgr. Mo West Check-In & Light Refreshment: 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Program: 10:30 a.m. – 2:20 p.m.

Closing Mass: 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $10 per person includes morning snack and lunch – Make check payable to Catholic Social Services Deadline for Registration: Tuesday, October 30 Thursday, November 15 – Holy Cross, Kernersville Presenter: Fr. J.T. Putnam Check-In & Light Refreshment: 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Program: 10:30 a.m. – 2:20 p.m.

Closing Mass: 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $12 per person includes morning snack and lunch – Make check payable to Catholic Social Services Deadline for Registration: Monday, November 5 Monday, December 10 – St. Mark Catholic Church, Huntersville Presenter: Fr. Brian Cook Check-In: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Program: 11:00 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.

Closing Mass: 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $4 per person includes lunch – Make check payable to St. Mark Elder Ministry Deadline for Registration: Monday, December 3

We ask that all check(s) be made payable to Catholic Social Services unless otherwise noted. The completed form and payment is to be returned to: Catholic Social Services Elder Ministry 1123 S. Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203 Attn: Sandra Breakfield

For more information call Sandra at 704-370-3220 or Sherill at 704-370-3228.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Who they are The Sisters of Mercy is an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to God through vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service. They live a life of prayer and service, responding to the needs of people facing poverty, illness and a lack of education. They sponsor and serve in more than 200 organizations – such as schools and hospitals – that address those needs. The community was founded in 1831

by Sister Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland. There are about 10,000 Sisters of Mercy worldwide.

Celebrating 40 years!

Diocese of Charlotte

Their mission Inspired by the life of Jesus and by their founder, the Sisters of Mercy envision a just world for people who are poor, sick and uneducated. The Sisters of Mercy are women of faith who commit their lives to God and their resources to serve, advocate and pray for those in need around the world.

New logo On “Mercy Day” Sept. 24, as Sisters of Mercy across the globe celebrated the founding of the first House of Mercy, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas unveiled a new logo.

At the center of this new logo is a cross modeled after Sisters of Mercy’s mark of membership, the Mercy cross. The “cross within a cross” design depicts how Sisters of Mercy founder Sister Catherine McAuley was inspired by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and her commitment to symbolically place herself on the cross in solidarity with those who suffer in our world. The joy and compassion of life as a Sister of Mercy is captured in the outer free-flowing cross.

Join the community

Photos provided by the Sisters of Mercy

The late Sister Mary Evangelist Nixon visits a patient at Mercy Hospital in 1984.

Mercy Sisters exemplify can-do community spirit

It can take up to nine years to become a perpetually professed sister of the Sisters of Mercy: two years of candidacy, one year of canonical novitiate, one year of apostolic novitiate (prayer and part-time ministry), first vow (3-6 years), and then the perpetual vow. Sisters of Mercy take four vows: poverty, chastity, obedience and service to the poor, sick and uneducated.

Meet the Sisters of Mercy in their online chat room and message board during their nightly chats: At www. sistersofmercy.org, click on “Become a Sister.” n Wednesday and Thursday, 9-10 p.m. EST n Saturday, 10-11 p.m. EST

Become a volunteer Lay people can also get involved as volunteers with Mercy Volunteer Corps in the U.S. or abroad (www. mercyvolunteers.org), as Mercy Associates (lay spiritual partners), or as Companions in Mercy (www. companionsinmercy.org).

— Source: www.sistersofmercy.org

SueAnn Howell Staff Writer

BELMONT – If you want to know how to get something done, look to the Sisters of Mercy. Since 1869 when they first arrived in North Carolina, the sisters have accomplished many feats: They established Catholic education in the Carolinas, starting with Sacred Heart Academy in Belmont, originally an all-girls finishing school. They founded hospitals including Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, which is still thriving today.

And they created social ministries such as Holy Angels, a residential facility for the disabled; Catherine’s House, a transitional home for homeless women and their children; and House of Mercy, a residence where low-income people suffering from advanced AIDS can get specialized care.

So what fuels their community?

Service.

The Sisters of Mercy in North Carolina

1869

Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy found a convent in Wilmington at the request of Bishop James Gibbons.

Three sisters establish the Academy of the Incarnation in Wilmington.

1880

Sisters open Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Hickory, which they sell in 1888.

1887

Sisters open forerunner of today’s St. Patrick School in Charlotte.

1892

Abbot Leo Haid, OSB, of Belmont Abbey, who also served as bishop, requests the sisters’ presence in Belmont. The sisters establish a boarding and day school called Sacred Heart Academy.

The late Sister Mary Annette McBennett visits a patient at Mercy Hospital in 1981.

1900

Sisters open St. Joseph’s Sanitorium in Asheville for tuberculosis patients.

1906 1910

Mercy Hospital opens in Charlotte.

Sisters open St. Leo’s Junior Military School for Boys, which operates until 1962.

1913

The sisters separate from the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Charleston and join the Sisters of Mercy, founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831.

1935 1938

Sacred Heart Junior College in Belmont is established.

St. Joseph’s Sanitorium in Asheville becomes a general hospital.

1946

Three Sisters of Mercy leave Belmont for Guam, where they receive 10 women in the first year, with 10 more waiting to enter the community.

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

The Call to Serve

Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley began the order in Ireland in 1831 with one goal: to serve the poor, the sick and the uneducated.

This call to serving others was so important that Venerable Catherine McAuley established a fourth vow for her order – one of service.

“Catherine wanted the community to be out in the world, not cloistered,” says Sister Kathy Green, former president of the South Central Sisters of Mercy community based in Belmont.

“Service is at the heart of who we are,” Sister Kathy says.

Sister Kathy entered the order four decades ago in Erie, Pa. She was a high school teacher for 13 years before she moved into health care, becoming vice president of mission and sponsorship for the order. She spent 10 years working in community leadership in Belmont before her term as president ended last month.

The Mercy Sisters’ South Central Community is comprised of some 625 sisters, 600 associates and thousands of staff who serve in Mercy-sponsored programs and institutions. After a merger in 2008, the South Central Community became one of six communities making up the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas in North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Guam and the Philippines.

Service abroad is another hallmark of the Sisters of Mercy. Many of the sisters who served in the Catholic schools in North Carolina also taught in Guam in their earlier years. And those with medical training served overseas as well.

Sister Jill Weber is working in health care, living her fourth vow of service at Holy Angels in Belmont.

Originally from New York, she attended Sacred Heart College in Belmont and “fell in love with the Sisters of Mercy,” Sister Jill says. “They were down to earth and joyful. I loved their spirit.”

Sister Jill entered the order in 1972 and served as a teacher for 15 years at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury.

She always wanted to pursue a career in health care, so after taking time to care for her ailing mother, the community allowed her to go back to school to earn a physical therapy degree.

“I always felt called to Holy Angels,” Sister Jill says.

“The residents are poor in one sense because of their physical disabilities, but they are rich in love in their gifts to everyone who takes care of them.”

Holy Angels was created by the Sisters of Mercy in the 1950s originally to provide day care for mill workers’ children in Belmont. The residential facility now serves 75 people, aged 1 through 64, with mental and physical disabilities.

Sister Jill has also made two mission trips to Jamaica to work alongside the Missionaries of the Poor, tending to the needs of the poor there in the centers run by the brothers under the direction of Father Richard Ho Lung.

Sister Jill also traveled to Haiti to help people affected by the deadly earthquakes.

Since their inception, the Sisters of Mercy have had a special place in their hearts for women and children, and one of their ministries that still carries out the original mission of their founder is the rightly named “Catherine’s House.”

Sister Carmelita Hagan, house manager and volunteer coordinator at Catherine’s House, is from Ireland. She attended Sacred Heart College and joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1963. She has been serving at Catherine’s House for 10 years.

“Our work here is the compassionate, loving care we give to the homeless women and children,” Sister Carmelita says.

Women at Catherine’s House can further their education, earn their GEDs, and become self-sufficient and confident providers for their children.

Besides their call to service, the Sisters of Mercy have another charism that defines them: their shared sense of community. It is a bond of faith and of sisterhood.

“Community is in our faith structure,” Sister Kathy says.

They pray together at morning and evening prayer. They also attend daily Mass together and share meals either at the motherhouse or in residences for those who live off campus.

“I know that wherever we are, we are there for one another, we are there in spirit,” Sister Jill says.

“Community is a large part of our life. It’s more than just the number of Sisters of Mercy you live with. It is the bond we have … the love we have for one another.”

The Sisters of Mercy minister in 18 states in the U.S., but they chose Belmont as the motherhouse for the South Central group. About 36 sisters now live there.

“We have a wonderful, praying community that shares all things in common,” Sister Carmelita says. “Our prayer life is very important to us.”

Worldwide, the Sisters of Mercy now number 10,000 strong, continuing to fulfill the mission that Sister Catherine McAuley began more than 180 years ago.

Myra Joines, director of communications for the South Central Community, characterizes them best: “The Sisters of Mercy are out there to do what needs to be done, working in the world to get it done.”

Learn more Go online to www.sistersofmercy.org or call 1-877-50-MERCY. You can also find them on Facebook at facebook.com/ MercySisters, Twitter @SistersofMercy, and YouTube at YouTube.com/MercyConnect.

1957

1996

Sisters establish Sacred Heart Grade School in Belmont, which operates until 1988.

1966

Sacred Heart College becomes a senior college. It closes in 1987.

1991

House of Mercy, a residence for those living with advanced AIDS, opens in Belmont.

The Sisters of Mercy are pictured in front of their motherhouse in Belmont about 1901. Seated in the center is the Mother Superior, Mother Mary Augustine Kent.

Getting the Job Done

1992

A young mother asks for the sisters’ help caring for her seriously ill infant daughter. Other parents of children with disabilities ask for help, and, in response, the sisters open a home for the children that later becomes Holy Angels in Belmont.

Julia Jordon talks with Sister M. Matthew Snow in an undated photo.

The Sense of Community

1955 1956

Sisters begin staffing Charlotte Catholic High School.

15

Catherine’s House, a transitional facility for women and women with children who are homeless, opens in Belmont.

1995

Mercy Hospital, known as Mercy Health Services, is sold.

Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation is established with proceeds from the sale of Mercy Health Services. As of this year, the foundation has awarded about $57 million in grants supporting the work of selected tax exempt healthcare, educational and social service organizations.

1997

Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina join with Sisters of Mercy in Baltimore to form Mercy Housing Southeast that has developed 2,500 affordable homes for lowincome people.

