Nov. 22, 2013

November 22, 2013

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

New pipe organ at Sacred Heart Church, 5

INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes................. 4-13 Schools......................... 18-19 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................21 U.S. news..................... 22-23 Viewpoints.................. 26-27 World news................. 24-25 Year of Faith.................... 2-3

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Filled with joy St. Aloysius Parish celebrates 100th anniversary, 14-15

Catholic Charities’ food pantries seeing more people in need of help, 8-9 The Vatican wants to know: What do you think?

Take the pope’s survey, 2-3

From victim to victorious Neet’s Sweets founder escapes sex trafficking, now helps others,

10-11

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Year of faith

catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Diocese of Charlotte Survey for the 2014 Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Pastoral Challenges to the Family

Pope Francis

Pope goes to confession every two weeks

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ope Francis said he goes to confession every two weeks, knowing that God never tires of forgiving those who repent, but also knowing that having a priest say “I absolve you” reinforces belief in God’s mercy.

Using the literal Italian translation of a Spanish saying, “It’s better to turn red once than yellow a thousand times,” Pope Francis said he knows some people are embarrassed to confess their sins to a priest, but it is the best path to spiritual healing and health.

At his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square Nov. 20, Pope Francis reflected on the forgiveness of sins as one of the missions Jesus entrusted to His apostles and their successors.

In a world often dominated by “individualism and subjectivism,” he said, many people – including many Catholics – say God will forgive their sins and they have no need of the sacrament of confession and the ministry of a priest.

“Certainly, God forgives every repentant sinner, but the Christian is bound to Christ and Christ is united to His Church. God, in His sovereign mercy, forgives everyone, but He wanted those who belong to Christ and His Church to receive forgiveness through the community’s ministers.”

“Priests, too, need confession, even bishops. We are all sinners. Even the pope goes to confession every two weeks because the pope, too, is a sinner,” he said. “My confessor hears what I say, offers me advice and forgives me. We all need this.”

Through the presence and words of a priest, he said, penitents have “the certainty of forgiveness in the name of the Church.”

The Church, he said, does not “own” the power to forgive sins, but is its servant and “rejoices every time it can offer this gift.”

Pope Francis said the ministry of the confessor is “very delicate,” which is why the priest must recognize that he, too, is a sinner forgiven by God, the pope said. He must not “mistreat the faithful, but be meek, benevolent and merciful, knowing how to sow hope in the penitent’s heart and, especially, recognize that the brother or sister approaching the sacrament of reconciliation is seeking forgiveness just like the many people who approached Jesus seeking healing.”

At the end of his audience, Pope Francis asked Catholics to join him Nov. 21 in offering material support to and praying for cloistered nuns, who “dedicate themselves to God in prayer and silent work.”

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ear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I seek input from you, the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte, regarding the

questionnaire which has been sent to all bishops of the world by Archbishop

Lorenzo Baldisseri, General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, in preparation for the 2014 Extraordinary Synod of Bishops.

In October 2014 an Extraordinary Synod of Bishops will be held in Rome to discuss the

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

theme, “Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization.” This synod will be a gathering of select bishops from around the world to discuss the challenges that Catholic families face in living the Gospel in the world today.

Kindly respond to the following questionnaire by Dec. 15, 2013, either online or by mailing your written responses to me, so that I can forward this information to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops by the deadline of Dec. 31, 2013.

I am grateful for the insights you may wish to share as to how to strengthen family life in these challenging times. Please be assured of my prayers as you ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance and wisdom in your own reflection on these important matters.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

The Vatican wants to know:

What do you think?

The Vatican has published a work document to prepare for the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, “Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization.”

The questionnaire is an attempt to help the Church find solutions to difficult pastoral situations using the existing doctrines of the faith. Results from the survey will be incorporated into a working document that will be utilized in the synod, or meeting of bishops, in 2015.

While not a survey of public opinion, it

is the first time a pope has asked bishops to widely share a survey with parish priests and for them to seek the views of their parishioners in preparation for such a meeting.

We encourage you to take a look at the survey and contribute your thoughts.

You must include your name, address, telephone number and parish. Surveys must be turned in by Sunday, Dec. 15, so all the results can be sent to the Vatican by the end of the year.

Take the survey online or by mail Online at www.catholicnewsherald. com: Take the survey (which will take approximately one hour to complete) By mail: Write your responses to the questions and send them to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203

Your daily Scripture readings NOV. 24-30

Sunday (Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe): 2 Samuel 5:1-3, Colossians 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43; Monday (St. Catherine of Alexandria): Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20, Daniel 3:52-56, Luke 21:1-4; Tuesday: Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel 3:57-61, Luke 21:5-11; Wednesday: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28, Daniel 3:62-67, Luke 21:1219; Thursday (Thanksgiving): Daniel 6:12-28, Daniel 3:68-74, Luke 21:20-28; Friday: Daniel 7:2-14, Daniel 3:75-81, Luke 21:29-33; Saturday (St. Andrew): Romans 10:9-18, Matthew 4:18-22

DEC. 1-7

Sunday: Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:37-44; Monday: Isaiah 4:2-6, Matthew 8:5-11; Tuesday (St. Francis Xavier): Isaiah 11:1-10, Luke 10:21-24; Wednesday (St. John Damascene): Isaiah 25:6-10, Matthew 15:29-37; Thursday: Isaiah 26:1-6, Matthew 7:21, 24-27; Friday (St. Nicholas): Isaiah 29:17-24, Matthew 9:27-31; Saturday (St. Ambrose): Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26, Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5-8

DEC. 8-14

Sunday: Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12; Monday (The Immaculate Conception): Genesis 3:9-15, 20, Ephesians 1:36, 11-12, Luke 1:26-38; Tuesday: Isaiah 40:1-11, Matthew 18:12-14; Wednesday (St. Damasus I): Isaiah 40:25-31, Matthew 11:28-30; Thursday (Our Lady of Guadalupe): Zechariah 2:14-17, Judith 13:18-19, Luke 1:26-38; Friday (St. Lucy): Isaiah 48:17-19, Matthew 11:16-19; Saturday (St. John of the Cross): Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Matthew 17:9-13

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Survey questions

he following series of questions allows the particular Churches to participate actively in the preparation of the Extraordinary Synod, whose purpose is to proclaim the Gospel in the context of the pastoral challenges facing the family today. f) Could a simplification of canonical practice in recognizing 1. The Diffusion of the Teachings on the Family in Sacred Scripture and the Church’s Magisterium a declaration of nullity of the marriage bond provide a positive a) Describe how the Catholic Church’s teachings on the value of the family contained in the Bible, Gaudium et spes, Familiaris consortio and other documents of the post-conciliar Magisterium is understood by people today. What formation is given to our people on the Church’s teaching on family life? b) In those cases where the Church’s teaching is known, is it accepted fully or are there difficulties in putting it into practice? If so, what are they? c) How widespread is the Church’s teaching in pastoral programmes at the national, diocesan and parish levels? What catechesis is done on the family? d) To what extent — and what aspects in particular — is this teaching actually known, accepted, rejected and/or criticized in areas outside the Church? What are the cultural factors which hinder the full reception of the Church’s teaching on the family?

2. Marriage according to the Natural Law a) What place does the idea of the natural law have in the cultural areas of society: in institutions, education, academic circles and among the people at large? What anthropological ideas underlie the discussion on the natural basis of the family? b) Is the idea of the natural law in the union between a man and a woman commonly accepted as such by the baptized in general? c) How is the theory and practice of natural law in the union between man and woman challenged in light of the formation of a family? How is it proposed and developed in civil and Church institutions? d) In cases where non-practicing Catholics or declared nonbelievers request the celebration of marriage, describe how this pastoral challenge is dealt with?

3. The Pastoral Care of the Family in Evangelization a) What experiences have emerged in recent decades regarding marriage preparation? What efforts are there to stimulate the task of evangelization of the couple and of the family? How can an awareness of the family as the “domestic Church” be promoted? b) How successful have you been in proposing a manner of praying within the family which can withstand life’s complexities and today’s culture? c) In the current generational crisis, how have Christian families been able to fulfill their vocation of transmitting the faith? d) In what way have the local Churches and movements on family spirituality been able to create ways of acting which are exemplary? e) What specific contribution can couples and families make to spreading a credible and holistic idea of the couple and the Christian family today? f) What pastoral care has the Church provided in supporting couples in formation and couples in crisis situations?

contribution to solving the problems of the persons involved?

If yes, what form would it take? g) Does a ministry exist to attend to these cases? Describe this pastoral ministry. Do such programmes exist on the national and diocesan levels? How is God’s mercy proclaimed to separated couples and those divorced and remarried and how does the Church put into practice her support for them in their journey of faith?

5. On Unions of Persons of the Same Sex a) Is there a law in your country recognizing civil unions for people of the same sex and equating it in some way to marriage? b) What is the attitude of the local and particular Churches towards both the State as the promoter of civil unions between persons of the same sex and the people involved in this type of union? c) What pastoral attention can be given to people who have chosen to live in these types of union? d) In the case of unions of persons of the same sex who have adopted children, what can be done pastorally in light of transmitting the faith?

6. The Education of Children in Irregular Marriages a) What is the estimated proportion of children and adolescents in these cases, as regards children who are born and raised in regularly constituted families? b) How do parents in these situations approach the Church?

What do they ask? Do they request the sacraments only or do they also want catechesis and the general teaching of religion? c) How do the particular Churches attempt to meet the needs of the parents of these children to provide them with a Christian education? d) What is the sacramental practice in these cases: preparation, administration of the sacrament and the accompaniment?

7. The Openness of the Married Couple to Life a) What knowledge do Christians have today of the teachings of “Humanae Vitae” on responsible parenthood? Are they aware of how morally to evaluate the different methods of family planning? Could any insights be suggested in this regard pastorally? b) Is this moral teaching accepted? What aspects pose the most difficulties in a large majority of couple’s accepting this teaching? c) What natural methods are promoted by the particular Churches to help spouses put into practice the teachings of “Humanae Vitae”? d) What is your experience on this subject in the practice of the Sacrament of Penance and participation at the Eucharist? e) What differences are seen in this regard between the Church’s teaching and civic education? f) How can a more open attitude towards having children be fostered? How can an increase in births be promoted?

4. Pastoral Care in Certain Difficult Marital Situations

8. The Relationship Between the Family and the Person a) Is cohabitation ad experimentum a pastoral reality in your

particular Church? Can you approximate a percentage? b) Do unions which are not recognized either religiously or civilly exist? Are reliable statistics available? c) Are separated couples and those divorced and remarried a pastoral reality in your particular Church? Can you approximate a percentage? How do you deal with this situation in appropriate pastoral programs? d) In all the above cases, how do the baptized live in this irregular situation? Are they aware of it? Are they simply indifferent? Do they feel marginalized or suffer from the impossibility of receiving the sacraments? e) What questions do divorced and remarried people pose to the Church concerning the sacraments of the Eucharist and of Reconciliation? Among those persons who find themselves in these situations, how many ask for these sacraments?

a) Jesus Christ reveals the mystery and vocation of the human person. How can the family be a privileged place for this to happen? b) What critical situations in the family today can obstruct a person’s encounter with Christ? c) To what extent do the many crises of faith which people can experience affect family life?

9. Other Challenges and Proposals What other challenges or proposals related to the topics in the above questions do you consider urgent and useful to treat?

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Bishops asked to assess marriage, family life to prepare for synod Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Bishops around the world are being asked to take a realistic look at the situation of families under their care and at how effective pastoral and educational programs have been at promoting Church teaching on sexuality, marriage and family life.

The preparatory document for the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family, which will be held in October 2014, ends with 38 questions about how Church teaching is promoted, how well it is accepted and ways in which modern people and societies challenge the Catholic view of marriage and family.

Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the synod, asked bishops to distribute the document and questionnaire “as widely as possible,” summarize the responses and send them to the Vatican by the end of January.

Distributing an outline of the chosen topic and related questions, seeking responses from bishops, religious orders and interested Catholic groups is a normal part of the preparation for a synod. Archbishop Baldisseri, encouraging even wider consultation, did not specify how bishops should seek input.

The extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family, called

by Pope Francis for next October, is drawing great interest from everyday Catholics, many of whom are anxious to weigh in on questions the Vatican has sent out in preparation for the session.

In a brief report to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Nov. 11 in Baltimore, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said he’s awaiting clarification from the Holy See about how preparatory material such as the answers to a questionnaire sent to the world’s bishops’ conferences, will be used.

In the meantime, several archdioceses and dioceses, including the Diocese of Charlotte, have posted the survey online using Survey Monkey so that the laity can respond to the questions the Vatican posed.

The extraordinary synod on “pastoral challenges to the family in the context of evangelization” was convoked by Pope Francis for Oct. 5-19 and will bring together presidents of bishops’ conferences, the heads of Eastern Catholic Churches and the heads of Vatican offices to describe the current situation and “to collect the bishops’ experiences and proposals in proclaiming and living the Gospel of the family in a credible manner,” the document said.

A second gathering, a world Synod of Bishops on the family, will be held in 2015 “to seek working guidelines in the pastoral care of the person and the family,” it said.

“Vast expectations exist concerning the decisions which are to be made pastorally regarding the family,” the document said.

Some people may believe changes in Church teaching are in store given Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy, forgiveness and not judging others, and his specific comments on helping divorced and civilly remarried couples who cannot receive Communion. However, the document said, “the teaching of the faith on marriage is to be presented in an articulate and efficacious manner so that it might reach hearts and transform them in accordance with God’s will.”

Church teaching always has been clear that marriage is a lifelong bond between one man and one woman open to having and educating children, it said, and the synod’s goal will be “to communicate this message with greater incisiveness.”

The preparatory document specifically mentioned modern contributions to Church teaching, including the Second Vatican Council’s defense of the dignity of marriage and family, Pope Paul VI’s encyclical “Humanae Vitae” on fidelity and procreation in marriage, and Blessed John Paul II’s teaching on God’s plan for married love.

“The Church’s pastoral ministry,” it said, “finds inspiration in the truth of marriage viewed as part of the plan of God, who created man and woman and, in the fullness of time, revealed in Jesus the completeness of spousal love elevated to the level of sacrament.”

The questionnaire asks bishops to describe how people understand Church teaching, how their local Churches and Catholic movements try to promote it and what difficulties people face in accepting the teaching.

— Patricia Zapor contributed.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ASHEVILLE ST. EUGENE CHURCH, 72 CULVERN ST. — El grupo de oración se reúne todos los sábados a las 7 p.m. en la iglesia

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL, 1621 DILWORTH ROAD EAST

BELMONT Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the coming weeks: Nov. 23 – 2 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Matthew Church, Charlotte Nov. 26 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Luke Church, Mint Hill Dec. 4 – 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Angels Mission, Marion Dec. 7 – 2 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Mark Church, Huntersville

— “Divine Mercy Holy Hour”: Exposition and readings from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska: 7-8 p.m. every first Friday. For questions, call Paul Deer at 704-948-0628.

QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH, 503 NORTH MAIN ST. — Community-wide Prayer Service for Thanksgiving: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, welcoming other churches from around the Belmont community and gathering in a ecumenical prayer service to commemorate Thanksgiving.

— Am Misa de Accion De Gracias Compartir el Pan de Accion Gracias: 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28 — Ministry of Moms Sharing: 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, a new group for moms that will meet twice monthly.

This is a time for moms with children of all ages to come together for study and fellowship for spiritual growth. Call the church at 704-825-9600 for details.

— “Bethlehem’s Child – A Christmas Cantata,” presented

by Queen of the Apostles’ Music Ministry: 4 p.m.

Dec. 8, Sisters of Mercy Cardinal Gibbons Chapel. A reception will follow in the MAK Family Life Center.

— Belmont Abbey College & Monastery’s Arts at the Abbey Holiday concert: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in the Abbey Basilica. Program includes music from medieval times to the 20th century. Music from Austria, Spain and Poland, as well as holiday favorites such as “Silent Night.”

