May 25, 2018

May 25, 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

St. Thérèse parishioner commits $2.3M endowment to Catholic students 5

ESPAÑOL ‘Soñadoras’ latinas se gradúan con altos honores 16

Pope Francis says on Pentecost:

The Holy Spirit changes hearts

24

INDEX

Contact us....................................4 Español...................................... 16-18 Events calendar...........................4 Our Faith.......................................2 Our Parishes........................... 3-12 Schools........................................19 Scripture readings......................2 TV & Movies................................20 U.S. news...............................22-23 Viewpoints............................26-27 World news........................... 24-25

Subscribe today! Call:

704-370-3333

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

Dolan to Wake Forest grads: Give thanks and pray

Celebrating the sacraments

3

7-9

St. Peter parishioner’s aunt makes hosts for her first Holy Communion

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Boniface, ‘apostle to the Germans’ Feast day: June 5

Pope Francis

Confirmation gives Catholics strength to be led by God

E

veryone who has received the sacrament of confirmation has received the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides them and gives them the strength to follow God’s will, Pope Francis said.

“Every one of us has the Spirit within us. The Spirit is in our heart, our soul,” the pope said May 22 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

Having concluded a series of audience talks about the sacrament of baptism, and having celebrated Pentecost May 20, the pope began a new series of talks on the sacrament of confirmation.

The apostles received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and they – like their successors, the world’s bishops – were granted the power to invoke the Holy Spirit upon those who have been baptized.

Jesus gave His disciples a truly great mission – to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, the pope said.

“These are images that make us think about our behavior because both the lack of and any excess of salt makes food revolting, just as a lack of and too much light hinder sight,” he said.

The only one who can guarantee each person has been given just the right amount of salt and light is Christ’s Spirit, who makes sure His disciples are “the salt that gives flavor and protects against decay and the light that illuminates the world,” the pope said.

“The Spirit guides us in life so that we become the right salt and the right light for humanity,” he said.

After one is reborn to divine life in baptism, he said, the next step is to live like true children of God, conforming oneself to Christ and sharing in the mission of the Church.

The sacrament of confirmation, he said, is about confirming the grace of baptism and anointing people with the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Christ in the world.

“How do we see if we have received the gift of the Spirit?” the pope asked.

“If we fulfill the works of the Spirit, if we speak with words taught by the Spirit.”

“Christian witness consists of doing only and everything that the Spirit of Christ asks us while granting us the strength to do it,” he said.

After his main audience talk, the pope greeted Ukrainians who took part in the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes May 17-22.

“I constantly pray the Lord may heal the wounds inflicted by war and grant His peace to beloved Ukraine,” he said.

St. Boniface was very bold in his faith, and he was well known for being very good at using the local customs and culture of the day to bring people to Christ.

St. Boniface was born as Wynfrid – also written as Wynfrith, sometime around the year 675 in Wessex (present-day Devon), England. Overcoming the initial disapproval of his Anglo-Saxon family, he was able to pursue a career in the Church. He was educated at Benedictine monasteries (first Exeter, then Nursling), and became an ordained priest at the approximate age of 30.

Instead of remaining in England, Wynfrid decided to became a missionary. In 716, he traveled to Frisia (now part of The Netherlands), following in the footsteps of other Anglo-Saxon missionaries. However, he found the local ruler unwelcoming and soon left the area.

After his return to England, Wynfrid was chosen to be the abbot of his monastery.

Still wishing to evangelize, he turned down the position and proceeded to Rome in 718.

There, he met with Pope Gregory II, who gave him the name Boniface.

On May 15, 719, the pope sanctioned Boniface’s desire to spread the Gospel.

Boniface once again visited Frisia, where the political climate had changed. This allowed him to gain valuable experience as a missionary, which he then put to use in Hesse.

In 722, Boniface was made a bishop.

He soon received the protection of Charles Martel, the Carolingian ruler of the Franks. His path made easier by this protection, Boniface returned to missionary work.

One story about St. Boniface tells about when he met a tribe in Saxony that was worshiping a Norse deity (Thor, the god of thunder) in the form of a huge oak tree.

Boniface walked up to the tree, removed his shirt, took an ax, and without a word, chopped it down. Then he stood on the trunk, and asked: “How stands your mighty god? My God is stronger than he.”

Conversions followed when its worshipers saw that Boniface was not immediately punished for his actions.

Boniface focused on Thuringia (part of present-day Germany) from 725 to 735. He received the pallium in 732, which made him an archbishop and gave him the ability “to consecrate bishops wherever the faithful have increased.”

As his proselytizing took effect, Boniface

also did his best to stem any heresies he encountered. He applied the same zeal to his next task, that of organizing the Church in Bavaria.

After their father’s death, Boniface coordinated with Carloman and Pepin, Martel’s sons, over Church reforms. This resulted in Frankish clergy growing closer to Rome. Boniface, whom Pope Zachary had named the archbishop of Mainz, also may have crowned Pepin III as king in 751. Whether or not Boniface oversaw the coronation, he had laid the groundwork for papal authority to influence religious and

political development in a large swath of Europe in the coming years.

After returning to missionary work, he was martyred on June 5, 754, while on mission in Holland, where a group of pagans attacked and killed him and his 52 companions. His body was taken to the monastery at Fulda, which he had founded in 744.

St. Boniface, deemed the “apostle to the Germans,” is regarded as the patron saint of brewers and tailors, as well as of Germany.

— Biography.com, Catholic News Agency

Your daily Scripture readings MAY 27- JUNE 2

Sunday (The Most Trinity): Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40, Romans 8:14-17, Matthew 28:16-20; Monday: 1 Peter 1:3-9, Mark 10:1727; Tuesday: 1 Peter 1:10-16, Mark 10:28-31; Wednesday: 1 Peter 1:18-25, Mark 10:32-45; Thursday (The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 1:39-56; Friday (St. Justin): 1 Peter 4:713, Mark 11:11-26; Saturday (Sts. Marcellinus and Peter): Jude 17, 20-25, Mark 11:27-33

JUNE 3-9

Sunday (The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ): Exodus: 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26; Monday: 2 Peter 1:2-7, Mark 12:1-12; Tuesday (St. Boniface): 2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18, Mark 12:13-17; Wednesday (St. Norbert): 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12, Mark 12:18-27; Thursday: 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Mark 12:28-34; Friday (Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus): Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9, Isaac 12:2-6, Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19, John 19:31-37; Saturday (Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary): 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Luke 2:41-51

JUNE 10-16

Sunday: Geneses 3:9-15, 2 Corinthians 4:13— 5:1, Mark 3:20-35; Monday (St. Barnabas): Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12; Tuesday: 1 Kings 17:7-16, Matthew 5:13-16; Wednesday (St. Anthony of Padua): 1 Kings 18:20-39, Matthew 5:17-19; Thursday: 1 Kings 18:41-46, Matthew 5:20-26; Friday: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16, Matthew 5:27-32; Saturday: 1 Kings 19:19-21, Matthew 5:33-37

Our parishes

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

3

Dolan to Wake Forest grads: Give thanks and pray PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

WINSTON-SALEM — Be grateful and pray often.

That was the advice to 2018 graduates of Wake Forest University from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who was in Winston-Salem May 20 to deliver the baccalaureate sermon and celebrate Mass.

What does it mean to be grateful?

Cardinal Dolan explained, “Gratitude is precisely that virtue that draws us out of ourselves. Towards what? Towards God.” Dr. Nathan Hatch, president of Wake Forest University, welcomed Cardinal Dolan, whom he has known for years through their shared ties with the University of Notre Dame. The son of a Presbyterian minister, Hatch was the first Protestant to serve as Notre Dame’s provost, its second highest-ranking position.

Though Wake Forest is now a private, independent university, it was founded by Baptist church leaders and continues to celebrate its Christian heritage. Twentyfive percent of Wake Forest students identify as Catholic.

Wait Chapel was filled nearly to capacity for the baccalaureate on Pentecost Sunday, where Dolan was also presented with an honorary degree.

“With his engaging demeanor, with his preference for conversation over confrontation, and his optimistic and cleareyed vision for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Dolan has helped ignite a new passion in America’s Catholic population, especially among its youth,” Hatch noted in his presentation, also commending the cardinal’s “exceptional ability to handle contentious issues with clarity and grace” and “his work in encouraging dialogue and finding common ground and unity.”

In between quoting Dante, St. Augustine, Shakespeare and John F. Kennedy, Cardinal Dolan peppered his baccalaureate sermon with his usual self-deprecating humor. He thanked Wake Forest for the honorary degree, which was, he said, “especially appreciated by one who’s just

First Baccalaureate Mass celebrated CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis celebrated the first Baccalaureate Mass for St. Joseph College Seminary May 13 at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. Seminarians Aaron Huber and Harry Ohlhaut are the first two college seminarians to graduate from Belmont Abbey College. They will begin formal studies towards priestly formation at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary at the Athenaeum in Cincinnati, Ohio, this fall. Also pictured are the college seminary’s rector, Father Matthew Kauth; Father Matthew Buettner; Belmont Abbey College’s president, Dr. William Thierfelder; and Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari.

BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE AND SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

paid off tuition for my earned degree of 33 years ago.”

“I relish commencement ceremonies like this,” he said, glancing at Hatch and faculty leaders seated behind him on the stage, clad in their academic regalia. “For one, I’m not the only one on campus in a medieval costume.”

During his baccalaureate address, Cardinal Dolan encouraged the 2018 graduates to cultivate the habit of gratitude – to their parents and everyone who has helped them along the way, but most of all to God. “We graduates have been the recipients of lavish gifts, mostly unmerited, and that we could not have gotten here by ourselves,” he emphasized.

Gratitude enables people to reach outside of themselves and act selflessly, he said.

Education can help draw people out of themselves, away from selfishness, and towards the expression of gratitude.

“A classical goal of a liberal arts education, for which Wake Forest is renowned, is that we are liberated from a life sentence of self-absorption,” he said.

“That we would gather here in this venerable chapel, on a campus of a celebrated institution of higher learning founded by those with very deep Christian roots, at a beautiful service including readings from the Holy Bible, hymns, prayers and benediction, that all makes this sentiment of gratitude particularly fitting.”

In his homily at Mass later that day in the Sutton Center, Cardinal Dolan reflected on the actions of the apostles in the Upper Room at Pentecost – and how what they did should be a model today for people, especially the 2018 graduates.

“What did they do when Jesus left them and returned to His heavenly Father?

They prayed. They were scared, they were confused, they were frustrated, they were discouraged, and they knew that the Master had taught them that, boy oh boy, when you are at a critical moment in your life there’s nothing more effective that you can do than pray.”

Cardinal Dolan encouraged people to

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York gives a blessing to Catholic graduates after Mass at Wake Forest University May 20.

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

pray just as the Apostles did – patiently waiting to do God’s will, remaining active in the Church, and invoking the help of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“This is a day of intense prayer,” he concluded. “How fitting, Wake Forest University, that you began this joyful commencement weekend with a baccalaureate, which is a program of prayer. How fitting that you, our Catholic family, would come together for the prayer of the Mass, and how fitting that we renew that at this conclusion of this intense time of prayer at Pentecost.”

Father Marcel Amadi, campus minister at Wake Forest University, thanked Cardinal Dolan, the graduating students, and all those who helped to organize and support the day’s events, including St. Leo the Great, Our Lady of Mercy and Holy Family parishes (particularly Knights of Columbus Assembly 2282, and Councils 10504, 9499 and 2829) and the diocesan Campus Ministry program.

Elizabeth Orr, Wake Forest’s director of Catholic programming, said students were inspired by Cardinal Dolan’s visit to

campus. The 2018 Catholic graduates received a special blessing from the cardinal and Father Amadi at the end of Mass.

John Scott Galle, a 2018 graduate who read a prayer at the baccalaureate and served as a lector at the Mass, called the day’s events and Cardinal Dolan’s visit “an extraordinary honor and such a blessing.”

Galle said the campus ministry program has really come a long way since he first arrived and attended events and Mass in the basement of a campus dormitory building. The campus ministry now has its own space and a strong core of leaders under the direction of Father Amadi, and welcoming Cardinal Dolan – the first cardinal to visit Wake Forest University since Cardinal Francis Arinze in 1999 – is a sign of God’s grace at work.

“At the end of the day, it’s a great reminder that what we do is for the glory of God and His Son Jesus Christ,” Galle said.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See videos and more photos of the May 20 baccalaureate and Mass at Wake Forest University

Belmont Abbey College celebrates commencement BELMONT — More than 300 students graduated from Belmont Abbey College May 12, during commencement exercises that followed a Baccalaureate Mass at Mary Help of Christians Basilica. Graduates included 111 non-traditional students from the college’s Center for Continuing & Professional Studies, including Susan K. Fitzgerald, who was named the first-ever Loughridge Center for Continuing & Professional Studies Student of the Year. Mary Theresa Jacobeen was valedictorian. Abbey Student of the Year was Gavin Schaffer, a student-athlete on the men’s volleyball team who served in several leadership roles on campus, including on the student-athlete advisory committee and as president of the Student Government Association. Dr. Julia Beeman, chair and associate professor of criminal justice, was honored with the 2017-’18 Adrian Award for Teaching Excellence. Faculty and students nominated her for the award. The homilist for the Commencement Mass was Raleigh Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama. Bishop Zarama, alumnus George Horner and avid supporter Bob Luddy received honorary degrees from the college.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROLANDO RIVAS

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: MAY 26 – 11 A.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Dorothy Church, Lincolnton MAY 28 – 11 A.M. Mass for the Military St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

MAY 29 – 5 P.M. Baccalaureate Mass for Charlotte Catholic High School St. Matthew Church, Charlotte MAY 30 – 5 P.M. Baccalaureate Mass for Christ the King High School St. Mark Church, Huntersville

MAY 31 – 10 A.M. Diocesan Foundation Board Meeting Catholic Conference Center, Hickory JUNE 2 – 10 A.M. Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Diocesan calendar of events May 25, 2018

LECTURES & WORKSHOPS

Volume 27 • NUMBER 17

THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PORTRAYED IN SCRIPTURE: 7 p.m. every Monday in May, in the Assembly Room at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. Bring your Bible, questions and a friend to this free four-week course and explore the beauty of Mary shining so brilliantly in the Scriptures we venerate.

