May 10, 2013

May 10, 2013

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YEAR OF FAITH: A promise kept

IMMIGRATION REFORM

Monroe pastor leads pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Dymphna, the patron saint of mental illness,

Father Shawn O’Neal: In this emotional debate, remember Church teaching on human rights,

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Year of faith

catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A promise kept

Pope Francis

Only Holy Spirit can fill hearts thirsting for love, peace

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isten to the Holy Spirit because He is giving people the good news that God loves them and can renew, purify and transform their lives, Pope Francis said.

The Holy Spirit is the living water that “quenches the thirst in our lives because He tells us that we are loved

by God as His children, that we can love God as His children and with His grace we can live as children of God, like Jesus,” the pope said May 8 at his weekly general audience.

Speaking to 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, focusing on the Holy Spirit.

“The Holy Spirit is an inexhaustible well of the life of God in us,” he said.

Every human person in every epoch and from all walks of life “desires a full and beautiful life, a life that is not threatened by death but that may mature and grow in fullness.”

“Mankind is like a wanderer who, across the deserts of life, thirsts for water that’s alive, gushing and fresh, able to fully slacken his deep desire for light, love, beauty and peace. Everyone desires this,” he said.

It is Jesus who gives humanity this living water through the Holy Spirit, the pope said, “so that our lives may be guided, animated and nourished by God.” “When we say a Christian is a spiritual person, what we mean is this: A Christian is someone who thinks and acts according to God, according to the Holy Spirit.”

But, he asked, “do we think and act according to God or do we let ourselves be led by so many other things?”

All Christians must reflect on this question and honestly answer in their hearts whether they are listening to God or are distracted, he added.

The living water of the Holy Spirit, the pope said, is a gift from the resurrected Christ “who dwells in us, purifies us, renews us, transforms us so that we can share in the life of God who is love.”

The Holy Spirit brings people into divine life as children of God where they can live, as “true children, in a relationship of intimacy, freedom, and faith in the love and mercy of God,” he said.

Living as children of God lets people see with Christ’s eyes, and see others as “brothers and sisters in Jesus to respect and love.” If people were to listen to the Holy Spirit, they would hear Him say, “’God loves you.’ And we, do we truly love God and others like Jesus did?”

Monroe pastor leads pilgrimage to National Shrine of St. Dymphna SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

MONROE — On a blustery day in March, Father Benjamin Roberts made good on a promise made to St. Dymphna more than 14 years ago. Father Roberts, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, boarded a charter bus with 52 pilgrims from North and South Carolina, and traveled nearly 1,000 miles round-trip to Massillon, Ohio. It was the start of a threeday pilgrimage to the national shrine of a saint who has greatly aided him since his college years.

St. Dymphna, (pronounced Dimf-na) a virgin martyr who lived in Ireland in the early 7th century, is the patron saint of neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, runaways and victims of incest.

Her father, driven insane by the death of Dymphna’s mother, beheaded her when she refused his demand to marry her.

She was just 15. He also killed her priest confessor, Father Gerebran, who had rebuked him for his disordered intentions.

“When I entered priestly formation I promised St. Dymphna that if I were ordained to the priesthood I would promote devotion to her and make a pilgrimage to her shrine,” Father Roberts explains.

He made a personal pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Dymphna in March of last year, to thank her for interceding in his life and his priestly ministry. He says St. Dymphna helped him regarding his maternal grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and passed away March 11, 2006.

This year’s pilgrimage, March 10-12, was the fulfillment of a promise to bring others to her shrine.

The National Shrine of St. Dymphna is located at St. Mary’s Church in Massillon, Ohio, just west of Canton. The shrine was formerly located in a chapel on the grounds of the historic Massillon State Hospital for the Insane, now known as Massillon Psychiatric Center. Last year Youngstown Bishop George V. Murry and the parish council at St. Mary Church moved the shrine to the church.

The pilgrimage to the shrine was a healing journey, but not just that, Father Roberts says.

“The model in the Gospel is that anyone who receives healing, is healed for service,” he points out. “Peter’s mother-in-law is healed and she serves, others are healed and they serve – the Lord heals them and they are sent to proclaim or serve in His name. The gift of healing is given to share with others.”

Growing up with St. Dymphna

Among the busload of pilgrims who traveled to Ohio is Holy Family Church parishioner, Alice Reynolds.

“I feel God tapped my shoulder with the message that I should go,” Reynolds says. “I got the last seat at the last minute on the bus.”

Reynolds, a wife and mother of four sons aged 13 to 23, has known about St.

photo provided by patty favory

Pilgrims from North and South Carolina accompanied Father Benjamin Roberts (center) on pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Dymphna near Canton, Ohio, March 10-12. Next year’s pilgrimage will be March 9-11. For details, contact stdymphna2013@gmail.com.

Dymphna her whole life. Her mother grew up in poverty in rural Cabarrus County with an abusive and alcoholic father. Her mother’s childhood was traumatized, leaving her in a fragile emotional state, and it was suggested that she be committed to a mental hospital. Reynolds’ grandmother asked her priest for help, and he connected them with treatment at a private mental hospital in Asheville instead of the staterun asylum, where Reynolds’ mother would probably have been sterilized.

The priest also told her grandmother about the new League of St. Dymphna founded at the national shrine. She enrolled annually for the rest of her life.

“I grew up hearing the story of this beautiful and heroic young martyr,” Reynolds recalls. “Her image, statue, prayer card and novena were commonplace in our home. When I consider St. Dymphna’s courage, and how she sought the counsel and protection of St. Gerebran, her faithful priest and companion, I can’t help but think of my mother. So often she turned to her priest and, of course, the sacraments for peace.”

Seeking healing and peace

Mary Condon and her husband Aaron, parishioners at St. Ann Church in Charlotte, had some deeply personal reasons to make the pilgrimage.

“St. Dymphna was not a new saint to Aaron and me,” Condon explains. “Aaron’s sister Colleen died in 1993 at the young age of 24. She suffered from epilepsy and died in her sleep. We found out that St. Dymphna is also the patron saint of those who suffer from epilepsy. We went in honor of Colleen as one of our reasons.”

The other reason is also very personal.

The Condons have been struggling with infertility and they went seeking healing, especially of depression, which is suffered by many couples in their situation.

“Infertility can be very draining emotionally and spiritually. For Aaron and me, we have longed to conceive since the beginning of our marriage almost two and a half years ago. For most, that is not a long time, but when you long for the gift of a child, it can seem like an eternity.

“When we were able to venerate her relic, I said to St. Dymphna, ‘I know this is not what you are known for, but I am asking for your intercession for healing of our infertility. If by your powerful intercession we are able to conceive a child, I will come back every year on this pilgrimage in thanksgiving of the gift of a child.’”

The Condons continue to have trust in God’s will and they find comfort from St. Dymphna.

“If for nothing else, she has brought a sense of peace to us as we find out the medical causes of our infertility. She helps to lift our spirits as we carry this beautiful cross that God entrusted to us.

St. Dymphna has helped us to see God’s plan for us, and that God is using us for His greater glory. In a sense, she is helping us to remain sane when most couples would fall into the pit of despair,” Condon says.

Despite the distance, the cold weather, and serious mechanical problems with the bus that could not be explained (but were eventually eliminated with a fervent priestly blessing), the pilgrims said they came to know what Father Roberts hoped they would all along.

He told them, “I love St. Dymphna and I want you to love St. Dymphna.”

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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St. Dymphna, virgin and martyr Feast Day: May 15

(Top) The National Shrine of St. Dymphna is located at St. Mary Church in Massillon, Ohio, just west of Canton.

(Left) Father Benjamin Roberts delivers his homily at Mass at the shrine.

photos provided by Terry DeMao and Mary Catherine Surface

‘St. Dymphna’s gift to my family’ My daughter-in-law is not well mentally, is prone to rages, especially following any contact with her husband’s (my son’s) family. We have always had a good relationship with our son, as have his siblings, but we’ve seen little of him since his marriage, shortly before the birth of his son (now 3).

He does all that he can to keep his family life smooth and peaceful, including maintaining minimal inperson contact with us (although he calls frequently from work to keep in touch).

I’ve turned my worries, concerns and heartache over to St. Joseph, asking him to look after my son and his family, to keep them from harm, and to show me how best to express our love and support to them.

Our daughter-in-law has often said we will never babysit or even hold and rock her children – most of her venom is saved for me – and she managed to forestall our meeting our new granddaughter, who is 9 months old.

I told a dear friend some of this sad tale and asked her to please include our family in her prayers. When she returned from a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Dymphna, she gave me

a blessed medal of St. Dymphna along with a note saying, among other things, “You and your family were in my prayers when I visited St. Dymphna’s Shrine... I know you struggle with some family members.”

I added St. Dymphna to my necklace along with my Miraculous Medal and asked her to intercede, to create a space where my daughter-in-law could be calm and I could see the children so that they would be reminded who I was and that their daddy had family members who loved them.

Within a week of that prayer, I got a phone call from my son. He was in the process of scheduling some minor surgery, and asked if I could meet him at a restaurant near the doctor’s office to keep my grandson occupied while he and his wife consulted with the surgeon. “Of course!” I said as calmly as I could manage.

The next morning at the restaurant, I ordered my breakfast and hot tea and watched out the window as my son and grandson, my daughter-in-law and granddaughter walked in, sat down and chatted as if we had enjoyed Sunday dinner together the day before!

My granddaughter looked me in the eye and smiled as if we were great old friends. My grandson chattered and played and laughed as if it had been a few days rather than a year and a month since we had last seen one another.

I don’t know what the future may hold, but I have peace in my heart knowing that St. Joseph can tread where I cannot go, and St. Dymphna can see and understand what pain my daughter-in-law feels and what healing she needs.

I am grateful beyond words for the prayers of my friend, the rapid attention of St. Dymphna, and the health and well-being of my grandchildren.

— Diocese of Charlotte parishioner who wishes to remain anonymous

Your daily Scripture readings 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.

MAY 19-25

Sunday: Acts 2:1-11, Romans 8:8-17, John 20:19-23; Monday (St. Bernardine of Siena): Sirach 1:1-10, Mark 9:14-29; Tuesday (St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions): Sirach 2:1-11, Mark 9:30-37; Wednesday (St. Rita of Cascia): Sirach 4:11-19, Mark 9:38-40; Thursday: Sirach 5:1-8, Mark 9:41-50; Friday: Sirach 6:5-17, Mark 10:1-12; Saturday (St. Bede the Venerable, St. Gregory VII, St. Mary Magdalene de’Pazzi): Sirach 17:1-15, Mark 10:1316.

MAY 26-JUNE 1

Sunday: Proverbs 8:22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15; Monday (St. Augustine of Canterbury): Sirach 17:20-24, Mark 10:1727; Tuesday: Sirach 35:1-12, Mark 10;28-31; Wednesday: Sirach 36:1, 4-5, 10-17, Mark 10:3245; Thursday: Sirach 42:15-25, Mark 10:46-52; Friday (The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 1:39-56; Saturday (St. Justin): Sirach 51:12-20, Mark 11:27-33

St. Dymphna was born in Ireland in the 7th century. Her father, a petty king of Oriel, was a pagan. Her mother, a descendant of a noble family, was a devout Christian, remarkable for her piety and her great beauty.

Dymphna was, like her mother, a paragon of beauty.

Dymphna was early placed under the tutelage of a pious Christian woman, who prepared her for baptism, which was conferred by the saintly priest Father Gerebran. When still very young, Dymphna, being filled with fervor and love for Jesus Christ, chose Him for her Divine Spouse and consecrated her virginity to Him and to His Blessed Mother by a vow of chastity.

However, an unexpected cloud overshadowed the happy childhood of the beautiful girl. She lost her good mother by death.

Dymphna’s father greatly mourned his deceased wife. He was persuaded by his counselors to seek a second marriage. He commissioned his court to seek out a lady who would be like his first spouse. The messengers returned saying that they could find none so charming and amiable as his own lovely daughter, Dymphna.

Giving ear to their base suggestion, the king conceived the evil design of marrying Dymphna. Dymphna, as may be expected, was greatly horrified at the suggestion and asked for a period of 40 days to consider the proposal.

She immediately betook herself to Father Gerebran, who advised her to flee from her native country.

She set out for the continent, accompanied by Father Gerebran, the court jester and his wife. They arrived on the coast near the present city of Antwerp, resumed their journey and came to a little village named Gheel.

The king, having discovered Dymphna’s flight, immediately set out with his followers in search of the fugitives. They were traced to Belgium and their place of refuge was located.

Dymphna’s father tried to persuade her to return with him, but Father Gerebran sternly rebuked him for his wicked intentions, whereupon he gave orders that Father Gerebran should be put to death. Without delay, his wicked retainers struck him on the neck with a sword.

Further attempts on the part of Dymphna’s father to induce her to return with him proved fruitless. With undaunted courage she spurned his enticing promises and scorned his cruel threats. Infuriated by her resistance, the father drew a dagger from his belt and he himself struck off the head of his child. Recommending her soul to the mercy of God, the holy virgin fell prostrate at the feet of her insanely raving father. Thus the glorious crown of martyrdom was accorded to St. Dymphna at the age of 15, on the 15th day of May, between 620 and 640.

– Source: “Tabernacle and Purgatory,”

by Benedictine Convent Sisters, Clyde, Mo., May 1946

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ASHEVILLE — Asheville Catholic School’s Drama Program presents “The Music Man Jr.”: 7 p.m. May 16-18 in the Asheville Catholic School gymnasium. For details, call the school office at 828-252-7896.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the coming weeks: MAY 10 – 10 A.M. DIOCESAN FINANCE COUNCIL MEETING PASTORAL CENTER, CHARLOTTE

ST. EUGENE CHURCH, 72 CULVERN ST. — El grupo de oración se reúne todos los sábados a las 7 p.m. en la Iglesia

BELMONT QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES Church, 503 North Main St. — 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.

MAY 11 – 5 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION ST. JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH, HAMLET MAY 13 – 7 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION ST. ANN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTE Diocesan 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.

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

MAY 14 – 11 A.M. PRESBYTERAL COUNCIL MEETING PASTORAL CENTER, CHARLOTTE MAY 15 – 7 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, FOREST CITY

St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road — 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, who 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.

MAY 18 – 5 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION CHURCH, ALBEMARLE MAY 20 – 7 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION HOLY INFANT CHURCH, REIDSVILLE

MAY 22 – 7 P.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, GREENSBORO MAY 24 – 7:30 P.M. BACCALAUREATE MASS FOR BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL ST. PIUS X CHURCH, GREENSBORO MAY 26 – 10 A.M. SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH, LENOIR

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — 27th Annual Spring Fling for Seniors: Tuesday, May 14.

Come and enjoy a day of excitement activities. For details, call 704-543-7677.

— Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) meeting: 7 p.m. Monday, May 13. Meetings will be held on the third Monday of every month. RCIA will provide information on the entire process and include detailed Q&A sessions. For details, call Tom Lindemuth at 704-543-7677.

— St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 23. Healing prayer will be offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the parish office at 704-543-7677.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, 1400 SUTHER ROAD

MAY 29 - 5 P.M. BACCALAUREATE MASS FOR CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, CHARLOTTE

MAY 30 – 10 A.M. DIOCESAN FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING CATHOLIC CONFERENCE CENTER, HICKORY

— Fatima Procession: 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 13. Led by Father Patrick Winslow. For details, call the parish office at 704-549-1607.

— Helpers of God’s Precious Infants will host a Vigil for Life: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25. Followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and rosary procession to nearby abortion facility. Presented

by Father Matthew Kauth. For details, go to www. charlottehelpers.org.

— 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, call the parish office at 704-549-1607.

— Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group reflection: Wednesday, May 29. Father Patrick Winslow, pastor, will discuss “Spiritual Warfare.” Eucharistic Adoration at 6 p.m., Mass at 7 p.m., and the talk at 7:30 p.m.

All ladies of the diocese are welcome to attend. For details, contact Dina Wilson at dwilson@stacharlotte. com or go to www.charlottecatholicwomensgroup. org.

— 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.

HUNTERSVILLE ST. MARK CHURCH, 14740 Stumptown Road — Catholic Athletes for Christ youth ministry: Meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

Ministry provides an evening of fun, athletic activities, meals and featured speakers who address faith and athletics. For details, teens and parents should contact Tim Flynn, at 704-948-0231 or stmarklifeteen@gmail.com.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Church, 6828 OLD REID ROAD — Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group reflection: 10 a.m. Monday, May 13. Reflection will be led Father Christopher Roux, pastor and rector of St. Patrick Cathedral. For details, contact Anita Di Pietro at 704-543-0314.

— Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m. May 18. Topics include: Effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches on responsible parenting. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704370-3230 or visit cssnfp@charlottediocese.org.

Maronite Mission of Charlotte (meets at ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY.) — Second monthly Mass now offered on the fourth Sunday of each month. Upcoming Mass: 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 26. For details, visit the mission’s Facebook page.

GREENSBORO — Annual Spring Luncheon of the Greensboro Council of Catholic Women: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, at the Cardinal Country Club. Dr. Karen M. Dyer, Ed.D., will present a lecture on “Three Faiths – Christianity, Judaism and Islam.” Send reservations to Cindy Bratton at 2403 Wood Meadow Road, Greensboro, N.C. 27455.

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. Sunday, 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.

— Knights of Columbus Blood Drive: 2-6:30 p.m. Friday, May 17 in the Kloster Center

HAYESVILLE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Mission, 1433 HWY. 64 WEST — Bereavement Group: 10-11:30 a.m. Meets on Wednesdays, May 15-22. For details, call Shirley Moran at 706-896-1358.

— Day of Reflection with Jesuit Father Joseph Koterski: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, June 3. He will speak on “The Four Senses of Scriptures according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Pope Benedict XVI.” To register, call the parish office at 336-2724681. Deadline for registration is May 28.

HIGH POINT

— Evening of worship and fellowship, “Volare Women Mass”: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16. Outdoor reception following Mass. For details, visit www.volarewomen. com.

Immaculate heart of Mary church, 4145 Johnson st.

— Blood Drive: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 18. To schedule an appointment, call Lisa Hubbard at 336306-0606. All donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card.

— Ninth Annual International Festival, “A Celebration of Many Voices and One Spirit”: 3:30-7 p.m. Sunday, May 19. Free admission. International entertainment and food, children’s activities, bounce house, dunking tank and more. Bring a covered dish to share.

— Protecting God’s Children Workshop: 6-9 p.m.

Thursday, May 23. Anyone 18 years or older interested in volunteering for VBS should attend.

Register at www.virtus.org. For details, call Deacon Wally Haarsgaard at 336-885-5210.

MAGGIE VALLEY St. MARGARET OF SCOTLAND Church, 37 Murphy Dr. — Healing Mass: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19. Sponsored by the Holy Spirit Charismatic Prayer Group. Mass will be celebrated by Father Richard Benonis, pastor. For details, contact Father Benonis at 828-296-0106.

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.

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May 10, 2013 Volume 22 • Number 14

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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May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Come honor Our Lady of Fatima May 13 CHARLOTTE — A procession in honor of Our Lady of Fatima will be held each month starting on Monday, May 13, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, in Charlotte. The processions, open to everyone in the Diocese of Charlotte, will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in north Charlotte.

Father Patrick Winslow, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, said the processions will be held for six months as a way for the faithful to participate in this public devotion and grow closer to Our Lady of Fatima.

The devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, also known as Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, arose after the Blessed Virgin Mary’s apparitions to three children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. Our Lady appeared six times to Lucia Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Merto between May 13 and Oct. 13, 1917, near their little village which is about 90 miles north of Lisbon, Portugal.

Mary came with a message from God and promised that the whole world would be at peace, and that many souls would go to heaven, if her requests were honored.

In her appearances, she explained that war is a punishment for sin and that God would punish the world for its sins by means of war, hunger, persecution of the Church and persecution of the pope, unless we listened to and obeyed God’s commands.

She also stated that special reparation for sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary was necessary, particularly the Communions of Reparation on the First Saturday of five consecutive months and the public and solemn Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by all the Catholic bishops of the world, together with the pope on the same day at the same hour.

During her last apparition on Oct. 13, 1917, a marvelous miracle – the “Miracle of the Sun” – was witnessed by 70,000 people in the sky above Fatima. It occurred at the time, date and place that Lucia and the other two children had prophesied in the name of Our Lady of Fatima.

Mary promised that no matter how difficult life may get in the future, in the end she would triumph, her requests would finally be granted by mankind, and there would be world peace.

The Church has endorsed the Fatima message since 1930. Five successive popes have publicly indicated their approval of the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima and her message.

The Fatima processions at St. Thomas Aquinas Church will begin at 7:30 p.m. on the 13th of each month, May through October. Everyone in the Diocese of Charlotte is welcome to attend.

For more information about the Fatima processions at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, contact the parish office at 704-549-1607. For details about the devotion and apparitions, go to www.fatima.org.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter; www.fatima.org

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Regional stewardship conference stresses gratitude David R. Exum Correspondent

CONCORD — Gratitude is the key to good stewardship.

That was the message from Auxiliary Bishop Robert F. Morneau of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wis., to more than 225 stewardship leaders from the Carolinas and Georgia who gathered in Concord April 27.

Bishop Morneau was the keynote speaker for the 12th Annual Regional Stewardship Conference of the Atlanta Province, which brought together stewardship professionals from the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the dioceses of Charlotte, Raleigh, Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga. Considered a premiere leader on stewardship, as well as a noted poet and author, Bishop Morneau likened stewardship to gardening and said we are all called to tend the garden.

“We are all gardeners, and God has given us a great responsibility. If you’ve got a gift and you’re not using it, it is going to weigh

you down,” he said.

He used several examples from two of his favorite poets, Emily Dickinson and George Herbert, noting that stewardship is a “way of life. God’s gift to gardeners: that’s what stewardship is all about.”

Stewardship isn’t just for people who have an easy life or lots of wealth, he said. God’s gifts to us should be used to help others, he said – no matter what our position in life is or what hurdles we have to overcome.

“We are all wounded healers. There is no one in this assembly that is not wounded (either) physically, psychologically or spiritually. We’re all in the same canoe. We are all pilgrims, and every single one of us is struggling.”

But we must recognize our dependency on God and give thanks for what He has given us, he said.

Another example Bishop Morneau used to express gratitude and how it relates to stewardship was the reaction by a Holocaust survivor on the day of liberation

by Allied forces: “There was this lady that

Photo provided by Barbara Gaddy

Green Bay, Wis., Bishop Robert Morneau gave the keynote address during a regional stewardship conference hosted by the Diocese of Charlotte April 27. was in a (concentration) camp for three or four years, and this is what she said on the day of liberation, ‘He opened the door for STEWARDSHIP, SEE page 25

Murphy pastor named national Volunteer of the Year ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Father George Kloster, pastor of St. William Church in Murphy and Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville, has won the Catholic Charities USA 2013 Volunteer of the Year, officials announced April 25.

For 15 years, Father Kloster has volunteered for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of Economic Opportunity, which works to fight poverty, strengthen families and build communities in far western North Carolina.

“We are so pleased and excited to have Father Kloster recognized for his exceptional support of our economic initiatives in western North Carolina and for his support of our diocesan Catholic Charities agency,” said Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. “Our presence and effectiveness in economic development is due in large measure to his dedication and guidance. Congratulations to Father Kloster and a huge thank you.”

Photo provided by Joe Purello of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte Father Kloster has been deeply Father George Kloster, pastor of St. William Church in Murphy and Immaculate Heart of involved in the program since it began Mary Mission in Hayesville, is pictured (wearing a Catholic Charities USA Disaster Response in 1998, hosting community meetings vest) with a group of volunteers from his parish and from Methodist Men who repaired a to make the program responsive to real home damaged from a tornado that devastated the Murphy area last year – part of several needs, serving as a mentor to families months of rebuilding work to help the area in its recovery. The repair work was funded with working to overcome poverty, helping disaster relief funds from Catholic Charities USA and donors from throughout the Diocese of Kloster write a position paper on the special Charlotte. needs of kinship families, chairing of National Volunteer Month, honoring the contributions of the the OEO advisory board, and being the OEO “Number One more than 300,000 volunteers who give their time and talents to Fundraiser and Friendraiser.” the Catholic Charities network.

He has helped raise more than $250,000 through annual events Each of the finalists embody the mission and spirit of Catholic that he has initiated or led. As a volunteer and servant-leader Charities in their work among our brothers and sisters in need, in the community, Father Kloster has inspired many others to and make an impact by leveraging their talents, skills, and become agents of Christ’s love in action, Catholic Charities USA interests to make a difference in the lives of those in need and in noted in its announcement. their communities.

“The spirit of tireless self-giving that is at the center of Father Catholic Charities USA is the national office for Catholic George’s life is an inspiration to us all,” said Father Larry Snyder, Charities agencies nationwide. Catholic Charities USA’s members president of Catholic Charities USA. “Our local agencies would provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a be hard-pressed to serve so many of those in need without the year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. tireless support that he and hundreds of thousands of other Father Kloster will be presented with the 2013 Volunteer of volunteers provide every day.” the Year award during Catholic Charities’ annual gathering in Father Kloster was chosen out of eight finalists to receive the September in San Francisco. award, which has been given out annually since 1998.

— Catholic News Herald The nominees were announced earlier in April in recognition

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief First healing Mass to be offered at St. Margaret Church MAGGIE VALLEY — Everyone is invited to a healing Mass on Pentecost Sunday, May 19, at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley. This first-ever healing Mass, sponsored by the Holy Spirit Charismatic Prayer Group, will be celebrated at 2 p.m. by Father Richard Benonis, pastor. The sacrament of anointing of the sick will be available, and all are encouraged to attend and become more open to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. For details and inquiries, call the parish office at 828-296-0106 or Father Benonis at 210-2878540.

Sacred Heart members turn out to give blood to aid Boston bombing victims BREVARD — Parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Brevard, led by the Knights of Columbus Council 8886, turned out in higher numbers than usual for their monthly blood drive last week in order to aid victims of the bombings at the Boston Marathon on April 15.

Ninety people came out to support the American Red Cross-sponsored drive, including seven first-time donors, one week after the two bombings that killed three people and injured hundreds of others.

Thanks to their blood donations, a young girl was saved and able to celebrate her 18th birthday. A major artery in her leg had been severed and she was in danger of bleeding to death. Helping this young lady, her mother, who lost both legs, and many others injured in the Boston bombing has depleted the supply of blood, so the Red Cross is encouraging people to participate in blood drives over the coming weeks. One regular donor summed it up: “I had to come and give.”

Schubeck’s area of expertise is in moral theology, Christian social ethics and Latin American theology (also called liberation theology). He has written two books: “Liberation Ethics: Sources, Models, and Norms” in 1993 and “Love That Does Justice” in 2007. More than 80 alumni from Jesuit high schools, colleges, universities, and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps attended the program and Mass at St. Peter Church.

— Dr. Cris Villapando

Bishop Jugis speaks to CCWG group CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis blessed an image of “L’Innocence,” presented to Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group president Vicki Borin at the group’s spring reflection April 15 at St. Patrick Cathedral. The print is a copy of an original image by French artist William Bouguereau. Bishop Jugis celebrated Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral for members and guests of CCWG and also spoke at the luncheon following Mass in the Family Life Center.

— SueAnn Howell

Holy Cross in Kernersville responds to call for life, liberty and marriage

Music program to feature Mass setting by SJN’s music director

— Al Tinson

Jesuit professor speaks on justice and hope CHARLOTTE — Jesuit Father Tom Schubeck, a religious ethics professor at John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio, spoke on the topic of “Hope and Justice” at the Third Annual Jesuit Heritage Celebration held at St. Peter Church in Charlotte April 6.

Ordained to the priesthood in 1968, Father

BOONE — Eight children received their first Holy Communion April 28 at St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Church in Boone, during Mass celebrated by Father David Brzoska, pastor.

On May 1, 22 young adults at the parish received the sacrament of confirmation during Mass celebrated

by Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

— Dorice Narins

CHARLOTTE — The music ministry at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte, in collaboration with Dragon’s Breath and Northwest School of the Arts, will present selections from Duke Ellington’s “Sacred Concerts” and parish music director Peppie Calvar’s “Mass of Reconciliation” on Saturday, May 11, at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road. It will feature regional jazz instrumental artists as well as vocalists from the St. John Neumann choir and from Northwest School of the Arts.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased in advance by calling the parish office at 704-536-6520.

Proceeds will benefit the Diocesan Priests’ Retirement Fund and Dragon’s Breath’s scholarship fund for graduating seniors pursuing careers in the arts.

Photos by Amber Mellon | Catholic News Herald

Charlotte food pantry gets refrigerators CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s food pantry in Charlotte now offers perishable goods to clients, thanks to several refrigerators that were recently set up in the pantry at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Charlotte.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte operates food pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem. The pantries provide walk-in food assistance on a first-come, firstserved basis during normal operating hours.

The “client choice” pantries enable clients to choose the items they need from the items that are available.

Donations of grocery items (food and non-food items such as toiletries, laundry detergent, paper products) are welcome at all three regional food pantries. Items most requested by clients are: canned fruit; juice, tea and coffee; rice; spaghetti noodles and spaghetti sauce; and canned tuna.

Donations of grocery items or monetary donations are greatly appreciated and are accepted at any time. See more about how you can help at www.ccdoc.org.

— Kathleen Durkin

Annette Tenny Correspondent

KERNERSVILLE — Parishioners at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville have been active in the U.S. bishops’ campaign “Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Liberty” that began earlier this year.

The campaign launched by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops consists of five parts: a monthly Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration, a daily family rosary, prayers of the faithful at Masses, fasting and abstinence from meat on Fridays, and a second “Fortnight for Freedom” campaign set for this summer.

Bishop Peter Jugis called for the Diocese of Charlotte to take part in this national effort by asking for each parish’s support and involvement.

For Father Paul Dechant, pastor of Holy Cross Parish, responding to this call took no time at all.

“We were asked to do it, so we responded,” Father Dechant said, adding, “I have been very pleased with the participation. We are doing the Holy Hour bilingually, which may have helped with attendance.”

“The Holy Hour has been a blessing,” said Melanie Feeny-Lewis, co-director of Holy Cross Parish Care. “Father Paul did

Learn more At www.usccb.org: Get involved with the national “Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage and Religious Liberty” campaign

not hesitate to make this opportunity for our parish to pray for life, marriage and religious liberty. For me personally, I find it soothing and very beautiful as we listen, pray, sing and have some quiet time for reflection. I am so thankful to our bishop and to Father Paul for making this a priority.”

The parish’s bilingual Holy Hour continues each month at 5 p.m. on the following dates: May 26, June 30, July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 29, Oct. 27 and Nov. 24.

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Father Shea, formerly of the diocese, passes away on Easter Sunday

Tim Reid | Catholic News Herald

Father Wilbur Thomas, pastor and rector of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, shares a memory with Ricky Kovacs and Meg Sanford during a party thrown in honor of his 40th anniversary as a priest. “Father Thomas is such a special person. He touches everybody, every Sunday,” Sanford said. “Father Thomas gave me my first Communion, and I hope he will be the priest when I get married someday.”

Parishioners honor Father Thomas on his 40th jubilee Tim Reid Correspondent

ASHEVILLE — Members of Asheville’s historic St. Lawrence Basilica filled the church’s Laurentine Hall recently to honor their pastor, Father Wilbur Thomas, on his 40th anniversary as a priest.

The parish’s Catholic Daughters, Knights of Columbus and pastoral council sponsored the reception to thank Father Thomas for his 12 years as rector of the basilica and four decades of priestly ministry.

Well-wishers thronged the cavernous basement of the basilica, which was once used as a USO Club during World War II, to express their appreciation for Father Thomas’ service and sacrifice.

“I think he’s just what a priest should be,” Kathy Brinson said. “He’s a wonderful man of God, very sincere and genuine.”

“We wanted to honor and celebrate his priesthood and to thank him for all the wonderful ways he serves us,” said Gail Carroll, who initiated the idea of a 40th anniversary event.

Citing Father Thomas’ love for the sacraments and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and his edifying homilies, she added, “I hope to make him feel the same love he has given us here at the basilica.”

Rose Czarnecki said parishioners can feel Father Thomas’ closeness to God, especially in leading the parish in worship.

“He makes us feel comforted and loved,” she said. “He always draws us into God’s way.”

Her husband Al Czarnecki said that when someone talks with Father Thomas, his whole attention is focused on that person as an individual – no matter how busy he is or how many other things he might have on his mind.

