Dec. 18, 2015

December 18, 2015

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Airport chaplaincy Provides a calm presence, guiding hand during this busy holiday travel season,

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INDEX

Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes................. 3-17 Schools......................... 18-19 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies...................... 20 U.S. news..................... 22-23 Viewpoints.................. 26-27 World news................. 24-25

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OPENING THE DOORS OF MERCY 2, 6-7

INSIDE: Pope Francis: Holy Year is a reminder ‘to put mercy before judgment’ Bishop Jugis: Focus on acts of mercy this jubilee year

Asheville basilica a place of refuge, reconciliation How to make a pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy, and nearby Doors of Mercy

Celebrating the Virgin of Guadalupe

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Our faith

catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Pope Francis

Jesus is free, salvation cannot be bought

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ilgrims must beware of people who seek to use the Jubilee Year to profit off of them since salvation is a gift that cannot be bought, Pope Francis said.

“Be careful! Beware of someone who is sly or sneaky who tells you that you need to pay. Salvation cannot be paid for, salvation cannot be bought. Jesus is the door and Jesus is free of charge,” the pope said Dec. 16 during his weekly general audience.

The pope’s warning comes one day after Rome’s financial police seized fake parchments -- worth an estimated 70,000 euros -- that were sold at a souvenir shop near the Vatican, according to a report by The Associated Press Dec. 14. AP said police seized 3,500 parchments being passed off as apostolic blessings that commemorate marriages, baptisms and Holy Year pilgrimages.

Prior to the start of the Jubilee Year, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, said pilgrims must be vigilant not only of terrorist threats but also of scam artists who see the Holy Year as “a source of income.”

During his address, Pope Francis expressed his hope that the Holy Year celebrations in dioceses across the globe would serve as “a visible sign of universal communion” and of God’s love and mercy to the world.

The Holy Door is a symbol of Jesus Christ, he said, and pilgrims who pass through it in Rome and in churches around the world make a visible sign of trust in Him “who did not come to judge but to save.”

“It is a sign of a true conversion of the heart,” the pope said. “When we pass through that door, it is good to remember that we should also open wide the doors of our heart.”

Confession, he continued, is another important aspect of the Holy Year that gives the faithful the opportunity to have “a direct experience” of mercy. However, one must first recognize their sins and also forgive others in order to fully experience God’s love and forgiveness.

“When we recognize our sins and ask forgiveness, there is a celebration in heaven; Jesus celebrates,” Pope Francis said. “This is His mercy; do not be discouraged, go forward.”

Before the start of the audience, pilgrims sang “Happy Birthday” to the pope who celebrated his 79th birthday Dec. 17.

St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville

St. Pius X Church, Greensboro

How to make a pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy

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uring the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy which continues until Nov. 20, 2016, the Feast of Christ the King, Pope Francis encourages everyone to make a pilgrimage – either to Rome or to one’s local cathedral or other holy site designated by the Church. A pilgrimage is a journey to a designated holy place for the purpose of veneration or, in some cases, penance.

As part of the jubilee year, each pilgrimage destination features a “Holy Door” to which pilgrims can journey. This door represents the compassion, love, mercy and consolation of God working in our lives.

The jubilee year traditionally begins with the opening of the Holy Door to represent a renewed opportunity to encounter or grow closer to Jesus, who calls everyone to redemption. That is why passing through a Holy Door is part of a longer process of sacrifice and conversion.

There are four Holy Doors in Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. John Lateran and the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Realizing that not everyone can travel to Rome for the jubilee year, Pope Francis has asked every diocese throughout the world to open their own “Doors of Mercy.” These Doors of Mercy will enable the faithful in every part of the world to experience the mercy of the Father in its fullness. In the Bull of Indiction “Misericordiae Vultus” (“The Face of Mercy”), Pope Francis writes: “On the same Sunday (Third Sunday of

Advent), I decree that in every local church, at the cathedral – the mother church of the faithful in any particular area – or, alternatively, at the co-cathedral or another church of special significance, a Door of Mercy will be opened for the duration of the Holy Year. At the discretion of the local ordinary, a similar door may be opened at any shrine frequented by large groups of pilgrims, since visits to these holy sites are so often grace-filled moments, as people discover a path to conversion.”

The Diocese of Charlotte will have three Doors of Mercy: St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, and St. Pius X Church in Greensboro.

Those who make a pilgrimage to any of the Holy Doors, whether in the Charlotte diocese, other dioceses or in Rome, may obtain a plenary indulgence – the remission of temporal punishment due to sin.

The plenary indulgence is granted to those who complete the pilgrimage and fulfill the usual conditions: receiving the sacraments of penance and Communion, and praying for the intentions of the pope.

To complete the pilgrimage, one must cross through a Holy Door or Door of Mercy, and stop in for prayer to make a Profession of Faith and do a reflection on mercy, such as reflecting on the Jubilee Prayer of Pope Francis.

It is suggested, but not required, to recite the Jubilee Prayer of Pope Francis, or one of the psalms of mercy or one of Jesus’ parables of mercy, etc.

Year of Mercy resources online At www.yearofmercy.rcdoc.org: Events being held throughout the Diocese of Charlotte for the Year of Mercy, resources for building a culture of mercy, educational materials on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy and saints who correspond to each virtue, printable posters, links to Church documents and local parish Mass and confession times, and much more At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Full coverage of the jubilee year events, as well as “Mercy Moments,” a series of videos about mercy with Father Patrick Winslow At www.im.va: The Vatican’s official site for the Year of Mercy, including how to make a pilgrimage to Rome At www.usccb.org/jubilee-of-mercy: Ideas for local observances and catechetical resources that focus on topics such as the psalms of mercy, saints in mercy and mercy in the teaching of the popes

The faithful are also encouraged by the Holy Father to practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, “to live by mercy so as to obtain the grace of complete and exhaustive forgiveness by the power of the love of the Father...”

What if you cannot make a pilgrimage?

PILGRIMAGE, SEE page 28

Your daily Scripture readings DEC. 20-26

Sunday: Micah 5:1-4, Hebrews 10:5-50, Luke 1:39-45; Monday (St. Peter Canisius): Song of Songs 2:8-14, Luke 1:39-45; Tuesday: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8, Luke 1:46-56; Wednesday (St. John of Kanty): Malachi 3:1-14, 23-24, Luke 1:57-66; Thursday: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16, Luke 1:67-79; Friday (The Nativity of the Lord): Isaiah 9:1-6, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14; Saturday (St. Stephen): Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Matthew 10:17-22

DEC. 27- JAN. 2

Sunday (The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph): 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28, 1 John 3:1-12, 21-24, Luke 2:41-52; Monday (The Holy Innocents): 1 John 1:5-2:2, Matthew 2:13-18; Tuesday (St. Thomas Becket): 1 John 2:3-11, Luke 2:22-35; Wednesday: 1 John 2:12-17, Luke 2:36-40; Thursday (St. Sylvester I): 1 John 2:18-21, John 1:1-18; Friday (Mary, the Holy Mother of God): Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:16-21; Saturday (Sts. Basil the Great and Nazianzen): 1 John 2:22-28, John 1:19--28

JAN. 3-9

Sunday (Epiphany of the Lord): Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6, Matthew 2:1-12; Monday (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton): 1 John 3:22-4:6, Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25; Tuesday (St. John Neumann): 1 John 4:7-10, Mark 6:3444; Wednesday (St. Andre Bessette): 1 John 4:11-18, Mark 6:45-52; Thursday (St. Raymond of Penafort): 1 John 4:19-5:4, Luke 4:14-22; Friday: 1 John 5:5-13, Luke 5:12-16; Saturday: 1 John 5:14-21, John 3:22-30.

Our parishes

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Young parishioners at St. Mary Mother of God Church in Sylva recently decorated the parish’s Advent tree. See more photos from throughout the holiday season at www. catholicnewsherald. com and on Facebook.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Christmas news online Parochial vicar joins St. Matthew Parish

CHARLOTTE — Father Glenn J. Comandini has been appointed parochial vicar of St. Matthew Church Comandini in south Charlotte, effective Dec. 9, Bishop Peter Jugis has announced.

Born in Plainfield, N.J., Father Comandini comes to the Diocese of Charlotte from the Diocese of Metuchen, N.J. He studied at Montclair State University and the University of New Mexico. He attended Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., and is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian.

He joins Father Binoy P. Davis and Father Elie Michael as parochial vicars of St. Matthew Church, the largest parish in the Charlotte diocese.

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At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read Bishop Peter Jugis’ Christmas homily, as well as Pope Francis’ Christmas homily and “Urbi et Orbi” message. Also see photos and video highlights of celebrations for the Advent and Christmas seasons, including the Hispanic tradition of Las Posadas and Las Novenas Navideñas.

At www.facebook.com/CatholicNewsHerald: Catch up on the latest Catholic news from around the world and see adorable Christmas pictures from parishes across the diocese.

Also, the Catholic News Herald invites you to pray the nine-day Holy Infant of Prague novena with us online this Advent as we prepare for Christmas. This novena is rich in Church history and is prayed for nine consecutive days starting on Dec. 16 and ending on the vigil of the Feast of the Nativity, Dec. 24. Daily prayers are posted online and promoted on Facebook and Twitter at @CatholicNewsCLT. Merry Christmas!

Amber Mellon | Catholic News Herald

— Catholic News Herald

Deacon George Szalony, director of the airport chaplaincy ministry, spends time talking to a passenger at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, in this file photo.

Kimberly bender | catholic news herald

St. John Neumann Parish honored at Vineyard of Hope CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte hosted its 13th Annual Vineyard of Hope Nov. 20, raising nearly $100,000 to benefit the Charlotte Regional Office and local area neighbors in need. St. John Neumann Parish was presented with the Fruit of the Vine Award for Service for its work with Catholic Charities throughout the years in supportive fundraising efforts, refugee involvement and collaboration for direct case coordination within the community. Father Patrick T. Hoare, pastor, accepted the award on behalf of the parish.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis gave the welcome and opening blessing. The event was MC’d by Molly Grantham of WBTV. — Kathleen Durkin

Charlotte March for Life to be held Jan. 15 CHARLOTTE — The people of the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to the 10th annual March for Life in Charlotte, Friday, Jan. 15, 2016. A Mass for the Unborn will be offered at 9 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road in Charlotte. The March for Life will begin at noon at the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral BRIEFS, SEE page 21

Airport chaplaincy: A calm presence, a guiding hand SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — The holiday travel season marks the busiest time of the year for chaplains at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and this Christmas, a record-breaking number of people are expected to fly into, out of or through the Queen City, including more than 3,000 soldiers headed home from Fort Jackson, S.C. More than 1.8 million people used the Charlotte airport last December, and passenger traffic topped 44 million overall last year. Every day, Catholic chaplains are on hand to comfort travelers in need. Part of an 18-member team of chaplains from five faiths, they all have one goal: to comfort and aid any traveler or airport employee who needs their help. They all volunteer at least four hours a week to staff the airport for at least 10 hours a day, seven days a week. They logged a total of 3,700 volunteer hours last year.

For Father Conrad Hoover, six deacons and three assistants from the Diocese of Charlotte, their work is about putting the Gospel into action – going out into the world, serving as the hands and feet of Christ to all they meet.

“We assist a lot of people who we would term ‘infrequent travelers’,” explains Deacon George Szalony, director of the nonprofit chaplaincy. The chaplains spend a lot of time looking for people who are confused and need help getting to the right gate, or getting in the right line so they don’t waste valuable time or get lost.

“This work we do is never seen by anyone. We respect people’s privacy and we respect their dignity,” Deacon Szalony notes.

“Our goal is to stabilize the traveler so they can continue their journey…We respect who they are and what they believe, whether they believe in God or not.”

The Catholic deacons and Father Hoover wear a clerical collar so they are easily identifiable, but they are careful not to proselytize.

“It’s our hope and our prayer that if they are willing to seek out somebody wearing a collar in that moment, perhaps when they really need someone, they’ll seek out their (faith leader) or a priest if they need one,” Deacon Szalony explains.

Deacon Kevin Williams and his wife Theresa serve at the airport besides their responsibilities at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte. He has served as an airport chaplain for nine years.

“After I get off of work, I spend two to three hours mostly walking the concourse and being a presence there. Once a month, I go help with the two Masses offered on Sundays,” he says.

He looks for travelers who look like they could use help, those who walk around with a “glazed look” on their faces. “You get to recognize that look pretty quickly,” he says. “It’s mostly a ministry of presence, being visible. If someone wants to talk, if they need a listening ear, we’re there for them.”

Theresa Williams has been serving at the airport for almost six years. “I most enjoy the opportunity to pray with someone who is going through a difficult time. There is also a lot of satisfaction in sharing their joys, such as meeting newlyweds.

“I feel good when I can make a difference to someone, even if it’s just picking up something I see that someone has dropped CHAPLAINCY, SEE page 21

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: DEC. 20 - 11 A.M. Mass, St. Patrick Cathedral Dec. 21 Advent Dinner with Seminarians Dec. 25 – Midnight Mass for the Nativity of the Lord St. Patrick Cathedral

Jan. 1 – 11 a.m.

Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God St. Patrick Cathedral JAN. 3 - 9:30 A.M. Mass, St. Patrick Cathedral

Editor’s note The next edition of the Catholic News Herald will be published Friday, Jan. 8, 2016.

Jan. 3-8, 2016 Annual Retreat for Bishops

DEC. 27 - 11 A.M. Mass, St. Patrick Cathedral

Diocesan calendar of events December 18, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

Volume 25 • Number 6

Festival of Lessons and Carols: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte. A prayer service telling the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Jesus through Scripture readings. Interspersed throughout the service is music, Christmas carols, hymns and instrumental selections and a reenactment of the Nativity by parish children. Refreshments and fellowship served in the parish hall afterwards.

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

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

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

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

ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others.

POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.

‘Songs and Solos of Mystery and Joy’: 5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 27, at St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. A concert by Richard Valitutto II, Grammynominated concert pianist, joined by soloists Justine Aronson and Caroline Valitutto.

Mozart Mass SUNG BY THE Carolina Catholic Chorale: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte.

The Carolina Catholic Chorale will sing Mozart’s “Spatzenmesse” as sacred music for a Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form. This “sparrow Mass” will be accompanied by orchestra and is fitting music for the Feast of the Epiphany. This is a free event, but donations are appreciated. For details, contact the director, Thomas Savoy, at tomsavoy@savoymusic.net.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS Polish mass: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. For details, call Barbara Banas at 704-847-2419.

