April 26, 2013

April 26, 2013

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6 INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes.................. 4-11 Schools......................... 12-15 Scripture readings............ 3 TV & Movies.......................16 U.S. news...................... 18-19 Viewpoints.................. 22-23 World news.................. 20-21 Year of Faith.................... 2-3

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A sacred place amid God’s creation San Damiano Chapel dedicated at retreat center,

‘I choose to fight’

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Immaculate Heart of Mary coach fighting cancer shows love is a powerful force – both on and off the court, 12

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Year of faith

catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Francis

Prepare for Last Judgment by serving the poor

C

hristians believe they are saved by God’s grace, but they also know they will be judged at the end of time on how they used the talents God gave them and how they served others, especially the poor, Pope Francis said.

“Today belief in Jesus’ return and in the last judgment isn’t always so clear and firm in Christians’ hearts,” the pope said April 24 at his weekly general audience. But “Jesus, during His public life, spoke frequently” about His coming again to judge the living and the dead.

After a long tour in the popemobile among the more than 80,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis continued his audience talks about the affirmations of faith in the creed.

While teaching about belief in the second coming of Christ and the last judgment, Pope Francis also spoke about what it means to live in “the intermediary time,” the time between the death and resurrection of Christ and His coming again.

It is a “time of vigilance when we must keep the lamp of faith, hope and charity burning, a time when we must keep our hearts open to goodness, beauty and truth. It’s a time to live according to God, because we do not know the day or the hour of Christ’s return.”

Christians continually must look for signs of God’s presence, he said; they must be vigilant. “Do not fall asleep. The life of a sleeping Christian is a sad life.”

He also spoke about the importance of using the talents God gives each person, and he urged young people to recognize their gifts and seek ways to use them to serve God, others and the whole world. “Do not be afraid to dream big dreams.”

Faith is a gift and salvation is a grace, “but in order to bear fruit, God’s grace requires us to be open, to give a free and concrete response.”

The time of waiting for Christ’s return is “a time for action.” Especially at a time of global financial crises, people must use their gifts to help others.

The parable in St. Matthew’s Gospel about the Last Judgment – using the image of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats – is not meant to frighten people, but to motivate them to act, the pope said.

The Gospel “tells us that we will be judged by God on our charity, on how we have loved our brothers and sisters, especially the weakest and neediest.”

The time before the last judgment, he said, is a time given by God, who with mercy and patience, wants us “to learn to recognize Him in the poor and the little ones, work for good and be vigilant in prayer and in love.”

A member of the Order of Friar Servants of Mary, St. Peregrine is known throughout the world as the patron saint of those who suffer from cancer and other incurable diseases. A national shrine to St. Peregrine is located in Chicago at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica.

Learn more at www.stperegrine. org/nationalshrine. This image is “St. Peregrine Healed by Christ Crucified,” by Gregorio Lazzarini (1655-1730), on display in the national shrine.

The importance of St. Peregrine today

Prayer to St. Peregrine

St. Peregrine was healed of a cancerous ulcer on his leg which was considered beyond saving. The fame of this event in 1325 spread rapidly round the western Church. Christians, and especially the sick, began to invoke his name and seek his intercession for the relief of their suffering and even for a cure from sickness. The canonization of St. Peregrine in 1726 increased people’s devotion to him that spread to the universal Church.

Even with great developments in medicine, there are still many diseases which are incurable. Some of them are claiming more and more victims.

Because of this, the prayers to this saint are becoming more intense and more frequent because this was a person who knew suffering and sickness in his life and also knew the power of divine grace helping him. The Servite family – with its friars, sisters, secular and lay members – is committed across the world to offering a “ministry of compassion” in a spirit of service towards those who are sick and suffering.

O great St. Peregrine, you have been called “The Mighty,” “The Wonder Worker,” because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you, you, who for so many years bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more; you who were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction, ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of these sick persons whom we entrust to you.

Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy.

Amen.

— Source: www.stperegrine.org

— St. Matthew Church prayer ministry

April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

‘MIRACLES HAPPEN’

St. Peregrine devotion helps those suffering from serious illnesses SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — The saints have a way of working powerfully in our lives, sometimes even before we know who they are. That has certainly been the case with the staff and parishioners at St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte where the devotion to St. Peregrine, which has grown strong over the past five years, really began with a current staff member in the humblest of ways more than 30 years ago.

It all started back in 1979, before the parish was even formed, when Michele Gauvin, the parish administrative assistant, was looking for a patron saint to pray to for her father, Raymond (who passed away in 1995), when he was diagnosed with lymphoma.

Gauvin was grateful to learn about St. Peregrine of the Servite Order, who lived in the 1200s and suffered from cancer. He experienced a miraculous healing of the cancer in his leg, and he lived until he was 80. When he died there were many miracles.

His incorrupt body lies in the cathedral in Forli, Italy.

When Gauvin shared information about St. Peregrine with the parish prayer ministry in 2004, they began to collect the names of those suffering with cancer so that they could be added to the parish prayer chain. They also began distributing St. Peregrine prayer cards.

By 2009 a monthly evening prayer service started in the main church. Gauvin received help from parishioner Tom Stevens in compiling special prayers for the monthly service, which usually attracts 150 to 200 people.

Stevens, whose wife and her aunt had a bout with cancer, saw how St. Peregrine worked in their lives.

“He’s such a wonderful saint,” Stevens said. “I tried to include information in the (prayer service) booklet that someone who would be suffering from cancer would want to pray about. I have seen the power of prayer. It can have a miraculous outcome.”

In bringing the St. Peregrine devotion to St. Matthew Church, Gauvin also sought information from Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Belleville, Ill., who has an annual “cure for cancer prayer day” around May 4, St. Peregrine’s feast day. They donated a painted image of St. Peregrine to the parish. She also contacted Father Joseph Chamblain, OSM, (who was director of the National Shrine of St. Peregrine at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in Chicago at that time). He helped St. Matthew Parish procure a first-class bone relic of the saint.

This created an opportunity to set up a devotion area in the Daily Mass Chapel so the faithful could pray to St. Peregrine for

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TOM STEVENS

(Top) The St. Peregrine statue at St. Matthew Church; (bottom) the shrine of St. Peregrine containing a bone relic of the saint in the Daily Mass Chapel his intercession.

Gauvin’s brother-in-law Daniel, who is a builder/contractor by trade, made the cabinet to house the reliquary. He was amazed at how the cabinet’s intricate construction “just fell into place.”

Gauvin compiled a little pocket prayer book, which has been distributed to thousands of people. Monsignor John McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church, even took the booklets on his sabbatical around the world last year.

He says with a smile that the devotion to St. Peregrine at the parish is “in large part because of Michele prompting me.”

Monsignor McSweeney said he also believes that the devotion has developed because of the rich, diverse prayer life at St. Matthew Church.

“We have a prayer line that people can be anonymously prayed for. Every day we pray the Liturgy of the Hours, rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet. We also have Eucharistic Adoration on Fridays for 24 hours. We also offer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick at the quarterly healing Mass – on the first Saturday

of every quarter – at the 9 a.m. Mass.”

He has seen firsthand that through prayer and the intercession of the saints, “miracles do happen.”

“The St. Peregrine devotion is significant,” he says. “There are stories of healing I know of that have taken place here. There is no human reason to explain the healings that have taken place.”

One healing concerned a young man suffering from advanced-stage cancer, Monsignor McSweeney recalls. The man had exhausted all available medical treatments, but he continued to attend the St. Peregrine prayer services.

The day after one of those services, and after having been blessed with the relic of St. Peregrine, the man got a call from his doctor. His cancer was completely gone.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, the parish now has a six-foot statue of St. Peregrine in the main church. It is placed next to the tabernacle, to the left of the altar.

The statue was dedicated by Monsignor McSweeney on Jan. 20, 2011, which coincidentally was Raymond Gauvin’s birthday. Michele Gauvin only realized the unexpected significance of the date just hours before the dedication ceremony.

“If it wasn’t for my father having lymphoma, I probably would not have discovered St. Peregrine,” Gauvin says.

She attends every monthly prayer service and sends out third-class relics of the saint to those who are ill, and she continues to distribute prayer booklets for the St. Matthew prayer ministry. Prince of Peace Church in Sun City, Fla., recently started the devotion and asked to use the booklets for its parish prayer ministry.

Gauvin has nurtured a 34-year devotion to this saint, whom she now considers a “best friend.”

Monsignor McSweeney, who carries a rosary containing a relic of St. Peregrine, reflects on the saint’s intercession in the lives of those who trust in St. Peregrine’s intercession and God’s will.

“I happen to believe it is the power of God. Miracles happen. You have to do everything in the earthly sense to seek treatment. But if God does provide a miracle, that is a plus.”

Resources online At www.stmatthewcatholic.org: Information about monthly prayer services at St. Matthew held typically on the fourth Thursday of the month can be found in the weekly bulletins.

At www.stperegrine.org: For more information about St. Peregrine.

Who was St. Peregrine?

In 1283 St. Philip, Prior General of the Friar Servants of Saint Mary, attempted to lead back to obedience to the Apostolic See the citizens of Forlì, Italy, then under interdict. He was driven out of the city with insults and violence. While this true follower of Christ was praying for his persecutors, one of the crowd, an 18-year-old by the name of Peregrine of the famous Laziosi family, repented and humbly asked Philip for forgiveness. The holy Father received him with love. From that moment the young man began to scorn the vanities of the world and to pray most fervently to the Blessed Virgin, asking that she show him the way of salvation.

A few years later, guided by the Virgin, he received the habit of Our Lady in the priory of Siena where he dedicated himself to her service. There, together with Blessed Francis of Siena, he committed himself totally to the Servite life.

After some years he was sent back to Forlì where, because of his love for God and Our Lady, he gave himself to the recitation of psalms, hymns and prayers, and to meditation on the law of God. On fire with love for others, he lavished a wealth of charity on the poor. It is said that he miraculously multiplied grain and wine during a severe shortage in his area.

Above all else, he was outstanding in his love for penance; in tears, he would reflect on the errors which he thought he had made and would frequently confess to the priest. He afflicted his body with various forms of mortification: when tired he would support himself on a choir stall or a rock; when overcome by sleep, he preferred the bare earth to a bed. As a result of this type of life, at the age of 60 he suffered from varicose veins which degenerated into cancer of the right leg.

His condition deteriorated to the point that a physician, Paolo Salazio, who visited him in the priory, decided, with the consent of all the friars, to amputate the leg as soon as possible. The night before the operation Peregrine dragged himself before the crucifix in the chapter room. There he became drowsy and seemed to see Jesus descend from the cross to heal his leg.

The following day, the doctor arrived to perform the amputation but could find no sign of the cancer, or even of a wound.

He was so shocked that he spread the news of the miracle throughout the town. This only increased the people’s veneration of Peregrine.

The saint died of a fever on May 1, 1345 when he was almost 80 years old. An extraordinary number of people from the town and countryside honored him in death. Some of the sick who came were healed through his intercession.

His body rests in the Servite church of Forlì where it is greatly honored by the people. Pope Paul V declared him blessed in 1609 and Pope Benedict XIII canonized him in 1726.

— Source: www.stperegrine.org

Your daily Scripture readings APRIL 28-MAY 4

Sunday: Acts 14:21-27, Revelation 21:1-5, John 13:31-35; Monday (St. Catherine of Siena): Acts 14:5-18, John 14:21-26; Tuesday (St. Pius V): Acts 14:19-28, John 14:27-31; Wednesday (St. Joseph the Worker): Genesis 1:26-2:3, Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24, Matthew 13:54-58; Thursday (St. Athanasius): Acts 15:721, John 15:9-11; Friday (Sts Philip and James): 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, John 14:6-14; Saturday (St. Peregrine): Acts 16:1-10, John 15:18-21.

MAY 5-11

Sunday: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29, Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23, John 14:23-29; Monday: Acts 16;11-15, John 15:26-16:4; Tuesday: Acts 16:22-34, John 16:5-11; Wednesday: Acts 17:15,22-18:1, John 16:12-15; Thursday (The Ascension of the Lord): Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:17-23, Luke 24:46-53;Friday (St. Damien de Veuster): Acts 18:9-18, John 16:20-23; Saturday: Acts 18:23-28, John 16:23-28.

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MAY 12-18

Sunday: Acts 7:55-60, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20, John 17:20-26; Monday (Our Lady of Fatima): Acts 19:1-8, John 16:29-33; Tuesday (St. Mathias): Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, John 15:9-17; Wednesday (St. Isidore): Acts 20:28-38, John 17:11-19; Thursday: Acts 22:30, 23:6-11, John 17:20-26; Friday: Acts 25:13-21, John 21:15-19; Saturday (St. John I): Acts 28:16-20, 30-31, John 21:20-25.

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ARDEN ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, 109 CRESCENT HILL DRIVE

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the coming weeks: APRIL 27 – 4:30 P.M. HOLY MASS STEWARDSHIP DAY EMBASSY SUITES, CONCORD

ASHEVILLE

APRIL 29 – 7 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, DENVER MAY 1 – 7 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION ST. ELIZABETH OF THE HILL COUNTRY CATHOLIC CHURCH, BOONE MAY 3 – 7 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION SACRED HEART CHURCH, SALISBURY

— Healing Retreat: Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend, April 26-28, sponsored by Catholic Social Services Respect Life Program. Retreat will be held in the Asheville area and is open to both men and women beginning their healing journey after an abortion.

For more information, contact Carla at 828-342-4655.

— Annual Spring Fling Gala for Education: Friday, May 3, at the Crowne Plaza, hosted by Asheville Catholic Schools. This year’s event will honor the legacy of the late Sister Anita Sheerin. To attend, go online to www.ashevillecatholic.org.

ST. EUGENE CHURCH, 72 CULVERN ST.

MAY 5 – 11 A.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION ST. BERNADETTE MISSION, LINVILLE

— El grupo de oración se reúne todos los sábados a las 7 p.m. en la Iglesia.

