Oct. 28, 2016

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

OCTOBER 28, 2016

INSIDE: Diocese of Charlotte 2015-’16 annual report Diocese found compliant with child protection audit 3

St. Benedict the Moor Church celebrates 75 years:

United as a parish family Subscribe today! Call:

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INDEX

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FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE THANK YOU!

Contact us.......................... 4 Español..................................11 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes................. 3-10 Schools..............................12 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................13 U.S. news...................... 14-15 Viewpoints...................18-20 World news.................. 16-17 Year of Mercy..................... 2

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP Voting and living as good citizens 18

YEAR OF MERCY PROFILE ‘There’s no place like home’

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Homemakers of Mercy give families new start

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Year of Mercy 2

catholicnewsherald.com | October 28, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘There’s no place like home’ Pope Francis

Walls aren’t answer to people fleeing war, climate change

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losing doors to immigrants and refugees is not the answer – in fact, it only helps encourage the crime of human trafficking, Pope Francis said. “The only way for resolution is through solidarity,” where everyone pitches in because “all together we are a powerful force of support for those who have lost their homeland, family, work and dignity,” he said Oct. 26 at his weekly general audience.

In his talk, the pope continued his series of reflections on the works of mercy, focusing on welcoming the stranger and clothing the naked.

He said clothing the naked is about caring for those whose dignity has been stripped from them and helping restore and protect that dignity.

So in addition to providing clothing to those in need, be on the lookout for and ready to help victims of human trafficking and those – including children – whose bodies are being bought and sold like some kind of commodity, he said.

Not having a home, a job or fair wages and being discriminated against because of race or faith are all forms of nakedness that “as Christians, we are called to be on the alert (for), vigilant and ready to act.”

While voluntary or forced migration has been part of human history, the call to welcome the stranger is even more necessary than ever given that so many people today are on the move because of economic crises, armed conflict and climate change, he said.

There have been many “great expressions of solidarity” over the centuries, even though there have been social tensions, too, the pope said.

“Unfortunately, today’s context of economic crisis prompts the emergence of an attitude of closure and not welcome.

In some parts of the world walls and barriers are appearing,” he said.

“Sometimes it seems that the silent work of many men and women who, in different ways, strive to help and assist refugees and migrants is overshadowed by the noise of others who give voice to an instinctive selfishness,” he said.

“Closure is not a solution, rather it ends up encouraging criminal trafficking,” he said. The more a person opens up to others, he said, the more one’s life is enriched, the more society opens itself up to peace and people recover their full dignity.

“It is urgent today as is in the past” for all Christians to be assisting immigrants and refugees, he said. “It is a task that involves everyone, without exception.”

Homemakers of Mercy give families new start SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Members from two of the Diocese of Charlotte’s largest parishes, St. Gabriel and St. Matthew churches, are doing what they can to help end homelessness in the Charlotte area.

Working with The Salvation Army and the Charlotte Housing Authority, parishioners are helping to move women and their children from homelessness to self-sufficiency, in a joint effort they call “Homemakers of Mercy” or “HOM.” More than 2,000 people are homeless in Charlotte, according to statistics from the Urban Ministry Center of Charlotte.

The Homemakers of Mercy outreach was founded seven years ago on a concept by Mercy Sister Therese Galligan and the late Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast to combat the problem, especially among single women and children.

The goal is to provide these women and their children with transitional housing and the social services they need to become self-sufficient. Operated under the Charlotte Housing Authority, this Supportive Housing Innovative Program, or SHIP, moves families into an apartment complex owned by CHA. Sixty apartments are available for families, and they are allowed to live there for up to three years.

The Salvation Army screens and chooses the families from the Center of Hope, a local emergency shelter for homeless women, children and families. The Salvation Army also provides supportive services including vocational training, educational assistance, and therapeutic services.

St. Gabriel and St. Matthew parishioners provide resources, donated goods and volunteers through the HOM Ministry to furnish and prepare the apartment homes for the families.

Since the inception of this collaborative effort, 300 families have been able to escape homelessness.

Mary Ann Thomas, who serves as the coordinator for HOM at St. Gabriel Church, explains how it began at the parish.

“When we started, the idea of mercy was stressed by our founding visionaries, Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast and Sister Therese Galligan, Sisters of Mercy,” Thomas

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HOMEMAKERS OF MERCY

A volunteer with the Homemakers of Mercy ministry sorts through donated items which are stored in a facility adjacent to St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte. The ministry helps fully furnish and stock apartments for women and children who are homeless, helping them to make a new start. recalls. “They would always speak to us about how similar our project was to the work of Catherine McCauley (founder of Sisters of Mercy) to provide women and children with the resources and services to move beyond poverty.

“Our team was comprised of homemakers who at first didn’t consider their strengths to be empowering. However, we were passionate about the importance of our homes in shaping the lives of our own children. We knew – from our own experiences – a home provides peace and respite from the stresses of daily life.”

Setting up apartment homes for 60 families takes an enormous amount of help from the community. HOM volunteers collect furniture and supplies from local donors, then sort the items and store them until they are needed to furnish an apartment. Couches, kitchen tables and chairs, coffee tables, dressers, lamps, kitchen supplies, housewares, artwork – all items are carefully stored at a house on Sharon Road that St. Gabriel Parish owns.

Volunteers from St. Matthew Church and the St. Gabriel Men’s Club drive trucks on the third Saturday of the month to collect furniture from parishioners and others.

They also help move the furniture into the apartments when needed.

HOM volunteers also stock the kitchen

pantry and refrigerator before each new family’s move-in day, and when families arrive they are greeted with a home-cooked meal and a “Welcome Home” cake.

“We hope if we can provide this for families we serve that they might be empowered to move beyond homelessness to a future filled with hope and promise,” Thomas says.

She believes one of the unique aspects of Homemakers of Mercy is that they do not meet the families.

“This is our gift to the moms. The Holy Spirit works through us. We do not want the women beholden to us. The new home and new start is God’s mercy, offering them the opportunity for a new beginning.”

How can you help?

DONATIONS of furniture and money are always welcome. Volunteers are also needed to pick up donations and to help set up apartments. To learn more, contact HOMfurniture.donate@gmail.com or 704-362-5047, ext. 601.

More online On the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel: See a video highlighting the work of the Homemakers of Mercy

Your daily Scripture readings OCT. 30-NOV. 5

Sunday: Wisdom 11:22-12:2, 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2, Luke 19:1-10; Monday: Philippians 2:1-4, Luke 14:12-14; Tuesday (All Saints): Revelations 7:2-4, 9-14, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12a; Wednesday (The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed): Wisdom 3:1-9, Romans 5:5-11, John 6:37-40; Thursday: Philippians 3:3-8a, Luke 15:1-10; Friday (St. Charles Borromeo): Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 16:1-8; Saturday: Philippians 4:10-19, Luke 16:9-15

NOV. 6-12

Sunday: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5, Luke 20:27-38; Monday: Titus 1:1-9, Luke 17:1-6; Tuesday: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14, Luke 17:7-10; Wednesday (Dedication of the Lateran Basilica): Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12, 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17, John 2:13-22; Thursday (St. Leo the Great): Philemon 7-20, Luke 17:20-25; Friday (St. Martin of Tours): 2 John 4-9, Luke 17:26-37; Saturday (St. Josaphat): 3 John 5-8, Luke 18:1-8

NOV. 13-19

Sunday: Malachi 3:19-20a, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12, Luke 21:5-19; Monday: Revelations 1:1-4; 2:1-5, Luke 18:35-43; Tuesday: Revelations 3:16, 14-22, Luke 19:1-10; Wednesday: Revelations 4:1-11, Luke 19:11-28; Thursday (St. Elizabeth of Hungary): Revelations 5:1-10, Luke 19:41-44; Friday: Revelations 10:8-11, Luke 19:45-48; Saturday: Revelations 11:4-12, Luke 20:27-40

Our parishes

October 28, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Diocese found compliant with child protection audit History of the parish WINSTON-SALEM — St. Benedict the Moor Church was established in 1940 to serve African-American Catholics living in WinstonSalem’s East Winston community. The church was named in honor of St. Benedict the Moor, a Franciscan friar who lived a holy life of prayer and charity. The saint is also the patron saint of African-Americans.

The parish was founded by Raleigh Bishop Eugene McGuinness and placed under the direction of the Order of Friars Minor.

A local attorney and his wife, Mr. & Mrs. Hosea V. Price, and approximately 11 black Catholics assisted founding pastor Father Ronald Scott in establishing the parish. The first Masses were celebrated in the Prices’ home, and as the congregation grew the Masses were moved to Robinson Funeral Home.

Parish leaders soon found property for sale at the corner of 12th Street and Hattie Avenue for a parish hall and rectory. The property was purchased from the estate of Bishop Kyles of the A.M.E. Zion Church on April 26, 1940.

Bishop McGuinness dedicated the church on Sept. 7, 1941.

Responding to the need and to enhance the educational aspect of the faith, the Sisters of St. Francis of Allegany, N.Y., arrived in WinstonSalem to open an academy. They purchased property at the corner of 14th Street and Hattie Avenue and began preparing the buildings to serve as classrooms and dormitories. On Sept.

7, 1946, St. Anne’s Academy was opened.

In September 1950 under the direction of the Franciscan sisters, St. Benedict Grammar School was opened with 116 students.

After St. Anne’s Academy and St. Benedict Grammar School later closed, the facilities were retooled to provide services to the community.

The Kyle Heights Apartments is on the former site of St. Anne’s Academy and the St. Benedict Grammar School became the Franciscans Day Care Center.

— Excerpted from the St. Benedict the Moor Parish history

Pastors Franciscan Fr. Ronald Scott 1940-1943 Franciscan Fr. Martin Collins 1943-1952 Franciscan Fr. Cajetan Foley 1952-1954 Franciscan Fr. Francis Gorman 1954-1961 Franciscan Fr. Brendan Pyle 1961-1964 Franciscan Fr. Kevin Farrell 1964-1966 Fr. Francis Moeslein 1966-1969 Fr. William Pharr 1969-1971 Fr. Edward Beatty 1971-1975 Redemptorist Fr. Vincent Douglas 1975-1978 Fr. Francis O’Rourke 1978-1981 Fr. Morris Boyd 1981-1987 Jesuit Fr. Thomas Gaunt 1987-1990 Jesuit Fr. Lawrence Hunt 1990-2004 Fr. Lawrence Heiney 2004-2012 Fr. Lucas Rossi 2012-2013 Fr. Anthony Forte 2013-2015 Fr. Basile Sede 2015-current

PHOTOS BY PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parishioners of St. Benedict the Moor Church celebrated the church’s 75th anniversary Oct. 22 during a Mass offered by Bishop Peter Jugis. Concelebrants included Father Basile Sede, pastor, and former pastors Father Francis O’Rourke and Jesuit Father Thomas Gaunt.

St. Benedict the Moor: United as a parish family PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

WINSTON-SALEM — “We are one, we are one. In the name of Jesus, we are one.”

“Somos uno, somos uno. Somos unos. En el nombre de Jesus, somos uno. Aleluya!”

That was the rallying song of parishioners at St. Benedict the Moor Church, who together with their new pastor Father Basile Sede celebrated the church’s 75th anniversary Oct. 22. Bishop Peter Jugis was on hand to celebrate the anniversary Mass and to install Father Sede officially as pastor.

The joyful bilingual celebration drew long-time, new and former parishioners, including African-American families from the historically black parish, young Latino families and parishioners of neighboring churches in the Winston-Salem area.

Former pastors Father Francis O’Rourke and Jesuit Father Thomas Gaunt were among the priests concelebrating the Mass.