Pro-Life Rosary: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Outdoors, rain or shine. Parking available nearby. Come to pray for the end of abortion. For details, call Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835.

Charlotte March for Life 2016: Noon, Friday, Jan. 15. Park and assemble at 11 a.m. in the parking lot at the corner of South Church Street and West Palmer across the street from the Diocese Pastoral Center (1123 S. Church St., Charlotte). A Mass for the unborn will also be offered at 9 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. For details, go to www. marchforlifecharlotte.org.

Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick: 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members. For details, call the parish office at 828-926-0106.

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

Thursdays, starting Jan. 28 at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. For details, call the church office at 704-543-7677.

Holy spirit charismatic prayer meeting: Meets every Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. For details, call Don Zander at 828-400-9291.

EXPANDED confession times for Advent: From Nov. 30 to Dec. 23, St. Peter Church is offering expanded times for the sacrament of reconciliation: 11:15-11:45 a.m. MondayFriday and 4-4:45 p.m. Saturday. The Jesuit priests of the parish welcome everyone in uptown Charlotte and nearby neighborhoods to experience the mercy of reconciliation.

St. Peter Church is located at 507 South Tryon St. For details, go to www.stpeterscatholic.org.

St. Joseph intercessory prayer group: 7:30 p.m. every Monday, choir room at St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. For details, call 336-272-4681.

Divine Mercy Cenacle: 10 a.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month and 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Charlotte. For details, call Donna Fodale at 704-237-4820.

Divine Mercy Prayer Service: Exposition and Benediction, sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and readings from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, 7-8 p.m. every First Friday at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. For details, call Paul Deer at 704577-3496 or Deacon James Witulski at 704-960-3704.

Retreats & Workshops Women’s Advent Retreat: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at St. Matthew Church, Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Speaker will be Father Matthew Kauth, chaplain of the Charlotte Catholic High School. The retreat will start with Mass followed by Father Kauth’s talk, refreshments, Benediction and a Holy Hour.

Sponsored by the Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group.

Silent Advent Retreat ‘MY SOUL IN STILLNESS WAITS’: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro.

Local spiritual directors Marge Birge and Ellen Simon will facilitate. To register, call 336-294-4696 or email esimon@stpaulcc.org.

Father tad Pacholczyk: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Christ the King High School, 2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville. Father Tad Pacholczyk, director of the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, will deliver the keynote address for its annual Bridge Week program. Father Pacholczyk, who holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Yale University, will discuss the care and treatment for patients at the end of life. His talk is funded by the Mecklenburg Area Catholics Schools Education Foundation, and the public is invited. For details, call the school at 704-799-4400.

CRS ADVOCACY TRAINING WORKSHOP: Saturday, Jan. 9, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro. For anyone involved with local hunger initiatives, Respect Life, Hispanic Ministry, Prison Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul and Sister Parish Ministries.

Join other Catholics from the Triad area to learn how to engage with elected officials through legislative advocacy. Led by Matt Burkhart, Southeast Advocacy Specialist for Catholic Relief Services. Lunch provided, along with childcare as needed. RSVP to Jeannine Martin at 336-294-4696, ext. 225, or jmartin@stpaulcc.org because space is limited.

6th Annual Charlotte Catholic Men’s Conference: Saturday, Feb. 27, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte.

Speakers: Brian Pusteri of Broken Door Ministries, Joe McClane, speaker, author, evangelist; Father Chris Alar, MIC, director of the Association of Marian Helpers; Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey; and Bishop Emeritus William Curlin. For details, visit www. catholicmenofthecarolinas.org.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING “Protecting God’s Children” workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. Upcoming workshops are listed below.

For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus.org.

CHARLOTTE: 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road Belmont: 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 North Main St. SUPPORT GROUPS RETROUVAILLE: Retrouvaille is a program for married couples struggling with problems in their marriage. For confidential information, call 1-800-470-2230 or 1-434793-0242, or email retrouvaillenc@msn.com. Learn more at www.retrouvaille.org.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter: Weekends scheduled for Feb. 5-7, 2016, in Asheville, or April 29-May 1, 2016, in Chapel Hill. Early sign-up recommended. For details, go to www.NCMarriageDiscovery.org or call 704-315-2144.

POST-ABORTION HEALING: Rachel’s Vineyard is a weekend retreat for women and men to begin their healing journey after abortion. For information, go online to www.rachelsvineyard.org or contact Jennifer Ganser, diocesan Respect Life coordinator, at 336-209-2161 or jmganser@charlottediocese.org.

Grieving the loss of a spouse: Support group for husbands and wives who are mourning. Meets the second Monday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. For details, call Sister Marie Frechette at 704-543-7677.

Ministry of mothers sharing: 9-11 a.m. every other Tuesday, at Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 North Main St., Belmont. A time for fellowship and study for spiritual growth.

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.

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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‘With God’s grace, great things are achievable,’ Bishop Jugis preaches Members of the Dead Theologians Society youth ministry from Our Lady of Grace Church meet on Wednesday evenings at St. Joseph House. photo provided by kelly henson

‘Practical knowledge on how to live lives of heroic virtue’

OLG youth ministry brings saints alive SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

GREENSBORO — Every Wednesday night, teens and young adults at Our Lady of Grace Church don hoodies and learn about the saints.

They are part of a Catholic apostolate at the parish called the Dead Theologians Society.

The group is an eclectic mix of boys and girls who have something in common: they want to find out what it takes to live lives of heroic virtue, just as the saints did.

Through learning about the lives of the saints, the Dead Theologians Society inspires the youth of today to become the saints of tomorrow. A special charism of the apostolate is praying for the release of the souls in purgatory. Its motto is “Dead to the World, alive in Christ!” – inspired by Romans 6:11, in which St. Paul tells us to be dead to sin but alive in Christ Jesus.

Kelly Henson, parish youth minister, started the Dead Theologians Society chapter at the parish three years ago when she came on board to work with the youth. She first encountered the youth ministry program as a teacher at a private Catholic high school in the Diocese of Raleigh. She appreciated the more relaxed format for the gatherings, the dialogue it fosters and the ability to invite speakers from the parish community to share their love of the saints.

“You could tell the students were more serious about their faith in a joyful, contagious way, so I looked into it right away when I came to Our Lady of Grace.”

Henson relied on her experiences in a laid-back youth ministry environment growing up to guide her in selecting the program, as it also allowed for more social time for the youth, more prayer time and an opportunity to learn the formal prayers of the Church.

The membership concept of the Dead Theologians’ Society was also a big draw for her.

“I like that once you come to three meetings in a row or after four meetings, you get a free hoodie, your name gets up on the membership wall, and you get a rosary. There’s kind of a reward there for those who decide to be dedicated to it.”

The youth love to encourage newcomers to come back to get their own hoodies.

Henson says the first year, they had six regular participants and it has grown to 13 regular participants who have earned their hoodies and others who drop in from time to time.

Speakers over the past three years have included clergy from Our Lady of Grace Parish as well as other adults in the parish who have a love of the saints and are comfortable sharing about their favorite saint.

“It’s been such a variety,” Henson says. She recalled how an attorney friend came to speak about St. Thomas the Apostle. “He loved how St. Thomas wasn’t afraid to ask the hard questions. He was able to give some unique insights.”

The group tries to arrange for two speakers per month, if possible.

“It’s been a huge gift in our community. I can see it in the people who attend and in our kids, too,” Henson notes.

High school junior Jake Altman, 17, serves on the Diocesan Youth Council and is a student leader in the DTS group who has been attending meetings for the past three years.

“When DTS first came to Our Lady of Grace, I went along mostly because my friends went,” Altman says. “After the meeting, however, I realized that God had placed this spiritual treasure in my life to learn about His faithful servants, the saints, and by following the examples of their lives, to deepen my relationship Learn more with Him.” Altman’s favorite saint At www.deadtheologianssociety.com: is St. Anthony of Padua, Get more information about the Dead a Franciscan, whom he Theologians Society and how to start a picked as his confirmation chapter saint.

“He inspired me at a young age not only because of his dedication to the Church and his profound love of Christ and the Mother of God, but because he shared with God a zeal for the salvation of souls. Plus, with his awesome title ‘Hammer of Heretics’ and my love of apologetics, it was a no-brainer for me to pick him as my favorite saint.”

Caitlin Dibble, 17, a senior, is also on the Diocesan Youth Council and a DTS student leader who has been attending the meetings for the past year and a half.

“I was actually just starting to discern a religious vocation, and felt that God really wanted me to start going to DTS,” Dibble explains. “I wanted to learn more about my faith and how to be holy. I was just starting to desire to grow in holiness, but definitely was not sure how to do that. I thought that DTS and the lives of the saints would help me to learn more about how to grow closer to God and to continue to discern.”

MINISTRY, SEE page 21

CHARLOTTE — The Blessed Virgin Mary can inspire us and help us to become more holy, if we open our hearts in response to God’s love for us just as she did.

That was the message Bishop Peter Jugis preached during Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Dec. 8 at St. Patrick Cathedral.

This “beautiful feast” for the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates her sinlessness and her complete trust in God, Bishop Jugis said. We are similarly called by God to follow Mary’s example, growing in holiness and virtue so that we may be with Him in heaven one day.

Mary was “a beautiful, perfect creature,” the model for all humanity to follow, he said.

“Because of her sinlessness, her response to God is always a generous yes. There’s never any question in her mind.”

Saying no to God – being disobedient to His will – is the very definition of sin, he noted.

Mary shows us how to say yes to God. She is also the epitome of virtue, and we can become more holy by imitating her, Bishop Jugis said.

On this feast day that celebrates Mary, the Lord is asking us to become more generous, more charitable, more forgiving and openhearted, just as Mary was, he said.

“We should not necessarily be content as to where we are now” on our path to holiness, he said. “With God’s grace, great things are achievable. We will never be the Immaculate Conception, we will never be the Blessed Virgin Mary, but the Lord knows” what we are capable of doing with His grace and the help of the Holy Spirit.

Mary is also our intercessor, Bishop Jugis said. Pray to her, asking her for help in following God’s will.

God always “makes the first move towards us, extending the hand of friendship to us, and reaching out to us,” he continued. In response, we are called to do our part “in being present to Him.” “We can’t do much if we don’t say, ‘Yes, take this raw material, Lord, and continue to perfect it.”

We must open our hearts to His love, he said. God gives us the grace to grow in holiness, if we accept His gift as Mary did.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 FROM THE COVER

Jubilee Year of Mercy Bishop Peter J. Jugis

Seek a conversion of heart during this jubilee year

D

uring this Advent the Church has begun the celebration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy with the opening of a Door of Mercy in every cathedral throughout the world. In addition to the Door of Mercy at every cathedral, the Holy Father has permitted bishops to designate other Doors of Mercy in their dioceses.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, besides the Door of Mercy at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, we are also opening a Door of Mercy at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, and a Door of Mercy at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro.

CNS | Max Rossi, Reuters

Pope Francis opens the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy at the Vatican Dec. 8.

Holy Year is a reminder ‘to put mercy before judgment,’ pope says Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Peter Jugis opens the Door of Mercy at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte Dec. 12. The Holy Door is one in the Diocese of Charlotte that the bishop has designated as a pilgrimage site for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Focus on acts of mercy this jubilee year, Bishop Jugis encourages

Plenary Indulgence

At the Holy Door in each of these three churches, a plenary indulgence may be obtained by the faithful. An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven. Every sin has a double consequence: 1) it deprives us of communion with God; and 2) it entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures which must be purified either here on earth, or after death in purgatory. This purification is helped through prayer, practices of penance, and works of mercy and charity. The grace of the indulgence is drawn from the treasury of the merits of Christ and the saints to remit the temporal punishment, thus further purifying us and preparing us for eternal life.

VATICAN CITY — On a cloudy, damp morning, Pope Francis’ voice echoed in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica: “Open the gates of justice.” With five strong thrusts, the pope pushed open the Holy Door, a symbol of God’s justice, which he said will always be exercised “in the light of His mercy.”

The rite of the opening of the Holy Door was preceded by a Mass with 70,000 pilgrims packed in St. Peter’s Square Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the beginning of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

As the sun broke through the clouds, heralding the start of the jubilee year, the pope bowed his head and remained still for several minutes in silent prayer.

Amid a crowd of dignitaries and pilgrims, a familiar face was also present at the historic event: retired Pope Benedict XVI, who followed Pope Francis through the Holy Door into St. Peter’s Basilica.

During his homily, Pope Francis emphasized the “simple, yet highly symbolic” act of opening the Holy Door, which “highlights the primacy of grace;” the same grace that made Mary “worthy of becoming the mother of Christ.”

“The fullness of grace can transform the human heart and enable it to do something so great as to change the course of human history,” he said.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, he continued, serves as a reminder of the grandeur of God’s love in allowing Mary to “avert the original sin present in every man and woman who comes into this world.”

“This is the love of God which precedes, anticipates and saves,” he said. “Were sin the only thing that mattered, we would be the most desperate of creatures. But the promised triumph of Christ’s love enfolds everything in the Father’s mercy.”

The Year of Mercy, the pope stressed, is a gift of grace that allows Christians to experience the joy of encountering the transforming power of grace and rediscovering God’s infinite mercy toward sinners.

“How much wrong we do to God and His grace

CHARLOTTE — A Holy Door of Mercy was opened at St. Patrick Cathedral Dec. 12, marking the start of the Church’s Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Bishop Peter Jugis blessed and opened the Door of Mercy during the Sunday vigil Mass at the cathedral.

It is one of three Doors of Mercy More online being opened across the Charlotte diocese for the jubilee year, which At www.catholicnewsherald.com: continues until Nov. 20, 2016. The See more photos and video highlights other two are at St. Lawrence from the rite to open the Holy Door, Basilica in Asheville and St. Pius X and view Bishop Jugis’ complete Church in Greensboro. homily Hundreds of people filled the cathedral for the special liturgy, including several Hispanic families whose children wore traditional clothing in honor of the day’s Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Following introductory prayers outside the Family Life Center, the people followed Bishop Jugis in a procession to the front door of the cathedral, where he stopped and knocked on the door with his crosier before saying the words from the rite to open a Holy Door: “Open the gates

To obtain this indulgence of the Jubilee of Mercy, the Holy Father asks us to make a pilgrimage to a Door of Mercy. Since not everyone can go on pilgrimage to Rome to visit the Holy Door at one of the basilicas, the Holy Father is permitting the same jubilee indulgence to be obtained by visiting a Door of Mercy that has been designated by the bishop in his local diocese. In our diocese a pilgrimage would be made to the Door of Mercy at St. Patrick Cathedral, St. Lawrence Basilica or St. Pius X Church, accompanied by the Profession of Faith and a reflection on mercy. In addition, as with any plenary indulgence, there are the usual three conditions to be fulfilled: make a sacramental confession; receive Holy Communion; and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. One should also be free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin. You may obtain a plenary indulgence every day!

