Jan. 16, 2015 by Catholic News Herald

January 16, 2015

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Witness for life

Our Lady of Grace School welcomes new principal, 14 INDEX

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March for Life in Charlotte draws hundreds to call for end to abortion, 3 Catholic Schools Week Learn more about our 19 Catholic schools,

12-13

St. John Neumann Church adds saint statues to its sanctuary, 6

Our faith

catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Batrice Adcock

Sister Jeanne M. McNally

Purity means exercising self-control, out of love

hy is it that so many reject certain Church teachings, especially those related to sexuality? Perhaps we have not understood Christ’s words to the Apostles, “He who hears you, hears me.” (Lk 10:16). When we accept Church teaching, handed down from the Apostles through the pope and bishops in union with him (what’s called the Magisterium), we follow Christ, who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). We show our love for the Lord, who says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15). In our study of “Theology of the Body,” we are searching for guidance on how to live in a way that brings true happiness. Pope St. John Paul II emphasizes that “we must entrust ourselves, our thoughts, and our actions to Christ’s words in order to find joy and give it to others” (“Theology of the Body” 58:7). When we humbly Go online to search for truth and learn more at www. conform our will to angelicwarfare. God’s, we begin to org and www. experience happiness chastityproject.com. – although perhaps not immediately. There is pain in the detachment and purification necessary for us to accept truth, change our behavior, and come to delight in God’s plan. But isn’t this true of so many great goods worth pursuing? A very important truth is our redemption in Christ through His Incarnation and Passion. In coming down to us, He makes it possible for us to go up to Him, to be like Him. As we come to understand this truth, we desire to return this love we have been given undeservedly. We want to love in a way that is worthy of Him who loved first. This draws from us a selfless love for God and neighbor that bears fruit, or is life-giving. The unique way we each show love corresponds to God’s will for us in our vocation. Embracing our vocation brings happiness. It is because God is good that He loves us even though we are imperfect. On the other hand, we humans love because of the good we perceive in someone else, and often in our weakness, we grasp at what we think will make us happy and provide instant gratification. To some degree, our desires and emotions are also influenced by hormones and biological needs. But we are rational, created in God’s

Learn more

Divorce, remarriage and the Synod of the Family

image with a soul and destined for eternal life. We have gifts, including reason and will, that help us exercise self-control. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from unchastity: that each one of you know how to keep his own body in holiness and reverence, not in the passion of lust…” (1 Thes 4:3-5). Pope St. John Paul II tells us in “Theology of the Body” that Paul has described the virtue of purity. He explains that awe or reverence toward the human body and sexuality is of primary importance for achieving purity (see “Theology of the Body” 54). I have experienced this in my marriage and have observed it in work with couples using Natural Family Planning. Greater understanding of fertility often leads to greater awe of the gifts of fertility and procreation, causing a shift in focus from the simple pursuit of pleasure so common in our contraceptiveminded culture. Couples tend to grow in generosity and often desire larger families. Being pure does not simply mean repressing inappropriate sexual desires or saying no to certain immoral behaviors. When we are pure of heart, we appreciate that God is in everyone, including ourselves. We keep our own bodies in holiness and treat others with due reverence. We love by conforming our lives to Christ and then by serving and sacrificing for the good of the other. Being sexually pure, or chaste, is more of a “yes” to self-control. We can practice self-control in small ways, such as foregoing that extra piece of chocolate, or going to bed early when something important needs to be done the next day. After we are used to exercising self-control in little things, we can more easily choose what is good for ourselves and others when we are faced with a serious temptation. Many young people make a pledge to be pure until marriage. However, purity is a lifestyle, not something “lost” at marriage. Rather than simply struggle to repress desire, each person should focus on the gift they long to give and to receive: a pure embrace, treasured and tenderly remembered with every smile, kiss or touch thereafter. For example, write a love letter to your future spouse when you feel tempted. And remember to pray for your future spouse to be chaste also. Our struggle is against the world, the flesh (ourselves) and the devil. Purity is not something we achieve on our own. “In this struggle between good and evil, man proves to be stronger thanks to the

atholics who have been divorced and have not remarried are in full communion with the Church. There has been some misunderstandings about this and perhaps, at times, incorrect teachings, but it needs to be stressed that divorced Catholics who have not remarried have full membership in the Church. A review of past papal teachings has shown pastoral concern for the civilly remarried faithful who are still bound by an ecclesial valid marriage. For example, on Nov. 22, 1981, Pope St. John Paul II stated that pastors are obliged, by love for the truth, “to exercise discernment of situations.” Pastors must care for the divorced and remarried for they too belong to the Church. They are entitled to pastoral care and they should take part in the Church’s life. Yet, the Church’s teaching has been and continues that those who have remarried without having first obtained an annulment of their first marriage may not been admitted to the Eucharist for two reasons: 1) their state and condition of life objectively contradict that union of love between Christ and the Church which is signified and effected by reception of the Eucharist, and 2) if these person were admitted to the Eucharist, the faithful would be led in error and confusion regarding the Church’s teaching about the indissolubility of marriage. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1994 wrote that the faithful concerned may not present themselves for Holy Communion on the basis of their own conscience. Such teaching has been stated repeatedly. Clearly, the area of remarried divorcees must not be reduced to the question of whether to receive the Eucharist. It involves a wider pastoral approach. Recent documents of the Magisterium have emphasized that pastors and Christian communities are called to welcome people in irregular situations openly and sincerely, to stand by them sympathetically and helpfully, and to make them aware of the love of the Good Shepherd. If pastoral care is rooted in truth and love, it will discover the right paths and approaches in constantly new ways. The recent Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family addressed these issues in their report, “Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization.” Prior to the opening of this synod, a 50-page preparatory document was drafted after worldwide consultation from conferences of bishops, priests and laity responding to a questionnaire about how Catholics perceive Church teachings. The Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family ended without a consensus on the question of Communion for the remarried. The synod fathers agreed with a two-thirds majority to all the issues in the report except those on Communion for the divorced and remarried. It is of interest to recall that in September-October 1980, the Church held a similar Synod of Bishops on the Family. That synod reaffirmed the practice of not allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion. As seen, this

PURITY, SEE page 17

MARRIAGE, SEE page 17

Your daily Scripture readings JAN. 18-24

Sunday: 1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19, 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20, John 1:35-42; Monday: Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 2:18-22; Tuesday (St. Fabian, St. Sebastian): Hebrews 6:10-20, Mark 2:2328; Wednesday (St. Agnes): Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17, Mark 3:1-6; Thursday (Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children): Hebrews 7:25, 8:6, Mark 3:7-12; Friday (St. Vincent, St. Marianne Cope): Hebrews 8:6-13, Mark 3:13-19; Saturday (St. Francis de Sales): Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14, Mark 3:20-21

JAN. 25-31

Sunday: Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20; Monday (Sts. Timothy and Titus): 2 Timothy 1:1-18, Mark 3:2230; Tuesday (St. Angela Merici): Hebrews 10:1-10, Mark 3:31-35; Wednesday (St. Thomas Aquinas): Hebrews 10:11-18, Mark 4:120; Thursday: Hebrews 10:19-25, Mark 4:21-25; Friday: Hebrews 10:32-39, Mark 4:26-34; Saturday (St. John Bosco): Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19, Luke 1:69-75, Mark 4:35-41

FEB. 1-7

Sunday: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, Mark 1:21-28; Monday (The Presentation of the Lord): Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40; Tuesday (St. Blaise, St. Ansgar): Hebrews 12:1-4, Mark 5:21-43; Wednesday: Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15, Mark 6:1-6; Thursday (St. Agatha): Hebrews 12:1819, 21-24, Mark 6:7-13; Friday (St. Paul Miki and Companions): Hebrews 13:1-8, Mark 6:14-29; Saturday: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21, Mark 6:30-34

Our parishes

January 16, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Photos by Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

People walked through uptown Charlotte Jan. 9 to witness for the value of all human life and for an end to abortion. (Top right) Zoe Griffin and her mother Brice Griffin were among those who spoke at Independence Square about the impact abortion has had on them. (Right) March for Life Charlotte participants also prayed the rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet outside the Charles R. Jonas Federal Courthouse.

March for Life in Charlotte draws hundreds Kimberly Bender Online reporter

CHARLOTTE — Approximately 300 people marched through the streets of uptown Charlotte Jan. 9 for the ninth annual March for Life to mark the 42nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. The March for Life was meant as a time of prayer and public witness to call attention to the estimated 58 million lives lost to abortion since 1973. The march drew young and old, priests, deacons and the Missionaries of the Poor to stand up for the rights of the unborn on a sunny, but briskly cold, Friday afternoon in uptown Charlotte. “I drove down for my first March for Life today because I think it is important that we speak out and not remain silent any more,” said Susan Moeller, a parishioner from St. Therese Church in Mooresville. “This is a war and a battle – and we’ve got to fight it. I hope more people come out and more will stand up and speak.” Before the March for Life, a Mass for the Unborn was celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. Father Denis G. Wilde of Priests for Life was the guest homilist. Father Wilde also gave the keynote address during the march. “When we pray together, we gain strength,” Father Wilde said, noting that people of faith must stand up to protect their right to religious freedom and expression – particularly when it comes to matters of life and death. We must tell others not to be afraid to speak out about what’s wrong with killing our unborn, he said. “Just as Herod killed the Innocents, children are killed today out of fear, envy, small-mindedness, and greed. People kill in the name of money,” he said. “God has a plan for each of us, and He loves all of us,” he continued. Unfortunately, the misnomer “choice” and ignoring of the basic right to life – the first of all human rights – mean many do not have that understanding and love of God.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video highlights and more photos from the March for Life Charlotte

“We have to pray for conversion of hearts,” he said, concluding, “Truth in the end will conquer.” His remarks were followed by an emotional speech by Chris Hailey, who recently ran for Mecklenburg County Sheriff, about why he is pro-life. His grandmother was sexually assaulted but chose to deliver the baby and give it to another family to raise as their own “in a very loving and Christian home,” Hailey said. “That baby grew up to be a mother herself.” She married a World War II veteran and the couple had 10 children together – including himself. Hailey teared up as he gave his testimony, thanking his grandmother and his mother for recognizing that all children are gifts from God and have a purpose for being born. “If it wasn’t for what happened, I wouldn’t be here today. That’s the reason I am pro-life,” he said. Zoe Griffin, a 14-year-old who has been fervent in the Charlotte area’s teen pro-life movement, told of learning of her own mother’s earlier abortion. Brice Griffin, one of the leaders of the pro-life movement in Charlotte, told Zoe of her 1998 abortion, before she was married and before she had Zoe and three more children. “I felt like I had been slapped in the face. I felt like I wanted to puke. I wanted to run away and hide,” Zoe said. “I’ve looked up to (my mom) my entire life, she’s my pro-life inspiration. When I found out that she had had an abortion, it was absolutely life-changing.” Zoe, who’d always thought she was the eldest child in the family, learned that she had a big brother in heaven, named David. Encouraged by their priest, the two spent a Holy Hour in prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

“I prayed for my big brother, I prayed for understanding,” Zoe said, and she forgave her mother. Since then, the two have been working together in the prolife cause. “I want to say that I avenged David by abolishing abortion,” Zoe concluded in her testimony, vowing that this generation of youth will help to end abortion. The March for Life then proceeded to the Charles R. Jonas Federal Building and Courthouse, where the rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy were prayed. St. Patrick Cathedral parishioner Kelly Schiffiano and her family participated in the March for Life Charlotte for the first time this year. “We decided to come down to help raise awareness of the tragedies of abortion, and we hope that our presence here today will inspire more people to get involved in the pro-life movement,” she said. On Saturday, Jan. 10, the pro-life witness continued with Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Church, followed by a prayer vigil outside A Preferred Women’s Health Center, the busiest of Charlotte’s three abortion mills. Father Wilde also preached during Sunday Masses at the cathedral the weekend of Jan. 10-11, and he also spoke at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

Coming up Follow full coverage of the national March for Life in Washington, D.C., Jan. 22, at www.catholicnewsherald.com. Can’t make it to the D.C. March? Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe will offer a Mass for the Protection of the Unborn at 11 a.m. Jan. 22, celebrated in union with the Mass at the National Shrine and with those at the national March for Life. Eucharistic Adoration will also be held in the chapel from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ASHEVILLE

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

— Asheville Theology on Tap: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 at All Souls Pizza in Asheville, 175 Clingman Ave. Guest speaker, Father Adrian Porras, pastor of St. Barnabas Church in Arden. All Catholics in their 20s and 30s are welcome to attend. Theology-on-Tap is an opportunity for Catholic young adults to explore issues and topics that relate to the Catholic faith in a casual environment. — Marriage Encounter Weekend: Feb. 6-8. For details, call 704-315-2144.

Jan. 22 – 11:30 a.m. Holy Mass for Life Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C.

BELMONT

Jan. 28 – 11 a.m. Mass for Catholic Schools Week Our Lady of Mercy School, Winston-Salem Jan. 30 – 10 a.m. Mass for Catholic Schools Week Sacred Heart School, Salisbury

ST. John Neumann Church, 8451 IDLEWILD ROAD

BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE, 100 Belmont-Mount Holly Road — Women’s Morning Reflection “Come my Beloved Daughter and Sit with Me”: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Grace Auditorium, Leo Hall. Reflection will be led by a Legionnaire of Christ priest. Sponsored by Regnum Christi. To RSVP, contact Marcia Skiba at mskiba354@aol.com or call 704-481-1748. Mercy Heritage Center, 720 Heritage Center Place — Exhibit opening, “Civil War Sisters: Sisters of Mercy Healing the Wounds of the Nation”: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. This exhibit explores an underrepresented topic of American history, the role religious women played in the medical treatment of the wounded and sick during the Civil War. Everyone welcome to attend. QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES church, 503 North Main St.

— Film series, “The Popes of Vatican II: John Paul I The Smile of God”: 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, in the Parish Hall. Presented by Father Patrick Hoare, pastor. All are encouraged to attend. Bring a side dish to share. For details, go to www.4sjnc.org. ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. — Protecting God’s Children Workshop: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, in the conference room. All volunteers must attend a workshop. This program is intended to educate volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. To register, go to www.virtus. org. — St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, in the church. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service is offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the parish office at 704-543-7677. — Called to be Mom: 10 a.m.- noon. Thursday, Jan. 29. Called to be Mom Supports the vocation of motherhood by strengthening faith through Scripture readings. ST. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East — CCWG to host “Couples Night Out”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Followed by a talk by Father Patrick Winslow, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. For details and to RSVP, go to www.charlottecatholicwomensgroup. org or call Sara Edel at 704-222-2772. St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St.

— Protecting God’s Children Workshop: 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, in the conference room. All volunteers must attend a workshop. This program is intended to educate volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. To register, go to www.virtus.org. — Community Breakfast: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the MAK Family Life Center.

CHARLOTTE Charlotte Catholic High School, 7702 PinevilleMatthews Road — Procession for Life: 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Begin with Mass and continue with prayer led by Father Matthew Kauth at Family Reproductive Health on Hebron Street. The procession will begin following Mass at the end of Denmark Street across from the clinic. Sponsored by Helpers of God’s Precious Infants. — U.S. Navy Band Concert: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18. In this free concert, the Navy Band will present a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral and modern wind ensemble repertoire. For tickets, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Navy Band Tickets at 9013 Raintree Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277.

— 15th Annual Kennedy Lecture, “Discipleship: Giving Birth to God in a Contemporary World”: 8:30 a.m.noon. Saturday, Jan. 24. Guest speaker Edwina Gateley, will focus on the ways in which we are called to be Christ’s disciples in the 21st century. To register, go to www.stpeterscatholic.org. St. Vincent De Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road — Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. 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.

