Aug. 19, 2016

August 19, 2016

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A August 19,

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FIXING UP

Schools get repairs much-needed r over the summe

CTS FUNDING PROJE in

Foundations support Triad Charlotte, ts teachers, studen

INSIDE: BACK TO SCHOOL

GUIDE

2016 priest list released 3 INDEX

Contact us.......................... 4 Español.................................. 9 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes.................. 3-8 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................10 U.S. news...................... 14-15 Viewpoints................... 18-19 World news.................. 16-17 Year of Mercy..................... 2

Taking up their crosses Hundreds of Forest City faithful take part in procession of crosses 6

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St. Joseph College Seminary opens

‘A sacred ministry’

Men told to ‘move forward’ on move-in day

House of Mercy marks 25 years

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Year of Mercy 2

catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Providing assistance to pastors

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Pope Francis

Jesus’ compassion is call to service, not vague sentiment

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esus’ compassion toward people in need is not a vague sentiment, but a calling for Christians to bring that same compassion to others, Pope Francis said.

By miraculously feeding thousands of people, Jesus made an act “of faith and prayer” that “shows the full strength of His will to be close to us and to save us,” the pope said Aug. 17 at his weekly general audience.

Thousands of people packed the Paul VI audience hall, waving and stretching out their hands eagerly, hoping to greet the pope. Noticing a small child surrounded by people, Pope Francis motioned the crowd to make way and gave the child a blessing.

In his audience talk, the pope reflected on the Gospel reading of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Jesus, he noted, “does not have a cold heart,” but rather is moved by those who follow Him and “feels bound to this crowd.”

However, the pope noted that Jesus is not only concerned with feeding the hungry crowd, but also invites His disciples to take part in feeding them.

“The Lord goes out to meet the needs of men and women and wants to make each one of us concretely share in His compassion,” the pope said.

Jesus’ blessing of the loaves before their distribution, he continued, is also repeated in the Last Supper and continues today in the celebration of the Eucharist.

In living this communion with Jesus, Christians are called not “to remain passive and estranged” but to relate with men and women by offering “a concrete sign of Christ’s mercy and attention,” the pope said.

“While we are nourished by Christ, the Eucharist we celebrate transforms us, little by little, into the Body of Christ and spiritual food for our brothers and sisters,” he said.

The miracle of the loaves and fishes, Pope Francis stressed, is a reminder of the Church’s two-fold mission to “feed the people and keep them united; that is, to be at the service of life and communion.”

Christians, he stressed, are called to be “a visible sign of the mercy of God, who does not wish to leave anyone in loneliness and in need.”

“We believers who receive this bread are compelled by Jesus to bring this service to others with the same compassion of Jesus. This is the path,” the pope said.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BARBARA NORRIS AND GEORGE LOGSDON

Sacred Heart parishioners visit Asheville basilica ASHEVILLE — More than 100 parishioners from Sacred Heart Church made a pilgrimage to St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville in celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy on Aug. 10, the feast day of St. Lawrence. Upon arriving at the basilica, the parishioners heard a short lecture by Andrew Davis, director of Music and Liturgy at the basilica, on both the art and architecture of the church. They were then given the opportunity to tour the church and its chapels. Father Shawn O’Neal, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, celebrated Mass to honor St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr. Upon returning to Brevard, a dinner was shared in the parish fellowship hall.

Pope Francis has encouraged all Catholics to make a pilgrimage, either to Rome or to one’s local cathedral or other holy site designated by the Church, as part of the jubilee year.

A basilica is a special designation given to certain churches because of their antiquity, dignity, historical importance or significance as a place of worship.

Presently there are 56 basilicas in the United States. St. Lawrence was established as a Basilica in 1993 by St. John Paul II and is one of three Year of Mercy pilgrimage churches in the Diocese of Charlotte.

The basilica was built by Spanish Architect Rafael Gustavino, who came to Asheville in the mid 1880s to work on the Biltmore House. In 1905, his construction of the present church began and was completed in 1909. A National Historic Site, the basilica is open for tours: visit their website at www.saintlawrencebasilica.org for details.

Don’t miss this!

The Diocese of Charlotte’s Year of Mercy website has lots of educational resources for families, including monthly catechesis on the virtues and corporal and spiritual works of mercy. August’s focus is on the Beatitudes, as modeled by Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

Learn more at www.yearofmercy.rcdoc.org/catechesis.

aypeople who are suitable are capable of being admitted to Church offices and functions according to provisions of Church law (canon 228). This is a complex canon.

To be suitable means to be qualified with the requisite “knowledge, prudence and integrity” to perform the function “which they are able to exercise according to the precepts of the law.”

Laypeople may serve as experts and advisors. For example, they may serve as chancellors, notaries, administrators of a parish, or in a tribunal as judges, defenders of the bond, auditors, advocates or promoters of justice. They may also serve on councils, advisory groups, committees, etc., as appointed.

That said, laypeople who dedicate themselves exclusively to Church service or apostolic work either permanently or temporarily are obliged, and have the right to acquire, knowledge of Christian doctrine so that they may “conscientiously, earnestly and diligently” fulfill their role, Church law states.

In return, laypeople serving in these roles have the right to decent remuneration to provide for their needs and the needs of their family. They also have the right to social security and health benefits. Excluded from this canon are those who provide professional or technical services under service contracts. These relations are governed by civil law.

Editor’s note: This series about the rights and obligations of the Christian faithful, as set forth in canon (Church) law, has been written especially for the Catholic News Herald by Mercy Sister JeanneMargaret McNally. Sister Jeanne-Margaret is a distinguished authority on canon law, author of the reference guide “Canon Law for the Laity,” and frequent lecturer at universities and dioceses. A graduate of The Catholic University of America with multiple degrees including a doctorate in psychology and a licentiate of canon law (JCL), she is a psychologist for the Tribunal of the Diocese of Charlotte and a judge in the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Miami.

COMING NEXT: Teaching the sacred sciences and liturgical functions of the laity

Your daily Scripture readings AUG. 21-27

Sunday: Isaiah 66:18-21, Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13, Luke 13:22-30; Monday (The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary): 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12, Matthew 23:13-22; Tuesday: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17, Matthew 23:23-26; Wednesday (St. Bartholomew): Revelations 21:9b-14, John 1:45-51; Thursday: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Matthew 24:42-51; Friday: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25, Matthew 25:1-13; Saturday (St. Monica): 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Jn 13:34, Matthew 25:14-30

AUG. 28-SEPT. 3

Sunday: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29, Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a, Luke 14:1, 7-14; Monday (The Passion of St. John the Baptist): 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Mark 6:17-29; Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 2:10b-16, Luke 4:31-37; Wednesday: Luke 4:3137, Luke 4:38-44; Thursday: 1 Corinthians 3:1823, Luke 5:1-11; Friday: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Luke 5:33-39; Saturday (St. Gregory the Great): 1 Corinthians 4:6b-15, Luke 6:1-5

SEPT. 4-10

Sunday: Wisdom 9:13-18b, Philemon 9-10, 12-17, Luke 14:25-33; Monday: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, Luke 6:6-11; Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, Luke 6:12-19; Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Luke 6:20-26; Thursday (The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Micah 5:1-4a, Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23; Friday (St. Peter Claver): 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22b-27, Luke 6:39-42; Saturday: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Luke 6:43-49

Our parishes

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

St. Joseph College Seminary opens

crucifix that once graced the chapel in the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Father Kauth touching the Lord’s wounded feet as he moved past.

Once in the seminary chapel, Bishop Jugis blessed an 800-year-old crucifix that now hangs on the wall to the right of the altar.

He offered special prayers for the men who MASS, SEE PAGE 11

ASSIGNMENTS, SEE PAGE 19

SUEANN HOWELL AND PATRICIA GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Men told to ‘move forward’ on move-in day CHARLOTTE — Suitcases and cardboard boxes. Guitar cases and snacks from home.

Parents looking around dorm rooms, smiling and trying not to be anxious about the children they are about to leave behind.

But for eight young men moving in to St. Joseph College Seminary, Aug. 7 was no ordinary college moving-in day. It also marked the first step on a long journey of discernment and study of the priesthood.

The new minor seminary opens this month on the campus of St. Ann Church on Park Road.

St. Joseph College Seminary is for undergraduate men considering the priesthood, one step before they contemplate enrolling in a major seminary for more specific priestly formation.

Enrolled in the diocese’s seminarian program, the men will work toward a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Belmont Abbey College.

A summer thunderstorm that rolled by could not wipe the smiles or slow the pace of the young men and their families as they hustled boxes and bags from their cars into the small brick building behind St. Ann School.

“We are so proud of him,” said Matthew Dimock about his son Matt, who just graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School. As he helped his son unload and unpack his things, Dimock said he feels overwhelmed by his son’s desire to follow God. Similar sentiments were echoed by the other parents.

Kathleen Harrison said of her son Matt, who just graduated from Christ the King

COLLEGE, SEE PAGE 11

Blessings, smiles as college seminarians welcome Bishop Jugis SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — One would be hardpressed to say whose smile was wider Aug. 15, as Bishop Jugis greeted the eight young men who comprise the first class at the St. Joseph College Seminary. As the men filed past Bishop Jugis into the refectory and saw their official cassocks neatly folded on the table, each with a nametag indicating its owner, everyone’s smiles grew.

Bishop Jugis stood beside the table, savoring the moment, grinning as the men realized they were receiving their cassocks before the inaugural Mass in the seminary

chapel. He offered prayers and sprinkled holy water over the garments the men will wear for official events. He then went around the table, reading each of their names and touching each of their cassocks.

All eight of the college seminarians had expressions of joy on their faces as they followed the instructions to don their cassocks in preparation for Mass. They met in the chapel once they were dressed, and prepared for Bishop Jugis to enter for the blessing of the chapel.

As they waited, Bishop Jugis went from room to room blessing the seminary, assisted by Father Matthew Kauth, rector.

The two paused in the hallway before a

2016 priest assignments announced CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis announces the following priest appointments: n Father Innocent C. Amasiorah: From ministry outside the diocese to Campus Ministry at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, effective Aug. 15. n Father Jason K. Barone: From parochial vicar at St. Patrick Cathedral to in-residence at St. Ann Church in Charlotte, while continuing as diocesan Promoter of Vocations and assistant chaplain at Charlotte Catholic High School, effective July 5. n Father Paul M. Buchanan: After completing his studies for a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, to parochial vicar at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, effective Aug. 1. n Vincentian Father John Carney: From ministry outside the diocese to parochial vicar at St. Mary Church in Greensboro, effective June 13. n Father Noah C. Carter: From parochial vicar at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro and chaplain of Bishop McGuiness High School in Kernersville to full-time studies for a Licentiate in Liturgical Theology in Rome, effective Aug. 10. n Newly ordained Father A. Cory Catron: Parochial vicar of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, effective July 5. n Father Julio C. Dominguez: From pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir to Hispanic Ministry Coordinator for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate, effective Sept. 1. n Vincentian Father Tri Duong: From parochial vicar at St. Mary Church in Greensboro to ministry outside the diocese, effective May 9. n Father Stephen M. Hoyt: From parochial vicar at Holy Family Church in Clemmons to pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir, effective Sept. 1. n Vincentian Father Peter Hung Le: From ministry outside the diocese to parochial vicar at St. Mary Church in Greensboro, effective June 13. n Father Joseph Matlak: Chaplain at Holy Trinity Middle School in Charlotte, effective Aug. 24. Father Matlak has also been assigned by the Ukrainian Catholic bishop of the Eparchy of Parma, Ohio, as full-time administrator of St. Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Mission in Charlotte and the new St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Mission in Pineville effective Sept. 1.

The eight men in the first class of seminarians to attend the new St. Joseph College Seminary in Charlotte watch Bishop Peter Jugis bless their new cassocks before the inaugural Mass in the seminary chapel Aug. 15. Below, college seminarian Jose Palma Torres makes his bed while moving in Aug. 7.

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

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More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from the seminary blessing and inaugural Mass

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: AUG. 22-24 Provincial Assembly of Bishops and Priests Atlanta

AUG. 29 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. John Neumann Church, Charlotte

SEPT. 2 – 12:10 P.M. Holy Mass for Charlotte Area Home Schoolers St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

AUG. 26 – 7 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Holy Infant Church, Reidsville AUG. 27 Respect Life Coordinators Conference Christ the King High School, Huntersville

AUG. 31 – 6:30 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Joseph Church, Eden

SEPT. 3 – 4:30 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jefferson

Diocesan calendar of events August 19, 2016

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS

Volume 25 • NUMBER 23

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL: In September at Emerald Isle for all alumni and spouses of Notre Dame High School in Greensboro. Located first in Southern Pines, the Catholic high school was moved to Greensboro in 1957 into the former location of St. Leo’s Hospital, which had closed in 1955. Notre Dame was a girls boarding school first, then changed to an integrated, co-ed day school, with teachers from the Sisters of Mercy. Students came from Burlington, High Point and Greensboro. It closed in 1968. Contact Kathy Dowd at kdowd01@att.net or 704-502-5016 for details.

ANOINTING MASS: 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road in Mint Hill, for anyone who wishes to received the sacrament of anointing of the sick. Anointing is typically presented to those who need healing from physical or mental illness or someone who will be undergoing surgery. Refreshments will be served following Mass, sponsored by the parish’s HOPE Committee. For details, call Mary Adams at 704-545-1224.

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

LECTURES & WORKSHOPS

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

THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

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

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

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THE IGNATIAN ‘DAILY EXAMEN’: Presented by Jesuit Father Joseph Koterski, a philosophy professor from Fordham University, on Thursday, Aug. 25, with two programs in Asheville: n 1-2:30 p.m. , at St. Lawrence Basilica’s Laurentine Hall, 97 Haywood Road. Light lunch provided. n 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Eugene Church, 72 Culvern St. Offered in English and Spanish.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP by Tuesday, Aug. 23, to nphaskell@ charlottediocese.org. For details about both events, go to www.ccdoc.org/education.

RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE: 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 27, Christ the King High School, Huntersville, to promote the respect and protection of human life, particularly human life at its most vulnerable stages. Keynote presenter: Jesuit Father Joseph Koterski, professor of philosophy at Fordham University.

The free conference includes workshops on a variety of topics, including post-abortion healing ministries; resources for parents experiencing a pre-natal diagnosis; and end-of-life ethics. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. in the school chapel before the conference. Get details at www.ccdoc.org/respectlife. Registration required by Aug. 22 with jmganser@charlottediocese.org. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

PARISH MISSION ‘GOD’S LOVE IN OUR BROKEN LIVES’: A parish mission of St. William Church in Murphy and Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville, led by the blind Father Patrick Martin. Aug. 20-23 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission, 1433 Hwy. 64 West; Aug. 27-30 at St. William Church, 765 Andrews Road. He has preached in 1,300-plus parishes worldwide. Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation will be offered. Mission talks will be part of Sunday Masses. Weeknight services start at 7 p.m. Free tapes and brochures will be provided. Contact either church office for details at 828-389-3758 (IHM) or 828-837-2000 (St. William).

POLISH MASS: 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte. The fifth annual Polish Diocesan Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa and St. John Paul II will be celebrated

by Polish priest Father Jan Trela. The Mass will be said in Polish, with the homily given in both English and Polish. This Mass will fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation.

Confessions in Polish and English at 1 p.m. After Mass, venerate a first-class relic of St. John Paul II: a drop of his blood on a fragment of his cassock from the day he was shot in 1981. A dessert reception will follow. For details, call 704-290-6012.

HEALING MASS AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK: 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members.

For details, call the church office at 828-926-0106.

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:

members of people with Alzheimer’s. For details, email Janet Urban at jgraceart@yahoo.com.

YEAR OF MERCY DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR: Every first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m., in the Daily Mass Chapel at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

Everyone is welcome to attend and pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, venerate and be blessed by the parish’s first-class relic of St. Faustina Kowalska. Recite Divine Mercy prayers and read Scripture and excerpts from St. Faustina’s diary. Each month’s Holy Hour will be for the following intentions: Sept. 1, catechists; Oct. 6, Marian Jubilee Dedicated to Mary; Nov. 3, prisoners; Dec. 1, healing of the family. Sponsored by the Cenacles of Divine Mercy.

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

YOUNG ADULTS ASHEVILLE THEOLOGY ON TAP: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Asheville region. For details, check them out on Facebook, Twitter or MeetUp. CHARLOTTE AREA: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active in Charlotte at: ST. GABRIEL CHURCH: on Facebook at “St. Gabriel Young Adult Ministry” ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH: call Meg VanGoethem, 815-545-2587

ARDEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr.

ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL: on Facebook at “St. Patrick Cathedral Frassati Fellowship-Young Adult Ministry”

CHARLOTTE: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept 1, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy; 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, St. John Neumann Church (parish hall), 8451 Idlewild Road; and 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, St. Gabriel Church (ministry center, first floor), 3016 Providence Road

ST. PETER CHURCH: look them up on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/St-Peters-Catholic-Young-Adult-MinistryCharlotte-NC

KANNAPOLIS: 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, St. Joseph Church (parish activity center), 108 Saint Joseph St. SUPPORT GROUPS 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

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH: online at “Aquinas’ Finest,” www.stacharlotte.com/finest OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION CHURCH: contact Denise Duliepre, 917-575-0871 HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH IN DENVER: call Nicole Lehman, 704-607-5207 ST. MICHAEL CHURCH IN GASTONIA: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Gastonia area. Meets once a month. Online at www.stmichaelsgastonia.org/youngadults.

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

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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IN GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Jubilarians honored at Mass Aug. 4 SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis was joined by Bishop Emeritus William Curlin, Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari and more than 30 other priests for the annual jubilarians Mass Aug. 4 at St. Patrick Cathedral. Four jubilarians were honored this year for their longtime service to the Church: Father Joseph Ayathupadam and Father James Cahill, 55 years; Father Albert Gondek, O.S.F.S., 50 years; and Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, 25 years.

Monsignor Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, was the only jubilarian in attendance.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis spoke about the concepts of love and gratitude, citing scripture passages and their relation to the gift of the priesthood.

“Jesus tells His apostles at the Last Supper, ‘This I command you, love one another.’ Those words of Jesus intrigued Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and caused him to ask the question, ‘Command?

Can love be commanded?’ Since love as we commonly understand it has become an unpredictable human emotion and sentiment,” Bishop Jugis explained.

“Pope Benedict says, ‘Of course love can be commanded.’ For we love with Christ’s love that is planted in us, which takes us way beyond our human limitations and our frailty.

“The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us, St. Paul says in his letter to the Romans. ‘Remain in me and I remain in you,’ Jesus says.”

Bishop Jugis noted that our priests who are celebrating their jubilee anniversaries of priesthood this year have been loving and serving with the love of Christ for many decades.

“An anniversary of ordination is always celebrated with sentiments of gratitude to the Lord – gratitude for the opportunity to serve,” he said.

“It is such a tremendous blessing He bestows upon us priests, giving us an opportunity to serve. Gratitude for being

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SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio (center), pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro who is celebrating 25 years of priesthood, was the guest of honor at the jubilarian Mass Aug. 4. Bishop Emeritus William Curlin (left) and Bishop Peter Jugis congratulated him after Mass. called to enter the service of Christ the High Priest and to serve our brothers and sisters on their path to salvation. To serve Him by offering them the sacraments, by proclaiming the Gospel, and by shepherding them with love and courage as a good shepherd would.”

Bishop Jugis shared a special excerpt from a prayer of St. Patrick which speaks of the saint’s gratitude for his gift of the priesthood.

“It seems that each priest could repeat this prayer in expressing his gratitude for the priesthood: ‘Who am I, Lord, that you called me to this work?’

“Jesus says to the apostles at the Last Supper, ‘It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.’

“Not by any merits of our own, but because of the greatness of His mercy did He call us to the priesthood.”

Bishop Jugis prayed that as the Church honors the jubilarians, that all priests would be grateful for the opportunity to serve.

“May we return to Him 30-, 60-, 100-fold for all that He has given us.”

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE PHOTO PROVIDED BY DEACON BRIAN BECKER

Diocesan seminarians spend summer in Costa Rica learning Spanish to better serve Latino community CHARLOTTE — Watch this short video about three diocesan seminarians, recently ordained by Bishop Peter Jugis as transitional deacons, who spent the summer of 2015 at a Spanish immersion school in Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

Deacons Brian Becker, Christopher Bond and Christian Cook studied Spanish at Costa Rica’s Conversa Language School for eight weeks to better prepare themselves to

minister to the needs of the growing Latino population in the Diocese of Charlotte. “I’m very happy that I’ve had the opportunity to go down to learn as much as I can, and to be able to extend that ministry towards those people who haven’t had the opportunity to learn English to whatever extent I’m able to offer,” Deacon Becker said.

— Rico De Silva, Hispanic Communications Reporter

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 OUR PARISHES

Walking in the Cross-a-Thon FOREST CITY — Parishioners at Immaculate Conception Church, along with many other Christians in the local community, came together Aug. 13 for “Crossa-Thon,” a fundraiser and Christian public witness held each year in Forest City. The fourth-annual event drew 400 people representing about 10 different churches in the diocese, who processed solemnly from the church through downtown Forest City carrying wooden crosses of all sizes.

“We do this with the Eucharist in procession with us,

so we are literally picking up our crosses to follow Christ, who is truly present with us in the Eucharist,” said parishioner Michael Daigle.

The procession concluded with Eucharistic Adoration.

This year’s event is expected to raise more than $6,000 for the parish’s Regnum Dei retreat center, which is being built by hundreds of volunteers and also being used by Emmaus Retreat participants. Previous Cross-a-Thons have raised money for a mission in Honduras, MiraVia at Belmont

Abbey College and Christian refugees fleeing Syria.

Said Father Herbert Burke, pastor, “I believe multiple layers of blessings and graces have come from hundreds of disciples of Christ following our Eucharistic Lord down Main Street. They carried wooden crosses which symbolize the internal cross we all carry in doing God’s will in a world that rejects it. I believe it was a powerful witness to the faith of the people and to the cross – a symbol of the love between God and man.”

PHOTOS BY LORENZO PEDRO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Charlotte pastor proud of gold medal-winning goddaughter PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

CHARLOTTE — Katie Ledecky has become a household name for Americans watching the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The champion swimmer from the Washington, D.C., area racked up four gold medals and a silver medal at the Rio games, along with two new world records.

For Father Jim Shea, pastor of St. Peter Church in Charlotte, Ledecky’s success in the pool comes as no surprise. Ledecky is his goddaughter, and he’s seen her grow up to become a balanced, sweet 19-year-old who doesn’t shy away from the pressure of success or in witnessing to her Catholic faith.

“I’m very proud of Katie,” Father Shea said Aug. 8, after Ledecky won her first gold medal in Rio. “She’s very centered.

She’s unflappable. She doesn’t get all upset.”

And part of the reason for that is her faith, he said, formed within a close-knit Catholic family and a Catholic education from pre-kindergarten through high school.

“Her faith is important to her, and it sustains her. It grounds her, and it centers her.”

That comes as “a great joy” to the Jesuit priest, who baptized her, gave her first Holy Communion, and served as her confirmation sponsor.

He’s known the Ledecky family since he was a priest in the D.C. area more than 20 years ago, where he worked with Ledecky’s mom at Georgetown Hospital. He officiated

Jesuit Father Jim Shea poses with his goddaughter, Katie Ledecky, during the Olympic trials in Omaha, Neb., in late June.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FATHER JIM SHEA

at the Ledeckys’ wedding, and has remained very close to the family ever since.

“It’s a family tradition that I would have Thanksgiving dinner with them,” he said, and he’s done that nearly every year.

For the years that he has known the Ledecky family, though, Father Shea got an up-close look at Ledecky’s recordshattering performance in the pool only recently: at the Olympic trials in Omaha, Neb., in late June.

“It was the first time I ever saw her swim in a meet,” he recalled. He sat with the Ledecky family and was able to meet with Katie briefly. “I was able to give her a blessing.”

Ledecky talks often about her Catholic upbringing, and how that grounds her through all of the attention and accolades

she is receiving as a world-class athlete.

Before every race she offers a prayer, she recently told the Catholic Standard, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Washington.

“I do say a prayer – or two – before any race. The Hail Mary is a beautiful prayer and I find that it calms me,” she told the Catholic Standard in an email interview.

In the interview, Ledecky discussed how her faith is a source of strength and how the communities at home have supported her along the road to her second Olympics.

She attended Little Flower School through eighth grade and Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Md., for high school.

“I received an excellent, faith-filled education at both schools. Having the

opportunity to attend academically rigorous schools has facilitated my interest in the world and in serving others and has enriched my life so that it is not solely focused on my swimming and athletics,” Ledecky said in the email. “Nevertheless, going to these schools was important to my swimming – my Catholic schools challenged me, they broadened my perspective and they allowed me to use my mind in ways that take me beyond just thinking about swim practices, swim meets and sports.”

“The importance of balance in one’s life is a lesson I have learned, and one that I hope will help me in college and beyond,” said Ledecky, who will attend Stanford University this fall.

Father Shea added that Ledecky understands the importance of her role in the spotlight, particularly on the world stage in Rio. “She’s very conscious. She’s seen herself how important it is to have role models as a swimmer and as a person.”

Father Shea said he feels gratified that he has played “a little role” in ministering to the family over the years, administering the sacraments to Katie as well as to her older brother Michael.

“It is always a great joy to a priest when there’s a family (for whom) you are really their priest in a special way.”

“I just feel very grateful to have such a lovely person in my life,” he said. “I would do anything for that kid.”

— Kelly Seegers, staff writer for the Catholic Standard, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Washington, contributed through Catholic News Service.

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25th and 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration If you were married during 1966 or 1991, you and your family are invited to attend the annual Diocesan Anniversary Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Charlotte on Sunday, November 6, 2016.

Mass begins at 2:00 p.m. and will be followed by a reception.

To receive an invitation, you must call your church office to register.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities

catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 OUR PARISHES

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For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Deacon assigned to Brevard parish BREVARD — Deacon Charles C. Dietsch has been granted the faculties of a deacon and assigned to Sacred Heart Church in Brevard by Bishop Peter J. Dietsch Jugis. He and his wife of 49 years, Dorne Jo, moved to Brevard from the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn. He was ordained in 1985 for the Archdiocese of Miami and then relocated to Connecticut in 1988, where he spent many years in ministry.

Polish Mass to be celebrated in Charlotte Aug. 21 CHARLOTTE — The fifth annual Polish Diocesan Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa and St. John Paul II will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

Polish priest Father Jan Trela will be the main celebrant and Deacon James Witulski will assist as deacon. The Mass will be said in Polish, with the homily given in both English and Polish. This Mass will fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation.

Confessions in Polish and English will be heard beginning at 1 p.m.

A Polish choir will provide music and singing

during the Mass. Anyone owning traditional, native Polish attire is encouraged to wear it to the Mass.

After the Mass, the faithful will have the opportunity to venerate a first-class relic of St. John Paul II: a drop of his blood on a fragment of his cassock from the day he was shot in 1981.

There will also be a dessert reception with other light refreshments. Your donation of these refreshments is appreciated and can be dropped off before the Mass at Aquinas Hall, located across the courtyard from the church.

If you are of Polish heritage, or just love Our Lady and St. John Paul II, or if you would like to experience another culture, you are invited to attend.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church is located at 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte. For details, call 704290-6012.

Learn more about the faith with the Lay Ministry program Interested in learning more about the faith, becoming a catechist or religion teacher, or discerning the possibility of becoming a permanent deacon? The diocesan Lay Ministry Office offers a two-year program with classes in Arden, Bryson City, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir. Registration is going on now. For details, contact Dr. Frank Villaronga at 704-370-3274 or favillaronga@charlottediocese.org.

Learn about the ‘Daily Examen’ ASHEVILLE — Jesuit Father Joseph Koterski, a philosophy professor from Fordham University, will speak on “The Daily Examen – An Ignatian Tool for Praying Daily with GRACE” on Thursday, Aug. 25, during two programs in Asheville sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte: n 1-2:30 p.m. , at St. Lawrence Basilica’s

Laurentine Hall, 97 Haywood Road. A light lunch will be provided. n 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Eugene Church, 72 Culvern St. This is a bilingual event, offered in English and Spanish.

RSVP by Tuesday, Aug. 23, to nphaskell@ charlottediocese.org. For details about both events, go to www.ccdoc.org/education.

Join the local pro-life cause HUNTERSVILLE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte is hosting a free Respect Life Conference on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Christ the King High School in Huntersville. The conference will provide an opportunity for prayer and educational engagement to promote the respect and protection of human life, particularly human life at its most vulnerable stages. The keynote presenter is Jesuit Father Joseph Koterski, a philosophy professor from Fordham University. The conference includes workshops on a variety of topics, including: post-abortion healing ministries; resources for parents experiencing a pre-natal diagnosis; and end-of-life ethics. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. in the school chapel prior to the 10:30 a.m. start of the conference. The conference will end at 3:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend the conference, but registration is required.

Go to www.ccdoc.org/respectlife for details. To register, email jmganser@charlottediocese.org

by Aug. 22.

Grant to St. Jude Mission aids local children in need SAPPHIRE — Father Francis Xavier Arockiasamy, parochial administrator of St. Jude Mission in Sapphire, recently presented a $5,000 check to Dr. Marilyn Chamberlin, associate professor of sociology at Western Carolina University and coordinator of the

Christmas Connection of Jackson County. The donation was awarded on behalf of the Diocese of Charlotte in the form of a grant applied for by the church.

There are nearly 2,000 children below the poverty level in Jackson County. Last year the Christmas Connection provided new toys and clothing to more than 1,000 children. They hope to exceed last year’s goal this Christmas season together with this grant and the generosity of Jackson County residents, volunteers and businesses.

In 2015 St. Jude parishioners sponsored close to 100 children through their generous donations. Sponsors were given the children’s information and wish lists, then shopped for the requested items. Parishioners will sponsor children again this coming Christmas season to help the Christmas Connection meet the need in Jackson County.

The Christmas Connection has no paid staff and relies on volunteers to run the organization so that all donations can go directly to providing the children with gifts. Children are referred from schools and social service agencies, cannot receive gifts from other organizations, and must meet an income requirement.

— Rena Ezzell WE WELCOME your parish’s news! Please email news items to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org.

Live Your Faith YOUR FIRST COMMUNICANTS ARE INVITED TO PROCESS WITH US! His Excellency, The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte

Invites all 2016 First Communicants to honor Our Lord by participating in the Eucharistic Congress Procession!

When: Saturday, September 10 (line up begins at 8:30am) Where: In front of St. Peter’s Catholic Church (507 South Tryon Street in Charlotte) 



Please have all children wear their First Communion attire for the procession.

Parents can register their children for the Procession on www.goEucharist.com

Be affirmed in your present ministry.

Upgrade your certification as a catechist and religion teacher.

Fulfill the prerequisite for the Permanent Diaconate.

Grow in your faith.

The Diocesan Office of Lay Ministry offers a two-year program designed to help you understand more fully your baptismal call to minister to your family, to others in the Church, and to those in your daily life.

Sites include Arden, Bryson City, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2016-2018 program.

For more information:

Frank Villaronga Director, Evangelization and Adult Education Office

F O R M AT I O N P R O G R A M

704-370-3274 frankv@charlottediocese.org

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August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

(Izquierda) Dos de los tres seminaristas, Diacono Brian Becker (centro), y el Diacono Christopher Bond (derecha), afuera de la Iglesia de Santa Ana en Costa Rica en Julio del 2015, quienes en compañía del Diacono Christian Cook, estuvieron dos meses en ese país en un curso de inmersión total para aprender español. (Abajo) La Iglesia de Santa Ana en Costa Rica, en la cual los tres seminaristas atendían a la Santa Misa todos los días durante su estadía en el país centro americano.

Cesar Hurtado

Amor, no odio

N

ormalmente no utilizo el transporte público. No es que lo no lo necesite, ni que me encuentre a gusto manejando, sino que las rutas se me hacen un poco complicadas e inútiles para transportarme a donde necesito llegar.

Gracias a Dios, una ruta que si me ha sacado muchas veces de apuros es la que me lleva al taller mecánico que arregla los coches de la familia en South Boulevard.

Cuando debía dejar el carro, quiero decir, a mi querida Carlota -así llamamos de cariño en casa a mi vieja nave- en manos de su médico de cabecera, podría tomar un bus y luego el tren ligero para retornar a casa.

Ese transporte público me permitió hace ya algún tiempo llevar a casa a Carlota y, en el autobús camino al tren, desnudar mis ocultos prejuicios, revelar las marcas con las que señalo a las personas y las terribles etiquetas que estampo sobre otros seres humanos, a los que se me enseñó a amar como a mi mismo.

Todavía no hacía el calor que nos consume en estos meses de verano.

Eran casi las siete y media.

Después de esperar el autobús, que siempre llega puntual de acuerdo a los letreritos que colocan en el poste del paradero, subí y me sente en los asientos de atrás.

Me llamo la atención un hombre afroamericano, robusto, con cara de pocos amigos y bien abrigado con un overall de trabajo color marrón. Estaba sentado en unas bancas laterales, casi detrás de la conductora, otra afroamericana con uniforme impecable y peinada con trencitas.

Otros dos o tres pasajeros, no recuerdo bien, éramos todos los viajeros que soñolientos revisábamos nuestros teléfonos celulares.