Meg Sanford got to know Father Thomas when she was a girl attending St. Aloysius Church in Hickory. She remembers him advising her mother to sit close to the altar so she would see more of the Mass and hear the prayers better.

“He touches everybody, every Sunday with his sermons,” said Sanford, who now lives in Asheville. “Father Thomas gave me my first Communion, and I hope he will be the priest when I get married someday.”

Father Thomas is “a very deep, spiritual person, and he cares,” said Ricky Kovacs.

“To me he is a good priest and a good shepherd,” added Rupert Muana.

Madeline Flaumbam said she brings the Eucharist to patients at the VA hospital after she attends noon Mass each Sunday.

She remembers one Mass when Father Thomas’ homily really seemed to be directed specifically at her.

“It focused on issues that I was dealing with at the time, and I was so moved because it seemed like it was composed just for me,” Flaumbaum said.

Later that afternoon she visited a female substance abuse patient at the VA hospital when the lady told her, “I happened to go to your church for the noon service today, and the priest’s sermon seemed like it was written just for me. He talked about things that are troubling me – I felt like he was talking directly to me.”

The fact that Father Thomas’ homily could speak so powerfully to people of such different backgrounds attests to the affect he has on so many people, Flaumbaum said. “He is a very holy man.”

Pastoral Council member Lettie Polite presented Father Thomas with a plaque honoring him for his 40 years a priest.

“Father Thomas is an intellectually accomplished person who has put his many abilities into caring for our parish,” said John Toms. “I have always been impressed by his thoughtful, broadranging homilies. He has a gifted voice, which is remarkable to hear when he chants the liturgy.”

Father Thomas said he was “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of good wishes and support and emphasized, “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my Savior Jesus Christ.”

SOUTHERN PINES — Father Robert F. Shea, 85, died Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Southern Pines.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, April 4, 2013, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Southern Pines, with Bishop Michael F. Burbidge as principal celebrant, Father Joseph G. Vetter as homilist, and diocesan and religious priests as concelebrants. Interment followed at St. Anthony of Padua Cemetery, 2922 Camp Easter Road, Southern Pines.

Father Shea was born June 14, 1927, in Lowell, Mass., to the late John F. Shea and Cecile Marie Grondin. He was also preceded in death by his two siblings, Edward Shea and Theresa Cerilli.

After discerning a vocation to the priesthood, he entered St. John’s Home Missions Seminary in Little Rock, Ark., for studies in philosophy, theology and for priestly formation. Father Shea was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Raleigh at Sacred Heart Cathedral by Bishop Vincent S. Waters on May 19, 1955.

During his priestly ministry, Father Shea served in many parishes throughout North Carolina, when the Diocese of Raleigh comprised the entire state. His pastoral assignments in what is now the Diocese of Charlotte included St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington, and St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir.

In the Raleigh diocese, he served at: the Missionary Apostolate at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Newton Grove, St. Mary Church in Goldsboro, St. Ann Church in Smithfield, Holy Spirit Church and Our Lady of Atonement Church in Kinston; Immaculate Conception Church in Durham; St. Mary Church in Wilmington; St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Raleigh; and St. John the Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids, from where he retired in 2000.

Following retirement, Father Shea continued to generously serve many parishes in priestly ministry, including St. Anthony of Padua in Southern Pines and Sacred Heart in Pinehurst, as well as the community at St. Joseph of the Pines.

Father Shea additionally served as diocesan director of the Catholic Youth Organization and vicar forane (dean) for the Cape Fear Deanery, and also the Raleigh Deanery.

Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneral home.com.

— The (Southern Pines) Pilot

Former Belmont and Newton pastor, Father Richard Hokanson, passes away OCEAN ISLE BEACH — Father Richard P. Hokanson Jr., former pastor of Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont and St. Joseph Church in Newton, passed away at his home on April 29, 2013, after a brief illness. He was 64.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 10, 2013, at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer, Mass. Father James M. Steuterman, pastor of St. Richard of Chichester Parish in Sterling, Mass., was the celebrant and homilist. Burial was to follow at Mary, Queen of the Rosary Cemetery in Spencer.

A memorial Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 16, at St. Brendan the Navigator Church in Shallotte.

He was born and raised in Worcester, Mass., the son of the late Richard P. and Lucile E. (Syner) Hokanson. He graduated from St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury, Mass. He also graduated from St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Conn., and St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1974 at St. Paul Cathedral in Worcester.

Father Hokanson served at several parishes in the Diocese of Worcester including St. Louis in Webster, St. Mary in Southbridge, St. Luke in Westborough, and St. Catherine of Sweden, St. Bernard and St. Joseph, all in Worcester. He also served as a member of the faculty at St. PeterHokanson Marian Central Catholic High School.

Father Hokanson came to the Diocese of Charlotte from the Worcester diocese in 1991. He was appointed administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Newton in 1991, and following his incardination into the Charlotte diocese in 1996, he was appointed pastor of St. Joseph Parish In 1997, he was appointed pastor of Queen of the Apostles Parish, where he served for a number of years before moving in 2009 to serve as a Catholic chaplain at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base near Goldsboro.

He enjoyed both classical and organ music and will be fondly remembered by many for his kindness, story telling and acerbic wit.

Queen of the Apostles’ current pastor, Father Francis Cancro, recalls, “For many people at Queen of the Apostles Father Hokanson was an invitation to re-imagine faith and reconnect to the Church. Folks who were here in the parish during his tenure are certainly praying for his eternal rest and thanking God for the opportunity to have known him through his ministry in Belmont and eastern Gaston County.”

He is survived by a sister, Janice E. Baronoski of Leicester, Mass.; a brother, Stephen M. Hokanson of Worcester; three nieces, Krissi Forgues and her husband Mark of Auburn, Mass., Bethe Kichula and her husband Peter of Shrewsbury, and Rebecca Baronoski of Princeton, Mass.; four great-nephews, Jay and David Forgues of Auburn, and Owen and Samuel Kichula of Shrewsbury; two cousins, Marcia McGlynn and her husband Lenny of Holden, Mass., and Marilyn Roy of Boylston, Mass.; and his beloved dog Maggie.

The family suggests donations in his memory be made to Guest House, 1601 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360, or St. John’s High School, 378 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545. To share your thoughts and memories with the family online, go to www.kellyfuneralhome.com.

— Catholic News Herald

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 OUR PARISHES

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St. John of Avila, diocesan priest, graces Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel MONROE — Thanks to an anonymous donor and the work of a talented North Carolina artist, parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Church have an original image of St. John of Avila in the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel.

Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor, has a devotion to the Spanish saint who was made a Doctor of the Church on Oct. 7, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI. St. John of Avila lived in Spain in the early 1500s and was a confessor to the Carmelite St. Teresa of Avila. “Among the doctors (of the Church) and canonized saints, there aren’t a lot of diocesan priests,� Father Benjamin said.

The image which now hangs in the chapel is an interpretation of the original work by Peter Subleyras.

Joan Porth, an artist in the Diocese of Raleigh, created the oil painting on canvas at Father Roberts’ request.

It is positioned just behind the ambo and when you look at it, it seems as if the saint is delivering a homily to the congregation. “He’s just kind of captivating,� Father Roberts said of the saint who was known for his stirring homilies. “The artist said she was captivated by his face.�

The chapel is open for weekday Mass, Adoration on Thursdays and is used for weddings, funerals and holy day observances.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

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CHARLOTTE — Patricia Jane (P.J.) Pickhardt crowns a statue of Our Lady of Fatima during the Family Rosary Procession sponsored by the Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group on May 3 at St. Ann Church. Pickhardt, a parishioner at St. Ann Church, recently celebrated her first Holy Communion. Her mother, Jane, crowned the same statue at St. Ann when she was a child. St. Ann parishioners Joseph Torres (left) and Austin Franks (right) served as acolytes for the procession.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from the Family Rosary Procession at St. Ann Church

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

What is your child’s life worth?

Are you willing to risk your child’s life on medications? patricia L. guilfoyle | catholic news herald

Diocesan attorney Richard Lucey is pictured in his office in the Pastoral Center with the Distinguished Service Award he received from the Mecklenburg County Bar on April 19. Lucey, who has represented the Diocese of Charlotte since 1981, has also donated his time assisting families in juvenile court for decades.

Mecklenburg County Bar honors diocesan attorney Lucey recognized for distinguished service to families SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — It’s hard to surprise a seasoned attorney, but the Mecklenburg County Bar managed to pull off an unexpected award presentation for Diocese of Charlotte attorney Richard Lucey on April 19, just after he delivered an hourlong address at a juvenile law conference at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center.

Lucey, a parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte and a veteran juvenile law practitioner, also works fulltime providing counsel to the diocese.

The diocese became his client in 1981 at the invitation of Bishop Michael J. Begley.

Lucey was in private practice at that time, so the diocese became one of his regular clients.

In 1992, Bishop John F. Donoghue “made him an offer he couldn’t refuse” and Lucey accepted a full-time position representing the diocese. One of the conditions of his acceptance was that he would be allowed to continue serving families in juvenile law cases.

After Lucey’s recent address at the conference April 19, attorney Matthew McKay, vice chair of the Juvenile Law Section of the Mecklenburg County Bar, surprised Lucey by presenting him with the distinguished service award.

McKay has known Lucey for almost 10 years and shared that when the committee was considering who would be the best candidate for this merit-based award, “Everybody had the same thought: Mr. Lucey.”

“He’s the kind of person, the kind of professional, the kind of human being and the kind of man, that it is a struggle to come up with the right words for Mr. Lucey,” McKay said.

“He’s a great attorney and a good man and I don’t say that about many people.

He’s a shining example of someone who really does honor to our profession. He is

the kind of lawyer that every lawyer should be.”

“It just blew me away,” Lucey said later. “You don’t usually get things like this. He said it was for my long-standing commitment to juvenile court.”

Mecklenburg County District 26 Family Court Judge, Louis A. Trosch Jr., also spoke a few words on Lucey’s behalf. The two have regularly faced one another in the courtroom during Lucey’s career in juvenile law. He commented that Lucey is an “‘OG’ – an ‘original gentleman.’”

Lucey was very touched by the presentation. “It’s the kind of things people usually say at your eulogy. You don’t normally get to hear things like that. I was very appreciative.”

Lucey said he has felt a great deal of personal satisfaction from donating his legal services to assist families in juvenile court over the past three decades. Juvenile law focuses around working with children and identifying families with problems, trying to work out those issues so that families can be reunited.

“The purpose of juvenile court is different from the other courts. There’s something very gratifying if you work for months on a case and you see the result of a family being reunited the way they should be,” he explained.

Ginny Haas, Lucey’s administrative assistant, has served with him since 1984, assisting him with his efforts to help families.

“It makes you feel good when occasionally you get a good result,” Haas said. “Those are the ones you remember.”

The pair sometimes hears back from the families they serve, thanking them for their help.

They joke that they don’t do it for the money, as their work is a ministry.

Lucey emphasizes, “It’s not a monetary benefit, but knowing you have made a difference that can impact the rest of the families’ lives.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 OUR PARISHES

Catholic Daughters install new state officers at biennial convention, led by OLC parishioner CHARLOTTE — Catholic women from across North Carolina gathered in Charlotte April 14 for the 29th biennial state convention of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Founded in 1903 by the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. The organization donates to charities, administers scholarship programs and strives “to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow or sickness.” Its motto is “Unity and Charity.”

Catholic Daughters were in attendance from the Charlotte and Raleigh dioceses, along with National Regent Anne Nelson from Linthicum, Md. During the convention, new statewide leaders were also installed.

Receiving the gavel was Essie Walker of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte, who was installed as the State Regent for the North Carolina Court of Catholic Daughters.

Walker is the first African-American elected to the top leadership post for the State Court of Catholic Daughters. She has served the Church for more than 20 years as a Catholic Daughter, serving in numerous leadership positions both in the local Court Charlotte 1199 as well as the statewide organization.

“Essie has come up from the ranks, and she is very well liked,” noted Ruth Carlisle, Past Regent for Court Charlotte and also the first North Carolinian to serve on the national level for the Catholic Daughters.

Other State Court officers installed April 14 were Belinda Swager of New Bern, First Vice State Regent; Bonnie Fox of Jacksonville, Second Vice State Regent; Carolann Horvat of

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Hero for Life scholarship available Room at the Inn is seeking applications for its Hero for Life Award, a $2,000 scholarship awarded annually to the most outstanding pro-life teenager across North and South Carolina. This year’s award considers pro-life service and leadership that occurred from May 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. Go to www.rati. org and look under the “News and Events” tab to learn more and download an application. The application deadline is May 31.

Photo provided by Mary Jane Wiethe

North Carolina members of Catholic Daughters of the Americas recently installed new officers and attended Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis. Pictured (from left) are: outgoing North Carolina State Regent Sheila Storey, National Regent Anne Nelson and Bishop Jugis, standing with newly elected state officers Essie Walker (State Regent), Belinda Swager (First Vice State Regent), Bonnie Fox (Second Vice State Regent), Carol Ann Horvat (State Secretary) and Gwen Parris (State Treasurer).

Hampstead, Secretary; and Gwen Parris of Sylva, Treasurer.

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis and Monsignor Mauricio West. Monsignor West is the chaplain for the local court, Court Charlotte 1199, and for the State Court.

Catholic Daughters of the Americas numbers 75,000 dues-paying members in 1,250 courts (local chapters) in 45 states across the country, and in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

— Court Charlotte 1199, Catholic Daughters of the Americas; and Catholic News Herald

Protect Conscience Rights and Religious Liberty: Urge Congressional Support for H.R. 940

The Obama Administration’s contraceptive mandate will begin to be enforced on August 1.

Please email or call your representative and urge them to include the Health Care Conscience Rights Act (H.R. 940) in the next bill needed to keep the federal government operating.

• Contact the U.S. Capital switchboard at 202-224-3121 or call your representative’s local office.

• Additional contact information may be found at www.house.gov.

Please act today to protect conscience rights and religious liberty!

Visit www.usccb.org and click on “issues and action”.

St. James teens take part in Good Friday activities HAMLET — During Holy Week, the youth group at St. James Church in Hamlet made an “alfombra” – an intricate “art carpet” made out of salt, saw dust and other materials. The Central American tradition of making these murals on Good Friday, usually decorating the Good Friday procession route, is done as a sacrifice to thank God for a favor and to honor Jesus who died in the Cross for us. The youth group also organized a living Via Crucis, Stations of the Cross, on Good Friday.

— Laura Cabrera

Albemarle parish organizes plant sale ALBEMARLE — Parishioners at Our Lady of the Annunciation in Albemarle organized a plant sale April 14 to benefit the parish.

Pictured with parish members in the Family Life Center during the event is Father John L. Quinn, a visiting priest from New York who celebrated Mass that day.

— Dore Espina

Celebrate and pray for the priesthood Give thanks for the upcoming ordination of Jason M. Christian to the priesthood and for continued growth in priestly vocations in the Diocese of Charlotte!

Share your personal message in the June 22 edition of the Catholic News Herald, where it will appear on the full page feature "Celebrating Our Priests."

Example: Thomas and Jane Smith St. Ann Parish We will be praying for you as you begin your ministry.

Cost: $25 (A portion of all proceeds will go to the diocese's Seminarian Education Fund.)

Send your message and check (payable to Catholic News Herald) BY JUNE 10 to:

Catholic News Herald Attn: Celebrating Our Priests, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203

Include your message today! Call Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan: 704-370-3332

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Where are you going?

QUO VADIS DAYS 2013 June 24-28 * Belmont Abbey College

A camp for Catholic men ages 15-25 to learn more about the priesthood, deepen their faith, and help discern God’s call in their lives.

www.charlottediocese.org/vocations

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

eggs with classmates. The event was successful in many ways, but the most profound was in making a memorable childhood experience for each preschooler. One student asked if these eggs were theirs to “keep forever.” The preschoolers were also treated to a visit from the “real Easter bunny” – “Pepper,” a cuddly black and white rabbit who attended the egg hunt to give love to all those willing to pet her.

The Junior Disciple Club hopes to make this an annual event.

— Gina Bonfiglio

Marquette University honors Alzheimer’s advocate

St. Gabe students organize Easter egg hunt CHARLOTTE — More than two dozen members of the Junior Disciple Club at St. Gabriel School held an Easter egg hunt for the preschoolers of Thomasboro Academy in Charlotte March 27.

