Nov. 11, 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

N ove m b er 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

Faithful servants Permanent diaconate sees change in leadership, new diocesan Respect Life director named

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INDEX

Contact us.......................... 4 Español.................................. 9 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes.................. 3-8 Schools..............................12 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................13 U.S. news...................... 14-15 Viewpoints................... 18-19 World news.................. 16-17 Year of Mercy..................... 2

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A TIME TO HEAL

Catholic leaders pray Trump presidency will promote peace, unity

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Marriage rooted in self-sacrifice, modeling God’s love Bishop Jugis celebrates wedding anniversary Mass

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‘I can definitely see God’s hand in my long journey to the priesthood.’

Engineer priests From science and logic to faith and reason

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Year of Mercy 2

catholicnewsherald.com | November 11, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Francis

Christians called to restore dignity to sick, imprisoned

Year of Mercy retreat for youth

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isiting the sick and the imprisoned are works of mercy that not only benefit the suffering and the abandoned, but benefit the visitors who are enriched by being with those who suffer like Christ, Pope Francis said.

While the works of mercy are ancient, they still are relevant today for those who are deprived of freedom and “suffer one of the greatest hardships of human beings,” the pope said Nov. 9 at his weekly general audience.

When the living conditions “often devoid of humanity” in which many prisoners are housed are added to the equation, “then it is indeed the case that a Christian should feel the need to do everything to restore their dignity,” he said.

Continuing his series of talks on the works of mercy, the pope began with visiting the sick and highlighted Jesus’ ministry as an example of the Christian duty to be close to them, especially since “they often feel alone.”

Simple gestures such as smiling, caressing or shaking their hand, he added, can go a long way for those who feel abandoned.

“Do not leave sick people alone!” he said. “Let us not prevent them from finding relief and for us to be enriched by the closeness to suffering. Hospitals are the true ‘cathedrals of suffering,’ where, nonetheless, the strength of charity that supports and proves compassion becomes evident.”

Turning his focus to the imprisoned, the pope said that visiting those who are incarcerated is “above all, an invitation to not be anyone’s judge” and a reminder that while prisoners are paying the price for their crimes, they “will always remain loved by God.” “I think often of the imprisoned, I think of them often, I carry them in my heart,” he said. “I feel they are all in need of closeness and tenderness because the mercy of God works wonders. How many tears I have seen fall from the cheeks of prisoners who have never cried in their lives; and this is only because they feel welcomed and loved.”

Pope Francis called on Christians not to fall prey to “indifference” and instead follow Christ’s footsteps and “become instruments of God’s mercy.”

“We all can be instruments of God’s mercy and this would do us more good than to others because mercy passes through a gesture, a word, a visit. And this mercy, it is an act to restore joy and dignity,” the pope said.

DENVER — As the Jubilee Year of Mercy draws near its conclusion, the Diocese of Charlotte’s Youth Ministry recently hosted a retreat on the theme of “Enduring Mercy.” More than 120 youths from across western North Carolina gathered at Holy Spirit Church in Denver to hear talks on God’s mercy, the Eucharist and discernment about God’s will in their lives.

The retreat was led by Father Jason Barone, Father Cory Catron and Father Jim Collins. The young people attended Mass, participated in Eucharistic Adoration (pictured at left) and had the opportunity to go to confession during the weekend retreat.

Brandon Berryhill | Catholic News Herald

The Diocese of Charlotte’s three Doors of Mercy (from left): St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, and St. Pius X Church in Greensboro

Don’t miss your chance to make a pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy During the Church’s Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy which continues until Nov. 20, the Feast of Christ the King, Pope Francis encourages everyone to make a pilgrimage – either to Rome or to one’s local cathedral or other holy site designated by the Church.

As part of the jubilee year, each pilgrimage destination features a “Holy Door” to which pilgrims can journey. This door represents the compassion, love, mercy and consolation of God working in our lives. In the Diocese of Charlotte, the three “Doors of Mercy” – St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, and St. Pius X Church in Greensboro – will remain open until Sunday, Nov. 13.

Those who make a pilgrimage to any of the Holy Doors before Nov. 13 may obtain a plenary indulgence, which is the remission of temporal punishment due to sin whose guilt has already

been forgiven. The plenary indulgence is granted to those who walk through the Holy Door, stop in prayer and recite the Profession of Faith, and fulfill the usual conditions: receiving the sacraments of penance and Communion, and praying for the intentions of the pope.

More online At yearofmercy.rcdoc.org: Download catechetical resources on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, watch videos on the theme of mercy, and more

Your daily Scripture readings 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

NOV. 20-26

Sunday (Our Lord Jesus Christ): 2 Samuel 5:1-3, Colossians 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43; Monday (The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Revelation 14:1-5, Luke 21:1-4; Tuesday (St. Cecilia): Revelation 14:14-19, Luke 21:5-11; Wednesday (St. Clement I, St. Columban, BI. Miguel Agustin Pro): Revelation 15:1-4, Luke 21:12-19; Thursday (St. Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions, Thanksgiving Day): Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23, 19:1-3, 9, Luke 21:20-28; Friday (St. Catherine of Alexandria): Revelation 20:1-4, 11, 21:2, Luke 21:29-33; Saturday: Revelation 22:1-7, Luke 21:34-36

NOV. 27-DEC. 3

Sunday: Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:37-44; Monday: Isaiah 4:2-6, Matthew 8:5-11; Tuesday: Isaiah 11:1-10, Luke 10:21-24; Wednesday (St. Andrew): Romans 10:9-18, Matthew 4:18-22; Thursday: Isaiah 26:16, Matthew 7:21, 24-27; Friday: Isaiah 29:1724, Matthew 9:27-31; Saturday (St. Francis Xavier): Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26, Matthew 9:35, 10:1, 5-8

Our parishes

November 11, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

CCHD collection to be taken up Nov. 19-20

Faithful servants

Permanent diaconate sees change in leadership SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Deacon John Martino recently assumed the duties of director of the Diocese of Charlotte’s Permanent Diaconate program, succeeding Deacon Ron Steinkamp.

Deacon Martino, a West Virginia native, serves at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton, where he and his wife Terri have lived for the past 36 years.

Deacon Steinkamp, Steinkamp who serves at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, oversaw the program for more than five years.

During his tenure, 16 permanent deacons were ordained for the Charlotte diocese in May 2014, in addition to more deacons moving to western North Carolina from other dioceses.

There are now 121 Martino permanent deacons, either active or retired, serving in the diocese. Another 15 men are currently in diaconate formation.

Deacons accompany the faithful in a variety of ways, assisting the priest at Mass and officiating at weddings, baptisms and funerals. They offer religious education programs, spiritual direction, make hospital visits and accompany those who are imprisoned or simply traveling through the Charlotte airport.

“The permanent deacons of the Diocese of Charlotte have revealed themselves icons of Christ the servant,” said Deacon Steinkamp. “Having the unique perspective of service as the director of the diaconate for over five years, I have read the annual reports each deacon has submitted, seen the kind comments their pastors offered about their ministry, and observed their fraternal friendship when gathered together at events such as the Eucharistic Congress. Surely it is the grace of holy orders that is responsible for their commitment. Accompanied by their wives, most deacons work at their place of employment, care for children and grandchildren, have a prayer life and serve in their parishes with enthusiasm. It is a delicate balance.”

Over the past several years, deacons have expanded their involvement in jail and prison ministry, he noted. “In recent years we have started anew with a Mecklenburg County Jail ministry where thousands are incarcerated at any one time.

“Deacon James Witulski was appointed Catholic liaison to the Mecklenburg County jail and is assisted by several groups of men who show films and lead Bible diaconate, SEE page 20

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sueann howell | catholic news herald

Amy and Steven Peetz, parishioners of St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville, renew their marriage commitment at the annual wedding anniversary Mass with Bishop Peter Jugis Nov. 6 at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte. The couple has nine children and are celebrating 25 years of marriage.

Marriage rooted in selfsacrifice, modeling God’s love Bishop Jugis celebrates wedding anniversary Mass Nov. 6 SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Married couples celebrating special anniversaries this year were the invited guests of Bishop Peter Jugis Nov. 6 at St. John Neumann Church. The annual wedding anniversary Mass honors couples who have witnessed to the sanctity of the sacrament of marriage for 25 years or more. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, the event includes a reception with the bishop after Mass.

“I take this opportunity on this beautiful fall day to thank you for the witness that you give to your love for each other and also your love for the Lord,” Bishop Jugis said at the start of his homily.

Drawing from the special readings selected for the anniversary Mass – Genesis chapter 2, 1 Corinthians and the Gospel of John – Bishop Jugis reminded those present that everyone is made in the image of God. “We bear the image of Almighty God within our soul. We know from the definition that St. John gives us in the New Testament that God is love. And if we are made in the image of God, then we are made in the image of that love, who is God. It is from Him that we learn the true nature of love.”

He pointed out that contemporary society presents many different definitions, ideas and notions of what constitutes love. But the One who is love, God Himself, teaches us the true nature and meaning of love.

“Love is faithful. Love is true. Love is holy, because God is holy,” Bishop Jugis said.

“God shows us that love is not self-seeking or closed and inward looking, but love always moves beyond itself into self-giving. It cannot stay locked up or closed within itself. It is always moving outward.”

He drew from the example of the Holy Trinity, pointing out that the love of the Father is always moving outward to the Son. The love of the Son is always moving outward to the Father. That love, that bond between them, is the Holy Spirit.

“God is love, and that love is what we are called to imitate and reflect here on this earth. That self-giving love is always moving out of itself to care and concern for the beloved. Love is there, as God teaches us, even if it entails suffering or sacrifice. That is the love God models and presents for us. It is the love Jesus has shown us. This is the love which makes marriage work,” he emphasized.

Deacon Bill and Lillian Griffin of St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte, who have been married 50 years, were among the couples at the Mass. They said they have come to know the true nature of love after a half-century of matrimony and raising three Marriage, SEE page 20

CHARLOTTE — A second collection will be taken up at Masses the weekend of Nov. 19-20 to support the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

The CCHD was founded by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to help break the cycle of poverty by funding organizations that help people help themselves. With its mission of improving education, housing situations and local economic development, the CCHD continues to make a positive impact in communities nationwide. Twenty-five percent of the funds from the collection are put to use in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Those local CCHD funds are administered by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of Social Concerns and Advocacy and are awarded in May every year.

“The local CCHD grant program offers grants to non-profit organizations across the diocese which are working in their communities to fight poverty, promote economic development or address a specified social concern,” said Joseph Purello, director of the Social Concerns and Advocacy office.

“CCHD local grant applicant organizations and projects for which funding is sought must operate in accord with Catholic teaching,” Purello added.

