April 13, 2018

April 13, 2018

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

‘Gaudete et Exsultate’ Pope Francis releases apostolic exhortation

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Diocese of Charlotte Foundation tops $50M in assets 3 INDEX

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A place to practice their faith Eritrean Catholics have found a home in Charlotte

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Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Scenes from Holy Week and Easter across the diocese

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‘How blessed we are to be in the presence of this Blessed Sacrament’ More than 1,000 young people attend Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage

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Our faith

catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Pope Francis

Baptism opens door to Holy Spirit’s action

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arents who prefer not to baptize their children in the hopes that they will “understand and ask for baptism” as adults lack faith that the Holy Spirit will act in their child’s life, Pope Francis said.

While some believe that there is no need to “baptize a child that does not understand” the meaning of the sacrament, the pope said doing so would deny the chance for “Christian virtues to grow within that child and blossom.”

“Always give this opportunity to all children: to have within themselves the Holy Spirit that will guide them in life.

Do not forget to baptize your children,” the pope said during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square April 11.

Arriving in the square under cloudy skies, Pope Francis once again picked up several children who rode around in his popemobile while he circled around to greet thousands of pilgrims.

In his main talk, Pope Francis reflected on the sacrament of baptism as “the foundation of Christian life.”

As the first of seven sacraments, he said, baptism “is the door that permits Christ the Lord to make His dwelling in us and allows us to immerse ourselves in His mystery.”

While being immersed in water is a common ritual “in various beliefs” that signifies the passing from one condition to another, Pope Francis said Christians must never forget that just as the body is immersed in water at baptism, so is the soul “immersed in Christ to receive forgiveness from sin and shine with divine light.”

“By virtue of the Holy Spirit, baptism immerses us in the death and resurrection of the Lord, drowning the old man – dominated by the sin that divides us from God – in the baptismal font and giving birth to the new man, recreated in Jesus. In Him, all the sons of Adam are called to new life,” the pope said.

The pope, who often tells people to look up the date of their baptism, called on those who don’t remember the date to ask their family and to celebrate it like a birthday and “give thanks to the Lord because it was on that day when Jesus entered” in their lives.

“We should all know the date of our baptism. It is another birthday, it is the day of our rebirth,” he said. Although baptism occurs only once in a Christian’s life, Pope Francis said, “it illuminates our entire life, guiding our steps until (we reach) the heavenly Jerusalem.”

“No one deserves baptism, which is always a gift for everyone, adults and newborns. But like what happens to a seed full of life, this gift takes root and brings forth fruit in a land nourished by faith,” he said.

St. Anselm was known for his wisdom, defense of the faith Feast day: April 21 On April 21, the Church honors St. Anselm, the 11th- and 12thcentury Benedictine monk and archbishop best known for his writings on Christ’s atonement and the existence of God. In his general audience on Sept. 23, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI recalled St. Anselm as “a monk with an intense spiritual life, an excellent teacher of the young, a theologian with an extraordinary capacity for speculation, a wise man of governance and an intransigent defender of the Church’s freedom.”

St. Anselm, the pope said, stands out as “one of the eminent figures of the Middle Ages who was able to harmonize all these qualities, thanks to the profound mystical experience that always guided his thought and his action.”

Anselm was born in Aosta, part of the Piedmont region of present-day Italy, around 1033. While his father provided little in the way of moral or religious influence, his mother was a notably devout woman and chose to send Anselm to a school run by the Benedictine order.

The boy felt a profound religious calling during these years, spurred in part by a dream in which he met and conversed with God. His father, however, prevented him from becoming a monk at age 15. This disappointment was followed by a period of severe illness, as well as his mother’s early death.

Unable to join the monks and tired of mistreatment by his father, Anselm left home and wandered throughout parts of France and Italy for three years. His life regained its direction in Normandy, where he met the Italian Benedictine prior Lanfranc of Pavia and became his disciple.

Lanfranc recognized his pupil’s intellectual gifts and encouraged his vocation to religious life. Accepted into the order and ordained a priest at age 27, Anselm succeeded his teacher as prior in 1063 when Lanfranc was called to become abbot of another monastery.

Anselm became abbot of his own monastery in 1079. During the previous decade the Normans had conquered England, and they sought to bring monks from Normandy to influence the Church in the country. Lanfranc became archbishop of Canterbury, and he asked Anselm to come and assist him.

The period after Lanfranc’s death, in the late 1080s, was a difficult time for the English Church. As part of his general mistreatment of the Church, King William Rufus refused to allow the appointment of a new archbishop. Anselm had gone back to his monastery, and he did not want to return to England.

In 1092, however, he was persuaded to go back. The following year, the king changed his mind and allowed Anselm to become archbishop of Canterbury. But the monk was extremely reluctant to accept the charge, which would involve him in further struggles with the English crown in subsequent years.

For a three-year period in the early 12th century, Anselm’s insistence on the self-government of the Church – against the claims of the state to its administration and property – caused him to be exiled from England. But he was successful in his struggle and returned to his archdiocese in 1106.

In his last years, Anselm worked to reform the Church and continued his theological investigations – following the motto of “faith seeking understanding.” After his death in 1109, his influence on the subsequent course of theology led Pope Clement XI to name him a Doctor of the Church in 1720.

— Benjamin Mann, Catholic News Agency

St. Anselm of Canterbury, from a 19th century English stained glass window

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Check out St. Anselm’s writings, including his “Proslogion,” his rational argument for the existence of God

Your daily Scripture readings APRIL 15-21

Sunday: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19, 1 John 2:1-5, Luke 24:35-48; Monday: Acts 6:8-15, John 6:22-29; Tuesday: Acts 7:51-8:1, John 6:3035; Wednesday: Acts 8:1-8, John 6:35-40; Thursday: Acts 8:26-40, John 6:44-51; Friday: Acts 9:1-20, John 6:52-59; Saturday (St. Anselm): Acts 9:31-42, John 6:60-69

APRIL 22-28

Sunday: Acts 4:8-12, 1 John 3:1-2, John 10:11-18; Monday (St. George, St. Adalbert): Acts 11:1-18, John 10:1-10; Tuesday (St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen): Acts 11:19-26, John 10:2230; Wednesday (St. Mark): 1 Peter 5:5-14, Mark 16:15-20; Thursday: Acts 13:13-25, John 13:16-20; Friday: Acts 13:26-33, John 14:16; Saturday (St. Peter Chanel, St. Louis Grignion de Montfort): Acts 13:44-52, John 14:7-4

APRIL 29-MAY 5

Sunday: Acts 9:26-31, 1 John 3:18-24, John 15:1-8; Monday (St. Pius V): Acts 14:5-18, John 14:21-26; Tuesday (St. Joseph the Worker): Acts 14:19-28, John 14:27-31; Wednesday (St. Athanasius): Acts 15:1-6, John 15:1-8; Thursday (Sts. Philip and James): 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, John 14:6-14; Friday: Acts 15:22-31, John 15:1217; Saturday: Acts 16:1-10, John 15:18-21

Our parishes

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

St. Paul parishioners to build ‘Tiny House’ for homeless ANNETTE K. TENNY CORRESPONDENT

GREENSBORO — When Patti Ladew, a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro, read an article about a proposed Tiny House Community in her local newspaper, she knew instantly she’d found a way for the entire parish to help end homelessness in her city.

The non-profit organization Tiny Houses of Greensboro develops “tiny house” communities throughout North Carolina. Their first approved community in Greensboro would consist of five 288-square-foot tiny houses and one 180-square-foot tiny house. Each house features a bedroom, full bath, living area, and kitchen with full-sized appliances.

The first two tiny houses were already funded by volunteers.

THG has since been looking for partner organizations to raise money and build the remaining three homes.

Ladew took the article to her pastor, Father Joseph Mack, and received his permission to hold a meeting to determine if there was enough parish-wide interest. More than 20 people showed up for the first meeting. When they met with Scott Jones, THG’s executive board chair, he laid out the “nuts and bolts” of what the parish would need to do.

“He said it would take about $20,000 to build a home on a permanent foundation,” Ladew said.

Ladew and her group got the go-ahead from Father Mack, then sought guidance from Diocese of Charlotte leaders. Their contacts at the diocese could not have been more helpful,

Ladew said.

“We started talking about the project (to the parish) before Christmas, but our real kickoff began in February. We got organized and had our presentation table after Mass and we raised about $10,000 in the first couple of weeks.”

Father Mack talked about it to parishioners, encouraging people to consider supporting ANNETTE TENNY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD the project as a way Pictured is the “Tiny House” that has been to help alleviate displayed in the parking lot at St. Paul homelessness in their the Apostle Church in Greensboro during community. fundraising for the effort. The actual house Ladew said her will be built starting April 14. group had received a “challenge grant” of $5,000 if they could raise the remaining $15,000 by the end of February.

‘TINY HOUSE’, SEE PAGE 20

Divine Mercy Sunday MARION — Father Carl Kaltreider, parochial administrator, led the congregation Sunday afternoon at Our Lady of the Angels Mission in reciting the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, followed by the Litany of Divine Mercy and concluding with the reading of a message on Divine Mercy by St. John Paul ll.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church, led parishioners in praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet after the 10:30 a.m. Mass April 8. The parish marked the fourth anniversary of the death of seminarian Michael Kitson, a parishioner who passed away in the early hours of Divine Mercy Sunday in 2014.

His parents, Nancy and Michael Kitson (pictured at right), set up an endowment in their late son’s name to assist seminarians in the Diocese of Charlotte.

HUNTERSVILLE — Parishioners at St. Mark Church prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet in English and Spanish on Divine Mercy Sunday. The day also included a presentation by Father John Putnam entitled “St. Faustina and Spiritual Warfare,” followed

by Benediction and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Father Brian Becker, parochial vicar, also gave a reflection in English and Spanish.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

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Foundation tops $50M in assets SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Foundation has surpassed the milestone of more than $50 million in assets.

The foundation, established in 1994, provides a means for people and organizations to provide long-term financial stability for the diocese and its more than 180 churches, schools, agencies and organizations.

Over the past 24 years, the foundation has grown to encompass 255 endowments that total $51.4 million in assets as of Feb. 27. The foundation had reached $40 million in assets just over a year ago.

An endowment is a permanent fund, the principal of which is never touched, but the income from which can be used in accordance with the wishes of the donor organization or individual. Endowments provide a way to generate income and help sustain the long-term strength and viability of the diocese and its parishes, schools, agencies and ministries.

“The endowments in the foundation range from a few thousand dollars to over $4 million.

We are also finding that more and more people are establishing named endowments to honor or remember a loved one. Currently, 126 of the 255 endowments are named endowments,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development.

Those who make a planned gift to the foundation, the diocese, or any of its parishes, schools, ministries or agencies become members of the Catholic Heritage Society. The society is the diocese’s way of honoring the Christian generosity of Catholic friends 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 in the diocese, many of whom are leaving gifts to the foundation in their wills and estate plans.

The foundation sends reports out to all these endowment holders every quarter stating where their endowment stands and how much is available to distribute. As a rule, the foundation makes available 5 percent of a rolling threeyear average value of its total assets. Since 1994, the foundation has distributed more than $8.5 million to the diocese and its parishes, schools and ministries.

One example of an endowment recently bequeathed to St. Benedict Church and St. Pius X Church in Greensboro was received through the generosity of Helen Doyle Black, 98, who passed away on July 27, 2016, at Pennybyrn’s Taylor Village in High Point. She left a total bequest of approximately $83,000 in her will that is going to both parishes.

Black was a parishioner of St. Pius X Church and a former parishioner of St. Benedict Church. Her gift is being split between the two parishes: approximately $68,000 will benefit St. Benedict Church and approximately $15,000 will benefit St. Pius X Church, with a portion going into endowments for each parish and a portion going directly to each parish.

“We are finding more and more people in the diocese are remembering the Church in their estates,” Kelley noted. “Many of them are establishing endowments in the foundation, where their gifts can have a lasting impact. Gifts made once in an endowment continue to give forever.”

For details about endowments or estate gifts, contact Ray Correia, diocesan director of planned giving, at 704-370-3364 or recorreia@ charlottediocese.org.

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: APRIL 14 – 10 A.M. Permanent Diaconate Ordination Mass St. Mark Church, Huntersville

APRIL 21 – 5 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Paul the Apostle Church, Greensboro

APRIL 19 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Therese Church, Mooresville

APRIL 23 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Thérèse Church, Mooresville

APRIL 25 – 6 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Angels Mission, Marion

Diocesan calendar of events April 13, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

Volume 27 • NUMBER 14

ARTS AT THE ABBEY PRESENTS INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED FLUTIST GÖRAN MARCUSSON: 8 p.m.

Monday, April 16, Belmont Abbey Basilica, 100 BelmontMt. Holly Road, Belmont. The program will feature music

by European composers Debussy, Poulenc and Gaubert, and selections by composers from Marcusson’s home country. Marcusson will be joined by pianist Lillian Buss Pearson. Considered to be one of the major artists today, Marcusson’s “absolute brilliant technical abilities made him stand out as a favorite.” For details, call 704-4616012 , email Abbeyarts@bac.edu, or see www.bac.edu.

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

LECTURES & WORKSHOPS

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.

‘HUMAN DIGNITY AT THE END OF LIFE’ HEALTH CARE ETHICS CONFERENCE: 8:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road, Belmont. The St. John Paul II Foundation, in collaboration with the Diocese of Charlotte and Belmont Abbey College, presents the first Converging Roads health care ethics conference. The conference theme will focus on human dignity at the end of life, and continuing education credits for healthcare professionals will be offered. For details, go to www.convergingroads.com.

CHRISTIANITY AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE PRESENT: 7:30-8:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at Grace Auditorium, Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road, Belmont. We live in a moment of crisis.

Challenges abound in our schools, in our families, in our political and social life, in our culture, and in our economy. What does it mean to be a Christian today?

