June 19, 2015

June 19, 2015

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

INSIDE: SPECIAL VOCATIONS ISSUE

Following the Way of Christ 2015 priest assignments announced, 3A Pope’s climate encyclical to send strong moral message,

5A, 24A INDEX

Contact us........................ 4A Español..............................20A Events calendar............... 4A Our Faith........................... 2A Our Parishes............... 3-12A Schools....................... 14-18A Scripture readings.......... 2A TV & Movies.....................21A U.S. news................... 22-23A Viewpoints................ 26-27A World news............... 24-25A

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Celebrating Corpus Christi Iglesia de San Marcos celebra Congreso Mariano del Rosario, 20A

6-7A, 24A First class graduates from Christ the King High School, 14A

Our faith 2A

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish.’

Pope Francis

Christian hope does not let sting of death poison your life

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hristian hope and faith in the afterlife mean the sting of losing a loved one does not have to leave behind a poisonous venom in our lives, Pope Francis said. “Our loved ones have not disappeared into dark nothingness: Hope assures us that that they are in God’s good and strong hands. Love is stronger than death,” he said at his general audience June 17.

As part of a series of talks about the family and problems they face, the pope looked at death, particularly the loss of a close family member.

When a loved one dies, especially a child or a parent of young children, “death is never able to appear as something natural,” he said.

It is “heart-rending” when a mother and father lose a child: “It’s as if time has stopped. An abyss opens that swallows up the past and the future,” he said. Losing a child seems to go against everything life is supposed to be about, he said. “It’s a slap in the face to all the promises, gifts and sacrifices of love joyously given to the life we have given birth to,” he said.

These experiences of death are particularly distressing, “like a black hole that opens in the life of a family and for which we don’t know how to give any explanation.”

Sometimes family members will blame God. “I understand. They get mad at God, they curse Him,” or begin to question or doubt His existence.

“This anger is a bit of what comes from the heart of huge heartache” of losing a family member, he said.

Unfortunately, death has a number of evil “accomplices, who are even worse” and their names are hatred, envy, pride, greed, indifference – “the sin of the world that works for death and makes it even more painful and unjust.” Death’s “auxiliary forces” render so many families helpless and, so often, such horror in some parts of the world starts to seem like an “absurd normality.”

“May the Lord free us from getting used to this” kind of loss of life, he said.

For the people of God, death never has the last word, he noted.

He asked that today’s priests and all Christians find ways to better express what the faith means when facing the death of a loved one. People need to mourn, “you must never deny people the right to cry,” he said.

Christians must become “accomplices” of love, armed with the faith and able to help families navigate the “very difficult path of death as well as the sure path of the Lord, crucified and risen, with His irreversible promise of resurrection.”

St. Romuald Feast day: June 19 St. Romuald, who founded the Camaldolese monastic order during the early 11th century, has his liturgical memorial on June 19.

Working within the Western Church’s Benedictine tradition, he revived the primitive monastic practice of hermit life, allowing for greater solitude in a communal setting.

Born into an aristocratic Italian family during the middle of the 10th century, Romuald grew up in a luxurious and worldly environment, where he learned little in the way of self-restraint or religious devotion. Yet he also felt an unusual attraction toward the simplicity of monastic life, prompted by the beauty of nature and the experience of solitude.

It was not beauty or tranquility, but a shocking tragedy that spurred him to act on this desire. When Romuald was 20 years old, he saw his father Sergius kill one of his relatives in a dispute over some property. Disgusted by the crime he had witnessed, the young man went to the Monastery of St. Apollinaris to do 40 days of penance for his father.

These 40 days confirmed Romuald’s monastic calling, as they became the foundation for an entire life of penance.

But this would not be lived out at St. Apollinaris, where Romuald’s strict asceticism brought him into conflict with some of the other monks. He left the area near Ravenna and went to Venice, where he became the disciple of the hermit Marinus.

Both men went on to encourage the monastic vocation of Peter Urseolus, a Venetian political leader who would later be canonized as a saint. When Peter joined a French Benedictine monastery, Romuald followed him and lived for five years in a nearby hermitage.

In the meantime, Romuald’s father Sergius had followed his son’s course, repenting of his sins and becoming a monk himself. Romuald returned to Italy to help his father, after learning that Sergius was struggling in his vocation.

Through his son’s guidance, Sergius found the strength to persist in religious life.

After guiding his penitent father in

Father George David Byers

Priests’ vesting prayers for Mass

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hile it is no longer the practice for all priests to offer prayers while vesting for Mass, many do offer these “vesting prayers.” The prayers are a good occasion for them to be enriched with a profound humility and willing availability to act in the very Person of Christ at the Holy Sacrifice.

In this series, we look at each vesting prayer and its corresponding vestment, as an intimate insight into the spiritual lives of priests at their most vulnerable moment every day, helping all the rest of us also to understand just who we are before God and neighbor.

PRAYER 5 – “Ad manipulum” (Prayer used for the maniple) “Merear, Domine, portare manipulum fletus et doloris; ut cum exsultatione recipiam mercedem laboris.” (“May I be made meritorious, O Lord, to bear a maniple of weeping and sorrow, so that I might receive with exaltation labor’s reward.”)

In “San Romualdo,” painted for the Church of San Romualdo, Ravenna, by Guercino, 1641, an angel uses the abbot’s baton to chastise an errant figure behind St. Romuald (Pinatoceca Comunale, Ravenna). the way of salvation, Romuald traveled throughout Italy serving the Church. By 1012 he had helped to establish or reform almost 100 hermitages and monasteries, though these were not connected to one another in the manner of a distinct religious order.

The foundations of the Camaldolese order were not laid until 1012 – when a piece of land called the ”Camaldoli,” located in the Diocese of Arezzo, was granted to Romuald. It became the site of five hermits’ quarters, and a full monastery soon after. This combination SAINT, SEE page 19a

St. Alphonsus got it right in opining that priests offering Mass are at least spiritually weeping in this “leitúrgia,” this liturgy, this “labor of the people.” So intense, so anguished is the work, it is said by commentators, that the priest carried a towel on his left arm to wipe away his tears and sweat.

Such spiritualized observations are appropriate, but we need these to be grounded in the extremities of the deadly battle on the altar, on Golgotha, which is presented with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We can all think VESTING PRAYERS, SEE page 19a

Your daily Scripture readings JUNE 21-27

Sunday: Job 38:1, 8-11, 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, Mark 4:35-41; Monday (St. Paulinas of Nola, Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More): Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 7:1-5; Tuesday: Genesis 13:2, 5-18, Matthew 7:6, 12-14; Wednesday (The Nativity of St. John the Baptist): Isaiah 49:16, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80; Thursday: Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16, Matthew 7:21-29; Friday: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22, Matthew 8:1-14, Saturday (St. Cyril of Alexandria): Genesis 18:115, Luke 1:46-50, 53-55, Matthew 8:5-17

JUNE 28-JULY 4

Sunday: Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15, Mark 5:21-43; Monday (Sts. Peter and Paul): Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Matthew 16:13-19; Tuesday (The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church): Genesis 19:15-29, Matthew 8:23-27; Wednesday (BI. Junipero Serra): Genesis 21:5, 8-20, Matthew 8:28-34; Thursday: Genesis 22:1-19, Matthew 9:1-8; Friday (St. Thomas): Ephesians 2:19-22, John 20:24-29; Saturday: Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29, Matthew 9:14-17

JULY 5-11

Sunday: Ezekiel 2:2-5, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Mark 6:1-6; Monday (St. Maria Goretti): Genesis 28:10-22, Matthew 9:18-26; Tuesday: Genesis 32:23-33, Matthew 9:32-38; Wednesday: Genesis 41:55-57, 42:5-7, 17-24, Matthew 10:1-7; Thursday (St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions): Genesis 44:18-21, 23-29, 45:1-5, Matthew 10:7-15; Friday: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30, Matthew 10:16-23; Saturday (St. Benedict): Genesis 49:29-32, 50:15-26, Matthew 10:24-33

Our parishes

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

2015 priest assignments announced CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis announces the following priest assignments effective July 7, unless otherwise noted:

Barone

Father Jason Barone: from parochial vicar of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro to parochial vicar of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, assistant chaplain at Charlotte Catholic High School and vocation promoter for the Diocese of Charlotte

Carter

Father David Brzoska: from pastor of St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Church in Boone and Epiphany Mission in Blowing Rock to ministry outside of the diocese

Father Paul Buchanan: from parochial vicar of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte to fulltime studies in sacred theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome Earl

Buchanan

Father Basile Sede: from parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte to sacramental minister of St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King Sede Jesuit Father James M. Shea: from ministry outside of the diocese to pastor of St. Peter Church in Charlotte, effective June 15

Father Matthew Codd: from parochial vicar of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory to pastor of St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Church in Boone and Epiphany Mission in Blowing Rock

Codd

Brzoska

Father Noah Carter: from parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury to parochial vicar of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro and parttime ministry at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville

Jesuit Father Patrick Earl: transferred by his order effective June 15 after retiring as pastor of St. Peter Church in Charlotte

Shea

Father Anthony Forte: from pastor of St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King, to ministry outside the diocese

Father Nohé Torres: from parochial vicar of St. Mark Church in Huntersville to parochial vicar of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory

Torres

– Catholic News Herald

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Bishops thank supporters of abortion legislation CHARLOTTE — North Carolina’s two Catholic bishops expressed thanks June 10 to all of those who supported new abortion restrictions recently approved by the North Carolina General Assembly. House Bill 465, called the “Women and Children’s Protection Act of 2015,” was signed June 5 by Gov. Pat McCrory.

The new law extends the waiting time to obtain an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. It also requires the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to conduct annual inspections of abortion facilities and publish the results and findings of these inspections on the department’s website; expands the information abortionists have to report to DHHS when they conduct abortions after the 16th week of pregnancy; prohibits abortion facilities from employing people younger than 18; requires physicians who perform abortions, except in cases of a medical emergency, to be certified, or eligible to be certified, in obstetrics or gynecology or have significant training in this area; and creates a Maternal Mortality Review Committee within DHHS to study and recommend ways to prevent maternal deaths resulting from complications during pregnancy or childbirth.

In their call for passage of the legislation in April through Catholic Voice North Carolina, Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte and Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh called it “a common sense bill that will protect the God-given right of the unborn to life while not hampering the rights, established by the courts, for women who seek abortions.”

— Catholic News Herald

Come march for religious liberty June 26 in Charlotte SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — In conjunction with the fourth annual Fortnight for Freedom campaign organized by the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops that begins June 21, Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to participate in a March for Religious Liberty on Friday, June 26.

The march is open to all concerned about threats to religious freedom taking place in the United States and abroad. It will start at 11:30 a.m. outside the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, located at 1123 S. Church St. in Charlotte.

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chair of the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, called on Catholics to learn about the importance of religious liberty throughout the history of the United States and to actively promote free religious practice during the two-week period beginning June 21, during a May 28 webinar announcing this year’s Fortnight for Freedom.

“Religious freedom is not something that stands alone. It’s not simply a legal question for the Church. It pertains very much to the new evangelization,” Archbishop Lori said.

This year’s theme is the “Freedom to Bear Witness,” stemming from the Gospel message that Jesus came to the world to bear witness to the truth, explained Hillary Byrnes, assistant general counsel for the U.S. bishops.

Archbishop Lori said government policies, such as the federal mandate to

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Learn more about religious liberty At www.usccb.org: Get more information about the USCCB’s fourth annual Fortnight for Freedom campaign, ongoing threats to religious liberty at home and abroad, and educational resources for your families and parishes At www.archbalt.org: Read Archbishop William Lori’s recent address on religious freedom, “Continuing the Search for Religious Liberty: The Contribution of ‘Dignitatis Humanae’”

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Tim P. Faragher | Catholic News Herald

include contraceptives in employee health insurance plans and the redefinition of marriage throughout the country, pose growing threats to religious freedom.

The campaign, he said, also is meant to draw attention to the dangers to religious liberty around the world as Christians and people of other faith traditions face persecution, limits on their freedom and death.

“Pope Francis pointed out that we are truly living in an age of martyrs,” Archbishop Lori

said. “I think we have to pay a lot of attention to the sacrifices which people are making for their faith around the world. Many Christians are being persecuted, beheaded.

And Muslims are being persecuted for not being Muslim enough.

“These are men and women of deep faith and deep courage, and as we witness their sacrifice, first of all I think we have to hold up and to highlight what’s happening to them. I’m not sure our (country’s) leadership is paying enough attention to their sacrifice.”

The June 26 march in Charlotte is sponsored by March for Life Charlotte.

The march will proceed to Independence Square at the corner of Trade and Tryon streets, where Father Michael Kottar, pastor of St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby, will give an address.

The march will then proceed to the federal courthouse on West Trade Street and will include the praying of the Litany of Religious Freedom, the rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet.

To view a slideshow of the 2014 Charlotte March for Religious Freedom, go to www. marchforlifecharlotte.org/relib.html. For more information about the 2015 march, email religiousliberty@windstream.net.

— Catholic News Service contributed.

UPcoming events 4A

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: June 20 – 5 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, Albemarle June 22 – June 24 Meeting of Bishops of the Atlanta Province Charlotte

June 26 – 5 P.M. Holy Hour for Priesthood Ordination Candidates St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte June 27 – 10 a.m.

Priesthood Ordination Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

June 23 – 12:10 P.M. Mass with Bishops of the Atlanta Province St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Diocesan calendar of events June 19, 2015 Volume 23 • Number 19

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

LAY Organizations Blood Drive: 2:45-6 p.m. Sunday, July 12, in rooms 7 and 8 at St. Mary Church, 812 Duke St., Greensboro. For details, call the parish at 336-272-8650.

LECTURES & REFLECTIONS SUMMER ADULT FAITH FORMATION IN CHARLOTTE: St. Matthew “You”niversity is offering eight classes this summer on Scripture, theology, the saints, liturgy and social justice. Classes are offered on a variety of days and times. Learn more and register online at www. stmatthewcatholic.org/summerforum.

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.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING NFP Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, July 18, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-3703230.

Other Father’s Day Community Breakfast: 8-11 a.m.

Saturday, June 20, in the MAK Family Life Center at Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 North Main St., Belmont.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS Respect Life Mass and Rosary Procession: 9 a.m.

Saturday, June 20, at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Charlotte. Father Putnam will offer Mass, then we will travel down to the local abortion center, A Preferred Women’s Health, 3220 Latrobe Drive, Charlotte, where Father will lead us in a Rosary for the end of abortion in our city and nation. For details, contact Mike FitzGerald at mrf7686@yahoo.com.

Latin Mass for Nativity of St. John the Baptist: 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. There will be a Missa Solemnis instead of the usual 6 p.m. Low Mass.

St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service will be offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the parish office at 704-543-7677.

Second Annual Blessing of the Bikes: 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 28, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. This year, all riders are invited to meet at 11 a.m., at Harley-Davidson of Charlotte. The HOG Chapter will grill out for riders and H-D is providing a live band. Kickstands up at 1 p.m. for an organized ride to St. Matthew Church, where Monsignor

John McSweeney will bless all bikers in hopes of a safe riding season. For details, email Vince Esposito at stmatthewbikers@gmail.com.

Religious liberty March and Prayer Vigil: 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 26, in downtown Charlotte. March will start at the Diocesan Pastoral Center and proceed to the federal courthouse. Organized by March for Life Charlotte to coincide with the U.S. bishops’ Fortnight for Freedom campaign. Email religiousliberty@windstream. net for details, or see page 3A. Mass for U.S. military personnel: 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 19, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Rosary to be recited at 3 p.m.

Mass will be offered for all military personnel who have died and for those who are currently serving.

All military personnel are invited to come in uniform.

Photos of those who have died or who are now serving in the military will be displayed in the cathedral. To include your service member, mail a photocopy of them with their name and military rank on the back of the photocopy to Nancy Weber, Office of the Bishop, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, no later than July 13.

(Please do not send original photographs as they cannot be returned.)

Fourth Annual polish mass in honor of our lady of czestochowa and st. john Paul ii: 2 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 23, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Polish priest Father Matt Nycz of Buffalo, N.Y., will be celebrant and Deacon James Witulski will assist. A first-class relic of St. John Paul II will be brought to Mass for veneration and the Polish Choir will be singing traditional Marian hymns. Confessions in Polish and English will be heard at 1 p.m. Dessert reception following Mass. For details, call Mary Witulksi at 704-290-6012. Everyone welcome.

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 704-577-3496 or Deacon James Witulski at 704-960-3704.

Rosary for the unborn: 7 p.m. every Monday at St. Thérèse Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville 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.

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. For details, call Don or Janet Zander at 828-4009291.

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: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, and 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 23, at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road; 8 a.m. Saturday, July 25, in Room 18 of the Family Life Center at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road

SUPPORT GROUPS Finding our new normal, ‘Helping bereaved spouses reinvest in life’: 6-7 p.m. all Mondays in June at St. Pius X Church, 2210 North Elm St., Greensboro.

A support group for adults who have moved beyond the early stages of grief and are now focused on finding new activities and meaning. For details, call the parish at 336-272-4681.

Marriage encounter weekend: July 31-Aug. 2. For details and registration, visit www.ncmarriagediscovery. org or call 704-315-2144.

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.

RETROUVAILLE: Retrouvaille is a program for married couples who are struggling with problems in their marriage. For confidential information, call 1-800-4702230 or 1-434-793-0242, or email retrouvaillenc@msn. com. Learn more at www.retrouvaille.org.

Separated or Divorced Catholics: Group for separated or divorced Catholics meets every third Sunday after the 5 p.m. Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro.

Confidential; all welcome. Childcare provided with a reservation. For details, call Joanne at 336-509-2304.

YOUNG ADULTS AQUINAS’ FINEST: A new social group for Charlotte-area Catholics in their 20s and 30s, under the patronage of the Angelic Doctor. Learn more and view upcoming events online at www.stacharlotte.com/finest.

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.

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

Deacon John Parrish passes away, aged 77 MINT HILL — Deacon John Noel Parrish, 77, formerly of Cresson, Pa., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 6, 2015, at his home in Mint Hill.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated June 10, 2015, at his home parish of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte, with Father Patrick Hoare, pastor, presiding. Interment followed at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Deacon Parrish was Parrish born July 16, 1937, the son of Paul and Dorothy (Noel) Parrish. He was formerly employed as a store manager for the A&P grocery store, as a Maryland parole and probation officer, and as the facilities manager for St. John Neumann Church.

He was a permanent deacon for 33 years, having been ordained on July 29, 1983, for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

He served at Resurrection of Our Lord Church in Laurel, Md., until he moved to North Carolina. He was granted faculties for diaconal ministry and assigned to St. John Neumann Church in January 2004.

Besides his work as facilities manager, Deacon Parrish was fully involved in ministry in every way: visiting the sick of the parish, youth ministry, sacramental preparation, Bible study, homiletics and parish devotions.

In his homily, Father Hoare said, “Here at the parish he was the Rock of Gibraltar, and to his children and grandchildren he was Superman.”

Deacon Parrish retired from active service in January 2012.

He loved caring for his wild birds, was an avid gardener, and was a jackof-all-trades handyman. He always had a story to tell with a quick-witted sense of humor. He had a deep devotion to his Catholic faith, was patriarch of the family, was a role model for all, and was always willing to lend a hand and putting others’ needs before his own.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his uncle and aunt, Joseph and Stella Parrish; and his two brothers, Thomas and Joseph Parrish; as well as many other aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pauline (Ivory) Parrish; his four daughters, Bonnie Seasely (husband Kevin), Reba Thoreson (husband Jeff), Janice Pietrowski (husband Walt), and Kim Butler (husband Lee); his son, Ronald Parrish; his sister, Paula Mitchell; and his 13 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region for the loving care provided to their husband and father.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Neumann Church’s Facilities Fund; Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region; or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

McEwen Funeral Service Mint Hill Chapel was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel. com.

— Catholic News Herald

OUR PARISHESI 5A

Pope’s encyclical on environment offers chance for everyone to learn more Kimberly Bender Online reporter

Photo provided by Deacon Ruben Tamayo

Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul blesses new convent on parish grounds for St. Vincent de Paul Sisters CHARLOTTE — Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, blessed a convent located on the parish property behind the main church June 8. Three Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul, whose mother house is located in High Point, moved in the newly blessed home. Sister Archana, SCV, Sister Julia, SCV, and Sister Ann Mary, SCV, will help in the parish faith formation, youth ministry, liturgical ministry and possibly at St. Vincent’s preschool. The Sisters will also plan to work in a healthcare-related field to provide income for their religious order. Sister Archana will act as the local superior. “I have known some of them (Sisters) since they came to the diocese and have visited their convent (in High Point) several times,” said Father Lawlor.

A blessed day in Boonville (Left) Bishop Peter Jugis and Father Enrique Gonzalez, pastor, cut the ribbon during the blessing of the new sacristy at Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville earlier this month.

(Below) Bishop Jugis and Father Gonzalez followed by parishioners and a Spanish “Estudiantina,” a Mexican string band formed by students, process from the streets of Boonville to the church prior to the sacristy blessing.

Photos by SERGIO LOPEZ | Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — When someone you love gives you a gift, you take good care of it.

“God gave us the gift of the earth, and we need to take better care of it,” and that’s what Pope Francis is emphasizing in his encyclical on ecology and climate, said Mercy Sister Rose Marie Tresp, director of justice for the Sisters in Belmont.

In “Laudato Si’: On the Care of Our Common Home,” which translates “Praised Be,” the first words of St. Francis’ “Canticle of the Creatures,” Pope Francis was expected to send a strong moral message upon its release June 18.

The encyclical is not a theological treatise or a technical document about environmental issues, but a pastoral call to change the way people use the planet’s resources so they are sufficient not only for current needs, but for future generations, observers said.

“I expect he’s going to say we need to take action to mitigate climate change on every level – we need personal, economic and political systems to make a change,” Sister Rose Marie said. “It’s vital for us all to act in ways that will mitigate climate change.”

Pope Francis will emphasize that caring for creation is a moral imperative, added Joseph Purello, director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of Social Concerns and Advocacy.

“I think he will also emphasize the interconnectedness of caring for creation and promoting respect for human life and human dignity,” Purello said.

The pope has frequently emphasized the connection between poverty and environmental destruction, Sister Rose Marie noted. The pope is going to stress that environmental issues are really spiritual and moral issues as well, she said, and not independent of other vital issues to the Church such as protection of life and immigration reform.

“It’s connected. It’s all one. It’s all taking care of life. And it means everyone on this planet needs to work for change. We’re all breathing the same air. We’re all going to suffer with loss of water,” she said.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, Sister Rose Marie and Purello will be leading efforts to educate parishioners about the encyclical and how they can make a difference.

“We know that Pope Francis has made the fight against global poverty one of his strong and constant messages,” Purello said. “My hope is that this encyclical will energize Catholics and non-Catholics alike to see that the way we care for our planet and use or misuse its resources has a direct impact on human life, and that ENCYCLICAL, SEE page 10A

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 OUR PARISHES

Celebrating the Feast of Corpus Christi P

arishioners across the Diocese of Charlotte participated in Eucharistic processions for the Feast of Corpus Christi (the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ) on June 7.

The processions typically traveled around the parish campuses and schools, enabling parishioners to witness publicly to Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. In many, the 2015 first Communicants led the parish processions

after Mass, dropping rose petals in front of the Blessed Sacrament as it passed by.

Participants sung hymns as they processed, and then returned to their churches for Benediction.

Photos include: St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, St. Ann Church in Charlotte, Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem, St. Mary Mother of God Church in Sylva, Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington, and Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.

Photos by SueAnn Howell, Patricia L. Guilfoyle, John Cosmas, Jennifer Vigh Daniels, Della Sue Bryson, Raymond Taber and Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald More online At www. catholicnewsherald. com: See more photos of parish celebrations on the Feast of Corpus Christi, as well as a video highlight from St. Thomas Aquinas Church’s Eucharistic procession

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI 7A

A carpet for Our Eucharistic Lord Franklin parish celebrates Corpus Christi with intricate sawdust carpets FRANKLIN — Parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Church celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi with a Eucharistic procession around the church grounds in Franklin June 7. The Sunday afternoon procession featured elaborate, brightly colored sawdust carpets created by parishioners in honor of the Blessed Sacrament.

Father Tien Duong, pastor, led the Eucharistic procession through the sawdust carpets carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a gold monstrance. Accompanying him were parishioners, this year’s first Holy Communicants, and members of the local Knights of Columbus.

Sawdust carpets (in Spanish, “tapetes de aserrín”) are made of colored sawdust or other materials laid out in large, intricately chalked designs on the ground to decorate the path of the Eucharistic procession.

The carpets – historically a sign of wealth and status – honor Jesus Christ’s Kingship and harken back to His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

The tradition of decorating streets in this fashion began hundreds of years ago in Germany. Its popularity spread across Europe, and it was brought to the Americas via the Spanish and via German immigrants to the United States.

The tradition is still found in Mexico, Central America, parts of South America and parts of the United States.

For years, members of the Franklin parish have been devoted to creating these sawdust carpets in celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi. The large carpets which stretched along the length of the Eucharistic procession route took hours to complete.

In a commentary published in the parish bulletin for that week, Father Duong noted that the Feast of Corpus Christi is a time for rejoicing.

“We rejoice because the Church has been entrusted by Christ to make His Body and Blood present on the Sacred Altar nourishing people and strengthening their faith on their journey home to Heaven,” Father Duong wrote. “Our celebration of the Eucharist is the Wedding Banquet of the Lamb of God on earth which will lead us to Wedding Banquet of the Lamb of God in Heaven…

“Let us show our faith in the Real Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, in the Feast of the Lamb of God, in the Holy and Sacred ‘Wedding Banquet’ here on earth where we are invited to ‘taste and see the goodness of the Lord.’”

Pictured below are images from the Eucharistic procession, featuring Father Duong, the first Holy Communicants and the Knights; close-up images of the sawdust carpets; and photos of parishioners including Ramon Richards making the sawdust carpets.

— Some information reprinted from Wikipedia and “History of Sawdust Carpets,” online at www.akvhs.org/carpets/history.htm.

Photos by Vicki Provost | Catholic News Herald

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 OUR PARISHES

Celebrating first Holy Communion

Photo provided by Israel Mata

ASHEBORO — Children in the faith formation program at St. Joseph Church in Asheboro recently received their first Holy Communion, during Mass celebrated by Father Philip Kollithanath, pastor.

BOONVILLE — Children at Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville received their first Holy Communion earlier this month. First Communicants are pictured with Father Jose Enrique GonzalezGaytan, pastor.

Sergio Lopez | Catholic News Herald

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI 9A

Celebrating first Holy Communion ELKIN — The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ this year marked the First Communion of eight children at St. Stephen Mission in Elkin. As a remembrance of their baptism, the children all wore white to mark the next step on their faith journey. After the Communion rite, Doris Watson, their catechist for the past three years, presented them with a gift from the parish. After Mass, all the families gathered in the Family Life Center for a brunch prepared by the families of the previous year’s group and other generous parishioners.

