Jan. 19, 2018

January 19, 2018

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

DSA campaign exceeds goal, raises more than $6M

‘We are here because we love’

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Catholic school enrollment opens for 2018-’19 12

Hundreds in Charlotte march for life 10-11

INDEX

Contact us.......................... 4 Español...............................8-9 Events calendar................. 4 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes.................. 3-7 Schools..............................12 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................13 U.S. news...................... 14-15 Viewpoints................... 18-19 World news.................. 16-17

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Celebrating Epiphany 5, 8

Several building projects, updates under way across the diocese 3

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | January 19, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Presentation of the Lord Feast day: Feb. 2 Pope Francis

Don’t rush through silence at Mass

T

he silence that precedes the opening prayer at Mass is an opportunity for Christians to commend to God the fate of the Church and the world, Pope Francis said.

Departing from his prepared text at his weekly general audience Jan. 10, the pope urged priests “to observe this brief silence and not hurry.”

“I recommend this to the priests.

Without this silence, we risk neglecting the reflection of the soul,” he said.

Continuing his series of audience talks on the Mass, Pope Francis spoke about the Gloria and the opening prayer.

After the encounter between “human misery and divine mercy” experienced in the penitential rite, the faithful are invited to sing the ancient hymn of praise that was sung by the angels after Christ’s birth, the pope said.

“The feelings of praise that run through the hymn,” he said, “are intertwined with the confident pleading of divine benevolence” that characterizes the entire liturgy and “establishes an opening of earth to heaven.”

After the hymn, the priest invites the assembly to pray and observes a moment of silence so that the faithful may be conscious of the fact that they are in God’s presence and formulate their petitions, the pope explained.

This silence, he said, is not just an absence of words but a time to listen “to other voices: that of our heart and, above all, the voice of the Holy Spirit.”

“Perhaps we come from days of toil, of joy, of sorrow and we want to tell the Lord, to invoke His help, to ask that He be near us; we have family members and friends who are ill or who are going through difficult trials,” the pope said.

The priest’s posture – with hands outstretched in supplication – is also an important sign as it is an imitation of Christ with His arms open on the cross, the pope said.

“In the crucifix, we recognize the priest who offers pleasing worship to God; that is, filial obedience,” he said.

Pope Francis said that pondering the prayers and gestures, which are “rich in meaning,” Christians can make “many beautiful meditations” that can benefit their spiritual lives.

“To go back and meditate on the texts, even outside of Mass, can help us to learn how to turn to God, what to ask, which words to use,” the pope said.

“May the liturgy become for all of us a true school of prayer.”

On Feb. 2 the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which occurs 40 days after the birth of Jesus and is also known as Candlemas, since the blessing and procession of candles is included in the day’s liturgy.

The feast was first observed in the Eastern Church as “The Encounter.” In the sixth century, it began to be observed in the West: in Rome with a more penitential character and in Gaul (France) with solemn blessings and processions of candles, symbolizing Christ as the light of the nations – hence the name “Candlemas.”

The Presentation of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Nativity and with the offerings of the Virgin Mother and the prophecy of Simeon, so the feast points toward Easter.

In the Canticle of Simeon (also known as “Nunc Dimittis,” for the first two words of the prayer in Latin), Simeon prays, “Now dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, in peace, according to Thy word: For mine own eyes hath seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared in the sight of all the peoples, A light to reveal Thee to the nations and the glory of Thy people Israel.”

The day’s first reading gives an important insight to understand profoundly the mystery of the Lord’s Presentation in the Temple by Mary and Joseph, in accordance with the canons of Mosaic Law. The text, taken from the Prophet Malachi, says, “I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord who you seek” (Mal 3:1).

From all the Gospels, we know that it is the Precursor, St. John the Baptist, who was born six months before Jesus, that God sent to prepare His way. Putting these evangelical facts together, we can comprehend the words of the Prophet Malachi. The Lord God promised He would send a Precursor to prepare His way. Since there are only six months between the birth of St. John the Baptist and Jesus, it is clear that the prophecy meant that suddenly after the Precursor, the Lord Himself will come. So, soon after the Baptist’s birth, God entered His temple. Jesus’ presentation signifies God’s entrance into His temple – another epiphany. God made man entered His temple, presenting Himself to those who were really searching for Him. Today’s Gospel introduces different people and events that in themselves provide numerous themes for reflection.

First of all, Mary and Joseph respect

the Mosaic Law by offering the sacrifice prescribed for the poor: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Simeon and Anna were two venerable, elderly people dedicated to prayer and fasting, so their strong religious spirit rendered them able to recognize the Messiah. In this sense we can see in the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple an extension of the “Pro Orantibus Day” (“For those who pray”) celebrated on the feast of the Presentation of Mary (Nov. 21).

In the figure of the venerable Simeon, Jesus’ presentation in the temple also reminds us that prayer and contemplation are not just a waste of time or an obstacle to charity. On the contrary, time could not be better spent than in prayer, as true Christian charity is a consequence of a solid interior life. Only those who pray and offer penance, like Simeon and Anna, are open to the breath of the Spirit. They know how to recognize the Lord in the circumstances in which He manifests Himself because they possess an ample interior vision, and they have learned how to love with the heart of the One whose very name is Charity.

At the end of the Gospel, Simeon’s prophecy of Mary’s sufferings is emphasized. St. John Paul II taught, “Simeon’s words seem like a second Annunciation to Mary, for they tell her of the actual historical situation in which the Son is to accomplish His mission, namely, in misunderstanding and sorrow.” (“Redemptoris Mater,” 16) The archangel’s announcement at Christmas was a fount of incredible joy because it pertained to Jesus’ messianic royalty and the supernatural character of His virginal conception. The announcement of the elderly in the temple, instead, spoke of the Lord’s work of redemption that He would complete, associating Himself through suffering to His Mother. Therefore, there is a strong Marian dimension to this feast, so in the liturgical calendar of the Extraordinary Form it is called the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This refers to the other aspect of the Presentation that consists of the ritual purification of Jewish women after they had given birth. In Mary’s case this purification was not necessary, but it indicates the renewal of her total offering of herself to God for the accomplishment of His divine plan.

— www.catholicculture.org, excerpted from Congregation for the Clergy, and “Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year”

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is depicted in the stained-glass windows at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Suggestions for celebrating Candlemas ASK your parish priest to bless the candles that you will use on your home altar this year. (Don’t have a home altar? It’s easy! On a table or cabinet in a quiet area of your home, place a crucifix, a Bible, religious statues, a candle, pictures, etc. Get your kids to draw pictures of their patron saints, write Scripture verses to display on the wall, and even add your dried-out blessed palms from last Palm Sunday. Then use this space to come together and pray as a family on a regular basis.)

PRAY the rosary, meditating on the joyful mysteries and then join together in a family Candlemas procession.

READ Luke 2:22-35, the account of the presentation including the Canticle of Simeon.

MEDITATE on the constant “fiat” of Our Lady of Sorrows, who embraced the will of God even as Simeon predicted that a sword would pierce her heart.

Your daily Scripture readings JAN. 21-27

Sunday: Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:2931, Mark 1:14-20; Monday (Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children): 2 Samuel 5:1-17, 10, Mark 3:22-30; Tuesday (St. Vincent, St. Marianne Cope): 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19, Mark 3:31-35; Wednesday (St. Francis de Sales): 2 Samuel 7:4-17, Mark 4:1-20; Thursday (The Conversion of St. Paul): Acts 22:3-16, Mark 16:15-18; Friday (Sts. Timothy and Titus): 2 Timothy 1:1-8, Mark 4:26-34; Saturday (St. Angela Merici): 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17, Mark 4:35-41

JAN. 28-FEB. 3

Sunday (St. Angela Merici): Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, Mark 1:21-28; Monday: 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30, 16:5-13, Mark 5:1-20; Tuesday: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 2425, 30-19:3, Mark 5:21-43; Wednesday (St. John Bosco): 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17, Mark 6:1-6, Thursday: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12, 1 Chronicles 29:1012, Mark 6:7-13; Friday (The Presentation of the Lord): Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40; Saturday (St. Blaise, St. Ansgar): 1 Kings 3:4-13, Mark 6:30-34

FEB. 4-10

Sunday: Job 7:1-4, 6-7, 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23, Mark 1:29-39; Monday (St. Agatha): 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13, Mark 6:53-56; Tuesday (St. Paul Miki and Companions): 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, Mark 7:1-13; Wednesday: 1 Kings 10:1-10, Mark 7:14-23; Thursday (St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Josephine Bakhita): 1 Kings 11:4-13, Mark 7:24-30; Friday: 1 Kings 11:29-32, 12:19, Mark 7:31-37; Saturday (St. Scholastica): 1 Kings 12:26-32, 13:33-34, Mark 8:1-10

Our parishes

January 19, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

DSA campaign exceeds goal, raises more than $6M SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — In what has turned out to be another record year, the Diocesan Support Appeal campaign concluded Dec. 31. The theme, “Your every act should be done with love,” resonated with parishioners who gave very generously to fund the annual campaign.

The 2017 DSA campaign received $6,205,619 from 17,616 donors across the diocese – 11 percent over the campaign goal of $5,670,000 and the most ever raised in this annual appeal.

Overall, 64 percent of parishes across the diocese reached or exceeded their goal. The average DSA gift was $352.

The annual campaign funds more than 50 programs, including the core operations of 23 ministries and agencies that serve thousands of people across the diocese – most notably, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte for its counseling, food pantries, pregnancy support, refugee resettlement, elder ministry, Respect Life and other programs, as well as the programs and ministries of the Education Vicariate. The DSA also supports multicultural ministries, seminarian education, the permanent diaconate, the annual Eucharistic Congress, and the diocese’s Housing Corporation.

“More and more of our parishioners are giving to the DSA for two reasons,” noted Kerry Tornesello, associate director of development. “First, they want to give back in gratitude of their treasure for all of the blessings they have received from God. And second, they know that the gifts they give change the lives of those who receive the services.”

Parishioners in all 92 parishes and missions in the Charlotte diocese fund the annual DSA. Parishes that exceed their goal keep the extra funds they collect, while parishes that fall short of their goal in donations from parishioners make up the shortfall from their operating budgets.

Some of the parishes receiving rebate funds include: St. Peter Church, Charlotte; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte; Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, Albemarle; St. Mary Church, Greensboro; Our Lady of Mercy Church, Winston-Salem; and Our Lady of the Mountains Mission, Highlands.

St. Eugene Church in Asheville was among the parishes that surpassed their 2017 DSA goal. In recent years the

Several building projects, updates under way across the diocese SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

parish has used its extra DSA funds for a World Youth Day pilgrimage and stateside mission trips. This year, Father Pat Cahill, pastor, said the parish will use the $25,872 in extra funds towards a first-ever international mission trip to Grenada to provide hurricane relief.

“Our young people were deeply moved by the suffering they saw in Puerto Rico and the other island countries as a result of Harvey, Irma and Maria,” he explained. “We had already scheduled a 2018 Catholic Heart Workcamp domestic mission to Kentucky, and they pushed to add an international mission!

“It’s a great thing our DSA rebate helps offset the costs associated with these mission trips. It motivates and inspires the parish when they see the excess DSA donations making a difference in the lives of our youth, as well as our needy brothers and sisters here and abroad.”

Catholic radio network continues to make progress BELMONT— Nearly a year after the Carolina Catholic Radio Network launched its first “test site” in Salisbury, the radio network is ready to move forward with contracts on three radio stations by Ash Wednesday.

The three new stations, part of five total new stations planned to cover 90 percent of the Catholics in the diocese, would broadcast along 150 miles of I-40 from Morganton to the Guilford County line, said David Papandrea, who serves as a “media missionary” for EWTN in the area.

In order for the “highway to heaven” to start broadcasting EWTN and local Catholic programing, the CCRN needs more financial support. Papandrea said they’ve received a generous donation to serve as the base, but they are still in need of businesses to sponsor these stations.

These three stations would provide Catholic radio to

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parishioners of more than 30 parishes in the diocese, Papandrea said.

The CCRN was created last year and the network has one station on the air: Belmont Abbey College’s WBAC-LPFM 101.5. The college launched its FM station last February.

The test station in Salisbury was on the air for nearly six months. It went dark in the fall.

Donations can be made online at www.

CarolinaCatholicRadio.org or by mail to Carolina Catholic Radio Network, P.O. Box 1148, Clemmons, NC 27012-1148.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact David Papandrea at 704-880-0260 or David.

Papandrea@CarolinaCatholicRadio.org.

— Kimberly Bender, online reporter

CHARLOTTE — Church repairs, new classrooms, new rectories and even a new road – the Diocese of Charlotte Properties Office anticipates these and other major projects in nine parishes and schools this year.