BELMONT

MAY 7 – 7 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION OUR LADY OF THE HIGHWAYS CHURCH, THOMASVILLE MAY 9 – 7 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH, MORGANTON MAY 10 – 10 A.M. DIOCESAN FINANCE COUNCIL MEETING PASTORAL CENTER, CHARLOTTE

— A Weekend with Hector Molina, a dynamic lay speaker and apologist from Catholic Answers. Upcoming Segments: 7 p.m. May 3, Biblical Wisdom for Marriage and Family Life; 1 p.m. May 4, Youth Talk, Why Be Catholic: The Case for Catholicism; 2:30 p.m. May 4, Spanish Talk, Biblical Wisdom for Marriage and Family Life; 1 p.m. May 5, Sola Scriptura, Blueprint for Anarchy; 2:30 p.m. May 5, The Seven Habits of Highly Evangelistic Catholics. All are invited to attend.

BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE, 100 BELMONT-MT. HOLLY ROAD — Spring Concert: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28, in the Abbey Basilica. Presented by the Abbey Chorus. Sacred and secular selections will include jazz, folk, spirituals and instrumentals. For more information, call 704461-6813.

QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH, 503 NORTH MAIN ST. — Community Shredding Event Fundraiser: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, May 4. Have your personal, confidential documents shredded and recycled to help raise money to promote environmental stewardship and energy efficiency projects.

— Faith Formation Group, “Triple B”: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. All parish members 45 years old and younger are welcome to attend. For details, e-mail qoatripleb@gmail.com.

CHARLOTTE PASTORAL CENTER, 1123 SOUTH CHURCH ST. — Estate Planning Seminar: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. The focus will be on wills, trusts, power of attorney as well as Catholic teaching on end-of-life issues. Attorney Christian Cherry will be presenting.

Seminar will also include Q&A session. To register, contact Judy Smith at 704-370-3320 or jmsmith@ charlottediocese.org.

ST. BASIL UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC MISSION, 1400 SUTHER ROAD (ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHAPEL)

— Feast of the Ascension Vigil Liturgies: 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, May 8th. Great Vespers will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. followed by Typica Service with Holy Communion.

ST. ANN CHURCH, 3635 PARK ROAD

10 a.m. Monday, May 13. Reflection will be led Father Christopher Roux, pastor of St. Patrick Cathedral.

For details, call Anita Di Pietro at 704-543-0314.

HAYESVILLE

— Family Rosary: 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 3. Father Joshua Voitus of St. Vincent De Paul Church will be presenting. The rosary will be prayed in Latin, Spanish and English. Everyone is invited to an evening of fellowship and prayer. Ice cream social following service. RSVP to ccwg2013familyrosary. eventbrite.com.

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY MISSION, 1433 HWY. 64 WEST — Bereavement Group: 10-11:30 a.m. Meets on Wednesdays, May 1-22. For details, call Shirley Moran at 706-896-1358.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, 8451 IDLEWILD ROAD

— Pro-Life Rosary to pray for an end to abortion: 9 a.m.

Saturday, May 4, rain or shine, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive. Parking available on site. For details, contact Jim Hoyng 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman 336-848-6835.

— Jazz music program: Saturday, May 11. Featuring regional jazz instrumental artists as well as vocalists from the St. John Neumann Parish choir and from Northwest School of the Arts. They will present selections from Duke Ellington’s “Sacred Concerts” and Peppie Calvar’s “Mass of Reconciliation.” For reservations, call the parish office at 704-536-6520.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — The Maronite Mission of Charlotte has added a second monthly Mass, on the fourth Sunday of the month, beginning: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 28. For more information, visit the Maronite Mission of Charlotte’s Facebook page.

— Evening Conversation on environmental justice entitled “Communities and the Cost of Coal”: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, in the New Life Center. Hear first-hand, expert testimony on the impacts of coal pollution on diverse communities. Hosted by the Rainforest Action Network. For details, email rhalas@ ran.org.

— Peace and Justice Ministry is sponsoring “Civil Dialogue in the Political Arena”: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 5, in the Banquet Room. Join us for a distinguished panel who will talk about the political issues at the top of their agendas. Presented by Bill Stetzer, Mecklenburg County ADA. For more information, call 704-243-1217.

— Open discussion group for mothers, “Called to be Mom”: 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, May 9. Group supports the vocation of motherhood by strengthening faith through Scripture readings. All mothers are welcome.

Contact Kerry Long at 704-243-6319.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, 1400 SUTHER ROAD — 6th Annual Multicultural Festival: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Experience the music, entertainment, crafts, cultural artifacts and sampling of food from countries all around the world.

For details, contact the parish office at 704-549-1607.

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

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, 6828 OLD REID ROAD

HIGH POINT

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 4145 JOHNSON ST. — Protecting God’s Children Workshop: 6-9 p.m.

Thursday, May 23. Anyone over 18 years of age interested in volunteering for VBS should attend.

Register at www.virtus.org. For details, contact Deacon Walter Haarsgaard at 336-885-5210.

— Adult Faith Formation classes entitled, “Vatican II Today”: 7:15-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, May 1-8. All adults are welcome.

— Annual Walk/Run: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 27.

Sponsored by the Pregnancy Care Center to support the unborn and their parents. To participate or get details, contact Lisa Hubbard at 828-306-0606.

— Second Annual Women’s Retreat: July 26-28. The weekend retreat will be held in Dover, Del. For details, e-mail Meg at uncgmeg@gmail.com.

GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, 2205 WEST MARKET ST. — Missa Cantata: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 28 ST. MARY CHURCH, 812 DUKE ST. — Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group “Servants of Light”: 10 a.m. Saturdays. Everyone welcome.

ST. PIUS X CHURCH, 2210 NORTH ELM ST. — Afternoon discussion presented by Grief Ministries, “Seasons of Hope”: 1:45-4 p.m. Sundays, April 28-May 19, in the Kloster Center. Anyone mourning the loss of a loved one is encouraged to attend. To register, call the parish office at 336-272-4681.

— A Living Rosary: 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4. In the outdoor Rosary area, presented by the Knights of Columbus Council. All are invited.

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.

— Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group Monthly Reflection:

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APRIL 26, 2013 Volume 22 • NUMBER 13

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

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April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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N.C. legislators eye banning abortions based on gender, other abortion restrictions PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CHARLOTTE — North Carolina lawmakers have proposed a ban on sexselective abortions, following a growing number of states that have enacted similar restrictions.

The bill is the latest in a series of legislation introduced by the Republicancontrolled legislature to restrict abortions, further regulate abortion facilities, and expand conscience protections for health care providers and for employers who object to offering contraceptives or

‘BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD’:

abortions in their insurance plans.

The bill introduced April 10 in the state House of Representatives by Rep. Ruth Samuelson, a Charlotte Republican, would prohibit abortionists from performing or attempting to perform an abortion when the sex of the unborn child is “a significant factor in seeking the abortion.” Abortionists would face stiff civil penalties – fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per violation. The bill would not penalize the woman for seeking or receiving a sex-selective abortion.

“I’m leading this bill because whenever this issue is polled, people overwhelmingly support the idea that

sex-selective abortions are not a good option,” Samuelson said. “Even Planned Parenthood has agreed that people should not be choosing abortion for the purposes of sex selection.”

She said she wants to codify that public sentiment in state law, as well as raise awareness of the issue and, she hopes, give women and abortion doctors a way to opt out of such abortions.

Samuelson acknowledged that enforcing the law would be difficult, as it relies on abortive women or their families to report the sex-selective abortion to state authorities and seek civil damages in court.

But, she said, she is hopeful that it will pass given public opinion and the legislative support for the bill that she has already seen.

The proposed ban on sex-selective abortions has the support of the state’s two Catholic bishops, who issued an alert through Catholic Voice North Carolina to more than 5,000 people. Bishops Peter Jugis and Michael Burbidge called sex selection “one of the most appalling aspects of the horrific act of abortion.”

Barbara Holt, director of North Carolina BILLS, SEE PAGE 11

San Damiano Chapel dedicated at retreat center PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

PHOTOS BY PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Supporters tour the new San Damiano Chapel at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville April 14. The prayer chapel is set in the woods on the retreat center’s 140-acre property, offering visitors a peaceful place to pray, worship God, and meditate on His creation.

STONEVILLE — More than 300 people gathered to celebrate the dedication of a chapel at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center April 14. The San Damiano Chapel, nestled in the woods of the 140-acre Franciscanrun retreat center north of Greensboro, offers a welcoming and peaceful place of prayer and meditation apart from the retreat center itself.

The dedication service included prayer, hymns and remarks by the chapel’s builders, supporters and volunteers, and Franciscan Father Louis Canino, who was all smiles as he thanked everyone who had helped in the project from its inception.

He likened the project to the painting of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, and just as in the movie “The Agony and the Ecstasy” – when Pope Julius II keeps asking the master painter “When will you make an end?” – he has been asking the same question of the builders through the months of inclement weather and problems with muddy ground.

“I’m happy to announce that San Damiano Chapel is now finished. While it doesn’t resemble the Sistine Chapel, it truly is a masterpiece,” Father Canino announced, choking back tears at one point as he expressed his gratitude to everyone involved. The chapel, he said, is simple and unadorned yet it is set amid the artwork of the greatest artist of all: “Our ever-loving God, Creator and Maker.”

“Like when He revealed Himself to Online Francis in San Damiano Church, may Christ also reveal Himself in an ever At stfrancissprings. deeper way to all those who enter this com: Learn more sacred place,” he prayed. about St. Francis Ken Anderson, a supporter of St. Springs Retreat Francis Springs since finding renewal Center in his Christian faith there several years ago, praised the latest project of the retreat center. The chapel, Anderson said, is a place to pray for others, build one’s relationship with God, “get quiet and listen” to God, and escape the distractions of daily life.

“It’s a place where I can remember all that He has done for me,” he said.

Dan Camia, one of the earliest supporters of the retreat center, credited the volunteers and supporters for the center’s development over the years, sharing Franciscan hospitality and spirituality with everyone who walks through the doors.

During the dedication service, the group prayed from Psalm 84, in part: “Happy are those who dwell in your house! They never cease to praise you. Happy are those who find refuge in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrim roads. As they pass through the valley, they find spring water to drink.”

After the dedication service, attendees walked into the chapel and sprinkled it with holy water.

The windows of the San Damiano Chapel offer an expansive view of CHAPEL, SEE PAGE 9

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 OUR PARISHES

Proposal would name road after Murphy pastor JOSEPH MARTIN THE CHEROKEE SCOUT

MURPHY — A portion of U.S. 64 East could be named for Father George Kloster, pastor of St. William Church in Murphy, if the state approves a recent proposal passed by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.

The resolution seeks to name the portion of U.S. 64 East from the Clay County line to William J. Wells Bridge for Father Kloster.

The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to do the same from the Cherokee County line to 2 1/2 miles of U.S. 64 East into Clay County.

Father Kloster, who is planning to retire soon after ministering in the diocese for more than 40 years, is being recognized in the resolution for his service to Cherokee and Clay counties.

He has either initiated or participated in programs and activities aimed at helping the poor Kloster and disadvantaged. His work has included: n helping start the Office of Economic Opportunity, an organization with the goal of economic developmental in Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain counties that has received national recognition; n working with the men’s club at St. William Parish to provide free lunches at the Free Methodist Church; n being instrumental in helping Catholic Social Services to bring relief after a March 2 tornado hit parts of the county; n ensuring that 10 percent of the budget from his parish goes to community outreach programs; n being a leader in United Way and charitable projects in both Cherokee and Clay counties.

The resolution also states that Father Kloster has received the distinguished service award from the N.C. Council of Churches.

Tracy Foster, secretary at St. William Parish, said of the resolution, “It’s a reflection of what Father George does. Please vote yes.”

St. William business manager Sylva Servin said of Father Kloster, “He’s very committed to the community and service to the community. He’s just a great leader.”

Servin described Father Kloster as a charitable man worthy of having a road named for him. “He’s a very good man,” she said.

Father Kloster said of the proposal, “I’m surprised.

I’m certainly humbled, yes humbled, but mostly surprised.”

Former Concord pastor celebrates 50 years as a priest NEW YORK — The Redemptorists offer prayers of thanks to God for their confreres who are celebrating jubilee anniversaries of ordination to the priesthood this year, including Redemptorist Father Michael Hopkins, who served as pastor of St. James the Greater Church in Concord from 1981 to 1987. Father Hopkins is marking his 50th anniversary as a priest.

He was born on April 6, 1937, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and first professed vows as a Redemptorist on Aug. 2, 1958. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 23, 1963. His first assignments after ordination were to Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baltimore from 1965 to 1968; St. Boniface in Philadelphia from 1968 to Hopkins 1969; St. Gregory in North East, Pa., from 1969 to 1973; and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bradford, Vt., from 1973 to 1976. In 1976 he was assigned as a mission preacher for two years, spending most of his time in the Redemptorists’ Vice Province of Richmond, which covers the Southeast. In 1978 he was assigned to St. Joseph in Hampton, Va., and in 1979 he was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Salem, Va.

He also served as pastor of Holy Rosary in Jacksonville, Fla., from 1987 to 1993. He returned to the Baltimore Province in 1993 with an assignment to the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston. In 1996 he began a threeyear assignment to St. Patrick in Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He returned to the U.S. in July 1999 and was assigned to St. Peter the Apostle in Philadelphia. In 2005, he relocated to Brooklyn, where he served as province secretary until 2008. He has been in residence at the Redemptorists’ residence in New York City since 2008.

The Redemptorists were founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori in 1732 in Naples, Italy. The priests and brothers minister to the spiritual and material needs of the faithful, especially the poor and most spiritually abandoned. Their primary ministry is preaching. There are approximately 300 Redemptorists serving in the U.S., and approximately 5,300 worldwide.

The Baltimore Province of the Redemptorists maintains its headquarters in Brooklyn. The province was created in 1850 and took its name from its home city of Baltimore.

The name was retained when the headquarters relocated to New York. For details about the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province, visit redemptorists.net.

— Stephanie K. Tracy

Spiritual retreat offered for young Catholic men discerning the priesthood

Father Kloster named finalist for national volunteer award CHARLOTTE — Father George Kloster, pastor of St. William Church in Murphy, is one of seven finalists for Catholic Charities USA 2013 Volunteer of the Year.

For 15 years, Father Kloster has volunteered for Catholic Social Services’ Office of Economic Opportunity, which works to fight poverty, strengthen families and build communities in far western North Carolina. He has been deeply involved in the program since it began in 1998, hosting community meetings to make the program responsive to real needs, serving as a mentor to families working to overcome poverty, helping write a position paper on the special needs of kinship families, chairing the OEO Advisory Board, and being the OEO “Number One Fundraiser and Friendraiser.”

