Dec. 23, 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

Housing Corp. sees change in leadership, seeks board members 3

Catholic Schools Office steps in to oversee Our Lady of Grace School

D ece m b er 2 3 , 2 0 1 6

CHRISTMAS 2016

Welcome the Christ Child

8

INDEX

Contact us.......................... 4 Español...............................6-7 Events calendar................. 4 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes........ 3-5, 10-13 Schools............................8-9 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................14 U.S. news...........................15 Viewpoints................... 18-19 World news.................. 16-17

catholicnewsherald.com

Subscribe today! Call:

704-370-3333

FUNDED by the parishioners of the diocese of charlotte THANK YOU!

Talking about race, Catholic style 3

Celebrating ‘Nuestra Virgen’ 6-7, 10-11

Year of Mercy 2

catholicnewsherald.com | December 23, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The ‘12 Days of Christmas’ Pope Francis

Christmas reminds us of hope for the future

T

he birth of Christ is a reminder for Christians to take a moment and reflect on the hope of salvation given by God to the world, Pope Francis said. Those who are humble and poor like the shepherds come to realize the promise of hope that comes from trusting God and not from “their own securities, especially material goods,” the pope said Dec. 21 during his weekly general audience.

“Remember this: Our own securities will not save us. The only security that saves us is the hope in God which saves us, which is strong. It makes us walk through life with joy, with a desire to do good, with a desire to become happy for all eternity,” he said.

Upon entering the Paul VI audience hall, the pope greeted people and received gifts and letters from wellwishers. Approaching a crying child, the pope wiped her tears and did his best to calm her. After succeeding in consoling her, he then pointed to his cheek, which the toddler leaned toward and kissed.

Continuing his series of talks on hope, the pope reflected on the birth of Jesus as the “source of hope” for the world.

God, he said, “does not abandon His people, He is near to them to the point of stripping Himself of His divinity.” “(God) entered into the world and gives us the strength to walk with Him. God walks with us through Jesus and walking with Him toward the fullness of life gives us the strength to be in the present in a new way,” the pope said.

Hope, the pope continued, is never stagnant and the simplicity of the Nativity creche “transmits hope. Each character is immersed in this atmosphere of hope.”

The pope explained that each image found in the Nativity scene represents an aspect of this hope, such as the city of Bethlehem which, despite it not being a capital city, was the place chosen by divine providence, which “loves to act through the small and the humble.” The figures of Joseph and Mary, who both believed in the words of the angel, can be seen gazing at the child they were told

by God to name Jesus, he said. “In that name there is hope for every man and woman because through that son of a woman, God will save humanity from sin and death.” The image of the shepherds, he continued, represents the humble and the poor who witness the long-awaited promise of hope and salvation while the angels singing at the birth of Christ represent the “praise and thanksgiving to God” expressed in Christian life.

“In these days, by contemplating the creche, we prepare ourselves for the Nativity of the Lord. It will truly be a feast if we receive Jesus, the seed of hope that God sows within the furrows of our personal history,” he said.

An ‘underground’ catechism for persecuted Catholics Everyone is familiar with the Christmas song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” To most it’s a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. But the carol had a quite serious purpose when it was written during the 16th century.

Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829 were prohibited from any practice of their faith by law – private or public. It was a crime to be a Catholic.

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” was written as one of the “catechism songs” to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith – a memory aid, when to be caught with anything in writing indicating adherence to the Catholic faith could not only get a person imprisoned, it could get them killed.

The song’s gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith.

The 12 days which the song refers to are the 12 days between the birth of Christ on Dec. 25 and Epiphany on Jan. 6 (which on the U.S. Church calendar is transferred to Sunday, Jan. 8).

The “true love” mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The “me” who receives the presents refers to every baptized person.

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the carol, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ’s sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so...”

The other symbols mean the following: 2 Turtle Doves: The Old and New Testaments 3 French Hens: Faith, Hope and Charity, the theological virtues 4 Calling Birds: the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists 5 Golden Rings: The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch”, which gives the history of man’s fall from grace.

6 Geese A-laying: the six days of creation 7 Swans A-swimming: the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments 8 Maids A-milking: the eight beatitudes 9 Ladies Dancing: the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit 10 Lords A-leaping: the 10 commandments 11 Pipers Piping: the 11 faithful Apostles 12 Drummers Drumming: the 12 points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed Our observance of Christmas also includes important feast days in honor of St. Stephen, the first martyr (Dec. 26); St. John the Evangelist (Dec. 27); and the Holy Innocents, the infants slain by King Herod (Dec. 28 – refer to Matt 2:16-18).

These are known as the “comites Christi” (“Companions of

Christ”) because their lives gave unique witness to Jesus through martyrdom. Stephen experienced a red martyrdom, spilling his blood for the sake of his faith; John the Evangelist lived a white martyrdom being sent into exile on the island of Patmos; and the Holy Innocents suffered an innocent martyrdom because they had been born around the time of Christ’s birth.

Other Christmas feasts include the Holy Family (Dec. 30) and Mary, Mother of God (Jan. 1).

— Reprinted from EWTN, courtesy of Father Hal Stockert, Catholic Information Network; US Catholic

Your daily Scripture readings DEC. 25-31

Sunday (The Nativity of the Lord): Isaiah 9:1-6, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14; Monday (St. Stephen): Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Matthew 10:1722; Tuesday (St. John): 1 John 1:1-4, John 20:1-8; Wednesday (The Holy Innocents): 1 John 1:5-2:2, Matthew 2:13-18; Thursday (St. Thomas Becket): 1 John 2:3-11, Luke 2:2235; Friday (The Holy Family): Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14, Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23; Saturday (St. Sylvester I): 1 John 2:18-21, John 1:1-18.

JAN. 1-7

Sunday (Mary, the Holy Mother of God): Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:16-21; Monday (Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen): 1 John 2:22-28, John 1:19-28; Tuesday (The Most Holy Name of Jesus): 1 John 2:29-3:6, John 1:29-34; Wednesday (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton): 1 John 3:7-10, John 1:35-42; Thursday (St. John Neumann): 1 John 3:11-21, John 1:43-51; Friday (St. André Bessette): 1 John 5:5-13, Mark 1:7-11; Saturday (St. Raymond of Peñafort): 1 John 5:14-21, John 2:1-11

JAN. 8-14

Sunday (The Epiphany of the Lord): Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6, Matthew 2:1-12; Monday (The Baptism of the Lord): Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7, Matthew 3:13-17; Tuesday: Hebrews 2:5-12, Mark 1:21-28; Wednesday: Hebrews 2:1418, Mark 1:29-39; Thursday: Hebrews 3:7-14, Mark 1:40-45; Friday (St. Hilary): Hebrews 4:1-5, 11, Mark 2:1-12; Saturday: Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 2:13-17

Our parishes

December 23, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Talking about race, Catholic style Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

about recognizing her own unconscious biases and the sensitive issue of “white privilege,” as well as the Church’s admittedly slow response to racial injustice.

The U.S. bishops’ statement 1979 pastoral statement “Brothers and Sisters to Us” was a case in point, she said. Not only did it come decades after Catholics had joined in the civil rights movement, she said, but “listen to that title: ‘Brothers and Sisters to Us.’ Who is the ‘us’? I’m sure they didn’t realize it, but instead of saying ‘we’re all brothers and sisters,’ they saw the Church as a white Church inviting in the AfricanAmerican Catholics to the club, rather that realizing that we’re all already in the club!”

“Civil rights ended segregation, but it didn’t end, or even know how to deal with bringing an end to the fears, the prejudices, the price and the irrational barriers to a truly integrated society,” she said.

As they sat down to share a meal together in small

CHARLOTTE — “Get out of your comfort zone.”

That was one of the conclusions drawn during a frank conversation on racism organized by two Charlotte parishes directly affected by recent racial unrest.

Protests and violence erupted in Charlotte last September following the fatal police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott and the subsequent shooting death of protestor Justin Carr. The week-long protests swirled around St. Peter Church, a majority white parish in uptown Charlotte. And the majority-black congregation at Our Lady of Consolation Church mourned the death of 26-year-old Carr, whose family has been members for three generations.

In response, the Black Culture Commission of Our Lady of Consolation Church and the Social Justice Ministry of St. Peter Church arranged the Dec. 10 event, “Charlotte Catholics: Our Stories in Black and White,” to talk about the personal and social wounds that the unrest exposed. More than 200 people from 11 parishes participated in the four-hour discussion.

“Our views from either side are different, we know that,” acknowledged Toni Tupponce, one of the organizers from Our Lady of Consolation Church. But, she added, “when we do nothing and we say nothing, we look around and say it’s not our problem – a couple of months ago, that scourge hit our very doors here when Justin Carr was killed in uptown Charlotte, and we’re still feeling that pain. We must do something.

It is, in fact, our problem. It is the Church’s problem because Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald we are the Church.”