— Organ recital by sacred music director Dr. Gianfranco DeLuca: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Program will include works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Widor and Couperin.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, 6828 OLD REID ROAD — Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group Advent Coffee and Reflection: 9:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2. Father Christopher Riehl from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish will speak. For details, go to www. charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org or call Vicki Borin at 704-488-6932.

— Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair: 9-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Activity Center. For details, call 704644-4656 or email mhcushing@charlottediocese.org.

— Prayer Vigil: 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Helpers of God’s Precious Infants and St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s Respect Life Committee. Father Mark Lawlor will celebrate Mass, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and a procession to the Hebron abortion mill. Visit www.charlottehelpers.org for details.

ST. PETER CHURCH, 507 S. TRYON St. — Advent Reconciliation Service: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17.

For details, contact Julie Pomeroy at 704-488-9286.

CLEMMONS

CHARLOTTE

HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, 4820 KINNAMON ROAD

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE — Eighth Annual March For Life Charlotte: Friday, Jan. 10. Begins with 9 a.m. Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road. At 11 a.m. everyone will gather at the diocesan Pastoral Center and at noon will march to Trade and Tryon streets where Father Fidelis Moscinski, CFR, will preach, then proceed to the federal courthouse where everyone will pray the rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19. St. Peregrine is the patron of cancer and grave diseases. For details, call the parish office at 704-543-7677.

— Caring for Caregivers Support Group: Due to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, our support group will not meet on the fourth Wednesday in November or December. Next meeting will be Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 10:30 a.m. in NLC 206.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, 1400 SUTHER ROAD — “Rosary for Life”: Join the Respect Life group to pray each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m. To participate, contact Gretchen Filz at gfilz10@ ses.edu or 704-919-0935.

— Charismatic Prayer Group: 7:15 p.m. Mondays. All are welcome.

Misa en Nuestra Señora de los Caminos, Thomasville, a las 10:30 p.m. Jueves 28: Misa en Santa María a las 7 p.m. La Antorcha sale el viernes 29 a las 9:30 p.m.

— First Saturday Pro-Life Rosary: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, to pray for the end of abortion. For details, contact Jim Hoyng, 336-882-9593, or Paul Klosterman, 336-848-6835.

HUNTERSVILLE ST. MARK CHURCH, 14740 STUMPTOWN ROAD — New Ministry for Mothers of Children with Special Needs: Meets the first Wednesday of the month. If interested, contact Laraine Nicklaw 704-875-3041.

— Young Adult Gathering: 8:30-9:30 p.m. every Sunday, in Room 200 of the Monsignor Kerin Family Center.

These weekly gatherings include fellowship and study. For details, contact Scott Fisher at 704-7732664 or stfishe22@ncsu.edu.

MAGGIE VALLEY St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr. — Holy Spirit Charismatic Prayer Meeting: 7-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday. For details, call the rectory at 828-926-0106.

MINT HILL ST. LUKE CHURCH, 13700 LAWYERS ROAD — Book Club: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, in the Family Life Center. The Book Club will discuss “The Snow Angel” by Glenn Beck. For details, call Marilyn Armstrong at 704-753-1112.

MURPHY ST. WILLIAM CHURCH, 765 ANDREWS ROAD — Annual Christmas Cantata: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1

GREENSBORO ST. MARY CHURCH, 812 DUKE ST. — Charismatic Prayer Group “Servants of Light”: 10 a.m.

Saturdays. All are welcome.

Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St. — Ecumenical Prayer Service for Thanksgiving: 7 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 25

— Grief Support Group: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays in the conference room. “Embracing Your Grief” should be helpful for those grieving a recent death, as well as those who go more deeply into grief during the holiday season. For details, call Karen Solana at 850-982-5602.

SHELBY ST. MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS CHURCH, 818 MCGOWAN ROAD

HAYESVILLE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Mission, 1433 HWY. 64 WEST — Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) meeting: 5 p.m. Thursdays. All are welcome.

HIGH POINT IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 4145 JOHNSON St. — Antorcha de Guadalupe: Estará en ICM el miércoles 27 de noviembre. Si puedes colaborar con comida para los 70 corredores, favor de comunicarte con Brad Hammett al 336-882-2392; Ada López al 336-5492381; o María Rodríguez al 336-906-6220. Danzas y bailes a Nuestra Señora y Juan Diego a las 6 p.m.; y

— CCWG Women’s Evening Reflection: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. Father Herbert Burke, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City, will speak on the topic “Imitating Mary in the Modern World.” For details, visit www.charlottecatholicwomensgroup. org, or call Diane Pasco at 704-482-9294 or Cindy Burk at 704-481-1748. To RSVP, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/event/8270851339.

Is your PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD

November 22, 2013 Volume 23 • Number 3

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 ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org Online reporter: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org Hispanic communications reporter: Rico De Silva, 704-370-3375, rdesilva@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

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November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Pipe organ dedicated at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

SALISBURY — Sounds of praise and thanksgiving could be heard well outside the walls of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury last Friday night, as the church celebrated the installation of its first pipe organ.

A special dedication and recital performed by Flora Lester, Sacred Heart Parish’s sacred music director, drew Catholics and non-Catholics alike to appreciate the resounding More online beauty of the “king of instruments.”

On the Diocese of The recital began with a Charlotte’s YouTube joyful rendition of “Holy channel: Watch a God, We Praise Thy Name” video clip from the organ led by the Sacred Heart dedication performance by Parish choir, followed by Flora Lester, Sacred Heart a series of works Lester Parish’s music director, and performed to demonstrate the parish choir the astonishing range of the new pipe organ. She At www.catholic played “Sonata No. 3 in newsherald.com: A Major, Op. 65” by Felix See more photos Mendelssohn, “Ave Maria from the organ dedication (Offertoire pour la fête de l’Annonciation)” by Alexandre Guilmant, and “Rodomontade” by Daniel Gawthrop.

The recital also included an explanation of the history and importance of the pipe organ in sacred music, as well as the new organ’s particular features, by students from the eighth-grade chorus at Sacred Heart School.

Father Jason Barone, parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Church, then said prayers of dedication and sprinkled the

organ with holy water. Father John Putnam, pastor, was also on hand to welcome guests and thank the performers.

The recital ended with the choir and congregation singing “O God, Beyond All Praising,” accompanied by Lester and guest trumpeter George Hill.

The organ “is a wonderful instrument to lead the liturgy,” Lester said after the performance. “We are so blessed to have it.”

Lester is a native of Newton and has a master’s degree in organ performance from the University of CincinnatiCollege Conservatory of Music. She has served as Sacred Heart’s director of sacred music and organist since February and is also the middle school music teacher at Sacred Heart School.

The organ “is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things,” Lester quoted in the recital program from the Second Vatican Council constitution “Sacrosanctum Concilium.”

The Schantz Organ comes originally from the Fayette Theatre in Washington Court House, Ohio, in 1928. It was moved to Holy Family Church in Columbus, Ohio, received a new page console in the late 1970s, and was enlarged and moved another parish in 1981. Last year it was removed to make room for a newer instrument and given to the Jubilee Museum in Columbus, which preserves and passes on church items.

The organ is comprised of 402 wood and metal pipes in six ranks, three of which are original. It has two manuals (keyboards) and a pedalboard under electric key and stop action.

It was installed in May in the church’s choir loft. Shawn Kenny from the Jubilee Museum in Columbus, an organist himself for the past six years, was on hand to tune the organ and show off its inner workings to visitors after

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

Flora Lester, music director at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, plays the Schantz Organ during a recital and dedication event Nov. 8. The organ, which dates from 1928, has 402 wood and metal pipes in six ranks. the recital. He also provided organ accompaniment for a showing of the classic silent film “The King of Kings” at Sacred Heart Church Nov. 9.

“It was wonderful, it was absolutely wonderful,” said audience member Wanda Huntley. “Flora did a great job displaying the different sounds – the different voices – of the organ.”

The choir has been working since early last summer to prepare for the organ dedication and recital, said Jody McManus, who sings second soprano in the parish choir.

“We are all very blessed to have it.”

Thomas Savoy, music director of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte and director of the new Carolina Catholic Chorale, is pictured with his former chorale in Albany, N.Y., singing the “Missa Solemnis” of Johann Vanhal (1739-1813) during a Novus Ordo Latin Mass at historic St. Mary’s Church in 2003. “This is what we hope to recreate here in Charlotte,” Savoy says.

Photo provided by Thomas Savoy

Carolina Catholic Chorale takes ‘leap of faith’ Sings first Mass Dec. 8 at Sacred Heart Church SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — The rich Catholic tradition of sacred music at Mass will be continued by a new group forming in the Diocese of Charlotte known as the Carolina Catholic Chorale. The Chorale will be directed by Thomas F. Savoy, director of music of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in

northeast Charlotte. He directed a similar organization called the New York Catholic Chorale for 10 years in his home diocese of Albany, N.Y. “The Roman Catholic Church lays claim to indisputably the finest tradition of sacred music in the Western world,” Savoy said. “It is an immense source of Catholic CHORALE, SEE page 17

Photo provided by Mark Martindale

OLC choir performs 33rd annual concert CHARLOTTE — Soloist Toni Touppens leads the award-winning Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte during its 33rd anniversary concert Nov. 10. The gospel choir of the predominantly AfricanAmerican church had an enthusiastic audience of more than 300 joyously clapping and singing along to songs including “God Wants A Yes,” Great God Almighty” and “Brand New Life.” The choir, which is made up of 25 voices, sings weekly at the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass.

On the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel: See a performance of the Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir from their 33rd annual anniversary concert

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 OUR PARISHES

ART TEACHER St. Pius X Catholic School is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic full-time art teacher to instruct students in kindergarten through 8th grade beginning January 21, 2014. Qualified candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Art Education and hold or be eligible for NC Certification. Experience at both the elementary and middle school levels preferred. Please submit a resume and application by December 9 to St. Pius X Catholic School, 2200 N. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC (336) 273-9865 or aknapke@spxschool.com.

CCDOC.ORG

Join Catholic Charities at the 11th Annual Vineyard of Hope for cocktails, dinner and holiday cheer!

Friday, December 13, 2013 at 6:30 PM Carmel Country Club 4735 Carmel Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28226 3rd Annual Fruit of the Vine Award for Service will be presented to St. Matthew Catholic Church for their generosity and support of Catholic Charities.

Reserve your complimentary seat and make your donation online: ccdoc.org/vineyardofhope or contact Sherry Luc: sluc@charlottediocese.org/704.370.3232.

Please help to meet the goal of $150,000 this Christmas season.

Your generous donation will support the continued mission of Catholic Charities to strengthen families, build communities and reduce poverty.

Greensboro’s Our Lady of Grace Parish launches bilingual Mass Rico De Silva Hispanic communications reporter

prayer.

The first reading during Mass was read in Spanish, followed by the responsorial psalm chanted in English, then the second reading was read in English.

Deacon Enedino Aquino, who serves at Our Lady of Grace Parish, proclaimed the Gospel in Spanish to what that day was a predominately Hispanic congregation of approximately 600 people.

Preaching his homily in Spanish to an almost capacity crowd, Deacon Aquino began with the shout of, “¡Mamita está

GREENSBORO — “The Lord be with you,” “Y con tu espíritu.”

This was the proper exchange parishioners and visitors heard at Our Lady of Grace Church during the introductory prayer at the 5 p.m. Mass Nov. 3.

It marked the second consecutive Sunday bilingual Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Church, after pastor Father Eric Kowalski, was forced to discontinue the 7 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass due to a lack of OLG, SEE page 17 priests at the parish.

“All this goes back to a shortage of vocations,” Father Kowalski explained. “Two years ago, there were three of us priests here, including a Spanish-speaking priest, sharing seven Masses on weekends. Now it’s only me, so I had to cut down to five weekend Masses three weeks ago.”

The bilingual Eucharist coincided with a visit from the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Nov. 3. The replica picture was brought by the Knights of Columbus as part of their Marian Prayer Program. As part of this program, the Knights honor various titles of Our Lady, and this one is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Under a Knights of Columbus’ honor guard, the “Traveling Madonna” led the procession during the celebration, carried by two white glove-clad Knights who laced Our Lady’s picture to the right of the altar facing the congregation.

Father Kowalski was careful to balance out the parts of the Mass evenly between both English and Spanish, so that peoples of Rico De Silva | Catholic News Herald both languages could participate Above: Hispanic and Anglo Catholics share a prayerful moment in what is the Church’s highest during the bilingual Mass on Nov. 3.

‘Give to those who have given a lifetime’ Donate generously to the religious retirement collection Dec. 8 CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte is home to 136 women and men religious, many of whom have reached retirement age and are in need of the support of the local Catholic community.

To aid in the care of our aging religious here and around the country, the annual Retirement Fund for Religious Collection for retired religious will be taken up in all parishes on Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Last year the diocese contributed more than $290,070 to the national Retirement Fund for Religious Collection.

The National Religious Retirement Office, headquartered within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ office in Washington, D.C., distributes the funds donated to this collection, providing religious institutes with vital support for the current and future care of elder members.

The NRRO also offers numerous assistance services that include workshops, fiscal and demographic analyses, and the coordination of volunteer consultants

who are experts in elder care, financial planning and community leadership.

The NRRO is sponsored by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM), the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR), the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Since the first appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious was conducted, more than $660 million in financial support has been distributed to religious communities in the United States. In 2012, the NRRO awarded $23 million in direct care assistance to 440 religious communities, or an average of $932 for every member of an eligible Catholic religious community who is 70 or older.

For more information about the Retirement Fund for Religious, go to www. retiredreligious.org.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Permanent deacons celebrate 25 years of ordination Deacon Ron Steinkamp Special to the Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — This year marks silver anniversary milestones for several permanent deacons of the Diocese of Charlotte, among the pioneers in the program which marked its 30th anniversary earlier this year.

Unique to this ordination class of 20 men was the willingness of then Bishop John F. Donoghue to hold four ordinations on two weekends in the summer of 1988. Beginning on Saturday, June 18, Bishop Donoghue ordained 10 men as permanent deacons at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, followed the very next day by four ordinations at St. Joseph Church in Newton. On July 2, 1988, Bishop Donoghue ordained three more men as permanent deacons at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville, and then on July 3, he ordained three additional men at St. Barnabas Church in Arden.

Among those ordained on that first day was Deacon Peter Duca, who was assigned to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Charlotte, where he continues to serve.

One of the youngest in the class, at 36, he petitioned the bishop, as did his classmates, to receive the “Sacrament of the Order of Diaconate for the glory of God, the desire to serve the Church in the Diocese of Charlotte, and the salvation of my soul.”

Father Scarcella, his pastor, has expressed appreciation for his service, calling him “highly involved in ministry at the parish.” He and his wife Martha are from Youngstown, Ohio, but Charlotte has been their home since 1975.

Deacon Guy Piché serves at St. Helen Mission in Spencer Mountain and is director and chaplain of the Catholic

Conference Center in Hickory. He had just turned 41 years old that June before his ordination and was first assigned to Queen of the Apostles Parish in Belmont.

He also serves as the diocesan Director of Properties and Risk Management and many will recall his visits to their parishes in this capacity. He and his wife Rachel live in Gastonia.

As a layman, Deacon Tim Rohan was of great service to his parish and to people in need. He was ordained on June 18, 1988, and was assigned to his home parish of Our Lady of Grace in Greensboro. He and his wife Eileen came to North Carolina from Brooklyn, N.Y. His diaconal ministry has been an example to all deacons who know him. In 2010 he submitted his letter of retirement at age 75 according to diocesan policy, with the bishop granting him faculties to continue in ministry beyond retirement.

“Vince knows,” “Vince has the information,” is what deacons say to one another. “Ask Vince,” indeed. Over the years Deacon Vince Shaw has become the chronicler of information about the diocese’s permanent diaconate. While serving at St. Mary Parish in Greensboro, he and his wife Cathy took on publishing of “The Servant,” the quarterly newsletter for the permanent diaconate. It was a natural since he had maintained a directory for the diaconate for many years.