Cuando me di cuenta el bus no se movía. Había subido un muchacho blanco, joven. No se le veía mal. Sus ropas y maneras no demostraban ninguna carencia.

Al poner atención, pude ver que el joven hablaba con la conductora.

Al parecer le faltaba dinero para pagar el boleto. En sus ropas buscaba las monedas que no tenía y miraba hacia dentro del bus, como buscando si alguien podía ayudarle.

Pensé entonces: “Otro más.

Aunque no parece, seguro que debe

ser alguno de los muchachos que piden dinero para su droga”, para luego sentenciar. “Ah no… A mi no me la hace… No tengo dinero y menos para su vicio”. Entonces me desentendí de la historia, volví a mi teléfono y me hice el ocupado.

Pero con el rabillo del ojo seguía la acción para ver como lo echaban del bus.

Cuando en eso lo veo entrar para pedir dinero. Y el primero a quien debía pedir era al afroamericano grande con cara de malo. “Este no le va a dar ni medio”, me dije, y rematé: “A quién le pide!”.

Lo que pasó después fue sorprendente.

Contra lo que esperaba, el afroamericano le dio unas monedas.

Luego, el joven fue a pagar, pero todavía no le alcanzaba.

Entonces el afroamericano lo llamó y le dio un billete. El joven le estaba entregando, a cambio, todas las monedas que tenía. Pero su generoso benefactor le dijo: “está bien hermano, tómalo, no hay problema”.

Entonces todo estalló en mi. La vergüenza me fulminó. No solo había prejuzgado sino que también había juzgado y condenado a mis semejantes.

Había señalado a dos hermanos a los que ni siquiera conocía. Y la grandeza de espíritu de los dos me señaló, me apuntó, me tocó.

Entonces recordé algo que leí en una oficina: “Las personas nacen amando, el odio se aprende”.

Y el prejuicio es odio. Es una idea negativa. No aprendemos acaso a recelar de los afroamericanos, de los blancos pueblerinos, de los árabes, de los asiáticos y hasta de nosotros mismos, los hispanos? No es que estamos creando una cultura de odio y no de amor?

Malos y buenos los encontraremos en todos los grupos raciales, en pobres y ricos, en sanos y enfermos, en homosexuales y heterosexuales.

Y Dios nos manda amar a todos.

Recordemos la grandeza del amor: “Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que dio a Su Hijo único, para que todo aquél que cree en Él, no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna,” (Juan 3:16).

CÉSAR HURTADO, productor audiovisual graduado en la Universidad de Lima, es miembro de la Iglesia San Gabriel en Charlotte y periodista para HOLA Noticias en Charlotte.

FOTOS PROPORCIONADAS POR LOS DIÁCONOS CHRISTOPHER BOND Y BRIAN BECKER

Futuros sacerdotes Anglos se preparan para Ministerio Hispano aprendiendo español durante vacaciones de verano RICO DE SILVA HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Como parte de la misión pastoral de la Iglesia en Carolina del Norte, a todos los seminaristas de habla-inglesa de la Diócesis de Charlotte, que han completado su segundo año de teología en el seminario, se les requiere que aprendan español durante el verano antes de comenzar su tercer año de teología.

Tres de los cuatro diáconos transicionales, que fueron ordenados por el Obispo Peter Jugis en Junio del corriente, los Diáconos Brian Becker, Christopher Bond y Christian Cook, tuvieron la oportunidad de ir a la Escuela de Español Conversa en Santa Ana, Costa Rica, el pasado verano del 2015. Estos seminaristas pasaron dos meses en el país centro americano en un programa de inmersión para aprender el español, y así poder ser pastores para el gran número de Hispanos que actualmente viven en la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Los seminaristas también tuvieron la oportunidad de asistir a la Santa Misa diariamente durante su estadía en Santa Ana. “El párroco de la Iglesia de Santa Ana nos dio la bienvenida y nos dio la oportunidad también de servir durante la Misa diariamente,” dijo el Diacono Becker.

El Diacono Bond agregó que “el aprender otro idioma abre la puerta y nos brinda la oportunidad de comunicarnos con un nuevo mundo de personas.” El Diacono Bond también dijo que el haber aprendido el suficiente español en el programa Conversa le dará la oportunidad de comunicarse con “el alma de sus futuros fieles (Hispanos), y ser un doctor del alma, y administrar los sacramentos y dar consejos a ellos.”

El Diacono Christian Cook, quien sirvió este verano en la Parroquia de San John Neumann en Charlotte, tuvo la oportunidad de utilizar y practicar el español durante las Misas en español en esa parroquia los domingos a las 12:30. “Cuando me asignaron aquí en San John

Neumann le pedí al Párroco que me dejara predicar en español, y eso era algo que él quería que yo hiciera de todos modos,” dijo el Diacono Cook. “Estaba un poco nervioso al principio, y tuve que practicar mucho, pero esto fue algo que me ha hecho esforzarme y practicar mi español más. La comunidad Hispana aquí en San Juan Neumann me han dado una gran bienvenida y han tenido mucha paciencia con mi español.”

El Padre Fidel Melo, Vicario Diocesano del Ministerio Hispano, agregó que el Beato Papa Pablo VI en su documento Evangelii Nuntiandi (Diciembre 8, 1975), hablando acerca de la misión evangelizadora de la Iglesia dijo que, “evangelizar constituye la dicha y vocación propia de la Iglesia, su identidad más profunda.

Ella existe para evangelizar.” El Padre Melo expresó gratitud por la iniciativa de formación sacerdotal que la diócesis ha implementado, “Es por eso que los futuros pastores de la Iglesia están llamados a una inmersión-encarnación en la cultura y lengua de sus destinatarios para poder, desde ahí, más eficazmente entregar el gozoso mensaje de la Buena Nueva, siguiendo así el ejemplo de Nuestro divino Redentor que se encarnó, para poder hablarnos desde nuestro lenguaje humano.”

El Padre Melo concluyó, “Es así que a los candidatos al sacerdocio se les ofrece la oportunidad de aprender y entender la lengua y cultura de aquellos a quienes servirán en su llamado a la vida consagrada.”

Mix 10

catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

It’s a very tall tale, but a pleasantly fanciful one, directed at a gentle pace by David Lowery.

Apparent premarital cohabitation, potentially frightening action sequences, mild oaths.

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

‘Florence Foster Jenkins’

‘Pete’s Dragon’ The classic boy-and-his-dog story assumes outsized proportions in this generally warmhearted fantasy adventure, a “reimagining” of the 1977 Disney musical. This go-round, song and dance have been jettisoned, and hokeyness gives way to thrilling action and tear-jerking moments. Orphaned by a tragic accident, a toddler (Levi Alexander) wanders into a remote forest in the Pacific Northwest where he’s raised by a friendly green dragon possessing the habits and charm of a basset hound. Six years on, the pair (its human half now played by Oakes Fegley) are discovered by a kindly forest ranger (Bryce Dallas Howard) and her sympathetic woodcarver father (Robert Redford), who then try to keep a trigger-happy hunter (Wes Urban) from capturing the beast.

Moral complications limit the appropriate audience for director Stephen Frears’ charmingly eccentric, fact-based profile of the titular New York socialite (Meryl Streep) whose yearning to take to the stage as a singer of operatic arias and similar works, though motivated by a genuine love of music, was undercut by her spectacular lack of talent.

Protecting her from the truth about her voice, which is, in fact, excruciating to a point that’s unavoidably comic, becomes a full-time job for her husband (Hugh Grant), a failed British actor.

Possibly acceptable for especially insightful older teens. Mature themes, including adultery and venereal disease, a morning-after bedroom scene, vague references to homosexuality, profanity, crude and crass language.

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

‘Suicide Squad’ A lurid atmosphere marks this initially stylish but ultimately ridiculous and chaotic DC comics-based adventure. A hard-bitten intelligence agent (Viola Davis) assembles a team of violent villains (most prominently Will Smith and Margot Robbie), places them under the command of the military’s leading special ops warrior (Joel Kinnaman), and compels them to take on an evil specter whose campaign of

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destruction has forced the evacuation of an entire city. Pervasive action violence but with minimal gore, scenes of debased sensuality, a couple of uses of profanity, much crude and crass language.

CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: PG-13

‘Nine Lives’ The formidable Kevin Spacey wanders through this wreck of a comedy playing a callous business tycoon who learns important life lessons when he’s forced, temporarily, to inhabit the body of a cat. This transformation, brought about in fulfillment of some dark hints about the mogul’s future made by the vaguely mysterious pet shop owner (Christopher Walken) from whom he purchased the feline as a birthday gift for his young daughter (Malina Weissman), enables him to hear what his family, which also includes his second wife (Jennifer Garner) and his grown son (Robbie Amell) from his previous marriage (to Cheryl Hines), really think of him. A suicide theme, some adult wordplay, profanity and crass language, nonhuman scatological humor.

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

‘Indignation’ Challenging drama, set in the early 1950s, in which a young Jewish man (Logan Lerman) wins a scholarship to an elite college where he forms an unusual bond with an emotionally troubled fellow student (Sarah Gadon) and butts heads with the school’s traditionally minded dean (Tracy Letts).

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

On TV n Saturday, Aug. 20, 8-10 p.m. (EWTN) “Edith Stein: The Seventh Chamber.” The life of Jewish philosopher and Catholic convert Edith Stein, martyred by the Nazis in 1942. n Sunday, Aug. 21, 1-3 p.m. (Lifetime) “Gimme Shelter”. Vanessa Hudgens stars in this fact-based drama as a neglected teen who flees the inner-city custody of her drug-addicted, emotionally unstable mother (Rosario Dawson) and takes up residence with her estranged, wealthy father (Brendan Fraser). But the initially cold reception she receives from her stepmom (Stephanie Szostak) only gets chillier when it emerges that the runaway is pregnant.

Though pressured to have an abortion, she insists on keeping her child, a resolution that’s reinforced when she comes under the influence of a kindly priest (James Earl Jones) and the founder (Ann Dowd) of a home for expectant adolescents. A strong pro-life message undergirds writer-director Ron Krauss’ touching film, which is further bolstered by a passionate performance from Hudgens. Possibly acceptable for older teens. CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n Saturday, Aug. 27, 11 p.m.-midnight (EWTN) “Healing Power: An Inspirational Story About Father Patrick Power.” This special examines the life of Father Patrick Power – to whose grave pilgrims flock seeking miraculous healings.

Invites You

22nd Annual Fundraising Banquet

“Gifts of Mercy”

Women Through the Centuries September 9-10, December 9-10, February 10 -11, April 7-8 Sister Susan Schorsten, HM & Sister Gay Rowzie, HM Who have been some of the women on whose shoulders we stand? We will come to know some of these women – women who have been saints and sinners, prophets and visionaries, women like us who have made a difference in their families and neighborhoods. We will become acquainted with some of these women who have gone before us, from the first to the twenty-first century.

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

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

$50 each session $40 additional each weekend for Friday night lodging (includes room, Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast)

Featured Speaker ~ Kerri Caviezel We welcome guest speaker, Kerri Caviezel, a teacher, coach, and passionate pro-life advocate who has devoted her life to working with youth and spreading the pro-life message. With many years of teaching experience, speaking on issues concerning the Sanctity of Life became a natural outgrowth to spread a preventative message of help, hope, and truth through conferences and other venues around the globe. Kerri stated that the program and care provided to pregnant mothers and their babies at MiraVia is “truly an amazing ‘Gift of Mercy.’” Kerri is married and has three children.

Charlotte Convention Center v Crown Ballroom Thursday, October 20, 2016 Registration/Reception, 5:30 pm – Seating for Dinner, 6:15 pm

Reservations are free but REQUIRED To make a reservation or to host a table of (8-10) go to http://miraviabanquet22.eventbrite.com OR contact Banquet Reservations at (704) 525-4673, ext. 10

by October 10, 2016 MiraVia, Inc. is a Catholic non-profit maternity and after-care program serving women and their children in the Charlotte, N.C. region. All material support and services are offered free of charge to clients. Please visit our website, www.mira-via.org, for more information.

August 19, 2016

A S P EC I A L E D I T I O N O F T H E C AT H O L I C N E W S H E R A L D

MOVING IN

CREATING AWARENESS

St. Pius X School readies to open DeJoy Primary Education Center

Charlotte Catholic grad uses camera to give voice to the silent, forgotten

FIXING UP

FUNDING PROJECTS

Schools get much-needed repairs over the summer

Foundations in Charlotte, Triad area support teachers, students

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

Principal Ann Flynt stands amid the new preschool playground outside the DeJoy Primary Education Center, which will house a new pre-kindergarten program as well as kindergarten and first-grade students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro.

The center has been uniquely designed from the ground up to meet the needs of younger students.

PHOTOS BY GEORGIANNA PENN | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Pius X School readies to open DeJoy Primary Education Center GEORGIANNA PENN CORRESPONDENT

GREENSBORO — Aug. 22 will be a particularly special day at St. Pius X School, when the doors of its state-of-theart DeJoy Primary Education Center will open wide to welcome students. The DeJoy Primary Education Center will house a new pre-kindergarten program, as well as kindergarten and first grade.

A quality pre-kindergarten program is increasingly in demand in the Greensboro community, and new Principal Ann Flynt notes that enrollment at the DeJoy Primary Education Center is filling up quickly – with enrollment at 80 percent of the center’s 154-student capacity.

“There are lots of benefits to pre-K,” Flynt says. “You start the educational process at the very beginning, so the ability to provide that Catholic education – the spiritual learning as well as the academic learning from the earliest time on – is fabulous.

“It also allows for families to bring their kids here, all in one place, so they’re not having to drive across town to go to another school. That’s really a benefit.”

After a year of construction, the 22,885-square-foot building is nearly ready to house two pre-K classrooms, as well as two kindergarten classrooms and two firstgrade classrooms. There is also a separate pre-K and kindergarten playground at the center, which is named for Louis DeJoy and his wife, Dr. Aldona Wos, among the most generous benefactors on the project.

The $3.6 million center is part of the parish’s three-year “Making a Place to Gather and Grow” campaign and was combined under the auspices of the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign. St. Pius X parishioners have raised more than $6.2 million of the $8.6 million campaign, which is also funding a new 23,477-square-foot Parish Life Center for the growing parish of more than 1,800 registered families.

The DeJoy Primary Education Center has been uniquely

designed from the ground up to meet students’ needs, Flynt notes.

“The space is dedicated for younger students,” she says.

Everything is designed for the littlest children and “the space is meant for their size,” she says, from dual staircase railings to water fountains and sinks, furniture, smart boards that are low to the floor, restrooms, cubby spaces and hallway benches.

It has space for small-group instruction, a large assembly room, collaboration space between classrooms, a dedicated playground, acoustical panels in the hallways to buffer noise, large floor-to-ceiling windows that allow in generous amounts of natural light, along with other features to support a constructive and natural learning environment.

“A unique and positive part about the design is it’s so open,” adds building committee chairman Tom Martin.

“The classrooms are bright and spacious, the hallways provide plenty of room for movement, and there’s a wide monumental staircase that adds a lot of interest to the building.”

Even the furniture at the DeJoy Primary Education Center has special features to ensure a comfortable learning environment. There are “ergonomically designed chairs throughout the whole school building,” Flynt says. These ergonomic chairs can rock and are great for active students, who can focus more attentively while still wanting to move when seated. Each classroom also has Hokki stools, which feature rollers underneath to allow for slight movement while seated. “You can sit for a longer period of time and it helps with attention span,” Flynt explains.

“Just from a teacher’s standpoint, I love the space that we’re going to have,” says kindergarten teacher Janet Logan, who has worked at St. Pius X School for 16 years.

“I do a lot of small group learning,” she says, and the ST. PIUS, SEE PAGE 9

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

MACS schools unveil new websites, social media KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — As students return to school with shiny new bookbags and uniforms, parents and prospective families in the Charlotte area will also see shiny new websites and new, more robust social media presences.

Focusing on clean, easy-to-navigate websites with more information was a focus for Jennifer Harris, marketing director for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools, when she worked to update more than a half dozen school websites this summer.

The websites look different to fit each school’s colors and brand, but they follow a similar navigation and have the same customer service features, including registering and scheduling a tour.

Those are two features Sheila Levesque, principal at St. Michael School in Gastonia, said she’s seeing great response to with her school’s new website.

“It’s been remarkable,” she said to the response to the new www.stmichaelcs. com. “It’s working really well for us. We’ve been receiving a lot of tour inquires and requests because of the website, especially after we linked it to our Facebook page.”

More current families are also starting to use the website and Facebook page, Levesque said, which is linked from the school’s Edline communication system.

This school year, Levesque said she plans on using the Facebook page as another tool to communicate directly to families. The plan is to post pictures from school events and games, reminders, open house information and news from the schools.

“It’s also another reminder to parents to go to the website as well,” she said.

