June 27, 2014

June 27, 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

Judge dismisses cases involving abuse allegations,

HARLEYS & HOLY WATER St. Matthew Church hosts first ‘Blessing of the Bikes,’ 3A

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Two principals named for Charlotte area high schools, 14A INDEX

Contact us........................ 4A Español......................... 18-19A Events calendar............... 4A Our Faith........................... 2A Our Parishes............... 3-13A Schools....................... 14-16A Scripture readings.......... 2A TV & Movies................20-21A U.S. news................... 22-23A Viewpoints................ 26-27A World news............... 24-25A

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Shining as the lights of Christ

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LAY MINISTRY:

A baptismal call New class of graduates told: Live out the Gospel every day, with everyone,

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Our faith 2A

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Otto, beloved bishop Feast day: July 2

Pope Francis

Church is essential for faith; there are no ‘free agents’

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hristians are not made in a laboratory, but in a community called the Church, Pope Francis said.

At his weekly general audience June 25, Pope Francis continued his series of audience talks about the Church, telling an estimated 33,000 people that there is no such thing as “do-ityourself” Christians or “free agents” when it comes to faith. Every Christian, he said, can trace his or her faith back to parents, grandparents, teachers or friends. “I always remember the nun who taught me catechism. I know she’s in heaven because she was a holy woman,” he said.

In the Old Testament, the pope said, God called Abraham and began to form a people that would become a blessing for the world.

“With great patience – and God has a lot of it – he prepared the people of the ancient covenant and in Jesus Christ constituted them as a sign and instrument of the union of humanity with God and unity with one another.”

Pope Francis described as “dangerous” the temptation to believe that one can have “a personal, direct, immediate relationship with Jesus Christ without communion with and the mediation of the Church.”

Obviously, he said, it is not always easy to walk the path of faith with other people. “Sometimes it’s tiring.

It can happen that a brother or sister creates problems for us or scandalizes us, but the Lord entrusted His message of salvation to human beings, to us, to witnesses,” he said.

“It is through our brothers and sisters with their gifts and their limits,” the pope said, “that He comes to us and makes Himself known.

This is what belonging to the Church means. Remember: being Christian means belonging to the Church. If your first name is Christian, your last name is Member of the Church.”

At the end of his talk, the pope asked people to join him in praying that they would never “give into the temptation of thinking you can do without others, without the Church, that you can save yourself, of thinking you can be a laboratory Christian.”

Christians, he said, are not manufactured in isolation, but belong to a long line of believers who handed on the faith and challenged one another to live it fully.

The audience was the last the pope was scheduled to hold before beginning a reduced summer schedule.

On July 2, the Church celebrates the life and work of St. Otto. He was born in about 1060 in Swabia (located in present-day southwest Germany). He was the Bishop of Bamberg, an indefatigable evangelizer, and the apostle of the Pomeranians.

Otto was born of noble rank to the Mistelbach family, although he was not wealthy. He was ordained a priest sometime before the age of 30, but little is known about his education. While he was still young, he joined the service of Emperor Henry IV in 1090 and became his chancellor in 1101. He served Henry IV and his successor Henry V loyally, but he disapproved of the latter’s disgraceful treatment of Pope Paschal and declared his steadfast loyalty to the Holy See. Otto was consecrated a bishop on May 13, 1106, and set to work founding new monasteries, reforming existing ones, building schools and churches, and completing the construction of the cathedral. He lived a poor and simple life, always advocating peace among the warring European princes. He was called the “father of the monks” for the concern he showed toward religious orders and for his leadership in founding more than 20 monasteries in the dioceses of Bamberg, Würzburg, Ratisbon, Passau, Eichstatt, Halsberstadt and Aquileia.

Despite all this, though, Otto is known most for his missionary work among the Pomeranians, in a region now in present-day Germany and Poland. In 1122 Otto was commissioned by the Polish Duke Boleslaus III to convert Pomerania to Christianity, and he set about this mission in 1124, traveling through Prague, Breslau, Posen and Gnesen in East Pomerania. He traveled across the region twice, and won over the people with his holiness, quiet generosity and gentle, inspiring sermons. He established 11 churches and baptized 22,165 people.

Many miracles were attributed to him throughout his two journeys, and many more after his death.

In 1125 he returned to Bamberg. As heathen customs began to assert themselves again, he once more journeyed to Pomerania about the year 1128 and converted new communities. He sent the Pomeranians priests from Bamberg, and in 1140 a bishop for the region was finally appointed.

In the papal schism of 1130-1131 he tried to remain neutral, as he had done

earlier when warring factions among the European powers and the papacy had caused disunity in the Church. The active, pious and clever bishop was greatly esteemed by all.

He died on June 30, 1139, and was buried in the monastery of St. Michael in Bamberg. Bishop Embrice of Würzburg delivered the funeral oration and applied to Otto the words of Jeremias: “The Lord called thy name, a plentiful olive tree, fair, fruitful, and beautiful.” In 1189 he was canonized by Clement III.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: In the “Our Faith” section, read the stories of other saints whose feast days are in July, including: St. Augustine Zhao Rong and companions, July 9; St. Henry II, a German king, July 13; St. Lawrence of Brindisi, diplomat and missionary, July 21; St. Bridget of Sweden, co-patroness of Europe, July 23; and Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Virgin Mary, July 26.

— Catholic News Agency

Your daily Scripture readings JUNE 22-28

Sunday (The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ): Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58; Monday: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18, Matthew 7:1-5; Tuesday (The Nativity of St. John the Baptist): Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80; Wednesday: 2 Kings 22:8-13, 23:1-3, Matthew 7:15-20; Thursday: 2 Kings 24:8-17, Matthew 7:21-29; Friday (The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus): Deuteronomy 7:6-11, 1 John 4:7-16, Matthew 11:25-30; Saturday (The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19, Luke 2:41-51.

JUNE 29-JULY 5

Sunday (Sts. Peter and Paul): Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Matthew 16:13-19; Monday (The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church): Amos 2:6-10, 13-16, Matthew 8:18-22; Tuesday (BI. Junípero Serra): Amos 3:1-8, 4:11-12, Matthew 8:23-27; Wednesday: Amos 5:14-15, 21-24, Matthew 8:28-34; Thursday (St. Thomas): Ephesians 2:19-22, John 20:24-29; Friday: Amos 8:4-6, 9-12, Matthew 9:9-13; Saturday (St. Anthony Zaccaria, St. Elizabeth of Portugal): Amos 9:11-15, Matthew 9:14-17

JULY 6-12

Sunday: Zechariah 9:9-10, Romans 8:9, 11-13, Matthew 11:25-30; Monday: Hosea 2:1618, 21-22, Matthew 9:18-26; Tuesday: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13, Matthew 9:32-38; Wednesday (St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions): Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12, Matthew 10:1-7; Thursday: Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9, Matthew 10:7-15; Friday (St. Benedict): Hosea 14:2-10, Matthew 10:16-23; Saturday: Isaiah 6:1-8, Matthew 10:24-33

Our parishes

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Judge dismisses cases against the diocese involving abuse allegations CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte received word June 20 that it prevailed in motions for summary judgment in two civil lawsuits that allege child sexual abuse decades ago by Father Richard Farwell and Father Joseph Kelleher.

The four plaintiffs in the lawsuits alleged that the diocese had breached duties owed to them, permitting their abuse at parishes in Albemarle, Charlotte and Salisbury in the late 1970s and early 1980s when they were children. The cases were dismissed by Mecklenburg Superior Court Judge Robert Bell based on the North Carolina statute of limitations.

Neither Father Farwell nor Father Kelleher were named in the lawsuits, and neither priest is currently in active ministry.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about the two cases and the diocese’s policy on protecting children and young people

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations on claims arising from alleged sexual abuse of a minor begins to run at the time the plaintiff reaches the age of 18.

Some of the plaintiffs’ claims were subject to a three-year statute of limitations, while other claims had to be brought within 10 years of reaching the age of 18.

In response to the ruling, diocesan

Director of Communications David Hains said, “We are pleased with today’s ruling and believe the court reached the correct result under the law. As always, the diocese remains committed to the protection of children and young people through background checks, education of church workers and volunteers, and the prompt reporting and investigation of allegations of sexual misconduct.”

In addition, he said, the diocese is committed to providing pastoral care as well as counseling and therapy to alleged victims of sexual abuse by Church workers.

Since 2004, 14 allegations of sexual misconduct involving seven priests have been reported to the diocese, according to independent auditors.

Four of those priests were from religious orders based outside the diocese; three

were diocesan priests. Two had died by the time the abuse allegations were reported.

One was cleared and returned to ministry.

The other four priests were removed from ministry. Criminal charges were brought against two of them: one case remains open; in the other case, the priest pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 7-10 years in prison.

During the 2012-’13 fiscal year, the diocese provided financial assistance to, or on behalf of, victims totaling $14,930, all of which was for counseling and medical services. The diocese also incurred costs in connection with sexual misconduct lawsuits totaling $362,265. Diocesan insurance funds and the diocesan general fund were used for payment.

— Catholic News Herald

Harleys & holy water St. Matthew Church hosts first ‘Blessing of the Bikes’ SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

photos by sueann howell | catholic news herald

(Above) Monsignor John J. McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, addresses bikers, their families and parishioners from St. Matthew Church and other local churches June 21 for the first “Blessing of the Bikes.”

CHARLOTTE — Some wore leather jackets and boots, others suits. There were women and men, young and old, black and white, Catholic and non-Catholic. But they all came to St. Matthew Church for two reasons: They love motorcycles, and they love God and their neighbor.

A total of 104 bikers from a variety of Christian churches rode in June 22 from across the Queen City to praise God and receive a blessing from St. Matthew’s pastor, Monsignor John J. McSweeney, in what was billed as Charlotte’s inaugural “Blessing of the Bikes.”

Monsignor McSweeney, himself a former motorcyclist, presided over the blessing in the church’s parking lot.

Under a blazing hot sun bikers, parishioners and families enjoyed the music of St. Matthew Church’s own Lifeteen band, which came to rock out a bit during the event.

At the appointed time, Monsignor McSweeney asked those gathered to form a circle to receive a blessing, holding hands as he prayed specific prayers for the safety of all who ride.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video and more photos from the “Blessing of the Bikes” event at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte

Vince Esposito, a parishioner at St. Matthew Church, originally brought the idea to Monsignor McSweeney after seeing similar blessings in other places around the world. Pope Francis himself blessed motorcycles in Rome in June 2013.

“When I approached Monsignor about this a couple of months ago, his whole thing was to make it non-denominational and make it something (for) everyone – it didn’t matter what they rode. We wanted everyone to be a community and we wanted everyone to be there.”

In the crowd there were tattoos, bandanas, leather chaps, boots and jackets despite the June heat. Some donned black T-shirts printed especially for the occasion, with sales going to benefit the annual Diocesan Support Appeal.

“I wanted to really express what is being expressed already,” Monsignor McSweeney said. “So many times in life we make a lot of judgments about a lot of different things. That isn’t really what we all should be about – if you look about at all the different people who are here, all different walks of life, all different parts of this earth we are from.”

MOTORCYCLES, SEE page 16A

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events BELMONT

— Living the Faith Book Club: 7-8 p.m., second Thursday of the month. For details, call Kevin Berent at 803287-7898.

QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES church, 503 North Main St.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the coming weeks:

— El Grupo “Porque Ser Católico” se reúne todos los miércoles a las 8 p.m. en la casa de la Señora Carmen Mirón. Si estas interesado(a) en iniciar tu formación a cerca del catolicismo, te invitamos a participar. Para más información, llamar a la Señora Alba Cadavid 704-904-7988.

— Young at Heart Covered Dish Supper: Saturday, July 12, following 5 p.m. Mass, in the MAK Family Life Center. All parishioners age 50 and older are invited to attend. For details, contact Cathy Boyd at 704825-4669.

June 27 – 5 p.m.

Holy Hour of Prayer for Priesthood Ordinands St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte June 28 – 10 a.m.

Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood St. Mark Church, Huntersville

— Bingo and Movie Night: 6:30 -10 p.m. Saturday, July 19 in the MAK Family Life Center. Everyone welcome.

June 30 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon

CHARLOTTE

July 2 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Mars Hill

ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, 3016 Providence Road — Free Choir Concert, “Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco”: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 16. Sponsord

by Allegro Foundation. For details, visit www. monacoconsulate.populr.me/monacoboyschoir.com — Young Widowed Support Group: 6 p.m. Meets second Tuesday of the month. Group is intended for widowed persons, around 55 years of age and younger. For details, call Sister Marie Frechette at 704-543-7677 ext. 1073

July 6 – 3:30 p.m.

Mass for the Military (Rosary, 3 p.m.)

St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

— Polish Prayer Group: 7 p.m. Meets first Thursday of the month in the Chapel. For details, contact Evona Cholewa at 704-488-7490.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, 8451 Idlewild Road — Six Week Fellowship Reading Circle: 7:30 p.m. Meets Wednesday, July 23 - Aug. 27. Mass will be at 7 p.m.

For details, contact Shea Barja at 704-451-3629 st. Matthew church, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMmONS PKWY. — Special Event Lecture entitled, “Understanding Catholics Today”: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 15. Lecture will address Catholic diversity and how Catholics are engaged in their local parish communities. For details, contact the parish at 704543-7677.

Corrections In the June 6 edition, the incorrect photo was used to identify columnist Fred Gallagher. The photo used was of his brother, Robert Gallagher.

Also in the June 6 edition, Deacon Marcos Mejías’ employer was misidentified.

He works as a controller at the Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center, which is owned and run by Wake Forest Medical Center.

We apologize for the errors.

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

Thursday, Aug. 28 in the Room D/E of the Education Building. All volunteers, in any capacity and program, must complete this training. To Sign up, visit wwww. virtus.org or call Sue Sforza at 704-370-3357.

— Called to be Mom Support Group: 10 a.m.-noon. Meets every other Thursday, Group supports the vocation of motherhood by strengthening faith through various scriptures readings. For details, call Kerry Long at 704-243-6319.

— Marriage Encounter Weekend: Aug. 1-3. Early registration recommended. For details, call 704-3152144 or visit www.NCMarriageDiscovery.org

ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL, 1621 Dilworth Road — Mass for our Military Personnel: Sunday, July 6, celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, to honor our military personnel who are currently serving and who have been injured while serving. All military personnel are encouraged to come in uniform.

Rosary at 3 p.m., Mass at 3:30 p.m. Everyone welcome.

— Six Week Adult Faith Enrichment Classes: 10-11:30 a.m.

Meets Tuesdays. July 8-Aug. 12. For details, contact Margaret Gustafson at jmguston@bellsouth.ent sT. Thomas aquinas church, 1400 suther road — Fatima Procession: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 13. Monthly devotion to Our Lady of Fatima in the Church. We will recite the Rosary, have a candlelit procession and close with a Litany. All are welcome.

— Third Annual Polish Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24. A first-class relic of Pope Blessed John Paul II will be brought to Mass for veneration. Reception following Mass. Your donation of Polish or American food is appreciated and can be dropped off before Mass at the Aquinas Hall. For details, call Mary Witulski at 704.290.6012.

Everyone welcome.

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

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

CLEMMONS HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, 4820 KINNAMON ROAD — Charismatic Prayer Group: 7:15 p.m. Mondays. All are welcome.

GREENSBORO ST. MARY’S CHURCH, 812 DUKE ST. — IGBO Mass; 9 a.m. Sunday, July 20. For details, call 336-392-6840.

HICKORY St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St. — Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course: 1- 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26. 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.

HIGH POINT IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 4145 JOHNSON St. — Pro-Life Rosary: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, at 819 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, to pray for the end of abortion. For details, contact Jim Hoyng at 336-8829593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835.

HUNTERSVILLE St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians welcomes all women who are practicing Roman Catholics, and who are Irish by birth, who are the wife of a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, or the mother of a junior member to join. For details, contact Bernadette Brady at 704-210-8060.

— Charlotte Athletes for Christ Youth Ministry: 7-8:30 p.m. Meets the first and third Wednesday of the month. The ministry provides an evening of fun, athletic activities, a great meal, and featured speakers who address faith and athletics. For details, contact Tim Flynn at 704-948-0231.

LENOIR St. Francis of Assisi Church, 328 B Woodsway Lane — The Rosary, led by Father Gabriel Meehan, is prayed every Monday evening at 7 p.m., in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel. All are welcome.

MURPHY ST. WILLIAM CHURCH, 765 ANDREWS Road — Grief Support Group: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays in the conference room. “Embracing Your Grief” should be helpful for those mourning the recent loss of a loved one.

WAYNESVILLE St. John the Evangelist Church, 234 Church St. — Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course: 1- 5 p.m. Saturday, July 12. 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.

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.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

June 27, 2014 Volume 23 • Number 18

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

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

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

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

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

ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information,

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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June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI 5A

Pennybyrn marks 20 years of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Kathy Roach Correspondent

HIGH POINT — The feast of Corpus Christi was made more special this year at Pennybyrn at Maryfield. The feast day marked the 20th anniversary of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at the retirement community’s Maryfield Chapel.

Father Fidel C. Melo, vicar of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Charlotte, celebrated Mass in the chapel, which was filled to capacity with local Catholics and Pennybyrn residents. Assisting at Mass was Deacon David King of High Point.

After Mass, Knights of Columbus and children from Our Lady of Grace and Immaculate Heart of Mary parishes helped lead a Eucharistic procession around the chapel’s rose garden, with Father Melo bearing the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.

After Benediction, everyone gathered in Norcross Square for a reception. The four volunteer coordinators of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel – Edna Day, Betty Doyle, Edna Corrigan and Louise Kemp – were on hand to answer questions and provide information to prospective volunteers.

Also in attendance was Anne Carr, one of the original volunteer coordinators at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Carr said the idea started with her friend Kelly Kellenbarger.

They first met each other at Our Lady of the Highways Church in Thomasville, which had

Eucharistic Adoration but not every hour of every day. Kellenbarger, Carr and three other people wanted to start participating in Perpetual Adoration, but they did not know of a suitable place where Perpetual Adoration could be held.

They asked Sister Lucy Hennessy, SMG, chairman of the board of nearby Pennybyrn at Maryfield, who agreed to establish Adoration in the retirement community’s Maryfield Chapel. The Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God opened Pennybyrn at Maryfield 67 years ago, and the community has grown into an extensive continuing care retirement home for people of all faiths. The Maryfield Chapel, and its longstanding offering of Perpetual Adoration, have become hallmarks of the sisters’ commitment to serving the people of God in the Triad area.

The Perpetual Adoration Chapel addition was built in 1996. According to Carr, Kellenbarger did not like to take credit for starting the Adoration Chapel, instead pointing out, “I didn’t start it, God did.”

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, we rejoice that in our chapel there is continuous prayer to the Lord day and night. This special celebration of our anniversary is one of many that reminds us that Christ is truly the center of our community,” Sister Hennessy said. “The constant flow of traffic to and from our chapel demonstrates that more and more people have been drawn to visit the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and that Perpetual Adoration has drawn people to a greater prayer life.”

Photos by Kathy Roach | Catholic News Herald

Father Fidel C. Melo carries the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament to lead a Eucharistic procession on the grounds of Pennybyrn at Maryfield June 22.

Local children who recently received their first Holy Communion dropped rose petals along the procession route.

Show your love for our faithful servants The people of the Diocese of Charlotte have long been noted for our loyal support of the priests who have baptized and taught our children, preached the Gospel, officiated our weddings, celebrated the Eucharist, comforted us in our sufferings and heard our confessions.

Through this campaign we, the parishioners they are happy to shepherd, will have the opportunity to return the favor for their faithful service, as well as help to ensure the future of our faith by educating future seminarians.

To meet the anticipated needs of our retired priests and our seminarians, Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love will allocate $10 million to the Priest Retirement Trust Fund and $3 million to the Vocations and Seminarian Support Endowment.

Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love will provide a solid basis for responding to the immediate needs of your parish and key diocesan ministries that either directly or indirectly benefit parishes. Funds raised will help respond to the extraordinary growth experienced throughout our diocese, and address much-needed endowment security to prepare for the future, such as support for our retired and future clergy.

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

Learn more about the campaign:

www.forwardfaithhopelove.org

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 OUR PARISHES

Photos provided by John Kenny

A joyful day for the Missionaries of the Poor MONROE — The Missionaries of the Poor celebrated two special occasions June 14: Brother Pius Muendo Muli made his perpetual profession of vows, and the order welcomed M.O.P. founder Father Richard Ho Lung and visitors to the blessing and dedication of its new location, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery on Griffith Road. Bishop Peter Jugis and Father Ho Lung concelebrated the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, in which Brother Pius took his final vows before Brother Augusto Silot, the new superior general of the order.

The Missionaries of the Poor are known as a community of men – religious brothers and priests – who live in community, share all things in common, follow a common spirituality and charism with a ministry of service to the least in society. They are known for serving the poorest of the poor, especially the destitute homeless, around the world. The community of more than 550 men religious in 13 countries is based in Kingston, Jamaica, and the Monroe monastery is its only location in the U.S. To see more photos from the occasion, go online to www.catholicnewsherald.com.

Photo provided by Kathleen Durkin

Celebrating World Refugee Day

RICO DE SILVA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Quo Vadis Days II at Belmont Abbey College BELMONT — Father John Putnam, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, speaks to a young man during “Quo Vadis Days II” at the Belmont Abbey College cafeteria. During Quo Vadis Days II, about 60 Catholic men aged 15-25 had an opportunity to learn more about the priesthood, deepen their faith, and help discern God’s call in their lives. The event was held at Belmont Abbey College from June 23 to 27. For more information and pictures, check out the Quo Vadis Days’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/QuoVadisDays.

CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte and community partners celebrated with local refugees at World Refugee Day in Charlotte June 22 at Freedom Park. The theme this year was “New Neighbors, New Friends.”

The free celebration featured cultural music, singing and traditional dancing. Refugees presented customs and shared heritage traditions from their home countries at cultural information booths. Pictured are Montagnard dancers, who came to the U.S. from the central highlands of Vietnam. North Carolina is home to 10,000 Montagnard people, the most of any community outside of Vietnam, and many of these refugees are welcomed and assisted here in the Diocese of Charlotte by Catholic Charities. (Learn more on their website at www.ccdoc.org.)

Anticipating the U.N.’s World Refugee Day June 20, Pope Francis offered prayers for the millions of people in the world forced to flee their homelands, and he asked Catholics to reach out to them with assistance and a real welcome. “Remember, Jesus was a refugee; he and Mary and Joseph had to go to Egypt to save his life,” the pope said June 18 at the end of his weekly general audience. “Pray to Mary who knows the pain of being a refugee.”

Addressing Mary as “mother of refugees,” Pope Francis led an estimated 30,000 people in praying the Hail Mary for all those “forced to leave their homelands to flee conflicts and persecution. Millions of families – millions – of every religious faith” have sought refuge in many countries around the world, the pope said. Even when they reach a safe place, they live with the members of “dramas and wounds that cannot be healed easily. Let us be close to them, sharing their fears and their uncertainty about the future and concretely alleviating their suffering,” he said.

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI 7A

Catholic Media Conference 2014 Highlights from CMC14 Catholic media urged to bring fresh energy, compassion to their work

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, addresses journalists at the annual Catholic Media Conference June 18. During the conference’s opening banquet, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz urged the Catholic media professionals to “put on Christ!”

CHARLOTTE — Pope Francis’ dream for the Church is to not only be a teacher but also a mother “caressing her children with compassion,” the president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications told members of the Catholic media. “The Church is not only an institution but a Church that is able to go around and walk with humanity, with the men and women of today,” said Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli said in a June 19 talk.

Pope Francis feels the greatest challenge for the Church today is “to become mother,” he said, and the other challenge is to figure out “how to express in our media the maternity of the Church. We can be very much correct and faithful to doctrine, but people face so much difficulty to stay in this Church. The doors must be open for all to enter regardless of their standing in life,” the archbishop said, and like any mother, the Church might not always like her children’s behavior but she still loves them.

Bishop Guglielmone: ‘Task of leading others to Truth is certainly ours’ CHARLOTTE — Delivering the homily at Mass at St. Peter Church June 19, Bishop Robert Guglielmone of Charleston, S.C., reminded Catholic journalists of their responsibility to go beyond simple tweets or texts in their evangelizing efforts and strive for a greater exchange of information with others.

“I think it’s great that social media is providing the opportunity to do precisely that,” he said, but often the information exchange is superficial and lacks context.

“With all of those little bits of information that seem to be permeating all over in terms of tweets and text messages,” he said, “without the greater explanation or the in-depth analysis there is a real possibility of not getting the whole picture, or in many cases, getting the wrong picture.”

“As people who want to spread the Gospel,” he said, “we can never be satisfied with insufficient explanations and superficial understandings of what our faith is all about.

“Jesus, I think, made this very clear with His disciples when He told them there is so much more… There is just so much more.

And the Spirit, that Spirit will lead you to all Truth. And it’s our obligation, our responsibility, to cooperate with that Spirit, for that task of leading to Truth is certainly ours.”

Pro-life lawyer: HHS mandate not part of ‘real women’s agenda’ CHARLOTTE — Based on her own research and interviews with women, including many post-abortive women, Helen Alvaré said women today have a host of concerns that need attention from government and society and getting free contraceptives is not among them.

“Women do not think free contraceptives will make their lives free and happy,” Alvaré told Catholic media members in a keynote address June 20. “What they really care about” is addressing poverty, which affects more women than men, having paid leave so they can take better care of their children, earning a living wage and getting help with aging parents’ needs, she said. The focus on the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate “has sucked the oxygen out of the room,” leaving little chance to discuss other important issues, she said.

Alvaré, a professor at George Mason University School of Law in Virginia and consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Laity, spearheads a movement called Women Speak for Themselves to defend religious freedom and promote “a real women’s agenda.”

— Catholic News Herald and Catholic News Service

CNS | Jim Stipe, courtesy Catholic Relief Services

Media urged to stay focused on God, be friends of Jesus and one another Julie Asher and Patricia L. Guilfoyle Catholic News Service, Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — Stay focused on God and be friends of Jesus and one another, Catholic communicators were told June 18 in Charlotte.

“May everything we do spring from the love of God,” Charlotte Bishop Peter J. Jugis said in his homily at St. Patrick Cathedral for the opening Mass of the 2014 Catholic Media Conference.

He welcomed the 200-plus reporters, editors, communication directors and others serving in Catholic media across the U.S. and Canada to the Diocese of Charlotte, along with Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz More online of Louisville, At www.catholicnewsherald.

Ky., president com: Read full coverage, see more of the U.S. photos and video highlights from Conference the Catholic Media Conference in of Catholic Charlotte, including more from the Bishops, and keynote speakers.

Archbishop Claudio M. Celli, president of the Pontifical Council of Social Communications.

At the conference’s opening keynote address, Archbishop Kurtz continued Bishop Jugis’ point, urging members of the Catholic media to “put on Christ!”

“We are not neutral on Christ and on the Church; we are Catholics who look for the truth and embrace it,” he said.

“We are in communion with Christ and the Church and we call others to join us. You who are the ambassadors of the good news of Jesus Christ are also those who reflect well how that good news is being heard.”

Bishop Jugis preached on the Gospel reading of the day from Chapter 6 of Matthew, in which Jesus says, “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. ... When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”

The same Gospel passage was read on Ash Wednesday, marking the start of the Lenten season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, Bishop Jugis noted. But Jesus’ words to

pray, fast and give alms privately should have meaning beyond Lent, he said, because Catholics should participate in these penitential practices throughout the year.

The faithful must be aligned to God at all times, he said, and live “in a state of constant conversion.”

Followers of Christ should take to heart His words to seek first “the pure love of God,” otherwise all their actions are “self-referential,” Bishop Jugis said. “Being self-referential, we can expect no recompense from our Father.”

In his address, Archbishop Kurtz said the people of God have placed “a sacred trust” in the Catholic media.

“People pay attention to what you say. They are listening.

They trust you to promote Christ and His Church and to advance the teachings of the Church accurately.”

Catholic media should resist what has been seen as the traditional journalistic stance of “pure neutrality,” he said, in favor of “belonging to Christ.” Archbishop Kurtz said Pope Francis conveyed this theme in his message for this year’s World Communications Day June 1.

The pope’s advice was twofold, he said, telling communicators that “as the world grows smaller and smaller, don’t let your heart shrink, and as the digital frontier picks up speed and gets more hectic, bring a sense of serenity and calm.”

The trust of Catholics is precious, Archbishop Kurtz said. Catholic media fulfill that trust when they report the news and provide commentaries with accuracy, transparency and “always with love for the ways of Christ and the teachings of the Church,” he said.

“We cannot afford to sugarcoat the truth, but even bad news needs to be reported with love – as one in communion,” he added.

He said he believes the Catholic media as evangelizers will be called on in the years ahead to influence the digital frontier to move from “diatribe to dialogue.”

“Sadly, digital discourse” is often “full of diatribe,” he said, because people can offer their opinions in anonymity.

The Catholic media must promote dialogue to build the faith up, not tear it down, he said.

The annual gathering of members of the Catholic Press Association of the U.S. and Canada and the Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, hosted by the Diocese of Charlotte and its news outlet, the Catholic News Herald, drew more than 200 reporters, editors, communication directors and others serving in Catholic media across the U.S. and Canada.

8A

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 OUR PARISHES

LAY MINISTRY: A baptismal call

(Left) Mary Ann Davis receives her certificate of completion for the Lay Ministry program from Monsignor Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, during Mass June 22 at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory.

(Below) Father Deacon Matthew Hanes leads a Lay Ministry class on the campus of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

Photos by Patricia L. Guilfoyle and David Hains | Catholic News Herald

New Lay Ministry grads encouraged:

Live out the Gospel every day, with everyone ‘We must express what we believe, and in Whom we believe, in the way we live. Faithfulness to Christ demands nothing less.’

Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

HICKORY — Two years of study, prayer and fellowship came to an end June 22 for participants in the 2012-2014 Lay Ministry class for the Diocese of Charlotte. It was a bittersweet moment for the 56 graduates as they received their certificates of completion during Mass at the Catholic Conference Center. The Mass and celebration of commitment was the traditional conclusion for the program, but it marked the beginning for everyone as they seek to find new and meaningful ways to serve the Church.

The diocesan Lay Ministry Formation Program springs from Vatican II’s vision on the importance of the role of the laity. In 2006, The U.S. Bishops in their document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, put it succinctly when they wrote: “God calls. We respond.” Begun more than 20 years ago, the program enables adults to learn more about their faith and to

Learn more about your faith through the Lay Ministry program Interested in learning more about the faith, becoming a catechist or religion teacher, or discerning the possibility of becoming a permanent deacon? The diocesan Lay Ministry Office offers a two-year program with classes in Arden, Bryson City, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir. The next two-year program begins this fall.

For details, contact Dr. Frank Villaronga at 704-370-3274 or favillaronga@charlottediocese.org.

actively participate in the Church’s mission, said its director, Frank Villaronga. It encompasses four areas of formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral. It can provide a foundation for parish lay leadership roles or for the permanent diaconate, but it is meant for any Catholic adult who wants to answer Jesus’ call to serve His people, Villaronga noted.

“Our baptismal certificate is what empowers us,” he said, because it is by virtue of our baptism that we become part of Christ’s Body, the Church. “We should already be doing this.

The Lay Ministry program helps us to understand what our roles are, so we can do even more.”

LAY MINISTRY, SEE page 13A

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI 9A

LAY MINISTRY: A baptismal call Lay Ministry Program has a seat with your name on it Correspondent Annette Tenny

Maybe you’ve been a catechist for a while but now you’re hungering to learn even more. It’s a feeling that comes and goes, a desire that sweeps through you at certain moments. Maybe you feel called to the RCIA program – the idea of helping others who have been called to the faith you love brings a smile to your face and joy to your soul. But you’re unsure of yourself and how much you could help. Or perhaps you hear a quiet voice whispering in your mind during Mass, during private or family prayer, when you’re driving to work, fixing dinner, and afterward you find yourself saying, “I want to know more, I want to learn more, I want to do more.”

The Diocese of Charlotte has just what you are looking for: the Lay Ministry formation program.

Lay Ministry is two-year formation program designed for any Catholic adult, whether you want to go into formal ministry or you just want to learn more about your faith so you can participate more fully at your parish. The program’s only requirements are that you are a practicing Catholic and have a desire to deepen your response to God. It serves as a pre-requisite for the permanent diaconate and as a certificate level program for those interested in professional Lay Ministry, but more importantly, Lay Ministry is “designed to provide formation for the Lay Apostolate … interested in service to the Church and personal enrichment. The Program will assist laity in their life-long journey of faith formation by deepening their understanding and appreciation of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church,” its website states.

Several graduates of the 2012-2014 program, along with the program director, recently shared with the Catholic News Herald why they joined Lay Ministry and what they think about this formation program available to every adult in our diocese:

Patricia Williams Patricia Williams converted to the Catholic faith at 19, just before the RCIA program was developed. She said she had felt drawn to Christianity but was unsure of where she belonged. Her parents were Southern Baptists and her brother attended the Methodist church, but after watching TV news footage of the funeral Mass for Pope Paul VI she said she knew Catholicism was the right path for her.

Williams At the time she was quite young but kept the spark for Catholicism in her heart.

It wasn’t until she was in the ROTC program in college that she finally acted on her desire. One of her instructors was Catholic, so she spoke to him about her calling and he brought her to Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro for one-on-one catechesis with the pastor there. She’s been a member there ever since.

Throughout the years, she has sought ways to increase her knowledge of the faith and to serve the Church she loves. She was an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion for over 20 years, but she took a break from that service to care for her ailing mother. After she became ill herself and had a heart transplant, Patricia decided this was the time to discern what lay ahead for her, and the Lay

Ministry program seemed a great place to start.

CNH: How did you find out about the diocesan Lay Ministry program?

Williams: I found out about it in the Catholic News Herald. I emailed Frank (Villaronga, director of the Lay Ministry program) and it progressed from there.

CNH: What drew you to the program? Do you have any idea how you might use what you are learning in the future?

Williams: I have always wanted to do the class but things would come up in the past and I could not attend. I am still trying to discern what God has planned for me as far as ministry in the Church and in the world in general. A lot has changed for me in the past three or four years. I endured an illness that could have ended my life. I had a life-altering experience in receiving my new heart and had to care for my elderly mother who had dementia until her passing in 2012. It was a leap of faith for me.

CNH: Each of the participants agrees, at the outset of the program, to begin praying the Divine Office, or Liturgy of the Hours, daily. Has this been a challenge for you or has it been relatively easy to maintain?

Williams: At first the Liturgy of the Hours was a little overwhelming for me. I had a hard time understanding what to do until someone showed me how to say it. Now I love it! I find it very beautiful and moving. As I say the Hours I meditate on the Psalm passages and what the Lord is saying to me in them. It is very humbling to realize that I am praising God with the angels in heaven and I am interceding for the world at the feet of my Creator.

CNH: What would you like to share with a reader who might be considering the Lay Ministry program?

Williams: I would tell everyone to take this program. I have gained new appreciation for my faith and have grown in my faith because of this program. Our faith is rich in history and meaning and tradition. You truly don’t know how beautiful your Catholic faith is until you delve deeper into it and study it.

Sue Watson

Watson

Sue Watson is a cradle Catholic and a “product of 15 years of Catholic education.” After her retirement, Sue moved from California to Greensboro to be near family members. In Greensboro, she attends St. Paul the Apostle Church.

She has been involved with RCIA as a sponsor and team member for many years and last year joined the RCIA team at St. Paul’s.

CNH: What drew you to the program? Do you have any idea how you might use what you are learning in the future?

Watson: I thought it would be another way of meeting fellow Catholics since I was new to the parish. In addition, I liked the idea of learning more about my Catholic faith. In general, I look to its helping me become a better Catholic through a deeper understanding and appreciation of my faith. In particular, I look forward to its being helpful to the RCIA ministry in which I serve.

CNH: Each of the participants agrees, at the outset of the program, to begin praying the Divine Office, or Liturgy of the Hours, daily. Has this been a challenge for you or has it been relatively easy to maintain?

Watson: Praying the Hours has been a highlight of the Lay Ministry program for me. Most days I am able to pray both Morning and Evening Prayer (about 10-15 minutes each). It is inspiring and exciting to know that I am participating universally in the very same prayers as priests, nuns, monks, lay persons, even the pope on the very same day. Talk about the power of prayer and the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church! The only time I’ve prayed it with other people is in class. But I enjoy praying by myself and pray out loud.

‘You truly don’t know how beautiful your Catholic faith is until you delve deeper into it and study it.’

Patricia Williams, 2014 Lay Ministry graduate

CNH: What would you like to share with a reader who might be considering applying to the program?

Watson: I don’t see the Lay Ministry program as exclusively for preparation to become active in parish ministry. Many may not have the time for active involvement. Enroll for your own enrichment. Should you discern a calling to active ministry in the future, all the better!

Paul Sparrow

Sparrow discernment.

Paul Sparrow is a cradle Catholic, married for 32 years to his high school sweetheart. He and his wife have two children and attend St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. Paul was recently accepted into the permanent diaconate program. Becoming a deacon was something he’d felt called to for several years. Because the Lay Ministry program is one of the pre-requisites for the diaconate formation, he decided to enter the program and continue his

CNH: How did you find out about the diocesan Lay Ministry program?

Sparrow: A lot of fellow parishioners from St. Thomas have gone through the program. A lot of my buddies from different groups and ministries have gone through the program so information about it is pretty easy to come by at St. Thomas. I needed to learn my faith better for a million reasons, and I was also discerning the permanent diaconate.

It was just something I felt I had to do. I needed to be re-catechized or newly catechized. I wanted to be able to defend my faith and share it and do it well.

CNH: What would you like to share with a reader who might be considering applying to the program?

Sparrow: It does move along fairly quickly and the ratio between the knowledge gained versus the time investment is quite high. It does feel very good to be able to talk about my faith and the Church much more confidently. And the instructors are awesome – it’s a real blessing to learn from this group of instructors. The classes are interesting and the instructors very knowledgeable. It’s a gift to and for people, a blessing. There’s much more reward on our end than there is work. There’s no pressure – just come learn your faith. I’ve heard this phrase a lot lately: “You can’t give what you don’t have.” That really applies to what you get out of the Lay Ministry program.

Dennis Keeton Dennis Keeton is a facilitator and an instructor in the Lay Ministry program.

He is a retired Major in the Army Nurse Corps and a registered nurse anesthetist with Cone Health System in Greensboro.

Keeton was baptized in the Methodist Church but did not attend services regularly as a child until his older brother started dating a girl Keeton

LAY PROGRAM, SEE page 13A

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 10A OUR PARISHES

Celebrating the sacraments HENDERSONVILLE — At Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville last month, 151 children received the sacrament of first Holy Communion: 118 Latino youths and 33 Anglo youths received the sacrament during Mass on May 17 and May 24, respectively. Joining in both celebrations were Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin A. Schratz, pastor; and Capuchin Franciscan Father Robert Williams, Father Namdev Dagam and Father John Pagel.

Photos provided by Paul Vincent Photography

Amber Mellon | Catholic News Herald

BOONE — Twelve children at St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country in Boone recently received the sacrament of first Holy Communion from pastor, Father David Brzoska.

WINSTON-SALEM — St. Benedict the Moor Church members Ryanne McGovern and Elizabeth Knickrehm (right) received their first Holy Communion on April 27, and (at far right) a second Mass on May 3 was celebrated for youths in the local Latino community who received their first Holy Communion.

Photos provided by Annie Fournier

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI 11A

Celebrating the sacraments

Photo provided by Father Larry LoMonaco

WAYNESVILLE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis confirmed youth from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Waynesville and St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Maggie Valley during Mass at the Waynesville church May 14.

Annette Tenny | Catholic News Herald

KING — Children from St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King received the sacrament of first Holy Communion at Good Shepherd Mission May 4. Pictured are: (front row, from left) Stephanie Fernandez, Adreana Neal, Caitlin Essick, Edward Solorio, Pablo Ocampo, Javier Munoz and Giovanni Fletes; (second row, from left) Karla Orellana, Sonia Garcia, Deacon David Boissey, Father Anthony Forte (pastor), Parker Barron and Alan Ramirez; and (back row, from left) Joseph Lopez and James Latham.

Annette Tenny | Catholic News Herald

KING — Youths from St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King received the sacrament of confirmation from Bishop Peter J. Jugis during Mass June 4.

SWANNANOA — Six youths at St. Margaret Mary Church in Swannanoa were confirmed

by Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari during Mass June 6, and on June 8, 27 more children of the parish received their first Holy Communion during Mass celebrated by Father Matthew Leonard, pastor.

Photos provided by Claudia G. Graham

Photo provided by Anastasia Walter

CHARLOTTE — Second-graders at St. Patrick School in Charlotte recently celebrated their first Holy Communion. They are pictured with Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor of the cathedral parish, and Father Lucas Rossi, parochial vicar.

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 12A OUR PARISHES

Fr. Joseph Koterski, S.J. to Visit Diocese of Charlotte July 7 - 11, 2014 Catholic Charities is pleased to host Fr. Joseph Koterski, S.J., Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Two begin seminary studies CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte announces two new seminarians have joined the formation program and will begin their studies towards the priesthood this fall at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.

Jacob A. Mlakar of Waxhaw is a member of St. Matthew Church, and Jonathan D. Torres of Huntersville is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

They bring the total number of seminarians for the diocese to 17.

Fr. Joseph Koterski, S.J., is a member of the Philosophy Department at Fordham University. He regularly teaches courses on natural law ethics and on medieval philosophy.

He also teaches at St. Joseph’s Seminary in New York.

At Fordham University, Fr. Koterski has received the “Undergraduate Teaching Award” and “Graduate Teacher of the Year Award.” He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Belmont Abbey College, the Advisory Board of the “Cardinal Newman Society,” and the Board of Directors of University Faculty for Life. He holds a Ph.D. from St. Louis University and a M.Div. and a S.T.L. from the Weston School of Theology in Boston.

Presentation Topic: St. Ignatius Loyola, the Society of Jesus and Ignatian Spirituality Tuesday, July 8 – St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Greensboro (Parish Life Center) Doors open: 6:30 p.m., Program: 7:00 p.m – 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 10 – Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Belmont (Curtin Hall) Doors open: 9:45 a.m., Program: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, July 10 – St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Franklin (Family Life Center) Doors open: 6:00 p.m., Program: 6:30 p.m – 8:00 p.m.

Friday, July 11 – Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, Charlotte (Room I-89) Doors open: 11:45 a.m., Program: 12:00 p.m – 2:00 p.m. (lunch provided for those who register in advance) The events are free, but registration is requested by July 7.

Call 704-370-3228 or email jtpurello@charlottediocese.org for further information.

Scouts honor vets’ graves

Celebrating Corpus Christi in the mountains

SPENCER MOUNTAIN — The Boy Scouts of Troop 61 and the Girl Scouts of Troops 1903 and 2202, along with members of St. Helen Mission in Spencer Mountain, recently worked hard to clean and place flags on the graves of veterans buried in the parish’s cemetery in honor of Memorial Day. — Andrew Luksa

SYLVA — Parishioners of St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi June 22 with a Eucharistic procession around the small mountain church on what was a beautiful sunny day. The procession was led by Father Joshua Voitus, pastor. Cantor Matthew Newsome provided sacred music to lift everyone up in prayer.

— Vicki Dorsey, correspondent

Organ recital planned CHARLOTTE — Dr. Gianfraco DeLuca, the sacred music director at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, and his wife Mara DeLuca will give an organ recital Sunday, June 29, at the cathedral.

The free public performance, which begins at 7 p.m., is part of the Charlotte chapter of the American Guild of Organists’ Summer Recital Series 2014.

For more information, go to www. charlotteago.org or contact Summer Recital Series Coordinator Jane Cain at jcain@dcpc.org.

Fr. Koterski, S.J. is also leading two CCDOC Elder Ministry Days of Reflection on the topic Pope Francis: Reflections on the Man and the Message.

Honoring the fallen on Memorial Day BREVARD — In honor of Memorial Day, Bernie Riewerts of the Jack Driscoll Council of the Knights of Columbus of Sacred Heart Parish and Marine Colonel Blackenship placed a wreath from the council at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Transylvania County Courthouse in Brevard.

Monday, July 7 – St. Dorothy Catholic Church, Lincolnton Morning Mass: 8:00 a.m., Program: 9:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, July 8 – St. Pius the Tenth Catholic Church, Greensboro Check-In: 10:30 a.m., Program – 11:00 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. ($5 cost, includes lunch)

Visit ccdoc.org for more information or contact Sandra Breakfield, 704-370-3220/sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org.

reflection blended the best of spiritual direction with the rhythm of daily prayer into a deep understanding of Scripture and the Eucharist.

Retreatants were fed with wisdom thoughts such as: “What you believe is how you should live your life,” “Knowledge is broadening, wisdom is deepening,” “God’s desire is to be close enough to attract us, but not so close as to force us,” “Jesus stayed in the poverty He was born into,” and “People are changed by an encounter not theology.”

Father Gillick is sight challenged but is widely read through Braille.

— Dorice Narins, correspondent

All invited to Fatima processions Renowned Jesuit leads silent retreat in Maggie Valley MAGGIE VALLEY — Jesuit Father Larry Gillick, director of the Deglman Spirituality Center at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., recently led a silent retreat, “They Knew Him in the Breaking of the Bread” at Living Waters Reflection Center in Maggie Valley. His

CHARLOTTE — Parishioners and friends of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish have begun their monthly processions in honor of Our Lady of Fatima, and all are welcome to attend. The processions are held on the 13th of each month from May to October, with the next one set for July 13. It will start at 7:30 p.m. Participants will pray the Rosary, offer intercessory prayer and walk in a candlelit procession around the St. Thomas Aquinas Church campus in honor and remembrance of the appearances of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917.

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com

LAY PROGRAM: FROM PAGE 9A

(who later became his wife), and they began attending with her family. The denomination was Evangelical United Brethren, which eventually joined with the Methodist Church to form the United Methodist Church. He was confirmed in the United Methodist Church at age 16.

He came to Catholicism while he was an undergraduate at the University of Iowa, where he dated a Catholic girl and converted through the help of the RCIA program at the Newman Center there.

While the relationship with that girl didn’t last, his Catholic faith has remained his strength for the past 40 years.

CNH: I believe you said you are a graduate of this program? How did you find out about the diocesan Lay Ministry Program?

Keeton: My wife and I graduated from the Lay Ministry program in May of 2008. The program is a prerequisite for the aspirancy for the permanent diaconate. I sought out information about the diaconate from my parish when I moved to Greensboro.

I was very active in military parish life while in the Army. My wife and I had been extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, altar server trainers and liturgists while serving around the world. While deployed to Zagreb, Croatia, in support of United Nations forces, I performed as an unofficial Catholic chaplain’s assistant in addition to my usual field hospital duties. I was counseled by several of our Catholic chaplains to seriously consider the permanent diaconate.

CNH: What drew you to become a facilitator and instructor within the program?

Keeton: The former Greensboro facilitator informed Frank (Villaronga, director of the Lay Ministry program) that he needed a break. He had served as facilitator for many years. I had enjoyed all of the classes, had the time and decided to help Frank out. Over time Frank has allowed me to teach the Church History portion.

CNH: How do you continue to develop your own formation?

Keeton: Staying active in Church life, continuing to study, staying aware of current events, keeping open to those opportunities to share the Good News with others.

CNH: What would you like to share with a reader who might be considering applying to the program?

Keeton: The program is much more than a prerequisite for the diaconate. The classes give you a stronger foundation in our faith.

It is a foundation for any ministry, whether that venue is family, work or that random act of kindness to a stranger.

Frank Villaronga, director of the Lay Ministry Program Frank Villaronga moved to Charlotte from Miami 12 years ago to take the position of Director for Evangelization and Adult Education. Previously he had worked in the business world but felt that he was being called to work in ministry in some fashion.

He entered seminary and completed five years but eventually discerned that while his call was still strong and vibrant, it was for the Lay vocation.

He worked for 10 years in several positions for the archdiocese, including young adult

ministry, the chancery and vicar general’s office, and the office for lay ministry.

As director of Evangelization and Adult Education he directs and coordinates the Lay Ministry program, and he assists people who are looking for long-distance education. He counsels and gives guidance to parishes with their evangelization programs. Teaching and education as it relates to evangelization and lay ministry have always been his great joys – all of which came together in the position he eventually accepted in the Charlotte diocese.

‘It is a foundation for any ministry, whether that venue is family, work or that random act of kindness to a stranger.’

Dennis Keeton

Lay Ministry class facilitator and instructor

CNH: You’ve been doing this in Charlotte now for 11 years. Has the makeup of the class changed over the years?

Villaronga: It has always been a mix of people, I think every year brings its surprises. What I’ve always found fascinating is when the classes gel, the class itself forms its own identity, its own personality. Numbers and demographics fluctuate. Some years we have more than others. We have five sites (where classes are held); when I first started we only had three. What I like about the program is that it’s not just the theology, but we’re able to have the theology of the program resonate with the experience of the people.

The information offered in each class is the same, yet the way that it’s presented and the way that it’s filtered and processed really does change depending on the makeup of the people and the region.

CNH: How do you keep developing your own formation?

Villaronga: Time is always the issue.

One of the things that has been good for me is my involvement with the National Association for Lay Ministry. I served on the board until this past May. Discussing, networking, that’s how I keep informed. We have a conference each year, a formation directors’ institute that I attend annually.

This helps me become aware of books and programs out there. Becoming aware of developing issues and how the Church responds to them are important – to be aware of the reality of the Church and what it’s dealing with.

CNH: Is there anything you’d like to share with people about the Lay Ministry program?

Villaronga: When people ask me about the program and what the purpose is, I tell them it is a formation program for lay people that gives them the background to better respond to their baptismal calling of participating in the mission of the Church – which is the mission of Christ.

People find out about the program in their parish bulletins or in the Catholic News Herald. They see it at the right time for them. Many times people start the program and they tell me they hear and see things in a new way – they hear Jesus’ call in a new way for them. Maybe that means more involvement in their parish, but in a new way. Everyone learns, though, it doesn’t end with education. There’s something more and they want to be involved with that “something more.”

LAY MINISTRY: FROM PAGE 8A

The feast of Corpus Christi was a fitting time to reflect on what we are all called to do as members of the Church, Monsignor Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, told the Lay Ministry graduates in his homily at Mass June 22.

Modern living can be relentless in its pace and can make us self-centered and forgetful of others, he said. “In many ways we are very content with separation and isolation,” but “Almighty God has a different idea – a very different idea – of how we are to live, about how we are to use our freedom and independence.” We must “use all that Almighty God gives us to bless the lives of our brothers and sisters, so that no one is ever outside the circle of God’s love – no matter who, no matter what,” he said.

In Jesus Christ, we find the perfect way to live and to love, he said.

“Jesus shows us the love of God for all of humanity. But more importantly, rather than only telling us about God’s love, Jesus becomes the perfect expression of that love, as He allows His Body to be broken in service and His Blood to be poured out in sacrifice. In laying down His life for us, Jesus reveals the authentic love of God for every one of us, flawed and unworthy as we may be.

“This is the Good News of the Gospel.”

The Eucharist gives us strength to respond more deeply to our baptismal call, he said. “The Body and Blood of the Lord is given to us so that we are able to do the work of the Gospel when it is convenient and when it is inconvenient. Because we

OUR PARISHESI 13A

ourselves are fed so generously with the Body and Blood of Christ, we must then use who we are and what we have to respond to our brothers and sisters who are lost, who search for reasons to have hope, who ask from where will help come. If not in the Christian community, where will the hungers of the needy and vulnerable be provided for? If not in the Church, for whom Christ gave His life, where can the hopes and needs of our brothers and sisters be brought and voiced? If not by you and me – people who bear the name of Christ – who will respond to the daily challenge of the Gospel to provide food for the hungry, rest for the weary, support for the oppressed, kind words for the broken, welcome for the marginalized?

“What Jesus did, we are asked to do. What Jesus began, we are asked to continue.”

He acknowledged, “Without question, the demands of the Gospel are often very difficult... We get all twisted up and turned around ... because we are concerned only about ourselves, our personal freedoms, our individual contentment.”

But, Jesus emphasized, “It cannot be that way with you.”

“We must find better ways to live, ways that really reflect who we are and what we truly believe. Jesus Christ – God’s love made flesh – binds us as brothers and sisters to each other through the grace of the Holy Spirit. We must express what we believe, and in Whom we believe, in the way we live. Faithfulness to Christ demands nothing less.”

After Mass, Villaronga congratulated the graduates and encouraged them. “I’d like to thank you for taking the challenge of the program. You heard the call,” he said. “I hope that you continue to listen to that call.”

Live Your Faith Be affirmed in your present ministry.

Upgrade your certification as a catechist and religion teacher.

Fulfill the prerequisite for the Permanent Diaconate.

Grow in your faith.

The Diocesan Office of Lay Ministry offers a two-year program designed to help you understand more fully your baptismal call to minister to your family, to others in the Church, and to those in your daily life.

Sites include Arden, Bryson City, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2014-2016 program.

For more information:

Dr. Frank Villaronga Director, Evangelization and Adult Education Office

F O R M AT I O N P R O G R A M

704-370-3274 favillaronga@charlottediocese.org

Our schools

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 14A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Telford named interim principal at Charlotte Catholic CHARLOTTE — Kurt Telford has been hired as the interim principal of Charlotte Catholic High School, Diocese of Charlotte school leaders announced June 17.

Telford will serve as principal for the 20142015 school year while diocesan school leaders conduct a nationwide search for a permanent principal for the diocese’s Telford largest high school.

Longtime principal Jerry Healy resigned May 20 after an independent audit of school finances uncovered unspecified “questionable

disbursements.”

Telford has served as principal of Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro for the past two years.

“Having served at OLG for the past two years, he is very familiar with the Diocese of Charlotte and has established a fine working relationship with his fellow diocesan principals,” said Dr. Janice Ritter, diocesan schools superintendent, in a letter to faculty, students and parents.

Before coming to the diocesan schools system, Telford worked in public schools, including serving as principal at West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, which has about 2,000 students and 110 teachers.

Telford was named the Winston-SalemForsyth County Principal of the Year for

2010-2011.

“During his tenure,” Ritter’s letter noted, “the school posted impressive academic achievement.”

Before serving as principal of West Forsyth High, Telford served as principal of East Forsyth High School, which has about 1,500 students and 105 teachers. He was also principal of Northwest Middle School, and he was an adjunct instructor in educational leadership and school finance at Western Carolina University.

He has extensive experience in overseeing high school athletics programs, and he has coached football, swimming and track.

Telford has a Bachelor of Science in education with a concentration in social

Keane named new principal at Christ the King High School HUNTERSVILLE — The Diocese of Charlotte school system has hired a new principal for Christ the King High School in Huntersville.

Brendan Keane is taking over the diocese’s newest high school after the departure last spring of the school’s founding principal, Dr. Dan Dolan, who accepted a position outside the diocese.

The diocese’s assistant superintendent of education, Kathleen Miller, had been serving as interim principal.

Keane has worked as a history teacher at Charlotte Catholic High School for 10 years, and before that, he taught for three years at East Mecklenburg High School. A parishioner of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, Keane is a graduate

Director of Faith Formation

Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish Hendersonville, North Carolina Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish is accepting applications for a full time Director of Faith Formation responsible for the parish catechetical program (Hispanic and English), preschool through grade 8, sacrament preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation, and adult enrichment programs; administers Faith Formation budget; collaborates with Youth Minister and parish staff; reports to the pastor. This position involves evening and weekend work.

Requirements include: Candidate must be a practicing Catholic; have current participation in diocesan Safe Environment training or equivalent; BA in Theology/Religious Education or a related educational field and/or certificate in Ministry or Theology from a Catholic institution of higher learning; experience in coordinating parish Faith Formation program; competent in written and verbal communication; have strong organizational and leadership skills. Fluency in Spanish is desirable.

Please submit application (available on the Charlotte Diocese web site, Human Resources Dept., personnel forms), and resume by July 15, 2014 to: Fr. Martin Schratz, OFM Cap., Pastor Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish 208 – 7th Avenue West Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791 icccwnc@bellsouth.net

of the diocesan school system. He has a Bachelor of Science in education with a concentration in history from Appalachian State University and a Master of Arts in educational administration from the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to join the growing community at Christ the King,” Keane said.

“I am looking forward to meeting the students, parents and faculty of the school and evaluating the opportunities and challenges that exist for Christ the King as well as working with them to build a shared vision for the school going forward.”

Keane Keane said he is also thankful for the chance to put his education and experiences to work for the Diocese of Charlotte in a new way in a new place.

“Although I am a proud graduate and longtime member of the community at Charlotte Catholic High School, I believe it will be invigorating to spread my wings a bit and can’t wait to go to work with the good people at Christ the King,” he said.

Keane was hired after a national search process by a committee of school and other diocesan faculty, parents and clergy.

In a June 16 letter to the school’s faculty, students and parents, Dr. Janice Ritter, diocesan superintendent of schools, wrote, “After a thorough review of resumes and interviews with selected candidates, we are pleased that the final choice of the committee is a product of our school system and committed to Catholic education. He is most enthusiastic about continuing the excellent education and programs established at CTK and growing the student population.”

Christ the King High School has about 100 students, making it the smallest of the diocese’s three high schools. It opened in a temporary location in Mooresville in 2011 and moved to its current 100-acre location just outside Huntersville last August to serve the growing Catholic population north of Charlotte. The school will graduate its first senior class in 2015.

— Catholic News Herald

studies from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in social studies from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and a certificate in educational administration from North Carolina A&T in Greensboro.

He is a member of Holy Family Parish in Clemmons and himself a product of Catholic schools.

Charlotte Catholic, founded in 1955, is the largest of the three high schools in the diocesan system of 19 schools.

“I know Mr. Telford will bring the skills and caring necessary to lead the Charlotte Catholic Community in a positive direction,” Ritter said in her letter.

— Catholic News Herald

IRS restores CCHS Foundation’s non-profit status Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — A non-profit foundation that supports Charlotte Catholic High School has regained its non-profit tax status, it has reported.

The Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation, a private, independent fundraising group, had lost its 501(c)(3) status last year after failing to report its finances to the Internal Revenue Service in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Because it is a separate group, the foundation’s tax status had no impact on the charitable status of the Diocese of Charlotte’s parishes, schools or foundations.

The IRS notice led the foundation to investigate its internal financial practices, a review which it said found “a significant number of irregular and unauthorized transactions” by Charlotte Catholic’s former principal Jerry Healy and another former school employee who also worked with the foundation, according to a June 17 letter to donors.

The foundation reported to the IRS that the amount lost, misappropriated or unauthorized totaled more than $88,000.

Healy resigned in May following a separate, independent audit ordered by the diocese that uncovered unspecified “questionable disbursements” from accounts belonging to the school.

The investigation of the foundation’s finances and its tax status have no impact on the school’s education program or tuition accounts, said David Hains, diocesan director of communication.

The reinstatement of the foundation’s non-profit tax status is retroactive to November 2011, a June 9 letter to the foundation from the IRS stated.

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

15A

For the past 18 years it has been my pleasure to help the employees of the Diocese of Charlotte plan for a secure retirement.

I would also like to be your trusted financial advisor.

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Prices are ALL-INCLUSIVE w/Airfare from anywhere in the continental USA

Journey to the Holy Land with Fr. Hanic, Oct. 20-30 ~ $3,999 Photos provided by Susan Paulz

The cast of “Fools,” Christ the King High School’s first dramatic production is shown in costume.

Christ the King students enjoy the limelight with ‘Fools’ Gretchen Filz Correspondent

HUNTERSVILLE — Students at Christ the King High School in Huntersville had a taste of what life would be like as professional actors with their recent rendition of “Fools,” a 1980s Broadway comedy set in 19th century Ukraine, written and directed by award-winning American playwright Neil Simon. It was the first production of its kind for the new high school.

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors all auditioned for the play under the direction of the school’s theater teacher, Michael S. Harris. The 10 students who made the final cut met daily after school for hours on end, for eight straight weeks, to learn and rehearse their parts. Five more students worked behind the scenes, and parents also supported the production. Harris dubbed the high school’s first theater group “The CTK Playmakers.”

The CTK Playmakers performed their flagship play at the Armour Street Theatre, an intimate 1,000-seat theater in Historic Downtown Davidson April 11-12, and were a huge hit.

Susan Pautz, whose daughter played the lead character, lauded the students’ hard work which paid off in the quality of the performance.

“I cannot tell you how good these kids were,” Pautz said. “We were blown away.

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32nd Summer Bible Institute Nobody expected the outcome.”

The CTK Playmakers couldn’t have done it without their theater teacher. According to Pautz, Harris transformed the students into the most hilarious characters.

“He treated those kids like they were professional actors,” she said. “He was very tough with them. I was surprised by his level of professionalism.”

Thanks to the dedication of the students and the skill of their teacher, the play was a success. “The way these kids portrayed these roles, the way they acted – they carried it off brilliantly,” Pautz said.

The CTK Playmakers hope to make their performances an annual event each spring.

Invest in your success!

Advertise in the Catholic News Herald Kevin Eagan, Advertising Manager 704-370-3332 keeagan@charlottediocese.org

The Summer Bible Institute is an annual opportunity to come together to study and reflect on the scriptures.

Sunday, July 13 – Friday, July 18, 2014 Old Testament (Evenings) Sr. Carol Dempsey, O.P., Ph.D. - Portland University Grappling with the Prophetic Tradition in the 21st century and our call as Church to be friends and prophets of God. What does it mean to be a “friend of God and prophet”?

New Testament (Mornings) Br. Elliot Maloney, OSB - St. Vincent College Latrobe, PA St. Paul, master of the spiritual life “in Christ”. During this week we will look at the spiritual life “in Christ” as seen in the writings and personal journey of the great apostle. $175 Tuition for both courses $90 Tuition for a single course $250 Room & Board ($260 after July, 1, 2014)

catholicnewsherald.com

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 16A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

out of 300,000 entries. Petrangeli was first chosen to have the best handwriting among all applicants in North Carolina. Then she went on to earn a spot as one of 18 national grade-level semi-finalists before winning the top honor.

Petrangeli received a check for $1,000 and an engraved trophy. Mollie Farrington, Petrangeli’s fifth-grade teacher, also received an allexpenses paid trip to the International Reading Association’s annual conference in New Orleans.

The school also received educational materials from Zaner-Bloser.

Sixth-grader Brian Yeo and seventh-grader Gabriella Angiolino each won awards at the state level for excellence in handwriting. Both students were presented with a commemorative medallion. Sixth-grade teacher Catherine Rusch and seventh-grade teacher Marlene Mode also received awards.

“Catholic schools have a proud tradition of adhering to classic skill sets while incorporating 21st century skills to ensure student success,” said Principal Kurt Telford. “We are very proud of our teachers, who are constantly thinking of new ways to educate and of our students, who strive for excellence.”

Zaner-Bloser has held the handwriting contest for 23 years.

“Every year, our company is honored to recognize the schools and teachers

In Brief

3 OLG students earn handwriting awards GREENSBORO — Three students from Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro were recently presented with handwriting awards from curriculum provider Zaner-Bloser.

Fifth-grader Michelle Petrangeli was one of only eight 2014 Grand National Champions

Middle School Science Teacher Asheville Catholic School is looking for a middle school science teacher. Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in science and/or education, and be licensed or eligible for licensure in North Carolina in the area of middle grade’s science. We are looking for an energetic, driven individual who is ready to create a middle school science program that is without peer in WNC. Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to: Michael Miller | Principal Asheville Catholic School 12 Culvern Street Asheville, NC 28804 or email to: mmiller@ashevillecatholic.org

who continue to motivate and teach such foundational and beneficial skills as well as the students who put their hard work and dedication into handwriting,” said Zaner-Bloser president Bob Page. “The contest also affords us the opportunity to highlight a critical literacy skill that continues to be vital moving forward into 21st century education.”

Zaner-Bloser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Highlights for Children, celebrates 125 years in education this year. The company provides educational curricula and digital resources in the areas of language arts/literacy, 21st century learning, and social-emotional learning.

— Karen Hornfeck

CCHS graduate wins national essay scholarship CHARLOTTE — James Alexander Lothspeich, a recent Charlotte Catholic High School 2014 graduate, was one of five winners nationally in the Fireside Essay Scholarship competition.

The Fireside Scholarship was created to recognize top religion students in Catholic high schools throughout the nation. The program honors Catholic education by recognizing top senior high school students. Academic achievement and spiritual development are hallmarks of Catholic education. Fireside Catholic Publishing effectively identifies youth who live by this set of principles and demonstrate outstanding leadership in their communities.

Five cash scholarships are awarded annually.

Lothspeich was one of the five nationally recognized recipients of a $1,000 scholarship.

Any student enrolled in a Catholic high school who was a senior in the school year was eligible.

Leaders in Catholic education served as judges to select the five winners. Each high school was limited to one applicant; Lothspeich was selected to represent Charlotte Catholic High School this year. He was one of 363 students whose essays were submitted, CCHS has not had a winning entry in over 10 years.

Lothspeich has attended Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools and is a member of St. Gabriel Parish in Charlotte.

— Ana Lothspeich We welcome your school’s news! Email your news items and photos to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

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MOTORCYCLES: FROM PAGE 3A

Monsignor McSweeney explained that St. Matthew Church is situated on holy ground. Besides being blessed when the current church was built, it was also land that the native Catawba Indians considered sacred long ago. The church is meant to be a unifying presence, he said – in more ways than one.

“We believe that God came into the world to gather those who are scattered.

Whatever contributes to bringing us closer together is in accord with God’s plan,” he continued. “There are things that sometimes separate us, but whatever (it is), we need to rely on the goodness and the power of God in our lives to give us that inner peace that we all so yearn for.

“That peace of God dwells within us.”

He continued, “We pray for the safety of each one of you here today. We pray that as you have the privilege of riding around the highways of our nation, of our counties, take a look at the beautiful environment, take a look at nature, take a look at what God has created.”

He also stressed the sacredness of the body and how riders should be safe and recognize that “safety rules.”

He explained that the holy water he would be blessing them with signifies a newness of life.

“You’re gonna get sprinkled with water,” he told everyone gathered, then he joked, “I do not have any gin in it, it’s (only) holy water!”

After the prayer, taken from Psalm 23, he doused each rider with the holy water as they rode around the Marian Circle, the rose encircled statue of the Blessed Mother in front of the Daily Chapel at St. Matthew Church. Many riders made the sign of the cross after their blessing.

Esposito, who has only been riding a few years, was pleased by the turnout for this first event. He sent out emails to as many people as possible and tried to get the word out via internet and news outlets, but still wasn’t sure how many would come out for it, he said.

During his remarks, he shared with the crowd how when he brought the idea to Monsignor McSweeney, his pastor asked him if he knew how many bikers would come.

“I said, ‘Well Monsignor, I know there will be one!’ And he said, ‘You’d better be there!’”

Among all the polished chrome and bikers were officers with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department dressed in full uniform with their patrol bikes.

Gary Burgess, a long-time St. Matthew parishioner, was on hand for the blessing and shared with the Catholic News Herald his experience of when he rode his bike all the way up to the Arctic Circle with a Teddy bear named “Charlie” by his side.

“I named Charlie outside a rest area in St. Louis,” Burgess explained. His license plate on his bike reads “Arctic 1” in a nod to that Alaska ride, a ride that many bikers dream of making.

At the end of his remarks to the hundreds of people who came to the Blessing of the Bikes, Esposito said, “We really wanted to welcome everyone to be here, and I’m grateful and thankful for everyone who took the time to be here today.”

“The turnout today is absolutely amazing. You made my dream come true.”

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

“Behold, I make all things new.”

(Rev. 21:5)

Tenth Eucharistic Congress, September 19 – 20, 2014

FRIDAY

Charlotte Convention Center

Friday Evening, Concert of Sacred Music Keynote address by His Eminence, Edwin F. Cardinal O’Brien,

“The Holy Eucharist: Making All Things New from the Upper Room to the New Jerusalem” SATURDAY

Bishop Donald Joseph Hying “Making All Things New in Christ’s Youth”

Fr. Angel Espinoza de los Monteros “Es hora de volver a Dios”

Dr. Allen Hunt “Why 1 of Every 10 Adults is an Ex-Catholic”

Fr. Ernesto Caro Una Evangelización Activa para el Nuevo Milenio”

GoEucharist.com

D, I

Fr. Angel Espinoza de los Monteros “¿Educas y formas o sólo domesticas?”

BEHOL

Doug Barry and Eric Genuis “The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ” (A Meditation)

E ALL THI NG

S

- Rev. 21:5

Mother Assumpta Long, O.P. “The Eucharist and Religious Life-Making All Things New”

M

AK

EW

• Vocation and Catholic Education information • Holy Mass – Concelebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis and the priests of the Diocese of Charlotte

• • • •

N

English and Spanish Tracks for Adults K-12 Education Tracks for Students Religious displays Vendors of Sacred Art

• Eucharistic Procession through the streets of Charlotte • Holy Hour • Confession

20

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 20141 18A

Preguntas y Respuestas con los futuros sacerdotes CHARLOTTE — La Diócesis de Charlotte será bendecida con la ordenación de tres nuevos sacerdotes el Sábado, 28 de Junio. Los Diáconos Transicionales Paul Buchanan, Noah Carter y Paul McNulty. La reportera del Catholic News Herald, SueAnn Howell, entrevistó recientemente a los Diáconos para ayudar a nuestros lectores y fieles de la Diócesis de Charlotte a conocerlos mejor. A continuación sus respuestas:

Noah Carter

CNH: ¿Cuales son algunos de tus pasatiempos?

Carter: Ultimate Frisbee, estudios litúrgicos, la guitarra y el tenis.

Carter

CNH: ¿Cuándo fue la primera vez que pensaste o descubriste que tenías una vocación sacerdotal?

Carter: Cuando estaba en el séptimo grado.

CNH: ¿Quién te ha ayudado o ha sido un mentor para ti durante estos años de discernimiento en el seminario?

Carter: El Padre Roger Arnsparger, el Padre Matthew Kauth y el Padre Timothy Reid para mencionar algunos.

La mayoría de los sacerdotes que he conocido en la diócesis me han inspirado.

CNH: ¿Qué consejo quieres darle a un joven que puede estar llamado al sacerdocio?

Carter: Asiste a Misa lo más a menudo posible --- y asiste como monaguillo si puedes--- y confiésate por lo menos una vez al mes; es en los sacramentos que Nuestro Señor te mostrará su voluntad. Nuestro Señor nunca dice, “Oye tú, se sacerdote.” Él te susurrará en tu corazón y te acercará más a Él cuando tú estás cerca de un sacerdote celebrando los sagrados misterios, dándote absolución, bautizando a un bebé, o predicando el Evangelio. Los Apóstoles estaban ardiendo con el amor de Dios y su ministerio porque ellos tuvieron un ejemplo al que seguir. Mantente cerca de los ministros de la Iglesia y sus sacramentos.

CNH: ¿Quisieras agregar algún comentario para nuestros lectores acerca de tu ordenación como sacerdote para la Diócesis de Charlotte?

Carter: He visitado muchas parroquias en la diócesis, incluso solo de paso. Estoy conmovido por la fe de los fieles, y estoy muy contento de unirme a los sacerdotes de Charlotte para servir a los fieles. Que Dios dirija nuestra labor.

Paul Buchanan

CNH: ¿Cuales son algunos de tus pasatiempos?

Buchanan: Me gusta leer, pasar tiempo con mi familia y mis amigos, y conocer nuevas cosas acerca de personas de otras culturas. Y el hecho de haber estudiado fuera de los Estados Unidos por tanto Buchanan tiempo, me ha hecho apreciar mi hogar mucho más, entonces estoy muy interesado en todo lo que tenga que ver con Carolina del Norte --- especialmente acerca de mi alma mater, la Universidad de North Carolina. Todavía disfruto ver a Carolina jugar al basquetbol, especialmente cuando

le ganamos a Duke, algo que pasa muy seguido.

CNH: ¿Cuándo fue la primera vez que pensaste o descubriste que tenías una vocación sacerdotal?

Buchanan: No recuerdo un momento especifico, pero la primera vez que decidí decirle a mi familia fue después de la Jornada Juvenil Mundial en Toronto con el Papa San Juan Pablo II. Siempre estaré muy agradecido a mis padres por su completo apoyo en la búsqueda de mi vocación al sacerdocio, a pesar de todos los sacrificios que ellos tuvieron que hacer a causa de esta.

CNH: ¿Quién te ha ayudado o ha sido un mentor para ti durante estos años de discernimiento en el seminario?

Buchanan: Los sacerdotes de mi Parroquia en Santo Tomás Aquino, tanto los diocesanos como los Franciscanos Capuchinos, siempre me han dado mucho apoyo y aliento, tanto antes de entrar al seminario como después al estar ahí. También estoy muy agradecido a todos los sacerdotes que han sido mis mentores durante mis asignaturas de verano (el Padre John Putnam, Mons. Richard Below y el Padre Benjamín Roberts), y el maravilloso ejemplo sacerdotal del Mons. Mauricio West, el Obispo Emérito William Curlin, y especialmente al Obispo Peter Jugis.

CNH: ¿Qué consejo quieres darle a un joven que puede estar llamado al sacerdocio?

Buchanan: Hay muchas razones para hacer cualquier variedad de cosas con tu vida, pero existe solo una razón para ser sacerdote: Es decir, si piensas que Dios te está llamando al sacerdocio. Toma el tiempo de conocer a Jesucristo y aprende a amarlo invitándolo a tu vida por medio de la oración y los sacramentos; ten confianza que Él hará el resto. ¡No tengas miedo!

CNH: ¿Quisieras agregar algún comentario para nuestros lectores acerca de tu ordenación como sacerdote para la Diócesis de Charlotte?

Buchanan: Estoy ansioso de empezar a vivir mi nueva identidad como sacerdote, ordenado para servir al Pueblo de Dios en la Diócesis de Charlotte, y en comunión con nuestro Obispo y sacerdotes, a medida que todos caminemos juntos nuestro peregrinaje hacia el Señor. Por favor oren por nosotros, y ¡estén seguros de mis oraciones por todos Uds.!

Paul McNulty

CNH: ¿Cuales son algunos de tus pasatiempos?

McNulty: Pilotear. Yo quería ser piloto antes de entrar al seminario, y todavía disfruto el conversar acerca de volar aviones, nuevos aviones, tecnología, etc. El clima: También quería ser un McNulty meteorólogo, así que cualquier cosa que tenga que ver con el tiempo y el clima.

Tormentas, y radares, me interesan.

También la música. Me gusta tocar la guitarra y cantar.

También me gustan todos los deportes, pero más que todo me gusta jugar al golf cuando tengo la oportunidad.

CNH: ¿Cuándo fue la primera vez que pensaste o descubriste que tenías una vocación sacerdotal?

McNulty: Mis padres se acuerdan mejor que yo, pero yo tenía como unos 5 años cuando le dije a mi Mamá durante la Misa que yo quería ser sacerdote. Sin embargo, la primera vez que me senté con mis padres y les dije fue cuando tenía 9 años el día de la fiesta del Sagrado Corazón

de Jesús cuando hicimos el entronamiento en mi casa.

Pero, esto es la historia que mis padres me contaron a mí.

CNH: ¿Quién te ha ayudado o ha sido un mentor para ti durante estos años de discernimiento en el seminario?

McNulty: Primero que todo, mis padres y mis hermanas.

Su ejemplo de amor y fidelidad a Nuestro Señor y su Iglesia me ayudo a enamorarme de la Iglesia, y me ofreció un ambiente muy católico para que yo pudiera crecer en mi fe y escuchar el llamado más claramente.

En lo que se refiere a sacerdotes que me han ayudado en mi discernimiento, en realidad ha habido muchos para mencionar, pero notablemente el Obispo Peter Jugis, el Abad Placid Solari, el Padre James Ebright, el Padre Timothy Reid, el Padre Christopher Roux, el Padre John Putnam, el Padre Matthew Buettner, el Padre Ken Whittington, el Padre Josh Voitus, y el primer recuerdo que tengo de un ejemplar sacerdote es el Padre Ray Berg, que feliz recuerdo.

CNH: ¿Qué consejo quieres darle a un joven que puede estar llamado al sacerdocio?

McNulty: Como decía el Papa San Juan Pablo II, “No tengas miedo…saca tu barca mar afuera y tira tu net para tu pesca.” No tengas miedo. El llamado puede ser un poco difícil al principio a medida que un hombre empieza a cuestionar si es digno, su santidad, etc. Y estoy le puede quitar a la invitación a una relación que Dios le está extendiendo al plantar la semilla de la duda. No, no eres digno; no, no eres lo suficientemente santo. Pero a pesar de todo eso, el Señor llama y da la gracia necesaria para vivir esta vocación--- algo que es imposible sin la gracia de Dios. También, hay que reconocer que la voluntad de Dios para tu vida es en donde encontrarás una verdadera paz, y finalmente, si se vive fielmente y con una completa dependencia en su gracia, será lo que te llevará a tu santificación. Así, que no tengas miedo. Asiste a Misa lo más que puedas, y mantente cerca de los sacramentos, toma el tiempo de orar frente al Santísimo Sacramento, y deja que Dios te amé. Él te mostrará el camino.

CNH: ¿Quisieras agregar algún comentario para nuestros lectores acerca de tu ordenación como sacerdote para la Diócesis de Charlotte?

McNulty: Las oraciones y el apoyo que he recibido de los fieles de la Diócesis de Charlotte han sido algo monumental desde que empecé mi formación en el 2004. Le doy gracias a Dios que soy parte de esta maravillosa diócesis y estaré por siempre agradecido a todos los fieles por su apoyo.

Estoy ansioso de servir a Nuestro Señor y a su Esposa, la Iglesia aquí en la Diócesis de Charlotte. Por favor oren por mí ahora que empiezo mi ministerio sacerdotal, y por favor estén seguros de mis oraciones por Uds. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter; traducido por Rico De Silva, Hispanic Communications Reporter

Misas de Acción de Gracias

n Padre Paul Buchanan: 11:30 a.m. Domingo, June 29, en la Parroquia de St. Thomas Aquinas en Charlotte n Padre Noah Carter: 2 p.m. Domingo, June 29, en la Parroquia de St. Barnabas en Arden (Misa en Forma Extraordinaria) n Padre Paul McNulty: 3 p.m. Domingo, June 29, en la Catedral de St. Patrick en Charlotte

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Juan Miguel Sánchez

Emaús: Mi caminar con Nuestro Señor Jesús

Y

a hace casi tres años que viví una experiencia inolvidable, un retiro llamado “Emaús,” el cual me cambio la vida para siempre. Un retiro que me llevó a recapacitar acerca de mi vida, mi familia, mi vocación y sobre todo acerca del amor de Dios.

Aún recuerdo cuando en mi comunidad, en ese entonces, la Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción en Goose Creek, South Carolina, comenzaron a realizar los retiros de Emaús. Esos retiros ni siquiera me llamaban la atención, tal vez porque ya había vivido retiros antes, o porque yo creía que otras personas lo necesitaban más que yo. La comunidad siguió teniendo retiros de Emaús cada año, pero yo seguía con mi mismo pensar, y cada vez que me preguntaban si quería vivir el retiro yo siempre buscaba una excusa o pretexto para no asistir. Pero, Dios nunca se cansó de insistir a través de los hermanos de Emaús, que cada año me seguían invitando. Finalmente, en el retiro número cinco en la comunidad, me dijeron que había un lugar disponible.

Al ver la tanta insistencia, y ver como muchos amigos y familiares salían muy entusiasmados después del retiro, me convencí de ir. Finalmente, al asistir, nunca imaginé lo que ahí me encontraría.

Al llegar al retiro, quedé impresionado de la amabilidad y el amor con que todos los hermanos de Emaús me trataron.

Por razones del retiro mismo, no puedo compartir detalles de lo que sucede en este, pero si puedo dar testimonio de los muchos frutos que el retiro ha dejado en mí.

Al vivir el retiro me di cuenta de cuantas cosas había dejado atrás cuando inmigré desde México a los Estados Unidos.

Cosas como el servicio a la comunidad en la parroquia, participar en los grupos juveniles, las clases de biblia y más cosas que me gustaba hacer, y que yo había abandonado por sentirme incomprendido en otro país y en otra cultura. Sin duda, el retiro fue un llamado de atención de parte de Dios. Como si el Señor, tal como con los discípulos de Emaús, hubiese caminado conmigo siempre, pero yo no le reconocía.

Más aun, sentí como si Dios a través del retiro de Emaús me dijo “¿Crees que por estar en otro lugar me olvide de ti?” Dios siempre ha estado conmigo, pero ese fin de semana, me lo demostró de una manera inolvidable. Los tiempos de Dios son perfectos, y una vez más Él me lo demostró.

Después de haber vivido el retiro, mi corazón sentía una emoción que nunca había experimentado antes, y sin basilar me apunte para servir en el siguiente retiro.

Después de la primera vez que serví en el retiro de Emaús, mi interés por ayudar a los demás creció aún más y el sentimiento

de alegría y satisfacción crecía en mi corazón cada vez más. Dios me estaba dando las muestras de su amor y al mismo tiempo me estaba llamando a servirle de una manera más íntima y especial. El retiro de Emaús me trajo una alegría que no había encontrado antes, pero lo más importante, es que a través del retiro me di cuenta que con el servicio a los demás se llega a Dios de un manera extraordinaria.

Todo esto me llevó a recapacitar en la idea de servirle a Dios por medio del sacerdocio. Después del retiro en mi comunidad, comencé a servir como lector, catequista para los niños de Primera Comunión, como maestro de RICA (Rito de Iniciación Católica para Adultos). Por supuesto, cada vez que podía, ayudaba en cada retiro de Emaús que había a los alrededores. Todo esto al mismo tiempo en que también estaba estudiando para obtener mi GED, o equivalente de un diploma de secundaria, el cual necesitaba para poder entrar al seminario. Nunca, desde mi llegada a los Estados Unidos a los 20 años, me había sentido tan útil y capaz de lograr tantas metas. Todo gracias a Dios que me permitió vivir el retiro de Emaús, y que siempre me ha dado las armas necesarias para seguir adelante. Al mirar hacia atrás ahora, pienso en cuantas cosas he logrado después de vivir el retiro, yo mismo me sorprendo de los planes de Dios para cada uno de nosotros. Al mismo tiempo, me motivó para seguir adelante y motivar a mucha gente más a vivir el retiro, e integrarse a sus comunidades como servidores; algo que me ha traído una gran bendición y una satisfacción increíble. Sin duda que la oración ha sido parte fundamental de todo este caminar y en la búsqueda de mi vocación. Cada vez que yo me sentía preocupado o cansado, acudía con más frecuencia a Dios, por medio de la oración, la adoración al Santísimo, la Santa Misa, y el Rosario.

Hoy, después de discernir bien y entrar al seminario, me encuentro ya con un año de seminario terminado. A pesar de que no ha sido una tarea fácil, me siento feliz y con mucha paz. Por supuesto todo esto no hubiese sido posible sin la ayuda de mucha gente que me han apoyado siempre en mi camino. Agradezco a Dios por todas las oportunidades que me ha dado de servirle, a los sacerdotes que me han apoyado siempre, a toda mi familia, amigos y a todos los hermanos de Emaús por hacerme parte de esta gran familia. Bendito sea Dios por siempre.

‘Los tiempos de Dios son perfectos, y una vez más Él me lo demostró.’

Juan Miguel Sánchez es un seminarista de la Diócesis de Charlotte estudiando en el Seminario Pontifico Josephinum en Columbus, Ohio. Miguel es miembro de la Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís en Lenoir.

Let’s keep talking.

Let’s keep talking.

His Excellency The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte requests the honor of your presence at the Liturgy of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood Reverend Mr. Paul Maxwell Buchanan Reverend Mr. Noah Christian Carter Reverend Mr. Paul David McNulty Saturday, the twenty-eighth day of June Two thousand and fourteen at ten o’clock in the morning Saint Mark Catholic Church 14740 Stumptown Road Huntersville, North Carolina Reception immediately following Parish Hall

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Mix

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In Brief

numerous professional and personal obstacles along the way. Director Clint Eastwood and his key collaborators, including the writers of the stage show, choose not to fiddle with material that has proven so crowd-pleasing in the theater. They fail to exercise much creative license or make much of an effort to tailor the story for the screen. And yet, because the toe-tapping music is enjoyable, all is not lost. A few nongraphic encounters, some profanity, occasional sexual banter, mature references, including to crime and infidelity.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R

‘Edge of Tomorrow’ This intriguing sci-fi action epic, set against the background of a devastating worldwide invasion by murderous aliens, finds a combat-averse Army officer (Tom Cruise) paying for his confrontation with a powerful superior (Brendan Gleeson) by being summarily reduced to the ranks and placed in the front line of a D-Day-like attack designed to liberate continental Europe from its extraterrestrial occupiers. Though the vast operation quickly becomes a rout, the unwilling warrior’s seemingly fatal encounter with the enemy results, not in death, but in his being caught up in a time warp within which he’s forced to live out the day preceding the doomed assault over and over again.

He eventually makes contact with a skilled Special Forces operative (Emily Blunt) whose earlier experience of the same phenomenon enabled her to achieve a high-profile but temporary victory over the intruders, and together they try to use the anomaly to reverse humanity’s fading fortunes.

Despite repeated scenes of battlefield chaos, director Doug Liman’s satisfying 3-D adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s teen-targeted novel “All You Need Is Kill” mostly shields viewers from gore, while the leads are too distracted by their military mission to express their mutual attraction in any but the most restrained of ways. Pervasive action violence with minimal blood, a couple of uses of profanity.

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

‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ ‘Jersey Boys’ Lackluster adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical about The Four Seasons, a 1960s vocal group. With hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man,” lead singer Frankie Valli (John Lloyd Young), guitarist Tommy DeVito (Vincent Piazza), bassist Nick Massi (Michael Lomenda) and songwriter and keyboardist Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen) went from the rough-and-tumble streets of New Jersey to the heights of the pop music world, encountering

This animated adventure makes excellent use of 3-D technology as it charts the efforts of a 20-year-old Viking (voice of Jay Baruchel) to defeat a warmongering villain (voice of Djimon Hounsou) who has turned all the dragons domesticated since the end of the original film against mankind. If the lad succeeds, he may finally prove to himself that he’s worthy of being his father’s (voice of Gerard Butler) heir as the chief of his island community. Writer-director Dean DeBlois oversees the creation of outstanding visuals but more time could have been spent on the script, which saddled with promoting an ecologically correct agenda. Several scenes with mildly scary fantasy action.

CNS: A-I (general patronage); MPAA: PG

“Everything we needed in terms of our faith was right here.”

—Joe and Helen Drozd, Pennybyrn residents

This beautiful community captures the heart and soul of the Catholic faith.

“We looked at a number of communities,” says Helen Drozd, “and came to see Pennybyrn because it was Catholic. As soon as we arrived we realized it was where we wanted to be.”

The Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God founded what would later become Pennybyrn at Maryfield. Today, three chapels grace our community; our main chapel with Daily Mass, Adoration Chapel with 24 hour adoration and our Meditation Chapel for private reflection.

“We feel this is holy ground,” says Helen.

“We were also looking for a continuum of care,” noted Joe, “because my mother had been living with us, and she needed a higher level of care.” Pennybyrn allowed the three of them to move to the community together. “Joe’s mom had probably the best three years of her life here,” says Helen.

Call 336-821-4050 to receive the popular Planning Guide for Seniors or details about one of our Discover Pennybyrn events.

Where retirement living takes on a whole new spirit.

Pennybyrn’s location is ideal for the couple. They appreciate the amenities, and love the ambiance and beauty of the 71-acre campus, with its well-kept grounds and winding paths. “I attend swimming classes, and Joe uses the fitness center,” says Helen. “There are concerts and activities all the time, and at dinnertime we have our choice of venues, with a friendly wait staff and an expansive menu.”

Sponsored by the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God

“We chose to move to Pennybyrn because it simply felt unlike any other community we visited,” says Helen.

Located less than a mile from downtown Jamestown and only 10 minutes from Greensboro. All faiths welcome.

109 Penny Road • High Point, NC 27260 www.PennybyrnAtMaryfield.org

CNH

Let’s keep talking.

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

On TV n Friday, June 27, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help.” A documentary that looks at the Redemptorists’ devotion to Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, and a glimpse in the history of this amazing icon. n Saturday, June 28, 1 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Margaret Mary and the Sacred Heart.” The story of St. Margaret Mary and the mission Christ gave her to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart. It includes a tour of her convent in Paray-le-Monial, France. n Saturday, June 28, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Son of Maryam.” A poignant story about the friendship between a Muslim adolescent and an elderly Catholic priest living in Iran, this film highlights the common ground between Muslims and Catholics. n Sunday, June 29, Noon (EWTN) “Solemnity of the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.” Pope Francis celebrates Mass live from St. Peter’s Basilica. n Sunday, June 29, 3 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Peter.”

The story of the life of St. Peter, the man chosen by Jesus Christ to lead His Church as the first pope. n Sunday, June 29, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Ends of the Earth.” A group of high schools students travel to the Canadian Yukon on a mission trip and learn the value of pilgrimage, sacrifice and what it really means to be a missionary.

‘Obvious Child’

Let’s keep talking.

The culture of death gets its own romantic comedy with this story of a vulgar-minded stand-up comedian (Jenny Slate) whose drunken encounter with an aspiring business executive (Jake Lacy) she first met a few hours earlier leads to an unplanned pregnancy and to an abortion mill. Worse still, the dialogue includes jokes on the subject, and the unlikely couple at the of the action is shown deepening their initially casual bond partly by colluding in the liquidation of their unborn child. Baneful propaganda with a message utterly opposed to biblical values. A benign view of abortion, a debased approach to human sexuality, nongraphic non-marital sexual activity, frequent rough and crude language.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

CCDOC.ORG

Additional reviews: n ‘Think Like a Man too’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘22 Jump Street’: CNS: 0 (morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘Chef’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R n ‘The Fault in Our Stars’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Ida’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

Help to end hunger Catholic Charities has food pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem. Each pantry provides walk-in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. At the pantries, clients can help choose their food items – because providing food and assistance with dignity is what we believe in.

n Monday, June 30, 6:29 p.m. (EWTN) “Serra: Ever Forward, Never Back: Knights of the Cross.” Witness the events that formed young Blessed Junipero Serra from his birth in Mallorca to sailing to the New World and the people who greatly influenced him.

Donate to your local food pantry to help your neighbors in need, particularly during these summer months when children are out of school and need more food aid.

Give online or call today to schedule a drop-off.

Asheville: 828-255-0146 Charlotte: 704-370-3232 Winston-Salem: 336-727-0705

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Speakers promote love, truth at March for Marriage

At spring assembly, U.S. bishops urged to promote, support families

Julia Willis Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Political and religious leaders encouraged Americans to promote traditional marriage with truth and love at the second annual March for Marriage.

Referencing the passage from the Gospel of Matthew, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, encouraged march participants June 19 to spread the message of the Gospel with love.

“It is easy to become resentful when you are relentlessly and unfairly painted as a bigot, and are punished for publicly standing by the basic truth of marriage as a foundational societal good,” Archbishop Cordileone told a crowd of several hundred. “It is tempting to respond in kind. Don’t. We must not allow the angry rhetoric to co-opt us into a culture of hate.”

Co-sponsored by the National Organization for Marriage and the Family Research Council, the March for Marriage brought grass-roots activists to the U.S. Capitol to illustrate that a “majority of Americans still stand for marriage” as the union of one man and one woman, according to event organizers.

Citing traditional marriage as “the key to individual and societal flourishing,” Archbishop Cordileone explained the importance of creating a culture of marriage within the U.S. “Our society is broken and hurting in so many ways,” the archbishop said.

“But none of the solutions will have a lasting effect if we do not rebuild a marriage culture, a culture which recognizes and supports ... marriage between a man and a woman committed to loving faithfulness to each other and to their children. No justice, no peace, no end to poverty is possible without a culture of marriage and the family.”

Rick Santorum, a former Republican senator from Pennsylvania, advocated for the dignity of all people as he explained that the movement in favor of traditional marriage “isn’t about hating anyone or anything.”

“This is a movement that is based in love for what is best for children and families in America,” Santorum said.

“People from across the ideological spectrum will all admit that marriage between a man and a woman is best for raising children and building strong communities.”

As the crowd prepared to march to the U.S. Supreme Court building, Archbishop Cordileone encouraged the event’s participants to allow love to guide their future efforts in the movement.

“This noble cause is a call to love for us, a call we cannot abandon that ... in the end, we know will triumph,” he said.

“So my friends, we must not give up. The truth will not go away and we will not go away. Let us place our trust in God and let us go forth to build a civilization of truth and love.”

CNS | Tom McCarthy Jr., Catholic Review

Simeona Leon, a member of the Neocatechumenal Way, signs the Fortnight for Freedom banner outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore June 21. The Fortnight for Freedom opening Mass was celebrated at the basilica.

Archbishop: Catholics should be free to serve with ‘Eucharistic heart’ Maria Wiering Catholic News Service

BALTIMORE — The Eucharist conforms Catholics to “the pattern of Christ’s selfgiving love” and compels them to see the dignity of the poor and perform acts of mercy, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori said at the June 21 opening Mass for this year’s Fortnight for Freedom. The Mass coincided with the feast of Corpus Christi.

“By entering the dynamic of Christ’s selfgiving Eucharistic love, we are impelled ... to work for a loving and just society where the dignity of human life is respected from conception until natural death and all the stages in between,” he said in his homily.

More than 1,000 people packed the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the opening of the third annual Fortnight for Freedom, two weeks dedicated to prayer, education and advocacy for religious freedom.

Archbishop Lori is the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, formed in 2011. In 2012, it published a letter titled “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty” and launched the Fortnight for Freedom event in response to government infringement on religious freedom rights in the United States and abroad.

Chief among those perceived threats are the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ mandate that most employers, including religious employers, provide insurance for artificial birth control, sterilization and abortion-causing drugs.

Archbishop Lori and the Archdiocese of Baltimore are among plaintiffs in 100 lawsuits nonprofit and for-profit organizations and

businesses have brought against the federal government over the mandate.

In his homily, he criticized the mandate, as well as state laws criminalizing churches that serve immigrants living in the country illegally and “discrimination against Catholic humanitarian services because they refuse to provide so-called ‘services’ that violate Catholic teaching.”

He acknowledged that in other countries, people are killed for professing their faith.

In the United States, he said, the challenges to religious freedom are more subtle yet “very real.”

“Increasingly, government at all levels is asserting itself in the internal life of churches, telling them that houses of worship are fully religious, whereas religious schools and charities that serve the common good are less so, and therefore less deserving of religious freedom protections,” he said.

The 2014 fortnight theme is “The Freedom to Serve” to emphasize the charitable works of Catholic organizations and individuals. During the Mass, Archbishop Lori distinguished the Church’s work from that of nongovernmental agencies, as Pope Francis has done, adding that Catholics “are to be more than an NGO” by virtue of a “Eucharistic heart.”

“We are seeking for the Church and for Church institutions no special privileges,” he said. “We are seeking the freedom to serve, or as Pope Francis once put it, the freedom to proclaim and live the Gospel ‘in its entirety.’”

The Fortnight for Freedom will culminate with a July 4 Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

NEW ORLEANS — The U.S. bishops, gathered in New Orleans for their spring general assembly June 11-13, were urged to promote and support Catholic families. At the close of the morning’s session June 11, the bishops were advised to pay close attention to the Vatican’s extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family Oct. 5-19 and to promote the World Meeting of Families September 2015 in Philadelphia.

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, described the Philadelphia gathering as a key factor in promoting family life, which he said is currently in crisis. “The family today is living out a paradox,” he told the bishops. “On the one hand, great value is given to the bonds of family, everywhere in the world,” but today’s families are weakened and often “lose their way.” The archbishop said he hoped the Philadelphia gathering would provide a “new spring” for families.

Speakers urge bishops to continue mission to families, those in need NEW ORLEANS — Speakers addressing the U.S. bishops on the second day of their spring general assembly in New Orleans urged them to continue their ministry of caring for those in need – even as they face obstacles – and to reach out in a special way to couples and families. Helen Alvaré, law professor at George Mason University School of Law, told the bishops June 12 that significance of linking service to those in need with the Church’s new evangelization efforts may have “arrived just in the nick of time” particularly as the Church faces challenges to its service ministries from new government regulations.

Alvaré, who is also a consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Laity, didn’t specify the challenges in her address, but the audience was keenly aware of them, particularly as dioceses and Catholic organizations are in the middle of lawsuits seeking relief from the federal mandate that most employers cover contraceptives in their employee health plans. One of the bishops asked Alvaré about carrying on the Church’s charitable work with the Health and Human Services contraceptives mandate, which is being fought in the courts by many Catholic and other religious employers. She responded that the country’s “fixation with constitutional freedom of sexual expression has put us in a difficult place” because it “makes the Church appear as a group asking for special exemptions when the government is offering freedom and equity.”

— Catholic News Service

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI 23A

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In Brief High Court declines cases on abortion doctors, juvenile sentencing WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court declined June 23 to get involved in a case over a Wisconsin law that requires abortion clinic doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The act leaves in place a lower court injunction that blocks the law from being implemented while it is being challenged in court.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin and Affiliated Medical Services, the two abortion providers in the state, sued to block the 2013 law, saying the requirement for doctors to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles would force some clinics to close.

In another case, the court declined to consider whether its 2012 ruling that stopped the practice of sentencing juveniles to life in prison without chance of parole could be retroactively applied. That case involves Zachary Witman, who was convicted of murdering his 13-year-old brother, Gregory, in 1998. Witman was 15 at the time he was charged with murder. A guilty plea would have resulted in his sentencing in juvenile court and his probable release a few years later. But Witman, who has maintained his innocence, declined to agree to a plea bargain and was prosecuted as an adult. His conviction resulted in a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.

Federal judge halts Wisconsin same-sex unions during appeal MADISON, Wis. — A federal judge halted samesex “marriages” in Wisconsin while an appeal of her decision to strike down as unconstitutional the state’s ban on such unions is pending. U.S. District Court Judge Barbara B. Crabb stopped same-sex unions in the state a week after her initial ruling June 6. About 500 couples had wed during the period after she allowed county clerks to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Her order did not address whether the marriages were valid. The appeal was filed by Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen of Wisconsin.

He asked Crabb to stay her decision on the ban, arguing that allowing the unions while the primary case was pending led to confusion about their legality. The judge said the stay was issued because the U.S. Supreme Court had done likewise in a similar case in Utah.

Sheen’s cause moves forward PEORIA, Ill. — The possible miracle needed for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen took another step toward papal recognition June 17 when a panel of theologians met at the Vatican, the Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation announced. As a normal part of the sainthood process, the theologians met to consider whether or not the promoters of Archbishop Sheen’s cause demonstrated that the proposed miracle – the survival of a child delivered stillborn – occurred after prayers for the intercession only of Archbishop Sheen.

In March, a seven-member board of physicians convoked by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes agreed there was no natural explanation for why the boy’s heart started beating 61 minutes after his birth. The child, James Fulton Engstrom, is now 3 and developing normally.

— Catholic News Service

St. Matthew “yoU”niversity Summer Forum 2014 Adult Religious Education – All are Welcome! www.stmatthewcatholic.org July Offerings S-5: Survey of the Old Testament | Sr. Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM, MA | Fee: $20 Wednesdays, July 9 and 16 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm This course offers a broad view of the 46 books of Scripture important to both Judaism and Christianity. What do these ancient books and the stories within, teach us about the nature, character and qualities of the God who longs to be in a relationship with us? What do these ancient writings mean for us today?

S-6: Pope Francis: The Jesuit Pope | Mark Bartholet, MA | Fee: $25 Mondays, July 21, 28 and August 4 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm This course will discuss how Pope Francis’ training and ministry as a Jesuit shaped his vision for the global Church today and describes a “Jesuit worldview” in light of Pope Francis’ life. You will gain a deeper understanding of the spirituality that inspires Pope Francis and how it guides him. Mark will also guide us through an examination of Pope Francis’s first 15 months.

S-7: Survey of the New Testament | Sr. Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM, MA | Fee: $20 Wednesdays, July 23 and 30 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm This course will offer a broad view of the 27 foundational documents of Christianity that proclaim Jesus Christ. Learn what the early Christians wanted us to know of Jesus from their accounts and experience the passion with which they shared his Good News with the world around them.

FREE Special Event Lecture

S-8: Understanding Catholics Today | Fr. Thomas Gaunt, SJ Ph. D. | Free Lecture Tuesday, July 15 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm

In 2010, Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake.

A presentation of the latest social science research on the Catholic Church in the U.S. will be presented by Father Tom Gaunt, S.J, including an examination of the growth of the “nones” (those who no longer identify with any religious denomination). The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) recently completed the National Parish Life Survey, sponsored in part by St. Matthew’s Parish. CARA is now in its 50th year of providing social science research for the Catholic Church.

August Offering S-9: A Short History of the Catholic Church in NC | Sr. Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM, MA Wednesdays, August 6, 13 and 20 from 10:00am to 11:30am | Fee: $25 How did the Church in North Carolina come to be? Who are the persons who contributed to the establishment and growth of Catholicism in this one mission territory? This 3 week course will explore the establishment and growth of the Roman Catholic Church in North Carolina.

Today, the country is still reeling.

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

For more details on these programs please contact Michael Burck at 704-541-8362 ext. 4 or by email at mburck@stmatthewcatholic.org

Summer Forum 2014 Registration Fill out the registration form, detach and enclose the per-person, per-course fee. Make checks payable to St. Matthew Catholic Church. Mail in or drop off an envelope marked Summer Forum to St. Matthew Catholic Church, PO Box 49349, Charlotte, NC 28277.

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Our world

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 24A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

God’s endless love, mercy help Church be blessing for world, pope says

Even under attack, family shows its importance, Vatican official says

Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Beginning a series of audience talks about the Church, its identity and mission, Pope Francis said it would be “a bit like a son talking about his mother, his own family,” because the Church is the mother of Christ’s disciples and is called to be united as a family.

The story of salvation and of the Church “is the story of God’s fidelity and the infidelity of His people,” he said June 18 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

But while members of the Church have strayed over and over again, he said: “God never tires. God has patience, so much patience, and continues to form and to educate His people just like a father does with his own sons and daughters.”

Jesus established the Church, but it has a history that began thousands of years earlier when God made Himself known to Abraham, the pope explained.

Abraham heard God’s call and became the father of a “great nation,” as God had promised, and “Jesus was born into this people.”

“Abraham and his family listened to God’s call and set out despite the fact that they did not know who this God was and where He wanted to lead them,” the pope said. “It’s true. Abraham set out when this God called him, but he didn’t have a theology book to study to find out who this God was. He trusted. He trusted in the love that God made him feel.”

The trust demonstrated by Abraham, by the Israelites and by Christians throughout the ages was not unwavering, the pope said. “From the beginning there was resistance” and “betrayals and sins that have marked the story of God’s people all throughout salvation history.”

But in ancient times and still today, “God walks with us,” Pope Francis said.

“When we recognize that we are sinners, God fills us with His mercy and love, and He forgives us. He always forgives us.

This is what makes us grow as the people of God, the Church.”

“It is the daily experience of how much God loves us” that makes the Church a blessing to its members and a blessing for the world, he said.

“When God called Abraham this was His plan: form a people blessed by His love and who would bring His blessing to all the people of the earth. This plan has never changed and in Christ it reached its fulfillment and, still today, God continues this work in the Church,” the pope said.

“I like to think that a synonym for being Christian is being men and women – a people – who always bless. Through their lives, Christians must always bless God and bless others,” he said. “It’s a beautiful vocation.”

Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

CNS | Reuters

Members of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces take their positions during clashes with the militant Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in the city of Ramadi June 19. Pope Francis and bishops throughout the Middle East have expressed fears over increasing violence in Iraq and Syria and prayed for peace, security and reconciliation in the region.

Maronite, Melkite bishops appeal for peace in Syria, Iraq Doreen Abi Raad Catholic News Service

BEIRUT — Maronite Catholic bishops expressed their concern about the war in Syria and Iraq and warned that Lebanon’s presidential vacuum poses a dangerous risk to the country, particularly amid the escalating regional turmoil that they said threatens to change the map of the Middle East.

The term of former Lebanese President Michel Suleiman ended May 25, and rival political blocs are still divided over a new leader.

Lebanon’s institutional system, based on the National Pact of 1943, provides that the office of the president be occupied by a Maronite Catholic, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of the parliament a Shiite Muslim.

In a statement June 19 at the conclusion of their annual synod at the patriarchal seat of Bkerke, the bishops said they completely support the views expressed by Cardinal Bechara Rai, Maronite patriarch, about the presidential stalemate, and “his tireless efforts to push (parliamentary) members to perform their duty” and vote.

“The stance by some parliamentarians to refrain from entering the parliament and cast their ballot in the presidential election ... is unacceptable and places the country at great risk, particularly amid the regional developments that threaten to change the map of the Middle East and dismantle the states, which will have repercussions on Lebanon,” the statement said.

“The absence of a president ... represents an absence of a state, and it is a danger to the unity of the country as well as its security and economy.”

Addressing their concerns about the war in Syria and Iraq, the bishops urged people to “break the cycle of violence that is threatening their fate, and work on resolving

the conflicts in peaceful ways until they reach a comprehensive reconciliation. Everyone should recognize the rights of others and build their societies on equal citizenship.”

They denounced “what innocent people are suffering from, Christians and non-Christians alike, as a result of the conflicts.”

The Maronite bishops also demanded the release of two Syrian bishops – Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan Gregorios Yohanna of Aleppo and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Paul of Aleppo – kidnapped in April 2013, as well as the release of all detained priests.

In their statement, the bishops praised the Catholic charitable agency Caritas Lebanon for its efforts to serve the needy in Lebanon and encouraged the international community to show solidarity with Syrian refugees “in the hope of a speedy return” to their homeland.

Currently more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees – equal to at least one-quarter of Lebanon’s resident population – are living in Lebanon.

In addition, Melkite Catholic bishops, meeting for their annual synod in Ain-Traz, Lebanon, June 16-21, appealed for peace in Syria and Iraq and expressed concern about the situation in Lebanon.

Thirty Melkite bishops from around the world – including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Brazil – attended the synod.

In their final statement, the bishops said they listened carefully to bishops from Syria “before calling for reconciliation and peace and the abandonment of personal interests in favor of the public good, both in Syria and Iraq.”

They appealed for “peace, and ensuing security, stability and development.”

Addressing physical damage from Syria’s war, the bishops said that in Syria, 91 churches have been destroyed or damaged, including 37 Melkite Catholic churches.

VATICAN CITY — The continuing strength of many traditional families around the world and the longing of many people to have such a family demonstrate that “despite past or even current challenges, the family, in fact, is the fundamental unit of human society,” said the Vatican observer to U.N. agencies in Geneva.

Addressing the U.N. Human Rights Council June 24, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi said the family “continually exhibits a vigor much greater than that of the many forces that have tried to eliminate it as a relic of the past or an obstacle to the emancipation of the individual or to the creation of a freer, egalitarian and happy society.”

Speaking just two days before the Vatican was to release the working document for October’s extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family, the archbishop emphasized how important traditional families are for the development of the individual and for community development efforts.

Debates about “the nature and definition of the family” at the Human Rights Council and other U.N. agencies often give the impression that “the family is more of a problem than a resource to society,” the archbishop said. Yet “most people find unique protection, nurture and dynamic energy from their membership in a strong and healthy family founded upon marriage between a man and a woman.”

And at a time when many countries are debating samesex “marriage,” he said, “ample evidence has demonstrated that the best interest of the child is assured in a harmonious family environment in which the education and formation of children develop within the context of lived experience with both male and female parental role models.”

The Vatican, he said, firmly believes “the family and marriage need to be defended and promoted not only by the state, but also by the whole of society.”

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI 25A

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief During South Korea trip, Pope Francis will beatify martyrs, meet Asian youths VATICAN CITY — The Korean martyrs who gave their lives for the faith, the young people who will be the leaders of the church across Asia and people with disabilities are the key features of the schedule prepared for Pope Francis when he visits South Korea in midAugust.

Pope Francis had said he would travel to the Asian nation to beatify 124 Korean martyrs and to participate in the sixth Asian Youth Day, a gathering of about 2,000 delegates from 30 countries. The martyrs were among an estimated 10,000 Catholics in Korea killed for their faith between 1785 and 1888.

Pope Francis will preside over a Mass and their beatification Aug. 16 in Seoul. The pope will have lunch with young people Aug. 15 and meet a group of Asian youth at the Solmoe shrine built in honor of Korea’s first Catholic priest, St. Andrew Kim Taegon, who was martyred in 1946 at the age of 25. He will close the Aug. 13-17 Asian Youth Day with a Mass at Haemi Castle, background of the 1864 Donghak Rebellion.

Pope appeals for peace in Iraq, plans visit to Albania VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis expressed his fears over increasing violence in Iraq and prayed for peace, security and reconciliation in the country. He also announced he would be visiting Albania Sept. 21 to encourage the Catholic minority there and the people “who long suffered as a result of the ideologies of the past.” The one-day visit to Tirana will be Pope Francis’ first papal visit to a European nation and a nation where all religious practice was banned from 1967 to 1990. Persecution of the Church, especially the clergy, had become the norm when the Communist Party took control of the government in 1944.

The pope made his announcement after praying the Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter’s Square June 15.

He said he was following the news of increasing violence in Iraq “with deep concern. I invite all of you to join me in prayer for the dear Iraqi nation, above all for the victims and for those who are suffering the consequences of the growing violence, most especially the many people, including many Christians, who had to leave their homes,” he said.

Religious liberty includes being able to live faith’s values, pope says VATICAN CITY — Real religious liberty includes the freedom to live according to the values taught by one’s faith, Pope Francis said. “Religious freedom is not just a matter of thought or private devotion,” the pope said June 20. “It is the freedom to live – both privately and publicly – according to the ethical principles that are a consequence of the truth found.”

The pope addressed organizers, speakers and participants in a Rome conference, “International Religious Liberty and the Global Clash of Values,” organized by the centers for Law and Religion and for International and Comparative Law at St. John’s University in New York and the Department of Law at Rome’s LUMSA University.

Pope Francis said ensuring people’s right

to live their religious values is increasingly difficult in the modern world “where weak thinking – this is a sickness – lowers the level of ethics in general and, in the name of a false understanding of tolerance, ends up persecuting those who defend the truth about the human person and its ethical consequences.”

Pope calls torture a ‘very grave sin’ VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis called for the abolition of torture, which he condemned as a “very grave sin.”

The pope made his remarks June 22, after praying the Angelus with a crowd in St. Peter’s Square. “I repeat the firm condemnation of every form of torture and invite Christians to commit themselves to work together for its abolition and to support victims and their families,” he said. “To torture persons is a mortal sin, a very grave sin.”

Pope Francis related his statement to the observance June 26 of the United Nations’ International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

The U.N. General Assembly proclaimed the day in 1997 to promote enforcement of the 1987 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which the Vatican is a signatory.

In May, the U.N. Committee Against Torture questioned Vatican representatives about the Holy See’s adherence to the treaty. The committee later urged the Vatican to impose “meaningful sanctions” on any Church authority who fails to follow Church law in dealing with allegations of sexual abuse.

Pope condemns mafia, says members are excommunicated VATICAN CITY — In the stronghold of an Italian crime syndicate believed to be richer and more powerful than the Sicilian Mafia, Pope Francis said, “Those who follow the path of evil, like the mafiosi do, are not in communion with God; they are excommunicated!”

During a Mass June 21 in the southern region of Calabria, Pope Francis made clear that even if the mob families continue to go to Mass and decorate their homes and hideouts with religious pictures, they have cut themselves off from communion with the Church and with God. “When instead of adoring the Lord, one substitutes the adoration of money, one opens the path to sin, personal interests and exploitation,” Pope Francis said to applause from an estimated 250,000 people near the town of Sibari. “When one does not adore the Lord God, one becomes an adorer of evil, like those who live lives of crime and violence.”

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Say ‘no’ to drugs, but ‘yes’ to life, love, job creation, pope says VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said legalizing marijuana and other so-called “recreational drugs” has never curbed drug addiction rates and has little impact on the criminal organizations trafficking drugs around the world.

“No to every type of drug use. It is as simple as that,” Pope Francis said June 20 during an audience with about 450 representatives of national and international drug enforcement agencies.

The representatives, who came from 129 countries, participated in the International Drug Enforcement Conference June 17-19 in Rome.

The annual conference, initiated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in 1983, is designed to help law enforcement officials coordinate anti-drug policies and promote international cooperation in fighting the organized crime of drug trafficking.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 26A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Who is this man who bears his people on his shoulders as Christ carried the Cross on His?’

Georgianna Penn

Catholic, single and happy Allison Schumacher

This man, a priest of God W

hen I was a baby, born into the world estranged from God through original sin, he was the one who poured the life-giving waters of baptism over me and welcomed me as a child of the Heavenly Father.

On the day of my first confession, he gently put me at ease and brought God’s healing mercy into my soul. On the occasion of my first Holy Communion, he gave me the Body and Blood of Jesus in my soul’s first encounter with the Divine Bridegroom.

When I was ill he visited me, and before surgery he anointed me with the holy oils.

I have watched him at funerals, as he commended the departed souls to God and ministered to bereaved family members. Towards the end of my life, I know he will prepare me for death and bring me viaticum.

He has offered advice in times of trial and doubt. He has shared in my joys and successes. In our conversations, he lifts my thoughts towards heaven and eternity. He guides me in discernment and teaches me how to listen to the Holy Spirit.

Countless times has he lifted me up from the mire of my sins in the sacrament of reconciliation and restored my soul to beauty and grace. Never has he been scandalized by my weakness, but instead he has always gently admonished me. In my temptations he has guided me and pointed the way towards the Light. He will not leave me in my mediocrity, but encourages me to go higher up and further in – to become a saint.

In his younger years he showed me how to give my youth to God. In his later years he gave me an example of perseverance and fidelity.

I have seen him tired and worn down, yet go visit those in prison just the same. I have heard him criticized and mistreated, yet he bore it patiently.

He visits those in the hospital and helps them to carry their sufferings and see the redemptive value of their pain.

He witnesses new marriages and counsels troubled ones.

When some priests caused scandal and harm to others, and the media attacked the priesthood itself, he did not run from his vocation. Instead, he remains steadfast, even when the world looks at him with suspicion simply because he is a priest.

He climbs Calvary every day to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and to nourish me with the Bread of Angels.

He works the day shift, and the night shift too, because his vocation is 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Who is this man who brings th e life of Christ to the world throughout every generation and era in history? Who is this man who lives as an instrument to bring heaven to earth? Who is this man who bears his people on his shoulders as Christ carried the Cross on His? This man is a priest of God. Just in case no one has told him lately how much we love him, we do! And if no one has told him how grateful we are, we thank him! On the days that he feels tired and it seems he can’t keep going, we will lift him up with our prayers.

And to our bishop, we say, “We need you. Thank you for your dedication and tireless service in caring for your flock. Thank you for leading us during the storms and guiding us in the Love that impels us forward!”

Allison Schumacher is a freelance writer who works with MiraVia in Belmont.

Most-read stories on the web Through press time on June 25, 10,195 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 27,643 pages. The top four headlines in June were: n Summer assignments for seminarians announced ................................................................. 1,106 n ‘Serve the Lord joyfully and faithfully’..........................................................................................845 n Keane named new principal at Christ the King High School...................................................764 n Buchanan, Carter, McNulty await June 28 ordination to the priesthood...........................660

“

Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud,” was the theme of Dr. Maya Angelou’s memorial service June 7. Angelou may not have been Catholic, but she certainly brought light to this world through her vocation as mother, teacher, author, grandparent, sister and daughter, just name a few. She was known as a “lover of family,” as was expressed during her memorial service. Whatever your vocation, we are all called to share Christ’s light with others. We are called in various ways to inspire others and help one another reach salvation. We are all called to “be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”

Discerning what this means as a single Catholic can be difficult. But I think it means we are to be Christ to others in all our relationships. While you may be discerning religious life or hoping to find that special someone, being single does not have to be a state that is lacking or incomplete. It does not have to be a time of waiting, wanting or looking. Rather, it is a precious time, a time of preparation, a time for living. It is free time to spend with God, family and friends. For those hoping to find Mr. or Miss Right, rather than spending time on dates with people you hardly know and in painfully forced conversations, spend quality time with dear friends, couples you admire and respect, and in meaningful service to your parish or community.

“Being single” is a great time to work on your personal growth and relationship with God. Through prayer, spiritual guidance, scripture study and ministry work, you not only get to know yourself, your faith and how God is working in your life, but you may build lifelong friendships along the way. As you do your personal “work,” you have the opportunity to meet others of like mind and heart.

Pope St. John Paul II spoke of friendship in his book “Love and Responsibility.”

“Friendship, as has been said, consists in a full commitment of the will to another person with a view to that person’s good,” he wrote. It is through friendship that God prepares our hearts for serving Him. To be concerned for the other person over ourselves is true friendship. It is an expression of how God loves us and how He calls us to love and serve one another, whether in marriage, religious life, or in everyday relationships as single Catholics. As you learn to nurture others through the gift of friendship, you are allowing God to prepare your heart for more life-giving experiences.

Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, recently wrote about the various types of love in our parish newsletter. Philo is the love of friendship, he said, “an abiding camaraderie of people who are of like mind and who have the same heart.” Eros, or romantic love, is a “powerful and creative gift (that) must be treated with great care and respect.” Agape “love is sacrificial ... it is the love of Jesus,” he said. “Agape fills that God-sized hole in our souls.”

In the book “How to Find Your Soulmate without Losing Your Soul,” Jason and Crystalina Evert talk about the importance of abstinence in dating and how society longs for love but may not know exactly what love looks like. They write that having the experience of love without the virtue of love can prove to be without a strong foundation. And while the desire for love can be well meaning, it is usually lust driving this desire. They explain, “Lust is when the desire for physical union becomes more important than the desire to do what’s best for the other.” So what does love look like? To witness the mutual respect and love of a happily married couple, whether newly wed or married 55 years, it is a special gift. Cherish it and mimic it.

I am so blessed to have my wonderful parents as my best friends. Married 55 years, my parents met in a Big Band orchestra when they were just teenagers – sax player met jazz singer. My dad courted my mom by writing arrangements for her to sing.

They became best friends, got married, had four daughters and are still the love of each other’s lives today.

“It’s the little things,” my mom says, that mean a lot. Just like the song says, it is the everyday kindnesses that matter. My dad still fills the cars with gasoline before every ice storm, saves the last chocolate chip cookie for my mom and even endures an occasional “Lifetime” movie. Their heart for community is lived out weekly through their church, Rotary Club, United Way and their music. Philo, Eros and Agape are being expressed fully in their lives together.

While we may not all be experiencing Eros, we can all love like Jesus through the gifts of friendship, family and community. We can live out our vocation and be Christ’s light daily as someone’s sister, aunt, son, daughter, grandparent, godparent, teacher, parent, mentor, pastor or friend. We can allow God to prepare our hearts for His will in our lives and strive to “be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”

Georgianna Penn is a member of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, where she serves as the Respect Life coordinator, and the author of “The Many Languages & Peaces of God,” a book about her RCIA faith journey.

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI 27A

Mary Potter Summa

Religious liberty is at stake Canada legalized same-sex “marriage” in 2004. In 2007, a Catholic city councilman from British Columbia was fined $1,000 and required to apologize for saying that homosexuality is “not normal or natural.” Three years later, a Canadian appeals court refused to allow marriage commissioners to opt out of performing samesex “marriage” ceremonies, arguing that their decision did not fundamentally affect the commissioners’ religious freedom.

A similar situation occurred in Sweden in 2004, one year before that country legalized same-sex “marriage.” A court convicted a pastor in 2004 of a hate crime and jailed him for one month for preaching against homosexuality.

Here in the United States, distorting the true meaning of freedom and equality, the homosexual rights lobby has sought and has obtained discrimination protection. Now, at full throttle, homosexual rights groups are attempting to overturn voter-approved marriage laws and state constitutional amendments through the federal courts to secure legal protection for their status as “married” couples.

As the battle rages, some professed Christians, including Catholics, have joined in the fight to redefine marriage. Yet, as history has shown in Canada, Sweden and elsewhere, providing discrimination protection for homosexual behavior and legalizing same-sex “marriage” may achieve something far different than well-meaning Christians and others intend. Legalizing the rights of homosexuals to act as homosexuals may ultimately prevent Christians from acting as Christians.

The 19th century historian Alexis de Tocqueville, who came to America in the early 1800s to learn about this fledgling republic, was both surprised and inspired by the religious fervor of this new nation and came to understand its foundational role in guaranteeing liberty. In his treatise “Democracy in America,” de Tocqueville wrote: “I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors ... in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce ... Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power ... The safeguard of morality is religion and morality is the best security of law as well as the surest pledge of freedom.”

De Tocqueville discovered what our founding fathers already knew: Liberty cannot prevail without a foundation built on a belief in God. A citizen who does not possess the right to worship and practice his faith is not really free.

For the first time in history, our forefathers sought to establish a government founded on the belief that all men are created equal and that God, not government, gives to man certain unalienable rights. The Declaration of Independence proclaimed these principles, and the Bill of Rights were intended to protect them from governmental intrusion.

It is noteworthy that the first right the founders sought to secure was the right to worship freely, and a prohibition against the federal government from establishing a state religion.

The St. Thomas More Society The St. Thomas More Society Inc. is an independent charitable organization sponsored by members of the North Carolina Bar. We believe that the legal profession is a high calling in which the principal objective of every lawyer should be to promote and seek justice in society. Ultimately, we believe that the duty of a Christian lawyer is to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and His Church at all times regardless of the personal consequences. Through fellowship with like-minded lawyers, we strive to support and to assist individual members of the St. Thomas More Society in their own efforts toward incorporating spiritual growth, Christian principles and the pursuit of truth in their spiritual and professional lives. We look to the example and ideals of St. Thomas More in our pursuit of the highest ethical principles in the legal profession generally and, in particular, in the community of Catholic lawyers. In addition, we encourage interfaith understanding and community, in part through sponsorship of an annual Red Mass to invoke the assistance of the Holy Spirit for the judiciary, lawyers, law enforcement, and other members of the legal community.

James Wilson, a signer of the Constitution and a member of the first panel of Supreme Court justices, said, “Human law must rest its authority ultimately upon the authority of that law which is Divine. Far from being rivals or enemies, religion and law are ‘twin sisters.’ Indeed, these two societies run into each other. The Divine law ... forms an essential part of both.”

At our country’s founding and through most of its history, our laws reflected this principle – most evidently in state criminal codes. Criminal laws prohibiting murder, theft, damage to property, and personal injury were all based on Biblical teaching. Criminal codes also reflected Christian teaching on personal sexual behavior. Adultery, fornication, sodomy, bigamy and polygamy, just to name a few, were all illegal and, if found guilty, a defendant could face a fine or imprisonment. In fact, until 1962 every state criminalized sodomy. Many states retained these laws outlawing sodomy until the Supreme Court reversed an earlier decision and found them unconstitutional in 2003 using the fabricated “right to privacy” also infamously used to legalize abortion.

This Biblical foundation also acted as the catalyst to

correct social injustice. Leaders of great movements of this country, including the anti-slavery movement and the civil rights movement, appealed to the natural rights of man and eternal law to right our wrongs.

In his famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” penned on April 16, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law.”

Appealing to the God-given rights of equality eventually led to the repeal of all racially-based segregation laws.

In recent years, as homosexual rights to practice homosexuality have expanded, Christians’ rights to live their faith have contracted.

In 2008, a Christian couple in Albuquerque, N.M., was tried before the State Human Rights Commission after refusing to photograph a same-sex wedding ceremony. The couple had to pay the commission a fine of $6,000. On April 8, 2014, the Supreme Court refused to hear their appeal, so the decision stands.

In 2012, a Kentucky printer was found in violation of the city’s discrimination ordinance because he refused to print T-shirts promoting the city’s Gay Pride Parade. Hands On Originals is run by Christians and its owner objected to the message on the shirt. That decision has been appealed and remains pending.

Also in 2012, a Vermont bed and breakfast paid $30,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by two lesbians seeking to hold their wedding ceremony there. (Same-sex “marriage” was legalized in Vermont in 2009.) An employee refused the lesbians’ request and the Human Rights Commission sued the inn in violation of the State’s Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

These situations make one wonder how anyone could ever question how the expansion of homosexual rights inhibits the practice of religious freedom.

Every human being, made in the image and likeness of God, deserves love and respect. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must love and serve all people. The question before this country is not, and never has been, a question about loving our neighbor. Rather, the question before us is whether the government should have the right to force people of faith to subsidize or support behavior which is contrary to their religious faith.

The greatest enemy of tyrannical governments is the Church because it demands allegiance to Jesus Christ, not the state. As the right to practice one’s faith is weakened, so is the liberty we hold dear. Christians must wake up to this fact before they find themselves in a country like Canada or Sweden and face persecution for simply living out their Christianity.

Mary Potter Summa, J.D., is an adjunct professor at Belmont Abbey College and writes for Family North Carolina, a public policy magazine produced by the North Carolina Family Policy Council.

Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be written from a perspective of Christian charity.

To be considered for publication, each letter

must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification. Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and accuracy.

The Catholic News Herald does not publish

poetry, form letters or petitions. Items submitted to the Catholic News Herald become the property of the newspaper and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org Mail: Letters to the Editor Catholic News Herald 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 28A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Hope Across Barriers

The mission of the Church is to offer Jesus’ message of salvation across barriers of language, culture and ethnicity. With its growing population, the diocese serves an ever more diverse population which brings a richness to the reality of the Church’s Unity.

Multi-Cultural Ministries seek to support all ethnic communities and serve as a resource to newcomers. They provide a faith-based environment, offering faith formation, catechists training, bilingual celebrations of Holy Mass and the sacraments, evangelization, family

and youth/young adult retreats and liturgical workshops. Through Multi-Cultural Ministries programs and events, the diocese assists more than 12,000 people each year.

These programs and events will continue to receive funding from the Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA) however, Forward in Faith, Hope and Love will serve as an extraordinary opportunity, earmarking $3,000,000 to the Multi-Cultural Ministries Endowment. The infusion of funds will provide increased resources over time.

Learn more about the campaign:

www.forwardfaithhopelove.org

Vocations

June 27, 2014

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org

S P EC I A L e d i t i o n o f T H E C AT H O L I C N E W S H E R A L D

Shining as the lights of Christ ORDINATION

JUBILARIANS

SEMINARIANS

DEACONS

VOCATIONS

Buchanan, Carter, McNulty await June 28 ordination to the priesthood,

Our 2014 jubilarians: Priests, deacons and women religious

Seminarian ordained to transitional diaconate,

Bishop Jugis ordains 16 men to the diaconate,

Profiles: Alfonso Gรกmez and Miguel Sรกnchez,

Largest class of Latino deacons makes history,

General information about religious vocations and lay ministry,

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16-17B

9B, 19B

2-3B The ordination rite explained,

4-5B

10-11B, 15B, 19B

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek’

photo provided by Pontifical North American College

Newly-ordained Deacon Paul Buchanan distributes the Eucharist Oct. 2, 2013, during the diaconate ordination Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

photo provided by Pontifical North American College

Newly-ordained Deacon Noah Carter is pictured during the transitional diaconate Mass in Rome Oct. 2, 2013.

Sueann howell | catholic news herald

Newly-ordained Deacon Paul McNulty distributes the Precious Blood June 1 at the diaconate ordination Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Buchanan, Carter, McNulty await June 28 ordination CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis will ordain three men to the priesthood at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. Transitional Deacons Paul Buchanan, Noah Carter and Paul McNulty are poised to become diocesan priests upon their ordination.

Both Deacons Buchanan and Carter completed their Bachelor of Sacred Theology degrees from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. Deacon Paul McNulty recently earned a Master of Divinity from the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.

Deacon Paul Buchanan, the son of Robert and Gloria Buchanan, is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. Deacon Noah Carter, the son of Gregory and Holly Carter, is a parishioner of St. Barnabas Church in Arden.

Deacon Paul McNulty, the son of Deacon Brian and Michelle McNulty, is a parishioner of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

A reception for all three new priests will be held in the Monsignor Joseph Kerin Family Life Center at St. Mark Parish immediately following the ordination Mass June 28.

St. Mark Church is located at 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville.

All are welcome to attend the Mass and reception.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Masses of Thanksgiving n Father Paul Buchanan: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 29, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte n Father Noah Carter: 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at St. Barnabas Church in Arden (Mass in the Extraordinary Form) n Father Paul McNulty: 3 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte

Online Facebook messages of support for Deacon Paul Buchanan, Deacon Noah Carter and Deacon Paul McNulty can be posted to the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page.

For more photos, stories and details about the Mass, go to www.catholicnewsherald.com and check out the upcoming July 4 issue of the Catholic News Herald.

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Paul Buchanan

Noah Carter

Paul McNulty

Birthday: Nov. 12, 1984 Parents: Robert and Gloria Buchanan Hometown: Charlotte Home Parish: St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte Elementary and Middle School: Newell Elementary, Northridge Middle Buchanan High School: West Charlotte High School Bachelor’s degree: B.A. in psychology (2007) from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Pre-theology: M.A. in philosophical studies (2010) from Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Md. Theology: Bachelor of Sacred Theology (2013) from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome; priestly formation at the Pontifical North American College Summer assignments in the diocese: Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury; St. Mark Church, Huntersville; Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Monroe

Birthday: Sept. 14, 1988 Parents: Gregory and Holly Carter Siblings: Zachary T. Carter, R.J. Carter Hometown: Born in Fletcher, but raised in Mills River Home Parish: St. Barnabas Church in Arden Elementary School: Mills River Elementary Carter Middle School: Rugby Middle School in Hendersonville High School: West Henderson High School College Seminary: B.A. in philosophy (2010) form the Pontifical College Josephinum Theology: Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (2013, S.T.B.; 2015, S.T.L. in Liturgical Theology, expected) Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Michael the Archangel Church, Gastonia; St. Ann Church, Charlotte, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte

Birthday: Oct. 16, 1984 Parents: Deacon Brian and Michelle McNulty Siblings: Mara Hiller, Kelsey Kuhlman Hometown: Charlotte Home parish: St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte Elementary and Middle School: Mallard Creek McNulty Elementary School and Holy Trinity Middle School High School: Zebulon B. Vance High School College Seminary: The Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio Theology: The Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, Master of Divinity Degree Summer Assignments in the Diocese: Sacred Heart, Salisbury; St. Charles Borromeo Church, Morganton; St. Dorothy Church, Lincolnton; St. Michael the Archangel Church, Gastonia

Q&A with our three future priests CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte will be blessed with three men ordained to the holy priesthood on June 28: Deacon Paul Buchanan, Deacon Noah Carter and Deacon Paul McNulty.

The Catholic News Herald recently interviewed each of them to help our readers and the parishioners of our diocese get to know them better. Here are their responses:

identity as a priest, ordained for the service of the People of God in the Diocese of Charlotte, in communion with our bishop and our priests, as we all journey together on our pilgrimage toward the Lord. Please pray for us; know of my prayers for all of you!

Paul Buchanan

Noah Carter

CNH: What are some of your interests and hobbies?

Buchanan: I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family, and learning new things about other people and other cultures. Being abroad for so long has definitely helped me appreciate my home even more, so I’ve become very interested in all things North Carolina – especially my alma mater, the University of North Carolina. As Bill Currie once said, “Nobody ever gets over being a Tar Heel,” and I’ve found that to be very true. I still enjoy watching Carolina play just about anything, especially when we beat Duke, which happens a lot.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Buchanan: I can’t remember a particular moment, but the first time I decided to tell my family was after World Youth Day in Toronto with Pope St. John Paul II. I will always be grateful to my parents for their complete support of my pursuit of a vocation to the priesthood, in spite of any sacrifices they had to make because of it.

CNH: Who has helped you or mentored you during these years of discernment and seminary?

Buchanan: The parish priests at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, both the diocesan priests and the Capuchins, have always provided a tremendous amount of support and encouragement, before and during my time in the seminary.

I’m also extremely grateful to the priests of the diocese who have mentored me during my summer assignments (Father John Putnam, Monsignor Richard Bellow and Father Benjamin Roberts), and for the wonderful priestly example of Monsignor Mauricio West, Bishop Emeritus William Curlin, and especially Bishop Peter Jugis.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Buchanan: There are lots of reasons to do lots of different things with your life, but there’s only one reason to become a priest: that is, if you think that’s what God is calling you to be. Get to know Jesus Christ and come to love Him, by letting Him into your life through prayer and the sacraments. Trust Him to provide for the rest. Don’t be afraid!

CNH: Are there any comments you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Buchanan: I cannot wait to begin to live out my new

‘There’s only one reason to become a priest: that is, if you think that’s what God is calling you to be.’ — Deacon Paul Buchanan

CNH: What are some of your interests and hobbies?

Carter: Ultimate Frisbee, liturgy studies, guitar, tennis.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Carter: In the seventh grade.

CNH: Who has helped you or mentored you during these years of discernment and seminary?

Carter: Father Roger Arnsparger, Father Matthew Kauth and Father Timothy Reid, to name a few. I have been inspired by most of the diocesan priests I have met in the diocese.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Carter: Go to Mass as often as possible – serve the Mass if you can – and confession at least once a month; it is there in the sacraments that Our Lord will make His will known.

Our Lord will never say, “You there, be a priest.” He will whisper in your heart and pull you closer to Him when you are close to the priest handling the sacred mysteries, pronouncing absolution over you, baptizing a child, or preaching the Gospel. The disciples were set on fire with love for the ministry because they had an example to follow.

Stay close to the Church’s ministers and her sacraments.

CNH: Are there any comments you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Carter: I have visited so many parishes in the diocese, even just in passing. I am moved by the faith of the people and I am excited to join the ranks of Charlotte priests to serve the faithful. May God direct the work of our hands.

Paul McNulty CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

McNulty: Flight – I wanted to be a pilot before entering seminary and still enjoy talking about flying, new planes, technology, etc.. Weather – I also wanted to be a meteorologist so anything weather related, from storms to radar piques my interest. Music – I play guitar and enjoy singing. Sports – I enjoy any sport, but the one I like to play the most when I get the chance is golf.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

McNulty: My folks remember it better than I do, but I was about 5 years old when I told my mom while at Mass that I wanted to be a priest. The first time that I sat my parents down and told them, however, was when I was about 9 years old on the Feast of the Sacred Heart when we were having our home enthroned. Again, this is a story that my parents recounted to me.

CNH: Who has helped you or mentored you during these years of discernment and seminary?

McNulty: First off, my parents and my sisters. Their example of love and fidelity to Our Lord and His Church helped me to fall in love with the Church, and they provided a great Catholic environment for me to grow in my faith and hear the call more clearly. Regarding the priests who have helped me in my discernment, there really are too many to name, though some notables are Bishop Peter Jugis, Abbot Placid Solari, Father James Ebright, Father Timothy Reid, Father Christopher Roux, Father John Putnam, Father Matthew Buettner, Father Ken Whittington, Father Josh Voitus, and the first great priestly example I remember is Father Ray Berg, of happy memory.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

McNulty: To quote Pope St. John Paul II, “Do not be afraid...put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Don’t be afraid. The call can be daunting at first as a man starts asking questions regarding his own worthiness, holiness, etc., and that can take away from the invitation into relationship that God is extending to him by sowing seeds of doubt. No, you aren’t worthy, no you aren’t holy enough. But even still, Our Lord calls and gives the grace necessary to live out this life – one that is impossible without grace. Also, realize that Our Lord’s Will for your life is where you will find true peace and fulfillment and, ultimately, if lived out faithfully and in utter dependence upon His grace ,will be that which leads to your sanctification. So, don’t be afraid. Attend Mass as often as you can, stay close to the sacraments, spend time in prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and let God love you. He’ll show you.

CNH: Are there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest in the Diocese of Charlotte?

McNulty: The prayers and support I have received from the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte have been overwhelming since I first entered formation in 2004. I thank God that I am part of such a wonderful diocese and I will be eternally grateful to the faithful for their support. I look forward to serving Our Lord and His bride the Church here in the Diocese of Charlotte. Please pray for me as I begin priestly ministry, and please be assured of my prayers.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘In persona Christi et in nomine ecclesiae’ n ‘In the person of Christ and in the name of the Church’

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Deacon Jason Christian lies prostrate during the Litany of Supplication and the chanting of the Litany of the Saints during his ordination to the holy priesthood on June 22, 2013, at St. Patrick Cathedral.

This year’s ordination Mass will be celebrated at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

The ordination rite explained Editor’s note: Never attended an ordination before? Here is a helpful guide to the ordination Mass, which will be celebrated starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at St. Mark Church in Huntersville:

What is the sacrament of holy orders?

Holy orders is the sacrament of “apostolic ministry” – that is, how “the mission entrusted by Christ to His Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. …” (CCC 1536) The word “ordination” derives from the word “order,” which is the “appropriate disposition of things equal and unequal, by giving each its proper place” (St. Augustine, “City of God,” XIX.13). Order is used to signify not only the particular rank or general status of the clergy, but also the sacramental act by which they are raised to that status: ordination.

Ordination to the priesthood takes place within the context of the Mass. The rite, most of which dates back many centuries, has several distinct parts, but the essential element is the laying on of hands on the head of the ordinand and the bishop’s consecratory prayer.

n Calling of the Candidates: In the ordination rite, after the opening prayers of the Mass and the scripture readings, the presentation of the candidate takes place. The candidate responds, “Present,” (in Latin, “Adsum”) steps forward and makes a sign of reverence.

Bishop Jugis. Why? The bishop is the head of the local Church. St. Ignatius of Antioch said the bishop is “typos tou Patros” – he is like the living image of God the Father. (CCC 1549) “The promise of obedience they make to the bishop at the moment of ordination and the kiss of peace from him at the end of the ordination liturgy mean that the bishop considers them his co-workers, his sons, his brothers and his friends, and that they in return owe him love and obedience.” (CCC 1567)

n Presentation, Inquiry and Acceptance: Bishop Jugis then asks for testimony that the candidate has received proper training and is worthy of ordination. Father Christopher Gober, diocesan vocation director, attests that the candidate is prepared. The bishop then says: “Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose this man, our brother, for the Order of the Priesthood.” The people respond “Thanks be to God,” and also give their approval by a hearty round of applause.

n Prayer for the Candidates: Bishop Jugis kneels and invites all of those present to join in prayer for the candidate. This period of prayer includes the Litany of the Saints. The chanting of the Litany of the Saints is an especially moving and memorable moment in the ordination ritual. The candidate prostrates himself before the altar as the prayers of the Litany invoke God’s saving mercy and the intercession of all the saints to send down the Holy Spirit upon this man, soon to be a priest.

n Examination of the Candidate: After the homily, the candidate approaches Bishop Jugis, who asks him if he is willing to serve Christ and His Church as a faithful priest. The examination concludes with this exchange: Bishop Jugis, “Do you resolve to be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered Himself for us to the Father as a perfect sacrifice, and with Him to consecrate yourself to God for the salvation of all?” Candidate, “I do, with the help of God.”

The Litany of the Saints is an ancient prayer. The Catholic Encyclopedia says, “It was used in the ‘Litania Septiformis’ of St. Gregory the Great, and in the procession of St. Mamertus. In the Eastern Church, litanies with the invocation of saints were employed in the days of St. Basil (d. 379) and of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus (d. about 270). It is not known when or by whom the litany was composed, but the order in which the Apostles are given, corresponding with that of the Canon of the Mass, proves its antiquity.”

The rite of ordination

n Promise of Obedience: The candidate then promises obedience to the authority of the Church and to his own religious superiors, as he kneels before

ORDINATION RITE, SEE page 5B

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

ORDINATION RITE: FROM PAGE 4B

n Imposition of hands: This is an outward sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus conferred His priesthood on His Apostles, so too does the bishop and other priests lay hands upon the ordinand. It is the most ancient and universal outward ritual of the Church. “The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible sign” of ordination.

(CCC 1538) In this moment, as Bishop Jugis lays his hands upon the head of the kneeling ordinand, he prays silently for the invocation of the Holy Spirit.

All the other priests who are present also join in the ordination ceremony. Each one in turn lays his hands silently upon the head of the candidate. This signifies that they all belong to, and participate in, the one priesthood of Jesus Christ. It is also a sign welcoming the newly ordained into the common brotherhood as priests. n Prayer of Consecration: Bishop Jugis prays: “Grant, we pray, Almighty Father, to this, your servant, the dignity of the priesthood; renew deep within him the Spirit of holiness; may he henceforth possess this office which comes from You, O God, and is next in rank to the office of Bishop; and by the example of his manner of life, may he instill right conduct. May he be a worthy coworker with our Order, so that by his preaching and through the grace of the Holy Spirit the words of the Gospel may bear fruit in human hearts and reach even to the ends of the earth.” n Vesting the New Priest: The newly-ordained priest now removes his deacon’s stole and is presented with the symbols of his new office in the Church: a priestly stole and chasuble. This is called the investiture.

used at each Mass to hold the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. As the priest receives the chalice and the paten, Bishop Jugis says: “Receive the oblation of the holy people, to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s cross.” n Kiss of Peace: Lastly, Bishop Jugis gives the kiss of peace to the new priest, saying: “Peace be with you.”

The Mass continues as usual, with the new priest concelebrating fully in his first Eucharistic sacrifice, standing closest to Bishop Jugis in a place of honor before the altar. The new priest also helps distribute Holy Communion.

Why does the Church ordain priests?

The rite of ordination is more than an “election” or “delegation” of someone as a priest. The sacrament “confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a ‘sacred power’ which can come only from Christ Himself through His Church.” (CCC 1538) The divine grace received through this rite sets these men apart – consecrates them, invests them – within the Church and gives them a unique mission among the People of God.

What are only men ordained priests?

Jesus chose 12 men as His Apostles, conferring upon them the mission to serve in His place on earth, and the Apostles did the same when they chose others to join and to succeed them. The Church is bound by the choice that Jesus Himself made, so it’s not possible for women to be ordained. Though in earlier times there were several semi-clerical ranks of women in the Church (called deaconesses), they were not admitted to orders properly so called and had no spiritual authority. They ministered to women in particular, in instances where customs called for men and women to remain separate.

n Anointing of the Hands: Bishop Jugis anoints the palms of the new priest with sacred chrism, praying, “The Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, guard and preserve you that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God.” After the anointing with the oil, the priest’s hands are wrapped with a linen cloth. Anointing with sacred oil, or chrism, symbolizes the Holy Spirit. It is another ancient ritual that has Old Testament roots.

An indelible mark

n Presentation of the Gifts: After the gifts of bread and wine are brought to the altar, Bishop Jugis gives to the new priest a chalice containing the wine, mixed with water, and the paten holding the bread. These are the sacred vessels

Holy orders is one of three sacraments that have an indelible spiritual character – that is, they cannot be repeated or rescinded. The others are baptism and

Father Adrian Porras, Deacon Mike Stout, Deacon Rudy Triana, and the entire parish of St. Barnabas Catholic Church send prayerful congratulations and best wishes to

Father Noah Carter Ordained to the Priesthood June 28, 2014

Rev. Noah Carter's Mass of Thanksgiving will be Sunday, June 29, at 2:00 pm at St. Barnabas

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confirmation. From the moment of his ordination, a priest’s vocation and mission mark him permanently. (CCC 1583) Like the sacrament of marriage, in which men and women give themselves totally to each other and grow in holiness together, holy orders is directed toward the salvation of others through the gift of oneself. “They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God. … Those who receive the sacrament of holy orders are consecrated in Christ’s name ‘to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.’” (CCC 1534-1535) A priest acts “in persona Christi” – that is, he acts with the authority of Christ, representing the person of Christ in administering the sacraments and shepherding the faithful – and “in nomine ecclesiae,” in the name of the Church. That doesn’t mean a priest is perfect! That just means that in administering the sacraments, the power of the Holy Spirit is assured.

‘The voice and hands of Christ’ In his 1990 address “On the Nature of the Priesthood,” then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) said: “Jesus gave His power to the Apostles in such a way that He made their ministry, as it were, a continuation of His own mission. ‘He who receives you receives me,’ He Himself says to the Twelve (Mt 10:40; cf.

Lk 10:16; Jn 13:10).”

He added, “If Church usage calls ordination to the ministry of priesthood a ‘sacrament,’ the following is meant: This man is in no way performing functions for which he is highly qualified by his own natural ability nor is he doing the things that please him most and that are most profitable. On the contrary, the one who receives the sacrament is sent to give what he cannot give of his own strength; he is sent to act in the person of another, to be his living instrument. For this reason no human being can declare himself a priest; for this reason, too, no community can promote a person to this ministry by its own decree.

Only from the sacrament, which belongs to God, can priesthood be received. Mission can only be received from the One who sends, from Christ in His sacrament, through which a person becomes the voice and the hands of Christ in the world.”

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE COUNCIL

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

“IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR PRIESTS”

CONGRATULATES Father Paul M. Buchanan Father Noah C. Carter Father Paul D. McNulty On their Ordination as Priests for the Diocese of Charlotte Special Congratulations to All the Newly Ordained Permanent Deacons and those Priests & Religious who are celebrating their continued service to the Faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte

109 Crescent Hill Drive Arden, NC 28704 www.saintbarnabasarden.org / 828-684-6098

www.kofcnc.org

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Be ‘effective in action, gentle in ministry and constant in prayer’

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Bishop Peter J. Jugis places the Book of the Gospels in Deacon Casey Coleman’s hands during the diaconate ordination Mass on June 7 at St. Patrick Cathedral.

Casey Coleman Birthday: Dec. 27, 1981 Parents: Keith and Caroline Coleman Siblings: Jason Coleman, 29, captain in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Hometown: Born in Dayton, Ohio, but raised in Englewood, Ohio, and in Weddington, N.C. Elementary and Middle School: Northwood Coleman Elementary in Englewood, Ohio, Northmont Junior High High School: East Forsythe High School, Winston-Salem, 1996-1998; Sun Valley High School, Monroe, N.C. 1998-2000 College Degree: B.S. in mechanical engineering (2004) from North Carolina State University Pre-Theology: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa. (2009-2011) Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio (20112014) Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Dorothy Church, Lincolnton; St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte; Spanish Immersion Program in Middlebury Language School in Middlebury, Vt.

Seminarian Casey Coleman ordained to diaconate SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Seminarian Casey Allen Coleman was ordained to the diaconate at St. Patrick Cathedral June 7.

This first Saturday in June – traditionally an ordination day for dioceses across the U.S. – was “a great day of happiness for all of us,” Bishop Peter J. Jugis said.

At the beginning of Mass Coleman, 32, quietly processed into the cathedral in a white alb adorned with intricate lace stitched with the letters “IHS” on the sleeves and hem, taking his place next to his father and mother. He then stood, hands joined in prayer as the Mass began.

In the opening prayer, Bishop Jugis prayed, “Oh God, who hath taught the ministers of Your Church to seek not to be served but to serve their brothers and sisters, grant, we pray, that this Your servant whom You graciously choose today for the office of deacon may be effective in action, gentle in ministry and constant in prayer.”

After the Liturgy of the Word, Coleman was called forward to stand before Bishop Jugis and the

congregation. Father Christopher Gober, director of vocations for the Diocese of Charlotte, affirmed Coleman’s readiness for the transitional diaconate – the next step on his journey toward the priesthood.

“Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain this man, our brother, to the responsibility of the diaconate,” Father Gober said.

“Do you know him to be worthy?” Bishop Jugis asked.

“After inquiry among the Christian people and upon the recommendation of those responsible, I testify that he has been found worthy,” Father Gober responded.

“Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, we choose this man for the order of the diaconate,” Bishop Jugis affirmed.

After a resounding round of applause, Bishop Jugis delivered his homily, explaining to Coleman the responsibilities of his office.

“Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is a great day of happiness for all of us as our brother Casey Coleman is COLEMAN, SEE page 7B

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

COLEMAN: FROM PAGE 6B

ordained a deacon of the Church. He now receives the gift of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the sacrament of holy orders to assist me and the priests in the ministry of the Word, the ministry of the Altar and the ministry of Charity.”

Bishop Jugis pointed out how the Gospel reading of the day from Matthew 20:25b-28 describes Jesus surrounded by His Apostles, teaching them about service.

“He says, ‘The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.’ It’s interesting to note that this discourse takes place on the road to Jerusalem…That is the place where Jesus will show the radical extent of His service by giving His life as a ransom for many.”

“The cross awaits Him in Jerusalem, and while on the way He is teaching His disciples about service and giving up His life.”

Bishop Jugis also explained that the Gospel reading illustrates the deacon’s ministry of the altar. The sacrifice that once took place in Jerusalem takes place at the altar again and the deacon is there to assist the priest with the Lord’s sacrifice.

“By his reverence and attention, he demonstrates to everyone that he is conscious that he is in the presence of the mystery of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist. As a deacon he is a servant of Christ, and he is also a servant of the liturgy, which is the work of Christ.”

A deacon may also baptize, assist at and bless marriages, bring viaticum to the dying, conduct funeral rites, preside at public prayers and conduct Eucharistic benediction.

He assists at the Liturgy of the Word by proclaiming the Gospel and delivering the homily at the invitation of the pastor.

Bishop Jugis reminded Coleman that when preaching “the deacon is a herald of the Gospel.” And so a deacon must, like St. Paul exhorts us, “to preach Jesus Christ as Lord.”

“He should be the subject of our preaching. And to

preach Jesus Christ effectively and with conviction, a preacher must first know Jesus Christ and spend time with Him every day in prayer.”

As the rite of ordination began, Coleman arose to climb the sanctuary steps to kneel before Bishop Jugis and place his hands in his, pledging his fidelity to the bishop and his successors.

He then descended the stairs and lay prostrate on the cathedral floor before Bishop Jugis as the Litany of Supplication was chanted by the clergy and congregation.

Then Coleman arose and approached Bishop Jugis, kneeling in prayer while Bishop Jugis placed his hands on his head, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit to confer the grace of holy sueann howell | catholic news herald orders upon him.

Seminarian Casey Coleman kneels before Bishop Peter J. Jugis during the ordination rite and the imposition of Deacon Coleman was then hands. During this part of the Mass, Bishop Jugis invokes the power of the Holy Spirit to confer holy orders upon vested by his former pastor, Coleman.

Father Bob Ferris of St. Among them were Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Aloysius Church in Hickory, Belmont Abbey and Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar and Monsignor John McSweeney, his current pastor at St. general and chancellor of the diocese.

Matthew Church in Charlotte, as his parents Keith and Bishop Jugis’ final words to Deacon Coleman in his Caroline Coleman looked on. homily were a directive for the next year of Deacon Then the newly-ordained Deacon Coleman prepared the Coleman’s life as he serves the Church as a transitional altar and assisted Bishop Jugis at the altar for the first deacon: time.

“As a deacon of Jesus Christ, be firmly grounded in the Deacon Coleman also distributed the Eucharist during faith and let people see in your actions the Word of God Communion, offering the Eucharist to his mother and which you proclaim with your voice. Then on the last day, family first before the rest of the congregation came when you go out to meet the Lord, you will be able to hear forward.

Him say to you, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, enter At the end of the ordination Mass, Bishop Jugis thanked into the joy of the Lord.’” the more than 20 priests and 15 deacons who attended.

Q&A with Deacon Casey Coleman CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Coleman: I think that I first thought I might have had a vocation to the priesthood in 2006 after I was confirmed, but I did not fully realize I had a vocation until spring of 2008. Then by that summer, I was certain and began filling out an application to the diocese in October.

CNH: Who has helped you during these years of discernment and seminary?

Coleman: I have had many good examples. First was my pastor, Father Bob Ferris at St. Aloysius Church, where I was confirmed and was a parishioner before seminary, and the parochial vicars who used to be there (Father Julio Dominguez and Father Jean Pierre Lhoposo, CICM).

At St. Matthew Church, my current parish, there are Monsignor John McSweeney, Father Pat Cahill, Father Robert Conway and Father Ambrose Akinwande, MSP. And especially my pastors I have been assigned to during my summer assignments: Father Matthew Buettner, Father Christopher Roux (who was also my spiritual director as I was discerning entering seminary).

Other priests I have grown close to are Father John Putnam, Father Christopher Gober, Father Matthew Kauth, Father Timothy Reid, Father Patrick Winslow, Father Lucas Rossi, Father David Miller, Father John Eckert, Father Joshua Voitus – the list could really go on – not to mention the many priests at seminary.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Coleman: In the words of Pope St. John Paul II, “Be not afraid,” be not afraid to listen to the voice of Our Lord speaking to your heart. “Put out into the deep and

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let down your nets for a catch.” (Lk 5:4) Often we are afraid to listen to the Lord because we are afraid of what He may be asking of us, of what we may have to give up or pressures from those around us, but what He has in store for us is greater than anything we could ever imagine. This is what Peter experienced once he listened to Jesus and put down his nets and pulled in a much bigger catch. The same is awaiting us, only it is a deep and abiding friendship with the Lord full of a love which will expand our hearts with love to the point of bursting. It is a friendship and life worth dying for, it is the “pearl of great price.” If a young man thinks he may have a vocation and tests it by going to seminary, he has lost nothing if he finds that he does not, because he will leave a better and holier man for having given it a chance.

CNH: Are there any comments you would like to share with our readers about becoming a transitional deacon here in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Coleman: I cannot wait to be able to serve the people of the diocese as a deacon. I pray that, with the help of God’s grace, I will be able live to the best of my ability the joy of the Gospel conforming myself to Christ, so that I may truly share the love and joy that He has given me with them. This is my true wish that throughout all of my ministry as a deacon and future priest: that I will be able to share with everyone the reality of the love and joy that Jesus wishes them to have, that they may have it, too. As Jesus said in Jn 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Jesus has given me His joy, and this is the joy I wish to share.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Reverend Monsignor Christopher J. Schreck, Rector/President, and the entire community of the Pontifical College Josephinum send congratulations and prayerful best wishes to

Alumni

FAther noAh CArter FAther PAul mCnulty Ordained to the Priesthood June 28, 2014 Ad Multos Annos!

7625 North High STreet Columbus, OHio 43235 www.pcj.edu / 1-877-725-4436

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Prayerful best wishes on the occasion of your ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

Hispanic seminarian discovers vocation while pursuing college education Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

HENDERSONVILLE — Alfonso GámezAlanís never thought of the priesthood.

That is, not until a Charlotte priest asked him in college if he had ever considered being a priest.

Born and raised in Hendersonville, the second-generation Mexican-American seminarian grew up as the youngest of two children in a devoutly Catholic family.

His parents moved here from Michoacán, Mexico, in 1988, and Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville became their home parish. Gámez attended daily Mass and, as he grew older, taught catechism classes there.

Gámez entered the seminary last fall after earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in 2013. His move from a small community college in Hendersonville to one of the largest colleges in western North Carolina during his sophomore year was not an easy

transition, he recalls.

“The whole climate at the university was totally different. It was a big cultural shock,” he said. “Prior to going to UNCC, I was starting to build a spirituality and learning more about my faith. Once I got to the university, there were a lot of things that went against my values and my morals; things I grew up believing and knowing.”

He linked up with Catholic Campus Ministry to stay grounded and build a network of friends away from his family and home parish.

“I immersed myself in my Catholic friends at Catholic Campus Ministry,” he said, and he started teaching confirmation classes at St. John Neumann Parish.

It was at St. John Neumann that he first thought about becoming a priest. “While I was there, Father Pat Hoare and other people at the parish started raising the question and proposing that I would be a good priest, and that they would see me as a good candidate for the priesthood.”

Gámez had always thought a career and family were the next steps for him after college.

“I tried to ignore the call at that point, and eventually my faith kind of went numb. I never stopped going to Mass or seminarian, SEE page 9B

Fr. Paul D. McNulty, Fr. Paul M. Buchanan, Fr. Noah C. Carter

Seminarians Alfonso Gámez-Alanís (left) and Juan Miguel Sánchez stand outside St. Patrick Cathedral in April.

Rico De Silva | Catholic News Herald

“If some of you hear the call to follow Christ more closely, to dedicate your entire heart to Him, like the Apostles John and Paul...

be generous, do not be afraid, ...because you have nothing to fear when the prize that you await is God Himself, for Whom, sometimes without ever knowing it, all young people are searching.”

- Saint John Paul II

Office of Vocations Diocese of Charlotte Father Christopher Gober Director of Vocations

(704) 370-3327 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203-4003 vocationsmail@charlottediocese.org

Seminarista hispano reencuentra su vocación buscando el sueño americano Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

LENOIR — Juan Miguel Sánchez tenía solo ocho años la primera vez que pensó en ser sacerdote. El joven seminarista de 29 años de la Diócesis de Charlotte, originario de Guadalajara, México, recuerda, “Cuando estaba sirviendo de monaguillo en la parroquia en México fue la primera vez que me llamó la atención la vida del sacerdocio.

Al ver al padre que estaba ahí; el Padre José Luis. Me llamó mucho la atención la manera como él actuaba, era muy buena persona; muy atento y muy amable.”

Su Párroco vio el interés en el joven Sánchez y le preguntó que si había pensado en el sacerdocio. Sin embargo, Sánchez no estaba listo para contestar el llamado del Señor a esa temprana edad y respondió que no estaba interesado en esa vocación.

Sin embargo, Sánchez afirmó que ese fue el momento en que Cristo plantó la ‘semillita’ de su vocación en su corazón. A pesar de que el joven se mantuvo activo en su parroquia en México durante su adolescencia, el correr de los años enfrió su deseo de ser sacerdote, y Sánchez decidió que iba a perseguir éxito en el mundo secular.

“Yo quería experimentar la vida como todo el mundo,” dijo él.

Cuando Sánchez tenía 20 años, parte de su familia inmigró a los Estados Unidos, y Sánchez se mudó con ellos a Charleston, South Carolina. Fue al tocar suelo estadounidense que su deseo de perseguir “el sueño americano” se afianzó

más en su mente. “En ese entonces yo no estaba pensando en la vocación,” recordó el seminarista sonriendo. “Lo que pensaba era trabajar, hacer dinero, comprar mi casa, comprar mi carro, casarme, tener hijos; siempre pensé en tener 6 hijos.”

Pero el Señor tenía otros planes para Juan Miguel Sánchez. Con el pasar del tiempo, la ambición del éxito siguió creciendo en él, pero también el vacío interior, que generalmente acompaña la persecución ciega de los bienes materiales, aumentó en el corazón de Sánchez.

“Cuando tenía 25 años, fui a un retiro de “Emaús” en Charleston,” dijo él.

Providencialmente, en el retiro Emaús, el joven conoció al Padre Julio Cesar Domínguez, Párroco de la Iglesia de San Francisco en Lenoir. El Padre Domínguez también participó en ese retiro. “Yo viví ese retiro con él (Padre Domínguez) y yo vine aquí (a la diócesis) a ayudar en su parroquia porque él estaba preparando un retiro acá,” recuerda el seminarista. Al llegar a Lenoir, y conocer formalmente al Padre Domínguez, “Quince minutos después de conocerlo me pregunta: ‘¿Tú nunca has estado interesado en el sacerdocio?’ Y yo pensé, ‘¿por qué me lo pregunta?’ La verdad fue algo sorpresivo,” dijo Sánchez.

Pero esta vez, con el recuerdo fresco en su mente y su corazón de un fructífero retiro de Emaús, en donde Sánchez dice que el Señor despertó un intenso deseo de servir a su Iglesia, él contestó al Padre SEMINARISTA, SEE page 9B

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

SEMINARIAN: FROM PAGE 8B

going to confession, but I felt empty.”

By the time of his junior year at UNCC, the spiritual “emptiness” and “hunger” was really weighing him down, he recalls. “I didn’t find any peace or solace in my spiritual life anymore at that point.”

That September he attended the 2012 Eucharistic Congress, and God gave him the grace to see the joy he could find in a religious vocation, he said.

“I remembered seeing the sisters and the seminarians and the priests – and they have this joy about themselves, this really awesome presence. I asked myself, ‘What do they have that I don’t have?’”

It dawned on him what God was trying to tell him, and immediately after the Eucharistic Congress Gámez decided to answer that call.

He started going to daily Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church near the UNCC campus, and he entered the seminary after graduation.

“Ever since then, I felt like this huge weight lifted off my shoulders.”

He credits St. Thomas Aquinas’ pastor, Father Patrick Winslow, and Father Matthew Kauth, priest in residence, as instrumental in helping him along his spiritual journey as a seminarian.

“They are great priests, great men. Every day I would ask them questions, and they would give me great advice. They have this great spiritual fatherhood that they were able to give me.”

Gámez completed his first year of pretheology at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, last month, and will start his second year of pre-theology this fall.

SEMINARISTA: FROM PAGE 8B

Domínguez que si había considerado el sacerdocio en varias ocasiones. Fue después de ayudar en ese primer retiro Emaús en Lenoir, que el seminarista decidió discernir la voluntad de Dios con respecto a una vocación sacerdotal.

Bajo la guía espiritual del Padre Domínguez, Sánchez empezó su discernimiento y se involucró activamente en el ministerio de catequesis en su parroquia de Charleston.

También tomó la decisión de acabar sus estudios de escuela secundaria y completó su GED (equivalente de un diploma de High School). Sánchez hizo su aplicación formal al programa de seminarista en el 2013 y fue aceptado. Actualmente, el seminarista asiste al Seminario Pontifico Josephinum en Columbus, Ohio, y acaba de terminar su primer año de filosofía, también conocido como pre-teología.

Para poder ser ordenado al sacerdocio, los seminaristas deben completar cuatro años de pre-teología y cuatro años de teología en un seminario mayor.

Sánchez acredita la mentoría y dirección espiritual del Padre Domínguez como algo esencial en su camino al sacerdocio. También otro momento crucial en escuchar el llamado de Dios fue durante el retiro Emaús que hizo en Charleston, “Hay un momento que yo viví en el retiro que fue muy especial. Yo siempre le preguntaba (a Jesús), ‘¿Qué es lo que quieres de mí? ¿Por qué yo?’… Dios me da una respuesta y me dice, ‘Yo di la vida por ti. No te estoy pidiendo que mueras ahorita por mí, ¡pero que vivas para servirme!’”

Después de finalmente haber respondido al llamado de Dios, Sánchez dijo que ha experimentado un gozo y una paz interior que el sueño americano nunca le hubiera podido brindar. “Lo decidí, y hasta el momento, estoy muy contento.”

Seminarian summer assignments announced CHARLOTTE — Seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte will have the following parish assignments this summer, the Diocese of Charlotte recently announced: n Brian Becker will serve at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte. n Christopher Bond will serve at St. Michael Parish in Gastonia. n Mike Carlson will serve at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe. n Cory Catron will serve at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Charlotte. n Deacon Casey Coleman will serve at Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury. n Christian Cook will serve at St. Ann Parish in Charlotte. n Christopher Hamilton will serve at St. Mark Parish in Huntersville. n David McCanless will serve at Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury. n Santiago Mariani will serve at St. John the Baptist parish in Tryon. n Britt Taylor will serve at St. Eugene Parish in Asheville.

Support our seminarians’ education and priests’ retirement The education of our seminarians is possible thanks to the generosity of our parishioners who give to the Diocesan Support Appeal and the Easter Sunday Seminary and Priests’ Continuing Education Collection, and those who contribute leadership gifts to the Friend to Seminarians program. To learn more about how you can donate to seminarians’ education efforts or support our retired priests, call diocesan Director of Development Jim Kelley at 704-370-3301. Learn more online at www.charlottediocese.org: click on Departments, then Stewardship and Development.

Interested in the permanent diaconate?

Catholic men who are active in their parish and bring a certain experience of the spiritual life including apostolic zeal and a desire to increase their faith through obedience and fraternal communion, and who are at least 33 years old, married or unmarried, can inquire into becoming a permanent deacon in the diocese. Preparation for the permanent diaconate takes several years to complete, and includes completion of the two-year Lay Ministry program. To learn more, go online to www.charlottediocese.org: click on Ministries, then on Permanent Diaconate.

Learn more about your faith through the Lay Ministry program Interested in learning more about the faith, becoming a catechist or religion teacher, or discerning the possibility of becoming a permanent deacon? The diocesan Lay Ministry Office offers a two-year program with classes in Arden, Bryson City, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir. The next two-year program begins this fall.

For details, contact Dr. Frank Villaronga at 704-370-3274 or favillaronga@charlottediocese.org.

— Catholic News Herald

CCDOC.ORG

The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte offer prayerful congratulations to Fr. Paul M. Buchanan, Fr. Noah C. Carter, and Fr. Paul D. McNulty on the occasion of their ordinations to the holy priesthood, And to Transitional Deacon Rev. Mr. Casey A. Coleman, as well as all of our new Permanent Deacons on their recent ordination to the diaconate, And finally to all of our priest & sister jubilarians as they celebrate the milestones of their ministry.

We are privileged to work with all of you as we strengthen families, build communities and reduce poverty across the Diocese of Charlotte.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 10B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Celebrating our

Priests 5 YEARS

10 YEARS

Father Benjamin Roberts

Father Robert Conway Father Jean Pierre Lhoposo Father Timothy Reid Father John Starczewski

Roberts

Conway

Lhoposo

Reid

30 YEARS

35 YEARS

Father Paul Gary Father Peter Fitzgibbons Father Philip Kollithanath Father Thomas Kessler

Vincentian Father Vincent Finnerty Vincentian Father John Timlin

Gary

Fitzgibbons

Kollithanath

Kessler

45 YEARS

50 YEARS

Capuchin Franciscan Father Louis Canino

Benedictine Father Francis Forster Benedictine Father Arthur Pendleton

Canino

Women religious 60 YEARS n Sister Fran Grady, SCL

65 YEARS n Notre Dame Sister Therese Martin

Starczewski

Finnerty

Timlin

Forster

Pendle

Deacons 15 YEARS Deacon William Griffin Deacon Richard Voegele

20 YEARS Deacon Phil Cooper Deacon Rich McCarron

30 YEARS Deacon Tom Kak (not pictured) Deacon Ramon Tajada Deacon R. Timothy Ritchey

Griffin

Voegele

Cooper

McCarron

Tajada

Ritchey

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

2014 Jubilarians 15 YEARS

20 YEARS

25 YEARS

Father Patrick Winslow

Father Michael Kottar

Father Conrad Hoover

Winslow

Kottar

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Hoover

40 YEARS Father Paul Wilderotter (not pictured) Monsignor John McSweeney Jesuit Father Patrick Earl Conventual Franciscan Father William Robinson

n

McSweeney

Earl

Robinson

55 YEARS

65 YEARS

Father Gabriel Meehan

Father Charles Reese

Meehan

leton

Online At www.catholicnewsherald. com: Read more about some of these priests and the advice they have to offer.

Reese

35 YEARS

Online

Deacon Gordon Forrester Deacon John Sims Deacon William S. Shaw

At www.catholicnewsherald. com: Read more about these deacons and their ministry for the diocese

40 YEARS Deacon Michael Leahy

Forrester

Sims

Shaw

Leahy

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 12B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Kottar looks back on 20 years of priesthood SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

SHELBY — Shelby is a long way from New Brunswick, N.J., where Father Michael Kottar served in his first parish after his ordination for the Diocese of Metuchen 20 years ago.

In 1994, he was ordained

by Bishop Edward Thomas Hughes, and five years later he found himself in North Carolina, where he now serves as pastor of St. Mary Parish.

As he looks back over the Kottar past 20 years, Father Kottar shares with the Catholic News Herald some of his memories: CNH: What was your first assignment?

Father Kottar: My first assignment was St. Peter the Apostle in New Brunswick, N.J. What do I remember? City life! St. Peter’s was an old Irish parish with both a parish grammar and high school. It was a big stone church with no air conditioning. The Northeast Corridor high speed rail line runs right behind the church.

In the summer, when all the windows were left open during Mass, you could hear the blast of the trains and the station announcements for the next train to New York. That was where I developed my pulpit voice!

The rectory and offices were located in

an old converted mansion with four large white pillars in the front. In reality it was run down, but from the street it looked impressive. One of the neighborhood boys, after asking where I lived, said, ‘Man, you live in a judge’s house.’ I won’t forget that.

CNH: What have been some of your favorite assignments?

Father Kottar: In 1999 I received permission to work in the Diocese of Charlotte for three years. Bishop William Curlin welcomed me to the diocese. (Bishop Peter J. Jugis has since incardinated me, and I say a special thanks to both bishops.)

I drove straight down from New Jersey to the south side of Charlotte – St. Matthew Church – the largest in the diocese and I guess the largest in the country. The Capuchins were leaving and Monsignor John McSweeney had just arrived the day before.

I think we were both in shock. Thousands of families! Two priests! Monsignor McSweeney told me the last time he was there it was all farmland.

Another assignment was the smallest parish in the diocese, Holy Redeemer Church in Andrews and Prince of Peace Mission in Robbinsville, in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Less than 100 families. The first time I drove out there I was almost two hours from Asheville and wondering how long the state of North Carolina could be. It’s long!

Route 74 became two lanes and I entered the KOTTAR, SEE page 14B

Father Winslow: ‘I love seeing how Divine Providence unfolds right before our eyes’ CHARLOTTE — Father Patrick Winslow, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, celebrates 15 years of priesthood this month. Prior to being installed as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, he served as pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon for six years.

Originally from upstate New York, Winslow he was ordained

by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, N.Y. He transferred to the Diocese of Charlotte in 2004.

He earned an advanced degree in canon law from The Catholic University of America and currently serves the marriage tribunal as “defender of the bond,” a diocesan official charged with defending the validity of the marriage bond in annulment cases. He is also a lecturer for Catholic Scripture Studies International.

He recently shared some reflections on the priesthood: CNH: What are some of your favorite assignments you had over the past 15

years?

Father Winslow: Of the more notable parish assignments is St. John the Baptist in Tryon. This is because it was the first parish where I was installed as the pastor. Another interesting assignment was a year I spent as a part-time chaplain at Great Meadow Correctional Facility. It is a maximum security prison in upstate New York. Surprisingly, it was the most intellectually challenging assignment.

The men had complicated and difficult situations, time to read and many questions. I have a great fondness for prison ministry. I encourage anyone who can to get involved.

CNH: What do you enjoy most about your priestly ministry?

Father Winslow: In short, loving God and His people. I love seeing how Divine Providence unfolds right before our eyes. I love the intimacy of God found in the sacraments. I love being shaped by the path on which God has placed me. As one with pastoral care of souls, I love being an instrument of the Good Shepherd.

CNH: What are some of the most WINSLOW, SEE page 14B

St. Matthew Catholic Church Wishes Congratulations to

First priest ordained in Charlotte on September 29, 1974

Msgr. John J. McSweeney on the 40th Anniversary of His Ordination to the Priesthood

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Father Kessler: Priests should follow the example of Peter

Father Starczewski: ‘Never be afraid to teach the faith’ MOCKSVILLE — Father John Starczewski, pastor of St. Francis Assisi Church, is among the first group of diocesan priests that Bishop Peter Jugis ordained in 2004.

Father John, as he likes to be called, was ordained at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte, along with Father Timothy Reid and Father Robert Conway. His first assignment was at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, where he served as parochial vicar for two years. He then served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro for a year.

Father John became the pastor of St. James the Greater Parish in Hamlet and Sacred Heart Mission in Wadesboro in 2008, and for the Starczewski past three years he has served as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Mocksville.

“All of my assignments have been special in some way,” Father John says. “St. Vincent because it was my first and the things that I got to do and learn there. Our Lady of Grace is just simply the most beautiful place to celebrate Mass. St. James and Sacred Heart, well, it was my first assignment as pastor and I have many continuing friendships from that parish.

“St. Francis of Assisi, my current assignment, is helping me to grow in my priestly ministry. I’m learning to follow the Lord as the Good Shepherd by becoming a teacher and a true pastor who guides and cares for the flock.”

What he enjoys most about the priesthood is “being with people. We help each other in the difficult times, but also we rejoice together when the Lord blesses us in some special way.

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The lessons he’s learned over the past decade since his ordination?

“Lesson one: Never be afraid to teach the faith, but as St. Peter teaches in his first letter, do it with kindness. Lesson two: Each day requires a Holy Hour before the Lord. Lesson three: Know your limits.

The shepherd needs his rest; there are times when ‘no’ is an appropriate answer. It’s hard to do what is necessary when you’re exhausted. Lesson four: Remember always the love and the patience that the Lord shows you and then share it with your people,” he emphasized.

What advice does he have for men discerning a vocation to the priesthood?

“To those discerning a vocation to the priesthood I would say, ‘pray, pray, pray.’ I’m a late vocation, but I was called to the priesthood when I was 9 years old.

Without prayer, I would have never found the faith to follow the call.

“In their prayer, they need to talk to the Lord – not just about whether they are called to the priesthood, but about the reasons that they may be resisting the call. It wasn’t until I had that conversation with the Lord that He showed me how to move beyond (those reservations). Also they should participate in some ministry in the Church. While it’s not the same as being a priest, you’ll get a better idea of what a priest does, and it will help when you do answer the call.”

Father John plans to mark his 10th ordination anniversary by celebrating Mass and “thanking the Lord for calling me and doing what He called me to do. He will also take a trip back to St. Pope John XXIII seminary in October with his seminary class for Alumni Weekend to celebrate their 10 years of priesthood.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

STATESVILLE — Father Thomas Kessler, pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville, recently shared some insights on his three decades of serving the faithful in both the Diocese of Allentown, Pa., and the Diocese of Charlotte.

Father Kessler was ordained in 1984 by the late Bishop Thomas J. Welsh of Allentown. He served several parishes in that diocese before serving as a missionary with the Society of St. James the Apostle, serving in rural Bolivia from 1988 until 1993.

Upon his return to the U.S., Father Kessler served as a professor and director of spiritual activities at Notre Dame High School in Bethlehem Township, Pa. He then had the privilege of servicing as director of pastoral formation at the Archdiocesan Seminary of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minn.

Kessler Since his relocation to the Diocese of Charlotte in 1999, Father Kessler has served five parishes in the diocese: St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton; St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem; Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe; St. Matthew Church in Charlotte; and now at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville.

Father Kessler shares that what he enjoys most about being a priest is “the diversity of the ministry of the Catholic priesthood.”

The most important thing he has learned over the past 30 years?

“The importance of prayer,” he says.

And for men discerning the priesthood?

“Don’t discern too much,” he says. “Discernment is a word that became especially popular after the Second Vatican Council, and so many nuns and priests seemed to have discerned themselves right out of their vocation. A good attitude of discernment might be to follow the example of Peter, ‘We’ve been hard at it all night and have caught nothing, but if you say so, Lord!’

Father Kessler marked his 30th anniversary with his parishioners earlier this month. He says, “If God blesses me with 10 more years, I would hope to have another nice celebration for my 40th anniversary.”

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

“Pater, tu es sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech” Psalm 110:4

Father Robert Conway, congratulations on the 10th anniversary of your ordination.

©2014 SELMARQ

The parishioners and staff at St. Matthew are grateful for your many years of service.

The parish family of St. Ann congratulates our Pastor, Fr. Timothy Reid, on the tenth anniversary of his ordination.

St. Ann Catholic Church † 3635 Park Road † Charlotte, North Carolina

10thAnnAd.indd 1

5/27/14 11:29 AM

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 14B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

KOTTAR: FROM PAGE 12B

Nantahala Gorge.

I said to myself, “This is really the end of the world. What have I got myself into?� The little church and rectory in Andrews has the best view of any in the diocese.

Half of Graham County is in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

I used to joke that we had more black bear as parishioners than humans. And they all tithed!

CNH: What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned over the past 20 years?

Father Kottar: I have learned that people love priests because they bring them Christ – the Holy Eucharist and all the sacraments and blessings when the priest acts in persona Christi.

Pope Francis, as archbishop of Buenos Aires, said priests have been “anointed to anoint ... anointed to make every person who comes into this world, everyone who loves the Lord, feel the goodness and tenderness of God.�

The priest has been anointed with the oil of gladness, so his oil will never dry up. It is also just the presence of the priest, like a home visitation or at a social function, which calls to mind the love of Christ. God is not somewhere off in the distance, but Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI once said that what’s

essential about Christianity is Christ Himself. “God stepped into the world and acted; so it is an action, a reality, not only an intellectual entity.� I believe that Christ continues to “step and act in this world� through His priests.�

CNH: What advice would you give to a man discerning a vocation to the priesthood?

Father Kottar: For a man discerning the priesthood, I recommend prayer, the Holy Eucharist and frequent confession.

Start praying the rosary and develop a relationship with the Blessed Mother. She told us to do that at Fatima.

As Pope Francis recently said to seminarians, a strong relationship with Mary helps us have a strong relationship with the Church. Both are mothers. Speaking of Pope Francis and those great images in his homilies, I would encourage a young man to start reading the daily Mass homilies of Pope Francis. They are in summary form on the internet, and they are chock full of great lines and ideas that you can really sink your teeth into.

One that stands out is that the priest must really know his people. He has to “smell like the sheep.� And a young man discerning should watch out for those “intellectual aristocrats.�

The intellect is necessary, but study always lead to a deeper relationship with a person – the Divine Person – Jesus Christ.

WINSLOW: FROM PAGE 12B

important lessons you have learned over the past 15 years?

Father Winslow: Administration is a headache, although necessary. With every decision someone or some group will be unhappy.

Although the goal may be clear, the path to get there takes time. This applies not only to pastoring a parish, but also to one’s personal life. As a pastor, one is more readily persuaded by honesty and humility than by anger and gossip.

CNH: What advice would you give to a man discerning a vocation to the priesthood?

Father Winslow: Be honest.

Seek first the will of God. Respond generously and courageously. Never lose sight of the fact that the faithful reasonably expect their priests to be men of God, and men of God are men of love.

CNH: Do you have any special plans to celebrate your anniversary?

Father Winslow: I will have dinner with my parents, apart from whom I cannot imagine my life or vocation. — SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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Father Roberts: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The most profound thing is caring for the sick and the dyingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MONROE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; June 6 marked the fifth anniversary of ordination for Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe.

He was ordained by Bishop Peter Jugis at St. Patrick Cathedral and his first assignment was at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Greensboro.

Recently the Catholic News Herald asked Father Roberts to share some information on his ordination and reflections on his five years as a priest for the Diocese of Charlotte: CNH: What are some of your favorite assignments or what do you enjoy most about your priestly ministry?

Father Roberts: It is so hard to pick a favorite or say that I enjoy something the most. I think the most profound thing has been caring for the sick and the dying â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sitting with, praying with, and giving consolation to a person who will soon see face to face Him whom I preach only in faith.

Roberts

CNH: What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned over the past 5 years?

Father Roberts: Pastoral availability means the availability of the pastor to Christ the High Priest. The more I surrender to Him, the more He will make me the shepherd He created me to be.

CNH: What advice would you give to a man discerning a vocation to the priesthood?

Father Roberts: Listen carefully. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Celebrating their golden jubilee: Father Francis and Father Arthur inviting people deliberately. Some people may hear about it, but I can’t get too excited over it.”

Father Francis agrees: “A monk is a BELMONT — On May 24, Benedictine monk,” he says, with a shrug, “whether Father Francis Forster and Benedictine it is 40 years or 50. I’m also not inviting Father Arthur Pendleton celebrated anyone or making a fuss about it.” the 50th year of their ordination to the Despite their mutual desire to keep a low priesthood at Belmont Abbey. profile, Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari Aside from their duties within the believes both men are deserving of the monastery, Father Arthur and Father recognition they receive.

Francis have both been active in the “Father Francis and Father Arthur have academic life of Belmont Abbey College for both served the monastic community and many years. college community quietly, each in his own Father Arthur began teaching chemistry way,” Abbot Placid says. “When Father in 1963 and continued to teach part-time Francis was serving as the registrar, he after his retirement from teaching some used his technical skills to repair anything years ago. A native of Rhode Island, he electronic around the monastery, going arrived at the monastery in 1958 at the age about his business of 28 after studying and not seeking any textile chemistry notice. He was the ‘goand coloring at the to’ person whenever Rhode Island School something needed of Design. to be fixed or taken “I thought about care of. Likewise, being a priest at Father Arthur has several stages in an amazingly keen my life,” he recalls mind and breadth “I considered the of intellectual priesthood when interests. He has I was in grammar served as prior in the school, high school, Forster Pendleton monastic community etc. The only perhaps more often problem is that I than anyone in the couldn’t imagine community’s history.” myself standing After spending so up in front of a much time within the crowd of people confines of Belmont and preaching.

Abbey, both men have That eventually certainly garnered a changed.” great many memories Father Francis, that come to mind who once served as for them during this the college registrar, celebration. Not came to the surprisingly, for monastery fresh out Father Francis, it is of the U.S. Air Force the memory of his during the Korean ordination.

War. He felt the call “That was the to join the monastic capstone,” he says, community while thoughtfully. “That still in active was the purpose for service. my coming to the “I got the call, — Benedictine Father Francis Forster monastery.” you could say, when Belmont Abbey Father Arthur I was serving in remembers finally Korea. I worked getting over his fear with a chaplain of public speaking – a crucial element for there. Later, I visited the abbey while I was being able to give homilies. stationed nearby here in North Carolina.

“All along, I had dreaded preaching in When I got out of the service four years front of people. Every time I thought about later at the age of 24, I came right over to the priesthood, I could not imagine myself join the monastery.” doing that. I was a bit timid. We practiced It was the “community life” of the giving homilies here at the monastery monastery that drew him to settle here, during our training and we had to do so he explains. “I knew that I wanted to be without notes – just memorization. And a priest, just not a parish priest – I didn’t when we did so, the audience wasn’t all want all the social, public interaction; and that interested in what you had to say. to be a monk at that time, one had to be Eventually, after I was ordained, I had to ordained.” Answering God’s call was an give a homily. So one day, I get up into the easy decision to make, he says. pulpit (this time with notes), and I see all of Recognizing a 50-year milestone is these people smiling at me. If you want to important in anyone’s career or personal talk about nice experiences, that would be life. For a monk, it is an opportunity to it for me, because I knew they were all so share with friends and family the fruits of happy to see me there.” one’s commitment to God and a monastic At the ages of 81 and 84, respectively, spiritual life. How do these two monks feel both men are at the stage in one’s life when about reaching this anniversary in their advice is usually dispensed to and sought lives? Both men take a decidedly humble, after by young people. For those seeking understated approach. guidance with discerning a religious “I’m pretty much at peace about it,” vocation, they counsel: Consider attending says Father Arthur. “Four years ago, the a seminary, go on discernment visits and monastery celebrated the 50 years’ jubilee retreats, and give some thought to what of monastic profession (which is different God may be calling you to do. than the jubilee of ordination). I will, of “Give it a try,” they both say. course, be there at the Mass, but I’m not Emily Williams Correspondent

‘I knew that I wanted to be a priest, just not a parish priest ...’

15B

The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Charlotte would like to share in the celebration of...

The Ordination of Our New Priests Transitional Deasons & Permanent Deacons As Well as Honoring All Priest & Sister Jubilarians May our prayers and good wishes go with you as you continue your ministry to God’s people.

For information about one of our Catholic Schools visit http://schools.charlottediocese.org

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 16B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Serve the Lord joyfully and faithfully’

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Bishop Peter J. Jugis (left), the 16 newly ordained deacons for the Diocese of Charlotte and all gathered for Mass pray during the ordination May 31 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

Bishop Jugis ordains 16 men to the diaconate May 31 SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

HUNTERSVILLE — “Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, we choose these, our brothers, for the order of the diaconate.” These words by Bishop Peter J. Jugis were met by thunderous applause from the congregation at the permanent diaconate ordination Mass at St. Mark Church May 31.

Sixteen men in white albs, most standing next to their wives, were called forward to stand before Bishop Jugis at the beginning of the Mass. During the ordination rite, each took a turn kneeling before Bishop Jugis to pledge their allegiance to him and the diocese in their ministry as deacons.

“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, our brothers have now been chosen for ordination to the diaconate,” Bishop Jugis said. “They will now receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the sacrament of holy orders to assist me and the priests in the ministry of the Word, in the ministry of the Altar and the ministry of Charity.”

He explained to the 16 men how they will serve the Church in their new role as permanent deacons – how they will now proclaim the Gospel at Mass, prepare the altar at Mass and distribute the Lord’s Body and Blood to the faithful.

“They will be in the very privileged position of being at the side of the priest at the altar during the celebration of the sacred mysteries, the source and summit of the Church’s life. How blessed they will be to be present at such a place in service to the Lord and to the priest, and how humble they must also be to be in that position,” Bishop Jugis said.

The newly ordained deacons will also administer the sacrament of baptism, assist at and bless marriages, bring

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from the ordination Mass and read reflections by the new deacons At the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel: See video highlights from the diaconate ordination Mass

viaticum to the dying, conduct funeral rites and preside over public prayers. They become heralds of the Gospel in the ministry of the Word. They will also deliver a homily at the invitation of their pastor and instruct the faithful in the teachings of the Church.

“St. Paul reminds us in our second reading today: We do not preach ourselves, or our own opinion, but we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, and we are slaves for the sake of Jesus.”

The deacons are also ordained for the ministry of Charity, bringing the love of Christ to others with a special concern for the sick and the poor, following the example of Jesus Himself, who came not to be served but to serve.

“Now, my dear sons, you are to be raised to the order of the diaconate. Jesus, by His own life, gave us many examples of service to human needs: feeding the hungry, healing the sick, laying down His life for all humanity’s salvation. As He served in love and mercy, so also you should do. Serve the Lord joyfully and faithfully.”

Bishop Jugis also thanked each deacon’s wife and family for their support during each man’s spiritual formation, which takes several years. He urged everyone to continue to pray for the new deacons and support them in their work on behalf of the Church.

Finally, he noted that the deacons have much to do in service to the Church in their various parishes. With a smile, he told the deacons that their ministry “begins now.”

Newly ordained deacon, Jack Staub, shared what the ordination was like from his perspective.

“When we went up the aisle to lay prostrate before the Lord, seeing the faces of the people as we walked out amongst the people was so symbolic of a reality that I did not understand before,” he explained. “People had talked about the grace of ordination that had seemed vague to me. I can say now that it is real although somewhat still difficult to explain. The best way that I can describe it is that there is a clarity to the ways of God that I did not see before. The crucifix now appears to show more than I saw before. I am quite thankful for so many blessing and most especially to being able to minister with and to the people of the Diocese of Charlotte.”

Deacon Mark Mejias said, “At the ordination my whole body was full with the Holy Spirit. While I saw the people coming forward I felt so humble, so not worthy and I felt the presence of the Lord all around me. I realize that my life will change going forward and I’m willing and wanting to set out on this new journey all for Our Lord Jesus Christ. So as we go forward I am ready to a accept all that He wants to do with me I am ready to accept His command.”

Director of the Permanent Diaconate program, Deacon Ron Steinkamp, said of the ordination, “It was a time of grace, grace for the diocese of Charlotte and the grace of the Sacrament of Holy Orders for these good men. Bishop Jugis has been so kind in his support for the diaconate and this event culminates years of preparation supported by his prayers and allocation of resources to their formation.

We are all so grateful.”

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Largest class of Latino deacons makes history at St. Mark Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

HUNTERSVILLE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis presided over a historic ordination May 31 for the permanent diaconate program in the Diocese of Charlotte. In a joyful and beautiful liturgical ceremony, Bishop Jugis ordained 16 new deacons, five of whom hail from Latin America – the largest class of incoming Latino deacons in the diocese’s 42-year history.

“We’re thrilled to have five excellent men with Spanish language skills in this class,” said Deacon Ron Steinkamp, director of the permanent diaconate. “Prior to their ordination, we had only eight bilingual permanent deacons in the whole diocese.

This is a big deal.”

The five new Latino deacons are: Deacon Guillermo Anzola from Colombia; Deacon Sigfrido A. Della Valle from El Salvador; Deacon Marcos Mejías, born in Milwaukee, Wis., of Puerto Rican parents; Deacon Miguel Sebastían from Guatemala; and Deacon Rubén Tamayo from Havana, Cuba.

The wives, sons and daughters of the newly ordained men, as well as other family members and friends, packed St. Mark Church in Huntersville almost to capacity. They came to celebrate and to show their support and gratitude for these men, whose desire and commitment to serve the Lord and His Church helped them to persevere through the lengthy and meticulous formation process.

With close to an estimated 190,000 Latino Catholics in western North Carolina, Hispanics now account for more than half of the Catholic population in the diocese. These new Latino deacons will help minister to the pastoral needs of this large number of first-generation LatinAmericans in the diocese with limited or no-English proficiency. They will minister to those eager to have the Word of God proclaimed to them in their native Spanish.

“The most important role for me concerning Hispanic ministry is to unite myself with all those who are currently working hard in the Lord’s vineyard – because it’s only through giving that we receive and only through sharing that we grow,” said Deacon Della Valle.

During the ordination, Bishop Jugis exhorted the new deacons, “Now, my dear sons, you are to be raised to the order of the diaconate. Jesus, by His own life, gave us many examples of service to human needs: feeding the hungry, healing the sick, laying down His life for all humanity’s salvation. As He served in love and mercy, so also you should do. Serve the Lord joyfully and faithfully.”

With career backgrounds as diverse as their countries of origin, the new deacons bring a unique flavor not only to parish ministry, but also to the secular environments of their daily living. Deacon Della Valle works as a building contractor.

He, his wife Sonia, and their three daughters attend Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City. They moved to the diocese in 1994 from Florida.

Deacon Marcos Mejías and his wife Ivonne moved to the diocese in 2001 from his native Puerto Rico, and have attended Holy Family Church in Clemmons since.

He works as a controller at Wake Forrest Hospital in Winston-Salem. The Mejías have two grown-children, Marcos and Nicole, who both live out of state, but were present during the ordination.

Deacon Rubén Tamayo was baptized in his native Cuba, and his family brought

him to the U.S. when they immigrated via Miami, Fla., when he was just 6. Deacon Tamayo and his wife Aida moved to the diocese in 1997 and have two children, Andrew and Amanda. He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science, but works full-time as the youth ministry director at his home parish of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. His wife Aida is the faith formation coordinator at the parish.

Deacon Miguel Sebastían recently became an American citizen, and describes himself as “100 percent Guatemalan and 100 percent Mayan Indian.” Deacon Sebastian and his wife Ana have lived in the diocese since 1992. They are parishioners at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton.

Deacon Guillermo Anzola and his wife Nora moved to Charlotte from their native Colombia in 1986 for Guillermo to pursue post-graduate studies. They have one son, Andrés. The Anzolas have been parishioners at St. Vincent de Paul in Charlotte since 2004.

Without exception, all the newlyordained Hispanic deacons cited their fiveyear formation as the most difficult part of their journey to holy orders. The diaconate program is a serious commitment not only for the candidates, but also for their wives.

It takes self-sacrifice and dedication – traits that can only be acquired by a discipline life of prayer and active contemplation to recognize the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

The whole process is exhaustive. Before candidates could even apply for the diaconate program, they need to have completed the two-year diocesan lay ministry program. Then they must get their pastor’s recommendation and begin a one-year period of aspirancy, followed by four years of closely supervised formation.

Since the great majority of candidates to the diaconate are married, candidates are assigned deacon mentors who interview both husband and wife to assure that both of them are equally committed to the ministry.

“Without a doubt, the role a candidate’s wife plays in the program is of the utmost importance. If we don’t have the support of our wives on this journey to serve the Church in this capacity, it would be impossible for a candidate to successfully finish the formation program. Nora has had to sacrifice herself so much for me during these past five years of formation, and I’m so grateful to her because of it,” Deacon Anzola said.

The new deacons will exercise their ministry of proclaiming the Gospel during the Liturgy and assisting the priest on the altar during the celebration of the Eucharist. They will also baptize, and assist and bless marriages in both English and Spanish. Deacon Mejías was quick to point out that a deacon should not limit himself to just one group of people within the Church. “The Apostles went out to proclaim and try to save not only the Jewish people, but the whole world.

We deacons are ordained to minister to all races. And I will do my best to unite and break any existing barriers and work to permanently unite the whole human race.”

Before the final blessing at their ordination Mass, Bishop Jugis congratulated the new deacons and their families. Bishop Jugis also pointed out that there is much work ahead for the new ordained ministers in the 14 parishes where they have been assigned. He told them with a smile, “Your ministry begins now.”

17B

Puerto Rican Deacon Marcos Mejías promises his obedience and respect to Bishop Jugis and his successors during the diaconate ordination Mass.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Rico De Silva | Catholic News Herald

Colombian-born Guillermo Anzola responds when his name is called during the election of candidates portion of the diaconate ordination Mass at St. Mark Church on May 31.

From Your Fellow Parishioners and Staff at St. Peter Catholic Church

Congratulations JIM BOZIK

on Your Ordination as a Permanent Deacon God bless you for responding so faithfully as you have heard God’s call in your heart!

Saint Peter Catholic Church &KDUORWWH¾V 2OGHVW &DWKROLF &KXUFK 6WDIIHG E\ WKH -HVXLWV

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 18B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Photo provided by Emily Williams

Belmont Abbey’s five newest novices are (from left) Brother Anselm, Brother George, Brother Joseph, Brother Ephrem and Brother Boniface.

Belmont Abbey welcomes five novices Emily Williams Correspondent

BELMONT — For the first time since the 1970s, Belmont Abbey Monastery counts among its community of brothers five novices who are in the process of discerning their spiritual vocation.

All five men are from different backgrounds, yet all have been called to the Abbey and share a common trait of wishing to fully devote their lives to God as they begin their novitiate year.

Brother Joseph Boyle grew up with his parents and older sister in Dallas, Texas. He moved to Washington, D.C., where he attended Georgetown University and later earned a law degree from the University of Notre Dame.

He practiced law, both in private practice and on Capitol Hill as the general counsel for the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Brother Anselm Cundiff hails from North Texas. Prior to coming to Belmont Abbey, he was a Ph.D graduate student in classical and medieval philosophy at the University of Dallas where he has completed all studies except his dissertation. He converted to Catholicism at age 19 from Quakerism. He attributes his conversion to the aid of the Blessed Mother.

Brother Ephrem Obermeyer, originally from Newburgh, N.Y., earned a Master of Arts in medieval history from SUNY-Binghamton, a STB from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, and a Ph.D in historical theology from The Catholic University of America.

He lived in the Washington, D.C., area for the past 17 years, where he taught at Catholic University, the Education for Parish Service Program for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and the Diocese of Arlington, Va., and for the local diaconate formation programs.

Additionally, he had been the assistant curator in the Rare Books

and Special Collections Department at Catholic University for five years.

Brother George Rumley was born and raised in Randolph County. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in classics and U.S. History from Washington & Lee University in 2004. Having been a lifelong Quaker, he was received into the Catholic Church in 2009. He has worked in the non-profit sector and discerned with the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land before coming to Belmont Abbey.

Brother Boniface Smith graduated from the University of MissouriColumbia with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a minor in aerospace studies. He served as a commissioned officer with the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. He held the rank of captain when he separated from the Air Force. He holds a certificate in broadcasting, as well as being a licensed mixologist.

The novitiate is a year-long time of preparation for men testing their call to serve God as monks of Belmont Abbey. While it is usually a relatively uneventful year in the process of becoming a monk, it is nonetheless a busy time for each man spiritually, as he becomes better acquainted with the monastery and college community through work and prayer while studying Benedictine spirituality and history. Upon being received as a novice, he receives the monastic habit and often given a new name as well.

Once the year is complete and the discernment of both the novice and the monastic community goes well, the monastery receives the former novice as a new junior monk under temporary vows for an additional three-year period of formation.

When that is completed, God willing, the junior monk will be accepted as a full member of the monastic community and take solemn or permanent vows with the intention of remaining a monk at Belmont Abbey for life.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey prays over Father Elias during the ordination Mass.

Meteorologist-turned-monk ordained Benedictine priest SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

BELMONT — Bishop Peter J. Jugis ordained Father Elias Correa-Torres to the priesthood in the Mary Help of Christians Basilica at Belmont Abbey on April 25. Hundreds of people and more than a dozen priests, including Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, filled every pew in the basilica to witness the ordination of the meteorologist-turned Benedictine monk.

Father Correa-Torres, 42, processed joyfully into the basilica for his ordination. His parents Antonio and Deidad Correa were present for the ordination, as well as his grandmother Josephina Alvarez, and his brother Antonio and young nephew Alejandro.

Father Correa-Torres was born in Oklahoma.

His parents are originally from Puerto Rico, so he grew up speaking Spanish at home.

His father served in the U.S. Air Force, so the family moved frequently and they even lived abroad at times. He holds a Ph.D. in meteorology from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla. “I was working as a meteorologist for a private company at the time I made the decision to come to Belmont Abbey (in 2008),” Father Correa-Torres said. “In studying for the priesthood, I did my theology studies at the School of Theology-Seminary of St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn.”

Father Correa-Torres was ordained to the transitional diaconate on April 3, 2013, and he finished his seminary studies last December.

After a Benedictine monk is ordained to the transitional diaconate, he takes on the title of “Father.”

During the ordination Mass, after the Gospel reading, Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari called Father Correa-Torres to come forward to stand before Bishop Jugis and state the Benedictine’s preparedness and eligibility for priestly

ordination.

“Let Father Elias Correa-Torres of the Order of St. Benedict who is to be ordained a priest, come forward,” Abbot Placid said.

“Present,” Father Correa-Torres responded.

He then stood before Bishop Jugis at the base of the steps to the altar.

“Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain Elias, our brother, to the responsibility of the priesthood,” Abbot Placid said.

Bishop Jugis then inquired about the young monk’s readiness to accept the duties of the priesthood.

“Do you know him to be worthy?” Bishop Jugis asked.

Abbot Placid then testified that all those responsible found him to be worthy.

“Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose Elias, our brother, for the order of the priesthood,” Bishop Jugis said.

All those gathered then responded, “Thanks be to God,” and a resounding round of applause went up.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis explained that Father Correa-Torres will share ministerially in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ, the great High Priest.

“Jesus Himself established this priesthood in the Church,” he said. “He chose certain disciples, His Apostles, to carry out the priestly office among the whole people of God, so that through these Apostles, and through their successors the bishops, Jesus might continue to exercise His office of teacher, priest and shepherd in the Church.”

Bishop Jugis then stated that by his ordination to priesthood, Father CorreaTorres’ becomes a co-worker with the order of bishops in service to the people of God and in service to Christ the Teacher, Christ the Priest MONK, SEE page 19B

June 27, 2014 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Sister Terry celebrates 65th jubilee Mary B. Richardson Correspondent

“I wanted to be a missionary as a kid,” recalls Notre Dame Sister Therese Martin. “Sister Terry” reflected on her 65 years of religious life earlier this year during the diocese’s annual celebration for religious brothers and sisters. “One of the sisters who taught in my high school was going to Japan, so I thought, ‘This is the community for me!’ ” She didn’t waste any time following that call. At age 18, she entered religious life with the same sisters who inspired her vocation, and she made her first profession of vows at age 20.

She was an educator for 25 years in parish schools throughout the New England area, going “wherever we were needed,” she explains.

“I have my masters in biology. It was more the biochemistry; I found it more exciting than looking at dead animals!” she says with a laugh.

Although she never was able to go to Japan like the sister who inspired her vocation, Sister Terry did blaze a missionary trail in the 1970s into Appalachia, serving poor women and children where no religious sister had never ministered before.

“In the 1970s, we Mary B. Richardson | Catholic News Herald were asked to return Dominican Sister Ana Celestial (right), who serves at St. Thomas Aquinas to the mission of our Parish in Charlotte, congratulates Notre Dame Sister Therese Martin (left) founder, St. Marguerite for her 65 years of religious life.

Bourgeoys. We went to Appalachia to a coal mining camp town.

Since I had education and the Lord blessed me n Notre Dame Sister Therese Martin with all sorts of other n Sister Fran Grady, SCL talents – sewing and arts and crafts – we started a community center to respond to the needs of the people,” she recalls.

“They didn’t know what hit town – four Catholic nuns!”

St. Marguerite Bourgeoys founded the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal in 1653 to educate poor women and orphaned children, one of the first communities of noncloistered sisters in the world. Until that time, vocations for women usually meant they remained behind the walls of their monasteries, even sisters who taught school.

After serving in Appalachia about 12 years, Sister Terry came to North Carolina where she is currently serving at Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville. Her current ministry is to aid the undocumented.

“I’m 85 years old, but God has blessed me with good health and plenty of energy!” she happily remarks, adding that she has no plans of retiring from ministry any time soon.

2014 Women religious jubilarians

MONK: FROM PAGE 18B

and Christ the Shepherd to build up the Church.

“Brother Elias will now be configured to Christ the High Priest to preach the Gospel, to shepherd God’s people and to celebrate the sacred liturgy, especially the Lord’s Sacrifice.”

He encouraged Father Correa-Torres to share the joy of the Gospel as Pope Francis does.

“You must share joyfully the Word of God with others as you teach the faith,” Bishop Jugis encouraged Father CorreaTorres. “The faithful are hungering to know Jesus and to know His love and His truth. By your priestly ministry you will nourish them on Jesus’ teaching and the Church’s teaching, and you will help build up the Church.”

After the homily, Father Correa-Torres lay prostrate on the stone floor of the

Abbey basilica as the Litany of the Saints was chanted by all those present. He then arose and knelt before Bishop Jugis while Bishop Jugis laid on hands. All of the priests present then took turns laying on hands, invoking the Holy Spirit upon Father Correa-Torres.

He was then vested in his priestly vestments by Abbot Placid and presented to the bishop for the anointing of hands. Next he received the paten holding the bread and the chalice containing the wine mixed with water for the celebration of the Mass.

After being embraced by both Bishop Jugis and Abbot Placid, Father CorreaTorres was then embraced by all of his brother priests and Benedictine monks.

At the conclusion of the ordination Mass, Abbot Placid thanked Bishop Jugis, Bishop Emeritus Curlin, all the clergy, the monks and those gathered for the Mass for their support and prayers.

He noted, “St. Benedict says that if the abbot wishes to have one of his monks ordained, he is to choose someone whose life makes him worthy of that. And we have certainly done that today.”

VOCATIONS Q&A

Talk with your pastor if you hear God’s call to priesthood CHARLOTTE — Diocesan Director of Vocations, Father Christopher Gober, discusses the call to the priesthood with the Catholic News Herald: CNH: What is the process you follow with a potential seminarian when they come to you? What type of advice or guidance do you give these men?

Father Gober: When a potential candidate comes to me, I encourage him to meet regularly with his pastor.

I then spend time learning about his life experiences and exploring the reasons why he believes he is being called to the priesthood. Men who aspire to serve God’s people, strive to imitate Our Gober Lord through daily prayer and service, who are drawn to Our Lord in the Eucharist, desire to preach the Gospel, and who wish to bring God’s mercy to the physically and spiritually poor are some of the authentic signs of a possible vocation to the priesthood. I would encourage him to reflect on these topics.

CNH: Describe types of prayer that are helpful for discernment.

Father Gober: It is important to cultivate a love for the Mass and spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, foster a true devotion to the Blessed Mother, begin to pray the Divine Office and practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

CNH: Why do you recommend spending time in front of the Most Blessed Sacrament?

Father Gober: We are fortunate to have an annual Eucharistic Congress in the Diocese of Charlotte which encourages all the faithful to come to know Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

Since the Holy Mass is the most perfect prayer a priest offers, it is important for somebody discerning a vocation to the priesthood to cultivate a great love for the Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

CNH: Are there specific books that you suggest a man discerning the priesthood should read?

Father Gober: Sacred Scripture; Father Bret Brennan’s “To Save a Thousand Souls” is a very comprehensive guide; Father Thomas Dubay’s “Authenticity: A Biblical Theology of Discernment”; and Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s “The Priest is Not His Own” and “Those Mysterious Priests.”

CNH: Are there specific persons men should seek out to mentor them during the discernment period?

Father Gober: If somebody is serious about discerning a vocation to the priesthood, I would first encourage him to speak with his family and his pastor.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

19B

Vocations resources If you or someone you know is contemplating a religious vocation, check out the following general resources online. Talk with your pastor, read up on consecrated life and the various communities that exist, and contact religious communities that interest you.

Many offer “come and see” days or retreats that are good opportunities to learn more and meet others who have already accepted God’s call to religious life. And don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Diocesan vocations office Father Christopher Gober, Director of Vocations: 704-370-3327, vocationsmail@charlottediocese.org

General information n www.foryourvocation.org: Set up by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, dedicated to the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life for both men and women. They are also on Facebook and YouTube. There are resources for parents and teachers, questions to ask yourself if you feel God is calling you, see videos of the vocation stories from priests and religious all over the U.S., and much more. n www.religiouslife.com: The Institute for Religious Life’s website, with plenty of resources for both men and women interested in a vocation or those who wish to support religious life. n Not sure what religious communities are out there that might be a good fit for you? Check out: www.religiousministries.com.

Search this database to find a men’s or women’s religious community, whether you wish to become a priest, nun, brother or lay missioner, or just want to find out more about living a religious life. n www.cloisteredlife.com: Aims to bring to attention the gift of cloistered and monastic life in the Church, sponsored by the IRL.

Religious communities for men n www.cmsm.org: The Conference of Major Superiors of Men serves the leadership of the Catholic orders and congregations of the more than 17,000 vowed religious priests and brothers of the U.S. n www.religiousbrotherhood.com: Sponsored by the IRL specifically to increase awareness of the specific charism of religious brotherhood in the U.S.

Religious communities for women n www.cmswr.org: The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) is a canonically approved organization founded in 1992, to promote religious life in the U.S. n www.lcwr.org: The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) is an association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the U.S. — Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

catholicnewsherald.com | June 27, 2014 20B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.” (Psalm 43:4)

THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PATRICK Congratulates Paul M. Buchanan Noah C. Carter Paul D. McNulty On Their Ordination To the Priesthood We pray that the Blessed Mother will wrap her mantle around them and through her intercession, strengthen all our priests in their ministry. We pray that the Blessed Mother’s own pierced heart will inspire our priests to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross and may our priests be holy, filled with the fire of God’s love, seeking nothing but our Lord’s greater glory and the salvation of souls.

Saint John Vianney, Pray for us.

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick 1621 Dilworth Road East * Charlotte, NC www.stpatricks.org