Oct. 24, 2014

October 24, 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

Impacts for diocese unclear following court’s redefinition of marriage, 3

Parishes continue push to reach DSA goals as campaign nears end, 5

INSIDE: Diocese of Charlotte 2013-’14 annual report

Honoring LatinoAfrican heritage African, Hispanic cultures celebrated in conjunction with feast of El Señor de los Milagros, 11-13 Subscribe today! Call:

704-370-3333

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

INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Español..................................11 Events calendar................. 4 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes................. 3-13 Schools......................... 14-15 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................16 U.S. news...................... 18-19 Viewpoints.................. 22-23 World news.................. 20-21

Huntersville area volunteers build home in honor of Pope Francis, 7

Extraordinary Synod on the Family ends by affirming tradition, leaving controversial questions open, 20

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Alonso Rodriguez, mystic Jesuit lay brother encountered God in every task

Pope Francis

All wars begin in a jealous heart; let go of pride, envy

A

ll wars begin in the human heart – a heart that is jealous and bitter and tears apart communities through misunderstandings and marginalization, Pope Francis said.

“How wonderful if we would remember more often who we are, what Jesus Christ did with us: We are His body,” members of the Church filled with the Holy Spirit’s gift of new life in Christ and united in fellowship and love, he said at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 22.

The day also marked the feast day of Pope St. John Paul II, who “invited everyone to open the doors to Christ,” said Pope Francis, who had canonized the Polish pope in April.

As the Church celebrated for the first time the memorial of Pope St. John Paul, Pope Francis recalled how he “reminded the whole world of the mystery of divine mercy.

“May his spiritual legacy not be forgotten, but drive us to reflect and act concretely for the good of the Church, the family and society,” he said in a greeting to pilgrims from Poland.

In his main audience talk, the pope continued his catechesis on the nature of the Catholic Church, focusing on the Church as the body of Christ.

The pope told everyone that their homework for the day was to read Chapter 37 of the Book of Ezekiel and the “Vision of the Dry Bones,” which, he said, offers a “striking” yet hopefilled image of God’s power to join together and breathe new life into a dead and divided people.

Through baptism, Christians are made to be one with Christ creating “a masterpiece of the Spirit who instills in everyone a new life in the risen Christ and puts us next to each other, each one to serve and support the other, making all of us be one body edified in communion and love,” he said.

This is “the great gift we receive on the day of our baptism,” he said, to be joined together, conforming ourselves to Christ and sharing His love with each other “as living members of the same body.”

However, it is not always easy for individual Christians and their communities to live in loving, respectful unity, he said.

Parishes, groups, even neighborhoods can be marked by pope, SEE page 17

Feast day: Oct. 30 On Oct. 30, the Catholic Church honors a man whose humble occupation gave the world only glimpses of his extraordinary holiness. During his lifetime, Brother Alonso Rodriguez never became a priest, published a book or advanced professionally. But writings discovered after his death revealed a true mystic, who attended to a rich spiritual life while he worked as a doorkeeper and porter.

Born in Spain during 1532, Rodriguez married at 26 and worked as a cloth merchant, coming to religious life only through a string of crushing tragedies. His wife and two of their children died by the time he was 31, and his turn toward a life of prayer and penance could not prevent the subsequent death of his third and last remaining child – nor the discouraging failure of his business.

Without his wife and children, and having few prospects due to his lack of a higher education, the Spanish layman turned his thoughts to religious life. Even there, however, he faced difficulties. In his early years, Rodriguez had met one of the first Jesuits, Blessed Peter Faber. With his old life in ruins, he developed an interest in joining the recently established Society of Jesus.

His lack of education prevented Rodriguez from pursuing their course of priestly ordination, and he failed to acquire a diploma from the College of Barcelona despite attending for two years. The Jesuit Fathers in Valencia said he was unfit to join. But Rodriguez’s years of prayer had

and asked him to begin not been in vain: they were a private record of answered when a provincial his life and thoughts. of the society, sensing his Rodriguez struck up a dedication, admitted him as a notable friendship with lay-brother. one young man, Peter In modern times, Jesuit Claver, and advised brothers work in a wide range him to volunteer for of fields, with few limitations the South American apart from their lack of missions. Following his priestly ordination. During advice, St. Peter Claver the 16th and 17th centuries, eventually catechized, however, the lay-brothers baptized and spoke of the Society of Jesus out for the rights of were known as “temporal 300,000 slaves in South coadjutors,” and assisted America. the priests of the order by “Vision of Blessed Alonso Rodriguez” by When Rodriguez died performing its more routine Francisco de Zurbaran in 1617, his superiors duties such as cooking, examined the written construction and farming. records he had left The Jesuits sent behind describing his Rodriguez to the college spiritual life. What they found was the life of Montesión, on the island of Majorca, of a saint and mystic. His approach was to work as a porter and door-keeper. He simple: Christ was appearing in every assumed the responsibilities of receiving person who appeared at the door; the task visitors and guests and carrying their was to encounter God in any task. From luggage, tracking down students or this awareness, he proceeded to a life of priests when they were needed, delivering contemplation akin to the renowned saints messages, and distributing alms to the poor. While other Jesuits traveled the globe of his era (such as St. Ignatius or St. Teresa of Avila), whose grand achievements are evangelizing whole nations, and undertook better known. a vast reform of the Catholic Church Brother Alonso Rodriguez was declared throughout Europe, Rodriguez carried a saint in 1887. He is buried on the same bags and ran errands for 46 years. island of Majorca where he answered the But students began to seek him out, door and carried bags for five decades. realizing that their doorkeeper was a man of unusual wisdom and faith. His Jesuit — Catholic News Agency superiors started to take notice as well,

Couples should welcome children generously, as gifts from God

Batrice Adcock

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hen I became pregnant recently, I felt blessed to have received this gift of life. I was frequently reminded

of this during my prayers when I called to mind Psalm 127: “Certainly, sons are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Ps 127:3).

My (and my husband’s) gratitude at being able to welcome this new life prompted me to think about the Church’s teaching on spouses’ openness to children.

How the Church can better communicate this beautiful teaching for married Catholic couples is one of the matters up for discussion by the bishops’ Synod on the Family. Gratitude is a product of

generosity, and generosity is at the heart of Catholic teaching on marriage and procreation.

As Blessed Pope Paul VI wrote in “Humanae Vitae,” “The transmission of human life is a most serious role in which married people collaborate freely and responsibly with God the Creator. It has always been a source of great joy to them, even though it sometimes entails many difficulties and hardships.”

CHILDREN, SEE page 10

Your daily Scripture readings OCT. 26-NOV. 1

Sunday: Exodus 22:20-26, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, Matthew 22:34-40; Monday: Ephesians 4:32-5:8, Luke 13:10-17; Tuesday (Sts. Simon and Jude): Ephesians 2:19-22, Luke 6:12-16; Wednesday: Ephesians 6:1-9, Luke 13:22-30; Thursday: Ephesians 6:10-20, Luke 13:31-35; Friday: Philippians 1:1-11, Luke 14:1-6; Saturday (All Saints): Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12

NOV. 2-8

Sunday (All Souls’ Day): Wisdom 3:1-9, Romans 5:5-11, John 6:37-40; Monday (St. Martin de Porres): Philippians 2:1-4, Luke 14:12-14; Tuesday (St. Charles Borromeo): Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 14:15-24; Wednesday: Philippians 2:12-18, Luke 14:25-33; Thursday: Philippians 3:3-8, Luke 15:1-10; Friday: Philippians 3:17- 4:1, Luke 16: 1-8; Saturday: Philippians 4:10-19, Luke 16:9-15

NOV. 9-15

Sunday (The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica): Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12, 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17, John 2:13-22; Monday (St. Leo the Great): Titus 1:1-9, Luke 17:1-6; Tuesday (St. Martin of Tours): Titus 2:1-8, 11-14, Luke 17:7-10; Wednesday (St. Josaphat): Titus 3:1-7, Luke 17:11-19; Thursday (St. Francis Xavier Cabrini): Philemon 7-20, Luke 17:20-25; Friday: 2 John 4-9, Luke 17:26-37; Saturday (St. Albert the Great): 3 John 5-8, Luke 18:1-8

Our parishes

October 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Impacts for diocese unclear following court’s redefinition of marriage ‘We know from our Catholic teaching that marriage is a permanent, faithful, and fruitful covenant joining a man and a woman.

It is our duty to continue to affirm marriage in this way.’

Bishop Peter Jugis and Bishop Michael Burbidge

David Hains Director of Communication

CHARLOTTE — North Carolina’s forced entry onto the list of states required to accept same-sex unions has raised questions over possible impacts to the Diocese of Charlotte.

U.S. District Court Judge Max Coburn of Asheville declared unconstitutional the state’s marriage amendment on Oct. 10.

Coburn’s ruling came after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review marriage redefinition cases from appeals courts around the country.

One of those cases came from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes North Carolina. With the Supreme Court declining to take up the issue, lower court rulings legalizing same-sex unions were allowed to stand.

Coburn’s ruling single-handedly voided a constitutional amendment protecting marriage as between one man and one woman, approved by 62 percent of North Carolina voters in 2012.

North Carolina joins 31 other states in which same-sex “marriage” is now legal. Twenty-one of those states had same sex unions imposed upon them by court order, eight came by action of the state legislature, and three by popular vote.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to take up the issue, as well as the swiftness with which local court action has overturned the state’s constitutional amendment, mean that questions about employment law, spousal benefits and freedom of religion remain unanswered at this point.

Religious freedom is at the heart of resignations and refusals by magistrates to perform same-sex union ceremonies in several North Carolina counties, including Rockingham County. There Magistrate John Kallen said in a press conference Oct. 21, “When I took my oath of office, I understood I would be required to perform weddings and have done so throughout my tenure. I did not, however, take that oath with any understanding that I would be required to

Q&A Editor’s note: As Catholics negotiate how to witness publicly to the Gospel and live their faith, in spite of the new reality of legalized same-sex unions in North Carolina, there are bound to be questions over how to respond in certain situations. We reached out for some basic advice from Father John Putnam, Putnam judicial vicar for the Diocese of Charlotte and pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville: Q: What are you counseling parishioners who are bewildered by this abrupt shift in the law and public opinion?

A: Marriage is defined by God. The state is free to say whatever it likes, but that does not change the inherent nature of marriage. Catholics need to be clear and consistent in upholding the view of marriage based on the natural law.

marry same-sex couples. It is my personal belief and a position of my Christian faith that doing so would desecrate a holy institution established by God Himself.”

For the diocese, the court’s ruling raises questions about the status of employees who might enter into same-sex unions. When they are hired, all church employees, whether they are Catholic or not, agree in writing not to publicly oppose Church teaching or they risk being fired. A church employee, a music minister, was fired in 2012 for violating that employment agreement when he “married” a man in another state.

In addition, the diocese’s Personnel Policies Handbook states, “Medical and life insurance coverage may also be available for spouses and dependent children at the employee’s expense.” Until Oct. 10 the word “spouse” in North Carolina applied only to a person within a heterosexual union. At this time the impact of the court-imposed redefinition is unclear.

As with the diocese’s hiring and termination policy, the diocesan human resources office is studying the benefits question and had no comment.

Benedictine-run Belmont Abbey College has also not yet taken up the issue of what impact the court ruling might have on its employment practices and employee benefits.

Meanwhile, following the court action earlier this month, North Carolina’s two bishops reiterated Catholic opposition to any redefinition of marriage.

In a statement issued through their public policy arm, Catholic Voice NC, Bishop Peter Jugis and Bishop Michael Burbidge of Raleigh called “unjust” the lower courts’ overturning of democratically-enacted laws protecting the traditional definition of marriage.

“We know from our Catholic teaching that marriage is a permanent, faithful and fruitful covenant joining a man and a woman,” they said in the statement, adding that it is the duty of Catholics to continue to affirm this truth.

Q: What happens if a gay couple now wants to get “married” in a Catholic church?

Could they force it as a legal issue?

A: They are always free to litigate.

However, the U.S. Constitution (at least at present) is on our side. Such a lawsuit should be dismissed because it would impinge directly on the free exercise of religion.

Q: What if a Catholic gets invited to a gay “wedding” - should they go or not? What if it’s a close family member?

A: They should not go. Many will make an emotional argument that they should go rather than alienating someone, but there is no question that this would be at least tacitly approving sin. One could certainly make a comparison to the situation of a person marrying outside of the Church. The difference, of course, is this type of wedding is affected by dispensable requirements of Church law. In the case of a same-sex “marriage,” the participants are violating divine law.

Q: How should we respond towards friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc., who accept or agree with this change in the law and question our opposition to it?

A: Be kind, clear and consistent. God defines marriage, and He entrusted holy matrimony to the Church. No one on earth has the authority to redefine marriage.

Q: What about children in these same-sex households who attend Catholic schools or parishes? How can they be instructed in Church teaching without being confused or alienated?

A: If parents send their children to a Catholic school, they need to understand that they will be taught what the Church teaches.

Q: What if a business owner or magistrate who’s Catholic is called upon to participate in a gay “wedding”? Are they morally bound to refuse, even at the risk of losing their job or their business?

A: Following the example of the martyrs and confessors, I would say they are required to refuse, depending on the level of cooperation involved.

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New leaders named for Salisbury, Smoky Mountains vicariates CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis has announced new leaders for two regions of the Diocese of Charlotte: Salisbury and the Smoky Mountains area.

The regional leaders, called vicars forane, are priests who assist the bishop in the administration of a particular region of the diocese and provide spiritual and pastoral counsel to the other priests in that area. Each is responsible for a specific “vicariate forane,” or simply “vicariate,” which is a geographical subdivision of the diocese and which comprises the parishes located within that area.

The two new vicars forane are: Voitus – Father Joshua A. Voitus, who has been appointed as Vicar Forane of the Smoky Mountain Vicariate. He succeeds Father Larry LoMonaco, who moved out of the vicariate in July to become pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory.

– Father John Starczewski, who has been appointed as Vicar Forane of the Salisbury Starczewski Vicariate. He succeeds Father John Putnam, who moved out of the vicariate in July to become pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

The appointments are effective Oct. 13. Each vicar forane serves for a period of five years.

“The term ‘vicar forane’ comes from Latin, meaning a representative (‘vicarius’) who is outside (‘foras’), because these priests were considered representatives of the bishop outside of the cathedral city. The office of vicar forane probably dates back to the fourth century when Christianity began to spread beyond the major cities to rural areas,” according to the blog “Canonically Speaking.”

Canon law (555) describes the duties of a vicar forane as primarily “promoting and coordinating common pastoral activity in the vicariate,” involving all aspects of ministry, from social and charitable work to liturgical celebrations and catechetical efforts. He also supports his brother priests in their pastoral work – everything from ensuring that churches are properly maintained and liturgies beautifully celebrated to organizing ongoing formation and spiritual retreats. The initials “V.F.” following the name of the priest indicate his status as a vicar forane.