The Junior Disciple Club is made up of fourthand fifth-graders. The club’s creed is the prayer from St. Teresa of Avila: “God has no hands but ours...,” and its goal is to raise awareness about local children living in poverty and to help make a difference, no matter how small.

Club members raised money for the egg hunt with a bake sale fundraiser, then stuffed more than 300 plastic eggs with candy, hand-written messages of faith and toys. On the day of the egg hunt, the preschoolers’ expressions of appreciation came in many forms: squeals of glee, bright smiles, warm hugs and sharing their

CHARLOTTE — Ellen Nowak Belk, whose career includes working on behalf of individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, has been honored with the James T. Tiedge Memorial Award from Marquette University’s Diederich College of Communication. Belk, a 1991 graduate, received the award April 27 as part of the university’s alumni awards weekend. She and her husband Dan Belk are parishioners at St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

After a successful career in sports talk radio, Belk transitioned as an entrepreneur into a new career in the senior living industry. She is president of Keep In Mind Inc., which specializes in holistic approaches for the memory-impaired while providing coaching services to care providers. She is also the creator of Memory Magz for people with cognitive decline or developmental disabilities.

“I enjoy my role as an advocate for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Belk said. “I am blessed to have a strong personality and a strong sense of right and wrong, and I love being able to use those assets to benefit others who aren’t able to speak for themselves.”

Belk first put her creativity and communication skills to work for the memoryimpaired in 2001, developing a mature musician

concert band, an intergenerational senior prom and a fine art appreciation program. Now she’s enjoying the challenge of running her own business and plans to create other products and programs for seniors and caregivers.

“It’s a humbling honor to win this National Award from Marquette University,” she said.

“Being recognized for my work, advocating for Alzheimer’s and dementia, gives me incentive and motivation to keep up the work. There are still so many people to serve and I look forward to the challenge.”

Marquette University’s Alumni Awards recognize contributions of alumni who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their field.

Sylva Knights volunteer, raise money and give it away SYLVA — Members of Knights of Columbus Council 9722 of Sylva volunteered April 12 at the Veterans Restoration Quarters in Asheville, a residential facility providing housing, food, job training and counseling to veterans who need a helping hand. The facility has about 150 veterans at any one time, and veterans stay about two years each. Knights from Council 9722, along with other Knights from western North Carolina, prepared and served lunch to the veterans. The facility relies on food donations and volunteers to feed the veterans three meals a day, seven days a week.

The council also raised about $500 from the

CCDOC.ORG

Happy Mother’s Day: The Beautiful Gift To mothers on this day of honor, we thank you for your courageous love in giving us life. To those birth mothers who lovingly chose adoption for their children and those who give the love of their hearts to adopted children, we wish you a very happy Mother’s Day.

We love you and give you our thanks every day of our lives.

Catholic Charities, formerly known as Catholic Social Services, relies on your direct support to help fund its various ministries.

proceeds of a fish fry during Lent. Besides the traditional fried catfish fare, for the first time the council also offered a non-fried fish meal: ceviche, a Latin dish of fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices, prepared and served by two of the council’s new Latino members.

Also, the council donated proceeds April 18 from its annual LAMB (Least Among My Brothers) Tootsie Roll sales to Jackson County Special Olympics and Macon Citizens Habilities (a group home for severely disabled persons).

— Don Pierce

St. Luke honors Eagle Scout MINT HILL — St. Luke Knights of Columbus Council 12832 participated in an Eagle Scout Court of Honor April 22 for Jared Morgan, recognizing Morgan for having attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Brother Ken Ward presented Morgan with a certificate of recognition on behalf of the council, along with a handmade plaque from Brother Vinnie Mantione, who managed to find time to construct it while undergoing treatment for an illness. Morgan moved to Wilmington last fall, but completed his project of refurbishing a parking lot for the American Red Cross before he left. He returned to complete his Eagle Board of Review in January, then returned again to the parish for the ceremony. While at St. Luke Parish, Morgan was an altar server and a lector. Father Paul Gary attended the ceremony and presentation, along with Boy Scout leaders.

— Phil Angelo

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Consagracion al corazon de Jesus por medio del corazon de Maria Huntersville — Consagracion al corazon de Jesus por medio del corazon de Maria, realizada el 25 de Marzo (dia de la anunciacion a Maria) en la iglesia de San Marcos en Huntersville.

Consecration to the Sacred Heart HUNTERSVILLE — Latino Catholics gathered at St. Mark Church in Huntersville on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, for consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through Mary. A similar gathering was held on Dec, 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, with the faithful at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte as well as at St. Mark Church.

Photos provided by Mariella Buscaglia

Direct Support Professionals: Working with children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

Full-time, Part-time & weekend relief (every other weekend), 2nd & 3rd shifts. Provide total care support; assist

704-841-1160

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Bathing / Dressing Assistance

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with mealtime, activities, and goals for Holy Angels residents. Require: High School/GED; min age 21; Minimum 2 years related experience. Prefer Silver Career Readiness Certificate and supervision experience.

Apply at: Holy Angels 6600 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont, NC, 704.825.4161 Send resume to hrinfo@HAngelsNC.org or apply online at www.HolyAngelsNC.org

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 FROM THE COVER

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Since 2005 we have celebrated Catholic Social Services Week. Each year this week provides an opportunity for our parishioners to become more familiar with services that are offered, ways to volunteer, and avenues to support diocesan charitable works.

This year, however, is especially significant as the agency celebrates its 40th anniversary and changes its name to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. The name directly connects this ministry of the diocese with the Biblical foundations of charity and apostolic history of response to the needs of the poor and the marginalized.

In his first encyclical, “Deus Caritas Est” (“God Is Love”), Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI writes of the practice of love (“caritas”) by the Church. Caritas connotes living in God’s love and sharing it with others. It is from this root word that we derive the modern English word charity.

Love of neighbor is not only the responsibility of every member of the faithful, but is also the responsibility of the Church at every level, from personal to universal. As an essential part of her very nature, along with the Word and the sacraments, “the Church must practice love. Love thus needs to be organized if it is to be an ordered service to the community” (no. 20).

I am grateful to our Catholic Charities for helping us be true to who we are as the people of God, by calling us, and providing opportunities to reach out to others in love and service.

I thank you, my brothers and sisters, for your support of Catholic Charities, our organized diocesan exercise of charity, and for all your local efforts. Together we are the People of God answering the call to compassionate love of others.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com FROM THE COVERI

CCDOC.ORG

Introducing

Renewing our roots in charity

Catholic Social Services has been an integral part of the Church’s charitable outreach to the poor and vulnerable in the Diocese of Charlotte for more than 40 years, following the command of Jesus Christ to put love into action.

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we are renewing our roots in the Church’s history of charity by changing the agency name to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte to reflect this tradition.

CatholicCharitiesDioceseofCharlotte

As we deepen our commitment to Jesus’ Gospel message, we eagerly embrace our ministry of strengthening families, building communities and reducing poverty.

Thank you for your continuing prayers, assistance and generosity, which makes it possible for us to further the Gospel message of charity in western North Carolina.

For more information about our new name, go online to www.ccdoc.org or call us at 800-227-7261.

CCDOC

CCDOCharlotte

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 FROM THE COVER

Dr. Gerard Carter

New name reflects nod to history, renewed emphasis on charity

I

t is my great pleasure to announce an important transition which will take place next week in the diocesan-wide charitable ministry of Catholic Social Services. After almost two years of discussions, with affirmation by the agency Board of Directors, and permission of Bishop Peter J. Jugis, we will be renamed as Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte on May 17.

When we began the process of considering a name change, we were guided by the writings of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on the critical importance of Christian charity in the life of the Church from the time of Our Savior through to the present day. The theme for this name change – “Renewing Our Roots in Charity” – reflects our desire to connect this ministry even more closely with the biblical foundations of charity and the tremendous history of response to the needs of the poor and the marginalized through the ministrations of the Church.

As we are so powerfully reminded by our pope emeritus in his encyclical “Deus Caritas Est” (“God is Love”) and letter “On the Service of Charity,” as individuals and as Church we are called by our faith to live out charity toward our neighbors in need. This call to charity is amply depicted in the Scriptures, especially through the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Last Judgment. In caring for the unknown neighbor in need, the Good Samaritan reflects the selfless love of God to which we are called to imitate.

The centrality of our love of neighbor is also made clear through Jesus’ parable of the Last Judgment in which our love and care of others is intimately connected to our love of God: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me…” (Matthew 25:31-46).

Our organized work of charity expresses a fundamental nature of the Church. Again, as our pope emeritus wrote: “For the Church, charity is not a kind of welfare activity which could equally well be left to others, but is a part of her nature, an indispensable expression of her very being” ... (T)he exercise of charity is an action of the Church as such, and that, like the ministry of Word and Sacrament, it too has been an essential part of her mission from the very beginning.” Therefore, to be called Catholic Charities better translates to the indispensable work we do to share the love of Christ with our neighbors in need through one of the three essential parts of the Church’s mission.

The logo design shares the basic format used by most Catholic Charities agencies across the nation and incorporates the sacrifice of the Cross in our work of the Church’s charitable ministry.

The choice of the color blue for the logo dedicates our work to the Blessed Mother and May was chosen for the roll-out date to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the creation of the agency (May 17, 1973) by Bishop Michael J. Begley and the month of Mary.

Rather than breaking with the past, this name change heavily connects this diocesan ministry with its history, the history of the Church’s outreach to the poor and the vulnerable, and as a next step in re-energizing our efforts to meet the challenges of the future. This transition renews our roots in charity with an exciting future of service.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions. I can be reached via email (gacarter@charlottediocese.org), office phone (704-370-3250) or at our administrative office at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

As we renew our roots in charity, we ask that you remember our work in your prayers so that everything we do may be pleasing to God and in service of Him. Dr. Gerard Carter is the executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

Photo provided by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

Then-Father Michael J. Begley was instrumental in organizing the Bureau of Catholic Charities in 1948. As the new diocese’s first bishop, Bishop Begley incorporated Catholic Social Services on May 17, 1973.

O

Renewing roots in charity

n May 17, Catholic Social Services unveils its new name and logo, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte – affirming its long-standing mission of charity, service and justice and rededicating itself to providing help to those in need, hope to those in despair, and inspiration for others to follow.

For decades the Church in western North Carolina has been committed to strengthening families, building communities and reducing poverty under various ministries including the most recent entity, Catholic Social Services. With this new name, the ministry honors that history and renews its roots in charity, following Jesus’ call to love and serve one another.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte continues to offer a variety of services to people in need regardless of their religious, social or economic backgrounds: adoption and pregnancy support, counseling, family outreach, refugee resettlement, immigration services, natural family planning, food pantries, teen parenting support, economic development, disaster relief, pro-life ministry, social concerns education and advocacy, and more.

The following pages showcase the work of the people of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. We hope it inspires you to open your heart and lend a hand.

“For the Church, charity is not a kind of welfare activity which could equally well be left to others, but is a part of her nature, an indispensable expression of her very being…”

— Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, “Deus Caritas Est,” 25a

Learn more about Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte www.ccdoc.org

CatholicCharitiesDioceseofCharlotte

CCDOC

CCDOCharlotte

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com FROM THE COVERI

“Following Jesus not only with moved hearts, means learning to come out of ourselves … in order to meet others, in order to go toward the edges of our existence, to take the first steps towards our brothers and sisters, especially those who are farthest from us, those who are forgotten, those who need understanding, consolation and assistance.”

— Pope Francis, general audience of March 24, 2013

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How You Can Get Involved Pray Please remember the volunteers, staff, clients and supporters of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte in your prayers.

Donate online Make a secure one-time or recurring donation at www.ccdoc.org.

Donate by mail Please send donations to: Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, attention: Administration Office, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203-4003.

Donate grocery items Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte operates food pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem.

Donations of grocery items (food and non-food items like toiletries, laundry detergent, paper products) are always welcome. Check the food pantry operating hours online at www.ccdoc.org, or call ahead to schedule your drop-off (828-255-0146 in Asheville, 704-370-3232 in Charlotte, 336-727-0705 in Winston-Salem).

Items most requested by clients are canned fruit; juice, tea and coffee; rice; spaghetti sauce and pasta; and canned tuna. Donations of kid-friendly microwavable foods are particularly welcome during the summer months, when school meals are not being provided.

Donate furniture and household items Refugees often arrive in this country with few material possessions.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte depends on donations of gently used furniture and household items to prepare a comfortable, welcoming home for newly arriving families. Donated items must be clean and in good repair. Needs include: dining tables and chairs, bed and bath linens, dishes, sofas, tables, beds (queen, full or twin), dressers, cooking utensils, blankets and lamps. Pick-up available. Call 704-370-3283.

Donate stocks or securities Gifts of stock may be made via electronic transfer or by physical certificate. The Diocese of Charlotte maintains a brokerage account with Wells Fargo Advisors for the purpose of processing electronic transfers to the Diocese for the benefit of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. Contact Katie Creighton at kmcreighton@ charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3372.

Donate vehicles Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte partners with Charitable Auto Resources on vehicle donations. Call toll free 855-930-GIVE (4483) or go online to www.donatingiseasy.org.

Consider planned giving Photos provided by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

A translator works with refugee children in Charlotte in this 1984 archive photo.

Consider a gift for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte in your estate planning. Contact Judy Smith, diocesan director of planned giving, at 704-370-3320 or jmsmith@charlottediocese.org.

Volunteer: Opportunities available in Asheville, Charlotte or Winston-Salem

(Above) Montagnard refugees enjoy Thanksgiving at the St. Pius X Parish rectory in Greensboro in 1986.

(Left) In this 1982 archive photo, volunteers assist at a Charlotte area clothing pantry.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte welcomes volunteers in the Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem areas to donate their time and talent to help neighbors in need – from food pantry and office reception help, to mentoring refugee youths and planning events for seniors. For a complete list of opportunities, visit www.ccdoc.org. Here are a few ideas to get you started: n Asheville: Help is needed in the food pantry with stocking shelves, packing and distributing food, or organizing local food drives. In the clothing closet, help is needed in sorting clothing donations or organizing clothing drives. Bilingual volunteers are also needed to help in greeting clients and answering the phone. People are also needed to help teach Russian-speaking refugees English to prepare them for employment and for citizenship. (You do not need to speak Russian.) n Charlotte: Help is needed in the food pantry with stocking shelves, packing and distributing food, or organizing local food drives. Help collecting donated furniture and household items for incoming refugees, organize a donation drive and furnish an apartment for an incoming refugee family, or mentor incoming refugee children to help them acclimate to their new home. Volunteers are also needed with the refugee youth afterschool program, particularly Girl Scout troop leaders. n Winston-Salem: Help is needed in the food pantry with stocking shelves, packing and distributing food, organizing local food drives or shopping to stock the pantry from the office’s needs list. Bilingual volunteers are also needed to help in greeting clients and answering the phone. In the Wee Care Shoppe, meet with clients and help them “shop” for their baby needs.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 FROM THE COVER

“The parables of Jesus help us to understand our responsibility before God and one another in this present age…. The parable of the final judgment reminds us that, in the end, we will be judged on our love for others and especially for those in need.”

— Pope Francis, general audience of March 24, 2013

“I am particularly fond of Catholic Charities because it serves those in need through a process that is not only gracious, but allows individuals to maintain a high level of integrity, which is often sacrificed in other social assistance programs.”

— Bob Whitaker-Lea of Asheville, volunteer

“It’s just amazing what a difference the food pantry can make in people’s lives. This area of North Carolina has really endured some economic setbacks, there’s been some industry closings, people have been laid off.

These are people just like you and me, but they’ve just had some event or some incident that’s occurred in their lives. It’s either buy food or it’s pay a gas bill or pay rent.”

— Marsha Myers of Winston-Salem, volunteer

Photos provided by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

(Top) Karen Walters packs bags of groceries on food pantry days in Winston-Salem.

(Above) Volunteer Charmel Gaulden helps a young immigrant fill out a citizenship application online during a recent citizenship workshop in Charlotte.

(Left) Natalia Scerbina volunteers at the reception office in Asheville.

“I think it’s important (to volunteer) because you get out, you get out to see people, you can help other people, and people help you just by learning new things.”

— Sister Mary Thurlough of Winston-Salem, Presidential Award recipient and volunteer

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com FROM THE COVERI

Photos provided by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

(Above left) Khue Pham also arrived in 1982 from Vietnam. He worked very hard and was able to sponsor his entire family and bring them to Charlotte. He is the owner of A Time ‘N’ Place clock shop.

