Oct. 26, 2018

October 26, 2018

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

INSIDE

2017-’18 Diocese of Charlotte Annual Report

Saving St. Lawrence Basilica Restoration effort begins with careful survey of historic Asheville church 3

NEW SAINTS FOR THE CHURCH Saints risk all for love of Jesus, pope says at canonization Mass

20 Emotiva celebración por la canonización de Monseñor Romero

14 Subscribe today! Call:

704-370-3333

INDEX

catholicnewsherald.com

FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE THANK YOU!

Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Español......................... 14-16 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes................. 3-10 Schools...............................11 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................17 U.S. news...................... 18-19 Viewpoints.................. 22-23 World news.................. 20-21

Festivals and fun

6-8

AFRICAN PRIESTS A missionary spirit in the Charlotte diocese 12-13

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Francis

Indifference, hatred is the first step to murder

H

urling insults and being indifferent to other people’s lives is the first step along the winding path that leads to killing them, at least figuratively, Pope Francis said.

By warning that “whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment,” Jesus equates hatred with murder, the pope said Oct. 17 during his weekly general audience.

“Indifference kills. It’s like telling someone, ‘You’re dead to me,’ because you’ve killed them in your heart. Not loving is the first step to killing; and not killing is the first step to loving,” he told thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.

Continuing his series of talks on the Ten Commandments, the pope reflected on Christ’s explanation of the Fifth Commandment, “Thou shall not kill.”

“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift,” Jesus said according to St. Matthew’s Gospel.

Although Christians should have “an attitude of reconciliation with people who we have had problems with,” Pope Francis said that sometimes, even while waiting for Mass to begin, “we gossip a bit and speak bad about others.”

“This can’t be done!” he exclaimed.

“Let’s think about the gravity of insults, the gravity of despising someone, the seriousness of hatred. Jesus places them along the lines of murder.”

By expanding on the definition of murder, the pope explained, Jesus emphasized that every person, carrying within them the image of God, “possesses a hidden self that is no less important than their physical being,” and both easily can be destroyed.

“To offend the innocence of a child, an inappropriate phrase is enough,” he said. “To hurt a woman, a gesture of coldness is enough. To break a young man’s heart, it is enough to deny him trust. To annihilate a man, it is enough to ignore him.”

Through His life and death, Christ taught that forgiveness and mercy are “the love we cannot do without.”

In Jesus, Pope Francis said, “in His love which is stronger than death and through the power of the Spirit that the Father gives us, we can accept this (commandment) – ‘Thou shall not kill’ – as the most important and essential appeal: the call to love.”

St. Martin de Porres, ‘saint of the broom’

Vote – it’s the Catholic way

Feast day: Nov. 3 to levitate in ecstasy in front of the altar, but St. Martin de Porres was born in Lima, he also subjected himself to many severe Peru, on Dec. 9, 1579 as the son of Spaniard penances. He was considered to be very wise, Juan de Porres and a freed black slave from Panama, Ana Velasquez. Being of mixed race, and many people sought out his advice and intercession.

Martin was of a lower social caste, though his He was noted for his work on behalf of father looked out for him and made sure the the poor, establishing an orphanage and boy was apprenticed in a good trade.

Martin studied to be a barber, which, at that a children’s hospital. He maintained an time, meant that he also learned medicine. He austere lifestyle, which included fasting and abstaining from meat. became very well known Among the many miracles for his compassion and attributed to him besides skill as a barber, and cared levitation were bilocation, for many people as well as miraculous knowledge, animals. instantaneous cures and Under Peruvian law, an ability to communicate descendants of Africans with animals. and Native Americans He ministered without were barred from distinction to Spanish becoming full members nobles and to slaves of religious orders. The brought from Africa, only route open to the curing the sick and often faith-filled boy was to bringing in the sick to his ask the Dominicans of own bed in the monastery Holy Rosary Priory in when there was no room Lima to accept him as Portrait of St. Martin de Porres, circa the in the infirmary. One day a “donado,” a volunteer 17th century, Monastery of Rosa of Santa he found a poor Indian who performed menial Maria in Lima. This portrait was painted on the street, bleeding tasks in the monastery in during his lifetime or very soon after his to death from a dagger return for the privilege death, so it is probably the most true to his wound, and took him of wearing the habit and appearance. to his room. When he living with the religious heard of this, the prior community. At the age of reprimanded him. Martin replied, “Forgive 15 he asked for admission to the monastery my error, and please instruct me, for I did and was received first as a servant boy, not know that the precept of obedience took and as his duties grew he was promoted to precedence over that of charity.” The prior almoner. He later took on kitchen work, gave him liberty thereafter to follow his laundry and cleaning. After eight years, the inspirations in the exercise of mercy. prior of the monastery decided to ignore He died aged 59 on Nov. 3, 1639, and the law and permitted Martin to take vows though an investigation of his life proceeded as a Third Order Dominican, which meant rapidly after his death, his candidacy for he was a lay man associated with the order, canonization was delayed for more than living at the monastery. Not everyone at the 300 years due to a series of delays, natural monastery accepted Martin, however, and he disasters and shipwrecks. He was finally was verbally abused as a “mulatto dog” and canonized in 1962 by Pope John XXIII. mocked.

He is the patron saint of mixed-race people, When Martin was 24, he was allowed to barbers, innkeepers, public health workers, profess religious vows as a Dominican lay and all those seeking racial harmony. brother. He is said to have several times — Catholic News Agency refused this elevation in status, which may have come about due to his father’s intervention, and he never became a priest. It More online is said that when his monastery was in debt, At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read about he implored them: “I am only a poor mulatto, more black Catholics throughout history in our sell me.” special feature commemorating Black Catholic Martin’s prayer life was intense, and he History Month in November practiced many mortifications. He was known

Catholics are being encouraged to participate in political life, form their consciences and vote this Election Day. In their statement on “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the U.S. bishops remind Catholics about the call to participate in political life.

“In the Catholic tradition,” they write, “responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.”

Catholics are urged to form their consciences through being open to truth, studying Scripture and Church teaching, examining facts and background information, and prayerful reflection.

Learn more At www.faithfulcitizenship.org: Learn more about Catholic teaching on the issues of the day, watch videos, find prayers to pray before and after an election, and access other resources

Votar – es una práctica católica Se está animando a los católicos a participar en la vida política, formar sus propias conciencias en las próximas elecciones.

En la declaración “Formando la conciencia para una ciudadanía fiel”, los obispos de Estados Unidos les recuerdan a los católicos el llamado a participar en la vida política. “En la tradición católica” escriben, “ciudadanía responsable es una virtud y la participación en la vida política es una obligación moral”.

Se insta a católicos a formar sus conciencias a través de la apertura a la verdad, estudiando las Escrituras y las enseñanzas de la Iglesia, examinando hechos e información histórica, así como reflexionando con la ayuda de la oración.

Aprende más En www.faithfulcitizenship.org: Obtenga más información sobre la enseñanza católica en los temas del día, vea videos, encuentre oraciones para rezar antes y después de una elección y acceda a otros recursos

Your daily Scripture readings OCT. 28-NOV. 3

Sunday: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Hebrews 5:1-6, Mark 10:46-52; Monday: Ephesians 4:32-5:8, Luke 13:10-17; Tuesday: Ephesians 5:21-33, Luke 13:18-21; Wednesday: Ephesians 6:1-9, Luke 13:22-30; Thursday (All saints): Revelation 7:24, 9-14, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12; Friday (All Souls’ Day): Wisdom 3:1-9, Romans 5:5-11, John 6:37-40; Saturday (St. Martin de Porres): Philippians 1:18-26, Luke 14:1, 7-11

NOV. 4-10

Sunday: Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Hebrews 7:2328, Mark 12:28-34; Monday: Philippians 2:1-4, Luke 14:12-14; Tuesday: Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 14:15-24; Wednesday: Philippians 2:12-18, Luke 14:25-33; Thursday: Philippians 3:3-8, Luke 15:1-10; Friday (The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica): Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12, 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17, John 2:13-22; Saturday (St. Leo the Great): Philippians 4:10-19, Luke 16:9-15

NOV. 11-17

Sunday: 1 Kings 17:10-16, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44; Monday (St. Josaphat): Titus 1:1-9, Luke 17:1-6; Tuesday (St. Frances Xavier Cabrini): Titus 2:1-8, 11-14, Luke 17:7-10; Wednesday: Titus 3:1-7, Luke 17:11-19; Thursday (St. Albert the Great): Philemon 7:-20, Luke 17:20-25; Friday (St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Gertrude): 2 John 4-9, Luke 17:26-37; Saturday (St. Elizabeth of Hungary): 3 John 5-8, Luke 18:1-8

Our parishes

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

er Riv

Rd.

er Riv

Boo ne

St. Joseph Of The Hills

ay nw ree

St.

ith Sm

KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

ASHEVILLE — Architects and historians are using the latest technology to help save historic St. Lawrence Basilica.

Armed with laser scanners, drones and cameras, experts carefully scrutinized every inch of the centuryold basilica in downtown Asheville for two weeks in October – climbing all over the dome, descending into the basement, and even rappelling down the two bell towers and exterior walls as curious passersby stopped to watch. Their goal: to evaluate the extent of damage done to the basilica by water, winter temperatures and 100-plus years of use.

The basilica has deteriorated over the years and shows signs of damage – everything from crumbling tile and brickwork to moisture damage and cracks in the famed dome ceiling.

The stunning tile-decorated apse and chapels, as well as the brick walls, need cleaning from 109 years of incense, candles and heating.

Experts are analyzing the drone photos, laser infrared assessments and extensive evaluations taken inside and outside the basilica to help develop a restoration plan, said Jim Crumlish, president of the Basilica Preservation Fund Inc. That plan is expected by mid-2019.

The Basilica Preservation Fund Inc., a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to protecting and raising awareness about the historic structure, is leading the preservation effort in coordination with parish and Diocese of Charlotte officials.

The fund was set up in 2008 in part to help enable a national campaign to try to acquire donors who could

r Kude

rG ive

Restoration effort begins with careful survey of historic Asheville church

R ith Sm

ith Sm

Saving St. Lawrence Basilica

3

Kuder Terrace

Street in Eden may be renamed PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

JOHN COSMAS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Using drones and laser scanners, technicians survey St. Lawrence Basilica Oct. 10 as part of an extensive evaluation that will determine what needs to be done to restore the historic church.

More online At www.savethebasilica.org: Learn more about St. Lawrence Basilica and the efforts to preserve it

be interested in preserving a historic landmark like this.

Preserving and updating the basilica could cost anywhere from $10 million to $15 million or more, Crumlish estimates.

The historic basilica in downtown Asheville was built from 1905 to 1909

Catholic Charities’ AmeriCorps members pitch in TRENTON — Starting on Monday, Oct. 8, two Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte AmeriCorps members, Alyssa Willow (left) and Brandy Arredondo (right), assisted for one week of disaster response operations in the Diocese of Raleigh.

Based in the small town of Trenton, NC, west of New Bern and about 20 miles from the coast, the two AmeriCorps members distributed emergency supplies such as first aid and hygiene kits, blankets, diapers, baby formula and cleaning items to those affected by Hurricane Florence. They also assisted in operating a mobile disaster response laundry truck (with six washers and six dryers) provided by Catholic Charities USA free for use by anyone in the hurricane-affected communities – a needed service which Arredondo said “allowed clients to leave (the laundry truck) and return when needed so that they could still take care of other errands.”

“As we drove down the country roads to Trenton,” noted Willow, “most of the houses had their contents out on the side of the road. The debris all around us took me aback as I realized how many people had been affected.” On their last day of work in eastern North Carolina, they helped accept, sort, weigh and organize donations arriving at the Catholic Parish Outreach warehouse of Catholic Charities in Raleigh.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOE PURELLO

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from the experts’ survey of the basilica

and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the only work by renowned architect Rafael Guastavino that he both designed and constructed.

Guastavino, nicknamed “the architect BASILICA, SEE PAGE 24

EDEN — A street named in honor of a priest later accused of child sexual abuse may get a new name.

Kuder Street runs alongside St. Joseph of the Hills Church, and was named decades ago for the parish’s first pastor – Father William J. Kuder – who presided over the construction of the church in 1938. The church was dedicated with much fanfare in 1939, and Father Kuder was lauded for his leadership. He served as pastor until 1940, then went on to serve as pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church in Candler until his death in 1960.

In 1995, a former member of the Candler parish came forward to accuse the late priest of raping him when he served as an altar boy in the early 1950s, starting when he was 9 years old and continuing until he was 13. The abuse survivor said he knew of at least 10 other boys in his parish school who had been similarly molested, including his two brothers.

Responding soon after he had spoken to the victims and their families, then Bishop William Curlin made a public apology at the Candler parish, telling parishioners, “Although he has been dead for 35 years, his memory lives on. While many revered him as a devoted pastor, he was sexually abusing some of the young children in this parish community.”

In 2007, the Diocese of Raleigh – responsible for Father Kuder because the Diocese of Charlotte was not established until 1972 – paid a financial settlement to the man and his brothers, and agreed to unearth Father Kuder’s remains (which had been buried near their parents in Asheville) and move them to another cemetery.

City of Eden officials recently received a letter from one of Kuder’s victims asking them to consider changing the street’s name, given the abuse revelations.

City Planning Director Kelly Stultz, who said she had never heard of the allegations against Father Kuder, conferred with parishioners, who were also surprised to learn the information.

At their Oct. 16 meeting, City Council members agreed to proceed with renaming the street.

Parishioners recommended renaming it Mansfield Street to honor Joseph Mansfield, one of the church’s founding members.

A textile executive in Eden, Mansfield and his family traveled for years to Greensboro or Danville, Va., for Mass until he rallied local Catholics to form their own faith community. The Raleigh diocese established a parish in Eden, and Mansfield helped support the construction of the church on Boone Road.

The street renaming proposal will be considered in a public hearing starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the Eden City Building, 308 East Stadium Dr. Kuder Street has only one resident, and Stultz said she planned to contact the homeowner about the proposal to rename the street.

Diocese of Charlotte spokesman David Hains said the diocese has no objection to renaming the street.

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: OCT. 27–29 Mass of Investiture of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Baltimore, Md.

NOV. 3 – 9 A.M. Holy Mass at Diocesan Catechetical Conference Crowne Plaza Resort, Asheville

OCT. 30 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. James Church, Concord

NOV. 4 – 2:30 P.M. Holy Mass in Honor of Wedding Anniversary Couples St. John Neumann Church, Charlotte

NOV. 6 – 11 A.M. Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

NOV. 11-16 USCCB Meeting Baltimore, Md.

NOV. 9 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte

NOV. 17 – 2 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Matthew Church, Charlotte

Diocesan calendar of events October 26, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

Volume 28 • NUMBER 2

HOMECOMING-CALLING ALL ST. LEO ALUMS: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, in the school gym at St. Leo School, 333 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem. Join for the Second Annual Alumni Homecoming. All St. Leo alumni, current faculty and former faculty are invited to attend this free event. Dinner will be served. Email slshomecoming@gmail.com and provide your name, graduation year and contact information so you can receive updates about the event.

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

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

STAFF EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org

NFP INTRODUCTION AND FULL COURSE: 1:30-5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 12, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting.

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

SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

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

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

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

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

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.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS IGBO MASS: Noon Sunday, Oct. 28, St. Mary’s Church, 1414 Gorrell St., Greensboro. For details, call 336-707-3625.

VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS-CITYWIDE VIGIL HONORING THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY: Coming Nov. 2-3. Join each First Friday through First Saturday at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. In an overnight vigil to honor the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, to pray for families, offer penance for sins, and pray for the nation’s conversion. This is to honor Our Lady of Fatima’s request for prayer and penance. Devotion begins with 7 p.m. First Friday All Souls’ Day Mass, Nov. 2 followed by nocturnal Adoration and concluding with 8 a.m. First Saturday Mass, Nov. 3. Everyone welcome to attend. For details, visit www.prolifecharlotte.org or email info@ prolifecharlotte.org.

PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Come and help pray for the end of abortion. For details, call Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN 25TH AND 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte.

For details and registration, email Sherill Beason at sabeason@charlottediocese.org.

ROSARY NOVENA IN REPARATION FOR THE SINS OF OUR NATION AND FOR CHRIST’S SUFFERING CHURCH: 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 3-Nov. 28, Maryfield Chapel, 1315 Greensboro Road, High Point. Included are prayers of reparation and consolation, praying the rosary, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. All invited.

CHARLOTTE AIRPORT SUNDAY MASS: The Airport Chaplaincy at Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers Mass at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. each Sunday in the airport chapel. All travelers and visitors are welcome.

LAY (THIRD ORDER) CARMELITES: September informational meetings at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. The Lay Carmelite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary (historically known as the Third Order) is an association mainly of laypersons. Its members, responding to a special call of God, freely and deliberately commit themselves “to live in the following of Jesus Christ” according to the charism, traditions and spirit of Carmel under the authority of the Prior General of the Carmelite order. Members, though not in religious life, choose to live out their baptismal commitment according to the spirit of the Carmelite order. Members are brothers and sisters of the Carmelite Family and sharers in the same call to holiness and in the same mission of the Carmelite order. If you are 18 or older, a Catholic in good standing and are interested in becoming a Third Order Carmelite, contact Donna Fodale at 704574-9403 or dfodale@roadrunner.com.

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: EDEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, St. Joseph of the Hills Church, 316 Boone Road FRANKLIN: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, St. Francis of Assisi Church, 299 Maple St. TRYON: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, St. John the Baptist Church, 180 Laurel Ave. SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS ‘DAVE RAMSEY’S FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY’: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nine-week program starting on Sundays, Sept. 16-Nov. 11, in the Parish Activity Center at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem.

‘Financial Peace University’ will help you take control of your money, plan for your future and transform your life.

Dan and Pam McVicker, parishioners at St. Leo’s, along with other previous FPU graduates, will be facilitating the program. For details and registration, go to www.fpu. com/1069692 or contact Pam directly at 724-344-3431 or pammcvicker@gmail.com.

RESPECT LIFE PRESENTATION, ‘THE UNINTENDED MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF CONTRACEPTION’: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the Kerin Family Center Hall, at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville. Presented by Dr. Michael Parker, former president of Northeast OB/GYN Inc. in Gahanna, Ohio, and now an OB Laborist at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She will speak about the benefits of fertility awareness methods and the unintended consequences of contraception. For details, email Mike FitzGerald at RSVPevents@stmarknc.org.

HEALING THE RACIAL DIVIDE-BUILDING THE ‘BELOVED COMMUNITY’: 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, in the Family Life Center at Our

Lady of Consolation Church, 1235 Badger Ct., Charlotte.

Renowned facilitators Sister Patty Chappell, executive director, and Sister Anne-Louise Nadeau, director of programs, at Pax Christi USA will cover topics such as: Why should Catholics and members of other faiths care about social justice? Are our country and our Church complicit in racial injustice? What will it take for us to become the “Beloved Community” where all are accepted and welcome? To RSVP, visit www.ourladyofconsolation. org or call at 704-375-4339.

THE ART OF IMMIGRATION: 6:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, in Biss Hall, at St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. An introduction to the wealth of songs, movies, visual art and plays that have been inspired by the immigrant experience. Some will be fun, some difficult, but all will expand the understanding of immigration. Sponsored by the Migrant and Refugee Committee of St. Peter Church. For details, visit www. stpeterscatholic.org.

A DEEPER EXPERIENCE OF MASS THROUGH THE SYMBOLS OF WORSHIP: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte.

Featured guest is Dr. Mary Amore, author, TV host and popular speaker. She will bring to life the four primary symbols of worship in the liturgy and share how they invite us to experience life in Christ more deeply. For details, call 704-364-5431.

SUPPORT GROUPS SEASONS OF HOPE GRIEF MINISTRY: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, St. Pius X Church, 2210 North Elm St., Greensboro.

Everyone who has suffered a loss is welcome. To register, call the parish office at 336-272-4681.

YOUNG ADULTS CHARLOTTE AREA: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/charlottecatholicyoungadultministry ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH: call Meg VanGoethem, 815-545-2587.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH: on Facebook at “Young Adult Life: A St. Matthew Ministry” ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL: on Facebook at “The Cathedral of St. Patrick - Young Adult Ministry” ST. PETER CHURCH: look them up on Facebook “St Peter 20s and 30s Ministry” ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH: online at “Aquinas’ Finest,” www.stacharlotte.com/finest

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

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

MiraVia hosts Shawn Carney at annual banquet SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — “Chosen and Precious in God’s Sight” was the theme for MiraVia’s annual banquet Oct. 18.

Shawn Carney, president of the pro-life organization 40 Days For Life, served as keynote speaker.

Nearly 900 supporters of MiraVia gathered at the Charlotte Convention Center’s Crown Ballroom to raise money and hear the good news about the outreach ministry which helped more than 615 young mothers and children last year.

Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey, Monsignor Mauricio West, chancellor and vicar general of the Diocese of Charlotte, and Father Christopher Roux, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, offered prayers at the 24th annual banquet.

MiraVia, which began as Room At The Inn in 1994, helps abortion-vulnerable women choose life and build independent, healthy lives for themselves and their children. MiraVia offers life skills classes, material assistance and moral support to the women who come to them for help – free of charge. Since its founding, MiraVia has helped 8,072 women and their children at its outreach facility in Charlotte.

Debbie Capen, MiraVia’s executive director shared the good news of how donations to the outreach ministry helped women and children this year.

She noted that donors contributed more than 32,392 diapers, 1,232 bags of clothing and 4,092 pounds of food over the past year to MiraVia moms and their babies. Volunteers offered 841 hours of service to assist the mothers and their children at both of MiraVia’s facilities last year.

Capen also shared that eight mothers and their babies are being served by MiraVia through their residential facility for college student mothers on the campus of Belmont Abbey College in Belmont.

Last year, MiraVia provided those moms 73 hours of parenting and life-skill instruction and 248 hours of oneon-one case management and counseling.

“In that same time, our residents spent a whopping 2,250 hours in a college classroom,” she said. “Just think, these

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LEAH BOCHICCHIO

Shawn Carney, president of 40 Days for Life, accepts a statue of Mary from MiraVia board president Susan Rodriguez at MiraVia’s annual banquet Oct. 18 in Charlotte. young students thought they would have to choose somehow between continuing their pregnancy or getting an education.

Instead, the eight mothers we have in the residence now have not skipped a beat toward their degrees.”

Capen also mentioned that the residential facility is at MIRAVIA, SEE PAGE 24

Charlotte-based ministry for parents with poor prenatal diagnosis needs help SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — A ministry devoted to caring for parents who have received a “poor prenatal diagnosis” needs help to keep its mission alive.

Be Not Afraid began as a parish ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte in 2009 and has grown into a private non-profit organization that has assisted parents in 25 states. BNA has welcomed 142 babies, delivered despite challenging circumstances. They provide hospice support before and after a birth as well as comprehensive accompaniment to the parents, who have often been told by doctors to abort their unborn children rather than carry them to term because of the severe medical or genetic defects they have.

“All life is sacred and every child is a blessing,” says BNA co-founder Tracy Winsor, who with co-founder Sandy Buck developed a model of care for parents that respects the dignity of the unborn child and the needs and wishes of parents. “We offer parents an option other than abortion – to carry to term with comprehensive support that prepares them to welcome the baby God is sending.”

Volunteers themselves have experienced what these parents are going through – a diagnosis that their child probably will not survive once they are born.

Recognized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Catholic Bioethics Center, BNA’s model has been replicated in several other dioceses and BNA has supported parents in numerous states. In the past two years, they have also received calls for help from parents in other countries.

“This year we have supported parents not only in North Carolina, but also in Indiana, Iowa, California, Texas, Arizona, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Idaho,” Winsor notes.

“This month we may be supporting six families carrying

to term. We are also providing outreach for our families who have experienced a loss over the last 12 months, as well as those who have surviving babies. There are more than 20 of those families month to month.”

The ministry has been funded by parish baby bottle drives, in which people fill up new, empty baby bottles with loose change, as well as by the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus and memorial donations. But funding has not been steady, Winsor says, not enough to meet the needs of the families they serve. BNA’s only ongoing parish support comes Our Lady of Grace Church in the Diocese of Charleston, S.C., which includes BNA in its weekly tithing collections.

“Our biggest challenge is that we do not have a source of annual ongoing funding upon which we can build the rest of our budget. We need about $25,000 annually to ensure that the ministry can continue to operate,” she explains.

While the ministry is grounded in Catholic teaching, it serves families of any faith background.

“If it was not for Be Not Afraid, I wouldn’t have gotten through such an experience,” says April McLean, mom to Amari, who was prenatally diagnosed with Trisomy 18. Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome, causes severe developmental delays due to an extra chromosome.

There is no treatment for the condition, and most babies are either stillborn or die within the first year of life.

BNA “made sure I was comfortable, and didn’t let me go through anything alone, and was there for me anytime I had questions or felt down,” McLean says.

For more At www.benotafraid.net: Learn more about Be Not Afraid and how to donate to the ministry

OUR PARISHESI

5

Deacon Paul Pe Lee passes away in Morganton MORGANTON — Deacon Paul (Pe) Lee passed away Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018. At the time of his passing, Deacon Paul was a resident of Morganton.

A Hmong vigil and visitation will be held from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at Kirksey Funeral Home, located at 406 Lenoir Road in Morganton. Visitation will also be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, located at 728 West Union St. in Morganton.

A funeral Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19, at St. Charles Borromeo Church.

A native of Laos, Deacon Paul and his wife Shoua migrated to the United Lee States as part of the Hmong refugee program in 1991.

Deacon Paul was born into a Catholic family in 1964.

However, because of conflict in Laos, his village was destroyed and his family had to relocate many times. They had no access to a priest or lay catechist and it was not until he was 6 that Deacon Paul was finally baptized.

In May 1975 his family was forced to leave Laos and they became refugees in Thailand. In 1979, he received the sacraments of first Holy Communion and confirmation at the same time. He was taught by a local Hmong catechist, and at the age of 15 he began to realize the importance of Jesus Christ in the lives of people. It was then that Deacon Paul believed that the Holy Spirit was calling him. He had the desire to know God better and he wanted to serve God through and his own Hmong people.

He never forgot the catechist who taught him about his faith. In his own words, he said, “I want to be that man.

I like this job like the catechist.” He told the catechist he wanted to be a catechist and entered the catechist training class.

He studied for four years and then served as a catechist for six years in the refugee camp in Thailand. He taught new members of the faith the sacraments, served the sick, visited the imprisoned, helped those needing food and shelter and led worship services on Sundays when the priest was not available. It was during this time in 1986 after a year of courtship that Deacon Paul and his wife Shoua were married at St. Michael Church in the refugee camp and started their family of five children – two girls and three boys.

After immigrating to the United States in 1991, he continued his efforts for the Hmong community in California for eight years. During this time, he learned English, earned his high school diploma and supported his family. In 1999, Deacon Paul moved his family to Morganton.

He was hired by the Diocese of Charlotte to serve the Hmong Catholic community, and he served as a Hmong catechist under the direction of Father Bill Tanguay in Morganton, Hickory, Conover, Newton, Charlotte and Albemarle.

In July 2002, he was accepted into and began his formation studies for the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Charlotte. Upon completing formation, Deacon Paul was one of 16 men ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte in 2006.

His assignment as a deacon was to support the Hmong community within parishes throughout the diocese. He traveled among the different parishes, serving at Mass and supporting the family needs of the Hmong community.

Deacon Paul and his wife Shoua shared so much of their faith together within the Hmong community and with everyone in the diocese. While he served as a deacon, his wife led the singing and responses at Mass. They were an example of what it meant to share God’s work together as a couple and with their family. In many ways, they ministered together. They were a blessing to the diocese in bringing the Catholic faithful together in sharing the traditional Hmong New Year and at other parish cultural events during the year.

In his many years of service as a catechist and in his 12 years of diaconate ministry, Deacon Paul was faithful in his call to serve the Lord. Through his efforts the Hmong community received the Gospel of Christ – not only in words, but in the actions of a holy man dedicated to the service of God, to his community and to all of us.