CONCORD — Night of Prayer and Adult Education with Catherine Adair: 7:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19. Listen to Catherine Adair speak about her life-changing events from a pro-choice Planned Parenthood employee to a Respect for Life advocate.

GASTONIA St. Michael the Archangel church, 708 St. Michael’s Lane

— Annual Attic and Bake Sale: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, in the Allen Center Cafeteria.

January 16, 2015 Volume 23 • Number 8

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

GREENSBORO st. PIUS X Church, 2210 N. Elm St. — Knights of Columbus Blood Drive: 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30

MAGGIE VALLEY St. Margaret of Scotland CHURCH, 37 Murphy Dr. — Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick: Every third Sunday of the month. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members.

MOORESVILLE St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road — Panel Discussion on Immigration: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23. Panel will be headed by Mercy Sister Rose Marie Tresp, Ibis Centeno of the Diocese of Charlotte, Jocelyn Davis Singletary of Singletary Law Firm and Tanya M. Powers of the law office of Tanya M. Powers. The panel will talk about Immigration as a faith issue, paths to documented immigration, and look at the issue of immigration from several viewpoints. Dinner provided. For details, call Carmen San Juan at 704-664-7762.

MINT HILL ST. LUKE CHURCH, 13700 Lawyers Road — “Women of the Bible: Some Women Who Changed the Course of History”; 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Family Life Center. Presented by Susan Brady, who will speak about some of the many women in the Bible who, at critical junctures, acted to help reveal God to their people. Light refreshments served. For details, call Ann Helms at 704-289-8105.

MONROE Our Lady of Lourdes church, 725 Deese St. — Mass for the Protection of the Unborn: 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. Mass is celebrated in union with the Mass at the National Shrine and with those at the March in Washington, D.C. — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22

St. James the Greater church, 139 Manor AvE.

— Holy Happy Hour, “Making Grace Real” with guest speaker Dr. Ron Thomas from Belmont Abbey College:

ST. ANN Church, 3635 Park road

7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Tequilas Mexican Grill, 238 W. Main St. Open to adults 21 and older. For details, email st.michaelsholyhappyhour@gmail.com.

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,

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. Is your PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

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

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Catholic Charities helped more than 19,000 people in need last year CHARLOTTE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte provided services to more than 19,000 people across western North Carolina in 2014. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The year showed us, once again, that the work we do makes a difference in the lives of so many people. People have food to eat, clothes to wear, shelter at night, and support during times of crisis because of the work we do day in and day out,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director. Nearly 1,000 different people chose to invest in the work Catholic Charities does through their financial donations, and more than 200 volunteers supported the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work by donating their time and energy in 2014. New staff members joined every regional office and Catholic Charities also welcomed the addition of new AmeriCorps members and student interns. Last year the agency also launched the first

723 senior adults attended programs for fellowship, prayer, and

faith renewal

Catholic Charities app in the country, more than tripled its social media presence, and began an agency blog to give every staff member a wide-reaching voice online. In 2015, Carter said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are exploring innovations in our program delivery, additional funding sources to support and enrich our efforts, possible new physical sites for the regional offices in Winston-Salem and Asheville, expansion of food pantry services, and we are renewing our commitment to ensuring that transformational outcomes mark our services.â&#x20AC;? He expressed gratitude for everyone who supported the mission of Catholic Charities in 2014, noting that it is because of parishionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; generosity that Catholic Charities can continue to provide assistance to others who are vulnerable and to our neighbors in need. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kathleen Durkin, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

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15,447 people

109 people

buried with dignity

Holiday assistance for

1,567 individuals

Direct financial assistance for

490 families

910

342 refugees resettled

served

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ccdoc.org

volunteers 258 provided 19,624 hours of service

refugees assisted with employment afterschool mentoring case management transportation

ethnicities & countries

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OUR PARISHESI

2014 DSA campaign surpasses $4.925M goal Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Parishioners in the Diocese of Charlotte have fulfilled their commitment to funding diocesan-wide ministries with donations of more than $4,993,712 in paid pledges to the Diocesan Support Appeal Campaign as of Jan. 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; surpassing the $4,925,000 goal by 1.3 percent. The total amount of pledges received for the 2014 campaign was $5,150,875. A total of 16,253 donors participated, with an average gift of $317. More than 1,000 of those donors gave to the DSA since mid-October, after the Catholic News Herald reported that the 2014 collection was short of the $4,925,000 goal by about 3 percent. At that time, only about half of the dioceseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 92 parishes and missions had met their campaign goals. As of Jan. 9, however, that number had significantly increased: 64 parishes have exceeded their DSA goal in payments and pledges, and 52 have met their DSA goal in payments. And since mid-October, over $700,000 in payments has come in to the DSA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To see so many parishes reach or exceed their DSA goal in such a challenging year is a true testament to the generous spirit of the people of the Diocese of Charlotte,â&#x20AC;? said Kerry Ann Tornesello, associate development director for the diocese. To help bridge the gap with the DSA last fall, parishes made additional appeals from the pulpit and sent out personal letters to parishioners, asking them to consider giving to the annual campaign, Tornesello said. Others shared testimonies from speakers involved in DSA-supported ministries, including youth ministry, Hispanic ministry and Catholic Charities. St. Luke Church in Mint Hill conducted an additional two-week campaign last October that helped it cut its projected DSA shortfall by more than half, receiving pledges from 336 parishioners. St. Aloysius Church in Hickory, which was $24,689 short of its goal last fall, conducted an additional appeal that enabled it to meet its pledge goal, thanks to 407 participating donors. Tornesello also noted that many of the smaller parishes and parishes in the more rural areas of the diocese met or exceeded their goal. Those parishes also have 100 percent of their pledges fulfilled. These parishes include: Our Lady of the Annunciation in Albemarle, Our Lady of the Americas in Biscoe, St. Andrew the Apostle in Mars Hill, Holy Redeemer in Andrews, and St. Mary, Mother of God in Sylva, among others. The annual DSA funds more than 50 programs, including the core operations of 23 ministries and agencies that serve thousands across the diocese â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most notably, one-third of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget for its counseling, food pantries, pregnancy support, refugee resettlement, elder ministry, Respect Life and other programs. It also supports DSA, SEE page 17

catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 OUR PARISHES

SJN adds 5 saint statues to its sanctuary Jennifer Noto Special to the Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — St. John Neumann Church has further enhanced the beauty of its sanctuary with the addition of five statues. The statues – St. Therese of Lisieux, St. John Vianney, St. Tarcisius and St. Gianna Molla – sit alongside the stained-glass windows above the altar in the church, with St. Joseph located in the shrine. “We selected these statues because they all share a common virtue of humility,” said Father Patrick Hoare, pastor. The statues were selected by a committee of seven parishioners, who wanted the sacred art to reflect the parish’s new St. Gianna Molla mission statement: “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord, making disciples through our Catholic faith.” St. Therese entered a convent in Lisieux at 15, where she discovered her true vocation: to show the love and mercy of God to all. God’s love energized her life. Therese discovered that love is a gift which comes through prayer. It was through her life of prayer that she found the means to love every soul, despite their faults. Love gives people a reason for living and a sense of hope. “Many of us think, ‘What can I do to make a difference?’” said Karen Polce, a parishioner and member of the selection committee. “St. Therese shows us that acts of charity to those we live with and work with, helping those we find difficult, holding our tongue when we are being criticized, not gossiping – essentially dying to ourselves for the love of others, is more profitable than some of the greatest works for the Lord.” “Her life is the perfect example of finding joy in everything we do,” added Yolanda

Adams, parishioner and member of the selection team. St. John Vianney brought a love of Christ and the Church to this village by his prayer, fasting and example. “He was a simple parish priest,” Father Hoare noted. He went out to the people and engaged them in their activities, but always challenged them to be more for Christ. He

St. John Vianney encouraged Mass attendance by saying, “Private prayer is like straw gathered here and there: if you set it on fire, it makes a lot of little flames. But gather these straws into a bundle and light them and you get a mighty fire, rising like the column into the sky – public prayer and worship is like that.” St. John Vianney is a prime example of a simple man who spread the Good News, just as St. John Neumann parishioners hope to do. “In an age where our technology often separates us from others,” Polce said. “John Vianney shows us the need for relationships in our work of evangelization.” A Roman Christian youth during the times of the persecution of Christians in Rome, St. Tarcisius brought the Eucharist to fellow Christians in prison waiting to die, when he was attacked by a group of youth. He chose to die rather than abandon Jesus. “He was a young boy with great courage and devotion to the Eucharist,” Father Hoare said. St. Tarcisius has always been revered

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by Christians as an example of youthful courage and devotion. It is an illustration that youth is no barrier to holiness. The call to holiness begins at baptism, and we do not have to wait for old age to serve God. St. Tarcisius is considered by the Church to be the patron saint of altar servers and First Communicants. “St. Tarcisius reminds us to reflect on

St. Tarcisius

St. Therese

the priority lists we live by,” Adams said. “How far would we go to keep God at the forefront of everything and everyone? Seeing him at church every week encourages us to meditate on how we have made God a priority in our lives.” St. Gianna Molla was a woman ahead of her time. Besides being a physician, she was a working mother who lived a life of service to her family and her community. Raised in a devout Catholic family, she was devoted to Christ and the Church from her earliest days. As a teenager, she was deeply affected by attendance at a retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Soon after, she became active in the Catholic Action movement. She chose to study medicine because she felt it was the best way she could help people in both body and spirit. She would ultimately choose to specialize in pediatrics. She always felt that her role as a doctor was a calling from God. “St. Gianna never lost her moral compass even when it meant great suffering,” Polce ssaid. “She loved life and loved her family; she devoted herself to them, her work and

the community.” In September 1961, St. Gianna was expecting her fourth child when doctors found a large fibroid in her uterus. She was given three choices: remove the tumor, the unborn child, and her uterus (the only sure way to save her life); remove the tumor and the unborn child; or only remove the tumor. Even though she knew it was the riskiest course of action, she chose the last option and instructed her husband that if he was forced to choose between herself and the child, to choose the child. “St. Gianna saw her life of her child as the greatest gift she could give to the world,” Father Hoare said. “She reminds us that all life is sacred,” added Adams. Most are familiar with the story of St. Joseph. The simple carpenter was betrothed to the Virgin Mary. A compassionate and caring man, he wished to cause no humiliation to Mary and decided to divorce her quietly before the angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him that Mary was chosen to be the mother of the son of God. Knowing his family was in danger, Joseph left everything behind and fled Egypt with his wife and baby. St. Joseph was the protector of the Christ Child. Joseph is the patron saint of the dying and also patron of the universal Church, fathers, carpenters and social justice. The statues were funded by the donations of five generous families in the parish. St. Gianna and St. Tarcisius are the only two statues of those saints in the Diocese of Charlotte. Father Hoare said he is pleased with the beauty of the statues and hopes their presence will remind parishioners to live their lives for Christ. “These statues represent that we can all do small things with great love,” he said.

Principal Sacred Heart Cathedral School (www.shcschool.org), founded in 1956, is a SACS accredited Catholic school, grades K-8, with 580 students and a pre-school with 120 students. It is a ministry of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a diverse parish of over 1400 families located in Knoxville, TN, near the Smoky Mountains, an area with a growing Catholic population.

The start date for the position is June 1, 2015 The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic with at least an MA in Educational Administration, 3-5 years of classroom teaching experience and 3 years of administrative experience. Interested candidates should email a current resume, cover letter and three references, including a pastor reference, to searchcommittee@shcknox.org.

The closing date for applications is March 1, 2015

January 16, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

Celebrating Epiphany The Feast of the Epiphany, also called Three Kings Day or Theophany, is traditionally celebrated on the 12th day after Christmas, on Jan. 6. In the dioceses of the United States, this feast has been moved to the Sunday between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8, so this year it was celebrated most widely on Jan. 4, but some still marked the feast day on its original date. CHARLOTTE — As part of the Epiphany tradition, it is customary for a family to bless their home as a witness of their Catholic faith and protection against evil. Using blessed chalk, the father of the house or a priest marks over the front door the following characters: 20+C+M+B+15. The 20 and the 15 stand for the new year, and the letters C, M and B are both the initials of the three Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) as well as the initial letters of the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat” which means “Christ bless this house.” At Charlotte Catholic High School, Father Matthew Kauth, chaplain, inscribed the Epiphany blessing over the school’s front door as well as classroom doors Jan. 6. Then everyone gathered in the high school chapel for a traditional Latin Mass offered by Father Jason Christian, parochial at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. The Mass, a Missa Cantata or “sung Mass,” featured Thomas F. Savoy directing William Byrd’s “Mass for Three Voices.” Besides serving as director of music and liturgical events at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Savoy is the founder of the Carolina Catholic Chorale. Photo provided by John Cosmas

Della Sue Bryson | Catholic News Herald

Photo provided by Terri Martino

MORGANTON — Parishioners at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton gathered to celebrate Three Kings Day, with faith formation students and their parents decorating and then donning traditional paper crowns symbolizing the Magi. After refreshments and an opening prayer and presentation about Epiphany, the celebration concluded with a video presentation of the song “Mary, did you know?” performed by Pentatonix.

SYLVA — Father Joshua Voitus, pastor of St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva blessed holy water, also an Epiphany tradition, after Mass Jan. 4. The service included the chanting of the Litany of the Saints, psalms, and prayers with the blessings of salt and water lasted about 40 minutes. During his homily at Mass, Father Voitus spoke about Epiphany as a time to remember that God continually calls all of us to seek Him to do Him homage and to receive His grace and love.

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‘Civil War Sisters’ exhibit opens in Belmont BELMONT — “Civil War Sisters: Sisters of Mercy Healing the Wounds of the Nation” – the first-ever exhibit for Mercy Heritage Center, the national archives of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – will open on Saturday, Jan. 31, on the Sisters of Mercy campus in Belmont. This exhibit explores an underrepresented topic of American history: the role women religious played in the medical treatment of the wounded and sick during the Civil War. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and then every Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. and by appointment for groups of six or more. The Mercy sisters operated several hospitals and treated both Union and Confederate soldiers. The surgeon from the 13th North Carolina, Rex Hovey, will be on hand to discuss surgical practices of the war. He will have a variety of medical equipment on display, including the surgical kit used by his great-uncle during his service in the Civil War. Other members of the 13th will demonstrate other weapons and equipment for visitors. In addition, Mercy Sister Paula Diann Marlin will portray Mercy Sister Mary Augustine McKenna, who served as a nurse in hospitals in Beaufort and New Bern North Carolina in 1862. The exhibit is free and open to the public. It is a great opportunity for Civil War enthusiasts and those interested in U.S. history to discover something new! Mercy Heritage Center is located on the Sisters of Mercy campus at 720 Heritage Center Place. Established in 2011, Mercy Heritage Center is a research and educational resource for the general public that endeavors to illustrate the vibrant and relevant impact of the Sisters of Mercy on society, and inspire visitors to make personal commitments to similar values. For details, go online to www. sistersofmercy.org/heritage or call 704-755-2085. — Catholic News Herald

catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 OUR PARISHES

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Members of the Catholic Daughters of Americas at St. Lawrence Basilica recently staged their fourth annual “Laurentine Canteen,” serving up homemade chili and an array of side dishes and desserts in the basilica’s grotto-like basement that also hosted the USO during World War II. Using funds from the canteen and other activities such as bake sales, the CDA was able to raise $2,500 to provide gift cards to distribute to families in need at Christmas.