Sister Maria Goretti Weldon, Sister Mary Jerome Spradley and the late Mother Mary Benignus Hoban, who co-founded Holy Angels in Belmont in 1956 to care for children and adults with varying degrees of mental retardation and disabilities. Sister Mary Jerome Spradley is a native North Carolinian whose name is synonymous with Mercy Hospital in Charlotte.

1997 1998

Well of Mercy Retreat Center opens in Hamptonville.

Sisters of Mercy sell St. Joseph Hospital to Memorial Mission Medical Center. Sisters retain ownership of Sisters of Mercy Services Corp., which oversees the operations of Sisters of Mercy Urgent Care Inc.; Mountain Health Services Inc.; Mountain Health Contracting Services Inc.; and Catherine McAuley MERCY Foundation Inc.

2008

The Sisters of Mercy, Regional Community of North Carolina, joins with the regional communities of Baltimore, Cincinnati and St. Louis to form the Sisters of Mercy – South Central Community. Based in Belmont, the new community is comprised of 18 states, Jamaica and Guam.

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iiiSeptember 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

The Eucharistic Procession starts from St. Peter Church and continues down South Tryon Street in uptown Charlotte on Sept. 22 for the eighth-annual Eucharistic Congress held at the Charlotte Convention Center.

FROM TH

HE COVER

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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2012 EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

Record 12,000 Catholics turn out to ‘Behold the Lamb of God’ SueAnn Howell and Patricia L. Guilfoyle Catholic News Herald

sueann howell | catholic news herald

CHARLOTTE — More than 12,000 Catholics from across the Diocese of Charlotte converged on the Charlotte Convention Center for the eighth-annual Eucharistic Congress Sept. 21-22 – another record crowd that easily topped last year’s record-setting attendance of more than 11,000.

Reactions to the two-day event packed with educational talks, continuous Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, sacred music, fun and fellowship were overwhelmingly positive.

“Enjoyed every minute of it,” wrote Chris Poore on the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page afterwards.

Marilyn Schrieber wrote that she liked best, “Just seeing all the Catholics united at the event being led by the Holy Spirit. The music was beautiful this year.”

Pat King Mullen added, “The entire experience is very moving and faith filled!”

The 2012 Congress kicked off Friday night with a concert of sacred music led by guest director Scott Turkington of the Diocese of Charleston, S.C., and organist Dr. Larry Stratemeyer of St. Patrick Cathedral. The worship music, focused on the 2012 Eucharistic Congress theme “Behold the Lamb of God – The Source and Summit of the New Evangelization,” set the scene for a joyful and spirit-filled Congress, followed by an emphasis on prayer with Eucharistic Adoration throughout the night Friday at nearby St. Peter Church.

As the sun rose on a picture-perfect autumn Saturday morning, the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte gathered to join in the pageantry and devotion of a Eucharistic Procession through the streets of uptown Charlotte. Thousands lined up and knelt along the sidewalks as the Most Blessed Sacrament made the journey from St. Peter Church into the convention center to start the day’s events at the Congress.

As the day progressed, more than 5,000 people gathered with Bishop Peter J. Jugis and the priests, deacons, seminarians and religious men and women from around the diocese for a Holy Hour. Special guests included Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin and Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese. Monsignor West gave the Holy Hour homily, speaking on the theme, “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”

In his opening remarks to congress goers after the Holy Hour, Bishop Jugis said, “May today assist us in growing in awe and amazement at the profound gift of the Eucharist in the mission of the Church: ‘Behold the Lamb of God the source and summit of the New Evangelization.’ May our participation at the Eucharistic Congress deepen our appreciation and our devotion to His

Eucharistic Presence.

“Today is a day for us to encourage each other in this great opportunity for worship and service.”

Father James Plans are already under Stuhrenburg, pastor of St. way for next year’s ninth-annual Francis of Assisi Church in Eucharistic Congress, which will be Jefferson and St. Frances held at the Charlotte Convention of Rome Mission in Sparta, Center Sept. 13-14, 2013. brought two busloads and a van of parishioners to the Congress, about 120 parishioners total.

“It’s always fun to be up there on the altar to watch the banners coming forward ... The fact that we are filling up the hall is great.”

Father John Eckert, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, was charged with the task of encouraging people to make a donation to help cover the costs of the Congress. He likened the event to a family reunion where everyone is responsible for bringing something.

“With this wonderful Eucharistic Congress, it’s so great to gather once again. The majority of the Eucharistic Congresses I have been to, I have been to as a seminarian. Now that I am a priest, on my second assignment ... to gather like this, to see all of us to come together in this way, it’s wonderful to see what our diocese represents – centered around that source of unity, that bond of charity, Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.”

Speakers throughout the day in both the English and Hispanic tracks gave participants the opportunity to listen to talks featuring Eucharistic and inspiring themes to inform and bolster their faith.

Mark your calendars

Lamb of God, SEE page 29

More online At catholicnewsherald.com: See lots more photos and read more about the 2012 Eucharistic Congress.

On the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel: Video highlights from the Congress.

On the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page: Tell us what you thought about this year’s Congress. Also, what would you like to see at the 2013 Congress?

18

catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 FROM THE COVER

Photos by SueAnn Howell, Doreen Sugierski and Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

(Top and bottom) The Eucharistic Procession is a major highlight of the annual Eucharistic Congress, as the faithful take to the streets of uptown Charlotte following the Most Blessed Sacrament as it is solemnly processed from St. Peter Church to the Charlotte Convention Center.

(Below) The youth tracks draw hundreds of children, middle school youths and teenagers each year to the Eucharistic Congress, for fun, educational talks and Eucharistic Adoration.

Adoration is an important part of the Hispanic Track.

Pictured during Adoration Saturday is Father Julio Dominguez of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir.

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

Eucharistic Adoration is at the heart of the annual Congress, as the faithful come together to worship the Lord and learn more about our Catholic faith. Thousands of people of all ages spent time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, starting with overnight Adoration at St. Peter Church and continuing throughout the day Saturday at the Charlotte Convention Center. Bishop Peter Jugis led the faithful in prayer (top left), accompanied by Bishop Emeritus William Curlin (below) and Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor, who gave the Holy Hour homily on Saturday morning.

Photos by SueAnn Howell, Doreen Sugierski and Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 FROM THE COVER

Faithful enjoined to ‘taste and see the goodness of the Lord’ SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Standing before the Blessed Sacrament, his bishops, his fellow priests and the community of deacons, religious and laity, Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, delivered a powerful homily during the Holy Hour at the Eucharistic Congress Sept. 22.

More than 6,000 people listened intently to the 30-minute homily, which focused on Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and His undying love for humanity. “‘Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.’ This familiar refrain, taken from Psalm 34, summons us to deeper relationship in God, that we know by personal experience the kindness of our Creator,” Monsignor West said.

“The summit of this invitation comes in grace-filled words spoken by the Lord Himself: ‘My Flesh is real food and My Blood real drink.

Everyone who feeds on My Flesh and drinks My Blood remains in Me and I in them. Just as the Father who has life sent Me and I have life because of the Father, so the one who feeds on Me will have life because of Me.’” Monsignor West then explained that we can get caught up in all sorts of reasons why we cannot respond to God’s divine invitation – feelings of unworthiness, guilt about the past, worries about who or what we may have to leave behind.

He reiterated that God’s loving invitation is offered again and again, though, to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”

But even with all of God’s signs and wonders He offers mankind, there is still disbelief.

“We often grumble, asking greater signs of God’s love, we demand that God prove His faithfulness,” Monsignor West said.

“The Eucharist is the response of Almighty God to humanity’s steady and consistent pleas.”

Jesus, God with us, is encouraging us to move beyond our present, limited knowledge into a deeper relationship of faith, he preached.

“What will you do? Our Lord is inviting you to eat and drink, to be satisfied and to be strengthened at the table of His Word. There is urgency to Our Lord’s invitation because tomorrow is promised to no one.

“You have come so far on the journey, why turn back now?

“Please come while you still have the opportunity. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Conductor Scott Turkington (center), raises Bishop Peter Jugis’ hand in triumph after the sacred music concert at the 2012 Eucharistic Congress on Sept. 21.

Opening concert sets ‘uplifting’ tone for Congress Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

photos by sueann howell, Doreen Sugierski and Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

The Eucharistic Congress culminated on Saturday evening with a Mass that drew more than 6,000 Catholics.

“The Eucharist brings us together and makes us one in Christ,” said Bishop Jugis during his homily. “Behold the Lamb of God – not just any Passover lamb but the new Passover Lamb, the Lamb of God, the Lamb that God has provided for the sacrifice and freedom of the world.”

(Clockwise from top) Bishop Jugis elevates the chalice containing the Precious Blood during the closing Mass on Sept. 22; a member of the Knights of Columbus at the Congress; Bishop Jugis is assisted by Father Deacon Matthew Hanes of St. Basil Eastern Catholic Mission during Communion; a young congress goer at prayer.

CHARLOTTE — On Friday night, the Eucharistic Congress opened with a concert of sacred music inspired by this year’s theme, “Behold the Lamb of God – the Source and Summit of the New Evangelization.”

The concert was conducted by Dr. Scott Turkington, principal organist and choirmaster of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Charleston, S.C. Instrumental interludes were played by a brass quartet that included members of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and organ accompaniment was provided by Dr. Larry Stratemeyer of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

“Each year we work to present a sacred music concert that brings the listener music that spans the history of the Church,” explained Tiffany Gallozzi, director of music at St. Barnabas Church in Arden and organizer of the 45-member choir. “I am always amazed at the great lengths composers, instrumentalists and singers will go through to offer beautiful and dignified music to God.” “It is a joy to prepare the music for the sacred music concert each year with the dedicated volunteer singers who represent the churches of the diocese,” added Stratemeyer, choir director and organist at St. Patrick Cathedral. “Their eagerness to explore the rich tradition of choral music, and their openness to learning new things is inspiring.”

The singers – who represented 12 parishes – practiced throughout the summer, coming together for a full choir rehearsal only the night before their Congress performance.

“It’s not very often that I get together and sing with other churches,” commented John Van Camp, a member of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. Van Camp was also a trumpet player the brass quartet.

Before the start of the concert and the official kick-off for the 2012 Congress, Bishop Peter J. Jugis opened the Congress with a recitation of the “Prayer for the Success of the Eucharistic Congress” and a welcome address that discussed the theme of the Congress.

At the conclusion of the concert, Bishop Jugis rushed to the stage to thank Turkington, shaking his hand to congratulate him. He then raised the conductor’s hand in the air in a victory sign as the elated assembly applauded.

CONCERT, SEE page 29

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

21

(Left) The 2012 Eucharistic Congress gathered more than 12,000 Catholics together.