What is our contribution to society? Join Abbot Placid Solari, Fr. José Medina, Patrick Ford, and Dr. Alessandro Rovati as they discuss the latest book of the leader of Communion and Liberation, Fr. Julián Carron. For details, email AlessandroRovati@bac.edu.

FAMILY HONOR LEADING & LOVING PROGRAM: 7-9:15 p.m. Friday, April 27, and Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 28, Our Lady of Grace Church, 2203 West Market St., Greensboro. Program intended for parents of young children, newborn through early teen. Leading & Loving will help you become more confident and competent in how to raise virtuous children and how to respond to your young child’s questions about the truth and meaning of God’s gift of sexuality. This program presents the beautiful truths of human sexuality, family life and virtue cultivation through the lens of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Childcare will be provided on site. To register, visit www.familyhonor.org. For details, contact David Foppe at dlfoppe7@gmail.com or 336-510-4218.

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

Saturday, April 21, St. Aloysius Church, 921 2nd St. N.E., Hickory. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. Sponsored

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

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Come and help us pray for the end of abortion. For details, call Jim Hoyng 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman 336-848-6835.

MASS FOR RELICS OF ST. PADRE PIO: 5 p.m. Mass, Saturday, April 14; 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., Masses, Sunday, April 15, at St. Pius X Church, 2210 North Elm St., Greensboro. An opportunity for personal veneration of the saint’s relics will follow each Mass in the chapel. For details, call Lindsay Kohl at 336-272-4681, ext. 108.

THE FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY: 3:15 p.m.-4:15, Sunday, April 18, Our Lady of Mercy Church, 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem. All are invited to pray the Novena of Divine Mercy. For details, call the parish at 336-722-7001.

MEN’S EVENING OF REFLECTION: 6-9 p.m. Friday, April 20, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro. Evening includes Mass, reflection by a visiting Legionary of Christ priest and complementary dinner. To register, visit www.rcmenapril20.eventbrite. com or contact John Endredy at jendredy@gmail.com.

Hosted by Triad Men’s Regnum Christi Team.

WOMEN’S MORNING OF REFLECTION: 8:30 a.m.-noon p.m. Saturday, April 21, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro. Morning includes Mass, rosary, opportunity for confession, reflection by a visiting Legionary of Christ priest, craft and complementary breakfast. To register, email Sue Perez at regnumchristitriad@gmail.com.

CCWG EVENING REFLECTION: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, Charlotte Catholic High School Chapel, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte. Mass begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a reflection by guest speaker Father Jason Barone. Free to all women. RSVP at www. charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org.

ST. PEREGRINE HEALING PRAYER SERVICE: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service will be offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call the church office at 704-543-7677.

GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS PROCESSION FOR LIFE: 9 a.m. Mass, Saturday, April 28, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Procession following the 10 a.m. Mass to the abortion mill on Latrobe Drive. Father Christopher Bond will lead peaceful prayers.

For details, visit www.charlottehelpers.com.

KIDS’ BRAINS AND SCREENS: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 26, and Monday, May 7, at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte. The program is designed to help parents understand the effect that digital media has on kids, to provide tools to help balance screen use at different ages, and to provide practical ways to help kids take a break from screens. Hosted by the parish’s Mental Health and Wellness Ministry. For details and to RSVP, go to www.stgabrielchurch.org/wellness.

A DRUG EPIDEMIC, ‘FAMILY IN CRISIS’: 7 p.m. Sunday,

April 29, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Program will take an inside look at the drug problem in the Charlotte area. “This is an issue that affects all of us. Children are dying from drugs and we as a community must stand up, acknowledge the problem, and take action. Together we can make a difference,” said Fr. Patrick Hoare, pastor of St. Matthew Church.

Experts in the legal and medical fields will share their insight into the drug epidemic and how it’s ravaging our communities. Also hear from local families who have lost children to drugs and are now trying to share what they learned from their experience. For details, call Antoinette Usher at 704-543-7677, ext. 1025.

SUPPORT GROUPS & RETREATS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. third Tuesday of each month, beginning Tuesday, March 20, at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr., Arden. To make an appointment, call the Council on Aging of Buncombe County at 828-277-8288. Sponsored by Arthritis Services in conjunction with Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s Elder Ministry. For details, call Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220.

RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREATS: Rachel’s Vineyard can help men and women who have experienced abortion begin their healing journey. It creates a healing environment of prayer and forgiveness. The retreat works to reconnect people to themselves, their friends and family after having an abortion. For details, email Jackie Childers at jackie.childers1@gmail.com.

BENEFITS SCREENING AND MEDICARE ENROLLMENT: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr., Arden. Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte hosting Benefits Screening and Enrollment through the Council on Aging of Buncombe County. Call the Council on Aging of Buncombe County at 828-2778288 to make an appointment for a free screening and enrollment services for all Medicare beneficiaries. For details, call Catholic Charities at 704-370-3220.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING ‘Protecting God’s Children’ workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus. org. Upcoming workshops are: BREVARD: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 21, Sacred Heart Church, 4 Brian Berg Lane CHARLOTTE: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

CONCORD: 8 a.m. Saturday, May 5, St. James Church, 139 Manor Ave.

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

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Where are you going?

QUO VADIS DAYS 2018

June 11-15, 2018 * Belmont Abbey College Retreat is open to young men 15 thru 19 years old A camp for Catholic men to learn more about the priesthood, deepen their faith, and help discern God’s call in their lives.

REGISTER BY JUNE 4

www.charlottevocations.org

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 OUR PARISHES

(At right) Bishop Peter Jugis processes with the Blessed Sacrament through the crowd of young people and chaperones during the period of Eucharistic Adoration at the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage April 7 at Belmont Abbey College. He is assisted by Deacon Ruben Tamayo, youth minister of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

(Below) This year’s pilgrimage T-shirts were a bright red, which is the color associated with the Holy Spirit.

PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘How blessed we are to be in the presence of this Blessed Sacrament’ More than 1,000 young people attend Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

BELMONT — Rain and gray skies could not dampen the spirits of more than 1,100 young people, seminarians, religious and chaperones who attended the 14th annual Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage April 7 at Belmont Abbey College.

The Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage – a component of the annual Eucharistic Congress – shares the annual Eucharistic Congress theme which for 2018 is based on the words of the Gospel of John 6:51: “I am the Living Bread.” This verse is a part of the discourse on the bread of life in which Christ repeatedly explains to His followers that they must eat His Body and drink His Blood to have eternal life.

The youth pilgrimage, held each spring, is designed to provide young people of the Diocese of Charlotte with a day of reflection, prayer, formation, vocation awareness and fellowship.

Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey welcomed the youth and visitors as the day’s events began and served as main celebrant at Mass. Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, brought 13 youth from his parish and concelebrated

the Mass. They were assisted by Deacon Ruben Tamayo, youth minister at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

During his homily, Abbot Placid told the youth, “If it (the faith) is going to be passed on for however many thousands of years until the Lord comes again, it is because of you. (To) Jesus’ words today, ‘Go out into the world and proclaim the Good News’ – you’ll say ‘yes.’

“You’ll do it by what you say. What you say has to be backed up by the way you live, by the way you treat others, by the way that you give witness to the Truth.”

Confession, midday prayer led by Benedictine Brother Edward Mancuso, talks, Eucharistic Adoration and a Eucharistic Procession inside the Wheeler Center were also highlights of the annual

pilgrimage.

In his address to the youth during the period of Adoration, Bishop Peter Jugis touched on the theme of this year’s Eucharistic Congress and the youth pilgrimage.

“How blessed we are to be in the presence of this Blessed Sacrament which He left for us as the perpetual continuation of the gift of Himself at the Last Supper, and the gift of Himself in His passion, His death and His resurrection – the gift of Himself for our salvation,” Bishop Jugis said.

“He wanted to make sure that was perpetually remembered and celebrated, so He left His living presence with us in the Holy Eucharist.”

Bishop Jugis recalled that Jesus came, stood amid His apostles and said, “Peace

be with you.” He reminded those gathered that in His passion, death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin.

“If He conquers death, then He also conquers what causes death, which is sin.

(Jesus is) Conqueror, victor over death and sin; in other words, giving us freedom, the freedom of the children of God to live in His grace.

“It’s beautiful what the Lord does for us during this whole Easter season.”

Rainy weather prevented an outdoor Eucharistic Procession on the grounds of Belmont Abbey College, but Bishop Jugis encouraged the young people to come to the Eucharistic Congress to participate in that outdoor procession through the streets of Charlotte Sept. 8.

“That Eucharistic Procession is another sign of the Church’s love for the Eucharist,” he said. “It is really inspiring to see tens of thousands of people walking peacefully, prayerfully through the streets of Charlotte in Adoration of Jesus.

“It really imitates what the people of God do in their procession throughout human history – the people of God on a journey to our promised land. That procession imitates the people of God walking with Jesus, He as our Good Shepherd, leading us to the Promised Land.”

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

(Above, from left) Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari distributes Holy Communion at Mass. Father Noah Carter, parochial vicar of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, hears a confession. Benedictine Brother Edward Mancuso enthusiastically leads the young people in midday prayer.

(Right) Youth line up to win free Belmont Abbey College gear given out by Dr. William Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College.

(Below right, clockwise) Bishop Peter Jugis tells the young people, “When you see the Living Bread, even in Adoration when we receive the Living Bread spiritually, we are receiving the Living Bread and we are receiving eternal life. We are on the way to heaven with Him.” Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, elevates the Host during Mass. Seminarians from St. Joseph College Seminary take turns introducing themselves during the day’s events. To their delight, they received rousing cheers from the youth from each of their home parishes.

Bishop Jugis spoke to the youth about the gifts that Our Lord gives to His people.

He enumerated on the gift of peace, given

by Jesus, and the gift of charity, praying for others while in Adoration.

“The Eucharist is a living gift of Jesus giving His life to you in love,” he said.

The Eucharist is living bread, he explained. “That is not said of any other bread on the face of the earth. Living bread? You can’t say that of any bread that you buy from the grocery store.”

“It (the Eucharist) is alive. It’s a life that never dies because Jesus’ life is forever.

When you see the Living Bread, even in Adoration when we receive the Living Bread spiritually, we are receiving the Living Bread and we are receiving eternal life. We are on the way to heaven with Him,” he said.

Bishop Jugis also spoke of the gift of friendship with Christ, which all of us can cultivate by spending time in the presence of the Eucharist.

“The Lord is the greatest friend that any of us can have,” he said. “He is always faithful, always wise, and He is always there for you.”

He paraphrased: “(Jesus) says, ‘Come to PILGRIMAGE, SEE PAGE 20

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos and video highlights from the 2018 Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus

PHOTOS BY BILL WASHINGTON, AMY BURGER AND MARYANN LUEDTKE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Above) Scenes from the candlelight processions during Easter Vigil Masses at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, St. Mark Church in Huntersville and St. Pius X Church in Greensboro.

(Right) Father Casey Coleman, pastor, baptized two adults – Kristee Kay and Austin Simpson – during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva.

DELLA SUE BRYSON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARKUS KUNCORO AND MIKE FITZGERALD

With 150 people in attendance, Father Jason Barone, chaplain of Charlotte Catholic High School, offered a Solemn High Mass for the Easter Vigil with Father Joseph Matlak (pictured), chaplain of Holy Trinity Middle School, assisting as deacon, and Lee Benson as straw (lay substitute) deacon. The liturgy began with the lighting of the ancient triple branch candlestick, representing the Holy Trinity, which was lit successively to honor each person of the Holy Trinity while the deacon chanted “Lumen Christi” (“Light of Christ”) and the priests processed into the chapel to light the Paschal candle.

Father Matthew Codd, pastor, lights the Paschal candle at the start of the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Elizabeth Church in Boone.

AMBER MELLON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

JOHN BUNYEA AND JOAN GUTHRIE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Top) Father Paul Dechant, OSFS, celebrates Easter Mass at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville with Deacon Tim Ritchey assisting. (Above) The Exsultet is chanted during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter Church in Charlotte. Twelve people entered the Church during the liturgy, celebrated by Jesuit Father James Shea, pastor.

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus

Easter: Jesus’ resurrection frees us from sin and death PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

CHARLOTTE — “If we live in Jesus and the risen Savior lives in us, we conquer sin and death.”

This was the message proclaimed by Bishop Peter Jugis as he celebrated the Easter Vigil Mass March 31 at St. Patrick Cathedral, which was filled with young and old there to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The liturgy began with the blessing of the Paschal fire and lighting of the Paschal candle at the Marian grotto outside the cathedral. Then the hundreds of faithful processed behind Bishop Jugis – candles in hand – into the darkened cathedral to hear the Exsultet chanted by Deacon Brian McNulty. In part, the Easter proclamation stated, “This is the night, when Christ broke the prisonbars of death and rose victorious from the underworld.”

After the Scripture readings and psalms, the cathedral’s lights were turned on and bells were rung as the faithful sang the Gloria.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis reflected on the reading from the Vigil Mass Gospel according to Mark (Mk 16:1-7), “a very stirring gospel” which recounts how the holy women came to Jesus’ tomb and found it empty.

“Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!” the bishop said.

“That is what we celebrate today and what we celebrate, in fact, every season of the year, at every liturgical time of the year. Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, is with us always – our living Savior, our living Lord.”

The Gospels’ eyewitness accounts of seeing, touching, speaking and eating with the risen Christ follow

‘We carry Christ’s victory over sin and death within us, so there is no excuse to live as slaves to sin.’

Bishop Peter Jugis Bishop Peter Jugis baptizes one of three people who were welcomed into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

At the start of the Easter Vigil liturgy, the bishop lights the Paschal candle.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos and video highlights from Easter celebrations across the diocese eyewitness accounts of His death and burial, he noted.

All of the eyewitness accounts affirm for us “the resurrection of Jesus is real,” he said. His resurrection is “the most amazing thing that happened in the history of the world since creation.”

The resurrection demonstrates that Jesus is triumphant over sin and death, he said.