The new websites have easier to find web addresses, better search engine recognition and consistent branding with their new social media channels, Harris said. While not all of the schools are on social media, some have started with an official Facebook page this year.

Others added Instagram and Twitter.

MACS has also created its own landing page at www.discovermacs. org for marketing and advertising purposes where prospective families can access admissions information, as well as a Facebook page at facebook.com/ discovermacs, where information about all the schools is being shared.

Check out the new websites and follow the schools on social media: n Charlotte Catholic High School: www.gocchs.com; facebook.com/gocchs; Instagram: gocchs; Twitter: @gocchs n Christ the King High School: www. ctkchs.org; facebook.com/ctkhigh; Instagram: ctkgram; Twitter: @ctkchs n Holy Trinity Middle School: www.htcms. org; facebook.com/htbulldogs n Our Lady of the Assumption School: www.olacatholic.org n St. Ann School: www.stanncatholic.org n St. Gabriel School: www. stgabrielcatholicschool.org; facebook.com/ stgabejaguars; Instagram: stgabejaguars; Twitter: @stgabejaguars n St. Mark School: www.stmarkcatholicschool.net; facebook.com/saintmarklions n St. Matthew School: www. stmattwildcats.com; facebook.com/ stmattwildcats; Instagram: stmattwildcats; Twitter: @stmattwildcats n St. Michael School: www.stmichaelcs. com; facebook.com/smcstigers n St. Patrick School: www. saintpatrickschool.org

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Holy Trinity Middle School campus sees major overhaul CHARLOTTE — The Holy Trinity Middle School campus has gone through a major transformation this summer. The campus, which once housed Charlotte Catholic High School, was in need of an overhaul to better meet the needs of the staff, students and families who frequent the school during the academic year.

Most noticeable from the outside is the stadium and roadway project, which involved building approximately 600 feet of retaining wall adjacent to the athletic field along Park Road. It was built to accommodate more onPHOTO COURTESY OF HOLY TRINITY MIDDLE SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE campus parking and to allow A June 2016 aerial view of the construction at Holy Trinity Middle School on Park Road. for more traffic lanes to help with carpool flow during the busy morning and afternoon time frames.

A total of 124 parking spaces are now available for staff and visitors – an increase of nearly 50 spaces.

Three carpool lanes, instead of two, are set to open Aug. 24 and 25 when students return to campus.

Other campus repairs include new sidewalks alongside the Mercy building to replace older, narrow sidewalks that were in need of repair. The entrance to the Mercy building and the administration building also received a facelift.

The Holy Trinity sports stadium is also undergoing a transformation. It will house a new press box and bleacher seating for over 300 spectators.

A private donor primarily funded the stadium expansion and roadway improvements.

The diocesan Properties Office said it hopes to have the roadway infrastructure in place for use by Aug. 24.

Any remaining items pertaining to the stadium are slated to be completed by late October.

Another project to expand the Student Activity Center, which houses the gymnasium and cafeteria, was recently completed. Begun last year, the up-fit work included an addition to the gymnasium building that features a wider staircase and elevator for improved handicapped accessibility; larger, brighter lobby; renovated restrooms; and improved concessions area.

The renovation also included improvements on the ground floor. Students now have double the space inside the cafeteria for lunch periods, as well as new canvas awnings outside to offer a shady spot to eat lunch. There are also new restrooms adjacent to the cafeteria.

The $1.5 million renovation by Edison Foard Construction was funded through the MACS Capital Fund.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Catholic schools, Campus Ministry facilities repaired over the summer CHARLOTTE — Each summer the Diocese of Charlotte Properties office does a tremendous amount of work around the diocesan schools and Campus Ministry buildings to prepare for the reopening of the facilities in the fall.

This summer has been especially busy, as Properties’ employees worked to replace carpet, paint walls, conduct annual maintenance and replace furniture at some of the schools.

There were more than 40 projects on the to-do list this summer.

Funds from the diocesan-wide “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign were also used at three Campus Ministry locations for much-needed repairs to their facilities: n At Appalachian State University in Boone, interior and exterior repairs and maintenance were performed on the Campus Ministry building. The building was painted, new appliances were installed in the kitchen, and air conditioning units were added. n At A&T University in Greensboro, similar interior and exterior repairs and maintenance were done. In addition, the facility needed new paint, decking boards at the entrance were replaced to improve safety, and kitchen upgrades were done. n At the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a building on the St. Thomas Aquinas Church campus adjacent to the university was renovated to allow for offices, a kitchen, dining area, gathering area and restrooms for Campus Ministry staff and students.

There are also plans under consideration to

Did you know?

The Diocese of Charlotte Schools welcomes students of all backgrounds, even as most of its students are Catholic and the school system strives to inculcate the beliefs and values of the Catholic Church.

Catholic: 90.7% Non-Catholic: 9.3% Boys: 50.5% Girls: 49.5% Asian: 0.5% Black: 3% Caucasian: 95% Multi-race: 1% Native American: 0.5%

By the numbers 99% of graduates of Bishop McGuinness, Charlotte Catholic and Christ the King high schools continue on to higher education.

Scholarships awarded last year: Bishop McGuinness: $6,218,700 Charlotte Catholic: $13,184,026

PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

The Boosters and Student Council of Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville recently made possible this sign in memory of the school’s late principal, George Repass. The sign at the athletics fields features one of his most remembered quotes.

The 2016 Senior Class also dedicated a George Repass Memorial Garden at the end of last school year. renovate the Campus Ministry building at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee in the near future.

So far, a total of approximately $300,000 from the “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign has been used for these improvements.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Christ the King: About $2.3 million

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

It takes a big HEART to shape young minds.

Catholic schools welcome four new principals SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Four Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte will welcome new principals this fall. Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville, St. Gabriel School in Charlotte, St. Pius X School in Greensboro and St. Leo School in WinstonSalem will all have new leaders.

BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL

At Bishop McGuinness, Tracy Shaw, former assistant principal, fills the position left vacant after beloved longtime principal George Repass passed away unexpectedly last November. Shaw is a 20-year veteran of Catholic schools in the Charlotte diocese and served as a teacher at St. Pius X School before moving to Bishop McGuinness in a leadership role.

Her goals for the school include “building upon what George has done and making it even better,” she said. Shaw also plans to increase collaboration among students, teachers and parents and to more fully integrate technology into the academics of the school.

ST. GABRIEL SCHOOL

At Sacred Heart School, we believe children are one of our greatest

assets. Let us help you prepare your child for the academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of Kindergarten, Elementary

and Middle School. We have a long tradition of great success - since 1882 in Rowan County.

We currently have limited openings in our Prekindergarten, Kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms for 2016-2017.

Come visit, tour our campus and see what SHCS can do for your child’s development.

Call 704-633-2841 or email us at shcsnews@gmail.com for more information.

385 Lumen Christi Lane | Salisbury, NC 28147 www.salisburycatholic.org/school

St. Gabriel School welcomes Michele Snoke as principal this year. She assumes the role after principal Sharon Broxterman retired after 30 years in the diocesan Catholic schools system. Snoke served as assistant principal for the past seven years.

Snoke, her husband and two daughters (MACS students) have lived in Charlotte since 2004 and are parishioners at St. Gabriel Church.

“I feel blessed to be a stakeholder of the Diocese of Charlotte, as a parent watching my daughters receive an amazing education from Catholic elementary, middle, and now high school, and as an educator and administrator in the Catholic schools system,” Snoke said.

“To my new and returning St. Gabriel families, I would first say thank you for all of your support and confidence in my leadership abilities to continue to strive to provide academic and spiritual success to all my students. I’m looking forward to a great school year.”

ST. PIUS X SCHOOL

Ann Flynt, assistant principal at St. Pius X School for the past seven years, was also recently named principal. Flynt has been an educator in the Greensboro area for two decades.

Flynt replaces Anne Knapke, who is relocating with her family to Pennsylvania.

St. Pius X is a K-8 school and will be adding a pre-kindergarten class in a new building this fall.

Flynt said she is “excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to work with wonderful professionals in both the church and school community, and to make a positive difference in lives of students.”

ST. LEO SCHOOL

Joanne Brown will serve as the new principal of St. Leo School. Brown has a Master of Arts in educational administration and a Master of Education in special needs learners. She has extensive teaching experience at the elementary level and has enjoyed successful leadership opportunities that have enabled her to initiate program development for academic growth, lead professional development and support environments of optimum learning.

“I am looking forward to joining the St. Leo Catholic School community as we continue the tradition of excellence in program development and high quality instruction,” Brown said. “I am truly blessed to join in the commitment to serve our students fostering gospel values and assuring learning for each child.”

— Melissa Kinsley contributed.

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

Our school principals

Joanne Brown St. Leo School

Deborah Butler St. Mark School

Meredith Canning Immaculata School

Frank Cardelle Sacred Heart School

Brendan Keane Christ the King High School

Ann Flynt St. Pius X School

Sheila Levesque St. Michael School

Kathy McKinney St. Ann School

Michael Miller Asheville Catholic School

Debbie Mixer St. Patrick School

Kevin O’Herron St. Matthew School

Amy Pagano Our Lady of Grace School

Kevin Parks Holy Trinity Middle School

Allana-Rae Ramkissoon Our Lady of the Assumption School

Greg Roberts Immaculate Heart of Mary School

Sister Geri Rogers, S.S.J. Our Lady of Mercy School

Tracy A. Shaw Bishop McGuinness High School

Michele Snoke St. Gabriel School

Kurt Telford Charlotte Catholic High School

Part-Time Elementary Music Teacher • Position to begin August 2016 • Must have Music Teaching Experience Please send application and resume to: Frank Cardelle – Principal Sacred Heart Catholic School 385 Lumen Christi Lane – Salisbury, NC 28147 fcardelle@salisburycatholic.org

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iiiAugust 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

CATHOLIC NEWS HER

Our Cathol

The Diocese of Charlotte School System is comprise Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), diocesan pa

Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Mission Statement The Mission of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Charlotte is to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel and to provide a religious and academic program that allows each student to develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially, so that each is prepared to live and serve in a changing society as a selfrespecting citizen.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27127; 336-722-7204 www.ourladyofmercyschool.org Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 204 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 for PK, 15:1 for K-8 Upcoming open houses: 5-7 p.m. Jan. 18, 2017; 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 1; 5-7 p.m.

Feb. 16; and 9 a.m.-noon March 7

2. Founded on Christian anthropology 3. Animated by communion and community

2200 North Elm St., G 27408; 336-273-986 www.spxschool.com Ann Flynt, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 455 Student-teacher ratio Upcoming open house 11 a.m. Nov. 2; and (PK Feb. 1, 2017

Sacred H

This includes 9 schools serving kindergarten through eighth grade and, in some instances, preschool. While each school is part of the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools, they are directly tied to, and administered by, a corresponding parish. For admissions details, contact the individual school.

Asheville Catholic School 12 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804; 828-252-7896 www.ashevillecatholic.org Michael Miller, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 168 Student-teacher ratio: 19:1

4. Imbued with a Catholic worldview throughout its curriculum 5. Sustained by Gospel witness — From: “The Holy See’s Teaching On Catholic Schools,” Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B.

St. Pius X Cathol

333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104; 336-748-8252 www.stleocatholic.com Joanne Brown, principal Grades: PS-8 Enrollment: 237 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

Diocesan Parish-based Schools

5 essential marks of a Catholic school 1. Inspired by a supernatural vision

St. Leo Catholic School

Immaculata Catholic School 711 N. Buncombe St., Hendersonville, NC 28791; 828-693-3277 www.immac.org Meredith Canning, principal Grades: PK (ages 3-4), K-8 Enrollment: 150 Upcoming open house: 1-3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19

NOTE: ENROLLMENT NUMBERS ARE FOR THE PRIOR ACADEMIC YEAR OR AS REPORTED BY THE SCHOOL. SOURCES INCLUDE THE EDUCATION VICARIATE’S WEBSITE AT WWW.CHARLOTTEDIOCESE.ORG, DIOCESAN SCHOOLS STAFF, AND THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL WEBSITES. STUDENT-TEACHER RATIOS ARE APPROXIMATE AVERAGES, AS REPORTED BY EACH SCHOOL. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HEATHER MOELLER AND FROM CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ARCHIVES.

385 Lumen 704-633-2 www.salisb Frank Card Grades: PK Enrollment Student-te

St. Michael Catholic School 704 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia, NC 28052; 704-865-4382 www.stmichaelcs.com Sheila Levesque, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 150 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 for K-5, 18:1 for 6-8 Upcoming open houses: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 23; 9-11 a.m. Oct. 25; and 1-3 p.m. Jan. 29, 2017

RALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

lic Schools

Leadership

ed of 19 schools operating in three separate formats: arish-based schools and a diocesan-based high school.

lic School

Greensboro, NC 65

o: 15:1 es: (PK-1) 9:30K-8) 9:30-11 a.m.

Diocesan High School

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 201 South Chapman St., Greensboro, NC 27403; 336-275-1522 www.olgsch.org Amy Pagano, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 259 Student-teacher ratio: 12:1

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville serves the Triad area of North Carolina.

Bishop McGuinness High School

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School 4145 Johnson St., High Point, NC 27265; 336-887-2613 www.ihm-school.com Greg Roberts, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 211 Student-teacher ratio: 8:1

Heart Catholic School

1725 N.C. Hwy. 66 South, Kernersville, NC 27284; 336-564-1010 www.bmhs.us Tracy A. Shaw, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 446 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Upcoming open house: 7 p.m. Nov. 9

n Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147; 2841 burycatholic.org/school delle, principal K (ages 3-4), K-8 t: 216 eacher ratio: 8:1

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) A centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte area that includes 9 schools (2 high schools, a middle school, 6 elementary schools, some with PK and TK, and 2 K-8 schools). Tuition for participating Catholics ranges from $3,523 for half-day PK to $9,633 for high school. For admissions info, call 704-370-3273.

Christ the King Catholic High School

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School

2011 Crusader Way, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-799-4400 www.ctkchs.org Brendan Keane, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 228 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

4225 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215; 704-531-0067 www.olacatholic.org Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, principal Grades: PK-8 Enrollment: 153 Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

Charlotte Catholic High School

St. Ann Catholic School

7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226; 704-543-1127 www.gocchs.com Kurt Telford, principal Grades: 9-12 Enrollment: 1,246 Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

600 Hillside Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-525-4938 www.stanncatholic.org Kathy McKinney, principal Grades: PK, TK and K-5 Enrollment: 184 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School

St. Gabriel Catholic School

3100 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209; 704-527-7822 www.htcms.org Kevin Parks, principal Grades: 6-8 Enrollment: 868 Student-teacher ratio: 14:1

3028 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211; 704-366-2409 www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org Michele Snoke, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 559 Student-teacher ratio: 16:1

Open houses MACS will hold open houses on:

n Sunday, Oct. 23, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. n Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 9 to 11 a.m.

St. Mark Catholic School 14750 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078; 704-766-­5000 www.stmarkcatholicschool.net Deborah Butler, principal Grades: K-8 Enrollment: 710 Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

St. Matthew Catholic School 11525 Elm Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277; 704-544-2070 www.stmattwildcats.com Kevin O’Herron, principal Grades: TK-5 Enrollment: 575 Student-teacher ratio: 17:1

St. Patrick Catholic School 1125 Buchanan St., Charlotte, NC 28203; 704-333-3174 www.saintpatrickschool.org Debbie Mixer, principal Grades: K-5 Enrollment: 261 Student-teacher ratio: 12:1

The diocesan school system is overseen by Vicar of Education Father Roger K. Arnsparger and led by Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent of schools. Kathleen Miller is assistant superintendent of schools, and Jacqueline Durrett is director of educational technology and special projects.

Lay leadership is provided by an appointed diocesan school board comprised of parents, teachers and principals. MACS also has its own appointed school board.

Accreditation All of the diocese’s 19 schools are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI), a division of AdvancEd. AdvancEd is the world’s largest education community, serving more than 30,000 public and private schools and districts across the United States and in more than 70 countries that educate more than 16 million students.

Admissions, tuition The admissions process begins with early admissions in January and general admissions in March, continuing as space is available.

Tuition rates and fees vary by school and by grade, with diocesan parishbased schools setting their own tuition rates and MACS schools having a uniform set of rates. MACS tuition rates for the 2015-’16 year are posted online at schools.charlottediocese.net/macs/ admissions/tuition.

All of the schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases. Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from $3,100 to $9,600 for registered Catholics, with nonparticipating Catholics and nonCatholics paying higher amounts.

Multiple child discounts are available.

For MACS schools, go to the diocesan schools’ webpage, schools. charlottediocese.net, to learn more and download application information, or call 704-370-3273. Admission information for each diocesan parishbased school and at Bishop McGuinness High School can be found on their websites.

Prospective parents are encouraged to attend open houses at the school or schools they are eyeing. (Some upcoming open house dates are featured for each school at left.)