The diocesan Properties Office works in conjunction with parishes and Catholic schools around western North Carolina on building projects and needed improvements.

Anthony Morlando, the office’s director, notes the following are all on his calendar or under consideration for the new year: n Christ the King High School, Huntersville: Construction continues on a 27,000-square-foot expansion that includes 15 classrooms, cafeteria, band room and shop space. A new, second entrance road to the school is also being completed for better access, safety and future growth. n Charlotte Catholic High School, Charlotte: Creation of an “Athletic Hall of Fame” in the hallway leading to the gymnasium. The CCHS Athletic Association and the Alumni Association are funding the beatification project to paint the walls, provide environmental graphics and a legacy wall documenting past CCHS athletic achievements and awards using both print graphics and electronic signage. n Our Lady of the Assumption School, Charlotte: A new 2,400-square-foot “cafetorium” space is currently in the design phase. A $300,000 grant from a private donor will help fund the new cafetorium as well as the conversion of the existing library into a new STEM lab which will include audiovisual room updates and a new maker space at the school to provide students a creative space to learn through making. The grant will also help fund new technology, such as network and technology improvements. n Old St. Joseph Church, Mount Holly: This project includes making critical repairs to the historic structure, with an anticipated completion date of March 17 to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day events traditionally celebrated at the church. n St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Mars Hill: A new rectory is under construction on the church’s property. n St. Charles Borromeo Church, Morganton: A new rectory is under construction on the site of the former rectory, which had burned down. n St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville: The process of soliciting quotes has begun to enlist a firm that will conduct an analysis of the historical building’s condition and the repairs it will need in the future. n St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte: Design work is under way on improving the cathedral’s overall lighting levels as well as energy efficiency. n St. Philip the Apostle Church, Statesville: An 8,500-square-foot Social Hall is currently in design to be built on the site of the old rectory, next to the parish administrative building. n St. Joseph College Seminary, Mount Holly: A land study has been completed and design/development drawings are in the final phase. Once those are completed, the project will be sent to the general contractor for current pricing estimates, which will then be reviewed by the Chancery, expected to be sometime in February. Fundraising for construction of the college seminary will begin later in 2018.

This is probably not a comprehensive list, diocesan officials note. More parish projects are anticipated on the horizon after the diocesan “Forward in Faith, Hope and Love” campaign concludes by the summer of 2019, after which time parishes may launch their own new capital campaigns.

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | January 19, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: JAN. 19 – 11:30 A.M. Mass for Life Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C. JAN. 27 – 2 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte

JAN. 30 – 10 A.M. Holy Mass Christ the King High School, Huntersville FEB. 3 – 11 A.M. Holy Mass for World Day of Consecrated Life St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Diocesan calendar of events January 19, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

Volume 27 • NUMBER 8

THE 22ND ANNUAL CHARLOTTE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: Saturday, March 17, in uptown Charlotte. Now accepting applications, the deadline to apply is March 1.

To register for the parade go to www.charlottestpatsday. com and click “application.” For details, contact 803-8021678 or dyerhart@hotmail.com.

HELPERS OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS PROCESSION FOR LIFE.: 9 a.m. Mass, Saturday, Jan. 27, at Charlotte Catholic High School Chapel, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. Procession after Mass to Family Reproductive Health, 700 E. Hebron St. Father Jason Barone will be lead the procession. For details, go to www.charlottehelpers.com.

ESPAÑOL

VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: Join Catholics across Charlotte for Mass and overnight Eucharistic Adoration every first Friday-Saturday at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte to pray for the strengthening and healing of marriages and families, the conversion of our nation, and to offer reparation for the sins of mankind through prayer and penance. The vigil will begin with Mass at 8 p.m. each first Friday, followed by Adoration and scheduled prayer, and conclude with 8 a.m. Mass each first Saturday. For details and to sign up for Adoration times, go to www.prolifecharlotte.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MINISTERIO DE PADRES Y MADRES ORANTES: 7 p.m. el tercer viernes de cada mes, en la Iglesia St. Thomas Aquinas, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Todos los padres de familia están invitados a tener un re-encuentro con Jesús Sacramentado, en una Hora Santa. Todos unidos orarán por los hijos del mundo entero. En este Ministerio, el Rosario es nuestra arma y la Eucaristía es nuestra savia. Para más detalles, llamar a Gloria 704-807-5237.

CLASES DE INGLÉS: 6-9 p.m. todos los martes y jueves en el Community Life Center, en la Iglesia St. Mary, 205 W. Farris Ave., High Point. Para más información y registrarse, llamar al 336-848-6970.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING NFP INTRODUCTION AND FULL COURSE: 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 6, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-370-3230.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Come pray for the end of abortion, and invite anyone else who would support this important cause. Anyone with difficulty standing for 15-20 minutes is welcome to bring a folding chair. Outdoors, rain or shine. For details, call Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835.

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S GROUP EVENING REFLECTION: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte. Rosary to begin, followed by reflection at 7 p.m. with guest speaker Father Joseph Matlak. For details or to RSVP, go to www. charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org.

‘60 MINUTES WITH JESUS’: Saturday, Jan. 30-Wednesday, Jan. 24, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Parish mission hosted by Father James Sichko, a full-time preacher, evangelist and motivational speaker based in the Diocese of Lexington, Ky. For details, call Michael Burck at 704-543-7677, ext. 1020.

ST. PEREGRINE HEALING PRAYER SERVICE: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 25, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service will be offered for all those suffering with cancer or other

diseases. For details, call the parish at 704-543-7677.

ST. STEPHEN MARONITE CHURCH: Masses are offered every Sunday at 12:30 p.m., at St. Matthew Church’s Waxhaw location, 4116 Waxhaw-Marvin Road, Waxhaw. St. Stephen Maronite Church of Charlotte is an Eastern-rite Catholic Church in full communion with the pope.

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

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

SUPPORT GROUPS & RETREATS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP: 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the Parish Center at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. For additional information contact Jennifer Watson, M.P.T. Arthritis Services at 704-348-2723 or Sandra Breakfield, CCDOC Elder Ministry Director at 704-370-3220.

Sponsored by Arthritis Services in conjunction with Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

RETROUVAILLE: A program for married couples that feel bored, disillusioned, frustrated, or angry in their marriage. Most don’t know how to change the situation or even talk with their spouse. This program has helped thousands of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information or to apply for the next program beginning with a weekend Feb. 2, call 800-470-2230 or 434-793-0242, e-mail retrouvaillenc@ msn.com, or go to www.retrouvaille.org.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREATS: Rachel’s Vineyard can help men and women who have experienced abortion begin their healing journey. It creates a healing environment of prayer and forgiveness. The retreat works to reconnect people to

themselves, their friends and family after having an abortion.

For details, email Jackie Childers at jackie.childers1@gmail.com.

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, Huntersville. Organized with the Alzheimer’s Association, the monthly meetings are for the caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimer’s. For details, email Janet Urban at jgraceart@yahoo.com.

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.

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: ASHEBORO: 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, St. Joseph Church, 512 West Wainman Ave. MOORESVILLE: 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road YOUNG ADULTS ASHEVILLE THEOLOGY ON TAP: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Asheville region. For details, check them out on Facebook, Twitter or MeetUp. CHARLOTTE AREA: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/charlottecatholicyoungadultministry, and at: OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION CHURCH: contact Denise Duliepre, 917-575-0871 ST. GABRIEL CHURCH: on Facebook at “St. Gabriel Young Adult Ministry” ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH: call Meg VanGoethem, 815-545-2587.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH: on Facebook at “Young Adult Life: A St. Matthew Ministry” ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL: on Facebook at “The Cathedral of St. Patrick - Young Adult Ministry” ST. PETER CHURCH: look them up on Facebook “St Peter CC Charlotte YAM” ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH: online at “Aquinas’ Finest,” www.stacharlotte.com/finest

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

January 19, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Celebrating Epiphany

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMY G. BURGER

Seminarians helped add the Wise Men – traditionally named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar – to the Nativity scene inside St. Mark Church for the feast of the Epiphany. The heavy Fontanini statues stand 50 inches tall and are made of marble and resin.

DELLA SUE BRYSON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SYLVA — Father Casey Coleman, pastor, did an Epiphany blessing at St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva.

HUNTERSVILLE — All of the doors of St. Mark Church, its Family Center, St. Mark School and Christ the King High School were blessed on the Epiphany. Using blessed chalk, Father John Putnam, pastor, seminarian Christian Goduti and altar server Patrick Martin wrote over each doorway the characters 20+C+M+B+18. The 20 and the 18 stand for the new year, and the letters C, M and B are both the initials of the three Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) as well as the initial letters of the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat,” which means “Christ bless this house.”

CESAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Parishioners at St. Ann Church celebrated the Spanish tradition of the feast of the Three Magis with a king cake after Mass.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 19, 2018 OUR PARISHES

New district attorney, a St. Peter parishioner, emphasizes justice, community service LISA GERACI CORRESPONDENT

Estate Planning Elder Law | Probate WAITING COULD DEVASTATE YOUR FAMILY St. Matthew’s Parishioner

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

6406 Carmel Road, Suite 301 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28226

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434 Charlotte Avenue, P.O. Box 11586 Rock Hill, SC 29731-1586 rockhilloratory.net

(803) 327-2097

oratorycenter@gmail.com

Human Trafficking: What we all need to know Saturday, February 17, 2018 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Human trafficking is a criminal enterprise, a public health concern, and a human rights violation that is impacting communities across our nation, including South Carolina. This day will give us the opportunity to look at this issue and see what is and can be done to end it.

Topics will include what puts our communities at risk, the types of cases frequently experienced in the area, and initiatives underway in the state as well as how local advocates can best contribute toward future anti-human trafficking efforts in their communities.

MORNING SESSION: Human Trafficking – a Heinous Issue, Where and How It Happens and What You Can Do About It.

Sr. Ruthmary Powers, H.M., PhD. Sr. Ruthmary, a member of the Collaboration to End Human Trafficking located in Cleveland, Ohio, will present a general overview of human trafficking and provide suggestions as to how we can become involved in addressing this critical issue.

AFTERNOON SESSION: Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery in SC

Kathryn Moorehead Ms. Moorehead is the Director of VAWA and Human Trafficking Programs – Coordinator of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Taskforce – SC Office of the Attorney General and will discuss the issue in the context of the Southeast and South Carolina.

This day is a free offering to the community and includes a light lunch.

To help with planning, pre-registration is appreciated!

CHARLOTTE — The example of the Jesuits inspires the work of Mecklenburg County’s new district attorney.

Spencer Merriweather, a member of St. Peter Church in Charlotte, was appointed district attorney for Mecklenburg County last fall by Gov. Roy Cooper, when former District Attorney Andrew Murray left upon being nominated as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The 39-year-old Democrat is the first AfricanAmerican to serve in the Merriweather post, and he came highly recommended by his Republican predecessor.

An assistant district attorney for 11 years, Merriweather draws a strong line between his work ethic and his Ignatian spirituality.

He converted to Catholicism in 2012, but his love of the faith did not begin there.

Raised in the Lutheran church in Mobile, Ala., he was introduced to Catholicism when he went to St. Ignatius Catholic School, where he was enrolled from kindergarten until the eighth grade.

Mobile, with its French and Spanish colonial roots, has had a strong Catholic presence for more than 300 years, and Merriweather notes that he couldn’t help but become acquainted with the Catholic faith while growing up there.

As he pursued his education and career goals into adulthood, Merriweather began attending Mass at Catholic churches nearby.

During his undergraduate years at Princeton University, Merriweather attended Mass at its Aquinas Institute.

While working as a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C., he regularly went to Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. Then he frequented Immaculate Conception Church in Durham while pursuing a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“Keep in mind, I was still not Catholic even though I was attending for such a long time,” he notes.

When he moved to Charlotte to practice law, Merriweather immediately sought a way to make a difference in the community – following the example of his parents, and inspired by the Jesuits of St. Peter Church in uptown Charlotte.

“Almost immediately upon my arrival, I started going to St. Peter Church,” he recalls, where he “felt an immediate sense of warmth.”

“The liturgy at St. Peter is a blessing,” he said. “The message always emphasizes the importance of pursuing justice, making it a Catholic priority to serve not only within the confines of the church, but within our larger community. St. Peter has a fully captivating Jesuit staff, blessed with great priests. In all the Catholic churches I have attended, I have always been blessed with wonderful priests. I finally converted and went through the RCIA program at St. Peter’s because that parish gave me a sense of mission and a feeling that I could make a difference. St. Peter’s lives by the ethic ‘all are welcome’ and that is felt throughout

the congregation.”