Father Santiago Mariani will host the workshop. For details, call the parish office at 704-554-7088.

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

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

STAFF EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

FREE ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR: 2-3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 6, at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte. Attorney Christian Cherry with Grier Furr & Crisp, an estate planning attorney with a concentration including wills, estates, trusts and probate, will speak. His presentation will include a Q&A session, information on planned giving, bequests and Catholic teaching on end-of-life issues. Parking is free and light refreshments will be served. For details and registration, contact Judy Smith at jmsmith@ charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3320.

FREE MEDICARE CHOICES MADE EASY: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, June 28, at Sacred Heart Church, 150 Brian Berg Dr., Brevard. Presented by the Council on Aging of Buncombe County. To register, call Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or email sabreakfield@charlottediocese.org.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

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

Saturday, June 23, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-3703230.

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

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

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

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

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

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS INTERNATIONAL ROSARY AT THE CCHS STADIUM: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 25, Charlotte Catholic High School Stadium, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte.

Rosary for the healing of Drew Poet, peace in the world and the conversion of sinners in honor of Our Lady. It will be prayed in 5 languages: English, French, German, Latin and Spanish. Children up to 14 are welcome to dress in white and bring flowers to offer to Mary between Mysteries. All are welcome.

MEMORIAL DAY MASS TO HONOR MILITARY PERSONNEL: 10:30 a.m. rosary, 11 a.m. Mass on Monday, May 28, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Offered for all military personnel who have died, retired and for those who are now serving. All military personnel are invited and encouraged to come in uniform.

PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 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.

VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: 8 p.m. Friday Mass, 9 p.m. -7

a.m. Nocturnal Adoration and 7 a.m. First Saturday Mass, June 1-2, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. The Vigil of the Two Hearts is a special monthly prayer vigil that unites devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with overnight Eucharistic Adoration in between, allowing all faithful of the Charlotte diocese to unite in prayer and penance. For details, email info@prolifecharlotte.org.

To sign up for Eucharistic Adoration times, go to www.

ProLifeCharlotte.org/two-hearts.

HEALING MISSION: 8 a.m. Saturday, June 2, through 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Father Albert MacPherson O.S.A., of the Augustinian Healing Ministry, at Our Mother of Consolation Friary, Lawrence, Mass., will conduct the parish mission with the theme of healing. Father MacPherson has given healing missions throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean Islands. Thousands have been helped by God through his healing ministry. For details, call Janet Zander at 828-734-0039 or the parish office at 828-926-0106.

SPECIAL MASS FOR CORPUS CHRISTI: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 3, in the Maryfield Chapel, at Pennybyrn at Maryfield, 1315 Greensboro Road, High Point. All First Communicants are invited, in their First Communion attire, to join in the procession honoring Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist and also help commemorate the 24th anniversary of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at Maryfield. Father James Solari will be the principal celebrant. Refreshments will be served in Norcross Square following Mass.

SUPPORT GROUPS & RETREATS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. third Tuesday of each month 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.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING ‘Protecting God’s Children’ workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus. org. Upcoming workshops are: CHARLOTTE: 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Avenue; 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road (Ministry Center, first floor); 9:30

a.m. Sunday, June 10, St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road (offered in Spanish) CONCORD: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 9, St. James Church, 139 Manor Ave. (Geiger Hall, large classroom) GREENSBORO: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 9, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road (Fellowship Hall) HENDERSONVILLE: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 9, Immaculate Conception Church, 208 Seventh Ave. West HIGH POINT: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 9, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St. HUNTERSVILLE: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 9, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road YOUNG ADULTS CHARLOTTE AREA: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/charlottecatholicyoungadultministry, and at: OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION CHURCH: contact Denise Duliepre, 917-575-0871 ST. GABRIEL CHURCH: Meet up on “Charlotte Catholic Young Adult Ministry” ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH: call Meg VanGoethem, 815-545-2587.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH: on Facebook at “Young Adult Life: A St. Matthew Ministry” ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL: on Facebook at “The Cathedral of St. Patrick - Young Adult Ministry” ST. PETER CHURCH: look them up on Facebook “St Peter 20s and 30s Ministry” ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH: online at “Aquinas’ Finest,” www.stacharlotte.com/finest HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH IN DENVER: call Nicole Lehman, 704-607-5207 ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH IN WINSTON-SALEM: online at “Winston Salem Frassati, “www.wsfrassati.com GREENSBORO WAY OF CHRIST: The young adult ministry at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro: at www.stpiusxnc. com/woc, on Facebook at “wayofchrist” and Twitter @ wocgreensboro or email Dan McCool at wocgreensboro@ gmail.com ST. MICHAEL CHURCH IN GASTONIA: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Gastonia area. Meets once a month. Online at www.stmichaelsgastonia.org/young-adult

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.

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

5

St. Thérèse parishioner commits $2.3M endowment to Catholic students Gamez

Taylor

Transitional diaconate ordination set for June 2 CHARLOTTE — Seminarians Alphonso Gamez Jr. and Britt A. Taylor will be ordained to the transitional diaconate for the Diocese of Charlotte by Bishop Peter J. Jugis at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 2, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. They are currently studying at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.

The transitional diaconate is the final step before priestly ordination. Once ordained deacons, Gamez and Taylor can proclaim the Gospel at Mass, give homilies, baptize and officiate at weddings. They will have an additional year of theological studies and spiritual formation before being ordained to the priesthood, expected next June.

Gamez, 27, is the son of Jose and Ana Maria Gamez of Hendersonville. He was born in Clyde and grew up in Hendersonville. He is a graduate of East Henderson High School.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of North CarolinaCharlotte.

Gamez studied pre-theology and will complete his seminary studies in theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.

A parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, Gamez served summer assignments at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir, St. Joseph Vietnamese Church in Charlotte and St. Elizabeth Church in Boone.

Gamez says, “Throughout college, I had a deep desire to serve the Lord and the Church and to learn more about my faith. I simply cultivated this desire by becoming more involved in activities and theological study and it led me to the realization that I wouldn’t want to spend my life any other way than to come to know Christ more deeply every day, and to share this knowledge and love of Him with others.”

Taylor, 27, is the son of Rick and Terri Taylor of Charlotte. He was born in Atlanta and grew up in Charlotte, where he graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

Taylor studied pre-theology and will also complete his seminary studies in theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum.

A parishioner of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, Taylor served summer assignments at St. Eugene Church in Asheville, Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, St. Elizabeth Church in Boone and St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

Taylor recalls when he first thought he had a vocation to the holy priesthood. “I realized around the second grade when I first started altar serving. This does not mean I was ready to enter seminary, but the idea was in my mind. I found other distractions, but ultimately towards the end of college I found myself drawn stronger than ever to the priesthood and entered seminary.”

All are welcome to attend the transitional diaconate Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral on June 2.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Dr. Clark Ross, a college educator and longtime parishioner of St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville, has committed $2.3 million to an endowment through the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation to benefit Catholic high school students in Cabarrus, Iredell, Mecklenburg and Union counties.

The economics professor and past vice president of academic affairs at Davidson College is entrusting $2.3 million to the Clark G. Ross Scholarship Endowment Fund upon his death.

The planned endowment gift is expected to grow in value to benefit Catholic students both now and long after his death.

“For me, it is important that young people with spirituality attend fine educational institutions,” Ross said. “As a Roman Catholic, I center on Catholic students, but I do want them to be in an environment where all religions are respected.”

The Clark G. Ross Scholarship Endowment Fund, which was set up in 2015, will be used to help “students in the Charlotte diocese who have need to attend one of our Charlotte-area Catholic high schools – particularly Christ the King High School, which is located near me and off to a good start in its first five years,” Ross said.

Besides this long-term planned endowment gift, Ross also provides annual financial assistance to students already attending Christ the King High School in Huntersville. He has also established a separate endowment for Catholic students in need, domestic or international, to attend Davidson College.

Ross’s financial assistance has already benefited several students, noted Dr. Carl Semmler, principal of Christ the King High School.

“Last year his (annual giving) fund assisted two students with financial aid, and this year he is assisting one student.

Next year we expect at least one student to benefit from his generosity,” Semmler said.

Semmler lauded Ross for supporting students “who are hardworking academically, worshiping Catholics, contribute to the

positive school environment and have financial need,” and for going beyond giving money to devoting his time and personal attention to students.

“He takes an interest in each student the scholarship helps.

He likes to meet the student, chat and offer any type of support that is needed,” Semmler said.

He added, “This spring semester he had lunch with the students. He offered advice to students who wished to major in economics in college. For those students who were interested in Davidson College, he offered to act as a personal liaison in order to set up school tours and get information about scholarships.”

“Perhaps his greatest quality is that he feels strongly that any recipient of aid should be a good person who is faith filled and hard working in his or her classes. He wants to help students who are interested in making the world a better place,” Semmler said.

Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Thérèse Church, said Ross “has made a life commitment to education.”

“In his early days at Davidson College, he was instrumental in forming what is now a well-established Catholic campus ministry,” Father Lawlor said. “He gives from his heart and has been especially concerned for families that are passing through difficult financial times. He understands the importance of education, stability and faith. As pastor, I am very pleased with his Christian witness.”

“We are so grateful for Clark’s extraordinary commitment to Catholic high school students,” said Jim Kelley, development director for the Diocese of Charlotte. “His gift will literally impact thousands of students over the years. More and more parishioners are establishing endowments in the foundation, whether those gifts be in the thousands or millions of dollars.”

Founded in 1994, the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation now totals 257 endowments totaling more than $50 million in assets.

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

Young men invited to annual vocations retreat CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Office of Vocations invites all young men aged 15-19 to attend the annual Quo Vadis Days retreat to be held June 11-15 at Belmont Abbey College.

This five-day vocations camp includes talks by local priests, seminarians and others on the vocations to the priesthood, marriage and fatherhood.

The goal of Quo Vadis Days is to challenge young men to ask the fundamental question “Quo vadis”? or “Where are you going?”, while equipping them with the tools and opportunity to discern God’s will for their lives.

The retreat attempts to strike an effective balance between the activity of a summer camp and the quiet of a retreat.

The day is structured to include Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, time for personal reflection and interaction with priests and seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte.

There is also time devoted to activities and fellowship.

In a letter to participants, Father Christopher Gober, director of vocations for the Diocese of Charlotte, notes, “Quo Vadis Days is an opportunity for you to deepen your faith, develop new friendships and explore the meaning and purpose of your life.

“Our days together will offer you the opportunity to spend time with priests and seminarians from the Diocese of Charlotte as well as other young men your age who are trying to figure out God’s plan. Hopefully, this camp will help you to know Jesus more deeply and help you to discern your vocation in life

LORENZO PEDRO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Participants at the 2017 Quo Vadis Days speak with Bishop Peter Jugis during his visit to the retreat on the campus of Belmont Abbey College. while having a lot of fun!”

There is a cost of $150 for the Quo Vadis Days retreat that covers lodging at Belmont Abbey College, all meals and retreat materials. The registration deadline is Friday, June 1.

Financial aid is available. Contact the Office of Vocations at 704-370-3353 for details.

For questions regarding registration,

contact Sister Mary Raphael at MRaphael@charlottediocese.org or call 704-370-3402. For questions about the camp itself, contact Father Jason Barone at JKBarone@charlottediocese.org or call 704-370-3351.

To register, go to www. charlottediocese.org/vocations/quovadis-days.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

6

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 OUR PARISHES

‘I think this is the hand of Providence’ St. Thomas Aquinas Church renovating sanctuary, adding baldachin SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Father Patrick Winslow is no newcomer to church renovations. Eight years ago, he designed and oversaw a dramatic overhaul of the interior of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, where he was pastor at the time.

Now Father Winslow is at it again – this time at his current parish, St. Thomas Aquinas in north Charlotte.

The renovation now under way involves a complete re-do of the sanctuary – including the installation of a dramatic baldachin, or structural canopy, over the altar. The entire parish has gotten involved with the effort, and they have been blessed with success along the way.

The renovation project actually began with a plan to replace the bathroom flooring. Project leaders took a closer look at the flooring in the sanctuary and steps behind the altar, where Father Winslow had noticed people sometimes tripped and nearly fell. Could the area be made safer, he asked?

Replacing a floor is not an easy job, they responded.

They recommended he and the parishioners first think about what they might want to do with the sanctuary in the future, before deciding to change the flooring.

He told the consultants, “This space is so big, it’s so grand that it could use something to anchor the sanctuary to the altar.” And he shared his thoughts about a baldachin that could focus attention toward the altar and complement the church’s high ceiling.

The architects gave their recommendation, and Father Winslow filed the information away – uncertain how his parish might ever be able to afford to build or buy a baldachin.

Then Divine Providence intervened in the way of an unexpected phone call from Jacob Wolfe, a talented local woodworker who had worked with Father Winslow on St. John the Baptist Church’s renovations.

Wolfe told Father Winslow he had heard that a church in Sheradon, Pa., was closing, and it had an intricately carved, solid oak, 30-ft. tall baldachin available for sale.

The baldachin from Holy Innocents Church in Sheradon was carved in the late 18th century in Austria and shipped to America sometime between World War I and World War II. It has embellishments of fretwork, carving and painting in silver and gold leaf, red, green and aquamarine blue.

Its design is rich in Catholic symbolism. The oak itself symbolizes eternity. Triangles incorporated into the roof signify the Trinity.