This year, local CCHD grants totaling $39,000 were awarded to 12 projects in nine communities: Belmont, Brevard, Charlotte, Gastonia, Greensboro, Hickory, Shelby, Waynesville and Winston-Salem.

“Many of the CCHD grant-funded projects work closely in partnership with, or even under the auspices, of parishes,” Purello added.

For example, Transylvania Christian Ministry partners with Sacred Heart Church in Brevard to support its Getting Ahead in Transylvania County project, which received a 2016 local CCHD grant for $4,000. This project offers people challenged by poverty the opportunity to enroll in a 14-week class designed to help them improve their finances. Sacred Heart parishioners work as staff and volunteers with the project, and the church has been a host site for the 14-week program.

“We know that our whole community has gained a better understanding of the complexities of poverty (through this project),” said Father Shawn O’Neal, pastor, “and that mentoring is always a two-way street. We are all learning together.” The relationships established by the project, he said, “honor human dignity, while creating ways for all of us to thrive.”

Last year’s CCHD collection raised $129,483 for the national CCHD office, which provides national grants for economic development, poverty reduction and community organizing projects across the U.S. One of the national CCHD efforts is PovertyUSA. org, a poverty awareness website. The site includes K-12 educational resources, prayer resources and an interactive map of the U.S. that depicts the extent of poverty at the state and county levels.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | November 11, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: 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 Nov. 22 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Sacred Heart Mission, Burnsville Nov. 26 – 1 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Elizabeth Church, Boone

Nov. 28 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. James Church, Concord Dec. 1 – 10 a.m.

Diocesan Foundation Board Meeting Catholic Conference Center, Hickory Dec. 1 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Mark Church, Huntersville

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.

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 a specific intention: Dec. 1, healing of the family.

Diocesan calendar of events November 11, 2016 Volume 26 • Number 3

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

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.

STAFF

Natural family planning

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org

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.

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

PRAYER SERVICES & Groups

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org

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.

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.

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

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

Thursday, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15 at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. With the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas season, the November service is in the Daily Mass Chapel; December is in the main church. In January, it will return to the fourth Thursday of the month. The healing prayer service is offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the church office at 704-5437677.

Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group MORNING REFLECTION: 9 a.m. Mass Monday, Dec. 12, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. Guest speaker will be Father Binoy P. Davis. For details and to RSVP, go to www.charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org.

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.

Retreats Advent Retreat ‘Preparing your heart’: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Banquet Room at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Make your personal plan to ready your heart for the coming of the Christ Child through group discussions and prayerful reflection. For details, call Debbie Kane at 704-578-8253.

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.

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.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING “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: THOMASVILLE: 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, Our Lady of the Highways Church, 943 Ball Park Road Waynesville: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, St. John the Evangelist Church, 234 Church St. Charlotte: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

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, go to 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.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver and Family Support Group: Meets the first Monday of the month, 6:30-8 p.m., in Family Center Room 203 at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. Organized with the Alzheimer’s Association, the monthly meetings are for the caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimer’s. For details, email Janet Urban at jgraceart@ yahoo.com.

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.

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 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.

Holy Spirit Church in Denver: call Nicole Lehman, 704-607-5207

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.

November 11, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

Grabowski hired as Respect Life director

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Priest, Asheville city engineer: Father Manley dies aged 94

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte has a new Respect Life program director. Jessica Grabowski takes over the position from outgoing director Jennifer Ganser.

“On behalf of Catholic Charities, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the pro-life ministry leadership of the outgoing Respect Life Grabowski program director, Jennifer Ganser,” said Joe Purello, director of Catholic Charities’ Office of Social Concerns and Advocacy, which oversees the diocese’s Respect Life activities.

“Her frequent communications with parishes, especially parish pro-life coordinators, her work in making this past August’s Respect Life Conference a success and her assistance in providing a smooth transition to a our new Respect Life program director are all greatly appreciated.”

Grabowski, a member of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, is a graduate of the Catholic University of America, earning both a bachelor’s degree in psychology and masters degree In business analysis. She worked for many years in event planning and management in Washington, D.C., before relocating to Charlotte in 2014. She and her husband Paul have two children.

“I am extremely excited to take on my new role with Catholic Charities as the Respect Life program director,” Grabowski said. “I have always been a steadfast pro-life supporter and advocate in my professional and personal life. The importance of respecting and protecting life from conception until natural death, and the promotion and nurturing of marriage and family life, are issues I am extremely passionate about.”

Purello believes Grabowski will be an effective advocate for pro-life ministry in the diocese. “Her passion and enthusiasm for promoting a respect for all human life is very evident,” he said.

“She possesses a ‘can-do’ attitude and has really hit the ground running in her new leadership position in our diocese.”

“In this role I hope to strengthen and grow all Respect Life ministries in our parishes and heighten awareness of our fight for life in families, communities and parishes across our diocese. I hope to collaborate with all of our parishes in the near future to put on more Respect Life events for their parishioners and communities.

“I am honored to join Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte in their mission, and I look forward to fulfilling my role of supporting these ministries,” Grabowski said.

For more information about the diocesan Respect Life Ministry, go to www.ccdoc.org/services/familyenrichment/respect-life. Grabowski can be reached at jrgrabowski@ charlottediocese.org.

OUR PARISHESI

Jeanine Russell | Catholic News Herald

Pastor installed in Lenoir LENOIR — Father Stephen M. Hoyt was installed as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church by Bishop Peter Jugis during a bilingual Mass Oct. 30. A Philadelphia area native, Father Hoyt was ordained to the priesthood in 1992. He has served in various ministries in New York, New Jersey and North Carolina, including parishes, hospitals, schools and retreat work, as well as mission work in Africa. In the Diocese of Charlotte, he previously served at Holy Family Church in Clemmons and St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. In a letter to parishioners, he wrote, “I look forward to sharing ministry with you as the Lord calls each of us. I cannot express well enough in words how much your prayful and communal support means to me. Truly I can promise you that you and your loved ones are in my prayers. Let us walk this journey together keeping in mind the Spirit of God that has brought us together and is in our midst; protecting us, guiding us, loving us and saving us with His Divine Mercy.”

Photo provided by the Pontifical College Josephinum

Seminarians installed as acolytes, lector COLUMBUS, Ohio — Seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte were among the 26 students of the Pontifical College Josephinum installed as lectors or acolytes during a Mass on Nov. 1, the Solemnity of All Saints. Britt Taylor and Alfonso Gamez were installed as acolytes, and Jonathan Torres was installed as lector. They are pictured with the Josephinum’s Father John Allen, vice president for advancement, and Monsignor Christopher J. Schreck, rector/ president; and Bishop Frederick F. Campbell of Columbus, who was the principal celebrant of the Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus. Seminarians installed as lectors typically are first-year theologians and are commissioned to proclaim the Word of God in the liturgical assembly and to catechize the faithful. Acolytes, traditionally second-year theologians, are entrusted with the duties of attending to the altar, assisting the deacon and priest at Mass, and distributing Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister.

HIGH POINT — Father Bernard A. Manley Jr., 94, died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at his home at Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Nov. 9, 2016, at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, with Bishop Peter J. Jugis as principal celebrant. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville.

Father Manley was born in Columbia, S.C., on June 12, 1922, and raised in Asheville. He was the son of the late Bernard Manley A. Manley Sr. and Mary Fae Collins Manley, and grandson of John Henry and Emma Hall Manley and Oscar Charles and Minnie Hampton Collins.

He attended Orange Street and Claxton elementary schools and was a 1940 graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School.

In June 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served overseas with the 8th Air Force. He was discharged as a senior master sergeant in October 1945.

Following discharge, he attended the Columbia Institute of Technology in Washington, D.C., and came to work for the City of Asheville as assistant city engineer.

In addition, he was appointed chief building inspector and the first traffic engineer of Asheville. In the mid 1950s he designed the first “one-way” street system in Asheville, most of which is still in effect.

He later joined the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and retired from there in 1983 as general manager.

He was very active in civic affairs. He was a founding board member of Mountain Area Hospice, Quality Forward and the AshevilleBuncombe Community Relations Council, as well as many other community boards.

He entered the Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Conn., in September 1983, and in 1987, at the age of 65, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Charlotte at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville.

He served at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte; as pastor of St. William Church in Murphy, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hayesville and St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mocksville; and as priest in residence at St. Eugene Church in Asheville. He retired from priestly ministry in July 1996.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Tull Manley in 1979, and by a daughter, Rachel Faye Smith, in 2014.

He is survived by a daughter, Geraldine (Jerry) Mulder of Portsmouth, Va.; and several grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Lawrence Basilica, 97 Haywood St., Asheville, N.C. 28801; CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, N.C. 28813; St. Eugene Church, 72 Culvern St., Asheville, N.C. 28804; or Maryfield Resident Care Fund, 1315 Greensboro Road, High Point, N.C. 27260.

A register to offer notes of condolence can be found at www.grocefuneralhome. com.

Groce Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Asheville was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

6

catholicnewsherald.com | November 11, 2016 OUR PARISHES

Celebrating all saints and all souls

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See lots more photos from All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations

Photo provided by Tammy Eason

GASTONIA — Students at St. Michael School also researched and dressed up as their favorite saint in preparation for All Saints Day. After their research was complete, students wrote a narrative about the saint’s life in the first person. Students then memorized their narrative and presented it at the “Saints Alive” museum. On Oct. 28, the “saints” took their place in the museum (a.k.a. gym), and held their pose until the red button on their back was pushed. Once their button was pushed, the saint came alive and told all about his or her life to the visitors.

Parents, students and staff were impressed with the students’ depiction of their saint and some even said they learned a lot from the young saints!

Photo provided by Amy Burger

HUNTERSVILLE — Nearly 60 parishioners of St. Mark Church gathered at Northlake Memorial Gardens Cemetery for an outdoor Mass for the repose of all the faithful departed. The Mass was offered by Father Cory Catron, parochial vicar, and assisted by Deacon Louis Pais. The Mass was followed by a procession around the grounds to bless the graves. Unlike many in society, Father Catron said in his homily, Catholics are more comfortable with death because we put our hope in a living God knowing that we too will rise again with Him. He said that we remember all those loved ones who have gone before us here at the altar on this day, all throughout this month and every day of our lives we pray that God has mercy upon them. During the procession and blessing of the graves, the group prayed the Litany of the Saints, led by Nancy McGahey.

Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald Photo provided by Amy Burger

HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark preschoolers also dressed as their favorite saint and took part in an annual All Saints Day procession at the school.

Photo provided by Amy Burger

Photo provided by Conventual Franciscan Father Carl Zdancewicz

WINSTON-SALEM — At an All Saints Day Fair at Our Lady of Mercy Church, students learned about and dressed up as various saints, including one student who wore the old habit of the Franciscan Sisters of Philadelphia, pictured with Sister Kathy Grniel, a member of that order.

HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark students attended Mass Nov. 3 to celebrate All Saints Day. The yearly tradition sees all of the second-grade students come to Mass dressed as their favorite saint. But it is not just a dress-up day for the students. It is part of a larger class project where they study their saint, create poster and make class presentations for their sacrament preparation leading up to their first Holy Communion in the spring.

FOREST CITY — Children at Immaculate Conception Church celebrated Halloween as All Hallows’ Day by dressing up as their favorite saint. Saints represented in the photo include St. Faustina, accompanied by Jesus, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Patrick, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Joseph, St. Francis, St. Philomena, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. John Paul II. John Cosmas | Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — A Missa Cantata (High Mass in the Extraordinary Form) for the feast of All Souls’ Day was offered at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. The Mass was offered by Father Joseph Matlak, assisted by the clergy of the parish. Requiem Masses were also offered at St. Ann Church in Charlotte and St. Michael Church in Gastonia.

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of November.

Rev. John P. Bradley - 2003 Rev. John J. Hyland - 1975 Rev. Msgr. John P. Manley - 1981 Rev. John S. Regan - 1976 Rev. Leonard E. Schellberg - 2014 Rev. Stephen A. Sullivan - 1989

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OUR PARISHESI

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‘I can definitely see God’s hand in my long journey to the priesthood.’

Engineer priests I

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

magine you spend years studying for a certain career. You get a job in that field, achieve a degree of success – and then a call, a little tug, begins to pull at your heart… God is calling you to a religious vocation.

For several priests in our diocese, this is their story.

Our Lord called them from a career in engineering to a life of service to His Church. For National Vocation Awareness Week, they share their stories with the Catholic News Herald:

After a couple of years of discernment, I accepted the call to holy orders and began formal preparation.

I have used my engineering experience in my pastoral assignments. Most facilities have some maintenance issues and I feel good when I am able to fix something in lieu of having to call a contractor.

There is a certain order in the study of engineering. I also think that faith is reasonable. Studying philosophy, theology and Scripture helped me to grow in ways I had not previously explored.

I value my studies and work experience in engineering. All of my previous experiences have helped me in some way in pastoral ministry. In reflection, engineering was a practical application of my skills and aptitude. I see my priesthood as a calling from God. I believe we will find our greatest fulfillment when our will is accepting of God’s will.

moved to Charlotte and was hired by a local manufacturing company to document its assembly processes so they could meet the quality demands of an ISO certification. I initially enjoyed that job, but I eventually became bored with the daily routine of working in a factory. All the employees at that factory would be given a “pep talk” every three months by the company president. He would essentially tell us to work harder so the company could make more money.

I became discouraged that my life had been reduced to working hard so some guys could get rich. I became depressed that my life was so shallow and meaningless.

I thought to myself, “There has got to be more to life than this.”

I talked with a Catholic priest I met while I was in Japan (he was serving as a priest in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pa., at

the time) and he encouraged me to pursue a vocation to the priesthood. I quit my job, rented out my house and went to St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md. I was ordained a priest by Bishop William Curlin at St. Patrick Cathedral on June 1, 2002, at the age of 40.

I can definitely see God’s hand in my long journey to the priesthood. My delayed vocation – the fact that I worked in the military and in industry prior to becoming a priest – enables me to relate to the struggles people deal with in the working world. I say to them, “Been there, done that.”

I love being a priest because I love serving God and I enjoy the challenges of ordained ministry. I take great comfort in Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”

FATHER MARK LAWLOR

By the age of 16, I knew that I wanted to be an engineer. It made sense. I enjoyed working on mechanical devices such as bicycles and eventually old cars, and I was much better in math than in other subjects.

My father was a chemical engineer and he worked in a chemical plant. He oversaw many mechanical and system projects. In high school, I also worked part-time for the same company in the maintenance department. I learned a lot working around experienced mechanics.

I only applied to one college, N.C. State, and I only pursued one degree, mechanical engineering. I worked in construction during the summers while I was in college.

I remember on the day of my graduation, I overheard a classmate say, “I look forward to getting into management.” I thought to myself, “I would rather work with machines than with people!”

After graduation, I went to work for the Naval Shipyard in Charleston, in the repair and overhaul of nuclear submarines. The work was interesting, especially coming from a small town. While I didn’t think that I would stay with the government for a career, I did think that I would stay in a technical field. Engineering has many formulas and equations, and I enjoyed working in problem solving.

Spiritually, I was wandering in those days. It was through my attendance at a parish Lenten mission that I began to rediscover my Catholic faith. I then heard the call of the Lord to pursue a religious vocation. It was initially a shock to me. I originally thought that I should become a religious brother and use my engineering experience in a mission or a monastery. I didn’t think that I could ever be a priest.

FATHER LARRY LOMONACO

I went to college to earn a degree in engineering, so I could make a lot of money, have a big family and live happily ever after. After four grueling years spent earning a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering, I felt called to enter the military because I wanted to serve my country and travel.

I went to Officer Training School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. I was assigned to a Civil Engineering Squadron. I enjoyed serving in the military and traveling throughout the world. I was stationed in Texas, Japan, Korea and Colorado. After 7 and a half years, I was forced out of the military during the reduction in force that took place after the first Persian Gulf War in 1992 (250,000 people were forced out of the military, including 75 percent of the reserve officers in my year-group). I was not happy about being forced out of the military, but what could I do?

I spent one year working as a supervisor at a corrugated paper company in Massachusetts, then I decided to move south because I did not want to deal with the winters up north. In August 1994, I

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 11, 2016 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief 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 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

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.

Note: because of the sensitive nature of the subject matter, parents should use discretion as to appropriateness of their children attending.

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

St. Teresa plaque graces Charlotte parish’s memorial CHARLOTTE — A plaque commemorating the Sept. 4 canonization of St. Teresa of Calcutta has been added to the pro-life memorial at St. Vincent de Paul Church. The plaque, which features the inscription “Saint Teresa, help us promote a culture of life,” was funded by the Knights of Columbus Council 9560.

Approximately 75 people attended the Oct. 16 blessing service, which was led by Father Mark Lawlor, pastor, and organized by the parish’s Respect Life Committee and Knights of Columbus council. Two Missionaries of Charity sisters and Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul were among the attendees.

— Diane Hoefling

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St. Ann members mark feast of Christ the King CHARLOTTE —St. Ann parishioners celebrated the Feast of Christ the King Oct. 30 with a High Latin Mass and a special Eucharistic Procession to honor Christ’s Kingship at a critical time in this country’s history.

The Feast of Christ the King was established

by Pope Pius XI in 1925 on the last Sunday in October but was later moved to the Sunday before Advent in the Ordinary Form calendar.

The Extraordinary Form calendar still celebrates the feast on the original date.

Father Jason Barone, priest in residence at St. Ann, offered the Mass, which attracted a record Sunday Latin Mass attendance of 340 faithful, and preached on Pope Pius XI’s establishing the Feast of Christ the King in 1925 to bring peace

into the world after the mass carnage of World War I. After Mass, Father Barone, accompanied by pastor Father Timothy Reid, led the faithful in its first Eucharistic Procession for the Feast of Christ the King. The priests were followed by hundreds of parishioners, many carrying images and flags of holy kings, queens and statesman who acknowledged Christ’s kingship as leaders.

The day ended with the recitation of the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which when prayed in front of a monstrance on this feast day, carries a plenary indulgence.

— Mike FitzGerald and John Cosmas, correspondents We welcome your parish’s news! Please email news items to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org.

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November 11, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

Encuentro de Pastoral Familiar se celebra en la Iglesia de San Gabriel Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

CHARLOTTE — Más de unas 50 familias Hispanas representando a la mayoría de los Vicariatos del Ministerio Hispano de la diócesis se reunieron en el salón parroquial de la Iglesia de San Gabriel en Charlotte el pasado sábado, 5 de Noviembre.

Todos los matrimonios presentes eran líderes de algún ministerio de Pastoral Familiar en sus respectivas parroquias en la Diócesis de Charlotte. Entre los ministerios familiares presentes en el evento, fueron parejas que enseñan PreCana (preparación pre-matrimonial), retiros, que dan talleres, y pláticas para la familia.

“El hecho de que estemos aquí reunidos, no es cosa de que se le ocurre a uno.

Sino que es parte del Plan Pastoral

de la Diócesis de Charlotte para el Ministerio Hispano,” dijo Eduardo Bernal, Coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Charlotte durante la conclusión del encuentro que comenzó en la mañana y se extendió hasta las 4 pm.

La familia Colex, del Vicariato de Smoky Mountain, se dirigió a los presentes y compartió con ellos los frutos de la Pastoral Familiar en su propio hogar.

“Ustedes, hoy por hoy, están aquí porque vienen empujados de alguien. Pero van a empujar a alguien, y ese alguien a quien van a empujar es su familia… Nosotros podemos llegar a cambiar la historia de nuestra Iglesia y mejorar nuestras comunidades,” dijo la madre de familia Isis Colex a los participantes.

Bernal dijo que el Plan Pastoral del Ministerio Hispano se divide en cuatro áreas, que dijo es el marco de trabajo para

la Pastoral Familiar. Bernal identifico cuatro partes: La Nueva Evangelización, Liturgia y Oración; La Nueva Evangelización, y Pastoral de Conjunto; La Nueva Evangelización y Formación; y la Nueva Evangelización y la Opción Misionera.

Leyendo de la Carta Apostólica de la Iglesia, la Alegría del Amor, #31, “‘El bien de la familia es decisivo para el futuro del mundo y de la Iglesia’… Ustedes quieren acabar con la Iglesia? Tumben a la familia y acaban con la Iglesia. Ustedes quieren fortalecer y tener una Iglesia viva y

vibrante, fortalezcan a la familia, y van a tener una Iglesia fuerte y vibrante,” dijo Bernal. “El secreto es la familia, que somos el 99.9 por ciento de la Iglesia,” añadió él.

Cesar e Isis Colex decidieron involucrarse en la Pastoral Familiar porque ellos saben que “No podemos estar parados en otro mejor lugar que es en la Iglesia de Cristo. Principalmente, en la Pastoral Familiar. La familia es la base de la sociedad, es la base de la Iglesia. Con una buena Pastoral Familiar, la Iglesia sigue creciendo, y tenemos que ser familia como es nuestro llamado,” concluyó Isis Colex.

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Rico De Silva

Oremos este mes con San José por las Almas del Purgatorio y por una muerte digna

N

oviembre es uno de mis meses favoritos en la Iglesia, especialmente porque celebramos la fiesta de Todos los Santos, el primero de Noviembre, y el Día de los Difuntos, el dos de Noviembre.

Ambas fiestas son una excelente oportunidad de recordar y celebrar las vidas de nuestros santos favoritos, recordar a nuestros seres queridos, amigos y familiares que ya han fallecido.