Merriweather’s faith life and his choice of profession were also inspired by the example of his parents.

“My parents, both teachers, were always giving with their time,” he says. “Community service has always been their center.

Watching and being a part of their services to the community made me yearn to make a difference. When I thought of a career path, it was hard for me to imagine something that did not include serving others.”

Merriweather is a strong advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and serves as a member of the board of Safe Alliance. He is also the incoming president of the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation Board.

Merriweather takes the responsibility of his position very seriously.

“Every single case that is presented to me is difficult because someone’s life will be affected no matter what the outcome.

As the DA, it is my responsibility to apply the law equitably and fairly without bias and prejudice. I am fortunate to work with a dedicated and fair-minded staff of 86 prosecutors who are not about keeping score, not about winning – but people who are prepared to argue vigorously to defend justice.”

Merriweather also says he is committed to building trust in the local criminal justice system.

“Where I stand,” he says, “trust in our criminal justice system is vital because if we don’t have trust we cannot hold people accountable for their actions. I need witnesses who feel comfortable coming forward. I need jurors who understand the importance of being a part of the trial process. If jurors and witnesses do not trust and prioritize the criminal justice system, it falls apart. Every time, before a big trial, I stress with the jurors the importance of their role. After military service, being a juror is one of the greatest ways one could serve his country. Having a fair trial with a jury of peers is of crucial importance.”

Currently, Merriweather is working on establishing an “Expungement Clinic” because, he says, “sometimes the community needs to give ex-offenders, who have outgrown their mistakes, a hand up and release them from what they have already been held accountable. These people have distanced themselves from past transgressions. Allowing them to move on without their past holding them back advances not only the ex-offender but the community as a whole.”

Merriweather also believes, “Treating mental health and addiction while holding people responsible for the crimes they commit helps to create a path of recovery while reducing crime.”

Above all, he says, “Demonstrating a Christian heart in the work I do is a priority.”

Merriweather also continues to be involved at St. Peter’s, where he “has been a real blessing to our confirmation program,” notes Jesuit Father John Michalowski, parochial vicar. “He brings an enthusiasm for Jesus Christ and for the Catholic faith. His sharing with the young people about where he finds God reveals the depth of his prayer life. He is able to find God in both his personal and professional life. St. Ignatius would be delighted.”

January 19, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Spanish reporter joins CNH staff CHARLOTTE — Cesar Hurtado has joined the Catholic News Herald team as its Hispanic communications specialist.

Hurtado will be responsible for news coverage of the Hispanic community in the Diocese of Charlotte through print, multimedia and social media communications, in Spanish and in English. He will contribute to the Spanish section of the print edition of the Catholic News Herald, the Spanish section of the Catholic News Herald’s website and diocesan YouTube channel, the Catholic News Herald Español Facebook page, and more.

A native of Lima, Peru, Hurtado Hurtado earned a degree in communication sciences from the University of Lima in 1982. He has years of experience in TV production and direction, which led him to carry out specialization studies at the Spanish Radio and Television Institute in Lima before returning to work until the end of 2000 with America TV, one of the largest television networks in Peru.

Political and economic upheaval in Peru more than a decade and a half ago prompted Hurtado and his family to relocate to the United States. In 2003, they settled in Charlotte, where Hurtado continued to develop his career as a journalist for a local Hispanic newspaper group.

“It is a great honor for me to be part of this family whose mission is to bring the Good News to all Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte,” Hurtado said. “Today I undertake a new task and, with the help of God and you, I hope to serve as a bridge between our wonderful Church and its living body.”

Local CCHD Grant applications due Feb. 15 Applications for Local Catholic Campaign for Human Development Grants are now being accepted.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, through its Office of Social Concerns and Advocacy, sponsors the Local CCHD Grant Program. Funded projects must be sponsored by non-profits and target the root causes of poverty and related social concerns.

The 2018 grant application, which includes eligibility, guidelines and application submission details, can be found at www.ccdoc.org/cchdcrs.

The email deadline for applications to be received is Thursday, Feb. 15.

Last spring, 14 local CCHD grants totaling $38,700 were distributed to organizations from 13 cities located in eight of the diocese’s 10 vicariates.

— Joseph Purello

Get ready for CRS Rice Bowl The 2018 CRS Rice Bowl Program begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Participating parishes and schools should have received CRS Rice Bowl items this month. CRS will automatically send parishes and schools the amount of materials sent last year if the parish or school did not respond to the fall 2017 CRS notice to update their order information for 2018.

Should a parish or school want to confirm its upcoming CRS Rice Bowl shipment or order additional items, call the CRS toll-free number at 1-800-222-0025. Parishes and schools that wish to participate for the first time should also call CRS toll-free 1-800-222-0025 to place an order for the number of English and Spanish language Rice Bowl items desired.

Orders for first-time or additional CRS Rice Bowl materials that are requested by Jan. 31 should arrive in parishes and schools by Friday, Feb. 9, in time for distribution prior to the start of CRS Rice Bowl on Ash Wednesday.

— Joseph Purello

All welcome to presentation on the English Reformation

OUR PARISHESI

A Gift for the Ages Many consider their parish or mission family like a “loved one” to be remembered, once family has been taken care of in their will.

Please, consider commemorating your parish in your will, or making a tax-deductible contribution to an endowment that already exists for your parish.

Establish a legacy that responds to the gifts God has given to you. Support the future Catholic presence of your parish in ways that provide benefits to you, and that are probably easier to accomplish than you think.

For information on how to leave a legacy at your parish, please contact Ray-Eric Correia, Director of Planned Giving at 704-370-3364 or recorreia@charlottediocese.org.

Do you have a car sitting in a driveway catching leaves? Maybe it will not start or needs a major repair. Catholic Charities benefits from the donation of your vehicle. Donate your vehicle and receive a tax benefit!

Call 1-855-930-GIVE today!

CCDOC.ORG

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Latin Mass Community will host a lecture by Ryan Grant at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at St. Ann Church’s Allen Center.

Grant is the founder of Mediatrix Press and is a distinguished scholar on St. Robert Bellarmine, St. John Fisher, and the English Reformation. He will speak on King Henry VIII and the English Reformation.

His talk will take place after the 6 p.m.

Wednesday Mass in the Extraordinary Form at St. Ann Church. A pizza dinner will be provided.

While not required, an RSVP is appreciated for headcount purposes. To RSVP go to www.charlottelatinmass.org or e-mail info@ charlottelatinmass.org.

— Mike FitzGerald

Catholic Daughters court donates to Statesville hospice The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Philip the Apostle 2593, recently donated $500 to Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. Half came from the CDA court and half came from St. Philip the Apostle Church. Gordon Hospice House offers comfort, compassion and care when it matters most to patients whose end-of-life care needs cannot be effectively addressed in the home. Pictured (from left) are: Becky Scales, Vice Regent for CDA, Court St. Philip the Apostle 2593; Amy Fuhrman, director of development for Gordon Hospice House; and Dawn McGinn, Regent for CDA, Court St. Philip the Apostle 2593; — Connie Ries

Donate Your Car Make your car go the extra mile.

Donate your car to Catholic Charities to help fund programs for those in need. All vehicle makes, models and years welcome.

Truck, boat, RV and motorcycle donations accepted.

855.930.GIVE (4483) www.ccdoc.org/CARS Catholic Charities relies on your direct support to help fund its various ministries.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 19, 2018

Hola Mi nombre es Cesar Hurtado y, desde el 1 de enero de este año, me integré al gran equipo de profesionales que produce el periódico Catholic News Herald.

Para mí es un gran honor poder ser parte de esta familia que tiene como misión llevar La Buena Nueva a todos los católicos de la Diócesis de Hurtado Charlotte.

Me gradué en Ciencias de la Comunicación en la Universidad de Lima, Perú, en 1982. Desde esa fecha mi mayor concentración estuvo en la producción y dirección de televisión, lo que me llevó a realizar estudios de especialización en el Instituto de Radio y Televisión Española, para luego regresar a mi país a trabajar hasta fines de 2000 en América TV, una de las cadenas televisivas peruanas más importantes.

Una crisis política, moral y económica ocurrida en Perú a fines del siglo pasado, me llevó a buscar un mejor panorama para mis hijas y fue así que llegamos a los Estados Unidos.

Para hacer la historia corta, en 2003 mi familia encontró en Charlotte, Carolina del Norte, su hogar. Y, después de trabajar en diversas ocupaciones, desarrolle mi carrera profesional como periodista en un periódico local hispano, donde se me brindaron las oportunidades para descubrir que, desde una humilde posición, siempre es posible llevar una nota de esperanza.

La campaña de DSA supera su meta y recauda más de 6 millones de dólares CHARLOTTE — En lo que ha resultado ser otro año récord, la campaña de Apelación de Apoyo Diocesano concluyó el 31 de diciembre. El tema, “Todos tus actos deben hacerse con amor”, resonó en los feligreses que generosamente donaron para financiar la campaña anual.

La campaña DSA 2017 recibió $ 6.205.619 de 17.616 donantes de toda la diócesis, un 9.44 por ciento sobre la meta señalada de $ 5.670.000 y la mayor cantidad recaudada en toda la historia de la apelación anual.

En general, el 64 por ciento de las parroquias de toda la diócesis alcanzaron o excedieron su meta. La donación promedio fue de 352 dólares.

La campaña anual financia más de 50 programas, incluidas las operaciones centrales de 23 ministerios y agencias que sirven a miles de personas en toda la diócesis.

Los feligreses de las 92 parroquias y misiones de la Diócesis de Charlotte financian el DSA anual.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

FOTOS POR CESAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Arriba izquierda) Integrantes de ‘La Liturgia de los niños’ de la Iglesia San Gabriel realizaron una representación de la Natividad de Jesús.

(Arriba derecha) José y María, representados por los niños Bradi Galvis y Cesar Montes de Oca, seleccionados por su comportamiento ejemplar.

(Abajo derecha) Grupo de responsables de ‘La Liturgia de los niños’ y voluntarias posan con el celebrante, padre Fidel Melo.

La Fiesta de los Reyes Magos Tradición y religiosidad se unen en esta importante fecha para la comunidad hispana CESAR HURTADO HISPANIC REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — La fiesta de la Epifanía, que se celebra cada 6 de enero, no ha perdido su arraigo entre la comunidad hispana, que tiene en la figura de los Reyes Magos y la popular Rosca de Reyes a los protagonistas de esta fiesta religiosa.

Según la tradición, los Reyes Magos, llegados de Oriente con presentes para el niño Jesús recién nacido, no arribaron a Belén sino hasta el 6 de enero, fecha en que se celebra ‘La Bajada de Reyes’, con la entrega de regalos, bebiendo chocolate caliente y saboreando la riquísima Rosca.

El padre Fidel Melo, director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, dijo que los Reyes Magos, llegados de Babilonia u alguna otra región, “representan el mundo de aquel entonces”, y la diversidad porque “vienen representando diferentes etnias”.

Añade que el sentido principal de la Epifanía “es la manifestacion de Jesús al mundo como Rey”, y también como Mesías, “el Mesías redentor que había de morir en una cruz”.

En la celebración organizada por la Iglesia San Gabriel de Charlotte el pasado domingo 7 de enero, más de un centenar de participantes en ‘La Liturgia de los niños’

pudo conocer más de cerca la historia de Los Reyes Magos y el sentido de la Fiesta de la Epifanía en la Misa en español que se realizó a las 6:30 de la tarde.

Durante la Consagración, el celebrante invitó a los niños al altar para que pudieran estar cerca “del milagro de otra manifestación de Cristo, convertido en pan en la Eucaristía”.

Al término de la celebración, todos los niños recibieron regalos y pudieron dar una probadita a la dulce Rosca.

Ese mismo día, dando a conocer esta tradición a la comunidad Anglo, la Iglesia Santa Ana, preparó un agasajo a los asistentes a la Misa en Latin que se celebra todos los domingos a las 12:30 del mediodía.

Suzy Langlinais, una de las promotoras de la actividad, comentó que las familias latinas que asisten con regularidad a esta Misa “tenemos la costumbre de celebrar el Día de Reyes”, y aunque “los anglosajones no estan muy acostumbrados”, deseaban “compartir esta fiesta tan importante que viene a ser el cierre de las navidades”.

Aprovechando la trascendencia de la festividad, la Iglesia San Marcos de Huntersville organizó un retiro que tuvo como orador invitado al fraile Sergio Andrés Serrano, llegado de Nueva Orleans, quien destacó la “corresponsabilidad”, en la que “cada uno de nosotros debe traer sus

propios regalos a la Iglesia”, al igual que los Reyes Magos a Jesús recién nacido.