The Charlotte diocese has 10 vicariates. The other vicars forane for the diocese include: Albemarle: Father Peter Fitzgibbons, pastor of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle Asheville: Father Wilbur Thomas, pastor of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville Boone: Father John Hanic, pastor of St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro Charlotte: Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte Gastonia: Father Herbert Burke, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City Greensboro: Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro Hickory: Father Kenneth Whittington, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton Winston-Salem: Father Michael Buttner, pastor of Holy Family Church in Clemmons — Catholic News Herald

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ASHEVILLE Basilica of Saint Lawrence, 97 Haywood St. — Asheville Theology on Tap: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 in the Laurentine Hall. Guest speaker, Alecia Acquavia will discuss “The School of Love.” BYOB, food will be available.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the coming weeks: Oct. 25 – 5 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation ST. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville Oct. 27 – 6 p.m.

Friends to Seminarians Dinner Bishop’s Residence, Charlotte Oct. 29 – 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Barnabas Church, Arden Nov. 3 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte Nov. 4 – 11 a.m.

Presbyteral Council Meeting Diocesan Pastoral Center, Charlotte Nov. 5 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Charlotte Nov. 7 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte

ARDEN St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr. — Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. Topics include: Effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. Sponsored by Catholic Charities. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704370-3230.

BELMONT QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES church, 503 North Main St. — Celebración del día de la Hispanidad: Sábado, 1 de Noviembre. Después de la Santa Misa en español.

Invitamos a lucir los trajes típicos de su país y a compartir un platillo tradicional de su lugar de origen. Para más detalles, comunicarse con la señora Alba Sepúlveda al 704-904-7988.

Celebrate Black Catholic History Month Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte is hosting the following celebrations in honor of Black Catholic History Month: n Nov. 1, St. Martin de Porres “Mountain of Food” collection: Kick off Black Catholic History Month with an annual food drive in preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Non-perishable food items are requested. n Nov. 1-2: During all Masses this weekend, the parish will remember the Church’s black saints, especially St. Martin de Porres, whose feast day is celebrated Nov. 3. n Nov. 2: Golden Wings/Senior Luncheon will be held, 1-3 p.m. in the Parish Life Center. $5 donation requested. n Nov. 7, Parish Banquet: Friends and community supporters are invited to an evening of food and entertainment showcasing the parish. 7-10 p.m. in the

parish office at 704-549-1607.

CANTON Immaculate Conception Mission, 42 Newfound St. — Byzantine rite Vespers and Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom: 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. Services will be celebrated by Father Mark Shuey, an Eastern Catholic priest. All Services will be in English.

CHARLOTTE — Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreat: Nov. 21-23.

Intended for men and women to begin their healing journey after an abortion. For details, call Shelley at 828-230-4940.

OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION, 1235 BADGER COURT — National Black Catholic History Month Banquet: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 in the OLC Parish Life Center.

Supporters in the diocese and community are welcome to join for an evening of food, fun and entertainment. For details, call 704-375-4339.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, 8451 IDLEWILD ROAD. — Film series, “The Popes of Vatican II: Paul VI The Pope in the Tempest”: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 in the Parish Hall. Presented by Father Patrick Hoare. Bring a side dish to share. For details, visit www.4sjnc.org.

— Christmas Craft Fair: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.

Sponsored by the Columbiettes Auxillary and Knights of Columbus.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, 6828 Old Reid Road — All Saint’s Day Celebration and Potluck: Saturday, Nov. 1 after 5 p.m. Mass. Children can come dressed as their favorite saint or Biblical person. To RSVP, call Chris Direnzo at 704-552-1015.

CLEMMONS HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, 4820 Kinnamon Road — Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Sponsored by Catholic Charities. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704370-3230.

GREENSBORO St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St. — Hope for the Holidays: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16. The Grief Ministry would like to invite you as they share suggestions for coping with mourning during the holiday season. For details, call 336-272-4681.

ST. Thomas aquinas church, 1400 suther road — “Alan Ames – Healing Ministry”: 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25. Alan Ames is an ex-motorcycle club member who travels the world sharing his “Saul to Paul” conversion story and powerful healing ministry. For details, visit www.alanames.org.

— Solemn High Latin Mass for the Feast of All Saints: 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. Carolina Catholic Chorale and Orchestra will be performing. For details, contact the

October 24, 2014 Volume 24 • Number 2

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

HIGH POINT — Pro-Life Rosary for All Saints’ Day : 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive. For details contact Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593.

HUNTERSVILLE St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road — Procession for Life: Saturday, Oct. 25. 9 a.m. Mass,

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Parish Life Center. Cost: $25 per person.

Evening attire. n Nov. 8, Family Matinee Movie: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Refreshments provided. n Nov. 9, “A Walk with our Black Catholic Saints”: The parish’s Faith Formation Ministry celebrates Black Catholic History Month as students present a short tour of black Catholic saints, 9:30-10 a.m. in the Parish Life Center. Light continental breakfast afterwards in Parish Life Center atrium. n Nov. 9, Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir Anniversary Concert: Come hear a performance from the award-winning Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir, 3 p.m. in the Parish Life Center. Free will offering. n Nov. 14, Family Fun Night: Black Catholic History themed event for parish youth, sponsored by the Ladies Guild, 6-9 p.m. in the Parish Life Center. n Nov. 22-23, Thanksgiving Bake Sale: Homemade goods from parishioners will be on sale after all Masses.

For details, go online to www. ourladyofconsolation.org.

followed by prayer with Father John Putnam at A Preferred Women’s Health Center on Latrobe Drive in Charlotte. For details, go to www.charlotteHelpers. com.

MINT HILL St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road — Presentation on “Cornelia Connelly”: 3-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Sister Anita Quigley will tell Cornelia’s story in light of Pope Francis’ call to “Wake Up the World” and find its meaning in the 21st century. For details, contact Ann Helms at 704-289-8105 or adulted@stlukechurch.net.

MOORESVILLE St. Thérèse of Lisieux CHURCH, 217 Brawley School Road — Grand Ultreya: 9:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. Grand Ultreya is an opportunity for Cursillistas in the diocese to come together for Holy Spiritdriven fellowship. Hosted by the Charlotte Cursillo.

Bring a covered dish and two-liter drink to share.

Lunch provided. Childcare available. RSVP to CharlottePostCursillo@gmail.com or 704-663-2614.

THOMASVILLE OUR LADY OF THE HIGHWAYS Church, 943 Ball Park Road — Fall Fest Bazaar: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.

Crafts, baked goods, breakfast, lunch and dinner. For details, call Vicki Moss at 336-434-5905.

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.

contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

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October 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

Parishes continue push to reach DSA goals as campaign nears end Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — With about two months left in the year, parishes lagging behind on their 2014 Diocesan Support Appeal campaigns are making a final call for donations.

Pledges for the 2014 DSA, which funds more than 50 programs throughout the Diocese of Charlotte, stand at 97 percent of the goal of $4,925,000. Of that pledged amount, 87 percent has been collected so far. However, of the 90 parishes and missions in the diocese that participate in the DSA, only half of them, 45, have met their campaign goals. That means the other 45 parishes are working hard leading up to the Dec. 31 campaign deadline.

Kerry Ann Tornesello, associate director of development for the diocese, notes that the DSA shortfall – which is unprecedented for the diocese – is attributed mostly to the challenges of running two large fundraising efforts simultaneously. The diocese’s separate “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” (FFHL) campaign to raise money for long-term initiatives and future growth in the diocese, ran from the end of 2012 until last summer, and while the DSA and FFHL fundraising efforts were scheduled to avoid overlap, some parishes have struggled to conduct both – even though the overall DSA goal was left unchanged from last year.

“We knew the 2014 DSA campaign would be unique, due to the fact that we worked it around the FFHL campaign throughout the diocese,” Tornesello said. “We understand there may be confusion about the campaigns, with donors thinking that ‘if I give to one, I’m giving to both,’ or ‘I’ll give to the new campaign instead of the DSA.’” Each year, the DSA funds the core

Give to the Diocesan Support Appeal Please consider helping your parish reach its DSA goal. Make a contribution online at www.charlottediocese.org/donations, drop a payment in the Sunday offertory basket or at your parish office, return a pledge card you have received in the mail, or mail a check directly to Diocesan Support Appeal, 1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203.

Please make checks payable to “Diocesan Support Appeal.”

The DSA by the numbers

2014 2013 2012 Goal $4,925,000 $4,925,000 $4,784,996 Total pledged or paid, as of mid-October (% of goal) $4,781,586 (97%) $5,188,401 (105%) $5,029,678 (105%) Total paid (% of goal) $4,288,798 (87%) $4,693,087 (95%) $4,563,787 (95%) Number of donors 15,297 16,907 17,809

operations of 23 ministries and agencies that serve thousands across the diocese – most notably, one-third of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s budget for its counseling, food pantries, pregnancy support, refugee resettlement, elder ministry, Respect Life and other programs.

It also supports faith formation and youth ministry, multicultural ministries, seminarian education, the permanent diaconate, the annual Eucharistic Congress, and the diocese’s housing corporation.

“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,” said Bishop Jugis when the DSA campaign launched in January. “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.’”

The total number of donors to the DSA, which is about one-quarter of the 62,000 registered families in the diocese, is also down slightly from the past two years, Tornesello said. And of the 15,297 donors who have given to the DSA so far this year, nearly half – 7,224 – also gave to the FFHL campaign.

The DSA campaign scheduling changes also meant some parishes conducted their DSA campaigns earlier or later than usual, cutting DSA, SEE page 17

Diocese earns awards at international stewardship conference CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Office of Development accepted two awards on behalf of the diocese at the at the International Catholic Stewardship Council Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 5-8.

The Diocese of Charlotte received an honorable mention for its 2014 Diocesan Support Appeal video. This video is given to each of the parishes in the diocese to use as a tool to promote the efforts of the ministries funded through the annual DSA fundraising campaign. It was produced by Barbara Gaddy, former associate director of development for the diocese; David Hains, diocesan communication director; Tim Faragher, graphic designer for the Catholic News Herald; and Mark Martindale of American Video Productions.

“With so many entries in this category, it was truly an honor to be recognized for the video effort,” said Kerry Ann Tornesello, who succeeded Gaddy in June as associate development director. “Of course, it was not a one-person project and it is fulfilling to be able to give the team the recognition they deserve for all their hard work.”

The diocese also received an honorable mention for Total Diocesan Stewardship Effort. In this category, judges reviewed all the materials that the diocese shares with parishes to convey the message of stewardship, including parish stewardship how-to guides, lay witness manuals, brochures, newsletters and videos.

Jim Kelley, diocesan director of

photo provided by international catholic stewardship council

development, and a driving force behind the commitment to stewardship over the past 27 years, was on hand with Tornesello to accept the stewardship award.

“The diocese first started its stewardship efforts in 1987,” Kelley said. “Over the years, the development office has worked to encourage more parishioners to live stewardship of their time, talent and treasure as a way of life – where they give back in gratitude for the many blessings we have received from Almighty God.” Kelley also credited Gaddy, who retired in June of this year after 19 years of faithful

service to the diocese, for her leadership in achieving the stewardship award, as well as the DSA video award.

“We were very proud to accept these awards on behalf of her great work,” he said.

The International Catholic Stewardship Council promotes and supports Catholic teaching on stewardship by providing education and resources for dioceses, parishes and institutions of the Church.

View the award-winning DSA video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=btKjlPbpEe4.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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African American Affairs Ministry sees revival with new leader CHARLOTTE — Rosheene Adams, a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte, has been appointed the new African American Affairs Ministry leader for the Diocese of Charlotte.

A native of the Bahamas, Adams attended Catholic Adams schools. Adams attended college in Charleston, S.C., earning her undergraduate degree and earned a graduate degree from Winthrop University in Rock Hill before moving to Charlotte.

Adams served on the board of the African American Affairs Ministry for many years prior to her appointment as leader of the diocesan ministry. She hopes to build on the foundation of the ministry already established and also to raise awareness for the ministry and the programs it offers and plans to introduce in the coming months.

“I really want to make African American Affairs much more noticeable in the community than before,” Adams said.

Adams plans to keep some of the ministry’s long-standing programs such as the annual Martin Luther King program, the annual revival of the spirit and the Sankofa program.

“We use the term Sankofa based on the Akan language of Ghana that translates in English to ‘reach back and get it.’ We believe it is only through learning our history can we move forward,” she said. “Sankofa was created as a program to teach the youth about African American history and provide effective learning tools that will assist them in a brighter future.”

Participants in the Sankofa program range in age from 13 to 17. They will learn about topics such as civil rights and effective leadership skills.

Adams would like to start a separate Sankofa styled program for adults.

“We are in talks about a ‘university style learning series’ for adults that focuses on programs ranging from health to social issues,” she added.

Adams said she is taking this year and next year to reintroduce the African American Affairs Ministry to the community.

Her goal is that “those who knew us and had taken a step back and those who didn’t know us, I would like to help them to get to know us.”

Adams will contribute to special articles in the November issues of the Catholic News Herald which will showcase Black Catholic History Month.

For more information about the African American Affairs Ministry, contact Adams at rladams@ charlottediocese.org, call 704-370-3267, or go online to www.charlottediocese. org/ministries/aaam-ministry.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 OUR PARISHES

Longtime Catholic Charities Respect Life director to retire Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — After more than 25 years of service leading the Respect Life Program of Catholic Charities, a position that serves all parishes of the Diocese of Charlotte, Maggi Nadol is retiring effective Dec. 31.

During her years of service, Nadol has helped increase awareness of the Church’s pro-life teachings, organized post-abortion healing retreats in the Diocese of Charlotte, and assisted with the foundation of a statewide e-mail advocacy network sponsored by the state’s two Catholic bishops.

A Michigan native, Nadol and her family moved to the Charlotte diocese in 1987. She started work with the diocese coordinating Engaged Encounter Nadol before taking on the role of Respect Life director.

“Maggi has been a central figure in our pro-life ministry,” said Dr. Gerard Carter, director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. “She has been a true and effective advocate for the most marginalized in our society, our precious unborn children who are too frequently viewed as expendable or inconveniences. She has dedicated her life’s work to ensuring that we never forget that no one is beyond the dignity of human life. Maggi has simply been a true and good servant of the Kingdom.”

Among her responsibilities, Nadol has been instrumental in arranging Rachel’s Vineyard retreats, a ministry for postabortion healing, throughout the diocese.

Deacon Tom Rasmussen of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory, who has worked with Nadol on many of these Rachel’s Vineyard retreats, said, “It was a personal honor to have shared her ministry during these years.”

“St. John Paul II, in his Gospel of Life, wrote that those who experienced an abortion, after opening themselves to God’s mercy in confession and going through a program of healing would become, in his words, ‘the most eloquent defenders of human life,’” Deacon Rasmussen said.

“Maggi’s work with Rachel’s Vineyard retreats has brought God’s mercy and healing to hundreds. Her work will carry forward as those she has ministered to on Rachel Vineyard retreats are able to tell others of the horrors, the depression, anxiety, relational problems and other problems which abortion causes.”

With an educational and employment background in nursing and graduate course work in counseling, Nadol has been able to provide a firm grounding in the medical, cognitive-behavioral and sociological sciences to Respect Life issues. A particular passion of hers over the years has been assisting people who have lost an unborn child through miscarriage, and assisting people who have learned that their unborn child has been diagnosed with severe disabilities. She serves on the board of directors for Be Not Afraid Ministry, a nonprofit founded in North Carolina that now DIRECTOR, SEE page 10

‘It was my desire then to be like them…to be a Jesuit.’