More than 200 people from 11 parishes in the Charlotte area gathered Dec. 10 to talk about Rocky Whitaker, a member racism and what they as Catholics can do about it. of Our Lady of Consolation Church, recounted a recent groups, participants also shared their personal family gathering at a resort. His mother asked him to experiences with racism or implicit bias, examining take out the trash one night – something most people their own viewpoints and listening to others’ opinions. would do without thinking, he said, but for a black Some said they struggled with what actually man it’s not so simple. involves racism: “We use the word, but what does Whitaker described his thought process at that it mean? Does it look different to different people?” moment: “Here I am outside, it’s dark, I got a bag, asked one white woman. Replied a black man sitting (security) don’t know me. I’d better have my license next to her, “There’s the way you see it, there’s the just so I can prove that I belong on this property. So way I see it, and then there’s the way it is.”

I go back and get my license.” But he didn’t have a “We all want the same thing regardless of who we pocket for his wallet and keys, so he thought about are or where we came from,” said one participant. tucking them in his sock. “Oh, no, not a good idea.

“Listening is a form of love.”

I should not do that,” in case someone might think As they talked, participants came to the same he’s reaching for a gun. He ended up changing his conclusions: Continue the conversation on race, pants and swapping his hoodie for a jacket, then “make sure I got my ID in my hand, go grab the trash, even when it feels uncomfortable. Get young people involved in bridging the racial divide. Remove walk out through the door, put the trash away and barriers to a quality education – including greater come back. But before I left I had to stop – I had to go financial assistance for poor children of color to through a checklist to make sure that I felt safe about taking out the dad-gone trash. I had to sort of chuckle attend Catholic school, which is too often seen as a privilege that only rich white people can afford. to myself – it’s funny, but it’s not funny.”

And one suggestion that was repeated over and That mental “checklist” is something he’s been over again: Attend Mass at a parish “that looks conscious of doing since he was about 12 years different than you do.” old, “so you don’t give anybody any excuses to do “Remember, the Catholic Church is a universal anything or to say anything,” he said. “But why did Church,” said one participant. “This is especially a I have to go through a checklist just to take out the challenge to us that are at white Catholic churches. trash? Something’s not right with that picture.”

Try, really try to go to a church with people that don’t Talking honestly about situations like this look like you.” is critical, he insisted. “Why should we have this conversation? Because we should. It’s our responsibility. Why should we Catholics have this More online conversation? Because we’re Christians.”

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch video highlights Mercy Sister Rose Marie Tresp, who has worked on from “Charlotte Catholics: Our Stories in Black and White” race relations and social justice issues for decades, talked

3

Housing Corp. sees change in leadership, seeks board members SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Building affordable housing for people in need has been a goal for the Diocese of Charlotte since Bishop William Curlin established the diocese’s Housing Corp. in 2001. In the 15 years since its founding, the non-profit ministry has developed three facilities, two for senior citizens and one for disabled adults.

Now under new leadership, the diocesan Housing Corp. seeks to build even more housing units as well as reach out to skilled professionals in the diocese who can help the ministry grow.

The Housing Corp. was founded to create, maintain, promote and operate housing and accompanying services for seniors and families with low incomes, as well as other vulnerable populations.

It is funded by contributions from the annual Diocesan Support Appeal.

Former director Jerry Widelski, who retired last fall, oversaw the construction of the ministry’s three housing projects: Curlin Commons, a 40-unit senior adult apartment community in Mooresville; Good Shepherd Gardens, a 19-unit senior adult apartment community neighboring Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury; and Mother Teresa Villa, a 13-unit independent living apartment community in Charlotte for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Millions of dollars from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and in the case of Curlin Commons, Low Income Housing Tax Credits and a partnership with Mosaic Development Group, helped make each project a reality.

Adriel Cardenas, who succeeds Widelski as director of the Housing Corp., commends Widelski’s leadership and wants to build on his successful record.

“Jerry and the board really got the ball rolling,” Cardenas said.

“I want to recognize the amazing job they did in a challenging industry. There is a lot of competition for awards, and there are a lot of regulations you have to comply with to complete these facilities.”

Cardenas comes to the Housing Corp. from Wells Fargo, where he specialized in equity investment and affordable housing. A native of Florida, he and his family now call Charlotte home.

“I hope to build on the momentum and increase the size, scope and reach of the Housing Corporation’s portfolio,” he said.

Cardenas said he would especially like to partner with parishes, as was the case with Curlin Commons and Good Shepherd Gardens. He said he hopes that more land will become available in the future to build more projects like those.

Another priority on his agenda is to add more people from across the diocese to the board of directors for the Housing Corp., he said.

Cardenas said he is looking for experienced real estate professionals and people with lending, equity investing, legal, real estate development, accounting or other related skills to fill positions on the board.

“We need the right people to help us develop and steer a longterm strategic plan,” he said.

One of those people will replace Dr. Don Joyce, who is stepping down after more than 13 years on the board.

“My hopes for the corporation are that forward momentum will continue wherever in the diocese the need is greatest,” Joyce said.

“The projects that have been completed thus far certainly bode well for the location and the quality of the buildings, and I hope this standard can continue in the future.”

Elizabeth Thurbee, former executive director of Catholic Social Services (now known as Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte), is remaining on the board and said she looks forward to seeing the Housing Corp. serve seniors and other vulnerable people in the diocese.

“My hope for the board is that we are able to attract and maintain board members representing the diversity and geographical extent of our diocese, so we can fulfill our responsibility to ensure that Housing Corp. decisions reflect their mission to serve the special housing needs of vulnerable populations in our diocese with attention to them spiritually, emotionally and physically,” Thurbee said.

Anyone interested in serving on the board of directors for the Housing Corp. is asked to send a cover letter and résumé to Cardenas at ajcardenas@charlottediocese.org before Friday, Jan. 13.

For more information, go to www.charlottediocese.org/housing.

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | December 23, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: DEC. 25 – Midnight Mass for the Nativity of the Lord St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

JAN. 10 – 11 a.m.

Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

JAN. 27 – 11:30 a.m.

Mass Giving Thanks to God for Gift of Human Life Basilica of National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C.

JAN. 1, 2017 – 11 a.m.

Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

JAN. 15 – 11 a.m.

Mass for the Solemn Monastic Profession of Brother Gregory Marshall, OSB Mary Help of Christians Basilica, Belmont Abbey

JAN. 30 – 1:15 p.m.

Mass for Catholic Schools Week St. Mark Church, Huntersville

JAN. 25-28 March for Life Washington, D.C.

FEB. 1 – 1 p.m.

Mass for Catholic Schools Week Our Lady of Grace Church, Greensboro

Jan. 2-7, 2017 Annual Retreat for Bishops

Diocesan calendar of events December 23, 2016

PRAYER SERVICES & Groups

Volume 26 • Number 6

Pro-Life Rosary: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 801 North Elm St. and Sunset Dr., High Point. Outdoors, rain or shine. Parking available nearby. Come to pray for the end of abortion. For details, call Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835.

1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mass in the Extraordinary Form: 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. The Carolina Catholic Chorale and Orchestra will perform “Mass in A Major” by Antonia Caldara under the direction of Thomas Savoy. For details, call the parish office at 704-948-0231.

Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group Morning Reflection: 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. All women in the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to this free event. Mass will start at 9 a.m. with a reflection to follow at 10:30 a.m. Guest speaker is Father Cory Catron. For details and RSVP details, visit www. charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org.

Charlotte March for Life 2017: Noon Friday, Jan. 13. Park and assemble at 11 a.m. in the parking lot at the corner of South Church and West Palmer streets across from the Diocesan Pastoral Center (1123 S. Church St., Charlotte). A Mass for the unborn will also be offered at 9 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. For details, go to www.marchforlifecharlotte. org.

Procession for Life: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Charlotte Catholic High School Chapel, 7702 Pineville Matthews Road, Charlotte. Mass will be held in the chapel at 9 a.m. Immediately after Mass participants will pray a decade of the rosary, continuing the rosary in the car as they travel to pray on the sidewalkwith Father Jason Barone at Family Reproductive Health abortion facility at 700 E. Hebron St. Eucharistic Adoration will be in the chapel for those who are not able to travel to the abortion facility. Participants will return to the chapel for Benediction, after about 30-35 minutes of prayer For details, visit www.charlottehelpers.com.

Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group Evening Reflection: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Holy Trinity Middle School Chapel, 3100 Park Road, Charlotte.

The social will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by announcements and the reflection. Guest speaker is Father Joseph Matlak. This event is free for members and non-members. For RSVP details, visit 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.

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 parish office at 828-926-0106.

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

Men’s Prayer Group: 7:30 a.m.-8 a.m. Thursdays at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road, Charlotte. Join Father Christopher Roux and other area Catholic men for Sunday Gospel meditations, the rosary, and fellowship.

For details, contact the parish office at 704-334-2283.

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: ASHEVILLE: 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, St. Lawrence Basilica, 97 Haywood St. CHARLOTTE: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

SALISBURY: 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, Sacred Heart School, 385 Lumen Christi Lane RETREATS & WORKSHOPS Seeking purpose Retreat: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, in the New Life Center at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Charlotte. Come and discern your gifts of the Holy Spirit and use them to help build up God’s kingdom. To register, visit www. stmatthewcatholic.org.