Tradicionalmente, Noviembre es el mes que la Iglesia dedica a todos los Fieles Difuntos, también conocidas como las Almas del Purgatorio. Estas son personas que han muerto en la gracia de Dios, pero están siendo purificadas por completo en el Purgatorio antes de poder vivir en la presencia de Dios. Después, cuando Dios decida, eventualmente gozarán de la recompensa celestial por toda la eternidad.

En otras palabras, el Cielo con la Santísima Trinidad, y con todos los ángeles y los santos por los siglos de los siglos.

San José es el santo patrono de una muerte digna porque, de acuerdo a la Tradición de la Iglesia, José murió en compañía de Jesús y María antes de que Jesús comenzará su misión apostólica. Es por eso que siempre es bueno tener una devoción a San José, para que él interceda, junto con la Virgen María, “ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte, amen.” San José también es el Campeón de las Almas del Purgatorio. Estas Almas no pueden orar por ellas mismas, pero si pueden

interceder por nosotros aquí en la tierra.

El orar por las Almas del Purgatorio es una devoción poderosísima porque ellas están literalmente a la merced de la misericordia de Dios, y dependen de nuestras oraciones por ellas para precipitar su ascenso al Cielo. Las Almas del Purgatorio oran por nosotros al ser ellas purificadas, y una vez que suben al Cielo, continúan orando por nosotros. Solo sabremos cuantas almas hemos ayudado a salir del Purgatorio después de nuestra muerte si, con el favor de Dios, Nuestro Padre Celestial nos dé la bienvenida a nuestra patria celestial.

Aprovechemos este mes de Noviembre, que la Iglesia dedica a todos los Fieles Difuntos, para reflexionar acerca de nuestra mortalidad. Pidámosle a San Jose, no solo por las Almas del Purgatorio, pero también para que nosotros vivamos una vida digna de una muerte en compañía de Jesús, Maria y José. Si supiéramos que el final de nuestras vidas se acerca, ¿Estamos caminando el camino de ‘Hágase tu voluntad hacia en la tierra como en el Cielo?’

Esta es una pregunta que debemos hacernos cada día porque no sabemos el día, ni la hora en que Jesús nos va a llamar a su presencia para darle cuentas de nuestra existencia.

Que Dios los bendiga.

Rico De Silva es el Especialista de Noticias Hispanas del Catholic News Herald.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 11, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD LEFT SIDE PAGE PAID ADVERTISEMENT

U.S. Catholics Can Mark Jubilee Year of Mercy by Sponsoring Scholarships for Poor Children in Kenya Cross Catholic Outreach’s recent launch of a scholarship program for poor children (see story on opposite page) is poised to have a major impact halfway around the globe in the African nation of Kenya. Beyond blessing the children, the creative outreach will also help two of that country’s needy Catholic schools.

“This is a significant program, especially in this Jubilee Year of Mercy and in light of the recent teachings of Pope Francis.

Excitement is clearly building around the Church’s call to a New Evangelization,” explained Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach. “Our special program will allow American Catholics to sponsor inexpensive scholarships to lift up the neediest children in Kenya.”

In addition to helping hundreds of young children gain a primary education, Cross Catholic Outreach’s new scholarship program will have an important second benefit. It will encourage and empower the priests and nuns behind two of the nation’s most exciting outreaches — Brother Beausang Catholic School and St. Andrew Nkaimurunya School.

Both are located near the city of Nairobi.

“The priests and nuns who established these Catholic schools have made tremendous personal sacrifices to extend Christ’s love in the communities they serve,” said Cavnar. “When American Catholics step

forward and fund a $110 scholarship to their schools, it will be incredibly encouraging to them. It will show them that we American Catholics are grateful for their work and want to help them in their noble cause of educating the poorest of the poor.”

Why is the scholarship so important?

The answer is simple. Without this support, children would simply go unschooled.

Families subsisting on only a few dollars a week can’t afford the luxury of sending a child to school.

“Those who establish a scholarship are helping put a child in school for a full year, and the daily classroom experience also includes a meal — sometimes the only meal that child eats all day,” Cavnar said.

“And what is the alternative? Leaving a child illiterate and without hope? Is that really an option? I doubt Pope Francis would see it that way.”

Some will ask if there is a way to support the goal without funding a full $110 scholarship for a school year. The answer, Cavnar emphatically said, is “yes!” Donors who contribute to the scholarship fund in any amount are helping to build the general scholarship pool, which will also fund students in need.

“Every gift, large or small, will make a difference,” Cavnar said. “As we collect up

There is no better way to mark the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy than by giving a poor child an opportunity to be educated in a quality Catholic school. to $110, another scholarship will be funded.

As a newspaper reader responding to this need, you can have a profound impact on the poor with any and every gift you make toward this cause.”

Proceeds from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred during the current calendar year.

In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet Cross

Catholic Outreach’s most urgent needs.

To support the Cross Catholic Outreach scholarship program for the poor, use the ministry brochure enclosed in this issue of the paper or mail your donation to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC01258, PO Box 97168, Washington DC 20090-7168. Please write “SCHOLARSHIP” in the comment line of the brochure to ensure your gift is routed to the proper fund.

Cross Marks Jubilee Year of Mercy with Opportunities for Service Visit a special section of Cross Catholic Outreach’s website (www.CrossCatholic. org/Jubilee) and you will find several special opportunities to bless the poor during these last months of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. One of these outreaches is a program to educate poor children (see stories above and on opposite page).

A visit to the website also reveals three indisputable strengths of the organization — its cost-effectiveness, its impressive Catholic leadership and its emphasis on funding projects that have specific and tangible benefits for the poor.

Cross Catholic Outreach is clearly having an impact both overseas and here in the U.S. “Donors most often notice our level of effectiveness. They want their donations to be used wisely, so they appreciate the fact that nearly 95 percent of donations we receive are used for program services and that so little of our expenses are allocated to fund-raising and administration,” explained Cross Catholic Outreach’s president, Jim

Cavnar. “The second thing they look for is integrity in our leadership, and they find that in the seven bishops and archbishops who serve on our board of directors. It shows we are an official Catholic outreach, and that we promote Catholic teachings and values through our work. The Church is strengthened through our mission.”

This fact has been noticed by Catholic bishops and archbishops in the U.S., and they have endorsed the charity as a result.

As of this moment, Cross Catholic Outreach has the endorsement of more than 85 U.S. dioceses, and the list continues to grow.

Results are one reason for this attention.

Cross Catholic Outreach has a history of effectively supporting existing Catholic parishes and programs overseas, and thereby empowering the Catholic Church worldwide.

“When we dig wells, build homes or launch medical clinics, the people in the community associate those things with the Catholic Church. Self-promotion isn’t our goal. Our goal is to empower the Catholic

Church — the priests, nuns, parishes and lay leaders already working in the community,” explained Cavnar. “Many of Pope Francis’ recent teachings support

that approach — as does the Jubilee Year of Mercy itself. That’s why we created special opportunities for American Catholics to serve the poor this year.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO

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Pope Francis recently met with Cross Catholic Outreach’s president, Jim Cavnar.

November 11, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI RIGHT SIDE PAGE PAID ADVERTISEMENT

$110 Scholarships for Catholic Education Can Lift Struggling African Children Out of Poverty A door of opportunity is opening for impoverished African children, and whether that blessed door stays open will largely depend on the generosity of American Catholics. The “door” to this brighter future is a scholarship, and it can only be offered if U.S. Catholics will sponsor the $110 outreach offering a full year of schooling for a child in need.

“Cross Catholic Outreach established this unique new scholarship program to fight illiteracy and poverty in Africa and other developing countries of the world.

The Cross Catholic Outreach scholarship program was established to help unschooled children aged 4 to 12, and it allows us to provide a life-changing education for a boy or girl at a cost of just $110 for the full school year,” explained Jim Cavnar, president of the relief organization, Cross Catholic Outreach.

Now that the program is in place, it needs benefactors to step forward and fund a scholarship in their family’s name. Mr. and Mrs. Jones can create the Jones Family Scholarship, for example. Dr. Smith can establish the Mary Smith Scholarship to honor his mother. Each scholarship can be for a single school year or renewed annually to keep the gift going as part of a family legacy to benefit the poor.

“With a gift of just $110 you can launch a scholarship with a life-changing impact on a child in need,” Cavnar explained. “A certificate is sent to you, the benefactor, to commemorate the new scholarship, and the child overseas is blessed with the grant of aid.

It’s really a priceless gift you are giving — an education brings opportunities, new hope and dignity. Those are things you can’t buy off a shelf, but they come with this outreach.”

How many scholarships does Cross Catholic Outreach hope to launch this year?

The program’s initial goal is to educate 5,000 needy youngsters who are currently “on the outside, looking in” — and some children are literally in that position,

“When Catholics focus their compassion on meeting a specific need, amazing things can be accomplished.”

— Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach according to Cavnar. They stand outside schools and watch longingly as others enter.

“When you travel to places like Haiti, Kenya, Zambia or the Philippines, you encounter the terrible hardships of the poor and you see how hungry they are for hope,” Cavnar said. “In some of the countries where we serve, children stand outside

schools praying to get in. These kids are illiterate, but they’re wise enough to know an education provides new opportunities and a way out of the slums. They pray the school door will someday open for them — but most realize that is only going to happen if their families get help. Their parents are too poor to afford even the few, meager expenses of their children’s schooling.”

The new Cross Catholic Outreach scholarship program meets this need. It serves as a “golden ticket” — opening the door to a quality education — which is amazing, considering the scholarships can be provided for just $110 per year. And despite the low cost, the quality of the education is high.

“In establishing this scholarship program, we started by choosing quality institutions that could qualify as Cross-accredited Catholic Schools,” Cavnar said. “These

schools are also monitored to ensure they continue to meet our standards. We insist each school has a strong Catholic identity, hires a capable staff of teachers, includes spiritual teachings within the curriculum and provides students with a broad, practical education. It’s important that our scholarship students end up with a solid education — one that gives them greater opportunities in their communities.”

Some may wonder about the low cost of establishing a scholarship. Most of us are only familiar with U.S. college scholarships, which are typically valued in the thousands of dollars. The difference, Cavnar admitted, is startling but true.

“Who among us can deny the value and impact of this program? The Catholic schools overseas are extremely efficient. The teachers who work there are also sacrificing.

Many work for a few dollars a day in order to ensure these children get an education.

When a donor contributes his or her portion by funding a scholarship, amazing things are being accomplished,” he said. “So my hope is that many will step forward. If just a few

dozen of this newspaper’s readers make that decision, the impact will be profound. It’s a simple fact. When Catholics focus their compassion on meeting a specific need, amazing things can be accomplished. I’ve seen it happen again and again and again.”