“The message for us, we know – as Christians, as Catholics – is that if we live in Jesus and the risen Savior lives in us, we also conquer sin and death.”

JOHN COSMAS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

RESURRECTION, SEE PAGE 20

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE PARISH PHOTOS BY TARA HEILINGOETTER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Pat Hoare, pastor, blesses the congregation with holy water during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. At left, he administers the sacrament of confirmation to a catechumen, anointing her forehead with sacred chrism.

ANNETTE TENNY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Good Shepherd Mission in King welcomed seven people into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass March 31.

Seventeen people – the largest number on a single day in the history of Christ the King Church in High Point, according to the parish – came into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass March 31.

Father Tom Kessler, pastor, lights the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville, where six new Catholics were welcomed into the Church. The youngest parishioners also enjoyed an Easter egg hunt and games on Palm Sunday.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CONNIE RIES

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Commemorating Jesus’ Passion

JOE THORNTON AND JOHN COSMAS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Living Stations of the Cross were also performed at Our Lady of the Highways Church in Thomasville (top) and at St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville (above).

AMBER SHERIFF | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parishioners from St. Joseph Church in Asheboro staged an outdoor Living Stations of the Cross, or Via Crucis, on Good Friday. Pictured are Esperanza Medina portraying Mary, and Vicente Gutiérrez as Jesus.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video highlights from the Living Stations of the Cross

‘It was our infirmities that He bore, our sufferings that He endured’

PHOTOS BY BILL WASHINGTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parishioners at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury commemorated the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday with both the veneration of the cross inside the church and an outdoor depiction of the Via Crucis.

CHARLOTTE — At 3 p.m. on Good Friday, the hour Jesus Christ died on the cross, people gathered at St. Patrick Cathedral to pray, venerate the cross, and recall the sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son for the salvation of souls. The March 30 liturgy began with the reading of the Passion narrated by Deacon Brian McNulty, with Deacon Carlos Medina as the voice, Bishop Peter Jugis as Jesus, and the congregation responding as the crowd. They took those gathered on the tortuous journey Christ suffered from the Garden of Gethsemane through His crucifixion on Golgotha.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis asked, “Why did Jesus choose this path of such extreme public humiliation?” He then recalled that in the day’s first reading, Isaiah 52:13-53-12, the prophet Isaiah expresses what the Word of God spoke to him, foretelling what would happen to the Messiah.

“This is a very important passage for understanding and interpreting the Passion of Jesus,” Bishop Jugis explained. “In there He says He surrenders Himself SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD to death and by that means He will take away the sins of many and win pardon for their offenses. By His suffering, by His death, He does win salvation and take away the sins of the whole world.”

“Such humiliation, such degradation that He experiences – all for love of us, all for love of you in fulfillment of what He had foretold speaking to the prophet Isaiah. Being dragged publicly, humiliatingly from the high priest to Pontius Pilate, the governor, in a public spectacle. Then being forced to hear the crowd say to Him, ‘Crucify Him! Crucify Him!’ And stand there alone as all of the crowds are shouting at Him. What humiliation.”

The bishop noted that the reading from Isaiah 53 also says, “It was our infirmities that He bore, our sufferings that He endured.”

“He has already taken your infirmities, your sicknesses, your burdens, your sufferings upon Himself,” he assured the faithful. “Today in honor of the Lord and His Good Friday Passion, it would be a good idea to once again give to Him, give to Christ all of the infirmities that you bear, all of the sufferings that you endure, all of your crosses. Give them to Jesus and unite them to Him and His cross.”

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read more about Good Friday services across the diocese, and see more photos and videos

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Celebrating the rite of the lamp WAXHAW — St. Stephen Maronite Church celebrated the rite of the lamp, an old tradition, on Wednesday of Holy Week, which is also known as Wednesday of Ayoub (Job). Job suffered a great deal but never cursed God, and he was known for his patience. He represents Christ, who willingly received suffering and death and committed Himself into his Father’s hands. In the rite of the lamp, Father Elias Khalil, pastor, blessed oil and dough with seven wicks inserted into it, representing the seven lamps envisioned by the Prophet Jeremiah and by John the Apostle in his Revelation. Pictured, parishioners receive some of the oil and dough blessed during the rite.

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PHOTOS BY PAUL DOIZÉ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Kernersville Cross Walk held KERNERSVILLE — Parishioners from Holy Cross Church in Kernersville took part in the annual Kernersville Cross Walk on Good Friday, March 30, through the town of Kernersville. Turnout, according to organizers, was the largest they could recall in recent years.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch video highlights from St. Stephen Maronite Church’s rite of the lamp service

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Mass of the Lord’s Supper VICKIE WARE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Alex Ajala, pastor, blesses the Easter baskets at Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville.

Bilingual presentation of the Via Crucis SYLVA — St. Mary, Mother of God Church’s faith formation and youth ministry programs enacted a bilingual Way of the Cross March 16, the 25th year they have done so and the second year that it has been a bilingual presentation.

Father Casey Coleman, pastor, said, “It was a wonderful evening with many of our parishioners from our whole community, both English and Spanish, who came to experience a wonderfully presented Living Stations enacted by our youth. Each station was enacted as a still setting as each character took their position, while we listened to each meditation read by a narrator in both languages. It offered a nice opportunity for a more contemplative experience of the stations.” Sara Freeman, PHOTO PROVIDED BY SCOTT FREEMAN, DELLA SUE BRYSON faith formation coordinator, added, “There is no doubt in my mind that the children and youth who participated this year comprehended the sadness of Christ’s death and crucifixion. Even at practices they were reverent and respectful. As a parent, it was hard to see my son nailing Christ to the cross. I am reminded of how I must remain an example of a faithful and loving mom so that my own children may strive to live a life according to God’s plan.”

CHARLOTTE — Parishioners at St. Patrick Cathedral gathered for Eucharistic Adoration after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, when the Eucharist was moved from the cathedral to an altar of repose in the Family Life Center. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper commemorates Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, His washing the feet of His disciples, His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His betrayal and arrest. The liturgy marked the start of the Triduum, the three holy days preceding the Resurrection of the Lord at Easter. In his homily, Bishop Jugis reflected on the day’s Gospel reading from John 13:1-15, particularly the statement, “He loved His own in the world and He loved them to the end.” Jesus’ love, even as He approaches His death, Bishop Jugis noted, “is constant. It does not vacillate; it does not waver at all. It is full and it is undiminished.” Knowing that He is about to die, Jesus gives His disciples – and us – the ultimate gift of His love: the Eucharist, he said.

FOREST CITY — Faithful place candles and statues in front of the altar of repose to be blessed at Immaculate Conception Church.

GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos and videos from Holy Thursday services, including video highlights from the first Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form at Charlotte Catholic High School during the Triduum

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Leonard Leo receives Benedict Leadership Award BELMONT — Leonard Leo, executive vice president of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy, has been named the second recipient of the Benedict Leadership Award. The award, given by the Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College, was presented March 22 at Belmont Abbey College.

The Institute selected Leo for his dedication to Leonard the defense of religious liberty both in the United States and abroad and for his personal witness to the sanctity of human life.

Leo was appointed by President George W. Bush to three terms to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom as chairman, during which time he traveled to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Sudan and Vietnam to assess country conditions on religious freedom.

“While your life displays numerous reasons for being worthy of the Benedict

Leadership Award, the committee wished to honor and highlight your leadership in a few areas in particular: your defense of religious liberty and your personal witness to the sanctity of life,” wrote the Benedict Leadership Institute’s executive director, Conor Gallagher, in his selection letter to Leo. “These are areas of great concern to Belmont Abbey College. It is our hope that your award will bring attention to those persecuted for their religious beliefs and to the dignity of all people, especially the disabled and the unborn.”

The Benedict Leadership Institute was founded in 2016 to develop and inspire Catholic leaders to transform society in light of their faith. The Benedict Leadership Award, given annually to recognize outstanding men and women whose achievements reflect the heroic leadership of St. Benedict, is a key activity of the institute.

Recipients deliver a public address in their area of leadership, and are presented with a $10,000 cash award.

— Sarah McPeek, Benedict Leadership Institute

You are Cordially Invited to the 15th Annual

Vineyard of Hope Thursday, April 26, 2018

Crowne Plaza Charlotte 5700 Westpark Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28217 Join us for cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and blessing of the meal at 6:45 p.m.

2018 Fruit of the Vine Award Recipient Tom Hunley At this complimentary event, you will be invited to make a generous gift to help raise our goal of $300k to Strengthen Families, Build Communities, and Reduce Poverty in the Charlotte area.

RSVP at vineyardofhope2018@charlottediocese.org or online at ccdoc.org/vineyardofhope

GLENMARY HOME MISSIONERS

P.O. Box 465618 Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618

513.874.8900 800.935.0975 www.glenmary.org

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Glenmary Father Frank Schenk dies at 102

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Young people encourage others to ‘nail it to the cross’

to benefit their special needs students.

The L.A.M.B. (Least Among My Brethren ) Foundation is a statewide non-profit run by the Knights of Columbus to aid those with intellectual disabilities.

Pictured at the March 28 presentation at the Polk County School District Office were Jane Ollis of Tryon Elementary School; Maria Freeman of Polk County High School; Aaron Greene, superintendent of Polk County Schools; and Knights Pete Crandall and Tom Furey.

— JP Crandall

CHARLOTTE — Hundreds of prayer intentions were gathered from people in uptown Charlotte during the second annual “Nail It To The Cross” Street Mission organized by Father Richard Sutter, parochial vicar at St. Patrick Cathedral, and supported by the parish’s Young Adults Ministry and other parishioners. During rush hour on Wednesday of Holy Week and on Good Friday, “Nail It To the Cross” missionaries took turns carrying a large wooden cross on a four-mile walk to the corner of Trade and Tryon streets, where they prayed the rosary and welcomed passersby to post sticky notes to the cross.

Easter baskets donated CHARLOTTE — Members of the Santa Zita Circle, a women’s organization at St. Vincent de Paul Church, donated Easter baskets to A Child’s Place March 21. Every year Santa Zita Circle team members donate their time, talent and treasure to help those in need in the Charlotte community.

— Celia Denlea

Knights support two local schools in Tryon TRYON — Knights of Columbus Council 9492 of St John the Baptist Church in Tryon recently presented $1,000 donations, raised locally through the L.A.M.B. Foundation, to Tryon Elementary School and Polk County High School

Greensboro Knights support pro-life causes GREENSBORO — Knights of Columbus Council 13236 of St. Paul the Apostle Church recently conducted its first “Pennies from Heaven” campaign. Baby bottles were distributed after all Masses for two weekends to be returned to a special collection container at a later date.

Parishioners were asked to fill the bottles with loose change, checks, or bills that the Knights could put to work to change lives. The council presented $1,200 donations each to the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center, Room at the Inn and St. Paul’s SPRED program.

Pictured are (from left): Ed Kanir, chairman of “Pennies from Heaven”; Carter Mundy, associate executive director, and Judy Roderick, director, of the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center; Denis Murray, Grand Knight; Pricilla Martin, advancement director; Gary Chapman, financial secretary; and Many Comas, Culture of Life Chairman.

— Dave Wiese

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Father Francis Joseph Schenk, a Glenmary Home Missioner for 66 years, died April 11 in Cincinnati. He was 102.

Reception of the body will take place at 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 18, at Our Lady of the Fields’ Chapel, 4085 Glenmary Trace, Fairfield, Ohio.

Visitation will follow.

Wake service will begin at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 Schenk a.m. Thursday, April 19, at St. Matthias Catholic Church, 1050 W. Kemper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio. Internment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 11000 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio.

One of the oldest and longest serving Glenmarians, Father Frank was not expected to live past age 15. Early in life, he contracted a bone disease that took him six operations, and years of bedrest to recover from. Once healed, Father Frank set out to see the world, working in Wyoming and South Dakota, studying in Washington state and visiting friends in Oregon.

During a short vacation, he visited an Oregon library, where he read about Glenmary, a new Catholic society that was serving in the southern and rural United States. Intrigued, Father Frank sent letters to Glenmary founder Father William Howard Bishop, who invited the Mount Vernon, Ind., native to begin the formation program in 1948.

After his ordination in 1955, Father Frank began serving in Sylva, Spruce Pine and North Wilkesboro. He also ministered in Oklahoma, Kentucky, Georgia and Arkansas. A small-town boy, he enjoyed rural ministry, connecting with the community and parish and helping to break down barriers between Catholics and Protestants.

“Father Frank wanted to contribute

to the mission cause however he could,” said Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz. “He stayed in the missions until he was 90! He lived very simply and was interested in the affairs of Glenmary and the world. He was practical and his observations reflected basic common sense.”

Father Frank wrote a weekly newspaper column, hosted a radio show, preached in a tent and helped build a North Carolina church by hand. One of the first Glenmarians to study Spanish, Father Frank started a Spanish Mass in all of his missions and provided outreach to migrant workers who needed help with transportation, translating services, food or work.

Twice Father Frank worked in Colombia as a pastor and a scout for potential Glenmary missions in South America. Though the areas he served were poor and remote, he enjoyed feeding the hungry, educating the youth and ministering to his parish.

Father Frank did not accept Glenmary senior membership until age 90. Though legally blind, he was determined to continue working until he could no longer be of service. Even after he returned to Cincinnati, Father Frank continued to tend a garden and bake fresh bread every morning for many years.

Father Frank made his first oath with Glenmary in 1951 and was ordained a priest in 1955. He attended St. Martin’s College in Olympia, Wash., St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati and St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati. He also studied Spanish in Cincinnati and Cuernavaca, Mexico.

He is survived by many nieces, nephews, fellow missioners and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose (née Bluff) Schenk; and brother John Schenk and his wife Bernice.

Memorials may be made to Glenmary Home Missioners, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 or at Glenmary.org.

Newcomer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

Coordinator of Youth Ministry Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church Winston - Salem, NC

Fostering the personal and spiritual growth of each young person and encouraging them to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.