(Above) Huy Vu and his wife Kim VuHuy came separately to Charlotte from Vietnam in 1982. They met in Charlotte and later married. Now they own V Cleaners & Alterations in Elizabeth, and they have two children who are both in college.

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“I went to food banks when I was a kid – my family was on public assistance. I remember that there was somebody at the time who cared enough to help. By the time I was about 7, we didn’t need the assistance anymore, and then my parents started going to food banks to volunteer and they brought us. We understood that you are one medical emergency, one big car repair, one paycheck away from needing to go back. That sticks with you.”

— Bethany Johnson of Charlotte, volunteer

(Left) The Men’s Group of St. William Church in Murphy raised money recently for the Far West Families First program at the annual “Hot Off the Grill” cookout.

“Love of neighbor, grounded in the love of God, is first and foremost a responsibility for each individual member of the faithful, but it is also a responsibility for the entire ecclesial community at every level: from the local community to the particular Church and to the Church universal in its entirety. As a community, the Church must practice love. Love thus needs to be organized if it is to be an ordered service to the community.”

— Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, “Deus Caritas Est,” 20

“Before Christmas there was a 70-year-old woman who came in and all of a sudden – in the middle of the foyer here – she started crying. She said this was the first time she had to ask for food. For a 70-year-old woman to say that, it was just very emotional.”

— Les Palm of Charlotte, volunteer

“Blessing. Just being able to bless someone. It’s not about money, it’s about love.

With a child you can never give too much love and you can never get too much love. These families are like that, too. They need love. To see smiles on their faces, just by saying one kind thing, is just worth everything.”

— Linda Golden of Murphy, volunteer

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 FROM THE COVER

Photos provided by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

(Above) Father George Kloster’s work with the local Catholic Charities extends back to 1998, when he was assigned as pastor of St. William Church in Murphy and Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville.

Since the founding of Catholic Charities’ Office of Economic Opportunity, Father Kloster has helped raise more than $250,000 in support of its work, including “Chef George Evening” with honorary “Chef Jorge” (or “Chef Georg” or “Chef Giorgio”) offering fine foods from across the world.

(Above center) Claudie Burchfield, program director for the Office of Economic Opportunity, provides free tax preparation assistance at the Catholic Charities office in western North Carolina.

(Above right) Children color pictures at the Catholic Charities food pantry in Winston-Salem. That day, 52 families received assistance from the food pantry.

(Right) Abdelhafiz Boush is a Sudanese refugee who participates in Catholic Charities’ after-school program in Charlotte. Boush is a second-grader at Winterfield Elementary School.

(Below) Mary Pat Dailey counsels a client in the Murphy office.

(Below right) Volunteer Linda Golden and Father Shawn O’Neal of Bryson City prepare desserts for Catholic Charities’ recent “Hot Off the Grill” charity cookout.

“God thinks like the Samaritan who doesn’t pass by the unfortunate man, pitying him or looking away, but rather assisting him without asking anything in return, without asking if he was a Jew or a Samaritan, rich or poor.”

— Pope Francis, general audience of March 24, 2013

“The exercise of charity is an action of the Church as such, and that, like the ministry of Word and Sacrament, it too has been an essential part of her mission from the very beginning.”

— Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, “Deus Caritas Est,” 32

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com FROM THE COVERI

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By the Numbers Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte offers a variety of services to people in need regardless of their religious, social or economic backgrounds: adoption and pregnancy support, counseling, family outreach, refugee resettlement, immigration services, natural family planning, food pantries, teen parenting support, economic development, disaster relief, pro-life ministry, social concerns education and advocacy, and more.

In 2012, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte reported the following: The Charlotte Regional Office served a total of 8,347 clients.

The Piedmont Triad Regional Office served a total of 4,750 clients.

The Western Regional Office served a total of 3,736 clients.

The Justice and Peace Office served a total of 2,893 clients.

The Family Life Office served a total of 1,790 clients.

The Refugee Resettlement Office served a total of 839 clients.

Services were provided to the following numbers of people: Counseling: 362 Pregnancy Support and Adoption: 311 Refugee Assistance: 1,015 Immigration Legal Assistance: 509 Education and Enrichment: 4,476 Social Support: 381 Food Pantry: 15,454 Clothing Assistance: 2,339 — Source: Catholic Charities USA 2012 Annual Survey

Frequently Asked Questions Why have you chosen to be called Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte?

The name Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte connects this ministry of the Church more closely with the biblical foundations of charity and the history of response to the needs of the poor and the marginalized, which have been an integral mark of the Church. Incorporated in 1948

by Bishop Vincent Waters of the Diocese of Raleigh (which then spanned the state), the Church’s charitable work in North Carolina was initially known as the Bureau of Catholic Charities. In May of 1949, the Raleigh diocese opened a branch of the Bureau of Catholic Charities in Charlotte.

Following a mid-century trend in some dioceses, in 1962 Bishop Waters changed the agency name to Catholic Social Services Inc. Following the formation of the Diocese of Charlotte in 1972, Bishop Michael Begley created Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina Inc. in 1973. The return of this ministry to Catholic Charities reclaims our roots as a “caritas” ministry of the Church.

As so beautifully presented by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in “Deus Caritas Est” (“God is Love”), we are called as individuals and as Church to live out “caritas” – “love” – of our neighbors in need. Our call to “caritas” is amply depicted in the Scriptures, especially through the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Last Judgment. In caring for the unknown neighbor in need, the Good Samaritan reflects the selfless love of God to which we are called to imitate and the parable creates “a standard which imposes universal love towards the needy” (no. 25). The centrality of our love of neighbor is also made clear through Jesus’ parable of the Last Judgment in which our love and care of others is intimately connected to our love of God: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me …” (Matthew 25:31-46). We serve as the Church’s diocesan-wide charitable outreach because the love of God impels us to strive more deeply to love our neighbors as depicted in Holy Scripture. As ministry of the diocese, we are called to be “caritas” with those whom we are privileged to serve.

Our organized work of charity expresses a fundamental nature of the Church.

Therefore, to be called Catholic Charities once again, better translates to the indispensable work we do to share the love (“caritas” or “charity”) of Christ with our neighbors in need through one of the three essential parts of the mission of the Church.

The logo design consists of a church with a clear focus on the Cross of Jesus. This is particularly salient because our work of charity flows from that sacrifice and our call as Church to put faith into action.

The choice of the color blue dedicates our work to the Blessed Mother. As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wrote in “Deus Caritas Est,” “In the saints one thing becomes clear: those who draw near to God do not withdraw from men, but rather become truly close to them. In no one do we see this more clearly than in Mary ...

Mary, Virgin and Mother, shows us what love is and whence it draws its origin and its constantly renewed power. To her we entrust the Church and her mission in the service of love…”

What is the bishop’s role in Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte?

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is fully and completely a ministry which operates under the sole authority and direction of the bishop.

What is your relationship with Catholic Charities USA? Photo provided by Kathleen Durkin, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s food pantry in Charlotte now offers perishable goods to clients, thanks to several refrigerators that were recently set up in the pantry at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

Are your services changing?

No. We will continue to offer an array of services throughout the diocese: adoption and pregnancy support, counseling, family outreach, refugee resettlement, immigration services, natural family planning, food pantries, teen parenting support, economic development, disaster relief, pro-life ministry, social concerns education and advocacy. What will be changing is a new emphasis on increasing charitable outreach throughout the diocese, both through this ministry and in closer relationships with parishioners.

Who will Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte serve?

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte will continue to serve the poor, the vulnerable and those in need of our services. We serve all of God’s people regardless of their background. As so appropriately stated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: “We don’t ask people for

their baptismal certificate, nor do we ask people for their U.S. passport, before we can serve them ... We don’t serve people because they’re Catholic, we serve them because we are, and it’s a moral imperative for us to do so.”

When will this name become effective?

May 17, 2013, was chosen as the roll-out date to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the creation of the agency (May 17, 1973) by Bishop Michael Begley and in recognition of May as the month of Mary.

Rather than being a break with the past, this name change heavily connects this diocesan ministry with its history, the history of the Church’s outreach to the poor and the vulnerable, and as a next step in re-energizing our efforts to meet the challenges of the future. This transition renews our roots in charity with an exciting future of service.

Why did you choose this particular logo?

As a ministry authorized by the bishop, we benefit from association with other Catholic Charities agencies through the nationwide Catholic Charities organization. Catholic Charities USA operates in very close relationship with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, with Bishop Michael P. Driscoll of Boise currently serving as episcopal liaison.

What will be your new website address?

The website is www.ccdoc.org. For a period of time the old agency website address will be forwarded to the new website.

Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?

Dr. Gerard Carter is the executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte and he welcomes your questions or concerns. He can be contacted via: Email: gacarter@charlottediocese.org Phone: 704-370-3250 Fax: 704-370-3298 Mail or appointment: 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003

Our schools 22

catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Asheville Catholic honors late Mercy Sister Anita Sheerin Tim Reid Correspondent

ASHEVILLE — Parents and friends of Asheville Catholic School remember Mercy Sister Anita Sheerin as a person who gave of herself unceasingly – first to educate children and later to minister to the sick and homebound.

“Sister Anita was a real blessing here … As a Sister of Mercy she exemplified what it meant to be a loving and merciful person,” said Father Patrick Cahill, administrator of Asheville Catholic School and pastor of St. Eugene Parish.

During the school’s Spring Fling fundraiser gala on May 3, supporters raised more than $52,000 to upgrade the school’s library and media center and name it in her honor, as the Sister Anita Sheerin LibraryMedia Center.

Parents and others opened their wallets and their hearts in memory of Sister Anita, who devoted many years of her life to helping the school and community.

During the evening at the Crowne Plaza, Deacon Mike Zboyovski presented an overview of Sister Anita’s life of Christian service and love.

A native of Philadelphia, she moved to Belmont soon after high school to enter the Sisters of Mercy. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she taught in Catholic schools throughout North Carolina (including what is now Asheville Catholic), New York and Florida.

In later years Sister Anita fell in love with ministering to the sick and homebound, returning to Asheville as

a chaplain at Mission/St. Joseph Hospital and pastoral associate at St. Eugene Church. In 2011 she retired to Sacred Heart Convent for health reasons, and she died there Nov. 15, 2012.

Sisters Patricia Pepitone and Carolyn Coll shared personal remembrances of their time with Sister Anita and all she meant to them and others.

“Sister Anita had a great sense of humor,” Sister Pepitone recalled. “Whenever she was in a situation where something went wrong, she had the ability to laugh at herself and make light of it so that everyone felt better.”

School supporters were presented a hand-carved statue of Our Lady of Mercy that Sister Anita had kept with her wherever she lived. The statue will be incorporated into the improved library and media center.

As a special tribute to Sister Anita, a humorous entertainment based on “Sister Act,” which she created for a school function 20 years ago, was performed again by the same people who did it originally. Performing were Sister Pepitone, Sister Carmen Cruz, Jeanie Adams, Karen Brown, Karen Engle, Diane McDonald, Mary Ann Minkin, Bonnie Scully, Elizabeth Arrington Sinsky, Debbie Szymanski, Jan Zboyovski, Becky Dosier and Father Jim Solari.

More than $27,000 was raised at the Spring Fling through auctions and other events, plus a $25,000 matching grant from the Layden Family Foundation through the generosity of Don and Barbara Layden.

The money will be used to upgrade the school library to offer not only books but also a variety of spaces for learning equipped with state-of-the-art technology and e-readers that enable nearly unlimited access to resources.

Linda Greever, chairman of Asheville Catholic’s school board, said the approximately $800,000 raised through Spring Fling events over the years has been vital for meeting the needs of students.

Greever, whose three children attend Asheville Catholic, echoed the sentiments of others remembering Sister Anita. “My children thought she was wonderful.”

The printed program for the evening cited a quote by Sister Anita: “My main goal is to give everything I’ve got every day” – adding that she did that until the end of her life.

Learning about different cultures

Photo provided by Karen L. Hornfeck

GREENSBORO — Students at Our Lady of Grace School celebrated Multicultural Day by setting up stations representing different countries in classrooms around the school. During this year’s celebration, students “traveled” to Denmark, Canada, Argentina and Italy – learning about the culture of each country through arts and crafts, music and food. Teachers also explored each country using a mixture of math, social studies and literature to give each student an experiential learning opportunity. Shown are second-graders Sofia Wolff, Ines Vargas-Machuca, Lindsey Ramsey, Lance Farley and Elisabeth Hornfeck as they moved from station to station during the day.

Celebrating 70 years!

St. Michael Catholic School invites you to visit and see for yourself everything that we have to offer your child.

Celebrating 60 years of excellence!

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May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

(league head), Dr. Janice Ritter (diocesan superintendent of schools) and Gloria Kankienza; (third row, from left) Jacob Santschi, Patrick Collins, Nicholas Trapasso, Haven Neely, Luke Dorrian, Ireland Wells and Melanie Vandenberg; and (last row, from left) Luke Santschi, Sam Scott, Anna Pogarcic and Uwa Akhere.

— Mary “Annette” Morales

well they performed on this exam. Many of my Sacred Heart students go to higher levels of Spanish in high school and have even minored/ majored in Spanish in college. It is nice knowing that their Spanish foundation began right here at Sacred Heart,” said Spanish teacher Ilse Cardelle.

— Robin Fisher

Junior wins photography award KERNERSVILLE — Bishop McGuinness High School junior Lucas Las-Casas has been recognized at the national level for his photograph “Holy Coke.” He won a national Silver Medal in photography in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. National winners will receive their awards in New York City later this month.

— Katie B. Williams

Laude; Christian Chapman, Silver Maxima Cum Laude; Nicole Vallandingham, Silver Maxima Cum Laude; Hannah Hawkins, Magna Cum Laude; Clare Gibbons, Magna Cum Laude; Tristan Waterbury, Magna Cum Laude; Erin Lisi, Magna Cum Laude; Elise George, Magna Cum Laude; Megan Almon, Magna Cum Laude; Samson Triantis, Cum Laude; Lucy Green, Cum Laude; and Chase Smith, Cum Laude.

Latin III Honors Awards went to: Sumner Dudick, Gold Summa Cum Laude; Alexander Sheldon, Gold Summa Cum Laude; William Larsen, Silver Maxima Cum Laude; Evan Berretta, Silver Maxima Cum Laude; Carolyn Nguyen, Magna Cum Laude; Bryant King, Magna Cum Laude; Moira Shepard, Magna Cum Laude; and Stephanie Grant, Cum Laude.

AP Latin Awards went to: Tyler Schilly, Magna Cum Laude; and Frankie Pray, Magna Cum Laude.

— Suzanne Cona

Charlotte Catholic students earn Bishop McGuinness musicians high scores on national Latin Exam perform at GuitarFest CHARLOTTE — One hundred and fifty Latin

Academic Team wins awards CHARLOTTE — The MACS Academic Games National Team competed in the 2013 Academic Games League of America National Tournament April 26-29 in Charlotte, featuring more than 1,000 students from all over the U.S. Nineteen students ranging from fourth- to eighth-graders from Our Lady of the Assumption and Holy Trinity Middle schools represented MACS this year.

In the Middle School Division (grades 7 and 8), the team won first place in Presidents and ninth place in Propaganda. In the Elementary Division (grades 4 to 6), the team won second place in Presidents and second place in Propaganda.

Individual award winners were: Melanie Vandenberg: second place, Presidents - Middle School Division; Uwa Akhere: fifth place, Presidents - Middle School Division; Luke Dorrian: sixth place, Presidents - Middle School Division; Anna Pogarcic: 10th place, Presidents - Middle School Division; Nicholas Trapasso: seventh place, World Events - Middle School Division; Rhea Desai and Patrick Collins: tied for ninth place, Presidents - Elementary Division; and Rhea Desai: eighth place, Propaganda - Elementary Division.

Pictured are (front row, from left): Nikki Tan, Kevin Santschi, Thomas Nguyen, Jordan Parillo, Tyler Vance and Rhea Desai; (second row, from left) Alex Phan, Yasmin Santschi (coach), Mary A. Morales (head coach), Allana-Rae Ramkissoon

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SHS students succeed on national Spanish Exam SALISBURY — Sacred Heart students William Clark, Miriam Roy and Mathias deComarmond achieved silver level status on the National Spanish Exam this year. Students scoring bronze level were Elly Burks, Michael Childress, Bertha Flores, Johnson Huynh, Mary McCullough, Anna Patel and Leah Wyrick. More than 30 additional Sacred Heart seventh- and eighth-grade students received an honorable mention on the exam.

