Dec. 7, 2018

December 7, 2018

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‘Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love’ makes an impact 5 Helping families Catholic Charities makes Christmas brighter for thousands of people in need 6 INDEX

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A church transfigured New murals at Our Lady of Lourdes Church preach beauty of God

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Honrarán a la Guadalupana Advent reflections to prepare you for the coming of Christ 2-3

Este doce de diciembre es la fiesta de la Patrona y Madre de las Américas

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Our faith 2

CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

catholicnewsherald.com | December 7, 2018

n LIGHT THE ADVENT WREATH In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit … Come Lord Jesus, be our light! May we learn to recognize You in our daily lives.

n READ THE GOSPEL Second Sunday of Advent (Cycle C) Luke 3:1-6: “The word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.”

n REFLECT WITH A STORY Today’s Gospel is very specific. We are told the names of the ruling leaders of the government and the church, leaders like Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate and Caiaphas. And we hear the names of the lands over which they ruled: Judea, Galilee and Abilene.

At first glance, all this information may feel unnecessary, even a bit overwhelming. It seems to take forever before we meet our main character, John the Baptist. Why all this information?

The Gospel is specific because God is specific. God works through the people, places and situations in our everyday lives. Each moment is a new opportunity to meet God – and God wants to be present to us in those very specific moments.

For Ana Maria Piedrahita – the founder of Sapia, an artisan group in Bogota, Colombia – God was at work in orange peels. In Colombia, where oranges grow in abundance and fresh-squeezed orange juice is very popular, many vendors have to pay someone to get rid of all those extra peels.

While Ana Maria was traveling, she saw a box made out of old orange peels. This inspired her to use orange peels to make fun, useful items.

Ana Maria began gathering up all the orange peels she could find and turned them into jewelry and figurines. Soon her business grew and she was employing other people!

What began as a problem – too many orange peels! – now provides people with a way to earn money and support their families. Ana Maria’s story reminds us to take a deeper look at the ordinary events of our daily lives and to see God at work within them.

PRAY God of all people, help us to see You in each moment of our day.

May we always remember that You come to us in the people, places and things we encounter.

Amen.

REFLECT Think about your own life: your family, your school, your work and your friends. How is God trying to talk to you?

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES

ACT This week, try to find the “orange peels” in your life. Pay attention to God’s presence in one person or situation.

“The Madonna and Child with the Infant St. John the Baptist,” by Leonardo da Vinci and his studio (late 1470s to middle/late 1480s), currently held in a private collection in Moscow. It depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary with arms outstretched and the infant Christ embracing a sacrificial lamb. The infant John the Baptist is depicted holding a goldfinch, a symbol of the Passion. The three figures are shown before a vegetated and rocky landscape and with architectural structures in the distance.

GIVE Instead of buying your family or friends toys for Christmas, why not give them an ethically produced gift made by someone like Ana Maria? Visit ethicaltrade.crs. org.

‘The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.’ ©2018 CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Pope Francis

Prayer is a constant learning experience

J PHOTO BY DEBBIE HILL FOR CRS

n LIGHT THE ADVENT WREATH

PRAY

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit … Come Lord Jesus, transform our lives! Open our hearts and minds to experience joy as we serve our neighbors in need.

Jesus Christ, fill us with Your joy as we serve our brothers and sisters in need. May the joy You bring inspire us to care for each other as one human family. Amen.

n READ THE GOSPEL Third Sunday of Advent (Cycle C) Luke 3:10-18: “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none.”

‘Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.’

REFLECT

n REFLECT WITH A STORY John the Baptist answers a familiar question in this week’s Gospel: “What should we do?”

How many of us ask ourselves this question when we see members of our global family living in poverty?

John provides a very simple answer. He tells us, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none.” But John the Baptist does not stop there. In fact, as different people in the crowd question him – tax collectors, soldiers and more – he gives answers that are specific to each person. John recognizes that each of us has unique gifts to give – and unique needs based on where we are in our lives.

In the Holy Land, not far from where the angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, a group of artisans carve beautiful nativity scenes out of olive wood. This is how Nawal Gharib provides for her family. The work she does is important – not just because it helps pay for food and other supplies, but because it allows her to share her God-given gifts with others.

Not so long ago, her workshop was dangerous. It was hard to breathe and see, which meant she and her fellow workers often got sick.

Now their workshop is healthy, clean and safe. “This is the best Christmas gift we have ever received,” says Nawal, with a big smile on her face. “Now we are working in a better place, a healthier place.”

What did she need? A safe place to work. Now Nawal and her family are able to ask the question, like the people asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?”

How can I serve those in need in my community?

ACT This week, choose some toys or household items – make sure they’re in good condition – and give them to a family in need.

Share what you have with others! Give a Catholic Relief Services Gift of Hope to a family in need this Christmas.

Visit crs.org/gift-tree.

Your daily Scripture readings NOV. 25 - DEC. 1

Sunday (Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe): Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 1:5-8, John 18:33-37; Monday: Revelation 14:1-5, Luke 21:1-4; Tuesday: Revelation 14:14-19, Luke 21:511; Wednesday: Revelation 15:1-4, Luke 21:12-19; Thursday: Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23, 19:1-3, 9, Luke 21:20-28; Friday (St. Andrew): Romans 10:9-18, Matthew 4:18-22; Saturday: Revelation 22:1-7, Luke 21:34-36

DEC. 2-8

Sunday (First Sunday of Advent): Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2, Luke 21:2528, 34-36; Monday (St. Francis Xavier): Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 8:5-11; Tuesday (St. John Damascene): Isaiah 11:1-10, Luke 10:21-24; Wednesday: Isaiah 25:6-10, Matthew 15:2937; Thursday (St. Nicholas): Isaiah 26:1-6, Matthew 7:21, 24-27; Friday (St. Ambrose): Isaiah 29:17-24, Matthew 9:27-31; Saturday (The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Genesis 3:9-15, 20, Ephesians 1:36, 11-12, Luke 1:26-38

DEC. 9-15

Sunday: Baruch 5:1-9, Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11, Luke 3:1-6; Monday: Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 5:1726; Tuesday (St. Damasus I): Isaiah 40:1-11, Matthew 18:12-14; Wednesday (Our Lady of Guadalupe): Zechariah 2:14-17, Judith 13:1819, Luke 1:26-38; Thursday (St. Lucy): Isaiah 41:13-20, Matthew 11:11-15; Friday (St. John of the Cross): Isaiah 48:17-19, Matthew 11:16-19; Saturday: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Matthew 17:9-13

esus’ way of praying to His Father throughout his life is a reminder for Christians that prayer is more than asking God for something but is a way of establishing an intimate relationship with Him, Pope Francis said.

Prayer is a longing within one’s soul that is “perhaps one of the most profound mysteries of the universe,” the pope said Dec. 5 during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI audience hall.

“Even if we have perhaps been praying for so many years, we must always learn!”

Beginning a new series of audience talks on the “Our Father,” the pope reflected on the disciples’ request to Jesus to teach them how to pray.

The Gospel, he said, offer “very vivid portraits of Jesus as a man of prayer” who, despite the urgency of His public ministry, often felt the need to withdraw into solitude and pray.

“In some pages of Scripture, it seems that it is first Jesus’ prayer, His intimacy with the Father, that governs everything,” the pope said.

This intimacy, he added, is evident in Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane where He experienced “real agony,” yet was given the strength to continue along “the way toward the cross” where even in His final moments, He prayed the Psalms.

“Jesus prayed intensely in public moments, sharing the liturgy of His people, but He also looked for select places, separated from the whirlwind of the world, places that allowed Him to descend into the secret of His soul,” the pope said.

Pope Francis said that in teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus shows that He is not “possessive of His intimacy with the Father” but rather came into the world “to introduce us into this intimacy.”

However, he said, the first step in establishing this relationship with God through prayer is humility.

“The first step to pray is to be humble, to go to the Father, to go to Our Lady and say, ‘Look at me, I’m a sinner, I am weak, I am bad,’” the pope said. “Everyone knows what to say but it always begins with humility. The Lord listens; a humble prayer is always listened to by the Lord.”

UPcoming events 4

CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

catholicnewsherald.com | December 7, 2018

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: DEC. 7 – 7 P.M. Holy Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte DEC. 11 Bishop’s Advent Reception for Pastoral Center Employees Bishop’s Residence, Charlotte

DEC. 13 – 6 P.M. Advent Reception for Deacons and Wives Bishop’s Residence, Charlotte

DEC. 25 – MIDNIGHT Holy Mass for the Nativity of the Lord St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

DEC. 18 – 12:30 P.M. Advent Lunch for Seminarians Bishop’s Residence, Charlotte

JAN. 2-8, 2019 Bishops’ Spiritual Retreat Mundelein Seminary, Ill.

Diocesan calendar of events December 7, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

Volume 28 • NUMBER 5

‘A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION’ PRESENTED BY CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL COUGAR BANDS: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte. Light refreshments and a jazz band performance after the symphonic band performance. All are welcome. For details, call Sherry Joseph at 704-756-0500.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FOR OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL: 9-11 a.m. or 12:30-2:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13, Our Lady of the Assumption School, 4225 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte. A school tour, principal address, band concert in gym and more. For details and to RSVP, email frontdesk@olaschool.net.

ANNUAL CONCERT OF SACRED MUSIC FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Performing at the concert will be the Cathedral Choir and the Cathedral Children’s Choir, who will sing the “Magnificat in C major” by Johann Christian Bach, plus works by Michael Haydn, Handel and Rheinberger. All are invited to attend. For details, email Dr. Gianfranco DeLuca at gdeluca@stpatricks.org.

ESPAÑOL MISIÓN GUADALUPANA: 7 p.m. domingo, diciembre 9; 7 p.m. lunes, diciembre 10; 10 p.m. martes, diciembre 11 y a las 12 de la mañana habrá una serenata de las mañanitas para Nuestra Señora, en la iglesia San Marcos, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING 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 704-3703230.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, with Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

Since First Friday and First Saturday are on separate weekends, the Vigil will be held on First Friday weekend of Dec. 7-8. The 7 p.m. Mass can count for both the First Friday devotion and for Saturday’s holy day of obligation for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. To sign up, go to www.signupgenius.com/go/409054daaa62ca0fe3vigil.

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S GROUP MORNING REFLECTION AND MASS: 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 10, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. Following Mass there will be a coffee and reflection by Father Buettner at 10 a.m. in the

Assembly Room behind the Chapel. To RSVP, visit www. charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING

ADVENT MEDITATION SERVICE: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville.

This contemplative prayer service includes meditations from the Song of Songs and the Book of Revelation and writings by St. John of the Cross, St. Therese, St. John Paul II, Hans Urs von Balthasar, Adrienne von Speyr, Greg Boyle and others. For details, call the parish office at 704-664-3992.

‘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:

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION: 6 p.m. rosary and 7 p.m. Mass on Wednesday, Dec. 12, St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. Procession and reception to follow. Come celebrate and be grateful to our Lord and our Mother. This is a potluck party - bring a dish to share if you like.

CHARLOTTE: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road; 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road

ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville.

Presented by the Adult, Children’s, Youth and Handbell choirs of St. Therese Church. Come and experience this season of waiting and preparation for the coming of the Lord. Many opportunities for audience participation. Hot chocolate, coffee and sweet treats available. Everyone welcome.

RORATE MASS: 6:30 a.m. Dec. 15, St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Road, Charlotte.

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE: Tuesday, Dec. 18, St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville.

For details, call the parish office at 704-664-3992.

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

Thursday, Dec. 20, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. (The date change is due to Christmas.) This solemn prayer service includes a blessing with the St. Peregrine relic. St. Peregrine has been called the wonder worker for his intercession on behalf of those living with serious illness. He is the patron saint of all who are afflicted by cancer, leg ailments or any life-threatening disease. He is also the patron saint of youth at risk. For details, call the parish office at 704-543-7677.

BYZANTINE RITE TYPICA WITH HOLY COMMUNION: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, at Immaculate Conception Mission Church, 42 Newfound St., Canton. Join us for the Third and Sixth Hours, chanted by a reader, and Typica with Holy Communion. The entire service, the hours and Typica, takes about an hour. For details, go to www. ukrainiancatholicmissionofcantonnc.weebly.com.

PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Come and help pray for the end of abortion, and feel free to invite anyone who would be morally supportive of this very important cause. The Pro-Life Rosary is held on the First Saturday morning of each month. For details, contact Jim Hoyng at AJHoyng@HotMail.com or Paul Klosterman at PaulJKlosterman@Aol.com. 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.

BELMONT: 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 North Main St.

HENDERSONVILLE: 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, Immaculate Conception Church, 208 Seventh Ave. West HUNTERSVILLE: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS ADVENT PROGRAM ‘FULLY ALIVE’: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Guest speaker, Joe Farris will speak about how we can live our lives more fully, more abundantly for Christ. Joe Farris is a Catholic speaker who travels the country ministering to adults and youth with his inspiring stories and humor.

For details, call the parish office at 336-272-4681.