The goal of making a passage through one of these three Doors of Mercy to receive the indulgence is that we have a true conversion of heart: to be more merciful with others as God has been merciful with us. The Holy Father notes

POPE, SEE page 17

MERCY, SEE page 16

JUBILEE, SEE page 17

Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

Pilgrimage to a Door of Mercy

FROM THE COVERI

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Jubilee Year of Mercy Asheville basilica a place of refuge, reconciliation this Year of Mercy Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

ASHEVILLE — “Grant that your faithful may pass through this gate, and be welcomed into Your Presence, so that they may experience, O Father, Your abundant mercy,” prayed Father Wilbur Thomas, pastor and rector, during the rite to open a Door of Mercy at St. Lawrence Basilica Dec. 13.

The 106-year-old basilica in downtown Asheville is one of three pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee Year of Mercy in the Diocese of Charlotte.

The privilege of opening a Holy Door of Mercy in Asheville is a joyful occasion, Father Thomas noted in his homily.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near,” he quoted from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the second reading for the day.

“My brothers and sisters, on this Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday we call Rejoice Sunday, I am filled with joy that the Basilica of St. Lawrence has been designated a pilgrimage site in the Diocese of Charlotte for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.”

The Door of Mercy will be the west courtyard entrance to the basilica, which is already open daily to welcome visitors and pilgrims, Father Thomas said.

“The basilica is already a place of pilgrimage for many people,” he said, “and many people have found refuge in the Presence of Christ Jesus and prayers to the Blessed Mother in this hallowed place.

“The difference is that with the Year of Mercy, the basilica will become even more important in the lives of our Catholic family – and non-Catholics alike – as a place where on pilgrimage they may find … reconciliation with our God, in Christ Jesus, that they may experience that in this place.”

Father Thomas reminded the faithful of Pope Francis’ words announcing the Year of Mercy. The Church, and every one of its members, must become messengers and

More online At www.saintlawrencebasilica. org: Get more information about St. Lawrence Basilica, its Mass and confession schedules, or arrange for a tour especially during this Jubilee Year of Mercy

Father Wilbur Thomas, pastor and rector of St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, opens the Door of Mercy at the start of Mass Dec. 13. While he entered through the main door for the blessing and opening rite, Father Thomas has designated the basilica’s west courtyard entrance, which is open daily, as the Holy Door for pilgrims to enter during the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

witnesses of God’s mercy, he explained.

“Pope Francis says that he wants this Church of 1.2 billion members to be more merciful and less rigid towards sinners. He has said that the jubilee is an occasion for all members, and for the Church itself, to rediscover the need to be forgiving...”

“The greater the sin, the greater the love that the Church should show toward those who repent,” he continued.

This jubilee year is a time to promote reconciliation, solidarity and justice, he said. “We celebrate during this holy year God’s limitless mercy. That mercy flows through the sacraments and through all of us. Each of us is called to be a door of mercy.”

“What should we do?” he asked, during this Year of

Mercy and particularly during this Advent season. It is the same question people asked St. John the Baptist in the day’s Gospel reading, and the answer is the same now as it was then: “Repent and reform your lives, and prayerfully await the Messiah.”

Mercy means “treating others equally and without prejudice or judgment. The whole effort of the Jubilee Year of Mercy is to strengthen, deepen and ultimately rejoice in the friendship we ultimately have in Christ Jesus. It’s about encountering Him and knowing His gracious and abundant love that caused Him to give His life for us.

“We must not take (His love) for granted, my brothers and sisters, in any way,” he said. “Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, and knocks.”

Diocesan pilgrimage planned to Rome

St. Maximilian Kolbe relic coming to Winston-Salem

In Brief

CHARLOTTE — Join the Diocese of Charlotte’s official pilgrimage to Rome for the Year of Mercy Oct. 12-21, 2016. The trip will include visits to Siena and Assisi, and will be under the spiritual direction of Father Michael Kottar, pastor of St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby, and Father Carmen Malacari, pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Denver. (See more information on page 25.) To receive the brochure or register, contact Jean Judge at jmjudge@charlottediocese.org or 704-487-7697, ext. 103.

‘Mercy is a Person’ talk in Greensboro

Year of Mercy website Keep up to date on all Jubilee Year of Mercy events, download catechetical resources on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, watch videos on the theme of mercy, and much more, at the Diocese of Charlotte’s Year of Mercy website: www. yearofmercy.rcdoc.org.

GREENSBORO — In partnership with Belmont Abbey, St. Pius X Church will host the free lecture “Mercy Is A Person: Meditations on the Jubilee Year of Mercy,” exploring Jesus Christ as the Face of Mercy, presented by Dr. Alessandro Rovati, starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. St. Pius X Church is located at 2210 N. Elm St. in Greensboro. This is the first installment of the St. Pius X/ Belmont Abbey Lecture Series. For details, go to www.stpiusxnc. com or contact Derek Rotty at drotty@stpiusxnc.com.

‘iMercy: The Divine Hotspot’ mission at St. Matthew CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church will host a three-day parish mission entitled ‘iMercy: The Divine Hotspot’ Jan. 25-27, presented by a team of Dominican priests. Call the parish office at 704-5437677 or go to www.stmatthewcatholic.org for details.

WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy Church will host a relic of St. Maximilian Kolbe in March. Father Kolbe was a Polish Conventual Franciscan priest who dedicated his life to propagating devotion to Our Blessed Mother. During World War II he was arrested by the Nazis and was imprisoned at the Auschwitz concentration camp, where he gave his life to save a fellow prisoner. He is the patron saint of addicts, and the Winston-Salem parish will host a prayer service March 17, 2016, for those afflicted with addiction of any kind, asking for healing and courage.

‘The Face of Mercy’ Lenten DVD, small group program CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church has produced a five-week DVD series for Lent entitled “The Face of Mercy.” The videos and accompanying discussion guide are designed for small faith-sharing groups at parishes. To learn more, go to www. lentenfriends.org.

— Catholic News Herald

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 FROM THE COVER

Honoring Our Lady

Cesar Hurtado | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Arriba) El Obispo Peter Jugis durante el ofertorio de la Misa de Vigilia en honor de la Virgen de Guadalupe el pasado 11 de Diciembre en la Parroquia de San Marcos en Huntersville. “Crecer en santidad es tanto trabajo de Dios como nuestro. Dios siempre toma la iniciativa mostrándonos su amor,” dijo el Obispo Jugis durante su homilía.

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, oportunidad para crecer en santidad Cesar Hurtado Corresponsal

HUNTERSVILLE — “El Señor nos brinda muchas oportunidades para crecer en santidad, y esta celebración de la festividad de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe es un regalo más para nosotros”, dijo Peter Jugis, Obispo de Charlotte, durante su homilía en la misa celebrada en la Iglesia San Marcos de Huntersville, con motivo del 484 aniversario de la aparición de ‘La Virgen Morena’ al indígena San Juan Diego en el cerro Tepeyac.

“En 1531, María vino a visitar a Juan Diego. La Santísima Virgen le pidió que le indicara al Obispo de México que construyera una capilla donde ella pudiera dar a todos su amor, su compasión, su ayuda y su defensa. Donde ella pudiera escuchar las oraciones de todos y curar sus infortunios y miserias. Ella pidió de San Juan Diego algo muy especial. Y también él fue muy generoso. Dijo que sí a lo que ella le estaba pidiendo y, gracias a ello, ahora tenemos la hermosa Basílica Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe”, dijo el Obispo Jugis.

El Obispo Jugis explicó que Dios siempre pide algo muy especial de su gente, los católicos que hemos recibido el don de la Fe y la Santidad en nuestro bautismo. “Y es que debemos continuar creciendo en Santidad, continuar creciendo en la práctica de las virtudes y no perder los signos divinos de la mano de Dios”. Así, invitó a los feligreses a ser más pacientes, generosos y caritativos, a perdonar más, con la ayuda de la Virgen como intercesora

en el camino a la santidad.

“Crecer en santidad es tanto trabajo de Dios como nuestro. Dios siempre toma la iniciativa mostrándonos su amor. Nosotros tenemos que hacer nuestra parte siendo generosos cumpliendo su voluntad”, añadió.

“Si ya arde en ti el fuego del amor divino, por pequeño que éste sea, no lo saques fuera en seguida, no lo expongas al viento, mantenlo protegido para que no se enfríe y pierda el calor”, dijo el obispo Jugis, recordando la advertencia de San Carlos Borromeo, quien en el siglo XVI prevenía sobre los cuidados para no perder la gracia divina. “Démosle un sí generoso al Señor y recibiremos una preciosa casa de santidad construida en nuestras almas y la imagen de Jesus impresa en nuestros corazones”.

Concluido el servicio litúrgico en el que también estuvieron presentes los sacerdotes Miguel Ubillus, Paul McNulty y John Putman, los diáconos Ron Sherwood y Carlos Medina; casi un centenar de niños y niñas, ataviados con trajes de ‘Juan Diego’ y ‘María’, presentaron danzas y canciones alusivas a la Virgen en el salón parroquial, donde se efectuó un compartir.

La familia Argueta, originaria de Guatemala, dijo haber manejado por más de una hora para llegar a la celebración en San Marcos. “Pero valió la pena. Hemos escuchado un mensaje precioso, música Mariachi y disfrutado las danzas. Todos los años espero la fecha para, junto con mi familia, tener un encuentro con la Virgencita de Guadalupe”, aseguró.

Photos by Lorenzo Pedro | Catholic News Herald

MORGANTON — Parishioners at St. Charles Borromeo Church pray before a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the parish’s feast day celebrations. (Opposite page) Mariachi band members play as the faithful sing “Las Mañanitas,” and young altar boys pause before the start of Mass.

RICO DE SILVA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. John Neumann Church holds double celebration for Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12 CHARLOTTE — Parishioners at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte were treated with a double celebration Saturday, Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. That morning at 7, Father Pat Hoare, pastor, celebrated Mass in Spanish for the growing number of Latino parishioners. At the end of Mass, Mexican “Mariachis” sang “Las Mañanitas,” an old Mexican folk song used to serenade Our Lady early in the morning on her feast day. In the afternoon, Father Hoare celebrated Mass in English and combined the vigil Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent, along with a dramatization by the parish children of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Mexico’s Tepeyac Hill, with the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy on Dec. 8. The Hispanic parish choir sang most of the hymns in Spanish. The bilingual Mass was an opportunity to bring together the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking parishioners, Father Hoare noted, as well as a parish-wide celebration so that “our English-speaking community might have a greater appreciation for the role of Our Lady of Guadalupe as the Patroness of all the Americas.”

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

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of Guadalupe

Romy Machicao | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Celebración de la Virgen de Guadalupe en el Charlotte continua atrayendo miles de devotos CHARLOTTE — Más de 6,000 personas asistieron el Viernes, 11 de Diciembre, la víspera de la fiesta de Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe, al Bojangles’ Coliseum, en Charlotte, a la celebracion anual de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en honor a su Patrona. La Misa fue concelebrada por el Padre Vicente Finnerty, parroco de la iglesia, y el Padre Abel Osorio, vicario parroquial. La celebracion fue acompañada por el coro de la Iglesia. Los fieles llegaron con imágenes de la Virgen para ser bendecidas, y los niños vistieron el tradicional traje que usaba Juan Diego, y las niñas con trajes coloridos mexicanos. Los homenajes empezaron con el rezo del rosario, y tanto con danzas tradicionales ancestrales como modernas, la representación de la aparición de la Virgen. Más tarde hicieron su ingreso el desfile de banderas de toda América, empezando por la de Estados Unidos y culminando con la de México, y la ofrenda de flores llevadas por jóvenes de la parroquia.

Familias enteras llenaron el coliseo en la víspera. Finalmente entonaron las Mañanitas y otras canciones en honor de la Virgen María de Guadalupe. “Me siento dichosa de poder venir a ver a mi Madre María,” dijo Estrella Rodríguez.

‘Today, we come to see our Mother’ SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

MONROE — Parishioners at Our Lady of Lourdes Church really love Mary under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A large percentage of the 2,000 families at the parish hails from Central America and for them, this feast day is all about showing Our Lady their love on Dec. 12.

More than 1,000 people of all ages flocked to the church before dawn to sing Las Mañanitas, traditional Mexican songs sung on birthdays and other important holidays. It is often sung as an early morning serenade to wake up a loved one.

For two hours, from 5 a.m. until 7 a.m., the choir and the congregation sang in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

This is the biggest feast day at the parish, outside of the celebrations of Christmas and Easter. Many parishioners wear festive traditional clothing or images of Our Lady of Guadalupe on this day.

Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor, and Father Santiago Mariani, parochial vicar, were on hand for the festivities and celebrated Mass at 9 a.m. Father Roberts, homilist and main celebrant, donned a vestment with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the special occasion.

During his homily, Father Roberts explained why they were all gathered for the feast day.

“Today, we come to see our Mother. We come to our parish church where Christ is preached and the sacraments are celebrated. We come to this holy ground on this holy day to honor our Holy Mother. We come to

sueann howell | catholic news herald

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe drew standing-room-only crowds at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe. (From left) Father Santiago Mariani, Father Benjamin Roberts and Deacon Guillermo Anzola venerate the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe after Mass Dec. 12. celebrate her for every generation calls her blessed.

“We come to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Mother of Jesus Christ, because through her we meet

Him. Through the Virgin Mother Mary, we receive the Lord Jesus. Through the Virgin Mother the Church, we receive the gift of the Lord Jesus. We receive His Word.

We receive His Body and Blood. We receive the promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of the All Powerful Father. We receive Mercy.”

Father Roberts explained that the Virgin Mary looked upon Juan Diego when she appeared to him at Tepayac with eyes of mercy. She spoke words of mercy to him and asked for a chapel to be built, a place where God’s message of mercy could be announced.

“And the Virgin of Guadalupe opened the Door of Mercy,” he said. “With the flowers that she gave to Juan Diego and her own image, the Virgin of Guadalupe opened the door of mercy for the heart of the bishop. When the bishop saw the image, he knew the message was true.

When the bishop saw the image, his heart was opened in love for his people. When the bishop saw the image, he received the gift of mercy.”

Father Roberts then reassured his flock of Mary’s love for each one of God’s children, seen through her motherly glance in her image on Juan Diego’s tilma.

