April 14, 2017

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

Concord parish dedicates Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall ‘Our Lady has had her hand on this project from the very beginning’

5 INDEX

A p ril 1 4 , 2 0 1 7

‘Preach Jesus’ Faithful, clergy focus on Christ’s message of salvation as Easter nears 2, 3

Contact us.......................... 4 Español..................................11 Events calendar................. 4 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes....... 3-10, 12-13 Schools......................... 14-15 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................16 U.S. news...................... 18-19 Viewpoints.................. 22-23 World news.................. 20-21

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‘Mary shows us the way’ 1,000 participants attend Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage 12-13

‘The least of these’ 2017 Catholic Camporee features Marian theme 6

St. Matthew students act as the hands and feet of Jesus during Poverty Action Week 14

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | April 14, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Accompanying Jesus

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos of parishioners, young and old, praying the Stations of the Cross

Pope Francis

Love is the engine driving hope on life’s bumpy road

T

he cross, loving service and humble sacrifice are the only way to overcome evil and give hope to the world, Pope Francis said.

Those who love their own lives and always hunger for more are the losers, the pope said at his weekly general audience April 12.

Rather, those who readily serve others and “live God’s way” are the winners, who “save themselves and others, becoming seeds of hope for the world,” he said.

This seemingly illogical process is the source and strength of Christian hope, Pope Francis said, continuing his series of talks on the nature of hope.

Jesus explains the new kind of hope He offers in a verse from the Gospel according of St. John when He says, “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.”

It is only when a seed splits apart and opens up that it can give rise to new life that grows and gives abundant fruit, the pope said.

Jesus Himself followed this process by “falling to the earth” from His celestial glory as a small baby, like a tiny grain of wheat. “But that was still not enough. To bear fruit, Jesus lived love all the way, letting Himself be broken by death like a seed under the earth. Precisely there, at that extreme point of His lowering Himself, which is also the highest point of love, hope germinated,” sprouting forth because of the power of love, he said.

That is why with His death and resurrection, God made everything new, transforming “our sin into forgiveness, our death into resurrection, our fear into faith.

That’s why, there on the cross, our hope was born and is always reborn.”

That is why Jesus is the one who can always turn every single dark moment into light, “every defeat into victory, every disappointment into hope,” he said. “Hope overcomes everything because it is born from the love of Jesus who made Himself be like a grain of wheat on earth and died to give life” – a life full of the love that comes from hope.

“This is what mothers do, they give another life, they suffer (with labor and birth), but then they are joyful and happy because they have given birth to another life.”

“Love is the engine that drives our hope forward,” and people need to learn to love more and more each day.

“Bit by bit, we will realize that hoping with Jesus is learning to already see the plant inside the seed, Easter in the cross, life in death.”

Photo provided by Scott Freeman and Della Sue Bryson | Catholic News Herald

SYLVA — The 25 members of the Theotokos Youth Ministry at St. Mary, Mother of God Church presented a live, bilingual Way of the Cross March 24. The meditations were adapted from Mother Angelica’s Way of the Cross and the Stabat Mater was a translation by Edward Caswall, “Lyra Catholica.” The youth group’s special presentation was under the direction of Sara Freeman, parish catechetical program leader, and Della Sue Bryson.

DENVER — Holy Spirit Church’s Youth Ministry teens performed live Stations of the Cross four times during Lent, including this one from April 7, for the children and parishioners of the parish. They moved from the back to the front of the church as each station was read by another teen.

Giuliana Riley | Catholic News Herald

FOREST CITY — Father Herbert Burke, pastor, and Deacon Andy Cilone lead parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church in praying the Stations of the Cross March 3. Also pictured are cross bearer Maximilian Delaughter and altar server Nicholas Delaughter.

Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

Your daily Scripture readings APRIL 16-22

Sunday (Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord): Acts 10:34, 37-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-9; Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-33, Matthew 28:8-15; Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41, John 20:11-18; Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10, Luke 24:13-35; Thursday: Acts 3:11-26, Luke 24:35-48; Friday: Acts 4:1-12, John 21:1-14; Saturday: Acts 4:13-21, Mark 16:9-15

APRIL 23-29

Sunday: Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31; Monday (St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen): Acts 4:23-31, John 3:1-8; Tuesday (St. Mark): 1 Peter 5:5-14, Mark 16:15-20; Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26, John 3:16-21; Thursday: Acts 5:27-33, John 3:31-36; Friday (St. Peter Chanel, St. Louis Grignion de Montfort): Acts 5:3442, John 6:1-15; Saturday (St. Catherine of Siena): Acts 6:1-7, John 6:16-21

APRIL 30-MAY 6

Sunday: Acts 2:14, 22-33, 1 Peter 1:17-21, Luke 24:13-35; Monday (St. Joseph the Worker): Acts 6:8-15, John 6:22-29; Tuesday (St. Athanasius): Acts 7:51—8:1, John 6:3035; Wednesday (Sts. Phillip and James): 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, John 14:6-14; Thursday: Acts 8:26-40, John 6:44-51; Friday: Acts 9:1-20, John 6:52-59; Saturday: Acts 9:31-42, John 6:60-69

Our parishes

April 14, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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‘I am N’ Bishop Jugis urges fellow priests at Chrism Mass to ‘preach Jesus’ SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Ongoing persecution of Christians in the Middle East should inspire us to “preach Jesus,” Bishop Peter Jugis told his brother priests during the Chrism Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral April 11.

In his Chrism Mass homily directed to more than 90 priests of the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Jugis recalled the reality of what it means to be a Christian in our time, especially for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Middle East who face persecution, even death. Most recently, at least 45 worshippers were killed when two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt were bombed during Palm Sunday liturgies. ISIS, the so-called Islamic State, claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Bishop Jugis recalled efforts among people to show their solidarity with the innocent victims of violence in this war-torn part of the world, and he encouraged the priests to focus persistently on the core message of our faith: “Preach Jesus.”

“It’s all about Jesus and the mission of salvation,” he said.

“Soon after ISIS began murdering Christians, wristbands began to be distributed bearing a simple, basic message,” he said. “Written on the wristband is the Arabic letter ‘N,’ and the English translation (is) ‘I am N.’ In other words, ‘I am a follower of Jesus the Nazorean.’”

On the reverse side of the wristband, he noted, are the words: “I will not let them serve alone, I will not let them suffer in silence.”

“A very simple message, ‘I am N,’ to show solidarity with the persecuted Christians of the Middle East, simply because they profess Jesus,” he said.

He paused, then continued, “Preach Jesus to your parishioners.”

“It’s all about Jesus and the mission of salvation,” he told his brother priests, who had gathered for the annual

Mass to renew their priestly promises to the Church and the bishop.

“The Gospel we have at this Mass is a great choice for the Chrism Mass because it speaks of the anointing of the Holy Spirit which Jesus received and in which we share as His priest,” he said.

“Also, Jesus gives His own description of His mission as Savior. So it reminds us of our mission as His priests – the mission of salvation.”

More online Priests “have many responsibilities which At www.catholicnewsherald. pull us in many directions com: See video highlights and during the course of the more photos from the Chrism year, but this Mass, when Mass we come to the Chrism Mass, brings everything back to the essential once again, putting everything back in clear focus,” he said.

When they renew their promises at this Mass, he said, they should also renew their resolve to talk to their parishioners about Jesus – especially given today’s society, in which people are inundated with other messages they receive from the media.

“It’s not likely that anyone is talking to them about the one message that really matters – Jesus. Where else are they going to hear about the Savior, if not from their priests? Be sure to talk to them about Jesus,” he stressed.

He recalled a homily he gave early in his priesthood: “I stopped to reflect and I realized that in the homily that I had just given, I didn’t mention the name of Jesus once, or

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Bishop Peter Jugis elevates the Eucharist during the Chrism Mass April 11 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Christ, or Jesus Christ. I said to myself, ‘Why didn’t I ever get around to mentioning Him?’ “What are we about, after all, if not Jesus?”

He recounted hearing a one-sentence homily from a priest faculty member while he was a seminarian in Rome: “The Mass took place on the Friday of the Octave of Easter and the priest quoted St. Peter’s words in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, and he just said one sentence, ‘There is no other name in the world given to men by which we are to be saved than the name, Jesus.’

That was the homily and then he went and sat down.

‘I Am N’, SEE page 17

‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord’ Parishioners across the Diocese of Charlotte ushered in Holy Week with Palm Sunday palm branch blessings and processions commemorating Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem before Mass April 9. Pictured are (from left) St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, Holy Spirit Church in Denver, and Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville.

Photos by Tara Heilingoetter, Doreen Sugierski and Sergio Lopez | Catholic News Herald

More Holy Week coverage At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Full coverage of Holy Week and Easter celebrations from across the diocese, including photos and videos

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | April 14, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: April 14 – 3 P.m.

Good Friday Veneration of the Cross St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

April 21 – 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Thérèse Church, Mooresville

April 15 – 8 P.M. Mass for the Easter Vigil St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

April 23 – 1 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Angels Mission, Marion

April 19 – 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Thérèse Church, Mooresville

April 26 – 5 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Ann Church, Charlotte

April 28 – 6 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville and St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Maggie Valley April 30 – 9:30 a.m.

Diocesan Youth Conference Closing Mass Ridgecrest Conference Center, Black Mountain

Diocesan calendar of events April 14, 2017 Volume 26 • Number 14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ENTERTAINMENT ‘It’s a girl’ Documentary Film screening: 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, Laurentine Hall at St. Lawrence Basilica, 97 Haywood St., Asheville. It tells the stories of abandoned girls, women suffering from dowry-related violence, mothers fighting to save their daughters’ lives, and others who would kill for a son. Q&A following screening. For details, email ashevilleprolife@gmail or call 828-668-2070.

Spring Fling for SEniors: 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Group entertainment and crafts. Lunch provided. Mass celebrated at 3 p.m. To register, call Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220. Sponsored by the Diocese of Charlotte Elder Ministry.

‘Liberating a Continent – John Paul II and the Fall of Communism’ documentary: 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 20, Room D of the Ministry Center at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte.

Discussion and light refreshments afterwards. Organized

by UNC-Charlotte faculty members Dr. Dean Hoffman and Dr. Kamila Valenta. For details, email dhoffman@uncc.edu or kvalenta@uncc.edu.

Basil the Great; Holy Saturday, April 15, 5 p.m. (Aquinas Hall) Resurrection Matins followed by 6 p.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom for the Feast of the Resurrection. The Blessing of Baskets will occur after the Paschal Divine Liturgy and then everyone will share a potluck meal. Except where noted, all liturgies will be in the chapel at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, located at 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte. All liturgies in English except for the Divine Liturgy for Pascha, which will be celebrated in English, Ukrainian and Slavonic. For details, visit www.stbasil.weebly.com.

Blessing of Easter Food Baskets: Noon Saturday, April 15, Aquinas Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Deacon James Witulski will bless Easter food, part of an Eastern and Central European tradition also called “The Blessing of the Easter Baskets” (“Swieconka” in Polish). The blessings will be in English and Polish. Bring your Easter foods to the church in a basket: traditional foods such as sausage, eggs, bread and butter, or use your imagination and include your own cultural foods. Children can even bring their own baskets with their own treats. For details, call Deacon James Witulski at 704-960-3704.

LECTURES

NATURAL Family Planning

‘Designed for Discipline – 3 Steps to Make Time for What Matters and Find Freedom that Lasts’: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, Parish Family Center at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville.

Presented by parishioner Austin Bristow. For details, call the parish office at 704-948-0231.

NFP Introduction and Full Course (Spanish): 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 22, St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St., Newton. 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.

St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 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 church office at 704-543-7677.

First African Community Mass: 3 p.m. Saturday, April 29, Daily Mass Chapel at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Father Casmir Maduakor, from Nigeria, will celebrate the Mass, which will incorporate aspects of many African cultures.

Fellowship afterwards in the banquet room. For detail, contact Anne Ibekwe at 609-792-1115.

Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group Evening Reflection: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, Charlotte Catholic High School chapel, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. Guest speaker will be Father Jason Barone. Free for members and non-members. To RSVP, visit www.charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org.

Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group Spring Reflection and Luncheon: 9 a.m. Monday, May 8, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis. A reflection by Father Timothy Reid will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Luncheon will follow the talk. To RSVP visit www.charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org.

Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick: 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members. For details, call the parish office at 828-926-0106.

Easter Services PRAYER SERVICES & Groups

Easter Triduum in the Extraordinary Form (Latin): St. Ann Church will offer the following services at Charlotte Catholic High School chapel, 7702 PinevilleMatthews Road, Charlotte: Good Friday Liturgy, 3 p.m.

April 14; and Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 15. This is the first diocesan Latin Easter Triduum in the diocese’s history and will offer beautiful Gregorian chant. The ancient Triduum will be offered by St. Ann’s priest-inresidence, Father Jason Barone, to meet the spiritual needs of the growing Latin Mass faithful in the area.

All are invited to attend one or all of the liturgies. For details, email Chris Lauer at info@charlottelatinmass.org or visit www.charlottelatinmass.org.

Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration: Sunday, April 23, Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Road, WinstonSalem. Adoration from 1:30 to 3 p.m., with confession from 2 to 3 p.m. At 3 p.m., the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be sung, followed by Benediction. Reception afterwards.

UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC Mission HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Holy Friday, April 14, 10 a.m. Matins (Morning Prayer) with the 12 Passion Gospels; Holy Friday, April 14, 6 p.m. (main church) Vespers (Evening Prayer) with Shroud Procession and Burial at the Tomb; Holy Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m.

Paschal Vigil Liturgy: Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St.

Divine Mercy Sunday: 3 p.m. April 23, Maryfield Chapel at Pennybyrn at Maryfield, 1315 Greensboro Road, High Point. Services include Veneration of the Divine Mercy Icon, Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction. For details, email Helen Drozd at helendrozd@northstate.net.

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: Starting Good Friday, April 14, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

Veneration of the Cross; 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, at the Celtic cross outside; Easter Sunday, after the 9 a.m. Mass; all of Easter Week after the 9 a.m. daily Mass; concluding on Divine Mercy Sunday after a 2-3 p.m. Holy Hour.

Clarification In “A Holy Death” special supplement published in the March 31 edition, the statement about baptism for miscarried or stillborn babies was unclear. Baptism and the other sacraments are only for the living. Conditional baptism can be administered immediately upon birth if it unknown whether the baby is dead or if the baby has just died, because it is unknown when the soul departs the body. However, if the baby is dead, then baptism is not possible. We regret the confusion.

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: CHARLOTTE: 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 15, John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road GREENSBORO: 9 a.m. Saturday, May 6, at St. Benedict Church, 109 West Smith St. SALISBURY: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 29, Sacred Heart School, 385 Lumen Christi Lane SWANNANOA: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 20, St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrews Place

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.

April 14, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Capen named executive director of MiraVia SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — After a nationwide search, the board of directors of MiraVia has selected Debbie Capen, former assistant director of the organization, to lead MiraVia in wake of the retirement of longtime executive director Jeannie Wray.

MiraVia, which began as Room At The Inn in 1994, Capen helps abortionvulnerable women choose life and build independent, healthy lives for themselves and their children.

MiraVia offers life skills classes, material assistance and moral support to the women who come to them for help – free of charge.

Since its founding, MiraVia has helped nearly 7,000 women and their children at its outreach facility in Charlotte.

In 2012, it opened a 10,000-squarefoot maternity home next to Belmont Abbey College which can house up to 15 young women with an unplanned pregnancy who want to complete their college education and care for their babies. To date, MiraVia has provided this free housing to 13 mothers and 10 children.

Jordan Raniszeski, president of the MiraVia board of directors, shared the news of Capen’s selection on MiraVia’s website.

“Debbie’s experiences as the former chairperson of Charlotte Right to Life, and time spent working with organizations like North Carolina Right to Life, Silent No More and 40 Days for Life, as well as her nine years of experience at MiraVia, make her uniquely suited to lead our organization,” he said.

Capen recalls how she first became involved in the work of MiraVia. “In 2001 my husband Jon and I were invited to our first MiraVia banquet (then Room At The Inn), and I was profoundly touched by the beauty and passion of the mission,” she said. “That night, I felt a strong call to do more to help women choose life for their babies. It was then that Jon and I began seeking out more meaningful ways to volunteer and help advance the culture of life.”

When she joined MiraVia in 2008 as its assistant director, it was an opportunity to live out her Catholic faith through service, she said.

“Each day has been a blessing.

Over the past nine years, I have seen first-hand what can be accomplished when people of faith work together to help the most vulnerable members of our society. Each mother and child we serve is a living testament to the love of God. “It is an honor to be a part of MiraVia and I look forward to carrying on its life-saving mission,” she said.

Bishop Peter Jugis blesses Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall April 4. The newly renovated building on Manor Avenue on the edge of the St. James Church campus will allow more space for faith formation and fellowship for the growing Concord parish. sueann howell | catholic news herald

Concord parish dedicates Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall ‘Our Lady has had her hand on this project from the very beginning’ SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CONCORD — For years, St. James the Greater Parish has hoped for a place where its growing number of parishioners, both Anglo and Latino, could have more space to gather and grow in their faith together. That hope was realized this week with the dedication of Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall.

On April 4 Bishop Peter Jugis blessed the renovated building on Manor Avenue, adjacent to St. James Gill Hall on the corner of the church campus, and dedicated it to the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The celebration underscored the success of the $1.28 million renovation project which the parish has worked on since 2015.

The additional meeting space is badly needed for the Concord parish, which has seen a 40 percent increase in membership, from 1,831 families in 2014 to more than 2,500 families this year.

The rapid growth has strained the parish’s available space for faith formation classes, retreats and Bible study programs. The parish’s preschool has been at its capacity of 70 students for each of the past two years. Its Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program is full, with only one atrium classroom available. And there has been no room to expand faith formation offerings for the growing number of Spanish-speaking parishioners, or space for the parish’s youth and young adult programs.

In 2015 the parish purchased the building using parish savings of about $362,000, but it was in disrepair and needed extensive renovations to make it a safe, usable space.

The project was funded by several sources, including $450,000 from parish savings, $79,000 from the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign, a $60,000 grant from the Cannon Foundation and a $73,000 endowment distribution. That enabled the parish to proceed with 80 percent of the project’s cost covered, so it needed only to take out a loan for 20 percent of the expense, about $256,000.

So far, 9,000 square feet of the 22,500-square-foot building have been readied for classroom, meeting and social gathering

spaces. Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall will include space for faith formation classes, Christ Renews His Parish meetings in English and Spanish, New Beginnings Preschool classes, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium classrooms, and Bible studies classes, as well as meeting rooms for retreats, parish events, choir practices and community outreach work, besides storage space. Remaining space will be rented out, providing the parish with a future source of income.

Redemptorist Father Jerome Chavarria, pastor, gave the opening remarks before the dedication on April 4, looking out over the room filled with hundreds of parishioners – young and old, of many races and nationalities.

“We are ‘immigrants’ from everywhere – New York to Massachusetts, Colombia to Mexico, Ohio to Tennessee, Florida to Texas, and everywhere in between,” he said. “We are from everywhere, but we have two things in common. We are Roman Catholics living as a minority in the Bible Belt that is Charlotte, North Carolina, and we practice our faith in the Americas watched over by the Patroness of the Americas, Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

He acknowledged that this “rebuilt” center for religious formation serves as a witness to the generosity, determination and faith of all who built it. He expressed his thanks to the tireless work of all those who gave of their time, treasure and talents – and many Saturdays – to save money and make the renovations possible. He also thanked St. James’ former pastor, Redemptorist Father Joseph Dionne, who traveled from his new parish in Newton Grove for the event.

Dan Ward, who coordinated the project in cooperation with the diocesan Properties Office, One M Architecture and Kodiak Constructors, also addressed the crowd during the dedication ceremony.

He explained how the project unfolded over the course of the past several years, in particular since December 2016, when construction began.

“A short four months later, we have completed the first phase of renovations,” Ward said. “There is still another 13,000 square feet HALL, SEE page 17

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 14, 2017 OUR PARISHES

2017 Catholic Camporee features Year of Mary theme MIDLAND — Nearly 500 young people and adults from 21 parishes attended the Diocese of Charlotte’s annual Catholic Camporee March 31-April 2 at Belk Scout Camp – including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Venturers and, for the first time, Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls. The camporee’s theme was the Year of Mary, in line with the theme Bishop Peter Jugis announced for the diocese this year.

A Mass culminating the three-day camporee was celebrated by Bishop Jugis, assisted by Deacon Martin Ricart, diocesan Scouting chaplain, and Deacon Carlos Medina of St. Patrick Cathedral.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis commended the Scouts for looking to Mary as an example of how to follow Christ and act with love, charity, humility and joy. “We can’t go wrong in following her example,” he said.

He also encouraged the young people to bring light into others’ lives, just as Jesus is the light of the world.

“As Christians living in the light of Christ we are called to be light for others,” he said, “to bring that light of love and holiness and grace to others.”

The Scout Law – “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful,

friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent” – describes the “ways that we can exercise in a Christian way, the light of Christ,” he said.

After Mass Bishop Jugis recognized dozens of Cub and Boy Scouts who earned their religious emblems over the past year: the Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare Dei or Pope Pius XII. A record number of five Boy Scouts (Nicolas Martinez, Christopher Day, Zeke Adams, Franklin Burgess and Nathan Russell) received the Pillars of Faith Award for having earned all four Catholic religious emblems. All are members of Troop 26 from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point.

The Werewolf Patrol of Boy Scout Troop 172 from Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte won the best overall Boy Scout patrol award for a second year in a row.

Cub Scout award winners were: Pack 8 of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte for Best “Year of Mary” Flag and Best Cub Scout Spirit Award; Pack 111 of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro and Pack 12 of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte tied for Best Campsite; and Pack 111 also won for Best “Mary, Pray For Us” Obstacle Course Participation.

The Mark Thompson Award for the Top Venturing Crew went to Crew 21 of Matthews.

Scoutmaster Mitch Cox of St. Matthew Troop 8 was recognized with the Bronze Pelican Award for his service to Catholic scouting. Adult leaders Richard Conklin from St. Matthew Church and John and Christie Silvestri from St. John Neumann Church were presented the St. George Award, in recognition of their longtime commitment to the spiritual development of youth in Catholic scouting.

“Watching brand new recruits compete and get to know their teammates is humbling,” noted Christie Silvestri, Crew Advisor for Venture Crew 12 of St. John Neumann Church. “Watching a scout try their hand at something new and succeed is very rewarding. Seeing the youth combine their faith and the scouting program just seems natural.”

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from the Camporee Mass At www.cdccos.info: Get information on Catholic Scouting

April 14, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

WAYNESVILLE — After St. John the Evangelist Parish dedicated our new church in 2007, the old 1940s-era church fell into disuse. Over the next decade, the old pews were sold to raise money, the parish youth group took over the top floor, and the bottom floor eventually became the Knights Hall. Through all these years, a crucifix remained hanging on the wall above the former altar – mostly unnoticed, gathering dust.

Fast forward to October 2016. One parishioner remembered the crucifix and longed for it to once again be included in worship at our parish. The new church already had a beautiful, large crucifix. Our parish’s mission, Immaculate Conception in Canton, had a small crucifix. So St. Joseph Sister Mary Ruth Masters asked, “Why don’t we move this big, beautiful crucifix to Immaculate Conception? I always loved seeing that crucifix in the old church, and I was disappointed when it wasn’t moved to the new church.”

Sister Mary Ruth went to her friend and fellow parishioner, Gail Webb, who also loved the idea of restoring the crucifix for the Canton church.

She called Immaculate Conception parishioner Tom Langan, a retired folk artist from Long Island, N.Y., and a devout Catholic. He had already demonstrated his skill and commitment when he carved a Paschal Lamb for the altar at Immaculate Conception Mission.

Langan met with Father Christopher

Riehl, parish administrator, and then enlisted the assistance of three more parishioners – Jim McGovern and Gary Lepak from Immaculate Conception, and me. While the others met with Father Riehl to discuss the plans, I set about researching the history of this crucifix. Father Riehl referred me to King Richard’s Liturgical Design and Contracting, in Alpharetta, Ga. King Richard’s asked that we send photos and measurements of the crucifix, and they would see what they could learn.

King Richard’s responded quickly.

Based on the slender form and clear finish of the crucifix, it almost certainly was carved between 1930 and 1960, as that was the trend at the time.

The crucifix depicts Our Lord at the moment of His death, as there is no lance wound in His side. But the real clue to its origin is the unique “INRI” panel at the top of the cross. It is only seen on crucifixes carved in Ortesei, Italy, and specifically by the Demetz Studio located there. Founded in 1872, the Demetz Studio is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ecclesiastical art, and it uses traditional local carving methods. Today the fifth generation of Demetz carvers is carrying on the family business.

It was obvious that our parish had something special in this crucifix.

Father Riehl granted permission to move the crucifix to Immaculate Conception Mission. It was taken down from the old church’s sanctuary wall and transported to Langan’s studio.

Upon close inspection, they learned that

Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

one of the fingers on the right hand was broken and missing, so Langan carved and attached a perfect replacement.

He then carefully and lovingly cleaned the cross and corpus, stained the cross, and sealed the wood of the corpus. The result was a beautiful representation of Our Lord’s crucifixion, of His suffering and sacrifice on the cross.

All of us met at Immaculate Conception, removed the small crucifix that had been hanging there, and installed the Demetz Crucifix above the altar.

The Demetz Crucifix creates a beautiful focal point for worship in the small mission church. When Sister Mary Ruth first saw the crucifix over the altar at Immaculate Conception, she said, “I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. It was even more beautiful than it was in the old church. I knew that it was now exactly where it belonged.”

Phil Webb is a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville.