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 Road, Charlotte. For details, go to www. motheringwithgrace.org.

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

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.

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

December 23, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

5

Wray, MiraVia’s director, to retire in early 2017 SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — “It’s a marvelous gift.” That’s how Jeannie Wray describes the past 10 years she’s spent as executive director of MiraVia, a ministry devoted to helping women in crisis pregnancies.

Wray joined MiraVia (then called Room at the Inn) in 2006 at the invitation of former director Cindy Brown. The ministry needed a fundraiser and Wray, who was working at a museum at the time, was intrigued by the opportunity.

“I just happened to run into Cindy at a restaurant in Rock Hill. I happened to mention to Cindy that I was retiring in a year and if she knew of anyone who needed a good fundraiser to let me know. She said, ‘Well, I do! At least, we will in a year.’ So that’s where it started.”

Wray succeeded Brown as executive director in 2007.

In 2007, Wray led a capital campaign to build the first maternity home for college student mothers, a particularly vulnerable population that often feels they have to choose between their college educations or their unborn children.

The Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey agreed to lease MiraVia four acres needed for the ambitious project to help college-aged pregnant women to choose life and build independent, healthy lives for themselves and their children, without having to drop out of college.

“We could not have done that project without that gift,” Wray said.

Opened in 2012, the 10,000-square-foot maternity home next to Belmont Abbey College can house up to 15 young women with an unplanned pregnancy who want to complete their college education and care for their babies.

To date, MiraVia has housed 13 mothers and 10 children on the campus of Belmont Abbey College, free of charge. And since its founding in 1994, MiraVia has helped nearly 7,000 women and their children.

Wray recalls some of her greatest challenges with MiraVia came during the fundraising, development and building of the MiraVia home.

“Navigating state requirements and working with

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Deacon assigned

architects was a huge undertaking,” she said. “We raised $2.3 million in basically a recession. We reached out to our supporters, who were wonderfully generous. There were a couple of donors who passed away and left us a gift in their wills.”

She is thankful for the community support, especially the Knights of Columbus, who raised $500,000, and the parishes across the diocese who made gifts to MiraVia. “The Lord provided!” she exclaimed.

One of her fondest memories is of a Mass celebrated on the first Lent they were in the maternity home, in the small chapel at MiraVia. Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, and some of MiraVia’s donors joined Wray, MiraVia staff and the young women and their babies to thank God for His blessing of the new facility.

“It was incredibly moving,” Wray recalled. “That was a wonderful experience. I will never forget that.”

Wray also remembers fondly the milestones the babies have achieved during their time in her care.

“I remember when each of the babies came home, their first steps…and the first time they called me by name,” she said with emotion welling up in her voice.

“I’m really proud of every one of our young women who completed their degrees,” she said. “They work hard to be good mothers. In the face of all of their difficulties, they understood the gift (of MiraVia) and worked hard to achieve their goals.”

She says she is a much stronger Catholic thanks to her work with the pro-life ministry. “I am much more prayerful. There is so much power in prayer! Every turn, every difficulty – our prayers have been answered. I know the Lord has an enormous army of angels watching over MiraVia. I feel so protected by the Divine here.”

Wray said she wants MiraVia’s success to inspire others.

“I hope it is a standard that others hope to achieve. I think it’s a ground-breaking program. I hope MiraVia inspires other places to find the resources to duplicate the program. I would like to see one next to every Catholic college in the country.”

St. Philip 2593, and Becky Scales, vice regent, presented a $500 donation Nov. 25 to Gordon Hospice House Wall of Faith on behalf of St. Philip the Apostle Church and the CDA court.

Pictured are (from left) Scales; Anna Jones, nurse on duty at the Gordon Hospice House; and McGinn.

— Karen Lawler and Connie Ries

BELMONT — Deacon John “Zeke” Panzica has been assigned to Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, effective Nov. 28.

Deacon Panzica and his wife recently located to the Panzica Charlotte area from the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York. He was ordained May 18, 2013.

photo provided by jeannie wray

MiraVia (formerly Room at the Inn) opened the first residential facility for college student mothers in 2012 on the campus of Belmont Abbey College. Executive director Jeannie Wray (second from right) is pictured at the ribbon cutting July 16, 2012 alongside board member Tom Mathis, Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, former director Cindy Brown and Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

People from more than six states have inquired about the program, she noted, and there has also been international interest.

Her plan is to remain with MiraVia through March, to help guide the next executive director and assist with the state re-licensing review that will take place in early 2017.

After she retires, Wray said, she plans to spend time with her family and do some gardening. “I’m going to sleep and go to daily Mass,” she laughed.

“I know people talk about ‘once in a lifetime experiences,’” Wray said. “I know with every step (in my life) that the Lord was preparing me to work with MiraVia to develop this program. It has been an honor to give back to the community.”

annual Patrick J. Rooney Charity Raffle. In furtherance of their commitment to direct Catholic action, members also led a Hurricane Matthew relief drive that raised more than $1,000 to buy non-perishable food items and baby care items for families affected by the recent hurricane in eastern North Carolina. As a result, a St. Vincent de Paul truckload of these items as well as bags of clothing was delivered to St. Francis de Sales Church in Lumberton.

and eclectic country rock. The barbecue was prepared by award-winning Knights Carl Dent, Eric Ralph and Mike Karn, who smoked the pork and chicken on site.

— Gordy Hirshman and Doreen Sugierski

— John Malmfelt

Statesville parish aids food pantry STATESVILLE — Joy Morrison, director of Iredell Christian Ministries, recently accepted a $2,500 donation from St. Philip the Apostle Church parishioners to support its food pantry.

Parishioners Jim and Mitzie Kermes, directors of the parish’s food closet, and Father Thomas J. Kessler, pastor, are also pictured.

— Connie Ries

CDA supports local hospice STATESVILLE — Dawn McGinn, regent of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas for Court

AOH helps Hurricane Matthew victims GREENSBORO — Members of the Guilford County Na Cara Division 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians recently distributed $9,000 to charities from proceeds generated from its

Sisters receive AOH donation Knights’ ‘Holy Smoke’ fundraiser nets over $6,000 DENVER — Knights of Columbus Council 10389 of Holy Spirit Church recently raised more than $6,000 at its fourth annual “Holy Smoke BBQ and Music Festival” in support of special education, the Special Olympics, Holy Angels and similar causes through the L.A.M.B. Foundation of North Carolina. More than 500 meals were served and Denver once again rocked to the great music of four bands, ranging from bluegrass and gospel to oldies rock

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Dominican Sister Marie Jeannette accepts a donation to benefit her order, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist mother house in Ann Arbor, Mich., from her grandfather Joseph Dougherty, representing the National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Sister Marie Jeannette is the daughter of Kathleen and Craig Lewis, members of St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

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

facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD ESPAÑOL

6

catholicnewsherald.com | December 23, 2016

‘Nuestra Virgen’

En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Ver más fotos y videos de las celebraciones del día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

Imágenes de los muchos Hispanos en diferentes parroquias de la Diócesis de Charlotte durante la celebración de la fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe, el pasado, Lunes, 12 de Diciembre.

Miembros de Nuestra Sra. de la Misericordia en Winston-Salem. El Padre Mark Lawlor, párroco de San Vicente de Paul en Charlotte, saludando a una joven multitud de Juan Dieguitos y Lupitas.

La comunidad del Divino Redentor en Boonville, con su dramatización del Tepeyac y con jóvenes bailando los bailes típicos mexicanos. Bailes tipicos en la Iglesia de San Felipe en Statesville.

Jóvenes bailadores folclóricos bailan para la Virgen en la Parroquia de St. Marcos en Huntersville. Una joven Guadalupe entrega la Tilma a un joven Juan Diego en la Parroquia de la Iglesia de San Jose en Newton. El coro de Nuestra Sra. de Lourdes en Monroe le canta a la Virgen el lunes en la noche.

Refugee Resettlement Director Charlotte, NC

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte seeks degreed professional with significant refugee resettlement, immigration, overseas, or intercultural human services work experience to direct refugee office and immigration program operations and staff.

A complete job description can be found at ccdoc.org/jobs.

To be considered, a resume (2 pages maximum) and separate one-page cover letter must be submitted by COB on Thursday, January 26, 2017 to ahloesch@charlottediocese.org.

No phone calls, please.

Prices starting at $2,499 ~ with Airfare Included in this price from anywhere in the USA Several trips to different destinations: the Holy Land; Italy; France, Portugal, & Spain; Poland; Medjugorje, Lourdes, & Fatima; Ireland & Scotland; England; Austria, Germany, & Switzerland; Greece & Turkey; Viking Cruises; Caribbean Cruises; Budapest; Prague; Our Lady of Guadalupe; Colombia; Brazil; Argentina; Domestic Destinations; etc...

We also specialize in custom trips for Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. www.proximotravel.com 508-340-9370 Hablamos Español 855-842-8001 anthony@proximotravel.com Call us 24/7

December 23, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

WELCOMES You to celebrate the birth of

OUR SAVIOR CHRISTMAS EVE 4:00 p.m. Mass

(Children’s Pageant — 3:30 p.m.)