Tuition assistance Have you ever considered Catholic education for your children but wondered if it was within your reach?

A Catholic education may be more accessible than you realize, with needsbased tuition assistance available to qualified Catholics. For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3273 or go online to schools. charlottediocese.net/macs/admissions/ tuitionassistance.

The diocesan parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

Charlotte Catholic graduate creates awareness for non-profits with Silent Images SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

MATTHEWS — David Johnson left a teaching position he enjoyed at a local private school to embark on a new career path 10 years ago. Johnson, a 1994 graduate of Charlotte Catholic High School and UNC-Chapel Hill, stepped away from teaching English to pursue his passion for storytelling – through the eyes of a camera.

“For years I spent every summer serving different non-profits and ministries in a variety of ways,” Johnson recalls.

“One of the ways I helped was writing. I always brought my camera. I became an amateur journalist for a lot of the smaller ministries. After several summers of doing that I felt the call and really just saw the need.

“It’s a beautiful blend when those two come together, when you see a need in the world and you simultaneously receive a call from the Lord to go and meet that need.”

His first project landed him in Darfur, Sudan. Johnson documented the genocide there for a nonprofit ministry.

“That was our pilot project. We didn’t have a name or anything yet. I was just kind of carrying my camera around and taking notes and telling the stories. It was there that things formalized for me as to what I wanted to do,” he remembers.

When he came back from Sudan, Johnson gathered other Christian photographers and filmmakers to create a nonprofit and serve the impoverished.

Johnson says Proverbs 31:8, “Open your mouth in behalf of the mute, and for the rights of the destitute,” became the foundational verse for the mission of his nonprofit ministry, Silent Images.

“That is why we use our cameras to speak out and tell stories for ministries around the world,” he says. “I always loved photography and creative writing. I was always dabbling in the arts one way or the other. I took some classes in college but I am mostly self-taught.”

Johnson notes that the work that Silent Images does employs the gifts of each team member to help others.

“Anytime you use your gifts to help someone else, it’s more satisfying than any paycheck. The mission is much more rewarding than any paycheck,” he reiterates.

“It’s completely rewarding to offer someone an opportunity to share their story. In a culture that is noisy and fastpaced, we don’t take time to listen to each other’s stories. I think it is stories that connect us. Jesus used them. He always used stories to connect them to people.

They’re powerful.

“It’s such a dignifying experience to sit down with someone, whether they’re poor and in a desolate situation in the middle of Africa, or homeless here in Charlotte, or a victim of human trafficking. They all have a story. Many of them have a story of redemption.”

That’s one of Silent Images’ taglines: telling stories of hope in the midst of injustice.

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools

“The mass media love to tell stories of horror, division and chaos,” Johnson says.

“There’s more to the story. That’s just part of the bigger story that is unveiling. If we gravitate to that for too long, we become pretty hopeless. We almost forget that God’s hand is still in this story and He’s redeeming people in the midst of really hard situations.”

He explains that even though Silent Images might be telling stories of poverty, or oppression, or genocide, or human trafficking, or homelessness, “we are really looking for that silver lining, for those moments of hope, of those moments where God is taking people and restoring them and offering a different narrative to our world.”

He believes their work dignifies the people they depict. “Hopefully it glorifies God and pleases Him that those stories are being told. Ultimately, it also serves that ministry and opportunity and helps them tell their story better,” he says.

Johnson notes that Silent Images exists to make storytelling affordable to ministries.

They typically work on more than 150 projects per year, with 300 productions created as a result of those projects last year alone. They currently have 40 projects in the works around the world. They have an ongoing project in Burma and have satellite offices in South America and Africa.

“We’re getting ready to serve some Catholic nuns in Mexico. We also do work with the Pregnancy Resource Center in Charlotte. And we have told stories of refugees here in Charlotte,” Johnson says.

Silent Images donates the profits from photography exhibits and book sales to non-profits. So far they have given more than $75,000 to the non-profits they have helped.

Johnson is excited for the fall release of “Queen of Katwe,” a full-length Disney feature film on Phiona, a world champion chess player from the slums of Uganda.

Silent Images originally filmed her back in 2011 and was asked if they would provide

some of their footage to be used in the movie.

“We did the original production of that five years ago,” Johnson explains.

“We did the first video on Phiona. ESPN approached us and bought some footage from us, which was great. We were able to donate the money back to the chess camp.”

Silent Images is hoping to tell more stories going forward, Johnson says. In addition to photography and videography, he travels to schools and non-profits giving talks to students and people interested in making a difference in the lives of others.

“We would love to serve more nonprofits,” he says. “We’re always looking for more non-profits to help.”

Get more info WOULD YOUR nonprofit organization like to work with Silent Images? For more information, go to their website at www.silentimages.com.

Start With Us.Stay With Us. Faith Service Academic Excellence Technology STEM Engineering Award-Winning Band & Art Programs Championship-Winning Athletics 100% Graduation Rate

discovermacs.org Admissions: 704.370.3273 admissions@charlottediocese.org facebook.com/discovermacs

Charlotte Catholic High School Christ the King Catholic High School Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School St. Mark Catholic School Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School St. Ann Catholic School St. Gabriel Catholic School St. Matthew Catholic School St. Patrick Catholic School

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY PAGANO

David Johnson of Silent Images talks with students at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro last April about the importance of serving others, particularly to combat global poverty and to build social justice.

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

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ST. PIUS FROM PAGE 2

new space provides for a non-traditional style of learning where she can set up more personalized seating arrangements.

Preschool teacher Amy Weckworth says, “What I find most fascinating is starting out a brand new program incorporating all the different, developmentally appropriate practices. I can use them in all areas of growth: physical development, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, discovery, blocks, literacy. We plan on incorporating every area that you can think of into the classroom, in a real natural environment.”

Flynt emphasizes that the DeJoy Primary Education Center will enable St. Pius X School to focus on younger learners’ needs and then shepherd them through their elementary school years, with teachers working “together to make sure everything’s streamlined.”

“Knowing where (students) came from and where they need to go is really important,” she says, “to have that focus on the young learner, give them an awareness and a love of learning. The earlier you give them that, the better off they are.”

Because the kindergarten and first-grade classes are moving to the new building, space at St. Pius X School is being freed up for new uses, Flynt notes.

“The music program has a dedicated space now, we have two rooms now for Spanish, and our learning support’s moving into a bigger space,” she says.

A ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the DeJoy Primary Education Center is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13.

MACS Educational Foundation supports teachers, students The MACS Education Foundation serves more than 5,000 students, teachers and principals in the nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. Over the past 23 years, financial support from donors through the Educational Excellence Annual Campaign has allowed us to: equip principals with

monetary resources they need to allow their school to perform its best, encourage teachers to think creatively and share innovative ideas in the classroom, educate students in a variety of subjects such as religion, art, music, STEM, physical education and more.

Grants for Educational Excellence are offered to our teachers to recognize and support their creative initiative in providing our students with new and different avenues in which to learn. Financial support of up to $2,500 is offered per project, or two or more teachers may combine projects for up to $6,000. Grants are funded based on innovation, creativity, and the overall impact on the classroom experience.

Thanks to Catholic school supporters, Mary Kay Connery and Jack Peele received a Grant for Educational Excellence to incorporate robotics into their Technology and Engineering classes. This funding allowed their students to investigate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts through a series of handson activities using the Lego EV3 robots.

“Our students thoroughly enjoyed learning important STEM concepts through the EV3 robots,” Connery said.

“This grant funded program sparked their interest in pursuing a deeper knowledge of computer programming.”

While working with Lego EV3 robots, the students: n Designed and built programmable robots using engineering design process skills n Interpreted two-dimensional drawings

to create three-dimensional models n Built, tested, and revised designs to improve robot performance n Experienced cooperation with a team to communicate effectively using scientific and technical language n Learned about the core concepts of computer programming n Learned the role of troubleshooting, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving in Science The grant allowed Christ the King High School to double the number of students enrolled in the Technology Independent Study course from the previous school year. The blended learning model allowed students to learn about the EV3 robots independently and at their own pace. Instead of offering only one time slot each semester for the Technology Independent Study class, the school was able to offer three sections per semester.

The students worked with a high degree of autonomy and were able to collaborate

with their peers to overcome learning challenges encountered with robots.

When asked what she would say to MACS Education Foundation supporters, Connery said, “There is just no way for Jack and me to express our sincere appreciation to MACS Education Foundation supporters for providing the resources to purchase the EV3 Robot kits.

With limited financial resources, it would be a challenge for our school to purchase the kits. Since the kits are reusable, our students are going to benefit for years to come because of your kindness and generosity. We believe this grant has provided a high return on investment for our current and future students. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Learn more At www.macseducationfoundation.org: Learn more about the mission of the MACS Education Foundation, or call Director of Development Heather Moeller at 704-370-3303.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

Triad Schools Foundation funds needs at six area schools The TRIAD Catholic Schools Foundation’s mission is to enrich and expand Catholic education by raising funds for quality programs within the six schools in the Triad region. Through generous financial contributions from the 2015-2016 Foundations for Our Future Annual Giving Campaign supporters, these schools were able to:

BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL Provide tuition assistance for families seeking an exceptional Catholic education Grow the endowment to secure the long-term future of the school

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL Begin the design phase of the new Middle School playground area Provide storage and materials for the new science lab Purchase materials for Middle School STEM projects

OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL Build two brand new playgrounds for grades PK-8th Provide financial assistance to twice as many families this year as compared to last year Purchase mini iPads, wireless adapters for smartboards/projectors, and new technological resources for classrooms and professional development for teachers

OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL Provide tuition assistance to families in need Grow the endowment Provide students with innovative and challenging tools for learning

ST. LEO PARISH SCHOOL Provide tuition assistance to 23 families, which equates to 31 students Grow the endowment to $400,000 – 40 percent of the $1 million goal

ST. PIUS X SCHOOL Enhance instructional technology to better facilitate and inspire 21st century teaching and learning throughout the K-8 program Provide tuition assistance to support families

who could not otherwise afford a Catholic education for their children In addition, financial contributions to the 2016-2017 Foundations for Our Future Annual Giving Campaign will support:

BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL Tuition assistance The endowment

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL Tuition assistance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) tools and resources Playground equipment for middle schoolers

OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL Tuition assistance Professional development Curriculum resources for teachers

OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL Tuition assistance The endowment

ST. LEO PARISH SCHOOL Tuition assistance The endowment

ST. PIUS X SCHOOL Enhancements to instructional technology and curricular resources Tuition assistance Classroom furniture To donate to the TRIAD Catholic Schools Foundation, visit www. charlottediocese.thankyou4caring.org/ TRIADEducationFoundationDonations or mail checks to Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

For details, call Heather Moeller at 704370-3303.

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOLI

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College is 4 years... Your Catholic faith is 4-ever!

Off to college? Want to meet new lifetime friends? Look for Catholic Campus Ministry on your campus. They may have tables outside church and at club/organization fairs. Or they may be helping first-year students settle in their rooms or participating in the Week of Welcome (WOW) on your campus. Wherever they are, you are welcome to join them. Whether you are a first-year student or a senior, go to www.

CatholiconCampus.com and click on “Where Are You Going to College Next Year?” The Campus Minister at your college or university will receive your information and contact you.

Campus Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte serves college students throughout western North Carolina, enabling them to continue their faith journey as young adults. Campus Ministry encourages young adult Catholics to develop a closer relationship with God; continue forming their conscience within the teachings of our faith; build faith communities on campus; develop as future leaders and stewards for the Catholic community; and to engage in social justice-oriented learning and activities.

All Catholic students attending university or college in the diocese are welcome in the Catholic Campus Ministry community for support and opportunities to grow in their faith and put it into action.

Campuses served: Appalachian State University (with outreach to Lenoir-Rhyne University) Bennett College and North Carolina A&T (Thea House) Davidson College UNC-Asheville (with outreach to Warren Wilson College and Mars Hill College) UNC-Charlotte (with outreach to Queens University, Johnson C. Smith University, Wingate University, and Central Piedmont Community College) UNC-Greensboro (with outreach to Greensboro College, Guilford College, and High Point University) Wake Forest University (with outreach to Salem College) Western Carolina University

More online At www.catholiconcampus.com: Get more information about Catholic Campus Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANN KILKELLY

Students from UNC-Charlotte promoted Campus Ministry during last year’s Eucharistic Congress.

SAINT PIUS X CATHOLIC SCHOOL Employment Opportunities Kindergarten Teacher Join a caring, dynamic community of educators dedicated to teaching the whole child. St. Leo

• Christian Values Now offering full-day • High Academic Standing Pre-Kindergarten • NC Certified Faculty • Art, Band, Chorus, Theatre Productions through 8th grade • Extensive Athletics, Clubs, and Camp Programs Opening August 2016!

• Extended Day Program Before & After School New state-of-the-art DeJoy Primary Education Center • All Faithsserving Welcome Pre-K through 1st grade

Catholic School is seeking applicants for the position of Kindergarten Teacher ready to begin the 2016-2017 school year.

This is a salaried, full-time position with compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Candidates should have NC licensure or the equivalent. Teaching experience and ability to teach the Catholic faith preferred.

Contact Joanne Brown, Principal, at 336-748-8252, or email jbrown@stleocatholic.com

Preschool Teacher • Part-time (50%), 1 year contract beginning August 2016

Open House Dates

• Diocese of Charlotte scale based on experience and qualifications • NC licensure or equivalent, teaching experience and able to teach Catholic faith preferred.

Send resume to: Joanne Brown, Principal jbrown@stleocatholic.com

2200 N. Elm St. Greensboro (336) 273-9865 spxschool.com

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 Wednesday, February 1, 2017 9:30-11:00 AM

For more information or to schedule a campus tour, please contact Jean Navarro at jnavarro@spxschool.com or 273-9865, ext. 101.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD: BACK TO SCHOOL

Belmont Abbey College sees changes this fall

Belmont Abbey College

BELMONT — Students, alumni and supporters of Belmont Abbey College will notice some changes when as they return to campus this fall. The college recently unveiled new academic and athletic logos that reflect the Benedictine college’s history and unify its branding.

“The new marks are part of an effort to build a national brand for Belmont Abbey College,” said Rolando Rivas, Belmont Abbey College’s director of marketing and communications, in a recent release.

“We want to inspire a new generation of young men and women to choose the Abbey.

With these fresh, cohesive marks, we feel we’re clearly communicating our history, principles and our beliefs. The consistency between the primary marks will also help us more efficiently build awareness for the college.”

The new academic logo intends to convey both the Benedictine roots of the private Catholic college west of Charlotte, as well as its tradition and history, with its founding year of 1876 clearly represented. The logo also highlights the most recognizable architecture on the college’s campus: Mary, Help of Christians Basilica. Additionally, the new mark with its shield and custom typeface evokes the excellence and virtue the college hopes to instill in its students, echoing its mission to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so “that in all things God may be glorified.”

The college also updated its electronic media, rolled out new stationery and updated logos across the campus. It updated its athletic uniforms and has stocked new apparel and other merchandise in its bookstore.

In addition, several campus facility updates have taken place. Upgrades to the library and bookstore, plus a “Gratitude Bell” and a new bridge leading to the residential side of campus are noticeable improvements.

New athletic teams have been added for the fall in cycling, bowling, field hockey, competitive cheer and a triathlon team.

Belmont Abbey College has added new staff as well. To serve the new St. Joseph College seminarians, the college has hired a new philosophy chair, Matthew Siebert. Heather Ayala has been hired to teach biology.

A new resident director, Amanda Bambury, has also come on board. Billy Taylor has been hired as the new basketball coach. Makiem Miller will serve as the new police chief and campus safety director.

— Catholic News Herald

Home to more than 1,700 students, Belmont Abbey College is a Benedictine liberal arts college that believes in the development of the whole person – mind, body and spirit – so that “in all things God may be glorified.” Its mission is to provide an education that will enable students to lead lives of integrity, succeed professionally, become responsible citizens and be a blessing to themselves and others.

With its intimate, historic setting and a student/teacher ratio of 16:1, Belmont Abbey College has become one of the most recognized Catholic campuses in the United States.

Founded in 1876, the college began as a small monastery and school that has grown to become the pride of the local Catholic community for its commitment to high academic standards and its Benedictine heritage.

The college also boasts a vibrant Adult Degree Program for students aged 23 or older, which is a major draw for those wishing to change careers or continue their education. Both day and evening courses are available, with majors such as Liberal Studies, Accounting, Business Management, Elementary Education (K-6) and Psychology.

The college also has a satellite campus at Charlotte Catholic High School for those in the Charlotte metro area wishing to take classes closer to home.

— Emily Williams, correspondent

Online At www.belmontabbeycollege.edu: Learn more about Belmont Abbey College

Welcome Back Students!

Myers & Chapman is proud to be partnering with the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte to deliver Stadium upgrades to Holy Trinity Middle School.