St. Mark’s ‘Friendly Visitors Ministry’ builds friendships, community Diana Patulak Ross Correspondent

HUNTERSVILLE — While the Jubilee Year of Mercy is officially over, the need to perform corporal and spiritual works of mercy never ends. As Pope Francis has said, “Christ’s followers are called to continue His saving mission” – a mission of mercy. The Friendly Visitors Ministry at St. Mark Church in Huntersville combines both corporal and spiritual works.

While Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion visit various nursing homes and hospitals to bring the Blessed Sacrament to homebound Catholics, the Friendly Visitors are just that: friendly visitors. Or to put it another way, visiting friends. They provide a friendly face to those who may not otherwise have many visitors. The program reminds them they have a church family and are members of God’s family.

The Friendly Visitors program began at St. Mark when Monsignor Joseph A. Kerin, then pastor, challenged his staff to form a program to go out into the community and befriend people in need.

It is now chaired by Leanne Vaccaro, the Young at Heart Ministry coordinator. The Young at Heart Ministry encompasses 13 different ministries, and the Friendly Visitors Ministry is one of them. It is comprised of 28 people who visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Huntersville and Charlotte including Huntersville Oaks, Old Knox Commons, Ranson Ridge, Carillon Assisted Living, Special Touch Living, Senior Care Carolinas, as well as The Laurels and The Haven in Highland Creek.

“The Friendly Visitors Ministry is a beautiful and muchneeded ministry because it provides outreach to those who are not able to get to church and practice their faith,” Vaccaro says. “It also cultivates friendships for both the homebound and Friendly Visitor.”

Susan Liuzzo has served with the Friendly Visitors program for a year and a half.

As her mother’s caregiver, she found herself constantly at

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Couples participate in diocese’s first ‘25-Hour Marriage Getaway’

St. John’s old crucifix gets new life, thanks to parishioners Phil Webb Special to the Catholic News Herald

OUR PARISHESI

The Oaks resident Thomasina Carr receives a visit from St. Mark parishioners Jack and Joan Healy.

Photo provided by Amy Burger

the nursing home with her. “I saw things from the inside out,” she says. “There are some that are forgotten by family. So being a Friendly Visitor starts a conversation with them.”

“I started out thinking I was doing something nice for them, and yet I am the one who receives an unexpected treasure each time I visit with them as they have so many stories to tell and history to share,” she said.

One of the parishioners who enjoys regular visits is Thomasina Carr, who is a resident at Huntersville Oaks.

“The Friendly Visitors program helps me stay connected to St. Mark’s,” Carr says. “It allows me to visit with lots of people. It keeps me busy as it includes different services.”

Visits are flexible and based on both the Friendly Visitor’s schedule and the schedule of the person they visit. Often the volunteers provide rides to church or take a resident to lunch. Individuals, couples and families can expand their faith practices and provide a large variety of services to those who need it most, and training for new volunteers is available.

HENDERSONVILLE — A diverse group of 20 couples from the Charlotte area, Denver, Shelby, Asheville, Greensboro and even as far as Greenville, S.C., participated in a 25-hr.

“Marriage Getaway” at the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville Feb. 4-5. The Catholic couples retreat was the first of its kind in the Diocese of Charlotte.

“We had each age category covered, with multiple couples in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and I think one even in their 80s,” said Richard Caron, part of the organizing team who also attended the retreat with his wife.

The weekend retreat was sponsored by Regnum Christi of Greater Charlotte-TriadUpstate SC, a Catholic lay movement. The first part of the retreat ended with Eucharistic Adoration, and couples had the opportunity to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament afterwards. The next day, they attended Sunday Mass, more talks in the afternoon and a final blessing and departure.

Legionary of Christ Father Martin Connor was the retreat master. Three married couples from the Archdiocese of Atlanta also helped lead the event.

On the present needs of marriage couples, Caron noted, “Look at the struggles many couples are having based on what the secular world is promoting, such as individuals to be selfish, including ‘if you are not happy, get a divorce.’ Instead, for example, give and do everything for your husband or wife and ask for nothing in return. The evenings and getaway offer suggestions and tools on how to build a stronger (Catholic) marriage.”

Paul and Sofia Salerno were married Aug. 27, 2016, by Father Connor. The Salernos are in their early 20s, but have been committed to their faith and marriage since their wedding day. “We may only be 25 and newlyweds, but it was greatly recommended that we attend the retreat,” Sofia Salerno said.

She shared her major takeaway from the event: “Father Connor told us, in one of the talks, to look at our spouse and to realize that this person will hurt us, disappoint us, and because of that we need true love through Christ which will then help us to forgive and love our spouse.”

Cindy Burk, who has been married 47 years and was one the retreat organizers, said it is imperative for couples of any age to find their down time.

“Whatever our ages are or however long we’ve been married, we all need to step away from the distractions of life (job, kids, the house, etc.) and come into the quiet to reflect on where we have been and what comes next.”

Burk added, “The major takeaway from the 25-Hour Retreat is the importance of me being a continual ‘student’ of my spouse. The more spiritually attuned I am, the more I will be aware, see and hear the person in front of me and the God within. Marriage is a three-way partnership, and the more intentional I am in prayer, in sharing of myself and in forgiving, the more real our love will be to this world.”

Caron said he plans to promote more events of this kind in the area. “We have had three other evening events in the last nine months that the major topic was on building and strengthening marriages. We advertised in parish bulletins, Catholic groups in the diocese and word of mouth/personal invitations from Regnum Christi members.”

He said he next two “couples night out” events will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 28, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro, and a “Marriage Event” for the greater Charlotte area from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia.

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 14, 2017 OUR PARISHES

Mooresville deacon passes away, aged 83

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MOORESVILLE — Deacon Robert Michael Kratchman, 83, of Mooresville went home to the Lord after passing away peacefully on Thursday, April 6, 2017.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, April 10, 2017, at St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville.

He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and lived in Bergen County, N.J. He retired in 1985 as captain of the Mahwah, N.J., Police Department after serving 25 years.

He was ordained a deacon for the Archdiocese Kratchman of Newark, N.J., on May 14, 1992, and in May would have celebrated 25 years of ministry. He was an active member at St. Elizabeth Parish in Wyckoff, N.J., and St. Theresa Parish in Little Egg Harbor, N.J. After serving in the Newark area, he served in the dioceses of Trenton, N.J., and Venice, Fla. His ministry included hospice; leading a monthly food drive which distributed more than 800 meals per month; and was a staff manager.

Moving to North Carolina in 2011, Deacon Kratchman was assigned to St. Thérèse Church. His presence there was a sign for

others of the importance he placed on his own belief in God and his love to serve those he encountered. In his four years at the Mooresville parish, he continued his people-oriented service in the outreach ministry, Knights of Columbus and Men of St. Thérèse. He made an impact on many in the parish with his deep spirituality and evangelical approach to the Gospel.

He enjoyed fishing, cooking, traveling and, most of all, spending time with his beautiful family.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan Sullivan Kratchman; their children, Robert (Susan) Kratchman, Kenneth (Yvonne) Kratchman, Loretta (James) Tuit, and Nancy (Randy) White; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters Jane Mackey and Mary Kratchman; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, in honor of his great-grandchildren Abigail and Erin Delaney. Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.

James Funeral Home of Huntersville was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

Mercy Sister Mary Matthew Snow passes away BELMONT — Mercy Sister Mary Matthew Snow, 95, died Friday, March 31, 2017, at Marian Center, Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 4, 2017, in the Cardinal Gibbons Chapel of Sacred Heart Convent, Belmont. Interment was at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.

Snow Sister Mary Matthew was born March 20, 1922, in Fort Fairfield, Maine, the daughter of Benjamin and Fern Churchill Snow. Her parents and beloved siblings, Marie McClintock and William, are deceased.

She attended public schools in Maine and received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maine, a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a medical technology degree from Hunter Laboratory School of Medical Technology in Washington, D.C. A Sister of Mercy for 62 years, she taught every grade except first. Included in her teaching career were Charlotte Catholic High School; Sacred Heart College, where she was dean of women; Belmont Abbey

College; and the Catholic Orphanage of Nazareth in Raleigh.

She also ministered at St Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville and Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, where she was head of the School of Medical Technology.

On retirement from active ministry in health care, she volunteered teaching homeless children and adults to read.

As a Sister of Mercy, she chose for her motto simply “Jesus” and wrote that a turning point in her life was standing at the Sea of Galilee hearing Jesus ask her: “Matt, do you love me?”

Sister Mary Matthew was a noted storyteller or known yarn spinner. She had a penchant for writing and her adventures were legendary, such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hot-air ballooning and hiking.

Her hobbies were numerous as well as artistic, and included woodcarving, weaving, gardening and playing the harmonica.

While known for her accomplishments, she is most remembered by and for her many loyal friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Belmont.

McLean Funeral Home of Belmont was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

April 14, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Brownie Troop 73 also earned the Divine Mercy Award administered by the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas, to continue St. Faustina’s mission of spreading the message and devotion to The Divine Mercy.

Catholic religious awards were developed by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry in Washington, D.C. The parish’s Girl Scout Ministry is led by Anitra Thompson, who was also given the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal Diocesan Award for serving the spiritual needs of Catholic Girl Scouts. It is an award of the Department of Education and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, established in 1980.

— Nannette Gorman and Anitra Manca Thompson

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Kernersville hosts Lenten mission KERNERSVILLE — English-speaking and Spanish-speaking members of Holy Cross Church recently took part in a Lenten mission entitled “Come Live in The Light,” conducted by guest preacher Redemptorist Father Don Willard of Brooklyn Center, Minn.

— John Bunyea, correspondent

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Girl Scouts honored at St. Matthew Church CHARLOTTE — On March 11, the Girl Scouts at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte held their annual Girl Scout Mass and religious awards reception for all troops sponsored by the parish.

Members of Daisy Troops 2217 and 2265 earned the God Is Love award; members of Brownie Troops 1305 and 1768 earned the Family of God award; and a member of Junior Troop 3783 earned the I Live My Faith award.

Members of Daisy Troop 2217, Brownie Troops 73 and 1305, and Cadette Troop 2697 earned the My Promise, My Faith Award developed by the Girl Scouts of America. Members of

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Alzheimer’s Respite Ministry receives grant HUNTERSVILLE — The Rotary Club of Lake Norman recently gave a $4,000 grant to the Alzheimer’s Respite Ministry at St. Mark Church. Father Cory Catron, parochial vicar, accepted the donation along with Respite Ministry founders and organizers Janet Urban and Susan Liuzzo and Young at Heart Ministry Coordinator Leanne Vaccaro.

St. Mark’s Alzheimer’s Respite Ministry offers caregivers a place to leave their loved ones who have early to moderate-staged Alzheimer’s for a few hours in a safe, prayerful and loving environment. Each week, a team of volunteers come together to staff and oversee the ministry.

Weekly activities include a circle “share” time, craft, games, refreshments, physical activity and then prayers.

Every 68 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. With the largest aging population ever in the United States, all families will eventually be affected by this disease. “It is my dream that this ministry becomes a model for other churches to follow,” Urban says.

Another of her goals when the program began was to create a library of books, DVDs and other resources to help loved ones understand the disease and its progression. A part of the Rotary Club grant will be used for this purpose.

The ministry is offered free each Monday. Run by volunteers, it is part of the Young at Heart program at the parish coordinated by Leanne Vaccaro. Registration is required. People can register by emailing Urban at jgraceart@yahoo. com.

OUR PARISHESI

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 14, 2017 OUR PARISHES

IN BRIEF FROM PAGE 9

www.goeucharist.com, and click “Other Info,” then “Vendors” for details. For vendor-related questions, contact Kevin Eagan, vendor coordinator, at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@ charlottediocese.org.

African community Mass planned at St. Matthew Church

a Mass for the African community at 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 29, in the Daily Mass Chapel.

Father Casmir Maduakor, from Nigeria, will celebrate the Mass which will incorporate aspects of many African cultures.

For details, contact Anne Ibekwe at 609792-1115 or anicpa57@yahoo.com. St. Matthew Church is located at 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. in Charlotte.

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

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church will offer

Lenten mission explores ‘finding God’ THOMASVILLE — Our Lady of the Highways Church recently welcomed special guests for the parish’s Lenten Salesian Mission.

The four-night mission, entitled “Finding God Wherever You Are,” was conducted by special guests Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Tom Landgraff from Toledo, Ohio, and Jeanne Hunt from Cincinnati, Ohio.

During one of the presentations parishioners were invited to come up to the altar to pray and encounter God in front of a “burning bush,” just as Moses encountered God. Everyone who attended the mission experienced something good for the heart, soul and spirit.

— Joe Thornton, correspondent

Wash Away Your Sins on Divine Mercy Sunday

April 23, 2017 St. Matthew Catholic Church 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte NC 28277

Conditions for Earning a Plenary Indulgence Attend Mass Venerate Divine Mercy Image Receive the Eucharist Go to Reconciliation (within 20 days before or after)

Celebrate The Hour of Great Mercy 3 pm in main church In this hour I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of me.