The National Spanish Examination is the most widely used Spanish test for grades 6-12 in the U.S. This test prepares students for Advanced Placement language exams and college placement.

“I was so pleased with my students and how

Extraordinary Memory ExtraordinaryGift I wanted to make a donation in honor of my parents with some money I inherited from them.

The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte appealed to me because I was able to establish an endowment with their name on it, and it will benefit the parish they loved so much.

To receive the free brochure, “A Simple Guide to Gift Planning” contact Judy Smith, Director of Planned Giving at 704-370-3320 or jmsmith@ charlottediocese.org

students at Charlotte Catholic High School took the National Latin Exam in March, and the National Latin Exam Committee recognized students earning superior scores on the exam.

Latin I Awards went to: Sarah Poetzsch, Silver Maxima Cum Laude; Christopher Anderson, Magna Cum Laude; Michael Nantais, Magna Cum Laude; Brooke Beard, Magna Cum Laude; Jacob Wintert, Magna Cum Laude; Owen Winters, Magna Cum Laude; Zachary Kokatnur, Cum Laude; Betsy Scarisbrick, Cum Laude; Harrison Svrcek, Cum Laude; Angela Fluett, Cum Laude; and Andrew Robinson, Cum Laude.

Latin II Awards went to: Julianne Mata, Gold Summa Cum Laude; Kitty Cona, Gold Summa Cum Laude; Polly Jasper, Silver Maxima Cum Laude; Christopher Lokey, Silver Maxima Cum Laude; Faith Kressner, Silver Maxima Cum Laude; Cameron Turner, Silver Maxima Cum

KERNERSVILLE — The Bishop McGuinness High School guitar ensemble performed at the 18th annual Appalachian GuitarFest and Competition at Appalachian State University in Boone April 12-14. They were among 130 registrants from 10 different states. Close to 110 guitarists performed in the GuitarFest Orchestra under the direction of composer and director Dr. Alan Hirsh, music director at Bishop McGuinness.

The Bishop McGuinness Honors Guitar ensemble includes: Nick Castellano, Stephanie Curri, Sean Gorham, Liz Farmer, Jake Henderson, Sarah Lucas, Sebastian Lucek, Bobby Mason and Mateo Morillo. They were joined with Darsey Bowers on flute/tin whistle and Anna Petrangeli on violin.

— Katie B. Williams and Jeff Stoller

Mix 24

catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

On TV

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

n Saturday, May 11, 9:45 p.m. “Flower in the Desert.” The Monastery of St. Anthony in the Valley of Qozhaya in Northern Lebanon and a history of St. Anthony, Superior of the monastery and father of the monastic life.

In theaters

n Sunday, May 12, 3:30-6 a.m. (EWTN) “Canonization Mass.” Live coverage as Pope Francis canonizes Sister Laura di Santa Caterina da Siena Montoya y Upegui, Maria Guadalupe Garcia Zavala and Blessed Antonio Primaldo and Companions. n Sunday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Miraculous Medal & Our Lady of Grace.” Mary made two great visits to France. Father Apostoli shows how the two apparitions have something in common: Both of them deal with Our Lady under her title as the Immaculate Conception.

‘Pain and Gain’ Nasty fact-based crime chronicle - set in the early 1990s - in which a trio of dim-witted bodybuilders (Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie) kidnap an abrasive but successful businessman (Tony Shalhoub) and torture him into signing over all his holdings to them. Thanks in large part to the efforts of a straight-arrow police officer-turned-private-eye (Ed Harris), however, their nearly successful scheme begins to unravel. In adapting a series of magazine articles by Pete Collins, director Michael Bay invites viewers to marvel at the he-men’s jaw-dropping stupidity. Yet their vicious antics, acted out within a lowlife milieu of strippers and porn pushers, are too repellent to be amusing, while snarky swipes at religion culminate in blasphemous humor and the character of a pervert priest. Negative portrayal of Christian faith and clergy, sometimes gory violence, strong sexual content.

CNS: A-O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

‘Iron Man 3’ Special effects trump substance in this addition to the blockbuster screen franchise adapted from a series of Marvel comics dating back to 1963. As the titular superhero’s billionaire alter ego (Robert Downey Jr.) battles a mysterious, bin Laden-like terrorist (Ben Kingsley), their conflict endangers his now live-in girlfriend (Gwyneth Paltrow). The range of moral and immoral uses to which advanced technology can be turned are briefly explored through the characters of two promising scientists gone bad and through the protagonist’s newly developed anxiety attacks, which leave him questioning his reliance on gadgetry. Much action violence with some gore, cohabitation, an off-screen nonmarital sexual encounter, at least one use of profanity, occasional crude language.

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

Additional reviews: n ‘The Big Wedding’: CNS: 0 (morally offensive); MPAA: PG-13 n ’The Place Beyond the Pines’: CNS: A-L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

n Sunday, May 15, 2:30 p.m.

(EWTN)“Images of Mary – Christ’s Disciples.” Father Alfred McBride explains how Mary is mentioned in the Bible many times as having traveled with Jesus and listened to His sermons. She supported Him in prayer and love, without proclaiming herself as this famous man’s mother. n Thursday, May 16, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Fatima – Our Hope.” A history of the Fatima apparitions with a further background of that area of Portugal, the global spiritual response and Pope John Paul II’s visit there in 1982.

For the love of painting Maria Johnson O.Henry Magazine

GREENSBORO — Last month Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, was hung.

On a wall.

In the church.

Last year, St. Pius X parishioners hired up-and-coming British artist Nancy Fletcher to paint a life-size portrait of the jovial Monsignor Marcaccio.

Commissioning a pastor’s portrait is not a common practice, but Monsignor Marcaccio is not a common pastor. He has led St. Pius X for almost 13 years, and the number of registered families at the parish has more than doubled over that time. A few years ago, he oversaw a $7 million expansion to house the growing flock.

“He’s so loved,” says parishioner Julie Clark, who spearheaded the drive to paint Monsignor Marcaccio. “He wants so much for this church and this community to succeed, and he wants everybody to be a part of it. That kind of enthusiasm is catchy.”

The idea to get Fletcher to paint Monsignor Marcaccio hatched after Clark saw one of Fletcher’s pieces in downtown Greensboro in late 2011. The painting – of a raven-haired woman – was part of the annual Winter Show at

Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art. “It was so well-executed,” Clark says of the portrait, which suggested an artist with classical training.

Later that night, Clark met Fletcher and discovered she’d studied in Florence. That’s where she met her fiancé Travis Seymour, an artist from Morehead City. They were working in a Wilmington studio when Greenhill’s Edie Carpenter found them as she scouted for Winter Show artists.

The couple already knew about Greensboro. They’d been to the Proximity Hotel for an art event to benefit Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test.

Everyone in Greensboro had been so kind to them; selling Fletcher on painting Monsignor Marcaccio was easy.

Selling Monsignor Marcaccio was harder.

“I said, ‘This is crazy. It’s going to be seen as extravagant, like, Who does he think he is?’” said Monsignor Marcaccio. “I was totally against it.”

He softened after seeing pictures of Fletcher’s work – “I said, ‘Holy mackerel! This is not your average portrait painter.’” – and gathering assurances that the painting would include symbols of the parish’s awardPAINTING, SEE page 25

n Saturday, May 18, noon-2 p.m.

(EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Pentecost from Rome.” Pope Francis celebrates the vigil Mass of Pentecost, followed by the Angelus, live from Vatican City. n Saturday, May 18, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Eldest Daughter of the Church – Sun of Justice.” Events on the life of the Sun King and Anne from Austria, the Convent of Paray-Le-Monial and of St. Margarite Alacoque. n Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Lives of the Saints – St. Rita of Cascia.” A look at the life of this stigmatized Augustinian nun who was known as a beautiful peacemaker. n Thursday, May 23, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Margaret Clitherow.” The remarkable story of life and death of St. Margaret Clitherow, English Catholic martyr, who was executed for hiding hunted Catholic priests during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. n Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Greatest Love Story.” Mother Mary Assumpta, O.P., discusses the needs of the order along with vocational comments from several of the sisters. n Friday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “God in Tibet.” Examine life in Seisong, Tibet, a village of 600, where more than 80 percent of the families are Catholic. Under the Communist regime, there are no priests available to lead the faithful.

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

PAINTING: FROM PAGE 24

winning expansion campaign, “Making a Place at the Table.”

By the time Monsignor Marcaccio said yes, the fundraising was under way. Clark won’t divulge the cost of the portrait, but she says Fletcher, at 36, is early in her career so, “We got her at a really good time.”

Shortly after the parish commissioned Monsignor Marcaccio’s portrait, Fletcher’s portrait of her fiancé was accepted for a show at the National Portrait Gallery in London. The painting appeared on the cover of the museum’s bulletin last summer.

By that time Fletcher, a native of rural Lincolnshire who now lives in London, had spent several days in Greensboro sketching and photographing Monsignor Marcaccio along with objects that would appear in the painting: a carved wooden table from the sacristy; a stole representing his priestly office; a white surplice; a Book of the Gospels; Holy Communion; a bust of St. Pius X; the medals of the orders to which Monsignor Marcaccio belongs; a candle symbolizing Christ as the Light of the Church; an incense boat; keys representing the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

Fletcher personalized the painting further by adding a Gothic chalice that Monsignor Marcaccio’s family gave him; the yellow notepads on which Monsignor Marcaccio writes his homilies; and

STEWARDSHIP: FROM PAGE 5

me.’ It restored her faith in humanity.”

To the stewardship professionals who had come to the conference, he recommended the book “All Saints: Daily Reflections from Saints, Prophets and Witnesses for Our Time,” by Robert Ellsberg, as another way to experience the power of stewardship in the Catholic faith.

“This book will change your life,” Bishop Morneau told the conference attendees.

“I understand many people don’t like change.”

But, he explained, effective stewardship means seeking improvement and continually expressing gratitude for the gifts we have. He illustrated his point with the story of a successful doctor: “He makes six figures annually. He’s married, has four kids, beautiful home and nice cars. He says, ‘I just realized this is not my money in the bank. I own nothing.

It all belongs to God. I am a caretaker and a trustee.’ He changed his attitude from being an owner to a steward – which changes his attitude to gratitude and his behavior to generosity. The (stewardship) concept changed his whole life.”

Barbara Gaddy, assistant development

Monsignor Marcaccio’s beloved dog, Chica the Chihuahua.

Back in her London studio, Fletcher worked on the 54-by-80-inch canvas daily for three months. The unframed oil painting was unveiled at Clark’s home in December.

“I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh! That is really amazing,’” says Monsignor Marcaccio, who was stunned at how well Fletcher had rendered the details. The melted candle wax. The metallic tassel of a stole. The fur of Chica’s ears.

“I thought, ‘That dog is going to walk off the canvas.’”

Later this year, Fletcher will enter the painting in the Portrait Society of America’s Members Only Competition.

She has won similar contests before. She likes the chances of the portrait, her largest painting yet and one of the most challenging.

“Painting all of the different textures – from the dog’s fur to the tassels – requires certain observational skills and paint handling,” Fletcher says via email. “It was a challenge to marry the studies that I had made in Greensboro ... with the natural lighting in the studio.”

The self-effacing Monsignor Marcaccio is thankful – for the parish and for himself – that the painting turned out so well.

“I think I look like Uncle Fester, but she made me look pretty good,” he says.

For more information about viewing the portrait, contact St. Pius X Church at 336-272-4681 or email piusxfaith@aol.com.

To see more of Fletcher’s work, go to www. fletcherfineart.com.

director for the Charlotte diocese, said Bishop Morneau really understands and conveys the heart of stewardship, as well as the real spiritual message of stewardship.

He “lets us know that each of us, so uniquely gifted, is responsible for tending our own stewardship garden of the world,” Gaddy said.

Gaddy also said Charlotte was especially honored to be a part of this year’s Stewardship Day Conference.

“I always tell parishes (that by attending the conference) you can learn something new and to get that shot in the arm ... to get that excitement and reinvigorate the stewardship efforts in their parishes is really what we’re all about, and Bishop Morneau really does that,” she said.

Jim Kelley, development director for the Charlotte diocese, added that Bishop Morneau’s address was important to show us all how deeply blessed we are.

“One of the things Bishop Morneau does so well is that he talks about how stewardship is based on gratitude,” Kelley said. “That (gratitude) causes them to become more engaged in their parishes, more engaged in their communities and more connected to Christ.”

The Regional Stewardship Conference concluded with Mass, celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

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Salisbury, Charlotte, Huntersville and Mocksville. June 3-5 El evento en Mocksville será ofrecido también en español.

Catholic Charities, formerly known as Catholic Social Services, relies on your direct support to help fund its various ministries.

25

Our nation 26

catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Cardinal says dialogue was missing from Vatican’s look at LCWR The Maryland-based LCWR is a Vaticanrecognized organization that includes about 1,500 leaders of U.S. women’s religious communities, representing about 80 percent of the country’s 57,000 women religious. In April 2012, the Vatican ordered a major reform of the organization, citing “serious doctrinal problems which affect many in consecrated life.”

During a mid-April meeting with LCWR officers, Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect of the doctrinal congregation, said 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 Vatican press office released a statement May 7 saying the media “was not justified” in interpreting Cardinal Braz de Aviz’s remarks as a criticism of “a divergence between the CDF and the congregation for religious in their approach to the renewal of religious life.”

The day after the cardinal made his remarks, he met personally with Archbishop Muller, the Vatican said, and the two “reaffirmed their common commitment to the renewal of religious

life, and particularly to the doctrinal assessment of the LCWR and the program of reform it requires, in accordance with the wishes of the Holy Father.”

The cardinal and the archbishop, it said, “work closely together according to their specific responsibilities and have collaborated throughout the process of the doctrinal assessment of the LCWR.” At the May 3-7 plenary assembly of the International Union of Superiors General in Rome, a group that includes many LCWR members, Franciscan Sister Florence Deacon, president of the U.S. group, spoke about discussions with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

According to a transcript posted by the National Catholic Reporter, she told the sisters the Vatican’s assessment “was very flawed and did not reflect our own lived experience.” She said the assessment shows “there is serious misunderstanding between officials of the Vatican and women religious, and the need for prayer, discernment and deep listening.”

In his homily at Mass with the women superiors, Cardinal Braz de Aviz spoke about the painful differences of opinion among the early Christians over what was

required of pagans who wanted to join the Church. The matter was resolved through a dialogue in a spirit of prayer and an invocation of the Holy Spirit, he said.

“This is what we always must do in the Church; we must constantly discern in order to move forward,” he said. It is essential “to have this constant dialogue about our lives as consecrated men and women and as people who live and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus.”

In the video interview later, he said, “All of us who have power in the Church – mothers general, fathers general, cardinals, bishops – must rethink how we act” and whether “our power is authentic, or is it domination?”

The focus of the plenary assembly of the International Union of Superiors was on exercising leadership in religious communities in accordance with the Gospel.

Cardinal Braz de Aviz said retired Pope Benedict XVI gave the Church valuable lessons on leadership and authority; “he said we don’t need a lot of power, we need the Lord in our midst. And Pope Francis is doing the same thing – he doesn’t just want to be a powerful man, but wants to build something together.”

In Brief

marriage remains the union of one man and one woman – by the very design of nature, it cannot be otherwise,” said Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, sub-committee chairman. Rhode Island became the 10th state to allow same-sex “marriage” May 2. The law will take effect Aug. 1.

in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and as Bishop of Lubbock, that anything like this has occurred,” Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan of Santa Fe said in an April 28 statement. “I pray for all who have been harmed, their families, the parishioners and that nothing like this will ever happen again.”

Archbishop: R.I.’s same-sex ‘marriage’ law ‘serious injustice’

Archbishop: Traditional marriage ‘best for children’

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The legalization of same-sex “marriage” in Rhode Island May 2 was described as a “serious injustice” by the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage.

“The meaning of marriage cannot be redefined, because its meaning lies in our very nature.

Therefore, regardless of what law is enacted,

MIAMI — Traditional marriage is “best for children” and efforts to legalize samesex marriage will “open a Pandora’s Box of unforeseen and, to be sure, unintended consequences,” Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski said during the annual Red Mass. Delivering the homily at the April 23 liturgy, Archbishop Wenski said the growing movement in support of same-sex “marriage” would “redefine marriage for all as existing solely for the gratification of two consenting adults” rather than for the creation of life. He suggested that consequences of same-sex “marriage” would affect society much as no-fault divorce legislation did four decades ago.