Seven doves depicted in descent along the top represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the baldachin also features images of the Lamb of God, the pelican and the phoenix. Around the four pillars are carvings of many saints: Sts. Peter, Agnes, Paul, Mark, Luke, Catherine of Alexandria, Jerome, Matthew, Gregory, Ambrose and Augustine.

To have a comparable baldachin made today would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Father Winslow bid what he knew the parish could afford, $25,000, and prayed that if it was God’s will for the baldachin to come to St. Thomas Aquinas, he would be able to procure the funds from five private donors who would donate $5,000 each for its purchase.

The Pennsylvania church accepted his bid and the funds were donated. Father Winslow’s prayers had been answered.

In speaking to parishioners about the baldachin purchase and the sanctuary renovation project, Father Winslow said, “I think that this is the hand of Providence.

I think that we are being blessed because of our devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. It was in the back of my mind that we should do something to commemorate Our Lady of Fatima, the 100th anniversary of the Miracle of Fatima (in 2017). I didn’t know what we would do, but I figured it would manifest itself in some way. I never thought anything like this.”

He was surprised by the timing, saying, “I thought this would be a 10-year, down-the-line kind of idea. This came at us with such opportunity, and the way in which people responded – it was extraordinary.”

Now, the baldachin sits disassembled in a storage area, waiting to be erected in its new home in Charlotte, while the parish works on the other aspects of the sanctuary renovation.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MONICA BAILEY

(Above) St. Thomas Aquinas Church’s Knights of Columbus work to tear down the stone on the apse wall to make room for a new baldachin, or ceremonial canopy, that will be erected over the altar in the sanctuary.

(Left) The baldachin came from a church in Pennsylvania.

During the week of May 14-18, members of the parish’s Knights of Columbus worked in 12-hour shifts each day to demolish the stone wall along the back of the sanctuary.

“There are about six to eight Knights who are deconstructing the wall where the tabernacle was,” said Monica Bailey, volunteer director at the parish. “They are working tirelessly from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. They’ve been drilling through five inches of concrete to remove each large stone from the frame it’s plastered to.”

“It is our hope to repurpose the stone to build a new grotto on our property to honor Our Lady, as she is presented at Lourdes,” Bailey added.

Along with the baldachin, the parish is also installing the matching ambo and communion rail that had also been in use at Holy Innocents Church.

Parishioners have enthusiastically responded to the project: donating more than $102,000 so far to fund the renovations.

Keach Construction is serving as the general contractor on the project.

The sanctuary will be isolated for construction this summer from mid-May to mid-July. Daily Mass and devotions are being moved to another location on the church’s property. The parish is working with Keach Construction so that Sunday Masses can continue to be celebrated in the church, however. On the weekends, there will be a temporary location for the altar and tabernacle in the center aisle.

Father Winslow said he hopes the renovations will be completed by mid-July.

MARKUS KUNCORO AND MIKE FITZGERALD | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Come Holy Spirit’ CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Latin Mass Community and St. Ann Parish in Charlotte celebrated the feast of Pentecost May 20 with a Solemn High Latin Mass. Father Jason Barone, chaplain of Charlotte Catholic High School, offered the Mass and was assisted by St. Ann pastor’s Father Timothy Reid as deacon, and Charlotte seminarian Britt Taylor as subdeacon. During Mass, Father Reid offered a sermon on the Holy Spirit and then led the faithful in singing “Veni Creator Spiritus” (“Come Holy Spirit”), which when prayed on Pentecost obtains a plenary indulgence. For more information about Latin Masses in the Charlotte area, go online to www.charlottelatinmass.org or email Chris Lauer at info@charlottelatinmass.org.

PAUL DOIZÉ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Food and fun KERNERSVILLE — Holy Cross Church celebrated Pentecost, the “birthday of the Church,” with a potluck dinner and trivia night May 19.

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

7

Sealed with the Holy Spirit

FOREST CITY — Forty young people received the sacrament of confirmation from Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, at Immaculate Conception Church May 16.

Concelebrating the Mass were Father Herbert Burke, pastor, and Father José Antonio Juya.

GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CONNIE RIES

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMANDA MAST

GREENSBORO — Thirty-nine young people received the sacrament of confirmation at Our Lady of Grace Church May 9, during Mass celebrated by Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte. Father Paul Buchanan, pastor, and Father Christian Cook, parochial vicar, concelebrated.

SHELBY — Twenty-three young people received the sacrament of confirmation from Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, at St. Mary, Help of Christians Church May 13. Father Michael Kottar, pastor, concelebrated the Mass and Deacon James Trombley assisted.

Receiving confirmation were Ingrid Aguirre, Joshua Aguirre, David Aleman Rangel, Alondra Bautista Sanchez, Ericzon Bautista Sanchez, Jaime Bautista Sanchez, Jacqueline Bernabe Hernandez, Aylin Bravo, Luis Bravo, Monserrat Chavez Guerrero, Claudia DeArment, Fernando Diaz Vazquez, Alexander Gutierrez Loza, Adalberto Ibarra Lepe, Daria McGinnis, Angela Moreno Sanchez, Dominik Mystkowski, Vanessa Ramirez Hernandez, Christopher Sanchez Rodriguez, Robert Stockham, Peter Tuong, Cristal Vasquez and Aydan Zuniga.

GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

STATESVILLE — On May 16, Father Thomas J. Kessler confirmed 32 young people at St. Philip the Apostle Church.

Those receiving the sacrament were: Araceli Aquirre, Aylin Anselmo, Paul Calderone, Juan Lucas Calvo, Rebeca Camacho, Joseph Carbone, Troy Cotton, Ronald Echeverria, Kevin Ferguson, William Jordan Frye, Yanet GaonaRomero, Juan Gaona-Romero, Kevin Garcia Callejas, Nelson Gonzalez, Angie Guerrero, Cierra Gutsch, Lizbeth Hernandez, Gabriel Lopez-Cruz, Miguel Lopez-Cruz, Kenia Lopez-Hernandez, Russell Maus, Cody Monroe, Elizabeth Moore, Conlin Rinehimer Jennifer Rosas-Cruz, Luis Ruiz-Chavez, Aylin Sandoval, Jeraldin Santibanez, William Santibanez, Evelyn Staples, Evelyn Vargas and Anna Vu.

8

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Receiving first Holy Communion

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SARAH LANG

(Below) Niyah Lang (center) brings up the gifts during her first Communion Mass at St. Peter Church April 21.

Her aunt, Sister Benedict, made the altar breads for the Mass. (Above) Niyah is pictured with Jesuit Father James Shea, pastor, and Jesuit Father John Michalowski, parochial vicar.

Bonds of faith and family St. Peter parishioner’s aunt makes hosts for her first Holy Communion PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ALISON KACZMAREK

LINCOLNTON — Thirty children received the sacrament of first Holy Communion May 5 during Mass offered by Father David Miller, pastor. Receiving the sacrament were Maria Alfaro Vazquez, Daniela Black, Daniel Montes Calvillo, Veronica Castaneda, Nicholas Castro, Dolores Cortes, Sauri Cruz Olguin, Racio Cruz Sanchez, Audrey Duncan, Emma Dunmore, Joel Jaramillo, Aaliyah Lynch, Sean McAulay, Lileyana Adamaris Mejia, Mariza Mendez Canseco, Emily Nieto Martinez, Nathan Pardo, Heily Perez, Jade Reyes Montes, Isabella Rojas Oviedo, Ethan Rollins, Alyssa Zvirzdinis, Selena Black, Alexandra Cortes, Ebeli Gaspar, Mayra Gaspar, Jaqueline Gutierrez Ochoa, Jesus Mejia-Acevedo, Natalie Mora Martinez and Ethan Pardo. First Communicants also were invested with the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Niyah Lang’s first Communion was extra special.

The altar bread that became the body of Christ for the April 21 Masses at St. Peter Church in Charlotte was made by her aunt, a cloistered Benedictine sister who lives inside the Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Vermont, and her sisters.

“It was really special for our whole family as well as the other children celebrating the sacrament,” said Niyah’s mom Sarah Lang.

After Sarah Lang’s sister, Sister Benedict McLaughlin, suggested that her monastery could provide the altar bread for Niyah’s first Holy Communion, the parish was very supportive, she said. Since Sister Benedict was not able to travel to Charlotte for the Mass, this was a way she could be present for her niece in this special moment.

“Father James Shea gave us a resounding ‘yes,’” she said. “He even mentioned during the Mass where the bread came from and the importance of family to help deepen your spirituality. It helped Niyah have a stronger connection to the experience and she felt very proud.”

Niyah’s older sister, Tianna, was also an altar server during the Mass.

Sister Benedict celebrated her 25th jubilee last summer. The Lang family traveled to Vermont for the occasion, and Niyah and her sisters met their aunt for the first time. There Niyah was able to see some of the tools the women use to make the altar bread and learn more about her

calling and the community. Sister Benedict emailed her sister Sarah to tell her she was praying for Niyah and suggested that they could provide bread for her first Holy Communion. Immaculate Heart of Mary monastery made 3.7 million hosts last year and provided it to hundreds of parishes in 24 states.

Sister Benedict sent a really nice card to St. Peter Church along with the bread, as well. They also had a Mass said in Vermont for the children receiving the sacrament, at the same time as their first Communion Mass, Sarah Lang said.

“The sisters were wrapping their arms around the kids in prayer all the way up from Vermont,” Sarah Lang said. “It was very special.”

Before their first Holy Communion, the children were shown a news story video from the monastery in Vermont that shows how the nuns make the hosts.

“Niyah was really excited to know that my sister was praying with her and knew she was there in spirit,” Sarah Lang said.

“We’re very thankful Father Shea and the church allowed us to do that.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALFONSO ALVAREZ-NAVARRETE

MARION — Young people received the sacrament of first Holy Communion May 6 during Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Mission offered by Father Carl Kaltreider, parochial administrator. Receiving the sacrament were Daniel Magallan, Charlie Portillo, Christian Angel, Eduardo Garcia, Emily Magallan, Giselle Magallan, Jaquelin Garcia, Jonathan Loera, Jose Sanchez, Jorge Zavala, Jean Cab, Luis Daniel Cardenas, Llurisa Sanchez, Rosalinda Rico Cardenas, Rigoberto Rico Cardenas.

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

9

PAUL WOJCIK | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HENDERSONVILLE — Thirty-two children received the sacrament of first Holy Communion recently at Immaculate Conception Church, during Mass celebrated by Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz, pastor.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DAVID TAYLOR

MOCKSVILLE — Thirty-two children received the sacrament of first Holy Communion May 5 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, during Mass offered by Father Eric L. Kowalski, pastor, and Father Christopher Ferger, MC.

CLEMMONS — Children at Holy Family Church recently received the sacrament of first Holy Communion.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEGGY SCHUMACHER

DELLA SUE BRYSON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SYLVA — Seven children at St. Mary, Mother of God Church celebrated the sacrament of first Holy Communion May 6, during Mass offered by Father Casey Coleman, pastor. Pictured are: (from left) Paula Hernandez Longinos, Emmanuel Jaret Colex Longinos (Manny), Julianna Meraz-Quijada, Giovanni Buchanan (Gio), Madeline Newsome (Maddie), Todd Anthony Raleigh II (T) and Rihana Nicole Trejo Alvarez. Each child placed a rose in a vase to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Rihana crowned a statue of Mary.

PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK

CHARLOTTE — Second-grade students at St. Ann School received the sacrament of first Holy Communion during Mass May 18 at St. Ann Church. They also honored the Blessed Virgin Mary with a May crowning.

10

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Honoring Mary

LINCOLNTON — Children receiving their first Holy Communion at St. Dorothy Church took part in a May Crowning after Mass May 5, led

by Father David Miller, pastor.

Bearing the crown was Maria Fernanda Alfaro Vazquez.

Over Mother’s Day weekend, students in the faith formation program, including Alyssa Zvirzdinis, also crowned a statue of Mary in the parish’s rosary garden, where they also prayed a rosary for mothers.

CHARLOTTE — Led by Father Christopher Roux, rector, children participated in a procession after Mass and crowned a statue of Mary at the Marian grotto outside St. Patrick Cathedral earlier this month.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

BY ALISON KACZMAREK

MARKUS KUNCORO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

HUNTERSVILLE — A May Crowning celebration took place at St. Mark Church on Mother’s Day at the 9 a.m. Mass. A statue of Our Lady of Hope was crowned by Elizabeth Haggerty and John Goduti following a procession of children who placed flowers in vases at the feet of Mary.

Father Noah Carter, parochial vicar, was the celebrant.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CONNIE RIES

STATESVILLE — Children who received their first Holy Communion at St. Philip the Apostle Church participated in a May Crowning after both the English and the Spanish Masses earlier this month. At the English Mass, Mary Rhyne crowned the statue, assisted by Mattox Rhyne. At the Spanish Mass, Pamela Gregorio did the crowning, assisted by Misael Arroyo and Maximilliano Gabriel.

Let’s keep Let’s keep talking. talking.

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

MIKE FITZGERALD | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Mass offered for Ireland before abortion vote CHARLOTTE — Despite the distractions of graduations, Mother’s Day preparations and beautiful May weather, more than 60 people sacrificed their Saturday afternoon to attend a special Mass for Ireland at St. Patrick Cathedral May 12.

Father Christopher Roux, rector, offered the Mass to pray for the Irish people as they vote on whether to retain or repeal Ireland’s 8th Amendment which protects the unborn. In his homily, Father Roux encouraged the faithful to act as their brother’s keeper and show solidarity with the Irish people who face this troubling referendum May 25. He also exhorted everyone to ask their friends and family to pray for Ireland, and especially pray the rosary daily, as recommended by Our Lady of Fatima. The Mass was organized jointly by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Catholic Pro-Life Action Network of Charlotte.