Deacon Curtis Todd is a North Carolina native. He has served at both Our Lady of Consolation Parish and St. Gabriel Parish in Charlotte since his ordination. He served as vice chancellor of the diocese from 1993 until his retirement in 2005. He is currently serving in retirement at Our Lady of DEACONS, SEE page 20

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December 7 – Winston Salem January 11 & 25 – Charlotte February 1 – Newton Special Webinar Class to be held on December 14 For more information visit our website or contact Batrice Adcock, MSN at 704.370.3230 or bnadcock@charlottediocese.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 OUR PARISHES

How you can help Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte operates three food pantries: Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem. They rely heavily on donated food and non-food items. Items regularly needed include canned fruit; juice, tea and coffee; rice; spaghetti and spaghetti sauce; canned tuna; and non-food items such as toiletries, laundry detergent and paper products.

Please schedule a drop-off in advance: n Asheville: 50 Orange St., Asheville, NC 28801; 828255-0146 n Charlotte: 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203; 704-370-3232 n Winston-Salem: 627 W. 2nd St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 336-727-0705 You can also donate money online at www.ccdoc. org, or mail a contribution to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, ATTN: Administration Office, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203-4003.

Photo provided by Kathleen Durkin

Volunteers at the Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s food pantry in Winston-Salem stock the shelves for more families in need. The Winston-Salem area ranks among the poorest in the diocese. Of the 358,138 people who live in Forsyth County, 62,980 (18.1 percent) are food insecure and 34 percent do not qualify for food stamp benefits.

Catholic Charities’ food pantries seeing more people in need of help David Exum Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — Cuts in government food assistance to the poor this month have meant higher demand at all three food pantries operated by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, but the WinstonSalem area has been hit the hardest.

The federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps) was reduced by about $10 per person per month starting Nov. 1. Those cuts are hurting 1.7 million people in North Carolina who get food aid – 17 percent of the state’s population – most of whom must now get by on less than $1.40 per meal each day. More than 500,000 of those poor are children – one out of every four children in the state.

In Winston-Salem, chronically high unemployment, underemployment and an increase in the local poverty rate also haven’t helped matters.

The poverty rate in Forsyth County jumped from 12.3 percent of families in 2011 to 16 percent in 2012, the U.S. Census

Bureau recently reported. Meanwhile, the county’s poverty rate stands at a staggering 21.5 percent, well above the statewide average of 17.9 percent. North Carolina has the 12th highest poverty rate in the nation, up from 26th a decade ago.

Poor families in North Carolina routinely face “food insecurity,” with consistent access to food limited by a lack of money and other resources. The state ranks fifth in the nation in terms of food insecurity, according to a 2012 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

According to a report obtained by Feeding America, of the 358,138 people who live in Forsyth County, 62,980 (18.1 percent) are food insecure and 34 percent do not even qualify for SNAP benefits based on their income.

These statistics are all too real every week for the Catholic Charities staff and volunteers who hand out food to people coming to them in need.

Diane C. Bullard, director of the Catholic Charities office in Winston-Salem, said they often clear the shelves by the end of each Thursday when the food pantry is

open. They work to refill the shelves for the next Thursday the pantry is open. The Winston-Salem office gives out roughly 1,500 to 2,000 pounds of food each week to 50 families in need, who sometimes line up as early as 5 a.m., Bullard said.

“Our shelves are empty at noon every Thursday,” she said.

Coupled with higher demand has been a drop in food deliveries from suppliers such as Second Harvest Food Bank, she explained. They’ve made up the difference thanks to more donations, as well as making runs to local grocery stores to stock enough food in the pantry each week.

“When people turn to us for help in the food pantry, they are really desperate,” Bullard said. “We have people who have brought brand-new, day-old babies into the pantry while they are waiting. Or people right from the hospital with stitches.

“When you have people who have just got out of the hospital the day before and (should be home in bed), but instead are standing outside our pantry in the elements, in the weather, just to get some food – you don’t see that unless the person

is really desperate.”

“There’s always a story about how they ended up here,” she continued. “It’s pretty embarrassing to say you can’t feed your family. We try as best we can to remove the embarrassment.”

What Winston-Salem staff are seeing is not unique. The Catholic Charities food pantries in Asheville and Charlotte are also seeing a rise in demand for food assistance, said Catholic Charities officials.

All three Catholic Charities offices combined distribute an average of 7,500 pounds of food per week to 200 families.

That’s consistent with the demand from this time last year.

Sharon M. Davis, director of the Charlotte food pantry, located at the diocesan Pastoral Center, has also seen a drop in food donations from traditional partners like Second Harvest Food Bank.

Charlotte’s food pantry operates every Tuesday and Thursday, and many times Davis and her staff give out food until all of it is completely depleted.

“Many of these people are simply families that have fallen between the

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Spotlight on St. Joseph Thrift Shop in Bryson City

cracks,” Davis said. “They are truly the working poor, and they are sometimes the hidden population.”

Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, said he believes this food crisis is quickly becoming the norm due to the continued weak economy.

He also noted that people who have been without full-time work for three to four years haven’t been able to find suitable full-time jobs, so they are having to rely on patching together two or three part-time jobs to make ends meet. This long-term underemployment and instability in the job market also contributes to greater food insecurity for families.

“I think what we’re seeing is here to stay,” Carter said.

Carter emphasized that despite the SNAP cutbacks and continuing economic challenges, Catholic Charities’ food pantries helped more than 400,000 people in 2012 and they will continue to do all they can to remain a vital source of help for anyone in need.

A sense of dignity

Both Bullard and Davis are extremely proud of the client choice model used to distribute food at all of Catholic Charities’ food pantries.

Unlike most pantries which provide a box

of food, the client choice model, instituted by Catholic Charities in 2011, allows people to select what foods they’d like.

Besides staples like canned vegetables, soups and peanut butter, the pantries often have fresh seasonal produce and breads, frozen items, as well as toiletry items such as soaps, shampoos and toilet paper (items clients cannot purchase with their SNAP benefits).

“This gives them a true sense of dignity and really cuts down on waste,” Bullard said.

Before the client choice model was used, Bullard remembers, one client returning several jars of peanut butter after there was a recall on the product.

“We asked him, ‘Why do you have all this peanut butter? And he said, ‘Because you keep giving it to me.’”

Davis, meanwhile, said before the client choice model was used, she and her staff would find cans of food or other items discarded by clients or they’d find food thrown into the trash.

“Some people were very apprehensive about going to a client choice model,” Davis said.

“Some people thought (clients) would just take everything they could, and that just isn’t the case. This gives them a sense of dignity. (We tell them) we’re here to honor you and we’re blessed to help your needs.”

BRYSON CITY — Many parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte, large and small, operate food pantries and thrift stores. One such assistance ministry is located in the small town of Bryson City, population 1,440.

Run by volunteers from nearby St. Joseph Church, the St. Joseph Thrift Shop is an all-purpose destination for needy families throughout the Swain County area.

St. Joseph Thrift Shop started out as a burger stand. Father Frank Gardner arranged to buy the property in 1982.

As a community ministry the thrift shop recycles thousands of pounds of clothing, housewares, furniture and more. Everyone is welcomed, and those in dire need are not charged for anything. The shop offers people a dignified way to meet the needs of growing families, paying utility bills, furnishing homes, and providing families with basic needs after house fires, flooding or other disasters.

Income from the thrift shop also helps support church repairs and activities, the Family Life Resource Center, Baby Love Program, Senior Center and many other community charities and outreach programs at St. Joseph Parish.

One of the special outreach programs the thrift shop offers is designed for special education and underprivileged teens, helping them learn work skills and basic business practices. They work 10 hours a week for one semester and earn $80 per month.

All who work to support and donate to the shop and all those who receive St. Joseph Catholic Thrift Shop is assistance from them benefit from located at 316 Main St., Bryson City, NC the love and charity given. The St. 28713. Contact them at 828-488-2266 Joseph Thrift Shop brings into the to donate items or provide financial community a dignified means to meet assistance. the needs of growing families and the elderly who are in need of help.

Managed by John Ross and Dee Burns for 30 years, the thrift shop is now under the management of Joanne Furr and a group of volunteers who assist her.

“The thrift shop is the ecumenical face of the Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to reach out into the community and to help our brothers and sisters in need,” noted Father Shawn O’Neal, pastor of St. Joseph Church.

The St. Joseph Thrift Shop was among 12 recipients in the Charlotte diocese of 2013 Rice Bowl Mini-Grants, which are funded through Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl program each Lent.

— Vicki Dorsey, correspondent

Want to help?

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 OUR PARISHES

By the numbers Charlotte ranks eighth out of U.S. cities for sex trafficking.

Its location on the East Coast with connecting highways make it easier to transport victims. Major sporting events, conventions and attractions also make it a desirable location for traffickers to exploit.

North Carolina has consistently been ranked among the top 10 states for human trafficking.

Most victims are women and children, particularly girls younger than 18.

Human trafficking is the second-largest and fastest-growing criminal enterprise in the world, generating an estimated $32 billion per year (second only to drug trafficking in profits).

At least 21 million people worldwide are victims of forced labor, including sexual exploitation.

An estimated 100,000 to 300,000 children are victims of sex trafficking at any given time, according to the U.S. State Department’s 2012 Trafficking in Persons report.

From victim to victorious Neet’s Sweets founder escapes sex trafficking, now helps others SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

Learn more At www.sharedhope.org/ what-we-do/bring-justice/ reportcards: See how the states rank in responding to the problem of human trafficking

CHARLOTTE — A 16-year-old girl without a father craves love and affection from a man, and that can lead to her becoming the victim of a predator’s deceit. That’s exactly what happened to Antonia “Neet” Childs, who at 16 moved to Charlotte from Buffalo, N.Y., with her mom and three siblings.

At a recent human trafficking presentation at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, Childs explained how she was befriended by a 38-year-old man who seemed to take an interest in her, listening to her problems and offering money to help her mom pay her household bills. He gradually earned the trust of both Childs and her mother, then he began a sexual relationship with Childs. That relationship took a terrible turn when he coerced her into his sex-trafficking ring.

“I thought he was my friend,” Childs recalled. “This person came into my life and helped me help my family. That’s how I got caught up.”

For the next seven years, Childs worked as a prostitute. Her pimp sent her and other young women to private parties, fraternity parties

and major sporting events in Charlotte and other cities throughout the Southeast. The ring included about 70 women, most of whom were teenaged girls, which the predator marketed to prominent Charlotte area men.

Eventually she was groomed by her predator to recruit other teenaged girls, and in time she made money from both their prostitution work as well as her own. On “a good night,” Childs said, she could make $800.

Sex trafficking and prostitution are a growing scourge among poor African-American women, and many sex trafficking victims remain silent about it, Neet said. And it’s not something relegated to just one part of town or one socioeconomic class, she noted; her pimp was a collegeeducated businessman.

So how did Childs, now 27, escape from the sex-trafficking business?

She met a man who asked her why she was degrading herself by selling her body. He encouraged her to leave prostitution behind and do something good with her life. That lit a spark in her to follow a dream.

“I have always dreamed of having my own bakery. As a little girl, I followed my Aunt Koona around in her kitchen. Aunt Koona owned a catering business, and I loved to watch her passion for making dishes that left everyone smiling, including me,” Childs said.

Childs’ mentor also helped fund her dream.

“It was through the kindness and support of a friend that I began a cake decorating class. I soon funneled this passion into a business idea,” she said.

It wasn’t easy to resist the lure of big money from prostitution, she said, but the truth kept nagging at her: it was time to make a leap of faith,

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Pope: Slave labor goes against God’s plan, human dignity VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis called for an end to slave labor and human trafficking as well as greater efforts to create dignified work for more people.

The problem of unemployment is “very often caused by a purely economic view of society, which seeks self-centered profit, outside the bounds of social justice,” he said, marking the May 1 feast of St. Joseph the Worker during his weekly general audience.

The pope touched on the same theme during the homily at his early morning Mass, before a congregation of unwed teenage mothers and their children in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he lives.

In his homily, the pope said unemployment “is a burden on our conscience” because when society is organized in such a way that it cannot offer people an opportunity to work, “there is something wrong with that society: It is not right!”

“Power, money, culture do not give us dignity,” he said.

“Work, honest work, gives us dignity.”

However, he said, “today many social, political and economic systems have chosen to exploit the human person” in the workplace, by “not paying a just (wage), not offering work, focusing solely on the balance sheets, the company’s balance sheets, only looking at how much I can profit. This goes against God!” “People are less important than the things that give profit to those who have political, social, economic power. What point have we come to?” he asked.

He made a special appeal against slave labor and human trafficking.

“How many people worldwide are victims of this type of slavery, in which the person is at the service of his or her work,” he said. “Work should offer a service to people so they may have dignity.”

— Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

Find out more At www.neetssweets. com: Learn more about Neet’s Sweets and the Market Your Mind Foundation, the baked goods it offers and how you can help. Call 704-713-9338 for more information.

Neet’s Sweets is open at 2400 Park Road in Charlotte, 3-9 p.m.

Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays.

leave prostitution behind, and move on to something legitimate and productive.

In an interview with Ebony magazine earlier this year, Childs said “she made the decision to fully leave her old lifestyle when one of the young girls in her cake decorating class stopped coming. The girl was being trafficked and her pimp had her on meth. She was in the fifth grade. “‘I didn’t say anything and I didn’t see her again,’ said Childs. ‘From that point I promised myself that I wouldn’t let another young woman slip through my fingers, knowing that this happened to me at 16 years old.’”

In 2008 she founded Neet’s Sweets, which provides baked goods prepared by her and other young women who have also escaped from the sex-trafficking trade.

What started as a business out of her house has become much more than a bakery. It is a place of hope and refuge from their former way of life.

“Neet’s Sweets has become more than just a business to me. It’s a movement – a movement to save other young women from a life of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking,” Childs noted.

She and her mentor also began Market Your Mind Foundation, a non-profit outreach program called “Market Your Mind, Not Your Body,” to help sex trafficking victims learn how to become self-sufficient and escape the dangerous and sordid life as a sex worker.

Proceeds from Neet’s Sweets help to provide support to survivors, including counseling, housing referrals and mentoring. The bakery also offers employment “as way to help our women gain work skills in order to begin their own journey towards personal growth, empowerment and success,” she said.

Childs is currently working with the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department, as well. When police detain young women in a sex-trafficking raid, they can refer them to Childs for help. She said she hopes to be able to help as many victims as possible escape the lifestyle that once entangled her.

It takes victims about two years to reenter normal life once they start on the path towards self-sufficiency, Childs noted.

“Resources like mentors, social workers, safe houses, financial resources and employment opportunities are needed,” she said. “Reaching the girls isn’t the problem. We need support and resources from the local community.”

More than two dozen women are being helped through “Market Your Mind,” and five young women are working at the bakery, Childs said.

Childs also uses her bakery as a way to build awareness about sex trafficking and how it hurts women in the Charlotte area.

She said she hopes to start an internship program in January for young girls who have been caught up in sex trafficking.

She estimates she will need more than $10,000 to fund two girls for six months for Market Your Mind internships and apprenticeship programs to encourage and support survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic sex trafficking –providing resources and services to help them overcome their past, realize their dreams and find other means of earning an income.

She is candid with the girls and her reasons for trying to help them.

“I tell the girls, ‘I made mistakes so you don’t have to.’”

Pope asks pontifical academies to help fight human trafficking VATICAN CITY — At the request of Pope Francis, scholars and researchers belonging to two pontifical academies and representatives of the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations will begin focusing on the phenomenon of human trafficking and ways to fight it.

A working group from the pontifical academies of Sciences and Social Sciences and the federation met at the Vatican Nov. 2-3 for a preparatory workshop examining the size of the problem, its causes and steps that can be taken to prevent trafficking and to help victims, said Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, chancellor of the academies.

No one can deny that “the trade in human persons constitutes a terrible crime against human dignity and is a serious violation of human rights,” which is fueling increasingly complex international criminal networks, the bishop told Vatican Radio Aug. 22.