He has helped raise more than $250,000 through annual events that he has initiated or led. As a volunteer and servant-leader in the community, Father Kloster has inspired many others to become agents of Christ’s love in action, Catholic Charities USA noted in its announcement.

Learn more FOR DETAILS, go to charlottediocese.org/vocations or contact Father Christopher Gober, director of vocations, at 704-370-3327 or vocationsmail@charlottediocese.org.

— Catholic Social Services THERE IS ALSO A FACEBOOK PAGE with information at www.facebook.com/ QuoVadisDays.

BELMONT — For young men who may be discerning a call to the priesthood, a spiritual retreat scheduled for five days in June offers a unique way to pray, reflect and actively seek answers about the priestly vocation.

The retreat, entitled Quo Vadis Days (Latin for “Where are you going?”), is being organized by the Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of Vocations. It will be held June 24-28 at Belmont Abbey College.

“Quo Vadis Days is based upon a successful program offered in a number of dioceses across the country,” said Father Christopher Gober, diocesan director of vocations. “As a result, these dioceses have enjoyed a steady increase in vocations to the priesthood.”

During the five days of the retreat, men ages 15-25 will have an opportunity to attend Mass, pray the Liturgy of the Hours, spend time in Eucharistic Adoration and also have time for personal reflection and interaction with diocesan priests and seminarians. Bishop Peter J. Jugis will celebrate Mass and participate in some of the retreat activities.

Organizers said they hope this inaugural effort offers a unique opportunity for young men to grow in their faith and delve into the meaning and mystery of the priesthood. They also hope it helps the young men to grow closer to Jesus and help them to discern their vocation in life, all while having a lot of fun with other like-minded Catholic men.

“Quo Vadis Days is intended, not just for young men who might be thinking about the priesthood, but for any young man aged 15-25 who is reflecting upon the meaning, purpose and direction of his life,” Father Gober said. “Hopefully, the event will strike an effective balance between the activity of a summer camp and the quiet of a retreat.”

Registration for Quo Vadis Days costs $100, which includes lodging at Belmont Abbey College, all meals and supplies.

Financial aid is available.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

Jesuit priest to share St. Paul’s wisdom on family, marriage, society CHARLOTTE — “Living Our Faith: The Wisdom of St. Paul on Family, Marriage and Society” will be the topic of a free presentation offered by the diocese next month.

Part of the diocesan celebration of the Year of Faith, the program will be given by Jesuit Father Joseph Koterski, a renowned professor and author.

In each of his letters, St. Paul emphasizes a different aspect of Jesus Christ’s identity and salvation history.

Koterski Father Koterski will highlight the implications of these insights, shedding light about who Christ is for our understanding of morality and for the proper way to live out our Christian faith.

Father Koterski will speak in: n Salisbury: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 3, at Sacred Heart Church n Charlotte: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, at the Diocesan Pastoral Center (lunch provided with registration) n Huntersville: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 4, at St. Mark Church n Mocksville: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 5, at St. Francis of Assisi Church Father Koterski is a member of the philosophy department at Fordham University, where he teaches courses on natural law ethics and on medieval philosophy. He also serves as the editor-in-chief of International Philosophical Quarterly. Among his recent publications is “An Introduction to Medieval Philosophy: Basic Concepts.”

Father Koterski also teaches at St. Joseph Seminary in New York and has been a faculty member of Loyola College in Baltimore and the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

He is a member of the board of trustees of Belmont Abbey College and serves on the advisory board of the Cardinal Newman Society and on the board of directors of University Faculty for Life. He holds a doctorate from St. Louis University and a Master of Divinity and a Licentiate of Sacred Theology from Weston School of Theology in Boston.

Father Koterski’s presentation is being organized jointly by the Office of Justice and Peace and the Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Charlotte. This will mark his ninth visit to the diocese.

It is free, but registration is requested.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Learn more FOR DETAILS, go to www. cssnc.org or call Catholic Social Services at 704-370-3228.

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Plan to attend upcoming estate planning seminar in Charlotte

DOREEN SUGIERSKI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Youths at the Totus Tuus camp at Holy Spirit Church in Denver had a blast making a “human sundae” last year.

Fun and faith focus of ‘Totus Tuus’ week-long summer camps June 9-Aug. 2 CHARLOTTE — College students from around the country who are trained as counselors to help Catholic youth grow in their faith will be traveling to the Diocese of Charlotte this summer to help run “Totus Tuus” summer camps at 17 parishes in western North Carolina.

Totus Tuus, a Latin phrase meaning “totally yours,” was the motto of Blessed John Paul II. It comes from St. Louis de Montfort’s “True Devotion to Mary” and focuses on the desire to give oneself entirely to Jesus Christ through Mary.

Trained Totus Tuus staff will lead youth in grades 1-6 and grades 7-12 through a week-long program of activities focused on the sacraments, the tenets of the Catholic faith and fellowship with members of the Totus Tuus team who are committed to helping the youth grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Totus Tuus camps will be held in: n Arden: St. Barnabas Church, July 7-12 n Asheboro: St. Joseph Church, June 9-14 n Charlotte: St. John Neumann Church, July 28-Aug. 2; St. Patrick Cathedral, June 16-21; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, June 23-28 n Concord: St. James the Greater Church, July 14-19 n Denver: Holy Spirit Church, July 21-26 n Greensboro: Our Lady of Grace Church, July 7-12; St. Pius X Church, July 14-19

n Hickory: St. Aloysius Church, July 7-12 n Huntersville: St. Mark Church, June 23-28 n Lincolnton: St. Dorothy Church, July 28-Aug. 2 n Linville: St. Bernadette Church, June 9-14 n Newton: St. Joseph Church, July 21-26 n Salisbury: Sacred Heart Church, June 23-28 n Shelby: St. Mary Church, June 16-21 n Tryon: St. John the Baptist Church, July 14-19

For more information about the Totus Tuus program, go to www.education.charlottediocese.net/faithformation/totus-tuus. Check local parish bulletins for registration information.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

‘EPHESUS, VATICAN II, AND THE YEAR OF FAITH’

May 2 reflection features talk on two Church councils CHARLOTTE — The families of Coetus Fidelius and Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church, will host the Superior-General of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter for an evening reflection on May 2 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the church on Park Road.

Father John Berg, FSSP, is an American who currently resides in the Order’s General House in Fribourg, Switzerland. He studied philosophy at St. Thomas Aquinas College in California and theology at The International Seminary of St. Peter in Germany. He holds a degree in theology from the Ponticia Universita della Santa Croce in Rome.

Prior to his election as Superior-General, he served as chaplain of the largest FSSP apostolate in North America, which is located in Sacramento. Father Berg also served as a professor and handled admissions at

Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Nebraska.

On May 2, Father Berg will give a reflection on the topic “Ephesus, Vatican II, and the Year of Faith.” This talk will compare different aspects of two ecumenical councils (the Council of Ephesus and the Second Vatican Council) in light of the Year of Faith. He will also discuss various issues related to the Mass and traditions of the Church, and he will answer questions following the reflection.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the rosary and benediction will proceed Father Berg’s, talk which will begin at 7:30 p.m.

To register for the free event, go to www. eventbrite.com/event/5802141361. For details, contact Chris Lauer at cslauer@gmail.com.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte will present a free estate planning seminar on Wednesday, May 15, at the Pastoral Center in Charlotte. The focus will be on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate and bequests as well as Catholic teaching on end-oflife issues. If you are preparing or updating a will, if you have recently moved here from another state, or if you have an interest in learning more about the probate process and estate planning in general, you will want to attend.

Christian Cherry, an attorney with Grier, Furr & Crisp, will present legal information.

Cherry is an estate planning attorney with a concentration in wills, estates, trusts and probate, and his presentation will include an open question and answer session. Judy Smith, gift planning director for the diocese, will provide information about planned giving and bequests.

“This seminar offers a great way to learn more about these important topics in a relaxed environment, along with the opportunity to have your questions answered by an attorney – and it is absolutely free,” said Ray Paradowski, president of the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation Board of Directors.

This is the second greater Charlotte area seminar offered by the diocese. Last year’s seminar was attended by parishioners from 13 parishes in the Charlotte area.

The seminar will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at the Pastoral Center, 1123 South Church St. in Charlotte.

Parking is free and refreshments will be served.

To register or get more information for this free event, contact Judy Smith at 704370-3320 or jmsmith@ charlottediocese.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 OUR PARISHES

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARJORIE STORCH

More than 350 people marched through Belmont to support House of Mercy’s 20th annual Walk for AIDS.

20th annual AIDS Walk raises $39K for House of Mercy BELMONT — About 350 people participated in the 20th Walk for AIDS April 13 to benefit House of Mercy, a nonprofit residence in Belmont serving low-income persons living with AIDS. The walk through downtown Belmont on a beautiful spring morning raised $39,491 for House of Mercy and brought increased attention to the need to care for those suffering from AIDS. One Voice Chorus sang a beautiful version of the national anthem to kick off the event. Stan Patterson, House of Mercy President, and Maggie Baucom, House of Mercy’s board chair, welcomed participants and honored the service of the

late Dr. John Capps, who served as House of Mercy’s medical director in the early 1990s and also was a board member.

Sister Jill Weber spoke about Sister Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, and her mission to serve the poor and sick. House of Mercy continues Sister Catherine’s mission by providing compassionate care for persons living with AIDS. Since its establishment in 1991 by the Sisters of Mercy, House of Mercy has been home to almost 300 men and women living with AIDS. Following the three-mile walk through Belmont, walkers gathered on the House

of Mercy grounds for a picnic lunch.

DJ Buddy Love provided music and inspiration for dancing.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church of Charlotte was the top fundraising team, and Scott Cloninger was the top individual fundraiser.

South Charlotte Associates of the Sisters of Mercy was the second place fundraising team, and Knights of Columbus Council 11076 was the third place fundraising team.

The “Walking for Dr. Capps” team came in fourth place. Keith and Tobey Lowe came in second place as individual fundraisers.

2013 Walk for AIDS sponsors are

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (South Central Community), St. Mark Church, Wells Fargo, ATCOM Business Telecom Solutions, POZ I AM, EMD Serono, PSS World Medical, Gilead Sciences, Walmart, RK T-Shirts, the Keith Haring Foundation, WSGE 91.7 FM radio, and Q-Notes. Also providing financial support were the late Dr. John Capps, Beam Electric Co., Dermatologic Laser Center, Goodwill Publishers, ScarfCart.com, and Toby Outdoor LLC. Learn more about House of Mercy and how to help: www.thehouseofmercy.org.

— Marjorie Storch

Be Not Afraid receives grant from Knights of Columbus TRACY WINSOR SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus has awarded a $50,000 grant to Be Not Afraid in support of its service to parents carrying their babies to term following a poor prenatal diagnosis.

BNA was founded as a parish-based ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte in 2009, but incorporated as a private non-profit organization with a board of trustees in 2011.

The organization supports parents who have been given a poor prenatal diagnosis. BNA’s work is peer-based, informed by the ethical teachings of the Church, and founded on a commitment to provide pastoral care to parents while offering a witness to the beauty of every life – no matter how brief or how frail.

BNA has been featured in national Catholic press and in a webinar sponsored by the National Catholic Partnership on Disability and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Pro-Life Secretariat. The organization was also featured in “Ethics and Medics,” a publication of the National Catholic Bioethics Center.

BNA has been increasingly asked to support service development in other Catholic communities outside the Charlotte diocese.

“We are currently supporting service development in the archdioceses of Omaha, Philadelphia and New York as well as in the dioceses of Rockville Centre, Brooklyn, Allentown, Harrisburg and Raleigh,” said Sandy Buck, BNA’s co-founder and program director.

“We provide workshops, and peer ministry and clergy trainings for interested organizations, and mentoring in service development,” Buck said. “And we have various printed resources including a pastoral care manual which

we can offer to developing services.”

She said BNA hopes to have a service development guide completed by the end of this year.

BNA’s effort to encourage service development in Catholic communities is a major interest of the Knights of Columbus. BNA will use the Knights’ funding to develop an online training program to improve access to BNA messaging and materials. The grant will also help BNA serve parents outside Charlotte in communities where there is not similar support for carrying to term or in communities where developing services need BNA assistance. Besides North Carolina, BNA has aided parents in New York, Georgia, California, Illinois, Missouri, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia and Florida.

“There is no cause to which the Knights of Columbus is more committed than the cause of life,” said Stephen Feiler, administrative assistant to Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “And the Supreme Council is pleased to partner with BNA in addressing this often overlooked, yet increasingly urgent dimension of the pro-life movement.”

Knights of Columbus funding came to BNA during a period of significant transition.

“Incorporation was a major development for BNA,” said Monica Rafie, chairperson of the BNA Board of Trustees.

“It took a year to pull together our board, which is comprised of parents who have experienced poor prenatal diagnoses and sometimes loss, as well as diocesan staff who have been supportive. And we feel very blessed that Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte has joined our Board as episcopal moderator.”

BNA has several ongoing projects for which additional funding is necessary. Speakers are available to address groups who may be interested in matching Knights of

Learn more FOR DETAILS ABOUT Be Not Afraid, contact Sandy Buck at benotafraidnc@live.com or at 704-948-4587.

Columbus funding.

“We are looking at options to translate our printed materials into Spanish, and at least one diocese is asking us to provide our peer ministry training in Spanish,” Buck said. “We are also working on revamping our website and our brochure to reflect more fully the scope of our work, and all this continues while we welcomed a baby with a kidney defect last week, and serve families preparing for newborn heart surgeries in New York City and Philadelphia in the next several months.”

BNA staff said they value most their direct support of parents who decide to carry their babies to term following a poor prenatal diagnosis. When parents are given information about how much BNA and other pro-life services can provide them with support through their decision, 80 percent of them choose not to abort their unborn children, BNA staff noted.

Judy Townsend, BNA project assistant, added, “It is an honor and a privilege to share the lives of these babies with their families … to welcome every baby joyfully and to offer support when birth brings death. I have always thought of myself as pro-life, but this work provides real perspective on what it means to value even the most vulnerable among us.”

April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

‘I was always searching for something that had more meaning than chasing dollars and cents.’