— Deacon John Martino

6

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 OUR PARISHES

A ‘world feast’ in Charlotte Photography by Doreen Sugierski, correspondent CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Aquinas Church hosted its annual “World Feast” Oct. 13, showcasing food, music and cultural traditions of parishioners from around the world.

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

7

8

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Festivals and fun WINSTON-SALEM — Hundreds of people attended Our Lady of Mercy Church’s annual FiestaVal parish picnic Sept. 30.

Everyone enjoyed good food, music and dancing (including the Hispanic dancers pictured), games and fun for the entire family.

PAUL DOIZÉ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

KERNERSVILLE — Many parishioners attended the annual Parish Festival Sept. 29, hosted by the Youth Ministry teens at Holy Cross Church. The festival included face painting, carnival-style games, a bounce house, a petting zoo, a DJ and lots of prizes and fun.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CONVENTUAL FRANCISCAN FATHER CARL ZDANCEWICZ AND JEANETTE SPRENKLE

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER PAUL DOIZÉ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

KERNERSVILLE — Holy Cross Church hosted a “Potluck Luau and Talent Show” Oct. 13.

HUNTERSVILLE — Nearly 1,000 people attended “SummerFest,” the annual parish social held Sept. 22 in front of the church. Parishioners listened to music from three bands – St. Mark’s own Psalm 150 Life Teen Band, D3 Foundation Singers and The Unknown Artist (pictured) – while enjoying an evening of great food options from food trucks and barbecue from the parish’s Boy Scout troop. There were three bounce houses, corn hole, bingo and games. The Boy Scouts also made funnel cakes and fried Oreos.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARTY SCHNEIDER

CHARLOTTE — St. John Neumann Church held its annual fall festival, SonFest, Oct. 6.

JOE THORNTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

FOREST CITY — Immaculate Conception Church held its annual Hispanic Festival Aug. 22. The day-long 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. The Forest City Fire Department attended the festival and offered children fireman hats, coloring books, and the exciting experience of seating in the driver’s seat of a fire truck. Sheriff Chris Francis visited the event and presented children with Junior Deputy badges. The K-9 Unit also showed up and gave demonstrations. Blood pressure checks were available as well as consultations with representatives from the Mexican Consulate and the local school system. More than 800 people attended the event, which raised almost $10,000 that will go toward reducing the church building debt. Genesis Fabiola Nunez was named Festival Little Queen. She was escorted by Javier Flores, Emanuel Hernandez and Gabriel Flores.

THOMASVILLE — Our Lady of the Highways Church celebrated the 29th annual Our lady of the Highways Day Festival Sept. 30. The event began with the celebration of an outdoor bilingual Mass, taking advantage of the beautiful weather that day. After Mass everyone proceeded to the parish hall to enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers provided by the Knight of Columbus as well as other covered dishes and desserts provided by parish members.

This years theme included tables set with displays and food samples of the many countries and cultures represented in the parish: Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Poland, Italy, Ireland, Dominican Republic, United States, Mexico, Germany and others. Parish Faith Formation students were given “passports” to be completed and stamped by each country as they moved around to each exhibit to learn something about the country and the culture. The crowd was entertained by parish members who perform as Aztec dancers each year during the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Other singers in the parish also provided musical entertainment. The Davidson County Community College mobile display was also set up so parishioners could ask questions about education opportunities offered at the college.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LISA CASH

MOORESVILLE — Parishioners at the annual St. Therese Feast Day Festival enjoyed food, fun, games and fellowship. Parish ministries sponsored many games and activities, including a dunking booth, Sumo wrestling, mini golf, a cupcake walk and more while parish youth ministry members did face painting and Twister. Father Mark Lawlor, pastor, and visiting Archbishop George Antonysamy of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore, India, enjoyed the festivities as well, and Father Paul Asoh drew the winning tickets for some lucky parishioners. Spider-Man and Princess Elena strolled through the festival and had many pictures taken with the children. The Latino community had festive tables set up and shared delicious foods from different countries.

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Promotions within the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre CHARLOTTE — Four members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem were recently promoted and recognized by Bishop Peter Jugis at the end of Mass Oct. 14 at St. Patrick Cathedral. William Dealy III was promoted to the rank of Knight Commander with Star, Joan Slep was promoted to the rank of Lady Commander with Star, Julian Hobson was promoted to the rank of Knight Commander, and Gwenneth Hobson was promoted to the rank of Lady Commander with Star. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem was started by the pope during the Crusades when the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was under attack. Today,

they still defend the Catholic identity of the Holy Land through their financial contributions. There are 30,000 members of the order worldwide. The global amount of aid annually sent to the Holy Land is more than $10 million. Knights and ladies wear capes featuring a thick red “Jerusalem cross” that has four miniature crosses, one in each corner of the main cross. The five crosses represent the wounds of Christ on the cross. Learn more about their work at www.holysepulchre.net.

Pro-life leaders aim to collaborate in the Triad MIKE FITZGERALD CORRESPONDENT

CHARLOTTE — The Catholic Pro-Life Action Network (C-PLAN) is expanding beyond Charlotte, forming a chapter in the Triad region to coordinate pro-life efforts among parishes.

C-PLAN was established in 2015 by parish Respect Life coordinators and pro-life leaders from around Charlotte to organize pro-life activities in the area. It has arranged a prayer rally in front of Charlotte’s Planned Parenthood facility, led numerous prolife marches and prayer vigils in front of the city’s abortion mills, sponsored pro-life lectures, and launched the Vigil of the Two Hearts, a First Friday/ Saturday devotion held at St. Patrick Cathedral.

Guided by the Charlotte C-PLAN group, Respect Life leaders in the Triad area, which covers WinstonSalem, Greensboro, High Point and surrounding areas, have been meeting since last summer to mobilize Triad Catholics and, through collaboration among parishes, boost local pro-life efforts. The group’s first major effort was hosting the Diocese of Charlotte’s Respect Life Conference Sept. 29 in Kernersville.

“I am very excited about helping to establish a strong pro-life group in the Triad,” said Samantha Hogan, a member of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem. “We are just in

the baby steps, but I feel confident that with enough people, advertising and activities, C-PLAN of the Triad could create momentum that helps us increase the number of Catholics participating in pro-life work here.”

Sue Perez, Respect Life coordinator at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Greensboro, is one of the collaborators in this effort. “One goal of forming this regional pro-life group in the Triad is to be a support for one another already active in building a culture of life,” she said. “Another goal is to encourage through education and activities the expansion of awareness and opportunities to participate in building a culture of life.”

“John Paul II called for the full mobilization of all Catholic resources toward the cause of protecting the unborn, and I’m excited to see this beginning to happen in the Triad,” said Jessica Grabowski, Respect Life program director for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. “There is a lot of interest and enthusiasm among the parish Respect Life leaders in the Triad area, so I’m hopeful this will blossom.”

The Triad C-PLAN group meets at Bishop McGuinness High School on the second Monday of each month. For more information, email Sue Perez at triadprolifecatholics@gmail.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Mike FitzGerald is a correspondent for the Catholic News Herald and one of the leaders of C-PLAN Charlotte.

Don’t miss a beat!

Go beyond the print edition of the Catholic News Herald. Tune in to Catholic News Herald Update, a videocast expanding on some of the top headlines in the Diocese of Charlotte, available on Facebook and on YouTube in between each print edition of the newspaper. Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications of each new episode. catholicnewsherald.com

YouTube.com/DioceseofCharlotte

Facebook.com/CatholicNewsHerald

9

10

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Plaque honors Sisters of Mercy BELMONT —The statue of St. Joseph outside Old St. Joseph Church in Mount Holly now displays an official plaque recognizing the Sisters of Mercy and their service for more than 100 years in western North Carolina.

Sister Maria Goretti Weldon was instrumental in relocating the statue from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville after the Sisters of Mercy sold the hospital to Mission Health in October 1998. It seemed appropriate that it would find a new home at Old St. Joseph Church, which opened in 1843 and is the oldest standing Catholic church in the state. Now affiliated with Queen of the Apostles Church in nearby Belmont, St. Joseph Church has been refurbished in recent years but is used only for special occasions.

The Sisters of Mercy’s maintenance staff cleaned the statue of St. Joseph and installed the new plaque, which was dedicated Sept.

25 in a blessing ceremony led by Father Frank Cancro, pastor of Queen of the Apostles. The staff also set up for the ceremony, attended by a dozen sisters and friends. The plaque reads: “Dedicated to the glory of God and those who serve with compassion / This statue, from St. Joseph Hospital, is donated by the Sisters of Mercy who have ministered in healthcare in Asheville since 1900.”

Pictured with the St. Joseph statue are (from left) Sister Maria Goretti Weldon, Sister Antonette Schmidt and Sister Jane Marie Davis, all of whom served at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, where the statue originally stood.

— Beth Rogers Thompson

House of Mercy receives grant BELMONT — House of Mercy recently received a $3,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Gaston County. These funds will be used to reupholster all resident recliners at the House of Mercy.

“Our mission is to provide our residents with quality medical services in a home-like setting,” said Stan Patterson, House of Mercy president.

“The recliners provide comfort and support and allow our residents to relax in an area other than their beds. After much use, the covering of the chairs have worn out and new coverings are needed. “ “We are very pleased with the functioning of our current recliners and believe reupholstering them is a cost-effective approach to addressing the problem. We are also happy to be using a local Belmont business, Byrum’s Upholstery,” Patterson said.

The Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. “For more than 25 years, House of Mercy has provided a home and specialized care for persons living with AIDS,” said Ernest Sumner, CFGC President. “Each resident has a hospital-grade recliner in their room and funding from this grant will be used to reupholster every recliner.”

Pictured with Sumner are (from left) Krystyna Sarrazin, HOM Development Director; Shirley Stowe, HOM Director of Nursing; and Erin Wiggins, CFGC Program Officer.

— Krystyna Sarrazin

CÉSAR HURTADO AND PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

40 Days for Life Vigil continues CHARLOTTE — Pro-life advocates outside Charlotte’s busiest abortion facility, A Preferred Women’s Health Center on Latrobe Drive, had a visit Oct. 19 from Shawn Carney, president and CEO of 40 Days for Life. The pro-life campaign, which began Sept. 26, seeks to end abortion through a coordinated effort of prayer, peaceful public witness and community outreach. The 40 Days for Life fall campaign is under way in Charlotte, Winston-Salem and hundreds of other locations in the United States as well as in 50 countries – making it the largest internationally coordinated pro-life mobilization in history. The fall campaign continues until Nov. 4.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video highlights from Shawn Carney’s visit to Charlotte’s busiest abortion facility At www.40daysforlife.com: Learn more about the 40 Days for Life campaign and how you can help join the effort to end abortion

Worship,” with Dr. Mary Amore, author, TV host and popular speaker. Amore will bring to life the four primary symbols of worship in the liturgy and share how they invite us to experience life in Christ more deeply. The free program will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, and 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, in St. Gabriel Church.

clergy/seminarians are invited to attend. A separate talk for the public will be held at 10 a.m. in the Kerin Center. Both events are free.

An RSVP is appreciated, though not required, for the dinner presentation. For RSVP/questions, contact Mike FitzGerald at RSVPevents@ stmarknc.org or 214-673-1778.

Ladies Guild marks 50 years Parishioners man Right to Life booth at fair

Carmelite ceremony held CHARLOTTE — The Discalced Secular Carmelites of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Charlotte Community celebrated two members being clothed in the brown scapular and two members who made their definitive promise Oct. 13 at St. Ann Church. Pictured (from left) are: Aida Tamayo, community president; Kathleen Harrison, newly clothed member; Nancy Vanderkaay, definitely promised member; Father Timothy Reid, community spiritual advisor; Dee Christian, definitely promised member; Jacqueline Rhoads, newly clothed member; and Celeste Richards, community director of formation.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

SHELBY — St. Mary Help of Christians Church sponsored a North Carolina Right to Life booth at the Cleveland County Fair Sept.

27-Oct. 7, manned by parishioners including Zuzana Rybnicek (pictured). The mission of the exhibit was to promote life from conception to natural death. The booth featured fetal models at various stages of development, along with posters, stickers, magnets and other educational materials about abortion, infanticide and euthanasia. Visitors also had an opportunity to sign a pro-life petition and to give donations to the program.

— Giuliana Riley, correspondent

Come hear about ‘A Deeper Experience of Mass’ CHARLOTTE — All are invited to a special program at St. Gabriel Church, “A Deeper Experience of Mass Through the Symbols of

BREVARD — The Ladies Guild of Sacred Heart Church celebrated its 50th anniversary at a recent Sunday Mass. Monsignor Leigh Lehocky celebrated the Mass and blessed the members of the guild for their years of service and contributions to the parish.

— Dorice Narins, correspondent

Healthcare professionals: St. Mark to host special talk on contraception side effects HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark Respect Life Ministry is hosting a special medical presentation by Dr. Michael Parker on the medical and social side effects of contraception.

Parker is an OB/GYN and Laborist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, with 25 years of OB/ GYN experience. Attendees will learn why Dr. Parker stopped prescribing contraception. The complimentary dinner presentation is 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 13, in the parish’s Kerin Center (14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville). All healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, PAs, pharmacists, counselors and

Statesville parish makes donation STATESVILLE — Stephen Hicks and Charlie Barnett of Yokefellow Ministry of Greater Statesville recently received a $2,500 donation from Jim Kermes of St. Philip the Apostle Church for food assistance to those in need in the local community.

— Connie Ries

Learn about ‘The Art of Immigration’ CHARLOTTE — St. Peter Church’s Migrant and Refugee Committee will present “Justice on Tap: The Art of Immigration” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. The program aims to use art – in all of its various forms – as a means to experience emotions, see different perspectives, and evoke responses of solidarity with those fleeing injustice, fear and death. It will be held in Biss Hall below the church, located at 507 S. Tryon St. For details, go online to www. stpeterscatholic.org or call 704-332-2901.

Our schools

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Charlotte area schools to hold open house Oct. 30 CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools will hold an open house at all nine schools for prospective parents at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Prospective families can take a tour of the school campus, watch fine arts performances, hear students speak about their experiences, meet with teachers and schedule a “shadow day” (for the middle and high schools only).

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools is a centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte area that includes nine schools (two high schools, a middle school, four elementary schools, some with PK and TK, and two K-8 schools).

The nine schools in MACS are: St. Ann School (PK, TK-5), St. Gabriel School (K-5), St. Matthew School (TK-5), St. Patrick School (K-5), Our Lady of the Assumption School (PK-8), St. Mark School (K-8), Holy Trinity Middle School (6-8), Charlotte Catholic High School and Christ the King High School.

MACS also offers special needs programs at various locations including: PACE (Providing an Appropriate Academic Catholic Education), MAP (Modified Academic Program) and MMP (Matthew Morgan Program).

Each offers a specific educational experience for students with special needs.

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

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

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

All of the diocesan schools participate in the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship and the North Carolina Disability Scholarship programs.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Learn more At www.discovermacs.org: Get more information about MACS schools, including tuition rates, application forms and financial aid opportunities.

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

11

St. Leo fifth-grader Thomas Thompson helps Catholic Charities’ Becky Dubois (left) and Paola Quiterio Candelaria (right) with loading supplies he and other students collected over the past two weeks for Hurricane Florence victims.

Pictured are (from left) St. Leo Principal Gary Callus; students Thomas Thompson, Jack Galyon, Adrian York, Lalille Nguyen, Emory Meyer, Charlotte Kinsley, Sofia Pardino and Frantz Pierre; and Catholic Charities’ Becky Dubois.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MELISSA KINSLEY

St. Leo students pitch in to help Hurricane Florence victims MELISSA KINSLEY SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

WINSTON-SALEM — Students at St. Leo School recently loaded up a van full of donations bound for victims of Hurricane Florence in eastern North Carolina.

The students and their principal, Gary Callus, pitched in during a two-week donation drive in partnership with Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. On Oct. 17, Catholic Charities’ staff delivered the donations to their counterparts in the Diocese of Raleigh, for distribution to people in need.

“We wanted to help ease the suffering of our friends and neighbors to the east who lost everything in the aftermath of the storm,” Callus said. “We wanted to be able to immediately help victims and knew partnering with Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte would help us achieve our

goal.”

St. Leo collected much-needed supplies to help victims of the hurricane, filling the Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte van with water, wipes, diapers, canned goods, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies and more.

Many of the donations came from one student in particular: fifth-grader Thomas

Thompson. He had asked for hurricane donations in lieu of gifts at his recent birthday party. When asked why, he replied, “People were really hurt by the hurricane.

They lost their clothes and houses. I just wanted to give back and help people.”

“The students and families at St. Leo Catholic School can always be counted on to help,” said Becky Dubois, director of Catholic Charities’ Piedmont Triad Region.

“It’s a very generous and giving community of people. They truly put their faith into action.”

MELISSA KINSLEY is the director of marketing, communications and admissions at St. Leo School.

You can help, too!

At www.ccdoc.org: Join with Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte to help families trying to recover from Hurricane Florence

Student advisory board meets CHARLOTTE — Members of the Diocese of Charlotte Schools’ student advisory board met Oct. 9 with school leaders including Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent; Debbie Mixer, assistant superintendent; and school administrators Dr. Carl Semmler (Christ the King High School), Tracy Shaw (Bishop McGuinness High School) and Randy Belk (Charlotte Catholic High School).

Established by Ritter when she became superintendent in 2012, the board is comprised of students from the diocese’s three high schools: Bishop McGuinness in Kernersville, Charlotte Catholic, and Christ the King in Huntersville. Its aim is to connect diocesan schools leadership directly with students, particularly on school programs and issues important to young people. Advisory board members for 2018-’19 are: Sunita Agarwala, Adrianna Dioli, Isaac Kohl, Lexi Marty and Matt Kelly from Bishop McGuinness; Cameron Hager, Nicole Salinas, Meghan Lowe, Samantha Pean, Julianna Hancock, Gloria Kanieinza, Ashleen Coyle, Ramsey White, Jack Kelly and Kristopher Welch from Charlotte Catholic; and Matthew Taylor, Kaitlyn Kogler, A.J. McMahon, Alex Habel and James Metz from Christ the King.

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

12

iiiOctober 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

A missionary spir SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed with 11 priests who each traveled more than 5,700 miles from their homes on the African continent to minister to the People of God in western North Carolina. Some serve as pastors or parochial vicars.

Some serve in Catholic campus ministry. All were inspired by missionary priests to become missionaries themselves – bringing the Gospel message from the developing world back to the developed world. Here are some of their stories: FATHER AMBROSE AKINWANDE, MSP

Father Ambrose grew up in Nigeria, the oldest of four children. Growing up was exciting for him and his siblings, he says, because his parents provided the family with a loving home and nurtured their education.

“Schooling is an important aspect of our lives in Nigeria, because it is a gift that parents could give to their children,” he explains. “We have this saying that ‘people could take away your houses, cars and other material things, but they cannot take away your knowledge – it is yours forever.’”

Father Ambrose attended a co-ed school, which gave him a better appreciation of the role of laypeople in the Church, particularly women. “It was within this wonderful experience I was able to reflect and make that decision to go to the seminary,” he explains.

He entered the Missionary Society of Saint Paul’s seminary in 1997 at the age of 21.

“I was led to the seminary by a strong desire to do something with the talents that God had given me – a desire to serve the people of God and not only my native people.”

He studied philosophy and theology and was ordained on June 23, 2007. He served in Nigeria for five years after his ordination. On Aug. 16, 2012, he arrived in the U.S. in the Missionary Society of Saint Paul’s regional house in Houston, Texas, then came to the Diocese of Charlotte.

His first assignment in America was as a parochial vicar of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte – the largest Catholic parish in the U.S. – where he served for three years. “It was a huge experience for me. Thank God, I survived it,” he jokes.

In January 2016 he was assigned as pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington.

“I have been in the U.S. about six years now. So far it has been so wonderful. It is a beautiful country. I hope

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARY WRIGHT

Father Marcel Amadi

Americans know it is a beautiful country.”

Father Ambrose says he is impressed by the faithfulness of the people of the Charlotte diocese.

“I serve with so many beautiful Catholics who are always ready to serve the Lord in different ways. In spite of the priest scandal in the Church, Catholics still love their priests. That is my joy. Their love and care help me in my ministry.”

His greatest challenge? Preaching the Gospel with sincerity and honesty while not getting caught up in the political divisiveness of the day.

“Many of the moral issues that the Church is trying help people with have become political packages or platforms for politicians. To challenge people on moral issues like abortion, homosexuality and other issues means one is taking sides with one political party. I always tell my audience that if it becomes very, very difficult to preach the Gospel here in the United States, I will return back to Nigeria or other countries that are receptive to the Gospel of Christ,” he says.

FATHER MARCEL AMADI

Father Marcel Amadi was born and raised in Lagos State, Nigeria. He is the third child from a family with six children. He attended a boarding high school, St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary, and All Saints Major Seminary.

“I consider myself very privileged to have been influenced by some Irish priests and brothers while in the minor seminary, and my pastor of several years, while (I was) growing up, is a Dominican from Chicago,” Father Marcel explains.

“All of those great men of God had positive impacts on me and facilitated my decision to become a priest even from the age of 8, right after my first Holy Communion, when I became an altar server,” he recalls.

He wanted to become a priest so much that he would play priest as a child, “celebrating” Mass with orange soda and a small round biscuit in front of a “congregation” of his friends and siblings.

“That dream turned to reality when I was ordained a priest for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos on Nov. 15, 2003,” Father Marcel says.

Shortly after his ordination he worked as an assistant priest in a parish for a little over a year and later was appointed the cardinal’s secretary as well as archdiocesan secretary and master of ceremony.

“Those seven years were quite busy, tough, challenging, interesting and exciting,” he recalls. “All to the glory of God.” In the U.S., Father Marcel first served in the Archdiocese of New York before coming to the Charlotte diocese. While in New York, he completed graduate studies at Fordham University.

“The quest for further studies and change of environment led to my search and discovery of the Charlotte diocese through the connection of Father Ambrose Akinwande, and the approval of my archbishop.”

“It’s an honor for me to serve in the U.S. because

Father Ambrose Akinwande

HE COVER

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

13

rit in the diocese I see myself as giving back what the missionaries to Nigeria brought to us many years ago,” he says.

In fact, his former Dominican pastor from Chicago, who served 57 years in Nigeria, was the person who recommended him to the seminary.

“Because of such priests and many other Irish priests whom I encountered while growing up, it gives me utmost joy to serve the land that once served me through their servant and sons.”

The fact that the Charlotte diocese is one of the fastest growing dioceses in the U.S. gladdens his heart. “I’m very honored and grateful to God to be part of this epochal history.”

Father Marcel now serves the diocese in campus ministry at Bennett College, North Carolina A&T University, Salem College and Wake Forest University. He says this ministry is dear to his heart but has its challenges.

“Getting around numerous campuses sometimes can actually lead to lots of wear and tear, not just on the car but on the body as well,” he says with a smile. “But I never regret doing what I do for and with the students.

Having experienced God’s love as a small boy and through the years, I’m so happy to be among university students today, spreading that love and faith. The students are my joy, my hope, my happiness!”

As a Catholic missionary, Father Paul has lived and ministered on three different continents: Africa, Europe and America.

“In each place I have benefited from their cultural, religious and human wealth of experience. I find Mooresville to be a picturesque environment with Lake Norman and a close-knit, large community.”

Father Paul says he enjoys the great spirit of fraternity and support among the priests and people of God in the Charlotte diocese. As far as coming to live in the U.S., he adds that “learning to drive again in a new country with detailed signs and enforcement, but with better roads, and doing my best to learn Spanish have both been a challenge and an opportunity.”

FATHER PAUL ASOH, MSP

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JULIA MICHAELS

One of the Charlotte diocese’s newest arrivals is Father Paul Asoh, also from the Missionary Society of St. Paul. He is the third child in a family with six children. He studied at St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary boarding high school, just as Father Amadi did, and then spent nine years at the Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria Major Seminary after joining the order, studying philosophy and theology.

Father Paul worked for 14 years in the Missionary Society of St. Paul’s formation house and seminary.

Three of those years, he served “on loan” to the St. Patrick’s Theology House in Kenya.

Then, he recalls, “it was God’s time for me to begin pastoral parish ministry.”

A grueling 32-hour flight brought him to the United States, where he received orientation at the Missionary Society of Saint Paul’s regional house in Houston. Another – thankfully shorter – flight brought him to Charlotte this past summer, where he dove in to his new assignment as parochial vicar of St. Therese Church in Mooresville.

“I was first inspired to the priesthood listening to my parish priest in the early 1980s, the late Father Pat Laffey, a St. Patrick’s Irish missionary who had spent decades working in Nigeria. I loved his children’s Mass on Sundays and his style of asking us kids questions during his homilies, for which we got little gifts if we answered correctly,” Father Paul recalls.

He describes himself as “a bit of a difficult child,” which led his parents to seek the advice of a wise old woman in their parish. She encouraged them to send him to St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary so that he might be reformed.

“Hence, at 10 years old, I remember telling my dad that I would agree to go to the minor seminary but had no intention of becoming a priest. Like the biblical Jonah who was running away from God, I did everything possible to get expelled, but my rector/principal just would not do it when he discovered that that was my goal.

“In my fourth year in Catholic school, at the height of my juvenile escapades, God found me through a conversion experience and I had no choice but to open my heart to Him and promise that I was going to help bring others like myself to Him.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LISA CASH

Father Paul Asoh

‘It gives me utmost joy to serve the land that once served me.’

Priests from the African continent serving in the diocese NIGERIA n Father Ambrose Akinwande: Pastor, Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington n Father Marcel Amadi: Campus Ministry at Wake Forest University and the Winston-Salem area n Father Innocent Amasiorah: Campus Ministry at UNCC and the Charlotte area n Father Paul Asoh: Parochial vicar, St. Therese Church in Mooresville n Father Casmir Maduakor: Parochial administrator, Our Lady of the Mountains Mission in Highlands and St. Jude Mission in Sapphire CAMEROON n Father Moses Njoh: Campus Ministry at High Point University n Father Felix Nkafu: Parochial vicar, St. Leo Church in Winston-Salem n Father Peter Nouck: Parochial vicar, Holy Family Church in Clemmons n Father Basile Sede: Pastor, Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte and St. Helen Mission in Spencer Mountain n Father Henry Tutuwan: Pastor, St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO n Father Jean Pierre Lhoposo: Pastor, St. James Church in Hamlet and Sacred Heart Mission in Wadesboro

Cardinal Tobin: African priests, religious in U.S. make big contribution ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — The presence in the United States of about 3,000 priests and religious from countries in Africa is a great contribution to the U.S., said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, N.J. That fact “makes me a bit nervous because I hope we are not ‘stealing’ their personnel,” Cardinal Tobin, who chairs the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Africa, told Catholic News Service during the July 13-23 meeting of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa, known by the acronym AMECEA. AMECEA, which includes the bishops’ conferences of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Djibouti and Somalia, held its plenary assembly in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The theme of the meeting was “Vibrant Diversity, Equal Dignity, Peaceful Unity in God in the AMECEA Region.”

Cardinal Tobin, who represented the U.S. bishops at the meeting, said that in the study sessions, he was impressed at the bishops’ honesty about their local situations and at their concern for young people, despite the difficulties in translating that concern into action.

“The incredible growth of the African Church is a sign of hope for Americans,” the cardinal said, and its perseverance in very difficult situations show its vibrancy, The Church in the United States annually commits $2.5 million-$3 million to support the work of the Church in Africa, he said.

— Catholic News Service

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 14

Padre Fidel Melo

La creación del ser humano y la ecología

Y

Dios creó al hombre a su imagen; lo creó a imagen de Dios, los creó varón y mujer. Y los bendijo diciéndoles: sean fecundos, multiplíquense, llenen la tierra y sométanla, dominen a los peces del mar, a las aves del cielo y a todos los vivientes que se mueven sobre la tierra.

Y continuó diciendo: yo les doy todas las plantas que producen semilla sobre la tierra, y todos los árboles que dan frutos con semilla, ellos les servirán de alimento. Y a todas las fieras de la tierra, a todos los pájaros del cielo y a todos los vivientes que se arrastran sobre suelo, les doy como alimento el pasto verde”, (Gen. 1, 27-30).