El retiro, que inició el viernes 12, concluyó con una Feria de Ministerios el domingo 14.

PAN SIMBÓLICO

La Rosca tiene la forma de una corona real y lleva frutos secos que asemejan las piedras preciosas que lucen estas joyas que portaban los Reyes Magos.

Dependiendo de su tamaño, el interior oculta una o varias figuras del niñito Jesús, representando su escondite del Rey Herodes.

Aquellos que las encuentran se convierten en “padrinos” y deben ofrecer tamales a los invitados a la fiesta de la Candelaria, o de la presentación del Señor, que se celebra el 2 de Febrero.

Tradicionalmente, en la Misa por la Fiesta de la Candelaria, los fieles llevan sus ‘niños Jesús’, para que sean bendecidos por el sacerdote.

Más en línea En www.catholicnewsherald.com puede ver el video de la celebración de la Fiesta de los Reyes Magos en las Iglesias San Gabriel y Santa Ana, así como un informe del retiro de Epifanía en San Marcos.

January 19, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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‘Quiero hacerme partícipe de las alegrías de ustedes, de las tristezas, de sus dificultades y esperanzas, y decirles que no están solos, que el Papa está con ustedes, que la Iglesia entera los acoge y los mira’

Papa Francisco visita Chile y Perú bienaventuranzas!”.

Cerró su homilía pidiendo que María ayude a todos a vivir y desear las bienaventuranzas “para que en cada rincón de esta ciudad oigamos, como un suave susurro: Bienaventurados los pacificadores, porque serán llamados hijos de Dios”.

El miércoles 17 el Papa viajó a Temuco, 420 millas al sur de Santiago, donde se reunió con residentes de la comunidad indígena mapuche.

Antes de volar a Perú, el jueves 18 Francisco se trasladó a Iquique, a más de mil millas al norte de Santiago, donde tuvo un encuentro masivo con los peregrinos en la Misa por Nuestra Señora del Carmen.

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

SANTIAGO, CHILE — El Papa Francisco llegó a Santiago el miércoles 15 de enero, la primera parada en una visita de siete días y seis ciudades a Perú y Chile, donde lleva su mensaje de esperanza a las personas al margen de la sociedad.

Al llegar a Santiago, después de más de 15 horas en el aire, el Papa Francisco fue recibido por la presidenta chilena Michelle Bachelet. Le dijo a la multitud que estaba feliz de estar en Chile y bendijo a los trabajadores en el aeropuerto antes de ser transportado a la nunciatura papal, donde permaneció las tres noches que pasó en Chile.

Al día siguiente visitó a la casa presidencial de La Moneda, el santuario del Padre Alberto Hurtado, la Catedral Metropolitana, ofició Misa en el Parque O’Higgins y tuvo una emotiva reunión con reclusas del Centro Penitenciario Femenino.

En el primer encuentro oficial de su visita apostólica a Chile, el Papa expresó su vergüenza y dolor por la crisis de abuso sexual infantil que ocurrió a manos del clero de la Iglesia Católica.

“Me siento obligado a expresar mi dolor y vergüenza por el daño irreparable causado a los niños por algunos ministros de la Iglesia”, dijo el Papa el 16 de enero.

Dirigiéndose a los líderes civiles del país, dijo: “Soy uno con mis hermanos obispos, porque es correcto pedir perdón y hacer todo lo posible para apoyar a las víctimas, incluso si nos comprometemos a garantizar que esas cosas no vuelvan a suceder.”

MULTITUDINARIA MISA

Durante la multitudinaria misa celebrada en el Parque O’Higgins, el Papa Francisco se centró en la lectura del Evangelio del día en la que Jesús habla sobre las bienaventuranzas que no nacen de una actitud pasiva, ni de espectador, ni de desventuras, ni de espejismos, sino

TRASLADO A PERÚ

FOTO CORTESÍA CASA PRESIDENCIAL DE LA MONEDA

El Papa Francisco arriba a Chile y es recibido por la presidenta Michelle Bachelet.

“del corazón compasivo de Jesús que se encuentra con el corazón de hombres y mujeres que quieren y anhelan una vida bendecida”.

“De hombres y mujeres que saben de sufrimiento (...), pero más saben de tesón y de lucha para salir adelante; más saben de reconstrucción y de volver a empezar”, agregó.

La Diócesis de Charlotte busca

Director para Centro de Conferencias La Diócesis de Charlotte tiene una oportunidad única para personas con experiencia administrativa en la industria de la hospitalidad. Las personas calificadas necesitan tener experiencia en supervisión de las operaciones que proporcionan alojamiento durante la noche y servicio de alimentos y bebidas. Además, experiencia en ventas y marketing y tener conocimiento de la tecnología. Las personas interesadas deben tener un fuerte deseo de ayudar a la Iglesia a proporcionar lugares de calidad para los programas católicos y retiros.

Envíe una carta de interés y un resume de la experiencia pertinente antes del 25 de enero de 2018 en: employment@charlottediocese.org. EOE.

“¡Cuánto conoce el corazón chileno de reconstrucciones y de volver a empezar”, destacó el Papa Francisco, “cuánto conocen ustedes de levantarse después de tantos derrumbes! ¡A ese corazón apela Jesús; para ese corazón son las

El mismo jueves arribó a Lima y el viernes visita Puerto Maldonado, una ciudad de la Amazonía, donde se encontrará con indígenas de la región. Por la tarde, al regresar a Lima, visitará a las autoridades de gobierno y se encontrará con miembros de la Compañía de Jesús.

El viernes 20 estará en Trujillo, una ciudad costera al norte de Lima, castigada por fenómenos climatológicos, donde celebrará Misa.

A su regreso a la capital, el sábado 21, oficiará una multitudinaria Misa en la base militar Las Palmas, en un suburbio de Lima, para luego dejar tierras incas.

En un mensaje previo a su viaje apostólico, Francisco lo encomendó a “las manos de la Virgen Santa, Madre de América”, para que sea ella, “como buena Madre”, quien acoja sus intenciones “y enseñe el camino hacia su hijo”.

“Deseo encontrarme con ustedes, mirarlos a los ojos, ver sus rostros y poder, entre todos, experimentar la cercanía de Dios, su ternura y misericordia, que nos abraza y consuela”, señaló.

— Contribuyeron las agencias informativas Catholic News Service y Catholic News Agency

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iiiJanuary 19, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COV

‘We are here bec

Hundreds in Charlotte

SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Gray skies and the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms did not deter more than 250 marchers from witnessing to the sanctity of life Jan. 12 during the 12th annual March for Life Charlotte.

“For those of us who witness to life and for those of us who publicly assent to God’s will about life from conception to natural death, it is very natural to be here today,” said Father Joshua Voitus, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, in his opening remarks at Independence Square in uptown Charlotte.

“We are emphasizing publicly our commitment to that which God has given. Nevertheless, it can be very frustrating at times. The forces arrayed against us can seem at times very powerful. They can seem very overwhelming. The culture that we have – as Pope St. John Paul II so famously called it, ‘the culture of death’ – can seem so powerful and so strong,” he acknowledged.

Looking out over the men, women and children gathered in the square in earshot of those walking by, Father Voitus asked, “Why, year after year, are we here?”

“We are here because we have hope,” he continued. “We have hope that no matter the forces arrayed against us, no matter how long this fight has been, no matter how long it is going to be in the future, we have hope. Not abstract hope; sure and certain hope that comes from Almighty God.

“We have hope and the knowledge that we will prevail one day. It is a firmly grounded hope, grounded in our knowledge and our love of Almighty God.” Among those attending the 12th annual march was recently ordained Father Brian Becker, parochial vicar of St. Mark Church in Huntersville. This was his first pro-life march Charlotte, although he has attended the national March for Life in Washington, D.C., for many years.

“I am very happy to be here,” Father Becker said. “Being able to witness to life is a chance to stand up as a Church and to witness against the greatest moral evil that we face in our country. Abortion is that great scourge that we all need to dedicate our efforts to (eradicating). It’s good to give a very public witness and a very public focus on this issue to keep it on the forefront of our minds, even after so many decades of legalized abortion in this country.”

Jan and Barbara Fredericks, parishioners from St. Mark Church, agreed.

“I’m here to pray for an end to abortion. It’s a subject that is being ignored by us Catholics to a large extent and definitely being ignored by the world at large,” Jan Fredericks said. “I think we need to keep up the fight to make sure that our future generations are kept. We are losing not only lives, but we are losing perspective as Catholics are weakening in their dislike of abortion. They are weakening in their protection of life. We are losing a generation because of our deafness to the need for stopping abortion.”

Barbara Fredericks added, “Our secular culture is

becoming more and more against the God-given values of life.

We are here because we know that all life is sacred. There are some people who cannot speak for themselves. We are here to speak for them, to say that unborn children are sacred, old people are sacred, people in nursing homes are sacred. They all deserve the right to life.”

Angela Shea, a parishioner of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, and her eight children, aged 4 months to 15, also attended the march.

“I think that it’s very important to teach them to stand up for life. It’s important for them to see people getting together for things like this. We talk about it all the time, but the act of doing it is important. This is the next generation, and we have to empower them,” she said.

Her daughter Isabella, 15, explained her presence at the Charlotte march: “I have always been brought up to be prolife. I never fully understood why we were marching for these things. I just thought it was something we were doing. Then I started going to Latrobe (the busiest abortion facility in Charlotte) one Saturday a month as part of the Epic group.

“I think it’s important to stand up for causes you believe in, especially an end to abortion,” she said. “In our nation today it is important for us, men and women, to empower women.”

Other youth attending the March for Life Charlotte included students from Charlotte Catholic High School who were expecting to travel to Washington, D.C., Jan. 19 for the national March for Life.

Charlotte Nazarian, a senior, said, “Last year was my first

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ROM THE COVER

January 19, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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march. I feel like this gets March for Life Month going. It’s important to point out that there are people in Charlotte who are pro-life. We’re here. We’re marching. We’re pro-life.”

Her younger brother, Louis Nazarian, is a junior who won a Charlotte Catholic essay contest and will receive a free trip to D.C. He explained the reason he advocates for the unborn: “I’ve always loved life. This is a huge part of my life. I have so much respect for everyone who is here.

“Everyone needs a chance at life. To see these people around me wanting to give people a chance, it’s so inspiring.

I love marching the streets of Charlotte proclaiming life. We are the pro-life generation!”

“I love these events put on with the diocese,” added Matthew Sie, a junior. “They energize me and make me really hopeful. You read in the news or hear people say the Catholic Church is in decline. But when you come to our diocese and see events like this and the Eucharistic Congress, you see tons of laypeople who are willing to come out in support of the Church.

“It’s always really neat to see the huge presence of our clergy and religious here. It’s something we’re really lucky to have here. Not a lot of other dioceses have this. We’re very lucky to have such a big, active presence from our priests and religious here.”

Courtney Sheaf, a Spanish teacher at Charlotte Catholic and faculty member who assists the school’s Voices for Life group, also attended the Jan. 12 local march before leading 23 students along with chaperones to the national March for

Life on Friday.

“The pro-life movement has always been something I have been passionate about,” Sheaf said. “Since I grew up being so passionate about it, I just love to see young people passionate about it, so anything I can do to help lead them to stand up and find a voice, to give others a voice that don’t have one, I think that’s a great opportunity.”

Charlotte Catholic chaplain and diocesan promoter of vocations, Father Jason Barone, said, “It is important for our youth to attend these marches for life because it is the handing of the torch on to the next generation, to be a witness to shine a light on the truth of the precious gift which is life. There is a need for us to stand up for life and to bear witness to the truth as St. John the Baptist did in his own life.”

During his remarks in Independence Square, Father Voitus also reminded everyone gathered, “We are here too because we have faith. To the outside world it might seem we are protesting.

It might seem that we are demonstrating. It might seem that we are rallying, but we are doing none of those things.

“We are bearing public witness of our faith in Almighty God. It is not us who marches today. It doesn’t matter if there are a few people or there are many people, because it is God Himself who marches here today. It is God Himself who witnesses here today to His gift of life. We are merely those conduits of His grace. We are merely His servants.”

Father Voitus also noted, most importantly, that those present march above all because of love.

“We don’t march out of hatred. We don’t march primarily even out of opposition. We oppose abortion, true. We oppose euthanasia, true. Our primary focus, our primary goal and our primary reason is not in opposition, but because we are in favor of something – because we love,” he said.

“We love first and foremost. Above all, we love our God. And life is a gift that is given by Him to us. The One whom we love has given us a gift and we march to preserve that gift. We pray publicly and bear witness that we might be stronger and others may join us to bear witness and accept that gift of life from Almighty God. “We march because we love children. We love the unborn.