This optimistic view of Catholic charity flavors everything Cross Catholic Outreach does. Cross Catholic was founded more than 10 years ago to create a stronger link between American Catholics and Catholic mission work being done overseas, and its efforts have produced impressive results.

Catholic priests and nuns working “in the trenches” have been empowered by Cross Catholic Outreach and its U.S. benefactors to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, provide safe water to the thirsty, house the homeless, protect the orphaned and — as this case demonstrates — educate the poor.

The ministry has accomplished these

outreaches in more than 40 countries worldwide, and it does its work in an extremely cost-effective way. Less than 6 percent of its resources are used for administrative or fundraising expenses — nearly 95 percent are spent on program services to benefit the poor.

“Of all the work we do, we consider educational outreaches among our most important and effective,” Cavnar said.

“Why? Because a Catholic education has three critical benefits to the poor. It elevates the poor out of illiteracy. It opens doors of opportunity that help create self-reliance — teaching a man to fish, as the saying goes.

And just as important, it communicates Catholic truths that transform lives from the inside out. That is why we encourage donors to establish these scholarships. They are one of the most valuable gifts a person can give.”

How to Help: To fund Cross Catholic Outreach scholarships for the poor, use the postage-paid brochure inserted in this newspaper or mail your gift to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC01258, PO Box 97168, Washington DC 200907168. Write “SCHOLARSHIP” in the comment line of the brochure to ensure your gift is routed properly.

If you identify an aid project, 100% of the proceeds will be restricted to be used for that specific project. However, if more is raised for the project than needed, funds will be redirected to other urgent needs in the ministry.

11

Our schools 12

catholicnewsherald.com | November 11, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

to the university campus. Students enjoyed creating and learning while being exposed to the science, technology, engineering and math resources available there. The middle school students will visit HPU in November.

The partnership involves High Point University fifth-year senior group that works on STEM activities directly relating to social studies and science curricula. The HPU students plan and implement lessons at IHM, integrating STEM and technology which will align with current classroom curriculum and IHM’s existing STEM program.

— Carrie Vest

OLG aids in hurricane relief

Homecoming at Thea House GREENSBORO — Homecoming ended Oct. 30 for North Carolina A&T students, but not for Catholics at Thea House, the campus’ Catholic ministry for students.

One week later, they still had a “homecoming” event to celebrate: the return of Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, who had visited Thea House in the past, to celebrate Mass Nov. 5 and hang out with the students.

Father Marcel Amadi, Campus Ministry chaplain for the Greensboro and Winston-Salem areas, and Father Innocent Amasiorah, campus minister for UNC-Charlotte, concelebrated the Mass, with Deacon Emmanuel Ukattah of St. Mary Church in Greensboro assisting. The students were excited to see alumni, parents, faculty and a host of friends from neighboring parishes join them for the celebration. In his homily, Monsignor West entreated the congregation to stay united in the faith.

He encouraged them to let the word of God, made flesh in the Eucharist, take root and bear fruit in their lives. After Mass, the students and guests enjoyed fellowship and a meal together.

Photos provided by Father Marcel Amadi and Chukwunonso Nnebe-Agumadu

MACS

Director of Business Operations

GREENSBORO — The Our Lady of Grace School community recently packed this truck from front to back with supplies for a church in Lumberton to aid in its recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Matthew.

— Aphton K. Lang

Sacred Heart students pray living rosary On Oct. 21, students, family and staff at Sacred Heart School prayed a “living rosary,” an annual tradition each October, the Month of the Rosary. Each class also laid flowers at the feet of a statue of Mary on the campus.

— Bill Washington, correspondent

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools is seeking a full time Director of Business Operations.

This position supervises a staff of eight employees and reports to the Superintendent of Schools. Responsibilities include creation and implementation of the MACS budget, overseeing admissions, registration, student billing, tuition collection and financial assistance awards.

Additionally this position oversees MACS transportation, marketing and other school programs and interacts with school and parish administrators.

IHM students visit university campus HIGH POINT — As part of a partnership between Immaculate Heart of Mary School and the School of Education at High Point University, IHM Lower School students and faculty recently took an afterschool field trip

History comes alive at St. Michael School GASTONIA — Middle school students at St. Michael School took part in a history fair Oct. 20. They wrote a research paper, designed a tri-fold, brought in a three-dimensional image representing their topic, and dressed up like a character from their report. They presented their projects to younger students, parents and teachers. Students spoke in first person when addressing the audience. Pictured is Anie EtimInyang with her project on Nelson Mandela.

— Tammy Eason

Requirements include: • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance or related degree • At least five years relevant experience • Knowledge of principles of budget construction and management • Excellent computer skills; advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel required • Strong interpersonal skills • Experience with Blackbaud software - a plus • Supervisory experience preferred Please send a cover letter, resume and salary history by November 30, 2016 to: Theresa Ramirez, Administrative Assistant, Catholic Schools Office, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003, or email to tramirez@charlottediocese.org.

The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Learning about fire safety GREENSBORO — Kindergarten classes from Our Lady of Grace School recently learned about fire safety while on a field trip to the local Fire Training Center.

— Aphton K. Lang

Mix

November 11, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

and abuse of his fellow recruits in boot camp as well as an effort to discharge him led by the sergeant (Vince Vaughn) heading his platoon and the captain (Sam Worthington) commanding his company. Once in combat, he single-handedly saves the lives of over 75 wounded soldiers while under constant enemy fire. As might be expected with Gibson at the helm, Doss’ religious convictions, which are integral to his story and his performance on the battlefield, are not sidelined. Yet, while no doubt realistic, the carnage is extreme and its portrayal will necessarily restrict this ultimately inspiring film’s audience to those mature viewers willing to endure such sights. Graphic war violence with much gore, considerable crude language.

CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

‘Doctor Strange’

‘Hacksaw Ridge’ The extraordinary heroism of Army medic Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield) during the Battle of Okinawa in the closing days of World War II is vividly realized in this fact-based drama, directed by Mel Gibson.

A committed Christian and conscientious objector who refused to bear arms, Doss was nonetheless eager to serve his country, despite the misgivings of his parents (Hugo Weaving and Rachel Griffiths) and his fiancée (Teresa Palmer). Doss overcomes the ridicule

What Tilda Swinton can conceive, Benedict Cumberbatch can achieve in this first bigscreen adventure for the Marvel Comics superhero who debuted in print back in 1963.

When a car accident severely damages his hands, blighting his career, Cumberbatch’s brilliant but egotistical neurosurgeon exhausts conventional treatments before traveling to Nepal where, so a recovered paraplegic (Benjamin Bratt) has told him, a guru works seemingly miraculous cures. After placing himself under his new spiritual master’s tutelage, however, the initially skeptical physician gets caught up in a battle between his newfound mentor and a former student of hers who has embraced the forces of evil. To enjoy the spectacular special effects

and above-average acting in director Scott Derrickson’s adaptation, which also features Rachel McAdams as the protagonist’s longsuffering love interest, viewers of faith will have to overlook a great deal of magical mumbojumbo about astral bodies and the like. Only those mature teens able to treat such elements as on a par with the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys, a task not made easier by the fact that the hooey on offer here comes decked out in the trappings of Buddhism should be given the green light. Not for impressionable youngsters. Pervasive occult dialogue and action, some stylized violence, fleeting gory images.

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

‘Denial’ A prominent attempt to erase one of history’s most notorious genocides and the possible strategies for defeating that effort are explored in this morally powerful fact-based drama. Director Mick Jackson recounts the case for libel initiated in 1996

by British writer David Irving (Timothy Spall) against American historian Deborah Lipstadt (Rachel Weisz) after Lipstadt labeled Irving a Holocaust denier. David Hare’s script mostly avoids courtroom histrionics in favor of delineating how the defense arguments boring in on Irving’s false theories were constructed. He also shows how Lipstadt, a professor of Jewish history at Emory University in Atlanta, misunderstood her legal team’s tactics nearly to the end of the trial. Detailed discussions of atrocities, a single rough term.

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

Join Father Larry LoMonaco & St Aloysius Catholic Church on a pilgrimage to Poland!

13

On TV n Friday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. (EWTN) “A Piece of God’s Plan.” An inside look at the first and only fully inclusive special education school in the Diocese of Savannah, Ga.: Immaculate Conception School. n Friday, Nov. 11, 11 p.m. (EWTN) “Beauty of Faith: The Sacred Art in the New Evangelization.” A special documentary hosted by Jem Sullivan that explores the rich tradition and history of Catholic art. n Saturday, Nov. 12, 9 p.m. (EWTN) “Polycarp.”

When the Roman proconsul demands all citizens to worship Caesar, Polycarp and other Christians must find the courage to stand up for their faith against the growing threat of persecution. n Monday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. (EWTN) “Made for Life.”

A look at the gift of children and the need for a child to have both a mother and father present in their lives. Produced by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. n Tuesday, Nov. 15, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Vocation of the Laity.” An insightful overview of the vocation of the laity: a vocation to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth by directing temporal affairs according to His will. n Friday, Nov. 18, 11 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Bridget of Sweden: The Early Years.” A two-part EWTN original docu-drama on the life and works of St. Bridget of Sweden. Part 1. n Saturday, Nov. 19, 11 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Bridget of Sweden.” A two-part EWTN original docu-drama on the life and works of St. Bridget of Sweden. Part 2. n Thursday, Nov. 24, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Take a Chance on Happiness.” Nine couples from Ireland, Scotland and England testify to how they’ve incorporated Opus Dei Founder St. Josemaría Escrivá’s practical teachings on marriage and parenting into their lives.

Regional Business Manager Catholic Charities is seeking a full-time Regional Business Manager for the Winston-Salem Office. Must be detail oriented with the ability to work multiple projects while meeting multiple deadlines. Must be able to read and interpret finance reports and generate reports for ongoing projects. Applicant must be able to coordinate facility management and supervise facility staff. A four-year degree in business administration, business management, finance, accounting or related field is required.

Go to www.ccdoc.org/jobs for more information. Email cover letter and resume (2 pages maximum) by December 9th to lmfranks@charlottediocese.org. No phone inquiries, please.

Pilgrimage to Poland

Travel provided by

July 17 - 25, 2017 • 9 Days, 12 Meals Highlights: Warsaw, Niepokalanow Monastery, Jasna Góra Monastery, Black Madonna, Wadowice, Krakow, Auschwitz, Zakopane, Czestochowa Double: $3399* Book by 1/18/2017 and SAVE $200 per person!**

For more information contact Father Larry at 828.327.2341 or frlarryl@yahoo.com for a webinar link that will talk about the tour! *Rates are per person and include roundtrip air from Charlotte International Airport, air taxes and fees/ surcharges, and hotel transfers. Airfare: For your convenience, we offer airfare for purchase with all tour packages. If you purchase an air-inclusive program, your airfare will be quoted inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Your rates are subject to change until paid in full. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date. Checked Baggage Charges: Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. **Book by savings valid on air-inclusive bookings only. Call for rate after book by date. CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279

Evening of Mercy Thursday, November 17, 7:30 PM At St. Pius X; 2210 N. Elm Street in Greensboro, NC All ages are welcome!