Oct. 22, the feast of St. John Paul II, was “an auspicious day,” Bishop Jugis noted in his homily. The day commemorates the start of the late pontiff’s 26-year pastorate over the universal Church. Similarly, Bishop Jugis continued with a grin, the day marked the start of Father Sede’s pastorate.

“What does the Lord have in mind for your pastor here?” he asked the congregation, who laughed and looked over at a smiling Father Sede.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis also reminded the faithful why a church is so important to the faith life of its people.

A church is a place for people to worship and glorify God, to be sanctified by the sacraments so that they may attain heaven, and to be a beacon of Christian witness to the wider community.

St. Benedict the Moor Church has been

doing just that in East Winston since it was built in 1941. The parish was erected in 1940

by Raleigh Bishop Eugene McGuinness, and he dedicated the church on Sept. 7, 1941.

Over the past 75 years, the parish history notes, “The spirit of St. Benedict the Moor is the source of parishioners’ identity and purpose, and they hold to the sacred hospitality personified in their parish’s patron saint, with their African American heritage, European heritage, Latin American heritage and African heritage as a community of Catholics that gives honor to God in different languages and cultures.”

Bishop Jugis thanked parishioners for their Christian witness. “I am very proud and grateful as your bishop for everything that everyone does to contribute to the parish mission.”

“It has been a joy. We are truly blessed,” said Theresa Watkins about her 43 years attending “St. Ben’s.” Her 12-year-old grandson Xavier Shepard and her greatgrandsons Jhonathan and Joshua Bass, 9 and 7, served at the anniversary Mass – another generation of the family growing up at the church on East 12th Street.

ANNIVERSARY, SEE PAGE 20

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has again passed an annual independent audit of its child protection procedures.

The yearly audit conducted in August by Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, N.Y., monitors U.S. dioceses’ compliance with the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which addresses the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by clergy or other Church personnel.

The diocese’s efforts to ensure the protection of children include criminal background checks and educational awareness programs on recognizing and preventing abuse. Auditors have found the Charlotte diocese in compliance with the Charter every year since its inception.

In the previous fiscal year (July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016), the diocese conducted 5,339 background checks, which are required for all clergy, religious, employees and volunteers.

Since 2002, more than 45,000 adults have also received training in the safe environment awareness program entitled “Protecting God’s Children.” Last fiscal year, the diocese held 211 “Protecting God’s Children” workshops for 3,711 participants.

“Protecting God’s Children” helps adults learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse and the many ways that sexual abuse harms victims, families, parishes and communities. It teaches them appropriate ways to respond to suspicious behaviors and how they can help to prevent abuse.

The diocese has invested about $1.1 million over the past 12 fiscal years in the training program to prevent abuse.

The cost of these various child protection measures and the compliance review totaled $103,944 during the previous fiscal year.

The diocese provided financial assistance to, or on behalf of victims, totaling $17,408, all of which was for counseling and medical services. The diocese also incurred costs in connection with sexual misconduct lawsuits totaling $10,323.

Diocesan insurance funds and the diocesan general fund were used for payment. As in the past, none of these funds came from the Diocesan Support Appeal or from parish savings.

— Catholic News Herald

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | October 28, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: OCT. 30 – 10 A.M. Pastor Installation of Father Stephen M. Hoyt St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lenoir NOV. 4- 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte NOV. 6 – 2 P.M. Mass for Wedding Anniversaries St. John Neumann Church, Charlotte

NOV. 8 – 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Luke Church, Mint Hill NOV. 10 – 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Luke Church, Mint Hill NOV. 12- 10 A.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte

NOV. 13-17 USCCB Meeting, Baltimore NOV. 18 – 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Matthew Church, Charlotte NOV. 20 – 11 A.M. Sacrament of Confirmation and 75th Anniversary of Church Dedication Christ the King Church, High Point

pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory. RSVP at www. charlottecatholicwomensgroup.com.

DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR: Every First Friday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. There will be readings from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, veneration of the Image of Divine Mercy, the sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.

Diocesan calendar of events October 28, 2016 Volume 26 • NUMBER 2

1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

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

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 HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Rico De Silva, 704-370-3375, rdesilva@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ 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.

LECTURE ‘HUMAN TRAFFICKING – LOCAL AND GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES’: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 728 West Union St., Morganton. This presentation seeks to raise awareness of human trafficking as it is happening in our world, nation and state. Come and learn more about human trafficking and find out what the Church is doing and what you can do to fight this evil, which Pope Francis has called an “open wound on contemporary society.” For details, email chriscote6@ gmail.com or visit the church website at www. saintcharlesborromeo.org.

NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS XII DAY OF REFLECTION: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Catholic Conference Center, 1151 Trinity Lane, Hickory.

The African American Affairs Ministry will hold its Day of Reflection with keynote speakers Bishop Joseph N. Perry, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Norbertine Father A. Gerard Jordan of Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, Pa. There is no charge to attend and lunch will be provided. Transportation will be provided from Our Lady of Consolation Church. Registration required. For details, call the parish office at 704-375-4339.

CHARLOTTE MARONITE MISSION: Masses are offered every Saturday at 7 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. The Maronite Mission of Charlotte is an Eastern rite Catholic Church in full communion with the pope.

HEALING MASS AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK: 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members. For details, call the church office at 828-926-0106.

EVENING NOVENAS: Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 1505 East Kivett Dr., High Point. All are invited to pray the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Join them in praying for the needs of your families and for our hurting world. For details, call the church office at 336-883-0244.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS: Nov. 4-6 in Atlantic Beach. For details go to www.

NCMarriageDiscovery.org or call 704-315-2144.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING NFP CLASSES: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road, Arden. 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 704-370-3230.

“Protecting God’s Children” workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus. org. Upcoming workshops are: ASHEVILLE: 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, St. Lawrence Basilica (parish office building basement), 97 Haywood St.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS HIGH LATIN MASS TO CELEBRATE FEAST DAY OF CHRIST THE KING: 12:30 p.m. Mass Sunday, Oct. 30, at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. Eucharistic Procession will follow to honor Christ’s Kingship. All are invited to process with statues and portraits of their favorite holy king, queen or statesman saints (canonized, beatified or venerable) and to implore their aid upon our nation. For details, email Mike FitzGerald at info@ charlottelatinmass.org.

ALL SOULS DAY REQUIEM MASS: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Music will be provided by the Carolina Catholic Chorale and will be Requiem in F-minor of Heinrich von Biber. For details, visit www.carolinacatholicchorale.com.

40 HOUR DEVOTION ‘THE HOLY EUCHARIST, FORESHADOWING AND FULFILLMENT’: Sunday, Nov. 13-Tuesday, Nov. 15, at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte. Guest homilist Father Ben Cameron of the Congregation of the Priests of Mercy. For details, go to www.sjnc.org.

CCWG MORNING REFLECTION: 9 a.m. Mass Monday, Nov. 14, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. All women in the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to attend. Reflection to follow at 10:30 a.m. with guest speaker Father Larry LoMonaco,

SUPPORT GROUPS MOTHERING WITH GRACE: Second Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. in the Assembly Room at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid, Charlotte. For details visit www. motheringwithgrace.org.

SHINING STARS ADULT DAY RESPITE: Meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte. Shining Stars is a nonprofit adult day respite program for members of the community with early to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

For details, call Suzanne Bach at 704-335-0253.

YEAR OF MERCY DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR: Every first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m., in the Daily Mass Chapel at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Everyone is welcome to attend and pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, venerate and be blessed by the parish’s first-class relic of St. Faustina Kowalska. Recite Divine Mercy prayers and read Scripture and excerpts from St. Faustina’s diary. Each month’s Holy Hour will be for the following intentions: Marian Jubilee Dedicated to Mary; Nov. 3, prisoners; Dec. 1, healing of the family.

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

YOUNG ADULTS ASHEVILLE THEOLOGY ON TAP: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Asheville region. For details, check them out on Facebook, Twitter or MeetUp. CHARLOTTE AREA: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/charlottecatholicyoungadultministry, and at: ST. GABRIEL CHURCH: on Facebook at “St. Gabriel Young Adult Ministry” ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH: call Meg VanGoethem, 815-545-2587 ST. MATTHEW CHURCH: On Facebook at “Young Adult Life: A St. Matthew Ministry” ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL: on Facebook at “St. Patrick Cathedral Frassati Fellowship-Young Adult Ministry” ST. PETER CHURCH: look them up on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/St-Peters-Catholic-Young-Adult-MinistryCharlotte-NC ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH: online at “Aquinas’ Finest,” www.stacharlotte.com/finest OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION CHURCH: contact Denise Duliepre, 917-575-0871 HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH IN DENVER: call Nicole Lehman, 704-607-5207 ST. MICHAEL CHURCH IN GASTONIA: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Gastonia area. Meets once a month. Online at www.stmichaelsgastonia.org/youngadults.

ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH: online at “Winston Salem Frassati” www.wsfrassati.com.

GREENSBORO WAY OF CHRIST: The young adult ministry at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro: at www.stpiusxnc.com/woc, on Facebook at “wayofchrist” and Twitter @wocgreensboro or email Dan McCool at wocgreensboro@gmail.com.

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.

October 28, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Catholic Charities welcomes more Syrian refugees SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Years of civil war and devastation in Syria have created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, pushing millions to flee their homes in search of safety. Half the country’s pre-war population – more than 11 million people – have been killed or forced to leave.

The U.S. State Department estimates resettling 13,000 of these Syrian refugees in the new fiscal year which began Oct. 1, working in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Charities agencies nationwide, among others.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, five more Syrian families arrived to safety in October, a total of 28 people. Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte officials said they expect to receive three more refugee families in November.

“They are expecting Syrians to be the number one refugee group (this fiscal year),” said Catholic Charities case manager Ashir Haji-Mohamed. “They are coming from Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon.”

Catholic Charities is welcoming these families and providing them with the individualized assistance they need to start new lives in the United States. Case managers work one-on-one with each family and, with some limited federal and state government financial assistance, each family is set up in an apartment and given help in finding jobs and enrolling their children in school.

“When they get here, they are very happy to be here,” Haji-Mohamed explained.

The local Syrian community in Charlotte is also assisting the new refugees. In addition to all that Catholic Charities provides with housing, clothing, food and resettlement assistance, the local community prepares food for new families for the first 10 days after their arrival.

Last fiscal year, the number of Syrian refugees who cleared the federal government’s review process and arrived in the U.S. totaled 12,391 people.

Catholic Charities’ primary goal is to help all refugees work toward self-sufficiency and eventually attain citizenship, Haji-Mohamed said.

With the assistance of Catholic Charities, refugees gain success as contributing members of the community and the local economy. Refugees pay taxes and re-pay their travel expenses. The majority of adults who are able to work are able to find jobs within three to five months, and most refugees gain financial independence within two to three years, with 60-75 percent eventually becoming homeowners.

“When you see your client who is selfsufficient and is driving and is going to work, and he doesn’t need your services anymore, it makes you very happy,” HajiMohamed added.

Catholic Charities resettles between 300 and 400 refugees each year from all over the world. Since 1975, the agency has resettled more than 15,000 refugees representing 27 nationalities.

— Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte contributed.

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A child reacts inside a field hospital after air strikes Sept. 12 in Damascus, Syria. In the wake of intensified attacks in Syria, Pope Francis called for an immediate cease-fire, even if temporary, so that civilians, especially children, could be rescued from the ruins.

CNS | BASSAM KHABIEH, REUTERS

How can you help?

CATHOLIC CHARITIES encourages people to donate money to aid its refugee resettlement work. Donations of furniture and household items, as well as volunteers to pick up donations and help set up apartments, are also welcome.

MORE INFORMATION about the needs of Catholic Charities and opportunities for volunteering is online at www.ccdoc.org. Click on the “Donate” or “Volunteer” tab to see all the ways you can assist and welcome refugees.