The archbishop argued to members of the Catholic Lawyers Guild that traditional marriage recognizes the sexual difference between man and woman and that social policy has long supported such marriages because they “provide the optimal conditions for the raising of future generations of its citizens.”

He stressed the difference between natural law and man-made law. In recent decades, American jurisprudence has moved away from its Judeo-Christian roots – which hold that truth is “not constructed but received” – to “a radical autonomy” in which truth is determined “by one’s own will,” he said.

Conference of Catholic Bishops. “No public health consideration justifies the unsupervised sale of such drugs to young teens,” said Deirdre McQuade, spokeswoman for the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Pro Life Activities.

Plan B One-Step now will be sold openly on pharmacy shelves while the generic brands will still be sold under pharmacy counters and only for those 17 years old.

In April a federal judge ruled the FDA must make emergency contraceptives available to all ages by May 6. The Justice Department announced May 1 that it is appealing this decision, but also decided to allow emergency contraceptives to be sold without a prescription to 15-year-olds.

Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ROME — The Vatican-ordered revision of the statutes of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious will continue, but it must be accompanied with a real dialogue, which has been missing from the process, said Brazilian Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

“It is not a matter of ‘We’re right and they’re wrong,’ but of believing it is possible to have a dialogue, something which did not take place previously,” the cardinal said May 5, in comments that were rare precisely because they questioned the working method of another Vatican official. He spoke after celebrating Mass with and answering questions from some 800 superiors of women’s religious orders from 76 countries.

“The positions are very different; there’s also a program to complete, but don’t exclude dialogue,” the cardinal said in a video interview posted on Vidimus Dominum, a news website operated by the women’s and men’s international unions of superiors.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

FDA ‘acted irresponsibly’ in lowering age for contraceptives WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration “acted irresponsibly” with its decision to lower the age limit from 17 to 15 for purchasing an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive, said an official of the U.S.

Bishops hail repeal of capital punishment in Maryland WASHINGTON, D.C. — One U.S. Catholic bishop hailed the repeal of the death penalty in Maryland as “a courageous step toward a culture of life.” The comment, by Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, was issued May 2, the day Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley signed the bill that repeals capital punishment.

Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori had testified in support of the legislation to repeal the death penalty at state legislature hearings.

“We must lift up the dignity of all human life – even for those convicted of the worst crimes – and work to transform our culture so that it respects the inherent dignity and value of all people,” Bishop Blaire said.

Four wounded in church stabbing ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A suspect was being held on $75,000 bond after being arrested following the stabbing of four worshippers at an Albuquerque parish near the end of Mass April 28. The suspect, Lawrence Capener, 24, also had his hand lacerated in the scuffle following the initial attack. Two stabbing victims remained hospitalized the day after the attack at St. Jude Thaddeus Church in Albuquerque. “This is the first time in my 30 years serving as archbishop

Bishops: Health, retirement reform should not worsen poverty WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reforms in health and retirement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security must not increase poverty or economic hardship among the people they are designed to help, the chairman of two USCCB committees said in a letter to Congress.

Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, cautioned in the April 22 letter against shifting the cost of such programs to or diminishing benefits of vulnerable seniors, people with disabilities and the poor. “There are policy options that have the potential to raise adequate revenues for these programs while protecting beneficiaries and we challenge you to explore those options,” they wrote.

New bishops named WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pope Francis has named Auxiliary Bishop Mark J. Seitz of Dallas as bishop of El Paso, Texas. Bishop Seitz, 59, succeeds Bishop Armando Ochoa, who was named bishop of Fresno, Calif., in 2011.

Pope Francis has appointed Jesuit Father Michael Barber, director of spiritual formation at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, Mass., as bishop of Oakland, Calif. Bishop-designate Barber, 58, is a member of the Jesuit Province of California. He succeeds Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, who was named head of the San Francisco Archdiocese in 2012. He is the first Jesuit named to the U.S. hierarchy by Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope.

— Catholic News Service

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Maronite bishop prays during Mass at New York cathedral

Director of Religious Education St. Luke Catholic Church

Maronite Bishop Gregory J. Mansour of Brooklyn, N.Y., prays over the gifts during Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York May 2. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, right, celebrated the Mass for the safety of Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan Gregorios Yohanna and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Paul, both of Aleppo, who were kidnapped April 22 in Nnorthern Syria while on a humanitarian mission.

Creative, organized, high energy person to lead a vibrant Faith formation department of 600+ students. This full-time position coordinates programs from first grade through high school, including RCIA for teens and sacramental preparation programs, oversees a small staff and trains/coordinates over 100 volunteers.

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CNS | Gregory A. Shemitz

Bishop arrested for driving under influence apologizes WORCESTER, Mass. — Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester pleaded not guilty May 7 at a Wakefield, R.I., courthouse to charges of drunken driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

According to the Boston Globe, the bishop was released on personal recognizance after his attorney, Bill Murphy, told 4th Division District Court Judge Walter Gorman that the bishop waived his right to an extradition hearing.

Bishop McManus is due back in court May 28.

The bishop was arrested May 4 in Narragansett, R.I., after allegedly being involved in a collision and driving away from the scene.

Bishop McManus, a Rhode Island native, shares a family home with his siblings in Narragansett.

In a May 6 statement, the bishop said he made a “terrible error of judgment by driving after having consumed alcohol with dinner.

There is no excuse for the mistake I made, only a commitment to make amends and accept the consequences of my action.”

Bishop McManus, 61, has been bishop of the Worcester Diocese since 2004.

Newark priest resigns after banned contact with minors NEWARK, N.J. — A priest of the Archdiocese of Newark resigned from active ministry May 2 after reports surfaced of his being with minors in apparent violation of a court’s memorandum of understanding that forbids him from contact with underage people. The resignation of Father Michael Fugee, 53, was accepted by Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark. Calls have

Please send resume and cover letter to: Sr. Veronica Gover, St. Luke Catholic continued for Archbishop Myers to resign for having allowed Father Fugee to return to active ministry in 2009 despite his past. Father Fugee had been convicted in 2003 of criminal sexual contact. The conviction was vacated, but the memo of understanding calls for Father Fugee not to have any unsupervised contact with children as long as he remained a priest.

St. Louis priest charged with possession of child pornography ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis archdiocesan priest faces a charge of possession of child pornography after being indicted by a federal grand jury. Father William F. Vatterott, 36, pleaded not guilty to the charge April 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

The U.S. attorney said the Archdiocese of St. Louis was cooperating with the investigation.

Father Vatterott has been on administrative leave since June 2011, when the archdiocese learned of the allegations.

— Catholic News Service GLOBAL CATHOLIC TOURS OF VIRGINA 2013 PILGRIMAGES

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Our world 28

catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The words of Pope Francis

Christians must learn to patiently endure each other VATICAN CITY — Patiently putting up with other people is a mark of Christian maturity, Pope Francis said in a homily May 7 at an early morning Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he lives.

Jesus calls His disciples to follow “the path of love, of patience, of putting up with tribulations and – if I may say so – of putting up with each other. We must do this with charity and love because if I have to put up with you, I am sure you will put up with me and we’ll walk together on the path of Jesus,” the pope said.

Looking at the Acts of Apostles’ account of the persecution of Sts. Paul and Silas, Pope Francis said their patience and joy in the midst of tribulation are signs of Christian maturity that every follower of Jesus must learn. Learning how to patiently carry “the weight of difficulties, the weight of contradictions” is something people learn gradually, he said. It’s a process of maturation that lasts a lifetime.

“It’s like fine wine.”

“When difficulties occur, temptations arrive,” he said. One of the most frequent temptations is that of complaining, saying, “’Look what’s happening to me.’ A Christian who continually complains, neglects being a good Christian and becomes Mr. or Mrs. Whiner, no?”

Patiently accepting trials and continuing to thank God for the gifts one is given “is not a masochistic attitude, but an attitude that leads you to the path of Jesus,” he said.

Only defense against devil is word of God, humility Dialogue doesn’t work with the devil; the only defense is the word of God, humility and meekness, especially in response to his works of hatred and persecution, Pope Francis said. “Humility and meekness: These are the weapons that the prince of the world, the spirit of the world does not tolerate, because he makes proposals for worldly power, proposals of vanity, proposals for riches,” he said in his daily morning Mass homily May 4. The pope celebrated Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae. In his homily, the pope talked about the origin of hatred and how Jesus told His disciples of the spite and persecution awaiting them, as told in the day’s reading from chapter 15 of the Gospel according to St. John. “Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecute me, they will also persecute you,” he cited from the Gospel.

Be courageous in spreading the Gospel People are courageous in pursuing their careers, personal ambitions and jealousies, but they really should be using that courage to believe in the resurrected Christ, pray to Him and spread the Gospel, Pope Francis said. When the Church loses courage, it is enveloped by a “tepid atmosphere,” with “lukewarm Christians without courage. This hurts the Church so much,” he said in his daily morning Mass homily May 3.

— Catholic News Service

More online from our new pope At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read the homilies of Pope Francis during his daily Masses at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he lives. Recent homilies have included: n Saying ‘yes’ to God’s love makes saying ‘no’ to sin easier n Unemployment, slave labor go against God’s plan, human dignity n Young people: ‘Swim against the tide; it’s good for the heart’ n Confession is an encounter with Jesus, not trip to the dry cleaners n Christian life is the time to prepare for heaven n Prepare for Last Judgment by serving the poor n The Church is led by the Holy Spirit, not bureaucrats

Pope Francis incenses the icon of Mary “Salus Populi Romani” (health of the Roman people) after praying the rosary during a service at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome May 4.

CNS | Paul Haring

Mary is a mother who helps Christians grow, pope says at rosary Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ROME — Mary is a mother who helps Christians grow, face the difficulties of life and use their freedom to make lasting commitments, Pope Francis said.

Marking Catholics’ traditional celebration of May as the month of Mary, Pope Francis led the recitation of the rosary May 4 at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

After the service, he went to the steps of the basilica to greet thousands of people who were unable to get inside, and he asked them to say three Hail Marys “for me, because I need it.” He also led the crowd in chanting “Viva la Madonna” (Long live the mother of God).

At the beginning and end of the service, Pope Francis venerated the basilica’s famous icon of Mary “Salus Populi Romani” (health of the Roman people).

In a reflection after the recitation of the glorious mysteries of the rosary, Pope Francis said there are three primary ways in which Mary, as a mother with “great and tender love,” promotes the healthy growth of Christians.

Like a good mother, he said, Mary “wants her children to grow and to grow well; for that reason she teaches them not to give in to laziness,” but to take responsibility for their actions, to commit themselves to projects and tasks, and to hold on to their ideals.

“She helps us to grow humanly and in the faith, to be strong and not give in to the temptation of being men and Christians in a superficial way, but to live with

responsibility, always reaching upward,” the pope said.

Also like a good mother, he said, Mary does not try to shield believers from every difficulty, but gradually teaches them how to face and overcome problems.

“A life without challenges does not exist; and a young man or woman who does not know how to face challenges,” he said, simply will be “spineless.”

“Like a good mother, she is close to us so that we never lose the courage to face the adversities of life, to face our own weaknesses, our own sins,” Pope Francis said.

With her example of saying “yes” to God’s plan for her life and with her encouragement, he said, Mary also helps Christians make lasting commitments, using their freedom to do good and to follow God’s will.

Freedom “certainly isn’t doing everything we want, allowing passions to dominate us, moving from one experience to another without discernment, following the fads of the moment; freedom doesn’t mean throwing everything we don’t like out the window,” he said. True freedom is the ability to say “yes” to what is good and to make “definitive choices.”

“How difficult it is in our time to make definitive choices. The ephemeral seduces us. We are victims of a tendency that pushes us toward the provisional, as if we wanted to remain adolescents.”

“We must not be afraid of definitive commitments, of commitments that involve and have an effect on our whole lives,” the pope said. “In this way our lives will be fruitful.”

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For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pope Francis welcomes retired Pope Benedict back to Vatican VATICAN CITY — For the first time in history, the Vatican is home to a pope and a retired pope. Pope Francis welcomed his predecessor, retired Pope Benedict XVI, to the Vatican May 2 outside the convent remodeled for the 86-yearold retired pontiff and five aides. Pope Benedict had been staying at the papal summer villa in Castel Gandolfo since retiring Feb. 28.

2 die in Tanzanian church bombing VATICAN CITY — The deadly bombing of a new church in northern Tanzania left at least two people dead and a dozen injured while the Vatican nuncio escaped unharmed after the attack. Archbishop Francisco Padilla, apostolic nuncio to Tanzania, was among those attending the inauguration of a new church in the city of Arusha May 5. Eyewitnesses reported a bomb was thrown from a motorcycle into the church.

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete called it “a terrorist act.” As of May 6, police had arrested eight people – four Saudis and four Tanzanians – in relation to the attack.

Pope signs decrees in sainthood causes VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis recognized the miracles needed for the beatifications of a 19th-century Catholic queen and a 20th-century Italian mystic. Dates for the beatification ceremonies were not announced. The pope

signed the decrees May 2 for: Maria Cristina of Savoy, the wife of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, who died in 1836 at the age of 23 from complications of childbirth; and Maria Bolognesi, a northern Italian mystic who was often sick and died in 1980 at 56.

Pope, Lebanese president appeal for Syrian refugee aid VATICAN CITY — Meeting at the Vatican May 3, Pope Francis and Lebanese President Michel Sleiman called on the international community to offer concrete aid to Lebanon and other countries hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria. Aides to Sleiman told reporters the president was unable to come to the Vatican for Pope Francis’ installation Mass March 19, but wanted to congratulate and speak with the new pope as soon as possible.

In late April, the United Nations said more than 440,000 Syrians – greater than 10 percent of Lebanon’s population – were registered as or were awaiting registration as refugees.

Israeli court OKs construction through Salesians’ property JERUSALEM — An Israeli court has approved the construction of the Israeli separation barrier along a route that will nearly surround a convent and its primary school and confiscate most of their land on the outskirts of Beit Jalla, West Bank.

“This solution is still unacceptable for us because the school will be encircled on three sides by the wall,” said Anica Heinlein, advocacy officer at the Society of St. Yves, which has been representing the Salesian Sisters of Cremisan, who operate the school and an afterschool program for 400 children. “The street leading to the school will go along the wall and will have a heavy military presence. Whenever the gate is open or there is some security concern, there will also be a military presence.

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Also you wouldn’t want to send your children to school with those conditions.”

The Israeli separation barrier is a series of cement slabs, barbed-wire fences and security roads that would effectively separate Beit Jalla from two Israeli settlements, creating a strip of land that could be used for expansion and the eventual joining of the settlements.

Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, protested the Israeli plan to build the barrier near Beit Jalla in a May 6 letter to Secretary of State John Kerry.

Pope offers prayers for kidnapped Orthodox archbishops VATICAN CITY — Acknowledging “conflicting reports” about two Orthodox archbishops kidnapped in Syria, Pope Francis prayed for them and for an end to the war in their country.

Speaking at the end of his general audience April 24, the pope offered special prayers for Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan Gregorios Yohanna of Aleppo and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Paul of Aleppo, kidnapped April 22 in northern Syria while on a humanitarian mission.

Archbishop: Martyrdom reminds Christians of their call to love VATICAN CITY — The martyrdom of an estimated 800 Italian laymen killed by Ottoman soldiers in the 15th century is a reminder to Christians today of Jesus’ call to concretely give witness to the Gospel of love, not revenge, said an Italian archbishop. Antonio Primaldo and some 800 fellow townsfolk will be canonized in St. Peter’s Square May 12 by Pope Francis – more than 500 years after their gruesome deaths in Otranto, a port city on the easternmost tip of southern Italy. Rather than be “misinterpreted or distorted,” their martyrdom

must represent a “purification of the memory of the Catholic Church and a rooting out of every possible lingering resentment, rancor, resentful policies, every eventual temptation toward hatred and violence, and every presumptuous attitude of religious superiority, religious arrogance, moral and cultural pride,” said Archbishop Donato Negro of Otranto.

Remembering Christian martyrs is an occasion to examine one’s own life and make sure it corresponds with the Gospel call to love and forgive, he said in a letter dedicated to the martyrs, published Dec. 20, 2012.