“She looks at each of us with the tender compassion of a mother. She looks at each of us and wants to bring us closer to her. She looks at each of us with the eyes of mercy. She speaks to each of us the word of mercy.

She tells us that we are loved. She tells us that we are welcomed. She recognizes each of us as her beloved child and calls each of us by name.

“My brothers and sisters, let us go and see our Mother.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 FROM THE COVER

Cesar Hurtado | Catholic News Herald

(Far left) HUNTERSVILLE — Children dressed in native costumes for the celebration at St. Mark Church.

Photos by Sergio Lopez | Catholic News Herald

BOONVILLE — Parishioners at Holy Redeemer Church performed a re-enactment of the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego, and following Mass a brass band played Las Mañanitas. More than 120 people also participated in the Guadalupan Torch Run marathon, running 26 miles from Mount Airy to Boonville.

Photos by Hernan Mena Arana | Catholic News Herald

CLEMMONS — Parishioners at Holy Family Church celebrated Mass for the feast day and enjoyed music, dancing and fellowship afterwards, as well as bringing wrapped Christmas presents that were then piled up next to an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

BOONE — Father Matthew Codd, pastor, elevates the Host during Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Amber Mellon | Catholic News Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — St..

Benedict the Moor members danced and sang traditional music during the parish’s celebration Dec. 12. (Above) boys dressed up as “Juan Diegitos” and girls dressed up as “Lupitas.”

Photos by Hernan Mena Arana | Catholic News Herald

Photos provided by Connie Ries

STATESVILLE — St. Philip the Apostle Church celebrated the feast day with music. dancing, food, a procession around the church, and Mass offered by Father Thomas Kessler (pictured above). At right, parishioners enjoyed a cultural program of Latino food, more music, singers, and folkloric dances from Mexico, El Salvador, Bolivia and more.

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

11

KERNERSVILLE — The faithful at Holy Cross Church, led by Father Paul Dechant, pastor, processed through town in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

John Bunyea | Catholic News Herald

Steve Coleman | Catholic News Herald

GREENSBORO — Dancers perform traditional dances, wearing masks and sombreros, at a celebration at St. Mary Church.

CHARLOTTE — Members of St. Vincent de Paul Church participate in a procession, led by Father Mark Lawlor, inside and around the church before Mass for the feast day.

John Cosmas | Catholic News Herald

NEWTON — St. Joseph parishioners also enjoyed dancing, music, food and fellowship, along with a play about the Our Lady of Guadalupe apparitions.

Kara Thorpe | Catholic News Herald

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

ASHEVILLE — Cynthia Garcia and Ale Batalla, 6, sit in quiet prayer at a shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Lawrence Basilica on Dec. 13.

(Right) HUNTERSVILLE — boys dressed up as “Juan Diegitos” and girls dressed up as “Lupitas” at St. Mark Church.

Cesar Hurtado | Catholic News Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — A mariachi band plays during the celebration at Our Lady of Mercy Church. More people than ever attended this year’s event.

Craig Allen | Catholic News Herald

Hernan Mena Arana | Catholic News Herald

Photo courtesy of Facebook

HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculate Conception Parish had its largest celebration ever.

HAYESVILLE — Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission’s celebration, organized by Sister Margarita Castaneda, CND, and Sister Terry Martin, CND, started Dec. 4 and culminated Dec. 12. Sisters Margarita and Terry hosted the sixth night of an eight-day novena to Our Lady, providing a traditional meal.

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 OUR PARISHES

Sister Josephine Maria Thomas passes away, aged 101 BELMONT — Sister Josephine Maria Thomas, previously known as Sister Mary Redempta, died Nov. 25, 2015, at Marian Center, Sacred Heart Convent, Belmont, at the age of 101.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 30, 2015, at Sacred Heart Convent. Interment followed at Belmont Abbey cemetery.

Sister Josephine Maria was born Oct. 29, 1914, in Raleigh, one of three girls born to the late George C. and Hannah Rose Thomas.

Sister Josephine Maria’s parents were Lebanese immigrants and she was always proud to tell how successful her father was as a business man. She loved her Lebanese heritage, especially Lebanese food.

Sister Josephine Maria graduated from Newton Grove High School in Newton Grove in 1934 and the following year she left home to become a Sister of Mercy in Belmont.

Responding to a very early interest in teaching, she pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Arts in

elementary education from Belmont Abbey College. Her eagerness to constantly improve her skills led her to graduate studies at Ann-Reno Institute in New York City; Nazareth College, Rochester, N.Y.; Mount Mercy College, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Appalachian State University, Boone; and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Thomas Sister Josephine Maria devoted 49-plus years to educating young people serving as teacher, principal and administrator.

These assignments were in many schools throughout North Carolina, Florida, New York and Guam.

In 1949 Guam was still struggling with the aftereffects of World War II and the Japanese invasion of the island. At this time Sister Josephine Maria went to Guam to help with teaching and she saw

that the Guam schools were in Quonset huts and old buildings. She was keenly aware that the war had deprived the young Guamanian girls of the kind of education she felt was needed for the development of the potential she saw in them. As a result in the early 1950s, she undertook the monumental challenge of opening a new school in Dededo, Guam. Today the Sisters of Mercy teach in many flourishing schools in modern and well-equipped buildings.

While in Guam Sister Josephine Maria’s skills for administration became quite evident and she was chosen to be the leader of the Guam Sisters of Mercy. She was a visionary and her leadership helped in the lives of the sisters and in the development of the schools.

Her last involvement in educational ministry was serving as media resource director at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury. After eight years in this assignment, she returned to Sacred Heart Convent for what most people thought would be retirement. But not for this industrious lady. At age 80, she and a co-worker, Sister Mary John, quickly assumed the role of pastoral ministers at Queen of Apostles Church in Belmont.

Every day they visited parishioners who were hospitalized or homebound, bringing

them consolation and fellowship from the church. Eventually her health required that she move into the Marian Center, where she resided until her death.

There was no question that wherever you met Sister Josephine Maria you were in for a pleasant conversation. Her attention and kindness to all was a reminder that she was a gentle caring, deeply spiritual and compassionate person. Despite her age of 101, she was always young at heart and even throughout her declining years, with her beautiful eyes twinkling, she could enjoy a good joke and engage in a little teasing.

At the time of her 50th jubilee as a Sister of Mercy, she said, ‘’I expect to serve an entire lifetime and will continue until I fall. I hope I have helped in some ways.”

Everyone whose life Sister Josephine Maria touched can attest to the fact that she did indeed help in countless ways.

Sister Josephine Maria is survived by the Sisters of Mercy and her sister Marie Thomas of Salinas, Calif., and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Memorials may be directed to the Sisters of Mercy, 101 Mercy Dr., Belmont, N.C. 28012.

McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont was in charge of the arrangements.

Wills and Trusts Probate PLANNING TODAY FOR YOUR FAMILY’S TOMORROW St. Matthew’s Parishioner

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

15720 Brixham Hill Ave, Suite 300

|

Charlotte/Ballantyne

SOLEMN HIGH LATIN MASS Feast of the Epiphany Wednesday, January 6th, 2016 – 7pm SpatzenMesse (K. 220) (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)

Carolina Catholic Chorale, Soloists & Orchestra (www.carolinacatholicchorale.weebly.com) Thomas F. Savoy, founder/artistic director

St. Thomas Aquinas Church 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, NC

Photos by sueann Howell | catholic news herald

Sweet gift ideas fund Holy Angels’ ministry BELMONT — Some residents of Holy Angels create candy gift bouquets, greeting cards and gift baskets at their shop in downtown Belmont at Cherubs Candy Bouquet, next to Holy Angels’ Cherub Cafe. Order by phone, 704-825-0418, or in person at 25 North Main St. Hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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‘Drop down dew, O heavens, from above…’

CHARLOTTE — Parishioners at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte gathered to welcome the dawn Dec. 12 with a “Rorate Mass,” a votive Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that is celebrated during the Advent season. For this special liturgy held traditionally before sunrise, the church is lit with only candlelight. The name for the Mass comes from the first word of the Introit: “Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant iustum,” or “Drop down dew, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness.” The celebrant was Father Matthew Kauth, assisted by Father Patrick Winslow and Father Jason Christian.

Another Rorate Mass will be offered at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road in Charlotte.

12_18_OLMASS_SCHDL.pdf

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12/10/15

4:04 PM

We've made Room in the Inn for You in Monroe

Photos by John Cosmas | Catholic News Herald

Save the Date for the 13th Annual

Partners in Hope

Christmas Eve

Thursday, March 3, 2016

4:00 PM Mass with Children's Choir

Benton Convention Center 301 West Fifth Street Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

6:00 PM Mass in Spanish 10:00 PM Mass of Christmas Night

Christmas Day 7:00 AM Mass of Christmas Dawn (quiet and by candlelight) 10:00 AM Mass of Christmas Day 12:00 PM Mass in Spanish Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Monroe @CatholicMonroe

The event is complimentary; however, you will be invited to make a generous gift to help raise our goal of $225,000. Your donation will enable Catholic Charities to sustain its mission of strengthening families, building communities, and reducing poverty.

For reservations or inquiries, call 336-714-3227 or go to ccdoc.org/partnersinhope

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 725 Deese Street Monroe, NC 28112

ccdoc.org

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iiiDecember 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

CATHOLIC N

God’s Love and Mercy H

omeschooled students in Huntersville recently produced photo essays for the 3rd Annual Fine Arts Festival. After a five-week photography class with a local professional photographer, the four students compiled their photographic essays using the theme of “God’s Love & Mercy” to commemorate the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Proceeds from the Fine Arts Festival went to Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe. The weekend of

dance, poetry, productions of Shakespeare, and art raised more than $2,500 for the parish.

Here is some of the work created by the four photography students: Henry Hoyt (sophomore, 15), Mary Ohlhaut (freshman, 14), Isaiah Rosamond (eighth grade, 13), and Luke Rosamond (freshman, 14):

P Luk

W told us able

Photographer: Henry Hoyt, 15 Christ the Lamb: A pure sacrifice, a spotless victim The world knows Christ. Even if they want to know Him or not, everyone, no matter who or what beliefs they hold, feel a great power when they look upon an image or symbol of Jesus. Albeit these symbols and images might change depending on culture or time, but one will see Jesus, the Son of God. The images of Christ have a certain power over the world. For instance, the Cross of St. Benedict: This Crucifix has a very powerful presence against evil spirits, and on many accounts, saved the

wearer from the evil one. Thus we must treasure our images of Christ and the saints and give them proper and respectful veneration, but adoration to God Himself.

This summer I have taken photos of different images and symbols of Our Lord inside Catholic churches in the Diocese of Charlotte. These are the images of Jesus which have deep meaning to me. Jesus presents Himself to each of us in unique ways. He reaches into our hearts, to lead us into closer relationship with Him. Christ the King of the Universe wants to reach out to you. Let these images touch you.

Photographer: Isaiah Rosamond, 13 Our great and glorious God gave us five gifts of the senses, including sight.

NEWS HERALD

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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Photographer: Mary Ohlhaut, 13 “Many souls go to hell because they have no one to pray for them!” Our Lady to the children of Fatima “The flames of mercy are burning me. I want to pour them out upon souls. Oh, what pain they cause me when they do not want to accept them!”

Jesus to St. Faustina

Photographer: ke Rosamond, 14

When he was born, they d us he would not know s, that he would not be e to do anything… But

John Paul loves many things…

And even if John Paul couldn’t do any of these things, we have the gift of knowing he is always resting in God’s merciful care.

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 OUR PARISHES

MERCY

CCDOC.ORG FROM PAGE 6

Christmas Season Mass Schedule

Saturday, December 19th.... Rorate Mass (Latin) 6:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve ......4:30, 6:30 p.m. (Latin) and 12 midnight (Music beginning at 11:30 p.m.)

Christmas Day .................9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (Latin) Thursday, December 31st ......................... 6:00 p.m. Mass January 1st, 2016 ................ 9:00 a.m. and 12 noon (Latin) (Holy Day of Obligation)

Confession

Thursdays ................................................ 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

No Confessions on Thursday, December 24th and 31st Saturdays ................................................. 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Friday, January 1st.................................10:15 to 11:45 a.m.

3635 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209 www.StAnnCharlotte.org

of justice, we shall enter and give thanks to the Lord.” He then led everyone into the church with the words, “This is the Lord’s gate: let us enter through it and obtain mercy and forgiveness.”

Once everyone had processed inside, the bishop blessed holy water and then sprinkled the congregation in remembrance of their baptism.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis explained the purpose of the jubilee year and the plenary indulgence that people may receive if they make a pilgrimage to any of the designated Holy Doors.

During a jubilee year, the Church encourages the faithful to rediscover the gift of conversion, forgiveness and redemption by celebrating the sacraments, making restitution, growing spiritually, and going on pilgrimage to designated holy sites.

The theme of this jubilee is “Merciful Like the Father,” taken from the Gospel of St. Luke 6:36: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Bishop Jugis encouraged people to focus on doing more works of mercy during the jubilee year – both corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

“How are we doing on feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and the imprisoned, and burying the dead? How are we doing on the spiritual works of mercy: counseling the doubtful, instructing the ignorant, admonishing sinners, comforting the afflicted, forgiving offenses, and bearing wrongs patiently?” he asked.

“It is always possible to make progress in

our spiritual life,” he emphasized. “That is what the Holy Father is asking of us.”

The traditional pilgrimage – one of the hallmarks of a jubilee year for the Church – has been broadened for the Year of Mercy to include not just the traditional destination of Rome, but at least one holy site in every diocese, he added.

The pope, he said, “is making these Doors of Mercy available in each diocese throughout the entire world, so that these indulgences, these graces, may be experiences we receive even right here in our own diocese.”

To make a pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy and obtain the indulgence, people must receive the sacraments of reconciliation and Holy Communion, pray an Our Father for the intentions of the pope, cross through a Holy Door or Door of Mercy, and stop in prayer and recite the Profession of Faith and do a reflection on mercy, such as reflecting on the Jubilee Prayer of Pope Francis.

People can make the pilgrimage and receive the plenary indulgence as frequently as once a day, the bishop noted.

Most importantly, Bishop Jugis noted, the pilgrimage and indeed the entire Year of Mercy are about seeking a conversion of heart – particularly in becoming more merciful to others as God is merciful to us.

He continued, “That journey to the Holy Door reminds us that mercy is also a journey. Mercy is also a goal which we should strive to achieve. To reach it requires dedication and sacrifice.”

Conversion of heart also requires a comparable level of dedication and sacrifice, he said.