Come join our community for a holy hour our in our main chapel!

This hour will include adoration with praise & worship music.

You are welcome to join us for a fellowship dinner before the event at 6:00PM. For information about the young adult meal and fellowship contact wocgreensboro@gmail.com.

Our nation 14

catholicnewsherald.com | November 11, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Catholic leaders pray Trump presidency will promote peace, unity VATICAN CITY — After Donald Trump pulled off what was for many a surprising victory in the U.S. presidential election, Catholic leaders offered their congratulations and prayers that the president-elect would promote peace in a world torn by conflict, and unity in governing for the common good.

The morning after Trump bested Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton in the presidential race Nov. 8, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said he hoped Trump’s administration would be “truly fruitful.” He also said he would pray, “so that the Lord illuminate him and sustain him in the service of his homeland, naturally, but also of the peace and wellbeing of the world. I believe that today it is needed for everyone to work to change the global situation, which is a situation of serious laceration and grave conflict.”

The Catholic vote was in large part divided due to pro-life and immigration issues, but one of the key topics that likely loomed large in the minds of Catholics as Trump’s victory was announced was his promise to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, and Pope Francis’ criticism of that policy as un-Christian.

When asked what the Vatican’s response was in light of Trump’s election, Cardinal Parolin said we must wait to “see how the president moves,” adding that “it seems premature to make judgments.”

In his victory speech, Trump said the time has come for America “to bind the

wounds of division.” He pledged he would be a president “for all Americans,” and that by working together, “we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our country and renewing the American dream.”

However, with many Catholics unsure as to what a Trump presidency will hold, some Catholic leaders have spoken out on the need to remain unified and steadfast in protecting Catholic values.

In a Nov. 9 statement, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said he looked forward to working with Trump and others elected Nov. 8 to protect all life and “advocate for policies that offer opportunity to all people, of all faiths, in all walks of life,” including humane immigration reform, religious liberty at home and abroad, and the sanctity of marriage.

In a similar statement Nov. 9, Raleigh Bishop Michael F. Burbidge also called on Catholics “to renew our commitments to bring our faith into the public arena and help shape public policies, especially with regard to the sacredness of human life at every moment; the dignity of each and every human person; the protection of religious freedom; the sanctity of marriage and family life; and the care of the poor and most needy in our midst. In this way, with God’s grace, we help to ensure that the next generation inherits a nation more civil, more ethical, and more devoted to achieving peace which is true and lasting.”

Spend time with Our Lord The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed to have Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament offered in five locations. All of the faithful, of any age, are invited to participate!

Stop by anytime or sign up for a regular Holy Hour: BELMONT

Belmont Abbey College’s St. Joseph Perpetual Adoration Chapel 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road Margaret Fox (704) 648-8947 www.belmontabbeycollege.edu/about/ community

CHArLOTTE

HIgH pOINT

Pennybyrn at Maryfield Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 1315 Greensboro Road Edna Corrigan (336) 324-4366 www.maryfieldeucharistic.org

HuNTErSVILLE

St. Mark Church’s Monsignor Bellow St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road Perpetual Adoration Chapel Estelle Wisneski (704) 364-9568 (located in the Monsignor Joseph A. Kerin Family Center) 14740 Stumptown Road HICKOrY St. Aloysius Church’s Immaculate Heart of Mary Sink (704) 892-5107 or email eucharistic.adoration@stmarknc.org Mary Perpetual Adoration Chapel www.stmarknc.org/adoration 921 Second Street N.E. Melanie & Dave King (828) 638-0462 www.staloysiushickory.org/perpetualadoration

Michael Reaves | Getty Images News

Crowds gather in New York Nov. 8 to watch election results from across the country.

Archbishop Kurtz and Bishop Burbidge also appealed for unity in the wake of the contentious election.

“Regardless of who received our vote,” Bishop Burbidge said, “now is the time to be reminded that the strength of our republic lies in our unity as fellow citizens and members of God’s holy family. Such relationships are the bedrock of our society and it is our sacred duty to foster them so that nothing divides us. When we live in such harmony, there will be true dialogue and the exchange of ideas will occur in a civil and respectful manner.”

“Now is the moment to move toward the responsibility of governing for the common good of all citizens,” Archbishop

Kurtz said. “Let us not see each other in the divisive light of Democrat or Republican or any other political party, but rather, let us see the face of Christ in our neighbors, especially the suffering or those with whom we may disagree.”

“Every election brings a new beginning.

Some may wonder whether the country can reconcile, work together and fulfill the promise of a more perfect union. Through the hope Christ offers, I believe God will give us the strength to heal and unite,” he said, encouraging Catholics to “help each other be faithful and joyful witnesses to the healing love of Jesus.”

— CNA/EWTN News, Catholic News Herald contributed

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

November 11, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Bishops to elect officers, hear task force report WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. bishops will discuss ways to promote peace in U.S. communities torn apart by violence, vote on ways to implement priority areas for their conference approved last year and elect new leaders during their Nov. 14-16 fall general assembly in Baltimore. The discussion about restoring peace in the nation will stem from a report to be presented by a task force formed this past summer after police shootings in Baton Rouge, La.; Minneapolis; and Dallas. When Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, announced the USCCB Task Force to Promote Peace in Our Communities, he said there needed to be “ways of nurturing an open, honest and civil dialogue on issues of race relations, restorative justice, mental health, economic opportunity and addressing the question of pervasive gun violence.” The task force is chaired by Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, who told reporters in September that the U.S. bishops are in beginning stages of developing a pastoral letter that will examine racism in society and the Church and will describe steps Catholics can take to bring about healing and reconciliation.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch live the public proceedings of the U.S. bishop’s general assembly

Pope names Newark archbishop WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark, N.J., and named Cardinaldesignate Joseph W. Tobin of Indianapolis to succeed him. Archbishop Myers, Newark’s archbishop since 2001, is 75, the age at which Church law requires bishops to turn in their resignation to the pope. The 64-year-old cardinal-designate, a Redemptorist, has been the archbishop of Indianapolis since 2012 and was named a cardinal by Pope Francis Oct. 9. He will be installed Jan. 6.

Pro-lifers denounce antiabortion Facebook video WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pro-life supporters are denouncing activist Father Frank Pavone for showing the body of an aborted fetus on an altar via Facebook Live on the eve of the U.S. presidential election. Critics included Ed Mechmann, a public policy director whose areas of concern include pro-life issues, who wrote in a blog for the Archdiocese of New York, “He used a dead aborted baby, laying naked and bloody on an altar, as a prop for his video.” But Father Pavone, no stranger to controversial situations, said he was trying to drive home, in a visual and impactful way, what it meant to choose one presidential candidate over the other on Election Day. Father Pavone, appealing for votes for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, said he was showing “the Democrats’ support of baby-killing. I’m showing the reality,” he said Nov. 8. He is a member of Trump’s Catholic advisory group. But some say what he did, how he did it and where he did it amounts to desecration of a body and also is sacrilegious because it was done on an altar, which should be used only for sacramental purposes, not to advance a political candidate.

— Catholic News Service

THE MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS BEGIN

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CCDOC.ORG

National Adoption Month Join Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte in celebrating National Adoption Month to raise awareness during the month of November.

Catholic Charities has been helping people build their families through domestic adoption since 1948. Our professional staff provides ongoing comprehensive support, education, and guidance to prospective adoptive families as they continue through their adoption journey.

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15

Our world 16

catholicnewsherald.com | November 11, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Mercy Fridays give pope a year of stories, tears, hugs Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Tears, prayers, caresses – but most of all, listening – were the hallmarks of Pope Francis’ “Mercy Friday” visits during the Year of Mercy.

As the jubilee began last December, Pope Francis said he would ditch the media one Friday afternoon each month and personally try to give life to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Throughout the year, he used his weekly general audiences and monthly Saturday jubilee audiences to teach about the reality of God’s mercy and the obligation of sharing mercy with others.

But the Mercy Friday visits – even the two that were not held on a Friday – were about presence. While top personnel at the places he visited had some advance notice, in most cases the guests, residents or patients did not. The Mercy Fridays gave them a chance to tell the pope their stories and, usually, to share a late afternoon snack with him.

Here is a list of the pope’s Mercy Friday visits through October: n Dec. 18, in an event that turned out not to be private at all – the pope opened the Holy Door at a remodeled Rome Caritas homeless shelter and celebrated Mass there. n Jan. 15, Pope Francis visited a retirement home in Rome and a nearby care home for people in a persistent vegetative state. n Feb. 26, he visited members of a residential community for people recovering from drug addiction. n March 24, Holy Thursday, Pope Francis celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at a refugee center in Castelnuovo di Porto, north of Rome, and washed the feet of asylum seekers. n April 16, Pope Francis joined Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Greek Orthodox Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens for visits with refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos. The pope brought 12 of the refugees to Rome with him. n May 13, he visited Il Chicco, a L’Arche community south of Rome. L’Arche communities are homes where people with and without intellectual disabilities share their lives. n June 17, the pope visited two communities of priests; one was a home for retired priests and the other was described as a community for priests with “various difficulties.” n July 29, during Pope Francis’ visit to Poland for World Youth Day, the Vatican described the following

CNS | L’Osservatore Romano

Pope Francis visits the San Carlo Community, a Catholic-run drug rehabilitation center on the outskirts of Rome near Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Feb. 26. The pope encouraged the 55 patients to trust God’s mercy to keep them strong. events as part of the Mercy Friday initiative: a silent visit to the Nazi’s Auschwitz death camp; a visit to a pediatric hospital; and the celebration of the Way of the Cross that connected each station to a work of mercy. n Aug. 12, he visited a community for women

O Holy St. Jude!

Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke your, special patronage in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, come to my assistance.

In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked.

St. Jude pray for us who invoke your aid.

(Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s, 3 Glory Be) Publication must be promised.

rescued from the slavery of prostitution. n Sept. 16, Pope Francis visited the neonatal unit of a Rome hospital and a hospice across town. n Oct. 14, he spent the afternoon at Rome’s SOS Children’s Village, which attempts to provide a home-like atmosphere for children under the age of 12 whose parents cannot care for them.

November 11, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief

daily experienced in our midst,” the pope said Oct. 31 during an ecumenical prayer service in the Lutherans’ Lund cathedral, built as a Catholic cathedral in the 11th century. With the prayer service, Pope Francis and leaders of the Lutheran World Federation launched a year of activities to mark the 500th anniversary in 2017 of Martin Luther’s efforts to reform the Church.