Even though they are still in their mother’s wombs, we love them. We love them and desire to take care of them, to preserve them.”

And finally, he said, “We march because we love the women who are struggling in their pregnancy or who are struggling with that idea of an abortion that might seem like such an easy solution. We march because we love them and because we know that abortion is neither a solution nor is it easy. We know how it scars women and how it hurts them. We march to preserve them out of love.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video highlights and more photos from the March for Life Charlotte, as well as complete coverage from the national March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Our schools 12

catholicnewsherald.com | January 19, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Catholic school enrollment opens for 2018-’19 academic year CHARLOTTE — Enrollment for the 2018-’19 academic year is open for all 19 Diocese of Charlotte schools: nine schools in the greater Charlotte area and 10 parish-based schools around the diocese.

Several schools also offer special learning programs to better meet the needs of diverse learners. In many instances, a parent can provide their child with a Catholic education from pre-kindergarten through high school.

All of the diocese’s Catholic schools are accredited through AdvancED-SAC-CASI (Southern Association of Schools-Council on Accreditation and School Improvement).

MECKLENBURG AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

The nine schools in MACS are: St. Ann School (PK, TK5), St. Gabriel School (K-5), St. Matthew School (TK-5), St. Patrick School (K-5), Our Lady of the Assumption School (PK-8), St. Mark School (K-8), Holy Trinity Middle School (68), Charlotte Catholic High School and Christ the King High School.

Upcoming open houses for prospective families are: n St. Ann School: 600 Hillside Ave.; Charlotte; 704-5254938; www.stanncatholic.org; open house 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Jan. 31 n St. Gabriel School: 3028 Providence Road; Charlotte; 704-366-2409; www.stgabrielcatholicschool.org; open house 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 1 n St. Matthew School: 11525 Elm Lane; Charlotte; 704544-2070; www.stmattwildcats.com; open house 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan 30 n St. Patrick School: 1125 Buchanan St.; Charlotte; 704333-3174; www.saintpatrickschool.org; open house 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 30 n Our Lady of the Assumption School: 4225 Shamrock Dr.; Charlotte; 704-531-0067; www.olacatholic.org; open house 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 1 n St. Mark School: 14750 Stumptown Road; Huntersville; 704-766-5000; stmarkcatholicschool.net; open house 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 31 n Holy Trinity Middle School: 3100 Park Road; Charlotte; 704-527-7822; www.htcms.org; open house 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

St. Leo School welcomes alumni home WINSTON-SALEM — St. Leo School recently held its first Alumni Homecoming.

Father Brian Cook, pastor, (pictured with the school’s mascot) and Joanne Brown, principal, as well as current and past teachers, welcomed students from the classes of 1956 to 2017 to the homecoming event, held in the school’s

Jan. 30 n Charlotte Catholic High School: 7702 PinevilleMatthews Road, Charlotte; 704-543-1127; www. charlottecatholic.org; open house 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 1 n Christ the King High School: 2011 Crusader Way; Huntersville; 704-199-4400; www.ctkchs.org; open house 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 31 Tuition rates for the 2018-’19 year are expected to be announced in February.

Last year’s tuition costs for participating Catholic families were: $3,875 for half-day pre-kindergarten or $6,020 for full-day pre-kindergarten; $6,569 for elementary school (transitional kindergarten through fifth grade); $7,279 for middle school, and $10,645 for high school. (Tuition for nonCatholic or non-participating Catholics is higher.)

Additional graduation, technology and activity fees are not included in these costs.

Tuition discounts are provided to participating Catholic parishioners and for multiple children enrollment.

Financial assistance is also available to qualifying families based on need.

All of the diocesan schools participate in the N.C. Opportunity Scholarship and the N.C. Disability Scholarship Programs.

For more information, including application forms and financial aid opportunities, go online to www.discovermacs. org.

Prospective families may also contact MACS Admissions Director Heather Schoonover at hlschoonover@ charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3273.

MACS SPECIAL NEEDS

MACS also offers special needs programs at various locations including: PACE (Providing an Appropriate Academic Catholic Education), MAP (Modified Academic Program) and MMP (Matthew Morgan Program). Each offers a specific educational experience for students with special needs.

To learn more about these special programs and tuition rates, go to www.discovermacs.org/speciallearning.

gymnasium. Alumni were encouraged to visit the classrooms and tour the school to see how the campus has evolved since they graduated.

St. Leo School has experienced tremendous growth since it welcomed its first class in 1953, including the building of a middle school addition.

Jean Anne Semke and Kathy Murray organized the event after being inspired by Father Cook.

“We wanted to invite all of our alumni back home and create an event that instilled that family feeling and enabled past students and teachers to take a trip down Lion Lane,” Semke said. “It was such a wonderful evening, with so many of our St. Leo Catholic School family in attendance. Alumni traveled in from places like New Orleans, Houston and Chicago.”

Father Cook welcomed alumni and teachers home and thanked attendees “for making room in their schedules during a very busy time to reconnect with their friends and teachers.”

He in turn was honored by attendees with a plaque for “his steadfast leadership and unwavering support.”

The event was a resounding success with alumni reconnecting with old friends as well as connecting with current students. Alumni left notes on the classroom white boards for students to see when they returned from their holiday break. Additionally, alumni had the opportunity to “leave words of wisdom for current Lions” by placing notes in the Middle School Suggestion box. Notes left ranged from

DIOCESAN SCHOOLS

Outside the Charlotte area, there are nine parish-based elementary/middle schools and one diocesan high school, each with independent admissions processes and varying tuition rates and financial aid programs. These schools are: n Asheville Catholic School: PK-8th grade; 12 Culvern St., Asheville; 828-252-7896; www.ashevillecatholic.org; open house 9-11 a.m. Jan. 31 n Bishop McGuinness High School: 9-12th grade; 1725 N.C. Hwy. 66 South, Kernersville; 336-564-1010; www.bmhs. us; open houses 9-10:30 a.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. March 7 n Immaculata School: PK-8th grade; 711 Buncombe St., Hendersonville; 939-693-3277; www.immac.org; call to schedule a tour n Immaculate Heart of Mary School: PK-8th grade; 4145 Johnson St., High Point; 336-8887-2613; www.ihm-school. com; call to schedule a tour n Our Lady of Grace School: PK-8th grade; 201 South Chapman St., Greensboro; 336-275-1522; www.olgsch.org; call to schedule a tour n Our Lady of Mercy School: PK-8th grade; 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem; 336-722-7204; www. ourladyofmercyschool.org; open houses 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 30; 5-7 p.m., Feb. 6; 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 22 n Sacred Heart School: PK-8th grade; 385 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury; 704-633-2841; www. salisburycatholicschool.org; call to schedule a tour n St. Leo School: PK-8th grade; 333 Springdale Avenue; Winston-Salem; 336-748-8252; www.stleocatholic.com; open houses 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 30; 5-7 p.m. Feb. 6; 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 22 n St. Michael School: PK-8th grade; 704 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia; 704-544-2070; www.stmichaelcs.com; call to schedule a tour n St. Pius X School: K-8th grade; 2200 North Elm St., Greensboro; 336-273-9865; www.spxschool.com; open houses 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Jan. 28; 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Jan. 31 Visit each school’s website or contact the school directly for registration information or to schedule a visit.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

“Thank your teachers, one day you will realize how much they impacted you!” to “Be positive, and give thanks to God for all you have!” to “Have so much fun every moment and learn lots!”

— Melissa Kinsley

CCHS Debate and Speech Team earns national honors CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Catholic High School Debate and Speech Team has earned more accolades from the National Speech & Debate Association.

As members of the National Speech & Debate Association honor society, CCHS Debate and Speech students earn points and degrees based on competitive and service-related activities.

Degrees range from the Degree of Merit, with 25 or more points, to the Degree of Premier Distinction, with 1,500 or more points.

The Charlotte Catholic chapter achieved more than 100 degrees last year, and as a result, is ranked in the top 21 percent of schools nationwide. This milestone demonstrates the high school’s outstanding commitment to teaching students essential life skills, including communication, research, listening, writing and organization.

“The team showed so much growth this year, and we can attribute that to the hard work of the team officers and members,” said head coach Mary Morales. “We are also grateful for the tremendous support we have received from the school administrators, staff and parents.”

The National Speech & Debate Association was established in 1925 to provide recognition and support for students participating in speech and debate activities. Its mission is to connect, support and inspire individuals and schools devoted to giving middle school, high school, and college students access to speech and debate.

The 78 members of the high school’s Debate and Speech Team learn to see the power of deploying rational arguments and compelling evidence. They learn the skills of researching, organizing, presenting information in a compelling fashion, and performing in public with great poise and confidence.

— Carolyn Kramer Tillman

Mix

January 19, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

public officials. Director Steven Spielberg, working from a script by Liz Hannah and Josh Singer, aims to make a rouser along the lines of 1952’s “Deadline U.S.A.” and, according to that film’s formula of a crusading newspaper in financial peril triumphing over government secrets and crooked politicians, he succeeds. Scenes of military combat, fleeting rough language.

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

In theaters

‘The Commuter’ Lively action sequences help mask the muddled premise of this Liam Neeson vehicle. He plays a police officerturned-insurance-salesman who, on the very day he is let go from the latter job, finds his train trip home to the suburbs transformed into a test of character when a stranger (Vera Farmiga) offers him a large sum to identify one of his fellow passengers on the basis of a few scanty clues. It soon becomes apparent that she is not on the side of the angels and that her proposal is as much blackmail as bargain. With his wife (Elizabeth McGovern) and son (DeanCharles Chapman) in danger, he turns for help to a friend and fellow cop (Patrick Wilson) who is still on the force but must largely fend for himself as he pursues his frantic search. Director Jaume Collet-Serra’s generally efficient thriller does present its protagonist with a fundamental moral dilemma. Yet the logical shortcomings of its story blunt the impact of its perfectly respectable ethical message. Much brawling and some lethal violence with brief gore, a scene implying use of pornography, about a dozen profanities, a couple of rough and several crude terms, an obscene gesture.

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

‘The Post’ Nostalgic account of The Washington Post’s publication of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 has Meryl Streep as publisher Katharine Graham and Tom Hanks as editor Ben Bradlee fighting both the Nixon administration and their own notions of how journalists should behave around prominent Frank Villaronga HL 2018 ad.pdf

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Other Movies n ‘Paddington 2’:CNS: A-I (general patronage); MPAA: PG n ‘Insidious: The Last Key’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13

On TV n Friday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “ Gimme Shelter: The LifeSaving Work of Kathy Difiore.” A documentary on the story of Kathy DiFiore, a suburban wife and mother who escaped an abusive home, became homeless and would later start a ministry geared towards housing pregnant teenagers, Several Sources Shelters. n Friday, Jan. 19, 8:45 p.m.

(EWTN) “No Greater Love.” After finding out he was nearly aborted, one man reflects on how this and other events in his life have shaped his calling to the priesthood. n Friday, Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Closing Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life.” From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. n Friday, Jan. 19, 10 p.m.

(EWTN) “March for Life.” Live and complete coverage of the most important pro-life event of the year: the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. n Saturday, Jan. 20, 6 p.m.

(EWTN) “One Life LA.” Celebrate the beauty and dignity of every human life from conception to natural death with Archbishop Jose Gomez and a list of pro-life speakers in downtown Los Angeles.

n Sunday, Jan. 21, 3:45 p.m. (EWTN) “Shawn’s Eyes.”

Documentary on Shawn Riney, a man born with Down Syndrome, and how his life touches the hearts of families who know him. n Monday, Jan. 22, 1:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Alice Von Hildebrand: In Her Own Words.” Dr. Alice von Hildebrand shares her personal views on pressing issues related to men, women, marriage and advice her husband, Dietrich, would have for today’s society. Part 1 of 2. n Monday, Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Grave In Perm, A: The Father Walter Ciszek Story.” The moving story of Father Walter Ciszek, a Byzantine Catholic priest who was convicted of being a spy for the Vatican and endured many years in Soviet prisons. n Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Hearing God.” The uplifting story of Father Christopher Klusman from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, his call to the priesthood and the obstacles he faced as one of only a handful of deaf priests. n Wednesday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Stories of Faith: Meghan’s Miracle.” The life of Meghan Salter, a young girl with an undiagnosed condition that has left her dependent on medical support but through God’s grace she has touched many lives.

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Our nation 14

catholicnewsherald.com | January 19, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Archbishop brings ‘God’s love’ to mudslide victims with special Mass CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Amid tragedies such as the devastating mudslides in Southern California and the horrific wildfires that preceded them, “we want to know why” they happen, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said Jan. 14.