MONETARY DONATIONS can be made online or mailed to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

FOR INQUIRIES about how you can volunteer or how your parish can sponsor a refugee family, contact Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte at 704-370-3262.

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 28, 2016 OUR PARISHES

Human trafficking subject of seminar at St. Gabriel Church RICO DE SILVA HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER

PHOTOS BY PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

At annual Red Mass, lawyers encouraged to look to Holy Spirit for guidance CHARLOTTE — Catholics working in the legal profession in Charlotte gathered for the 14th annual Red Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral Oct. 13, celebrating their faith and the example of their patron, St. Thomas More.

The Red Mass is celebrated throughout the United States traditionally in conjunction with the opening session of the U.S. Supreme Court, giving members of the legal community the opportunity to reflect on the God-given responsibilities of their profession. The Mass in Charlotte was celebrated by Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey.

In his homily, Abbot Placid encouraged members of the St. Thomas More Society and others present to pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance in “the difficult and very important work” they do. He urged them to seek charity, justice, truth and wisdom, and to conform their lives, choices and actions to the will of God. Abbot Placid quoted a portion of the Gospel reading from John 15:18-21, 26-27: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.” Then he continued, “In ways many of us never could imagine, these words are taking on a new reality in our lives today.” But, he emphasized, “We have been sent to this time, to this place, to bear witness” to the Gospel, and though it is difficult to witness these days to the faith in the public sphere, that very difficulty vindicates the truth of John’s Gospel. The faithful must invoke the Holy Spirit “to guide us to all truth,” he said.

After the Mass, St. Thomas More Society members honored Joseph Pearce, a Catholic author noted for his biographies of Christian literary figures. Pearce also serves as director of the Center for Faith and Culture at Aquinas College in Nashville, Tenn., and edits the St. Austin Review.

CUSTODIAN NEEDED SACRED HEART CHURCH AND SCHOOL Sacred Heart Catholic School is seeking a custodian to work 25-30 hours per week during the year. Applicants should be reliable, dependable, respectful, friendly, and hard-working.

Responsibilities: Clean assigned routes in school and parish buildings Custodial duties Light maintenance Setup for school/church functions Snow removal Other duties as assigned by Principal and/or Director of Maintenance Requirements: Bilingual preferred but not required High School Diploma or GED Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds Able to work on ladders Be Friendly/Have good interpersonal skills Follow oral and written directions Self-motivated/work with little supervision Custodial/Maintenance experience preferred Required to pass background check Must attend Protecting God’s Children (upon hire) Please email resume to: jburchard@salisburycatholic.org Or mail to: Judi Burchard Sacred Heart Church - 375 Lumen Christi Lane - Salisbury NC 28147

CHARLOTTE — “I’m sure a lot of you are either startled or just disturbed at the fact that we still have slaves in existence today in our country. We have to start to think that (human trafficking) is affecting us, even though we don’t think it is. And just because we don’t see it, doesn’t mean it is not happening,” warned Kailey Ellis, director of operations for Lily Pad Haven, at a human trafficking seminar Oct. 13.

The human trafficking seminar, offered at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, was sponsored by the parish’s Respect Life Ministry.

Carla Tweddale, Lily Pad Haven’s founder and director, as well as Ellis, spoke to about 100 people about the victims of human trafficking and the resources available to them in the Charlotte metro area.

“North Carolina is a top 10-ranked state within our country, and that should be something that is alarming to all of us,” Tweddale told attendees.

Charlotte-based Lily Pad Haven is a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing to human trafficking victims who have been rescued in the Charlotte area. According to its mission statement, Lily Pad Haven aims to provide human trafficking survivors a place “for healing, a loving home to restore body, mind and spirit.”

The seminar began with a task force presentation by an undercover FBI agent who asked not to be identified. He defined human trafficking as the “use of illegal means to compel person to perform labor, services or a commercial sex act.”

Although it is difficult to assign any accurate statistics to this often hidden crime, he said, it has been estimated as of last year human trafficking was a $31.6 billion per year industry – second only to drug trafficking in profits.

“The human trafficking industry in 2014 made more money than Walmart or a big corporation like GE,” the FBI agent said.

Human trafficking falls in two categories: labor trafficking or sex trafficking.

Learn more FOR MORE information about Lily Pad Haven and how to donate or volunteer, go to www.Lilypadhaven.org or call 704-312-2011.

“Labor trafficking is holding a person in a condition of slavery and through prohibited means such as force, or threats of force,” he said.

Sex traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to lure and then keep their victims in the sex trade.

Human trafficking is a worldwide crime, but sex trafficking is particularly common in the United States, he said. Sex trafficking has been found in every state, and it is also pervasive and widely promoted on the internet, he said.

Speaking about Lily Pad Haven’s guests, Ellis said a typical human trafficking survivor needs “everything. These individuals are starting from the ground up.”

She added, “Traffickers will strip anything they can as a means of control, and to keep them emotionally enslaved, to keep them to do what they need to do and make money.”

Ellis explained that once their clients’ basic needs are met, including finding a safe place to live, helping them overcome the traumatic experience of trafficking becomes more manageable. Lily Pad Haven partners with various community resources to meet the needs of their guests.

“We provide them with a ‘care team,’ a counselor and a case manager that come and meet with them weekly at home to help them deal with a lot of the emotional struggles they are dealing with,” she said.

“It’s a person-centered plan. I have to meet them where they’re at, and each person is going to have a different set of goals and a different plan.”

“This is an issue we should all be concerned about because it affects us all. It doesn’t know race or age or socioeconomic background. It’s a problem for all of us to be aware of,” St. Gabriel’s Respect Life coordinator Tammy Harris noted.

October 28, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

Praying for Mary’s intercession

OUR PARISHESI

7

Father Ray Hourihan dies aged 91

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CONNIE RIES

STATESVILLE — In honor of October as the Month of the Rosary, parishioners at St. Philip the Apostle Church participated in a rosary procession through the streets of Statesville Oct. 9.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMY G. BURGER

HUNTERSVILLE — For a second time this month, parishioners at St. Mark Church held a bilingual rosary rally in front of the church. More than 60 people came together at noon to unite with Catholics across the United States in our Catholic faith and ask for God’s help through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. The rally was part of a nationwide rosary rally organized by America Needs Fatima that coincides with the 99th anniversary of the last Fatima apparition. In “The Secret of the Rosary,” St. Louis de Montfort wrote, “Public prayer is far more powerful than private prayer to appease the anger of God and call down His mercy, and Holy Mother Church – guided by the Holy Ghost – has always advocated public prayer in times of public tragedy and suffering.”

ELMIRA, N.Y. — Father Raymond B. Hourihan, 91, passed away Oct. 11, 2016, at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Oct. 15, 2016, at St. Mary’s Church in Elmira.

Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, followed at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.

Father Hourihan was born in Elmira on June 15, 1925, a son to Patrick and Mary (Troy) Hourihan. He was the last surviving of his siblings.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific during World War II. He worked in the insurance industry Hourihan as a safety engineer, then later went to work at the Elmira Psychiatric Center, retiring as the chief safety officer.

Upon his retirement he took up his calling to priestly ministry. He entered Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Conn., and was ordained to the priesthood on June 20, 1987.

He served as parochial vicar at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, parish administrator at Holy Infant Church in Reidsville, and pastor of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle and St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville.

For the past several years he spent his time between Elmira and Lakeland, Fla. He was a long-time member and former chaplain of the Monsignor John J. Lee Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, where he served as president and in every other board position.

Officers and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians met at St. Mary’s Church on the day before his funeral to conduct a service for their brother “Father Ray.” He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph and John Hourihan, and sisters, Agnes Hourihan, Mary Dillon, Jane Broschart, Theresa Hourihan and Helen Hourihan.

He is survived by his sister-inlaw, Patricia Hourihan of Pine City; brother-in-law, Charles Broschart of Balston Spa, N.Y.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Those wishing may remember Father Hourihan with a donation either to St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin St., Elmira, N.Y. 14904, or the Monsignor John J. Lee Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, 701 Kinyon St., Elmira, N.Y. 14904.

— Tim Tobin, president, Monsignor John J. Lee Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 28, 2016 OUR PARISHES

Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza gave the keynote address at Room at the Inn of the Triad’s 17th annual banquet, which a recordbreaking $150,000 in donations and sponsorships, for the charity which assists homeless pregnant women in the Triad.

GEORGIANNA PENN | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MIRAVIA

Sister Mary Elizabeth of the Daughters of the Virgin Mother, a lay apostolate which serves the women and their children at the MiraVia residential facility for college student mothers and their babies, plays on the floor with one of the younger residents.

MiraVia’s 22nd annual banquet highlights ‘Gifts of Mercy’ SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — At its “Gifts of Mercy” banquet in uptown Charlotte Oct. 20, nearly 1,000 supporters of MiraVia gathered to raise money and hear the good news about the outreach ministry which helped more than 420 young mothers and children last year.

MiraVia, which began as Room At The Inn in 1994, helps abortion-vulnerable women choose life and build independent, healthy lives for themselves and their children. MiraVia offers life skills classes, material assistance and moral support to the women who come to them for help – free of charge. Since its founding, MiraVia has helped nearly 7,000 women and their children at its outreach facility in Charlotte.

“You continue to be the face of mercy,” Executive Director Jeannie Wray told the more than 963 supporters in attendance at the annual banquet.

Donors contributed more than 25,600 diapers, 1,100 bags of clothing and 5,200 pounds of food over the past year, she reported.

Fourteen mothers and their babies were served by MiraVia through their residential facility for college student mothers on the campus of Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, and two of the mothers

graduated from college, she also said.

“More than 90 percent of the women who come to us first considered abortion,” Wray noted. “These babies are your gifts of mercy… This program works.”

Over the past year, MiraVia was able to retire its debt on the Belmont facility, Wray also said. That was three years earlier than anticipated, she stated.

She illustrated the effectiveness of the ministry and the support of the women and their children by sharing a story of one toddler’s return to the facility in Belmont recently, saying to his mother when he came through the doors, “Mama, we home!” She then took Wray by the hand and said, “Let’s go see Jesus (in the chapel).”

In her remarks, Wray reminded those gathered that “God is using all of us as conduits of His mercy.”

Kerri Caviezel offered the keynote address at the banquet. Caviezel has been active in pro-life ministry for more than 20 years. She and her husband have adopted three children.

She spoke of her great love and admiration for women who reject abortion, especially those birth mothers who choose life and place their children for adoption.

“You’re a real mother any time you give a child love. That is what MiraVia is showing these women,” Caviezel said.

Room at the Inn supporters thanked for making Christ’s mercy present GEORGIANNA PENN CORRESPONDENT

GREENSBORO — Eight hundred supporters gathered Oct. 13 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro to celebrate Room at the Inn of the Triad’s 17th annual banquet, raising a recordbreaking $150,000 in sponsorships and donations to support the charity for women in need in the Triad area.

Room at the Inn of the Triad provides mercy and refuge for homeless pregnant women with food, shelter, clothing, life skills education, health care and spiritual care. The maternity home provides transportation and helps women find work and get back into school. Over the past year, nine babies were born to women being served by the charity.

“Thank you for making Jesus’ mercy and presence real to our mothers and thank you for making Room at the Inn,” said Albert Hodges, president of Room at the Inn of the Triad. Sisters of the Mother of God of Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte, Room at the Inn of the Triad staff and clergy, and the Knights of Columbus were all honored for their support over the past year.

“If the Knights of Columbus had been in Bethlehem years ago, Jesus would not have been born in a manger,” Hodges said in deep gratitude for the Knights of Columbus’ support.