(Below) Teens in the High School Track on Saturday enjoyed games and fellowship during their program. photos by sueann howell, Doreen Sugierski and Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

Photos by Annette Tenny | Catholic News Herald

Parishioners of Holy Cross Church traveled from Kernersville on four buses to attend the Eucharistic Congress. Above, Holy Cross members join the Eucharistic Procession.

Congress brings Anglo, Latino parishioners together Annette Tenny Correspondent

Children in the K-8 Track practiced genuflecting during their Saturday afternoon program.

(Top and left) The vendor area in the Charlotte Convention Center included more than 100 information and commercial vendors for Catholics to browse and shop.

KERNERSVILLE — For Juana Francisco and other members of Holy Cross Parish’s Hispanic Ministry team, planning and working on the Eucharistic Congress weekend is a year-long effort.

Francisco has organized the trip for the past four years. In that time she has switched from charter buses to diocesan buses and watched the parish participation swell to an estimated 175 people this year.

Parishioners loaded up on four buses to make the journey from Kernersville to the Charlotte Convention Center before dawn Saturday morning.

“We work on fund raisers all year long,” Francisco said. “We have bake sales and raffle off statues of Our Lady and of various saints.

This allows us to rent the buses but not have to charge anyone to ride.

All of these funds are used solely for the Eucharistic Congress trip.”

The Congress is important to the people of the parish on many levels, she explained. Integrating cultural faith practices is one important example. This year the Hispanic Track had ‘their own Adoration.’

This was not an attempt to divide Parishioners pray during Adoration in the but, in fact, to combine and teach, Hispanic Track of the Congress. she noted.

“Many Hispanics are not familiar with Adoration as it’s practiced here.

So this is a way to teach about Adoration, its importance, but in a way that is more culturally familiar.”

Rather than spend time in Adoration individually or even as a family, many of the parish participants tried to sit near each other and spent time in Adoration together with the larger Hispanic community attending the Congress. Latino Catholics represented about half of the entire number of people attending this year’s Congress, estimated at 12,000 people.

Two other areas in which the Eucharistic Congress serves the Hispanic Ministry at Holy Cross are youth involvement and outreach to their Anglo brothers and sisters in the parish.

The ministry reaches out to the Hispanic youth of the parish and encourages them to come or volunteer to help with planning and fund raisers – to have a good time. The hope is they will go back to their extended families and encourage them to come next year.

Outreach to the primarily English-speaking parishioners has been slowly growing as well. Information and outreach in both Spanish and English concerning participation in the Eucharistic Congress is always placed in the bulletins, and Francisco said she hopes to have increased joint participation in the fund raisers as well.

HOLY CROSS, SEE page 29

Our schools 22

catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

In Brief

Students dress down to raise money SALISBURY — The popular “Dress Down Day” held each month at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury returned for the new school year and the first month’s effort capped a successful fund-raising drive. The second Tuesday of each month, students can forego their usual uniforms if they contribute $1-$2 each. The money collected goes directly to a local charitable organization or fund. August’s Dress Down Day brought in close to $400, which is going directly to the Diocese of Charlotte’s Priests Retirement Fund. In September, proceeds will benefit the United Way of Rowan County.

— Robin Fisher

Karen Hornfeck | Catholic News Herald

Ali Ahmuty, a teacher at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, is donating one of her kidneys to Pam Roop (right), who also lives in Greensboro. The two women did not know each other until Ahmuty found Roop during her quest to help someone in need of a kidney transplant. The surgery is set for Oct. 1, and the Catholic News Herald will follow up on how both women are doing later in October.

Wish for kidney donation brings two Greensboro women together Karen Hornfeck Correspondent

Student leaders inducted WINSTON-SALEM — Student council officers and class representatives were inducted Sept. 14 at St. Leo School in Winston-Salem, during the school’s weekly Mass. Pictured with them are Georgette Schraeder, principal, and Father Peter Shaw, parochial vicar of St. Leo Church.

— Donna Birkel

16 OLG students named to Duke program GREENSBORO — Sixteen seventh-graders from Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro have been chosen to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP). Duke TIP identifies gifted students who score at or above the 95th percentile on achievement or aptitude tests and offers them enrichment opportunities.

The program was started in 1980 and is the largest of its kind in the country. Students chosen to participate this year are: Skylar Ahmuty, Jacob Brancazio, Micheal Brigham, Alexandra Dascenzo, Paul Farley, Jack Fink, William Hornfeck, Rachel Klenke, Jacob Mims, Owen Morris, Ryan Moon, Lily Rowe, Ali Southard, Bradley Standen, Alec Merendino and Nicholas Yount.

— Karen L. Hornfeck

GREENSBORO — For Ali Ahmuty, the road to making one of the biggest decisions in her life started at a children’s birthday party. One of the mothers at the party, Annette Bassi, shared with party attendees that her sister was very ill and was waiting for a kidney transplant – she only needed to find a donor kidney.

“I went home and for a week straight, I looked up everything I could about kidney donation on the internet,” says Ahmuty, the mother of two girls – Skyler, 12, and Blakely, 8, both students at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro.

“I really felt like the Holy Spirit was pushing me.”

Learn more online Ahmuty spent another The National Kidney month thinking, praying Foundation: and researching live kidney www.kidney.org donation before she finally made a decision. At one To learn more about point, Ahmuty recalls, live donations: she was attending Mass at www.donatelife.org Our Lady of Grace Church and the homily focused on the question: What can each person do to make a difference in this world?

Ahmuty knew what her answer would be.

“I have a sister,” says Ali, “and I would want to someone to step up if she needed this.”

But when Bassi’s sister quickly took a turn for the worse, she was given a cadaver kidney. Instead of being relieved, Ahmuty was disappointed. “Donation was just an idea that wouldn’t leave my heart,” she explains.

A friend of a friend mentioned to Ahmuty that she might know someone in Greensboro who was looking for a kidney.

Ahmuty asked the friend to find out the woman’s blood type.

When it turned out that it was O, the same as Ahmuty’s blood type, she knew this might be the path forward.

Ahmuty decided to call Pam Roop, the woman who needed a

Stats about kidney donations 93,148 people are currently waiting for a kidney donation in the U.S. 5,769 patients received a donated kidney in 2011.

165 of those donated kidneys came from live donations from someone unrelated to the patient.

13 people die each day while waiting for a kidney transplant.

— Source: National Kidney Foundation

kidney who was a complete stranger to her.

“I was trembling,” Ahmuty recalls. “I told her, ‘I am the same blood type as you and I want to move forward. Is that OK?’” “I was just so taken back that someone would be willing to do this for me,” says Roop, her voice shaking with emotion.

“I feel so blessed.”

After extensive testing and matching, surgery was scheduled for the spring of last year, but had to be postponed at the last minute due to a health concern with Roop. The surgery is now scheduled for Oct. 1 at Duke University Hospital.

Ahmuty and her husband John want the donation to be a lesson in faith for their daughters. Ahmuty wasn’t sure her oldest daughter understood until one day they were talking about Skylar’s school day. “She told me that in her religion class, her teacher, Arthur Romel, had talked about callings and that he felt he was called to be a teacher,” explains Ahmuty. Then her daughter turned to her and said, “When you get a calling from God, you have to do it.” At that point, Ahmuty knew her daughter got it.

For Roop, the mother of one said she has felt God’s presence throughout this process.

“What an angel God has provided me,” she says. “Ali is giving me a second chance at life.”

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

St. Mark School celebrates 10th anniversary Amy Burger Special to the Catholic News Herald

HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark School celebrated its 10th anniversary when it welcomed students back to school Aug. 22 for the 2012-2013 academic year. To kick off a year-long celebration, the entire student body gathered together on the school’s athletic field on Aug. 31 to celebrate the milestone.

Visitors walking through the halls of the Huntersville area Catholic school today will see a vibrant community of students, faculty and family housed in a state-ofthe-art building complete with computers, smart boards and iPads, as well as artwork, gardens and extensive playgrounds. But this wasn’t always the case.

When the school opened its doors in August 2003, students were greeted with just the bare necessities: desks, chairs and books. For 10 years the administration, teachers and families have continuously worked together to make the school what it is today.

Linda Larkin knows this more than anybody, as she took on the job of first PTO president. “Ten years later, you get the feeling that St. Mark has been here forever.

It is hard to remember that it did not exist just a short time ago.”

Larkin remembers that the weather did not cooperate during the building process and the school was completed only days before the first day of school. Flocks of people jumped in to help clean, organize and assist teachers in any way needed.

The school brought together families from many different neighborhoods throughout the Lake Norman region for one common goal: to provide a faith-centered education for their children.

“From day one, St. Mark has been a family environment – it is a place you feel at home. In fact, just recently I dropped my daughter off at East Carolina University for her freshman year and on move-in day she bumped into at least six former St. Mark classmates moving in to the same building. What a great feeling,” Larkin said. “They did not necessarily go to the same high schools or remain friends

704-841-1160

Photo provided by Denise Romaniello

Eighth-graders let go of balloons during the 10th anniversary celebration. From left are Anne Munday, Blaire Schneider, Emily Langbo and Allisson Shimmoller. after St. Mark, but there was a comfort in knowing that so many friendly familiar faces were around. They have shared meals together, celebrated a birthday and got together their first Sunday on campus and attended Mass together. To me, that says it all!”

Larkin has seen three of her children graduate from the middle school and now welcomes people to the school every day as a part-time receptionist who works at the front desk. She joins many dedicated staff members who have also been at the school since its beginning.

The school’s enrollment has increased from 462 students its first year to more than 760 students this year. Principal Debbie Butler oversees more than 60 staff members at the kindergarten through eighth-grade school, which now includes a chapel, library, media center, gym, cafeteria, and labs for computers, science, music and art classes.

Seeking healing and forgiveness after an abortion?

Experience God’s love and compassion once again –

St. Gabriel has family tailgate party at CCHS CHARLOTTE — St. Gabriel School showed its support for Charlotte Catholic High School at a family tailgate party Sept. 7. More than 600 people attended the tailgate including MACS superintendent Dr. Janice Ritter and Father Andre Mangongo of St. Gabriel Church. Sponsored by the St. Gabriel PTO and organized by fifth-grade parents, the party featured dinner for the families, performances by the CCHS cheerleaders and marching band, and face painting. There was also a drawing for two water-people to help on the sidelines for that evening’s game. Charlotte Catholic’s varsity football team went on to win the game 49-21 over Ashbrook High School. Pictured are St. Gabriel students at Charlotte Catholic High School with a large sign that reads “St. Gabriel Says Go Cougars.” The banner was brought into the game and displayed by the field. Many students in the picture are shown wearing the school’s new “Meet Me at the Catholic Game” spirit T-shirts.