In a May speech, Pope Francis said human trafficking is “a despicable activity, a disgrace for our societies, which describe themselves as civilized.” Refugees, displaced and stateless people are particularly vulnerable to “the plague of human trafficking, which increasingly involves children subjected to the worst forms of exploitation and even recruitment into armed conflicts,” the pope said.

Bishop Sanchez said the international group of physicians, scientists, lawyers, economists and other scholars participating in the meeting will look at ways their disciplines can help the victims of trafficking and fight the phenomenon.

For instance, he said, scientists can start a DNA registry of children whose parents have reported them missing, and it can be used for comparisons when children are rescued from traffickers.

The social scientists, he said, will look at trafficking as one of the “pressing economic, social and political problems associated with the process of globalization.”

The International Labor Organization has estimated that 20.9 million people are victims of forced labor globally; that number includes victims of human trafficking, Bishop Sanchez said. An estimated 2 million people – mostly girls – are trafficked each year for the sex trade.

“Some observers believe that within a few years human trafficking will surpass drug trafficking and weapons trafficking to become the most lucrative criminal activity in the world,” the bishop said.

— Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

Organ recital at cathedral Nov. 23 CHARLOTTE — Everyone is welcome to attend a free organ recital starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. The recital will be performed by the cathedral’s sacred music director, Dr. Gianfranco DeLuca and will include works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Widor and Couperin.

In Brief

Advent retreat coming up CHARLOTTE — Are you interested in drawing more meaning from the Advent season? St. Peter Church in Charlotte is hosting a retreat focusing on the theme of “Waiting.” The retreat will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, in Biss Hall. To register or get details, call 704-332-2901 or go to ignationretreat@gmail.com.

Usher in the holidays with abbey concert BELMONT – Abbey chorus, voice and instrumental students will perform their annual holiday concert at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in the Abbey Basilica. The program includes music from the medieval times to the 20th century.

Karen Hite Jacob directs the chorus and accompanies. Sam Stowe of Belmont is the instrumental ensemble director. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

For details, go to www.bac.edu or call 704-461-6813.

Hispanic Ministry plans Holy Land pilgrimage

Charlotte seminarians installed as readers, acolytes COLUMBUS, Ohio — Four Diocese of Charlotte seminarians were among 37 seminarians installed as readers or acolytes at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 1.

Seminarian A. Cory Catron was installed as an acolyte. Acolytes, who are second-year theologians, are entrusted with the duties of attending to the altar, assisting the deacon and priest at Mass, and distributing Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister.

Seminarians Brian Becker, Christopher Bond and W. Christian Cook were installed as readers.

First-year theology students installed as readers are commissioned to proclaim the Word of God in the liturgical assembly and to catechize the faithful.

Bishop James S. Wall of Gallup was the principal celebrant at the Institution of Readers and Acolytes.

The four seminarians are pictured above with Bishop Wall and Monsignor Christopher J. Schreck, rector/president of the Pontifical College Josephinum. (Photos by Ken Snow)

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s Hispanic Ministry will conduct its first pilgrimage to the Holy Land on March 10-20, 2014. Fatehr Fidel Melo, vicar of diocesan Hispanic Ministry, will be the spiritual director.

“This historic pilgrimage is a response to Pope Benedict’s call to deepen our faith during this Year of Faith. What better way to do so than to visit the places where Our Divine Redeemer once walked?” Father Melo said.

Burbank, Calif.-based Catholic Travel Centre will handle all tour and travel arrangements. The deadline for signing up and paying for the trip is Dec. 10. Space is limited to 45 people.

As part of the pilgrimage, participants will have the opportunity to renew their baptismal promises at the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized. Married couples will be able to renew their marriage vows in Cana, where Our Lord performed His first miracle at the wedding of Cana.

“I also want to invite our English-speaking brothers and sisters in the diocese to join us in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Father Melo said. “Although the tour will be conducted in Spanish, most of us speak English! This trip is a chance to experience our truly universal Church under the lens of our Hispanic culture.”

Download a copy of the pilgrimage brochure at www.MyBrochureOnline.com/Melo. For details, contact Eduardo Bernal at 828-399-0912 or eduarbrnl@aol.com.

Knights help Wounded Warrior program

— Carolyn A. Dinovo

WAYNESVILLE — The Knights of Columbus Council 15085 from St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville recently collected funds for the Wounded Warrior program. The program, in conjunction with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, is raising funds to help send hospitalized veterans at Fort Bragg and Camp LeJeune home to spend Christmas with their families. Pictured are (from left) Mary Anne Yurko and Knights Joe Yurko, Rusty Heuer, retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Chris Amsler and Bob Mateja. For information about this program, go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

— Paul Viau

‘Holy Smoke’ fundraiser held DENVER — More than 400 people turned out to Holy Spirit Knights of Columbus Council 10389’s first Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival Sept. 21. The event raised $2,400 for the nonprofit LAMB Foundation of N.C., which provides financial support to local special education classes, Lincoln County Special Olympics, Salem Industries, Holy Angels and similar organizations.

Opening the fun was Denver’s Lonesome Road, followed by The Helms Family, featuring the soaring vocals of Charity Helms and her chillbump raising rendition of “Amazing Grace” that had the audience mesmerized. Also performing were Gene Cash and the Over the Hill Gang and Dwayne Durham and his Appalachian Fire group from Hendersonville.

Event leaders were Carl Dent, Mike Karn and Gordon Hirshman, and more than 50 Knights and their wives, the Ladies Sodality and half a dozen young men from the Deacon Dick Kauth Columbian Squire Circle also supported the event.

— Doreen Sugierski

Fall festival winners named BOONE — Parishioners of St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Church in Boone held their yearly fall festival recently. Winners of the pie baking contest were Barbara Butler (first place), Steven Butler (second place), and Ann Mellon (third place). Chili contest winners were Sheryl Kane (first place), Barbara Butler (second place), and Jason Parker (third place).

— Amber Mellon We welcome your parish’s news! Please email news items and photos to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Photo provided by Susan Bino

IHM hosts international festival HIGH POINT — The International Club of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point presented its eighth-annual International Dinner Dance Fund Raiser Oct. 4 in the new Parish and Life Education Center. The local Chinese American Association featured their graceful dancing, beautiful Chinese music and colorful costumes.

A delicious Chinese meal was catered by the Full Kee restaurant of High Point, and desserts were made by the members of the International Club and IHM parishioners.

The International Club welcomes new members to its meetings on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in Edwards “A” in the PLEC.

Like thousands of senior religious, Sister of Divine Providence John Margaret Walsh, 76, has spent her life serving others.

Today, she and some 34,000 elder Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift provides funding for prescription medications, nursing care, and more.

Photo provided by Lisa Cash

A special celebration MOORESVILLE — Parishioners Steve and Marlene Stowe and Pam and Bill Krehnbrink recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversaries in a very special way at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church. Working with the StopHungerNow organization, they held a party Oct. 2, where their guests filled packets of rice, spices and vitamins to be sent to poor communities. After working to fill 10,153 meals, their guests enjoyed a pizza lunch to celebrate.

Retirement Fund for Religious Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

To donate: National Religious Retirement Office/CHA 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make your check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

Or give at your local parish December 7–8.

www.retiredreligious.org

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iiiNovember 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

History of St. Aloysius Parish

1878

Catholic physician Dr. B.F. Cobb moves his family to Hickory from Wilmington and uses his influence to establish a convent and high school for girls.

1880-1888

The Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, headquartered in Wilmington, operate Mount St. Joseph’s Academy, a girls’ school and convent located in Hickory. Mother Augustine of Hickory is one of 17 teachers listed by Branson’s North Carolina Directory in 1885.

1888

The Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy sell 13 acres and several buildings to the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio for use by St. Paul’s Seminary. The transaction, for $500 cash and $5,500 promissory note, includes “a large white frame building crowning the highest hill in Hickory.” The sisters move their convent to Asheville, where they can be served by a chaplain.

1889-1903

Hickory is a mission of the parish in Asheville.

1904-1913

Part of the Salisbury Parish territory, Hickory is one of several missions attended by a priest from Sacred Heart Rectory in Salisbury.

1913

St. Aloysius Parish has its beginning in Hickory when a dozen Catholics (including two from Newton) meet in a private home to assist at Holy Mass.

1914

A $1,500 grant from Dr. Joseph Kelly of Philadelphia is used to purchase and renovate an abandoned church building for St. Aloysius.

1915

Catawba County gets its first Catholic church when Benedictine Abbot Leo Haid of Belmont Abbey in Belmont blesses St. Aloysius Church, housed in a renovated building on 11th Avenue in Hickory. Mass celebrated monthly.

1928

Weekly celebration of Mass begins for nearly 50 parishioners.

1937

St. Aloysius Parish purchases a tract of land on 10th Street in Hickory.

1938

St. Aloysius Church, “a small, but imposing edifice of granite,” is dedicated by Benedictine Abbot Vincent Taylor of Belmont Abbey.

1940

St. Aloysius, the only Catholic church in Catawba County, has 60 parishioners. Its pastor is Benedictine Father Sebastian Doris, who commutes from Belmont Abbey in Belmont. Mass is celebrated Sunday mornings and on holy days of obligation.

Photos provided by Anthony Bulick and KATHY SUCCOP

Parishioners have been celebrating St. Aloysius Church’s 100th anniversary all year long, and on Nov. 7 they gathered for Mass with Bishop Peter Jugis, their pastor Father Robert Ferris, and other clergy from the Diocese of Charlotte. See more photos online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

Filled with joy Hickory parish celebrates 100 years of ministry Jennifer Krawiec Correspondent

HICKORY — Hundreds of faithful gathered for Mass Nov. 7 to mark the 100th anniversary of St. Aloysius Church, capping what has been a busy year full of celebrations for the active parish.

The centennial Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

Concelebrants were Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte; St. Aloysius’ pastor Father Robert Ferris and parochial vicar Father Gabriel CarvajalSalazar; as well as former pastors Father Edward Sheridan and Father Wilbur Thomas; former parochial vicar Father Jean-Pierre Swamunu Lhoposo; former parishioners Father John Putnam and Father David Miller; and Father Jim Collins, pastor of neighboring St. Joseph Parish in Newton.

The Mass featured the combined choirs of the parish – English and Spanish, contemporary and traditional. The new sacred music director, Dr. David Cortello, said this was not the first time the choirs had gathered together for such an occasion, but the result was astounding.

“It was great that we all could come together and create the ‘largeness’ of that choir,” said Pam Jones, a member of the Sunday morning traditional choir. “That sound is sometimes lost when you break up the groups into their individual Masses.”

Everyone who attended the Mass was given a packet of commemorative note cards depicting Tim Larson’s sketch of Sebastian Chapel.

Larson, a local artist, produced prints of his sketch of Sebastian Chapel, the original St. Aloysius building which still stands on the corner of the property. Larson donated the proceeds from the sales of the sketches to the parish.

Following the Mass was a sold-out celebratory dinner at Lake Hickory Country Club. Parishioners enjoyed food and fellowship with their extended church family.

Chelli and J.P. Whelan have been members of St. Aloysius since 2000.

“Our twin girls were baptized at St. Aloysius in 2004,” Chelli said. “The biggest thing about St. Al’s is the roots and foundation it gives us. I’m away from my family, and having the people we’ve met at St. Al’s has strengthened my feeling of belonging. The longer we’ve been there, the stronger this feeling is.”

Also earlier this centennial year, St. Aloysius Parish and the City of Hickory worked together to create a meditation garden in McComb Park, then dedicated the completed project in July. The parish also produced a new church directory with professional portraits of individuals and families.

HE COVER

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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1944

Hickory is removed from the jurisdiction of the abbot of Belmont Abbey and placed in the Diocese of Raleigh. The first diocesan priest is assigned to the parish. He also celebrates Mass in Morganton.

1947

The grey stone rectory is built, and a parish hall is constructed in the church basement.

1956

A Catholic Men’s Club is organized

1957

An old home is purchased for use as a school of religion.

1963

A new brick church is blessed by Raleigh Bishop Vincent Waters.

1971

Saturday evening Mass is initiated.

1978

The church’s organ is blessed and dedicated.

1989

A new rectory is purchased on Ninth Avenue.

1991

A groundbreaking is held for the current church building.

1993

The present church is dedicated.

1997

The brick church becomes the multipurpose Holy Family Hall.

1998

The old granite church, now renamed Sebastian Chapel, is converted into a chapel for daily Mass.

1999

Sunday afternoon Mass in Spanish begins.

2004

First Life Teen Mass is initiated on Sunday evening, and the parish’s columbarium is established.

2008

The Last Judgment stained glass window is installed in the church.

2011

Pastors of St. Aloysius Parish Benedictine Father Celestine Bache, 1913-1914 Benedictine Father Mark Cassidy, 1914-1915 Benedictine Father William Regnat, 1915-1918 Benedictine Father Lawrence McHale, 1918-1924 Benedictine Father Gerard Rettger, 1924-1925 Benedictine Father Herman Grones, 1925-1928 Benedictine Father Anthony Meyer, 1928 Benedictine Father Nicholas Bliley, 1928-1929 Benedictine Father Alphonse Buss, 1929-1931

Perpetual adoration begins in a special Adoration Chapel.

Benedictine Father Gerard Rettger, 1931-1932 Benedictine Father Benedict Rettger, 1932-1933 Benedictine Father Sebastian Doris, 1933-1944 Father William T. McShea, 1944-1946 (first secular priest and resident pastor) Father James King, 1946-1953 Father Edward Gross, 1953-1960 Father Arthur Racette, 1960-1964 Father Albert Todd, 1964-1965 (administrator)

Father Francis Gorham, 1965-1970 Father William G. Wellein, 1970-1973 Father Msgr. Eugene H. Livelsberger, 1973-1984 Father Edward Sheridan, 1984-1987 Father Wilbur N. Thomas, 1987-1998 Father Ed Sheridan, 1998-2004 Father Robert Ferris, 2004-present

2013

St. Aloysius Parish, now numbering 1,455 registered families, celebrates its 100th anniversary.

catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 16

Ministerio Hispano a conducir histórico peregrinaje a la Tierra Santa Rico De Silva Hispanic communications reporter

CHARLOTTE — Más de 20 católicos hispanos en la Diócesis de Charlotte ya están haciendo sus maletas para participar en la primera peregrinación a Tierra Santa conducida por el Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte a llevarse a cabo durante la Cuaresma del 2014. La peregrinación llamada “Caminando en los Pasos de Jesús” estará bajo la dirección espiritual del Padre Fidel Melo, Vicario del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, y tendrá lugar del 10 al 20 de Marzo del 2014.

“Esta peregrinación histórica para nuestra diócesis es una respuesta a la invitación del Papa Benedicto XVI en el 2012 a profundizar nuestra fe en este Año de la Fe,” dijo el Padre Melo. “Imagínense caminar por donde anduvo nuestro Santísimo Redentor,” dijo el sacerdote.

Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Smoky Mountain, es el coordinador de la peregrinación la cual estará a cargo de la compañía de tours “Catholic Travel Centre,” que está localizada en Burbank, California. “Vamos a tener un guía local palestino que habla español durante toda la peregrinación,” dijo Bernal. “También vamos a tener la oportunidad de reanudar nuestras promesas de Bautismo a orillas del Río Jordán, donde Jesús fue bautizado.”

“Además, los matrimonios que vayan a la Tierra Santa con nosotros podrán reanudar sus votos matrimoniales en Caná, en donde Nuestro Señor hizo su primer milagro en las Bodas de Caná,” dijo Bernal.

La última fecha para registrarse y pagar por el viaje es el 10 de Diciembre. A pesar de que más de 20 personas ya se han registrado, Bernal dijo que la meta de la peregrinación es 45 personas. El viaje ha sido promocionado casi exclusivamente solo a nivel parroquial por medio de los boletines de las parroquias. Bernal pidió la asistencia de todos los sacerdotes hispanos en la Diócesis de Charlotte para facilitar una mejor promoción de “Caminando en los Pasos de Jesús” en la comunidad hispana durante las Misas dominicales.