Pictured are: (first row) Nancy Espino, Isabella Estrada, Morgan Orta, Eric Barrientos and Susana Martinez; (second row) Jovanny Lopez, Emma Golden and Nancy Espino; and (third row) Sister Janis McQuade, SSJ, Father John Hanic, pastor, and Doris Watson, catechist.

Photo provided by Sister Janis McQuade, SSJ

LINVILLE — Ethan McCormick, Kamryn Lavelle, Samantha Solis Ayala and Gian Marco Solis Ayala recently received their first Holy Communion at St. Bernadette Church in Linville, during Mass celebrated by Father Christopher Gober, pastor.

Jeanine Russell | Catholic News Herald

LENOIR — Twenty-six children received their first Holy Communion at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir May 31. Father Julio Dominguez, pastor, spoke in his homily about the Holy Trinity, and told the youth how excited they should be in receiving the second person of the Holy Trinity, our beloved Jesus Christ. First Holy Communion recipients were: Adam Baker, Zaine Faw, Daniel Kreahling, Abby Russell, Nathan Smith, Christina Rose Tassinari, Dominic Casey Tassinari, Trinity White, Connor Wilson, Izack Almaraz, Angel Arroyo, Jannet Belmontes, Yvette Belmontes, Junior Castillo, Christian Estrada Hernandez, Jhoana Michael Reyes Flores, Joseph Granados Rivera, Ricardo Ruisanchez Hernandez, Nathalie Ibarra, Nicole Diaz, Luis Humberto Macias Trejo, Juan Carlos Martinez, Alexa Nieves, Edgar Pena, Maria Jazmin Robles-Guerrero and Ashley Urbina. Their teachers were Karen Matthewson, Bianca Rodriguez and Roger Perez. Also pictured is Deacon Stephen Pickett.

Photo provided by Cindy Giarrusso

Photos provided by Marty Schneider and Jennifer Noto

CHARLOTTE — At St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte, 150 children celebrated their first Holy Communion on May 9 – the largest class of first Communicants ever at the parish. Father Patrick Hoare celebrated the Masses and was assisted by Father Peter Pham, Deacon James Gorman and Deacon Joseph Denzler.

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 10A OUR PARISHES

Photo provided by Dr. Cris Villapando and Jean Miller

Joe Thornton | Catholic News Herald

St. Alberto Hurtado sculpture dedicated at St. Peter Church Rallying for traditional marriage

CHARLOTTE — A bronze sculpture featuring the Chilean Jesuit saint Alberto Hurtado was blessed May 31 at St. Peter Church in Charlotte and dedicated in thanksgiving to pastor Father Pat Earl on the occasion of his recent retirement. Deacon Jim Bozik is pictured blessing the sculpture, which is featured in the parish’s meditation garden. St. Alberto Hurtado was canonized in 2005 by Pope St. John Paul II. He is the first Chilean Jesuit saint who was also known for his charity, his love for the poor and his faithfulness to Church teaching. The inscription on the stone tablet reflects this saint’s belief: “I hold that every poor man, every vagrant, every beggar is Christ carrying His cross.” The bronze relief sculpture mounted on stone was created by renowned artist Chas Fagan, whose work is featured at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Fagan, who has lived in Charlotte for 13 years, is a parishioner of St. Peter Church.

THOMASVILLE — Members of Our Lady of the Highways Church in Thomasville attended the nationally coordinated 2015 Historic Marriage Public Square Rosary Crusade in support of traditional marriage between one man and one woman. Grand Knight Jim Hoyng of the Knights of Columbus organized the event, which was held June 13 on the square at the gazebo on Main Street in Thomasville. Hoyng noted in his remarks, “I want to sincerely thank each of you for braving the heat and participating in our area’s only Rosary Rally in defense of traditional marriage. The rosary and various prayers that were provided by America Needs Fatima were meaningful and left me feeling that we accomplished something really significant. Keep in mind that we were one of over 3,200 Rosary Rallies that had been registered throughout the U.S.A. We hope to be witnesses to the full impact of the power of prayer as we anticipate the coming Supreme Court decision.”

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about the sculpture of St. Alberto Hurtado

ENCYCLICAL: FROM PAGE 5A

Bishop Peter J. Jugis invites all the faithful to daily Mass with the Bishops of the Atlanta Province 12:10 p.m.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015 St. Patrick’s Cathedral Charlotte

our most vulnerable brothers and sisters – children, including the unborn, and people who are poor and sick – are those who are most often suffering from our actions.

Unfortunately, those who are the most vulnerable members of society are often the least able to protect themselves from harm.”

While St. Eugene Church in Asheville has recently added solar panels as a way to help the environment, Sister Rose Marie noted, there are also little things parishes can do for the environment – from skipping the plastic and Styrofoam cups at meetings to performing an energy audit on their buildings.

Education is critical, she said, particularly because some people may think this is not an issue of concern for the Church.

“In our parishes, we really need to see this as a moral and spiritual issue. We’re called to act to help those who are poor and vulnerable,” Sister Rose Marie said.

Catholic Charities, working with parish partners and the Sisters of Mercy, will sponsor a three-part series focusing on different aspects of the papal encyclical and environmental justice. The dates and locations are: Sept. 16 at St. Matthew Church, Oct. 5 at St. Peter Church in Charlotte, and Oct. 24 at the Sisters of Mercy’s Curtain Hall in Belmont. More details will be available in early July. There will also be educational events offered in the western and eastern regions of the diocese in the late summer and fall.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read the full text of Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si” At www.catholicclimatecovenant. org: Sign the virtual pledge for the environment At www.usccb.org/issues-andaction/human-life-and-dignity/ environment: Learn about caring for the environment in the context of Catholic teaching At www.catholicclimatemovement. global: Learn more about the Global Catholic Climate Movement

Prayer is important, too. In addition, the faithful can pledge to take action for our “common home” at www. catholicclimatecovenant.org.

The timing of Pope Francis’ encyclical is “extremely significant,” Sister Rose Marie added. Next month, global representatives will meet at a conference on financing for development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In September, the pope will address the United Nations at a session that is likely to see the approval of a new set of global development objectives, the Sustainable Development Goals, which include environmental criteria.

And in December, negotiators and world leaders will converge on Paris to finish hammering out a treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to global warming.

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

26, in honor of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and the Year For Consecrated Life.

About 150 parishioners attended the event that featured a panel discussion and question-andanswer session on religious vocations with three Brothers from the Missionaries of the Poor in Monroe and four Sisters from the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville, Tenn. Father Matthew Buettner, pastor, served as moderator.

— Mary Katharine Mooney

OUR PARISHESI 11A

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OLC celebrates ‘harambee’ Mass CHARLOTTE — Members of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte participated in a Mass May 31 to honor the East African tradition of “harambee.” The Swahili word literally translates to “all pull together,” and is often used to describe groups coming together to worship God and pooling their resources to help the community.

The “harambee Mass,” celebrated by Father Carl Del Giudice, pastor, at this historically black Catholic Church honors the rich heritage of both Roman Catholicism and African-American traditions. Organized by the Black Cultural and Liturgical commissions of the parish, their mission is to shed light on the contributions resulting from the African diaspora to the cultural and rich diversity of peoples in the New World. Following Mass the Usher Board hosted the “Men Can Cook” luncheon to raise money to purchase an automated defibrillator (AED) for the parish. Attendees at the luncheon enjoyed sampling more than 30 dishes. The event raised more than $1,400.

The parish hosts the “harambee Mass” on the fifth Sunday of the month. The next celebration will be on Aug. 30.

— Dorice Narins

Please send your resume to:

Mr. Frank Cardelle - Principal Sacred Heart Catholic School - 385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147 fcardelle@salisburycatholic.org

St. Benedict ladies enjoy retreat day WINSTON-SALEM — The ladies of St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem enjoyed a day of prayer at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville on May 23.

Mary Jo Leverette of Richmond, Va., led the retreat, entitled “The Efficacious Solicitude of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Monica.”

Pictured are Leverette, Mildred Wood and Betty Alexander during a break in the retreat.

— Annie Fournier

His Excellency The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte requests the honor of your presence at the Liturgy of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood Reverend Mr. Casey Allen Coleman Reverend Mr. Santiago Agustín Mariani

Morganton DRE retires MORGANTON — Terri Martino recently retired as director of religious education for St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton after 22 years of service. The Office of Faith Formation recognized Martino, who is a convert to Catholicism, with an award citing her services not only to the catechists and adults of the parish but also to the entire Central Region vicariates when she served for eight years on the Central Region Faith Formation Leadership Team. Martino is pictured with her daughter Janet and three grandchildren, and Dr. Cris Villapando, director of faith formation programs for the Education Vicariate’s Southern Region.

Religious life highlighted at St. Michael Church GASTONIA — St. Michael Church in Gastonia hosted its annual Vocations Parish Lunch April

Girl Scouts honored at St. Matthew Church CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church in Charlotte recently celebrated its annual Girl Scout Mass for all Girl Scout troops sponsored by the parish. During Mass a Gold Award plaque was dedicated to recognize girls from St. Matthew troops who have earned Girl Scouting’s highest award. Ali Buck of Troop 1057 was recognized as the most recent Gold Award recipient in 2014. A reception was held and religious awards were presented after Mass.

Daisy Troops 73, 1305 and 1768; Brownie IN BRIEF, SEE page 12A

Saturday, the twenty-seventh day of June Two thousand and fifteen at ten o’clock in the morning Saint Patrick Cathedral 1621 Dilworth Road, East Charlotte, North Carolina Reception immediately following Great Hall

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 12A OUR PARISHES

IN BRIEF: FROM PAGE 11A

Troop 3783; and Junior Troop 2818 all earned the GSUSA My Promise, My Faith Award by exploring how Girl Scouting can tie into one’s faith.

Caroline Gorman and Emily Andsager of Girl Scout Troop 7501 (pictured above) earned The Spirit Alive Catholic Religious Award for high school-aged Girl Scouts. This program assisted them in discovering how the Holy Spirit moves in their lives, calling them to greater participation in the Church’s ministry. The final component of the award was a service requirement to put what they learned into action.

Lee Christian-Clinton received the St. Anne Medal Diocesan Award for outstanding service contributing to the spiritual development of Catholic Girl Scouts and for furthering Catholic adult leadership in youth ministry. It is an award of the Department of Education, USCCB, and is the highest national award in this field.

Christian-Clinton was the Girl Scout Ministry leader at St. Matthew from 2009 to 2012 and continues to be an active Girl Scout leader.

The Girl Scout Ministry at St. Matthew Parish is led by Lisa Oldakowski.

— Nannette Gorman

High Point graduate earns Girl Scout’s highest award HIGH POINT — Christina Ann Verdi, a High Point Central High School graduate and a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point, has earned the Girls Scout Gold Award, the highest award given to Girl Scouts.

Pictured with her are her parents Kathy and Tom Verdi. She is planning to attend North Carolina State University this fall.

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

Girl Scouts earn Bronze Award BOONE — Seven members of Girl Scout Troop 10492 of St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Parish in Boone were awarded their Bronze Award on June 8. For their Bronze award project, they hosted a birthday party for children who live at Hospitality House of Boone, a non-profit crisis agency that assists the poor and homeless with housing, food and other services. The award recipients were: Madison Welch, Darmody Tausche, Jillian Russert, Kathleen Gibson, Carley Ellis, Katherine Corts and Ann Mellon.

— Amber Mellon

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June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

CCHS Foundation A Tradition of Support to

Charlotte Catholic High School Students and Faculty Since 1974

Contributions may be sent to: CCHS Foundation P.O. Box 474055 Charlotte, NCÂ 28247

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Our schools

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 14A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

St. Michael students earn ‘Christian Virtue Award’ GASTONIA — Select students at St. Michael School in Gastonia received the “Christian Virtue Award,” created this year by their pastor, Father Matthew Buettner. It is granted to students who exemplify the moral virtues, makes prudent decisions, are just and fair in dealing with others, are courageous in the face of adversity, and live moderate and balanced lives. St. Michael School held its awards program June 9.

— Pat Burr

Photos by Mike FitzGerald | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Peter Jugis celebrated a baccalaureate Mass at St. Mark Church in Huntersville for the first graduating class of Christ the King High School. The 29 graduates “learned to sacrifice and to make do” during the founding years of the Diocese of Charlotte’s third high school, he noted in his homily.

Christ the King High School celebrates first graduating class David Hains Director of Communication

Sacred Heart’s Beta Club helps with Early Literacy SALISBURY — Sacred Heart School’s Beta Club conducted a “gently-used” book drive recently to assist early literacy efforts in the community through the Reach Out and Read program located at five Medical Practices in the county. Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit organization that pairs up with the Medical Community (Pediatricians and Family Practices) to give new books out to children aged 4 months through 5 years during their well-child checkups and also educates families on the importance of how reading aloud to children is essential to early literacy and child development. So far this year, more than 6,000 children have received a new book through the program.

Lisa Edwards, Rowan County’s Reach Out and Read Coordinator, said, “Sacred Heart’s Beta Club did a outstanding book drive two years ago that essentially filled our waiting rooms for all of our practices we work with and gave me enough to replace worn books when needed.

These books truly make a difference in the lives of children and it fills a great need in our community. It warms my heart to see a child get a book from the book area and climb into their caregiver’s lap to share.”

Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based program provided by Smart Start Rowan and the Rowan County United Way. — Robin Fisher

HUNTERSVILLE — On June 3 the class president and vice president led the trailblazing graduates of Christ the King High School into St. Mark Church for the start of their baccalaureate Mass.

The joyful Mass capped four years of commitment, hard work and faith for the 29 students graduating from the Diocese of Charlotte’s third – and newest – high school.

The members of the Class of 2015 decided not to wear their graduation gowns in favor of suits for the boys and dresses for the girls. Michael Vu, the class vice president, said students wanted to dress appropriately for Mass and leave the cap and gown for their graduation ceremony at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte June 5.

The break from tradition is typical of the students who decided four years ago to give the new school a chance.

Twenty-eight students were enrolled in the original class when the new school was founded in 2011 to serve the growing number of Catholic families north of Charlotte.

Principal Brendan Keane said the 100 percent graduation rate of the first class is a testimony to the students and their families who remained fully committed to the school, despite being in a temporary facility in Mooresville for the start of their high school years. A permanent site for the school opened just east of Huntersville in August 2013.

Before the start of the baccalaureate Mass, a smiling Bishop Peter Jugis spoke briefly to the graduates, congratulating them and called this a momentous day.

“Relax and open your hearts to the Holy Spirit,” he told them.

In his homily Bishop Jugis asked the students, “How are you going to live out what you have learned here?”

Then he both questioned and challenged the graduates: “Is your life going to be one of serving yourself or serving others?

The measure of a person who is moving forward into adulthood is: how can you forget about yourself and move into a mode of serving others.”

Class president and valedictorian Mary Selzer, who will

attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the Morehead-Cain Scholarship, said, “Christ the King turned out to be the best opportunity.”

She felt the college field trips the class took really set the school apart from other, larger schools.

Class vice president Vu has a brother and a sister who attend the larger Charlotte Catholic High School. But he saw Christ the King High as a good place to grow as a leader.

“The smaller class sizes also allow for better communication,” he said. Vu will attend the Jesuit-run Fairfield University in Connecticut this fall.

The first class of graduates at Christ the King High set a high bar for the ones that will follow regarding college acceptance and scholarships won.

Keane noted that the 29 seniors were accepted at 45 colleges and won $2.5 million in scholarships.

Keane, who became principal at the start of this academic year, complimented both the graduates and their families in describing the makeshift facilities the school used for its first two years.

“They were willing to put their futures into God’s hands and they stuck with that commitment for four years,” he said.

Next year the school expects to graduate 45 students as it continues to build toward its goal of 100 students per class.

But this class will always be the first, and as Bishop Jugis pointed out in his homily, “You received so many blessings and you also learned to sacrifice and to make do with what you had at the time – probably a good lesson for all of life’s journey.”

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Asheville Catholic School Employment Opportunities 3rd Grade Teacher — Spanish Teacher — Administrative Assistant

If you are passionate about education, passionate about your faith, and passionate about putting them together to impact the whole child, then Photo provided by Pat Burr

Mechanical Knights compete in regional robotics games GASTONIA — The Mechanical Knights robotics team from St. Michael School in Gastonia competed at a regional level competition held at Lenoir-Rhyne University earlier this month. All teams were judged on three separate parts. First of these was a mystery team building activity in which the team had to work together to build a house of cards. Next was a project presentation based on this year’s theme of “Education,” and finally, three timed robot mission runs. The team chose the research topic of “How can we improve the way first- and second-graders learn what plants not to touch while hiking?” The children incorporated the entire season of research, testing methods, data analysis, their innovative solution, and who they’ve shared that solution with, to the judges in a fun way by doing their version of an episode of the popular TV show “Shark Tank.” Their research project entailed gathering information from books, magazines, the internet, and a field trip to interview a park ranger to learn about poisonous plants. Then they administered a pre- and post-test to the first- and second-graders on poisonous plants, and through data analysis found that 97 percent of them improved their scores after educating them using pictures and short identifiers. Thinking about how hikers would likely want to have water with them as they travel, they were inspired to make prototypes of their product solution: re-useable water bottles with a variety of pictures and short descriptions of common poisonous plants found while hiking. Competing with 38 other teams, the Mechanical Knights’ personal best score was an admirable 215 in the robot games. They programmed their LEGO robot to perform various missions, such as throwing a ball successfully into a net and grabbing an object with a hook attachment and bringing it back to base. All of their missions required different attachments that they created using LEGO pieces to place on the front of the robot.

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

(803) 327-2097

Center for Spirituality rockhilloratory.org

rockhilloratory@gmail.com

Asheville Catholic School would like to speak with you.

Please contact Asheville Catholic School Principal, Michael Miller (828) 252-7896 or email him at: mmiller@ashevillecatholic.org

St. Matthew Catholic Church 2015 Summer Forum Special Event

Reforming a Challenged Church With Christopher Bellitto, Ph.D. Tuesday, June 23, 1 to 2:30pm St. Matthew Catholic Church

34th Annual Summer Bible Institute Sunday, July 12 – Friday, July 17 Old Testament (Mornings) Garrett Galvin, OFM - Franciscan School of Theology The Hidden Gems of the Bible and Our Faith The books of the last third of the Hebrew canon make a powerful statement on the value of constructing a theology in which human experience comes before dogma.

New Testament (Evenings) Peter Judge, PhD – Winthrop University The Gospel of John through its characters.

The Fourth Gospel is filled with many major and minor characters who react and respond to Jesus in a variety of ways. Through them we learn who Jesus was for them and appreciate him more deeply for ourselves as well.

Garrett Galvin is a Franciscan priest and Assistant Professor of Sacred Scripture at the Franciscan School of Theology in California.

He has graduate degrees from Catholic University and Graduate Theological Union.

Dr. Peter Judge did his doctoral work in scripture at the Catholic University in Louvain, Belgium. He is the Chair of the Philosophy and Religion Department at Winthrop University $90 Tuition for a single course $175 Tuition for both courses $250 Room and Board

For all clergy, religious, diocesan and parish staff, including all faith formation, liturgy, music, youth ministry, pastoral care personnel and Catholic school faculty.

Tuesday, June 23, at 7pm St. Matthew New Life Center Banquet Room Presentation for the general public.

At the dawn of the third millennium, the Church is facing serious challenges. Dr. Bellitto will look back at how the Church has survived, and even renewed herself, during difficult times in her history. Through six lessons of the history of Church reform, he will put today’s challenges in perspective and explore how the institutional and grass-roots Church can move forward together in a constructive and Christian way.

Dr. Bellito is an Associate Professor of History at Kean University in Union, NJ. He is the author of nine books, including the companion volumes Renewing Christianity: A History of Church Reform from Day One to Vatican II and the General Counsels, along with 101 Questions and Answers on Popes and The Papacy and Church History 101. He also created and edited the Paulist Press series, Rediscovering Vatican II, and is a frequent media contributor on Church history and contemporary Catholicism.

This is a free lecture.

To register online please visit: www.stmatthewcatholic.org/summerforum

or contact: Michael Burck, 704-541-8362 ext. 4 mburck@stmatthewcatholic.org

St. Matthew Catholic Church – 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway – Charlotte, NC 28277

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 16A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MACS Education Foundation grant recipients named

St. Matthew “yoU”niversity 2015 Summer Forum Classes Adult Religious Education S – 2 A Day of Retreat Join Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM, MA for a retreat day at the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont, NC on Saturday, June 27, from 10am to 4pm. Come and enjoy the beauty and quiet of the Sisters of Mercy grounds and residence during this one day retreat. Come away for the day to consider God in you-life, you in God-life.

The program cost is $20 and includes lunch.

S – 4 World Religions* Dave Galusha, MRE delivers this enlightening program on Wednesdays, July 8, 15 and 22, from 7pm to 9pm. We will take a closer look at the Religions of the Book – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – and explore the Eastern faith traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto and Confucianism.

The program cost is $30.

CHARLOTTE — The MACS Education Foundation announces the Grants for Educational Excellence recipients for the 2015’16 school year. The grants, totaling $82,051, are awarded to teachers with innovative ideas that enhance the classroom experience through a wide range of subjects. Money is raised through the Educational Excellence Annual Campaign. Established in 1993, the MACS Education Foundation has raised more than $7 million for Catholic education.

Grant recipients are: Alejandra Ahrensdorf, The Traveling Language Lab Phase 2 Crystal Androsky, 21st Century Library Kim Antolini, Bill Fountain and Maureen Milligan, ALEKS Bernie Armstrong and Mary Strauss, Hands on Catholic Eileen Becker, Merit Software Dawn Bonen-Clark and Mary Kay Connery, Google Read and Write Maureen Cherry and Nancy Warnement, An “Apple” a Day…Makes Learning Fun! Mary Kay Connery and Jack Peele, Lego EV3 Robotics Deirdre Cristante and Tricia Wendover, Trout in the Classroom Liz Daniel, Interactive Math Network Lauren Darrell, Learning Through Music and Movement Sarah Dennstaedt and Deirdre Cristante, Raz-Kids Kelly Emery, Building a Hi-Lo Library Victoria Estevan and Margie Henry, Digital Resources for World Languages Heidi Guerin, Drums Alive Tammy Harris and Gwen Henshaw, STEM is Elementary

Kelly Henderson, Patty Croghan, LouAnn Brady and Patti Dickson, Celebrating Our Faith Brian Joyce, Smart Music Interactive Technology Tara Kane, Connecting the World Around Us Anna Kiefriter and Vicki Neumann, The Sound of Music as Education Darlene Konopasek, Creative Construction in the Classroom Jeremy Kuhn and Donna Tarney, Fiction, Faith, and Fellowship: a Book Club with a Catholic Twist Linda Lochridge, Jennifer Bowman, Melissa Davis and Ellen Deem, Learning with Legos Anne Loftin and Carole Watson, Learning Ally Kitty McIndoe, Battle of Faith Stanley Michalski, Timothy Cook and Tracy Shoff, Artist-in-Residence Program Amanda Rivers-Lucey and Debra Ludde, SMCS STEAM Program Kay Roberts, Learning Through Our Five Senses Kathy Thomann, Read Along to the Main Idea Greg Tucker and Lori Hoyle, CCHS Robotics Challenge Elizabeth Wise, Ashley Samuelson and Michelle Engstrom, Battle of the Books Sheila Zagar, HOTS/STEM Legos Recipients will be recognized during an awards luncheon this summer.

An additional $200,210 was awarded to schools through principal grants and $22,737 will be reserved for a future system-wide STEM initiative. The MACS Education hopes to raise $100,000 to meet its $500,000 goal by June 30. To support this program, make a secure gift online at www.macseducationfoundation.org or mail a tax-deductible donation to: MACS Education Foundation, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

CCDOC.ORG

S – 5 A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding what we say and do in the Liturgy.* Join Father Paul Buchanan each Monday during August from 7pm to 8:30pm.

This series takes participants on an exciting tour of the Liturgy as it explores the biblical roots of the words and gestures we experience at Mass and their profound significance.

The program cost is $25.

S – 6 The Book of Revelation* Join Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM, MA for this journey through Revelation either on Mondays, July 20 through August 3, from 7pm to 8:30pm (6A) or on Wednesdays, August 5, 12 and 19 from 11am to 12:30pm.(6B) The program cost is $25.

S – 7 Saints for the Modern Era* Mark Bartholet, MA inspires us with this program on Tuesdays, August 11, 18 and 25 from 7pm to 8:30pm. Saints inspire us and shape the life of the Church by their example. The lives of saints of the last century like Oscar Romero, Alberto Hurtado, Katherine Drexel and Edith Stein will help each of us to seek the justice and peace of God’s kingdom.

The program cost is $25.

To register online with credit card payment please visit: www.stmatthewcatholic.org/summerforum For more information contact: Michael Burck, 704-541-8362 ext. 4 mburck@stmatthewcatholic.org *Child care is available for these courses by reservation.

Call 704-543-7677 ext 1003 at least 48 hours in advance.

St. Matthew Catholic Church – 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway – Charlotte, NC 28277

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

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

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

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

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Celebrating other graduations Our Lady of the Assumption eighth-grade graduates CHARLOTTE — A graduation ceremony and Mass were celebrated June 5 for eighth-grade graduates of Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte. This was the school’s second class of graduates since the newly formed OLA Middle School opened in the fall of 2011. The Mass was celebrated

by Father Phillip Scarcella, pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, and assisted by Deacon David Reiser. Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent of diocesan schools; Kathleen Miller, assistant superintendent of schools; and Kurt Telford, principal of Charlotte Catholic High School, were among those in attendance. Valedictorian was Christa Barsanti.

Photo provided by Tom Barsanti and Allana-Rae Ramkissoon

Charlotte area home school graduates CHARLOTTE — Charlotte area Home School High School graduating seniors were honored during a special Mass May 29 at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. The graduation Mass, a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form, was celebrated

by Father Jason Barone of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, Father Jason Christian of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, and Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church. Pictured with Father Reid are (from left): Anya Grant, Brian Blatchford, Curtis Hoyt, Jack Nobers, Lilianna Romie and Addison Arnett.

Photo provided by Betsy Hoyt

Photo provided by Lori Eanes

Our Lady of Grace eighth-grade graduates GREENSBORO — Nearly 40 eighth-grade graduates of Our Lady of Grace School were honored June 2 at Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. Principal Amy Pagano noted, “OLG prepares each child to meet the challenges of the world with perseverance and knowledge and with the encouragement to lead with personal excellence. We congratulate these children on their accomplishments.”

St. Michael School eighth-grade graduates GASTONIA — St. Michael School held its annual eighth grade graduation May 31.

Pictured with their teacher Greg Davidowitz are the graduates: Marianne Anglin, Elizabeth Bragg, Olivia Bragg, Cory Frazeur, Jerry Ryan Gardner, Eveleen Hahn, Judith Hubbard, Jessa Jackson, Jackson Jones, Carly Kurtiak, Dalton Levine, Karlie Nielson, Tyler Norman, Adaobi Osemeka, Lauren Patton, Alejandro Pichardo, Teresa Purello, Jacqueline Purtell, Thomas Rosemond, Luke Shuler, Elizabeth Targonski, Teresa Wilkinson and Jacob Younan.

During Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Church, award winners were recognized: n The Pastor’s Award was presented to Karlie Nielson and Jerry Ryan Gardner for achieving the highest academic average for an eighth-grade girl and boy at St. Michael School. n The Mother Margaret Mary, FSM Award was presented to Judith Hubbard. This award is given to the student who in their eighth-grade year best demonstrates an eagerness to set goals and to work diligently. n The Benedictine Father Gregory Eichenlaub Award was presented to Jacqueline Purtell. This award is given to the eighth-grade student who best exemplifies the traits of scholarship, leadership and compassion.

Photo provided by Pat Burr

Our Lady of Mercy eighth-grade graduates WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy School honored its 28 eighth-grade graduates June 3 with a graduation Mass and award ceremony. Graduates Ana Montoya, Sophia Cobb, Kayla Burns and LeeMeh gave reflections during the Mass about their memories of OLM and how the school has helped them be the young people they are today. LeeMeh reflected on how OLM school and the parish’s Karenni Ministry changed her life and has given her hope. LeeMeh is a Karenni refugee from Burma (Myanmar) who fled to refugee camps in Thailand and then finally settled in the United States. Our Lady of Mercy Church began this ministry in 2012 to help these refugees in adjusting and acclimating to life in Winston-Salem.

The first awards were for academic achievement in each subject, presented by Deputy Grand Knight Joe Burns of the Knights of Columbus Council 10504. Ana Montoya, Jared Gary, Olivia Dioli, Marcos Lammel, Anna Lammel, Gennaro Coppola, Morgan Carnes, Sarah Aguirre and Taylor Fernald were recipients of these academic honors and received a cash award from the Knights. Gold President’s Awards for Educational Excellence were given to Heidi Bleyer, Gennaro Coppola, Olivia Dioli, Anna Lammel, Marcos Lammel, Martina Lammel and LeeMeh. These students maintained a yearly grade-point average of 93 or above and achieved an 85th percentile or higher on the Stanford Test in math or reading. Olivia Dioli and Jackson Herndon received the annual Principal’s Award for an outstanding Mercy student who has exemplified the Mercy spirit with excellence in academics, athletics and service to community.

Photo provided by Katie Smith

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 18A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Photos provided by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Bishop McGuinness catholic hiGh school conGratulations class of 2015

Elizabeth Abram Mark Andrew Rowley Sarah Ann Craven Peter Balogh Michael Benko Grayson Bennett Arianna Bensink Sarah Bernard Aleksandr Bissell Erin Blaney Thomas Boyers Jack Brannan Robert Brooks Claire Brooks William Bruns Olivia Bunemann Shelby Byrd Caleb Carmichael Andrew Chase Xiaoou Chen Sean Clark Kyndall Cortes Connor Cossio Stephanie Curri Dillon Dankof Jonathon Davis Lewis Drane Allison Edmonds Ryan Elder Reilly Erhardt Raymond Essma Melissa Farmer Dominique Ferri

Delaney Findling Emily Fiore Robert Furr Federica Garcia Calderon William Gardner Ian Gatland Taylor Gentry Daniel Gill Thurman Given IV Joshua Goodman Matthew Hamlet Marie Hammes Connor Hebert Colin Hodges Sun Hu Kim Carissa Hughes Matthew Hutchens Jonathan Ingram JeanMarie Jackson Tessa Johnston Zachary Jones Jonathan Kalish William Kamnick An Ke Liu Robert Knox Katharine Komsa Maximilian Kreber Sebastien Lajeunesse Jacob Leatherman Alejandra Leon Jacob Lilje Ye Lin Abigail Lowdermilk

Sarah Lucas Benjamin Malinda Brendan Malone David Markun Robert Mason Emma McDonald Michael McDowell Joshua McGee Samuel McLaughry Ryan Michaels Cara Mills Aine Mills Hugo Mino Mateo Morillo Kathryn Mulqueen Mason Murdock Savannah Myers Brianna Oliver Erin O’Rourke Mason Orr Anna Owen Alexander Patton Ashley Paul Sofia Pavone Alexandria Putman Cameron Reitzel Brandon Reynolds James Riley Furr Addie Roach Jonathan Robichaud Maria Rogaski Abigail Role Caroline Rose

Jesse Russell Kally Saffer Nicole Saia Alexandria Sarmiento Madeline Scalf William Shannon Morgan Sheehan Zachary Shields Robert Simmons Julia Sims Emmy Smith Zarek Sobkowski Bryan Soltis Michael Tanahey Christopher Terreault McClarghty Thomas Kelly Thomas Jack Thomas Valerie Torres John Valle Luke Vanore Samantha Walsh Yuying Wang William Webster Alexandria Weidman Spencer Wilson Troy Wolverton Ying Yang Taylor Ziemba Alexander Zoretich

our seniors were offered

$5,ooo,ooo in awards and scholarships and have Been accepted to the followinG colleGes and universities: Alabama, The University of Appalachian State University Belmont Abbey College Brigham Young University Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute Campbell University Carson-Newman University Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Charlotte, University of North Carolina Christopher Newport University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University East Carolina University Eastern Kentucky University Elon University Emory & Henry College Florida State University

Forsyth Technical Community College Gardner-Webb University George Mason University Georgia Institute of Technology Greensboro, University of North Carolina Greenville Technical College Guilford Technical Community College Hampden-Sydney College Hollins University Indiana University, Bloomington Meredith College Miami University, Oxford, OH Mississippi State University Mississippi, The University of North Carolina State University Oglethorpe University Penn State University Salem College

Samford University Savannah College of Art & Design South Carolina, The University of Southern California, The University of Syracuse University United States Air Force Academy University of California, Irvine University of Dayton University of Maryland, College Park University of Tulsa University of Virginia University of Washington Washington and Lee University Webster University Western Carolina University Wilmington, University of North Carolina

For additional information Call 336-564-1011 or visit www.bmhs.us 1725 NC 66 South, Kernersville

St. Mark student going on mission to Guatemala Susan Palmes-Dennis Correspondent

HUNTERSVILLE — The last girl standing before and after Mass recently at St. Mark Church in Huntersville braved the heat to solicit from parishioners any donation for an international mission trip she is undertaking later this month.

Amanda Seyler, a junior at Lake Norman Charter School, stood with her mother by a table in front of the church with loads of information about an upcoming mission trip to Guatemala that she will be taking June 20 along with fellow students. The trip is the first international service project of its kind for the school.

Seyler says she always wanted to go into a mission trip to a Spanishspeaking country.

“I’ve been learning Spanish since I was about 5,” she says.

She and 13 other students, a nurse and two adults will travel to rural Guatemala from June 20 to June 28 to assist 70-plus families by installing cooking stoves and water purifiers, thanks to HELPS International and ONIL poverty reduction products. With help from these organizations, teams from North Carolina have been going to remote areas of Guatemala to install stoves and water purifiers for families in need since 2009.

Seyler said she is excited about the upcoming mission, as it will give her the chance to meet people from another culture different from her own. The high school student and soccer player has a 14-year-old brother and a baby sister, and the Seyler family has hosted a student from Japan in the past.

“I love to learn (about) other cultures,” she says.

Seyler, whose family are members of St. Mark Church, also takes seriously her Catholic faith and being a public witness to the Gospel.

She participated in the March for Life from Charlotte to Washington, D.C., earlier this year, and she hopes this mission trip will broaden her perspective on helping people in need.

To other people her age, Seyler says, “Be appreciative of everything that you have. A lot of other people don’t have much as we do, and I think a lot of people in my generation take things for granted.

“Be open-minded to other cultures, and be always grateful.”

For more info about Seyler’s group, go online to www. helpsinternational.org and www.onilstove.com.

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

SAINT:

VESTING PRAYERS:

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of hermits’ cells and community life, together with other distinctive features, gave this monastery and its later affiliates a distinct identity and charism.

Romuald’s approach to the contemplative life, reminiscent of the early Desert Fathers, can be seen in the short piece of writing known as his “Brief Rule.” It reads as follows: “Sit in your cell as in paradise. Put the whole world behind you and forget it. Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish. The path you must follow is in the Psalms – never leave it.”

“If you have just come to the monastery, and in spite of your good will you cannot accomplish what you want, take every opportunity you can to sing the Psalms in your heart and to understand them with your mind. And if your mind wanders as you read, do not give up; hurry back and apply your mind to the words once more.”

“Realize above all that you are in God’s presence, and stand there with the attitude of one who stands before the emperor. Empty yourself completely and sit waiting, content with the grace of God, like the chick who tastes nothing and eats nothing but what his mother brings him.”

St. Romuald of Ravenna died in his monastic cell on June 19, 1027. Pope Gregory XIII canonized him in 1582.

— Catholic News Agency

of examples in which symbols become stylized and transformed over the years. For instance, the Battlefield Cross appropriately symbolizes how a soldier made the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life for his friends.

His bayoneted rifle is rammed into the ground behind his boots and is topped with his helmet. The same thing happened with the maniple.

A manipulus is a Roman military division directed by a centurion. Part of this field commander’s gear was a cape, which, as we see with the stone funerary monuments of the day, was almost invariably depicted as being draped over the left arm to make sure no one would miss seeing this important sign of his authority over the manipulus. That cape was called a paludamentum (today’s pallium worn by archbishops as, literally, a manifest sign of their authority). It was worn especially at the moment when armies were mustered to go into battle. Centurions, mind you, did not direct their soldiers from behind, but rather led them, becoming the commanders who most often died in battle, the first to lay down their lives.

By the time Augustus Caesar died in 14 A.D., the cape’s use was restricted to the emperor alone, which only emphasized its aggressive symbolism of entering into battle. Augustus of Prima Porta, the most famous statue of the emperor, depicts the paludamentum actually being tied on to his left arm as the maniple of the priest is tied to his left arm. Even though Augustus reserved this symbol to himself, the history of the centurion’s authority over a manipulus could not be erased from

popular imagination.

It was easy for Jesus’ followers in the early centuries, in having seen their Lord and God killed by Roman soldiers but then risen from dead, to know that the real battle, the epic war, is now taking place at the Last Supper united with the Cross. It would have been hard for them to resist making an incisive statement about this by way of having priests, the centurions of God, declare war, mustering their troops with the weapons of truth and charity, leading them with the authority of Jesus right to the Cross at Mass, where the One who is alone our High Priest, lays down His life, and our lives with His. Is the weeping and sorrow of a field commander who almost certainly goes to his death for himself ? No. It is for those in his charge, for their families. But for the priest who leads his congregation to the battle on the altar, carrying them to the Warrior, to Jesus, at the moment He is laying down His life for us, that weeping is not for them. They are blessed to be shining witnesses of Our Lord’s goodness and kindness. Instead, this weeping refers to our knowing that it is by our sins that our Lord and God laid down His life for us. It is also a weeping of humble thanksgiving.

How could we not weep and be sorrowful for having offended Jesus with our sins?

Yet, it is in this active friendship with Jesus that we exalt in our salvation, the reward of our labor.

For the priest, that labor comes with bearing the weight of the entire manipulus in one’s charge: the congregation, the parish family of faith. The priest, the father of the local family of faith, is privileged to bring them to Jesus, and this is a joy. Yet, the weight of that responsibility can crush the priest just as Jesus was nearly crushed in His agony in the Garden. But more

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than this, the priest knows he is entirely unworthy to have such authority or to bear such weight. The point of the prayer, of course, is that the priest asks God to be made worthy, but not by any action on the priest’s part.

The prayer for this vestment, the maniple, is a most appropriate way to prepare for going into battle with Jesus – the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Even if today many of us priests do not have this vestment in our sacristies, we can still offer this prayer with the spiritual maniple we posses by way of ordination. We are always called in this “ecclesia militans,” this Church Militant, to lead our parish families of faith to Jesus at the moment He manifests to us His greatest goodness and kindness.

Father George David Byers is administrator of Holy Redeemer Parish in Andrews.

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

—Joe and Helen Drozd, Pennybyrn residents

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

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

The Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God founded what would later become Pennybyrn at Maryfield. Today, Mass is celebrated daily, two Catholic chapels grace the community and several retired priests reside here. “We feel this is holy ground,” says Helen.

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

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

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

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

Where retirement living takes on a whole new spirit.

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

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

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 20A

Carlos Castañeda

E

Ser Padre

s sabido que ninguno de nosotros recibió un ‘manual’ para ser padre, nadie nos enseña ni nos instruye acerca de cómo hacer las cosas más efectiva o eficazmente, en la vida en familia. Lejos de insinuar siquiera que estas líneas contengan el dichoso manual de la paternidad, reflexiono aquí acerca de nuestra paternidad en la perspectiva y expectativa divinas de algunos personajes bíblicos que nos ayudarán a reconocer nuestro papel como padres.

Analicemos brevemente la figura de Moisés. Comprometido con su pueblo e inmerso en la tarea de comunicarles la voluntad de Dios, la Biblia describe a Moisés como un líder y padre hacendoso, responsable y comprometido con los destinos del pueblo que le fue confiado. El libro del Exodo describe a un Moisés que se levanta muy temprano, que prepara el altar con diligencia, coloca grandes piedras y organiza todo procurando que todo lo que hace, permita que el pueblo escuche la voz de Dios. “Obedeceremos.

Haremos todo lo que manda el Señor.”

(Ex 24, 7), le responde su pueblo. He aquí, pues, la figura de un padre líder, comprometido con la tarea de formar y guiar a su pueblo. Moisés –al conducir al pueblo que Dios le confió por el camino que los liberaría de la esclavitud y de la dominación de los egipcios- representa una pieza fundamental, desde su modelo de liderazgo, en la configuración de la Primera Alianza y del sello que se va consolidando como parte de esta infinita historia de amor misterioso entre Dios y su pueblo. Un líder y una misión.

Abrahám es también un punto de referencia para muchos que ejercemos la paternidad, especialmente desde su dimensión de un líder, que, a la vez temeroso de Dios, es además flexible a su voluntad. Abrahám escucha y reconoce la voz de Dios y confía en la promesa que El le encomienda. Cree sin límite, confía hasta el límite y antepone su misión a su propia capacidad humana. Un corazón que ama por encima de todo y vive en permanente comunicación con Dios es lo que caracteriza a Abraham, quien trasciende desde su propia naturaleza humana, no por ambición, sino porque el amor por Dios le consume: “Puesto que has hecho esto y no me has negado a tu único hijo, juro por mí mismo que te bendeciré mucho. Haré que tu descendencia sea tan numerosa como las estrellas del cielo y como la arena que hay a la orilla del mar...” (Gen 22, 16-17) Un corazón amoroso y obediente hasta el límite.

Finalmente, quisiera cerrar con la figura de un personaje del que casi no se habla en la Biblia. Se trata de José, esposo de María y padre de Jesús. Su

ejemplo de liderazgo y paternidad es el más silente y humilde en este artículo y probablemente entre muchos otros ejemplos que nos ofrece la Escritura.

José, quien tenía todas las herramientas para despedir a su mujer, para reclamar su reputación y desconfiar de todo, simplemente se abandona a la voluntad de Dios. Atormentado en sus sueños, reconoce la voz del angel del Señor que le da paz e instruye que no despida a su mujer. Contrariamente a lo que muchos hubieran podido hacer reclamando un legítimo derecho de las leyes del matrimonio, José muestra compasión, confía, ama, acompaña y ayuda. Sabemos que fue justamente José quien acompañó la niñez de Jesús y, ciertamente, algo de su bondad, humildad y laboriosidad fueron transmitidos, como valores, como formación en casa. Un líder servidor.

Un padre es varias personas al mismo tiempo: un trabajador, un líder, un servidor, un corazón amoroso; todo siendo la misma persona. Reconozca usted esa cualidad que Dios puso en usted, como lo hizo con Moisés, Abrahám o José, solo para citar algunos de los mucho ejemplos en la Biblia. Tenemos algo de ellos y de ellos podemos también recoger un camino, un manual de instrucciones, una guía y un modelo a seguir.

Y mi comentario cierra también reconociendo el papel del sacrificado rol de las madres que, por múltiples circunstancias, son padre y madre a la vez. Dos personas en una sola. Sin dejar de ser madres, amorosas y tiernas, tienen la íntima capacidad de trascender en su papel y ejercer la guerrera posición de un padre. Aunque tuve la oportunidad y privilegio de crecer junto a mi padre y madre en casa, yo soy fruto de una de esas madres-padres. Recibí de mi padre mucho de aquello que no se dice, pero que se vive, como la actitud por la vida y la laboriosidad; mientras que de mi madre siempre pude aprender la compasión mezclada con cariño, la firmeza combinada con la sabiduría, la justicia empapada de amor. Yo me empeño en vivir el ejemplo de ambos.

“Hijo mío, empéñate en honrar a tu padre; no lo abandones mientras tengas vida. Aunque su inteligencia se debilite, sé comprensivo con él; no lo avergüences mientras viva. Socorrer al padre es algo que no se olvidará; será como ofrecer sacrificio por los pecados. Cuando estés en aflicción, Dios se acordará de ti y perdonará tus pecados, como el calor del sol derrite el hielo.” (Eclo 3, 12-15) Carlos Castañeda es el Director de Programas del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte y posee una Maestría en Comunicaciones de Marist College, en Nueva York.

RICO DE SILVA | Catholic News Herald

(Arriba) El Padre Ernesto Caro de Monterey, Mexico, dando una de sus conferencias acerca de la Virgen María durante el Congreso Mariano del Rosario 2015 celebrado en la Iglesia de San Marcos en Huntersville el pasado Sabado, 13 de Junio, dia de la fiesta del Inmaculado Corazon de Maria.

Iglesia de San Marcos celebra Congreso Mariano del Rosario Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

HUNTERSVILLE — Cerca de unas 500 personas, la gran mayoría de la comunidad hispana, asistieron al Congreso Mariano del Rosario 2015 en la Parroquia de San Marcos en Huntersville el pasado Sábado, 13 de Junio, día en que la Iglesia celebró la fiesta del Inmaculado Corazón de Maria.

El Congreso titulado, “La Familia que Reza Unida Permanece Unida,” contó con conferencias en inglés y español.

El Obispo de Charlotte, Peter Jugis, fue el celebrante principal durante la Misa.

Los presentadores fueron el Padre Pedro Núñez, de la Arquidiócesis de New Orleans, y quien también tiene un programa en la cadena de televisión católica en español, EWTN. Y también el Padre Ernesto Maria Caro de Monterey, México.

El Padre Pedro F. Núñez es uno de los más conocidos predicadores católicos en el mundo de habla hispana. Nacido en la Habana, Cuba, emigró a los Estados Unidos en el año 1962. Fue ordenado en el año 1977. Desde el año 1979 dirige el ministerio “Mensaje” de la oficina de comunicaciones de la Arquidiócesis de Nueva Orleáns.

Después de sus conferencias acerca de la Virgen Maria, el Padre Núñez contestó preguntas acerca de su charla, así como también inquietudes de los participantes acerca de cómo defender la devoción a Maria frente a los no-católicos que no comprenden por qué la Iglesia honra a la Virgen como la Madre de Dios.

“Si hay una persona que es total y completamente enemiga de Satanás es Maria Santísima. Si hay alguna persona que nunca, ni por un segundo, fue esclava de Satanás fue Maria Santísima. Si Maria

Santísima hubiera tenido un pecado, el vientre de Maria Santísima hubiera contaminado a Jesús, quien estuvo en su vientre por nueve meses… Entonces, Maria es la Madre del Hijo, y por lo tanto Madre de Dios. Jesús se encarna en la historia, se hace uno como nosotros en la historia,” dijo el Padre Núñez durante la sesión de preguntas y respuestas.

El Padre Caro habló acerca de la importancia de entender el verdadero significado de rezar el Ave María y dio conferencias tanto en español como también en inglés. Durante su conferencia en inglés, el Padre Caro dijo a los presentes de habla inglesa que durante un exorcismo, invocar la presencia y ayuda de la Virgen Maria es algo muy poderoso.

El Obispo Jugis predicó su homilía en inglés y fue asistido por el Padre Alvaro Riquelme, Párroco de la Iglesia de San Jose en Kannapolis, quien sirvió de traductor al español.

“Es algo apropiado que dirijamos nuestra atención a la familia en el día de hoy, ya que el título de este congreso es ‘La Familia que Reza Unida Permanece Unida,’ porque, dentro de tres meses, el Santo Padre viene a Filadelfia para el Congreso Mundial de la Familia. Y el tema de esa conferencia en Filadelfia es ‘La Familia que está viva de verdad, es aquella que vive su misión de amor,’” dijo el Obispo Jugis durante su homilía.

EL Obispo continua, “Y hablando de la ‘familia que reza unida permanece unida,’ Nuestra Señora en la Letanía de la Santísima Virgen Maria es invocada como la ‘Reina de la Familia.’ La Letanía dice así… ‘Reina del Santo Rosario, ruega por nosotros. Reina de la Familia, ruega por nosotros,’”

Mix

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest movie reviews 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In the theater

trademark use of rock ‘n’ roll music and a talent for penning witty dialogue, writer-director Cameron Crowe aims for a loose, improvisational feel that can feel manufactured; yet he understands the appeal of his terrific cast and that movie magic occurs when palpable, primarily non-verbal connections are established in which to ground loving human relationships. Non-marital relations between a man and a woman and some use of rough language.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG-13

‘Spy’

‘Aloha’ Unstable yet genuinely poignant romantic comedy about a military contractor (Bradley Cooper) with a checkered past who returns to Hawaii where his ex-girlfriend (Rachel McAdams) resides and where his billionaire boss (Bill Murray) is funding a mysterious space project for the U.S. government. When he falls in love with an Air Force captain (Emma Stone) his assignment, which entails negotiating with the leader of Hawaii’s independence movement, is jeopardized. With his

When a James Bond-like CIA field operative (Jude Law) becomes a casualty in the agency’s effort to bring down the ruthless heir (Rose Byrne) of an international crime dynasty, his devoted but previously desk-bound partner (Melissa McCarthy) goes undercover to avenge him by nabbing the evildoer. She’s aided, albeit ineptly, by the goodhearted officemate (Miranda Hart) who doubles as her best friend. But the relentless, disdaindriven interference of another colleague (Jason Statham) threatens to derail her improvised project at every turn. An excess of crude material and vulgar dialogue overburdens writer-director Paul Feig’s sharply observed, cleverly executed comedy.

Intermittent harsh violence with gore, brief obscene images, over a dozen uses of profanity, pervasive rough and crude language.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

Other movies n ‘Entourage’: CNS: 0 (Morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘Insidious: Chapter 3’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Love and Mercy’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

On TV n Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Mother Teresa, Part 1.” The first of a twopart drama of the little woman who called herself “a pencil in God’s hands.” n Sunday, June 21, 10:30 a.m. (EWTN) “Father Werenfried and the Recipients of His Scholarship.” A tribute to Father Werenfried van Straaten, the Norbertine monk who founded “Aid to the Church in Need” and passed away in January 2003. n Sunday, June 21, 10:45 a.m. (EWTN) “Opening Mass of the Fortnight for Religious Freedom.” The opening for the annual Fortnight for Religious Freedom from the Basilica of the Assumption in Baltimore. n Sunday, June 21, 12:15 p.m. (EWTN) “Catholic Action Insight: The Church’s Teachings on Marriage and Divorce.”

Cardinal Raymond Burke joins Thomas McKenna to discuss the sacrament of marriage, its relevance today, if the Church can change the law for divorced and remarried Catholics who cannot receive Communion, and if the annulment process needs to be revised. n Sunday, June 21, 2:30 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Thomas More: A Hero for Our Times.”

Dr. Gerard Wegemer of the University of Dallas discusses the life and heroic virtues of St. Thomas More, who gave his life defending the faith during the reign of King Henry VIII. n Tuesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Coming to Christ: Coming to Christ at

21A

Holy Mass.” Host Susan Conroy explains how at the Mass, we are not only receiving Jesus Christ Himself in Holy Communion and but we are hearing His Words of everlasting life. n Wednesday, June 24, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Bread of Life.” A look inside the belief and practice surrounding the Holy Eucharist through engaging interviews with Catholic priests. n Thursday, June 25, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Thank You, Blessed Alvaro: Stories of a Beatification.” The story of Blessed Alvaro’s beatification and the miraculous healing of a boy attributed to his intercession. n Friday, June 26, 5 a.m. (EWTN) “They Call Him Father in the Five Continents.”

A journey into the life and works of St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei. n Saturday, June 27, 5 a.m. (EWTN) “Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help.”

A documentary that looks at the Redemptorist’s devotion to Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, and a glimpse in the history of this amazing icon. n Saturday, June 27, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Mother Teresa, Part 2.” The second of a two-part drama about Mother Teresa, whose calling to serve the “poorest of the poor” in Calcutta was legendary. n Saturday, June 27, 11 p.m. (EWTN) “Everyday Holiness: The Life of Father Joseph Muzquiz.” The story of the Spanish priest who began Opus Dei’s activities in the United States and was a tireless worker with a passion for teaching people to find God in their everyday lives.

Our nation

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 22A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishops discuss upcoming encyclical, pope’s visit, top priorities Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service

ST. LOUIS — The U.S. bishops gathered in St. Louis for their spring general assembly heard presentations on the pope’s upcoming encyclical on the environment, the U.S. Church’s ongoing work in promoting traditional marriage and the need to remain vigilant in protecting children from abuse.

On the first day of their meeting June 10, there also were reports on the bishops’ efforts to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and their help in rebuilding work in Haiti, which is still recovering from the 2010 earthquake.

In the second day of the assembly’s public sessions June 11, the bishops heard a report on a draft for priorities and plans for the USCCB for 2017-2020. The report, which was up for a vote, started a lively discussion about what the bishops’ top focus should be.

Several bishops spoke up about the need to put concern for poverty at the top of the list to keep in line with the message and ministry of Pope Francis. The bishops voted to rework the draft document, incorporating the feedback given.

In a 165-5 vote, the bishops approved the inclusion of revised canticles for the Liturgy of the Hours for use in U.S. dioceses. It required a two-thirds vote of the Latin Church members of the USCCB. The bishops also voted to permit the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations to seek a renewed approval, from the Vatican for the USCCB’s “Program of Priestly Formation, Fifth Edition” for an additional five-year period without any changes to the norms.

In an afternoon presentation, married couples talked to the bishops about how they can encourage the vocation of marriage in their dioceses. The bishops also heard from Curtis Martin, founder and CEO of FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. He encouraged them to continue to lead young people to live the Gospel message.

During the two daylong public sessions of the June 10-12 assembly, there was a lot of

discussion on the much-anticipated arrival of Pope Francis in September for the World Meeting of Families and other stops and other upcoming gatherings such as next year’s World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, and a 2017 convocation.

The bishops also were urged to keep pace with technological advances as a means to spread the Gospel message and advised to keep the “digital doors” of the Church open.