Como vemos en este relato bíblico de la creación, Dios creó al ser humano hombre y mujer, es decir en familia y lo colocó en medio de la naturaleza, otorgándole el cuidado de ésta tanto en lo que pertenece al reino animal como al reino vegetal y mineral. Esto tiene implicaciones importantes para nosotros como personas de fe en Dios Santísimo, como es la profunda responsabilidad sobre el resto de la creación en cuanto al uso, pero no abuso, de los recursos naturales del mundo en que vivimos.

En este sentido, el texto bíblico anterior nos conduce al tema de la ecología. Para que entendamos mejor, la ecología en general trata sobre las relaciones entre los seres vivos y su medio ambiente. Y se puede hablar también de una “ecología humana”, que es aquella que trata de las relaciones entre las personas y su medio ambiente.

La ecología humana comprende lo que llamamos sistema social, es decir, el ser humano y su relación con la naturaleza influido por sus valores, conocimientos, tecnología, organización y hasta población. La ecología en general comprende la relación de los seres vivos con su entorno, lo que es la flora, fauna, tierra, agua, microorganismos y estructuras antropogénicas.

Su Santidad, el Papa Francisco, ha dedicado toda una encíclica al tema de la ecología hablando del cuidado que hemos de tener con la naturaleza. Así publicó la encíclica ‘Laudato Si’ (‘Alabado Seas’) para hablarnos de lo que esta sucediendo en nuestra ‘casa grande’, ya que el buen uso o abuso de los recursos naturales tiene repercusiones en el medio ambiente.

En la primera parte nos habla de cómo el uso excesivo de los recursos naturales está causando daños catastróficos en nuestro planeta y también señala la implicación irresponsable de grandes corporaciones y gobiernos. Las compañías por su voracidad en la que solo ven su propio interés y los gobiernos por ser débiles en su respuesta ante quienes laceran el medio ambiente en que vivimos.

Como personas de fe somos los nuevos Adán y Eva de la actualidad. Llevamos sobre nuestros hombros la responsabilidad de cuidar y apreciar el regalo de la vida humana y la vida en el resto de la creación por medio de nuestra participación y acción, haciendo oír nuestra voz en los diferentes foros posibles para cuidar y proteger la dignidad humana (desde que se concibe, nace, crece y se desarrolla hasta su final) y también para cuidar y proteger el resto de la creación (todos los demás seres vivientes y recursos naturales del reino animal, vegetal y mineral).

Les invitamos a leer y meditar la encíclica ‘Laudato Si’ para profundizar más en este tema y abordarlo en su grupo parroquial o apostólico.

Bendiciones hermanos.

EL PADRE FIDEL MELO es el director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Emotiva celebración por la canonización de Monseñor Romero CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Miembros de la comunidad salvadoreña, líderes de organizaciones comunitarias y eclesiales se reunieron el pasado domingo 14 de octubre en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe para reconocer la vida y sacrificio de Monseñor Romero, así como para agradecer su elevación a los altares.

La misa fue celebrada por el vicario parroquial, Padre Gregorio Gay, y el sacerdote Hugo Medellín. Al término de las lecturas tomó la palabra Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Charlotte. Bernal, nacido en El Salvador, aplicando la lectura del evangelio (Mc 10, 17-30) sobre el hombre que le pregunta a Jesús lo que debería hacer para alcanzar la vida eterna, señaló que Monseñor Romero se encontró a Jesús en “el caminar de un pueblo pobre, perseguido, desangrado, con muchas viudas, huérfanos y desaparecidos. Allí encontró él la respuesta a esta pregunta de cómo alcanzar la vida eterna”.

Tras la celebración, se realizó un pequeño convivio en el que se informó a la comunidad sobre la vida de San Romero, su sacrificio por la justicia social en El Salvador, y se escuchó el testimonio de varios miembros de la comunidad que compartieron sus experiencias de vida con el santo.

TESTIMONIOS

“Fueron 38 años los que yo esperé para ver este milagro, de que no me fuera de este mundo sin verlo santificado. Fue algo que siempre se lo pedí a mi Dios”, dijo Bertha Guandique, salvadoreña que recibió la primera comunión de manos de, por ese entonces, Padre Óscar Romero en la ciudad de San Miguel. Guandique, que luego se incorporaría al grupo juvenil de su parroquia, narró emotivamente haber sido testigo del compromiso de San Romero por los desposeídos.

Ana Miriam Carpio, organizadora del evento y directora ejecutiva de UNISAL, una organización sin fines de lucro que vela por la defensa de los inmigrantes, presentó a Eduardo y Rosa Ramírez, un matrimonio que reside en Charlotte y que recibió la gracia de haber sido casado por Monseñor Romero cuando ambos vivían en San Roque, Zacamil, una zona rural de El Salvador.

La pareja relató los horrores que les tocó vivir durante la guerra civil que causó aproximadamente 75 mil muertos y desaparecidos entre los años 1980 y 1992, y la bendición que resultó contar con el apoyo de Monseñor Romero, un defensor de los pobres y oprimidos del pueblo salvadoreño.

Oscar Carranza, quien conoció de cerca a Monseñor Romero en el tiempo en que estudiaba para sacerdote en El Salvador, recordó que muchos líderes de la iglesia tildaron a Monseñor de “subversivo, obispo rojo, comunista y cuantos otros falsos juicios”, pero que la historia ha demostrado lo contrario y “Dios la ha escrito con sangre en nuestro pueblo salvadoreño”.

También el celebrante, Padre Gregorio Gay, dijo haber conocido de Monseñor Romero gracias a unos compañeros del seminario de origen salvadoreño que constantemente lo nombraban. “Lo tengo muy presente, pues fue asesinado a pocas semanas de mi ordenación”, señaló con tristeza”.

El Padre Hugo Medellín hizo notar que muy pronto las iglesias locales a las que asiste la comunidad salvadoreña “con toda seguridad incluirán un espacio para la veneración de San Óscar Romero”. Por lo pronto, señaló, “aquí en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe tenemos un salón con su nombre”.

SIETE NUEVOS SANTOS

San Óscar Romero fue parte de un grupo de siete hombres y mujeres canonizados por el Papa Francisco la mañana del domingo 14 de octubre en el Vaticano. Entre los nuevos santos se encuentran Francesco Spinelli,

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Óscar Carranza presenta sus respetos a la imagen de San Óscar Romero.

Carranza conoció a Monseñor Romero cuando estudiaba para sacerdote en San Salvador.

Vincenzo Romano, María Caterina Kasper, Nunzio Sulprizio y Nazaria Ignacia de Santa Teresa de Jesús March Mesa, primera santa boliviana.

El Papa Francisco advirtió en su homilía que Jesús no se conforma con recibir poco. “Jesús es radical. Él lo da todo y lo pide todo: da un amor total y pide un corazón indiviso”.

“También hoy se nos da como pan vivo; ¿podemos darle a cambio las migajas? A Él, que se hizo siervo nuestro hasta el punto de ir a la Cruz por nosotros, no podemos responderle sólo con la observancia de algún precepto”.

“A Él, que nos ofrece la vida eterna, no podemos darle un poco de tiempo sobrante. Jesús no se conforma con un ‘porcentaje de amor’: no podemos amarlo al veinte, al cincuenta o al sesenta por ciento. O todo o nada”, afirmó.

Luego añadió que “es hermoso que, junto a él, Pablo VI, y a los demás santos y santas de hoy, se encuentre Monseñor Romero, quien dejó la seguridad del mundo, incluso su propia incolumidad, para entregar su vida según el Evangelio, cercano a los pobres y a su gente, con el corazón magnetizado por Jesús y sus hermanos”.

MÁRTIR DE LOS POBRES

Monseñor Óscar Romero nació en Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador, el 15 de agosto de 1917. Fue nombrado Arzobispo de San Salvador el 8 de febrero de 1977. Su defensa por los derechos humanos en medio de una naciente guerra civil entre la guerrilla de izquierda y el gobierno de extrema derecha fue implacable y la Catedral de San Salvador se veía repleta de fieles ansiosos de escuchar sus homilías cada domingo.

Su condena a los crímenes contra la humanidad cometidos durante la dictadura que regía su país, le valió numerosos enemigos. El 24 de marzo de 1980 fue asesinado por un francotirador frente al altar de la capilla del Hospital de la Divina Providencia donde celebraba Misa.

El día anterior a su muerte, en su última homilía, hizo un llamado a los miembros de la policía y las fuerzas armadas a que no obedezcan las órdenes de matar a sus propios hermanos. “Queremos que el gobierno tome en serio que de nada sirven las reformas si van teñidas con tanta sangre. En nombre de Dios, pues, y en nombre de este sufrido pueblo cuyos lamentos suben hasta el cielo cada día más tumultuosos, les suplico, les ruego, les ordeno en nombre de Dios; cese la represión”.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHespanol: Vea vídeos y fotografías de la Misa celebrada en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y la última homilía de Monseñor Romero

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

15

Una nube de incienso lanzado por las sahumadoras abre paso a las andas del Señor de los Milagros portada por cargadores de la hermandad South Charlotte. El incienso, al igual que los accesorios, insignias y emblemas son traídos desde Lima, Perú.

La parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe acoge en sus instalaciones la copia de la sagrada imagen del Señor de los Milagros. Los miembros de la hermandad tienen un lugar donde visitarla durante todo el año, celebran una Misa mensual y participan activamente en los eventos que organiza esa iglesia.

FOTOS POR CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Señor de los Milagros atrae devotos en Charlotte CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — La primera Misa y procesión del Señor de los Milagros en 2018 se realizó el pasado sábado 13 en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, al suroeste de Charlotte.

La fiesta dió inicio con una Misa celebrada por el Reverendo Padre Hugo Medellín, quien sorprendió a los presentes vistiendo la tradicional casulla morada con la imagen del Cristo Moreno en el pecho. Haciendo una alusión deportiva, dijo, “me he puesto la camiseta del equipo”.

En su homilía, el Padre Medellín destacó al autor de la

imagen, un esclavo africano que vivió en el siglo XVI en Pachacamila, un barrio de los extramuros de Lima, Perú.

“Ese hombre era un inmigrante, al igual que muchos de nosotros, que en su dolor, desesperación, en la injusticia, buscó alivio, la ayuda y el consuelo que solo nos puede dar Nuestro Señor”, señaló.

Luego, al término de la celebración, fue de los primeros que cargó sobre sus hombros el anda que portaba la réplica de la sagrada imagen.

Más de doscientas personas acompañaron fervorosamente el corto recorrido procesional. Las sahumadoras abrían paso al Señor dejando un aroma a incienso. Los cargadores eran relevados en cada parada,

donde los asistentes ofrecían flores y presentaban a sus niños ante el Cristo de Pachacamilla.

El próximo sábado 27 de octubre, a las 6:45 de la noche, la hermandad de la Iglesia San Marcos, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, realizará una Misa y procesión en los terrenos del centro parroquial, que concluirá con un compartir.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHespanol: Videos y fotografías de la primera procesión han sido publicados. Lea sobre el orígen de la devoción en https://bit.ly/2RZMeO7.

16

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Medidas de prevención en Halloween CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — El Departamento de Policía de Charlotte-Mecklenburg, CMPD, a través de su vocero comunitario hispano, detective Daniel Hernández, señaló una serie de recomendaciones que harán de la popular fiesta de Halloween una celebración más segura para todos. n Planifique de antemano la ruta que van a tomar los niños, conozca los nombres de los niños mayores y adultos que acompañarán el grupo. n Instruya a sus niños a que crucen la calle solamente en las esquinas. n Cuando caminen, si no hay acera, deben hacerlo por el lado izquierdo de la calle, dando cara al tráfico de automóviles. n Caminen, no corran. n Ponga un tiempo exacto de retorno a casa y envíe a sus niños antes que oscurezca. n Advierta a sus niños que tengan mucho cuidado con los extraños. n Ponga en el bolsillo de su niño un papel con su nombre, dirección y teléfono de emergencia. n Seleccione para ellos un disfraz que los deje ver y con el que te puedan ser vistos fácilmente. Añada cinta reflectiva para mayor visibilidad. n No permita que monten bicicleta pues el disfraz podría atascarse y provocar una caída. n Solo visiten las casas que tienen las luces del portal encendidas. n Si usted desea participar en la celebración, deje sus luces exteriores encendidas. n Igualmente, si participa, aleje a sus animales domésticos de la puerta por la que recibirá a los niños. n Aconseje a sus niños que solo acepten golosinas en la entrada de las casas y nunca ingresen a ellas. n De preferencia, alimente a sus niños antes que salgan a pedir golosinas. Así no tendrán la tentación de consumirlas antes de llegar a casa. n Advierta a sus niños que no consuman las golosinas antes de regresar a casa y después que los padres las hayan revisado cuidadosamente. n Como recomendación general, instruya a sus niños que nunca coman caramelos sin envoltura, abiertos o fruta que se les regale durante halloween.

Nuestra Señora de Lourdes recibirá la Antorcha Guadalupana CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

MONROE — Por primera vez desde que inició su recorrido a fines del siglo XX, la Antorcha Guadalupana será recibida por la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, en Monroe, lo que ha movilizado a toda la comunidad que espera con ansias la visita de la Antorcha y las imágenes de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y San Juan Diego que la acompañan.

Según informó Gustavo Villanueva, miembro del equipo de organización de esa parroquia, este año recibieron la invitación por parte de los organizadores “y con la aprobación del párroco pudimos concretarla”.

La Antorcha, proveniente de Carolina del Sur, cruzará el sábado 10 de noviembre la frontera con nuestro estado por la carretera 29, cerca a la localidad de Grover, donde se espera que un numeroso grupo se presente a recibirla.

Luego se dirigirá hasta Monroe, debiendo arribar alrededor de las 6:30 de la tarde. Allí será recibida con el rezo del Rosario y se realizará una peregrinación hasta la gruta de la Iglesia.

Tras el relevo formal de la Antorcha y las imágenes, el párroco Benjamin Roberts dará la bienvenida, se presentarán danzas folclóricas en honor a la Virgen y celebrará la Santa Misa a las ocho de la noche.

Villanueva añadió que recibir la Antorcha representa recibir una luz de esperanza, “una luz que debe prevalecer siempre” y que la Virgen María, en la advocación de Guadalupe, “en su recorrido, nos hace partícipes de su aparición”.

Además apuntó que “nos alienta a tener confianza con aquellas mismas palabras que le dijo a San Juan Diego, ‘no tengas miedo, ¿no estoy yo aquí que soy tu Madre? ¿No estás en el hueco de mi manto, en el cruce de mis brazos? ¿No soy yo la fuente de tu alegría?’”.

Los organizadores ya iniciaron las inscripciones de corredores. Los dos únicos requisitos son ser mayor de 18 años y estar en buena condición física. Además se debe abonar $ 35 dólares que cubren el costo de una sudadera oficial y apoyan los gastos de la organización.

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Las imágenes de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y San Juan Diego acompañan a la Antorcha Guadalupana que llegará a Monroe el 10 de noviembre.

Los corredores partirán el domingo 11, después de la Misa de las 2 de la tarde, con destino a la parroquia San James en Concord.

Los organizadores invitaron cordialmente a toda la comunidad “de todos los lugares que les sea posible asistir”, a tener un encuentro con la Antorcha, las imágenes de Santa Maria de Guadalupe y San Juan Diego, “y que sean partícipes de esta gracia que Dios por su Misericordia nos ha querido regalar, y a responder al llamado, como San Juan Diego, de no tener miedo y confiar en Dios a plenitud”.

Ruta de la Antorcha Guadalupana n Sábado, 10 de noviembre: Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Monroe n Domingo, 11 de noviembre: San James, Concord n Lunes, 12 de noviembre: San José, Newton n Martes, 13 de noviembre: San Francisco de Asís, Mocksville n Miércoles, 14 de noviembre: Nuestra Señora de los Caminos, Thomasville n Jueves, 15 de noviembre: Santa María, Greensboro Informes: 704-965-1290, 704-837-9685 y 336-3276426

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Si le es posible, patrulle su área para asegurarse que los vehículos cumplen con detenerse ante las señales de ‘Alto’. Si ve cualquier actividad sospechosa llame de inmediato a la Central de emergencias del 911.

Cambio de hora será en noviembre

Exitosa fiesta latina en San Gabriel CHARLOTTE — El festival ‘Taste of Latin America’, llamado ‘la gran fiesta’, celebró su séptima edición con gran éxito. “La recaudación obtenida es la más grande que hemos logrado en todos estos años y se destinará íntegramente a los programas del Ministerio Hispano”, dijo Evelyn Esquivel, a cargo de ese ministerio. “Este es un trabajo en equipo en el que han participado todos los grupos parroquiales.

Hemos tenido representaciones de casi todas las nacionalidades latinas, deliciosa comida típica, bailes, música y una gran asistencia de la comunidad anglo que vino a compartir y disfrutar con nosotros”, añadió.

En www.facebook.com/CNHespanol: Vea fotografías y un slideshow musicalizado

CHARLOTTE — El domingo 4 de noviembre, a las dos de la madrugada, debemos ajustar nuestros relojes retrocediendo una hora, es decir a la una de la mañana, para adecuarnos al horario de invierno, retornando a nuestro huso horario y finalizando el periodo de ‘daylight saving time’.

El cambio de hora se realiza en los Estados Unidos dos veces al año, en marzo y noviembre, con la finalidad de generar un ahorro de energía y aprovechar por mayor tiempo la luz solar.

En 1966 se instituyó en el país la Ley de Tiempo Uniforme. Puerto Rico, Samoa Estadounidense, Guam, Las Islas Marianas del Norte y las Islas Vírgenes, al igual que los estados de Hawaii y Arizona no alteran su horario en verano.

La fecha tiene un especial importancia para los departamentos de bomberos en todo el país que nos recuerdan es el momento oportuno para cambiar las baterías de los detectores de humo y monóxido de carbono que, por ley, deben ser instalados en las edificaciones residenciales.

Con la llegada de la temporada invernal se inicia el uso de la calefacción para combatir el frío en las casas. Es una buena idea que su equipo sea revisado por un profesional para prevenir accidentes que pueden causar incendios y envenenamiento por monóxido de carbono.

El monóxido de carbono es un gas sin olor ni color. Se encuentra en el humo de los automóviles, estufas, fogones y sistemas de calefacción a gas. Es extremadamente peligroso y puede causar serios daños a la salud de las personas e inclusive la muerte.

Según la Asociación Nacional de Protección contra Incendios (NFPA), entre 2003 y 2016, las alarmas de humo sonaron en el 53% de los incendios reportados en hogares, y tres de cada cinco personas fallecidas en fuegos residían en casas sin alarmas de humo o con alarmas inoperativas.

Según la misma organización, muchas personas creen que las alarmas de humo y monóxido de carbono duran eternamente y, en verdad, solo tienen una duración máxima de 10 años.

Por esta razón aconsejan revisar las instrucciones del equipo y seguir las recomendaciones de instalación y reemplazo.

Si la casa o apartamento en que vive es propia, usted es responsable del cuidado de las alarmas. Si reside en un apartamento o casa de renta, normalmente el propietario de la unidad está obligado a reemplazar las baterías y verificar el buen funcionamiento del equipo.

Más online En bit.ly/2AhJPHX y bit.ly/2PBiGES: Recomendaciones de los bomberos

Mix

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

the deceptively avuncular and weirdly unflappable Gosnell’s breaches of current statutes, though they do indict the political bias that shielded and enabled him. As directed by Nick Searcy, who also plays Gosnell’s hard-driving defense attorney, their script mostly leaves it to viewers to recognize the wholly arbitrary distinction between extinguishing life within the womb and doing so, perhaps only moments later, outside it. Some parents may see in this sobering and informative film too good an opportunity for reinforcing pro-life values in older teens to let the relatively few objectionable elements it includes stand in the way. Mature themes, images of body parts and medical gore, a couple of mild oaths, about a half-dozen crude terms.

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

‘Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween’

‘Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer’ Powerful dramatization of the Philadelphia police investigation (led by Dean Cain) and state prosecution (headed by Sarah Jane Morris) that finally ended the infamous, decades-long career of abortionist Kermit Gosnell (Earl Billings) who, besides legally slaughtering the unborn, frequently perpetrated infanticide and endangered his adult clients with filthy conditions. Screenwriters Phelim McAleer, Ann McElhinney and Andrew Klavan, adapting McAleer and McElhinney’s 2017 bestseller, keep the focus on

Weak follow-up to the 2015 original revolves around two boys (Jeremy Ray Taylor and Caleel Harris) who find an old manuscript by R.L. Stein (Jack Black) – the real-life author of the “Goosebumps” books – and, by opening it, unleash an evil ventriloquist’s dummy (voice of Mick Wingert) who proceeds to cause Halloween chaos by bringing to life all the macabre holiday decorations in the small town where the lads live. As a headless horseman, a trio of witches and a mummy – among many others – run amok, screenwriter Rob Lieber and director Ari Sandel mostly spin their wheels. Too frightening for the youngest, the film includes a few touches even the parents of teens may not especially appreciate along the way to a wrap-up that unconvincingly promotes family solidarity. Occult themes, some peril amid thoroughly stylized violence, brief scatological humor, a mild oath, a bit of mature wordplay.

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

Other movies: n ‘Halloween’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: O n ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’: CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

On TV n Friday, Oct. 26, 8 p.m. “The Road of John Paul II.” Friends and clergy who knew St. John Paul II in his earlier years come together to discuss his immense influence on the world, and his journey to priesthood, the papacy and beyond. n Saturday, Oct. 27, 5 p.m. “The Synod on Youth.” EWTN News presents a daily report from the Synod on Youth in Rome. n Saturday, Oct. 27, 8 p.m. “Karol: The Pope, the Man.” A feature film on the life of St. John Paul II from the time he was elected pope on Oct. 16, 1978, until his death on April 2, 2005.

An incredibly human portrait of an extraordinary man, this is a story of leadership, love, commitment and courage. Part 2. n Sunday, Oct. 28, 10:45 p.m. “November Song.” After witnessing an old woman pray by a gravestone, a young girl is challenged on her careless ignorance of faith, life and death. n Wednesday, Oct. 31, 11 p.m. “Angelic Warfare Confraternity.”

Men and women dedicated to promoting authentic love come together to encourage chastity through an official apostolate of the Dominican Order: the Angelic Warfare Confraternity. n Thursday, Nov. 1, 3:30 p.m. “Saint Bridget of Sweden.” An EWTN original movie presenting the life and mystical revelations of St. Bridget of Sweden, known for her great charity and prayer. n Friday, Nov. 2, 4 p.m. “Purgatory: The Forgotten Church.”

Renowned scholars, historians and Church leaders thoroughly address common questions about purgatory and life after death in this groundbreaking documentary from the award-winning producer of “Ocean of Mercy.” n Friday, Nov. 2, 8 p.m. “Human Zoos.” A documentary on the horrifying, dehumanizing exhibit that presented indigenous people as “missing links” of evolution, and the courageous group of African-American ministers who worked to stop it. n Saturday, Nov. 3, 6 a.m. “Beatification of Mother Clelia Merloni.” The beatification of the founder of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, from St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome, Italy.

Live healthier and happier Chattanooga listed as “one of the best places to retire” by Southern Living magazine and the Wall Street Journal

• Catholic Mass daily • Financial plans based on your needs and budget • Stunning views atop Signal Mountain • Chattanooga’s only Continuing Care Retirement Community

Schedule your 2-night complimentary stay, call 423-380-1831. ascensionliving.org/alexianvillagetn

Reserve your new home before December 31, 2018 and receive 2 months of monthly service fees free

17

Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Neutral stand on assisted suicide by physicians group called ‘startling’ PHILADELPHIA — The president of the Catholic Medical Association said Oct. 18 that the American Academy of Family Physicians’ new “engaged neutrality” position on physicianassisted suicide is “diametrically opposed” to the medical community’s long-standing opposition to it. “It is quite startling that the AAFP would be so diametrically opposed to the medical communities historical and longstanding opposition against physician-assisted suicide,” said Dr. Peter T. Morrow in a statement.

“It is in direct violation of the ‘do no harm’ Hippocratic Oath.” Members of the Philadelphiabased Catholic Medical Association “are dedicated to preserving life from conception – not birth – to natural death and will continue to remain staunchly opposed to any form of assisted suicide. It goes against natural law,” he said. The Catholic association said that leading medical organizations “continue to regard any form of euthanasia at odds with the physician’s role as healer.”

U.S. cardinal: Abuse crisis discussed at synod, will top bishops’ agenda VATICAN CITY — While the clerical sexual abuse crisis did not dominate discussions at the Synod of Bishops, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston said it was discussed, and everyone in the room clearly believed the crisis has to be dealt with. Cardinal DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, spoke to Catholic News Service Oct. 22 as the synod was winding down and preparations for the U.S. bishops’ November general meeting moved into high gear. The agenda for the November meeting will include multiple items for dealing with the abuse crisis and, particularly, the issue of bishops’ behavior and accountability, Cardinal DiNardo said. One suggestion the bishops will examine, he said, is to draw up “a code of conduct for bishops,” similar to those that most dioceses have for priests and for lay employees. Another would be to establish a “third-party reporting system” that would allow someone with an abuse complaint against a bishop to report him to someone not connected with his diocese or the bishops’ conference. “All of these involve issues that we are going to have to discern,” the cardinal said.

Pope accepts Cardinal Wuerl’s resignation as Washington archbishop VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has accepted

Your Life’s Journey… how will you be remembered?

Establish a legacy that responds to the many gifts God has given you.

For more information on how to leave a legacy for your parish, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving at 704/370-3364 or gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

the resignation of Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl as archbishop of Washington but did not name a successor. When the pope’s decision was announced Oct. 12, the Archdiocese of Washington released a letter from Pope Francis to the cardinal, making clear his support for Cardinal Wuerl’s ministry and leadership, but also praising the cardinal for putting the good of the Church first. The archdiocese also announced the pope has named Cardinal Wuerl as apostolic administrator.

Cardinal Wuerl had been facing pressure to resign after an Aug. 14 grand jury report detailing sexual abuse claims in six Pennsylvania dioceses painted a mixed picture of how he handled some of the cases when he was bishop in Pittsburgh from 1988 until 2006.

The 77-year-old cardinal, the sixth archbishop of Washington, had submitted his resignation, as is mandatory, to the pope when he turned 75, but it had not been accepted until now.

Washington Archdiocese releases names of priests accused of abuse WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Archdiocese of Washington has voluntarily released the names of abusive priests and stated that there have been no credible claims of abuse made against archdiocesan priests in almost 20 years. On Oct. 15, Church officials posted on the archdiocesan website the names of 28 former clergy of the archdiocese credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors from 1948 onward. The list also includes three religious order priests who served in temporary roles in archdiocesan parishes or schools. The list was assembled as part of a comprehensive review of the archdiocese’s archives ordered in 2017 by Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl as Washington’s archbishop.

Texas dioceses will release names of clergy credibly accused of abuse HOUSTON — In an action to be more transparent, the 15 Catholic dioceses in Texas will release the names of clergy who were credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor, according to an Oct. 10 statement issued by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops in Austin.

At a Sept. 30 meeting, the Texas bishops had agreed on jointly releasing the names, as part of “ongoing work to protect children from sexual abuse” and “promote healing and a restoration of trust” in the Church, according to the statement.

All six dioceses in Illinois sued over clergy sexual abuse allegations CHICAGO — Attorney Jeff Anderson, who has represented clergy abuse victims nationwide, filed a lawsuit Oct. 18 in Chicago against all six Catholic dioceses in Illinois and the Illinois Catholic Conference for what he described as an ongoing effort to cover up clergy sexual abuse. The lawsuit wants the state’s dioceses to release all of their records on abusive priests. Anderson filed the suit along with three others who said they were sexually abused by priests. The lawsuit does not seek damages and only claims instances of abuse against children in three dioceses – Rockford, Peoria and Springfield – but according to Anderson, all of the dioceses have had a role in covering up clergy sexual abuse. The claims of abuse cited date from the early 1970s through the late 1990s.