Asheville Catholic Daughters honor vets, raise money for needy families over holidays Tim Reid Correspondent

ASHEVILLE — Feelings for veterans run deep among the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 412 at St. Lawrence Basilica, the state’s oldest chapter of Catholic Daughters. Not only did the parish play a significant role during World War II, hosting hundreds of service men and women at a USO canteen there from 1943 to 1945, but some of the Catholic Daughters have a more personal connection to our nation’s veterans. Chaleen Battaglia grew up learning stories of World War II from family members and served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Chapter Regent Diane Wright’s father was a serviceman who gave his life during the Vietnam War, but not before he helped save a lot of other lives. “We all have such a respect and an admiration for our nation’s veterans,” Wright said. “The Laurentine Canteen is our way of honoring them while having fun and raising money for a good cause.” The CDA members recently staged their fourth annual canteen, serving up homemade chili and an array of side dishes and desserts in the church’s grotto-like basement that also hosted the USO during World War II. Father Wilbur Thomas read the “Veteran’s Day Prayer” and led the singing of “God Bless America.” Diners afterwards were treated to a high-spirited musical review with the CDA members dancing and lip-synching to a zany assortment of songs made famous by legendary performers like Patsy Cline, Patty Page, Doris Day, the Andrew Sisters, even Marlene Dietrich. They performed everything from the soulful “I Fall to Pieces” to the exuberant “You’re in the Army Now.” A crowd favorite was Cecilia Meredith playing “Taps” on the bugle. Others members lending their talents besides Battaglia and Wright were Madeleine Pflaumbaum, Lara Weaver,

Margaret Malone, Cindy Smith, Aviva Bruyer, Eden Weaver and Cecelia Meredith. Battaglia came up with the idea for the Laurentine Canteen four years ago, and the annual event has gotten bigger and better each year. She co-chairs the canteen with Roseann Cioce, who makes all the chili. The money raised is used to buy gift cards for the priests at St. Lawrence to distribute to families in need at Christmas. Using funds from the canteen and other activities such as bake sales, the CDA was able to give the priests $2,500 worth of gift cards this year. Working together to help others is what being a Catholic Daughter is all about, Wright said. “It’s a great sense of sisterhood, like you’ve joined a family,” she said. “It’s a great, great ministry of giving back to others. We work together, and we have fun together. The feelings and fulfillment we get from that are priceless.”

January 16, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

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In Brief Deacon assigned in Jefferson JEFFERSON — Deacon Lee Levenson of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Fla., is residing seasonally in North Carolina and has been granted faculties and a Deacon Levenson seasonal assignment to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Jefferson. He was ordained September 2006 and will split his time between North Carolina and his parish of Saint Vincent Ferrer in Delray Beach, Fla. He is a retired professional airline pilot. He and his wife Alice have a home in Deep Gap.

Kennedy lecture to focus on discipleship CHARLOTTE — “Discipleship: Giving Birth to God in a Contemporary World,” will be the topic of Gateley the 15th Annual Kennedy Lecture, which will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 24, at St. Peter Church in Charlotte. The lecture will be delivered by Edwina Gateley, who earned a master’s degree in theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and who is now a writer, artist and

poet. Besides her work as a lecturer and retreat leader, Gateley reaches out to assist women in recovery from illegal drug use and prostitution. She also founded the Volunteer Missionary Movement, which recruits volunteers to accompany the poor in countries around the world. Her latest book is “Mothers, Sisters, Daughters – Standing on Their Shoulders.” All are welcome to attend this free lecture. Registration is required via www. stpeterscatholic.org. St. Peter Church is located at 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. Free parking is available in The Green adjacent to the church. For details, contact the parish office at 704-3322901. The Kennedy lecture is made possible by a gift in memory of Joan and Keith Kennedy from their sons Richard and Thomas.

Winter concert to be performed CHARLOTTE — “Winter Songs and Spring Trifles,” a celebration of poetry and music heralding the arrival of winter and the anticipation of spring, will be presented by the Carolina Catholic Chorale and the CPCC Early Music Consort starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23. The program, part of the Gaudium Musicae Concert Series, will be held at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. It will include works by Weelkes, Monteverdi, Hassler, Vaughan-Williams, Willan and more, and it will be narrated by award-winning local poet Maureen Ryan Griffin. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for students. A reception will follow the program. For details, go to www.stanncharlotte. org and click on “Gaudium Musicae.”

Clingman Avenue). Guest speaker will be Father Adrian Porras, pastor of St. Barnabas Church in Arden. All Catholics in their 20s and 30s are welcome to attend. Theology on Tap is an opportunity for Catholic young adults to explore issues and topics that relate to the Catholic faith in a casual environment.

Spend a Holy Hour with the Divine Mercy CHARLOTTE — Pope St. John Paul II said, “Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration and in contemplation that is full of faith and ready to make reparation for the great faults and crimes of the world. May our adoration never cease.” All are welcome to attend Divine Mercy Holy Hour with Exposition and Benediction, sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and readings from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska on Friday, Feb. 6, and every First Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte. For more information, call Paul Deer at 704-577-3496 or Deacon James Witulski at 704-960-3704.

OUR PARISHESI

receive the same number of materials for the 2015 CRS Rice Bowl with no need to place an order. (Expect shipments to arrive by midJanuary.) Parishes and schools that wish to participate for the first time, or participating parishes and schools which need additional materials or wish to confirm their expected shipment, should call toll-free 1-800-222-0025. All CRS Rice Bowl materials are free and shipped at no cost to the recipient. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. Orders for first-time or additional CRS Rice Bowl materials that are requested by Jan. 31, 2015, should arrive in parishes and schools in time for distribution prior to the start of CRS Rice Bowl on Ash Wednesday. Find Rice Bowl resources at www.crsricebowl. org. Questions? Call 704-370-3225 or e-mail jtpurello@charlottediocese.org.

Healing service set for Jan. 22 CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church in Charlotte will offer a St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, in the church. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service is offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the parish office at 704-543-7677.

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Get ready for CRS Rice Bowl 2015

ASHEVILLE — The next Asheville Theology on Tap will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at All Souls Pizza in Asheville (175

Next year’s CRS Rice Bowl begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18. Parishes and schools which participated in the 2014 CRS Rice Bowl will

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

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 OUR PARISHES

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In Brief Learn more about immigration MOORESVILLE — All are welcome to attend a panel discussion on immigration Friday, Jan. 23, at St. Therese Church in Mooresville. Led by Mercy Sister Rose Marie Tresp, the panel discussion will also include Ibis Centeno of the Diocese of Charlotte, Jocelyn Davis Singletary of Singletary Law Firm, PLLC and Tanya M. Powers of the law office of Tanya M. Powers, PLLC. The panel will talk about immigration as a faith issue, paths to documented immigration, and look at the issue of immigration from several viewpoints. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. in the Parish Life Center. St. Therese Church is located at 217 Brawley School Road in Mooresville. For details, call 704664-7762.

Photos provided by Kelli Olszewski

Retirement celebration held for Father Geiger CONCORD — Parishioners at St. James the Greater Church in Concord said goodbye Jan. 10 to Redemptorist Father James Geiger, who is retiring to Florida this month. Father Geiger offered the Saturday vigil Mass, and then following Mass there was a retirement celebration for him in which the parish announced it was naming its fellowship hall in his honor. Geiger Hall, states a plaque that will be displayed in the building, recognizes Father Geiger’s “leadership and guidance as Pastor ... during the construction and completion of our new church and administrative buildings as well as years of faithful service to the parishioners of our church.” Father Geiger served as pastor from 2002 to 2008, then returned to St. James Parish in 2011 to serve as parochial vicar.

CCDOC.ORG

Grieving Loved Ones Are Not Alone Last year, Catholic Charities provided 118 individuals with a digniﬁed burial in Mecklenburg County. Catholic Charities is the only such program in the Char-Meck area to help families who do not have the means to bury their loved ones. Without such a program, these individuals would be left unclaimed at the morgue. The Burial Assistance program serves families who have no insurance, are unable to negotiate with a funeral home or do not have the ﬁnances to pay the costs associated with death expenses.

If you need assistance, call 704.370.3232 to speak with a social worker. The program relies on the generosity of individual donors and community supporters. To donate, visit the website ccdoc.org.

‘Seeking Purpose’ retreat coming to St. Matthew Church CHARLOTTE — Are you wondering about God’s direction for your life? Are you ready to take the next step? Come “Seek your Purpose” through a relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Seeking Purpose Retreat helps a person discern the spiritual gifts that God has given for His purpose.For those who have completed “Living Your Strengths,” this could be a next step. The retreat will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in St. Matthew Church’s New Life Center Banquet Room. The cost is $35, which includes continental breakfast, lunch and all materials, including the spiritual gifts assessment. Register online at www. stmatthewcatholic.org. For details, contact Bethann Rohaly at 704-941-7456 or barohaly@ gmail.com (note “Seeking Purpose” in the subject line).

Boone area Knights receive McGivney Award BOONE — Knights of Columbus Council 11966 of St. Elizabeth Church in Boone is a Father McGivney Award winner. Named after the organization’s founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, the award is given in recognition of outstanding membership recruitment and retention efforts during the 2014 fraternal year. For this year, they had a membership growth of 775 percent. The announcement was made by the Knights of Columbus international headquarters located in New Haven, Conn. Jack Murray presented the engraved plaque to the council during a special ceremony Dec. 15. Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, president of the international organization, in recognizing the local winner, said, “Please accept my sincere congratulations on attaining this prestigious award. The dedication to the order shown by your council is seen in the high standard of excellence you have achieved. At the same time, I encourage you to carry forward this enthusiasm to meet the challenges that will

face the Knights of Columbus in the years ahead. May this award be a reminder and an inspiration to the members of your council to continue to promote the ideals of Columbianism for the good of the Church, your community and the order.” In accepting the award, James Combs, head of the local council, said, “Receiving this award is quite an honor. We’re very pleased with this accomplishment.” The Boone area council has been very active in the community. They have helped with several blood drives and collected more than $2,600 for Operation L.A.M.B., which benefits children with intellectual disabilities. Eighty-five percent of the money collected from Operation L.A.M.B. helps local charities. — Amber Mellon

Pro-life procession set for Jan. 31 CHARLOTTE — The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants – Charlotte chapter invites everyone to attend its next Procession for Life on Saturday, Jan. 31, in the chapel of Charlotte Catholic High School, located at 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road. Mass will be offered at 9 a.m., then prayer and a procession will be held starting at 10 a.m. outside Family Reproductive Health, located at 700 E. Hebron St. The Charlotte Helpers organizes prayerful, Eucharist-centered processions at abortion clinics with diocesan priests. Those who do not prefer to join in the sidewalk prayer vigil are welcomed to spiritually support the effort in prayer through Eucharistic Adoration happening concurrently in the chapel. Visit www.charlottehelpers.com for details and a downloadable flier.

U.S. Navy Concert Band to perform in Charlotte CHARLOTTE — The U.S. Navy Band Concert Band will perform a free concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Charlotte Catholic High School. The U.S. Navy Concert Band, the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, presents a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. As the original ensemble of the Navy Band, the Concert Band has been performing public concerts and participating in high-profile events for over 85 years. In addition to national concert tours and an extensive local concert season, the Concert Band has been featured internationally at military tattoos and festivals in Oslo, Stockholm and Quebec City. To obtain free tickets, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Navy band Tickets at 9013 Raintree Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277. Please indicate the number of tickets requested. Charlotte Catholic High School is located at 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road in Charlotte.

See Lee Roessler in concert MORGANTON — Catholic Heart Workcamp musician Lee Roessler will perform in concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, at Patton High School in Morganton. Roessler is the director of the Campus Ministry musicians at Bishop Brossart High School in Alexandria, Ky. He has performed at Catholic Heart Workcamp for the past several years, and his song ”Be Seen” was chosen in 2012 as the theme song for Catholic Heart Workcamp. Tickets cost $5 each and are being sold at St. Charles Borromeo Church or they can be purchased at the door. Patton High School is located at 701 Enola Road. For details, St. Charles Borromeo Parish’s office at 828-437-3108. We welcome your parish’s news! Please email news items to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org.

January 16, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

Carlos Castañeda

No todas las estrellas están en el cine

na de las primeras festividades que celebramos al iniciar el 2015 fue la Epifanía del Señor, fiesta marcada por varios simbolismos que con gran sentido pastoral valdría la pena poner en contexto en estos días de realidades virtuales y de emotíconos* que nos rodean. Para comenzar, muchas veces el propio término, “Epifanía”, resulta sumamente complicado y difícil siquiera de explicar o entender, especialmente por los más pequeños, quienes evidentemente asocian más ésta fiesta con los regalos de los Reyes Magos. La linda costumbre cultural de los regalos representa sólo un aspecto –el cultural- del sentido de la fiesta. Pero más allá de la complejidad del término y de la explicación, se revela el reto de entender un sentido que todos –incluidos nuestros niños- sí podríamos comprender: el de la realidad que se esconde detrás de signos que no agotan el significado o concepto por sí mismos, pero que nos remiten a la esencia de lo que debemos buscar más profundamente. Es que la Epifanía es un festival de signos, de aquellos que se ven y de los que no se ven. La estrella fue percibida por estos tres Reyes Magos, quienes, a decir de la época no sólo eran estudiosos del sentido religioso de los signos de la naturaleza, sino que además eran astrónomos, filósofos. No en vano la traducción al inglés los define como “Wise Men”, hombres sabios, de profunda espiritualidad y con rigor en el conocimiento de las estrellas y el firmamento. Ciertamente, podemos identificar que la Epifanía se enmarca dentro del contexto de un signo que además de ser esperado desde la fe, también desafiaba a la propia naturaleza y que llamó la atención justamente de los científicos, quienes, sin dudarlo, emprendieron hacia esa estrella largamente esperada por ellos: “Y al ver la estrella, se regocijaron con muy grande gozo” (Mateo 2:10) Hace muy poco escuchaba a un neuropsicólogo explicar cómo el interés por la lectura, el conocimiento y la comunicación se vienen perdiendo en nuestros días. Dudo que usted, querido lector, no haya tenido que cruzarse con frases como: “¿Por qué no dejas tu teléfono un momento para poder conversar?” o simplemente percibir que un familiar o hijo suyo pasa más tiempo frente a la tablet o el teléfono, sin comunicarse con el mundo externo. El psicólogo reflexionaba acerca de cómo nuestra sociedad empieza a reaccionar más y con mayor ternura ante el emotícono* de una rosa que ante las rosas verdaderas que físicamente crecen en nuestros propios jardines, por ejemplo. En ese contexto, cabe preguntarse: ¿Cuánto significado de fondo, cuántas ‘estrellas’ perdemos, por mirar lo que se nos presenta, tan fácilmente al frente? ¿Cuánto de lo verdadero o profundo de toda nuestra vida de fe se pierde en lo fácil que tengo al frente, sin esfuerzo, en lugar de mirar a lo

alto, al cielo, y además, sin emprender el camino largo y esforzado del destino que me marca la verdadera estrella? ¿Cuántos ‘Herodes’ modernos existen, entre “mi propia Epifanía”, el momento que descubro la estrella, y aquellos que me desaniman a seguirla o que quieren unirse a mi búsqueda con otros fines, como lo hizo Herodes? Muchas veces nos quedamos en la realidad del emotícono, en la evasión de la realidad virtual y no buscamos en lo profundo de la realidad del signo que se abre frente a nosotros y que nos exige. No se busca la rosa verdadera, sino por la representación de lo que dicen que es. Hoy más que nunca, la Epifanía representa estudiar cuál es esa estrella, es decir, qué buscamos en la vida, a quién seguimos y por quién esperamos. Darnos cuenta que la estrella no está en esconderse detrás de la facilidad del computador, al alcance de mi dedo anular, para expresar lo que se siente. La estrella, aunque distante, es real y brilla fuerte e intensa para cada uno de nosotros, señalando un camino de varios días, o de quizá años que nos tomará llegar hasta ella. Retomar nuestra comunicación, el contacto cara a cara, representan los signos detrás de los regalos de los Reyes Magos, donar nuestro yo auténtico, el que invertimos y la vulnerabilidad que arriesgamos al entrar en contacto con nuestros hijos, nuestros padres o con mi esposa o esposo. Quizá con aquella persona que aún no consigo perdonar. Dejando de lado la facilidad de esconderme detrás de “emotíconos”, ofrecer el regalo de mi yo verdadero y auténtico. Que estas fiestas hayan sido un buen motivo para redescubrir la maravilla de los signos que se abren a través de la Palabra de Dios. Los signos que anuncian los Evangelios, las parábolas con que Cristo enseñó a sus discípulos, se actualizan cada vez que leemos la Biblia, abriéndonos un mundo de significados que sólo representan algo en la medida que consigamos encarnar esa realidad de los signos bíblicos en nuestras vidas. No en vano la Iglesia es madre y maestra, para enseñar, guiar, corregir y formar. Ella es la madre que nos cuenta cada año la fascinante historia de la Salvación, como nuestras madres nos cuentan las historias antes de ir a dormir. Cierro este espacio invitándote: Piensa en tu estrella, únela a la estrella del nacimiento de Jesús y camina hacia ella, para que los signos tengan sentido. *Emotícono: Símbolo gráfico que se utiliza en las comunicaciones a través del correo electrónico y sirve para expresar el estado de ánimo del remitente. (Real Academia de la Lengua). Carlos Castañeda es el Director de Programas del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte y posee una Maestría en Comunicaciones de Marist College, en Nueva York.