In the discussion of the pope’s upcoming encyclical on the environment and human ecology, eight days before its scheduled release, the bishops were called on to help Catholics understand its message.

Pope Francis will challenge the assumptions of “both the left and the right” with the document, said Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace.

He also said it would have international implications, particularly regarding solidarity with the world’s poor.

Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, said the document will likely highlight climate change as “a moral issue,” pointing out that the poor suffer the most from consequences of improper care of the environment even though “they have contributed the least to climate change.”

He said the pope would not be speaking as a scientist or a politician but as a shepherd and that the bishops, who “aren’t novices” on care for the environment, can’t “opt out” of this conversation.

Addressing the pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex “marriage,” expected in late June, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco said that no matter how the court rules, it “won’t change traditional marriage” and the bishops will continue to defend it as the Church teaches.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, praised the “courageous leadership” of Archbishop Cordileone in the effort and the bishops gave him a sustained round of applause.

High Cholesterol

A major topic of the day was Pope Francis’ September visit to the U.S. Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said the Sept. 22-27 World Meeting of Families – the pope will be there for the last two days – is expected to draw the most participants from the United States, Canada, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic. He also said an expected crowd of more than 1 million will be in Philadelphia.

A message to the pope from the bishops, which was read to the assembly, stressed how they looked forward to meeting him and would “accompany him in prayer” in his visit.

In their morning session, the bishops did not specifically address the June 10 announcement from the Vatican about a new process for holding bishops accountable for protecting children from abuse, but in response to a reporter’s question about it, it was clear they welcomed and supported the Vatican action.

“We have a long track record of wanting to help the bishops be transparent” in their efforts to protect children, said Archbishop Kurtz.

At the start of the meeting, the USCCB’s president noted that the bishops were gathered not far from Ferguson and that the bishops’ November general assembly will be in Baltimore – two places roiled in past months by protests, violence in the streets and looting following the deaths of two young African-Americans after confrontations with white police officers.

Archbishop Kurtz urged the bishops to encourage Catholics to take concrete measures to help end racism, including praying for peace and healing, promoting justice for all people, being “truly welcoming” of families of different racial and religious backgrounds. People also should get to know their community’s law enforcement officers, he said.

Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo of Seattle, chairman of the Committee on Migration, encouraged the bishops to visit immigrant detention centers in their dioceses to better understand the conditions under which immigrants who enter the country without documents are being held.

Court lets block on ultrasound law stand Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court June 15 left a lower court ruling intact that blocked North Carolina’s law requiring physicians to perform an ultrasound on women seeking abortions, and to show it to the women and describe the fetus’ features.

Without comment, the court let stand a 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling from last December that overturned the 2011 law on First Amendment grounds.

The Supreme Court also is being asked to take at least two other cases involving state restrictions on abortion. One, which has been on the court’s calendar for consideration for several weeks, asks for review of a July 2014 ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that overturned Mississippi’s requirements for hospital-like standards at abortion clinics. The 2012 law also requires abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at local hospitals.

A Texas law requiring similar standards at abortion clinics was upheld earlier in June by the 5th Circuit. Opponents of the law have asked the Supreme Court to fast-track review of that ruling.

Meanwhile, in the North Carolina case, by declining to take the case, the court let stand lower court rulings blocking the law as violating the First Amendment rights of physicians.

The lower court said: “This compelled speech, even though it is a regulation of the medical profession, is ideological in intent and in kind.”

The ruling said North Carolina’s law goes too far beyond what states have customarily done in the interest of “ensuring informed consent and in protecting the sanctity of life in all its phases.”

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June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI 23A

In Brief Pope accepts resignations of St. Paul archbishop, auxiliary ST. PAUL, Minn. — Pope Francis accepted the resignations June 15 of Archbishop John C. Nienstedt and Auxiliary Bishop Lee A. Piche of St. Paul and Minneapolis and named coadjutor Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of Newark, N.J., a canon lawyer, to be apostolic administrator of the Minnesota archdiocese.

In a statement, Archbishop Nienstedt said he submitted his resignation to Pope Francis “to give the archdiocese a new beginning amidst the many challenges we face. The Catholic Church is not our Church, but Christ’s Church, and we are merely stewards for a time,� he said. “My leadership has unfortunately drawn away from the good works of His Church and those who perform them. Thus, my decision to step down.� On June 5, the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office filed criminal and civil charges against the archdiocese alleging it failed to protect three boys who were sexually abused in 2008-2010 by Curtis Wehmeyer, a former priest of the archdiocese. Wehmeyer was convicted of the abuse and is serving a five-year prison sentence. He was dismissed from the priesthood in March. Archbishop Nienstedt, 68, was appointed coadjutor archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 2007, and installed as its archbishop in June 2008.

Historic number of Catholics to seek U.S. presidency in 2016 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The onetime stigma of being a Catholic for those seeking national office appears to have disappeared in the 2016 presidential election cycle since a record number of candidates have declared their candidacy or expressed an interest in running for the highest office in the country. Twelve Catholics have said they are interested in running, five of whom have already declared their candidacy. Three others are clearly making moves that indicate they will announce a bid soon. “It’s going to be a Catholic year for candidates running for the presidency,� said Stephen F. Schneck, director of the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington. “So, it’s historic.� Catholics who have declared their candidacy include Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, former Florida Republican Gov. Jeb Bush, former Maryland Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley, former Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, and former New York Republican Gov. George Pataki. Catholics who have expressed an interest in running include New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie, Louisiana Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, former Montana Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer, New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King and New York Republican Rep. Pete King.

Catholics urge Senate to adopt anti-torture amendment WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic and evangelical leaders in separate letters have urged U.S. senators to support a measure that would prohibit all U.S. government agencies and their agents from using torture as an interrogation technique. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., have sponsored an anti-torture amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2016. “In Catholic teaching, torture is an intrinsic evil that cannot be justified under any circumstances as it violates the dignity of the

human person, both victim and perpetrator, and degrades any society that tolerates it,� Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M., wrote in a June 10 letter as chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace.

He said the McCain-Feinstein amendment “would help to ensure that laws are enacted so that our government does not engage in torture ever again.�

Archbishop calls Catholic health care essential for ministry WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic health care is an indispensable part of the church’s ministry, Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago told the Catholic Health Association June 8 at its annual assembly in Washington, D.C., on the CHA’s 100th anniversary. “St. John Paul II spoke of Catholic health care as an ‘essential ministry of the Church,’� Archbishop Cupich said. “I would even go further and say that Catholic health care is essential for the Church’s entire ministry.

What I am suggesting is that you keep fresh for the entire Church what ministry is all about.�

The CHA’s centennial “comes at a graced moment in history,� the archbishop added. “Our Church is blessed by the fresh insights and new vocabulary offered by Pope Francis. His inspiring writings, and especially ‘Evangelii Gaudium,’ provide us a new context as we reflect on the past, but take up the present and future mission of Catholic health care with new vigor.�

He noted how “Catholic hospitals today are facing increasing financial challenges, mostly because we give priority to serving the poor.

I have no easy solutions for these vexing problems, especially as states like my own (Illinois) deal with severe budget cuts. Without question the financial crises facing cities and states today have a history of bad decisions over decades. But as legislators deal with this issue, we can speak for those we serve, especially if their voice is easily dismissed. We know their stories and can put a human face on budget numbers.�

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AP: Number of abortions in U.S. has gone down since 2010 WASHINGTON, D.C. — An Associated Press survey of abortion in the United States this decade has revealed that the number of abortions has gone down by 12 percent since 2010. The news was welcomed by pro-life advocates. “It’s important to realize, first of all, that the factors accounting for this are multiple, complex and often hard to measure,� said a June 7 statement from Father Frank Pavone, the national director and chairman of Priests for Life, based in Staten Island, N.Y. But Father Pavone added, “The primary reason well may be the abortion industry itself,� which he said “has been imploding for years.� One factor cited by AP in its survey was the continuing decline in the rate of teen pregnancy. While no new numbers have been issued since those for 2010, the 2010 figures were the “lowest level in decades,� according to AP.

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CRS official resigns after report he was in same-sex â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;marriageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; WASHINGTON, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A veteran Catholic Relief Services financial official has resigned in the wake of report that he was in a samesex marriage. Rick Estridge, vice president for overseas finance, stepped down after 16 years with the U.S. bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; overseas aid and development agency, saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;it was the right decision for me.â&#x20AC;? CRS announced Estridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resignation in a statement June 3. The statement also said that Estridge entered into a same-sex civil union in 2013. The resignation comes six weeks after Michael Hichborn, president of the Lepanto Institute, posted an unofficial copy of a marriage record from Maryland indicating Estridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s date of marriage, the name of his spouse and their residence. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Catholic News Service

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Our world

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 24A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Climate encyclical expected to send strong moral message to the world Barbara J. Fraser Catholic News Service

LIMA, Peru — Pope Francis’ encyclical on ecology and climate is expected to send a strong moral message – one message that could make some readers uncomfortable, some observers say.

“The encyclical will address the issue of inequality in the distribution of resources and topics such as the wasting of food and the irresponsible exploitation of nature and the consequences for people’s life and health,” Archbishop Pedro Barreto Jimeno of Huancayo, Peru, said.

“Pope Francis has repeatedly stated that the environment is not only an economic or political issue, but is an anthropological and ethical matter,” he said. “How can you have wealth if it comes at the expense of the suffering and death of other people and the deterioration of the environment?”

The encyclical, which was to be published June 18, is titled “‘Laudato Si’: On the Care of Our Common Home,” which translates “Praised Be,” the first words of St. Francis’ “Canticle of the Creatures.”

Although Archbishop Barreto was not involved in the drafting of the encyclical, he worked closely with then-Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in 2007 on a document by the Latin American bishops’ council that included an unprecedented section on the environment.

The document “will emphasize that the option for stewardship of the environment goes hand in hand with the option for the poor,” said Carmelite Father Eduardo Agosta Scarel, a climate scientist who teaches at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina and the National University of La Plata in Buenos Aires.

“I think the pope wants us to become aware of this,” said Father Agosta, who was involved in preparatory consultations about the encyclical. “He is aiming at a change of heart. What will save us is not technology or science. What will save us is the ethical transformation of our society.”

The pontiff probably foreshadowed the encyclical during his first public Mass as pope on March 19, 2013, Father Agosta said. In his homily, he said, “Let us be protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.”

Although the document is being published in the wake of a seminar on climate change in April at the Vatican, it will not be limited to that issue and will probably focus on the relationship between people and their environment, Archbishop Barreto said.

The pope has spoken out in the past on the “throwaway culture, both of material goods that we buy and use for a few months and then throw out, and also throwaway people,” he said.

Archbishop Barreto expects some controversy once people read the document, because resisting the “throwaway culture” by being satisfied with less means “putting money at the service of people, instead of people serving money.”

CNS | Paul Haring

Pope Francis leads Benediction outside the Basilica of St. Mary Major on the feast of Corpus Christi in Rome June 4. The feast day was transferred to the following Sunday, June 7, in the U.S. Church.

Celebrating Corpus Christi feast, pope honors persecuted Christians Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

ROME — The Eucharist is the seal of God’s covenant, uniting Christians and giving them the strength to bring God’s love to others, even when faith carries a high price, Pope Francis said.

Celebrating the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ with an evening Mass outside Rome’s Basilica of St. John Lateran June 4, Pope Francis said the Church and its members will never cease being in awe of the Eucharist.

As the sun began to set, the Mass was followed by a traditional Corpus Christi procession from St. John Lateran to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one mile away.

Pope Francis asked the faithful as they walked through the city with the Eucharist to remember “our many brothers and sisters who do not have the freedom to express their faith in the Lord Jesus.”

“Let us be united with them; let us sing with them, praise with them, adore with them,” he said. “And, in our hearts, let us venerate those brothers and sisters who were asked to sacrifice their lives out of fidelity to Christ. May their blood, united to the Lord’s, be a pledge of peace and reconciliation for the whole world.”

The Eucharist, he said, “sanctifies us, purifies us and unites us in a marvelous communion with God. In that way we learn that the Eucharist is not a prize for the good, but strength for the weak; for sinners it is pardon; it is the viaticum that helps us move forward, to walk.”

In the main part of his homily, Pope Francis quoted from one of the texts in the Liturgy of the Hours for the feast day:

“Eat this sacred food, so that your bond of unity with Christ may never be broken. Drink this sacred blood, the price He paid for you, so that you may never lose heart because of your sinfulness.”

Division and losing heart are “a danger, a threat,” he said, but the gift of Christ’s presence in His Body and Blood give Christians the strength to resist them.

But the Eucharist is “the bond of communion” and the constant sign of the love of Christ who died on the cross “so that we would remain united,” he said.

“Christ, present among us under the sign of bread and wine, demands that power of love overcome every fracture and, at the same time, become communion with the poor, support for the weak and fraternal concern for those who struggle to bear the weight of daily life and are in danger of losing their faith,” Pope Francis said.

Christians lose heart when they lose sight of their dignity as Christians, he said, and instead worship “the idolatries of our time: appearances, consumption and placing the ‘I’ at the center of everything.”

Being competitive, thinking that arrogance is a charming personal quality or that you are never wrong are other symptoms, the pope said. “All of this devalues us, makes us mediocre, tepid, insipid Christians, pagans.”

As Christians, he said, we will always be “poor sinners, but the blood of Christ will free us from our sins and restore our dignity.”

“Not by our own merits and with sincere humility, we can bring our brothers and sisters the love of Our Lord and Savior,” Pope Francis said.

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI 25A

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In Brief Pope OKs plan to investigate bishops who fail to act on abuse

Pope Francis urged them to care for family life, which is “one of the most important treasures of the Latin American and Caribbean peoples.”

New martyrs include clergy, laity martyred in 20th century VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of 41 priests, religious and laypeople, who were killed in the 20th century “in hatred of the faith,” clearing the way for their beatification. The pope approved the decrees during an audience June 5 with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. Among the soon-to-be blesseds are: Capuchin Father Federico da Berga and his 25 companions, all Capuchin priests or brothers, who were killed in 1936 by Marxists in Catalonia during the Spanish Civil War; Father Joseph Thao Tien, a young Laotian priest, along with 10 French missionary priests of the Paris Foreign Missions Society and the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, as well as four lay catechists who were killed in Laos by communist guerillas between 1954 and 1970.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has approved new procedures for the Vatican to investigate and judge claims of “abuse of office” by bishops who allegedly failed to protect minors and vulnerable adults from sex abuse. The procedures will include a new “judicial section” within the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that has a papal mandate to “judge bishops with regard to crimes of the abuse of office when connected to the abuse of minors,” the Vatican said June 10. The announcement came at the end of a series of consultations the pope had with his international Council of Cardinals, which met at the Vatican June 8-10. U.S. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, a member of the so-called C9 group of cardinal advisers and president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, presented to the council and the pope a number of proposals for greater accountability of bishops in dealing with cases of clerical sexual abuse. Originally prepared by the protection commission, the proposals were later expanded and given unanimous approval by the Council of Cardinals and the pope June 8, the Vatican said. While the Code of Canon Law already stipulates that bishops hold certain responsibilities, there had been no permanent system or trained staff to deal with reporting, evaluating and judging claims that a bishop had failed to fulfill his responsibilities linked to handling suspected and known cases of sex abuse, said a source familiar with the discussion.

In Syria, patriarch denounces ‘death of the world’s conscience’

obligation. Applicant should be able to play the piano, keyboards or the guitar.

DAMASCUS, Syria — Lebanon’s Maronite Catholic patriarch, visiting war-torn Syria, condemned “the death of the world’s conscience” in its response to the violence in the Middle East. In a homily June 7 at the Maronite Cathedral of St. Anthony in Damascus, Cardinal Bechara Rai also issued a call for peace, “for stopping the war, for political solutions and for the honored return” of the 12 million Syrians who have been uprooted by the country’s four-year civil war. “We condemn injustice, the death of the world’s conscience and all those who provide arms and money for sabotage, destruction, killing and displacement,” Cardinal Rai said.

Our Lady of the Highways Catholic Church

Former nuncio will face trial on charges of abuse, child porn

Islamic militants plan to change Mosul church into mosque

VATICAN CITY — A former Vatican nuncio will stand trial in a Vatican court on charges of the sexual abuse of minors and possession of child pornography. Jozef Wesolowski, the laicized former nuncio to the Dominican Republic, is accused of “a number of offenses” committed between 2008 and the date of his arrest in September 2014. Giuseppe Dalla Torre, president of the tribunal of Vatican City State, ordered the trial, the Vatican announced June 15. The first hearing will be held July 11. The former archbishop is accused of sexually abusing minors during the years he spent as nuncio to the Dominican Republic and apostolic delegate to Puerto Rico from the date of his appointment in 2008 until his resignation Aug. 21, 2013. The charge of possession of child pornography is an allegation based on the archbishop’s activity once he was back in Rome, the Vatican said.

VATICAN CITY — One of the largest churches in Mosul, Iraq, will be transformed into a mosque. According to Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Islamic State militants posted notices throughout the city announcing that the Syrian Orthodox Church of St. Ephrem, which they emptied last fall, will reopen soon as the “mosque of the mujahideen” or jihad fighters.

Fides said the militants’ intention to convert the church into a mosque became clear when they removed the cross from the church’s dome and emptied the church of its furnishings and put them on sale in November. Mosul, located in northern Iraq, was once Iraq’s second-largest city with a significant Christian population. The city is now empty of Christians.

Male, female differences must be recognized, valued, pope says VATICAN CITY — Efforts to convince people that the differences between male and female are simply social conventions, which limit individual freedom, ignore the fact that men and women need each other in order to understand themselves, Pope Francis said. “The differences between man and woman are not of the order of opposition or subordination, but rather of communion and generation,” which is why the human person, male and female, can be said to be made in the image and likeness of God, the pope told bishops from Puerto Rico. “Without mutual commitment, neither of the two will be able to understand the other in depth,” he said.

“The complementarity of man and woman – the summit of divine creation – is being questioned by what is called ‘gender ideology’ in the name of a society that is freer and more just.” Meeting the bishops of the Caribbean archipelago June 8 during their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican,

Vatican ready to announce decision on Medjugorje, pope says ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina — Pope Francis said the Vatican was ready to make an announcement concerning the alleged Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith met recently to discuss the issue and “we’ve reached the point of making a decision and then they will say,” he told journalists on the flight back to Rome June 6. An international commission of cardinals, bishops, theologians and other experts, working under the auspices of the doctrinal congregation, was set up in 2010 to investigate the claims of six young people who said Mary had appeared to them daily beginning in 1981. The apparitions purportedly continue and thousands travel to the small town each month to meet the alleged seers and to pray. For years the local bishop, Bishop Ratko Peric of MostarDuvno, has said he believes nothing supernatural is happening in Medjugorje.

— Catholic News Service

Music Minister Our Lady of the Highways Catholic Church in Thomasville, NC is seeking a Music Minister to lead the choir in weekend Masses and Holy Days of

Please send resume to: Attention: Fr. James M. Turner 943 Ball Park Road, Thomasville, NC 27360

Secretary / Administrative Assistant Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church 1235 Badger Court - Charlotte, NC 28206 Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church is seeking a full-time Secretary to the Pastor as Administrative Assistant. This will also entail administrative, secretarial and clerical office support to the parish office operations. Position is Full time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Responsibilities include but not limited to: • Enter sacramental records in the Parish Records Books • Gather schedules of departmental activities to prepare and print weekly calendar as requested • Facilitate inventory control measures, purachasing, maintaining and recording inventory for the church, including sacramental and liturgical supplies • Receive visitors in the Parish Office and answer the telephone, address their inquiries and direct as appropriate, both in person and on the phone • Be available as needed for unforeseen things that come up • Supervise the maintenance of parishioner contributions

Qualifications: • General knowledge of the Catholic Church, sacraments, rites and liturgies.

• Experience working in a parish office environment preferred.

• Good communication skills and ability to relate to a variety of people in a spirit of generosity.

• Excellent grammar, vocabulary and listening skills.

• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Outlook, Publisher and Excel) and knowledge of Parish Data Systems & Parish Soft

Please visit olc2301@att.net for a detailed job description.

Please send resume and letter of interest to Rev. Carl Del Giudice, Pastor, Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, 1235 Badger Court, Charlotte, NC 28206 or by email to

ctdelgiudice@charlottediocese.org

ViewPoints

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 26A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Fred Gallagher

The men in my mother’s kitchen I

grew up with all brothers, so my mother’s kitchen was constantly overrun by males. But it wasn’t just my brothers or my uncles or the salesmen who worked with my father. No, over the years a large number of those men wore either cassocks or white collars – at least until they made it to the kitchen where I had to fight them for the fried chicken just as much as I did my brothers! You see, my parents knew a lot of priests.

They were mainly from Belmont Abbey Monastery, a place that had taken my father in as a boy and raised him. And it was always important for my father to give back to those Benedictines, which he made it a point to do all his life.

On his death bed he said: “Please tell the men of Belmont Abbey thank you.”

Many of those men had become his dearest friends and when he needed them, they were always there. They brought seminarians around as well. They were dinner guests, weekend visitors, and attendees at long discussions in all hours of the night. Some were as close as brothers, and therefore there were spirited arguments. And the later it got the louder it got, until, of course, my mother put her foot down.

Many of the names my brothers and I recall with great fondness are now etched into the small tombstones of the Abbey cemetery. Later on, there were many diocesan priests and mission priests, some from the far corners of the planet, who also became dear friends. The influence of those in the spiritual lineage of Melchizedek, those blessed Benedictines as well as our own diocesan priests, continued among my brothers and me, in the critical struggles of our lives, in our grieving and our growing up, our celebrating and our flying forth. They have married us and baptized our children. They have counseled us and absolved us and prayed for us. From my mother’s kitchen and forward generations, the memory of those men and their honorable lives is now a blessed and ongoing part of our family story.

This summer ordinations to the priesthood will take place all over the country, including right here in the Diocese of Charlotte. We live at a time where it seems so many Catholics are either nominally so, deciding week by week whether the family will attend Mass and practically disregarding their own formation, or staunchly so, sometimes suffering the temptation to self-righteousness and its inevitable arrogance in the service of being “Catholic.” These new priests will have to figure out ways to tend to their entire flocks, using all the grace, humor and conviction they can muster. I hope that they will be welcomed into other people’s kitchens, just as my mother welcomed so many into hers.

Nowadays, it’s a challenging time for Catholics and a challenging time for our priests. I personally decided a while back to resign from the “liturgy police,” but it seems to me that to be considered Catholic nowadays one has to be almost self-consciously so because the world doesn’t connect too well with folks who pray throughout the day and use holy water and carry beads and hold to a theology that places human dignity at a premium.

How on earth will our clergy fulfill their priestly duties with humility – that is, in a self-assured way – in a culture which relies less and less on religious belief as a foundation of reason and order? All of us believers, clergy and laity alike, are beginning to stick out like sore thumbs.

I pray for our priests. I pray especially that our new priests never give in to the peculiar laxity to which some modern Catholics ascribe, just as I pray that they refrain from a kind of “ecclesial introversion” St. John Paul II alluded to which would limit their evangelical reach. I pray that they will be able to look for (as Father Robert Barron, in a wonderful new book of essays, calls us all to do) the “semini verbi (‘seeds of the Word’) already present among the people one seeks to evangelize.” I pray that those receiving the sacrament of holy orders, with those indelible marks, will come to be one with the ominous duties ahead. I pray that they will preach forthrightly but with a knowledge that we are all sinners in need of mercy. I pray that they will fall in love with the Mass and lose themselves to Christ. And I pray that they will reach out to our families, fight for the fried chicken with the kids, and occasionally put an argument to the test with fraternal zeal coupled with amiability and compassion. It is not too much to ask of us all, clergy and laity alike, to come to the table in love and respect – a table perhaps very much like the one in my mother’s kitchen, a table where our little ones may one day fondly recall the presence of men who loved them.

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

The face of Our Father Rico De Silva “He who has seen me has seen the Father.” (Jn 11:9)

T

his Sunday we’ll celebrate Father’s Day. As the father of one daughter, this is cause for rejoicing. But as a Catholic, this is a great cause for gratitude and awe towards Our Heavenly Father, “from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name” (Eph 3:15).

I recently had the opportunity to cover a family assembly in Spanish for the Catholic News Herald-Español. During the assembly, one of the presenters said something that really struck me and caused me to reflect on my role as a father. He said that “as fathers, our main role is to show our children the face of God. If we are mean, or selfish, or don’t show any kind of love or affection for our kids, then that’s the image of God they will have growing up.”

What a great responsibility, I thought to myself, yet at the same time what a great privilege being a father is! God believes in all of us fathers and has gifted us and entrusts with children – His children, really, as our kids are all “on loan.” Before we know it, they’re all grown up. They get their driver’s license, then they head off to college, and, finally, a wedding, or if it is His wish, consecrated life or ordination.

I remember clearly when my daughter Brianna was born. I remember like it was yesterday, the night of Nov. 21, 2005. I held her in my arms for a whole hour right after she was born. I remember looking at Brianna and she looking at me. I just couldn’t believe it. I remember thanking God for this great miracle I was holding, and praying, “Father, please don’t let me screw this one up.”

Guys, the good news is that God is always by our side, provided we invite Him and ask for His help in being a parent. The bad news is that we will make mistakes at times if we decide to be present in our children’s lives. However, the main thing is to let them know we love them because Our Father loves them, and not the other way around. Then, and only then, our children will see the Face of God in our homes.

I want to wish all of you fathers a happy and blessed Father’s Day and want to encourage all of you dads to join me in thanking God, Our Father, during this Sunday Mass for this great honor and privilege of being a father.

Rico De Silva is the Hispanic communications reporter for the Catholic News Herald.

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI 27A

Letters to the editor

Deacon James H. Toner

What we know that ain’t so:

“What you think is the right road may lead to death” (Prv 14:12)

A false charity What we think is the right road

S

peaking recently, one American politician challenged church-goers (of course, he meant Catholics) to stop worrying so much about abortion and to start worrying more about poverty. The Church is too caught up with such matters as abortion and not enough with the poor.

But it’s the wrong road We must be very careful of such politicians, not because they are ignorant about religion (although they are), but, rather, because of their brazen attempt to mold religion into a statue peculiarly resembling themselves. As G.K. Chesterton said of such self-anointed prophets: “Wherever the people do not believe in something beyond the world, they will worship the world. But, above all, they will worship the strongest thing in the world.”

Catholics – indeed all people of good will – must be vigilant today because, in the name of preventing or curing evil, politicians of all stripes are inclined to seek public approval for consolidating power. As St. John Paul II put it in his 1991 encyclical “Centesimus Micah 6:8 Annus”: “When people think they possess the secret of a perfect social organization which makes evil impossible, they also think that “Worshipping the they can use any State,” by Benjamin means, including Wiker, Washington, D.C.: violence and Regnery, 2013 deceit, in order to bring that organization into being. Politics then becomes a ‘secular religion’ which operates under the illusion of creating paradise in this world. But no political society – which possesses its own autonomy and laws – can ever be confused with the Kingdom of God.” The notion that the Church must choose between seeking to prevent the slaughter of the innocent and seeking a presumably fairer distribution of money is what is known in logic as a false dichotomy.