His Excellency The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte requests the honor of your presence at the Liturgy of Ordination to the Diaconate Mr. Britt Alexander Taylor Mr. Alfonso Gamez, Jr. Saturday, the second day of June Two thousand and eighteen at ten o’clock in the morning

PHOTO PROVIDED BY OZZIE VARGAS

St. Joan of Arc Knights council honored at state convention CANDLER — The 2018 Knights of Columbus State Convention was held May 4-6, and it was a big weekend for St. Joan of Arc Council 15265. First, Father Dean Cesa, pastor, was honored as the 2018 North Carolina Priest of the Year. The Knights council also received four awards: The Charity Award for all the programs the council has conducted over the course of the 2017-’18 year; a Membership Award to commemorate the last year’s gains in membership; the Fraternal Year Record Award for the best council scrapbook in the state; and the top Youth Service program in North Carolina for the year for the council’s participation in the Living Stations of the Cross in March. Last, but not least, at the State Awards Banquet concluding the convention, St. Joan of Arc Council 15265 received the State Deputy’s Award, the most prestigious award a council can win in North Carolina.

Cathedral of Saint Patrick 1621 Dilworth Road East Charlotte, North Carolina Reception following Great Hall

11

12

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 OUR PARISHES

Get Ready for St. Matthew’s Summer Forum Classes!

Adult Faith Formation Director Michael Burck 704-543-7677 x 1020 or mburck@stmatthewcatholic.org

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Register online with credit card at stmatthewcatholic.org *Child care is available for courses by reservation with 48-hour advance notice required. Call 704-543-7677 x 1003.

A DAY OF RETREAT: THE BEATITUDES AND LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM Saturday, June 23, 10 am to 4 pm Sisters of Mercy Residence, 101 Mercy Drive, Belmont, NC $20 (includes lunch) Bring your Bible

Sister Mary Hugh is one of the most highly regarded and loved teachers of St. Matthew “yoU”niversity programs. When she talks, everyone listens. Come and enjoy the beauty and the quiet of the Sisters of Mercy grounds and residence during this one-day retreat. One of Sister Mary Hugh’s favorite sayings is God is a verb that invites us to live, to love and to be.

Come away for the day to consider God in you-life, you in God-life.

SACRAMENTS: THE CHURCH’S COMMUNITY PRAYER

Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM Morning Option Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1 Evening Option Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31

11:15 am to 12:30 pm 7 to 8:30 pm

$30 $30

Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin is a Sister of Mercy in Belmont, has graduate degrees in mathematics from N.C. State University and theology from St. Bonaventure University, as well as a graduate certificate in liturgy from St. Joseph College and has taught at all levels.

FAITH SEEKING UNDERSTANDING: EXPLORING THE THEOLOGY OF THE NICENE CREED Catherine Wright, Ph.D.

Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25

7 to 8:30 pm

$25

Mondays, July 30; August 6, 13

7 to 8:30 pm

$25

Catherine Wright is a member of the Wingate University Religion and Philosophy Department where she teaches ethics and eco-theology. She has a doctorate in theology from Regis College, Toronto School of Theology.

WORLD RELIGIONS David Galusha, MRE

David Galusha has been an adjunct professor of philosophy and theology for the College of St. Elizabeth. He was theological and supervising editor for Silver Burdett Ginn Religion publishers. He also served as a specialist in elementary and family-centered religious education at the USCCB in Washington, DC.

FIVE YEARS OF POPE FRANCIS: HOW HAS THE CHURCH CHANGED?

Mark Bartholet, MA

Thursdays, Aug. 2, 9, 16

7 to 8:30 pm

$25

7 to 8:30 pm

$25

Mark Bartholet is a husband, father, and teacher. He attends St. Peter Catholic Church, where he serves as a catechist to first, second, and third graders. He holds a master’s degree from John Carroll University in theology and religious studies.

WAXHAW CAMPUS

HENRI NOUWEN: THE IMPERFECT SPIRITUAL GUIDE Carla D’Rozario, MA

Wednesdays, June 13, 20, 27

Seminarians graduate COLUMBUS, Ohio — Three Diocese of Charlotte seminarians graduated May 12 from the Pontifical College Josephinum. Colton Brown and Camilo Salas-Bowen each earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Philosophy, and Darren Balkey earned a Bachelor of Philosophy.

— Carolyn A. Dinovo

Seminarian summer assignments announced CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Vocations Office announces the following seminarians will have parish assignments this summer: n Darren Balkey – St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte n Colton Brown – Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury n Michael Carlson – St. Therese Church, Mooresville n Alfonso Gamez Jr. – St. Mark Church, Huntersville n Aaron Huber – Our Lady of Grace Church, Greensboro n Jacob Mlakar – St. Mark Church, Huntersville n Harry Ohlhaut – St. Elizabeth Church, Boone n Camilo Salas-Bowen – St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte n Joseph Wasswa – St. Ann Church, Charlotte Assignment dates vary, but overall the date range is June 4-Aug. 20.

— Catholic News Herald

Carla D’Rozario studied spiritual direction and Ignatian Spirituality while earning her master’s degree in pastoral theology from Loyola Marymount University. As a retreat guide, she especially enjoys supporting mothers and lay ministers.

IN HONOR OF THE AUGUST FEASTS OF THE ASSUMPTION AND THE QUEENSHIP OF MARY TWO SPECIAL EVENT PRESENTATIONS IN ONE EVENING NATIONALLY KNOWN AUTHOR AND LECTURER DR. EDWARD SRI “WALKING WITH MARY: A BIBLICAL JOURNEY FROM NAZARETH TO THE CROSS”

IN R HOSARY ONORLOF “PRAYING THE IKETHE NEVER BEFORE: OF HEAVEN AND AND EARTH” EXPERIENCING FEASTSTHE OFW TONDER HE ASSUMPTION SAVE THE DATE: AUG. 22, 7 TO 9 PM IN THE BANQUET ROOM REGISTRATION FEE: $15

Two make vows with CND HAYESVILLE — AJ Borowski (third from left) and Janet Michaelson (fourth from left) made their vows May 6 as associates of the Congregation of Notre Dame. Both women, active members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission, committed to their baptismal call to live Jesus’ mission of service, through justice, love and compassion in today’s world. Pictured are (from left) sisters and associates: Sister Margarita Castaneda, Sister Joan Mahoney, AJ Borowski, Janet Michaelson, Barbara McGrattan, Michele McGinnis, Shirley Grahl Moran, Betty Cooper, Dolores Libby, Jeannie Cooper and Sister Terry Martin.

— Victoria Ewing Ware, correspondent

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

13

Moments of Grace

Woolbright and Murphy Saturday, March 10, 2018, the day before Laetare Sunday, there was much rejoicing for two families but one big family. Two cousins were baptized together by Father Casey Coleman, pastor, at St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva.

Thomas and JuliaMarie Woolbright had their newborn son Thomas Edward Woolbright III baptized, and his sister Kimberly and Matthew Murphy had their 2-year-old son Christopher Thomas Murphy baptized.

The Woolbrights served as godparents to Christopher Thomas Murphy.

Thomas Edward Woolbright III’s godparents were Christina and Joseph Cautero of Springfield, Va. A joyful day indeed!

— Della Sue Bryson

Limonsi Mikaela Liana Limonsi recibió su primera Comunión el 5 de mayo, 2018, en la Iglesia San Gabriel de Charlotte durante la Misa celebrada por el Padre Frank O’Rourke. Ella es hija de Giancarlos Limonsi y Diana Freire de Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Moments of Grace

That special day.

We want remember it forever, and share the happy news with our family and friends. Now, share the joy with your fellow Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte, too!

Momentos de gracia

The Catholic News Herald is launching a special section of the print edition that we’re calling “Moments of Grace.” Announce your child’s baptism, first Holy Communion or confirmation, or share the news of your wedding or wedding anniversary. Pricing starts at just $25.

No dejes que el tiempo borre tus recuerdos.

Go to www.catholicnewsherald.com or call Kevin Eagan at 704370-3332 for details.

¿Quieres más detalles? Visita www.catholicnewsherald.com o llama a Kevin Eagan al (704) 370-3333.

Hablamos español.

Comparte tus momentos más felices con familiares, amigos y tus queridos feligreses de la Diócesis de Charlotte. En la nueva sección ‘Moments of Grace’ de tu periódico Catholic News Herald. Desde $25 podrás anunciar el bautismo de tus hijos, su primera Comunión o confirmación, así como también tu matrimonio o aniversario. Gracias a nuestra edición online tus parientes en el extranjero podrán estar más cerca de los hermosos momentos que vives con tu familia.

14

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“I Am The Living Bread”

John 6:51

Mark your calendar for the 14th Eucharistic Congress September 7 & 8, 2018 Charlotte Convention Center For Information, To Volunteer or K-12 Track Registration: www.GoEucharist.com

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

“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

DUC IN ALTUM June 25 - 29, 2018 * Belmont Abbey College

Retreat open to young women 15 thru 19 years old Register by June 16, 2018 www.charlottevocations.org

15

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 16

Invitan a Semana de la Familia CESAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

Diácono Carlos Medina

fácil. A lo largo de este tiempo muchos hemos experimentado la pérdida de nuestros padres, la enfermedad de algún pariente, o quizás alguno de nosotros ha tenido problemas para permanecer limpio financieramente. Cualquiera sea el problema que hayas tenido, hoy estás aquí. ¡Lo lograste!”, dijo.

La Valedictorian Damara GarciaGarcia, quien recibió el grado de Bachiller de Ciencias en Psicología, con un grado menor en Biología, viajará próximamente a Nashville, Tennessee, para trabajar como maestra en una escuela de bajo desempeño, gracias al programa Teach For America.

La segunda mejor estudiante también resultó ser de origen hispano.

La Salutatorian Valeria Hernández, graduada con un Bachillerato de Arte

CHARLOTTE — Del 29 de mayo al 2 de junio el equipo de Pastoral Familiar del Vicariato de Charlotte realizará ‘La Semana de la Familia’, con actividades y conferencias dirigidas a enriquecer la vida familiar, así como la relación con Dios y el prójimo, según informó Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano de Charlotte.

“Esta no es una idea original”, dijo Bernal, “el Vicariato de Gastonia lo ha estado haciendo por varios años y nosotros estamos adaptando su idea e implementando nuestra propia semana”.

La pastoral familial, ministerio que acompaña a la familia durante todas las etapas de su vida, “desde niños, jóvenes, jóvenes adultos, adultos, novios, parejas, abuelos”, ha creído conveniente enfocarse, en una primera fase de esta semana, en la formacion humana y los planes de vida familiares.

“En la formación humana tocaremos el tema del autoestima, valores, tradiciones culturales positivas, para luego enfocarnos en lo que son planes de vida, metas concretas para la familia”, dijo el coordinador, señalando que el equipo trabajará esas áreas, dará las herramientas y realizará ejercicios para que “las familias, con los dones que Dios les ha dado, se encuentren a sí mismas y determinen su propio plan de realización familiar”.

Invocando la participación de todos los miembros de la familia, “desde el más chico hasta el más mayorcito”, Bernal precisó que agruparán a los participantes en tres grupos de trabajo.

Los niños de 6 a 12, adolescentes de 13 a 17 años, y un tercer grupo de jóvenes adultos y adultos trabajarán en tres sesiones separadas para esta primera fase que ocupará los tres primeros días de esta Semana de la Familia.

La segunda parte, de contenido espiritual que profundizará en la relación con Dios y el prójimo “que está en tu casa, principalmente tu pareja y tus hijos”, estará dirigida por el Padre Juan Evangelista, sacerdote carmelita de origen colombiano que visitará la Ciudad Reina por esos días.

“El hombre que hace hogar con una mujer, o la mujer que hace hogar con un hombre, lo que está buscando es familia y, como familia, nosotros tenemos que hacer un cambio de mentalidad. Yo se que los hombres muchas veces pensamos que la Iglesia no es especialmente para nosotros pero, bueno, la Iglesia sí es principalmente para los hombres que son cabeza de hogar y que van a responder ante Dios por el bienestar y la salvación de su familia”, dijo Bernal, invitando en especial a los hombres, “los grandes ausentes”, a que se den el tiempo y participen de esta jornada.

“Esta semana va a ser un momento de gracia para la famiia. No es fácil poner en

‘SOÑADORAS’, PASA A LA PÁGINA 18

LA FAMILIA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 18

Pentecostés

C

uando rezamos el Santo Rosario, en el tercer Misterio Glorioso se dice: “La venida del Espíritu Santo”.

Algunas publicaciones traen consigo una ligera explicación sobre lo que esto significa haciendo mención del pasaje bíblico de los Hechos de los Apóstoles, capítulo 2 versículo 4 que dice: “…todos quedaron llenos del Espíritu Santo, y comenzaron a hablar en lenguas extrañas, según el Espíritu Santo les movía a expresarse.”

Pero como podemos ver, la palabra en sí, Pentecostés no se menciona y, aunque muchos rezamos el Santo Rosario diariamente (eso espero), lo vemos y lo menos que pensamos es que eso es Pentecostés.

Los apóstoles, por miedo a los judíos, se escondieron para orar y esperar la promesa que Jesús les hizo antes de su Ascensión a los cielos, de que era necesario que Él se fuera para enviarles el Espíritu Consolador que les daría a conocer toda la verdad.

Al igual que en la resurrección, que también Jesús les comunicó antes de su pasión y muerte, ellos todavía estaban incrédulos. Nosotros ahora lo sabemos porque la historia y la Biblia nos lo enseñan, pero ellos en su momento no tenían idea de lo que iba a pasar, mucho menos cuando.

Hoy sabemos que a los cincuenta días (‘pentecosté’ significa cincuenta en griego) después de la Resurrección y diez días después de la Ascensión, en el lugar donde estaban escondidos orando en compañía de María Santísima, se escuchó un fuerte viento y algo como lenguas de fuego se posó sobre sus cabezas.

Entonces se les abrió el entendimiento y empezaron a divulgar lo que sabían acerca de Jesús (El Evangelio) a los que estaban a su alrededor y en los idiomas que esas personas hablaban, de manera que todos los entendían y se sentían admirados de cómo ellos los entendían en sus propios idiomas (El reverso de la torre de Babel del Génesis).