— Kris Caponigro and Judy Robinson

Upcoming Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat - (open to both men and women) ASHEVILLE AREA: October 26 – 28 Info: Carla – 828-342-4655

You may also want to visit Rachel’s Vineyard Web site at www.rachelsvineyard.org.

Your Local Catholic Charities Agency

Respect Life Program 704-370-3229 Family Life Office Catholic Social Services Diocese of Charlotte

23

Mix 24

catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

‘If Aristotle’s Kid Had an iPod’

Catholic dad of 8 offers a bit of wisdom for modern parents SueAnn Howell Staff writer

‘Restless Heart’ This biographical profile of St. Augustine of Hippo (Alessandro Preziosi in youth, Franco Nero as the older man) manages to inspire while steering clear of sentimentality. Beginning in 430, the last year of Augustine’s life, as he faces the Vandals’ invasion of his North African diocese, the narrative then goes back in time to guide viewers through the great Church father’s moving conversion story. Director Christian Duguay’s 127-minute-long film is arduous at times.

Yet, as it covers Augustine’s search for the meaning of truth and his eventual embrace of Catholic Christianity, the picture gives plenty of breathing room to the philosophical arguments with which he wrestled. It also highlights the influence exerted on him by his holy mother St. Monica (Monica Guerritore) and by his philosophical adversary – but future friend – St. Ambrose (Andrea Giordana), the bishop of Milan. The result is a well-produced, colorful piece of cinema that communicates uplifting messages.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: Not rated

‘Last Ounce of Courage’ When a war veteran and small-town mayor (Marshall R. Teague) sees a war on Christmas taking place across America, he is inspired by the memory of his deceased son to stand up and continue the fight for freedom.

Yet as he seeks to encourage his fellow citizens to reclaim the feast of Christ’s birth, he must face off against the sinister lawyer of the fictional American Civil Liberties Organization (Fred Williamson), while the younger members of the community try to hijack and inject tradition into their generic school pageant. A few instances of combat violence.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG

‘Trouble With the Curve’ Generally winning yarn about a cantankerous baseball scout (Clint Eastwood) who refuses to admit his eyesight is failing and cannot communicate with his daughter (Amy Adams), a successful but emotionally closed-off attorney. In his directorial debut, Eastwood’s frequent producing partner, Robert Lorenz, capably manages the twangy material, although the middle innings lag and an excess of salty language narrows the film’s appeal. Crude language, some sexual innuendo.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

Additional movies: n ‘Finding Nemo 3D’: CNS: A-I (general patronage); MPAA: G n ‘The Cold Light of Day’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Resident Evil: Retribution’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R n ‘Dredd 3D’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘End of Watch’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘The Master’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

CHARLOTTE — A sense of humor is a required character trait for every parent, much less a parent of eight children all under the age of 10. Just ask Conor Gallagher, whose growing family fills an entire pew at St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

Gallagher, who is the vice president of publishing for Saint Benedict Press in Charlotte, has authored an insightful book which looks through the lens of Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics” to help every parent understand their children and guide them along life’s way to be the faithful individuals God created them to be.

He incorporates Aristotle’s philosophy, scientific studies, pop culture and parenting tales together with wit to create an informative read and an indispensable guide for any parent who wants to pass on the secrets of a happy life to their kids.

In his introduction, Gallagher asserts that this is not a parenting book but rather a philosophy guide for parents.

“I am going to use philosophy to help you understand how your kid can become virtuous, how he can develop true friendships and what will truly make him happy,” Gallagher notes.

He admits that to some, a philosophy book for parents may sound boring.

“But if you’re a reasonably good parent, you already are a Gallagher philosopher. Philosophy is nothing more than the love of wisdom (philosophia). This book shows the real, practical connection between the ancient wisdom of Aristotle and modern case studies, statistics and the everyday life experience of raising kids.”

Gallagher and his wife Ashley have had plenty of practical experience over the past decade.

“My wife and I married young and started having babies,” Gallagher explains.

“We have eight children.

Our oldest is 10. No twins.

Just one after the other. We understand ‘rug rats’ pretty well and I’ve found that Aristotle provides some excellent advice.”

He said he is tired of modern parenting advice and the current trend in parenting to give in to a child’s every demand, out of a desire for political correctness or being their kid’s buddy.

“Every time I see a kid pitch a royal fit in public, every time I see parents succumb to the children’s demands (as if they are Alexander the Great), every time I see parents do the exact opposite of what should be done, I think to myself, ‘They need a good dose of Aristotle.’ Well, here it is.”

For more Get more information about “If Aristotle’s Kid Had an iPod” online at www.tanbooks.com or call 800-437-5876.

On TV n Saturday, Sept. 29, 8-9:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Faustyna.” This special examines the life of St. Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938), a Polish nun who began the Divine Mercy devotion in the late 1930s. English subtitles. n Sunday, Sept. 30, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Little Flower in Africa.”

This program offers a look at the first tour of the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in South Africa, a review of the life of St. Thérèse and her “Little Way” to holiness; an overview of Carmelite spirituality; and a brief history of the Church in South Africa. n Wednesday, Oct. 3, 9-11 p.m. (PBS) “Presidential Debate.” This “PBS NewsHour” special report presents live coverage and analysis of the first presidential candidates’ debate, which will focus on domestic policy.

n Wednesday, Oct. 3, 5:45-8 p.m.

(TCM) “Going My Way” (1944). Bing Crosby ambles amiably through the role of Father O’Malley, the crooning curate sent to assist the aging, crotchety pastor (Barry Fitzgerald) of a poor Brooklyn parish in need of change. Director Leo McCarey’s sentimental story is well-paced with humor and songs such as “Swinging on a Star,” but at its sentimental center is the theme of new ways replacing the old as conveyed amusingly but with feeling by the two principals. The definitive Hollywood version of Catholic life in an age of innocence, the Academy Award-winning film remains appealing today. n Saturday, Oct. 6, 8-10 p.m. (EWTN) “Teresa de Jesus.” First two episodes of an eight-part miniseries on the life of the Spanish saint and mystic Teresa of Avila (1515-1582).

The first part begins in Ortigosa, Spain, in the summer of 1538, and introduces Teresa of Ahumada, as she was then known; the second part opens in August 1539, as Teresa struggles with serious illness. In Spanish with English subtitles. The series continues with back-to-back episodes Saturdays through Oct. 27, 8-10 p.m. each night.

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

25

One-man plays about Mark’s Gospel, Hollywood coming to Asheboro, Boone Amber Mellon Correspondent

BOONE — TV actor Frank Runyeon is coming to Boone and Asheboro next week to present three of his one-man dramas about the faith.

Frank Runyeon has appeared on such shows as “General Hospital” and “As The World Turns.” After years of acting, he attended Princeton University to earn a bachelor’s degree in religion and he wrote his first play, “Afraid: The Gospel of Mark.” He continued his studies and also earned a master’s degree in religion with honors from Yale University in 1994. He now has written seven one-man dramas and he travels the U.S. as a popular youth speaker.

Runyeon will perform “The Sermon on the Mount” and “Hollywood vs. Faith” at St. Joseph Church in Asheboro on

Thursday, Oct. 4, starting at 7 p.m.

He will perform “Afraid: The Gospel of Mark” on Friday, Oct. 5, at St. Elizabeth Church in Boone, starting at 7 p.m.

After every show, Runyeon’s audiences leave laughing, yet also having learned something about their faith.

Both nights’ performances are free, although donations are welcome to offset the cost of the shows.

“Afraid: The Gospel of Mark” is the third of Runyeon’s one-man shows that St. Elizabeth Parish has hosted. “Hollywood vs. Faith” and “Sermon on the Mount” were staged at St. Elizabeth in 2010. He was so popularly received that the parish brought him back in 2011 to perform “3½ Stories of Christmas.”

For more information, call the Boone church office at 828-264-8338, or the Asheboro church office at 336-629-0221.

2012 SOUTH CAROLINA CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC CONFERENCE

St. Matthew Catholic Church

8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte NC 28277

“Year of Faith” Symposium 2012-2013 Join us for a viewing and discussion of Fr. Robert E. Barron’s highly-acclaimed, awarding-winning TV series.

Come watch these ten, 45-minute episodes, one per month from October to June, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the New Life Center Banquet Room. After the video there will be refreshments, a reflection on the theme of the night, small group discussions and closing comments. This highly-acclaimed, award-winning series is being watched by millions of Catholics in their homes and parishes worldwide in recognition of Pope Benedict XVI’s proclamation of the “Year of Faith.”

Tuesday, Oct. 9 Amazed and Afraid: God Becomes Man Thursday, Oct. 25 Happy Are We: The Teachings of Christ Monday, Nov. 26 The Ineffable Mystery of God Thursday, Dec. 13 Mary, The Mother of God Monday Jan. 14 The Indispensable Men, Peter and Paul Monday, Feb. 11 The Mystical Union of Christ and the Church

Our Lady Of The Hills Catholic Church Columbia, SC

October 26 – 28, 2012

Thursday, March 14 Bread of Heaven: The Mystery of the Eucharist Thursday, April 25 Vast Company of Witnesses: A Communion of Saints Monday, May 20 The Fire of His Love: Prayer and the Life of the Spirit Tuesday, June 4 World Without End: The Last Things

Guest Speaker:

Fr. Peter Sanders For more information contact: Ross Gamble 803-788-4480 ross.gamble@att.net

For more information call 704-541-8362 x 4 or email mburck@stmatthewcatholic.org No registration is required. All are invited!

Come to one, two or all sessions!

Our nation 26

catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

New study shows restrictions on worship up in U.S., worldwide WASHINGTON, D.C. — The increase of restrictions on religion are up worldwide – and, for the first time, those restrictions increased markedly in the United States, according to a new Pew report. For the U.S., it was the first time in the study’s four-year history that both government restrictions and social hostility were up by at least one point on a scale of 0 to 10, according to the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, which issued the study Sept. 20.

The U.S. was one of 16 countries with such large measurable increases in both criteria. The increases pushed the U.S. from a ranking of “low” to “moderate” in terms of restrictions on religion, according to the study, “Rising Tide of Restrictions on Religion.” The period studied was mid-2009 to mid-2010.

In terms of government restrictions, the Pew study found 51 cases of governments applying zoning laws or regulations to prevent religious groups from building houses of worship, schools or other facilities.