END-OF-LIFE ISSUES AND CATHOLIC MORAL TEACHING: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Guest speaker Father Charles Vavonese will discuss the following topics: What ordinary means should be used to preserve life? What are the ethical and religious directives regarding assisted nutrition and hydration? Palliative care for the terminally ill? The Church’s belief on physician-assisted suicide, “do not resuscitate” orders, living wills, health care power of attorney, and medical orders for life-sustaining treatment will also be discussed. Father Vavonese is from the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y., and is an expert in Catholic moral teaching on end-of-life issues. For details, call the parish office at 336-272-4681.

YOUNG ADULTS CHRISTMAS SOCIAL: 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, in Biss Hall at St. Peter Church, 507 South Tryon St., Charlotte.

Young adults from across the diocese are encouraged to attend! The social will begin after Mass. Parking for Mass and the social is available in the parking deck below the church. Hosted by the Young Adult Ministry at St. Peter Church. Look them up on Facebook: “St Peter 20s and 30s Ministry”

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.

Our parishes

December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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‘Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love’ campaign funds making an impact across diocese SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s unprecedented $65 million “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign is beginning to bear fruit for parishes, diocesan ministries and schools as it enters its final phase.

The comprehensive effort aimed to provide new funding to parishes and ministries to use as they saw fit, as well as solidify the diocese’s future through endowments and major capital projects.

The campaign, which launched in 2013, surpassed its goal by garnering $70.11 million in pledges, with $49.76 million received in payments through Nov. 30. Pledges are projected to continue coming in through 2019 and 2020.

Proceeds from the campaign have already been put to work, and all 92 parishes and missions have received funds. Campaign distributions total $38.47 million so far, according to the diocese’s chief financial officer Bill Weldon – approximately $5.71 million in the past fiscal year alone. An additional $6.1 million is earmarked for distribution over the next few years. Of the total, $14.68 million has been set aside in seven new endowments.

“FFHL is having a significant impact on the work being done in parishes and in ministries across the diocese, and will impact the diocese for years to come,” said Jim Kelley, the diocese’s development director. “Funding for capital projects is being spent in the short run, but FFHL also provides support for the Church long into the future through endowments.”

“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,” said Bishop Peter Jugis as the diocese finished another year of parishioners making payments on their FFHL pledges. “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.”

In particular, five main areas of the FFHL campaign have received significant assistance so far: parish life and ministries, clergy support, Catholic education, Catholic outreach, and pastoral and temporal needs:

PARISH LIFE AND MINISTRIES

Campaign funds totaling $17.04 million have gone to parishes and missions so far, according to diocesan reports.

Some parishes have paid off long-standing building debts with their FFHL funds, while other parishes have funded smaller improvements such as new carpeting and lighting, Marian grottos, murals and technology upgrades.

Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington used $46,520 of its FFHL campaign money on an extensive $70,000 church remodeling effort. Parishioners pitched in with their own labor, saving thousands of dollars.

Thanks in part to a $79,000 contribution from the FFHL campaign, St. James the Greater Church in Concord was able to refurbish an additional building on campus to make more space for its growing faith formation programs – all without having to shoulder a significant debt burden.

St. Pius X Church in Greensboro combined its FFHL funds with a successful capital campaign to build the Simmons Parish Life Center for its growing ministries, as well as the 22,885-square-foot DeJoy Primary Education Center at St. Pius X School next door. The combined effort totaled $6.5 million.

CLERGY SUPPORT

When plans for the FFHL campaign were set in 2012, the diocese’s current and projected growth was of major concern, Kelley noted. The booming Catholic population would mean a need for more priests, more vocation promotion efforts and seminary education, more ongoing training, and more support for retired clergy.

Thanks to FFHL, the Priest Retirement Trust Fund has received $5.65 million to date to provide pensions to the

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Above) Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington used $46,520 of its money from the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign on an extensive $70,000 church remodeling effort.

(Left) Father Casey Coleman, pastor of St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva and Campus Ministry chaplain, assisted

by Father Peter Shaw, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Bryson City, consecrated a new altar in the chapel at Catholic Campus Ministry of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. The chapel was part of an extensive renovation of WCU’s Campus Ministry building, one of four Campus Ministry renovations paid for with FFHL funds. diocese’s 24 current retired priests and prepare for the 27 more priests expected to reach retirement age over the next decade.

FFHL funds have added $1.7 million to the diocese’s Vocation and Seminary Support Endowment, which is helping to pay for seminary education for a growing number of men preparing for the priesthood. The number of seminarians has grown from 16 to 36 over the past few years, including 20 men studying at St. Joseph College Seminary.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION

FFHL funding is also going towards renovation projects at diocesan schools and at Campus Ministry locations, as well as tuition assistance and faith formation.

Nearly $2.3 million in FFHL money has been earmarked for diocesan schools’ capital improvement projects.

Grants ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 will be distributed starting next year to schools for use on non-routine facility improvements. Applications for funding are due by Dec. 31.

The FFHL campaign has also poured funds into a new $3.39 million tuition assistance endowment for students in Catholic schools, enabling more families to afford a Catholic education for their children.

FFHL tuition assistance totaling $49,372 was given out for the first time to four diocesan schools last school year, and another $76,265 is being awarded to six schools for the 2018-’19 school year.

As the endowment grows, the diocese anticipates awarding approximately $200,000 each year, Weldon said.

When the first FFHL disbursement was made last school year, Dr. Janice Ritter, diocesan schools superintendent, noted that she was “deeply grateful that the diocesan administration realized the need for tuition assistance for our families and included a provision in the ‘Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love’ campaign for this endowment. I know our principals are also appreciative of this additional assistance which can be made available to families with financial need.”

FFHL funds totaling about $564,800 are also going into a new endowment for parishes’ youth and adult faith formation programs.

Thanks to $424,000 from the FFHL campaign, repairs and renovations at four Campus Ministry locations over the past two years were done, and another $565,000 has been added to an endowment for Campus Ministry.

At Appalachian State University in Boone and North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, interior and exterior repairs and maintenance were done at the Campus Ministry buildings. The building was painted, new appliances were installed in the kitchen, and air conditioning units were added.

At the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a building on the St. Thomas Aquinas Church campus adjacent to the university was renovated to create offices, a kitchen, dining area, gathering area and restrooms for Campus Ministry staff and students.

And at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, the old Campus Ministry building saw an extensive $125,000 remodel of its chapel, kitchen, bathrooms and general improvements to the 2,400-square-foot facility.

CATHOLIC OUTREACH

FFHL money has also gone into new endowments for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte and diocesan multicultural ministries, as well as housing initiatives for the elderly and disabled.

So far, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte has received $3.39 million for its endowment, Multicultural Ministries has received $1.69 million in its endowment, and the housing initiatives fund totals $1.41 million.

PASTORAL AND TEMPORAL SUPPORT

The Catholic Conference Center in Hickory received $565,000 in FFHL funds to renovate the 35,000-square-foot facility in 2014.

That December, diocesan leaders celebrated the completed project with a blessing ceremony led by Bishop Peter Jugis. The celebration was held exactly 26 years to the day from when the Catholic Conference Center was originally blessed by then-Bishop John F. Donoghue.

Living Waters Retreat Center in Maggie Valley also received $101,000 for a much-needed remodel of the aging interior and a new roof.

Another $2.25 million in FFHL funds has been set aside to renovate and preserve the 79-year-old St. Patrick Cathedral.

Lastly, an endowment for parish support services provided by the diocese’s central administration – including human resources, legal help, and financial and stewardship education – now totals $3.39 million.

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 7, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Second collection Dec. 8-9 to benefit retired religious in U.S. CHARLOTTE — Parishes throughout the Diocese of Charlotte will participate in the national second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious Dec. 8-9.

Now in its 31st year, the collection is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office. Proceeds are distributed to eligible religious communities to help underwrite retirement and health-care expenses for senior members.

Approximately 31,000 elderly Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit.

Catholic bishops of the United States initiated the national collection in 1988 to help address the significant lack of retirement funding among U.S. religious congregations. Almost 94 percent of donations directly support senior religious and their congregations.

Donations to the 2017 appeal totaled just over $28 million, and the NRRO distributed $25 million to 360 religious communities across the country.

Communities utilize these funds to bolster retirement savings and to subsidize necessities such as prescription medications and nursing care.

Throughout the year, additional funding is allocated for communities with critical needs and for resources on retirement planning and eldercare.

“Since the collection began, Catholics have donated $844 million to help religious communities care for aging members,” said Presentation Sister Stephanie Still, the NRRO’s executive director. “We are humbled and profoundly grateful for this generosity.”

In addition to direct financial aid, collection proceeds underwrite efforts to help religious communities prepare for long-term needs.

Special programming offers fiscal and one-on-one support to communities with critical funding shortages.

Partnerships with various organizations maximize the impact of donations by furnishing tools for enhancing eldercare and stretching retirement dollars. For example, in conjunction with the Avila Institute for Gerontology, the NRRO offers a free webinar series on senior-related topics “Thanks to the annual appeal, we are able to offer an array of resources to help religious communities meet immediate needs, enhance eldercare and plan for the future,” said Sister Still.

For more information about the Retirement Fund for Religious, go to www.retiredreligious.org.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter. The Retirement Fund for Religious contributed.

THE ORATORY

Center for Spirituality

(803) 327-2097

oratorycenter@gmail.com

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

rockhilloratory.net

Boxes and bags filled with gifts and food packaged for last year’s Christmas outreach to the Piedmont Triad area in the Winston-Salem office.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BECKY DUBOIS

Helping families in need Catholic Charities’ holiday assistance makes Christmas brighter for thousands of people KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Thanks to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s Holiday Assistance program, 1,677 families had a much merrier holiday season last year, and the agency hopes to help a similar number of families in need this holiday season.

Through the generosity of parishes, community groups and individuals, Catholic Charities shares the joys of the Christmas season by providing toys, food, clothing and gift cards to families who are active in its programs.

“A mom with two young children called us looking for help with gifts for her children,” said Branden Lewis, assistant regional director for Catholic Charities.

“She had been in the hospital, so the family finances were stretched thin. Christmas was a few days away and she had nothing.

Catholic Charities responded to her plea.

We shared toys and clothing. Mom also received a gift card that could help with her food and medication. With our help, this family had a wonderful Christmas.”

In addition to Christmas gifts, Catholic Charities provides tens of thousands of pounds of food for festive family meals over the holidays.

“Especially during this time of the year when we celebrate the Holy Family, sharing meals together as family is an important part of our celebrations,” said Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director of Catholic Charities. “We are very grateful for the exceptional generosity of so many donors who provide food and financial gifts which enable us to bring families together at the holidays.”

This month, Catholic Charities is looking for donations to help share the Christmas spirit. Catholic Charities welcomes food and financial donations, particularly during this busy time of the year.

Go online to help At www.ccdoc.org/donate: Catholic Charities welcomes financial donations of any amount, particularly during this busy time of the year.

Make contributions securely online here.

Reflect & Wonder: The Spiritual Practice of Journal Writing Saturday, January 5, 2019 9am – 12 Noon

Presented by: Julie Marr “Journal” comes from the Old French jurnel, a day’s work or travel. A journal is a journey of the mind and spirit. There are countless ways to keep one – it’s just a matter of finding a style that is ideal for you. This workshop is equal parts information, inspiration and interaction with the page.

Come ready to write and be transformed!

Julie Marr is trained in the art of Spiritual Direction, which is about recognizing and responding to the sacred in everyday life. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, she is an advertising writer and creative director in Charlotte, where she recently co-founded SoulStudioclt.com.

Cost: $15

CCDOC.ORG Case Coordinator - Greensboro Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte seeks a full-time Case Management Coordinator to provide services in Guilford County. Position requires strong interactions with Catholic parishes and community agencies. Go to www.ccdoc.org/jobs for details.

December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

St. Mary pastor plans to leave estate gift to support education of future priests SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

SHELBY — Father Michael Kottar, pastor of St. Mary Help of Christians Church, plans to leave a legacy for future priests of the Diocese of Charlotte – setting up an estate gift that will benefit seminarian education.

Father Kottar was ordained 24 years ago for the Diocese of Metuchen, N.J., and joined the Charlotte diocese in 1999.

Leaving a financial gift to the Church is one way he can express his gratitude for all those who financially supported his own journey to the priesthood, Father Kottar says. When he was in formation for the priesthood, he says, he didn’t have to worry about covering his expenses because his seminary education was fully funded by donors.

“In thanksgiving for my own priesthood, I wanted to make sure that in the future there will not be a hindrance to any young man becoming a priest,” he explains.

Father Kottar encourages others to consider making a gift to the Church in their will – especially since his financial advisor told him that people don’t think as much about leaving money to their church like they once did. “Wills are very important because we are leaving money to people we love, causes and organizations that we feel strongly about, and we want to continue that good work,” he says.

The Church, he points out, is there during the most significant times in our lives – administering the sacraments of initiation into the faith, teaching us about God and our vocation in life, witnessing marriages, and ministering to us when we’re sick or dying.

“There should be a thought in one’s mind to want to continue that work in the future.

Show the importance of that by your putting that in your will.”

Gifts in any amount will help the work of the Church, he stresses. “It’s just simple things. Anything in a will that would show that a person wants the work of the Church to continue or even better, expand, is great.”

People who make a planned gift to the diocese or any of its parishes, schools, ministries or agencies, like Father Kottar has done, become members of the Catholic Heritage Society – the diocese’s way of honoring the generosity of those who are providing for the future of the Church in western North Carolina. The Catholic Heritage Society is comprised of more than 1,100 people, many of whom are leaving gifts to the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation in their wills.

“More and more people are remembering the Church in their wills and estate plans – not just parishioners, but also our priests,” said Jim Kelley, the diocese’s development director. “In fact, Father Kottar is one of eight priests alive who have told us they’re remembering the Church with financial gifts. Fifteen priests who have died have left estate gifts to the Church, nine of those being endowments in the diocesan foundation.

“We are so grateful for these priests who not only give their lives to help us get to heaven, but also continue giving after they’re gone.”

Since 1994, the foundation has distributed more than $9.2 million to the diocese and its parishes, schools and ministries.

REVERENT COVERINGS Annual vendor at the Eucharistic Congress

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Starts Saturday, November 10th and ends Saturday December 22nd Open Hours Each Week Tuesday Thursday* Friday Saturday 10-2 10-2 10-2 10-4 6-9 *Closed Thanksgiving

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8100 South Blvd., Charlotte (entrance on E. Hebron St.), units 1513, 1514 Andrea Hines 704-996-4597

Maria Medina 704-315-0422

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Email revcoverings@gmail.com

Learn more Establish an endowment with the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in your will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a gift of real estate, or other arrangement such as a trust or annuity. For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

Jesuit Father Frank Reese dies BALTIMORE — Jesuit Father Francis X. Reese passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018.

He was 91.

Formerly in residence at St. Therese Church in Mooresville, Father Reese served the Church for more than 60 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, at St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Church in Woodstock, Md. Burial immediately followed in the Woodstock Jesuit Cemetery.

Father Reese was born June 8, 1927, in Philadelphia, the beloved son of the late Edward Reese and May (née Lynch) Reese. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Prep and attended St. Joseph’s College, where he earned a degree in psychology before entering the Society of Jesus at the Novitiate of St. Isaac Jogues in Wernersville, Pa., in 1950.

Father Reese studied philosophy at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., and theology at Woodstock College, Md. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 19, 1960, and later earned an M.T.S. from Regis College in Toronto.

After spending his early ministerial years in secondary education at Georgetown Prep, Bishop’s Latin (Pittsburgh) and St. Joseph’s Prep, Father Reese headed

OUR PARISHESI

to North Carolina in 1978, where he ministered for almost 40 years. His first assignment in the South was retreat work in Hot Springs, followed by service at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Mars Hill and St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

He returned to Hot Springs in 1989, where he spent 10 years as director of the House of Prayer. By the late 1990s, Father Reese was engaged in Latino ministry and the ministering of the Spiritual Exercises to various communities in North Carolina.

St. Therese Church in Mooresville became his home in 2011, where he faithfully served the Latino community until his move to St. Claude la Colombiere Jesuit Community in Baltimore in 2017.

Father Reese spent his final year in Baltimore serving as a spiritual director before his death.

He was preceded in death by siblings Dominican Sister Margaret Reese, Dr. Joseph Reese and David Reese.

He is survived by beloved nieces Margaret Williamson, Eileen Roche and M. Frances Reese, as well as grandnephews and nieces Patrick, Meghan, Kathleen, Eric and Kevin.

Memorial gifts may be made in Father Reese’s name to the Maryland Province Jesuits Fund, 8600 LaSalle Road, Suite 620, Baltimore, MD 21286.

Mitchell-Wiedefeld Funeral Home Inc. of Baltimore was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

January Respect Life Events Charlotte Mass for the Unborn Friday, January 11, 2019 9 A.M. – St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC March for Life Charlotte Friday, January 11, 2019 11 A.M. – Assemble at Pastoral Center 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 12 P.M. – March marchforlifecharlotte.org Mass, Rally and March for Life Raleigh, NC Saturday, January 12, 2019 11 A.M. Mass – Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral 715 Nazareth St, Raleigh, NC 27606 1:30 PM – Rally & March Halifax Mall on Lane St. http://ncrtl.org/rally-and-march-for-life/

For more info: ccdoc.org/respectlife

ccdoc.org

North Carolina Mass for Life Washington, D.C. Friday, January 18, 2019 Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Ave NE Washington, D.C. 11:30 A.M. - Mass with Bishops Peter J. Jugis & Luis R. Zarama March for Life 2018 Washington, D.C. Friday, January 18, 2019 12th St. and National Mall 12 P.M.- Rally 1 P.M.- March for Life marchforlife.org

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 7, 2018 OUR PARISHES

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project coordinator.

Every group and organization in the parish is involved in the program. This year parishioners spent countless hours sewing reusable denim bags, school and faith formation students decorated the bags. Parish organizations donated money for the turkeys and more than 250 volunteers from throughout the parish assisted in preparing the 585 bags of food.

Pictured, Father Paul Buchanan, pastor, blesses the food and some of the volunteers before they went to distribute the bags to Greensboro residents for Thanksgiving.

— Martha Stepnowski and Barbara Markun

In Brief Father Porras named vicar forane CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis has appointed Father Adrian Porras as vicar forane of the Asheville Vicariate effective Nov. 6.

He succeeds Father Wilbur Porras Thomas, who retired last summer. Father Porras continues as pastor of St. Barnabas Church in Arden.

Sometimes called a dean, a vicar forane is a priest appointed by the bishop in order to promote a common pastoral activity in a region of the diocese and to provide spiritual and pastoral counsel to the other priests in that region, according to Church law.

The Diocese of Charlotte has 10 vicariates.

— Catholic News Herald

Immaculate Conception parishioners launch Christmas gifts drive HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculate Conception Church parishioners responded generously to this year’s Christmas Gifts program, which assists five different regional agencies in helping some 600 Henderson County area men, woman and children have a more joyful Christmas. Dozens took part in the weekend of Nov. 17-18 solicitation by selecting a child’s or adult’s request as printed on labels, many choosing more than one person. The labels were then affixed to the wrapped gifts parishioners buy and the gifts were displayed on the steps of the sanctuary at Masses Dec. 1-2 before being delivered to the regional agencies for their distribution.

“The generosity of our parish members is amazing and so appreciated by those we help,” said Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz, pastor. “It really shines through as the true spirit of the holidays.”

The program was coordinated by parishioner Jo Ann Kelly, assisted by many volunteers.

St. Therese Parish hosts community Thanksgiving meal MOORESVILLE — Parishioners of St. Therese Church organized the fifth annual Community Thanksgiving Meal to share the holiday with neighbors, whether volunteering or sharing a meal, and giving thanks to God for His mercy and love.

— Lisa Cash

— Sid Baker

Day of Reflection held CLEMMONS — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s Elder Ministry sponsored a Day of Reflection at Holy Family Church Sept. 14.

Seniors from seven parishes gathered together to listen to Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Therese Church in Mooresville, speak on the “Virtue of Gratitude.” Participants were reminded how important it is to say “thank you” and how this simple act can deepen one’s relationships with others and experience God’s love more richly in their lives.

— Sandra Breakfield

Faith formation families visit local crisis ministry ELKIN — Families with children in faith formation at St. Stephen Mission in Elkin recently learned first-hand about Catholic social justice and living the Gospel when they visited and made donations to Tri-County Christian Crisis Ministry, located in Elkin. Parishioner Bill Bresse gave them a tour and explained the importance of giving to Tri-County Christian Crisis Ministry and helping our sisters and brothers in need.

— Sister Janis McQuade, SSJ

Our Lady of Grace parishioners fill bags and fills stomachs GREENSBORO — For the 17th year, members of Our Lady of Grace Church have provided Thanksgiving food to families in need in the Greensboro community. The first year, and for the next several years, 75 families received Turkeys and the traditional side dishes. This has now grown to 150 families – nearly 700 people – thanks in part to a grant the parish received the past two years from the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation.

The Thanksgiving Baskets Program now includes fresh produce (baking potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, oranges and bananas) and pantry staples (including rice, peanut butter, tuna, cereal, pasta and pasta sauce) to provide food for a longer period than just one feast.

Over the years, parishioners have embellished the food bags with extra items including soups, cereals, rice, pastas, canned meats and beans. The bags have also included candies, nuts, holiday napkins, placemats, dish towels, handmade dish cloths, baking pans, dessert mixes and more. One of the nicest items parish families include is a holiday card with their Thanksgiving wish to the receiving family.

“This is so much more than bags filled with food. The bags are filled with love and prayers from families to families,” said Patty Jennings,

veterans, past and present, following the 11:30 Mass Nov. 11. The celebration began in front of a Veteran’s Memorial built on the parish grounds in 2011.

The memorial was built by Vincent Vu, the son of Vietnamese refugees and a member of Boy Scout Troop 232, chartered at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, as his Eagle Scout project.

Vu was inspired to construct this memorial in gratitude to his family’s adopted country and the men and women who serve it.

Since constructing the memorial, Vu graduated from Charlotte Catholic High and went on to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army and is now assigned to Ft. Bragg, where he serves as a launcher platoon leader in Delta Battery, 3-4 Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

The parish program began with the presentation of the colors courtesy of the UNC-Charlotte Air Force ROTC Color Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Event organizer Geri King, herself a U.S. Air Force veteran, welcomed the nearly 150 attendees, veterans from the parish and surrounding community, family and friends.

Deacon Paul Sparrow delivered the opening prayer and spoke of the impact of military veterans in his own family, including his son, who is serving as a major in the U.S. Marine Corps. Lt. Vu (pictured above with his family) then spoke of how he was inspired to construct the memorial, and how his status as the son of Vietnamese refugees contributed to his decision to repay his family’s obligation to the United States by joining the military.

Following retirement of the colors, the assembly moved to Aquinas Hall for a light reception and veterans were presented with thank you notes written by children in the parish’s faith formation classes. Members of the parish prayer shawl ministry also were on hand with prayer shawls for those who desired them and other tokens of gratitude. Information about veteran’s assistance programs was also available.

— Geri King

Parish celebrates ‘Friendsgiving’ BOONE — Parishioners at St. Elizabeth Church celebrated its first “Friendsgiving” Nov. 23 to come together to share fellowship and food, and to thank God for all of the blessings He has bestowed on the parish.

— Amber Mellon, correspondent

Knights mark first anniversary JEFFERSON — The Knights of Columbus Council 16839 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Jefferson celebrated its first anniversary on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The council started with 25 members and now has 46. Brother Knights from Boone and North Wilkesboro joined in the celebration. Financial Secretary Rick LaBonte was recognized for his work in organizing the council.

— Patrick Hession, correspondent

CDA supports local food assistance program

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish honors veterans CHARLOTTE — In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, St. Thomas Aquinas Church recognized all

STATESVILLE — At the request of the pastor, Father Thomas J. Kessler, and on behalf of St. Philip the Apostle Church, Dawn McGinn and Becky Scales, officers in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court 2593, recently presented a $2,500 check to Joy Morrison of Iredell Christian Ministries. The donation was to be used to feed those in need.

— Connie Ries

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December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

Honrarán a la Guadalupana Este doce de diciembre es la fiesta de la Patrona y Madre de las Américas Padre Julio Domínguez

Nuestra madre: la Morenita del Tepeyac

¿

No estoy yo aquí que soy tu Madre?

Bellas palabra que nuestra madrecita del Tepeyac dirigió a Juan Dieguito en un momento en el que este santo varón traía tantas dificultades y crisis, y que se convirtieron en palabras acogidas por muchas almas mexicanas y de otras naciones, pues sabemos que la realidad de nuestros países ha sido y sigue siendo la misma, es decir, momentos de dificultades y crisis.

Algunas personas e incluso sacerdotes se preguntan, ¿por qué para el pueblo hispano es tan importante la celebración de la Virgen de Guadalupe? ¿Cuáles son los valores culturales que hay detrás de esta fiesta que aún los que nunca van a Misa llegan ese día? ¿No será que es puras ganas de hacer fiesta sin entender el mensaje real Guadalupano?

La respuesta puede venir de forma muy variada, pero en realidad nos llevaría a una misma, el pueblo hispano culturalmente es muy dado a vivir de las emociones y sentimientos y es algo que no es malo en realidad.

Cuando hablamos de la Virgen de Guadalupe, los más profundos sentimientos toman lugar en ese momento y recordamos las bellas palabras dadas a Juan Diego y por él a nosotros: ¿No estoy yo aquí que soy tu Madre?

Palabras similares a las que un día nuestro Señor le dijera a San Juan en la cruz: “He allí a tu Madre”, y el discípulo amado desde entonces tomó cuidado de ella. Asimismo, el corazón hispano se abre no solo a una festividad sino a una realidad, y esta realidad es que el 12 de diciembre es el día de mi Madre en el cielo y por tanto tengo que celebrarle de la manera más linda que pueda hacerse.

En México, el día de las madres se celebra el día 10 de Mayo y no importa qué día de la semana sea. Para nosotros es esencial dejarle saber a mamá que ella es lo más importante en nuestra vida. De la misma manera, la Virgen es y seguirá siendo en el corazón del pueblo hispano “La Madre en el Cielo” que nos mostró su más sublime amor trayéndonos a su Hijo a nuestras patrias.

La fiesta de Guadalupe no viene a romper el tiempo litúrgico de Adviento. Por el contrario, si sabemos encausarla nos da matices extraordinarios para este tiempo. La Virgen de Guadalupe es la Madre encinta que espera a dar a luz al Salvador, y anunciándolo, se abre el corazón del buen cristiano a la espera del divino Redentor.

Si en las celebraciones litúrgicas enfatizáramos este punto, las almas entenderían que el mensaje Guadalupano está centrado en presentarnos a su Hijo como el Salvador del Mundo que llegó a nuestros países y sigue llegando a nuestros corazones.

EL PADRE JULIO DOMÍNGUEZ es el coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Smoky Mountains.

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

El próximo miércoles 12 de diciembre se festejará la fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe, conmemorando 487 años de su aparición ante el indígena San Juan Diego en las inmediaciones del cerro Tepeyac.

La veneración a la Virgen de Guadalupe se ha extendido a todas partes del mundo y su Basílica, ubicada en la Ciudad de México, es el lugar de peregrinaje católico más visitado del mundo, así como el tercer lugar sagrado más importante del planeta.

Pío X la proclamó como “Patrona de toda la América Latina”, Pío XI de todas las “Américas”, Pío XII la llamó “Emperatriz de las Américas” y Juan XXIII “La Misionera Celeste del Nuevo Mundo” y “la Madre de las Américas”.

Para el Padre Hugo Medellín de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, la Guadalupana es “una tradición de casi cinco siglos del pueblo mexicano”. “Otras apariciones son también muy populares en todo el mundo, pero en México es sorprendente como la Virgen Morena se ha enraizado en la cultura popular”. Ella, afirma, “está en la mente de la gente”.

En todas las parroquias, desde la más pequeña hasta la más grande, se realizarán celebraciones a la Virgen Morena.

CORTESÍA AMY BURGER | PARROQUIA SAN MARCOS

Imágenes como estas se volverán a repetir el próximo 11 y 12 de diciembre en la mayoría de las parroquias de todo el mundo, cuando se celebre la fiesta de María de Guadalupe, ‘la Morenita del Tepeyac’, Patrona y Emperatríz de las Américas.

ASHEVILLE

La parroquia Inmaculada Concepción prepara una gran fiesta con Rosario y Mañanitas el sábado 8; procesión, Misa y convivio en el Centro de Agricultura de Arden el domingo 9 de diciembre.

El mismo domingo 9 se efectuarán representaciones de las apariciones, danzas y un compartir iniciando a la una de la tarde en la parroquia San Eugenio.

Santa Juana de Arco celebra el martes 11 desde las 6 de la tarde con Rosario, Misa, dramatizaciones, evento cultural y Mañanitas a la medianoche.

Por su parte Sagrado Corazón (Burnsville), Santa Margarita, San Bernabé y Sagrado Corazón (Brevard) alistan la fiesta para el día central, 12 de diciembre, en diferentes horarios.

CHARLOTTE

El Padre Medellín informó que el 11 por la noche se celebrará la tradicional gran fiesta de la Guadalupana en el Coliseo Bojangles, ubicado en Independence Boulevard.

Las puertas abrirán desde las siete de la tarde y, previa a la celebración de la Misa que será a las 9:30 de la noche, se realizarán bailables, homenajes y la representación de las

apariciones guadalupanas.

El 12, en su local parroquial se cantarán las Mañanitas y celebrará Misa desde las seis de la mañana. Llame para consultar los horarios.

En Huntersville, la parroquia San Marcos ha preparado una misión de tres días que dará inicio el domingo 9 y concluirá pasada la medianoche del martes 11 con las Mañanitas a Nuestra Señora. El miércoles 12 las actividades inician a las 5:30 de la tarde con el rezo del Rosario, procesión a las 6:15 y Misa bilingüe a las 6:30.

La parroquia San Gabriel celebrará el 11 de diciembre con dos Misas, a las 7 y las 8:45 de la noche, precedidas por el rezo del Rosario y una procesión de niños. Al término se servirá pan dulce, tamales y atole.

MONROE

Nuestra Señora de Lourdes ya inició la Novena el lunes 3 de diciembre a las siete de la noche en la capilla de la iglesia.

GUADALUPANA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 15

Cuatro hechos asombrosos sobre la Virgen de Guadalupe CONDENSADO DE ACIPRENSA

Cuando Juan Diego desplegó la tilma con las rosas ante el Prelado, sobre ella estaba impresa la imagen de Nuestra Señora Guadalupe.

En los siguientes siete años, más de 9 millones de aztecas se convirtieron al cristianismo.

Esto es algo asombroso, pero hay otros hechos sobre la tilma que lo sorprenderán: 1. Tiene cualidades que

son imposibles de replicar humanamente. Hecha principalmente de fibras de cactus, una tilma era típicamente de muy baja calidad y tenía una superficie áspera, haciéndola muy difícil de usar, mucho menos pintar sobre ella una imagen que perdurase. Sin embargo, la imagen aún se conserva intacta y los científicos que la han estudiado insisten en que no se usó ninguna técnica previa para adecuar

la superficie. La superficie es muy suave, como la seda.

La parte en donde no está la imagen sigue siendo áspera y tosca.

Más todavía, los expertos en fotografía infrarroja que estudiaron la tilma a fines de la década de 1970 determinaron que no había trazos de pincel, dando como resultado una imagen que fue plasmada toda al mismo CUATRO, PASA A LA PÁGINA 15

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 7, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

En el Congreso de Organizaciones Latinas de Carolina del Norte la presencia de instituciones religiosas es mayoritaria.

Recientemente se incorporó el Padre John Starczewski, pastor de la parroquia San Juan Neumann, sumando esfuerzos con los padres Hugo Medellín y Gregorio Gay, de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

“Esperamos que más de nuestros pastores se integren”, dijo Moisés Oviedo, organizador comunitario católico.

CORTESÍA PARROQUIA SAN GABRIEL

Tras una pausa de diez años retorna el programa bilingüe Las Posadas, gracias al esfuerzo de Ana Lothspeich y Carmen Calvar, con cerca de 250 personas en escena, entre actores, músicos y cantantes.

Vuelven ‘Las Posadas’ a San Gabriel

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Sacerdotes participan en reuniones comunitarias

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Después de una ausencia de diez años retornan ‘Las Posadas’, una celebración bilingüe en la que se recuerda el nacimiento de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo a través de la representación de escenas, lecturas, oraciones y música.

Según informó Ana Lothspeich, creadora del programa en 2004, en esta ocasión contarán con 41 personas en escena y más de 200 voces de los coros Alegría Hispana, de adultos y niños de la parroquia San Gabriel y de la escuela secundaria Providence, que también presentará un cuarteto de cuerdas.

Después de representarse con gran éxito por cuatro temporadas, en 2009 se suspendió el programa. Gracias al interés de su fundadora y Carmen Calvar, directora del coro Alegría Hispana, este año se llevará a cabo nuevamente el 15 de diciembre, a las 7 de la noche, en el Santuario de la parroquia, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211.

“Esta es una obra para disfrutar en familia”, afirma Lothspeich, resaltando el impacto positivo que causa en los espectadores y el elenco artístico.

“Muchas personas que participaron a lo largo de los años, entre ellos mis hijos, siempre recuerdan con emoción los hermosos momentos que vivieron en Las Posadas, que se hizo parte de una tradición de familia”, señaló.

El ingreso y estacionamiento es gratuito. Se recomienda llegar temprano para asegurar una buena ubicación.

Más online En Facebook.com/CNHespanol: Encontrará una galería de fotos de ediciones anteriores de Las Posadas en la parroquia San Gabriel

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — El pasado lunes 26 de noviembre se realizó la quinta reunión del Congreso de Organizaciones Latinas de Carolina del Norte, que contó con la participación mayoritaria de instituciones de fe, entre ellas la Iglesia Católica.

El Padre John F. Starczewski, pastor de la parroquia San Juan Neumann, se sumó a los sacerdotes Hugo Medellín y Gregorio Gay, de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, quienes se integraron con anterioridad al grupo.

Además, por la Iglesia Católica, atendieron a la junta Berta Guandique, coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano de la parroquia San Juan Neumann y representante del grupo Enlace Hispano 24 de marzo; Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte y Moisés Oviedo, organizador comunitario y feligrés de San Juan Neumann.

Organizaciones como UNISAL, que acogió el evento en sus instalaciones, La Coalición Latinoamericana, la Iglesia Metodista Central United y otras, forman parte de esta unión sin distinciones de fe, que buscan, a través del trabajo en conjunto, el cambio en nuestra sociedad.

Según informó Iván Parra, uno de los organizadores más experimentados del grupo, la primera acción que intentan lograr es concretar una reunión con Garry McFadden, Sheriff electo del condado Mecklenburg, para exponerle las preocupaciones de la comunidad latina y comprometerlo a cumplir la palabra empeñada durante la campaña electoral, cuando prometió terminar con el acuerdo 287g que mantiene la Oficina del Sheriff con el Servicio de Inmigración y Aduanas.

Según dijo Ana Miriam Carpio, directora ejecutiva de UNISAL, este acuerdo “ha significado la deportación injusta de miles de personas” por faltas menores, “como una luz del coche en mal estado”.

Los organizadores esperan movilizar y comprometer la presencia de sus bases para, organizadamente, mostrar su influencia y solicitar cambios políticos que favorezcan a la comunidad. “No es el momento de protestar, es el momento de dialogar”, dijo Parra, subrayando que para ello es importante que las organizaciones participantes se comprometan y aseguren la importante presencia de sus afiliados.

Respecto a la presencia de su organización religiosa, Susan Suárez de Webster, pastora asociada de la Iglesia Metodista Unida Central United, dijo que no puede permanecer impasible al ver el sufrimiento. “Después de haber servido en México por quince años, con mi abuelito nacido en México, además de amar a toda persona, yo tengo mucha cercanía con el pueblo hispano, con las personas que son mis vecinos. Nosotros trabajamos con todas las personas, nacidas aquí o extranjeros, y todos tenemos los mismos derechos de ser amados, aceptados y tratados con dignidad”, señaló.

Por su parte el Padre Starczewski, pastor de la parroquia San Juan Neumann, subrayó que el problema de comprensión hacia la comunidad inmigrante es, en verdad, “un problema de falta de entendimiento”.

“En mi experiencia, cuando una persona que habla inglés conoce a una persona que habla español entonces llegan a hacerse amigos porque no hay muchas diferencias entre las personas, solo la falta de entendimiento”, precisó.

El grupo se reunirá nuevamente el próximo 14 de enero, a las 6 de la tarde, en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe para informar de sus avances y coordinar acciones.

Más en línea At bit.ly/2E42JF7: Vea el video sobre este tema publicado en nuestra página de Facebook

Lecturas Diarias DIC. 9-15

Domingo: Baruc 5:1-9, Filipenses 1:4-6, 8-11, Lucas 3:1-6; Lunes: Isaías 35:1-10, Lucas 5:1726; Martes (San Dámaso I): Isaías 40:1-11, Mateo 18:12-14; Miércoles (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): Zacarías 2:14-17, Judith 13:18-19, Lucas 1:26-38; Jueves (Sta. Lucía): Isaías 41:13-20, Mateo 11:11-15; Viernes (San Juan de la Cruz): Isaías 48:17-19, Mateo 11:16-19; Sábado: Eclesiastés 48:1-4, 9-11, Mateo 17:9-13

DIC. 16-22 Domingo: Sofonías 3:14-18, Isaías 12:2-6, Filipenses 4:4-7, Lucas 3:10-18; Lunes: Génesis 49:2, 8-10, Mateo 1:1-17; Martes: Jeremías 23:5-8, Mateo 1:18-25; Miércoles: Jueces 13:2-7, 24-25, Lucas 1:5-25; Jueves: Isaías 7:10-14, Lucas 1:26-38; Viernes (San Pedro Canisio): Cantar de los Cantares 2:8-14, Lucas 1:39-45; Sábado: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8, Lucas 1:46-56

DIC. 23-29 Domingo: Miqueas 5:1-4, Hebreos 10:5-10, Lucas 1:39-45; Lunes: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16, Lucas 1:67-79; Martes (La Natividad del Señor, Navidad): Isaías 52:7-10, Hebreos 1:1-6, Juan 1:1-18; Miércoles (San Esteban): Hechos 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Mateo 10:17-22; Jueves (San Juan): 1 Juan 1:1-4, Juan 20:1-8; Viernes (Los Santos inocentes): 1 Juan 1:5-2:2, Mateo 2:13-18; Sábado (Santo Tomás Becket): 1 Juan 2:3-11, Lucas 2:22-35

December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

11

Déjese llevar por el ambiente navideño

Monseñor Silvio Fonseca Martínez de Nicaragua dijo que el grito ¿Quién causa tanta alegría? “es el mayor símbolo cultural y religioso, que identifica al nicaragüense en el exterior —niño, joven y adulto— aunque no sea de la hermandad católica.

Un caso único de fe, conciencia, tradición, cultura y patriotismo, se hace costumbre popular única: Esta es la Purísima y su cultura mariana”.

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — En esta temporada de Navidad son muchos los lugares que podemos visitar con toda la familia para compartir un momento y recibir un soplo de ese aire especial que se respira con la espera de la llegada de Cristo.

Algunos los tenemos muy cerca a casa, otros un poquito más alejados, pero con buena disposición y unos dólares de nuestro presupuesto podremos darnos el gusto de disfrutar el ambiente navideño que ya se vive en todas partes.

CORTESÍA EL CUCURUCHO, NICARAGUA

asados y más.

El circuito, que se ubica en 5555 Concord Pkwy. South, Concord, N.C. 28027, permanecerá abierto hasta el 31 de diciembre.

El ingreso tiene un costo de entre $20-25 por auto con hasta 10 pasajeros. Infórmese en bit. ly/2RXxMWe

EL FESTIVAL DE LUCES DE TANGLEWOOD

Desde hace 27 años, la iluminación navideña del parque Tanglewood se ha convertido en toda una tradición en el condado Forsyth proporcionando sano entretenimiento con un circuito de cinco millas de titilantes copos

FIESTAS EN EL JARDÍN BOTÁNICO

María Inmaculada, llena de gracia, Patrona de Nicaragua CONDENSADO DE ACIPRENSA

Cada 8 de diciembre la Iglesia celebra el dogma de fe que nos revela que, por la gracia de Dios, la Virgen María fue preservada del pecado desde el momento de su concepción, es decir desde el instante en que María comenzó la vida humana. Hay una idea popular que se refiere a la concepción de Jesús por la Virgen María pero no es a este hecho al que se refiere esta solemnidad, sino a la manera especial en la cual fue concebida María.

María es la “llena de gracia”, del griego “kecharitomene” que significa una particular abundancia de gracia, es un estado sobrenatural en el que el alma está unida con el mismo Dios.

Las devociones a la Inmaculada Virgen María son numerosas, y entre sus devotos destacan santos como San Francisco de Asís y San Agustín.

La Virgen María es Inmaculada gracias a Cristo su hijo, puesto que Él iba a nacer de su seno es que Dios la hizo Inmaculada para que tenga un vientre puro donde encarnarse. Ahí se demuestra cómo Jesús es Salvador en la guarda de Dios con María y la omnipotencia del Padre se revela como la causa de este don. Así, María nunca se inclinó ante las concupiscencias y su grandeza demuestra que, como ser humano, era libre pero nunca ofendió a Dios y así no perdió la enorme gracia que Él le otorgó.

La Inmaculada Virgen María nos muestra la necesidad de tener un corazón puro para que el Señor Jesús pueda vivir en nuestro interior y de ahí naciese la Salvación. Y consagrarnos a ella nos lleva a que nuestra plegaria sea el medio por el cual se nos revele Jesucristo plenamente y nos lleve al camino por el cual seremos colmados por el Espíritu Santo.

PATRONA DE NICARAGUA

En 1562, a causa de una depresión tropical, don Lorenzo de Cepeda, quien viajaba hacia Perú, tuvo que hacer escala en el Puerto de la Posesión, ahora llamado El Realejo, Nicaragua.

Entre las cosas que traía consigo se destacaba una imagen de la Virgen de la Concepción.

Tras viajar a El Viejo, pueblo cercano, don Lorenzo depositó la imagen en la parroquia. Los indios y mestizos llegaban a admirar a la “Niña Blanca”. Pronto adquirió prestigio de milagrosa, pero don Lorenzo tenía

que partir y, a pesar de las protestas y ruegos, empacó su bella imagen y se fue a El Realejo para embarcarse rumbo a Perú.

Cuando el barco se hizo a la mar, vino otra tormenta y el velero tuvo que regresar al puerto nicaragüense para evitar un naufragio. De nuevo Don Lorenzo se fue a El Viejo y el pueblo entero interpretó que la Virgen no deseaba irse, “la Inmaculada Concepción quiere quedarse”.

La devoción creció enormemente y hoy es venerada en un bellísimo altar de madera y oro donado por sus devotos por gracias concedidas.

La fiesta de la Purísima Inmaculada Concepción de El Viejo, patrona de Nicaragua, es celebrada con gran solemnidad iniciando con un novenario el 28 de noviembre.

El 6 de diciembre es el día de la “Lavada de la Plata”, una ceremonia religiosa con participación popular realizada en el previo Norte de la Basílica; luego el sacerdote sumerge la corona de la Virgen en un recipiente con agua, la que es repartida entre el pueblo.

A las 4 de la tarde, después del Santo Rosario, la Virgen es Ascendida a su camerín entre la alegría del pueblo que la despide con la fiesta de “La Gritería”.

¿QUIÉN CAUSA TANTA ALEGRÍA?

La fiesta de La Purísima es acompañada de cantos, fuegos artificiales, brindis de frutas, dulces y refrescos típicos. La gente recorre las calles al anochecer del 7 de diciembre y se detiene en las casas que tienen altares confeccionados especialmente para ese día. Al acercarse a la puerta, gritan “¿Quién causa tanta alegría?” y la gente, desde adentro, responde: “¡La Concepción de María!”. Con eso se inicia el canto.

El 8 de diciembre, día central de la Inmaculada Concepción, el programa comienza con las mañanitas a la Virgen con grupos musicales de la ciudad y departamento que llegan a sus pies a rendirle homenaje. A las diez se celebra la Misa solemne y a las 4 de la tarde sale una procesión que recorre la ciudad, entrando a las 9 y siendo despedida con mucho alborozo por los nicaragüenses.

Más en línea En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Encontrará mayor información

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden es un hermoso espacio natural creado en la ciudad de Belmont, a solo pocos minutos de Charlotte, y que en Navidad se adorna con una decoración espectacular que incluye la muestra de más de un millón de luces en un recorrido de una milla y un gigantesco árbol navideño de orquídeas. Para los niños se incluyen muchas actividades divertidas.

El parque permanecerá cerrado el día 25, pero puede ser visitado hasta el 6 de enero. La entrada es de $12.95 dólares por adulto y $7.95 por niño de 2-12 años.

La dirección del jardín botánico es 6500 S New Hope Road, Belmont, N.C. 28012. Para mayores informes visite www.dsbg.org

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

McAdenville, la ciudad de la Navidad USA

NAVIDAD EN LA BIBLIOTECA

La Biblioteca de Billy Graham, fallecido predicador evangelista nacido en Charlotte, ofrece uno de los lugares más bellos para vivir la experiencia de la Navidad.

Hasta el 22 de diciembre, de lunes a sábado, comenzando a las 5 de la tarde, puede apreciar una representación de la Natividad en vivo que incluye animales exóticos. Coros, lectura de cuentos y un paseo guiado por la biblioteca se ofrece libre de costo a los visitantes. Paseos en carruajes tirados por caballos, alimentos y recuerdos se ofrecen por un costo adicional.

La Biblioteca está ubicada en 4330 Westmont Dr., Charlotte, N.C. 28217. El ingreso y estacionamiento de su vehículo es gratuito. Para informes visite www. billygrahamlibrary.org

CORTESÍA BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY

Navidad en la Biblioteca

LA CIUDAD DE LA NAVIDAD

McAdenville cumple 63 años de iluminar las noches decembrinas de este pequeño pueblo ubicado en el condado Gaston.

Hasta el 26 de diciembre, desde las 5:30 hasta las 9:30 p.m. de lunes a viernes, y 11 p.m. los fines de semana, la ciudad enciende más de medio millón de luces en árboles, casas, calles y alrededor del lago situado en pleno centro de la ciudad.

Puede ingresar con su vehículo y seguir el recorrido en él, aunque lo recomendable es estacionarlo y continuar a pie. Como indican los organizadores: “manejando su coche o caminando, nunca le cobraremos por disfrutar nuestras luces navideñas”.

Para llegar a la ciudad de McAdenville tome la interestatal 85, salida 23. Más informes en bit.ly/2AZYx7F

NAVIDAD EN SPEEDWAY

Este año se realiza la novena edición de este paseo con más de 3.5 millones de luces en un recorrido de 3.75 millas que se instala en la pista de carrera más importante de Carolina del Norte.

Tras el paseo puede visitar la Villa Navideña que incluye una tienda, puestos de comida, un zoológico miniatura, la representación en vivo de un nacimiento, fotos con Papá Noel, juegos, fogatas para

de nieve y más de cien diversos cuadros navideños formados por más de un millón de luces.

La atracción recibe un promedio de 250 mil visitantes cada año y ha sido seleccionado entre los 20 eventos decembrinos más importantes del sureste y los 100 de todo norteamérica.

Abierto hasta el 1 de enero de 2019, desde las seis de la tarde, el ingreso de automóviles familiares tiene un costo de $ 15 dólares.

Además se ofrece alojamiento, paseos en tractor, en carruajes tirados por caballos, y otros eventos por un costo adicional.

El parque está localizado en Manor House Cir., Clemmons, N.C. 27012. Mayores informes en bit.ly/2TMxgfq

MUSEO DEL TREN EN WILMINGTON

Recuperándose del huracán Florence que destruyó parte de sus instalaciones, Wilmington Railroad Museum no pierde la oportunidad de mostrar su tradicional programación de Navidad con shows familiares de Polar Express durante el mes de diciembre, además de su tren navideño y luces espectaculares que se exponen cada viernes y sábado de 6:30 a 8 de la noche.

Las entradas para el show regular tienen un valor de $ 5 dólares y se adquieren en la puerta de ingreso. Para el Polar Express tienen el mismo precio pero deben ser reservadas con anterioridad.

El museo está ubicado en 505 Nutt St., Wilmington, N.C. 28401. Informes: wrrm.org/ events.html

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iiiDecember 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

A Church Transfi STORY AND PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FATHER BENJAMIN ROBERTS

Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe had blank white walls before artist Lisa Autry began a series of murals which now grace the front of the church.

MONROE — In just two years’ time, the interior of Our Lady of Lourdes Church has witnessed a transformation of Biblical proportions.

Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor, working with local artist Lisa Autry, has brought pivotal moments from Scripture to the formerly blank walls of the church in new murals thanks in part to money raised during the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign. An image of the Lamb of God is prominently centered over the tabernacle, and scenes from the Baptism of the Lord and the Transfiguration flank the altar.

The scenes are part of Father Roberts’ larger goal to promote an experience of heaven as people gather for worship.

“The Book of Revelation and the Letter to the Hebrews offer us images of heavenly worship,” he explains. “When we gather as a community for the celebration of the Eucharist, we participate in that worship. The beautiful artwork in this church (the windows, the Angels, the Lamb and the murals) draw us into a deeper encounter with the Lord.”

His inspiration for the project came after staring at the

stark white walls for four years. He purchased new vestments with a donation from the Women’s Guild in 2016, featuring an image of the Lamb of God and a gold and burgundy pattern.

Father Roberts thought the design might make a beautiful pattern for the apse wall, and parishioners agreed. He contacted Autry, who has done many projects in the diocese, including murals at Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City and St. Ann Church in Charlotte. Although she remains in high demand, Autry happened to be between projects when Father Roberts called her.

Autry created each mural in stages over the course of months, with the most recent floor-to-ceiling murals of the Baptism of the Lord and the Transfiguration completed in September.

They’re not done yet. Autry is working on additional artwork for the back wall of the church, featuring the symbols for the four evangelists, that Father Roberts hopes will be ready for Easter.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Get a closer look at the new artwork at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, as well as hear Father Benjamin Roberts explain the significance of each representation from Scripture

“The Lamb is at the center of the City of God. The Lamb is the light of the City of God. The Lamb is the temple of the City of God.”

“Look to the angels surrounding the crucifix. Hear the words from the Letter to the Hebrews… ‘You have approached Mount Zion, the City of the Living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem and countless angels in festal gathering…’”

“This building preaches,” says Father Benjamin Roberts. “The beautiful artwork teaches the faith. The beautiful works of art proclaim the Gospel of God. Now what we have is a building that reflects the beauty and the diversity of the people.”

HE COVER

figured

December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

13

Preaching in the language of beauty

“See the ministry of John and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Remember the voice of the Father, ‘You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’”

“Hear again from the Book of Revelation, ‘I looked again and heard the voices of many angels who surrounded the throne and the living creatures and the elders.

They were countless in number, and they cried out in a loud voice: Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing.’”

“We see the angels in festal gathering, and you are the assembly of the firstborn.

We are surrounded by the saints and protected by the angels.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 7, 2018 FROM THE COVER

“Look to the Transfiguration. See the unveiled glory of the Lord Jesus. See Moses, the giver of the law, and Elijah the prophet in the presence of Him who is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. See Peter, James and John in awestruck wonder.”

“When I would start to bring people in to see the murals (in progress), they would simply start to cry,” Father Benjamin Roberts recounts. “They would see Jesus holding the arm of John the Baptist. That’s the point where I started to cry – the day they put that mural in.”

“Look to the mural of the Baptism of Jesus and remember that Jesus claimed you in the waters of baptism.”

“When you look to the mural of the Transfiguration, remember that Christ who called you in your baptism calls you to join Him in glory.”

“See the waters that seem to overflow from the mural into our baptismal font.”

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December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

GUADALUPANA

CUATRO

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 9

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 9

El miércoles 12 se cantarán Las Mañanitas a las cinco de la mañana, dando paso a la Misa en inglés a las 8:30 de la mañana y a las 8 de la noche en español.

tiempo.

Esto, junto con una calidad iridiscente de cambiar ligeramente de colores dependiendo del ángulo en el que una persona la mira, y el hecho de que se determinó que la coloración de la imagen no tiene elementos animales o minerales (los colorantes sintéticos no existían en 1531), generan muchas más preguntas aparentemente incontestables.

2. La gente dice que solo es una pintura pero la ciencia ha demostrado lo contrario. Todas las veces que se hizo un intento de replicar la imagen, la original nunca parece decolorarse, mientras sus duplicados se han deteriorado en corto tiempo.

Miguel Cabrera, artista del siglo 18 que produjo tres de las copias mejor conocidas, una vez escribió sobre la dificultad de recrear la imagen incluso sobre las mejores superficies.

3. La tilma ha mostrado características sorprendentemente parecidas a las de un cuerpo humano. En 1979, cuando el Dr. Phillip Callahan, biofísico de la Universidad de Florida, estaba analizando la tilma usando tecnología infrarroja, descubrió que el tejido mantiene una temperatura constante de entre 36.6 y 37 grados celsius, la temperatura regular de una persona viva.

Cuando el Dr. Carlos Fernández de Castillo, médico mexicano, examinó la tilma, encontró una flor de cuatro pétalos sobre el vientre de María. Los aztecas llamaban a la flor ‘Nahui Ollin’ y era el

SALISBURY

La parroquia Sagrado Corazón celebrará una Misa Solemne el martes 11 a las 7 de la noche, antecedida por el rezo del Rosario, procesión y cánticos. Habrá representaciones y la fiesta cerrará a las 11 de la noche con Las Mañanitas. El miércoles 12 habrá Misa en inglés a las 5:15 de la tarde.

En la iglesia Santiago el Mayor de Concord las celebraciones se realizarán por adelantado el sábado 8 de diciembre desde las nueve de la noche. Se espera que las actividades concluyan alrededor de la 1 de la mañana del día siguiente.

En Santa Teresa en Mooresville el día 12 se rezará el Rosario a las seis de la tarde.

Luego viene la Misa a las siete de la noche y concluye con procesión y recepción.

TRIAD

Greensboro festejará a la Morenita del Tepeyac el 11 de diciembre en el salón Barcelona del Centro de Convenciones Meridian de esa ciudad.

Las puertas se abrirán a las 6 de la tarde.

La primera Misa será a las 7:30 de la noche.

Al término habrá bailables por el Grupo de Danza Folklórica Guadalupana, Voces y Danzas del Grupo Oaxaca, Julio Ruiz y su grupo, además del grupo infantil de la parroquia Santa María.

Tras una segunda Misa a las 11 de la noche, se finalizará a las doce con música de banda para cantar Las Mañanitas.

El 12 de diciembre habrá Misa en Inmaculado Corazón de María en High Point a las 6 de la mañana, para cantarle las Mañanitas.

En Santa María en Greensboro habrá vigilia desde las 11 de la noche del 11 con Las Mañanitas. Desde las cinco de la mañana del 12 hasta las cinco de la tarde el rezo el Rosario a cargo de familias de la parroquia. Misa a las 7 de la tarde con compartir.

HERMOSA HISTORIA

A principios de diciembre de 1531, un indio llamado Juan Diego escuchó una voz que lo llamaba. Subió a la cumbre y vio a una Señora que se identificó como la Virgen María, quien le pidió que se dirija donde el Señor Obispo, fray Juan de Zumárraga, y le dijera que deseaba se le construyera un templo en ese lugar.

Juan Diego se presentó ante el Obispo,

St. Jude Novena May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pese a que, en su mayoría, las celebraciones se realizan por la noche, familias completas acuden a rendir homenaje a ‘La Lupita’, sembrando en sus hijos el amor por Nuestra Señora. quien dudó de sus palabras, pidiéndole volver otro día para escucharle más despacio.

De regreso, Juan Diego le explicó a la Virgen lo ocurrido. Ella le pidió que repitiera el mensaje al día siguiente. Esta vez el obispo respondió a Juan Diego que le dijera a la Señora que le diese alguna prueba.

Juan Diego regresó donde María y la Virgen le mandó que volviese al día siguiente para darle la señal. Debido a la enfermedad de Juan Bernardino, tío de Juan Diego, éste no pudo volver y cuando iba a buscar un sacerdote pues el tío moría, la Virgen salió a su encuentro y le preguntó a dónde iba.

Avergonzado, Juan Diego le explicó lo que ocurría. La Virgen le dijo que su tío no moriría y que ya estaba sano. Entonces el indio le pidió la señal que debía llevar al obispo. María le dijo que subiera a la cumbre del cerro donde halló rosas de Castilla frescas y poniéndose la tilma, cortó cuantas pudo y se las llevó al obispo.

Llegado ante Monseñor Zumarraga, Juan Diego desplegó su manta, cayeron al suelo las rosas y en la tilma estaba pintada con lo que hoy se conoce como la imagen de la Virgen de Guadalupe.

Más en línea En www.catholicnewsherald.com y www.Facebook.com/CNHespanol: Mayor información y recursos sobre esta fiesta

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símbolo del sol y de la plenitud.

Después de más exámenes, el Dr. Fernández de Castillo concluyó que las dimensiones del cuerpo de Nuestra Señora en la imagen eran los de una madre por dar a luz.

El Dr. José Alte Tonsmann, un oftalmólogo peruano, estudió los ojos de la imagen de la Virgen con una magnificación de 2.500 veces y fue capaz de identificar hasta 13 individuos en ambos ojos en diferentes proporciones, así como el ojo humano reflejaría una imagen. Parecía ser una captura del momento exacto en el que Juan Diego desplegó la tilma ante el Arzobispo Zumárraga.

4. Parece ser prácticamente indestructible. En 1785 un trabajador estaba limpiando el recubrimiento de vidrio cuando accidentalmente derramó solvente de ácido nítrico sobre una gran porción de la imagen. La imagen y el resto de la tilma, que debió haberse corroído casi instantáneamente por el derrame, se autorestauró con el paso de 30 días y permanece intacta hasta el día de hoy, con solo unas pequeñas manchas en lugares en donde no está la imagen.

En 1921, un activista anticlerical escondió 29 varas de dinamita en un jarrón de rosas y lo puso ante la imagen dentro de la Basílica de Guadalupe.

Cuando la bomba explotó, casi todo, desde el piso y el reclinatorio de mármol voló.

La destrucción alcanzó incluso a ventanas a 150 metros de distancia.

Sin embargo la imagen y el vidrio a su alrededor permanecieron intactos. El único daño que ocurrió cerca a la tilma fue en un pesado crucifijo de bronce, que terminó doblado hacia atrás.

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CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

catholicnewsherald.com | December 7, 2018

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

Asheville students show refugees Thanksgiving spirit ASHEVILLE — Asheville Catholic School students prepared Thanksgiving boxes for newly arrived refugee families who experienced the American holiday of Thanksgiving for the first time this year. Students decorated the boxes and included handmade cards to go with all the fixings needed for a Thanksgiving meal. Mary Beale and Lisa Vigue of Asheville Catholic School helped coordinate the donation with Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte staff member Svetlana Gundorin.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KATRINA CAPISTRANO

OLM students count their blessings by giving to others WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy students in grades 5-7 recently participated in a Light A Luminary program and the whole school participated in an annual Thanksgiving basket program. Students have been participating in the Light A Luminary program to support the Ronald McDonald House for the past 10 years. Each year, middle school students put the luminary kits together, which the Ronald McDonald House sells to raise funds. Pictured is the fifth-grade class.

The entire Our Lady of Mercy School student and faculty bodies have been participating in the Thanksgiving Basket Outreach program for the past 16 years. The Our Lady of Mercy Church Outreach Committee organizes this program and each year, the school donates canned goods, non-perishable items and anything else needed for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Each year there are a total of 11 baskets and each basket is given to a local family in need.

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Spotlight on vocations at OLG GREENSBORO — During the week of Nov. 4-10, students, faculty and staff at Our Lady of Grace School celebrated Vocation Awareness Week by having a group of speakers visit the school to talk to the students about their different vocations and personal calling to Jesus. National Vocation Awareness Week is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocation, dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. Speakers included retired priest Father Robert Ferris (pictured above), Deacon Mark Mejias, Sister Lucy Hennessy, SMG, of Pennybyrn at Maryfield, and OLG parents Casey and Odell Terrell.

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December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

Thompson), a singer who suffers from hearing loss. But the rise of a rival (Florian Munteanu) he feels compelled to take on sets up an emotionally fraught match since the up-andcomer is the son of the Russian fighter whose blows killed the champ’s dad in 1985’s “Rocky IV.” Director Steven Caple Jr. handles themes of disability, family estrangement and good sportsmanship with dexterity and manages to instill suspense into this sequel to 2015’s “Creed,” the seventh successor to Stallone’s 1976 original. Possibly acceptable for mature teens. Some intense physical violence, about a dozen crude and at least one crass term.

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

‘Robin Hood’

‘Creed II’ Viewers will know what to expect from this extension of the “Rocky” franchise long before they buy a ticket. Yet the tried and true, against-the-odds formula still works somehow.

Early on in this chapter of the saga, the boxer of the title (Michael B. Jordan), with the help of his hard-driving trainer (Sylvester Stallone), becomes world heavyweight champion. He also proposes to his live-in girlfriend (Tessa

Vicious anti-Catholicism permeates this otherwise merely dopey take on the classic legend. Taron Egerton as the titular outlaw teams with a Muslim warrior (Jamie Foxx) he met while fighting the film’s chronologically unmoored version of the Third Crusade to thwart the evil schemes of the Sheriff of Nottingham (Ben Mendelsohn) and his more powerful patron, an unnamed cardinal. Eve Hewson as a feisty Marian provides both the traditional love interest and, eventually, some battlefield backup while Friar Tuck offers meager comic relief. The image of the church that emerges in director Otto Bathurst’s would-be hip updating of his ancient source material is not merely unflattering but grotesque and morally obscene. Anti-Catholic animus, much harsh, sometimes gory violence, occasional crude and crass language.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: PG-13

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‘Green Book’ High-minded saga of race relations in 1962 is hobbled by sentimentality and doesn’t so much lean into stereotypes as take flying, cringe-worthy leaps. It’s based on a real concert tour through the Midwest and South taken by African-American pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) in the company of Anthony “Tony Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), an assistant maitre d’ at New York’s Copacabana nightclub who served as both chauffeur and bodyguard. Shirley was famous at the time for his recordings of jazz and show tunes (since, in that era, promoters thought audiences wouldn’t accept a black classical musician).

Director Peter Farrelly, who co-wrote the screenplay with Vallelonga’s son, Nick, and Brian Currie, shows the journey as a series of individual challenges, depending on the venue. The film has merit despite its flaws, although it’s never clear that either character is experiencing anything along the lines of personal growth. Pervasive racial slurs, fleeting rough language.

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

Other movies: n ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’: CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’: CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG n ‘Widows’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

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On TV n Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. (EWTN) “Homage to the Immaculate Conception.” On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Father presides over the traditional homage to Mary Immaculate in Rome’s Piazza di Spagna. n Wednesday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “Juan Diego: Messenger of Guadalupe.” Find out why the Blessed Mother appeared to a simple man of faith, Juan Diego, and asked him to carry her message, a message that would unite diverse peoples and change the course of history.

Animated. n Friday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Guadalupe: The Miracle and the Message.” Jim Caviezel narrates the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe, from the miraculous apparition to the relevance her message still holds for Catholics today. n Saturday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “The Jeweller’s shop.” The film adaptation of the play originally written by Pope John Paul II. The story of two sets of Polish spouses and the challenges that love demands of them as they experience World War II. n Monday, Dec. 17, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” Father George Rutler reflects on the hymn, explaining why the Incarnation should banish our fears about the past and the future. n Tuesday, Dec. 18, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “Nicholas, The boy who Became Santa.” Nicholas was still a young boy when he discovered the love of Jesus and the gift of giving that changed the world. Based on historical facts and traditions this film is worth watching with family and friends.

Our nation 18

CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

catholicnewsherald.com | December 7, 2018

Nation mourns death of 41st president, recalls his life, legacy JULIE ASHER CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — When he was running for re-election in 1992, President George H.W. Bush said he believed that a strong religious faith could provide “an extra shot of strength when you need it.”

“I don’t believe you can be president without having faith. I really strongly feel that,’’ Bush said in a telephone interview that October as he flew en route from a campaign appearance in Kentucky to scheduled stops in Florida.

That religious faith which sustained him and his family and was clearly evident during his years in the White House – and more recently as he mourned the April 17 death of his beloved wife of 73 years, Barbara – is being noted by many in paying tribute to his life and legacy after his death late Nov. 30 at age 94 at his home in Houston.

The cause of his death was not immediately available, but he had been in failing health the past few years. In 2012, he announced that he had vascular Parkinsonism, a condition that limited his mobility and required him to use a wheelchair most of the time.

“Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died,” said former President George W. Bush, the late president’s oldest son. “George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”

A state funeral was held Dec. 5 at the National Episcopal Cathedral in Washington, D.C., following Bush’s remains lying in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda since Dec. 3. Members of the government and thousands of citizens lined up for hours, throughout the night, to pay their respects.

President Donald Trump designated Dec. 5 as a national day of mourning, and the flags at the White House were lowered to half staff. Flags across the United States will also remain lowered for 30 days – the longest such time since the nation’s last president to die, former President Gerald Ford, passed away in 2006.

Air Force One, renamed “Special Air Mission 41” for the purpose, flew to Houston to bring the body of the late president back to Washington Dec. 3.

The final “Special Air Mission 41” flight was to return the president’s body to Texas late Dec. 5 for funeral services the next day in College Station, Texas. He was laid to rest Dec. 6 at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, where wife Barbara and their daughter Robin, who died at age 3, are buried.

Catholic leaders, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, joined in “grieving the loss of one of our nation’s leaders.”

“We remember with gratitude this great man who spent his life selflessly in service of his country,” the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said Dec. 3.

CNS | BRAD REYNOLDS, EPA

Retired U.S. Republican Sen. Bob Dole salutes before the flag-draped casket of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush as he lies in state inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda Dec. 4 in Washington. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died in his Houston home Nov. 30 at age 94.

“With an unwavering commitment to building bridges of peace and ensuring our nation’s freedoms, he also inspired many as a devoted husband, father and family patriarch.”

“On behalf of my brother bishops of the United States, we pray for the repose of the soul of our 41st president as we remember a life well lived,” said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, who heads the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. “We also offer our deepest sympathy and prayers for his bereaved family and all those who mourn his passing. May you find peace and comfort in the consoling love of Jesus Christ.”

“Notre Dame joins with our nation and world in mourning the passing of President Bush,” said Holy Cross Father John I. Jenkins, president of the Catholic university in South Bend, Ind. “He was the epitome of a public servant, not just in the Oval Office, but in his eight years as vice president, his many years as a congressman, ambassador and CIA director, and in his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II.” “We were fortunate to host him at Notre Dame on five occasions, and in each instance, the honor was ours,” said Father Jenkins said in a Dec. 1 statement. “Our prayers are with the Bush family.”

Bush received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Notre Dame in 1992; he had visited the campus more than any other U.S. president.

Holy Cross Father Edward A. Malloy was Notre Dame’s president from 1987 to 2005 and presented the honorary degree to Bush during commencement ceremonies that year. He also worked on two of the president’s major initiatives – his Drug Advisory Council and his Points of Light Foundation.

“I found him to be a leader deeply

committed to the country he had been elected to serve, a gracious host and a down-to-earth person,” Father Malloy said in a statement. “He recognized the importance of American higher education and he sought to enhance it. He also sought to promote a culture of citizen engagement with the great issues of the day.”

The National Right to Life Committee, a federation of state right-to-life affiliates and more than 3,000 local chapters, also mourned Bush’s death and praised him for a number of pro-life measures he supported as president.

It cited among other actions his administration urging the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and allow states to pass laws to protect unborn children. He used “the power of his veto to stop 10 bills that contained pro-abortion provisions, including four appropriations bills which allowed for taxpayer funding of abortion,” NRLC said in a statement.

“President George H.W. Bush dedicated his administration to advancing pro-life policies to protect mothers and their unborn children,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “He used his presidency to stop enactment of pro-abortion laws and promote lifeaffirming solutions. Our prayers today are with former President George W. Bush and the entire Bush family.”

While in office, Bush stated that the “protection of innocent human life – in or out of the womb – is certainly the most compelling interest that a state can advance,” she added.

With regard to capital punishment, Bush differed with the Catholic Church’s opposition to the death penalty, telling CNS that he supported it “in certain instances because I think if somebody murders a

police officer that that person ought to pay with his life.’’

Bush was criticized by Catholic and other faith leaders as well as peace activists for his decision to go to war in the Persian Gulf after then-Iraq President Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait.

Some months before the U.S.-led war began Aug. 2, 1990, St. John Paul II pleaded for peace in the Gulf. “May leaders be convinced that war is an adventure with no return,’’ he said. “By reasoning, patience and dialogue with respect to the inalienable rights of peoples and nations, it is possible to identify and travel the paths of understanding and peace.”

Attending the funeral of the pope in 2005, then-former President Bush recalled for reporters how the pontiff had opposed the war, which ended Feb. 28, 1991, citing what he called the pope’s “standard position on the use of force” and his concerns about “the long length of the war.” One news account said Bush “lamented the fact that he (himself) never engaged in a discussion about the concept of a ‘just war.’”

During his pontificate, St. John Paul met with Bush twice at the Vatican, first when Bush was vice president and then when he was president.

“I had the opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the Holy Father for his spiritual and moral leadership,’’ Bush said in a statement after the two leaders met privately for more than an hour Nov. 8, 1991.

“His message for peace and the message that he sends across the world to all these countries’’ experiencing war and other hardships “is a message of hope and, indeed, a message of peace,’’ the president said.

Born in Milton, Mass., June 12, 1924, Bush delayed entrance to Yale University to volunteer for service in World War II. At 18, he was one of the Navy’s youngest pilots.

After several flying successful bombing missions, he was shot down during one in 1944 and was rescued at sea. The rest of his flight crew perished.

After graduating from Yale, he became an oilman in Texas, but after his successful stint in the oil fields, he spent most of the rest of his life in public service – including as a two-term congressman from Texas, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, an ambassador, vice president under President Ronald Reagan (1980-1988) and finally president (1988-1992).

He and Barbara married Jan. 6, 1945. As a young couple they suffered through the death from leukemia of daughter Robin at age 3. Throughout their lives they and their whole family mourned her loss.

Bush is survived by son George W., the nation’s 43rd president, and four other children; 17 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren; and two siblings.

“We are guided by faith,” Bush said of his wife and family in that 1992 interview with CNS. “We (are) regular attendees at church and that gives us strength every Sunday.

And we just feel that it’s important as a family to pray together. We still say our blessings at our meals and we still say our prayers at night.’’

— Carol Zimmermann contributed to this story.

December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief 11th Circuit ruling ‘finally’ ends EWTN fight over HHS mandate IRONDALE, Ala. ­— The chairman and CEO of the Eternal Word Television Network said the global Catholic media organization is “grateful that finally� it no longer “has to worry about being forced to choose between massive fines and following our faith. It shouldn’t take years to prove the obvious: You can’t tell a religious media network to say one thing and do another,� said Michael P. Warsaw in a statement from EWTN’s headquarters in Irondale.

Warsaw’s remarks came Nov. 30 about a ruling issued a day earlier by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit that vacated a lower court’s ruling that EWTN had to comply with the Obama administration-era mandate to cover contraceptives and abortifacients for employees or pay huge fines.

The Washington-based Becket nonprofit law firm that represented EWTN in the case – Eternal Word Television Network v. Azar – said the circuit court’s ruling “comes on the heels of a settlement with the federal government� and “ends EWTN’s seven-year legal battle.� “Azar� is Alex Azar, the current HHS secretary.

It also follows an HHS rule put in place Nov. 7 finalizing interim rules issued by the Trump administration in October 2017 to expand the religious exemption to the mandate to religious employers; the new rules maintain the existing federal contraceptive mandate for most employers.

can’t help anybody.� The archdiocese planned to file the case during early December, Archbishop Wester said.

The announcement was the second major occurrence related to clergy sex abuse within the archdiocese in two days. Agents from the office of New Mexico’s attorney general executed a search warrant Nov. 28 to obtain records from the archdiocese regarding at least two former priests credibly accused of child sexual abuse.

Texas archdiocese ‘fully cooperating’ with investigation HOUSTON ­— The Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston said Nov. 28 it “continues to cooperate, as we have since the outset,� with the Office of the District Attorney of Montgomery County in its ongoing investigation into a Catholic priest accused of abusing minors. The archdiocesan statement was issued in response to the execution of a search warrant at its offices that morning. The district attorney is investigating the case of Father Manuel La Rosa-Lopez, a priest of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by a man and a woman who were minors when the alleged episodes occurred about 20 years ago. He was assigned to Sacred Heart Church in Conroe from the late 1990s to early 2000s.

The priest, who denies the accusations, was taken into custody by police in September and charged with four counts of indecency with a child. he is out on bond and has a court appearance in January. The archdiocese criticized news media for describing the serving of a warrant as a “raid.� “Please note

any use of the term ‘raid’ is an inaccurate and unprofessional reference to a request for records to a party that has been cooperating and will continue to cooperate fully,� it said.

CDC report shows continued decline in U.S. abortion rate WASHINGTON, D.C. ­— The archbishop who chairs the U.S. bishops’ Committee on ProLife Activities cheered news that the abortion rate in the United States continues to shrink, as does the number of abortions overall. “I am gratified that the number of abortions in the United States continues to decline,� said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., in a Nov. 26 statement. “The reduction in the number of abortions is due to many factors, from declining rates of sexual activity, especially among teens, to pro-life legislative gains.�

According to a Nov. 21 report by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the drop in both abortions overall and the abortion rate has declined each year for a decade. The CDC said the abortion rate in 2015 – the last year for which statistics are available – is at 11.8 abortions per 1,000 women aged 1544. The rate has dropped eight of the past nine years since 2006’s rate of 15.9; the rate of 15.6 held steady in 2008.

Archbishop Naumann praised the staff and volunteers at crisis pregnancy centers and other pr-life efforts, but added: “At the same time, we cannot be content with hundreds of thousands of abortions occurring annually in our nation.� — Catholic News Service

W. Va diocese releases list of priests accused of abuse WHEELING, W.Va. ­— The Diocese of WheelingCharleston Nov. 29 released the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors. The diocese said the release of names pertains to the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,� approved by the U.S. bishops in 2002, and the diocese’s own policy on sexual abuse in place since 1985. The list dates back to approximately 1950, the period for which there are reasonably reliable files, a diocesan statement said.

More than 2,000 files were reviewed, containing tens of thousands of documents. The list has been posted on the diocesan website, dwc.org.

The release of the list is part of the WheelingCharleston Diocese’s “ongoing commitment to transparency in addition to helping aid in the process of reconciliation and healing for the faithful of West Virginia.� “We hope the release of this list will be one of many steps taken to restore trust with parishioners and the broader community in West Virginia,� said Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, apostolic administrator of the diocese.

Santa Fe archdiocese to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — ­ Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, N.M., said Nov. 29 that the archdiocese planned to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following the recommendation of several consultative groups. The archbishop said he had considered filing for bankruptcy protection in recent years and decided to take the action because the archdiocese faces up to 40 active claims from alleged victims of clergy sex abuse. “We could see where this was all heading and the trajectory wasn’t changing,� he said. “We just don’t have any money. If we’re not here, we

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Our world 20

CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

catholicnewsherald.com | December 7, 2018

Advent is time of vigilance and prayer, pope says CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CNS | GIUSEPPE LAMI, EPA

The Christmas tree is seen as Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Dec. 2. The pope lit an Advent candle as he launched the Christmas campaign, “Candles for Peace in Syria,” an initiative of Aid to the Church in Need.

VATICAN CITY — Christians can turn Christmas into a “pagan” or “mundane” holiday by focusing on the gifts and the tree rather than on the birth of Jesus and his promise to come again, Pope Francis said.

Celebrating the beginning of Advent Dec. 2 with the recitation of the Angelus prayer and at morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae the next day, the pope focused on the attitudes of vigilance and prayer that should characterize the Advent season and preparations for Christmas.

“If we think of Christmas in a consumeristic climate, looking at what we can buy to do this or that, as a mundane holiday, then Jesus will pass by and we will not find him,” the pope said before reciting the Angelus with an estimated 20,000 people in St. Peter’s Square.

In the day’s Gospel reading from the 21st chapter of Luke, Jesus tells His disciples to be careful that their hearts “not become drowsy,” but to “be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man” at the end of time.

“Be vigilant and pray – this is how to live this time from today until Christmas,” the pope said.

The drowsy heart described in the Gospel, he said, is a condition that comes from focusing exclusively on oneself, “one’s problems, joys and pains,” continually circling back around one’s own life.

“This is tiring, boring and closes off hope,” he said, while “Advent calls us to make a commitment to watchfulness, looking outside ourselves, expanding our minds and hearts to open them to the needs of people, of our brothers and sisters, and to the desire for a new world.” The new world Christ promised is the desire of “so many people martyred by hunger, injustice and war; it is the desire of the poor, the weak, the abandoned,” he said.

Advent, he said, “is the opportune time to open our hearts and to ask ourselves concrete questions about how we spend our lives and for whom.”

Christians must hold fast to their identity, including at Christmas, by keeping the focus on Jesus and fighting the temptation to “paganize” the Christian feast, he said at the Angelus.

Returning to the theme at Mass Dec. 3, Pope Francis said Christians do well to remember they are not celebrating “the birth of the Christmas tree,” which is a “beautiful sign,” but the birth of Jesus.

“The Lord is born, the redeemer who came to save us is born,” the pope said. Of course, Christmas is a celebration, but “there is always the danger, the temptation to banalize Christmas,” to stop focusing on Jesus and get caught up in “shopping, gifts and this and that.”