“Será una ocasión singular de ir a la fuente donde se llevaron a cabo los acontecimientos de nuestra redención,” dijo el Padre Melo.

“Conocer Jerusalén, el lugar de la Última Cena, caminar la Vía Dolorosa hasta el Monte Calvario…Lugares que oímos nombrar durante la Misa. Esta es una experiencia que vale la pena vivir por lo menos una vez en la vida,” dijo el sacerdote.

Toda persona interesada debe comunicarse con Eduardo Bernal al 828-399-0912, o por medio de e-mail a EDUARBRNL@aol.com.

También pueden bajar de la internet una copia del pamfleto con el itinerario de la peregrinación en, www.MyBrochureOnline. com/Melo.

Latinos y Anglos orando después de la Comunión en la Misa bilingüe el 3 de Noviembre en la Parroquia de Our Lady of Grace.

Rico De Silva | Catholic News Herald

Imagen Peregrina de la Virgen de Guadalupe visita Our Lady of Grace y coincide con nueva Misa bilingüe en esa parroquia Rico De Silva Hispanic communications reporter

GREENSBORO — Más de 500 personas, la mayoría Latinos como también un número de Anglos, se congregaron en la Parroquia de Our Lady of Grace, el domingo, 3 de Noviembre, durante la Misa bilingüe de las 5 pm, y dieron la bienvenida a la Imagen Peregrina de la Virgen de Guadalupe a esa parroquia.

La Imagen Peregrina es parte del Programa de Oración Mariano que es patrocinado por los Caballeros de Colón a nivel nacional. La visita de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe coincidió con apenas la segunda Misa bilingüe en Our Lady of Grace, la primera de las cuales fue celebrada el previo domingo, 27 de Octubre.

Bajo una escolta de honor de los Caballeros de Colón, la Imagen de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe estuvo a la cabeza de la procesión al principio de la Misa, y fue cargada por dos Caballeros de Colón, ambos sosteniendo la imagen con guantes blancos, que después pusieron el cuadro de la Virgen en un lugar de honor a la derecha del altar, mirando hacia la congregación.

El Padre Eric Kowalski, Párroco de Our Lady of Grace, celebró la Misa, y el Diacono Enedino Aquino proclamó y predicó el Evangelio en español. El Padre Kowalski alternó las lecturas y las diferentes partes de la Misa en inglés y español. “¡Mamita está en casa!” fue el grito del Diácono Enedino Aquino a la asamblea, señalando a la Imagen de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en repetidas ocasiones durante su homilía.

Aquino dijo durante su homilía que María no es solo la Madre perfecta, sino también un ejemplo para todo católico de un perfecto seguidor de Cristo.

A pesar de que la presencia refrescante de la “Virgen Peregrina” a esa parroquia trajo una sensación adicional de paz durante la Liturgia, la idea de empezar una Misa bilingüe ahí no fue muy popular en ciertos círculos, tanto de la comunidad hispana, como también entre ciertos Anglos.

La Misa bilingüe fue una iniciativa creada por el Padre Kowalski durante un consejo parroquial a mediados de Septiembre como una respuesta a la necesidad de una Misa en español para los hispanos de Our Lady of Grace.

El Padre Kowalski fue forzado a cancelar la Misa dominical de las 7 pm en español, la cual la mayoría de los domingos atraía un

promedio de casi 800 hispanos a esa parroquia, debido a una falta de sacerdotes.

“El problema este tiene su origen en una escasez de vocaciones (sacerdotales),” dijo el Padre Kowalski. “Hace tres años habían tres sacerdotes aquí, incluyendo uno que habla español, y nos turnábamos para decir siete Misas los fines de semana.”

“Ahora estoy yo solo, y por eso tuve hace tres semanas que reducir de siete a cinco Misas los fines de semanas,” dijo el Párroco Kowalski en una entrevista después de la Misa bilingüe.

“El Padre Kowalski está haciendo todo lo que puede,” dijo el Diacono Aquino después de la Misa. El Diacono Aquino funciona también como Coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Greensboro. “Un solo sacerdote solo puede hacer tanto; sobre todo en una parroquia de este tamaño,” dijo Aquino.

Parte del objetivo de la Misa bilingüe, es el de también unir a las comunidades Latinas y Anglos, que hasta el presente han tenido poca o ninguna interacción entre ellos en Our Lady of Grace. “Se están rompiendo ahora mismo estereotipos en ambas comunidades,” dijo el Padre Kowalski.

El Director del Coro en inglés, Andrew O’Connor, dijo que cuando se hizo el anuncio de la Misa bilingüe hubo un “poco de aprensión” entre las personas de habla-inglesa en la parroquia.

Sin embargo, “Ahora, alguno de los miembros de mi coro quieren cantar también en la Misa bilingüe,” dijo O’Connor.

Después de la Misa, ambas comunidades parecían estar satisfechas con la celebración de la Eucaristía en ambos idiomas. Linda Joyce, que ha estado registrada en esa parroquia por más de 20 años, dijo contenta, “Yo viví en Miami hace mucho tiempo, así que estoy acostumbrada a escuchar español durante la Misa. Me encantó esta Misa, y pienso venir otra vez la próxima semana a esta misma hora.” Cristino Antonio, uno de los miembros del Grupo Juvenil Hispano de Our Lady of Grace, y quien también sirvió como monaguillo durante la Misa dijo, “Espero que más hispanos vengan a esta Misa de ahora en adelante.”

Antes de la Bendición Final, el Padre Kowalski recordó a la congregación que, “La presencia de la Imagen Peregrina de la Virgen de Guadalupe aquí esta noche afirma que todos nosotros somos parte de una misma familia unida por una sola Madre.”

El Diacono Aquino concluyó, “La Misa ha terminado; pueden ir en paz.”

“Demos gracias al Señor...”

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

OLG: FROM PAGE 6

en casa (Mama’s home)!” And he pointed repeatedly throughout his homily to the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe close at hand to drive the point of Mary’s motherhood, as well as her perfect example of Christian discipleship.

Although Our Lady’s iconic presence during the bilingual liturgy brought a peaceful and soothing mood to the celebration, the idea of replacing the Spanish Mass with a bilingual one was not openly welcomed among both Anglo and Latino parishioners at Our Lady of Grace Parish.

After Father Kowalski discontinued the Spanish Mass in the summer, which most Sundays drew crowds of close to 800 Latinos, the priest met with his parish council in September to come up with a suitable alternative. During the meeting, Father Kowalski proposed launching the bilingual Mass – not only to replace the Spanish Mass, but also to help integrate and unite both the Anglo and the Latino communities at his parish.

“There are stereotypes being broken on both sides right now,” Father Kowalski noted. “On any given Sunday, we’re the most diverse parish around here.”

Deacon Aquino, who also serves as the Hispanic Ministry coordinator for the Greensboro Vicariate, credits Father Kowalski’s efforts after finding himself the

‘There are stereotypes being broken on both sides right now.’

Father Eric Kowalski

Pastor, Our Lady of Grace Church lone priest at the parish of approximately 1,600 registered families.

“Father Kowalski is doing the best he can right now. There’s only so much one priest can do in a parish this big.”

Choir Director Andrew O’Connor said that when the bilingual Mass was first announced, there was “a little apprehension” among some of the Englishspeaking parishioners. “Now, I have some of my choir members wanting to sing for the bilingual Mass, too,” O’Connor said.

After the Mass, the general consensus among the Anglos and Latinos in attendance seemed positive.

Linda Joyce, a long-time Our Lady of Grace parishioner, said, “I used to live in Miami, so I’m used to it. I think it’s a great idea, and I’m planning on coming back next week.”

Before the final blessing at Mass, Father Kowalski reminded his congregation, “The presence of the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe here tonight reminds us that we are all one family together under one Mother.”

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CHORALE: FROM PAGE 5

witness in our culture and is a gateway to evangelization. This living tradition of authentic Catholic music, particularly choral music, needs to be made manifest to our people, our talented musicians and passed on to our youth.

In a desire to foster a unity of faith and art in the service of Almighty God, we are forming the Carolina Catholic Chorale – a choral organization that specifically aims to render these works of art in service to the liturgy.”

Savoy’s desire to create a chorale was sparked by a trip he made to St. Agnes Church in St. Paul, Minn., in 1993 after he learned of what the late Monsignor Richard J. Schuler, pastor, was doing there as the founding director of the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale.

To this day, St. Agnes Church promotes the Second Vatican Council’s order that the treasury of sacred music be preserved and fostered with great care. It also upholds the command that Latin be used in worship and Gregorian chant be given pride of place in liturgical celebrations. They sing Masses with orchestra, polyphonic a capella compositions and the propers of the Mass in Gregorian chant.

“The original group that I heard had between 70 and 80 people in it. Monsignor Schuler was a remarkable man. They did 35 of these “orchestral Masses” a year at St. Agnes Church accompanied by members of the St. Paul Symphony.”

That trip made a lasting impression on Savoy, and he created a chorale at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany in 1997, which he directed until 2007. He moved to North Carolina in 2012.

Savoy knew that even before he relocated to the Diocese of Charlotte, an organization like this could be created here because of the diocese’s reputation of being

increasingly supportive of the tradition of sacred music.

“Our initial inquiries to clergy, singers, instrumentalists and diocesan personnel have been received with great support and enthusiasm,” he said. Savoy is quick to point out that these “orchestral Masses” are not for every liturgy but for major feasts, special occasions, or simply to acquaint Catholics with a part of their cultural and liturgical heritage.

The Carolina Catholic Chorale currently has 8-12 vocalists. For the Mass on Dec. 8, they will feature four instrumentalists in addition to the organ accompaniment.

Sacred Heart Church recently dedicated its new pipe organ Nov. 8.

Savoy hopes the chorale will grow over time, and he encourages vocalists and musicians who feel called to share their talents in this traditional outlet to audition.

He also hopes people will see the value of carrying on the rich Catholic musical heritage and generously offer the chorale the financial support needed to advance its work in the community.

The chorale will sing its first Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury at 4 p.m. Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This will be a Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form, the Ordinary being the “Missa Brevis in D Major” by Mozart. The Gregorian chants of the day will be sung along with Mozart’s beloved motet, “Ave Verum Corpus.”

“It’s a great leap of faith. We hope that this will be the first of a growing number of such beautiful Masses.”

For more information Learn more about the Carolina Catholic Chorale, provide financial support or arrange an audition: Contact Savoy at tomsavoy@ savoymusic.net or call him at 518-878-5660.

Love and Mercy Publications, P O Box 1160, Hampstead, NC 28443

17

Our schools 18

catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MACS Education Foundation gives money to help students, teachers, principals Paul Hattenhauer, Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation board chairman, presented a $325,000 check to Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent of diocesan schools, at a recent Charlotte Catholic football game. The campaign for this year’s funds marked the 20th anniversary of the MACS Education Foundation, which has raised $6.5 million since its inception. MACS Education Foundation funds are used to provide grants to teachers and principals for programs that challenge students with innovative learning opportunities and spiritual development to guide them in a closer relationship with God.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief BMHS coach named to N.C. Soccer Hall of Fame KERNERSVILLE — George Kennedy, the girls’ head soccer coach at Bishop McGuinness High School, will be inducted into the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame, during the annual Hall of Fame banquet Jan. 25, 2014, at the North Raleigh Hilton in Raleigh.

Kennedy was the first Wake Forest University men’s head soccer coach when the Demon Deacons took the field for their inaugural season in 1980. He was named ACC Coach of the Year in 1982, and coached at WFU for six seasons.

He was the boys and girls soccer coach at Western Guilford High School for 25 years and has a combined high school coaching record of 575-144-54.

Currently, there are 46 members of the N.C. Soccer Hall of Fame, which was established in 1997.

— Jeff Stoller

Photo provided by Heather Moeller

Immaculata girls team takes second in conference HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculata School’s girls volleyball team recently took second place in the Western North Carolina Christian Middle School Conference, after an exciting season. Led by coaches Amy Martindale and Kellie Kanipe, the girls finished with a record of nine wins and two losses. Lupita Melendez and Molly Caruso were named as All Conference Players.

— Tina Okpych

Tim Reid | Catholic News Herald

Craig Friedrich, right, presents Asheville Catholic third-grader Henry Lytle with a new bicycle for raising the most money in the school’s Read-a-thon.

Asheville Catholic student wins bike after successful Read-a-thon ASHEVILLE — Christmas came early for Asheville Catholic School third-grader Henry Lytle as he was presented a bright blue bicycle for raising the most money – $424 – in the school’s inaugural Read-a-thon.

“I really wanted a new bike,” the excited 8-year-old said as he tooled around on his shiny new Giant Moda bike, donated by Ski Country Sports.

Asheville Catholic students raised more than $6,000 during the two-week Read-a-thon, soliciting pledges for each hour that they read. Principal Mike Miller said all the money will be used to enhance the learning experience, including classroom supplies, enrichment programs, staff development and special events.

Besides the top money raiser, there were prizes for the class with the highest percent of participation and the student with the most hours read.

Pete Hutchens’ fourth-grade class had the highest participation rate, 94 percent. William David, a fifth-grader, read the most hours over the two-week period with a total of 60 hours.

For their hard work, the fourth-graders were treated with a trip to the Eliada

Home corn maze. William David accompanied the fourth-graders to the corn maze and received a gift card to Barnes & Noble.

Asked about his strategy for raising so much money, Lytle said he just asked lots of people, mostly family and neighbors. Henry’s mother Kelly Lytle said he is enjoying school at Asheville Catholic.

“I like it because we do outreach,” Henry said. “We go to visit places that need our help.”

This year the students are helping out at Animal Haven. Last year they went to Brooks-Howell nursing home.

Miller said he wanted to thank all of those who worked hard and read long hours to make this fund raiser a success.

“A school should be the center of the community,” Miller added. “The collaboration of our PFA, our families, our students, and our business partners at Ski Country Sports led to the success that will ultimately make Asheville Catholic School a better place for our students to learn.”

Hood presented with jersey CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School senior running back Elijah Hood was presented Nov. 14 with his game jersey for participating in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

He is pictured with representatives of the military. This is the first time Charlotte Catholic has had an athlete nominated for the All-American Bowl. Hood is the son of Vee and Melica Hood of Charlotte.

— Elena St.Onge

Let’s keep talking.

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Catholic High School also signed or committed to playing at the college level Nov. 14. Pictured are: Emma Armour, Walsh University for lacrosse; Ethan Mead, U.S. Air Force Academy for golf; Connor Pool, Hampden-Sydney College for lacrosse; Ryan Beltondo, Hampden-Sydney College for lacrosse; Christine Sullivan, Villanova University for swimming; Lauren Rhodes, North Carolina State University for swimming; Michele Holmes, Georgetown University for lacrosse; Maria Sheridan, Duke University for swimming; Elsa Welshofer, Princeton University for swimming; Nicole Emery, Notre Dame University for swimming; and Natascha Loeb, Centre College for field hockey.

OLG students sing National Anthem

who would otherwise not be able to attend Our Lady of Mercy School. Together, the classes raised $3,500, and overall the event raised more than $17,000. The school recognized the top fundraisers from each grade: (back row) Annalissa Garcia and Sam Haggas (fifth), Olivia DuBois and Meagan Daly (seventh), William Capizzi (sixth); (front row) Lucy Michel (kindergarten), Andrew Steele (second), Nic Averill (third), Sean Jacobs (first), Sarah Cotell (fourth). Not pictured: Nya Steele (eighth).

— Lara Davenport

— Elena St.Onge

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GLOBAL CATHOLIC TOURS OF VIRGINIA 2014 PILGRIMAGES

10 Days Canonization of PJP II and PJ XXII. Apr 23-May2., $2850. 5 nights Rome, 1 night San Giovnni Rotundo, 2 nights Assis.

With Fr. Dan Pisano from Wellsburg, WV..

9 Days HolyLand. Sep 7-16, $2725. 5 nights in Jerusalem and 2 nights in Nazareth .

With Fr. Joe Arledge from Woodward, OK.

GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace School students kicked off a recent UNC-Greensboro versus High Point University basketball game by singing the National Anthem. OLG’s choirs are conducted by Joyce Carroll and Andrew O’Connor.

11 Days Catholic Ireland Sep 8-18, $3200.

3 nights each in Dublin and Galway, 2 nights Killarney, 1 night in Limerick.

With Fr. Art Bufogle from Kingwood, WV.

— Karen L. Hornfeck

13 Days Spain-Fatima. Sep 15-27, $3749 4 nights Madrid, 1 night Burgos, 2 nights Santiago de Compostela, 3 nights Fatima, 1 night Lisbon. With Fr. Dan Pisano from Wellsburg, WV.

Golfing to fund tuition grants

Seniors announce athletic commitments CHARLOTTE — Several seniors from Charlotte

WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy students and families pitched in with efforts to raise funds for the Support-A-Scholar program during the school’s annual Golf Marathon in October. Each class had a golfer to represent them on the course for the event, and the class in turn helped get pledges for that golfer. All golfers got pledges for their participation, with proceeds going to tuition grants for students

Celebrating with books GREENSBORO — Students in grades 3-5 at St. Pius X School recently celebrated a new library book donated in honor of their birthdays at the inaugural St. Pius X Library Birthday Club party.

Parents made a small donation to the library to honor their child. A special book plate was placed in each new book, including the student’s name and birthday.

— Jean Navarro

12 Day Pilgrimage to Italy. Sep 16-27, $3950.

3 nights Venice, 2 nights Florence, 1 night Assisi, 4 nights Rome. Visit Padua and Siena.

With Fr. Krempa from Winchester, VA. 11 Day Poland -Prague. Sep 29-Oct 9 From Dulles AP. 2 nights Warsaw, 1 night Czestrochowa, 3 nights each in Krakow & Prague. Visit Wadowice,D.Mercy Shrine.

With Fr. Jim Curran from Norfolk, VA.

For brochures or information, contact John Tagnesi PH 1-888-544-4461 or jtag1964@verizon.net

Principal - Christ the King Catholic High School Huntersville, North Carolina The Diocese of Charlotte in Western North Carolina is seeking a loyal and practicing Catholic with the necessary spiritual and intellectual formation as well as academic credentials and experience to be the Principal of Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville, NC. This is a relatively new high school that will graduate its first class in June of 2015.

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Wins 2nd Consecutive Girls’ and Boys’ NCHSAA State Cross-Country Championships Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville, NC. www.bmhs.us 336.564.1010

The candidate must be strongly committed to and enthusiastic about Catholic Schools and their mission; a mission-driven, visionary, energetic, innovative, confident and collaborative leader who inspires cooperation and must respect, appreciate, and uphold the teachings, principles, legislation, policies and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church in both word and example. A Master’s degree in educational administration , or a Master’s degree in education with appropriate credits in administration is required. Experience as a principal or assistant principal at the high school level is also required. Experience in implementation of advanced use of technology in a high school setting is preferred.

For more information and consideration, please send resume and a cover letter with salary requirements to: Mrs. Jeannie Pierce or catholicschools@charlottediocese.org 1123 South Church Street Phone: 704-370-3244 Charlotte, NC 28203 Applications accepted through December 15, 2013

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Classified Private Retreats and Spiritual Direction call Father John Hoover at 704-3440934

DEACONS: FROM PAGE 7

Consolation Parish.

Deacon Ben Wenning was the point of contact for the permanent diaconate for many years. He was named the Assistant Director of Post Ordination Affairs in 1992 while Monsignor Anthony Kovacic was its director. He continued to serve in leadership as Vicar of the Permanent Deacons and as Airport Chaplain at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

These assignments were in addition to his assignment after ordination to St. Gabriel Parish. He retired upon reaching the age limit while retaining his faculties for ministry. He and his wife Dot live in Charlotte.

June 19, 1988, in Newton was the ordination day for Deacon Charles Brantley. He was assigned to St. Philip the Apostle in Statesville followed his ordination. Deacon “Chuck” submitted his letter of retirement in 2005. He still visits the sick and has a kind smile for those in nursing homes. Early in his ministry his pastor described him as “sincere; of a good heart; easy to get along with” and his fellow deacons who know him would agree wholeheartedly. He and his wife Mickey live in Statesville.

Deacon Ron Caplette now serves at St. Aloysius Parish in Hickory while in retirement. He turned 52 a few weeks after his ordination on June 19, 1988, and was assigned to St. Joseph Parish in Newton.

In 1995 he was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lenoir, where he remained until his 2009 retirement. He and his wife Louise live in Hickory.

Deacon Tom Rasmussen is a retired

special agent for the State Bureau of Investigation and even his wife Carol offers a big smile when he tells fellow deacons his stories about pursuing bad guys as a lawman. It was on June 19, 1988, in Newton that Bishop Donoghue laid hands on him: it was then he redoubled his efforts to pursue the lost and to minister to those in need for Christ as a deacon of the Word, of the Altar and of Charity. Serving for 25 years starting with an assignment at St. Joseph Parish in Newton and then, in 1991, an assignment to St. Aloysius Parish, he has also been deeply involved in pro-life work, notably as a licensed professional counselor with Rachel’s Vineyard.

Deacon Gene Gillis was 58 on July 2, 1988, when he was ordained at his home parish of Holy Cross in Kernersville.

Although he formally retired in 2004, he continued to serve the people of God at Holy Cross until just recently. For several years he was away at Long Beach, a place loved by his wife Christine as the place of her upbringing. Deacon Gene is the consummate deacon in service to the sick and shut-in, doing faith formation, as a minister of charity and a minister of good cheer.

In recent years Deacon Art Kingsley and his wife Rosemary have assisted in organizing the diocese’s annual Eucharistic Congress. After his July 3, 1988, ordination at his home parish of St. Barnabas, he was assigned to serve there. He served as Assistant Spiritual Director of the Cursillo Movement and as Regional Vicar of the Asheville region for the permanent diaconate. During the past 25 years, Deacon Art even took time to pursue a master’s degree in theology and Christian ministry as a resident student at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, starting in 1990. He and Rosemary relocated to Gastonia and were assigned to

St. Michael the Archangel Parish, where he serves in retirement.

Each of the deacons of the Class of 1988 express appreciation for the formation they received under the direction of Monsignor Kovacic. They add that unexpected challenges and surprising blessings have come their way during the past 25 years of ministry.

Repeatedly they were reminded: the Lord comes first, wife and family second, work to support family third, and diaconal ministry is fourth in order of priority. Yet it has always been a challenge: the call to the hospital, the need to visit a homebound parishioner, visiting the funeral home, serving at a special Mass, a baptism in another city, the wedding of a family member, all took time, sometimes more time than expected. On the other hand, work schedules and family commitments prevented ministry, occasionally even requiring a brief sabbatical for a few of these deacons over these years. Upon reflection, their lives as deacons and their identities as clergy of the diocese became for most of them a way of life.

Seven of the men ordained in the Class of 1988 have died. As with every class of deacons and wives who spend so much time together in formation, there remains a bond of fraternity with classmates. At annual retreats and events that draw these men and wives together from across the diocese, greetings of affection are exchanged, concerns for family members are expressed and questions about missing classmates are asked. The storytellers among them love to recount the stories about formation and the early years of the diocese’s permanent diaconate.

Deacon Ron Steinkamp serves as the diocesan Director of the Permanent Diaconate.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

T HE C ATHEDRAL OF SAINT PATRICK

In Brief

WELCOMES YOU TO A

ORGAN RECITAL FEATURING DR. GIANFRANCO DELUCA

Taking a tour Join The Cathedral Of Saint Patrick for an evening of

Bach, Couperin, Mendelssohn, & Widor

GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace School’s pre-kindergarten class recently toured the Greensboro Fire Station Training Center on Church Street. Students learned about fire safety, got to try out various fire fighting equipment and toured the facility.

Let’s keep talking.

— Karen L. Hornfeck

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 AT 7:30 PM THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT

PATRICK

1621 D ILWORTH R OAD E AST * C HARLOTTE , NC 28203 THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO ALL WWW. STPATRICKS . ORG

We welcome your school’s news! Please email news and photos to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

Mix

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

brother (Tom Hiddleston) stands trial for war crimes. Back on Earth, Thor’s erstwhile girlfriend (Natalie Portman) gets sucked into a vortex to the Dark World of the film’s title, unleashing a chain of events that leads to battle. “Thor: The Dark World” assumes operatic proportions as it barrels towards a smash-bang conclusion that lays waste to multiple worlds, not to mention some lovely Georgian architecture in London. Parents should note that the violence is extreme at times and not for little ones. Intense but bloodless combat scenes, some scary sequences, and a few mild oaths.

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

‘The Best Man Holiday’

‘Thor: The Dark World’ Wielding his mighty hammer, the “God of Thunder” returns with a vengeance in this rousing 3-D adventure, based on the popular Marvel Comics series and directed

by Alan Taylor. This sequel to 2011’s “Thor” and 2012’s “The Avengers” finds our titular superhero (Chris Hemsworth) returning to Asgard, his home world, where his wayward

Raucous sequel, blending comedy and drama, in which a group of college friends reunite for a Christmas house party, only to find old problems and rivalries bubbling back up to the surface. One conflict divides a football star (Morris Chestnut) from his erstwhile closest pal (Taye Diggs) based on the latter’s long-ago premarital dalliance with the gridiron great’s now-happily married wife (Monica Calhoun). Another arises when a respected charter-school principal (Harold Perrineau) discovers that a vintage sex video making the rounds on the Internet shows his spouse (Regina Hall), an ex-stripper who now raises funds for his academy, prostituting herself at a fraternity party. Things turn serious with the revelation that one of the central figures is seriously ill. Though religion is unusually prominent in writer-director Malcolm D.

Lee’s follow-up to his 1999 feature “The Best Man,” raunchy jokes are even more so. Pornographic images involving upper female nudity and debased behavior, brief graphic marital lovemaking, excessive sexual humor, drug use, mature themes, including prostitution and promiscuity, about a half-dozen uses of profanity, much rough and crude language.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

‘About Time’ This romantic comedy, written and directed by Richard Curtis, is a wishfulfillment fantasy about changing your destiny at will, to win the love of your life. On his 21st birthday, a young man (Domhnall Gleeson) is given a rather unusual present by his father (Bill Nighy): the knowledge that the men in the family can travel back in time. He uses this special gift to land a girlfriend (Rachel McAdams), marry, and have a happy, perfect life. Unlike 1993’s “Groundhog Day,” where the hero betters himself as well as the world around him, “About Time” takes a more narrow view. The manipulation of others for selfish reasons, coupled with disrespect for the role of divine providence in one’s life, may leave the viewer feeling empty rather than satisfied. Implied premarital sexual activity, brief nudity, several vulgar gestures, some sacrilegious humor and sexual innuendo, much profanity and crude language.

CNS: L (limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling); MPAA: R

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On TV n Sunday, Nov. 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “In Concert: Mozart: Mass in C Minor.” From Knights’ Hall in Wolfegg, Germany, a performance of Mozart’s “Great Mass in C Minor” n Tuesday, Nov. 26, 8-9 p.m. (CBS) “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Narrated by Burl Ives, this digitally remastered holiday special recounts the tale of a shy reindeer whose Christmas spirit is dampened because his shiny nose has made him the laughingstock of Christmasville. n Thursday, Nov. 28, 8-9 p.m. (ABC) “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” In this animated holiday classic, everyone’s favorite blockhead tries to do something special for the “Peanuts” gang. But the Thanksgiving dinner he arranges turns into a disaster when the caterers, Snoopy and Woodstock, prepare toast and popcorn for the main dish. Another “Peanuts” cartoon, “This is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers,” rounds out the hour. n Friday, Nov. 29, 8-8:30 p.m. (ABC) “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Boris Karloff narrates this classic cartoon and provides the voice of the villainous, Christmas-hating Grinch. n Friday, Nov. 29, 9 p.m.-midnight (PBS) “Barbra Streisand: Back to Brooklyn.” This episode of the series “Great Performances” captures Barbra Streisand’s first performance in her native borough since her childhood years (TV-G -- general audience). n Saturday, Nov. 30, 10:30 a.m.-noon (EWTN) “Vespers for the Start of Advent.” Live broadcast from Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Francis celebrates evening prayer for the start of the season of Advent. The liturgy will be rerun 5-6:30 p.m.

In 2010, Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake.

Today, the country is still reeling.

Watch the Mercy for Haiti film and help us continue to make a difference for those forgotten.

Visit urgentcares.org/haiti

Visit urgentcares.org to make a donation, or mail your gift (payable to CMMF) to P.O. Box 16367, Asheville, NC 28816

Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Highlights of U.S. bishops’ annual fall general assembly in Baltimore BALTIMORE — During the Nov. 11-12 public sessions of the annual fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore, the bishops: n Elected Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., to succeed New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and elected Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston as vice president. n Approved the development of a pastoral statement on the dangers pornography poses to family life that would serve as a teaching tool for church leaders. The Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth will develop the statement, providing a draft to the bishops in 2015. n Nearly unanimously approved several steps toward adapting the Mexican Misal Romano for use in the U.S. The Mexican translation of the missal will have Mass propers for the U.S. calendar included, with publication possible as soon as fall of 2015. n Approved adaptations for the Order of Celebrating Marriage and OK’d a new translation of the Order of Confirmation for use in U.S. dioceses. n Heard a report on the USCCB’s efforts to promote and defend traditional marriage, which stressed that recent laws have placed the legal defense of marriage “at a critical point in this country.” n Heard a report on the work of Catholic Relief Services, which highlighted what the agency is doing for survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan. The agency has already committed $20 million in emergency aid, with the funds expected to come from a second collection CRS asked U.S. bishops to take in their dioceses before the end of the year. n Approved a budget for 2014 and approved a 3 percent increase in diocesan assessments starting in 2015. n Heard a report on “important progress” being made in bishops’ priorities for 2013-16 in their efforts to protect the life and dignity of the human person, to strengthen marriage and family life, to promote religious liberty, and to improve faith formation and sacramental practice. n Approved adding a new staff person to the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities to work on a national level with the post-abortion ministry Project Rachel funded by a Knights of Columbus grant. n Approved the advancement of the sainthood cause of Mother Mary Teresa Tallon, who founded the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, an order focused on contemplation and door-to-door, personal ministry.

— Catholic News Service

A reporter asks a question during a news conference at the U.S. bishops’ annual fall meeting in Baltimore Nov. 11. Pictured from left is Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, Utah, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz.

CNS | Nancy Phelan Wiechec

Bishops elect new leaders, approve liturgical texts, discuss relief aid Catholic News Service

BALTIMORE — The U.S. bishops at their fall general assembly in Baltimore elected new leaders, discussed taking a second collection in their dioceses for typhoon relief in the Philippines, reviewed efforts to defend traditional marriage and religious liberty, and approved development of a statement on the dangers of pornography.

They also passed a number of liturgical items, including the use of a Mexican translation of the Roman Missal, and OK’d a budget for 2014 and a 3 percent increase in the diocesan assessment for 2015.

The actions came during the first two days of their Nov. 11-14 meeting. The bishops were to meet behind closed doors in executive session Nov. 13 and 14.

On Nov. 12, the bishops by a wide margin elected Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., to succeed New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The archbishop had been USCCB vice president.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of GalvestonHouston was elected vice president.

Both prelates were to begin their threeyear terms at the conclusion of the USCCB meeting.

In an interview with Catholic News Service shortly after his election, Archbishop Kurtz spoke of seeing the example of Pope Francis as a model for outreach, listening and collegiality.

“He’s asking us to go beyond what we’ve been doing,” he said.

Cardinal DiNardo had been set to begin a three-year term as chairman of the Committee on Divine Worship, but he had to vacate that seat when he was elected

vice president. The bishops in a 114-112 vote elected Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, N.J., to fill the spot over Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit.

The bishops Nov. 12 approved the development of a pastoral statement on the dangers pornography poses to family life that would serve as a teaching tool for church leaders. The Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth will develop the statement, providing a draft to the bishops in 2015.