Este evento tan maravilloso es considerado como el nacimiento de la Iglesia ya que, como dije, se empezó a difundir de inmediato “El Evangelio” a todas las Naciones ahí representadas por sus lenguas (idiomas).

Se les quitó el miedo a los apóstoles y a los discípulos que los acompañaban y salieron de su escondite para proclamar la Buena Nueva, empezando ellos mismos a vivir un nuevo modo de vida e invitando a todos a hacer lo mismo.

Hoy, nosotros, después de escuchar La Palabra De Dios, estamos conminados a cambiar nuestras vidas y seguir al Señor PENTECOSTÉS, PASA A LA PÁGINA 18

FOTOS POR CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Arriba) Damara García García (izq) y Valeria Hernández, ‘dreamers’ que sufrieron la deportación de familiares, se graduaron como Valedictorian y Salutatorian de la promoción 2018 de la Universidad Johnson C. Smith. (Abajo) Maribel y Lázaro, padres de Damara, reciben el saludo de Alma Adams, congresista por el distrito 12 de Carolina del Norte de la Casa de Representantes de los Estados Unidos.

‘Soñadoras’ latinas se gradúan con altos honores CESAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

CHARLOTTE ­— El pasado domingo 20 de mayo, durante la ceremonia de graduación de la Universidad Johnson C. Smith de Charlotte y siguiendo la tradición que marcan estos eventos, una joven subió al estrado principal para recibir el reconocimiento de las autoridades universitarias y dar su discurso, tras haber sido seleccionada como Valedictorian, el más alto honor que puede alcanzar una graduada, la mejor estudiante de la promoción 2018.

Alegre y emocionada la joven recibió una medalla y se dirigió al podio. Tras unas pocas palabras iniciales, Damara García García, nacida en México, llegada a los Estados Unidos a los tres años, ‘soñadora’ beneficiaria de DACA y con beca integral para cubrir sus estudios, no pudo más y se echó a llorar.

Valiente, dispuesta a dar su mensaje, se sobrepuso y entre lágrimas y aplausos, en un emotivo discurso, llegó a los corazones de todos los presentes que la vitorearon por varios minutos.

“Yo continué el legado creado por mi hermano mayor que llegó a esta universidad en 2011. Si no hubiera sido por él yo no estaría aquí”, reconoció.

Enrique García, el hermano al que alude, otro soñador como ella, fue detenido y deportado en 2015 y se encuentra trabajando actualmente como profesor en México.

“Quiero felicitar a cada uno de ustedes. Deberían estar orgullosos de este logro porque el camino para lograr una educación superior no es

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

17

Convierta sus compras en donaciones para su iglesia CESAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

Un gran número de personas, la mayoría de orígen hispano, se reúnen diariamente para orar por el respeto a la vida frente a un centro de abortos localizado en Greensboro.

FOTOS POR STEVE COLEMAN | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Una campaña por la Vida CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO HISPANO

GREENSBORO — Bajo sol, lluvia o nieve, quienes transitan por 2425 Randleman Road, en Greensboro, verán entre las 8 de la mañana y las 12 del mediodía a por lo menos a una persona en la acera, con un rosario en la mano, orando por el fin de una práctica legal que, según los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades de los Estados Unidos (CDC), terminó con la vida de más de 650 niños en gestación durante 2014.

Desde el 27 de septiembre de 2017, cuando inició una campaña llamada “Cuarenta días por la vida”, religiosamente Salvador Tolentino, su esposa Karina Hernández, sus dos niños y todo aquel que guste acompañarlo, se ubican frente a la clínica de abortos Women’s Choice, después de escuchar Misa en la Iglesia Santa María de Greensboro.

Tolentino nació en Hidalgo, México, y llegó a Carolina del Norte en 2008. Católico por tradición, el mexicano reconoce que no iba regularmente a Misa en su país y que no le interesaba particularmente los asuntos relacionados con la iglesia.

Ese mismo año, después de vivir un retiro franciscano su vida cambió. “Vivía en Williamston, una ciudad cercana a Greenville, Carolina del Norte, y desde entonces comencé a prepararme para conocer más sobre el Señor”. No había fin de semana en el que no

acudiera a un encuentro, charla o retiro y cuando se abrió la oportunidad de asistir en el ministerio de música decidió colaborar, aún sin tener ninguna formación musical.

LLAMADO FAMILIAR

En 2015, al visitar el Santísimo, su esposa sintió que debía hacer algo por los niños no

Salvador Tolentino, guitarra en mano, acompañado del Padre Abel Osorio, de la Iglesia Santa María de Greensboro, guía espiritual del activista provida, condujeron el rezo del Rosario el pasado sábado 19 de marzo. nacidos. Tras buscar más información en POR LA VIDA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 18

CHARLOTTE — Son siete las iglesias de la Diócesis de Charlotte que cada domingo ubican en sus templos unas cajitas de color blanco con el logotipo de la cadena de supermercados Compare Foods para que los fieles depositen en ellas los recibos de las compras que realizan en esas populares tiendas. ¿El propósito?

Pues ayudar a los ministerios hispanos de sus parroquias, ya que el tres por ciento del monto de la compra se convierte en un donativo para las organizaciones religiosas.

“Este programa CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD tiene más de diez Cada centavo de sus compras en el supermercado Compare Foods años”, dice Osiris cuenta como ayuda económica para su iglesia. Averigüe si su iglesia se Collazos, directora beneficia de este programa. de Relaciones Comunitarias de Compare Foods, lo dinero para colaborar en la colecta que ocurre es que nos dedicamos a de los domingos, pero si hicieron implementarlo desde hace seis años y sus compras, por más pequeñas que desde entonces ha cobrado muchísima sean, cada centavo cuenta y, con solo fuerza, por lo que lo extendimos a las entregar su recibo, ya están aportando escuelas y organizaciones sin fines de directamente al bienestar económico lucro”, añade. de su iglesia. Y eso es importante pues El programa consiste en la la gente se motiva porque sí quiere recolección y clasificación de recibos ayudar, sí quiere colaborar”, añade la por parte de la iglesia, entrega a los directora, “por lo que mientras más funcionarios de los supermercados, recibos se entreguen, más dinero su recuento de valores netos y la entrega institución recibe”. de un cheque a la iglesia por el tres Si alguna iglesia católica, aparte de por ciento del valor neto, sin incluir las que ya participan en el programa, impuestos. desea beneficiarse de este plan, puede El sistema de entrega de donativos, contactarse con Osiris Collazos al que Collazos afirma no tener límite teléfono 704-560-8446. “Me encargaré en cuanto a los montos económicos, de darles a conocer los requisitos y es para la funcionaria un “engranaje apoyarlos en todo el proceso”, ofreció. perfecto”.

Sin embargo no todo el apoyo de “Todos trabajamos. El feligrés hace su parte en realizar sus compras regulares y entregar el recibo a su iglesia. La Iglesia los recolecta, los SU IGLESIA, PASA A LA PÁGINA 18

Join Fr Adrian Porras on a RELAXED PACE Pilgrimage to Italy NOVEMBER 04 -14, 2018 Anxiety / Depression Acid Reflux / Sleep Hormones / Fatigue Cholesterol / Acne

organiza por tienda y me los entrega.

Y finalmente nosotros hacemos nuestra parte al entregar el dinero, reinvirtiendo en la comunidad. Así, de esta manera, todos nos beneficiamos”, asegura Collazos.

“Hay personas que no tienen

Visit Rome, Assisi. Siena, Florence, Frascati. San Giovanni Rotondo add-on 3 Hotel Changes-11Days $3,899

Book Soon The last Relaxed Pace Tour SOLD OUT. For More Information call or Kristine at Select International Tours @ 800-842-4842 If you walk with a cane or simply need more time to enjoy the sights and sounds around you, this trip is for you.

18

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PENTECOSTÉS

SU IGLESIA

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 16

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 17

con la fe absoluta de que estamos en este mundo por pura Gracia del Padre que nos dio vida, con la certeza de que su hijo Jesucristo nos ha redimido de nuestros pecados y con la fe que el Espírito Santo nos ha concedido a través del bautismo y la confirmación.

Una vida nueva, una vida Divina, con la que esperamos llegar al final de nuestro peregrinaje por este mundo, a las puertas del cielo donde habitaremos en las moradas que Jesús prometió preparar para nosotros por toda la eternidad.

Pido al Padre que ese momento de partir a la eternidad nos encuentre a todos preparados para que unidos le podamos alabar sin cesar, junto con los Ángeles y Arcángeles, cantando todos en coro: “Santo, Santo, Santo es el Señor, Dios del Universo, llenos están el Cielo y la Tierra de Su Gloria, Hosanna en el Cielo”.

esta empresa es únicamente monetario pues asisten a varias organizaciones con productos y regalos en festivales y celebraciones religiosas. “Tenemos presencia con la iglesia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe”, las actividades de la iglesia

EL DIÁCONO CARLOS MEDINA sirve en la Catedral San Patricio de Charlotte.

LA FAMILIA VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 16

el calendario y dedicar cuatro noches y un día como familia, pero es un sacrifio, es un primer paso, y esa es la invitación a todas las familias, que hagan ese compromiso familiar, con el hombre a la cabeza, de profundizar en su fe y encontrarse con ese Dios que nos ama y acompaña siempre”, precisó Bernal.

Las sesiones tendrán lugar del martes 29 al viernes 1, de 7 a 9 de la noche, y concluirán el sábado 2 de junio con un encuentro desde las 10 de la mañana hasta las cuatro de la tarde.

Todas las reuniones se llevarán a cabo en el Centro Pastoral de la Diócesis de Charlotte, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte.

El costo por inscripción familiar, sin importar el número de hijos, es de cuarenta dólares. En caso de inscripciones individuales se abonará 25 dólares.

Para mayores informes llame al 704-7708342 o envíe un correo a hispmincharlotte@ gmail.com

‘SOÑADORAS’ VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 16

en Historia, ha sido contratada por Charlotte Latin School como maestra.

Hernández, con quien García-García compartió el dormitorio universitario, coincidentemente también sufrió las terribles consecuencias de una separación familiar.

“Durante mi tercer año en la universidad mi mamá fue arrestada y después deportada. Eso fue muy difícil para mi y mi familia. Pero mi mamá me dijo que, sin importar lo que pasara con ella, que no descuidara mis estudios y así lo hice”.

El birrete (gorro de graduación) de Hernández lucía una leyenda en la parte superior que rezaba “For my Family” (“Por Mi Familia”).

García-García, luchadora y activista comunitaria, invitó a todos a seguir luchando. “Esto aún no termina. Solo porque todavía tenemos DACA no quiere decir que estamos felices. Tenemos que demandar una reforma integral de inmigración, hacer mucho por la comunidad. Mis padres todavía no tienen papeles”, indicó.

SUEÑOS HECHOS REALIDAD

La congresista Alma Adams, por el distrito 12 de Carolina del Norte en la Casa de Representantes de los Estados Unidos, dijo a Catholic News Herald que “los sueños de estas soñadoras se hicieron realidad”.

“Estoy muy emocionada por ellas y por lo que pueden hacer por el país al salir de esta universidad. Tenemos que tomar acción en el Congreso. Como sabemos, la Corte ha decidido que se puede seguir solicitando la protección de DACA. Es una medida temporal ahora mismo pero

Elite tours planned just for you …

Specializing in trips to:

the Holy Land, Italy, Lourdes, Fatima and custom tours to all of Europe.

Exclusive 5-star accommodations and services.

Airfare and all-inclusive prices.

Contact us for more information and brochures.

Call Jennifer: 612-730-2890 or Kami: 769-220-2702 Jennifer@procatholictours.com Kami@procatholictours.com www.procatholictours.com

San Gabriel en el mes de diciembre, el SonFest de San John Neumann, además de otras iglesias cristianas que también hacen comunidad”.

“Estamos convencidos que, como empresa, la única forma que podemos crecer es haciendo crecer a la comunidad.

Es nuestra manera de dar las gracias a la comunidad por su acogida, preferencia y lealtad. Hay que dar para recibir”, puntualizó Collazos.

es importante que la Corte haya sido muy sensible a las necesidades de estos jóvenes”, señaló.

Luego expresó que para ayudar a los ‘dreamers’ es importante contactar a los congresistas y hacerles saber nuestra preocupación sobre la estabilidad de los ‘soñadores’. “Y me gustaría decir que, después de todo, muchas veces para cambiar la política es necesario cambiar a los que hacen política”.

Por su parte los padres de Damara García-García, Maribel y Lázaro García, comentaron que se encontraban profundamente orgullosos de los logros de su hija. Católicos practicantes, agradecieron el apoyo de su comunidad, amigos y del pastor de la Iglesia San Gabriel, Padre Frank O’Rourke, en los momentos más difíciles de sus vidas. “No sabemos dónde estaríamos sin nuestra fe y el apoyo desinteresado de muchos amigos, a quienes conocimos en la adversidad”, señalaron.

¿QUÉ ES DACA?

Es un programa de protección temporal para los jóvenes llegados en la infancia decretado por el expresidente Barack Obama en 2012. En febrero de 2015 una orden judicial bloqueó un intento del expresidente de ampliar DACA e incluir a los padres de los ‘soñadores con una nueva medida llamada DAPA. En 2017, con la certeza que el presidente Donald Trump terminaría con las acciones ejecutivas, legisladores de los partidos republicano y demócrata trabajaron sin éxito en lograr un proyecto de ley bicameral para proteger de la deportación a inmigrantes traídos sin autorización a Estados Unidos durante su niñez por tres años adicionales El 5 de septiembre de 2017 el fiscal general, Jeff Sessions, anunció la cancelación de DACA y presionó al Congreso para que encuentre una solución legal para los ‘soñadores’. El plazo se cumplió pero el acuerdo nunca llegó.