Ward

— Dan Ward

Chavarria

St. James Parish’s first business manager

St. James in Concord welcomes two to parish staff DAVID EXUM CORRESPONDENT

CONCORD — Although they come from completely different backgrounds, Dan Ward and Armando Chavarria are blessed to be a part of St. James the Greater Church.

Ward, 42, was recently hired as St. James’ first business manager and Chavarria, 29, a Nicaraguan native, is the parish’s new faith formation director.

“I am truly blessed to be here,” said Ward, who has served on the parish finance committee for the past two years.

“It is also a blessing for me to be here,” said Chavarria.

Originally from Binghamton, N.Y., Ward moved to Charlotte in 1997 to start his own trucking and real estate business.

After several successful years, including partnership with Coca-Cola Bottling in Charlotte, Ward sold his businesses and realized it was time for something more fulfilling.

“There was a lot of pressure and not a lot of meaning and purpose in what I was doing,” he explained. “After 15 years, it just wears on you.”

Despite Ward’s successful corporate career, he realized he wasn’t spending much time with his wife Oksana and their three children C.J., 12, an altar server at St. James; Allison, 11, a member of the children’s choir; and Daniel, 4 months.

“I was always searching for something that had more meaning than chasing dollars and cents,” Ward said. “The hours I spent and the time I spent away from my family was also becoming an issue for me.”

Ward said he is enjoying his work at St. James because it is more geared toward serving his community, instead of just making money.

“It’s a real change of perspective being here, and that’s great to have. I’m just happy to be here.”

Ward also said he enjoys his daily interaction with the clergy at St. James: Redemptorist Father Joseph Dionne, Father James Geiger and Father Fabio de Jesus Maron Morales.

“All the priests here are just wonderful to work with,” he said.

Ward also explained that as the parish’s business manager, it is his job to do many of the daily accounting and financial tasks that previously would have had to be

CHAPEL: FROM PAGE 5

the natural setting. Inside, there is a small altar for the celebration of Mass, and a San Damiano cross hangs above the sanctuary.

Outside, meditation gardens ring the

handled by the clergy.

Now an American citizen, Chavarria fled Nicaragua as a young boy in the late 1980s, when the Sandinista government was battling the Contras. Chavarria’s father emigrated to America to avoid persecution and to keep his eldest son, who was 12 at the time, from being recruited to fight in the civil war.

Chavarria grew up in Miami, Fla., and served in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla. He then moved to Steubenville, Ohio, to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theology with specialization in catechetics from Franciscan University.

“I really wanted to come in and make a difference,” Chavarria said.

Chavarria, who has three children – Daniel, 5; Mariela, 2; and Damian, 10 months – explained that he is trying a different approach with teaching children about the Catholic faith.

“It’s been a little challenging. When you’re teaching kids, you have to be very specific. (As adults) we use analogies all the time, and with kids you have to elaborate on everything you’re saying.”

Chavarria also said he enjoys the children’s Mass at St. James Church and thinks it is a vital component to attract families and children to the beauty of the faith.

“Even though the children’s Mass is abridged and there’s no second reading, that’s the purpose of it,” he said. “It is structured that way to enrich the children here and get them involved. That way, when they grow up, they’ll want to continue their faith.”

St. James Parish also has a large Latino community that Chavarria said he is excited to be involved with.

“Like other Catholic churches in the area, we are trying to integrate the Spanish community into the church here,” he said.

“The Hispanic community at this church is very involved, very vibrant. We’re trying to incorporate the Hispanic community into this church as much as we can.”

Chavarria said one of his goals is to illustrate to the children of the parish the power of faith and that their faith in God can give them strength for a lifetime.

“Ultimately, it all comes down to faith.

I want all of our parishioners to have a strong faith (in God) – and especially the children.” chapel and connect it to paths that wind through the grounds of the retreat center.

The chapel was designed by architect Jeff Juliano of Collins, Cooper & Carusi, based on a concept sketched out by Father Canino and retreat center volunteers and supporters.

Joe Bauer and Joe Thompson of New Age Builders, along with building committee cochairperson Frank Massey, led the sevenmonth construction effort.

OUR PARISHESI

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For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

Brevard parish presents living Via Crucis

In Brief

BREVARD — Sacred Heart Church’s Hispanic Ministry presented a bilingual Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) at the church on Good Friday, March 29. This was the third year that ministry members have organized the Good Friday devotion, which featured elaborate sound effects, costumes and props that help the faithful to meditate on Christ’s Passion.

Kevin McCall, who portrayed Jesus for the first time, said it was an emotional experience. “I’m following in Jesus’ footsteps in a more literal way than I ever have before,” McCall said after the realistic re-enactment. “It really gives me great appreciation for how deeply Christ suffered to bring us salvation from our sins.”

Jesus died by order of Pontius Pilate, who was played by Edmund Szypulski of Brevard.

Szypulski said, “It is difficult staying in character, because the guilt I feel by condemning Jesus through Pilate’s words reminds me of my guilty human nature.”

Maronite Mission adds Mass CHARLOTTE — The Maronite Catholic Mission of Charlotte is introducing a second monthly Mass beginning Sunday, April 28. Mass will be offered in English and Arabic by Father Kamil Chouaifati, pastor, starting at 7 p.m. in the chapel of St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. Subsequent Masses will be celebrated on Saturday, May 11; Sunday, May 26; Saturday, June 8; and Sunday, June 23.

Ascension liturgy planned CHARLOTTE — St. Basil Ukrainian Catholic Mission will celebrate the Feast of the Ascension Vigil Liturgies on Wednesday, May 8. Great Vespers will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. followed by typica service with Holy Communion at 7:15 p.m. The mission gathers at the chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road. For details about the mission, go online to stbasil. weebly.com.

Healing Mass planned at St. Thomas Aquinas Church CHARLOTTE — The next sacrament of anointing of the sick will be offered during the

— The Transylvania Times PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE TRANSYLVANIA TIMES

10 a.m. Mass on Saturday, May 4. If you, or any Catholic you know, is suffering from a serious or chronic illness, preparing for surgery, or is advanced in age, come to this special liturgy and receive God’s healing grace. If you need transportation, call the parish office at 704-5491607 or e-mail annettemorales@carolina.rr.com.

Schiele in Rutherfordton. Approximately 30 Scouts were awarded these emblems.

Troop 97 of St. Mark Church in Huntersville had the most emblem recipients, with 10 Boy Scouts receiving the Ad Altare Dei medal. They are (pictured above): Tristan Anderson, Thomas Caprariello, Brian Hack, Ben Hardin, Kevin Herman, Curtis Hoyt, Thomas Lang, Jackson Masterton, Chris Wheeler and Matthew Dahlem (St. Mark parishioner, member of Troop 19). Led

by Troop 97’s Kathy Hack (also pictured above), these Scouts worked diligently on an in-depth study of the seven sacraments. During their study, they were exposed to subjects like the vocations of marriage and the priesthood, where guest speakers shared insight and instruction while leading in-depth discussions. The Scouts also conducted a service project for their parish.

In addition, Bishop Jugis was awarded the Saint George Emblem for his significant contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the program of the Boy Scouts of America.

— Betsy Hoyt

Cursillo program planned CHARLOTTE — The Cursillo Community of the Diocese of Charlotte is host for this year’s “Regional Spring Encounter,” April 26-27 at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. Catholics from Florida to Mississippi will be attending the Friday night and Saturday sessions to hear interesting witness speakers share their faith journeys. All are welcome – you don’t have to be a “Cursillista” to attend. The program will conclude with vigil Mass at St. Matthew Church.

More information about the encounter and registration forms can be found at www.cursillo. org/region7, or contact Mary Phipps at mary. phipps@wellsfargo.com or 704-231-1611.

Need some shredding done?

Bishop Jugis, local Boy Scouts honored at Camporee RUTHERFORDTON — During the 37th annual Catholic Camporee March 17, Boy Scouts from around the Diocese of Charlotte were awarded religious emblems in recognition for completing study and service projects that encouraged growth in their Catholic faith formation.

Religious emblems (medals) were awarded to Scouts in the following categories: Par Vui Dei (Cub Scouts), Ad Altare Dei (Boy Scouts) and Pope Pius XII (Boy Scouts). Scouts from various Charlotte diocese troops were presented their emblems by Bishop Peter J. Jugis following a special Mass that he celebrated at Camp Bud

BELMONT — Bring your personal and confidential documents out to the parking lot of Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 North Main St., for shredding from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 4. Event partner PROSHRED Security will destroy your documents in a mobile shredding truck while you watch. Bring paper items only (small paper clips and staples are OK).

All shredded paper will be recycled. Donations to the parish are welcome, with $5 to $10 per file size box of paper requested. Proceeds will raise money to promote environmental stewardship and energy efficiency projects.

WE WELCOME your parish’s news! Please email news items and photos to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

BILLS: FROM PAGE 5

Right to Life Inc., said the legislation sheds light on situations where babies are being aborted simply because they are girls.

It is unknown how many sex-selective abortions are performed in North Carolina, Holt said, but she thinks it is a growing problem in the United States, not just a situation that occurs in countries where there is a cultural bias that favors sons over daughters.

A March report to the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women estimated that about 200 million girls’ lives have been lost worldwide because of sex-selective abortions and infanticide, based on recent changes in the average birth ratio between boys and girls.

Although it has occurred throughout history, sex selection for cultural, economic and social reasons is increasingly easier.

The advent of ultrasound and amniocentesis technologies in the 1970s, coupled with wider legalization of abortion and the substantial impact of China’s “one-child” policy, has created a dramatic gender imbalance which is particularly noticeable in countries such as China and India, researchers have documented.

Immigrant populations appear to be bringing this gender preference with them.

In the U.S., a very slight gender imbalance is starting to be recorded among Asian immigrant populations.

“Although the magnitude of prenatal sex selection in the United States is not on the scale of that seen in China and other Asian countries where it results in major sex ratio imbalances, the practice does raise serious ethical issues in the United

States,” concluded a 2011 report published in the medical journal of the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis.

But is sex-selective abortion really a problem here in North Carolina? There are no government statistics, but pro-life groups claim that with an increasing number of immigrants from places such as China and India often comes an accompanying cultural bias against girls.

In 2012, there were 22,370 abortions in North Carolina, according to the N.C. State Center for Health Statistics. The aborted babies’ gender was not recorded. Of those abortions where the race of the unborn baby was documented, 45.1 percent were black, 37.4 percent were white, 10.6 percent were Hispanic, and 4.3 percent were other.

Last year the anti-abortion group Live Action secretly videotaped two Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina abortion facilities in Raleigh and Chapel Hill, showing clinic staff advising women who said they wanted to abort their unborn baby girls. Live Action said on its website that it has documented similar cases of assent for sex-selective abortions at eight abortion facilities in five states.

“It’s a real problem,” Holt said. “Even though our country has always been for equality, this is something that’s not usually on our radar. We need to realize that it is a problem here in the United States.”

Congress has repeatedly rejected legislation that would ban sex-selective abortions (the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act, or “PRENDA”), most recently in 2012.

Ten states besides North Carolina have introduced legislation to ban sex-selective abortions: Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, New York, North Dakota and Utah. North Dakota’s bill was signed into law in March, and Kansas’s bill became law April 12.

The sex-selective abortion bans are

generally part of a package of legislation designed to restrict abortions and enact more regulations on abortion facilities.

Legislators in the North Carolina House and Senate are also considering three other pieces of legislation that would: — require abortionists to have hospital admitting privileges within 30 miles of their abortion facility.

— require that an abortionist be physically present throughout the abortion procedure and during the patient’s recovery at the abortion facility.

— extend conscience protections to nurses and other health care providers who object to offering abortions or contraceptives. Currently, the protection covers only physicians.

— widen the religious employer exemption in health insurance coverage of contraceptives to include “any employer, including, but not limited to, a corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship, whether on a for profit or nonprofit basis, that has a religious, moral, or ethical objection to arranging for, paying for, facilitating, or providing health benefits plan coverage for contraceptive drugs or methods.” The law currently exempts only non-profit religious institutions.

— list on the state’s website resources for women to seek help in cases of poor prenatal diagnoses.

— require the state’s public school health education curriculum to mention abortion as a preventable risk for later premature births.

Although national polls say a majority of Americans oppose abortions based on gender, sex-selective abortions are legal in all but six states: Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.

Holt said she hopes the North Carolina legislation will call attention to the practice

OUR PARISHESI

11

Bishops: Churches’ sales tax exemption aids help to poor CHARLOTTE — North Carolina’s bishops are asking state leaders not to consider eliminating the sales tax exemption for churches and other religious institutions.

In a letter sent April 15 to state Sen. Bob Rucho and Speaker of the House Thom Tillis, Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte and Bishop Michael Burbidge of Raleigh wrote, “... the elimination of the sales tax exemption for religious institutions would have a significant impact upon not only the churches in our state but also on overall services to the poor in North Carolina.

“On behalf of the parishioners of the two Catholic Dioceses in the state of North Carolina, we ask that you engage in efforts to ensure that any proposal to eliminate the sales tax exemption for churches will be stopped before it is introduced for further consideration.

The continued level of outreach to the needy and vulnerable in our state by our churches could depend upon your efforts in this regard.”

— Catholic News Herald

of “gendercide” here at home.

“We wanted to make sure North Carolina is no longer a place where this is going on, where unborn baby girls are targeted for abortion,” she said.

The sex-selective abortion bill was referred to a judiciary subcommittee April 11 in the Republican-controlled House.

If approved, the law would take effect in October.

Our schools 12

catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘You can choose to have a positive attitude and step up to the challenge, or you can choose to wallow in self-pity. And I choose to fight. I choose to fight any day.’

IHM’s small, but mighty, girls varsity basketball team, joined here by two junior varsity girls, finished 15-2 for the regular season and second in two postseason tournaments.

Pictured are (from left): Bailey Weston, JV’s Jordan Spinelli and Caroline Coyte, Maddie Ring, Coach Sherri Elliott, Emily Elliott, Carrie Sorrell, MaKenna Johnston, Anna Hamacher and Assistant Coach Laurie Sorrell.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Dr. Daniel Dolan, principal of Christ the King High School, surveys the new school site now under construction.

Fall opening planned for Christ the King High School SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

KANNAPOLIS — The permanent site for Christ the King High School is starting to take shape with construction well under way on the main structure and the practice gymnasium.

Dr. Daniel Dolan, principal, toured the school site, located at 10860 Davidson Hwy. in Cabarras County, on April 18 and said he is pleased with the building progress.