“The more pornography spreads, the more violent and debased it becomes and the more it exploits the men and women who are part of the industry,” explained Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, N.Y., incoming chair of the committee.

Also on Day Two, the bishops nearly unanimously approved several steps toward adapting the Mexican Misal Romano for use in the U.S. The Mexican translation of the missal will have Mass propers for the U.S. calendar included, with publication possible as soon as fall of 2015.

The bishops also approved adaptations for the Order of Celebrating Marriage and OK’d a new translation of the Order of Confirmation for use in U.S. dioceses.

In his final address Nov. 11 as USCCB president, Cardinal Dolan stressed the importance of protecting religious freedom around the world and outlined action steps the bishops could take on the issue.

He urged the bishops to create an awareness of “today’s new martyrs” persecuted for their beliefs by writing and talking about the issue in diocesan newspapers, blogs, speeches and pastoral letters. He also said the bishops should contact their political leaders and

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Complete coverage from the U.S. bishops’ meeting in Baltimore

urge them to make the protection of “at-risk Christians a foreign policy priority.”

Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States, reflected on Pope Francis’ call to have a church built on Christ’s love.

“The Holy Father wants bishops in tune with their people,” he said. When he met with the pope this summer, he noted, the pontiff made “a special point of saying that he wants pastoral bishops, not bishops who profess or follow a particular ideology.”

The same day the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on the Promotion and Defense of Marriage said the legal defense of marriage is “at a critical point in this country.”

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco discussed the Supreme Court’s ruling that rendered the federal Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and Senate passage Nov. 7 of the Employment NonDiscrimination Act. He said the DOMA decision is being used to judicially challenge marriage laws in more than a dozen states. He also noted that “ENDA-like laws have contributed to the erosion and redefinition of marriage at the state level.”

USCCB, SEE page 23

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Status quo for undocumented called ‘stain on soul of nation’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — Passing comprehensive immigration reform is “a matter of great moral urgency that cannot wait any longer for action,” New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan told House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, in a Nov. 7 letter. Keeping undocumented immigrants “as a permanent underclass of workers who are unable to assert their rights or enjoy the fruits of their labor is a stain on the soul of the nation,” said the cardinal. “As pastors, we witness each day the human consequences of a broken immigration system,” he said.

“Families are separated through deportation, migrant workers are exploited in the workplace, and migrants die in the desert. In their attempts to respond to these human tragedies, our priests, religious, and social service providers in many cases are unable to help these persons without changes to the law,” he added. He urged the U.S. House to address immigration reform “as soon as possible” and called reports that immigration reform is “now delayed” “most troubling.”

Archbishop: Abortion law aimed at protecting women OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul S. Coakley called it “gravely disappointing” the U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider a challenge to a ruling that overturned an Oklahoma law requiring women who seek an abortion to get an ultrasound. By declining to hear the appeal, the high court

USCCB: FROM PAGE 22

The bishops voted to extend through 2016 a “Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Freedom,” originally intended to coincide with the Year of Faith, which began October 2012 and will end Nov. 24.

A report on the work of Catholic Relief Services highlighted what the agency is doing for survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

The agency has already committed $20 million in emergency aid, with the funds expected to come from a second collection the agency asked U.S. bishops to undertake in their dioceses before the end of the year. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., chairman of the CRS board, said the collection could be taken in dioceses the weekends of Nov. 16-17 or Nov. 30-Dec. 1.

Bishop Kicanas said it was expected that some funds will be set aside for the reconstruction of Catholic churches, schools and agencies, but the immediate need was for relief efforts.

In a Nov. 12 letter to Archbishop Jose S. Palma of Cebu, president of the bishops’ conference of the Philippines, Cardinal Dolan said: “Together with the Catholic faithful throughout this country, we assure you of our prayers for the victims of this disaster and for the survivors as they struggle to rebuild their lives.”

The cardinal also confirmed the U.S. bishops will also take up a special collection in U.S. dioceses to aid in relief efforts.

In other action, the bishops approved a budget for next year and approved a 3 percent increase in diocesan assessments

“declined to support a law that would assist and affirm women as they face a serious moral dilemma,” the archbishop said in a statement.

The 2010 law was passed in April that year and in May, a district court judge granted a temporary restraining order against it. The court issued a permanent injunction in 2012. The Oklahoma Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s ruling in December 2012. Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review that ruling, arguing the state court had become “too protective of abortion rights.”

“A woman who seeks an abortion is often very vulnerable, and women who have had abortions are at increased risk of anxiety, depression and substance abuse. We have a responsibility to ensure that no one is deceived or exploited to advance a particular agenda,” Archbishop Coakley said.

Wishing all of the employees of the Diocese of Charlotte a blessed Thanksgiving Day holiday!

704-839-3755 kaltman@metlife.com www.kenaltman.metlife.com

Ken Altman

Seven Gifts, Ltd.

Honolulu bishop: Same-sex ‘marriage’ a ‘manufactured right’ HONOLULU — Following a special session of the Hawaii Legislature, Gov. Neil Abercrombie Nov. 13 signed the bill causing all the commotion and made Hawaii the 15th state to legalize samesex “marriage.” Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva called same-sex “marriage” a “manufactured civil right” that is “symptomatic of a profound misunderstanding of the purpose of human sexuality. It is very sad that many of our state legislators and our governor have confused a manufactured civil right with a true civil right based on the centuries-old respect for marriage as a stable union between one man and one woman established and publicly recognized primarily for the welfare of children.” The bill, S.B. 1, gives samesex couples the same benefits and responsibilities as married couples in Hawaii while protecting, to a degree, clergy and religious organizations that oppose same-sex “marriage” from having to provide services or facilities for same-sex ceremonies. The law takes effect Dec. 2.

Your Catholic Resource Center www.sevengiftsltd.com

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— Catholic News Service

CCDOC.ORG starting in 2015.

In a report on the U.S. bishops’ priorities for 2013-16, Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle, chairman of that committee, said the bishops continued to “make important progress” in their efforts to protect the life and dignity of the human person, to strengthen marriage and family life, to promote religious liberty, and to improve faith formation and sacramental practice.

Archbishop Sartain also asked the bishops -- and they approved -- to add a new staff person to the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities to work on a national level with the post-abortion ministry Project Rachel.

The position will be funded by a Knights of Columbus grant.

The U.S. bishops’ National Advisory Council, a 48-member group that meets in tandem with meetings of the bishops’ Administrative Committee, gave “strong agreement” to the major items on the bishops’ agenda for the fall meeting and added a few more items, including a request the bishops make a concerted effort to make Catholic education more available to underserved populations.”

The council also suggested the bishops review the federal government’s Common Core State Standards initiative and consider a recommendation for mentoring and training programs for newly ordained priests.

The bishops elected three new members of the Catholic Relief Services board: Bishops William P. Callahan of La Crosse, Wis., Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Fla., and Cirilo B. Flores of San Diego. They also elected Bishop Richard J. Garcia of Monterey, Calif., and Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski to the board of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, better known as CLINIC.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Diocese calls for second collection to aid victims CHARLOTTE — Parishioners across the Diocese of Charlotte have the chance to help victims of the recent superstorm Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines through a collection taken up at Masses this month.

The second collection, where offered, will fund both short-term emergency aid as well as long-term disaster recovery efforts.

Donations should be made payable to one’s local parish, noted for “Disaster Relief.” Donations will be forwarded to the diocesan finance office, which will then distribute the funds to Church partners offering disaster relief and recovery to the affected areas.

In a Nov. 11 letter to pastors about this collection, Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, wrote, “As you are no doubt aware, Typhoon Haiyan has brought devastation and has caused tens of thousands of deaths in Asia, especially in the Philippines. The magnitude of the destruction and death is still unknown, but by all accounts this is a catastrophic disaster for the Philippines.” Monsignor West also encouraged people to continue praying “for all those impacted by this disaster,” and to give thanks “for the generosity of our parishioners to those in need.”

Wally Penilla, a parishioner of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte and local Filipino community leader who is helping to organize local relief efforts for CRS, said this week after the second collection was announced, “The response from the parishioners is quite tremendous – especially the immediate assistance for villagers. The second collection is very important because CRS is already is on the ground.

Funds coming from the U.S. would be especially critical. The area is 90 percent Catholic and many of the parishioners are front-line responders. In areas like that, the churches are the ones that help.

Unfortunately, a lot of the churches received damage.”

For more about how you can help the disaster response effort, go online to www.crs.org.

— Catholic News Herald

An altar server lifts up a broken crucifix as he and others clear debris from the altar area of the partially destroyed Metropolitan Cathedral in Palo, Philippines, Nov. 15 in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan. The cathedral is one of many Catholic churches, schools and convents damaged or destroyed in the powerful storm.

CNS | Wolfgang Rattay, Reuters

Caritas Philippines leader calls typhoon devastation ‘unimaginable’ Simone Orendain Catholic News Service

MANILA, Philippines — The devastation brought on by Super Typhoon Haiyan is on a scale so big it is “unimaginable,” said Jesuit Father Edwin Gariguez, head of Caritas in the Philippines.

“This is beyond our capacity,” Father Gariguez told Catholic News Service by phone from Cebu province Nov. 13. “That’s the reason why we have our Caritas network with us now.”

The head of Caritas Philippines and his counterparts from the Netherlands and Germany, as well as the communications staff of Caritas Internationalis, were on their way to Leyte, one of the provinces that bore the brunt of Haiyan’s first lashing on the central islands of the country. The plan was to appraise the needs on the ground and make contact with the various dioceses that have been affected.

Father Gariguez said the U.S. bishops’ Catholic Relief Services was doing the same kind of work ahead of a mid-November meeting with aid agencies and local parish priests to be hosted by Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu.

When the typhoon hit Nov. 8, the CRS country representative to the Philippines, Joe Curry, was already in Bohol dealing with relief from the Oct. 15 earthquake, so CRS was able to get its

assessment teams to Leyte Nov. 10.

With about 600,000 people displaced by the storm, the task of getting aid to Filipinos posed a challenge in terms of coordination and the logistics.

International aid started began arriving the week of Nov. 10, while local relief began immediately after the typhoon hit.

But days after the storm cut a path of damage that obliterated as many as 90 percent of the houses in some areas, there were still stories of people not receiving anything.

Adelyn Manos was one of those. At the entrance of the Villiamor Air Base in Manila, she took cover from the rain under at a tarpcovered shuttle stop.

She had just arrived via military plane from Tacloban, a city in Leyte that some are calling “ground zero” because of the decimation there from a 15-foot storm surge brought on by Haiyan.

It left bodies strewn about in its wake. Leyte is in the central part of the country where Super Typhoon Haiyan cut a path of destruction Nov. 8.

Tacloban had most of the recorded deaths, which the government has placed at 2,300 nationwide by Nov. 14. Ninety percent of the houses in the city of 220,000 were either damaged or gone. And almost all of its first responders were as badly affected by the storm as the people they were supposed to help.

“I came with them, my three children and a companion,” said the 35-year-old Manos, carrying her 3-year-old daughter. “And my other child, she died because the water went up so high ... she was not even buried because there are no coffins there.”

Her 8-year-old son said: “The water was so high. It was so high,” as he put his arm up to indicate the flood’s depth.

Manos said she decided to come to Manila because none of the food packs being distributed had made their way to her neighborhood. Her husband was living in Manila for work, but he did not even know she had arrived because her cellphone got clogged with water. Reporters helped her contact her husband and were trying to arrange for a ride.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino said Nov. 13 he expected the death toll to be around 2,500 – lower than initially predicted. That morning, the government put the death toll at 1,833; of those, 1,300 were in Leyte.

About 670,000 people have been made homeless or displaced and thousands are presumed killed

by Haiyan, which struck the Philippines and the surrounding region Nov. 8 and left many far-flung villages and coastal towns without access to supplies, power, transportation or communications.

— Tom Tracy contributed.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read ongoing coverage of the recovery efforts in the Philippines, including: — Nuns help debrief stressed typhoon victims arriving in Manila — ‘Spiritual Marines’ head to Tacloban to bless bodies after typhoon — Pope expresses solidarity with typhoon victims

— Desperate Filipinos add to challenging logistics of delivering aid — Irish missionary: Typhoon creates perfect setup for child predators — In Philippines, signs of faith among ruins of typhoon

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pope Francis’ first apostolic exhortation coming Nov. 26 VATICAN CITY — The Vatican will publish Pope Francis’ first apostolic exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), Nov. 26, two days after he formally delivers it to the Church at a Mass concluding the 2012-’13 Year of Faith. Apostolic exhortations, one of the most authoritative forms of papal writing, are often based on deliberations of synods of bishops.

“Evangelii Gaudium” is expected to take into account the October 2012 synod on the new evangelization, held at the beginning of the Year of Faith. However, last June, Pope Francis told the ordinary council of the Synod of Bishops, normally responsible for helping draft postsynodal apostolic exhortations, that he would not be working from their draft.

St. Peter’s relics to go on display at final Mass of Year of Faith VATICAN CITY — For the first time, bones traditionally believed to be relics of St. Peter the Apostle will be displayed for public veneration in St. Peter’s Square Nov. 24, at a Mass celebrated

by Pope Francis to conclude the Year of Faith.

The bones, discovered during excavations of the necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica in the 1940s, have been displayed in the pope’s private chapel but never in public.

Vatican envoy reminds U.S. bishops: No ruling on Medjugorje apparitions WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Vatican ambassador to the U.S. has reminded U.S. Catholics that the Vatican has not recognized alleged Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, Bosnia- Herzegovina, as authentic. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio, wrote to Monsignor Ronny Jenkins, general secretary of the USCCB, and told him the reminder came as one of the visionaries was scheduled to tour U.S. parishes. He said the reminder was being sent at the request of Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which has said it was not yet possible “to state that there were apparitions or supernatural revelations” by visionaries in Medjugorje. The letter said the visionary, Ivan Dragicevic, would make presentations about Medjugorje, where six village children said they first saw Mary in June 1981. Most of the Medjugorje “seers” have said the apparitions have continued every day for years.

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Pope chooses beatitudes as themes for World Youth Days VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has asked Catholic young people around the world to read, meditate and act on the beatitudes as they celebrate World Youth Day in their dioceses in 2014 and 2015 and as they prepare to join him in Poland in 2016. Taking the text of the beatitudes from the fifth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Pope Francis has chosen the themes for World Youth Day celebrations for the next three years, the Vatican announced Nov. 7.

The next international gathering will be held in Krakow, Poland, in 2016.

— Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father George David Byers

Father Matthew Buettner

Hope: Meet a little boy with USPS-Amazon deal: Win, win ... lose an ‘intolerable’ cross to bear O I first came to know a one-time parishioner of mine, “D,” when he was just 9 years old. He’s more than twice that age now. That he is even alive is quite miraculous, and a testament to his indefatigable parents and siblings.

According to the accounts of his doctors in the top-ranked children’s hospital where he was a patient, “D” should have been screaming all day and night from the intolerable pain of his various ailments.

Instead, the doctors were amazed to behold a happy little boy. To say that he was welladjusted would be an understatement.

Suffering had been an occasion for him to turn to Jesus, and, already at 9 years old, he had a graced wisdom I have only rarely found in adults even 10 times his age.

Many Catholic parishes and Christian denominations of all kinds throughout the South were praying for “D.” This caught the attention of journalists and even of groups of atheists, which would occasionally send a representative to interview him.

“D” didn’t like being the center of attention instead of Jesus. In sizing up his visitors for a minute or so, he would say just a few words – ever so gently – to cut through their mind games and reorient their hearts and souls to the truth about themselves before Jesus.

The best testament, however, to the friendship “D” had with Jesus is the drawing he made of Jesus as a boy, in the form of a Cross, so that Jesus’ very body was depicted as a living sacrifice. This is not the type of gory image that some psychologists might expect, for “D” knew that suffering itself was not what was so important, but rather self-sacrificing love. In his drawing, little Jesus is happy, smiling, giving us a “twothumbs-up,” with His fiery Sacred Heart radiating love.