But the greatest thanks of all was due to the mothers of Room at the Inn, he said. “They are my heroes.”

Volunteer awards were presented to

special supporters. The Kirk Church was the recipient of the James and Elizabeth Hedgecock Volunteer Award. The Father Conrad Kimbrough Pro-Life Leadership Award was given to three people: Jim Hoyng, Paul Klosterman and Diane Rzewnicki. St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem and St. Pius X Church in Greensboro were among the top sponsors for this year’s banquet.

“I am so happy for this organization,” said Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza, who gave the keynote address. “Thank you for what you do and thank you for the support you are giving to this organization. It is so needed.”

“In my country,” she said, a mother garners the highest level of respect. And when a child is born, everyone brings a gift to “pay homage for the new person, the new member of the village.”

During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Ilibagiza hid in a tiny bathroom for 91 days in a pastor’s home with seven other women, while most of her family and neighbors were murdered. Despite losing everything and everyone she loved, prayer saved her life, she said. Ilibagiza recalled how she endured the fear and trauma by praying the rosary, sometimes 27 times a day.

Prayer sustained her, filling her with hope and faith, she said. God’s mercy, poured out on her through the kindness of others, propelled her forward and compelled her to live.

“I think of you guys as the pastor who took me in, as the woman who gave me a home to live in after the genocide,” she said.

Enjoy a spectacular trip to Ireland with Fr. Timothy Reid Trip highlights include Knock, sites associated with St. Patrick, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Galway.

Departures from Charlotte from $3888/person.

For more information call George’s International Tours: (800) 566-7499, or visit the St. Ann’s website: www.stanncharlotte.org.

October 28, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

9

A world of faith and fun CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Aquinas Church’s annual World Feast was a wonderful showcase of many cultures coming together to share their unique foods, dancing and native costumes while celebrating their shared faith.

PHOTOS BY DOREEN SUGIERSKI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 28, 2016 OUR PARISHES

The blessing of pets

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Deacons appointed to leadership roles, others retire

Cilone

Martino

Mejias

Schreiber

Shaw

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis announces the following appointments within the Permanent Diaconate: n Deacon Marcos Mejias has been appointed regional coordinator of the Permanent Deacons of the Triad Region effective Oct. 17 while continuing his ministry at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. n Deacon C. William Schreiber has been appointed regional coordinator of the Permanent Deacons of the Hickory Region effective Oct. 17 while continuing his ministry at St. Aloysius Church in Hickory. n Deacon John A. Martino has been appointed director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Charlotte for a five-year term effective Oct. 17 while continuing to serve at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton. n Deacon Ronald F. Steinkamp’s tenure as director of the Permanent Diaconate will end on Oct. 17. n Deacon Andrew J. Cilone of Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City will retire effective Oct. 17, although he retains his faculties to minister. Also concluded is his tenure as regional coordinator of the Permanent Deacons of

Steinkamp

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ROBIN FISHER

SALISBURY — Sacred Heart students and families celebrated the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, during Morning Assembly Oct. 13. Many students brought their pets to be blessed. The pet crowd included dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, a hamster and two hedgehogs. Pictured are Isabella Llanio and her hedgehog, Willow, and Osmar Monroy and his hamster, Travel.

the Hickory Region. n Deacon Vincent H. Shaw of St. Mary Church in Greensboro will also retire effective Oct. 17, although he retains his faculties to minister. Also concluded is his tenure as regional coordinator of the Permanent Deacons of the Triad Region. n Deacon John Kopfle continues his tenure as regional coordinator of the Permanent Deacons of the Charlotte Region, and Deacon Michael Zboyovski continues his tenure as regional coordinator of the Permanent Deacons of the Mountains Region.

— Catholic News Herald

‘Moses’ coming to Charlotte Nov. 4-6 SYLVA — Father Joshua Voitus blessed parishioners’ pets and cars Oct. 9 outside St. Mary, Mother of God Church.

CHARLOTTE — Father Richard Ho Lung and the Missionaries of the Poor will bring their latest musical “Moses” to the Halton Theatre at Central Piedmont Community College Nov. 4-6.

The original musical drama will feature lively Caribbean music, dancing, colorful costumes and powerful performances.

The Missionaries of the Poor serve those most in need in many countries worldwide.

This musical is a critical fundraising event which helps provide much-needed resources to further the mission of the Missionaries of the Poor.

For details and to purchase tickets, go to www.mosesincharlotte.com.

DELLA SUE BRYSON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

— Catholic News Herald

Gospel choir in concert CHARLOTTE — The award-winning Our Lady of Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir will perform its annual concert Sunday, Nov. 13, at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave., Charlotte. The concert will start at 3 p.m. in the church. For details, contact the parish office at 704-375-4339.

The annual concert is part of Our Lady of Consolation Church’s month-long celebration of National Black Catholic History Month in November. The parish invites everyone out to its other events, as well: the Boy Scout Fish Fry on Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Parish Life Center; Family Life Bake Sale on Nov. 19-20, in the Parish Life Center; and the Harambee Mass at 11 a.m. Nov. 20. The Mass will be preceded by a program from the parish faith formation students, “What we’ve seen and what we’ve heard,” from 9:20 to 10:45 a.m.

— Catholic News Herald BRIEFS, SEE PAGE 20

KERNERSVILLE — Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Paul Dechant, pastor, led a blessing of the animals service Oct. 1 outside Holy Cross Church. Parishioners brought their pet dogs, cats, bunnies – even a turtle, frog and a goat made an appearance.

The event also featured information from local animal shelters and assistance organizations.

JOHN BUNYEA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

October 28, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

11

‘La Iglesia al Servicio de la Familia’ a celebrarse el 5 de noviembre CHARLOTTE — El encuentro del Ministerio Hispano Diocesano, “La Iglesia al Servicio de la Familia” se celebrará el sábado, 5 de Noviembre, en la Iglesia San Gabriel en Charlotte. El evento tendrá lugar de 8:30 a.m. a 4:00 p.m. en el edificio de actividades de la parroquia.

Parejas que actualmente están sirviendo en algún ministerio pastoral familiar alrededor de la diócesis participarán en el evento, pero el espacio está limitado a 100 parejas. Parejas interesadas deben contactar al coordinador de sus respectivos vicariatos para inscribirse.

El evento es parte de la preparación del V Encuentro nacional del Ministerio Hispano.

“Una de las prioridades del proceso del V Encuentro es la familia. Este es el momento oportuno para traer nuevamente a la familia católica al centro de nuestros esfuerzos de evangelización, para los futuros programas que desarrollemos si la familia no está envuelta, involucrada y siendo protagonista en la evangelización, entonces estamos fuera del enfoque de la agenda del trabajo de nuestro Santo Padre y de nuestros obispos, ya que la familia es una de sus prioridades,” dijo Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Charlotte.

Bernal agregó que uno de los objetivos del Encuentro es que “todas las vicarias de la diócesis estén representadas en este encuentro, necesitamos familias con la vocación de servir a otras familias de la comunidad, necesitamos pasar de la buena intención a la formación, de las bancas a las calles, de la fragmentaciones a la Pastoral de Conjunto y finalmente necesitamos vivir este lema: La iglesia al Servicio de la Familia.”

El costo es de $10.00 e incluirá almuerzo para los participantes. La Iglesia de San Gabriel está localizada en la 3016 Providence Road, esquina con la Sharon Amity Road.

Todos están invitados.

— Rico De Silva, Hispanic Communications Reporter

Concierto de música católica se celebra en Morganton MORGANTON — Casi 900 personas asistieron a un concierto de música católica en el Auditorio COMMA de Morganton el pasado 15 de Octubre. El evento fue auspiciado por la Parroquia de St. Charles Borromeo en Morganton, y el Ministerio Juvenil Hispano “El Sembrador” de esa parroquia. El evento contó con la participación de renombrados músicos católicos como Tony Meléndez y Azeneth Gonzalez. También el Coro Nueva Creacion, de St. Charles Borromeo, el Padre Ken Whittington, párroco de esa parroquia y el Diacono Miguel Sebastian, participaron en el evento que se extendio por todo el dia.

FOTOS POR LORENZO PEDRO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

‘Cáliz Viajero’ visita hogares Hispanos CAHRLOTTE — Vean este interesante videocorto en el canal diocesano “YouTube” acerca del ministerio del “Cáliz Viajero” en la Parroquia de St. John Neumann en Charlotte.

Familias Hispanas ahora también están participando en este valioso ministerio para promover vocaciones al sacerdocio y a la vida religiosa en la Diócesis de Charlotte.

RICO DE SILVA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Our schools 12

catholicnewsherald.com | October 28, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

St. Michael volleyball team wins conference title GASTONIA — The St. Michael School girls’ volleyball team won the 2016-’17 CGAA Volleyball Conference Oct. 14. The third-seed team defeated second-seed St. Ann School of Rock Hill in two sets. In the championship game, St. Michael defeated Mountain Island Day in two sets to win the tournament championship.

The team’s season record was 4-4, with a slow start to the season of 0-3. This is the first tournament championship in more than eight years.

Children in Kenya receive St. Pius X School uniforms

— Tammy Eason SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

Sacred Heart students are ‘Summer Smart’ SALISBURY — Sacred Heart School was recently awarded the Summer Reading Readers’ Cup Award from the Rowan Public Library.

Jennifer Nicholas, from the Rowan Public Library, presented the trophy to the school during its morning prayer and assembly program.

Sacred Heart’s approximately 120 elementary students in grades 1-5 read more than 750 hours during the 2016 Summer Reading Program at the library. This is only the second year that the library has given out the Readers’ Cup to a local school for success in the Summer Reading Program.

“Sacred Heart really pushes summer academic enrichment,” said Principal Frank Cardelle. “We like to call it ‘Summer Smart.’ At SHCS, we host several summer camps involving Creative Writing, Lego Robotics, Rocketry, Nature Exploration…even cooking classes.

We are always supportive of our community’s ‘Summer Smart’ activities and love RPL’s incentive for reading.”

Librarian Lynn Frank could not be more proud.

“As a mother of four boys, I truly understand the dynamics of helping children to love to read,” Frank said. “That is why we have many reading incentive programs at SHCS. In a world of ever-growing technology, Sacred Heart prides itself on keeping our students focused on the foundational skill that will see them through their entire lives: reading.”

— Robin Fisher

GREENSBORO — Dozens of school children in Africa now have uniforms thanks to some St. Pius X School parents who saved used student uniforms from the shredder.

St. Pius X parent Katherine Martin offered to find children who could use the clothing and parent Monica Schwartzel volunteered to help her pack them up.

“We had heard the old school uniforms were going to be shredded or thrown away, so I said I would spearhead trying to find a place overseas that could take them,” Martin explained. “I finally discovered that another friend and neighbor who attends another local church was going on a mission trip to Africa. She, and a few others traveling with her, would be able to take some uniforms with them.”

Her friend Cathey Miller, a member of Guilford College United Methodist Church, volunteered to take the uniforms to a new school and a center built to aid orphans in Maua, Kenya: the Clark ECD Pre-School (ages 3-grade 5) and the Watoto wa Ahadi (Children of Promise) Rescue Center.

Martin bought four large duffel bags and she, her three sons, and Schwartzel and her three daughters packed the bags for the

mission trip that took place June 26-July 8.

“We were only allowed to send four big duffle bags the first time, but we have more uniforms to send when they go again, and we’re able to send them with these missionaries,” Martin said.

At the Clark ECD Pre-School, the uniforms were given to the orphaned children cared for by “grandmothers” in the community. The rescue center which also received uniforms helps homeless children who are addicted to drugs and provides them with education, life skills and food.

“The goal is to reunite the street children with family (theirs or a foster family) so they will no longer need an institution to take care of them and they can be part of a loving family,” Miller said.