Foto RICO DE SILVA| CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Una de las 300 personas que participaron en la Novena Marcha por la Vida en el centro de Charlotte el pasado Viernes, 9 de Enero en la Plaza pública de las calles Trade y Tryon.

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

CHARLOTTE — Cerca de unas 300 personas de la Diócesis de Charlotte marcharon por las calles del Centro de Charlotte al mediodía del 9 de Enero durante la Novena Marcha Anual por la Vida. El 2015 marca el cuarenta y dos aniversario de la decisión “Roe vs. Wade” por la cual la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos legalizó el aborto en demanda. El propósito del evento es llamar la atención del público en general a la triste realidad de los más de 56 millones de bebés que han sido abortados desde 1973 y la necesidad de terminar la tragedia del aborto en este país. Antes de la Marcha, hubo una Misa por los bebés aun no-nacidos que fue celebrada en la Parroquia de San Vicente de Paul en Charlotte. El Padre Agustino Denis Wilde de la organización Priests for Life (Sacerdotes por la Vida) dio la homilía durante la Misa. En la Plaza de la Indecencia, en la esquina de las calles Trade y Tryon, el Padre Wilde dio el discurso principal durante el evento. “Cuando oramos juntos, ganamos fortaleza,” dijo el Padre Wilde durante su discurso en la plaza. “Nuestros derechos de libertad de culto están siendo atacados actualmente... Debemos proteger nuestros derechos,” explicó el sacerdote. “Tenemos la obligación de decirle a los demás que no tengan miedo de hablar en contra de matar a los bebes en el vientre de su madre,” dijo él. “De la misma manera que el Rey Herodes mandó a matar a los niños inocentes, los bebes son asesinados en el día de hoy por miedo, envidia, ignorancia,

Mas en-linea En www.catholicnewsherald.com para más ver mas fotos de la Marcha

y codicia. La gente mata en el nombre del dinero,” dijo el Padre Wilde. El sacerdote concluyó su ardiente discurso con las siguientes palabras, “La verdad triunfará al final.”

iiiJanuary 16, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

Our Cathol

The Diocese of Charlotte School System is comprise Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), diocesan pa

St. Pius X Cat

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27127; 336-722-7204 www.ourladyofmercyschool.org Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 212 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 15:1 for K-8

Catholic Schools Week to be observed Jan. 25-31 WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Catholic Schools Week 2015 will be observed in dioceses around the country Jan. 25-31. This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service,” focuses on the important academic, faith-building and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education. “Catholic schools are a vital aspect of the Church’s mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and so an important aspect of our own teaching mission,” said Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha, Neb., chairman of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Education. “Pope Francis has reminded us that the New Evangelization is not precisely about what we do and what programs we adopt; rather, it is about what God is doing, the graces we are being blessed with, and the Spirit that is always being poured out over our ministry.” About 2.1 million students are currently educated in nearly 6,600 Catholic schools in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural communities around the country. There are 7,509 students in the Diocese of Charlotte’s 19 schools. Archbishop Lucas also stressed the importance of reaching out to underserved populations. “In these days of economic turmoil for so many families, a good education remains the single best way out of poverty for young people,” he said. “At the same time, we cannot forget, through the education and faith formation of children and youth, our Catholic schools are part of a solution to support families and to build productive lives for future generations.” The annual observance began in 1974. For more information about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte go online to www.schools.charlottediocese.net. — U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic News Herald

Note: Enrollment numbers are for the fall of 2014. Sources include the Education Vicariate’s website at www.charlottediocese.org, diocesan schools staff, and the individual school websites. Student-teacher ratios are approximate averages, as reported by each school.

St. Leo Catholic School 333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104; 336-748-8252 www.stleocatholic.com Georgette Schraeder, principal Grades: PS3-8 Enrollment: 242 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

2200 North Elm 27408; 336-273www.spxschool.co Anne W. Knapke, Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 449 Student-teacher

St. Michael Catholic School

Diocesan Parish-based Schools This includes 9 schools serving kindergarten through 8th grade and, in some instances, preschool. While each school is part of the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools, they are directly tied to, and administered by, a corresponding parish. For admissions details, contact the individual school.

Asheville Catholic School 12 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804; 828-252-7896 www.ashevillecatholic.org Michael Miller, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 183 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

Immaculata Catholic School 711 N. Buncombe St., Hendersonville, NC 28791; 828-693-3277 www.immac.org Meredith Canning, principal Grades: PK (ages 3-4), K-8 Enrollment: 152

Online extra! At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See a timeline of the development of Catholic schools in western North Carolina, from 1882 when the predecessor of Sacred Heart School in Salisbury was built until the present day.

704 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia, 704-865-4382 www.stmichaelsgastonia.org/stmi Katie Meseroll, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 171 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 for K-5

HE COVER

January 16, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

lic Schools

Leadership

Diocesan High School

The diocesan school system is overseen by Vicar of Education Father Roger K. Arnsparger and led by Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent of schools. Kathleen Miller is assistant superintendent of schools, and Jacqueline Durrett is director of educational technology and special projects. Lay leadership is provided by an appointed diocesan school board comprised of parents, teachers and principals. Diocesan school board president is Josef Strasser, a member of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro. MACS also has its own appointed school board.

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville serves the Triad area of North Carolina.

Accreditation

ed of 19 schools operating in three separate formats: arish-based schools and a diocesan-based high school.

tholic School

St., Greensboro, NC -9865 com principal ratio: 15:1

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 2205 West Market St., Greensboro, NC 27403; 336-275-1522 www.olgsch.org Amy Pagano, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 238 Student-teacher ratio: 20-25:1

Bishop McGuinness High School

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School 4145 Johnson St., High Point, NC 27265; 336-887-2613 www.ihm-school.com Greg Roberts, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 258 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1

Sacred Heart Catholic School 385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147; 704-633-2841 www.salisburycatholic.org/school Frank Cardelle, principal Grades: PK (ages 3-4), K-8 Enrollment: 241 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

1725 N.C. Hwy. 66 South, Kernersville, NC 27284; 336-564-1010 www.bmhs.us George Repass, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 457 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

Admissions, tuition

l NC 28052;

ichaelsschool/

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS)

5, 18:1 for 6-8

A centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte area that includes 9 schools (2 high schools, a middle school, 6 elementary schools, some with PK and TK, and 2 K-8 schools). Tuition for participating Catholics ranges from $3,420 for half-day PK to $9,366 for high school. For admissions info, call 704-370-3273.

Christ the King Catholic High School

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School

2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-799-4400 www.christthekinghs.com Brendan Keane, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 142 Student-teacher ratio: 7:1

4225 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215; 704-531-0067 www.olainfo.com Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 145 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

Charlotte Catholic High School

St. Ann Catholic School

7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226; 704-543-1127 www.charlottecatholic.org Kurt Telford, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 1,350 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

600 Hillside Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-525-4938 www.stannscatholicschool.com Kathy McKinney, principal Grades: PK, TK and K-5 Enrollment: 148 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School

St. Gabriel Catholic School

3100 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-527-7822 www.htcms.org Kevin Parks, principal Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: 894 Student-teacher ratio: 14:1

3028 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211; 704-366-2409 www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org Sharon Broxterman, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 562 Student-teacher ratio: 16:1

All of the diocese’s 19 schools are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI), a division of AdvancEd. AdvancEd is the world’s largest education community, serving more than 30,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in more than 70 countries that educate more than 16 million students.

St. Mark Catholic School 14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-766-5000 www.stmarkcatholicschool.net Deborah Butler, principal Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 741 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

St. Matthew Catholic School 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277; 704-544-2070 www.st-matts.com Kevin O’Herron, principal Grades: TK-5 Enrollment: 612 Student-teacher ratio: 17:1

St. Patrick Catholic School 1125 Buchanan St., Charlotte, NC 28203; 704-333-3174 www.saintpatrickschool.org Debbie Mixer, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 267 Student-teacher ratio: 12:1

The admissions process begins with early admissions in January and general admissions in March, continuing as space is available. Tuition rates and fees vary by school and by grade, with diocesan parishbased schools setting their own tuition rates and MACS schools having a uniform set of rates. MACS tuition rates for the 2014-’15 year are posted online at schools.charlottediocese.net/ macs/admissions/tuition. All of the schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases. Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from $3,100 to $9,300 for registered Catholics, with non-participating Catholics and non-Catholics paying higher amounts. Multiple child discounts are available. For MACS schools, go to the diocesan schools’ webpage, schools. charlottediocese.net, to learn more and download application information, or call 704-370-3273. Admission information for each diocesan parish-based school and at Bishop McGuinness High School can be found on their websites. Prospective parents are encouraged to attend open houses at the school or schools they are eyeing.

Tuition assistance Have you ever considered Catholic education for your children but wondered if it was within your reach? A Catholic education may be more accessible than you realize, with needs-based tuition assistance available to qualified Catholics. For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3273 or go online to schools.charlottediocese.net/macs/ admissions/tuitionassistance. The diocesan parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.

Our schools 14

catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Charlotte Catholic: Retired teacher can’t work as substitute after announcing gay ‘marriage’ plans CHARLOTTE — A retired dramatics teacher from Charlotte Catholic High School has been told he cannot work as a substitute teacher at the school after he publicly announced he is planning to marry his same-sex partner later this year. Lonnie H. Billard, who had signed up to be a substitute teacher at the high school and was scheduled to teach during January, wrote on his Facebook page that he and his gay partner were planning to marry in the summer of 2015, according to Diocese of Charlotte spokesman David Hains. According to Hains, as soon as Charlotte Catholic High School officials learned of his announcement, they informed him he could not work as a substitute teacher because of his opposition to Catholic teaching. All employees of the diocese agree upon their employment to follow the diocese’s ethics policy and a personnel policy that requires them to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. According to the diocesan human resources office, substitute teachers are classified as temporary employees. They have no benefits but they are subject to the same policies as other employees. “People who work for the Diocese of Charlotte agree that they will not oppose the teaching of the Catholic Church. We cannot and will not employ a substitute teacher who opposes Church teaching,” Hains said in a Jan. 9 statement. The diocese does not typically comment on personnel matters, but diocesan officials decided to comment in this case after Charlotte area media reported on Billard’s termination. Billard retired after 11 years from his teaching job at Charlotte Catholic High, the diocese’s largest of three high schools, in 2012. In 2012, a St. Gabriel Parish music director was fired by the pastor for a similar violation of the diocese’s employee ethics policy. Steav Congdon, the leader of the music ministry at St. Gabriel Parish, traveled to New York, where gay “marriage” was legal, to marry his same-sex partner – a public act that is in disobedience to Church teaching and which violates the diocese’s employee ethics policy. Also in 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in EEOC v. HosannaTabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School that religious groups should be free from government interference when they choose their employees – a rule known as the “ministerial exception” – in accordance with the U.S. Constitution’s protection for freedom of religion. The Church teaches that marriage can only be the union between one man and CCHS, SEE page 17

Our Lady of Grace School welcomes new principal SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

GREENSBORO — The New Year brings with it a new principal at Our Lady of Grace School. Amy Pagano, originally from Buffalo, N.Y., and formerly the assistant principal at Colfax Elementary for Guilford County Schools, has been named to lead the academic community in this K-8 diocesan school. Pagano received her undergraduate degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a dual certification in Special Education K-12 and Elementary Education K-6. Her master’s degree was obtained from the State University of

New York in Fredonia in Curriculum/Instruction K-12 and as a Reading Specialist K-12. She attended the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and completed a post master’s degree in School Administration Pagano (Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations) K-12. She has served as a teacher for many years in different educational levels. “I believe every child has a right to be guided through education to develop his

or her potential to the maximum,” Pagano said. “This is a cooperative venture, which involves the teachers, administrators, parents and the school community working together in order to achieve our goals. “In order for all children to succeed, I am determined to provide a learning environment conducive to high time on task, (with) expectations for all. I believe in supporting our vision through powerful partnerships, spirituality, clear communication and teamwork.” Pagano and her husband have lived in the northwest area of Greensboro for more than 18 years. They have two middle school-aged sons.

Oh ... the places you’ll go! SALISBURY — Jennifer Dunn’s first-grade class is really traveling with their reading, writing and geography lessons. After recently reading and discussing “Oh! The Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss, the students packed up their favorite stuffed animals and sent them on a journey around the world. Some are going by plane, some by train and some by car. As they travel to new places, recipients are sending postcards and pictures back to the school, to let the students know that their furry and fluffy friends are safe and sound. In class, students are graphing the places of travel. All stuffed animals are to make their way back to Sacred Heart School by April 15, 2015. Dunn promises that the animals will make their way back – she has done this before! Pictured at top are Megan Nguyen, Andrew Baker and Kevin Bonilla, and Kennedy Goodman with the stuffed

animals they recently sent on their journeys. Kennedy’s little koala bear recently sent back a report from his stops in Miami, Aruba and New York: “Hello First-Graders, I’ve been very busy and having lots of fun in my travels! I rode on an American Airlines 737 airplane from Miami Florida to the island of Aruba. The pilots let me ride in the cockpit for the three-hour flight and I buckled my seat belt in case it got bumpy. We flew more than 1,000 miles at 550 miles an hour to get to Aruba at 37,000 feet. That is seven miles up in the air. The island has nice beaches, palm trees and sail boats. I sat on the beach, with my sunscreen on and dipped my toes in the warm water. The people of Aruba are very nice and friendly. In the morning I will fly to New York , where they tell me it is supposed to snow. I hope it does and I will

Photos provided by Robin Fisher

take pictures and send them to you. I miss you guys a lot and can’t wait to get back to Sacred Heart and tell you all about it.” And then Koala writes again... “Made it to New York last night but sadly there was no snow. Just rain and fog so it was hard to see all the tall buildings. The flight was another 1,000 miles. The hotel gave out chocolate chip cookies and they had an indoor pool that I jumped into and it was much warmer than the cold windy outdoors. Found a friend of ours in the lobby by the tree that you all recognize! This morning I am riding with American Airlines pilots back to Miami, Florida, where it will be warm and sunny. Having a great time and I will write again soon during my great adventure! Your Friend and Classmate, Koala Bear”

talking.