All people long for mercy, pope tells religious leaders

Thieves break into famous Jerusalem church

VATICAN CITY — Authentic religions help people understand that they are, in fact, loved and can be forgiven and are called to love and forgive others, Pope Francis said. “We thirst for mercy, and no technology can quench that thirst,” the pope told Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh and other religious leaders. “We seek a love that endures beyond momentary pleasures, a safe harbor where we can end our restless wanderings, an infinite embrace that forgives and reconciles,” the pope told the leaders Nov. 3 during an audience at the Vatican.

The leaders were in Rome for a conference on religions and mercy organized by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the International Dialogue Center, founded in 2012

by Saudi Arabia, Austria and Spain with the support of the Holy See.

JERUSALEM — Police and church officials are treating a church break-in at the Church of the Transfiguration in Galilee the night of Oct. 23-24 as a criminal matter, not a suspected hate crime.

The perpetrators damaged some statues, and the contents of the donation box, thought to be less than $100, was stolen. Several chalices also were taken, as was the ciborium, after the consecrated Hosts were discarded on the floor.

Pope, Lutheran leaders begin Reformation commemoration with prayer LUND, Sweden — Urging Catholics and Lutherans to take decisive steps toward unity, Pope Francis nevertheless offered no new openings to the idea of sharing Communion before full unity is achieved. “We Christians will be credible witnesses of mercy to the extent that forgiveness, renewal and reconciliation are

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.

Pope names 17 new cardinals VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will conclude the Year of Mercy by creating 17 new cardinals, including three from the U.S.: Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago; Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the new Vatican office for laity, family and life; and Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin of Indianapolis. Announcing the names of the new cardinals Oct. 9, Pope Francis said, “Their coming from 11 nations expresses the universality of the Church that proclaims and witnesses the good news of God’s mercy in every corner of the earth.”

The new cardinals – 13 of whom are under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope and four over 80 being honored for their “clear Christian witness” – will be inducted into the College of Cardinals Nov. 19.

— Catholic News Service

Over 8,000 babies killed in Mecklenburg County alone last year!!

Come and save our children today… join the 11th Annual March for Life Charlotte and pray.

Save the date! Friday, January 13

Be a witness for the sanctity of human life and an act of reparation for an end to abortion.

March for Life Schedule

Mass for the Unborn 9:00am St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 Guest Preacher Fr. John Eckert, Paster of Sacred Heart Parish - Salisbury, NC 11:00am Start to gather in overflow parking lot across from the Pastoral Center at 1123 S. Church St. to prepare for march

Fr. John Eckert

17

11:45am Instructions for march and prayer before march 12:00pm Begin march to Trade and Tryon Streets where Fr. John Eckert will preach; then to the courthouse at 401 W. Trade St. to pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Go to www.marchforlifecharlotte.org for details on parking and signs

Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate PLANNING TODAY FOR YOUR FAMILY’S TOMORROW St. Matthew’s Parishioner

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

15720 Brixham Hill Ave, Suite 300

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

(803) 327-2097

Charlotte/Ballantyne

|

Center for Spirituality rockhilloratory.org

oratorycenter@gmail.com

Women Through the Centuries December 9-10, 2016, February 10-11, 2017 April 7-8, 2017, June 2-3, 2017 Participants may attend any or all of the weekends.

Sister Susan Schorsten, HM & Sister Gay Rowzie, HM Who have been some of the women on whose shoulders we stand? We will come to know some of these women – women who have been saints and sinners, prophets and visionaries, women like us who have made a difference in their families and neighborhoods. We will become acquainted with some of these women who have gone before us, from the first to the twenty-first century.

The weekends will consist of a Friday evening and all day Saturday, with liturgy and lunch included. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested.

Sister Susan Schorsten & Sister Gay Rowzie are Humility of Mary Sisters. Both were active in the Diocese of Charleston for many years before moving on to other ministries and now have returned to this area.

$50 each session

$40 additional each weekend for Friday night lodging (includes room, Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast)

ViewPoints 18

catholicnewsherald.com | November 11, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Corlis Sellers-Drummond

‘We must heal and bring back civility and respect in spite of our ideological differences.’

Blessed are the peacemakers T

he 2016 presidential election is now behind us. Once again the nation is deeply divided.

As I reflect on the post-election period four years ago, I recall my daughter (who lives in New Jersey) telling me about a Thanksgiving dinner that she and my granddaughter attended with the family of a dear friend. The topic of discussion around the dinner table surrounded by family and friends was the 2012 presidential election. One dinner guest inquired whether anyone had seen the petition to secede from the United States. Another guest acknowledged seeing it, and both proudly admitted to signing it.

My daughter and granddaughter were the only blacks at the dinner gathering. My daughter later shared with me how deeply offended she felt by the talk of secession.

From time to time, the topic of secession is raised by various groups that are not pleased with the outcome of elections. However, because of the disturbing racial undertones surrounding the 2012 re-election of President Barack Obama, the country’s first black president, the talk of secession for many blacks triggered the painful past when our country was ripped apart by civil war and the abolition of slavery. Fortunately, within a few months after the election, talk of secession waned.

Fast forward to 2016. The inflammatory rhetoric is amped up even further, with threats of aggressive poll monitoring in minority voting districts, the stated goal of which has been to root out fraud, but which people of color

view as an attempt to intimidate voters and suppress the vote. There are charges of election rigging, which serve to undermine our democracy, and calls by some for open rebellion to protest the outcome of the election. There are others who vow to leave the country if their candidate is not chosen. Some citizens are referred to as “deplorables,” further alienating a group of people who feels that the American Dream is increasingly beyond their reach.

By targeting specific constituencies, the campaigns divide the country racially, ethnically and socioeconomically, and by gender, religion and age. The result is a deeply divided America.

As Americans, we can agree that our country faces enormous challenges. We do not all agree on how to address them. However, in order to begin this work, we must heal and bring back civility and respect in spite of our ideological differences.

America is great. Our power, prosperity and ingenuity have been fueled by our diverse population. In America, the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

We recently saw the best of what this country has to offer during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Where most countries had teams of athletes with the same racial or ethnic heritage, the United States fielded athletes of all races whose common purpose was to come together and compete for the U.S.A. While we look to our leaders to bridge the divide, true transformation must begin with us as individuals. We can

look no further than our youth for the answers. At World Youth Day this past July, Pope Francis told the youth, “Today we adults – we adults need you to teach us, like you are doing now, how to live with diversity, in dialogue, to experience multiculturalism not as a threat but an opportunity. Have the courage to teach us that it is easier to build bridges than walls. We need this.”

As I reflect back on that Thanksgiving dinner my daughter attended four years ago, I think the truth is that although much more progress is needed, we have come quite far over the past 150 years. Despite the comments from some that made for an uncomfortable evening, the fact remains that the descendants of Hannah Etheridge Carter, a slave from Bertie County, N.C., sat at the same table and broke bread with the descendants of Irish, Italian, German and Polish immigrants. This would have been virtually impossible 150 years ago.

At every Mass, we are invited to the table of the Lord after we offer the sign of peace to our brothers and sisters.

Through the power of the Holy Eucharist, our prayers and by the grace of our loving God, let us put our faith into action and rise above the bitterness and division. Let peace and healing begin with us.

Corlis Sellers-Drummond is a member of Holy Family Church in Clemmons. She is the former liaison to the bishop for the Black Catholic Ministry Commission and former Racial Justice Commission coordinator for the Diocese of Camden, N.J.

November 11, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

19

Parish spotlight

Deacon James H. Toner

What we know that ain’t so:

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

False prophets What we think is the right road

T

here are a number of Catholic leaders, both ordained and lay people, who “challenge the narrative.” That is, they are willing to blaze new trails and bring Catholic doctrine “up to date.”

But it’s the wrong road In the Old Testament, we meet Balaam, who was asked by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. After a fashion, he began a journey to do so.

Using Balaam’s donkey as a means of conversion, an angel persuaded Balaam to continue his trip but to say only the good things the angel desired. Balaam then delivered only blessings, and not curses, saying only what the Lord wanted (Num 24:13; see also Eph 4:29).

However, Heb 13:9 GNB Balaam is known, in both the Old Testament and New Testament, as someone who would gladly sell his talent and reputation as a prophet.

“Bad Religion: How He also carries We Became a Nation the chief of Heretics,” by responsibility Ross Douthat (New York: for later causing Free Press, 2012) the Israelites to sin by falling into idolatry at Baal-Peor (Num 25; Rev 2:14). For this, he was put to the sword (Num 31:8,16).

Balaam is commonly regarded as a type, or an adumbration, of false prophets seen by early Christians. Balaam loved the money and secular acclaim he won by misusing his power. “False prophets,” St. Peter warned us in 2 Peter 2:1, “appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you” (2:1).

The Letter from Jude similarly warned us against the perennial danger of false teachers who claim to be believers: we must beware, he wrote, because “some godless people have slipped in unnoticed among us, persons who distort the message about the grace of our God in order to excuse their immoral ways, and who reject Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord... For the sake of money they

‘Do not let all kinds of strange teachings lead you from the right way.’

Suggested reading

have given themselves over to the error that Balaam committed” (4, 11).

A number of years ago, while teaching at a seminary, I insisted that the mission of any Catholic church has four elements: glorify God, make saints, and – principally – save souls. These three missions are rooted in the fourth element: teach truth.

Something is not true because the Church teaches it; the Church teaches it because it is true. When we depart from the truth for reasons of pelf (money), politics, power or prestige, we jeopardize our souls.

“The western world,” wrote Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, “has been attempting to preserve the fruits of Christianity after having surrendered the roots.”

At its root, Christianity is always conservative in that it seeks to preserve and to apply the Truth of Christ. There will always be Balaams who deceive and mislead, and the most dangerous of these fraudulent prophets – these fake shepherds, these false teachers – are either those who deny the need for repentance (why repent if there is no sin?) or those who teach only part of the truth.

False prophets ordinarily tell a “truth,” but it is a partial, exaggerated, contaminated truth. The Father of Lies, the Great Deceiver corrupts and kills souls. The devil cannot glorify God, make saints or save souls because he cannot teach truth. He can, though, teach by flattery, adulation or complaisance (CCC 2480), which confirm “malicious acts and perverse conduct.”

Because there will always be false teachers and prophets around us, we must assimilate biblical wisdom: Don’t believe everything you hear (1 Jn 4:1), but test it and avoid every evil (1 Thess 5:21-22). Test by standing firm in the Tradition of the Church (2 Thess 2:15), guarding the truth (2 Tim 1:14). Trust in the Lord; “never rely on what you think you know” (Prv 3:5). In our thoughts, words and deeds, we must conform ourselves not to the world but to God (Rom 12:2, cf. 1 John 2:15). The pillar and foundation of truth is the Church (1 Tim 3:15).

All of this is summarized well in the Catechism, which quotes St. Irenaeus: “Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking” (1327). We are truly happy and truly free when we reject the advice of evil men (Psalm 1).

Balaam, the false prophet, can still provide a lesson to us: “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not disobey the command of the Lord my God in even the smallest matter” (Num 22:18). The tragedy for him, and for us, is that, hearing the siren-songs of Balak or of the world, we too often depart from our Catholic duty to “go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”

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

Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

Healing Mass SALISBURY — Father John Eckert, pastor, and Father Lucas Rossi, parochial vicar, celebrated a healing Mass, including the sacrament of anointing, Oct. 22 at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.

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From online story: “Desire for power is an obstacle to serving God, pope says” Through press time on Nov. 9, 2,025 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 4,197 pages. The top eight headlines in November so far have been: n Pastor installed at St. Francis of Assisi in Lenoir..............................................................................104 n Priest, Asheville city engineer: Father Bernard A. Manley Jr. dies aged 94 ............................ 93 n Bishop Jugis celebrates wedding anniversary Mass Nov. 6...........................................................89 n Children in Kenya receive St. Pius X School uniforms..................................................................... 87 n U.S. Bishops offer advice for voting in ‘Faithful Citizenship’ .........................................................82 n Charlotte seminarians installed as acolytes, lector.......................................................................... 69 n Homemakers of Mercy give families new start.................................................................................. 63 n Tri-ritual priest reflects on his vocation, married life....................................................................... 62

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 11, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MARRIAGE

DIACONATE

FROM PAGE 3

FROM PAGE 3

children, one with special needs.

“I think one of the secrets (of a successful marriage) is that God has always been part of our lives,” Deacon Griffin said.

“Any time that we had a problem, it brought us closer together.”

“We’ve been like one, rather than two, people. We have become one. I think you need a sense of humor because there are a lot of ups and downs. You just have to go with the flow,” Lillian Griffin added.

Ray and Helen Maxon of St. Vincent de Paul Church, also married 50 years, said one of the secrets of a happy marriage is “don’t go to bed mad.” They advise young couples to “keep close to the Church.”

“Our faith has always been very strong,” Ray Maxon said. He and Helen traveled to other countries over the years and lived in France for four years.

“I always said we have got to get to church, no matter where we were,” Helen Maxon said. They were comforted that no matter what country they were in, there were Masses celebrated and they could understand what was going on in the Mass thanks to the Latin used in the liturgy.

Daniel and Danica Le of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury are celebrating 25 years of marriage. When asked what their secret is, they replied, “Trusting, honoring (one another) and being faithful.”

Bishop Jugis asked all of the couples present at Mass, “How is it that you are able to arrive at this milestone in your marriage?”

“Isn’t it because you have placed the Lord first in your marriage? That His grace and His love have been the foundation of your married life? Isn’t it because it is a sacrament that you are living and the sacrament entails the presence of Almighty God and His life-giving love and His life-giving grace?”

He reminded them that this sacramental grace is always available to them – not just on the day they were married, but a living sacrament that flows from the Heart of Jesus into their lives and their marriages.

“May this anniversary Mass help you to turn to God in thanksgiving for all the blessings He has bestowed upon you,” he prayed.

studies weekly in the jail. Deacon James has arranged for priests to visit for the sacrament of confession.

In the Forsyth County Jail, Deacon Bob Desautels coordinates a group of men and women, priests and deacons who visit weekly.

“Other deacons visit state prisons regularly often with their pastors. Even with these activities, the Catholic population in state prisons are underserved and this work of mercy, a particular ministry assigned to our deacons, hopefully will increase as the deacon population increases.”

The large class of newly ordained deacons as well as the service of older deacons in the diocese helps to fuel the New Evangelization within the local secularized culture, Deacon Steinkamp also said. Deacons must retire at 75, he said, but most ask the bishop to let them continue their ministry well past that age.

“Among our retired deacons we often see men engaged in visits to the sick and homebound and other ministry for years after formal retirement. They just do not miss a beat. For them and those years away from formal retirement it is easy to attribute this activity, volunteer ministry, to the simple joy of being a deacon.”

“For me personally, the courtesy and kindness my wife Bette and I received from the deacons and wives of the Diocese of Charlotte has been a blessed experience,” he said. “We thank them. Our experience working in the Pastoral Center was a joy. The men and women in every department of the diocese helped me learn when I started and worked with this director with enthusiasm over the years.”

Deacon Martino praised Deacon Steinkamp and his wife for their inspirational example.

“Their tireless efforts within their parish, their community and our diocese are examples of their Catholic faith in action. They exemplify what it means to be a deacon and the wife of a deacon. Their

ENGINEER FROM PAGE 7

FATHER CASEY COLEMAN

Was there anything is particular that drew me from the field of engineering? I would have to say yes, and that was the desire to save souls.

I remember an evening not long before I was actually able to quit my job at Corning Cable Systems, LLC, a fiber optics telecommunications company where I worked as a development engineer designing fiber optic connectors and associated manufacturing equipment and processes. I had completed my application process to the Diocese of Charlotte and was waiting to hear if I had been accepted.

I was heading back into work during an already long day, as part of an already long week, to check on some test samples that came from a pilot manufacturing line we had set up in our plant in Mexico, part of environmental testing for product qualification before releasing the product to full live production and sales.

I had gone to Wendy’s for a late dinner, I think it was around 8 or 9 in the evening, and

as I was getting ready to get out of my car to go back into work, I remember thinking how I couldn’t wait for priesthood, because I would much rather be going into a hospital at that hour to anoint someone than going in to the office to check on an environmental test.

I thought to myself, in the end what does all this really mean with respect to the salvation of souls? How is my doing this really helping God? All I am doing is helping this company run, which does supply needed jobs, but in the end all I am doing is helping this company.

I thought, “I want to help God save souls, something that really means something.” This desire was not for my good, but for the good of others that they may know the love of God. At the risk of oversimplifying things and sounding a little cold or callous, as an engineer I was a problem solver. I was given certain needs or demands with a certain set of requirements and I was asked to find a solution. The work often required a lot of patience, both with the design process and with people.

Serving as a priest, I find there are many similarities. The end product or goal is to get people to heaven.

I have to look at and address whatever problems they are having, and help them find solutions within the unchanging teachings of the Church.

My own path to discernment was part of my personal conversion. I was at a point of dissatisfaction in life. I had pretty much everything someone at my point in life was supposed to have: a good degree from a reputable school, a well-paying job and all the comforts of life that those things could provide.

However, something was still lacking.

Through a number of circumstances of life, I was re-introduced to the Catholic faith that I had been given at baptism. The more I got to know all the truths of the

presence together as a couple is a model not only to our deacon family, but to everyone they serve,” he said.

“As director, Deacon Ron always lived up to the words spoken by the bishop at a deacon’s ordination: ‘Believe what you read. Teach what you believe.

Practice what you teach.’ His actions as director were a reflection of his faith, his belief in God and his vocations of marriage and of an ordained deacon,” he said.

Deacon Martino said he feels blessed to serve as director of the permanent diaconate for the diocese, “part of a Church that is alive and well.”

His background growing up in a coal mining camp, where his parents ran a small grocery store, taught him “what it meant to care for those around you and to give where there is need.”

His faith in God was strengthened by his parish priest, a former coal miner, whose “friendly smile and presence within our neighborhood was felt by all,” he said. “His presence in my life showed me a reverent yet practical side to my Catholic faith. He showed me how God works in a sometimes quiet, gentle and simple way.”

He said the seed of his vocation to the diaconate was planted in his childhood, where at St. Anthony’s Parish in Fairmont, the Sisters of St. Joseph made him memorize the words that have guided him over the years. They come from the Baltimore Catechism, number six, which states, “Why did God make you? God made me to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in heaven.”

“These words give meaning to the role of a permanent deacon,” he said. “In particular, it points out the importance of formation of those in discernment to be deacons and the need for ongoing formation after ordination.”

He prays for all of the permanent deacons, that “we will always have the desire to know and love God more and more each day. For it is then that God’s amazing grace will bear fruit in the many ways we serve Him and those He calls us to serve.

“As deacons we must always remember to serve Him, we must know Him and love Him.”

faith that I had missed out on growing up, I saw how much sense it all made.

It was all very logical, and as someone coming from a scientific background where everything is governed by the laws of physics, logical is good. In fact, the faith is super-logical or super-reasonable meaning it is above or beyond reason, but not illogical or unreasonable or contrary to logic or reason. So to some degree, it made a lot more sense than a lot of things and it heightened my understanding of the world.

So when I started to recognize God calling me to the priesthood it made sense.

FATHER JAMES STUHRENBERG

When I left the U.S. government, I left the second-largest bureaucracy (the military) to work for the world’s largest bureaucracy, the Church.

I began my career as a project engineer for the U.S. Department of the Navy after earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from UNC-Charlotte in 1987.

I worked on H46 helicopters as a project engineer in aviation electronics. I also worked on communications systems and navigation systems – just about anything with a wire attached to it in the aircraft. I worked my way up to project manager over the years.

God’s sense of humor is what lured me away from engineering.

I was praying for vocations, for other people to become priests. God said, “What about you?” I said, “I was waiting for someone else.” God just kept bringing it up in prayer and in conversations with other people. A lady from the church and other ladies at church would come up to me and say, “You would make such a good priest.”

So I finally gave in. And I love being a priest.

I enjoyed being an engineer, too. Even then I was involved in the RCIA program and served as an extraordinary minister of

Holy Communion.

There are some differences between an engineering career and the priesthood, but there are many parallels.

One of the things I learned as a project engineer was to get up in front of people and talk. Without that training, I don’t know if I could have done that easily as a priest. As an engineer and as a priest, you have to organize projects and programs you want to get done. You have to argue your case in front of people. You have to create budgets and understand financing.

With both paths, you learn what issues are important to hold your ground on.

As an engineer, one thing I would fight for completely was safety. I would not do anything that I felt would make the aircraft unsafe, no matter what the management wanted. As a priest, I will not do anything that is heresy, against the Catholic faith.

Luckily in my career as an engineer and as a priest, I have not been asked to. My management back then didn’t want me to do anything unsafe; they knew I would stay strong and they wanted me to. The bishop has always supported me with the teaching of the Catholic faith, and he wants me to teach the Catholic faith.

Some of my family and some of my friends said they saw an inkling of a future in the priesthood for me years ago.

I had no idea. I was not even thinking about becoming a priest. I hadn’t thought about becoming a priest until around the year 2000. I had it in my head that I was supposed to be an engineer.

God has put a great love in my heart for His people. I really enjoy being a priest. I never would have thought that when I was an engineer I would. The main reason why I thought I might not make a good priest is that I thought that was for “all those outgoing people,” and engineers generally aren’t the outgoing people!