There is no question that as Catholics we are called to the corporal works of mercy, yet that call does not diminish – and, in fact, it enhances – our call to the spiritual works of mercy (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2447).

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI explained this in his 2009 encyclical “Caritas in Veritate”: “In the present social and cultural context, where

‘Do the right, love goodness, and walk humbly with your God.’ Suggested reading

there is a widespread tendency to relativize truth, practicing charity in truth helps people to understand that adhering to the values of Christianity is not merely useful but essential for building a good society and for true integral human development. A Christianity of charity without truth would be more or less interchangeable with a pool of good sentiments, helpful for social cohesion, but of little relevance. In other words, there would no longer be any real place for God in the world.”

It is sheer demagoguery to suggest that the Church choose between defending life and fighting poverty. In fact, we cannot fight poverty until we are poor. By that, I mean that the Church traditionally calls us, not necessarily to poverty of means, but always to poverty of spirit.

Our Lord is, of course, the perfect exemplar of that poverty of spirit we call humility. True poverty of spirit not only opposes personal arrogance but also recognizes God’s gifts and uses them wisely and well (read Prv 22:4; Eph 4:2; Phil 2:3; Rom 12:16; Col 3:12; and 1 Pt 3:8, 5:5-6).

When Our Lord preached the Sermon on the Mount, He began by praising the poor in spirit (Mt 5:3). Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch have pointed out that “poor in spirit” refers to the people “who recognize their need for God and His grace.” They say of these truly humble people that they find peace in the Lord “and rely on His mercy rather on their own merits or material wealth.”

It is a false charity which provides or praises material wealth while displacing or disparaging spiritual wealth (cf. James 2:5). Yet that is, tragically, what has happened during the three or four decades. Eager to have the Church turn from truth, turn from defense of the unborn, turn from teaching about sin and redemption – What good does it do, after all, for someone to gain the whole world but lose his soul? – secular politicians yearn to demote the Church to a mere social welfare agency.

Blessed Pope Paul VI warned about this danger in 1975: “We must not ignore the fact that many, even generous Christians who are sensitive to the dramatic questions involved in the problem of liberation, in their wish to commit the Church to the liberation effort are frequently tempted to reduce her mission to the dimensions of a simply temporal project. They would reduce her aims to a man-centered goal; the salvation of which she is the messenger would be reduced to material well-being. Her activity, forgetful of all spiritual and religious preoccupation, would become initiatives of the political or social order. But if this were so, the Church would lose her fundamental meaning.”

Asked why he had become a Catholic, Chesterton replied, simply, humbly and profoundly, “to get rid of my sins.” “The Church in this world is the sacrament of salvation, the sign and instrument of the communion of God and men” (CCC 780), calling us, as did Our Lord in the Beatitudes, to be poor in spirit.

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

Too many of us lack courage to stand up for our faith I applaud Deacon James Toner for his commentary “Personally Opposed,” published June 5 in the Catholic News Herald. Unfortunately, it was buried toward the back of the paper, when it should have been right up front.

Deacon Toner has hit on a very important and serious situation in our Catholic faith. Too many of us are afraid to stand up for the moral teachings of the Church, saying that they don’t want to cause conflicts, disagreements, be labeled intolerant, etc. We have to join together in love and compassion, but we must stand strong for our Catholic faith and the moral teachings of the Church.

I am so saddened by the number of people – especially those involved in politics – who profess to be Catholic but are ruled by what society feels and wants, not what is morally right. So many of these people could have such a positive effect on society, but they lack the courage to do what God calls us all to do every day of our lives: to be “beacons” to the world.

The recent results of the same-sex “marriage” vote in Ireland should be a big eye opener for the Church, and for all of us.

Pray for the Catholic Church throughout the world.

Happy anniversary, Sister It seems appropriate that during this Year for Consecrated Life, Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin is to celebrate a milestone anniversary: 60 years as a Sister of Mercy.

I did not know Sister Mary Hugh when she taught the infinity of mathematics, but am grateful she is now teaching about infinity of another kind and that I can be her student. I am a self-professed Sister Mary Hugh “groupie,” attending her classes at St. Matthew Church since I “discovered” her during a G.I.F.T. session a few years ago. She is a wise and kindly instructor, willing to share with us her knowledge of Scripture, her profound faith, and her devotion to her Church and to her religious community. Her gentle spirit and sense of humor engender discussions that enrich us all.

Happy anniversary, Sister Mary Hugh, and thanks be to God for your 60 years of faithful service to the Church we cherish.

Judi Sielaff is a member of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill.

Linda Pillion is a member of St. Bernadette Church in Linville.

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‘The clearest sign Jesus left of how giving enriches others is the gift of Himself in the Eucharist.’

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From the online story “Pope: Concern for poor is sign of Gospel, not red flag of communism” Through press time on June 17, 7,295 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 17,320 pages. The top 10 headlines in June so far were: n 2015 priest assignments announced for Diocese of Charlotte................................................3,733 n Charlotte diocese announces seminarian summer assignments for 2015............................. 852 n ‘Stay close to God and He will stay close to you’............................................................................448 n View the latest print edition of the Catholic News Herald........................................................... 409 n St. Barnabas: Apostle and missionary honored on June 11...........................................................214 n Christ the King High School celebrates first graduating class.....................................................213 n Triad mother recounts miraculous events surrounding high-risk pregnancy, healing...........181 n Fathers Reese, Ward celebrate combined 100 years of priesthood............................................167 n Faithful show their devotion on Corpus Christi.................................................................................166 n Father Deacon Kevin Bezner: Whether to wear my clericals on vacation.................................154

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 28A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“I Am The Way and The Truth and The Life” (John 14:6)

11th Eucharistic Congress

September 11 – 12, 2015, Charlotte Convention Center Singing and Praying Hymns of Praise in Honor of the Holy Eucharist, Vespers, Bible Study of the Gospel of St. John with Fr. Patrick Winslow Procession of the Eucharist to St. Peter’s Church and Nocturnal Adoration, College Night Vendors of Sacred Art Vocation and Catholic Education information Holy Mass ND

T H E WAY A AM

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For more information please visit: GoEucharist.com

I F E – Jo h

Teresa Tomeo “Fortifying Faith, Family and Culture”

Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk “Bioethics: A Moral Compass for the Family” Sacred Music Concert

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Father Daniel L. Mode “Father Vincent Capodanno, The Grunt Padre”

U E TR TH AN D

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PRESENTATIONS Holy Hour Homilist: His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan “The Holy Eucharist: The Way and The Truth and The Life of the Intentional Catholic”

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English and Spanish Tracks for Adults K-12 Education Tracks for Students Religious displays

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Eucharistic Procession - Uptown Charlotte Holy Hour Confession

2015 Eucharistic Congress Diocese Of Charlotte

September 11 & 12

June 19, 2015

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org

Following the Way of Christ ORDINATION

JUBILARIANS

DEACONS

WOMEN RELIGIOUS

VOCATIONS

Coleman, Mariani await June 27 priestly ordination

Our 2015 jubilarians: Priests, deacons and women religious

Deacons celebrate 20th anniversary of ordination

Profiles of several Sisters and their ministry in the diocese

Priests from Cameroon, India view their U.S. ministry as missionary

2-3B

12-13B

18-19B

20-21B

8-9B

The ordination rite explained

General information about vocations

4-5B

7B, 22B

2B

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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

Photo provided by Michael Lund, PNAC Photo Service

Santiago Mariani was ordained to the transitional diaconate during Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome Oct. 2, 2014. He kneels as Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, D.C., invokes the power of the Holy Spirit to confer holy orders upon him.

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Seminarian Casey Coleman kneels before Bishop Peter J. Jugis during the ordination rite and the imposition of hands during his ordination to the transitional diaconate on June 7, 2014, at St. Patrick Cathedral.

Two to be ordained to the priesthood CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis will ordain two men to the holy priesthood at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. Transitional Deacons Casey Coleman and Santiago Mariani are poised to become diocesan priests upon their ordination.

Deacon Coleman, a parishioner of St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte, studied theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.

Deacon Santiago Mariani, a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, is returning this month from Rome, Italy, where he studied theology at the Pontifical North American College.

Deacon Coleman will be vested by Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor of the cathedral, and Father Matthew Buettner, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia.

“Father Roux was integral in my discernment process to

enter seminary in pursuit of the priesthood,” Deacon Coleman explains. “I first met Father Buettner before I entered seminary when I was living in Hickory and he was pastor of St. Dorothy’s (Church) in Lincolnton. I was also assigned to St. Dorothy’s for my first summer pastoral assignment.

“Both Father Roux and Father Buettner played important roles in my formation as a seminarian and future priest, especially in my early years of formation – and for that I am extremely grateful and have asked them to vest me for ordination.”

Deacon Mariani will be vested by Father Patrick Winslow, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

“Father Winslow was the first priest to encourage me to lay aside my vocational fears so as to follow the Lord wherever He may lead. The joy that I saw in his life as well as that of his brother priests captivated me, and I began to long for what they had in Christ.”

At the conclusion of the ordination liturgy, there will be a reception for the newly ordained men in the banquet room of the St. Patrick Family Life Center.

All are welcome to attend the Mass and reception.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

First Masses of Thanksgiving n Newly ordained Father Casey Coleman will offer his first Mass at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte. Dominican Father W. Becket Soule, a professor of canon law and preaching practicum who holds the position as the Bishop James A. Griffith Chair of Canon Law at the Pontifical College Josephinum, will deliver the homily. “He is a close friend and my spiritual director for my four years at the Josephinum,” Coleman explains. n Newly ordained Father Santiago Mariani will offer his first Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 28, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Spartanburg, S.C. Father Patrick Winslow, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, will give the homily.

Online Facebook messages of support for Deacon Casey Coleman and Deacon Santiago Mariani can be posted to the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page.

Check out coverage of the June 27 ordination Mass, including photos and video highlights, online at www.catholicnewsherald.com and in the July 3 issue of the Catholic News Herald.

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Deacon Casey Coleman

Deacon Santiago Mariani

Birthdate: Dec. 27, 1981 Parents: Keith and Caroline Coleman Sibling: Jason Coleman Hometown: Born in Dayton, Ohio, but raised in Englewood, Ohio, and in Weddington Elementary and Middle School: Northwood Elementary in Englewood, Ohio, Northmont Junior High High School: East Forsythe High School, Winston-Salem, 1996-1998; Sun Valley High School, Monroe, 1998-2000 College Degree: B.S. in mechanical engineering (2004) from North Carolina State University Pre-Theology: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia (2009-2011) Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio (2011-2014) Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Dorothy Church, Lincolnton; St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte; Spanish Immersion Program in Middlebury Language School in Middlebury, Vt., St. Mark Church, Huntersville

Birthdate: June 7, 1985 Parents: Marcelo and Nancy Mariani Sibling: Matias Mariani Hometown: Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina; also raised in Spartanburg, S.C. Elementary and Middle School: Fatima in Buenos Aires; Jesse Boyd Elementary School; McCracken Junior High School High School: Spartanburg High School College Degree: B.S. in finance from Wofford College Pre-Theology: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa. Theology: North American College (Rome) Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Michael the Archangel Church, Gastonia, summer of 2013

Q&A with each priest candidate Deacon Casey Coleman

Deacon Santiago Mariani

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

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

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

Mariani: I first realized I had a calling to the priesthood during my college years. By then my dream had become to open my own business and to have a large family. Yet when I began to bring these before the Lord in prayer in the Adoration Chapel, I began to feel a draw to the priesthood that I had never experienced before, and that both surprised me and rather terrified me! This pull remained with me and grew only stronger as I continued my studies, and so it was that I decided to give seminary a try, if only so that I would know in peace that it was not for me. And here I am today, about to be ordained! And this, of course, is a most tremendous gift.

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

Coleman: I have had many good examples. First was my pastor, Father Bob Ferris at St. Aloysius Church (Hickory), where I was confirmed and was a parishioner before seminary, and the parochial vicars who used to be there (Father Julio Dominguez and Father Jean Pierre Lhoposo, CICM). At St. Matthew Church, my current parish, there are Monsignor John McSweeney, Father Pat Cahill, Father Robert Conway and Father Ambrose Akinwande, MSP. And especially my pastors I have been assigned to work with during my summer assignments: Father Matthew Buettner, Father Christopher Roux (who was also my spiritual director as I was discerning entering seminary). Other priests I have grown close to are Father John Putnam, Father Christopher Gober, Father Matthew Kauth, Father Timothy Reid, Father Patrick Winslow, Father Felix Rossi, Father David Miller, Father John Eckert, Father Joshua Voitus – the list could really go on – not to mention the many priests at seminary.

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

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

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

Coleman: I am looking forward to truly serving the people of the Diocese of Charlotte as a priest and to share the priestly joy that is Jesus Christ with them, wherever I am assigned and in whatever capacity I am able. I look forward to bringing Christ to all people in a hope to evangelize both Catholics and non-Catholics, because Catholics need to be evangelized to a deeper conversion of heart and love of their faith, and all other people should want to become Catholic where we can fully encounter Christ especially in the Eucharist.

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

‘I am looking forward to truly serving the people of the Diocese of Charlotte as a priest and to share the priestly joy that is Jesus Christ with them...’

Deacon Casey Coleman

Mariani: Father Patrick Winslow was the first priest to encourage me to lay aside my vocational fears so as to follow the Lord wherever He may lead. The joy that I saw in his life as well as that of his brother priests captivated me, and I began to long for what they had in Christ. In seminary I have been edified continually by the example of other friend seminarians, some of whom have had to endure great hardships in their vocational path, yet who did so with heroic trust in the providence and goodness of Almighty God.

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

Mariani: Do not be afraid! If the Lord is calling you to be a priest, He will be with you to guide you with His strong, compassionate arm, and to give you the grace to find your true happiness in His Most Sacred Heart. Turn to His Mother with devotion and trust, and she, too, will be ever with you to lead you to an ever deeper and richer relationship with her beloved Son. CNH: Are there any comments you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest here in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Mariani: I look forward to being of service to you as one of Christ’s priests! Please keep me in your prayers, that I may cling to Christ all the days of my life, and be a joyful minister of His truth and love.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Coleman and Mariani families reflect on upcoming ordination CHARLOTTE — The fourth Saturday in June will be a joy-filled day for two families as they witness the ordinations of their sons, Deacons Casey Coleman and Santiago Mariani. Their parents, Keith and Caroline Coleman and Marcelo and Nancy Mariani, share their reflections:

Caroline Coleman

Casey came to us the spring before he entered the seminary stating he had been speaking to his spiritual advisor about the priesthood and had been accepted into the seminary.

I went with him the first day at the seminary of St. Charles Borromeo in Philadelphia and attended Mass with Casey, where I told God, “If you want my son, I give him to you,” and asked Mother Mary to look after her new son.

I know Casey’s grandmother who died four years ago was so excited when she heard he was going to be a priest. His grandfather would often call and speak to him about theology, as he was an ex-Marianist brother.

I know that his grandmother, great-grandmother and grandfather will be watching from heaven with much joy.

Casey’s dad and I are really proud of him and could only thank God that He has blessed us with two great sons: Casey, who He has called to serve Him and His people, and his brother, who has been serving his country as a U.S. Army captain.

I know that when we see the joy in his eyes and the smile on his face the moment he is ordained a priest, I know he will experience the joy of true love, the same joy his father and I felt when he was given to us by God the day he was born.

Marcelo Mariani

As parents we always told our sons that they need to look for their path in life, wherever they believe that will make them happy. One of the main reasons that brought us to the U.S. was to give them the chance to get a good education, which will help them for the rest of their life.

When Santiago decided to go to college to get a degree in business, we felt good about it. After all, he was following my own path and the path of my father before me, it is a topic that is useful for many aspects of our lives, and everywhere in the world people practice business on a daily basis, so it would prepare him to face whatever the world throws at him.

During his last year of college, he was planning with a friend to start his own business as soon as they graduated, and he was in a relationship with a very nice girl. Everything was so exciting, they were planning their business and their lives as well.

Everything was looking like a puzzle, and every day he was adding a new piece to his master plan.

One day, to my surprise, Santiago came to me and said, “Dad, I need to talk with you.” It seems I was the last one to find that his plans had changed to the point that everything what he was planning was not going to happened – no business and no longer starting his own family. He told me about the calling he felt from God, that he had been exploring his feelings about becoming a priest for a long time, and that he had now decided to parents, SEE page 23B

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Deacon Casey Coleman lies prostrate during his ordination to the transitional diaconate on June 7, 2014, at St. Patrick Cathedral. He and Deacon Santiago Mariani will be ordained to the holy priesthood on June 27, during Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral.

The ordination rite explained Editor’s note: Never attended an ordination before? Here is a helpful guide to the ordination Mass, which will be celebrated starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte:

What is the sacrament of holy orders?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ORDINATION RITE, SEE page 5B

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

ORDINATION RITE: FROM PAGE 4B

n Imposition of hands: This is an outward sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus conferred His priesthood on His Apostles, so too does the bishop and other priests lay hands upon the ordinand. It is the most ancient and universal outward ritual of the Church. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible signâ&#x20AC;? of ordination.

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

All the other priests who are present also join in the ordination ceremony. Each one in turn lays his hands silently upon the head of the candidate. This signifies that they all belong to, and participate in, the one priesthood of Jesus Christ. It is also a sign welcoming the newly ordained into the common brotherhood as priests. n Prayer of Consecration: Bishop Jugis prays: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grant, we pray, Almighty Father, to this, your servant, the dignity of the priesthood; renew deep within him the Spirit of holiness; may he henceforth possess this office which comes from You, O God, and is next in rank to the office of Bishop; and by the example of his manner of life, may he instill right conduct. May he be a worthy coworker with our Order, so that by his preaching and through the grace of the Holy Spirit the words of the Gospel may bear fruit in human hearts and reach even to the ends of the earth.â&#x20AC;? n Vesting the New Priest: The newly-ordained priest now removes his deaconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stole and is presented with the symbols of his new office in the Church: a priestly stole and chasuble. This is called the investiture.

used at each Mass to hold the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. As the priest receives the chalice and the paten, Bishop Jugis says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Receive the oblation of the holy people, to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cross.â&#x20AC;? n Kiss of Peace: Lastly, Bishop Jugis gives the kiss of peace to the new priest, saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peace be with you.â&#x20AC;?

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

Why does the Church ordain priests?

The rite of ordination is more than an â&#x20AC;&#x153;electionâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;delegationâ&#x20AC;? of someone as a priest. The sacrament â&#x20AC;&#x153;confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sacred powerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which can come only from Christ Himself through His Church.â&#x20AC;? (CCC 1538) The divine grace received through this rite sets these men apart â&#x20AC;&#x201C; consecrates them, invests them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; within the Church and gives them a unique mission among the People of God.

Why are only men ordained priests?

Jesus chose 12 men as His Apostles, conferring upon them the mission to serve in His place on earth, and the Apostles did the same when they chose others to join and to succeed them. The Church is bound by the choice that Jesus Himself made, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not possible for women to be ordained. Though in earlier times there were several semi-clerical ranks of women in the Church (called deaconesses), they were not admitted to orders properly so called and had no spiritual authority. They ministered to women in particular, in instances where customs called for men and women to remain separate.

n Anointing of the Hands: Bishop Jugis anoints the palms of the new priest with sacred chrism, praying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, guard and preserve you that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God.â&#x20AC;? After the anointing with the oil, the priestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands are wrapped with a linen cloth. Anointing with sacred oil, or chrism, symbolizes the Holy Spirit. It is another ancient ritual that has Old Testament roots.

An indelible mark

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

Holy orders is one of three sacraments that have an indelible spiritual character â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that is, they cannot be repeated or rescinded. The others are baptism and

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confirmation. From the moment of his ordination, a priestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vocation and mission mark him permanently. (CCC 1583) Like the sacrament of marriage, in which men and women give themselves totally to each other and grow in holiness together, holy orders is directed toward the salvation of others through the gift of oneself. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God. â&#x20AC;Ś Those who receive the sacrament of holy orders are consecrated in Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? (CCC 1534-1535) A priest acts â&#x20AC;&#x153;in persona Christiâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that is, he acts with the authority of Christ, representing the person of Christ in administering the sacraments and shepherding the faithful â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and â&#x20AC;&#x153;in nomine ecclesiae,â&#x20AC;? in the name of the Church. That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean a priest is perfect! That just means that in administering the sacraments, the power of the Holy Spirit is assured.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The voice and hands of Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; In his 1990 address â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the Nature of the Priesthood,â&#x20AC;? then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus gave His power to the Apostles in such a way that He made their ministry, as it were, a continuation of His own mission. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;He who receives you receives me,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; He Himself says to the Twelve (Mt 10:40; cf.

Lk 10:16; Jn 13:10).â&#x20AC;?

He added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If Church usage calls ordination to the ministry of priesthood a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sacrament,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; the following is meant: This man is in no way performing functions for which he is highly qualified by his own natural ability nor is he doing the things that please him most and that are most profitable. On the contrary, the one who receives the sacrament is sent to give what he cannot give of his own strength; he is sent to act in the person of another, to be his living instrument. For this reason no human being can declare himself a priest; for this reason, too, no community can promote a person to this ministry by its own decree.

Only from the sacrament, which belongs to God, can priesthood be received. Mission can only be received from the One who sends, from Christ in His sacrament, through which a person becomes the voice and the hands of Christ in the world.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR PRIESTSâ&#x20AC;?

CONGRATULATES Father Casey A. Coleman Father Santiago A. Mariani On their Ordination as Priests for the Diocese of Charlotte Special Congratulations to those Priests & Religious who are celebrating their continued service to the Faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte

www.kofcnc.org

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Photos by sueann howell | catholic news herald

Bishop Peter J. Jugis (center) ordains Aaron Cory Catron to the transitional diaconate at Mass May 30 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

‘A whole new life opens before you beginning today’

Catron ordained to the transitional diaconate SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Seminarian Aaron Cory Catron was ordained to the transitional diaconate May 30 during Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral – one of the final steps on his path towards the priesthood.

At the start of the ordination rite, Catron was presented to the faithful and to Bishop Peter J. Jugis by Father Christopher Gober, vocations director for the Diocese of Charlotte. After vouching for his character and preparedness for holy orders, Father Gober then asked Bishop Jugis to accept Catron for ordination. A resounding round of applause went up as Bishop Jugis gave his approval.

“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Cory Catron is now to be advanced to the order of deacons through the laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination,” Bishop Jugis said during his homily. Catron would receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in ordination to help the Church in the three-part duties of a deacon to ministry of the Word, ministry of the altar and ministry of charity, he said.

“He will demonstrate that he is a servant – a servant to all, following the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. As a minister of the altar he will proclaim the Gospel, prepare the sacrifice, and distribute the Lord’s Body and Blood to the faithful.

“As minister of the Word he will instruct believers

and non-believers in the doctrine of Christ, and he will preside over public prayer, assist at and bless marriages, bring viaticum to the dying, conduct funeral rites and administer baptism.”

Bishop Jugis recounted the reading for the day’s Mass from the Acts of the Apostles, which describes the deacon St. Philip running to catch up with a chariot to speak to the man riding in it.

“He took the initiative and asked the question of the chariot passenger: ‘Do you understand what you are reading in the prophet Isaiah?’ We see a beautiful example of enthusiasm, engaging himself in the ministry,” Bishop Jugis said. “He took the initiative, instructing the man in the doctrine of Christ, proclaiming Jesus to him. Then he administered the sacrament of baptism when the court official requested to be baptized.”

St. Philip was then snatched away by the Holy Spirit, Acts describes, and he went about proclaiming Jesus to all of the surrounding towns.

“Such enthusiasm, engaging himself in the diaconal ministry,” Bishop Jugis noted. “This whole reading is a perfect example not only of diaconal ministry, but of Pope Francis’ teaching on personal encounter as a most effective method of evangelization: bringing Christ to others through a personal encounter with them. Certainly, Deacon Philip models diaconal ministry for us in an exemplary way.”

In the ministry of charity, an essential part of the work

of deacons from the beginning, Catron would also model Christ, he said. “What could be a greater work of charity than to devote oneself to the salvation of another?”

The day’s Gospel reading from Matthew 5:13-16 was particularly appropriate for the diaconate Mass, Bishop Jugis also noted in his homily, as it reminds us – particularly those called to holy orders – that followers of Christ are to be the “light of the world” and must “let their light shine before others” so that they may see those good deeds and glorify God. Then Bishop Jugis addressed Catron directly: “Now, dear son, you are to be raised to the order of the diaconate.

A whole new life opens before you beginning today, the life of an ordained minister of the Church.

“You will now be changed by the action of the Holy Spirit. He will mark you with an indelible character to configure you to Jesus Christ who came as the servant of all. You are united to Christ the Deacon, the Servant, through the sanctifying grace of diaconate ordination.

“You must also from this day forward, every day, unite yourself to Christ – seeking to configure yourself to Him. Remain united to Christ in a most profound way through your prayer every day. He is your close friend, your close companion.”

After the homily, Catron approached Bishop Jugis in front of the altar, placing his hands in the bishop’s hands, CATRON, SEE page 7B

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Q&A with the new deacon CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Deacon Catron: I think the thought of priesthood was there sometime when I was in high school – particularly later on, junior and senior year. I was raised Catholic but didn’t really come to appreciate and understand my faith and to learn more about it until I began reading up on it in about the ninth grade. As I grew in my understanding and my prayer life, a vague attraction to the priesthood began.

Going to Belmont Abbey was hugely catalytic to bringing that into focus, as was attending the Eucharistic Congress each year. I think the Congress in 2006 was the first time I had a concrete sense that God might be calling me to the priesthood. I felt a certain peace as I walked behind the Blessed Sacrament, almost like something was telling me to follow.

CNH: Who has mentored you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary studies?

Transitional Deacon Casey Coleman (left) and permanent Deacon Ruben Tamayo (center) are all smiles after vesting Deacon Catron May 30.

Deacon Aaron Cory Catron Home parish: St. Frances of Rome Church, Sparta; originally St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Wytheville, Va. Raised in: Rural Retreat, Va. Family: Parents, Jerry and Mia Catron; brother, Micah Catron College: Belmont Abbey College, Class of 2010 Degree: B.A. in Theology and Philosophy

Catron

Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Summer assignments in the diocese: Previously at St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville, and Immaculate Conception Mission, Canton, in 2011; St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jefferson, and St. Frances of Rome Mission, Sparta, in 2012; St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte, in 2014 Interests/hobbies: “I like to read and write, and also to be outdoors – fishing, hiking, camping and boating. Having been raised by a librarian, I have a broad and eclectic taste in books. I find writing to be a helpful spiritual discipline sometimes, and use it almost as a form of contemplative prayer.”

CATRON: FROM PAGE 6B

vowing obedience. Then Catron descended the sanctuary stairs and lay prostrate before the altar as the people chanted the Litany of the Saints.