Justice Department opens investigation into abuse claims in Pennsylvania PHILADELPHIA — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has received a subpoena as part of a federal grand jury investigating allegations of child sexual abuse and a cover-up of such claims, Church officials confirmed Oct. 18. The subpoena “requires the production of certain documents,” said Ken Gavin, archdiocesan spokesperson, and the archdiocese “will cooperate with the United States Department of Justice in this matter.” The same day, the Diocese of Harrisburg released a statement saying it “will cooperate fully with this inquiry, just as it has with the Office of Attorney General’s investigation,” which resulted in the release last summer of a statewide grand jury report on allegations of sex abuse by priests and other Church workers. Among other diocesan reaction, the Allentown diocese said it, too, would fully cooperate.

News reports by the Associated Press say the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District, based in Philadelphia and led by William M. McSwain, had recently begun serving subpoenas in the new statewide probe.

The Church in Pennsylvania consists of eight dioceses: the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the dioceses of Allentown, Altoona-Johnstown, Erie, Greensburg, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Scranton.

‘Ugly cancer of racism’ infects U.S., bishops say in proposed pastoral WASHINGTON, D.C. — “Despite many promising strides made in our country, the ugly cancer of racism still infects our nation,” the U.S. bishops say in a proposed pastoral letter on racism. The proposed statement, “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” is expected to be considered for approval during the bishops’ Nov. 12-14 fall general assembly in Baltimore.

However, the agenda for the meeting has not been finalized. “Racist acts are sinful because they violate justice. They reveal a failure to acknowledge the human dignity of the persons offended, to recognize them as the neighbors Christ calls us to love,” the proposed pastoral letter says. “Every racist act – every such comment, every joke, every disparaging look as a reaction to the color of skin, ethnicity or place of origin – is a failure to acknowledge BRIEFS, SEE PAGE 19

Let’s keep talking.

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

BRIEFS FROM PAGE 18

another person as a brother or sister, created in the image of God,” it adds. “Racial profiling frequently targets Hispanics for selective immigration enforcement practices, and AfricanAmericans for suspected criminal activity,” it continues. “There is also the growing fear and harassment of persons from majority Muslim countries. Extreme nationalist ideologies are feeding the American public discourse with xenophobic rhetoric that instigates fear against foreigners, immigrants and refugees.”

March for Life in January will emphasize ‘pro-life is proscience’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — Next year’s March for Life plans to fortify its pro-life message with science that proves life begins at conception and with a specific focus on stem-cell research.

“Unique From Day One: Pro-Life Is ProScience” is the theme announced Oct. 18 by Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. The annual march is scheduled for Jan. 18 to mark the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion nationwide.

Report: Immigrant aid agencies urge end to family separation policies WASHINGTON, D.C. — A report from two leading faith-based agencies serving immigrants entering the United States from Mexico and Central America called on the federal government to end a policy of separating children from their families and help families comply with immigration law. The report details the collaboration in July between the U.S. bishops’ Office of Migration and Refugee

Services and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to assist more than 1,200 families to reunite after children were separated from adults under the U.S. Department of Justice’s “zero tolerance” policy. The policy caused a crisis at the border in the spring and summer months this year as federal agents jailed adults crossing into the U.S. and placed the children who had accompanied them in detention centers, largely in Texas, Arizona and California.

The faith-based agencies mobilized in July to assist the departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to reunify separated families and provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and case management.

Dozens of Catholic Charities and Lutheran social service agencies throughout the country also were involved in the reunification effort.

‘Every parish, rectory in hurricane zone’ suffering, says Church official MIAMI — The physical impact of Hurricane Michael and the anticipated recovery period for parts of the Florida Panhandle appear to be on a scale of last year’s Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, according to the Church’s top emergency management specialist in Florida. “The devastation is so large that we looking at couple of years at least in recovery,” said Gabe Tischler, who is working full time on the Hurricane Michael response for the Tallahassee-based Florida Catholic Conference following the storm’s Oct. 10 landfall. The event brought near Category-5 strength winds when it came ashore near Panama City in the Florida Gulf Coast. “Every parish and rectory in the hurricane zone has suffered damage, and we are working to get RV units in place so the clergy can move out of the damaged rectories,” said Tischler.

As a resident of Tallahassee, he had to evacuate his residence and is now working remotely coordinating relief and volunteer efforts from regional dioceses, private individuals and corporate donors and state and

federal authorities along with Catholic Charities agencies. Scarcity of lodging and housing – both for residents and emergency responders pouring into the region – are among the most daunting needs of the recovery efforts, he said.

— Catholic News Service

Catholic Charities Director of Development The Diocesan Office of Development has an opening for a full-time Catholic Charities Director of Development. The candidate must have an undergraduate degree and a minimum of 5 years experience in fundraising; extensive fundraising experience may be substituted for a completed undergraduate degree. A knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge or other fundraising database software is preferred.

Responsibilities include: creating and executing the annual development plan for Catholic Charities, engaging, retaining, nurturing and recognizing current donors; identifying and cultivating new donors.

Please submit cover letter and resume by November 16, 2018 to Jim Kelley, Office of Development, jkkelley@charlottediocese.org

Save the Date 16th Annual

Vineyard of Hope February 28, 2019 Estate Planning Elder Law | Probate

Has a loved one died?

Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do?

Sabrina has been in your shoes and can guide you through the process and lessen your burden.

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

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

Pre-event Reception 5:30 p.m.

Blessing of the Meal 6:45 p.m.

Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park 5700 Westpark Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217 For more information, email: vineyardofhope2019@charlottediocese.org

19

Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

People carry a banner of St. Oscar Romero during an Oct. 13 procession in San Salvador, El Salvador. Pope Francis celebrated the canonization Mass for St. Oscar Romero and six other new saints in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 14 at the Vatican.

St. Oscar Romero honored during Mass in Charlotte CÉSAR HURTADO HISPANIC REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Members of the Salvadoran community, Latino leaders and church organizations gathered Oct. 14 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church to honor the life and sacrifice of Archbishop Oscar Romero, as well as to give thanks for his canonization.

The Mass was celebrated by Vincentian Father Gregory Gay, parochial vicar, and visiting priest Father Hugo Medellín.

Eduardo Bernal, Hispanic Ministry coordinator in Charlotte and a native of El Salvador, reflected on the day’s Gospel reading (Mk 10:17-30), commending St. Oscar Romero for taking to heart the teachings of Jesus and giving up all that he had to attain eternal life. The late archbishop followed the Lord in ministering to the poor and others persecuted during El Salvador’s civil war – even sacrificing his own life while speaking up against the rampant violence.

After Mass an educational program was held to share information about the new saint and to showcase testimonies of several members of the Salvadoran community who have personal memories of him.

Ana Miriam Carpio, organizer of the event and executive director of UNISAL, a Salvadoran organization in Charlotte, welcomed Eduardo and Rosa Ramírez, a couple who received the grace of being married by St. Oscar Romero when they both lived in San Roque, Zacamil, a rural area in El Salvador.

The couple recounted the horrors they lived through during the civil war that caused approximately 75,000 deaths and disappearances between 1980 and 1992.

They also recalled the blessing of St. Oscar Romero’s presence and ministry as an advocate for the poor and oppressed in El Salvador.

Oscar Carranza, who knew St. Oscar Romero at the time he was studying to be a priest in El Salvador, recalled that many Catholic leaders thought the late archbishop was “a subversive, a ‘red’ bishop, a communist, and all the other false judgments,” but history has shown the opposite.

“God has written it with the blood of our Salvadoran people,” Carranza said.

Father Medellín speculated that very soon churches with Salvadoran communities “will surely include a space for the veneration of St. Oscar Romero.” At Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, for example, a room has been named in his honor.

CNS | JOSE CABEZAS, REUTERS

Saints risk all for love of Jesus, pope says at canonization Mass CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Carrying Pope Paul VI’s pastoral staff and wearing the blood-stained belt of Archbishop Oscar Romero of San Salvador, Pope Francis formally recognized them, and five others, as saints of the Catholic Church.

Thousands of pilgrims from the new saints’ home countries – Italy, El Salvador, Spain and Germany – were joined by tens of thousands of others Oct. 14 in St. Peter’s Square to celebrate the universal recognition of the holiness of men and women they already knew were saints.

Carolina Escamilla, who traveled from San Salvador for canonization, said she was “super happy” to be in Rome. “I don’t think there are words to describe all that we feel after such a long-awaited and long-desired moment like the ‘official’ canonization, because Archbishop Romero was already a saint when he was alive.”

Each of the new saints lived lives marked by pain and criticism – including from within the Church – but all of them dedicated themselves with passionate love to following Jesus and caring for the weak and the poor, Pope Francis said in his homily.

The new saints are: Paul VI, who led the last sessions of the Second Vatican Council and its initial implementation; Romero, who defended the poor, called for justice and was assassinated in 1980; Vincenzo Romano, an Italian priest who died in 1831; Nazaria Ignacia March Mesa, a Spanish nun who ministered in Mexico and Bolivia and died in 1943; Catherine Kasper, the 19th-century German founder of a religious order; Francesco Spinelli, a 19th-century priest and founder of a religious order; and Nunzio Sulprizio, a layman who died in Naples in 1836 at the age of 19.

“All these saints, in different contexts,” put the Gospel “into practice in their lives, without lukewarmness, without calculation, with the passion to risk everything and to leave it all behind,” Pope Francis said in his homily.

The pope, who has spoken often about being personally inspired by both St. Paul VI and St. Oscar Romero, prayed that every Christian would follow the new saints’ examples by shunning an attachment to money, wealth and power, and instead following Jesus and sharing his love with others.

And he prayed the new saints would inspire the whole Church to set aside “structures that are no longer adequate for proclaiming the Gospel, those weights that slow down our mission, the strings that tie us to the world.”

In his homily, Pope Francis said that “Jesus is radical.”

“He gives all and He asks all; He gives a love that is total and asks for an undivided hear. Even today He gives Himself to us as the living bread; can we give Him crumbs in exchange?”

Jesus, he said, “is not content with a ‘percentage of love.’ We cannot love Him 20 or 50 or 60 percent. It is either all or nothing” because “our heart is like a magnet – it lets itself be attracted by love, but it can cling to one master only and it must choose: either it will love God or it will love the world’s treasure; either it will live for love or it will live for itself.”

“A leap forward in love,” he said, is what would enable individual Christians and the whole Church to escape “complacency and self-indulgence.”

Without passionate love, he said, “we find joy in some fleeting pleasure, we close ourselves off in useless gossip, we settle into the monotony of a Christian life without momentum where a little narcissism covers over the sadness of remaining unfulfilled.”

The day’s Gospel reading recounted the story of the rich young man who said he followed all the commandments and precepts of Jewish law, but he asks Jesus what more he must do to have eternal life.

“Jesus’ answer catches him off guard,” the pope said.

“The Lord looks upon him and loves him. Jesus changes the perspective from commandments observed in order to obtain a reward, to a free and total love.”

In effect, he said, Jesus is telling the young man that not doing evil is not enough, nor is it enough to give a little charity or say a few prayers. Following Jesus means giving Him absolute first place in one’s life. “He asks you to leave behind what weighs down your heart, to empty yourself of goods in order to make room for Him, the only good.”

“Do we content ourselves with a few commandments or do we follow Jesus as lovers, really prepared to leave behind something for Him?” the pope asked people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, including the 267 members of the Synod of Bishops and the 34 young people who are observers at the gathering.

“A heart unburdened by possessions, that freely loves the Lord, always spreads joy, that joy for which there is so much need today,” Pope Francis said. “Today Jesus invites us to return to the source of joy, which is the encounter with Him, the courageous choice to risk everything to follow Him, the satisfaction of leaving something behind in order to embrace His way.”

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

21

Fall for a better tomorrow …

Anti-Human Trafficking Silent Auction

Join us on Saturday, November 10th from 6:30-9:30pm for an open-house style art show and silent auction to benefit local, anti-human trafficking non-profits. A light dinner is provided and wine is available.

The Light Factory 1817 Central Avenue Charlotte, NC 28205 For tickets, visit https://www.ursusinstitute.net/ and see “events”

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

CNS | VATICAN MEDIA

Synod of Bishops on young people VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis accepts a letter from Yadira Vieyra, a synod delegate from Chicago, before a session of the Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment at the Vatican Oct. 10. Vieyra told the synod Oct. 12 that U.S. immigration policies are causing distress for migrants.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read full coverage of the Synod of Bishops on young people, which concludes Oct. 28.

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

Call 1-855-930-GIVE today!

CCDOC.ORG

The Unintended Medical and Social Side Effects of Contraception Dr. Michael Parker, M.D. OB/GYN, Cleveland Clinic

Tuesday, November 13 10 am & 6 pm

Donate Your Car Make your car go the extra mile.

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

Truck, boat, RV and motorcycle donations accepted.

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

Dr. Michael Parker is the former president of Northeast OB/GYN, Inc. in Gahanna, Ohio and currently serves as an OB Laborist a t th e Cl evel an d Clini c Foundation.

He is the current Treasurer of the Catholic Medical Association and has 25 years of OB/GYN experience and specialty training in Natural Family Planning.

Dr. Parker will speak about the benefits of fertility awareness methods and the unintended consequences of contraception.

This is event is organized by the Saint Mark Respect Life Ministry.

For more information, please contact Mike FitzGerald, RSVPevents@stmarknc.org.

Saint Mark Catholic Church In the Kerin Family Center Parish Hall

10 am: Laity Presentation Open to the public

6 pm: Medical Professionals and Clergy Presentation & Complimentary Dinner*.

Open to all doctors, nurses, pharmacists, PAs, counselors and clergy. *This is a free event. RSVP appreciated but not required: RSVPevents@stmarknc.org

Saint Mark Catholic Church 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC Located off I-77 between exits 23 and 25

ViewPoints 22

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

FOCUS ON STEWARDSHIP

Ryan Murray

What does stewardship mean to you?

T

he Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines stewardship as “the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.”

Furthermore, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops defines a Christian steward as one who “receives God’s gifts gratefully, cultivates them responsibly, shares them lovingly in justice with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord.”

But what is the ultimate point of stewardship? Answering “why” is the more important – and more difficult to grasp – concept of stewardship.

Why should we be good stewards of our time, talent and treasure?

Perhaps it makes us feel good to help others or because it’s “the right thing to do.” I’m sure that is part of it, but I believe it goes deeper than that. The answer, while rather simple on paper, can be difficult to execute in our daily lives.

We are to be good stewards and live a life of stewardship because that is what God is calling us to do.

Don’t take it from me, though. God has been calling us to live this way since the very beginning, and Jesus teaches us to follow His sacrificial example throughout His ministry: “The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.” (Gen 2:15) “Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” (Mt 19:21) We are not just asked to live a life of stewardship, we are led by example – by God Himself – in the ultimate expression of stewardship.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16) That is an unbelievable thing – that God would give away His most precious gift to us out of love. Just think about that in your heart for a moment.

Stewardship is not a one-and-done deal. Truly living a life of stewardship means having a willingness to take a lifelong journey that is not an event but a conversion process. It’s not always easy, but there is help along the way.

The first step is taking the time to discern exactly what and where our gifts of time, talent and treasure lie. The next step is asking how He would like us to give those gifts to Him and others. The final step is being cognizant of what the Holy Spirit is calling us to do to put our personal gifts into action.

As humans, we will at times veer off course and when we do, review those steps to get centered. Just as the saying goes: “lather, rinse and repeat.” He is always with us and will help guide us – if we do our part.

All we have been given and all that we are is a gift from God. When we give those gifts back to Him, the more everyone is blessed. It is what God is truly calling us to do to help build His Kingdom here on Earth.

The definition of stewardship is not difficult to find, but the important question for each of us to answer personally can only be found deep in our hearts.

How and why do you want your stewardship journey to be defined?

RYAN MURRAY is a member of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro and lives in Greensboro with his wife Janel and two sons, Emerson and Brayden.

April Parker

‘You welcomed me’ S

Himself, the Christ Child, or an angel of God. It tewardship is such an integral part of the has happened many times before. Did not Abraham fall and early winter holiday season. CROP welcome strangers into his tent, and they turned walks, Thanksgiving food drives, and Giving out to be messengers sent from God (Gen 18)?

Trees create a bustling of busy hands and happy Didn’t Tobit make a friend of the Archangel hearts. All this giving of our time and treasure Raphael, even before he knew he was even an angel is usually not all that difficult. Most of the time, (Tob 12)? It is even wondrous to think about how it is considered more of a chain of annual events many times Mother Teresa cleaned the wounds of on the calendar instead of a strenuous, life-giving Jesus as she ministered to the lepers in Calcutta. sacrifice. Yet when we stop to ponder why we Our decision to help others acknowledges the participate in these stewardship events, our minds eventually turn to the people supported by these efforts.

Collecting and delivering food is a work made light by many hands, but to that one people who spend most of their days hungry, an awareness of our sacrifices becomes extremely meaningful, even lifegiving. This reflection could lead us to the Parable of the Good Samaritan: “In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper.

“Look after him,” he said, “and when I “The Good Samaritan (after Delacroix)” by Vincent van Gogh return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.” ’ ” (Lk 10:30-34) same hospitality the Blessed Virgin Mary herself Jesus describes how so many busy people passed gave when she answered in the affirmative that she by without a thought, not wanting to take the would carry, give birth to, and raise the Messiah. time and coming up with reasons why the injured Her life-giving sacrifice brought a peace and love person shouldn’t be helped. Yet the one person who into this world that has never been rivaled. She was least expected to make the sacrifice, did. The welcomed an angel, a messenger of God, with her Samaritan, who had more reasons than anyone “yes,” then followed through with her promise of why he should not stop to help, was actually the sacrifice and stewardship. She did not simply agree one who showed the most compassion, the most to help and then forget. She stayed with her charge mercy, the most empathy. But he did not just stop. until He died on the cross for our sins. She made He cared for the man and he treated his wounds, the ultimate sacrifice, but just imagine the joy it took him to an inn, paid for his care and checked brought to her and Joseph to raise and intimately in on him later. Surely when this man, this love such an infinitely sweet boy as Jesus. In turn, Samaritan, reached heaven, God said, “Thank you her sacrifice led to Jesus’ sacrifice that would for taking care of Me!” become our salvation.

There are so many opportunities in our day to Let us think about our reasons for stewardship welcome God through the face of the least and the as we approach this holiday season. Let our acts of last. Even if our chance to welcome Him comes helping others not be a mundane duty, but a lifethrough a fun experience where we serve with our giving support that keeps on giving. friends and neighbors in the community, handing out supplies, delivering meals, wrapping gifts for APRIL PARKER is a parishioner and teacher at St. Pius X School those who have limited means, this still counts! in Greensboro. She is also an author of historical fiction and Think of the many times that in doing something educational resources for teachers. small, we may have actually welcomed God

October 26, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

23

Fred Gallagher

Flannery O’Conner, Cardinal Newman and the Eucharist

O

ne of my favorite “Catholic stories” is about the time the Southern writer Flannery O’Conner was taken by the poet Robert Lowell to a dinner gathering with the well-known author, Mary McCarthy, a proud “lapsed” Catholic.

O’Conner had referred to McCarthy as a “big intellectual,” and from 8 o’clock in the evening until after midnight, O’Conner did not say a word. And then, she recalled later, in the wee hours the conversation turned to the Eucharist.

McCarthy said that as a young girl she thought of the Host as the Holy Ghost, that is, the most “portable” person of the Holy Trinity. She said now, however, she thought of it as a symbol, “and a pretty good one at that.” The shy, young, thoroughly Catholic Southerner’s response, recorded in her letters in the volume “The Habit of Being,” is remarkable: “I then said, in a very shaky voice, ‘Well, if it’s a symbol, to hell with it.’ That was all the defense I was capable of, but I realize now that this is all I will ever be able to say about it, outside of a story, except that it is the center of existence for me; all the rest of life is expendable.”

This is the time of the liturgical year when we’ve been hearing the beautiful discourses on the Eucharist in our Mass readings and subsequently homilies on the Eucharist, as well. Some are from preachers who “operate by the slide rule,” as Flannery called it, that is, the “Jansenist-Mechanical Catholic” for whom the Church is not so much the Body of Christ but “the poor man’s insurance system.” On the other hand, some of our priests, with eloquence and precision, explicate from the heart that which is next to impossible – that is, the beauty of our incarnate God truly and substantially present in the Blessed Sacrament.

It is not so much certainty about how and when transubstantiation actually occurs and what it means that makes the Eucharist so near and dear to us.

The famed convert from Anglicanism, Cardinal John Henry Newman, was as passionate as any of our saints of old in searching for the truth, in his zeal for pinpoint accuracy in biblical explanations and theological definitions.

But in the end, it wasn’t intellectual clarity that made him take that last step into full communion with the Church of Rome. I don’t know, but I would like to think it was more because the Eucharist and the Real Presence, which he had, in fact, believed in for many years, had become more and more the very center of his existence – the rest of his life expendable.

Our materialist world does not take kindly to claims of the miraculous.

Flannery O’Conner observed that miracles were an outright embarrassment to the modern world.

And yet we are called to be present as the bread and wine of the table become

the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord, the “source and summit” of all we believe about the love and mercy and power of God, the loaves and fishes come alive in our hearts, manna in the wilderness of this world, the center of our existence, the rest of life expendable.

While the accidents of bread and wine remain the same chemically and visually, once we accept that the substance of that food of the altar becomes the Body and Blood of our Savior (although we cannot understand it fully), once we come to believe what really happens and the ramifications of that miracle in our lives, the need to prove our religiosity goes away and suddenly a yearning to be in front of the Blessed Sacrament sneaks in. The face of piety changes; the “I’mmore-Catholic-than-you-are” mentality is seen for the trifle it is. Nothing remains for show; we hunger and God is our only food, the Host not in the least like a symbol, but a beautifully stark reality with lightning in it that we find hard to define.

Long before he became Catholic, Cardinal Newman wrestled intellectually with how the invisible presence of Christ “touched the secret heart.” In the end, with great humility, he understood the limits of his own formidable mind compared to the infinite mind of God. In his “Apologia Pro Vita Sua” he responds to the common objection that the doctrine of transubstantiation is so difficult to believe: “For myself, I cannot indeed prove it, I cannot tell how it is; but I say, ‘Why should it not be? What’s to hinder it? What do I know of substance or matter? Just as much as the greatest philosophers, and that is nothing at all.”

So somehow, at some point, the substance of the Christ he had grown to love so dearly must have touched his secret heart with the force of belief. He just couldn’t keep from full communion.

He said, “You must be patient, you must wait for the eye of the soul to be formed in you. Religious truth is reached, not by reasoning, but by an inward perception.”

And it is this inward perception that informs so much of Flannery O’Connor’s writing.

So as the Host is raised high from the altar I say what older Catholics taught me; I say what St. Thomas Aquinas said: “My Lord and my God!” And as I return to my pew after receiving Communion, I say the ancient eastern Jesus Prayer, over and over: “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

I know I am not worthy that my God should come under my roof to sate my hunger and infiltrate me, but He does and there is some kind of inward perception that inexplicably touches my secret heart. And it is real. And He is real. In fact, I suppose the Eucharist is the most real thing I know. Because, after all, if it’s just a symbol, well, to hell with it.

FRED GALLAGHER is an author and editor-in-chief with Gastonia-based Good Will Publishers Inc.

Most-read stories on the web

‘The hypocrites have forgotten what it means to be joyful.’

Pope Francis

From online story: “Hypocrisy can be a leaven impeding spiritual growth, pope says” Through press time on Oct. 23, 11,718 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 19,787 pages. The top 10 headlines in October so far have been: n Deacon Paul Pe Lee passes away in Morganton........................................................................................1,752 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald.....................................................................399 n Black Catholic popes, saints and leaders....................................................................................................... 372 n St. Joseph, patron saint of departing souls................................................................................................... 371 n ‘My pain was gone,’ wheelchair-bound woman says after immersion in waters................................245 n The Fathers of the Church...................................................................................................................................199 n Should Christians celebrate Halloween?.........................................................................................................194 n Charlotte Catholic announces volunteer award winners............................................................................193 n CCHS graduate goes on worldwide nine-month mission...........................................................................184 n Seminarians credit Catholic Campus Ministry with strengthening call to priesthood......................160

Join the conversation online facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD

@CatholicNewsCLT

Diocese of Charlotte

Pinterest.com/ charlottecnh

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

To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification.

Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

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

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

Catholic News Herald

1123 S. Church St.

Charlotte, N.C. 28203

24

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

BASILICA FROM PAGE 3

of New York,” was famous for his vaulted domes and herringbone tile work in Carnegie Hall, Grand Central Terminal, the American Museum of Natural History, St. Patrick Cathedral, the Federal Reserve Bank and the Great Hall on Ellis Island in New York, as well as Grant’s Tomb and the U.S. Army War College in Washington, D.C., among hundreds of other buildings.

Work on the Biltmore House brought him to Asheville, where the Spanish immigrant decided to make his home.

He died in 1908 and was laid to rest in a crypt to the left of the basilica’s altar, behind a door covered with tiles and a medallion made by his son and partner, Rafael Jr. Guastavino is credited with reviving an ancient tile and mortar building system that was used for centuries in Spain, and there has been renewed interest in his work following the restoration of Grand Central Terminal and other Guastavino works in New York City.

Because of that history, the hope is that fans of Guastavino might be interested in restoring this unique work to its original splendor, noted Anthony Morlando, diocesan director of properties and risk management.

The first step is determining the extent of the damage wrought on the basilica during the past century.

“They are still quite early in the process,” Morlando said. “First is to study what needs to be done, then

qualifying costs and then proceeding with a national capital campaign to raise the necessary funds. There is much work ahead of us to get to the point where we’re actually restoring the basilica.”

‘Restoring the basilica absolutely needs to be done.’

Anthony Morlando

Director of properties and risk management for the Diocese of Charlotte Joseph K. Oppermann-Architect, P.A. of Winston-Salem, a preservation expert known in the Asheville area for his work at the Biltmore Estate and the Thomas Wolfe House, will lead the overall project to determine the basilica’s preservation needs.

Vertical Access, based in Ithaca, N.Y., is assessing the building’s condition.

The basilica was built without wood beams or steel, with massive stone foundations. All floors, ceilings and pillars are tile and masonry material.

The tile dome, clad in copper, is believed to be the largest unsupported elliptical dome in North America.

And nearly every part of the building is showing its age.

“When one of the workers did her first rappel off the building, she grabbed on to a brick and it came off in her hand. There’s some obvious

weakness in the basic structure. We don’t know how much. Luckily, there was also a soaking, driving rain while the crew was using infrared. This should help follow the water to the source of the leaks,” Crumlish said.

“The firm will sit down and go through photo by photo and identify ‘how do we correct this?’ There’s a lot of work behind it,” he said.

At the same time as they are assessing the damage, historians are also working on creating a historical structure report which is useful for fundraising, Crumlish said. This report identifies what the basilica was like in its initial design, what changes have taken place over the years, and what needs to be done to restore the building to its original design.

The hope is that foundations interested in architectural preservation will contribute financially to the restoration effort, Crumlish said, who also chairs the parish finance council.

“Our mission is to use a minimal amount of parish funds.”

“Restoring the basilica absolutely needs to be done,” Morlando said.

This isn’t the first time an evaluation of the basilica has been conducted. A study in 2004-2005 determined that it would cost $5 million to fix the roof, but that work wasn’t performed. More than a decade later, Crumlish said he suspects additional deterioration and rising construction costs mean that the project will total significantly more.

In addition to the structure, Crumlish said, they hope to be able to address other issues in the building including updating the HVAC, lighting and acoustics, as well as cleaning the dome.

MIRAVIA FROM PAGE 5

capacity right now due to staffing regulations. MiraVia hopes to raise an additional $80,000 annually to fund another 24/7 staff position so that up to 15 mothers can live there at a time.

“This program might not have succeeded as well in another location,” said Susan Rodriguez, the new president of MiraVia’s board of directors.