Of those 51 instances, 31 involved Christian denominations. Oklahoma voters approved a change to the state constitution restricting the use of Islamic law, or sharia, in the state in November 2009, but a federal appeals court struck down the measure last January. The federal Justice Department had to intervene on behalf of a Sikh prisoner in California who was under threat of having his facial hair cut off. A United Nations special rapporteur recounted the case of a New York prisoner who was forbidden to convert to Islam. High-profile incidents dominated the social hostilities category, including the November 2009 shooting spree by Army Maj. Nidal Hasan that killed 13 people and wounded 32 others at Fort Hood, Texas.

— Catholic News Service

Catholics must take action to protect religious liberty, speakers urge Beth Griffin Catholic News Service

JAMAICA, N.Y. — Religious liberty is facing such grave threats in the U.S. that Catholics must take immediate and courageous action to defend fundamental values both in the public forum and in the privacy of the voting booth, according to speakers at a Sept. 20 forum.

More than 400 people assembled at St. John’s University heard impassioned calls to educate themselves about the erosion of long-guaranteed rights, form their consciences to reflect basic moral issues and agitate with compassion and civility to protect religious freedom.

“Our religious liberty is under assault like never before in America, in ways that are chilling, that are alien and unimagined on these shores,” said Alan Sears, president of the Alliance Defending Freedom in Scottsdale, Ariz. “If we fail to stand, if we fail to fight, if we fail to refuse to comply, our God-given liberty ... will be but a distant memory.”

The forum was based on the Manhattan Declaration, a 4,700-word joint statement signed in November 2009 by more than 140 Christian leaders, many evangelical and Catholic, pledging renewed zeal in defending the unborn, defining marriage as a union

between a man and a woman, and protecting religious freedom. To date, more than 530,000 people have signed the declaration, including 52 Catholic cardinals and bishops – including Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis and Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge.

Eric Teetsel, executive director of the Manhattan Declaration, said religious freedom was enshrined in the foundational documents of the country and guaranteed by leaders until recently. In urging listeners to sign the Manhattan Declaration he said, “We will render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but we will not render to Caesar what is God’s.”

Sears said legislative threats to religious liberty and the sanctity of life and marriage are an attempt to place “legal limits on the love of God.” He called the Obama administration’s health plan “a dictatorial mandate, unprecedented in our nation’s history.”

He said policies enforced by myriad czars at all levels of government make people choose “between God and their livelihood, between their education and their faith and between their family’s financial security and their beliefs.”

Sears said the debate about the definition of marriage is “a key to a legal Pandora’s Box,” whose opening will unleash demands for public support, silencing of the

opposition and punishment for those who do not comply.

William Mumma, president of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said the nation’s founders believed in the primacy of conscience, but also were pragmatic men who recognized that any government set up in opposition to the religious convictions of its people “fatally loses its moral legitimacy.”

“If the law is not rooted in the moral law, the American people will not reject God, they will reject the law. When the law sets out to destroy religion, it enters into a murder-suicide pact. The government may murder religious liberty, but it can’t kill religion,” he said.

Mumma said the action of the current administration, as exemplified by its defense of the HHS mandate, shows “Religion is not the accidental victim of the government pursuing some other interest you might quarrel about. Religion is the target.”

Princeton University professor Robert P. George, a drafter of the Manhattan Declaration who is set to speak at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont on Oct. 4, said that if “religious freedom is a right, it’s a right for every human being. If religious freedom is in jeopardy for one, it’s in jeopardy for all.”

Cardinal Dolan traces historic role of religious freedom in U.S. Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — To the enthusiastic reception of an audience of John Carroll Society members Sept. 10, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan traced the historic origins of U.S. religious freedom in light of a current battle with the government over those rights.

Saying that he wanted to “restore the luster” on “this first and most cherished freedom,” Cardinal Dolan, who also is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told the Catholic lay organization composed largely of legal professionals that he was afraid “the promotion and protection of religious liberty is becoming caricatured as some narrow, hyper-defensive, far-right, self-serving cause.” Rather, he said, “freedom of religion has been the driving force of almost every enlightened, unshackling, noble cause in American history.”

This year, the U.S. bishops have waged a campaign to draw attention to what they describe as “religious liberty under attack” through a variety of governmental policies and societal trends.

Chief among the issues they have cited is a mandate from the Department of Health and Human Services that employers provide insurance coverage for contraceptives, including some that can induce an abortion, and sterilization. The USCCB and other religious organizations say an exemption to the mandate for religious employers that consider such services morally objectionable is too narrow.

Other concerns highlighted by the USCCB’s summer “Fortnight for Freedom” events included court rulings and policies – such as allowing adoption by same-sex couples – that have pushed Catholic institutions out of adoption, foster care and refugee services. They also cited threats abroad, including attacks on churches in Iraq, Nigeria and Kenya.

Cardinal Dolan, who holds a doctorate in American Church history, said a historical perspective can help explain that the defense of religious freedom “is not some evangelical Christian polemic, or wily strategy of discredited Catholic bishops, but the quintessential American cause, the first line in the defense of and protection of human rights.”

Speaking in Washington to a standing-room-only audience at a 450-seat theater in the Newseum, Cardinal Dolan noted that

CNS | Christopher Newkumet

New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan speaks to an audience of John Carroll Society members Sept. 10 in Washington, D.C., at the Newseum, a museum of news. religious freedom has always been understood in the U.S. as one of the fundamental freedoms, “spheres of free thought and action essential to individual liberty and a civil society.”

“We citizens of any and all faiths, or none at all, are not just paranoid and self-serving in defending what we hoard as ‘ours,’ but we are, in fact, protecting America. We act not as sectarians, but as responsible citizens. We act on behalf of the truth about the human person.”

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Nashville Diocese, others file suit to stop HHS contraceptive mandate NASHVILLE, Tenn. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Diocese of Nashville and seven of the Catholic entities operating in middle Tennessee have filed suit in federal court to block implementation of a mandate by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requiring them to cover services they find morally objectionable.

The mandate, which went into effect Aug. 1 as part of the health care reform law, requires all employers to provide coverage in their health care plans for contraceptives and sterilizations.

The mandate has a limited religious exemption that would protect only Catholic institutions that seek to inculcate Catholic values and primarily employ and serve Catholics.

Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Father Ryan High School, Pope John Paul II High School, Mary Queen of Angels assisted living facility, Villa Maria Manor and St. Mary Villa Child Development Center, along with Aquinas College, which is owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, are all independently incorporated under Tennessee law.

There was broad support within each of their boards of directors for filing the suits, which are similar to more than a dozen others filed around the country in late May and August.

In a letter to the people of the diocese, Nashville Bishop David R. Choby said the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had engaged â&#x20AC;&#x153;the president and congressional leaders in Washington in a conversation which expressed our concerns and convictions. ... Basically we were rebuffed. We believe that our Constitution and form of government expresses the right to religious freedom. Such a right is much deeper and of greater consequence than freedom to worship,â&#x20AC;? Bishop Choby said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that the application of some provisions of the Affordable Health Care Act attack this right,â&#x20AC;? he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In seeking to force the Church to act or make provision to act against her moral principles, the government is asserting its interest over those appropriate and proper to the Church; and it is not competent to make such decisions or render judgments relative to moral principles long held and taught by any church, Catholic or otherwise.â&#x20AC;?

S.C. Felician Sisters win Lumen Christi award KINGSTREE, S.C. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Thorne Avenue

neighborhood in Kingstree was known for poverty, crime and hard luck when the Felician Sisters first arrived in 1992. Twenty years later, their work has touched countless lives, transformed the neighborhood and the small Williamsburg County town, bringing races and different denominations together. It also earned the three Felicians the 2012 Lumen Christi (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Light of Christâ&#x20AC;?) Award from Catholic Extension.

The annual award is given to a priest, religious or layperson who demonstrates how the power of faith can transform lives and communities.

The first award was given 35 years ago to another Kingstree resident, Florence Kaster, who overcame racial barriers to teach members of the black community about the Catholic faith.

Sisters Mary Susanne Dziedzic, Mary Johnna Ciezobka and Mary Jacqueline Benbenek were honored for the ministries they provide alongside a group of dedicated volunteers at the Felician Center, including an after-school program, emergency food pantry, monthly meals for people in need, and a clothes closet.

The center also offers assistance with medical bills and utilities, and popular programs such as the Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cuisine cooking and nutrition classes for children.

The sisters were honored by more than 300 people at a Sept. 12 ceremony that drew local and state officials, their fellow sisters from around the country and from overseas, and Kingstree residents who have benefited from their efforts and worked with them.

Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston, who nominated them for the award, concelebrated Mass Sept. 13 with Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston, S.C. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m absolutely inspired by these sisters and everything theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done to build up the faith here in Kingstree, to see the life of the Church being lived so powerfully,â&#x20AC;? Father Wall said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their way of living life and being present for those they serve has transformed the whole community.â&#x20AC;?

Pope names new bishops WASHINGTON, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Kevin W. Vann of Fort Worth, Texas, 61, to be bishop of Orange, Calif., and accepted the resignation of Bishop Tod D. Brown, 75, who has headed the diocese since 1998.

He also accepted the resignation of Bishop Matthew H. Clark of Rochester, N.Y., 75, and named Bishop Robert J. Cunningham of Syracuse, N.Y., 69, as apostolic administrator of the Rochester diocese until a successor to Bishop Clark is named and installed.

He also accepted the resignation of Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz of Lincoln, Neb., and named Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley of Denver to succeed him.

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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.

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

Our world 28

catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pope: Christian politicians must protect marriage CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Christian politicians have a duty to protect human life, traditional marriage and the common good, Pope Benedict XVI said.

All Christians are called upon to defend and promote human dignity, and “this responsibility particularly concerns those called to political office,” he told representatives of Christian Democratic parties from around the world. The pope’s remarks came during an audience with political leaders taking part in the Christian/Centrist Democrat International’s executive committee meeting Sept. 21 in Rome.

The group’s president, Pier Ferdinando Casini, told the pope that the separation of church and state “cannot suppress the human person’s innate need for religiosity; there is no healthy secularity without God and religion.”

The pope said that to promote the common good and protect human dignity, Christian politicians must discern the truth of the primacy of the person through a “constant attention to the Word of God and the Magisterium of the Church.” This is especially urgent in a world where “the cursory, superficial and short-term responses to the most fundamental and profound human needs are numerous and strident,” and people tend to “wander away to myths” that “suit their own desires” rather than put up with sound doctrine, he said.

Pope: Bishops must proclaim the Gospel CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Bishops today must be courageous in proclaiming the Gospel, encouraging others to grow in faith and working to ensure the unity of the Church based on adherence to its teaching, Pope Benedict XVI said. The pope met Sept.