“In order to go to school in Kenya, a child must have a uniform,” Miller explained. “Most of these children only have one uniform, and it is also the only set of clothing the child owns.”

She relayed that the children “were so happy to get the new uniforms. They were wearing the fleece pullovers the minute they were distributed. They were overcome with joy at the gift provided by St. Pius. This was in God’s plan. The colors of the St. Pius uniforms are an exact match to the uniforms being worn at the school.”

‘Marvelous Mutts’ entertain at Sacred Heart School SALISBURY — Sacred Heart School was really “dogging it” Oct. 11. The traveling dog show “Marvelous Mutts” entertained students with all their acrobatic frisbee tricks. Nadja Valenzuela, the sister-in-law of Principal Frank Cardelle, travels all over the country entertaining crowds with her “rescued pound.” The students met WeeLa, Lolita, Cha-Cha-Cha, YooHoo and Chica – some of her elite canine athletes. All of the Marvelous Mutt dogs have come from shelters and rescue groups from all over the country. Valenzuela introduced students to Cha-Cha-Cha, who entertains with only three “wheels” (legs) and spent time explaining that Cha-Cha-Cha is treated “normal” by all the other dogs. The program ended with up-close visits and pats on the head from the students.

Cha-Cha-Cha even spent some special time with a Sacred Heart kindergartner who wears a prosthesis. Sacred Heart continued its October special events in honor of St. Francis of Assisi with the annual Blessing of the Animals Oct. 13.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ROBIN FISHER

Mix

October 28, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

‘Jack Reacher: Never Go Back’ Tom Cruise, in his second venture as the former Army officer-turned-freelance-detective invented by British novelist Lee Child, is as durable as a cast-iron stove. A somewhat mysterious knight-errant, Reacher is a strong moralist according to his own lights, and descends into others’ predicaments like a deus ex machina. This go-round, he comes to the rescue of a military-intelligence operative (Cobie Smulders) who has been framed for an espionage charge involving murders in Afghanistan. He also learns that he may have a teenage daughter from a previous fling. Stylized violence, including gunplay, fleeting crude and crass language.

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

‘Keeping Up With the Joneses’

‘Max Steel’ Yet another action figure leaps off the toy store shelves and onto the big screen in this derivative coming-of-age superhero chronicle, directed by Stewart Hendler. A gangly 16-yearold boy (Ben Winchell) is transformed by the universe’s most powerful form of energy and gains a robotic sidekick (voice of Josh Brener) to go along with his smothering but supportive mother (Maria Bello) and fetching sweetheart (Ana Villafane). When he’s not too busy vanquishing baddies or doing his algebra homework, he searches for clues about his plight and about the mysterious fate of his father (Mike Doyle). The upshot is mindless goofy fun that’s possibly acceptable for older adolescents.

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

Flat action comedy in which a suburban couple (Zach Galifianakis and Isla Fisher) discover that their suspiciously perfect new neighbors (Jon Hamm and Gal Gadot) are, in fact, undercover spies. In a bid for fish-out-ofwater laughs, Michael LeSieur’s script then drags the ordinary duo through high-speed chases, shootouts and other dangerous situations. Amid this bloodless mayhem, the screenplay does present a positive view of marriage and of the lives of honest, decent everyday people. But director Greg Mottola’s film communicates these upright values as awkwardly as it delivers its fitfully amusing jokes. Considerable stylized violence, several uses of profanity, at least one rough term, occasional crude and crass language.

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

On TV n Sunday, Oct. 30, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Margaret Sinclair: The Untold Story.” The untold story of Venerable Margaret Sinclair, an Exern Sister of the Poor Clares who devoted her young life to prayer and promoting love for the Eucharist. n Tuesday, Nov. 1, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Saint John Neumann.” An EWTN original docu-drama focusing on the life and ministry of St. John Neumann: a bishop, zealous missionary and founder of Catholic education in the U.S. n Tuesday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. (EWTN) “All Saints Mass from EWTN.” The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word celebrate Mass from the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Irondale, Ala. n Tuesday, Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m. (EWTN) “The Savior.” A cinematic presentation of the life of Jesus Christ according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. n Tuesday, Nov. 1, 11 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Francis and Brother Bernard.” A close look at the life and spirituality of St. Francis’ first follower Brother Bernard and their way of life. Filmed on location in Assisi, Italy. n Wednesday, Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m. (EWTN) “Meeting JoseMaria Escriva.” St. Josemaria Escrivá presents himself to questions and answer forums during his tour of South America in the summer of 1974. n Wednesday, Nov. 2, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Hound of Heaven.” A lively documentary presenting the life and work of English poet Francis Thompson and the back story of his famous work “The Hound of Heaven,” a poem that has captured hearts and minds around the world for over 100 years. n Thursday, Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Mother Mary Alphonsa: Servant of God.” How famed author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s daughter Rose escaped an abusive marriage, converted to Catholicism, and went on to found an order of Dominican Sisters as Mother Mary Alphonsa.

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Our nation 14

catholicnewsherald.com | October 28, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Knights of Columbus urges U.S. Catholics to pray novena ahead of election NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Knights of Columbus is urging its members and other U.S. Catholics to pray a novena from Oct. 30 to Nov. 7, the eve of Election Day. “The Church teaches that Catholics are called to form their consciences based on Church teaching and vote in accordance with that well-formed conscience,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, CEO of the international fraternal organization based in New Haven. “Pope Francis has said in reference to the U.S. election that we should ‘study the proposals well, pray and choose with your conscience,’ and this novena is designed to help Catholic Americans do that,” Anderson said in a statement.

The Knights’ novena – nine consecutive days of prayer – asks the intercession of Mary, the mother of Jesus, under her title of the Immaculate Conception. Mary Immaculate is the patroness of the United States.

Here is the text of the novena: “Most Holy Trinity: Our Father in heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your spouse; God the son, who chose Mary as your mother, in union with Mary we adore your majesty and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.

“Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present the country to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great resources of this land and for the freedom which has been its heritage.

“Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in America. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our president and on all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy, born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Guard the precious gift of many religious vocations. Through the intercession of our mother, have mercy on the sick, the tempted, sinners -- on all who are in need.”

— Catholic News Service

Nuncio at border Mass prays for an end to barriers that separate people NANCY WIECHEC CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

NOGALES, Ariz. — The apostolic nuncio to the United States celebrated Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border Oct. 23 offering prayers to break down the barriers that separate people.

Archbishop Christophe Pierre faced the immense steel border fence in Nogales as he and the bishop of Tucson and the bishop of Mexico’s Diocese of Nogales, Sonora, concelebrated the liturgy with people gathered on both sides of the border.

The nuncio began the prayer of the faithful with a plea for unity.

“Jesus, we come before You today as Your disciples, sometimes filled with fear and doubt, even suspicion,” he said. “We pray to dismantle the barriers within our hearts and minds that separate us, who are all members of Your Body.”

Following his words, young people led the congregation in prayers for “needed immigration reform,” for humane treatment of migrants who don’t have documents, and for “security and justice for all.” They prayed especially for migrant children, “who are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse,” and for all who have died in border violence, including border patrol agents, immigrants and innocent victims.

The Mass was the third such one this year along the U.S.Mexico border in Arizona. The liturgies were organized by Dioceses Without Borders, an effort of the dioceses of Nogales, Tucson and Phoenix to work collaboratively on issues that affect the Church and people in the border region.

During his homily and afterward in an interview with Catholic News Service, Archbishop Pierre echoed the sentiments of Pope Francis in regard to borders and the care of migrants and refugees, who the archbishop said all too often are looked upon as unwanted and as criminals.

“Borders exist all over the world, and borders are not bad, but borders should not be just a barrier – should not be a wall – but should be a bridge between people,” the nuncio said.

“Anything that goes in the direction of understanding, helping each other, discovering the beauty of the other is what is necessary to covert hearts and transform the world,” he said.

“It’s time to break the obstacles that exist between people.”

To cheers from both sides of the border, Archbishop Pierre ended his homily with, “Viva Cristo Rey! Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe! Viva la Iglesia Santa!” (“Long live Christ the King!

Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe! Long live the Holy Church!”)

Archbishop Pierre is no stranger to the people of Mexico. He served as nuncio in Mexico for nine years before being appointed as the pope’s representative in the U.S. But he said this Mass was his first visit to Nogales, Ariz.

In what seemed to be a spontaneous moment during the service, five young people ducked under a barrier near the border fence to hold hands and pray the Our Father with those on the other side in Mexico. They stayed at the border fence until

CNS | NANCY WIECHEC

Young women reach through the international border fence to hold hands and pray the Our Father with those on the other side during Mass Oct. 23 in Nogales, Ariz. Dioceses Without Borders organized the border liturgy that was concelebrated by the bishops of Tucson and Nogales, Sonora, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States. People on both sides of the fence took part in the celebration. the sign of peace, offering their hands to those on the other side.

Carlos Zapien, music director for the Diocese of Tucson, said the special Mass was a statement that “faith can unite people.”

Zapien’s original score “Misa de la Misericordia” (“Mass of Mercy”) was used in the cross-border liturgy with choirs on both sides participating.

Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson said he was grateful for to Archbishop Pierre’s participation in the service.

“He represents Pope Francis, whose heart is along the borders of our world, caring for immigrants and refugees,” he said. “The nuncio’s presence is a reminder of our Holy Father’s great love for those who are suffering, for those who are in need. So this was a very special celebration here in ‘ambos Nogales’ (‘both Nogaleses’) as we pray together across walls united in our prayer for one another.”

Among the hundreds of people that gathered for the border Mass were those that serve the Kino Border Initiative, a binational migrant advocacy and service organization.

Bishop Kicanas expressed his pride in the group and in a group of young people, the Kino Teens, who work with the border initiative.

“Their enthusiasm, their spirit is a true blessing,” he said.

“They believe in the Lord. They believe in the Church, and to have these young people participating in our Mass here in ‘ambos Nogales’ was a true blessing.”

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October 28, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Debate shines spotlight on candidates’ views on abortion and more KURT JENSEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The final debate between the presidential nominees before Election Day featured testy exchanges about abortion, immigration and gun control.

The issues were addressed by Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton during the Oct. 19 debate in Las Vegas.

Trump restated his promise to nominate pro-life justices “of a conservative bent� to the Supreme Court, acknowledging that if the court were to repeal Roe v. Wade, “it will go back to the states and the states will then make a determination.�

He also denounced late-term abortions. “If you go with what Hillary is saying,�

Trump said, “in the ninth month, you can take the baby and rip the baby out of the womb of the mother. Just prior to the birth of the baby. You can say that that’s OK and Hillary can say that that’s OK, but it’s not OK with me.�

In her response, Clinton restated her support of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion virtually on demand, and she pledged continued support for Planned Parenthood.

Official Catholic teaching condemns the intentional killing of the unborn at any time from conception on.

The two presidential nominees also addressed the issue of immigration, with Trump repeating his vow to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and saying that as president he would deport those currently in the country without legal

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Bishops to vote for USCCB president, vice president WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. bishops are scheduled to elect the next president and vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at their upcoming fall general assembly taking place Nov. 14-16 in Baltimore. Each office is elected from a slate of 10 candidates who have been nominated by their fellow bishops.

Released by the USCCB, the slate of candidates for president and vice president are: Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami and Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, N.M. The president and vice president are elected to three-year terms, which begin at the conclusion of the general assembly. The current president, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., and the current vice president, Cardinal DiNardo, will complete their terms.

Leaked emails show ‘hostility’ to Catholic Church, some say WASHINGTON, D.C. — Emails released by

permission. He said there would be no path to legalization for them unless they leave the country and then apply to return. “We’re a country of laws. We either have a border or we don’t,� Trump said. “Now, you can come back in and you can become a citizen, but it’s very unfair – we have millions of people that did it the right way. They’re on line, they’re waiting. ...