Advent, he said, is a time to purify one’s focus, remembering that Jesus came into the world to save people from sin, that each person will stand before Him at the end of his or her life and that Jesus will come again.

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December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief At Advent, make peace, not war, pope says at morning Mass VATICAN CITY — ­ Advent is a time to prepare for the coming of the Prince of Peace and not a time of making war with those around you, Pope Francis said. As Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, they must also reflect on what they do in their lives to become “artisans of peace,” the pope said in his homily Dec. 4 during morning Mass at Domus Sanctae Marthae. “What do I do to help peace in the world?” he asked.

“Do I always make some excuse to go to war, to hate, to talk about others? That’s warfare! Am I meek? Do I try to build bridges?” In his homily, the pope reflected on the day’s reading from the prophet Isaiah in which he prophesies a time of peace after the coming of the Messiah.

Pope: If gay clergy, religious can’t be celibate, they should leave VATICAN CITY ­— The Church has been slow to recognize the presence of homosexual men in the priesthood, which is why superiors must exercise care in helping gay candidates prepare for a life of celibacy or leave the seminary, Pope Francis said. “Homosexuality is a very serious matter, which must be discerned adequately from the beginning with candidates, if it is the case. We must be demanding,” the pope told Claretian Father Fernando Prado in the new book-interview, “The Strength of Vocation: Consecrated Life Today.” Excerpts of the interview, conducted in August, were printed in newspapers Dec. 1 ahead of the book’s release.

Pope, President Abbas hope to restart peace process VATICAN CITY ­— Pope Francis and Palestinian

President Mahmoud Abbas renewed their commitment to peace in the Holy Land and a two-state solution to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the Vatican said.

The pope welcomed President Abbas to the Vatican Dec. 3. In a statement, the Vatican said the two leaders focused on “efforts to reactivate the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, and to reach a two-state solution, hoping for a renewed commitment on the part of the international community to meet the legitimate aspirations of both peoples.”

Pope Francis and Abbas also discussed the status of Jerusalem and underlined “the importance of recognizing and preserving its identity and the universal value of the holy city for the three Abrahamic religions.”

“The best thing I did in ministry was to teach children the Gospel through plays,” says Sister Clare Vandecoevering, 88.

“Oh, they were just delighted!” A member of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, she spent over 50 years in the classroom.

Pope names committee for abuse conference in February VATICAN CITY — ­ Pope Francis named U.S. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago to be part of the organizing committee preparing for a meeting of the world’s bishops’ conferences and representatives of religious orders to address the abuse and protection of minors. The Feb. 21-24 Vatican meeting is not only “about keeping children safe from harm worldwide,” said Greg Burke, head of the Vatican press office, Nov. 23.

“Pope Francis wants Church leaders to have a full understanding of the devastating impact that clerical sexual abuse has on victims,” he said.

The committee will also include Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, India; Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna of Malta; and Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, president of the Centre for the Protection of Minors at the Pontifical Gregorian University and a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, headed by Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, and survivors of clergy abuse also will be involved in preparations for the meeting, the Vatican said.

“This a critical moment for the universal Church in addressing the sexual abuse crisis,” Cardinal O’Malley said, and the February meeting “will be an important moment for developing a clear path forward for dioceses around the world.”

Retirement Fund for Religious Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

— Catholic News Service

Heart and Soul of Ireland April 12-21, 2019 $3,279 per person (double occupancy) Four Star Superior Class Hotel Accommodations For further information and brochure please contact Eliesa at Carmel Tours Call 978-977-3062 or email: carmeltour@aol.com

To donate: National Religious Retirement Office/WDC 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194

Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

Or give at your local parish December 8–9.

Sister Clare (top) is one of 31,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who benefits from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift helps religious communities care for aging members and plan for future needs. Please be generous.

Almost 94 percent of donations directly aid senior religious.

Please give at your local parish December 8–9.

Or mail your donation to: National Religious Retirement Office/CHA 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

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Photos: Meet them at retiredreligious.org/2018 photos. ©2018 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photographer: Jim Judkis.

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Kelly Henson Editor’s note: Every family needs a support system, and this is especially true of Catholic families in a secularized culture. Kelly Henson is a writer, wife and homeschooling mother of four from Greensboro. Through stories and tips, she will hand you a dose of hope and show you that it’s possible to integrate a lively faith with every day family life in the modern world.

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here is a great contest for our attention during the Advent season. Events crowd our calendar. Spare moments are spent searching the internet for the perfect earrings for our favorite aunt.

I went to a store before Thanksgiving and felt somewhat attacked with a barrage of “Jingle Bell Rock,” Mickey Mouse Christmas laser lights, and a troop of inflatable Santas wavering and leering from the top rack. Sometimes we reach Dec. 25 – which should be the beginning of 12 days of celebration – and we’re just glad that Christmas Day is over. Our world is thirsting for authentic joy, and it does its best to simulate the experience with thrill and novelty.

But, as Catholics, we have a better gift to give to our children at Christmas.

Did you look at Mars or any of the other proximate planets that were particularly bright this summer? Something is often most magical when it is just itself but surrounded by a little space and quiet.

Christmas is very humble. God could have descended in a blaze of light, looking and behaving like a Roman god, and overturned the Roman Empire in an instant. But that

catholicnewsherald.com | December 7, 2018

Use imagination to inspire your Advent is not His way.

He arrived, as the beautiful Christmas novena prayer says, in “a stable at midnight in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold.” He entered into our lack, not into our abundance. He came to heal and to connect, not to divide. Understanding this tremendous gift, what can we do in our families to prepare for this humble King? What will be at the center of our children’s imagination when they picture “Christmas” years from now?

My childhood memories of Christmas are filled with Nativity scenes. My mom collected them over the years: the delicate Holy Family with starched clothing on the mantle, the tiny crèche made of crystal, olive wood figures from the Holy Land, a white porcelain set ringed by candles, a colorful plastic set safe for small hands, and even a Nativity scene carved from a coconut. We lived surrounded by woods, and Mom would take time to cut boughs of frosted white pine, red-bejeweled holly and fragrant cedar to place artistically around the Nativity scenes throughout the house.

In my child’s eyes, each little collection of figurines was magical.

I challenge you to take a moment to be intentional about your holiday traditions this year. Since our extended family has expanded significantly, we have grappled with this balance every year. What do we keep? What do we let go? How do we cultivate peace, purity and a spirit of anticipation throughout Advent? How do we keep Christ at the center of Christmas

and use the 12 days afterwards to invest in hospitality, friendship, family and prayer?

‘I challenge you to take a moment to be intentional about your holiday traditions this year.’

Like my mom, I love for the Nativity to be at the heart of our holiday decor. We have a beautiful set that we add a figure to every year. The kids set it up with reverent anticipation at the start of Advent. Baby Jesus remains hidden until Christmas Mass (hopefully in a place we remember on Christmas Eve). During December, the kids select pieces of straw-colored yarn and add them to the manger every time they do something kind in secret. We hope that charity will make our hearts and our little manger a welcoming home for baby Jesus. After the baby Jesus figurine comes at Christmas, our Three Wise Men travel from one side of the house to the crèche. Occasionally, they get into amusing mishaps at night, Elf-on-the-Shelf style.

The Wise Men arrive on Epiphany, when we process around the house singing “We Three Kings” and perform a traditional

house blessing with chalk.

My kids still sing songs such as “Frosty the Snowman” boisterously around the house. We frost ninja-shaped gingerbread men, and a tipsy margarita glass glimmers on the tree. We don’t need to infuse every winter item with Christ or toss it into a sack like a religious Grinch. However, putting at the center Jesus Christ – the One who created us and loves us enough to die for us – sanctifies all our human joys and reminds us that He came into this world “so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Our imagination is a powerful gift. As you find the traditions that enliven this gift in your family, deep change can happen in the hearts of parents and children. A sacramental imagination creates the bridge between physical objects and the spiritual realities they represent. I have found that if we contemplate the Holy Family together, we give God an opportunity to begin a paradigm shift in our families. Jesus, Mary and Joseph inspire us as we sit before the crèche to imitate their humble trust in the Father, and we too begin to understand the God who offers “peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

KELLY HENSON is a Catholic writer and speaker who explores the art of integrating faith into daily life. She, her husband and their four children are parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensboro, and she has worked for more than 15 years with teens, children and families as a missionary, youth minister and teacher. She blogs at www.kellyjhenson.com.

December 7, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In the spotlight

Bobby Spears

Help the ‘least of these’ during the cold months to come

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here is a gnawing problem in our great nation: homelessness. According to Urban Ministry statistics, 610,042 homeless people – including 11,448 people in North Carolina – are living in cars, the woods, abandoned buildings or under bridges. With the chill of winter approaching, how can we sit back in our recliners, sipping coffee or hot cocoa in our comfortable homes, while our brothers and sisters are suffering outside?

We can close our eyes to this urgent

him for life. After coming home, the young man didn’t look physically different but the disturbing scenes of combat kept replaying in his subconscious. Coupled with a troubled childhood, this young man was psychological impaired. Ten years later, he was a chronic alcoholic, divorced and unable to care for himself. Forfeiting his role as husband and father, he became a statistic – dying homeless on the streets of Miami from a common cold in 1989.

Volunteering one Saturday a month for

We can leave addressing homelessness up to our government, the police or someone else because we don’t want to be bothered. But will these excuses hold up when we go to our final judgment? need and pretend it doesn’t exist. We can say it’s their fault because they are living in sin with addictions to drugs or alcohol.

We can leave it up to our government, the police or someone else because we don’t want to be bothered. But will these excuses hold up when we go to our final judgment?

Jesus said in Matthew 25:31-41: “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit upon His glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before Him. And He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. Then the king will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

Let me tell you the story of a young man who went off to fight for his country.

At 17, he put on a military uniform, was handed a loaded rifle, and was prepared for battle. Before he left the States, he married his sweetheart. During the course of his service, he suffered minor injuries but the trauma of war scarred

Open Door Homeless Ministry in Hickory, I see similar stories from the 100-200 men and women who come through the line to get the bare necessities of life. These hungry souls are hoping to survive one more day. Some temporarily reside at the Salvation Army. Others have shelter but are extremely poor. Most of those who attend this program are tucked away living in the woods, hiding from a society that pretends they don’t exist.

Now in its ninth year, Open Door Homeless Ministry was launched by Roger Cornett, a sincere Christian man who works endless hours serving these people for whom society has no place. He is not paid for his work. Cornett’s family supports his mission by contributing and working the program – including his sister, Donna Austin, who supplies toiletries and other essentials for the campers. They solicit donations from many sources: individuals, churches and businesses.

Open Door Homeless Ministry gives out clothing, underwear, socks, sneakers, coats, batteries, flashlights, candles, reading glasses, over-the-counter medicines, toiletries, linens, tents, potties, sleeping bags, bug spray in the summer, blankets in the winter, and so much more.

With the cold weather approaching, help by donating or volunteering what you can to your parish or to the Diocesan Support Appeal, which in turn funds local efforts that provide housing and help to those who have nothing.

Six years ago, my heart was touched when I heard about Open Door Homeless Ministry. Why did I agree to donate and volunteer? Because of gratitude for the caring people in Miami who for years had tried to care for my father, that homeless World War II veteran.

BOBBY SPEERS is an author who lives in Hickory.

U.S. bishops promulgate pastoral letter against racism At the November 2018 general meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the bishops overwhelmingly approved a pastoral letter to combat racism entitled “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism.”

“The entire body of bishops felt the need to address the topic of racism, once again, after witnessing the deterioration of the public discourse, and episodes of violence and animosity with racial and xenophobic overtones, that have re-emerged in American society in the last few years,” said Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of HoumaThibodaux, La., chairman of the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism.

“Pastoral letters from the full body of bishops are rare, few and far between.

But at key moments in history the bishops have come together for important pronouncements, paying attention to a particular issue and with the intention of offering a Christian response, full of hope, to the problems of our time. This is such

a time.”

“Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism” asks us to recall that we are all brothers and sisters, all equally made in the image of God. Because we all bear the image of God, racism is above all a moral and theological problem that manifests institutionally and systematically. Only a deep individual conversion of heart, which then multiplies, will compel change and reform in our institutions and society: “What is needed, and what we are calling for, is a genuine conversion of heart, a conversion that will compel change, and the reform of our institutions and society. Conversion is a long road to travel for the individual. Moving our nation to a full realization of the promise of liberty, equality, and justice for all is even more challenging. However, in Christ we can find the strength and the grace necessary to make that journey.”

— Joseph T. Purello

At www.usccb.org/racism: Read the full pastoral letter or a shorter summary and find links to related resources, including a “Prayer Service for Racial Healing in Our Land” (available in English and Spanish).

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Pope Francis

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Please consider giving a gift this Holy Season for those most in need.

With every gift to Catholic Charities, you make a life changing difference. Over 20,000 people living on the peripheries were served by Catholic Charities in 2018 because of the generosity of those who shared their gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Thank you!

As 2018 comes to a close, we invite you to join us in helping our neighbors in need through a tax-deductible donation that will transform lives and help the poor, vulnerable, and less fortunate.

Together, we can help even more children and families and bring hope to so many in our local communities.

“The Gospel calls us to be close to the poor and forgotten, and to give them real hope.” —Pope Francis

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