“During this jubilee year, let us continue to make progress in holiness and the practice of the virtues. And let us seriously practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.”

CCDOC.ORG

May you be blessed with peace, love, joy, and hope as we celebrate the birth of Jesus this year.

Merry Christmas from

St Anns ChristmasAd15.indd 1

12/4/15 8:45 AM

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

JUBILEE

POPE

FROM PAGE 6

FROM PAGE 6

that just as a pilgrimage to a holy place is a goal to reach that entails dedication and sacrifice, so mercy itself is also a goal to reach that entails dedication and sacrifice.

Works of Mercy

The Holy Father asks us to focus on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy during this jubilee year. How are we doing in practicing the corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry; clothing the naked; sheltering the homeless; visiting the sick and imprisoned; burying the dead? How are we doing in practicing the spiritual works of mercy: counseling the doubtful; instructing the ignorant; admonishing sinners; comforting the afflicted; forgiving offenses; bearing wrongs patiently? How are we doing in coming to the aid of our brothers and sisters in their bodily and spiritual needs?

Of course, Jesus is the Door of Mercy through which we enter into eternal life.

He tells us that He is the gate for the sheep, and that all those who enter through Him will be saved; they will enter through Him and find green pastures (John 10:9). We enter spiritually through Jesus into an experience of the mercy of God the Father, who has had mercy on the whole human race by giving us His Son as our savior.

During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, may God grant us the grace to know His mercy more deeply through our repentance and conversion from sin, and through this spiritual renewal may we be more merciful with others as God has been merciful with us.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis leads the Diocese of Charlotte.

Christians are called to “become bearers of Christ” and to “let ourselves be embraced by the mercy of God who waits for us and forgives everything. Nothing

when we speak of sins being punished

by His judgment before we speak of their being forgiven by His mercy,” he said.

“We have to put mercy before judgment, and in any event God’s judgment will always be in the light of His mercy. In passing through the Holy Door, then, may we feel that we ourselves are part of this mystery of love.”

Fifty years ago, he said, the Church celebrated the “opening of another door,” with the Second Vatican Council urging the Church to come out from selfenclosure and “set out once again with enthusiasm on her missionary journey.”

The council closed Dec. 8, 1965.

Pope Francis, the first pope to be ordained to the priesthood after the council, said the council documents “testify to a great advance in faith,” but the council’s importance lies particularly in calling the Church to return to the spirit of the early Christians by undertaking “a journey of encountering people where they live: in their cities and homes, in their workplaces. Wherever there are people, the Church is called to reach out to them and to bring the joy of the Gospel. After these decades, we again take up this missionary drive with the same power and enthusiasm.”

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception has a special connection to the start of the Year of Mercy, he said, because “it reminds us that everything in our lives is a gift, everything is mercy.”

Like Mary, the pope continued,

OUR PARISHESI

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is sweeter than His mercy. Let us allow ourselves to be caressed by God. The Lord is so good and He forgives everything.”

WELCOMES You to celebrate the birth of

OUR SAVIOR

CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES 4:00 p.m. Mass 6:30 p.m. Mass 12:00 a.m. Mass

CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES 9:00 a.m. Mass 11:00 a.m.

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick 1621 Dilworth Road East * Charlotte, NC 28203 www.stpatricks.org

Christmas Eve Mass: 4 pm (Church), 4:30 pm (Bradley Middle School), 7 pm, 11 pm (Lessons & Carols), Midnight Christmas Day Mass: 7:30 am, 9 am, 11 am (Español) Mary Mother of God Holy Day of Obligation: Thursday, December 31 at 5 pm & 7 pm (Español) Friday, January 1 at 9 am & 11 am Confession Times: Daily 45 minutes prior to Mass (for 30 minutes), Wednesday 6-7:30 pm & Saturday 3-5 pm.

14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC Between I-77 Exit 23 and 25  www.stmarknc.org

Saint Mark App: Search “Saint Mark Huntersville” at your App Store.

Our schools 18

catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Lending a helping hand CHARLOTTE — A group of about 15 senior athletes from Charlotte Catholic High School helped Knights of Columbus Council 1560 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte unload and organize Christmas trees for a big charity fundraiser Dec. 1. Pictured are (from left): Mike Hogan, Jack Ruff, Daniel Rusterholz, Rob Wallon, Patrick Hogan, David Rizol and Collin Mulloy.

— Angela Mataconis

Photo provided by Amy Pagano

Career Day held at St. Michael School

OLG Christmas window at the Civil Rights Museum

GASTONIA — St. Michael School in Gastonia held its annual career day Nov. 23. Students in prekindergarten through the eighth grade attended the various presentations, each of which ended with a question-and-answer session. Among those talking about their professions was Larry Bergman, a nurse anesthetist.

— Patricia Burr

SPX LEGO robotics team wins big GREENSBORO — St. Pius X School’s RoboComets LEGO Robotics Team 16749 won top scores at the recent 2015 N.C. First LEGO League Robotics Qualifier Tournament. Out of 24 teams competing, St. Pius X’s Robo Comets won first place for Robot Programming and first place for Robot Performance. Awards also included the Volunteer Award, Young Mentor Award and Coaches Award. The team will go on to compete at the N.C. First LEGO League State Championship on Sunday, Jan. 24, at North Carolina A&T. — Jean Navarro

GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace Church and School are celebrating Christmas by spreading the good news about Jesus’ birth at the International Civil Rights Museum in downtown Greensboro. From pastor to parishioner, principal to student, they showcase the Nativity in ornaments that hang from trees placed to represent the Holy Trinity. All kindergarten through eighth-grade students contributed to create the large picture window that proclaims “Gloria in excelsis Deo.” Angels and stars surround the display, along with a handmade book that explains how St. Francis of Assisi created the crèche in 1223. Pictured are Principal Amy Pagano, Father Eric Kowalski, Celia McMullen, and students Nicole and Sophia Hill.

Students celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe CHARLOTTE — Students at St. Gabriel School honored the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a Mass celebrated by Father Francis O’Rourke, pastor, at St. Gabriel Church Dec. 11. The celebration was organized by the school’s Spanish teacher, Addy Jean Mullis. Six thirdgraders dressed up as St. Juan Diego and the Blessed Virgin Mary, and fifth-grade students read in Spanish and English all of the Mass readings. Other students carried flags representing all of the Spanish-speaking countries in the world, and the choir led everyone in singing Spanish hymns and praying the Our Father and Hail Mary in Spanish.

Photo provided by Michele Snoke

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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CCDOC.ORG

Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

A special visitor SALISBURY — Sacred Heart School in Salisbury received a surprise visit from Santa on Dec. 11. He visited grades prekindergarten through eight. Students were able to ask questions and give him their letters personally.

Donate Your Car

Salisbury students win national contest SALISBURY — This fall Sacred Heart School’s librarian, Mrs. Lynn Frank, purchased 27 copies of the book “Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims” by Rush Limbaugh for some of her fourth- and fifth-grade students. These students volunteered to read the book and submit a 250word essay and a drawing for a contest entry through the Rush Revere website. Five students from the school were among 50 contest winners chosen nationwide: Kyna Zaldivar, fifth grade, first place; Hannah Carr, fifth grade, second place; Annie Tadiello, fourth grade, first place; Ellie Cardelle, fourth grade, second place; and Gray Goodman, fourth grade, second place.

— Robin Fisher

Make your car go the extra mile.

Donate your car to Catholic Charities to help fund programs for those in need. All vehicle makes, models and years welcome.

Truck, boat, RV and motorcycle donations accepted.

855.930.GIVE (4483) www.ccdoc.org/CARS Catholic Charities relies on your direct support to help fund its various ministries.

Mix 20

catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

Local expert on St. Francis edits new book of reflections SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

‘In the Heart of the Sea’ The real-life events that helped inspire Herman Melville’s classic 1851 novel “Moby-Dick” become the basis for a polished and exciting adventure directed by Ron Howard. As the novelist (Ben Whishaw) interviews the last survivor (Brendan Gleeson) of an ill-fated 1820 whaling expedition out of Nantucket, Massachusetts, the old salt (played in youth by Tom Holland) reluctantly reveals the tragic consequences that resulted from the rivalry between his vessel’s aristocratic but inexperienced captain (Benjamin Walker) and its veteran first mate (Chris Hemsworth). It was a feud that led to the ship’s disastrous encounter with a leviathan of vast proportions and unusual ferocity. While it falls short of its own sublime ambitions, Howard’s film is visually striking and generally absorbing as it weaves its tale of hubris and greed, deprivation and determination. And a light touch is maintained in its incidental treatment of religious and environmental topics. Despite some grim plot developments, this adaptation of Nathaniel Philbrick’s history text, published in 2000, will make fit and even valuable fare for most mature adolescents.

Much stylized seafaring violence with brief gore, mature themes, including cannibalism and suicide, a fleeting bawdy image, about a half-dozen uses of profanity, a single crude and several crass terms.

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

‘Krampus’ Holiday horror reigns as one suburban family’s strident quarreling not only quashes the true spirit of Christmas, but unleashes Santa’s evil counterpart, a monster bent on annihilating the naughty. The titular fiend’s rampage is triggered when an innocent lad (Emjay Anthony), driven to despair by the selfishness of his dysfunctional clan (led by Adam Scott and Toni Collette), renounces his previously staunch faith in St. Nicholas by tearing up his annual letter to the gift giver. The result is a blizzard of epic proportions that traps the boy’s raucous relatives -- including his gun-loving uncle (David Koechner) and ineffectual aunt (Allison Tolman) -- as well as the goodhearted but melancholy German granny (Krista Stadler) from whom he inherited his trust in Kris Kringle inside his parents’ home. There they make easy prey for the marauding Anticlaus and his minions. While avoiding any direct reference to Christianity, director and co-writer Michael Dougherty skewers the materialism that mars the season and promotes unity and self-sacrifice in the face of danger. But such values seem to be checked off by rote amid the chaotic logic of the film’s nightmarish events, an ordeal that yields scanty rewards for viewers.

Brief gory images, considerable stylized violence, a visual drug reference, about a half-dozen uses of profanity, a single rough term, occasional crude and crass language.

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

‘Other movies’ n ‘The 33’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA PG-13 n ‘My All American’: CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG n ‘The Night Before’: CNS: O (morally Offensive); MPAA: R

CHARLOTTE — Julie McElmurry has a great love for all things St. Francis.

As director of Franciscan Passages, a teaching ministry, McElmurry has spent years studying the saint and educating others about him, as a campus minister at Wake Forest University and also while earning a master’s degree in Franciscan studies at St. Bonaventure University’s Franciscan Institute over the course of five consecutive summers. Now a parishioner at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, she travels around the country teaching classes, leading retreats and conducting webinars on the humble saint from Assisi.

McElmurry also used her knowledge of St. Francis in curating a series of reflections by volunteers from Franciscan Service Network, an organization offering a network of Franciscan-based service programs across the United States and the world. The resulting book, “Living & Serving in the Way of St. Francis,” was recently published.

Franciscan Service Network volunteers chosen to write reflections had each given at least one year of service to the poor and marginalized, living lives modeled after the lives of Sts. Francis and Clare. McElmurry edited each commentary for the book, which follows 40 themes found within “Testament”–her favorite work penned by St. Francis.

“For me it was important to root it in St. Francis’ writing so I looked through my favorite writing of his called ‘Testament’,” she explained.

“My hope for the book is that people will get into their hands a writing of St. Francis and really take time with it. This is what this book does. In an enjoyable way it helps you understand what St. Francis was saying. Each theme is expounded on by a modern-day person who is trying to live the same way he did.

“I also hope people consider volunteering with Franciscan Service Network. It’s not just for people right out of college. It’s for anybody who might be in a life transition and can give a year as a modern-day missionary.”

The book features a foreword penned by one of today’s best known Franciscans:

Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., the Archbishop of Boston.

“It is a great joy to mark the publishing of this book containing the reflections of young adult volunteers who have sought to live and serve in the spirit and path of Saint Francis of Assisi,” Cardinal O’Malley wrote. “These volunteers give the Church such hope and joy and demonstrate the vitality of Christian witness and service.”

Our Catholic understanding of service flows from Holy Thursday when Jesus washed the feet of His Apostles and commanded them to do the same for others, Cardinal O’Malley also wrote.

“The Holy Father, Pope Francis, followed this command by washing the feet of prisoners in a Roman prison, celebrating the Feast of the Lord’s Supper, not in a church, but in that very prison. The Holy Father’s actions challenge us to glimpse the truth and message of the Gospel. With a simple gesture, Pope Francis has tested our assumptions regarding power, authority and leadership. As he told the prisoners, this is a symbol, it is a sign. ‘Washing your feet means I am at your service,’” he wrote.

Like McElmurry, Cardinal O’Malley wrote that he hopes the book inspires people to live the Gospel, no matter what their state in life.

“I pray that as you reflect upon your own call to service in light of Testament of Saint Francis that you will be moved to heed Pope Francis’ call and become ministers capable of warming people’s hearts; walking with them in the night, dialoguing with them about their hopes and desires; mending their brokenness; allowing them to help us in understanding our own brokenness; and bringing the joy of the Gospel to all we meet,” he wrote.

“Like Saint Francis may you preach the Gospel in all that you do – using words when necessary.”

Order the book order “Living & Serving in the Way of St. Francis” published by Tau Publishers and edited by Julie McElmurry, at www.franciscanpassages.org or www.amazon.com. To schedule a lecture or retreat with Franciscan Passages, email julie@franciscanpassages. org.

On TV n Sunday, Dec. 20, 4 p.m.

(EWTN) “Theater of the Word: A Morning Star Christmas.” Several oneact performances on the Christmas spirit presented by the Morning Star Players and other actors from the Theater of the Word. n Monday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Chimes.”

Charles Dickens’ story of a poor 19th century porter, who is magically transported to the future from the sounds of chiming bells and his hope is restored.

Narrated by Derek Jacobi. n Tuesday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “Martin the Cobbler.” Based on the classic children’s tale by the Great Russian author Leo Tolstoy, a lonely shoemaker rediscovers his faith in God; narrated by Tolstoy’s daughter Alexandra Tolstoy. n Wednesday, Dec. 23, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “Nicholas, the Boy Who Became Santa.”

Nicholas was still a young boy when he discovered the love of Jesus and the gift of giving that changed the world. Based on historical facts and traditions this film is worth watching with family and friends. n Thursday, Dec. 24, 3:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve in Rome.”

Pope Francis celebrates the Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord from St. Peter’s Basilica. n Friday, Dec. 25. 6 a.m.