Very unfair that somebody runs across the border, becomes a citizen.�

Clinton said: “I think we are both a nation of immigrants and we are a nation of laws and that we can act accordingly.

And that’s why I’m introducing immigration reform within the first hundred days with a path to citizenship. ... Now, what I am also arguing is that bringing undocumented immigrants out from the shadows, putting them in the formal economy will be good because then employers can’t exploit them and undercut Americans’ wages.�

On the issue of gun control, Trump pointed to Chicago, “which has the toughest gun laws in the United States,� as his argument against more gun laws. “Probably you could say by far they have more gun violence than any other city. So we have the toughest laws and you have tremendous gun violence.�

Clinton said she supported the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms but supports better background checks. “I understand and respect the tradition of gun ownership. It goes back to the founding of our country,� she said. “But I also believe that there can be and must be reasonable regulation.�

WikiLeaks and allegedly hacked from the server of a top aide to Hillary Clinton have ignited a fierce exchange over the tone and content of the messages. Those weighing in include the president of the U.S. bishops’ conference and a Catholic adviser to the Donald Trump campaign. One of the leaked email chains criticized Catholics described as conservative for being “attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations� of the Church. Another chain suggested using contraception as a wedge issue and called for a “Catholic Spring� in which Catholics themselves demand the end of a Middle Ages dictatorship and the beginning of a little democracy and respect for gender equality in the Church.

The chief liaison to Trump for Catholic issues said that emails released Oct. 11 by WikiLeaks “reveal the depths of the hostility of Hillary Clinton and her campaign toward Catholics.� The emails illustrate “the open anti-Catholic bigotry of her senior advisers, who attack the deeply held beliefs and theology of Catholics,� said Joseph Cella, founder of the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.

On Oct. 12, Catholic News Service sent an email to the Clinton campaign seeking comment, but there was no reply. A Time magazine story published online late Oct. 12 said Brian Fallon, a Clinton spokesperson, responded to the charges of anti-Catholicism, calling it a “faux controversy� courtesy of a WikiLeaks hack.

Days after the leaked emails, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., noted, “There have been recent reports that some may have sought to interfere in the internal life of the Church for short-term political gain. If true, this is troubling both for the well-being of faith communities and the good of our country.� — Catholic News Service

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Our world 16

catholicnewsherald.com | October 28, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Vatican releases instruction on burial, cremation

Irish archbishop: 2018 meeting of families to include concrete ideas

CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Professing belief in the resurrection of the dead and affirming that the human body is an essential part of a person’s identity, the Catholic Church insists that the bodies of the deceased be treated with respect and laid to rest in a consecrated place.

While the Catholic Church continues to prefer burial in the ground, it accepts cremation as an option, but forbids the scattering of ashes and the growing practice of keeping cremated remains at home, said Cardinal Gerhard Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

“Caring for the bodies of the deceased, the Church confirms its faith in the resurrection and separates itself from attitudes and rites that see in death the definitive obliteration of the person, a stage in the process of reincarnation or the fusion of one’s soul with the universe,” the cardinal said.

In 1963, the congregation issued an instruction permitting cremation as long as it was not done as a sign of denial of the basic Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead. The permission was incorporated into the Code of Canon Law in 1983 and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches in 1990.

However, Cardinal Muller said, Church law had not specified exactly what should be done with “cremains,” and several bishops’ conferences asked the congregation to provide guidance.

The result, approved by Pope Francis after consultation with other Vatican offices and with bishops’ conferences and the Eastern Churches’ synods of bishops, is “Ad resurgendum cum Christo” (“To Rise with Christ”), an instruction “regarding the burial of the deceased and the conservation of the ashes in the case of cremation.”

Cremation does not constitute a denial of belief in the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the body, it says. Nor does it “prevent God, in His omnipotence, from raising up the deceased body to new life.”

However, the Church wholeheartedly recommends continuing the “pious practice of burying the dead,” Cardinal Muller said. It is considered one of the corporal works of mercy and, mirroring the burial of Christ, it more clearly expresses hope in the resurrection when the person’s body and soul will be reunited.

When a person is buried in the ground – and, at least to some extent – when the urn of the person’s ashes is placed in a columbarium or tomb, the final resting place is marked with the person’s name, the same name with which the person was baptized and by which the person is called by God, he said.

“Belief in the resurrection of the flesh is fundamental. A human cadaver is not trash” and an anonymous burial or scattering of ashes “is not compatible with the Christian faith, he said. The name, the person, the concrete identity of the person” is important because God created each individual and calls each individual to himself.

What is more, he said, labeling an urn or tomb in a public place is an expression of belief in the “communion of saints,” the unending unity in Christ of all the baptized, living and dead. “Other believers have a right to pray at the tomb” and to remember deceased members of the Church on the feast of All Saints and All Souls.

SARAH MAC DONALD CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CNS | ABDALRHMAN ISMAIL, REUTERS

A man reacts on the rubble of destroyed buildings Oct. 11 after losing relatives to an airstrike in Aleppo, Syria. In the wake of intensified attacks in Syria, Pope Francis called for an immediate cease-fire, even if temporary, so that civilians, especially children, could be rescued from the ruins.

End ‘inhumane’ hostilities now, rescue civilians in Syria, pope pleads CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — In the wake of intensified attacks in Syria, Pope Francis called for an immediate cease-fire – even if temporary – so that civilians, especially children, could be rescued from the ruins.

Emphasizing that his thoughts and prayers are with “all victims of the inhumane conflict in Syria,” the pope said it was with “a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, imploring – with all my strength – those responsible so that an immediate cease-fire be arranged.”

He asked the cease-fire be “implemented and respected at least for the time needed to allow for the evacuation of civilians, most of all children, who are still trapped under fierce bombings.”

The pope made his appeal Oct. 12 at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. It came after a wave of intense violence as Russian air strikes, supported by the Syrian government, hit Aleppo and rockets launched by rebels rained on Dara in the South.

At least six people were killed in the South and 25 people reportedly killed in Aleppo Oct. 11, although the number of casualties may rise as rescuers continue to comb through the rubble.

In a statement Oct. 11, Caritas Internationalis, the umbrella organization

for Catholic charities around the world, said more than 275,000 people “face intensified daily bombardment in eastern Aleppo; 100,000 of the people trapped in the rebelcontrolled area are children. They are facing a humanitarian catastrophe.”

“The indiscriminate brutality witnessed in Aleppo must end. The people of Aleppo need an immediate cease-fire,” said Michel Roy, secretary general of Caritas Internationalis.

The increase in violence continued to keep humanitarian efforts from reaching people in need, Krista Armstrong, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, told the Los Angeles Times Oct. 11.

“The needs are rising, but we need to see a cessation of violence in order to get to these areas,” Armstrong told the paper, adding that the Red Cross has not been able to reach east Aleppo since April.

Since a cease-fire collapsed in September, air raids by Syrian and Russian forces have increased, besieging the people of Aleppo, said Carlos Francisco, head of mission of Doctors Without Borders, Oct. 10.

“First the surrounding areas were hit, then the roads leading into the city, then hospitals, water supplies, residential neighborhoods, rescuers’ equipment. We are talking about a city exhausted by five years of war, which has received no aid since July, when the siege began – a city that is being devastated, flattened, in front of our eyes,” Francisco said.

DUBLIN — Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin said the next World Meeting of Families, which takes place in Ireland in August 2018, would be about developing “concrete ideas for the renewal of marriage and family in our Irish Church and society.”

Archbishop Martin, president of WMF2018, officially launched preparations Oct. 22. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for the World Meeting is “The Gospel of the Family – Joy for the World.”

Acknowledging that there is “no such thing as the ideal family,” Archbishop Martin said that did not mean “we renounce presenting an ideal, which men and women and young people can aspire to and hope to achieve.”

In his remarks, he referred to recent comments by Quebec Cardinal Gerald Lacroix, who told Canadian Catholic News in October that he was disappointed over the media’s sole focus on the questions of Communion for the divorced and remarried and homosexuality in “Amoris Laetitia,” Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation after the Synod of Bishops on the family. Archbishop Martin said “Amoris Laetitia” would provide the framework for the World Meeting of Families.

The archbishop said focusing on those issues in an isolated way had resulted in people not seeing the creative pastoral approach that Pope Francis wishes the Church to use when dealing with these issues.

“Bishops and cardinals have publicly criticized the document or have tried to place their own interpretation on it in such a way as to fail to grasp the insights of Pope Francis. They fear that the emphasis on mercy will weaken the promulgation of the truth,” Archbishop Martin said.

He said it was important not to “allow ourselves to become entangled in trying to produce definitions of the family.

Family is such a transcultural value that it cannot be defined simply. Family is about love, no matter how imperfect and failing: It is about a love which enriches lives.”

The last World Meeting of Families was in Philadelphia in September 2015.

October 28, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pope canonizes seven saints who ‘fought the good fight of faith’ VATICAN CITY — The seven new saints of the Church were holy not because of their own efforts but because of “the Lord who triumphs in them and with them,” Pope Francis said.

Each one “struggled to the very end with all their strength,” which they received through perseverance and prayer, the pope said Oct. 16 at a canonization Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

“They remained firm in faith, with a generous and steadfast heart. Through their example and their intercession, may God also enable us to be men and women of prayer,” the pope told the estimated 80,000 people present at the Mass.

The seven new saints are: St. Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, St. Jose Sanchez del Rio, St. Salomone Leclerq, St. Elizabeth of the Holy Trinity, St. Manuel Gonzalez Garcia, St. Ludovico Pavoni and St. Alfonso Maria Fusco.

Dialogue is expression of mercy, respect, love, pope says VATICAN CITY — Dialogue is an essential component of mercy because it is the only way a husband and wife can understand each other, people of different religions can live in peace and the only way the Catholic Church can evaluate what is needed to promote the common good in the world, Pope Francis said.

Good relations between husbands and wives, parents and children, employees and bosses, he said, require one “to listen, explain with meekness, don’t bark at the other, don’t yell, but have an open heart.”

Pope Francis spoke about the importance of dialogue and marked the feast of St. John Paul II Oct. 22 with a special Year of Mercy general audience in and around St. Peter’s Square. With about 100,000 people in attendance, according to Vatican police, the crowd overflowed the square.

Pope Francis said dialogue is an important aspect of mercy; it is what “allows people to know each other and understand the needs of the other.” In addition, “it is a sign of great respect,” because it involves listening to the other and making the effort to see the good in what the other is saying. “Dialogue calls us to place ourselves before the other, seeing him or her as a gift of God,” the pope said.

Marking the Reformation with honesty about the past VATICAN CITY — As Catholics and Lutherans prepare to mark the 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation, Pope Francis said they should feel “pain for the division that still exists among us, but also joy for the brotherhood we have already rediscovered.”

The pope will travel to Lund, Sweden, Oct. 31, to participate in an ecumenical prayer service launching a year of anniversary activities.

Lutherans mark Oct. 31 as Reformation Day, honoring Martin Luther, who was a Catholic priest in 1517 when he began the process that became the Protestant Reformation. His “95 Theses” were a list of topics on which, Luther believed, the Catholic Church needed to reform. Asserting that faith, not deeds, leads to salvation, many items on the list were triggered by the “selling” of indulgences, a practice the Council of Trent later banned. The Catholic Church believes that Christ and the saints have accumulated a treasure of merits, which other believers – who are prayerful and repentant – can draw upon to reduce or erase the punishment they are due because of sins they have committed.