6:30 p.m. Mass 12:00 a.m. Mass (Carols — 11:30 p.m.)

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

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

We've made Room in the Inn for You in Monroe Christmas Eve 4:00 PM Mass with Children's Choir 6:00 PM Mass in Spanish 10:00 PM Mass of Christmas Night

¡Feliz Navidad!

Navidad es amor por que en ella Dios Padre nos da a su único hijo.

Navidad es amistad porque en ella Dios nos tiende su brazo.

Navidad es perdón porque en Jesús encontramos la misericordia del Padre.

Navidad es ternura porque en ella María es también nuestra madre.

Navidad es gozo porque nos trae buenas noticias, la buena nueva de Dios.

Navidad es liberación porque en ella llega Cristo vencedor de la muerte.

Navidad es esperanza porque en ella nace un futuro brillante de vida eternal en Cristo.

Navidad es luz porque en ella nos alumbra Cristo luz del mundo.

Navidad es abrir el corazón a tantas bendiciones, Navidad es encontrarse con Dios en los demás, Navidad es la familia, navidad es dejar que el amor de Dios anide en nuestros corazones y hogares.

Feliz Navidad.

La oficina de Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte desea a todos los fieles de la diócesis una muy ¡Feliz Navidad y un muy próspero Año nuevo 2017!

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

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

7

Our schools 8

catholicnewsherald.com | December 23, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Catholic Schools Office steps in to oversee OLG David Hains Director of Communication

GREENSBORO — At the request of Our Lady of Grace Church’s pastor, Father Eric Kowalski, the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Office will begin operating Our Lady of Grace School.

The decision to switch from parish to diocesan oversight follows the recent resignation of Amy Pagano, who had served as principal of the school since January 2015.

Under a plan presented to parents on Dec. 14, Kathleen Miller will relinquish her position as assistant superintendent of schools to serve full-time as the executive principal of Our Lady of Grace School. Diocesan supervision of the school will last 18 months.

Miller, a life-long educator with a master’s degree and 38 years of teaching and administrative experience, is very familiar with the OLG community. She served as interim principal during the 2014 school year, when Principal Kurt Telford left to become principal at Charlotte Catholic High School.

The parents’ meeting was called to introduce Miller and to address parents’ concerns over the future of the school following Pagano’s abrupt resignation in late November. OLG currently has 236 students enrolled in kindergarten through the eighth grade.

When Miller was introduced, she was greeted by a round of applause from the 200 parents in attendance at the meeting at Our Lady of Grace Church.

A similar greeting with nods of approval and applause occurred when Miller was introduced to the faculty and staff prior to the parents’ meeting.

“I look forward to getting back into a school,” Miller told the parents. She added that she wants teachers, parents and staff to work as a team.

According to diocesan Chancellor and Vicar General Monsignor Mauricio West, who also attended the meeting, the details of the relationship between the school and the diocese are still being worked out.

The diocese has 19 Catholic schools, educating more than 7,200 students from preschool to the 12th grade.

The schools operate under three different models. Nine are parish-based schools, such as St. Leo School in Winston-Salem

and Immaculata School in Hendersonville.

Nine operate within the Charlotte region as Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville is a diocesan-based high school.

Diocesan officials said Our Lady of Grace School will most likely operate as a hybrid of the existing models.

At the parents’ meeting Dr. Janice Ritter, diocesan schools superintendent, reiterated the commitment on the part of the diocese for the school to succeed.

“One thing that came through clearly (at the meeting) is the great love everyone has for Our Lady of Grace School,” Ritter said.

Said one parent who attended the meeting, “I came here with a lot of questions and concerns, but appointing Mrs. Miller has answered all of them.”

Charlotte Catholic Marching Band spends Thanksgiving in Chicago, supports local mission Carolyn Tillman Special to the Catholic News Herald

Photos by Bill Washington | Catholic News Herald

A special visitor SALISBURY — Santa Claus recently made his yearly trip to Sacred Heart School, visiting all of the classrooms, answering students’ questions and taking a picture with each class.

CHARLOTTE — This Thanksgiving, the Charlotte Catholic High School marching band joined marching bands from across the country as part of the 2016 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago. More than 130 students and parents traveled with Timothy Cook, band director, for the prestigious parade performance and fourday sight-seeing tour of the Windy City.

The mile-long parade down Chicago’s State Street, which attracted more than 400,000 spectators and millions more viewing nationwide, included elaborate floats, equestrian units, giant inflatables and 16 marching bands.

Senior Drum Major Michael Gallucci recalled, “Interacting with other bands before the parade and with the crowd during the parade was an incredible amount of fun, and marching down State Street was an amazing spectacle.”

The band’s trip to the Thanksgiving Parade also featured a visit to a critical Chicago-area mission. The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels provides a Catholic presence in West Humboldt Park on Chicago’s west side, one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city.

The mission provides food for more than 700 families every month, distributes gently-used clothing and household goods to those in need, and provides after school, evening and summer programs for approximately 900 youths and 30-40 seniors.

Operated by Father Bob Lombardo, founding member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, and the Sisters of the Franciscans of the Eucharist, the mission is entirely funded by private contributions and outside donations.

The band students organized a school dress-down day fundraiser for the mission prior to their trip to Chicago. Every student at the school could earn a dress-down day by contributing $1 to the fundraiser.

During their visit to the mission, the

Photo provided

Charlotte Catholic High School students Melina Tirrell, Tara Cash and Robert Morgan and chaperone John Cash present a donation of more than $1,600 and gently-used clothing from a school dress-down fundraiser to the sisters at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in Chicago, during the band’s trip to the 2016 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade. band students presented a check for more than $1,600 from the fundraiser, and the Charlotte Catholic community donated several bags of gently-used clothing for the mission and new Charlotte Catholic High School sweatshirts for the sisters of the order. The students and chaperones were given a tour of the completely refurbished church and kitchens at the mission, the food pantries in the convent, and the neighborhood community center which the mission operates in conjunction with the YMCA. The stark realities of life in the West Humboldt Park community made a deep impression on the band students.

Fundraiser organizers Tara Cash, a senior, and Melina Tirrell, a junior, said, “We thought the experience was very eyeopening. It made us feel more grateful for everything we have.”

They added, “Touring the mission was cool because we got to see where Father Bob and the sisters live and how their everyday lives differ from ours. We are happy that we got the chance to raise and donate money for them because they are giving their lives to help others.”

Carolyn Tillman is the assistant director in the advancement office at Charlotte Catholic High School.

December 23, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

9

Christmas Season Schedule Mass

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

Sunday, Christmas Day ..................................... 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, New Year’s Eve.................................. 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, New Year’s Day .................. 8:00 and 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Latin)

Confession

Photos provided by AR Ramkissoon

OLA students in action for the holidays

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

Saturdays ................................................. 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

No Confessions on Saturday, December 24th

CHARLOTTE — Members of Our Lady of the Assumption School’s student council recently led a drive to restock the Our Lady of the Assumption Church pantry. Pictured are students helping to transfer items from the second round of donations. Students did a fantastic job throughout the months of November and December with this noble effort.

The OLA Band and Drama Club hosted “Breakfast with St. Nick” Dec. 10 for the local community. Attendees were treated to breakfast, games and entertainment, including band and guitar performances by OLA students, as well as a dramatic presentation of the story of St. Nicholas of Myra. Students also had photos taken with the beloved saint. (Pictured is Tyler Stasko in costume.)

The OLA Band also recently played for the Willow Grove Retirement Community. The performance aimed to bring Christmas cheer and the message of peace and goodwill to all, especially to our cherished elders.

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

Come worship with us this Christmas in our beautifully renovated church!

St. John Neumann Catholic Church 8451 Idlewild Road – Charlotte, NC 28227 704-536-6520 www.4sjnc.org

Christmas Eve – December 24 4:00 PM Children’s Mass SJN Youth Choir will offer classical arrangements – early seating advised 6:00 PM Mass Quartet and Soloist will lead the choir singing familiar Christmas Hymns 8:00 PM Spanish Mass (incense) SJN Spanish Choir and Band will offer beautiful music en Español 12:00 Midnight Mass (incense) Gospel Christmas Musical celebration for prelude at 11:30 pm with the SJN Adult choir featuring a String Quartet and Gregorian Chant.

Christmas Morning – December 25 9:00 AM Mass 11:00 AM Mass (incense)

Feast of the Solemnity of Mary Saturday – December 31: 5:00 PM – Vigil Mass Sunday – January 1, 2017: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM (Spanish), 5:00 PM

St Anns CstmasInsrt16.indd 1

12/12/16 1:58 PM

10

catholicnewsherald.com | December 23, 2016 FROM THE COVER

Celebrating ‘Nuestra Virgen’ Faithful across the Diocese of Charlotte showed their devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe earlier this month, with colorful celebrations of traditional dances and music.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos and videos from Our Lady of Guadalupe feast day celebrations

Featured here are celebrations from Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville, St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton, St. Joseph Church in Newton, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem, St. Mark Church in Huntersville, St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville, St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville, and St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

Photos by SueAnn Howell, Sergio Lopez, John Cosmas, Kara Thorpe, Connie Ries, Amy Burger, Lynn Cabrera and Jesuit Father Vince Curtin | Catholic News Herald

December 23, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

11

12

Let’s keep talking.

catholicnewsherald.com | December 23, 2016 FROM THE COVER

Photos by John Cosmas | Catholic News Herald

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

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

December 23, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

Christmas is near

FROM THE COVERI

13

Follow us through the Christmas holidays At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Follow our full coverage of Christmas celebrations here in the Diocese of Charlotte and from the Vatican, including Bishop Peter Jugis’ Christmas homily and Pope Francis’ Christmas message.