Qualifications & Skills:

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of April: Rev. Msgr. Charles Gable 1977 Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Kerin 2014 Rev. Joseph J. Lash 1999 Rev. Samuel Orlando 2003

• Bachelor’s degree in related field is preferred.

• Proven ability to work effectively with youth, diverse CULTURES/ETHNIC GROUPS, and teams of volunteers.

• Proficient in computer software including Microsoft Office products, Graphic/Desktop Publishing software, and Social Media.

• Member of good standing in the Catholic Church.

Part-Time position (20 hrs./wk.) pay commensurate with experience.

Send resume no later than April 27, 2018 for consideration to:

Fr. Carl Zdancewicz / Position for Youth Ministry

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church 1730 Link Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or by email fr.carl@triad.twcbc.com

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iiiApril 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

A place to practice their faith

Eritrean Catholics have fo CÉSAR HURTADO HISPANIC REPORTER

PHOTOS BY CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Members of the Eritrean Catholic community in Charlotte gathered to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass on April 7, following the Julian calendar. Following an ancient tradition, women wear a long white robe that covers their hair. Several altar servers, all of them men, helped Father Kidane during the celebration of the Mass.

The liturgy according to the Ge’ez rite of the Eritrean Catholic Church is longer than the Roman rite, and incense is always used during the celebration. The sound of traditional drums accompanies the moment of the Consecration of the Body and Blood of Christ.

CHARLOTTE — They come from along the Red Sea, where their uniquely East African traditions blend with incense and the sounds of drums and Catholic prayers chanted in an ancient Semitic tongue. They are Eritrean Catholics, and they have found a home at St. Gabriel Church, where they meet monthly to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, or Mass.

About a hundred Eritrean Catholics gathered April 7 for their latest Eucharistic celebration, in which they commemorated Easter during a two-hour-long Mass in the Ge’ez rite, a liturgy rooted in the Church of Alexandria in Egypt. Men sat on the left side of the church, women on the right, wearing white robes covering their heads. Most of the Mass was chanted in Ge’ez, an ancient, dead language now used exclusively for liturgical celebrations.

The celebration was led by Father Kidanemariam Hadgu Gebrehiwot, who simply goes by Father Kidane.

He travels from Atlanta every first Saturday of the month to offer Mass for the Eritrean Catholics in Charlotte, who number about 300.

Father Kidane comes from the Archeparchy (Archdiocese) of Asmara, Eritrea, the mother see of the Eritrean Catholic Church. The priest of 27 years serves at Corpus Christi Church in Stone Mountain, Ga., as well as serving as vicar for the Catholic Ge’ez Rite community in the Atlanta area. Besides traveling regularly between

Atlanta and Charlotte, he also ministers to Eritrean Catholics in Dallas, Texas.

Father Kidane says he is grateful to the Diocese of Charlotte and to St. Gabriel Parish for welcoming the Eritrean Catholics and helping them to practice their faith.

“We have felt very blessed and welcomed by all,” he says. “They have given us not only a space to celebrate, but also a space to share our culture.”

George Joseph, one of the organizers of the Eritrean community in Charlotte, arrived in 1992, shortly before a border conflict erupted between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Like many of the immigrants, Joseph had to flee the region, which over several decades has been stricken by war, famine and drought. After earning a degree in finance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, he worked at several banks before establishing himself in the convenience store and real estate industries.

“I’ve been in Charlotte for 25 years. And I’ve seen years in which there was nothing to remind us where we were born. We had no leaders, no place to go,” Joseph recalls. Finally, after getting better organized, the local Eritreans sought help from the Archdiocese of Atlanta and began receiving visits from Father Kidane, who “for the community has been a blessing.”

“Our main objective is not to promote our rite, but to exercise our faith and be able to participate in the sacraments without any obstacle or restriction. This parish and the diocese have given us the opportunity we were looking for,” Joseph emphasizes.

HE COVER

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The Eritrean Catholic Church The Eritrean Catholic Church is one of 23 Eastern churches in communion with the pope. Although these Eastern churches accept the primacy of the pope, they retain their unique liturgical rites (separate from the Latin, or Western Rite), customs, devotions and languages.

The Eritrean Church’s liturgical tradition is rooted in the Alexandrian Rite, which it shares with the Coptic Church in Egypt and the Ethiopian Catholic Church, and its leader – Metropolitan Menghesteab Tesfamariam, archbishop of Asmara, Eritrea – derives his title from the see of Alexandria, not Rome.

The Divine Liturgy, or Mass, is celebrated according to the Ethiopic liturgical rite, sometimes called the Ge’ez rite because it uses the Ge’ez language. Ge’ez is one of four ancient Semitic tongues (the others being Hebrew, Arabic and Aramaic – the language spoken by Jesus) in use when Christianity first spread to the region. The liturgy contains elements from the liturgies of Saints Mark the Evangelist (traditionally regarded as the first bishop of Alexandria), Basil the Great, Cyril the Great, and Gregory Nazianzus.

The Church follows the Julian calendar, meaning that all holidays, including Christmas and Easter, fall on different dates than they do in the Roman Rite.

History

ound a home in Charlotte Dawit Michael, who has lived in the United States for 10 years, adds, “One of the difficulties that immigrants have is finding a community that we feel part of, and the Church is one of those instruments of integration. At St. Gabriel they welcomed us, and here, in addition to the Mass, we program other activities for children and young people.”

Passing down the faith to their children and keeping young adults active in their faith is important, leaders say. At the April 7 Mass, the presence of many children and young adults was noticeable.

Erin Joseph, a student who was born in the United States to Eritrean immigrant parents, says he feels drawn to his Eritrean Catholic heritage and the Ge’ez rite liturgy. “I like it. It is very attractive. The music is different, more cheerful; people applaud. I feel very comfortable, like I’m in my own home.”

The opportunity to come together each month is about more than attending Mass, Joseph says. It’s about building community among people who are mostly recent immigrants, many of whom work in convenience stores or drive taxis. The time spent in fellowship after Mass is important, he says, because “it is the way we meet, we greet each other, we see ourselves as a family.”

Father Kidane is hopeful about the prospects of the small but faith-filled Eritrean Catholic community in Charlotte. Perhaps, one day, they will be able to build a church of their own, but in the meantime, they appreciate the hospitality they have received from St. Gabriel Parish.

The Eritrean Catholic Church is intimately tied to the history of Eastern Africa and its larger neighbor to the south, Ethiopia.

At the time of Christ the Kingdom of Axum ruled the region, called Abyssinia.

Around 316 A.D., Frumentius of Tyre and his brother Edesius were captured after arriving at a Red Sea port along the Ethiopian coast.

Taken as slaves to the Axumite court, they were later freed and converted King Ezana, who adopted Christianity as the official religion for the entire kingdom around 328 A.D. His brother returned to Tyre to become a priest, but Frumentius yearned to stay and evangelize the local inhabitants. He traveled to Alexandria to appeal to the patriarch for help in his missionary work, and the patriarch appointed him the first bishop of Axum. (His appointment began a tradition that the patriarch of Alexandria appoints the bishops of Ethiopia.)

Frumentius’ efforts established the Church in Ethiopia, and the beloved “Abuna Salama” converted many local people.

Within a few hundred years, Muslims fleeing persecution in what is now Saudi Arabia also settled in the region. Today, Eritrea’s population reflects that history: about half of the population is Christian, the other half Muslim.

Abyssinia fell under Portuguese control in the 15th century as the African continent was colonized by European powers.

Power struggles between the Portuguese, the Vatican and local authorities caused the Church in Ethiopia to split from Rome in the 1600s, after a patriarch appointed by Pope Urban VIII was expelled from the region for trying to force the local Church to “latinize.” The region was closed to Catholic missionaries for the next 200 years.

In 1839, Rome sent St. Justin de Jacobis to the area to minister to local Latin-rite Catholics. The holy priest grew to prefer the local Ge’ez rite yet worked tirelessly to reestablish ties with Rome, despite persecution from native authorities. Many local priests and faithful joined him, and the Church grew quickly. In 1930 the pope recognized the Ethiopic Catholic Church as a particular, autonomous church in full communion.

By this time Ethiopia was an Italian colony after Emperor Haile Selassie was forced into exile. Most of the Latin-rite Catholics were Italians, but local inhabitants remained devoted to the traditional Alexandrian rite and the patriarch of Alexandria.

In the wake of World War II, Italy’s colonial rule collapsed and Ethiopia regained its independence.

The Church continued to grow, and the first eparchy (diocese) was established in Asmara in 1961.

The same year, war broke out between Ethiopia and Eritrea as Eritrea sought independence. After the 30-year-long Eritrean War of Independence, a referendum in 1993 resulted in the establishment of Eritrea as an independent nation. But the violence did not end, and in 1998 the Eritrean-Ethiopian War broke out, lasting until 2000.

Pope Francis declared the Eritrean Catholic Church an autonomous “sui iuris” metropolitan Church in January 2015, differentiating it from the Ethiopian Catholic Church, with Asmara as its see.

Currently

(Top) During the Easter Vigil Mass, offered April 7 in observance of the Julian calendar, the Eritrean Catholic community also celebrated the baptism of one of its new members. (Above) Father Kidanemariam Hadgu Gebrehiwot, who simply goes by Father Kidane, presides at the Mass.

“Everything is in the hands of God,” he says.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video highlights from the most recent Eritrean Catholic Mass at St. Gabriel Church

In 2016 there were about 162,000 Eritrean Catholics worldwide, according to the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA).

Famine, drought, war and political instability have forced many Eritreans, especially young people, to flee. The Catholic bishops of Eritrea issued a pastoral letter in 2014, “Where is Your Brother?” denouncing the country’s conditions, including economic hardship and the lack of freedom of speech and religion. A disproportionate number of Eritreans have been among the hundreds of immigrants who have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea while trying to reach Europe, CNEWA notes.

Although the Eritrean Catholic Church enjoys more protections from government interference than other Christian churches (some of which are banned outright), the Church has fought against attempts by the Eritrean government to force all priests, religious and seminarians into mandatory military service.

— Catholic News Herald

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 16

¡Jesucristo ha resucitado!

THOMASVILLE — El Padre James Turner enciende el Cirio Pascual al inicio de la Misa de Vigilia celebrada en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de las Carreteras. Durante la Vigilia Pascual, cuatro personas fueron bautizadas y confirmadas, y seis más recibieron la Primera Comunión.

JOE THORNTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MONROE — Una representación del Calvario durante el Vía Crucis celebrado en el exterior de la iglesia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes.

En www.catholicnewsherald.com: vea el video con imágenes del Vía Crucis en Monroe. de 12 parroquianos en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Jueves Santo.

(Izquierda) MORGANTON — Jesús es azotado durante una escena del Vía Crucis representado en los exteriores de la Iglesia San Carlos Borromeo.

LORENZO PEDRO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAPUCHIN FRANCISCAN FATHER MARTIN SCHRATZ

AMBER SHERIFF | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

ASHEBORO — Parroquianos de la Iglesia San José representaron un impresionante Vía Crucis el Viernes Santo, provocando intensas emociones tanto en los espectadores como en ellos mismos.

(Abajo/Izquierda) HENDERSONVILLE — Miembros de la comunidad hispana de la Iglesia Immaculada Concepción organizaron un Vía Crucis en las calles de Hendersonville.

JOSE SANCHEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Abajo/Derecha) CHARLOTTE — Una escena del Vía Crucis realizado en las afueras de la Iglesia San Gabriel.

En www.catholicnewsherald.com: vea más fotos y un video del Vía Crucis en la Iglesia San José CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — El Padre Hugo Medellín lavó los pies

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Durante la Procesión del Santísimo muchas personas se acercaron a tocar la Custodia, al igual que la mujer enferma del evangelio de Marcos que llega hasta Jesús y toca su manto, sintiendo de inmediato que ha sido curada.

‘Vengan a mí todos ustedes que están cansados y agobiados, y yo les daré descanso’ Mt 11:28

Celebran Misas de Sanación en Iglesia San Gabriel CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE— Haciendo la aclaración que “todas las Misas y los sacramentos son sanadores”, el Rev. Padre Gabriel Carvajal conversó con esta publicación sobre la reciente Misa de Sanación que celebró en la Iglesia San Gabriel, donde se desempeña como vicario.

“La mayoría de la gente se enfoca más en la sanación física y no ve más allá. Y lo que Jesús sana, con seguridad y siempre, es el alma. La sanación es espiritual, pero algunas veces es física”, destacó.

“Decimos Misa de Sanación porque nos enfocamos más con las oraciones que hacemos, con la procesión del Santísimo, a acercar al Pueblo a Dios y a Dios al Pueblo. Aquí está tu pueblo doliente, tu pueblo que está en la ignorancia, en una enfermedad, odio, rencor, resentimiento, tantas otras cosas que nos quitan la paz, nos perturban”, dijo P. Gabriel.

Luego explicó que, aunque no es especialista, conoce que muchas enfermedades tienen su origen en cuestiones psicosomáticas, inclusive hasta la vejez prematura, “porque así coma o beba correctamente y hay algo que no está bien en su espiritualidad, no descansa en su totalidad”.

Respecto a la procesión del Santísimo que se realiza casi al término del servicio, dijo le hace recordar el texto del evangelio de Marcos 5:24 en el que una mujer enferma llega hasta Jesús y toca su manto, sintiendo de inmediato que ha sido curada. “Por eso digo ‘Señor mira, te van a tocar. Te van a tocar la Custodia, no pueden tocar tu cuerpo por dentro. Sana toda esta gente’.

Aquí hay muchas mujeres y hombres con esas enfermedades. Que sane el Señor, dejemos que lo haga”.

¿ES VÁLIDA?

Monseñor Jorge de los Santos de la Arquidiócesis de Denver, Colorado, al responder una pregunta sobre la validez de las Misas de Sanación en una publicación

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: vea un video de la Misa de Sanación. de esa Arquidiócesis, aseguró que la Misa de sanación es una Misa o celebración eucarística que hace énfasis en los carismas y dones del Espíritu Santo, a fin de pedir por la salud de los fieles. “Para algunos, que están ajenos al Movimiento de la Renovación Carismática, pareciera que estos ritos de entusiasmo y alabanzas en los que se invoca al Espíritu Santo, son contrarios a la liturgia católica, sin embargo no es así”.

Luego añadió que las Misas de sanación pueden ser celebradas por cualquier sacerdote ordenado que goce de facultades ministeriales, y a ellas “no se debe acudir buscando soluciones ‘mágicas’ ni espontáneas. En Dios siempre debemos confiar, pero hay que saber que, no obstante los milagros sí existen, Dios actúa libremente de tal manera que confiamos en Él aceptando su voluntad y no imponiendo la nuestra”.

El P. Gabriel precisó que las personas que asisten a las Misas de sanación deben, además, acercarse a llevar una vida sacramental saludable. “Que no se quede nomás con puras unciones y oraciones.

Hay que llegar a los sacramentos que son sanadores de por sí”.

USO DE SACRAMENTALES

Al igual que lo declarado por el P. Pedro Velázquez Figueroa, comisionado de Pastoral de la Salud de la Arquidiócesis de México, en una entrevista que reprodujo la Agencia de Noticias Católica ACIPRENSA, el P. Gabriel asegura que el agua bendita, un sacramental que se utiliza para bendecir a los fieles durante las Misas de sanación y otras Misas, así como el uso de incienso, velas y la Misa como tal “es el mayor exorcismo desde la realidad CELEBRAN, VEA PÁGINA 20

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

David con la guitarra, Francisco en el bongó, Valdemar en el bajo e Israel en la batería. Moisés y Adolfo no aparecen en la gráfica.

EN LA IGLESIA ST. JOHN NEUMANN

Jóvenes unen sus voces para alabar a Dios CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE — Moisés Cisneros, un salvadoreño de San Miguel llegado en 1986 a los Estados Unidos, es el director del Ministerio de Música en San John Neumann, iglesia en la que ha reunido un grupo de talentosos jóvenes dedicados a alabar al Señor a través del canto y la ejecución de instrumentos.

Con una larga carrera en la música, Cisneros comenzó hace siete años la organización del Coro con la participación de sus dos hijas. Tras un inicio incierto, poco a poco se fueron incrementando los integrantes hasta alcanzar los más de 16 miembros con los que cuentan en la actualidad.

Muchos de ellos comenzaron desde niños y todos, reconoce Cisneros, “proporcionan una riqueza especial al grupo”.

“Nos hemos enamorado de Jesús”, explica el director, “y cuando el pequeño talento que tenemos lo entregamos para la alabanza de Dios, éste se engrandece y nos proporciona un gozo que solo nosotros podemos sentir”, dijo, justificando con esta afirmación la permanencia de todos ellos en la agrupación musical, ya que “con cada alabanza va creciendo más y más el amor a Dios”.

CANTAN POR AMOR

Mónica López, la más joven de los integrantes ingresó al Coro hace tres años, cuando cursaba el octavo grado de la escuela, gracias a la invitación de una amiga que la llevó a uno de los ensayos.

“Ese mismo día le dije a mi mamá que quería estar en el Coro” y, gracias a Dios, su madre no le puso ninguna traba.

“No soy Mónica cuando canto. Me siento libre, el espíritu me toca. Me pongo diferente, contenta. Cantar a Dios me libra de los problemas, de las tensiones de la escuela. A veces me hace llorar, pero de alegría, del amor que tengo a Dios”, nos confiesa la joven que sueña más adelante en convertirse en doctora.

Para Sonia Cisneros, hija de Moisés y

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vea un video que relata la historia de este Ministerio de Música. fundadora del Ministerio, el pertenecer al Coro “es una terapia para nosotros los jóvenes”, que hallan “un refugio” en lo que considera más que un grupo “una familia”, donde la comunión entre los integrantes hace que todos ellos

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Las voces femeninas. De izquierda a derecha: Ruby, Sonia, Stephany, Jean, Lucía, Mónica y Nathaly.

Algunas de las jóvenes también tocan mandolina. también crezcan individualmente “en sus voces y espiritualidad”. Para la joven en ocasiones es difícil hablar, por lo que “cantar es una buena manera de decir las cosas”. Aunque precisa que no es lo mismo cantar “para el mundo”, donde solo deseas demostrar tu talento, “pues cuando cantas para Dios sientes algo diferente, que es muy difícil de describir”.

El director, que reconoce que “de vez en cuando es un dolor de cabeza trabajar con jóvenes”, asegura que el grupo ha madurado muchísimo y “hay testimonios del sacrificio de muchos de los jóvenes por permanecer aquí, lo que demuestra que ellos aman lo que hacen y que su ST. JOHN NEUMAN, VEA PÁGINA 20

Our schools 18

catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Diocesan teachers’ conference ‘Ignite’ held March 26-27 SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

GREENSBORO — The Diocese of Charlotte Schools Office hosted “Ignite,” a professional development conference for teachers and administrators March 26-27 at the Koury Convention Center. More than 550 diocesan teachers and administrators attended the two-day conference.

Catholic educators from across western North Carolina came together for Mass celebrated by Monsignor Richard Bellow, a retired priest of the diocese who formerly served as pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville. He has remained active as St. Mark School’s dean of students.

Keynote speaker for the conference on March 26 was Dr. John Almarode, an associate professor in the College of Education at James Madison University in

Harrisonburg, Va. His address was titled “Kindle the Fire for Student Learning: What Matters Most in Teaching and Learning.”

During the second day of the conference, 60 unique sessions were offered to participants. Topics included Internet and Social Media Safety, Catholic Social Teaching in the Classroom and The Way of Beauty, Using Sacred Art for Student Engagement, Nurturing Catholic Leaders, Proverbs 22:6 and the Pursuit of Excellence and Virtue, STEM IT UP!, Teaching Math Using the Lego Brick, Google Expeditions and breakout sessions according to grade and elective course topics.

Students from Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville volunteered during the conference by assisting with Mass, participating during the prayer service and answering logistical questions during the

CCDOC.ORG

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE SCHOOLS OFFICE

Students from Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville volunteered during the “Ignite” diocesan teachers’ conference March 26-27. breakout sessions.

Barbara Fricke, an eighth-grade counselor at Holy Trinity Middle School, appreciated the conference. In correspondence after the event she shared, “I am thankful we got to go to the Greensboro Conference. The length was perfect, the sessions were informative and the camaraderie was great.”

“The Catholic School Education Conference provided our teachers with the opportunity to join together in prayer and

32nd Annual Spring Fling Catholic Charities invites senior adults from across the diocese to join us for fun and fellowship at the 32nd Annual Spring Fling. Come reconnect with friends, while meeting new ones, in a daylong experience where you can learn about health information that could transform your life. Build upon your faith while enjoying exciting activities and performances, create wonderful memories and friendships.

Wednesday, May 9 – Catholic Conference Center 1551 Trinity Lane, Hickory, NC 28602 $15 per person (includes lunch) Registration deadline: April 30 Tuesday, May 22 – St. Matthew Catholic Church 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277 $15 per person (includes lunch) Registration deadline: May 14 Visit www.ccdoc.org for a complete schedule of events and registration forms.

For more information contact Sandra Breakfield at: 704-370-3220 or email: sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org

Don’t blend in.

Get the Catholic News Herald delivered to your email inbox!

You’ll help save some trees, and you’ll receive your newspaper earlier.

It’s a free service – making this a pretty stand-out deal.

Contact Erika at catholicnews@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3333 to sign up today!

professional development,” said Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent of diocesan schools.

“It is so rewarding to see so many educators committed to the mission of Catholic education. Jacqui Durrett, Patty Fischer, Deb Lee, Debbie Mixer, David Rad and Mary Stagmaier did an outstanding job organizing the conference. It was extremely well done.”

The conference was funded in part by the MACS Education Annual Fund.

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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

(803) 327-2097

rockhilloratory.net

oratorycenter@gmail.com

Change – Transition – Transformation How do we cope with the multiple changes in our lives?

Saturday, May 5, 2018

9:30am – 4:30pm

Sister Susan Schorsten, HM & Sister Gay Rowzie, HM We all experience change in one way or another throughout our lives – generally on a daily basis. Some changes are not as significant as others. For major changes in our lives – the death of a loved one, a serious accident, the loss of a job, a serious personal diagnosis – we are faced with transitions. If we do not engage with the transition times, we may lose opportunities for growth and transformation. Come Explore!

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FATHER FRANK O’ROURKE

Passion Play CHARLOTTE — St. Gabriel Church’s Deacon Larry O’Toole stands with the fifth-grade students from St. Gabriel School after the students performed a Passion Play during the days leading up to Easter, a tradition at the school for many years.

Sr. Susan Schorsten & Sr. Gay Rowzie are both Humility of Mary Sisters.

Both were active in the Diocese of Charleston before moving on to other ministries and now have returned to this area.

Program Cost $80 (includes Friday night accommodations and Saturday breakfast / lunch) $40 (includes Saturday lunch)

SPECIAL COMMUNITY FORUM SUNDAY, APRIL 29, AT 7 PM

Tens of thousands of people die every year from drug-related deaths. In an effort to do our part to understand this epidemic, St. Matthew Catholic Church will host a forum that will take an inside look at the drug problem in our area.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROBIN FISHER

Installing wood duck boxes SALISBURY — The Leopold Society at Sacred Heart School recently organized a work day to The LandTrust’s Two Rivers Property in Davie County. More than 60 middle school students joined the LandTrust staff on site to install 17 wood duck boxes. Sacred Heart’s science teacher, Hillary Shores, is the mentor for the Leopold Society.

Wood ducks are considered by many to be the most beautiful waterfowl found in these parts. At one point, numbers of wood ducks were decreasing primarily because of overhunting and loss of nesting habitat.

“The LandTrust is proud to have worked with Sacred Heart on this wood duck nest box project,” said Executive Director Travis Morehead. “This is the reason we created the Leopold Society, to get children involved in conservation of our natural world and to have an impact on the next generation of conservation leaders.”

Sacred Heart will be partnering with The Land Trust for a summer camp, to be held June 25-29, featuring outdoor learning, nature exploration and lessons in conservation and ecology. This camp is open to middle school students who would love to learn more about nature and conservation. For details, call the school office at 704-633-2841.

Pastor Father Pat Hoare said, “This is an issue that affects all of us. Children are dying from drugs and we as a community must stand up, acknowledge the problem, and take action.

Together we can make a difference.”

Experts in the medical and legal fields will share their insight into the drug epidemic and how it is ravaging our communities. You will also hear from local families who have lost children to drugs and are now trying to share what they have learned from their experience.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!

St. Matthew Catholic Church - 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. - Charlotte, NC 2827

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CELEBRAN

ST. JOHN NEUMANN

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 17

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 17

profunda del Sacramento”, entendiendo por exorcismo “sacar fuera lo malo, aunque estrictamente cuando se habla de exorcismo es sacar a Satanás de alguien”, dice Carvajal.

El sacerdote también se expresó sobre el valor del ‘autoexorcismo’ que realizamos “cuando, por ejemplo, nos persignamos y decimos ‘por la señal de la Santa Cruz, de nuestros enemigos líbranos Señor’. Así fuimos educados los latinoamericanos, con esa connotación espiritual que nos dejaron nuestros misioneros”.

El P. Gabriel reconoce que no es “un padrecito con tantos dones. Don de visión, de lenguas, de palabra, de conocimiento y tanto”, y “si hay algo que se da” durante las Misas de sanación que celebra “no es por mí sino que lo hizo el Señor. De eso no les quede la menor duda”.

Ante la pregunta si su Ministerio considera continuar con la programación de Misas de Sanación en la Iglesia San Gabriel el sacerdote respondió con un contundente “si es la voluntad de Dios, sí”. Por el momento afirma estar contento con ello y eso, para él, “es una buena señal”.

amor a Dios crece con cada alabanza”.

Todo el grupo se ve a sí mismo como una familia, se protegen mutuamente, son cuidadosos y responsables en todos sus actos. “En retiros, en oración, nos repetimos eso, que somos una familia y entendemos que si alguno de nosotros hace algo que no está bien, eso va a afectar al grupo y sobre todo a la Iglesia, que es el cuerpo de Cristo. Algo que no queremos que suceda”.

Al parecer, es el ardiente deseo de alabar a Dios lo que los hace diferentes. Mucha gente se les acerca después de Misa y les comenta que el Espíritu Santo los toca cuando ellos cantan. “Para nosotros eso es maravilloso porque nos hace saber que

‘TINY HOUSE’ FROM PAGE 3

“People opened their wallets like it all depended on them to get us to $15,000,” Ladew noted. “People were so incredibly generous that we didn’t need the challenge grant!”

“In fact”, she added, “we raised more than $20,000, so if we want the house to have solar electricity and the city approves it, we could even do that, or we could furnish the tiny house.

“We have just been so blessed by this congregation.”

The final report of contributions was $28,388. Teams of parishioners will build

PILGRIMAGE FROM PAGE 7

O Holy St. Jude!

Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke your, special patronage in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, come to my assistance.

In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked.

St. Jude pray for us who invoke your aid.

(Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary’s, 3 Glory Be) Publication must be promised.

me all of you who labor or who are heavily burdened, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart and your soul will find rest. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.’

“He is here to listen and to respond.”

Stephanie Lugo, a Belmont Abbey College senior, is a Hintemeyer Scholar who served as the college event organizer and rallied more than 85 Belmont Abbey students to host the youth pilgrimage on campus.

“Even as a high school participant attending the pilgrimage, I hoped to eventually help run the event as a student at Belmont Abbey.

The event has been very meaningful to me in my life because of its central focus on the Eucharist, and I want to share this opportunity to encounter Christ with others.

“My hope is that students who attend the pilgrimage from across the diocese (today) will benefit from an afternoon which invites them to listen attentively to the voice of

Let’s keep talking.

Dios nos está usando como instrumento suyo”, afirma Cisneros, adelantando que ya trabajan en un proyecto de producción de un CD con temas propios, que esperan pueda concretarse a finales de año.

Israel Rivas, músico percusionista nacido en la República Dominicana, se unió hace más de dos años a este Ministerio. “Mi esposa y yo buscábamos un lugar donde servir. Yo quería participar en el Ministerio de Oración, así que hablé con Moisés, el director, y entre ensayo y ensayo, poco a poco me amarré al Ministerio de Música”, dijo sonriente.

Para Rivas, “a través de la música cristiana se siente una libertad trascendental donde no importa lo que suceda. Vives las canciones y sientes que ellas se vuelven una oración contigo”.

El dominicano advierte que es posible dedicarse a la música secular “y te va a dar las condiciones, una vida, pero al estilo que manda la casa disquera”, por lo que, en este

the house on St. Paul Church’s property.

The house will then be disassembled, then reassembled and placed on a permanent foundation in the Tiny House community.

The parish’s first workday, to begin rough framing, will be April 14. Prior to the 9 a.m. start, the workers and the project will receive a blessing.

Eric Brown is the volunteer coordinator for St. Paul’s work team and liaison with the contractor for Tiny Houses of Greensboro.

John Dahlingus and Glen Martin are the volunteer work crew captains.

Find out more At www.tinyhousesgreensboro.com: Learn more about the work being done by Tiny Houses of Greensboro

Christ and experience His deeply personal love for each of us individually.”

A group of 17 young people and chaperones from St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte came with Dominican Sisters Zeny Mofada and Edeva Jover. “It’s good for our youth to have an encounter with Bishop Jugis himself,” Sister Zeny said. “Our youth who are preparing for confirmation, we ask them to write a letter to the bishop. I was reflecting that being here, they will realize the value of the bishop. That sacrament is very important.

Being with the bishop and being guided properly to the power of the Catholic faith, (the Eucharist) is important.”

Bernard Malloy, a junior at Christ the King High School in Huntersville, attended the youth pilgrimage for the sixth time. “I really enjoy the experience with Adoration, having reflection time with the priests. It’s a blast being with everyone,” he said.

Second-timer Nicole Sanchez, a ninthgrader from St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, added, “It’s nice to come here, to separate from most of the world. I like to learn more about my faith. It enlightens you, makes you feel better, gives you peace about your faith.”

sentido, “la mayor paga que uno puede tener como músico de iglesia es dar alabanza al Señor con la música que uno produce”.

ÚNETE

El Ministerio de Música se reúne para ensayar todos los miércoles a las 7:30 pm en el templo de la Iglesia San John Neumann, 8451 Idlewild Rd. Charlotte, NC 28227. Si desea integrarse, las inscripciones están permanentemente abiertas.

Para el director, los requisitos son un poquito de talento, ganas de trabajar y mucho compromiso ya que, especialmente en fiestas, hay que dedicar tiempo a las presentaciones, dejando de lado otros compromisos.

“No tengan miedo de ingresar a este Ministerio. La experiencia que me he llevado es única y maravillosa. Se las recomiendo”, finalizó.

RESURRECTION FROM PAGE 9

The risen Jesus offers us freedom from sin and death, he reiterated.

“One day we will also experience, then, the consequence of that freedom from sin, freedom from death: our own resurrection on the final day.”

Bishop Jugis welcomed three catechumens at the vigil Mass, giving them the sacraments of initiation – baptism, confirmation and Holy Communion.

During his homily, he explained the connection between baptism and the celebration of Easter.

“It is no accident that the Church likes to celebrate the sacrament of baptism during the Easter season, beginning with the Easter vigil,” he said.

“Of course, baptism is celebrated any time of the year. I was baptized on March 24, which was a Sunday in Lent, way back when,” he admitted with a smile.

But baptism at Eastertime is a special time “to begin a new life in the risen Christ,” he continued, because it “lets us see … the full meaning of Jesus’ resurrection.”

“Baptism joins us to the risen Christ. We begin to experience His own resurrected life within us as the risen Christ lives within us. We are washed of our sins, we are purified, and the divine life of Jesus Christ is imparted to our souls.”

That new life within the risen Christ “lasts forever,” he said. “That new and glorious life begins with us in baptism.”

And everyone at the Mass, not just the catechumens, receive a reminder of their baptism when they are sprinkled with holy water, he explained.

“We carry Christ’s victory over sin and death within us,” he said, “so there is no excuse to live as slaves to sin. Jesus is within you, the risen Savior lives within you.

“And if He can conquer death, He certainly can conquer anything that might be lurking in us.”

He concluded, “So with Easter joy, singing alleluia in our hearts, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, who says to each one of us now, ‘Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the earth.’”

Mix

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

Kopechne (Kate Mara), a former staffer for Kennedy’s assassinated brother Robert, who died in the mishap. The legislator’s bizarrely irresponsible behavior in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy is portrayed rather than explained by screenwriters Andrew Logan and Taylor Allen and director John Curran. But Clarke conveys with a quiet intensity the conflicted emotions and sense of isolation his character may have been experiencing as well as the toll his torturous relationship with his impossible-to-satisfy father, Joseph (Bruce Dern), may have exacted on him.

Kennedy cousin and family fixer Joe Gargan provides the film’s moral compass while former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara wears the black hat, leading a troupe of spin doctors who encourage Teddy to play fast and loose with the facts. Mature themes, about a half-dozen milder oaths, a couple of rough and several crude terms.

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

‘A Quiet Place’ ‘Chappaquiddick’ Somber but intriguing fact-based drama about the infamous 1969 car accident on the New England island of the title involving Sen. Edward M. (Ted) Kennedy (Jason Clarke) and Mary Jo

This compact, stylish horror film might be a parable about resisting tyranny.

Taken strictly on its surface, it’s a story about how strong, trusting family ties can overcome any obstacle, especially if the members of the clan in question (led by John Krasinski) are as technically adept as TV’s MacGyver. Krasinski’s character, his wife (Emily Blunt) and two surviving children (Millicent Simmonds and Noah

Jupe) initially evade and eventually battle the invading aliens, armed with incredibly acute hearing, who killed his youngest.

Gun and physical violence with fleeting gore.

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

‘Summer in the Forest’ This gentle documentary, provides a loving portrait of Canadian Jean Vanier and of L’Arche (the Ark), the network of communities he founded for the developmentally disabled and those who care for them. Through the stories of five residents, the film shows what a blessing L’Arche, with its commitment to the dignity of every human person, has been in the lives of many. Though moving and inspirational, the film is not without its shortcomings. Most significantly the director all but ignores Vanier’s status as an internationally known Catholic philosopher and prolific spiritual author whose work with L’Arche springs directly from his deep faith. One crude term.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: Not rated.

Other Movies: n ‘Blockers’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘The Miracle Season’: CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG n ‘God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness’: CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG

On TV n Saturday, April 14, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Pope John Paul I: The Smile of God.” Pope John Paul I’s peasant origins, his years as a student and parish priest, and his sunny personality are some of the features in this movie. He succeeded Paul VI in 1978, serving as supreme pontiff for only 33 days before his death. n Friday, April 20, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Pope Benedict XVI: Christ Above All.” Joanna Bogle and Clare Anderson reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as they travel around Rome. n Friday, April 20, 10:30 p.m. (EWTN) “They Might be Saints: Bishop Frederic Baraga.” An EWTN original documentary on “The Snow Shoe Priest,” Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga, his heroic mission across Michigan, and his cause for sainthood. n Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. (EWTN) “They Might be Saints: Bishop Frederic Baraga.” An EWTN original documentary on “The Snow Shoe Priest,” Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga, his heroic mission across Michigan, and his cause for sainthood. n Saturday, April 21, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Romero.” The true story of Archbishop Oscar Romero’s transformation from an apolitical, complacent priest to a committed leader of the Salvadoran people. n Sunday, April 22, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “The Papacy of Reason.” Interviews with Church leaders, Vatican experts, and prominent Catholic journalists on the principal teaching themes of the Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. n Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 a.m. (EWTN) “Celebrating the Spirit of St. Mary Euphrasia.” The pivotal events of St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, told through a monologue as if she is addressing her sisters, from discussing her efforts to spread St. John Eudes’ work and her founding of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.

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Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Atlantans remember native son with prayers, awarding of peace prizes ANDREW NELSON CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

ATLANTA — Churches around the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the United States solemnly rang bells 39 times April 4 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The tolling bells marked Rev. King’s 39 years of age when he was fatally shot in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.

Earlier in the day, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta joined with icons of the civil rights movement and other dignitaries at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta to mark the anniversary.

The King Center, led by CEO Bernice King, the daughter of the slain leader, awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize, its highest recognition. The award recipients were attorney Benjamin Ferencz, an investigator and prosecutor of Nazi war crimes following World War II, and attorney Bryan Stevenson, author of “Just Mercy” and the founder and director of Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama.

Upon receiving the award, Stevenson shared a message he attributed to Rev. King: “We have to stay hopeful even in the face of these difficulties. Hopelessness is the enemy of justice.”

Rev. King taught the community to stand when others sit and to be a voice for justice when others remain quiet, he said.

Archbishop Gregory gave the invocation at the awards luncheon, held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, the home church of Rev. King, born in Atlanta Jan. 15, 1929.

The archbishop said he believes Rev. King would be asking more of the country.

Rather than statues, roads and holidays

named in his honor, the archbishop said the civil rights leader instead would want the country to be courageous and tackle the issues he embraced.

“He would be humbled by this recognition, but disappointed his true legacy has yet to be achieved,” said Archbishop Gregory.

The country wrestles with “blatant racial injustice,” and the resort to violence, as the disparity between the rich and the poor “continues unabated in a land as richly blessed as ours,” he said.

“What would he have us do?” asked the archbishop. “He would have us take up the tasks that remain unfinished.

“His prophetic voice would challenge us all,” he continued, “to work more vigorously to rid our nation of violence, to be actively engaged in the political arena that so needs purification, to follow the lead of our young people who call for and demand responsible gun control, and to recognize the countless thousands of homeless and hungry people still living in the shadow of our opulence even in this blessed Atlanta community.

“These actions would be the legacy he would most desire in 2018, 50 years after his assassination.”

Catholics attending the event recalled with clear memories where they were when news of the assassination spread.

The archbishop was a junior at his college seminary doing service at a school.

When he and his classmates returned to their campus, he saw the fires from riots burning in Chicago some 40 miles away.

“It was just startling. I was just terribly disappointed. I remember thinking that did not have to happen,” he said.

In Washington, D.C., about 2,000 people gathered on the National Mall April 4 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the

The Rev. Jessie Jackson, Terri Lee Freeman and Father Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Parish in Chicago, place a wreath April 4 on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, now part of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn. Rev. King was shot and killed April 4, 1968, as he stood on the balcony of the motel in front of room 306 where he was staying.

CNS | KAREN PULFER FOCHT, EPA

assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and to commit themselves to fighting racism and discrimination.

The gathering – called the “A.C.T. to End Racism” Rally – was organized by the National Council of Churches and featured clergy from numerous faith traditions, including Catholics, Orthodox Christians, various Protestant denominations, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Zoroastrians and others.

“We have for too long lived under the scourge of racism in our society. To begin the process of healing our nation, we as Christians must join with people of all faiths in holding ourselves accountable

To honor Rev. King, work harder for justice, U.S. bishops urge CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino For Success in Examinations O humble St. Joseph of Cupertino, singularly favored by God in overcoming the difficulties of study and the worries of examinations, implore the Holy Spirit to enlighten my mind and strengthen my memory in the search of His truth and wisdom. Help me especially in the decisive moments of this examination, protecting me from that forgetfulness and disturbing anxiety which often affect me. May I succeed in offering God my finest work and may I grow in knowledge, understanding, humility and charity. May everything that I attempt to learn in life be offered in faithful service to God, from whom flows that wisdom which leads to eternal life. Amen St. Joseph of Cupertino pray for me, Our Lady of Good Studies pray for me, Holy Spirit enlighten me!

Remember, when you succeed in the exams then you should thank St. Joseph of Cupertino and help make known his powerful intercession among other students.

for our complicity, and commit to righting the wrongs,” said Jim Winkler, president of NCC. Besides the march in Washington, interfaith prayer services and Masses were also held in Baltimore, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, San Antonio and other cities.

In Memphis, Bishop Martin D. Holley, a former Washington auxiliary bishop who now heads that diocese, celebrated Mass in that city’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and then joined Catholic and other religious leaders in a march to the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum includes the Lorraine Motel where Rev. King was shot.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Fifty years after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, “we need to ask ourselves if we are doing all we can to build the culture of love, respect and peace to which the Gospel calls us,” the U.S. bishops’ Administrative Committee said March 28.

On April 4, 1968, James Earl Ray gunned down the civil rights leader as he stood on the balcony of his hotel room in Memphis, Tennessee. Rev. King, a Baptist minister, was 39.

In reflecting on Rev. King’s life and work, “what are we being asked to do for the sake of our brother or sister who still suffers under the weight of racism?” the committee said in a statement. “Where could God use our efforts to help change the hearts of those who harbor racist thoughts or engage in racist actions?”

This 50th anniversary “gives us an important moment to draw inspiration from the way in which Dr. King remained undeterred in his principle of nonviolent resistance, even in the face of years of ridicule, threats and violence for the cause of justice,” the committee said.

As the most prominent civil rights activist of his time, Rev. King fought for all races and against a system that promoted racism and racial divide. He is well-known for advocating nonviolence and civil

disobedience to bring about change. He was inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi.

In its statement, the Administrative Committee recalled that Rev. King went to Memphis to support underpaid and exploited African-American sanitation workers. “(He) arrived on a plane that was under a bomb threat. He felt God had called him to solidarity with his brothers and sisters in need,” the committee said. “In his final speech on the night before he died, Dr. King openly referenced the many threats against him, and made clear that he would love a long life. But more important to him, he said, was his desire to simply do the will of God.” “Our faith urges us to be courageous, to risk something of ourselves, in defending the dignity of our neighbor who is made in the image of God,” the committee continued. “Pope Francis reminds us often that we must never sit on the sidelines in the face of great evil or extreme need, even when danger surrounds us.”

Quoting Chapter 15, Verse 13, of St. John’s Gospel, the committee said: :No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

The best way to honor Rev. King “and preserve his legacy,” it added, is “by boldly asking God – today and always – to deepen our own commitment to follow His will wherever it leads in the cause of promoting justice.”

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief NCAA championship is a win-win for Catholic universities WASHINGTON, D.C. — This year’s NCAA basketball tournament was one for the books for Catholic universities. You might even say the ball was in their court. That’s because for the first time, Catholic university teams won both the men’s and women’s national championship games. The women’s team, the Fighting Irish from the University of Notre Dame, beat Mississippi State University on Easter 61-58, thanks to Arike Ogunbowale’s dramatic, threepoint shot with less than one second left on the clock. The next night, the Wildcats, the men’s team from Villanova University, beat the University of Michigan 79-62, winning their second national title in three years. And it wasn’t just the final matchups where Catholic colleges dominated. For the men’s teams, half of the No. 1 seeds in the 2018 tournament were Catholic teams, as were eight of the 64 teams in the bracket. And of course, the media darling during much of March Madness was 98-yearold Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the retired Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and chaplain of the Ramblers, the men’s basketball team from Loyola University Chicago.

U.S. Catholic leaders concerned by number of resettled refugees WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic leaders wrote to the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security March 26 expressing concern for the low number of refugees to be resettled this year in the United States. President Donald Trump has cut the number of refugees to be admitted into the U.S., from 110,000 in fiscal year 2017 – a bar set by former President Barack Obama – to 45,000 in fiscal year 2018, but even that number will not likely be met, according to resettlement agencies. In his letter, released March 27, Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, said: “We are deeply concerned about both the historically low target that the administration has set for refugee admissions for fiscal year 2018, as well as by the extraordinarily low number of refugees that the United States is on pace to resettle during the current fiscal year.” He said the current level of refugee arrivals “leaves thousands of vulnerable people in harm’s way and searching for protection.

Most often they are at-risk women and children who are too vulnerable to remain in the region and/or in situations too dangerous for them to wait in the host country until the conflict at home has ended.”

Catholic Benefits wins suit filed in 2014 against HHS mandate CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Catholic Benefits

Association and issued declaratory relief and a permanent injunction against a mandate requiring employers to provide coverage for contraception and abortifacients, even if they are opposed to such coverage on moral grounds.

U.S. District Court Judge David Russell’s ruling also eliminated $6.9 billion in fines that have accumulated against members of the association, based in Castle Rock. “This is the tremendous win,” CEO Douglas G. Wilson said in a March 28 statement. “The first freedom in the Bill of Rights is the First Amendment right to freedom of religion. The court has rightly ruled that employers should not be forced to violate their beliefs and cover morally problematic elective and often low-cost choices that individuals may wish to make.” The CBA represents more than 1,000 Catholic health care providers and was the largest single plaintiff challenging the mandate. It filed two federal lawsuits in 2014 on behalf of its members.

Russell ruled that his decision is permanent.

The court’s injunction binds not only the current administration but future administrations, protecting CBA members from any other regulation in the future that tries to use the “women’s preventive services mandate” to force CBA members to violate their conscience.

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Catholic leaders react to Trump’s plan to send troops to border WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic leaders in Texas criticized President Donald Trump’s April 4 announcement that he would be deploying National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.

I an April 5 tweet, San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller said Trump’s move was a “senseless action and a disgrace on the administration.” He also said the decision to send troops to the border demonstrated “repression, fear, a perception that everyone is an enemy, and a very clear message: We don’t care about anybody else. This is not the American spirit.”

The Diocese of El Paso’s Commission on Migration similarly criticized Trump’s decision, saying in an April 4 statement that the plan was “morally irresponsible and dangerously ineffective.” The statement, signed by Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso and co-chairs of the committee, Lily Limon and Dylan Corbett, called Trump’s action “a hurtful attack on migrants, our welcoming border culture and our shared values as Americans.”

The next day, Bishop Seitz in his own statement said it was a “rash and ill-informed action” and asked the president to reconsider. During their administrations, Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush also sent troops to the border for one- to two-year periods.

23

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Knights give more than $1M to Iraqi, Syrian Christians NEW HAVEN, Conn. — As part of its ongoing support of persecuted Christians in the Middle East, the Knights of Columbus committed more than $1 million to Iraqi and Syrian Christians for Easter. Announced during Holy Week, the support includes $800,000 in new financial assistance and $250,000 as part of its ongoing commitment to rebuilding an Iraqi Christian town. The funds will help with food, clothing, shelter and education for Christians targeted by Islamic State militants.

— Catholic News Service

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Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Quotes from pope’s exhortation on holiness “I like to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God’s people: in those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile.”

“Holiness is the most attractive face of the Church.”

“The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path, that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has placed in their hearts, rather than hopelessly trying to imitate something not meant for them.”

“In times when women tended to be most ignored or overlooked, the Holy Spirit raised up saints whose attractiveness produced new spiritual vigor and important reforms in the Church.”

“We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case.”

“We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.”

“This holiness to which the Lord calls you will grow through small gestures.”

“Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy.”

“Thanks be to God, throughout the history of the Church it has always been clear that a person’s perfection is measured not by the information or knowledge they possess, but by the depth of their charity.”

“Giving and forgiving means reproducing in our lives some small measure of God’s perfection, which gives and forgives superabundantly.”

“We need to think of ourselves as an army of the forgiven. All of us have been looked upon with divine compassion.”

“The saints are not odd and aloof, unbearable because of their vanity, negativity and bitterness. The Apostles of Christ were not like that.”

“In this call to recognize Him in the poor and the suffering, we see revealed the very heart of Christ, His deepest feelings and choices, which every saint seeks to imitate.”

“It is true that the primacy belongs to our relationship with God, but we cannot forget that the ultimate criterion on which our lives will be judged is what we have done for others.”

“The saints do not waste energy complaining about the failings of others; they can hold their tongue before the faults of their brothers and sisters and avoid the verbal violence that demeans and mistreats others.”

“Christian joy is usually accompanied by a sense of humor.”

“The saints surprise us, they confound us, because by their lives they urge us to abandon a dull and dreary mediocrity.”

“I do not believe in holiness without prayer, even though that prayer need not be lengthy or involve intense emotions.”

“We should not think of the devil as a myth, a representation, a symbol, a figure of speech or an idea. This mistake would lead us to let down our guard, to grow careless and end up more vulnerable.”

“Discernment is not about discovering what more we can get out of this life, but about recognizing how we can better accomplish the mission entrusted to us at our baptism.”

— Catholic News Service

‘GAUDETE ET EXSULTATE’

Holiness means being loving, not boring, pope says Pope Francis kisses the foot of an inmate during Holy Thursday Mass March 29 at Regina Coeli prison in Rome.

“Christian wisdom can never be separated from mercy toward our neighbor,” the pope wrote in his apostolic exhortation, “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”), released April 9.

CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — God calls all Christians to be saints – not plastic statues of saints, but real people who make time for prayer and who show loving care for others in the simplest gestures, Pope Francis said in his new document on holiness.

“Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy,” the pope wrote in “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”), his apostolic exhortation on “the call to holiness in today’s world.”

Pope Francis signed the exhortation March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, and the Vatican released it April 9.

Much of the document was written in the second person, speaking directly to the individual reading it. “With this exhortation I would like to insist primarily on the call to holiness that the Lord addresses to each of us, the call that He also addresses, personally, to you,” he wrote near the beginning.

Saying he was not writing a theological treatise on holiness, Pope Francis focused mainly on how the call to holiness is a personal call, something God asks of each Christian and which requires a personal response given one’s state in life, talents and circumstances.

“We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer,” he wrote. But “that is not the case.”

“We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves,” he said.

He wrote about “the saints next door” and said he likes “to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God’s people: in those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile.”

Pope Francis also noted the challenges to holiness, writing at length and explicitly about the devil just two weeks after an uproar caused by an elderly Italian journalist who claimed the pope told him he did not believe in the existence of hell.

“We should not think of the devil as a myth, a representation, a symbol, a figure of speech or an idea,” the pope wrote in his exhortation. “This mistake would lead us to let down our guard, to grow careless and end up more vulnerable” to the devil’s temptations.

“The devil does not need to possess us. He poisons us with the venom of hatred, desolation, envy and vice,” he wrote. “When we let down our guard, he takes advantage of it to destroy our lives, our families and our communities.”

The path to holiness, he wrote, is almost always gradual, made up of small steps in prayer, in sacrifice and in service to others.

Being part of a parish community and receiving the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and reconciliation, are essential supports for living a holy life, the pope wrote. And so is finding time for silent prayer. “I do not believe in holiness without prayer,” he said, “even though that prayer need not be lengthy or involve intense emotion.”

“The holiness to which the Lord calls you will grow through small gestures,” he said, before citing the example of a woman who refuses to gossip with a neighbor, returns home and listens patiently to her child even though she is tired, prays the rosary and later meets a poor person and offers him a kind word.

The title of the document was taken from Matthew 5:12 when Jesus says “rejoice and be glad” to those who are persecuted or humiliated for His sake.

The line concludes the Beatitudes, in which, Pope Francis said, “Jesus explained with great simplicity what it means to be holy”: living simply, putting God first, trusting Him and not earthly wealth or power, being humble, mourning with and consoling others, being merciful and forgiving, working for justice and seeking peace with all.

The example of the saints officially recognized by the Church can be helpful, he said, but no one else’s path can be duplicated exactly.

Each person, he said, needs “to embrace that unique plan that God willed for each of us from eternity.”

The exhortation ends with a section on “discernment,” which is a gift to be requested of the Holy Spirit and developed through

CNS | VATICAN MEDIA

prayer, reflection, reading Scripture and seeking counsel from a trusted spiritual guide.

“A sincere daily ‘examination of conscience’” will help, he said, because holiness involves striving each day for “all that is great, better and more beautiful, while at the same time being concerned for the little things, for each day’s responsibilities and commitments.”

Pope Francis also included a list of cautions. For example, he said holiness involves finding balance in prayer time, time spent enjoying others’ company and time dedicated to serving others in ways large or small. And, “needless to say, anything done out of anxiety, pride or the need to impress others will not lead to holiness.”

Being holy is not easy, he said, but if the attempt makes a person judgmental, always frustrated and surly, something is not right.

“The saints are not odd and aloof, unbearable because of their vanity, negativity and bitterness,” he said. “The apostles of Christ were not like that.”

In fact, the pope said, “Christian joy is usually accompanied by a sense of humor.”

The exhortation included many of Pope Francis’ familiar refrains about attitudes that destroy the Christian community, like gossip, or that proclaim themselves to be Christian, but are really forms of pride, like knowing all the rules and being quick to judge others for not following them.

Holiness “is not about swooning in mystic rapture,” he wrote, but it is about recognizing and serving the Lord in the hungry, the stranger, the naked, the poor and the sick.

Holiness is holistic, he said, and while each person has a special mission, no one should claim that their particular call or path is the only worthy one.

“Our defense of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred,” the pope wrote. “Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia....”

And, he said, one cannot claim that defending the life of a migrant is a “secondary issue” when compared to abortion or other bioethical questions.

“That a politician looking for votes might say such a thing is understandable, but not a Christian,” he said.

Pope Francis’ exhortation also included warnings about a clear lack of holiness demonstrated by some Catholics on Twitter or other social media, especially when commenting anonymously.

“It is striking at times,” he said, that “in claiming to uphold the other commandments, they completely ignore the eighth, which forbids bearing false witness or lying.”

Saints, on the other hand, “do not waste energy complaining about the failings of others; they can hold their tongue before the faults of their brothers and sisters, and avoid the verbal violence that demeans and mistreats others.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read the complete text of ‘Gaudete et Exsultate’ in English and Spanish

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief

6 – the first such elections since 2009 – would “bring responsible and conscious statesmen.”

Of Lebanon’s existing population of nearly 4 million, approximately 40 percent are Christian.

Under the country’s power-sharing system, Lebanon’s president is a Maronite Catholic, its prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament a Shiite Muslim.

Pope Francis: Easter shows the power of love, which renews the world

Priest in Congo shot dead; kidnapped priest released, unharmed

VATICAN CITY — Easter makes it clear that in the life of Jesus, but also in the lives of modern men and women, “death, solitude and fear” do not have the last word, Pope Francis said before giving his Easter blessing. “The words heard by the women at the tomb are also addressed to us: ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen,’” the pope said as he prepared April 1 to give his Easter blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).

“By the power of God’s love,” Jesus’ victory over death “dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen and joy to mourners, drives out hatred, fosters concord and brings down the mighty,” the pope said, quoting the formal Easter proclamation. Standing on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after having celebrated a morning Mass in the square, Pope Francis focused on how Jesus foretold His death and resurrection using the image of the grain of wheat, which bears no fruit unless it is put into the ground. “This is precisely what happened: Jesus, the grain of wheat sowed by God in the furrows of the earth, died, killed by the sin of the world,” the pope said. “He remained two days in the tomb; but His death contained God’s love in all its power, released and made manifest on the third day, the day we celebrate today: the Easter of Christ the Lord.”

ARU, Congo — A Catholic priest was shot dead in Congo shortly after celebrating Mass.

U.N. radio in Congo reported April 9 that Father Etienne Nsengiunva, a priest in Kitchanga, was shot at point-blank range April 8. Father Emmanuel Kapitula, vicar of the parish in Kitchanga, said an armed man entered the room where Father Nsengiunva was eating with parishioners. “An armed man entered his house, pointed a gun at him and shot several times, killing him instantly. Those who were sharing the meal ... could not believe it,” said Father Kapitula. Father Kapitula has asked the government to protect the people. “We demand that investigations be done, that culprits be punished,” he added. The murder occurred three days after Father Celestin Ngango of St. Paul Karambi Parish, abducted on Easter, was found, unharmed, by villagers.