20 with 95 new bishops attending a seminar in Rome on their new roles and responsibilities, including 17 new bishops from the U.S. Pope Benedict told them that as members of the College of Bishops, “you always must have a special concern for the universal Church, in the first place by promoting and defending the unity of the faith.” Beginning their ministry as bishops close to the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the opening of the Year of Faith Oct. 11, the new bishops must focus on being “teachers and heralds” of the Gospel and of the Catholic faith, the pope said.

“Your priority concern is that of promoting and sustaining a stronger ecclesial commitment to new evangelization in order to rediscover the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the faith,” the pope said. Pope Benedict told the bishops that their call to lead was not a call for them to try to do everything themselves or find a few close associates to help. “Evangelization is not a work for a few specialists, but for the whole people of God under the guidance of pastors,” he said.

Trial set in VatiLeaks case VATICAN CITY — A Vatican magistrate has set a trial date for two men formally indicted in connection with the so-called “VatiLeaks” scandal.

The first day of the public trial is set for Sept. 29 in a Vatican courtroom, the Vatican said.

Paolo Gabriele, Pope Benedict XVI’s former personal assistant, was indicted in mid-August on charges of aggravated theft; Claudio Sciarpelletti, a computer technician from the Vatican Secretariat of State, was indicted on minor charges of aiding Gabriele after he stole Vatican correspondence. Gabriele and Sciarpelletti will face a panel of three Vatican judges, all of whom are laymen and professors at Italian universities.

Gabriele was arrested May 23 after confidential letters and documents addressed to the pope and other Vatican officials were found in his Vatican apartment. Most of the documents dealt with allegations of corruption, abuse of power and a lack of financial transparency at the Vatican.

— Catholic News Service

Pope names record number of women to synod on evangelization Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Choosing men and women from every part of the world and from a wide variety of professions, Pope Benedict XVI has nominated 45 experts and 49 observers for the upcoming world assembly of bishops.

The Oct. 7-28 gathering will include the largest bloc of women – 10 experts and 19 observers – ever to participate in a world Synod of Bishops.

Europe accounts for the overwhelming majority of the appointees, followed by North America, with 10 people from the U.S., two from Mexico and one from Canada. A number of the appointees are also advisers to the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization and other Vatican offices.

Earlier this month, the pope appointed Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles and 35 other cardinals, bishops and priests to serve as full members of the Synod of Bishops. The papal appointees will join more than 200 other synod members elected by their national bishops’ conference, serve as the head of a Vatican office or were elected by the Union of Superiors General, the organization for the heads of men’s religious orders.

The synod is scheduled for Oct. 7-28 at the Vatican to explore the theme, “New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith.” Twelve cardinals, including Australian Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, and diocesan bishops from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe also were named synod members by the pope. The prelate of Opus Dei, Bishop Javier Echevarria Rodriguez, and the president of the Communion and Liberation movement, Father Julian Carron, were among the papal appointees, as were the superiors general of three religious orders of men: the Camillians, the Schonstatt Fathers and the Carmelites.

According to Vatican rules, only priests, bishops and cardinals can serve as full voting members of the synod, but the popes always have appointed laymen and laywomen to be among the synod’s experts and auditors.

The 45 experts include priests, nuns and laypeople, many of whom are professors, rectors or supervisors of catechetical or pastoral programs. They will serve as resources for the more than 200 synod members as they discuss the theme, “New Evangelization for the Transmission

of the Christian Faith.”

Experts from the U.S. include: -- Sister Sara Butler, a professor of theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Ill. A member of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, Sister Butler was one of two women Blessed John Paul II named to the International Theological Commission in 2004.

-- Benedictine Father Jeremy Driscoll, a professor at Rome’s Pontifical Athenaeum of San Anselmo and at Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Ore. -- Ralph Martin, president of Renewal Ministries in Ann Arbor, Mich., and director of graduate programs in the new evangelization at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He has been a leader in charismatic renewal since the 1970s.

-- Sister Paula Jean Miller, a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist and professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

-- Edward N. Peters, who holds the Edmund Cardinal Szoka chair in faculty development at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.

A professor of canon law, Peters was the first layperson to serve as a referendary, or consultant, to the Church’s highest court, the Apostolic Signature. He is also the author of the blog, “In the Light of the Law.” The 49 observers can attend all synod sessions, participate in the synod working groups and have an opportunity to address the entire assembly.

Many of the observers are leaders of religious orders, founders or leaders of lay movements or large Catholic associations, or professors or organizers of catechetical and pastoral programs.

The U.S. observers include Carl Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus; Peter Murphy, executive director of the Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Curtis Martin, founder and president of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, “FOCUS”; Marylee J. Meehan, the U.S.-based president of the International Catholic Committee of Nurses and Medico-Social Assistants; and U.S. Sister Mary Lou Wirtz, president of the International Union of Superiors General and general superior of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Other observers include representatives from the Neocatechumenal Way, the Focolare movement, and Caritas Internationalis.

Poetry for Growth and Healing: 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

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

LIFE CHAIN:

STAIR PROJECT:

LAMB OF GOD:

FROM PAGE 3

FROM PAGE 5

FROM PAGE 17

entrance to Patton Park at Clairmont Avenue, and Hendersonville High School football field. All signs will be provided.

Sharon Asbury, sasbury@morrisbb.net or 828-697-6188

HICKORY 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Hwy. 70 at Robinson Road.

Patty Beigay, 828-465-1439

HIGHLANDS 2-3 p.m.: Main St. Waylon Chastain, 828-5269609

HUNTERSVILLE 2-3 p.m.: Stumptown at Ranson Road. Seth Dobson, 704-293-7741

KANNAPOLIS 2-3 p.m.: Cannon Blvd. at First St. Timothy Brennan, 704-938-7393

LINCOLNTON 2-3:30 p.m.: East Main St. at Hwy. 321. Alan Hoyle, 980-429-6021

MINT HILL 12:30-1:30 p.m.: At St. Luke Church on Lawyers Road

MOCKSVILLE 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Hwy. 601/Yadkinville Road.

Yvonne Smith, 336-751-2973.

2:30-3:30 p.m.: Yadkinville Road at Blaise Baptist Church. Mark and Gwen Jones, 336940-2591

MOORESVILLE 2-3:30 p.m.: Hwy. 150 at Williamson Road.

Terri Geraci, 704-493-8439 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Iredell Ave. at East Statesville Ave. Pastor Bill Tietje, 704-664-2182

MORGANTON 2-3 p.m.: Burkemont Ave. at Hwy. 64. Darrin Stillwell, 828-584-4618

MOUNT HOLLY 5:30-7 p.m.: Mount Holly-Huntersville Road at Rozzelles Ferry Road. Brian Taule, 704394-6181

MURPHY 2-3 p.m.: Peachtree St. in front of the courthouse. Nancy Lorie, 305-978-0724

SALISBURY 2-3 p.m.: Main St. at Innes St. Barbara Franklin, 704-636-2117

feature a quote from St. Ignatius: “Where the bishop is, there let the multitude of believers be, even as where Jesus is, there is the Catholic Church.” Inlaid bricks at the top landing, just outside the front doorway, will honor the cathedral’s previous pastors, encircling the diocesan shield and crests of each of the diocese’s four bishops.

The new railing will feature a Celtic cross in honor of St. Patrick, a repeated fish pattern symbolizing the 40 days of Lent and woven in a Celtic-knot inspired pattern, and circles representing the Eucharist.

At the sidewalk level will be a meditation bench for passersby, along with a compass design inlaid in the sidewalk to show the cathedral’s traditional east-west orientation.

“The original donation for the project was $140,000,” said Father Roux. “With those funds still available and the preliminary estimate cost of the project at $240,000, the cathedral needs to raise $100,000 in order to proceed.” In return for their donations, supporters can honor family and friends with bricks that will be engraved and used in the renovated staircase.

Bishop Curlin, 85, who still remains active in the diocese by presiding at Masses and visiting the sick in area hospitals and nursing homes, is excited about the renovations.

“As soon as the needed funds are collected, construction can begin.

The stairway project is expected to take approximately 10-12 weeks,” Father Roux said.

For more information about the Bishop Curlin Commemorative Stair project and to contribute to the “Donate a Brick” campaign, go to www.stpatricks.org or call the church office at 704-334-2283.

HOLY CROSS: FROM PAGE 21

Everyone from the parish attending the Congress, Anglo and Hispanic, was encouraged to wear red (the “official” color of Holy Cross Parish) and join in the diocesan Eucharistic Procession on Saturday morning – one of the highlights of the annual two-day event.

In years past, Holy Cross parishioners attending both the English and the Hispanic tracks have gathered together for lunch between the programs, but the Congress schedule was not conducive to that this year.

“I hope they take that into consideration next year,” Francisco said. “Sharing a meal together brings us together. I hope next year we have even more participation from Anglo and Hispanic parishioners.”

Timothy Hartford carried the parish banner in the procession to the main hall for Mass. He said that overall he thought the Congress this year was more traditional than in previous years. The music especially reflected that for him as did the talks he attended, he said.

This was the first time at the Congress for Jasmine Llano and Leslie Torres, two Holy Cross Hispanic teens who attended the High School track. They both said they thought the Congress had a lot to offer teens and they would definitely recommend it next year to their friends.

SHELBY 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Gidney St. at McGowan St., in front of St. Mary Church

STATESVILLE 2-3:30 p.m.: Glenway Drive at Crossroads.

Linda Harmon, 704-528-3741

SYLVA 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Main St. at the old courthouse. David and Allene Ramsey, 828586-8822

WAXHAW 2:15-3:30 p.m.: Designated areas along Hwy. 16 and Hwy. 75. Peggy Dvorak, 704-843-3495

WAYNESVILLE 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Walnut St. at Russ Avenue: St. Margaret of Scotland Church and St. John the Evangelist Church members will join together. Cynthia Hall, 828-926-9706

WINSTON-SALEM 2:30-4 p.m.: Hanes Mall Blvd., west of Stratford Road. Donna Dyer, 336-408-4286

CONCERT: FROM PAGE 20

“I enjoyed the concert,” said Ellen Cotter, who came up to the Congress from Greenville, S.C., where she is a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. “The music is beautiful! My favorite is ‘O God Beyond all Praising,’ which was sung at my sister’s (religious) profession.”

Cotter’s sister is a Sister of Life and attended the Congress with Sister Bethany Madonna, S.V., who was one of the keynote speakers at the Congress on Saturday.