(EWTN) “Urbi Et Orbi: Message and Blessing: Christmas.” Pope Francis delivers his Christmas blessing to the city of Rome and the world. n Friday, Dec. 25, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Time to Remember.” The story of a young boy who develops his gift of song, with the help of a beloved priest. n Friday, Dec. 25, 2 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Promise.”

A touching and insightful dramatization, looking inside Gospel events relating to the Annunciation and birth of Christ. n Friday, Dec. 25, 4 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Legend of the Christmas Flower.” A splendid animated tale highlighted by traditional Mexican music. n Friday, Jan. 1, 12 p.m.

(EWTN) “Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.” Pope Francis presides over Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the 47th World Day of Peace.

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

BRIEFS FROM PAGE 3

Center, located at 1123 S. Church St., with participants encouraged to gather starting at 11 a.m. in the overflow parking lot. Guest preacher will be Father Casey Coleman, parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church. For details, go to www. marchforlifecharlotte.org.

CRS Rice Bowl begins with Lent on Feb. 10 During Lent, through Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl, parishes and schools engage in global solidarity through activities that promote prayer, fasting, learning and giving. Participating parishes and schools receive small “rice bowl” cardboard collection boxes to distribute to parishioner and student households. Rice Bowl coordinators also receive a poster, a Lenten calendar, and an implementation guide. The 2016 CRS Rice Bowl theme is “For Lent, For Life – What Your Give Up For Lent Changes Lives.” CRS Rice Bowl begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10.

If a diocesan parish or school did not participate in the 2015 CRS Rice Bowl, but would like to do so during Lent of 2016, e-mail jtpurello@charlottediocese.org or call 704-370-3225.

Parishes and schools that participated in CRS Rice Bowl in 2015 need not submit an order for 2016 CRS Rice Bowl materials, and should expect the same number of Rice Bowl items as received for Lent in 2015.

For every $3 in CRS Rice Bowl funds that go from the Diocese of Charlotte to CRS for its global projects, $1 remains in the diocese for local poverty and hunger alleviation projects funded by Catholic Charities’ CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grants Program.

Carolina Catholic Chorale to sing Mozart Mass CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Catholic Chorale will sing Mozart’s “Spatzenmesse” as sacred music for a Mass in the Extraordinary Form on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, starting at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. This “sparrow Mass” will be accompanied by orchestra and is fitting music for the Feast of the Epiphany. It is a free event, but donations are appreciated.

For details, contact the Carolina Catholic Chorale director, Thomas Savoy, at tomsavoy@savoymusic.net.

Bioethics expert to speak in Huntersville HUNTERSVILLE — Father Tad Pacholczyk, director of the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, will deliver the keynote address at Christ the King High School’s annual Bridge Week program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free talk, funded by the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation.

Father Pacholczyk will discuss the care and treatment for patients at the end of life.

Christ the King High School is located at 2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, N.C. 28078. For details, call the school at 704799-4400.

We welcome your parish’s news! Please email news items to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org.

MINISTRY FROM PAGE 5

She admits she was scared to go at first because she didn’t know anyone and felt like she didn’t know enough about her faith to fit in.

“Fortunately, God helped me to realize that such fears were just pride and arrogance. I soon started going and found out that the people were incredibly welcoming and were really goofy and fun.”

Dibble notes that the friendships she’s forged at DTS keep her coming back.

“While I have made many friends over the years, my strongest friendships have come from DTS. There is a certain trust and depth that comes from sharing a great love for the faith and a strong desire to grow in

CHAPLAINCY FROM PAGE 3

and giving it to them,” she notes. “It’s the smile of gratefulness for pointing someone where they need to go for a bathroom, an airport services desk or where a concourse or gate is, answering questions, etc.”

Deacon Patrick Devine, a retired TSA security guard, and his wife Michele also serve at the airport. He originally joined the TSA after retiring from a career in chemical manufacturing. He traveled a lot over his career, he says, and he appreciated the TSA’s work protecting travelers. “I said when I retired I was going to work with those guys and pay them back some service.

So I took a part-time position with TSA as a security officer for four years.”

Now Deacon Devine has been serving at the airport for the past three years in the airport chaplaincy, and says working in the chaplaincy is an opportunity to continue helping people.

“You never know when you’re going to see someone who needs a little assistance,” he says. “It’s always different and I like it because it’s a ministry of service. We spread the Good News of Jesus just by our presence.”

“It’s a ministry of the moment,” adds Deacon David Reiser. “You never know what will come at you – from an employee coming up to you, to a lost passenger, to a passenger with a lost bag.”

Deacon Reiser has even been asked to minister to a family whose loved one passed away on a flight. He took the child traveling with the family to get a cookie and get away from the commotion as emergency workers tended to the deceased and to other family members.

“We’re there. We’re there for the people.

It’s always interesting,” he notes. He says it’s a joy to see people smile and feel happy after he has helped them. “You get the joy of the people. It’s a gift.”

Besides providing a calm presence and a guiding hand for passengers who are a bit lost or confused inside the sprawling airport, the deacons and the whole chaplaincy team offer a listening ear and a sympathetic shoulder for the 18,000-plus airport employees.

“We minister to the employees as much as anyone else,” says Deacon Williams. “You get to know them, especially when they come out to Sunday Mass every week.”

Thanks to a $1,000 gift last year to the airport chaplaincy, there is even a confidential, modest loan program available for airport employees who need a little help making ends meet.

holiness with your peers.

“You truly feel and know that everyone at DTS really cares about you and that they are going to help you to be the best version of yourself.”

Henson says the students put their cell phones away during the meetings, so they can make time to engage in real conversations with one another. And setting aside time for prayer, a decade of the rosary and intercessory prayer for any intentions the teens express, is a valuable opportunity for them in living their Catholic faith.

“Through the lives of the saints, they are getting practical knowledge for how to live lives of heroic virtue,” Henson explains.

“It’s a reality check for them… Studying the lives of the saints across the centuries, or even more recent ones, gives them a much larger perspective on what’s important in life.”

How you can help The Charlotte Douglas International Airport chaplaincy program runs independently on donations, thanks to the generosity of people in the community. The airport chapel is funded by donations and offers travelers a quiet place to pray, as well as an interdenominational service and two Catholic Masses every Sunday.

For more information or to make a taxdeductible donation to the airport chaplaincy, go to www.charlottediocese.net/ministries/ airport-ministry or contact Deacon Szalony at gszalony@msn.com. Mail donations to: Airport Chaplaincy, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28208.

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Holy Year a ‘moment of grace’ to feel ‘God’s great love,’ says cardinal Richard Szczepanowski Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl opened the national Holy Door at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Dec. 8, ushering in the Year of Mercy.

Calling the opening of the door “a prelude to the profound experience of grace and reconciliation that awaits us this year,” Washington’s cardinal was the first to process through the newly opened Holy Door, which he called “a symbol of God’s loving welcome as we begin the Jubilee Year of Mercy.”

The Holy Year proclaimed by Pope Francis began Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate

Conception, and continues through Nov. 20, 2016, the Feast of Christ the King.

The shrine’s door is the national Holy Door for the Year of Mercy in the United States. Cardinal Wuerl opened the Washington archdiocesan Holy Door at a Dec. 7 vigil Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington.

“The Church holds up for us the Blessed Virgin Mary as a sign of hope and a beacon of light,” said Cardinal Wuerl as he opened the Holy Door at the national shrine on its patronal feast.

“Mary is truly a proper and pure living temple for the Son of God, a holy, living house of the Lord,” the cardinal said. “Our aspiration during this Holy Year, our goal, is to approximate that goodness, purity and holiness of Mary.”

The cardinal was the principal celebrant of the shrine’s noon Mass. Concelebrants included Washington Auxiliary Bishops Martin D. Holley, Barry C. Knestout and Mario E. Dorsonville and about 20 priests.

About 2,500 lay and religious attended the Mass.

“This is a moment of grace, a year in which we are all called to experience, once again, personally and as a family, God’s great love for us even when we fail, even when we sin,” Cardinal Wuerl said.

President of St. Pius X Catholic High School St. Pius X Catholic High School and the Archdiocese of Atlanta seek a President effective July 1, 2016.

St. Pius X, a college preparatory high school located in North Atlanta, serves a student body of approximately 1,075 students in grades 9-12 with a professional staff of 137 teachers and support staff members. Since its founding in 1958, the school proudly recognizes more than 11,500 alumni who have been formed in the tradition of St. Pius X, Domini Sumus, “We are the Lord’s!”

The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church. Additional requirements include: • minimum of a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership (or its equivalency) • minimum of five to seven years of Catholic school administrative experience • superior communication skills • collaborative leadership style • experience in fund-raising • friend-raising and strategic planning and, motivational skills to work with teams of exceptional and dedicated constituents who support and embrace the mission of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

To learn more about St. Pius X Catholic High School, please visit the school’s website www.spx.org No phone calls, please. Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest along with a statement of educational philosophy and leadership practice

by January 15, 2016 to: Dr. Diane Starkovich, Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of Atlanta, 2401 Lake Park Drive S.E., Smyrna, Georgia, 30080-8862.

Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl opens the Holy Door Dec. 8 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. The rite of opening the door came at the start of the Church’s Year of Mercy.

CNS | Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard

Calling the Holy Door “a beautiful vision of this Year of Mercy,” Cardinal Wuerl urged those at the Mass to remember that “as you go through the door, God awaits to embrace you with His mercy, His love.”

Cardinal Wuerl said the Holy Year is “a time of special grace” and called on the faithful “to avail ourselves of the great gift and sacrament of forgiveness.”

“In the sacrament of penance, we go through those doors again and meet Christ and His Church ready and eager to absolve and restore us to new life,” the cardinal said.

He said the Holy Year is “a special gift” that is “a visible invitation for each of us to say, ‘Lord, I am sorry,’ so that we can hear the words: ‘You are forgiven.’”

In addition to seeking mercy and forgiveness, the faithful should share mercy and love with others, the cardinal said.

“Sharing this gift (of mercy) can bring Christ’s peace and hope to our families, our communities and our world,” he said.

The Holy Door, he added, is a visible sign to remind Catholics “we need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy.”

Cardinal Wuerl, during his homily at the national shrine, said that the Holy Door should “awaken in the hearts, in the consciousness of all of us that the Church is our spiritual home.”

Let’s keep talking.

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Faith leaders, senators say U.S. must not ‘pause’ refugee resettlement WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of religious leaders joined three U.S. senators on Capitol Hill Dec. 8 to say “enough is enough” to those who want to bar Muslim refugees from Syria and other Middle East trouble spots from the U.S. after terrorist attacks in Paris and Southern California. In the Nov. 13 Paris attacks, shooters identified as jihadists killed at least 129 people.

In San Bernardino, California, a married couple, who authorities say were radicalized Muslims, killed 14 people and injured 21 others Dec. 2 at a county social services center. “There is absolutely no reason to stop or pause the resettlement of Syrian refugees. The fear around this is wrong and as people of faith, we must demand more from our public officials,” said Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, retired archbishop of Washington. The House has passed legislation that would pause the Obama administration’s plan to take in at least 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next year. A similar bill will be taken up by the Senate. Lawmakers backing the measures claim there are too many holes in the process to properly vet refugees to be resettled in the U.S. But Cardinal McCarrick in his remarks on the Hill said the United States “has the most secure refugee resettlement process in the world. Refugees are the most scrutinized and screened individuals to enter the United States.”

Meet violence, hate in world ‘with resolve, courage,’ archbishop urges WASHINGTON, D.C. — Violence and hate in the world “must be met with resolve and courage,” said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, who is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. As Catholics and other Christians anticipate “the miracle of Christmas,” announcing the need for peace and goodwill throughout the world this “blessed season of Advent,” he said, calls for “even stronger voices” this year in light of the mass shootings in San Bernardino, California.

“We pray that family and friends facing the pain of loss and the journey of recovery find strength in the compassion of their community,” Archbishop Kurtz said in a Dec. 14 statement.

“We draw especially close to the local church, which has borne the burden of mourning the loss of those who died and of comforting their families, yet has the strength to reach out in love.” On Dec. 2, in what the FBI and other law enforcement officials have termed a terrorist attack, Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, 29, shot up a county social services center in San Bernardino with assault rifles. Fourteen people were killed and another 21 were injured. Farook and Malik died in a shootout with police a couple of hours after they attacked the center.

Report: Sisters’ numbers shrinking but growing more diverse WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new report on U.S. women religious said that religious life is becoming not only more multiethnic but more international as well. The report, “Understanding U.S. Catholic Sisters Today,” said that of all women who entered religious life in the past 10 years, only 57 percent were white, while 17 percent were Hispanic, 16

percent were Asian, and 8 percent were black -- including both African-American women and those born in Africa. Because of the growing numbers of foreign-born women religious, the report noted, Trinity Washington University recently received a grant to study and map the presence of international women religious in the United States and their evolving ministries in response to church and societal needs. The report, released Dec. 9, was commissioned by FADICA, Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities, which represents about 50 philanthropic organizations.

Judge’s ruling frozen embryos must be destroyed called ‘tragic case’ LEVITTOWN, Pa. — A California state judge’s ruling that a now-divorced couple’s five frozen embryos must be destroyed is an example of doing something that technology allows without considering all its aspects, according to medical ethicists. Christopher White, director of research and education for the Californiabased Center for Bioethics and Culture, called the dispute a “tragic case” illustrating “the plight of these frozen embryos.” Estimates of the number of embryos in frozen storage range from “hundreds of thousands” to several million worldwide. White told Catholic News Service he would be comfortable putting the number at 1 million. The center is opposed to the destruction of the embryos created by in vitro fertilization for anesthesiologist Mimi Lee and Stephen Findley, when they married. They are now divorced. The couple had signed a release at the time directing that the embryos should be destroyed if they were to divorce. But Lee said she did not understand the agreement to be binding and thought she could change her mind.

California Superior Court Judge Anne-Christine Massullo in San Francisco ruled Nov. 18 the embryos must be thawed and discarded.

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

In Peace Day message, pope addresses death penalty, debt, migrants

Pope reaffirms new annulment reforms as they come into effect Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — As reformed rules for marriage annulment cases came into effect, Pope Francis said the new norms are to be adhered to in order to help bring healing to failed marriages.

With the release of two papal documents in September, the pope rewrote a section of canon law with the aim of making the Catholic Church’s marriage annulment process quicker, cheaper and much more of a pastoral ministry.

A juridical process is always necessary for making accurate judgments, and the new rules were not about promoting annulments, but rather about helping Catholic couples with the process so they would not be “oppressed by the shadow of doubt” for prolonged periods, he had said in the papal documents.

The papal documents, “Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus” (“The Lord Jesus, the Gentle Judge”) for the Latin-rite Church and “Mitis et misericors Iesus” (“The Meek and Merciful Jesus”) for the Eastern Catholic Churches, went into effect Dec. 8, the opening day of the Year of Mercy.

The pope issued a papal order, officially known as a “rescript,” Dec. 7, as a reminder of observing and carrying out the new norms and to clarify the finer details.

The pope said the new norms were given to “carry out justice and mercy concerning the truth of the bond of those who experienced the failure of marriage” as well as to “harmonize” the updated procedures with the proper norms of the Roman Rota – a Vatican tribunal that mainly deals with marriage annulment cases.

The recently concluded Synod of Bishops on the family expressed “a strong call” for the Church to kneel before “its more fragile children, marked by a love that’s wounded and gone astray” in order to restore confidence and hope, the pope said.

“The laws that now go into effect aim precisely to show the Church’s closeness to wounded families, desiring that the large number of those who experience the drama of a failed marriage be touched by the healing work of Christ” through the Church in order to then go on to be “new missionaries of God’s mercy towards other brothers and sisters for the benefit of the institution of the family,” the pope wrote.

Because of the Roman Rota’s role as an appeals court that fosters unity of jurisprudence and provides assistance to lower tribunals, the pope issued the order to clarify what the new law entails.

Msgr. Pio Vito Pinto, dean of the Rota, said the papal order was meant to reaffirm the new norms since “every law of historical significance, like the law of reform in the marriage process, meets with understandable resistance.”

The new rules replace canons 1671-1691 of the Code of Canon Law and canons 1357-1377 of the Eastern code. The changes made by Pope Francis, particularly the responsibility and trust placed in local bishops, are the most substantial changes.

The norms include a set of “procedural regulations” outlining how the papal reforms are to take place, encouraging bishops in small dioceses to train personnel who can handle marriage cases and spelling out specific conditions when a bishop can issue a declaration of nullity after an abbreviated process.

Those conditions include: when it is clear one or both parties lacked the faith to give full consent to a Catholic marriage; when the woman had an abortion to prevent procreation; remaining in an extramarital relationship at the time of the wedding or immediately afterward; one partner hiding knowledge of infertility, a serious contagious disease, children from a previous union or a history of incarceration; and when physical violence was used to extort consent for the marriage.

Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis called for abolishing the death penalty worldwide, lifting the burden of debt on poor nations, global aid policies that respect life and revamped laws that welcome and integrate migrants.

He urged individuals, communities and nations to not let indifference, information overload or pessimism discourage them from concrete efforts “to improve the world around us, beginning with our families, neighbors and places of employment.”

Building peace, he said, is not accomplished by words alone, but through the grace of God, a conversion of heart, an attitude of compassion and the courage to act against despair.

The pope’s multifaceted plea came in his message for World Peace Day, Jan. 1. The message, which was delivered to world leaders by Vatican ambassadors, was released at the Vatican Dec. 15.

The message, titled “Overcome Indifference and Win Peace,” contained a three-fold appeal to the world’s leaders.

He asked that countries: “refrain from drawing other peoples into conflicts of wars,” which not only destroy a nation’s infrastructure and cultural heritage, but also their “moral and spiritual integrity”; forgive or make less burdensome international debt of poorer nations; and “adopt policies of cooperation which, instead of bowing before the dictatorship of certain ideologies, will respect the values of the local populations” and not harm the “fundamental and inalienable right to life of the unborn.”

Also part of building peace in the world, he said, is addressing the urgent problem of improving the living conditions of prisoners, especially those still awaiting trial. Since rehabilitation should be the aim of penal sanctions, effective alternatives to incarceration should be considered as well as the abolition of the death penalty. The pope asked government authorities to consider “the possibility of an amnesty” or pardon.

The pope called on national governments to review their current laws on immigration and find ways they could “reflect a readiness to welcome migrants and to facilitate their integration” as well as respect the rights and responsibilities of all parties concerned.

All nations’ leaders should also take concrete measures in alleviating the problem of a lack of housing, land and employment, the pope wrote, as well as stop discrimination against women in the workplace, which included unfair wages and precarious or dangerous working conditions. He said he hoped those who are ill could be guaranteed access to medical treatment, necessary medications and home care.

The pope’s message focused on the dangers of cynicism and indifference against God, neighbor and

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Human rights activists hold placards during a rally in early October against the death penalty in Peshawar, Pakistan. creation.

“Disregard and the denial of God,” he said, “have produced untold cruelty and violence.” And the exploitation of natural resources and mistreatment of animals have an effect “on the way we treat other people.”

“With the present Jubilee of Mercy, I want to invite the Church to pray and work so that every Christian will have a humble and compassionate heart” and that all people will learn “to forgive and to give,” he said in his message.

God is never indifferent to the world, he said. He not only sees, hears and knows, He “comes down and delivers” real healing and eternal teachings.

The credibility of the Church and its members rests on their willingness to live and act with the same tireless mercy God has for the world, the pope said.

“We, too, then are called to make compassion, love, mercy and solidarity a true way of life, a rule of conduct in our relationships with one another,” he said.

Since these attitudes of compassion and solidarity are often handed down from person to person, the pope emphasized the importance of families and teachers in showing what love, respect, dialogue, generosity, charity and faith mean.

He also reminded the media and communicators of their responsibility to “serve the truth and not particular interests.” They don’t just inform people, he said, but also form and influence their audience.

“Communicators should also be mindful that the way in which information is obtained and made public should always be legally and morally admissible,” he said.

In his message, the pope praised those journalists and religious who raise awareness about troubling and “difficult situations,” and defend the human rights of minorities, indigenous peoples, women, children and the most vulnerable people in society.

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Iraqi patriarch: Christian persecution at ‘critical’ point ROME — The survival of Christianity in the Middle East has reached such a critical point that the chances of dialogue and reconciliation in the region are being threatened, said Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Louis Sako of Baghdad. “The situation is very bad, very critical and always violent,” Patriarch Sako said Dec. 10. “Last year in August, 120,000 Christian people were expelled from their homes, their villages and now they are living in some camps with nothing, but the Church is helping them.”

He was among the keynote speakers at a Dec. 10-12 international conference on Christian persecution in the world. He said the mass exodus of Christians in the region will only worsen the situation due to growing tensions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims who “are killing each other. We Christians, we always bridged the groups and we promoted dialogue, reconciliation and forgiveness,” he said.

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, stressed the need for Catholics to “speak up for the persecuted Christian minorities in the Middle East” who are often “omitted” and “not mentioned.”

Experts praise Vatican’s finance laws, but call for clampdown VATICAN CITY — European experts on

preventing financial crimes praised the Vatican for significant steps in establishing laws and procedures in line with international protocols, but called for “real results” in cracking down on infractions and prosecuting offenses.

Moneyval -- the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism -- said the Vatican has addressed “most of the technical deficiencies in its legislation and regulations. However, there is a need now for the anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing system to deliver effective results in terms of prosecutions, convictions and confiscation” of criminal assets, the experts said in a press release Dec. 12. The Moneyval committee approved the Holy See-Vatican progress report at a meeting Dec. 8 in Strasbourg, France, and published its assessment of the Vatican’s report on its website Dec. 15. The Moneyval report said the Vatican showed significant progress in implementing recommendations Moneyval made in July 2012. The Vatican had met nine out of 16 key and core recommendations, thereby passing a major test in an effort to become more financially transparent and compliant with international norms.

Pope advances sainthood causes of Lutheran convert, U.S. missionary in Vietnam VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of a Lutheran convert who established a branch of the Bridgettine order in her country and a U.S. missionary who died while ministering to the wounded in Vietnam.

During a Dec. 14 meeting with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, the pope signed a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad, who

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refounded the Order of the Most Holy Savior of St. Bridget, better known as the Bridgettines.

Born in Sweden in 1870 and baptized into the Reform Church, she immigrated to the United States in 1886 to earn money for her family back home. After working as a nurse, she converted to Catholicism in 1902. Moving to Rome, she dedicated her life and her religious order to prayer and work for the attainment of Christian unity. St. John Paul II beatified her in Rome in 2000. The pope also signed decrees recognizing the miracles needed for the beatifications of: Father Ladislao Bukowinski, a Ukrainian priest who died in Kazakhstan in 1974; Sister Maria Celeste Crostarosa, an Italian nun who founded the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer in the 18th century; Sister Mary of Jesus Santocanale, an Italian nun born in 1852, who founded the Congregation of the Capuchin Sisters of the Immaculate of Lourdes; Itala Mela, an Italian laywoman and Benedictine Oblate who died in 1957.

Pope to visit marginalized communities in Mexico VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will visit some of the most marginalized communities in Mexico and seek to bring hope to a country deeply suffering from crime, corruption and inequality when he visits in February. The Vatican announced Dec. 12 details about the pope’s Feb. 12-17 trip to Mexico, during which he will stop in six cities, including two in the state of Chiapas and – across from El Paso, Texas – Ciudad Juarez, which just five years ago was considered the “murder capital of the world” as drug cartels disputed a trafficking corridor. The pope said in November that he wanted to visit cities where St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI never went. But he said he will stop at the capital of Mexico City to pray at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “But if it wasn’t for Our Lady I wouldn’t” go there, he had told

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reporters. The pope will fly out of and return to Mexico City each day after celebrating Mass at the basilica on the second day of his trip. Over the following four days, he will visit a pediatric hospital in the capital as well as families and indigenous communities in the southernmost state of Chiapas, Mexico’s poorest state, which gained worldwide attention for the 1990s Zapatista rebellion.

Pope: Stopping climate change, poverty go hand-in-hand VATICAN CITY — Heads of states at the U.N. climate change conference in Paris must do everything possible to mitigate the effects of both climate change and poverty “for the good of our common home,” Pope Francis said.

“The two choices go together: to stop climate change and curb poverty so that human dignity may flourish,” he said Dec. 6 after reciting the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The pope said he was closely following the climate conference and thinking about how conference participants are called to respond to the question, “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” The conference participants, he said, must spare no effort in combating climate change for “the good of our common home, of all of us and future generations. Let us pray the Holy Spirit enlighten all those who are called to make such important decisions and give them the courage to always have the greater good of the entire human family as the criterion to guide their decisions,” he said. Before his appeal, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading from St. Luke (3:1-6), which recalled John the Baptist’s call for “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

— Catholic News Service

YOU’RE INVITED!

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, a co-educational, college preparatory high school located north of Atlanta in Roswell, Georgia, seeks a visionary principal beginning on July 1, 2016.

Opened in 2000 and accredited by AdvancED, Blessed Trinity serves a student body of approximately 980 students with a professional staff of 111 teachers and support staff members. A 2014 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, Blessed Trinity is well known for its strong academic course of study, award-winning fine arts programs and a successful athletic program featuring 22 varsity sports. As an Archdiocese of Atlanta Catholic High School, the principal reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools.

Responsibilities include: continued development of rigorous academic standards, nurturing Catholic Identity in all aspects of school life, supervision of admissions and development efforts, fiscal responsibility, and on-going strategic planning.

The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church; additional requirements include: hold a minimum of a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership; a minimum of three to five years of Catholic school administrative experience; superior communication skills; a collaborative leadership style to lead others in the mission of Catholic education; knowledgeable in current areas of professional development; exhibit effective instructional leadership; and, demonstrate proficiency with encouraging the integration of technology across the academic program.

To learn more about Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, please visit the school’s website www.btcatholic.org No phone calls, please. Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by January 31, 2016, to: Dr. Diane Starkovich, Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of Atlanta, 2401 Lake Park Drive S.E. Smyrna, Georgia 30080-8862.

Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy

Official Pilgrimage of the Diocese of Charlotte —

A Spiritual Journey to Rome, Siena & Assisi October 12 – 21, 2016

Under the Spiritual Direction of

Fr. Michael Kottar St. Mary Help of Christians Parish, Shelby, N.C. and

Fr. Carmen Malacari Holy Spirit Church, Denver, N.C. Program Pricing $3,299 from Charlotte, N.C. plus $650 in airport taxes and $150 in tips

To receive the color brochure and registration, please contact our Group Coordinator, Mrs. Jean Judge: jmjudge@charlottediocese.org / (704) 487-7697 x 103

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Fred Gallagher

Advent and ‘the thing with feathers’

I

’ve always liked Emily Dickinson’s definition of hope as “the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.” Have you ever walked a wooded path and in the surrounding silence suddenly sensed the thump of wings as if they were right upon you, or even emanating from you? And it occurs a mere second before you see some large fowl sweeping off above you, some hawk or huge owl making its way further up the path. It’s an almost enchanted moment, a signal from another world. Those wings and their might make something known before the other senses take over. Perhaps this near mystical type of experience can be closely identified with hope. It is more than anticipation; it is, rather, the first part of a continuing action. But before full flight the creature with wings doesn’t just sit. It readies itself – that is, it perches.

Is this too poetic a version of Advent? After all, the season calls us to penance just like Lent, except with different images and expectations. If I think about it, though, I’m not so sure there can be too poetic a version of Advent. I’ve never viewed penance as self-flagellation, but instead as some kind of discipline leading to right or corrected direction, to getting back on the path.

In this penitential Advent season, all we are doing is riding with Joseph and Mary along the Hope is the thing with feathers rough path to Bethlehem.

That perches in the soul, Fathers: Remember the last And sings the tune – without the words, days of your wife’s pregnancy?

And never stops at all, Recall the worry in the deepest places of your heart about how And sweetest in the gale is heard; you were going to feed, clothe, And sore must be the storm educate and care for the child to That could abash the little bird come?

That kept so many warm.

Don’t forget to call to mind that the Blessed Mother was, on I’ve heard it in the chillest land, that rough road, a tabernacle of And on the strangest sea; the Blessed Sacrament – and His Yet, never, in extremity, Presence lit up the night. That’s It asked a crumb of me. our Advent. The journey of the — Emily Dickenson Holy Family is our journey – the growing sense that something takes flight in human history, in the history of each of our souls.

To those of you new to the liturgical seasons of the Church, explore the devotions, deepen your prayer life, and cultivate some of the lovely traditions of the holidays as we anticipate the event that changed the world. If you are new to the Catholic faith, you will see that Bethlehem is getting ready to be ubiquitous for us, hopefully as pervasive as the secular season’s rampant consumerism and denial even of the Name of Christ. You will see it in the liturgical readings, where we hear of St. John the Baptist, a “voice crying in the wilderness,” telling us that our “…winding ways will be made straight and the rough roads made smooth,” and St. Paul telling us that the Lord is near and to make our requests known to Him. You will see Bethlehem in the Advent wreaths that symbolize victory and the candles within them that, when lit, remind us all of the glory of the Christ Child’s birth. And you’ll see it in the Advent calendars and the accompanying prayers and the opening of the windows of our souls. While frenetic Black Fridays abound in stores and cyberspace, our Christ Child awaits patiently in another room, for a little while apart from the intricately carved and painted Mary and Joseph and the glued manger and the animated shepherds and the cloth snow and the painted wooden star.