Prayers, Homily, Exposition, Singing Chaplet, Blessing with First Class Relic of St. Faustina

Enjoy Cenacle of Divine Mercy Hospitality Immediately following in banquet room complimentary light refreshments and Divine Mercy materials

New Cenacle-In-Home Signups in Narthex after all Divine Mercy Sunday Masses and after the 3 pm Hour of Mercy in Banquet Room

facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD ESPAÑOL

April 14, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

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El Padre Joshua Voitus

La Luz de Cristo brilla siempre y para siempre

F

inalmente ha llegado el momento que hemos estado esperando toda la Cuaresma, y especialmente desde que comenzó la Semana Santa. Después de cuarenta días de ayuno, de no comer carne, de oración intensa, después de los últimos tres días en los que nos hemos enfocado en la cruel tortura y muerte de Cristo en la Cruz, ya vemos porque pasó lo que pasó.

Hoy, sábado en la noche, celebraré en mi Parroquia de St. Mary’s la Vigilia Pascual. La liturgia, como se celebra todos los años, comenzará en la oscuridad. Esta oscuridad es para hacernos recordar la oscuridad que cubrió toda la tierra cuando Cristo murió. Esta oscuridad también sirve para hacernos recordar la oscuridad en la cual vivíamos a causa de nuestros pecados. La oscuridad del pecado que nos había separado de la gloria original, en la cual habíamos sido creados por Dios. La oscuridad del pecado que cegó nuestro intelecto, he ocasionó que siguiéramos nuestros propios caminos, en vez de seguir el camino que da vida, el camino de Dios.

Y de repente, la luz brilló en la oscuridad. Una luz singular que penetró la oscuridad. Una sola luz de una sola vela, y después esa vela enciende otra vela, hasta que toda la iglesia queda encendida de velas cuando tengamos la Vigilia esta noche. Una luz que proclamaremos esta noche como “Lumen Christi” “La Luz de Cristo,” iluminando y penetrando a través de la oscuridad de nuestros pecados. La Luz de Cristo ilumina y destruye la oscuridad en todo lugar en que entra, e iluminando los errores en nuestros caminos para que podamos entonces ver claramente el camino que Dios ha preparado para nosotros.

Esta luz es la luz que proviene de Cristo Resucitado. La Luz de Cristo es la única luz verdadera. La única luz que puede destruir para siempre la oscuridad del Enemigo, la oscuridad en la que nos encontramos a causa de nuestros pecados.

Recibimos la Luz de Cristo por primera vez cuando fuimos bautizados, momento en el que nos convertimos en miembros del Cuerpo de Cristo. Durante el Bautizo, morimos a nosotros mismos y al pecado, y salimos de las aguas bautismales a la nueva vida en Cristo. La llama de esta luz se mantiene encendida en nosotros por los sacramentos de la Confesión, por medio del cual somos restaurados en el amor y en unión con Dios, y también en la Santísima Comunión, por medio de la cual, recibida dignamente, entramos en una unión profunda con Cristo al consumir su Cuerpo y su Sangre.

Estos sacramentos son los regalos del Cristo Resucitado a su Iglesia, su regalo para nosotros. Estos sacramentos son también nuestra principal conexión a la muerte de Cristo, y también a su gloriosa Resurrección. Estos sacramentos son la manera principal como la Luz del amor de Dios se enciende e inflama dentro de nosotros.

Durante la Vigilia Pascual esta noche, Cristo resucita de la muerte después de haber sufrido y muerto por nuestras ofensas. Cristo resucita triunfante sobre la muerte y sobre los pecados del mundo que lo llevaron a morir. Si hemos sufrido con Cristo, nosotros también compartimos su victoria sobre el pecado y la muerte, y nosotros también resucitamos gloriosos con Jesús.

Entonces, hermanos y hermanas, regocijémonos esta noche de Vigilia Pascual, y en todo día y noche de este tiempo de Pascua.

Celebremos con gran devoción y amor todo lo que el Señor ha hecho por nosotros. Y tratemos, con la ayuda de su gracia, ganada en la Cruz, de vivir nuestras vidas siempre con gratitud y aceptando humildemente su misericordia y amor divino.

Que Dios los bendiga.

El Padre Joshua A. Voitus es el Párroco de la Iglesia Saint Mary, Mother of God, en Sylva, NC. El Padre Voitus celebra Misa de Vigilia Dominical en español todos los sábados a las 8 p.m.

‘Bendito Él que viene en nombre del Señor’ El Domingo de Ramos conmemora la entrada de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo en Jerusalén antes de su Pasión, muerte y Resurrección. Miembros de la Parroquia de Nuestra Sra. de la Asunción en Charlotte, y la Iglesia del Divino Redentor en Boonville durante la celebración de la procesión del Domingo de Ramos en sus respectivas parroquias.

Fotos proporcionadas por el Diacono David Reiser y Sergio Lopez | Catholic News Herald

Más online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vean más cobertura de la Semana Santa y la Pascua

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iiiApril 14, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

‘Mary shows us the way’ 1,000 participants attend Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage SueAnn Howell and Rico De Silva Catholic News Herald

BELMONT — “Mary shows us the way… Keep looking towards Him, don’t take your eyes off Him.” That was the advice from Bishop Peter Jugis to more than 1,000 young people and others at the 13th annual Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage April 1 at Belmont Abbey College.

“She is totally for Jesus. There is no 50 percent. There is no 75 percent.

She is 100 percent for Jesus. She gives everything to Him. Isn’t that what all Catholics should do – be totally for Jesus?” Bishop Jugis said to them during his Holy Hour homily.

The Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage – a component of the annual Eucharistic Congress – shares the annual September Eucharistic Congress theme which is based on the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary spoken in the Gospel of Luke 1:46: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”

Bishop Jugis shared with the youth that the Diocese of Charlotte is celebrating a special “Year of Mary” in honor of the centennial anniversary of the Blessed Virgin Mary appearing to three children in Fatima, Portugal.

He pointed out during his Holy Hour homily that when looking at the Gospels, “Mary is always looking at her Son with great love. Who better than Mary to teach us to give everything to Jesus?” he said.

“She is someone who was totally, completely, with every ounce of her being, consecrated to Him. She is a great model.

“We should ask her to help us to have purity of mind and heart, so that our mind and heart are given over completely to Jesus’ service. Whether we are at home, at school, or in extracurricular activities, remember that we are totally for Jesus.”

Ask Mary to help show you how to be more humble, just as she was, the bishop told the youth. “She called herself the lowly servant of God. Imagine that! The Mother of God calling herself a humble, lowly servant!”

Youth from more than 45 parishes attended the day-long event. They enjoyed live music from musician and songwriter Kevin Heider. Jimmy Mitchell, a Catholic speaker, composer and musician, served as emcee and speaker for the high school men’s track.

Eucharistic Adoration, confession and a Eucharistic Procession around the historic Belmont Abbey College campus were also highlights of the annual pilgrimage.

Juan Diego, an eighth-grader from Holy Family Church in Clemmons, was at the pilgrimage for the first time. “I like it a lot,” he said. “It’s my first time. I think Belmont Abbey is a beautiful church.”

Cameron, a ninth-grade parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, said, “It’s a nice experience being at Belmont Abbey campus and being with the monks, priests and other youth our age.”

Chris Beal, diocesan regional faith formation coordinator, helped coordinate the Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage.

“Every year it has grown and grown,” Beal noted. “This year we have over 1,000 people represented. There are about 800 kids, 150 chaperones and 75 college volunteers from Belmont Abbey College.

“One of the best moments for me was seeing a line a mile long for the opportunity to go to confession during this Lenten season,” he said.

“We had at least 10 priests that spent their day for the most part hearing confessions. We had lines around the corner to hear confessions.”

Before the conclusion of his homily, Bishop Jugis reiterated Mary’s important role in growing closer to Christ.

“She will show you the path to follow, and it is very simple,” he said. “To become more like Jesus she’ll show you the way, and that is the rosary. In the rosary, as you are reflecting on the mysteries and the events in the life of Jesus, she is leading you to Him, to grow closer to Him. “By giving yourself totally to her, she takes you right to Him.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos and video highlights of the 2017 Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage The Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage is funded by contributions to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and donate online at www. charlottediocese.org/dsa.

FROM TH

HE COVER

April 14, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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Our schools 14

catholicnewsherald.com | April 14, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘As often as you did it for one of these least ones, you did it for Me’

Ellen Deem

What Poverty Action Week meant to us

(Left) Bishop Peter Jugis blesses students March 27 at St. Matthew School in south Charlotte during his visit for Poverty Action Week.

(Above) Students at St. Matthew School worked on poverty awareness projects March 27-31.

P

eople often ask me why I choose to teach in a Catholic school when I’m a Protestant. My response is always the same. When I realized God was calling me to teach, I knew one thing for certain. I needed to be able to verbally acknowledge where my calling came from on a daily basis. I was recently reminded of how important my calling is to me.

I’m not the only teacher who has pondered, “Am I making a difference? Am I teaching my students to make a difference?

Am I following God’s direction when I teach?” The fruits of one teacher’s answers to these questions resulted in an entire school making a stand for those in need.

St. Matthew School’s first-ever Poverty Action Day was Friday, March 31. This day, and all of the work that led up to it, would not have come about if a teacher had not had the courage to share her idea with others.

The idea for this initiative started when one of our former fourth-grade teachers, Patricia Wendover, finished the “Just Faith” course at St. Matthew Church.

She said the course made her want to put her faith into action. She wanted to come up with an idea that would encourage students to work towards helping those in need, and enable them to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Her idea grew into a MACS Education Foundation grant application that she wrote with two of our kindergarten teachers, Pat Frantz and Mary Strauss. Betsy DesNoyer joined the team to help when Wendover left to teach at St. Patrick School and spend more time doing volunteer work. When the MACS Education Foundation awarded them the funds for this Social Justice Grant, the seeds for Poverty Action Day were planted.

All St. Matthew classroom teachers received books to share and explain Catholic social teachings to their students.

Our school’s value recognition program DEEM, SEE page 17

Photo by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald, provided by Amy Deem

St. Matthew students act as hands, feet of Jesus during Poverty Action Week SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Students at St. Matthew School have spent the year learning about Catholic social justice and poverty awareness.

Their lessons culminated in Poverty Action Week, with special projects in each class, a presentation by Bishop Peter Jugis and a prayer service led by Bishop Emeritus William Curlin.

“Throughout the week, each grade level focused on fighting poverty through food drives, learning about important people in the Catholic Church who have fought for social justice, and putting together ‘action kits,’ ” said Assistant Principal Suzanne Beasley.

Bishop Jugis visited the school on Monday, March 27, to help kick off Poverty Action Week. He addressed the whole student body in St. Matthew Church, which is adjacent to the school in south Charlotte.

“Why do we care for the poor? That’s an important question. You are collecting food and praying for the poor and the homeless. But why? I will give you the answer: because Jesus has taught us to do.

Jesus has taught us to love one another as He has loved us.

“Jesus says the great commandment is ‘You are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul, and all your strength, and you are to love your neighbor as yourself.’ And so our neighbor is every person that we meet, not just the neighbor who lives beside us or is sitting beside us.

Even people we don’t know – the poor, the homeless, the sick or homebound – are considered to be our neighbor, and Jesus said we must love them.”

Bishop Jugis reminded those gathered of the Scripture where Jesus enumerates all we can do to help the “least ones” in remembrance of Him – the poor, the hungry, the naked, the sick, the stranger and the homeless.

“As often as you did it for one of these least ones, you did it for Me,” Bishop Jugis said, using the words of Jesus.

“Even if you can’t give money or collect food or give old clothes, you know what you should do every day? You can pray. Remember them in your prayers. God uses those prayers. He will answer those prayers and give that grace and that help to those who are in special need of those prayers.”

He then blessed a basket of special bracelets that read “Pope Francis, Hear the Cry of the Poor.” Students received the bracelets on Poverty Day USA that Friday, March 31, to end the week-long effort.

“We are so lucky to have a pope who is so focused on social justice and helping out those in need, and really being a great example of how we can be Christ to one another,” said Principal Kevin O’Herron said. “We hope these blessed bracelets serve as a reminder to the students, as they go through their lives every POVERTY, SEE page 17

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In Brief

school representative.

Haynes’ win secured his spot in the 63rd Charlotte Observer Spelling Bee held Feb. 27.

His alternate was John Tricarico from St. Gabriel School. (They are pictured above with Ritter.)

Twenty-seven contestants from 13 counties in North and South Carolina competed.

Representing MACS, he made it through the seventh round. The Observer Spelling Bee winner participates in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. — Denise Reis

McCullagh appointed to the Naval Academy

Haynes wins MACS Spelling Bee HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark School fourthgrader Charlie Haynes recently won the 2016’17 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Spelling Bee. Diocesan schools superintendent Dr. Janice Ritter serves as the official pronouncer for the spelling bee.

The MACS Spelling Bee is comprised of students from the following seven Catholic schools: St. Mark, Our Lady of Assumption, St. Patrick, St. Ann, St. Gabriel, St. Matthew and Holy Trinity Middle. Each elementary school sends one fourth- and fifth-grade representative, and each school with middle school students sends an additional middle

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School senior Erin McCullagh has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy.