“The Agnus Dei of Zachary Wadsworth is the piece this year that speaks to me,” noted Gallozzi. “At first I found it to be difficult to embrace, but after learning the composer’s intention to lead us from stress into hope, I was able to walk away from it with a greater appreciation for the need to find that hopeful resolution amid chaos. That hope is only found in God.” Added Stratemeyer, “We seek to present music that will touch people’s hearts and minds. We share each year new pieces that we can hopefully take back to our individual churches to sing as well.”

“It was very uplifting and gave me goosebumps!” said Ashleigh Lawrence, a member of St. Patrick Cathedral. “It is definitely not entertainment, but meditation and deep appreciation of the faith.”

29

The Sisters of Life from the Bronx were present to accompany Sister Bethany Madonna, one of the English track speakers. Sister Virginia Joy, who spoke to the college-aged students on Friday night, was amazed by the eighth-annual Congress. The Charlotte event is one of only a few Eucharistic congresses in the U.S., and one of only two in the Southeast (the second is in the Archdiocese of Atlanta).

“It’s very encouraging,” Sister Virginia said. “This is such a family event, which is probably the most beautiful aspect – all the families coming together for this day. The procession was huge!

I walked out of the church and couldn’t believe the crowd! It was so beautiful and also so reverent. It was spectacular seeing people kneel as the Blessed Sacrament went by. It’s a tremendous gift for us to be here.”

A steady stream of people visited the Adoration Chapel throughout the day Saturday to pray, and nearby, a long line of Catholics waited to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

Confession is one of the most popular aspects of the Congress, with dozens of priests sitting for nearly five hours to hear confessions and welcome people back with God’s love, grace and mercy.

Congress goers also had the opportunity to browse through more than 100 vendor booths set up in the middle of the convention center.

Looking out over the crowds inside the convention center from a second-floor window, Abigail Smith, 3, exclaimed, “I see a lot of people! There are a lot of chairs...This isn’t really church but it is similar. But church doesn’t have chairs like that. Church has pews.”

Her family attends St. Mark Church in Huntersville and Abigail had a special interest in coming to the congress as her godfather, “Uncle Paul” (seminarian Paul McNulty) was on hand to assist and serve throughout the Congress. She said she really liked seeing him in the Eucharistic processions.

Most impressive was that even at age 3, she recognized Bishop Jugis, Bishop Curlin and her pastor, Monsignor Richard Bellow, in the processions, too.

Bishop Jugis visited all of the tracks during the Eucharistic Congress, sharing with participants in the English, Spanish, Vietnamese, High School, Middle School and Children’s tracks his aspirations for the Congress. He also visited the college/young adult track on Friday night.

“I am hoping this Eucharistic Congress, which is in a way helping us to enter into the Year of Faith in the next 12 months, will help strengthen people’s faith and strengthen their love of Jesus and be witnesses to Him in the workplace, at school, in our neighborhoods, in our community and in our organizations,” he said.

The Congress concluded with a two-and-a-half-hour Mass on Saturday evening, celebrated by Bishop Jugis and more than 30 priests of the diocese. Bishop Jugis’s homily, delivered in English and Spanish, focused on the theme of this year’s Congress: “Behold the Lamb of God – The Source and Summit of the New Evangelization.”

It was standing room only in the convention center’s main hall, which had to be enlarged to 6,400 chairs this year due to the growing popularity of the closing Mass. After all of the talks, the music, the prayer and the fun, the Congress culminated with the Sacrifice of the Mass to draw the entire diocesan family together for worship.

“The Eucharist brings us together and makes us one in Christ,” Bishop Jugis preached, noting that 2012 is a particularly important year for Catholics. “In three weeks we enter into the Year of Faith, which has been announced by our Holy Father Benedict XVI as a celebration for the universal Church. This Year of Faith celebrates 50 years from the opening of the Second Vatican Council and 20 years from the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.”

Bishop Jugis explained that the Second Vatican Council was the work of the Holy Spirit calling us to a stronger commitment to Jesus, as well as a commitment to remain true to what we believe amidst serious challenges in contemporary society.

He addressed some of those challenges – including abortion, infringement on religious liberties and a growing secularism, and confusion over the definition of marriage.

“When all these things happen, the Church cannot look the other way. She must remain alert and watchful as a prophet to proclaim the Truth,” he said.

Discussing the Eucharist and the Gospel reading from Mark Chapter 14, chosen specifically for the closing Mass, Bishop Jugis reiterated, “At the Last Supper, Jesus presents Himself as the living bread that must be consumed. At Jesus’ Passover, Jesus presents Himself as the Lamb whose blood is poured out and received as our drink, because blood is the seed of life. ...

“This is our Jesus, this is our Savior who changes the ancient Passover ritual to make Himself the new Passover Lamb, to celebrate our redemption from the evil of sin and death. Behold the Lamb of God – not just any Passover lamb but the new Passover Lamb, the Lamb of God, the Lamb that God has provided for the sacrifice and freedom of the world.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Letter to the editor

By the numbers

A message for us Catholics

POVERTY RATE IN 2011

When the Church makes a statement regarding the sanctity of life, it is not only for those who pick and choose what Church teachings to follow.

When we adopted our sons many years ago, we were blessed to have been able to adopt. You see, after Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion in 1973, fewer mothers were considering adoption and fewer babies were being born.

We were also foster parents many years before we adopted our sons. We took care of babies whose mothers had to inform their parents about their little ones. Yes, we kept babies who were going to be adopted – but at least they were being given the chance for life.

A friend told me about a girl she knows who had been conceived as the result of a rape.

Can you even imagine the birth mother going through nine months of carrying her, knowing that this child was the result of a horrendous situation? Can you imagine the sacrifice that this mother was making by allowing her baby to live, despite that terrible beginning?

How can we as Catholics possibly vote for someone who supports abortion? How can we possibly support someone who doesn’t hold the sacrament of marriage as something special?

Please consider these thoughts before you vote.

Linda Behr lives in Franklin.

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.

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Mail: Letters to the Editor

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Charlotte, N.C. 28203 E-mail: catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

Gireesh Gupta

46.2 MILLION PEOPLE ...15 PERCENT WERE LIVING IN POVERTY LAST YEAR

46.2

Why we should pray for others

36.4

number of individuals living in poverty (in millions)

28.5

37

33.6

33.1

31.6

P

29.3 24.5

25.9

percentage of population living in poverty 12.6

18.8

14

13.5

15 13.8

12.3

‘70 ‘75 recession years

12.6 11.3

‘80 ‘85 ‘90 ‘95 ‘00 Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Survey

‘05

‘10

CNH | TIM FARAGHER

Census figures on uninsured, poor offer signs of hope, challenges WASHINGTON, D.C. — There were signs of progress in the statistics on the uninsured and the poor released by the U.S. Census Bureau Sept. 12, but it is safe to say that no one in Catholic circles was satisfied with the numbers.

“We must not forget that these numbers represent real people – they are our children, our neighbors, our friends – and we shouldn’t feel content that there are still a record number of people in this country struggling to make ends meet,” said a statement from Catholic Charities USA. The bureau’s report on “Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2011” showed that the number of people living in poverty in the United States in 2011 was 46.2 million.

Although the figure was not statistically different from 2010’s 46.3 million, it reversed a trend of growing poverty numbers over the past three years.

The federal government set the poverty threshold for a family of four in 2011 at $23,021. Median household income declined by 1.5 percent, however, from $50,831 in 2010 to $50,054 last year.

Asian-American households earned an average of $65,100 in 2011, followed by non-Hispanic white households at $55,400, Hispanic households of any race at $38,600 and African-American households at $32,200.

The data also showed that the gap has widened between the richest and poorest segments of society since the U.S. began its “war on poverty” in the 1960s, when 4.4 percent of the population lived below 50 percent of the poverty line and 18.2 percent were at or above 400 percent of the poverty threshold. In 2011, 6.6 percent of the U.S. population was living below 50 percent of the poverty threshold, while 35.1 percent of Americans were living at or above 400 percent. The number of Americans without health insurance went from just under 50 million in 2010 – or 16.3 percent of the population – to 48.6 million, or 15.7 percent, last year.

— Catholic News Service

Most-read stories on the web Through press time on Sept. 26, 8,353 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 19,833 pages. The top 10 headlines in September so far have been: n Catholics convey strong messages during DNC in Charlotte n DNC pro-life prayer vigil draws peaceful supporters, vocal opponents

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n Cardinal Dolan’s DNC prayer mentions life, marriage, social justice

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n Pro-life supporters gather peaceably outside Planned Parenthood

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n Record 12,000 Catholics turn out to ‘Behold the Lamb of God’

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n What does being a ‘faithful citizen’ really mean?

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rayer is the essence of our spirituality.

Prayer brings us closer to God, our Father, with whom we want ultimately to unite with in eternal life.

A prayer from the heart is beneficial and elevates our piety. Prayer cleanses the mind from prejudice and negative thoughts and instills justice and tolerance. Prayer is the bright and shining light that illumines our sojourn on earth.

The purpose of prayer is to cultivate a personal relationship with God. When we praise and adore our Father in prayers, our mutual bond and love becomes stronger. Daily prayer from a true and pure heart pleases the Father so deeply that He blesses us and reveals His radiant beauty in our hearts.

Meditative prayer is meditation on the Scriptures. During meditative prayer, we can also meditate on the divine beauty, to feel the presence of God within us, and to quietly repeat the Lord’s name while focusing on His love for us.

Intercessory prayer is praying on behalf of others. It is powerful and it produces results, and it is very pleasing to the Almighty Father.

When we pray for our own well-being, God is indeed with us. However, intercessory prayer is not about us; it is about others.

When we pray for others, we are praying that God’s presence and blessings will be with them and that God will work in His mysterious ways to help them.

Praying for others with a sincere heart can take away the feeling of loneliness. Being in the company of God and the ones we are praying for gives us a strong sense of security and nurtures love and friendship. Praying for others is the key to peaceful communities.

We can pray for the welfare of others, such as for their recovery from an illness or a misfortune. We can pray for those who have harmed us, implore divine forgiveness for their mistakes, and ask God to grant us and them the wisdom and strength to forgive one another. We can intercede for our adversaries and pray for their love and friendship. We can pray for our churches, temples, friends and loved ones.

When we invoke God to bless others, to give them strength, courage, success or happiness, and to look at them with loving eyes in their time of need, the love and care for them fosters in our minds and hearts.

The intercessory prayers generate invisible, powerful and effective waves which touch and soften our hearts and souls and nurture fondness, friendship, harmony and peace.

Gireesh Gupta is an associate professor of computer information systems at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont.