Let’s keep talking.

January 16, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief

Our Lady of

St. Michael robotics team visits park GASTONIA — The Mechanical Knights, St. Michael School’s robotics team, discovered that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. The robotics team recently traveled to Crowders Mountain State Park to conduct field research and collect data for their March competition. Meeting with the park ranger, the students learned the difference between “poisonous” and “venomous” and how to correctly identify species of plants, mushrooms, spiders and snakes to avoid. — Pat Burr

BMHS player honored at N.C. Field Hockey championships KERNERSVILLE — Allie Augustin was presented the 2014 Wayne Richardson Award prior to the N.C. Field Hockey championship game Nov. 8 at Forsyth Country Day School. This award is given to an individual who is passionate about the sport and has put forth

noteworthy effort to develop field hockey in the state. Pictured are Augustin and Kaitlin Foster, president of the N.C. Field Hockey Association Augustin brought the idea of field hockey to her Kernersville school and was instrumental in forming the club at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. Along with junior classmates Callia Cortese and Melissa Rademaker, the students recruited players, asked for donations of uniforms and equipment, secured practice time and self-coached a schedule of eight games. The athletes participated in a camp at Wake Forest University, played in the Jamboree at Mt. Tabor High School, practiced with the High Point University Field Hockey Club and attended a collegiate field hockey game. The team was complimented by officials and other coaches for their dramatic improvement in their inaugural season, positivity and desire. Wayne Richardson, an East Chapel Hill coach and father, passed away in 2011 from brain cancer. The award was created by the NCFHA in memory of his dedicated support of field hockey. Augustin was presented the award at midfield by Richardson’s widow. The N.C. Field Hockey Association exists to provide high school girls in the state with the opportunity to play field hockey, develop skills and to promote the spirit and sportsmanship of the game.

Mercy A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for

PreK-8th

Catholic School

Faith Academics Values Join us for an Open House: - Wednesday, January 28, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Thursday, February 12, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Tuesday, February 24, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

1730 Link Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103 (336) 722.7204 www.ourladyofmercyschool.org Welcoming students of all races, religions, ethnic and national origins.

Catholic Schools Week January 25-31 Catholic School

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

On TV From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

n Saturday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “The War of the Vendee.” Deeply rooted in their Catholic faith, as preached generations earlier by St. Louis de Montfort, the people of the region of Vendée rose against the French Revolution, clamoring for their Faith and throne.

In Brief

n Thursday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m. (EWTN) “March for Life.” Live, complete coverage of the largest pro-life event of the year: the 2015 March For Life in Washington, D.C.

n Saturday, Jan. 17, 11 p.m. (EWTN) “Mother Teresa: Sharing The Suffering of Christ.” Mother Teresa characterized her dark experiences of loneliness and abandonment as “a kiss of Jesus.”

n Saturday, Jan. 24, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Stories of Fait: Meghan’s Miracle.” The life of Meghan Salter, a young girl with an undiagnosed condition that has left her dependent on medical support but through God’s grace she has touched many lives.

n Sunday, Jan. 18, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Our Lady, Mary Mediatrix of All Grace.” Father Melvin Castro visits Our Lady, Mary Mediatrix of All Grace Carmelite Monastery in Lipa City, Batangas, in the Philippines. Here he explains that Mary is the New Eve. Her fiat led to the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

n Saturday, Jan. 24, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Maria Goretti.” St. Maria Goretti, one of the youngest saints in the history of the Church, gave up her life to protect her purity. A remarkable film, explore her life in the gritty detail of family poverty and harsh living conditions.

n Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Napro.” Groundbreaking documentary informing women of a natural alternative to mainstream women’s healthcare vs. hormonal contraceptives. n Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “ Voices in the Desert.” The history and impact of “Humanae Vitae” on Dr. Thomas Hilgers and colleagues at the Pope Paul VI Institute, who developed new morally and medically superior treatments for infertility and a range of other women’s healthcare issues. n Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil.“

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n Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Thomas Aquinas in Today’s World: Can We Know Right and Wrong?” God has blessed man with an intellect and will which work together to help us make moral choices. Learn more about this saint’s response to moral relativism. n Thursday, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Gianna Beretta Molla: A Modern Day Hero of Divine Love.” St. Gianna Molla was a physician, wife and mother who refused an abortion despite knowing that the pregnancy could result in her death.

Winter Songs and Spring Triﬂes music and verse since the Middle Ages

‘The Imitation Game’ Fact-based profile of famed mathematician Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) who led Britain’s successful effort to break the German military’s Enigma code during World War II jumps between Turing’s boarding-school days, his behind-the-scenes service and his 1952 prosecution for “gross indecency.” Though much historical nuance is simply pared away to keep this drama afloat, screenwriter Graham Moore’s script treats its subject’s sexual orientation obliquely. Thus, grown viewers need not buy into a contemporary agenda contrary to Judeo-Christian morality in order to recognize the tragedy that resulted from the application of an unwise law. Mature themes, including homosexuality, brief coarse language. CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

‘The Gambler’ ‘Selma’ A crucial battle in the long struggle for African-American equality is compellingly recreated in this fact-based drama. With the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act behind him, President Lyndon Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) is anxious to concentrate on promoting the economic measures of his Great Society program. But Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) is equally determined to secure long-overdue access to the ballot for minority voters in the South. With Alabama, under its implacably segregationist governor, George Wallace (Tim Roth), continuing to resist such reform, King agrees to lead a long protest march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery. Screenwriter Paul Webb intersperses the inspiring rhetoric of the time with behind-the-scenes insights into heated debates over strategy among King and his associates, the constant threat of violence under which they were forced to live as well as the emotional burden placed on King’s wife Coretta (Carmen Ejogo) by her spouse’s numerous infidelities. Given its historical value, the film is possibly acceptable for mature adolescents. Some harsh violence, an adultery theme, about a half-dozen uses of profanity, a couple of rough terms, occasional crude and crass language. CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

Drama in which a cynical college professor (Mark Wahlberg) struggles with the consequences of his gambling addiction. As he fends off the competing claims of an underground casino operator and a loan shark, to both of whom he owes large sums, he puts the squeeze on his wealthy mother (Jessica Lange) and woos his most promising student (Brie Larson). Director Rupert Wyatt’s remake of Karel Reisz’s 1974 film, which also features John Goodman as yet another underworld figure, veers between materialistic pessimism and naive romanticism. The fact that the egotistical, irresponsible main character has no one to blame but himself for the fix he’s in, moreover, makes it difficult to expend much sympathy on him. Occasional violence, a handful of profanities, pervasive rough and crude language. CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

Additional reviews: ' ‘Taken 3”: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 ' ’Into the Woods’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG n ’Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb’: CNS: A-II (adults); MPAA: PG n ’Unbroken’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ’The Women in Black 2: Angel of Death’: CNS: A-II (adult and adolescents); MPAA: PG-13

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January 16, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

MARRIAGE:

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position continues. The recent final report from the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops will serve as the agenda for the World Synod on the Family in October, which will make recommendations to the pope. Meanwhile, the topic of Communion for divorced and remarried remains on the agenda and is being studied further. While the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops was described by some as contentious, in his closing address Pope Francis said that he welcomed the assembly’s expressions of disagreement. While assuring the assembly that the Church’s unity is not in danger, Pope Francis warned against several temptations that he said had been present during the two-week synod. One of the temptations he cited was that of “hostile rigidity” that seeks refuge in the letter of the law. This temptation, he said is characteristic of the “zealous, the scrupulous, the attentive and – today – of the so-called traditionalists and intellectuals.” Another temptation for the synod fathers, the pope said, was that of “destructive do-goodism, which in the name of misguided mercy ... that treats symptoms and not causes and roots. It is the temptation of the timorous and also of the progressives and liberals.” The final report includes an educative challenge for the Church to support families. While it is not a definitive document, it will function as a working paper for the 2015 Ordinary Synod of Bishops, which is considered the second part of the synodal path on the family. Only after that will the pope issues a post-synodal apostolic exhortation, which will shed light on how the Church is called to face the challenges of the family. Pope Francis stressed that there is still time before the Ordinary Synod of Bishops “to mature, with true spiritual discernment, the proposed ideas and to find concrete solutions to so many difficulties and innumerable challenges families must confront.” Mercy Sister Jeanne-Margaret McNally, Ph.D., JCL, is a psychologist for the Tribunal of the Diocese of Charlotte and a judge in the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Miami. This is the final commentary of her five-part series on marriage. Read her previous commentaries online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

faith formation and youth ministry, multicultural ministries, seminarian education, the permanent diaconate, the annual Eucharistic Congress, and the diocese’s housing corporation. All parishes and missions in the diocese help fund the annual DSA. Parishes that exceed their goal get to keep the extra funds they collect, while parishes which fall short of their goal in donations from

parishioners have the shortfall taken out of their operating budgets. In the 2014 DSA campaign, 51 parishes and missions exceeded their goal and will receive rebates for the extra money they collected, Tornesello said. “We are so grateful to our parishioners who give in response to the blessings they receive from Jesus and to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Jim Kelley, director of development for the diocese. “We are particularly grateful that people gave so generously to the DSA in a year when over 15,000 households also made commitments to the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign, which is helping to strengthen our Church and our parishes for the future.”

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power of the Holy Spirit, who, working within the human spirit, causes its desires to bear fruit in the good” (“Theology of the Body” 51:6). God is merciful and will meet us where we are. If we approach Church teaching about sexuality with humility and trust, and make frequent use of the sacraments, we will be transformed by grace. God’s commands will free us, and we will begin to delight in them. We will come to be more like our Lord and love as He does. This self-giving love, consistent with God’s will for us, makes us happy.

one woman, as established in natural law and set forth as a sacrament by Christ and His Church. Catholic teaching emphasizes that all people, including those with a homosexual orientation, are made in the image of God and therefore deserving of dignity and respect, but that matrimony is designed by God as the basis for family life and the conceiving and nurturing of children. Last fall, a federal judge struck down North Carolina’s voter-approved constitutional amendment protecting marriage as between one man and one woman, and North Carolina became one of more than 35 states that now consider same-sex “marriage” legal. In response to the court ruling, North Carolina’s two Catholic bishops said they would continue to uphold Catholic teaching on marriage. — Catholic News Herald

Batrice Adcock, MSN, is the Natural Family Planning program director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. This is part of a series of her reflections on Theology of the Body. She can be reached at bnadcock@ charlottediocese.org.

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Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Dominican sister chosen to lead Catholic Charities USA 3 U.S. leading Catholic service organizations now headed by women Catholic News Service

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Dominican Sister Donna Markham has been chosen to succeed Father Larry Snyder as the new president of Catholic Charities USA. The announcement was made Jan. 12 at Catholic Charities headquarters in Alexandria, a suburb of Washington, D.C. Sister Donna becomes the first woman to lead Catholic Charities, which was founded in 1910. She will officially take over from Father Snyder June 1. In a Jan. 12 telephone interview with Catholic News Service, Sister Donna said it is “a wonderful story” that three of the United States’ leading Catholic service organizations are headed by women, listing Carolyn Woo, president of Catholic Relief Services, and Sister Carol Keehan, a Daughter of Charity who is president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association. “I see myself as number three – at least,” Sister Donna said. “It’ the first time for Catholic Charities, but certainly not the first time in this country.” Currently president of the Behavioral Health Institute for Mercy Health based in Cincinnati, Sister Donna, a board-certified clinical psychologist, has a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Detroit and was named a fellow in the American Association of Clinical

Psychologists. Last year, she was awarded the prestigious Harold S. Bernard Training Award from the American Group Psychotherapy Association in February 2014. “There can be no greater call than to serve and advocate on behalf of persons who struggle to get by in a world where they are all too frequently relegated to the margins of society and where they long for dignity, hope and compassion,” said Sister Donna in a statement, adding she was “honored and humbled” by her selection. “I feel blessed to walk among the many dedicated Catholic Charities workers across the country who daily make the Gospel come alive through their care for their sisters and brothers in need.” With Mercy Health, Sister Donna is working on changing how behavioral health care services are delivered across seven geographic regions. Beforehand, she served for 10 years as the president of the Southdown Institute in Ontario, and was the founding director of the Dominican Consultation Center in Detroit, serving there for 13 years. Both agencies focused on the psychological care of people in ministry. From 2004 to 2010, Sister Donna was prioress of the Adrian Dominican congregation in Michigan, and served a one-year term in 1991-’92 as president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. She also served eight

years as a member of Catholic Charities’ board of trustees, two of those as board chair. Sister Donna noted the difference between the oversight and policy responsibilities of a board member and the day-to-day nitty-gritty of a leader, but “I’m a bit new. This happened on Friday,” Jan. 9, she said of her hiring. “I haven’t done a lot of ruminating about a Markham lot yet. Governance and organizational administration are two different roles. I’m quite aware of that because I’ve served in both capacities in my life. They serve distinct roles.” Catholic Charities USA is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide, which help a combined 9 million-plus people a year regardless of religious, social or economic backgrounds. Father Snyder will return to his home Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to do ministry there. Born in Illinois north of Chicago, Sister Donna grew up mostly in Michigan and Ontario, earning her first college degree from the University of Toronto. “My first priority is to get to know the people.” Sister Donna said. “I don’t know all the people who work in the office, and I don’t know all the diocesan directors. I think those priorities get put in place in a dialogic way when you have those kind of in-depth conversations.”

‘Biggest human rights rally’ returns for March for Life Sarah McCarthy Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “The biggest human rights rally in the world,” as one regular participant described it, will return to the nation’s capital for the annual March for Life Jan. 22. The 42nd rally on the National Mall and march to the U.S. Supreme Court marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 ruling in the case of Roe v. Wade that invalidated state and federal restrictions on abortions, legalizing abortion virtually on demand. Micaiah Bilger, education director of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, said she sees the march as an opportunity to move forward from Roe v. Wade. “The March for Life is, I think, the

biggest human rights rally in the world and it’s wonderful to go and be with other people and unite under that cause,” Bilger said. “It’s important for us to stand up in our nation’s capital and say, ‘Abortion is a human rights injustice and we want to see all life protected.’” The Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation usually brings a few hundred participants from around the state, Bilger said. The range of people who attend – from high school students to older men and women who have been going for many years – offers an opportunity for participants to meet others of diverse backgrounds who share the same beliefs about abortion. “We have a really good, really diverse group of people that go down every year,” she said. “There are so many young

people who are going to the March for Life nowadays, so many (pro-life) clubs that are popping up ... in high schools and college campuses, and there are ... just so many people who are stepping up and seeing that (abortion) is an injustice.” The March for Life also consistently draws many pro-life groups from college campuses each year. Katie Daniels, a sophomore at Boston College and president of the school’s pro-life club, called the march “the highlight of our year,” and said she expected about 30 students when their bus leaves campus the night before the march. Harvard University will also be sending 20 students to the rally. Jim McGlone, a senior at Harvard who has attended six times, said young people are a significant part of the movement. “I think it shows that this is really the future of our country and our culture,” he said. “The pro-life movement is alive and vibrant and young and joyous and is really a force in our society that can make a really positive change,” he said. Maggie Bick, a board member of Missouri Right to Life, said she expects about 250 people to join the 72-hour round trip to Washington. Bick said she feels it is

important to attend because abortion is not only an injustice, but a mortal sin. “(Since) our taxpayer dollars are being used to fund the abortion of other people who decide to make that fatal decision, I think we are being complicit in their sin,” she said. “That is why it is worth the fight to me to do everything we can to change the laws, diminish the number of abortions and in particular make the drive for not using our tax dollars for abortion.” The federal Hyde Amendment prohibits the use of federal tax funds to pay for abortion, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest and danger to the life of the woman. However, many states cover at least some abortions in their health insurance plans for poor women. Though the March for Life focuses on abortion, the group representatives explained that their support extends to all human lives, regardless of age. “Part of our mission is also legislative work, so we work in legislation here in Pennsylvania to make sure that there are resources available for pregnant and parenting moms so they don’t feel like they’re being pressured to have an abortion or feel like abortion is their only option,” Bilger said.