“It is not easy. One of the hardest things in the world is to keep believing in God’s love when we see tragedy,” he said in his homily during a Mass with victims of the mudslides at Santa Barbara Mission.

“Why does God allow mudslides and fires and earthquakes and hurricanes and wars and famines? I do not know. Nobody knows!” he said. “But we all know one thing: God did not make us to see us get hurt. He made us out of love. We are His sons and daughters and He wants only the best for every one of His children. Every person! No exceptions!”

He added, “The only thing for certain in our lives is that God loves us. And how do

we know that? One word: Jesus.”

Early Jan. 9, the mudslides hit Montecito, a coastal enclave of about 9,000 people northwest of Los Angeles, leaving at least 20 people dead. Three people were still missing as of Jan. 17.

Heavy rains had triggered the slides in an area ravaged a month before by wildfires. The Associated Press described a “torrent of mud, trees and boulders that flowed down a fire-scarred mountain and slammed” into Montecito in Santa Barbara County. About 100 homes were destroyed and hundreds of others were severely damaged.

One of the fatalities was Roy Rohter, the founder of St. Augustine Academy, a Catholic school in Ventura. The mudslides swept him and his wife Theresa from their home in Montecito. Theresa survived.

The news website of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, Angelus, reported that Archbishop Gomez traveled by helicopter to Santa Barbara Mission to celebrate

Mass.

“It is a special blessing for me to be here,” he told the congregation in his homily. “I am grateful for this chance to be close to you and hopefully, to bring you the consolation of God’s love and his tenderness – in this time when so many of our brothers and sisters are in pain.”

He recognized in particular the parishioners from Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Montecito in attendance and said that everyone at the Mass was “especially praying for the ones who died this past week and for all the victims and their families.”

“We gather this morning in this Eucharist to worship God and to talk to him, to pray and to tell him our frustrations, our sorrows. We come especially today – to look for answers to our questions,” Archbishop Gomez said.

He described an Angelus story about a couple in their 70s. “They were evacuated during the Thomas Fire (one of the

wildfires) and it was only days later that they were able to return,” he explained.

“And the place where their house was – there is nothing left. Just ashes and dirt.

“These are good Catholic people, good neighbors. You know these stories,” he continued. “There are hundreds more like them. You are living these stories.”

Such stories “tell us that life is precious, but it is also uncertain and fragile,” he said. “These stories tell us that we should live for God every day and cherish our time -- and we should not anything in our lives for granted.”

In coming to Jesus at the Mass to look “for answers,” he said, the Lord “does not give us the answers” but tells us instead “that He is the answer.”

“There are homes and there are lives that need to be rebuilt,” Archbishop Gomez said. “There are people who need to be hugged, people who need to be consoled. To be told that things are going to be all right!

And they will be! Because God is with us!”

Panel: Immigrants, like everyone else, want love, family, peaceful life KELLY SANKOWSKI CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pope Francis has encouraged Catholics to move beyond statistics in discussions of migrants and refugees, and to remember that “each of them has a name, a face and a story,” said John Garvey, president of The Catholic University of America.

He made the comments in opening an event titled “On the Margins: At the Intersection of Catholic Thought and Migration” hosted by the university.

The Jan. 11 discussion was held during National Migration Week, observed Jan. 7-14 this year. The event was co-sponsored by Catholic University’s Institute for Human Ecology and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Ivone Guillen and Ana Tello-Duran, who both immigrated to the United States from Mexico as minors, told two of those stories of migration the pope has urged Catholics to learn about.

As she introduced them, Ashley Feasley, director of policy for USCCB Migration and Refugee Services, discussed the theme for this year’s National Migration Week: “Many journeys, one family.”

“In the end, we all want the same things: love, family unity, and the ability to stay together and achieve a peaceful life,” said Feasley.

Guillen migrated to Washington state when she was a child, where her mother began working as a migrant farmworker, which was dangerous, did not provide much money and caused the family to continue to move around a lot, she said.

“I very much grew up with the fear of not knowing if I’d see my mom when I came home from school,” said Guillen.

Growing up in this environment helped her learn how to be resourceful, value family and have a good work ethic, she said, while at the same time, it fostered in her a desire to pursue other opportunities.

She finished high school as a first generation graduate, and went on to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where she received a bachelor’s degree in international studies and Spanish. The DREAM Act – the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act – was first introduced when she was in high school, which gave her hope, but now almost two decades later, it still has not been passed, she said. The measure would provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA beneficiaries.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, created in 2012 by President Barack Obama through an executive order, was “great news,” she said, but even then she and others knew that “a lot of pieces had to

be considered,” including the situation the country is currently facing: If they did apply and down the road another administration rescinded it, what would happen?

Nevertheless, she applied for and received DACA protection, and currently works with the USCCB doing education and outreach about Catholic social teaching.

She is still not sure what is going to happen if Congress is unable to reach an agreement to preserve DACA. Tello-Duran migrated to the United States to flee the violence that she saw in the small town where she grew up.

She remembers having to leave school because of violence resulting from cartels, walking down the streets to see everything shutting down and hearing her friend tell her that they “just need to run and hide.”

“I could see the fear in the mothers’ faces picking up their children from school,” she said. “I saw things that no child should see.”

She decided to flee to America with her older sister when she was 17, making the long journey across the border, and drinking vinegar after they ran out of water.

“I was afraid. I didn’t know what was going on, I just knew I wanted a better life,” she said. “I wanted to save myself before I died.”

Eventually, authorities took them into custody in Arizona, and her older sister was deported. But because she was not yet 18, she was taken to a shelter. Tello-Duran said she prayed every night that she would not have to return to Mexico.

“I knew if I held onto that hope and that faith, someone would help me,” said Tello-Duran, adding that at the same time, she was afraid of what could happen.

“I cannot tell you the endless nights I cried because I thought I was going to go back where I didn’t want to go,” she said.

Eventually, someone did help her, and Catholic Charities put her into the foster care system. Over her years in that system, she met other people in her circumstances, and some of them got sent back to the countries that they came from. One of them got killed upon his return.

“All I could think was, ‘What if I got sent back? Would I be alive?’” she said.

Throughout this process, Tello-Duran discovered a passion for social work. She graduated from community college, then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is now working on completing her master’s degree.

“I am very, very privileged to be here alive,” she said.

Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, sees children like Tello-Duran and

Guillen on a daily basis, as she runs a welcome center for migrants in Sacred Heart Church in McAllen, Texas.

She recalled how in 2014 they saw a huge influx of migrant children, who would show up “dirty, muddy, hungry and dehydrated.” During that time, 130,000 people, half of whom were children, crossed the border in just a matter of weeks, and the United States was unprepared to deal with such huge numbers, said Sister Pimentel, a member of the Missionaries of Jesus.

“We saw them there and we wanted to help because they were people,” she said.

Through Catholic Charities, the community of the Rio Grande Valley rallied together to help migrant families as they awaited their fate, so they “could get the care and dignity they deserve,” Sister Pimentel said.

Sacred Heart Church was packed with donations that people brought, which resembled what she called “holy chaos.” At the welcome center, families who have been released from Border Patrol are invited to get clothes, eat food, take showers, and have a place to sleep.

One day an official from the local city government stopped by and asked Sister Pimentel, “What is going on?” and she told him, “We are restoring human dignity.”

Next, he asked, “How can I help?”

From then on, Sister Pimentel said she and her team have had full support from the government, as well as from Border Patrol.

One day, Sister Pimentel visited a detention facility that held children who had crossed the border. When Sister Pimentel arrived at the facility, she asked if she could go inside one of the cells holding the children and pray with them. While at first they did not want her to do that, she insisted, and they allowed her to do so.

“It was so hard to be there with the children,” she said, describing how they were all packed too closely together in cells, crying, pulling on her dress, and asking her to please get them out of there. In particular, she said it was difficult “to not be able to do anything but be there with them and show them we care.”

Nevertheless, the Border Patrol was touched by what she did, and she said they have developed “a very good working relationship” to “make sure our humanitarian assistance is as good as possible.”

Every day Border Patrol agents will send her a text to let her know how many people they are releasing from the detention center, so she can know how much soup to have ready to feed them.

In the end, Sister Pimentel said, it is important “to do our job, whatever it is, but never forget that they are humans.”

January 19, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Catholics urged to ignore rhetoric, help immigrants facing deportation NEW YORK — Catholics have a responsibility to look past the noisy rhetoric of the current debate on immigration and answer the “cry of the poor” by engaging with individuals facing deportation. That was the focus of a National Migration Week discussion Jan. 11 at the Church of St. Francis Assisi in New York examining the plight of individuals affected by President Donald Trump’s Jan. 25, 2017, executive order on deportation. Presenters discussed practical actions to extend Christian charity and seek justice. National Migration Week began Jan. 7 and ends with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Jan. 14. “We’re talking about being correct with our faith response as Christians.

Are detention and deportation the right solutions?” Franciscan Father Julian Jagudilla asked the participants. “Are we here for our interests or the interests of the people we serve?” Father Jagudilla, director of the Migrant Center at St. Francis of Assisi since 2012, detailed routes to legal immigration and said there are more than 12 million people who face removal from the U.S. because of an irregular or precarious immigration status.

Survey: Women say Eucharist, helping poor is what it means to be Catholic NEW YORK — American Catholic women are increasingly disengaged from the Church although they remain affiliated and say helping the poor and receiving the Eucharist are the most important aspects of what it means to be Catholic. They also have the potential to turn the tide in the 2018 mid-term elections, according to a nationwide survey released Jan. 16 by America magazine, a Jesuit-owned publication. The online survey of 1,508 selfidentified Catholic women was commissioned

by America Media and conducted in August 2017 by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate and the GfK Group. The survey, offered in English and Spanish, had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.

Bishop: Basilica title honors church’s role in diocese, nation’s founding ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments declared St. Mary Church in Alexandria a minor basilica, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington announced to parishioners during Mass Jan. 14. “It is an extraordinary honor to announce that the Holy See has designated St. Mary’s in Old Town to be the newest basilica in the U.S. This historic announcement recognizes the important role St. Mary’s has played in the diocese, the city of Alexandria and even the very founding of our country,” he said. To be named a basilica, a church must have architectural or historic value and meet liturgical requirements, such as an adequate amount of space in the sanctuary and a fitting number of priests.

Catholic Charities in Iowa archdiocese ends refugee resettlement program DUBUQUE, Iowa — Catholic Charities of the

Archdiocese of Dubuque will end its refugee resettlement program after 77 years in operation. The primary reason the program is closing down is because the numbers of refugees are down. The U.S. Department of State decreased the number of refugees who can legally seek refuge in the United States from 110,000 to 45,000 annually. Also, the department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration recently announced that all refugee resettlement sites across the country will be required to resettle at least 100 refugees annually to stay open. These federal changes are happening when the needs of local refugees also are being met by other groups, and as a result Catholic Charities will not be able to meet the new minimal threshold required.

Bishops ‘encouraged’ by consensus that DACA solution ‘urgently needed’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Catholic bishops “are encouraged by the consensus” that emerged from a White House meeting that a legislative solution for DACA is “urgently needed,” said the chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Migration. The bishops also “are pleased to see the mutual understanding that ensuring protection for these young people should be the first step in the systematic reform of our outdated immigration laws,” said Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas, referring to those currently protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The committee chairman said the Catholic leaders are ready to work with Congress and the White House to find a solution, but he also cautioned against including “unrelated, unnecessary or controversial elements of immigration policy” in a fix for DACA. Bishop Vasquez made the comments in a statement released late Jan. 10 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Churches no longer exempt from FEMA disaster aid WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is revising its policies to no longer exclude houses of worship from applying for federal aid to recover from damages caused by natural disasters. The policy change was outlined in the agency’s revised 217page manual: “Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide” issued Jan. 2. This change is not just for damage caused in future disasters but also affects claims made by churches last year from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma because it can be applied retroactively to claims made “on or after Aug. 23, 2017.”

— Catholic News Service

GLOBAL CATHOLIC TOURS OF VIRGINIA

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2018 PILGRIMAGES

11 Days Italy September 10-21, 2018 $3,950 each 1 night Milan, 2 nights each in Florence and Assisi, 4 nights in Rome. With Fr. Dan Pisano from Wellsburg, WV 13 Days Fatima – Lourdes – France September 17-29, 2018: $4099 each 3 nights Fatima, 1 night Burgos, 2 nights Lourdes, 1 night each in Rocamadou and Nevers, 3 nights in Paris.