McCullagh is a competitive swimmer with SwimMAC, served on the high school’s student council, and helps pack Christmas boxes for soldiers deployed overseas.

“My swim team attended camps at the Naval Academy when I was 11 and 13,” McCullagh said. “Each time, I watched our Navy swimmer counselors interact with people around them.

I noticed that each of them respected their leaders, their peers, and their school’s history.

It was always clear they had a reputation to uphold – a reputation of order, honor and respect. Even though I was young, I liked the example they set. I have never forgotten that example and I’ve wanted to be part of that community since then.”

McCullagh is the daughter of Mary and Mark McCullagh of south Charlotte.

“Congratulations to Erin on your remarkable achievement, and thank you for your commitment to serving our nation,” said Congressman Robert Pittenger in making the announcement. “We look forward to watching you emerge as a leader.”

— Jamie Bowers

1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203

— Carolyn Kramer Tillman

Christ the King High School launches internship center HUNTERSVILLE — Christ the King High School recently announced plans for an Internship Resource Center, which will provide students and alumni with internships and career development opportunities. It is being spear-headed by the Academic Enrichment Team of the principal’s advisory committee.

Students make wind vanes HIGH POINT — Future educators from High Point University recently made wind vanes with Immaculate Heart of Mary School’s secondgrade class as part of a joint effort to bring STEM concepts into the classroom.

— Carrie Vest

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LAWYER Thursday, April 27 8:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School senior Luke Santschi has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Santschi had received nominations letters for both the Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy from U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and Congressman Richard Hudson.

He is a member of the high school band’s drum line, an Eagle Scout, a member of the Diocesan Youth Advisory Council, and an avid soccer player. In all of these activities, he strives to be an effective leader and a friend to all he encounters. In addition, he volunteers for the Missionaries of Charity’s summer camp, a refugee relief agency that helps immigrant children settle in the U.S. He particularly enjoys math, science and engineering classes, and he hopes to pursue a career in maritime service with an emphasis on marine engineering, naval architecture and technology.

“Luke Santschi is an intellectual, confident and responsible student leader,” said Sandy Needham, school counselor. “His close family has made him a well-grounded individual who is extremely loyal to family and friends. Overall, he is an outstanding academic student, musician, athlete and leader.”

As part of this initiative, students will build professional online profiles via LinkedIn, as well as learn about writing resumes and interviewing techniques.

The Academic Enrichment Team is seeking community support to provide internships.

“The new Internship Resource Center is a wonderful opportunity for our students. We often speak of beyond-the-four walls education at Christ the King, and the IRC will provide many resources that will help our students secure internships and shadow opportunities,” said Interim Principal Michael Smith. “We are very thankful to the parents who have worked on this initiative to help our students expand their horizons.”

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Santschi accepts Merchant Marine Academy appointment

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For more information contact: Donald Meanor, dbmeanor@charlottediocese.org 704.370.3224

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Mix 16

catholicnewsherald.com | April 14, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

Catholic radio station launches in Rowan County Kimberly Bender Online reporter

‘The Case for Christ’ As his wife (Erika Christensen) undergoes a gradual conversion to evangelical Christianity, sparking discord in their marriage, an aggressively atheistic Chicago journalist (Mike Vogel) uses his investigative skills to try to disprove the Resurrection, and with it the faith.

Director Jonathan M. Gunn’s screen version of Lee Strobel’s memoir intertwines intelligent apologetics with the story of a headline-grabbing criminal case (Renell Gibbs plays the defendant) the reporter is working on as well as with a low-key study of the central duo’s strong bond and the problematic relationship between the protagonist and his father. While not as heavyhanded as many message movies, the film, which is acceptable for a wide audience and makes a potentially valuable educational resource, succeeds more as a vindication of the rationality of belief in Jesus than as entertainment. Graphic descriptions and images of scourging and crucifixion.

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

‘Going in Style’ Leaden comedy about a trio of retirees (Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin) driven to desperation by financial woes who cook up an unlikely scheme to rob a branch of the bank they blame for the cancellation of their pensions.

As they get tips for a successful caper from an experienced criminal (John Ortiz), Arkin’s grouchy character finds romance with a grocery store checkout lady. While not a movie from which viewers are likely to draw any real-life moral conclusions, it does present the oldsters’ actions as justified and ultimately harmless.

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

‘Smurfs: The Lost Village’ Children’s cartoon in which, as the blue elves of the title continue to defend themselves against the schemes of the evil wizard (voice of Rainn Wilson) who has long sought to steal their youthrestoring, power-bestowing “essence,” the sole female among them (voiced by Demi Lovato) has an identity crisis which leads to a journey of discovery on which she’s joined by a trio of her male counterparts. While the result is visually pleasing, and screenwriters Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon’s script promotes teamwork and good moral choices, the story they tell will satisfy only the least demanding youngsters. Occasional peril, some mild scatological humor.

CNS: A-I (general patronage); MPAA: PG

SALISBURY — Starting this week, people along the I-85 corridor from Concord to Lexington are able to tune in to hear Catholic talk radio programing on 1490 AM WSTP. The radio station is expected to reach all of Rowan County, including the areas covered by Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury, St. Joseph Parish in Kannapolis, St. James the Greater Parish in Concord and Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Lexington.

Programming started April 13.

The station is the first step in plans for a new “Carolina Catholic Radio Network” being formed by stringing together existing or dormant AM radio stations in the Charlotte and Greensboro regions, said David Papandrea, who serves as a “media missionary” for EWTN in the area. CCRN would be North Carolina’s first full-power commercial Catholic radio network.

EWTN radio programming will be offered on 1490 AM, along with live broadcasts of local Masses, said Len Kobylus, a member of Sacred Heart Church’s Knights of Columbus who is also involved with the initiative.

WSTP’s owners, Bill Graham and Buddy Poole, are donating the first two weeks of EWTN programming, with the hope that donations will come in to keep the station on the air after that.

The goal is to reach, educate and encourage both active and fallen-away Catholics, Papandrea said, as well as inform non-Catholics about the Catholic faith.

At present, there are no full-power AM or FM commercial Catholic radio stations in North Carolina, Papandrea said. There are several low-power FM stations that reach about a 15-mile radius in Wilmington, Wake Forest, Raleigh and, most recently, at Belmont Abbey College.

Papandrea first learned of this need after he started as a “media missionary” for EWTN in 2015.

“When I looked at statistics and found out that Charlotte was the biggest market without Catholic radio in pretty much the country, it was a red flag that we have to fix,” he said.

From there, he spent time reviewing other stations’ models and networking to determine the best way to bring Catholic radio to Charlotte. As long as about 80 percent of the broadcast time is EWTN programming, Papandrea said, there is no fee from the network to carry its content.

The most cost-effective way to cover areas as large as Charlotte and Greensboro, he noted, is to use AM radio.

Last month, the owners of 1490 AM offered Papandrea the opportunity to transmit for two weeks for free. The station last carried “classic country” and stopped broadcasting in August 2016.

“They’re giving us this gift, and in order to continue it, people can’t be passive,” Papandrea said. “They have to get involved. Once the goal is met, we’re working on the next one. There’s nothing greater than if this continues to build momentum.”

Utilities are the main expenses associated with broadcasting a station, and with the model they are using at 1490 AM, broadcasting will cost about $3,500 a month. That includes equipment, infrastructure and personnel to help in recording where necessary.

“It’s a little over a $100 a day, so what we need to do is find sponsors and underwriters to help support the radio station. We’re hoping the broadcast will get people enthused enough that they’ll start making donations,” Kobylus said. “When we’re successful here, and we feel we will be, we’ll start expanding to the other markets.”

The immediate goal is to pay for a year of broadcasting on 1490 AM, he said.

Kobylus got involved with Papandrea on the non-profit initiative when he was looking for ways to promote the Knights’ pro-life activities in the Salisbury area. They hope CCRN will provide a voice for all in-state Catholic organizations to promote their causes and ministries.

Some Sacred Heart parishioners have already expressed excitement about the new station, Kobylus said, as they currently listen to EWTN through paid subscription satellite radio and apps.

The next steps, Papandrea said, are analyzing the broadcast to schedule time for promoting local ministries at the parishes that the station reaches, and conducting fundraising to keep it on the air. There will also be airtime devoted to local commercials.

1490 AM will be the prototype for future stations in the radio network, Papandrea said. He is eyeing stations in west Charlotte, covering Kings Mountain, Gastonia and Belmont; south Charlotte and Rock Hill, S.C.; Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point in the Triad; and north Charlotte, covering Hickory, Huntersville, Mooresville and Statesville.

On TV n Saturday, April 15, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “A Scriptural Journey of the Via Dolorosa.”

Join pilgrims from around the world in walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, with meditations on the scriptures and the Passion of Christ at each of the Stations of the Cross. n Saturday, April 15, 2:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Easter Vigil Mass: Easter Vigil Mass from Rome.” Pope Francis celebrates the Easter Vigil Mass, live from Rome.

n Sunday, April 16, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Urbi Et Orbi: Message and Blessing: Easter.”

Live from St. Peter’s Square in Rome, the Holy Father gives the traditional message and blessing for the Christmas and Easter seasons, “Urbi et Orbi” - “To the city of Rome and to the world.” n Sunday, April 16, 7 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Easter from Rome.”

Pope Francis celebrates the Solemn Mass of Easter, live from Rome. n Sunday, April 16, 9 p.m. (EWTN) “Triumphant Hour.” A portrayal of the triumphant “hour” of Jesus’ Resurrection, using many well-known actors from the mid 1900s. n Sunday, April 16, 11 p.m. (EWTN) “Hill Number One.” The Korean War, and the battles that ensue, are correlated to Christ’s crucifixion on Golgotha; a dramatic re-mix of biblical and historical elements. Featuring James Dean. n Tuesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) ”Blue Collar Apologetics: The Ignorant Catholic.” John Martignoni demonstrates the correct way to respond to theological questions to which Catholics may not know the answers. n Sunday, April 23, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “The Face of Mercy.” A documentary about the origins of the Divine Mercy devotion and the personal impact it has had on the lives of several Catholics. n Monday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Mozambique: Cipriano.” The story behind Cipriano Parite, a father of seven and a lay catechist who sacrificed his life to protect his fellow villagers from guerrilla fighters and whose beatification cause is underway.

Help fund local Catholic radio Donate online: www.gofundme.com/fund-nc-catholic-radio-charlotte Donate by mail: Carolina Catholic Radio Network, P.O. Box 1148, Clemmons, NC 27012-1148 For details: Contact David Papandrea at 704-880-0260 or David.Papandrea@CarolinaCatholicRadio.org.

Foppe

n Wednesday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Armed with Faith.”

Though born without arms, this world traveler, motivational speaker and father, John Foppe, challenges Catholics to expand their horizons by putting their full trust in God.

April 14, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

POVERTY FROM PAGE 14

single day, that they are taking all of their blessings and sharing them with others.”

Bishop Jugis also met with 10 fourth- and fifth-grade student council representatives, who shared what each grade level was doing to help create awareness about poverty and to learn about Catholic social justice.

Mac Burley, secretary of the student council, directed the meeting.

“Something that I would like you to know is that the teachers have been using the plans on poverty from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development to teach us about poverty,” Burley said.

“Isn’t it amazing that right here in Charlotte we would have so many poor people and homeless people?” Bishop

DEEM FROM PAGE 14

was revised to emphasize these Catholic social teachings, and each month two students who modeled the social teaching of the month were recognized during Mass.

Poverty Action Day was the culmination of our school year’s efforts to make our students more aware of the importance of recognizing Jesus in every person.

Poverty Action Week began with a visit from Bishop Peter Jugis on Monday, March 27. Students gathered to hear an inspiring message from Bishop Jugis about the importance of Catholic social teaching. Student Council members escorted Bishop Jugis around the school so he could meet with students and hear what they have been doing to help others in need.

He had a firsthand glimpse of each grade’s individual contribution to our school-wide efforts. Our transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and firstgrade students gathered food, diapers, wipes and more to help the Missionaries

‘I AM N’ FROM PAGE 3

“Just one sentence. But it brought everything into very clear focus, such that it is memorable even more than 30 years later. Preach Jesus, salvation in Jesus,” he said.

“Preach Jesus to your parishioners.”

He continued, “St. Luke writes (of Jesus) in the very next verse that follows the Gospel passage at this Mass, ‘And all spoke highly of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His mouth.’

“The gracious word that people need to hear coming from our mouths is ‘Jesus.”

That is the gracious Word, His name, containing all grace and all blessing.

People are hungering for Jesus.”

Reminding people about Jesus’ saving message is their essential mission as priests, he said. “We renew our promises in which we unite ourselves once again to Jesus the High Priest.”

Jugis said to the student council. “It’s really a shock, isn’t it? There’s a whole other side of Charlotte that you are being introduced to by your projects, that is not as fortunate as we are in the Ballantyne/south Charlotte area.

“It’s really a shock. That is why, to be good disciples of Jesus and to show that we are Christians and following His example and His teaching, (we are) to be mindful and to do what we can to help our brothers and sisters, our neighbors who are not as fortunate as we are,” he reminded them.