January 16, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Catholics in Congress: More than any other religious denomination WASHINGTON, D.C. — The numbers don’t lie. Once again, there are more Catholics in Congress than members of any other religious denomination. And the numbers stay strong term after term. Even though Catholics account for only about 22 percent of the U.S. population – admittedly the largest body of religious belief in the country – they make up 31 percent of the House and the Senate. If you’re looking for differences between the two major parties, there’s indeed some – but Catholics are still overrepresented in both the Democratic and Republican parties. There are 83 Catholics among the 234 Democrats in the House or Senate, good for 35 percent of the Democrats’ total, and 81 Catholics among the 301 Republicans in Congress, or 27 percent of the GOP’s total, according to figures issued in a Pew Research Center study issued shortly before the 114th Congress was sworn in Jan. 6.

Florida bishops speak out about state’s same-sex ruling MIAMI — A day after a federal judge’s Jan. 5 ruling struck down the state’s ban of samesex “marriage,” Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski sent a letter to archdiocesan employees stressing that they need to “understand the Church’s position” on this issue. Along with

the letter, which he said he wrote because of “recent decisions by courts in Florida,” the archbishop attached a statement issued by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops that expressed disappointment with the court’s redefinition of marriage, saying it “will have implications not yet fully understood.” The ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle of Tallahassee overturning a state constitutional ban on same-sex “marriage” made Florida the 36th state to legalize samesex “marriage.” Archbishop Wenski reminded employees that they “publicly represent the Catholic Church and the archdiocese” in everything they do and say. He also quoted the archdiocesan employee handbook which points out that “certain conduct, inconsistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church, could lead to disciplinary action, including termination, even if it occurs outside the normal working day and outside the strict confines of work performed by the employee.”

Court rules Michigan firm exempt from providing contraceptive coverage GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A federal court has ruled that a Michigan-based medical supply company does not have to provide contraception coverage in its employee health insurance plan because of faith-based objections. The Jan. 5 ruling by Judge Robert Jonker of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan in Grand Rapids said that Autocam Medical does not have to comply with the contraceptive coverage requirement of the Affordable Care Act. The decision is a reversal of the judge’s ruling three years ago. The current decision is based on the Supreme Court’s ruling last June in the Hobby Lobby case, which said that closely held companies

cannot be forced to abide by the federal Health and Human Service’s mandate that requires nearly all employers to provide abortioninducing drugs, elective sterilizations and contraceptives to their employees free of charge if the individual or families that own the businesses have religious objections to the mandate. Tom Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the St. Thomas More Society, which argued the case on Autocam’s behalf in the lower and appellate courts, said in a statement that the ruling “sets another strong precedent for the free exercise of religious faith on the part of all American citizens.”

Maryland governor commutes sentences of last four men on death row ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s outgoing Gov. Martin O’Malley announced Dec. 31 he would commute the death sentences of the last four inmates on the state’s death row to life imprisonment without possibility of parole. In 2013, Maryland’s General Assembly repealed capital punishment, but that did not affect the sentences of what at the time were five inmates on death row. One of those inmates, John Booth-El, died of natural causes earlier in 2014. The state’s last execution was in 2005. The action was lauded by the Maryland Catholic Conference, which has long advocated for the end of capital punishment. O’Malley, a Catholic whose second term as governor ends Jan. 21, said in a statement that recent appeals and an opinion by outgoing Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler have called into question the legality of carrying out those earlier death sentences. “I have now met or spoken with many of the survivors of the victims of these brutal murders,” said O’Malley’s statement.

“They are all good and decent people who have generously granted me the courtesy of discussing the cases of their individual family members.”

Indiana poet seeks healing from clergy sexual abuse through his writing INDIANAPOLIS — Norbert Krapf, 71, still loves the wooded hills of his southern Indiana boyhood home near Jasper and the Catholic faith that formed his beliefs from infancy. Such feelings are remarkable not for their longevity, but that they exist despite Krapf being the victim of clergy sexual abuse six decades ago at his small hometown parish tucked away in the Jasper hills. In recent years, Krapf – a poet, author and one-time Indiana Poet Laureate now living in Indianapolis – identified his abuser to the bishop of the Diocese of Evansville in which Jasper is located, leading to the removal of the deceased priest’s many accolades and honors. But Krapf then took a much bigger, public step. Using his gift for poetic expression, he published “Catholic Boy Blues,” a book of poems dealing with the abuse through the voices of the suffering boy, the coping adult, the wise Mr. Blues and the abusive priest. The book, along with Krapf’s other works, helped earn him the 2014 Eugene and Marilyn Glick Regional Author Award. More importantly, it has been instrumental in Krapf’s own healing and, he hopes, the healing of other sexual abuse victims. — Catholic News Service

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Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Francis in Asia to promote reconciliation, recovery Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Interreligious reconciliation and recovery from natural disaster are major themes of Pope Francis’ Jan. 13-18 visit to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, according to the Vatican spokesman. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi briefed reporters on the trip Jan. 7, noting that it would be the pope’s second time in Asia, following an August visit to South Korea. Pope Francis wanted to give the region special attention, the spokesman said, because no Asian country had received a papal visit in more than a decade, since the pontificate of St. John Paul II. Pope Francis is the third pope to visit Sri Lanka, where Blessed Paul VI traveled in 1970 and St. John Paul II visited in 1995. Like his predecessors, Pope Francis is stressing the importance of interreligious harmony in a country that is less than 7 percent Christian. An interreligious meeting in Colombo Jan. 13 featured speeches by the pope and a Buddhist monk representing the faith of almost 70 percent of the country’s citizens. On Jan. 14, following a Mass in Colombo at which he canonized the 17th- and 18th-century missionary Blessed Joseph Vaz, Pope Francis traveled to Madhu, in the country’s north, where he prayed the rosary at a Marian shrine that provided sanctuary to thousands of refugees during a three-decade-long civil war, which ended in 2009 after killing an estimated 100,000 people. Catholics have had a special role in post-war reconciliation, Father Lombardi said, because they straddle the ethno-religious divide between the Sinhalese-Buddhist majority and the Tamil-Hindu minority. The shrine of Our

Lady of Madhu also draws nonChristian devotees who see it as symbol of national unity, he said. The pope is riding in an open popemobile several times during his trip, including during a Jan. 17 visit to Tacloban in the central Philippines, a region especially hard hit by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. The devastation of that storm, as well as other natural disasters including earthquakes and fires, is a particular concern for the pope during his stay in the Philippines, where he arrived Jan. 15. In Tacloban, Pope Francis was expected to lunch at the archbishop’s residence with some 30 survivors of the typhoon, many of whom lost close relatives in the disaster. Another highlight of the CNS | Paul Haring Philippine leg was to be the pope’s Pope Francis receives a robe from Hindu Kurukkal SivaSri T. Mahadeva during a meeting with religious leaders at Jan. 16 meeting in Manila with the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Jan. 13. various families, including one led by its 100-year-old matriarch, Father Lombardi called a “mega-Mass” Jan. 18 in Manila, accompanied by her great-great-grandchildren. on the same site where St. John Paul II celebrated Mass for The same day, he was to celebrate Mass in Manila’s World Youth Day in 1995 before more than 4 million people cathedral with bishops, priests and members of religious – often described as the largest live crowd in history. orders. An unusual feature of that liturgy was to be a He noted that St. John Paul II was forced to take a penitential rite in which members of the congregation helicopter to reach the altar on that occasion, because the will confess to breaking vows of poverty, obedience and density of the crowd made it impossible to drive. chastity. — Contributing was Anto Akkara in Bangalore, India. Pope Francis’ trip is expected to culminate in what

Pope names 15 new cardinal electors, most from global South Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Underscoring the geographical diversity of his selections, Pope Francis named 15 cardinal electors “from 14 nations of every continent, showing the inseparable link between the church of Rome and the particular churches present in the world.” In addition to 15 new electors, Pope Francis named five new cardinals who are over the age of 80 and, therefore, ineligible to vote in a conclave. Popes have used such nominations to honor churchmen for their scholarship or other contributions. The pope announced the names Jan. 4, after praying the Angelus with a crowd in St. Peter’s Square, and said he would formally induct the men into the College of Cardinals Feb. 14. With the list, the pope continues a movement he started with his first batch of appointments a year ago, giving gradually more representation at the highest levels of the Church to poorer countries in the global South. According to the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the new cardinals will include the first in history from Cape Verde, Tonga and Myanmar. The Feb. 14 consistory will bring the total number of cardinals under the age of 80 to 125. Until they reach their 80th birthdays, cardinals are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. Blessed Paul VI limited the number of electors to 120, but later popes have occasionally exceeded that limit. Three of the new cardinal electors hail

from Asia, three from Latin America, two from Africa and two from Oceania. Of the five Europeans on the list, three lead dioceses in Italy and Spain that have not traditionally had cardinals as bishops – another sign of Pope Francis’ willingness to break precedent. While giving red hats to the archbishops of Ancona-Osimo and Agrigento, Italy, the pope will once again pass over the leaders of Venice and Turin, both historically more prestigious dioceses. None of the new cardinals hails from the U.S. or Canada. Father Lombardi noted that the numbers of cardinals from those countries have remained stable since February 2014, when Pope Francis elevated the archbishop of Quebec. The U.S. currently has 11 cardinal electors and Canada 3. The continuing geographic shift is incremental in nature. With the new appointments, cardinals from Europe and North America will make up 56.8 percent of those eligible to elect the next pope, down from 60 percent on Jan. 4. The shift reflects the pope’s emphasis on Africa and Asia, where the church is growing fastest, and on his native region of Latin America, home to about 40 percent of the world’s Catholics. A number of the selections also reflect Pope Francis’ emphasis on social justice. The new Mexican cardinal leads a diocese that has been hard hit by the current wave of drug-related violence in his country. And one of the Italian cardinalsdesignate, the archbishop of Agrigento in Sicily, leads the Italian bishops’ commission on migration, an issue on which Pope Francis has placed particular

importance. In July 2013, the pope visited the southern Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, a major entry point for undocumented immigrants to Europe, and mourned the many who had died attempting to cross the sea. Only one of the new cardinals, the head of the Vatican’s highest court, is a member of the Church’s central administration, the Roman Curia, which currently accounts for about a quarter of all cardinal electors. Announcing the appointments, Pope Francis noted that the ceremony to induct the new cardinals will follow a two-day meeting of the entire college, Feb. 12 and 13, “to reflect on guidelines and proposals for reform of the Roman Curia.” The pope’s nine-member Council of Cardinals is currently working on a major reform of the Vatican bureaucracy, including a new apostolic constitution for the curia. Pope Francis said he had chosen to honor five retired bishops “distinguished for their pastoral charity in service to the Holy See and the Church,” representing “so many bishops who, with the same pastoral solicitude, have given testimony of love for Christ and the people of God, whether in particular churches, the Roman Curia or the diplomatic service of the Holy See.” The five new honorary cardinals hail from Argentina, Colombia, Germany, Italy and Mozambique. Here is the list of the new cardinals: – French Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, prefect of the Apostolic Signature, 62. – Portuguese Patriarch Manuel Jose Macario do Nascimento Clemente of

Lisbon, 66. – Ethiopian Archbishop Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel of Addis Ababa, 66. – New Zealand Archbishop John Dew of Wellington, 66. – Italian Archbishop Edoardo Menichelli of Ancona-Osimo, 75. – Vietnamese Archbishop Pierre Nguyen Van Nhon of Hanoi, 76. – Mexican Archbishop Alberto Suarez Inda of Morelia, who turns 76 Jan. 30. – Myanmar Archbishop Charles Bo of Yangon, 66. – Thai Archbishop Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij of Bangkok, 65. – Italian Archbishop Francesco Montenegro of Agrigento, 68. – Uruguayan Archbishop Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet of Montevideo, 55. – Spanish Archbishop Ricardo Blazquez Perez of Valladolid, 72. – Spanish-born Panamanian Bishop Jose Luis Lacunza Maestrojuan of David, 70. – Cape Verdean Bishop Arlindo Gomes Furtado of Santiago de Cabo Verde, 65. – Tongan Bishop Soane Mafi, 53. – Colombian Archbishop Jose de Jesus Pimiento Rodriguez, retired, of Manizales, who turns 96 Feb. 18. – Italian Archbishop Luigi De Magistris, 88, retired pro-major penitentiary at the Vatican. – German Archbishop Karl-Joseph Rauber, 80, a former nuncio. – Argentine Archbishop Luis Hector Villalba, retired, of Tucuman, 80. – Mozambican Bishop Julio Duarte Langa, retired, of Xai-Xai, 87.

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In Brief God created all people, desires to save them, pope says on Epiphany VATICAN CITY — In every age and in every culture, people seek God just as the Three Kings did and, in every age, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they find Him in the surprising humility of a baby born in a manger, Pope Francis said. “Led by the Spirit, they come to realize that God’s criteria are quite different from those of men, that God does not manifest Himself in the power of this world, but speaks to us in the humbleness of His love,” the pope said Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany. Before beginning the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis and two families – each with two small children – paid homage to the newborn Lord by kissing a statue of Baby Jesus that had been placed in front of the main altar on Christmas Eve. The journey of the Magi from the East and their discovery of the babe, the pope said in his homily, is a sign that Jesus came to save all peoples, not just His fellow Jews. “According to tradition, the wise men were sages, watchers of the constellations, observers of the heavens in a cultural and religious context which saw the stars as having significance and power over human affairs,” the pope told the congregation. “The wise men represent men and woman who seek God in the world’s religions and philosophies: an unending quest.”

Bishops see signs of resilience in Gaza, despite destruction BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Despite the immense destruction still evident in Gaza following the war there last summer, the resilience of the people gave hope to 16 bishops of the Holy Land Coordination during their visit to the Gaza Strip Jan. 11-12. One boy’s words continued to resonate with Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, New Mexico. The boy, who was the last student to speak to the bishops before they left Holy Family School in Gaza, told them he simply wanted dignity. “What made a deep impression on me is that the people are not broken,” said Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town, South Africa. “Their will is very strong. We saw this in the way they interacted with us and the fact that life is as back to as ‘normal’ as possible. It signifies the strength of the human spirit.” It took some of the bishops six hours to get through the Erez checkpoint into Gaza where they celebrated Mass, met with members of the Christian community and were briefed on the work of CRS, Caritas and the Pontifical Mission in Gaza. The bishops also visited the Israeli border town of Sderot, which was among the Israeli towns that came under bombardment from Gaza during the war, before returning to Bethlehem.