El 15 de mayo de 2018 la Corte de Apelaciones del Noveno Circuito, en Pasadena, California, comenzó a dirimir la batalla legal entre beneficiarios de la Acción Diferida, DACA, y el Gobierno federal, lo que podría ser crucial en el futuro de este beneficio.

Let’s keep talking.

Let’s keep talking.

POR LA VIDA VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 17

internet pudo conocer y contactar a la organización ‘Sacerdotes por la Vida’ (Priests for Life), una organización provida con sede en Staten Island, New York, que promueve y coordina actividades a favor del respeto por la vida.

Poco después esa organización realizó una actividad en Greensboro. Karina acudió, más no Salvador, pues en verdad “no estaba muy interesado en ello”, según nos relató.

Su esposa, en silencio, oraba para que Salvador se interesara. Y el momento llegó.

“Después de casi un mes de que un libro sobre el tema del aborto estaba en mi carro lo tomé y hojeé”. Su reacción fue inmediata. Los testimonios que leyó lo comprometieron y le dijo a su esposa que no podía seguir con su vida sin hablar de lo que está pasando.

“Tengo que ir a orar a un centro de abortos. Ahora mismo. Esos bebés están muriendo hoy”, dijo. Y así llegaron a una clínica de abortos ubicada en High Point, a solo cinco minutos de su trabajo.

“Uno se imagina que están en lugares escondidos, muy alejados. Y no es verdad, pueden estar a la vuelta de tu casa”, asegura Tolentino.

Después de aproximadamente tres meses orando casi cuatro horas diarias, “para la gloria de Dios”, según afirma el activista provida, ese centro se cerró.

PRINCIPIO DE TODOS LOS MALES

Tras asegurar que “Dios es misericordioso y nos envía con un mensaje de amor para aquellos que han cometido o van a cometer ese pecado”, Tolentino dice comprender el sufrimiento por el que pasan las mujeres. “Entiendo que la presión que tienen es terrible.

Entiendo que no encuentran otra salida porque todos le dan la respuesta más fácil. Pero esa no es la solución sino, al contrario, es el principio de todos los males”, por lo que para él es muy importante “informar sobre lo terrible que es el aborto y sus consecuencias”.

Tolentino asegura que la campaña ha salvado ya alrededor de 20 vidas y ha tomado el compromiso de continuar rezando hasta que ese centro de abortos cierre sus puertas. “No se cuantos años me va a tomar, no se cuáles son los planes de Dios, pero sí estoy seguro que un día se va a cerrar. Tengo fe. Y luego, cuando se cierre, me moveré a otro centro de abortos”.

Mientras tanto, invita a todos los que deseen plegarse a su cruzada por la vida a reunirse a rezar el Rosario diariamente en la clínica de abortos Women’s Choice, 2425 Randleman Road, Greensboro, entre las 8 de la mañana y 12 del mediodía. Llámelo al teléfono 336-781-5151.

Our schools

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

19

Catholic schools honor Mary

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Students at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte, led by Lupita Sanchez, honored Mary earlier this month with a May crowning.

Asheville Catholic students collect diapers

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALLANA-RAE RAMKISSOON

ASHEVILLE — Asheville Catholic School recently organized a Diaper Derby to benefit the Catholic Charities office in Asheville, collecting a total of 6,550 diapers for families in need. On May 18, the school held an assembly and presented all the diapers. Each class competed to collect the most and each class put on a skit as part of the assembly. Pictured are Deacon Mark Nash, director of Catholic Charities in Asheville; Principal Mike Miller; and Shonra McManus, teacher and organizer of the diaper derby.

— Deacon Mark Nash

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAMMY EASON

St. Patrick students help RMH CHARLOTTE — First-graders at St. Patrick School made a trip to the Ronald McDonald House again this year and were able to donate 15 pounds of tabs from soda cans. The money raised from recycling the tabs helps to ensure that the Ronald McDonald House is able to accommodate every guest, regardless of their ability to pay.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KATHY MCKINNEY

Second-graders at St. Ann School celebrated their first Holy Communion and crowned a statue of Mary during a recent Mass at St. Ann Church.

— Angie Noonan

Driver stops at IHM HIGH POINT — Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver and alumnus of Immaculate Heart of Mary School, made a recent pit stop at IHM, where he spoke to the school’s pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students about his time at IHM and his career in racing. He graciously answered questions from the student body and signed autographs. Pictured is Blaney (left) with Jim Lindquist, Blaney’s former teacher at IHM. — Carrie Vest

St. Mark School’s May Crowning Ceremony took place May 16, beginning with an all-school Mass offered by Father Brian Becker, parochial vicar at St. Mark Church. Dressed in their first Holy Communion attire, the secondgraders led a rosary procession from the church to the school’s courtyard where the Crowning of Mary took place. Joshua Martinez carried the crown and Anna White placed the wreath of flowers upon Mary’s head.

Students from the middle school chorus sang for the occasion.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

St. Michael School held its May Crowning May 11. Father Matthew Buettner, pastor, and Father Jason Christian led a procession from church to the school’s statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Students, staff and parents placed flowers at the statue and said prayers honoring Mary.

Mix 20

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

On TV n Friday, May 25, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Armenia- A Corner in Heaven.” Sister Arousiag Sajonian, Director of the Our Lady of Armenia Centre brings faith, hope and practical solutions to Catholics living in a depressed region, particularly for the children of Armenia. n Friday, May 25, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “The Infant Jesus of Prague.” See Avila, El Escorial, and Prague in this documentary that tells the amazing story of the Infant Jesus of Prague and visits the towns and cities touched by the famous statue. n Saturday, May 26, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Philip Neri.” A two-part film on St. Philip Neri’s mission to catechize the poor and abandoned youth of Rome, and how they helped him grow in the virtues that eventually made him a saint. Part 2. n Sunday, May 27, 10 p.m. (EWTN) “Sister Lucia: Our Lady’s Messenger.” The life of the

longest living Fatima visionary, Sister Lucia de Jesús dos Santos, and her fervent mission to spread devotion to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. n Wednesday, May 30, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Joan of Arc: Maid for God.” A docudrama on the life of the young peasant girl who extraordinarily was called to preserve the French throne, and whose actions on the battlefield led to the coronation of Charles VII at Reims. n Thursday, May 31, 4:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Mary, Mother of all Believers.” A thorough documentary on how Mary’s role as the Mother of the Church draws us closer to God through her example. n Friday, June 1, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Pakistan’s Christians.” This program focuses on the Catholic Church in Pakistan, covering recent issues in that country such as progressive Islamization and the persecution and killing of Catholic Christians falsely accused of religious blasphemy.

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters

‘Deadpool 2’

‘Pope Francis: A Man of His Word’ Well-crafted, sometimes moving documentary in which the pontiff largely speaks for himself, touching on a wide variety of topics of interest

Carolina Catholic Family Day

- PAGE 4 -

Día Para Las Familias Católicas De Las Carolinas Sunday, July 29, 2018 Domingo, 29 Julio, 2018 $55 Includes free parking (a $15, per vehicle savings), all you can eat buffet and fun in the park for the day!

to believers and nonbelievers alike and setting out his vision for the future of the church.

Filmmaker Wim Wenders, who also narrates, uses interviews with the pope as well as footage of his worldwide travels to give viewers an insight into his personality, thinking and influence. The result is a work of high quality that can be recommended for a wide range of age groups. Mature themes, some potentially upsetting images.

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

A second helping of excessively violent action with a side of foul-mouthed sarcasm is on offer in director David Leitch’s follow-up to the 2016 original. This time out, the titular smart aleck (Ryan Reynolds) teams with a fellow mutant (Zazie Beetz) whose superpower is amazing luck to prevent a time-traveling bionic warrior (Josh Brolin) from killing the fire-casting mutant lad (Julian Dennison) who will grow up to murder the fighter’s wife and daughter. Bloodletting, especially the repeated dismemberment of the antihero, whose inability to die is a source of torment for him, overwhelms some potentially interesting ethical material concerning revenge, the morality of taking out a future villain and Deadpool’s effort to prove himself worthy of his recently deceased live-in girlfriend (Morena Baccarin) by becoming a better person. An ambiguous outlook on faith, pervasive gory violence, a bizarre scene of exhibitionism and a vaguely anti-religious tone.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

GLOBAL CATHOLIC TOURS OF VIRGINIA

2018 PILGRIMAGES

13 Days Fatima – Lourdes – France September 17-29, 2018: $4099 each 3 nights Fatima, 1 night Burgos, 2 nights Lourdes, 1 night each in Rocamadou and Nevers, 3 nights in Paris.

With Fr. Tom Mattingly from Williamsburg, VA.

11 Days Poland and Prague October 1-11, 2018: $3650 each 2 nights Warsaw, 1 night Czestrochowa, 3 nights each in Krakow and Prague. With Fr. Bjorn Lundberg from Winchester, VA.

9 Days Holy Land October 8-16, 2018: $3340 each 1 night Tel Aviv, 2 nights Galilee, 3 nights Jerusalem. With Fr. Terry Crone from Newnan, GA. For brochures or information, contact John Tagnesi PH 1-888-544-4461 or jtag1964@ verizon.net

$15 Season Pass Holders (Lunch Only) Register online today and join the fun! www.charlottediocese.org/ev/youth/events/ Estate Planning Elder Law | Probate WAITING COULD DEVASTATE YOUR FAMILY St. Matthew’s Parishioner

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

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

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

HURRY! REGISTRATION ENDS JUNE 15

AUGUST 20 - 29, 2018 Includes roundtrip airfare, 4-star accommodations, transportation, assistance of a tour manager, WMF registration & much more!

$3,995 $4,470 $2,795 Double

Triple

Ground only

Call Canterbury Pilgrimages

800.653.0017

or visit canterburypilgrimages.com/charlotte

Fr. Joshua Voitus Pilgrimage Chaplain

21

Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Church official cautiously optimistic about DACA bills before Congress WASHINGTON, D.C. — The executive director of the U.S. bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services gives credit to a group of moderate Republicans in Congress trying to revive interest in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals legislation, or DACA, by their efforts to bring not just one bill, but four, to the House floor. “They are surfacing the issue forcefully and making the House deal with it,” said William Canny.

Although he believes the bills could bring about a “path forward,” he said he is not fully convinced it will happen because of the extent of anti-immigrant sentiment in Congress and the White House. A current proposal, led by Reps. JeffDenham, R- Calif., and Will Hurd, R-Texas, along with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, is tapping into an obscure House rule called “queen of the hill” which would bring four immigration bills to the House floor for a vote and the bill with the most votes would pass. But for Congress to even consider these multiple bills, there needs to be enough signatures on a discharge petition.

As of May 21, 20 Republicans and 176 Democrats have signed the petition, which needs signatures from 25 Republicans and all 193 Democrats. If the “queen of the hill” procedure gets the go-ahead, there will be debate on each of the four bills in the course of one day, followed by votes.

Another technicality of this procedure is that discharged bills can only be brought to the House floor on the second and fourth Monday of each month, when the House is in session, which narrows the window for this to happen to June 25 and July 23.

Cardinal says separating abortion from Title X funds ‘greatly needed’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. bishops’ pro-life chairman praised the Trump administration’s move to reinstate Reaganera regulations banning any family planning clinic that receives Title X federal funds from making abortion referrals or sharing space with abortion providers. “The news that the Trump administration will be issuing new regulations to separate abortion from the federal Title X family planning program is greatly needed and deeply appreciated,” New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said in a May 18 statement. “Abortion always takes the life of a child and often harms the mother, her surviving children, and other family and friends as well,” said the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities. Other U.S. pro-life leaders around the country and several members of Congress echoed his remarks, prompted by the administration’s release of the “Protect Life Rule” through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. After a period for public comment, the proposal will become final. “For too long, Title X has been used to subsidize the abortion industry,” the cardinal said.

A young woman weeps during a vigil in memory of the victims killed in a shooting May 20 at Santa Fe High School in Texas. As more details emerged about the May 18 shooting that left 10 people dead and 13 injured at the Houston-area school, the student who authorities said confessed to the attack was being held in isolation May 19 as officials identified the victims.

CNS | JONATHAN BACHMAN, REUTERS

Texas archdiocese, bishops offer healing, support after shooting CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

HOUSTON — In response to the May 18 school shooting at a Houston-area high school, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston said the archdiocesan community would “unite to support and offer healing to those affected.”

“As a society, we must strive for a way to end such acts of senseless gun violence in our schools and communities,” he added in a May 18 statement.

The cardinal said he was “deeply saddened” and that his prayer and the prayers of Catholics in the archdiocese are with the “victims and families of those killed and injured in this horrific tragedy.”

In a separate statement as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal DiNardo said: “Our community and our local church joins an ever-growing list of those impacted by the evil of gun violence. I extend my heartfelt prayers, along with my brother bishops, for all of those who have died, their families and friends, those who were injured, and for our local community.”

The school shooting, occurring just three months after the shooting in Parkland, Fla., took place when a male shooter opened fire at a Santa Fe High School the morning of May 18 killing 10 – eight students and two teachers – and injuring another 13 people.

A suspect taken into custody was identified as 17-year-old Dimitrios Pagourtzis and another person of interest also was detained and questioned. Explosive devices also were found at the school and off campus.

At a late-afternoon hearing May 18 before a magistrate judge, Pagourtzis acknowledged that he understood the murder charges against him and was ordered held without bond.

Authorities offered no motive for the shootings.

The shooting was the deadliest in Texas since a gunman attacked a rural church late last year, killing more than two dozen people.

“Sadly, I must yet again point out the obvious brokenness in

our culture and society, such that children who went to school this morning to learn and teachers who went to inspire them will not come home,” Cardinal DiNardo said in his statement at USCCB president. “We as a nation must, here and now, say definitively: no more death!”

He prayed that “the Lord of life” would be “with us in our sorrow and show us how to honor the precious gift of life and live in peace.”