At www.facebook.com/catholicnewsherald.com: Enjoy more holiday scenes from across the Diocese of Charlotte, or share your own with us!

Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald

One of the stained glass windows at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville One of the stained glass windows at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson Patrick Hession | Catholic News Herald

Photo provided by Paul Bond

This painting of “Madonna and Child” is by Mercy Sister Mary Theophane Field. An avid art lover, Sister Mary Theophane was the chair of the Art Department at Sacred Heart College in Belmont,. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts from the University of Notre Dame. In 1931, Sister Theophane entered the Sisters of Mercy.

®

DOREEN SUGIERSKI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A detail of the creche at Holy Spirit Church in Denver

Experienced Executive Director Wanted for Pro-Life Organization

MiraVia, Inc. (www.mira-via.org) a privately-funded nonprofit corporation operating in Charlotte and Belmont, North Carolina is seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director. MiraVia provides a wide range of services to pregnant women and their children, regardless of their economic, social, religious, racial, or ethnic background. MiraVia is registered in the P.J. Kenedy and Sons Directory of Catholic Charities. The organization employs 16 people and the annual budget is approximately $600,000 with total net assets of approximately $3 million.

Responsibilities include representing MiraVia to build support for the organization and its mission; working with the Board of Directors toward the continued development and improvement of the organization’s strategic plan and to set & meet organizational goals; providing direction and leadership to MiraVia staff; driving private fundraising in concert with the Board of Directors, including annual fundraising events such as the Annual Banquet and Golf Tournament; positioning MiraVia for corporate and institutional funding; driving marketing and communications in coordination with the Board of Directors and MiraVia staff; positioning the organization as a thought leader in the pro-life community on a local, regional and national level; working with other pro-life organizations to create efficiency between MiraVia and other organizations providing services to pregnant women and their children; cultivating and directing a network of volunteers and supporters for MiraVia; assisting the Finance Committee in the creation of the annual budget and manage the organizations’ finances in concert with the approved budget; and overseeing and having ultimate

WWW.MIRA-V IA.ORG

responsibility for all compliance activities (audit, annual 990 filing, licensing requirements, etc.); Qualifications include demonstrating a passion and commitment for the mission of MiraVia as well as show evidence of a successful career path showing significant management and advocacy responsibilities. While nonprofit experience is preferred, candidates with both for-profit and non-profit experience would be a strong plus. Experience with fundraising is strongly preferred. Candidates must demonstrate strategic thinking skills and an ability to develop, budget, organize and execute a strategic plan--past experience in strategic planning is a strong plus. Candidates must be action oriented and demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills as well as strong presentation and public speaking skills. Candidates must have demonstrated supervisory skills and experience in managing a successful team of people.

Minimum Education and Experience: A master’s degree in Social Work or Public Administration and four years of experience in a human services field including two years in a supervisory or managerial capacity; or graduation from a fouryear college or university and six years of experience in human services field including three years in a supervisory or managerial capacity; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to the President of the Board of Directors, Jordan Raniszeski, at President@mira-via.org

Mix 14

catholicnewsherald.com | December 23, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Matthew parishioner pens guide for Catholic parents on raising kids with a healthy body image

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Interstellar derring-do is the order of the day in this rousing prequel to the 1977 kickoff of the “Star Wars” saga. With the evil Empire served, most prominently, by a computer-generated projection of the late Peter Cushing and Ben Mendelsohn on the verge of deploying a weapon so powerful that it would doom the gallant Rebel Alliance (headed by Genevieve O’Reilly), the daughter (Felicity Jones) of the brilliant scientist (Mads Mikkelsen) who unwillingly developed the technology while being held captive joins forces with an Alliance officer (Diego Luna) and an amusingly straight-talking android (Alan Tudyk) in an effort to sabotage the armament. But the ambiguous nature of the spiritual “Force” cultivated principally, in this installment of the franchise, by a blind, Buddhist-style monk (Donnie Yen), may be a source of concern for the parents of some teens. Frequent but thoroughly stylized combat violence, religious elements requiring mature discernment, some frightening images including a scene leading up to mental torture.

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

On TV n Sunday, Dec. 25, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Urbi Et Orbi: Message and Blessing: Christmas.” Pope Francis delivers his Christmas blessing. n Sunday, Dec. 25, 7 p.m. (EWTN) “Midnight Mass from the Holy Land.” n Sunday, Jan. 1, 12 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemnity of Mary: Mother of God.” Pope Francis to preside at Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.

CHARLOTTE — Many young people today struggle with a poor body image, and a new book by a local author re-examines the problem using St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and other Church teaching.

“Raising Kids with a Healthy Body Image: A Guide for Catholic Parents,” by Dr. John Acquaviva, an exercise science professor and St. Matthew Church member, aims to help young people develop a healthy body image.

“From a young age, our kids are under immense pressure from a variety of sources that can determine the value of their bodies,” explains Acquaviva. “But God has something to say about this as well. Pope John Paul II’s wonderful teaching known as Theology of the Body is the book’s guiding force, and along with Scripture and the Church’s sacraments, this book is an excellent parenting tool to guide your child so they see the worth of their bodies as designed by our Creator.

“In addition, this book discusses the numerous causes of a poor body image and includes chapters on how to instill fitness and sound nutrition into your family life,” he says.

Acquaviva, who holds a doctorate in exercise science, teaches courses including strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and weight loss, weight gain and body image at Wingate University. He also hosts “Faith & Fitness” on Radio Maria which airs on Mondays at 2 p.m. EST. Over the years, the Matthews resident has given hundreds of presentations to fitness professionals, church congregations, youth groups and campus ministries.

“After writing the first book, ‘Improving Your Body Image Through Catholic Teaching,’ I gave several presentations to churches, men’s and women’s groups, young adults, etc., to promote the book and its message,” Acquaviva says. “I often mentioned the follow-up book and discussed that its purpose was going to be a weapon for parents to combat the poor body image their young son or daughter may suffer from. Inevitably, they were more interested in the current book due to their age and position (many were parents).

Acquaviva says he purposely included the basics of Catholic teaching and sought to gently catechize the reader so they could pass it onto their children, besides all of the body image basics and statistics.

“I felt instinctively that Catholic readers would find it interesting as well as practical and helpful to their parenting responsibilities,” he says. “There are several books on body

image and even ones that attempt to assist those with body image issues, but this book is the first attempt to heal poor body image through Scripture and the teachings of the Church.”

Order a copy “Raising Kids with a Healthy Body Image: A Guide for Catholic Parents” by Dr. John Acquaviva, published by Enroute Books and Media, is available at www.enroutebooksandmedia.com and www.amazon.com.

IT Project Coordinator – Charlotte, NC Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte seeks a full-time professional with strong analytical, database, and custom report writing skills. Duties include managing and reporting client data using a relational database with a custom report writer. Additional duties include managing the agency website and other technology projects. A four-year degree in information technology, computer science, mathematics or equivalent education/experience is required. A complete job description can be found at ccdoc.org/jobs.

To be considered, a resume (2 pages maximum) and separate one-page cover letter must be submitted by COB on January 25th to MAMoralic@charlottediocese.org.

No phone calls, please.

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

|

Charlotte/Ballantyne

Our nation

December 23, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

CCDOC.ORG

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief House passes international religious freedom bill, sends to Obama’s desk WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House Dec. 13 passed the bipartisan Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act and sent it to President Barack Obama’s desk for his signature. The measure gives the Obama administration and the U.S. State Department new tools, resources and training to counter extremism and combat a worldwide escalation of persecution of religious minorities. The bill will improve U.S. religious freedom diplomacy efforts globally; better train and equip diplomats to counter extremism; address anti-Semitism and religious persecution and mitigate sectarian conflict. The bipartisan bill was written by Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, and co-sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-California. Named for former Congressman Frank Wolf, “a tireless champion for the rights of the poor and the persecuted globally,” the bill will expand the International Religious Freedom Act Wolf sponsored in 1998. “From China and Vietnam to Syria and Nigeria, we are witnessing a tragic, global crisis in religious persecution, violence and terrorism, with dire consequences

for religious believers and for U.S. national security,” said Smith, chair of the Global Human Rights Subcommittee.

the conference closely monitor actions by the federal government that affect immigrants and refugees.