“These brave young student mothers might not have been as welcomed elsewhere. Many of these infants might have been denied the gift of life under any other circumstances. But Abbot Placid, the monks of Belmont Abbey, Dr. William Thierfelder and the faculty and staff of Belmont Abbey College chose to make MiraVia a part of the Abbey family. For them, each MiraVia mother and each infant is chosen and precious in God’s sight.”

The 2018 Outstanding Service Award was presented to Emily Raines, who has volunteered for two years at the residential facility. A recent newlywed and assistant tennis coach at Belmont Abbey College, Raines has given tirelessly of her time and is described as being joyful, caring, dependable and encouraging to the moms and staff of MiraVia. A special moment during the banquet was the singing of the National Anthem by MiraVia volunteer Maria Swanson. Before singing she remarked about the love one feels when they walk through the door of MiraVia, why everyone had gathered for the evening and the appropriateness of singing the National Anthem together at the event.

“For what are our nation’s hopes and dreams and battles for, if not for the children? And what are MiraVia’s hopes and dreams and battles for, if not for the children?”

Learn more At www.mira-via.org: Get more information about how to volunteer or donate to MiraVia

A genuine home environment… …and a free, uplifting life

We’re the regional leader in providing a true healthcare household experience, intentionally designed to be an actual home, with a foyer, living room, kitchen, dining areas and patios.

Here, residents live as they’ve always lived, decide when to get up and when to eat. They choose from made-to-order meal options and eat alongside staff. Programs are designed to nurture mind, body and spirit.

Care is personalized, delivered by a staff that gets Feel confident your to know residents well and notice subtle changes loved one is happy and in behavior and health. well supported.

They align support and attention with the Discover the region’s rhythms of the individual. Close bonds form inspired choice for rm care. care ca re.. re long-term easily, creating a sense of family.

Call 336-821-6546 today to request FREE information

One trusted name. Many life-enriching choices.

Heaalthcare Households

1315 Greensboro Road High Point, NC 27260 www. PennybyrnLiving.org

Reti tirementt Liviing • Assisted i Living • Meemory Care • Healthcare Households • Transitional Rehab L

CNH

I Am The Living Bread Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 2018 Annual Report

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo:

The theme of this year’s annual report, “I am the Living Bread,” is an apt statement for the Diocese of Charlotte. In uttering these words shortly after the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus is telling us that He is the foundation for spiritual life. Everyone hungers for food to nourish both body and soul. We are eternally grateful that Jesus has mercifully provided us with the Eucharist, His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, to feed us.

El tema del informe anual de este año, “ Yo soy el pan vivo”, es una declaración adecuada para la Diócesis de Charlotte. Al pronunciar estas palabras poco después del milagro de los panes y los peces, Jesús nos dice que Él es el fundamento de la vida espiritual.

Todos tenemos hambre de alimento para nutrir tanto el cuerpo como el alma. Estamos eternamente agradecidos que Jesús nos haya proporcionado misericordiosamente con la Eucaristía, Su Cuerpo y Sangre, Alma y Divinidad, para alimentarnos.

This annual report presents information about the finances of the diocese and, through text and photos, it describes the gifts both given and received from July 1, 2017 through June of 2018. I am pleased to report the continued and overall good financial health of the diocese. Thank you for the continued support of your prayers, service and financial contributions.

Este informe anual presenta información sobre las finanzas de la diócesis y, a través de texto y fotos, describe los dones dados y recibidos desde el 1 de julio de 2017 hasta junio de 2018. Me complace informarles sobre la contínua y buena salud financiera de la diócesis.

Gracias por el apoyo a través de sus oraciones, servicio y contribuciones financieras.

Our diocese is an ongoing hub of activity in our parishes, schools and social service ministries. The Living Bread that we are privileged to receive at Holy Mass feeds us in the performance of good works and strengthens us to share God’s Word. At this year’s Eucharistic Congress, the 14th for the diocese, thousands of people gathered at the Charlotte Convention Center for the celebration of Holy Mass and the sharing of the Living Bread. This event has grown from several hundred attendees to more than 15,000.

Nuestra diócesis es un centro de actividad permanente en nuestras parroquias, escuelas y ministerios de servicio social. El Pan vivo que tenemos el privilegio de recibir en la Santa Misa nos alimenta en la realización de buenas obras y nos fortalece para compartir la Palabra de Dios. En el Congreso Eucarístico de este año, el número catorce para la diócesis, miles de personas se reunieron en el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte para la celebración de la Santa Misa y compartir el Pan Vivo. Este evento ha crecido de varios cientos de asistentes a más de quince mil.

The Diocese of Charlotte is a grateful recipient of the holy efforts of our priests, deacons and religious. This year three men were ordained to the transitional diaconate. Deacons Britt Taylor, Alfonso Gamez and Michael Carlson are now in final preparation for the ministry of the priesthood. At the same time, St. Joseph College Seminary continues to grow at a rapid rate. Eight college freshmen were admitted to the seminary in August, bringing the total to 21 men who are discerning God’s call at this level. On Sept. 15, 2018, ground was broken on land in Mount Holly for the college seminary’s permanent location. Please pray for all 37 of our seminarians as they prepare for a life of ministry to the 400,000 Catholics living in western North Carolina.

La Diócesis de Charlotte recibe agradecida los santos esfuerzos de nuestros sacerdotes, diáconos y religiosos. Este año tres hombres fueron ordenados al diaconado transicional.

Los diáconos Britt Taylor, Alfonso Gamez y Michael Carlson están ahora en la preparación final para el ministerio del sacerdocio. Al mismo tiempo, el Seminario Universitario San José College continúa creciendo a un ritmo acelerado. Ocho estudiantes de primer año fueron admitidos al seminario en agosto, lo que eleva a un total de 21 el número de hombres que están discerniendo el llamado de Dios en este nivel. El 15 de septiembre de 2018, se iniciaron las obras en Mount Holly para la ubicación permanente del seminario universitario. Por favor, oremos por nuestros 37 seminaristas, mientras se preparan para una vida de ministerio para los 400,000 católicos que viven en el oeste de Carolina del Norte.

The 19 Catholic schools throughout the diocese feed the mind, body and spirit of our young people from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a sound educational program rooted in Gospel values.

Through involvement in prayer, sacraments and service projects, our students learn how to express their Catholic faith and bring Christ to others. Our strong academic program prepares students for success at the next level in their educational paths. Our varied athletic, arts and extracurricular programs help students develop their God-given gifts and talents.

During this past year, Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville completed a 27,000-square-foot expansion that includes 15 classrooms, cafeteria, band room and shop space.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte placed daily bread on the tables of more than 13,000 through its food pantries. Catholic Charities demonstrates the good works we are all called to via the Living Bread. In addition to the food pantries, pregnancy support, refugee resettlement, marriage preparation and elder assistance ministries brought hope and support to 22,000 people. A core of more than 370 volunteers assists with much of the work of Catholic Charities.

In closing, I would like to express my deep gratitude to all of the faithful who have supported the efforts of our diocese during the past year. Your prayers, efforts and generous financial gifts are the leaven that allows our diocese to grow, making western North Carolina a place where the Living Bread is joyfully shared.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

Las 19 escuelas católicas de la diócesis alimentan la mente, cuerpo y espíritu de nuestros jóvenes desde el jardín de infantes hasta el grado 12 con un programa educativo sólido enraizado en los valores del Evangelio. A través de la participación en la oración, los sacramentos y los proyectos de servicio, nuestros estudiantes aprenden cómo expresar su fe católica y llevar a Cristo a los demás. Nuestro sólido programa académico prepara a los estudiantes para lograr el éxito en el siguiente nivel en sus trayectorias educativas. Nuestros variados programas atléticos, artísticos y extracurriculares ayudan a los estudiantes a desarrollar sus dones y talentos dados por Dios. Durante el año pasado, la escuela secundaria católica Cristo Rey en Huntersville completó una expansión de 27,000 pies cuadrados que incluye 15 aulas, cafetería, sala de banda y espacio para tiendas.

Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte puso el pan de cada día en las mesas de más de trece mil personas a través de sus despensas de alimentos. Caridades Católicas pone en práctica las buenas obras a las que todos estamos llamados a través del Pan Vivo. Además de las despensas de alimentos, apoyo a embarazadas, reasentamiento de refugiados, preparación matrimonial y los ministerios de asistencia a ancianos, brindaron esperanza y apoyo a 22,000 personas. Un equipo de más de 370 voluntarios asiste en gran parte el trabajo de Caridades Católicas.

Para terminar, me gustaría expresar mi profundo agradecimiento a todos los fieles que han apoyado los esfuerzos de nuestra diócesis durante el año pasado. Sus oraciones, esfuerzos y generosos donativos son la levadura que le permite a nuestra diócesis crecer, haciendo del oeste de Carolina del Norte un lugar donde el Pan Viviente se comparte con gozo.

Suyo en Cristo Jesús,

El Reverendo Peter J. Jugis Obispo de Charlotte

“I am the living bread.”

4

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2017-2018

Vocations Women Religious, Seminarian Formation, Clergy Continuing Care, Permanent Diaconate The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed with dedicated, holy men and women whose vocation of service and ministry honors Our Lord’s Eucharistic Presence.

In June, the sixth diocesan discernment retreat, Quo Vadis Days 2018, brought almost 80 young men to Belmont Abbey College for a time of prayer and reflection on the direction God may be calling them. Since 2013, more than 400 young men have attended Quo Vadis Days retreats. The diocese currently has 37 seminarians in various stages of study leading to ordination.

There are 81 active diocesan priests and 36 religious order priests celebrating the sacraments and serving the parishioners of the VOCATIONS, CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS LIFE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2018 2017 REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT Contributions Priests’ retirement collection $ 1,095,078 $ 1,130,727 FFHL Contributions 656,081 973,171 Priests’ Continuing Education & Seminarian collection 315,569 258,722 Friends of Seminarian program 538,266 400,268 St. Joseph Seminary building project 866,840 565,514 Other 206,856 96,876 Parish assessments 726,858 648,920 Grants & Endowment Distributions 50,000 Prior year surplus funds 55,879 DSA funding 598,877 557,489 Supplemental DSA funding 9,705 66,000 Other income 48,377 50,129 Administration funding 722,888 957,598 TOTAL REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT $5,785,395

$5,811,293

EXPENSES Seminarian formation Duc in Altum Quo Vadis Diaconate formation Care for priests not in ministry St. Joseph Seminary administration St. Joseph Seminary fundraising Priests’ retirement benefits Other

$ 1,121,815 23,057 33,314 76,996 579,226 178,879 236,097 2,568,575 418,958

$ 1,011,215 22,544 32,888 33,643 704,461 155,131 3,771 2,866,329 399,076

TOTAL EXPENSES

$5,236,917

$5,229,058

Surplus – St Joseph Seminary earmarked for building project

$ 548,478

$ 582,235

diocese. Among these dedicated servants of the Lord, 20 retired priests continue to be examples of Christ present among us by visiting the sick and the imprisoned, and assisting our parishes by celebrating Mass as needed.

The diocese is blessed with 127 permanent deacons who serve in parishes and also minister in diocesan offices, schools, agencies, hospitals, prisons and the Charlotte airport.

This year, the diocese hosted the second discernment retreat for young women, Duc in Altum, in June 2018; and more than 70 young ladies participated. Over the past three years, more than 200 young women have participated in Duc in Altum retreats.

There are currently 128 active women religious, representing 23 different religious communities proclaiming God’s greatness through their work in the diocese.

St. Joseph College Seminary St. Joseph College Seminary is a house of formation whose primary mission is to form undergraduate men for the Catholic priesthood while attending Belmont Abbey College. The seminary began operations in August 2016, and now has 21 college seminarians in attendance. The seminary is temporarily located by the campus of St. Ann Church in Charlotte while planning is underway to build a permanent facility. During fiscal 2018, the Diocese purchased 86 acres of property in Mount Holly, NC as the site for the seminary

to be built. Bishop Jugis blessed the property during a ground breaking ceremony on September 15, 2018. Site work is now underway, with construction of the facility to follow. St. Joseph College Seminary is conducting a capital campaign to raise funds for this project.

As of June 30, 2018, the seminary received contributions totaling $4,947,540 earmarked for a permanent home for the seminary.

Given to us by the grace of God 87 36 20 37

active diocesan priests,

religious order priests, and retired priests

seminarians in various stages of

study leading to ordination

128 23 127

active women religious representing different religious communities permanent deacons who serve in

parishes, diocesan offices, schools, agencies, hospitals, prisons and airports

6

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2017-2018

Education Vicariate Office of the Vicar, Evangelization/Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation, Campus (College)/Young Adult Ministry, Catholic Schools Office: pre K-12, Faith Formation: pre K-12 / Media Resource Center, RCIA (Becoming Catholic), Youth Ministry, Eucharistic Congress The theme of the 2018 Eucharistic Congress was taken from the “Bread of Life” Discourse: “I Am The Living Bread” (Jn 6:51). It is Jesus who is the Living Bread for us come down from heaven to feed and nourish us for the journey of life. We call the Holy Eucharist “Viaticum” because Jesus travels EDUCATION FORMATION OFFICES OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT (includes DSA funding of $1,366,216 in 2018 and $1,479,952 in 2017)

EXPENSES

2018

2017

with us, feeding us with His Divine Graces as we make our pilgrimage to heaven.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of the central place of the Holy Eucharist – “the source and summit of the Christian life.” “The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with

$ 1,955,470

$ 1,845,534

the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the

$ 1,955,470

$ 1,845,534

whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ Himself, our Pasch.” (CCC 1324)

DIOCESAN AND REGIONAL SCHOOLS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2018 REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT Tuition and fees $ 44,700,424 Parish support 4,669,132 Contributions and gifts 2,381,459 School activity revenue 1,139,802 Income from rental property 646,182 Other

1,125,004 TOTAL REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT $ 54,662,003

2017 $ 44,184,545 3,803,287 4,368,731 1,135,238 646,182 826,856 $ 54,964,839

Instructional personnel $ 26,760,001 Other instructional costs 2,830,692 Facilities 8,699,435 Administrative personnel 3,342,352 Supplementary programs and activities 4,586,912 Other 4,513,054 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 50,732,446

$ 25,211,034 2,838,573 8,106,005 3,370,937 4,665,217 4,039,147 $ 48,230,913

“The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being. It is the culmination both of God’s action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship men offer to Christ and through Him to the Father in the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 1325) Accordingly, all Christian education is founded in, fortified by and directed toward union with God and His holy people. We learn to put God’s will into action in our own lives and open ourselves to His grace so that we can be in “communion.” “…the definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.” (“Catechesi Tradendae,” 5) The educational mission of the Diocese of Charlotte is to assist people to be “in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ.” Holy Communion is the source and summit of this “intimacy” with Christ and all education is geared to helping people to

Diocesan and Regional Schools Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Charlotte Catholic High School, Christ the King Catholic High School Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School St. Ann Catholic School St. Gabriel Catholic School St. Mark Catholic School St. Matthew Catholic School St. Patrick Catholic School (parish schools not included here)

experience this union with Christ.

The Offices and Programs of the Education Vicariate assist in leading people to “communion” with Christ. The Diocesan Youth Ministry Conferences and retreats, the College Campus and Young Adult retreats and service projects, the Lay Ministry Formation and Evangelization programs, the Catholic schools’ “faith, tradition and academic excellence” programs, the Education Vicariate In-Service Programs, the Faith Formation Office’s programs along with direct service to parish Directors of Religious Education through the Regional Coordinators – all these help us to that “communion, intimacy” Christ desires for us.

Of particular note this past year, Christ the King High School has undergone a capital expansion project, the Education Vicariate continues the annual Diocesan Catechetical Conference and the Faith Formation Office has expanded its Catechist Certification Programs.

Given to the faithful atMass

8

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2017-2018

Catholic Charities Diocese Of Charlotte Strengthening Families, Building Communities and Reducing Poverty Administrative Office, Charlotte Regional Office, Piedmont Triad Regional Office, Western Regional Office, Refugee Resettlement Office, Social Concerns and Advocacy Office, Family Life Office Because of the commands of “the one he sent,” the Church cares for our sisters and brothers in need through works of charity. During the past year thousands of donors, volunteers and professional staff worked together under the umbrella of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte to carry out the critical work of service to our neighbors, sharing God’s mercy to anyone in need.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2018 2017 REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT Federal and state agency awards $ 1,859,830 $ 2,533,918 Other grants, contracts & awards 461,905 647,667 Contributions - Diocese of Charlotte: DSA funding 1,903,015 1,858,505 Other support 51,000 16,000 Contributions - Other 1,342,751 1,542,199 Fees 463,615 440,649 Other 281,818 306,911 TOTAL REVENUE $ 6,363,934 $ 7,345,849 EXPENSES Counseling program $ 428,378 Direct Assistance 1,467,126 Family Life program 201,942 Natural Family Planning 91,375 Office of Economic Opportunity 116,234 Refugee & Immigration Services 1,759,543 Social Concerns & Advocacy 194,804 Stay the Course/Teen Parenting Program 206,105 Translation & Interpretation 513,203 Youth Counseling program 167,902 Other programs 168,358 Administrative expenses 801,462 Fundraising expenses and direct

benefits to donors 275,604 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 6,392,036

In the Diocese of Charlotte, Catholic Charities contributed to the organized work of charity through ministries, programs and services that strengthened families, built communities and reduced poverty.

Strengthening Families: Catholic Charities provided services to develop healthy children, families and seniors. Pregnancy support, adoption and post-adoption services were provided to 29 families and individuals. The teen parenting program provided an array of services to help 40 birth mothers learn to better parent their babies and helped them achieve greater educational and job goals. The outreach to youth in crisis helped seven at-risk youth deal with personal and family crises

422,073 1,367,598 194,262 90,029 99,234 2,322,879 193,873 248,927 412,238 240,895 200,046 830,564

through counseling sessions and guidance. Counseling services were also provided

304,518 $ 6,927,136

by Catholic Charities through the resettlement of 134 refugees and asylees. Parish

$

to 288 people – a total of 2,161 sessions. Programs promoting healthy marriages served 356 couples through marriage preparation classes. All couples completing a marriage preparation class also received instruction in Natural Family Planning. An additional 446 people attended a NFP course or training. Across the diocese, 1,519 seniors participated in social, educational or spiritual events.

Building Communities: Services to build up the wider community were provided and community support enabled 25 fully-furnished apartments to be set up for new refugees. An additional 491 refugees received employment, case management,

transportation, and/or afterschool mentoring. Legal immigration services were provided to 457 people. The Social Concerns and Advocacy Office and the Respect Life program, in coordination with parishes and missions, promoted the intrinsic value of all human life through 75 educational workshops and informational efforts that were attended by 2,581 people.

Reducing Poverty: Catholic Charities continued to respond to a significant increase in requests for food, financial help and burial assistance.

Regional pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem gave out 582,621 pounds of much-needed food and 14,903 pounds of supplies to 14,923 people. Regional offices in Asheville and Winston-Salem distributed 2,897 bags of clothing. Thanks to help from parishes and other community groups, 1,677 families received food and other assistance for the holidays. The agency also helped 537 families with direct financial assistance. The Burial Assistance program provided 69 dignified burials for the especially destitute, including seven children.

Making this possible were more than 50 full- and part-time employees, 372 volunteers who contributed 25,762 hours of service, more than 2,000 donors who gave directly to Catholic Charities, and financial support received through the annual Diocesan Support Appeal.

Given to the hungry 50 372 25,762 2,000

full- and part-time employees, volunteers who contributed hours of service,

more than

donors,

in addition to financial support received through the Diocesan Support Appeal.

10

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2017-2018

Multicultural Ministries

The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people. The Diocese of Charlotte is comprised of an ever-increasing population that includes African, African American, Burmese, Hmong, Hispanic, Korean and Vietnamese communities – all forming one community of faith that celebrates the Church’s unity amid diversity.

During the 2017-’18 fiscal year, the African American Affairs Ministry participated in the July 2017 National Black Catholic Congress in Orlando, Fla., with over 2,000 Black Catholics from around the country. In addition, the Hispanic community prepared for Encuentro V in September 2018 in Grapevine, Texas, which had the theme of “Missionary Disciples, Witnesses of God’s Love.” A key part of their preparation was identifying community needs, making their voices heard and promoting the New Evangelization.

Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corp.

The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corp. is dedicated to developing affordable housing for senior and special needs citizens. Three such facilities are currently in operation: Curlin Commons Senior Apartments in Mooresville, Good Shepherd Gardens Senior Apartments in Salisbury and Mother Teresa Villa Apartments in Charlotte, which serves adults with intellectual and physical disabilities who can live semi-independently.

In August 2018, the Housing Corp., along with its development partner Douglas/Schaumber Development, were awarded $9.4 million in federal low-income housing tax credits by the N.C. Housing Finance Agency and $250,000 in Workforce Housing Loan Program proceeds to develop an 81-unit senior affordable housing community in south Charlotte. These proceeds are in addition to a $1.75 million loan commitment from the City of Charlotte, which was approved in April 2018. This facility will serve seniors aged 55 and older, who earn between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income.

THE COST OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS FOR ALL DIOCESAN ENTITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

Long Term Disability Health and Life Insurance Lay Pension Plan 403(b) Plan Contributions FSA Administration Fees

2018 2017 $ 155,040 $ 168,983 8,444,810 9,066,189 3,443,039 7,362,131 2,054,299 721,173 12,213 7,047

TOTAL

$14,109,401

1056 1284

$17,325,523

Human Capital

The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed to have thousands of dedicated employees and volunteers who minister to the people of western North Carolina. They come from many different backgrounds and bring a multitude of talents and skills to their work. Pope Francis, reiterating his predecessor St. John Paul II, has said that work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. In support of their efforts, the diocese maintains policies and

full-time lay employees, part-time employees and

more than

11,635

procedures that ensure respect and just treatment for all of its personnel.

Within that mission, the Human Resources office educates, advises and assists all diocesan parishes, schools and agencies in the areas of compliance with diocesan policies and all federal, state and local laws.

The diocese’s benefit programs provide comprehensive and affordable

volunteers

as of June 30, 2018

options for employees and their families through a variety of different plans.

This past year several new voluntary benefits were added for employees to help them care for their families’ needs. In addition, the 403(b) defined contribution plan was enhanced to help employees save for retirement.

Given to the poor

12

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2017-2018

The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

THE FOUNDATION OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2018 2017 ASSETS Cash $ 693,167 $ 651,598 Due from Advancement Corp. and other receivables 451,800 437,171 Investments 51,442,506 45,721,305 Beneficial Interest in Advancement Corp.

1,561,069 3,414,590 Assets held in trust 38,024 39,203 TOTAL ASSETS $54,186,566 $50,263,867

Jesus as the Living Bread gives life to His people. The generous support of people throughout the diocese gives life to the work of the Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte again this year.

LIABILITIES Ten new endowments were established through the foundation during the Payables & unearned income $ 26,303 $ 103,524 Custodial & annuity obligations 15,725,494 13,712,902 fiscal 2018 year. Donors also provided a range of gift amounts, directed for a TOTAL LIABILITIES $15,751,797 $13,816,426 variety of different purposes in the fiscal year. Consider the gift that established an NET ASSETS endowment in the memory of O’Brien and William Edwards Gibbs to establish Net assets without donor restrictions $ 3,508,321 $ 3,326,412 Net assets with donor restrictions 34,926,448 33,121,029 scholarships for the benefit of Asheville Catholic School and another endowment TOTAL NET ASSETS $38,434,769 $36,447,441 established by the Holletts benefits Holy Family Church in Clemmons, St. Leo TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $54,186,566 $50,263,867 Church in Winston-Salem and the Winston-Salem Office of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. Yet another donor’s gift to establish an endowment in honor of Father Timothy Reid benefits seminarians.

The foundation’s total number of endowments grew from 250 in the 2017 fiscal year to 260 in the 2018 fiscal year. These endowments continue to feed the work for parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, priests’ retirement, seminarian education and outreach programs.

Principal additions to new and existing endowments for the year totaled $3,588,071. Total endowment distributions from all funds for the year were $1,067,117.

During this fiscal year, the foundation awarded $54,496 in special grants to 12 parishes and missions, three diocesan outreach ministries and one food pantry. The grants range from $1,000 to $5,000. Since 2001, the foundation has awarded 352 special grants totaling $892,985.

These grants are distributed from three of the foundation’s 260 endowments.

MA CS Education Annual Fund

The Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Education Development Council organizes the MACS Education Annual Fund for the purpose of enhancing educational opportunities that feed the minds of our MACS students and educators. The Annual Fund provided grants to each of the nine schools and grants to individual teachers to support specific classroom programs. During the fiscal year, the MACS Education Annual Fund received contributions totaling $380,537 from 574 donors. Fifty grants totaling $324,445 were awarded to the nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. Fundraising costs associated with the annual appeal totaled $173,788, all of which was funded from general operations.

Triad Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation

The Triad Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation was established to conduct and administer funds for the benefit of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School and the five parish-based Catholic elementary schools in the Triad region so that educators can effectively feed the minds of our children. During the past year, the Triad Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation received contributions totaling $252,839 from 517 donors. The Foundation awarded grants totaling $225,448 to the six Triad Catholic Schools.

Fundraising costs associated with the annual appeal totaled $54,470.

Given to all who seek the Word of the Lord

14

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2017-2018

Diocesan Support Appeal

The annual Diocesan Support Appeal enables thousands of faithful to give thanks through financial support of a wide variety of needs throughout western North Carolina.

The 2017 annual appeal funded more than 50 ministries and programs throughout the diocese. The Diocese of Charlotte is committed to supporting Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, educational programs, multicultural ministries, and the diocesan vocations program. DSA funds also support the Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corp. and the annual Eucharistic Congress. Campaign costs represent approximately 5 percent of total funds raised.

The 2017 Diocesan Support Appeal raised more than $6,205,500 through contributions from 17,616

The annual Diocesan Support Appeal

50

donors. Of the amount collected, $665,052 was distributed to 56 parishes, representing funds collected that exceeded parish goals. Thirty-two parishes fell short of their goal and contributed a total of $130,585 to the appeal from parish funds.

funds more than ministries and

programs in the

Diocese of Charlotte

DSA MINISTRY FUNDING FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

GRANTS TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES

2018 2017 $1,903,015 $1,858,505

EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES Adult Education/Evangelization $ 95,520 Campus/Young Adult Ministry 586,176 Faith Formation Office 411,176 Youth Ministry 103,432 Catholic Schools Office 79,026 Education Administration 90,886 TOTAL EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES $1,366,216

$

96,482 657,697 388,286 122,165 76,179 139,143 $1,479,952

– all of which express God’s mercy in many

MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES

2018 2017 $ 766,952 $ 769,075

VOCATIONS Seminarian Education $ 464,497 $ 468,914 Permanent Diaconate 134,381 88,575 TOTAL VOCATIONS $ 598,878 $ 557,489 OTHER Eucharistic Congress Housing Ministry TOTAL OTHER

$

208,890 $ 166,725 217,788 182,504 $ 426,678 $ 349,229

DSA CAMPAIGN COSTS

$ 295,518 $ 276,116

TOTAL DSA FUNDING

$5,357,257 $5,290,366

different ways.

Special Collections

Special Collections are a powerful way to participate in the global work of the Church. Contributions to special collections taken up throughout the year provided funds for Catholic Relief Services, Holy Land, Peter’s Pence, Catholic University of America, Catholic Communications Campaign, Church in Latin America, Church in

Central and Eastern Europe, Church in Africa, Propagation of the Faith, Catholic Home Missions, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and Retirement Fund for the Religious. These organizations were able to move forward in their missions throughout the world, continuing to give thanks and honoring Our Lord’s Eucharistic Presence.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AMOUNTS COLLECTED FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

International/National Combined Collection Catholic Campaign for Human Development Religious Retirement Collection Combined Mission Collection World Mission Sunday Archdiocese for Military Services Trinity Dome Collection Hurricane Matthew Louisiana Floods Hurricane Harvey Hurricanes Maria, Irma, Mexico Earthquake TOTAL

$

2018 257,093 184,556 317,539 273,524 242,834 - - - - 476,535 268,690

$2,020,771

$

2017 236,699 171,856 287,065 272,822 228,667 82,373 71,802 40,617 85,376 -

$1,477,277

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2017-2018

In the fall of 2012 the Diocese of Charlotte launched an unprecedented

campaign to renew, strengthen and advance the financial resources of the 92 parishes and missions in the Diocese of Charlotte, and to solidify the financial foundation of the Diocese. The “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign was conceived after much prayer and organized and diligent study. The $65 million campaign aims to meet present needs across the diocese as well as to provide a solid financial base for the future.