Colloquially, an indulgence is described as a promise of reduced time in purgatory. While making money from indulgences was a spark, the heart of the Reformation became different understandings of justification, or how people are made righteous in the eyes of God and saved.

In 1999, after years of theological study, discussion and review, a joint declaration on justification was finalized and signed. It said Lutherans and Catholics agree that justification and salvation are totally free gifts of God and cannot be earned by performing good works, but rather must be reflected in good works.

Papal summer residence opens to the public for the first time CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Francis is throwing open the doors to the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo. The palace was for centuries the summer residence of the Roman pontiffs, but Pope Francis has decided not to use it. Instead in 2014, he opened the palace gardens to the public and last year opened a portion of the Apostolic Palace as a portrait gallery. Pope Francis “wanted this place – so rich in history and so significant – to be a gift for the people,” Antonio Paolucci, director of the Vatican Museums, said Oct. 20. “Whoever passes through the gate of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo will find pure beauty.” Among the rooms open now to the public are the Room of the Throne, the Consistory Room, the pope’s bedroom and private study.

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SOLEMN HIGH REQUIEM MASS

Feast of All Souls

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016 – 7pm

For vocations, one must go out, Jesuits called to reconcile listen, call, pope says humanity with God, superior says VATICAN CITY — In its ministry to young ROME — Jesuits are called to face the challenges of today’s world and contribute toward “reconciliation among human beings and, at the same time, a reconciliation with God and creation,” the newly elected Jesuit superior general said. “This is a great call to reconciliation. The kingdom of God cannot be present, cannot exist among us if we do not understand each other, if we do not recognize each other as people, if we do not try to have a situation in which the world can live in peace,” said Jesuit Father Arturo Sosa Abascal. Holding his first meeting with the press Oct. 18, Father Sosa also said Christians should heed Pope Francis’ message on caring for the environment and reconciling with creation because “we are so wounded that we even put the planet Earth at risk.”

A member of the Jesuits’ Venezuelan province, Father Sosa was elected Oct. 14 after four days of prayer, silence and quiet one-on-one conversations among the 212 voting delegates gathered in Rome for the 36th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus.

people, and especially in vocations promotion work, Church workers must step out of the sacristy and take seriously the questions and concerns of the young, Pope Francis said. Young people are searching for meaning, and the best response is to go out to where they are, stop and listen to them and then call them to follow Jesus, the pope said Oct. 21.

Meeting participants at a vocations promotion conference sponsored by the Congregation for Clergy, Pope Francis emphasized the need for Church workers to be on the move and to echo the vocations call Jesus used with the disciples, “Follow me.” “Jesus’ desire is to set people out on a journey, moving them from a lethal sedentary lifestyle and breaking through the illusion that they can live happily while remaining comfortably seated amid their certainties,” Pope Francis said.

The seeking and desire to explore that comes naturally to most young people “is the treasure that the Lord puts in our hands and that we must care for, cultivate and make blossom,” he said.

— Catholic News Service

REQUIEM IN F MINOR (Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber [1644-1704] )

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

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

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ViewPoints 18

catholicnewsherald.com | October 28, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Letters to the editor

Prayer before an election Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.

We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.

We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.

We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.

We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear Your Word, live Your love, and keep in the ways of Your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and His Apostles and guide us to Your Kingdom of justice and peace.

We ask this in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

— USCCB

Fast, pray for our leaders CHARLOTTE — The Respect Life Committee at St. Gabriel Parish is promoting a 12-hour fast before the upcoming election. The 12-hour fast can be made during anytime during the 24-hour period on Friday, Nov. 4. All Catholics are asked to make this sacrifice in the hope of an election that is pleasing to God.

Go deeper online In a recent column on www.CatholicPhilly.com, Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., encourages the faithful to read “Faithful Citizenship” and to pray: “The American bishops offer valuable counsel in their document ‘Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship’ (available from the USCCB), and this year especially, they ask us to pray before we vote. This is hardly new ‘news.’

Prayer is always important. In a year when each Catholic voter must choose between deeply flawed options, prayer is essential.

And prayer involves more than mumbling a Hail Mary before we pull the voting booth lever for someone we see as the lesser of two evils. Prayer is a conversation, an engagement of the soul with God. It involves listening for God’s voice and educating our consciences.

“It’s absurd – in fact, it’s blasphemous – to assume that God prefers any political party in any election year. But God, by His nature, is always concerned with good and evil and the choices we make between the two. For Catholics, no political or social issue stands in isolation. But neither are all pressing issues equal in foundational importance or gravity. The right to life undergirds all other rights and all genuine social progress. It cannot be set aside or contextualized in the name of other ‘rights’ or priorities without prostituting the whole idea of human dignity.”

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Not sure how you’re going to vote in this year’s election? Read the U.S. bishops’ guidance in “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” which has been updated for this year’s election season.

Questions from a Catholic voter Bishop James D. Conley

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Voting and living as good citizens

his November, American Catholics have the opportunity to shape the direction of our nation, our states and our local communities in the voting booth. Good citizenship is a moral obligation for all Catholics, and voting is an important part of that obligation. In the United States, the responsibility for our government’s direction lies with us, as citizens, and we can’t take that responsibility lightly.

We cannot, because of apathy, or discouragement, or perfectionism, abandon our obligation to vote.

In the past few months, many Catholics have asked me how to make good choices in the voting booth. Many Catholics have especially expressed to me being uncertain about how to make choices when faced with two presidential candidates they find intolerable or unacceptable. While a bishop should never tell Catholics who they should vote for, I would like to offer four points of guidance, drawn from wisdom of the Church, as we discern our choices as voters.

The first is that government has an important purpose, and our votes help to achieve that purpose.

The Catholic Church teaches that the purpose and obligation of our government is to support the common good. The Second Vatican Council said that the common good is “the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment.” Our common good has three elements: respect for the dignity, rights, obligations, and freedom of the human person; respect for the well-being, development, and flourishing of the entire community; and peace, in the stability and security of a well-ordered community, governed by the rule of law.

When we vote, we do so in order to promote the common good, to express it, advance it and protect it. There are some issues in which the common good is clear, and some issues which require careful discernment and prudent judgment. This discernment can, therefore, lead to different conclusions and ideas among people of good will.

In fact, often the best solutions to difficult political issues can come from robust discussion among people with the same goals in mind, and different ideas about the best ways to achieve those goals.

My second point is that on some issues the moral obligations of Catholics, and the demands of the common good, are abundantly clear.

For example, no Catholic can vote in good conscience to expand legal protection for abortion, or to support the killing of unborn children.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who was canonized a saint earlier this month, said it best in a 1994 letter she wrote to the United States Supreme Court. She said that “Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has shown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father’s role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts – a child – as a competitor, an intrusion and an inconvenience.... Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being’s entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be declared to be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or a sovereign.”

Abortion is a grave, unconscionable and intolerable evil, and we cannot support it in the voting booth.

My third point is that when we vote, we need to carefully consider

‘God calls us to be faithfully engaged in working to build up and proclaim the Kingdom.’

CONLEY, SEE PAGE 20

Some questions from a very upset Catholic: When will we hear something besides social justice sermons?

When will we recognize that we are in the early stages of government-sponsored persecution? When will Catholics vote like Catholics? When will our bishops speak out?

ED SULLIVAN lives in Charlotte.

No issue is more important than abortion Voting records indicate that a majority of Catholics vote for Democrats in national elections. It is indisputable that the Democratic Party’s platform and its politicians openly support and promote abortion.

The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is the killing of an innocent child. Politicians who say they are personally opposed to abortion, but believe it is unfair to deny abortions to those who want one, are not true believers of the Church’s teaching.

Jesuit Father Francis Canavan, who wrote “Pins in the Liberal Balloon,” wrote, “Rightly understood, personally opposed is a code word that means … I’m with you; I don’t see anything really wrong in abortion, either.”

No other issue in our country is more important than the killing of a baby in a mother’s womb. Many evils in society today are a direct result of the acceptance of abortion during the past 43 years, especially the lack of respect for human dignity. Also, the breakdown of the family, rampant immodesty, pornography, euthanasia, homosexuality, and the wanton murder in the streets of our cities can all be traced back to this lack of respect for human life.

How you vote Nov. 8 will greatly affect the future of abortion and its effects on our country.

JOSEPH MARGIO is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson.

‘Faithful Citizenship’ needs clarifying simplicity With all due respect, I believe the bishops’ efforts to teach about voting as a faithful Catholic are largely incomprehensible for most members of the flock.

So much time and effort are required to go through and interpret (or attempt to interpret) the “Faithful Citizenship” materials offered that the vast majority of people will not even try to review them. Even worse, I believe these materials are easily used by those not friendly to core Church teachings to mislead voters into thinking that all issues are equal, and a faithful Catholic can always find that all parties and all candidates have some positions in accord with Church teaching (so a vote for any candidate is justifiable). If one digs deeply enough, and is adequately equipped intellectually, one can perhaps find the core teaching that there is a hierarchy of issues, some of which are non-negotiable.

One may be able to understand the difference between issues where a faithful Catholic must hold only one position and issues which are legitimately subject to a person’s prudential judgment. But I think few people are able or willing to discern this before casting a vote.

I understand our good bishops have a tough job in approaching this topic, and I sympathize with them.

My suggestion is that they strive to focus on the core principle: Church teaching on issues such as abortion, the institution of marriage and religious liberty are non-negotiable, and no faithful Catholic may vote for a candidate who opposes Church teaching on these issues unless the other candidate is clearly more opposed to the teachings on these non-negotiable issues. It should also be noted up front that immigration reform measures, ways to provide environmental protection, gun control, ways of addressing poverty, etc., are all matters of LETTERS, SEE PAGE 20

October 28, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Parish spotlight

Dr. Kamila Valenta

Religious freedom is declining around the world

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eligious freedom has never been enjoyed throughout the world and people in many places are persecuted for their faith, but much of the democratic West has generally taken for granted the right to worship and live according to one’s religious beliefs. Western societies have protected and cultivated this most basic human right by enshrining it into their constitutions, upholding it in courts, and considering it a fundamental mark of democracy.

Initially, this privilege was enjoyed by people in only the few most developed nations, but gradually, as totalitarian regimes collapsed and the world democratized, freedom of religion was extended to more places, and most people were living under some form of democratic government by the end of the 20th century.

However, this worldwide trend of liberation and expansion of religious freedom no longer continues.

Religious persecution still remains most severe in countries which have never fully democratized, such as Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Iraq, Pakistan and especially North Korea, where Christians are imprisoned, tortured and executed for their faith.

Although China has relaxed many of its political and economic regulations, the government is drafting a new law to greatly expand its already tight control over religion. Illegal religious activities including contact with foreign clergy, distribution of religious material and unauthorized pilgrimages will be punishable by heavy fines and possibly imprisonment.

A similar law was already passed in Russia and signed into effect by President Vladimir Putin in July. After decades of Communist repression, Russia experienced a brief period of spiritual liberation through the 1990s and early 21st century that helped revive the Russian Orthodox Church. While the Orthodox Church enjoys considerable support from Putin’s government, the new law, framed as a “counter-terrorism and public safety measure,” restricts missionary work of any other religion and bans promoting religion over the internet as well as religious gatherings in unregistered places, including private homes.

However, the most alarming trend is the decline of religious liberty in even the most advanced and stable democracies of Europe and North America. Although freedom of worship is still safeguarded in most democratic constitutions, the freedom to live according to one’s conscience is slowly slipping away, becoming subordinated to a wider concept of “human rights.” Christianity, which originally developed the concept of human rights, has in recent times come into conflict with a new, redefined version of human rights which includes the “right” to abortion and euthanasia.