September 28, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Rico De Silva

Deacon James H. Toner

Aim for gold in the ‘spiritual Olympics’ “Like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them.” (Wisdom 3:6)

I

n these days of ubiquitous highdefinition TVs in public places, it was almost impossible not to catch a glimpse or two of the 2012 Olympics in London this summer. I’ve always loved the Olympics since the time I was old enough to cheer. I have vivid memories of some great Olympic moments going as far back as the 1970s.

I remember my dad praising Mark Spitz’s superhuman qualities after the swimmer won seven gold medals in Munich in 1972. I remember my secret crush on gymnast Nadia Comaneci during the Montreal Olympics in 1976, after she captured the world’s attention with her graceful and flawless performances. And, of course, there is the “Master of the Clutch,” as I call Michael Phelps, who won eight gold medals in Beijing in 2008, with number seven decided down to 1/1,000 of a second.

I’m convinced that God frequently speaks to our hearts through people, things and events that are dear to us, so I thought I would try to draw some connections between the Olympics and the spiritual life.

First of all, Catholic literally means “universal.” Well, I can’t think of an event more universal than the Olympics.

Also, what stood out the most for me during the 2012 Olympics in London was the competitive edge all the Olympians displayed. These were truly world-class athletes who prepared every day for years, just to have a brief moment of competition and the chance to win a gold medal. What an example of self-sacrifice and tenacity!

For some of the athletes, just being able to compete in London was a dream come true, and that fact was not overlooked by other athletes and the media. We saw Irish gymnast Kieran Behan competing. When he was 10, Behan was bound to a wheelchair for two years, and doctors told him then that he would never walk again.

And we saw the unforgettable Oscar

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Pistorius, a South African double amputee, with two carbon fiber prosthetic blades as his legs, who qualified for Olympics track events.

At the same time the Olympics was under way, we Catholics also celebrated some special feast days.

On Aug. 15, there was the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of All Saints.

On Aug. 22, we commemorated Mary’s feast as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

On Aug. 14, we also celebrated the feast of a champion of Mary: St. Maximilian Kolbe, priest and martyr. According to St. Maximilian’s memoirs, Mary appeared to him when he was 10 and offered him two crowns: a white one for sainthood and a red one for martyrdom. When she asked him to pick one, he picked both! Fast forward to 1941, during Nazi Germany, while St. Maximilian was a prisoner at Auschwitz, he literally stepped up for another prisoner who was married and had been condemned to die. The saint took the man’s place at the starvation bunker and died of a lethal injection three weeks later.

A teenaged Jewish maiden, Mary, whose “yes” to God changed the course of salvation history. A Conventual Franciscan priest who made it possible for a married man to reunite with his family after surviving the atrocities of Auschwitz during World War II. For us Catholics, Mary and the communion of saints are the Nadia Comanecis and the Michael Phelpses of Church history and a fountain of inspiration for us. We are more like the Behans and the Pistoriouses of the “spiritual Olympics,” running the “good race” on a daily basis – not in any extraordinary way, but as Mother Teresa would say, by doing “little things with great love.” While the length of our lives is uncertain, our spiritual goal is heavenly gold. And if we remain faithful to God now in the training grounds of this world, He will find us a champion at the clutch hour of our death. Amen.

Rico De Silva is a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

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Social justice S

cripture is replete with the call to justice – as in Psalm 15 or Micah 6:8 or in Matthew 25:31-46, containing Our Lord’s promise and warning about the Final Judgment and our Christian duty to take care of the least important in society. The Church teaches us about many kinds of justice: commutative, referring to the justice of contracts between individuals, including wages and prices; distributive, referring to fair allocation of benefits and burdens among people, including considerations of power and wealth; and legal, referring to what the citizen owes in fairness to the community.

Catholics may know these ideas under the heading of “social justice,” for the public ministry of the Church today is often described simply as the work of social justice, which may be understood as the corporal works of mercy being practiced in society (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447). Over the past 50 years, the Holy Father has taught us wisely and well about the critical importance of Catholics being committed to social justice.

In encyclicals from “Pacem in Terris” (John XXIII) to “Populorum Progressio” (Paul VI), to “Centesimus Annus” and “Sollicitudo Rei Socialis” (John Paul II) and “Caritas in Veritate” (Benedict XVI), we have heard the call to remember always what we learn in Sirach: “Give your help to the poor, and the Lord will give you His perfect blessing” (7:32 GNB).

The great English writer G.K. Chesterton once told us that errors often creep into our thinking by the magnification of only one part of a good idea. For example, we can, and often do, over-emphasize the importance of sex or money or sport. If we concentrate only, or even principally, upon social justice (which is, I repeat, a great good), we run the real risk of diminishing or possibly denying the enduring first duty of Christ’s Church, which is to save souls (see “Lumen Gentium,” 14; “Gaudium et Spes,” 45). The Church must never be reduced to a political interest group or to a social agency or to a relief service.

We are always called to minister to the poor and to understand what is called the “universal destination of goods” (see CCC 2402-2403). We have a “horizontal” duty to our brothers and sisters. We have, though, a primary “vertical duty” (the two arms of the holy cross) to keep Christ and the teachings

‘The Church must never be reduced to a political interest group or to a social agency or to a relief service.’

of His Church always first in what we think and say and do. The first words of Our Lord, as reported in Mark’s Gospel, are “Repent and believe in the Gospel” (1:14). All Christians are called to the work of saving souls. As our priest prays in the First Eucharistic Prayer: we ask the Lord to deliver us “from final damnation and (to be) counted among the flock of those You have chosen” (cf. Mt 10:28).

As important as the corporal works of mercy are, I fear that we hear too little today about the spiritual works of mercy, or about the traditional nine ways in which one can cooperate in sin, or about the necessity for conversion (as in Romans 12:2), or about our need (as we hear in every Holy Mass) to acknowledge our sinfulness and to do penance, or about the spiritual warfare that rages around us (see Eph 6:12-13, CCC 407). In other words, the first element of justice – in Latin “suum cuique” – is to render everyone his due, and, above all, to worship God in words and in works.

Of Eucharistic Adoration, for instance, Father Richard McBrien of Notre Dame said that it “is a doctrinal, theological, and spiritual step backward, not forward.” Asked by a reporter about abortion, political activist Sister Simone Campbell replied: “That’s above my pay grade.” Other nuns, though, practicing a life of contemplation, have been told “to get off your knees and do something!”

The idea that we are called, first, to worship and prayer; the idea that we should try always to grow in holiness; the idea that piety should be cultivated (see CCC 1831) – these ideas are sometimes relegated to a very distant place in the fever of political activism.

When Jesuit Father Luigi Taparelli d’Azeglio (1793-1862) coined the term “social justice,” he was asserting the fact that we are social beings who live in community, and the government is not the ultimate dispenser of justice. In other words, Father Taparelli used the term to make the Catholic point, as writer Jacques Maritain was to say later, that “Man is not for the State; the State is for Man.” (Notably, Father Taparelli’s thoughts on the social ills of the Industrial Revolution inspired his student, who later became Pope Leo XIII, to write the great social justice encyclical “Rerum Novarum” in 1891.)

Pope Pius XI, who in 1931 made the term “social justice” a key part of our moral vocabulary, wrote that “to use the words of (a previous pope), ‘if human society is to be healed, only a return to Christian life and institutions will heal it.’ For this alone can provide effective remedy for that excessive care for passing things that is the origin of all vices; and this alone can draw away men’s eyes, fascinated by and wholly fixed on the changing things of the world, and raise them toward Heaven. Who would deny that human society is in most urgent need of this cure now?” He wrote, “(As long as souls are in ruin), all efforts to regenerate society will be ineffective.”

Social justice, then, rightly practiced, demands first the cultivation of personal virtue (1 Pt 1:13, 2 Pt 1:3-11), starting with being on our knees to God (Eph 3:14).

Deacon James H. Toner serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 28, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Let’s keep talking.

Protecting God’s Children We proclaim Christ to the world around us by our efforts to provide a safe environment for all people, especially the young and the vulnerable.

In 2002, the bishops of the United States issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The charter addresses the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by priests, deacons or other church personnel.

DIOCESAN REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING MINISTRY-RELATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR 1. Any individual having actual knowledge of or reasonable cause to suspect an incident of ministry-related sexual abuse is to immediately report the incident to the Chancery.

2. The Chancery will then report the incident to the proper civil authorities. The individual reporting the incident to the Chancery will be notified of the particulars regarding the Chancery’s filing of the incident with civil authorities.

3. This reporting requirement is not intended to supersede the right of an individual to make a report to civil authorities, but is to ensure proper, complete and timely reporting.

Should an individual choose to make a report to civil authorities, a report is still to be made to the Chancery.

The charter can be found on the diocesan website, Charlottediocese.org, click on the tab, “Safe Environment.”

ST. ALOYSIUS: FROM PAGE 3

one side to open a cavity that would house the relics. This rite is meant to signify that all who have been baptized in the death of Christ, especially those who shed their blood for the Lord, share in Christ’s Passion.

Then the Prayer of Dedication was sung

by Bishop Jugis as a sign of the intention to dedicate the altar to the Lord for all times and a petition for His blessing. Christ made holy the table where the community would come to celebrate the Passover. The altar sits at the center of our worship, where we encounter God in the Sacrifice of the Mass.

The subsequent anointing, incensing, covering and lighting of the altar expressed in visible signs aspects of the invisible work that the Lord accomplishes through the Church in its celebration of the divine mysteries, especially the Eucharist.

With the help of Deacons Tom Rasmussen and Ron Caplette, Bishop Jugis anointed the altar with chrism using his bare hands, to honor the Anointed One chosen by the Father and constituted the High Priest so that on the altar of His body He might offer the sacrifice of His life for the salvation of all. Chrism is also used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the ordination of priests and bishops.

Incense was then burned on the altar to signify that Christ’s sacrifice ascends to God as an odor of sweetness as our prayers rise up pleasingly to God. The deacons then incensed the concelebrants and the congregation.

The altar was then covered with a cloth and lit with candles before the

Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice achieved the end for which the altar was erected. The table was transformed, made holy when it received the Body of Christ.

After the Mass, Father Ferris thanked all the participants who helped plan the celebration and he presented a gift basket to Bishop Jugis with items purchased from the Trappist monks of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Ky. Parishioners then processed across Ninth Avenue for the blessing of the parish’s one-year-old Immaculate Heart of Mary Eucharistic Adoration Chapel by Bishop Jugis. The Perpetual Adoration Chapel has been a place of unceasing prayer by parishioners for their families, the Church, and their town, state, country and world since it was dedicated a little more than a year ago.

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