Following Christ’s example “in very practical, concrete ways” demonstrates that we really do have His love in our hearts and we are trying to do His will, he added, and he commended the students for their efforts.

Burley and student council vice president Sophie Thailer also led Bishop Jugis on a tour of the school, where he visited classrooms and thanked students for their efforts to combat poverty.

“I’m glad that you are putting your faith into practice,” he told them. “It shows your love for God and your love for Jesus. As your bishop, I’m very proud of you.”

Bishop William Curlin shared that St. Teresa of Calcutta was a great inspiration to him in his life, as he served as one of her confessors and she taught him firsthand how to see Jesus in everyone, especially those who are poor or suffering. They spent time together in the U.S. and at the Missionaries of Charity center in India.

He even helped her care for people dying of AIDS. The saint encouraged him to see Jesus with his heart, to see Jesus in the sick the first time he was faced with caring for the dying in India.

“Starting from that day on, I’d say to myself when I’d answer the door (at the rectory), it’s not a poor man or a child, but Jesus knocking on my door. It’s Jesus asking for a sandwich. It’s Jesus lying there (sick),” he explained.

of the Poor in Monroe. Second-grade students held a “reverse snack” sale, in which students could buy a snack for the children at A Child’s Place. Third-grade students created a “Hall of Heroes” highlighting people who dedicated their lives to helping the poor. Fourthgrade students wrote to public officials asking them to help the poor and also made “blessing boxes” for the homeless.

Fifth-grade students created a “state of poverty” and listened to a speaker from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. They also watched a video describing the efforts of three men who decided to live in poverty to raise awareness of the need to help others.

Ending the week-long effort on Poverty Action Day, all students had the opportunity to hear a guest speaker talk about the importance of helping the poor and sharing their blessings from God. Each grade toured the school to see what other students were doing to help people in need. Students had a simple snack of saltines and water.

Poverty Action Day concluded with a prayer service led by Bishop Emeritus William Curlin, who inspired everyone with his personal experiences of helping the poorest of the poor.

He shared stories of when he visited

with Mother Teresa in India, and he passed on to students Mother Teresa’s advice to him: The best gift we can give others is to share the love of Jesus. He reminded them to ask Jesus to live in them each day.

As I talked with the teachers involved over the course of the week, I thought it neat that they all said it was someone else’s idea.

Their humility inspires me. None of this would have happened if one teacher hadn’t shared her idea with a few other teachers. What ideas have you been pondering as of late?

As I reflect on the week, I am encouraged that our students will be inspired to continue to share with others. I saw firsthand how the message of the week was about changing their actions towards each other for the better.

The question I’m pondering now is: “Whose lives will be changed for good because of their generosity?”

I cannot wait to see these seeds of love blossom. I cannot wait to see what stories their pencils will tell.

May we all follow in their footsteps.

Concelebrating the Chrism Mass were Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey; Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese; Father John Putnam, judicial vicar of the diocese; and 97 more diocesan and religious order priests who gathered around the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

All the priests also stood during the blessing of the sacred chrism with hands outstretched, joining with Bishop Jugis in prayer as he performed the blessing rite.

The oils blessed during the chrism Mass are used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, as well as for ordination of priests and the consecration of churches.

Bishop Jugis stirred balsam into the chrism to give it a sweet perfume and breathed the “breath of the Holy Spirit” over the chrism.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Jugis prayed, “May everyone hear in our words and see in our actions our love for our blessed Jesus.”

After Mass, deacons divided the blessed oils into smaller oil stocks that

will be distributed to all 92 parishes and missions across the diocese for use in sacramental celebrations throughout the upcoming year.

Ellen Deem teaches the first grade at St. Matthew School in Charlotte.

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Bishop Peter Jugis breathes the “breath of the Holy Spirit” over the sacred oils April 11 during the Chrism Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

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HALL FROM PAGE 5

of the building needing renovations. Today is a day of gratitude to all of you that have made this possible. We have put in some long hours here, and I could not have done it without you.”

Kelli Olszewski, religious education director at St. James Church, is anticipating great things for the new space. She is looking forward to offering more programs, especially adult faith formation classes.

“It’s nice to be able to offer opportunities to people of all ages,” Olszewski said. “It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

Bishop Jugis toured the building and went from room to room with holy water to bless the new space and everyone gathered there.

“After much work and prayer by so many members of our parish, we gather now to bless and dedicate this new parish hall,” he said during his opening remarks. “It will be a center for our parish activities and a place where we may come to know one another and give witness to our faith in Christ. Here the young will learn of their Catholic faith and adults will deepen their commitment to live as Christ has taught us. We pray that the Word of God will always echo in these walls.”

Bishop Jugis remarked that it is easy to see the hand of the Blessed Mother upon this project, and it is appropriate that the building was dedicated under her patronage as Our Lady of Guadalupe.

“It is no coincidence that this hall is being dedicated and blessed on a year that we have declared in the Diocese of Charlotte the Year of the Immaculate Heart…celebrating the 100th anniversary of Our Lady’s apparitions at Fatima,” he said.

“Our Lady has had her hand on this project from the very beginning, long before we knew what the name of the place would be or when it would be completed during the Year of Mary in our diocese.”

When Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, appeared in 1531 to Juan Diego, she was an expectant mother, Bishop Jugis noted. “She is with child.

The Savior Jesus is already there in her womb.

Just think what a blessed place that was for the Child Jesus for nine months, to be living under the beating heart of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

“What graces, what holiness, what a blessed place for the Savior to come into the world!”

The Immaculate Heart followed Christ with great affection and love at every moment during His public life, Bishop Jugis continued.

“Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady of Guadalupe, also is following you all on this day with great affection, with great love also for all that you have done for the building up of the Kingdom of Christ here in this territory of the diocese.”

He assured the people of St. James Parish that Our Lady of Guadalupe, with great affection and the love of her Immaculate Heart, will continue to follow them and all of their endeavors on behalf of her Son. “We praise her this day because we know that it is through her that, as the humble servant and lowly Handmaid of the Lord, she presents everything graciously to her Son the Savior.

“We are grateful for her intercession, for her prayers, for her guiding hand upon this effort, that we might be more faithful and effective in serving Christ, serving our young people and serving all people who will come into this building,” Bishop Jugis concluded.

Father Chavarria prayed, “As we bless and dedicate this new center, may the Lord who inspired us to build it, keep us faithful to His mission and His dream; and may His Blessed Mother watch over us, her children in the Americas.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from the dedication of St. James Church’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall

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Chemical attack prompts U.S. to strike Syrian air base

In Brief Bishops back bill to let agencies opt out of adoption for same-sex couples WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three bishops, in a joint letter to the measure’s sponsor, voiced their support of the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act, which would permit social service agencies to refuse on religious grounds to provide adoption or foster services for households headed by same-sex couples. The bishops, who chair three U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ committees, called it a “needed bill. The Inclusion Act protects the freedom of all child welfare providers by ensuring they will not be discriminated against by the government because of their religious beliefs or moral convictions,” said the April 10 letter, signed by Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty; Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln, Neb., chair of the bishops’ Subcommittee for the Defense and Promotion of Marriage; and Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Fla., chairman of their Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

“The act prevents the federal government and states that receive federal funds for child welfare services from excluding child welfare providers who believe that children deserve to be placed with a married mother and father,” the three bishops said in the letter to Rep Mike Kelly, R-Pa. “The Inclusion Act is needed because child welfare service providers are being subjected to discrimination because of their sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions,” said a USCCB fact sheet on the bill.

Cardinal, other pro-life leaders praise decision to defund U.N. agency WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee and other prominent pro-life leaders cheered the U.S. State Department’s April 3 announcement that it would no longer contribute to the U.N. Population Fund because of the agency’s involvement in China’s Population and Family Planning Law, long known as the “one-child policy.” “This is a victory for women and children across the globe, as well as for U.S. taxpayers,” said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in an April 6 statement.

According to an AP report, the $32.5 million the U.S. is withdrawing from the U.N. Population Fund, known as UNFPA, will instead go to the U.S. Agency for International Development for maternal health and non-abortion reproductive health programs and efforts to end practices such as genital mutilation.

The State Department invoked the KempKasten Amendment, originally enacted in 1985 to keep U.S. funds from supporting IN BRIEF, SEE page 19

CNS | Ammar Abdullah, Reuters

A man carries the body of a dead child April 4 after what rescue workers described as a suspected chemical attack in Idlib, Syria, that left more than 70 people, including at least 10 children, dead. On April 7, the U.S. conducted a missile strike against the airfield from which the chemical attack was reportedly launched.

Bishops say Syria peace can only come through ‘dialogue, reconciliation’ Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Officials of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops April 7 urged renewed peace efforts for Syria, echoing Pope Francis’ call for “dialogue and reconciliation” as the only way to attain peace in a country rocked by an ongoing civil war.

“The long-standing position of our conference of bishops is that the Syrian people urgently need a political solution,” said a joint statement from Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president, and Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M., chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace.

“We ask the United States to work tirelessly with other governments to obtain a cease-fire, initiate serious negotiations, provide impartial humanitarian assistance, and encourage efforts to build an inclusive society in Syria that protects the rights of all its citizens, including Christians and other minorities,” they said.

The U.S. launched 59 missiles from the USS Ross and USS Porter in the Mediterranean early April 7. U.S. officials said they targeted Syria’s Shayrat Air Base’s airstrips, hangars, control tower and ammunition areas in retaliation for a chemical air strike on Khan Shaykun that occurred April 4.

President Donald Trump said Syrian President Bashar Assad “launched a horrible chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians” and “choked out the lives of helpless men, women and children.”

“No child of God should ever suffer such horror,” he said when announcing that he had ordered the strike against the air base from which he said the chemical weapons attack was launched.

In his statement, Trump said, “There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and ignored the urging of the U.N. Security Council.”

The president said it was vital to U.S. security interests “to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons,” and he called on other nations “to join us in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria and also to end

terrorism of all kinds and all types.”

“The use of internationally banned indiscriminate weapons is morally reprehensible,” said Cardinal DiNardo and Bishop Cantu, reiterating an April 5 statement that like Pope Francis, the U.S. bishops condemned the use of such weapons. “At the same time, our conference affirmed the call of Pope Francis to attain peace in Syria ‘through dialogue and reconciliation.’”

They said that again they make the pope’s call their own, that the international community “make every effort to promote clear proposals for peace in that country without further delay, a peace based on dialogue and negotiation, for the good of the entire Syrian people.”

Quoting the pope, they added: “May no effort be spared in guaranteeing humanitarian assistance to those wounded by this terrible conflict, in particular those forced to flee and the many refugees in nearby countries.”

Two prominent Catholic leaders in Syria criticized the U.S. strikes against their nation, wondering why they occurred before investigations into the origins of the chemical attacks.

Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignace Joseph Younan called the attack an aggression, saying, “It is a shame that the United States administration didn’t wait until an honest United Nations investigation was thoroughly made into what is said to be a chemical air strike in Khan Shaykun.”

“The agglomerate media and the supremacist policy of the USA just want the killing and destroying conflict in Syria to continue, and this primarily to kill whatever attempt to resolve the bloody crisis,” added Patriarch Younan, who was born in Syria and served for 14 years as bishop of the New Jersey-based Diocese of Our Lady of Deliverance for Syriac Catholics in the United States and Canada.

Bishop Georges Khazen, who serves Latin-rite Catholics in Aleppo, told the Rome-based Fides news agency that he was baffled by “the speed with which it was decided and carried out, without any adequate investigation into the tragic massacre with chemical weapons which took place in Idlib province.”

He said the attack “opens new disturbing scenarios for all.”

April 14, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

IN BRIEF FROM PAGE 18

China’s program and renewed each year since

by Congress. It bans funding to any organization that “supports” or “participates in the management of” a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.

Catholic religious call on Congress to support refugee resettlement WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of more than 4,000 religious sisters and clergy, including priests, brothers and deacons, recently sent a letter to every U.S. senator, member of Congress and President Donald Trump voicing support for the refugee resettlement program.

“Our nation has long prided itself on providing refugee families an opportunity to start a new life and the chance to contribute to the continued flourishing of our country. Now, when the need is so great, is not the time to waver in our commitment to this tradition of welcome,” said the March 27 letter released by the Franciscan Action Network in Washington.

Through executive action, Trump has sought to suspend the refugee resettlement program as part of a temporary travel ban affecting some majority-Muslim countries. Different federal judges have temporarily halted the ban, even after revisions were made to it, and asked for an extension in March to keep it from going into effect saying that it discriminates based on religion.

Even as the future of the executive order is decided, Catholic agencies and organizations that work with refugee resettlement or advocate for refugees are bracing for what could happen should the ban be upheld.

Bill passes to allow states to redirect funds away from abortion clinics WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate voted late March 30 to override a rule change made by in the last days of the Obama administration that prevented states from redirecting Title X family planning funding away from clinics that performed abortions and to community clinics that provide comprehensive health care.