St. Peter’s pastor celebrates 40 years SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Priests of the Society of Jesus, known as Jesuits, have staffed St. Peter Church in Charlotte for the past 27 years. Father Patrick Earl, the current pastor, has been a Jesuit for more than 50 years now – spending more than three decades in academia before experiencing the joys and challenges of shepherding a congregation. He celebrated 40 years of priesthood this past June.

His desire to become a Jesuit began in Philadelphia where he grew up under the careful tutelage of the Jesuits in the 1950s and early ’60s, Father Earl realized he wanted “to be with them and to be like them” by the time he turned 20.

“I admired them and felt comfortable with them, and I admired their intellect. It was my desire then to be like them – to be a Jesuit,” he says.

So he applied and went through two days of intensive screenings. Then during his final semester of college, an art history course gave him the opportunity to travel to Europe. It was while he was in Rome that he received his acceptance letter to the Society of Jesus.

“That was a big moment,” he recalls. “When I got the letter I went down to the Church of the Gesù in Rome (the Jesuits’ home church). It was a very special moment for me.”

He entered the Jesuits in September 1963, beginning a long period of formation that included two years of novitiate with focused formation during which he made the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in addition to the “experiments” which help a man discern whether he wants to become a Jesuit.

After the novitiate, Father Earl studied philosophy for two years before entering the next phase of Jesuit formation called “regency,” where a man is asked to work at a Jesuit institution to see if the religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola is the right fit.

“I was fortunate because I was sent back to St. Joseph’s Prep School,” the school in Philadelphia he had attended. “That was neat.”

After two years at his old school, he went on to private study at Boston College, then on to Frankfurt, Germany, to study theology at the Jesuit school Sankt Georgen.

“That was a wonderful experience, but it was difficult primarily because of the language,” he says, because in school he had studied French, not German.

He studied in Germany for four years and during his third year had an opportunity to travel to Jerusalem to study Hebrew in 1973.

“It was a wonderful experience. It was a language school run by the Israeli government for immigrant Jews coming to become citizens of Israel,” he says.

Father Earl was ordained to the diaconate in Frankfurt in March 1974, then returned from Germany and was ordained in Baltimore with 13 other men in the college chapel at Loyola University in Maryland on June 1.

“There is a moment during both ordinations when you are lying flat (on the floor) and people are praying for you and over you,” he recalls. “It was a very moving experience for me. I realized there were Jesuits from all over the world. I was being ordained with people from all over the world – Indian Jesuits, Latin American Jesuits, Japanese Jesuits, African Jesuits, European Jesuits and my fellow American Jesuits. It gave a sense of the universal Church.”

Father Earl’s first assignment was his old alma mater at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, where he taught religion and worked in campus ministry for a year. He then became an assistant academic dean at St. Joseph’s University, where he served for two years.

“During this time I had been thinking about further studies,” he explains. “I talked to the provincial, and he encouraged me to think about that.”

He then served as a minister of theology at the Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass., for two years. He then moved to Berkeley, California, to the Graduate Theological Union to pursue doctoral studies in the area of spirituality. He was there for five years.

After that, Father Earl returned to St. Joseph’s University after earning his doctorate in theology and taught in the theology department. His provincial then asked him to work with young Jesuits and become the director of formation for six years.

“It involved a lot of travel, visiting with younger Jesuits,” he remembers of that ministry from 1988 to 1994. “At that time it meant visiting over 100 men in first formation or in doctoral studies. We had people not only in this country but all over the world – in Chile, Taiwan, England, Italy, Germany. I was

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Jesuit Father Patrick Earl, pastor of St. Peter’s Church in Charlotte, is pictured next to the bronze statue of Jesuit founder St. Ignatius of Loyola in the prayer garden behind the church. Father Earl has been a Jesuit for more than 50 years. traveling a lot.”

Upon completion of his term as formation director, he was asked to serve as rector of the Jesuit community at Loyola University in Maryland from 1994 to 2000. He was also religious superior of the Jesuits at the university, and he also taught religion courses and served as campus ministry director.

“It was a wonderful time. I really fell in love with Loyola. The students love the university. It’s small enough so that people can get to know one another. There is a real sense of community and belonging,” he says.

Father Earl took a sabbatical year in 2000, returning to Berkeley to rest and read works on spirituality. He also took the opportunity to return to Germany to travel around the country to see the sights.

“I had fallen in love with Germany – the culture, the people, the language,” he reminisces. “It was a homecoming for me.”

He also visited England and Scotland during his sabbatical year.

Upon his return to active service, Father Earl was asked to serve as parochial vicar at the Jesuit parish of Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown near the nation’s capital shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He served there for eight years.

“It was my first time working in a parish. You meet a lot of interesting people there. As members of the parish we had senators, and people like Joe Biden and John Kerry were parishioners. I felt very much at home in doing parish work.”

Then at the direction of his provincial, he took some time off to get some rest, returning again to Berkeley before traveling to Australia and New Zealand.

Upon returning to the States in 2009, his provincial asked him to think about serving as a pastor in Charlotte. He visited the Queen City and met with some of the people at St. Peter Church.

“I came in late February/early March. I met with many people and they were lovely,” he recalls.

He went back to Berkeley to pray about it and accepted the position in July 2009.

“I was genuinely looking forward to coming to Charlotte, but at the same time I was a northerner from Philadelphia and I was thinking, ‘This is the real South.’ I was wondering, ‘Would I fit in?’

“I was here for two weeks, sitting at my desk one day, when all of a sudden this big smile came across my face. I said to myself, ‘You really like it here!’ And that hasn’t changed!”

It was the people who made him feel so at home, he says. There is a friendliness and hospitality in Charlotte that he believes is not the same up North.

St. Peter Church had 800 registered households when he arrived in 2009. Now there are 1,700 registered families in the parish.

He attributes the growth to the Queen City being a great place to raise a family and people’s interest in the liturgy and the preaching. He also believes the Jesuits’ commitment to promoting lay leadership in the Church and a commitment to social justice are other draws.

Now after five years at St. Peter Church, and having reached the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination, the 72-year-old Father Earl says he loves being a pastor. What he enjoys the most is “getting to know the people and reflecting back to them their goodness. There are graced people here. It may seem ironic or paradoxical, but in the sacrament of reconciliation that is when it becomes so clear to me how good people are – how graced they are when they are really honest about who they are.”

October 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

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(Left) Volunteers steady a newly erected wall on the Pope Francis Habitat House in Huntersville Oct. 18.

Parishioners from nearby St. Mark, St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville, and students from Davidson College are all pitching in to build the home for a mother and her two children.

(Below) Jesuit Father Vince Curtin, pastor of St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville, leads volunteers in a prayer at the Pope Francis Habitat House.

Photos by David Hains | Catholic News Herald

Huntersville area volunteers build second home in honor of Pope Francis David Hains Director of Communication

HUNTERSVILLE — With hammers and a prayer, volunteers from two Diocese of Charlotte parishes began construction Oct. 18 on a home named in honor of Pope Francis.

St. Mark Parish in Huntersville and St. Thérèse Parish in Mooresville are working together to provide a portion of the funds and a supply of volunteer labor to build the $75,000 home, a project of Habitat for Humanity.

The bulk of the funding for the 1,100-square-foot home came from an anonymous donation, according to Lynne Priestly of the Our Towns Habitat for Humanity affiliate, which is organizing the project.

The house, located near Hopewell High School, is the fifth house being built by Habitat along Titan Avenue and is expected to be completed in January. The affiliate hopes eventually to build 11 more houses.

Beth Zuhosky, ministry coordinator at St. Mark, said naming the house in honor of Pope Francis is fabulous: “He is teaching us as Catholics and Christians to get out there and show mercy and give charity,” she said.

The foundation for the home was already in place when the volunteers arrived at the job site early on a sunny Saturday for the wall raising, the traditional kick-off event for Habitat homes.

Ariel Washington, the mother of two children, will live in the home when it is completed in early 2015.

“This is my first home as a homeowner, and that is truly a blessing,” Washington said. She has already contributed what Habitat calls “sweat equity” to the construction of several homes in the neighborhood.

On the first day of construction, more than two dozen volunteers swarmed the site to hammer and saw two-byfours together to form the interior and exterior walls of the home.

Before raising one of the walls, the volunteers were led in prayer by Father Vince Curtin, pastor of St. Thérèse and a Jesuit like Pope Francis. Father Curtin prayed for the safety of workers on the construction site. He also prayed that the St. Thérèse parish would “continue to do examples like this, of being out there on the streets helping those

More online who are in need.”

A large “Pope Francis House” sign greets the volunteers who bring hammers and enthusiasm but usually not much experience to Habitat projects. That is not a problem for construction supervisor Manny Rosado of Habitat.

“All we need is hearts out here. We train them and their enthusiasm is just tremendous – it makes it happen,” Rosado said.

Jeff Porter, executive director of the Our Towns Habitat chapter, said naming the house for Pope Francis is a huge boost for the mission of Habitat to help provide solutions for housing in the name of Jesus Christ.

“We recognize that the Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world, and for us to be partnered with them is a privilege,” Porter said.

In addition to the pair of Catholic churches working on the project, volunteers from Davidson College’s Catholic Campus Ministry and even a high school student were on the job site for the start of the project Saturday.

Luis Avilas, the high school student, said he was motivated to get involved in the Habitat project after visiting Chicago and seeing many homeless people there.

At www. catholicnewsherald. com: See more photos from the wall raising of the Huntersville “Pope Francis House” and learn more about the first “Pope Francis House” being built in Asheville On the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel: Watch a short video of the Huntersville house’s wall raising event

“It really affected me, and I believe that one individual should always help out another,” Avilas said.

This Huntersville home is the second Habitat project in the diocese to be named in honor of Pope Francis. A house in Asheville was scheduled to be dedicated on Oct. 23.

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 OUR PARISHES

The diversity of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish is proudly displayed on this sign. More than 1,200 people attended the all-day event, which celebrated “One World, One Church” and showcased the parish’s rich cultural diversity.

Photos by Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

(Above) An Indian dancer prepares to go on stage at the “World Feast” Oct. 18 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. (Below) A boy enjoys a roll in the “Zorb Ball,” and Father Matthew Kauth bests the limbo pole during the festival’s games. Besides games, the celebration included ethnic food, music and dancing.

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish celebrates world cultures Dina DeFabo Wilson Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — From ethnic food and cultural dances to bouncy houses and sacred music, there was something to satisfy every taste at the first “World Feast” Oct. 18 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

More than 1,200 people attended the all-day event, which celebrated “One World, One Church” and showcased the parish’s rich cultural diversity.

“We are all different parts of one body, and this is Catholicism,” said David Ittoop, a parishioner and volunteer representing India. “We may be of a different race, skin color and culture. We may look different, but when we come together under one umbrella, we are all working for the same cause.”

The inaugural World Feast combined the parish’s previous multicultural festival and family picnic into one large-scale event. It was also connected to the parish’s processions in honor of Our Lady of Fatima, which are held on the 13th each month from May to October.

“Our Lady of Fatima came with a message for the whole world: conversion, to follow her Son,” said Father Patrick

Winslow, pastor. “And St. Thomas Aquinas (Parish) is a good representation of the many different countries throughout the world.”

Parishioners representing 18 countries prepared entrées, side dishes and desserts from their homelands. They wore colorful native attire and decorated their tents with cultural artifacts.

World Feast also featured a DJ, cultural music and dance performances, carnival games, face painting, basket raffles, giveaways from local businesses, and bingo.

One of the parish’s goals for World Feast was to provide a means for spreading the message of the Gospel.

“By inviting the outside community, especially other people who would not otherwise come onto a Catholic property, I believe that just in that interaction there are many opportunities for evangelization,” said Father Winslow, who encouraged parishioners to promote the feast at their workplaces and neighborhoods.

Parish Council Vice Chairman Darryl Torres and his family brought along some friends who were curious about the Church and the growing University-area parish. The festival was a “fun and informal way” to familiarize them with the parish and to talk about the Catholic Church,

Torres said.

Priscilla Igwesi, who lives near the church, was invited to World Feast by parishioners. She in turn invited her friend Teresa Jordan, a non-Catholic. They said they enjoyed learning about different cultures and the chance to try new cuisines. They even joined in the Nigerian dance performance.

“This is great event, and everyone has been very nice,” Jordan said. “I do really feel welcome here.”

For Father Jason Christian, parochial vicar, the festival gave visitors “a glimpse of some of the joy of being in God’s family.”

World Feast also offered opportunities to spend time in quiet meditation and to learn about the Catholic faith. The parish’s fellowship hall contained images and informational displays about 80 patron saints from around the world. Two concerts of sacred organ and choral music were also performed in the church.

The festival steering committee, chaired by Betsy Hidalgorojas, worked with the parish staff and more than 235 volunteers to make the event a success. The parish is already looking forward to next year’s World Feast, Hidalgorojas said.

October 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair

St. Thomas Aquinas

1400 Suther Road - Charlotte NC 28213

Saturday, November 8 from 9am to 4pm with over 30 vendors!

Crafts, Jewelry, Cosmetics, Original Art, Bags, Decorative Items, Funnel Cakes, Soda Airplanes…. and much more including a raffle & barbecue sale!

Sponsored by Columbiettes Aux. #10505 and Knights of Columbus Council #10505.

Photo provided by Joseph Purello

Shredding event raises funds for environmental causes HUNTERSVILLE — A community shredding event Sept. 27 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville brought in more than $1,000 for energy efficient projects at the parish and for environmental justice education activities in the Charlotte area.

Thanks to the generous support of PROSHRED Security, which donated personnel resources and the use of a shredding truck to the event, more than 80 people came to the event to have their personal documents shredded. The event was sponsored by the Charlotte Region Catholic Environmental Advisory Council, which encompasses five area Catholic parishes, the Sisters of Mercy and Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

Pictured are Robert Cook and Denise LaForce, CRCEAC members from St. Peter Church, breaking down cardboard boxes in which people brought their documents to be shredded and recycled. The cardboard is also sent off to be recycled.

Community shredding events like the one held recently in Huntersville have several aims. First, these events provide people with a convenient way to protect their security and dispose of sensitive documents safely. Second, they help protect the environment by making sure waste paper gets recycled, rather than ending up in landfills, and by reducing the need to cut down trees for paper. Lastly, these events raise money for environmental stewardship and energy efficiency projects. According to the American Forest and Paper Association, a little over 60 percent of paper produced is recycled, so shredding events like this one are one way to boost recycling efforts.

St. Mark Church will use the funds received from this event to help defray the cost of installing higher-efficiency lighting in parish buildings. Similar projects were implemented this summer by Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte with the funds raised at a May 10 shredding event there. According to Joseph McGuire, the parish’s buildings and maintenance manager, and Willis Joseph, the parish’s buildings and facilities ministry chair, Our Lady of Consolation Church also used some of the funds to install insulated glass windows and purchase a programmable thermostat.

The Huntersville shredding event was the fifth one sponsored by CRCEAC since 2012. The next shredding event will be held next May.

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Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center celebrates annual banquet Georgianna Penn Correspondent

GREENSBORO — More than 600 supporters from over 40 local churches came out to support Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center at its 29th annual fundraising banquet Sept. 27, featuring keynote speaker Pam Tebow, the mother of Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. According to an Oct. 2 update, the care center had nearly reached its campaign goal of $150,000.

Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center is a pro-life agency that provides free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to women in need, free parenting classes, postabortion healing Bible studies, healthy relationships and abstinence education, and many other life-affirming services. Its peer advocates also provide referrals for housing, shelters and adoption services as needed. Last year the care center served more than 700 clients, and an additional 2,500 were reached through community outreach programs on college campuses as well as through middle school and high school abstinence education.

Frank Mickens of WFMY’s News 2, the evening’s master of ceremonies, praised Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center for the “life-saving work they are doing here in our city” during the celebration at the Koury Convention Center.

Tebow, a motivational speaker on women’s issues, spirituality and family,

and her famous football player son, Tim Tebow, appeared in a 2010 Super Bowl commercial together to promote the gift of family. She impressed many who attended the event, said Tita Wofford, co-chair of St. Pius X Church’s Respect Life ministry.

Parishioners from St. Pius X Church have been long-time supporters of the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center.

“Pam Tebow’s life is a series of spiritual events that demonstrates what it is like when someone lives her faith,” Wofford said.

That same spirit of faith being lived is exemplified by the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center, supporters said. The agency’s staff and volunteers touch people’s lives and reach souls through the grace of God. “The Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center cares for the mother and the baby,” Wofford said, in a uniquely Christian way.

Grace came full circle as staff announced during the banquet that their featured client, Morgan, had gone into labor during that evening. Morgan gave birth to a beautiful baby girl the next morning, according to a later email from the agency.

Judy Roderick, director of the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center, thanked donors, volunteers, staff and local churches for their unflagging support of the banquet and of the agency’s work throughout the year.

For more information about the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center, go online to www. gsocarecenter.org.

Forgiveness and Healing Following Abortion Catholic Charities can help men and women 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 November 21-23, 2014, Charlotte, NC . Visit our website or rachelsvineyard.org for more information or contact Shelley Glanton at 828.230.4940/sglantonop@charter.net.

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Father Cahill appointed new diocesan director of Society for the Propagation of the Faith CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis has appointed Father J. Patrick Cahill, pastor of St. Eugene Church in Asheville, as the director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith for the Diocese of Charlotte, effective Oct. 13.

Father Cahill succeeds Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Cahill Church in Charlotte, as diocesan director of the Church’s missionary work under the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. He will serve a term of five years.

ending with consecration on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, Dec. 8, in response to recent attacks on the institution of marriage and family life. This 33 day “doit-yourself” retreat, which takes about 15-30 minutes a day, touches on the inspiring life of St. Louis de Montfort and the personal journeys of outstanding modern-day Christian models like St. Maximilian Kolbe, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, and Pope St. John Paul II. For details, email Donna Smith at donna.smith@stmarknc.org.

Eastern Catholic liturgies planned in Canton

New Winston-Salem pastor installed Oct. 16 WINSTON-SALEM — Conventual Franciscan Father S. Carl Zdancewicz was installed by Bishop Peter J. Jugis as pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem Oct. 16. Father Zdancewicz will also serve as pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Mission in Winston-Salem.

His faculties were granted effective Sept. 1.

He succeeds Conventual Franciscan Father Bill Robinson, who moved to Chapel Hill to serve his religious order there at the Newman Catholic Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

A Pennsylvania native, Father Zdancewicz comes to the Diocese of Charlotte from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, where he served as pastor of Church of the Annunciation in Rosedale, Md. Ordained in 1977 in Albany, N.Y., he has also served as a parochial vicar, teacher, co-pastor and pastor in New York, Connecticut, Georgia and Massachusetts. He is a member of the Conventual Franciscans of Our Lady of the Angels Province.

CANTON — Father Mark Shuey, an Eastern Catholic priest from Cary, will celebrate Byzantine rite Vespers and the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at Immaculate Conception Mission in Canton on Saturday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 20.

Vespers will begin at 4 p.m. and Divine Liturgy (Mass) at 5 p.m. Services will be celebrated in English. Participating in Divine Liturgy fulfills the Sunday obligation for Catholics of any rite.

Immaculate Conception Mission is located at 42 Newfound St., Canton.

A priest of the Ukrainian Catholic eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio, serving under Bishop John Bura, Father Mark is pastor of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Mission in Cary and St. Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Mission in Charlotte.

— Deacon Kevin Bezner

Consecration to Jesus being offered at St. Mark Parish HUNTERSVILLE — For the first time, St. Mark Church will offer a parish-wide Consecration to Jesus through Mary, using Father Michael Gaitley’s popular book “33 Days to Morning Glory,” beginning Wednesday, Nov. 5, and

Join prayer vigil outside Charlotte abortion mill CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte chapter of Helpers of God’s Precious Infants invites everyone to attend its next Procession for Life hosted at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville, on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The Charlotte Helpers organizes prayerful, Eucharist-centered processions with diocesan priests outside local abortion mills. It will begin with Mass at 9 a.m. at the church, then will continue with Eucharistic Adoration in the church’s Adoration chapel after Mass, or intercessory prayer with Father John Putnam at A Preferred Women’s Health Center at 3220 Latrobe Drive in Charlotte. Visit www. charlottehelpers.com for details.

— Gretchen Filz

DIRECTOR:

CHILDREN:

FROM PAGE 6

FROM PAGE 2

works across the nation to support expectant parents who have received a poor prenatal diagnosis.

Nadol was also part of the planning team to establish Catholic Voice NC, public policy arm of North Carolina’s two bishops that now has more than 5,000 participants in its email alert network. Since Catholic Voice NC launched in 2008, Nadol has served on its advisory board.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Maggi on many projects and events these past 14 years,” said Joseph Purello of Catholic Charities’ Office of Social Concerns and Advocacy. “Together we have hosted over 30 presentations by Fordham professor Father Joseph Koterski, S.J., across the diocese, promoted the U.S. bishops’ Faithful Citizenship message and Fortnight for Freedom campaign. All these activities have been rewarding experiences for me personally, thanks especially to the fact that they were done working alongside Maggi. Her breadth of experience, her knowledge, and her joy in promoting a respect for all human life is extraordinary. Possessing a deep joy to do this work of the Lord explains Maggi’s faithful and stalwart attendance year after year at the annual January March for Life in Washington, D.C., regardless of the bitter weather that often accompanies that event.”

Said Bishop Peter Jugis, “Pope Francis has called our modern culture a culture of waste that tends to throw away what is not useful, including throwing away people that are deemed to be expendable. To counteract this throwaway culture, Maggi Nadol has been an invaluable help to me in coordinating the diocese’s efforts to protect the right to life of the innocent unborn, and safeguard the human dignity of the sick and terminally ill, and all vulnerable people. I am very grateful to Maggi for the way the diocese’s Respect Life program has been effectively promoted under her capable leadership.”

He continued, “Married love particularly reveals its true nature and nobility when we realize that it takes its origin from God, who ‘is love,’ the Father ‘from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.’ Marriage, then, is far from being the effect of chance or the result of the blind evolution of natural forces. It is in reality the wise and provident institution of God the Creator, whose purpose was to effect in man His loving design. As a consequence, husband and wife, through that mutual gift of themselves, which is specific and exclusive to them alone, develop that union of two persons in which they perfect one another, cooperating with God in the generation and rearing of new lives” (“Humanae Vitae,” 8).

This mutual gift of self is crucial to a Catholic understanding of marriage and teaching on procreation.

Catholic couples should be willing to get pregnant, and each marital act must retain “its intrinsic relationship to the procreation of human life” (“Humanae Vitae,” 11).

However, a married couple can have serious, legitimate reasons for avoiding pregnancy through the use of Natural Family Planning.

These reasons need not be matters of life or death, but they should be weighty. After

CharlotteONE events continue CHARLOTTE — During October, Catholic young adults will unite to pray, worship and learn together as one. CharlotteONE is a multiparish initiative for 20- and 30-somethings in Charlotte.

This event series will bring young adults from various parishes together as one body to grow in faith and fellowship. All Catholic young adults, single or married, are welcome. Each evening will include live bands, guest speakers and peer connections.

Forty-four young adults from across Charlotte gathered at St. Peter Church for the kick-off Oct. 14, said Heather Moeller, diocesan director of schools development and one of the event organizers. Eight parishes were represented, she said. The night included a live performance

by Ike Ndolo and guest speaker Father Mike Martin, a campus ministry leader from the Diocese of Raleigh.

Moeller said these events are a good way to meet other Catholics and Christians in their age range from around Charlotte.

“Charlotte has never done something like this before,” she said. “It’s a big deal and it’s making a difference in connecting Catholic young adults to each other, their Church and their community.”

Moeller added that’s these events are also a way to experience something different while learning more about the faith.

“My hope is that the attendees have a moving and inspirational experience with God and learn something new about their faith,” she said. “Be exposed to music they like, but aren’t offered at their church, learn what other young adult ministries are doing around town, and see how they can get more involved.”

Upcoming events include: n The Finale, including a live performance

by Sara Scott and guest speaker Father John Hoover of New Creation Monastery, at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 28, at St. Peter Church. n For a bonus night, Catholic young adults will once again pray, worship and learn alongside other Christian 20- and 30-somethings at CharlotteONE at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at First United Methodist Church.

There will also be casual meet-ups before and after each event for dinner and/or drinks at Vapiano uptown. For more info, email Heather Moeller at heatherlmoeller@gmail.com.

— Kimberly Bender, online reporter

discernment which is both prayerful and practical, the couple is called to make a prudent decision, which is best for their circumstances.

Saint Pope John Paul II explains in “Theology for the Body” that to go about this discernment in a morally just way, a married couple must take into account not only the good of the family, “ but also the good of the society to which they belong, the good of the Church, and even of humanity as a whole” (125:3).

In essence, fertility is a gift and our Lord expects us to be good stewards of this gift, just as He expects us to steward wisely our money, our time and our talents. But we should also be generous stewards. The trick is to form our consciences correctly, understand how to apply Catholic teaching in our daily lives, and seek insight through a good deal of prayer.

It is helpful to meditate on the words of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who wrote in “Three to Get Married” this gift of cooperating with our Creator in welcoming new life into our families: “The begetting of a new life is a sign that the heart is so full of happiness and love that it will die unless it overflows.”

Batrice Adcock, MSN, is the Natural Family Planning program director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. This is the second in a series of her reflections on Theology of the Body. She can be reached at bnadcock@charlottediocese.org. Father Tim Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, contributed.

October 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Mariella Buscaglia

El Señor de los Milagros Fotos PATRICIA L GUILFOYLE| CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

L

a devoción al el Señor de los Milagros tiene su origen en los años 1600s, cuando un humilde esclavo, recibe la inspiración de pintar una imagen del Señor crucificado. Para lograr su cometido el esclavo utilizó una pared de adobe o barro abandonada y en ella plasmó la imagen.

Como una persona humilde, esclavo de las circunstancias, muy lejos de su país y sus familiares, dibujó en la pared la imagen de un Cristo, muy similar a las personas que se encontraban dominados como él, negros, mulatos, zambos, cholos, e indios, naciendo así la imagen del Cristo Moreno.

De inmediato se corrieron las voces de la existencia de este Cristo crucificado, comenzando a llegar muchas personas humildes para reunirse ante esta pared con la imagen para rezar, cantar, pedir y bailar para el Señor.

Estas reuniones preocuparon mucho a las autoridades políticas por lo cual se dio la orden de destruir el muro, se intentó muchas veces pero fue imposible por lo cual la máxima autoridad se presentó ante la imagen para cerciorarse de lo informado, sucediendo algo increíble al observar la imagen, sorpresivamente, fue curado de un tumor externo que hasta la fecha le había causado muchos problemas y que además había sido imposible de curar por los expertos médicos de la época. En ese momento se le comienza a llamar el Señor de los Milagros.

Después de ese suceso, sucesivamente se le fueron agregando nombres como el Señor de Pachacamilla (en honor al lugar donde fue trasladada la imagen y se construyó la iglesia), el Cristo Moreno (por el color de su piel ), el Cristo Morado (color que identifica a la devoción y por ser llamado el mes de Octubre como el mes de la cuaresma de los hermanos), el Señor de los Temblores – nombre que se le dio porque su primera procesión por las calles fue después de un devastador terremoto y maremoto que destruyó la ciudad de Lima. El Señor Patrón de los Inmigrantes (por su protección a los que parten fuera de su hogar), y muchos nombres más debido a la cantidad de milagros que ha hecho durante todos estos casi 500 años.

La devoción al Señor de los Milagros nace de esta ardiente inspiración del esclavo, que sin detenimientos ni temores siguió con su trabajo de pintar un Cristo. Sí, pero que Cristo, uno igual a nosotros moreno, con el que nos podemos identificar todos los humildes, los marginados y los que necesitamos tener fe en Él para seguir adelante confiando en Dios que las cosas serán como deben de ser.

Esta devoción se convierte en una corriente LOS MILAGROS, SEE page 17

Sahumadoras de una de las tres Hermandades de Cargadores y Sahumadoras del Señor de los Milagros del Perú, que participaron en la Misa. Sahumadoras y Cargadores de las Hermandades de South Charlotte, St. John Neumann y St. Mark en Huntersville estuvieron presentes en el evento. Jóvenes Cargadores durante la celebración de la Misa.

Primera Misa bilingüe en Charlotte celebra herencia africana católica en Latino-América Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

CHARLOTTE — Cerca de 200 personas asistieron a la primera Misa bilingüe en la Iglesia de San Pedro en Charlotte el pasado Sábado, 18 de Octubre para celebrar la “Herencia Africana,” en las devociones católicas en Latino América.

El evento fue organizado por el Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, y contó con la participación de las Hermandades de Cargadores, Sahumadoras y Cantoras del Señor de los Milagros del Perú, así como los miembros del ministerio de San Martín de Porres, que funciona en la Parroquia Our Lady of Consolation (Nuestra Señora del Consuelo), la parroquia de mayor afluencia afroamericana de Charlotte.

“Tomando como punto de inicio el inmenso aporte de la cultura Africana en el Perú, a través de la multitudinaria devoción al Señor de los Milagros, hemos podido albergar y desarrollar un espacio por tanto tiempo anhelado, para poder reconocer y celebrar la influencia Africana en todos los pueblos de Latinoamérica,” afirmó Carlos Castañeda, Director de Programas del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, promotor del evento.

El Padre Fidel Melo, Vicario del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, fue el celebrante principal. El Padre Pat Earl, Párroco de la Parroquia de San Pedro, y el Padre Ambrose A. Akinwande, de la Parroquia de San Mateo en Charlotte, concelebraron la Misa.

El Padre Melo dijo la Misa, y predicó durante esta, en inglés y español.

“Humildemente, representando al Ministerio Hispano, quiere darle las gracias a cada uno de ustedes por su presencia aquí… Al celebrar hoy el milagro, o el Señor de los Milagros del Perú, también recordamos que allá en Lima, hoy está tomando lugar esa gran Procesión, que es una de las más

El Padre Fidel Melo recibe de la hondureña, Gloria Lacayo, de la Parroquia de San Gabriel, una Biblia en Garífuna durante el ofertorio de la Misa. Garífuna es el lenguaje de descendientes africanos del centro y oeste de África que vivieron en Honduras y en la costa norte de Centro América durante la Colonia. grandes que hay en nuestro mundo católico, y desde aquí nos unimos a esa,” dijo el Padre Melo durante su homilía.