“We’ve had remarkable cooperation from the City of Kannapolis and Cabarrus County,” Dolan said. “We’re still on target to complete the academic building before the start of school.”

He said he was particularly excited about seeing the drywall go up on the interior of the building, which gave him a better view of the various classrooms. He also enjoyed seeing the brick exterior of the chapel going up.

The 20,000-square-foot school will initially feature eight classrooms, two science labs, an art room, chapel and gymnasium in addition to an informal learning space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Four more classrooms will be completed as enrollment grows.

Construction crews anticipated starting a bridge to cross a small creek behind the school that will connect the parking area to two soccer fields. Curb and gutter work for the entrance road and parking area as well as work on the soccer fields are also under way.

Two months ago Bishop Peter Jugis visited the building site and prayed with the high school students and staff for the construction of the new school.

Christ the King started in a temporary location in Mooresville in 2011, but will open in its permanent facility in August to serve the growing Catholic population north of Charlotte. The school sits on 100 acres just outside Huntersville. It is the Diocese of Charlotte’s third high school.

When it opens, it will also welcome freshman through junior classes (and adding an additional class the following year). It will graduate its first senior class in 2015.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PERRY ROACH

Coach shows love is powerful force on, off basketball court LIANNE FINGER CORRESPONDENT

HIGH POINT — Vince Lombardi, one of the greatest football coaches of all time, once said, “They call it coaching, but it is teaching. You do not just tell them ... you show them the reasons.”

In her 10 years of coaching girls basketball at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point, Sherri Elliott has followed Lombardi’s vision as both coach and teacher. And this year, faced with challenges beyond anyone’s control, Elliott has taught her players that with teamwork, self-discipline and, in particular, love for each another, success is sure to follow.

BUILDING A TEAM

Before the season even started, Elliott found herself in a tight spot. Only six girls showed up for varsity tryouts. Five are needed to field a team.

“Never in any situation have I had that few players,” Elliott says.

But she didn’t panic. She extended tryouts by two weeks, but still, no one else showed up. At the end of the second week, a worried eighth-grader Bailey Weston

asked Elliott what she was going to do.

“I said, ‘We’re going to come back and practice, and we’re going to learn how to play basketball.’”

Elliott, a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Women’s Hospital in Greensboro, began coaching girls varsity basketball at IHM when her son Sager, now a high school freshman, was a kindergartner. When her daughter Emily reached fifth grade, Elliott coached junior varsity for two years. Emily, now in the seventh grade, is one-sixth of the varsity girls team that also includes eighth-graders Weston, MaKenna Johnston and Maddie Ring and seventh-graders Anna Hamacher and Carrie Sorrell.

Over the years, Elliott’s teams have had their highs and lows, and she is the first to admit that coaching at a small, singletrack Catholic school is tough. The pool of available players fluctuates year to year.

When dealt with only six players, Elliott had some tough decisions to make. She was willing to use girls from the junior varsity team only when absolutely needed, because she didn’t want to take away the positive experiences they could have at the JV level.

Unwilling to change her coaching style,

Elliott decided that her six girls would have to dig in and work that much harder.

But she soon discovered they wouldn’t have to work alone.

“We had five siblings – five graduates of IHM – who volunteered to help,” she says.

Along with several parents, high school seniors Sean Hamacher and Nick Ring, junior Jules Weston, sophomore Tessa Johnston and Elliott’s freshman son Sager formed the practice team the girls practiced against every week. She says the arrangement made the team stronger.

“MaKenna (Johnston) had to guard against a six-foot-four high school boy!”

Elliott laughs.

“None of them asked me for volunteer hours. They did it out of the goodness of their hearts because that’s what we teach – to pass it on and give back.”

The girls also understood the precariousness of their team’s situation.

Bad grades or conduct, an illness or an injury knocking out one player, and the whole team would fall apart. So they each stayed focused, on and off the court.

“When you only have six players, accountability is high, so each girl took it seriously, took her health seriously,” COACH, SEE PAGE 15

April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Catholic school enrollment slightly drops, nationally and locally HOUSTON — U.S. Catholic school enrollment declined by 1.5 percent during the past school year, according to a report issued by the National Catholic Educational Association.

The Diocese of Charlotte’s 19 Catholic schools have also seen a slight drop in overall enrollment this year over last year, but nine out of the 19 diocesan schools saw enrollment increases. And the diocese continues to expand facilities at several schools to keep up with the growing enrollment going on in particular areas.

The NCEA report released prior to the organization’s annual convention, held in Houston April 2-4 and attended by more than 8,000 Catholic educators, also shows that Catholic educators opened 28 new schools and closed or consolidated 148 others during the 2012-2013 school year.

Karen Ristau, NCEA president, said that the closings represent a great loss for the country.

Ristau also pointed out that 525 Catholic schools have opened since 2000 and stressed that the “leadership and vision of Catholic educational leaders, business and civic leaders, working in collaboration with dioceses, make these new schools a reality.”

She said the challenge for schools closing continues to be where they are located.

“We have buildings, many of them historic, in metropolitan areas where the student population has declined. On the other hand, there are waiting lists for schools in many places because new school construction has not kept pace with the population growth.”

The NCEA president added that although there has been a significant decline in the total number of Catholic schools during the past four decades, the Church has not lost sight of its commitment to educate children who are poor, particularly in inner cities and urban areas.

“Catholic schools are a major force in these communities and we must continue to find ways to serve the poor,” Ristau said. “Despite population losses and great financial difficulties, 41.5 percent of our schools remain in urban/inner city locations. And when schools do close, dioceses make intensive efforts to help displaced students find a place in nearby Catholic schools.”

She said the schools that have closed would have stood a stronger chance if more school voucher programs were in place.

Currently, vouchers are in 12 states and the District of Columbia; 11 states provide tax credit scholarship programs; and six states provide individuals with tax credits or deductions for education expenses.

North Carolina provides tax credits for special-needs students, as well as charter schools and virtual schooling.

According to the “Annual Statistical Report on Schools, Enrollment and

Staffing: U.S. Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools 2012-13,” there are 1,415,244 elementary students currently enrolled in 5,472 Catholic elementary schools (grades PK-8). Secondary school enrollment (grades 9-12) declined slightly, with 586,496 secondary students currently enrolled, compared to 640,952 last year.

Catholic secondary schools total 1,213, compared to 1,225 last year.

The Diocese of Charlotte also saw a slight drop in student enrollment this year (less than 1 percent), although school leaders are continuing work to expand facilities in Charlotte, north Charlotte and High Point.

For 2012-2013, there was a loss of 52 students from the previous year: from 7,800 in 2011-2012 to 7,748 this school year.

Ten out of the 19 schools in the Charlotte diocese recorded enrollment declines.

According to the national statistics, student diversity in Catholic schools has increased significantly during the past 40 years. Racial diversity in Catholic schools nationwide last year was 19.6 percent and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was 14.3 percent.

In addition, 15.9 percent of students in Catholic schools nationwide are not Catholic.

In the Diocese of Charlotte’s elementary schools, white students make up 86 percent of the student population, and Hispanic/ Latino students make up 6.7 percent. In the secondary schools, 91 percent of students are white, and 5.3 percent are Hispanic/ Latino. Ninety-two percent of the local student population is Catholic, while 8 percent is non-Catholic.

The last school to open in the diocese was Christ the King High School in Mooresville, which opened in 2011 and is set to move this fall into its permanent location in Kannapolis to serve the growing north Charlotte area.

Two other schools in the diocese are also expanding: Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte and Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Church in High Point.

OLA added a seventh-grade class this year. The middle grades at OLA are being added incrementally, with the goal of making it a PK-8 school by 2013-2014.

At IHM, the school is moving into a new 72,000-square-foot Parish Life and Education Center that is being built and expected to be completed early this summer. Each floor of the two-story classroom wing will have 16,000 square feet, with the second floor completed as enrollment rises from the current 242 students to as many as 480. There will be two classrooms for each level, prekindergarten to eighth grade, instead of one, with small breakout areas between classes, plus an extra classroom on each of the two floors.

— Catholic News Service, with the Catholic News Herald contributing.

13

14

catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop McGuinness’ Robinson to coach future Olympians KERNERSVILLE — Brian Robinson, Bishop McGuinness High School’s head women’s basketball coach, has been named a coach of the 2013 USA Basketball Women’s U16 National Team.

The coaching selections were recently made by the USA Basketball Women’s Developmental National Team Committee and approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.

Robinson has previously served on the USA Basketball Selection Committee in addition to serving as the chairperson of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American Game. He will have to make several trips to USA Basketball’s Training Facility in Colorado Springs, Colo., starting with nationalteam trials in late May. He will be part of the three-person coaching staff that will lead the national team at the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Cancun, Mexico, on June 19-23.

“This is a tremendous honor and one

that won’t be taken lightly,” Robinson said.

“Working in the past for USA Basketball in different roles was an enlightening and educational experience, and there is no doubt that this role will do the same if not more. It is definitely a dream to coach for USA Basketball, something that is being looked on as a privilege with a high level of responsibility. The challenge to help shape a team in the short-term Robinson to possibly affect USA Basketball positively in the long-term is exciting.

“It is really great knowing that you have an opportunity to contribute to the continued success of USA Basketball.

Basically, your country is asking you to coach the kids that could be in the 2016 or 2020 Olympics.”

— Jeff Stoller

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief St. Gabriel champs in girls basketball CHARLOTTE — St. Gabriel School’s seventh and eighth-grade girls basketball team, coached

by Tim Rohan and Mark Keough, recently dribbled their way to a 8-0 regular season championship and emerged champions in the IFBL Tournament. They also won the preseason Brennan Tournament, making their overall record 12-0. The girls credit their winning season to terrific coaching and a sense of unselfish sportsmanship among the girls. The Rohan team, comprised of eight seventh-graders and two eighth-graders, includes: Elizabeth Anderson, Catherine Denton, Katie Dozzi, Jada Hare, Haley Hawkins, Annie Keough, Molly McGarry, Catherine Rohan, Abby Stapleton and Elsa Thies.

— Natalie R. Denton

April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

COACH: FROM PAGE 12

Elliott says. “We talked about staying healthy and staying conditioned because there were no substitutions.”

And all that hard work paid off.

Elliott’s mighty team of six ended its regular season 15-2. Their only losses came against St. Pius X, the largest program in the six-school Piedmont Elementary Catholic Schools Athletic Association.

A BAD DIAGNOSIS

But that’s not where the story ends. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the 45-year-old Elliott received some news that no coach, no woman, could prepare for. She was diagnosed with breast cancer.

At first, she says, she didn’t know if she should tell her players.

“I was so worried about affecting these young girls’ emotions, that I hesitated to tell them.”

Looking to the great Vince Lombardi, Elliott invoked his three ingredients of a winning team: fundamentals, discipline and love. Lombardi said the third, love, is the deal breaker, the “difference between mediocrity and greatness.” It is this tenet that Elliott chose as the most important for her team, as well, particularly in this moment. And once again, her team came through.

“It took a burden off my shoulders that I didn’t see coming,” she says, adding that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. “If I can be a mentor in life for them as I am on the

basketball court, then that’s my job.”

“We had a family cry, and then we said we’re going to finish the job we started and nothing was going to stop us. I told them I was going to fight cancer like they fought this season. We promised we would lean on each other, believe in God and face yet another challenge.”

“It was an awesome team meeting,” she says – bringing the team even closer with a renewed sense of commitment and desire to succeed.

Every game after that, the girls played in pink socks to honor their coach. Even IHM’s varsity boys decked themselves out in pink, and in the stands, fans began wearing pink, too.

The rededicated team placed second in the PECSAA tournament behind St. Pius X. The team also placed well in the regional Shamrock Tournament, knocking off a much-larger Holy Trinity team.

But in the heart and minds of these players and this coach, this team will always be first.

“They gave me strength,” Elliott says.

“These girls have given me strength to fight the battle that I’m fighting.”

Elliott says she plans to be back to coach next season. She has already begun chemotherapy and hopes to regain her strength by the fall. And if she needs it, she knows her community will be there to support her team, just as they have been.

“I wouldn’t let something like cancer get in the way of coaching Emily’s eighthgrade year,” she says, smiling.

“God gives you the gift of choice,” Elliott tells her girls. “You can choose to have a positive attitude and step up to the challenge, or you can choose to wallow in self-pity. And I choose to fight. I choose to fight any day.”

15

Mix 16

catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

On TV

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

n Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Genocide in America – In Your Back Yard.” Star Parker discusses how Planned Parenthood targets African Americans in their business strategy.

In theaters

n Saturday, April 27, 9:43 p.m. (EWTN) “And a Child Shall Lead Them.” An insightful glimpse into the power and beauty of the Divine Mercy Devotion: through interviews with those involved in the Canonization of St. Faustina, and members of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception. n Sunday, April 28, 12 p.m. (EWTN) “Holy Mass and the Sacrament of Confirmation.” Pope Francis presides over the Holy Mass and administering the sacrament of confirmation in St. Peter’s Square.

‘Oblivion’ Convoluted science fiction epic begins with a technician (Tom Cruise) and his navigator (Andrea Riseborough) tending machinery on an abandoned, postapocalyptic Earth so that the planet’s natural resources can continue to be harvested for the human refugees who now inhabit Saturn’s moon Titan. The unexpected arrival of a space traveler (Olga Kurylenko) from an earlier era prompt the inquisitive repairman to question whether things are really as they seem. An objectively immoral living arrangement, a scene of sensuality with shadowy rear and partial nudity, a couple of uses of profanity.

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

Additional reviews: n ‘Scary Movie 5’: CNS: 0 (morally offensive); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘42’ CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

n Monday, April 29, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Lives of the Saints – St. Catherine of Siena.” An insightful overview of the life of St. Catherine of Siena and her role in creating a more unified Church.

GREGORIO BORGIA | AP VIA CNS

This photo by AP photographer Gregorio Borgia of Pope Francis embracing 8-year-old Dominic Gondreau, who has cerebral palsy, captured the attention of people around the world. The moment took place after the new pontiff celebrated his first Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican March 31.

Through pope’s embrace, 8-year-old Rhode Island boy touches the world RICK SNIZEK CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — By Easter Monday, it was the shot seen around the world.