Upon rising from the floor, he again approached Bishop Jugis and knelt as the bishop laid his hands upon his head, invoking the Holy Spirit. At the conclusion of the prayers of ordination, Catron was vested by fellow transitional Deacon Casey Coleman and permanent Deacon Ruben Tamayo. His parents, Jerry and Mia Catron, and his family sat in the front pews, proudly watching his vesting.

After being greeted by the priests and deacons assembled for the Mass, Deacon Catron prepared the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. He then assisted Bishop Jugis at the altar, distributing the Precious Blood at Communion.

During the Mass, Bishop Jugis

‘You are united to Christ the Deacon, the Servant, through the sanctifying grace of diaconate ordination.’

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

encouraged Deacon Catron in his ordained ministry, saying, “Through your faithful service, may you be blessed to hear the Lord say to you on the last day, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.’”

Deacon Catron: First, my grandfather, who passed away in 2005, was a tremendous example of faith, family and learning. It was his books about Catholicism that I inherited and that paved the way for me initially. My parents, of course, were supportive the whole way, particularly once I had a clear vision of where I might be headed.

The monks at Belmont Abbey, particularly Abbot Placid, Father Kieran, Father Arthur, Brother Edward and Brother Andrew, whose friendship and guidance throughout the years I was in college and thereafter, were a constant help. And Father James Stuhrenberg, who was my summer pastor in 2012, is a shining example of priestly joy and fraternity.

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

Deacon Catron: Prayer is absolutely essential. Prayer, and realizing that God puts certain people in your life at certain times to teach you something.

Sometimes the lessons are a joy, sometimes they are very difficult, and sometimes the difficult lessons open you to the more joyous ones.

Be aware of the ways in which He can be working in your life. Know that you’re not alone in your desire to do His will, and seek the friendship of those who will bring that out. Seek also people who can help you in your struggles – in which you are also not alone.

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

Deacon Catron: I am grateful for the prayers and sacrifices of such a wonderful diocese over the years. I am very blessed to be called to serve here, and I can’t wait to get to work serving you.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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Seminarians’ summer assignments announced CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has announced the following assignments for some of its seminarians for this summer: n Deacon Cory Catron: St. Michael the Archangel Church, Gastonia n David McCanless: St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon n Peter Ascik: St. Ann Church, Charlotte n Christopher Bond: Spanish studies n Brian Becker: Spanish studies n Christian Cook: Spanish studies n Alfonso Gamez: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lenoir n Matthew Bean: St. Mark Church, Huntersville n Britt Taylor: Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury n Jacob Mlakar: St. Eugene Church, Asheville n Miguel Sanchez: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte — Catholic News Herald

Support our seminarians’ education and priests’ retirement The education of our seminarians is possible thanks to the generosity of our parishioners who give to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal and the Easter Sunday Seminary and Priests’ Continuing Education Collection, and those who contribute leadership gifts to the Seminarian Education Campaign. Your support allows these young men to focus on their priestly formation without worrying about financial obligations.

With the Priests Retirement and Benefits Collection, held the first weekend of September in the diocese, we have the opportunity to show our gratitude and celebrate the priests who have served the Church for decades.

To learn more about how you can donate to seminarians’ education efforts or support our retired priests, call diocesan Director of Development Jim Kelley at 704-370-3301.

Learn more online at www.charlottediocese.org: click on Departments, then Stewardship and Development.

Interested in the permanent diaconate?

Catholic men who are active in their parish and bring a certain experience of the spiritual life including apostolic zeal and a desire to increase their faith through obedience and fraternal communion, and who are at least 33 years old, married or unmarried, can inquire into becoming a permanent deacon in the diocese.

Preparation for the permanent diaconate takes several years to complete, and includes completion of the two-year Lay Ministry program. To learn more, go online to www. charlottediocese.org: click on Ministries, then on Permanent Diaconate.

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

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

— Catholic News Herald

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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

Photo via Facebook

Father Binoy Davis, parochial vicar of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, also ministers to a small Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Charlotte, which includes St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, currently renting a building at 715 E. Arrowood Road in south Charlotte.

Syro-Malabar rite priest meets needs for Charlotte community Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

Fr. Santiago A. Mariani, Fr. Casey A. Coleman

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

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

- Saint John Paul II

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

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

CHARLOTTE — A priest of the SyroMalabar Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic Church based in India that is in full communion with the pope, is now ministering to Charlotte area Catholics of this ancient tradition.

Father Binoy Davis came to Charlotte last December from the Diocese of Satna, located in central India. He serves as a parochial vicar at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, but one of his primary responsibilities is to minister to SyroMalabar Catholics in the area.

There is a small Catholic community in Charlotte that belongs to the SyroMalabar Church, Father Davis explains, and many of them are registered at St. Matthew Church. To meet the needs of this community, Bishop Peter Jugis and Monsignor John McSweeney, pastor, asked the Bishop of Satna if he would send a priest to Charlotte. The bishop obliged by sending Father Davis, who describes his service as that of a “missionary diocesan priest.”

Father Davis was ordained May 6, 2008, as a priest in the Syro-Malabar Church, but because some of his studies were at at a Roman Catholic seminary, he also has faculties to celebrate the Roman rite liturgy. He calls the state of Karala home, but he began his priestly ministry in the mission Diocese of Satna, where there are not many Christians, he notes.

The Syro-Malabar Church is one 23 “particular Churches” in the Catholic Church, founded by St. Thomas the Apostle when he traveled to India in 52 to preach the Gospel. St. Thomas died a martyr at Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India, in 72. The early Christian community in India was known as “St. Thomas Christians” or “Nazranis,” meaning those who follow the path of Jesus of Nazareth.

“That tradition is kept up until today, and now this Church is a vibrant Church, which is famous for her missionary endeavor,” Father Davis says.

The Syro-Malabar Church is one of 22 Eastern Churches in full communion with Rome. Now with 4.6 million members,

it is the second largest Church among the Eastern Catholic churches, after the Ukrainian Catholic Church. The term “Syro-Malabar” refers to the Syriac language – a form of Aramaic, the language that Jesus and His disciples spoke – and the Malabar region which is now known as Kerala, on the southwest coast of India.

In the Syro-Malabar rite, the Mass is called “the Holy Qurbana,” or “offering.”

In the liturgy, the Eucharistic Prayer (also called the Anaphora) was written in Syriac

by Sts. Addai and Mari, and considered the earliest extant Eucharistic Prayer today. The Holy Qurbana was celebrated in Syriac until 1962, but it is now celebrated in various Indian languages. The Church is headed by a major archbishop appointed by the pope and follows its own liturgical calendar.

The Syro-Malabar Church has 30 dioceses (also called eparchies), but only two are outside India: St. Thomas Eparchy of Chicago for the United States and the Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Melbourne, Australia.

The Syro-Malabar liturgy is celebrated

by Father Davis every first Sunday of the month in St. Matthew Church’s daily chapel. He will celebrate the next Holy Qurbana at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

Father Davis also ministers at St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Church community in Charlotte, which is currently planning to purchase a building at 715 E. Arrowood Road in south Charlotte for the permanent use of Syro-Malabar liturgy and worship.

“We hope that within a few months of time we will be able to bless this church for the worship of the Syro-Malabar Catholic faith community in Charlotte,” he says.

Father Davis views his ministry in Charlotte as just one more step along the missionary path of the Church since Jesus commissioned St. Thomas and the other Apostles to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

“It is God who has sent me here in Charlotte to preach the Word of God,” he says. “A missionary should be ever ready to go anywhere to preach the Gospel.”

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

CCDOC.ORG

Rico De Silva | Catholic News Herald

Father Basile Sede, parochial vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, considers himself a missionary priest in the Church’s role of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations.

Former vocations director from Cameroon comes to Charlotte Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

CHARLOTTE — Father Basile Sede, parochial vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, hails from Cameroon, where he served for four years as a spiritual director for his diocesan seminary.

Father Sede joined St. Vincent de Paul Church on “loan” from the Diocese of Buea, located in the southwest region of Cameroon in central Africa. Ordained in April 1998, Father Sede has been a priest for 17 years. After one year of parish work, he served as spiritual director for the local minor seminary from 1999 to 2003.

“In my diocese, vocations is a team (effort) of priests who do the vocations work… I was sent there to help the young ones, to pique interest in the priesthood,” Father Sede said. In comparison with the U.S., a minor seminary in Cameroon is also called a “junior seminary,” where boys as young as 10 receive the equivalent of a middle-school and high-school education while under the guidance of a vocations team to help them discern if they are called to the priesthood.

During his tenure as spiritual director at the junior seminary, Father Sede offered Mass for the young seminarians and led weekly Sunday conferences and monthly recollection days. “I also took the time to see each student individually,” he said.

The first five years at the junior seminary is called the ordinary level, where typically students aged 10-17 complete the equivalent of the eighth grade in the U.S. “Then they go to the high school (level) for two years, to what they called the ‘advanced level.’ So when you pass the advanced level, at that time you apply. Those who feel really called, they apply then to go to the major seminary.

And that’s how students are recruited for the major seminary,” he explained.

On average, a junior seminary in the Diocese of Buea, which is a provincial junior seminary for four dioceses in Cameroon, enrolls approximately 400 students overall. “Typically, the first year we normally have about 80 to 100 students start the program. As they advance in class, the number reduces. By the time they reach their last year in high school, they’re about 50. And then we have about

30 students who go to the major seminary.

Some students also come from other junior seminaries to add to this number.”

Priestly vocations have grown significantly in Cameroon and in Africa generally since the beginning of the century, he said. “When I was in the minor seminary, for example, there were about 15 of us in the final class from our diocese, and only six of us went to the major seminary. The entire seminary population was 64 during my first year there, but now there are about 200 students. In those days, if the bishop of my diocese were to ordain five or six priests, it would have been considered a big number.

But now within the past five years, he hasn’t ordained less than 10 every year.”

He attributes this rise in vocations primarily to the African culture and its intrinsic values, which are very similar to the Christian principles of loving and serving one’s neighbor.

And, as the African continent becomes increasingly Christianized, he said, “This ties with us, too, because we believe that life should be about helping one another. And I think the picture of the priesthood that most of us have is that you sacrifice yourself for others…

As the years go by, young people begin to understand that there’s a need for them, too, to sacrifice for the salvation of others.”

Father Sede came to the Charlotte diocese last July to visit his brother after finishing graduate studies in philosophy in Rome. He was privileged also to assist at St. James the Greater Church in Concord until August, at the recommendation of his bishop. He plans on staying in Charlotte until next February.

At that time, he will return to Rome to defend his thesis to earn his doctorate in philosophy.

After that, he will return and finish his pastoral work in the Charlotte diocese, then return to his home diocese next summer and teach at the Catholic university there.

Father Sede said he is impressed by the commitment to the faith he has witnessed among St. Vincent de Paul’s parishioners and in Charlotte generally. And he said he considers himself a missionary priest in the Church’s role of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations. “The Church is universal, and the missionary vocation is an integral part of the Church’s spirituality. The Church is always on mission. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going to Africa, or if you’re going to Europe or anywhere else.”

The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte offer prayerful congratulations to Fr. Casey A. Coleman and Fr. Santiago A. Mariani, on the occasion of their ordination to the holy priesthood, and to Transitional Deacon Rev. Mr. A. Cory Catron.

And finally to all of our priest & sister jubilarians as they celebrate the milestones of their ministry.

We are privileged to work with all of you as we strengthen families, build communities and reduce poverty across the Diocese of Charlotte.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 10B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

DECADES OF SERVING THE PEOPLE OF GOD: Priests’ anniversaries highlight diversity of experiences, faithful ministry

Diocese’s first chancellor celebrates 60th anniversary of priesthood Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

GREENSBORO — Monsignor Joseph Showfety returned to the church of his childhood May 19 to say Mass and give thanks to God for his priestly vocation. The day marked his 60th jubilee of ordination, and the place – St. Benedict Church in Greensboro – was where he had first felt the call to priestly life as a young altar boy.

Monsignor Showfety is one of the first native priests in the Diocese of Charlotte and served for seven years as its first chancellor.

Growing up the son of devout Lebanese Catholic immigrants Abdou and Edna Showfety, Monsignor Showfety lived just a few blocks away from St. Benedict’s, and starting in the third grade at St. Benedict School he began serving 7 a.m. daily Mass.

He credits Daughter of Charity Sister Genevieve Riordan and the other women religious who were his teachers, as well as Monsignor Hugh Dolan, pastor, for encouraging his vocation.

Serving at the altar drew him closer to Christ, he recalls, and he thinks it’s unfortunate that more children today do not have the same opportunity to attend daily Mass as he once did.

“Priests can be a great, great influence on kids,” he notes.

He attended The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., in the final months of World War II and then spent 16 months in the Navy.

After service he went to Mount Saint Mary’s College (now University) in Emmitsburg, Md., for four years. Bishop Vincent Waters of Raleigh then transferred him to St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, the nation’s oldest Catholic seminary, to complete his studies. He remains grateful that Bishop Waters moved him to St. Mary’s, and he has many fond memories of the rector there, Sulpician Father James Laubacher.

“He was a very good man,” he recalls, and had just the right approach in guiding each of the men through their discernment and preparation for the priesthood. No small feat for the rector, when Monsignor Showfety’s class alone had 153 men.

During the summers the young seminarian worked in parishes, doing mostly “census work” – visiting parish families’ homes and updating the parish rolls. It was grueling work in the summer heat and humidity, he recalls, especially given the black serge cassocks they wore at the time, but he didn’t mind.

He was ordained by Bishop Waters on May 19, 1955, along with Father Thomas Clements and the late Father Robert Shea.

He remembers Bishop Waters as a demanding yet fair leader who knew every inch of his North Carolina territory and loved the Church. “He knew the parishes, he knew the priests,” he says. “I can never exaggerate the work he did for the Church in this state. It was his goal to have a Catholic presence in every county in the state.”

Before he retired in 2002, Monsignor Showfety served in 11 parishes in North Carolina, and nearly everywhere he served he either oversaw new building projects or renovations.

One of his first assignments was at a small parish in eastern North Carolina, he remembers. When he checked the bank account, he found only $1.73, he says with a laugh. When he left the parish for his next assignment a couple of years later, the parish had a couple thousand dollars in the bank, he adds.

Monsignor Showfety also served as director of Our Lady of the Hills Camp, principal of Asheville Catholic High School and director of Bishop McGuinness High School, but it as the first chancellor of the diocese from 1972 to 1979 that the impact of his service still resounds today.

He was one of the first to learn in late 1971 when Bishop Waters told Monsignor Michael Begley that he had petitioned Rome to divide his diocese of 60,000 Catholics and create the Charlotte diocese.

The story goes like this: Two days before Thanksgiving 1971, Bishop Waters visited Monsignor Begley in Greensboro, then pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church.

Under the guise of looking for property in Greensboro for future parish use, Bishop Waters took the pastor with him. The Raleigh diocese already owned property nearby to relocate Notre Dame High School.

Monsignor Showfety describes what happened next: “Bishop Waters and Monsignor Begley were driving toward the property when the bishop pulled over.

‘I’m going to ask you a question. If you say “yes” I’ll take it from there. If you say “no” you must never say a word about this conversation to anyone.’

“Intrigued but not surprised by the secrecy, Monsignor Begley wondered what the question was. ‘Rome has decided to make Charlotte a diocese with you as the bishop,’ said Bishop Waters. ‘Do you accept?” The monsignor didn’t hesitate and answered, “Yes.” Bishop Waters simply put the car in gear and the bishop with the bishop-elect continued down the road.”

So how did Monsignor Showfety become the first chancellor?

He recalls that there had been a freak snowstorm in Hendersonville, where he served as pastor at Immaculate Conception Church. He had just come back to the rectory from shoveling a path to the church through the 15 inches of snow. It was a First Friday, Dec. 3, 1971, and he had to prepare to celebrate 11 a.m. Mass. The phone rang.

“It was Bishop-elect Begley calling. I congratulated him and our conversation continued. He said, ‘I want you to be chancellor.’ My reply was, ‘I want to build a new church in Hendersonville.’ He replied, ‘I know you do. It’ll be built, but not by you.

I want you in Charlotte.’”

For the next few weeks, Monsignor Showfety traveled back and forth several times to Raleigh to work with the chancellor

Photo provided by Father Paul Gary

Monsignor Showfety celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination with Mass May 19 at St. Benedict Church in Greensboro followed by a reception hosted by the Vincent G. Taylor Fourth Degree Assembly 779. there, Monsignor Louis Morton. It was the holiday season, but there were only six weeks to set everything up. The date for Bishop Begley’s ordination had been set for Jan. 12, 1972, at St. Patrick Cathedral, which was being elevated from its status as a parish church.

Titles for all parish properties and all diocesan vehicles had to be transferred from Bishop Waters to Bishop Begley.

It was quite a lot to do for the six men involved: two bishops, two chancellors and two attorneys. Monsignor Showfety spent three days just transferring car titles at the state Department of Motor Vehicles in Raleigh. “The police in that office asked me if I lived there,” he remembers with a chuckle.

That excitement and rapid pace set the tone for the new diocese and Monsignor Showfety’s role as chancellor, but, he adds, “everything fit in place.” The two dioceses worked together through the complex work with warmth and a spirit of brotherhood.

Bishop Waters, he recalls, treated the new diocese with generosity and fairness: “He took care of us as much as his own diocese.”

A temporary office was set up for the new bishop and the chancellor in a couple of rooms of the rectory at St. Patrick Cathedral

by its pastor, Father Richard Allen.

On Jan. 12, 1972, Bishop Begley was ordained, and that night Bishop Waters and Bishop Begley hosted a large dinner at a downtown Charlotte hotel to celebrate.

The next morning, Monsignor Showfety says, “we were open for business.”

Neither Bishop Begley nor Monsignor Showfety – then Father Showfety – had any experience for their new jobs, he recalls with a laugh. They had been parish priests and run schools, and Bishop Begley had led Raleigh’s Catholic Charities office, but neither had worked in a chancery.

“You grew into the job by doing the work,” he says. “You were involved in everything.”

The people of the newborn diocese were supportive, he adds, and “the priests were extremely, extremely cooperative and helpful.” Particularly Father Allen at the cathedral, Monsignor Showfety says, who “was always extremely helpful in every way.”

Bishop Begley spent a lot of time traveling, particularly for confirmations, and Monsignor Showfety accompanied him as his master of ceremonies. Monsignor Showfety also remained busy with the new work of the diocese as well as filling in at SHOWFETY, SEE page 11B

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Charlotte would like to share in the celebration of...

The Ordination of Our New Priests Transitional Deacon As Well as Honoring All Priest & Sister Jubilarians Diocese of Charlotte archive photo

Our Lady of Grace Church was dedicated on Sept. 14, 1952, presided over by apostolic delegate Archbishop Amleto Cicognani (center). The priest with his back facing the congregation is Monsignor Hugh Dolan, and behind him is Monsignor Lawrence Newman. Note, second from right, serving as vimp is a young Joseph Showfety of Greensboro, who later became one of the area’s first native priests and then rose to serve as the new Diocese of Charlotte’s first chancellor when the diocese was established in 1972.

SHOWFETY: FROM PAGE 10B

parishes wherever needed.

About a month after Bishop Begley was ordained, they found a home for sale about a block away from the cathedral and purchased it for $82,500 to serve as the bishop’s residence. “It was a beautiful home,” but it needed a little work, Monsignor Showfety recalls. Friends from High Point renovated the house and set up a chapel, as well as furnished and decorated it.

The new diocese set up a fiscal calendar and accounting system, issued its first financial report 18 months after the diocese’s creation, and looked for office property so they could move out of a small house on St. Patrick’s campus that served as the chancery.

In 1974, the diocese purchased and renovated an office building on Morehead Street near downtown Charlotte – its first consolidated office space.

Monsignor Showfety also formed the first diocesan finance council, consisting of lay professionals from around the diocese, and negotiated health insurance coverage for clergy and staff. A process for reviewing building projects and large capital expenditures was also put into place, to ensure that the parishes and the diocese would not take on more debt than they could afford.

The work of the new diocese occupied much of Monsignor Showfety’s time, even as he continued filling in at parishes.

One of the last projects Monsignor Showfety was involved in as chancellor was renovation of St. Patrick Cathedral in 1979, to accommodate the changes of Vatican II. Some earlier plans had included a

proposal to replace the pews with folding chairs and the altar with a portable altar that could be moved to different places in the church, but that proposal was rejected.

The diocese hired Francis Gibbons of Baltimore, who was known for church renovations and also later did work at St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem.

The marble altar was reworked, a new pipe organ was installed, and the ceiling was redesigned. Over the nave, a blue and silver ceiling was painted depicting crowns with a cross along with wheat and grapes representing the Eucharist. The design comes from the diocesan coat of arms and serves as a reminder of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg, for whom the city of Charlotte was named.

Besides all of the other firsts that Monsignor Showfety was a part of, he was among the first of four monsignors appointed by the new diocese in 1976. (The three others were Monsignors William Pharr, Richard Allen and Michael O’Keefe.)

It was meant to be a surprise, but that day – as on most days – he was the one to open the mail. He couldn’t help but see the confirmation letter from Rome, he recalls with a laugh, and he had to feign surprise when Bishop Begley made the announcement that afternoon.

Of all the changes over the years, the 88-year-old Monsignor Showfety is proud of how the diocese has grown and flourished, and he applauds the growing participation of the laity and an emphasis on stewardship.

He notes, “It was the biggest honor and privilege of my priesthood” to serve as the diocese’s first chancellor.

“I look back now and thank God for the vocation He gave me.”

— Includes excerpt from “Voices and Places of The People of God,” by David Hains

May our prayers and good wishes go with you as you continue your ministry to God’s people.

For information about one of our Catholic Schools visit http://schools.charlottediocese.org

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Celebrating our Priests

5 YEARS

10 YEARS

Father James Ebright

Online

Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar Father John Eckert Father David Miller Father Felix Rossi, OSB

At www. catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about some of these priests and the advice they have to offer.

20 YEARS

25 YEARS

Father James Collins Father Eric Houseknecht Father Mark Lawlor

Father Paul Dechant, OSFS

Fat Father Vince

40 YEARS

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Father Lawrence Heiney Father Richard Hanson Father Joseph Mulligan Father Francis O’Rourke Father David Brown, OSB

Monsignor Richard Bellow Father Donald Ward, SJ

Deacons

60 YEARS Father James Solari Father Thomas Clements Monsignor Joseph Showfety

10 YEARS Deacon Mark King Deacon Richard Zandy

Women religious 25 YEARS Sister Archana Nariparayil, SCV Sister Eileen Spanier, GNSH

50 YEARS

Sister Ana Celestial, OP Sister Marie Frechette, MSBT Sister Loretta O’Connor, SMG Sister Betty Paul, SP Sister Antonette Schmidt, RSM

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Deacon W Deacon Mik Deacon C Deacon Rona Deacon R Deacon John

NEWS HERALD

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

2015 Jubilarians

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15 YEARS

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Father David Brzoska Father Joseph Dinh Father Christopher Gober Father Matthew Kauth Father Shawn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal Father Frank Seabo

30 YEARS

35 YEARS

ther Brian Cook ent Smith, OSFS

Father Joseph Dionne, CSsR Father Christopher Kirchgessner, OSB Abbot Placid Solari, OSB

50 YEARS

55 YEARS

Father Joseph Angelini, FM Conv Father Joseph Zuschmidt, OSFS

Father Kieran Neilson, OSB Father Francis Reese, SJ

0 YEARS

35 YEARS

Wayne Adams ike Langsdorf Carlos Medina ald Steinkamp Rafael Torres n Weisenhorn

Deacon Francis Camacho

60 YEARS

Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM Sister Rosalind Picot, RSM

70 YEARS

Sister Maureen Dees, RSM Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast, RSM

80 YEARS

Sister Josephine Maria Thomas, RSM

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 14B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Thomas Clements Your family at Pennybyrn at Maryfield join in celebrating with you this very special occasion of the 60th anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood.

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Father Kieran Neilson (center) is escorted into St. Patrick Cathedral by Father David Miller before the Chrism Mass in 2013. Father Kieran’s family helped found the cathedral in 1939 and he attended school there before joining the Benedictines of Belmont Abbey in 1954.

Benedictine marks 55 years of priestly service Congratulations on your anniversary and thank you for your faithful service.

Father James Ebright 10 Years

Deacon John Weisenhorn 20 Years

May God continue to bless both of you!

Saint Michael Catholic Church 708 St. Michael’s Lane Gastonia, NC 28052

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Benedictine Father Kieran Neilson, 83, is everything you’d expect a priest of Irish Catholic descent to be – he’s joyful and engaging with a twinkle in his eye and an infectious grin. A native Charlottean whose family helped found St. Patrick Cathedral in Dilworth, Father Kieran’s life gives witness to a genuine love of the Catholic faith which developed over the decades just as the Diocese of Raleigh and then the Diocese of Charlotte began to grow.

This unique perspective gives Father Kieran an outlook that few clergy in the diocese have today. He remembers when the announcements at the end of Mass were the particulars about families welcoming a new baby and parish meetings consisted of the few Catholic families who lived in Charlotte.

He was educated at the O’Donoghue School (now St. Patrick School) adjacent to the cathedral. He entered the Benedictine monastery of Belmont Abbey just 20 miles west of Charlotte in 1954. After one year of the novitiate he made his first profession and then studied for three more years before his final profession of vows. After another year of study he was ordained a priest in 1960 by Bishop Vincent S. Waters, who had also studied at Belmont Abbey.

He was ordained with three diocesan priests that year: Monsignor William Pharr (now deceased), Monsignor Lewis Morton (now deceased) and Father Frank Maloney (now retired). The four were ordained May 26 at the old Our Lady of Assumption Church in Charlotte.

“I remember the members of my family being there, and the dear Sisters who taught me as I grew up (in the O’Donoghue School in Charlotte),” he says. “Sister Mary Patrick and Sister Kathleen McNamara – they were very special to me. My mother

died when I was in seventh grade and Sister Mary Patrick was my teacher. She was always a gem to me and prayed for me.

And in eternal life I’m sure she has still prayed for me.”

He recalls that having the opportunity to bring people who were close to him to his ordination was very special. “It was an experience. You are so overcome by emotion in many respects that there are certain things you can’t remember (in detail).”

Over the past 60 years as a Benedictine monk, Father Kieran has had many experiences and positions that range from being the Guestmaster, Novicemaster and Subprior at Belmont Abbey; mail man in the Belmont Abbey College Post Office; and disciplinarian at Benedictine College Preparatory School in Richmond, Va. during the time he was assigned to St. Benedict’s Priory. He remembers that, for seven years when he served as the disciplinarian at the high school, it was “a thankless job.”

“You are always punishing someone for something,” he explains. “You had to discipline them or you would be in trouble.

If you didn’t make them pay the price for their actions, then you’d be guilty of it. I had to weigh the facts.”

“Oh, the stories I could tell!” he adds with a laugh. “There were wonderful times and I’ve seen those young men grow up to be doctors and lawyers and many things. They have achieved great heights. It gives you a thrill to see all they’ve accomplished.”

He hopes to attend the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1965.

Father Kieran also worked in pastoral ministry at St. Benedict Parish in Richmond and St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia.

“I loved parish work. I got to minister to the people of all ages, I got to help prepare NEILSON, SEE page 23B

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Father Hanson reflects on 40 years of priestly ministry SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — You would think at 70 years of age, Father Richard Hanson would want to slow down a bit, especially after 40 years of priestly ministry traversing western North Carolina to serve in more than 15 parishes, campus ministry, a Catholic high school and now in nursing home and hospital ministry.

Quite the opposite is true, though, as Father Hanson, who also takes care of his 97-year-old mother Leone, would enthusiastically attest.

In addition to his nursing home and hospital ministry, he is a regular confessor at St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte. He also celebrates the overflow Masses for St. Matthew Church at Charlotte Catholic High School at Christmas and Easter. Several local pastors also reach out to him when they need help covering a Mass or confessions in their absence.

Father Hanson is a 1962 graduate of Charlotte Catholic High School, making him the first priest for the Diocese of Charlotte to graduate from its largest high school. How he came to be a priest for the diocese is a story in itself.

Born in Wisconsin, he relocated to Charlotte with his family in 1960 as a teenager. His family is one of the founding families at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

After graduating from Charlotte Catholic, Father Hanson discerned God calling him to the priesthood. He entered Holy Cross Seminary in Wisconsin, at that time being considered a seminarian for the Diocese of Madison as that had been his family’s home before moving to North Carolina.

North Carolina Bishop Vincent Waters then sent him to St. John’s Seminary in Little Rock, Ark., which closed in 1967.

Father Hanson left the seminary and went on to earn a business degree at Kings College, formerly in Charlotte.

Military service then called him, and he enlisted in the Army, serving from 1966 to 1969, including in Korea.

Upon returning to the U.S., he returned to his seminary studies. During his transitional diaconate year, he was given permission to become a seminarian for the newlyformed Charlotte diocese and was ordained at the age of 31 by Bishop Michael Begley on June 1, 1975, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

“I was studying for the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin, (originally) and Bishop Cletus O’Donnell signed a $25,000 extension check to Bishop Begley (for me) and said to me, ‘I give you as a gift to the Diocese of Charlotte,’” Father Hanson recalls, smiling.

“I certainly had a beautiful ordination with Bishop Begley at the cathedral,” he adds. “Monsignor Richard Allen (now deceased) was the rector of the cathedral Hanson at the time. I spent time before the ordination with him. I remember steel drums playing at the reception. It was very special.”

His first assignment was as an assistant pastor, serving with Monsignor William Wellein at St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem. He also worked in campus ministry at Wake Forest University and taught at Bishop McGuinness High School.

Over the past 40 years he has been assigned to Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro; St. Eugene Church in Asheville; St. Joan of Arc Church in Asheville; St. Elizabeth the Hill Country Church in Boone; St. Joseph Church in Newton; Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington; Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte; St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte; and St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, where he served for 10 years.

One of his favorite memories is of Father Frank O’Rourke, who was then rector of the cathedral, during a particularly crowded Mass there. They were running short of Hosts during Communion, but Father O’Rourke

Prayerful Best Wishes Father John Eckert on the 5th Anniversary of your Ordination to the Holy Priesthood Thank you for all you do on behalf of the parishioners, students, faculty and staff of Sacred Heart Catholic Church 375 Lumen Christi Lane Salisbury, N.C. 28147 Sacred Heart Catholic School 385 Lumen Christi Lane Salisbury, NC 28147

was unfazed: “If everyone just gets a little piece of Jesus, everything’s going to be all right!”

Father Hanson has also provided regular assistance to St. Ann Church in Charlotte, St. Luke Church in Mint Hill, Holy Spirit Church in Denver, and All Saints Church in Lake Wylie, S.C. Since 2004, Father Hanson has served in the nursing home and hospital ministry at St. Matthew Church, visiting the aged and infirm, bringing them the sacraments. According to records kept at the parish, he anointed 197 people just last month.

In addition to these duties, and caring for his mother, he also fills in at local parishes as needed and continues to celebrate Mass for professional sports teams when they reach out to him.

“I love the priesthood, there’s no doubt about that,” Father Hanson says. “I love meeting so many different people in so many different situations. I love relating with the people.”

Father Hanson’s longtime friend, Monsignor John McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church, has known him since he was in seminary.

“He’s been an inspiration to me over the many years of knowing him for his gentle care of the sick and the unknown opportunities that he has had as a confessor to many people. He has brought them the healing of the sacrament,” Monsignor McSweeney explains.

Father Hanson has some advice for fellow priests and for men discerning the priesthood: “Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to let people see you are human. Be a person of prayer and just be yourself.”

“I think a good role model for all of us in the priesthood is the Holy Father (Pope Francis),” he adds. “I feel like he’s himself and that is why he is comfortable in any situation.”

And as for his vocation after 40 years?

Father Hanson smiles, “The Lord’s been good to me. It just gets better!”

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 16B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Fathers Reese, Ward celebrate combined 100 years of priesthood SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

MOORESVILLE — The first time you meet Jesuit Fathers Frank Reese and Don Ward, you get the sense that you are in for a few laughs. Their friendship forged over the past four years as Jesuit priests serving the people at St. Thérèse Church is evident. They poke fun at each other, smiling as they exchange inside jokes. It seems as if they have been friends and roommates forever.

“We’ve been banished to the downstairs (of the rectory),” they joke.

Despite the fact that Father Frank, 87, entered the Jesuit order in 1950 and Father Don, 76, entered in 1957, the two have more of a brotherly relationship.

This year, Father Frank is celebrating his 55th anniversary of ordination; Father Don his 45th.

Both priests say they grew up in very devout Catholic families in Philadelphia, attending Catholic schools during their formative years, and the Jesuits they came into contact with in their families and in their schools really made an impression on them.

But Father Don remembers rejecting the idea of a priestly vocation during his senior year of high school.

“I went to Holy Cross (in Worchester, Mass.), thinking I was going to be a doctor, and I met a very nice chemistry teacher who taught me that was not my vocation,” Father Don jokes. “Somewhere during the first year of college, I thought I would like to do what I saw Jesuits doing. I never thought about any other order or the diocesan priesthood.”

Father Frank spent 14 months in the Army in the mid1940s before discerning his call to the priesthood.

The two laugh about their college experiences.

“Frank went to St. Joe College and I went to Holy Cross,” Father Don explains. “But Frank finished and I didn’t!”

“And I had the same experience with chemistry!” Father Frank chimes in.

Father Frank has an interesting explanation as to why he passed through the various steps of Jesuit formation more quickly than usual. “It was because I was bald,” he

deadpans, and people thought he was a later vocation.

After novitiate studies and vows in Wernersville, Pa., Father Frank studied philosophy in Spring Hill, Ala., for two years (1953-’55) with Jesuits from all over the country. He then taught for two years at Georgetown Prep outside Washington, D.C. In 1957, Father Frank entered the Reese largest Jesuit seminary in the U.S., Woodstock College outside of Baltimore (now closed), for his theology studies.

“It wasn’t easy, but it was worthwhile,” he recalls.

He was ordained in the Woodstock College Chapel by Cardinal Egidio Vagnozzi, on June 19, 1960, along with 23 other Jesuits.

“It was a joyful time,” he recalls, especially since his parents and some of his other family were able to attend.

Ward “It was great to be finally getting out into parishes, to get out of the House of Studies.”

Father Frank also worked with six other priests who served at a mental hospital in Shillington, Pa., after ordination while finishing his theology studies.

Father Don, who was ordained after the Second Vatican Council, had a slightly different experience. He studied theology at a new seminary north of Chicago, in Aurora, Ill., staying in a former Hilton Hotel with a room overlooking a pool.

“It was very good for me. I had studied (for years) with the same people. I hadn’t left the province. I didn’t know anyone (out there). It was much more structured than the East Coast. The Midwest was more structured. I had a great time.”

He returned to Woodstock College for his second and third year of seminary. “I really did like Woodstock. I

Congratulations to our new priests

really liked theology. It was a happy time for me.”

Father Don was also ordained in the chapel at Woodstock College, in 1970, by Cardinal Lawrence Sheehan in the last class ordained there. He remembers driving home to attend his sister’s graduation the day before his ordination and then driving his father through a bad storm to attend his ordination the next day. His dad was ill, so it meant a lot to have him there, he says.

“His being there is what I remember most about the ordination. I don’t remember anything about the Mass.”

“I mentioned my dad in my first homily,” he adds. “He told me if I talked too long he’d walk out. A famous Jesuit who was there told me that was the best homily he had ever heard!”

Teaching was a huge part of both priests’ experiences as they developed their gifts and talents.

Father Frank spent his first year after ordination in tertianship, a third year of spiritual formation. He was sent to high schools in Pittsburgh, Pa., then back to his beloved Philadelphia, where he taught at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School for 11 years. After a sabbatical in Toronto, he asked to work in Appalachia and was assigned to start spiritual retreats in Hot Springs, N.C., at what became the Jesuit House of Prayer. He was also the pastor for Madison County, where the Jesuits first came to minister in the 1920s.

“I worked with a wonderful pioneer priest, Jesuit Father Andy Graves. He was a wonderful mentor and friend.

(Also) Father Joe McCloskey and Mercy Sister Peggy Verstege. It was a great experience.”

After Father Don was ordained, he served briefly in Boston and then spent nine years at Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C. He always had a deep desire to serve outside the U.S., and begged his Jesuit superiors to send him abroad. He finally got his wish in 1981, when he was sent to Chile.

He spent two years in Santiago teaching in the high school there. He also worked with the outreach to the

Oblate of St. Francis de Sales pastor celebrates 25 years of priestly ministry SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

Santiago A. Mariani

Casey A. Coleman

Best wishes from the clergy and parishioners of Saint Mark Catholic Church Huntersville, NC

JESUITS, SEE page 23B

KERNERSVILLE — Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Father Paul Dechant, pastor of Holy Cross Church in Kernersville, celebrated his silver anniversary as a priest in May. Father Paul, as he likes to be called, is a native of Victorville, Calif., in the southern Mojave Desert just north of San Bernardino. Growing up, his family attended St. Joan of Arc Parish and then Our Lady of the Desert Parish in Apple Valley, Calif. He attended seminary at The Catholic University of America, where he earned a Master of Divinity.

Father Paul was drawn to the spirituality of Sts. Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal and thus pursued a vocation as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales.

He was ordained at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New York City by Bishop Roberto Gonzalez, the auxiliary bishop of Boston at the time.

Over the past 25 years, Father Paul served in campus ministry at UCLA and also served parishes in Portland, Ore.; Memphis, Tenn.; New York City; Vienna, Va.; Reston, Va.; Ft. Myers, Fla.; and Greensboro before coming to Kernersville.

What does he enjoy most about serving as a priest?

“The privilege of being with people at the most significant moments in their life journey,” he says.

‘Discernment takes time.

Give yourself the time to understand God’s plan for you.’

And as for his experiences in serving as a priest around the country?

Father Paul loves “seeing how people live their Catholic faith when in the majority and when in the minority.”

The most important lesson he has learned over the past 25 years of priesthood is that “there is never a need to rush or be in a hurry. God is never in a hurry.”

He also has some advice for men discerning a vocation to the priesthood: Dechant “Discernment takes time.

Give yourself the time to understand God’s plan for you.”

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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‘Love the people’: Father Eckert reflects on five years of priesthood

I

t is an interesting feeling reflecting on these five years since I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Charlotte. In a way, that blessed day in June feels like yesterday, and in another way it feels like a lifetime ago. So very much has happened, with ups and downs, intense joys and sorrows, regular routines and incredible occasions. After five years of priesthood, there is one word that seems to sum up well the life of a parish priest and it is the word “presence,” and the following is an attempt to describe why.

I remember at the time I was completing seminary, something many priests would knowingly say to us newly ordained was the phrase “Love the people.” This seemed so obvious, and the words of Pope Francis have only reinforced this sentiment as he has encouraged us in his idiomatic way to “smell like the sheep.” Like in a lot of things, this loving the people entrusted to my care is demonstrated by being present – for better or worse, at times ordinary and extraordinary (and the day-to-day ordinary seems to be the most important). This time with them has proven to be the source of the memories I treasure so dearly, a part of the hundredfold Our Lord promised the disciples. On the flip side, being present has also proven a great source of sorrow as it is incredibly hard to say goodbye, a chore I have had to perform twice in these five years and one that I have found to be the most difficult part of the priesthood. With this sorrow real and present, I am continually reminded, though, that God does indeed provide, that He asks me to be present to another beloved group of the faithful, and though a painful process at first, He keeps expanding the number of lives in which I have the privilege of being a part.

The strength to faithfully remain with the people each day comes from being present to the Blessed Sacrament. It is absolutely essential that I take time each day to recognize that He is present to me, the Real Presence of God made man, in the Eucharist, right with us each and every day. Without that time, simply being present to Him who is present to me, life loses its flavor, the vocation feels more like a job, and the heaviness of the cross seems to outweigh the repayment that Our Lord promised one hundredfold.

These types of presence meet together each day. My time in prayer with the Blessed Sacrament, both privately and in celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, does more for me than I can express. Then, impelled by this loving presence, I strive not only to imitate the Good Shepherd by engaging in a day in the parish, but even more importantly, by my presence to the people as a priest, I strive to point those I serve out of love toward Him

Expressing their appreciation SALISBURY — During their morning assembly on June 5, students and faculty at Sacred Heart School gave Father John Eckert, pastor, lots of hugs and gifts including a painting of a cross they had made in appreciation for his fifth anniversary of priestly ordination. Presented to Father Eckert by Principal Frank Cardelle, the cross painting featured the thumbprints of all the students, with each class represented by a different color.

Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

who is Love itself.

From those early days of my priesthood at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro and Bishop McGuinness High School, to my years at St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, and now in service of the people of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, this “presence” of the priesthood has provided me with the greatest five years of my life, and God willing, there will be many more to come. Praised be Jesus Christ!

Father John Eckert is pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.

Father Carvajal-Salazar celebrates fifth anniversary Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

CHARLOTTE — Father Gabriel CarvajalSalazar, parochial vicar at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, celebrated the fifth anniversary of his priestly ordination June 5.

The oldest of 15 brothers and sisters, Father Carvajal-Salazar first came to the Diocese of Charlotte as lay missionary in 1997 from Veracruz, Mexico, where he grew up. “My uncle Silviano Jaimes, who lives in Asheboro, invited me to teach apologetics at Our Lady of the Americas there,” he recalled.

The priest had been a full-time lay catechist with the Apostles of the Word, an ecclesiastical movement founded by Father Flaviano Amatulli, an Italian priest who has lived in Mexico since the 1960s.

Father Carvajal-Salazar helped catechized several dioceses in Mexico in the 1980s and ’90s before coming to Biscoe. Soon after his arrival at Our Lady of the Americas, Father Mark Lawlor, pastor at the time, suggested that he consider the priesthood.

However, it wasn’t until 2002 that he finally decided to pursue his vocation, after pastor Father Ricardo Sanchez encouraged him to speak with the vocations director at the time, Father John Allen.

“Father Ricardo cut my umbilical cord so I could finally make the decision to go to the seminary… One day, he just picked up the phone, called the vocations director, talked to him briefly and proceeded to hand me the phone saying, ‘Here he is, talk to him.’” Although considered by many, including himself, as a late vocation – he entered the seminary at 41 – once he met with the vocations director, he immediately felt at home.

“I remember being so nervous then, but after he interviewed me, Father Allen gave me a big hug and said, ‘Gabriel, welcome to the Diocese of Charlotte!’” he recalls.

During his discernment process, he found

great consolation in Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” And John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”

“In my case, I don’t think it was my decision to become a priest. God’s the one who calls, and it’s up to me to accept the invitation or not. No one is able to get into (the priesthood) if God doesn’t call him,” he said.

Celebrating the Eucharist and being able to be an instrument of God’s mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation have given him the most satisfaction during his first five years of ministry. “Sanctifying the people

of God with the sacraments has given me great joy as a priest,” he said.

Father Carvajal-Salazar said we are at a critical time in Church history and the biggest challenge for priests moving forward is that “the world is waiting to be evangelized. We have thousands of baptized Catholics who have been abandoned – without the Eucharist, without the sacraments – and that’s how they die. This is a huge challenge for the Church, and at the same time for those of us who have been called to work on the Lord’s vineyard: What are we going to do to properly care for the people of God?”

Rico De Silva | Catholic News Herald

Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar, parochial vicar at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, celebrated the fifth anniversary of his priestly ordination June 5.

The Staff and Parishioners of St. Vincent de Paul congratulate Father Mark S. Lawlor on his 20 Years of priestly ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 6828 Old Reid Road Charlotte, NC 28210

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 18B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Charlotte deacons celebrate 20th anniversary of ordination CHARLOTTE — On July 1, 1995, a day full of sunshine and smiles, then Bishop William G. Curlin ordained 11 men as permanent deacons for the Diocese of Charlotte. The day marked the culmination of five years of preparation, two years of Lay Ministry and three years of formation. During the Mass at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, the group listened carefully as Bishop Curlin prayed during the ordination rite: “Receive the Gospel of Christ. Believe what you read. Teach what you believe.

Practice what you teach.”

Twenty years have brought many changes in the ministry and the lives of these men, six of whom remain in ministry in the diocese: n Deacon Wayne Adams, 72, has been assigned to Our Lady of the Highways Church in Thomasville since his ordination, joyfully serving the parish and community.

He continues as an adjunct hospital chaplain at the Thomasville hospital, a ministry that began before ordination, making rounds and gathering with families who have lost a loved one. Baptism preparation classes, assisting with confirmation retreats and helping his pastor are part of his routine. As a young Southern Baptist man rooted in Kannapolis, he never imagined one day becoming Catholic – and a permanent deacon at that. It all began when he met Ursula, the Catholic girl who would become his wife. Serving in the U.S. Army in Germany in 1966, he spoke no German and she spoke no English, but they were attracted to each other so both carried dictionaries to converse. Dating for about a year and considering a wedding, he did not want a mixed marriage, two religions, in the family. He prayed for insight and realized that the bias against Catholicism he’d learned as a child missed the basic fact that Protestants and Catholics were both Christians. He then received guidance from the Army chaplain, a Dutch priest, and converted to Catholicism.

The chaplain officiated at their wedding on Sept. 28, 1967.

They lived in Germany for several years, then decided to settle back in his native North Carolina. So Newton became home, and St. Aloysius Church in Hickory their new parish. A job opportunity brought him to Thomasville in 1988 and to Our Lady of the Highways Parish. He became interested in the diaconate when Father John Murphy, OSFS, his pastor, told him about the program, and in 1992 he applied. “During the entire formation period I was discerning my call, questioning, and only at the end did it seem the right thing to do. Being a deacon has been a joy.” n Deacon Michael Langsdorf, 61, and his wife Mary are Philadelphia area natives who moved to North Carolina in 1976. With four children and eight grandchildren, he has been particularly involved in youth ministry, youth catechesis and faith formation at his parish, Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville, and his former parish, Holy Family Church in Clemmons. As his children reached their teen years, he responded to the call to the diaconate that he had perceived for some time. Step by step his response continues through 20 years ordained. At the Boonville parish, which has a large Hispanic and small English community, his focus is providing for those who prefer English-speaking faith formation and sacramental preparation. He teaches faith formation for grades 8-12 and confirmation preparation, and he cares for those who prefer English baptism preparation classes and RCIA when needed. At the same time, he finds the larger Divine Redeemer community “very welcoming and faith filled” as he proclaims the Gospel in Spanish when assisting at the Spanish Masses. n Deacon Carlos Medina, 65, and his wife Martha moved from Nicaragua to Miami in 1978 with their children, and job opportunities brought the family to Charlotte in 1981.

Within days of arriving he went to the Sunday evening

Spanish Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral, and he has been immersed in the life of the diocese ever since – asking simply of then chancellor Monsignor Joseph Kerin: “I have nothing and I am asking nothing from you. I just want to know what is it that I can do for my Church?” He served on the Hispanic Council and grew in his knowledge of the faith thanks to SEPI, the Hispanic Evangelization and Formation institute of the U.S. bishops in the Southeastern U.S. He trained to serve as a lector and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and he continued serving the Charlotte area Hispanic community. His Cursillo experience in 1988 brought a new joy, he recalls.

He began attending daily Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral and joined Cursillo leadership at the local and regional levels.

Then Bishop John Donaghue, who was the regional episcopal advisor for Cursillo, asked him, “Why don’t you study to be a deacon?” He applied, praying, “I will not mourn if not ordained, Lord. Deacon or not, I will serve you.”

He thoroughly enjoyed the diaconate formation and speaks with admiration of the late Monsignor Anthony Kovacic, who formerly directed the permanent diaconate program.

After ordination, he was assigned to the Hispanic Center (now Our Lady of Guadalupe Church) in Charlotte. He also began assisting at the daily English Mass at the cathedral, at the request of then rector and pastor, Father Frank SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald O’Rourke. His first assignment Several deacons, including Deacon Ron Steinkamp of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, director of the upon ordination to the Hispanic permanent diaconate program, are celebrating their 20th anniversary of ordination this year.

Ministry involved establishing ministries for the growing Latino community wherever needed, starting with helping In January 1999 he was assigned to St. Pius X Church in Father Tom Clements to start a Hispanic Ministry at Greensboro, assisting Father Frank Connelly. In July Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. He ministered to the 2005 Bishop Peter Jugis appointed him for a three-year Latino community by establishing faith formation classes, term as spiritual advisor to the Cursillo Movement. In administering the sacrament of baptism, officiating at weddings and funerals, and preaching at Spanish-language 2010 concluding a three-year Summer Institute at Quincy University, Deacon Steinkamp earned a master’s degree Masses. He then went to St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton in theological studies. Then on March 25, 2011, he was to do the same for the next five years. In 2002 he was appointed by Bishop Jugis as director of the Permanent assigned to St. Patrick Cathedral – the place where his Diaconate for the Charlotte diocese. He continues at his ministry in the Church began 21 years earlier. parish assignment with RCIA, Bible study, baptisms and marriages, and serves as a marriage tribunal advocate on n Deacon Ron Steinkamp, 71, and his wife Bette are annulment cases. He often turns to his wife saying, “Pinch natives of Quincy, Ill. They have experienced God working me as I must be dreaming: this farm boy from Illinois is an in both Catholic and ecumenical activities over the years, ordained deacon.” He even presided at the 2000 wedding of and helped the parishes in the communities where they his mother, then aged 79, to her childhood sweetheart. lived, including forming a parish community and building a church where none existed, prison ministry and youth n Deacon Rafael Torres, 69, serves at St. Luke Church in leadership. When a job promotion brought them to Mint Hill. When this U.S. Army Vietnam veteran moved Thomasville and Our Lady of the Highways Church, they with his wife Gladys and three children to Charlotte from immediately sought out the diocesan charismatic groups Puerto Rico in 1982, he never imagined his present life. His and Cursillo movement, which was a source of spiritual brother lived in Charlotte and Rafael secured a job with a strength for them when they lived in Virginia. Catholic cooking oil refinery soon after arrival. He made a career Charismatic Renewal conferences introduced them to the of it, and retired after 30 years. But, he says, his diaconal diaconal ministry, particularly to Deacon Hugo May and vocation and spiritual life have been more exciting and his wife Bobbie. They were good models, and it was Deacon deeply rewarding. He became involved with the Hispanic Hugo who vested him at ordination. The diocesan Lay Catholic community in Charlotte and when the Spanish Ministry Formation program attracted their attention and Cursillo was introduced he made a weekend. He says the they enrolled in 1990, seeking deeper faith formation. He Cursillo weekend “meant everything to me ... what we applied to the diaconate in 1992 and greatly appreciated learned that lay people can do to evangelize,” and he stayed being accepted. Upon ordination, he was assigned to the active in Cursillo and worked on lay teams speaking, Thomasville parish, where both he and his wife continued serving and in leadership. Sister Pilar Dalmau, ACJ, who as adjunct hospital chaplains at the Thomasville hospital, led the RCIA and adult formation events and remained active with the charismatic conferences and Cursillo.

DEACONS, SEE page 19B

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

DEACONS:

Other deacons in ministry

FROM PAGE 18B

led the Charlotte Hispanic Ministry at that time, urged him and others to take the Lay Ministry Formation program starting in 1990. Two years later, he was one of three Spanish-speaking men admitted to diaconate formation. Upon ordination he was assigned to Hispanic Ministry and he served at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Charlotte for 10 years. He went on to serve Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte for three years, then was transferred to St. Luke Church. “That is an interesting story,” he relates. “I was visiting St. Luke for the 1 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass and introduced myself to the pastor before Mass. He said, ‘Deacon, put on an alb and stole and preach the Mass today.’ I replied, ‘I have no vestments and no homily prepared.’ The pastor replied, “We have vestments and you can preach my homily that I wrote in Spanish.’ That is how it started.” A second Spanishspeaking deacon had come to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, and the pastor arranged for Deacon Rafael to move to St. Luke so that both communities could have Spanish-speaking deacons to minister to their growing Latino populations. He continues to preach at the 1 p.m. Spanish Mass, which has grown from 80 to an average of more than 300 attendees over the past seven years. He administers the sacrament of baptism, officiates at weddings and funerals, presides at quinceañeras, and serves as a marriage tribunal advocate on annulment cases. He is blessed by his parish community and as a Knight of Columbus in the St. Luke council. n Deacon John Weisenhorn, 81, and his wife Rosemarie have lived in Gastonia for 35 years, and he has served at St. Michael the Archangel Church since his ordination. Over his 20 years of ministry, his particular focus has been marriage preparation, and he says his own marriage has enriched his ministry to young couples. And, he adds, parenting a family of 11 children and frequent moves for his job earlier in their marriage has added to his perspective on marriage and family life. The Weisenhorns lived in Charlotte for a short time in the 1970s and attended St. Ann Church, where then Father Tony Kovacic was pastor. A few years later when they moved back to Charlotte, they got back together with their former pastor.

He told them about the newly-established permanent diaconate program, which he directed, and suggested that John apply.

“It was tempting but with young children and a new job, I knew my first vocation needed my attention and I declined,” he recalls. But 10 years later, he entered the Lay Ministry Formation program and then applied. Upon ordination he was hired by his parish as a pastoral associate for a time. Over these 20 years many

Many deacons serving in the Diocese of Charlotte were ordained for another diocese. Moving to our area because of work or family considerations, they have continued their service to the people of God in assignments granted by the bishop. Several of these celebrate milestone anniversaries this year:

35 years n Deacon Francis J. Camacho, 78, was ordained on June 7, 1980, for the Diocese of Fall River, Ma. Moving to the Diocese of Venice, Fla., in 1989 he was later incardinated there in 2003 and appointed diocesan director of the Permanent Diaconate, which he continues to do. With seasonal residence in North Carolina, he was granted faculties and assigned to St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville in 2014 by Bishop Jugis. Last fall he and his wife Lillian celebrated 53 years of marriage.

On behalf of the students, faculty and staff of

10 years n Deacon Mark J. King, 53, was ordained June 12, 2005, for the Diocese of Norwich, Ct. In 2009, he moved to the Charlotte diocese and was granted faculties and assigned to St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. Four years later, upon relocating in the city, Deacon Mark was reassigned by Bishop Jugis to St. Gabriel Church. He and his wife Susan just celebrated 30 years of marriage on June 8. n Educated in Florida, Deacon Richard J. Zandy, 60, was ordained for the Diocese of Venice on June 4, 2005, and has served since 2011 at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Mars Hill. He has lived seasonally in Burnsville and works in ministry in both dioceses throughout the year.

5 years n Deacon Philip B. Miles, 66, is new to the Charlotte diocese, having receive his assignment by Bishop Jugis to St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville in January.

He was ordained on Feb. 6, 2010, for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and relocated to North Carolina to be near family. He and his wife Eileen will celebrate 45 years of marriage in July.

changes occurred at the parish, a new church building was dedicated, and he has assisted eight different pastors. Reflecting upon his ministry, he recalls how his nine years of service as a full-time chaplain at Covenant Village retirement community in Gastonia has taught him so much: “The people taught me how to grow old with dignity, how to die with dignity, as I often sat by the bedside as death came.” A particular blessing for this deacon has also been presiding at the weddings of several of his children, as well as baptizing his grandchildren.

About the cover The outdoor Stations of the Cross at Belmont Abbey College offer a peaceful respite from busy life, and this time of year – when the lush greenery and cool breezes are at their best – is an ideal time to visit and pray.

Photo illustration | Tim P. Faragher and Patricia L. Guilfoyle

Charlotte Catholic High School We would like to offer our prayerful best wishes to

Father Matthew Kauth on the 15th anniversary of his ordination.

Thank you for serving as our chaplain.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 20B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Consecrated religious honored at Mass SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Women religious celebrating their jubilees in 2015 were honored in February during a Mass for the World Day for Consecrated Life.

Celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis, the Feb. 7 Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral marked this special year in the Church set aside to honor those who give their lives in service to Christ in the Church. More than 80 religious brothers, sisters, clergy and faithful attended.

“Today here we are in our diocesan celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life, honoring the gift of the consecrated life that you are to the local Church,” Bishop Jugis said. “That is why I consider it so important for myself personally to be welcoming you at this Mass and at this reception, because of your great contribution, by your very presence here in our local Church.”

During his homily he reminded the consecrated religious, “The Lord delights in you and in the gift that you make of yourselves of total consecration to Christ. And the Church also delights in your witness of total consecration, leaving everything behind out of love for Christ and becoming one with Him in mind and heart.”

“Our Gospel today reminds us that He is the vine and we are the branches,” he continued. “We remain in Him, totally dependent upon Him, drawing our sustenance from Him and then offering our lives, offering our work – the fruit of our holiness which He Himself has brought about within us.”

Bishop Jugis urged them to continue their witness of the charity of Christ, which they can do in a special way because of their consecrated lives.

Being a consecrated religious is more than being a social worker, as the secular culture often reduces it to, he noted.

“I think maybe it is because it is so difficult to understand the mystery of consecration to God, of being called especially by God for this vocation, leaving all to throw in one’s lot

Sister Betty Paul: Walking with young people Becky Igo Special to the Catholic News Herald

How does one help a young person find his or her way on a personal spiritual journey?

Sister Betty Paul, a member of the Sisters of Providence, sums up the task effortlessly, advising: Be patient, show respect and offer much love and support.

Sister Betty should know as she has worked for more than four decades in education, faith formation and youth-related ministries. The Evansville, Ind., native has ministered in Oklahoma, Indiana, Connecticut and Massachusetts, and now serves 19 parishes and two missions in the Greensboro and Winston-Salem vicariates as the northern regional coordinator of the Office of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Charlotte.

Sister Betty’s office is in Greensboro. Her duties are varied and the pace often hectic. “I support the adults who serve young people as catechetical leaders or catechists,” Paul she said. In addition, she teaches faith formation classes or might be speaking to sixth- and seventh-grade students about “what it means to be a sister,” in her case, a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., where she took perpetual vows on April 10, 1976. She has most interaction with youth in sixth through 12th grades. Also, she is a volunteer catechist in her own parish, Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington.

Persons responsible for faith formation emphasize they do not tell a young person or adult how to achieve or define their spirituality. Rather, the faith seekers are assisted in their search to “know Jesus” and to “build their relationship with Jesus,” Sister Betty says. “All that we do in faith formation is to help them build that relationship.”

“Our goal is to help young people become members of the parish community, walk with them and allow opportunity for their questions,” she says, adding that faith formation can take years, even a lifetime.

Her faith formation work in the Diocese of Charlotte has been rewarding, she says.

“During my 40-plus years in diocesan ministry, I have had the opportunity to assist bishops in the dioceses of Oklahoma City, Norwich, Worcester and Charlotte in their role as Chief Catechetical Leader through my youth ministry and faith formation positions. I have received support, encouragement and gratitude from them in these ministry situations which have given me a positive experience of our universal Catholic Church.

“I have had the opportunity to share this experience of the broader Catholic Church with young people and to offer them that experience in a variety of settings outside their local parish community: retreats, leadership training, summer camps, youth conferences (diocesan, regional, national and international), in educational settings.

“To walk with young people on their faith journeys over these years through my ministry experiences has been a privilege and a blessing.”

— Reprinted with permission from the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., winter 2010 issue of HOPE, online at www.sistersofprovidence.org.

completely with the Lord.

Or maybe it is a vocation that is just too difficult to express in a sound bite or in a couple of sentences in a paper.

“But the consecration is the foundation, it is a special call, the Lord looking with love upon you and choosing you to be consecrated to Him.” The Year of Consecrated Life marks the 50th anniversary of “Perfectae Caritatis” by the Second SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald Vatican Council, on the Bishop Peter Jugis presented papal blessings Feb. 7 to those celebrating renewal of religious life in their jubilee anniversaries this year. “We have several centuries of our times. consecrated life standing here before us, and our diocese is so greatly Noted Bishop Jugis, “We enriched by the variety of religious charisms that are represented here honor your pursuit of before us, in our congregation today,” Bishop Jugis told them with a perfect charity – ‘perfectae smile. “What a wonderful, marvelous blessing Our Lord is giving to our caritatis’ – and the diocese!” tremendous positive impact that your presence is having here in the Diocese of Charlotte for building up the local Church in holiness, and also helping our society to experience the presence of Christ and the presence of His love.”

Women get boost toward new lives Beth Rogers Thompson Special to the Catholic News Herald

BELMONT — Sister Carmelita Hagan’s ring motto states her commitment simply: “Yes.” She chose the word “because it’s all that’s necessary,” she says. “God called and I said yes.”

Growing up in Ireland, she knew in fourth grade that she wanted to become a sister, she says. “Sister Kathleen McNamara (who died in 2002) was from my hometown and was one of my mother’s best friends. She stayed in our home and talked about the Sisters of Mercy mission in North Carolina, which was only 0.5 percent Catholic in those days.”

Sister Carmelita’s path led to New York City, where she lived with relatives and was a clerical worker for 10 months at Union Carbide chemical company. She then moved to Belmont, where she entered the community in 1963 and professed her perpetual vows in 1970. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Sacred Heart College in Belmont and a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Fairfield (Conn.) University.

Her ministries in education and pastoral care took her to Florida, South Carolina and Mocksville here in North Carolina. She also served as parish administrator at two parishes in South Carolina and one in North Carolina.

“I think God puts you where you’re supposed to be, no matter where you come from,” she says.

Since August 2002, Sister Carmelita has ministered in Belmont as facility manager and volunteer coordinator at Catherine’s House, which provides transitional housing for homeless women and their children.

Her role involves some of the ministry’s fundraising, including an annual car raffle.

“Everybody’s a winner who helps a woman get back on her feet,” she reminds those who hold “losing” tickets.

Besides a scarcity of affordable housing, she says, her ministry’s biggest challenge is “hearing people’s painful stories, helping them to move forward and find God. It touches your heart.”

Inspired by Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Carmelita extends comfort and compassion to those in need, taking time to hear their stories. “I always try to remember that, as Catherine said, ‘The poor need help today, not next week.’ Our ministry is one of healing, giving hope, encouragement and a glimpse of the face of God.” Currently, Catherine’s House shelters 14

Photo provided by the Sisters of Mercy

Sister Carmelita and Beverly, a resident, place supports around tomato plants in the garden that supplies most of the fresh produce for Catherine’s House during the summer. women and 10 children, rent-free. They share a family room, play room, laundry facilities, bathroom and kitchen. Food donations supplement their assistance from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP (formerly called food stamps).

“The people who come in, the majority are wonderful women who just came upon hard times,” Sister Carmelita says, adding that many are professionals. Many have experienced abuse, or they may have been evicted after losing jobs and falling behind on rent.

In addition to shelter, residents receive counseling and case management, as well as classes designed to enhance their life skills, selfesteem and wellness.

Besides her work at Catherine’s House, Sister Carmelita ministers in pastoral care at nearby House of Mercy, which provides housing and compassionate care for people with AIDS. She visits patients three times a week to pray and read SISTER, SEE page 23B

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

21B

‘Looking back 70 years, I’d do it all over again. I have no regrets. Now Jesus might have a different idea!’

Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast

Dedicated spirit, sense of humor define Mercy Sister’s vocation SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

BELMONT — Mercy Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast has devoted the past 70 years to serving the Church as a Sister of Mercy in education and pastoral ministry, but when asked if she had any idea what saying yes to a life as a consecrated religious meant when she was just 18, she laughs.

“It’s like when you first fall in love and you’re thinking about getting married and someone says, ‘Will you live with this person forever?’ And you say, ‘Oh yes!’ and after a while you think, ‘Seventy years, I don’t know about that!’

“Fortunately, we don’t see what’s ahead!”

Sister Jeanne Marie entered the Sisters of Mercy in June 1945, the day after D-Day. She had been a boarder at Sacred Heart Academy during her high school years and had come to love the Sisters of Mercy who taught there.

“It was the first time I had Sisters for teachers,” she recalls. “I enjoyed them.

They were wonderful teachers and took time to talk with us, interact with us. We prayed with them in the chapel and had Mass with them.

This was in a time in history before air conditioning, and the students could hear the Sisters of Mercy praying their Liturgy of the Hours through the open windows in the chapel.

“The sound of it was beautiful. I had no idea in the world that that would be a place for me. I never even considered it. It was probably the end of my sophomore year when I thought about it. I was interested in what we would now call social services. I was also interested in nursing.”

She remembers hearing the word “vocation” during that time. Different sisters would mention it to her. “I remember thinking ‘What would that be like?’ I would envision myself as one of the Sisters.”

She didn’t tell her parents about her vocation at first.

“I’ve always been so grateful to my community. Whenever I saw the Sisters together, they enjoyed being with one another. I didn’t understand that was ‘community,’ but there was a strong tie among them. They enjoyed one another and I could hear them laugh together at different times. That was so good to know that. I knew the joy of the Sisters here.”

She could hear the Lord talking to her about it, “but I tried to turn Him off.”

Then she went on a three-day retreat where the priest spoke of vocations and what it meant to give one’s life totally to God. “It struck me hard. The Lord said, ‘You!’” It reminded her of the recruiting posters during the war that featured an illustration of Uncle Sam saying, “I want YOU!” “And that’s the way I began to see the Lord, saying ‘You’re the one!’”

She and her roommate were among six young women from her class who entered that June 25, 1945.

Peace was declared in August, and World War II was over. “We told all the Sisters it was because we entered; we brought peace,” she jokes.

Her first assignment after making temporary vows was teaching AfricanAmerican students in a red brick, tworoom school on the campus of Belmont Abbey. There were two pot-bellied stoves

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Mercy Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast is celebrating her 70th jubilee this year. that had to be stoked in the winter to keep the classrooms warm.

“I was sent up there to teach more than 40 children. I had to figure out how to teach all the children (of varying ages) by myself.

They were so receptive. There were so many parts of that that were fun.

“I was so engrossed in figuring out how to teach them all, enjoying what was going on. We would sing a lot and have music classes and put on plays. I was only there for the year, but it was an exciting year.”

Thus she was put on the path of education and education administration after a brief time of training at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte.

“There was a need for a replacement for a Sister in an orphanage in Raleigh to substitute teach. I accepted. It was supposed to be temporary!” she laughs. “That was the Lord’s way of taking care of me.”

She professed her final vows in 1951, just five years after the first Sisters of Mercy went to Guam to help rebuild and teach after World War II, and she volunteered to go to Guam.

“I thought I’d volunteer so I would show that I was willing,” she explains. “I thought, ‘I know I won’t go because there are so many people on the list that are way ahead of me.’ I was shocked when the list went down and I got sent for. The superior said, ‘You volunteered for Guam? I laughed and said, ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘Will you go?’ and I said ‘Yes.’” She was there over three years. “It was exciting. Guam was rebuilding (after the war). The Sisters had opened a day school.

There were Catholic schools opening in the villages. It was wonderful.”

In 1955 she returned to the U.S. and accepted a position as principal of the elementary school on the campus of Sacred Heart in Belmont. She was just in her 20s when she became a principal, and jokes that it was not in recognition of her administrative talents but rather that her superiors “were hard up.”

“In a community, where’s there a need, you fill it. Somehow God gives you what

you need to do what you need to do.”

Sister Jeanne Marie was also the director of novices for four years during the 1960s when there were changes in the Church following the Second Vatican Council.

She shares that her guiding of other women in their religious vocation was challenging but rewarding. Two of the women who were under her care are now celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year.

“It was humbling. It was beautiful. It was wonderful to see them growing.”

Sister Jeanne Marie speaks of the transition time after Vatican II as a difficult period. “There were a lot of us who found that very, very difficult and struggled with it. We wanted to be faithful to what the Church was calling us to do, but we wanted to hang on to what was.”

She then went on to serve as dean of students at Sacred Heart College in Belmont, and some years later a new opportunity arose: The Charlotte diocese was being formed, and its first bishop, Bishop Michael Begley, approached the Sisters of Mercy about one of them becoming the first diocesan director of faith formation. Bishop Begley was familiar with Sister Jeanne Marie’s work, and she jokes that “he kind of mentioned that maybe I would be interested!”

She accepted the position and served for about six years, then agreed to go to work at a new church being founded in south Charlotte: St. Matthew Church.

“I feel like I had done everything I could do (as faith formation director),” she recalls.

“It was time for me to move on. I wanted to see what the Lord had in mind for me.”

A job in pastoral ministry at St. Matthew Church intrigued her, she says, because of her affinity for the charism of the Sisters of Mercy’s foundress, Catherine McAuley, to help women and children and those in need.

“She (Catherine McAuley) has always been with me. Sister Therese (Galligan) and I had been reading a series on homelessness in the Charlotte area which we finished on the feast of Our Lady of

Mercy. I said to her, ‘What are we going to do about this?’”

They agreed that they wanted to reach out and partner with local agencies to help people get back on their feet. After discussions with the Salvation Army and the Charlotte Housing Authority, they developed a long-term solution to house people.

“Again, it’s what Catherine McAuley said, ‘Educate, educate. Always respect the person.’”

Her vocation, Sister Jeanne Marie says, is “the source of grace for everything I do.

It’s just like those with a married vocation.

There may be days you don’t feel like doing it. There may be weeks you don’t feel like doing it. But this is what you are called to do. This is what you have promised to do.

“You know you will get the grace to do it if you are faithful. God never leaves us abandoned. And Our Lady of Mercy shows us the way.”

Some of her greatest joys over the past 70 years have come from living in community with her sisters, she adds.

“Being part of a community means that you share in the death as well as the life of others. Needless to say over the years, we have lost many, many sisters. I have had the joy of living with women who are dedicated, had the same values that I did but were called to live in different ways ‒ women who are good.

“In this community, there is a spirit of joy and a spirit of hospitality. We welcome people. Because we have lived in North Carolina ‒ most of us when we entered ‒ we were always more evangelization-minded because we were in the minority.”

She recalls that many people had no idea who the Sisters of Mercy were. Over the years people were not overtly rude to them, but they were curious and a bit unsure of them, especially when the Sisters wore long habits.

One day she was cornered in the grocery store by a mother whose daughter was curious about who the Sisters were. The little girl said, “What are you?” Sister Jeanne Marie replied, “I’m a woman who teaches people about Jesus.” The girl then asked, “Why are you dressed like that?” And she told her, “So people will ask me questions.”

Another upside to being a minority in the South, she says, has been that Catholics have worked together. “We always worked closely with the laity and the priests. We formed teams with the laity in the parishes.

Most of our priests were covering a few parishes.”

She believes this is what Pope Francis is calling for today: going out and working with and among the people.

Her advice to women discerning a vocation to religious life?

“I would say the same thing that Jesus said: Come and see, come and ask. It takes courage.

“People say today there is too much materialism around us, and that may be so.

But there is still a need. And when there is a need, Jesus gives the way to answer the need. He gives people that gift. We have to wake up and see if we want to be generous enough to accept the gift.

“Looking back 70 years, I’d do it all over again. I have no regrets.”

Then, she quips, “Now Jesus might have a different idea!”

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 22B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

If you or someone you know is contemplating a religious vocation, check out the following general resources online. Talk with your pastor, read up on consecrated life and the various communities that exist, and contact religious communities that interest you. Many offer “come and see” days or retreats that are good opportunities to learn more and meet others who have already accepted God’s call to religious life. And don’t be afraid to ask questions!

database to find a men’s or women’s religious community, whether you wish to become a priest, nun, brother or lay missioner, or just want to find out more about living a religious life. n www.cloisteredlife.com: Aims to bring to attention the gift of cloistered and monastic life in the Church, sponsored by the IRL.

Diocesan vocations office

n www.cmsm.org: The Conference of Major Superiors of Men serves the leadership of the Catholic orders and congregations of the more than 17,000 vowed religious priests and brothers of the U.S. n www.religiousbrotherhood.com: Sponsored by the IRL specifically to increase awareness of the specific charism of religious brotherhood in the U.S.

Father Christopher Gober, Director of Vocations: 704-370-3327, vocationsmail@charlottediocese.org

General information n www.foryourvocation.org: Set up by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, dedicated to the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life for both men and women. They are also on Facebook and YouTube. There are resources for parents and teachers, questions to ask yourself if you feel God is calling you, see videos of the vocation stories from priests and religious all over the U.S., and much more. n www.religiouslife.com: The Institute for Religious Life’s website, with plenty of resources for both men and women interested in a vocation or those who wish to support religious life. n Not sure what religious communities are out there that might be a good fit for you? Check out: www. religiousministries.com. Search this

VOCATIONS Q&A

Talk with your pastor if you hear God’s call to priesthood

Religious communities for men

Religious communities for women n www.cmswr.org: The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) is a canonically approved organization founded in 1992, to promote religious life in the U.S. n www.lcwr.org: The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) is an association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the U.S. — Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

Prayerful Best Wishes Monsignor Richard Bellow on your 45th anniversary

Your parish family thanks you for all that you do!

Saint Mark Catholic Church Huntersville, NC

CHARLOTTE — Diocesan Director of Vocations, Father Christopher Gober, discusses the call to the priesthood with the Catholic News Herald:

Gober

CNH: What is the process you follow with a potential seminarian when they come to you? What type of advice or guidance do you give these

men?

Father Gober: When a potential candidate comes to me, I encourage him to meet regularly with his pastor. I then spend time learning about his life experiences and exploring the reasons why he believes he is being called to the priesthood. Men who aspire to serve God’s people, strive to imitate Our Lord through daily prayer and service, who are drawn to Our Lord in the Eucharist, desire to preach the Gospel, and who wish to bring God’s mercy to the physically and spiritually poor are some of the authentic signs of a possible vocation to the priesthood. I would encourage him to reflect on these topics.

CNH: Describe types of prayer that are helpful for discernment.

Father Gober: It is important to cultivate a love for the Mass and spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, foster a true

devotion to the Blessed Mother, begin to pray the Divine Office and practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

CNH: Why do you recommend spending time in front of the Most Blessed Sacrament?

Father Gober: We are fortunate to have an annual Eucharistic Congress in the Diocese of Charlotte which encourages all the faithful to come to know Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

Since the Holy Mass is the most perfect prayer a priest offers, it is important for somebody discerning a vocation to the priesthood to cultivate a great love for the Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

CNH: Are there specific books that you suggest a man discerning the priesthood should read?

Father Gober: Sacred Scripture; Father Bret Brennan’s “To Save a Thousand Souls” is a very comprehensive guide; Father Thomas Dubay’s “Authenticity: A Biblical Theology of Discernment”; and Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s “The Priest is Not His Own” and “Those Mysterious Priests.”

CNH: Are there specific persons men should seek out to mentor them during the discernment period?

Father Gober: If somebody is serious about discerning a vocation to the priesthood, I would first encourage him to speak with his family and his pastor.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

"This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

—Psalm 118:24

Congratulations!

Deacon Wayne Adams Your parish family at Our Lady of the Highways Catholic Church rejoices with you as you celebrate the 20th Anniversary of your ordination.

Our Lady of the Highways – 943 Ball Park Road – Thomasville, NC 27360

June 19, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

NEILSON: FROM PAGE 14B

them for the sacraments.”

Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari (now Father Kieran’s superior) was in the second grade when Father Kieran served at St. Benedict Parish. He remembers the abbot making his first Holy Communion.

He also served as a chaplain at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Richmond for five years. “It had about five miles of hall space (at the VA hospital). So I did my share of walking,” he jokes.

JESUITS: FROM PAGE 16B

poor started by St. Alberto Hurtado called Hogar de Cristo (Home of Christ), helping the needy. He was able to work in Osorno for three years before returning to the U.S. to serve at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia – the same school where Father Frank taught years before.

Father Don jokingly admits that his superiors have “matched the jobs to my personality” over the years.

His love of new experiences and exposure to different cultures have allowed him to travel the world during his priestly ministry, especially Africa.

“It was challenging. It grew on me. I loved Africa.”

He bounced back and forth between cities in the northeastern U.S. (Camden, N.J., was one city where he served Puerto Rican and Dominican parishioners) and places like the Dominican Republic and Africa. “It was a fabulous experience,” he said of serving the elderly in the Dominican Republic.

Father Frank, on the other hand, has a very distinguished service record here in the U.S., especially in western North Carolina, where he also served in Mars Hill, working with the Catholic community to build St. Andrew the Apostle Church in 1991 and ministering to the people of nearby Sacred Heart Mission in Burnsville. He had a growing Hispanic population at his parishes there and he greatly appreciated their deep love of the faith. He admits his grasp of Spanish, which he did not learn until his 70s, was a bit of a challenge.

But, he recalls, “It was a very joyful experience. Studying the Bible in a new

Now in his “golden years,” multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood, has slowed Father Kieran down a bit. He cannot stand for long periods of time, so he has had to settle for concelebrating Mass with his fellow monks at the Abbey.

All in all, he says, he has loved his 55 years of priestly ministry. “I can’t say I didn’t enjoy any aspect of my priesthood.

There are certain things that I did enjoy more. I enjoyed the elderly people. I used to visit them. And of course, I loved the little children. I still do.”

Father Kieran advises young men discerning the priesthood to pray, and don’t worry. “I tell him to ask God to give him the grace to know what He wants him to do. Don’t be afraid.”

language was a great gift. It opens your eyes in a different way.”

He had the help of Sister Verstege in assisting the Hispanic community in Burnsville, where she still ministers today.

Father Frank says he never could have imagined all that the Lord has done in his life as he has followed the path of St. Ignatius of Loyola in serving the Church as a Jesuit.

“We are formed in the spirituality of St. Ignatius, our founder, which calls us to strive to know Jesus more intimately, love Him more ardently and serve Him more perfectly, and always to strive for the ‘magis,’ i.e., to try to do whatever is for the greater glory of God.” “I could tell God was doing something different when he moved me to North Carolina,” he adds. “I could feel it in my being.”

Father Don has also settled into life in North Carolina at the growing parish of St. Thérèse. He has been there for seven years, arriving before Father Frank, and now particularly ministers to the parish’s Latino community.

“Of all the changes (in my assignments) this adjustment has been the easiest of my life,” he says. “I really like North Carolina!”

Both Father Frank and Father Don have advice for men discerning the priesthood.

“Pray. Talk to people. Trust,” says Father Frank. “Keep trying to follow the leading of the Lord. In my experience, the Lord leads. It may require patience. Trust requires that.”

Father Don agrees that prayer is essential. “Pray. Have a spiritual director.

Stay close to the Eucharist.”

They both agree that they are very blessed by the communities they serve, which welcomed them warmly.

“It’s been a joy ride,” Father Frank says about his priestly vocation, drawing laughter from Father Don. “Some days!” chimes in Father Don.

SISTER:

PARENTS:

FROM PAGE 20B

FROM PAGE 3B

Scripture or sometimes just to talk with them.

“I like to be there when they’re close to dying, to hold their hand and affirm them,” she says. “I let them know how much Jesus loves them and that He’s waiting to take them home.” Usually she conducts a memorial service with family and staff members.

“I love my ministry,” she adds. “The residents may be learning skills here, but I have learned so much from them. The children are the joy of my life. They come running in after school or day care and give me a big hug. The women appreciate and are always affirming me in my ministry. We are a blessed people.”

follow his calling.

To be honest, I was shocked. All that puzzle that he was working on to build his path in life was changed in a few moments, in one decision – maybe the most important decision of his entire life.

It took me a while to understand his decision, and as he reminded me: “You always told us to follow our own path, the one that makes our souls happy, and that is what I am doing.”

Time went on, and certainly he was right about his decision. We know as parents that he is happy, and for us, that is all that counts.

Beth Thompson works with the South Central Community communications team. Reprinted with permission from the Sisters of Mercy.

23B

The Parish Family of Saint Matthew Catholic Church offers its prayerful congratulations

Casey Coleman On his upcoming ordination

Sr. Marie Frechette, MSBT On her 50th Jubilee

Seminarians from St. Matthew Parish Brian Becker Jacob Mlakar Britt Taylor Justin Grosnick – Jesuit Brian Sullivan – Capuchin

catholicnewsherald.com | June 19, 2015 24B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS Mentes Tuorum Visita

THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PATRICK Congratulates

Casey A. Coleman Santiago A. Mariani On Their Ordination To the Priesthood O

Jesus, Eternal Priest, look down with love upon Thy priests. Fill them with a burning zeal for the conversion of sinners. Keep them within the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart. Keep unstained their anointed hands which daily touch Thy Sacred Body. Keep unsullied their lips purpled with Thy precious Blood. Keep pure and unearthly their hearts sealed with the sublime marks of Thy glorious Priesthood. Let Thy holy love protect them from the world's contagion. Bless their labors with abundant fruit, and may the souls to whom they minister on earth be one day their joy and consolation in heaven. Amen.

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick

1621 Dilworth Road East * Charlotte, NC www.stpatricks.org