USCCB forms working group to monitor needs of immigrants, refugees

Ohio governor signs 20-week abortion ban, vetoes ‘heartbeat’ measure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is establishing a working group charged with developing spiritual, pastoral and policy advocacy support for immigrants and refugees. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president, has named members of the working group, with the mandate of closely following developments related to immigrants and refugees in the United States. The USCCB Public Affairs Office announced formation of the group Dec. 16.

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, USCCB vice president, will chair the group.

Members include the chairmen of USCCB committees and subcommittees involved in immigration concerns: Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas, Committee on Migration; Auxiliary Bishop Nelson J. Perez of Rockville Centre, N.Y., Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs; Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Fla., Committee on Domestic Social Development; Bishop Joseph J. Tyson of Yakima, Wash., Subcommittee on Pastoral Care of Migrants; and Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M., Committee on International Justice and Peace.

The groundwork for the working group was set during the bishops’ annual fall general assembly in Baltimore when several bishops suggested

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed a bill that bans abortion in the state after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but also vetoed a bill that would have made abortion illegal when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, usually at about the sixth week of pregnancy. The PainCapable Unborn Child Protection Act, or SB 127, becomes law 90 days after the Dec. 13 signing.

It is the 18th anti-abortion measure Kasich has signed since becoming governor in 2011. Current Ohio law bans abortions after a fetus has begun its 20th week of gestation, unless a doctor determines that the fetus is not viable outside the womb. The new law eliminates the viability test and simply bans abortions past 20 weeks.

The current exception for the woman’s health still applies. “I agree with Ohio Right to Life and other leading pro-life advocates that S.B. 127 is the best, most legally sound and sustainable approach to protecting the sanctity of human life,” Kasich said in a statement. The governor also explained how he has worked to strengthen Ohio’s protections for the sanctity of human life during his two terms in office, but that he felt the provisions in the heartbeat bill “are clearly contrary to the Supreme Court of the United States’ current rulings on abortion.”

Texas bishops, cemeteries developing burial options for aborted children AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Catholic bishops and the state’s Catholic cemeteries are working together on efforts to provide a proper burial for children lost to abortion. Effective Dec. 19, new state regulations from the Department of State Health Services require the interment of the remains of all children who are lost through abortion or miscarriage at a health care facility or abortion clinic. According to a Dec. 12 news release from the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Austin-based public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops, many hospitals already work with families, funeral homes and cemeteries to provide a proper burial for children who die in utero. The conference said Catholic cemeteries in many of the state’s dioceses have provided such burials for years.

The Texas Catholic conference said it will continue to work with Catholic cemeteries and funeral homes “to further develop this ministry to provide the same service throughout the state (at no charge) to children who die by abortion. To bury the dead is a work of mercy,” Jennifer Carr Allmon, the conference’ executive director, said in a statement. “As Pope Francis reminds us, the victims of our ‘throwaway culture’ are ‘the weakest and most fragile human beings.’ It is right and just for us to be assisting the victims of abortion.”

— Catholic News Service

CCDOC.ORG

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

Merry ChristmasSaint Mark

15

Christmas Eve 4 pm 4:30 pm

Bradley Middle School

13345 Beatties Ford Rd, Huntersville

7 pm 11 pm Lessons and Carols Midnight Mass

Christmas Day 9 am 11 am (Español)

from



Our world 16

catholicnewsherald.com | December 23, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Francis and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow embrace after signing a joint declaration during a meeting at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana Feb. 12.

CNS | Paul Haring

Beyond expectations: Pope sees God of surprises at work in 2016 Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis described 2016 as a “packed year,” one full of initiatives that helped Catholics “see and touch with their hands the fruits of the mercy of God.” “The Lord always surprises us and goes beyond our expectations,” the pope said Nov. 28, looking back at what happened over the past 12 months, especially in events related to the Year of Mercy.

While the jubilee celebrations dominated the papal calendar, they did not halt other activities and responsibilities, nor other surprises.

After decades of work and hope and prayer, Pope Francis finally was the first pope to meet with the Russian Orthodox patriarch. He and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow met briefly in Cuba in February and signed a joint declaration.

In April, after visiting with refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos, Pope Francis – without prior announcement – brought 12 of them back to Rome with him. The Vatican is providing the funds needed for their living expenses and the Rome-based Sant’Egidio Community is helping them with language lessons and logistics. The 12 all had the legal paperwork necessary to move to Italy.

In May, Pope Francis held a dialogue with the superiors general of women’s religious orders from around the world. One of the women asked him to establish “an official commission to study the question” of the identity and role of the women described as deacons in the New Testament and early Christian writings.

The pope agreed and later named six men and six women to the commission, in addition to commission president Archbishop Luis Ladaria Ferrer, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The commission held its first meeting in late November.

Here’s a look back at some other items from the pope’s 2016 diary: n In January, Pope Francis became the third modern pope to visit Rome’s main synagogue. He told the congregation that while the Catholic Church affirms that salvation comes through Jesus, it also recognizes that

God is faithful and has not revoked His covenant with the Jewish people. He paid special tribute to a handful of Holocaust survivors present for his visit, saying, “their sufferings, anguish and tears must never be forgotten.” n In February, his meeting with Patriarch Kirill took place during a stopover on his way to Mexico for a pastoral visit that included intense personal prayer at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a special Mass in Ciudad Juarez at a site just a few yards from the U.S.-Mexican border. He insisted the migration crisis is not just about numbers, but “names, stories and families.” n In March, Pope Francis continued his practice of holding a Lenten penance service in St. Peter’s Basilica, going to confession and hearing confessions.

The sacrament was a centerpiece of the Year of Mercy celebrations, and the pope told priests, “May every man and woman who comes to confession find a father; a father who is waiting, the Father who forgives.” n In April, the Vatican released Pope Francis’ postsynodal apostolic exhortation on the family, “Amoris Laetitia,” insisting that God’s plan for the family is that it be built on the lifelong union of one man and one woman open to having children. The pope called for an overhaul of marriage preparation programs and for the prayerful accompaniment of Catholic couples whose marriages have failed. n In May, Pope Francis received the Charlemagne Prize and delivered a major speech on his vision for a Europe that overcomes division, economic struggles and fear of immigrants. “We are asked to promote an integration that finds in solidarity a way of acting, a means of making history,” he said. “Solidarity should never be confused with charitable assistance, but understood as a means of creating opportunities for all the inhabitants of our cities – and of so many other cities – to live with dignity.” n In June, in a small, family-like gathering, Pope Francis helped retired Pope Benedict XVI celebrate the 65th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Even in retirement, he said, Pope Benedict continues to serve the Church and “truly contributes with vigor and wisdom to its growth” from the “little ‘Mater Ecclesiae’ monastery in the Vatican.” n In July, Pope Francis joined hundreds of thousands of

Catholic young people in Krakow, Poland, for World Youth Day and, like many of them, he paid a silent, prayerful visit to Auschwitz, the nearby Nazi death camp. At the closing WYD Mass, he told the young people, “God counts on you for what you are, not for what you possess. In His eyes the clothes you wear or the kind of cellphone you use are of absolutely no concern. He doesn’t care whether you are stylish or not, He cares about you! In His eyes, you are precious and your value is priceless.” n In August, the pope made a brief visit to Assisi for the 800th anniversary of the “Pardon of Assisi,” a celebration of God’s forgiveness. Pope Francis ended his talk by asking the Franciscan friars and bishops present to go to one of the confessionals and be available to offer the sacrament of reconciliation. He, too, put on a purple stole and heard confessions. n In September, Pope Francis canonized St. Teresa of Calcutta in the presence of hundreds of Missionaries of Charity, thousands of poor people assisted by the order and tens of thousands of Catholics from around the world. Mother Teresa, he said, was “a generous dispenser of divine mercy, making herself available for everyone through her welcome and defense of human life, those unborn and those abandoned and discarded.” n In October, Pope Francis flew to Sweden to join Lutheran leaders beginning a yearlong commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

The pope and Lutheran leaders, focusing on a common baptism in Christ and a common call of discipleship, formally pledged their communities would work together in peacemaking and social service. n In November, the pope closed the Year of Mercy, but before doing so, he created 17 new cardinals, including three from the United States: Cardinals Blase J. Cupich of Chicago; Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the new Vatican office for laity, family and life; and Joseph W. Tobin, recently appointed archbishop of Newark, N.J. Meeting Nov. 28 with people who had been involved in coordinating Year of Mercy events, Pope Francis said: “Something truly extraordinary happened and now it must be inserted into our daily lives so that mercy becomes a commitment and a permanent lifestyle of believers.”

December 23, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Catholic leaders: Put aside ideology and work to rebuild Aleppo BEIRUT — Mideast Catholic leaders are urging people to put aside ideology and blame and work to rebuild the city of Aleppo, Syria. “The world is divided. Each one is accusing the other,” said Syrian-born Catholic Patriarch Gregoire III Laham. “Between the superpowers bickering, a whole country got destroyed. Hospitals, schools, churches, mosques and so many people were killed or were displaced. Accusing each other is not going to help the situation. This is the time to work with each other so we can end the war and rebuild Syria. It’s not the time to accuse each other. It’s the time for worldwide powers to be united and to work together for peace. Now is the time for reconciliation,” he said Dec. 16 after returning from Damascus. “We are praying for the victims. We are praying for Aleppo and all of Syria to have peace again,” Patriarch Laham said.