But a day earlier, Christiana Gondreau could not have imagined that a chance encounter she and her 8-year-old son, Dominic, had with Pope Francis in the middle of St. Peter’s Square following his first Easter Mass would touch the hearts of so many around the globe.

While making his way in the popemobile through a sea of faithful estimated at 250,000, the newly elected pontiff smiled and waved as he offered Easter greetings to those gathered.

At one point in his second journey around the square, on the way to delivering his Easter message “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world), the white Mercedes transporting the pope stopped. He reached over to greet Dominic after a compassionate Vatican usher named Augustino had repositioned mother and son at a corner of the path so the pontiff could better see them.

Pope Francis lifted Dominic, who has cerebral palsy, while embracing and kissing him. He also spoke to the boy before gently placing the child back into his mother’s arms.

“The pope definitely was whispering to him, but there’s no way of knowing what he said. Is it a secret?” Gondreau said in a telephone interview from Rome with the

Rhode Island Catholic, newspaper of the Providence Diocese.

She is certain, however, that the meeting was divinely inspired, and serves as a message that God shows favor to all his little ones.

“I do believe that it was a kiss from heaven, to say this child is loved and I know him,” Gondreau said.

As the pope moved on through the crowd, camera shutters continued to click on Dominic as those in attendance quickly realized they were witnessing a very moving moment.

“Your son is here to show others how to love,” Gondreau said one woman shouted out to her from the crowd after the pope departed.

Others asked her for her email, promising to send photos they had captured of the pope and her son. She would be asked for interviews by news organizations from around the world.

“There was a part of me that didn’t want to leave that spot,” she said, savoring the special moment.

After the papal address she then made her way back across St. Peter’s Square from the special seating area offered to one parent or family member accompanying someone with a disability to the Mass.

EMBRACE, SEE PAGE 17

n Wednesday, May 1, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Reflections of Glory, The Origin of Icons.” Catholic viewers are given an inspiring look at the history, development and meaning of iconography. n Thursday, May 2, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Shaking The Earth.” Learn about the amazing faith of the Peruvian people as they work to rebuild their lives following a destructive 2007 earthquake. n Saturday, May 4, 12 p.m. (EWTN) “Holy Rosary with Pope Francis.” From the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, recitation of the rosary presided over by Pope Francis. n Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m. (EWTN)” Stem Cells – The Hope, The Hype, The Truth.” Dr. James Rosetti presents a slide presentation on adult stem cell research versus embryonic stem cell research, and clears up common misunderstandings in this ongoing debate. n Saturday, May 4, 5-6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Jesus, Living in Mary: The Life of St. Louis de Montfort.” This profile of St. Louis de Montfort (1673-1716) recounts his upbringing, priestly formation, spiritual purification and canonization. n Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Rita.” The life of Rita of Cascia, the saint of the impossible and advocate of desperate cases, reveals the great faith of a woman who endured many hardships and difficulties on her journey to God. n Sunday, May 5, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Regina Caeli with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis recites the glorious prayer to Our Lady Queen of Heaven: the Regina Caeli. n Wednesday, May 8, 1 p.m. (EWTN) “Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen – Servant of All.” The personal story of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, one of the most influential voices of the 20th century.

April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

EMBRACE: FROM PAGE 16

It was there that she met up with her husband, Paul Gondreau, a theology professor at Providence College who is teaching a class in Rome this semester, and their four other children, including 5-yearold twin daughters Maria and Junia.

Paul Gondreau had become mesmerized by the encounter between his son and the pope that he had just witnessed on one of the large television screens broadcasting a live feed of the event from Vatican TV. His elder son Lucas, 12, was the first to notice the loving attention his brother was receiving from the pope, and quickly pointed it out to his father. “I was just speechless. Lucas and I started crying,� Paul Gondreau said. “It seems the pope was captivated by Dominic.�

He likened the tender moment between pope and child to an encounter of a modern Francis with a modern Dominic, referring to an historic encounter tradition holds once occurred between St. Francis and St. Dominic.

For Lucas, an altar server back home who since arriving in Rome has already experienced the honor of serving Mass at the subterranean tomb of St. Peter beneath

‘Your son is here to show others how to love.’

the Vatican basilica, witnessing the pope stop to greet his younger brother was something he’ll never forget. “It was so touching to see my brother being picked up and held by the pope,� he said. “You could see on (Dominic’s) face how happy he was.�

The professor, along with his family of seven, is living in Rome this semester as he teaches a course on the New Testament and the Eternal City.

Together, they’ve been there for momentous events in the life of the Church, from the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI to the election and installation of Pope Francis.

But the kindness shown to Dominic by Pope Francis will be the most enduring part of their experience together.

Paul Gondreau believes no one shares in God’s cross more intimately than the disabled, and that he extends his hand over the weak and the vulnerable so that they may serve as models of inspiration. “No one plans to have a special needs child,� he said. “They are a tremendous blessing.�

He describes Dominic as “cognitively normal,� meaning he understands what is going on around him and can speak some words and some simple sentences, but that his limitations are purely physical. “God has touched our family all our lives, now, he has touched the whole world with Dominic,� he added.

The Gondreaus’ eldest child, daughter Alena Maria, 16, has been using technology to keep family and friends back home up to date on the all the exciting events unfolding around them in Vatican City. “I didn’t think that in being here all this would happen,� Alena Maria said. — Rick Snizek is editor of the Rhode Island Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Providence.

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17

Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Three crosses for each of the three people killed in the Boston Marathon bombings are seen at a makeshift memorial on Boylston Street in Boston April 18.

In celebrating the Good Shepherd Sunday Mass April 21 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley offered it for the repose of the souls of those killed in the bombings and the subsequent manhunt.

Prayers also were said for those injured and for the first responders.

CNS | JESSICA RINALDI, REUTERS

Build ‘civilization of love’ in response to bombings, cardinal urges CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

BOSTON — Even though “the culture of death looms large” today, the light of Christ the Good Shepherd “can expel the darkness and illuminate for us a path that leads to life, to a civilization of solidarity and love,” said Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley.

“I hope that the events of this past week have taught us how high the stakes are,” the cardinal told the congregation at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross April 21, referring to the Boston Marathon bombings April 15 and the subsequent manhunt for the perpetrators.

“We must build a civilization of love, or there will be no civilization at all,” Cardinal O’Malley said in his homily at the Mass of the Good Shepherd, which he offered for the repose of the souls of those killed in the bombings and the aftermath.

Prayers were also offered for those physically injured and “for the brave men and women who saved countless lives as first responders.”

The attack left three people dead and more than 170 people seriously injured. By April 18, the FBI had identified two brothers who came to the United States years ago as from the Russian region of Chechnya: Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, and Dzhokar Tsarnaev, 19.

The two men terrorized the Boston area overnight April 18. While they were on the run, they fatally shot a Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer.

Tamerlan was shot dead by police, and by the evening of April 19 they apprehended Dzhokar, whom they found hiding in a boat in a backyard. He was severely wounded and as of April 23 remained hospitalized. He has been charged with possessing a weapon of mass destruction.

In his homily, Cardinal O’Malley talked of how Jesus, before He was crucified, said: “They will strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.”

“That is what happened to His disciples after the Crucifixion, as they scattered in fear, doubt and panic.

On Easter, the Good Shepherd returns to gather the scattered ... We too are scattered and need the assurance of the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for us, who comes to gather us in our scattered in our brokenness and pain, scattered by failed marriages, lost employment, estranged children, illness, the death of a loved one, soured relationships, disappointments and frustrations.”

When the bombings occurred and in the days that followed “we are all scattered by the pain and horror of the senseless violence perpetrated on Patriot’s Day,” Cardinal O’Malley said.

A week later, the congregation included some of those injured in the attack and “those who witnessed the terrible events that unfolded at the finish line of the marathon,” Cardinal O’Malley said.“Everyone was profoundly affected by the wanton violence and destruction inflicted upon our community by two young men unknown to all of us,” he said.

“It is very difficult to understand what was going on in the young men’s minds, what demons were operative, what ideologies or politics or the perversion of their religion. It was amazing to witness, however, how much goodness and generosity were evidenced in our community as a result of the tragic events they perpetrated,” he added.

In recent days, “we have experienced a surge in civic awareness and sense of community. It has been inspiring to see the generous and at times heroic responses to the Patriot’s Day violence.

“Our challenge is to keep this spirit of community alive going forward. As people of faith, we must commit ourselves to the task of community building.”

“We must be a people of reconciliation, not revenge. The crimes of the two young men must not be the justification

for prejudice against Muslims and against immigrants,” he emphasized. “The Gospel is the antidote to the ‘eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth’ mentality.”

After Mass, when asked about the fate of suspect Dzhokar Tsarnaev if found guilty of the bombings, Cardinal O’Malley told reporters the Catholic Church opposes the death penalty, “which I think is one further manifestation of the culture of death in our midst.”

“As believers one of our tasks is to build community, to value people more than money or things, to recognize in each person a child of God, made in the image and likeness of our Creator.”

“The individualism and alienation of our age has spawned a culture of death. Over a million abortions a year is one indication of how human life has been devalued. Violent entertainment, films and video games have coarsened us and made us more insensitive to the pain and suffering of others.”

Pope offers prayers for victims, first responders VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis responded to the bombings in Boston by invoking peace for the souls of the departed, consolation for the suffering and strength for emergency and medical personnel. In a message sent to Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said Pope Francis was “deeply grieved by the loss of life and grave injuries caused by the act of violence perpetrated” near the finish line of the Boston Marathon April 15. “In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, His Holiness invokes God’s peace upon the dead, His consolation upon the suffering and His strength upon all those engaged in the continuing work of relief and response.”

April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

19

Bishops: Immigration bill on right track, some changes sought PATRICIA ZAPOR CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Without getting into specifics, a panel of bishops said April 22 that a comprehensive immigration bill introduced the week before is on the right track, though they alluded to some aspects they would like changed.

Immigration legislation introduced in the Senate April 17 includes many of the provisions long-sought by advocates for comprehensive reform: It incorporates the popular DREAM Act, without an upper age limit; would offer a 13-year path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who arrived before 2012; would expand the pool of visas for skilled and unskilled workers; dramatically changes the process for adult children or siblings of legal residents to immigrate; and would create a new set of “triggers” for determining that the border is “secure” before parts of the law may be implemented.

While advocates for immigrants were quick to applaud in general the effort by the senators who wrote the bill, the legislation drew criticism over some specifics, along with some early praise.

Among concerns raised by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and two other bishops in a teleconference about the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013, or S. 744, were: n That the requirements for undocumented immigrants to participate in a path to citizenship will leave many behind, said Los Angeles Archbishop

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In Brief Bishop: Failure on gun measure shows ‘failure in moral leadership’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., said the U.S. Senate’s failure “to support even modest regulations on firearms” is “a failure in moral leadership to promote policies which protect and defend the common good.” The head of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development expressed “deep disappointment” that the lawmakers failed to pass gun-control legislation.

Gosnell’s clinic likened to a ‘baby charnel house’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — When a team of health officials and investigators looking into illegal drug use raided Dr. Kermit Barron Gosnell’s Women’s Medical Society Feb. 18, 2010, they happened upon what many are calling a “house of horrors. There was blood on the floor. A stench of urine filled the air. A flea-infested cat was wandering through the facility, and there were cat feces on the stairs,” said a grand jury report about the conditions found in the clinic Gosnell ran in West Philadelphia.

The two surgical rooms resembled a “bad gas station restroom,” according to Agent Stephen Dougherty of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. The team went on to recover the remains of 45 fetuses “in bags, milk jugs, orange juice cartons, and even in cat-food containers,” the report explained.

Jose H. Gomez, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration. He said the period of time the bill sets out for immigrants who are in the country illegally to get green cards and naturalize – 13 years – is too lengthy and the cutoff date for arrival – Dec. 31, 2011 – “leaves too

many behind.” n The bill would end a system by which U.S. citizens may petition to bring in certain family members, including siblings. n It includes requirements for certain border security goals to be met before provisions allowing people to legalize

CNS | LARRY DOWNING, REUTERS

Claudio Masche rallies for comprehensive immigration reform April 10 near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Thousands of demonstrators gathered to urge lawmakers to support a path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Three days later, the Pennsylvania Department of Health suspended Gosnell’s license. He was arrested in January 2011 and charged with seven counts of infanticide and one count of murder in the case of a Nepalese woman who died during an abortion.

Gosnell’s trial on those charges began March 18. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Gosnell.

Bishop: Fast action needed on arms treaty WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace urged U.S. leaders to take fast action on a United Nations treaty that will regulate arms sales across international borders. Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, called upon Secretary of State John Kerry to “expedite a thorough review of the treaty” so that the U.S. Senate can adopt it and President Barack Obama can sign it in early June. Noting that the Catholic Church has supported arms control as a means to limiting violence in the world, Bishop Pates told Kerry in an April 11 letter that the U.S. can set an example for the world by adopting the treaty quickly.

Catholic communities band together after tragedy in West, Texas WEST, Texas — More than a dozen people were killed and about 200 were injured in an April 17 explosion at West Fertilizer Co. that all but flattened the plant, nearby homes, apartments, a nursing home and a public middle school in the small town of 2,900.

In a town with a strong Czech and German immigrant history, the 120-year-old Church of the Assumption Parish is one of the largest communities in West, with about 1,300

registered families. Located about a mile from the blast site, the property and its adjacent school, St. Mary’s, were undamaged. The parish was being used as an emergency command location for the clean-up, and classes at the school resumed April 22.

Father Ed Karasek, the pastor of 24 years, noted on the parish website: “We have lost several folks dear to us and many, many more have lost a portion of or all of their possessions.” He also told Vatican Radio that in the close-knit town, everyone was coming together. “Everybody is related to each other, and they are all supporting each other,” he said.

Pope Francis called for prayers for the victims.

‘Shepherd in combat boots’ awarded Medal of Honor WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Catholic Korean War chaplain who selflessly pulled wounded men from enemy fire and helped his fellow prisoners of war keep a sense of hope was honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor, in an April 11 White House ceremony.

In paying tribute to Father Emil J. Kapaun, an Army captain, President Barack Obama told multiple stories of the “shepherd in combat boots” from Kansas who voluntarily stayed behind with the wounded to face certain capture, rather than evacuate when his division was overrun at Unsan, Korea, in November 1950.

Grand Rapids bishop named WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Walter A. Hurley of Grand Rapids, Mich., and appointed Father David J. Walkowiak, a Cleveland pastor, as his successor.