The campaign’s strategic objectives are: – Strengthening parish life and ministries as the center of the Catholic community – Ensuring the vitality of Catholic education – Supporting seminarian formation and retired clergy – Expanding the outreach of social services – Guaranteeing the availability of pastoral and temporal resources The $65 million goal is allocated as follows: PARISH LIFE AND MINISTRIES

$16.25 million BROADER MINISTRIES (comprised as follows): CATHOLIC EDUCATION $12.75 million – Expand Faith Formation Endowment: $1 million – Expand Tuition Assistance Endowment: $6 million – College Campus Ministry: $1.75 million – Renovate Existing Catholic Schools: $4 million PASTORAL AND TEMPORAL RESOURCES $11.5 million – Parish and Mission Support Services Endowment: $6 million – St. Patrick Cathedral Renovations: $4 million – Retreat and Conference Center Renovations: $1.5 million CLERGY SUPPORT $13 million – Expand Priest Retirement Fund: $10 million – Expand Vocation and Seminarian Support Endowment: $3 million CATHOLIC OUTREACH $11.5 million – Expand Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte Endowment: $6 million – Expand Multicultural Ministries Endowment: $3 million – Housing Initiatives: $2.5 million In addition, campaign costs, which include educational materials, communications, accounting and fundraising staff, amount to approximately 6.5 percent of the total campaign goal, a total of $4,225,000.

CAMPAIGN RESULTS The solicitation phase of the campaign ended in 2015; as such, there were only minimal gifts received during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. A loss of $439,619 was recorded this past fiscal year as a result of updating the allowance for unfulfilled pledges received in prior years. FFHL pledges from inception of the campaign through June 30, 2018 total $70,110,000, while estimated losses due to uncollectible pledges total $15,799,000 as of June 30, 2018.

All 92 parishes and mission have received distributions from campaign proceeds. In addition, funds have already been used to renovate the Catholic

15

Conference Center in Hickory, make improvements to several college campus ministry centers and Living Waters Reflection Center, and build up the Priest Retirement Fund. In addition, approximately $14.4 million has been added to the seven endowments benefiting seminarian education, faith formation, Catholic schools, college campus ministry, Catholic Charities, multicultural ministries, and parish/mission support services. Distributions for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018 totaled $5,709,000, bringing inception-to-date distributions to $37,483,000, comprised of: PARISH LIFE & MINISTRIES BROADER MINISTRIES:

$ 16,545,000

Catholic Education

$ 4,858,000

Clergy Support

$ 7,088,000

Pastoral & Temporal Resources Catholic Outreach

TOTAL DISTRIBUTED

DISTRIBUTIONS PENDING for Capital Projects

$ 3,995,000 $ 4,997,000

$ 37,483,000 $ 5,998,000

DISTRIBUTION PENDING for Priest Retirement $ APPLIED TO COVER CAMPAIGN EXPENSES

TOTAL PAYMENTS RECEIVED ON PLEDGES

130,000

$ 4,086,000

$47,697,000

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, campaign costs amounted to $212,000, bringing inception-to-date campaign costs to $4,743,000.

Cash payments are expected to approximate $54,314,000 upon conclusion of the redemption phase of the campaign allowing for pledges made that may not be fully collected. The following table shows the allocation of total expected cash payments for (1) parish life and ministries (including parish challenge campaigns, which are additional parish initiatives conducted in conjunction with the FFHL campaign), (2) broader ministries, and (3) to cover campaign expenses.

PARISH LIFE & MINISTRIES SHARE

$19,300,000

CAMPAIGN EXPENSE SHARE

$ 4,846,000

BROADER MINISTRIES SHARE

TOTAL

$30,168,000

$ 54,314,000

As reflected in the preceding table, distributions directly benefiting parishes totals approximately $19 million, or 35% of total expected cash payments. The total raised for the broader ministries – indirectly benefiting parishes – amounts to approximately 62% of the $48.75 million goal for the broader ministries. The actual amounts distributed for each campaign element may vary from the amounts shown in the table above due to changes in the estimate of unfulfilled pledges.

“This extraordinary campaign will provide resources to better position the diocese by strengthening our parishes and the broader ministries that serve the people of our parishes’” Bishop Jugis said as the diocese finished another year of parishioners making payments on their pledges to FFHL. “I am humbled and extremely grateful for the generosity of so many people throughout our diocese in faithfully fulfilling their commitments to the FFHL campaign.”

Report from Chief Financial Officer Contributing to the many successful programs and ministries of the Diocese during the 2017-18 fiscal year is a healthy financial foundation for the Diocese. We are dedicating significant financial resources (donor restricted and general purpose funds) to the planned construction of the St. Joseph College Seminary; to capital additions and improvements at our regional and diocesan Catholic schools; to outreach to our Catholic immigrant brothers and sisters through our multi-cultural pastoral ministry; and to outreach to our neighbors in need through Catholic Charities’ programs. During the past fiscal year, we provided support for:  Our retired priests, our seminarians and other clergy by approximately $5.6 million;  School capital additions and improvements by $7.8 million;  Our Catholic immigrant brothers and sisters by providing pastoral programs totaling approximately $1 million;  Our neighbors in need by approximately $5.3 million in social service programs; and  Parish Faith Formation and Catholic school programs by almost $2 million.

All our initiatives are dependent on the good work of our many dedicated clergy and lay persons. During the fiscal year just ended, employee salaries and benefits totaled approximately $53.3 million, down from $57.9 million in fiscal 2017. Beginning in January 2018, in conjunction with the Lay Employee Pension Plan freeze (see below), the Diocese began contributing 5% of eligible salaries to the diocesan sponsored tax-deferred defined contribution plan (403(b) Plan) on behalf of all eligible employees.

Of course, the heart of the Diocese is our parishes and schools. And, while this report covers the financial activities of many diocesan ministries and entities, it does not include our parishes (and parish and interparochial schools), which report separately to their parishioners.

The diocesan financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 are presented on the following pages for your review.

Results of operating activities for the year ended June 30, 2018 Expenses in support of our various program (ministry) services totaled just under $55.4 million, while all other operating expenses (excluding the FFHL capital campaign) totaled approximately $27.4 million, for a total of $82.8 million. We were blessed to receive $83.6 million in financial support without donor restrictions, and were able to reclassify donor restricted revenue totaling $6 million to unrestricted operating revenue as a result of fulfilling donor restrictions.

The Diocese recorded donor-restricted income of $4.6 million, representing the value of a perpetual trust, of which the Diocese was named beneficiary of income earned by the trust. The original gift amount of $4.6 million cannot be spent; it is to be invested in perpetuity to generate income for Catholic School scholarships for families unable to afford to pay such tuition for a Catholic education.

The Diocese recorded a net decrease in all other donor restricted operating activities (excluding FFHL) of $530,694 for the year ended June 30, 2018. This represents the excess of $6,000,329 in donor restricted gifts whose restrictions were fulfilled during the fiscal year over $5,469,635 in donor restricted donations and grants received during the fiscal year.

The FFHL campaign recorded a loss of approximately $3.3 million primarily as a result of the distribution of pledge receipts during the fiscal year. Page 15 of this report provides additional information about FFHL activities.

The pie charts depict the major sources of revenues and summarize expenditures for the fiscal year just ended. Additional detail about revenues and a break-out of expenses by functional area, along with a comparison to fiscal 2017, are presented within the Statement of Activities on page 19.

SOURCES OF REVENUE Parish assessments and support 20%

USES OF OUR RESOURCES Fundraising 2%

Fees and rent 3%

Pastoral 10%

Schools Administration 18% Depreciation 6%

Diocesan Support Appeal 6%

School tuition and fees 45%

Other sources 4%

Administrative services and support 5% Interest expense 1%

Direct Education Expenses (excluding school administration) 38%

FFHL Distributions and allowances 4%

Investment income 6%

Other program expenses 4%

Donations and gifts 13% Grants, contracts and awards 3%

Results of nonoperating activities for the year ended June 30, 2018 Nonoperating activities consist of the return earned on diocesan investments. The diocese reported a gain on investments this past year of approximately $5.4 million, of which almost $2.7 million is subject to donor restrictions.

Net Asset Credit for the year ended June 30, 2018 The Diocese recorded a $9.3 million credit to (increase in) net assets in fiscal 2018 related to our pension and post-retirement benefit plans’ most recent actuarial valuations. The primary driver of this credit is an increase in the discount rate from last year. The cumulative charge against net assets related to our pension and postretirement benefit plans through June 30, 2018 totals approximately $33 million, leaving a balance in net assets without donor restrictions of approximately $74 million, of which approximately $41 million is designated for certain

Benefit programs for parish employees 6%

Social services 6%

diocesan activities. Additionally, the accrued liability for these programs is approximately $58 million at June 30, 2018, down approximately $8 million from June 30, 2017. Due to the significant liability and charge to net assets related to the Lay Employee Pension Plan, this plan was amended to eliminate future accruals for all participants, except for those who are at least age 62 and have at least 12 years of service, as of January 1, 2018. The plan was closed to new entrants as of January 1, 2018. Although the plan is frozen, employees who are participants in the plan will retain benefits accumulated up to January 1, 2018, based on credited service and eligible earnings, in accordance with the terms of the plan.

Cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2018 Cash generated from operating activities totaled approximately $18.4 million (including $8 million of pledge receivables collected), which provided funds needed for the acquisition of property and equipment

totaling $9.4 million and for the repayment of capital lease obligations totaling $1 million.

to, and internal controls are in place and operating so as to safeguard diocesan assets and ensure that all financial activity is accounted for properly. Financial oversight is provided by routine financial audits and the diocesan Finance Council, which is directly responsible to the Bishop.

The diocesan Finance Council fulfills its audit oversight responsibilities by meeting annually with the Diocese’s outside auditors and exercising oversight as it relates to the following specific matters:

Liquidity as of June 30, 2018 Although the pension and postretirement benefit liabilities have a significant impact on our unrestricted net assets, they are long-term in nature and do not affect our liquidity in the short-term. As the Statement of Financial Position shows, cash and investments total $155 million at June 30, 2018, of which $50 million is invested in donor restricted endowments, leaving a balance of $105 million. Receivables totaling $12 million are due within the coming year, resulting in liquid assets of $117 million. Of this amount, $52 million is either restricted as to use by donor stipulations or management designations or is required for FFHL and endowment distributions and grant commitments, further reducing funds available to $65 million. $45 million of this amount represents parish deposits held by DL Catholic, leaving a balance of $20 million for general operations, including payment of liabilities reported on the Statement of Financial Position at June 30, 2018.

 Systems of internal accounting control;  Compliance with laws and regulations;  Compliance with the diocesan code of ethics;  Financial reporting; and the  External auditors

Financial governance and oversight

The integrity of the financial statements that follow and the integrity of the underlying financial systems are the responsibility of the diocese.

The public accounting firm of Deloitte and Touche, LLP was engaged to perform an independent audit of these financial statements. Their audit report is included in the financial report that follows.

The diocesan Finance Office remains committed to the highest standards of fiscal integrity and accountability. To this end, the diocese has developed guidelines for strong financial governance, which can be found on the diocesan web-site. The complete compendium of financial policies of the Diocese of Charlotte is also published on the diocesan web-site. It is the responsibility of the diocesan Finance Office to ensure that accounting policies and procedures are being adhered

William G. Weldon, CPA Chief Financial Officer

Diocesan Revenues excluding Schools: 2016 - 2018 18,000,000 16,000,000

Regional and Diocesan Schools’ Revenues: 2016 - 2018

14,000,000 12,000,000

45,000,000 40,000,000 35,000,000 30,000,000 25,000,000 20,000,000 15,000,000 10,000,000 5,000,000 0

10,000,000 8,000,000 6,000,000 4,000,000 2,000,000 0

san

e ioc

D

o

p up

S

al

pe

p rt A

rish

Pa

e

ssm

e ass

n

a nts

rt

po

up ds

on ati

n

Do

ifts

dg

n sa

ntr

ra

G

a

s act

co

, nts

rds

wa

a nd

e

Fe

2016

t

en

dR

n sa

o LC

H

FF

s

on

uti

ib ntr

e

m est

Inv

me

co

in nt

Ot

h

s

rce

ou

s er

School tuition Parish support and fees

Donations

2016

2018

2017

Other sources

2018

2017

Diocesan Expenses excluding Schools: 2016 - 2018 12,000,000

Regional and Diocesan Schools’ Expenses 2016 - 2018

10,000,000

30,000,000

8,000,000

25,000,000

6,000,000

20,000,000

4,000,000

15,000,000

2,000,000

10,000,000 5,000,000

0

l ora

cat

st

Pa

u Ed

ion

c

So

m

r s fo

fit

ne

Be

gra pro

c

rvi

se ial

es

ris

pa

ye

lo mp

he

y/l

rt pe

Pro

es

iab

n

ura

s y in

ilit

ce

c

oli

th Ca

e

H ws

Ne

s ter

en

c at

e etr

/R

ce

en fer

n

Co

d ral

In

m

Ad

2016

es

vic

er es

v

ati

str ini

e

xp

e est ter

nse

2017

p

up ds

an

ort

iat

c pre

De

2018

ion

l na

u

b Tri

F

s

rai

d un

ing

HL

FF

ut

D

ib istr

s ion HL

FF

ow All

an

s ce

0

Instructional Personal/ Curriculum

2016

Administration

2017

Depreciation

2018

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT To the Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte: We have audited the accompanying combined financial statements of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte (the “Diocese”), which comprise the combined statements of financial position as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, and the related combined statements of activities, functional expenses, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the combined financial statements. The combined financial statements include the accounts of the affiliated diocesan entities described in Note 1 to the combined financial statements, which operate under the auspices of the Diocese.

Management’s Responsibility for the Combined Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these combined financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the combined financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including

the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the combined financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Diocese’s preparation and fair presentation of the combined financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Diocese’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the combined financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of the Diocese as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, the combined changes in their net assets, their functional expenses and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

October 8, 2018

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS AS OF JUNE 30, 2018 AND 2017 FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018 AND 2017

2018 2017

2018 2017 ASSETS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $ 28,606,563 $ 16,445,150 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Change in net assets $22,173,983 $22,083,876 PLEDGES RECEIVABLE—Net 8,536,744 15,653,408 Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash flows

from operating activities: OTHER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE—Net 2,436,854 2,023,982 Depreciation and amortization 5,158,890 4,682,656

Investment realized and unrealized gains (1,854,221) (4,677,261) NOTES RECEIVABLE—Net 16,853,678 17,981,571 Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements

(16,419)

(Gain) loss on disposition of property (1,541,080) 83,146 ADVANCES TO PARISHES—Net 2,097,379 2,171,381 Contribution of beneficial interest in perpetual trust (4,597,434)

Net asset credit—Lay and Priest Retirement Plans INVESTMENTS 126,063,347 116,794,574 and Retired Clergy Health Plan (9,324,747) (14,651,074)

Decrease in discounts and allowances on advances, PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—Net 79,569,989 74,255,749 notes, and pledges receivable (1,065,834) (1,396,840)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities: BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN PERPETUAL TRUSTS 9,374,668 4,690,544 Other accounts receivable (412,872) 583,977

Deferred rent 108,012 68,315 DEFERRED RENT AND RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS—Operating leases 1,691,775 1,924,087 Pledges receivable 8,137,559 10,320,953

Other assets (217,803) (209,107) OTHER ASSETS 1,141,234 923,431 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (960,797) 346,981

Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits 1,505,904 76,173 TOTAL $276,372,231 $252,863,877 Accrued pension and postretirement benefits 1,082,346 4,449,982

Unearned revenue 226,101 934,111

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Net cash provided by operating activities 18,418,007 22,679,469

LIABILITIES: CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 5,141,706 $ 5,037,428 Purchase of property and equipment (9,415,509) (7,919,224) Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits 5,021,274 3,515,370 Proceeds from the sale of property 2,084,558 6,300 Accrued pension and postretirement benefits 58,212,383 66,454,784 Purchase of investments (48,537,375) (52,343,777) Unearned revenue 9,602,145 9,376,044 Proceeds from maturity and sales of investments 42,918,284 35,744,366 Lease liabilities 773,577 1,316,960 Issuance of advances and notes (2,510,270) (2,233,963) Custodial, annuity, and other obligations 57,792,889 49,509,017 Payments received on advances and notes 3,757,106 2,530,914

Increase in custodial obligations 6,300,891 6,242,996 Total liabilities 136,543,974 135,209,603

Net cash used in investing activities (5,402,315) (17,972,388) CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Distribution of corpus from perpetual trust 100,828 NET ASSETS: Repayment of bonds

(540,000) Net assets without donor restrictions: Principal payment of finance lease obligations (955,107) (787,694) Undesignated 65,482,828 61,469,241

Net asset charge—Lay and Priest Retirement Plans and Net cash flows used in financing activities (854,279) (1,327,694) Retired Clergy Health Plan (32,904,271) (42,229,018)

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 12,161,413 3,379,388 Total undesignated net assets without donor restrictions 32,578,557 19,240,223

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: Designated 41,296,262 35,673,133 Beginning of year 16,445,150 13,065,762

Total net assets without donor restrictions 73,874,819 54,913,356 End of year $28,606,563 $16,445,150

Net assets with donor restrictions 65,953,438 62,740,918 SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

Interest paid $ 19,528 $ 61,268 Total net assets 139,828,257 117,654,274

Non-cash acquisition of property $ 1,671,226 $ 41,987 TOTAL $276,372,231 $252,863,877

See notes to combined financial statements.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED

JUNE 30, 2018 Without Donor With Donor

Restrictions Restrictions Total

OPERATING: Revenues and other support: School tuition and fees $44,668,856 $

$44,668,856 Contributions—Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA) 5,873,352

5,873,352 Other support—DSA programs 669,098

669,098 Other donations and gifts 3,605,478 9,651,810 13,257,288 Parish assessments:

Employee benefit programs 8,144,841

8,144,841 Property liability insurance 1,579,310

1,579,310 Catholic News Herald 973,380

973,380 Central office 4,294,395

4,294,395 Parish support of schools 4,707,150

4,707,150 Federal and state agency awards 2,187,396

2,187,396 Other grants and awards 52,310 412,595 464,905 Fees for services rendered 1,426,086

1,426,086 Rental income 1,325,354

1,325,354 Interest income—parish loans 679,899 679,899 Other income 3,386,740 2,664 3,389,404 Net assets released from restrictions—satisfaction

of program restrictions 6,000,329 (6,000,329)

Total revenues and other support 89,573,974 4,066,740 93,640,714

EXPENSES: Program expenses: Pastoral: Clergy, vocations, and support for retired priests 5,656,700

5,656,700 Multicultural ministries 996,728

996,728 Contributions, grants, and subsidies 1,569,102

1,569,102 Other 407,732

407,732 Education:

Regional and diocesan schools 30,653,318

30,653,318 Other education and faith formation 1,955,470

1,955,470 Social service programs 5,339,635

5,339,635 Benefit programs for lay parish employees 5,283,741

5,283,741 Property and liability insurance programs for parishes 1,004,948

1,004,948 Publication of Catholic News Herald 1,105,047

1,105,047 Conference/Retreat Centers 819,635

819,635 Tribunal 584,423

584,423

Total program expenses 55,376,479

55,376,479 Administrative: Central office administration $ 3,142,686 $

$3,142,686 Regional and diocesan schools administration 15,516,037

15,516,037 Social services administration 745,508

745,508 Interest—parish savings and investments 589,251

589,251 Interest—long-term debt 15,194

15,194 Depreciation and amortization 5,158,890

5,158,890 Other 741,127

741,127

Total administrative expenses 25,908,693

25,908,693

Fundraising 1,548,777

1,548,777

Total expenses 82,833,949

282,833,949

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS BEFORE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AND NONOPERATING ACTIVITIES AND NET ASSET CREDIT 6,740,025 4,066,740 10,806,765

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES: Contributions—FFHL 396,000 176,347 572,347 Losses on uncollectible contributions—FFHL

(439,619) (439,619) Net assets released from restrictions—FFHL 3,256,855 (3,256,855) Distributions to parishes—FFHL (3,256,855)

(3,256,855) Fundraising and other expenses—FFHL (212,299)

(212,299)

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 6,923,726 546,613 7,470,339

NONOPERATING: Net investment return 2,712,990 2,665,907 5,378,897 Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements -

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM NONOPERATING ACTIVITIES 2,712,990 2,665,907 5,378,897

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS BEFORE NET ASSET CREDIT 9,636,716 3,212,520 12,849,236

NET ASSET CREDIT—Lay and Priest Retirement Plans and Retired Clergy Health Plan 9,324,747

9,324,747

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 18,961,463 3,212,520 22,173,983

NET ASSETS: Beginning of year 54,913,356 62,740,918 117,654,274

End of year $73,874,819 $65,953,438 $139,828,257

See notes to combined financial statements.

JUNE 30, 2017

Without Donor Restrictions

With Donor Restrictions

Total

$44,234,547 $

$44,234,547

5,670,620

5,670,620

408,866

408,866

5,899,777 5,093,629 10,993,406

8,591,806

8,591,806

1,600,367

1,600,367

950,295

950,295

4,143,063

4,143,063

3,753,287

3,753,287

2,721,646

2,721,646

18,992 695,975 714,967

1,335,599

1,335,599

1,268,487

1,268,487

714,943 714,943

1,793,686 12,652 1,806,338

5,408,721 (5,408,721)

88,514,702 393,535 88,908,237

6,181,041

6,181,041

999,676

999,676

560,483

560,483

377,242

377,242

29,179,236

29,179,236

1,845,534

1,845,534

5,795,775

5,795,775

10,718,118

10,718,118

837,415

837,415

1,094,504

1,094,504

747,491

747,491

522,896

522,896

58,859,411

58,859,411

$ 3,048,967 $

$3,048,967 15,087,886

15,087,886

785,410

785,410

280,339

280,339

24,186

24,186

4,682,656

4,682,656

669,416

669,416

24,578,860

24,578,860

1,170,496

1,170,496

84,608,767

84,608,767

3,905,935 393,535 4,299,470

956,152 956,152

(970,186) (970,186)

3,728,649 (3,728,649) (3,728,649)

(3,728,649)

(228,587)

(228,587)

3,677,348 (3,349,148) 328,200

3,321,112 3,767,071 7,088,183

16,419

16,419

3,337,531 3,767,071 7,104,602

7,014,879 417,923 7,432,802

14,651,074

14,651,074

21,665,953 417,923 22,083,876

33,247,403 62,322,995 95,570,398

$54,913,356 $62,740,918 $117,654,274

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

Travel & Grants &

Personnel Occupancy Office/Program Professional Professional Other

Costs Costs Expenses Services Development Assistance Other Total

PROGRAMS: Pastoral: Clergy, vocations and support for retired priests $ 4,380,425 $ 499,790 $ 163,374 $ 152,588 $ 338,171 $ 48,854 $ 73,498 $ 5,656,700 Multicultural ministries 619,585 67,662 41,448 25,856 233,311 3,826 5,040 996,728 Contributions, grants and subsidies

1,569,102

1,569,102 Other 18,953 85,182 61,036 211,742 29,861

958 407,732 Education: Regional and diocesan schools 26,760,001

3,893,317

30,653,318 Other education and faith formation 1,272,334 367,149 130,124 7,001 175,117 750 2,995 1,955,470 Social service programs 3,170,469 555,866 165,014 292,322 177,340 973,999 4,625 5,339,635 Benefit program for lay parish employees 5,283,741

5,283,741 Property and liability insurance programs for parishes

933,739

10,074 61,135 1,004,948 Publication of Catholic News Herald 514,073 50,218 406,733 116,085 8,525

9,413 1,105,047 Conference/retreat centers 472,552 236,284 96,772 6,085 7,667 25 250 819,635 Tribunal 364,762 48,324 25,296 52,654 92,624 100 663 584,423

Total program expenses 42,856,895 2,844,214 4,983,114 864,333 1,062,616 2,606,730 158,577 55,376,479

ADMINISTRATIVE: Central office administration 2,340,557 45,348 287,334 207,768 183,978 65,499 12,202 3,142,686 Regional and diocesan schools administration 6,676,929 5,325,950 2,872,450 265,564 277,288

97,856 15,516,037 Social Services Administration 496,357 55,065 38,053 63,846 49,227 500 42,460 745,508 Interest—parish savings and investments

589,251 589,251 Interest—long-term debt

15,194 15,194 Depreciation and amortization

5,158,890

5,158,890 Other 326,061 139,744 87,684 123,161 51,466 693 12,318 741,127

Total administrative expenses 9,839,904 10,724,997 3,285,521 660,339 561,959 66,692 769,281 25,908,693

FUNDRAISING 625,437 50,525 504,417 286,714 35,392

46,292 1,548,777

TOTAL EXPENSES BEFORE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES IN THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES 53,322,236 13,619,736 8,773,052 1,811,386 1,659,967 2,673,422 974,150 82,833,949

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES: Distributions to parishes—FFHL 3,256,855 3,256,855 Fundraising and other expenses—FFHL 21,430 2,571 89,698 98,600

212,299

Total capital campaign expenses 21,430 2,571 89,698 98,600

3,256,855

3,469,154

TOTAL EXPENSES PER THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES $53,343,666 $13,622,307 $8,862,750 $1,909,986 $1,659,967 $5,930,277 $974,150 $86,303,103

See notes to combined financial statements.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2017

Travel & Grants &

Personnel Occupancy Office/Program Professional Professional Other

Costs Costs Expenses Services Development Assistance Other Total

PROGRAMS: Pastoral: Clergy, vocations and support for retired priests $ 4,995,720 $ 379,642 $ 113,583 $ 77,907 $ 507,770 $ 31,212 $ 75,207 $ 6,181,041 Multicultural ministries 623,139 63,845 38,950 16,866 241,978 6,204 8,694 999,676 Contributions, grants and subsidies

560,483

560,483 Other 21,572 71,817 59,766 192,063 31,304

720 377,242 Education: Regional and diocesan schools 25,211,034

3,968,202

29,179,236 Other education and faith formation 1,278,019 325,106 97,367 15,193 126,527

3,322 1,845,534 Social service programs 3,399,414 541,087 192,639 45,250 149,328 1,466,516 1,541 5,795,775 Benefit program for lay parish employees 10,718,118

10,718,118 Property and liability insurance programs for parishes

689,219

9,540 138,656 837,415 Publication of Catholic News Herald 501,813 66,770 400,936 116,606 8,053

326 1,094,504 Conference/retreat centers 430,956 218,671 84,833 5,123 7,508 150 250 747,491 Tribunal 355,443 48,051 30,434 49,346 38,602 100 920 522,896

Total program expenses 47,535,228 2,404,208 4,986,710 518,354 1,111,070 2,074,205 229,636 58,859,411

ADMINISTRATIVE: Central office administration 2,276,698 34,678 314,117 123,785 197,485 79,800 22,404 3,048,967 Regional and diocesan schools administration 6,626,365 5,141,658 2,910,249 98,100 211,162

100,352 15,087,886 Social Services Administration 496,426 102,125 58,475 62,898 33,244 500 31,742 785,410 Interest—parish savings and investments

280,339 280,339 Interest—long-term debt

24,186 24,186 Depreciation and amortization

4,682,656

4,682,656 Other 307,209 9,557 73,706 185,045 37,837

56,062 669,416

Total administrative expenses 9,706,698 9,970,674 3,356,547 469,828 479,728 80,300 515,085 24,578,860

FUNDRAISING 601,739 13,844 501,320 26,092 21,123 107 6,271 1,170,496

TOTAL EXPENSES BEFORE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES IN THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES 57,843,665 12,388,726 8,844,577 1,014,274 1,611,921 2,154,612 750,992 84,608,767

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES: Distributions to parishes—FFHL 3,728,649 3,728,649 Fundraising and other expenses—FFHL 72,707

105,576 50,304

228,587

Total capital campaign expenses 72,707

105,576 50,304

3,728,649

3,957,236

TOTAL EXPENSES PER THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES $57,916,372 $12,388,726 $8,950,153 $1,064,578 $1,611,921 $5,883,261 $750,992 $88,566,003 See notes to combined financial statements.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018 AND 2017

1. ORGANIZATION The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte (the “Diocese”) serves the Roman Catholic Church in western North Carolina. The Diocese comprises a geographic area of 20,470 square miles covering 46 counties ranging from the North Carolina piedmont region to the North Carolina mountain region. The accompanying combined financial statements do not include the assets, liabilities, or activities of individual parishes and interparochial schools. These excluded activities are operating entities distinct from the offices and organizations included herein, maintain separate accounts, and carry on their own programs.