Looking at that drawing again, one might think that it is a self-portrait of sorts, in which “D” identifies himself with Jesus. Does not “D” exclaim this with the accompanying words which he himself speaks? “Two thumbs up for carrying the Cross with Jesus.”

“D” then explains this awesome friendship with Jesus to us even more lest we, in our somewhat foggy relationship with Jesus, not understand what is going on with such a pictorial autobiography: “Jesus is helping me to carry the Cross, because He carried it all the way.” This is humble thanksgiving for Jesus’ total solidarity with us. Jesus gives “D” the fiery love of His own Sacred Heart.

Does this rambunctious friendship which Jesus also holds out to us ignore the effects of original sin, like some sort of “opiate of society,” as the atheists would say? No! The more entirely we embrace the truth of

who we are before God, the more we realize Jesus’ mercy. Jesus wants to draw us to Him in heaven, where every tear will be wiped away. Jesus goes “all the way” to show us His goodness and kindness.

The aches and pains we acquire through our lives are not stronger than Jesus’ love for us. Whatever is going on in our bodies at any stage of life, we can always perceive – amid the continuous chaos and distraction of pain and discomfort – that Jesus has a good grip on our souls and that He is drawing us to Himself. He may seem a million miles away, yet we know He is right with us.

We see His wounds. We are aware of His love. And then we know that mercy is majestic when it is based on justice, Jesus having taken on what we deserve because of original sin, and having the right in justice to have mercy on us: “Father! Forgive them!”

(Lk 23,34). This is the cry of the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Prince of the most profound peace.

If we are anxious to go to heaven to thank Jesus, we can already begin that now, thanking Him in His Eucharistic Presence at the Sacrifice of the Mass, during Holy Communion, during Adoration. Thank you, Jesus! But be warned! Love cuts through mind-games, and Jesus will surely instruct us about where we stand before Him – one of the greatest mercies there is. This is a mercy “D” provided to many, having them know that confession and forgiveness are what it is all about.

Father George David Byers serves in the western region of the Diocese of Charlotte. This is the second of three commentaries about suffering children. In Father Byers’ next column, meet a little girl who became a star poet from beyond the grave.

n Nov. 11, a new deal between the internet superstore Amazon and the U.S. Postal Service was announced that made major headlines around the nation: the USPS will provide Sunday delivery service for Amazon customers.

Not long ago, the USPS warned it wanted to end Saturday mail delivery, following a decline in mail volume over the past decade. In a surprising 180-degree turn, the USPS will not only retain Saturday service, but hopes to increase its revenue with the added delivery day on Sunday. USPS also hopes to edge out competitors such as Federal Express and United Parcel Service with the deal.

The giant online retailer also aims to profit by the new deal.

With the upcoming Christmas shopping season already under way, Amazon will be able to offer an additional convenience this season that is unmatched by its competitors, including Target, EBay and Wal-Mart.

It seems both USPS and Amazon stand to benefit from the new arrangement. In fact, many of the newspaper headlines are referring to the new deal as a “winwin.” But there is one party who stands to lose in the new deal: God. None of the newspapers consider the fact that Sunday service has never been offered by any delivery company out of respect for Sunday worship services.

Sunday has always been considered sacred territory because it is the one day that belongs not to big business, but to the business of religious duty. Sunday belongs not to the commercial exchange of goods and services, but to the exchange of gifts between God and man.

Now, hundreds of thousands of USPS workers will be asked to leave their churches and families to return to work on Sunday.

But this Sunday business activity is nothing new.

In current times we have witnessed an increasing erosion of the sacred, as the profane continues to hijack more real estate that was once considered restricted territory. Gone are the days when businesses respected the Sabbath as the day that employers and employees alike could set aside for religious and familial responsibilities. Sunday was the day to pursue the higher goods of worship and contemplation, recreation and leisure, and strengthening bonds of family and friendship – the day, in fact, which gave meaning and purpose to the other six days of work.

Nowadays it is common to hear of businesses boasting that they are open every day of the week for the convenience of their customers, or coaches clamoring for practices and playoffs on Sundays.

Sunday was once considered the Lord’s day. Now it is considered just another work day.

No longer considered the awesome and Almighty God, He has been reduced to a forgettable symbol, little more than a benevolent grandfather conveniently shuffled away to the “old folks’ home,” perfectly content to receive a card or an occasional visit from his children once in a while. Now, to extend the analogy, it seems hospice has been called in.

Again, the loser in all of this is God. But “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).

God’s loss is also man’s loss. When worship of the one true God erodes, so does the dignity of man.

Sacred Scripture reveals in its opening pages that God rested on the Sabbath.

Scripture also states that man is the only creature in the visible creation made in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, since man is created in the image and likeness of a God who rests on the Sabbath, man is commanded to rest on the Sabbath.

Whenever that Sabbath rest is jeopardized, so is the unique dignity of man.

Who in God’s creation doesn’t respect the Sabbath rest? The beasts? Actually, in their own way, the beasts pay homage to their Creator as articulated in the canticle sung in the Book of Daniel: “Bless the Lord, all beasts and cattle, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever” (Daniel 3:59). Even the beasts play their part in worshipping their Creator.

In fact, it is only the demons, fallen angels, who refuse and resist the call the worship by echoing the revolutionary cry of Satan, “I will not serve!”

Therefore, without worship, man not only becomes inhuman and inhumane, he aligns himself with the demonic.

What is the solution?

Flip what is upside down upside down again. Adopt the revolutionary war cry, “I will not serve!” and turn it against the secular revolution.

As consumers, we possess the power through our choices to comply or defy.

The upcoming Christmas season is the perfect opportunity to reestablish the primacy of God-with-us, the presence of Emanuel, in whose apparent absence the world wishes to capitalize. In other words, we have the choice to capitalize on this new deal between Amazon and the USPS. We can join the bandwagon and send the message to other companies that it is OK to exploit Sunday as just another day of commerce, or we can refuse to support the growing efforts of secular society to encroach on the Lord’s Day. This new deal is considered by many a “win-win.” Sadly, the new deal is a “bad deal” for God. Even more alarming, what will seem to be good for the economy in the short term will no doubt have longterm effects on the economy of salvation.

Father Matthew Buettner is the pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia.

November 22, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Peggy Bowes

Ponder with Mary during Advent “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

A

dvent is a wonderful time to ponder with Mary, as she must have spent much time in prayer and reflection during the final weeks of her pregnancy. I think it’s important to take time out of our busy schedules to spiritually prepare for the birth of our Savior, and the perfect person to help us do this is His mother. Following are a few ideas to spend time with Mary during the Advent season: n Read the Book of Isaiah: As a devout Jew, Mary likely read and reflected on Scripture during her pregnancy. The Mass readings during Advent often include passages from Isaiah because they foretell the Christmas story. Although Isaiah is a long book (66 chapters), it takes just a few minutes to read 2-3 chapters each day. As you read, consider the perspective of Mary as she read the same passages more than 2,000 years ago. n Consecrate yourself to Jesus through Mary: St. Louis de Montfort advocated the consecration to Jesus through Mary using a 33-day program of prayer and reflection.

Having done this program, I can tell you that it is rich in blessings but also very time-consuming and a bit of a challenge.

If you are up to this during Advent, by all means look for the many books and websites devoted to St. Louis’ total consecration.

However, if you would like to accomplish the same program in a less time-consuming (but still very spiritual) format, get a book called “33 Days to Morning Glory” by Father Michael E. Gaitley. You will need to read only 2-3 pages each day as you learn about the Marian teachings and reflections of St. Louis de Montfort, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and Blessed Pope John Paul II. Traditionally, the consecration is made on a Marian feast day and is begun 34 days earlier (33 days of preparation, followed by the actual consecration.) If you begin the preparation on Nov. 29, you will be preparing during Advent and will make the consecration on Jan. 1. On this day we celebrate both the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God and the circumcision of Jesus. n Pray the rosary: The joyful mysteries are especially relevant during Advent. A helpful tool for meditation is to read Bible passages for each mystery before praying the rosary. Another idea is to search for artwork that depicts each mystery (Google Images is a good reference) for a visual aid during meditation. Before you begin the rosary, say a quick prayer asking Mary to share her thoughts and guidance with you as you meditate. n Treat yourself to a Mary-themed Christmas gift: Increase your Marian devotion with a small gift that will remind you to turn to her for guidance. Ideas include a statue, framed artwork, Miraculous Medal, scapular or prayer book.

Peggy Bowes is a parishioner at Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy. She is a motivational speaker and author of “The Rosary Workout” (www.rosaryworkout.com).

The Poor Clares

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A meditation on total gift of self

od created us for love and union, the total gift of self to another person. The heart of man can only really be satisfied and fulfilled when he gives the complete and disinterested gift of himself. So how does the vocation to consecrated chastity fulfill the desire of the human heart?

The gift of chastity in our culture today is very mysterious and often misunderstood. The choice of responding to a vocation to celibacy is seen by many as unnatural, and a denial of spousal love. But the fact is that it is not a denial of the yearnings of the heart for love and union. The invitation of Christ to embrace virginity for the sake of the Kingdom – and it is an invitation, it cannot be forced – is rooted in the understanding that the body is holy and is meant as an instrument of self-giving. But this self-giving is not restricted to the level of human love.

The central theme of Blessed Pope John Paul II’s teaching on the Theology of the Body is that faithful, self-giving love, and the communion which results from this giving and receiving, reflects the inner life of the Most Holy Trinity. Since the time our first parents sinned in the Garden of Eden, God’s plan has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. John Paul II sought to help us realize that because of original sin, the body is a “value not sufficiently appreciated.” Therefore, he made it very clear, as it should always have been, that the call to celibacy and virginity is not a result of the fact one never found the right spouse to love or that marriage is understood as being sinful.

Far from it. No, the object of celibate love is God Himself, and it is a call from God to give oneself completely to Him in love.

To understand the beauty of the gift of consecrated virginity, we need to understand the gift of marriage, the way God intended marriage to be lived before original sin. One vocation cannot be truly appreciated without the other. In the beginning God created man and woman; the gift of masculinity and femininity are gifts that can often either be taken for granted or terribly misunderstood. The beauty of the gift of man and woman is that we complement one another – man cannot live without woman, and vice versa. Sexuality of persons is ratified in unity as we see in the sacrament of matrimony. When they were first created, before they sinned, Adam and Eve looked on each other as persons to whom they could give the gift of themselves in total freedom and love. Their relationship was not marred by selfishness or domination, and therefore it was free of fear. They understood each other as gift: not a gift to be taken, but a gift to give to the other. By embracing the vocation of virginity, we as consecrated religious give the gift, not only of our souls, but of our bodies and of our sexuality to the other, who is God. However, we cannot avoid the damage sin has done to our human nature. No, we need to find the path that leads in the direction we need to go to recover the “nuptial meaning of the body.” When Adam sinned, he and Eve (and therefore the rest of mankind also) lost the gift of grace. They could no longer go to heaven, and their hunger for the infinite could not be satisfied.

Yet they had a tendency to try to satisfy this hunger with their own egos or some lesser object. They were wounded, and we have all experienced the pain of these wounds. Our Lord uses the term “hardness of heart” in the Gospel in referring to this state of sin, which we know as concupiscence. Man’s three basic weaknesses are: pride of life which leads to self-will; the lust of the eyes, leading to possessiveness regarding money and possessions and the power they bring; and the lust of the flesh, leading to the use of sexuality as an occasion to use another person as a tool to satisfy one’s own needs.

Too easily we can blame these wounds on the body – if we didn’t have a body then we wouldn’t commit sins – but the problem is man’s heart, not his body. That is why in the Gospel Christ calls on man to address his “hardness of heart,” for even if the sin is not committed physically, it has already taken place in the heart. It is so important that we be aware of the wounds of our nature for two reasons: first, so we may avoid underestimating the power of sin in our lives; and second, so we do not fear our weaknesses in a scrupulous way. Yes, we are weak and we can and do fall, but God has not abandoned us in our sin. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to ransom us from death, so we rely on His grace to be faithful to Him. Two vital ingredients to living true, pure spousal love through the vow of chastity in our fallen state of human nature are temperance and friendship.

Temperance may not be the first virtue that jumps to mind when thinking of living chastity more faithfully and fruitfully, but to redeem the body, with the grace of God, we need to

develop self-control in the soul. It is with the cardinal virtue of temperance that we can live out the call of Christ to purity of heart. Temperance goes beyond moderation on things like food and drink. We need temperance born of a higher love, which through self-denial purifies the passions and strengthens the will. Charity and temperance are what strengthens our will to die to self for a greater good. And this in turn helps us to return to an appreciation of love as a giving, not a taking. Love is not self-centered but other-centered, and the other must include God. For us consecrated religious, that other must be God. True friendship is a powerful aid in the pursuit of virtue and truth. By our vow of chastity we give up the kind of affection experienced in the romantic love of marriage, but we do not give up all affection. A common problem in this area is that of “particular friendships,” but steering clear of the possessiveness which is the root of the problem, friendship can be a great aid in our growth in the spiritual life. For if one is unable to read love responses from friends and respond appropriately, how will one read and respond appropriately to the love of God whom we cannot see, hear or touch? We were made

by God to love and to be loved.

True friendships are formed by a commonly shared truth, so it makes sense that for priests and religious, their closest friends should be their fellow priests and religious.

Another point to be considered is the resurrection of the body. It is something we all believe and profess in the creed, but maybe something we have never thought too deeply about what the details might be like. Taking Our Lord’s words in the Gospel that in the resurrection of the body we will not marry nor be given in marriage but will be “like angels” in heaven, so after death the body will come to exist in a new relationship with the soul.

The resurrection of the body will be a new discovery of the mystery of the body. In heaven we will directly know God face to face,” and since man is a unity of body and soul, this knowledge must include the body and not only the soul.

Virginity is not the norm for man; we are “hardwired” for marriage.

We as consecrated religious give up marriage in this life to be an “eschatological sign” of the future life in heaven, where everyone will be so absorbed in God that there will be no marrying or giving in marriage. As consecrated religious, we are still called to give ourselves in a sincere give of self, for we can only be fulfilled when we give the complete and disinterested gift of ourselves.

Truly the invitation of Christ to embrace virginity for the sake of the Kingdom is rooted in the understanding that the body is holy and is meant as an instrument of self-giving. The body was originally created to be a means to give and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is confirmed by the fruitfulness (a child) of the giving and receiving of the gift of human love in the marital act. Our vocation as consecrated religious is not a denial of spousal love. Instead, by our surrender of physical love and family, we are a sign of the life to come: the life of heaven, which is the fullness of love and where spousal love will be concentrated completely on God Himself.

‘To understand the beauty of the gift of consecrated virginity, we need to understand the gift of marriage, the way God intended marriage to be lived before original sin.’

Sister Mary Gabriella of the Annunciation is professed with the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, St. Joseph Monastery, in Charlotte. Learn more about the community and subscribe to their newsletter by going online to www. stjosephmonastery.com. To learn more about this topic, read “Glorify God in your Body” by Dominican Father Brian Mullady.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 22, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

What does your gift do?

Strengthen broader ministries to support Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte • Catholic Education • Catholic Outreach

Help your parish to assist with local parish-based projects

• Clergy Support • Pastoral and Temporal Needs

Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love will be conducted across all parishes and missions of our diocese this fall or next spring. It will provide a solid basis for responding to the immediate needs of your parish and key diocesan ministries that either directly or indirectly benefit parishes.

The funds raised will help respond to the extraordinary growth experienced throughout our diocese, and address much-needed endowment security to prepare for the future.

• Each parish will decide how they will use their portion

But the vision for this campaign is far more than financial. This is an opportunity to take part in the new evangelization – fostering more engagement of our laity, strengthening the Church in western North Carolina, and renewing our spirit as a diocesan family.

The success of this effort will help us renew, strengthen and advance our diocese and parishes in the work of putting into action Jesus’ Gospel message of salvation.

www.forwardfaithhopelove.org