Pope’s Easter appeals for peace include prayers for Syria, Gaza VATICAN CITY — In his Easter appeal for peace throughout the world, Pope Francis made special mention of the ongoing “carnage” in Syria and the recent violence along Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip, violence the pope said had not spared “the defenseless.”

Before giving his formal Easter blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) April 1, the pope prayed Easter would bring “fruits of reconciliation,” hope, dialogue, peace, consolation, new life and wisdom to the world’s trouble spots and to troubling situations, like the current migration and refugee crisis.

After 15 Palestinians were killed March 30 during protests along the Gaza border with Israel, Pope Francis begged God for the “fruits of reconciliation for the Holy Land, also experiencing in these days the wounds of ongoing conflict that do not spare the defenseless.” He also prayed for Yemen and the entire Middle East, “so that dialogue and mutual respect may prevail over division and violence.”

Mideast Catholic patriarchs evoke Resurrection hope in Easter messages BEIRUT — In Easter messages, Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East evoked the hope of the Resurrection. “Today’s world needs the resurrection of hearts,” said Lebanese Cardinal Bechara Rai, patriarch of Maronite Catholics. He called for a rekindling of love and compassion. Cardinal Rai prayed for the displaced and the abducted to return to their homelands and for wars to end in Syria, Iraq, the Palestinian territories and Yemen, consolidating “a just, comprehensive and lasting peace” in the region. He also warned that Lebanon’s difficult economic, social and living conditions threatened to destabilize the country’s internal steadiness. He said he hoped Lebanon’s parliamentary elections May

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Sweden’s Lutherans to allow Catholic Masses in Lund cathedral LUND, Sweden — For the first time in 500 years, Lutherans in Sweden are welcoming Catholics to celebrate Masses in Lund cathedral.

The historic cathedral, formerly the site of bitter religious feuding, has become a site of interfaith friendship since Pope Francis held a service there in 2016. The agreement to allow Catholic Masses to be celebrated in the cathedral was announced in early April to accommodate the growing parish of St. Thomas Aquinas in Lund, which will be undergoing building renovations. Catholic services will be held there beginning in October until the renovations are complete. “People are very excited,” said Dominican Father Johan Linden, pastor of St. Thomas Parish. “As I and my Lutheran counterparts have stressed, this is not merely a practical solution but a fruit of the Holy Father’s visit and the joint document ‘From Conflict to Communion.’” The Catholic Diocese of Stockholm credits the church sharing to Pope Francis’ visit, saying the pope has had a direct impact in improving Christian relationships in Sweden.

Vatican: Claim that pope denied hell’s existence is unreliable VATICAN CITY — The Vatican said comments attributed to Pope Francis denying the existence of hell are a product of an Italian journalist’s “reconstruction” of the pope’s remarks and not a faithful transcript of the pope’s real words.

Eugenio Scalfari, a co-founder and former editor of La Repubblica, an Italian daily, said Pope Francis – with whom he has had several telephone conversations and face-to-face meetings – invited him to his residence March 27.

During their conversation, Scalfari, 93, an avowed atheist, claims the pope said that while the souls of repentant sinners “receive the forgiveness of God and go among the line of souls who contemplate Him, the souls of those who are unrepentant, and thus cannot be forgiven, disappear. Hell does not exist, the disappearance of sinful souls exists,” Scalfari claims the pope said in the interview published March 29. The Italian journalist has explained on more than one occasion that he does not take notes or record his conversations with the pope; he re-creates them afterward from memory, including the material he puts in quotation marks.

— Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bobby Speers

Counting sheep

I

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MARYANN LUEDTKE

(Above) People enter St. Pius X Church in Greensboro for the Easter Vigil Mass, carrying candles signifying the Light of Christ.

(Right) Olive Page was one of three people baptized by Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor, during the Easter Vigil Mass.

The Easter Vigil Mass

Ryan Murray

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A holy moment worth experiencing

ark. Confusing. Lots of questions, not so many answers.

Perhaps very similar to how the disciples felt all those years ago.

Then, from a great fire, a single candle is lit and from the candle – that one guiding light – all the other candles receive their flame. Those flames then follow the one guiding light into the church as the truth, much like how the disciples followed the Truth in their own time.

Thus begins the Easter Vigil, our most holy night of the liturgical year.

As a Catholic, I highly recommend attending an Easter Vigil Mass during your lifetime. Yes, the Mass is longer; yes, it is at night; and yes, you will probably be tired when you return home.

What I will promise you, however, is that after experiencing an Easter Vigil Mass, your heart will be full of joy, love, wonder and awe. If you have already experienced an Easter Vigil Mass, you know what I’m talking about. If you have yet to experience one, put it on your calendar for next year. It will be something you will not regret.

This year, my family and I attended the Easter Vigil Mass at our parish, St. Pius X Church in Greensboro. At the beginning of the liturgy, we heard a variety of readings that reminded us of the creation, providence and love that God has for us, with only our candles lighting the church. For the first time since before Lent, we sang the Gloria as the church lights came on and all candles throughout the church were lit.

It was a moving moment, to say the least.

After the homily, we had the privilege of witnessing three of God’s children get baptized – Grant Holmes, Alta Potter and Olive Page. Having those three people – a man, a woman and a child – baptized on this night was more than symbolic. It was an example of His full representation of love as well as His perfect plan.

In total, 19 people were welcomed into our faith this year at St. Pius X Parish, including the father of the infant who was baptized. Watching them all receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for the first time, while praying for each of them as a family of faith, is truly seeing first-hand His Kingdom being built on Earth.

If you’ve never been to an Easter Vigil Mass, I urge you again to attend one next year. If it’s been a while since you’ve attended one, consider experiencing it once more. The beauty of this is that it happens every year, at every Catholic church in the world. The churches may be different, certainly, but the wonder of this holy moment remains the same – much like it did with the disciples so many years ago.

Follow the truth and let His light guide us. For He is risen, alleluia, alleluia!

RYAN MURRAY is a member of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro and lives in Greensboro with his wife Janel and two sons, Emerson and Brayden. Email him with any thoughts at murrayrj18@hotmail.com.

feel sorry for the priests who look out from the ambo and see glazed eyes, yawns or people thumping their watches, while they are trying to offer words of spiritual direction, growth and renewal. They can’t shepherd the flock if the flock is counting sheep! These same people will “bah,” complaining that “Mass is boring.” The next week, they return only because Mass is a mindless habit.

If we don’t actively participate at Mass, the devil can sneak in and create boredom.

Be honest: Have you ever been bored at Mass? I certainly have. Let’s face it, it’s easy to become distracted. After all, we’re only human.

I have entered the church for Mass upset, life getting me down, just not feeling the best emotionally or physically. But when I left, I felt totally re-energized, ready to go for another week. Maybe it was a hymn I sang.

Maybe it was something I heard during the readings or the Gospel message that the priest explained. But most importantly and profoundly, it was receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, the source and summit of my Catholic faith.

So what connects us to the Mass? It’s the active participation of our bodies, minds and spirits.

Without active participation at Mass, we will wither up and spiritually die because Satan will convince us that we’re bored. He tells us: Wouldn’t it be nice to beat the church crowd and go shopping, go play golf, watch the ballgame? It’s the weekend, and you deserve a nap, he insinuates. Satan is cunning, creeping in as soon as our eyes move away from the crucifix and towards ourselves.

Yes, we can point fingers at the weaksounding choir, the lackluster lectors, the slow ushers, the indifferent altar servers, the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who don’t smile, the greeters who ignore us, the long-winded priests. We can complain that the pope is too liberal, the saints are too pious, the church doesn’t have enough artwork or statues. It’s too hot or too cold, a baby is crying, that young woman is wearing a skirt that’s too short, why is that guy chewing gum?

But the truth is, we are the ones to blame.

Our attention has become focused on us and not on Jesus Christ.

Boredom is spiritual cancer and it will destroy your precious faith. If you’re bored, it’s time to go to the Divine Physician, Jesus!

Meet Him at reconciliation, in prayer, and at the altar in the Eucharist.

We should count ourselves blessed to have the opportunity to go to Mass and receive the healing grace of our Savior. We have nothing stopping us – except us.

During this Easter season, try going to Mass more than once a week and fall in love with Jesus all over again. Don’t count sheep. “Ewe” are special!

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

April 13, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Parish spotlight

Father Steve Grunow

Easter: The significance of Sunday morning

S

he hears, upon that water without a sound, a voice that cries, ‘The tomb in Palestine is not the porch of spirits lingering. It is the grave of Jesus where he lay...’”

Somber words. One should say, inappropriate words for Easter Sunday.

They come from the American poet Wallace Stevens, an excerpt from his poem “Sunday Morning.” The poem is about a loss and lack of faith in the meaning of not only Easter, but every Sunday since then – for Sunday is enshrined with significance, not because it is a casual day of leisure, but because it is the day when Christ rose from the dead.

In Wallace Stevens’ poem, faith in what the event of Christ’s resurrection accomplished in history has been lost.

The modern mind is content with the distractions of the news of the day, willing to accept that the frame of reference for life’s meaning is limited to the cycles of nature, and is consoled by the promises of middle class prosperity. Sunday is a day to sleep in, or if rising early, to quietly sip one’s coffee and enjoy a pastry or two. One can expect nothing more.

This malady is the bracketing or refusal to acknowledge a supernatural reality.

Experience is limited by a narrow sense of what is possible. Nature or the material is all that there is and all that really matters.

Thus, Sunday is emptied of its supernatural significance. We cannot, the modern mind believes, gather each Sunday to worship a God who has acted in the world, a God who has acted to raise Christ from the dead – for who really believes that such a God is possible?

The “god” preferred by many is not an actor in human history. He absented himself from that task when He set in motion time and space and has been silent and indifferent ever since. This is what the elites of the modern world would have us believe. An act of faith in faithlessness is what is demanded from the denizens of a polite and sophisticated society. Therefore, the practices of a traditional Sunday, which has worship of a God who acts in human affairs and places Christ’s resurrection at the center of history, is recognized only as a quaint archaism. For the modern, not even God is credited as caring about such things as worship. And Jesus? It is reasoned that He came to abolish such reverence by driving a wedge between himself and religion.

This is the faith of the Church’s cultured despisers. Such faith is also the subject of Stevens’ poem. It is a faith that constricts what is possible, and therefore, when it hears the news of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, it cannot believe. It meets the proclamation of Easter with doubt – doubt that becomes skepticism, that becomes a scoff, and that rests finally in indifference.

The deconstruction of Christian faith continues to be one of the premier cultural products of our time. The faith of those for whom Sunday is the Lord’s day, the day Christ conquered the power of death, has become a startling contrast to those who cannot bring themselves to believe or to care.

Faith in the resurrection of Christ has now, at this precise cultural moment, become what it was at the beginning of its proclamation on that first day of Easter.

That Jesus Christ rose from the dead is not something that everyone just assumes to be true. Instead, such faith is a radical witness of otherness from society’s norms.

The Christian insists that not only does God act in the world, but He acted in a distinct person, in a particular way, and at a specific point in time. God raised Jesus Christ from the dead and, in doing so, expanded forever our possibilities beyond the natural and the material – beyond what we thought was possible for God or for ourselves.

The pagans and Jews of the first century would have been as comfortable with the resurrection as a symbol and metaphor as modern culture would be. But the apostles insisted that it was not a symbol or a metaphor and that what they saw on that Sunday after Christ’s crucifixion was Him – and that they saw Him not only alive but transformed. Christ came to them in the flesh – in a flesh that had been changed, elevated, transformed. As a result of seeing Him in the flesh, they, too, had been changed and changed forever.

How could this be?

The only explanation was the one closest to their experience. The explanation was that despite their earlier doubts, the Lord Jesus was actually who He had claimed to be. It was all true and really happened.

He is the Christ. He is the Messiah. And if that identity is the source of the truth of Christ’s resurrection from dead, the limitations that constrain us to think that this world is all that there is are expanded into possibilities that do not permit us to rest in what is merely material.

If Christ is risen from the dead, we do not merely come to the grief of a grave, but are given something greater than what our narrow minds conceive to be possible.

Death is not the end.

If Christ is raised, this world is directed by a meaning and purpose that exceeds the power of death. Not only does Sunday morning have meaning, but every day has meaning.

Wallace Stevens is not the only American poet who crafted words in response to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

The late John Updike left his impressions of the event in a poem called “Seven Stanzas at Easter.” They are, I think, the best last word to modern culture on what Christians believe to be the significance of today – the day when we discovered, to our utmost surprise, that whatever we thought was possible would never be enough, when viewed in the light of Easter morning. Updike muses: “Let us not seek to make it less monstrous, for our own convenience, our own sense of beauty.

Lest awakened in one unthinkable hour, we are embarrassed by the miracle...Let us not mock God with metaphor, analogy, sidestepping transcendence, making of the event a parable, a sign painted in the faded credulity of earlier ages: let us walk through the door...”

That door we are invited to walk through is not a passage to Jesus’ tomb, but to the place of His resurrection. Here we gaze in wonder at what actually is the “porch of spirits lingering,” the place of new possibilities which God Himself reveals to be true.

FATHER STEVE GRUNOW is the CEO of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.

PAUL DOIZÉ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Blood drive held KERNERSVILLE — Parishioners at Holy Cross Church volunteered with a smile to go “under the needle” March 11 and give blood to benefit the American Red Cross. Many people, including Ed Beiles (pictured above), turned out and donated 56 pints of blood that day, exceeding the parish’s goal, organizer Melanie Feeney-Lewis said. The eighth annual blood drive was sponsored by Holy Cross Parish Care.

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catholicnewsherald.com | April 13, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity.

Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” — St. John Paul II

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