Ottoman troops launched a weeks-long siege of the small port city in 1480. When surviving residents refused to surrender, the soldiers were ordered to massacre all men over the age of 15.

Shanghai’s Bishop Jin dies at 96 SHANGHAI — Bishop Aloysius Jin Luxian of Shanghai, a prominent and controversial figure in the Chinese Catholic Church, died April 27 of pancreatic cancer. He was 96. A 2007 article in The Atlantic monthly described him as “arguably the most influential and controversial figure in Chinese Catholicism of the last 50 years.” In the early 1980s, the bishop, who spent 18 years in a Chinese prison, made the decision to cooperate with the Chinese government, which strove to exercise control over the Church through organs such as “patriotic associations,” including one for Catholics.

Bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin, recognized by the Vatican as the new bishop of Shanghai, did not celebrate the funeral Mass for his predecessor.

Bishop Ma “was taken to study sessions alone at the Shanghai Institute of Socialism two weeks ago, probably to avoid him presiding over the funeral Mass,” a Church source told the Asian Church news agency UCA News April 29.

More than 1,000 people packed St. Ignatius Cathedral April 29 for Bishop Jin’s funeral. No bishops were at the liturgy.

— Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Immigration reform in the spotlight Father Shawn O’Neal What do the U.S. bishops advocate based on Church teaching?

In their 2003 pastoral letter, “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope,” the U.S. bishops outline several goals for just and compassionate immigration reform, including: • Providing an achievable and reasonable path to citizenship for undocumented persons in the country; • Preserving family unity – based on the union of a husband and a wife and their children – as a cornerstone of our national immigration system; • Providing legal paths for lowskilled immigrant workers to come and work safely and for a just wage in the country, and providing workers the option to apply for permanent residency and eventual citizenship; • Restoring due process protections to our immigration enforcement policies that had been removed by the 1996 Illegal Immigrant Responsibility and Immigration Reform Act; • Addressing the root causes of migration, such as persecution and economic disparity, and protecting vulnerable groups such as refugees and asylum-seekers.

Learn more and get involved The Justice for Immigrants Campaign is a resource for Catholics to learn about Church teaching on migration and immigrants and help advocate for positive immigration reform.

At www. justiceforimmigrants.org: Get basic facts and statistics about immigration in the U.S., link to bishops’ pastoral letters and other Church documents about immigration, download free educational materials for your parish or school, and sign up to receive policy action alerts.

In this debate, remember Church teaching on human rights A

s a means to develop a comprehensive plan to reform our nation’s current immigration system, a group of senators has introduced legislation formally called the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013.” This bill is just the latest development in a long-running debate about immigration reform and how we as Catholics should approach the issue.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, a Catholic who is among the senators leading the reform effort, described the present situation in a report published on his office’s website: “Today, there are 11 million people in the U.S. illegally, living in de facto amnesty. That’s the status quo, and it’s what we will continue to have if we do nothing to solve this problem. No way of dealing with this reality will ever be perfect, but this marks a strong conservative start.” He continued, “No one gets amnesty. In fact, this bill will eliminate today’s de facto amnesty, in which we have 11 million undocumented immigrants here and don’t know who they are, what activities they’re engaged in or anything else about them. Once (initial) security triggers are achieved, undocumented immigrants will be able to come forward, must submit to and pass background checks, be fingerprinted, pay $2,000 in fines, pay taxes, prove gainful employment, prove they’ve had a physical presence in the U.S. since before 2012 and going to the back of the line, among other criteria. Criminals and those who don’t meet these criteria will be deported.”

The proposed legislation has the following “security triggers”: n The Department of Homeland Security must create, fund and initiate a border security plan and a border fence plan (both within six months of the bill’s enactment). n DHS must achieve 100 percent border awareness and at least 90 percent apprehension rates in high-risk sectors of the U.S.-Mexico border (within five years of the bill’s enactment). n If DHS fails to achieve the criteria in the second point above, a commission of officials and stakeholders based in border states is required to create and implement a plan to achieve 100 percent border awareness and at least 90 percent apprehension rates in highrisk sectors of the U.S.-Mexico border (within 10 years of the bill’s enactment). n Universal E-verify must be implemented (within 10 years of the bill’s enactment). n Visa exit system must be implemented at all international airports and seaports (within 10 years of the bill’s enactment).

Salt Lake City Bishop John Wester, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholics Bishops’ Committee on Communications, spoke April 22 on behalf of the American bishops: “We have concerns with ... border ‘triggers,’ actions that must be implemented before undocumented persons can apply for permanent residency. Any border implementation strategy, fence strategy, and the implementation of an E-verify system must include components which protect basic human rights and prevent deaths in the desert. We also are wary of provisions which increase criminal penalties for undocumented persons … (and) which prosecutes migrants as criminals. It is wrong to view migrants who come to work and support their families as criminals.

“We also believe that if these security goals prove to be impossible to attain, the undocumented will be kept from obtaining a green card indefinitely, creating a ‘de facto’ permanent underclass. ... I would point out that the bill does not addresses the root causes of migration,

an important part of the Church’s position. As a global actor, the Church witnesses firsthand why persons migrate – to escape poverty and persecution. These factors that push people to emigrate must be part of the debate.”

Our nation’s bishops understand and accept the duty of a nation to protect its borders. In a April 26 column published in his diocesan newspaper, Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez wrote: “My brother bishops and I are deeply concerned about the security and sovereignty of our country. The Church has always taught that governments have the duty to defend and secure their national borders. ... I agree with the senators who drafted this legislation – we absolutely need to secure our borders to stem the flow of drugs and crime and to reduce risks of foreign terrorists entering our country.”

Finally, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, summed up the bishops’ position with the following words on April 22: “(The USCCB will) make sure that the principles that we have long articulated are indeed implemented in this legislation; that the maximum number of people can be brought out of the shadows able to attain citizenship in a reasonable amount of time; that families based on the union of a husband and wife, a mom and dad and their kids, are able to reunite quickly and remain together; that our poor and low-skilled workers can enter the country legally and safely to support their families; that all the due process protections are restored in our system including alternatives to detention.”

Echoing the U.S. bishops, the Institute Justice Team, a work of the Sisters of Mercy, presented some concerns about the proposed legislation: “The border is already fortified. Further militarization will waste government resources, place an undue burden on border communities and, most importantly, force migrants to cross (even in the short term) in more desolate and dangerous locations.” The group also called “troubling” the proposed legislation’s elimination of the sibling category for family-based immigration: “We applaud the ability for all U.S. citizens and LPRs (legal permanent residents) to petition for their siblings in the first 18 months, but afterwards this category will not exist, thereby continuing the separations of families.”

In short, this proposed legislation is not perfect, but above all in this debate our nation’s bishops remind us to abide by the principles of our faith.

They encourage Catholics to contact their members of Congress for the sake of passing comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

To send an e-postcard to members of Congress and to see more on our Church’s teachings about immigration, consult the website www. justiceforimmigrants.org, a work of the USCCB’s Migration and Refugee Services office.

Knowing that this topic creates emotional debates, I hope that we follow the words offered by Bishop Wester: “I call upon all sides to conduct the immigration debate in a civil and respectful manner. Too often in previous debates, migrants have been de-humanized by the rhetoric in the debate, called ‘illegals’ and other labels. As a nation, we are improving in this area, no doubt, but name-calling and labeling has no place in the political discourse of our great nation.”

Pray for our members of Congress as they debate this serious issue.

Father Shawn O’Neal is diocesan liaison to the USCCB Justice for Immigrants Campaign and pastor of St. Joseph Church in Bryson City.

May 10, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Letters to the editor

St. Peregrine is a model to follow Father Matthew Buettner

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Radical Christianity

ecently, the Boston Marathon came to an abrupt end when two bombs exploded near the finish line. Three young people died in the explosion, including an 8-year-old boy who received his first Holy Communion just 11 months ago. Along with these three casualties, nearly 200 people were injured in the blast – many of whom lost arms and legs.

On April 15, we were reminded of the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001. And once again, as the day unfolded, so did the fear and confusion and chaos.

As information became available and our questions began to be answered, our assumptions were confirmed: that this was no accident; that this was, in fact, a terrorist attack; and that the attack was carried out by two brothers who were Islamic jihadists. In other words, the attack was not motivated so much by political goals, but by religious convictions.

Reflecting on these events, we may be tempted to conclude that it is religious conviction that causes hatred and violence and terrorism and war. It has become popular today to say that “religion causes war,” that religious extremism or radicalism is the root cause of hatred and suffering. At times like these, some opportunists surface in order to poke religion in the eye with a sharp stick. For instance, the famous American comedian George Carlin made the statement that, “More people have been killed in the name of God than for any other reason” – never mind that he made this claim without the least shred of evidence.

I think there are at least three problems with the claim that “religion causes war” or with the suggestion that “religious extremism causes hatred and violence.”

First of all, the facts of history simply do not support this claim. We have to admit that many people have, in fact, died by the hands of those who claim to be doing God’s will. For example, the Crusades, the Inquisition and the Salem witch trials unfolded over a period of nearly 500 years. And during that time, about 200,000 persons died in the name of religious conviction. But let us compare this with the crimes committed by those who profess no particular religious convictions.

Just last century, in the period of only 100 years, three atheistic dictators – Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union, Adolf Hitler in Germany, and Mao Zedong in China – have been responsible for the murder of more than 100 million people. Millions died at the hands of these dictators – none of whom were motivated by religious conviction. These facts give clear evidence that it is not religion itself that motivates crimes and sins, but fallen human nature.

The second problem suggested by the claim that “religion causes war” is that it leads to a minimalistic approach to religion. Think about it: if you believe that religion leads to hatred and violence and terrorism and war, then to avoid these errors, you will either avoid religion altogether and become an atheist, or you will decide not to take religion very seriously. This leads to the attitude that says, “If you must practice religion, then don’t take it too seriously.” This attitude compels us to avoid appearing too radical or extreme. And the only alternative is a kind of bland form of Christianity in which Our Lord is nothing more than a nice guy who makes everyone feel comfortable, who accepts everyone, including everyone’s disorders and perversions and sins, and who doesn’t challenge anyone to grow or change.

This attitude is very common today. And it is very dangerous. It promotes the lie that religion is merely a personal, private opinion that is pushed out of the public sphere and into the privacy of churches and homes.

Ultimately, religion is rendered irrelevant to daily life and the Gospel becomes impotent and ineffective.

And so, the saying that “religious extremism causes hatred and violence and war” is historically inaccurate and it leads to a lackadaisical attitude in the practice of the faith. Above all, the statement is problematic because it is simply false – at least with respect to Christianity.

For example, imagine if we really did practice our Christian faith in a radical way. Imagine if we took seriously Our Lord’s most challenging teachings: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you;” or “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also;” or “If your brother sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him”; or perhaps the most challenging of all: “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” How did Our Lord love us?

He served us. He suffered for us. And He sacrificed His life for us. In other words, Our Lord loved in an extreme and radical way – without reservation, without compromise.

Now imagine what would happen if we chose to take these words seriously and we imitated Our Lord’s love. Imagine if we really loved the way Our Lord loved: What would happen in our families if husbands sacrificed themselves for their wives and families; if wives selflessly served their husbands and children; if children respected and obeyed their parents? A bumper sticker I saw once read, “I am spending my children’s inheritance.” Are we spending our children’s inheritance or are we willing to sacrifice for them? What would happen if we served our neighbor before we served ourselves?

What would happen if we sacrificed our own comfort so that others may be comfortable? I am willing to give money that is left over, but am I really willing to sacrifice my comfort to make others more comfortable? What would happen if we willingly suffered so that the ones we love may not have to suffer? Would we have such a terrible debt crisis in our country if we thought of our children and grandchildren before we thought of ourselves?

What would happen if we really did take Our Lord’s teaching seriously? I know what would happen – a revolution. Families would be transformed. The Church would be renewed. And the world would be saved. But I don’t think we want that. I think we are afraid of the price we would pay.

St. Josemaria Escriva was reflecting on the words of Our Lord in this Gospel. And he noted that, “The Lord’s message and example are clear and precise.

Yet I have often thought that, after 20 centuries, it is still a new commandment, for very few people have taken the trouble to practice it. The others, the majority of men, both in the past and still today, have chosen to ignore it. Their selfishness has led them to the conclusion: ‘Why should I complicate my life?

I have more than enough to do just looking after myself.’” He then remarked that, “Such an attitude is not good enough for us Christians.”

No, it’s not. We have to be willing to go beyond the norm. We have to be willing to sacrifice our comfort and our convenience. We have to be willing to serve ourselves last to really express the kind of love that is indicative of true Christianity. In other words, to be authentic Christians, we have to be radical extremists in the practice of love.

By the way, if you want to know what it looks like to be a radical, read the life story of any saint. The saints are extremists in the arena of love. By Our Lord’s own words, this should be the norm for every Christian.

And so, does religious conviction cause hatred and violence? Does religious extremism lead to terrorism and war? Perhaps for some religions. But not for Christianity. Christianity is based on the commandment to love – to love as Our Lord loved.

And if we loved as Our Lord did, there would be a revolution. In the end, the problem is not that we take our religion too seriously, but perhaps that we don’t take our religion seriously enough.

Father Matthew Buettner is pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

This is adapted from his homily for the fifth Sunday of Easter.

I greatly admire the saints. The stories of youthful saints speak powerfully to me and never fail to captivate me; since I am 15, I can relate particularly to them. When I read the article about St. Peregrine in the April 26 Catholic News Herald, two things fascinated me. First, at 18, St. Peregrine was unafraid to publicly express his humility and devotion against the majority. How often do we, especially us teens, have an opportunity to spread the kingdom of heaven in society today and fearfully let the moment pass? Second, the tale of how devotion to St. Peregrine at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte took root proves God plants seeds where He wants them to grow. Through miracles and trials, joy and heartbreak, God’s plan worked in mysterious and unknown ways, yet ultimately proved triumphant – He has clearly declared that He desires devotion to this saint.

Stephanie Lugo lives in Rutherfordton.

Who would be worthy?

In a letter in the April 26 Catholic News Herald, St. Nicholas of Flue was referred to as someone who “did not follow those teachings” of Christ because he defended the faith with his sword and therefore was not a good example for Christians. Using the same criteria, one wonders if St. Peter himself would be found similarly unworthy of Christian emulation, since he hacked off a slave’s ear when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus (John 18:10).

And how would we then judge Christ Himself, who was raised by a carpenter and yet the only item we are told He fashioned was a scourge that He used to violently eject the moneylenders from the temple (John 2:15)?

Perhaps we should just leave such judgments to Jesus.

Jeff Veyera lives in Matthews.

Warrior saints are found throughout history Regarding the April 26 letter criticizing St. Nicholas of Flue, I am disgusted that an American would insinuate that a soldier who distinguishes himself or herself in combat is not following the example of Jesus and blasphemous if he or she calls upon God to guide and protect them. From where does such impractical pacifism arise? Are not American servicemen, servicewomen and law enforcement officers who wear the Miraculous Medal or have a rosary around their necks heroes by putting themselves in harm’s way to serve our country?

Were the Catholic Crusaders who left their homes to drive the Muslims out of Europe and reclaim the Holy Land not heroes?

Many wore the cross as an outward sign of their faith. Were they blasphemous? Was St. Joan of Arc blasphemous because she was also a Catholic warrior who picked up the sword?

I recall a chaplain in Vietnam who jumped on a medivac helicopter responding to a firefight in which there were multiple casualties, both dead and wounded. The priest immediately began his work of comforting the dying, hearing confessions and administering the sacraments. When an officer informed him that the perimeter was in jeopardy of being compromised, the priest pulled a shoulder holster with a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol out of his rucksack and slipped it on. He then continued moving from soldier to soldier with rosary in hand and a pistol ready to defend the wounded. Later, he was asked why – as a chaplain, a non-combatant, prohibited by the Geneva Convention and U.S. Army regulations from carrying a weapon – he would, in fact, take up arms. He replied that he could not allow wounded soldiers to be executed as long as he had the means to defend their lives. Was he a hypocrite? I call him a hero, and the soldiers for whom he cared would perhaps call him a saint – as I’m sure the countrymen of St. Nicholas of Flue called their warrior a hero and a saint.

Jay Kelly is a retired U.S. Army colonel who lives in Graham County.

Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be in good taste. To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 10, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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OF FAITH RY R TO CHRIST:

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NINTH EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE, SEPTEMBER 13 &14, 2013