With Fr. Tom Mattingly from Williamsburg, VA. 11 Days Poland and Prague October 1-11, 2018: $3650 each 2 nights Warsaw, 1 night Czestrochowa, 3 nights each in Krakow and Prague. With Fr. Bjorn Lundberg from Winchester, VA. 9 Days Holy Land October 8-16, 2018: $3340 each 1 night Tel Aviv, 2 nights Galilee, 3 nights Jerusalem. With Fr. Terry Crone from Newnan, GA. For brochures or information, contact John Tagnesi PH 1-888-544-4461 or jtag1964@ verizon.net

Director of Christian Formation - Full Time Position

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Charlotte, NC, is seeking a full time Director of Christian Formation. This position reports to the pastor and requires a creative, energetic & charismatic leader who focuses on supporting the growth & continuity of existing adolescent, youth and adult programs, and creating new programs. This position may include evening hours, Sundays & some weekends.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: directing the religious education and youth ministry programs, providing spiritual and professional formation for catechists and volunteers, working with parish families to cultivate vocations & Catholic family life, supervising & teaching Sacraments and Sacramental Coordinators, coordinating a speaker series, and working closely with the pastor to increase parish devotions & discipleship.

Qualifications: The successful candidate must: • Be a practicing Catholic, in good standing with the Church and committed to the authentic teaching of the Catholic faith.

• Be self-motivated and possess strong evangelization and catechists skills.

• Have excellent written & oral communication skills.

• Be proficient in Microsoft Office, email & other common computer programs.

• Be capable of working as an active member of pastoral staff • Recruit & supervise volunteers and be a trustworthy steward of Parish resources • Be willing to travel as may be required for certain events.

• The candidate must pass a background screening check and must complete the VIRTUS "Protecting God's Children" safe environment program.

Education: The candidate should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology or Religious Studies from a Catholic Institution or must have equivalent experience in Parish faith formation ministry. Safe Environment training/background checks required.

Professional Experience: Three years of faith formation experience preferred.

Qualified candidates may submit their resume and cover letter including salary requirements to Jim Bowling at JBowling@stpatricks.org.

About the Parish: The Cathedral of Saint Patrick, established in 1939, is a vibrant parish made up of 700+ families located in historic Charlotte, the largest city in the state of North Carolina and one of the fastest growing large cities in the United States. We strive to enable ongoing conversion to Christ of our adults, to inspire faith in our children, and to be witnesses of His love in the greater community.

Our world 16

catholicnewsherald.com | January 19, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope asks forgiveness from victims of clergy sex abuse in Chile JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

SANTIAGO, Chile — Pope Francis, in his first formal speech in Chile, asked forgiveness from those who were sexually abused by priests.

Addressing government authorities and members of the country’s diplomatic corps Jan. 16, the pope expressed his “pain and shame at the irreparable damage caused to children by some ministers of the Church.”

“I am one with my brother bishops, for it is right to ask for forgiveness and make every effort to support the victims, even as we commit ourselves to ensure that such things do not happen again,” he said.

Preparations for Pope Francis’ visit to Chile Jan. 15-18 were overshadowed by continuing controversy over the pope’s decision in 2015 to give a diocese to a bishop accused of turning a blind eye to the abuse perpetrated by a notorious priest.

The pope’s appointment of Bishop Juan Barros as head of the Diocese of Osorno sparked several protests – most notably at the bishop’s installation Mass – due to the bishop’s connection to Father Fernando Karadima, his former mentor. Father Karadima was sentenced to a life of prayer and penance by the Vatican after he was found guilty of sexually abusing boys.

The protests against the pope’s appointment of Bishop Barros gained steam when a video of Pope Francis defending the appointment was published in September 2015 by the Chilean news channel, Ahora Noticias. Filmed during a general audience a few months earlier, the video showed the pope telling a group of Chilean pilgrims that Catholics protesting the appointment were “judging a bishop without any proof.”

“Think with your head; don’t let yourself be led by all the lefties who are the ones that started all of this,” the pope said. “Yes, Osorno is suffering but for being foolish because it doesn’t open its heart to what God says and allows itself to be led by all this silliness that all those people say.”

Survivors of abuse and their supporters planned a conference and protests around the pope’s arrival.

But Pope Francis made his way to La Moneda, the presidential palace, and was welcomed by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. Thousands were gathered in the square outside the palace, chanting “Francisco, amigo, Chile esta contigo” (“Francis, friend, Chile is with you”).

Despite the jovial atmosphere at outside La Moneda, there were serious signs of protest in Santiago.

Chilean media reported vandalism at Divine Providence Parish, not far from O’Higgins Park, where the pope was to celebrate Mass later in the morning. Vandals spray painted the words “complice” (“accomplice”) and “papa arde” (“burn, pope”) on the facade of the church below a banner welcoming Pope Francis.

Three days earlier, several Chilean churches were firebombed, and police found other, unexploded devices at two other churches in Santiago. Some of the pamphlets included the phrase, “The next bombs will be in your cassock” and spoke of the cause of the Mapuche indigenous group.

In his speech to the country’s political leaders, Pope Francis emphasized the need for officials to listen to the people and to value their experiences, cultures, sufferings and hopes.

Included in the pope’s list were “children who look out on the world with eyes full of amazement and innocence and expect from us concrete answers for a dignified future.”

At that point he told the officials, “I feel bound to express my pain and shame at the irreparable damage caused to children by some ministers of the Church.”

The pope’s acknowledgment of the crimes of sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy was met with a loud applause from the government authorities present.

Looking at the country’s social and political life, Pope Francis congratulated the nation for its steady growth in democracy since 1990 when the rule of Gen. Augusto Pinochet ended.

The recent presidential elections in November, he said, “were a demonstration of the solidity and civic maturity that you have achieved.”

Pope Francis blesses a type of bread during an encounter outside the shrine of St. Alberto Hurtado in Santiago, Chile, Jan. 16.

CNS | PAUL HARING

Beatitudes are fruits of hope, not cheap talk, pope says in Chile JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

SANTIAGO, Chile — The beatitudes are not cheap words for those who think they know it all yet do not commit to faith; they are the fruit of a hopeful heart that yearns for peace and happiness, Pope Francis said.

Christ’s response to the longings and aspirations of those seeking a life of happiness are not a “product of those prophets of dooms who seek only to spread dismay” or “mirages that promise happiness with a single ‘click,’ in the blink of any eye,” the pope said Jan. 16, celebrating his first public Mass in Chile.

“The beatitudes are born of the compassionate heart of Jesus, which encounters the hearts of men and women seeking and yearning for a life of happiness,” he said.

A sea of yellow and white flags waved throughout O’Higgins Park as Pope Francis arrived in his popemobile, greeting the estimated 400,000 people. By the middle of the Mass, it was 82 degrees. Pilgrims shielded themselves from the sun with ball caps and sun hats.

Despite several acts of vandalism and protests against the pope’s visit that made headlines in the Chilean capital, there was an atmosphere of joy and hope as crowds sang a traditional Latin American hymn welcoming the pope.

“Together like brothers, members of one church, let us go walking toward the Lord’s encounter,” the faithful sang.

The offertory gifts included a statue of a Moai from Easter Island, sculpted by artist Pau Hereveri Tepano.

Some of those present at the Mass traveled the nearly 2,300 miles from Easter Island.

The gifts also included an earthenware piece depicting the Quasimodo, a traditional Chilean procession during Holy Week, when men and women in traditional dress go, on horseback, to give Communion to the sick and elderly who cannot make it to church.

A green truck represented the truck that St. Alberto Hurtado used to drive around the community to help the poor.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading from St. Matthew, Pope Francis said Jesus’ proclamation of the beatitudes is the answer to those who seek an encounter with him.

Jesus’ first act before preaching, the pope said, was to “look out and see the faces of his people.”

“Those faces awaken God’s visceral love. Jesus’ heart was not moved by ideas or concepts but by faces, persons. By life calling out for the life that the Father

wants to give us,” he said.

The people of Chile, he added, know about rebuilding. They continue to “get up again after so many falls.”

“This is the heart to which Jesus speaks; that is the heart for which the beatitudes are meant,” the pope said.

By proclaiming the poor, those who mourn and the afflicted as blessed, Jesus “shakes us out of that negativity” and “the sense of resignation that tends to isolate us from others.”

Christians, the pope said, are also called to be peacemakers and work for reconciliation by “going out of our way to meet someone having a difficult time, someone who has not been treated as a person, as a worthy son or daughter of this land.”

“This is the only way we must forge a future of peace, to weave a fabric that will not unravel,” Pope Francis said.

Among the bishops concelebrating the Mass was Bishop Juan Barros, whose appointment as bishop of the Diocese of Osorno sparked several protests ahead of the pope’s visit. Bishop Barros’ former mentor, Father Fernando Karadima, was sentenced to a life of prayer and penance by the Vatican after he was found guilty of sexually abusing boys.

Santiago’s metro opened early for pilgrims to attend the Mass.

Veronica Ruiz, an Argentine living in Chile, was on a packed train with her brother, daughter and son-in-law.

She said she also planned to see Pope Francis in Peru during his Jan. 18-21 visit. They were prepared for a long wait with food, water and sunscreen.

“We have been Catholics all our lives, and to see the pope fills us with energy. We got up at 3 a.m. to be here, and we are so excited that we don’t know if we slept or not; but, never mind, we are here now and very happy to be there.”

At O’Higgins Park, people from all over Chile arrived by bus hours before the Mass. Police on horseback kept pilgrims orderly. Many pilgrims lined up to buy souvenirs -- flags, bags, key rings and photos featuring Pope Francis.

One Chilean woman, who identified herself only as Claudia, was there with her husband and four children, ages 13, 8, 3 and 1.

“Even though some of my children are very little, we think it is important they see this. We want our faith to go out on to the streets and not just be in the church,” she said. “Huge Masses like this make us feel that God is alive and present in our lives.”

January 19, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Philippine Church leaders expect more deaths as police relaunch drug war MANILA, Philippines — Church leaders in the Philippines warned of more killings after the national police announced it is relaunching the government’s controversial anti-narcotics war, reported ucanews.com. Human rights groups say President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs has claimed the lives of at least 13,000 people since it was launched in 2016.

Pope to visit Ukrainian Catholic basilica in Rome VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will visit the main church of Italy’s Ukrainian Catholic community in late January, showing his continued concern over the war in Eastern Ukraine and his closeness to the tens of thousands of Ukrainian immigrants living and working in Italy, the head of the church said.

Ukrainian Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, major archbishop Kiev-Halych and head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, said the pope’s Jan. 28 visit is “a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who are suffering the effects of the war” and “a manifestation of the pope’s closeness to Ukrainian migrants in Italy.”

Mideast leaders increase efforts to fight U.S. decision on Jerusalem AMMAN, Jordan — Church and political leaders in the Middle East are intensifying efforts to combat U.S. President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision declaring Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and plans to move the U.S. embassy there. “The two-state solution is accepted by all the world, including the Vatican.

It corresponds to the legitimate resolutions passed by the United Nations,” Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali of Jerusalem, patriarchal vicar for Jordan, said. He spoke of how the Church sees the way to end the simmering IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, said, “Nothing should prevent Jerusalem from being a national symbol for the two peoples. Jerusalem cannot be reduced to a dispute. It is something much more than that.”

Chinese bishop released from detention after more than seven months HONG KONG — Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin of Wenzhou has been released by Chinese authorities after being detained for more than seven months, reported ucanews.com.

The bishop, who has not joined governmentapproved associations for church officials, was released Jan. 3 and was expected to return to Wenzhou, one of China’s biggest Christian cities. A source who wanted to be unnamed told ucanews.com that after Bishop Shao was taken away in May, officials from Wenzhou City Bureau of Ethnic and Religious Affairs tried to force him to sign an agreement. The agreement requested the bishop to support the State Administration for Religious Affairs and the self-election and self-ordination of bishops. After a lot of pressure, Bishop Shao signed the agreement but added a remark that he did not agree with the terms, the source said.

Pope to diplomats: World peace depends on right to life, disarmament VATICAN CITY — Because everyone has a right to life, liberty and personal security, nations must find nonviolent solutions to conflict and difficulties, Pope Francis said. A culture of peace “calls for unremitting efforts in favor of disarmament and the reduction of recourse to the use of armed force in the handling of international affairs,” he said Jan. 8 in his annual address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican. Given the urgent need to favor dialogue and diplomacy in conflict resolution and to end the stockpiling of weapons, “I would therefore like to encourage a serene and wideranging debate on the subject, one that avoids polarizing the international community on such a sensitive issue,” the pope said. At the start of a new year, the pope dedicated his speech to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its adoption by the U.N. General Assembly in December. The declaration was an attempt to help the world’s nations base their relations on “truth, justice, willing cooperation and freedom” by upholding the fundamental rights of all human beings, he said. The very foundation of freedom, justice and world peace, he said, quoting the document, is built on recognizing and respecting these rights.

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Vatican says Dutch politician’s honor was simply diplomatic protocol VATICAN CITY — The former Dutch minister of foreign trade and development received a papal honor as a matter of diplomatic courtesy and not because of her political views, which include support for access to abortion, the Vatican press office said. “The honorific of the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great received by Lilianne Ploumen, then minister of development, in June 2017 corresponds to the diplomatic practice of exchanging honorifics between delegations on the occasion of official visits by heads of state or government at the Vatican,” said Paloma Garcia Ovejero, vice director of the Vatican press office. “Therefore, it is in no way an approval of the policies in favor of abortion and birth control promoted by Mrs. Ploumen,” the statement released Jan. 15 said.

In January 2017, Ploumen began the fundraising campaign “She Decides,” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s reinstatement of the “Mexico City Policy,” which bans all foreign nongovernmental organizations receiving U.S. funds from performing or promoting abortion as a method of family planning in other countries.

Belgian Catholics concerned about abuse of country’s euthanasia law OXFORD, England — Catholics in Belgium are concerned the country’s euthanasia law is being abused to kill patients without legal checks and safeguards. Auxiliary Bishop Jean Kockerols of Mechelen-Brussels said “not just the church’s hierarchy, but doctors and medical professionals as well” were concerned. On Jan. 9, the Belgian church’s Cathobel news agency published an article saying the Federal Euthanasia Control and Evaluation Commission violated its statutes by failing to refer suspected legal abuses for investigation. “It’s shocking that, 15 years since its creation, this commission has not referred a single file to prosecutors or condemned a single doctor,” the Catholic report said. “It is acting as judge and jury, and not fulfilling its role. It isn’t broadening application of the law, but violating it.” Bishop Kockerols told Catholic News Service Jan. 11 that the church had long been aware the commission was “not working as it should.” He said the bishops would support any investigation into its activities or “any steps to ensure it functions as it’s supposed to.”

Well of Mercy

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ViewPoints 18

catholicnewsherald.com | January 19, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Dr. Tom Neal

Bobby Speers

Faith is something we should ‘wear’ all the time

Symphonic faith M

ore than 20 years ago, I knew a gentleman who had converted from atheism to the Catholic faith. He was a very bright man, a successful professional, a dilettantish philosopher of sorts and was filled with great passion for his newfound faith. In fact, I believe he was one of the most creatively articulate apologists for the Catholic position I have personally met, which was remarkable since he had not been Catholic more than a few years when I met him. And he was married.

Then he had an affair.

Deep in the midst of the affair, he came to me to talk. What was clear to me as we spoke was that he was in great inner turmoil, filled with fear for the repercussions of his choices and was looking for a way out that would leave everyone unhurt. He just wanted it all to “go away.” But, of course, that was no longer possible.

Then he made a series of decisions that secured his estrangement from his wife and children. But, for a time, he still felt himself in the good graces of the Church.

After that initial meeting I had with him, he began to avoid me. Finally one day we ran into each other and I, with a forthrightness rare for me, confronted him on the irreconcilability of his decisions with the man of faith I had previously come to know. Then he said something very revealing: “Well, the problem is the Church and I are having a bit of a, well, we just see things differently, that’s all.”

I said to him, “Remember, there was a time that whenever you said ‘we,’ you just meant the Church, because that’s who you were. And don’t you see that defending your bad choices hasn’t just broken your relationship with the Church?

It has alienated you from yourself – you are a Catholic.

It’s like starving yourself to death and then saying, as you suffer its ill effects, ‘Human nature and I, well, we just disagree on some things.’”

What was striking about the shift in his language of “identity” was that it so clearly revealed precisely how his choices had estranged him from the Church. This man who once ardently defended his faith, the Church’s faith, would always use the words “we believe” when he spoke so boldly to his work colleagues or his family or to anyone who was willing to listen to him speak in defense of the Catholic vision of life. Suddenly, he found himself inwardly divided and estranged, unable to profess the unity that is the essence of Catholic identity.

That’s obviously what sin does in all of us, especially and most tragically when we obstinately refuse to suffer the

‘When I profess the Creed every Sunday, I don’t just mean this is what Catholics believe... but I publicly pledge, under oath, this is what I believe, this is how I see the world, how I see God, how I pray, and so how I live.’

truth of our failing and falling from grace, our infidelity. His story is, with different details, our story. All of us have our cherished affairs with strange gods. But refusal to repent of those affairs is the death of the soul. It’s what Scripture calls hardness of heart. And it’s what St. Isaac of Nineveh means when he says, “The purpose of this life is repentance.” We are all called to heal within us what C.S. Lewis famously called “the great divorce.”

This man continued to practice his faith for a time, but those who knew him noticed at once a significant change: he lost his apologetic fire and eventually ceased defending the Church’s views and stopped attending Mass. He later said to someone, “I’m just picking up where I left off before I became Catholic.”

Faith’s beauty emerges from the unified harmony of a symphonic whole. If one particular element of the symphony is changed, with a section of an orchestra choosing to play their own self-crafted score, the intrusion of willful dissonance causes the beauty of the unified symphony to become disharmonious, distorted and ugly. To stretch the analogy, the core of holiness, which is always the manifestation of the well-proportioned and arranged beauty of Catholic faith, is cheated of its integral beauty if even one portion of the score or one instrument in the orchestra is scripted and played apart from the inner logic of the whole.

The word Catholic comes from the Greek “kath’ holou”: kata, “about,” and the genitive of holos, “whole.” It’s about becoming whole.

In 108 A.D., St. Ignatius of Antioch made this same point to priest-presbyters in his letter to the Church at Ephesus: “Hence it is fitting for you to set yourselves in harmony with the mind of the bishop, as indeed you do. For your noble presbytery, worthy of God, is attuned to the bishop, even as the strings to a lyre. And thus by means of your accord and harmonious love Jesus Christ is sung. Form yourselves one and all into a choir, that blending in concord and taking the keynote of God, you may sing in unison with one voice through Jesus Christ to the Father, that He may hear you and recognize you through your good deeds to be members of His Son. Therefore it is profitable for you to live in blameless unity, that you may always enjoy communion with God.” Conversion at core means to make the faith of the Church, which we believe to be the revelation of the mind of Christ, our faith. When I profess the Creed every Sunday, I don’t just mean this is what Catholics believe (“They believe in one God…”), but I publicly pledge, under oath, this is what I believe, this is how I see the world, how I see God, how I pray, and so how I live. Of course, all of us live betwixt and between “they believe” and “I believe,” and none of us, this side of Paradise, perfectly synthesizes the two in our thoughts, words and deeds. Only the Blessed Virgin Mary and Our Lord lived perfectly harmonized lives. But it is our calling to journey toward this saintly synthesis that is effected by the cooperative interplay of grace and our daily choices.

This New Year, resolve that your daily prayer and work conspire to make of your life a Christ-symphony, a faith which creates beautiful harmonies and opens in you a space for Jesus to sing in sync with you (see Matt 26:30). Pray also for the courage and humility to daily disown, disavow and renounce all that is contrary to faith in Christ so that you might own, avow and announce Christ in your life.

Daily say Credo with gusto!

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto Thine.

DR. TOM NEAL serves as academic dean and professor of spiritual theology at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, La. This commentary was originally published Jan. 4 on www.wordonfire.org, the website of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.

L

ord Jesus, every Sunday you fill me with Your bread of life, the Eucharist. But how can I give my all to you? How can I center my life around you and not center my life around me?

The Apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:1215: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.”

Our self-centered society has reached epidemic proportions. It seems as if everyone is looking out for themselves. Paul’s Christian ideology was very foreign to the Church at Colossae and even to us today. We sometimes think, “I give my one hour on Sunday – I’m good. I gave a couple of bucks to the bell ringer at Christmas time – I’m charitable. Last month, I helped my neighbor find his dog – I do good deeds.” Do you attend adult faith formation, home groups or serve in parish ministries?

“Nope, that’s not for me. I’m too busy doing what I want to do. Like I said, I do my one hour.”

St. Paul gently reminds us that we are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved. Unfortunately, we sometimes miss the first three words of this scripture verse: “Put on then...” These words call us to actively live our faith. When we put something on – for instance, our clothing – other people can see it. What Paul says is that our Christian life shouldn’t encompass just a couple of hours a week; it’s something we wear 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our Christian life is a full-length robe that we never take off. When it gets soiled, we have a professional drycleaner: Jesus. Confession cleanses our garment, making it snowy white.

St. Paul then gives us instructions on what we should weave into the fabric of our lives: “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.” Paul didn’t stop there. He adds an additional layer of clothing: “And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.”

When I take off the garment of “me” and put on the garment of love, I put on Christ.

In conclusion, remember Ephesians 4:22-24: “…that you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth.”

BOBBY SPEERS is a writer who lives in Hickory and serves as chairperson of St. Aloysius Church’s evangelization commission.

January 19, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

19

Letters to the editor

Not all people ‘come in peace’

Rebuild, don’t resettle

I was surprised with the conclusions regarding immigration reached in the Dec. 22, 2017, commentary by Dr. Kamila Valenta, especially the statement that “our country can be made safer by embracing immigration.” As a Native American born and raised on a remote, poverty-stricken reservation, I can say firsthand that not all people “come in peace.” If we Indians had strong immigration laws and were more careful about welcoming everyone who showed up on our shores, we wouldn’t have lost our homes and our country.

On a practical note, how would we see financing of all the costs incurred when we allow all of these immigrants – such as housing, health care, education and food? And what about jobs? Do our citizens lose their job opportunities?

I think there should be stronger immigration laws, or all of you may end up like my people.

In response to Dr. Kamila Valenta’s Dec. 22, 2017, commentary “Stand up to violent extremism by supporting immigration,” I would like to say that if a country allows 10,000 Muslims to come in, people may feel alienated and thus be easily radicalized. Whether or not these are the wishes of the native population isn’t asked – or seemingly cared about.

Make no mistake, several countries – primarily Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria – have been unjustly destroyed since 2001, and the countries that pushed for their destruction (the United States, the United Kingdom and others) should pay for their rebuilding.

But using these unjust invasions and destructive policies to justify mass resettlement of refugees in this country is equally unjust.

BILL FEDERKIEL is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

DAPHNE STROUP is a member of St. Therese Church in Mooresville.

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‘If prayer isn’t courageous, it isn’t Christian.’

Pope Francis

From online story: “Pray with courage, conviction, not mindlessly like a parrot, pope says” Through press time on Jan. 17, 15,651 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 18,823 pages. The top 10 headlines in January so far have been: n Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin passes away...........................................................................4,896 n Videos from Bishop Curlin’s funeral..................................................................................................1,854 n ‘Always looking for Christ in others’................................................................................................. 1,353 n ‘He was always pointing to something greater’...............................................................................835 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald..........................................................412 n The ‘12 Days of Christmas’: An ‘underground’ catechism for persecuted Catholics..............361 n Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2018 theme announced........................................................349 n Bishop Curlin reflects on his friend, St. Teresa of Calcutta..........................................................267 n Pray for an end to abortion....................................................................................................................244 n Diocese announces special collection dates for 2018.....................................................................197

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANNAMARIE JAKUBIELSKI

Community Christmas Dinner by Bounty of Bethlehem serves 2,400-plus people HENDERSONVILLE — It was a fabulous day at the 35th Annual Community Christmas Dinner by Bounty of Bethlehem. Dinner was served to more than 2,400 people. Volunteers were able to deliver nearly 600 meals to homebound Henderson County residents as well as civil servants who were working on Christmas Day in greater Hendersonville. Approximately 650 meals were picked up from the parish’s take-out trailer parked outside the school. The remainder of the meals were served from a buffet, where volunteer servers doted over the diners in the festively decorated gymnasium-turned-dining room. A blessing was said over the meal, live music was performed and, of course, Santa greeted the youngest guests. Hundreds of toys, stuffed animals and books were handed out by him to all the children who were present for dinner.

All this was made possible because of hundreds of volunteers who came to share the work for the days leading up and on Christmas Day. One hundred percent of money, food and toys came from the community through the parish’s fundraising and outreach efforts. Generous supporters included individuals and businesses.

Since the early 1980s, Henderson County volunteers and supporters have gathered to create a tradition of providing a free Community Christmas Dinner by Bounty of Bethlehem for anyone and everyone to enjoy – no matter who they are, how they worship, or from where they come.

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