“We experienced an unthinkable tragedy at our high school this morning,” Santa Fe Superintendent Leigh Wall said in a message posted to Facebook.

“As soon as the alarms went off, everybody just started running outside,” 10th-grader Dakota Shrader told reporters, “and next thing you know everybody looks, and you hear boom, boom, boom, and I just ran as fast as I could to the nearest floor so I could hide, and I called my mom.”

Another student told CBS News he ran behind some trees, heard more shots, jumped a fence and ran to a car wash. He said he saw firefighters treat a girl who had a bandage around her knee and may have been shot.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., said in a May 18 tweet: “Please keep the victims of the Houston-area school shooting in your prayers. Pray also for their family members and friends who now begin a tragic grieving process. For those killed, grant eternal rest unto them, O Lord, and bestow grace and strength to all in their community.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the assault “one of the most heinous attacks that we’ve ever seen in the history of Texas schools.” He called for a statewide moment of silence the morning of May 21 and announced a series of roundtable discussions to be held about school safety and ending school shootings.

White cross with the names of those shot at the Santa Fe school have been put up along a memorial outside the school.

Churchgoers offered prayers for the shooting victims at Sunday services May 20.

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Philadelphia archdiocese sues city over foster care placements PHILADELPHIA — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is suing the city of Philadelphia in a religious freedom case centered on the placement of children in foster care. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty filed the lawsuit May 16 in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia on behalf of archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and three women caregivers associated with the archdiocesan agency.

CSS is a Catholic agency that on average serves 127 foster children a day placed in more than 100 families in the city. Providing such care for more than a century, the agency adheres to Catholic teaching that opposes same-sex unions and affirms marriage as a sacrament reserved only to one man and one woman.

The 40-page complaint charges the city is breaching its contract with CSS to place at-risk children in foster care homes and is violating religious freedom clauses of the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions.

At issue is a long-standing practice of CSS not to perform evaluations of the homes of samesex couples wishing to care for foster children and instead to refer the required process to one of seven other foster agencies contracted by the city’s Department of Human Services.

The conflict between the city and Catholic Social Services began brewing in March when DHS publicly urged 300 new foster families to help care for more than 6,000 foster children in Philadelphia.

California judge overturns state law legalizing assisted suicide SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A May 15 ruling by a California judge overturning the state’s law allowing assisted suicide is encouraging because it “was a bad law,” said Ned Dolejsi, executive director of the California Catholic Conference.

“Our opposition to assisted suicide is no secret, but this legislation was also opposed by a broad coalition of doctors, nurses, seniors and the disabled community, who fought this bill for many, many reasons,” said Dolejsi said in a May 16 statement.

Judge Daniel A. Ottolia of Riverside County Superior Court ruled that the California Legislature violated existing law when it passed the End of Life Option Act during a special session dedicated to health care.

The 2015 law, which went into effect in June 2016, authorized doctors to prescribe lethal prescriptions to any patient determined by two doctors to have six months or less to live.

In a tweet late May 16, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said: “We celebrate the news that the CA law legalizing assisted suicide has – for now – been overturned. Assisted suicide is not health care. We pray that this ruling will stand and that lawmakers will rethink this tragic mistake, reject assisted suicide and protect all patients.”

Let’s keep Let’s keep talking. talking.

­— Catholic News Service

Ocean Retreat Ownership Interest – $34,500 Four Weeks Per Year, One Week Each Season Contact: Bob Healy (704) 545-9609 Interior Features The unit has 3 bedrooms (king, queen and 2 twins with balcony off of the master) 3 baths, fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washer/dryer, TV’s with DVD player, storage closet, non-smoking, no pets allowed.

Property Features SeaMarsh condominium sits at the quiet end of Cherry Grove. This 3rd floor condominium is ocean front only steps away from the ocean. This property includes parking, outdoor pool, walkway to the beach, newly renovated exterior, property pool and grounds keeper, NMB life guard with umbrellas and chair rental.

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

Call 1-855-930-GIVE today!

CCDOC.ORG

Explore the Heart of the

Holy Roman Empire This October, you could be experiencing a breathtaking journey from Bavaria to Budapest. Led by St. Ann’s pastor, Fr. Timothy Reid, this 12-day pilgrimage will explore some of the key cities that defended the faith throughout the Middle Ages. Travel via deluxe motorcoach and rest in 4 star hotels as you take in the rich history and culture of Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Visit the abbeys, convents, shrines and cathedrals that protected Catholicism for ten centuries.

Your fare covers just about everything including airfare from Charlotte. Get all the details today: StAnnCharlotte.org/pilgrimage or contact FrTimothyReid@yahoo.com or call (704) 523-4641.

Donate Your Car

October 15-26, 2018

$3,976 per person (double occupancy).

Make your car go the extra mile.

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

Truck, boat, RV and motorcycle donations accepted.

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

StA'18PlgrimAd.25.indd 1

23

5/7/18 12:50 PM

Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope will create 14 new cardinals in June CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis announced he would make 14 new cardinals June 29, giving the red cardinal’s hat to the papal almoner, the Iraq-based patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church and the archbishop of Karachi, Pakistan, among others.

Announcing his choices May 20, the pope said that coming from 11 nations, the new cardinals “express the universality of the Church, which continues to proclaim the merciful love of God to all people of the earth.”

Pope Francis’ list included three men over the age of 80 “who have distinguished themselves for their service to the Church.”

When the pope made the announcement, the College of Cardinals had 213 members, 115 of whom were under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, was to celebrate his 80th birthday June 8.

With the new nominations, the number of cardinal-electors – those under 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave – will exceed by five the limit of 120 set by Pope Paul VI. But previous popes also set the limit aside without formally changing the limit.

After the consistory June 29, Pope Francis will have created almost half of the voting cardinals. Nineteen of those under 80 in late June will be cardinals given red hats by St. John Paul II; 47 will have been created by retired Pope Benedict XVI; and 59 will have been welcomed into the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis.

The new cardinals hail from: Iraq, Spain, Italy, Poland, Pakistan, Portugal, Peru, Madagascar, Japan, Mexico and Bolivia.

The new cardinals, listed in the order Pope Francis announced them, are: n Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako, 69, Iraq n Spanish Archbishop Luis F. Ladaria, 74, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith n Italian Archbishop Angelo De Donatis, 64, papal vicar for the Diocese of Rome n Italian Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu, 69, substitute secretary of state n Polish Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, 54, papal almoner n Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi, Pakistan, 72 n Bishop Antonio dos Santos Marto of Leiria-Fatima, Portugal, 71 n Archbishop Pedro Barreto of Huancayo, Peru, 74 n Archbishop Desire Tsarahazana of Toamasina, Madagascar, 63 n Archbishop Giuseppe Petrocchi of L’Aquila, Italy, 69 n Archbishop Thomas Aquinas Manyo Maeda of Osaka, Japan, 69 n Archbishop Sergio Obeso Rivera, retired archbishop of Xalapa, Mexico, 86 n Bishop Toribio Ticona Porco, retired prelate of Corocoro, Bolivia, 81 n Spanish Claretian Father Aquilino Bocos Merino, 80

CNS | PAUL HARING

Pope Francis walks near the St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir from Sydney as he arrives to celebrate Mass marking the feast of Pentecost in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 20. The pope at his “Regina Coeli” announced that he will create 14 new cardinals June 29.

The Holy Spirit changes hearts, pope says on Pentecost CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Christians should begin each day invoking the Holy Spirit, praying that the Spirit will lead them and the Church closer to God and closer to any person in need, Pope Francis said on Pentecost.

Celebrating Mass May 20 in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope said the Bible, especially the Acts of the Apostles, makes it clear that the Holy Spirit brings a real power to change to individuals and the Church.

“The Spirit frees hearts chained by fear,” the pope said in his homily. “To those content with half measures He inspires wholehearted generosity. He opens hearts that are closed.

“He impels the comfortable to go out and serve,” the pope continued. “He drives the self-satisfied to set out in new directions. He makes the lukewarm thrill to new dreams. That is what it means to change hearts.”

People often vow to change, but lack the power to do so, he said.

The power of the Holy Spirit is different, Pope Francis said. “It does not revolutionize life around us, but changes our hearts. It does not free us from the weight of our problems, but liberates us within so that we can face them.”

The change occurs because the Holy Spirit brings God’s forgiveness, he said. “From guilty He makes us righteous and thus changes everything.”

“By the working of the Holy Spirit, joy is reborn and peace

blossoms in our hearts,” the pope said, before offering a special prayer for peace in the Holy Land, especially in Gaza where violent protests led to the deaths of 60 people in early May. The pope prayed that the Holy Spirit would “blow upon our world the soothing warmth of peace and the refreshing cool of hope.”

In a week that included Pope Francis’ three-day meeting with the bishops of Chile to discuss the sexual abuse scandal, a meeting that ended with all the bishops offering the pope their resignations, the pope said, “frequently, even in the bleakest of times, the Spirit has raised up the most outstanding holiness!

Because He is the soul of the Church, who constantly enlivens her with renewed hope, fills her with joy, makes her fruitful, and causes new life to blossom.”

Pope Francis prayed that the Holy Spirit would “blow upon us, blow into our hearts and make us breathe forth the tenderness of the Father! Blow upon the Church and impel her to the ends of the earth, so that, brought by you, she may bring nothing other than you.”

After the Mass, Pope Francis went to the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square to lead the recitation of the “Regina Coeli” prayer and to announce his decision to create 14 new cardinals from 11 nations June 29.

But first he prayed for Mary’s intercession that the Church would experience “a renewed Pentecost, a renewed youthfulness that gives us the joy of living and witnessing to the Gospel and a fervent longing to be saints for God’s greater glory.”

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pope: Church is a mother, not a bachelor VATICAN CITY — Without its feminine dimension, the Catholic Church risks becoming an old boys club and incapable of love, Pope Francis said. The Church must “remain female” and “have this attitude of a wife and mother” who nurtures her children, the pope said in his homily May 21 during a morning Mass commemorating the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church. “When we forget this, it becomes a masculine Church; without this dimension, it sadly becomes a Church of old bachelors, who live in this isolation, incapable of love, incapable of fruitfulness,” the pope said. The feast, which was decreed by Pope Francis in March, is celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost.

All of Chile’s bishops offer resignations after meeting pope VATICAN CITY — Every bishop in Chile offered his resignation to Pope Francis after a three-day meeting at the Vatican to discuss the clerical sexual abuse scandal. “We want to announce that all bishops present in Rome, in writing, have placed our positions in the Holy Father’s hands so that he may freely decide regarding each one of us,” Bishop Juan Ignacio Gonzalez Errazuriz of San Bernardo said May 18 in a statement on behalf of the country’s bishops.

The unprecedented decision was made on the final day of their meeting May 15-17 with Pope Francis. Auxiliary Bishop Fernando Ramos Perez of Santiago, secretary-general of the Chilean bishops’ conference, said the pope had read to the 34 bishops a document in which he “expressed his conclusions and reflections” on the 2,300-page report compiled by Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta and his aide, Father Jordi Bertomeu, during a visit to Chile to investigate the scandal. “The pope’s text clearly showed a series of absolutely reprehensible

acts that have occurred in the Chilean church in relation to those unacceptable abuses of power, of conscience and sexual abuse that have resulted in the lessening of the prophetic vigor that characterized her,” Bishop Ramos said.

Australian archbishop convicted of abuse cover-up ADELAIDE, Australia — Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide, who faces a maximum penalty of two years in jail for failing to inform police about child sexual abuse allegations, said he is disappointed at the court’s verdict. The local court in Newcastle found that then-Father Wilson had been told by a 15-year-old boy in 1976 that he had been indecently assaulted by a priest who later died in prison, but that Father Wilson chose not to go to the authorities despite believing the allegations were true. “I will now have to consider the reasons (for the conviction) and consult closely with my lawyers to determine the next steps,” the 67-year-old archbishop said in a statement after the May 22 publication of the 59-page judgment. The sentencing is expected in June.

Irish bishops urge a ‘no’ vote on abortion referendum DUBLIN — Irish bishops used Pentecost Sunday Masses to make a final appeal for people to reject a government proposal to remove the right to life of unborn children from the country’s constitution and pave the way for abortion up to 12 weeks’ gestation.

Voters go to the polls May 25 in a referendum on whether to remove the Eighth Amendment, which was passed in 1983 and gives unborn children an equal right to life “with due regard” to the life of the mother. Minister for Health Simon Harris has announced plans to allow abortion on demand up to 12 weeks, up to 24 weeks on unspecified grounds for the health of the mother, and up to birth where the child is diagnosed with a life-limiting condition that means he or she may not live long after birth. In a message read at Masses across the Archdiocese of Armagh, Northern Ireland – which includes parts of the Irish Republic – Archbishop Eamon Martin urged worshipers to be “missionaries for the cause of life.” ­— Catholic News Service

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

Visions in Faith

Monday, June 11 – Wednesday, June 13 7pm – 9pm

Maureen Sullivan, O.P.

The Vision and Reality of Vatican II: F ashioning a Church for the 21st Century The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) was called by Pope John XXIII in the hope it would serve as a new Pentecost for the Church. It has been called the most significant Church event in modern Church history, providing a charter for the Church of the 20th century and beyond. It is now a little over 50 years since the Council ended and a time to reflect on why it was called, what it achieved and what remains to be done.

This event is offered for laity and religious, with an evening schedule suitable for commuters.

Cost: $30 per evening or $75 for all sessions

Maureen Sullivan, O.P. is a Dominican Sister of Hope from New York. She has a Ph.D. from Fordham University and has taught at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire. She has written two books on the Second Vatican Council: 101 Questions and Answers on Vatican II and The Road to Vatican II: Key Changes in Theology.

Employment Opportunity School Principal Saint Leo Catholic School, located in beautiful Winston-Salem, NC, is seeking a principal for the beginning of the 2018 – 2019 academic year. As part of a vibrant parish of nearly 2000 families,

Associate Director of Development

our school is the home to students pre-school through eighth grade. We are seeking a candidate to lead the school forward, in full accordance with its mission, while honoring the academic, religious, communal and spiritual traditions the school has established over the past 65 years.