Go Bulldogs!!

Bo South, Vice President bsouth@myers-chapman.com www.myers-chapman.com 704-940-3905

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

COLLEGE FROM PAGE 3

High School, “You know what he said to us the other day? He said he was following Jesus into the seminary, and if he ends up leaving it’s because he was following Jesus out.”

Her son’s desire to listen and discern God’s will in his life makes her heart swell, she said.

Move-in day began with Mass at St. Ann Church, offered by Father Matthew Kauth, rector of the new college seminary. In his homily, Father Kauth entreated the young men to take heart and follow Christ with courage and faith, citing the college’s motto “Noli timere” – “Do not be afraid.”

Those words from Christ appeared in the day’s Gospel reading from Luke Chapter 12, and Father Kauth noted it as another sign of divine providence along what has been a bumpy road for the college seminary up to this point.

Courage and action are needed to follow God, he emphasized, noting the readings of the day (Wisdom 18:6-9 and Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-12) talk about the courage of the Israelites and the faithfulness of Abraham in following God toward the Promised Land.

People who wish to follow God – particularly those who are called to shepherd souls to heaven – must be similar men of action and courage, he said.

“Courage is not something that a man has because he doesn’t have any fear. On the contrary, it’s when he steels his heart and keeps his eyes fixed, and says, ‘I will do this anyway, and I will trust Him who is trustworthy.’ Courage is not meant for someone who does not act. It is the one who acts that needs it.”

Courage is for those who leave a comfortable, worldly life to pick up their crosses and follow God – those “who have no idea (thanks be to God) what’s in store for you,” he continued, turning and smiling as he gestured at the eight young men in the pew in front of him.

Following God is not for the fainthearted, he said, and it means leaving behind those things that the world considers important and valuable.

But God, who is always faithful and trustworthy, will reward those who are obedient to Him. “Every action you take is going to be measured by that: what you wear, how you eat, how long you sleep – eh?” Father Kauth said, again turning to the young men.

“Step by step, you will leave things behind,” he said, just as a hiker on a long journey gets rid of anything he does not need to get home.

“So I say to you, move forward … noli timere.”

The eight students will live in private, dormitory-style rooms in the old St. Joseph Monastery, former home of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration. While the name has changed, St. Joseph remains the spiritual head of the place, with images of him in prominent places throughout.

Each room features a twin bed, desk, bookshelf and sink. And on each door, a nameplate features one of the names for St. Joseph: “Christi defensor sedule” (“Watchful defender of Christ”), “Joseph fidelissime” (“Joseph most faithful”), “Dei Genetricis sponse” (“Spouse of the Mother of God”), etc.

After moving in Aug. 7, the students attended an orientation session on Aug. 8 followed by 10 days of Latin immersion before they begin classes at Belmont Abbey College this month.

While attending classes they will live in community, apart from the rest of the student body, and will follow a “rule of life” appropriate for this level of seminary, including daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, the rosary, spiritual direction and conferences.

They will start each day at 5:45 a.m.

Starting at 6:15 a.m., they will have a half hour of private prayer, followed by Lauds (Morning Prayer) and Mass.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays they will travel to Belmont Abbey College via a newly donated Chevy Suburban, dubbed the “Suburbi et orbi,” for classes from 9 a.m. to noon. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they will have classes at the college seminary.

After lunch, they will have recreation and free time back at the college seminary until Vespers, praying of the rosary and dinner. From 7 to 9 p.m. there will be a “minor silence,” during which time the men will study, and then at 9 p.m. they will gather for Compline (Night Prayer) followed by a “grand silence” that will remain unbroken until after breakfast the next day.

This monastic schedule, which emphasizes both an interior and exterior quiet, is purposeful, Father Kauth said.

“I wanted to capitalize both on the fact that they’re at a Benedictine institution but also, when you have a college this small … you try to cultivate a ground of silence for prayer to be able to permeate their life. Because they’re boys – they’re going to make noise and be loud. They need to cultivate that (silence) right from the very beginning, or they can’t hear anything. They can’t begin to listen to the Lord.”

Besides the core classes they will take at Belmont Abbey College, the young men will study philosophy with Dr. Matthew Siebert, recently hired by the seminary and the abbey specifically to teach the young men. They will also take theology classes with Father Kauth, and sacred music classes with Thomas Savoy, director of the Carolina Catholic Chorale and music director at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

The college seminary will remain on the St. Ann campus probably for the next two years, Father Kauth said.

The Poor Clares’ old home was renovated for the college’s needs, with the former gift shop at the entrance converted into a formal drawing room for visitors. Furniture was mostly scavenged from consignment sales and auctions, while donations also helped especially with filling the pantry. The young men did all the painting and yard work, he said.

“There’s a lot of sweat equity in this, so we didn’t have to spend a ton of money,” he said.

Fundraising for a permanent home for the college has reached just over $4 million, he said. A permanent site has not yet been chosen, he said.

Despite the delay in finding a permanent site, so far the college seminary has already exceeded Father Kauth’s expectations, he said. The program is at full capacity with eight students in the building’s eight rooms.

“I thought we’d have three or four, maybe, our first year,” he said.

Seven of the eight young men are from the Diocese of Charlotte. Some are just starting college life, while others have completed some college classes.

Because the young men will remain in the diocese during their studies, Father Kauth said he wants them to interact regularly with people.

“We’ll travel around,” he said. “Any priest that wants us to come, we’ll come. So we won’t be isolated to St. Ann’s.”

MASS FROM PAGE 3

will study and pray at St. Joseph College Seminary now and in the future.

After the blessing of the chapel, Bishop Jugis celebrated the inaugural Mass.

“As we are here to bless St. Joseph’s Seminary today, and on this feast day to give thanks and praise to almighty God for the very special privilege He bestowed upon the Blessed Virgin Mary in assuming her unto heaven, we are reminded by the readings that we have a destiny also to be with her one day in heaven,” Bishop Jugis said in his homily.

“The prayers remind us to keep our attention always fixed on the goal of our life, which is the glory of heaven, to be sharing with her – our sister in faith, our mother in faith – in the glory that the Lord bestowed on her.”

Everyone has a God-given vocation, he said. “The purpose of our life here is to serve the Lord faithfully in the vocation He has given us, so that we arrive at that heavenly homeland He has prepared for us.”

Bishop Jugis then addressed the inaugural class of college seminarians.

“As a seminarian, the Church gives you this time to pray and study, so that you don’t have to worry about a job and be distracted by many other things. It is a gift that the Church gives you,” Bishop Jugis told them.

“In fact, your job now is to pray and to study, to deepen your spiritual life and to anchor yourself in Jesus.”

With the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and with lives rooted in

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Jesus Christ, he continued, they will be strengthened in their faith – especially during difficult times.

“Here we are at St. Joseph’s Seminary.

This is Joseph’s house,” he noted. “We proclaim him to be the patron of this house, the guardian and protector of this house. And just as he was the guardian and protector and provider of the Holy House of Nazareth, and of the Holy Family, so we proclaim him to be the guardian and protector and provider of this house in Charlotte.

“And as in the House of Nazareth, Jesus was the center of attention. All the efforts of Blessed Joseph and the Blessed Mother were directed towards serving Jesus Christ. So in this house, also under Joseph’s patronage and direction, the center of attention is Jesus Christ.”

He then reminded the young men that the Blessed Mother is also with them.

“Wherever Jesus is, her destiny is always bound up with that of Jesus so she is also here with you in this home interceding for you, praying for you and accompanying you on your journey.”

During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Bishop Jugis incensed the carved wooden altar made by North Carolina artist Jacob Wolfe which houses a relic of St. Teresa of Avila. He also reposed the Blessed Sacrament for the first time in the tabernacle after Communion.

“Here in Joseph’s house, we are happy to be serving the Lord our God,” Bishop Jugis told the eight students at the end of Mass. “I am proud of you.”

“We pray that as the Mass for today reminds us to keep our eyes on things above, one day, when you finish faithfully your course of your life, you may arrive at the glory in heaven prepared for you and share in the Blessed Mother’s glory.”

Guest Speaker Pastor Mark Hiehle

Writer and active speaker on behalf of Life and Biblical truth

Tuesday, September 27 6:15pm – 8:30pm The City Club at Gibson Mill 325 McGill Ave. N.W. Concord, NC SPECIAL MUSIC & A DELICIOUS FREE MEAL Help us raise awareness and financial support for Cabarrus County’s only Pregnancy Resource Center. Our mission is to empower individuals and families facing pregnancy or abortion related issues to choose life by sharing compassion, hope, education and healing through the love of Jesus Christ.

Interested in attending contact Victoria Killoren at: vkilloren@carolina.rr.com or 413-244-0136 If you would like to host a table please also contact Victoria RSVP by September 1, 2016

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The House of Mercy is a refuge for lowincome people living with HIV/AIDS on the Sisters of Mercy campus in Belmont. This year marks its 25th anniversary.

House of Mercy President Mary Wright is seen at the House of Mercy’s first anniversary celebration in 1992.

House mercy PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARJORIE STORCH

of

For the past 25 years, people have found a refuge of peace and hope at the House of Mercy.

‘A sacred ministry’ caring for people living with HIV/AIDS SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

BELMONT — Brenda, 65, became infected with HIV after exchanging needles. She did not know where to turn until three years ago, when she found the House of Mercy.

“It was the hardest thing in the beginning, but I’m fine now,” she says.

“I feel like this is my home.”

For the past 25 years, people like Brenda have found a refuge of peace and hope at the House of Mercy.

It all began in 1991, after the Sisters of Mercy stepped up to respond to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic.

With the help of a $100,000 donation and a $100,000 loan from the Diocese of Charlotte, they opened the House of Mercy to provide AIDS sufferers with unconditional love and full-time medical care.

Since 1991, the House of Mercy has welcomed 320 low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. Each receives personalized care.

Some come to the House of Mercy to live and die in peace; others choose to aggressively treat AIDS. Some return to independent living. Services include help obtaining medications and coordinating of services such as

physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.

Caring for people who have AIDS is a “sacred ministry,” says Mary Wright, the first president of the House of Mercy.

But it wasn’t easy at first. The sisters had to work to overcome the shame and misconceptions associated with the disease since it first emerged in the 1980s in the homosexual community.

“It was very challenging,” Wright explains. “To even think of doing something for people with HIV/ AIDS, it took an incredible amount of education on many fronts to overcome the stigmas. Plus, “there wasn’t any housing with people living with AIDS. It was hard to figure out what to do and how to do it.

“I always felt it was sacred ground, being located on the grounds of the Sisters of Mercy. It was back in the woods at the time. As we were clearing the field, I had hoped we were clearing the stigmas that were involved with AIDS.” During her years as president, the residents taught Wright about faith, hope and love, she says. “I always said if you combined unconditional love with spiritual and physical nutrition, people will thrive. And they did.”

MERCY, SEE PAGE 13

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

CCDOC.ORG

Carolyn Rose (left) a volunteer at the House of Mercy and Brenda, a resident for the past three years, enjoy a game of Bingo with other residents Aug. 11.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MERCY FROM PAGE 12

“There was another stigma at the time that people were coming there to die. I always said, ‘No, you’re coming here to live. If you coming here to die, you can die anywhere, but you’re going to live here.’”

“This really is a call,” says Shirley Stowe, House of Mercy’s current director of nursing who has worked there since 1998.

“We are here because we want to be here.

We know this place is special. The impact that we can make on our residents’ lives – it is an extension of our family. We are a family here.”

Perceptions about people living with AIDS have changed profoundly, Stowe notes, as have treatment options. She recalls that there was only one drug to treat the disease back in the early 1990s.

Now there are more drugs for treatment and if the disease is diagnosed early, it can be managed effectively.

“I want people to know that we love our residents unconditionally from the time they come through that door for the first time,” Stowe says. “We do not need to look back. We don’t need to know what brought them here. We are here to give anyone that comes through those doors a chance – a chance to physically heal, spiritually heal and emotionally heal.”

“We hug here,” she adds. “I am not afraid to ask (family or visitors) the question, ‘You know it’s OK to touch and hug someone (with AIDS)?’”

A dedicated team of volunteers and supporters help the sisters make the House of Mercy an inviting home.

“I originally met with the volunteer coordinator at that time and she told me the residents love to play Bingo, so that’s what we do,” says Carolyn Rose, who has been volunteering for over a year. “I call the games and the residents get quite involved, playing for candy prizes. We have lots of laughs along the way.”

“I just enjoy the residents tremendously!

I don’t know much about them except that they have AIDS and seem glad to be living at the House of Mercy.”

“It took time for me to gain their trust,” she says. “I remember that early on, one of them asked me why I wanted to be there. I told her I thought any organization that offered support to AIDS patients was a very worthwhile place to spend time. And, it’s just fun.”

“I volunteer because I am passionate about sharing my love and faith with those who are in need of joy and comfort in their lives,” adds Maggie Baucom, who is the House of Mercy board chair. “I was educated by the Sisters of Mercy on the same campus where the House of Mercy is located and I find great joy and honor in being a steward of their generous and compassionate mission.”

“Many of our residents experience

dignity and mercy for the first time in their lives at the House of Mercy, and that knowledge is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling gifts of my life,” she says. “To be a part of a ministry that affords another person the simple gifts that I have been blessed with for a lifetime is humbling and certainly grounds me as a person of faith.”

Stan Patterson, president of the House of Mercy, has worked with the sisters for more than 30 years, first at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, then for the past 19 years at the House of Mercy.

“The House of Mercy represents a community success,” Patterson says. “It’s been an effort to provide services for those who really are needy. The community has stepped up in a significant way. We feel that it has been very successful in terms of taking a very difficult situation and making it manageable for many of our residents, and the community is a reason for making that happen.”

Much of the funding for the House of Mercy’s $700,000 annual budget comes directly from the Sisters of Mercy. There are also grants, fundraisers like the annual AIDS Walk in downtown Belmont, and private donors who have kept the home running over the past 25 years, Patterson says.

“One of the most important aspects of the House of Mercy, in addition to providing care for those who are definitely in need, is the opportunity for our volunteers and those who want to get involved to develop their own spiritual life by being involved with the ministry,” he says. “It really affords an opportunity for those who wish to give funding or give time, to benefit personally themselves. I think this sometimes gets lost – that the donors themselves benefit from participation.”

Working with the House of Mercy and the sisters has enriched Patterson’s life, he says.

“It’s been a great experience to be involved with the ministry and with the sisters. It is an opportunity to develop my spiritual path. At times it has been challenging, but it has been a rewarding experience for me personally.”

Residents including Brenda agree that the sisters and the House of Mercy have made their lives better, treating them like family in a home filled with mercy and love.

“I like their recreation, going bowling and going to the movies and playing Bingo,” Brenda says. “I love them (the staff). They are just perfect.”

Learn more HOUSE OF MERCY is named after the home that Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, opened in 1827 for unemployed and poor girls in Dublin, Ireland. Board members are currently needed and volunteers are always welcome. Learn more about how you can help at www.thehouseofmercy.org, or contact Stan Patterson at houseofmercync@gmail.com or 704-825-4711.

Connecting Elders to Resources in Western North Carolina A conference for seniors and/or family members seeking information on such topics as Senior Health Care, Safety, Risk Prevention.

Saturday, September 24, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM Doors open at 9:30 AM

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Murray Hall 714 West Union Street, Morganton, NC This conference will explore issues of concern facing our elder brothers and sisters in Christ and provide informational resources that can make a real difference for individuals, families, and communities.

Please come to learn, celebrate, and pray, as Catholic Charities and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church highlight the treasure of elders in society and offer helpful workshops on a variety of topics.

Register to attend by Friday, September 16 by calling 704-370-3225 or emailing jtpurello@charlottediocese.org. Please provide phone and email contact information.

A $10 registration fee covers the cost of lunch and refreshments. Please bring a check payable to Catholic Charities to the event.

More event details can be found at www.ccdoc.org in Agency Highlights.

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Our nation 14

catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Women religious urged to face crisis with contemplation ATLANTA — Some 800 members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious gathered in Atlanta for their annual assembly Aug. 9-12. With the theme of “Embracing the Mystery: Living Transformation,” the sisters considered where God is moving in today’s world as they face smaller and graying communities. “The whole assembly is about listening to the movements of God, not only individually, but collectively,” said Sister Annmarie Sanders, a member of of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who is LCWR’s communications director. In her presidential address Aug. 10, Sister Marcia Allen, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kan., called for “a new way of exercising hope” to envision a conference as the number of women religious serving the Church continues to dwindle. LCWR has approximately 1,350 members who are elected leaders of their religious orders, representing approximately 80 percent of the 49,000 Catholic sisters in the United States. In an unsparing report to the organization’s members, she shared numbers about the drop in women and men who serve the Church in religious congregations. “In the belief that something will come of the ravages of collapse, hope is forged,” Sister Marcia said.