Pope, cardinal advisers discuss role of Vatican offices, laity VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis and members of the international Council of Cardinals advising him on Church governance deliberated on defining the role of Secretariat of State and its relationship to other Vatican offices.

Meeting with Pope Francis Dec. 12-14, the Council of Cardinals worked on laying out clear objectives in the reform of several offices and congregations. “Two fundamental themes

emerged as the guidelines of the reform of the dicasteries: the missionary impulse and synodality,” said Greg Burke, director of the Vatican press office. Although St. John Paul II’s constitution “Pastor Bonus,” a 1988 reform of the curia, states that the secretariat was to “foster relations” with other curial offices and “coordinate their work,” Burke told journalists it was somewhat general. The new document on the current reform will be “much more clear and laid out regarding the Secretariat of State and its role in coordinating the Curia,” he said.

Vatican updates guidelines for educating priests VATICAN CITY — The Church needs holy, healthy and humble priests and that requires prayers for vocations and the careful selection and training of candidates, said the Congregation for Clergy.

Updating 1985 guidelines for preparing men for the Latin-rite priesthood and ensuring their continuing education, the Congregation for Clergy Dec. 7 released “The Gift of the Priestly Vocation,” detailed norms for priestly formation. The updated document draws heavily on St. John Paul II’s 1992 apostolic exhortation on priestly formation, as well as on the norms issued by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis and by Vatican offices over the past three decades. It reaffirms an instruction approved

by Pope Benedict in 2005, which said, “the Church, while profoundly respecting the persons in question, cannot admit to the seminary or to holy orders those who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called ‘gay culture.’” The document insists that through courses in pastoral theology, the example of priests and practical experience, candidates for the priesthood learn that priestly ministry involves – as Pope Francis says – being “shepherds ‘with the smell of the sheep,’ who live in their midst to bring the mercy of God to them.”

— Catholic News Service

The Life and Legacy of Thomas More

The Spirit of Christmas Christmas Eve

5:00 pm Christmas Mass for Children 6:45 pm Program of Music 8:00 pm Solemn Mass of Christmas

Christmas Day

Mass on Christmas Morning 10:00 AM Everyone is welcome to join with the parish family for this warm and festive celebration of the Birth of Our Savior Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church 2301 Statesville Ave. Charlotte, NC 28206

SAINT

J

OHN PAUL II N AT I O N A L S H R I N E

3900 Harewood Road NE Washington, DC 20017

An exhibit featuring relics and artifacts from the Stonyhurst College Collections

Through March 31, 2017 Open Daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm jp2shrine.org

17

ViewPoints 18

catholicnewsherald.com | December 23, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Michelle Arnold

Fr. Francis Arockiasamy

’Tis the ‘Submarine Catholics’!

The message of Christmas

C

hristmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ, is celebrated all over the world. We celebrate this day by wellwishing and sending Christmas greetings to friends and families. It is a day of joy.

But we should remember that the day is so much more than a birthday celebration. It is the sign of God’s love for us and of our hope in eternal life.

The Holy Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John.

3:16). In this passage, St. John tells us about the love of God. God showed His love for us by giving us the best He had to offer: His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, who freely gave Himself as an offering to God for our sake, and as the atoning sacrifice for our sin and the sin of the world. True love does not count the cost, but it gives liberally.

In the Old Testament, we read the following passage: “For a child will be born to us, a son who will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This passage is a prophecy that is fulfilled alone in Jesus Christ, who was born as a human being so that He might hang on a cross to suffer, to die and to rise again on the third day.

In Jesus Christ is our redemption, our blessing, our cleansing of sins, and our hope of eternal life in heaven.

Today’s world is a full of corruption, fanaticism, violence, terrorism, vulgarity, egoism, jealousy, discrimination, slavery, inequality, selfishness and more.

However, the birth of Jesus brings the message of God’s love and the love we should have for our neighbor. Once we follow the example of God’s love by loving our neighbor, then every evil will go away.

May this Christmas bring peace and harmony among humankind, and may God bless you all.

Father Francis Xavier Arockiasamy serves as administrator of Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Highlands. This is adapted from his 2016 Christmas message to parishioners.

Protecting God’s Children We proclaim Christ to the world around us by our efforts to provide a safe environment for all people, especially the young and the vulnerable.

In 2002, the bishops of the United States issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The charter addresses the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by priests, deacons or other church personnel.

DIOCESAN REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING MINISTRY-RELATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR 1. Any individual having actual knowledge of or reasonable cause to suspect an incident of ministry-related sexual abuse is to immediately report the incident to the Chancery.

2. The Chancery will then report the incident to the proper civil authorities. The individual reporting the incident to the Chancery will be notified of the particulars regarding the Chancery’s filing of the incident with civil authorities.

3. This reporting requirement is not intended to supersede the right of an individual to make a report to civil authorities, but is to ensure proper, complete and timely reporting.

Should an individual choose to make a report to civil authorities, a report is still to be made to the Chancery.

The charter can be found on the diocesan website, Charlottediocese.org, click on the tab, “Safe Environment.”

T

he holidays are here – and, by “holidays,” I mean all the holy days between Thanksgiving and Epiphany, which means our churches are experiencing their semi-annual population boom. The Christmas ’n Easter Catholics, affectionately called “Submarine Catholics” by a friend of mine because they surface twice a year, are flooding our churches – which can stress out the regular Massgoers, who may be tempted to mutter curses while trying to find parking and seating.

A Catholic Answers inquirer once asked me: “Lots of people filled our church yesterday (on Easter). I was glad to see everyone come to Mass. How should we feel about folks that only come on holidays, or is it any of our business? Should they stay home if they only try to come at Easter and Christmas? I’m sure this doesn’t happen just in the Catholic Church but in lots of places. We should encourage and reach out to them to come more often, but if they don’t, should they not come at all?”

In his interview with journalist Peter Seewald, published as “God and the World,” then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI) stated: “I have nothing against it, then, if people who all year long never visit a church go there at least on Christmas night or New Year’s Eve or on special occasions, because this is another way of belonging to the blessing of the sacred, to the light. There have to be various forms of participation and association; the Church has to be inwardly open.”

This doesn’t mean that going to church once or twice a year is the ideal, or that people who do so should receive Communion at those times if they haven’t first gone to confession, and he did not imply that. What he was saying is that the Church has to be open to accepting people where they are, providing for them in their current need, and by being available to them in this way, thereby inviting them to deeper participation. It is better that they go when they are able to go than that they never go at all. If they find the doors of the Church barred to them because they are not yet at the point that they can go all the time, they may never go back.

A case in point: At one Sunday Mass, the homilist told the story of coming back to the rectory one day, tired, hungry and out of sorts. Before he was able to so much as take off his coat, there was a knock on the rectory door. An elderly lady was outside, tears on her cheeks. Her dog, her companion and service animal for 17 years, had just died. Would Father please come and pray for her dog, not yet buried and still lying dead on the floor in her house?

Not only was Father in no mood to pray over a dead dog, but he was from Africa, where it is rare for people to keep dogs as

pets (much less offer funerals for them when they die). Nonetheless, he took one look at the distraught lady and agreed.

He Googled “prayers for dogs” on the Internet for inspiration, found a bottle of holy water, and walked the one block to the lady’s house. After praying over and blessing the dog – and arranging for it to be buried – this priest sat down with this lady and talked with her for a while. That is how he found out that she had lived one block from the church for many years, but had never been inside a church in her life. Only once her dog died did she even think to approach the nearby church for assistance, not for herself but for a dog that had been so dear to her. Although Father was extremely tired and hungry by the time he finally got back to the rectory, he ended up happy he spent time getting to know this lady.

But that wasn’t the end of the story.

The next week at Mass, he noticed the same elderly lady in the back of the church. The comfort she had received in her time of need inspired her to go to Mass the following Sunday. Father made a point of asking congregants to greet her after Mass. For some people, including me, this spotlight might have been embarrassing.

For this lady though, she smiled widely, pleased with the attention and welcome.

And she kept coming back to Mass.

Eventually she took instructions in the Catholic faith, joined the Church, and remained a faithful parishioner for the remaining few years of her life.

Here are some suggestions for reaching out to Submarine Catholics (and others) at the holidays: n Extend invitations, yet accept “no” for an answer. Are non-Catholics and non-practicing Catholics visiting over the holidays? Invite them to go to Advent penance services, or attend Mass with you – even if they have declined previous invitations. (Yes, non-Catholics are welcome to attend penance services, even if they are not yet ready to go to individual confession after the penance service.) If they continue to decline, accept “no” graciously. Do not nag, sulk or otherwise put a damper on the festivities in response. Just smile and say, “OK, we’ll see you later this evening!” n Provide information, not lectures. If family and friends who rarely darken the door of a church choose to come along to Mass with you, give them information on Communion protocol. The “Guidelines for the Reception of Communion” can be found on the inside front cover of the missalettes stocked in many parish pew pockets. Show non-Catholics and nonpracticing Catholics where to find this CATHOLICS, SEE page 20

December 23, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

19

Deacon James H. Toner

What if Christmas A

never happened?

s the Beach Boys sang, “Christmas comes this time each year.” But we cannot take it for granted. It is terrifyingly possible that Christmas might never have happened.