The Diocesan Office of Development has an opening for a full-time associate director of

The successful candidate will meet the following requirements:

development. The candidate must have a Bachelors degree in marketing, communications,

• Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church.

or a related field, a minimum of 5 years experience in fundraising/stewardship and marketing, and experience with Microsoft Office Suite. A knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge database is preferred. Must have excellent written, interpersonal and public

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, or its equivalent, and possess, or be eligible, for a NC Principal License or equivalent • 5 years of administrative experience with demonstrated progression of responsibilities, preferably in elementary education.

speaking skills. Ability to speak, read and write in Spanish, a plus.

• 5+ years of classroom experience

Responsibilities include coordinating all aspects of the Diocesan Support Appeal,

Application Process:

promoting all special collections including the priests’ retirement and benefits collection,

• A letter of interest, written specifically for Saint Leo Catholic School, highlighting your skills,

and coordinating parish stewardship efforts. Also oversees the diocesan database and

experience, education, educational philosophy and personal attributes.

office webpages.

• A current resume • A list of 5 references to include the following:

Please submit resume by June 15, 2018 to: Jim Kelley, Office of Development, jkkelley@charlottediocese.org or mail to: 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003

Name, Relationship to the candidate, Phone number and email address

Please submit resume and required documents by June 15, 2018 to: mbyoung@stleocatholic.org

25

ViewPoints 26

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Steven Richardson

The second prayer of the rosary: The Lord’s Prayer Editor’s note: When she appeared at Fatima, Our Lady asked us not only to pray the rosary, but also to meditate on its mysteries. In this continuing five-part series, writer Steven Richardson explores how the mysteries of the rosary are reflected in the rosary prayers themselves.

O

ur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come…”

Upon greeting Elizabeth at the Visitation, Mary sings the Magnificat, that grand song of praise to the Most High.

And even though some 30 years later Jesus Himself would teach us how to pray, we see an echo of His words in those of his mother. The second joyful mystery, the Visitation, contains many revelations, not the least of which is the deep understanding displayed by the Blessed Mother and her cousin Elizabeth. We see here the parallel of John the Baptist, in

‘How strong the love of those around Jesus must have been! How much they must have adored Him, He who is most adorable from age to age, even to the end of the world.’ the womb of Elizabeth, leaping for joy at the proximity to his Savior, and Jesus in the womb, aware of His mother’s words as well.

John was sanctified in that womb through Mary’s visit, which brought Jesus to him. From this, he commenced his ministry of repentance and fasting.

Likewise, even in the womb, Jesus begins to craft the message of praise to His Father.

“Hallowed be thy name,” He tells His disciples to say to God when teaching them this prayer. But the name of the Father could not be more hallowed, could not be held more holy, than when Mary declared, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Just as Jesus begins His prayer by hallowing the name of the Father, Mary begins it by hallowing the name of the Father.

By bringing Christ to the world, as she

brings Him to Elizabeth in this mystery, Mary is bringing about the Father’s kingdom on earth. She is the Ark of the Covenant, the tabernacle of the Lord, as she holds Him within her womb. “When Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tabernacle (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) He entered once for all into the Holy Place” (Hebrews 9:11-12). Through Mary, the perfect tabernacle, God comes to us. His kingdom has come. “…thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”

Just before the second sorrowful mystery, the Scourging at the Pillar, Jesus gives Himself up to the will of His Father.

He knows more than anyone what it means to do the Father’s will, and moreover to wish that the Father’s will be done. Jesus says: “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). As we ourselves know, however, our human natures make it far easier to proclaim this in a time of peace than in a time of trial.

When Jesus prayed in the garden before being handed over to Pilate, He prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus’ resolution would soon be tested by those who would jeer at Him, stone Him, mock Him, and call for the release of a robber and murderer instead of Him. But through it all, Jesus remained silent. And when He was strapped to the pillar to be flayed, He trusted that it was indeed the will of His Father. How easy it would have been for Him to invoke His power to protest or escape the blows. But Jesus had asked His Father to take away the cup, and the cup remained. It wasn’t His to remove. To bring about the kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, Jesus had to submit to those who led Him to death.

“Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us…”

When Jesus tells His disciples that He is the bread of life, they aren’t sure how to react. In fact, He has to describe this in several different ways to convince them of the absolute, yet unsettling, truth. Peter and the apostles wanted Jesus to remain with them, in person. Peter wanted to build a tabernacle on the mountain at the Transfiguration, and he didn’t want Jesus to submit Himself to the authorities at the end of His life. But the daily bread could only come to them once Jesus had died and ascended to heaven, back to His Father.

He tells them in John 6:51: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

After the second glorious mystery, the Ascension, occurs, Jesus is able to give

us His Body and His Word. Just before He consoles them by saying, “I will not leave you desolate” (John 14:18), Jesus tells His disciples, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always” (John 14:16). Because man does not live by bread alone, this is the Word that will remain with us and sustain us, even as Jesus will remain with us “even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

After He died and rose again, Jesus appeared to the apostles in the Upper Room. The Spirit that He promised would come upon them in that same room, some days later, but He gave them a bit of this spirit even then: “He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’ ” (John 20:22-23). Because of the Ascension, Jesus gives this power to those who succeed him apostolically. “…and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

How strong the love of those around Jesus must have been! How much they must have adored Him, He who is most adorable from age to age, even to the end of the world. Those of us who gaze on the Blessed Sacrament with adoration can only imagine how wonderful it would have been to be near Him, to see His face, to reach out and touch Him. So we understand Peter’s affliction when Jesus tells him that He would be killed. “God forbid, Lord!” Peter

says. “This shall never happen to you” (Matthew 16:22). “Get behind me, Satan,” Jesus tells his successor on earth. Even Peter needed to be delivered from evil.

Our Lady, most immaculate and most perfect, did not falter in the face of such temptations. But we can meditate on how she felt at the Wedding Feast, the fourth luminous mystery. For years and years she had held Jesus close to her, adoring Him. She knew that she would eventually have to let Him – when He would manifest Himself as the Messiah, the Lamb of God, the sacrifice. The temptation to keep Him for herself forever would have been too much for anyone else, even Peter. But on the contrary, it is Mary herself who initiates Jesus’ public ministry. She compels Him to change the water into wine. Even when He tells her that His hour has not yet come, she is resolute. Though it meant that Jesus would be given to the world, both in life and death, still she said, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5).

That is the will of the Father, lived out perfectly by mother and Son. That is how to make one’s life a prayer, through the prayer that Jesus taught us.

STEVEN RICHARDSON is a Lay Dominican and a member of St. Ann Parish in Charlotte with his wife Mary and his three children, Maria, Rita and Joseph. In the third installment of this series, to be published June 8, Richardson will explore the mysteries of the rosary in the context of the Hail Mary.

May 25, 2018 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

27

Parish spotlight

Dr. Kamila Valenta

We need religious tolerance in a pluralistic world

B

rutal attacks on Christians in the Central African Republic, Nigeria and Pakistan during this Easter season are a sad reminder that religious violence continues to be on the rise. Yet the need for religious tolerance in a globalized world – undergoing an age of migration, refugee transfers and unprecedented levels of technological interconnectedness – has never been greater.

International migration has always been a part of human history, but easier access to information on desirable destinations and possible routes, cheaper travel costs and advancements in communication technology have greatly facilitated the mobility of people across borders. As a result, it is estimated that the worldwide number of people living outside of their country of birth is higher than ever before, reaching more than 244 million people. Due to technological advancements, migrants do not assimilate into the culture of their host countries as quickly as in the past, and often do not convert to the local religious faith. Access to the internet has enabled migrants and isolated ethnic and religious diaspora to keep in touch with their relatives in their home countries, follow the guidance of their religious institutions, and easily contact other people of their faith no matter how far away they might be.

Thus, religious diversity is no longer a feature of the Middle East and cosmopolitan cities, but is penetrating traditionally homogeneous societies, small towns and even rural areas in most parts of the world, including this country.

According to the Pew Research Center, 98 percent of metropolitan areas and 97 percent of smaller cities in the United States have experienced a significant rise in ethnic and religious diversity since the 1980s, and this trend is expected to continue rising.

Prosperous and democratic countries can no longer escape these trends and close off their borders, because a globalized economic market requires the movement of both high-skilled and low-skilled workers, which our economy has benefited from enormously. Flow of information across borders in the internet age cannot be stopped, either, and we cannot prevent the ever-increasing exposure of people to foreign ideologies and non-traditional beliefs.

This new globalized world requires much higher levels of mutual religious tolerance

‘Secularism is not a cure for religious conflict, as some have claimed.’

and understanding, but unfortunately, hostilities are increasing in virtually all parts of the world. Government suppression of religious minorities has risen in most Asian and some Middle Eastern and African countries, with Syria, Nigeria and Iraq experiencing the greatest amount of religiously motivated hostilities being reported. India, which ranked fourth, has an officially secular government, yet its leadership tacitly supports Hindu nationalist groups that constantly harass Christian, Muslim and Sikh minorities by frequent church burnings, murders and rapes. The ongoing world refugee crisis, the genocide and exodus of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, and the onset of a deadly civil war between Muslims and Christians in the Central African Republic are all the direct results of increased religious intolerance.

Many have expected that the increased secularization of developed societies will gradually make religious conflict obsolete. Yet the current situation in Europe and North America clearly shows that this is not the case. For example, Europe has a low level of religiosity but an increasing level of religious intolerance.

According to a Eurobarometer 2010 survey, only 51 percent of Europeans believe in God, and the percentage of people regularly attending church services has fallen to single digits in the majority of European Union member countries. Yet it is particularly this region that has experienced the highest surge of religious intolerance, measured by a percentage increase of religiously motivated hostilities. In addition, nationalistic parties with anti-immigration programs and ideologies that include racist and antiSemitic rhetoric have gained prominence and significant electoral victories. The rise of far right movements in Austria, France, Hungary and Germany is particularly worrisome.

A similar trend can be observed in our country. There is a growth of secularization, with more people professing no religious affiliation than in any other period in American history, but at the same time, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a new generation of American religious extremists is also on the rise.

These examples clearly show that secularism is not a cure for religious conflict, as some have claimed. To the contrary, it is best to tap into the essence of our religious faith when learning to navigate this new level of religious plurality. We are fortunate that our Christian faith provides us with so many resources on how to treat others – the different and the marginalized. Our faith can guide and sustain us as we witness a much greater need for religious tolerance in a world that is becoming more unified globally, but more diversified locally.

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

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOM THOMPSON

2018 Emergency Responders honored GREENSBORO — Piedmont Council 939 of the Knights of Columbus hosted its Emergency Responders Awards Dinner April 14, continuing a long tradition dating back to 1973. In attendance were 33 people representing the four emergency services and more than 72 Knights and their wives. Past Grand Knight Tom Thompson welcomed the group and led the prayer before the meal. After a great meal prepared by Chef Tony Pupello and his crew of servers, awards were presented to the following (pictured from left): Greensboro Fire Department Engineer Andrew L. Weldon, presented by Capt. Jeremy Church; Guilford County Sheriff’s Deputy Jose Jasso, presented and received in his absence by Lt. John Henderson; Greensboro Police Officer Phillip A. Watson, presented by Sgt. D.C. Webb; and Guilford County EMS Lt. Allen Overby, presented by Capt. Tena Hendren. Attendees had the added pleasure of hearing the poem “Unsung Heroes” written by Mary Eastwood.

Letter to the Editor

Enlist immigrants to defend culture of life

On April 27, North Carolina Bishops Peter Jugis and Luis Zarama issued a joint letter addressing the nation’s immigration problems. We agree with their efforts to highlight the dignity of each person regardless of background.

Recognizing this is the first step towards building a culture of life.

However, the bishops’ policy suggestions seem to be a more secular approach to a spiritually rooted problem.

Respectfully, experience has shown a solution will not come from Washington, D.C., as the bishops suggest. Rather, it will come from local communities as national politics flows from local culture and morality. Therefore, we propose an alternate solution: Since abortion devalues the family and human dignity – the root of our problems – why not enlist Latino immigrants to engage in the defense of life and morality?

Engaging Latinos to fight the root of our crisis – legalized abortion and contraception – will result in a better spiritual vision for America that will guide us in crafting just immigration policies. Their fervent faith is just what our culture needs.

The apostles didn’t wait for Roman citizenship to evangelize the gospel and convert souls, and neither should immigrants. Rather than wait for a law that never comes, our bishops should inspire them to live up to their collective vocation and build a culture of life.

After all, if they succeed in saving our country from these moral evils, it is probable that changes in immigration legislation will follow suit. Through prayer and action, we can build a culture of life.

MICHAEL FITZGERALD, TAMMY HARRIS, ANDREA HINES, BILL LAMAY and TINA WITT are members of the Catholic Pro-Life Action Network of Charlotte (C-PLAN).

Most-read stories on the web

‘Every man and woman is a mission.’

Pope Francis

From online story: “Pope: Church must go where people are indifferent, hostile to the faith” Through press time on May 23, 8,069 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 14,862 pages. The top 10 headlines in May so far have been: n St. Matthew Church develops 2019-’21 pastoral plan.....................................................................724 n Seminarian summer assignments announced..................................................................................512 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald.........................................................359 n North Carolina bishops speak on immigration issues....................................................................223 n ‘Phishing’ scam targets Charlotte-area pastors, parishioners.....................................................218 n Facebook group connects Catholic families in the Triad................................................................198 n Catholic Charities responds in wake of Greensboro tornado........................................................182 n Deacon Gilfillan named Catholic Conference Center director......................................................163 n Four Asheville students to compete in National History Bee.......................................................123 n Dominican rite Mass offered....................................................................................................................119

28

catholicnewsherald.com | May 25, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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