Archbishop: Milwaukee unrest ‘a self-inflicted wound’ MILWAUKEE — Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki of Milwaukee called the violence that broke out in the city as part of protests over the fatal police shooting of an African-American man “a self-inflicted wound.” “Violence is never tolerated. Protests are certainly the right of every American, but violence such as looting, burning is never tolerated,” Archbishop Listecki said. “It only creates a self-inflicted wound on

the community.” Protesters burned down six businesses in the city, including a gas station, and also torched a police car late Aug. 13 in response to the police shooting of Sylville K. Smith as he fled a traffic stop earlier that day.

Police said Smith, 23, had a gun in his hand and had refused police orders to drop the weapon.

Assembly OKs document marking 50 years of Lutheran-Catholic dialogue NEW ORLEANS — When Martin Luther wrote his “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” in 1517 – mostly challenging the Catholic Church’s sale of indulgences – and posted it on the Wittenberg Castle door, it forever changed the Church and sparked the Protestant Reformation. In preparation for the 500th anniversary observance of the Reformation in 2017, 2,000 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gathered for its Churchwide Assembly Aug. 8-13 in New Orleans. A key action at the assembly was the vote Aug. 10 on the document “Declaration on the Way: Church, Ministry and Eucharist,” paving the road to unity between Catholics and Lutherans. It was approved by a 99.04 percent margin – 931 votes yes and only 9 votes no – to uproarious applause. “Let us pause to honor this historic moment,” ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton said after the vote. “Though we have not yet arrived, we have claimed that we are, in fact, on the way to unity.”

Bishop urges people to foster racial harmony ST. LOUIS — Bishop Edward K. Braxton of Belleville, Illinois, said his background is as an academic, with writings on theological and pastoral topics, and not as an expert in a field related to racial matters. But he has become an important voice in the Church on the topic, thanks to his writings. His pastoral letter “The Racial Divide in the United States: A Reflection for the World Day of Peace 2015” was followed early this year by “The Catholic Church and the Black Lives Matter Movement: The Racial Divide in the United States Revisited.” The second pastoral was a basis for his address to the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress

and a Lenten reflection at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., as well as the Aug. 8 talk sponsored by the St. Charles Lwanga Center, the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver, and the Peace and Justice Commission of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

5,600-plus sisters call for civility by presidential candidates SILVER SPRING, Md. — More than 5,600 U.S. religious sisters have signed a letter asking for civil discourse in the presidential campaign. The letter was to be sent Aug. 8 to the candidates of the Democratic, Republican, Green and Libertarian parties as well as their vice presidential running mates and the chairs of their respective parties. “We simply ask that all who seek to lead refrain from language that disrespects, dehumanizes or demonizes another,” the letter said. “We pray that all who seek to influence public opinion will be mindful of the common good and respectful of the dignity of each and every person.” The letter was written by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, which represents about 80 percent of the 49,000 women religious in the United States. LCWR, based in the Washington suburb of Silver Spring, has 1,362 members, who represent 308 congregations of women religious. A total of 5,671 sisters had signed the letter. Their ministries include education, health care, and other pastoral and social services.

“We urge you to join us in pledging to engage in careful listening and honest dialogue that honors the dignity of those with whom we disagree and treats all with the respect that is their God-given right,” the letter said. “Please join us in promising to seek the common good, to desire only good for all others, and to offer our own truth with equal measures of conviction and humility.”

Biden called ‘counter-witness’ to Church teaching for presiding at wedding WASHINGTON — By officiating at a samesex wedding, Vice President Joe Biden as a prominent Catholic politician has created confusion over Church teaching on marriage and “the corresponding moral obligations of Catholics,” three U.S. bishops said Aug. 5.

“Questions revolving around marriage and human sexuality are deeply felt in our homes and communities,” said the bishops. “We join with our Holy Father Pope Francis in affirming the inviolable dignity of all people and the church’s important role in accompanying all those in need. “In doing so, we also stand with Pope Francis in preserving the dignity and meaning of marriage as the union of a man and a woman.” Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was joined by two USCCB chairmen in writing a blog post about Biden presiding at a same-sex wedding of two White House aides Aug. 1. Signing on to the blog were Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, N.Y., chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; and Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

“The two strands of the dignity of the person and the dignity of marriage and the family are interwoven. To pull apart one is to unravel the whole fabric,” they wrote.

Priest out of prison after posting bail, but he’s to be retried next year PHILADELPHIA — Although the former secretary for clergy of the Philadelphia Archdiocese was freed from prison after posting $250,000 bail Aug. 2, he will be retried next year on the same charge of endangering the welfare of a child for which he was convicted and incarcerated for most of the past three years. Monsignor William Lynn was arrested and charged in February 2011, and convicted by a jury in 2012, for failing to properly supervise a now-laicized priest, Edward Avery. Avery pleaded guilty at that time to sexually abusing a 10-year-old altar boy in 1999 at St. Jerome Parish in Northeast Philadelphia. Monsignor Lynn, now 65, was the first high-ranking clergyman to be convicted in the U.S. for a crime related to the clergy sexual abuse scandal that surfaced in 2002. He served 33 months of a 36-month sentence at Waymart Correctional Facility in northeastern Pennsylvania. He remained there even after his conviction was overturned last December by the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

— Catholic News Service

2016 South Carolina Ecumenical Charismatic Conference CELEBRATING “UNITY WITH DIVERSITY” “That all may be one” - John 17:21 Friday, October 7, 2016 - Saturday, October 8, 2016

Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1100 Eighth Avenue North North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Register online at: www.screnewal.org

For more information please contact Ross Gamble: (803) 788-4480 or ross@screnewal.org Military and Military Veterans - 10% Discount

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Louisiana bishop comforts evacuees at shelters; flooding displaces thousands CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

BATON ROUGE, La. — As Louisiana’s governor announced the federal government had declared a major disaster for the state Aug. 14, Catholic churches in the Baton Rouge Diocese called for volunteers to help those displaced by extreme flooding and asked flood victims what assistance they needed.

Gov. John Bel Edwards told reporters at a news conference that about 20,000 people had been rescued from their homes and more than 10,000 people were in shelters after a slow-moving tropical storm system dumped nearly 2 feet of rain on southern Louisiana. Several rivers crested at record levels.

As of Aug. 17, state officials said at least 11 people have died in the floods.

Baton Rouge Bishop Robert W. Muench visited three evacuation shelters Aug. 14 to comfort evacuees. In a statement the day before, he dispensed Sunday Mass obligations for all Catholics affected by the storm and urged parishioners to limit their driving over the weekend because of “the inherent dangers of unsafe driving conditions.”

“Please know of my prayers for your safety and the safety of your church parishes and parishioners,” he said in a message to pastors.

On Aug. 12 Edwards declared a state of emergency for the state of Louisiana and

deployed the Louisiana National Guard.

He then requested that President Barack Obama issue a federal disaster declaration.

With that declaration – which initially affects four civil parishes, with more expected – residents can seek assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

At least 18 civil parishes have declared a state of emergency, with more expected to do so.

“This is a serious event. It is ongoing. It is not over,” Edwards told reporters. “We are not in control as far as how fast these floodwaters will recede, and in fact they are still going up in some places.”

He said he traveled to affected areas and saw firsthand “the destruction caused by this unprecedented flood.”

In a notice on its website, St. Jude the Apostle Church in East Baton Rouge civil parish called on parishioners available to volunteer to attend a morning meeting Aug. 15 to help with “flood relief planning and implementation.”

“It is possible that a significant number of our parish staff are unable to leave their homes and come to work, so we will need to rely heavily on parish volunteers,” the notice said.

At least two other Baton Rouge parishes, St. George and St. Aloysius, have set up Web pages asking flood victims to submit requests for help and asking others to list the kind of help they can provide.

ATTENTION Charlotte Diocese Boy Scouts and Venturing Youth

Interested in a once-in-a-lifetime vocation experience?

The Saint George Trek is a biennial, high adventure, backpacking retreat for Catholic Scouts and Ventures organized by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America’s Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM. This outdoor retreat program is dedicated to assisting youth (age 15-18) in discerning their Christian vocation with an emphasis on the Priesthood and Religious Life. The next Trek will take place July 5-20, 2017.

An application and selection process is required. Applications are due

by August 30, 2016.

In September, the Charlotte Diocese Catholic

Committee on Scouting will select 1 or 2 applicants to participate in this trek backpacking experience.

For more info or to apply, visit http://tinyurl.com/CD-SGT2017, e-mail to CDCatholicScouting@gmail.com or call 704-756-8790.

Experiencing difficulties in your marriage?

A Lifeline for Marriage SEPTEMBER 16 - 18, 2016 in Raleigh The Retrouvaille Program consists of a weekend experience combined with a series of 6 post-weekend sessions. It provides the tools to help put your marriage in order again. The main emphasis of the program is on communication in marriage between husband and wife. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positive way.

For confidential info or to register: (434) 793-0242 or retrouvaillenc@msn.com. Visit our Web site: www.retrouvaille.org.

Our world 16

catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope prays for exploited women, Mary’s intercession CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CNS | L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERS

Pope Francis sits with members of the Pope John XXIII Community in Rome Aug. 12. The pope paid a surprise visit to the community that is helping 20 young women get their lives back together after being rescued from prostitution.

VATICAN CITY — Celebrating the feast of the Assumption just three days after visiting a group of young women rescued from the sex trade, Pope Francis prayed for all exploited women and girls.

“The Lord bows down to the lowly in order to raise them up as is proclaimed in the Magnificat,” Mary’s hymn of praise to God, the pope said Aug. 15.

“Mary’s canticle leads us to think of many painful situations today and particularly those of women overpowered by the burdens of life and the drama of violence, women who are slaves of the abuse of the powerful, girls forced into inhuman work, women forced to surrender body and spirit to the greed of men,” Pope Francis told thousands of people gathered to pray the Angelus with him.

The pope prayed that exploited women soon would be able to live “a life of peace, justice and love in expectation of the day they finally will feel held by hands that do not humiliate them, but tenderly lift them and lead them on the path to life.”

Pope Francis also prayed on the

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feast day that Mary would intercede to bring “compassion, understanding and agreement” to the many places in the world experiencing war and violent conflicts.

“My thoughts particularly go to the inhabitants of North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, recently struck by new massacres,” he said, referring to reports that suspected rebels killed 42 people in the town of Beni Aug. 13. Such massacres, he said, have been occurring for months in “shameful silence.”

Thousands of people also gathered under the window of the Apostolic Palace Aug. 14 for the Angelus prayer with the pope.

In his Sunday Angelus talk, Pope Francis spoke about Jesus’ words in the day’s Gospel reading: “I have come to set the earth on fire.”

“The fire Jesus is speaking about is the fire of the Holy Spirit present and alive in us from the day of our baptism,” the pope said. “This fire is a creative force that purifies and renews, burning away every human misery, every selfishness, every sin, transforming us from within.”

To renew the world and build the kingdom of God, he said, the fire must start in the hearts and lives of individuals. “It does not start from the head; it starts from the heart.”

The Holy Spirit gives those with open hearts “the boldness and fervor to proclaim Jesus and His consoling message of mercy and salvation, navigating on the open sea without fear,” the pope said.

Without the Holy Spirit’s help, he said, the Christian community would “let itself be held back by fear and calculation,” preferring to play it safe.

The Church, Pope Francis said, “does not need bureaucrats and diligent functionaries, but passionate missionaries consumed with the drive to bring everyone the consoling word of Jesus and His grace.”

“The apostolic courage that the Holy Spirit lights in us like a fire helps us overcome walls and barriers, makes us creative and pushes us to set out on unexplored or uncomfortable paths, offering hope to all we meet,” the pope said.

Expressing his admiration for priests, religious and lay missionaries who devote – and even risk – their lives to share the Gospel, Pope Francis said the need is greater than ever for Christians willing to allow their hearts to be moved with compassion and reach out to those suffering material and spiritual poverty.

On ‘Mercy Friday,’ pope visits women rescued from prostitution CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Continuing his Year of Mercy practice of going one Friday a month to visit people facing special struggles, Pope Francis paid a surprise visit to a community helping 20 young women get their lives back together after being rescued from prostitution.

The pope visited the house operated by the John XXIII Community in northeast Rome Aug. 12. The community members, the Vatican said, were “20 women liberated from the slavery of the prostitution racket.

Six of them come from Romania, four from Albania, seven from Nigeria and one each from Tunisia, Italy and Ukraine.”

The women’s average age is 30, said a Vatican press statement. “All of them have endured serious physical violence” and are now being protected.

One of the young women, identified only as East European, told Vatican Radio she never dreamed she would be able to see the pope up close and “tell my story to a holy person like him. I was very emotional and kept crying because I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing.” The young woman said she told the pope that she had been offered a job as a caregiver in Italy, but the offer was fake. Instead, “they kept me locked in an apartment for two weeks, drugged me, tied me up and the men, they did what they wanted with my body.”

When volunteers from the John XXIII Community started visiting her on the streets, she said, not only did she not believe she could escape, but she did not think she was worth saving. “You feel like a sack of trash” thrown on the side of the road, she said.

According to the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis asked forgiveness of the women on behalf of all the men who had used and abused them and for the governments that continue to do little to stop human trafficking.

“You are witnesses of resurrection,” the pope told them.

The pope’s “Mercy Friday” visits are part of his personal observance of the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

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Charlotte/Ballantyne

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Mother Teresa: ‘Do small things with great love’ KOLKATA, India — A favorite motto of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata was: “Do small things with great love.” But the “small things” she did so captivated the world that she was showered with honorary degrees and other awards, almost universally praised by the media and sought out by popes, presidents, philanthropists and other figures of wealth and influence. Despite calls on her time from all over the globe Mother Teresa always returned to India to be with those she loved most – the lonely, abandoned, homeless, disease-ravaged, dying, “poorest of the poor” in Kolkata’s streets. On Sept. 4, Pope Francis, who has spent this year preaching about mercy, will canonize Mother Teresa, who traveled the world to deliver a single message: that love and caring are the most important things in the world.

Cardinal: Counter terrorists’ hatred with education, dialogue VATICAN CITY — Terrorists want to make peace-loving Christians and Muslims believe

that it is impossible for them to live side by side; it is up to Christians and Muslims to prove them wrong, said French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. The cardinal, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, said he was in France July 26 when 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel was brutally murdered in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen. The Islamic State group later claimed responsibility for the murder. Writing Aug. 12 in the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, Cardinal Tauran said, “Obviously, these crimes threaten the credibility of interreligious dialogue, but we must continue to meet, to speak and to work together when possible so hatred does not prevail.” In a multicultural, multireligious society, ignorance breeds problems, he said.

“In order to live together we must look at those who are different from us with esteem, friendly curiosity and a desire to walk together.”

Philippine Church leaders feel powerless to stop killings MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Catholic leaders say they are powerless to stop a growing number of extrajudicial killings that have come with President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. “What I predicted is happening, and the Church is powerless to stop the killings,” Redemptorist Father Amado Picardal, head of the Philippine bishops’ Commission for Basic Ecclesial Communities, said. He said the killings are “already unstoppable,” adding that some Church leaders are losing hope. Father Picardal, who has linked the president to a death squad

allegedly responsible for the killings of more than 1,400 people, warned of “dark prospects” for the Philippines following Duterte’s election in May. During his campaign for the presidency, Duterte vowed to stop criminality, especially the illegal drugs trade, and corruption in the first six months of his term, warning that his administration would be a “bloody” one.

Ucanews.com reported estimates of more than 600 people killed since Duterte was elected in May. Archbishop Socrates Villegas of LingayenDagupan, president of the bishops’ conference, appealed to Filipinos’ sense of humanity amid the killings. He said he was “in utter disbelief,” adding that the killings “are too much to swallow.”

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and solidarity,” he said in the message. The 2016 Summer Games marked the first time a refugee team officially participated in the Olympics. Team members marched under the Olympic flag and, in the event a team member wins a medal, the Olympic anthem was to be played instead of the national anthem of the athlete’s home country. Pope Francis expressed his hope that through the team “humanity would understand that peace is possible, that with peace everything can gained, but with war all can be lost.”

— Catholic News Service

Pope praises witness of 10 athletes on Refugee Olympic Team VATICAN CITY — In a personal message addressed to each of the 10 members of the new Refugee Olympic Team, Pope Francis wished them success in their events and thanked them for the witness they are giving the world. Naming each of the team’s athletes from South Sudan, Syria, Congo and Ethiopia, Pope Francis said he had read some of the interviews with team members “so that I could get closer to your lives and your aspirations. I extend my greetings and wish you success at the Olympic Games in Rio – that your courage and strength find expression through the Olympic Games and serve as a cry for peace

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ViewPoints 18

catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Dr. Kamila Valenta

Terrorism and the co-existence of Christians and Muslims

T

his summer we have witnessed disturbing events of intensified attacks by the Islamic State (ISIS), particularly in France and Germany. A truck driver deliberately killed 83 French people in Nice, while they were celebrating their anniversary of the French Revolution; nine people were victims of a mass shooting at a mall in Munich, Germany; and a priest was brutally murdered during Mass in Rouen, France. In all three cases, the perpetrators claimed allegiance to the Islamic State, deliberately framing the horrific atrocities in terms of a war of Islam against Christianity and the Western culture in a broader sense.