The accompanying combined financial statements include the accounts of the following organizations, which operate under the auspices of the Diocese: • The Central Administration, which provides administrative and other services to parishes, schools, and agencies of the Diocese. Services include coordination and support of educational programs and multicultural ministries; the vocations program; continuing formation of priests and support of retired priests; employee benefit program; property/ casualty insurance program; diocesan tribunal; operation of the Catholic Conference Center, Living Waters Reflection Center, and Cathedral Publishing, Inc., the publisher of the Catholic News Herald.

• Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (“BMCHS”), which provides Catholic secondary education for the Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point areas.

period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, valuation of pledges receivable, other accounts receivable, notes receivable, advances to parishes, valuation of beneficial interests in perpetual trusts, investments, interest rate swap instruments, accrued pension benefits, and accrued health benefits for retired priests. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Operating Activities—Transactions that are part of the ongoing major or central activities of the combined entities are reported as operating in the accompanying combined statements of activities. All other transactions are reported as non-operating.

Functional Expenses—The costs of program and supporting services activities have been summarized on a functional basis in the combined statements of activities. The combined statement of functional expenses presents the natural classification detail of expenses by function.

Certain costs are attributed to more than one program or supporting function and, therefore, require allocation among the programs and supporting services benefited. We believe our allocations are done on a reasonable and consistent basis. Occupancy costs are allocated on a square footage basis. Most personnel costs, office expenses, professional services, travel and professional development costs, and grants and other assistance are identified with a specific program or supporting function at the time they are incurred and are reported accordingly.

However, some of these expenses require allocation, which is done on the basis of estimates of time and effort.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Diocese considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. At various times throughout the year, the Diocese may maintain bank accounts in excess of the FDIC-insured limit.

• Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (“MACS”), which operates nine schools throughout Mecklenburg County as of June 30, 2018 and 2017.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—The Diocese recognizes an allowance when information available prior to the issuance of the combined financial statements indicates that it is probable that a receivable has been impaired as of the date of the combined financial statements and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.

• The Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation (“MACS Foundation”), which was dissolved as of June 30, 2017, conducted and administered fund raising activities for the benefit of MACS. The board of the MACS Foundation voted on June 20, 2017 to dissolve the MACS Foundation as of June 30, 2017, in which the assets and liabilities were distributed to MACS at that time. The Combined Statement of Activities for the year ended June 30, 2017 includes the results of MACS Foundation’s operations.

Beneficial Interests in Perpetual Trusts—Beneficial interests in perpetual trusts represent irrevocable interests in assets held by third parties under split interest agreements and are measured at fair value, with the change in fair value reported within investment return (loss) in the accompanying combined statements of activities.

• The Triad Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation, which conducts and administers fund raising activities for the benefit of BMCHS and the parish based Catholic schools in the Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point area.

• Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte (“CCDOC”), a professional human services agency that provides counseling, adoption support, pregnancy support, foster care, crisis intervention, material assistance, burial assistance, immigration services, refugee resettlement, justice and peace advocacy, and education, along with family enrichment services.

• The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, Inc. (the “Foundation”), which receives, administers, and disburses funds through the creation of endowments for educational, religious, and charitable purposes for the benefit of the Diocese and its various parishes, schools, and agencies.

• The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation (the “Housing Corporation”), whose mission is to create, maintain, promote, and operate housing facilities and provide accompanying services for seniors, individuals, and families with low incomes, and other vulnerable populations.

• DL Catholic, Inc. (“DL Catholic”), which holds funds on deposit from the Central Administration, parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions in the Diocese. These amounts generally represent funds in excess of current operating needs that have been set aside to fund future programs and/or facility needs. Interest on deposits is paid based on rates established for the terms of the deposits selected by the depositors. DL Catholic also provides loans to the Central Administration, parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions in the Diocese, which are primarily for funding the purchase of property and acquisition or construction of facilities.

• The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Advancement Corporation (the “Advancement Corporation”), which conducts diocesan wide fundraising campaigns (the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love (FFHL) capital campaign and the annual Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA)) to support operating, capital, and endowment activities of the Central Administration and other entities of the Diocese of Charlotte.

• Saint Joseph College Seminary, which is a house of formation whose primary mission is to form undergraduate men for the Catholic priesthood, while attending Belmont Abbey College.

The activities of the above organizations have been combined by functional area in the accompanying combined statements of activities. All significant intradiocesan transactions have been eliminated in combination.

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation—The combined financial statements have been prepared under the accrual basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC), including FASB ASC 958, Not for Profit Entities. FASB ASC 958 requires the reporting of total assets, liabilities, and net assets in a statement of financial position; reporting the change in net assets in a statement of activities; and reporting the sources and uses of cash in a statement of cash flows.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements—The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting

Investments—Investments consist primarily of marketable debt and equity securities and funds and are measured at fair value in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Net investment return (loss) is reported within non operating activities in the combined statements of activities and consists of interest and dividend income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, less external and direct internal investment expenses. The Diocese utilizes financial institutions to provide custodial and recordkeeping services, in addition to investment managers with full discretionary authority, subject to the Diocese’s investment policies, to provide investment management services.

Property and Equipment—Upon acquisition, property and equipment is recorded at cost when purchased and at estimated fair value when donated. Depreciation expense is determined by using the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Equipment held under finance leases and leasehold improvements is amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset.

Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. No impairment charges related to property and equipment were recognized during fiscal years 2018 and 2017.

The major classes of property and equipment represented as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, are as follows: Life

2018 2017 (In Years)

Land*

$16,276,767 $14,833,309 N/A Land improvements 16,465,532 16,414,468 5–15 Buildings** 77,016,084 76,394,416 30–40 Furniture and equipment 9,791,905 9,030,707 3–10 Vehicles

2,610,080 2,337,316 5 Right-of-use assets (finance leases) 533,435 2,217,427 3 Interest in St. Matthew Education Center 5,561,332 5,561,332 Varies Construction in progress 7,479,200 888,893 N/A Property held for sale 17,500 17,500 N/A

135,751,835 127,695,368

Less accumulated depreciation (56,181,846) (53,439,619)

Total $79,569,989 $74,255,749

* The Central Administration is the lessor in operating leases of various parcels of land, which are included in the land classification above. The cost basis for land leased totaled $763,257 as of June 30, 2018 and 2017. ** MACS is the lessor in an operating lease associated with the former All Saints School (see Note 12), which is included in the buildings major class above. The cost balance for this lease totaled $3,475,591 and the accumulated depreciation totaled $2,397,931 and $2,294,411 as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Accumulated depreciation related to right of use assets (finance leases) totaled $178,675 and $586,879 at June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The construction in progress as of June 30, 2018 and 2017 consists primarily of amounts expended

by MACS for expansion of Christ the King Catholic High School, amounts expended in the design phase for Saint Joseph College Seminary, and amounts expended by the Central Administration on improvements to the storage facility.

Unexpended contractual commitments for MACS school facility improvements was approximately $3.2 million and $6.2 million at June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The interest in St. Matthew’s Education Center shown above represents the total amount paid

by MACS for the acquisition and construction of property and equipment in accordance with a joint usage agreement with St. Matthew Catholic Church. It is being amortized over the useful lives of the assets in which MACS has an interest. The amortization is included in accumulated depreciation.

Interest expense incurred that relates to the acquisition or construction of property and equipment is capitalized. No interest expense was capitalized in fiscal years 2018 or 2017.

Custodial Obligations—Custodial funds are managed by the Diocese, as agent, on behalf of the originating organization. These funds are not recorded as contributions or net assets of the Diocese but rather are included as assets and corresponding custodial obligations in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Pension and Other Retirement Benefit Plans—The Diocese accounts for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans by recording an asset (liability) for the excess (deficit) of plan assets over the actuarially determined projected benefit obligation, with the net periodic benefit cost allocated to program and administrative expenses based on related salaries and wages. Changes in the funded status of the plans, other than net periodic benefit costs, are reported as a net asset (charge) credit in the accompanying combined statements of activities.

The net asset credit of $9,324,747 for the year ended June 30, 2018 is primarily attributable to increases in the discount rate. The net asset credit of $14,651,074 for the year ended June 30, 2017 is primarily attributable to favorable fund returns, the curtailment of the lay noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, and the change in mortality improvement scale. The Diocese’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are described below: Lay Noncontributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan—The Diocese sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the “Lay Plan”) for all eligible diocesan lay employees. The Lay Plan provides for benefits based on an employee’s years of service and compensation. In fiscal year 2017, the Lay Plan was amended to eliminate future accruals for all participants, except for those who are at least age 62 and have at least 12 years of service as of January 1, 2018. Although the plan has been frozen, employees who are participants in the plan will retain benefits accumulated up to January 1, 2018 based on credited service and eligible earnings, in accordance with the terms of the plan. This change decreased the plan’s projected benefit obligation by approximately $1,548,000 and a curtailment gain of $34,204 was recorded in 2017.

During fiscal years 2018 and 2017, each diocesan entity was assessed a percentage of lay employees’ salaries to fund the contribution to the Lay Plan and certain other employee benefits.

The assessment rate was 8.6% for the period July to December 2017, and 5.6% from January to June (after the Lay Plan freeze). The assessment rate was 8.4% during all of fiscal year 2017. It is the intent of the Central Administration for the minimum funding to be the actuarially recommended contribution amount.

In addition to contributing the actuarially recommended contribution amount to the Lay Plan for both fiscal years 2018 and 2017 of $3,008,304 and $3,562,267, respectively, the Central Administration contributed $167,828 and $455,886 in additional contributions to the Lay Plan during fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Priest Retirement Plan—The Diocese sponsors the Diocese of Charlotte Priest Retirement Plan (the “Priest Plan”) to provide pension benefits for diocesan priests. The Priest Plan provides benefits for priests who are fully vested, in a uniform monthly amount that is increased annually based on the change in the Consumer Price Index. The Priest Plan received contributions directly from a donor’s bequest of $148,016 in fiscal year 2018 and contributions directly from the Advancement Corporation of $656,081 and $973,171 during the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, the Central Administration also contributed the actuarially recommended contribution amount to the Priest Plan for both fiscal years 2018 and 2017 of $735,179 and $1,040,200, respectively, and $347,275 in additional contributions to the plan during fiscal year 2018. There were no additional contributions to the plan during fiscal year 2017.

Retired Clergy Health Plan—In addition to providing the Priest Plan discussed above, the Diocese sponsors the Diocese of Charlotte Retired Clergy Health Plan, which provides retired diocesan priests certain health and long term care benefits. In addition to contributing the actuarially recommended contribution amount to the Retired Clergy Health Plan for both fiscal years 2018 and 2017 of $286,496 and $537,829, respectively, the Central Administration contributed $135,032 and $55,879 in additional contributions to the Plan during fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively.

An annual collection is held at each parish to raise funds for the Priest Retirement Plan, the Retired Clergy Health Plan, and other priest benefits. Each parish was assigned 3.5% of annual offertory as their goal for this collection for fiscal years 2018 and 2017. Any shortfall from goal in the amount collected is paid by the parish. Annual collections from the parishes for this purpose are reported as collections in the accompanying combined statements of activities.

The Diocese also sponsors a tax deferred defined contribution plan under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) for all eligible diocesan employees. Employer matching contributions to the plan are based on a percentage of employee contributions. Each diocesan entity is responsible for payment of the matching contribution directly to the tax deferred defined contribution plan. Matching contributions to this plan amounted to $447,346 and $431,640 in fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are reported within expenses in the accompanying combined statements of activities. Starting in January 2018, in conjunction with the Lay Plan freeze, all diocesan entities also began contributing 5% of eligible salaries (basic contribution) on behalf of each eligible employee. The basic contribution for all diocesan entities is being held by the Central Administration until the end of the calendar year, at which time, participant eligibility for the basic contribution will be determined based on an employee’s hours worked in the calendar year. As of June 30, 2018, funds held totaled $1,296,982, which are included in accrued salaries, wages, and benefits in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Net Assets—Net assets and revenues, expenses, gains and losses are classified based on the existence or absence of donor imposed restrictions. Accordingly, net assets consist of the following:

Without Donor Restrictions—Net assets without donor restrictions consist of all resources that have no donor-imposed restrictions. The Diocese has designated unrestricted net assets as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, as follows: 2018 2017

Future expenditures for: Triad Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation grants $ 136,633 $ 175,449 Bishop McGuinness HS programs

23,812 21,183 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools capital projects

8,344,199 7,432,632 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools programs

3,271,357 2,709,239 Capital Campaign and DSA fundraising and administrative costs

568,268 289,778 Diocesan Support Appeal funded programs

9,787,372 9,347,311 Self insurance (property and employee health) and lay employee pension

8,563,463 5,693,532 Facility maintenance

1,291,553 1,291,553 Elderly outreach

739,649 739,649 Seminary College grant for future residence

96,235 Other Diocesan programs

869,888 750,973 Reserve for potential investment/loan losses by DL Catholic 3,191,469 2,951,758 Management designated endowments established with the Diocesan Foundation

4,412,364 4,270,076

$ 41,296,262 $ 35,673,133

With Donor Restrictions—Net assets subject to donor imposed restrictions stipulating how, when and/or if the net assets are available for expenditure. Some donor imposed restrictions are perpetual in nature, whereby the donor stipulates that resources be maintained into perpetuity.

Others are temporary in nature, such as those that will be met by the passage of time or other events specified by the donor. Net assets are released from restriction and reclassified to net assets without donor restrictions when the stipulated time has elapsed, when the stipulated purpose for which the resource was restricted has been fulfilled, or both. Gifts of long lived assets and gifts of cash restricted for the acquisition of long lived assets are released from restriction when the (long lived) assets are placed in service. The composition of net assets with donor restrictions as of June 30, 2018 and 2017 is presented in Note 16.

School Tuition and Fees and Parish Support—Tuition and related fees represent amounts paid by students’ families, net of applied tuition assistance, and are recognized over the school year in which earned. Parish support of schools represents contributions made by the participating parishes of the Diocese. Tuition and fees received in the current year for the following school year’s tuition are recorded as unearned revenue in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Contribution Revenue and Pledges Receivable—Contribution revenue is recognized upon receipt of assets (financial or nonfinancial) or an unconditional promise to give from a donor, and is measured at fair value. The classification of revenue as without donor restrictions or with donor restrictions is determined by the donor’s stipulations, or absence thereof, that limit the use of the donated assets. Fair value for unconditional promises to give is measured at net realizable value for pledges due within one year and at net present value for pledges to be collected in future years.

The discounts on those amounts are computed using risk adjusted interest rates applicable to the periods in which the promises are received. Management evaluates the value of pledges receivable on an ongoing basis for changes in the estimated timing or amounts of cash flows. Decreases in the value of restricted pledges receivable after initial recognition are recognized as losses on uncollectible contributions. Recoveries of previously recognized decreases in value of restricted pledges receivable (up to the amount of decreases previously recognized) would be recognized as a reduction of losses on uncollectible contributions. The amortization of discounts on pledges receivable are included in contributions in the accompanying combined statements of activities.

Capital Campaign Contributions and Distributions—FFHL contributions are limited in their use to the specific purposes outlined in the fund raising materials. As such, contributions are classified as with donor restrictions, except for contributions allocated to cover campaign costs, which are classified as without donor restrictions designated for fund raising and administrative costs. FFHL distributions to beneficiary entities are recorded based on the capital campaign’s distribution policy, which generally provides for distribution to beneficiary entities upon receipt of cash payments by the Advancement Corporation and satisfaction of donor restrictions by the beneficiary entity. Proceeds received for construction activities are not recorded as distributions until commencement of the project. Proceeds received for the Priest Retirement Plan Trust are recorded as a reduction in accrued pension and postretirement benefits at the time of distribution to the Trust.

Income Taxes—The Diocese and the entities comprising the combined financials are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC and are generally exempt from federal and state income taxes.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America prescribe a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. Although these principles are primarily applicable to taxable business enterprises, an uncertain tax position may also include the characterization of income, such as a characterization of income as passive, a decision to exclude reporting taxable income in a tax return, or a decision to classify a transaction, entity, or other position in a tax return as exempt.

The tax benefit from uncertain tax positions is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits.

The Diocese and the entities comprising the combined financial statements had no unrecognized tax positions as of and during the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. The Diocese does not expect that unrecognized tax benefits will materially increase within the next 12 months. Fiscal year 2015 and thereafter are subject to examination by the federal and state taxing authorities. There are no income tax examinations currently in process.

Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, would be recognized in the combined financial statements as income tax expense.

Risks and Uncertainties—The Diocese’s investments consist of various equity securities, fixed income securities, money market funds, and other investment securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market, and credit. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in risks in the near term could materially affect the Diocese’s investment balances reported in the combined statements of financial position.

Subsequent Events—The Diocese has evaluated subsequent events from the end of the most recent fiscal year through October 8, 2018, the date the combined financial statements were available to be issued.

Accounting Standards Updates—The FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 201614, Not for Profit Entities—Presentation of Financial Statements of Not for Profit Entities in August 2016. The ASU improves the net asset classification requirements and information presented about a not for profit’s liquidity, endowments, financial performance and expense reporting. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, but early adoption is permitted.

The Diocese early adopted the ASU in fiscal year 2017 with retrospective application for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. Accordingly, there is no change in previously reported amounts for fiscal year 2017.

The Diocese adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) issued by the FASB in February 2016, for the year ended June 30, 2018. The ASU is effective for nonpublic entities with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, but early adoption is permitted. The ASU increases transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of right of use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. Under the standard, disclosures are required to allow users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In adopting the ASU, we have reflected leases existing at, or entered into after, June 30, 2016 using a modified retrospective approach. The Diocese has elected the permitted options to (1) not reassess existing or expired contracts to determine whether or not they contain leases under the definition of a lease under the new standard, (2) not reassess the classification of leases as operating or capital/finance for existing or expired leases, (3) not reassess previously capitalized initial direct costs to determine whether they would qualify for capitalization under the new standard, and (4) adopt the short term lease exception for leases with a term of 12 months or less for all asset classes.

The primary impact of adopting the ASU is the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases, while our accounting for finance leases remains substantially unchanged.

Adoption of the ASU resulted in the recognition of additional ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases totaling $401,311 and $525,612 as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Adoption of the ASU did not result in any change to net assets with donor restrictions or to net assets without donor restrictions as of or for the year ended June 30, 2017.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014- 09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes existing guidance on revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry specific guidance. The core principle of this guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The guidance is effective for nonpublic entities with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the provisions of this update and their impact on the combined financial statements.

3.

LIQUIDITY AND AVAILABILITY

Financial assets available within one year of the statement of financial position date, without donor or other restrictions limiting their use, comprise the following: 2018 2017

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 28,606,563 $ 16,445,150 Investments 74,620,843 71,073,269 Endowment investments available for general purposes and for distribution in accord with the Foundation spending rate policy

2,008,289 1,643,061

Total cash, cash equivalents and investments

105,235,695 89,161,480

Pledges receivable, due within one year

7,215,252 11,101,411 Accounts receivable, due within one year

2,511,636 2,023,891 Notes receivable, due within one year

1,820,208 636,011 Advances to parishes, due within one year

330,759 205,404

117,113,550 103,128,197

Less amounts unavailable for general expenditures: Required to satisfy donor restrictions

(17,369,937) (21,489,688) Required to satisfy management designations

(33,692,429) (28,451,299) Required for distributions, endowments, and grants

(985,575) (1,821,674)

Financial assets available to meet cash needs for general expenditures and withdrawals of parish funds on deposit with DL Catholic within one year

65,065,609 51,365,536

Parish funds on deposit with DL Catholic (Note 8)

(44,574,720) (38,182,100)

Financial assets available to meet cash needs for general expenditures within one year, excluding parish funds on deposit with DL Catholic

$ 20,490,889 $ 13,183,436

The Diocese’s endowment funds consist of donor-restricted endowments and funds designated by management as endowments. Income from donor-restricted endowments is restricted for specific purposes, with the exception of amounts available for general use. Donor-restricted endowment funds are not available for general expenditures and, thus, are not included above.

All endowments are subject to an annual spending rate of 5% of the most recent 12 quarter market value average, as prescribed by the Foundation. Only the funds available for distribution in accordance with the Foundation spending rate policy are included above.

The Diocese manages its liquidity by developing and adopting annual operating and capital budgets that provide sufficient funds for general expenditures in meeting its liabilities and other obligations as they come due. Actual performance is reported and monitored monthly in comparison to the budgets. Adjustments are made to plan as needed to ensure adequate liquidity.

As part of our liquidity management plan, cash balances are invested in short-term investments.

4.

PLEDGES RECEIVABLE—NET

The following unconditional promises to give are included in pledges receivable in the accompanying combined statement of financial position as of June 30, 2018:

FFHL DSA Other Total

Unconditional promises at face value $16,879,566 $1,277,744 $1,219,672 $19,376,982 Less allowance for uncollectible pledges

10,335,052 175,189 10,510,241 Less unamortized discount 260,588

69,409 329,997

Net unconditional promises to give $6,283,926 $1,277,744 $975,074 $8,536,744

Amounts due in: Less than one year $15,007,612 $1,277,744 $460,567 $16,745,923 One to five years 1,853,198 674,060 2,527,258 More than five years 18,756

85,045 103,801

Total

$16,879,566 $1,277,744 $1,219,672 $19,376,982

The following unconditional promises to give are included in pledges receivable in the accompanying combined statement of financial position as of June 30, 2017:

FFHL DSA Other Total

Unconditional promises at face value $24,912,321 $1,291,211 $1,311,005 $27,514,537 Less allowance for uncollectible pledges

10,911,999 192,190 11,104,189 Less unamortized discount 664,957

91,983 756,940

Net unconditional promises to give $13,335,365 $1,291,211 $1,026,832 $15,653,408

Amounts due in: Less than one year $17,202,107 $1,291,211 $335,880 $18,829,198 One to five years 7,616,317 851,050 8,467,367 More than five years 93,897 124,075 217,972

Total

$24,912,321 $1,291,211 $1,311,005 $27,514,537

The change in the allowance for uncollectible pledges for the year ended June 30, 2018, related to the FFHL campaign reflects additions of $21,374 related to initial measurement of unconditional promises to give received in 2018 and $418,245 related to additional allowances provided on unconditional promises to give received in previous years and outstanding at June 30, 2018, less write offs of $1,016,566. The change in the allowance for uncollectible pledges for the year ended June 30, 2017, related to the FFHL campaign reflects additions of $12,962 related to initial measurement of unconditional promises to give received in 2017 and $970,186 related to additional allowances provided on unconditional promises to give received in previous years and outstanding at June 30, 2017, less write offs of $1,503,320. Pledges receivable due within one year as of June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, related to the FFHL campaign include past due accounts totaling approximately $9,900,000 and $8,200,000, respectively. Past due accounts include the portion of pledge receivables not paid when due under the pledge agreements.

5.

NOTES RECEIVABLE—NET

Notes receivable consists primarily of term loans and lines of credit from DL Catholic to parishes and schools. Loans structured as lines of credit typically finance construction and facility improvement projects and do not have specific maturity dates, rather are converted to term loans upon completion of the related project. Term loans are typically structured to have terms up to 15 years. Line of credit loans generally bear interest at the prime rate minus 0.5%. The interest rate for term loans is generally based on the market swap rate for the applicable term of the borrowing at loan initiation, plus an additional percentage, which varies depending on the term of the borrowing. These notes bear interest at rates ranging 2.6% to 5.61% at June 30, 2018 and 2017.

As of June 30, 2018, the future repayment requirements of the loans, assuming the loans mature over their scheduled repayment terms, are as follows: Term loans: Amounts due in: Less than one year One to five years More than five years Less allowances

Net—term loans

Lines of credit

Notes receivable—net

6.

$ 1,818,528

6,938,644

6,083,838

(323,641)

14,517,369

2,336,309

$16,853,678

ADVANCES TO PARISHES

The Diocese maintains a revolving loan fund that was established primarily from resources provided by bequests stipulated for advances to small or needy parishes at no interest. Advances outstanding at June 30, 2018 and 2017, totaled $3,011,540 and $3,155,828, respectively. These advances are long term in nature and are reflected, net of allowances, at their estimated present value of $2,097,379 and $2,171,381 in the accompanying combined statements of financial position as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

7. INVESTMENTS

2018 2017

Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value

Foundation: Endowment and custodial funds: Money market funds $476,941 $476,941 $415,455 $415,455 Equity funds and securities 27,573,175 34,019,680 25,715,751 30,499,591 Fixed income mutual funds 17,060,973 16,465,105 14,586,054 14,389,560 Annuity funds: Money market funds 18,684 18,684 18,956 18,956 Equity funds and securities 271,273 300,315 216,133 230,106 Fixed income mutual funds 168,378 161,781 167,064 167,637

Total Foundation investments 45,569,424 51,442,506 41,119,413 45,721,305

Other: Cash 304,816 304,816 1,136,419 1,136,419 Money market funds

75,385 75,385 Certificates of deposit 1,694,108 1,694,108 1,687,859 1,687,859 Variable rate demand notes 2,230,317 2,230,317 2,496,358 2,496,358 Equity funds and securities 12,741,368 15,865,426 12,277,769 14,667,990 Bonds and fixed income funds 56,040,727 54,526,174 51,931,972 51,009,258

Total other investments 73,011,336 74,620,841 69,605,762 71,073,269

Total investments $118,580,760 $126,063,347 $110,725,175 $116,794,574

The Diocese had no unfunded commitments to purchase investments as of June 30, 2018.

8.

SAVINGS PROGRAMS

DL Catholic administers savings and investment programs for the benefit of the Central Administration, parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions in the Diocese. These amounts generally represent funds in excess of current operating needs that have been set aside to fund future programs and/or facility needs. Demand funds on deposit earned interest at the prime rate minus 3.5%, with a minimum rate of 0.5%, during fiscal years 2018 and 2017. Funds on deposit with an 18 month minimum investment period earned interest at the prime rate minus 2.5%, with a minimum rate of 1.0%, during fiscal years 2018 and 2017. The prime rate was 5.0% and 4.25% at June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Funds on deposit from non combined entities along with accrued interest totaled $44,574,720 and $38,182,100 at June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are reflected as custodial obligations in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

9.

PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS

The funded status and other information of the Lay and Priest plans as of June 30, 2018 and 2017 is set forth in the following tables (in thousands):

2018 2017

The cost and fair value of investments as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, are summarized below:

2018 2017

Lay Priest Lay Priest

Funded status and amounts recognized in the combined statements of financial position: Projected benefit obligation $(88,180) $(30,710) $(89,864) $(30,841) Fair value of plan assets—end of year 50,024 14,603 46,517 12,541

Funded status $(38,156) $(16,107) $(43,347) $(18,300)

Accrued pension expense liability—end of year $(38,156) $(16,107) $(43,347) $(18,300)

Amounts recognized in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset charge) not yet recognized as net periodic benefit cost consist of the following:

Unrecognized transition obligation $ $ 138 $ $ 207 Unrecognized prior service cost

698

895 Cumulative unrecognized net loss 21,304 8,128 26,762 10,442

Net asset charge—end of year $21,304 $ 8,964 $26,762 $ 11,544

Amounts recognized in the combined statements of activities—net periodic benefit cost $ 3,443 $ 2,273 $ 7,362 $ 2,521

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in net assets without donor restrictions: Net gain

(2,900) (1,922) (5,202) (1,177) Curtailment plan benefit obligation adjustment

(1,548) Adjustment of service cost for curtailment

34 Amortization of transition obligation

(69)

(69) Amortization of prior service (cost) credit

(197) 758 (197) Amortization of net loss (2,558) (392) (4,167) (518)

Total net asset credit (5,458) (2,580) (10,125) (1,961)

Total net asset (credit) charge and net periodic benefit cost recognized in net assets without donor restrictions $ (2,015) $ (307) $ (2,763) $ 560

Amounts included in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset charge) that are expected to be recognized as net periodic benefit cost during the next year are as follows: Amortization of transition obligation $ $ 69 $ $ 69 Amortization of prior service cost

197

197 Amortization of unrecognized net loss 1,796 269 2,558 392

$ 1,796 $ 535 $ 2,558 $ 658

continued

Lay Priest Lay Priest

Other information: Actuarially recommended annual contribution $3,008 $735 $3,562 $1,040 Additional employer contributions 168 347 456 Contributions from Advancement Corporation

656

973 Contribution from donor bequest

148

Benefits paid 3,279 783 3,153 782 Accumulated benefit obligation 88,121 25,480 89,774 25,435

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of June 30: Discount rate 4.35 % 4.45 % 4.01 % 4.19 % Expected return on plan assets 6.75 6.75 7.00 7.00 Rate of compensation increase 2.50

2.50

Assumptions used to determine net benefit cost for the years ended June 30: Discount rate 4.01 % 4.19 % 3.93 % 4.17 % Expected return on plan assets 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 Rate of compensation increase 2.50

2.50

The funded status and other information for the Retired Clergy Health Plan as of June 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows: 2018 2017

Funded status and amounts recognized in the combined statements of financial position: Projected benefit obligation

$(14,369,264) $(14,285,654) Fair value of plan asset—end of year

10,420,337 9,478,164

Funded status

(3,948,927) (4,807,490)

Accrued pension expense liability—end of year

$ (3,948,927) $ (4,807,490)

Amounts recognized in the combined statements of activities—net periodic benefit cost

$850,177 $1,192,388 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset credit)

(1,287,192) (2,565,313)

Total net asset credit and net periodic benefit cost recognized in net assets without donor restrictions

$(437,015) $ (1,372,925)

Amounts recognized in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset charge) not yet recognized as net periodic benefit cost $ 2,636,590 $ 3,923,782

Other information: Benefits paid

$ 217,636 $ 297,187 Actuarially recommended annual contribution

286,496 537,829 Additional employer contributions

135,052 55,879

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of June 30: Discount rate

4.49 % 4.28 % Expected return on plan assets

6.75 7.00

Assumptions used to determine net benefit cost for the years ended June 30: Discount rate

4.28 % 4.32 %

The assumed health care cost trend rates used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan, the ultimate trend rate, and the fiscal year when that rate is expected to be achieved for the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: 2018 2017

Long-Term Long-Term Care Health Care Health

Health care cost trend rate 5 % 9 % 5 % 9% The ultimate trend rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline 5 % 5 % 5 % 5% Fiscal year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2026 2026

The assumed long term rate of return for the Lay, Priest, and Retired Clergy Health plans are based on the respective target asset allocation and is determined using forward looking assumptions in the context of historical returns for each asset class.

As of June 30, 2018 and 2017, the plan investments are maintained in trust accounts managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Trustee”). The Trustee has full discretionary authority, subject to the plans’ investment policies. The percentage of total investments by asset class for each plan as of June 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows: 2018 2017

Retired Retired

Lay Priest Clergy Lay Priest Clergy Pension Pension Health Pension Pension Health

Domestic large cap equity securities and funds

30 %

29 %

30 %

32 %

32 %

32 %

Domestic small and mid cap 8

8

9

10

10

10

International equity funds

equity funds

28

28

28

25

25

25

Domestic fixed income

21

23

22

21

21

21

International fixed income

3

3

3

3

3

3

Domestic high-yield fixed income

6

6

6

6

6

6

Cash and cash equivalents

2

4

3

3

3

3

Total

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

The Lay, Priest, and Retired Clergy Health plan investment policies stipulate allowable asset classes for inclusion in the portfolio and minimum and maximum allowable ranges. The following asset classes and corresponding ranges were allowable at June 30, 2018 and 2017:

Lay Priest Retired Clergy Pension Pension Health

Domestic large cap equity securities and funds

20%–60%

20%–60%

20%–60%

Domestic small and mid cap equity funds

0–20

International equity funds Domestic fixed income

0–20

0–20

0–30

0–30

0–30

20–60

20–60

20–60

International fixed income

0–10

0–10

0–10

Domestic high-yield fixed income

0–10

0–10

0–10

Alternative investments

0–15

0–15

0–15

Cash and cash equivalents

0–20

0–20

0–20

The investment policies stipulate socially responsible investment guidelines, investment return objectives, both in the aggregate and relative to applicable investment benchmarks, minimum standards for investment holdings, and other guidelines for the investment of plan assets.

The estimated contribution to the Lay, Priest, and Retired Clergy Health plans for fiscal year 2019 is $2,508,662, $821,090, and $377,944, respectively.

Benefits expected to be paid over the next 10 fiscal years as of June 30, 2018, are as follows: Years Ended

June 30

Lay

Pension

Priest

Pension

Retired Clergy Health

2019

$3,965,122

$951,003

2020

4,209,261

998,760

320,375

2021

4,443,008

1,129,601

363,369

2022

4,673,108

1,161,870

393,932

4,877,005

1,240,952

424,906

26,534,781

6,692,913

2,458,711

Total

10.

$48,702,285

$12,175,099

$4,254,070

EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS

The Central Administration administers medical insurance coverage for eligible employees of the Diocese. The Central Administration charges each organization premiums for the coverage of its employees on a monthly basis. The individual organizations have no liability for claims in excess of the premiums to be paid. The Central Administration has an arrangement with a third party to administer the medical plan. During fiscal years 2018 and 2017, approximately 14.3% and 13.3%, respectively, of the premiums submitted by diocesan entities were paid to the third party administrator for administrative services and the premiums for specific and aggregate stop loss coverages. The remaining portion of the premiums is designated by the Central Administration to pay claims, which are processed by the third party administrator. The Central Administration has specific stop loss coverage at $175,000 per claimant in fiscal years 2018 and 2017, and aggregate coverage beginning at 125% of the actuarially projected total individual claims under $175,000 for fiscal years 2018 and 2017. Total expenditures incurred for employee medical benefits were approximately $11,516,000 and $12,830,000 during fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively.

11.

BONDS PAYABLE

Series 2000 Bonds—In June 2000, the North Carolina Educational Facilities Financial Agency issued $19,700,000 of variable rate educational facilities revenue bonds (the “Series 2000 Bonds”) with final maturity on June 1, 2017. The proceeds therefrom have primarily been used to finance the acquisition and construction of the current campus of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (BMCHS) and to refinance the construction and equipping of a Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) entity. The Central Administration allocates a pro rata portion of the debt principal and interest expense relating to the Series 2000 Bonds to BMCHS and MACS. The note was paid in full during fiscal year 2017. Principal and interest payments on the Series 2000 Bonds were supported by an irrevocable, direct pay letter of credit by a bank. The letter of credit expired on June 6, 2017 (bond payoff date).

In June 2004, the Central Administration entered into an 11 year interest rate swap agreement for a portion of the Series 2000 Bonds, with an effective date of June 1, 2006. The interest rate swap matured during fiscal year 2017.

12.

The Diocese entered into an agreement to lease the former All Saints School to a third party for a 10 year period. The lease commenced on September 1, 2011. Rental revenue is recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the lease agreement. As revenue recognized as of June 30, 2018 and 2017 exceeded rental payments received, a deferred rent asset of $653,253 and $726,507 is recorded in the statements of financial position as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Undiscounted cash flows to be received on an annual basis for the remainder of this lease are $774,707 for fiscal year 2019, $843,146 for fiscal year 2020, $925,117 for fiscal year 2021, and $156,527 for fiscal year 2022.

Finance Leases—The Diocese is the lessee in finance leases for computer equipment used in our schools. The corresponding right of use assets of $533,435 and $2,217,427 as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is reported within property and equipment—net in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. The lease obligation was $372,266 and $791,438 as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Total lease costs related to these leases was $731,841 and $590,702 for the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $716,647 and $586,879 is amortization of the right of use assets and $15,194 and $3,823 is interest expense on lease liabilities for the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Diocese has also entered into a lease for computer equipment during fiscal year 2018 that had not commenced as of June 30, 2018, but for which significant rights and obligations have been created. This new 4 year lease will commence in July 2018 with a right of use asset and lease liability totaling $2,341,152.

$292,777

2023 2024–2028

The Diocese is also the lessor in various property leases with various third parties, some of which have variable lease payments linked to the Consumer Price Index to which the lease payments are adjusted at specified intervals throughout the lease term. The lease terms do not have options to extend or terminate early. Rental revenue pertaining to these leases totaled $431,319 for the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Undiscounted cash flows to be received on an annual basis for the remainder of these leases are $427,873 for fiscal year 2019, $431,715 for fiscal year 2020, $435,592 for fiscal year 2021, $441,641 for fiscal year 2022, $378,442 for fiscal year 2023, and $2,329,111 thereafter.

LEASES AND FACILITIES USAGE AGREEMENTS

Operating Leases—The Diocese is the lessee in various operating leases for office equipment and for office space. These leases have fixed lease payments and do not contain options to extend or terminate early. Operating lease costs for the Diocese totaled $158,277 and $140,932 for the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Diocese is the lessor in a ground lease agreement and the lessee in a space lease agreement with the same third party. In fiscal year 2003, the third party paid to the Diocese the net amount due for the entire terms of these lease agreements of $290,128. The Diocese is also responsible for monthly payments relating to the operating costs associated with the space lease agreement which are adjusted annually based on changes to the Consumer Price Index. Prepaid rent relating to the space lease of $637,211 and $671,968 as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is reflected in deferred rent and right of use assets—operating leases in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. Unearned revenue relating to the ground lease of $744,384 and $784,987 as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is reflected in unearned revenue in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. The prepaid rent expense on the space lease and the unearned revenue related to the ground lease are both being amortized on a straight line basis over the lives of the respective leases. Rental expense related to the space lease, net of income related to the ground lease, totaled $41,101 and $39,767 for the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

Short Term Leases—The Diocese is the lessee in a number of short term leases (defined as 12 months or less) primarily for housing various Religious Order priests and Religious Order sisters involved in diocesan ministry. As described in Note 2 above, the Diocese has elected the permitted option to adopt the short term lease exception for all asset classes and, therefore, does not record a right of use asset or lease liability for any of its short term leases. The total short term lease costs incurred were $123,239 and $103,025 for the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and is reflected in other administrative expenses in the accompanying combined statement of activities.

The Diocese is also the lessor in a number of short term leases primarily of residential facilities that are not currently needed to house clergy or Religious Sisters. The short term rental revenue totaled $147,744 and $143,664 for the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and is reflected in rental income in the accompanying combined statement of activities.

Future Minimum Lease Payments Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating and finance leases as of June 30, 2018 are as follows: Years Ended Operating Finance Total June 30 Leases Leases Leases

2018 $141,897 $190,389 $ 332,286 2019 118,626 190,114 308,740 2020 113,539

113,539 2021 48,624

48,624 2022 237

237 Thereafter

Total 422,923 380,503 803,426

Less: amount representing interest on lease liabilities (21,612) (8,237) (29,849)

Lease liability as of June 30, 2018 $401,311 $372,266 $ 773,577

Lease liability as of June 30, 2017 $525,612 $791,348 $1,316,960

Joint Facility Usage Agreements—MACS has agreements with participating parishes for their joint use, but not control, of various facilities with varying terms. These agreements provide for contingent rentals based on usage and may be amended or modified at any time. Expenses totaled $602,129 and $585,376 for fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are reported within regional and diocesan schools administration expense in the accompanying combined statements of activities.

13. CONTINGENCIES From time to time, the Diocese is subject to various disputes and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Management is of the opinion, based upon information presently available, that it is unlikely that any liability to the extent not provided for through insurance or otherwise, would be material in relation to the Diocese’s combined financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

The Housing Corporation has guaranteed various contingent payment obligations of its equity method investee, Curlin Commons Housing of Mooresville, Inc. (CCHM), related to an affordable housing project located in Mooresville, North Carolina. The maximum amount of the Housing Corporation’s guarantee obligation was approximately $4,000,000 as of June 30, 2018; however, management believes the likelihood that the Housing Corporation will have to make any such payments is remote.

14.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, certain assets and liabilities are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. For the Diocese, the assets and liabilities that are adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis are investments in debt and equity securities, investments in funds, beneficial interests in perpetual trusts, and interest rate swap agreements. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous

market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, the inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized based on a three level hierarchy. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: Level 1—Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that are available as of the measurement date Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement The assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, based on the three levels of inputs within the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2018

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Investments: Money market funds $ 495,625 $

$ 495,625 $ Investments in certificates of deposit 1,694,108 1,694,108 Variable rate demand notes 2,230,317 2,230,317 Domestic large cap equity securities 6,701,516 6,701,516 Domestic large cap equity funds 15,840,611 15,840,611 Domestic bonds 24,823,277 24,823,277 International bonds 3,522,502 3,522,502 Mutual funds:

Domestic small and mid cap equities 6,342,166 6,342,166

International equities 21,257,143 21,257,143

Domestic bonds 16,947,122 16,947,122 International bonds 2,594,250 2,594,250 Domestic high-yield bonds 4,538,172 4,538,172 United States treasury notes 8,647,826 8,647,826 Municipal bonds 2,744,896 2,744,896 Agency securities 4,906,469 4,906,469 Mortgage backed securities 2,428,546 2,428,546 Other funds 43,987 43,987

Total investments 125,758,533 58,424,356 67,334,177

Beneficial interest in perpetual trust 9,374,668 9,374,668

Total

$135,133,201 $58,424,356 $76,708,845 $

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2017

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Investments: Money market funds $ 509,796 $ $ 509,796 $ Investments in certificates of deposit 1,687,859 1,687,859 Variable rate demand notes 2,496,358 2,496,358 Domestic large cap equity securities 6,694,596 6,694,596 Domestic large cap equity funds 14,707,224 14,707,224 Domestic bonds 24,214,263 24,214,263 International bonds 4,395,274 4,395,274 Mutual funds:

Domestic small and mid cap equities 6,750,923 6,750,923

International equities 17,208,027 17,208,027

Domestic bonds 15,021,217 15,021,217 International bonds 2,417,717 2,417,717 Domestic high yield bonds 4,145,831 4,145,831 United States treasury notes 5,082,258 5,082,258 Municipal bonds 1,836,901 1,836,901 Agency securities 5,744,271 5,744,271 Mortgage backed securities 2,708,723 2,708,723 Other funds 36,917 36,917

Total investments 115,658,155 52,275,228 63,382,927

Beneficial interest in perpetual trust 4,690,544 4,690,544

Total

$120,348,699 $52,275,228 $68,073,471 $ -

The fair value of investments classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy are measured using standard valuation techniques, based on inputs that are observable, including the stated interest rate, maturity, and credit risk. The measurement of investments classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy are based on published net asset values determined by the fund manager and reported on a daily basis. These investments, however, are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (unlike mutual funds, which are registered). In certain instances, net asset values may require adjustments to more appropriately reflect fair value. No adjustments to net asset values were required. Proceeds from the redemption of the domestic large cap equity funds are generally available within seven (7) days after receipt of a valid redemption request.

Redemption requests for significant amounts may take longer to process.

Transfers between Levels—The availability of observable market data is monitored to assess the appropriate classification of financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy. Changes in the availability of observable market data may require the transfer of financial instruments from one fair value level to another. In such instances, transfers are reported at the end of the reporting period.

There were no transfers between levels during fiscal years 2018 and 2017.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America also require that certain assets and liabilities be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, generally as the result of impairment charges. The Diocese had no assets or liabilities adjusted to fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2018 and 2017.

A summary of the levels within the fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value of the pension and postretirement plan assets, excluding cash deposits measured at cost, as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is summarized as follows:

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2018

for the Lay Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Domestic large cap equity securities $ 4,398,990 $ 4,398,990 $

$ Domestic large cap equity funds 10,568,941 10,568,941 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 4,143,863 4,143,863

International equities 14,092,591 14,092,591

Domestic bonds 11,281,183 11,281,183

International bonds 1,695,278 1,695,278

Domestic high-yield bonds 3,040,577 3,040,577

Total

$49,221,423 $38,652,482 $10,568,941 $

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2017

for the Lay Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Money market funds $1,328,277 $

$1,328,277 $ Domestic large cap equity securities 4,617,683 4,617,683 Domestic large cap equity funds 10,052,258 10,052,258 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 4,571,127 4,571,127

International equities 11,721,699 11,721,699

Domestic bonds 9,787,644 9,787,644

International bonds 1,602,512 1,602,512

Domestic high-yield bonds 2,833,809 2,833,809

Total

$46,515,009 $35,134,474 $11,380,535 $ Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2018

for the Priest Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Domestic large cap equity securities $ 1,236,826 $ 1,236,826 $ $ Domestic large cap equity funds 3,047,366 3,047,366 Mutual funds:

Domestic small and mid cap

equities 1,193,857 1,193,857

International equities 4,066,016 4,066,016

Domestic bonds 3,123,313 3,123,313

International bonds 489,052 489,052

Domestic high-yield bonds 876,514 876,514

Total

$14,032,944 $10,985,578 $3,047,366 $ Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2017

for the Priest Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Money market funds $ 468,392 $ $ 468,392 $ Domestic large cap equity securities 1,199,760 1,199,760 Domestic large cap equity funds 2,707,813 2,707,813 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 1,232,560 1,232,560

International equities 3,161,528 3,161,528

Domestic bonds 2,606,046 2,606,046

International bonds 400,652 400,652

Domestic high-yield bonds 763,641 763,641

Total

$12,540,392 $9,364,187 $3,176,205 $

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2018

for the Retired Clergy Health Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Domestic large cap equity securities $ 920,751 $ 920,751 $

Domestic large cap equity funds 2,191,764 2,191,764 Mutual funds:

Domestic small and mid cap

equities 877,467 877,467 International equities 2,958,489 2,958,489 Domestic bonds 2,176,671 2,176,671 International bonds 340,613 340,613 Domestic high-yield bonds 618,501 618,501

Total

$10,084,256 $7,892,492 $2,191,764

$

-

$

-

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2017 for the Retired Clergy Health Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Money market funds $ 359,558 $

$ 359,558 $ Domestic large cap equity securities 896,988 896,988 Domestic large cap equity funds 2,047,009 2,047,009 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 931,153 931,153

International equities 2,391,135 2,391,135

Domestic bonds 1,970,898 1,970,898

International bonds 303,647 303,647

Domestic high yield bonds 577,776 577,776

Total

$9,478,164 $7,071,597 $2,406,567 $ -

15.

16.

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

The Diocese’s endowment funds are managed by the Foundation and consist of donor restricted funds and management designated funds established for the purposes as shown in Note 16, as well as custodial endowments established by organizations affiliated with the Diocese. Custodial endowments are not recorded as contributions and, therefore, are not reflected as net assets of the Foundation.

Management has interpreted the state of North Carolina’s enacted version of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) as allowing the Foundation to appropriate for expenditure or accumulate so much of an endowment fund as the Foundation determines is prudent for the uses, benefits, purposes, and duration for which the endowment fund is established, subject to the intent of the donor as expressed in the gift instrument. As a result, the Foundation classifies as net assets with donor restrictions (a) the original value of gifts donated to the permanent endowment, (b) the original value of subsequent contributions to the permanent endowment, and (c) other accumulations to the permanent endowment as required by donor gift instruments. Gains (losses) on the investments of donor restricted endowment funds are recorded as additions to (reductions of) net assets with donor restrictions, until those amounts are appropriated for expenditure by the Foundation consistent with the donor’s wishes, at which time they are reclassified to net assets without donor restrictions.

There were 16 and 7 donor restricted endowments in which cumulative investment losses exceed cumulative investment gains (“underwater” endowments) as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The aggregate original gift amount of the “underwater” endowment funds totals $961,634 and $109,245 as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The aggregate fair value of the “underwater” endowment funds totals $950,695 and $106,097 as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, resulting in aggregate losses of “underwater” funds totaling $10,939 and $3,148 as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Although UPMIFA allows appropriations for expenditure from “underwater” endowments in an amount determined to be prudent given the specific circumstances, the Foundation’s policy precludes spending from “underwater” endowments, unless specifically approved by the donor, the donor’s representative or the Foundation’s Board of Directors. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, $5,000 and $4,242, respectively, were distributed from endowments with a fair value that was less than the cumulative original gift amount at the time of distribution.

The Foundation has developed an investment policy for all its investable assets whose general purpose is to preserve the capital and purchasing power of the endowments and to produce sufficient investment earnings for current and future spending needs. The Foundation has adopted a total return strategy whose asset allocation is designed to give balance to the overall structure of the Foundation’s investment program over a long term period. The Foundation has adopted a spending policy that limits the amount of funds available for distribution each year to 5% of the endowment funds’ average fair value over the prior 12 quarters, determined on a quarterly basis. In establishing this policy, the Foundation considered the long term expected return on its investments and the objective to preserve purchasing power.

The endowment net asset composition by fund type as of June 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows

Without Donor With Donor 2018 Restrictions Restrictions Total

Designated $4,470,715 $

$4,470,715 Donor restricted: Purpose restrictions

33,364,699 33,364,699 No purpose restriction—time restriction only

101,208 101,208

Total funds $4,470,715 $33,465,907 $37,936,622

Without Donor With Donor 2017 Restrictions Restrictions Total

Designated $4,316,205 $

$4,316,205 Donor restricted: Purpose restrictions

29,739,267 29,739,267 No purpose restriction—time restriction only

88,645 88,645

Total funds $4,316,205 $29,827,912 $34,144,117

Changes in endowment assets for the year ended June 30, 2018 consisted of the following:

Without Donor With Donor

Restrictions Restrictions Total

Endowment net assets—beginning of year $4,316,205 $29,827,912 $34,144,117 Investment income 345,407 2,393,825 2,739,232 Additions

2,167,879 2,167,879 Distributions (140,095) (564,167) (704,262) Other changes:

Administrative fees (29,067) (269,211) (298,278) Management fees (21,735) (90,331) (112,066)

Endowment net assets—end of year $4,470,715 $33,465,907 $37,936,622

Changes in endowment assets for the year ended June 30, 2017 consisted of the following:

Without Donor With Donor Restrictions Restrictions Total

Endowment net assets—beginning of year $3,869,526 $22,302,678 Investment income 546,484 3,448,532 Additions

4,773,309 Distributions (54,976) (412,654) Other changes:

Administrative fees (25,539) (208,848) Management fees (19,290) (75,105)

Endowment net assets—end of year $4,316,205 $29,827,912

$26,172,204 3,995,016 4,773,309 (467,630) (234,387) (94,395) $34,144,117

NET ASSETS WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS

Net assets with donor restrictions consist of contributions received from donors whose use by the Diocese is limited by donor imposed stipulations. The restricted amounts as of June 30, 2018 and 2017, and the corresponding purposes for which the income is expendable are as follows:

2018 2017

TRIAD Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation grants $50,300 $50,300 Bishop McGuinness High School programs

231,657 168,273 Meckleburg Area Catholic Schools capital projects

142,431 126,437 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools programs

359,176 370,290 Catholic Charities’ programs

553,001 750,797 Elderly Outreach

487,331 497,331 FFHL gifts for parishes

2,634,985 5,809,673 FFHL gifts for Priest Retirement Plan

764,749 1,426,078 FFHL gifts for facility construction and improvements

6,763,607 6,980,266 St. Joseph Seminary future residence building

3,502,060 2,773,557 Other programs

264,339 260,643 Amounts in excess of endowment corpus and annuities subject to expenditure for donor specified purposes: Parishes

1,127,042 889,839 Education 1,336,144 986,021 Clergy/vocations

904,402 723,229 Outreach programs and services

1,594,623 972,117 Diocesan programs

474,264 440,063 Nondiocesan programs

57,690 36,379

21,247,801 23,261,293 To be held in perpetuity to generate income for donor specified purposes: Endowments (including endowment cash, pledges and other receivables for future investment): Parishes 10,011,134 9,447,573 Education 7,983,203 7,219,942 Clergy/vocations

3,242,376 3,013,260 Outreach programs and services

5,979,222 5,360,613 Other diocesan purposes

877,154 885,320 Nondiocesan

394,239 381,316

28,487,328 26,308,024

FFHL gifts restricted for endowments: Education 480,329 1,050,643 Clergy/vocations

180,123 393,991 Outreach programs and services

540,370 1,181,973 Other diocesan purposes

360,247 787,983

1,561,069 3,414,590

Beneficial interest in perpetual trust—parishes

4,554,469 4,690,544

Beneficial interest in perpetual trust—education

4,820,199

Permanent loan fund—parishes

5,094,743 4,897,235

Annuity funds: Parishes 105,493 85,741 Clergy/vocations

22,156 22,144 Outreach programs

22,156 22,144

149,805 130,029

Assets held in trust

38,024 39,203

Total net assets with donor restrictions

$65,953,438 $62,740,918

******

Protecting God’s Children 2018 In 2002 the Catholic Church faced a grave crisis with revelations in Boston of the sexual abuse of children by clergy and the failure to act by Church personnel. Many Catholics began to question their faith and lost confidence in the Church that they loved. In response, the United States bishops met in June 2002 and issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter addressed the issue of child sexual abuse by Church personnel and established steps that every diocese must take to ensure that children are protected from the dangers of abuse.

The Charter, meant to be a living document, was revised in 2005, 2011 and 2018.

In the 16 years since the Charter was issued, no other organization has accomplished what the Catholic Church has toward the goal of eliminating child sexual abuse. In the Diocese of Charlotte, tens of thousands of adults have participated in Protecting God’s Children awareness workshops and have consented to criminal background checks in order to work or volunteer in the diocese – whether their work puts them in contact with children or not. During the past fiscal year, 2,929 diocesan personnel completed the Protecting God’s Children program, and 3,940 criminal background checks were processed. The diocese has promulgated its own safe environment policies, including the Code of Ethics

“We need to pray for healing in the Church.”

–Bishop Peter J. Jugis

and the Policy of the Diocese of Charlotte Regarding Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel, which conform to the standards and updates of the Charter. All clergy, religious, lay employees and volunteers must adhere to the provisions in these policies.

These steps make the diocese’s position clear: it is critical that adults take responsibility for their actions and promise to do whatever is necessary to keep children safe.

In August 2018, the Diocese of Charlotte participated in the annual Charter compliance audit conducted by StoneBridge Business Partners, an agency contracted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The audit covered the period of July 2017 through June 2018.

These activities represent a significant financial commitment on the part of the diocese. The cost of the various programs and measures outlined herein totaled $102,711 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. The diocese also provided financial assistance to victims and their families. During the past year, $7,824 was provided for medical and counseling services. The diocese did not incur any costs during fiscal

2018 in connection with sexual misconduct lawsuits.

Recently, a Pennsylvania grand jury issued a report detailing clergy abuse which occurred in that state over a 70-year period. Allegations have also been made against several U.S. bishops. Catholics are once again saddened, angry and hurt by what they see as a crisis of leadership in the Church. In the words of Pope Francis, “We ask forgiveness for the times that, as a Church, we have not looked at the survivors of any type of abuse with compassion in the search for justice and truth, and with concrete actions.”

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops believes it cannot and should not investigate itself over the charges of a cover-up that were made in Pennsylvania. While the exact response to this scandal is still being formed as of the publication date of this annual report, it appears certain that lay people will have a leadership role in ascertaining the truth of this matter and in recommending a just course of action. We must continue to act and use the lessons we have learned to change the culture within the Church to one of openness, transparency and accountability.

Jesus assures us that “I am the living bread.” With His help, we will continue to uphold all efforts to protect the young and vulnerable from the crime of sexual abuse.