“Y todos juntos hoy, ellos allá (en Perú) y nosotros acá, CELEBRA, SEE page 17

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iiiOctober 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

(From left) Father Pat Earl, pastor of St. Peter Church; Father Fidel Melo, diocesan vicar of Hispanic Ministry; and Father Ambrose Akinwande, parochial vicar of St. Matthew Church, celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist during a special bilingual Mass in honor of the shared heritage of Latino and African Catholics. The Mass at St. Peter Church Oct. 18 drew more than 200 people.

Photos By Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

Latino-African heritage honored during bilingual Mass African, Hispanic cultures celebrated in conjunction with feast of El Señor de los Milagros

Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

CHARLOTTE — In Peru they call Him “El Señor de los Milagros,” the Lord of Miracles. In Panama they call Him “El Cristo Negro de Portobello,” the Black Christ of Portobello. In Brazil they call their country’s patroness “Nossa Senhora de Aparecida,” Our Lady of Aparecida. What do all these popular Latin American devotions have in common? They all have African roots.

These shared African roots brought together Latino Catholics from Charlotte and the Huntersville area – as well as black Catholics from Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte – to St. Peter Church in uptown Charlotte on Oct. 18. Close to 200 people gathered there for the inaugural bilingual Mass honoring Latino-African heritage.

Organized by the Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Charlotte, the event was promoted as a “time to celebrate and give thanks for the many gifts all Latino cultures have received from their African heritage.”

Father Fidel Melo, diocesan vicar of Hispanic Ministry, was the main celebrant. Jesuit Father Pat Earl, pastor of St. Peter Church, and Father Ambrose Akinwande, parochial vicar of St. Matthew Church,

concelebrated the Mass.

The Mass coincided with the first day of the Peruvian procession of “El Señor de los Milagros,” the patron of Peru. The 10-day annual procession starts in Lima on Oct. 18 and ends on Oct. 28, El Señor’s feast day.

Preaching in both English and Spanish, Father Melo began by thanking God for all His gifts to both communities, and he also thanked all those present for participating in the celebration.

With an actual-size replica image of El Señor de los Milagros standing tall behind him, Father Melo said, “As we are here celebrating today, the Lord of Miracles of Peru, an icon of the Peruvian Catholic identity, is taken out on the streets of Lima on what is considered the second largest procession in the world.”

“Hundreds of thousands of Peruvian Catholics take the streets of Lima to show their devotion, their faith in El Señor de los Milagros. All of us gathered together today, they in Lima, and we here in Charlotte, celebrating our African roots and heritage – something that’s part of the identity of all of us Hispanic Catholics.”

The origin of the miraculous image dates back to 1650, when an unknown Angolan slave painted it on an adobe wall in Lima. Other black slaves began gathering around it to worship the Crucified Lord on Friday

HE COVER

October 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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‘We have to thank God for the miracle of ethnic diversity: race, color, culture, tradition.’

Father Fidel Melo

Vicar of Hispanic Ministry (Left) Father Melo accepts a Bible from Honduran native Gloria Lacayo, a member of St. Gabriel Church, during the presentation of the gifts at Mass. The Bible was printed in three languages: English, Spanish and Garifuna.

Garifuna is the language of descendants of West African and Central African slaves who once lived in Honduras and the northern Caribbean coast of Central America. Lacayo is wearing the native garb of the Garifuna people.

(Below) Sahumadoras, a group of Catholic women clad in the purple robes that mark devotion to the Lord of Miracles, wave incense burners during the traditional procession of El Señor de los Milagros.

(Clockwise, from top) Men and women of all ages are members of the El Señor de los Milagros “hermandad,” or “brotherhood,” in the Charlotte area, wearing the traditional purple robes and white ropes that denote devotion to El Señor de los Milagros. Jorge and Liliana Salas and their 8-year-old son Luciano, members of St. Matthew Church, smile after exchanging the sign of peace at Mass. Luciano, a second-grader at St. Matthew School, donned a Peruvian-made costume to depict St. Martin de Porres for the occasion. Images of black Catholic saints were placed at the foot of the altar during the celebration. Iraida Valdivia, a professional singer from Lima, sings “Pintor” (“Painter”) at the end of Mass, in honor of the unnamed slave who painted the image of the crucified Christ that has become so beloved in Lima and across the world.

nights. In 1655, a powerful earthquake devastated Lima, almost destroying the city. However, the wall where “El Señor” was painted remained undamaged, and people began venerating the image. The first procession took place in 1687, after another massive earthquake shook Lima.

About a dozen women called “sahumadoras” (“incensers”), dressed in purple robes and white ropes and their heads covered with white veils, sat in the front pew during the Mass. Alongside the pews, by the Stations of the Cross, stood close to 20 men also clad in purple robes and white ropes.

These men are called “cargadores” (“carriers”). The men and women were members of the “Hermandad de Cargadores y Sahumadoras del Señor de los Milagros del Perú” (“Confraternity of Carriers and Incensers”) from south Charlotte, St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte and St. Mark Church in Huntersville. These confraternities are responsible for organizing the local processions of El Señor every October.

“We have to thank God for the miracle of ethnic diversity: race, color, culture, tradition. That is something that we recognize as a gift from God that enriches the Church, the world and society in general,” Father Melo said. “Looking into the future, we look forward for more opportunities for collaboration between these two great communities, Hispanics and African Americans around the diocese.”

During the beginning of the Mass, images of Brazil’s Our Lady of Aparecida, Panama’s Black Christ of Portobello, the Black Madonna, St. Efigenia (the patroness of music and black art in Peru) and Peru’s St. Martin de Porres (patron of the poor, social justice and racial integration) were placed at the foot of the altar for the occasion.

“With the huge contribution African culture has had in Peru through the widespread devotion to El Señor de los Milagros as our starting point, we have finally been able to host an event to acknowledge and celebrate the African influence throughout all the countries in Latin America. This is something we had wanted to do for a long time,” said Carlos Castañeda, Hispanic Ministry program director Panamanian native Susana Tilley, a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church who brought an image of Panama’s Black Christ of Portobello to the event, said, “Everything turned out so beautiful, and it reminded me so much of our Spanish Masses in my native Panama.”

Castañeda said after the event that next year’s Latino-African heritage celebration will be held the third Saturday in October. The 2015 event will also include a procession in the streets of Charlotte showcasing Catholic devotions with African roots, an Afro-Latin dance festival and Hispanic foods with African origins.

More online At www. catholicnewsherald. com: See more photos and video highlights from the inaugural bilingual Mass honoring the Church’s LatinoAfrican heritage

Our schools 14

catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Charlotte Catholic grad awarded hero award for saving brother’s life SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Oct. 4, 2013, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, was a difficult day for the Kuhn family. Their son Jeremy, a teacher at Charlotte Catholic High School, had stopped by with his children for a visit with his mother Carol that evening, picking up his younger sister Caitlin on the way.

During their visit Jeremy, who had been recovering from pneumonia, went into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing.

The family jumped into action, calling 911. Emergency responders told Caitlin, 27, to start cardiac pulmonary resuscitation in the hopes of keeping his heart beating until medics could arrive.

Caitlin, a parishioner of St. Ann Church in Charlotte and a student at Belmont Abbey College, is no stranger to CPR. She had received training when she was a student at Charlotte Catholic High School. And even though the moment was stressful, she was able to stay calm and follow the 911 operator’s instructions until an ambulance arrived to take him to Carolinas Medical Center.

Doctors determined that a valve in Jeremy’s heart had burst, causing him to collapse. He was treated and miraculously released 12 days later.

“I have no recollection at all of my sister’s heroic part in keeping me alive at the time of the cardiac arrest, but I have been fortunate enough to listen to the recording of 911 call,” Jeremy now says. “In it, Caitlin demonstrates incredible grace under pressure. She puts aside her own fears and

Sacred Heart students pray a living rosary SALISBURY — More than 240 Sacred Heart students took part in the annual living rosary outside the school Oct. 16. A living rosary is prayed in the same way as a regular rosary. However, rather than everybody sitting in a traditional setting, the community sits in a circle and forms the rosary with their bodies. They were joined by their teachers, parents and parishioners, as well as Father John Eckert, pastor, and Father Noah Carter, parochial vicar.

Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

St. Mark students pray the luminous mysteries HUNTERSVILLE — Sixth-graders at St. Mark School led the entire school community in praying a living rosary Oct. 8 in the school’s courtyard. Now in its 12th year at the school, this year’s living rosary included 61 sixth-graders, each representing one bead of the rosary, and about 800 students, staff, clergy and parents. The school prayed all five decades of the luminous mysteries. Parentvolunteer Camille Hartnett was the organizer. Pictured above is Ben Barnebei leading the student body in praying the Hail Holy Queen.

Photo provided by Amy Burger and Denise Romaniello

uncertainties, performing CPR despite how overwhelmed or terrified she might have been that Friday night at our parents’ house.”

For her part, Caitlin says she just did what anyone would do in that situation.

“It was crazy that everything that came together the way it did,” she says. “I guess I had someone watching over me.”

On Sept. 23, 2014, the Rotary Club of Charlotte honored Caitlin as an “everyday hero” for her heroic efforts in saving her brother’s life. She had been nominated for the new award from the club by Charlotte Medic Service, the largest paramedic agency in Mecklenburg County.

“It was really special. I thought it was neat that the medic put my name in,” she says.

At the ceremony on Sept. 23, Caitlin received a plaque from the Rotary Club in recognition of her life-saving actions.

“Caitlin has always been unassuming – flying under the radar in a family of people comfortable in the spotlight,” her brother Jeremy says. “Her soft-spoken humility does not place her in front of crowds and she is perfectly content with that. But heroism is not based upon our comfort levels. It is grounded in our willingness to do what matters when the moment arrives.

“We are products of a family, a school system and a Church that teach us how to do this. That is what Caitlin did on Oct. 4, and it is what she continues to do every day. She just happened to run into a situation a little out of the ordinary. And I am profoundly grateful.”

photo provided by caitlin kuhn

Caitlin Kuhn and her brother, Jeremy, are shown at the Rotary Club awards ceremony Sept. 23.

A living rosary to pray for end to hunger GREENSBORO — Students at St. Pius X School participated in an annual school-side living rosary Oct. 6. The school community prayed to end hunger and donated large boxes filled with hearty soups to the Greensboro Urban Ministry.

Photo provided by Jean Navarro

Praying the rosary with joy CHARLOTTE — On Oct. 7, St. Ann students participated in a living rosary in honor of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The pre-school students through fourth-grade students recited the Hail Marys with great joy while the fifth-grade students introduced each decade of the joyful mysteries.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Kathy McKinney

October 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief OLM pilots Superkids Reading Program WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy School is piloting a new reading program for its pre-kindergarten through second grade students. Superkids Reading Program, published by Rowland Reading Foundation, is a research-based reading curriculum that has achieved exceptional results with a broad range of students across the United States. The Rowland Foundation is providing complementary startup materials and teacher training to the school, valued at approximately $21,000.

“Our goal is to provide our students with the best proven curriculum available,” said Sister Geri Rogers, OLM’s principal. “When we learned about the results the Superkids program has achieved at other leading Catholic schools in the U.S., we wanted to pilot it with our students.”

“We are delighted that Our Lady of Mercy is piloting Superkids,” said Rowland Reading Foundation President Barbara Johnson.

“Foundation staff who have visited Our Lady of Mercy have been impressed by the dedication of the school’s faculty and staff. We know their primary students will thrive using the Superkids program.”

Rowland Reading Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving reading in the primary grades. The foundation believes that all children must become fluent readers by the end of second grade. Results of extensive classroom research have shown

that the Superkids program, with its emphasis on phonics-based instruction and integration with writing, spelling and all the language arts, is exceptionally effective at developing young students who read fluently and confidently. Because the program was designed specifically to meet the needs of primary-grade readers, students are better prepared for the challenging academic work they face in third grade and beyond.

— Lara Davenport

Hirsh to head national guitar curriculum effort KERNERSVILLE — Bishop McGuinness High School’s music director Dr. Alan Hirsh was recently appointed vice president of guitar education at the Aaron Shearer Foundation, an organization set up to advance the development of pedagogy for the classic guitar in the United States and throughout the world. In addition, he was appointed by the American String Hirsh Teachers Association to head the task force for developing a national standardized curriculum for guitar education.

Hirsh recently completed work on his latest book, “Learning the Fingerboard,” which is the third installation of the Shearer Method series.

The book is being published by Alfred Music and has a scheduled release date in December this year.

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

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Upcoming Days of Reflection Join Catholic Charities for an opportunity to gather with other seniors from around the diocese to deepen and share one’s faith. Days of Reflection provide the chance to experience the inspiring power of God’s love and be nourished by His word as one continues a life-long journey of faith.

• November 12 – Holy Family Catholic Church, Winston-Salem Presenter: Father Brian Cook Visit our website for more information or contact Sandra Breakfield at 704.370.3220, 704.370.3228 or sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV n Friday, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Angola: Paulino the Catechist.”The story of Paulino Vitete, one of many lay catechists in the African country of Angola, a nation that has seen war and an oppressive government but where 55 percent identify still as Catholic.

It is because of catechists like Vitete that the Church survives there.

In Brief

n Saturday, Oct. 25, 12 p.m.

(EWTN) “Meeting of Pope Francis with Ecclesial Movements.” From Vatican City. n Tuesday, Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Mozambique: Cipriano.”

The story behind Cipriano Parite, a father of seven and a lay catechist whom sacrificed his life to protect his fellow villagers from guerrilla fighters and whose beatification is already underway.

‘The Book of Life’ The “Day of the Dead,” the traditional Mexican method of observing All Souls’ Day, is the backdrop for this entertaining and visually stunning 3-D animated adventure. A museum guide (voice of Christina Applegate) tells schoolchildren a fairy tale about two best friends (voices of Diego Luna and Channing Tatum) who compete for the affections of a beautiful woman. Their rivalry is witnessed and influenced by two gods, one the overseer of a heaven-like land of remembered souls, the other the ruler of a desolate world populated by forgotten spirits. Although the film includes mythological aspects that might call for discussion with impressionable youngsters, its basic intentions do not conflict with Catholic teaching. Instead it emphasizes the enduring bonds of family and the importance of praying for the deceased. Non-scriptural religious themes, some mildly scary sequences, a few very mild oaths in Spanish.

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

‘The Best of Me’ Based on the best-selling novel by author Nicholas Sparks, this entertaining but morally flawed drama about destiny, poses a perennial question: If given a second chance, would you pursue a lost love? Former high school sweethearts (James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan) are reunited after 20 years apart when they return to their small Louisiana hometown for the funeral of a mutual friend. Gunplay, domestic violence, occasional profane and crude language.

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

Other reviews: n ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’: CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG n ‘The Judge’: CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

CNS | Teddy Smith, courtesy Stoney Lake Entertainment

Nicolas Cage stars in a scene from the movie “Left Behind.” The Catholic News Service classification is A-III (adults). The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13.

‘Left Behind,’ first in trilogy, weaves fiction with rapture theology Kurt Jensen Catholic News Service

NEW YORK — The fundamentalist conception of the rapture, as described in the best-selling “Left Behind” novels, may be arriving – for the first time – at a movie theater near you.

Three earlier films, all starring Kirk Cameron, were marketed primarily as home videos, though the first did have a limited theatrical release. They never drew as large an audience as the series of 16 apocalyptic volumes from authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins that began in 1995.

The reboot is the first in a planned trilogy of pictures from Stoney Lake Entertainment. Director Vic Armstrong says Nicolas Cage, who plays faithaverse airline pilot Rayford Steele, is expected to appear in all of them. Additional star power in the initial outing comes from Lea Thompson, Chad Michael Murray, Nicky Whelan and Jordin Sparks.

Like both its print and screen predecessors, the new “Left Behind” interweaves a fictional narrative with rapture theology.

As presented in the movie, the latter asserts that the return of Jesus Christ to earth will be preceded by a seven-year period of tribulation. Christian believers, however, will be spared the global catastrophes of this era because they will have been “raptured up” to heaven.

“No one was happy” with the first series of films, Armstrong says, particularly LaHaye. This time, he adds, everyone thinks they got it right, with more of an emphasis on the “adventure story.”

“We didn’t want to stuff anything down anyone’s throat,” says Armstrong, a former stunt man and stunt coordinator. “We didn’t want to make a preachy movie. It’s a fine line to walk, to get it right.”

Believers in rapture doctrine focus on Bible verses that they maintain predict the end times with some precision.

There are few specific references to these in

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read “Don’t worry about being ‘Left Behind’: Have a holy fear of being taken up to judgment,” a commentary by Monsignor Charles Pope, pastor of Holy ComforterSt. Cyprian Church in Washington, D.C., and writer, blogger and radio host.

the new film. In the opening minutes, a character asks if anyone has read Chapter 24, Verse 7 of the Gospel of St. Matthew, a verse in which Jesus speaks of wars, famines and earthquakes. All these things, the next verse states, are “the beginning of the labor pains.” Jesus’ discourse comes in response to His disciples’ request for the signs of His return.

Catholic theologians have long been concerned by the novels, which veer away from Catholic beliefs specifically – and mainstream Christian ones more generally.

“A seven-year tribulation between the ‘rapture’ and the return of Christ is not biblical,” Catholic religious educator Joyce Donahue wrote in 2004.

“Scripture teaches that Christ will come after a period of tribulation and that all believers will at that time be taken up to heaven to be with Him.” Donahue also criticized the “harsh, judgmental” view of God in the novels.

Rapture theology delineates three distinct advents of Christ: First, His physical birth in Bethlehem; second, His secret return to “rapture up” Christian believers before the end times, and third, His appearance in majesty at the end of the world.

Catholic teaching, by contrast, maintains that Christ’s return in glory will be His second coming, not His third.

n Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Armenia: A Faith to Move Mountains.” Learn about the realities and the challenges faced by the Catholic Church in Armenia as people rebuild the faith and society there from the devastation caused by the Communist regime. n Thursday, Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) Lebanon: Island of Christianity.” (EWTN) A compelling documentary exploring the rise and present status of Christians and Muslims in the Middle East. n Friday, Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Saint Leonard Murialdo.” The story of St. Leonardo Murialdo, an Italian priest from the 1800s who was a tireless worker on behalf of the poor and whose personal holiness informed his zeal for the underprivileged. n Saturday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. (EWTN) “All Saints Mass.” The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word celebrate live from the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Irondale, Ala. n Saturday, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: A Pilgrimage into Her Heart.”

Stories of St. Kateri, a miraculous healing and her 2012 canonization, with members of every Indian nation present, are intertwined portraying her as a model of the New Evangelization and a call for all people to treat God’s creation responsibly. n Friday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m. (EWTN) “Along the Border.” Seven young adults and priests from the Catholic Diocese of Arlington share their missionary experience serving in Bánica, Dominican Republic.

October 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

LOS MILAGROS:

DSA:

FROM PAGE 11

FROM PAGE 5

continua y que es imposible ocultar o detener, se transmite de generación en generación, de padres a hijos, de padrinos a ahijados, de tíos a sobrinos de grandes a chicos, siendo la devoción algo que recibimos al nacer o desde la niñez, ¿Quién no ha asistido a su iglesia o ha participado de la procesión en Octubre?

Nuestro compromiso con esta devoción hace que el mes de Octubre sea un mes de fiesta religiosa, penitencia, reparación, reconocimiento, de enmienda de nuestros errores y principalmente un mes de oración, sacrificio ayuno y reparación donde la novena al Señor juega un papel muy importante para todos los fieles, esta novena se repite dos o tres veces en este mes en múltiples horarios para que todo el pueblo pueda hacerla ya sea en la iglesia de las Nazarenas o en su propio lugar.

El habito del Señor lo llevan los hermanos más comprometidos y los files que desean ofrecer una ofrenda personal al Señor, este habito representa sacrificio y oración por eso los que lo llevan le guardan un gran respeto, no por lo que es este ropaje, sino por el significado que representa.

Los favores recibidos por El Señor de Pachamamilla son interminables y la historia hace que se repitan y se repitan nuevamente, por algo El es el Señor de los Milagros.

La relación que se conecta cuando estamos en la procesión o ante la imagen pintada (que se encuentra en el altar mayor de la Iglesia de las Nazarenas en Lima Perú), o cuando se tiene el privilegio de cargar el anda en cualquier parte del mundo, que sucede es tan personal tan lindo tan espiritual que se pueden encontrar hasta los más bravos hombres llorando como niños, ante esta relación con el Señor.

Esta devoción se ha extendido por casi todo el mundo. Existen hermandades y procesiones en todos los países de Latino América, Europa, Asia, África y Oceanía. Hay ciudades en donde la procesión se realiza en varios lugares y hasta en el Vaticano se realiza esta manifestación religiosa popular y en muchas ocasiones el Papa ha saludado el paso del Señor.

El Papa bueno Juan Pablo II quedó prendado de la imagen colonial por su belleza y la devoción que transmite y participó en una procesión especial que se hizo en su visita a Lima.

Podría citar que hace un tiempo en esta ciudad fue invitado un señor americano, que no hablaba español, a la novena del Señor de los Milagros, al finalizarla la novena se rifó un escapulario y por coincidencia este hombre se lo ganó, al colocárselo fue increíble su reacción y hasta el día de hoy es un hermano más de nuestra devoción. ¡Así llama el Señor sin que nosotros los busquemos!

Que el Señor de los Milagros nos proteja y ayude, y que derrame sobre todos nosotros toda su bendición. ¡Viva el Señor de los Milagros!

the timeframes to raise funds, she noted.

To help bridge the gap with the DSA, parishes are making additional appeals from the pulpit and sending out personal letters to parishioners, asking them to consider giving to the annual campaign, Tornesello said. Others are sharing testimonies from speakers involved in DSA-supported ministries, including youth ministry, Hispanic ministry and Catholic Charities.

St. Luke Church in Mint Hill, which was $19,000 short of its goal of $85,813, conducted another two-week campaign earlier in October. The first week parishioners watched the DSA video, and then during the second week they heard from speakers involved with DSA-funded ministries.

“It was important to Father Paul Gary, pastor of St. Luke, that the parishioners understand where the funds given to the

Mariella Buscaglia es miembro de la Parroquia de San Marcos en Huntersville. Buscaglia es una de las coordinadoras del grupo de los Consagrados a Jesús por María de la Iglesia de San Marcos. Para mayor información acerca de las consagraciones Marianas, comuníquese por e-mail con ella en alleiram04@gmail.com.

17

DSA are spent,” Tornesello said.

St. Aloysius Church in Hickory, which was $24,689 short of its goal, conducted another in-pew appeal at the end of August and now is only $4,000 away from its goal of $116,763.

“People really understood there was more they could do to meet the needs of those served by the DSA,” said Father Larry LoMonaco, pastor. “Our August appeal re-energized them and the heartfelt message helped them prayerfully determine what they could do.”

A number of parishes are sending out letters from their pastors as well, Tornesello said.

Also, in the past month, the diocesan development office sent out 11,000 letters to past DSA donors asking them to consider donating again this year.

All parishes and missions in the diocese help fund the annual DSA. Parishes that exceed their goal get to keep the extra funds they collect, while parishes which fall short of their goal in donations from parishioners have the shortfall taken out of their operating budgets.

So far in the 2014 DSA campaign, 26

parishes and missions have exceeded their goal and will receive rebates for the extra money they collected, she said.

Tornesello has reached out to all of the affected parishes to offer assistance as the end of the 2014 DSA campaign approaches with the end of the year. As the former parish manager at St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville, she said, “I know how important it is to reach an assessed goal in donations, rather than from parish operating funds.”

“Our hope is that each parish reaches their goal in donations and receives a rebate,” Tornesello said. “With over two months to go until the end of the campaign, it is not too late to make an end of the year gift. During this upcoming Thanksgiving and Advent season, I ask you to spend some time reflecting on the many ways God has blessed you and consider a generous gift to the DSA – whether you are a past donor, one of the almost 8,000 new households that have joined the diocese in the last two years or whether you have never considered giving before. Your gift will surely change lives.”

al esclavo de nombre desconocido que pintó la imagen de Cristo Crucificado del Señor de los Milagros.

“Estamos sumamente honrados y satisfechos con el puente que a través de esta celebración iniciamos con la comunidad afroamericana. Un sueño largamente acariciado y que dará mucho que hablar, a partir de hoy,” anotó Castañeda.

El evento anual se realizará cada tercer Sábado del mes de Octubre. Castañeda también agregó que en el 2015 habrá procesiones de devociones con influencia Africana por las calles de Charlotte, así como un festival de danzas y comida hispanas, que ilustren y celebren la influencia del África en la construcción de la identidad hispana.

He said St. Paul had a lot of good advice in his letter to the Corinthians, who “were champions” at the time at infighting and division.

The “concrete advice, which is still valid for us, too: Do not be jealous, but appreciate the gifts and qualities of our brothers and sisters in our communities,” he said.

“When I start to feel jealous, because it happens to everyone, you know, we’re all sinners, when I start to feel jealous I say, ‘Thank you, Lord, that you gave this to that person.”

People must work against divisions, “be close to each other, share in the suffering of the least and neediest and express our gratitude to everyone,” he said.

Not everyone remembers to say, “Thank you,” all the time, he said, because “envy holds us back.” But “a heart that knows how to say, ‘Thank you,’ is a good and noble heart, a heart that is happy.”

The other thing people must not do is think they are better than others, like the Pharisee who thanks God he is “not like the

rest of humanity.”

“This is awful. Never do this,” the pope said.

When people are tempted to feel they are superior, “remember your sins, the ones no one knows about, feel ashamed before God and say, ‘Well, you Lord, you know who is greater; I’ll keep my mouth shut.’ And this is healthy.”

At the end of the audience, the pope offered encouragement to employees of an Italian airline company that announced the layoffs of more than 1,300 workers.

Waving red balloons and wearing red T-shirts that read “I am redundant,” the Meridiana employees were given a special section below the sacristy during the audience.

The pope told them he hoped “a fair solution” would be found that sought to safeguard people’s dignity and the needs of so many families.

“Please, I’m making an appeal, let there be no family without a job,” he said.

CELEBRA: FROM PAGE 11

celebramos nuestras raíces y nuestra herencia africana. Y conforma nuestra identidad; es parte de la identidad de todos nosotros los hispanos,” recalcó el Padre Melo.

Una réplica de la imagen del Señor de los Milagros permaneció erecta detrás del podio en donde se proclamó el Evangelio, durante toda la celebración. También, a los pies del altar, adornaron durante la Misa las imágenes de Nossa Senhora de Aparecida, Patrona del Brasil; el Cristo Negro de Portobello (Panamá); la Madonna Negra; Santa Ifigenia, Patrona de la música y el arte negro del Perú; y San Martín de Porres (Perú), Patrono de los pobres, la justicia social y la integración racial.

Durante el ofertorio también, además del pan y el vino, se presentaron al Padre Fidel un Escapulario del Señor de los Milagros, tambores africanos, símbolo de la alegría de la celebración y la música; vestiduras africanas y también una Biblia escrita en un dialecto de Honduras, como un símbolo del esfuerzo misionero de la Iglesia.

Después de la Comunión, Iraida Valdivia, una de las Sahumadoras del Señor de los Milagros, y cantante profesional peruana, cantó la canción llamada “Pintor,” en honor

POPE: FROM PAGE 2

“divisions, jealousies, misunderstandings and marginalization. All these things are not good because instead of edifying and making the Church grow as the body of Christ, they shatter it into many pieces, they dismember it,” he said.

Jealousy of other people’s gifts and good fortune – “that one bought a new car ... that one won the lottery” – tears the community apart and damages the one who is filled with envy, he said.

“The jealousy builds up, builds and fills the heart, a jealous heart is acid,” as if it were filled not with blood, but vinegar, making the person always be unhappy, he said.

“It is the beginning of war. War does not begin in the battlefield. Wars begin in the heart,” he said.

“So what must I do?” the pope asked.

Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Cardinal Wuerl says family synod came to ‘real consensus’ Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C., said the Oct. 5-19 Synod of Bishops on the family came to a “real consensus” after two weeks of animated debate, and that its final report will serve as a solid basis for the world synod on the family in 2015.

“What we saw and what we ended up with was the result of a free and open process. The pope at the very beginning said speak with clarity and charity and listen with humility and that’s what happened,” Cardinal Wuerl said Oct. 20.

The cardinal said the only “glitch” in the process came with the synod’s Oct. 13 midterm report, which made headlines with its strikingly conciliatory language toward people with ways of life contrary to Catholic teaching, including divorced and remarried Catholics, cohabitating couples and people in same-sex unions.

The midterm report was “seen by many as not being as balanced as it should have been. At least from their perspective, it wasn’t as reflective of the balance in the discussions,” the cardinal said.

As a result, he said, “it was really important that that final (report) be a consensus document.”

Cardinal Wuerl, who served on the 11-member team that drafted the final report, said “there were a number of things that you see in this final document that were only lightly touched upon (in the midterm report), and then there were things you see in that (midterm report) that aren’t in here at all.”

He said the synod’s working groups commonly objected to the theological concept of “graduality,” which the midterm report used, among other ways, to suggest

CNS | Paul Haring

Cardinals Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C., arrive in procession for the beatification Mass of Blessed Paul VI celebrated by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 19. The Mass also concluded the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family. the positive value of “irregular” relationships such as cohabitation.

“You don’t see that in the final document because the small language groups said, ‘Yes, it was said, but it didn’t garner support,’” the cardinal said.

Synod fathers voted on each of the final report’s 62 paragraphs. All received a simple majority, but three – on

especially controversial questions of homosexuality and Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried – failed to gain the two-thirds supermajority required for approval of synodal documents.

The final report was a “consensus document, to the best of the ability of everybody working on it,” Cardinal Wuerl said. “And you know what verifies that for me? Every single one of those paragraphs received a majority and only a handful didn’t receive the two-thirds.”

“What I think Pope Francis succeeded in doing was letting the synod fathers, letting the synod participants, actually come to a real consensus even though it’s a weak consensus in some areas,” the cardinal said.

The final report will serve as the working paper for the October 2015 world synod on the “vocation and mission of the family in the Church and the modern world.”

“Between now and next October, I think there is going to be so much fruitful discussion in the Church,” Cardinal Wuerl said.

Following the often-contentious discussion of sexual ethics and how to reach out to people in “irregular” unions during the synod, preparation for the next assembly, the cardinal explained, would give more attention to the challenges and virtues of traditional families.

“We’ve had such an airing, such as expression of the problematic,” Cardinal Wuerl said. “I think we are going to be hearing more and more the positive side ... the wonder of what the Church has experienced and presented from the beginning.”

He added, “We are going to be able to celebrate that and find there are a lot people living it, struggling to live it, and I think they’re going to be witnesses to the next synod.

They’re going to be the ones in the next synod who will be bearing witness to what’s ahead of us and what we can be.”

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In Brief Bishop: Decision to house those monitored for Ebola ‘right thing’ DALLAS — Dallas Bishop Kevin J. Farrell said that he followed the teaching of Christ and stepped in to house the fiancee of Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan and three others for several weeks at a diocesan facility when no one else would. The bishop’s acknowledgement Oct. 20 coincided with the lifting of the 21-day quarantine for nearly four dozen people being screened for the Ebola virus with none showing any signs of the disease. It also capped nearly a month of a scrambling by local, state and federal officials in trying to both combat the virus and calm the public’s fears about its spread. During the time, two nurses who had contact with Duncan tested positive for the virus after his death.

Court blocks law that had closed most Texas abortion clinics WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court Oct. 14 blocked a Texas law that had meant all but seven of the state’s abortion clinics were closed because they failed to meet new standards.

The block will remain in effect while the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals considers a legal challenge to the law itself. It will allow at least 12 clinics that were closed to reopen. In a brief order posted after normal business hours, the Supreme Court granted requests by some of the affected abortion clinics to block parts of the law. It blocked statewide the requirement that abortion clinics meet standards of an ambulatory surgical center, which a majority of the Texas abortion providers could not meet.

For clinics in McAllen and El Paso only, the order also blocked a provision requiring abortion clinic doctors to have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles of the clinic. The order noted that three justices “would deny the application in its entirety.” Those were Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

Diocese agrees to settle 30 Food security a moral issue, says abuse claims for close to $10M KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Diocese of Kansas bishop at Iowa Hunger Summit City-St. Joseph said Oct. 14 that it hoped that DES MOINES, Iowa — The head of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace called food security a moral issue during a keynote address Oct. 14 at the Iowa Hunger Summit. “Food security and the relationship between food and peace are moral issues,” said Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines. “In our Christian tradition, we believe that lifting people out of poverty and feeding the hungry are serving Jesus in disguise.”

Bishops Pates, who has served as head of the committee for three years, said, “People who can feed and support their families in dignity are less likely to be engaged in conflict. To build a more stable and prosperous world, we need to adopt policies that get at the underlying causes of conflict and hunger. Conflict increases hunger and hunger increases conflict.”

a $9.95 million settlement it reach on abuse claims “can bring about some closure to those hurt by abuse in the past. The diocese also prays for a healing which can bring peace to the hearts of all of those hurt by child sexual abuse,” it said in a statement. The agreement settles 30 claims filed over nearly a four-year period, between September 2010 and February 2014. An AP story said the cases involved alleged abuse that took place between 1963 and 1987 and was perpetrated by 13 current and former priests, several of whom have died.

Lawyer; Agreement ‘new day, new way’ in response to abuse ST. PAUL, Minn. — With a historic courtroom

in downtown St. Paul as the backdrop, attorney Jeff Anderson and officials from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Oct. 13 announced a settlement of one of the first cases filed under the Minnesota Child Victims Act. They also released a history-making agreement to work together to protect children and help clergy sexual abuse victims/survivors heal.

“This is about truth, and this is about a new day; this is about a new way, this is about a safe way,” said Anderson, who has represented plaintiffs in dozens of lawsuits filed against the archdiocese during the past three decades. “It’s not just about pledges and promises. It is an action plan ... words don’t protect kids. Actions do.”

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Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Synod of Bishops sends message of encouragement to traditional families Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — On its last day of business, the Synod of Bishops on the family approved and released a threepage message expressing solidarity with Christian families around the world.

The message, released Oct. 18, is distinct from the synod’s final report.

Following two weeks of oftencontentious discussion that included sensitive questions of sexual and medical ethics and how to reach out to people with ways of life contrary to Catholic teaching, the synod’s message, which was approved by a large majority of the assembly, focused on the challenges and virtues of traditional families.

“We recognize the great challenge to remain faithful in conjugal love,” the bishops said, citing obstacles including “enfeebled faith,” “individualism,” “stress that excludes reflection” and a lack of “courage to have patience and reflect, to make sacrifices and to forgive one another.”

The message praised parents caring for disabled children, families suffering economic hardship and the trials of migration, and women victims of human trafficking.

“Christ wanted His Church to be a house with doors always open to welcome everyone,” the bishops said.

The document noted the reality of spouses in failed marriages who enter into second unions, “creating family situations which are complex and problematic, where the Christian choice is not obvious.”

The synod fathers said that they had reflected on one of the assembly’s most controversial topics – the question of whether to make it easier for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion – but gave no suggestion that they had arrived at any conclusions.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, who led the panel that drafted the message, was asked at a news conference why the document included no reference to homosexuals, following remarkably conciliatory passages on “welcoming homosexuals” in the synod’s Oct. 13 midterm report.

“With this message we address Christian families, so the matrimonial model is the traditional one, with all its problems,” the cardinal said, adding that the synod’s final report would treat a wider range of subjects, including homosexuality.

The message ended on a positive note, celebrating the prayerful Christian family as a “small, daily oasis of the spirit” and sacramental “conjugal love, which is unique and indissoluble (and) endures despite many difficulties.”

Synod ends by affirming tradition, leaving controversial questions open Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — After several days of animated debate over its official midterm report, the Synod of Bishops on the family agreed on a final document more clearly grounded in traditional Catholic teaching. Yet the assembly failed to reach consensus on especially controversial questions of Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried and the pastoral care of More online homosexuals.

At www.catholicnewsherald.

The synod’s last working com: Read more coverage of session, Oct. 18, also the Extraordinary Synod of featured a speech by Pope Bishops on the Family Francis, in which he celebrated the members’ frank exchanges while warning against extremism in the defense of tradition or the pursuit of progress.

Discussions in the synod hall had grown heated after the Oct. 13 delivery of a midterm report that used strikingly conciliatory language toward people with ways of life contrary to Church teaching, including divorced and civilly remarried Catholics, cohabitating couples and those in same-sex unions.

The summaries of working-group discussions, published Oct. 16, showed a majority of synod fathers wanted the final document to be clearer about relevant Church doctrine and give more attention to families whose lives exemplify that teaching.

The final report, which the pope ordered published almost at once after the synod’s conclusion, featured many more citations of Scripture, as well as new references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the teachings of Blessed Pope Paul VI, Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Synod fathers voted on each of the document’s 62 paragraphs. All received a simple majority, but three failed to gain the two-thirds supermajority ordinarily required for approval of synodal documents.

Two of those paragraphs dealt with a controversial proposal by German Cardinal Walter Kasper that would make it easier for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion. The document noted disagreements on the subject and recommended further study.

The document’s section on homosexuality, which also fell short of supermajority approval, was significantly changed from its counterpart in the midterm report.

The original section heading – ”welcoming homosexuals” – was changed to “pastoral attention to persons with homosexual orientation.”

A statement that same-sex unions can be a “precious support in the life of the partners” was removed.

The final report quoted a 2003 document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: “There are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God’s plan for marriage and family.”

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, told reporters that the absence of a supermajority indicated a lack of consensus and a need for more discussion, but stressed that none of the document carried doctrinal weight. The synod’s final report will serve as an agenda for the October 2015 world synod on the family, which will make recommendations to the pope.

Pope Francis said he welcomed the assembly’s expressions of disagreement.

“Personally, I would have been very worried and saddened if there hadn’t been these temptations and these animated discussions,” the pope said, “if everybody had agreed or remained silent in a false and quietistic peace.”

“So many commentators, or people who talk, imagined they saw the Church quarreling, one part against the other, even doubting the Holy Spirit, the true promoter and guarantor of unity and harmony in the Church,” he said.

While reassuring the assembly that the Church’s unity was not in danger, Pope Francis warned against several temptations that he said had been present during the two-week synod.

One of the temptations he cited was that of “hostile rigidity” that seeks refuge in the letter of the law, “in the certainty of what we know and not of what we must still learn and achieve.”

This temptation, he said, is characteristic of the “zealous, the scrupulous, the attentive and – today – of the so-called traditionalists and also of intellectuals.”

Another temptation for the synod fathers, the pope said, was that of “destructive do-goodism, which in the name of a misguided mercy binds up wounds without first treating and medicating them; that treats symptoms and not causes and roots. It is the temptation of do-gooders, of the timorous and also of the so-called progressives and liberals.”

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement that he was “grateful that the clarifications and deepening of scriptural and theological reflection shine consistently” through the final report.

“Now the real work begins!”

Pope beatifies Blessed Paul VI, the ‘great helmsman’ of Vatican II Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Beatifying Blessed Paul VI at the concluding Mass of the Synod of Bishops on the family, Pope Francis praised the late pope as the “great helmsman” of the Second Vatican Council and founder of the synod, as well as a “humble and prophetic witness of love for Christ and His Church.”

The pope spoke during a homily in St. Peter’s Square at a Mass Oct. 19 for more than 30,000 people.

“When we look to Pope Paul VI this great pope, this courageous Christian, this tireless apostle, we cannot but say in the sight of God a word as simple as it is heartfelt and important: thanks,” the pope said, drawing applause from the congregation, which included retired Pope Benedict XVI, whom Blessed Paul made a

cardinal in 1977.

“Facing the advent of a secularized and hostile society, (Blessed Paul) could hold fast, with farsightedness and wisdom – and at times alone – to the helm of the barque of Peter,” Pope Francis said, in a possible allusion to “Humanae Vitae,” the late pope’s 1968 encyclical, which affirmed Catholic teaching against contraception amid widespread dissent.

The pope pronounced the rite of beatification at the start of the Mass. Then Sister Giacomina Pedrini, a member of the Sisters of Holy Child Mary, carried up a relic: a bloodstained vest Blessed Paul was wearing during a 1970 assassination attempt in the Philippines. Sister Pedrini is the last surviving nun who attended to Blessed Paul.

In his homily, Pope Francis did not explicitly mention “Humanae Vitae,” the single achievement for which Blessed Paul is best known today. Instead, the pope highlighted his predecessor’s work presiding over most of Vatican II and establishing the synod.

The pope quoted Blessed Paul’s statement that he intended the synod to survey the

“signs of the times” to adapt to the “growing needs of our time and the changing conditions of society.”

Looking back on the two-week family synod, Pope Francis called it a “great experience,” whose members had “felt the power of the Holy Spirit who constantly guides and renews the Church.”

The pope said the family synod demonstrated that “Christians look to the future, God’s future ... and respond courageously to whatever new challenges come our way.”

The synod, dedicated to “pastoral challenges of the family,” touched on sensitive questions of sexual and medical ethics and how to reach out to people with ways of life contrary to Catholic teaching, including divorced and civilly remarried Catholics, cohabitating couples and those in same-sex unions.

“God is not afraid of new things,” Pope Francis said. “That is why He is continually surprising us, opening our hearts and guiding us in unexpected ways. He renews us; He constantly makes us new.”

October 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Bishop: Ebola makes Liberians feel ‘God has forsaken us again’ CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A Liberian bishop unable to attend the Synod of Bishops on the family has urged his fellow bishops to use their influence to help West African families in their enormous suffering caused by Ebola. “Whole families are being decimated,” Bishop Anthony Fallah Borwah of Gbarnga, Liberia, said Oct. 17.

“It is the poor who have been most harmed” by the Ebola outbreak that, since March, has killed more than 4,500 people, “and it is the poor who are the Church’s priority,” said Bishop Borwah, who was set to represent the Liberian bishops’ conference at the synod.

With restrictions on travel from Ebolaaffected countries, Bishop Borwah was unable to get to Rome. Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea are the countries mainly affected by the worst Ebola outbreak on record.

“We are losing our humanity in the face of Ebola,” Bishop Borwah said, noting that “this disease makes impossible ordinary human kindnesses, such as putting your arm around someone who is crying.”

insurgents since August, a diocesan official said. Father Gideo Obasogie, director of social communications in the diocese, said in a statement released Oct. 6 that violence has affected 186 churches in 14 parishes in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Some parishes lost as many as 25 churches and worship sites, he said. “As a Church, we are really going through a severe moment of persecution. Our ecclesiastical circumscription is facing a sharp disintegration,” he said.

The diocese attributed the violence to Boko Haram, an Islamist militant group with a somewhat undefined leadership and structure.

The organization is in the fifth year of a violent campaign that has included bombings, attacks on churches, assassinations and abductions in an effort to overthrow the Nigerian government and create an Islamist state. The violence has forced thousands of Catholics to flee the region and has delayed the start of the school year, Father Obasogie said.

Vatican’s abuse panel to include more experts, another survivor VATICAN CITY — A papal commission on child protection will be expanding its nine-member panel to include more experts and another survivor of clerical abuse. The Commission for the Protection of Minors, which Pope Francis

established last December, is now awaiting the pope’s approval of members’ latest efforts as they aim to lay out a pastoral approach to helping victims and prevent future abuse.

Marie Collins, a commission member and survivor of clerical abuse, said the specially appointed group has agreed on its provisional statutes and finalized a list of potential new members, adding experts from other countries and disciplines as well as including another survivor. Currently the commission includes: U.S. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, head of the commission; U.S. Father Robert W. Oliver, commission secretary; Collins and six, mostly European, experts in mental health, civil and Church law, and moral theology. The group, which had its third meeting Oct. 4-5 at the Vatican, is awaiting the pope’s final approval of their proposals.

The pope, who has called for zero tolerance and complete accountability for the “despicable” crime of abuse, has said he wants the commission to help the Church develop better policies and procedures for protecting minors.

has urged “constant prayers” for one of its missionary priests after he was kidnapped by rebels in the Central African Republic. “We still await news of his fate,” Lidia Rutkowska of the Tarnow Diocese’s mission office said Oct. 17. “In the meantime, we’ve called on all Catholics to be united in prayer for him, and to join solidarity marches after Mass on this Mission Sunday.”

Bishop Andrzej Jez of Tarnow issued the appeal after the Oct. 13 overnight abduction of Father Mateusz Dziedzic, a 38-year-old ministering at a Catholic mission in Baboua.

Pakistani Catholics to fight death penalty for blasphemy charge BANGALORE, India — Catholic leaders in Pakistan will appeal to their country’s Supreme Court after a lower court upheld the death penalty for a blasphemy ruling against a Christian mother of five children. Four days earlier, the Lahore High Court upheld the death sentence handed to Asia Bibi in 2010.

Polish Church: Pray for priest kidnapped in CAR

— Catholic News Service

WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s Catholic Church

CCDOC.ORG

Pope: Mideast terrorism has reached ‘unimaginable proportions’ VATICAN CITY — The Middle East, especially Iraq and Syria, are experiencing “terrorism of previously unimaginable proportions” in which the perpetrators seem to have absolutely no regard for the value of human life, Pope Francis said. “It seems that the awareness of the value of human life has been lost; it seems that the person does not count and can be sacrificed to other interests.

And all of this, unfortunately, with the indifference of many,” he said during a special meeting at the Vatican on the Middle East. The pope met Oct. 20 with cardinals gathered for an ordinary public consistory to approve the canonization of new saints, and to discuss the current situation in the Middle East. The pope announced during the Oct. 5-19 extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family that he would include a discussion on the Middle East at the Oct. 20 consistory in order to let the region’s seven patriarchs, who were taking part in the synod, also attend the proceedings.

Insurgents have destroyed 186 churches, Nigerian diocese says LAGOS, Nigeria — Nearly 200 churches in the Maiduguri Diocese in northeastern Nigeria have been destroyed or razed by Boko Haram

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Join Catholic Charities at the 12th Annual Vineyard of Hope for a celebration of bountiful blessings with cocktails and dinner.

Friday, November 21, 2014 at 6:30 PM Carmel Country Club 4735 Carmel Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28226 4th Annual Fruit of the Vine Award for Service will be presented to

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10-6

Mrs. Mary Ann Grace, the late Mr. Charles L. “Chuck” Grace, and Mr. William Kent Lewis

Visit us at the Southern Christmas Show

RSVP to Sherry Luc by November 10:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10-4

for their generosity of time, talent and treasure to serve our neighbors in need.

Sluc@charlottediocese.org / 704-370-3232 or register online at ccdoc.org/vineyardofhope

The event is complimentary; however, you will be invited to make a generous gift to help raise $150,000 to support the continued mission of Catholic Charities to strengthen families, build communities, and reduce poverty in the Charlotte area.

November 13 – 23 Park Expo and Conference Center Charlotte, NC

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

The Eucharistic Congress: ‘Behold, I Make All Things New’

I

was delighted to see you, the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte, at the Eucharistic Congress last month.

This year, as in years past, thousands of people from all areas of the diocese converged on the Charlotte Convention Center to celebrate our Catholic faith in the Real Presence of the Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

The Eucharist brings us together and unites us as one, and strengthens the bonds of Christian charity among all the members of our diocesan family. One parishioner, amazed at the way the Eucharist brings us together, wrote to me after the congress: “This is a unifying experience as we come together each year as Catholics of different cultures and backgrounds from all over the diocese.”

Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation on the Joy of the Gospel (n. 99), wrote about this experience of fraternal communion of the faithful: “I especially ask Christians in communities throughout the world to offer a radiant and attractive witness of fraternal communion.

Let everyone admire how you care for one another, and how you encourage and accompany one another: ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (Jn. 13: 35). This was Jesus’ heartfelt prayer to the Father: ‘That they may all be one … in us … so that the world may believe’ (Jn. 17: 21).”

To use the words of the Holy Father, our Eucharistic Congress helps us here in our diocese to offer “a radiant and attractive witness of fraternal communion.”

In the same apostolic exhortation Pope Francis wrote about a strong link between the Eucharist and the mission of evangelization: “Jesus leaves us the Eucharist as the Church’s daily remembrance of, and deeper sharing in, the event of His Passover (cf. Lk. 22:19).

The joy of evangelizing always arises from grateful remembrance: it is a grace which we constantly need to implore.” (n. 13). “Evangelization with joy becomes beauty in the liturgy, as part of our daily concern to spread goodness. The Church evangelizes and is herself evangelized through the beauty of the liturgy, which is both a celebration of the task of evangelization and the source of her renewed self-giving.” (n. 24).

The Holy Father’s insight that the liturgy is a “celebration of the task of evangelization” is confirmed by the dismissal we hear at the end of Holy Mass: “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord;” and “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” From the celebration of the Eucharist we go forth to engage in the mission of evangelization.

The Holy Father’s insight that the liturgy is also the source of the Church’s “renewed self-giving” is certainly confirmed by the fact that Jesus, who is the great “selfgiver” and who is physically and substantially present in the Eucharist, giving His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity to be our food, renews our own capacity for selfgiving through our communion with Him at Holy Mass.

Our coming together at the Eucharistic Congress renews the bonds of fraternal communion and charity among all of us across the diocese and strengthens our local Church for the joy of evangelization. Each year I look forward to being with you at our Eucharistic Congress. Please mark your calendars for next year’s Eucharistic Congress, Sept. 11-12, 2015.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis leads the Diocese of Charlotte.

Father Robert Barron

T

Have patience for the sausage-making synod

he midterm report on the deliberations of the Extraordinary Synod on the Family appeared last week and there was a fair amount of hysteria all around. John Thavis, a veteran Vatican reporter who should know better, declared this statement “an earthquake, the big one that hit after months of smaller tremors.” Certain commentators on the right have been wringing their hands and bewailing a deep betrayal of the Church’s teaching. One even opined that this report was the “silliest document ever issued by the Catholic Church,” and some said the interim document flaunts the teaching of Pope St. John Paul II. Meanwhile the New York Times confidently announced that the Church has moved from “condemnation of unconventional family situations and toward understanding, openness, and mercy.”

I think everyone should take a deep breath.

What has appeared is not even close to a definitive, formal teaching of the Catholic Church.

It was a report on what was discussed in a synod of some 200 bishops from around the world. It conveys, to be sure, a certain consensus around major themes, trends that have been evident in the conversations, dominant emphases in the debates, etc., but it decidedly does not represent “the teaching” of the pope or the bishops.

One of the great mysteries enshrined in the ecclesiology of the Catholic Church is that Christ speaks through the rather messy and unpredictable process of ecclesiastical argument. The Holy Spirit guides the process, of course, but He doesn’t undermine or circumvent it.

It is precisely in the long, laborious sifting of ideas across time and through disciplined conversation that the truth that God wants to communicate gradually emerges.

If you want evidence of this, simply look at the accounts of the deliberations of the major councils of the Church, beginning with the so-called Council of Jerusalem in the first century right through to the Second Vatican Council of the 20th century.

In every such gathering, argument was front and center, and consensus evolved only after lengthy and often acrimonious debate among the interested parties. Read John Henry Newman’s colorful history of the Council of Nicaea in the fourth century, and you’ll find stories of riots in the streets and the mutual pulling of beards among the disputants. Or pick up Yves Congar’s very entertaining diary of his years at Vatican II, and you’ll learn of his own withering critiques of the interventions of prominent cardinals and rival theologians. Or peruse John O’Malley’s history of the Council of Trent, and you’ll see that early draft statements on the key doctrines of original sin and

justification were presented, debated, and dismissed – long before final versions were approved.

Until Vatican II, these preliminary arguments and conversations were known only to the participants themselves and to certain specialist historians who eventually sifted through the records. The great teachings of the councils became widely known and celebrated, but the process that produced them was, happily enough, consigned to the shadows.

If I might quote the great Newman, who had a rather unsatisfying experience of official ecclesial life in Rome: “those who love the barque of Peter ought to stay out of the engine room!” This is a somewhat more refined version of “those who enjoy sausage ought never to watch how it is made.”

Reports on the Synod represent a very early stage of the sausage-making process and, unsurprisingly, it isn’t pretty. There will be a full year during which the findings of the Synod will be further refined, argued about and clarified. Then the Ordinary Synod on the Family will take place, and many more arguments and counterarguments will be made. Finally, some months, perhaps even a year or so, after that, the pope will write a post-Synodal exhortation summing up the entire process and offering a definitive take on the matter.

At that point, I would suggest, something resembling edible sausage will be available for our consumption. Until then, we should all be patient and refrain from bloviating.

The historian and theologian Martin Marty commented that our debates today about sex and authority are analogous to the arguments in the early centuries of the Church’s life concerning Christology and to the disputes about anthropology and salvation around the time of the Reformation. Those two previous dust-ups took several centuries to resolve, and Marty suggests that we might be in the midst of another centuries-long controversy.

I’m glad that Pope Francis, at the outset of this Synod, urged the participating bishops to speak their minds clearly and fearlessly. He didn’t want a self-censorship that would unduly hamper the conversation and thereby prevent the truth from emerging.

This does not imply for a moment that Pope Francis will agree with every point of view expressed, and indeed he can’t possibly, since many are mutually exclusive. But it does indeed mean that he has the confidence and the patience required to allow the Holy Spirit to work in His preferred fashion.

‘It is precisely in the long, laborious sifting of ideas across time and through disciplined conversation that the truth that God wants to communicate gradually emerges.’

Father Robert Barron is the founder of the global ministry Word on Fire, and the rector/president of Mundelein Seminary. He is the creator of the award-winning documentary series, “Catholicism” and “Catholicism: The New Evangelization.” Learn more at www.WordonFire.org.

October 24, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Colleen Carroll Campbell

Our heavenly family after Vatican II

All Saints Day Saturday, Nov. 1 All Saints Day was instituted to honor all the saints, known and unknown, and ask for their prayers. Normally a holy day of obligation for Latin-rite Catholics, because it falls on a Saturday this year, it is recommended to attend Mass but not obligatory.

In the early days, Christians were accustomed to solemnize the anniversary of a martyr’s death for Christ at the place of martyrdom. Groups of martyrs frequently suffered on the same day, and in the persecution of Diocletian, the number of martyrs became so great that a separate day could not be assigned to each. But the Church, concerned that every martyr should be venerated, appointed a common day for all. The first trace of this was in Antioch on the Sunday after Pentecost.

Pope Gregory III (731-741) consecrated a chapel in the Basilica of St. Peter to all the saints and fixed the anniversary for Nov. 1. Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the celebration to the entire Church.

Many customs of the feast’s vigil, Halloween, reflect the Christian belief that we mock evil because as Christians, it has no real power over us. The modern custom of “trick-or-treating” comes from the Middle Ages when poor people begged for “soul cakes” and in return prayed for departed souls.

I

t’s a month known for food, family and frenzied holiday shopping. But for Catholics, November is also about heaven: specifically, the saints who have arrived there and the holy souls who long to join them.

Our Church’s focus on heaven and its citizens takes on special significance this November. Fifty years ago this month, Blessed Pope Paul VI promulgated one of the landmark documents of the Second Vatican Council, the “Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.” Known as “Lumen Gentium” (“Light of the Nations”), it famously proclaimed the “universal call to holiness” – the idea that sainthood is God’s will for each of us, not just for priests and nuns or some elite caste of professional Catholics.

Most Catholics believe in that universal call, at least in theory. Yet too many of us consider the saints and the holiness they achieved as impossibly distant. We celebrate All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1, then spend the rest of the year struggling in solitude with our sins and trials, unaware of the powerful help the saints long to give us.

What’s more, some Catholics believe that turning to the saints for support or inspiration is passé, a relic of preVatican II Catholicism that went the way of chapel veils and altar rails.

It’s true that the Council Fathers moved or eliminated many saints’ feast days in an effort to streamline the Church’s liturgical calendar and keep our focus on Christ’s life. And they warned in “Lumen Gentium” against “any abuses, excesses or defects” in our devotion to saints that privilege “the multiplying of external acts” over learning from the saints’ virtues.

“Lumen Gentium” didn’t call for a sidelining of the saints, though – far from it. The same Vatican II document that summoned each of us to holiness also urged us to befriend the saints as a means of achieving that lofty goal.

We should request the saints’ prayers and consider them family, “Lumen Gentium” says, “For just as Christian communion among wayfarers brings us closer to Christ, so our companionship with the saints joins us to Christ.”

I believe it because I’ve experienced it. There was a time, during my college days, when I thought I was too old and worldly-wise to bother with saints. I still practiced the Catholic faith I was raised in, but I thought those dewy-eyed stars of my childhood books had nothing much to say to a modern woman like me.

Then one December afternoon, I cracked open a biography of St. Teresa of Avila. I found myself captivated by the liberated, laugh-out-loud funny woman I encountered within its pages – a woman whose meandering quest for God cast my own sputtering search in a new light. Teresa became a true friend to me that day, a wise and loving elder sister whom Jesus used to draw me back to Him. Over the course of the next 15 years, as I grappled with everything from my father’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease to my own struggle with infertility, I found the saints to be a continual source of strength and consolation. I felt the power of their prayers. I was challenged – and changed – by their

All Souls’ Day (Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed) Sunday, Nov. 2

‘The family of God in heaven is truly also a family to us on earth.’ example. And I learned that the family of God in heaven is truly also a family to us on earth.

This November, as our Church celebrates the saints and the Vatican II document that called us to join their ranks, it’s a perfect time to reconnect with family – in heaven, as well as on earth.

Colleen Carroll Campbell is an award-winning author, print and broadcast journalist and former presidential speechwriter.

Her newest book, “My Sisters the Saints: A Spiritual Memoir,” has just been published in paperback. Her website is www.colleencampbell.com.

All Souls Day commemorates the faithful departed – those who die with God’s grace and friendship.

Not everyone who dies in God’s grace is immediately ready for the goodness of God and heaven, so we must be purified of the temporal effects of sin. The Church calls this purification of the elect “purgatory.” Church teaching on Purgatory essentially requires belief in two realities: there will be a purification of believers prior to entering heaven, and the prayers and Masses of the faithful in some way benefit those in the state of purification.

As to the duration, place and exact nature of this purification, the Church has no official dogma, although St. Augustine and others used fire as a way to explain the nature of the purification.

While in the current liturgical calendar All Souls’ Day is commemorated on a Sunday, in the old calendar (1962 Missal) it is considered a requiem Mass and transferred to Monday, Nov. 3.

Local Latin Mass celebrations being planned are: n A Solemn High Mass for the Feast of All Saints will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, by Father Jason Christian, parochial vicar. This Mass will be an orchestral Mass, with sacred music provided by the Carolina Catholic Chorale and directed by Thomas Savoy. The Mass setting is W.A. Mozart’s “Missa Brevis in G Major.” n A requiem Mass in the Extraordinary Form for All Souls’ Day will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, by Father Eric Kowalski and Father Jason Barone. n A Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form for All Souls’ Day will be celebrated at St. Ann Church in Charlotte at noon Monday, Nov. 3.

— Sources: www.newadvent.org and www.churchyear.net

Most-read stories on the web Through press time on Oct. 22, 29,862 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 44,265 pages. The top 9 headlines in October so far are: n Triad couple trusts in God throughout cancer diagnosis, high-risk pregnancy........................24,445

n New leaders named for Salisbury and Smoky Mountains regions......................................................362

n Clergy, parishioners celebrate opening of new St. Matthew South..................................................1,466

n Photo gallery: Showing respect for life........................................................................................................338

n Family synod midterm report: Welcome gays, nonmarital unions..................................................... 1,160 n As World Mission Sunday nears, Father Cahill takes on new role......................................................... 751

n Annual procession of the miraculous image of ‘El Señor de los Milagros’ held at St. John Neumann. .....................................................................................................................................................................................297

n Seminarian Mariani ordained deacon in Rome......................................................................................... 449

n Couples, Monsignor McSweeney renew vows at joyful anniversary Mass........................................238

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 24, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Salt of the Earth…

Light of the World When we live as people of “salt and light” we are called to enhance the lives of others.

Diocese of Charlotte 2014 Diocesan Support Appeal

Thousands of people across the diocese benefit because of the DSA-funded ministries. Among those served are: • 6,500 grade school and high school students in Catholic Schools • 20,000+ clients of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, served through the following ministries: Family Life Ministries Social Concerns & Advocacy, Respect Life Counseling Adoption and Pregnancy Support Direct Assistance/Food Pantry Refugee and Hispanic Services

• 50,000 through programs assisted by the Faith Formation Office • 3,000 Catholic college students • 6,200 teenagers through Youth Ministry • 100,000+ minority parishioners through multicultural ministries • 119 permanent deacons through the Permanent Diaconate program • 18 seminarians currently in formation for the diocese The DSA supports the CURRENT operational needs of these and other important ministries. Donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/donations.