— Catholic News Service

their status can kick in. Salt Lake City Bishop John C. Wester, chairman of the Committee on Communications, said 10 years of ramped-up attention to border security hasn’t stemmed the tide of immigrants. Enforcement-only approaches “don’t work if they’re not balanced by humane policies,” he said. n The root causes of migration should be included in the bill. “When are we going to address the push factors, people escaping poverty,” asked Bishop Wester. He said attention must be paid to helping people stay in their home countries if they so choose.

Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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In Brief Panel of cardinals to advise on Vatican reform VATICAN CITY — Amid rising concerns about corruption and mismanagement in the central administration of the Church, Pope Francis named an international panel of cardinals to advise him on the latest reform of the Vatican bureaucracy.

The Vatican Secretariat of State announced April 13 that the pope had established the group – which includes Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley and Sydney Cardinal George Pell – to “advise him in the government of the universal Church and to study a plan for revising the apostolic constitution on the Roman Curia, ‘Pastor Bonus.’”

“Pastor Bonus,” published in 1988, was the last major set of changes in the Roman Curia, the Church’s central administration at the Vatican. It was largely an effort at streamlining by reassigning responsibilities among various offices, rather than an extensive reform.

Complaints about the shortcomings of Vatican governance increased markedly during 2012 following the “VatiLeaks” of confidential correspondence providing evidence of corruption and mismanagement in various offices of the Holy See and Vatican City State.

Pope Francis reaffirms Vatican’s call for reform of women religious group VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis reaffirmed the Vatican’s call for reform of the U.S.-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, told the U.S.based nuns’ group that he had “recently discussed the doctrinal assessment with Pope Francis, who reaffirmed the findings of the assessment and the program of reform for this conference of major superiors.”

The doctrinal congregation met April 15 with the LCWR leadership and Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, who had been assigned by the Vatican to oversee the reform of the pontifically recognized leadership group. LCWR is a Marylandbased umbrella group that claims about 1,500 leaders of U.S. women’s communities as members, representing about 80 percent of the country’s 57,000 women religious.

Vatican seeks expanded financial review VATICAN CITY — A major European regulator will conduct an expanded evaluation of the Vatican’s latest efforts to prevent money laundering and the funding of terrorism. Moneyval, the monitoring Committee of the Council of Europe, agreed April 9 to expand its next scheduled review of Vatican policies and procedures. The decision came in response to a request from the Vatican.

The words of our new pope One cannot follow Jesus, love Jesus without the Church

VATICAN CITY — Following Jesus means belonging to the Church, the community that gives Christians their identity, Pope Francis said.

“It is not possible to find Jesus outside the Church,” he said in his Mass homily April 23. “The great Paul VI said it is ‘an absurd dichotomy’ to want to live with Jesus without the Church, to follow Jesus outside the Church, to love Jesus without the Church.”

Dozens of cardinals living in Rome or visiting the Vatican joined the pope in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace for the Mass on the feast of St. George, the martyr. The feast is the pope’s name day; he was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

In his homily, Pope Francis spoke about the persecution of the first Christian communities and how opposition did not stop them from sharing their faith in Christ, but went hand in hand with even greater missionary activity.

“Precisely at the moment persecution erupted, the missionary activity of the Church erupted as well,” the pope said.

When the first Christians began sharing the Gospel with “the Greeks,” and not just other Jews, it was something completely new and made some of the Apostles “a bit nervous.” They sent Barnabas to Antioch to check on the situation, a kind of “apostolic visitation. With a bit of a sense of humor, we can say this was the theological beginning of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.”

Barnabas saw that the Church was growing, he said. The Church was becoming “the mother of more and more children,” a mother that not only generates sons and daughters, but gives them faith and an identity.

God is real, concrete person, not intangible mist The Christian faith teaches that God is a real, concrete person, not some intangible essence or esoteric mist like “god-spray,” Pope Francis said. In his homily April 18 at an early morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Pope Francis said many people say they believe in God, but what kind of God do they believe in exactly?

God is a real person – a father – and faith springs forth from a tangible experience of an encounter with Him. “We believe in God who is Father, who is Son, who is Holy Spirit. We believe in Persons and when we talk to God we speak with Persons” who are concrete and tangible, not some misty, diffused god-like “’god-spray,’ that’s a little bit everywhere but who knows what it is.”

Failure to evangelize makes ‘mother Church’ a ‘baby sitter’ All of the baptized and not just the clergy are called to spread the Gospel, even in times of persecution, Pope Francis said in his morning homily April 17. The pope spoke at Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, commenting on the day’s reading from Acts (8:1-8), in which the early Christians scatter to escape a “severe persecution” and then go “about preaching

Pope Francis embraces one of the 10 priests he ordained in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 21.

CNS | PAUL HARING

the word. They left home, perhaps they brought a few things with them; they had no security but went from place to place announcing the Word. They are simple believers, baptized for only a year or maybe slightly longer. But they had the courage to go and announce. And they believed. And they performed miracles.”

Catholics still need to enact teachings of Vatican II While some Catholics would like to undo the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, others basically are trying to build a monument to it rather than fully live its teachings, Pope Francis said. In his homily at Mass April 16 in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Pope Francis said Christians must struggle with the temptation to tame the Holy Spirit.

“To speak plainly: The Holy Spirit annoys us.” The Spirit “moves us, makes us walk, pushes the Church to move forward.” But, too often, he said, Catholics are like Peter on the mountaintop when Jesus is transfigured. They, like Peter, say, “Oh, how nice it is to be here all together,” but “don’t bother us. We want the Holy Spirit to sleep. We want to domesticate the Holy Spirit, and that just won’t do because He is God and He is that breeze that comes and goes, and you don’t know from where.”

The Holy Spirit is God’s strength, the pope said. People think it’s better to be comfortable, but that is not what the fire of the Holy Spirit brings.

Christian credibility undermined by hypocrisy The credibility of Christianity is undermined by pastors and faithful who preach one thing and do another, Pope Francis said. “One cannot proclaim the Gospel of Jesus without the tangible witness of one’s life,” the pope said April 14 during a homily at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

In his homily, Pope Francis said people outside the Church “must be able to see in our actions what they hear from our lips.

Inconsistency on the part of the pastors and the faithful between what they say and what they do, between word and manner of life, is undermining the Church’s credibility.”

Meekness sows harmony; gossip sows division Christians need to recover the value of meekness, particularly when they are tempted to speak ill of one another or gossip about each other, Pope Francis said April 9 during Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Complaining behind each other’s backs is a temptation that comes “from the Evil One who does not want the Spirit to dwell among us and give peace, meekness to the Christian community.”

— Catholic News Service

April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

In Brief

16, the cardinal said his country was witnessing “an organized and militant invasion by gender theory,” signaled by the rejection of “any difference between sexes as a means of human identification.”

The president of the Spanish bishops’ conference, Madrid Cardinal Antonio Rouco Varela, said his country’s 2005 same-sex OXFORD, England — Heads of Catholic “marriage” law remained “deeply unjust,” bishops’ conferences in France and Spain although the country’s Constitutional Court warned that the promotion of same-sex reaffirmed them in November. “We need to “marriage” could threaten social peace. “These restore to all Spaniards the right to clear long months of debate on the bill to allow recognition in law as husband and wife and marriage for persons of the same sex have recover a legal definition of marriage which highlighted predictable divisions,” said Cardinal does not ignore the specifics of one of social Andre Vingt-Trois of Paris. Addressing the life’s most important institutions,” the cardinal French bishops’ spring plenary in Lourdes April Spanish 10 X 10 charlotte catholic news_Layout 1 4/18/13 told 5:04the AM Page 1bishops’ plenary in Madrid.

“This is not something which supposedly affects only the private life of individuals. The basic structure of society is at stake,” he said.

French, Spanish bishops criticize promotion of gay ‘marriage’

Russian Catholics surprised at government raids OXFORD, England — Russia’s Catholic Church expressed surprise and concern after a wave of raids on its parishes and charities, part of a government clampdown on organizations with foreign links. “The Catholic Church is classified as an organization benefitting from foreign funds,” explained Father Kirill Gulbunov, spokesman for the Moscow Archdiocese, who added, “We can’t help feeling surprised that

21

associations linked with our Church are viewed as possible sources of extremism or terrorist activity.”

Father Gulbunov spoke April 9, the same day security agents raided the Moscow offices of Caritas, the Catholic charitable agency. On April 3, government agents “inspected” Caritas headquarters in St. Petersburg.

In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered checks on thousands of nongovernmental organizations and the seizing of computers and documents, under a July 2012 law requiring groups with outside funding to register as “foreign agents.”

— Catholic News Service

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Pharmacist of the Year Makes Memory Discovery of a Lifetime: Is It the Fountain of Youth for Aging Minds?

‘America’s Pharmacist,’ Dr. Gene Steiner, finds what he and his patients have been looking for – a real memory pill!

PHOENIX, ARIZONA — If Pharmacist of the Year, Dr. Gene Steiner, had a nickel for every time someone leaned over the counter and whispered, “Do you have anything that can improve my memory,” he would be a rich man today.

It’s a question he’s heard countless times in his 45-year career. He has seen families torn apart by the anguish of memory loss and mental decline, a silent condition that threatens the independent lifestyle seniors hold so dearly.

In his years-long search for a drug or nutrient that could slow mental decline, he finally found the answer in the pages of an obscure medical journal.

“I was studying materials about memory loss and cognitive decline, and there it was, right in front of me... evidence of a real memory pill!”

Gasping for Air? He saw evidence that older brains were ‘gasping for additional oxygen,’ a condition caused by poor blood circulation.

“Insufficient circulation,” says Steiner, “reduces oxygen to the brain, a sign of premature mental decline. This also restricts the supply of critical brain-specific antioxidants and nutrients.”

Reduced blood flow has another brainnumbing effect: it slashes the number of neurotransmitters in the brain, the messenger molecules used by the brain to help form thoughts, retrieve memories, and help its owner stay focused and on-task.

Fewer neurotransmitters circulating in the brain translates to concentration and memory woes.

So, Reynolds and a team of scientists developed a natural, drug-free compound shown in research to prompt aging brains to begin to ‘think and react,’ younger.

Tired Brains Snap Awake!

“It helps tired, forgetful brains to ‘snap awake,” says Dr. Steiner.

“This natural memory pill is to your aging, sluggish brain, what a breath of fresh air is to your lungs,” he says.

It works so well, explains Steiner, that Pharmacist of the Year, Gene the participants in a peer-reviewed, internaSteiner, PharmD, was so tional research study not only saw improveimpressed with his newfound ments in their memory, mood and memory powers that he recommended the patented, concentration, but they also regained lost prescription-free memory brainpower equal to that of someone 15 formula to his pharmacy years younger, all in a 30-day time period! patients with great success.

This made perfect sense to Dr. Steiner, “At the time, I was an anchor for a who knew instinctively that age-related medical program in Los Angeles. I was so memory problems may be correctable. excited that I contacted the author of the research and invited him to come on the After the Show program as a guest.”

After the show, Dr. Steiner confided to “I wanted millions of listeners to his guest that he was fearful of not being learn about this important new develop- able to recall certain subject matter for his ment!” popular radio show.

Dr. Steiner’s guest that night, US “He gave me a couple of bottles and researcher, Josh Reynolds, observed a instructed me on its use,” says Dr. Steiner common ‘disturbance’ in aging brains, one “Within a few days, I can tell you withthat may be the primary cause of degrad- out reservation that my memory became ing memory and concentration powers. crystal clear!”

Feeding an Older Brain The formula helps oxygenate listless brain cells to revitalize and protect them from free radicals caused by stress and toxins.

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Pharmacy Best-Seller “It became the best-selling brain health product in my pharmacy and customers were returning to thank me for introducing them to it.”

“It felt great to see so many people whose lives were enriched by taking a simple, natural formula.”

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even my husband was impressed with my improved memory. And I am very happy with my renewed mental clarity and focus!”

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Recently, Dr. Steiner relocated to another state and was apprehensive about taking the state board of pharmacy jurisprudence examination, a daunting examination that tests a candidate’s mastery of pharmacy law.

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“The recall I personally experienced was fantastic,” says Steiner.

Many frontline healthcare professionals are embracing this natural remedy for three reasons.

First, the formula was submitted to the rigors of a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, using the same FDA-sanctioned brain testing protocols used to qualify prescription-sold cognitive mediSeniors are more concerned about memory cines. loss and mental decline than they are about “The findings death, itself, according to a new survey. for improved brain func“With this simple, drug-free formula, tion were shocking,” says Steiner. we finally have something that we can Then, the results were shared with the recommend that is safe and effective. And world in a well-respected, peer-reviewed you don’t need a prescription either!” medical journal.

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ViewPoints 22

catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Letters to the Editor

Thank you for your prayers and support William L. Esser IV

I

Love and ‘gay marriage’

t’s always best to get your disclaimer on the table early, so here is mine: I’m a lawyer, I love my Catholic faith, and I love my country. So it should come as no surprise that I have been following the recent “gay marriage” cases before the U.S. Supreme Court with great interest. Not only do they represent a fascinating legal debate over state versus federal rights, but (far more importantly), they represent a crucial moment in the history of our country over the relationship between morality and the law.

On the first day of oral arguments, I listened to news reports regarding demonstrators who appeared outside the Supreme Court, and was discouraged to hear certain people referring to those with a same-sex attraction in the most vulgar and demeaning manner. It caused me to step back and reflect on how we as Catholics should act when it comes to the “gay marriage” discussion.

First (and foremost), our actions must be motivated by love.

When asked which was the greatest of the Commandments, Jesus said that to love our neighbors as ourselves was second only to love of God and that “There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mk 12:28-31) So we must be careful to never direct our arguments as personal attacks against anyone, regardless of the positions that they take or the sexual orientation they may have.

Our goal must always be to try to get to heaven and through our actions, help to lead others there as well. Using slurs and hateful speech won’t draw other souls to God, and hurts our own souls in the process. (Matt 5:22) Second, we must remember that many of our brothers and sisters with a homosexual inclination have not chosen their same-sex attraction. Regardless of the cause for that inclination (the nature versus nurture debate), the fact is that this same-sex attraction was not something they chose but is something they must deal with on a daily basis. “They must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity” as we are all fellow pilgrims on the same journey.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church 2358) Third, we must show our love for our fellow brothers and sisters by joyfully proclaiming the fullness of the Catholic faith. The Bible tells us that the Church is the “pillar and foundation of truth” (1 Tim 3:15). So we need to share that message. We cannot discard certain teachings simply because they may be unpopular in a secular society, but must accept all that the Church teaches. This includes the Church’s teaching that homosexual acts are “acts of grave depravity,” “intrinsically disordered” and “contrary to the natural law ... Under no circumstances can they be approved.”