And we wait in this season of Advent, for the children to hold Him delicately and bring Him to His manger of straw on Nochebuena or on the morning of His birth. And we wait in this season of Advent for the sorrow for our sins to turn to joy. And we wait, in this most beautiful of seasons, for the Christ Child to come once again in perpetual innocence and love and wonder. And we feel Him, peaceful and sure winged, perching in our souls.

Hope

Fred Gallagher is an author, book editor and former addictions counselor. He and his wife Kim are members of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Mary is the Mother of Mercy Rico De Silva

T

he beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy has joyfully sunk into my average Catholic mind. Pope Francis declared the Jubilee Year of Mercy to start Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and it will extend until Nov. 20, 2016, Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the liturgical year.

Watching Pope Francis opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, to kick off this gracefilled moment in Church history, made me realize how blessed we Catholics are. To be able to receive the richness of the Father’s mercy through Holy Mother Church this Jubilee Year is truly a very special grace.

However, in the next few lines, I want to talk about our other Mother: the Mother of Jesus, the Mother of the Church and the Mother of Mercy.

After he concluded Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica Dec. 8, Pope Francis made his way through the heart of the Eternal City to venerate a statue of the Immaculate Conception at the famous Piazza di Spagna.

“Gazing toward you, our Immaculate Mother, we recognize the victory of divine mercy over sin and over all its consequences,” the pope said at the feet of Our Lady’s statue. “May it reignite in us the hope of a better life, free from slavery, resentments and fear.”

Intellectually, I quickly grasped the symbolism behind choosing the Immaculate Conception of Mary as the beginning of the Year of Mercy.

Mary, by her Immaculate Conception, was the first person redeemed by Christ’s Passion, death, Resurrection and Ascension into heaven. In anticipation of Christ’s victory over sin and death, Mary from the very beginning was kept from any stain of original sin.

But mercy is a matter of the heart, I believe.

Mary is not only the Mother of Mercy, she is the

door that leads to the Heart of her Son Jesus, the Fountain of Infinite Mercy. Part of the pope’s Jubilee Year of Mercy prayer reads, “(Lord Jesus Christ) You are the visible face of the invisible Father.” Because of the intimate union of the two Hearts, Mary’s Immaculate Heart is the perfect mirror of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the visible Heart of the invisible God Himself.

We know that Mary was ‘full of grace’ from the moment of her conception. Jesus says in the Gospels, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,” (Lk. 12:48). For that reason, her Heart also shared to capacity the sufferings that Jesus endured during His life, especially during His Passion, when Our Lord preached His greatest sermon from the Cross. We read in the Gospels that Mary stood by the foot of the Cross while her Son was dying, a suffering that had been foretold by Simeon during the presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple, “(And you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed,” (Lk 2:35).

We know in our hearts the need to receive God’s mercy. And His mercy needs to be experienced in our hearts before we can extend it to “those who trespass against us.”

Our Mother of Mercy is the quickest and safest way to get to the Heart of Jesus.

Let us pray that we will take advantage of this great Jubilee Year of Mercy and receive abundant mercy from the Father of Mercies in the coming months. At the same time, let’s be missionaries of mercy to those around us. Let’s take refuge in the Immaculate Heart of Mary this year, and ask Mary to lead us to her Son, and obtain for us His mercy and love.

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope…

Rico De Silva is the Hispanic Communications Reporter for the Catholic News Herald.

December 18, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Letters to the editor

Deacon James H. Toner

The Incarnation: our joy, our peace, our healing Y

our help is desperately needed. Not far from here, there is an ant colony which is dying. The ants in this wretched colony have accepted the tragic and foolish idea that they can be like gods, seizing control of the animal kingdom and dominating it forever. But in their mad lust for power, they are killing themselves, ignoring the very laws of nature which made possible their existence.

They need your help, your guidance.

But more: they need you. Would one of you agree to let the power of science turn you into an ant so that you might join that ant colony and become their teacher, their master, their savior? Of course, we can’t have you join the colony as a fully developed ant; you will have to enter their world as all ants do – as a baby ant. You will grow slowly. When the time comes, you will share your great human knowledge, your great human wisdom, with your brother and sister ants.

Sadly, however, most ants will reject what you say. They are too intent upon gaining more opulence, more power, more prestige. They will ignore you, insult you – and then kill you in a horrible fashion.

But you will leave the legacy of about a dozen ants who will teach your lessons to generations in that ant colony, ensuring that many will be saved.

So would you do it? Would you become an ant? Would you suffer and die to save ants?

It is absurd, isn’t it?

The basic idea here derives from C.S. Lewis and Handley Bird. Of course, we are not ants and God does not see us as ants.

One of the miracles of Christmas is that, to the Lord, each one of us is His beloved son or daughter and a brother or sister of Jesus Christ. And what we mean by the ant story is that when the God of the Cosmos, the God of the Universe, the omniscient and omnipotent God, became human flesh, it was even more breathtaking than would be our becoming ants. Jesus became incarnate of the Virgin Mary – at which words we always bow – in recognition of the miracle of Christmas, of Our Lord’s becoming truly man while remaining truly God (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 464).

Not only did God give us His Son as a baby, He gave us His Son to suffer and to die that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Not only did He give us His son as a baby, He gave us His son to grow to manhood, to suffer, and to die – for you. For you (see Rom 5:7-8 and Eph 2:4-5).

Jesus, the anointed one, the Christ, shared with us His divinity, His wisdom, His redeeming power. We humans rejected Him, we ignored Him, we insulted Him and we killed Him. Remember today that the sacred birth at Bethlehem led to the sacred death on Calvary; remember today that Christmas led to the immense sorrow of Good Friday ... and beyond that, to the grand glory of Easter!

Jesus did not leave as orphans. He left us the Church to guard us, to guide us and to govern us through the thunder and lightning of life; to give us divine light in a world of moral shadows; to share in His sacraments and so to have His presence with us always, even, or especially, at times of sorrow and suffering, which Christ can make fruitful and meaningful.

At the end of Mass, I as deacon offer the dismissal prayer: “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.” That is what Catholics really mean in the simple greeting “Merry Christmas,” by which we announce the Gospel of the Lord – one of the reasons that the phrase “Merry Christmas” is widely hated by the secular world.

Despite the sins and the selfishness to which we are all heir – through our fault, through our fault, through our most grievous fault – we have the shining promise of joy, of grace, of salvation and of eternal life because God so loved us that He became like us in everything except sin.

We recite in the Nicene Creed: “For us men and for our salvation He came down from Heaven.” That is our healing for eternity. That is our joy, our peace, our destiny. That is the meaning of Christ’s Mass, which is our great Catholic heritage.

Deacon James Toner serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. This has been adapted from his homily for the fourth Sunday of Advent.

‘O marvelous exchange! Man’s Creator has become man, born of the Virgin. We have been made sharers in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share our humanity.’

Catechism of the Catholic Church 526, taken from the Liturgy of the Hours Antiphon I of Evening Prayer for Jan. 1

Christian charity means protecting our own I must take umbrage with the Dec. 4 commentary by Dr. Kamila Valenta, “Welcoming Syrian refugees could make our country safer.” I fully understand Christian charity, but this will not ensure our safety – especially in light of the recent terrorist attack in San Bernadino, Calif. I acknowledge that those perpetrators were not Syrians, but ISIS has taken over many parts of Syria and one of the Paris terrorists entered France as a refugee. As for the current vetting process for refugees, it is specious at best. Documentation in Syria is limited or nonexistent, and in many instances fraudulent. Additionally, the FBI has indicated it does not have the resources to monitor many suspected evildoers. I believe that Christian charity requires us to protect our own and only allow refugees when our safety can be absolutely guaranteed.

who made this country great.

These are more dangerous times than years ago. Rather than just screening for infectious diseases, our government now must protect its citizens from radical Islamic terrorists and known thugs who intend to kill innocent people. This is not “misinformation” or “unfounded fears.” Yet the government does virtually nothing to protect us.

Common sense tells us that all immigrants – from Mexico, Syria or anywhere – need to go through a screening and quota process that is more effective than what we have today. It is not anti-Catholic or non-Christian to ask for this kind of protection. Catholics should not have any feelings of guilt about this.

Again, the issue is not whether we as Catholics should accept refugees, but how we should do it. Let’s do it with some common sense, determination and compassion, as was done years ago… and which worked.

Edward J. Klein lives in Hendersonville.

William J. Barker lives in Charlotte.

Refugee policy should be based on common sense The Dec. 4 commentary by Dr. Valenta is misleading and does a disservice to your readers. The issue is not whether we as Catholics should accept refugees, but how we should do it.

When my parents came to the United States in 1910, there were laws that were strictly followed and which they gladly accepted to become citizens of this wonderful country. They went through Ellis Island, where they were carefully checked for diseases. If they were infected, they were either sent home or quarantined until they were well.

They also presented valid documents that showed who they were, where they came from and other vital information.

This was and still is the responsibility of our government to protect innocent citizens from harm. This was something citizens could not do for themselves. Only government could do it. After my parents were here in this country for five years, they applied for and received citizenship, which included the ability to vote if they had been good citizens during their trial period.

Since they were German-speaking people, they settled in parts of the country where German was commonly spoken and where Mass was said in German and English. They became assimilated into American society and raised good families. They and others of every nationality were the immigrants

Show refugees the love of Jesus by our welcome I agree with Dr. Valenta’s Dec. 4 commentary on welcoming Syrian refugees.

The refugees are fleeing evil and are searching for something else. This is a perfect opportunity for Christians to show the love of Jesus to these poor people. They are coming to us. It reminds me of John 4:34, when Jesus sees the crowd coming to Him and He tells His disciples “the fields are ripe for harvest.”

We have a chance to “reap” a harvest.

These refugees have probably heard of Jesus. But the Jesus of the Koran is not the Savior who died on the cross for the sins of the world and defeated death with His resurrection. In Islam, Jesus was not the Son of God. I realize this is tricky and we must use caution, but with gentleness and love (1 Peter 3:15) we have a responsibility to tell them about the true Jesus. I have had the opportunity to evangelize Muslim friends, so I know that love is the most important approach – not fake love, but genuine love. It should be our desire for them to meet the real Jesus.

I welcome these people. I want them to experience the love of Christ. I would welcome a family of Muslim refugees into my home – not to preach to them, but to love them. If we love them we will soon tell them why we love them: because “He first loved us.”

Steve DeBord attends Good Shepherd Mission in King.

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 18, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CCDOC.ORG

PILGRIMAGE FROM PAGE 2

For those who are sick, elderly, homebound or otherwise unable to make a pilgrimage during this jubilee year, Pope Francis encourages them to embrace the cross of their infirmity. He writes, “For them it will be of great help to live their sickness and suffering as an experience of closeness to the Lord who in the mystery of His Passion, death and Resurrection indicates the royal road which gives meaning to pain and loneliness. Living with faith and joyful hope this moment of trial, receiving Communion or attending Holy Mass and community prayer, even through the various means of communication, will be for them the means of obtaining the jubilee indulgence.”

Nearby Doors of Mercy

Join Hands and Take a Stand for Life You are invited to be a part of upcoming pro-life activities.

Be a visible witness to the sanctity of life and pray for the protection of all, from conception until natural death.

Mass for the Unborn Friday, January 15, 2016 9 a.m. – St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 10th Annual March for Life Charlotte Friday, January 15, 2016 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 11 a.m. – Assemble at Pastoral Center, 12 p.m. – March marchforlifecharlotte.org 9 Days for Life: Prayer, Penance, & Pilgrimage January 16-24, 2016 Visit 9daysforlife.com for opportunities online to participate Mass for Life, Washington, D.C. for North Carolina attendees Friday, January 22, 2016 Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 11:30 am – Mass concelebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge March for Life 2016 Friday, January 22, 2016 15th Street and Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 12 p.m. – Rally, 1 p.m. – March marchforlife.org

Diocese of Raleigh: Sacred Heart Cathedral, 200 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, N.C. 27603 Basilica Shrine of St. Mary, 412 Ann St., Wilmington, N.C. 28401 Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 211 Irwin Dr., Newton Grove, N.C. 28366 Mother of Mercy Church, 112 W. 9th St., Washington, N.C. 27889 Archdiocese of Atlanta: Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30305 Our Lady of the Americas Church, 4603 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lilburn, Ga. 30047 Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 48 M.L.K. Jr. Dr. S.W., Atlanta, Ga. 30303 (to be opened Jan. 1) St. Philip Benizi Church, 591 Flint River Road,

Jonesboro, Ga. 30238 (to be opened Jan. 25) Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 GA-212, Conyers, Ga. 30094 (A monastery of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance located east of Atlanta) (to be opened Feb. 2) Sacred Heart of Jesus Basilica, 353 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30308 (to be opened Feb. 2) Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Church, 4545 Shackleford Road, Norcross, Ga. 30093 (to be opened Feb. 22) Diocese of Charleston: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 120 Broad St., Charleston, S.C. 29401 St. Michael Church, 542 Cypress Ave., Murrells Inlet, S.C. 29576 St. Anthony Church, 2536 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence, S.C. 29501 St. Gregory the Great Church, 333 Fording Island Road, Okatie, S.C. 29909 St. Peter Church, 1529 Assembly St., Columbia, S.C. 29201 St. Mary’s Church, 111 Hampton Ave., Greenville, S.C. 29601 St. Mary Help of Christians Church, 203 Park Ave. S.E., Aiken, S.C. 29801 The Oratory Chapel, 434 Charlotte Ave., Rock Hill, S.C. 29734 Shrine of Our Lady of South Carolina/Our Lady of Joyful Hope, 330 E. Main St., Kingstree, S.C. 29556 Diocese of Knoxville: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Dr., Knoxville, Tenn. 37919 Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, 214 E. 8th St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 37402 Church of Divine Mercy, 10919 Carmichael Road, Knoxville, Tenn. 37932 St. Mary Church, 2211 E. Lakeview Dr., Johnson City, Tenn. 37601 Diocese of Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 800 S. Cathedral Pl., Richmond, Va. 23220 (to be opened Dec. 20)