The American poet John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) once said: “For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’” But Whittier is wrong.

The fact is that, of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest and scariest are these: “It might not have been!” Suppose Christmas had never happened. Suppose the Lord Jesus had never been born. Suppose all we had today was the commercial hype of “happy holidays” and “sparkle season” and “winter solstice.”

Suppose Almighty God decided, after Adam and Eve disobeyed Him, to allow them and their descendants (that is, you and me) forever to suffer the results of original sin. Remember, original sin was the decision of the first human beings to follow their own will rather than God’s will.

They “preferred (themselves) to God and by that very act scorned Him,” and they lost “the grace of original holiness” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 398-399). God might have said, “If that is the way you want it, so be it.” Christmas would never have happened.

When the angel Gabriel went to Nazareth to see the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking whether she would consent to bear the Son of God, it was said that “all heaven held its breath” (the Orcadian poet Edwin Muir).

Suppose Mary had said no. Suppose the very idea of carrying the Messiah was too much for this young girl and, overwhelmed and frightened, she refused. Christmas would never have happened.

Suppose Joseph, who was married to Mary, had been unwilling to listen to the angel in the dream who explained that Mary was with child, not because of infidelity, but through the Holy Spirit. Suppose Joseph had insisted, as was his right, upon a trial for Mary. Had she been convicted, she and her unborn baby – Jesus – would have been stoned to death. Christmas would never have happened.

Suppose when Joseph and Mary were required to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem so that Joseph could register there, as was required by the authorities, the trip was too much for her. This was a walking distance of about 90 miles, taking perhaps five to seven days of travel – not an easy journey even for physically fit people. The unborn baby Jesus was divine, but was also subject to the trials, temptations and tragedies of life, even though He was

under the protection of His mother and foster father. Suppose on their way to Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary had been attacked by thieves, or Mary had taken a bad fall, or lack of rest and inadequate food had taken their toll upon the exhausted young mother. Mary could have lost her baby. Christmas would never have happened.

Of all sad words of tongue or pen, these would be the saddest and scariest: “Christmas never happened.” Because God could have left us in the sin which our first parents had chosen. Or because the Blessed Virgin Mary could have said no. Or because Joseph could have abandoned his wife to the death penalty. Or because Mary might have lost her child on their arduous journey.

In his First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul writes: “If Christ has not been raised (from the dead), then your faith is a delusion, and you are still lost in your sins. ... Then we deserve more pity than anyone else in the world” (15:17, 19 GNB). But Jesus could not suffer, and die, and be raised gloriously from the dead if He had never been born. We would still be lost in our sins, with no hope of salvation, living meaningless, dark and empty lives.

But the Incarnation – Christmas, the birth of the Savior – did happen.

Almighty God planned to forgive us our sins and to restore all things in Christ (Eph. 1:3-10).

Mary said yes to God, becoming the Mother of God, the new Eve (CCC 410-411), and the help of Christians.

Joseph, the righteous man, humbly accepted angelic assurance about Mary, and he became the legal father and guardian of Jesus, and a model for all fathers.

Mary and Joseph protected, nurtured and raised Jesus, who was obedient to them (Luke 2:51). They are the Holy Family, whose feast day we will celebrate this year on Friday, Dec. 30.

In the Gospel according to St. John, we read: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.” In Jesus and through His sacraments (CCC 1133, 774), our sins can be forgiven. We can have hope of salvation, and we can have lives full of meaning, light, grace and truth.

Thank God that Christmas did happen!

Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis: “Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will”!

(Luke 2:14) Deacon James H. Toner serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

Most-read stories on the web

‘They remember history, have life experience and, for you, this will be a great gift that will help you in your journey.’

Pope Francis

From online story: “Talk, listen to grandparents; reap their wisdom, pope tells kids” Through press time on Dec. 20, 5,587 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 10,838 pages. The top 10 headlines in December were: n Diocesan Catholic Schools Office steps in to oversee Our Lady of Grace School............................................ 1,149 n Pray the Holy Infant of Prague nine-day novena, Dec. 16-24.................................................................................... 774 n 10 facts about Advent............................................................................................................................................................619 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald ....................................................................................379 n Deacon assigned to Queen of the Apostles Church......................................................................................................149 n St. Barnabas Church receives $3.6 million endowment..............................................................................................147 n Monsignor Walsh, who led building of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, passes away ........................................137 n Fred Gallagher: Lights and heartbreak…the story and the hope..............................................................................126 n Celebrating Advent in a big way.........................................................................................................................................107 n Two women named to leadership roles with Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation...........................96

Join the conversation online facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD

@CatholicNewsCLT

Diocese of Charlotte

Pinterest.com/ charlottecnh

Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be written from a perspective of Christian charity.

To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification. Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

The Catholic News Herald does not publish poetry, form letters or petitions. Items submitted to The Catholic News Herald become the property of the newspaper and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org Mail: Letters to the Editor

Catholic News Herald

1123 S. Church St.

Charlotte, N.C. 28203

20

catholicnewsherald.com | December 23, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Addicted to pain medications?

Recovery begins with Suboxone Rutherford Recovery Services

Call for an appointment!

Matthew Joseph MD 828-980-3950

SOLEMN HIGH LATIN MASS

Feast of the Holy Family Sunday, January 8th, 2017 – 7pm

Mass in A major

(Antonio Caldara [1670-1736] )

A rarely heard work in a new performance edition by Thomas F. Savoy

St. Mark’s Catholic Church 14740 Stumptown Rd, Huntersville, NC

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

CATHOLICS FROM PAGE 18

information, and ask them to read it and act accordingly. n When possible, place family ahead of protocol. I once received this question from another inquirer: “We will visit my in-laws in the middle of December because our niece will be baptized. They are Protestant.

They want to celebrate Christmas while we are there. They will have a meal and exchange presents. We will tell them that we will not celebrate Christmas before the 25th because it will still be Advent season. We would like to give them a better explanation of why we cannot celebrate before Christmas Day, but we do not know what to say. In response, I told the inquirer: “It is not a matter that you cannot participate in a Christmas celebration before Dec. 25, but that you have chosen not to out of respect for the Advent season. While you are free to do that, you are not obliged to do so. It also seems a shame to make an issue out of this when all that your relatives want to do is to celebrate Christmas with you. Could you adjust your focus away from trying to find a way to stop a family meal and gift-exchange and seek instead to incorporate recognition of Advent into an anticipatory Christmas celebration?”

Many Protestants celebrate Advent.

Why not capitalize on that and offer to bring an Advent wreath that can be lighted during the festivities, along with the other Christmas events? You can also bring along some sheet music for an Advent song, such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” for singing while the wreath is lit. This way you can inject some Advent observance into the Christmas celebration.

As a rule of thumb, evangelization efforts are a lot more successful when they are incorporated where possible into what people already accept and enjoy, rather than seeking to stamp out innocent fun.

This was basically the Church’s modus operandi when engaging pagan cultures during the earliest evangelization missions.

I found out later that this inquirer could

not accept my suggestion to relax about anticipating Christmas with Protestant family. Another Catholic “expert” was importuned to offer assurances that the inquirer really should refuse to celebrate Christmas early with her family. Unfortunately, this person evidently allowed unnecessary scruples over celebrating the liturgical seasons “correctly” to inhibit her from joining in a family celebration. n Don’t scruple over small stuff.

Speaking of unnecessary scruples, every year the apologists at Catholic Answers are asked to comment upon whether Christians should insist on the greeting “Merry Christmas!” or if they should suffer through wishes of “Happy Holidays!” In my opinion, any sincere expression of goodwill during the Christmas season is fine by me. In return, I say “Merry Christmas!” to anyone I know for certain is Christian. If I do not know that person’s religion, I don’t mind saying “Happy Holidays!” (as noted above, even among Christians there is more than one Christian holiday between the end of November and Jan. 6).

However you handle the Christian version of “The December Dilemma,” it helps to keep in mind St. John XXIII’s favorite dictum for dealing with religious controversy: “But the common saying, expressed in various ways and attributed to various authors, must be recalled with approval: in essentials, unity; in doubtful matters, liberty; in all things, charity” (“Ad Petri Cathedram”).

So, what’s the bottom line? Yes, it can be frustrating to the Catholics who go to Mass every week (or every day) to find the pews and parking lots filled with Christmas ’n Easter Catholics. Their twice-a-year presence often makes going to church on the great Christian feasts more difficult for the regular congregants. Even so, we should try to work around the difficulties as much as possible, give thanks to God that the “Submarine Catholics” are at least showing up occasionally, and pray for them for the grace to attend more often.

Michelle Arnold is a staff apologist at Catholic Answers. Check out their full range of apologetics resources at www.catholic.com.