Sept. 29, 2017

September 29, 2017

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

Diocese buys land for college seminary 3

Blessing of beauty Greensboro’s oldest Catholic church restored to its original splendor

10-11 INDEX

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

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‘We pray for the unity of your church’ Ecumenical service commemorates 500th anniversary of the Reformation

Just another Sunday, hooping it up at OLC

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Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | September 29, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A SAINTLY LIFE

Pope Francis

Share hope with those seeking better lives

T

he same hope that moves people to seek a better life for themselves and their loved ones also moves the hearts of men and women to welcome migrants and refugees with open arms, Pope Francis said.

“Those who come to our land and we who go toward their heart to understand them, to understand their culture and language” embark on a shared journey that “without hope cannot be done,” the pope said Sept. 27 at his weekly general audience.

“Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to share the journey! Do not be afraid to share hope,” he said.

During the audience, Pope Francis launched the “Share the Journey” campaign, an initiative sponsored by Caritas Internationalis, the global network of Catholic charitable agencies.

The campaign encourages Catholics to understand, get to know and welcome refugees and migrants. (Editor’s note: For more, see page 7.)

Continuing his series of audience talks on Christian hope, the pope reflected on the enemies of hope who, like the Greek myth of Pandora’s box, “unleash so many misfortunes throughout the world’s history.”

However, he said, few people remember that at the end of the story, the final item unleashed from the box is hope, which is what “sustains life, protects it, cares for it and makes it grow.”

“If humankind had not cultivated hope, if they had not been sustained by this virtue, they would have remained in the caves and would not leave their mark in world history,” the pope said.

Hope “is the most divine thing that exists in the human heart.”

While the poor tend to be “the bearers of hope,” he said, there are others, especially young men and women, who may have the “misfortune” of having everything, but who are not taught the “virtue of waiting and patience.”

This emptiness of the soul, he added, is an obstacle to hope and leads Christians to fall into the temptation that ancient monks would call “the midday devil.”

“This temptation surprises us when we least expect it: the days become dull and boring,” and nothing seems worthy of one’s fatigue, he said. “This attitude is called sloth; it erodes life from within until it becomes an empty shell.”

Pope Francis urged Christians to keep hope alive and fight against desperation through Jesus “who can open wide the doors” and “look beyond the horizon.

“If Jesus conquered the world, He is able to conquer within us all that stands in the way of goodness,” the pope said.

“If God is with us, no one can rob us of the virtue we absolutely need to live. No one will rob us of hope.”

St. Jerome Translated the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into Latin St. Jerome, the priest, monk and Doctor of the Church renowned for his extraordinary depth of learning and translations of the Bible into Latin know as the Vulgate, is celebrated by the Church with his memorial on Sept. 30.

Besides his contributions as a Father of the Church and patronage of subsequent Catholic scholarship, Jerome is also regarded as a patron of people with difficult personalities – owing to the sometimes extreme approach which he took in articulating his scholarly opinions and the teaching of the Church. He is also notable for his devotion to the ascetic life, and for his insistence on the importance of Hebrew scholarship for Christians.

Born around 340 as Eusebius Hieronymous Sophronius in present-day Croatia, Jerome received Christian instruction from his father, who sent him to Rome for instruction in rhetoric and classical literature. His youth was thus dominated by a struggle between worldly pursuits – which brought him into many types of temptation – and the inclination to a life of faith, a feeling evoked by regular trips to the Roman catacombs with his friends in the city.

Baptized in 360 by Pope Liberius, Jerome traveled widely among the monastic and intellectual centers of the newly Christian St. Jerome, by Caravaggio (c. 1606) empire. Upon returning to the city of his birth, following the end of a local crisis caused by the Arian heresy, he studied theology in the famous the connection between Hebrew language and culture, and the schools of Trier and worked closely with two other future saints, emerging world of Greek and Latin-speaking Christianity. He Chromatius and Heliodorus, who were outstanding teachers of became a secretary of Pope Damasus, who commissioned the orthodox theology.

Vulgate from him. Prepared by these ventures, Jerome spent 15 Seeking a life more akin to the first generation of “desert years translating most of the Hebrew Bible into its authoritative fathers,” Jerome left the Adriatic and traveled east to Syria, Latin version. His harsh temperament and biting criticisms of his visiting several Greek cities of civil and ecclesiastical importance intellectual opponents made him many enemies in the Church and on the way to his real destination: “a wild and stony desert ... to in Rome and he was forced to leave the city. which, through fear or hell, I had voluntarily condemned myself, Jerome went to Bethlehem, established a monastery, and lived with no other company but scorpions and wild beasts.” the rest of his years in study, prayer and asceticism.

Jerome’s letters vividly chronicle the temptations and trials he St. Jerome once said, “I interpret as I should, following the endured during several years as a desert hermit. Nevertheless, command of Christ: ‘Search the Scriptures,’ and ‘Seek and you after his ordination by the bishop of Antioch, followed by periods of study in Constantinople and service at Rome to Pope Damasus I, shall find.’ For if, as Paul says, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, and if the man who does not know Scripture Jerome opted permanently for a solitary and ascetic life in the city does not know the power and wisdom of God, then ignorance of of Bethlehem from the mid-380s.

Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.”

Jerome remained engaged both as an arbitrator and disputant After living through both Barbarian invasions of the Roman of controversies in the Church, and served as a spiritual father empire, and a resurgence of riots sparked by doctrinal disputes in to a group of nuns who had become his disciples in Rome. Monks the Church, Jerome died in his Bethlehem monastery in 420. and pilgrims from a wide array of nations and cultures also found — Catholic News Agency their way to his monastery, where he commented that “as many different choirs chant the psalms as there are nations.”

Rejecting pagan literature as a distraction, Jerome undertook More online to learn Hebrew from a Christian monk who had converted from At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Learn what a Doctor of the Church is and Judaism. Somewhat unusually for a fourth-century Christian read more about the Fathers of the Church priest, he also studied with Jewish rabbis, striving to maintain

Your daily Scripture readings OCT. 1-7

Sunday: Ezekiel 18:25-28, Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 21:28-32; Monday: Zechariah 8:1-8, Matthew 18:1-5, 10; Tuesday: Zechariah 8:2023, Luke 9:51-56; Wednesday (St. Francis of Assisi): Nehemiah 2:1-8, Luke 9:57-62; Thursday (BI. Francis Xavier Seelos): Nehemiah 8:1-12, Luke 10:1-12; Friday (St. Bruno, BI. Marie Rose Durocher): Baruch 1:1522, Luke 10:13-16; Saturday (Our Lady of the Rosary): Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29, Luke 10:17-24.

OCT. 8-14

Sunday: Isaiah 5:1-17, Philippians 4:6-9, Matthew 21:33-43; Monday (St. Denis and Companions, St. John Leonardi): Jonah 1:1, 2:2, 11, Jonah 2:3-5, 8, Luke 10:25-37; Tuesday: Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 10:38-42; Wednesday (St. John XXIII): Jonah 4:1-11, Luke 11:1-4; Thursday: Malachi 3:13-20, Luke 11:5-13; Friday: Joel 1:13-15, 2:1-2, Luke 11:15-26; Saturday (St. Callistus I): Joel 4:12-21, Luke 11:27-28

OCT. 15-21

Sunday: Isaiah 25:6-10, Philippians 4:12-14, 1920, Matthew 22:1-14; Monday (St. Hedwig, St. Margaret Mary Alocoque): Romans 1:1-7, Luke 11:29-32; Tuesday (St. Ignatius of Antioch): Romans 1:16-25, Luke 11:37-41; Wednesday (St. Luke): 2 Timothy 4:10-17, Luke 10:1-9; Thursday (Sts. John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues and Companions): Romans 3:21-30, Luke 11:47-54; Friday (St. Paul of the Cross): Romans 4:1-8, Luke 12:1-7; Saturday: Romans 4:13, 16-18, Luke 12:8-12

Our parishes

September 29, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Diocese buys land for college seminary SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has purchased land in Mount Holly for the permanent location of St. Joseph College Seminary.

The diocese closed on the $1.4 million purchase of the 86-acre site, located approximately two miles from Belmont Abbey College, on Sept. 11.

St. Joseph College Seminary was founded in 2016 for undergraduate men discerning a possible religious vocation, before considering the step of enrolling in a major seminary for specific formation to the priesthood. Students work toward a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Belmont Abbey College while experiencing a Benedictine-style communal life on their path of discernment.

Only in its second year, the college seminary’s enrollment is 16 men. Students are being temporarily housed in two separate residences adjacent to the campus of St. Ann Church in Charlotte – the former Poor Clares convent behind St. Ann School and a house on Hillside Avenue. Neither

building has room for more students.

The unexpected growth in enrollment is “a fantastic problem,” said Father Matthew Kauth, rector.

“We never expected to grow this fast,” he said. “The Lord has blessed us and He continues to do so.”

“Last year we began (the college seminary) with a full house, and knowing the men were returning and more were entering, we purchased the house on Hillside Avenue,” he continued. “This year we had nine spaces available and we had nine men apply. We’re at the same crossroads for next year: two men are graduating, but we already have four or five men who want to apply.”

Diocesan officials plan to use 50 acres for the college seminary, leaving 36 acres to be developed for future uses.

Construction plans call for the college seminary to be developed in two phases, but even those plans are being modified as diocesan officials strive to accommodate the unexpectedly high enrollment.

Originally, the plan was to house up to 20 SEMINARY, SEE PAGE 20

ARCHITECTURAL RENDERING PROVIDED BY MICHAEL G. IMBER ARCHITECTS

The planned St. Joseph College Seminary will be situated on 50 acres in Mount Holly once funds are raised to proceed with the project. The 27,000-square-foot college seminary building will include 40 dormitory-style rooms, chapel, academic space, four faculty offices, a guest suite, a gathering space and a refectory.

‘We pray for the unity of your church’ Service commemorates 500th anniversary of the Reformation PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

CHARLOTTE — Five hundred years after legend says Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the doors of All Saints’ Church in Wittenburg, Germany, and 50 years after Lutherans and Catholics began their joint dialogue, more than 800 Christians from North and South Carolina gathered to pray for forgiveness and unity.

The Sept. 23 ecumenical service at Covenant Presbyterian Church included leaders of the Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist, A.M.E. Zion, Moravian and Presbyterian churches in More online North and South At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Carolina. Bishop Watch the sermon delivered by the Rev. Peter Jugis and Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Bishop Robert Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Guglielmone of the Diocese of Also inside Charleston, S.C., Page 18: Find more information about were the two commemorating the 500th anniversary Catholic prelates of the Reformation and a list of at the service. resources on ecumenism The two-hour service opened not with a joyous processional hymn, but with everyone standing to face the cross and praying: “O God of mercy, we lament that even good actions of reform and renewal have often unintended negative consequences. ... We remember before you the burdens of the past and present when we ignored your will that all be one in the truth of the Gospel. ... We confess our own ways of thinking and acting which perpetuate the divisions of the past.”

The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, led the service, which was organized jointly by the North and South Carolina synods of the ELCA. In her sermon, Rev. Eaton noted that the 500th

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

More than 800 Christians from across North and South Carolina, including more than a dozen Protestant church leaders and both Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte and Bishop Robert Guglielmone of the Diocese of Charleston, S.C., commemorated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation during a Sept. 23 service at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. anniversary of the Reformation is not a time for celebration, but a time to remember our oneness in the Body of Christ.

“We must be one – single-minded, single-hearted – that the world might believe,” she preached, urging Christians to focus on what we have in common rather than what divides us. The world desperately needs the Gospel message, she said, and squabbling between Christians is “hugely confusing” to non-believers.

Rev. Eaton noted that the service’s Gospel reading from John Chapter 17, Jesus’ high priestly prayer, is often used

to illustrate Jesus’ desire for Christian unity: ‘That they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.’”

“I think we’re not talking about ecumenism here, and I don’t think we’re talking about arithmetic, either,” she said.

“The word for one in Hebrew is echad. That is the very same word that we hear in the Shema, in Deuteronomy: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.’

UNITY, SEE PAGE 20

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | September 29, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: SEPT. 29 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of Consolation Church, Charlotte

OCT. 10 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mocksville

OCT. 14 – 6 P.M. Seminarian Education Campaign Bishop’s Residence, Charlotte

OCT. 1-7 Priest Retreat

OCT. 12 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Joseph Church, Eden

OCT. 15 – 2:30 P.M. Holy Mass for Catholic Heritage Society St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

OCT. 8 – 12:30 P.M. Holy Mass with Equestrian Order of Knights and Ladies St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

OCT. 13 – 10 A.M. Diocesan Finance Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

OCT. 17 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Barnabas Church, Arden

parenting. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-3703230.

CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF FATIMA: 7:30 p.m. the 13th of each month from May to October, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 708 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia. All are invited to the recitation of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, outdoor candlelight procession and small reception.

For details, call the church office at 704-867-6212.

Diocesan calendar of events September 29, 2017 Volume 26 • NUMBER 26

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 GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

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

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

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

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

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

ENTERTAINMENT ROOM AT THE INN BANQUET ‘BUILDING A CULTURE OF LIFE WITH LOVE’: Thursday, Oct. 5, at Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons, 3121 West Gate City Blvd., Greensboro. The 18th annual benefit features speaker Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life. For details or to sponsor a table, contact Marianne Donadio at 336391-6299 or mdonadio@roominn.org.