(CCC 2357) Fourth, we must remember the reasons for marriage. As Bishop Peter Jugis reminded us during the recent vote over the North Carolina marriage amendment, marriage was instituted by God for the mutual love of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. These mutual purposes cannot be separated. (CCC 2363) Fifth, we cannot underestimate the importance of the law and marriage. In 2010, Pope Francis (then Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina) noted that the attempt to redefine marriage puts at stake the very “identity and survival of the family: father, mother and children.” Because of this, we cannot simply “hold our peace” or remain silent on the issue. We are called to be “the light of the world,” not hiding under a bushel basket. (Matt 5:14-16).

Archbishop Charles Chaput said it well in his book “Render Unto Caesar”: “If we really love this country, and if we really treasure our faith, living our Catholic beliefs without excuses or apologies, and advancing them in the public square, are the best expressions of patriotism we can give to the nation.”

May God guide the Supreme Court and our great country. St. Thomas More, patron of judges and lawyers, pray for us.

WILLIAM L. ESSER IV is a lawyer, husband, father and parishioner at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

On behalf of our community and parish, we extend our gratitude to each of you who remembered us in prayer following the events of Dec. 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

We quickly realized the universality of the Church by the outpouring of support and concern that was shown to us by so many in our faith communities.

The cards and letters from staff and students in Catholic elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities reminded us of the faith to which we are called to witness through the tradition of Catholic education.

No less important were the number of cards from parish religious education programs, especially the sacramental programs. We were also contacted by many Catholic organizations and groups on both the local and national levels. The list of parishes, Catholic based groups and dioceses who contacted us is an overwhelming one.

We are also very appreciative of the number of donations sent to us to assist our parish in our continuing ministry to the community, to help pay the expenses of the victims’ funerals, to support counseling programs, to provide direct aid to the families and so on. Your generosity reminded us that we are not alone during this very sad and challenging time.

We also want to thank our brother priests, deacons and religious sisters and brothers for their letters of support and encouragement. Spiritual bouquets, Mass cards, hours of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and remembrances by many prayer groups have lifted our spirits knowing that our intentions are ever before the Lord. We also received a number or rosaries, prayer shawls, religious works of art, memorial vestments, reliquaries, books focusing on grief and healing, original and recorded religious CDs and a variety of poems, spiritual reflections and meditations to help guide us in providing comfort and support.

While we tried to acknowledge every letter and gift sent to us, it became an overwhelming task, so please accept this letter as a thank you to every person who remembered us in prayer during the days immediately following the tragedy to these days of recovery and healing. We know that the road ahead of us will be a long one, but we are given great hope by the outpouring of generosity and love shown to us. We are truly blessed by your many acts of faith and kindness.

Please know that you remain in our prayers of gratitude for the goodness you have demonstrated to us in so many ways.

MSGR. ROBERT WEISS is pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, Conn.

Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be in good taste.

To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name,

Redefining marriage does not help anyone Children have implanted in their nature a need for a mother and a father to nurture them. Even children raised in a one-parent home know they have a female birth mother and a male birth father.

This is normal and natural.

Redefining marriage to include homosexual couples, just to satisfy a handful of people who want society to legitimize their disordered view of marriage, does not help those with same-sex orientation – it hurts them.

Those with a same-sex orientation need our help and compassion, which lying and twisting the meaning of marriage does not give them. As children of God, they need to know the truth.

Marriage is the union of a man and a woman, meant by God for their sanctification and for the procreation of children. Denying this truth can only hurt everyone involved, especially children.

Those who support this behavior, knowingly disregarding the teaching of the Church, have more responsibility because they should know better.

Truly, we must love the sinner and hate the sin.

MARGARET NOGY lives in Indian Trail.

Saint was not a good example It is mystifying to me that while we promote the teachings of Jesus, we continue to emulate people who did not follow those teachings. St. Nicholas of Flue, “a soldier who distinguished himself in combat; reported to have fought with a sword in one hand, a rosary in the other,” (April 12 edition of the Catholic News Herald) is hardly in my view an example of following the teachings of Jesus on violence. The Gospel of Matthew says that Jesus told a combative follower to “Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Apparently Nicholas, like many of us today, didn’t believe those words of Jesus to be practical teaching. Employing logic again, we must conclude that using the sword and the rosary together are contradictory, if not blasphemous.

At the very least, if you have to use the sword (or gun), which might be necessary, don’t get it entangled with your rosary. And most of all, don’t hold up “sacred violence” as something to be emulated in family life or otherwise.

KENNETH SCHAMMEL lives in Cornelius.

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Most-read stories on the web Through press time on April 24, 4,004 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 9,511 pages. The top seven headlines in April so far are: n Father Klepacki traveled the world to serve God, country for 35 years .............................................................. 182

n Bishop Jugis: Live the Easter spirit of joyful hope every day ................................................................................................83

n Walk in the footsteps of Jesus (pilgrimage blog).........137

n Two priest assignments announced for Hendersonville, Brevard ........................................................................................80

n Pope Francis: We still need to enact Vatican II teachings . ...................................................................................................... 100 n Knights wash men’s feet at local homeless shelter.....99

n Words of Wisdom: Homilies posted online from pastors of the diocese............................................................................. 67

April 26, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Peggy Bowes

The Poor Clares

“I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.” — Blanche DeBois, “A Streetcar Named Desire”

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was quietly praying the rosary, holding a “Pray to Stop Abortion” sign outside Planned Parenthood in Winston-Salem, when a delivery truck pulled to the curb.

The driver jumped out and headed toward me, holding a bottle of water and a banana.

He handed them to me and said quietly, “It’s a hot day. Please take these. I’m so glad you are here.” I barely had time to thank him before he turned around, climbed back into his truck and drove away.

I told this story to my friend Robyn over lunch, along with several other anecdotes of strangers who randomly helped me and my family over the years. A few weeks later, Robyn related that our conversation had given her inspiration to “be the stranger” as she actively looked for ways to help others.

This is exactly what Christ tells us to do: “I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me … As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matt 25:35, 40) Interestingly, the stranger can be both the person helping and the person being helped. As Jesus (and Robyn) pointed out, we store up heavenly treasures by treating strangers with kindness and looking out for opportunities to help others in need.

Likewise, we represent Jesus as the stranger when we are in need and accept help from others. After all, even Our Savior allowed Simon of Cyrene to help carry His cross.

Yet too often, I make snap judgments of strangers, projecting negative qualities on them based on appearances. As this is a fault I need to overcome, I pray daily for heavenly aid to see the presence of Jesus in everyone I meet. Sometimes God gives me rather interesting situations to practice this virtue.

One day I was at the grocery store, in a hurry to finish my errands. My final stop was the deli counter, but to my chagrin, a sloppily dressed (and not recently showered) family was ordering several different items.

After a few minutes, they walked away leaving the youngest boy at the counter.

He was about 13, with stained and crooked teeth, a piercing through his lip and spiked hair. I was already making judgments.

When the deli employee asked for his next item, he smiled and told her to help me instead. Stunned and humbled, I thanked him and placed my order. We chatted for a few minutes about how delicious the roast beef we had both ordered tasted with melted cheddar, and I showed him the ciabattta rolls I had bought for sandwiches. For a few minutes, we were no longer strangers, but two people who were radiating the presence of Christ.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Heb 13:2) And, as I learned, angels can have piercings and crooked teeth.

PEGGY BOWES is a member of Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy and author of “The Rosary Workout” (www. rosaryworkout.com).

Brian Williams

Joy and sacrifice

Be the stranger

S

t. Paul was a man passionate with zeal and consumed by love for God and desire for the salvation of souls.

His actions and words were geared toward one purpose: the claiming of souls from the dominion of the devil, and the deceit used by him to confuse and cloud the minds of the newborn Catholics in the budding Church of his time. Stark analogies and purposefully shocking statements were a commonly used tool by Paul, the indefatigable proclaimer of the Truth which Christ brings.

While this style was obviously successful when we look at the many flourishing Church communities St. Paul addresses in his epistles, it can also prove to be confusing or seemingly contradictory when we make our way through the Scriptures.

This is especially true in some of St. Paul’s writings about marriage.

Apparently having embraced a celibate life himself, St. Paul declares, “I wish that all were as I myself am.” (1 Cor 7:7) He says also, “It is well for a man not to touch a woman. But because of the temptation to immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband,” (1 Cor 7:1b-2) and “…if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry.

For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.”

Verses like these may leave a person called to the vocation of holy matrimony with the lingering thought that he or she is simply not strong enough or good enough to embrace a purer calling of total dedication to Christ in a life of celibacy. However, authentically living out the marital vocation does not mean giving in to lustful desire, as St. Paul’s words seem to imply.

A priest I know once said there is only one fundamental difference between his own call to celibate chastity and the chastity to which a married man is called: the priest is called to give up one more woman than the married man.

When a person marries, they simultaneously exclude marrying anyone else. The spouses bind themselves to an absolute fidelity, which includes the fidelity of mind and heart to each other.

The chosen spouse is the most attractive, gifted, intelligent or charming person on the planet. But this no longer matters.

My father was often sad observing a married couple he knew. The man would frequently comment, in front of his wife, about the beauty of actresses or female singers. Perhaps he was living a physical faithfulness to his spouse, but his heart had not fully embraced the intimate exclusivity of his vocation. It was not surprising when their marriage later ended in divorce.

A life-long union of self-sacrificing love with a fellow human being, as imperfect and wounded as oneself, is not easy. The beautiful complementarity between men and women can also be a frustrating dissimilarity.

But there are powerful God-given graces for this life, because God ordained that marriage should be the vocation to which He has called the majority

of mankind. In His loving design, He fashioned for us a calling that He knew would deeply satisfy us, in both body and soul. He chose to plant within matrimony not only great sacrifice, but great joy.

It was God Himself who designed the marital act as the bodily manner of sealing the bond of marriage and renewing the sacramental graces He has conferred upon the spouses. And it was He who intended that this union should be one that is pleasurable and powerfully attractive to the human heart. Why? Because the marital act is the common denominator of the two purposes for the sacrament of holy matrimony: the union of the spouses and the procreation of children.

When married couples engage in this sacred action, open to the gift of life, it is just that: sacred. Not merely permitted, it is a meritorious act which brings glory to God and deepens their commitment of mutual self-giving.

St. Paul didn’t miss this truth, in case you were wondering. We have to keep reading to find that he is certainly not narrow-minded on this topic.

In 1 Cor 7:5, St. Paul counsels married couples: “Do not refuse one another except perhaps by agreement for a season, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again…”

He also has quite strong words against those “who forbid marriage and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” (1 Tim 4:3) His crowning comment sums up the spirit in which we must view all of St. Paul’s teaching on marriage: “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; for then it is consecrated to the word of God and prayer.” (1 Tim 4:4) What could be more beautiful? The intimate union between man and woman – sealed by the sacred covenant of holy matrimony, in a life of complete selfdonation in good times and bad – is one of God’s greatest gifts and one that will prepare us and form us for total union with Him in heaven.

Let us not be confused by St. Paul’s teaching, but realize that he too understood what a grace the vocation of marriage is, when it is lived out as divinely intended. He knew that the Church is built upon the faithful lives of Catholic couples who live their vocation to the fullest.

Rather than being a lesser vocation than the priesthood, the sacrament of holy matrimony is a way of life that manifests to the world the abundant fruitfulness which results from living the truth of the Gospel. By their loving fidelity to this call, married couples can be a radical witness to the transformative power of God’s grace.

SISTER MARIE THÉRÈSE OF THE DIVINE CHILD JESUS is professed with the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration St. Joseph Monastery in Charlotte. This is the third in a series of reflections by Sister Marie Thérèse about St. Paul’s writings on marriage. Learn more about the Poor Clares at www.stjosephmonastery.com.

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The honest 411 on Vatican II

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recently had the opportunity to take a class about the Second Vatican Council offered through a diocesan adult education program.

While much was covered within a relatively short span of four classes, one subject occupied much of our time and attention: the Vatican II document “Sacrosanctum Concilium” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy), and the ensuing changes to the Mass following the Council. What became apparent during these classes was that opinion and misinformation about Vatican II often triumph over honest and objective catechesis.

An oft-repeated refrain about Vatican II is that the “old” Mass featured the priest “mumbling” in Latin, and Vatican II fixed this when it replaced Latin with the vernacular at Mass.

There is also misunderstanding about the direction the priest faces at Mass, with references made to the priest “turning his back” on the people prior to Vatican II. At times Vatican II interpreters veer toward antiquarianism (rejected by Pope Pius XII in his encyclical “Mediator Dei”), expressing near contempt at the organic development in the liturgy of the Latin rite over a millennium and asserting that Vatican II “recovered” the simplicity of worship found in the first centuries of the Church.

First, it is important to note what Vatican II did not change regarding the Mass. The Council did not discard Latin as the language of the Latin rite. Indeed, in “Sacrosanctum Concilium” the Church clearly restated that “the use of the Latin language ... is to be preserved in the Latin rites” and that “care must be taken to ensure that the faithful may also be able to say or sing together in Latin those parts of the ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them.” While the Council did recognize a benefit to a wider use of the vernacular in the Mass, “especially in readings, directives and in some prayers and chants,” it never removed Latin as the liturgical language of the Church.

Another highly visible change to the Mass in the years following Vatican II was the introduction of the priest facing the people at Mass (known as “versus populum”). But this was not a reform of Vatican II. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy never called for this change in the Mass.

It is unfortunate that discussions about Vatican II sidetrack into personal preference instead of focusing on the facts.

As the “reform of the reform” of the liturgy continues here in Charlotte, as it does throughout the universal Church, it is imperative that we study our faith with integrity and open-mindedness.

BRIAN WILLIAMS is a parishioner at St. Ann Church in Charlotte and a core team member of the Catholic Men’s Fellowship of the Carolinas and Coetus Fidelium.

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 26, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD