Jan. 17, 2014

January 17, 2014

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

Chronic violator is helping to review N.C. abortion clinic rules, 3

Catholic Conference Center welcomes new director,

‘WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF LIFE AND THE PEOPLE FOR LIFE’

Hundreds march for life in Charlotte, 11-13

3 INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Español...............................11 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes................. 3-10 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................16 U.S. news...................... 18-19 Viewpoints.................. 22-23 World news.................. 20-21

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

‘Be happy and rejoice!’

St. Matthew Church’s SPRED Ministry celebrates its 10th anniversary,

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2014 DSA: A call to be people of ‘salt and light’ Annual appeal funds critical ministries throughout the Charlotte diocese, 6-7

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Agnes: virgin and martyr Feast day: Jan. 21

Pope Francis

Persecuted Christians must hunker down, hold tight to God, hope

C

hristians facing difficulties and discrimination, especially in the Middle East, can learn a valuable lesson from Japanese Christians who survived by clandestinely baptizing, praying and hiding during 250 years of harsh persecution, Pope Francis said.

“Difficulties and persecution, when they are lived with trust, confidence and hope, purify the faith and strengthen it,” he said in his general audience talk Jan. 15.

“Be true witnesses of Christ and His Gospel, authentic children of the Church, always ready to give reasons for your hope with love and respect,” he told pilgrims from the Middle East.

The pope continued a series of talks on the sacrament of baptism, underlining that it is through baptism that “we become members of the body of Christ and the people of God.” Just as parents pass the gift of life from generation to generation, the gift of grace is passed on with each person’s rebirth through baptism, he said.

To underline how important baptism is for the people of God and for keeping the faith alive, Pope Francis pointed to the experience of Christians in Japan in the early 17th century.

Every single priest was expelled from the country, he said, while thousands of Christians there were killed and those who were left went underground, praying and practicing the faith clandestinely.

When missionaries were allowed to return after nearly 250 years, they found thousands of Christians ready to help the Church blossom again, said the pope, who as a young Jesuit wanted to serve as a missionary in Japan, but was turned down because of concerns about his health.

Japanese Christians “survived with the grace of baptism,” which, because there were no priests, was conferred to every newborn by his baptized mother or father, he said.

“They maintained, even in secrecy, a strong spirit of community because baptism made them become one single body in Christ: they were isolated and hidden, but they were always members of the people of God, of the Church. We can learn a lot from this history.”

Later, in a greeting to pilgrims from Jordan and the Holy Land, Pope Francis urged them to learn from the Japanese example how to keep “the flame of faith always lit, transmitting it from one generation to the other.”

Every Christian has the duty to transmit the faith, he said in his general audience talk. “Each of us is a link in this chain.”

Benjamin Mann Catholic News Agency

On Jan. 21, the Roman Catholic Church honors the virgin and martyr St. Agnes, who suffered death for her consecration to Christ.

Eastern Catholics of the Byzantine tradition celebrate her feast day Jan. 14.

Although the details of Agnes’ life are mostly unknown, the story of her martyrdom has been passed on with reverence since the fourth century. On the feast day of the teenaged martyr – whose name means “lamb” in Latin – the pope traditionally blesses two lambs, whose wool is later shorn on Holy Thursday and then used to weave the white pallium worn by every archbishop.

Born into a wealthy family during the last decade of the third century, Agnes lived in Rome during the final major persecution of the early Church under the Emperor Diocletian. Though he was lenient toward Christians for much of his rule, Diocletian changed course in 302, resolving to wipe out the Church throughout the Roman Empire.

Agnes came of age as the Church was beginning to suffer under a set of new laws decreed by Diocletian, and his coruler Galerius, in 303. The emperor and his subordinate called for churches to be destroyed and their books burned.

Subsequent orders led to the imprisonment and torture of clergy and laypersons, for the sake of compelling them to worship the emperor instead of Christ.

Meanwhile, Agnes had become a young woman of great beauty and charm, drawing the attention of suitors from the top ranks of the Roman aristocracy. But in keeping with the words of Christ and St. Paul, she had already decided on a life of celibacy for the sake of God’s kingdom. To all interested men, she explained that she had already promised herself to a heavenly and unseen spouse.

These suitors both understood Agnes’ meaning and resented her resolution. Some of the men, possibly looking to change her mind, reported her to the Roman government as a Christian. Agnes was brought before a judge who tried first to persuade her, then to threaten her, into renouncing her choice not to marry.

When the judge showed her the various punishments he could inflict – fire, iron hooks, and the rack – Agnes smiled and indicated she would suffer them willingly.

Instead, she was brought before a pagan

Detail of St. Agnes from “Madonna and Child with Saint Martina and Saint Agnes” by El Greco, 1597 or 1599. This painting and “Saint Martin and the Beggar” were part of one of El Greco’s most important commissions.

They originally hung opposite each other, flanking the central altar in the Chapel of St. Joseph in Toledo, Spain.

St. Agnes holds a lamb, with which she once appeared after her death to worshipers gathered at her tomb in Rome.

El Greco collection at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

altar and asked to make an act of worship in accordance with the Roman state religion.

When Agnes refused, the judge ordered that she should be sent to a house of prostitution, where the virginity she had offered to God would be violated. Agnes predicted that God would not allow this to occur, and her statement proved true. The first man to approach her in the brothel was struck blind by a sudden flash of light, and others opted not to repeat his mistake.

But the Roman governor’s son Procop, who had at first sought to make Agnes his own, lobbied the judge for her execution and she was sentenced to die by beheading.

The executioner gave her one last chance to spare her life, by renouncing her consecration to Christ – but Agnes refused, made a short prayer, and courageously submitted to death.

St. Agnes, who died in 304 at about age 13, was venerated as a holy martyr from the fourth century onward. She is one of seven women saints, excluding the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorated by name in the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. The saint’s statue is also among those on the colonnade in St. Peter’s Square.

She is the patron saint of chastity, gardeners, girls, engaged couples, rape victims and virgins.

Your daily Scripture readings JAN. 19-25

Sunday: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, John 1:29-34; Monday: 1 Samuel 15:16-23, Mark 2:18-22; Tuesday (St. Agnes): 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Mark 2:23-28; Wednesday (Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children): 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51, Mark 3:1-6; Thursday: 1 Samuel 18:6-9;19:1-7, Mark 3:7-12; Friday (St. Francis de Sales): 1 Samuel 24:321, Mark 3:13-19; Saturday (Conversion of St. Paul): Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22, Mark 16:15-18

JAN. 26-FEB. 1

Sunday: Isaiah 8:23-9:3, 1 Corinthians 1:1013, 17, Matthew 4:12-23; Monday: 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10, Mark 3:22-30; Tuesday (St. Thomas Aquinas): 2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19, Mark 3:3135; Wednesday: 2 Samuel 7:4-17, Mark 4:1-20; Thursday: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29, Mark 4:2125; Friday (St. John Bosco): 2 Samuel 1:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17, Mark 4:26-34; Saturday: 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17, Mark 4:35-41

FEB. 2-8

Sunday (Presentation of the Lord): Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40; Monday: 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13, Mark 5:1-20; Tuesday: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 3019:3, Mark 5:21-43; Wednesday (St. Agatha): 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17, Mark 6:1-6; Thursday (St. Paul Miki and Companions): 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, Mark 6:7-13; Friday: Sirach 47:2-11, Mark 6:14-29; Saturday: 1 Kings 3:4-13, Mark 6:30-34

Our parishes

January 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Chronic violator is helping to review N.C. abortion clinic rules Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

Catholic Conference Center welcomes new director, Paul Cronin SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

HICKORY — The Diocese of Charlotte announced the hiring of a new director of the Catholic Conference Center, Paul Cronin, who comes to the CCC after having served as the development, marketing and volunteer coordinator at St. Francis Prayer Center in Stoneville.

Cronin takes over for Deacon Guy Piché, diocesan properties manager, who held both positions for the past 20 years and now will focus his attention on the extensive day-to-day needs of all of the properties owned by the diocese in western North Carolina.

“I feel good leaving the direction of the conference center in Paul’s capable hands,” Deacon Piché said. “Operation of a conference center is quite different than hotel management and Paul brings several years of previous retreat center management experience to the center which will be very nice; especially if funding is provided for many of the needed improvements at the center.”

Cronin, who with his wife Karen of 36 years, is an active member of St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem, said he is looking forward to “making some positive changes” at the Catholic Conference Center.

“I attended a Cursillo workshop there years ago and was familiar with the facility. I knew that it was in need of updating and felt I could draw on my seven years of experience at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center to bring some fresh ideas to the Center,” he said.

Cronin acknowledges that over the years there has been a bit of a decline in the number of guests using the conference center.

“This is attributable to several DIRECTOR, SEE page 17

CHARLOTTE — One of six people helping to revise rules governing North Carolina’s abortion clinics is the medical director of an abortion clinic closed twice by state regulators for posing “an imminent threat to the health and safety of patients.”

Dr. Stuart Lee Schnider, medical director for A Preferred Women’s Health Center in Charlotte, is among six “stakeholders” the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has consulted over the past three months as it begins revising rules for the state’s abortion clinics. A state law passed last year directed DHHS to overhaul the rules for the first time since 1994, putting in place stricter facility regulations similar to those for outpatient surgery centers.

Schnider’s clinic at 3220 Latrobe Drive, the busiest of Charlotte’s three abortion clinics, has a history of health code violations. DHHS has documented more than 40 problems there at least six different times over the past 14 years. Schnider, 59, has been licensed in North Carolina since 1987, and the N.C. Medical Board records no disciplinary action taken against him, but he has no hospital admitting privileges in North Carolina.

The state shut down Schnider’s clinic May 10, 2013, after DHHS’ health inspectors found the facility was improperly administering chemical abortions, among other health code violations. State regulators allowed the Latrobe clinic to reopen five days later.

The Latrobe clinic is part of a chain of three abortion facilities operated as A Preferred Women’s Health Center, with locations also in Raleigh and in Augusta, Ga. Schnider serves as the medical director, and Schnider’s wife Lois E. Turner-Schnider is owner and CEO. The for-profit company’s website estimates its staff has performed abortions on more than 100,000 women over the past 20 years, with abortions costing $330 and up. The Latrobe clinic alone performed 4,220 abortions from Oct. 1, 2011, to Sept.

30, 2012, it reported on its license renewal

application in 2013.

Since 1996, at least nine women have been sent to the emergency room after having botched abortions at the Latrobe clinic, a Catholic News Herald review of state records shows.

Latrobe’s temporary shutdown last May, and a similarly brief closure in 2007, were the only times state regulators had closed an abortion clinic in nearly two decades – until last summer as public scrutiny grew over the actions of regulators in DHHS’ Division of Health Service Regulation, which inspects abortion clinics and various health care facilities across the state.

Since Oct. 1, when the new law took effect, DHHS staff and its regulators have been reviewing current abortion clinic rules as well as the rules for outpatient surgery centers. According to a recent report to state legislators, the work to draft new rules is still in the very early stages. No draft rules have been finalized, and there is no timeline for when the new rules will be made public.

Schnider did not respond to two requests from the Catholic News Herald for comment about his role in the DHHS “workgroup.”

At least three more members of the “workgroup” are prominent pro-abortion advocates.

The other five members are: n Cari Boram, representing Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina Inc. on behalf of Janet Colm, its CEO and president. Boram has publicly criticized the new state law, saying the current rules were adequate and that more staffing at DHHS was needed instead. In a July 24, 2013, letter to the Raleigh News & Observer, Boram wrote, “I am disappointed by Gov. Pat McCrory’s backpedaling on recently proposed abortion legislation. ... North Carolina already has standards in place for abortion clinics. The DHHS has indicated that understaffing curbs its ability to conduct routine on-site reviews. If we are all truly concerned about patient safety and quality care, why not appropriately fund and organize the agency charged with oversight and support of our

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about the history of health code violations found at A Preferred Women’s Health Center

abortion providers?” n Dr. David Grimes, a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and at UNCWomen’s Hospital. Grimes, a Board-certified physician in both obstetrics and gynecology and in preventive medicine, has worked for 30 years in teaching, research and training in both areas in the U.S. and abroad. He is wellknown in North Carolina for his pro-abortion advocacy, and numerous pro-abortion groups have lauded him for his work.

Grimes’ website profile states, “Long a champion of women’s reproductive rights, Dr. Grimes brings the most credible medical and public health evidence to bear on important policy issues. He has testified or spoken on behalf of women’s reproductive rights in Congress, the Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, state and federal courts, and on national television. In recognition of his leadership, he has been honored by the ACLU, the American Public Health Association, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and national family planning associations.” He has also received awards from the National Abortion Federation, and in 2005 he received the Society of Family Planning’s Lifetime Achievement Award. n Dr. Gary A. Haakenson, a retired Boardcertified obstetrician-gynecologist n Eileen C. Kugler of UNC’s Gillings RULES, SEE page 17

Construction continues at St. Vincent De Paul Church CHARLOTTE — Construction work continues on St. Vincent De Paul Church’s parish ministry center and chapel. Last month Monsignor Mauricio West (shown at right), vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of the Charlotte, and Deacon Guy Piché (center), diocesan building superintendent, came by to inspect the progress. Ground was broken last June 15 on the $3.2 million project, which will add much-needed space to the growing parish in south Charlotte. Set to open in March, it will feature a 18,000-square-foot, two-story facility with 12 offices, eight classrooms, chapel, multi-purpose room, kitchen and storage area.

Photo provided by Father Mark Lawlor

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ARDEN ST. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the coming weeks: Jan. 21-23 National March for Life Washington, D.C. JAN. 22 - 11:30 A.M. NORTH CAROLINA MASS PRIOR TO THE MARCH FOR LIFE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, GREAT UPPER CHURCH WASHINGTON, D.C. Feb. 8 – noon Mass for World Day for Consecrated Life St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

— Annual observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. This year’s theme is entitled, “Has Christ been divided?” Hosted

by Father Adrian Porras and Pastor Steven Ray. Light refreshments will be served after prayer service.

Everyone welcome to attend.

— Special program as part of “Ecumenism Awareness Month” entitled, “My Journey from Judaism to Catholicism”: Wednesday, 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Deacon David Reiser and his wife Maria from Our Lady of Assumption parish in Charlotte, will share their journey. Refreshments will be served following the program.

ASHEVILLE ST. EUGENE CHURCH, 72 CULVERN ST. — “Rosary for Life”: Join the Respect Life Committee to pray the rosary: 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. We are praying for a respect for life at all stages. Everyone welcome to attend.

BELMONT QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH, 503 NORTH MAIN ST. — Community Breakfast: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18.

Everyone invited.

— Bingo and Movie Night: 6:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, in the Family Life Center. Food, drinks and snacks provided.

Everyone welcome to attend.

participating churches. For details, contact Shea Barja at 704-451-3629 or sheabarja@gmail.com. st. Matthew church, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 23, in the church. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. For details, call the church office at 704-543-7677.

— Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. Topics includes: Effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-370-3230.

— Educational Lecture on Africa, “The Atlantic Slave Trade”: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, in the Banquet Room.

Presented by Father Ambrose A. Akinwande, MSP, and guest speaker Dr. Erika Edward. No registration required.

— St. Matthew Area Catholic Singles (SMACS) will host a potluck dinner: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, in the Banquet Room. Please bring a dish to share. Anyone interested in attending and finding out more about this organization should contact Gene Fitzpatrick at 704-953-5955.

— Protecting God’s Children Workshop: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 13, in the Banquet Room. All volunteers must attend a workshop. This program is intended to educate volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. To register, visit www.virtus.org.

St. Patrick Church, 1621 Dilworth ROAd

CHARLOTTE Charlotte Catholic High School Chapel, 702 Pineville-Matthews Road — Pro-Life Prayer Vigil: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, Mass at CCHS Chapel with Father Matthew Kauth, followed by prayer outside Family Reproductive Health abortion mill, 700 E. Hebron St., Charlotte. Sponsored by the local chapter of Helpers of God’s Precious Infants.

St. Ann church, 3635 park road — Missionaries of the Poor food/supplies collection: Jan. 5 through 19. Help fill a shipping container for the Missionaries of the Poor in Kingston, Jamaica.

Nearly 40,000 pounds of food and dry goods are needed to fill a 40-foot shipping container. Drop off donations on Sundays (Jan. 5, 12, 19). Sponsors are needed for single pallets of rice or beans at a cost of $1,000 each. For details, call Terry Alderman at the parish office at 704-523-4641, ext. 224.

St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild road — Fourth Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service at Morning Star Lutheran Church: 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 23. Several local churches will be participating in this event, including Joy Christian Fellowship and Christian Faith Assembly. Pastor McLean Faw, of Joy Christian Fellowship, will deliver a message of unity in Christ. Besides congregational singing, special music will be presented by

January 17, 2014 Volume 23 • Number 7

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

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

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org Online reporter: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org Hispanic communications reporter: Rico De Silva, 704-370-3375, rdesilva@charlottediocese.org

— Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group presents a “Couples Night Out” entitled, “Marriage: A Covenant of Joy – Growing Closer to God Without Growing Further Apart”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, in the Great Hall. Presented by Deacon Mark King and his wife Susan. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. RSVP to Sara Edel at kensaraedel@carolina.rr.com.

ST. PETER CHURCH, 507 S. TRYON St. — 14th Annual Kennedy Lecture “Dying to Live – Migration, Human Trafficking and Theology”: 8:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Jan. 25. Presented by Father Daniel Groody, associate professor of theology at Notre Dame University. Lecture will be followed by a panel discussion with Anne Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

For details, call 704-332-2901 or go online to www. stpeterscatholic.org.

each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m. To participate, contact Gretchen Filz at gfilz10@ ses.edu or 704-919-0935.

GREENSBORO St. PIUS X CHURCH, 2210 N. Elm St. — Belmont Abbey College sponsor a Lecture Series entitled, “Women in the Letters of St. Paul”: 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the Kloster Center. Hosted by Sister Jane Elyse Russell, SSF. For details, contact the parish office at 336-272-4681.

— Knights of Columbus Blood Drive: 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24 in the Kloster Center. For appointments, call David Ray at 336-404-1933.

HIGH POINT IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 4145 JOHNSON St. — Pro-Life Rosary: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, to pray for the end of abortion. For details, contact Jim Hoyng at 336-8829593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835.

MINT HILL ST. LUKE CHURCH, 13700 LAWYERS Road — Book Club: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, in the Family Life Center. The Book Club will discuss “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game” by Michael Lewis.

For details, call Marilyn Armstrong at 704-753-1112.

— Scriptural Rosary: 10:30 a.m. Mondays in the chapel.

For details, call Madeleine McGuinness at 704-8454008.

SWANNANOA ST. MArgaret mary church, 102 Andrew Place — Parish Bingo: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, in the Social Hall.

Snacks and drinks will be served. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Everyone welcome.

— Pancake Breakfast: 8:30-11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 26.

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

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.

ST. Thomas aquinas church, 1400 suther road — 40 Hours Devotion for the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas: 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26. Hours of Devotion is a special 40-hour period of continuous prayer made before the Blessed Sacrament in solemn exposition.

The devotion will continue throughout the night and conclude with a special liturgy on the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, Tuesday, Jan. 28.

— “Rosary for Life”: Join the Respect Life group to pray

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January 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Father Robert Conway, parochial vicar at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte and chaplain to the Special Religious Development program, gives a blessing to one of the program’s Special Friends during a Mass celebrating SPRED’s 10th anniversary at the parish.

Come to the next SPRED info session SPRED is a faith formation program in which persons of all ages with developmental delays, mental challenges or autism spectrum disorder come together with a spiritual friend/catechist helper to form a small faith community to foster spiritual growth. SPRED prepares participants to share in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church.

Photo provided by Paul Clemens

Parents/caregivers, potential catechists and anyone interested are invited to attend an information session at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, in the New life Center at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. For details, call Jan Clemens, SPRED coordinator, at 704246-7102.

At www. catholicnewsherald. com: See more photos from the 10th anniversary Mass

‘Be happy and rejoice!’

St. Matthew SPRED Ministry celebrates 10th anniversary SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte welcomed its Special Friends of the SPRED ministry, their families, catechists and community supporters at Mass Dec. 15 to mark the 10th anniversary of the program at the parish.

The SPRED program (Special Religious Development) was originally created in the Archdiocese of Chicago to minister to persons with a wide variety of developmental delays and mental challenges. SPRED welcomes children and adults to become Special Friends; to learn of God’s love and have an opportunity for catechesis to receive their sacraments.

SPRED is based upon Catholic beliefs and uses methods developed by the famed educator Maria Montessori. Special Friends are prepared for catechesis through art, tactile activity, gesture and music. Catechesis starts with everyday experience and progresses to the spiritual.

A Biblical evocation and an action message (“Jesus says to you today…”) is delivered to each participant.

St. Matthew Church is available as a regional training center for SPRED programs throughout the Southeast. The parish currently has seven groups with nearly 50 Special Friends and 43 catechists.

The Special Friends currently range in age from age 6 to 74.

Father Robert Conway, chaplain of SPRED programs at St. Matthew Church, served as the celebrant at Mass. Monsignor John J. McSweeney, pastor, was also present. Both mirrored the joy seen on the faces of the Special Friends and their families during the special Mass.

“It’s a great day for the Church and it’s a great day for us here at St. Matthew to recognize and see in our Special Friends that we are all children of God,” Father Conway said in his opening remarks at Mass.

During his homily, Father Conway simply and beautifully stated the truth about the Gospel message.

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“Jesus says to you today, ‘Rejoice and be glad for I am coming to you. I love you! I love you! Be happy and rejoice!’”

Monsignor McSweeney then took the opportunity to talk about SPRED’s history at the parish, its impact on the community, and his gratitude to everyone involved.

“Today is truly a special day for us today at St. Matthew,” he said. “Ten years ago we started the ministry called SPRED. It began with an answer to a prayer as to how it would take place. …For various reasons some of our parish members need a different approach to learning about God. The SPRED program is specially developed for these special people.

The program helps them build a special community within our faith community.”

Monsignor McSweeney acknowledged the catechists present and the parents who have faithfully helped their children grow in their faith through the SPRED program.

“No matter the technique we use to form each person’s spirituality, the goal is the same for each of us: to know God’s love and be able to love God in return. Every one of our participants serves as a beacon of light for all with whom they direct their simple approach of accepting God’s love and loving God in return.”

Jan Clemens and her husband Paul brought the SPRED Program to the Charlotte area when they moved here in 2004. In addition to St. Matthew Parish, they helped establish SPRED at St. Vincent DePaul Church in Charlotte and at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro “The past 10 years have been years of blessings for SPRED families, catechists and our parish family,” she said. “We are always looking for more persons with developmental disabilities or mental challenges to join us, more catechists to share the blessings, and to let more parishes know about this beautiful program.”

During Mass, Special Friends carried banners, brought up the gifts and presented roses that were placed in the sanctuary alongside special votive candles they had made for the occasion.

Monsignor McSweeney commented on those candles during his remarks, saying, “Each one of those candles is actually different, but in a sense the beauty of those lit candles before the altar casts a lovely light that represents our Special Friends, who in our parish cast a special light.”

Teri and Chris Shanahan are parents of a son who is one of those Special Friends.

“We always felt that the Church was accepting our son, but that’s very different than his having a place in the church,” they said. “When we encountered SPRED, we found he had a place where he was not only accepted, but celebrated and loved.

The message to him, us and to the parish is that he has meaning because God created him – and that message is powerful! What a wonderful gift to our family.”

Kellianne Nagy, a catechist for SPRED for four years, also sees her involvement as a blessing.

“SPRED is an opportunity for those with special needs to spend time with catechists that have a heart of gold and care about people,” she said. “I don’t know whose smile is bigger – mine or theirs – when I see them in church, in a store or when they arrive at our SPRED session. The bond that you develop with these Special Friends is simply priceless!”

Parents Mark and Jennifer Hadley are thankful their daughter can grow in her faith with SPRED. “As the parents of a special needs child, one of our greatest concerns is how to teach our daughter our faith and help her grow in her relationship with God,” they explained.

SPRED “has been instrumental and a huge blessing in this area, providing a team of highly trained, dedicated and caring people to work with our daughter and us on this journey. Knowing you are not alone in such a huge and important undertaking is such a blessing.”

“As far as I am concerned, this miracle of the Spirit working here has blessed our parish and blessed our Special Friends who are very important members of the faith community called St. Matthew’s.”

Catholic Charities welcomes people inside with hot cocoa, extra help during recent frigid temps David Exum Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — Record-setting frigid temperatures Jan. 7 were met head-on by the Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

With morning temps at 8 degrees and the high for the day reaching only 25 in the Charlotte metro area, food pantry clients at Catholic Charities’ Charlotte office were allowed to wait inside beginning at 7 a.m. and were greeted with hot chocolate and fresh Catholic donuts.

Charities “Since we Diocese of have changed Charlotte our process to needs your help in allow clients responding to the to enter our needs of so many building at families across our 7 a.m., our region, especially clients can this time of year. Go now wait in online to www.ccdoc. the warmth org to find out how of the office,” you can help. said Sharon M. Davis, who works as regional office director at the Charlotte office of Catholic Charities.

In Asheville, as subzero temperatures stood at -5 below that morning, Michele M. Sheppard and her CCDC staff were well equipped to provided donated coats, hats and other winter garments for anyone in need.

Similar to Charlotte, Asheville clients were also being welcomed in from the cold, but severe weather conditions in the mountains prompted the office to delay opening by two hours Tuesday morning. Weather also forced that office to remain closed on Monday.

“We received a large donation of coats and winter clothing from St. Barnabas and will receive another from St. Eugene next week,” Sheppard said

Lend a hand

CHARITIES, SEE page 17

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 OUR PARISHES

Salt of the Earth‌ Light of the World Diocese of Charlotte 2014 Diocesan Support Appeal

January 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

2014 DSA

calls us to be people of ‘salt and light’ Annual appeal funds critical ministries throughout diocese SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — The 2014 Diocesan Support Appeal is an invitation to live our baptismal call to love God and neighbor by helping to fund the work of the local Church.

This year’s DSA theme, “Salt of the Earth … Light of the World,” calls us to be people of “salt and light,” enhancing the lives of others and bringing the light of Christ into the world by giving as generously as possible to this annual appeal.

Donations to the DSA help fund the core annual operations of ministries and agencies throughout the Diocese of Charlotte that help the diocese’s 92 parishes and missions grow as vibrant communities of faith. This year’s campaign goal is $4,925,000, the same as last year’s DSA campaign.

For example, the DSA funds the offices of faith formation and youth ministry, media resources and lay ministry training – all of which enhance parishes’ educational programs.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte receives onethird of its funding from the DSA. Catholic Charities impacts the lives of thousands of people each year through counseling, food pantries, pregnancy support, refugee resettlement, elder ministry, respect life and many other programs.

The DSA also helps thousands of children, youth and adults through multicultural ministries It also funds education and support for 22 men preparing for the priesthood, the diocese’s permanent diaconate ministry, and the Eucharistic Congress held each fall. The Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corp. is also funded by the DSA to help provide housing for seniors and individuals with special needs.

Money raised through the DSA campaign is used only for the educational, multicultural, vocational, housing and social services ministries of the Church in western North Carolina.

“It is through the generosity of our parishioners and the hard work of our ministry staff that we are able to provide

‘Salt of the Earth, Light of the World’ 2014 DSA logo, theme: What does it mean?

The theme of the 2014 Diocesan Support Appeal, ‘Salt of the Earth … Light of the World,’ is taken from the Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time: Matthew 5: 13-16. It calls us to be people of “salt and light,” enhancing the lives of others and bringing the light of Christ into the world.

The logo features salt in the form of a cross on an earthen background. This is meant to call to mind words of Sacred Scripture and instructions on how to live as Christians in the world.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men” (Matt 5:13).

Remember that salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. Salt not only enhanced food flavor, it also preserved meat from spoiling. Jesus used the image of salt to describe how we are to live. As salt enhances flavor and preserves food, so a disciple must be as salt in the world of human society to enhance the lives of others and preserve the faith we hold so close to our hearts.

assistance for those needs,” said Charlotte Bishop Peter J. Jugis in a message announcing the annual DSA campaign.

“The DSA funds 23 life-changing offices and agencies, which provide over 50 different programs and services that serve thousands across the diocese.

“When we become people of ‘salt and light,’ we will help serve our brothers and sisters through such ministries as counseling to the grief-stricken, a home for a refugee family, adoption help for a childless couple, companionship for elderly, marriage preparation for young couples, or respect life programs for our parishes.

“All across the diocese we find eager catechists, youth ministers, RCIA teams, lay ministers, college campus ministers and young adult facilitators. Our gifts provide the resources they need to do God’s work and respond as ‘Salt of the Earth and Light of the World.’”

Parishes and missions will launch this year’s DSA campaign at different times, so that their work will not conflict with the ongoing Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love diocesan campaign which is designed to fund the long-term future needs of the diocese. The first kickoff weekend is Jan. 18-19, followed by launches on Feb. 1-2, March 1-2 and March 30-April 1.

Learn more At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Learn more about how the annual Diocesan Support Appeal helps your parish and the diocese, in a special video highlighting the work of the 23 ministries and agencies that benefit from your contributions (in English and Spanish).

For more information, contact Barb Gaddy, assistant development director for the Diocese of Charlotte, at 704-370-3302 or email bagaddy@charlottediocese.org.

Give online You can make a donation online to the Diocesan Support Appeal with any major credit card. Go to https:// charlottediocese.thankyou4caring.org/DSADonations.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16).

Jesus also used the image of light and a lamp to further His illustration. Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling.

Jesus also used the image of a lamp to describe how we are to live in the light of His truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables us to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in our hearts and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God’s kingdom.

These words of Jesus came immediately after the Beatitudes in His Sermon on the Mount. We must remember that Jesus comes to us in the person of the hungry, the imprisoned, the grief-stricken, the elderly, the lonely, the people searching for truth and justice ... We are called to love and serve them all.

Parish

OUR PARISHESI

City

Basilica of St. Lawrence Asheville Christ the King High Point Christ the King Kings Mountain Divine Redeemer Booneville Good Shepherd King Holy Angels Mt. Airy Holy Cross Kernersville Holy Family Clemmons Holy Infant Reidsville Holy Redeemer Andrews Holy Spirit Denver Holy Trinity Taylorsville Immaculate Conception Canton Immaculate Conception Forest City Immaculate Conception Hendersonville Immaculate Heart of Mary Hayesville Immaculate Heart of Mary High Point Our Lady of Consolation Charlotte Our Lady of Fatima Winston Salem Our Lady of Grace Greensboro Our Lady of Guadalupe Charlotte Our Lady of Guadalupe Cherokee Our Lady of Lourdes Monroe Our Lady of Mercy Winston Salem Our Lady of the Americas Biscoe Our Lady of the Angels Marion Our Lady of the Annunciation Albemarle Our Lady of the Assumption Charlotte Our Lady of the Highways Thomasville Our Lady of the Mountains Highlands Our Lady of the Rosary Lexington Prince of Peace Robbinsville Queen of the Apostles Belmont Sacred Heart Brevard Sacred Heart Burnsville Sacred Heart Salisbury Sacred Heart Wadesboro St. Aloysius Hickory St. Andrew the Apostle Mars Hill St. Ann Charlotte St. Barnabas Arden St. Benedict Greensboro St. Benedict the Moor Winston Salem St. Bernadette Linville St. Charles Borromeo Morganton St. Dorothy Lincolnton St. Elizabeth Boone St. Eugene Asheville St. Frances of Rome Sparta St. Francis of Assisi Franklin St. Francis of Assisi Jefferson St. Francis of Assisi Lenoir St. Francis of Assisi Mocksville St. Gabriel Charlotte St. Helen Spencer Mountain St. James Concord St. James Hamlet St. Joan of Arc Asheville St. John Baptist de la Salle North Wilkesboro St. John Lee Korean Charlotte St. John Neumann Charlotte St. John the Baptist Tryon St. John the Evangelist Waynesville St. Joseph Asheboro St. Joseph Bryson City St. Joseph Kannapolis St. Joseph Newton St. Joseph of the Hills Eden St. Joseph Vietnamese Charlotte St. Jude Sapphire Valley St. Leo the Great Winston Salem St. Lucien Spruce Pine St. Luke Charlotte St. Margaret of Scotland Maggie Valley St. Margaret Mary Swannanoa St. Mark Huntersville St. Mary Greensboro St. Mary Shelby St. Mary Sylva St. Matthew Charlotte St. Michael Gastonia St. Patrick Cathedral Charlotte St. Paul the Apostle Greensboro St. Peter Charlotte St. Philip the Apostle Statesville St. Pius X Greensboro St. Stephen Mission Elkin St. Thérèse Mooresville St. Thomas Aquinas Charlotte St. Vincent de Paul Charlotte St. William Murphy Total 2014 DSA Goal

DSA goal $61,980 $11,759 $4,292 $10,352 $9,929 $19,526 $68,456 $128,623 $16,780 $4,837 $48,416 $5,780 $4,017 $29,354 $121,316 $20,783 $116,623 $45,163 $8,654 $113,112 $43,244 $3,227 $52,606 $64,266 $29,480 $8,218 $29,395 $39,917 $16,117 $14,113 $18,330 $2,686 $70,062 $51,306 $8,291 $92,896 $2,348 $116,763 $7,410 $79,947 $74,601 $21,310 $10,409 $25,816 $43,291 $27,700 $35,820 $74,619 $7,087 $26,625 $12,294 $26,898 $18,175 $289,933 $5,155 $89,388 $12,628 $19,529 $13,483 $15,980 $91,593 $36,839 $26,787 $25,689 $6,404 $14,059 $20,719 $12,987 $36,331 $17,371 $139,559 $7,269 $85,813 $17,885 $23,139 $208,457 $39,988 $22,396 $15,021 $693,340 $66,284 $84,937 $111,524 $100,981 $40,395 $153,353 $11,378 $128,708 $104,769 $110,893 $19,017 $4,925,000

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 OUR PARISHES

GROWING IN FAITH AND THEOLOGY

ALL ARE WELCOME!

A collaborative adult religious education program sponsored by: St. Gabriel Church St. John Neumann Church

Winter Semester 2014 Most courses are $30. All Catholic school teachers and parish faith formation catechists are eligible for a reduced fee of $20 per person for Course B, C, D, E, F, H and I. (not applicable to Course A and G). Course J, the Spanish language course is offered free of charge as an outreach to the Hispanic community.

Saturday Seminar With nationally known author and speaker Jeff Cavins A. Walk Toward Eternity…

Daring to Walk the Walk Jeff Cavins, MA Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 Check in: 8:30 a.m.

Mass: 9 a.m.

Seminar: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Mark Church, Huntersville, NC (www.stmarknc.org) Walking Toward Eternity is designed to help you live your faith more fully by developing and nurturing characteristics that are essential to the Christian life. Through daily prayer and meditation with Scripture, (lectio divina) you will be drawn into an intimate and life-changing encounter with Christ. During this daylong seminar, Jeff will provide each of you the tools to reflect on God’s Word, hearing the subtle ways God is speaking to you. You will be challenged to set aside those things in

G.I.F.T. Faculty Susan Brady earned a MA in biblical studies from Providence College and has taught the Bible for over 40 years to audiences of various configurations.

Mark Bartholet, MA currently serves as the pastoral associate for faith formation at St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

Chelsey Bartholet is a licensed therapist, with master degrees in counseling psychology and pastoral

your life that keep you from growing closer to him. Cost for this seminar is $37 per person and includes the Walking Toward Eternity seminar packet and boxed lunch. To Register and pay for this course online, (this course only) go to www.stmarknc.org

B. Pope Francis: The Jesuit Pope Fr. Pat Earl Ph.D. and Mark Bartholet, MA Thursdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 7 to 8:30 p.m.

St. Peter Church (www.stpeterscatholic.org)

In his first year, Pope Francis has guided the Catholic Church into a new vision of itself. This course will discuss how Pope Francis’ training and ministry as a Jesuit shaped his vision for the global Church today. In the first two weeks, Fr. Pat Earl will describe a “Jesuit worldview” in light of Pope Francis’s life. Over the final two weeks, Mark Bartholet will guide us through an examination of Pope Francis’ first year.

C. Moved by the Spirit: People of Christ Through the Ages Fr. Paul Maier, MA, D. Min. Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 7 to 8:30 p.m.

St. Gabriel Ministry Center (www.stgabrielchurch.org) This four week course will provide an overview of the leaders and

ministry from Boston College. Her current work is with those coping with substance dependence and mental health disorders.

Fr. Frank Cancro completed studies in theology and preaching at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore and is a canon lawyer. Currently he serves as the pastor of Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church in Belmont.

Jeff Cavins, received his MA in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is a nationally

St. Luke Church St. Mark Church

movements of Christian spirituality.

Come hear about them, and their heritage, to learn how they can impact us today.

D. Spirituality of Personhood: Becoming Who God Made Me To Be Chelsey Bartholet, MA Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 7 to 8:30 p.m.

St. Matthew Catholic Church (www.stmatthewcatholic.org)

Part education, part personal retreat, this course invites participants to examine how they claim their own spirituality and find both their self and the God most true to them inside their spiritual beliefs and practices.

The four week course will cover topics including: a theology of story, discernment and vocation, cultivating spiritual practices, and identifying our spirituality in the midst of contemporary life.

E. Mending Church: Preparing the Catholic Faith Community for a New Future David Galusha, MRE Thursdays, Feb. 6, 20, 27, March 6 7 to 8:30 p.m.

St. Matthew Catholic Church (www.stmatthewcatholic.org)

St. Matthew Church St. Peter Church

the Church. Why is it so difficult to overcome differences? What might a new future Catholic Church look like and why, how, when, and should we get to that new future?

F. Principles and People: American Catholic Social Thought. Then and Now Fr. Frank Cancro and Fr. Christopher Kirchgessner, OSB, M.Div., MA Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 7 to 9 p.m.

Queen of the Apostle, Belmont NC (www.queenoftheapostles.org) The course will examine fundamental social principles as they have developed through the course of American Catholic Church history.

Classes will provide insight into key figures in American Catholic social thought, the foundational principles they addressed, and the impact this has for us.

G. Bridges: The 12 Steps and the Great Spiritual Traditions Fr. Charley Miller, OFM, M. Div., LCSW Saturday, March 8 9:30 to 3 p.m.

St. Matthew Church (www.stmatthewcatholic.org)

This course will ask what are the real bases for our current divisions within

The 12 steps are a significant contribution to modern spirituality.

This workshop will explore the parallels between the spirituality of

known public speaker and has written several books for Ascension Press. He is currently the President of the Great Adventure Company.

Fr. Patrick Earl, SJ, completed his doctoral studies in theology at Graduate Theological Union, in Berkeley, California and taught theology at St. Joseph’s University. He currently serves as pastor of St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

David Galusha, MRE. has been an adjunct professor of philosophy

and theology for the College of St. Elizabeth. He currently writes for Oblate Media and other Catholic publishers Fr. Patrick Hoare, holds an M.B.A. from Drexel University and M.Div. and M.A. in pastoral theology degrees from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

He is the pastor of St. John Neumann in Charlotte Fr. Christopher Kirchgessner, OSB, M.Div,MA from Belmont Abbey has held a variety of administrative

Queen of the Apostle Church Our Lady of Consolation Church

the 12 steps and the great traditions of Christian spirituality and will include the teachings of Thomas Merton, John of the Cross and Mindfulness (from the eastern traditions). It is not necessary to be in a 12 step program to attend. Lunch will be provided.

H. Genesis Revisited.

Susan Brady, MA Fridays, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 10 to 11:30 a.m.

St. Matthew Church (www.stmatthewcatholic.org)

Creation stories! Creation myths!?!

Snakes that talk and apples that cause more than dyspepsia. All these will be looked at in the light of Dei Verbum, Vatican 11’s document on Divine Revelation, which in its own way said, when referring to the Scriptures, “Let there be light”. Bring your sunscreen.

I. Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer A video series with Fr. Mark Toups (Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux) facilitated by Fr. Pat Hoare. M. Div., MA Thursdays Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27 7 to 8:30 p.m.

St. John Neumann Church (www.4stjnc.org) For most of us prayer becomes a source of frustration as we struggle to calm our minds and find even a few minutes to set aside to pray.

positions in both the monastery and Belmont Abbey College. He is currently involved in adult faith formation at Queen of the Apostles.

Fr. Paul Maier has master’s degrees in religious education, pastoral studies, and divinity, as well as a doctorate in Ministry from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD. He has been an adjunct faculty member of Loyola University New Orleans’ LIMEX program for more than 20 years.

In our busy lives prayer is seen as a luxury, when in reality it is as the foundation of a healthy spiritual life.

Journeying into the Lenten Season over the course of eight weeks, you will discover how God speaks to you, even in the smallest encounters.

J. Curso en Español!

Católico: Conoce y Practica Tu Fe Padre Gabriel Carvajal–Salazar Lunes 3, 10, 17, 24 • De Febrero a las 7:00 p.m.

Iglesia San Juan Neumann, Charlotte, NC (www.4stjnc.org) Es muy importante hoy en día que cada católico, aparte de haber nacido en una familia católica, esté convencido personalmente de su fe. Esto debido a que vivimos en una sociedad pluralista en la cual el católico sin preparación alguna queda a la deriva ante la cruzada que están haciendo los Nuevos Movimientos Religiosos. Ven y únete a nosotros en estas cuatro clases de formación de fe, donde conversaremos cómo orar y adorar a Dios, aprenderemos más sobre los siete sacra- mentos, el credo, nuestra devoción a la Santísima Virgen María y los santos. Esta formación se desarrolla dentro de un marco de respeto, colaboración y respuesta a los interrogantes,que se presentan al católico de hoy. Todos son bienvenidos

Fr. Charles Miller, OFM, LCSW, a Franciscan priest currently working at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham, is a licensed social worker and former addictions counselor.

El Padre Gabriel Carvajal-Salazarlse graduó en un Instituto de Teología para Seglares en Veracruz, México.

Estuvo como misionero laico en varias Diócesis mexi- canas, Belice y Guatemala. Actualmente funge como vicario en la parroquia de San LuisGonzaga en Hickory.

Registration

Name

Please fill out one form for each participant. Detach and enclose the $30 per-person, per-course fee ($37 for course A). Catholic school teachers and parish faith formation catechists pay $20 for all classes except A and G. Please return the registration and payment to one of the eight GIFT sponsoring parishes. Please make checks payable to GIFT C/O St. Matthew Church. Fees are non-refundable after Feb. 2. (Please print clearly)

Street City Zip

Course Selection

Phone

Since Courses C and F are both offered on Tuesday evenings, you may sign up for only one of these classes. Since courses B, E and I are Thursday evenings, you may sign up for only one of these.

A

Email Parish Return form and check to any of the Gift sponsoring parish offices.

D

(Wednesday Evenings) $30

H

(Friday Mornings) $30

Feb. 8 (9 to 4 p.m.)

(Saturday Seminar),

E

(Thursday Evenings) $30

I

(Thursday Evenings) $30

$37 includes workbook and lunch

F

(Tuesday Evenings) $30

*J

(Monday Evenings)* Free

B

(Thursday Evenings) $30

G

C

(Tuesday Evenings) $30

(Saturday March 8, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) $30

*No charge: Course J is an outreach to the Hispanic community. Completing and sending in a registration is required.

For more information, please call or email Michael Burck, Director of GIFT at 704-541-8362 x 4 or mburck@stmatthewcatholic.org

January 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

Glenmary Brother Bernie Stern, who served in Bryson City, passes away aged 76 CINCINNATI — Brother Bernie Stern, 76, a native of Dayton, Ky., and a Glenmary Home Missioner for 52 years, died peacefully Jan. 5, 2014, at the St. Margaret Hall health care facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, Brother Bernie served at St. Joseph Parish in Bryson City from 1972 to 1975, when it was still a Glenmary mission. He worked with Glenmary Father Don Levernier during that Stern time.

A wake service was held Jan. 8, 2014, in Our Lady of the Fields Chapel, 4085 Glenmary Trace, Fairfield, Ohio.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 9, 2014, at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 17 Farragut Road, Greenhills, Ohio. Burial followed immediately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Cincinnati.

Brother Bernie used his talents, which included cooking and music, to serve in a range of Glenmary ministries in five states from 1965 till 1995 – when he took senior membership due to declining health. As a senior member retired from assigned ministry, he found new ways to continue his missionary work.

“What stood out to me about Brother Bernie was his soft-spoken gentleness and his tremendous love of music,” says Father Chet Artysiewicz, president of Glenmary.

“I never heard him raise his voice or saw him lose his temper with anyone. He was a wonderful missioner.”

His interest in cooking began when he was a young man helping his dad – a wellknown chef in the Greater Cincinnati area – in the kitchen.

“When I joined Glenmary, they needed kitchen help,” Brother Bernie remembered in 2013. “So I jumped in.” He spent 12 years as Glenmary’s chef, using his culinary skills for a year at the novitiate house in Aurora, Ind., and then during two longer stints at the Cincinnati residence.

Besides his ministry in the Charlotte

diocese, he also served as an assistant and parish brother for missions in Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky. Brother Bernie was an accomplished accordion player who shared his gift with those in the mission areas he served. He provided music at social events. But most important, he was able to play at Mass.

“Often in our small missions there isn’t music to accompany the singing,” he said.

“So it was a blessing to have my accordion be the organ!”

During his years as a senior member, he resided in retirement communities but kept true to his Glenmary vocation to serve others. He prayed for an extended period daily – reading the Bible, meditating, praying the rosary, simply talking to and thanking God, and praying for the intentions of his loved ones and others in need. He said prayer centered and directed him, both in keeping his missionary spirit alive and in serving his neighbors at the retirement communities and beyond.

He also spent time walking the halls of his retirement communities and talking to people. “I try to bring Christ to them...,” he said in a 1997 interview. In addition, he visited with other Glenmarians living in these communities and gave periodic accordion concerts for fellow residents and employees.

“About two or three times a week, someone seeks me out and asks me for advice because they know I’m a religious brother,” he said at the time. “If I don’t have the answers for them right then and there, I tell them I will be praying for them because I will. Sometimes they just need someone to listen.”

He also created paintings with religious themes. And after long days of lending an ear and a kind word, he closed his evenings, again, in prayer – and continued living out his life as a dedicated Glenmary missioner.

He is survived by his sister Mary Anne Stern of Newport, Ky., his brother Andrew of Covington, Ky., nieces, nephews, fellow Glenmary missioners and friends.

Memorials may be made to Glenmary Home Missioners, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246.

— Glenmary Home Missioners

Interested in a unique opportunity to match-up your profession with your faith?

Looking for an opportunity to use your time & talent for the Church?

The Diocese of Charlotte is seeking qualified volunteers to serve as a financial liaison with parishes in various regions of the Diocese.

Interested in learning more?

Please contact Bill Weldon, diocesan Chief Financial Officer at wgweldon@charlottediocese.org.

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

(803) 327-2097

Center for Spirituality rockhilloratory.org

oratorycenter@gmail.com

34th Annual Cardinal Newman Lecture Saturday, February 22, 2014 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Presented by: Sister Dianne Bergant, CSA Professor of Old Testament Studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

For the past 15 years it has been my pleasure to help the employees of the Diocese of Charlotte plan for a secure retirement.

I would also like to be your trusted financial advisor.

Retirement planning – Life – LTC – Auto & Home Insurance

Retired or Semi-retired CPAs and Internal Auditors

The Newman Lecture is an annual gift from the Rock Hill Oratory Ken Altman

to the regional church to celebrate the life and ministry of the

Call: 704-839-3755 or email: kaltman1@metlife.com

English Oratorian, Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman.

Member: National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA) St. Mark Catholic Church – Huntersville L0213304211(exp1215) NC

This year’s talk will focus on our responsibility toward and relationship with all of creation: “The Earth is the Lord’s”: Biblical Theology and Ecology The Newman Lecture is open to all without charge and includes noontime Eucharist, a light lunch and short chamber music concert. Books by the speaker and other resources are available for purchase. Pre-registration is not required but we would appreciate you contacting us with the number of participants so we may plan accordingly.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 OUR PARISHES

Local CCHD grant applications requested by Feb. 15 Joseph Purello Special to the Catholic News Herald

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development remains one of the U.S. bishops’ primary efforts to fight poverty at the grassroots level. The annual CCHD national collection, held in November, is a source of both national and local funds to support organizations addressing the root causes of poverty in America. For example, in 2013 a national CCHD grant for $60,000 was awarded to Opportunity Threads, a worker-owned “cut & sew” cooperative in Morganton.

This is Opportunity Threads’ second year of national CCHD grant funding.

This past spring, 11 local CCHD grants totaling $39,385 were awarded to nonprofit organizations from nine cities in six vicariates of the Diocese of Charlotte.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, the Local CCHD Grant Program is sponsored by Catholic Charities. Information about this grant program can be found on Catholic Charities’ website at www. ccdco.org/cchdcrs.

Non-profit organizations doing good work fighting poverty, through an organizational structure which gives people who are poor a voice in addressing their struggles through innovative programs, are especially encouraged to apply for a grant for up to $5,000 in funding. The postmark deadline

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Deacon assigned

Learn more about poverty in January The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops seeks to raise awareness of poverty across our nation, and to this end the USCCB highlights January as “Poverty Awareness Month.” Learn more about the USCCB poverty awareness campaign by visiting www. povertyusa.org. On this website you find a Poverty USA Tour video that presents the difficult struggles faced by families living at the poverty line.

Also on the website you will find an interactive map of the USA that explores and compares the extent of poverty at the state and county levels.

The map also shows places where National CCHD grants are making a difference in the fight against poverty.

for applications to be submitted in the current 2014 round of grants is Feb. 15.

All grant applicants and projects are reviewed for their conformity to Catholic social doctrine.

Joseph Purello directs the Office of Social Concerns and Advocacy of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

1 th Annual Kennedy Lecture 14 Dying To Live

Migration, Human Trafficking and Theology

Life Fund purchased the unit for the pregnancy center. So far, the Knights councils have placed more than 400 ultrasound machines valued at more than $20 million throughout the U.S. — John Russell

Boissey

KING — Deacon David Boissey has been assigned to Good Shepherd Mission in King effective Jan. 1. Deacon Boissey was ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte in 2006 by Bishop Peter J. Jugis. In recent years, he has served at St. Benedict Church in Greensboro.

Knights host veteran’s dinner at Elks Lodge

Local seminarians serve at Mass with pope VATICAN CITY — Two local seminarians were among those who served at Mass with Pope Francis on Jan. 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Casey Coleman and Brian Kaup, along with other seminarians studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, also had the chance to greet the pope personally and help him vest before Mass.

Kaup was chosen to hold Pope Francis’ crosier during Mass, and Coleman held the sacramentary (the book of prayers the pope read from at Mass). The two processed directly behind Pope Francis at the beginning of Mass and stood together to the right at the altar through much of the liturgy.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch the video of the liturgy and read more about Pope Francis’ homily

WINSTON-SALEM — About 100 local veterans, representing all branches of the military, were honored during a dinner at the Winston-Salem Elks Lodge Nov. 9, hosted by the local Assembly of Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and their spouses. Guest speaker was Staff Sgt. Michael Grimm, who spoke about his experience serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, but more importantly, about life’s lessons on what veterans have done for this country.

— Maggie Herbstritt

Get ready for CRS Rice Bowl 2014 The upcoming 2014 Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl Program begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5.

Parishes and schools which participated in last year’s CRS Rice Bowl will receive the same number of materials again for this year’s CRS Rice Bowl with no need to place an order.

(Expect shipments to arrive in mid-January).

Parishes and schools that wish to participate for the first time, or participating parishes and schools which need additional materials, should call toll-free 1-800-222-0025 or go to www. crsricebowl.org to place an order.

Orders for first-time or additional CRS Rice Bowl materials that are requested by Jan. 31 should arrive in parishes and schools by midFebruary, in time for distribution prior to the start of CRS Rice Bowl on Ash Wednesday.

For more information, contact Joseph Purello at Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, who serves as the CRS diocesan liaison: 704-3703225 or jtpurello@charlottediocese.org.

Arden celebrates ecumenism with 2 events this month

Daniel Gerard Groody, C.S.C. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

Father Groody, a Holy Cross priest, will speak about what it means to live freely as human beings in the image and likeness of God.

Saturday, January 25, 2014 8:30a.m. coffee 9:00–12:00 Lecture and Panel St. Peter Catholic Church | 507 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC Parking is free underground at “The Green” (enter to the left of the church) www.stpeterscatholic.org | 704-332-2901

St. Pius X Knights Council 11101 honored for raising funds for ultrasound machine GREENSBORO — Grand Knight Jim Milanese of St. Pius X Knights Council 11101 (left) accepts an award from Grand Knight Phil Offenberger of Council 6648 in Havelock. The St. Pius Knights council received the plaque in appreciation for raising more than $2,000 which, when added to funds of other Knights councils, purchased an ultrasound machine in Havelock. The council’s Right to Life Committee, chaired by Knight Jim Scott, initiated the fund drive which was well received by both parishioners and the Greensboro community. Matching funds obtained through the Knights Order’s Culture of

ARDEN — In observance of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan. 18-25, St. Barnabas Church in Arden will host a prayer service at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Everyone is welcome to join Father Adrian Porras, pastor, and Pastor Steven Ray of Fletcher United Methodist Church. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. St. Barnabas Church is located on 109 Crescent Hill Road.

In addition, the parish will host Deacon David Reiser of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte on Wednesday, Jan. 29, to speak on “My Journey from Judaism to Catholicism.”

Deacon Reiser is a gifted speaker and has many entertaining stories to share about his faith journey.

The program will begin at 7 p.m., following Mass at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the program.

At www.usccb.org: Learn more about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

January 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

Father Joshua Voitus

El Bautismo de Nuestro Señor ‘El Salvador quiso ser bautizado, no para purificarse a sí mismo, sino para purificar el agua para nosotros.’ — San Agustín

E

l domingo pasado celebramos el Bautismo de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Veamos por un momento el Bautismo del Señor bajo el punto de vista de Juan el Bautista. Juan debió haber estado muy nervioso cuando Jesús se le acercó y le pidió que lo bautizara. Esta es la persona por la cual Juan había sido enviado por Dios para prepararle el camino, y ahora ¡Él le pide al Bautista que lo bautice a Él! Incluso en el Evangelio vemos que Juan el Bautista vacila por un momento, y dice que Jesús lo debe bautizar a él, en vez de Juan a Jesús. Sin embargo, Jesús convence a Juan de que es necesario hacer esto, y Juan bautiza a Jesús en el Río Jordán.

Entonces, veamos lo que ocurre después. Después que Juan bautiza a Jesús, se abren los cielos, y el Espíritu Santo desciende en forma de una paloma sobre Jesús y escuchamos la voz de Dios Padre diciendo, “Este es mi Hijo amado, en quien me complazco.” Si Juan el Bautista tuvo el privilegio de ver y escuchar estos signos, entonces que tremenda bendición debió haber sido esa.

El poder haber visto una confirmación tan poderosa de no solo su misión, sino más importante, de la misión de Cristo, de verdad que hubiera sido una bendición poderosísima, una bendición que le brindó a Juan la fortaleza de ser ejecutado por su predicación acerca de Jesús.

Pero, entonces ¿Qué significado tiene esto para nosotros? Obviamente, este bautizo es una revelación y confirmación más de la naturaleza de Cristo como el Hijo de Dios, y también nos ofrece un vistazo bíblico de la Santísima Trinidad.

Además de eso, los eventos concernientes al Bautismo de Jesús en el Jordán nos revelan a nosotros la naturaleza de nuestro propio bautismo y su resultado en el resto de nuestras vidas.

En las palabras de San Agustín que he citado al principio de esta columna, San Agustín nos recuerda que Jesús al ser bautizado nos prepara el camino para nuestro propio bautismo. Jesús, como es Dios y no tiene pecado alguno, no necesita ser purificado por las aguas del bautizo. Por el contrario, al ser bautizado, Jesús purifica las aguas por medio de su Bautismo para que cuando nosotros seamos bautizados estas aguas nos purifiquen y nos laven nuestros

pecados.

Lo que vemos durante un bautizo no es generalmente nada dramático. En lo concerniente a mí, siendo un sacerdote solo por dos años y medio hasta el día de hoy, yo he bautizado ya más de 100 niños y jóvenes. A pesar de que para un sacerdote el ser capaz de bautizar a alguien es una fuente de gran alegría, el evento mismo no PARECE ser muy dramático.

Aunque generalmente solo vemos al sacerdote o al diácono echando agua sobre la cabeza del niño y diciendo las oraciones prescritas, lo que ocurre frente a nosotros es algo verdaderamente maravilloso. Jesús no se convierte en el Hijo de Dios cuando San Juan Bautista lo bautiza a Él porque Jesús es el Hijo de Dios por toda la eternidad, sino que Jesús se da a conocer como el Hijo de Dios durante su Bautismo en el Río Jordán. Aunque no podemos ver esto, cada vez que alguien es bautizado es como si se abrieran los cielos otra vez y a la persona que está siendo bautizada se le da la bienvenida como un nuevo hijo o hija adoptiva de Dios. A pesar de que no vemos al Espíritu Santo en forma de una paloma, el Espíritu Santo desciende sobre todos los que son bautizados en Cristo.

Esta adopción que Dios nos da y este don del Espíritu Santo (por el cual somos sellados durante el sacramento de la Confirmación) nos dan la fortaleza de vivir nuestra vida en Cristo e imitar a Jesucristo en todas sus acciones. Por la gracia de este sacramento (además de confesarnos y recibir la Comunión frecuentemente) somos capaces de seguir a Cristo y todas sus enseñanzas. Por la gracia del Bautizo somos capaces de cargar nuestras cruces y seguir a Cristo, para así entonces poder seguirlo hasta su Resurrección de la muerte.

Que bendición tan grande sería si pudiéramos ver lo que en realidad nos sucede a nosotros durante el bautizo. Sin embargo, sabemos por medio de nuestra fe que cuando fuimos bautizados nos convertimos en hijos e hijas adoptivos de la Familia de Dios. Hagamos hoy la resolución de vivir en gracia con Dios, y permitirle a Él que nos transforme para que podamos así seguir a Cristo todos los días y hasta la Vida Eterna.

El Padre Joshua A. Voitus es el Párroco de la Iglesia Saint Mary, Mother of God, en Sylva. El Padre Voitus celebra Misa de Vigilia Dominical en español todos los sábados a las 8 p.m.

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Octava Marcha por la Vida se celebra en el Centro de Charlotte Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

CHARLOTTE — La Marcha empezó al mediodía, pero el frio y la lluvia empezaron desde temprano esa mañana. La Marcha duró un par de horas, pero el frio y las lluvias intermitentes duraron por todo el día.

Alrededor de más de 200 personas, armadas con paraguas, abrigos impermeables y rosarios, marcharon el 10 de Enero en la octava ‘March for Life’ (Marcha por la Vida) anual en Charlotte. El punto de partida fue el estacionamiento de las oficinas de la Diócesis de Charlotte en la Church Street cerca del Centro de Charlotte.

Ni siquiera un aguacero torrencial que estremeció a los presentes cinco minutos antes de que empezara la Marcha a las 12 del día, pudo disuadir a los fieles participantes, que incluyó a varios sacerdotes y diáconos de la Diócesis de Charlotte, a defender el derecho a la vida de los ciudadanos más indefensos de nuestra sociedad: los bebes aún-no-nacidos que viven en el vientre de su madre.

Con tres de los Misioneros de los Pobres que sirven en Monroe a la cabeza de la caminata, cargando un crucifijo, una imagen del Jesús de la Divina Misericordia y una foto gigante de un embrión, los fieles marcharon desde las oficinas de la Diócesis hasta la “Indepence Square” en la esquina de la Calle Trade y la Calle Tryon en el Centro de Charlotte.

En la plaza Indepence Square, el Padre Fidelis Moscinski de la Congregación religiosa de los Franciscanos de la Renovación, que fue invitado por los organizadores especialmente para predicar públicamente durante el evento, exhortó a todos los presentes de diferentes edades tanto jóvenes, como adultos, a que manifestaran su voz para proteger el derecho de la vida desde la concepción hasta la muerte natural.

“La primera cosa de la cual debemos estar completamente convencidos es que tenemos el derecho y la obligación de estar aquí en público hoy. Somos seguidores de Jesucristo. Jesús que enseñó en público.

Que fue crucificado en público, y que ahora Resucitado de entre los muertos, nos envía a la arena pública con la comisión de que ‘hagan discípulos de todos sus vecinos,’” dijo el Padre Moscinski bajo una intermitente y helada llovizna.

“La vida humana es sagrada porque toda persona es creada en la imagen y semejanza a Dios,” continuó el sacerdote. “Esto significa que el propósito de la vida humana es el de conocer a Dios, amarlo y servirlo a Él. Finalmente, la vida humana es sagrada porque Dios es nuestro destino.”

“Dios quiere que vivamos con Él como sus hijos e hijas para siempre en el Cielo. La verdad que estamos proclamando hoy aquí en Charlotte entonces, es que solo Dios es el Señor y Dueño de la vida desde su principio hasta su final. Y nadie, bajo ninguna circunstancia, puede tomarse el derecho de destruir a una vida humana.”

Además del Padre Moscinski, los participantes de la Marcha también escucharon en la Plaza los testimonios de cinco mujeres de la organización nacional llamada ‘Silent no More’, la cual ayuda a mujeres que han tenido abortos a dar testimonio de sus sufrimientos hasta su sanación actual.

Los marchantes después continuaron la caminata hasta los Tribunales Federales de los Estados Unidos en la 401 West Trade St. minutos después de la 1 pm. Ahí rezaron el rosario y la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia.

La Marcha anual por la Vida es un poderoso testimonio a la santidad de la vida humana, y una excelente oportunidad de orar por todos los bebes que han sido asesinados por el aborto desde el año 1973, cuando la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos legalizó el aborto, e incluyendo los 24,439 bebes que murieron en Carolina del Norte en el 2012. La Marcha también sirve para orar por las madres y padres que son víctimas de esta masacre diaria de inocentes.

Para contribuir a los gastos de la Marcha en Charlotte envíe su contribución por correo a: March for Life Charlotte, P.O. Box 78575, Charlotte, N.C. 28271.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vean más fotos y videos de la ‘March for Life’ y fotos de la Misa de la Marcha en la Parroquia de St. Vicente de Paul.

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iiiJanuary 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

‘We are the people of life

Hundreds march in Charlotte for life, freedom SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Echoing the words of Blessed Pope John Paul II, Father Fidelis Moscinski, CFR, reminded hundreds of marchers and pro-life witnesses huddled under umbrellas in Independence Square that ‘we are the people of life and for life’ during his keynote address at the eighth annual March for Life Charlotte.

About 200 people gathered in Charlotte Jan. 10 to commemorate the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion and leading to the deaths of more than 56 million babies since 1973. They were sorely tested by cold winds and persistent rains.

Before leaving the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center for the two-mile march, Deacon Darren Bitter of St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte shared his reasons for braving the chilly, wet weather to join the pro-life event.

“I have been reflecting as we have been standing here in prayer and preparing to march,” Deacon Bitter said.

“The cold and the rain are nothing compared to the utter destruction of life. These truly are children. They are children of God. The pain that they endure is beyond comprehension. It’s so much beyond cold, rainy weather in January in Charlotte. It’s an opportunity that I am happy

the diocese puts forth.”

Gary Carter, a parishioner of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, made the trip to Charlotte with a group from surrounding parishes in western North Carolina.

“I normally do the Charlotte March for Life when I don’t go to the March for Life in D.C.,” Carter said. “I march because we’re overwhelmed with people who are pro-choice. We have to make the stand to say that a life is important – either in the womb or out of the womb.”

Carter has been marching for the sanctity of life for many years. His son, Deacon Noah Carter, is a seminarian studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome and is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood for the Charlotte diocese in June.

“I started this with my children when I was a catechist at St. Barnabas years ago. I have continued to chaperone over the years. I go to either march I can get to. You meet people from all over our diocese (in the Charlotte march), and when in Washington you meet people from all over the world.”

He believes it is good to come together with like-minded Catholics who really see this as an important issue to stand for.

“We are missing days from work and taking time away from our regular routines to do something that is far more important than our daily jobs and our weekly routines.”

Father Patrick Cahill, pastor of St. Eugene Church in Asheville, accompanied 20 people from his parish to the march, as well as members of St. Joan of Arc Church in Asheville and St. Margaret Mary Church in Swannanoa.

“We came here to witness to the goodness of life and to

be a part of the diocesan witness as we gather together as God’s people. This is a renewed effort to remind ourselves of how beautiful all life is from conception to natural death,” Father Cahill said.

Brothers from the Missionaries of the Poor in Monroe led the march, carrying the crucifix and an image of the Divine Mercy as they prayed the rosary. They were followed by a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, shown pregnant with Our Lord, which was carried by members of the Knights of Columbus.

Upon arriving at Independence Square at the corner of Trade and Tryon streets in uptown Charlotte, the skies let loose a torrential downpour as marchers gathered around to listen to Father Moscinski’s address and the testimonies of women whose lives have been impacted by abortion.

“Today it is really clear that, in the words of Blessed John Paul II, ‘We are the people of life and the people for life,’” Father Moscinski said. “All of us today are marching as public witness to the truth of the Gospel of Life, and we are marching in prayer because we are asking our Divine Savior and His holy mother for the conversion of our nation, for their protection of unborn children and for the healing of the many wounds caused by legalized abortion.”

He assured the marchers that as Catholics and Americans they have a right and a duty to be witnessing in public, calling attention to the issue of abortion.

“We are followers of Jesus Christ – Jesus who taught in public, who was crucified in public and who now, risen from the dead, sends us into the public arena with the commission, ‘Go make disciples of all nations. Teach them everything that I have commanded you.’”

HE COVER

January 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

13

e and the people for life’

‘We must always be charitable, compassionate and patient.

And we must be visible, vocal and persistent.’

— Father Fidelis Moscinski

Throughout his address Father Moscinski gently, methodically and emphatically discussed the moral, political and social ramifications of legalized abortion and the Christian duty to charitably yet truthfully witness to the Gospel of Life to encourage people to a conversion of heart.

Andrea Hines, regional coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign for men and women affected by abortion, rallied the marchers during the event with cries of “What are we marching for?” To which all responded, “Life!”

Hines and four other women gave their personal testimonies about the devastating effects their abortions had in their lives, encouraging other women to seek healing after an abortion. They also spoke about the role Jesus Christ has had in helping them overcome their feelings of anger, guilt and unworthiness that marked their post-abortive experiences.

After the testimonies, marchers then set out along West Trade Street to the U.S. Courthouse, where Father Moscinski led the recitation of the rosary. Deacon Brian McNulty of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte then led the Chaplet of Divine Mercy before the march concluded.

Our call to action, Father Moscinski stressed, is that “We must always be charitable, compassionate and patient.

And we must be visible, vocal and persistent. It’s time to set aside any fears. It’s time to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s time to offer all our prayers, sacrifices and fasting so that one day, very soon, the scourge of legalized abortion can be lifted from our nation.”

Pro-life Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church kicks off local march Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

CHARLOTTE — Close to a 100 people, undeterred by freezing temperatures and unrelenting rain, attended a Mass for the unborn celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Church on Park Road the morning of Jan. 10. The pro-life Mass was celebrated in preparation for the eighth annual March for Life that took place in uptown Charlotte later that day.

Father Mark Lawlor, pastor, was the main celebrant, and Father Fidelis Moscinski of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal was the guest homilist.

“Faith and love is what brings us out this morning to this Mass for the unborn,” Father Moscinski said.

“And faith and love is at the heart of the pro-life movement.”

Father Moscinski encouraged the assembly to draw their strength from the Eucharist to witness to the sanctity of human life.

“The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament of faith and love. And the same faith that tells us that Christ is present in something that looks like a piece of bread, is the same faith that tells us that Christ is also present in a tiny human embryo.”

Speaking on the Eucharist as the sacrament of love, Father Moscinski said the crucifix is the ultimate sign of love. “In the crucifix, (God’s) love says, ‘I sacrifice myself for the good of another person, while abortion is the total opposite. Abortion says, ‘I sacrifice another person for the good of myself.’”

He concluded his homily by reminding those present that the Eucharist is also the sacrament of hope because the Risen Jesus present in Holy Communion has overcome sin and death, winning the ultimate victory over evil.

“Jesus is victorious over dead, and He gives us today a share in that victory…so we go forth today from this Mass and march hopeful. And we proclaim that hope to others today.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video highlights and more photos from the March for Life Charlotte, as well as more excerpts from Father Fidelis Moscinski’s keynote address

Our schools 14

catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

so that homeless clients of Catholic Charities could enjoy hot coffee and a meal.

— Lara Davenport

In Brief

Charlotte Catholic, Bishop McGuinness high schools finish well in Holy Angels Tournament David Exum Correspondent

OLM helps stock Catholic Charities pantry for the holidays WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy School’s Helping Hands of Mercy team led a food and toiletries drive throughout the month of December to donate to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s Winston-Salem area food pantry. OLM students and their families provided enough juice, canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly, powdered milk, coffee, sugar, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, toilet paper and other toiletries to fill an SUV. In addition, the Helping Hands of Mercy team sold raffle tickets for a Christmas basket and bought $150 in McDonald’s gift certificates

St. Michael students donate to ‘Gazette Empty Stocking Fund’ GASTONIA — Each month St. Michael School’s Beta Club determines a cause the students can “dress down” for. Students pay $1 to be able to wear regular clothes versus their required school uniform. In December, the Beta Club chose to dress down in red and green clothes representing Christmas colors for the Gastonia Gazette Empty Stocking Fund. They collected $200 for the fund, an annual campaign that offers help and hope to those who have hit hard times at Christmas time. Pictured are the students in their festive clothing.

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School’s wrestling team finished 18th overall with a team score of 81.5 and Bishop McGuinness High School finished 30th (56) in the “Battle at The Bo” Holy Angels Tournament at Bojangles Coliseum Jan. 3.

“Overall, it was a great tournament,” said Charlotte Catholic wrestling coach Steve Wyniemko. “We were able to compete against some very good competition.”

Hough High School in Cornelius won the tournament by posting a commanding 189.5, while Morehead and St. Stephen’s tied for second (176). Fifty-five public and private schools competed in the two-day tournament. Proceeds from the tournament will go to aiding Holy Angels in Belmont.

In the championship finals, St. Stephens’ Zach Fincannon pinned Hough’s Jake Efird in the 152-pound weight class at 2:32.

St. Stephens’ Chris Hunt pinned Robinson’s Jonah Swinson in the 138-pound weight class at 3:50 during the consolation finals. In the 182-pound class, Nick Castellano of Bishop McGuinness pinned Salisbury’s Jeffrey Burton at 4:16.

Charlotte Catholic now has less than a month before its conference tournament Feb. 1. Even though his 2013-’14 team is young, Wyniemko said “The Battle at The Bo” was worthwhile because his players competed in a tournament atmosphere.

“We fell short in a few matches but we will learn from our mistakes and move forward,” Wyniemko said. “We have less than a month to get ready for regionals. So hopefully this past weekend was a wake-up call for some and a confidence booster for others of what they are capable of.”

— Pat Burr

Photo provided by Suzanne Cona

A blessing and a lesson in Latin CHARLOTTE — In an Epiphany tradition Jan. 6, Charlotte Catholic High School’s front entrance was blessed by Father Matthew Kauth, chaplain, and Father Jason Christian, who both also walked the hallways sprinkling holy water to bless each classroom. They also celebrated a Mass in the Extraordinary Form in the high school chapel. In the Epiphany blessing, Father Kauth wrote with chalk above the school entrance the first two digits of the new year, followed by the letters C, M and B, and then the last two digits of the year: “+20 CME 14.” The letters stand for “Christus Mansionem Benedicat,” Latin for “May Christ bless this house.” The letters also happen to stand for the initials of the three magi who paid homage to Jesus, which we remember on the feast of the Epiphany: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. CCHS juniors and upper-level Latin students experienced the Tridentine Mass again on Jan. 9 at St. Ann Church, celebrated by Father Kauth, Father Christian, and Father Timothy Reid, pastor.

January 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief

Everett Tew, winner, sixth grade; and Teresa Wilkinson, seventh grade; (back row) Nancy Rhodes, fourth grade, and Thomas Purello, fifth grade.

The school winner, sixth-grader Everett Tew, will advance to the next level of competition, a written examination, to determine if he will go on to the state competition. — Pat Burr

to the possibilities of coding with a week of activities was promoted by Code.org during the week of Dec. 9-13. — Tammy Harris

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St. Pius School celebrates Mexican feast day

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GREENSBORO — St. Pius X School faculty and staff honored the feast day of St. Juan Diego Dec. 9 by enjoying a Mexican feast while also collecting food donations for the local food bank run by St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro. Pictured (from left) are: Ann Flynt, assistant principal; teachers Cynthia Black, Kathy Davidson, Laura Doyle and Janet Abbott; and Christina Foley, librarian.

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Geography Bee winners named at St. Michael School GASTONIA — Pictured are the St. Michael students who participated in the National Geography Bee, designed to encourage the teaching and study of geography. One student represented each classroom, fourth through eighth grade, in the competition held at the school Dec. 13. Pictured are: (front row, from left) Drew Hughlett, runner-up, eighth grade;

Code.� At Our Lady of the Assumption School, all students discussed the basics of what it means to become a computer programmer.

The younger students used drag-and-drop technology to demonstrate an understanding of the concept. The idea of introducing students

15

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Catholic Schools Week January 26 - February 1 Please Join the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Charlotte in Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

Visit one of our nineteen schools during Catholic Schools Week

For the location of our schools and the activity scheduled for Catholic Schools Week Visit http://schools.charlottediocese.net

Mix 16

catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

On TV n Saturday, Jan. 18, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Road of Hope: The Spiritual Journey of Cardinal Van Nguyen Thuan,” Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan’s dramatic story of how he clung to his faith during his imprisonment in Vietnam by the Communists. n Saturday, Jan. 18, 6 p.m. (EWTN) “Francis: Pope from the New World.” The remarkable story of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the first pope from the Americas as well as the first Jesuit and the first to take the name Francis.

Interviews include close friends, colleagues and Buenos Aires’ poor. n Saturday, Jan. 18 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Thérèse.”

The mesmerizing story of a young girl’s romance with God. Her faith and sacrifices reveal a way of life based on love and simplicity. A contemplative film based on the true story of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the most popular saint of modern times. n Monday, Jan. 20, 1 p.m. (EWTN) “Portraits of Courage – Into the Light.” (EWTN) The history of Courage Ministries through testimonies of members with same-sex attraction who live chaste lives in accord with the teachings of the Church. n Wednesday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m. (EWTN) “March for Life.” Live and complete coverage of the largest pro-life event of the year: the 2014 March For Life in Washington, D.C.

n Thursday, Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Grave in Perm, A: The Father Walter Ciszek Story.”

The moving story of Father Walter Ciszek, a Catholic priest convicted of being a spy for the Vatican, and endured many years in Soviet prisons.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

n Saturday, Jan. 25, 2:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Walk for Life West Coast.” From San Francisco, Father Mark and Doug Barry bring you live coverage of speeches along with special interviews of dynamic pro-life leaders and participants in the walk.

n Friday, Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Love’s Bravest Choice.” The inspirational story of St. Maria Goretti whose life was an example of purity and chastity. She died at age 11 from knife wounds inflicted by a young man who desired to rob her of her virginity. She forgave him before her death.

“A MOVING FILM WITH AN UPLIFTING MESSAGE OF HOPE AND THE DIGNITY OF HUMAN LIFE.”

‘Lone Survivor’ Blunt, superficial action film aims to honor the sacrifices made by the men and women of America’s military by chronicling an ill-fated mission conducted by Navy SEALs inside Afghanistan in 2005. Based on the bestselling memoir by Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg), the movie offers a lessthan-flattering portrait of the fallen soldiers because its effort to sanctify the warrior ethos of the SEALS clashes with a script riddled with expletives and gruesome, bloody violence.

Writer-director Peter Berg stages the action with intermittent aplomb, but overall there’s a lack of creative insight and finesse. Frequent graphic war violence, numerous gory images of battle wounds, pervasive rough language.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

n Friday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Echoes of Our Choices.” With infertility on the rise, many couples are not fully educated on all the issues and risks involved in reproductive assistance. Neonatologist Robin Pierucci and Dr. Tom Hilgers of NaPro Technology address the risks of in vitro fertilization.

n Thursday, Jan. 30, 2 p.m. (EWTN)”Why Catholics Are Right: Catholics and Life.” Host Michael Coren presents the Church’s teaching on issues pertaining to the dignity of life and human sexuality.

catechetical experience.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents)

The Wolf of Wall Street’ ‘Mary of Nazareth’ The story of the Gospel unfolds through the eyes of the Mother of God in this beautiful and moving depiction of the life of Mary (Alissa Jung) from her childhood through the resurrection of Jesus (Andreas Pietschmann). Working from a script by Francesco Arlanch, director Giacomo Campiotti more or less follows the biblical account, with a few intriguing departures, inspired by apocryphal writings, that heighten the drama. After the Annunciation, Mary and Joseph (Luca Marinelli) are married, and welcome Jesus as their child. Mary not only shares her son’s public ministry, but also his pain.

The depictions of the slaughter of the innocents and the Passion are graphic, even harrowing, which pre-teens might find upsetting. But for the rest of the family, the film makes for an enriching

This vile exercise in immorality charts the fact-based rise and fall of a penny-stock swindler (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his closest associates (most prominently Jonah Hill) as they play on the unrealistic aspirations of naive small-time investors to make themselves rich, then use their ill-gotten gains to fund a decadent lifestyle full of narcotics, statussymbol toys and casual sex. A benign view of sinful and illegal actions, domestic violence, strong sexual content, pervasive profane and crude language, a few obscene gestures.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

Additional review: n Paranormal Activity: CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

- Cardinal Timothy Dolan, ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK

“‘GIMME SHELTER’ SHINES. A POWERFUL AND REMARKABLE STORY OF THE LOVE OF A MOTHER AND HER UNBORN CHILD.” - Bishop Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, PRESIDENT OF THE PONTIFICAL ACADEMY FOR LIFE,

THE VATICAN

VANESSA HUDGENS A

JAMES EARL JONES

Ronald Krauss Film

ROSARIO DAWSON

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BRENDAN FRASER

Fourth Annual

Charlotte Catholic Men’s Conference

Transformed

by Christ

Men on a Mission Romans 12:2

Saturday,

March 1, 2014, 8:00AM-3:30PM St. Mark Catholic Church 14740 Stumptown Road Huntersville, NC

BASED ON THE INSPIRING TRUE STORY Featuring: Supreme Knight Carl Anderson

More details:

Dr. Allen Hunt*

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers*

www.cltcmc.org

Sponsored by:

also Bishops Peter Jugis and William Curlin *Dr. Hunt and Deacon Burke-Sivers will also speak at the Women’s Night of Reflection February 28, 2014. Details at http://ccwg2014febeveningreflection.eventbrite.com

IN THEATERS JANUARY 24 CCMC14ad.indd 1

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Jan. 6.

While it is often said the Lord will provide to those in need of His salvation, Sheppard gave an example of His generosity.

“A woman from Michigan passing through our area in December contacted us and asked if she could donate handmade children’s winter hats,” Sheppard said. “She left us three bags of beautiful crocheted hats! Due to the generosity of others, our clothing closet is stocked with warm winter gear ready for distribution on Jan. 8.”

Sheppard also explained that when the Asheville center opened Tuesday morning, temperatures were at -1 below zero with a wind chill of -28 below zero. She also said a parishioner of the basilica was waiting to donate coats from his family.

“We feel blessed by our brothers and sisters in Asheville who have heard the call of St. Basil, who wrote: ‘The bread which you do not use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked; the shoes that you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot; the money that you keep locked away is the money of the poor; the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit,’” Sheppard said.

Sheppard also said people seeking food assistance began waiting at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 8 – four hours before the food pantry usually begins operations.

“We’ve had a steady stream of clients show up today,” she said.

Clients in need of food assistance in Winston-Salem were also welcomed inside early on Jan. 7, said Diane Bullard, regional director at the Catholic Charities’ office in Winston-Salem.

“We have staff who are rotating coming in early to ensure that we have the coverage to make this happen,” Bullard said Jan. 6. “We will also have hot chocolate and snacks as they wait.”

School of Global Public Health and a member of the N.C. Medical Care Commission, which is part of DHSR. A registered nurse and family nurse practitioner who holds a master’s degree in nursing as well as a master’s degree in public health, Kugler represented the N.C. Board of Nursing in providing feedback. n Deborah Walsh, owner and executive director of Family Reproductive Health abortion clinic in Charlotte. Walsh has been an outspoken opponent of stricter regulations for abortion clinics, and she criticized Tennessee legislators in 2012 for a new law she blamed for shutting down her clinic in Knoxville.

None of the “workgroup” members have responded to the Catholic News Herald’s request for comment.

According to a Dec. 23 progress report to state legislators who oversee DHHS, DHHS staff “are now in the process of writing the initial draft of the rules,” which will be reviewed by other state administrative offices before they are made public and a public hearing is scheduled. No timeline has been set for that, said a DHHS spokesperson last week.

DHSR Director Drexdal Pratt wrote in an email Jan. 10 to the Catholic News Herald: “Regulators are following their normal rulemaking processes, which includes

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seeking feedback from the entities to be regulated by the new or revised rules. Every North Carolinian or other group will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed rules during the public comment period.”

He would not agree to an interview, and he did not answer questions about how the members of the “workgroup” were chosen, what feedback they have given DHSR, and how their input would help in writing the rules to improve women’s health and safety at the state’s abortion clinics.

The new law seeks to put in place stricter regulations for abortion clinic facilities, mirroring the rules for outpatient surgery centers. The only North Carolina abortion clinic currently licensed as an outpatient surgery center is Femcare Inc. of Asheville, but DHHS has not sought its input.

Femcare’s owner and OB-GYN, Dr. Lorraine M. Cummings, was not available for comment Jan. 10, but her office manager said no one from DHHS has contacted her for comment on the current rules or any feedback for possible new rules.

There are more health and safety regulations for outpatient centers than for abortion clinics, and the rules are more detailed when it comes to clinic management, infection control policies, and medical services. Abortion clinics have 37 sections of rules in the N.C. Administrative Code, while outpatient surgical centers have 49 sections of rules.

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factors including the fact that many parishes now have Family Life Centers and meeting facilities of their own.

I hope to attract groups back to the Center that haven’t utilized the facility in a while as well as private individuals who are seeking a sacred environment in which to spend time in prayer and reflection.”

He hopes people will also be attracted to the conference center now as it is equipped with some current technology, including wireless high-speed internet access and a large electronic whiteboard for presentations and e-learning via the web.

“Up to this point the conference center has only been hosting retreats for groups. In time I hope we can incorporate programs sponsored by the Catholic Conference Center into our schedule that will draw individuals from all faith traditions to experience our rich Catholic faith and deepen their own faith beliefs.”

Cronin stresses that the Catholic Conference Center is a valuable asset that is available to all, regardless of their faith tradition.

“We seek to offer an environment and hospitality that will make our guests feel welcome and cared for as they choose to spend time strengthening their faith.”

For more information on the Catholic Conference Center or to schedule a retreat, contact Cronin at 828-327-7441 or email PCCronin@charlottediocese.org.

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For seniors, a new place really means a place to move forward.

Seniors often discover that moving to a community frees them to move forward with what they really want to do!

You may believe that selling your home and moving to a senior living community is only about changing your address. But it’s really more about how that change of address can help you move forward.

A place with a thriving, interdependent community Community living offers a built-in support system, with a daily opportunity to share a meal and enjoy festive occasions with like-minded individuals, with no loss of privacy when alone time is desired.

A place to grow, learn and breathe

A place where the real estate market is primed for sellers

Your place should be Pennybyrn

Residents at Pennybyrn can enjoy many fitness activities—with great spaces, equipment and motivation to do it—as well as a full schedule of activities and programs that range from discussion groups, to concerts and performances.

With your other needs met, you still need to know that selling your home will allow you to enjoy an active, senior living community lifestyle. North Carolina real estate professionals predict an increase in sales and home values1, good reasons to sell now.

At Pennybyrn, Catholic seniors will find a large Catholic population, a celebration of Mass each day, two lovely chapels and chances to volunteer through projects begun by The Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God.

A place where priorities are easily shifted

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Life in a senior living community is maintenance-free, with a friendly staff to handle daily tasks, freeing you to do whatever you like. And those staff members, over time, become like members of the family.

A place where the future is secure When the future brings changes in health, Pennybyrn’s on-campus continuum of care, provides priority access to assisted living and skilled nursing. On-campus care keeps couples together, even when a spouse requires a different level of care.

housingpredictor.com/2013-north-carolina-housing-market/

Call 336-821-4050 to receive your copy of Rick Hunsicker’s Planning Guide for Seniors.* *Published by Hunsicker Senior Living Services, a nationally known expert in senior living.

Mr. Hunsicker is a frequent guest speaker at Pennybyrn.

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

CNH

Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

USCCB president asks Obama for exemption from fines over ACA compliance WASHINGTON, D.C. — The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops asked President Barack Obama to exempt religious institutions from fines related to health insurance requirements while legal challenges work their way through the courts. “The administration’s flexibility in implementing the (Affordable Care Act) has not yet reached those who want only to exercise what has rightly been called our ‘first freedom’ under the Constitution,” wrote Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky. In a Dec. 31 letter, he asked Obama to extend the same kind of temporary exemption from penalties for noncompliance with the ACA that the administration has allowed for small employers and individuals whose current insurance plans will be canceled. The letter described those allowances as “actions to advance the ACA’s goal of maximizing health coverage, while minimizing hardships to Americans as the act is implemented.”

Archbishop Kurtz said a whole category of Americans “has been left out in the cold: those who, due to moral and religious conviction, cannot in good conscience comply with the (Health and Human Services) regulation requiring coverage of sterilization and contraceptives. This mandate includes drugs and devices that can interfere with the survival of a human being in the earliest stage of development, burdening religious convictions on abortion as well as contraception,” the letter said.

— Catholic News Service

Courts give some last-minute relief from HHS contraceptive mandate WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — In the midst of their New Year’s Eve celebration with low-income elderly residents, the Baltimore-based Little Sisters of the Poor learned that the Supreme Court issued an injunction temporarily protecting them from the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate. The order by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, issued within hours of the mandate taking effect at midnight Jan. 1, applies to the Colorado-based Little Sisters of the Poor and their co-plaintiffs -- Christian Brothers Services and Christian Brothers Employee Benefits Trust -- in a lawsuit against the federal government. The same evening, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an emergency stay for Catholic organizations in a lawsuit filed by the Archdiocese of Washington, including The Catholic University of America, Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington; Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in Takoma Park, Md.; and Mary of Nazareth Roman Catholic Elementary School in Darnestown, Md. The 2-1 ruling in the Circuit Court included a comment from Judge David S. Tatel explaining why he voted to deny the injunction. “Because I believe that appellants are unlikely to prevail on their claim that the challenged provision imposes a ‘substantial burden’ under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, I would deny their application for an injunction pending appeal,” Tatel said, according to the Associated Press.

— Catholic News Service

Chicago Archdiocese to release documents on past child sex abuse cases CHICAGO — Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George, in a letter to be published Jan. 12 in parish bulletins, said “any abuse of a young person is heartbreaking” and such cases have put “a heavy burden on all of us in the Church.” His letter announced that in cooperation with the Chicago Archdiocese, lawyers representing those who have brought claims of past abuse planned to release documents pertaining to 30 archdiocesan priests accused of abusing minors at various times in past years. The release, expected around Jan. 15, was a result of a mediation agreement between claimants and the archdiocese.

“We cannot change the past, but we can help those affected and work to ensure this does not happen again,” Cardinal George said in his letter.

Ninety-five percent of the incidents in the cases occurred prior to 1988, according to an archdiocesan press release issued Jan. 7 along with a copy of the cardinal’s letter. All cases were reported to civil authorities “and the archdiocese did not hide abuse or protect abusers,” it said.

The files name 30 priests, almost all of whom have been laicized or are deceased; none is currently in ministry. The archdiocese said the names have been listed on its website for several years.

“Today there are no diocesan priests in ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago with substantiated sexual abuse claims against them,” the release said.

In his letter, Cardinal George said all the incidents referenced in the files “were reported over the years to the civil authorities and claims have been mediated civilly.”

“Almost all of the incidents happened decades ago, perpetrated by priests whom neither I nor many younger clergy have ever met or talked to, because the priests were either dead or out of ministry before I came to Chicago as archbishop,” he added.

Then-Archbishop George was installed to head the Chicago Archdiocese in 1997. Pope John Paul II named him a cardinal a year later.

In his letter, Cardinal George said that although the files are about old cases, their release “nevertheless ... puts the actions of these men and the archdiocese itself in the spotlight. Painful though publicly reviewing the past can be, it is part of the accountability and transparency to which the archdiocese is committed.”

— Catholic News Service

Philly priest released from prison after court reversed conviction PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia archdiocesan priest was released from a Pennsylvania state prison Jan. 2 after an appeals court reversed his conviction for endangering child welfare by his handling of a sex abuse case. After leaving the prison in Waymart, where he had served 18

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Nine days of prayer part of Roe v. Wade anniversary events WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the second year in a row, the U.S. Catholic bishops are sponsoring “Nine Days for Life: Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage,” planned for Jan. 18-26 this year, as part of several events marking the 41st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion virtually on demand in the U.S. “Since that tragic decision, more than 55 million children’s lives have been lost to abortion, and many suffer that loss – often in silence,” says a posting on the website www.9daysforlife.com.

Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, chairman of the bishops’

months of his sentence, Msgr. William Lynn, former secretary for clergy for the Philadelphia Archdiocese, was fitted with an electronic monitoring device. One of his lawyers, who told The Associated Press that the priest would likely be released to the custody of a family member, declined to say where Msgr. Lynn would live while prosecutors appealed the Superior Court ruling.

Bond was set at $250,000 for Msgr. Lynn Dec. 30, four days after an appeals court reversed his conviction. The priest was told by Common Pleas Court Judge Teresa Sarmina to surrender his passport and submit to electronic monitoring and weekly reporting while out on bail. Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput confirmed in a Jan. 3 letter to Catholics that archdiocese provided 10 percent -- $25,000 -- of the $250,000 bail Msgr. Lynn needed to post to be released from prison. The bail amount was taken “from no parish, school or ministry resources, impacts no ongoing work of the church and will be returned when the terms of bail are completed,” the archbishop wrote. He stressed that during the trial and now Msgr. Lynn remains on administrative leave and may not function publicly as a priest.

Southeast Texas diocese reaches settlement in lawsuit alleging abuse BEAUMONT, Texas — The Beaumont Diocese reached a settlement in a civil suit filed by six plaintiffs who claimed that they had been sexually abused more than 20 or 30 years ago by Father Ronald Bollich, a diocesan priest who died in 1996 at age 59. Terms of the settlement, reached in mid-December after two years of negotiations, remained confidential at the plaintiffs’ request, according to Bishop Curtis J. Guillory of Beaumont. In a letter to Catholics of the diocese announcing the settlement, the bishop said that as the agreement was being reached, the court was considering motions on behalf of the diocese that could have resulted in dismissal of the suit. “The attorney for the diocese continues to advise that we had valid defenses to all the plaintiffs’ claims,” said the bishop. “However, from the beginning, all the parties recognized that it would be in the best interest for all involved if the case could be resolved outside of the legal system. I believe we have acted in a responsible and amicable manner in the disposition of these allegations. My decision to settle this lawsuit at this time has been the result of much prayer, consultation and reflection,” Bishop Guillory said. “I am deeply saddened by the sexual abuse scandals that have affected the church and now our own diocese and the southeast Texas community,” he said. “These global scandals have profoundly impacted many lives and have grieved our priests including myself.”

— Catholic News Service

Committee on Pro-Life Activities, said in a recent letter to his fellow bishops that response to last year’s nine-day observance prompted this year’s event to again “pray for the healing and conversion of our national and people impacted by the culture of death.”

The 9daysforlife website offers participants several ways to sign up to receive directly a daily simple novena with different intercessions, brief reflections and suggested acts of reparation via email or text message or by using an app for smartphones. Several resources for prayer and activities – as well as the full reflections for each of the nine days – are available online in the “Pro-Life Activities” section of the U.S. bishops’ website, www.usccb.org.

Court won’t take Arizona abortion ban case WASHINGTON, D.C. — Arizona’s law banning abortions at the 20week stage remains unenforceable, after the Supreme Court Jan. 13 declined to hear the state’s appeal of a lower court ruling that the 2012 law is unconstitutional. Without comment, the court declined to take Horne v. Isaacson. In that case, the state appealed a May 2013 BRIEFS, SEE page 19

January 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

BRIEFS: FROM PAGE 18

ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that found the law banning abortions late in pregnancy is unconstitutional “under an unbroken stream of Supreme Court authority, beginning with Roe (v. Wade) and ending with Gonzales (v. Carhart).

Arizona simply cannot proscribe a woman from choosing to obtain an abortion before the fetus is viable.”

That unanimous ruling by the five-judge panel of the 9th Circuit reversed a lower court that had upheld the law. The circuit court had been asked to uphold the law on the basis of evidence that fetuses as young as 20 weeks can feel pain. But the court was clear in finding that the constitutional line set in the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision is that states may not “deprive a woman of the choice to terminate her pregnancy at any point prior to viability,” which is generally held to be several weeks later than the 20-week point.

Bill would require feds to respect state laws on marriage WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House should pass a bipartisan bill that would require the federal government to respect state marriage laws defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman, a U.S. archbishop said Jan. 10. Titled the State Marriage Defense Act, the bill “is a necessary piece of legislation that will prevent the federal government from unjustly disregarding, in certain instances, state marriage laws concerning the definition of marriage,” said San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone.

The archbishop, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, made the comments in a letter to U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, who introduced the bill Jan. 9. Archbishop St.Eliz.pdf

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Cordileone said various federal agencies now use a “place of celebration” rule to determine whether persons are validly married for purposes of federal law. “The Supreme Court’s decision last year in U.S. v. Windsor, however, requires the federal government to defer to state marriage law, not disregard it,” he said.

Regarding Windsor, the high court ruled June 26 in a 5-4 opinion that the federal Defense of Marriage Act, defining marriage as between one man and one woman, was unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause.

CCDOC.ORG

‘War on Poverty’ anniversary sparks renewed commitment WASHINGTON, D.C. — When President Lyndon Johnson declared a “war on poverty” in his 1964 State of the Union address, few then expected just what it would take to wipe out domestic poverty. Fifty years later, acknowledging the task in front of them, Catholic and political leaders alike have stated their intent to lessen poverty in the United States. On Jan. 8, the 50th anniversary date of Johnson’s address, Catholic Charities USA brought together a host of other organizations, including Feeding America, Save the Children, the Salvation Army, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Lutheran Services in America, United Way and the Alliance for Children and Families, to work together in 2014 to educate, innovate and act to reduce poverty in communities across the country. Catholic Charities outlined the principles for the groups to follow in the effort: educate the public about the everyday challenges facing the more than 46 million people living in poverty in America today; highlight innovate solutions to poverty by connecting local practitioners with national leaders; and act to reduce poverty in communities across the country using newfound knowledge and techniques. The participating organizations also will host a poverty round-table in February.

Forgiveness and Healing Following Abortion Catholic Charities can help men and woman who have experienced abortion begin their healing journey. Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreat creates a healing environment of prayer and forgiveness. The retreat works to reconnect individuals to themselves, their friends, and family and to realize God’s ever present love.

The next Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat is February 21 in Asheville, NC. Visit our website or rachelsvineyard.org for more information or contact Maggi at 704.370.3229/mnadol@charlottediocese.org.

— Catholic News Service

Director of Music St. Elizabeth Catholic Church- Boone, NC St Elizabeth of the Hill Country Catholic Church is looking for a part-time music director to continue to serve a 400 family parish located in Boone, NC. This vibrant parish is made up of many diverse communities including Appalachian State University students and professors, local families and residents, retirees, summer residents, Hispanics, and winter and summer tourism.

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The music director is responsible for the total music program at St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Catholic Church. The director is to plan and lead the liturgical music for all Sunday liturgies and Holy Days. This position reports directly to the pastor.

In addition, the director of music is to coordinate with the Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry as well as Catholic Campus Ministry to facilitate youth and college involvement with music in the parish. Extended responsibilities also include coordinating music for weddings, funerals, as well as assisting with The Church of the Epiphany, a summer mission church in Blowing Rock, NC

In 2010, Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake.

Today, the country is still reeling.

Education: Bachelors Degree Preferred.

Work Experience/Special Skills Ability to lead and direct many different musicians at all Masses/services throughout the year. Must be an experienced musician, have knowledge of the Catholic liturgy and liturgical planning as appropriate to weekly Masses and services. Must show leadership skills as related to managing different personalities. Ability to play a music instrument (of liturgical nature: i.e. organ, piano or guitar) recommended. Knowledge of electronics and amplification systems that relate to musical performance is necessary. Previous experience in music ministry preferred.

Position to be filled as soon as possible. Please send resume with cover letter to Saint Elizabeth Parish, 259 Pilgrims Way Boone, NC 28607 or stelizabethcc@bellsouth.net

Watch the Mercy for Haiti film and help us continue to make a difference for those forgotten. Visit urgentcares.org/haiti

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

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope says abortion, hunger, environmental damage threaten peace Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said world peace requires the defense of human dignity from violations such as world hunger, human trafficking and abortion.

The pope made his remarks Jan. 13 in his first annual address to the Vatican diplomatic corps, offering a survey of world conflicts and crises he said were caused by “envy, selfishness, rivalry and the thirst for power and money.”

Speaking in the Apostolic Palace’s Sala Regia, the vast “royal hall” where popes traditionally received Catholic monarchs, Pope Francis spoke of what he has frequently called a “throwaway culture” exemplified by widespread food waste that leaves children starving or malnourished.

“Unfortunately, what is thrown away is not only food or disposable objects, but often human beings themselves, who are discarded as if they were unnecessary,” the pope said. “It is horrifying just to think that there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day; children being used as soldiers, abused and killed in armed conflicts; children turned into merchandise in that terrible form of modern slavery called human trafficking, which is a crime against humanity.”

The pope also lamented what he called rising numbers of “broken and troubled families,” which he attributed to both moral and material factors: the “weakening sense of belonging so typical of today’s world” as well as the “adverse conditions in which many families are forced to live, even to the point where they lack basic means of subsistence.”

Noting the devastation caused by typhoon Haiyan in November, Pope Francis warned against “greedy exploitation of environmental resources,” and quoted what he said was a popular adage: “God always forgives, we sometimes forgive, but when nature – creation – is mistreated, she never forgives!”

Most of the pope’s speech was devoted, as usual for the occasion, to geopolitical problems in different regions of the world.

The pope called for an end to the almost three-year old civil war in Syria, voicing hope for upcoming peace talks and praising neighboring Lebanon and Jordan for accepting refugees from the conflict.He also noted what he called “significant progress” in ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Pope Francis lamented the “exodus of Christians from the Middle East and North Africa,” as well as violence between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria and the Central African Republic.

The pope also recalled his July visit to the southern Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, an entry point for immigrants without legal permission to enter Europe, and voiced sympathy with those who, “in the hope of a better life, have undertaken perilous journeys which not infrequently end in tragedy.”

Pope names 19 new cardinals, including six from Latin America Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Stressing that their role would be one of service rather than honor, Pope Francis named 19 new cardinals, including six men from his home region of Latin America.

The pope announced the nominations Jan. 12 after praying the Angelus and said he would formally induct the men into the College of Cardinals Feb. 22.

Although cardinals are traditionally known as “princes of the Church,” Pope Francis, who has pointedly refused many of the trappings of his office, characteristically dismissed any element of pomp in the distinction he had decided to bestow.

In a letter to the new cardinals, released by the Vatican Jan. 13, the pope wrote that a red hat “does not signify a promotion, an honor or a decoration; it is simply a form of service that requires expanding your vision and enlarging your heart.”

Pope Francis instructed the cardinalsdesignate to “receive this new designation with a simple and humble heart. And while you should do so with joy and happiness, do it in a way that this feeling may be far from any expression of worldliness, or any form of celebration alien to the evangelical spirit of austerity, sobriety and poverty.”

The consistory will bring the total number of cardinals to 218 and the number of cardinals under age 80 to 122. Until they reach their 80th birthdays, cardinals are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope.

Two current cardinal electors will turn 80 in March, bringing the number of electors back to the limit of 120 set by Pope Paul VI. (Other popes have occasionally exceeded that limit for short periods of time.)

Some observers had predicted that Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America, would use his first selections to make major changes in the composition of the cardinal electors, perhaps by boosting the presence

of residential bishops from the global South and reducing that of Vatican officials or prelates from rich Western countries.

Half of the new cardinal electors hail from statistically underrepresented regions in the southern hemisphere, including three of the world’s poorest countries: Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Haiti. Yet Pope Francis did not substantially reduce the representation of groups with a traditionally strong presence.

Five of the new electors are from Latin America, an increase by one-third of the current number from the region. Latin America, home to about 40 percent of the world’s Catholics, will account for about 16 percent of the group eligible to choose the next pope.

Four of the new cardinal electors are from Italy, leaving that nation’s share practically unchanged at nearly a quarter.

Four new cardinal electors are Vatican officials, three of them in offices that traditionally entail membership in the college.

Three of the new cardinals are already over the age of 80 and, therefore, ineligible to vote in a conclave. The pope uses such nominations to honor churchmen for their scholarship or other service to the Church.

Among the new so-called honorary cardinals is Cardinal-designate Loris Capovilla, who served as personal secretary to Blessed Pope John XXIII. The new cardinals are Italian Archbishop Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, who will turn 59 Jan. 17; Italian Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, 73; German Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 66; Italian Archbishop Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, 72; English Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, 68; Nicaraguan Archbishop Leopoldo Brenes Solorzano of Managua,

CNS | Nancy Wiechec

Cardinals hold their red birettas during a service at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in this 2012 file photo.

64; Canadian Archbishop Gerald Lacroix of Quebec, 56; Ivorian Archbishop JeanPierre Kutwa of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 68; Brazilian Archbishop Orani Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro, 63; Italian Archbishop Gualtiero Bassetti of Perguia-Citta della Pieve, 71; Argentine Archbishop Mario Poli of Buenos Aires, 66; Korean Archbishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul, 70; Chilean Archbishop Ricardo Ezzati Andrello of Santiago, 72; Burkina Faso Archbishop Philippe Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou, 68; Philippine Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato, 74; Haitian Bishop Chibly Langlois of Les Cayes, 55; Italian Archbishop Capovilla, 98; Spanish Archbishop Fernando Sebastian Aguilar, retired, of Pamplona, 84and Saint Lucian Archbishop Kelvin Felix, retired, of Castries, who will be 81 Feb. 11.

Pope meets baby Jesus, carries lamb during visit to live Nativity scene VATICAN CITY — Surrounded by cheese sellers, shoemakers and bleating, baying animals, Pope Francis immersed himself in a lively re-enactment of a special day in Bethlehem. He even let a lamb rest on his shoulders and greeted a tiny baby named Francis, who played the part of Jesus, when he visited a live Nativity scene Jan. 6 at the Church of St. Alfonso Maria dei Liguori on the northern outskirts of Rome.

More than 200 people took part in the re-enactment, wearing period costumes and playing the parts of villagers, artisans and street sellers. People lined the sides of the road leading to the church and watched from rooftops and balconies of surrounding buildings. According to Vatican Radio, the pope greeted each of the participants and many of the parishioners who attended. One special guest lay waiting in a small hut: a 2-month-old baby named Francesco, who had been baptized that morning and played the role of Jesus in the pageant.

A woman dressed as a shepherd placed a small lamb on the pope’s shoulders. Children sang a Christmas song and gave the pope a bouquet of red roses.

CNS | L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters

January 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Pope: Too many Christians have lukewarm faith in God VATICAN CITY — There are too many “defeated Christians” in the Church who do not fully believe in the faith handed down to them by way of tradition and who do not completely trust in God, Pope Francis said. If Christians don’t believe and live the faith as a victorious mover of mountains, then “there is only defeat, and the prince of the world conquers the world,” the pope said in his homily Jan. 10 during his morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. The pope focused his homily on a reading from the First Letter of John (5:5-13), in which the apostle reminds Christians that there will be eternal life for those who believe in the name of the Son of God. “Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” the apostle asks. Whoever remains in God and in His love is victorious over the world, the pope said, according to a report by Vatican Radio. “Our faith can do anything,” he said.

Pope: Christian love isn’t a soap-opera swoon, it’s concrete VATICAN CITY — Christians must love through concrete actions, not words, which are just whisked away in the wind, Pope Francis said. True love knows it’s more important to give -- “give things, give life, give oneself to God and others” – than receive, the pope said in his homily Jan. 9 during his morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he lives. Christian love is generous and real, it’s not some dreamy romantic notion and “not the love on soap operas,” he said.

When Jesus spoke of love, “He speaks to us of concrete things: feed the hungry, visit the sick,” and more. “When there isn’t this concreteness, one can be living a Christianity of illusion because the person doesn’t really understand the core of Jesus’ message.” Two things make Christian love concrete, he said. “First, love with actions, not with words. The wind whisks words away; today they’re here, tomorrow they’re not.” The second thing is “for love, it’s more important to give than receive.”

Baptism gives strength to forgive enemies, pope says VATICAN CITY — Baptism isn’t just some formal ritual, it profoundly changes people,

giving them unwavering hope and the strength to forgive and love others, Pope Francis said.

“With baptism, we are immersed in that inexhaustible source of life that is Jesus’ death, the greatest act of love in all of history,” he said during his first general audience of 2014.

The pope spent nearly two hours after the audience Jan. 8 greeting people, blessing the sick, speaking with newlyweds and receiving notes, letters and late Christmas gifts from the crowd. He also watched a brief performance by acrobats, jugglers and clowns who were part of an international Golden Circus festival.

Guard faith with ‘spiritual cunning,’ says pope VATICAN CITY — Christians should go out into the world to follow God but use “holy cunning” to guard against the snares of temptation, Pope Francis said. The pope made the remarks at a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Jan. 6 on the feast of the Epiphany, which marks the manifestation of Jesus as savior to the world. In his homily, the pope said that life is a journey, and like the three Wise Men, or Magi, people are looking for the “fullness of truth and of love which we Christians recognize in Jesus, the light of the world.” Jesus is found by reading the world of God’s creation and the sacred Scripture, which nourishes the soul and “enables us to encounter the living Jesus, to experience Him and His love,” the pope said. On life’s journey, we need to be “attentive, alert and listen to God who speaks to us,” and be prepared when we encounter “darkness, suspicion, fear and jealousy.” This happened to the Magi when they briefly lost sight of the star to Bethlehem and passed through Jerusalem where they encountered King Herod, who was “distrustful

and preoccupied with the birth of a frail child whom he thought of as a rival,” the pope said.

Jesus wasn’t interested in usurping the king, “a wretched puppet,” the pope said, but in overthrowing the devil.

Pope limits ‘monsignor’ honor for diocesan priests VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has decided to limit the honor of “monsignor” among diocesan priests and grant it from now on only to those at least 65 years old. The change, which is not retroactive and does not affect Vatican officials or members of religious orders, was announced in a letter from the Vatican Secretariat of State to nunciatures around the world, along with instructions to inform local bishops. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States, informed U.S. bishops of the new policy in a letter dated Dec. 30.

Of the three grades of monsignor – apostolic protonotary, honorary prelate of His Holiness and chaplain of His Holiness – only the last will be available to diocesan priests who meet the new age requirement.

Bishops must resubmit any pending requests for papal honors in accordance with the new rules.

Pope orders new rules on relations between bishops, orders VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said he has ordered a revision of what he called outdated Vatican norms on the relations between religious orders and local bishops, in order to promote greater appreciation of the orders’ distinctive missions. The pope’s words were published Jan. 3 in the Italian Jesuit magazine La Civilta Cattolica.

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He made the comments Nov. 29 at a closed-door meeting with 120 superiors general of religious orders from around the world.

Pope Francis referred to “Mutuae Relationes,” a set of directives issued jointly by the Congregation for Bishops and the Congregation for Religious in 1978. The document said religious orders are part of the local Church, though with their own internal organization, and their “right to autonomy” should never be considered as independence from the local Church. “That document was useful at the time but is now outdated,” the pope said. “The charisms of the various institutes need to be respected and fostered because they are needed in dioceses.”

More than 6.6 million attended Vatican events in 2013 VATICAN CITY — In the first nine and a half months of Pope Francis’ pontificate, more than 6.6 million people participated in papal events at the Vatican, including weekly general audiences, group audiences, liturgies and recitations of the Angelus and “Regina Coeli” on Sundays and holy days. The statistics, compiled by the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household and released Jan. 2, are approximate and do not include figures from Pope Francis’ trip to Brazil for World Youth Day in July 2013, or his visits to Italian locations outside the Vatican.

From his election March 13 until the end of 2013, at least 1.5 million people attended Pope Francis’ 30 general audiences; more than 87,000 participated in group audiences; almost 2.3 million participated in papal liturgies in St. Peter’s Basilica or St. Peter’s Square; and more than 2.7 million joined the pope for the Angelus or “Regina Coeli” in the square.

— Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Joshua Voitus

I

Peggy Bowes

Stewardship: Allow God to work in and through your life

am sure the first thought most of you have when you hear the word “stewardship” is “oh my, they are about to ask me for more money.” I suspect this because I know it is usually my first thought.

Indeed, we can hardly be blamed for such an outlook because this is typically what such an appeal does mean. However, this is a shame, because the concept of stewardship is far richer than this and, in a way, cuts to the heart of living out our mission as Christians.

I also assume most of you are familiar with the almost cliché formulation of “time, talent and treasure” which oftentimes goes along with appeals to stewardship. This, of course, refers to the fact that stewardship goes beyond merely dropping an envelope or a check in the collection basket every week and going on our way. Rather, the “time, talent and treasure” concept refers to the fact that we ought to be generous with not only our money, but with our God-given abilities and time. This “time, talent and treasure” is where we find stewardship getting to the heart of the Christian life.

The understanding of what we now call stewardship dates back to the beginning of God’s relationship with His people. From the very beginnings of Sacred Scripture, we see people offering the fruits of their labors to God. Whether it was a portion of their crops, cattle or anything else, the first portion was given over to God, usually in the form of a sacrifice.

This is continued all through Scripture into the New Testament and has remained, in one form or another, all through the history of the Church. Now, however, we tend not to sacrifice wheat or cattle as a burnt offering, but we give a portion of our money, ability or time in service to God. The reason behind all of this is not that God needed to have wheat and cattle burned before Him. Indeed, God doesn’t need anything we give to Him. Rather, this was always done in recognition that everything we have comes from God and is really already His. By returning a portion to Him, we begin to free ourselves from feelings of pride, and we say to God that we know all comes from Him and that we appreciate and give Him thanks for all of our gifts.

This is how the “time, talent and treasure” concept helps us live our lives completely in the love of God. If all that we do is to come to Mass on Sunday and sit for an hour (or so) and drop our offering in the basket, we risk turning our religion into a spectator sport.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with coming to Mass on Sunday and supporting the offertory! Indeed, these things are absolutely necessary. However, by dedicating to God a portion of our time (often more precious to us than even our money) and our talent, we begin to live our lives fully as followers of God.

Naomi and the golden bells ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.’ — Matthew 18:3

This allows us to invite God into our lives in all of its aspects, and it allows the love of God to transform us completely.

In the coming months, there will be much talk of stewardship in relation to money. Many parishes are starting the 2014 DSA campaign this month, there will be the Combined Mission Collection this weekend in most parishes, and other parishes will be starting the diocesan campaign “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” in March. Although the Church is primarily a spiritual institution concerned primarily with the salvation of souls, it is also necessary to have money to operate.

(The paper for this newspaper, while it does grow on trees, costs a certain amount of money, for example.)

However, in the midst of all this talk of money, do not forget that the primary purpose of stewardship is to acknowledge God as the Author of all of our goods. Do not neglect the time and talent portions of stewardship and, through all of your contributions, allow God to work in your life and, through you, shine in the lives of others.

I often struggle with this Bible verse. As the mother of two children, I understand and appreciate the wonder and innocence of children, but I’m not exactly sure what childlike qualities I need to adopt to enter the kingdom of heaven. Fortunately, I was able to gain a little insight into this mysterious Scripture passage during our parish’s Christmas Eve children’s Mass.

The small multipurpose room in which we celebrate weekend and holy day Masses at Holy Angels Church had been transformed, engaging all the senses. Beautiful red and gold decorations surrounded the altar, bringing to mind the birth of a king and the blood He would shed for our sins. The smell of burning incense lingered, and the beautiful music of Christmas carols all combined to signify a very special celebration.

Father Lawrence Heiney announced that all the children should participate in this special liturgy and jokingly added that the cry room was available for any adults who couldn’t take the noise and distractions. Bells were distributed to the children, to be rung at various times throughout the Mass.

After the opening prayers, Father Heiney invited all the young children to gather in front of the altar as he read the Christmas story from Luke’s Gospel. They all held their bells, trying not to ring them as they listened attentively. The exception was an adorable toddler named Naomi. She was transfixed by the golden bells that rested beneath the chair occupied by her brother, an altar server. She repeatedly tried to grab them, but her brother gently pushed her away. Little Naomi steadfastly ignored the various distractions offered to her, returning again and again to the shiny bells.

The children returned to their seats, and the Mass continued. Later, they were invited up to the altar again.

It was finally time to ring the bells! Joyful noise erupted throughout the parish hall, but ironically, little Naomi could have cared less. She had moved on to her mother’s car keys, happily setting off the alarm in the parking lot during a quiet moment. Her brother and family tried to push her toward the bells, but she stubbornly refused. Even Father Heiney stopped mid-sentence and smiled at the toddler. “Naomi, you can ring the bells now.” She didn’t even turn around, occupied with patting the heads of the statues of the wise men.

Certainly Naomi provided a little levity during the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child, but I knew somehow that there was a deeper lesson in this little spectacle.

It came as a revelation after Communion. The shiny golden bells symbolized a particularly alluring sin. Like little Naomi with the bells, we often fixate on that sin, although we may be pushed away by outside forces or others sent to help us.

To become childlike and enter the kingdom of heaven, we need to distract ourselves until the temptation begins to fade.

Patting the heads of wise men might help, too, I suppose.

Father Joshua Voitus is the pastor of St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva.

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

‘If all that we do is to come to Mass on Sunday and sit for an hour (or so) and drop our offering in the basket, we risk turning our religion into a spectator sport.’

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January 17, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Aaron Matthew Weldon

What is conscience protection for?

I

f you follow commentary on the court battles over religious liberty here in the United States, you will occasionally read statements that refer to a need for “balance” on matters of conscience protection. The thinking for some seems to be that people of faith, or even simply people of good will, should be able to compromise on their convictions when those convictions don’t conform to the expectations of the broader culture.

For example, the ethics committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has argued that health care professionals should simply refer patients to other providers for services, such as abortions, to which they morally object. It’s as if they are saying, “Sure, you may feel like abortion is evil, but this is a pluralistic society, so you have to give a little. Nobody’s asking you to perform abortions, so just keep quiet and let women make their own choices.”

But conscience is not a bargaining chip in a negotiation.

Conscience is not merely a feeling, as if I am acting in good conscience whenever I do what feels good. Rather, conscience is a means by which one grasps the truth. In political matters, my conscience guides me to the truth about how I ought to act with respect to family, neighbors, local community and nation.

The right to follow one’s conscience is more than a right to be left alone. It is the right to pursue the truth and to act in accord with that truth. When we follow the dictates of our consciences, we act in accordance with the truth as best as we can understand it. In other words, we submit to the law of our loving Creator, not to a coercive agent such as the state. When we obey our consciences, we conform our lives to the truth that makes us truly free.

When the state attempts to coerce individuals and entire communities to act against their consciences, as it is doing now with the HHS “contraceptive mandate,” it is usurping the place of truth as the guide for the lives of its citizens.

However, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, affirms, “truth is not a product of politics.” When a state seeks to order the lives of its citizens as if truth were a product of politics, then it has radically overstepped its bounds. It becomes a tyrant rather than a servant.

People who seek to do what is right, who order their lives to the truth, cannot compromise on conscience, for such a compromise suggests that one should willfully act against what is right.

We need to be clear in our actions and our witness about what we are for. Court battles may be necessary to seek protection from a state that would seek to step beyond its proper boundaries. But the freedom that is gained in a court victory is a freedom from coercion. Ultimately, religious liberty is freedom for the pursuit of truth and of lives lived in accordance with what is good.

In all our actions, as entrepreneurs, artists, teachers, construction workers and public servants, we must be people who seek the truth and strive to perform the good in all that we do. We can refuse to compromise on matters of conscience and work to protect our right to religious liberty with confidence, knowing that we do what we do so that all people may seek to live the truth.

‘Conscience is not merely a feeling, as if I am acting in good conscience whenever I do what feels good.’

Aaron Matthew Weldon is a staff assistant for the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. For more information about the bishops’ pro-life activities, go to www.usccb.org/prolife.

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Deacon James H. Toner

Our ‘evolving’ thought ‘That a good many Christians today kneel before the world is a fact perfectly clear.’ — Jacques Maritain

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number of prominent politicians have recently suggested that their thought has been “evolving” on a number of moral subjects. Inevitably some will ask why the Church’s doctrine (cf. Titus 2:1) isn’t, they think, similarly evolving. They tell us to prize novelty above everything else. The only thing we can be sure of, after all, is change, and nothing is forever.

The newer something is, the better; and nobody wants to appear old-fashioned, out of date, or medieval!

Philosopher J. Budziszewski of the University of Texas – and a convert to Catholicism – has written, however, that there are some things we cannot not know, much as St. Paul wrote about what is written on our hearts (Romans 2:14). The idea that everything is in flux is an ancient one, dating to the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus. But is everything change? Is it true that the only thing that doesn’t change is, well, change? Is there anything permanent?

The brilliant Catholic apologist G.K. Chesterton told us, “Merely having an open mind is nothing. The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.” In fact, the Catholic faith tells us to bind our minds to what is the most solid matter of all: Jesus the Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

By the same token, our human nature doesn’t change, either. I have been in debates for years about this with anthropologists and sociologists, but they have never responded to a key argument: If human nature is continually evolving (toward perfection), how is it that we can understand (in translation) the philosophical writing of Heraclitus, the history of Herodotus, the war accounts of Thucydides, the plays of Aeschylus, the poetry of Aristotle, and the accounts of salvation history in the Old Testament?

It was C.S. Lewis who used the term “chronological snobbery,” meaning that some hold, mistakenly, that whatever is new in philosophy, religion, art or science is invariably better than what preceded it, merely because it is newer. It was Pope Gregory XVI who in 1834 condemned “the contemptible and unrestrained desire for innovation,” because, so often, it “does not seek truth where it stands in the received and holy apostolic inheritance.” The quest for novelty was denounced by such popes as Blessed Pope Pius IX, Pope Leo XIII, Pope St. Pius X and Pope Pius XI. In fact, we are well advised to think that what has come down to us should be preferred until the innovation, or change, can be demonstrated to be an improvement over, or superior to, what it is supposed to replace. As Thomas Jefferson told us in the Declaration of Independence:

‘What is good and true and beautiful does not change. If it did, that would mean that morality is a function of the clock.’

EVOLVING, SEE page 24

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Let’s keep talking.

catholicnewsherald.com | January 17, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

EVOLVING: FROM PAGE 23

“Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes.”

Edmund Burke, the great parliamentarian, similarly believed that “People will not look forward to posterity who never looked backward to their ancestors.”

The deposit of faith – the settled teaching of the Church – does not change. What is good and true and beautiful does not change. If it did, that would mean that

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morality is a function of the clock: what was critically wrong at one time may be right at another; or what was seen as right at one time may be viewed as critically wrong at another. “But,” some will object, “isn’t that an accurate understanding of, say, slavery, which was socially acceptable at one time? Isn’t morality dictated by time and geography?” That is a common view, and it is wrong.

We do not make truth, like architects; we discover truth, like archaeologists. Our perception of truth, our understanding of it, and our commitment to it may vary according to the state of art or science or philosophy. But the truth doesn’t change.

For example, our understanding of the tenets of the Catholic faith should be much more mature when we are 50 than when we are 5; but the faith itself hasn’t changed, only our grasp of it.

Many may kneel before the world – that is, deify time and circumstances – but Catholics believe and know the universe is shaped by and around the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the direction and destination of “evolving thinking.”

Blessed John Henry Newman pointed out, in discussing the “development of doctrine,” that there is a gradual understanding of the meaning of what God has revealed, but the substantial truth of a revealed mystery remains unchanged.

Again: what changes is our personal understanding of revealed truth, not the objective truth itself.

The fads, fancies and fictions of a given time may, and should, be rejected as inimical to the truth which transcends them. St. Paul told us that we must “not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable, and perfect”

(Romans 12:2 RSV). As Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch comment, “The grace of the spirit enables us to interpret our lives and evaluate all the influences of our culture with respect to the gospel. In all things, God’s will should be the central object of our discernment, for it alone is acceptable and perfect.” (Also see the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2520, 2826.)

When someone says his thinking about a moral issue has “evolved,” we must inquire whether his thinking evolved in line with what is perfect and permanent (in line, that is, with the holy Gospel) or whether the evolution in his thinking is inspired by political opportunism, peer pressure or financial desires.

In his Letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul explains we must not be “carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful men who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ” (4:14 GNB). So we are to hold fast to the truth; we are constantly to grow in our understanding of it and in our commitment to it; and, in all things, we must strive to follow Christ and His bride, the Church.

If we distort or deny the truth which comes to us from the Apostles, we may deceive ourselves or others into believing that our thinking has “evolved,” but, in fact, in such cases, we have only knelt before the world. By the grace of God, we Catholics kneel only, but always, “in honor of the name of Jesus,” as we openly proclaim the unchanging truth that “Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

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

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