“The clear purpose of this Title X rule change was to benefit abortion providers like Planned Parenthood,” said Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities. “Congress has done well to reverse this very bad public policy, and to restore the ability of states to stop one stream of our tax dollars going to Planned Parenthood and redirect it to community health centers that provide comprehensive primary and preventive health care,” he said in a March 31 statement.

Pro-life advocates who made undercover videos charged with 15 felonies SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Two California pro-life advocates are facing 15 felonies for making undercover videos of Planned Parenthood affiliate officials alleging they committed

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improprieties regarding fetal tissue and organs.

California prosecutors March 28 charged David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt of the Center for Medical Progress in Irvine with felonies for filming 14 people without permission between October 2013 and July 2015 in Los Angeles, San Francisco and El Dorado counties. One felony count was filed for each person and the 15th count was for criminal conspiracy to invade privacy, AP reported.

In a statement posted on the website of the Irvine center he founded, Daleiden said the “bogus charges from Planned Parenthood’s political cronies are fake news.” “The right to privacy is a cornerstone of California’s Constitution, and a right that is foundational in a free democratic society,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in announcing the charges. “We will not tolerate the criminal recording of confidential conversations.”

In the videos, Planned Parenthood officials are shown discussing the illegal marketing and sale of fetal tissue with Daleiden and Merritt, who posed as representatives of a mythical fetal tissue procurement firm.

New Supreme Court justice says he’s humbled by call to serve high court

CCDOC.ORG

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After he was sworn in for the U.S. Supreme Court in a public ceremony at the White House Rose Garden April 10, Justice Neil Gorsuch said he would be “a faithful servant of the Constitution” and of the laws “of this great nation.” Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, for whom Gorsuch once clerked, administered the oath to the court’s 113th justice. At 49, the former federal appeals court judge from Colorado is the youngest justice to serve on the court in 25 years. President Donald Trump praised Gorsuch, saying he “will go down in history as one of the truly great justices in the history of the U.S.” Gorsuch, who also clerked for the late Justice Byron White, fills the seat left vacant by the 2016 death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

— Catholic News Service

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Love Jesus in all who suffer, pope says Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Jesus does not ask that people only contemplate his image, but that they also recognize and love Him concretely in all people who suffer like He did, Pope Francis said.

Jesus is “present in our many brothers and sisters who today endure sufferings like His own – they suffer from slave labor, from family tragedies, from diseases. They suffer from wars and terrorism, from interests that are armed and ready to strike,” the pope said April 9 as he celebrated the Palm Sunday Mass of the Lord’s Passion.

In his noon Angelus address, the pope also decried recent terrorist attacks in Sweden and Egypt, calling on “those who sow terror, violence and death,” including arms’ manufacturers and dealers, to change their ways.

In his prayers for those affected by the attacks, the pope also expressed his deepest condolences to “my dear brother, His Holiness Pope Tawadros, the Coptic Church and the entire beloved Egyptian nation,” which the pope is scheduled to visit April 28-29.

At least 49 people were killed and dozens more injured April 9 in two church bombings in Alexandria and Tanta, Egypt, as Christians gathered for Palm Sunday services. The attack in Sweden occurred two days earlier when a truck ran through a crowd outside a busy department store in central Stockholm, killing four and injuring 15 others.

The pope also prayed for all people affected by war, which he called a “disgrace of humanity.”

Tens of thousands of people carrying palms and olive branches joined the pope during a solemn procession in St. Peter’s Square under a bright, warm sun for the beginning of Holy Week.

In his homily, the pope said that the day’s celebration was “bittersweet.”

“It is joyful and sorrowful at the same time” because the Mass celebrates the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem as the people and disciples acclaim Him as king, and yet, the Gospel gives the account of His Passion and

CNS | Khaled Elfiqi, EPA

Security personnel investigate the scene of a bomb explosion on April 9 inside St. George Orthodox Church in Tanta, Egypt.

That same day an explosion went off outside St. Mark Cathedral in Alexandria where Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II was presiding over the Palm Sunday liturgy. death on the cross.

Jesus accepts the hosannas coming from of the crowd, but He “knows full well that they will soon be followed by the cry, ‘Crucify Him!’” the pope said.

Jesus “does not ask us to contemplate Him only in pictures and photographs or in the videos that circulate on the internet,” but to recognize that He is present in those who suffer today, including “women and men who are cheated, violated in their dignity, discarded.”

“Jesus is in them, in each of them, and, with marred features and broken voice, He asks to be looked in the eye, to be acknowledged, to be loved,” the pope said.

We have no other Lord but Him: Jesus, the humble King of justice, mercy and peace.

Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem as the true Messiah, a servant of God and humanity, the pope said. He is not a dreamer peddling illusions, a “new age” prophet or con man; He takes on the sins and sufferings of humanity with His Passion.

Jesus never promised honor and success would come to those who follow Him, rather, the path to final victory requires picking up the cross and carrying it every day, Pope Francis said.

“Let us ask for the grace to follow Jesus faithfully, not in words but in deeds. Let us also ask for the patience to carry our own cross, not to refuse it or set it aside, but rather, in looking to Him, to take it up and to carry it daily,” he said.

Egypt’s attacks won’t stop pope’s visit for peace, says Vatican official Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Despite recent and repeated terrorist attacks against Egypt’s minority Christian communities, Pope Francis will not cancel his visit to Egypt.

“The pope’s trip to Egypt proceeds as scheduled,” Greg Burke, Vatican spokesman, said April 10. The pope is scheduled to meet governmental and interfaith leaders during an April 28-29 visit to Cairo.

“Egyptians are looking forward to Pope Francis’ visit, although the atmosphere at present is heavy,” Father Rafic Grieche, spokesman for the Egyptian bishops,said April 10, the day after the attacks.

“The pope’s mission is to be beside his brothers at the time of difficulty. Now is the real time that he can bring peace and hope to the Egyptian people as a whole and to the Christians of the East, in particular,” Father Grieche added.

He said people were uneasy entering churches with metal detectors and other security measures.

“It’s not like going to a normal church. But we need these measures to keep people safe,” he said.

He said after the attack, he celebrated a Mass

Palm Sunday was the single deadliest day for Christians in decades. with 2,000 people.

“The people knew already about the attack in Tanta, but they did not want to be afraid. In the evening, they also came for the prayers of the Holy Week,” Father Grieche said.

Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II was in St. Mark Cathedral in Alexandria April 9 for the Palm Sunday service, when an explosion went off outside the church. Security footage appeared to show a security officer direct a man who was seeking entry into the cathedral to go through a metal detector. The man took a step under the detector then backed up a step, followed by a huge explosion that cut off the camera feed.

Earlier, a bomb exploded 70 miles away inside the Church of St. George in Tanta, 50 miles north of Cairo, during its Palm Sunday service.

Estimates say at least 49 people were killed and more than 100 injured in the two attacks, making it one of the deadliest against the nation’s Christians in decades.

It was the single deadliest day for Christians in decades and the worst since a bombing at a Cairo church in December killed 30 people.

Pope Tawadros said the attacks would “not damage the unity and cohesiveness” of the Egyptian people. “Egyptians are united before this terrorism,” he said, adding that “these vile attacks that hit people of peace in places of prayer demonstrate that terrorism lacks any religion.”

Retired Coptic Catholic Bishop Antonios Mina of Giza, Egypt, said the incidents were an attack against the nation’s unity, its Coptic Christians, “to remind them that they have no rights, and against all Christian minorities of the country that anxiously await Pope Francis.”

“Despite it all, we will never lose hope. These atrocious gestures make us firmer in the faith and stronger,” he said. “Egypt’s Christians are warriors of hope.”

Egypt is 90 percent Sunni Muslim; Christians make up the remaining 10 percent, with that majority being Coptic Orthodox.

— Contributing was Dale Gavlak in Amman, Jordan.

Pope to formally approve canonizations, including of Fatima seers VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis and cardinals present in Rome will formally approve the canonizations of two of the children who saw Mary in Fatima, a large group of Brazilian martyrs, three child martyrs from Mexico and two priests.

The Vatican announced April 11 that the “ordinary consistory,” as the gathering is called, will take place April 20, a little more than three weeks before Pope Francis is scheduled to travel to Fatima, Portugal.

Although it cannot be confirmed until the consistory is held, the pope is expected to canonize the children, Blessed Francisco Marto and Blessed Jacinta Marto, during a Mass at the Fatima shrine May 13, the 100th anniversary of the first time Mary appeared to the siblings and their cousin, Sister Lucia dos Santos.

The other causes to be approved formally April 20 are: n The “Martyrs of Natal,” Brazil, including: Blessed Andre de Soveral, a Jesuit priest; Blessed Ambrosio Francisco Ferro, a diocesan priest; Blessed Mateus Moreira, a layman; and 27 others. They were killed in 1645 in a wave of anti-Catholic persecution carried out by Dutch Calvinists. n The “Child Martyrs of Tlaxcala,” Mexico – Blessed Cristobal, Blessed Antonio and Blessed Juan – who were among the first native converts in Mexico.

They were killed between 1527 and 1529 for refusing to renounce the faith. n Blessed Manuel Miguez Gonzalez, a Spaniard who founded the Calasanzian Institute, a religious order of women dedicated to educating other women. n Blessed Angelo da Acri, an Italian Capuchin priest who was born Luca Antonio Falcone. A famed preacher, he was known for his defense of the poor.

— Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

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In Brief CNEWA head: Next few months will decide Christians’ fate in scarred Iraq WASHINGTON, D.C. — The next few months will determine whether Iraqi Christians can return to their homes in areas where Islamic State had been routed, according to Monsignor John E. Kozar, international president of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.

Monsignor Kozar, who was in Iraq March 31-April 5, cited several daunting challenges for Iraqi Christians who return to their country: infrastructure woes, burned- and bombed-out buildings, desecrated churches and security issues.

Catholics say Chinese bishop detained so he’ll miss first chrism Mass HONG KONG — Bishop Vincent Guo Xijin of Mindong in China’s eastern Fujian province has not returned after being forced to pay a visit to the religious affairs bureau in Fuan April 7, local sources told ucanews.com. Local Catholics said the move was to prevent the new bishop from presiding over his first chrism Mass, a symbol of unity for the clergy.

“The security bureau informed the diocese that the provincial religious affairs bureau asked him to attend a learning class for 20 days,” said a priest who asked not to be named, adding that has not heard of any other unregistered bishop in the province needing to do the course.

China requires Catholic leaders to register with the government-controlled Catholic Patriotic Association, and Chinese authorities have frequently arrested Catholics who reject government control.

Pope: Scientists must defend creation from distorted use of biotech VATICAN CITY — Scientists working in the field of biotechnology are called to use science to protect creation and to prevent methods that seek to control it, Pope Francis said.

The responsible use of the “enormous and growing” power of science is a “fundamental cornerstone” of humankind’s actions in promoting the development of plant, animal and human life, the pope told a committee charged with establishing scientific norms for the Italian government. “You also are asked to foresee and prevent the negative consequences that can cause a distorted use of the knowledge and ability to manipulate life,” he said April 9 during an audience with the Italian National Committee for Biosecurity, Biotechnologies and Life Sciences.

Saving lives must be first concern of immigration policy, pope says VATICAN CITY — Defense of the life, dignity and human rights of migrants and refugees must come before any other question when enacting migration policies, Pope Francis said. “The defense of human beings knows no limits,” the pope said in an interview with the journal of the Department for Civil Liberties and Immigration of the Italian Ministry of the Interior.

“Those in power,” he said, “must be both far-sighted and coherent in watchful respect for fundamental human rights, as well as in trying

to end the causes which force civilians to flee.”

Of course, he said, a safe and humane approach to handling the current global migration crisis requires international cooperation and policies that “respect both those who welcome and those who are welcomed.” Newcomers must respect the laws of their host countries and be assisted in integrating into the life of their new communities, he said in the interview published April 7. And members of the receiving community must be educated to understand the real causes of migration and the desperate situations of those who feel forced to flee their homes.

CCDOC.ORG

Papal almoner opens laundry service for the poor VATICAN CITY — The office charged with coordinating Pope Francis’ acts of charity announced the opening of a laundromat for the poor and homeless of Rome. The “Lavanderia di Papa Francesco” (“Pope Francis Laundry”) is a free service “offered to the poorest people, particularly the homeless, who will be able to wash, dry and iron their clothes and blankets,” the Papal Almoner’s Office announced April 10.

The laundry service, the office said, was inspired by the pope’s call for “concrete signs of mercy” during the Year of Mercy in 2016.

Pew study: Christianity’s growth will be in global South CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Most of Christianity’s future growth is likely to be in the global South, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the Christian population is relatively young, according to a new analysis from the U.S.-based Pew Research Center. And, while at last count more babies were born to Christian mothers than to members of any other religion, reflecting Christianity’s status as the world’s largest religious group, Muslim births will start to outnumber Christian births by 2035.

The share of Christians worldwide who live in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to increase dramatically between 2015 and 2060, from 26 percent to 42 percent, due to high fertility in the region.

At the same time, lower fertility and religion switching are among factors that will lead to a drop in numbers of Christians living in Europe and North America, according to Pew Research Center demographic estimates released April 5.

Global Catholic population tops 1.28 billion; half are in 10 countries VATICAN CITY — Taken together, the 10 countries with the most Catholics account for almost 56 percent of the world’s Catholic population, the Vatican reported. The 2017 “Annuario Pontificio,” or Vatican yearbook, and a new edition of the Vatican Statistical Yearbook report that the countries with the most Catholics are, in order: Brazil, Mexico, Philippines, United States, Italy, France, Colombia, Spain, Congo and Argentina. The number of baptized Catholics grew 1 percent in a year to reach 1.285 billion as of Dec. 31, 2015, the date to which the statistics in both books refer.

Looking at the period 2010-’15, the global Catholic population increased by 7.4 percent, the Vatican said. Africa continued to be the continent with the largest percentage growth, increasing by 19.4 percent over the same fiveyear period. The increase in Africa outpaced the growth of the general population. In Europe, the Americas and Asia, generally speaking, the statistical growth or decline of the Catholic population coincided with the growth or decline of the population as a whole over the five-year period, according to the Central Office for Church Statistics.

— Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 14, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Fatima: The second apparition T

he three children, brother and sister, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, and their cousin, Lúcia Santos, did not immediately return to their homes after the first apparition on May 13, 1917. They spent the rest of the afternoon in the fields “supremely happy,” reliving their visit from The Lady. Amid the joy they felt, they knew The Lady was somehow unhappy. Her parting words were troublesome, “Say the Rosary every day, to bring peace to the world and an end to the war.” The children were innocently unaware of the Great War surrounding them.

Lúcia (who was born March 28, 1907) was the oldest of the three. Francisco (born June 11, 1908) and his sister Jacinta (born March 11, 1910) were one year, seven months and three years, seven months younger, respectively, than their cousin. Lúcia was old enough to understand how they would likely be treated by family, friends and others skeptical of such a story. She suggested, and her two cousins agreed, to keep the vision secret.

Lúcia and Francisco held to their agreement, but Jacinta was not accustomed to keeping secrets from her parents.

She anxiously waited for them to return home from the market. Once she saw them, she ran to her mother exclaiming, “Mother, I saw Our Lady today in the Cova da Iria!” Her mother was incredulous, recounting later, “Sad and disappointed, she followed me into the house. ... She began to tell me all that had happened, the flash, their fear, the light. She told me how beautiful and pretty The Lady was. ... I put no stock in her words, saying ‘You are really silly. As if Our Lady would appear to a little girl like you!’”

Francisco came to his sister’s defense and confirmed her account of the day’s events. Their father, however, did believe them. He reminded his family that Our Lady had done such things before, and they would leave it in God’s hands.

The story of the vision made its way through the village quickly. Lúcia’s mother heard of it and questioned her daughter. “I have heard people talking, saying that you saw Our Lady at the Cova da Iria. Is that true?” Lúcia knew Jacinta must have revealed the story and replied, “I had asked her so much not to tell anyone!” The secrecy gave her mother an even greater reason to doubt the story. She asked her daughter to explain. Lúcia said, “I don’t know if it is Our Lady. It was a most beautiful lady.” While the other two children had already concluded that The Lady was Mary, the mother of Jesus, Lúcia retained a spirit of discernment.

The month leading up to the next visit from The Lady was agonizing for the children. Many people concluded that the little shepherds invented the story for attention.

Children mocked them. Adults threatened them. Yet they continued to tell the truth. They followed the angel’s instructions to “offer up everything within your power as a sacrifice to the Lord in an act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended; and of supplication for the conversion of sinners.” Every insult, taunt and contemptuous glare was offered up to the Lord. Their only consolation was the anticipation of the next visit from The Lady.

THE SECOND APPARITION

The Santos and Marto families, the parish priest and others attempted – forcefully at times – to dissuade the children from returning to the Cova on June 13. The Festival of St. Anthony, a time of music, food and games, especially for children, was underway in the village. All three were admonished, told to attend the festival, and commanded to forget about The Lady. Lúcia did go to the festival, however, but not with a frivolous intent. Instead, she talked to the girls who made their First Communion with her. She convinced 14 of them to go with her to the Cova.

The three children and their small army of First Communicants made their way to the Cova where The Lady appeared a month earlier. They were surprised to find a group of about 50 people waiting there for them.

Most came from neighboring villages and were there because they believed the children.

It was near noon. They began reciting the rosary, and as they finished, Lúcia got up and shouted, “Jacinta, Jacinta, here comes Our Lady. I just saw the flash.”

The three of them ran over to the small holm oak. Everyone followed and knelt on the ground with them. Lúcia raised her eyes towards the skies, as if in prayer, and was heard to say, “You told me to come here today. What do you want me to do?”

“I want you to come here on the 13th of next month,” The Lady said. “Say the rosary, inserting between the mysteries the following prayer: ‘Oh My Jesus, forgive us.

Save us from the fire of hell. Bring all souls to heaven, especially those in most need.’

I want you to learn to read and write, and later I will tell you what else I want.”

Then Lúcia asked Our Lady to cure a sick person who was there that day. Our Lady answered, “If he is converted, he will be cured within the year.”

“I would like to ask You also to take us to heaven!”

“Yes,” Our Lady answered, “I will take Jacinta and Francisco soon. You, however, are to stay here a longer time. Jesus wants to use you to make me known and loved.

He wants to establish the devotion to my Immaculate Heart in the world. I promise salvation to those who embrace it and their souls will be loved by God as flowers placed by myself to adorn His throne.”

“Am I going to stay here alone?” Lúcia asked, full of sadness at the thought of losing her beloved cousins.

“No, My daughter.”

Lúcia’s eyes filled with tears.

“Does this cause you to suffer a great deal? I will never leave you. My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.” “As she said these last words,” Lúcia recalled, “the Blessed Virgin opened her hands and communicated to us for the second time the reflex of the immense light that enveloped her. We saw ourselves in it, as if submerged in God. Jacinta and Francisco seemed to be on the side that was ascending to heaven, and I was on the side that was spreading over the earth.

There was a Heart before the palm of the right hand of Our Lady, with thorns piercing it. We understood that this was the Immaculate Heart of Mary, so offended by the sins of mankind, desiring reparation.”

The crowd now saw Lúcia rise quickly to her feet.

Stretching out her arm, she exclaimed, “Look, there she goes; there she goes!”

The children remained silent as they watched Our Lady leave. A few minutes later Lúcia said, “There now! It’s all over. She has entered heaven. The doors have closed.”

Then everyone there, believer and non-believer alike, noticed something strange about the tree: its highest branches, which had been standing upright, now were bent down towards the east, as if someone had just walked on them.

This was how the second apparition ended.

As was the case during the first apparition, Lúcia was the only one of the three to speak to Our Lady. Jacinta was allowed to see and hear her words. Francisco was permitted to see her, but could not hear her words.

Lúcia received an answer to the question she had been discerning. There was no longer doubt in the minds of the seers that The Lady was the Blessed Virgn Mary. She spoke of her Immaculate Heart. She spoke of her son Jesus and His desire to make her known and loved. She began to reveal God’s plan for them.

Our Lady prepared the children for what was to come.

To Francisco and Jacinta, the promise of being taken to heaven soon brought them joy. To Lúcia, however, the message brought sadness. She was being prepared to live a long life on earth without her two cousins and fellow seers.

This visit was the first one to give the children, especially Lúcia, a mission and message for those around her. Our

Lady was preparing the young girl. Jesus had plans to use Lúcia to increase the world’s devotion to His mother. They were given to know that these visitations were meant for more than themselves.

They were being prepared to convey God’s plans to the world. The foundation of the devotion to the Immaculate Heart was being prepared. To prepare them for this divine commission, Our Lady instructed them to learn to read and write.

This would be the last of the short visitations. The children were now given all they needed to prepare for the future – for the following month and for the remaining years of their lives. The angel prepared them for the apparitions of Our Lady. Now Our Lady was preparing the children to deliver a message to the world.

During this centennial anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, the Catholic News Herald is publishing a series of commentaries examining each of her six visits to the children, the messages given to them and how Fatima’s past prepared the future to receive God’s divine plan for peace. Father James Ebright, priest in residence at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia, is among those writing this series on behalf of the Te Deum Foundation, online at www.tedeumfoundation.org.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read previous commentaries in this series, learn more about Fatima, and follow all of the news about the centennial anniversary

April 14, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Parish spotlight

Dr. Kamila Valenta

Marion church hosts ‘St. Joseph Table’ to benefit the needy

Conversions in the midst of conflict

T

he Pew Research Center recently released a statistical report based on fertility rates, estimating that Islam will replace Christianity as the world’s largest religious faith by the year 2070.

These demographic trends, coupled with declining church attendance and the rise of religiously unaffiliated Americans, alarm many faithful Christians who are concerned about the future of our Church.

They also increase fear and distrust towards other religions and Islam in particular, and ignite political debates over whether our immigration policy should be based on religion, giving preference to Christians over Muslims. In the midst of these concerns, it is easy to overlook the steady rise of Christianity in the poorest and war-torn countries, the conversions around the world of those who risk their lives to become Christian, the secret building of underground churches despite oppression, and the visible manifestations of Christian faith in conflict zones.

The decline in church attendance and affiliation is a phenomenon limited to

‘These Christian conversions around the world ... are signs of hope.’ developed democracies in Europe and America, and it stands in stark contrast to the continuous spread of the Christian faith in sub-Saharan Africa, arguably the poorest and most neglected region of the world. This region has been a continual conflict zone for several decades because of the Great War of Africa that directly involved nine countries and affected many more, and claimed more than 5 million lives.

Yet it is precisely in these war-torn countries – where food is scarce and stability, security and health care are lacking – that Christian churches are being built, Masses and other religious services are heavily attended, and the faith is flourishing. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Christians in this region has risen over the course of the last 100 years from about 7 million to approximately 470 million – from 9 percent of the population to 57 percent – and is still rising. Most people are converting from traditional African religious beliefs, but a significant number are converts from Islam, especially in Uganda, where onethird of the people who now identify as Christian were raised Muslim.

Africa is not the only place where people are embracing Jesus in the midst of great hardship. Bangladesh, the fourth-largest Muslim nation in the world, has recently experienced Christian conversions at unprecedented levels. Its Muslim government reports the number of Christians at only 1 percent, but international human rights organizations estimate the number to be

closer to 10 percent. Christian converts join mostly underground churches due to the government’s persecution. Despite tremendous hardships, poverty and constant dangers, Christian missionaries and pastors testify that tens of thousands of people have converted to Christianity in the past 12 months, and they predict that Bangladesh could become a predominantly Christian country in their lifetime.

Christian persecution and a long-term state of war, which causes traditional Christian communities in the Middle East to dwindle or disappear, is well known and rightly grieved, but the conversions despite this horrific turmoil sometimes remain unnoticed. Many refugees from the Syrian civil war and other regional conflicts are escaping to find safety and better living conditions, but others are also seeking religious freedom. As Christian converts, they could be punished with death if they remain in their home countries.

The number of new Christians in this conflict-prone region is hard to estimate, because converts often experience harassment, violence and torture from extremist Muslims, including within their own families. However, Bishop George Saliba of Beirut, Lebanon, said in a recent interview for Public Radio International that local churches have been overwhelmed by the amount of refugees seeking conversion, and that he personally baptized more than a hundred Muslims from neighboring Syria since the outbreak of the war in 2011.

The conversion of refugees fleeing conflict zones can be observed in Europe, which has been notorious for its declining church attendance and a diminishing role that religious faith plays in the political and social spheres of life among its original Christian population. Despite the fact that Christian converts do not get any advantage over Muslims in being granted asylum, both Protestant and Catholic churches have been surprised by the number of refugees seeking baptism. The Catholic Church in Austria received more than 300 applications for adult baptisms, mostly from refugees, in just the first three months of 2016, the year of the great immigration wave from the Middle Eastern conflict zones. During the same year, several Protestant churches in Germany were so overwhelmed by the number of Muslim immigrants trying to convert that they arranged baptisms to be regularly held in municipal swimming pools. An Anglican church in Liverpool, England, now reportedly has well-attended services conducted in Persian.

These Christian conversions around the world, in the midst of violence and among people fleeing war, are signs of hope for the future of our Church. They show that the Christian faith remains a powerful force in our modern world, and that it can transcend national, ethnic and even religious boundaries to provide hope and comfort to those who need it most.

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

MARION — Members of Our Lady of the Angels Mission organized a “St. Joseph’s Table” March 25. The event featured a spaghetti dinner to raise money for the Ave Maria food pantry, a joint ministry of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine and St. Bernadette Mission in Linville.

Attendees brought baked goods to put on “St. Joseph’s Table,” and the items were donated to the poor. The “St. Joseph Table” tradition was started in Sicily, Italy, in response to drought and famine. The people prayed to St. Joseph for rain for their crops, and their prayers were answered.

In thanksgiving, they honored St. Joseph on his feast day by piling a table high with donated food to give to the needy. According to the tradition, anyone baking an item for the table who asks for an intercession from St. Joseph usually has their intention granted.

Kevin Braswell | Catholic News Herald

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