Unrestricted abortion on demand is available in most Western democracies, and euthanasia is now legal in parts of the United States, Canada and several European countries. Such laws will inevitably run counter to the religious consciences of some health care providers. Unless laws are passed and enforced to expressly protect freedom of conscience, there is a risk that medical professionals will be pressured to participate or assist in these procedures against their conscience or face reprisals for refusing.

This gradual weakening of religious freedom is also manifested at the symbolic level as public signs of faith are discouraged or outright suppressed. France is still wrestling with its ban on religious clothing and head covering for women in public. British courts have recently ruled that since the practice of wearing a cross is not essential to Christianity, employers may legitimately ask employees to remove any visible and identifiable religious jewelry.

Unfortunately, the United States is no exception to these worldwide trends.

Today, there is no place in the world where religious freedom can be considered absolutely guaranteed. The erosion of this most basic human right, which forms an integral and inseparable part of a democracy, can no longer be ignored. Genuine freedom of religion includes both the freedom of worship and the freedom to live in accordance with one’s conscience. That right must be pursued, cultivated and protected through awareness and active political participation by every citizen.

DR. KAMILA VALENTA is a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte and a part-time professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she teaches courses on ethnic conflict.

JOE THORNTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Celebrating Our Lady of the Highways Day THOMASVILLE — Parishioners at Our Lady of the Highways Church gathered Sept. 25 for the parish’s annual celebration of Our Lady of the Highways Day. Our Lady of the Highways Day started in 1989 after a suggestion from Sister Lucy Hennessy, SMG, who in addition to being administrator of Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point also taught the parish’s fourth-grade faith formation class. She felt that the parish children were missing out by not having a celebration in honor of the feast day for the parish’s patron, the Blessed Virgin Mother. Over the years that followed, Our Lady of the Highways Day has evolved into a grand celebration for parish members and friends. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed the day.

Most-read stories on the web

God’s law was made not ‘to make us slaves but to make us free, to make us children’ of God. Pope Francis From online story: “People rigidly bound to the law often live double life, pope says” Through press time on Oct. 26, 6,696 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 14,213 pages.

The top seven headlines in October so far have been: n Tri-ritual priest reflects on his vocation, married life............................................................................................................................537 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald...............................................................................................................422 n Deacons appointed to leadership roles, others retire............................................................................................................................321 n Pope names Diocese of Raleigh bishop as successor to retiring Arlington bishop......................................................................279 n Nine from Diocese of Charlotte to join Order of Malta......................................................................................................................... 262 n Speaking up in defense of life...................................................................................................................................................................... 260 n Charlotte parish mourns death of young protester.............................................................................................................................. 233

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 28, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CONLEY

LETTERS

FROM PAGE 18

FROM PAGE 18

the specifics of each race. Blind partisanship can be dangerous, and we have to look past political rhetoric and media alarmism to make prudent discernments.

In each race, we need to discern whether there is a candidate who can advance human dignity, the right to life and the common good.

When there is, we should feel free to vote for that candidate – whether they are a member of a major party or not. In extraordinary circumstances, some Catholics may decide, in good conscience, there is not a suitable candidate for some particular office and abstain from voting in that particular race.

We also need to remember that we are not responsible for the votes of other people.

Choosing not to vote for “Candidate A” is not the same as actively voting for “Candidate B.” No Catholic should feel obliged to vote for one candidate just to prevent the election of another.

In good conscience, some Catholics might choose to vote for a candidate who, with some degree of probability, would be most likely to do some good, and the least amount of harm, on the foundational issues: life, family, conscience rights and religious liberty. Or, in good conscience, some might choose the candidate who best represents a Christian vision of society, regardless of the probability of winning. Or, in good conscience, some might choose not to vote for any candidate at all in a particular office.

As a matter of conscience, faithful Catholics have to weigh all those pertinent issues, and make the choice that seems most in accord with the common good of our nation: with respect for human dignity, social well-being and peace. Catholics will make different judgments about those questions, and come to different conclusions – this reflects the fact the Lord has given us free intellects and free wills.

My final point is that we need to remember that being good citizens – building a culture of life and a civilization of love – is a much broader obligation, and opportunity, than the voting booth. Americans today, are, in many ways, disengaged, discouraged and divided.

Much of our political rhetoric is unhelpful.

And family, community and public life are in decline. We need a broader vision of public life, which values and proclaims the dignity of every human life, and which aims for the flourishing of individuals, families and communities. This broader vision won’t come through an election. It will come through life in Jesus Christ. The most important part of being good citizens is living as faithful and active missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.

In fact, Christ is the broader reason we are called to hope. God calls us to be faithfully engaged in working to build up and proclaim the Kingdom. That includes our vocation to the public square. But our hope is in the eternal mercy of God – the salvation won in the Incarnation, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Last month at Notre Dame, Archbishop Charles Chaput said that “Christians are not of the world, but we’re most definitely in it. Augustine would say that our home is the City of God, but we get there by passing through the City of Man.” Our hope is in the Lord. We are His faithful disciples when we work to help others to know the Lord. But the success is according to His plan. We are called to be faithful to His call, as we make thoughtful, prudent and prayerful choices as citizens. And we are called to trust in the Providence of His plan for the world. Christ is the only real source of our nation’s hope.

prudential judgment about which faithful Catholics may legitimately disagree.

Without clear teaching and proper emphasis on the essential core of these citizenship lessons, the entire project is a waste of time and resources at best, and an aid to anti-Catholic politicians at worst.

BISHOP JAMES D. CONLEY has served as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb., since 2012. This commentary originally appeared in the Sept. 30 edition of the Southern Nebraska Register, the newspaper of the Diocese of Lincoln.

JOE BURNS is a member of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.

In search of Logos at election time What drives us on Election Day? What pushes us to find the time to head out to the polls and support the candidates who, in some way, speak to us personally?

For me, it is imperative to find candidates who have a majority of their platform concerning the dignity of the human person aligned with Catholic teaching. This may seem tedious.

The media are brilliant at creating illusions and distractions about the nominees and the issues, and they may create diversions that appeal to secular concerns.

According to a 2014 Gallup Poll, almost 75 percent of Americans identified themselves as Christians. Yet, Providence Forum statistics found that only 50 percent of Christians are registered to vote and of those, only half of them actually take the time to vote. So, three-fourths of all Christians have no voice or impact on government policies or legislation.

To those who think religion has no place in politics, consider the consequences of such neglect. The Bible is filled with

BRIEFS FROM PAGE 10

Special collection to benefit hurricane victims CHARLOTTE — Parishioners across the Diocese of Charlotte will have the opportunity to participate in a special collection to benefit victims of Hurricane Matthew, which devastated several countries in the Caribbean and communities throughout the southeastern United States, including eastern North Carolina. A memo sent to all parishes by the diocesan Chancery has encouraged a second collection to be taken up at Masses the weekends of Oct. 29-30 or Nov. 12-13.

The funds will be used to support disaster recovery efforts. One-third of the funds collected will be forwarded to the Diocese of Raleigh to be used by their local Catholic Charities for both immediate relief and longterm assistance to victims of the hurricane in the eastern half of North Carolina. The balance of the funds will support the efforts of Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA in providing immediate humanitarian aid and long-term support to communities suffering widespread destruction, and to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for the pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church in the Caribbean and the U.S. To donate, place your contributions in the specified collection at your parish, making checks payable to your parish and clearly marking the envelope for “Hurricane Matthew

ANNIVERSARY FROM PAGE 3

A luncheon program after the Mass honored the “St. Ben Jewels,” people who have served the parish with exceptional dedication for many years: Mary Turner, Irma Gadson and Willie King. Father O’Rourke, Father Gaunt and Mercy Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams also gave

examples of how politics shaped the behaviors of its people.

From Moses as a leader in Exodus to the message in Jude that warns us about abuse of power, the parallels between modernday issues and the teachings of the Bible are undeniable.

When we study the lives of the saints, we also find an unequivocal correlation between upholding God’s law in politics and religious freedom. Through his life and his death at Auschwitz, St. Maximilian Kolbe demonstrated the connectedness of Catholic faith and political matters. We should take to heart his words, “The most deadly poison of our time is indifference.”

I sympathize with the 75 percent of Christians who fail to vote. On one hand, we hold our religious beliefs in high regard, yet the candidate we have decided to support may not personify moral integrity. Our internal turmoil may prompt us not to vote at all.

By blocking out the noise and focusing on party platforms, we can begin to make more reasonable decisions in our call to perform our civic duty. In fact, the Church has identified five non-negotiable areas to help guide us toward voting virtuously.

We should ask where a candidate and their party stands on religious liberty, marriage legislation, abortion, stem-cell research, and the role of Planned Parenthood. The candidate’s response will tell us how concerned they are with the preeminent threats against the dignity of the human person.

In the Bible, the Greek word “logos” is used to describe divine wisdom or harmony. When God is acknowledged in a society as the center of all things, there is an accord between the religious and political realms. God is all good and can only create perfection. But in our desires and distractions, we construct scenarios of turmoil and unrest. On Election Day, remember that we will all be judged not only on what we have done, but what we fail to do. Let us all go out and search for Logos.

TAMMY HARRIS is a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

Disaster Relief.”

— Catholic News Herald

Learn how to combat trafficking MORGANTON — A presentation on “Human Trafficking: Local and Global Perspectives” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at St. Charles Borromeo Church’s Murray Hall. This presentation seeks to raise awareness of human trafficking as it is happening in our world, nation and state.

St. Charles Borromeo Church is located at 728 West Union St. For details, email chriscote6@gmail.com or call at 828-475-0164.

St. Thérèse Parish hosts feast day celebration MOORESVILLE — This statue of St. Thérèse was blessed Oct. 1 at St. Thérèse Church, part of the parish’s daylong celebration of their patronal feast day. The marble statue was donated to the parish by the Sisters of Mercy at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont.

After Mass, just over 500 people attended the parish’s Feast Day Festival and enjoyed interactive activities that were led by many of the parish ministries and groups. The celebration was coordinated by the parish’s

reflections about their ministry at the parish.

“The program ended with a digital parish history presentation featuring photos from the 1940s to 2016 with video oral histories from church members with their fondest memories of St. Ben,” said Gloria Wilson, who helped organize the celebration. “The audience enjoyed the presentation so much they gave it a standing ovation for two minutes!”

Father Sede thanked parishioners

Stewardship Committee and the Parish Life Commission.

— Lisa Cash

Celebrate Christ’s Kingship with Mass, procession CHARLOTTE — The Feast of Christ the King on Sunday, Oct. 30, will be celebrated with a High Latin Mass followed by a special Christ the King Eucharistic Procession at St. Ann Church.

This feast day was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 on the last Sunday in October to combat the growing secularism and Marxism ideologies sweeping across the world, particularly in Russia and Mexico. The feast date was later moved in the Ordinary Form calendar to the Sunday before Advent.

Following Pius XI’s call amidst today’s advance of secularism, St. Ann is organizing a special Eucharistic Procession to proclaim Christ’s Kingship on the streets of Charlotte after the 12:30 p.m. Mass. The procession will conclude with the reciting of the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which when recited on the Feast Day carries with it a plenary indulgence.

Everyone is encouraged to attend, and bring portraits, statues or images of their favorite saintly kings, queens or statesmen who acknowledged Christ’s kingship as leaders of their nations and to invoke their intercession in asking God to send holy leaders to this country.

St. Ann Church is located at 3635 Park Road. For details, email Chris Lauer at info@ charlottelatinmass.org.

— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent

for all the hard work in planning the anniversary celebration, and he praised the diverse congregation for their commitment to sharing the light of the Gospel with others.

“This light should continue to shine in order to diffuse the darkness in our society today,” he said, and that can happen as long as the parish remains united in faith.

“We are all one big family,” he said.

“We are one!”