Doctor: Kenyan bishops could demand apology for tetanus vaccine drive NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s Catholic bishops could demand a public apology from the government, following a recent revelation that some of the tested vials of the tetanus vaccine being administered under a nationwide campaign contained a hormone linked to birth control. In November, the bishops charged that the vaccine, targeted to women of child-bearing age and not to men, was being administered in a campaign sponsored by the World Health Organization and UNICEF that had been guarded by secrecy and deception. The bishops said they suspected the vaccine contained beta human

chorionic gonadotropin, or beta hCG, which prevents women from becoming pregnant. In November, a joint committee formed of Church leaders, medical doctors, and the parliamentary Committee on Health agreed to test samples of the vaccine at laboratories around the world. Preliminary test results, released Jan. 10, showed that three of 59 vials of the tetanus vaccine contained beta hCG. The others tested negative. The results were included in a preliminary executive summary of the report of the joint Kenya Catholic Conference of Bishops and Kenyan Ministry of Health, along with a committee of experts on tetanus vaccine testing.

baptism of the Lord, Jan. 11. The pope’s homily focused on the meaning of baptism and the reading from the Book of Isaiah about how, like a good mother and father, God wants to give His children nourishment that truly satisfies. God did that by offering the nourishing word of Christ, the pope said. Parents and relatives should offer their children the word of God by always carrying with them a pocket-sized copy of the Gospel and reading a short verse from it every day, he said. “This will be an example for the children to see daddy, mommy, godparents, grandpa, grandma, aunts and uncles reading the word of God,” he said.

Possible acceleration of Romero sainthood cause creates mixed emotions

Report: Christians face worsening mistreatment; North Korea tops list

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — Scholars who have studied the life of murdered Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero say a reading of the tea leaves suggest advancement of his sainthood cause is imminent. The news is being met with jubilation by many Romero researchers and with mixed emotions by Salvadorans. Supporters of the cause for Romero’s canonization have been frustrated for years by what they view as a stalled effort. However, the cause now appears to have momentum, and a soon-to-come beatification or sainthood announcement “would be a great day for us,” said Damian Zynda, an Archbishop Romero researcher who is a faculty member with the Christian Spirituality Program at Creighton University. Zynda was among several scholars Catholic News Service interviewed during the annual International Conference on Archbishop Oscar Romero at the University of Notre Dame in September. The most promising movement of the cause came Jan. 8, when the newspaper of the Italian bishops’ conference announced that a panel of theologians advising the Vatican’s Congregation for Saints’ Causes unanimously voted to recognize the archbishop as a martyr, and declared that the archbishop had been killed “in hatred for the faith.”

OXFORD, England — An international report has warned that Christians face worsening mistreatment worldwide and called for “urgent action” by Western governments and Church leaders. “Christians are being persecuted with greater intensity than ever before, as their general situation deteriorates,” said Zoe Smith, British head of advocacy with the Netherlandsbased Open Doors International. “While the rise of Islamist extremism has been a major factor in the Middle East and Africa, we’re concerned persecution is now also occurring in countries of Asia and Latin America where it wasn’t historically an issue.” In early January, Open Doors, an interdenominational charity, released its annual World Watch List, surveying the fate of Church members in 50 countries. It said 2014 had “the highest level of global persecution of Christians in the modern era,” but added that current conditions suggested “the worst is yet to come.” It said communist-ruled North Korea topped the list as “the most dangerous country for Christians,” with 70,000 languishing in prison, while Somalia came “a surprisingly close second.” The report added that persecution threatened the demise of Christians in the Middle East, where 700,000 had fled Syria since the 2011 outbreak of war, and the Christian population of Iraq had been cut to just 300,000 in the face of Islamic State attacks.

Pope thanks Catholics for helping Haiti, says more to do VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis thanked Catholics worldwide for helping people in Haiti recover from a devastating earthquake, but said “there is still much work left to do.” Marking the fifth anniversary of the magnitude 7 earthquake that destroyed large parts of Haiti Jan. 12, 2010, the pope met with international and Church-based agencies, bishops and religious involved in offering assistance to those affected by the tragedy. The Haitian government maintains that 316,000 people were killed, more than 300,000 were injured and 1.5 million were displaced. Those attending the Jan. 10 papal audience were taking part in a one-day conference the same day organized by the Pontifical Council Cor Unum and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America to revive interest and commitment to reconstruction in Haiti. The pope told participants that continued aid must focus on assisting the whole human person, which includes meeting their spiritual and human needs as well as material assistance. Catholic charitable activity must also be done in communion with the rest of the Church, he said, “because none of us works for himself, but in the name of Christ, who showed us the path of service.”

At baptisms, pope urges prayers for moms who can’t feed kids VATICAN CITY — As Pope Francis once again urged new moms not to be afraid to breast-feed in public, he reminded people to pray for the world’s mothers whose poverty means they are unable to provide enough food for their children. “Let us pray and try to help these mothers,” he said during a Mass in the Sistine Chapel in which he baptized 33 babies on the feast of the

Catholic official: Funding running out for Iraqi refugees in Jordan AMMAN, Jordan — A Catholic official warned that funding will soon run out to feed and house thousands of Iraqi Christians sheltering in Jordan after being made homeless by Islamic State militants. Syriac Catholic Father Noor Alqasmosa, who is charged with helping the refugees, told Catholic News Service that the funding situation is desperate, as the chances for many to restart a new life now further dim. The priest said many Iraqi Christians probably will not be able to seek resettlement in the United States or other Western countries in 2015 because these countries appear to give priority to Syrians fleeing their nearly fouryear conflict. “I was shocked when I was told that neither the U.S. nor the EU would take in Iraqi Christians from Mosul and Ninevah for resettlement,” said Father Noor, as he prefers to be called. “We had everything in Mosul and left with nothing,” the Iraqi priest said following recent talks with U.N. and foreign government officials in the Jordanian capital. “We have Caritas funding lasting just until the end of February to help the 7,000 Iraqi Christians in Jordan,” the priest said, his voice lowering with concern and strain visible on his face. “There is no hope among the people. They believe the world has abandoned them and are leaving them to die.”

Only by loving, serving others can people come to know God, pope says VATICAN CITY — Only people who love, and love in concrete ways – not just with words – can

know God because God is love, Pope Francis said. “Whoever loves, knows God; whoever does not love has not known God because God is love, but not soap opera love. No, no. Solid, strong love, eternal love, a love-made manifest,” he said Jan. 8 at his morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. The pope celebrated the Mass for the victims of a deadly terrorist attack by masked gunmen on the offices of a satirical weekly newspaper in Paris. At least 12 people were killed and another 11 wounded in the Jan. 7 attack. Before delivering his homily, the pope said the attack made one see how much cruelty the human being is capable of, and he asked for prayers for the victims and for the perpetrators so that the Lord would “change their hearts,” the pope said, according to Vatican Radio. The pope’s homily focused on the day’s reading from the First Book of John (4:19-5:4), which speaks of God loving humanity first and the necessity of loving others in order to love God. How are people able to come to know God? the pope asked. Reason and intellect are not enough, he said; it takes love, accompanied by reason, but by loving most of all.

Vatican sending $3.5M to help Church response to Ebola VATICAN CITY — The Vatican is helping Catholic dioceses and agencies step up the fight against Ebola and is urging other donors to help. The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace announced Jan. 7 that the Holy See would be making a “financial contribution” to support Church-sponsored assistance to those affected by the Ebola outbreak. Vatican Radio reported the sum would be $3.5 million. “The Holy See encourages other donors, whether private or public, to add to these funds as a sign of solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are suffering gravely in the areas affected by the disease,” the council said in a written communique. Cardinal Peter Turkson, council president, traveled to Liberia and Sierra Leone Dec. 16-19 to meet with government officials and Church leaders and to demonstrate the Vatican’s support for those affected by the crisis. The Vatican’s financial contribution will go “to purchase much-needed protective supplies, to assist with the transport of patients and to pay for the renovation of buildings,” as well as help support families affected by the virus and children who have been orphaned, the council said. The funding also will be used to: help residents in affected areas learn about and follow strategies needed to stop the spread of Ebola; train and support clergy, religious and lay pastoral workers to attend better to people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs; and help local parishes counteract “the Ebola-related stigma now emerging as a serious problem, particularly for survivors.”

Vatican expects pope to visit New York, Washington VATICAN CITY — The Vatican secretary of state said he expects Pope Francis to visit New York City and Washington, D.C., during his September trip to the United States. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who as secretary of state is considered the highest Vatican official under the pope, spoke to reporters Jan. 6, following a ceremony to dedicate a new building at the Pontifical North American College, the U.S. seminary in Rome. Asked if Pope Francis would visit the United Nations in New York in September, Cardinal Parolin replied: “I think so, I think so, but no official announcement has been done. But everybody is speaking of that.” Asked if the same trip would include a visit to Washington, the cardinal replied: “Of course,” then added with a laugh, “but no official confirmation has been given.” In November, Pope Francis confirmed reports that he would attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September. So far, that is the only confirmed stop on what is expected to be a more extensive papal visit to North America. — Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father John Catoir

Nonviolence is the ultimate path to peace

r. Martin Luther King Jr. is a great American hero. He practiced the noble art of nonviolent opposition to injustice in the same way that Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela practiced. He led peaceful demonstrations against those in authority to defeat practices such as segregation, racial discrimination and unequal treatment under the law. All three of these leaders followed peaceful teachings to attain victory over the evils of their day. King was a peacemaker. He confronted fierce hatred in an environment in which opposition came from both sides, white and black. I was with King in Selma, Ala., for nearly a week. A Protestant minister had been shot and killed there the week before, and American bishops had sent priests to Selma to express our solidarity with the protesters. I think of him when I see stores that have been burned down in places like Ferguson, Mo., as a sign of outrage. I believe this is counterproductive. There is no need for violent demonstrations. Can it bring real reform? I believe violence only brings more heat than light to explosive situations. I don’t believe in a violent strategy in search for equality. No monuments are built to honor those who favor violence. The words of Jesus apply to leaders and peacemakers such as King: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Upon deeper refection, King’s life brings us back to the idealism of Jesus, who despised the arrogance of the Pharisees. These Jewish leaders laid heavy burdens upon the people, and we hear in Matthew 23:4, “They tie up heavy burdens (hard to carry) and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.” The Lord fearlessly rebuked them. It follows, therefore, that when Jesus asked us to be meek and humble of heart, He wasn’t encouraging timidity in the face of evil. He was suggesting defiance, but a kind of nonviolent opposition, which has as its goal ultimate victory over the forces of evil and injustice. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of the importance of being “poor in spirit.” This is part of the Beatitudes, which the pope has urged to us memorize because “blessed” are the meek, the merciful, the clean of heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven,” we’re told. These words of Jesus heeded by King continue to give encouragement to others like him who can remain steadfast in the fight against injustice. King approached this cause with a child-like spirit. He understood the phrase “turn the other cheek,” and knew that nonviolence was not a sign of weakness, but a winning tactic for attaining ultimate victory. He was right. Father John Catoir is an author, commentator and founder of the New Jersey-based St. Jude Media Ministry, a national apostolate which uses radio and TV to reach out to the millions of people in America. He is online at www. fatherjohncatoir.com.

Tom Sheridan

Race, bias and fear of ‘the other’ I

t was funny. Sort of. Two decades after Civil Rights marches rocked the South, my wife and I would drive with our children to visit grandparents in Florida. Stopping for lunch in small Southern towns meant experiencing odd looks. Our children are interracial, light-skinned and dark, Asian and Hispanic. The kids would smile and whisper, “Maybe we tell them we were kidnapped!” It doesn’t seem funny anymore. Not in this time of Trayvon Martin, Ferguson and countless other

incidents that remind me of a sad truth: We remain a racist people. Or at least people who don’t recognize our biases. It’s an ancient human failing: fear of the “other,” the one who doesn’t look like me, doesn’t speak my language, doesn’t share my culture. In those Southern lunchrooms years ago, we were the other. In a sad way, we still are. Racism in America isn’t new. The nation was just a few years old when a yellow fever outbreak shook New York. Blame fell not on mosquitoes but the city’s foreign population – the other – resulting in riots. The 100 years of Jim Crow laws that followed slavery were only marginally better. We still talk more about the failings of blacks and Hispanics than we do about white privilege. The Church, historically, has struggled with racism; slavery wasn’t always denounced. But for generations, Catholics – individually and then institutionally – have been on the front lines. Priests and nuns marched with Civil Rights protesters in the South, stood with fairhousing advocates in Chicago and today work with undocumented immigrants.

American bishops have been unequivocal with the 1963 statement, “On Racial Harmony,” and the stronger 1979 pastoral letter, “Brothers and Sisters to Us.” Pope Francis has renewed the Church’s opposition to racism, often connected with religious intolerance. Speaking this year, he said Catholics must “combat every form of racism, intolerance and anti-Semitism.” And in June, he urged World Cup participants: “No to segregation! No to racism!” I’ve always considered myself colorblind. But I learned bias can be insidious. Fifteen years ago, the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Racial Justice – now unfortunately disbanded – conducted “sensitivity” sessions for staff. The experience, necessary in such a large, diverse urban/suburban setting, gave me a glimmer of how white privilege worked. About how a white driver may be passed while a black or Hispanic driver might be stopped. Or shot. We continue to struggle with bias and outright racism. When Ebola threatened several African nations, some politicians used it as club against immigrants, documented and not. One Midwestern state official’s blatant xenophobia went further. If Hispanics become a majority, he sputtered, they might conduct ethnic cleansing against whites. Racism and fear has its roots in cultural and socioeconomic disparities. The poor, the disabled, the different are also the other. Racism has framed the last two American generations. From Jim Crow and discrimination in the military during World War II, through segregation, sit-ins, Civil Rights marches, and changing laws and attitudes, there has been progress and pain. Yet we still welcome the stranger too grudgingly, too worried about the other. Our pews and our communities are more diverse, though not without struggles and stumbles. We may pray together, but we often don’t visit each other’s homes. Despite many successful efforts to dig it out, bias shows up in large ways and small, in how we act and speak and live. Racism remains a sin – despite efforts by popes and bishops and ordinary courageous Catholics. My family will forever be multiracial and multiethnic. But I pray that, for their children, at least, no one will notice. And that there will be no more other. Tom Sheridan is a former editor of the Catholic New World, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and a deacon ordained for the Diocese of Joliet, Ill. He writes from Ocala, Fla.

January 16, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Allison Schumacher

Sr. Constance Carolyn Veit

Make a different kind of New Year’s resolution:

Year of Consecrated Life: Waking up the world through humble service

Examine your conscience daily

idding farewell to 2014 and welcoming the New Year 2015, once again the theme of “New Year’s Resolution” makes its appearance in commercials, magazine articles and Internet postings. People feel it as either the opportunity for improvement or the onerous burden of new commitments and changes. The gambit runs from spending time with loved ones to keeping a nutritional diet and exercise regimen. In some ways, it can be an exciting challenge just to see how long we can maintain our resolutions. In the spiritual life, too, we are encouraged to make resolutions, not only with the New Year, but on a daily basis. The nightly examination of conscience has been encouraged by many spiritual writers and directors of the interior life. St. Basil said, “At the close of each day, when all our labors, both of body and mind, are brought to an end, each one, before retiring to rest, should set himself to an attentive examination of his conscience, in order to discover the faults which he has committed during the past day.” St. Augustine instructed, “The troubled waters of venial offences rise daily in the hold of our hearts; whoever, then, wishes not to perish, let him empty it out every day, as sailors do the hold of a ship, by a careful and contrite examination of conscience.” Scripture itself says that even the just man falls seven times a day, as the consequences of original sin affect our lives. By taking each evening to reflect on the ways we have fallen during the day, we recognize our weaknesses and have the opportunity to make a new resolution for the following day. There are several ways of examining one’s conscience. A person can consider the Ten Commandments, of course. Delving a little deeper, one might think of the seven capital sins. It is also beneficial to look at one’s omissions of or transgressions against the virtues, especially the three theological virtues (faith, hope and charity), and the four cardinal virtues (temperance, justice, fortitude and prudence). Consider a few basic questions to initiate an examination of the soul, so as to grow in

Deepen your relationship with God this New Year: Make a daily examination of conscience.

awareness of what hinders our union with God. Here are questions taken from “Particular Examen: How to Root Out Hidden Faults” by Holy Cross Father James F. McElhone: Pride: Am I vain about my piety in public prayers? Do I seek to show my knowledge? Am I vain about my appearance? Do I seek praise? Avarice: Have I an immoderate desire for earthly things? Do I see what others have and want the same? Am I miserly? Am I selfish? Lust: Are my senses being brought under control gradually? Am I modest to a detail? In regard to self and others? Anger: Am I prone to anger? What seems to cause the temptation? Do I think critically? Do I ponder over slights or injuries and even presume them? Do I rejoice at the misfortunes of others? Have I a spirit of contradiction? Am I sarcastic? Gluttony: Do I eat or drink to excess? Am I critical about the quantity or quality of food served? Do I eat or drink hastily? Greedily? Do I waste things? Do I practice self-denial? Envy: Do I feel sad at the prosperity of others? Do I rejoice in their failures? Do I envy the riches of others? Do I envy their honors? Do I envy another spiritually? Do I envy his practice of virtue? Does envy make me compare myself to others? Sloth: Have I an inordinate love of rest, neglecting my duties? Am I lukewarm or indifferent? Do I assist at prayers in a lazy posture? Do I hurry through my prayers? Alternatively, here are questions taken from an examination by Jesuit Father John Hardon: Faith: Do I pray daily for an increase of faith? Do I rely on my own strength (instead of God’s grace) to cope with the trials in life? Do I defend my faith when others contradict it? Hope: Do I try to see God’s providence in everything that “happens” in my life? How often today have I complained, even internally? Charity: Do I love God above all things and my neighbor as myself ? Prudence: Do I pray to the Holy Spirit before making decisions? Am I impulsive? Justice: Do I give to others what they deserve? Do I give to God credit for all the good that I am able to do? Temperance: Am I mortified in the areas of food and drink? Do I give into every desire immediately? Fortitude: Do I persevere in the midst of trials? By making a daily examination of conscience and a daily resolution to avoid sin and practice virtue, we will grow stronger in this New Year in our struggle against sin and deeper in our relationship with God. Allison Schumacher is a freelance writer who works with MiraVia in Belmont.

his year Pope Francis has asked consecrated persons to “wake up the world” with their “prophetic and countercurrent witness.” This might sound like a tall order – but religious life is, by its very nature, countercultural. For us Little Sisters of the Poor, giving the kind of witness our Holy Father is calling for means being faithful to the spirit of our foundress. St. Jeanne Jugan lived her vocation without illusions: “Call me now the humble servant of the poor,” she told an old friend soon after she began welcoming the needy elderly into her home. Humility and servanthood – I can’t imagine two more countercultural values! Even Christ’s first disciples squabbled about who was the greatest among them! Today radical feminism and a secularized culture make the concept of humble service somewhat incomprehensible. Taking the last place, letting others have the credit for a job well done, or putting others’ needs before one’s own – such acts are seen as servile, demeaning, even unhealthy. A young woman in discernment once told me, “I really like your community, except for the humility thing.” I’ve had plenty of chances to tease her about this over the years, because she did, in fact, become a Little Sister of the Poor! On the other hand, a fellow religious recently voiced her concern that if we see ourselves as bending down to serve others (as Pope Francis asks us), we risk getting caught in an attitude of condescension toward those less fortunate. The antidote to this temptation is simple: When we accept the yoke of service in imitation of Christ, who was gentle and humble of heart, we cannot be vain. Christ teaches us that servanthood is the greatest demonstration of love – not pride. Before He gave His life for His friends, Jesus washed their feet and told them, “I have given you an example. As I have done for you, so you must do.” These words are for Christians of all ages, but none more so than those in religious life. “If, on the one hand, the consecrated

life contemplates the sublime mystery of the Word in the bosom of the Father (cf. Jn 1:1),” Pope St. John Paul II once wrote, “on the other hand it follows the Word who became flesh (cf. Jn 1:14), lowering Himself, humbling Himself in order to serve others” (“Vita Consecrata,” 75). In his words and gestures, Pope Francis gives the world a powerful witness of what it means to be a humble servant. His bending low has nothing to do with condescension and everything to do with love: “As living icons of the motherhood and of the closeness of the Church, we go out to those who are waiting for the Word of consolation,” he said to consecrated persons, “and we bend down with motherly love and fatherly spirit towards the poor and the weak.” Writing to the whole Church in “The Joy of the Gospel,” our Holy Father articulated a beautiful vision: “True love is always contemplative, and permits us to serve the other not out of necessity or vanity, but rather because he or she is beautiful above and beyond mere appearances: ‘The love by which we find the other pleasing leads us to offer him something freely.’ The poor person, when loved, ‘is esteemed as of great value,’ and this is what makes the authentic option for the poor differ from any other ideology, from any attempt to exploit the poor for one’s own personal or political interest … Only this will ensure that ‘in every Christian community the poor feel at home.…’ ” (199). Making the poor feel at home – I find my foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan, in these words of Pope Francis. I also sense in them the countercultural witness we Little Sisters of the Poor are called to offer the world during this Year of Consecrated Life. We have received a priceless gift in the charism of St. Jeanne Jugan and the call to follow her, but at the same time we know that without God’s grace we can do nothing. Please pray for us, that we will live our charism authentically and offer the world a prophetic witness of God’s merciful love. Sister Constance Veit is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Most-read stories on the web Through press time on Jan. 14, 8,146 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 13,701 pages. The top 10 headlines in January were: n Retired teacher can’t work now as substitute after he announces gay ‘marriage’ plans........5,499

n Father Morris leaves helm of Sirius XM’s Catholic Channel....................................................................141

n March for Life in Charlotte draws hundreds...............................................................................................328

n Clergy, parishioners celebrate opening of new St. Matthew South......................................................135

n Experience the World Meeting of Families and see Pope Francis........................................................ 188

n Our Lady of Grace School welcomes new principal................................................................................... 131

n Charlotte Catholic High School receives Epiphany blessing..................................................................178

n 2014: A look back at the year of renewal.....................................................................................................128

n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald...................................................................162

n St. Basil the Great: Father of Eastern monasticism; Feast day: Jan. 2................................................ 72

catholicnewsherald.com | January 16, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

GROWING IN FAITH AND THEOLOGY

ALL ARE WELCOME!

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

Winter Semester 2015 There is a $30 registration fee for all courses except H. Catholic school teachers, parish faith formation and youth ministry catechists are eligible for a reduced fee of $20 per person for Course A, B, C, D, E, and G (not applicable to Course F). Course H, the Spanish language course is offered free of charge as an outreach to the Hispanic community.

New this year: Register for a course online and pay by credit card at www. stmatthewcatholic.org/GIFT A. Three Sacred Pathways to God The Franciscan Path Fr. Louis Canino, OFM, MS Thursday, February 5 The Ignatian Path Fr. Patrick Earl, SJ, Ph.D. Thursday, February 12 The Benedictine Path Abbot Placid Solari, OSB, STD Thursday, February 19 St. Gabriel Catholic Church Ministry Center All classes 7 to 8:30 pm $30 fee The prayer of the Catholic Church is more than memorized vocal prayers or the prayers we say at Mass. For over a thousand years, the

G.I.F.T. Faculty Mark Bartholet earned an MA in theology and religious studies from John Carroll University and has taught both theology and mathematics at the college level. He currently serves as the Director of Youth Ministry at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte. Susan Brady earned a MA in biblical studies from Providence College and has taught the Bible for over 40 years to audiences of various conﬁgurations, given days of prayer, parish retreats and talks on biblical subjects.

Church has developed rich prayer forms and unique spiritualities, beautiful ways of approaching God in prayer and in living out the Gospel. Join us as we examine the prayer, spiritual paths and traditions of three great religious orders Ignatian, Franciscan, and Benedictine.

B. Mercy: Jesus, Pope Francis and Me Fr. Frank Cancro Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 17 10 am to 12 noon $30 fee St. Matthew Catholic Church New Life Center Along with an opportunity to discover the biblical tradition and the historical application in the history of the church, this short course reﬂects on a contemporary theology as presented in the writings and speeches of Pope Francis. At the same time we will discern a shape for the practice of mercy in our everyday Christian lives.

C. World Religions Dave Galusha, MRE Thursdays, February 5, 12, 26 7 to 9 pm $30 fee St. John Neumann Catholic Church

St. Luke Church Holy Spirit Church

and culture, as well as various philosophies and theologies. We will take a closer look at the “Religions of the Book”– Judaism, Christianity and Islam – and explore the Eastern faith traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto and Confucianism. Our differences will inform our relationships; what we have in common may inspire!

D. A Short History of the Catholic Church in North Carolina Sr. Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM, MA Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 25 7 to 8:30 pm $30 fee St. Peter Catholic Church Biss Hall From one Catholic person in the state in 1775 to the largest Catholic parish in the US in 2014; from no diocese in 1923 to two dioceses in 1972; 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 once mission territory? On whose shoulders do we stand as Catholics? This three-week course explores the establishment and growth of the Roman Catholic Church in North Carolina and is held at historic St. Peter’s, the ﬁrst Catholic Church in Charlotte.

Most world religions have similar origins and cycles of development. Their differences reﬂect history Fr. Frank Cancro completed studies in theology and preaching at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore and is a canon lawyer. He served as Vice Rector of the Theological College of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Currently he serves as the pastor of Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church in Belmont. Fr. Louis J. Canino has a BA in philosophy from St. Bonaventure University and a BA in sacred theology from Catholic University of America. Ordained a Franciscan priest in 1 969, Fr. Canino also received an MA in pastoral counseling from Boston State

University and an MA in formative spirituality from Duquesne University. He is the founder and director of the Franciscan Center in Greensboro and St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, NC. Fr. Patrick Earl, SJ, completed his doctoral studies in theology at Graduate Theological Union, in Berkeley, California and taught theology at St. Joseph’s University. He currently serves as pastor of St. Peter Church in Charlotte. David Galusha, MRE has been an adjunct professor of philosophy

St. Matthew Church St. Peter Church

E. “Even when you turn grey, I will…” (Is. 46:4) Susan Brady, MA Fridays, February 6, 13, 20, 27 10 to 11:30 am $30 fee St. Matthew Catholic Church New Life Center Banquet Room What does the Old Testament have to say about old age? Anything encouraging? Does it hold out any promises for the golden years? Is there anyone we can look to and say, ‘I’d like to be like him or her’? Does it delineate a path, that if taken, insures a happy ending when youth has gone and the big sag sets in? “Speak, you who are old” (Sirach 32:3) to us who are growing so.

F. Retreat Day: Praying from the Darkness Fr. Charley Miller, OFM Saturday, March 7 9:45 am to 3 pm $30 fee St. Matthew Catholic Church New Life Center Banquet Room Lunch is provided

Queen of the Apostle Church Our Lady of Consolation Church

reﬂect on how the neurology of the brain impacts these states, and we will use mindfulness (contemplation experiences) to pray through them.

G. Brew Like a Benedictine Mark Bartholet, MA Two Sessions: February 6, 27 7 to 10 pm $30 fee February 6 at St. Matthew Catholic School Cafeteria February 27 at Belmont Abbey

Benedictines and beer is a partnership made in heaven. Over the two nights we will learn the basics of beer making, brew an original abbey ale with a local expert, explore the historic relationship between monks and beer, and hear from the monks themselves. The ﬁrst night we are joined by Conor Robinson, head brewer at Birdsong Brewing, who will share his expertise while we brew an abbey style ale. The second session meets at Belmont Abbey to experience Benedictine prayer, hear from the monks, and bottle our original beer.

It is easy to feel “spiritual” and to pray when one is feeling peaceful, loving and inspired. What about the times in our life when we have doubts, shame, lust, anger, revenge and other dark thoughts and emotions? This retreat day reﬂects on how those times can be just as, or even more, transforming. We will and theology for the College of St. Elizabeth. He was theological and supervising editor for Silver Burdett Ginn Religion publishers. He also served as a specialist in elementary and family-centered religious education at the NCCB in Washington, DC. Sr. Mary Hugh Mauldin is a Sister of Mercy in Belmont, has graduate degrees in mathematics from N.C. State University and theology from St. Bonaventure University, as well as a graduate certiﬁcate in liturgy from St. Joseph College and has taught at all levels.

Fr. Charles Miller, OFM, LCSW, a Franciscan priest currently working at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham, is a licensed social worker and former addictions counselor. He studied with the Shalem Institute in Washington DC and has been a spiritual director for 15 years. El Padre Gabriel Carvajal-Salazarlse graduó en un Instituto de Teología para Seglares en Veracruz, México. Estuvo como misionero laico en varias Diócesis mexi- canas, Belice y Guatemala. Actualmente funge como vicario en la parroquia de San LuisGonzaga en Hickory.

H. Los Sacramentos: Fuentes De Sanación Padre Gabriel Carvajal–Salazar de Febrero a las 7 pm Viernes 6, 13, 20, y 27 No hay cuota de inscripción Iglesia San Gabriel, Charlotte NC

No se puede ser plenamente un católico cristiano si se vive al margen de la vida sacramental, o si sólo se recibe alguno de los sacramentos. ¿Cuántas personas hoy en día les gustaría perdonar y ser perdonadas? ¿Ser sanadas de heridas emocionales, liberarse de vicios y adicciones? ¡Pero no pueden! Es que el ser humano no puede conseguir su libertad espiritual por fuerza propia; necesita ayuda; necesita a Dios. Así como cuando el cuerpo se enferma y ya no le sirven los remedios caseros, tiene que ir al doctor para que le ayude a recuperar la salud. De igual manera, en la vida espiritual se necesita la ayuda divina. Jesucristo ha venido para que tengamos vida, y vida en abundancia. Ven y conoce la riqueza de los sacramentos y cómo conseguir esa paz y alegría que tanto anhelas. Todos son bienvenidos.

Abbot Placid Solari was elected abbot of the monastic community at Belmont in November 1 999. He acts as spiritual father of the monks. Abbot Placid holds an advanced degree in sacred theology and patristic sciences. As abbot, he also acts as chancellor of Belmont Abbey College

Registration

Name

NEW THIS YEAR: register for a course online and pay by credit card at www.stmatthewcatholic.org/GIFT - or Fill out one form for each participant. Detach and enclose the $30 per person, per course fee. There is no charge for course H. Catholic school teachers, parish faith formation and youth ministry catechists pay $20 for each course except F. Return the registration and payment to one of the eight GIFT sponsoring parishes. Checks payable to GIFT c/o St. Matthew Church. Fees are non-refundable after February 3. (please print clearly)

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Course Selection A _____ (Thursday Evenings) B_____ (Tuesday Mornings) C _____ (Thursday Evenings)

D_____ (Wednesday Evenings) G _____ (Friday Evenings) E_____ (Friday Mornings) H _____ (Friday Evenings)* F _____ (Saturday March 7) 9:45 am to 3 pm *No charge: Course H is an outreach to the Hispanic community. Completing and sending in a registration is required.

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

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