Pope Francis has already warned us that we cannot internalize this perception and succumb to the idea that we are at war with Islam. However, just keeping in mind that Christians and Muslims are not at war is not enough. To have a chance at combating terrorism, we need to learn to co-exist with Muslims, integrate them in our societies, and actively seek their cooperation in defeating the people who did declare a war on us – the so-called Islamic State.

For the past couple of centuries, Muslims and Christians have lived in geographically separate areas. Europe and the Americas have been the home of Christian populations, while Muslims lived predominantly in northern Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

With the notable exception of the Middle East and a few other places, the two religions have mostly remained separate. Since the mid-20th century, an unprecedented number of Muslims have immigrated into Western democracies to escape political instability, violence and economic hardship at home. They were initially welcomed, especially in Europe, which suffered from low birth rates and a dwindling labor force.

Today, Islam is the second largest religious affiliation (after Christianity) worldwide, with every fifth person on this planet professing to be a Muslim. Out of about 1.6 billion Muslims in the world, 43.5 million live in Europe and 3.5 million live in North America, and these numbers are likely to grow (Pew Research Center, 2013). The reality is that Islam will no longer be contained in poorer and geographically remote areas, and Westerners will have to accept the future prospect that they will be sharing their countries, towns and neighborhoods with significant Muslim populations. Mutual acceptance and cooperation is therefore no longer just a nice act of generosity, but an urgent necessity for future co-existence.

The only course of action ... is to cooperate with mainstream Muslims in forming a united front against terrorism.

Despite political rhetoric in the media that tends to associate terrorism with the religion of Islam, Europol statistics show that less than 5 percent of terrorist attacks in Europe over the past five years have been religiously motivated, and the FBI reports that 94 percent of terrorist attacks in the U.S. between 1980 and 2005 have been carried out by non-Muslims. What we do not often hear is that Muslims suffer as victims of terrorism at disproportionately higher rates than non-Muslims.

According to the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, between 82 and 97 percent of worldwide terrorism-related fatalities were Muslim.

In the incidents when non-Muslims are the targets, mainstream Muslim leaders and their communities frequently voice their condemnation for violence, and the vast majority of Muslims not only denounce terrorism and the extremist version of Islam, but are ready to step up and fight against it. Muslims have been known to cooperate with police and governments in bringing suspected terrorists to justice, preventing future attacks, and in some cases protecting non-Muslims in the midst of violence.

Most recently, after the murder of Father Jacques Hamel in Rouen, Muslim leaders across the West have unanimously expressed shock and outrage at such an abhorrent act of brutality during a sacred service. The president of the local Muslim cultural association and local Imams all refused to give the perpetrators, who were killed by the police, a Muslim burial. Several days after the tragedy, dozens of Muslim intellectuals and celebrities signed a public petition outlining their resolve to fight all forms of terrorism and violence, entitled “We the French Muslims are ready to assume our responsibilities.”

However, the most moving event occurred the following Sunday, when crowds of Muslims, along with many Jews, attended Catholic Masses throughout France and Italy – filling the pews of European churches, cathedrals and basilicas to show their solidarity in mourning the death of Father Hamel and express their support for all Catholics.

The reality is that we no longer live in a world that is geographically divided, but in a world in which people of different religions and ethnicities live side by side. Advancements in technology, transportation and information flows as well as an unequal distribution of wealth globally have all contributed to a rise in migration and, unfortunately, an easier spread and diffusion of violent conflict.

Because of this globalization, isolation and complete border protection are unrealistic responses. The horrific effects of the hateful ideology of ISIS are also being felt not only in its region of origin, but throughout the entire world.

Even if we could stop the influx of immigrants, we cannot stop the spread of harmful ideologies and extremism across borders. The only course of action to build a more peaceful future is to cooperate with mainstream Muslims in forming a unified front against terrorism and violence.

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

Sr. Constance Carolyn Veit

St. Jeanne Jugan ‘walked the talk’ on mercy

D

uring this Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has encouraged us to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy with new enthusiasm. A member of my community recently noted how blessed we are as Little Sisters of the Poor to have multiple opportunities each day to practice mercy – serving meals to the elderly, bathing and dressing those who need assistance, comforting those who are sad or lonely, keeping vigil with the elderly who are dying and accompanying them all the way to the grave.

St. Jeanne Jugan, who brought our congregation to birth when she offered her home and her heart to a homeless elderly woman, is our inspiration and example in the practice of mercy. Each time I enter our chapel I pass an icon of our foundress with two elderly residents; this image reminds me of her kindness and compassion toward the poor. Inside the chapel, there is another image, a statue depicting Jeanne Jugan sitting alone in a posture of prayer. This image reminds me of how she practiced the spiritual works of mercy in a profound way, especially when she was deprived of her role as foundress and forced into the shadows.

Although Jeanne had been legitimately elected superior by her companions, in 1843 she was removed from office by a priest who served as the community’s advisor. She was recalled to the motherhouse in 1852 and spent 27 long years there in forced retirement, enduring an obscurity so extreme that the young members of her congregation eventually had no idea that she was the foundress. Although she was no longer able to participate directly in our mission of hospitality, Jeanne continued to practice mercy in two remarkable ways.

First, she played a unique role at our motherhouse, even as she grew increasingly frail in her old age. Among the young novices, Jeanne practiced the spiritual works of mercy by instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful and fervently praying for others.

As she gave them moral support, practical advice and spiritual counsel, they felt loved by her, and in return, loved her as a mother.

Several Little Sisters ultimately attributed their perseverance to her.

Many of the young sisters who knew Jeanne Jugan admired her spirit of faith and her profound humility, but the most striking example she gave them was the way she bore wrongs patiently and willingly forgave those who treated her unjustly. Placed in a similar situation, most of us would fight back, considering it a matter of justice to reclaim our rightful place, or at least to let others know about the wrongs committed against us.

But in the case of St. Jeanne Jugan, there is not a single recorded instance of her trying to set the record straight or assert her legitimate authority. Among the numerous testimonies collected in view of her canonization there is just one incident in which she told the priest responsible for her deposition, “You have stolen my work – but I give it to you willingly!”

Such was St. Jeanne Jugan’s practice of the spiritual works of mercy. Her humility and long-suffering were truly heroic –– the stuff of saints! What was the secret to her sanctity? Jeanne found consolation and courage in the merciful heart of Jesus, gentle and humble of heart. She saw her life as a continuation of His and, out of love for Him, tried to incarnate His merciful love for the poor.

Inspired by her love for Christ, she also bore her share of His cross joyfully until death.

As I write this reflection, we are preparing for our annual celebration of St. Jeanne Jugan’s feast day on Aug. 30. During this month I invite you to visit our website to learn more about our foundress (www.littlesistersofthepoor.org), and to confide your needs and intentions to her by submitting a prayer request – especially if you feel burdened by any type of misunderstanding or injustice.

St. Jeanne Jugan will understand your anguish and help you to follow the way of the cross with courage, patiently bearing with wrongs and forgiving those who cause you suffering. She “walked the talk” all the way to sainthood and she can help lead you there, too!

SISTER CONSTANCE CAROLYN VEIT is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

August 19, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

19

Letter to the editor

Respect must be earned Deacon James H. Toner

Jerusalem falls T

he Gospel is always sacred and serious: today’s (July 17) Gospel, though, is especially somber. When St. Gregory the Great read today’s Gospel, this is what he taught: ”Christ continues to weep for sinners who, like Jerusalem, run after evil and refuse to make peace with God. Their sins hide from their eyes the judgment that is coming; otherwise they would weep for themselves. When (the judgment) arrives, demons will besiege the soul and the Lord will visit them with His dreadful punishment” (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, p. 145).

The ideas of sin, evil, the need for repentance, the fear of the Lord, divine justice, the last judgment – all of these traditional Catholic teachings are as utterly alien to modern ears as is this quotation from the Book of Revelation: “Cowards, traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practice magic, those who worship idols, and all liars – the place for them is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (GNB 21:8).

Why is it that, with the exception of today’s Gospel from St. Luke about the colossal fall of Jerusalem (which, as St. Gregory told us, may signify the equally colossal failure of all of us as individual sinners), we so rarely hear warnings about the ubiquitous dangers to our souls? We hear more about the “perils” of bad breath than we do about the loss of our souls.

Here, I think, is the reason: For 50 years now, we Catholics have been exposed to a liturgy which too often seems to be grounded in the idea that Mass should be fun and frivolous. Banners and balloons were and, I regret to say, still are prevalent in many churches. I will not give you here a laundry list of the liturgical abuses which have compromised or corroded the Gospel for half a century. One example may do: About three months ago, in Michigan, a bishop’s confirmation homily consisted of his strumming a ukulele while singing “This Little Light of Mine.” Convinced (and not without reason) that this was absurd at best and sacrilegious at worst, the church organist turned the volume of the organ to maximum and drowned out the bishop with a traditional hymn. What do you suppose the confirmandi will recall, many years from now, about this nightmare?

Beginning in the late 1960s and reaching a fever pitch in the 1970s, with many echoes still evident today, certain “reformers” sought to make the Mass into a musical extravaganza, into a carnival or sideshow, into a laugh-a-minute comedy routine in which there’s fun for the whole family.

A priest in Alabama once told me, for instance, to be sure that any homily I preached would make people happy. Have you seen the priests whose chasubles feature big “happy face” buttons?

We had better purge today’s Gospel reading, hadn’t we? Is it, after all, a laughing matter that sin surrounds, serenades and seduces us? That abortion and euthanasia are the law of the land, with abortion killing more than 58 million people since 1973? That the great gift of marital intimacy has been debauched beyond anything someone from 50 years

ago could begin to recognize? That bioethical experimentation is on the verge of three-parent embryos and of the creation of half-human and halfanimal beings? That contemporary ethics understands nothing that isn’t relativism?

That we celebrate evil as good and good as evil, and that the only tolerable Catholic – as far as society is concerned – is a vapid or fallen-away Catholic?

It is no wonder that in the last book of the Gospel (John 1:1-14), read at almost every traditional Latin Mass, we are told: “The Light (of Christ) shines in the darkness; and the darkness grasped it not.”

As St. Paul tells us in today’s Epistle (1 Cor 10:6-13): “We should not lust after evil things,” and “do not become idolaters.”

Now consider what you see and hear on TV and radio, in the movies, in endless ads, in comments by Hollywood stars, in the press, and all around us – constantly! We and our children bathe in these morally polluted waters: ethical relativism, which tell us that nothing is ever objectively good, true, and beautiful; hedonism, which tells us to pursue pleasure; narcissism, which tells us to be concerned only with ourselves; psychologism, which tells us that we are no more than our urges and appetites; nihilism, which counsels us that nothing matters, that nothing is right, that nothing endures; scientism, which tells us that the divine can be found only at the bottom of a test tube; pervasive secular humanism, which exalts the creatures while vilifying the Creator; and, finally, syncretism, which tells us that all religions are equally valid or equally vain.

These are the bricks of the modern Tower of Babel. Much too rarely do we hear it said that these corruptions have two things in common: they rejoice in what is evil and they kill the soul, for they are the stuff of mortal sin. And they lead to the fall of Jerusalem, both personally and politically.

Where do we look for a remedy? The kernel of wise counsel is from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk: “Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous shall live by their faith” (2:4 NRSV). Habakkuk was telling us that the Babylonians of his day were arrogant and self-centered and their conceit would lead to defeat; but the humble, whose faith was centered in God, could be saved.

We live in troubled times, and there is great confusion around us, even sometimes in the liturgy. We forget that the Church has always told us that our earthly pilgrimage is marked by “mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.” We have, though, the precious words of Our Lord to sustain us in difficult and darkened times: “The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Be firm in your Catholic faith – now and always!

DEACON JAMES H. TONER serves in the Diocese of Charlotte. Before retiring, his last regularly scheduled sermon at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro was presented on the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (EF), in which the Gospel is taken from St. Luke (19:41-47a), concerning Our Lord’s weeping over Jerusalem.

Deacon James Toner, in concluding Aug. 5 his column “Just call me ‘Bob’,” posed the question, “so should we show respect for the sacred office of priest and for him who is privileged to hold that office, by referring to him, not as ‘Bob,’ but as ‘Father Smith.’” Does that then show an increased level of respect for the person, position or office? Sometimes it is difficult to separate the person from the position held. Our life experience shows that having a title doesn’t always equate to respect.

Like Deacon Toner, I was in the

military and then entered a career in law enforcement for almost 30 years.

I found over the years that respect is something which is earned and doesn’t automatically come with any title. I do have great respect for those who enter the priesthood and religious life. It is a great act of love and sacrifice that should be respected and honored. Referring to my parish priest as “Father Bob” or “Father Smith” certainly in my mind does not diminish the respect I have for him.

JIM HEALY lives in Charlotte.

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Mercy is ‘a journey that departs from the heart to arrive at the hands.’

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From online story: “Mercy received must be mercy shared, pope says at audience” Through press time on Aug. 17, 6,478 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 15,931 pages. The top 10 headlines in August so far have been: n Men told to ‘move forward’ on move-in day..................................................................................... 845 n Charlotte pastor proud of gold medal-winning goddaughter.......................................................474 n Stay tuned: Priest assignments coming..............................................................................................318 n Young women urged to look to St. Kateri for inspiration in combatting pressures ............. 298 n Blessings, smiles as new St. Joseph College Seminary welcomes Bishop Jugis....................331 n In gratitude for the gift of the priesthood...........................................................................................221 n How to make a pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy.............................................................................216 n A different sort of confirmation prep...................................................................................................153 n Boy Scout troop wins top award.............................................................................................................98 n Deacon assigned to Brevard parish....................................................................................................... 95

ASSIGNMENTS FROM PAGE 3

n Father Paul M. McNulty: Continuing as parochial vicar at St. Mark Church in Huntersville and the new chaplain of Christ the King High School in Huntersville, effective Aug. 24. n Newly ordained Father David R. McCanless: From parochial vicar at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte to fulltime studies for a Licentiate in Biblical Theology in Rome, effective Sept. 1. n Father Elie Mikhael: From parochial vicar at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte to ministry outside the diocese, effective Aug. 7. n Father Felix F. Nkafu: From ministry outside the diocese to parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great Church in WinstonSalem, effective Sept. 1.

n Father Peter K. Nouck: From ministry outside the diocese to parochial vicar at Holy Family Church in Clemmons, effective Sept. 1. n Father Basile N. Sede: From sacramental minister at St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King to pastor of St. Benedict the Moor Church and Good Shepherd Mission, effective Aug. 9. n Vincentian Father Charles Strollo: From ministry outside the diocese to pastor at St. Mary Church in Greensboro, effective June 13. n Father Richard F. Sutter: From ministry outside the diocese to parochial vicar at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, effective Aug. 17. n Vincentian Father John Timlin: From pastor at St. Mary Church in Greensboro to ministry outside the diocese, effective June 13.

— Catholic News Herald

catholicnewsherald.com | August 19, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

K-12 REGISTRATION CLOSES AUGUST 25

12th Annual

Eucharistic Congress

Be Merciful, just as your Father is Merciful Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress September 9 & 10, 2016, Charlotte Convention Center

Byzantine Rite Vespers, Bible Study on Mercy, Procession of the Eucharist from Convention Center to St. Peter Church for Nocturnal Adoration of the Eucharist, College and Young Adult Gathering for Music and Fellowship

K-12 Education Tracks for Students - Register online

Vocation and Catholic Education information

Holy Hour

Sacred Music Concerts

Confession

Religious displays

Holy Mass – Concelebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis and the priests of the Diocese of Charlotte

English and Spanish Tracks for Adults

Vendors of Sacred Art

Brandon Vogt - Seven Steps to Help Young People Return to the Church Vinnie Flynn - Seven Secrets of Divine Mercy

IHS

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For more information please visit: GoEucharist.com

I

M

- This is My Body

Father Chris Alar - Understanding the Message and Devotion of Divine Mercy

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CIFUL – L ER uk

Fr. Dr. Pawel Rytel-Andrianik, Holy Hour Homilist

FAT H E

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Father Matthew Kauth - Bible Study of Mercy

R OU SY

S

PRESENTATIONS

C I FUL , J UST ER A

Eucharistic Procession through Uptown Charlotte

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2016 Eucharistic Congress Diocese Of Charlotte

September 9 & 10 JUBILEE OF MERCY