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

CARRERA ANTORCHA GUADALUPANA: 6 p.m. Jueves, Noviembre 6 en la Iglesia de St. James, 139 Manor Ave., Concord. Ven con nosotros para recibir la Morena de Tepeyac y San Juan Diego junto a la “luz de la esperanza” que viene directamente desde la Basílica de Guadalupe en la Ciudad de México. Para más información, llamar a 704-965-1290.

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

INFORMATIONAL PROGRAMS ‘THE AGE OF LUTHER: REFORM & REBELLION’: 6 p.m., every Thursday in October at St. Mary’s Church, 22 Bartlett St., Sylva. Join Dr. David Dorondo, professor of history at Western Carolina University and an oblate of St. Benedict, for “The Age of Luther: Reform & Rebellion,” a four-part series exploring the important people and events of the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic response. Talks will be preceded by an optional potluck fellowship supper. Each talk will last approximately 50 minutes and will be followed by a time for Q&A. For details, contact the Smoky Mountain Regional Office of Faith Formation at 828-293-9374.

‘PRICELESS, SHE’S WORTH FIGHTING FOR’: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte. Learn more about human trafficking in the community and enjoy a free movie to build awareness. To RSVP or get more information, email Tammy at Tammy.RedeemingJoy@gmail.com. Donations will be accepted to benefit survivors of trafficking.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING NFP INTRODUCTION AND FULL COURSE: 1-5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Come and help us pray for the end of abortion, and invite anyone else who would support this important cause. Anyone who would have difficulty standing for 15-20 minutes is welcome to bring a folding chair. Outdoors, rain or shine. For details, call Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835.

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

ROSARY PROCESSION FOR THE FEAST OF THE HOLY ROSARY: Following the 5:30 p.m. vigil Mass, Saturday, Oct. 7, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Light reception following the procession. For details, call the parish office at 704-334-2283.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD WEEKEND RETREAT: Oct. 20-22 in the Greensboro area. Rachel’s Vineyard can help men and women who have experienced abortion begin their healing journey. It creates a healing environment of prayer and forgiveness. The retreat works to reconnect people to themselves, their friends and family after having an abortion. For details, email Jackie Childers at Jack-ie.childers1@gmail.com.

CATECHETICAL TALK AND LITURGY FOR THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC MISSION OF CANTON: 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Mission, 42 Newfound St., Canton. Topics include: “Foundations of the Spiritual Life” and “The Spirituality of the Heart,” based on material in the Ukrainian Catholic Catechism, Christ Our Pascha. 5 p.m., Vespers and Typica with Holy Communion. For details, go to www. ukrainiancatholicmissionofcantonnc.weebly.com.

25TH & 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS: 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte. If you were married during 1967 or 1992, you and your family are invited to the annual diocesan anniversary Mass. Reception to follow. To receive an invitation, you must call your parish office to register.

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

Thursday, Oct. 26, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service will be offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the parish office at 704-543-7677.

GUADALUPAN TORCH RUN (LA ANTORCHA GUADALUPANA): 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at St. James Church, 139 Manor Ave., Concord. Join in receiving an image of Our Lady of Tepeyac and St. Juan Diego next to the “light of hope” that comes directly from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. For details, call Leandro at 704-965-1290.

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

SEMINARS & RETREATS

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR: Oct. 27-29. 8 p.m. Mass, Friday, Oct. 27, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem; 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, and 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Road, Winston-Salem. The Life in the Spirit Seminar is an evangelization tool for a renewed life that will help us to have a deeper personal relationship with the Lord. It will allow us to receive a fuller experience of the work of the Spirit in our lives. For details, call Aimee Pena at 336-893-9534 or Lith Golamco at 732-453-4279.

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:

CONCORD: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, St. James Church’s Geiger Hall, 139 Manor Ave. BOONE: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, St. Elizabeth Church, 259 Pilgrims Way THOMASVILLE: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, Our Lady of the Highways Church, 943 Ball Park Road BELMONT: 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 North Main St. TRYON: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, St. John the Baptist Church, 180 Laurel Ave.

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.

September 29, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Join hands and pray for life Faithful across the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to gather on Sunday, Oct. 1, to kick off Respect Life Month and form “Life Chains” as a public witness for the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death.

Life Chains are being organized in the following communities, either on Oct. 1 or another date as noted:

KERNERSVILLE

ARDEN

MOUNT HOLLY

Hendersonville Road (U.S. 25) between Hillcrest Road and Alliance Page Road, 12:301:30 p.m.; Joanne Gregory, 828-329-9787

Main Street at Catawba Avenue, 2-3 p.m.; Sue Pruett, 704-965-5260

BELMONT

MINT HILL 13700 Lawyers Road at I-485, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Bob Hayes, 386-478-9137

MOORESVILLE Hwy. 150 at Williamson Road, 2-3:30 p.m.; Terri Geraci, 704-493-8439

MURPHY Peachtree Street (in front of the courthouse), 2-3 p.m.; Nancy Lorie, 305-978-0724

Belmont-Mt. Holly Road from Woodlawn Avenue to Central Avenue, 2-3 p.m.; Rolando Rivas, 704-898-3084 Main Street at Central Avenue, 1:30-3 p.m.; Tom Carey, 904-728-4300

SALISBURY

BREVARD

SHELBY

Corner of Broad and Main streets (along the courthouse side of the street), 2-3 p.m.; Janice Castevens, 828-273-0275

At the corner of Gidney and Dekalb streets, 2:30-3:30 p.m.; Ingeborg Collins

CHARLOTTE 8451 Idlewild Road (outside St. John Neumann Church), 2-3:30 p.m.; David DeBrosse, 704-649-6163 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway at Rea Road, 2-3 p.m.; Liliana Salas, 704-293-5001 East Boulevard at Scott Avenue (park at St. Patrick School), 2-3 p.m.; Tina Witt, 704-3012531 Pineville-Matthews Road (Hwy. 51) at Rea Road, 2-4 p.m.; Deborah Ware, 704-650-6095 Hillside Avenue at Park Road, 2-3 p.m.; Andy Zorichak, 980-233-9168 Park Road at Old Reid Road (outside St. Vincent de Paul Church), 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Susan Collis, 704-554-7088 Providence Road at Sharon Lane in front of St. Gabriel Church, 2-3 p.m.; Tammy Harris, tmharris1217@gmail.com University City Boulevard at Suther Road at I-485, 1-2 p.m. (park at St. Thomas Aquinas Church); Gretchen Filz, 704-549-1604

Hundreds of faithful took to the streets last year for Respect Life Sunday, participating in “Life Chains” outside their churches, in their downtown areas, or other busy public thoroughfares.

This year “Life Chains” are being organized for Sunday, Oct. 1, to kick off Respect Life Month.

Respect Life Month is observed each year by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to help Catholics understand, value and become engaged with supporting the dignity of the human person, and therefore the gift of every person’s life.

Main Street near Cagney’s, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Melanie Feeney Lewis, 336-996-5109, ext. 12

Main at Innes streets, 2-3 p.m.; Barbara Franklin, 704-223-1973

FILE, PAUL DOIZÉ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SPARTA Main Street at Hwy. 18, 2:30-3:30 p.m.; Gary and Marie Carlson, 336-657-8013

Yvonne Ford, 336-301-9891

p.m.; Cynthia Hall, 828-926-9706

STATESVILLE

WAXHAW

WINSTON-SALEM

Glenway Drive at Crossroads, 2-3:30 p.m.; Geraldine Houston, 704-657-9197

Designated areas along Route 16 and Route 75, 2:15-3:30 p.m.; Peggy Dvorak 704-8433495

Hanes Mall Boulevard west of Stratford Road, 2-3:30 p.m.; Samantha Hogan, 757-777-4205

THOMASVILLE

WAYNESVILLE/HAYWOOD COUNTY

Southgate Shopping Center, 2:30-3:30 p.m.;

Walnut Street at Russ Avenue, 2:30-3:30

For details about the Life Chain events, go online to www.lifechain.net.

DENVER 537 N.C. 16 Business at Holy Spirit Church, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Jeff DiCosmo, 704-489-9756

FOREST CITY West Main Street near Hudlow Road, 2-3:30 p.m.; Dennis Puntel, 937-478-9282

GASTONIA Garrison Boulevard from Union Road to New Hope Road, 2-3 p.m.; Linda Mooney, 704-5893930

GREENSBORO Battleground Avenue, 2:30-3:30 p.m.; Mark and Kim Shelley, 336-312-4810 or 336-312-7287

HENDERSONVILLE U.S. 25 (Asheville Highway) across from Patton Park (Clairmont St.), 2-3 p.m.; Sharon Asbury, 828-697-6188

HICKORY Hwy. 70 at 16th Street S.E., 2:30-3:30 p.m.; Bob Hall, 828-322-9570

HUNTERSVILLE Stumptown at Ranson roads, 2-3 p.m.; Michael FitzGerald, 704-992-1702

KANNAPOLIS Cannon Boulevard (Hwy. 29) at First Street (near the overpass), 2-3:30 p.m.; Timothy Brennan, 704-938-7393

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOSEPH PURELLO

Conference focuses on Respect Life issues ARDEN — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte hosted its annual Respect Life Conference at St. Barnabas Church in Arden Sept. 16. The conference brought together 58 Respect Life parish coordinators and other Respect Life advocates from around the diocese. The conference proceedings, offered in English, were also translated into Spanish. Conference attendees had the opportunity to begin the day assisting in the celebration of Mass, with Father Adrian Porras, pastor of St. Barnabas Church, as celebrant. Keynote presenter Dr. John S. Grabowski (pictured), associate professor of moral theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., spoke on “‘Humanae vitae’ 50 Years Later: Prophecy and Prescription for our Culture.” In addition to his academic work, Grabowski serves as theological advisor to the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family and Youth. Plenary presenter Debbie Shinskie, director of the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, spoke on their efforts in battling human trafficking. Workshops on a variety of topics included: USCCB Pro-Life Secretariat updates, End of Life Ethics, How to Build a Local Pro-Life Coalition, Legislative Respect Life Work, Post-Abortion Healing, and the Be Not Afraid ministry. The 2018 Respect Life conference will be held in the Piedmont-Triad region, with the site and date to be announced in December. The diocesan Respect Life office is funded in part by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal.

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 29, 2017 OUR PARISHES

Deacon Knight, one of first ordained for the Charlotte diocese, passes away

Pilgrims go to Hanceville shrine for feast of the Divine Child Jesus help those who help you.” Upon her return home, Mother Angelica continued in prayer along with the nuns of her community, the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration. Their prayers were answered with a very generous financial contribution from five families who anonymously helped to build the monastery and shrine in honor of the Divine Child Jesus.

In September 2014, St. Mark Parish’s first pilgrimage was organized with 12 people at the invitation of the Martinez-Gaona family, who had been visiting the shrine for five consecutive years for the celebration of the Feast of the Divine Child Jesus, also known as Divino Niño de Bogotá or Divino Niño.

That same year, 14 parishioners attended a couples’ retreat, wishing to live and grow closer to this beautiful place. They decided to continue with the devotion, praying the Divine Child Jesus novena every first Sunday of the month, with the desire to invite more people to join the pilgrimage. In September of that year, 24 people went on the pilgrimage to Hanceville, and the number of people attending the annual pilgrimage each September continues to grow.

Learn more about the devotion to the Divine Child Jesus and the shrine in Hanceville online at www.olamshrine.com.

LINA MARIA HERNANDEZ SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HUNTERSVILLE — For nine months, eight St. Mark families met the first Sunday of each month to pray the novena in honor of the Divine Child Jesus. Their prayer effort culminated Sept. 3, when 63 parishioners went on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, in Hanceville, Ala., where a shrine to the Divine Child Jesus is located.

In 1914, Salesian Father Juan del Rizzo started the devotion to the Divine Child Jesus in Colombia. While kneeling in prayer one day, Father del Rizzo decided to entrust his efforts to the Infant Jesus. He developed a simple image of the Christ Child depicted with open arms, as if ready to hug everybody, wearing a pink dress and bare footed.

Father del Rizzo then built a shrine in honor of the Divine Child Jesus in Bogota, the capital of Colombia. This devotion and the work that was started continues today, helping children and disadvantaged families buy groceries with donations from pilgrims.

At Christmas, many gifts among poor families in the region are also distributed with these donations.

Devotion to the Divine Child Jesus came to Hanceville after Poor Clare Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, better known as Mother Angelica and the founder of EWTN, visited the shrine in Bogota. While she faced the image, Mother Angelica later

recalled, the Child Jesus came to life and told her: “Build me a temple and I will

LINA MARIA HERNANDEZ helps to organize St. Mark Church’s pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Ala.

CHESTER, S.C. — Deacon Charles Knight, 85, of Chester, S.C., passed away Sept. 13, 2017, at his residence.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Sept. 18, 2017, at Our Lady Consolation Church in Charlotte. Burial followed at York Memorial Park.

Deacon Knight was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Parish since 1962. Although he lived in South Knight Carolina, Deacon Knight often returned to regularly serve at the parish even in retirement.

Deacon Knight was 50 years old when Bishop Michael J. Begley ordained him in the first class of permanent deacons for the Diocese of Charlotte, during a Mass on May 29, 1983, at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte.

Following ordination, Deacon Knight was very happy to learn that his ministry as a deacon would begin at his home parish.

A cheerful man, Deacon Knight spoke with ease as he often described his life as a deacon.

His ministries were varied as he visited the sick, taught Sunday school, served on the parish finance council and preached regularly.

In 1989 he retired from the U.S. Postal Service and moved to Baltimore to be with his wife Lavone, who had taken a teaching job there after Our Lady of Consolation School closed.

Granted faculties to serve in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, he served there for 11 years until his wife retired in 2000.

They returned to Charlotte and he was assigned again to Our Lady of Consolation Parish, where his wife, who was always full of energy, was a great support to his ministry.

When his wife passed away in 2010, Deacon Knight moved to be with his daughter in South Carolina.

In his 34-plus years of diaconate ministry, Deacon Knight took to heart his call to service. He was a herald of the Gospel and a man of great faith.

He clearly remembered the words of Bishop Begley at his ordination: “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

— Catholic News Herald

September 29, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Just another Sunday: Youth, adults hoop it up, grow in fellowship with the OLC Sports Leadership Initiative LISA GERACI CORRESPONDENT

CHARLOTTE — On a hot Sunday afternoon you can hear the music before you see the packed cars of young men cruising into Our Lady of Consolation Church’s gymnasium parking lot. The metal doors to the gym are bolted shut. A look of slight disappointment sets in. “Hey, man, I know you’re in there. Open up!” someone yells while gently knocking. A roar of laughter mixed with relief surrounds the crowd as Coach Morris “Rocky” Whitaker swings open the door. Whitaker smiles, wipes his brow, and demands the group to dress out while he cheerfully high fives each person.

Ten minutes later, the group of six turns into a group of 20, with more people trickling in after that. Some are coming for the first time. Some consider this gym their home – a Sunday routine with their children, their wives, their grandchildren. Basketballs bounce on the newly renovated gym floor.

Whitaker finishes sweeping, and a young man hands him a dollar. “Remember who helps you sweep,” he jokes.

“Got to keep these lights on,” Whitaker replies with a grin.

“Some dudes bring in a dollar every week, some bring nothing and then one day they give over $10. It depends.

It’s really not about the money,” Whitaker explains. “You see that guy right there, Jazrael? He’s grown up here. He’s bringing his kid around here now. See her? Ebony just graduated. You gotta talk to Award – he’s something else, he’s been here for a while. There’s another one ... oh yeah, Marcus, he’ll tell you.”

As Whitaker points, he’s interrupted with shouts from across the court. “Hey, Coach! Watch this guy right here…”

Balls are bouncing, three-pointers swishing and all types of pre-game “smack” talk is getting thrown down. The crowd gets larger, bleachers fill up, chairs are dragged out for newcomers.

Whitaker looks at his watch, then grabs his clipboard.

“They’re waiting for me.”

He chooses two captains, including Ebony, the only girl on the court.

Award explains, “So it goes like this: you got the winners and the losers. The losers are on the left, the winners on the right. We play four on four. If your team wins five in a row, you get your picture taken and put into the Hall of Fame.

“I’ve been coming to this place since I was 25; I’m 33. It means a lot to me. Good atmosphere. Competitive, but in a controlled environment. Not like street ball, when you got bros yelling and fighting more than playing.”

Whitaker points to names from a list displayed on a poster for the Annual Benefit Concert held once a year to support the OLC Sports Leadership Initiative. The latest concert was held Aug. 20.

“These guys all came up through here, all going to college, graduating. Some have full scholarships,” he says.

“This one, he needed a book – $250 for a book. Can you believe that? One book! We got him that book, though.”

His hand moves slowly across six photographs above the list of names. “These are the ones that passed. This one here, this is my son, Morrison Whitaker. This one had an illness, this one was in a wreck, these two went out one night and never came back.”

His finger drops. A caption on the flyer states, “The OLC Sports Leadership Initiative is inspired by the memory of Morris Whitaker and the SLI family.”

“We do the benefit concert once a year to raise money for the gym. We made $2,600, enough to go on for another eight to nine months and sponsor some kids for summer camp.”

Whitaker may understate the importance of the benefit concert, but it is a genuine experience with inspirational music and unique talent. His nephew, Matthew Whitaker, has been one of the performers. Born blind, he began playing the piano when he was 3. He is nationally renowned for his ability and has even played at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

Back on the court, a commotion erupts. “You’re traveling!” “Tell him, Coach!”

Co-Coach Randy Dupree quickly resolves the situation and gets everybody playing again.

“This has been my life every Sunday for the last 20 years,” Coach Dupree says proudly. “I keep them from getting in trouble. We’ve seen a lot of kids come through here. We even got one playing for the Raiders. Word gets out about this place. People come in here from all walks of life, but we just take ’em where they are and coach them.”

Player Kiki Burton adds, “Education is important. I graduated from North Carolina Central. Coach wants these guys to go down the right path, get an education.

I used to work at the detention center. I would always recommend this place to the released. I have been coming here with my dad since I was young and it is just such a positive, safe spot.”

LaMarcus Taylor has played since he was in middle school and now his son, Little Marcus, is playing today.

“At first, this was like a getaway place from my problems.

It was a positive outlet and I enjoyed coming. The first time it hit, like, wow, this place is it, was when a situation occurred. Someone took something, stole something.

Coach stepped in in a way I have never seen. He sat us down and taught us about positivity and family. I looked around and I thought to myself, ‘This is how a man acts.

This is how I want to behave as a man.’ Ever since, we’ve been family. It started in the gym. Now, it is outings and dinners, everything. We see each other all the time. My son asks me about this place every Friday. He loves coming here almost as much as I do.”

Whitaker stops the game for a second and announces he wants to snap a group picture. Quickly the teams gather in the middle of the court while he directs who stands and sits. He tells them, “Believe it or not, guys, we are making a difference in this community!” He holds up a copy of the Catholic News Herald. “They want to write a story on us.

We are changing people.”

The group glows with accomplishment and satisfaction, not because of the story, but because of Whitaker’s compliment.

Each Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. you can find Whitaker and the rest of the OLC Sports Leadership team in the gym with the players and a few well-worn basketballs, and a growing list of people with bright futures.

Want to support the OLC Sports Leadership Initiative?

If you are compelled by the work of the OLC Sports Leadership Initiative, please send donations to: Our Lady of Consolation Church Sports Leadership Team, 1235 Badger Ct., Charlotte, N.C. 28206.

Share the journey – Love your neighbor HAYESVILLE — On Sept. 27, Pope Francis helped to launched a twoyear worldwide campaign of Caritas Internationalis in support of migrants and refugees. ln the U.S. the campaign is being implemented by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA. Campaign organizers hope to raise awareness among Catholics about migrants and refugees and have targeted the week of Oct. 7-13 for prayer and action to raise awareness of this

campaign of Caritas Internationalis.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, Catholic Charities promoted the upcoming campaign at the Bishop Begley Conference on Appalachia Sept. 23 in Hayesville.

Pictured are (from left) Dixie Shaw of Catholic Charities Maine, Nicholas Haskell of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, Netta McFaddin of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, Jane Stenson of Catholic Charities USA, and Joseph Purello of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

There are numerous ways to participate in this campaign, especially remembering migrants and refugees in prayer in a special, more focused way Oct. 7-13.

Go to www.sharejourney.org to learn more, including ideas on how to implement the campaign in your personal and family life and in your parish, and find prayer resources and statements by campaign organizers.

Resources are available in English and Spanish.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOSEPH PURELLO

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 29, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

The Maronite Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic church in full communion with the pope.

In Brief Wedding anniversary Mass coming up CHARLOTTE — If you were married during 1967 or 1992, you and your family are invited to the annual diocesan anniversary Mass on Sunday, Oct. 22, at St. John Neumann Church.

Mass begins at 2:15 p.m. and will be followed by a reception. To receive an invitation, you must call your parish office to register. St. John Neumann Church is located at 8451 Idlewild Road.

Mission parish renamed CHARLOTTE — The Maronite Mission of Charlotte has been renamed St. Stephen Maronite Catholic Church in a decree issued Sept. 1 by Bishop Gregory J. Mansour. The Maronite church is part of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn, N.Y., and the community worships at St. Matthew Church’s Waxhaw campus, located at 4116 Waxhaw-Marvin Road in Waxhaw. All are welcome to attend weekly Mass, which is celebrated in English and Arabic.

Volunteers repair homes damaged by Hurricane Matthew

For son James, “it was an opportunity to try something different and something new.

We had never really taken part in this kind of construction event.”

Others from the group worked on a second home, which was in the process of being repaired. Volunteers installed insulation around the outside walls and put up drywall on the inside walls. When the group first entered in the morning, it was hard to distinguish one room from another because all they saw were studs.

By the time the group left, the structure was beginning to feel like a home again.

To learn more about N.C. Catholics Volunteer and find out when the next volunteer opportunity is, go to www.

CatholicCharitiesRaleigh.org/volunteer.

— Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh

PRINCEVILLE — Fourteen volunteers – including two parishioners from Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington – recently traveled to Princeville, located in the Diocese of Raleigh, to help repair two homes damaged by Hurricane Matthew.

The project was coordinated by N.C. Catholics Volunteer, a partnership between the Catholic Charities, the Knights of Columbus and the Diocese of Raleigh.

OLR members Julia Michaels and her son James drove nearly three hours to Princeville July 29 to join the group of volunteers. The time spent was worth it, Julia Michaels explained.

They wanted “to be able to use our hands and give back a fraction of what we are so blessed to have,” she said.

SPX parishioners honored for leadership GREENSBORO — St. Pius X parishioners Neil Rochette and Kathleen Allen recently received the “Servant’s Servant Award”

at the parish’s Catechist Appreciation Dinner.

Both Rochette and Allen showed exceptional dedication and service to the parish’s faith formation and youth ministry programs over the past year, and exemplified the true meaning of service. Allen served as a second-grade catechist and helped lead the summer Vacation Bible School program. Rochette volunteered with the parish’s high school youth ministry and coordinated Catholic Heart Work Camp.

— St. Pius X Church Echoes

Rice Bowl Mini-Grant applications now available CHARLOTTE — The Fall 2017 round of CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grants, sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, is now open.

Does your parish help run a food pantry, operate a thrift store, or sponsor an emergency services program? If so, consider applying for a CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grant for up to $1,000.

Grants will be accepted through the postmark deadline of Monday, Oct. 16.

Information about these grants (including application, guidelines and eligibility) is available at www.ccdoc.org/cchdcrs.

Last year, 11 CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grants were awarded to Catholic entities to support local poverty and hunger relief efforts in the cities of Albemarle, Andrews, Charlotte, Clemmons, Gastonia, Greensboro, Mocksville, Morganton, Murphy and Spruce Pine.

Questions? Email jtpurello@charlottediocese. org.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BETH THOMPSON

Mercy Associates’ ‘Unity in the Community Day’ addresses food desert CHARLOTTE — What if you had to walk to a bus stop, ride at least a mile to a grocery store to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, and then carry them back home? That journey might be too difficult, and you’d turn to nearby convenience stores and fast food restaurants instead. In this scenario, there’s a strong possibility you and your neighbors live in a “food desert” – a location nearly barren of fresh food. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Reeder Memorial Baptist Church on Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte is located in one of these food deserts. The church already runs a food pantry, but Senior Pastor Thomas Farrow Jr. believes a fresh vegetable garden would encourage residents to make healthier food choices. “We would not just be giving them food, but giving them something that will make a difference in a long-lasting, meaningful way,” he said.

On Sept. 16, church and community volunteers, Mercy Associates and Sisters of Mercy gathered for “Unity in the Community Day” to build and prepare organic garden beds and plant carrots, radishes, collard greens and Brussels sprouts on

church property.

“We want to pretty much have things in place when spring rolls around,” said Ty Barnes, director of Mercy Association and a member of Reeder Memorial. “This is an effort to build interfaith community because we are one church and it’s important for us to work collaboratively on some things and break down barriers.”

Some 50 Mercy Associates from across the U.S., who were attending a meeting in Belmont over the weekend, volunteered for the gardening service project. Pictured with Barnes are Alex Roman and Tanya Pitts.

“I would hope the garden would be something that would catch on and expand,” said Farrow. “I would love to meet new people in and around our church. There are a lot of apartments around us and people don’t have room to garden.” Among the church’s next steps are plans to offer cooking classes on fresh food preparation.

In addition to the garden, other events at Unity in the Community Day included a blood drive, health screenings, softball and basketball, bouncy houses for children, music and a cookout.

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

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September 29, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

Peregrinación al santuario del Santísimo Sacramento para la festividad del Divino Niño LINA MARIA HERNANDEZ ESPECIAL PARA EL CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HUNTERSVILLE — Huntersville, Carolina del Norte - Desde hace nueve meses, ocho familias de la parroquia de san Marcos nos hemos reunido el primer domingo de cada mes para hacer la novena en honor al Divino Niño Jesús, culminando el 3 de septiembre con la peregrinación al Santuario del Santísimo Sacramento en Hanceville, Alabama, en la que participaron 63 personas este año.

En Colombia, la devoción al Divino Niño, la inició el padre salesiano Juan del Rizzo, cuando de rodillas decidió confiar sus esfuerzos al Niño Jesús en una imagen junto a su madre la Virgen María Auxiliadora. El Padre Juan del Rizzo quedó cautivado y mandó a hacer una imagen del Niño – con sus brazos abiertos como queriendo recibir a todos – con un vestido rosado y sus pies descalzos.

Definitivamente, una imagen sencilla que enamora.

El Padre Juan del Rizzo construyó el Santuario en honor al Divino Niño Jesús en Bogotá, la capital colombiana, en el barrio “20 de julio” donde hasta ahora se continúa con la devoción y se sigue la obra que él comenzó, ayudando a los niños y a las familias menos favorecidas con los mercados que los peregrinos llevan como ofrenda. En las navidades también se reparten numerosos regalos entre las familias pobres de la región.

La devoción al Divino Niño llego a Hanceville, Alabama luego de que la Madre Angélica, fundadora del canal Católico EWTN, visitara el Santuario del “20 de julio”. Estando frente a la imagen, el Niño cobra vida y le dice: “Constrúyeme un templo y yo ayudaré a aquellos que te ayuden”. Regresando a casa, la Madre Angélica se entregó en oración junto con las monjas de su comunidad, las Clarisas Pobres de la Perpetua Adoración,

y recibieron respuesta a sus oraciones con una contribución económica muy generosa de parte de cinco familias que anónimamente ayudaron en la construcción del monasterio y del templo en honor al Divino Niño.

En septiembre del 2014 se organizó la primera peregrinación con 12 personas de nuestra parroquia de San Marcos, atendiendo una invitación de la Familia Gaona Martínez, quienes habían estado visitando el santuario por cinco años consecutivos para la celebración de las festividades del Divino Niño. Ese mismo año, 14 personas asistieron a un retiro de parejas, llamados por el deseo de vivir y acercarse más a ese hermoso lugar. Allí nació en ellos el deseo de seguir con la devoción. Fue entonces cuando decidieron, en enero del 2015, comenzar con las novenas cada primer domingo del mes, con el deseo de invitar a más personas a la peregrinación.

En Septiembre de ese año, asistieron 24 personas. Nuestro mayor deseo es el de que los niños y los jóvenes conozcan y continúen con esta hermosa devoción.

En el 2016 continuaron con las novenas y lograron llevar 38 personas a Hanceville, a la peregrinación del Divino Niño Jesús. Asimismo pudieron comprobar la asistencia masiva de peregrinos de distintas regiones de los Estados Unidos.

Ahora hacen la novena cada año en la plazoleta del Santuario y se escuchan los testimonios de las bendiciones obtenidas por la intercesión del Divino Niño. También reciben la bendición y la gracia de pasar por La Puerta Santa de la Indulgencia.

Queremos extender la invitación a todas las parroquias de las Carolinas para que se unan a esta hermosa devoción y a que asistan a las festividades del Divino Niño Jesús. Si desean más información visiten la página web: www.olamshrine.com.

LINA MARIA HERNANDEZ ayuda a organizar la peregrinación de la Iglesia de San Marcos al Santuario del Santísimo Sacramento en Hanceville, Ala.

GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Spanish Festival held in Forest City FOREST CITY — Approximately 1,200 people attended the annual Spanish Festival at Immaculate Conception Church Sept. 23. The event raised more than $19,000 that will go towards reducing the church building debt. The festival featured music, games, traditional foods and dances representing multiple countries including Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Venezuela. Britzy Paredes, who had raised more than $5,760 for the church, was named Festival Queen, while Emaly Mejia and Sophia Hernandez were named Festival Princesses, having raised more than $4,500 each. Included in the celebration was the presentation of soccer awards to the Gastonia, Forest City and Shelby Catholic teams.

DIOCESIS DE CHARLOTTE VICARIATO DE EDUCACION

Conferencia Catequética “Mi alma proclama la grandeza del Señor” Lucas 1:46

Viviendo como Discípulos Misioneros 04 Noviembre 2017 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Charlotte Convention Center 501 S. College St. • Charlotte, NC 28202

$35 charlottediocese.org/conference/

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iiiSeptember 29, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

Bishop Peter Jugis celebrates Mass Sept. 22 at St. Benedict Church in Greensboro, where he dedicated a new altar for the church and blessed the renovated sanctuary.

Concelebrating the Mass were Father James Duc Duong, pastor; and retired former pastors of St. Benedict’s, Monsignor Joseph Showfety and Father Robert Ferris.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COPHIA KNICK, BARBARA MARKUN AND CRISTINA MCCUTCHEON

Blessing of beauty

Parishioners restore Greenboro’s oldest Catholic church to its original splendor ANNIE FERGUSON CORRESPONDENT

T

rue beauty stirs the heart. Just ask Bill McCutcheon about the first time he beheld the restoration of his beloved St. Benedict Church. Upon entering the quaint yet ethereal 19th-century church in downtown Greensboro, he could hardly believe his eyes.

“I purposely stayed away (during the restoration) and didn’t look at it at all.

I wanted to be surprised. It’s enough to reduce you to tears,” said McCutcheon, a longtime parishioner who said he especially loves the sculptures of angels adoring at the tabernacle.

He wasn’t the only one welling up at the sight of the restored sanctuary of the 1898 church.

Lynne McGrath, a parishioner of 18 years, witnessed multiple parishioners with tears of joy in their eyes. “It’s breathtaking and truly elevates what we’re doing,” she said. “The atmosphere now matches who we’re worshiping.”

The $200,000 project included restoring the sanctuary, installing marble tile floors, painting, adding lighting, and new statues, including a refurbished 1921 Pièta found in the church basement. The project started June 5 and was ready for the vigil Mass on Sept. 16.

On Friday, Sept. 22, Bishop Peter Jugis

celebrated Mass at St. Benedict, dedicating the new altar and blessing the tabernacle, presiding chair, lectern and statues. In his homily, Bishop Jugis explained that the dedication of an altar means setting it aside for its singular purpose. The ritual he performed included a blessing with holy water, anointing with sacred chrism and incensation. Father James Duc Duong, pastor, then placed the altar cloth.

“An altar is a place where sacrifice is offered. It’s not just a table; it is an altar,” Bishop Jugis said. “A true sacrifice is offered here – the sacrifice of Jesus Christ offered once and for all on the cross and made present here at this altar and every altar to the end of time – a true sacrifice, and therefore it can be called truly an altar.”

Besides Father Duong, participating clergy included St. Benedict’s retired former pastors, Monsignor Joseph Showfety and Father Robert Ferris. The Mass was truly a unique and moving experience because an altar is only dedicated once, which sometimes means just once in the life of a parish – or about once every 120 years in this case.

INSPIRATION FOR THE RESTORATION

After that first post-restoration vigil Mass on Sept. 16, like all other evenings, the church lights were left on a timer from

sunset to 10 p.m., illuminating the striking beauty of the Gothic church through its large stained-glass windows. Yet unknown to the casual passerby, there was a difference that night. For the first time since the 1960s, the church’s interior once again paralleled its exterior splendor.

Noting that there was nothing wrong with the sanctuary as it looked earlier this year, Father Duong explained what the change means.

“The objective was to bring St. Benedict back to its original look from 1898. In the 1960s, the altar was removed and the sanctuary transformed to a much simpler look. Now we’re going back,” said Father Duong, who has served as pastor since 2004. “We believe the Eucharist is present there, and with this change we’re restoring sacredness and reverence. Often, people go to Mass for one hour, and they don’t feel anything. I wanted to change that.”

LED BY THE PASTOR AND PARISHIONERS

The restoration was the culmination of hard work and sacrifice from everyone at St. Benedict – and not just because Mass had to be celebrated in the parish hall over the summer.

“Every Christian can be called a spiritual altar offering the sacrifice of our holy life, the sacrifice of our good works and our charity, and the sacrifice of walking with

the Lord to Almighty God,” Bishop Jugis said in his homily. “If we are a spiritual sacrifice, what dies in us is our old self. The old self always has to die, so the new light of Christ can shine forth in us.”

Christ’s light has been shining extra brightly through the people of St. Benedict this year, and the bishop told the congregation they can be proud of what they’ve accomplished in Our Lord’s name. The parish takes up a monthly maintenance collection for maintaining the church. Those funds, along with savings accumulated over many years, were used to pay for the restoration. Parishioners donated an additional $98,000 simply because they wanted to help with the historic restoration – there was no capital campaign.

Because the pastor, parishioners and local contractors did the work, the parish saved $100,000 based on the quotes for contracting out the entire project, noted Tom Garcia, restoration project manager and 20-year parishioner.

“To me, it’s special because we did it internally,” Garcia said. “We managed it ourselves, we used local talent and talent within our parish where available. We didn’t just write a check.”

The CEO of Southern Evergreen, a custom home builder, Garcia appears on WFMY News 2’s “Good Morning Show” as its residential home expert. He refers to his

HE COVER

September 29, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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(Above) The renovation project included a crucifix painted by parishioner and graphic artist Bob Nutt, a statue of St. Benedict, and a 1921 Pièta sculpture that parishioners found in the church basement and refurbished.

(Left) Local artist Gwen Ware touches up the new wood altar pieces that are painted to look like marble and gold.

Top and above are shown the interior of St. Benedict Church before and after the renovation, which was led by the pastor and parishioners and did not require a capital campaign to fund the $200,000 project.

pro bono summer church project as a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity – the Super Bowl of renovations. A true Renaissance man, Garcia also has a degree in engineering and is a regular cantor at the church.

He chanted the Responsorial Psalm and Alleluia at the dedication Mass, More online and his wife Kim served as lector, At www. catholicnewsherald. reading from the first Book com: See more of Maccabees photos of St. (4:52-59) about Benedict Church’s the dedication of renovation an altar.

Thanks to an unknown parishioner who photographed the church in the 1930s, Garcia and the rest of the restoration team achieved a remarkable re-creation in the restoration.

He used his computer to get a better look at the details in the photos. The zoom feature was particularly helpful in recreating the Miraculous Medal of the Immaculate Heart of Mary that adorns the top of the niche where her statue once again sits to the left of the altar. The medal has a special meaning to the parish: For as long as anyone can remember, St. Benedict parishioners have prayed the Perpetual Novena in Honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Parishioner and graphic artist Bob Nutt painted the corpus of the large crucifix that hangs above the altar as well as the Pièta sculpture on which he achieved the agony in Our Blessed Mother’s eyes as she weeps holding her crucified Son. Carpenter and parishioner Don Tredinnick crafted a new base for the statue.

The communion rail is the original, and the palms that sit in front of the altar are

a nod to the ones in the 1930s photograph.

Flanking the Italian-made tabernacle are sculptures of two cherubs, an idea of Father Duong’s.

Garcia and his team developed the overall look and design of the altar pieces in Greensboro with High Point’s Church Interiors. A millwork firm in Nebraska transformed them into shop drawings for the build-out. Once completed, all the parts were put on a moving truck and transported to St. Benedict Church.

The parish’s carpentry crew did the final installation of all the pieces, and local artist Gwen Ware touched up the wood that is painted to look like marble and gold.

Ware and her husband Dave also handpainted stenciling in three-foot increments around the church’s stained-glass windows.

They carefully matched the paint with the colors in the windows using multiple layers and shades of blue and burgundy. “That’s why it really pops,” Garcia said.

The extensive stenciling even encircles two stained-glass rose windows in the uppermost part of each transept. These windows were brought from Munich to the United States for the Catholic Exhibit at the 1892 World’s Fair in Chicago, and later given to the church.

The sanctuary also includes 100-yearold recovered chairs and a wooden lectern and cantor stand with intricate carvings of liturgical symbols such as the crown of thorns. The lectern was originally crafted in the shape of a hexagon with one side that opened. For a more modern walk-up design, the back was removed and fashioned into the cantor stand.

Bob Hunt, a parishioner who owns Illuminating Technologies, created a new lighting design, which includes energyefficient LED lights. These lights are now in the pendant lamps and those on the

refurbished ceiling, which was lightly sanded and returned to its original color and sheen.

To the right of the sanctuary stands a statue of St. Benedict, the founder of Western Monasticism and patron of the parish. In his research, Garcia found out the mold for the statue depicted in the 1930s photo still exists, so the current statue is nearly the same as the original.

“The new sanctuary brings such joy,” said parishioner Leslie Ann Brown. “The statue of St. Benedict blows me away. It’s just so meaningful.”

A STORIED PAST

On the other side of the sanctuary is a statue of St. Katharine Drexel, a Pennsylvania heiress turned nun who gave away her millions to philanthropic causes including promoting Catholic education and championing the rights of Native Americans and African Americans.

In the late 1890s, Drexel donated $1,500 to St. Benedict Parish as seed money to build a church. However, she included an important stipulation: pew space must be reserved for black Catholics. With this declaration, more than 60 years before the famous sit-in at the Woolworth lunch counter just down the road, a glimmer of an integrated Greensboro in a thensegregated South could be found at the city’s first Catholic parish.

A few of the original pews line the back of the church near the Pièta.

“We keep them because they are precious to us, and we use them for overflow seating at Sunday Mass,” Garcia noted.

However, the origins of Catholicism in the city date back even further than St. Katharine Drexel’s donation. The first Mass was celebrated in Greensboro

sometime around 1870. In those days, Catholic services were offered in the homes of practicing families who had moved to Greensboro. Seven of the families banded together to raise money for a church. In 1877, Bishop James Gibbons of Richmond, Va. – later Cardinal Gibbons – laid the cornerstone of St. Agnes Church, which was under the care of traveling Benedictine monks from Belmont Abbey until a resident Benedictine pastor was assigned in 1888.

In 1899, the parish sold the church building to the city, and it was turned into the city’s first high school. The year prior, the parish had purchased land on the southwest corner of North Elm and Smith streets and started construction of the church that stands today, naming it St. Benedict after the order of the monks who faithfully served the spiritual needs of the city’s first Catholics.

Soon major Catholic ministries started to form. A parish school opened in 1926, merging 30 years later with St. Pius X School.

Father Vincent Taylor, the fifth pastor of St. Benedict who later became the abbot of Belmont Abbey, was instrumental in bringing to the city one of the directors of the Sisters of Charity, which eventually led to the opening of St. Leo’s Hospital in 1906.

It served the Greensboro community for nearly 50 years and was the first hospital in North Carolina to have telephones and steam heat in every room.

CATHOLICISM IN GREENSBORO TODAY

As the oldest Catholic church in Greensboro, St. Benedict gave rise to the city’s vibrant Catholic community of today, BLESSINGS, SEE PAGE 20

Our schools 12

catholicnewsherald.com | September 29, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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In Brief Charlotte Catholic announces President’s Volunteer Service Award winners CHARLOTTE — More than 90 students at Charlotte Catholic High School have been recognized by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for their valuable volunteer contributions in our community.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make in our communities. By recognizing those who serve others, the council hopes to encourage more people to serve. The council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families and groups who have achieved a certain standard, which is measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period, or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.

The Gold Award is presented to those who are aged 16-18 and have performed more than 250 service hours. It is also presented to those who are aged 14-15 and have volunteered more than 100 hours.

Gold Award recipients are: Isabella Ackermann, Carmen Adamson, Mia Amico, Lauren Ayers, Jackson Bowers, Dalton Bridges, Kathryn Burket, Carly Centanni, Daniel Charlonis, Anthony Ciano, Louis Ciano, Patrick Collins, Caroline Craig, Anne Culicerto, Fletcher Curran, Rhea Desai, Jack Dumser, Perker Ferry, Tara Fitzpatrick, Ellen Gibbons, Andrew Gilles, Brynn Heslin, Carrigan Hogg, Madison Kelley, John Kelly, Gavin McDermott, Gregory Moritz, Kate Mulkey, Michael Neel, Moorea Patcha, Anna Pederson, Anna Pham, Arabella Pires, Sophia Ritz, Ashley Robinson, Abigail Radcliffe, Carrie-Anne Rogers, Mitchell Salvino, Nicholas Schultze, Juli Snoke, Jacqueline Tavares, Melina Tirrell, Caroline Valenti, Eleanor Walsh, Kate Warren, Niyat Weldegebriel, Grace Wielechowski, Taylor Wooten and Melissa Zeleznik.

The Silver Award is presented to those who are aged 16 to 18 and have performed 175-249 service hours. It is also presented to those who are aged 14-15 and have performed 75-99 hours.

Silver Award recipients are: Catherine Anderson, Reagan Bitter, Nicholas Braccia, Biance Burnett, Joel Casingal, Julia Chaverin, Alexander Denton, Catherine Denton, Anna Dougherty, Julianna Hancock, Grace Hironimus, Michael Johnson, Brynn McClatchy, Caitlin Murlless and Parrish Srnovrsnik.

The Bronze Award is presented to those who are aged 16 to 18 and have performed 100-174 service hours. It is also presented to those who are aged 14 to 15 and have performed 50-74 service hours.

Bronze Award recipients are: Elizabeth Anderson, Zack Broxterman, Abby Bunta, Lauren Chaverin, Emma Collins, Andrew Covelli, Noelle Escobal, Kathleen Fallon, Megan Gilkey, Charles Haltiwanger, Finn Harty, Mae Levin, Sarah Malone, Grace Mathis, Jack Mulligan, Charlotte Nazarian, Ryan Nofsinger, Aubrey Ocloo, Reed Pederson, Connor Ruff, Lauren Schmidt, Nicole Shooman, Sarah Sullivan, Dominique Tan, Raymond Tavares, Brad Thompson and Enero Ugalde.

— Carolyn Kramer Tillman

Bishop McGuinness’s Ray Alley inducted into Hall of Fame KERNERSVILLE — Bishop McGuinness High School’s soccer coach Ray Alley was inducted into the Guilford County Sports Hall of Fame Sept. 17 at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex for his outstanding achievements in the sports arena. After he worked in sports journalism, Alley became the men’s tennis and soccer coach at High Point University and was named NAIA national men’s tennis Coach of the Year in 1975. He served at Guilford College until

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAROLYN KRAMER TILLMAN

Charlotte Catholic students commemorate 9/11 with annual flag display CHARLOTTE —Charlotte Catholic High School student-athletes spent Sunday afternoon Sept. 10 placing a display of 2,977 flags at the school entrance to honor the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has placed the flags at the school’s front entrance, which is located on busy Pineville-Matthews Road in south Charlotte. FCA members purchased the flags and spent several hours placing them carefully in front of the school. “This has become a great tradition at Charlotte Catholic,” said Kevin Christmas, athletic director and advisor to the FCA chapter. “Because of our location on Highway 51, we can commemorate Sept. 11 and honor the lives lost that day, within our school community and beyond.”

1988 where he won numerous conference and district championships. He founded, edited and published the Southern Soccer Scene, a southeast regional paper, for 38 years. He also published North Carolina Tennis Today for 15 years.

Throughout his career, Alley has worked in youth soccer and last spring took over as the head soccer coach of Bishop McGuinness High.

Last season under Alley, the school’s girls soccer team was one of 15 teams nationally to receive the NSCAA High School Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Gold Award. The award is presented by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (United Soccer Coaches). The team was one of two North Carolina high school girls soccer teams honored for the 2017 spring season. Bishop McGuinness finished the 2017 season 19-3 overall, Northwest Conference Champions (10-0), quarterfinalist in the NCHSAA 1-A playoffs and the fourth-ranked in the final 1-A MAxPreps rankings.

Alley was also named 1-A NC State Coach of the Year by the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association.

Celebrating grandparents WINSTON-SALEM — Students at St. Leo Catholic School celebrated Grandparents’ Day Sept. 8. Grandparents were invited to Mass and to the school afterwards for activities in their grandchildren’s classrooms with a schoolwide sing-a-long wrapping up the event. The celebration has become a tradition at St. Leo School, enabling the school community to honor grandparents and other special people in their students’ lives.

— Kimberly Knox

— Melissa Kinsley

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1/8 5.1

Mix

September 29, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In theaters

explosions and other disturbances that drown out such themes as the possibility of personal conversion and the value of family reconciliation. Additionally, some vague mumbo-jumbo about humans harnessing the power of the elements is not for the easily confused. Perilous situations, a bit of mild scatological humor, a couple of mature references.

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

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’

‘The Lego Ninjago Movie’ A few flashes of wit relieve the noisy tedium of this martial arts-themed animated adventure. With his home town constantly under attack by his villainous father (voice of Justin Theroux), a schoolboy (voice of Dave Franco) leads a double life by battling bad Dad, disguised as a ninja warrior. He does so as part of a team of fighters trained by his wise and virtuous uncle (voice of Jackie Chan).

As directed by Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher and Bob Logan, the latter two also co-writers, along with four others, the attempt to blend a children’s feature and an action movie proves awkward, resulting in a forgettable series of

Director Matthew Vaughn goes over the top with cartoonish but gruesome mayhem and a distasteful bedroom sequence in this follow-up to his 2015 feature, “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” Now an established agent of the independent espionage service from which the films derive the shared portion of their titles, the working-class London lad (Taron Egerton) whose transformation into a skilled operative was charted in the original takes on a psychopathic international drug trafficker (Julianne Moore) intent on blackmailing the U.S. government into legalizing all narcotics. Staggered by her murderous assault on their headquarters and several of their colleagues, the spy and the group’s tech guru turn to the Kentuckybased American counterpart of their organization for help in vanquishing the villain and the rejected Kingsman applicant aiding her scheme. Vaughn’s stylish actioner, penned once again with Jane Goldman, and based, like its predecessor, on a comic book series, edges its protagonist toward a more committed relationship with his live-in girlfriend, a Swedish princess, and dwells on his ties to his mentor from the first outing. But, in just one instance of its excesses, it also finds characters being pushed into a meat grinder. Persistent, sometimes shocking, bloody violence, a scene of cannibalism, a drug theme, cohabitation, a couple of uses of profanity, pervasive rough and much crude language.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

Invites You

23rd Annual Fundraising Banquet

“Love Begins At Home” Thursday, October 19, 2017 Check-in: 5:30 p.m. ~ Dinner: 6:30 p.m.

Charlotte Convention Center ~ Crown Ballroom

Featured Speaker ~ Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, a Catholic wife, mother and grandmother, is an award-winning and best-selling journalist and author of over two dozen books. She enjoyed a decade-long friendship with St. Teresa of Calcutta and her spiritual director was John A. Hardon, S.J. She also is a television host on EWTN and creator of Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms, Catholic Mom’s Café, and Feeding Your Family’s Soul. She participated in an international congress for women at the Vatican, received a special blessing from St. Pope John Paul II for her work on St. Teresa of Calcutta and appears on national television and radio. Her memoir is entitled The Kiss of Jesus.

On TV n Friday, Sept. 29, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Holy Sepulcher.” An exploration of the history and archaeology surrounding the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. n Saturday, Sept. 30, 4 p.m.

(EWTN) “Encounter with Padre Pio.” Meet St. Pius of Pietrelcina through amazing footage of him, his monastery and beatification, along with commentary by his close friend Monsignor Giancarlo Setti. n Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “Padre Pio: Miracle Man.” This movie presents the distinctive life and holiness of St. Pius of Pietrelcina marked by his great faith and devotion. We also see his persecution by others and some within the Church. Part 2. n Monday, Oct. 2, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “ Angels of God: Who are the Angels.” Father John Horgan presents the Church’s teaching on the wondrous life of the angels. He relates that God has created these spiritual beings for our help for His praise. Part 1. n Monday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Theodore: A Gift from God.” A documentary on the life and heroic death of Blessed Theodore Romzha, a young bishop whose refusal to submit to Soviet

authority in the Ukraine led to his assassination by the KGB. n Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Aquinas.” Father Aquinas Gabura, a 102-year-old Dominican Friar from Slovakia, recounts how he endured the persecution and imprisonment of Communist rule and later helped reestablish the Dominicans in his country. n Wednesday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m.

(EWTN) “Saint Frances and Brother Elias.” An EWTN original docudrama presenting the lives of St. Francis of Assisi and Brother Elias. n Thursday, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Belarus: Seed Among Thorns.” Four courageous bishops share their stories of life under Stalin’s brutal Soviet rule, when the survival of the faith depended on the underground work of the clergy and laity. n Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Karol: A Man who Became Pope.”

Follow the young future pope’s life journey as we see him transition from a worker, poet, teacher and to his true calling – the priesthood of Christ. n Sunday, Oct. 8, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Fatima: A Living Faith.” An EWTN original docu-drama about the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima and the meaning of each message she gave to the three shepherd children.

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

EDUCATION VICARIATE

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Living as Missionary Disciples 04 November 2017 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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To make your reservation or host a table of 8-10 people, register online: https://miraviabanquet23.eventbrite.com OR meganwhiteside@mira-via.org, 704-525-4673 ext. 13.

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

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Our nation 14

catholicnewsherald.com | September 29, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Diocese of Charlotte responds to September disasters

Men carry a container filled with water past a damaged church Sept. 24 after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.

CNS | CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS, REUTERS

With prayer and aid, Catholics deal with hurricanes’ wrath CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Authorities say it may take months for electricity to fully return to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria pummeled the island last week. The disaster comes in the wake of similar widespread destruction caused by hurricanes Irma and Harvey in the Caribbean and southeastern U.S. – prompting Church leaders to call for unprecedented aid and relief efforts.

When Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico Sept. 20, its 155-mph winds knocked out electricity to the entire island, leaving its 3.4 million people in the dark. As of Sept. 27, most of the island remained without power. The situation could last up to six months, officials said.

“There’s a humanitarian emergency here in Puerto Rico. This is an event without precedent,” Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said in a statement. He has called for additional assistance from the U.S. government as residents deal with not just the loss of power but a lack of drinkable water, fuel and numerous necessities.

It has been difficult to communicate with people on the island, said Capuchin Franciscan Father Urbano Vasquez, of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, who studied in Puerto Rico and has vast ties to the island.

Phone service is hit or miss, he said.

Father Vasquez, however, was able to make contact with a group of seven Capuchin Franciscan friars after the hurricane passed.

They took refuge from the storm in Trujillo Alto, about 10 minutes from Old San Juan.

“They were scared because it was the first time they’ve been through something like that,” said Father Vasquez. “They spent the time praying or near the Eucharist” as winds tore through part of the roof near a chapel in the building at Centro Capuchino.

The entrance door to the friary caved in, he said, leaving no path for the friars to make their way to the main street. But even if they could get out to the street, authorities have put a curfew in place, afraid citizens could come in contact with fallen cables and other objects that

could pose danger on the ground.

Capuchin Franciscan Father Carlos Reyes said Sept. 21 he didn’t sleep through the harrowing night he spent listening to Hurricane Maria barrel through San Juan.

“I spent the night praying,” he said, and listening to the radio was the only way to hear what was happening in Puerto Rico and the world. He heard about the earthquake in Mexico and in the middle of his own experience with nature’s wrath, he prayed for the earthquake’s victims.

Hurricane Maria caused the deaths of at least 16 people in Puerto Rico, and 27 deaths were reported on the island nation of Dominica. Two others were killed in the French territory of Guadeloupe and one on the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of GalvestonHouston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged Catholics to respond with prayer and other help “in this time of great need for our brothers and sisters in harm’s way – many of whom have been hit repeatedly by the successive hurricanes.”

He noted the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Maria were visited on Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the Caribbean “just as we begin to assess the material and emotional damage of hurricanes Harvey and Irma.”

As with Hurricane Maria, hardly any place in the path of Hurricane Irma was left untouched.

Its strength and size, with 120-plus-mph winds stretching 70 miles from its core, leveled entire islands in the eastern Caribbean, brought unprecedented flooding on Cuba’s north coast, devastated the Florida Keys, snapped construction cranes in downtown Miami and targeted cities along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Cardinal DiNardo acknowledged that his call “comes on the heels” of the emergency collection for victims of Hurricane Harvey, which hammered Texas and Louisiana.

Harvey, too, “caused catastrophic damage and compelled us to respond,” he said. “Likewise, Hurricane Irma has been devastating and our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean, especially the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, and the southern U.S. need our

help.”

Dioceses, including the Diocese of Charlotte, are responding to Cardinal DiNardo’s call for an emergency collection to help those recovering from the devastation.

“While emergency outreach was immediate, we know that the road to recovery and the rebuilding of communities will be long and additional support will be needed,” Cardinal DiNardo said.

The funds collected “will be used in the affected areas to support humanitarian aid, assistance with long-term efforts to restore communities after widespread destruction, and for the pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church in U.S. and the Caribbean,” he said.

The Church is a channel for grace and solidarity in the wake of natural disasters as it offers solace and support in their aftermath,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “However, as is so often the case, the Church itself in these regions is both a long-standing provider of aid and now is in need of tremendous assistance itself.”

Aid from Catholic groups is already being dispatched for disaster relief in the Caribbean, Florida and Texas, as well as for earthquake victims in Mexico.

This week, Catholic Charities USA has sent $1 million in emergency aid to Caritas Puerto Rico. The Alexandria, Va.-based national network of Catholic Charities agencies collected the money from thousands of donors across the United States in response to damage done by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.

The Knights of Columbus, based in New Haven, Conn., has raised more than $2.8 million as part of an ongoing national appeal “that builds on the donations and relief work of Knights themselves.” It announced Sept.

26 a $100,000 donation to Puerto Rico to aid victims of Maria and an additional $100,000 for Mexico. It said many Knights have also helped to rescue stranded neighbors and provide assistance, which has included the distribution of more than $720,000 in food, water and other necessities.

Parishioners across the Diocese of Charlotte will have the chance to help victims of the recent Hurricane Irma and Maria disasters, as well as the recent earthquakes in Mexico, on the weekend of Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 through a special collection taken up at Masses at participating parishes. The special collection will fund both short-term emergency aid as well as long-term disaster recovery efforts.

Donations should be made payable to one’s local parish, noted for “Disaster Relief.”

Donations will be forwarded by parishes to the Diocese of Charlotte’s finance office, which will then distribute the funds to Church partners offering disaster relief and recovery to affected communities.

In a Sept. 21 memo to pastors about this collection, Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, wrote, “As you are no doubt aware, southeastern USA and parts of the Caribbean have been struck by devastating flooding and winds caused

by Hurricane Irma, and this week Hurricane Maria has continued the destruction in the Caribbean, especially in Puerto Rico. We are also receiving updates of the death and damage in Mexico from two recent earthquakes.

Several major disasters occurring in such a short space of time have indeed created a situation beyond which the local communities and agencies cannot handle without outside assistance, and for this reason we are calling for an additional disaster response collection.”

In his memo, Monsignor West acknowledged that this newly announced special collection is taking place soon after the special diocesanwide collection in response to Hurricane Harvey, yet he explained that this additional collection was needed since several new regions have recently been affected by major disasters.

— Catholic News Herald

September 29, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief Catholic groups decry end of special status for Sudanese WASHINGTON, D.C. — In mid-September, the Trump administration announced the end of a special immigration status for nationals from Sudan, prompting outcry from Catholic groups who say they worry about the conditions the migrants will face upon their return. The administration said that on Nov. 2, 2018, it would end what’s known as Temporary Protected Status for Sudanese nationals now protected from deportation and have a work permit under that program. TPS is granted temporarily to migrants who come from countries that have experienced disruptions such as natural disasters, civil wars or other threats. In the case of Sudan, the country experienced armed conflict from the 1980s until 2005. The U.S. has about 1,000 with the special status.

Supreme Court cancels travel ban hearing as new restrictions announced WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court Sept. 25 canceled an upcoming hearing on the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s travel ban after government officials unveiled the night before a new expanded version of the travel prohibitions. The high court was set to hear arguments Oct. 10, but said in a statement that “the cases are removed from the oral argument calendar, pending further order of the court.” Hours before part of a version of the Trump administration’s travel ban of six majority-Muslim countries was set to expire, officials rolled out the new version late Sept. 24.

The new ban now includes travel prohibitions for some Venezuelan government officials and their immediate family, as well as nationals from North Korea and the Central African country of Chad. Officials say the new restrictions go into place Oct. 18.

Affirmation of peace is commitment to justice, says St. Louis archbishop ST. LOUIS — Archbishop Robert J. Carlson and other faith leaders in St. Louis called for a commitment to peace and justice in St. Louis in what he described as a time of “deep hurt and disappointment.” More than 500 people gathered at Kiener Plaza Park Sept.

19 for an Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace and Solidarity. Following the nearly one-hour service, almost 300 people marched from the plaza to City Hall, where they held a peaceful demonstration. “We gather together as one human family this afternoon to both pray and reflect,” Archbishop Carlson said. “We remember that we are not a divided humanity but one human family. Here in St. Louis, we have walked together, we have rejoiced together and we have cried together. Today is no exception.

“We must continue our walk committed to the higher vision that holds us accountable to our truest identity as children of God – capable of bringing God’s peace to every corner, where division and violence seek the upper hand.”

The prayer service took place four days after a not guilty verdict in the trial of former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Jason Stockley. He was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death in 2011 of Anthony Lamar Smith, an African-American. St. Louis Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson issued the ruling after Stockley, who is white, waived his right to a jury trial.

Encuentro process aimed at Bishop Braxton calls action meeting needs, fostering mission to end racism imperative for all WASHINGTON — Most dioceses and archdioceses around the country are holding their diocesan encuentros throughout the fall, highlighting what contributions Hispanic Catholics bring to the Catholic Church and their faith communities. Anticipation of those gatherings comes as communities celebrate this year’s annual National Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting Hispanics’ contributions to their communities and to society. The observance began Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15. U.S. census estimates show that about 29.7 million Hispanics/Latinos in the United States identify as Catholics, which represents nearly 59 percent of the total Hispanic population in the country. Among millennials, Hispanic Catholics represent 54 percent of U.S. Catholics born in 1982 or later. U.S. Catholic officials say the Church’s encuentro process is an essential opportunity for many parishes and dioceses to promote and grow unity, leadership and cross-collaboration. Diocesan encuentros are the current phase of what is a four-year process of ecclesial reflection and action. First came parish-level encuentros, next will be regional encuentros. The process will culminate in the Fifth National Encuentro, known as “V Encuentro,” next September in Grapevine, Texas. Previous national encuentros were held in 1972, 1977, 1985 and 2000.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Every person “must do something,” whether big or small, to address racism in the United States, Bishop Edward K. Braxton of Belleville, Illinois, told an audience at The Catholic University of America. From taking a public stance at a rally to reaching out to a neighbor, racism can be addressed and overturned, the bishop said during a presentation at a Sept. 21 “teach-in” on fighting racism sponsored by the university’s National Catholic School of Social Service. “We must expand the horizon of possibilities to ourselves by listening, learning, thinking, praying, acting,” he said. Recalling that Catholics in public life and leaders in the U.S. Catholic Church once supported slave ownership and widely denied the civil rights of enslaved African-Americans early in the country’s history, Bishop Braxton said much remains to be accomplished to heal the sin of racism and the “flaw at the foundation” of past teaching. He pointed to a series of events, including the killing of black

men by white police officers in places such as St. Louis, the rise in white supremacy and even the language of President Donald Trump, who did not specifically call out white supremacists after clashes during rallies and counterprotests Aug. 11 and 12 in Charlottesville, Va.

SNAP founder and longtime president Blaine dies at 61 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Barbara Blaine, who founded the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests and served as its president until last February, died Sept. 24 in St. George, Utah. She was 61. Blaine, who grew up in Toledo, Ohio, was herself a victim of clergy sexual abuse in her teen years. She died from a tear in a blood vessel in her heart sustained Sept.

18 while hiking in Utah. Blaine founded SNAP in 1988 with an ad placed in the National Catholic Reporter. What was intended to be a limitedtime support group for what was believed to be a small number of abuse victims grew in size and mission as the problem of clergy sexual abuse became more well known.

— Catholic News Service

CCDOC.ORG

Blessed Rother ‘an authentic light,’ says cardinal OKLAHOMA CITY — If the martyrdom of Blessed Stanley Francis Rother “fills us with sadness,” it also “gives us the joy of admiring the kindness, generosity and courage of a great man of faith,” Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, said Sept. 23 in Oklahoma City. The 13 years Blessed Rother spent as a missionary in Guatemala “will always be remembered as the glorious epic of a martyr of Christ, an authentic lighted torch of hope for the Church and the world,” the cardinal said in his homily during the U.S. priest’s beatification Mass. “Formed in the school of the Gospel, he saw even his enemies as fellow human beings. He did not hate, but loved. He did not destroy, but built up,” Cardinal Amato said. “This is the invitation that Blessed Stanley Francis Rother extends to us today.

To be like him as witnesses and missionaries of the Gospel. Society needs these sowers of goodness,” he said. “Thank you, Father Rother!

Bless us from heaven!” The cardinal was the main celebrant of the beatification Mass, joined

by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City and his predecessor, retired Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran, who formally opened the Rother sainthood cause 10 years ago. An overflow crowd of 20,000 packed the Cox Convention Center for the ceremony.

Bishop calls on U.S. to provide aid, help resolve Rohingya crisis WASHINGTON — A prominent bishop has called on the U.S. government to provide humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya Muslims who have fled Myanmar while under attack. Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, urged the administration Sept. 22 to aid Rohingya and the countries providing refuge to them, saying those fleeing the ethnic violence have “experienced so much suffering and pain over decades.” His letter was the latest in Catholic leaders’ appeals to help the Rohingya, who have fled a military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. The crackdown followed the Aug. 25 attacks by Rohingya insurgents on 30 security checkpoints.

Officially, about 430,000 Rohingya have entered Bangladesh since the military crackdown.

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Upcoming Days of Reflection Join Catholic Charities for an opportunity to gather with other seniors from around the diocese to deepen and share one’s faith. Days of Reflection provide the chance to experience the inspiring power of God’s love and be nourished by His word as one continues a life-long journey of faith.

• Thursday, October 26th Location: Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane, Hickory, NC 28602 Presenter: Fr. Ed Sheridan Cost: $15 per person includes morning snack & lunch – Make checks payable to Catholic Charities Deadline for Registration: Monday, Oct. 16th • Wednesday, November 8th Location: Holy Family Catholic Church, 4820 Kinnamon Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Topic: “We’ll Never Be Younger! Spiritual Gifts for the Journey” Presenter: Fr. Brian Cook Cost: $15 per person includes hors d’oeuvres and lunch – Make checks payable to Holy Family Young at Heart Deadline for Registration: Monday, Oct. 30th To Register: Contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org

Our world 16

catholicnewsherald.com | September 29, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Holy Land Christians frustrated by lack of legal action against vandals JERUSALEM — Christians in the Holy Land, including Catholic leaders, have expressed frustration with lack of legal action against cases of desecration and vandalism of sacred places. Even as the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land issued a statement condemning the Sept. 20 desecration and vandalism of a Catholic shrine in Israel, some people criticized the statement’s “weak language” and asked, “How long will we be tolerant?” “Unfortunately, in these situations we feel how vulnerable we are,” one person wrote on Facebook. The latest incident took place Sept. 19 at St. Stephen Church inside the Beit Jamal Salesian monastery west of Jerusalem. The monastery is open for visitors and generally has good relations with its Jewish neighbors, including the residents of an ultraOrthodox town, said Salesian Father Antonio Scudu, caretaker of the church. Pilgrims to the church discovered the vandalism, which included a shattered statue of Mary, broken faces of figures on the stained-glass windows, and a destroyed cross.

Group issues what it calls ‘filial correction’ of pope’s teaching VATICAN CITY — Several dozen priests, scholars and writers have published what they described as a “filial correction” of some of Pope Francis’ teachings about marriage – particularly about access to the sacraments for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics. The best-known name among the signatories is Bishop Bernard Fellay, superior general of the traditionalist Priestly Society of St. Pius X, a group still involved in talks with the Vatican aimed at regularizing its status within the Church. The letter originally was signed by 40 people and delivered to Pope Francis in August; the writers said they did not receive a response, so they released it publicly Sept. 24, launching a website as well: www. correctiofilialis.org. The Vatican press office had no comment about the letter.

Educate for hope, solidarity, common good, Vatican urges VATICAN CITY — The Vatican is asking Catholic schools and universities to take the lead in pioneering education networks that value individual identity and talent, but also help students see how their gifts can contribute to the common good. The Congregation for Catholic Education presented broad guidelines in the document, “Educating to Fraternal Humanism,” released Sept. 22. “The document underlines how urgent and necessary it is to humanize education, favoring a culture of encounter and dialogue,” Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, prefect of the congregation, said.

Firmly convinced Christ’s offer of salvation is open to all people, Catholic schools should be agents for “globalizing hope,” educating young people to promote solidarity, brotherhood and care for the environment. Currently, there are more than 216,000 Catholic schools “with a IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 17

A rescue worker shouts during a search for survivors Sept. 20 at Enrique Rebsamen school in Mexico City. At least 21 children and four adults died in the school collapse, and hundreds of others were killed following the Sept. 19 earthquake that hit southeast of the city.

CNS | EDGARD GARRID, REUTERS

Church-based charities provide earthquake relief in Mexico CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the aftermath of two earthquakes in the span of two weeks in Mexico Church-based relief agencies have been on the ground providing food, shelter and repairs.

The magnitude 7.1 quake that hit near Mexico City Sept. 19 killed more than 337 people and injured more than 2,000 in the crumbling wreckage. The earthquake was just on the heels of the magnitude 8.1 earthquake Sept. 7 off the coast of southeastern Mexico that killed at least 90 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

Malteser International, a relief organization sponsored by the Order of Malta has sent a team of volunteers to Mexico City to provide rescue and first-aid help.

“The people of Mexico will need help to rebuild their lives and infrastructure after this disaster,” said Ingo Radtke, Malteser International’s Secretary General. “The Mexican Association of the Order of Malta is well positioned and equipped for emergency intervention. We are in close contact with our colleagues in Mexico and are standing ready to offer any support they would need in their relief efforts.”

About 500 volunteers from the Mexican Order of Malta’s aid service are already providing humanitarian assistance to communities affected by previous earthquake.

The Sept. 19 quake destroyed many buildings in Mexico City, including the headquarters of the Mexican Association of the Order of Malta as well as a school run by its aid service in the country.

Catholic Relief Services, the overseas aid agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has likewise been on the ground in Mexico since the Sept. 7 earthquake providing shelter repairs and immediate relief to families in isolated areas. After the country’s second earthquake the agency is continuing to assess the needs on the ground and provide help with recovery, rebuilding and support for the survivors from both disasters.

CRS is part of the network of Catholic charities known as Caritas Internationalis.

Covenant House, a Catholic agency for homeless youth, reported that all of the children in their care are safe, but agency officials have been unable to contact some staff members since the Sept. 19 earthquake and do not know of their condition.

Two of the agency’s seven shelters in Mexico City have

cracks and fissures after the earthquake and gas leaks forced the evacuation of a shelter for girls. Some shelters do not have electricity.

“Food is running low and will spoil without electricity,” said Kevin Ryan, president of Covenant House, in a statement.

“We need food and fuel to feed our children, including newly displaced children coming to us because their homes have been destroyed. Our emergency response team is making do, but it isn’t easy, and everyone is afraid of aftershocks -- which can be damaging and deadly.”

Ambassador Mark Green, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, told reporters in a Sept. 21 press briefing in New York that USAID had sent a Disaster Assistance Response Team to Mexico in response to urgent humanitarian needs. The team includes more than 60 members and five K-9s from the Los Angeles County Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue Team, which took specialized tools and medical equipment to conduct around-the-clock search and rescue operations. The team would also be working closely with Mexican disaster authorities to help rescue earthquake survivors and assess structures for earthquake damage.

Green said the U.S. government, “at the very highest levels, is engaged on the humanitarian relief being provided to Mexico.” He said he spoke to White House officials Sept. 20 who were “making sure that we provide what’s been asked for and what’s necessary to extend our hand. So I’m pleased to say that the government is very engaged in taking on these fires of humanitarian assistance that we need to address right now.”

Donations for Mexico earthquake relief efforts can be sent to: n Catholic Relief Services: https://support.crs.org/donate/ mexico-earthquake n Maltese International: http://bit.ly/2fCYHWf n Covenant House: http://bit.ly/2ygz30D n AVSI USA, a development agency with a focus on education, according to Catholic social thought: https://donorbox.org/ mexico-earthquake-relief-september-2017 In addition, parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte will have the opportunity to contribute to a special collection for recent disaster victims the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 1. For details, see page 14.

September 29, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

IN BRIEF FROM PAGE 16

student population that exceeds 60 million pupils from every faith and ethnic group,” the cardinal said.

Pope: Church was late fighting abuse, promises ‘zero tolerance’ VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has endorsed an approach of “zero tolerance” toward all members of the Church guilty of sexually abusing minors or vulnerable adults. Having listened to abuse survivors and having made what he described as a mistake in approving a more lenient set of sanctions against an Italian priest abuser, the pope said he has decided whoever has been proven guilty of abuse has no right to an appeal, and he will never grant a papal pardon. “Why? Simply because the person who does this (sexually abuses minors) is sick. It is a sickness,” he told his advisory commission on child protection Sept. 21. Members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, including its president – Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston – were meeting in Rome Sept. 21-23 for their plenary assembly.

Vatican signs treaty to ban nuclear weapons VATICAN CITY — The Holy See ratified and signed the new U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the high-level Vatican diplomat who signed the treaty told a U.N. conference that the Church supports efforts “to move progressively toward a world free of nuclear weapons.” Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican foreign minister, signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations Sept. 20. More than 40 other countries signed it as well. The treaty would enter into force 90 days after at least 50 countries both sign and ratify it.

Pope says he’s worried about growing anti-migrant sentiment VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said he is worried that even Catholics are arguing against accepting more migrants and refugees into their communities, and they often cite an ill-defined “’moral obligation’ to preserve the original cultural and religious identity” of their nations.

The “temptation of exclusivism and cultural fortification” has arisen among Catholics at times in the past, “but the Holy Spirit always helped us to overcome it, guaranteeing a

constant opening to the other,” the pope said Sept. 22 during a meeting with the directors of migrant and refugee services from the bishops’ conferences of Europe. “I will not hide my concern about the signs of intolerance, discrimination and xenophobia that are seen in different regions of Europe,” the pope said.

Freed Indian Salesian meets Pope Francis VATICAN CITY — One day after his release from captivity, Salesian Father Tom Uzhunnalil met with Pope Francis. According to the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, the pope welcomed Father Uzhunnalil at his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Sept. 13. Arriving before Pope Francis, the Salesian knelt before him and kissed his feet. Visibly moved by the gesture, the pope helped him up and kissed his hands, the Vatican newspaper said. Father Uzhunnalil was kidnapped March 4, 2016, from a home for the aged and disabled run by the Missionaries of Charity in Aden, Yemen. Four Missionaries of Charity and 12 others were murdered in the attack. According to Oman’s state-run news agency ONA, Father Uzhunnalil was “rescued” Sept. 12 by Oman authorities “in coordination with the Yemeni parties.”

Anxiety / Depression Acid Reflux / Sleep Hormones / Fatigue Cholesterol / Acne

Vatican, former Vatican auditor give differing accounts of resignation VATICAN CITY — The first person to serve as the Vatican’s independent auditor said he was forced to resign after opponents of Pope Francis’ financial reforms mounted a campaign against him. But the Vatican press office responded Sept. 24, saying Libero Milone, “going outside his competencies, illegally hired an external company to undertake investigative activities about the private lives of representatives of the Holy See. This, besides being a crime, irremediably strained the trust placed in Dr. Milone,” the statement said. It added that the Vatican’s internal investigation of his actions was conducted with care and respect. Without providing an explanation, the Vatican in June announced that Milone turned in a letter of resignation, which was accepted by Pope Francis. Milone had been in office just two years, although he had a five-year contract. The position of auditor general was seen as a key component of Pope Francis’ efforts to reform Vatican finances and bring greater transparency in financial dealings. According to statutes issued by Pope Francis, the auditor general has the power to audit the books of any Vatican office and reports directly to the pope.

— Catholic News Service

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ViewPoints 18

catholicnewsherald.com | September 29, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Resources These key documents are worth reading to learn more during this commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Links to each are online at www. catholicnewsherald.com: n JOINT DECLARATION ON THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION: Produced by the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church’s Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in 1999, as a result of extensive ecumenical dialogue. It states that the churches now share “a common understanding of our justification by God’s grace through faith in Christ.”

To the parties involved, it essentially resolves the 500-year-old conflict over the nature of justification that was at the heart of the Protestant Reformation.

The World Methodist Council adopted it in 2006, and the World Communion of Reformed Churches (Congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed, United, Uniting and Waldensian churches) adopted it last July. n “DECLARATION ON THE WAY: CHURCH, MINISTRY AND EUCHARIST”: Created by the Bishops’ Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. “It is a declaration of the consensus achieved by Lutherans and Catholics on the topics of church, ministry and Eucharist as the result of ecumenical dialogue between the two communions since 1965 ... The Declaration also offers encouragement that together Catholics and Lutherans will find ways to move forward where work remains to be done.” n “UNITATIS REDINTEGRATIO” (“RESTORATION OF UNITY”): The Second Vatican Council’s decree on ecumenism, promulgated in 1964, calls for the reunion of Christendom and focuses on the unity of the people of God. It describes Protestants as “separated brethren” united by baptism but divided by sometimes irreconcilable doctrinal differences. n “FROM CONFLICT TO COMMUNION: LUTHERAN-CATHOLIC COMMON COMMEMORATION OF THE REFORMATION IN 2017”: Drafted by the international LutheranRoman Catholic Commission on Unity, it seeks to describe together at an international level the history of the Reformation and its intentions.

An accompanying study guide and list of resources from the USCCB is designed to increase understanding among Catholics, Lutherans and other Christians.

Father Thomas Ryan

I

The 500th anniversary of the Reformation: A year of unparalleled opportunity

n his book “Martin Luther: An Ecumenical Perspective,” Cardinal Walter Kasper notes that our ideas about Martin Luther have undergone transformations in a number of ways over the past 500 years. Historically, for Catholics, Luther was the father of Protestantism, the heretic to blame for the division of the Western Church.

But in the 20th century, Catholic scholars made a notable shift in their research on Luther. They recognized his genuine religious concerns and came to a more balanced judgment with regard to his responsibility for dividing the church. Even recent popes have adopted this new perspective.

Luther’s concern was the gospel of the glory of God’s grace. While he was a reform-minded person, it was not his intention to become the founder of a separate Reform church. His goal was the renewal of the Catholic Church from the perspective of the Gospel.

The 14th and 15th centuries, the period known as the Late Middle Ages, was a period marked by major crises which led to radical changes in all areas of society: Demographic collapse due to a series of famines and plagues. Popular revolts leading to civil wars within countries as well as international conflicts between countries such as France and England in the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453). And religious upheavals with three church leaders simultaneously claiming to be the true pope (the Western Schism 1378-1417).

Reform was needed. The Church held great political power in addition to ecclesiastical power. The pope was also a king (of the papal state). The bishops were also princes and secular rulers. It was a financial boom to become a bishop because it brought with it lots of land and money. And princes were allowed to elect the emperor. Church and State functioned in a symbiotic relationship. So it’s not surprising that in the view of contemporary scholars, the Reformation period was marked by a complex series of interdependent religious, social and political movements.

And Luther’s call for reform was not heard by pope or bishops. He was answered with polemic and condemnation.

His posting in 1517 of the 95 theses titled “Disputation on the Efficacy and Power of Indulgences” was intended as an invitation to an academic discussion. But it never happened. And today, notes Cardinal Kasper, “Rome bears its fill of complicity in the fact that a church-dividing Reformation developed out of the reform of the church.”

Common historical studies now enable us to recognize Luther as a teacher of the Gospel. Many aspects of Catholic life now find better expression because the Second Vatican Council responded at last to many of Luther’s appeals for reforms. Examples: The priority of grace over works. The centrality of Scripture. An ecclesiology based on the Church as the people of God. The priesthood of the faithful. A vernacular liturgy.

Communion under both species. A renewed emphasis on preaching. An active participation of the laity in worship (hymnody). An understanding of ministry as service. The principle of religious freedom. Need of continual reform in the Church.

And as the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification co-signed in 1999 by officials of the Vatican and the Lutheran World Federation indicates, there is now a consensus on a truth central to Christian faith: “By grace alone, in faith in Christ’s saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping and calling us to good works” (15).

The Joint Declaration was a decisive step forward in overcoming division within the Church. The experience of speaking the truth of the Gospel together is helping us to see one another in a new light. The last 50 years of dialogue enable us to see history anew and to heal our common memory. We share the same DNA. In the fall of 2016, the North American Academy of Ecumenists met at the Candler School of Theology in Georgia under the theme of “Commemorating the Reformation: Churches Looking Together Toward 2017 and Beyond.” One of the speakers, Dr. Catherine Clifford, a Catholic theologian from St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, Ontario, noted that this anniversary is an unparalleled opportunity to enter into the process of healing and reconciliation. It’s an occasion that can have profound implications for our future together if we approach it in the right spirit.

CNS | PAUL HARING

Pope Francis attends an ecumenical prayer service at the Lutheran cathedral in Lund, Sweden, Oct. 31, 2016. Also pictured are the Rev. Martin Junge, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, and Archbishop Antje Jackelen, primate of the Lutheran Church in Sweden. The pope made a two-day visit to Sweden to attend events marking the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. With the prayer service, Pope Francis and leaders of the Lutheran World Federation launched a year of activities to mark the 500th anniversary in 2017 of Martin Luther’s efforts to reform the church.

“We welcome the opportunity,” said Dr. Clifford, “to commemorate, to remember together. Each act of remembering together is an anamnesis – an act of remembering together what we share in Christ.”

“We need to make ‘new memories’ together,” she said. “This anniversary is an occasion to receive the fruits of our dialogue – fruits of the last 50 years together. To see our relationships with one another in a new light. To discern the presence and action of God’s Spirit in each other’s communities. The healing of memories is an essential and necessary step on the way to full and mutual recognition.”

Dr. Clifford reflected how, in hindsight, memories run deep. They shape our defining narratives. The temptation is to see the differences on both sides as irreconcilable. Catholics and Lutherans not only misunderstood but misrepresented the “other” to make each other look bad. Oppositions were constructed and handed down to the next generation.

We need to hand down, said Clifford, a new narrative to future generations of Lutherans and Catholics. 50 years of dialogue have enabled us to come to a more honest and objective view of the events of the Reformation. To better appreciate the richness of one another’s traditions and insights, and to discover profound agreement on the basic truths of the Gospel.

“This must extend to every Christian in our communities,” said Dr. Clifford. “We must move once and for all beyond the conflictual dynamics of the Reformation era. For the first time we will commemorate the anniversary of the Reformation together. By making these new memories together we’re making a commonly held genealogy. The Holy Spirit is able to banish from us the painful memories of separation.”

The time has come for a purification and healing of memories, and for the restoration of Christian unity in accord with the Gospel.

FATHER THOMAS RYAN, CSP, directs the Paulist North American Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations in Boston, Mass. Read more of his commentaries at www.tomryancsp.org.

September 29, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Parish spotlight

Deacon James H. Toner

What we know that ain’t so:

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

Why we should not attend the traditional Latin Mass n I was confused when I went to the traditional Latin Mass because I don’t speak Latin. But Latin is the universal language of the Church, with the great advantage that its meaning doesn’t change. With the traditional Latin Mass, there is no need for Masses in English, Korean, French or Spanish. We are united as Catholics by the beautiful, traditional language of the Church. Most churches, by the way, have paperback missalettes that offer translations. n I attended the traditional Latin Mass, and I had no idea what was going on, even with the missalette. With some effort and experience (three or four Masses), you will soon be at home with the Mass of the Ages. Consider that we spend time learning how to hit a baseball, kick a football or ride a bike. Can’t we spend a little time preparing for holy Mass so that we may worship Almighty God? Archbishop Charles n The traditional Latin Chaput Mass is too quiet. But, as Mother Teresa taught us, “The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love.

The fruit of love is service. The fruit “IT’S HOWDY DOODY of service is peace.”

TIME!,” by George Weigel, All Extraordinary in the June 21, 2017, online Form Masses (Low edition of “First Things” Mass, High Mass, Solemn Mass) have moments of quiet.

These are not energetic Masses. The value of silence has been explained by Cardinal Robert Sarah in his recent book “The Power of Silence.” All of us Catholics need catechetical refreshment: wide reading and serious discussion. n The traditional Latin Mass is just too “other-worldly” worship for me. But of course it is! It is so for all of us, or ought to be. We are worshiping God, not back-slapping our neighbors, talking about the Panthers, or exchanging recipes. We are called to lift up our hearts, not according to the customs of the world, but in and through the divine liturgy. Although we should study the Mass, it is, remember, the great “Mystery of Faith.” n The traditional Latin Mass is very “regular,” with no spontaneity or improvisation by the priest. But that is

‘The more secular we become – both as individuals and as a country – the less we care about the true, the right and the lasting.’

Suggested reading

how Mass ought to be, for it is not the personal property of the priest (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 1125). n The priest, deacon and subdeacon ignore the crowd.

First, it’s not a crowd; it is a congregation united in worship for the moment in that particular traditional Latin Mass and joined with the communion of saints for eternity by the very same Mass which was prayed for centuries by countless saints. n There is no modern music at a traditional Latin Mass.

But Mass is not supposed to be a stage for musical exhibition or a concert. Mass is not supposed to be a secular, routine or banal experience. Even Vatican II called for pride of place for Gregorian chant and the pipe organ so as to lift our minds “to God and higher things” (“Sacrosanctum Concilium,” 116, 120). n In the contemporary Mass – the Novus Ordo or Ordinary Form – the Liturgy of the Word features more Bible readings. But as Peter Kwasniewski writes in “One Peter Five” (Dec. 29, 2015): “When it comes to biblical readings, the old rite operates on two admirable principles: first, that passages are chosen not for their own sake (to ‘get through’ as much of Scripture as possible) but to illuminate the meaning of the occasion of worship; second, that the emphasis is not on a mere increase of biblical literacy or didactic instruction but on ‘mystagogy.’ In other words, the readings at Mass are not meant to be a glorified Sunday school but an ongoing initiation into the mysteries of the Faith.” n There are no “extraordinary ministers” at a traditional Latin Mass. But when we assist at Mass, we do so in and by prayer. We join with the priest in offering to God all of our joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, successes and sins (in the spirit of contrition). To assist at Mass does not mean offering physical help; it means praying the Mass with the priest. n At a traditional Latin Mass, I have to kneel and receive the host on the tongue. But, first, it’s not a “host.”

By the mystery of transubstantiation, you are receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Second, if you are physically able, and know that you are receiving Holy Communion, should you not want to kneel? n The traditional Latin Mass has a strange calendar of seasons. But it doesn’t! We are used to what George Weigel calls “biblical insanity.” In the contemporary Mass readings (for 2010), Jesus is born on Dec. 25; on Dec. 26, the holy family flees to Egypt; on Jan. 2, the magi, who have just left, arrive; on Jan. 3, Jesus hears that John the Baptist has been arrested; on Jan. 4, Jesus feeds the 5,000; on Jan. 5, Jesus walks on water; on Jan. 6, Jesus goes back to Galilee; on Jan. 7, Jesus feeds a leper; on Jan. 8, Jesus goes to Judea, where John the Baptist, who was arrested on Monday, has not been arrested yet; on Jan. 9, Jesus is baptized by John (see Weigel’s “Evangelical Catholicism”). n The Traditional Latin Mass is “incurably and eternally Catholic.” Yes, I couldn’t agree more with you.

Deo gratias – thanks be to God. DEACON JAMES H. TONER serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

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‘Our God doesn’t tire of going out to look for us, of letting us see that He loves us.’

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From online story: “Worst sin is doubting God waits for all sinners to convert, pope says” Through press time on Sept. 27, 9,207 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 19,737 pages. The top 10 headlines in September were: n Eucharistic Congress of the Diocese of Charlotte............................................................... 1,222 n A blessing for Our Lady of Grace Church..................................................................................624 n More than 20,000 fill Charlotte streets in Eucharistic Procession...................................619 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald................................................602 n Priest assignments for 2017........................................................................................................ 580 n Father Jeff Kirby gives fiery address as Eucharistic Congress opens.............................524 n Monroe parish launches new adult education effort............................................................ 280 n Charlotte parishioner takes religious vows.............................................................................. 274 n Father Lawlor installed as pastor of St. Thérèse Church..................................................... 265 n Eucharist gives us sanctifying grace.......................................................................................... 225

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UNITY FROM PAGE 3

“It’s about the truth that God is faithful, that God is single-minded, that God is single-hearted, that God has integrity, that God is trustworthy,” she said. “We’re to cling to that and confess that in all times and in all circumstances of our life.”

People throughout the ages have disregarded that advice, thinking they could go it alone or trust in earthly powers.

However, she continued, “Every single time that the people of God in Israel or in the Christian church have decided that God needs a little extra help from us, is when things have gone terribly, terribly wrong.”

The Gospel reminds us of “the singlemindedness, the single-heartedness of God,” she said. “God loved us so much that He sent us Jesus, and Jesus would go to hell and back to save everyone.”

“Now we come here, 500 years after the Reformation ... we are once again called to be one,” she said.

The gift of God’s grace “means that all of us – all of us – are on the same playing field, that not one of us can get out of the mess that we’re in by ourselves. Not a one of us, not a group of people is somehow better able to negotiate our way through this life, which means there is no one group

of people who are superior to any other group of people.”

Hatred, envy, pride, greed, gluttony, violence, racism, hopelessness – these are the hallmarks of “the real world,” she said.

It is the call of every Christian to stand up and say, “That way only leads to suffering and death. Maybe not immediately, and maybe not as blatantly as what we saw in Charlottesville or around our country.

Maybe not that quickly, that soon. But it leads to death.”

Rev. Eaton paused, then said, “500 years.

So what?

“Here’s the so what: When we truly believe and trust and live in the faith of the single-mindedness, the single-heartedness of God, when things that shake us or draw our attention away or say ‘come with me and I’ll show you the good life,’ when we say no – ‘Hear, O Israel, hear, O church, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.’ And when we do that together, we might be a witness and a beacon to people out there who are lost and struggling and falling prey to all of these things that lead to divisions in humankind.”

Offering a greeting at the start of the service, Bishop Jugis said, “This commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation is an opportunity to continue moving forward, toward our common goal of reconciliation and unity of Christians, in fulfillment of Jesus’ (high priestly) prayer.”

“The demands of ministry are great and

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

(803) 327-2097

Center for Spirituality rockhilloratory.net

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The Labyrinth: Sacred Circles for Prayer, Meditation and Creative Journeying Friday, October 20, 2017 7:00pm – 9:00pm Saturday, October 21, 2017 9:00am – 4:00pm

Claudia Fulshaw The Labyrinth – not a maze to get lost in but a path on which to be found!

We will learn about labyrinths, their history, meaning and purpose as well as exploring the sacredness of circles, forms of prayer and meditation used in labyrinth walks and spend time walking the labyrinth. With a variety of hands-on art projects and writing prompts we will create our own mini-labyrinths that are meaningful for our personal spiritual journeys.

No art experience is required for this guided and exploratory retreat!

Amazing creations, relaxation, smiles and laughter are guaranteed during this soul-stirring time. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested.

Claudia Fulshaw lives in Durham, NC and is a full-time graphic designer, artist and retreat facilitator, with a desire to share her unique “art spirit”, and her need to create with others.

Cost: $125 Friday – Saturday (Room & Meals) $100 Friday – Saturday (Commuter w/lunch), $55 Saturday Only (includes lunch)

all-consuming and we each serve within our own sphere of influence, but a service such as this today enables us to pray together and establish contact with other disciples of the Lord, who give all to serve Him. In this way, our desire for Christian unity is continuing to make progress,” he said.

“A hopeful sign of our growing solidarity,” he noted, was the way in which the 500th anniversary commemorations opened last October: with a common prayer service led by Pope Francis and Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, president of the Lutheran World Federation, in Lund, Sweden. “This common witness of theirs ... is serving as an inspiration for us all,” he said.

The Rev. Dr. George Battle Jr., senior bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church and presiding prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District, also addressed the congregation.

“Our relationship is getting stronger,” Rev. Battle said. “It has not been easy, but God did not promise that it would be easy.

You have wrapped your arms around us and we intend to wrap our arms around your people. We intend to be the one church that Christ is calling us to be.”

The service and concert prelude featured choirs and brass ensembles from Newberry College in South Carolina and Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina, as well as a combined choir from at least a dozen churches across North and South Carolina.

BLESSINGS FROM PAGE 11

which includes four additional parishes and two parochial schools: St. Mary’s Church, Our Lady of Grace Church and School, St. Pius X Church and School (a mission of St. Benedict’s until 1960) and St. Paul the Apostle Church. The city is also home to the Franciscan Center and Catholic Gift Shop as well as Room at the Inn, a licensed Catholic maternity home started by St. Benedict parishioners and former pastor Father Conrad Kimbrough.

St. Benedict Parish is comprised of about 270 registered families. Reflecting the growing diversity of the Greensboro area, parishioners come from all over the world,

SEMINARY FROM PAGE 3

students in a 17,000-square-foot building, and future expansion plans to double that to 40 students. Because enrollment is already nearing 20 men, diocesan planners have accelerated those plans, now moving forward with a 27,000-square-foot building that can house up to 40 men at the start.

Besides 40 dormitory-style rooms, the main building will include academic spaces, administrative offices, four faculty offices, a guest suite, a gathering space and refectory, chapel and study space. The projected cost to complete phase one is approximately $15 million.

The second phase of the project would be to construct the seminary’s permanent chapel.

The diocese is partnering with architectural firm Michael G. Imber Architects of San Antonio, Texas, and Creech & Associates PLLC of Charlotte to design the American Gothic style building.

They hope to finish revising the plans over the next several months, but construction cannot begin in earnest until fundraising efforts are complete.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NEAL F. FISCHER, SOUTH CAROLINA SYNOD, EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

Bishop Peter Jugis talks after the ecumenical service with the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

A special anthem, “The Righteous Shall Live By Faith” by the Rev. Dr. Paul Weber, composer and professor emeritus of Lenoir-Rhyne University, was commissioned especially for the occasion by the anniversary commemoration organizing committee.

including Nigeria, Togo, Croatia, and the pastor’s native Vietnam. St. Benedict also offers daily Mass during the weekday lunch hour to serve Catholics who work downtown.

“We are small but tight!” Father Duong proudly exclaimed at the reception after the dedication Mass.

The major renovation work is complete, but maintenance such as the repointing of bricks and electrical work continues.

“St. Benedict is a special parish, going all the way back to a nun who made it so all Catholics no matter their color could come to Mass. We have a beautiful history, and we wanted to have the altar and the rest of the church match that history,” Garcia said.

“We want to make sure St. Benedict is here for another 120 years.”

Fundraising has brought in $4.5 million so far, Father Kauth said, but the original project cost estimate of $7.5 million has risen to $15 million because the plans were enlarged to accommodate twice as many men, the original plans did not anticipate the need to purchase land, and because of price increases in the construction market.

Father Kauth said he is continuing his fundraising efforts outside the diocese this year, and he hopes to begin concentrated fundraising work in the diocese in the fall of 2018.

The need for a college seminary in the diocese to nurture priestly vocations is clearer than ever, Father Kauth noted.

“We thought that there was a need, that there was a desire, but you never know if it’s going to come to fruition. Since it has produced a yield 10-, 20- and 100-fold, now we have to step out in faith again and say, ‘We don’t have five years to live in an old convent. We have got to build now to house these men and not send them away for someone else to form them,’” he said.

“They are coming because they want to be formed here. They want to be among their parishes, their priests, their people. It’s really spurring on their vocations. It’s been doing exactly what we had hoped. I just didn’t think it would yield such a huge crop!”